bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance of Art Education for the Post‐Anthropocene: Non‐Philosophy in a Newer Key
Authors: jagodzinski jan
Published: June 2024

This essay is a plea to art educators in what is a global climate in a permacrisis both politically and physically. This is a deliberate and persuasive provocation to reorientate art education to avoid a reiteration that is taking place when the 20th and 21st centuries are compared in relation to the striking changes that are taking place in relation to a qualitative shift in technologies and the phase change of the earth. I develop this provocation by first developing the relations between art, science and philosophy of the 20th century, and art educations roll in this. I then turn to the 21st century to develop art, science and philosophy as they relate to the problematic developed by Peter Weibel and Bruno Latour in four significant exhibitions held at the KMZ. From there, I turn to anchor my theoretical support as to why Deleuze and Guattari particular expression of non‐philosophy is of key import to make this plea stick in relation to both digital mediation and the post‐Anthropocene.
Sex differences in attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and clinical care: a national study of population healthcare records in Wales
Authors: Martin Joanna , Langley Kate , Cooper Miriam , Rouquette Olivier Y. , John Ann , Sayal Kapil , Ford Tamsin , Thapar Anita
Published: June 2024

Background

Population‐based studies have observed sex biases in the diagnosis and treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Females are less likely to be diagnosed or prescribed ADHD medication. This study uses national healthcare records, to investigate sex differences in diagnosis and clinical care in young people with ADHD, particularly regarding recognition and treatment of other mental health conditions.

Methods

The cohort included individuals diagnosed with ADHD, born between 1989 and 2013 and living in Wales between 2000 and 2019. Routine primary and secondary healthcare record data were used to derive diagnoses of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, as well as ADHD and antidepressant medications. Demographic variables included ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation and contact with social services.

Results

There were 16,458 individuals diagnosed with ADHD (20.3% females, ages 3–30 years), with a male‐to‐female ratio of 3.9:1. Higher ratios (4.8:1) were seen in individuals diagnosed younger (<12 years), with the lowest ratio (1.9:1) in those diagnosed as adults (>18). Males were younger at first recorded ADHD diagnosis (mean = 10.9 vs. 12.6 years), more likely to be prescribed ADHD medication and younger at diagnosis of co‐occurring neurodevelopmental conditions. In contrast, females were more likely to receive a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or another mental health condition and to be prescribed antidepressant medications, prior to ADHD diagnosis. These sex differences were largely stable across demographic groups.

Conclusions

This study adds to the evidence base that females with ADHD are experiencing later recognition and treatment of ADHD. The results indicate that this may be partly because of diagnostic overshadowing from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, or initial misdiagnosis. Further research and dissemination of findings to the public are needed to improve awareness, timely diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in females.
Radiotherapy and prognostic factors in adnexal carcinomas: A retrospective study of 657 patients from the French CARADERM network
Authors: Zagala Robin , Dalle Stephane , Beylot‐Barry Marie , Meyer Nicolas , Saiag Philippe , Kramkimel Nora , Lebbe Celeste , Zehou Ouidad , Amini‐Adle Mona , Grob Jean‐Jacques , Arnault Jean‐Philippe , Maubec Eve , Granel‐Brocard Florence , Cribier Bernard , Quereux Gaelle , Brunet‐Possenti Florence , Dalac Sophie , Dereure Olivier , Drumez Elodie , Mortier Laurent , Battistella Maxime , Jouary Thomas
Published: June 2024

Background

Cutaneous adnexal carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms. Surgical excision is the first‐line treatment in localized stage. The use and effectiveness of radiotherapy have not been thoroughly evaluated in these neoplasms.

Objectives

The present work analyses prognostic factors on outcomes in skin adnexal carcinomas, based on data from the CARADERM (CAncers RAres DERMatologiques) database.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively including demographic data, tumour types and therapeutic characteristics of all patients included in the CARADERM database, with at least one informative follow‐up visit. Analyses were performed on three populations: patients with complete resection of the primary tumour (ADJ/primary population), patients achieving complete remission after complete resection of a recurrent tumour (ADJ/recurrent population) and patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic tumours (ADV/MET population). Overall and recurrence/progression‐free survivals at 3‐year were analysed using Cox regression models.

Results

Radiotherapy did not affect overall survival (OS) in the ADJ/primary population. Adjusted recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was significantly lower in the radiotherapy group in ADJ/primary group. Older patients had significantly poorer OS and RFS. Tumour size and immunosuppression were significantly associated with poorer RFS only. Radiotherapy had no effect on OS and RFS in the ADJ/recurrent population. Age was the only factor associated with a poorer OS. Radiotherapy was significantly associated with longer progression‐free survival (PFS) in age‐sex adjusted analysis in the ADV/MET population, without effect on OS.

