bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing COVID‐19 Diagnosis: Enhancement in SERS‐PCR with 30‐nm Au Nanoparticle‐Internalized Nanodimpled Substrates
Authors: Dang Hajun , Joung Younju , Yang Jun‐Yeong , Lee Soo Hyun , Lee Seunghun , Joo Sang‐Woo , Park Sung‐Gyu , Choo Jaebum
Published: July 2024

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with fluorescence detection is the gold standard for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) However, the fluorescence detection in RT‐PCR requires multiple amplification steps when the initial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) concentration is low. Therefore, this study has developed a highly sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐based PCR (SERS‐PCR) assay platform using the gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐internalized gold nanodimpled substrate (AuNDS) plasmonic platform. By comparing different sizes of AuNPs, it is observed that using 30 nm AuNPs improves the detection limit by approximately ten times compared to 70 nm AuNPs. Finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations show that multiple hotspots are formed between AuNPs and the cavity surface and between AuNPs when 30 nm AuNPs are internalized in the cavity, generating a strong electric field. With this 30 nm AuNPs‐AuNDS SERS platform, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) ribonucleic acid (RNA)‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) can be detected in only six amplification cycles, significantly improving over the 25 cycles required for RT‐PCR. These findings pave the way for an amplification‐free molecular diagnostic system based on SERS.
Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid on aged microplastics
Authors: Ning Zigong , Zhou Shuang , Yang Ying , Li Pengxiang , Zhao Zilong , Zhang Wei , Lu Lu , Ren Nanqi
Published: July 2024

The presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment poses a significant threat to ecological safety and environmental health. Widespread microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as vectors for emerging contaminants due to human activities. However, the adsorption behaviors of PFAS on MPs, especially on aged MPs, have not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged MPs (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate) treated with UV irradiation and persulfate oxidation under salinity and dissolve organic matter (DOM) condition. Carbonyl index values of MPs increased after the aged treatment, indicating the production of oxygen‐containing groups. The PFOA adsorption on aged MPs was impacted by the co‐existence of Na+ ions and DOM. As PFOA adsorption onto aged MPs was mainly controlled by hydrophobic interaction, the electrostatic interaction also made a contribution, but there was no significant change in PFOA adsorption behavior between the pristine and aged MPs. While these findings provide insight into PFAS adsorption on aged MPs, further research is necessary to account for the complexity of the real environment.

Practitioner Points

Adsorption behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on aged microplastics were investigated.

Hydrophobic interaction mainly controlled PFOA adsorption on aged microplastics (MPs).

Co‐existence dissolve organic matter and salinity influenced PFOA adsorption behaviors on aged MPs.
Impact of injury mechanism on early wound closure in patients with acute conflict‐related extremity wounds: A prospective cohort analysis from two civilian hospitals in Iraq and Jordan
Authors: Haque Ghazal , Haweizy Rawand , Bashaireh Khaldoon , Malmstedt Jonas , Älgå Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background

Gunshots and bomb blasts are important causes of extremity injuries in conflict zones, yet little research exists on the characteristics and outcomes of these injuries in civilian populations.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort analysis utilizing data from a randomized trial conducted at two civilian hospitals in Jordan and Iraq in 2015–2019. Adults who presented ≤72 h of sustaining an extremity injury were included. We used mechanism of injury (gunshot/bomb blast) as the exposure and wound closure by day 5 as the primary outcome measure.

Results

The population predominantly comprised young men (n = 163, 94% male, and median age 29 years) injured by gunshots (61%) or bomb blasts (39%). Compared with the gunshot group, more participants in the bomb blast group had concomitant injuries (32/63 [51%] vs. 11/100 [11%], p < 0.001) and vascular injuries (9/63 [14%] vs. 4/100 [4%], p = 0.02). The wounds were larger in the bomb blast group compared with the gunshot group (median area 86 cm2 [IQR 24–161] vs. 21 cm2 [IQR 7–57], p < 0.001). Compared with the bomb blast group, significantly more participants in the gunshot group achieved wound closure by day 5 (74/100 [74%] vs. 16/63 [25%], p < 0.001). This difference remained after controlling for confounding factors (odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.6–13.7).

Conclusions

In civilians with conflict‐related extremity injuries, bomb blast wounds had a lower likelihood of achieving closure within 5 days than gunshot wounds, independent of other factors, such as wound size and vascular injuries.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02444598. Registered 14‐05‐2015, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02444598.
The effect of tranexamic acid on blood transfusion in lower gastrointestinal bleeding—A double blind prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Moscovici Avihai , Nasasra Ahmad , Hammerschlag Jonathan , Zaharov Rafael , Kirshtein Anna , Dykman Daniel , Lavy Ron , Zmora Oded
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a common emergency. Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces clot breakdown by inhibiting the action of plasmin and has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusion in trauma, surgical procedures, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This study examined the efficiency of intravenous TXA in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients aged >18 years with lower GI hemorrhage, presenting as active rectal bleeding and anemia (hemoglobin lower than 11 g/dL or a decrease of 2 gr/dl from the patient's base level), were enrolled in this single center, double blind prospective research. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous TXA or placebo from admission until colonoscopy took place. The need for transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and number of units was recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

Eighty‐one patients were randomized in this study, thirty‐nine in the TXA arm, and forty‐two in the placebo arm. Patient characteristics did not differ between the groups. Forty‐three out of the 81 patients received blood transfusion; twenty‐two were on the placebo arm and twenty‐one on the TXA arm (p = 0.89). Twenty‐nine patients required 2 or more units, 14 in the TXA arm and 15 in the placebo arm (p = 0.98).

