bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘Iran Card’ in Russian Foreign Policy
Authors: Mousavi Hamed , Goudarzi Arteman Rad
Published: December 2024

Since the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, Tehran and Moscow have increased their collaboration. Iran supported Russia's war in Ukraine, believing that it would weaken the Americans, reduce the effects of sanctions, and benefit its battered economy. Similarly, Russia sought to use Iran as a tool to challenge US influence in the region. However, the authors contend, the costs and benefits have been asymmetrical: While Moscow has gained strategic advantages at minimal expense, the Islamic Republic has borne substantial geopolitical burdens. This study explores the evolution of Iran‐Russia relations and assesses the implications for both countries in their conflicts with the United States. It analyzes their cooperation on the wars in Syria and Ukraine, showing that Tehran has been compelled to act in Moscow's interests but has not always received the same support. This has come into sharp relief since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza, as Iran has faced attacks on its allies and on its own territory. To defend itself and its interests, it needs advanced military equipment, which the Russians have yet to provide. The evidence indicates that Iran's reliance on Russia has led to more harm than benefit.
Prevalence of Fungal Infections in Pemphigus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Javidnia Javad , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Arghavan Bahareh
Published: December 2024

Background

Pemphigus is a life‐threatening autoimmune disease characterised by blistering skin and/or mucous membranes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal infections in the pemphigus population.

Methods

Different databases were searched to gain access to all studies on the prevalence of fungal infections published up to the 31st of May 2024. The pooled rate prevalence of fungal infections with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random effects model.

Results

A total of 1012 studies were identified, out of which 18 were included in meta‐analyses. The random‐effects estimates of the prevalence of fungal infection in the pemphigus population were 0.18% (95% CI: 9%–31%). Based on the findings, it was determined that four genera of fungal infections were related to mucocutaneous lesions of individuals diagnosed with pemphigus. Among these fungi, the most prevalent were those belonging to the Candida species, with a particular emphasis on Candida albicans (87.61%). Additional isolated fungal species include Trichophyton rubrum (4.5%), Aspergillus species (1.8%), Pneumocystis jirovecii (1.2%), Malassezia furfur (0.78%), Microsporum canis (0.75%), Trichophyton mentagrohytes (0.65%), Microsporum audouinii (0.60%), and Trichophyton concentricum (0.45%).

Conclusions

The current study highlights the significance of fungal infection in individuals with pemphigus, suggesting that pemphigus and administration of immunosuppressive medicines such as corticosteroids may trigger an increased risk of fungal infections. Additionally, prompt diagnosis of fungal infections in individuals with pemphigus could help healthcare professionals prevent and treat serious infections, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and potentially alleviate the economic impact of this condition.
Leaf nonstructural carbohydrate residence time, not concentration, correlates with leaf functional traits following the leaf economic spectrum in woody plants
Authors: Asao Shinichi , Way Danielle A. , Turnbull Matthew H. , Stitt Mark , McDowell Nate G. , Reich Peter B. , Bloomfield Keith J. , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana , Creek Danielle , O'Sullivan Odhran , Crous Kristine Y. , Egerton John J.G. , Mirotchnick Nicholas , Weerasinghe Lasantha K. , Griffin Kevin L. , Hurry Vaughan , Meir Patrick , Sitch Stephen , Atkin Owen K.
Published: December 2024

Nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations might reflect the strategies described in the leaf economic spectrum (LES) due to their dependence on photosynthesis and respiration.

We examined if NSC concentrations correlate with leaf structure, chemistry, and physiology traits for 114 species from 19 sites and 5 biomes around the globe.

Total leaf NSC concentrations varied greatly from 16 to 199 mg g−1 dry mass and were mostly independent of leaf gas exchange and the LES traits. By contrast, leaf NSC residence time was shorter in species with higher rates of photosynthesis, following the fast‐slow strategies in the LES. An average leaf held an amount of NSCs that could sustain one night of leaf respiration and could be replenished in just a few hours of photosynthesis under saturating light, indicating that most daily carbon gain is exported.

Our results suggest that NSC export is clearly linked to the economics of return on resource investment.
FolSas2 is a regulator of early effector gene expression during Fusarium oxysporum infection
Authors: Song Limin , Wang Yalei , Qiu Fahui , Li Xiaoxia , Li Jingtao , Liang Wenxing
Published: December 2024

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) that causes a globally devastating wilt disease on tomato relies on the secretion of numerous effectors to mount an infection, but how the pathogenic fungus precisely regulates expression of effector genes during plant invasion remains elusive.

Here, using molecular and cellular approaches, we show that the histone H4K8 acetyltransferase FolSas2 is a transcriptional regulator of early effector gene expression in Fol.

Autoacetylation of FolSas2 on K269 represses K335 ubiquitination, preventing its degradation by the 26S proteasome. During the early infection process, Fol elevates FolSas2 acetylation by differentially changing transcription of itself and the FolSir1 deacetylase, leading to specific accumulation of the enzyme at this stage. FolSas2 subsequently activates the expression of an array of effectors genes, and as a consequence, Fol invades tomato successfully.