Conclusions

Our study shows that age, tumour size and immunosuppression are significantly associated with survival in localized adnexal carcinomas. Radiotherapy may improve PFS in the ADV/MET population but not in localized and recurrent carcinomas after complete excision.
Kodo millet: Technological impact and nutritional benefits for value‐addition in food products
Authors: Shikha Deep , Kumar Yogesh , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Saxena D. C.
Published: June 2024

Millets are small‐seeded annual crops grown as cereal grains. They are known for their nutritional benefits and their role in preventing health problems. These grains are classified into major and minor millets. Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), one of the minor millets, originated from Africa as a drought‐resistant crop and was domesticated in India in 3000 BC. It is grown in various states of India and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The Kodo seed is rich in phytochemical compounds and dietary fibers with remarkable storage properties. It can be stored for extended periods under normal storage conditions and is found as a famine crop, which means it can be used as an alternative to major cereals. Kodo millet is a rich source of phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. It also contains antinutritional factors that can limit its use, but these can be reduced by proper processing methods to enhance its food applications. Different traditional methods, such as milling, decortication, roasting, germination, and fermentation, along with novel techniques such as microwave, cold plasma and ultrasound treatment significantly impact the value addition of Kodo millet and the development of various food products. Therefore, this review provides valuable information on the nutritional profile, processing methods, and food applications of Kodo millet.
Are Bergmann's and Jordan's rules valid for a neotropical pitviper?
Authors: Servino L. M. , Ferrarini J. M. G. , Nogueira C. d. C. , Barbo F. E. , Sawaya R. J.
Published: June 2024

Morphological variation along the spatial distribution of species has been extensively investigated in ecological studies, and several ecogeographical rules explore the relationships between morphological traits and the environment. Many morphological traits are correlated, providing an opportunity to evaluate the validity of multiple ecogeographical rules simultaneously. Bergmann's rule predicts that endothermic animals in colder locations are larger than those in warmer locations. Jordan's rule predicts that fish from colder locations have more vertebrae than those from warmer locations. We tested the validity of Bergmann's and Jordan's rules for the neotropical lancehead snake Bothrops jararaca. We evaluated three morphological characters of 342 specimens: number of ventral scales (proxy for vertebrae number), snout–vent length (a linear measure of body size) and stoutness (volumetric body size). We implemented spatial regressions to evaluate the variation of morphological dimensions using climatic predictors: the minimum temperature and evapotranspiration. SVL was poorly related to minimum temperature and evapotranspiration. However, stouter individuals were found in colder places with greater evapotranspiration, following Bergmann's rule and the water conservation hypothesis. Individuals in warmer locations also had a greater number of ventral scales, reversing Jordan's rule. We showed that different selective pressures act on different morphological dimensions. Although stoutness follows Bergmann's rule, its variation would arise from an energy storage demand rather than heat conservation. Also, stoutness variation along evapotranspiration gradients could represent a mechanism to avoid hydric stress in environments with considerable climatic variations. The variation in vertebrae number along temperature gradients could be related to ecological factors and foraging. We highlight that physioecological mechanisms to deal with climatic variation and ecological aspects could be identified in snakes through intraspecific analyses, contrasting with interspecific studies that can hardly detect general trends. Due to different environmental effects on body size, we shed new light on the importance of exploring multiple morphological dimensions in macroecological studies.
Iris cangshanensis (Iridaceae), a new species from southwest China
Authors: Jiang Xianfeng , Yang Ying , Liu Jinfeng , Xie Yanping
Published: June 2024

A new species of Iris, Iris cangshanensis, was discovered in Cangshan Nature Reserve, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, I. cangshanensis shares several key features with species in Iris subg. Crossiris, including prominent crests and stout rhizomes, but it is easily distinguished from other Iris species by its unique crest, dark purple spots on the falls, erect standards recurved to the style branches, and slightly fimbriate tips of the style branches. Phylogenetic analysis including 115 related species based on matk/trnk and trnL‐F sequences indicates that I. cangshanensis forms a distinct clade, and reveals a strong genetic connection between I. cangshanensis, the Iris tectorum complex and Iris latistyla. Overall, both morphological and phylogenetic evidence strongly support the classification of I. cangshanensis as a newly discovered species. A comprehensive description of this species is provided, including a detailed illustrations and photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, as well as its IUCN conservation status.
The MdNAC72‐MdABI5 module acts as an interface integrating jasmonic acid and gibberellin signals and undergoes ubiquitination‐dependent degradation regulated by MdSINA2 in apple
Authors: Li Hong‐Liang , Xu Rui‐Rui , Guo Xin‐Long , Liu Ya‐Jing , You Chun‐Xiang , Han Yuepeng , An Jian‐Ping
Published: June 2024

Jasmonic acid (JA) and gibberellin (GA) coordinately regulate plant developmental programs and environmental cue responses. However, the fine regulatory network of the cross‐interaction between JA and GA remains largely elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that MdNAC72 together with MdABI5 positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis through an exquisite MdNAC72‐MdABI5‐MdbHLH3 transcriptional cascade in apple.

