bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY-BASED GARDENING INTERVENTIONS FOR ASIAN AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Doan Lan , Chen Casandra , Tran My Duyen , Yi Stella , Kwon Simona
Published: January 2025

Gardening and horticultural therapy have been shown to increase overall sense of a community, social engagement and quality of life, and increase physical activity. Gardening interventions are innovative means to address social isolation and loneliness by engaging adults in a meaningful way and building supportive communities that integrate informative and respectful interactions around stigmatized topics like social isolation and loneliness and culturally specific contexts and experiences way (e.g., combining gardening interests with culturally relevant foods). However, few interventions have been developed for diverse cultural communities with limited English ability and there are no known interventions targeting isolation and loneliness among older Asian American adults who face severe economic and language challenges that limit health access. This scoping review examines gardening-based interventions for Asian American populations, specifically older adults. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase in June 2024 for peer-reviewed articles related to gardening, health interventions and Asian American people in the US. Of the 1419 studies identified, 25 were reviewed in full and 6 studies were included. Key themes include cultural tailoring of garden-based nutrition programs; physical and mental health benefits of community gardens for refugees and immigrants; and that role of community gardens in fostering community social support and individual sense of belonging. Studies focused on adults and older adults and Bhutanese, Karen, Nepali, and Southeast Asian communities. These findings highlight the limited studies available for Asian American communities and urgent need for developing culturally relevant healthy aging interventions for diverse refugee and immigrant populations.
A META-ANALYSIS OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES BIOMARKERS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Authors: Taha Hash Brown
Published: January 2025

Accurate differential diagnosis of dementia disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), along with conditions like prodromal mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or negative controls (NCs), continues to challenge neurologists. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a popular tool for their capacity to encapsulate disease-specific signatures, particularly in neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. To this end, we have performed a comprehensive, PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis, utilizing sophisticated statistical modeling to determine the diagnostic accuracy, explore between-study variance and heterogeneity (I2), and investigate potential publication bias using biomarkers derived from general EVs (n = 44) or speculative CNS-enriched EVs (n = 18). For all comparative analyses, biomarkers derived from general EVs demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy, less between-study variance, heterogeneity, and publication bias than those from speculative CNS-enriched EVs. The diagnostic accuracy was low in differentiating among different dementia disorders or from NCs. However, the analysis for diagnosing persons with AD vs. VCID achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that further studies may focus on this comparison. Meta-regressions revealed that studies using cerebrospinal fluid, employing citrate instead of EDTA for blood collection, using thrombin for coagulation factor depletion, isolating EVs with purer methods such as combined UC and SEC, not freezing EVs post-isolation, and quantifying miRNA biomarkers instead of proteins, achieved better diagnostic accuracy and less heterogeneity.
EXPLORING THE MODERATING ROLE OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN SCREEN TIME AND STRESS
Authors: Roque Nelson , McGill Robert
Published: January 2025

Understanding the interplay between brain health and digital media use is crucial in our current technological era. Prior research has shown that stress influences screen time usage and that screen time can impact cognitive function and brain structure (Neophytou, E., Manwell, L.A., & Eikelboom, R., 2021). This online survey study, conducted on Prolific, examines the relationship between screen time and stress, as moderated by momentary cognitive functioning, in a sample of 319 participants (mean age = 40.5 years, age range 19-77, 61% female). Momentary cognitive processing speed was assessed using a web-based cognitive assessment developed by M2C2 (NIA #U2CAG060408), stress via the Perceived Stress Scale, and screen time through self-reported data (yesterday’s screen time reported on cell phone). The bootstrapped SEM moderation analysis found that stress significantly increases screen time (stress_effect = 0.169, p = 0.004, 95% CI [0.051, 0.287]). The interaction effect (interaction_effect = 0.153, p = 0.011, 95% CI [0.031, 0.278]) indicates that faster processing speed (better cognition) amplifies the impact of stress on screen time. For example, in moments when one has faster processing speed, stress may lead to increased screen use as a way to cope with heightened awareness of stressors. Cognition alone does not significantly affect screen time (cognition_effect = 0.022, p = 0.740, 95% CI [-0.102, 0.162]). These findings underscore the need to consider cognitive dynamics when studying the relationship between digital media use and well-being. Future research should employ real-time data collection to explore how cognitive changes (across domains), affect screen time behaviors.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SLEEP HEALTH AND DEMENTIA RISK: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN THE UK BIOBANK
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Beydoun May , Launer Lenore
Published: January 2025

