bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-associated CD4
+
T cells with B cell–promoting functions are regulated by ZEB2 in autoimmunity
Authors: Goto Manaka , Takahashi Hideyuki , Yoshida Ryochi , Itamiya Takahiro , Nakano Masahiro , Nagafuchi Yasuo , Harada Hiroaki , Shimizu Toshiaki , Maeda Meiko , Kubota Akatsuki , Toda Tatsushi , Hatano Hiroaki , Sugimori Yusuke , Kawahata Kimito , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Shoda Hirofumi , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Ota Mineto , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi
Published: February 2024

Aging is a significant risk factor for autoimmunity, and many autoimmune diseases tend to onset during adulthood. We conducted an extensive analysis of CD4
+
T cell subsets from 354 patients with autoimmune disease and healthy controls via flow cytometry and bulk RNA sequencing. As a result, we identified a distinct CXCR3
mid
CD4
+
effector memory T cell subset that expands with age, which we designated “age-associated T helper (T
H
A) cells.” T
H
A cells exhibited both a cytotoxic phenotype and B cell helper functions, and these features were regulated by the transcription factor ZEB2. Consistent with the highly skewed T cell receptor usage of T
H
A cells, gene expression in T
H
A cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus reflected disease activity and was affected by treatment with a calcineurin inhibitor. Moreover, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that T
H
A cells infiltrate damaged organs in patients with autoimmune diseases. Together, our characterization of T
H
A cells may facilitate improved understanding of the relationship between aging and autoimmune diseases.
Biochemical characterization of the L1-like metallo-β-lactamase from
Stenotrophomonas lactitubi
Authors: Yamada Kageto , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro
Published: February 2024

L1-like metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) exhibit diversity and are highly conserved. Although the presence of the
bla
L1-like
gene is known, the biochemical characteristics are unclear. This study aimed to characterize an L1-like MBL from
Stenotrophomonas lactitubi
. It showed 70.9–99.7% similarity to 50 L1-like amino acid sequences. The characteristic kinetic parameter was its high hydrolyzing efficiency for ampicillin and nitrocefin. Furthermore, L1-like from
S. lactitubi
was distinctly more susceptible to inhibition by EDTA than that to inhibition by 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid.
Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in North India
Authors: Vinayaraj E. V. , Thakur Chandan Kumar , Negi Preeti , Sreenath K. , Upadhyay Priyanka , Verma Nishant , Das Bimal Kumar , Kabra S. K. , Wig Naveet , Chaudhry Rama
Published: February 2024

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging, rickettsial tick-borne disease caused by
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
. Sero-epidemiological data demonstrate that this pathogen has a worldwide distribution. The diagnosis of HGA requires a high index of clinical suspicion, even in endemic areas. In recent years, HGA has increasingly been reported from Asia and described in China, Japan, and Korea. We serologically and molecularly screened 467 patients with clinical suspicion of Anaplasmosis. The present study describes the epidemiology, clinical, and laboratory details of 6 confirmed and 43 probable cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. One of the HGA patients developed secondary invasive opportunistic
Aspergillus fumigatus
and
Acinetobacter baumanii
infection during the illness, which resulted in a fatal infection. The HGA patients without severe complications had excellent treatment responses to doxycycline. The emergence of this newly recognized tick-borne zoonotic HGA in North India is a significant concern for public health and is likely underdiagnosed, underreported, and untreated. Hence, it is also essential to establish a well-coordinated system for actively conducting tick surveillance, especially in the forested areas of the country.

IMPORTANCE

The results of the present study show the clinical and laboratory evidence of autochthonous cases of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
in North India. The results suggest the possibility of underdiagnosis of HGA in this geographical area. One of the HGA patients developed secondary invasive opportunistic
Aspergillus fumigatus
and
Acinetobacter baumanii
infection during the illness, which resulted in a fatal infection.
Revisiting host identification of bacteriophage Enc34: from biochemical to molecular
Authors: Cernooka Elina , Dislers Andris , Kazaks Andris
Published: February 2024

In our 2012 genome announcement (J Virol 86:11403–11404, 2012,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.01954-12
), we initially identified the host bacterium of bacteriophage Enc34 as
Enterobacter cancerogenus
using biochemical tests. However, later in-house DNA sequencing revealed that the true host is a strain of
Hafnia alvei
. Capitalizing on our new DNA-sequencing capabilities, we also refined the genomic termini of Enc34, confirming a 60,496-bp genome with 12-nucleotide 5′ cohesive ends.

