bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use, limitations, and future directions of mixtures approaches to understand the health impacts of weather- and climate change-related exposures, an under-studied aspect of the exposome
Authors: Do Vivian , Parks Robbie M , Casey Joan A , Goin Dana E , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna
Published: October 2024

The exposome concept aims to account for the comprehensive and cumulative effects of physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial influences on biological systems. To date, limited exposome research has explicitly included climate change-related exposures. We define these exposures as those that will intensify with climate change, including direct effects like extreme heat, tropical cyclones, wildfires, downstream effects like air pollution, power outages, and limited or contaminated food and water supplies. These climate change-related exposures can occur individually or simultaneously. Here, we discuss the concept of a climate mixture, defined as three or more simultaneous climate change-related exposures, in the context of the exposome. In a motivating climate mixture example, we consider the impact of a co-occurring tropical cyclone, power outage, and flooding on respiratory hospitalizations. We identify current gaps and future directions for assessing the effect of climate mixtures on health. Mixtures methods allow us to incorporate climate mixtures into exposomics.
Fertility restorer gene CaRf and PepperSNP50K provide a promising breeding system for hybrid pepper
Authors: Tang Bingqian , Yang Huiping , Yin Qinbiao , Miao Wu , Lei Yuting , Cui Qingzhi , Cheng Jiawen , Zhang Xinhao , Chen Ying , Du Juan , Xie Lingling , Tang Shunxue , Wang Meiqi , Li Jiayue , Cao Mingyue , Chen Li , Xie Fangling , Li Xiumin , Zhu Fan , Wang Zhongyi , Xiong Cheng , Dai Xiongze , Zou Xuexiao , Liu Feng
Published: October 2024

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is pivotal in plant breeding and widely employed in various crop hybrids, including pepper. However, the functional validation of the restorer of fertility (Rf) gene in pepper has been lacking until now. This study identifies and characterizes CaRf, a single dominant locus crucial for restoring CMS in the pepper strong recovery inbred line Zhangshugang. The CaRf gene encodes a mitochondria-targeted pentatricopeptide repeat protein, validated through the induction of male sterility upon its silencing in hybrid F1 plants. To enhance pepper breeding efficiency, 176 important pepper breeding parent materials were resequenced, and a PepperSNP50K liquid-phase breeding chip was developed, comprising 51 172 markers. Integration of CaRf functional characterization and PepperSNP50K facilitated the development of a high-quality red pepper hybrid. These findings provide significant insights and practical strategies for advancing molecular-designed breeding in peppers.
Nitrate-dependent antimony oxidase in an uncultured Symbiobacteriaceae member
Authors: Wang Liying , Yin Zhipeng , Yan Wei , Hao Jialong , Tian Fei , Shi Jianbo
Published: October 2024

Autotrophic antimony (Sb) oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction plays an important role in the transformation and detoxification of Sb. However, the specific oxidase involved in this process has yet to be identified. Herein, we enriched the microbiota capable of nitrate-dependent Sb(III) oxidation and identified a new Sb(III) oxidase in an uncultured member of Symbiobacteriaceae. Incubation experiments demonstrated that nitrate-dependent Sb(III) oxidation occurred in the microcosm supplemented with Sb(III) and nitrate. Both the 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic analyses indicated that a species within Symbiobacteriaceae played a crucial role in this process. Furthermore, carbon-13 isotope labeling with carbon dioxide–fixing Rhodopseudomonas palustris in combination with nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry revealed that a newly characterized oxidase from the dimethylsulfoxide reductase family, designated as NaoABC, was responsible for autotrophic Sb(III) oxidation coupled with nitrate reduction. The NaoABC complex functions in conjunction with the nitrate reductase NarGHI, forming a redox loop that transfers electrons from Sb(III) to nitrate, thereby generating the energy necessary for autotrophic growth. This research offers new insights into the understanding of how microbes link Sb and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles in the environment.
Activity of novel virus families infecting soil nitrifiers is concomitant with host niche differentiation
Authors: Lee Sungeun , Hazard Christina , Nicol Graeme W
Published: October 2024

Chemolithoautotrophic nitrifiers are model groups for linking phylogeny, evolution, and ecophysiology. Ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) typically dominate the first step of ammonia oxidation at high ammonium supply rates, ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) and complete ammonia-oxidising Nitrospira (comammox) are often active at lower supply rates or during AOB inactivity, and nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) complete canonical nitrification. Soil virus communities are dynamic but contributions to functional processes are largely undetermined. In addition, characterising viruses infecting hosts with low relative abundance, such as nitrifiers, may be constrained by vast viral diversity, partial genome recovery, and difficulties in host linkage. Here, we describe a targeted incubation study that aimed to determine whether growth of different nitrifier groups in soil is associated with active virus populations and if process-focussed analyses facilitate characterisation of high-quality virus genomes. dsDNA viruses infecting different nitrifier groups were enriched in situ via differential host inhibition. Growth of each nitrifier group was consistent with predicted inhibition profiles and concomitant with the abundance of their viruses. These included 61 high-quality/complete virus genomes 35-173 kb in length with minimal similarity to validated families. AOA viruses lacked ammonia monooxygenase sub-unit C (amoC) genes found in marine AOA viruses but some encoded AOA-specific multicopper oxidase type 1 (MCO1), previously implicated in copper acquisition, and suggesting a role in supporting energy metabolism of soil AOA. Findings demonstrate focussed incubation studies facilitate characterisation of active host-virus interactions associated with specific processes and viruses of soil AOA, AOB and NOB are dynamic and potentially influence nitrogen cycling processes.
The number of patient scheduled hours resulting in a 40-hour work week by physician specialty and setting: a cross-sectional study using electronic health record event log data
Authors: Sinsky Christine A , Rotenstein Lisa , Holmgren A Jay , Apathy Nate C
Published: October 2024