Sex differences in sleep health risk factors may contribute to differences in dementia risk between women and men. There were 409,789 dementia-free UK Biobank participants (55% women) who self-reported 7 sleep-related traits at baseline in 2006-2010. Incident dementia was identified using algorithmically defined outcomes through primary care, hospital admissions, or death records until December 31, 2022. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms and non-restorative sleep was 7-8% higher in women, while snoring, sleepiness and napping were more common in men. Over a median follow-up period of 13.8 years, there were 7,583 incident dementia cases (3,406 Alzheimer’s, 1,651 vascular). After adjusting for potential confounders, the increased dementia risk associated with sleepiness, napping, and evening chronotype was higher in women, whereas the association between non-restorative sleep and dementia risk was stronger in men. For example, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for sleepiness was 1.59 (1.35, 1.86) in women and 1.21 (1.04, 1.40) in men (p-interaction by sex=0.01), and the corresponding estimate for non-restorative sleep was 1.27 (1.17, 1.39) and 1.39 (1.26, 1.52) in women and men, respectively (p-interaction by sex=0.06). U-shaped associations between short/long sleep duration and dementia risk were similar in women and men. Similar sex differences were observed separately for Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, although the associations were generally weaker for Alzheimer’s disease. In summary, most sleep health dimensions were differentially associated with dementia risk in women and men. Recognizing these sex differences may help develop sex-specific strategies to promote sleep health and moderate the risk for dementia.
RASI’S IN RECOMMENDED HIGHER TARGET DOSES MAY LOWER RISK OF DEATH AND KIDNEY FAILURE IN OCTOGENARIANS WITH HFREF
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Heidenreich Paul , Aronow Wilbert , Allman Richard , Faselis Charles , Sin Mo-kyung , Lam Phillip , Fonarow Gregg
Published: January 2025

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) reduce the risk of death in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). National heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend that RASIs be used in higher target doses in patients with HFrEF. However, clinical trials of target vs. below-target dose RASIs did not include octogenarians, and target-dose group had worsening kidney function, but kidney failure (KF) was not examined. Thus, it is unknown whether RASIs in target doses may improve clinical outcomes without causing KF in octogenarians with HFrEF. Of the 311,611 Veterans with HF receiving RASIs, 32,964 were ≥80 years with ejection fraction ≤40% and without KF of whom 6655 (20.2%) received target-dose. Propensity scores for target-dose, calculated for each of 32,964 patients, were used to match 6642 (99.8% of 6655) target-dose patients with 6642 below-target-dose patients. Matched patients (N=13,284) were balanced on 66 baseline characteristics and had mean(SD) age 84.5(3.4) years, ejection fraction 31.3(8.2)%, and estimated glomerular filtration rate 58.5(18.2) mL/min/1.73m2. During 5 years of follow-up, 70.3% of the patients died, 34.1% were hospitalized for HF, and 1.7% developed KF. Target-dose RASI use was associated with a significant 5% (95% CI, 1–9%) lower risk of death (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.99). There was a trend toward a lower risk of KF (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.61–1.04), and consequently a lower risk of the composite endpoint of KF or death (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98). These new findings provide evidence for the use of RASIs in recommended higher target doses in octogenarians with HFrEF.
EXPLORING SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS: A MIXED METHODS APPROACH
Authors: Wen Xi , Li Huiling
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to explore the cognitive health of older adults exhibiting SCD by using a mixed methods approach to identify the factors and implications of perceived cognitive decline, thereby contributing to early intervention strategies.

Methods

We employed a convergent parallel mixed-method design. Quantitative data were collected using the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System 21 items (DASC-21) and the 9-items Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (SCD-Q9) from 1,458 older adults without clinical dementia in Soochow, China. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews to capture detailed narratives on cognitive complaints, their perceived causes, and impacts on daily life.

Results

Quantitative analysis revealed that 48.7% of participants experienced SCD, with significant associations found with advanced age, low education levels, underweight, diabetes, cataract/glaucoma, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, and ischemic heart disease. Qualitative thematic analysis identified three primary themes: cognitive complaints, multifactorial attributions of cognitive decline, and the effects on daily life.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing SCD in older adults as a possible precursor to more severe cognitive impairment. The mixed methods approach provided a comprehensive understanding, suggesting that both objective and subjective assessments are critical for early detection and intervention. These insights highlight the need for tailored interventions focusing on modifiable risk factors and enhancing quality of life for older adults with SCD.
ADDRESSING THE HIGH RISK OF OPIOID OVERDOSE AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A RETROSPECTIVE CHART REVIEW
Authors: Kleykamp Bethea , Lynch Erin , Smith Hannah
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

In Maryland, fatalities due to opioid overdoses are highest among adults aged 55 and over a. This retrospective chart review evaluated 49 adults in outpatient opioid treatment in Baltimore as a function of age. Analyses: Intake characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between 24 older (ages 55-70) and 25 younger (ages 23-35) adults using ANOVA and χ2 statistics (alpha=0.05).