MdNAC72 interacts with MdABI5 to promote the transcriptional activation of MdABI5 on its target gene MdbHLH3 and directly activates the transcription of MdABI5.

The MdNAC72‐MdABI5 module regulates the integration of JA and GA signals in anthocyanin biosynthesis by combining with JA repressor MdJAZ2 and GA repressor MdRGL2a. MdJAZ2 disrupts the MdNAC72–MdABI5 interaction and attenuates the transcriptional activation of MdABI5 by MdNAC72. MdRGL2a sequesters MdJAZ2 from the MdJAZ2‐MdNAC72 protein complex, leading to the release of MdNAC72.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase MdSINA2 is responsive to JA and GA signals and promotes ubiquitination‐dependent degradation of MdNAC72. The MdNAC72‐MdABI5 interface fine‐regulates the integration of JA and GA signals at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels by combining MdJAZ2, MdRGL2a, and MdSINA2. In summary, our findings elucidate the fine regulatory network connecting JA and GA signals with MdNAC72‐MdABI5 as the core in apple.
Improving transient protein expression in agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Beritza Konstantina , Watts Emma C. , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: June 2024

Agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana is routinely used in plant science and molecular pharming to transiently express proteins of interest. Here, we discuss four phenomena that should be avoided to improve transient expression. Immune responses can be avoided by depleting immune receptors and employing pathogen‐derived effectors; transcript degradation by using silencing inhibitors or RNA interference machinery mutants; endoplasmic reticulum stress by co‐expressing chaperones; and protein degradation can be avoided with subcellular targeting, protease mutants and co‐expressing protease inhibitors. We summarise the reported increased yields for various recombinant proteins achieved with these approaches and highlight remaining challenges to further improve the efficiency of this versatile protein expression platform.
Distinct biological property of tau in tau‐first cognitive proteinopathy: Evidence by longitudinal clinical neuroimaging profiles and compared with late‐onset Alzheimer disease
Authors: Chang Hsin‐I. , Huang Chi‐Wei , Huang Shu‐Hua , Hsu Shih‐Wei , Lin Kun‐Ju , Ho Tsung‐Ying , Wu Hsiu‐Chuan , Chang Chiung‐Chih
Published: June 2024

Background

Tau‐first cognitive proteinopathy (TCP) denotes a clinical phenotype of Alzheimer disease (AD) showing Florzolotau(18F) positron emission tomography (PET) positivity but a negative amyloid status.

Aim

We explored the biological property of tau using longitudinal cognitive and neuroimaging data in TCP and compared with late‐onset AD (LOAD).

Method

We enrolled 56 patients with LOAD, 34 patients with TCP, and 26 cognitive unimpaired controls. All of the participants had historical data of 2 to 4 three‐dimensional T1 images and 2 to 6 annual cognitive evaluations over a follow‐up period of 7 years. Tau topography was measured using Florzolotau(18F) PET. In the LOAD and TCP groups, we constructed tau or gray matter clusters covarying with the cognitive measurements. We used mediator analysis to explore the regional tau load as predictor, gray matter partitions as mediators, and significant cognitive test scores as outcomes. Longitudinal cognitive decline and cortical thickness degeneration pattern were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

The TCP group had longitudinal declines in nonexecutive domains. The deterministic factor predicting the short‐term memory score in TCP was the hippocampal volume and not directly via the medial and lateral temporal tau load. These features formed the conceptual differences with LOAD.

Discussion

The biological properties of tau and the longitudinal cognitive‐imaging trajectory support the conceptual distinction between TCP and LOAD. TCP represents one specific entity featuring salient short‐term memory impairment, declines in nonexecutive domains, a slower gray matter degenerative pattern, and a restricted impact of tau.
Lesser transgressions and loss of standing to blame
Authors: Lippert‐Rasmussen Kasper
Published: June 2024

In the Standard View, a blamee can dismiss another's blaming of her as hypocritical and thus standingless if, and only if, the blamer's violations of the norm he is invoking are as bad as the blamee's. I defend a counterexample to this view showing that blame can be hypocritical and thus standingless when, simultaneously with blaming, the blamer willingly violates, in a minor way, the norm he is invoking. If correct, this has important implications for accounts of what makes hypocritical blame standingless. Hypocritical blame of the sort involved in my counterexample cannot be accommodated by the moral equality account of standing to blame. Nor can existing commitment accounts accommodate it without revising the way we think about standing‐relevant commitment. Hence, this article points to a need for both revising the common view of when blame can be dismissed as hypocritical and rethinking the two standard accounts of that in virtue of which we have or lack standing to blame. Specifically, it points to an interesting way in which standing to blame appears to be time‐relative.
Does fiscal expenditure matter for agricultural development? Examining the impact of technological progress on food production
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Akram Waqar , Usman Muhammad , Nasereldin Yasir A. , Ozturk Ilhan
Published: June 2024

