bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of host‐associated differentiation in Ixodes scapularis using population genetics
Authors: Tietjen Mackenzie , Esteve‐Gasent Maria D. , Castro‐Arellano Ivan , Li Andrew Y. , Medina Raul F.
Published: December 2024

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), is a vector of pathogens that cause diseases including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. It is a generalist vector feeding on a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. The transmission cycles of these pathogens are affected by the tick's host selection because host species differ in their ability to clear, maintain, or amplify these pathogens. Several generalist parasites exhibit host‐associated differentiation (HAD), a process that results in genetically distinct populations associated with different host species. Knowing whether I. scapularis exhibits HAD is important to better understand the ecology of these diseases. To test for HAD in I. scapularis, whole‐genome resequencing was performed on ticks collected directly from six hosts in the southern United States (i.e., cotton mice [Cricetidae: Peromyscus gossypinus Le Conte], opossum [Didelphidae: Didelphis virginiana Kerr], raccoon [Procyonidae: Procyon lotor L.], gray fox [Canidae: Urocyon cinereoargenteus Schreber], wild boar or feral hog [Suidae: Sus scrofa L.], and white‐tailed deer [Cervidae: Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann]). For the hosts tested, HAD was not found. However, it could not be ruled out if HAD is occurring for ticks associated with lizards in this study. The results of this study contrast with findings from another host generalist, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), that does exhibit HAD. Our results suggest that these two tick species differ in their propensity for HAD. One explanation could be that I. scapularis can mate off‐host, maintaining panmixia, whereas D. variabilis mate only on the host. The lack of HAD in I. scapularis should be confirmed by sampling ticks from lizard and rodent hosts. These results will inform control efforts and the use of area‐wide tick control strategies.
Blockchain Empowerment: Unveiling Managerial Choices in Carbon Finance Investment Across Supply Chains
Authors: Zhu Qingyun , Duan Yanji , Sarkis Joseph
Published: December 2024

We examine the potential of blockchain technology for carbon financing by organizations and within supply chains. Blockchain can provide transparent, trustworthy, secure, and efficient carbon‐related transactions. Signaling and attribution theories inform the study that uses choice‐based conjoint (CBC) experimentation to evaluate offsetting and insetting carbon finance investment scenarios. Factors on project attributes—including price, the scope of carbon finance project, blockchain adoption level, and stakeholder involvement—relationships to managerial investment decisions are investigated. We also investigate an important question on whether managerial ecological value propensity affects investment decisions and blockchain adoption preferences. The findings show that contrary to original suppositions, price was not as influential as presumed. Of greater concern to managerial decisions is the nature of carbon initiatives—the decision on whether to pursue carbon offsetting and/or insetting investments. Managerial environmental values significantly influenced decisions on carbon finance investments–with a preference for carbon reduction projects within their own supply chains. There is also an inclination for greater blockchain technology usage in carbon investment projects. Managers with greater ecological values were also more open to involving external parties favoring the adoption more extensive blockchain solutions. These results highlight blockchain's importance in making carbon finance projects more credible and trustworthy. Practically, the study highlights the importance of carbon finance project scope, nature, and blockchain technology in promoting sustainability initiatives. There are insights into a nuanced approach to addressing complexities of carbon finance within organizations and their supply chains.
Integrated Single‐Cell and Spatial Transcriptome Reveal Metabolic Gene SLC16A3 as a Key Regulator of Immune Suppression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Qianlong , Yin Xiaomeng , Wu Zhenru , Zheng Aiping , Feng Lusi , Ma Xuelei , Li Li
Published: December 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Metabolic reprogramming plays a significant role in HCC progression, probably related to immune evasion, yet the key gene is unclear. In this study, six metabolism‐related genes with prognostic implications were screened. Correlation analysis between the key genes and immune cell subtypes was conducted, and a prominent gene strongly associated with immunosuppression, SLC16A3, was identified. Overexpression of SLC16A3 is associated with the loss of T‐cell function and might lead to the upregulation of several immunosuppressive proteins. Gene function enrichment analysis showed genes correlated with SLC16A3 primarily involved in cell adhesion. Single‐cell analysis showed that the SLC16A3 gene was mainly expressed in macrophages, especially some tumour‐promoting macrophages. Further analysis of spatial transcriptome data indicated that SLC16A3 was enriched at the tumour invasion front. The mIHC revealed that patients with high SLC16A3 expression exhibited significantly reduced infiltration of GZMB+ cells. And SLC16A3 inhibitors significantly suppressed the proliferation of HCC, while simultaneously enhancing T‐cell cytotoxicity and reducing exhaustion. These results reveal the phenomenon of immune escape mediated by metabolic reprogramming and suggest that SLC16A3 may serve as a novel target for intervention.
CD312 Promotes Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Through GNA15‐Mediated Non‐Classical GPCR Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yaping , Wang Jiali , Ma Xiaopeng , Li Huimin , Sun Xiaoyan , Kang Meiyun , Zhang Heng , Xue Yao , Fang Yongjun
Published: December 2024