Results

The cohort was 54% male, and most patients were prescribed methadone (84%). Older adults were more likely to be Black/African American (68% vs. 24%) and had longer histories of opioid (30 vs. 9 years) and tobacco use (45 vs. 14 years) (ps < 0.05). At intake, equal proportions of older and younger adults tested positive for cocaine (49%), fentanyl (61%), and benzodiazepines (27%); cannabis use was less common for older adults (17% vs. 56%; χ2 =8.15). While engaged in treatment, older adults were less likely to test positive for cocaine (26% vs. 77%) and cannabis (16% vs. 60%) (ps < 0.05), with no differences in fentanyl (66%) or benzodiazepine use (29%). Older adults remained in treatment longer (186 vs. 105 days, F=6.7) and had higher retention rates (21% vs. 0%) (χ2 =5.8).

Conclusion

Older adults showed less polysubstance use and longer retention in care. However, continued fentanyl and benzodiazepine use could put older adults at greater risk of overdose due to age-related vulnerabilities and prolonged substance use. These differences highlight the unique clinical characteristics of older adults at risk of overdose, which can inform age-friendly addiction treatment approaches.
PHYSICAL CAPACITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH ATTENTION IN MIDDLE AGED ADULTS
Authors: Iktilat Khalil , Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Agmon Maayan
Published: January 2025

Associations between physical capacity and various aspects of executive function, including attention, have been identified in older and younger cohorts, but the relationship among middle-aged individuals at the gateway of aging is largely understudied. The primary objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in middle-aged Muslims in Israel, a group experiencing chronic health disparities. This cross-sectional study included 255 participants (159 women), aged 51.29±4.26 (45-60), assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) for physical capacity, and the Stroop Test and Trail Making Test (TMT) for selective and alternating attention, respectively. We found a significant positive correlation between the 30STS and Stroop-C scores even when controlling for age, sex, education level, and hemoglobin A1c, indicating that physical capacity is independently and positively associated with selective attention (β=0.132, P=0.057). In contrast, no correlation was found between the 30 STS and TMT (β=-0.107, P=0.107), suggesting that alternating attention is not associated with physical capacity. Interestingly, neither attention assessment was associated with the 6MWT, suggesting that among healthy, free living, middle-aged individuals, more challenging assessments should be used when examining associations between physical capacity and executive function. Our findings analyzed this past month, in time for late-breaking submission, highlight the nuances of the relationship between physical capacity and aspects of executive function middle aged adults. Interventions that include challenging physical tasks may reduce selective attention decline in middle-aged adults.
MODERNIZING CHINA’S PRIMARY HEALTHCARE: REVISITING THE BAREFOOT DOCTOR PROGRAM TO ELEVATE SPECIALIZED NURSING
Authors: Wang Qingwei , Wu Zixuan
Published: January 2025

A persistent challenge in China’s primary healthcare system is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, a problem exacerbated by the decline of the Barefoot Doctor (BD) program. The newly innovative introduction of Specialized Nurses (SNs) in 2024 seeks to address physician shortages by equipping nurses with advanced skills, including prescription authority. This article explores how lessons from the BD program can inform the modernization of China’s primary care workforce with a focus on the needs of older adults. Through a comparative analysis, the study examines how both initiatives aim to address the shortage of healthcare professionals by harnessing grassroots power. Three critical themes are explored: 1) Community integration of Specialized Nurses (SNs) may face challenges due to prevailing cultural perceptions of nursing professionalism and the confinement of SNs to tertiary hospitals, which significantly hinder their involvement in community healthcare; 2) The effectiveness of the program is constrained by insufficient financial support and unclear career progression paths; 3) Sustainable caregiving strategies are necessary that address both traditional and contemporary health needs, expanding beyond the BD’s focus on environmental and infectious diseases to include non-communicable diseases. Drawing from the BD model, future efforts should prioritize community-based care, expanding opportunities for home visits, especially for older adults who may face mobility challenges.. Ensuring adequate fiscal funds and active agency involvement from the government and health administrators is crucial for sustaining the primary healthcare system. Additionally, preventive care should adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that integrates diet, exercise, and psychological care.
ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE USE AND EXPENDITURE BASED ON DUAL ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT IN MANAGED CARE
Authors: Toseef Mohammad Usama , Dharia Aastha , Homayouni Ramin , Tarraf Wassim
Published: January 2025

