bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated water temperature in combination with an increase in daylength stimulate a synchronized onset of spermatogenesis in male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.) postsmolts
Authors: Pino‐Martinez Enrique , Kamlund Kari Anne , Balseiro Pablo , Kraugerud Marianne , Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Handeland Sigurd O.
Published: July 2024

Male postsmolt maturation (“jacking”) is undesired in Atlantic salmon aquaculture due to economic and welfare impacts. Unfortunately, incidence of jacking has increased linked to intensive rearing conditions. This study subjected 1000 salmon (52.1 ± 5.2 g) to one of two temperatures (15, 12.5°C) and one of two photoperiods (constant light‐LL, a 5‐week LD12:12 winter signal regime‐WS) to assess their effects on spermatogenesis regulation. Indicators included testis histology images, mRNA transcription of gonadotropin receptors for follicle‐stimulating hormone (fshr) and luteinizing hormone (lhr), and of factors regulating spermatogenesis like anti‐Müllerian hormone (amh), gonadal‐soma‐derived factors 1 and 2 (gsdf1 and gsdf2), and insulin‐like growth factor‐3 (igf3). High temperature (15°C) induced early testis development processes irrespective of photoperiod, evidenced by presence of type B spermatogonia before clear increases in testis size or any transcriptional changes. The winter signal at 15°C caused a synchronized onset of spermatogenesis not present under constant light. This was evidenced by a pronounced downregulation of the spermatogenesis‐inhibiting factor amh and a clear upregulation in the stimulating factor igf3. Consequently, combining high temperatures with winter signal regimes pose risk; high temperature can stimulate early cellular/endocrine processes of spermatogenesis, which can later be synchronized in the population by an increase in daylength.
Beyond gatekeeping: Philosophical sources, Indigenous philosophy, and the Huarochirí Manuscript
Authors: Sanchez‐Perez Jorge
Published: July 2024

This paper argues for a broad definition of philosophical sources and how Indigenous traditional knowledge fits that definition. It concludes by showing how, following the previous two points, an Indigenous document such as the Huarochirí Manuscript can be considered a philosophical source by academic philosophers. The paper has three sections: the first deals with the methodological point of addressing what can be considered as philosophy. This section presents a conversational approach to philosophy. This approach, although broad, properly captures the practices of inquiring about philosophical issues as is commonly done in Western academic circles, but without excluding the practices of non‐Western cultures from being labelled as philosophical. The second section argues for the analytical distinction between a philosophical source, a philosophical text, and a philosophical insight. It shows that what makes a philosophical source such are the philosophical insights that it can provide. The final section shows how the Huarochirí Manuscript has merits making it worthy of being considered a philosophical source and thus a relevant academic source for those working in the field of philosophy.
Evolution of glucuronoxylan side chain variability in vascular plants and the compensatory adaptations of cell wall–degrading hydrolases
Authors: Yu Li , Wilson Louis F. L. , Terrett Oliver M. , Wurman‐Rodrich Joel , Łyczakowski Jan J. , Yu Xiaolan , Krogh Kristian B. R. M. , Dupree Paul
Published: July 2024

Polysaccharide structural complexity not only influences cell wall strength and extensibility but also hinders pathogenic and biotechnological attempts to saccharify the wall. In certain species and tissues, glucuronic acid side groups on xylan exhibit arabinopyranose or galactose decorations whose genetic and evolutionary basis is completely unknown, impeding efforts to understand their function and engineer wall digestibility.

Genetics and polysaccharide profiling were used to identify the responsible loci in Arabidopsis and Eucalyptus from proposed candidates, while phylogenies uncovered a shared evolutionary origin. GH30‐family endo‐glucuronoxylanase activities were analysed by electrophoresis, and their differing specificities were rationalised by phylogeny and structural analysis.

The newly identified xylan arabinopyranosyltransferases comprise an overlooked subfamily in the GT47‐A family of Golgi glycosyltransferases, previously assumed to comprise mainly xyloglucan galactosyltransferases, highlighting an unanticipated adaptation of both donor and acceptor specificities. Further neofunctionalisation has produced a Myrtaceae‐specific xylan galactosyltransferase. Simultaneously, GH30 endo‐glucuronoxylanases have convergently adapted to overcome these decorations, suggesting a role for these structures in defence. The differential expression of glucuronoxylan‐modifying genes across Eucalyptus tissues, however, hints at further functions.