The bone marrow‐infiltrated immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in blood system diseases, such as leukaemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the critical role of the immune microenvironment in the onset and progression of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Through high‐throughput detection and screening of the GPCR database in the childhood ALL immune microenvironment, we identified CD312 as a candidate target. CD312 is associated with the distribution of Treg and CTL cells within the bone marrow immune microenvironment of ALL children. After CD312 knockdown, the proportion of the Treg subgroup in immune cells was significantly reduced, whereas the proportion of CTL subgroup cells was increased. CD312 exhibited good affinity with GNA15 in the transmembrane intracellular segment, and it could interact with GNA15. The BrdU staining assay revealed that the proliferation of leukaemia cells was enhanced in the CD312‐overexpressed CD3+ T cells group via the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38, whereas it was decreased by GNA15 knockdown in the co‐culture system. In conclusion, our study suggests that CD312 fosters a suppressive immune microenvironment in the onset and progression of paediatric ALL through a GNA15‐mediated non‐classical GPCR signalling pathway.
Advanced Practice Nurses in Primary Care and Their Impact on Health Service Utilisation, Costs and Access Globally: A Scoping Review
Authors: Horton Madison , Dixon Justinna , Turi Eleanor , Balusu Chinmayi , Paikoff Rachel , Maier Claudia B. , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: December 2024

Aim

Synthesise evidence on advanced practice nurses' impact on health services utilisation, healthcare costs, access and quality of care globally.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

A scoping review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINHAL and Embase for articles between 2016 and 2023.

Results

Eighteen studies were included (14 from the United States, two from the Netherlands and one from Australia and New Zealand each). Outcomes included health services utilisation, healthcare costs, access, and quality of care. Most studies reported advanced practice nursing patients had fewer emergency department (9 of 11 studies), fewer hospital (re‐)admissions (9 of 10 studies) and primary care visits (3 of 3 studies). Seven (of eight) studies found advanced practice nursing care was associated with significantly lower healthcare costs. For access and quality of care, advanced practice nursing care was associated with lower consultation rates, similar mean number of patients seen, higher protocol adherence, more rural patient care and lower‐to‐similar quality delivery of chronic disease management.

Conclusion

Majority of the studies reported that advanced practice nursing care was associated with lower emergency department visits, hospital readmissions and costs. Access to care outcomes varied under advanced practice nursing care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Advanced practice nursing care can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and impact access and quality of care. Practices need supportive work environments for advanced practice nurses to deliver high‐quality, effective care.

Impact

Addressing the need for a synthesis of up‐to‐date evidence, this review highlights the importance of advanced practice nurses in primary care. Findings can inform global workforce development strategies to address health inequalities through effective advanced practice nursing integration.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution is required for this study.
The Ritual of Homebuying in Desert Cities: A Visual Ethnography
Authors: O'Neill Brian F. , Benites‐Gambirazio Eliza
Published: December 2024

The process of home‐buying is commonly discussed and understood in terms of both asset acquisition and its connection to speculative financial practices utilized to attempt to correct for structural market crises. These dimensions further the possibilities for potential wealth accumulation that assist individuals, families, and corporate actors. This visual essay, emerging out of a decade‐long investigation of the housing market in the American state of Arizona, USA, is the result of a collaboration between a visual ethnographer and a sociologist, which aimed to nuance an understanding of housing markets along social, spatial, and historical axes. The essay reveals connections between interpersonal dynamics of taste‐making and, contrary to dominant liberal economic logic, the sometimes‐limited horizons of choices for families attempting to engage in what we describe as “the ritual of homebuying.” Socially and historically, we discuss how the practice involves the enlistment of a number of peripheral actors attempting to facilitate the home‐buying process who use tactics to draw families into the housing market. Spatially, families with aspiring middle‐class values are, often enough, driven to peripheral urban and suburban zones to try to align their budgets and their ideals. Ultimately then, what turns out to be decisive is the narrow set of parameters as defined by the web of actors inside the real estate market, rather than, as some agents within the real estate industry abstractly argue, “what the market will bear.” Put differently, what the market will bear is narrowly defined choices that intersect with cultural values.
Nerve cross‐sectional area in vincristine‐induced polyneuropathy: A nerve ultrasound pilot study
Authors: Philipps Jörg , Knaup Mark , Katz Maria , Axton Konrad , Mork Hannah , Treichel Jasmin , Lüling Benjamin , Klimas Rafael , Wille Kai , Schellinger Peter Dieter , Pitarokoili Kalliopi
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

The role of high‐resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) in the diagnosis of chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy is unclear. The present prospective longitudinal controlled study evaluates the utility of HRUS in vincristine‐induced polyneuropathy (VIPN).

Methods

Twelve patients receiving vincristine and 12 healthy age‐matched controls were included. Visits before and 3 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months after the start of vincristine treatment included clinical examination, the total neuropathy score (TNS), nerve conduction studies (NCSs), and HRUS of the bilateral median, ulnar, radial, tibial, peroneal, and sural nerve cross‐sectional areas (CSAs).