Rice is a staple food for vast population of China and it remarkably contributes toward China's food security. Several fiscal programs have been implemented by Chinese central government for sustainable agriculture production. In this study, we examine the long‐run influence of agricultural public investment (API) and (agro)chemical inputs use (i.e., fertilizer and pesticide) on rice yield in main rice‐producing provinces of China. Second‐generation panel unit root tests, Westerlund error correction model cointegration test, Augmented‐Mean Group (AMG) and Common Correlated Effect Mean Group (CCEMG) estimation techniques have been used in this article. The co‐integration test results reveal strong evidence of the existence of the long‐run co‐integrating link between the considered series. The results of the AMG and CCEMG methods show that (i) API, (ii) fertilizer use, and (iii) power consumption for agricultural machinery positively and significantly impact rice productivity, whereas pesticide usage affects it negatively. Panel quantile regression showed that API, fertilizer use, power consumption, and sown area are significant and positive at 0.10–0.90 quantiles. The results also indicate that pesticide usage increases rice production at 0.10–0.30 quantiles but decreases rice production at 0.40–0.90 quantile levels. Based on these findings, we derive pertinent implications for China's food security.
Exploring the association of self‐rated oral health with self‐rated general and mental health among older adults in a resource‐poor context: Insights for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3
Authors: Amoak Daniel , Antabe Roger , Braimah Joseph Asumah , Agyemang‐Duah Williams , Sano Yujiro , Luginaah Isaac
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Older adults in Ghana have been disproportionately affected by oral health issues such as caries and periodontitis. This situation calls for comprehensive attention within health and healthcare policies, due to the established connections between oral health and other aspects of health and well‐being in high‐income countries, including physical and mental health. However, there is a significant gap in the literature when it comes to exploring the association of oral health with physical and mental health in resource‐constrained settings like Ghana.

Methods

To address this void, we collected a cross‐sectional sample comprising older adults aged 60 and above (n = 1073) and analyzed self‐rated health measures to investigate the relationship between oral health and general and mental health in Ghana.

Results

The results of our logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association: older adults who reported poor oral health were more likely to rate their general (OR = 5.10; p < .001) and mental health (OR = 4.78, p < .001) as poor, compared to those with good oral health, even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic variables.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we discuss the policy implications of our findings, especially in the context of advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Ghana and other resource‐constrained settings.
Is shyness related to depression and suicide risk?
Authors: Nudelman Gabriel , Carmeli Hadas S. , Hamdan Sami
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Suicidal behavior is an important health issue, representing a leading cause of mortality, particularly among young adults. Depression was found to be predictive of suicide risk and predicted by shyness. Consequently, we tested a model wherein shyness leads to depression, which in turn leads to suicide risk. Moreover, we expected gender to moderate the effect of shyness on depression and suicide risk.

Methods

A convenience sample of 478 first‐year college students (51% women, Age: M = 25.42, SD = 3.61) completed online self‐report questionnaires assessing suicide risk, depression, shyness, and demographic variables.

Results

As expected, shyness was significantly correlated with depression (r = 0.40) and suicide risk (r = 0.24), and depression and suicide risk were also correlated with each other (r = 0.57). Depression statistically mediated the relationship between shyness and suicide risk (indirect effect for women = 0.92, SE = 0.16; for men = 0.72, SE = 0.17). Gender did not moderate the mediation effect. However, a direct link between shyness and suicide risk was found only among men (direct effect = 0.52, SE = 0.21).

Conclusions

The results suggest that shyness may be a significant factor in the development of depression and suicide risk, potentially serving as a valuable marker for identifying at‐risk individuals. Moreover, clinicians should be aware of these associations, particularly among men, in order to maintain and support mental health as well as reduce suicidality.
Loneliness and Coping Styles Among Athletes With Disabilities During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Urbański Piotr Kazimierz , Tasiemski Tomasz , Schroeder Kingsley , Lewandowska Magdalena , Bojkowski Łukasz
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to assess loneliness experiences among athletes with disabilities (AWD) during the different phases of the pandemic and to understand its relationship with coping styles. Ninety‐one AWD participated in a longitudinal study spanning 10 months, covering three time points: April (A), June (Time B), and November (Time C) 2021. The study used the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and the revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale–Revised (UCLA‐R) to measure coping mechanisms and feelings of loneliness, respectively. Loneliness levels peaked during the most intense phase of the pandemic, showing significant differences between consecutive time points (χ2 = 20.29, p < 0.001, d = 0.24). The most robust regression models were built in Time B, using the “intimate contacts” dimension of loneliness as the dependent variable and “emotion‐oriented coping”, “avoidance‐oriented coping”, and “impairment” as independent variables, explaining 44% of the variance (p < 0.001). Loneliness among Paralympic athletes fluctuated during various phases of the pandemic. The findings highlight the significant influence of coping styles, particularly emotional styles which heightened perceived loneliness, and task‐oriented styles which reduced it, on athletes' experiences of loneliness. These results underscore the need for longitudinal studies to delve deeper into the relationship between loneliness and mental health. Moreover, they stress the importance of developing tailored interventions that promote effective coping mechanisms in AWD during challenging times amid to COIVID‐19.
Compositional dependence of direct transition energies in SixGe1−x−ySny alloys lattice-matched to Ge/GaAs
Authors: Pearce Phoebe M. , Ong Sheau Wei , Johnson Andrew D. , Tok Eng Soon , Ekins-Daukes Nicholas J.
Published: June 2024