Individuals enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, also known as duals, have complex and high healthcare needs and disproportionately account for higher state and federal spending. In recent years, most of these beneficiaries have been enrolled in some form of managed care plans. In this study, using the 2020-2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we evaluate the association of dual-eligibility status and different forms of healthcare use and expenditures: inpatient, emergency room and outpatient. We also explore if enrollment in a managed care affects this relationship. We estimate a series of Poisson regressions for use variables and generalized linear models for expenditure variables that account for the interaction between dual-eligibility status and enrollment in managed care. Postestimation, we calculate marginal effects and use analysis of variance contrast tests to estimate the differences in the predicted use events and average expenditure based on managed care and dual-eligibility status. We find that, on average, duals eligibles have a higher use of inpatient and emergency room than non-duals but similar outpatient visits. We also find that non-duals enrolled in managed care have lower outpatient and emergency room visits than their non-managed care counterparts. No significant differences are observed for dual eligibles in terms of their managed care status for both use and expenditures. While more research and years of data are needed to establish whether managed care improves utilization and lowers spending for dual eligibles, we find that managed care affects duals and non-duals differently and stakeholders should consider this to provide equitable health.
IMPLICATIONS OF TIMING, COMMUNITY, AND DIFFUSION FOR IMMIGRANT HEALTHCARE AND TELEHEALTH EXPERIENCES
Authors: Hong Sungjae , Mejia Shannon
Published: January 2025

Inequality in access to healthcare among immigrant older adults can evolve into health disparities, resulting in social burdens on society. This study integrates life course and diffusion of innovations perspectives to examine how the timing of immigration, global events, and interdependence intersect with social systems and communication channels to influence healthcare and telehealth adoption. We interviewed 22 Korean immigrant older adults who immigrated to the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The interviews detailed respondents’ life trajectories, including immigration timing, communication channels, and social relationships. Participants also reported perceptions of and experiences with healthcare and telehealth. To discover how perceptions of and experiences with telehealth varied according to life experiences, we conducted the direct content analysis based on the diffusion of innovations and the life course theories. We coded interviews with predefined codes based on the theories but added new codes if needed. Four main themes emerged: 1) Racial/ethnic communities served as the primary communication channel for healthcare information, 2) The difference between the first and 1.5 generations in the trajectories of healthcare service experience, 3) Adult children as the primary driver of telehealth adoption, and 4) The limited scope of authority innovation diffusion, where telehealth services were adopted within the COVID-19 context, but exchanged for in-person healthcare services due to cultural norms. Our findings provide new insight into the lifelong mechanisms of inequalities in healthcare and telehealth and highlights importance of communication channels and community connections in efforts to improve access to and use of telehealth services in immigrant older adult populations.
Engaging in Lethal Means Safety (ELMS): An Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Means Safety Training Program for Mental Health First Responders
Authors: Collins Christopher
Published: January 2025

Firearm-related suicide is a preventable yet leading cause of death in the United States, and screening for access to firearms in clinical settings is rare. The lack of screening in clinical practice may be compounded by the fact that clinicians are not often trained to effectively screen for access to lethal means. This article evaluates the effectiveness of the novel Engaging in Lethal Means Safety (ELMS) suicide prevention program. ELMS is a theoretically driven, empirically supported lethal means safety training program that trains mental health first responders in engaging clients in discussions of lethal means safety with a particular focus on firearm access and storage. Pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up assessments measured knowledge of lethal means, confidence, and comfort in screening for access to lethal means, and future intent to counsel on means safety measures. All constructs increased significantly at posttest. Confidence was sustained at posttest. Comfort and intent to counsel levels decreased at follow-up but not to pretraining levels. Booster sessions are recommended for future iterations of the program to further sustain overall effects. Further, additional research using a treatment control is encouraged.
Constitution-writing rules
Authors: Updike Toler Lorianne
Published: January 2025

The new gold standard for constitution-writing is consensus. Such consensus is grounded on inclusivity and deliberation within the drafting body. Yet such consensus is under-theorized. It does not appreciate the impact of rules on constitutional outcomes. That parliamentary procedure is generally associated with majoritarian politics may explain this deficiency, but it is unjustified, as many procedural rules may facilitate a culture of trust among drafters that makes consensus possible. This study is the first to formulate a theory for how rules can contribute to consensus and identifies specific rules that are most likely to contribute to corporate trust upon which constitutional consensus depends. It then provides a case study in how the US Constitutional Convention deployed rules and benefited from physical strictures and structures that helped produce a high level of consensus.
Clinical application of targeted next-generation sequencing utilizing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in thoracic surgery ICU patients with suspected pulmonary infections
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Xie Nianlin , Xi Xiaotong , li Pei , Jia Jianbo , Chen Lianhong , Ren Mingzhi , Wang Yaping , Zhang Peipei , Deng Wanglong , Wang Yan , Jing Pengyu , Ding Ran , Gu Zhongping
Published: January 2025

Aims

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) in identifying pathogens from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in thoracic surgery ICU patients, offering additional diagnostic methods for clinical practice.

Methods and results

We collected clinical data from patients with suspected pulmonary infections in the thoracic surgery ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study. Traditional pathogen detection (TPD), involving culture and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for 12 pathogens, along with tNGS, was employed for pathogen identification in BALF samples. Our findings demonstrated that the positive rate of tNGS was significantly greater than that of TPD (96% vs. 68%). Among the 50 samples analyzed, tNGS identified a total of 165 pathogens, whereas TPD detected only 48 pathogens. The TPD method primarily detected bacteria and fungi, whereas tNGS exhibited broader capabilities, identifying 104 cases with bacteria, 19 with fungi, 34 with DNA viruses, and 8 with RNA viruses. Notably, tNGS displayed enhanced efficiency in detecting atypical pathogens such as fungi, DNA viruses and RNA viruses. Furthermore, compared with TPD, tNGS demonstrated superior sensitivity (95.83% vs. 68.75%).

Conclusions

tNGS technology, characterized by its high sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness, holds great promise as a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing pulmonary infections in the thoracic surgery ICU patients.
Metagenomic detection and genome assembly of novel PRRSV-2 strain using Oxford Nanopore Flongle flow cell
Authors: Hodges Arabella L , Walker Lianna R , Everding Talia , Mote Benny E , Vu Hiep L X , Ciobanu Daniel C
Published: January 2025

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the causative agent of a syndrome characterized by reproductive failure and respiratory complications (PRRS). Early detection and classification of PRRSV strains are vital for appropriate management strategies to minimize loss following outbreaks. The most widely used classification method for PRRSV is based on open reading frame 5 (ORF5) sequences. However, the effectiveness of the ORF5-based classification system in accurately representing genetic variation is under scrutiny because ORF5 constitutes less than 5% of the 15kb-long genome. In this study, a single Oxford Nanopore Flongle flow cell was used to identify and assemble the genome of a strain sampled in May of 2022 from a Midwest research farm. Based on comparisons with available PRRSV genomes, the assembled genome was determined to be a novel PRRSV-2 strain belonging to the 1-4-4 L1C.5 ORF5-based lineage. Phylogenetic analyses of ORF5 and whole-genome sequences demonstrated differences in clustering between PRRSV strains, supporting the inability of ORF5 to capture genome-wide variation. For example, high levels of variation were observed within ORF1a, which encodes the hypervariable nsp2 protein. Comparison of the newly assembled genome with the genome of a highly characterized strain (VR2332 PRRSV-2) identified a 100 amino acid deletion within nsp2 characteristic of NADC34-like PRRSV. Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ Flongle flow cell has been proven in this study to provide a rapid, cost-effective and accessible approach for whole-genome sequencing of PRRSV strains present within clinical samples necessary for strain-specific genome-wide characterization.
A low cost and labor-efficient method for rearing an invasive beetle, Carpophilus truncatus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Bansal Raman , Rijal Jhalendra , Haviland David , Gyawaly Sudan , Wilson Houston
Published: January 2025

The carpophilus beetle, Carpophilus truncatus Murray, 1864 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is an invasive pest recently detected in California’s tree nut crop orchards. Here we report a simple, labor-saving, and cost-effective rearing system for C. truncatus utilizing banana and industrial sand components. Banana slices served as both a larval and adult diet source as well as a moisture source to facilitate pupation within the underlying sand. The combination of banana and sand within a single container successfully supported the development of all C. truncatus life stages over multiple generations. The average developmental times recorded in rearing units placed under environmental conditions of 26°C, 60% relative humidity, and 16:8 h (light:dark) photoperiod were: egg to wandering stage larva, 7.54 days; wandering stage to adult, 11.08 days; and adult longevity, 94.33 days. These banana–sand rearing units facilitated the easy collection of all C. truncatus developmental stages, except for eggs. To address this challenge, standalone oviposition chambers utilizing a lima bean-based agar diet were evaluated. These chambers effectively enabled the collection as well as tracking of eggs for different research purposes. The average developmental time recorded for eggs, from initial oviposition to neonate hatching, was 3.20 days. These rearing as well as egg collection approaches provide cost-effective tool to investigate biology, life-history traits and ecology, as well as evaluate approaches to control this invasive pest.
GPI transamidase complex is required for primordial germ cell migration and development in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Weiying , Li Yaqi , Chen Jing , Yao Likun , Zhang Bingjie , Zhang Lin , Liu Boqi , Shen Weimin , Meng Anming , Wu Xiaotong
Published: January 2025

Proteins without transmembrane domains could be anchored to the cell surface for regulating various biological processes when covalently linked to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecules by the GPI transamidase (GPIT) complex. However, it remains poorly understood whether and how the GPIT complex affects primordial germ cell (PGC) development. In this study, we report the important roles of GPI transamidase in PGC migration and development in zebrafish embryos. Mutation of pigu or pigk, both encoding essential GPIT complex subunits, resulted in defective PGC migration with ectopically located PGCs and reduction of PGC counts. Notably, a detailed analysis of filopodia in PGCs revealed the attenuated polarity of filopodia distribution along the migration direction in mutant embryos. PGC transplantation and PGC-specific rescue experiments demonstrated that both PGC and somatic cell-expressed Pigu are required for PGC migration. Furthermore, expression levels of PGC-specific genes decreased in pigu mutant PGCs with the derepression of somatic cell genes. Hence, we propose that the GPIT complex plays a critical role during PGC migration and development.
An intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship and healthcare utilization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus cancer survivors
Authors: Waters Austin R , Wheeler Stephanie B , Fine Jeremey , Cheung Christabel K , Tan Kelly R , Rosenstein Donald L , Roberson Mya L , Kent Erin E
Published: January 2025

Background

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another nonheterosexual or cisgender identity (LGBTQ+) cancer survivors experience high financial hardship. However, structural drivers of inequities do not impact all LGBTQ+ individuals equally. Using All of Us data, we conducted an intersectional analysis of behavioral financial hardship among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors.

Methods

LGBTQ+ inequities in behavioral financial hardship (ie, cost-related foregone care, delayed care, and medication alterations) and non-cost-related delayed care were estimated using All of Us data. Multivariable logit models were used to generate predicted probabilities, average marginal effects, and 95% confidence intervals. Models were then used to estimate inequities when disaggregating LGBTQ+ status and combing LGBTQ+ status with age, race, ethnicity, and treatment status.

Results

This analysis included N = 36 217 cancer survivors (6.6%, n = 2399 LGBTQ+). In multivariable models, LGBTQ+ identity was associated with higher probabilities of and significant average marginal effects for all types of behavioral financial hardship (foregone care 31.1% vs 19.4%; delayed care 22.6% vs 15.6%; medication alterations 19.2% vs 11.9%) and non–cost delayed care (14.3% vs 7.2%). Within the disaggregated analysis, cisgender bisexual and another/multiple orientation women and gender minority survivors had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes. In intersectional analyses, survivors who were aged 18-39 and LGBTQ+, Black and LGBTQ+, or Hispanic/Latine and LGBTQ+ had the highest predicted probabilities of all outcomes.

Conclusions

LGBTQ+ cancer survivors experience significantly more behavioral financial hardship and non-cost-related delayed care than non-LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. Interventions at the individual, system, and policy level are needed to address LGBTQ+ inequities in financial hardship.
Pathological PNPase variants with altered RNA binding and degradation activity affect the phenotype of bacterial and human cell models
Authors: Pizzoccheri Roberto , Falchi Federica A , Alloni Andrea , Caldarulo Marianna , Camboni Tania , Zambelli Federico , Pavesi Giulio , Visentin Cristina , Camilloni Carlo , Sertic Sarah , Briani Federica
Published: January 2025

Human PNPase (hPNPase) is an essential RNA exonuclease located in mitochondria, where it contributes to RNA import from the cytoplasm, degradation of mitochondrial RNA and R-loop homeostasis. Biallelic mutations in the hPNPase PNPT1 gene cause different genetic diseases, ranging from hereditary hearing loss to Leigh syndrome. In this work, we used an Escherichia coli model to test the effects of four pathological PNPT1 mutations associated with diseases of different severity. Moreover, we generated a new human cell model by introducing PNPT1 mutations into 293T cells via CRISPR-Cas editing. Notably, the bacterial cells expressing the different mutant alleles exhibited similar phenotypes consistent with hPNPase loss of function. In contrast, the human cell model responded differently to the two mutations tested, with responses correlating with the severity of the respective pathologies. We interpreted the data derived from both models in the light of the in vitro RNA binding and degradation activity of the wild-type and mutated hPNPase variants. We found that all pathogenic mutations tested caused defects in protein assembly and affected the degradation and RNA binding efficiency to varying degrees. However, the severity of the conditions caused by different mutations did not correlate with the catalytic activity of the mutant proteins.
Ninety percent circular polarization detected in a repeating fast radio burst
Authors: Jiang Jinchen , Xu Jiangwei , Niu Jiarui , Lee Kejia , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Bing , Qu Yuanhong , Xu Heng , Zhou Dejiang , Cao Shunshun , Wang Weiyang , Wang Bojun , Cao Shuo , Zhang Yongkun , Zhang Chunfeng , Gan Hengqian , Han Jinlin , Hao Longfei , Huang Yuxiang , Jiang Peng , Li Dongzi , Li Hui , Li Ye , Li Zhixuan , Luo Rui , Men Yunpeng , Qian Lei , Sun Jinghai , Wang Lin , Xu Yonghua , Xu Renxin , Yang Yuanpei , Yao Rui , Yue Youling , Yu Dongjun , Yuan Jianping , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2025