Results

Median TNS increased from 0 points (interquartile range [IQR] 0) to 0.5 points (IQR 1, p = .26) at Week 3 and to 4 points (IQR 2.5, p < .001) at Week 8. At 6 months, there was a nonsignificant decrease to 2 points (IQR 2, p = .66). HRUS of individual nerve sites showed no significant changes in CSA and intranerve variability. The total CSA of all entrapment sites increased significantly (p = .007) at Week 8. Sensory nerve action potentials decreased significantly after 6 months (sural nerve, p = .001; radial nerve, p = .004; ulnar and median nerve, p < .001). The tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (p = .006) and nerve conduction velocity (p < .001) were reduced.

Conclusions

At mid‐treatment, there is an increase in the total CSA at entrapment sites parallel to an increase in clinical symptoms. In individual nerve sites, HRUS does not detect significant signs of VIPN. NCSs exhibit signs of a predominantly sensory axonal polyneuropathy. The clinical examination remains the most sensitive tool in the early detection of VIPN.
Dietary and habitat use (non)specializations contribute to shaping the craniomandibular variation and developmental instability in a rodent community
Authors: Martínez J. J. , Millien V. , Coda J. A. , Priotto J.
Published: December 2024

The evolution and ecomorphology of rodent craniomandibular apparatus have been extensively studied at a broad spatial scale. However, the question of how phenotypes and developmental instability interact with ecological pressures in human‐modified landscapes has been less explored. In this study, we test the influence of evolutionary history, diet, and habitat use on skull and mandible shape variation within a rodent community composed of eight cricetid species from an agroecosystem in central Argentina. We used geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological specializations in diet and habitat use to test the interplay between these factors. Our results indicated a strong phylogenetic signal for the symmetric components of the skull shape, but not for the mandible or asymmetric shapes. The strict insectivorous Oxymycterus rufus was the most phenotypically diverged within the rodent community. In general, more generalist species, both in terms of diet and habitat use, presented more phenotypic disparity (diversity) than specialists (e.g., strict insectivorous and natural and semi‐natural specialists) in craniomandibular shape variation. Dietary generalists and non‐strict granivores presented a tendency to show more skull asymmetric variation than non‐strict insectivores. These results suggest that generalist species exhibit higher levels of variation compared to specialist species, likely due to their wider range of responses to environmental stress. In cricetid species with similar ecological preferences, coexistence may thus be facilitated by morphological partitioning and developmental instability canalization based on dietary differences.
Diets, fruit and vegetables consumption, and nutritional status in Benin: A scoping review
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , Pather Kamara , Mitchodigni Irene M. , Hess Sonja Y. , Olney Deanna K.
Published: December 2024

Unhealthy diets, including low fruit and vegetables (F&V) intake, contribute to morbidity and mortality related to non‐communicable diseases. Designing culturally appropriate interventions to improve diets and F&V intake requires an in‐depth understanding of individual‐level dietary patterns, household consumption patterns, and nutritional status resulting from inadequate F&V intake. In this scoping review, we summarised the literature on diets, F&V intake, and nutritional status in Benin. We searched PubMed from 2012 to August 2024 to identify articles on diets and nutritional status, and from 2002 to August 2024 to identify articles on F&V intake. We included 36 articles on diets, 27 on F&V intake, and 16 on nutritional status. Existing literature demonstrated that Beninese diets are cereal‐based and monotonous, characterised by low diversity and low F&V intake across all population groups. Available evidence indicated a high burden of undernutrition in children <5 years of age, a rising prevalence of overnutrition in women of reproductive age, and a high prevalence of overnutrition in adults. Evidence on how diets and F&V intake vary by urban/rural location, season, and socioeconomic characteristics was limited and inconsistent. Two evaluations of garden irrigation programmes assessed impacts on women's dietary diversity and F&V consumption. Additional research is needed to improve our understanding of diets, F&V intake, and diet‐related nutritional challenges and how they evolve over time and across different population groups. Understanding these gaps can help identify entry points and targets for interventions to improve diet quality and F&V intake in Benin.
Individual‐Level Drivers of Food Choices and Diet Quality Among Adolescents in Urban West Africa: Evidence From Accra, Ghana
Authors: Klemm Janosch , Muli Samuel , Oluwagbemigun Kolade , Parlasca Martin , Crentsil Aba , Ogum Deda , Quartey Peter , Laar Amos , Lartey Anna , Borgemeister Christian , Nöthlings Ute
Published: December 2024