SixGe1−x−ySny ternary alloys are a candidate material system for use in solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. We report on the direct transition energies and structural properties of Ge-rich SixGe1−x−ySny alloys with six different compositions (up to 10% Si and 3% Sn), lattice-matched to Ge or GaAs substrates. The direct interband transitions occurring at energies between 0.9 and 5.0 eV were investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry, and the resulting data were used to obtain the dielectric functions of the SixGe1−x−ySny layer by fitting a multilayer model. Values for the E0, E1, Δ1, E0′, and E2 transition energies were then found by identifying critical points in the dielectric functions. Structurally, the composition of the samples was measured using energy-dispersive x-ray measurements. The lattice constants predicted from these compositions are in good agreement with reciprocal space maps obtained through x-ray diffraction. The results confirm that a 1 eV absorption edge due to direct interband transitions can be achieved using relatively low Si and Sn fractions (<10% and <3%, respectively), although the bandgap remains indirect and at lower energies. The higher-energy critical points show smaller shifts relative to Ge and match results previously observed or predicted in the literature.
Rapid heating (<2 Ma) to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism via asthenospheric upwelling
Authors: Zhang Guibin , Wu Chenguang , Wang Yang , Zhang Lifei , Webb A. Alexander G.
Published: June 2024

Ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) metamorphism is the most thermally extreme form of regional crustal metamorphism, with temperatures exceeding 900°C. The duration and heat source of UHT metamorphism are critical constraints on the tectonic evolution of orogenic systems. Here, we report the discovery of a sapphirine-bearing granulite from the east-central Himalaya which preserves UHT evidence. The reconstructed pressure-temperature-time path indicates that the temperature increased by almost 200°C within ~2 Ma which is consistent with rapid asthenospheric heat input. Numerical simulations illustrate potential mechanisms for such heating: juxtaposition of the deep crustal accretionary system with the upwelling asthenospheric mantle through newly developed apertures generated by slab break-off and/or associated vertical tearing of down-going Indian lithosphere. Spatial-temporal consistencies among the UHT metamorphic phases, postcollisional magmatism, geophysical constraints, and crustal deformation indicate that slab break-off or tearing controls broad swaths of Himalayan tectonics. The consequent upwelling asthenosphere may have been a significant heat source for the Miocene Himalaya and for similar ancient collisional orogenic systems.
Dynamic interfacial electrostatic energy harvesting via a single wire
Authors: He Lixia , Gao Yikui , Liu Di , Hu Yuexiao , Shi Jianxun , Zhang Jiayue , Li Xinyuan , Jin Bingzhe , Zhang Baofeng , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: June 2024

Spontaneously occurred electrostatic breakdown releases enormous energy, but harnessing the energy remains a notable challenge due to its irregularity and instantaneity. Here, we propose a revolutionary method that effectively harvests the energy of dynamic interfacial electrostatic breakdown by simply imbedding a conductive wire (diameter, 25 micrometers) beneath dielectric materials to regulate the originally chaotic and distributed electrostatic energy resulted from contact electrification into aggregation, effectively transforming mechanical energy into electricity. A point-charge physical model is proposed to explain the power generation process and output characteristics, guide structural design, and enhance output performance. Furthermore, a quantified triboelectric series including 72 dielectric material pairs is established for materials choice and optimization. In addition, a high voltage of over 10 kilovolts is achieved using polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. This work opens a door for effectively using electrostatic energy, offering promising applications ranging from novel high-voltage power sources, smart clothing, and internet of things.
Cofactor maturase NifEN: A prototype ancient nitrogenase?
Authors: Lee Chi Chung , Górecki Kamil , Stang Martin , Ribbe Markus W. , Hu Yilin
Published: June 2024

Nitrogenase plays a key role in the global nitrogen cycle; yet, the evolutionary history of nitrogenase and, particularly, the sequence of appearance between the homologous, yet distinct NifDK (the catalytic component) and NifEN (the cofactor maturase) of the extant molybdenum nitrogenase, remains elusive. Here, we report the ability of NifEN to reduce N
2
at its surface-exposed L-cluster ([Fe
8
S
9
C]), a structural/functional homolog of the M-cluster (or cofactor; [(
R
-homocitrate)MoFe
7
S
9
C]) of NifDK. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of the L-cluster–bound NifDK to mimic its NifEN counterpart and enable N
2
reduction. These observations, coupled with phylogenetic, ecological, and mechanistic considerations, lead to the proposal of a NifEN-like, L-cluster–carrying protein as an ancient nitrogenase, the exploration of which could shed crucial light on the evolutionary origin of nitrogenase and related enzymes.
Soft robotic platform for progressive and reversible aortic constriction in a small-animal model
Authors: Rosalia Luca , Wang Sophie X. , Ozturk Caglar , Huang Wei , Bonnemain Jean , Beatty Rachel , Duffy Garry P. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: June 2024

