bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LCA-based environmental impacts outlook towards the future of construction in emerging countries
Authors: Dalla Valle Anna
Published: October 2024

The construction sector is globally acknowledged as carbon-intensive, prompting urgent action especially in BRICS countries due to the high-contribute and continuous urban growth. Here, advocating for sustainable practices throughout the entire building life cycle is imperative, for extending building lifespans without locking in operational energy inefficiencies and using construction materials and techniques geared to resource efficiency and circularity. Following the hotspots prioritization, life cycle perspective and stepwise approach, the paper offers thus a preliminary exploration on low-carbon projection scenarios for the construction value chain, focusing on China as leading CO2 emitter. Top priority is directed towards cement/concrete supply chain, delving into the increasing recycled material content during production, the implementation of prefabrication construction, and the adoption of environmentally responsible practice for managing waste at the end of life. The percentage shares on the global carbon emissions make evidence of potential for reducing environmental impacts by switching from standard to the basic sustainable practices commonly pursued to achieve carbon neutrality targets. Findings do not pretend to be exhaustive (detailed analysis are needed), but rather prompt action towards the shift in mindset and market transition, notifying increased responsibility to stakeholders and LCA as a powerful decision-making support.
META-MODULE. Contemporary modularity as generative tool for Smart Architecture.
Authors: Conato Fabio , Spasari Ilaria
Published: October 2024

The complexity of the contemporary era challenges traditional methods and processes in architecture, exacerbated by diverse specializations, global production, and recent cultural, social, and technological shifts. Consequently, contemporary architecture responds to societal demands through innovative methods and tools. To maintain coherence in design objectives, explicit information on addressing contemporary concerns is essential. Systematizing informational flows becomes the language of Smart Architecture, utilizing informative patterns and design variations to address these challenges effectively.

Starting with an analysis of the inherent characteristics of the modular system, considered both as a regulator of complexity and in its evolution within the architectural panorama influenced by significant socio-cultural and ideological transformations, this contribution introduces the concept of the meta-module. In the era of smart architecture, the module tends to evolve into a meta-module, serving as a generative tool for Smart Architecture. The meta-module integrates interconnected information to organize contemporary complexity, employing innovative design components across multiple scales to address various concerns.

The originality of this contribution lies in a process of abstraction that transforms the concept of the module into that of a ‘meta-module’, as a multi-level support matrix for design, compatible with cutting-edge computer tools, ensuring coherence between design considerations and corresponding construction choices.
Innovative tools and protocols for the regeneration of urban and peri-urban districts towards climate neutrality
Authors: Tucci Fabrizio , Cecafosso Valeria , Turchetti Gaia , Giampaoletti Marco , Mastellari Chiara
Published: October 2024

Cities represent the foremost contributor to the escalating growth in energy consumption, constituting a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the face of climate change and the heightened frequency and severity of extreme events, urgent policies and actions are imperative for cities to enhance resilience and instill a sense of responsibility among their inhabitants. Additionally, establishing monitoring and reporting models to track progress in implementing sustainable urban development measures is crucial.

The calculation of CO2 emissions in cities demands a multidimensional approach, encompassing sectors such as energy, buildings, water, green spaces, transport, waste, and others. Models and diagnostic tools are available for the different fields of interest. These are valuable elements; however, they often necessitate specialized expertise and prolonged processing times for accurate result interpretation, sometimes conflicting with the need for prompt, reliable guidance.

This contribution aims to define innovative tools and protocols, along with a specific performance verification model (easy model), concerning mitigation and adaptation to climate change. These tools are designed to be easy to apply and usable from the preliminary project stages for the redevelopment/regeneration of existing architecture and urban districts.
Redefining Hospital Accessibility: A Service Design Framework for Inclusive Healthcare
Authors: Cristiana Palazzo Angela , Bertelli Matteo , Gibertoni Chiara , Molteni Pierluigi , Gorla Francesca
Published: October 2024

In the framework of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030, Bologna faces challenges related to enhancing the quality and accessibility of its built environment to improve the quality of life and well-being of its residents. The IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Orsola Polyclinic is a key agent of change within this initiative. The hospital has initiated a comprehensive renovation project aligned with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which addresses Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10, which addresses Reduce Inequalities. To address these goals, the hospital has engaged a research team from the University of Bologna to apply Service Design methodologies. The research aims to reshape accessibility and user experience systematically and sustainably, adhering to the principles of Design for All. The study maps diverse user groups, analyses circulation paths, and identifies physical and procedural barriers affecting vulnerable individuals, especially those with disabilities. The research introduces a novel approach by developing a comprehensive strategy rather than isolated solutions, focusing on interconnected accessibility services across pavilions. Dedicated hubs within each pavilion facilitate resource and support device exchange, improving users’ experiences. A pilot project, initially targeting wheelchair accessibility hubs, employs innovative technologies to enhance independent tool usage and monitor distribution and maintenance efficiently. The project is now entering a testing phase, during which the solution will be refined based on user feedback.
Fabrication of endothelialized capillary-like microchannel networks using sacrificial thermoresponsive microfibers
Authors: Rector IV John A , McBride Lucas , Weber Callie M , Grossman Kira , Sorets Alexander , Ventura-Antunes Lissa , Holtz Isabella , Young Katherine , Schrag Matthew , Lippmann Ethan S , Bellan Leon M
Published: October 2024