Diet quality is influenced by multiple individual factors, but their relative strength and importance remain unclear. We investigate the associations between five domains of individual factors (economic, cognitive, aspirational, situational and consumer behaviour) and diet intake of adolescents in Accra, Ghana. A cross‐sectional survey among Junior High School (JHS) students (n = 409, mean age 14.3 years ± 1.28 (SD)) in Accra, Ghana, was conducted. Data on diet intake, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) and socioeconomic background characteristics were collected. Adjusting for other factors, students' total budget was positively associated with food group diversity (β = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.15) but inversely associated with diet quality (β = −0.07, 95% CI −0.11 to −0.03). Positive attitude towards nutrition and healthy eating was inversely associated with unfavourable diversity (β = −0.17, 95% CI −0.31 to −0.03). Differences between negative deviants relative to positive deviants were determined by attitude towards healthy eating (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% CI 0.17–0.99) and family practices (OR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.23–1.00). We provide evidence that higher food budgets were associated with higher diet diversity, but not with improved diet quality. Attitude, but not knowledge, was linked to better diet quality. Future studies should focus on the specific contribution of aspirational, situational and behavioural factors in directing increased diversity towards favourable eating habits.
The Israel‐Hamas War One Year Later: Mass Violence and Palestinian Dispossession
Authors: Samuel M.T.
Published: December 2024

This essay analyzes the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip as it has unfolded in the year since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attacks. It first details the death and destruction Tel Aviv has wrought over that period, the predictions for mass casualties to come, and the state‐sanctioned violence and theft faced by Palestinians not just in Gaza but across the occupied territories and Israel. It then examines why Washington's support of Tel Aviv has remained steadfast despite domestic and international condemnation, arguing that President Joe Biden's Zionist ideology has played a decisive role. The article further shows that Israel's interest in the territorial dispossession of Palestinians under the cover of war has led its right‐wing government to thwart efforts at a ceasefire that would return the hostages still held by Hamas. The analysis concludes with a reflection on the antiwar protests that continue to roil US campuses as Donald Trump returns to power.
Hereditary angioedema in children: Review and practical perspective for clinical management
Authors: Pagnier Anne , Dermesropian Angelina , Kevorkian‐Verguet Charlotte , Bourgoin‐Heck Mélisande , Hoarau Cyrille , Reumaux Héloïse , Nugues Frédérique , Audouin‐Pajot Christine , Blanc Sibylle , Carbasse Aurélia , Jurquet Anne‐Laure , Voidey Mélanie , Villedieu Mona , Bouillet Laurence , Boccon‐Gibod Isabelle
Published: December 2024

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) in children has specific features and requires multidisciplinary management.

Methods

We performed a literature search and underwent in‐depth discussions to provide practical tools for physicians.

Results

HAE is a rare, life‐threatening genetic disorder. Its epidemiology is poorly documented in children. Clinical manifestations usually appear during childhood or early adolescence. Classical signs, often preceded by prodromal symptoms, include transient, localized, non‐pitting, non‐pruritic swelling of deep dermal/subcutaneous or mucosal/submucosal tissues, leading to oedema of the extremities, face, lips, tongue, trunk and genitals, recurring gastrointestinal symptoms and laryngeal edema possibly causing asphyxiation and death. Diagnosis is often delayed due to low awareness in the medical community, and particularly challenging in case of isolated abdominal crises or atypical presentation and in neonates or infants. It relies on biological tests (measurement of serum/plasma levels of C1INH function, C1INH protein, and C4), genetic testing in selected cases, and imaging for differential diagnosis of acute abdominal crises. Main differential diagnosis for peripheral oedema is mast cell‐mediated oedema that accounts for 95% of angioedema in clinical practice. Quality of life can be significantly impaired. Disease management includes treatment of attacks, short‐term and long‐term prophylaxis, psychological support, avoidance of triggers, patients’ and parents’ education and coordination of all stakeholders, ideally within a specialized healthcare network. New plasma kallikrein inhibitors, namely lanadelumab (subcutaneous route) and berotralstat (oral route) have facilitated long‐term prophylaxis thanks to improved usability.

Conclusion

Diagnostic and treatment of HAE are particularly challenging in children and require specific management by multiple stakeholders.
Risk Factors of Hypothermia During Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using a Novel Warming Method
Authors: Ishihara Taiga , Baba Chiaki , Ishizaki Kaoru , Ninagawa Jun , Kasuya Shugo
Published: December 2024

Background

Intraoperative hypothermia often occurs in patients under general anesthesia, including liver transplantation (LT), leading to various life‐threatening conditions. This study aimed to evaluate factors causing hypothermia in patients undergoing pediatric LT.

Methods

Data were collected from patients undergoing LT who were warmed during surgery. The participants were divided into the hypothermia group, comprising patients with intraoperative hypothermia (< 35°C), and the normothermia group, comprising patients without hypothermia (≧ 35°C). These two groups were compared in terms of preoperative conditions (weight, height, Body mass index, age [months], and pediatric end‐stage liver disease score), intraoperative findings (surgical duration, graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio, cold ischemic time, warm ischemic time, length of the an‐hepatic period, volume of blood loss, and volume of blood transfusion), and postoperative findings (complications within 30 days, rejection within 30 days, and length of intensive care unit and hospital admission).

