bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging machine learning to enhance appointment adherence at a novel post-discharge care transition clinic
Authors: Lee Seung-Yup , Eagleson Reid M , Hearld Larry R , Gibson Madeline J , Hearld Kristine R , Hall Allyson G , Burkholder Greer A , McMahon Jacob , Mahmood Shoaib Y , Spraberry Corey T , Baker Thalia J , Garretson Alison R , Bradley Heather M , Mugavero Michael J
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study applies predictive analytics to identify patients at risk of missing appointments at a novel post-discharge clinic (PDC) in a large academic health system. Recognizing the critical role of appointment adherence in the success of new clinical ventures, this research aims to inform future targeted interventions to increase appointment adherence.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) capturing a wide array of demographic, socio-economic, and clinical variables from 2168 patients with scheduled appointments at the PDC from September 2022 to August 2023. Logistic regression, decision trees, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms were employed to construct predictive models for appointment adherence.

Results

The XGBoost machine learning model outperformed logistic regression and decision trees with an area under the curve (AUC) of 72% vs 65% and 67%, respectively, in predicting missed appointments, despite limited availability of historical data. Key predictors included patient age, number of days between appointment scheduling and occurrence, insurance status, marital status, and mental health and cardiac disease conditions.

Discussion

Findings underscore the potential of machine learning predictive analytics to significantly enhance patient engagement and operational efficiency in emerging healthcare settings. Optimizing predictive models can help balance the early identification of patients at risk of non-adherence with the efficient allocation of resources.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential value of employing machine learning techniques to inform interventions aimed at improving appointment adherence in a post-discharge transition clinic environment.
Does one size fit all? Developing an evaluation strategy to assess large language models for patient safety event report analysis
Authors: Fong Allan , Adams Katharine T , Boxley Christian , Revoir Josanne A , Krevat Seth , Ratwani Raj M
Published: November 2024

Objective

Collecting and analyzing patient safety event (PSE) reports is a key component to the improvement of patient safety yet report analysis has been challenging. Large language models (LLMs) may support analysis; however, PSE reports tend to be a hybrid of clinical and general language.

Materials and Methods

We propose a data-driven evaluation strategy to assess LLM fit for report analysis. We identify target tokens and sentences from PSE reports and use perplexity to evaluate four LLMs comprehension of the target sentence.

Results

LLMs had statistically significantly different perplexity measures in six of seven event categories. Clinical models perform better with clinical narratives, often reported by nurses and physicians. General models perform better with colloquial language and communication themes.

Discussion and Conclusion

For LLMs to support PSE report analysis there must be a good fit between the language model and the nature of the text in reports. A single LLM approach may not be the most useful strategy.
Validation of the Neogen® Molecular Detection Assay 2—Salmonella Enteritidis/Salmonella Typhimurium Method for Specific Detection of Salmonella enterica Ser. Enteritidis and Salmonella enterica Ser. Typhimurium in Chicken Carcass Rinse and Raw Ground Chicken: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 122302
Authors: Le Quynh-Nhi , Bartling Toni , Mozola Mark , Zook Cynthia , Barnes Christina , Roman Brooke , Biswas Preetha , Noe Susan , Donofrio Robert
Published: November 2024

Background

The Neogen® Molecular Detection Assay 2—Salmonella Enteritidis/Salmonella Typhimurium (MDA2-SE/ST) method is a rapid, nucleic acid amplification-based test for specific detection of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (ST), including the ST monophasic variant Salmonella enterica  1,4, [5], 12: i:-, in select poultry samples. Results for SE and ST are generated separately.

Objective

The objective of the study was to validate the MDA2-SE/ST method for detection of SE and ST in chicken carcass rinse and raw ground chicken (325 g) for Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) certification.

Methods

The study consisted of inclusivity/exclusivity testing and independent laboratory testing of chicken carcass rinse and raw ground chicken using inoculated matrixes. Data were analyzed using a paired probability of detection model to determine if differences in the number of positive results obtained with the MDA2-SE/ST and reference methods were significant.

Results

In inclusivity testing, all 50 SE strains produced positive results in the SE assay and negative results in the ST assay. All 53 ST strains (including the monophasic variant) produced positive results in the ST assay and negative results in the SE assay. All 35 exclusivity strains produced negative results in both assays. The exclusivity panel included multiple non-SE group D1  Salmonella serovars, multiple non-ST group B serovars, Salmonella spp. from other somatic groups, and other Enterobacteriaceae. In matrix testing, results for the MDA2-SE/ST and reference methods were in complete agreement for both matrixes.

Conclusions

Results of the validation study showed that the MDA2-SE/ST method is an accurate, specific method for detection of SE and ST in select poultry matrixes.