Our understanding of cardiac remodeling processes due to left ventricular pressure overload derives largely from animal models of aortic banding. However, these studies fail to enable control over both disease progression and reversal, hindering their clinical relevance. Here, we describe a method for progressive and reversible aortic banding based on an implantable expandable actuator that can be finely tuned to modulate aortic banding and debanding in a rat model. Through catheterization, imaging, and histologic studies, we demonstrate that our platform can recapitulate the hemodynamic and structural changes associated with pressure overload in a controllable manner. We leveraged soft robotics to enable noninvasive aortic debanding, demonstrating that these changes can be partly reversed because of cessation of the biomechanical stimulus. By recapitulating longitudinal disease progression and reversibility, this animal model could elucidate fundamental mechanisms of cardiac remodeling and optimize timing of intervention for pressure overload.
Draft genome sequences of 148
Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex members from bovine and human hosts
Authors: O’Brien Bridget , Yushchenko Alla , Suh Jinha , Jung Dongyun , Cai Zhangbin , Nguyen Ngoc Sang , Semret Makeda , Dufour Simon , Ronholm Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex members, particularly
K. pnemoniae sensu stricto
, are common bovine clinical mastitis pathogens and often the cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections in humans. Here, we present 148 draft genome assemblies and annotations of
K. pneumoniae
species complex members from bovine and human hosts in Canada.
Complete genome sequence of
Listeria seeligeri
strain 43-1 isolated from a Danish forest freshwater swamp
Authors: Tang Taya , Leisner Jørgen J.
Published: June 2024

Here, we report the genome sequence of
Listeria seeligeri
43-1 isolated from a Danish freshwater swamp using Oxford Nanopore sequencing. The isolate shared a high genomic similarity to two other
L. seeligeri
isolates from soil and water.
Draft genome sequence of
Methanobrevibacter smithii
strain B181, isolated from a fecal sample
Authors: Plugge Caroline M. , Berkhout Maryse D. , Galani Anastasia , Wang Taojun , Belzer Clara
Published: June 2024

A mesophilic methanogen,
Methanobrevibacter smithii
B181 (DSM 11975) was previously isolated from a human fecal sample, grown on carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and subsequently sequenced. The reconstructed 1.9-Mb genome sequence of
Methanobrevibacter smithii
B181 contributes to our understanding of hydrogenotrophic, CO
2
-reducing methanogenesis in the human gut.
Complete genome sequence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
ST36 strain MAVP-26, a clinical isolate from an oyster-borne human gastric infection
Authors: Foxall Randi L. , Xu Feng , Sebra Robert P. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Jones Stephen H. , Whistler Cheryl A.
Published: June 2024

A Pacific native lineage of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
ST36 serotype O4:K12 was introduced into the Atlantic, which increased local source illnesses. To identify genetic determinants of virulence and ecological resiliency and track their transfer into endemic populations, we constructed a complete genome of a 2013 Atlantic-traced clinical isolate by hybrid assembly.
Draft genome announcement of
Bacillus velezensis
TSB6.1 isolated as a culturable endosymbiont of a nitrogen-fixing endophytic yeast
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
JGTA-S1
Authors: Nag Mayurakshi , Seal Anindita
Published: June 2024

We here report the genome of
Bacillus velezensis
TSB6.1 isolated as a culturable endosymbiont of an endophytic yeast
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
JGTA-S1. TSB6.1 has a genome size of approximately 4.50 Mb, with 4,597 genes, 45.54% GC content, 3 rRNAs, and 73 tRNAs.
Exploring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients’ experiences of psychological distress during the disease course in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Yu Yiqing , Zeng Lijuan , Wu Man , Li Chaoyang , Qiu Yufei , Liu Jiali , Yang Fen , Xia Peng
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the psychological distress course of Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients after the onset of the disease and to provide targeted nursing guidance.

Design

The interview content was analysed qualitatively. We used seven steps of Colaizzi’s method to analyse the participants’ data.

Setting

Wuhan, China, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.

Participants

A semistructured face-to-face interview were performed among 22 people with ALS from the motor neuron disease rehabilitation centre of a tertiary Chinese medicine hospital in China.

Result

This study included a total of 22 participants, from whom three main themes regarding the psychological distress trajectory of ALS patients were extracted from the interview data: ‘Time begins to run out’ include tormented and restless waiting and shock and doubt in ALS disease confirmation, ‘Family out of control’ include the burden of stigma and function loss, the burden of missing family roles, the burden of marriage’s emotional needs and the burden of offspring health, ‘Way forward’ include struggle between live and death and struggle between quality of life and the value of life.