In the body, capillary beds fulfill the metabolic needs of cells by acting as the sites of diffusive transport for vital gasses and nutrients. In artificial tissues, replicating the scale and complexity of capillaries has proved challenging, especially in a three-dimensional context. In order to better develop thick artificial tissues, it will be necessary to recreate both the form and function of capillaries. Here we demonstrate a top–down method of patterning hydrogels using sacrificial templates formed from thermoresponsive microfibers whose size and architecture approach those of natural capillaries. Within the resulting microchannels, we cultured endothelial monolayers that remain viable for over three weeks and exhibited functional barrier properties. Additionally, we cultured endothelialized microchannels within hydrogels containing fibroblasts and characterized the viability of the co-cultures to demonstrate this approach’s potential when applied to cell-laden hydrogels. This method represents a step forward in the evolution of artificial tissues and a path towards producing viable capillary-scale microvasculature for engineered organs.
Fostering equality in big science
Authors: Pollitzer Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Elizabeth Pollitzer says measures must be taken to tackle the gender imbalance among staff and users of large research infrastructures.
Additive manufacturing of functionalised atomic vapour cells for next-generation quantum technologies
Authors: Wang Feiran , Cooper Nathan , He Yinfeng , Hopton Benjamin , Johnson David , Zhao Peng , Tuck Christopher J , Hague Richard , Fromhold T Mark , Wildman Ricky D , Turyanska Lyudmila , Hackermüller Lucia
Published: October 2024

Atomic vapour cells are an indispensable tool for quantum technologies (QT), but potential improvements are limited by the capacities of conventional manufacturing techniques. Using an additive manufacturing (AM) technique—vat polymerisation by digital light processing—we demonstrate, for the first time, a 3D-printed glass vapour cell. The exploitation of AM capacities allows intricate internal architectures, overprinting of 2D optoelectronical materials to create integrated sensors and surface functionalisation, while also showing the ability to tailor the optical properties of the AM glass by in-situ growth of gold nanoparticles. The produced cells achieve ultra-high vacuum of 2 × 10−9 mbar and enable Doppler-free spectroscopy; we demonstrate laser frequency stabilisation as a QT application. These results highlight the transformative role that AM can play for QT in enabling compact, optimised and integrated multi-material components and devices.
Hybrid modes in multilayer/antenna architecture set side-band-selective molecular Raman scattering
Authors: Simone Giuseppina
Published: October 2024

Technologies with tag-less capacity for analyzing molecules, are poised to make significant advancements in the healthcare industry with a substantial potential to improve sensitivity for individual molecules and binding events. Plasmonics has the potential for enhanced system response when emitters are included in the full architecture. Here, a hybrid multilayer including a sequence of metals and dielectrics has been examined. The surface of the multilayer is covered with 30-μm height features working as plasmonic antennae. Their contribution to the emission of the system has been analyzed. The multilayer has been coupled with a prism to excite the polaritons in an experimental optical setup to measure the reflected and transmitted signals. The measurements demonstrate the surface plasmon polariton/antenna mode hybridization. The optomechanics of the plasmonic resonant multilayer has been studied with reference to the refractive index of the surrounding medium as well as to the incident angle of the exciting beam. Then, the experimental shifts have been measured according to the optomechanical spectrum of the naïve plasmon resonant multilayer. The optomechanics of the plasmonic resonant multilayer, which has shown a natural resonance at

ω
=
96

MHz

, has been coupled with a molecular emitter, e.g. a dye. As the concentration of the red dye increases, the intensity of the peaks at

ω
>
96

MHz

raises, suggesting an important sensitivity in the anti-Stokes domain. On the other side, the decay is equal to

κ
=
1.1
×

10

−
2

MHz

showcasing a high quality factor (

Q
=
9.6
×

10

3

). For validation of increased sensitivity in the anti-Stokes region, bovine serum albumin (BSA), a protein active in the Raman region, has been tested and, through an image-based analysis, the molecular pattern recorded. The demonstrated potential of utilizing optical resonance shifts to investigate molecular patterns is highly promising. Therefore, the proposed sensing method represents a significant advancement in the field, offering new opportunities for the sensitive detection of biomolecules.
Probing the effects of broken symmetries in machine learning
Authors: Langer Marcel F , Pozdnyakov Sergey N , Ceriotti Michele
Published: October 2024