Highlights

The data were reviewed by the AOAC PTM Program, and approval was granted for certification of the Molecular Detection Assay 2—Salmonella Enteritidis/Salmonella Typhimurium method as PTM 122302.
In-depth clinical characterization of intravenous iron infusion-induced hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and its resolution
Authors: von Brackel Felix N , Grambeck Jonathan , Barvencik Florian , Amling Michael , Oheim Ralf
Published: November 2024

Iron deficiency anemia is treated by iron supplementation. Increasing evidence has shown that the carbohydrate components in iron infusions can cause hypophosphatemia and subsequent osteomalacia due to excess intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23). We here undertook an in-depth characterization of 13 patients with iron infusion-induced osteomalacia (IIIO). Patients were characterized (monocentric institutional practice) by means of laboratory, bone density, HR-pQCT, and virtual osteoid volume estimation. We additionally report a patient who was treated with burosumab because iron infusions had to be continued despite osteomalacia. All 13 patients received ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) infusions and presented with low phosphate levels. Stopping the FCM infusions and supportive treatment by substitution of phosphate, calcium, native, and/or active Vitamin D was the chosen therapeutic approach. Pain, mobility, and biochemical data, such as serum phosphate levels, BMD, bone microstructure, and virtual osteoid volume, were the main outcome measures. Our results indicate biochemical normalization (eg, phosphate levels pre: 0.50 mmol/L ± 0.23 mmol/L, post: 0.93 mmol/L ± 0.32 mmol/L, p<.001) after stopping the FCM infusion and establishing supportive treatment. Additionally, pain levels on the visual analog scale (VAS) decreased (VASpre 7.31 ± 1.22, VASpost 2.73 ± 1.27, p<.0001) and areal BMD (expressed by T-score) improved significantly (T-scorepre: −1.85 ± 1.84, T-scorepost: −0.91 ± 2.13, p<.05). One patient requiring ongoing FCM infusions experienced significant additional benefits from burosumab treatment. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of monitoring phosphate in patients treated with FCM infusions. Stopping FCM infusions is effective in addressing the excess of iFGF23 and thereby phosphate wasting. Supportive therapy enables quick recovery of the musculoskeletal system and improves pain levels in these patients.
Loss of Runx2 in Gli1+ osteogenic progenitors prevents bone loss following ovariectomy
Authors: Buchanan Connor , Chen Shuo , Yuan Yuan , Guo Tingwei , Feng Jifan , Zhang Mingyi , Carey Grace , Howard Ishmael , Sanchez Janet , Ho Thach-Vu , Chai Yang
Published: November 2024

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mass and bone mineral density. It is the most prevalent bone disease and a common cause of fracture in aging adults. Low bone mass, as seen in osteoporosis, results from an imbalance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Gli1+ cells are indispensable to the maintenance of bone tissue homeostasis. These cells give rise to osteoprogenitors and are present at the osteogenic fronts of long bones in adult mice. Runx2 is a key regulator of osteogenesis and plays a crucial role in osteoblastic differentiation and maturation during development. However, its function in maintaining adult bone tissue homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Runx2 in maintaining adult bone homeostasis in the context of ovariectomy-induced estrogen deficiency, a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our results show that deletion of Runx2 in the Gli1+ osteogenic progenitor population prevents loss of both cortical and trabecular bone mass and mineralization after ovariectomy. At the cellular level, loss of Runx2 leads to a decrease in osteoclast activity. Our study indicates that Runx2 is essential for maintaining adult bone tissue homeostasis by regulating osteoclast differentiation.
Saturation model for pore-type gas hydrate based on additional muddy conductive digital core
Authors: Zhao Jun , Lin Zongpeng , Tang Di , Jia Jiang , Luo Yuhu , Zheng Chao , Jiao Shixiang
Published: November 2024

Original natural gas hydrate rock samples readily decompose under environmental changes during extraction, presenting challenges to conventional rock electrical analysis. This results in difficulty obtaining the cementation factor m and saturation exponent n of hydrate samples, thereby complicating the evaluation of hydrate saturation. Therefore, a method for revising the rock electrical parameters by digital core technology is proposed. Utilizing X-ray CT images of artificial gas hydrate samples, digital core models of natural gas hydrates were established. An erosion algorithm was employed to simulate the variation in mud content within the digital core, followed by the calculation of resistivity using the finite element method after meshing. Through analyzing the primary micro-pore structure parameters that influence the rock electrical parameters, the saturation model was subsequently refined. The results showed that the resistivity of hydrate digital core magnifies with increasing saturation of hydrate, tortuosity, and pore-throat ratio, but decreases with increasing coordination number and mud content. The rock electrical parameters were changed with the alteration of micro-pore structure. Based on the relationship between m, n, and micro-pore structure parameters, established a correction equation for them, further improved the Indonesian equation. The saturation of hydrate reservoir in Shenhu Sea area was evaluated using the modified Indonesian equation. The modified equation reduced the relative error from 34.8% to 15.6%, significantly enhanced the calculation accuracy.
Species limits in Wiedomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) reinforce the South American São Francisco River as a biogeographic barrier
Authors: Di-Nizo Camilla B , Lazar Ana , Cunha-Filho Carlos A , Silva Maria José J , Bezerra Alexandra M R , Suárez-Villota Elkin Y , Bonvicino Cibele R , Pessôa Leila M , Gonçalves Pablo R
Published: November 2024

Red-nosed mice (genus Wiedomys) are restricted to the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, distributed along the São Francisco River (SFR). Until recently, Wiedomys was considered monotypic, but 2 species with poorly defined geographic and morphological limits have been recognized: W. cerradensis and W. pyrrhorhinos. Our study used morphological, phylogenetic, and cytogenetic analyses to review and detail species limits within the genus and test whether the SFR could be associated with divergence between lineages. This integrative approach indicated that the SFR delineates the geographic boundaries between species, with W. pyrrhorhinos on the right bank and W. cerradensis on the left bank. The species are reciprocally monophyletic and diverge in cranial size, nasal morphology, and facial pelage color pattern. Karyotypic differences between and within W. pyrrhorhinos and W. cerradensis were also detected, and new chromosome complements (2n = 62, FN = 96 and 2n = 62, FN = 88, respectively) were found. Divergence time (0.339 to 0.025 Ma) is concordant with the timing of diversification of other co-distributed vertebrate taxa, and close to a younger estimate for the formation of SFR’s recent lower course to the east coast. Therefore, our study considerably expands knowledge of the geographic range of the genus, diagnoses of species, karyotypic variability between and within species, and reinforces the role of SFR as an important vicariant barrier in northeastern Brazil.
Post-critical pedagogy: a philosophical and epistemological identikit
Authors: Oliverio Stefano , Thoilliez Bianca
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to contribute to the outlining of the philosophical and epistemological status of post-critical pedagogy in the light of the body of scholarship (both positive and negative) that has, in the last few years, already grown in relation to this theoretical project. The article invites readers to follow its authors on a stroll in ‘Post-Criticalland’. Moreover, the article raises the question of whether post-critique is a new paradigm or merely a different attitude within the critical tradition. The authors conclude by arguing for a principle of complementarity and for practices of diplomatic negotiation, on the grounds that post-critique should not be construed as dependent on critique but as complementary to it and as deserving a time and space of its own.
Education desires and conflict impacts in refugees’ decisions to leave
Authors: Erdal Marta B , Larssen Marianne F , Talleraas Cathrine , Tollefsen Andreas Forø
Published: November 2024

In this article, we set out to unpack, explore and contribute to new understanding of how conflict and education emerge and intertwine in refugees’ reflections about their decisions to leave conflict-affected areas. We draw on a unique survey data set (n = 1008), with South Sudanese respondents, collected in two refugee settlements in Northern Uganda (2022), with structured and open-ended questions. We address three questions: (1) How do education-related factors emerge in refugees’ reflections about leaving conflict-affected areas? (2) How do education and conflict interact in refugees’ decisions to leave? and (3) What are the roles of education as desired for oneself and also for one’s children, in relation to migration decision-making? We draw on literature about education and migration-decisions, in and out of conflict, and apply recent theorization of migration drivers complexes, temporally approached as predisposing, proximate, precipitating, and mediating drivers. The article contributes to deepen understanding of agency throughout displacement, specifically in relation to people’s desire for education, for children, oneself, or both. Our findings also have implications for humanitarian response, in efforts to improve support for civilians affected by conflict, specifically focusing on provision of education (for both children and adults), wherever people may find themselves.
SPIRou observations of the young planet-hosting star PDS 70
Authors: Donati J -F , Cristofari P I , Alencar S H P , Kóspál Á , Bouvier J , Moutou C , Carmona A , Gregorio-Hetem J , Ménard F , Artigau E , Doyon R , Takami M , Shang H , do Nascimento J Dias , Ménard F , Gaidos E ,   the SPIRou science team
Published: November 2024

This paper presents near-infrared spectropolarimetric and velocimetric observations of the young planet-hosting T Tauri star PDS 70, collected with SPIRou at the 3.6-m Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope from 2020 to 2024. Clear Zeeman signatures from magnetic fields at the surface of PDS 70 are detected in our data set of 40 circularly polarized spectra. Longitudinal fields inferred from Zeeman signatures, ranging from $-116$ to 176 G, are modulated on a time-scale of $3.008\pm 0.006$ d, confirming that this is the rotation period of PDS 70. Applying Zeeman–Doppler imaging to subsets of unpolarized and circularly polarized line profiles, we show that PDS 70 hosts low-contrast brightness spots and a large-scale magnetic field in its photosphere, featuring in particular a dipole component of strength 200–420 G that evolves on a time-scale of months. From the broadening of spectral lines, we also infer that PDS 70 hosts a small-scale field of $2.51\pm 0.12$ kG. Radial velocities derived from unpolarized line profiles are rotationally modulated as well, and exhibit additional longer term chromatic variability, most likely attributable to magnetic activity rather than to a close-in giant planet (with a 3$\sigma$ upper limit on its minimum mass of $\simeq$4 at a distance of $\simeq$0.2 au). We finally confirm that accretion occurs at the surface of PDS 70, generating modulated redshifted absorption in the 1083.3-nm He i triplet, and show that the large-scale magnetic field, often strong enough to disrupt the inner accretion disc up to the corotation radius, weakens as the star gets fainter and redder (as in 2022), suggesting that dust from the disc more easily penetrates the stellar magnetosphere in such phases.
INTEGRAL search for magnetar giant flares from the Virgo Cluster and in nearby galaxies with high star formation rate
Authors: Pacholski Dominik Patryk , Arrigoni Edoardo , Mereghetti Sandro , Salvaterra Ruben
Published: November 2024

Giant flares from magnetars can reach, for a fraction of a second, luminosities greater than 10$^{47}$ erg s$^{-1}$ in the hard X-ray/soft $\gamma$-ray range. This makes them visible at distances of several megaparsecs. However, at extragalactic distances (farther than the Magellanic Clouds), they are difficult to distinguish from the short $\gamma$-ray bursts, which occur much more frequently. Since magnetars are young neutron stars, nearby galaxies with a high rate of star formation are optimal targets to search for magnetar giant flares (MGFs). Here, we report the results of a search for MGFs in observations of the Virgo cluster and in a small sample of nearby galaxies obtained with the IBIS instrument on the INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) satellite. From the currently known MGF sample, we find that their energy distribution is well described by a power law with slope $\gamma$ = 2 (with 90 per cent c.l. interval [1.7–2.2]). From the lack of detections in this extensive data set (besides 231115A in M82), we derive a 90 per cent c.l. upper limit on the rate of MGF with $E > 3 \times 10^{45}$ erg of ${\sim}2\times 10^{-3}\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$ per magnetar and a lower limit on $R(>E) $ of ${\sim} 4\times 10^{-4}\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$ magnetar$^{-1}$ for $E < 10^{45}$ erg.
Deciphering the evolution of thermodynamic properties and their connection to the global kinematics of high-speed coronal mass ejections using FRIS model
Authors: Khuntia Soumyaranjan , Mishra Wageesh , Wang Yuming , Mishra Sudheer K , Nieves-Chinchilla Teresa , Lyu Shaoyu
Published: November 2024

Most earlier studies have been limited to estimating the kinematic evolution of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and only limited efforts have been made to investigate their thermodynamic evolution. We focus on the interplay of the thermal properties of CMEs with their observed global kinematics. We implement the Flux rope Internal State model to estimate variations in the polytropic index, heating rate per unit mass, temperature, pressure, and various internal forces. The model incorporates inputs of 3D kinematics obtained from the Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS) model. In our study, we chose nine fast-speed CMEs from 2010 to 2012. Our investigation elucidates that the selected fast-speed CMEs show a heat-release phase at the beginning, followed by a heat-absorption phase with a near-isothermal state in their later propagation phase. The thermal state transition, from heat release to heat absorption, occurs at around 3($\pm$0.3) to 7($\pm$0.7) $R_\odot$ for different CMEs. We found that the CMEs with higher expansion speeds experience a less pronounced sharp temperature decrease before gaining a near-isothermal state. The differential emission measurement (DEM) analysis findings, using multiwavelength observation from Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, also show a heat release state of CMEs at lower coronal heights. We also find the dominant internal forces influencing CME radial expansion at varying distances from the Sun. Our study shows the need to characterize the internal thermodynamic properties of CMEs better in both observational and modeling studies, offering insights for refining assumptions of a constant value of the polytropic index during the evolution of CMEs.
Genetic and neuronal basis for facial emotion perception in humans and macaques
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Bo , Lu Xiqian , Wang Ruidi , Ma Jian , Chen Yujie , Zhou Yuan , Dai Ji , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2024

The ability to rapidly recognize basic facial emotions (e.g. fear) is crucial for social interactions and adaptive functioning. To date, the origin of facial-emotion-recognition ability remains equivocal. Using a classical twin design in humans, we found a clear dissection of low and high spatial frequencies (LSF and HSF) in facial emotion perception: whereas genetic factors contributed to individual variation in LSF processing, HSF processing is largely shaped by environmental effects. Furthermore, the ability to recognize facial emotions of LSF content genetically correlated with the function of the amygdala. Crucially, single-unit recording of the amygdala in macaques further revealed the dissociation between LSF and HSF processing in facial emotion perception, indicating the existence of an evolutionarily conserved mechanism. This cross-species study enhances insights into the neurobiological dual-route model (subcortical vs. cortical) of emotion perception and illuminates the origin and the functional development of the emotional brain in primates.
Bio-inspired carbon-based artificial muscle with precise and continuous morphing capabilities
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Li Meiping , Zhang Mingjia , Liu Qin , Zhang Deyi , Liu Wenjing , Yan Xingru , Huang Changshui
Published: November 2024

In the face of advancements in microrobotics, intelligent control and precision medicine, artificial muscle actuation systems must meet demands for precise control, high stability, environmental adaptability and high integration miniaturization. Carbon materials, being lightweight, strong and highly conductive and flexible, show great potential for artificial muscles. Inspired by the butterfly's proboscis, we have developed a carbon-based artificial muscle, hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne muscle (HsGDY-M), fabricated efficiently using an emerging hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne (HsGDY) film with an asymmetrical surface structure. This muscle features reversible, rapid and continuously adjustable deformation capabilities similar to the butterfly's proboscis, triggered by the conversion of carbon bonds. The size of the HsGDY-M can be tuned by changing the HsGDY film width from ∼1 cm to 100 μm. Our research demonstrates HsGDY-M's stability and adaptability, maintaining performance at temperatures as low as −25°C. This artificial muscle was successfully integrated into a robotic mechanical arm, allowing it to swiftly adjust its posture and lift objects up to 11 times its own weight. Its beneficial responsiveness is transferable, enabling the transformation of ‘inert’ objects like copper foil into actuators via surface bonding. Because of its super sensitive and rapid deformation, HsGDY-M was applied to create a real-time tracking system for human finger bending movements, achieving real-time simulation and large-hand-to-small-hand control. Our study indicates that HsGDY-M holds significant promise for advancing smart robotics and precision medicine.
The Metabolic Characteristics and Bioavailability of Resveratrol Based on Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Yan , Gu Tianyi , Yan Yang , Guo Jiaxiu , Zhang Xue , Pang Hanqing , Chen Jing
Published: November 2024

The natural polyphenol resveratrol (RV) has garnered fame for its extensive pharmacological properties. Although clinical studies have shown some positive results, many contradictory outcomes remain. An important obstacle to the development of therapeutic applications for RV is its low bioavailability in vivo. This may be partially attributed to biotransformation mediated by phase I and II enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and sulfotransferases. To date, more than 20 different types of metabolites have been detected after catalysis by these enzymes. Notably, RV and some of its metabolites serve as substrates for these enzymes. Conversely, RV can directly regulate the expression or activity of these enzymes. Given the increasing number of studies investigating the bioactivity of RV, this review summarizes its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics and describes the metabolism of RV and the bioactivities of its metabolites, with emphasis on the interaction between RV and its related metabolic enzymes. In addition to hepatic metabolism, the crucial roles of RV metabolism in multiple other tissues and organs cannot be overlooked, and they reveal the relationship between RV metabolism and its biological potential.
Which MPs get elevated to the UK House of Lords?
Authors: Holden Bates Stephen , Horncastle William C R , Bhattacharya Caroline , McKay Stephen
Published: November 2024

Using logistic regression and a dataset of 816 MPs who sat in the UK House of Commons between 1997 and 2019, we analyse which MPs get elevated to the upper chamber. Drawing on literatures concerning progressive political ambition, the UK Parliament and the wider nature of the British state, we test hypotheses concerning loyalty, expertise and nepotism. We find evidence to support all three but expertise in the form of frontbench experience and, for those MPs without such experience, loyalty appear to be the most important factors driving elevation. Our research has implications for debates surrounding House of Lords reform.
Diatoms exhibit dynamic chloroplast calcium signals in response to high light and oxidative stress
Authors: Flori Serena , Dickenson Jack , Gaikwad Trupti , Cole Isobel , Smirnoff Nicholas , Helliwell Katherine E , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L
Published: November 2024

Diatoms are a group of silicified algae that play a major role in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Diatom chloroplasts were acquired by secondary endosymbiosis and exhibit important structural and functional differences from the primary plastids of land plants and green algae. Many functions of primary plastids, including photoacclimation and inorganic carbon acquisition, are regulated by calcium-dependent signaling processes. Calcium signaling has also been implicated in the photoprotective responses of diatoms; however, the nature of calcium elevations in diatom chloroplasts and their wider role in cell signaling remains unknown. Using genetically encoded calcium indicators, we find that the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum exhibits dynamic calcium elevations within the chloroplast stroma. Stromal calcium ([Ca2+]str) acts independently from the cytosol and is not elevated by stimuli that induce large cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) elevations. In contrast, high light and exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induce large, sustained [Ca2+]str elevations that are not replicated in the cytosol. Measurements using the fluorescent H2O2 sensor roGFP2-Oxidant Receptor Peroxidase 1 (Orp1) indicate that [Ca2+]str elevations induced by these stimuli correspond to the accumulation of H2O2 in the chloroplast. [Ca2+]str elevations were also induced by adding methyl viologen, which generates superoxide within the chloroplast, and by treatments that disrupt nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). The findings indicate that diatoms generate specific [Ca2+]str elevations in response to high light and oxidative stress that likely modulate the activity of calcium-sensitive components in photoprotection and other regulatory pathways.
Inter-city firm connections and the scaling of urban economic indicators
Authors: Yang Vicky Chuqiao , Jackson Jacob J , Kempes Christopher P
Published: November 2024

Cities exhibit consistent returns to scale in economic outputs, and urban scaling analysis is widely adopted to uncover common mechanisms in cities’ socioeconomic productivity. Leading theories view cities as closed systems, with returns to scale arising from intra-city social interactions. Here, we argue that the interactions between cities, particularly via shared organizations such as firms, significantly influence a city’s economic output. By examining global data on city connectivity through multinational firms alongside urban scaling Gross Domestic Product (GDP) statistics from the United States, EU, and China, we establish that global connectivity notably enhances GDP, while controlling for population. After accounting for global connectivity, the effect of population on GDP is no longer distinguishable from linear. To differentiate between local and global mechanisms, we analyzed homicide case data, anticipating dominant local effects. As expected, inter-city connectivity showed no significant impact. Our research highlights that inter-city effects affect some urban outputs more than others. This empirical analysis lays the groundwork for incorporating inter-city organizational connections into urban scaling theories and could inform future model development.
A Welfare Analysis of Tax Audits Across the Income Distribution
Authors: Boning William C , Hendren Nathaniel , Sprung-Keyser Ben , Stuart Ellen
Published: November 2024

We estimate the returns to IRS audits of taxpayers across the income distribution. We find an additional $1 spent auditing taxpayers above the 90th income percentile yields more than $12 in revenue, while audits of below-median income taxpayers yield $5. We construct our estimates by drawing from comprehensive internal accounting information and audit-level enforcement logs. We begin by estimating the average initial return to all audits of U.S. taxpayers filing in tax years 2010–2014. On average, $1 in audit spending initially raises $2.17 in revenue. Audits of high-income taxpayers are more costly, but the additional revenue raised more than offsets the costs. Audits of the 99–99.9th percentile have a 3.2:1 initial return; audits of the top 0.1% return 6.3:1. We then exploit the 40% audit reduction between tax years 2010 and 2014 to examine the returns to marginal audits. We find they exceed the returns to average audits. Revenues remain relatively unchanged, but marginal costs fall below average costs due to economies of scale. Next, we use randomly selected audits to examine the effect of an initial audit on future revenue. This individual deterrence effect produces at least three times more revenue than the initial audit. Deterrence effects are relatively consistent across the income distribution. This results in the 12:1 return above the 90th percentile. We conclude by estimating the welfare consequences of audits using the MVPF framework and comparing audits to other revenue-raising policies. We find that audits raise revenue at lower welfare cost.
A life of research on everyday sleep(iness)
Authors: Åkerstedt Torbjörn
Published: November 2024

This is a personal review of a research life focused on sleep in everyday life. It finds that irregular work hours shorten sleep duration and increase sleepiness, both subjectively and objectively (polysomnography). Also, experimental lab studies demonstrate reduced sleep duration (and sleep stages N2 and REM) when sleep is moved into the daylight hours (and the circadian upswing). Stage N3% seems not affected, and homeostatic experiments suggest that awakenings should not occur until the need for N3% or total spectral power has been satisfied. Furthermore, sleepiness is associated with increased alpha activity and slow eye movements, although the best indicator of dangerous sleepiness is subjective ratings (linked to perceptions of heavy eye lids). Everyday stress has very modest negative effects on objective sleep quality. Sleep loss as well as excessive sleep durations are linked to mortality, but with modest risk, and mainly in older individuals. Finally, objective sleep poorly reflects subjective sleep quality, and women appear to report poorer sleep than men, while objective data show better sleep quality in women. The discrepancy is considerably greater in older age groups.
A comprehensive evaluation system for ultrasound-guided infusion of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs in liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Zhou Guo , You Yijuan , Wang Binghua , Wang Simin , Feng Tianhang , Lai Chunyou , Xiang Guangming , Yang Ke , Yao Yutong
Published: November 2024

Background

Infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via portal vein is one of the main ways for MSCs transplantation to treat liver cirrhosis (LC). As the tissue of LC showed diffuse fibrosis and thickened Glission sheath, the soft pig-tail catheter, or central venous catheter can not successfully insert the portal vein. Thus, our study used an improved method and performed a relatively comprehensive system to evaluate the effect for human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) transplantation.

Method

Fifteen patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis were enrolled in the study, and we performed hUC-MSCs transplantation via portal vein by using an 16-G needle and 0.035-inch guide wire combined with 7FR “retentional metal stiffner trocar” of pig-tail catheter under the guidance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Serum liver function, fibrotic indicators, tissue stiffness, coagulation function, and hemodynamics were measured at weeks 4, 12, and 24 after MSCs transplantation. Liver biopsy was performed before and 24 weeks after hUC-MSCs transplantation.

Result

After hUC-MSCs transplantation, the prothrombin time was lower than before. The levels of hyaluronic acid and IV-C(Type IV collagen) in fibrotic indicators were significantly reduced, and the Young’s modulus was also decreased. Moreover, liver biopsy showed that the lytic necrosis of hepatocyte was decreased. In liver hemodynamics, the portal vein diameter was decreased after hUC-MSCs transplantation.

Conclusion

hUC-MSCs transplantation can alleviate liver damage caused by LC. The improved “retentional metal stiffner trocar” of pig-tail catheter was safe and effective in the infusion of hUC-MSCs transplantation, which is worth promoting in clinical practice.
Exploring perceptions of bacteriophage use in the UK across the One Health spectrum: a roundtable discussion
Authors: Cullen Lucky , Neale Daisy , Kinchin Helen
Published: November 2024

In 2022, the UK Government launched the My Science Inquiry, an open call for potential topics of inquiry within science and technology. Applied Microbiology International (AMI) recommended bacteriophage as an alternative to antimicrobials, due to the increasingly serious threat of antimicrobial resistance. This resulted in an inquiry and report by the House of Commons Science, Innovation & Technology Committee, for which the government published a response in March 2024. In July 2024, AMI held a closed roundtable discussion, inviting bacteriophage experts across the One Health spectrum and all stages of the phage development pipeline to discuss some of the major barriers to phage therapy implementation within the UK. Overall, the lack of investment, national infrastructure and public awareness regarding phage therapy, its development and its potential, were agreed upon as the key barriers that need to be overcome to more widely implement phage therapy across the UK. Continuation of the Phage Innovation Network was repeatedly recognized as an essential requisite for overcoming these barriers and for ensuring the progress of phage innovation. The aim of this paper is to provide a progressive step for phage therapy, continuing momentum to facilitate their widespread implementation nationally.
Looking back at Covid-19 government restrictions: were local lockdown regions with tighter restrictions less adherent before the restrictions and more adherent after?
Authors: den Daas Chantal , Johnston Marie , Hubbard Gill , Dixon Diane
Published: November 2024

It is assumed that increases in Covid-19 cases are caused by people not adhering to advised individual transmission-reducing behaviours. Upon the implementation of restrictions, the hypothesis is that those individuals will change their behaviour. We aimed to retrospectively explore adherence to physical distancing before and after restrictions (e.g., lockdowns) were implemented in a region of Scotland. We assessed adherence, intention, and self-efficacy to physical distancing in a series of cross-sectional telephone surveys of a representative sample of adults in Scotland. We included data from before regional restrictions and after restrictions and examined whether regions with and without restrictions differed in adherence. A total of 1724 Scottish adults (675 men, M age = 52.79 years, SD = 17.92) participated (879 (51.0%) pre-restriction, 466 (27.0%) from a restricted region). ANOVA showed that none of the main effects (for region or time) nor the interaction effect were significant. There was a main effect of time on self-efficacy, such that self-efficacy was lower post-restriction measures (M = 4.13, SD = 0.81) compared to pre-restriction time (M = 4.22, SD = 0.79). There was no evidence that adherence was weaker before restrictions were implemented in regions with higher case rates. Nor was there evidence that imposing restrictions increased adherence. In a future pandemic, it is advisable to assess behaviour and beliefs about Covid-19, risk, and behaviours on an ongoing basis and to use that as indicators of the need for intervention even before cases rates start to go up.
Proteins and noncoding RNAs that promote homologous chromosome recognition and pairing in fission yeast meiosis undergo condensate formation in vitro
Authors: Ding Da‐Qiao , Okamasa Kasumi , Yoshimura Yuriko , Matsuda Atsushi , Yamamoto Takaharu G. , Hiraoka Yasushi , Nakayama Jun‐ichi
Published: November 2024

Pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis is crucial for successful sexual reproduction. Previous studies have shown that the fission yeast sme2 RNA, a meiosis‐specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), accumulates at the sme2 locus and plays a key role in mediating robust pairing during meiosis. Several RNA‐binding proteins accumulate at the sme2 and other lncRNA gene loci in conjunction with the lncRNAs transcribed from these loci. These lncRNA‐protein complexes form condensates that exhibit phase separation properties on chromosomes and are necessary for robust pairing of homologous chromosomes. To further understand the mechanisms by which phase separation affects homologous chromosome pairing, we conducted an in vitro phase separation assay with the sme2 RNA‐associated proteins (Smps) and RNAs. Our findings reveal that one of the Smps, Seb1, forms condensates resembling phase separation; the observed number and size of these condensates increase upon the addition of another Smp, Rhn1, and purified RNAs. Additionally, we have found that RNAs protect Smp condensates from treatment with 1,6‐hexanediol. The Smp condensates containing different types of RNA display distinct FRAP profiles, and the Smp condensates containing the same type of RNA tend to fuse together more readily than those containing different types of RNAs. Collectively, these results indicate that the specific RNA species within condensates modulate their physical properties, potentially enabling the formation of regional RNA‐Smp condensates with distinct characteristics that facilitate homologous chromosome pairing.
Single‐cell sequencing combined with transcriptomics and in vivo and in vitro analysis reveals the landscape of ferroptosis in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhong Chongning , Dong Hui , Ma Yuting , Zhuang Bingqi , Shi Hongyang , Hong Lan
Published: November 2024

Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a significant risk factor for acute myocardial infarction and is closely associated with ferroptosis. This study aimed to identify key ferroptosis‐related genes as potential diagnostic markers for MIRI and to explore their roles in immune infiltration and therapeutic targeting in myocardial tissue. We obtained single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and RNA‐seq data on MIRI from the GEO database, applied Seurat and UMAP for data processing and clustering, and analyzed ligand‐receptor interactions using CellPhoneDB. By scoring ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, we identified differentially expressed genes and conducted GO and KEGG pathway analyses. A protein interaction network was then constructed using the STRING database, and seven key genes (Atp5h, Vdac2, Pkm, Cycs, Hspa8, Tpi1, Ldha) were identified through Lasso regression modeling, showing significant associations with immune responses. In vivo experiments in a mouse ischemia‐reperfusion model confirmed the roles of these seven genes in MIRI via RT‐qPCR. To further investigate the role of Hspa8 in ferroptosis and MIRI, siRNA knockdown experiments were performed in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes, and its involvement in ferroptosis was validated by JC‐1 staining and PCR analysis. This study reveals the importance of ferroptosis‐related genes in MIRI through integrated bioinformatics and experimental approaches, offering new insights into diagnostic markers and immune‐related therapeutic targets for MIRI.
Neuronal Detection Triggers Systemic Digestive Shutdown in Response to Adverse Food Sources
Authors: Liu Yating , Tian Guojing , Wang Ziyi , Zheng Junkang , Liu Huimin , Zhu Sucheng , Shan Zhao , Qi Bin
Published: November 2024

The ability to sense and adapt to adverse food conditions is essential for survival across species, but the detailed mechanisms of neuron-digestive crosstalk in food sensing and adaptation remain poorly understood. This study identifies a novel mechanism by which animals detect unfavorable food sources through olfactory neurons and initiate a systemic response to shut down digestion, thus safeguarding against potential harm. Specifically, we demonstrate that NSY-1, expressed in AWC olfactory neurons, detectsStaphylococcus saprophyticus(SS) as an unfavorable food source, prompting the animal to avoid and halt digestion of SS. Upon detection, the animals activate the AWCOFFneural circuit, leading to a systemic digestive shutdown, which is mediated by NSY-1-dependent STR-130. Additionally, NSY-1 mutation triggers the production of insulin peptides, including INS-23, which interact with the DAF-2 receptor to modulate SS digestion and affects the expression of intestinal BCF-1. These findings uncover a crucial survival strategy through neuron-digestive crosstalk, where the NSY-1 pathway in AWC neurons orchestrates food evaluation and initiates digestive shutdown to adapt effectively to harmful food sources.
Global analysis by LC-MS/MS ofN6-methyladenosine and inosine in mRNA reveal complex incidence
Authors: Stejskal Stanislav , Rájecká Veronika , Covelo-Molares Helena , Sinigaglia Ketty , Brožinová Květoslava , Kasiarova Linda , Dohnálková Michaela , Reyes-Gutierrez Paul Eduardo , Cahová Hana , Keegan Liam P. , O’Connell Mary A. , Vanacova Stepanka
Published: November 2024

The precise and unambiguous detection and quantification of internal RNA modifications represents a critical step for understanding their physiological functions. The methods of direct RNA sequencing are quickly developing allowing for the precise location of internal RNA marks. This detection is however not quantitative and still presents detection limits. One of the biggest remaining challenges in the field is still the detection and quantification of m6A, m6Amand m1A modifications. The second intriguing and timely question remaining to be addressed is the extent to which individual marks are coregulated or potentially can affect each other. Here we present a methodological approach to detect and quantify several key mRNA modifications in human total RNA and in mRNA, which is difficult to purify way from contaminating tRNA. We show that the adenosine demethylase FTO primarily targets m6Ammarks in noncoding RNAs in HEK293T cells. Surprisingly, we observe little effect of FTO or ALKBH5 depletion on the m6A mRNA levels. Interestingly, upregulation of ALKBH5 is accompanied by an increase in inosine level in overall mRNA.
Assessing Language Difficulties in Health Facilities in Malawi
Authors: Taylor Amelia , Kazembe Paul
Published: November 2024

Language barriers in healthcare, prevalent globally, often lead to miscommunication between professionals and patients, reducing the quality of care. Recognition, training, and formal study of these barriers during medical communication in African countries is severely limited. Our study focused on language barriers in healthcare facilities in Zomba, an important district in Malawi where several local languages are spoken. We employed a qualitative approach and conducted a questionnaire-based study. Data was gathered from 79 healthcare professionals and 312 patients. Our findings show that a lack of language preparation during health training and the absence of suitable resources in local languages, such as dictionaries, result in healthcare professionals struggling to communicate with patients in both English and local languages about medical issues. Patients also face difficulties in fully conveying their symptoms and understanding their diagnoses or treatments due to language barriers. We conclude that language training and health dictionaries in both English and local languages can help address some of these observed language barriers.