Conclusions

Intravenous TXA has no significant effect on blood requirement in patients with lower GI bleeding. There was no difference in the consumption of PRBC units among the patients in the placebo and TXA groups. It seems that tranexamic acid has no significant effect on transfusion of PRBC units in lower GI bleeding.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Aldehydes with Hydrooligosilanes
Authors: Kanno Ken‐ichiro , Sunaga Yasuhiro , Kyushin Soichiro
Published: July 2024

Ruthenium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of aldehydes with hydrooligosilanes is reported. Among the examined ruthenium catalysts, RuH2(CO)(PPh3)3 gave the best results. The reactions proceed with the Si−Si bonds preserved to afford the corresponding alkoxyoligosilanes in good yields. A series of aryl aldehydes with an electron‐withdrawing group is applicable, whereas those with an electron‐donating group are not suitable for the reaction. Mechanistic considerations suggest that the key points for the preservation of the Si−Si bonds are the formation of zero‐valent ruthenium species and the efficient coordination of the aldehyde to the ruthenium center prior to the oxidative addition of the Si−H bond.
Marginally deformed AdS5/CFT4 and spindle-like orbifolds
Authors: Macpherson Niall T. , Merrikin Paul , Nunez Carlos
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study marginal deformations of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2, d = 4 long linear quiver CFTs using the holographic description. We find a two-parameter family of AdS5 solutions that generically break all of supersymmetry, but preserve $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 for a particular tuning of the parameters. We study the G-structure of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 “parent” and the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 backgrounds and carefully discuss the quantisation of charges in all cases. For the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0 cases, a picture emerges with “branes” back-reacted on either a spindle or its higher dimensional analogue. Comments on the marginally deformed dual CFTs are given, together with the study of some observables.
Entanglement inside a black hole before the Page time
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Jian Shao-Kai , Ling Yi , Xian Zhuo-Yu
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of entanglement within an open, strongly coupled system interacting with a heat bath as its environment, in the frameworks of both the doubly holographic model and the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model. Generally, the entanglement within the system initially increases as due to internal interactions; however, it eventually dissipates into the environment. In the doubly holographic setup, we consider an end-of-the-world brane in the bulk to represent an eternal black hole coupled with its radiation and the evolution of the global thermofield double (TFD) state. For small black holes, the reflected entropy between the bipartition exhibits a ramp-plateau-slump behavior, where the plateau arises due to the phase transition of the entanglement wedge cross-section before the Page time. Similarly, the mutual information between the bipartition displays a ramp-slop-stabilizing behavior. In quantum mechanics, we consider a double copy of the SYK-plus-bath system in a global TFD state, resembling an eternal black hole interacting with an environment. The Rényi mutual information within the double-copied SYK clusters exhibits a ramp-plateau-slope-stabilizing behavior. The dynamic behaviors of the entanglement quantities observed in these two models are attributable to the competition between the internal interaction of the system and the external interaction with the baths. Our study provides a fine-grained picture of the entanglement dynamics inside black holes before their Page time.
Black hole bulk-cone singularities
Authors: Dodelson Matthew , Iossa Cristoforo , Karlsson Robin , Lupsasca Alexandru , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Lorentzian correlators of local operators exhibit surprising singularities in theories with gravity duals. These are associated with null geodesics in an emergent bulk geometry. We analyze singularities of the thermal response function dual to propagation of waves on the AdS Schwarzschild black hole background. We derive the analytic form of the leading singularity dual to a bulk geodesic that winds around the black hole. Remarkably, it exhibits a boundary group velocity larger than the speed of light, whose dual is the angular velocity of null geodesics at the photon sphere. The strength of the singularity is controlled by the classical Lyapunov exponent associated with the instability of nearly bound photon orbits. In this sense, the bulk-cone singularity can be identified as the universal feature that encodes the ubiquitous black hole photon sphere in a dual holographic CFT. To perform the computation analytically, we express the two-point correlator as an infinite sum over Regge poles, and then evaluate this sum using WKB methods. We also compute the smeared correlator numerically, which in particular allows us to check and support our analytic predictions. We comment on the resolution of black hole bulk-cone singularities by stringy and gravitational effects into black hole bulk-cone “bumps”. We conclude that these bumps are robust, and could serve as a target for simulations of black hole-like geometries in table-top experiments.
Easy bootstrap for the 3D Ising model: a hybrid approach of the lightcone bootstrap and error minimization methods
Authors: Li Wenliang
Published: July 2024