Symmetry is one of the most central concepts in physics, and it is no surprise that it has also been widely adopted as an inductive bias for machine-learning models applied to the physical sciences. This is especially true for models targeting the properties of matter at the atomic scale. Both established and state-of-the-art approaches, with almost no exceptions, are built to be exactly equivariant to translations, permutations, and rotations of the atoms. Incorporating symmetries—rotations in particular—constrains the model design space and implies more complicated architectures that are often also computationally demanding. There are indications that unconstrained models can easily learn symmetries from data, and that doing so can even be beneficial for the accuracy of the model. We demonstrate that an unconstrained architecture can be trained to achieve a high degree of rotational invariance, testing the impacts of the small symmetry breaking in realistic scenarios involving simulations of gas-phase, liquid, and solid water. We focus specifically on physical observables that are likely to be affected—directly or indirectly—by non-invariant behavior under rotations, finding negligible consequences when the model is used in an interpolative, bulk, regime. Even for extrapolative gas-phase predictions, the model remains very stable, even though symmetry artifacts are noticeable. We also discuss strategies that can be used to systematically reduce the magnitude of symmetry breaking when it occurs, and assess their impact on the convergence of observables.
Training machine learning interatomic potentials for accurate phonon properties
Authors: Loew Antoine , Wang Hai-Chen , Cerqueira Tiago F T , Marques Miguel A L
Published: October 2024

One of the major challenges in the development of universal machine learning interatomic potentials is accurately reproducing phonon properties. This issue appears to arise from the limitations of available datasets rather than the models themselves. To address this, we develop an extensive dataset of phonon calculations using density-functional perturbation theory (DFPT). We then show how this dataset can be used to train neural-network force fields, by implementing the training and the prediction of force constants in periodic crystals. This approach improves the quality of phonon properties prediction while reducing the number of structures needed for neural network training. We demonstrate the efficiency of this method using two examples of ternary phase diagrams: Ti–Nb–Ta and Li–B–C. In both cases, neural network predictions for the energy and forces show a considerable improvement, while phonon properties are predicted with high precision for all structures across the entire phase diagrams.
Implementation of HLA-related genotype-guided prescribing in Singapore
Authors: Chua Hui Min , Limenta Michael , Ng Carol Yee Leng , Lo Elaine Ah gi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To describe the implementation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–related genotype-guided prescribing in Singapore.

Various HLA alleles have been implicated in drug hypersensitivity syndromes (DHS). These include HLA-B*15:02, which has been associated with carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, HLA-B*58:01, which has been associated with increased risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions with allopurinol use, and HLA-B*57:01, which has been associated with increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions with abacavir use. Integrating pharmacogenomics into patient care through genotype-guided prescribing potentially optimizes use of these drugs by reducing DHS-related and healthcare costs. We describe the prevalence of HLA-related DHS in Singapore, the cost-effectiveness of genotype-guided prescribing, and local policies and guidelines, as well as the impact of genotype-guided prescribing where available.

Conclusion

HLA-related genotype-guided prescribing has the potential to reduce the incidence of DHS and decrease healthcare costs, as seen in the success with carbamazepine. However, not all genotype-guided prescribing is cost-effective when implemented across the population, as was evident from local studies for allopurinol and abacavir. The cost-effectiveness of such measures may change over time with new data (eg, allele frequencies, test costs, drug prices, genotyping approach) and should be evaluated periodically and locally. Implementation of preemptive pharmacogenomics panel testing as part of routine clinical care may shift the threshold for cost-effectiveness and brings promise of further optimization of pharmacotherapy through precision medicine.
Predicting functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients using genetic, environmental, and clinical factors: a machine learning analysis of population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Siding , Xu Zhe , Yin Jinfeng , Gu Hongqiu , Shi Yanfeng , Guo Cang , Meng Xia , Li Hao , Huang Xinying , Jiang Yong , Wang Yongjun
Published: October 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of adult disability that can severely compromise the quality of life for patients. Accurately predicting the IS functional outcome is crucial for precise risk stratification and effective therapeutic interventions. We developed a predictive model integrating genetic, environmental, and clinical factors using data from 7819 IS patients in the Third China National Stroke Registry. Employing an 80:20 split, we randomly divided the dataset into development and internal validation cohorts. The discrimination and calibration performance of models were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for discrimination and Brier score with calibration curve in the internal validation cohort. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the development cohort, identifying rs11109607 (ANKS1B) as the most significant variant associated with IS functional outcome. We employed principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality on the top 100 significant variants identified by the GWAS, incorporating them as genetic factors in the predictive model. We employed a machine learning algorithm capable of identifying nonlinear relationships to establish predictive models for IS patient functional outcome. The optimal model was the XGBoost model, which outperformed the logistic regression model (AUC 0.818 versus 0.756, P < .05) and significantly improved reclassification efficiency. Our study innovatively incorporated genetic, environmental, and clinical factors for predicting the IS functional outcome in East Asian populations, thereby offering novel insights into IS functional outcome.
MSlocPRED: deep transfer learning-based identification of multi-label mRNA subcellular localization
Authors: Zuo Yun , Zhang Bangyi , He Wenying , Bi Yue , Liu Xiangrong , Zeng Xiangxiang , Deng Zhaohong
Published: October 2024