Our results demonstrate the rapid adaptability of biosynthetic and degradative carbohydrate‐active enzyme activities, providing insight into plant–pathogen interactions and facilitating plant cell wall biotechnological utilisation.
Genome evolution: Zygnematophyceae on ice
Authors: Kunz Cäcilia F. , Goldbecker Elisa S. , Darienko Tatyana , de Vries Jan
Published: July 2024

This article is a Commentary on Bowles et al. (2024), 244: 1629–1643.
Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) influences event‐related alpha activity during mental rotation
Authors: Thiele Carsten , Rufener Katharina S. , Repplinger Stefan , Zaehle Tino , Ruhnau Philipp
Published: July 2024

Non‐invasive brain stimulation techniques offer therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, current methods are often limited in their stimulation depth. The novel transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) aims to overcome this limitation by non‐invasively targeting deeper brain regions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tTIS in modulating alpha activity during a mental rotation task. The effects of tTIS were compared with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and a sham control. Participants were randomly assigned to a tTIS, tACS, or sham group. They performed alternating blocks of resting and mental rotation tasks before, during, and after stimulation. During the stimulation blocks, participants received 20 min of stimulation adjusted to their individual alpha frequency (IAF). We assessed shifts in resting state alpha power, event‐related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha activity during mental rotation, as well as resulting improvements in behavioral performance. Our results indicate tTIS and tACS to be effective in modulating cortical alpha activity during mental rotation, leading to an increase in ERD from pre‐ to poststimulation as well as compared to sham stimulation. However, this increase in ERD was not correlated with enhanced mental rotation performance, and resting state alpha power remained unchanged. Our findings underscore the complex nature of tTIS and tACS efficacy, indicating that stimulation effects are more observable during active cognitive tasks, while their impacts are less pronounced on resting neuronal systems.
Intellectual property reassembly: a novel approach to evaluate R&D collaboration outcomes
Authors: Jee Su Jung
Published: July 2024

Research and development (R&D) collaboration outcomes have usually been evaluated based on the magnitude of outputs, such as new products, patenting, or productivity growth. However, they have yet to be evaluated based on the various directions of mutual learning between collaborators, which have a long‐term impact on the post‐partnership technology development of the collaborators. This study proposes a framework that evaluates intellectual property (IP) reassembly, which indicates how a focal firm produces new IP based on its learnings from its R&D partnership, as a novel approach to evaluate R&D collaboration. The proposed approach estimates the degree to which IP reassembly (a focal firm's independent patent applications drawing on co‐patents) occurs in the following directions: exploitation of, exploration beyond, or complementary to the pre‐partnership capabilities of each collaborator. Within the framework, a focal firm's performance can be compared to that of its partner. The proposed framework is illustrated and validated using the case of partnership between Samsung SDI and BOSCH (2008–2012) in their battery development. We discuss implications for contract design, partnership boundaries, and performance evaluation in the context of R&D collaboration.
Geography and legal expertise: The transgressive nature of research at the boundary of geography and law‐making
Authors: Jeffrey Alex , Brickell Katherine , McConnell Fiona
Published: July 2024

While legal geographers have considered the geography of legal processes, there has been less attention on how geographers are contributing to the making of law. By orientating attention to the experiences and attitudes of the geographical profession, this paper examines how specific forms of knowledge become legally useful and the ensuing ethical, legal, and disciplinary implications. We are interested in the situated nature of these productions, as scholars seek to advocate for specific communities, interests, or environments, practices that are set within and, at times, against personal or institutional priorities. We argue that geographical legal work involves transgressing established professional practices and locations of knowledge production. Through our interviews with geographers, we explore three aspects of transgression as a situated practice: the experiences of boundary crossing, the costs and benefits of entering new epistemic communities, and the lasting impacts of intervening in legal processes. In conclusion, we outline the mechanisms through which geographical legal work could be better accommodated within the work of professional geographers.
Anastomosis of the caudal thoracic duct and intercostal vein using a microvascular anastomotic coupler device: Experimental study in six dogs
Authors: Welker Jamie L. , Hardie Robert J. , Weber Katherine A. , Loeber Samantha J.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To describe the technique for anastomosis of the caudal thoracic duct (TD) to the 10th or 11th intercostal vein (ICV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) device in dogs and assess patency of the anastomosis on days 0 and 30.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Six adult Beagle dogs.

Methods

Under general anesthesia, fluoroscopic popliteal lymphangiography was performed and the TD identified. A right ninth or 10th intercostal thoracotomy was performed. Using an operating microscope, the TD and the 10th or 11th ICV were isolated, ligated, and anastomosed using a 1.5 or 2.0 mm MAC. Fluoroscopic popliteal lymphangiography was repeated immediately after surgery and on day 30.

Results

The anastomosis was successful and lymphangiography documented flow into the azygos vein in all six dogs immediately after surgery. At day 30, the anastomosis was patent in four of six dogs. In two dogs, flow through the anastomosis was obstructed due to kinking of the ICV just cranial to the MAC.

Conclusion

Anastomosis of the TD and ICV using a MAC was feasible and was shown to maintain patency up to 30 days. When performing the anastomosis, care should be taken to ensure the ICV is not kinked by the MAC.

Clinical significance

Direct anastomosis of the TD and ICV may have application for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax in dogs by maintaining flow from the abdominal lymphatics to the central venous circulation and thereby preventing the stimulus for collateral circulation and persistent chylous effusion. Further investigation is warranted to assess the efficacy of this technique in dogs affected with idiopathic chylothorax.
Omission of etoposide in the treatment of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to primary central nervous system lymphoma with satisfactory response
Authors: Laches Rachel , Hall Robert J , Chaffin Joanna , Hahn Paulette
Published: July 2024

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory condition that can be either familial or acquired and, if untreated, frequently results in multiorgan failure and death. Treatment of HLH typically requires a combination of glucocorticoids and cytotoxic chemotherapy. We describe the case of a woman who presented with signs and symptoms concerning for HLH who was later found to have a primary central nervous system (CNS) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Her HLH symptoms were successfully treated with high doses of dexamethasone, and her primary CNS lymphoma was treated with high-dose methotrexate and rituximab. This is a rare case of HLH secondary to primary CNS lymphoma where HLH was controlled with steroids alone and did not require the use of an etoposide-based regimen or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone.
Systemic loxoscelism leading to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in a healthy young adult
Authors: Mai Daniel , Muthukumarasamy Nirmal , Ford Bradley , Sekar Poorani
Published: July 2024

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is endemic to the southcentral Midwest and the Southern United States. A bite from a brown recluse spider may result in symptoms that range from local skin necrosis to systemic complications such as acute haemolytic anaemia, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis and death. Although rare, systemic loxoscelism is a clinical diagnosis of exclusion that should be considered in a patient with acute autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. We describe a case of a young man with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia secondary to systemic loxoscelism successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids.
Psychological and functional outcomes of horizontal squint surgery in adults with no preoperative diplopia using Quality-of-Life AS-20 questionnaire
Authors: El Meshad Nervine , Soliman Haidy , Hunt Samantha , Amarakoon Saj , Ahmad Ahmad , Ford Rebecca , Harrad Richard , Choleva Vivi
Published: July 2024

Background

Corrective squint surgery has a significant psychological impact, affecting both the quality of life and mental health of patients. This study highlights the quantitative and subjective assessment of both the psychological and functional outcomes of squint surgery in adults having horizontal strabismus with no preoperative diplopia using a Quality-Of-Life Adult Strabismus 20 (QOL AS-20) questionnaire.

Method

The study is a retrospective cohort study on patients with uncomplicated, horizontal squint; with no vertical deviation and was conducted as part of a departmental clinical audit. It also aimed to challenge local clinical commissioning group (CCG) funding restrictions for what they regarded as a ‘cosmetic procedure’. The QOL AS-20 questionnaires were completed before and 3 months after surgery and were analysed using the paired Wilcoxon signed rank t-test which showed significant improvement. A Freedom of Information Act request sought information on strabismus surgery funding restrictions from all CCGs to explore variations in perceptions throughout England.

Results

28 patients were included in the study. The overall success of squint surgery was 67.5%. The median QOL AS-20 questionnaire overall score increased from 28.125 to 88.75 (p value<0.00001), functional subscale from 46.25 to 87.5 (p value<0.00001) and psychological subscale from 15 to 90 (p value<0.00001).

Conclusion

Squint surgery in non-diplopic adults with horizontal squint surgery should be regarded as restorative of normal anatomy from a pathological state rather than a cosmetic procedure.

Restrictions to accessing this surgery may increase, especially during post-COVID-19. This patient-focused service evaluation demonstrates the substantial psychosocial benefits of such surgery, as evidenced through quality-of-life assessments.
Views and opinions of patients with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration on vision home-monitoring: a UK-based focus group study
Authors: Dave Sonali , Rathore Mehal , Campbell Peter , Edgar David F , Crabb David P , Callaghan Tamsin , Jones Pete R
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the views, hopes and concerns of patients living with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) regarding vision home-monitoring.

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups and questionnaires. Participants were given three disease-relevant home-monitoring tests to try. The tests consisted of three visual field tests for the glaucoma groups (Melbourne Rapid Fields, Eyecatcher, Visual Fields Fast) and three acuity and/or contrast-sensitivity tests for AMD groups (Alleye, PopCSF, SpotChecks). Focus group data were thematically analysed.

Setting

University meeting rooms in London, UK.

Participants

Eight people with glaucoma (five women, median age 74) and seven people with AMD (four women, median age 77) volunteered through two UK-based charities. Participants were excluded if they did not self-report a diagnosis of glaucoma or AMD or if they lived further than a 1-hour travel distance from the university (to ensure minimal travel burden on participants).

Results

Six themes emerged from focus groups, the two most frequently referenced being: ‘concerns about home-monitoring’ and ‘patient and practitioner access to results’. Overall, participants believed home-monitoring could provide patients with a greater sense of control, but also expressed concerns, including: the possibility of home-monitoring replacing face-to-face appointments; the burden placed on clinicians by the need to process additional data; struggles to keep up with requisite technologies; and potential anxiety from seeing worrying results. Most devices were scored highly for usability, though several practical improvements were suggested.

Conclusion

Patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma/AMD expect vision home-monitoring to be beneficial, but have significant concerns about its potential implementation.
Evaluating a model of best practice in primary care led post-diagnostic dementia care: feasibility and acceptability findings from the PriDem study
Authors: Griffiths Sarah , Spencer Emily , Flanagan Katie , O'Keeffe Aidan , Hunter Rachael , Wiegand Martin , D'Andrea Federica , Benjamin Lewis , Poole Marie , Hagan Alexander James , Brar M , Wilcock Jane , Walters Kate R , Robinson Louise , Rait Greta
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a primary care-based intervention for improving post-diagnostic dementia care and support (PriDem), and implementation study procedures.

Design

A non-randomised, mixed methods, feasibility study.

Setting

Seven general practices from four primary care networks (PCNs) in the Northeast and Southeast of England.

Participants

We aimed to recruit 80 people with dementia (PWD) and 66 carers

Intervention

Clinical Dementia Leads delivered a 12-month intervention in participating PCNs, to develop care systems, build staff capacity and capability, and deliver tailored care and support to PWD and carers.

Outcomes

Recruitment and retention rates were measured. A mixed methods process evaluation evaluated feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. Using electronic care records, researchers extracted service use data and undertook a dementia care plan audit, preintervention and postintervention, assessing feasibility of measuring the primary implementation outcome: adoption of personalised care planning by participating general practices. Participants completed quality of life, and service use measures at baseline, 4 and 9 months.

Results

60 PWD (75% of recruitment target) and 51 carers (77% of recruitment target) were recruited from seven general practices across four PCNs. Retention rate at 9 months was 70.0% of PWD and 76.5% of carers. The recruitment approach showed potential for including under-represented groups within dementia. Despite implementation challenges, the intervention was feasible and acceptable, and showed early signs of sustainability. Study procedures were feasible and accessible, although researcher capacity was crucial. Participants needed time and support to engage with the study. Care plan audit procedures were feasible and acceptable.

Conclusions

The PriDem model is an acceptable and feasible intervention. A definitive study is warranted to fully inform dementia care policy and personalised dementia care planning guidance. Successful strategies to support inclusion of PWD and their carers in future research were developed.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11677384.
Uncovering the state of knowledge about healthcare gentrification: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Espinoza Suarez Nataly R , Loignon Christine , Dupere Sophie , Dufour Isabelle , Shareck Martine , Apparicio Philippe , Ouellet Julie , Pineault Justine , Amagnamoua Simone , Laferrière Marie-Claude , Wilson Isabelle
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Healthcare gentrification is the process in which the distribution of healthcare resources within a neighbourhood affects residents' access to healthcare services. To understand the complexity of healthcare access and to consider the socio-structural dimensions affecting equity in access to care, we aim to explore how healthcare gentrification has been described in the scientific literature and to document the reported relations between gentrification and healthcare access.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review from data published from inception to September 2024 based on the methodology developed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and improved by Levacet al(2010). We will search the following databases: MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (embase.com), CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCO), Web of Science and Geobase (Engineering Village). The review will be conducted from February 2024 to September 2024. The search strategy will be elaborated in conjunction with a professional librarian. Screening of titles and abstracts and full-text screening will be done in duplicates. A third reviewer will arbitrate discrepancies during the screening process. We will present our results narratively.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethical approval since it will be collected from publicly available documents. The results of this scoping review will also be presented as a scientific article, scientific conferences, research webinars also in social media, workshops and conferences organised by healthcare organisations or academic institutions or on any appropriate platform.
Indicators of technostress, their association with burnout and the moderating role of support offers among nurses in German hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wirth Tanja , Kräft Jessica , Marquardt Berit , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To examine the level of indicators of technostress among nurses with and without a leadership position, the relationship between indicators of technostress and burnout and the moderating role of support offered by employers. The availability of support offers and further needs of nurses were also explored.

Design

Cross-sectional online survey.

Setting

Acute care hospitals in Germany.

Participants

303 nurses (73.3% female) who have worked at the hospital for at least 1 year and a minimum of 10 hours per week.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Indicators of technostress (complexity, overload, usefulness, lack of technical support and unreliability) served as predictors in multiple linear regression analyses to examine their association with the primary outcome burnout. Support of employers was included as a moderator variable. Validated subscales from the Digital Stressors Scale and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory as well as open-ended questions were applied.

Results

There were no differences in the level of indicators of technostress found between nurses with and without a leadership position. Techno-overload (β=0.259, p=0.004) and techno-complexity (β=0.161, p=0.043) were significantly associated with burnout. Support by the employer moderated the relationship between lack of technical support and burnout significantly (R²change=0.026, F(1,292)=7.41, p=0.007). Support offers such as training, IT service and contact persons on the ward helped nurses to be more confident in the use of information and communication technologies. However, they expressed further needs with regard to these and new offers.

Conclusions

There was an association between two indicators of technostress and burnout. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to supporting nurses in terms of techno-overload and techno-complexity. Furthermore, there is still a need for customised support and further offers from employers in the use of digital technologies.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder resources for health professionals: a scoping review
Authors: Stubbs Thomas , Cannon Lisa , Carter Emily , Naanai Habiba , Okurame Josephine Chidinma , Martiniuk Alexandra L C , Davies Jadnah , Thomas Sue , Bedford Mudge , Elliott Elizabeth J , Rice Lauren J
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This scoping review aimed to identify and critically appraise resources for health professionals to identify, diagnose, refer, and support individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—including the extent to which the resources are appropriate for use in communities with First Nations Peoples.

Method

Seven peer-reviewed databases (April 2022) and 14 grey literature websites (August 2022) were searched. The reference lists of all sources that underwent full-text review were handsearched, and FASD experts were consulted for additional sources. Resources were assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II instrument and an adapted version of the National Health and Medical Research Council FORM Framework and iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist.

Results

A total of 41 resources underwent data extraction and critical appraisal, as screening and/or diagnosis guidelines were excluded because they are covered in other reviews. Most were recently published or updated (n=24), developed in the USA (n=15, 36.6%) or Australia (n=12, 29.3%) and assisted with FASD patient referral or support (n=40). Most management guidelines scored 76%–100% on overall quality assessment (n=5/9) and were recommended for use in the Australian context with modifications (n=7/9). Most of the guides (n=15/22) and factsheets (n=7/10) received a ‘good’ overall score. Few (n=3/41) resources were explicitly designed for or with input from First Nations Australians.

Conclusion

High-quality resources are available to support health professionals providing referrals and support to individuals with FASD, including language guides. Resources should be codesigned with people living with FASD to capture and integrate their knowledge and preferences.
Severe acute pancreatitis in the era of endoscopically placed lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS): critical care outcomes from a large UK pancreatobiliary centre
Authors: Parker Alexander Johnson , Tokwabilula Greg , Venkatesh Lakshmi Narsinganallore , Bhattacharya Rana , Bannard-Smith Jonathan , Haley Daniel , Ahmed Abubaker Y M , Wilson Anthony , Geraghty Joe
Published: July 2024

Objectives

1. Describe characteristics of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) requiring admission to Critical Care, including interventional management of pancreatic fluid collections.

2. Quantify whether patients requiring drainage of collections via a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) have different patient experiences and demands on critical care and pancreatic services, compared with those without.

3. Identify possible standards of care to help guide management and to evaluate these standards in current practice.

Design/Method

Retrospective observational study of patients admitted to the adult Critical Care Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary with SAP between 1st January 2019 and 16th June 2022 using Intensive Care National Audit &and Research Centre (ICNARC) data and electronic patient records.

Results

There were 96 admissions during 90 hospital episodes with a median admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score of 14. LAMS insertion was undertaken in 32%. Mean time to insertion was 49 days after initial presentation. Percutaneous drainage was undertaken in 30% and surgical management in 10%.

Major bleeding was observed in 6% of LAMS patients and 5% of non-LAMS patients. 90% of LAMS patients were discussed in a specialist MDT, 84% underwent CT imaging within 7 days days prior to LAMS insertion and 26% underwent deep microbiological sampling via the LAMS.

Median total hospital length of stay was 68 days and mortality at ultimate hospital discharge was 23%.

Conclusion

Critically ill patients with SAP have a long length of stay. Mortality rates are in keeping with predicted APACHE II scores. Technological advances have created a need for new optimizedoptimised treatment pathways, auditable by adherence to validated standards of care.
Untargeted faecal metabolomics for the discovery of biomarkers and treatment targets for inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Vich Vila Arnau , Zhang Jingwan , Liu Moting , Faber Klaas Nico , Weersma Rinse K
Published: July 2024

The gut microbiome has been recognised as a key component in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and the wide range of metabolites produced by gut bacteria are an important mechanism by which the human microbiome interacts with host immunity or host metabolism. High-throughput metabolomic profiling and novel computational approaches now allow for comprehensive assessment of thousands of metabolites in diverse biomaterials, including faecal samples. Several groups of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites and bile acids, have been associated with IBD. In this
Recent Advances
article, we describe the contribution of metabolomics research to the field of IBD, with a focus on faecal metabolomics. We discuss the latest findings on the significance of these metabolites for IBD prognosis and therapeutic interventions and offer insights into the future directions of metabolomics research.
Predictive factors for adnexal involvement in endometrial cancer FIGO stage IIIA
Authors: Dinoi Giorgia , Lorusso Domenica , La Fera Eleonora , Restaino Stefano , Pafundi Pia Clara , Gioè Alessandro , Naccarato Laura , Palmieri Emilia , Musacchio Lucia , Di Stefano Ettore , Tarantino Vincenzo , Scambia Giovanni , Fanfani Francesco
Published: July 2024

Objective

Understanding ovarian involvement incidence and risk factors in women with endometrial cancer may inform the decision of ovary preservation.

Methods

Our retrospective study included all consecutive fully surgically staged patients with endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgery between January 2005 and November 2021, assessing the incidence of ovarian metastasis, its role as a prognostic factor for recurrence and death, and evaluated predictors of adnexal involvement.

Results

Women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 IIIA endometrial cancer comprised 2.3% of the population (36 of 1535 included patients), 23 (63.9%) with endometrioid histology, and a median age of 57.0 years (range 47.7–66.7). A higher body mass index, post-menopausal status, endometrioid histotype, and β-catenin expression were associated with a lower risk of adnexal involvement. Conversely, dMMR phenotype, p53 expression, myometrial infiltration >50%, lymphovascular space invasion, and cervical stromal invasion were independent predictors of an increased risk of adnexal involvement. A total of 145 (9.5%) patients had adnexal involvement, with an incidence rate of 0.27/100 person-days. Overall survival for FIGO (2009) stage IIIA was 88.9%.

Conclusions

Our study showed that ovarian preservation may be considered for younger patients with low-risk endometrial cancer (G1 and G2 tumors, absence of lymphovascular space invasion, no cervical involvement, and myometrial invasion <50%), adding a favorable predictive role to higher body mass index and high β-catenin expression.
How state firework restrictions affect the incidence of paediatric firework injuries in the USA
Authors: Tranchitella Nicholas , Wilson Emily , Geiger Thomas , Barfield William , Kane Ian , Corrigan Corrine , Murphy Robert , Van Nortwick Sara
Published: July 2024

Objectives

State laws dictate firework access in the USA, and the association between state laws and paediatric firework injuries has not been investigated. We hypothesise that states with fewer firework restrictions will have a higher incidence of paediatric firework injuries.

Methods

A retrospective review (2012–2020) of paediatric patients who sustained a fireworks-related injury was conducted using the Pediatric Health Information System. Inclusion criteria were age less than 18 years and International Classification of Diseases code for fireworks-related injury. States were classified as ‘unrestrictive’ or ‘restrictive’ based on permitted fireworks. Case number, demographics and injury severity were evaluated. A negative binomial regression was used to evaluate independent variables predictive of firework injuries, with the dependent variable being the number of injuries. Independent variables that were predictive of number of injuries were subsequently evaluated with a Mann-Whitney test to determine the significance of the differences between ‘unrestrictive’ and ‘restrictive’ states.

Results

During the study period, 2299 fireworks-related injuries were reported. Mean age was 9.2±4.8 years (range 0–17). Most injuries, based on raw numbers, were in ‘unrestrictive’ states (72.6%). When normalised measures were used for comparison, based on paediatric state population, there was a statistically significant difference with a higher percentage of injuries in unrestricted states (p=0.002). The mean number of cases per million pediatric-aged individuals was higher in the ‘unrestrictive’ states versus the ‘restrictive’ states (p=0.003).

Conclusions

States with fewer firework restrictions had a higher incidence of fireworks-related injuries in children. Restricting fireworks may protect children from fireworks-related injuries.
Trends of falls mortality among older adults in urban and rural China, 1987–2021
Authors: Wu Yu , Su Binbin , Gao Jiatong , Zhong Panliang , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: July 2024

Background

Falls in older age pose a major public health concern, with unclear urban–rural patterns of falls mortality in China. This study examines the trends of late-life falls mortality in urban and rural China over a 35-year period.

Methods

Falls mortality data were sourced from China’s National Health Commission. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine changes in trends and age-period-cohort modelling to estimate age, period and cohort effects on fall-related mortality from 1987 to 2021. Net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves and period relative risks were also calculated.

Results

The age-standardised falls mortality in older age showed a long-term trend of initial decline prior to 2003, followed by a steep increase thereafter, with notable distinctions between urban and rural patterns. The rise in rural populations, particularly among older males, was more conspicuous. In rural areas, the decline in falls mortality diminished with age, contrary to the urban trend. Falls mortality increased with age in both urban and rural older populations, peaking in the group aged 85–89. The period effect curves of falls mortality in urban and rural areas both approximated a U-shaped pattern while there were minor variations in early cohorts.

Conclusions

China has experienced a consistent rise in late-life falls mortality in recent years. Notably, there are significant urban–rural disparities in age, period and cohort effects of fall-related mortality among older adults. Rural residents, males and older age groups have potential higher fatal-falls risk. Targeted strategies should be implemented to prevent late-life falls.
Fatal and non-fatal civilian injuries sustained during law enforcement-reported encounters in California, 2016–2021
Authors: Dillon David G , McConville Shannon , Hsia Renee Y
Published: July 2024

Background

In 2015, California passed AB 71 to create a state-wide Use of Force Incident Reporting Database (URSUS) to tabulate law enforcement-reported encounters that resulted in serious bodily injury, death or discharge of a firearm. We use these data to analyse encounters that resulted in fatal and non-fatal civilian injuries in California between 2016 and 2021.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of URSUS from January 2016 to December 2021. The main outcomes were the number of law enforcement encounters that involved civilian serious bodily injury or death and encounter-level characteristics.

Results

URSUS recorded 3677 incidents between 2016 and 2021 resulting in 942 civilian fatalities and 2735 instances of serious civilian injuries. Injury rates were highest for civilians who identified as Hispanic (1.80 injuries per 100 000 population) or black (5.17 injuries per 100 000 population). Injuries involving a firearm were usually fatal (58.9% fatality rate; 1471 injuries), while non-firearm incidents were more likely to result in serious injuries (4.2% fatality rate; 2929 injuries). We did not find statistically significant trends in rates of civilian injuries per 100 000 population.

Conclusion

Rates of law enforcement-related injuries were highest for Hispanic and black civilians in California between 2016 and 2021 and firearm-related injuries were overwhelmingly fatal. The URSUS database represents an important effort by law enforcement agencies to collect information on injuries and fatalities resulting from law enforcement encounters. Given similar databases exist in fewer than half of states, additional legislative efforts are needed to improve systematic national data collection on these encounters.
Disparities in unintentional drowning fatalities in Texas, USA, 1999–2020
Authors: Abedin Anushka , Zane David F , Lawson Karla A , Johnson Molly B
Published: July 2024

Background

Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Although the USA as a whole bears a heavy burden, with approximately 4000 drowning fatalities annually, Texas stands out as a high-risk state for drowning due to its large population, suitable climate for year-round aquatic activities and availability of water-related recreational opportunities.

Methods

Using mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research online database, this retrospective, cross-sectional study overviews the magnitude and patterns of fatal unintentional drownings among Texans from 1999 to 2020.

Results

Over the 22-year period, 7737 Texans died from unintentional drowning. An average of 352 drowning deaths occurred annually, with a rate of 1.4 deaths per 100 000 population. The highest proportion of unintentional drownings occurred in natural water settings (eg, lakes, ponds or rivers), accounting for 40% of fatal drownings. Children aged 1–4 years had the highest drowning death rate compared with all other age groups. Male Texans had a drowning death rate three times higher than that of female Texans. Black Texans had a higher drowning death rate than White Texans and Asian or Pacific Islander Texans.

Conclusions

Drowning remains a significant public health issue in Texas. Data on high-risk groups and settings should be used to strengthen drowning prevention efforts and policy initiatives and encourage more research to address the multifaceted factors contributing to drowning.
UK doctors’ strikes 2023–2024: still justified in the interests of public health, even in time-critical outpatient contexts
Authors: McConnell Doug , Mann Darren
Published: July 2024

We respond to David Wilkinson’s arguments against our view of the ethicality of doctors’ strikes and our claim that the 2023–2024 UK doctors’ strikes are morally permissible and arguably supererogatory.

Wilkinson proposes that in specialist outpatient settings, striking doctors should help arrange their own cover to prevent disproportionate harm to patients and to abide by the principles of non-maleficence and fiduciary duty. This hasn’t happened during the 2023–2024 UK doctors’ strikes; therefore, in his view, these strikes are morally impermissible. We reject Wilkinson’s proposal on the grounds that the risk of disproportionate harm is adequately mitigated by existing arrangements and his interpretations of non-maleficence and fiduciary duty are overly demanding.

We agree with Wilkinson that strikes put particularly high pressure on covering doctors in chronically under resourced specialisms. But this doesn’t justify calling off or depowering doctors’ strikes because, without effective strikes, under-resourcing is likely to continue and, ultimately, cause even more harm.

Wilkinson argues that doctors cannot justifiably strike in the interests of public health because they don’t have a broad duty to public health. We think they do have such a duty; however, we argue that doctors can justifiably strike in the interest of public health whether they have such a duty or not.