Abstract

As a simple lattice model that exhibits a phase transition, the Ising model plays a fundamental role in statistical and condensed matter physics. The Ising transition is realized by physical systems, such as the liquid-vapor transition. Its continuum limit also furnishes a basic example of interacting quantum field theories and universality classes. Motivated by a recent hybrid bootstrap study of the quantum quartic oscillator, we revisit the conformal bootstrap approach to the 3D Ising model at criticality, without resorting to positivity constraints. We use at most 10 nonperturbative crossing constraints at low derivatives from the Taylor expansion around a crossing symmetric point. The high-lying contributions are approximated by simple analytic formulae deduced from the lightcone singularity structure. Surprisingly, the low-lying properties are determined to good accuracy by this computationally very cheap approach. For instance, the results for the two relevant scaling dimensions (∆σ, ∆ϵ) ≈ (0.518153, 1.41278) are close to the most precise rigorous bounds obtained at a much higher computational cost.
FKS subtraction for quarkonium production at NLO
Authors: A H Ajjath , Shao Hua-Sheng , Simon Lukas
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We extend the local infrared-divergence subtraction formalism, originally proposed by Frixione, Kunszt and Signer (FKS), to calculate short-distance (differential) cross section for any inclusive process involving a quarkonium particle in non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorisation at next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy in the strong coupling constant αs. The new formulas are generally applicable to the production of an S- or P-wave quarkonium state in association with any number of elementary particles. The main new ingredients derived in this paper are the local and integrated soft counterterms for the colour-singlet and colour-octet P-wave bound states. It, therefore, paves the way to the automation of the NLO calculations for heavy quarkonium inclusive and associated production processes.
Massive carrollian fields at timelike infinity
Authors: Have Emil , Nguyen Kevin , Prohazka Stefan , Salzer Jakob
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Motivated by flat space holography, we demonstrate that massive spin-s fields in Minkowski space near timelike infinity are massive carrollian fields on the carrollian counterpart of anti-de Sitter space called Ti. Its isometries form the Poincaré group, and we construct the carrollian spin-s fields using the method of induced representations. We provide a dictionary between massive carrollian fields on Ti and massive fields in Minkowski space, as well as to fields in the conformal primary basis used in celestial holography. We show that the symmetries of the carrollian structure naturally account for the BMS charges underlying the soft graviton theorem. Finally, we initiate a discussion of the correspondence between massive scattering amplitudes and carrollian correlation functions on Ti, and introduce physical definitions of detector operators using a suitable notion of conserved carrollian energy-momentum tensor.
Stringy constraints on primordial electromagnetic fields in axion inflation
Authors: Otsuka Hajime , Yokokura Ryo
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study primordial electromagnetic fields in effective actions of string theory. In contrast to a conventional scenario of producing primordial electromagnetic fields induced by the axion inflation, we deal with the Dirac-Born-Infeld action as a non-linear generation of Maxwell theory. It turns out that the intensity of generated electromagnetic fields is bounded from above by the string scale which can also be rewritten in terms of supersymmetry breaking scale in the context of type IIB Large Volume Scenario. The instability parameter ξ is constrained by the tadpole cancellation condition of D3-branes and a realization of hierarchy between the string scale and the Hubble scale of inflation. Hence, the magnetogenesis can be realized in the limited corner of the string landscape due to the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) value of the coefficient of Chern-Simons coupling.
Open-closed string duality, branes, and topological recursion
Authors: Lowenstein Ashton
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We consider matrix models exhibiting open-closed string duality in two-dimensional string theories with various amounts of supersymmetry. In particular, a relationship between matrix models in the β = 2 Wigner-Dyson class and models in the (1 + 2Γ, 2) Altland-Zirnbauer class relates the perturbative solutions of the two systems’ string equations. Point-like operator insertions in the closed string theory are mapped to the topological expansion of the free energy in the open string theory. We compute correlation functions of macroscopic loop operators and FZZT branes in a general topological gravity background. The relationship between the topological recursion of moduli space volumes and branes is discussed by analyzing the Virasoro conditions in the matrix models.
Human cytomegalovirus infection impairs neural differentiation via repressing sterol regulatory element binding protein 2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis
Authors: Li Jianming , Sun Jingxuan , Xu Mingyi , Yang Lei , Yang Ning , Deng Jingui , Ma Yanping , Qi Ying , Liu Zhongyang , Ruan Qiang , Liu Yao , Huang Yujing
Published: July 2024

