bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is cytomegalovirus infection related to mycophenolate mofetil after kidney transplantation?1
Authors: Sarmiento Juan M , Munn Stephen R , Paya Carlos V , Velosa Jorge A , Nguyen Justin H
Published: September 2024

Three multicenter studies have shown that the addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to an immunosuppressive regime consisting of cyclosporin A (CSA) and prednisone (PRED) decreases the incidence of acute rejection episodes when compared with azathioprine (AZA) or placebo (1–3). In those patients receiving 3 g/d of MMF, the highest dose used in the studies, there was a trend towards an increased incidence of cytomegaloviral sepsis (CMV). We postulated therefore that MMF may represent an independent risk factor for the development of CMV infection in patients receiving renal allografts and MMF at our institution. Having altered the triple drug regime from CSA, AZA (2‐2.5 mg/kg/d) and PRED to CSA. MMF (2 g/d) and PRED in July 1995, we elected to study all patients undergoing kidney transplantation for the 33‐month period January 1994‐September 1996, by undertaking a case control analysis to determine independent risk factors for the development of CMV infection, as defined by CMV viremia or tissue‐invasive CMV. Three CMV disease‐free control patients were matched to each case, these patients having been randomly selected from the entire pool of patients in the observation period. There were 31 CMV case patients and 102 control patients. Univariate analysis indicated that gender, a concomitant pancreas transplant, acute rejection and CMV seropositivity in the donor were risk factors. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only acute rejection and donor CMV seropositivity were independently linked (p<0.05) to CMV disease in this sample. Specifically, the odds ratio (OR) for CMV disease between MMF and AZA was 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46‐2.18). Therefore, in this case control study we find no evidence that MMF at a dose of 2 g/d is an independent risk factor for primary CMV viremia or tissue invasion in renal allograft recipients.
Pregnancies following liver transplantation – how safe are they?
Authors: Rayes Nada , Neuhaus Ruth , David Matthias , Steinmüller Thomas , Bechstein Wolf O. , Neuhaus Peter
Published: September 2024

The number of pregnancies following liver transplantation is increasing due to better patient and graft survival and quality of life. Out of 156 women of a reproductive age, there were 19 pregnancies in 16 women, 12 on CSA and seven on tacrolimus, which occurred between 7/92 and 1/97. The median age of the women was 27.9 yr, median time after transplantation 33 months. There were four spontaneous and two induced abortions in the first trimenon. Ten women delivered ten healthy babies; three newborns had problems (alcoholic embryopathy due to recurrent alcohol abuse of his mother, pneumonia, weight 2000 g). In eight women mostly mild complications were observed, such as hypertension (n = 5), nonspecific elevation of liver enzymes (n = 2), infection (n = 3) and premature labor (n = 1). Mean gestational age was 39 wk and mean birth weight 2900 g. One case of prematurity and three cases of growth retardation occurred. Cesarean sections were performed in 7 patients (54%) for maternal hypertension (n = 2), presumed fetal hypoxia (n = 4) and breech position (n = 1). All children are normally developed, the oldest being 5 yr old. Although experience with tacrolimus is limited, pregnancies following liver transplantation carry an acceptable risk if carefully monitored by an experienced team of transplant surgeons and obstetricians.
Psychological characteristics of candidates for liver transplantation
Authors: Stilley Carol S , Miller David J , Gayowski Timothy , Marino Ignazio R
Published: September 2024

This study examined depression, anxiety, coping styles, optimism, selected personality characteristics, and perception of family environment among candidates for liver transplantation (OLTX); the goal was to measure and empirically describe psychosocial factors reported to impact on the experience and outcome of transplantation. Subjects were 73 US military veterans being considered for OLTX at the VAMC‐Pittsburgh (UD) from 1994 to 1996. Psychological evaluation consisted of chart review, consultation with the transplant team, clinical interview and administration of published, standardized, and readily available psychological tests. Candidates displayed above normal levels of situational anxiety and depression, mainly adaptive coping styles, mild optimism, and positive family environments. Factor analysis of the data identified two dimensions of psychological distress, five coping styles, and three types of family environment. The composite MMPI‐2 profile for the sample shows marked elevations of the neurotic triad and moderate elevations of psychasthenia and schizophrenia scales. Psychological distress, psychopathology, coping styles, optimism, and perceptions of family environment correlate with each other in the directions suggested by the literature. These findings support previous research with empirical data; results encourage the development of consistent psychological protocols and procedures to evaluate and treat organ transplant candidates.
The role of tacrolimus in adult kidney transplantation: a review
Authors: Laskow David A , III John F Neylan , Shapiro Ron S , Pirsch John D , Vergne‐Marini Pedro J , Tomlanovich Stephen J
Published: September 2024