Subcellular localization of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is a universal mechanism for precise and efficient control of the translation process. Although many computational methods have been constructed by researchers for predicting mRNA subcellular localization, very few of these computational methods have been designed to predict subcellular localization with multiple localization annotations, and their generalization performance could be improved.

In this study, the prediction model MSlocPRED was constructed to identify multi-label mRNA subcellular localization. First, the preprocessed Dataset 1 and Dataset 2 are transformed into the form of images. The proposed MDNDO–SMDU resampling technique is then used to balance the number of samples in each category in the training dataset. Finally, deep transfer learning was used to construct the predictive model MSlocPRED to identify subcellular localization for 16 classes (Dataset 1) and 18 classes (Dataset 2). The results of comparative tests of different resampling techniques show that the resampling technique proposed in this study is more effective in preprocessing for subcellular localization. The prediction results of the datasets constructed by intercepting different NC end (Both the 5' and 3' untranslated regions that flank the protein-coding sequence and influence mRNA function without encoding proteins themselves.) lengths show that for Dataset 1 and Dataset 2, the prediction performance is best when the NC end is intercepted by 35 nucleotides, respectively. The results of both independent testing and five-fold cross-validation comparisons with established prediction tools show that MSlocPRED is significantly better than established tools for identifying multi-label mRNA subcellular localization. Additionally, to understand how the MSlocPRED model works during the prediction process, SHapley Additive exPlanations was used to explain it. The predictive model and associated datasets are available on the following github: https://github.com/ZBYnb1/MSlocPRED/tree/main.
Deep coupled registration and segmentation of multimodal whole-brain images
Authors: Han Tingting , Wu Jun , Sheng Pengpeng , Li Yuanyuan , Tao ZaiYang , Qu Lei
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Recent brain mapping efforts are producing large-scale whole-brain images using different imaging modalities. Accurate alignment and delineation of anatomical structures in these images are essential for numerous studies. These requirements are typically modeled as two distinct tasks: registration and segmentation. However, prevailing methods, fail to fully explore and utilize the inherent correlation and complementarity between the two tasks. Furthermore, variations in brain anatomy, brightness, and texture pose another formidable challenge in designing multi-modal similarity metrics. A high-throughput approach capable of overcoming the bottleneck of multi-modal similarity metric design, while effective leveraging the highly correlated and complementary nature of two tasks is highly desirable.

Results

We introduce a deep learning framework for joint registration and segmentation of multi-modal brain images. Under this framework, registration and segmentation tasks are deeply coupled and collaborated at two hierarchical layers. In the inner layer, we establish a strong feature-level coupling between the two tasks by learning a unified common latent feature representation. In the outer layer, we introduce a mutually supervised dual-branch network to decouple latent features and facilitate task-level collaboration between registration and segmentation. Since the latent features we designed are also modality-independent, the bottleneck of designing multi-modal similarity metric is essentially addressed. Another merit offered by this framework is the interpretability of latent features, which allows intuitive manipulation of feature learning, thereby further enhancing network training efficiency and the performance of both tasks. Extensive experiments conducted on both multi-modal and mono-modal datasets of mouse and human brains demonstrate the superiority of our method.

Availability and implementation

The code is available at https://github.com/tingtingup/DCRS.
Auditory and vestibular function in mitochondrial patients harbouring the m.3243A>G variant
Authors: Stefanetti Renae J , Newman Jane , Blain Alasdair P , Chisari Donella , Gorman Gráinne S , Rance Gary
Published: October 2024