Objective

To quantify how many patient scheduled hours would result in a 40-h work week (PSH40) for ambulatory physicians and to determine how PSH40 varies by specialty and practice type.

Methods

We calculated PSH40 for 186 188 ambulatory physicians across 395 organizations from November 2021 through April 2022 stratified by specialty.

Results

Median PSH40 for the sample was 33.2 h (IQR: 28.7-36.5). PSH40 was lowest in infectious disease (26.2, IQR: 21.6-31.1), geriatrics (27.2, IQR: 21.5-32.0) and hematology (28.6, IQR: 23.6-32.6) and highest in plastic surgery (35.7, IQR: 32.8-37.7), pain medicine (35.8, IQR: 32.6-37.9) and sports medicine (36.0, IQR: 33.3-38.1).

Discussion

Health system leaders and physicians will benefit from data driven and transparent discussions about work hour expectations. The PSH40 measure can also be used to quantify the impact of variations in the clinical care environment on the in-person ambulatory patient care time available to physicians.

Conclusions

PSH40 is a novel measure that can be generated from vendor-derived metrics and used by operational leaders to inform work expectations. It can also support research into the impact of changes in the care environment on physicians’ workload and capacity.
Designing and testing clinical simulations of an early warning system for implementation in acute care settings
Authors: Kang Min-Jeoung , Rossetti Sarah C , Lowenthal Graham , Knaplund Christopher , Zhou Li , Schnock Kumiko O , Cato Kenrick D , Dykes Patricia C
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Conducting simulation testing with end-users is essential for facilitating successful implementation of new health information technologies. This study designed a standardized simulation testing process with a system prototype prior to implementation to help study teams identify the system’s interpretability and feasibility from the end-user perspective and to effectively integrate new innovations into real-world clinical settings and workflows.

Materials and Methods

A clinical simulation model was developed to test a new Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system outside of the clinical environment while maintaining high fidelity. A web-based CDS prototype, the “CONCERN Smart Application,” which leverages clinical data to measure and express a patient’s risk of deterioration on a 3-level scale (“low,” “moderate,” or “high”), and audiovisual-integrated materials, were used to lead simulation sessions.

Results

A total of 6 simulation sessions with 17 nurses were held to investigate how nurses interact with the CONCERN Smart application and how it influences their critical thinking, and clinical responses. Four themes were extracted from the simulation debriefing sessions and used to inform implementation strategies. The strategies include how the CDS should be improved for practical real-world use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Standardized simulation testing procedures identified and informed the necessary CDS improvements, the enhancements needed for real-world use, and the training requirements to effectively prepare end-users for system go-live.
How Low Socioeconomic Status Hinders Organ Donation: An Extended Self Account
Authors: Vieites Yan , Mittal Chiraag
Published: October 2024

Past studies find that lower socioeconomic status (SES) individuals are less likely to donate organs. Building on the extended self literature, we propose that this effect occurs in part because the body is more central to the sense of self of lower-SES individuals. We test our predictions across seven studies (N = 8,782) conducted in different countries (United States and Brazil) with qualitative, observational, and experimental data in controlled and field settings. Results show that lower-SES individuals ascribe a greater weight to their bodies in forming their self-concept, which reduces their willingness to donate organs. Consistent with this rationale, socioeconomic disparities in organ donation are attenuated when (a) conceptions of selfhood prioritize non-physical aspects (e.g., the mind) over physical aspects (e.g., the body), and (b) appeals emphasize organ donation as a means to extend one’s sense of self (e.g., “let yourselves live through others”). Overall, this research documents an unexplored psychological barrier to organ donation and provides insights into how donation rates can be increased among lower-SES individuals.
Is There a “Best” Way for Patients to Participate in Pharmacovigilance?
Authors: Due Austin
Published: October 2024

The underreporting of suspected adverse drug reactions hinders pharmacovigilance. Solutions to underreporting are oftentimes directed at clinicians and healthcare professionals. However, given the recent rise of public inclusion in medical science, solutions may soon begin more actively involving patients. I aim to offer an evaluative framework for future possible proposals that would engage patients with the aim of mitigating underreporting. The framework may also have value in evaluating current reporting practices. The offered framework is composed of three criteria that are bioethical, social-epistemic, and pragmatic: (i) patients should not be exposed to undue harms, for example, nocebo effects; (ii) data should be collected, analyzed, and communicated while prioritizing pharmacovigilance’s aims, that is, free from industry bias; and (iii) proposals should account for existing and foreseeable pragmatic constraints like clinician “buy in” and existing reporting infrastructure. Proposals to engage patients in pharmacovigilance that fulfil or address these criteria are preferable to those that do not.
The heat shock response in plants: new insights into modes of perception, signaling, and the contribution of hormones
Authors: Dündar Gönül , Ramirez Veronica E , Poppenberger Brigitte
Published: October 2024