The use of tacrolimus (FK506) in adult kidney‐transplant recipients has been the subject of a number of singleand multi‐center studies. This review article focuses on those studies in which tacrolimus was used either as rescue therapy in patients who developed refractory rejection on cyclosporine (CyA)‐based regimens or as primary immunosuppression in adult renal‐allograft recipients. Twenty‐five prospective and retrospective studies conducted in the US, Japan and Europe, including singleand multi‐center experiences, were identified in the medical literature. Of these studies, most show a 74‐98% initial success rate for tacrolimus rescue therapy. Comparative studies reviewed herein demonstrate comparable patientand graft‐survival rates between tacrolimusand CyA‐treated patients. Many studies have shown that rejection episodes occur with similar or lower frequency among patients treated with tacrolimus than among those given CyA as primary immunosuppression. The major toxicities associated with tacrolimus are nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and diabetogenicity. Results from several studies have also demonstrated an association between these tacrolimus side effects and high whole‐blood trough levels of tacrolimus. In many cases, a reduction in dosage can reverse these adverse effects. In summary, based on both singleand multi‐center data, tacrolimus has been demonstrated to be efficacious when used for either primary immunosuppression or as rescue therapy for refractory acute rejection in adult renal‐allograft recipients.
Effect of recipients' peri‐operative parameters on the outcome of kidney transplantation
Authors: Tóth M , Réti V , Gondos T
Published: September 2024

In this prospectively collected data base multifactorial study, the influence of the peri‐operative recipients' parameters on the transplanted kidney function were examined. One hundred and twenty‐one patients who underwent first cadaver kidney transplantation in our unit were involved and were followed up for another 2 yr. The recipients were divided into three groups. Group I, patients with non‐functioning grafts, group II, with delayed graft function, and group III. with good graft function. All routinely measured parameters were involved in the examination. The pre‐operative haematocrit level differed significantly among the three groups. Significant intra‐operative differences were found among the three groups in mean arterial pressure, (group I: 81±31 mmHg, group II: 90±24 mmHg, vs. group III: 108±26 mmHg, p <0.01) at 5 min before revascularisation. The patients who had better post‐operative kidney function, had lower pre‐operative haematocrit level, and higher blood pressure in the different phase of operation, than those who had post‐operative kidney function problems. The second warm ischaemic time in Group III was significantly shorter than in group I. (Group I: 51.5 min vs. group II: 47 min. vs. group III: 46.3 min, p<0.001.) Rejection rate was higher during the first 5 post‐operative days in patients with non‐functioning grafts. (Group 1: 53% and group II: 24% vs. group III: 12% p < 0.001.) The other examined parameters had not differed significantly among the three groups. The kidney function differences observed in the early (first 5 d) post‐operative period, remained similar at the end of the next 2 yr. According to our results the peri‐operative fluid‐balance is one of the most important factors which may influence the success of the kidney transplantation.
Hyperacute rejection from antibody against class II HLA antigens
Authors: Ghasemian S Reza , Light Jimmy A , Sasaki Truman A , Barhyte Diana Y
Published: September 2024

The clinical significance of anti‐B‐cell antibodies in kidney and pancreas transplantation remains unresolved. Here, we report an isolated hyperacute rejection of the kidney, but not the pancreas, during a simultaneous kidney‐pancreas (SKP) transplant. The hyperacute rejection was due to IgG antibodies directed against class II antigens expressed on B‐cells.

Antibodies directed against class II antigens are generally not thought to produce hyperacute rejection, since class II antigens allegedly are minimally expressed on vascular endothelium in the kidney. The pancreas was spared and continues to function normally, suggesting that class II antigens were not strongly expressed in this pancreas. The differential susceptibility to B‐cell antibodies of the two transplanted organs is noteworthy and should call attention to the danger from IgG antibodies to class II antigens in kidney transplantation.
Cerebral mucormycosis after liver transplantation: a case report
Authors: Webb Marc , Dowdy Lorraine , Bundschu Claudia , Nery Jose , Schiff Eugene , Tzakis Andreas G
Published: September 2024

A fatal case of cerebral mucormycosis occurring shortly after liver transplantation is described. The patient was a 32‐yr‐old male with advanced end‐stage liver disease manifested by tense ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, deepening jaundice and anuria requiring hemodialysis. The 3rd day after successful liver transplantation the patient developed acute respiratory failure, then focal motor signs. Computed tomography showed fluid in the left maxillary sinus, partial opacification of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and diffuse low density lesions in both cerebral hemispheres. Despite treatment for cerebritis and cerebral edema, the patient's pupils became fixed and dilated, and brain death was declared. Autopsy revealed mucor sinusitis and cerebritis.