Results

The hypothermia and normothermia groups differed in terms of age, weight, height, pediatric end‐stage liver disease score, graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio, volume of blood loss, volume of blood transfusion (red cell concentrate and fresh frozen plasma), the duration of intensive care unit admission, and rejection within 30 days (all p < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, only the number of patients experiencing rejection was associated with intraoperative hypothermia (odds ratio = 32.553, 95%CI: 2.198–482.226, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Rejection was particularly related to intraoperative hypothermia.
Perceptions and Experiences of Exercise Snacks Among Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Du Yunfei , Peng Ruotong , Wan Xiao , Zhang Chi , Guo Yongzhen , Chang Jing , Feng Hui , Cao Zeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Physical inactivity in middle‐aged and older adults is a major health problem. Exercise snacks are an emerging form of physical activity characterized by shorter single bouts of high‐intensity exercise spread out repeatedly throughout the day which can provide more exercise opportunities for middle‐aged and older adults.

Purpose

To summarize perceptions and experiences of exercise snacks among middle‐aged and older adults, and explore the barriers and facilitators of promoting exercise snacks.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA and systematically searched five databases from the earliest to May 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool is used to quality assess and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behavior (COM‐B model) is used to guide thematic synthesis.

Results

Fourteen categories from nine studies were summarized, and 277 findings were identified. Three synthesized findings were: capability of middle‐aged and older adults (including health‐related exercise disorders, learning and mastery skills, and health literacy), opportunities for exercise snacks (including flexible and free, easy and quick, integration into life, social and family support, and application of mobile health technology), and motivation of exercise snacks (including pleasurable experiences, gaining physical and mental benefits, effective reminders, incentives and feedback, personalized needs, and self‐efficacy).

Conclusion

Exercise snacks are a promising approach， however, they need to be continuously optimized. Our results can provide evidence for designing and optimizing exercise snack programs. Medical workers should assist middle‐aged and older adults in developing appropriate exercise snack strategies.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42024544089)
From pupil to performance: Exploring the role of tonic norepinephrine levels in response inhibition using pretrial pupil measures
Authors: Doekemeijer Roos A. , Cabooter Quinn , Wardhani Intan K. , Verbruggen Frederick , Boehler C. Nico
Published: December 2024

Response inhibition is key to flexible behavior. Importantly, performance in any task, including response inhibition tasks, fluctuates on a moment‐to‐moment basis. Using pupillometry, we investigated the relationship between these behavioral fluctuations in response inhibition and naturally occurring fluctuations of norepinephrine (NE) levels in the brain before a given trial has even started. This was motivated by earlier pharmacological work suggesting a pivotal role of NE in response inhibition, in particular. We specifically used two pupillometry proxies for pretrial (tonic) NE levels, the absolute pretrial pupil size and its derivative, and investigated whether and to which degree they were related to response‐inhibition performance in a stop‐signal task. Specifically, we investigated the relationship to stopping success, and the speed of the go response (GoRT) and that of the stop response (SSRT). In two experiments, we showed that larger pretrial pupil measures predicted (1) lower stopping success, (2) faster GoRTs (particularly so when the go response needed to be executed in a stop context), and some evidence for (3) faster SSRTs. Taken together, our findings show a clear pattern that pretrial pupil measures predict behavioral fluctuations in response inhibition, which suggests that tonic levels of NE are involved in the regulation of these behavioral fluctuations. Yet, our work furthermore indicates that this involvement is not stopping‐specific, given its effect on both the go and the stop response.
A Numerical and Bi‐directional Study of the Blackstock and Diaz–Solovchuk–Sheu Models for Approximating the Euler System
Authors: Vasilyeva Anzhelika , Lambers James V.
Published: December 2024

This paper is a revisitation of a prior analytical and numerical study of two competing finite‐amplitude models of one‐dimensional acoustic propagation in perfect gases, due to Blackstock and Diaz et al., through comparison with the Euler system specialized to this case. In this study, we consider alternative time‐stepping approaches, to validate the findings of the prior numerical study, and refined numerical boundary conditions. We also investigate whether the approximate models can be described as nearly equivalent to the Euler system with modified parameters, and the behavior of reflected waves produced by all three models.
Exploring the longitudinal associations among fear of negative evaluation, self‐disgust, and self‐injury in Chinese adolescents: Disentangling between‐ and within‐person associations
Authors: Zhang Jiajing , Chen Danrui , Ying Jiefeng , Shen Yunhong , Zhan Shiting , Zhong Rui , You Jianing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation (SI) are widespread mental health concerns among adolescents. As fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and self‐disgust are also common psychological phenomena among adolescents, existing research suggests that there may be reciprocal predictive relationships between FNE and NSSI/SI with self‐disgust playing a mediating role. This study aimed to investigate the reciprocal relationships between FNE and NSSI, as well as FNE and SI, and the mediating role of self‐disgust.

Method

Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPMs) were employed. A total of 515 Chinese secondary school students (50.7% boys; baseline Mage = 12.31 years, SD = 0.81) completed self‐report questionnaires regarding FNE, self‐disgust, NSSI, and SI. The assessment was conducted in four waves, 6 months apart.