These findings reveal a regulatory mechanism of effector gene expression via autoacetylation of a histone modifier during plant fungal invasion.
New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 03: Agriculture
Authors: Aller Deborah , Chatrchyan Allison M. , Calixto Alejandro , Cummings Jaime , Ortiz‐Bobea Ariel , Peck Gregory , Schouten Junior , Weikert Benjamin , Wolters Elizabeth , Stevens Amanda
Published: December 2024

Agriculture is a vital industry in New York State, which ranks among the top‐producing states for dairy, fruits, and several other commodities. As agriculture depends on the weather and specific climatic conditions, this sector faces extraordinary challenges as New York's climate changes. This chapter explores the many impacts of a changing climate on agriculture, the ways these impacts interact with other challenges that New York farmers and farmworkers face, and opportunities for the agriculture industry to adapt and build resilience.
New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 10: Water Resources
Authors: Leonard Kelsey , Shaw Stephen B. , Francis Abraham , Hermann David , Josset Laureline , May Christine L. , Wright Benjamen , Yokota Kiyoko , Stevens Amanda
Published: December 2024

Clean, abundant water is essential to the health of New York State's residents, ecosystems, and economy. This critical natural resource faces numerous challenges associated with climate change, including potential impacts on the quality and quantity of source waters—both surface waters and groundwater. Climate change can also affect the infrastructure that treats and delivers safe drinking water to New Yorkers, manages wastewater to protect water quality, and protects against flooding. The Water Resources chapter examines these impacts and highlights opportunities for New Yorkers to adapt and build resilience as the state's climate changes.
New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 01: Introduction
Authors: Goff Charlie , Amarakoon Shanika , Curtis Deja , Stevens Amanda
Published: December 2024

New York State's climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, precipitation is increasing, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Over time, these changes are projected to worsen. The New York State Climate Impacts Assessment provides a science‐based analysis of what to expect from climate change in New York. Working with partners across the state, the team assembled to produce this assessment reviewed the latest science and modeling to project and characterize what New York State's climate is likely to look like in the future and how this will affect natural systems, society, and various sectors of the economy. The assessment will enable decision‐makers at all levels—from individual residents, businesses, and landowners to municipal and state government agencies—to better understand and make informed choices about how to plan and prepare for climate change.
Identifying effective obesity prevention intervention components: An umbrella review mapping systematic review evidence
Authors: Imad Noor , Turon Heidi , Grady Alice , Keenan Stephen , Wyse Rebecca , Wolfenden Luke , Almond Helen , Belski Regina , Leonard Alecia , Peeters Anna , Yoong Serene
Published: December 2024

This overview of reviews synthesizes the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions in children and adults on BMI/zBMI, following JBI and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. The protocol was prospectively registered in OSF in September 2020. Searches for eligible reviews were run in five databases and gray literature in May 2022. Systematic reviews published in 2010 and assessed BMI/zBMI outcomes of obesity prevention interventions were eligible. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently and in duplicate using standardized tools. For similar interventions, the more recent, higher‐quality review was included. Thirty reviews reporting on 60 discrete interventions (i.e., a specific intervention component), mapped to 14 of 21 IOM sub‐domains, were included. Nine interventions were classified as effective in improving BMI outcomes, including digital health or counseling interventions for adults in ‘healthcare environments’, behavioral interventions for children (broadly nutrition education), physical education curriculum modifications, and policies targeting food and beverages in ‘School environments’. This review extends on previous reviews by consolidating evidence from high‐quality, recent reviews to identify effective intervention components. Thus, this review provides direction for implementation efforts and highlights research gaps, where future research is warranted. However, as primary studies were not directly analyzed, gaps may reflect a lack of systematic reviews rather than primary research.
Immunoarchitectural Pattern and Its Potential Prognostic Value in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Tran Vy Ngoc Thuy , Ruangritchankul Komkrit , Nikitakis Nikolaos G. , Sampattavanich Somponnat , Ferreira Joao N. , Chaisuparat Risa
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To define tumor immunoarchitectural patterns (IPs) and characterize the immune profile in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) toward assessing MEC prognostic significance and implications for immunotherapy.

Methods

This study analyzed 41 MEC cases, evaluating the tumor IPs and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) parameters by using whole‐slide imaging and AI‐assisted assessment. Immunohistochemistry of CD3 and CD8 markers was performed to assess key lymphocyte subpopulations.