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection occurring in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, malignancy, or immunodeficiency, and in those receiving wide‐spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, or cytotoxic therapy. Mucor most frequently involves the face, rhinocerebral disease predominating. These infections are difficult to treat, but are curable with aggressive and frequent surgical debridement, discontinuation or reduction of immunosuppressive therapy and amphotericin. The diagnosis of mucormycosis is very difficult to make in cases such as the present one, in which the typical presentation and classical signs are not present. A high index of suspicion based on identified risk factors may assist in more rapid diagnosis of this life‐threatening mycosis.
Lying to Make Friends
Authors: Richards Charlie
Published: September 2024

It is intuitively wrongful to deceive people into forming a false belief. It is especially intuitively wrongful to deceive people into forming the false belief that you are their friend. Despite these intuitions, this article argues that in a surprising number of cases, deceiving people into believing you are their friend is not only permitted, but required. The article uses this result to make some important revisions and suggestions for the emergent social rights literature: (i) it shows that social rights are feasible in a wider range of cases than previously thought, and (ii) it casts doubt on whether grounding such rights on the impersonal value of genuine intimate relationships is their most fruitful grounding.
LncRNA–miRNA interactions prediction based on meta‐path similarity and Gaussian kernel similarity
Authors: Xie Jingxuan , Xu Peng , Lin Ye , Zheng Manyu , Jia Jixuan , Tan Xinru , Sun Jianqiang , Zhao Qi
Published: September 2024

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are two typical types of non‐coding RNAs that interact and play important regulatory roles in many animal organisms. Exploring the unknown interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs contributes to a better understanding of their functional involvement. Currently, studying the interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs heavily relies on laborious biological experiments. Therefore, it is necessary to design a computational method for predicting lncRNA–miRNA interactions. In this work, we propose a method called MPGK‐LMI, which utilizes a graph attention network (GAT) to predict lncRNA–miRNA interactions in animals. First, we construct a meta‐path similarity matrix based on known lncRNA–miRNA interaction information. Then, we use GAT to aggregate the constructed meta‐path similarity matrix and the computed Gaussian kernel similarity matrix to update the feature matrix with neighbourhood information. Finally, a scoring module is used for prediction. By comparing with three state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, MPGK‐LMI achieves the best results in terms of performance, with AUC value of 0.9077, AUPR of 0.9327, ACC of 0.9080, F1‐score of 0.9143 and precision of 0.8739. These results validate the effectiveness and reliability of MPGK‐LMI. Additionally, we conduct detailed case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our approach in practical applications. Through these empirical results, we gain deeper insights into the functional roles and mechanisms of lncRNA–miRNA interactions, providing significant breakthroughs and advancements in this field of research. In summary, our method not only outperforms others in terms of performance but also establishes its practicality and reliability in biological research through real‐case analysis, offering strong support and guidance for future studies and applications.
Bayesian material flow analysis for systems with multiple levels of disaggregation and high dimensional data
Authors: Wang Junyang , Ray Kolyan , Brito‐Parada Pablo , Plancherel Yves , Bide Tom , Mankelow Joseph , Morley John , Stegemann Julia A. , Myers Rupert
Published: September 2024

Material flow analysis (MFA) is used to quantify and understand the life cycles of materials from production to end of use, which enables environmental, social, and economic impacts and interventions. MFA is challenging as available data are often limited and uncertain, leading to an under‐determined system with an infinite number of possible stocks and flows values. Bayesian statistics is an effective way to address these challenges by principally incorporating domain knowledge, quantifying uncertainty in the data, and providing probabilities associated with model solutions. This paper presents a novel MFA methodology under the Bayesian framework. By relaxing the mass balance constraints, we improve the computational scalability and reliability of the posterior samples compared to existing Bayesian MFA methods. We propose a mass‐based, child and parent process framework to model systems with disaggregated processes and flows. We show posterior predictive checks can be used to identify inconsistencies in the data and aid noise and hyperparameter selection. The proposed approach is demonstrated in case studies, including a global aluminum cycle with significant disaggregation, under weakly informative priors and significant data gaps to investigate the feasibility of Bayesian MFA. We illustrate that just a weakly informative prior can greatly improve the performance of Bayesian methods, for both estimation accuracy and uncertainty quantification.
‘We Can Win this Fight Together’: Memory and Cross‐Occupational Coordination
Authors: Noh Sung‐Chul , Lyle Matthew C. B. , Do Boram
Published: September 2024

While scholars have studied coordination across occupational lines, they have yet to theorize how the memories held by those involved in such coordination might influence it. In this paper, we frame occupational groups as mnemonic communities – collectives for whom a shared understanding of the past constitutes their character – to explore the role of memory in cross‐occupational coordination (COC). Through qualitative analysis of a South Korean broadcasting company in which COC emerged for the purpose of collective action, we develop a theory of cross‐occupational mnemonic (dis)unity. Our findings suggest that, initially, cross‐occupational relational memories (i.e., memories occupations held of themselves, other occupations and their relationships) constrained COC as they maintained occupational divides. However, one occupation's efforts to downplay these memories, coupled with an event experienced and remembered across occupational lines, resulted in COC by producing a cross‐occupational mnemonic community. These findings extend research at the intersection of occupations and memory by theorizing the mutability of occupational groups, perhaps the most prominent intra‐organizational mnemonic communities.
Prevalence of Painful Temporomandibular Disorder Symptoms Among Professional and Student Musicians: An Online Survey
Authors: Z'Graggen Suzanne , Ettlin Dominik A. , Alessandri Elena , Z'Graggen Werner J. , Schimmel Martin
Published: September 2024

Background

Within the fields of medicine and music, increasing attention is given to evidence indicating music performance being an occupational risk factor for temporo‐mandibular disorders (TMD).