Results

The results were as follows: (1) There were bidirectional relations between FNE and NSSI through self‐disgust. (2) There was a unidirectional association from FNE to SI via self‐disgust.

Conclusion

These findings have expanded the theoretical understanding of adolescent NSSI and SI, and highlighted the importance of offering personalized psychological counseling and therapy services at the intrapersonal level for adolescents.
Incorporating the concept of overtransfusion into hemovigilance monitoring: An expert‐based definition and criteria from the International HIT‐OVER Forum
Authors: Fischer D. , Weigand M. A. , Moss R. , Veiras S. , Kübel B. , Garcia‐Erce J. A. , Zacharowski K. , Meybohm P. , Waters J. H. , Raasveld S. J. , Vlaar A. P. J. , Richards T. , Meier J. , Lasocki S. , Hofmann A. , Shander A. , von Heymann C. , Dietrich G. , Fries D. , Steinbicker A. U. , Rondinelli M. B. , Levy J. H. , Beck G. , Frietsch T.
Published: December 2024

Background

Liberal or overtransfusion (OT) may be regarded as “inappropriate,” but it is not reported as a transfusion‐related adverse event. A definition of OT is lacking. OT may include overdosing of components, giving the incorrect component, or unnecessary administration without evidence of need for transfusion. OT can be associated with hypercoagulability, thrombosis, alloimmunization, increased mortality, longer hospital stay, increased infection rates, and adverse cardiocirculatory events.

Study Design and Methods

In 2023, an expert panel formed a hemovigilance international taskforce embedded in the German Interdisciplinary Taskforce for Clinical Hemotherapy (IAKH). The group was charged with proposing simple criteria to be used by hemovigilance systems to document instances of OT.

Results

This international initiative combined a narrative review of the literature for the rate and outcomes of OT with transfusion error reports to propose a definition for OT, including a definition for transfusion‐induced hypercoagulopathy (TIH), three new codes for OT/TIH and subcodes A to G, three severity categories (serious adverse event, adverse event, near miss), and four incident codes (definite, probable, possible, not determinable). These codes can be used by hemovigilance systems to appropriately document instances of OT.

Conclusions

Global adoption of these codes within hemovigilance systems would assist with the recognition and reporting of instances of OT, promote effective policies for adequate clinical administration techniques, and support technical guidelines for avoidance of OT. Thereby, incorporation of OT into hemovigilance strategies could support adequate use of blood products, increase patient safety, and facilitate blood supply and availability.
New Record of the Giant Ground Sloth Mylodonopsis ibseni Cartelle, 1991 in the Late Pleistocene of Brazilian Intertropical Region
Authors: Dantas Mário André Trindade , De Melo França Lucas , David Santos Soares Aléxia , Silva Vieira Fabiana
Published: December 2024

In this study, we refined the identification of a giant sloth molariform tooth previously attributed to indeterminate Mylodontinae, which was found in the tank deposit of Fazenda Elefante, Gararu municipality (Sergipe, Brazil). The mesiodistal and vestibulolingual diameters, as well as the index between the mesiodistal and vestibulolingual diameters of tooth LPUFS 1852, were compared with the measurements obtained from caniniforms and first and second molariforms of juvenile and adult individuals of Ocnotherium giganteum, Glossotherium phoenesis, and Mylodonopis ibseni. Based on this comparison, we attributed tooth LPUFS 1852 to the right first lower molariform of a juvenile individual of Mylodonopsis ibseni. This identification represents the fifth record of this taxon, which has been recorded in Lagoa Santa/MG, Toca dos Ossos (Ourolândia/Bahia), Gruta dos Brejões (Morro do Chapéu/BA), Fazenda Elefante (Gararu/SE), and Lagoa Tanque (Afrânio/PE).
Revealed at last: Structure of the antibody-receptor complex common to all IgE-mediated allergic hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Sutton Brian
Published: December 2024

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds with high affinity to its receptor, FcεRI, on mast cells and basophils, and cross-linking of allergen-specific IgE by minute amounts of multivalent allergen stimulates a powerful and immediate allergic reaction. In this issue of
Science Signaling
, Zhang
et al.
report the three-dimensional structures of the human and murine receptors, with and without bound IgE-Fc, to reveal some intriguing differences between mouse and human in this critical antibody-receptor interaction.
Cefiderocol pharmacokinetics during acute pulmonary exacerbations in hospitalized adult persons with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Koenig Christina , Monogue Marguerite L. , Shields Ryan K. , Sakon Colleen M. , Fratoni Andrew J. , Roenfanz Hanna F. , Finklea James D. , Pope James S. , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: December 2024

Persons with CF (pwCF) present altered pharmacokinetics (PK) and are often infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Herein, we describe the PK of cefiderocol, a siderophore cephalosporin with potent activity against MDR Gram-negative rods, in hospitalized adult pwCF with acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE). PwCF received ≥3 doses of 2 g cefiderocol (3 h infusion) with frequency determined according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Blood sampling collected at steady state. Concentrations were fitted using the non-parametric adaptive grid algorithm in Pmetrics for R. Ten pwCF were enrolled; nine completed the study with six receiving 2 g q8 h and three 2 g q6 h. A two-compartment model best fitted the data. Mean (SD) PK parameters were clearance, 5.66 (1.28) L/h; volume of central compartment, 5.81 (3.52) L, and intercompartment transfer constants, k12, 4.29 (3.46) and k21, 2.25 (2.76) h
−1
. Protein binding was 48% (35–57). The 2 g q8 h regimen achieved a mean free time above the MIC (
f
T >MIC) of 99% (94–99), 90% (69–100), and 64% (41–81) at MICs of 4 (susceptible), 8 (intermediate), and 16 (resistant) mg/L, respectively, with AUC
24h
of 1,191 (781–1,496) mg/L*h. In pwCF with eGFR >120 mL/min, 2 g q6 h attained 100%
f
T >MIC up to 8 mg/L and 87% (83–92) at 16 mg/L, with AUC
24h
of 1,279 (1,054–1,590) mg/L*h. Among these nine pwCF with APE with normal or augmented renal clearance, cefiderocol using label prescribed dosing regimens according to eGFR was well tolerated and achieved optimal
f
T >MIC exposure for pathogens up to MICs of 8 mg/L and AUC
24h
estimates similar to previously reported estimates in non-CF patients.
Characterizing full-time, non-tenure-track teaching faculty in biology
Authors: Forsythe Desiree , Hsu Jeremy L.
Published: December 2024

Institutions of higher education play a major role in teaching undergraduate students. Historically, most courses have been taught by tenure-track (TT) faculty who may also be responsible for research or scholarly activities. However, a recent shift from “teaching-intensive” TT faculty to “teaching-only” contingent faculty off the tenure track has highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of contingent faculty. While there have been an increasing number of studies examining the experiences of part-time contingent faculty, few studies have directly surveyed the increasing number of full-time, non-tenure-track (NTT) teaching faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to capture their experiences, nor are we aware of any study that has examined the roles of NTT teaching faculty within one discipline to examine any potential disciplinary differences that may arise across STEM fields. Here, we focus on the experiences of full-time, non-tenure-track faculty in biology whose primary responsibility is teaching. We conducted a random stratified sampling of institutions using the Carnegie classifications to identify potential full-time NTT teaching faculty at over 10% of all institutions in the United States. Our results from surveying these faculty found both positive and negative themes, including (i) NTT teaching faculty being less diverse than the STEM professoriate at large; (ii) NTT teaching faculty reporting mixed feelings on institutional support, identifying a range of opportunities to better support NTT teaching faculty; (iii) NTT teaching faculty often having limited participation in voting for department and institutional matters and reporting mixed feelings of belonging and value; and (iv) NTT teaching faculty having high amounts of autonomy over their teaching but still struggling in key areas. We end with specific implications and recommendations for our field to better support NTT teaching faculty in biology.
Understanding tissue injury and remodelling in eosinophilic oesophagitis: development towards personalised medicine
Authors: Santacroce Giovanni , Rossi Carlo Maria , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: December 2024

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition characterised by eosinophilic infiltration of the oesophagus, leading to significant morbidity due to oesophageal dysfunction. The pathogenic course of EoE begins with tissue injury, marked by the intricate interplay of oesophageal barrier dysfunction and T helper 2-mediated inflammation. In response to tissue damage, a subsequent phase of tissue remodelling features a complex interaction between epithelial cells and stromal cells, aimed at tissue repair. The persistence of inflammation drives these mechanisms towards oesophageal fibrostenosis, mainly through the transforming growth factor-dependent, myofibroblast-driven accumulation of the extracellular matrix. Currently, treatment options for EoE are limited, with dietary intervention, proton pump inhibitors and oral steroids serving as first-line therapies. Dupilumab, an antiinterleukin (IL) 4/IL-13 agent, is the only biologic that has been approved by European and American regulatory authorities. However, emerging OMIC technologies significantly advance our understanding of EoE pathogenesis, revealing novel cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the disease. This progress has accelerated the identification of new therapeutic targets and agents, some already under clinical investigation, potentially expanding our therapeutic arsenal and paving the way for more personalised approaches. In this evolving landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential to further elaborate on the complexities of EoE heterogeneity, offering standardised tools for diagnosis, disease phenotyping, and prediction of treatment response. Though still in their early stages, integrating OMICs and AI marks a pivotal step towards precision medicine in EoE.
Analysis of the Coupling Mechanism of Liquid Cylinder Vibration Based on the Low-Speed Operating Conditions of Neural Network Model
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Gong Hui , Chen Xianjin , Zhu Yongren
Published: December 2024