Results

Immune‐rich (I‐rich) tumors were characterized by high TIL density and were associated with aggressive tumor behavior, particularly in histological high‐grade MEC, with a significant increase in TIL density observed in the inner invasive margin compartment (p < 0.05). I‐rich tumor cases were linked to poorer disease‐free survival (DFS) (Breslow = 4.686, p = 0.03). Aggressive MEC cases displayed a highly heterogeneous TIL profile, however, no TIL patterns showed a significant impact on DFS (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the high immunogenicity suggested by the abundance of T lymphocytes, the protective role of CD8+ T lymphocytes was not prominent in MEC. I‐rich tumors appeared more aggressive and unfavorable MEC cases exhibited high heterogeneity in their TIL profiles. Interrogating the role of TILs in the inner invasive tumor margin may offer a new mechanistic understanding for future immunotherapy discovery.
Longitudinal Trends in the Incidence of Hyperactive Delirium and Its Causes of Change After Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Disease: A Population‐Based Study of 7250 Surgical Patients Over 11 Years
Authors: Xie Bang‐Lin , Nie Li‐Zhong , Zhong Biao , Xiong Jun , Nie Miao , Ai Qiu‐Xiao , Yang Dong
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Delirium is one of the common complications in elderly patients after spinal surgery. Severe delirium can lead to a series of adverse consequences such as drainage tube removal, wound rupture, patient falls, and severe adverse effects. The current research on POD is mostly small sample studies. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal changes in the incidence of hyper‐postoperative delirium in patients with lumbar degenerative disease at our institution over the past 11 years and to identify the potential causes of these changes.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study included 7250 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative diseases at a single center from 2011 to 2021. These patients were diagnosed with delirium through the Confusion Assessment Method and then diagnosed with high activity delirium through the Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale, totaling 130 cases. According to the incidence rate of hyper‐postoperative delirium within 11 years, the trend test is divided into three groups: S1 upward trend (2011–2014), S2 downward trend (2015–2016) and S3 upward trend (2016–2021). The study collected variables from patients before, during, and after surgery, including gender, age, laboratory tests, anesthesia risk score, New York Heart Association cardiac function grading, number of surgical segments, surgical time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, anesthesia medication, and supplementary analgesic medication in the ward within 3 days after surgery. Kruskal Wallis one‐way ANOVA test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, or chi‐square test are used to evaluate inter group differences. p < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Results

The pooled incidence of hyper‐postoperative delirium over the past 11 years was 1.79% (130/7250). The average age of 7250 patients was 54.5 ± 13 years, with a male/female ratio close to 1:1. We statistically analyzed the relevant influencing factors before, during, and after surgery of S1 and S3 in the incidence rate increase group and found no statistical difference between the two groups. Our research results show that the incidence of high activity delirium is correlated with age, number of surgical segments, surgical duration, use of dexmedetomidine, remifentanil, and benzodiazepines, with p < 0.05.

Conclusions

The reduced use of dexmedetomidine, increased use of benzodiazepines, and prolonged surgical time are the reasons for the increased incidence of hyper‐postoperative delirium. The joint management of orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists during the perioperative period is of great significance in reducing the incidence of hyper‐postoperative delirium in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.
Managing Data Sovereignty: An Organizational Competence for Successful Open Value Creation
Authors: Moschko Lukas , Blazevic Vera , Piller Frank T.
Published: December 2024

Managing big data benefits organizations via efficient and effective data‐driven decision making, productivity gains, customization potential, or innovation opportunities. Data‐driven innovation opportunities are particularly valuable in open value creation (OVC), that is, the collaboration of independent stakeholders who open their boundaries to share data and knowledge to jointly create value they could not have achieved in isolation. At the same time, however, incumbents often struggle with the implementation of data sharing in the broader stakeholder ecosystem. In this exploratory study, based on an abductive qualitative study with 27 expert interviews and three industry roundtables with 19 experts, we explore how the concept of organizational data sovereignty could serve as an organizational competency to address the data challenges for OVC. Using the strategy‐as‐practice framework, we define organizational data sovereignty as the self‐determined and intentional exercise of control over an organization's data assets and show which data sovereignty practices, in line with practitioner and praxis conditions, support inter‐organizational sharing and management of big data in OVC. Specifically, we identify key practices for implementing data sovereignty, such as constituting the special value of data and establishing a consistent value assessment for data. When designed and applied in the right organizational framework that allows for openness, agility, and interdisciplinarity, they enable industrial enterprises to realize the potential of OVC.
Why Does It Feel so Fake? Overcoming Authenticity Challenges in Professional Networking
Authors: Park YeJin , Bailey Erica R. , Kuwabara Ko
Published: December 2024

From finding ideas and opportunities to landing new jobs or getting promoted, so much depends on “who you know.” Despite these benefits, many people struggle with the act and the idea of networking. Much of the angst around networking can be traced to concerns about authenticity, including the need to be authentic, to be seen as authentic, to find authentic partners, and to build authentic relationships. In this paper, we review the literature on networking and authenticity to consider how different individuals might experience authenticity challenges in different forms of networking. We then describe three strategies for overcoming concerns about authenticity—ignore it, embrace it, and transcend it—and discuss the key merits and limitations of each approach. We advocate for transcending authenticity through cognitive reappraisals, which entails shifting the focus from the self to others by adopting a growth mindset. We conclude with future directions for promoting authenticity in networking.
Long‐term conservation tillage in organic farming maintains sandy loam soil functioning despite increased penetration resistance
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Mohsin , Peigné Joséphine , Fouladidorhani Maliheh , Lamandé Mathieu , Arthur Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Conservation tillage is an attractive practice in organic farming; however, it requires more trafficking for weed management than conventional tillage. This scenario can lead to soil compaction below the tillage working depth. However, it is not clear whether long‐term conservation tillage practices impair soil functions. Therefore, this study investigated whether long‐term conservation tillage causes soil compaction and impairs water retention, gaseous exchange capability and microbial activity of the soil below the tillage working depth. A long‐term (16 years) organic farming experiment consisting of conservation tillage (VST, shallow tillage to 7 cm depth) and conventional tillage (MP, mouldboard ploughing to 30 cm depth) was conducted on a sandy loam soil. Soil penetration resistance (PR), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), water retention, gaseous exchange properties and microbial activity were determined in the 20–30 cm soil layer. The PR did not significantly differ between the tillage treatments at any depth; however, VST recorded 30%–63% higher PR values in the 10–30 cm soil layer. Among the measured soil properties, only microbial activity could yield a statistical difference between the two tillage practices. The water retention behaviour, plant available water capacity, SHC and relative gas diffusivity were very similar under both tillage treatments. The mean effective air‐filled porosity (E‐AFP) at pF 1.5 was 21% lower under VST than that under MP; however, the difference was reduced to 3% at pF 2. At field capacity, the E‐AFP was approximately 14%—above the critical limit (10%) for plant growth—under both tillage practices. Air permeability was 76% and 57% higher under VST at pF 1.5 and 1.7, respectively, compared with MP. The microbial activity was 56% lower (p = .04) under VST than that under MP. Likewise, 31%, 65% and 34% higher microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon, respectively, were observed under MP compared with VST. These results indicated that despite higher penetration resistance, long‐term conservation tillage did not limit water retention and aeration capability of soil in the 20–30 cm soil layer. However, long‐term conservation tillage may induce vertical stratification of organic matter and microbial activity, which have implications for crop production.
Mitigation measures designed to reduce soil compaction decrease the surface runoff, soil erosion and phosphorus losses from tramlines in agricultural fields
Authors: Quinton John N. , McKenzie Blair M. , Loades Kenneth , Page Trevor , Silgram Martyn
Published: December 2024

The use of tramlines or wheelings to carry out agricultural operations, such as spraying and fertilizer applications, is common across the world. They are often orientated up and down the slope and the soil that is driven on becomes compacted because of machinery weight transferring stress through the soil profile. This compaction leads to tramlines becoming conduits for water moving over the soil surface. Like water, sediment and phosphorus are also detached and transported. Reducing surface runoff and diffuse pollution losses from surface runoff associated with wheelings has received some research attention, but results are often difficult to interpret. This is because of the low number of replicates that are possible in agricultural landscapes, if the research is to be conducted at meaningful scales and to remain feasible. To address this, we utilize effect sizes and confidence intervals to analyse surface runoff and diffuse pollution data from a series of studies at five arable field sites, in the UK where surface runoff, sediment and phosphorus was collected from hillslope scale tramline plots utilizing the same methodology. In addition, we tested the impact of very flexible tyres, rotary harrows and a surface profiler roller on surface runoff and diffuse pollution loses. Although the monitoring period did not encompass widespread flood inducing storms, we demonstrate that the magnitude of the sediment and total phosphorus (TP) losses from the tramline plots across the study sites are significant in the UK context. Annual sediment losses from the study plots are in the order of 0.5–4.5 Mg ha−1 yr.−1 and consistent with the magnitudes of soil erosion in the UK. TP fluxes observed at the study plots, ranged between 0.8 and 3.9 kg ha−1 yr.−1, are consistent with the TP losses reported for surface runoff from arable plots in the UK. By utilizing effect size analysis, we demonstrate the significant impact of tramline mitigation on surface runoff and diffuse pollution losses. The rotary harrow performed best overall, and the combination of the rotary harrow and the very flexible tyre was superior to all other methods. This was the case for all treatments apart from some, where the surface profiler performed well in reducing sediment fluxes. Our work supports the need for incorporating tramline management measures into soil management strategies for arable landscapes and provides evidence for policymakers developing measures for agri‐environmental schemes.
Comparison of two inline photopheresis systems: A paired crossover trial
Authors: Piccirillo Nicola , Putzulu Rossana , Fatone Federica , Massini Giuseppina , Giammarco Sabrina , Metafuni Elisabetta , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Chiusolo Patrizia , Sica Simona , Teofili Luciana
Published: December 2024

Background

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment for graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD). The inline system was developed by Therakos in 1987. Recently, Fresenius Kabi implemented an integration of cell separator Amicus and a UVA photoactivation device (Phelix), realizing an inline photopheresis system.

Study Design and Methods

In 2022 we designed a prospective paired crossover trial (NCT05718674) comparing two integrated ECP protocols: Therakos CELLEX and Amicus ECP system. Twenty patients affected by corticosteroid resistant GvHD were submitted to 80 ECP, 40 paired procedures.

Results

All procedures were well tolerated, with no significant differences in procedure duration. CELLEX cell product showed higher granulocytes and platelet content, while Amicus cell product exhibited higher enrichment of lymphocytes, resulting in significantly higher MNC purity (92.9% vs. 84%).

A significantly higher granulocytes and platelets absolute content was observed in CELLEX cell products, while Amicus cell products showed a significantly higher number of TNCs and MNCs. Differences in granulocyte and platelet content remained significant even after normalization of the data according to blood volume processed. These findings are confirmed by a statistically significant higher CE2% for CELLEX for granulocytes and platelets along with the lack of significant difference observed for TNCs and MNCs.

Discussion

Our analysis shows differences in the characteristics of the procedure and the cell product. Anyway, both devices are effective for performing ECP procedure, as they collect a cell product suitable for photopheresis. At present, our results represent the first data set comparing two available inline ECP devices.
Creating infrastructure for supporting nurse engagement in evidence‐based practice at a Veterans Administration Hospital
Authors: Royer Heather R. , Nolden Meghan , Orshak Jennifer , Vogelman Lindsey , Crary Pamela
Published: December 2024

Background

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is foundational to safe and quality health care; however, barriers to nursing engagement in EBP have been well documented. To circumvent these barriers, nursing leadership must proactively implement system‐level, multifaceted strategies within their organization to enhance EBP engagement. One Veterans Administration (VA) hospital has operationalized these strategies.

Aims

To provide a description of the multifaceted strategies employed to promote a EBP culture and enhance nurses' engagement with EBP at a VA Hospital.

Conclusions

Although it takes time, nursing leadership can overcome barriers and ensure nurse engagement in EBP at their organizations through implementation of multifaceted, system‐wide strategies.
Autolesiones no suicidas, apego a padres, pares y adicción a internet en adolescentes mexicanos
Authors: Duarte Tánori Karen Guadalupe , Vera Noriega José Ángel , Fregoso Borrego Daniel , Bautista Hernández Gildardo
Published: December 2024

Objective. To identify protective and risk factors according to the variables of attachment to parents and peers, internet addiction and depression in relation to non suicidal self-injury. Method. It is a non-experimental study with explanatory scope. The sample was 433 students from public high schools in Hermosillo, Sonora. The self-injury certificate, Parent and Peer Attachment Inventory for adolescents, internet addiction test and the Beck IA Depression Inventory were applied. ANOVA and logistic regression were performed. Results. The severe self-injury model obtained an R2 = 0.38 and a β = 12.37, IC [1.89 – 80.72] (p<0.05) for loss of internet control. The mild self-injury model obtained an R2 = 0.11 and a β = 1.89, CI [0.48 – 7.39] (p=0.35) in the cognitive-affective dimension. Conclusions. Internet addiction is a variable to understand self-injury. Communication and trust variables with parents in severe self-injury are confirmed as protective factors, while digital control loss and depression are identified as risk factors.
Diamond micro-chip for quantum microscopy
Authors: Asif Shahidul , Chen Hang , Cremer Johannes , Ravan Shantam , Támara-Isaza Jeyson , Lamsal Saurabh , Ebadi Reza , Li Yan , Zhou Ling-Jie , Chang Cui-Zu , Xiao John Q. , Yacoby Amir , Walsworth Ronald L. , Ku Mark J. H.
Published: December 2024

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is an increasingly popular quantum sensor for microscopy of electrical current, magnetization, and spins. However, efficient NV–sample integration with a robust, high-quality interface remains an outstanding challenge to realize scalable, high-throughput microscopy. In this work, we characterize a diamond micro-chip (DMC) containing a (111)-oriented NV ensemble and demonstrate its utility for high-resolution quantum microscopy. We perform strain imaging of the DMC and find minimal detrimental strain variation across a field of view of tens of micrometer. We find good ensemble NV spin coherence and optical properties in the DMC, suitable for sensitive magnetometry. We then use the DMC to demonstrate wide-field microscopy of electrical current and show that diffraction-limited quantum microscopy can be achieved. We also demonstrate the deterministic transfer of DMCs with multiple materials of interest for next-generation electronics and spintronics. Lastly, we develop a polymer-based technique for DMC placement. This work establishes the DMC's potential to expand the application of NV quantum microscopy in materials, device, geological, biomedical, and chemical sciences.
Effect of Mg content on corrosion resistance of Zn-11Al-XMg coatings
Authors: Jiang Wenbin , Wan Yuting , Qi Liang , Ge Zhen , Hu Jinbing , Li Zhou
Published: December 2024

Zn-Al-Mg is one of the most important coating types in hot dipped galvanization. This surface coating also provides surface barrier protection and galvanic protection, which improves the esthetics and service life of the material. In this paper, the corrosion resistance of Zn-11Al-XMg coatings with Mg content (wt. %) of 0, 1, 2, 3 was studied, and the effect of Mg content on the corrosion resistance of Zn-11Al-XMg coatings was analyzed. The results show that Zn-11Al coating is composed of an eutectoid Al-rich phase and a Zn-rich phase. When the Mg content is less than 2 wt. %, the increase of Mg content is accompanied by the decrease of the Al-rich and Zn-rich phases and the increase of the ternary eutectic content. When the Mg content is more than 2 wt. %, the increase of Mg content is accompanied by the decrease of the ternary eutectic content and the increase of the primary MgZn2 phase content. The results of corrosion experiments show that the Zn-11Al-XMg coating is mainly composed of an Al-rich phase and an Mg2Zn11 phase in ternary eutectic as the main anode. The coating after adding Mg forms a denser corrosion product film, among which the Zn-11Al-2Mg coating close to the eutectic point has the best corrosion resistance.
Analyzing sorbitol biosynthesis using a metabolic network flux model of a lichenized strain of the green microalga
Diplosphaera chodatii
Authors: Nazem-Bokaee Hadi , Hom Erik F. Y. , Mathews Sarah , Gueidan Cécile
Published: December 2024

Diplosphaera chodatii,
a unicellular terrestrial microalga found either free-living or in association with lichenized fungi, protects itself from desiccation by synthesizing and accumulating low-molecular-weight carbohydrates such as sorbitol. The metabolism of this algal species and the interplay of sorbitol biosynthesis with its growth, light absorption, and carbon dioxide fixation are poorly understood. Here, we used a recently available genome assembly for
D. chodatii
to develop a metabolic flux model and analyze the alga’s metabolic capabilities, particularly, for sorbitol biosynthesis. The model contains 151 genes, 155 metabolites, and 194 unique metabolic reactions participating in 12 core metabolic pathways and five compartments. Both photoautotrophic and mixotrophic growths of
D. chodatii
were supported by the metabolic model. In the presence of glucose, mixotrophy led to higher biomass and sorbitol yields. Additionally, the model predicted increased starch biosynthesis at high light intensities during photoautotrophic growth, an indication that the “overflow hypothesis—stress-driven metabolic flux redistribution” could be applied to
D. chodatii
. Furthermore, the newly developed metabolic model of
D. chodatii
, iDco_core, captures both linear and cyclic electron flow schemes characterized in photosynthetic microorganisms and suggests a possible adaptation to fluctuating water availability during periods of desiccation. This work provides important new insights into the predicted metabolic capabilities of
D. chodatii
, including a potential biotechnological opportunity for industrial sorbitol biosynthesis.

IMPORTANCE

Lichenized green microalgae are vital components for the survival and growth of lichens in extreme environmental conditions. However, little is known about the metabolism and growth characteristics of these algae as individual microbes. This study aims to provide insights into some of the metabolic capabilities of
Diplosphaera chodatii
, a lichenized green microalgae, using a recently assembled and annotated genome of the alga. For that, a metabolic flux model was developed simulating the metabolism of this algal species and allowing for studying the algal growth, light absorption, and carbon dioxide fixation during both photoautotrophic and mixotrophic growth,
in silico
. An important capability of the new metabolic model of
D. chodatii
is capturing both linear and cyclic electron flow mechanisms characterized in several other microalgae. Moreover, the model predicts limits of the metabolic interplay between sorbitol biosynthesis and algal growth, which has potential applications in assisting the design of bio-based sorbitol production processes.
Flood basalt origin for Earth’s largest Paleoarchean banded iron formation
Authors: Wright Jordan K. , Basu Asish R. , Shukla Yogmaya
Published: December 2024

A genetic relationship between banded iron formations (BIFs) and flood basalts has long been assumed based on their close temporal and spatial association. However, proving causation has remained difficult given the absence of geochemical evidence, leading some authors to speculate that BIFs are not primary deposits. In this study, we examined the entire lithological succession of the western Iron Ore Group from the Singhbhum craton, which includes Earth’s largest, economic-grade BIF of Paleoarchean age. We show the Lower Lava flood basalts to plot on a Sm-Nd isochron with the conformably overlying Lower Shale, suggesting a 3.42 ± 0.10 Ga depositional model age for this iron-rich (average 18.26 Fe2O3 wt%, n = 7) clastic unit, implying it may be a precursor to the conformably overlying 3.39 ± 0.02 Ga BIF. This is the first occurrence of flood basalts being genetically linked to ferruginous shale on a Sm-Nd isochron and may support the hypothesis BIFs are products of secondary replacements of ferruginous clastic precursors. We assign a volcanogenic origin to this Algoma-type BIF and suggest its abnormally large size is related to the unroofing and weathering of the Lower Lava flood basalts during a major crustal formation event.
Associations of neighbourhood food retail with disability and death in older adults: Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Bhatia Roma , Hernandez Mark A , Platt Jonathan , Newman Anne B , Siscovick David S , Mukamal Kenneth J , Lovasi Gina S
Published: December 2024

Background

A healthier diet is associated with lower chronic disease burden, but the impact of neighbourhood food environments on disability and death in older adults is not known.

Methods

In the Cardiovascular Health Study, a cohort study of adults aged 65+, we calculated study years until death (years of life (YOL)), study years without activities of daily living (ADL) difficulty (years of able life; YoAL) and percent of study years without ADL difficulty (compression of disability). Linear regression quantified associations of food establishments within 5 km of baseline home address (as a z-score) with each outcome, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Sensitivity analyses considered adjustment for risk factors and comorbidities, multiple imputation, alternate neighbourhood definitions (1-km radial buffer, census tract) and restriction on residential stability.

Results

We included 4298 participants followed for up to 26 years. All food retail establishments were associated with 6 months higher YoAL per SD in the main model (beta, 0.50 years; 95% CI 0.01, 0.98; p=0.046), with similar findings across sensitivity analyses except when restricting on residential stability. Supermarkets and produce markets were associated with compression of disability (beta, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.04, 4.57) and when using 1-km buffers with YOL (beta, 0.23 years; 95% CI 0.03, 0.43) and YoAL (beta, 0.21 years; 95% CI 0.01, 0.41). Non-supermarket food stores were associated with YoAL (beta, 0.67 years; 95% CI, 0.07, 1.27) and compression of disability (beta, 3.03; 95% CI 0.44, 5.62), but significance was not consistent across sensitivity analyses. Fast-food restaurants did not reach statistical significance in any model.

Conclusion

All food retail was associated with YOL without impairment. Neighbourhood food retail access and type may both have roles in extending YOL and years of able life among older adults, but the findings were sensitive to decisions made during measurement and modelling.
Study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of a virtually delivered behavioural intervention (ACTION) for adults with cancer at risk for opioid use disorder
Authors: Yusufov Miryam , Pirl William F , Greer Joseph A , Mazzola Emanuele , Dalrymple Kristy L. , Tulsky James A , Braun Ilana M , McHugh R. Kathryn
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Opioid therapy is often central to pain management during cancer care. However, opioid exposure and unaddressed psychological suffering jointly amplify opioid use disorder risk. Therefore, we iteratively developed a behavioural, individually delivered intervention to mitigate the risk of opioid use disorder during cancer care (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention when Opioids are Necessary (ACTION)).

Methods and analysis

This is a single-site, non-blinded, randomised, controlled pilot trial of ACTION compared with a waitlist control group. The aims of this study are to examine the feasibility (defined as an overall enrolment rate of ≥60% and a retention rate of >75%) and acceptability (assessed via patient-reported feedback in exit interviews and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 ratings) of ACTION (primary outcomes) and to assess changes in participant-reported depression, anxiety and opioid misuse (secondary outcomes). Patients will be recruited from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). The total number of patients completing the study will be 40. All patients will complete baseline and follow-up measures after 6 weeks. Patients randomly assigned to ACTION (n=20) will receive six weekly 30-min sessions delivered by a mental health provider either via telehealth or in-person. Patients assigned to the waitlist control group (n=20) will be offered the intervention on completion of their follow-up assessments, approximately 6 weeks (±2 weeks), following baseline.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (Protocol #21-587). Participants provide either written or electronic informed consent on study approach and once enrolled, they can withdraw from the study at any time. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT05643027
.
Future career in gastroenterology: how is it perceived by internal medicine trainees? Results from a national survey
Authors: Akbani Umair , Nigam Gaurav B , Vasant Dipesh Harshvadan
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the perceptions of internal medicine trainees (IMTs) towards a career in gastroenterology and identify factors influencing their specialty choices.

Design/Method

A 26-item electronic questionnaire was circulated to IMTs across the UK. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ² and multivariate analysis to identify differences in specialty perceptions and influencing factors based on demographic characteristics.

Results

316 IMTs, mean 29.2 years, 58.2% female, 56.3% Caucasian, participated. The majority (70.9%) graduated from UK medical schools and completed foundation training (76.0%). Only 10.1% identified gastroenterology as their most likely specialty despite being positively perceived as a specialty by 67.7% of trainees. Key factors influencing specialty selection were lifestyle/flexible work (73.1%), mentorship (60.4%) and patient-centred care (56.0%).

Positive aspects of gastroenterology included specialty-specific procedures (80.1%), interesting and manageable patients (49.7%), and academic opportunities (33.2%). Negative aspects were a difficult workload (70.6%), ‘poor lifestyle’ (59.5%) and high burn-out risk (52.5%). Lifestyle and flexibility were more important for those not pursuing gastroenterology compared with those pursuing gastroenterology (p<0.001). Factors identified to increase diversity and inclusivity included less-than-full-time training, increased flexibility and job-sharing opportunities. These were significantly preferred by females, UK graduates and foundation programme completers (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Gastroenterology remains a popular specialty among IMTs; however, addressing lifestyle concerns, enhancing mentorship and promoting diversity are essential for improving recruitment and retention. Reforming training pathways could further enhance the specialty’s appeal.
Butyrate-producingFaecalibacterium prausnitziisuppresses natural killer/T-cell lymphoma by dampening the JAK-STAT pathway
Authors: Shi Zhuangzhuang , Li Min , Zhang Chen , Li Hongwen , Zhang Yue , Zhang Lei , Li Xin , Li Ling , Wang Xinhua , Fu Xiaorui , Sun Zhenchang , Zhang Xudong , Tian Li , Zhang Mingzhi , Chen Wei-Hua , Li Zhaoming
Published: December 2024

Background

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis, and gaps remain in understanding the determinants influencing disease outcomes.

Objective

To characterise the gut microbiota feature and identify potential probiotics that could ameliorate the development of NKTCL.

Design

This cross-sectional study employed shotgun metagenomic sequencing to profile the gut microbiota in two Chinese NKTCL cohorts, with validation conducted in an independent Korean cohort. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were applied to assess associations between identified marker species and patient outcomes. Tumour-suppressing effects were investigated using comprehensive in vivo and in vitro models. In addition, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and lentiviral-mediated gene knockdown system were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We first unveiled significant gut microbiota dysbiosis in NKTCL patients, prominently marked by a notable reduction inFaecalibacterium prausnitziiwhich correlated strongly with shorter survival among patients. Subsequently, we substantiated the antitumour properties ofF. prausnitziiin NKTCL mouse models. Furthermore,F. prausnitziiculture supernatant demonstrated significant efficacy in inhibiting NKTCL cell growth. Metabolomics analysis revealed butyrate as a critical metabolite underlying these tumour-suppressing effects, validated in three human NKTCL cell lines and multiple tumour-bearing mouse models. Mechanistically, butyrate suppressed the activation of Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway through enhancing histone acetylation, promoting the expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 1.

Conclusion

These findings uncover a distinctive gut microbiota profile in NKTCL and provide a novel perspective on leveraging the therapeutic potential ofF. prausnitziito ameliorate this malignancy.
Transforming safety culture in neonatal intensive care teams
Authors: Hu Zheng Jing , Fusch Gerhard , El Gouhary Enas , Twiss Jennifer , Sidhu Amneet , Chappell Elias , Sheehan Emmeline , el Helou Zoe , Robson Robert , Anazodo Kemi Salawu , Thabane Lehana , Lachman Peter , el Helou Salhab
Published: December 2024

Background

Healthcare organisations face widespread challenges in optimising their safety culture, especially amid conflicting stakeholder needs, staffing shortages and increasing acuity of patients. McMaster University Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit developed a safety culture programme that prioritises the needs of patients, hospital staff and learners altogether.

Methods

The safety culture programme and activities revolve around six primary drivers: psychological safety, provider well-being, equity, diversity and inclusion, teamwork and communication, organisational learning and leadership. We describe how these drivers influence safety culture, the ongoing activities being implemented, stakeholder feedback and contextual factors. We evaluated the maturity of our safety culture using the Manchester Patient Safety Framework (MaPSaF) questionnaire.

Results

MaPSaF assessments were conducted three times over 4 years. Most domains of safety culture in MaPSaF maintained their position despite COVID-19 while some indicators declined or have been maintained.

Conclusions

We provide a framework for implementing a safety culture programme that addresses the needs of diverse stakeholders. Transformation of the safety culture takes time and the failure to improve the patient safety measures over the period may be attributed to rapidly increasing workload and worsening patient acuity. These challenges underscore the imperative of balancing transactional and transformational projects to preserve a safety culture.
Rips and regular future scenario with holographic dark energy: a comprehensive look
Authors: Brevik I. , Khlopov Maxim , Odintsov S. D. , Timoshkin Alexander V. , Trivedi Oem
Published: December 2024

Interest on the possible future scenarios the universe could have has grew substantially with breakthroughs on late-time acceleration. Holographic dark energy (HDE) presents a very interesting approach towards addressing late-time acceleration, presenting an intriguing interface of ideas from quantum gravity and cosmology. In this work we present an extensive discussion of possible late-time scenarios, focusing on rips and similar events, in a universe with holographic dark energy. We discuss these events in the realm of the generalized Nojiri–Odintsov cutoff and also for the more primitive holographic cutoffs like Hubble, particle and event horizon cutoffs. We also discuss the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics and various energy conditions in these regimes. Our work points towards the idea that it is not possible to have alternatives of the big rip consistently in the simpler HDE cutoffs, and shows the flexibility of the generalized HDE cutoff as well.
Effective metric descriptions of quantum black holes
Authors: Del Piano Manuel , Hohenegger Stefan , Sannino Francesco
Published: December 2024

In a recent work (Del Piano et al. in Phys Rev D 109(2):024045, 2024), we have described spherically symmetric and static quantum black holes as deformations of the classical Schwarzschild metric that depend on the physical distance to the horizon. We have developed a framework that allows us to compute the latter in a self-consistent fashion from the deformed geometry, in the vicinity of the horizon. However, in this formalism, the distance can be replaced by other physical quantities, e.g. curvature invariants such as the Ricci- or Kretschmann scalar. Here, we, therefore, define a more general framework, which we call an effective metric description (EMD), that captures the deformed geometry based on a generic physical quantity. We develop in detail the Ricci- and Kretschmann scalar EMD, in particular demonstrating how to compute the geometry in a self-consistent manner. Moreover, we provide explicit relations that allow us to express one EMD  in terms of the others, thus demonstrating their equivalence.