Conclusion

This study outlines the psychologically distressing journey of ALS patients. Studies have pointed out the need for targeted care to address patients’ various sources of psychological distress to improve their quality of life and coping ability, increase their psychological resilience and reconstruct their life beliefs.
Epidemiology of adverse events related to sports among community people: a scoping review
Authors: Hirata Akihiro , Saito Yoshinobu , Nakamura Manabu , Muramatsu Yasuaki , Tabira Kento , Kikuchi Kanako , Manabe Tomoki , Oka Kentaro , Sato Mizuki , Oguma Yuko
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Numerous reports have described injuries and illnesses in competitive athletes, but studies on leisure-time physical activity and associated adverse events in the general population have not been adequately reviewed. This study aimed to summarise the previous findings on this topic.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed and Ichushi-Web for articles in English and Japanese, respectively (13 April 2023).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Articles on adverse events related to sports performed by ‘individuals and groups active in the community’ were included, whereas those on elite athletes, exercise therapy and rehabilitation, and school sports were excluded. Terms related to physical activity, exercise, sports and adverse events were used for the search strategies.

Results

The literature search yielded 67 eligible articles. Most articles were from the USA, Japan and Australia. Running, scuba diving, rugby and soccer were the most commonly reported sports. Adults were the most common age category in the samples. The most commonly reported adverse events were injuries; only 10 articles reported diseases. 13 longitudinal studies reported the frequency of adverse events based on the number of events/participants×exposure.

Conclusion

Adverse events such as sports trauma, disability and certain diseases occur sometimes during sporting activities by residents; however, the articles identified in this review showed biases related to the countries and regions where they were published and the sports disciplines and types of adverse events reported, and articles reporting the frequency of adverse events were also limited. This highlights the need for more high-quality observational studies on diverse populations in the future.
Effects of a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus usual care for cardiac rehabilitation patients with coronary heart disease (ACTonHEART): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Spatola Chiara A M , Rapelli Giada , Giusti Emanuele Maria , Cattivelli Roberto , Goodwin Christina L , Pietrabissa Giada , Malfatto Gabriella , Facchini Mario , Cappella Emanuele A M , Varallo Giorgia , Martino Gabriella , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The main objective of the study is to investigate the short-term efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the simultaneous modification of biological indicators of risk and psychological well-being in patients with coronary heart disease attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Design

This was a two-arm randomised controlled trial comparing a brief, manualised, ACT-based intervention with usual care (UC).

Setting

The study was conducted in an outpatient CR unit in Italy. Data collection took place from January 2016 to July 2017.

Participants

Ninety-two patients were enrolled and randomised, following an unbalanced randomisation ratio of 2:1 to the ACT group (n=59) and the control group (n=33). Eighty-five patients completed the ACT (n=54) and the UC (n=31) interventions and were analysed.

Interventions

The control group received UC, a 6 weeks multidisciplinary outpatient CR programme, encompassing exercise training, educational counselling and medical examinations. The experimental group, in addition to UC, participated in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on HEART disease (ACTonHEART) intervention encompassing three group sessions based on ACT.

Outcomes

The primary outcomes were Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)cholesterol, resting systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and psychological well-being measured by the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of CR.

Results

Based on linear mixed models, no significant group × time interaction was observed for either the primary outcomes (β, 95% CI: PGWBI =−1.13, –6.40 to –4.14; LDL cholesterol =−2.13, –11.02 to –6.76; systolic blood pressure =−0.50, –10.76 to –9.76; diastolic blood pressure =−2.73, –10.12 to –4.65; BMI =−0.16, –1.83 to –1.51, all p values >0.05) or the secondary outcomes (all p values >0.05). A significant time effect was found for the PGWBI total (beta=4.72; p=0.03).

Conclusions

Although analyses revealed null findings, the results can inform the design of future ACT-based CR interventions and can help researchers to strike a balance between the idealised implementation of an ACT intervention and the structural limitations of existing CR programmes.

Trial registration number

NCT01909102.
Perceptions of height and weight screening and associations with body image: a cross-sectional study in early primary school children
Authors: Drilen Tove Langlo , Eik-Nes Trine Tetlie , Ersfjord Ellen Margrete Iveland , Klöckner Christian Andreas , Ødegård Rønnaug Astri
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite parental concern, few studies have investigated children’s experiences with school-based screening of growth deviations. This study aimed to explore perceptions of height and weight screening and associations with body size dissatisfaction (BSD) among third-grade children aged 8–9 years in central Norway.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study between November 2021 and April 2022, perceptions of height and weight screening and BSD were assessed individually among 209 children (49% girls) through researcher-assisted interviews.