The connection between the friction negative and related damping is on the low-speed hydraulic cylinder, which will generate the vibration and influence of the hydraulic cylinder, which inhibits the accuracy of the hydraulic equipment. In order to effectively solve this problem, this paper creates a neural network model, considering the negative damping and related damping effects under low-speed conditions, and intended the coupling mechanism of negative damping and related damping. Based on the converter of the hydraulic cylinder, the nonlinear stiffness characteristics of the sensor hydraulic cylinder were analyzed, and the requirements of the hydraulic cylinder collection were obtained according to the requirements of the energy star collection of the liquid voltage star, and the equivalent of the sensor liquid pressure cylinder was obtained. At the same time, the sensor system implements feedback control on vibration velocity and displacement based on changes in piston position, in order to analyze the coupling mechanism of hydraulic cylinder vibration under low-speed operating conditions. The results of the study show that the function of the feedback controller is systematic, and the antipity control contains the possibility of minimizing serious damage and can effectively improve the efficiency and stability of the system. In the actual manufacturing process, we studied the vibration coupling effect of the liquid cylinder under low-speed conditions, proved the change characteristics of the vibration amplitude and frequency of the hydraulic cylinder, and revealed the related damping in the vibration.
Design of Oral English Teaching Quality Evaluation System Based on AHP-Fuzzy Algorithm
Authors: Jiao Wang
Published: December 2024

In the evolving landscape of English oral language instruction, the integration of online and offline (blended) teaching methodologies has emerged as a significant approach to enhance learning outcomes. This study addresses the need for a robust and nuanced evaluation framework capable of assessing the quality of blended English oral language teaching. Motivated by the limitations of traditional evaluation methods in capturing the complexities and subjective nuances of blended teaching environments, we propose a novel evaluation model that leverages the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Association Analysis. This paper outlines a systematic approach to construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system tailored to the specific demands of English oral language teaching. Utilizing AHP, we determine the relative weights of various evaluation indicators, laying a solid foundation for a structured assessment framework. Subsequently, Fuzzy Association Analysis is employed to handle the inherent uncertainties and subjectivities associated with teaching quality assessment, thereby facilitating a more accurate and holistic evaluation. An empirical case study is presented to demonstrate the practical application of our proposed AHP-Fuzzy model in evaluating the quality of a specific blended English oral language teaching program. The results underscore the model’s effectiveness in providing a detailed and nuanced assessment of teaching quality, highlighting its superiority over traditional evaluation methods in addressing the complexities of blended teaching environments.
Personalized College English Learning Experience Assisted by Artificial Intelligence: An Algorithm-Driven Adaptive Learning Approach
Authors: Yuan Suwen
Published: December 2024

Personalized College English Learning offers customized education based on individual necessities and aims. Students enhance their linguistic ability efficiently over engaging sessions, specific curricula, and professional teachers. This study aims to progress a smart Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based adaptive learning method for enhancing personalized college English learning experience. Our proposed model provides an intelligent detecting device-enabled setting for learning English over big data analysis and machine learning based on a DM approach. Intelligent sensing strategies detention significant statistics from college English students and big data analysis examines the data to produce beneficial insights that increase real-time personalizing of English learning experiences. We suggest an innovative Starling Murmuration fine-tuned Dynamic Weighted Random Forest (SM-DWRF) system for classifying the data. Our model influences perceptions from collective behavior in starling flocks to dynamically alter feature weights in DWRF arrangement. It integrates fine-tuning mechanisms to adaptively weight features, developing classification accurateness and strength in adapted college English learning settings. We implemented our suggested model in Python software. In the assessment stage, we accurately measure the effectiveness of our proposed SM-DWRF model in identifying diverse features of English learning across various parameters. Our experimental findings incontestably showcase the greater performance of our model associated with conventional approaches in classifying content from multimodal statistics. Significantly, we perceive prominent enhancements in reliability and robustness, when acclimating to dynamic learning settings.
Research on the Application of the Internet of Things in Optimizing the Allocation of Ideological and Political Education Resources Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lin YueHong
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluates the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in designing smart teaching systems by optimizing ideological and political education (IPE) resources using machine learning (ML). To increase educational reform’s efficacy, we also examine the issues with conventional IPE instruction. This study further develops a cutting-edge, smart framework for teaching ideological and political concepts in the educational setting and changes teaching according to real-life scenarios. Comprising the perception, network, and application stages, the IPE platform is a three-layer IoT architecture. The IoT and internet connections are used by the technology to receive effective IPE instructional activity information in real time. After that, the data are sent over the internet to the data center, where it is used as the initial information for applications, analysis of information, and modeling training. We are able to collect and acquire IPE teaching activity data sets on instructive and educational developments in courses by using IoT devices. The principal component analysis (PCA) approach is used to remove interface characteristics, date, and time elements from the data to increase the evaluation’s correctness. To remove noisy information from the data, the z-score normalization method is used. In addition, this paper suggests a novel efficient Cat Boost method inspired by hunter–prey optimization (AHPO-ECB) for evaluating IPE performance. In this case, the AHPO approach is employed to reduce the misprediction rate of the CB. The suggested model is then used to analyze the predicted performance using a Python program. The results of the experiments indicate that, in comparison to other models currently in use, the suggested AHPO-ECB model performs at the highest level when assessing IPE teaching performance.