Objectives

Assessment of self‐reported painful TMD symptoms among student and professional musicians.

Methods

Using Survey Monkey software, the German version of the ‘TMD‐Pain‐Screener’ was distributed electronically to professional and student musicians in Europe. Supplementary questions addressed age, gender, daily playtime, instrument type and type of professional practice. Results are presented as median [interquartile range].

Results

The TMD‐pain‐screener was completed by 492 participants. Among them, 96 (19.5%) reported painful TMD (Pain_pos) and 396 did not experience pain (80.5%, Pain_neg). Pain_pos participants were significantly younger (Pain_pos: 34 years [26; 46], Pain_neg: 44 years [30; 56], p = 0.0003), had less work experience (Pain_pos: 15.5 years [6; 25], Pain_neg: 20 years [10; 32], p = 0.009), had fewer performances/year (Pain_pos: 20/year [10; 45], Pain_neg: 30/year [12; 53.5], p = 0.03) and were predominantly female (OR = 3.22 [1.87, 5.74], p < 0.0001). Comparisons among music performance types revealed no statistical significance in the overall test (p = 0.13), although ‘keyboard’ (OR = 2.99 [0.58, 30.12]), ‘upper string’ (OR = 2.31 [0.43, 23.63]) and ‘singer’ (OR = 2.14 [0.44, 20.75]) stood out compared to the reference group ‘lower string’ (OR 1.00). Organ players formed the largest group and showed a comparatively low prevalence of Pain_pos (16%), compared to other keyboard instruments (Pain_pos 30.2%).

Conclusions

Prevalence of TMD pain was highest among young inexperienced female musicians. Playing keyboard instruments (other than organ) or upper strings instruments were frequently associated with painful TMD screening. An improved understanding of causes, implementation of preventive measures, professional guidance and a biopsychosocial health care perspective may decrease this occupational risk while maintaining the health benefits of music.
Music cue during slow wave sleep improves visuospatial memory consolidation
Authors: Fabbri Marco , Occhionero Miranda , Tonetti Lorenzo , Costa Marco , Giudetti Federica , Rasch Bjoern , Natale Vincenzo
Published: September 2024

The active system consolidation theory assumes that sleep between encoding and retrieval promotes memory consolidation. In the present study, we cued new memories during slow‐wave (SWS) or rapid eye movements (REM) sleep stages by presenting an instrumental music stimuli that had been previously presented during a learning session. In a within‐subjects design, 18 participants slept for three nonconsecutive nights (cue during SWS, cue during REM, and no cue during control night) and were trained in a visuo‐spatial memory task. The administration of cue during SWS produced better memory accuracy in comparison with REM and the control condition.
Night life: Positional behaviors and activity patterns of the Neotropical kinkajou, Potos flavus (Carnivora, Procyonidae)
Authors: Mensah J. B. , Forget P.‐M. , Guilbert É. , Herrel A. , Ofori B. Y. , Naas A. G.
Published: September 2024

Studying positional behaviors is important for understanding how animals interact with their immediate environment. This is particularly important in arboreal species since arboreal milieus are primarily characterized by three‐dimensional problems that arboreal species must overcome to efficiently access resources. Similarly, a fundamental aspect of an animal's ecology is its daily activity pattern. This information is important for understanding the basic ecology of animal species and their eco‐evolutionary dynamics. This study sought to understand the habitat use and nocturnal lifestyle of the highly arboreal kinkajou (Potos flavus) by documenting variation in positional behaviors and activity patterns using 2223 photographs obtained from 27 camera traps in French Guiana. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kernel density estimation (KDE), and Gantt charts. Our results indicate that kinkajous show a strictly nocturnal activity pattern beginning from 19:00 h to 05:57 h, with peak active periods between 01:00 h and 02:00 h. The most frequent activities were scanning (48.33%) and traveling (47.13%). Quadrupedal walking (95.43%) was the main locomotor behavior during traveling. However, when crossing gaps between two substrates, kinkajous would either bridge (42.22%), leap (33.33%), or drop (26.67%) across gaps. Inactive periods were characterized by grooming (77.32%) and resting (27.84%) while mostly assuming a sitting (90.67%) or a catlike body curl posture (92.59%), interchangeably. This study highlights the broad array of positional behaviors displayed by kinkajous, further providing information to understand its basic ecology and eco‐evolutionary dynamics.
The Arpu Kuilpu meteorite: In‐depth characterization of an H5 chondrite delivered from a Jupiter Family Comet orbit
Authors: Anderson Seamus L. , Benedix Gretchen K. , Godel Belinda , Alosius Romain M. L. , Krietsch Daniela , Busemann Henner , Maden Colin , Friedrich Jon M. , McMonigal Lara R. , Welten Kees C. , Caffee Marc W. , Macke Robert J. , Cadogan Seán , Ryan Dominic H. , Jourdan Fred , Mayers Celia , Laubenstein Matthias , Greenwood Richard C. , Roberts Malcom P. , Devillepoix Hadrien A. R. , Sansom Eleanor K. , Towner Martin C. , Cupák Martin , Bland Philip A. , Forman Lucy V. , Fairweather John H. , Rogers Ashley F. , Timms Nicholas E.
Published: September 2024