IMPORTANCE

Our correction reflects the evolving landscape of bacterial identification, where molecular methods have supplanted traditional biochemical tests. This case underscores the significance of revisiting past identifications, as seemingly known bacterial strains may yield unexpected discoveries, necessitating essential updates to the scientific record. Despite the host identity correction, our genome announcement retains importance as the first complete genome sequence of a
Hafnia alvei
bacteriophage.
Rhodobacteraceae methanethiol oxidases catalyze methanethiol degradation to produce sulfane sulfur other than hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Cao Qun , Liu Xuanyu , Wang Qingda , Liu Zongzheng , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying , Liu Huaiwei
Published: February 2024

Methanethiol (MT) is a sulfur-containing compound produced during dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) degradation by marine bacteria. The C–S bond of MT can be cleaved by methanethiol oxidases (MTOs) to release a sulfur atom. However, the cleaving process remains unclear, and the species of sulfur product is uncertain. It has long been assumed that MTOs produce hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) from MT. Herein, we studied the MTOs in the Rhodobacteraceae family—whose members are important DMSP degraders ubiquitous in marine environments. We identified 57 MTOs from 1,904 Rhodobacteraceae genomes. These MTOs were grouped into two major clusters. Cluster 1 members share three conserved cysteine residues, while cluster 2 members contain one conserved cysteine residue. We examined the products of three representative MTOs both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. All of them produced sulfane sulfur other than H
2
S from MT. Their conserved cysteines are substrate-binding sites in which the MTO–S–S–CH
3
complex is formed. This finding clarified the sulfur product of MTOs and enlightened the MTO-catalyzing process. Moreover, this study connected DMSP degradation with sulfane sulfur metabolism, filling a critical gap in the DMSP degradation pathway and representing new knowledge in the marine sulfur cycle field.

IMPORTANCE

This study overthrows a long-time assumption that methanethiol oxidases (MTOs) cleave the C–S bond of methanethiol to produce both H
2
S and H
2
O
2
—the former is a strong reductant and the latter is a strong oxidant. From a chemistry viewpoint, this reaction is difficult to happen. Investigations on three representative MTOs indicated that sulfane sulfur (S
0
) was the direct product, and no H
2
O
2
was produced. Finally, the products of MTOs were corrected to be S
0
and H
2
O. This finding connected dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) degradation with sulfane sulfur metabolism, filling a critical gap in the DMSP degradation pathway and representing new knowledge in the marine sulfur cycle field.
Genomic surveillance of
Clostridioides difficile
transmission and virulence in a healthcare setting
Authors: Newcomer Erin P. , Fishbein Skye R. S. , Zhang Kailun , Hink Tiffany , Reske Kimberly A. , Cass Candice , Iqbal Zainab H. , Struttmann Emily L. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dubberke Erik R. , Dantas Gautam
Published: February 2024

Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI) is a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea, despite the widespread implementation of contact precautions for patients with CDI. Here, we investigate strain contamination in a hospital setting and the genomic determinants of disease outcomes. Across two wards over 6 months, we selectively cultured
C. difficile
from patients (
n
= 384) and their environments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 146 isolates revealed that most
C. difficile
isolates were from clade 1 (131/146, 89.7%), while only one isolate of the hypervirulent ST1 was recovered. Of culture-positive admissions (
n
= 79), 19 (24%) patients were colonized with toxigenic
C. difficile
on admission to the hospital. We defined 25 strain networks at ≤2 core gene single nucleotide polymorphisms; two of these networks contain strains from different patients. Strain networks were temporally linked (
P
< 0.0001). To understand the genomic correlates of the disease, we conducted WGS on an additional cohort of
C. difficile
(
n
= 102 isolates) from the same hospital and confirmed that clade 1 isolates are responsible for most CDI cases. We found that while toxigenic
C. difficile
isolates are associated with the presence of
cdtR
, nontoxigenic isolates have an increased abundance of prophages. Our pangenomic analysis of clade 1 isolates suggests that while toxin genes (
tcdABER and cdtR
) were associated with CDI symptoms, they are dispensable for patient colonization. These data indicate that toxigenic and nontoxigenic
C. difficile
contamination persist in a hospital setting and highlight further investigation into how accessory genomic repertoires contribute to
C. difficile
colonization and disease.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficile
infection remains a leading cause of hospital-associated diarrhea, despite increased antibiotic stewardship and transmission prevention strategies. This suggests a changing genomic landscape of
C. difficile
. Our study provides insight into the nature of prevalent
C. difficile
strains in a hospital setting and transmission patterns among carriers. Longitudinal sampling of surfaces and patient stool revealed that both toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of
C. difficile
clade 1 dominate these two wards. Moreover, quantification of transmission in carriers of these clade 1 isolates underscores the need to revisit infection prevention measures in this patient group. We identified unique genetic signatures associated with virulence in this clade. Our data highlight the complexities of preventing transmission of this pathogen in a hospital setting and the need to investigate the mechanisms of
in vivo
persistence and virulence of prevalent lineages in the host gut microbiome.
Initiation of the Cascade arc
Authors: Tepper Jeffrey H. , Clark Kenneth P.
Published: February 2024