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of abnormalities and disorders in the central nervous system (CNS) and/or the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, the complete pathogenesis of neural differentiation disorders caused by HCMV infection remains to be fully elucidated. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a high proliferation and neurogenic differentiation capacity. Since SHEDs originate from the neural crest of the early embryonic ectoderm, SHEDs were hypothesized to serve as a promising cell line for investigating the pathogenesis of neural differentiation disorders in the PNS caused by congenital HCMV infection. In this work, SHEDs were demonstrated to be fully permissive to HCMV infection and the virus was able to complete its life cycle in SHEDs. Under neurogenic inductive conditions, HCMV infection of SHEDs caused an abnormal neural morphology. The expression of stem/neural cell markers was also disturbed by HCMV infection. The impairment of neural differentiation was mainly due to a reduction of intracellular cholesterol levels caused by HCMV infection. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP2) is a critical transcription regulator that guides cholesterol synthesis. HCMV infection was shown to hinder the migration of SREBP2 into nucleus and resulted in perinuclear aggregations of SREBP2 during neural differentiation. Our findings provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of nervous system diseases caused by congenital HCMV infection.
Endogenous LXR signaling controls pulmonary surfactant homeostasis and prevents lung inflammation
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Irene , De La Rosa Juan V. , Martín-Rodríguez Patricia , Díaz-Sarmiento Mercedes , Recio Carlota , Guerra Borja , Fernández-Pérez Leandro , León Theresa E. , Torres Rosa , Font-Díaz Joan , Roig Angela , de Mora Fernando , Boscá Lisardo , Díaz Mario , Valledor Annabel F. , Castrillo Antonio , Tabraue Carlos
Published: July 2024

Lung type 2 pneumocytes (T2Ps) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) play crucial roles in the synthesis, recycling and catabolism of surfactant material, a lipid/protein fluid essential for respiratory function. The liver X receptors (LXR), LXRα and LXRβ, are transcription factors important for lipid metabolism and inflammation. While LXR activation exerts anti-inflammatory actions in lung injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other inflammatory stimuli, the full extent of the endogenous LXR transcriptional activity in pulmonary homeostasis is incompletely understood. Here, using mice lacking LXRα and LXRβ as experimental models, we describe how the loss of LXRs causes pulmonary lipidosis, pulmonary congestion, fibrosis and chronic inflammation due to defective de novo synthesis and recycling of surfactant material by T2Ps and defective phagocytosis and degradation of excess surfactant by AMs. LXR-deficient T2Ps display aberrant lamellar bodies and decreased expression of genes encoding for surfactant proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol, fatty acids, and phospholipid metabolism. Moreover, LXR-deficient lungs accumulate foamy AMs with aberrant expression of cholesterol and phospholipid metabolism genes. Using a house dust mite aeroallergen-induced mouse model of asthma, we show that LXR-deficient mice exhibit a more pronounced airway reactivity to a methacholine challenge and greater pulmonary infiltration, indicating an altered physiology of LXR-deficient lungs. Moreover, pretreatment with LXR agonists ameliorated the airway reactivity in WT mice sensitized to house dust mite extracts, confirming that LXR plays an important role in lung physiology and suggesting that agonist pharmacology could be used to treat inflammatory lung diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Lhx4 surpasses its paralog Lhx3 in promoting the differentiation of spinal V2a interneurons
Authors: Renaux Estelle , Baudouin Charlotte , Marchese Damien , Clovis Yoanne , Lee Soo-Kyung , Gofflot Françoise , Rezsohazy René , Clotman Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Paralog factors are considered to ensure the robustness of biological processes by providing redundant activity in cells where they are co-expressed. However, the specific contribution of each factor is frequently underestimated. In the developing spinal cord, multiple families of transcription factors successively contribute to differentiate an initially homogenous population of neural progenitors into a myriad of neuronal subsets with distinct molecular, morphological, and functional characteristics. The LIM-homeodomain transcription factors Lhx3, Lhx4, Isl1 and Isl2 promote the segregation and differentiation of spinal motor neurons and V2 interneurons. Based on their high sequence identity and their similar distribution, the Lhx3 and Lhx4 paralogs are considered to contribute similarly to these processes. However, the specific contribution of Lhx4 has never been studied. Here, we provide evidence that Lhx3 and Lhx4 are present in the same cell populations during spinal cord development. Similarly to Lhx3, Lhx4 can form multiproteic complexes with Isl1 or Isl2 and the nuclear LIM interactor NLI. Lhx4 can stimulate a V2-specific enhancer more efficiently than Lhx3 and surpasses Lhx3 in promoting the differentiation of V2a interneurons in chicken embryo electroporation experiments. Finally, Lhx4 inactivation in mice results in alterations of differentiation of the V2a subpopulation, but not of motor neuron production, suggesting that Lhx4 plays unique roles in V2a differentiation that are not compensated by the presence of Lhx3. Thus, Lhx4 could be the major LIM-HD factor involved in V2a interneuron differentiation during spinal cord development and should be considered for in vitro differentiation of spinal neuronal populations.
Unconventional posttranslational modification in innate immunity
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Qi Dejun , Hu Haorui , Wang Xiaojian , Lin Wenlong
Published: July 2024

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a crucial role in innate immunity, and a complex network tightly controls their signaling cascades to maintain immune homeostasis. Within the modification network, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are at the core of signaling cascades. Conventional PTMs, which include phosphorylation and ubiquitination, have been extensively studied. The regulatory role of unconventional PTMs, involving unanchored ubiquitination, ISGylation, SUMOylation, NEDDylation, methylation, acetylation, palmitoylation, glycosylation, and myristylation, in the modulation of innate immune signaling pathways has been increasingly investigated. This comprehensive review delves into the emerging field of unconventional PTMs and highlights their pivotal role in innate immunity.
Plakophilin 4 controls the spatio-temporal activity of RhoA at adherens junctions to promote cortical actin ring formation and tissue tension
Authors: Müller Lisa , Keil René , Glaß Markus , Hatzfeld Mechthild
Published: July 2024

Plakophilin 4 (PKP4) is a component of cell–cell junctions that regulates intercellular adhesion and Rho-signaling during cytokinesis with an unknown function during epidermal differentiation. Here we show that keratinocytes lacking PKP4 fail to develop a cortical actin ring, preventing adherens junction maturation and generation of tissue tension. Instead, PKP4-depleted cells display increased stress fibers. PKP4-dependent RhoA localization at AJs was required to activate a RhoA-ROCK2-MLCK-MLC2 axis and organize actin into a cortical ring. AJ-associated PKP4 provided a scaffold for the Rho activator ARHGEF2 and the RhoA effectors MLCK and MLC2, facilitating the spatio-temporal activation of RhoA signaling at cell junctions to allow cortical ring formation and actomyosin contraction. In contrast, association of PKP4 with the Rho suppressor ARHGAP23 reduced ARHGAP23 binding to RhoA which prevented RhoA activation in the cytoplasm and stress fiber formation. These data identify PKP4 as an AJ component that transduces mechanical signals into cytoskeletal organization.
Changes in subjective well-being and stress of older adults before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study in Switzerland
Authors: Valérie-Anne Ryser , Dawid Gondek , Marieke Voorpostel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Despite the concerns about older adults’ overall quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, they often demonstrated better resilience, adaptability, and subjective well-being (SWB) than younger individuals. However, longer-term trends remain unclear. This study aims to describe older adults' trajectories in SWB dimensions before, during, and after the pandemic spanning 2017–2022.

Methods

This study used piecewise growth curve analysis on a subsample of the Swiss Household Panel to investigate the population-average (n individuals = 3086; n = observations = 13,780) trajectories of SWB dimensions and stress among adults aged 65 and older between 2017 and 2022. We also tested whether these trajectories differed by age, gender, and household income.

Results

Life satisfaction and positive affect remained stable among older people during the pandemic (2019–2021) but declined after. Negative affect increased during the pandemic and decreased afterward, while stress levels increased slightly before and significantly after the pandemic. The trajectories did not differ by gender or household income, but the oldest-old (> 75-year-old) had a more significant decline in positive affect and life satisfaction pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and stress during the pandemic (2020–2021).

Conclusion

Research shows that older adults possess adaptation skills and emotional competencies, which enable them to navigate pandemic challenges. However, we show that the post-pandemic era presents more substantial challenges for this older population, who perhaps face more difficulties adapting to the new uncertain post-pandemic world. Further research needs to examine if these findings replicate in other contexts, for instance, where pandemic containment measures have been more stringent.
Virtualism: how AI replaces reality
Authors: Söffner Jan
Published: July 2024

This paper traces the shift from the age of realism to the age of virtualism we are currently witnessing. To do so, I draw on older theories announcing this advent (mostly Baudrillard in Simulacra and simulation. Transl. Sheila Glaser. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1994 [1981]; Serres in Atlas. Édition Julliard, Paris, 1994; Virilio in The vision machine. Transl. Rose J. Indiana UP, Bloomington, 1994). I will describe how AI destabilizes fundamental distinctions upon which reality is built—such as the difference between truth and fiction, between existence and simulation, between the actual and the potential, between game and everyday life, between person and avatar. Against the backdrop of a broader notion of the virtual (drawing on Deleuze in The actual and the virtual. Transl. Eliot Ross Albert in Parnet C Dialogues. Bloomsbury, London, pp 148–152, 2006 [1996]), I will read current realist theories (Chalmers in Reality plus—virtual worlds and the problems of philosophy. Allen Lane, London in 2022; Gabriel in Why the world does not exist. Transl. Gregory S. Moss. Polity, Cambridge, 2015; Ferraris in Positive realism. Zero Books, Arlesford, 2015; Meillassoux in After finitude—an essay on the necessity of contingency. Transl. Brassler R. Bloomsbury, London, 2008) as symptoms of the ongoing shift (rather than countermeasures against it), because they result in an inability to do justice to the epistemic and existential changes resulting from the erosion of the foundations of reality. The consequences of this shift are hard to predict and can only partially be outlined in this paper, which will end in a cautious attempt to do so (chapters 5 and 6). Starting off with a brief overview on this topic (chapter 1), I will trace the reasons for my diagnosis focusing first on what I call the “age of reality” currently coming to an end (chapter 2), then on why virtuality cannot be subsumed under reality (chapter 3), then how virtuality is currently replacing reality (chapter 4).
University expansion and female adolescents’ educational attainment in Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Musa Hasen
Published: July 2024

Although it is widely recognized that accounting for spillovers from higher education institutions is essential when formulating educational policy, research on these effects in developing countries is scarce. This study examines the spillover effects of Ethiopia's recent public university expansion program on the educational attainment of female adolescents in the surrounding areas. Employing an event study framework, the research demonstrates a positive association between the presence of a university in the neighborhood and the academic achievement of female students at lower educational levels.
How to fight fake papers: a review on important information sources and steps towards solution of the problem
Authors: Wittau Jonathan , Seifert Roland
Published: July 2024

Scientific fake papers, containing manipulated or completely fabricated data, are a problem that has reached dramatic dimensions. Companies known as paper mills (or more bluntly as “criminal science publishing gangs”) produce and sell such fake papers on a large scale. The main drivers of the fake paper flood are the pressure in academic systems and (monetary) incentives to publish in respected scientific journals and sometimes the personal desire for increased “prestige.” Published fake papers cause substantial scientific, economic, and social damage. There are numerous information sources that deal with this topic from different points of view. This review aims to provide an overview of these information sources until June 2024. Much more original research with larger datasets is needed, for example on the extent and impact of the fake paper problem and especially on how to detect them, as many findings are based more on small datasets, anecdotal evidence, and assumptions. A long-term solution would be to overcome the mantra of publication metrics for evaluating scientists in academia.
Sperm-Specific CatSper is Not Conserved in All Vertebrates and May Not be the Only Progesterone-Responsive Ion Channel Present in Sperm
Authors: Dubey Nishant Kumar , Kumar Vikash , Goswami Chandan
Published: July 2024

Progesterone (P4) acts as a key conserved signalling molecule in vertebrate reproduction. P4 is especially important for mature sperm physiology and subsequent reproductive success. “CatSpermasome”, a multi-unit molecular complex, has been suggested to be the main if not the only P4-responsive atypical Ca2+-ion channel present in mature sperm. Altogether, here we analyse the protein sequences of CatSper1-4 from more than 500 vertebrates ranging from early fishes to humans. CatSper1 becomes longer in mammals due to sequence gain mainly at the N-terminus. Overall the conservation of full-length CatSper1-4 as well as the individual TM regions remain low. The lipid-water-interface residues (i.e. a 5 amino acid stretch sequence present on both sides of each TM region) also remain highly diverged. No specific patterns of amino acid distributions were observed. The total frequency of positively charged, negatively charged or their ratios do not follow in any specific pattern. Similarly, the frequency of total hydrophobic, total hydrophilic residues or even their ratios remain random and do not follow any specific pattern. We noted that the CatSper1-4 genes are missing in amphibians and the CatSper1 gene is missing in birds. The high variability of CatSper1-4 and gene-loss in certain clades indicate that the “CatSpermasome” is not the only P4-responsive ion channel. Data indicate that the molecular evolution of CatSper is mostly guided by diverse hydrophobic ligands rather than only P4. The comparative data also suggest possibilities of other Ca2+-channel/s in vertebrate sperm that can also respond to P4.

Graphical Abstract

In birds, only CatSper1 is absent. Similarly, in amphibians, all the CatSper units are absent, suggesting the presence of other proteins that can act as P4-responsive Ca2+-ion channels there. TRPV4 is present in all these vertebrate groups and multiple copies of the TRPV4 gene are present in amphibians
Exploring the thalamus L-sign: initial findings and associations with white matter injury in premature infants
Authors: Merhav Goni , Ravid Sarit , Shapira Rootman Mika
Published: July 2024

Background

The thalamus L-sign, characterized by damage to the lateral and posterior parts of the thalamus, has recently been identified as a potential marker of partial prolonged hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII). Although prematurity-related thalamic injury is well documented, its association with the thalamus L-sign is infrequently described.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to further investigate the thalamus L-sign in premature birth and white matter injury.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 246 brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from preterm infants born before 37 weeks of gestation was conducted to explore the occurrence, characteristics, and associations of the thalamus L-sign with white matter injury.

Results

The L-sign was detected in 12.6% of patients with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), primarily in severe cases (57.9% of severe PVL). All cases were associated with posterior parieto-occipital PVL. Four patients exhibited unilateral or asymmetric L-signs, which were linked to high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular hemorrhagic infarction on the ipsilateral side, with the most severe white matter injury occurring on that side. No significant differences were observed regarding gestational age at birth, duration of neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization, percentage of IVH, hypoglycemia, or jaundice between patients with moderate-to-severe PVL with and without the thalamus L-sign.

Conclusion

The thalamus L-sign may serve as a marker for severe parieto-occipital PVL and may be exacerbated and appear asymmetric in cases of ipsilateral IVH or periventricular hemorrhagic infarction.

Graphical Abstract
Significant others in inflammatory arthritis: roles, influences, and challenges—a scoping review
Authors: Hansen Charlotte Werdal , Nørgaard Marianne Wetendorff , de Thurah Annette , Midtgaard Julie , Cromhout Pernille Fevejle , Esbensen Bente Appel
Published: July 2024

Improving self-management in individuals with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is crucial for effective disease management. However, current recommendations primarily focus on interventions for the diagnosed individuals, overlooking the potential impact of their significant others on their self-management abilities. This review aims to fill this gap by identifying and mapping relevant research employing both qualitative and quantitative design to provide a broader understanding of the potential of significant others in relation to IA management. We examined studies published from 2007 to 2024 that explore our research questions using electronic databases and grey literature searches. Two independent reviewers meticulously screened and categorized the studies based on a developed framework employing basic content analysis. Out of 20.925 studies, 43 were included: 22 quantitative studies (including 1 educational trial), 20 qualitative studies, and 1 mixed-methods study. Our analysis of the included studies revealed that significant others predominantly provided practical and emotional support and could positively or negatively influence the person with IAs self-management abilities. Additionally, significant others reported their own feelings of emotional distress and expressed the need for knowledge, skills and social support enabling them to provide better support while taking care of them self. Greater focus on the significant others of those diagnosed with IA in their provision of support to this patient group may both improve the people with IA self-management skills and address significant others’ reported needs. Future studies should explore the impact of such initiatives through randomized controlled trials.
Elevated concentration of beta2-microglobulin among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in the course of primary Sjögren syndrome – a prospective observational study on 50 patients
Authors: Kościńska-Shukla Iga , Jaskólska Marta , Chylińska Magdalena , Jaskólski Dawid , Siemiński Mariusz , Chmielewski Michał
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in the exocrine glands. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is suggested to be more frequent among SS patients than in the general population. The aim of this study was to seek associations between the CTS and the laboratory and clinical findings of SS patients.

Methods

Fifty patients diagnosed with primary SS (pSS) were examined. Clinical evaluation by a rheumatologist and electrophysiological studies were conducted. Data on laboratory tests results was collected. Control group consisted of 50 sex and age-matched individuals with osteoarthritis (OA).

Results

Out of 50 patients in the study group 27 (54%) were diagnosed with CTS. The prevalence of CTS among 50 individuals in the control group was 8%. Among pSS patients with CTS the joint involvement was not more common than in those from the non-CTS group [15 vs. 13 (p = 0.945)]. There was an expected difference in sleep disorders [18 vs. 9 (p = 0.012)] and paresthesia [23 vs. 13 (p = 0.024)]. The major finding was a significant difference in elevated beta2-microglobulin (B2MG) [23 vs. 13 (p = 0.024)]. Other studied factors, suggested in the literature as significant in the pSS-related neuropathy, were not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that CTS is more prevalent among pSS patients than in the general population and suggests that a new approach is required towards the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. We hypothesize that CTS is more associated with an overall disease activity than joint involvement as such.
DNA metabarcoding reveals high diversity of fish and macrofaunal species in diets of little auks and other Arctic seabird species in Svalbard
Authors: de Leeuw Joep J. , van den Brink Xantia , Gabrielsen Geir W. , Nijland Reindert
Published: July 2024

Climate change is a major concern for the future of marine Arctic food webs. Diet shifts of seabirds can be used as indicators of environmental changes such as species compositions of food webs. However, studies on diets are often laborious and costly, while research in vulnerable Arctic environments benefits from short visits for data collection that minimize disturbance to Arctic wildlife and the environment. DNA-metabarcoding techniques are rapidly developing and could be used as an effective method of monitoring diet choice of seabirds. We tested DNA-metabarcoding on seabird faeces collected during short visits of typically around 30 min at breeding colonies of black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (3 colonies), Brünnich’s guillemot Uria lomvia (2 colonies) and little auk Alle alle (3 colonies). DNA metabarcoding based on COI and 18S of a limited number of faeces samples revealed a wide spectrum of fish species and crustaceans in the diets of these species, comparable with or even exceeding diversity in diet composition found in conventional, more invasive techniques where birds are shot or caught and handled to obtain samples. While previous studies on diet choice of little auk, a crustacean specialist, mainly report small fractions of unidentified fish remains, DNA metabarcoding of faeces revealed a large variety of pelagic and benthic fish species supplementing its diet. We conclude that DNA metabarcoding of seabird faeces can be an effective attribute to diet studies supporting our understanding of changes in numbers and distribution of Arctic seabirds and their marine environment.
Emergency treatment of pelvic ring injuries: state of the art
Authors: Madsen Jan Erik , Flugsrud Gunnar Birkeland , Hammer Niels , Puchwein Paul
Published: July 2024