Over the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia, the Desert Fireball Network detected a fireball on the night of June 1, 2019 (7:30 pm local time), and 6 weeks later recovered a single meteorite (42 g) named Arpu Kuilpu. This meteorite was then distributed to a consortium of collaborating institutions to be measured and analyzed by a number of methodologies including SEM‐EDS, EPMA, ICP‐MS, gamma‐ray spectrometry, ideal gas pycnometry, magnetic susceptibility measurement, μCT, optical microscopy, and accelerator and noble gas mass spectrometry techniques. These analyses revealed that Arpu Kuilpu is an unbrecciated H5 ordinary chondrite, with minimal weathering (W0‐1) and minimal shock (S2). The olivine and pyroxene mineral compositions (in mole%) are Fa: 19.2 ± 0.2 and Fs: 16.8 ± 0.2, further supporting the H5 type and class. The measured oxygen isotopes are also consistent with an H chondrite (δ17O‰ = 2.904 ± 0.177; δ18O‰ = 4.163 ± 0.336; Δ17O‰ = 0.740 ± 0.002). Ideal gas pycnometry measured bulk and grain densities of 3.66 ± 0.02 and 3.77 ± 0.02 g cm−3, respectively, yielding a porosity of 3.0% ± 0.7. The magnetic susceptibility of this meteorite is log χ = 5.16 ± 0.08. The most recent impact‐related heating event experienced by Arpu Kuilpu was measured by 40Ar/39Ar chronology to be 4467 ± 16 Ma, while the cosmic ray exposure age is estimated to be between 6 and 8 Ma. The noble gas isotopes, radionuclides, and fireball observations all indicate that Arpu Kuilpu's meteoroid was quite small (maximum radius of 10 cm, though more likely between 1 and 5 cm). Although this meteorite is a rather ordinary ordinary chondrite, its prior orbit resembled that of a Jupiter Family Comet (JFC) further lending support to the assertion that many cm‐ to m‐sized objects on JFC orbits are asteroidal rather than cometary in origin.
Effects of Beraprost on Intestinal Microcirculation and Barrier Function in a Mouse Model of Renal Failure
Authors: Hirano Akira , Kadoya Hiroyuki , Takasu Masanobu , Iwakura Tsukasa , Kajimoto Eriko , Tatsugawa Rie , Matsuura Takumi , Kurumatani Hajimu , Yamamoto Toshiya , Kidokoro Kengo , Kishi Seiji , Nagasu Hajime , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki
Published: September 2024

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Prostacyclin (PGI2), an endothelial cell‐produced endogenous prostaglandin, plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial function. However, its effects on intestinal microcirculation and barrier function are not fully understood. We hypothesized that PGI2 improves intestinal microcirculation and barrier function via endothelial protective effects.

Methods

ICR and ICGN (a spontaneous nephrotic model) mice were used in this study. Intestinal microcirculation was visualized in vivo to investigate PGI2 effects. Beraprost served as PGI2. PGI2 administration spanned 4 weeks, following which we assessed its influence on intestinal endothelial, intestinal barrier, and renal functions.

Results

We visualized intestinal microcirculation and endothelial glycocalyx in the intestinal blood vessels. Beraprost administration induced a 1.2‐fold dilatation of the vascular diameter of the small intestine. Intestinal blood flow in ICGN mice was significantly reduced compared that in ICR mice but improved with beraprost administration. ICGN mice exhibited reduced serum albumin levels, decreased ambulation, an imbalance in intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nitric oxide (NO), and impaired tight junctions; all were ameliorated by beraprost administration.

Conclusions

Beraprost improves intestinal microcirculation and barrier function by ameliorating ROS/NO imbalances, thereby reducing physical inactivity during renal failure.
TasA Fibre Interactions Are Necessary for Bacillus subtilis Biofilm Structure
Authors: Bamford Natalie C. , Morris Ryan J. , Prescott Alan , Murphy Paul , Erskine Elliot , MacPhee Cait E. , Stanley‐Wall Nicola R.
Published: September 2024