The Cascade arc (western North America) is the world’s youngest continental arc, and because the down-going Juan de Fuca plate is young, it is also the hottest end member among subduction zones worldwide. We present evidence that the arc initiated <5 m.y. after accretion of the Siletzia oceanic terrane terminated the earlier subduction system and caused the northern portion of the Farallon slab to break off. Cascade magmatism began ca. 46 Ma with a new trench outboard of Siletzia, a reconfiguration commonly attributed to a seaward jump of the subduction zone. However, the presence of young buoyant oceanic lithosphere that would have resisted being forced into the mantle and the very rapid reestablishment of arc magmatism are hard to reconcile with initiation of a new subduction zone by this process. We propose an alternative mechanism in which the arc was reestablished as the intact southern portion of Farallon slab migrated northward from California (United States), converting a transform margin to a convergent one. This model utilizes plate reconstructions, petrology, mantle tomography, and geochronology to explain how subduction was initiated in a setting where the slab was young and hot and why the earliest Cascade magmatism occurred toward the middle rather than an end of the arc.
Supplemental Material: Discovery of modern living intertidal stromatolites on Sheybarah Island, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Vahrenkamp Volker , al. et
Published: February 2024

 Detailed methodology description for field and laboratory data acquisition.  
46,XX disorder of sex development associated with skin abnormalities due to homozygous R-Spondin 1 loss of function mutation
Authors: Divyasri Namburi , Varma Padmanabha , Kunnuru Sumana , Anne Beatrice
Published: February 2024

A child, who was reared as male, presented in his early childhood to the endocrine clinic with penoscrotal hypospadias which was noticed at birth. On examination, he had both gonads in the scrotal sacs with complete scrotal fusion, rugosities and chordee with a single opening. He had increased palmoplantar skin desquamation. As an initial part of the workup, karyotyping was done, which was 46,XX. To rule out the most common cause of 46,XX disorder of sex development (DSD) in phenotypical males (SRY - Sex Determining Region Y gene - translocation), fluorescent in situ hybridisation for SRY was done, which was negative. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous loss of function mutation in the R-Spondin1 gene. Here we report a rare case of 46,XX DSD with loss of function mutation in the R-Spondin1 gene associated with skin abnormalities.
Caffey’s disease in disguise: a child abuse mimic
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Choudhary Bharat
Published: February 2024

A male infant was brought in a paediatric emergency with swelling in the right hand associated with restriction of wrist movements. Examination confirmed similar findings. The history of trauma was not forthcoming. Given the ambiguous history, the possibility of child abuse was kept. X-ray showed local soft tissue swelling with periosteal thickening and raised inflammatory markers in blood tests, which on review of the literature, was consistent with Caffey disease. Due to the self-limiting nature of the condition, the child was managed conservatively. Child abuse should be suspected in children with unexplained injuries, and before labelling abuse, its mimickers should be ruled out.
Platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) in a patient who had undergone partial liver resection
Authors: Shah Bhavik Sandip , Sabnis Girish Ramkrishna , Kumar Dhiraj , Lanjewar Charan
Published: February 2024

A South Asian male in his early 60s presented with acute-onset dyspnoea on postoperative day 4 after undergoing middle hepatic vein sacrificing partial liver resection for epithelioid angiomyolipoma. The patient’s SpO2on presentation was 65% in standing position which improved to 90% in left lateral decubitus. He was suspected of having platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) which was confirmed on echocardiogram with microbubble contrast showing a large intracardiac right-to-left shunt. The patient was taken up for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). A 30 mm Amplatzer PFO Occluder was deployed across the PFO which reduced the intracardiac shunt resulting in an improved arterial saturation as well as immediate relief of patient’s symptoms. This case illustrates the importance of suspecting and recognising POS clinically as well as the efficacy of transcatheter closure of PFO in such cases leading to resolution of hypoxaemia in a short span of time.
Prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendency among individuals with long COVID and determinants: a protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Biglarian Akbar , Bakhshi Enayatollah , Khodaei-Ardakani Mohammad-Reza , Behboudi-Gandevani Samira
Published: February 2024

Background

It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on mental health, especially among individuals with long COVID. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendencies among individuals with long COVID, as well as to explore the factors that contribute to these conditions.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive review of literature will be conducted in various databases of including PubMed, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The studies to be included in this review will be published in the English language, and the time frame of included studies will be from the date of inception of COVID-19 until 30 December 2023. Two independent reviewers will identify studies for inclusion based on a screening questionnaire, and the JBI standardised critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data will be used to assess the methodological quality. The strength of the body of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. To analyse the data, a robust Bayesian approach will be applied using the STATA software package (V.14; STATA) and JASP software. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide valuable insights into the prevalence of depression, stress and suicide tendencies among individuals with long COVID, as well as the factors that contribute to these conditions.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no research ethics board approval required. The dissemination plan is to publish results in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022346858.
“Just as curry is needed to eat rice, antibiotics are needed to cure fever”—a qualitative study of individual, community and health system-level influences on community antibiotic practices in rural West Bengal, India
Authors: Gautham Meenakshi , Bhattacharyya Sanghita , Maity Suroshree , Roy Mayura Biswas , Balasubramaniam Priya , Ebata Ayako , Bloom Gerald
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To understand community antibiotic practices and their drivers, comprehensively and in contextually sensitive ways, we explored the individual, community and health system-level factors influencing community antibiotic practices in rural West Bengal in India.

Design

Qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.

Setting

Two contrasting village clusters in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India. Fieldwork was conducted between November 2019 and January 2020.

Participants

98 adult community members (42 men and 56 women) were selected purposively for 8 focus group discussions. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 community key informants (7 teachers, 4 elected village representatives, 2 doctors and 3 social workers) and 14 community health workers.

Results

Significant themes at the individual level included sociodemographics (age, gender, education), cognitive factors (knowledge and perceptions of modern antibiotics within non-biomedical belief systems), affective influences (emotive interpretations of appropriate medicine consumption) and economic constraints (affordability of antibiotic courses and overall costs of care). Antibiotics were viewed as essential fever remedies, akin to antipyretics, with decisions to halt mid-course influenced by non-biomedical beliefs associating prolonged use with toxicity. Themes at the community and health system levels included the health stewardship roles of village leaders and knowledge brokering by informal providers, pharmacists and public sector accredited social health activists. However, these community resources lacked sufficient knowledge to address people’s doubts and concerns. Qualified doctors were physically and socially inaccessible, creating a barrier to seeking their expertise.

Conclusions

The interplay of sociodemographic, cognitive and affective factors, and economic constraints at the individual level, underscores the complexity of antibiotic usage. Additionally, community leaders and health workers emerge as crucial players, yet their knowledge gaps and lack of empowerment pose challenges in addressing public concerns. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both individual beliefs and community health dynamics to promote judicious antibiotic use.
Prevalence of and risk factors for myopia among urban and rural children in Northeast China: protocol for a school-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Tianli , Jiang Shuang , Fu Weiwei , Liu Hua , Ding Shangshang , Xv Daoliang , Zhang Hetong , Zheng Tianyou , Yang Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The worldwide prevalence of myopia is high and continues to increase. In this study, a school screening programme for myopia will be implemented using the whole-process information method. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of myopia in urban and rural areas of Northeast China and to determine the factors related to myopia.

Methods and analysis

This is a school-based cross-sectional study. Our study population will include 6000 school-aged children from 2 urban and 2 rural schools in Jinzhou, China. The study will be conducted using our self-developed internet-based intelligent data collection, transmission, storage and analysis system. Examination parameters include uncorrected distance visual acuity, presenting distance visual acuity, non-cycloplegic autorefraction, height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, spinal curvature and dental caries. The examination report will be automatically sent to parents, who will complete the questionnaire, and appropriate statistical analysis will be performed. The main outcome is the prevalence of myopia, defined as an equivalent spherical degree ≤−0.5 D.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University (number: JYDSY-KXYJ-IEC-2023-018). Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Subjects and their parents (or other authorised agents) give informed consent prior to study participation.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300072893.
Knowledge and attitude towards stroke among the population of one rural community in southern Thailand: a survey
Authors: Wanichanon Worawit , Ananchaisarp Thareerat , Buathong Napakkawat , Choomalee Kittisakdi
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate attitude and knowledge of stroke in a rural community in southern Thailand.

Design

A survey.

Setting

A community in southern Thailand.

Participants

All community members aged ≥18 years who were at home during the survey were invited to participate.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Level of attitude and knowledge score towards stroke were assessed, and the associated factors were evaluated.

Methods

The questionnaire used in this survey was developed from a literature review, and the content validity and reliability were tested before use. Logistic and linear regression were used to determine factors associated with the level of attitude and knowledge score towards stroke.

Results

Among 247 participants, most were Muslim and the median age was 54.0 years. The median (Q1, Q3) score of stroke risk factors was 5 (2, 7) (full score: 9). Participants who knew about stroke, had an acquaintance diagnosed with stroke and had a high level of attitude had significantly higher scores. Two-thirds of the participants had a low-to-moderate level of attitude. Furthermore, most high-risk participants (99/113) had a low to no chance awareness of their risk to stroke. The median (Q1, Q3) score of stroke warning symptoms was 6 (3, 7) (full score: 10). The participants who had received education via the Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) campaign demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of correct answers to the symptoms mentioned in the FAST.