Results

Most children indicated satisfaction with the screening by selecting a happy emoji, whereas only 1% indicated dissatisfaction, by selecting an unhappy emoji. However, 23%–30% selected a neutral emoji, indicating either neutrality or a response between satisfaction and dissatisfaction. No difference in the perception of height and weight screening was found between genders or body mass index (BMI). Children with parents from non-Western countries had a higher risk of being less satisfied with the height screening (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.3) than those from Western origin, and children attending schools with lower socioeconomic status (SES) had increased risk of being less satisfied with both height (OR=5.5, 95% CI 2.2 to 13.5) and weight screening (OR=4.0, 95% CI 1.7 to 9.3), compared with children from schools with medium-high SES. Twenty-three percent reported BSD, in which 14% and 9% desired a thinner or larger body, respectively, independent of gender and BMI. No association was found between BSD and the perception of weighing (OR=1.1, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.4), however, BSD was associated with being more satisfied with height screening (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8).

Conclusion

In the present sample, most children indicated satisfaction with school-based height and weight screening, with no differences between gender or BMI category. However, more children of non-Western origin and from areas with low SES reported less satisfaction with the screening, independent of BSD.
Closing the gap on healthcare quality for equity-deserving groups: a scoping review of equity-focused quality improvement interventions in medicine
Authors: Jomy Jane , Lin Ke Xin , Huang Ryan S , Chen Alisia , Malik Aleena , Hwang Michelle , Bhate Tahara D , Sharfuddin Nazia
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Quality improvement (QI) efforts are critical to promoting health equity and mitigating disparities in healthcare outcomes. Equity-focused QI (EF-QI) interventions address the unique needs of equity-deserving groups and the root causes of disparities. This scoping review aims to identify themes from EF-QI interventions that improve the health of equity-deserving groups, to serve as a resource for researchers embarking on QI.

Methods

In adherence with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, several healthcare and medical databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. Primary studies that report results from EF-QI interventions in healthcare were included. Reviewers conducted screening and data extraction using Covidence. Inductive thematic analysis using NVivo identified key barriers to inform future EF-QI interventions.

Results

Of 5,330 titles and abstracts screened, 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. They reported on EF-QI interventions across eight medical disciplines: primary care, obstetrics, psychiatry, paediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology and respirology. The most common focus was racialised communities (15/36; 42%). Barriers to EF-QI interventions included those at the provider level (training and supervision, time constraints) and institution level (funding and partnerships, infrastructure). The last theme critical to EF-QI interventions is sustainability. Only six (17%) interventions actively involved patient partners.

Discussion

EF-QI interventions can be an effective tool for promoting health equity, but face numerous barriers to success. It is unclear whether the demonstrated barriers are intrinsic to the equity focus of the projects or can be generalised to all QI work. Researchers embarking on EF-QI work should engage patients, in addition to hospital and clinic leadership in the design process to secure funding and institutional support, improving sustainability. To the best of our knowledge, no review has synthesised the results of EF-QI interventions in healthcare. Further studies of EF-QI champions are required to better understand the barriers and how to overcome them.
Antimicrobial treatment for human intestinal spirochaetosis: a systematic review
Authors: Lam Jin Keng Stephen , Rabuszko Lucy , Fitzpatrick Colin , Williams Deborah , Richardson Daniel
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The antimicrobial treatment options for patients with intestinal spirochaetosis (caused byBrachyspira pilosicoliandBrachyspira aalborgi) are not well defined. We aimed to systematically review the literature to explore antimicrobial treatment options to inform future clinical guidelines.

Method

We systematically searched three bibliographical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science) for manuscripts written in English up to January 2024. The primary author conducted an initial abstract screen and two authors conducted independent full-text reviews. We included manuscripts which included primary data for patients with intestinal spirochaetosis who had received antimicrobial treatment and had an outcome measured. Quality and risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. We used the nine-point synthesis method to synthesise narrative data.

Results

There were 58 manuscripts included in this review published between 1977 and 2023 (42 case reports, 12 case series, 3 cross-sectional studies, and 1 prospective cohort). In total, there were 270 individuals with intestinal spirochaetosis: 225 patients received oral metronidazole monotherapy, 1 intravenous metronidazole, 2 rectal metronidazole, 5 metronidazole as part of a dual/triple regimen, 17 doxycycline monotherapy, 5 doxycycline (or tetracycline) dual therapy with either a beta-lactam, or neomycin, 4 benzathine penicillin, 1 procaine penicillin/steroids and 3 other antimicrobials including clarithromycin and vancomycin. 230 (85%) of patients in this review had an adequate clinical and or histological response to treatment with a median follow-up period of 30 days (IQR 14–90). The combined treatment response to all metronidazole-based treatment was 195/233 (84%).

Conclusion

Metronidazole, doxycycline and parenteral penicillin are the most frequently used antimicrobials for the treatment of human intestinal spirochaetosis and treatment response is generally good. More work is needed to understand the pathophysiology and treatment outcomes in patients with symptomatic intestinal spirochaetosis including the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools.