bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietetic attitudes and practice towards bolus feeding
Authors: Reynolds L. , Egan G. , O’Neill J.L. , Hovey J. , Wilkinson S.
Published: December 2024

Bolus feeding is the administration of feed to a patient as a series of smaller volumes of enteral nutrition given at regular intervals via an enteral feeding tube.(1) It is currently estimated that approximately 2,000 people are receiving home enteral tube feeding (HETF) in Ireland.(2) However, there is limited evidence surrounding the use of bolus feeding in enterally fed patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate Irish dietitians’ attitudes and usage of bolus feeding in their adult patients.

Survey Monkey was used to create an eighteen-question survey which was distributed by the ‘Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute’ in their online newsletter and the ‘Irish Nutrition Jobs’ Facebook page. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS® v27 to determine percentages. Dietitians that worked with adult patients and reccommended bolus feeding to patients were eligible to take part in the survey.

Out of 100 respondents, 74 dietitians fit the eligibility criteria for data analysis. Of the 74 participants recommending bolus feeding in adult patients, they primarily worked in hospitals (64%, n = 47) and in the community (35%, n = 26) with 20% (n = 15) specialising in oncology. Just over half (58%, n = 43) of dietitians agreed that the number of patients being bolus fed has increased over the last 5 years with 26% (n = 19) reporting that more than half of their enterally fed patient case load receive bolus tube feeding. The majority of dietitians (99%, n = 73), routinely use the syringing method when administering a bolus feed.

Dietitians commonly recommend bolus feeding in oncology patients (65%, n = 48), those with neurodisability (46%, n = 34) and in adults with gastrointestinal diseases (19%, n = 14). When choosing to administer a bolus feed, 53% (n = 39) of dietitians aim for 400kcal per feed, with 200ml ONS being the most popular bolus feed format (62%, n = 46). Almost all dietitians (96%, n = 71), decide to use bolus feeding with their patients as it suits their lifestyles as well as 81% (n = 60) reporting that it is favoured for its convenience.

Many of the dietitians (61%, n = 45) are of the opinion that feeds designed in a format for bolus feeding would improve patient experience. To further improve their training, dietitians reported there is a need for additional practice guidelines (47%, n = 35) and practical workshops (46%, n = 34) on bolus feeding.

This study found that dietitians are recommending bolus feeding for patients more often in the last 5 years (2019-2024). Participants reported that bolus feeding suits patients’ lifestyles as it’s convenient and it suits their social circumstances. There is a need for a specific format for bolus feeding products as well as specific bolus feeds to improve patient experience. Dietitians agree that additional resources such as practical workshops and guidelines are needed to further support them with bolus feeding.
A content and thematic analysis of Welsh school food menu design and healthiness compared to present government guidelines
Authors: Gilmour A.S. , Fairchild R.M.
Published: December 2024

All four United Kingdom (UK) nations have School Food Standards (SFS) which schools and local authorities must adhere to. Since the Welsh SFS were updated in 2013(1), the UK government has updated its healthy eating guidelines according to advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)(2). The Welsh government is committed to revising their SFS to reflect the most up-to-date scientific evidence for nutrients and food. This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively content analyse (CA) school food provision (i.e., menus and/or price lists) pan-Wales to determine the extent to which it meets the latest healthy eating government recommendations for school-aged children. Secondly, menu design was thematically analysed (TA) to ascertain the language used and design elements(3).

Menus and/or price lists were collected cross-sectionally for the autumn 2023 term and 79% of the total population was sampled (n = 82/104). Welsh language documentation was translated into English via an online translation website prior to CA. The study protocol received approval from the Cardiff Metropolitan University School of Sport and Health Sciences ethics committee. The researchers developed an assessment tool inclusive of healthiness criteria based on SACN guidelines as well as the Welsh SFS and used this tool to CA and TA all 82 menus.

Local authority organised primary school food provision was most likely to meet the predetermined healthiness criteria. Most secondary schools lacked fruit-based desserts (64%), red meat (95%) and milk (55%). Moreover, occasionally secondaries exceeded the allotted frequency for processed meat (11%), potatoes cooked in oil (22%) and high in fat, salt and sugar mid-morning snacks (18%). Instances were found where the healthiness criteria, identical to the current Welsh SFS, were not fulfilled. Regarding the TA of menu and/or price lists, four key themes were identified: (i) language, (ii) signalling, (iii) imagery and (iv) design. 12% menus featured the Welsh language. Descriptive language was apparent for cooking methods (‘freshly filled,’ ‘oven-baked’) or to popularise dishes (‘veggie-dawgs,’ ‘meatball wrapstar’). An array of keys and icons were employed to signal non-meat items or nutritionally balanced dishes. Logos, photos and illustrations were evident across most menus, yet the imagery could be seemingly unrelated to the school food provision. In particular, primary school menus were bright and colour was utilised to emphasise different weeks of the menu cycle. Issues around clarity were observed on secondary school price lists which could be overly long and include complex pricing structures.

This study has established the current school food and drink provision pan-Wales and provides policymakers with a baseline from which the SFS may be updated and include a formal monitoring process. Improvement in the amount and clarity of information on menus could also be considered at this stage.
Exploring the food and drink purchases of secondary school pupils in England across the school day
Authors: Spence S. , Bradley J.
Published: December 2024

In the UK, ‘The requirements for School Food Regulations, 2014’ specify the ‘type’ and ‘frequency’ of food and drinks that can be provided across the school day.(1) For example, there should be one or more portions of fruit per day. However, there is no monitoring and pupils can choose from a daily selection. Most studies have focused on pupil’s lunch intake(2,3) and there are limited large-scale UK studies. Whilst interventions are needed in schools to improve pupil’s dietary intake, identifying solutions is challenging. This study uses pupil-level purchase data to capture food and drink choices across the school day to identify potential opportunities for intervention development. One aim was to explore the food and drink purchases of UK secondary school pupils across the school day.

Ethics was obtained from Newcastle University (ref: 2482/26614). DPIA agreements were obtained from schools.

Secondary schools in Northeast England participated. Non-identifiable pupil-level purchase data from a four-week menu cycle were used that included: time, date, individual food and drink item, quantity, cost, and FSM status. Data were encrypted and transferred securely. Data were cleaned and manipulated in excel and Stata V18. Food and drink items were coded to 60 preliminary food and drink groups. Excel and Stata V18 were used for analyses; current analyses are descriptive.

Pupil-level purchase data (n = 3466) from five secondary schools were included. FSM pupils accounted for 29% (n = 1015), Year 7 pupils 25% (n = 848) decreasing to Year 11 pupils 17% (n = 580) of the total sample. The two meal types most pupils purchased were ‘Break & Lunch’ combined (58%, n = 2017; FSM 26% n = 524) and ‘Lunch only’ (20%, n = 659; FSM 41%, n = 268).

At break, the top five purchased items were: bacon/sausage bun (n = 7871; 21%) pizza snack (n = 5714; 15%), bagel/crumpet (n = 3697; 10%), fizzy fruit juice (n = 3344; 9%) and water (n = 3459; 9%). At lunch, the top five purchased items were: meal deal (n = 12,527; 16%), fizzy fruit juice (n = 7,895; 10%), hot meal (n = 6,963; 9%), biscuit (n = 5,803; 8%), and water (n = 5001; 6%). Food and drink purchases at break and lunch were similar by FSM status.

Preliminary findings show most pupils purchase at least one food and/or drink item at both break and lunch. Similar pupil purchasing was found regardless of FSM status. Future interventions need to consider the food and drink choices available at break and lunch. One school had a water only policy, therefore, school context and variation in the food and drink offer may impact findings. More detailed analyses will consider the effect of school, school year, meal type (breakfast, break, lunch) and Free School Meal Status (FSM) on pupil’s food and drink purchases using multi-level logistic regressions.
A global review of methodologies for establishing food intake recommendations in foodbased dietary guidelines
Authors: Salesse Fanny , Eldridge Alison L. , Ning Mak Tsz , Gibney Eileen R.
Published: December 2024

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) are valuable tools for providing dietary recommendations to different population groups across the globe(1). However, while the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have issued guidelines to support the development of FBDGs(2), a lack of consistency persists in how these are applied by individual countries in their derivation approach and monitoring efforts(3,4). This review compares the methodologies used by public health bodies to develop FBDGs.

Documents describing FBDGs and their development were obtained via the FAO online repository of FBDGs, and information could be found directly from the FBDG or from their joint scientific report. A spreadsheet was created to report details on the approaches used to derive dietary guidance for the general adult population, with a focus on the type and specificities of the data used, when applicable (characteristics of the study population, food intake assessment methodology, analysed consumption patterns, and nutritional requirements inputted if diet modelling was applied). General information such as the year of issue and stakeholders involved in the elaboration of the guidelines was also retrieved.

A total of 96 FBDGs were accessed and translated into English for analysis: 11 in Africa, 16 in Asia, 34 in Europe, 29 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 4 in the Near East, and 2 in North America, published on average in 2014. Of these, 60 FBDGs (63%) were developed based on scientific consensus, 43 (45%) mentioned a review of current evidence on the associations between dietary patterns and health outcomes, 26 (27%) derived the recommendations according to energy and/or nutritional requirements, and 15 (16%) used a statistical/mathematical optimisation method to develop quantitative guidance. 10 FBDGs (10%) did not provide any information on the rationale used to derive the values.

The general lack of FBDG revision using up-to-date evidence as well as the low use of typical consumption resources and specifically of national intake data represents a limitation to the development of relevant guidelines for food consumption. Ultimately, although consideration of local cultural practices is necessary, this study highlights the need for harmonisation of strategies to enhance the accuracy and therefore the effectiveness of FBDGs in promoting healthier eating habits.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods based on the NOVA classification system and association with diet’s quality and clinical outcomes in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Karachaliou A. , Chari E. , Bletsa M. , Mantzaris G. J. , Tzouvala M. , Zacharopoulou E. , Bamias G. , Kontogianni M. D.
Published: December 2024

Retrospective studies highlight the negative effect of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods on the Crohn’s disease (CD) risk(1), however studies investigating their consumption during the disease course are lacking. The aim of the present study was to assess the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and its association with diet’s quality and clinical outcomes in CD.

Dietary intake and habits were assessed through two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Diet’s quality was assessed through the MedDietScore (range 0-55, higher values indicate higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern(2,3) and CVD score (range 0-11, higher values indicate higher adherence to dietary guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease(4). NOVA classification was used to estimate the intake of ultra-processed (NOVA 4) foods(5). Follow-up data were collected at 6, 12 and 24 months [need for intensification/change of biologic agent, start of biologic agent/corticosteroids, disease activity, overall adverse clinical outcome (need for surgery, change of medication, start of biologic agent, administration of corticosteroids, need for hospitalization, cancer)].

250 adults [54.8% males, aged 41.2 ± 14.1 years, 26.9% obesity] were evaluated. The percentage of NOVA 4 in the daily energy intake was 25.7% (16.8, 41.8%). Higher consumption (4th quartile) of NOVA 4 was associated with higher energy (p = 0.033), protein (p = 0.023) and carbohydrates (p = 0.028) intake; lower MUFA intake (p = 0.001), fruit consumption (p = 0.007) and CVD score (p = 0.031); and higher consumption of red meat (p = 0.001), sweets (p = 0.009) and soft drinks (p<0.001), compared to the lowest consumption (1st-3rd quartile). No differences were observed between higher NOVA 4 consumption and disease outcomes, after adjustment for age, sex, disease location, disease activity and energy intake at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods had a median contribution to about ¼ of total daily energy intake in this sample of people with CD, which is almost half of that reported in young adults in Greece(6) or the general population in UK, USA and various countries in Europe(7,8). Although higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with lower diet’s quality, it was not associated with adverse clinical outcomes at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up.
Three Pathways to Nonuse Agreement(s) on Solar Geoengineering
Authors: VanDeveer Stacy D. , Biermann Frank , Kim Rakhyun E. , Bardi Carol , Gupta Aarti
Published: December 2024

Recent years have seen increasing calls by a few scientists, largely from the Global North, to explore “solar geoengineering,” a set of speculative technologies that would reflect parts of incoming sunlight back into space and, if deployed at planetary scale, have an average cooling effect. Numerous concerns about the development of such speculative technologies include the many ecological risks and uncertainties as well as unresolved questions of global governance and global justice. This essay starts with the premise that solar geoengineering at planetary scale is unlikely to be governable in a globally inclusive and just manner. Thus, the ethically sound approach is to pursue governance that leads to the nonuse of planetary solar geoengineering. Yet is such a prohibitory agreement feasible, in the face of possible opposition by a few powerful states and other interests? Drawing on social science research and a host of existing transnational and international governance arrangements, this essay offers three illustrative pathways through which a nonuse norm for solar geoengineering could emerge and become diffused and institutionalized in global politics: (1) civil society-led transnational approaches; (2) regionally led state and civil society hybrid approaches; and (3) like-minded or “Schengen-style” club initiatives led by states.
Achieving Transparency, Traceability, and Readability with Human-Coded Data
Authors: Edgell Amanda B. , Lachapelle Jean , Maerz Seraphine F.
Published: December 2024

Many important questions in political science require the use of human-coded data or information that has been systematically ordered and quantified by a human being from qualitative sources. This article discusses challenges and recent innovations in collecting and documenting human-coded data. We review five datasets produced within the past 10 years and also reflect on our experiences in collecting a quarterly dataset that tracked state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that scholars can deliberately produce and publish theoretically grounded human-coded data in an accessible format that promotes transparency, traceability, and readability. We highlight several ways that scholars are already doing this, including narratives, source lists, and coding justifications that enhance the quality of their human-coded datasets. We also discuss common issues during coding and how technological innovation through interactive web-based platforms can improve the documentation of coding decisions.
Charivari 2.0: The Striking Resurgence of an Old Contentious Tactic
Authors: Weyland Kurt
Published: December 2024

In recent years, an old contentious tactic in which protesters besiege and harass public officials in their private homes has resurged. Discontented sectors of all stripes have employed what is most commonly called charivari or “rough music.” To elucidate this surprising reappearance, this reflection highlights the rise of conflict over cultural and moral values, affective polarization, and the personalization of politics. Moreover, the proliferation of social media has eroded the boundary between the public and private sphere and thus propelled the resurgence of privacy-breaching direct action. This interpretive essay compares the special features of revived charivari with its earlier incarnations in premodern times and in the revolutions of the long nineteenth century, and with the internet harassment of the twenty-first century. By analyzing the reappearance of a contentious tactic with premodern roots, this essay seeks to shed light on broader trends of sociopolitical development in the postmodern age.
Moral Profiles Differ in Political Attitudes, Religious Orientations and Personality Dimensions
Authors: Saganić Klara , Matešić Krunoslav
Published: December 2024

Abstract: According to the Moral Foundations Theory, there are five moral foundations: Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity. Various studies have aimed to identify moral profiles that differ in the pattern of support for the five moral foundations. Those profiles correspond to distinct ideological positions. However, there are cultural differences in emphasis of certain moral foundations, and no research has been conducted on a Croatian sample to identify moral profiles. We conducted a study on 352 Croatian students and identified three moral profiles: the High Moralist, the Moderate, and the Individuator. The three profiles differ in political attitudes, religious orientations, and personality dimensions. We explain how the differences between our results and the previous research may be reflecting the cultural differences between Croatian culture and those of the US and New Zealand.
Did Historical Storms Used in Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) Estimation Reach Maximum Efficiency? A Large Model Ensemble Approach
Authors: Tarouilly Emilie G. , Rahimi Stefan R. , Cordeira Jason M. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: December 2024

The flood that would result from the greatest depth of precipitation “meteorologically possible”, or Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) is used in the design of dam spillways and other high‐risk structures. Historically, PMP has been estimated by scaling depth‐area‐duration relationships obtained from severe historical storms. Over the last decade, numerical weather prediction models have been used to instead simulate precipitation resulting from the addition of atmospheric moisture (called relative humidity maximization, or RHM). Despite the major improvement this represents, model‐based PMP relies on a key assumption, which this paper re‐evaluates in Oroville dam's Feather River watershed (California). Model‐based as well as earlier procedures assume that severe historical storms achieved maximum efficiency (moisture conversion to precipitation) and only maximize moisture. We examine the most severe storms found in the CESM2‐LE global climate model ensemble, which constitutes a very large artificial record (∼1,150 years) in comparison with the historical record, to understand the upper bounds of storm efficiency and precipitation. We downscale the 10 most severe CESM2‐LE storms (by precipitation totals), and identify key storm attributes (vertical motion, convection and convergence) that control precipitation efficiency. In comparison with historical storms, we find that CESM‐LE storms can have 30% higher efficiency and 32% higher precipitation, but produce only 8% higher PMP estimates, suggesting some convergence of model ensemble and historical storms in terms of PMP. The understanding of the controls on storm efficiency that our work provides leverages past work focused on moisture and supports the development of more reliable PMP storm amplification guidance.
Unclouding the Correlations: A Principal Component Analysis of Convective Environments
Authors: Schulte Richard M. , Chase Randy J. , Dolan Brenda , Marinescu Peter J. , Posselt Derek J. , Rasmussen Kristen L. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: December 2024

In this study, we leverage 25 years of observations from spaceborne radars, along with coincident reanalysis data, to determine how the depth and width of precipitating convective storms are related to the large‐scale environments in which they are observed. We find that the deepest convective features are observed in environments markedly different from the environments of other convective features, including organized convection. Deep storms co‐occur with relatively dry, unstable conditions, while wide storms are observed in moist, relatively stable environments. We identify eight large‐scale environmental variables that serve to distinguish between storm modes, and then show that principal component analysis can be used to condense this information into just two scalar variables. The methodology presented offers a succinct way to describe a storm's environment and will allow us to better relate a storm's initial environment to its dynamical characteristics.
Accretionary Wedge, Arc Magmatism and Fluid Migration in Northern Sumatra: Insight From Seismic Attenuation Tomography
Authors: Liu Debiao , Wang Zewei , Zhao Dapeng , Hu Hao , Gao Rui
Published: December 2024

The first three‐dimensional (3‐D) P and S wave attenuation (Qp and Qs) tomography of the crust and upper mantle of the northern Sumatra subduction zone is determined. We adopt an improved calculation scheme to precisely measure attenuation factor t* values from velocity amplitude spectral ratios among different stations that recorded the same earthquake. Our tomographic results show that the forearc accretionary wedge in Sumatra exhibits a significant high‐attenuation (low‐Q) zone along the trench. The seismic attenuation characteristics of the forearc accretionary wedge are probably influenced by variations in temperature and water content. The middle and upper crust beneath active arc volcanoes shows low‐Q and high‐Qp/Qs, while the lower crust exhibits less low‐Q and low‐Qp/Qs, probably reflecting hot volcanic roots with different water saturations from the upper to lower crust. Beneath the Toba volcano that had a super‐eruption ∼74,000 years ago, a distinct low‐Qp/Qs zone is revealed, which may reflect a transport pathway of fluids and/or local melts ascending from a slab window. The subducting Indo‐Australian slab beneath the forearc island chain exhibits a low‐Q and low‐Qp/Qs belt, reflecting a moderate water saturation probably associated with backthrust faulting. High‐Q and high‐Qp/Qs zones appear along the slab surface, reflecting large amounts of fluids releasing from the slab dehydration, which may increase pore pressure and cause intense intraslab seismicity.
Impact of Urbanization on Mesoscale Convective Systems: Insights From a Radar Wind Profiler Mesonet, Theoretical Analyses, and Model Simulations
Authors: Xian Tian , Guo Jianping , Zhao Runze , Guo Xiaoran , Li Ning , Sun Yuping , Zhang Zhen , Su Tianning , Li Zhanqing
Published: December 2024

The role of planetary boundary layer (PBL) in the urban effect on mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) remains highly uncertain. The high‐density Mesonet of radar wind profilers (RWPs) in Beijing, along with geostationary satellite data from Fengyun‐2, were used to investigate the MCS evolution and potential impact of urbanization. An MCS as observed by satellite tends to weaken over urban and downstream areas under strong precipitating conditions as opposed to an invigorated MCS over urban and downstream areas under weak precipitating conditions. The pattern of low‐level convergence and high‐level divergence from RWP Mesonet dominates the PBL of all MCS events under strong precipitating conditions, as compared with fluctuating vertical structures of convergence under weak precipitating conditions. Under strong precipitating conditions, turbulent friction weakens MCS activity over the Beijing urban area. Under weak precipitating conditions, thermal effect dominated over urban areas, favoring the formation of surface‐level convergence and invigorating MCSs. Using the large‐eddy simulation, we further investigated the influence of turbulent structural characteristics on the development of MCS. For the strong (weak) precipitating case, turbulence dissipation (buoyancy) dominated the turbulent kinetic energy over urban areas, explaining well the characteristics of MCSs propagating over these areas. Overall, the theoretical analysis and model simulation results confirm the observed impact of urbanization on MCSs. Besides the above scientific findings, our study highlights the importance of the RWP Mesonet in studying the urban effect on MCSs.
GrandQC: A comprehensive solution to quality control problem in digital pathology
Authors: Weng Zhilong , Seper Alexander , Pryalukhin Alexey , Mairinger Fabian , Wickenhauser Claudia , Bauer Marcus , Glamann Lennert , Bläker Hendrik , Lingscheidt Thomas , Hulla Wolfgang , Jonigk Danny , Schallenberg Simon , Bychkov Andrey , Fukuoka Junya , Braun Martin , Schömig-Markiefka Birgid , Klein Sebastian , Thiel Andreas , Bozek Katarzyna , Netto George J. , Quaas Alexander , Büttner Reinhard , Tolkach Yuri
Published: December 2024

Histological slides contain numerous artifacts that can significantly deteriorate the performance of image analysis algorithms. Here we develop the GrandQC tool for tissue and multi-class artifact segmentation. GrandQC allows for high-precision tissue segmentation (Dice score 0.957) and segmentation of tissue without artifacts (Dice score 0.919–0.938 dependent on magnification). Slides from 19 international pathology departments digitized with the most common scanning systems and from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were used to establish a QC benchmark, analyzing inter-institutional, intra-institutional, temporal, and inter-scanner slide quality variations. GrandQC improves the performance of downstream image analysis algorithms. We open-source the GrandQC tool, our large manually annotated test dataset, and all QC masks for the entire TCGA cohort to address the problem of QC in digital/computational pathology. GrandQC can be used as a tool to monitor sample preparation and scanning quality in pathology departments and help to track and eliminate major artifact sources.
Integrative analysis of the 3D genome and epigenome in mouse embryonic tissues
Authors: Yu Miao , Zemke Nathan R. , Chen Ziyin , Juric Ivan , Hu Rong , Raviram Ramya , Abnousi Armen , Fang Rongxin , Zhang Yanxiao , Gorkin David U. , Li Yang E. , Zhao Yuan , Lee Lindsay , Mishra Shreya , Schmitt Anthony D. , Qiu Yunjiang , Dickel Diane E. , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A. , Hu Ming , Ren Bing
Published: December 2024

While a rich set of putative cis-regulatory sequences involved in mouse fetal development have been annotated recently on the basis of chromatin accessibility and histone modification patterns, delineating their role in developmentally regulated gene expression continues to be challenging. To fill this gap, here we mapped chromatin contacts between gene promoters and distal sequences across the genome in seven mouse fetal tissues and across six developmental stages of the forebrain. We identified 248,620 long-range chromatin interactions centered at 14,138 protein-coding genes and characterized their tissue-to-tissue variations and developmental dynamics. Integrative analysis of the interactome with previous epigenome and transcriptome datasets from the same tissues revealed a strong correlation between the chromatin contacts and chromatin state at distal enhancers, as well as gene expression patterns at predicted target genes. We predicted target genes of 15,098 candidate enhancers and used them to annotate target genes of homologous candidate enhancers in the human genome that harbor risk variants of human diseases. We present evidence that schizophrenia and other adult disease risk variants are frequently found in fetal enhancers, providing support for the hypothesis of fetal origins of adult diseases.
Renal phenotyping in a hypomorphic murine model of propionic aciduria reveals common pathomechanisms in organic acidurias
Authors: Schumann Anke , Martinez-Pizarro Ainhoa , Richard Eva , Schell Christoph , Kössinger Anna Laura , Zeyer Karina A. , Tholen Stefan , Schilling Oliver , Barry Michael , Neubauer Björn , Köttgen Michael , Hannibal Luciana , Desviat Lourdes R. , Spiekerkötter Ute
Published: December 2024

Mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) cause propionic aciduria (PA). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known long-term complication. However, good metabolic control and standard therapy fail to prevent CKD. The pathophysiological mechanisms of CKD are unclear. We investigated the renal phenotype of a hypomorphic murine PA model (Pcca-/-(A138T)) to identify CKD-driving mechanisms. Pcca-/-(A138T) mice show elevated retention parameters and express markers of kidney damage progressing with time. Morphological assessment of the Pcca-/-(A138T) mouse kidneys indicated partial flattening of tubular epithelial cells and focal tubular-cystic dilation. We observed altered renal mitochondrial ultrastructure and mechanisms acting against oxidative stress were active. LC–MS/MS analysis confirmed disease-specific metabolic signatures and revealed disturbances in mitochondrial energy generation via the TCA cycle. Our investigations revealed altered mitochondrial networks shifted towards fission and a marked reduction of mitophagy. We observed a steep reduction of PGC-1-α, the key mediator modulating mitochondrial functions and a counter actor of mitochondrial fission. Our results suggest that impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis and quality control are involved in CKD development in PA. Therapeutic targeting of the identified pathways might help to ameliorate CKD in addition to the current treatment strategies.
GPT-4 shows potential for identifying social anxiety from clinical interview data
Authors: Ohse Julia , Hadžić Bakir , Mohammed Parvez , Peperkorn Nicolina , Fox Janosch , Krutzki Joshua , Lyko Alexander , Mingyu Fan , Zheng Xiaohu , Rätsch Matthias , Shiban Youssef
Published: December 2024

While the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) models—for detecting symptoms of depression from text has been vastly researched, only a few studies examine such potential for the detection of social anxiety symptoms. We investigated the ability of the large language model (LLM) GPT-4 to correctly infer social anxiety symptom strength from transcripts obtained from semi-structured interviews. N = 51 adult participants were recruited from a convenience sample of the German population. Participants filled in a self-report questionnaire on social anxiety symptoms (SPIN) prior to being interviewed on a secure online teleconference platform. Transcripts from these interviews were then evaluated by GPT-4. GPT-4 predictions were highly correlated (r = 0.79) with scores obtained on the social anxiety self-report measure. Following the cut-off conventions for this population, an F1 accuracy score of 0.84 could be obtained. Future research should examine whether these findings hold true in larger and more diverse datasets.
Dietary fiber pectin alters the gut microbiota and diminishes the inflammatory immune responses in an experimental peach allergy mouse model
Authors: Steigerwald Hanna , Albrecht Melanie , Blissenbach Birgit , Krause Maren , Wangorsch Andrea , Schott Maike , Gonzalez-Menendez Irene , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Toda Masako , Vieths Stefan , Krut Oleg , Scheurer Stephan , Blanco-Pérez Frank
Published: December 2024

Since therapeutic options are limited the utilization of prebiotics is suggested to prevent food allergies (FAs). Using an experimental peach allergy model we explored the effect of dietary fiber pectin, a high-methoxyl heteropolysaccharide, on the manifestation of FA. CBA/J mice were sensitized, subsequently orally boosted and provoked with peach peel extract. For dietary intervention, mice were fed a pectin containing diet before (primary-preventive) or after (secondary-preventive) sensitization. Non-treated allergic and sham-treated mice were fed a diet containing 20% cellulose. Fecal microbiota, humoral and intestinal immune cell responses were analyzed. Pectin remarkably affected the gut microbiota composition and diversity, promoting mainly the growth of Bacteroides. The frequency of mast cells, macrophages, and CD3+T cells in the lamina propria of the small intestine was reduced, whereas the frequency of B cells and CD4+T cell subpopulation was enhanced. Pectin intervention in the primary-preventive stetting significantly triggered serum IgA levels, whereas production of IgE and mMCPT-1 was reduced. Remarkably, in both settings peach allergen-specific IgG1/IgG2a ratio and specific IgE were significantly reduced to baseline. The data suggest, that dietary supplementation of pectin in both intervention approaches can diminish inflammatory responses and signs of allergic immune responses, accompanied by alteration of the gut microbiota composition.
Prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic device infections in Germany in 2015
Authors: Baldauf Benito , Vonthein Reinhard , Lau Ernest W. , Giaccardi Marzia , Assadian Ojan , Chévalier Philippe , Haddad Christelle , Bode Kerstin , Klöss Andreas , Cemin Roberto , Bonnemeier Hendrik
Published: December 2024

The placement of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) comes with a risk of adverse events (AE). AE comprise complications associated with the procedure and the device. CIED infection is a severe AE. Reported CIED infection rates are regionally differing and publications of contemporary large cohort data regarding CIED infections for Germany are lacking. This investigation provides rates of CIED infection related hospital admission and CIED infection related mortality in Germany. Data from Germany’s largest healthcare insurance fund was screened for CIED procedures during the period: January to December 2015. These data included placement, revision with aim to up- or downgrade, generator substitution, early revision and partial or complete extraction using specific procedure codes for reimbursement. Among the total population of beneficiaries undergoing CIED procedures, International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD 10 GM), operational and procedural codes for partial or complete hardware removal were used to identify CIED infections and lead related endocarditis. To report the corresponding mortality rates, the hospital discharge status was documented. In 2015, from a population of more than 27 million beneficiaries, we identified the cohort of 60,296 patients (57.3% male) who underwent any invasive CIED procedure. Within three months from the index procedure, 1,595 patients developed a major CIED infection. 1,129 (1.87%) were related to the generator pocket and 466 (0.8%) were related to the transvenous proportions of the leads, mortality after those infections was 8.4% and 15.24%, respectively. In summary, our data reveals a higher prevalence of acute CIED infection than previously noted. The elevated number of additional procedures in cases of CIED infection implies a deficiency in infection awareness.
Cardiac biomarkers for detection of coronary artery disease in the community
Authors: Lind Lars , Alfredsson Joakim , Andersson Jonas S. O. , Andersson Therese , Bergström Göran , Ekblom Örjan , Fagman Erika , Fall Tove , Hagström Emil , Isholth Hannes Holm , Janzon Magnus , Jernberg Tomas , Katsoularis Ioannis , Leander Karin , Leósdóttir Margrét , Magnusson Martin , Malinovschi Andrei , Rosengren Annika , GustavSmith J. , Spaak Jonas , Svensson Per , Söderberg Stefan , Östgren Carl Johan , Engström Gunnar
Published: December 2024

To investigate whether coronary artery disease (CAD) burden is associated with plasma levels of the myocardial biomarkers Troponin I (TropI) and NT-proBNP in a large population-based sample using a cross-sectional design. Coronary computerized tomography (CT) angiography was performed in 25,859 subjects without a history of atherosclerotic disease from SCAPIS study (age 50–65, 52% women). TropI and NT-proBNP were measured in plasma. Segment involvement score (SIS) was the primary exposure and TropI the primary outcome. Both SIS and coronary artery calcium score, were associated with TropI levels following adjustment for age, sex and multiple confounders (p < 0.001), with similar relationships in men and women. Proximal segments from all three coronary arteries were related to TropI levels independently of one another. Adding TropI to traditional risk factors marginally increased discrimination of atherosclerosis as compared to risk factors alone (C-statistics + 0.0005, p = 0.014). SIS was related also to NT-proBNP levels, mainly in men, but with lower estimates than TropI. The burden of CAD was related to TropI levels in both men and women. All three major coronary arteries contributed to this relationship. Adding TropI to traditional risk factors resulted in only marginally improved discrimination of coronary atherosclerosis.
Recent developments in isothermal amplification technology for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wang Linlin , Tang Ruitong , Wang Wentao , Bu Lingguang , Sun Jingle , Fu Yurong , Li Meng , Yi Zhengjun
Published: December 2024

The latest achievements and prospects of LAMP and RPA in the rapid detection of common infectious disease pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 is summarized.
Multiplexed centrifugal microfluidic system for rapid and non-invasive detection of myocardial fibrosis
Authors: Wang Luhai , Sun Jiaze , Dai Siwei , Zhang Pengfei , Zhu Yefei , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2024

A multiplexed centrifugal microfluidic light-initiated chemiluminescence system enables early and rapid detection of myocardial fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity.
Decoupling first-cycle capacity loss mechanisms in sulfide solid-state batteries
Authors: Kaeli Emma , Jiang Zhelong , Yang Xiaomian , Choy Emma P. K. L. , Liang Nicolas B. , Barks Edward , Wang Sunny , Kang Stephen Dongmin , Chueh William C.
Published: December 2024

Quantified capacity loss mechanisms via atypically low voltages reveals solid electrolyte oxidation reversibility and surprisingly high first-cycle coulombic efficiency.
Synthesis of light conversion films through biodegradable polylactide/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) combined with europium(iii) complexes
Authors: Li Xu , Si Zhenjun , Li Yanwei , Guan Ying , Shi Linfang , Li Caizhi , Bai Liqun , Li Huafeng
Published: December 2024

Developing biodegradable light conversion films is of great significance in the agriculture and environment fields.
The [4+2] annulation of o-acylamino-aryl MBH carbonates with coumarins: facile access to tetrahydrochromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-6-ones
Authors: Xiang Min , Liu Gang-Yong , Liu Hui-Mei , Zhou Wen-Yi , Wang Guang-Wei , Fei Fei , Jia Yun-Qing , Shen Li-Wen
Published: December 2024

This study presents a [4+2] annulation reaction with o-acylamino-aryl MBH carbonates and coumarins, yielding tetrahydrochromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-6-ones with up to 95% efficiency and excellent substrate tolerance.
Graveyard effects of antimicrobial nanostructured titanium over prolonged exposure to drug resistant bacteria and fungi
Authors: Huang Louisa Z. Y. , Penman Rowan , Kariuki Rashad , Vaillant Pierre H. A. , Gharehgozlo Soroosh , Shaw Z. L. , Truong Vi Khanh , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Elbourne Aaron , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: December 2024

The response of nanostructured titanium substrates to prolonged microbial exposure.
Designing highly tunable nanostructured peptide hydrogels using differential thermal histories to achieve variable cellular responses
Authors: Sen Sourav , Mohanty Sweta , Roy Sangita
Published: December 2024

Exploring the pathway-dependent self-assembly of molecules to access diverse supramolecular nanostructures within a single gelator regime by simply varying the thermal histories, thereby invoking different cellular behaviours.
Impact of different 2D materials on the efficacy of photothermal and photodynamic therapy in 3D-bioprinted breast cancer
Authors: Perini Giordano , Minopoli Antonio , Zambrano Dario , Cui Lishan , Ferrara Valeria , Perfili Caterina , Artemi Giulia , De Spirito Marco , Palmieri Valentina , Rosenkranz Andreas , Papi Massimiliano
Published: December 2024

The convergence of nanotechnology and tissue engineering has paved the way for innovative cancer treatments that leverage the unique light absorption properties of nanomaterials.
Rare earth pillars for stable layered birnessite cathodes propelling aqueous zinc-ion batteries with ultra-long cyclability
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Wang Kangning , Zhang Wenlin , Zhang Jinbo , Zhen Yanzhong , Fu Feng , Du Yaping
Published: December 2024

Rare earth pillars stabilize the structure, enhance ionic conductivity, and weaken the electrostatic interactions of birnessite-MnO2 cathode materials.
Strategically designed anisotropic organic–inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) with superior balance between bandgap and birefringence
Authors: Wang Ming-Chang , Wu Huai-Yu , Xu Miao-Bin , Li Jia-Jia , Du Ke-Zhao , Chen Jin
Published: December 2024

By adjusting the ratio of Cd : I, the coplanarity of the π-conjugated groups in the NA-Cd-I system is influenced, thereby achieving novel OIMHs with a significant increase in birefringence.
Electrophilic aromatic substitution using fluorinated isoxazolines at the C5 position via C–F bond cleavage
Authors: Sato Kazuyuki , Kuroki Tomohiro , Minami Haruka , Sato Azusa , Karuo Yukiko , Tarui Atsushi , Kawai Kentaro , Omote Masaaki
Published: December 2024

Electrophilic aromatic substitution at the C5 position of isoxazolines and construction of a new quaternary carbon center were achieved in this paper.
Asymmetric Rh–O–Co bridge sites enable superior bifunctional catalysis for hydrazine-assisted hydrogen production
Authors: Hu Jinrui , Wang Xuan , Zhou Yi , Liu Meihan , Wang Caikang , Li Meng , Liu Heng , Li Hao , Tang Yawen , Fu Gengtao
Published: December 2024

Asymmetric Rh–O–Co bridge site are built to effectively catalyze both the hydrogen evolution reaction and hydrazine oxidation reaction for energy-efficient hydrazine-assisted hydrogen production.
Taylor's swimming sheet near a soft boundary
Authors: Jha Aditya , Amarouchene Yacine , Salez Thomas
Published: December 2024

We theoretically study Taylor's swimming sheet near a Winkler elastic solid. This minimal approach allows us to explicitly formulate analytically the generic behaviours and mechanisms of microswimming near soft boundaries.
Mechanisms of alignment of lamellar-forming block copolymer under shear flow
Authors: Pinna Marco , Diaz Javier , Denison Christopher , Zvelindovsky Andrei , Pagonabarraga Ignacio
Published: December 2024

The toc picture shows 3D lamellae reorienting from the starting configuration (left) to a mix of parallel and perpendicular lamellae (to the shear flow plane) after shear flow rate (right). Shear flow velocity is along the x-direction, and the velocity gradient is along the z-direction.
Synthesis of intermetallic L10-Fe40Ni5M5Pt50 (M = Mn, Co, Cu) nanoparticles for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation
Authors: Wu Chun , Zhou Kankan , Huang Mengyao , Ding Dekang , Ma Zhiqiang , Liu Runqing , Pei Wenli
Published: December 2024

Developing a highly efficient methanol oxidation electrocatalyst is crucial for enhancing the performance of direct methanol fuel cells.
Single crystals of organometallic manganese halides as sustainable high-luminescence materials for X-ray scintillation
Authors: Karluk Azimet A. , Thomas Simil , Shkurenko Aleksander , Hasanov Bashir E. , Mahmood Javeed , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: December 2024

Manganese-based zero-dimensional organometallic halide crystals were synthesized using a solvent evaporation method, exhibiting high PLQY, stability, and exceptional X-ray scintillation properties with a flexible, ecofriendly scintillator screen.
Lanthanide coordination polymers as luminescent thermometers: integrating theoretical modeling with experimental analysis to tune the thermal response
Authors: Bispo-Jr Airton G. , Saraiva Leonardo F. , Lima Sergio A. M. , Pires Ana M. , Mazali I. O. , Sigoli Fernando A.
Published: December 2024

Combining theoretical modeling and experimental methods to understand the thermal dependence of luminescence in lanthanide(iii) complexes.
Naming Ability in the Chronic Phase of Moderate–Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: McCurdy Ryan , Covington Natalie V. , Duff Melissa C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Naming difficulties are commonly reported in the acute and subacute stages of recovery of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and across severity levels. Previous studies, however, have used samples of mixed chronicity (acute and chronic) and severity (mild and severe) and then aggregated data across individuals from these distinct groups. Thus, we have little knowledge about the persistence of naming difficulties into the chronic stage of recovery in individuals with moderate–severe TBI.

Purpose:

To increase the rigor and reproducibility of naming research in TBI, the present study sought to determine the presence and profile of naming disruptions into the chronic stage of moderate–severe TBI using a confrontation naming assessment.

Method:

Thirty-three individuals aged 24–55 years in the chronic epoch of moderate–severe TBI and 33 demographically matched noninjured comparison (NC) participants completed the Philadelphia Naming Test (PNT). A mixed-effects logistic regression model predicting the probability of a correct response as a function of group was fit to the data.

Results:

Participants with TBI performed well on the PNT (all participants with TBI had over 90% accuracy). However, participants with TBI were statistically less likely to correctly name an item relative to demographically matched NC participants.

Conclusions:

This study provides empirical evidence that naming difficulties persist into the chronic epoch of moderate–severe TBI. Despite high accuracy on the PNT, nearly 60% of these individuals with TBI reported continued difficulty with word finding in their daily lives. This discrepancy leaves open the possibility that, at this stage of injury, word-finding issues may be more reliably evoked and studied when the assessment is embedded within cognitively demanding and ecologically valid contexts (i.e., discourse, conversation). Further investigation of naming deficits in chronic moderate–severe TBI using a more naturalistic assessment is warranted.