Conclusion

About half of the participants in this community did not know some of the risk factors and warning symptoms of stroke. Moreover, most participants had a low-to-moderate level of attitude and underestimated their risk to stroke even in the high cardiovascular risk participants. The FAST may help people memorise the typical warning symptoms of stroke.
Faecal microbial transfer and complex carbohydrates mediate protection against COPD
Authors: Budden Kurtis F , Shukla Shakti D , Bowerman Kate L , Vaughan Annalicia , Gellatly Shaan L , Wood David L A , Lachner Nancy , Idrees Sobia , Rehman Saima Firdous , Faiz Alen , Patel Vyoma K , Donovan Chantal , Alemao Charlotte A , Shen Sj , Amorim Nadia , Majumder Rajib , Vanka Kanth S , Mason Jazz , Haw Tatt Jhong , Tillet Bree , Fricker Michael , Keely Simon , Hansbro Nicole , Belz Gabrielle T , Horvat Jay , Ashhurst Thomas , van Vreden Caryn , McGuire Helen , Fazekas de St Groth Barbara , King Nicholas J C , Crossett Ben , Cordwell Stuart J , Bonaguro Lorenzo , Schultze Joachim L , Hamilton‐Williams Emma E , Mann Elizabeth , Forster Samuel C , Cooper Matthew A , Segal Leopoldo N , Chotirmall Sanjay H , Collins Peter , Bowman Rayleen , Fong Kwun M , Yang Ian A , Wark Peter A B , Dennis Paul G , Hugenholtz Philip , Hansbro Philip M
Published: February 2024

Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of global illness and death, most commonly caused by cigarette smoke. The mechanisms of pathogenesis remain poorly understood, limiting the development of effective therapies. The gastrointestinal microbiome has been implicated in chronic lung diseases via the gut-lung axis, but its role is unclear.

Design

Using an
in vivo
mouse model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD and faecal microbial transfer (FMT), we characterised the faecal microbiota using metagenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Findings were correlated with airway and systemic inflammation, lung and gut histopathology and lung function. Complex carbohydrates were assessed in mice using a high resistant starch diet, and in 16 patients with COPD using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of inulin supplementation.

Results

FMT alleviated hallmark features of COPD (inflammation, alveolar destruction, impaired lung function), gastrointestinal pathology and systemic immune changes. Protective effects were additive to smoking cessation, and transfer of CS-associated microbiota after antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion was sufficient to increase lung inflammation while suppressing colonic immunity in the absence of CS exposure. Disease features correlated with the relative abundance of
Muribaculaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae
and
Lachnospiraceae
family members. Proteomics and metabolomics identified downregulation of glucose and starch metabolism in CS-associated microbiota, and supplementation of mice or human patients with complex carbohydrates improved disease outcomes.

Conclusion

The gut microbiome contributes to COPD pathogenesis and can be targeted therapeutically.
Time poverty, health and health-related behaviours in a Southern European city: a gender issue
Authors: Artazcoz Lucía , Cortès-Franch Imma , Arcas M. Marta , Ollé-Espluga Laia , Pérez Katherine
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite its growing interest, time poverty is a neglected issue in public health analysis and policies. The objectives of this study were: (1) to analyse gender differences in paid, unpaid and total working time; (2) to identify gender differences in the factors related to time poverty; and (3) to examine gender differences in the relationship between time poverty, health and health-related behaviours in the city of Barcelona (Spain).

Methods

Cross-sectional study based on salaried workers aged 16–64 years interviewed in the 2021 Barcelona Health Survey (695 men and 713 women). Time poverty was defined as the top tercile of the total paid and unpaid work. Dependent variables were self-perceived health status, mental health, sleep time, sleep quality and leisure time physical activity.

Results

Women were more likely to be time poor. In both sexes, time poverty was related to the number of children. Whereas among men time poverty was not associated with any health indicators, among women it was related to poor mental health status (aOR=2.11, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.20), short sleep (aOR=1.54, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.25), poor sleep quality (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.68) and low leisure time physical activity (aOR=1.50, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.26).

Conclusions

This study suggests that time use can be an important social determinant of health and of gender inequalities in health. At the local level, in many European cities, time poverty could be reduced, among other interventions, by increasing affordable and good quality public services for the care of dependent persons.
Effectiveness of the Coordinated Return to Work model after orthopaedic surgery for lumbar discectomy and hip and knee arthroplasty: a register-based study
Authors: Lavikainen Piia , Heiskanen Jari , Jalkanen Kari , Lehtimäki Aku-Ville , Vehkala Saara , Kangas Pauliina , Husman Kaj , Vohlonen Ilkka , Martikainen Janne
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study examined the effectiveness of an individualised Coordinated Return to Work (CRtW) model on the length of the return to work (RTW) period compared with a standard prescription of 2–3 months RTW during recovery after lumbar discectomy and hip and knee arthroplasty among Finnish working-age population.

Methods

Cohorts on patients aged 18–65 years old with lumbar discectomy or hip or knee arthroplasty were extracted from the electronic health records of eight Finnish hospital districts in 2015–2021 and compiled with retirement and sickness benefits. The overall effect of the CRtW model on the average RTW period was calculated as a weighted average of area-specific mean differences in RTW periods between 1 year before and 1 year after the implementation. Longer-term effects of the model were examined with an interrupted time series design estimated with a segmented regression model.

Results

During the first year of the CRtW model, the average RTW period shortened by 9.1 days (95% CI 4.1 to 14.1) for hip arthroplasty and 14.4 days (95% CI 7.5 to 21.3) for knee arthroplasty. The observed differences were sustained over longer follow-up times. For lumbar discectomy, the first-year decrease was not statistically significant, but the average RTW had shortened by 36.2 days (95% CI 33.8 to 38.5) after 4.5 years.

Conclusions

The CRtW model shortened average RTW periods among working-age people during the recovery period. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up times is needed to ensure the effectiveness of the model as a part of the Finnish healthcare system.
Effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on adult C57BL/6J mouse metabolism and oxidative stress
Authors: Nemec-Bakk A.S. , Bel J. , Niccoli S. , Boreham D.R. , Tai T.C. , Lees S.J. , Khaper N.
Published: February 2024

Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure has been shown to alter hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function resulting in altered fetal development that can persist through adulthood. Fetal exposure to excess dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been shown to alter adult behaviour and metabolism. This study investigated the effects prenatal dexamethasone exposure had on adult offspring cardiac and liver metabolism and oxidative stress. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice received a dose of 0.4 mg/kg dexamethasone on gestational days 15–17. Once pups were approximately 7 months old, glucose uptake was determined using positron emission tomography and insulin resistance (IR) was determined by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) IR calculation. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation and total reactive oxygen species. Female dexamethasone group had significantly increased glucose uptake when insulin stimulated compared to vehicle-treated mice. HOMA IR revealed no evidence of IR in either male or female offspring. There was also no change in oxidative stress markers in either cardiac or liver tissues of male or female offspring. These data suggest that prenatal dexamethasone exposure in male mice does not alter oxidative stress or metabolism. However, prenatal dexamethasone exposure increased glucocorticoids, cardiac glucose uptake, and pAkt signaling in female heart tissues in adult mice, suggesting there are sex differences in prenatal dexamethasone exposure.
Observable $$\Delta {\textrm{N}}_{\textrm{eff}}$$ in Dirac scotogenic model
Authors: Borah Debasish , Das Pritam , Nanda Dibyendu
Published: February 2024

We study the possibility of probing the radiative Dirac seesaw model with dark sector particles going inside the loop, popularly referred to as the Dirac scotogenic model via measurements of effective relativistic degrees of freedom $$\Delta {\textrm{N}}_{\textrm{eff}}$$

Δ

N
eff

at cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. The loop suppression and additional free parameters involved in neutrino mass generation allow large $$(\sim {\mathcal {O}}(1))$$

(
∼
O
(
1
)
)

coupling of light Dirac neutrinos with the dark sector particles. Such large Yukawa coupling not only dictates the relic abundance of heavy fermion singlet dark matter but also can lead to the thermalisation of the right chiral part of Dirac neutrinos, generating additional relativistic degrees of freedom $$\Delta {\textrm{N}}_{\textrm{eff}}.$$

Δ

N
eff

.

We find that the parameter space consistent with dark matter phenomenology and neutrino mass bounds can also be probed at future cosmic microwave background experiments like CMB-S4 via precision measurements of $$\Delta {\textrm{N}}_{\textrm{eff}}.$$

Δ

N
eff

.

The same parameter space, while leading to loop-suppressed direct detection cross-section of dark matter outside future sensitivities, can also have other interesting and complementary observational prospects via charged lepton flavour violation and collider signatures.
Formulation of Galilean relativistic Born–Infeld theory
Authors: Banerjee Rabin , Bhattacharya Soumya , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we formulate, for the first time, in a systematic manner, Galilean relativistic Born–Infeld action in detail. Exploiting maps connecting Lorentz relativistic and Galilean relativistic vectors, we construct the two limits (electric and magnetic) of Galilean relativistic Born–Infeld action from usual relativistic Born–Infeld theory. An action formalism is thereby derived. From this action, equations of motion are obtained either in the potential or field formulation. Galilean version of duality transformations involving the electric and magnetic fields are defined. They map the electric limit relations to the magnetic ones and vice-versa, exactly as happens for Galilean relativistic Maxwell theory. We also explicitly show the Galilean boost and gauge invariances of the theory in both limits.
Modeling the black holes surrounded by a dark matter halo in the galactic center of M87
Authors: Liu Dong , Yang Yi , Xu Zhaoyi , Long Zheng-Wen
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the structure of a dark matter halo can be well described by the mass model of M87 and the Einasto profile for the cold dark matter model, i.e., $$\rho _{\text {eina}} (r)=\rho _\text {e} \exp ( -2 \alpha ^{-1} ((r/r_\text {e})^\alpha -1 ) )$$

ρ
eina

(
r
)

=

ρ
e

exp

(
-
2

α

-
1

(

(
r
/

r
e

)

α

-
1
)

)