The extracellular matrix of biofilms provides crucial structural support to the community and protection from environmental perturbations. TasA, a key Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix protein, forms both amyloid and non‐amyloid fibrils. Non‐amyloid TasA fibrils are formed via a strand‐exchange mechanism, whereas the amyloid‐like form involves non‐specific self‐assembly. We performed mutagenesis of the N‐terminus to assess the role of non‐amyloid fibrils in biofilm development. We find that the N‐terminal tail is essential for the formation of structured biofilms, providing evidence that the strand‐exchange fibrils are the active form in the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, we demonstrate that fibre formation alone is not sufficient to give structure to the biofilm. We build an interactome of TasA with other extracellular protein components, and identify important interaction sites. Our results provide insight into how protein–matrix interactions modulate biofilm development.
First report of toxigenic Amphidoma languida (Amphidomataceae, Dinophyceae) from the Pacific, with reference to intracellular ultrastructure and azaspiracid compounds
Authors: Kuwata Koyo , Hernández‐Becerril David U. , Ozawa Mayu , Uchida Hajime , Lum Wai Mun , Takahashi Kazuya , Benico Garry , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Iwataki Mitsunori
Published: September 2024

Morphology, phylogeny and azaspiracid (AZA) production of a strain of Amphidoma languida isolated from the subtropical Mexican Pacific were examined. Scanning electron microscopy showed the thecal plate arrangement of Am. languida from Mexico as Po, cp, X, 6′, 6′′, 6C, 5S, 6′′′, 2′′′′, with the prominent apical pore complex, the ventral pore on the anterior of the 1′ plate near the suture to the 6′ plate, and the antapical pore on the 2′′′′ plate, which are congruent with those of Am. languida reported from the Atlantic. The ventral depression was occasionally observed on the anterior end of Sa plate. Cells had a dinokaryotic nucleus positioned in the posterior part of the cell and parietal yellowish chloroplasts with a spherical pyrenoid in the episome. Transmission electron microscopy showed crystalline vesicles and tubular cytoplasmic invaginations in the pyrenoid, which resembled those reported from the most related non‐toxigenic species Amphidoma fulgens. The intracellular components, different from Am. fulgens, were oil droplets and lipid‐associated membranous structures. AZA‐2 was detected from the strain by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with a cell quota of 30.9 fg cell−1. Three other AZA‐related compounds were also detected. This is the first report of AZA‐producing Am. languida in the Pacific Ocean.
Predictors of preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ae , An Jae‐Sun , Suh Kyung‐Hyun
Published: September 2024

Background

This study investigated psychosocial factors related to preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults and verified a model that can predict it along with psychosocial factors and demographic profiles to provide useful information for intervention.

Methods

The participants were 340 middle‐aged and older Korean adults aged 40–79 years. The predictive models were verified using stepwise regression and decision tree analyses.

Results

The results revealed that personality, meaning of life, hardiness, intrinsic religiosity, death anxiety, family support, subjective well‐being, and expectations for future life were significantly correlated with preparedness for well‐dying among middle‐aged and older adults. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that meaning of life accounted for the greatest variance in preparedness for well‐dying. A decision tree model predicting preparedness for well‐dying included search for meaning, the presence of a spouse, family support, having a job, tenacity, conscientiousness, and positive emotions.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that search for meaning and tenacity in middle‐aged and older adults as well as the presence of a spouse or occupation and family support may play important roles in preparing for well‐dying.
A discrete mean value of the Riemann zeta function
Authors: Benli Kübra , Elma Ertan , Ng Nathan
Published: September 2024

In this work, we estimate the sum
over the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function where is a complex number with and and are Dirichlet polynomials. Moreover, we estimate the discrete mean value above for higher derivatives where is replaced by for all . The formulae we obtain generalize a number of previous results in the literature. As an application, assuming the Riemann hypothesis, we obtain the lower bound
which was previously known under the generalized Riemann hypothesis, only in the case .
Strategies used to deliver bad news to the family of unexpected and sudden death victims: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Malta Hélène Ferreira , Baptista Rui Carlos Negrão , Pereira Maria Aurora Gonçalves , Parente Paulo Gonçalves , Pinho da Silva Mónica Alexandra , Santos Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map the strategies used during the communication of bad news to families of unexpected and sudden death victims from the perspective of those receiving the news.

Introduction:

The strategies used in communicating a person’s death to their family, especially in unexpected and sudden situations, can have a profound impact on the grief management process. This communication is often carried out by a health professional (doctor, nurse, or paramedic), but may also be carried out by a police officer, depending on the context in which the situation has occurred (in or out of hospital).

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will include studies on families of victims of unexpected and sudden death. All studies focusing on the strategies used to communicate bad news of unexpected and sudden death face to face, implemented by any professional in an intra-hospital or extra-hospital context, from the perspective of those who received the news, will be considered.

Methods:

The JBI methodology for scoping reviews will be followed. An initial search will be conducted, followed by a second search for published and unpublished studies in major health-related electronic databases. Studies published in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese will be included, with no geographical, cultural, or time limits. Data selection, extraction, and synthesis will be performed independently by 2 reviewers and will include details of populations, study methods, and strategies used. A narrative synthesis will accompany the results and describe how they relate to the objectives of the review.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/4rhw3
Numerical simulations of polymer devolatilization in a steam contactor: Correlating particle distribution with volatile content removal
Authors: Raj Bebhash , Chandy Abhilash
Published: September 2024

The focus of the current study is on a polymer devolatilization process in a device called a contactor, that involves the use of superheated steam to eliminate volatile cyclohexane, through evaporation, from the polymer mixture, also known as cement. The primary objective is to analyze the cement particle distribution and how it relates to the cyclohexane content at the exit or the devolatilization efficiency. The study develops a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that solves for the turbulent steam flow as a continuous phase and the the flow of cement droplets as a discrete phase. Following validation of the CFD model by comparing cement particle size distribution at the exit of the contactor to experimental data, a detailed examination of the same is conducted through a series of 69 CFD different calculations to understand its influence on the evaporation of the volatile in the polymer mixture. Two metrics are developed here: a cluster distribution index (CDI) based on the actual particle pairwise distances and a new mass-CDI based on the the radial distribution of masses. It is demonstrated that by relating the CDI and mass-CDI to the reduction in the cyclohexane content in the contactor, these metrics can be utilized to achieve the desirable input conditions in this polymer processing operation. Through a detailed examination of the particle dynamics in a steam contactor under various conditions, this study assists the polymer manufacturing industry in optimizing the devolatilization process for better steam savings and improved product quality.
Temperature Analysis of Waveform Water Channel for High-Power Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Mao Jianfeng , Zhang Minglong , Jia Rongsheng , Huang Chao , Chen Binbin , Wang Yuchen , Chen Hongjin
Published: September 2024

High-power permanent magnet synchronous motors (HPMSM) face extremely harsh cooling conditions due to their high power and complex structure. An efficient cooling system is pivotal to ensuring the safety and operational reliability of HPMSM. To improve the uneven axial temperature distribution in HPMSM and enhance the cooling effect, this paper presents an optimization of the water channels within the motor's cooling system. Initially, targeting the maximum temperature of the motor, the number and width of the traditional water channel (TWC) ribs are parameterized, and the optimal parameters are determined. Subsequently, based on the optimal parameters, three different waveform water channels are designed: circular channel (CC), triangular channel, and square channel. By employing the computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation, the influence of three kinds of water channels on the temperature of an HPMSM is analyzed under rated conditions. When the depth is 36 mm and the span is 40 mm for the CC, the average temperature rise of the motor winding is 9.88% lower than that of the TWC, reaching 48.77 °C. Results indicate that the cooling effect of the CC is better than others, which improves the cooling effect and operation performance of the motor.
A comparison of approaches to teaching clinical skills
Authors: Gilligan Conor , Jones Nara , Leopardi Eleonora , Dabson Andra , Julien Benji , Jolly Brian
Published: September 2024

Background: The most appropriate timing and mode for teaching clinical skills as preparation for medical students’ clinical rotations or clerkships is not widely agreed upon. Increasing pressure on placement opportunities has led to a shift towards simulation-based teaching in the early years of medical training.
Approach: A major curriculum renewal provided an opportunity for comparison of the effectiveness of a largely ward-based (early patient exposure) curriculum with a largely simulation-based one in preparing students for clinical rotations.
Evaluation: We surveyed students from two different programs and invited them to take part in voluntary objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) to compare their skills and self-reported preparedness. Qualitative data was also collected from focus groups with a small number of students.
Implications: The findings suggest that the more structured, simulation-based curriculum is at least equivalent to the ward-based approach in teaching clinical skills and preparing students for clinical rotations. Students’ clinical reasoning skills could be enhanced in a simulation-based curriculum through more explicit training to prepare them for being asked questions on clinical placement.
Health professional students’ emotional responses to effective and ineffective teamwork
Authors: McKinlay Eileen , Gladman Tehmina , Burrow Marla , Pullon Sue
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Pre-registration students learn interprofessional competencies for effective teamwork through interprofessional education (IPE), yet they do not always see effective teamwork in the clinical workplace or experience it in IPE learning activities. In this study, we explored: (1) what students recall of experiences of interprofessional teamwork interactions in workplace settings or in IPE learning activities and (2) what and how they describe the emotion attached to these experiences.
Methods: A pre- and post-test survey design was used, which included qualitative questions administered before and after a clinical workplace-based cancer and life-limiting illness IPE activity for two cohorts of students. We surveyed students about teamwork experiences in both workplace and IPE learning activities and how they felt about them emotionally. A content and thematic analysis was undertaken, the latter using a process adapted from Attride-Stirling (2001).
Results: For the before-IPE responses, 31 out of 50 students in the two cohorts responded (62%), and for the after-IPE responses, 29 out of 50 in the two cohorts responded (58%). There were two global themes: (1) students readily recognise both effective and ineffective teamwork and (2) ineffective teamwork experiences can evoke strong emotional responses.
Conclusion: Students’ emotional responses from being involved in or observing effective and ineffective teamwork may influence their future engagement in interprofessional teamwork and IPE activities.
Women’s experience of participating in a storytelling intervention about abnormal uterine bleeding for medical student education
Authors: Kanagasabai Parimala , Filoche Sara , Henry Claire , Ormandy Judy , Te Whaiti Sarah , Grainger Rebecca
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Storytelling of lived experience could be an effective educational intervention to enhance empathic communication during medical training. The aim of this study is to describe women’s experiences of participating in a storytelling intervention for medical students, consisting of live online and recorded stories about their lived experience of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had lived experience of abnormal uterine bleeding and who participated in a storytelling intervention for medical students. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used for analysing the data.
Results: Eight women participated in interviews, five online, two by telephone and one responding to interview questions by email. The analysis produced five themes: (1) empowered by opportunity to provide guidance to students, (2) empowered by advocating for women, (3) therapeutic to share and hear lived experiences, (4) preference for a pragmatic online format and (5) safe and comfortable setting for sharing experiences.
Conclusion: Women had a meaningful and therapeutic experience of participating in the storytelling intervention. Storytelling interventions for health professional education may work well for people with lived experience when a practical or flexible online format is offered, which contributes to a safe and comfortable environment.
Spirodiclofen toxicity in Tetranychus urticae and safety to natural enemies Proprioseiopsis asetus and Amblyseius swirskii
Authors: Sun Li , Chen Xia , Fan Guo-Cheng , Zheng Yue-Qiong , Chen Da-Song , Zheng Han-Qing , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2024

Proprioseiopsis asetus and Amblyseius swirskii are excellent natural enemies of plant-feeding mites and small pests. In order to clarify the safety of the acaricide spirodiclofen to the predatory mites P. asetus and A. swirskii, here, we investigated the toxicity of the acaricide on the pest mite T. urticae (nymphs and adult females) and on both species of predatory mites, P. asetus and A. swiskii (eggs, nymphs, and female adults) by using the spray, slide-dip, and leaf residual toxicity methods, compared the selective toxicity and assessed the safety to these natural enemies. The results demonstrated that the corrected mortality in P. asetus and A. swirskii female adults was <5% at recommended spirodiclofen concentrations in the spray method. In the leaf residual toxicity method, P. asetus and A. swirskii egg-hatching rates did not differ significantly from the pure water control group. In the slide-dip method, spirodiclofen lethal concentration 50 (LC50) in P. asetus and A. swirskii female adults was noted to be 9,494.875 and 3,064.187 mg·L−1, respectively. In the spray method, spirodiclofen LC50 in P. asetus and A. swirskii nymphs was found to be 4,292.664 and 1,081.609 mg·L−1, respectively, and that in T. urticae female adults and nymphs was 55.189 and 40.862 mg·L−1, respectively. Spiroclofen selective toxicity ratios (STRs) in P. asetus female adults–T. urticae and P. asetus nymphs–T. urticae were 172.013 and 105.053, respectively, indicating that spiroclofen has a high positive selectivity toward the pest T. urticae and its natural enemy P. asetus. In contrast, spiroclofen STRs in A. swirskiis female adults–T. urticae and A. swirskiis nymphs–T. urticae were 55.522 and 26.470, respectively, indicating spiroclofen has a moderate positive selectivity toward the pest T. urticae and its natural enemy A. swirskii. In the safety evaluation, the spirodiclofen safety factor for P. asetus female adults and nymphs was 158.248–237.37 and 71.544–107.317, respectively, whereas that for A. swirskii female adults and nymphs was 50.070–76.605 and 18.027–27.040 respectively. All spirodiclofen safety factor values were much higher than 5, indicating that spirodiclofen is highly safe for P. asetus and A. swirskii; in particular, spirodiclofen is safer for P. asetus than for A. swirskii.
Description of a new species of Schwiebea (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) from Thailand
Authors: KONVIPASRUANG PLOYCHOMPOO , Fan Qing-Hai
Published: September 2024

The genus Schwiebea Oudemans (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) includes notable agricultural pests that are widely distributed across diverse ecological environments. Despite their economic significance, mites of this genus in Thailand have been insufficiently studied. This research describes a new species, Schwiebea citrae sp. nov., collected from the roots of pomelo, Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., contributing to the broader knowledge of acarid diversity.
Do Experienced Adolescent Competition Dancers Alter Landing Kinematics and Kinetics for Split Leaps or Center Leaps After Fatigue?
Authors: Mink Zoie R. , Esquivel Amanda
Published: September 2024

Most injuries that dancers sustain are to the lower extremities, specifically the foot and ankle region. Numerous potential risk factors have been examined for dancer injuries such as technical mistakes and fatigue. The purpose of this study was to compare landing kinematics and kinetics during jumps that are common in dance pre and postfatigue. Ten adolescent advanced level dancers participated in this study. Subjects completed 3 split leaps and 3 center leaps before and after a fatigue protocol performed on a stationary bike. Live motion capture was used to record landing kinematic and kinetic data. Results of this study showed a significant increase in ankle eversion and external rotation angles for center leaps from pre- to postfatigue protocol (P = .020 and P = .020, respectively) as well as significant increases in ankle eversion and knee adduction moments for center leaps (P = .020 and P = .036, respectively). These results show that after a fatigue protocol, there are changes to the kinematics of dancers that may make them more susceptible to ankle injury.