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are extra-galactic sources with unknown physical mechanisms. They emit millisecond-duration radio pulses with isotropic equivalent energy of $10^{36}$–$10^{41}$ ergs. This corresponds to a brightness temperature of FRB emission typically reaching the level of $10^{36}$ K, but can be as high as above $10^{40}$ K for sub-microsecond timescale structures, suggesting the presence of underlying coherent relativistic radiation mechanisms. Polarization carries key information to understand the physical origin of FRBs, with linear polarization usually tracing the geometric configuration of magnetic fields and circular polarization probing both intrinsic radiation mechanisms and propagation effects. Here we show that the repeating source FRB 20201124A emits $90.9\%\pm 1.1\%$ circularly polarized radio pulses. Such a high degree of circular polarization was unexpected in theory and unprecedented in observation in the case of FRBs, since such a high degree of circular polarization was only common among solar or Jovian radio activities, attributed to the sub-relativistic electrons. We note that there is no obvious correlation between the degree of circular polarization and burst fluence. Besides the high degree of circular polarization, we also detected a rapid swing and orthogonal jump in the position angle of linear polarization. The detection of high-degree circular polarization in FRB 20201124A, together with its linear polarization properties that show orthogonal modes, place strong constraints on FRB physical mechanisms, calling for an interplay between magnetospheric radiation and propagation effects in shaping the observed FRB radiation.
Centering historically minoritized populations to design effective messages about an evidence-based policy to advance social equity
Authors: Niederdeppe Jeff , Porticella Norman , Liu Jiawei , Michener Jamila , Franklin Fowler Erika , Nagler Rebekah H , Taylor Teairah , Barry Colleen L , Lewis Neil A
Published: January 2025

Researchers have raised concerns that messages describing racial disparities in social outcomes can reduce or polarize support for public policies to address inequality. We questioned this assumption by testing the impact of carefully crafted messages about child tax credit (CTC) expansion. We conducted two randomized message trials, study 1 using Prolific's nonprobability panel (n = 1,402) and study 2 using SSRS's Opinion Panel, a web-based probability sample of US adults (n = 4,483). Each study included comparably sized subsamples of Black, Hispanic, and White respondents from across the political spectrum. Study 1 compared six candidate messages to a control message and identified promising message strategies for replication. Study 2 compared two messages advocating for CTC expansion—one emphasizing policy benefits to all children (universalist) and the other describing benefits to all but even greater benefits to Black and Hispanic children (targeted universalist)—to a control message simply describing the policy. Primary outcomes were policy support and policy advocacy intentions. Study 2 tested preregistered hypotheses and conducted additional exploratory analyses using linear models. Both treatment messages produced greater policy support and advocacy intentions than the control message among Black and Hispanic respondents (Cohen's d 0.12 to 0.28). The universalist message also produced greater policy support than the control message among White respondents (Cohen's d = 0.16). The targeted universalist message did not reduce policy support or advocacy intentions among White and Republican respondents. Well-designed messages emphasizing policy efficacy can promote support for a redistributive tax policy across racial, ethnic, and political identities.
Revised method for constructing acoustic vulnerability curves in trees
Authors: De Boeck Kaat , Steppe Kathy
Published: January 2025

During drought, the formation of air bubbles known as embolisms in the water-conducting xylem reduces hydraulic conductivity, which can ultimately result in tree death. Accurately quantifying vulnerability to embolism formation is, therefore, essential for understanding tree hydraulics. Acoustic emission (AE) analysis offers a non-destructive method to monitor this process, yet the interpretation of captured signals remains debated. In this study, we introduce an improved methodology for constructing acoustic vulnerability curves (VCAE) that minimizes subjectivity and enhances the accuracy of assessing a tree’s vulnerability to drought stress. Our approach combines AE signal clustering with an objective method for pinpointing the endpoint (point of 100% embolism) based on the observed correlation between water potential at maximum AE activity and 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity. By applying a refined clustering algorithm to four temperate tree species (Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Betula pendula Roth, Quercus robur L. and Fagus sylvatica L.), we consistently identified natural frequency-based clusters that effectively separate embolism-related (ER) AEs from other signals. This focus on ER AE activity allowed us to minimize the influence of non-ER signals and identify the true VCAE endpoint. Our method, by reducing the subjectivity inherent in previous approaches, enhances the accuracy of VCAE construction, offering broader insights into tree hydraulics and expanding its applicability across different species and environmental conditions.
Promoting gender diversity and ergonomic equity in the cardiac surgery operating room
Authors: Altin Eslem , Majeed Hamnah , Verma Raj , Paterson Ema , Yanagawa Bobby
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

The operating room (OR) infrastructure and equipment such as gloves, were historically designed at a time when most surgeons were male. Today, there are increasing numbers of females in the OR and we should ensure that there is not a disproportionate risk of ergonomic stress and risk of work-related injuries. This review provides a perspective on the representation of female cardiac surgeons globally and examines the unique ergonomic challenges they may face.