(Wang et al. in Nature 585:39–42, 2020). Under these conditions, we construct a solution of a static spherically symmetric black hole in a dark matter halo. Then, using the Newman–Janis algorithm, we extend this static solution to the case of rotation, and obtain a solution for the Kerr-like black hole. We prove that this solution of the Kerr-like black hole is indeed a solution to the Einstein field equations. Finally, taking M87 as an example, we study and analyze some physical properties of this Kerr-like black hole, and then compare them with the Kerr black hole. Particularly, from the perspective of the black hole shadow and the fact that the Kerr-like black hole and the Kerr black hole is distinguishable, we give the upper limit of the shape parameter of the Einasto density profile, that is approximately $$\alpha <0.22$$

α
<
0.22

, which may provide a new method to further improve and perfect the density profile of dark matter model. These research results for the black hole in a dark matter halo may indirectly provide an effective method for detecting the existence of dark matter.
Short review and prospective: chalcogenide glass mid-infrared fibre lasers
Authors: Seddon Angela B. , Farries Mark C. , Nunes Joel J. , Xiao Boyu , Furniss David , Barney Emma , Phang Sendy , Chahal Shweta , Kalfagiannis Nikolaos , Sojka Łukasz , Sujecki Slawomir
Published: February 2024

Rare-earth ion doped, silica glass, optical fibre amplifiers have transformed the world by enabling high speed communications and the Internet. Fibre lasers, based on rare-earth ion doped silica glass optical fibres, achieve high optical powers and are exploited in machining, sensing and medical surgery. However, the chemical structure of silica glass fibres limits the wavelength of laser operation to < 2.5 µm, which excludes the mid-infrared longer wavelength range of 3–50 µm. Rare-earth ion doping of fluoride glasses enables manufacture of fibre lasers up to a limiting 3.92 µm wavelength, but the fluoride glass chemical structure again prevents operation at longer wavelengths. Optical fibre lasers that are constructed from different rare-earth ion doped chalcogenide glass fibres will potentially operate across the 4–10 µm wavelength range, where suitable high-power lasers currently do not exist. We present a short review here of our recent work in achieving first time, continuous wave, mid-infrared fibre lasing beyond 5 μm wavelength in Ce3+-doped selenide chalcogenide fibre. We place this disruptive breakthrough into the wider fibre laser context, and also present the unprecedented advances in new cross-sector applications that will be enabled by mid-infrared fibre lasers in the 4–10 µm wavelength range. To surpass the few mW power output of the Ce3+-doped chalcogenide glass fibre lasing achieved to date, the glass quality of the doped chalcogenide fibres must now be improved, similar to the challenges originally facing the first glass fibre lasers based on silica.
Ferroptosis: A New Research Direction of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives in Anti-Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Youke , Yuan Xiang , Ren Min , Wang Zhiyu
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism driven by an accumulation of lipid peroxides on cellular membranes, has emerged as a promising strategy to treat various diseases, including cancer. Ferroptosis inducers not only exhibit cytotoxic effects on multiple cancer cells, including drug-resistant cancer variants, but also hold potential as adjuncts to enhance the efficacy of other anti-cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy. In addition to synthetic inducers, natural compounds, such as artemisinin, can be considered ferroptosis inducers. Artemisinin, extracted from Artemisia annua L., is a poorly water-soluble antimalarial drug. For clinical applications, researchers have synthesized various water-soluble artemisinin derivatives such as dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, and artemether. Artemisinin and artemisinin derivatives (ARTEs) upregulate intracellular free iron levels and promote the accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides to induce cancer cell ferroptosis, alleviating cancer development and resulting in strong anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we introduce the mechanisms of ferroptosis, summarize the research on ARTEs-induced ferroptosis in cancer cells, and discuss the clinical research progress and current challenges of ARTEs in anti-cancer treatment. This review deepens the current understanding of the relationship between ARTEs and ferroptosis and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical anti-cancer application of ARTEs in the future.
Diagnosis of Adult ADHD Using EEG Signals Based on the Spectrogram and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Abedian Shima , Bajestani Ghasem Sadeghi , Saeedi Hamid , Makhloughi Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders. This disease includes a combination of disorders in maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Diagnosis of ADHD is primarily clinical and based on history and examination. This study aims to provide a method for a more accurate diagnosis of adult ADHD using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. EEG signals recorded from 37 ADHD and 42 healthy adults were used as a control group in the age range of 20–68 years. We designed a convolutional neural network with three convolutional layers, three max-pooling layers, and one fully connected layer and trained it using spectrogram images obtained from EEG signals. The Cz channel was used for the diagnosis ADHD in four different states. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision were calculated. The results showed that using only one Cz channel has a good performance in diagnosing of ADHD. The highest accuracy of classification was related to the classification of two groups in the state when their eyes-open and eyes-closed spectrogram images were subtracted from each other. The results showed that proposed method based on deep learning can be a suitable method for diagnosing ADHD.
Symbolic Knowledge Extraction and Injection with Sub-symbolic Predictors: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ciatto Giovanni , Sabbatini Federico , Agiollo Andrea , Magnini Matteo , Omicini Andrea
Published: February 2024

In this article, we focus on the opacity issue of sub-symbolic machine learning predictors by promoting two complementary activities—
symbolic knowledge extraction
(SKE) and
symbolic knowledge injection
(SKI)—from and into sub-symbolic predictors. We consider as symbolic any language being intelligible and interpretable for both humans and computers. Accordingly, we propose general meta-models for both SKE and SKI, along with two taxonomies for the classification of SKE and SKI methods. By adopting an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) perspective, we highlight how such methods can be exploited to mitigate the aforementioned opacity issue. Our taxonomies are attained by surveying and classifying existing methods from the literature, following a systematic approach, and by generalising the results of previous surveys targeting specific sub-topics of either SKE or SKI alone. More precisely, we analyse 132 methods for SKE and 117 methods for SKI, and we categorise them according to their purpose, operation, expected input/output data and predictor types. For each method, we also indicate the presence/lack of runnable software implementations. Our work may be of interest for data scientists aiming at selecting the most adequate SKE/SKI method for their needs, and may also work as suggestions for researchers interested in filling the gaps of the current state-of-the-art as well as for developers willing to implement SKE/SKI-based technologies.
A Survey on Reversible Data Hiding for Uncompressed Images
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Ou Bo , Peng Fei , Zhao Yao , Li Keqin
Published: February 2024

Reversible data hiding (RDH) has developed various theories and algorithms since the early 1990s. The existing works involve a large amount of specialized knowledge, making it difficult for researchers, especially primary learners, to have a good grounding in the basic ideas. In this survey, we will review the mainstream RDH algorithms in uncompressed images and analyze their unique features to provide readers with an introduction to basic topics in RDH. We analyze the most effective RDH frameworks and their common extensions. The classic techniques, including lossless compression-based RDH, difference expansion, integer transform, histogram shifting, prediction-error expansion (PEE), and their extensions, will be reviewed first. Then, three currently popular investigated schemes, i.e., multiple histograms modification, pairwise PEE, and pixel-value-ordering, are presented in detail. Four aspects of these mainstream techniques are reviewed and analyzed, including the evolution of embedding frameworks, detailed technological features, extensions, and the current state of the art. Furthermore, we look forward the possible future research based on early-age motivations.
Cracking the code: using educational gaming for high-level thinking in physiology education
Authors: Roberts Joel , Johnson Lise A. , Dyhr Jonathan P.
Published: February 2024

An easy-to-implement word game (Codenames) was used to engage students in higher-level Bloom’s thinking about physiology. The gameplay required students to recall, apply, evaluate, and debate as they developed and guessed clues as part of the game. Students found the activity fun, engaging, and challenging. The activity is relatively easy to implement both online and in person, requiring at minimum a simple list of vocabulary terms.
A Case of Posterior Cortical Atrophy Presenting with Mood and Psychotic Symptoms
Authors: Hotz Tremearne , Sharma Manu , Narapareddy Bharat
Published: February 2024

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by predominant visual deficits due to its atrophy of the occipital lobes. Patients typically have preserved cognitive function during the early stages, making diagnosis more difficult when compared to other neurocognitive disorders. In this case, the patient presented predominantly with mood symptoms, delusions, and visual hallucinations. The disease course began 5 years ago with anxiety and insomnia. It developed into depressive symptoms including two suicide attempts (SAs), paranoia, and hallucinations. The diagnosis was eventually reached utilizing a thorough clinical exam, neuropsychological testing, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), and dopamine transporter (DAT) scans. We conclude that mood or psychotic symptoms that emerge, escalate, or change dramatically at later ages merit further workup to evaluate for underlying neurodegenerative disorders.
Total Face Irregularity Strength of Certain Graphs
Authors: Emilet D. Ahima , Paul Daniel , Jayagopal R. , Arockiaraj Micheal
Published: February 2024

The edge k-labeling ψ of G is defined by a mapping from EG to a set of integers 1,2,…,k, where the integer weight assigned to the vertex x∈VG is given as wψx=∑ψxy, such that the sum is taken over every vertex of y∈VG that is adjacent to x and the integer weights of adjacent vertices must be distinct for all vertices with x≠y. An irregular assignment of G using atmost k labels which is considered to be a minimum k is defined as irregularity strength of a graph G and can be denoted as sG. There are also further works on familiar irregular assignments, such as edge irregular labelings, vertex irregular total labelings, edge irregular total labelings, and face irregular entire k-labelings of plane graphs. A plane graph can be defined as a graph that is embedded in the plane in which no two lines will be intersected. In a plane graph the number of regions present are called faces and we denote it as F. The concept of total face irregularity strength is defined by the motivation of irregular networks and entire irregular face k-labeling. In our paper, we have obtained a minimum bound for the total face irregularity strength of two-connected plane graphs like cycle-of-ladder, C-necklace graph, P-necklace graph, sibling tree, and triangular graph.