High energy pelvic injuries sustain significant mortality rates, due to acute exsanguination and severe associated injuries. Managing the hemodynamically unstable trauma patient with a bleeding pelvic fracture still forms a major challenge in acute trauma care. Various approaches have been applied through the last decades. At present the concept of Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) is universally accepted and applied in major trauma centers internationally. DCR combines hemostatic blood transfusions to restore blood volume and physiologic stability, reduced crystalloid fluid administration, permissive hypotension, and immediate hemorrhage control by operative or angiographic means. Different detailed algorithms and orders of hemostatic procedures exist, without clear consensus or guidelines, depending on local traditions and institutional setups. Fracture reduction and immediate stabilization with a binder constitute the basis for angiography and embolization (AE) or pelvic packing (PP) in the hemodynamically unstable patient. AE is time consuming and may not be available 24/7, whereas PP offers a quick and technically easy procedure well suited for the patient in extremis. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has also been described as a valuable adjunct in hemostatic non-responders, but merely constitute a bridge to surgical or angiographic hemostasis and its definitive role in DCR is not yet clearly established. A swift algorithmic approach to the hemodynamically unstable pelvic injury patient is required to achieve optimum results. The present paper summarizes the available literature on the acute management of the bleeding pelvic trauma patient, with emphasis on initial assessment and damage control resuscitation including surgical and angiographic hemostatic procedures. Furthermore, initial treatment of open fractures and associated injuries to the nervous and genitourinary system is outlined.
What Chemsex does to the brain - neural correlates (ERP) regarding decision making, impulsivity and hypersexuality
Authors: Schwarz Johanna , Gertzen Marcus , Rabenstein Andrea , Straßburger Moritz , Horstmann Alana , Pogarell Oliver , Rüther Tobias , Karch Susanne
Published: July 2024

Chemsex describes the use of specific substances (methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, mephedrone, ketamine) which initiate or enhance sexual experiences and is mainly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Many Chemsex users experience somatic complications (for example sexually transmitted diseases) and sometimes adverse sociological, psychological, and neurological symptoms, such as depression, impulse control disorders or hypersexuality. Changes in impulsivity and deficits in executive functions have demonstrated to be associated with addiction and impulse control disorders as well as frontal brain dysfunction and behavioral control deficits. This study aims to explore the effects of neurophysiological correlates of inhibition and decision making in Chemsex users with an EEG paradigm using event-related potentials (N2, P3). 15 Chemsex users and 14 matched control subjects, all of them men who have sex with man, participated in an auditory Go/NoGo/Voluntary Selection EEG paradigm. In addition, clinical data (e.g. regarding depression), demographic information as well as measures of well-being and sexual behavior were collected. The results demonstrated that clinical symptoms, hypersexuality, and sexual risk behavior were more pronounced in Chemsex users compared to non-users. P3 amplitudes did not differ significantly between groups. However, the Chemsex users showed decreased electrophysiological N2 responses in fronto-central brain regions during decision-making, indicating compromised executive function and inhibitory control. The observed impairments may lead to increased risk behavior regarding drug abuse and hypersexuality. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms can contribute to targeted interventions in order to mitigate the negative consequences of engaging in Chemsex and improve general well-being.
Individualized time windows enhance TMS-EEG signal characterization and improve assessment of cortical function in schizophrenia
Authors: Mijancos-Martínez Gema , Bachiller Alejandro , Fernández-Linsenbarth Inés , Romero Sergio , Serna Leidy Y. , Molina Vicente , Mañanas Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2024

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) recordings are crucial to directly assess cortical excitability and inhibition in a non-invasive and task-free manner. TMS-EEG signals are characterized by TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs), which are employed to evaluate cortical function. Nonetheless, different time windows (TW) have been used to compute them over the years. Moreover, these TWs tend to be the same for all participants omitting the intersubject variability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the effect of using different TWs to compute the TEPs, moving from a common fixed TW to more adaptive individualized TWs. Twenty-nine healthy (HC) controls and twenty schizophrenia patients (SCZ) underwent single-pulse (SP) TMS-EEG protocol. Firstly, only the HC were considered to evaluate the TEPs for three different TWs in terms of amplitude and topographical distribution. Secondly, the SCZ patients were included to determine which TW is better to characterize the brain alterations of SCZ. The results indicate that a more individualized TW provides a better characterization of the SP TMS-EEG signals, although all of them show the same tendency. Regarding the comparison between groups, the individualized TW is the one that provides a better differentiation between populations. They also provide further support to the possible imbalance of cortical excitability/inhibition in the SCZ population due to its reduced activity in the N45 TEP and greater amplitude values in the N100. Results also suggest that the SCZ brain has a baseline hyperactive state since the TEPs of the SCZ appear earlier than those of the HC.