Recent findings

Female cardiac surgeons represent approximately 17% of practitioners in our sample of cardiac surgery centers, underscoring significant underrepresentation. Female cardiac surgeons report higher incidences of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and ergonomic challenges compared to their male colleagues. This could negatively impact their physical health and performance. Studies further highlight the inadequacy of standardized surgical tools and workstations in accommodating sex-specific anthropometry, contributing to the disproportionate strain experienced by female surgeons.

To mitigate gender disparities in cardiac surgery, there is a need to optimize OR infrastructure and surgical instrumentation to accommodate sex-based anatomical differences. Implementing ergonomic solutions, such as adjustable workstations and gender-specific surgical tools, could reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve overall surgeon performance. Addressing these disparities represents a critical step toward fostering an equitable and inclusive surgical workforce, enhancing both the health and career longevity of female cardiac surgeons.
Omega-3 fatty acids and sleep: recent advances in understanding effects and mechanisms
Authors: Jackson Philippa
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Sleep disturbance and low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids are common in modern society. Previous research shows that omega-3 fatty acids play an integral role in the regulation of sleep processes, but efficacy data in adults have been equivocal to date. This review examines recent studies highlighting the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on sleep quality and circadian processes.

Recent findings

Two randomized controlled trials in healthy adults found that supplementation with DHA-rich interventions improved sleep quality, though effects may vary depending on age, current sleep habits and habitual omega-3 intake. Conversely, EPA-rich interventions in menopausal women, men with prostate cancer and people experiencing episodic migraines did not improve sleep quality. Advances in lipidomics reveal a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and lipid metabolism, to some extent underpinned by activity of omega-3 fatty acids in circadian processes. Therefore, adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake is both a preventive and therapeutic approach to sleep quality and health.

Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA in particular show promise for improving sleep quality and limiting the adverse effects of sleep disturbance on health. Future research should focus on developing sex-specific and age-specific recommendations for omega-3 fatty acid intake to optimize sleep health.
Omega 6 fatty acids: helpful, harmless or harmful?
Authors: Visioli Francesco , Poli Andrea
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

This paper reviews the most recent literature from January 2023 to August 2024 on the physiological effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a focus on linoleic acid (LA).

Recent findings

Contrary to previous concerns that high LA intake may increase inflammation, most recent evidence supports the benefits of LA for cardiometabolic health. Several large studies report that higher blood LA levels correlate with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Potential mechanisms include activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and modulation of oxylipins involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. The ideal LA intake level remains uncertain, but current intakes around 5–10% of energy appear beneficial. In other areas like cancer, asthma and sleep, the evidence is still inconclusive on LA's effects.

More research on diverse populations is needed to determine optimal LA levels, effects on specific conditions, and interactions with genetic factors affecting PUFA metabolism. Overall, the review highlights the emerging view that LA, the primary dietary n-6 PUFA, has cardiometabolic benefits rather than harmful effects.
Bounded optimality of time investments in rats, mice, and humans
Authors: Ott Torben , Bosc Marion , Sanders Joshua I. , Masset Paul , Kepecs Adam
Published: January 2025

Time is our scarcest resource. Allocating time optimally presents a universal challenge for all organisms because the future benefits of time investments are uncertain. We developed a normative framework for assessing bounded optimality in time allocation, emphasizing the accuracy of future predictions, independent of subjective costs and benefits. In a common decision task across humans, rats, and mice, we varied uncertainty by titrating ambiguous sensory evidence and measured the time each subject was willing to invest post-decision. We observed that all species and subjects invested more time when they were more likely to be correct, which reflected a statistical confidence of uncertain evidence. Time allocation strategy approached the lower bound of optimality, indicating an accurate decision-by-decision assessment of confidence in the likelihood that waiting will pay off – independent of the subjective payoff values and time costs. We demonstrate that an elementary algorithm based on a drift-diffusion process algorithm can implement this optimal time investment strategy. These results illuminate the computational mechanisms governing rational time investment, showing that humans, rats, and mice can maximize payoffs via confidence-guided time allocation.

Highlights

Computational and behavioral framework to assess bounded optimality of investments.

Humans, rats, and mice invest more time to obtain more likely payoffs, in proportion to statistical confidence.

Time investment was close to optimal model predictions, reflecting bounded optimality of investments under uncertainty.

Bounded-optimal time investment may be an evolutionary ancient adaptive behavioral strategy.