Plants have evolved specific temperature preferences, and shifts above this range cause heat stress with detrimental effects such as physiological disruptions, metabolic imbalances, and growth arrest. To reduce damage, plants utilize the heat shock response (HSR), signaling cascades that activate heat shock factors (HSFs), transcription factors that control the heat stress-responsive transcriptome for activation of protective measures. While the core HSR is well studied, we still know relatively little about heat stress perception and signal integration or crosstalk with other pathways. In the last few years, however, significant progress has been made in this area, which is summarized here. It has emerged that the plant hormones brassinosteroids (BRs) and abscisic acid (ABA) contribute to heat stress tolerance by impacting the modes of activity of HSFs. Also, we began to understand that heat stress is sensed in different cellular compartments and that events in the nucleus, such as nuclear condensate formation via liquid–liquid phase separation, play a key role. In the future, it will be important to explore how these multilayered perception and signaling modes are utilized to understand how environmental context and developmental stage determine the outcome of heat stress effects on plant growth and development.
Prognostic Value of ISS and TRISS Scores in Tunisian Terrorism Victims
Authors: Bahrini Khadija , Horchani Houcine , Boughariou Sana , Rebai Aicha , Zakraoui Mohamed , Naas Imen , Gharsallah Hedi , Labbene Iheb , Ferjani Mustapha , Sallemi Walid , Hajjej Zied , Shimi Maha , Fourati Hazem , Romdhani Chihebeddine
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Injuries caused by terrorism attacks are one of the urgent problems of the society and the health system. In this work, we aimed to assess the injury severity score (ISS) and trauma injury severity score (TRISS) in Tunisian military combatants injured during terrorism attacks.

Materials and Methods

A total of 153 victims of terrorism admitted to the Military Hospital of Tunis between January 2012 and January 2017 were included. Among them, 107 survived and 46 died (43 victims died at the terrorist attack scene and 3 died in the hospital). All dead patients were autopsied. Injury severity scores and TRISSs were then calculated by 2 professors in the anesthesia-resuscitation department, and the agreement level was assessed using the Bland and Altman curve.

Results

We obtained a strong agreement between the 2 experts when assessing the TRISS and ISS. Using the Bland and Altman curve, an agreement between the 2 experts was obtained between 0 to 40 and 60 to 75 for the ISS and between 0 to 25 and 75 to 100 for the TRISS. Moreover, we detected a high level of ISS and TRISS, especially in deceased victims compared to survivors (P <.001). To predict mortality, we revealed by the receiver operating characteristic curve high sensitivity and specificity (more than 90%) before day 28 of hospital stay as well as for ISS and TRISS. Regarding the mechanism of injury, patients injured by gunshot have higher ISSs and TRISSs than those injured by explosion (P < .001).

Conclusions

Injury severity scores and TRISSs showed a high reliability to predict the mortality rate in Tunisian victims of terrorism.
Analytical strong line diagnostics and their redshift evolution
Authors: Yang Shengqi , Lidz Adam , Benson Andrew , Chauhan Swathya Singh , Smith Aaron , Li Hui
Published: October 2024

The JWST is allowing new measurements of gas-phase metallicities in galaxies between cosmic noon and cosmic dawn. The most robust approach uses luminosity ratios between the excited auroral transition, [O iii] 4364 Å, and the lower [O iii] 5008 Å/4960 Å lines to determine the gas temperature. The ratio of the luminosities in the latter transitions to those in hydrogen Balmer series lines then yield relatively clean metallicity estimates. In the absence of detection of the [O iii] auroral line, the ratios of various [O iii], [O ii], [N ii], and Balmer lines are used to determine metallicities. Here, we present a refined approach for extracting metallicities from these ‘strong line diagnostics’. Our method exploits empirical correlations between the temperature of O iii/O ii regions and gas-phase metallicity. We then show, from first principles, how to extract metallicities and break degeneracies in these estimates using traditional strong line diagnostics, R2, R3, R23, and O3O2 and N2O2. We show that these ratios depend also on volume correction factors, that is, on accounting for the fraction of the volume of H ii regions that are in O iii and O ii, but that these can be determined self-consistently along with the metallicities. We quantify the success of our method using metallicities derived from galaxies with auroral line determinations and show that it generally works better than previous empirical approaches. The scatter in the observed line ratios and redshift evolution are largely explained by O3O2 variations. We provide publicly available routines for extracting metallicities from strong line diagnostics using our methodology.
The mystery of water in the atmosphere of τ Boötis b continues: Insights from revisiting archival CRIRES observations
Authors: Panwar Vatsal , Brogi Matteo , Gandhi Siddharth , Cegla Heather , Lafarga Marina
Published: October 2024

The chemical abundances of gas-giant exoplanet atmospheres hold clues to the formation and evolution pathways that sculpt the exoplanet population. Recent ground-based high-resolution spectroscopic observations of the non-transiting hot Jupiter $\tau$ Boötis b from different instruments have resulted in a tension on the presence of water vapour in the planet’s atmosphere, which impact the planet’s inferred C/O and metallicity. To investigate this, we revisit the archival CRIRES observations of the planet’s day-side in the wavelength range 2.28–2.33 $\mu$m. We re-analyse them using the latest methods for correcting stellar and telluric systematics, and free- and equilibrium-chemistry Bayesian atmospheric retrieval. We find that a spurious detection of CH$_4$ can arise from inadequate telluric correction. We confirm the detection of CO and constrain its abundance to be near solar $\log _{10}(\mathrm{CO})$  = –3.44$^{+1.63}_{-0.85}$ volume mixing ratios (VMR). We find a marginal evidence for H$_{2}$O with $\log _{10}(\mathrm{H_{2}O})$ = –5.13$^{+1.22}_{-6.37}$ VMR. This translates to super solar C/O (0.95$^{+0.06}_{-0.31}$), marginally sub-solar metallicity (–0.21 $^{+1.66}_{-0.87}$). Due to the relatively large uncertainty on H$_{2}$O abundance, we cannot confidently resolve the tension on the presence of H$_{2}$O and the super-solar atmospheric metallicity of $\tau$ Boötis b. We recommend further observations of $\tau$ Boötis b in the wavelength ranges simultaneously covering CO and $\mathrm{H_{2}O}$ to confirm the peculiar case of the planet’s super-solar C/O and metallicity.
The rate of extreme coronal line emitting galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and their relation to tidal disruption events
Authors: Callow J , Graur O , Clark P , Palmese A , Aguilar J , Ahlen S , BenZvi S , Brooks D , Claybaugh T , de la Macorra A , Doel P , Forero-Romero J E , Gaztañaga E , Gontcho A Gontcho S , Lambert A , Landriau M , Manera M , Meisner A , Miquel R , Moustakas J , Nie J , Poppett C , Prada F , Rezaie M , Rossi G , Sanchez E , Silber J , Tarlé G , Weaver B A , Zhou Z
Published: October 2024

High-ionization iron coronal lines (CLs) are a rare phenomenon observed in galaxy and quasi-stellar object spectra that are thought to be created by high-energy emission from active galactic nuclei and certain types of transients. In cases known as extreme coronal line emitting galaxies (ECLEs), these CLs are strong and fade away on a time-scale of years. The most likely progenitors of these variable CLs are tidal disruption events (TDEs), which produce sufficient high-energy emission to create and sustain the CLs over these time-scales. To test the possible connection between ECLEs and TDEs, we present the most complete variable ECLE rate calculation to date and compare the results to TDE rates from the literature. To achieve this, we search for ECLEs in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We detect sufficiently strong CLs in 16 galaxies, more than doubling the number previously found in SDSS. Using follow-up spectra from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph, Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mid-infrared observations, and Liverpool Telescope optical photometry, we find that none of the nine new ECLEs evolve in a manner consistent with that of the five previously discovered variable ECLEs. Using this sample of five variable ECLEs, we calculate the galaxy-normalized rate of variable ECLEs in SDSS to be $R_\mathrm{G}=3.6~^{+2.6}_{-1.8}~(\mathrm{statistical})~^{+5.1}_{-0.0}~(\mathrm{systematic})\times 10^{-6}~\mathrm{galaxy}^{-1}~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. The mass-normalized rate is $R_\mathrm{M}=3.1~^{+2.3}_{-1.5}~(\mathrm{statistical})~^{+4.4}_{-0.0}~(\mathrm{systematic})\times 10^{-17}~\mathrm{M_\odot ^{-1}}~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ and the volumetric rate is $R_\mathrm{V}=7~^{+20}_{-5}~(\mathrm{statistical})~^{+10}_{-0.0}~(\mathrm{systematic})\times 10^{-9}~\mathrm{Mpc}^{-3}~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. Our rates are one to two orders of magnitude lower than TDE rates from the literature, which suggests that only 10–40 per cent of all TDEs produce variable ECLEs. Additional uncertainties in the rates arising from the structure of the interstellar medium have yet to be included.
Two riboswitch classes that share a common ligand-binding fold show major differences in the ability to accommodate mutations
Authors: Srivastava Yoshita , Akinyemi Olayinka , Rohe Tiana C , Pritchett Elizabeth M , Baker Cameron D , Sharma Akshara , Jenkins Jermaine L , Mathews David H , Wedekind Joseph E
Published: October 2024

Riboswitches are structured RNAs that sense small molecules to control expression. Prequeuosine1 (preQ1)-sensing riboswitches comprise three classes (I, II and III) that adopt distinct folds. Despite this difference, class II and III riboswitches each use 10 identical nucleotides to bind the preQ1 metabolite. Previous class II studies showed high sensitivity to binding-pocket mutations, which reduced preQ1 affinity and impaired function. Here, we introduced four equivalent mutations into a class III riboswitch, which maintained remarkably tight preQ1 binding. Co-crystal structures of each class III mutant showed compensatory interactions that preserve the fold. Chemical modification analysis revealed localized RNA flexibility changes for each mutant, but molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested that each mutation was not overtly destabilizing. Although impaired, class III mutants retained tangible gene-regulatory activity in bacteria compared to equivalent preQ1-II variants; mutations in the preQ1-pocket floor were tolerated better than wall mutations. Principal component analysis of MD trajectories suggested that the most functionally deleterious wall mutation samples different motions compared to wildtype. Overall, the results reveal that formation of compensatory interactions depends on the context of mutations within the overall fold and that functionally deleterious mutations can alter long-range correlated motions that link the riboswitch binding pocket with distal gene-regulatory sequences.
Massively parallel reporter assays identify enhancer elements in oesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Shen-Hsi , Ahmed Ibrahim , Li Yaoyong , Bleaney Christopher W , Sharrocks Andrew D
Published: October 2024

Cancer is a disease underpinned by aberrant gene expression. Enhancers are regulatory elements that play a major role in transcriptional control and changes in active enhancer function are likely critical in the pathogenesis of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Here, we utilise STARR-seq to profile the genome-wide enhancer landscape in OAC and identify hundreds of high-confidence enhancer elements. These regions are enriched in enhancer-associated chromatin marks, are actively transcribed and exhibit high levels of associated gene activity in OAC cells. These characteristics are maintained in human patient samples, demonstrating their disease relevance. This relevance is further underlined by their responsiveness to oncogenic ERBB2 inhibition and increased activity compared to the pre-cancerous Barrett's state. Mechanistically, these enhancers are linked to the core OAC transcriptional network and in particular KLF5 binding is associated with high level activity, providing further support for a role of this transcription factor in defining the OAC transcriptome. Our results therefore uncover a set of enhancer elements with physiological significance, that widen our understanding of the molecular alterations in OAC and point to mechanisms through which response to targeted therapy may occur.
MoNETA: MultiOmics Network Embedding for SubType Analysis
Authors: Scala Giovanni , Ferraro Luigi , Brandi Aurora , Guo Yan , Majello Barbara , Ceccarelli Michele
Published: October 2024

Cells are complex systems whose behavior emerges from a huge number of reactions taking place within and among different molecular districts. The availability of bulk and single-cell omics data fueled the creation of multi-omics systems biology models capturing the dynamics within and between omics layers. Powerful modeling strategies are needed to cope with the increased amount of data to be interrogated and the relative research questions. Here, we present MultiOmics Network Embedding for SubType Analysis (MoNETA) for fast and scalable identification of relevant multi-omics relationships between biological entities at the bulk and single-cells level. We apply MoNETA to show how glioma subtypes previously described naturally emerge with our approach. We also show how MoNETA can be used to identify cell types in five multi-omic single-cell datasets.
Reversible-gel-assisted, ambient-pressure-dried, multifunctional, flame-retardant biomass aerogels with smart high-strength-elasticity transformation
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhan Ying-Jiao , Chen Ming-Jun , He Lei , An Wen-Li , Xu Shimei , Wang Wei , Shi Jian-Jun , Zhao Hai-Bo , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: October 2024

Bio-based aerogels, which are poised as compelling thermal insulators, demand intricate synthesis procedures and have limited durability under harsh conditions. The integration of smart stimuli–response transitions in biomass aerogels holds promise as a solution, yet remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a pioneering strategy that employs reversible-gel-assisted ambient-pressure drying without organic solvents to craft multifunctional bio-based aerogels. By exploiting the thermally reversible gelling propensity of select biomasses, we anchor emulsified bubbles within cross-linked hydrogels, circumventing surface tension issues during mild drying. The resultant aerogels feature a robust porous matrix that is imbued with stable bubbles, yielding low thermal conductivity, high flame retardancy and robust resistance to diverse rigors. This innovative approach facilitates a paradigm shift in intelligent fire protection in which aerogels transition from robust to flexible in response to water stimuli, effectively shielding against thermal hazards and external forces. This work opens up a facile, eco-friendly and mild way to fabricate advanced biomass aerogels with stimuli-responsive transformation.
Former jean sandblasters die younger
Authors: Aksakal A , Daharlı C , Topal B N , Kerget B , Kaşali K , Akgün M
Published: October 2024

Background

Silicosis remains a critical public and occupational health issue, exacerbated by its expansion into non-traditional industries and resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the death rates associated with silicosis from jean sandblasting by comparing the results of diagnosed individuals to those of the general population.

Methods

Conducted from 2008 to 2023 in Taşlıçay and Toklular villages, Bingöl City, Turkey, this retrospective cohort study analysed mortality among 220 diagnosed males versus 2851 undiagnosed residents. Data were derived from the Cohort database and validated with the Bingöl Provincial Health Directorate and the Turkish Statistical Institute. Statistical analysis involved univariate comparisons and survival analysis, utilizing the Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Cox proportional hazards model, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

The analysis revealed a silicosis mortality rate of 10% in diagnosed individuals over 15 years, notably higher than the 4% in the general population. Higher radiological profusions and younger ages at diagnosis were significant mortality factors. A radiological profusion above five notably increased the mortality risk by 1.37 times, with age and radiological density proving critical in survival rates.

Conclusions

This research highlights the increased mortality risk in silicosis patients, particularly among former jean sandblasters, underscoring the significant effects of radiological density and early age exposure on mortality, thereby addressing a crucial gap in understanding the impact of silicosis on life expectancy and community health.
Environmental Sustainability in the Outpatient Clinic Setting
Authors: Sattler Matthew M , Abdelnour Monica , McKay Virginia R , Burnham Jason P
Published: October 2024

This article will highlight recent efforts published in the medical literature to promote environmental sustainability in the outpatient clinic setting, which are likely to be feasible for health professionals to implement in their own practices. These potential efforts are divided into 3 broad categories: (1) reducing travel to the clinic when feasible, (2) reducing waste production in the clinic, and (3) optimizing the use of high-value diagnostics and therapeutics. As research specifically related to interventions to promote environmental sustainability in outpatient clinics is relatively limited, health professionals are encouraged to continue sharing success stories from their own practice.
Rhythmic high-amplitude delta with superimposed spikes (RHADS): a treatment dilemma
Authors: Shukla Vanita , Webb Paul , AlMohaimeed Bashayer , Lee James , Boelman Cyrus
Published: October 2024

Pathognomonic EEG patterns have been described in genetic conditions such as Angelman and Rett syndromes. EEG patterns along the ictal-interictal continuum have been increasingly recognized with the greater availability of continuous EEG monitoring; however, treatment decisions may be difficult with unpredictable clinical implications. Rhythmic High-Amplitude Delta Activity with Superimposed (Poly) Spikes (RHADS) has been described as a particular EEG pattern in POLG1 Alpers Syndrome. The balance between treating subclinical seizures and managing encephalopathy in these patients is challenging.
A Mother’s struggle: postpartum preeclampsia complicated by triple vessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Bettinotti Branco G M , Tegegn Mickias B , Razuk Victor , Bailey Som , Hann Rowena , Mendoza Cesar , Calfa Marian T , Colombo Rosario A
Published: October 2024

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of acute coronary syndrome among young women, especially in the postpartum period. Pregnancy-Associated SCAD (P-SCAD), an aggressive subtype, frequently involves multi-vessel dissection, decreased left ventricular function, and higher mortality. Here we present a rare case of postpartum pre-eclampsia complicated by multi-vessel SCAD in a 40-year-old multiparous Haitian black woman. Diagnosis was established with coronary angiography which revealed spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descendant, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries. Given the patient remained hemodynamically stable no percutaneous coronary intervention was indicated. She experienced recurrent anginal symptoms during her hospitalization that were managed with the addition of clopidogrel. The pathophysiology of P-SCAD is not well understood and thought to be related to an increased state of hemodynamic stress and hormonal fluctuation. The role of pre-eclampsia as a risk factor remains poorly defined and warrants further investigation.
Anthracyclines-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with early breast cancer carrying germline BRCA1/2 mutation: the BRCAN study
Authors: Cortés-Salgado Alfonso , Serrano Juan José , Cordero Pereda David , Menacho Miriam , Del Rey José Manuel , del Campo-Albendea Laura , Saavedra Cristina , Chamorro Jesús , Rosero Diana , Sotoca Pilar , Guillén-Ponce Carmen , Guerra Eva , Fernández-Abad María , López-Miranda Elena , Martínez-Jáñez Noelia , Gion María , Salazar María Teresa , Agudo-Quílez Pilar , Garrido Pilar , Alonso Salinas Gonzalo Luis
Published: October 2024

Background

BRCA1/2 genes play a critical role in genome stability and DNA repair. In animal models, loss of cardiomyocyte-specific BRCA1/2 is associated with DNA damage, apoptosis, cardiac dysfunction, and mortality following anthracycline exposure. However, whether these preclinical findings translate to humans remains unclear.

Objective

Assess the impact of germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) status on anthracyclines-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in patients with early breast cancer and no prior anti-HER2 therapy.

Methods

This single-center retrospective/prospective cohort study focused on early breast cancer patients, treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the neo/adjuvant setting, no prior anti-HER2 therapy, and known gBRCA1/2 status, normal baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and no previous cardiovascular disease. Follow-up assessments involved myocardial dysfunction blood biomarkers (MDBB), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. The primary objective was LVEF changes comparing BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (gBRCA1/2m) vs non-carriers (gBRCA1/2wt). Secondary objectives included differences in MDBB and QoL.

Results

A total of 137 patients were included (103 gBRCA1/2wt and 34 gBRCA1/2m). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Compared to baseline, LVEF% reduction was −4.7[−12.0, 0.0] vs −9.5[−18.0, −5.0] in gBRCA1/2wt vs gBRCA1/2m, (P = .027). After adjusting for confounders, the difference in reduction in LVEF remained statistically significant at −4.5 [95%CI, −8.6, −0.4; P = .032]. No differences between MDBB (C-reactive protein, hsTnI, NT-proBNP, D-Dimer, ST-2, or Galectine-3) or QoL (MLHFQ and EQ5-D index) were detected.

Conclusions

gBRCA1/2m patients could represent a higher-risk population for AIC. gBRCA1/2 status should be one of the factors to consider in deciding on adjuvant anthracycline necessity. This population could benefit from a cardio-oncology closer follow-up and cardioprotective strategies.
Recent Advances in Adaptation Genomics in Fumarole Fields: An Overlooked Extreme Environment
Authors: Nagasawa Koki , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Sakaguchi Shota
Published: October 2024

Extreme environments and plants thriving in them, known as extremophytes, offer promising platforms for studying the diverse adaptive mechanisms that have evolved in plants. However, research on adaptation to extreme environments is still limited to those environments where model species or their relative can survive. Fumarole fields, an extreme environment often overlooked, are characterized by multi-hazardous abiotic stressors, including atmospheric contamination (high concentration of H2S, SO2 and CO2), high soil temperature (∼60°C) and strong soil acidification (pH = 2–3). These conditions make fumarole fields a rich source for studying stress tolerance mechanisms in plants. In this review, we highlight the recent ecological, physiological and genomic advances involved in fumarole field adaptation and discuss the forward avenues. The studies outlined in this paper demonstrate that the extreme levels of abiotic stressors found in fumarole fields make them unparalleled field laboratories for studying the unknown stress tolerance mechanisms, warranting further genomic assessments. Some studies succeeded in identifying genes associated with fumarole field adaptation and shedding light on evolutionary implications; however, they have also encountered challenges such as limited genome resources and high genetic differentiation from related species and/or neighboring populations. To overcome such difficulties, we propose integrating ecophysiological and genomic approaches, drawing from the recent studies in other extreme environments. We expect that further studies in the fumarole fields will contribute to broadening our general knowledge of the limits of life.
New metrics for governance in the era of earth observation data: Monitoring violations after wildfires
Authors: Corrado Germana , Corrado Luisa , Del Frate Fabio , De Santis Davide , Marazzi Francesca
Published: October 2024

This study uses Earth observation data to measure illegal activities and investigates possible relationships with local governments. We have collected satellite images, digital maps, and geospatial data for over a decade to detect potential illegal constructions in protected burned forest areas in Sardinia, Italy. We create a database of buildings erected in these protected areas and connect it to administrative data on local election results. First, we examine the climatic and geographical factors that contribute to wildfires. Our findings indicate that fires tend to spread more in places with higher altitudes and greater distances from urban centers. This highlights the challenges that local authorities face in monitoring and intervening in areas that are less accessible. Next, we analyze the relationship between mayoral turnover and constructions erected in protected burned forests to highlight how this phenomenon influences voters’ preferences. We observe that citizens express their disapproval of these illegal activities through the ballot box. Violations in the years leading up to local elections increase the likelihood of a change in mayoral leadership within a municipality.
Decoding roughness perception in distributed haptic devices
Authors: Chatterjee Sitangshu , Tan Sylvia , Choi Changhyun , Kuchibhotla Aditya , Wan Guangchao , Peshkin Michael A , Colgate J Edward , Hipwell M Cynthia
Published: October 2024

The ability to render realistic texture perception using haptic devices has been consistently challenging. A key component of texture perception is roughness. When we touch surfaces, mechanoreceptors present under the skin are activated and the information is processed by the nervous system, enabling perception of roughness/smoothness. Several distributed haptic devices capable of producing localized skin stretch have been developed with the aim of rendering realistic roughness perception; however, current state-of-the-art devices rely on device fabrication and psychophysical experimentation to determine whether a device configuration will perform as desired. Predictive models can elucidate physical mechanisms, providing insight and a more effective design iteration process. Since existing models (1, 2) are derived from responses to normal stimuli only, they cannot predict the performance of laterally actuated devices which rely on frictional shear forces to produce localized skin stretch. They are also unable to predict the augmentation of roughness perception when the actuators are spatially dispersed across the contact patch or actuated with a relative phase difference (3). In this study, we have developed a model that can predict the perceived roughness for arbitrary external stimuli and validated it against psychophysical experimental results from different haptic devices reported in the literature. The model elucidates two key mechanisms: (i) the variation in the change of strain across the contact patch can predict roughness perception with strong correlation and (ii) the inclusion of lateral shear forces is essential to correctly predict roughness perception. Using the model can accelerate device optimization by obviating the reliance on trial-and-error approaches.
It is about time! Exploring the clashing timeframes of politics and public policy experiments
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Sarapuu Külli , Vallistu Johanna , Harbuzova Nastassia
Published: October 2024

Although existing studies on experimental policymaking have acknowledged the importance of the political setting in which policy experiments take place, we lack systematic knowledge on how various political dimensions affect experimental policymaking. In this article, we address a specific gap in the existing understanding of the politics of experimentation: how political timeframes influence experimental policymaking. Drawing on theoretical discussions on experimental policymaking, public policy, electoral politics, and mediatization of politics, we outline expectations about how electoral and problem cycles may influence the timing, design, and learning from policy experiments. We argue electoral timeframes are likely to discourage politicians from undertaking large-scale policy experiments and if politicians decide to launch experiments, they prefer shorter designs. The electoral cycle may lead politicians to draw too hasty conclusions or ignore the experiment’s results altogether. We expect problem cycles to shorten politicians’ time horizons further as there is pressure to solve problems quickly. We probe the plausibility of our theoretical expectations using interview data from two different country contexts: Estonia and Finland.
Scattering of Kinks in Coreless Potentials
Authors: Karpíšek Ondřej Nicolas , Rafaj Lukáš , Blaschke Filip
Published: October 2024

We explore the relevance of the central hill for a symmetric double-well potential and its impact on the scattering of kinks in a scalar field theory in (1+1) dimensions. This region controls the inner core structure of the kink. We study how the disappearance of analyticity in this region of the potential affects the resonant features in $K\bar{K}$ scattering.
A history of polymyalgia rheumatica: a narrative review
Authors: Shah Shirley , Rao Sinchna , Mackie Sarah L , Mukhtyar Chetan B
Published: October 2024

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulders, hips and neck and presents most commonly in the eighth decade. It can coexist with giant cell arteritis and the two diseases may share some pathophysiological mechanisms. This narrative review considers present-day ideas about PMR in a historical context, from the first names and descriptions of this disease entity, via successive generations of classification criteria sets, and finally to implications for clinical diagnosis. The characteristic distribution of musculoskeletal inflammation in PMR and its relationship to vasculitic and synovitic diseases have framed the way that PMR is described, classified, diagnosed and treated. A response to glucocorticoids is not specific to PMR and so it is important for rheumatologists to support general practitioners in making a definite diagnosis. Multi-stakeholder collaboration will improve current pathways for fast, accurate diagnosis and safe and effective treatment.
Proximity within adolescent peer networks predicts neural similarity during affective experience
Authors: Feldman Mallory J , Capella Jimmy , Dai Junqiang , Bonar Adrienne S , Field Nathan H , Lewis Kevin , Prinstein Mitchell J , Telzer Eva H , Lindquist Kristen A
Published: October 2024

Individuals befriend others who are similar to them. One important source of similarity in relationships is similarity in felt emotion. In the present study, we used novel methods to assess whether greater similarity in the multivoxel brain representation of affective stimuli was associated with adolescents’ proximity within real-world school-based social networks. We examined dyad-level neural similarity within a set of brain regions associated with the representation of affect including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), amygdala, insula, and temporal pole. Greater proximity was associated with greater vmPFC neural similarity during pleasant and neutral experiences. Moreover, we used unsupervised clustering on social networks to identify groups of friends and observed that individuals from the same (versus different) friend groups were more likely to have greater vmPFC neural similarity during pleasant and negative experiences. These findings suggest that similarity in the multivoxel brain representation of affect may play an important role in adolescent friendships.
Is science skepticism really about science?
Authors: Fuglsang Simon , Losi Lucilla
Published: October 2024

Despite the recent rise in public and academic concern, science skepticism remains ill-defined. This paper sets out to further our understanding of science skepticism and to inform both academic research and policymaking. Departing from a review of the academic literature on conceptualizations of science skepticism, we employ Eurobarometer 2021 data to explore the characteristics of people holding skeptical attitudes concerning climate change and evolution. Replicating prior findings, we observe minor variations across sociodemographic characteristics. Moreover, science skepticism relates to general science attitudes in a nonuniform manner within and across issues, and interest in and engagement with science are nonuniformly related to skepticism. Furthermore, science skepticism is inconsistent in its relationship to both attitudes and relationships with science across contexts. Based on the heterogeneous nature of skepticism(s), we argue that research and policy should be careful in approaching science skepticism as a general negative predisposition toward science.
Introgression and Mapping of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) Resistance from Wild Gossypium armourianum Kearney into Upland Cotton (G. hirsutum L.)
Authors: Pathak Dharminder , Rathore Pankaj , Kaur Harpreet , Singh Bhupinder , Kumar Harish , Ali Akhtar , Punia Sunayana , Sekhon Parvinder Singh , Singh Kuldeep
Published: October 2024

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), caused by the whitefly transmitted geminivirus complex (Cotton leaf curl virus - CLCuV and their satellite molecules), is a serious threat to successful upland cotton production in northwest India, Pakistan, and China. The disease causes significant losses in fibre yield and the quality of cotton. Owing to the regular emergence of resistance breaking strains of CLCuV, all the previously available CLCuD resistant germplasms of upland cotton have become compromised and none of the extant upland cotton cultivars is resistant to this disease. Therefore, alternate sources of CLCuD resistance need to be explored, as genetic resistance is the only pragmatic and tenable management strategy to combat this malady. Here, we report for the first time the introgression and mapping of CLCuD resistance from a related non-progenitor wild diploid D-genome cotton species, G. armourianum into upland cotton. A backcross population (G. hirsutum/G. armourianum/G. hirsutum) was developed for this purpose. A single major QTL was found to be associated with resistance to CLCuD and was located on chromosome D01 through the genotyping-by-sequencing technique.