Finally, we defend our claim that doctors’ strikes can be supererogatory from Wilkinson’s objections that there may be no such thing as supererogatory action and that our view absurdly entails that strikes can be supererogatory despite placing unfair demands on others.
The volcanic architecture and tectono-magmatic framework of the Mount Grace carbonatites, southeastern Canadian Cordillera
Authors: Abdale Lindsey , Russell James K. , Groat Lee A.
Published: July 2024

The Mount Grace metamorphosed carbonatites (Late Devonian) outcrop as thin (0.5–4 m), laterally discontinuous, strata-bound mappable lenses within the Monashee complex of the southeastern Canadian Cordillera. The host stratigraphic sequence (Monashee cover gneiss) was metamorphosed and deformed in the Late Cretaceous to early Eocene followed immediately by exhumation of the Frenchman Cap and Thor Odin domes. We present seven stratigraphic logs for Mount Grace carbonatites including new and previously described outcroppings spanning ∼30 km. The Mount Grace carbonatite units were deposited regionally within or near the top of a shallow marine sedimentary sequence within miogeoclinal strata of the western margin of paleo-North America (Laurentia). The distribution of the Mount Grace carbonatite lithofacies and the preserved depositional structures and textures suggest that these are pyroclastic deposits resulting from phreatomagmatic eruptions. Our new data enhance the volcanological story with an eruption scenario involving phreatomagmatic reactions and deposition from pyroclastic density currents, sourced from multiple centers within a field of monogenetic maar volcanoes. The distribution of the Mount Grace carbonatites parallel to the western margin of the paleo-North American continent correlates well with regional Late Devonian alkaline magmatism associated with development of an extensional back-arc basin.
Machine-learning-based particle identification with missing data
Authors: Kasak Miłosz , Deja Kamil , Karwowska Maja , Jakubowska Monika , Graczykowski Łukasz , Janik Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

In this work, we introduce a novel method for Particle Identification (PID) within the scope of the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Identifying products of ultrarelativisitc collisions delivered by the LHC is one of the crucial objectives of ALICE. Typically employed PID methods rely on hand-crafted selections, which compare experimental data to theoretical simulations. To improve the performance of the baseline methods, novel approaches use machine learning models that learn the proper assignment in a classification task. However, because of the various detection techniques used by different subdetectors, as well as the limited detector efficiency and acceptance, produced particles do not always yield signals in all of the ALICE components. This results in data with missing values. Out of the box machine learning solutions cannot be trained with such examples without either modifying the training dataset or re-designing the model architecture. In this work, we propose the new method for PID that addresses these issues and can be trained with all of the available data examples, including incomplete ones. Our approach improves the PID purity and efficiency of the selected sample for all investigated particle species.
Universal relations for compact stars with exotic degrees of freedom
Authors: Kumar Anil , Ghosh Manoj Kumar , Thakur Pratik , Thapa Vivek Baruah , Nath Kamal Krishna , Sinha Monika
Published: July 2024

The nature of the highly dense matter inside the supernova remnant compact star is not constrained by terrestrial experiments and hence modeled phenomenologically to accommodate the astrophysical observations from compact stars. The observable properties of the compact stars are highly sensitive to the microscopic model of highly dense matter. However, some universal relations exist between some macroscopic properties of compact stars independent of the matter model. We study the universal relation including the stars containing exotic degrees of freedom such as heavier strange and non-strange baryons, strange quark matter in normal and superconducting phases, etc. We examine the universal relations for quantities moment of inertia - tidal love number - quadrupole moment. We also study the correlation of non-radial f-mode and p-mode frequencies with stellar properties. We find the f-mode frequency observes the universal relation with dimensionless tidal deformability but the p-mode frequency does not show a good correlation with stellar properties. The p-mode frequency is sensitive to the composition of the matter. We find that universal relation is also applicable for stars with exotic matter in the core of the star with several models of exotic matter.
Converging Measures and an Emergent Model: A Meta-Analysis of Human-Machine Trust Questionnaires
Authors: Razin Yosef S. , Feigh Karen M.
Published: July 2024

Trust is crucial for technological acceptance, continued usage, and teamwork. However, human-robot trust, and human-machine trust more generally, suffer from terminological disagreement and construct proliferation. By comparing, mapping, and analyzing well-constructed trust survey instruments, this work uncovers a consensus structure of trust in human–machine interaction. To do so, we identify the most frequently cited and best-validated human-machine and human-robot trust questionnaires as well as the best-established factors that form the dimensions and antecedents of such trust. To reduce both confusion and construct proliferation, we provide a detailed mapping of terminology between questionnaires. Furthermore, we perform a meta-analysis of the regression models which emerged from the experiments that employed multi-factorial survey instruments. Based on this meta-analysis, we provide the most complete, experimentally validated model of human-machine and human-robot trust to date. This convergent model establishes an integrated framework for future research. It determines the current boundaries of trust measurement and where further investigation and validation are necessary. We close by discussing how to choose an appropriate trust survey instrument and how to design for trust. By identifying the internal workings of trust, a more complete basis for measuring trust is developed that is widely applicable.