Hearing impairment is a frequent clinical feature in patients with mitochondrial disease harbouring the pathogenic variant, m.3243A>G. However, auditory neural dysfunction, its perceptual consequences and implications for patient management are not established. Similarly, the association with vestibular impairment has not yet been explored. This case–control study investigated in 12 adults with genetically confirmed m.3243A>G adults [9 females; 45.5 ± 16.3 years (range 18–66); 47.1 ± 21.5 hearing level, dB] compared with 12 age, sex and hearing level-matched controls with sensory (cochlear level) hearing loss [9 females; 46.6 ± 11.8 years (range 23–59); 47.7 ± 25.4 hearing level, dB]. Participants underwent a battery of electroacoustic, electrophysiologic and perceptual tests, which included pure tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, auditory temporal processing measures, monaural/binaural speech perception, balance and vestibular testing and self-reported questionnaires (dizziness and hearing disability). Our findings showed evidence of auditory neural abnormality and perceptual deficits greater than expected for cochlear pathology. Compared with matched controls with sensory hearing loss, adults with mitochondrial disease harbouring m.3243A>G had abnormal electrophysiologic responses from the VIII nerve and auditory brainstem (P = 0.005), an impaired capacity to encode rapidly occurring acoustic signal changes (P = 0.005), a reduced ability to localize sound sources (P = 0.028) and impaired speech perception in background noise (P = 0.008). Additionally, vestibular dysfunction (P = 0.011), greater perceived dizziness (P = 0.001) and reduced stance time (balance, P = 0.009) were also seen in participants with m.3243A>G mitochondrial disease when compared with matched counterparts. This pilot study revealed that auditory evaluation including evoked potential responses from the auditory nerve/brainstem and speech perception in noise tests should form an important part of the management for individuals with m.3243A>G-related mitochondrial disease. Those presenting with hearing impairment and symptoms concerning balance and dizziness should undergo vestibular testing and appropriate management.
Relevance of the basophil activation test in a cohort of 240 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Pesqué David , Andrades Evelyn , Torres-Bosó Paloma , Soto Dulce , Gimeno Ramon , Pujol Ramon M , Yélamos José , Giménez-Arnau Ana M
Published: October 2024

Background

The basophil activation test (BAT) is considered to be the best biomarker to predict autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (aiCSU). To date, few studies have investigated the utility of BAT in real-world clinical practice, the role of aiCSU biomarkers in relation to omalizumab therapy and the degree of association between different aiCSU tests.

Objectives

To analyse the clinical and laboratory features of a prospective cohort with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) according to their BAT status, as well as to study omalizumab efficacy according to aiCSU biomarkers.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from 2010 to 2024 in patients with CSU. BAT alongside other laboratory tests were performed, and clinical and therapeutic features were prospectively collected. Data obtained were compared according to BAT status (positive vs. negative). Furthermore, omalizumab drug survival was typified according to aiCSU biomarkers.

Results

In total, 240 patients were included in the study. Patients who were BAT positive presented more frequently with low IgE levels, higher occurrence of IgG antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) positivity, autologous serum skin test (ASST) positivity, basopenia and eosinopenia. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ASST [odds ratio (OR) 7.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.81–21.0] and anti-TPO (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.05–6.61) were associated with BAT positivity. All aiCSU biomarkers (BAT, ASST, combined ASST/BAT positivity and low IgE/anti-TPO+) were associated with significantly shorter omalizumab survival because of treatment failure. In the cohort, both low IgE/anti-TPO+ and ASST were associated with BAT positivity.

Conclusions

The use of BAT in clinical practice delineates a subgroup of patients with specific clinical, laboratory and therapeutic features, including increased omalizumab failure.
Triggerable peroxidase-tagged primer enables naked eye monitoring of PCR amplification
Authors: Munakata Hironao , Sohma Yuri , Ishida Kotaro , Morita Eiji , Sato Shin-ichi , Hagihara Masaki
Published: October 2024

The guanine quadruplex structure, formed within guanine-rich sequences, demonstrates peroxidase-like activity when bound to a hemin-like small molecule. This property has been used for nucleic acid detection. We present a method using a guanine quadruplex-based triggerable peroxidase-tagged primer, where an unpaired adenine base in synthesized strands activates the peroxidase activity of the guanine quadruplex–hemin complex. This approach enables sensitive, visual detection of target DNA through naked-eye observation, eliminating the need for PCR product purification.
A test method for assessing chronic oral toxicity of a pesticide to solitary nesting orchard bees, Osmia spp. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Cabrera Ana R , Zuber Joshua , Hamaekers Niklas , Olmstead Allen , Jensen Pamela , Karunanithi Prema , Schmehl Daniel R , Exeler Nina
Published: October 2024

Orchard bees of the genus Osmia Panzer are important pollinators of fruit trees in various regions of the world, with some species commercially available in the United States and Europe. In addition to their pollination services, Osmia lignaria, Osmia cornifrons, Osmia bicornis, and Osmia cornuta have been identified as potential model species for solitary bees in pesticide risk assessment and have been used for the development of new methods to test acute lethal effects via contact and oral routes of exposure. Our goal was to expand the available methodology to characterize the toxicity of pesticides for these solitary bees through a chronic oral test for adult bees. Chronic oral toxicity of pesticides to orchard bees has been reported, but methods differ among research groups. In our study, O. lignaria, O. cornifrons, O. bicornis, and O. cornuta female bees had access to sucrose solution ad libitum in separate, species-specific 10-day tests. Mean body mass, mean daily consumption, and survival differed among the studied bee species. The dose–response test design was validated with dimethoate, a reference toxic compound, and chronic toxicity endpoints were estimated for the 4 Osmia species. The median lethal daily doses normalized by weight for O. lignaria, O. bicornis, O. cornuta, and O. cornifrons were within the same order of magnitude at 0.23, 0.26, 0.49, and 0.61 µg dimethoate/g bee/day, respectively. The methodology described here was aligned as much as possible with the available honey bee and bumble bee standard methods to facilitate the comparison of chronic toxicity profiles among bee species.
Sex differences in the relationship between body composition and cardiac structure and function
Authors: Hartman Heidi S , Kim Eunyoung , Carbone Salvatore , Miles Caleb H , Reilly Muredach P
Published: October 2024

Aims

The purpose of this study was to characterize sex differences in the relationship between body composition and cardiac structure and function. In secondary analyses, we explored pathophysiologic mediators of these relationships.

Methods and results

In a cross-sectional analysis of 25 063 UK Biobank participants (54% female, median age 55 years), the sex-specific associations of visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT), appendicular lean mass (ALM), and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of cardiac structure and function were assessed using linear regression models. Using causal mediation analysis, 10 biomarkers were explored as mediators of the relationship between adipose depots and cardiac parameters. VAT was associated with increased left ventricular mass (LVM; βwomen = 0.54, βmen = 0.00, Pint = 0.01) and wall thickness (βwomen = 0.12, βmen = 0.08, Pint < 0.001) in women only. A similar sex-specific pattern was observed for MFI effects on LVM (βwomen = 0.44, βmen = 0.03, Pint < 0.001). ALM was associated with increased LVM and LV volumes in both women and men. In mediation analyses, insulin resistance as measured by triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein ratio was a potential partial mediator of VAT effects on chamber dimensions.

Conclusion

In the largest and most rigorous analyses of body composition and cardiac parameters to date, we demonstrated that VAT is associated with increased LVM and wall thickness in women but not in men. MFI association with cardiac parameters was similar to VAT, significant in women but not in men.
The association between non-alcoholic liver fatty disease and coronary artery calcification: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Liaoming , Tiemuerniyazi Xieraili , Yang Ziang , Huang Shengkang , Chen Lianxin , Nan Yifeng , Song Yangwu , Feng Wei
Published: October 2024

Aims

Although prior observational studies have suggested that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may have a higher risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC), these findings remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods and results

Utilizing summary-level data from multiple large-scale genome-wide association studies in European populations, a two-sample MR analysis was initially conducted to explore the potential causal association between NAFLD and CAC. The results of the MR analysis were pooled through random-effect meta-analysis. The inverse variance weighting method served as the primary approach for MR analysis. Additionally, the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier methods were applied for sensitivity analysis. Summary-level data on liver fatty content was utilized for validation analysis, while summary-level data on cirrhosis served as positive control, further ensuring the validity and robustness of our findings. Reverse MR analysis was performed to assess the association between CAC and NAFLD, employing instrument variables derived from CAC. The MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted NAFLD had no effects on the risk of CAC [Beta: 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.02 to 0.03, P = 0.74]. Likewise, the reverse MR analysis found no significant genetic association between CAC and NAFLD (odds ratio: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96–1.06, P = 0.88). Validation analysis yielded consistent results, showing no significant association between fatty liver content and CAC.

Conclusion

Our two-sample MR analysis did not support that there is a causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level. The association between NAFLD and CAC reported in some previous observational studies may rely on NAFLD complicated with metabolic disorders, rather than being directly linked to the hepatic steatosis.
The epistatic relationship of Drosophila melanogaster CtIP and Rif1 in homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Thomas Makenzie S , Pillai Gautham S , Butler Margaret A , Fernandez Joel , LaRocque Jeannine R
Published: October 2024

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are genotoxic DNA lesions that pose significant threats to genomic stability, necessitating precise and efficient repair mechanisms to prevent cell death or mutations. DSBs are repaired through nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR), which includes homologous recombination (HR) and single-strand annealing (SSA). CtIP and Rif1 are conserved proteins implicated in DSB repair pathway choice, possibly through redundant roles in promoting DNA end-resection required for HDR. Although the roles of these proteins have been well-established in other organisms, the role of Rif1 and its potential redundancies with CtIP in Drosophila melanogaster remain elusive. To examine the roles of DmCtIP and DmRif1 in DSB repair, this study employed the direct repeat of white (DR-white) assay, tracking across indels by decomposition (TIDE) analysis, and P{wIw_2 kb 3′} assay to track repair outcomes in HR, NHEJ, and SSA, respectively. These experiments were performed in DmCtIPΔ/Δ single mutants, DmRif1Δ/Δ single mutants, and DmRif1Δ/Δ; DmCtIPΔ/Δ double mutants. This work demonstrates significant defects in both HR and SSA repair in DmCtIPΔ/Δ and DmRif1Δ/Δ single mutants. However, experiments in DmRif1Δ/Δ; DmCtIPΔ/Δ double mutants reveal that DmCtIP is epistatic to DmRif1 in promoting HDR. Overall, this study concludes that DmRif1 and DmCtIP do not perform their activities in a redundant pathway, but rather DmCtIP is the main driver in promoting HR and SSA, most likely through its role in end resection.
Caregiving Trajectories and Unmet Care Needs in Later Life
Authors: Freedman Vicki A , Cornman Jennifer C , Wolff Jennifer L
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The evolution of care networks accompanying older adults’ changing care needs–and implications for unmet care needs–are not well described.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using group-based trajectory models, we identify 4 incident care need patterns (“care need trajectory groups”) for 1,038 older adults in the 2012-2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study and 5 caregiving patterns (“caregiving trajectory groups”) and a transient group among their 4,106 caregivers. We model associations between care need/caregiving trajectory groups and the rate of (approximating the proportion of rounds with) unmet care needs. We illustrate how predicted rates vary by care need trajectory groups and by network composition for networks with 2 caregivers.

RESULTS

The percentage of rounds with unmet care needs varies from 13% among older adults with few, stable needs to 62% among those with many, stable needs (p<.01). In models, care need trajectory group is strongly associated with the rate of unmet care needs; among those with steep increasing care needs, network composition is also predictive. For older adults with steep increasing care needs, when one caregiver provides high, variable and another medium, stable care hours, the predicted rate of unmet care needs is low (0.16) and similar to those with few, stable care needs (0.12).

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of older adults’ care needs and caregiving patterns over time. For those with rapidly increasing needs, identifying and assessing the evolving care network may be a fruitful direction for forestalling unmet care needs.
The ethical problems of ‘intelligence–AI’
Authors: Bellaby Ross
Published: October 2024

Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly alongside the ability to examine information in far vaster quantities and from more diverse sources, and to provide previously unattainable forms of evaluation. For the intelligence community, AI offers an important solution to their data collection bottleneck, allowing the data to be processed and analysed at speeds and in ways not previously possible. While AI has received some general criticism, when it is combined with the reach, secrecy, and coercive power of the intelligence community it creates unique ethical problems. Intelligence–AI exacerbates the biases AI creates, undermines proposed transparency solutions, and creates new ethical dilemmas and harms. This article examines intelligence–AI across its collection, processing, and analysis phases. It argues that open-source does not necessarily mean ethical, as the AI collection en masse of social media data violates citizens' privacy, consent and autonomy. The article also argues that AI-aided categorization is overly reductive and perpetuates harmful social binaries, while also revealing new private information beyond what was initially shared. Finally, it argues that the secretive intelligence environment prevents critical interrogation while promoting practices that, through the coercive power of the state, cause unequal harms across society.
Just another tool in their repertoire: uncovering insights into public and patient perspectives on clinicians’ use of machine learning in perioperative care
Authors: Gonzalez Xiomara T , Steger-May Karen , Abraham Joanna
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Successful implementation of machine learning-augmented clinical decision support systems (ML-CDSS) in perioperative care requires the prioritization of patient-centric approaches to ensure alignment with societal expectations. We assessed general public and surgical patient attitudes and perspectives on ML-CDSS use in perioperative care.

Materials and methods

A sequential explanatory study was conducted. Stage 1 collected public opinions through a survey. Stage 2 ascertained surgical patients’ experiences and attitudes via focus groups and interviews.

Results

For Stage 1, a total of 281 respondents’ (140 males [49.8%]) data were considered. Among participants without ML awareness, males were almost three times more likely than females to report more acceptance (OR = 2.97; 95% CI, 1.36-6.49) and embrace (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.23-6.09) of ML-CDSS use by perioperative teams. Males were almost twice as likely as females to report more acceptance across all perioperative phases with ORs ranging from 1.71 to 2.07. In Stage 2, insights from 10 surgical patients revealed unanimous agreement that ML-CDSS should primarily serve a supportive function. The pre- and post-operative phases were identified explicitly as forums where ML-CDSS can enhance care delivery. Patients requested for education on ML-CDSS’s role in their care to be disseminated by surgeons across multiple platforms.

Discussion and conclusion

The general public and surgical patients are receptive to ML-CDSS use throughout their perioperative care provided its role is auxiliary to perioperative teams. However, the integration of ML-CDSS into perioperative workflows presents unique challenges for healthcare settings. Insights from this study can inform strategies to support large-scale implementation and adoption of ML-CDSS by patients in all perioperative phases. Key strategies to promote the feasibility and acceptability of ML-CDSS include clinician-led discussions about ML-CDSS’s role in perioperative care, established metrics to evaluate the clinical utility of ML-CDSS, and patient education.
Lethal disruption of the bacterial gut community in Eastern subterranean termite caused by boric acid
Authors: Ashbrook Aaron R , Schwarz Melbert , Schal Coby , Mikaelyan Aram
Published: October 2024

The Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae), is a significant pest, causing extensive damage to structures that amount to substantial economic losses. Boric acid is widely used for wood preservation due to its stability and broad-spectrum insecticidal properties, yet its impact on termite gut microbiomes and the implications of such effects remain understudied. Our study evaluates the dose-dependent mortality of R. flavipes upon being provided boric acid treated filter papers and investigates the resulting dysbiosis within the termite gut microbiome. Consistent with reports from other insects, mortality increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest boric acid concentration (203.7 µg/cm2 of filter paper) significantly reducing termite survival. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut bacterial microbiome revealed notable shifts in composition, indicating boric acid-induced dysbiosis. Aside from an overall decrease in bacterial diversity, the relative abundance of some symbionts essential for termite nutrition decreased in response to higher boric acid concentrations, while several opportunistic pathogens increased. Our findings extend the understanding of boric acid’s mode of action in termites, emphasizing its ability to significantly modulate the bacterial symbiont community, which can have dire effects on termite biology. Considering its ability to protect wood from further termite consumption, our study supports the continued use of boric acid and related compounds for termite-resistant treatments for wood.
Nearctic female Agriotes pubescens and Palearctic female A. lineatus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) produce the same sex pheromone
Authors: van Herk Willem G , Saguez Julien , Watson Alora Caelen , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard
Published: October 2024

In central Canada, surveys for the three invasive (Palearctic) Agriotes species—A. obscurus, A. lineatus, and A. sputator—commonly collect A. pubescens, a North American native (Nearctic) click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) that generally co-occurs with Nearctic A. mancus. Despite the abundance of A. pubescens on farmland, its life history and potential economic impact remain largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and field testing of the A. pubescens sex pheromone. We collected headspace volatiles from a single female beetle on Porapak Q, then extracted the female’s pheromone gland, and analyzed aliquots of both Porapak extract and pheromone gland extract by gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) and by GC–mass spectrometry. In GC–EAD recordings of gland extract, two esters—geranyl butanoate and geranyl octanoate—elicited antennal responses from A. pubescens males. In a field experiment in Quebec, traps baited with a 1:1 blend of these esters captured approximately 100× more A. pubescens males than traps baited with a single ester. This is the same trap lure used for capturing A. lineatus. In this experiment, and in a similar one run in British Columbia, heterospecific pheromone components added to conspecific pheromone lures reduced captures of A. mancus, A. sputator, A. lineatus, and A. obscurus by 29%, 96%, 44%, and 71%, respectively. These data indicate that, in North America, lures containing pheromone components of multiple Agriotes congeners may not be optimally attractive to all target species.
The Expropriation of Sanctioned Assets: Does Ukrainian Jurisprudence Respond to Human Rights Concerns?
Authors: Horbachevska Tamara , Barabash Iurii , Uvarova Olena
Published: October 2024

This policy and practice note raises human rights concerns about the Law of Ukraine ‘On Sanctions’ imposed during time of war. Despite its legitimate aim to stop the war aggression, the expropriation of sanctioned assets into state income, newly introduced in 2022, significantly risks human rights violations. The current jurisprudence in Ukraine on the expropriation of assets of sanctioned individuals and entities into state income raises the following four key human rights concerns: (1) duplication of the offence and punishment from national criminal law; (2) retroactive effect of the introduced sanction; (3) inadequate procedural safeguards for sanctioned persons; and (4) unlimited scope of persons and their assets that can be expropriated. This note argues that these significant drawbacks cannot be legitimized even in time of war.
Highlights of veterinary entomology, 2023: beyond the barnyard: exploring the wild side of veterinary entomology
Authors: Machtinger Erika T
Published: October 2024

Due to economic and food security concerns, veterinary entomology has traditionally focused on livestock pests and ectoparasites. However, recognizing the significant environmental changes of the Anthropocene era, there is a need to broaden the scope to include pests and ectoparasites of wildlife. This review highlights key studies from 2023 that go beyond the barnyard and represent this expanded focus. Key areas explored include the development and application of unique methodologies, the impact of arthropods on behavior, and the effects of anthropogenic and environmental influences on pests, ectoparasites, and hosts. By adopting a broader perspective, veterinary entomologists can develop new collaborations and better understand the complex interactions between pests, ectoparasites, and a diverse array of nonhuman vertebrates. This comprehensive understanding is essential for advancing global health and biodiversity conservation.