bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La persistencia de la informalidad en el trabajo doméstico remunerado en la Argentina
Authors: PEREYRA Francisca , POBLETE Lorena
Published: September 2024

La informalidad es una característica histórica del trabajo doméstico remunerado en América Latina. El caso de la Argentina reviste especial interés como objeto de estudio porque combina una reforma sustantiva del marco normativo con innovaciones en los mecanismos de implementación. Mediante una metodología cualicuantitativa, en el presente artículo se analizan algunas de las razones que pueden explicar el aparente estancamiento de la tasa de formalización (en un porcentaje máximo cercano al 25 por ciento en los últimos años) y la discrecionalidad que aún persiste al otorgar en la práctica los derechos laborales teóricamente amparados por la formalidad.
PERSISTANCE OF AMPICILLIN IN THE INTRAUTERINE CONTENT FOLLOWING SINGLE AND MULTIPLE DOSES TO PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Philipson Agneta
Published: September 2024

Cord plasma, and amniotic fluid (AF), as well as maternal plasma from women who had been given ampicillin in single or multiple doses prior to delivery were assayed for levels of the antibiotic. If medication had been discontinued two days prior to delivery or less, ampicillin could still be demonstrated in AF, where it remained demonstrable longer than in cord plasma. Ampicillin, when given during pregnancy, crosses the placenta, enters the fetal circulation, and is excreted by the fetal kidneys into the AF. The results of the present study indicate that as medication is continued, the level of ampicillin in AF rises through continuous renal excretion by the fetus. Once medication is discontinued, ampicillin is slowly cleared from the AF mainly through absorption from AF to fetal circulation and further passage to maternal circulation.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY AND LAPAROSCOPY IN INFERTILE PATIENTS
Authors: Philipsen Torben , Hansen Birthe Baldur
Published: September 2024

The diagnostic accuracy of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy was investigated in 168 consecutive patients with infertility of at least 2 years' duration. There was agreement between the results of both methods in 57.7 per cent of the patients. Among 54 patients having normal HSG, 16 (29.6 per cent) exhibited abnormalities at laparoscopy. Among 114 patients with abnormal HSG, 28 (24.6 per cent) had entirely normal internal genitalia at laparos‐copy. The greatest discrepancy between the HSG and laparoscopic diagnoses was found in peritubal adhesions. Intrauterine abnormalities were diagnosed by HSG in only 2.4 per cent of the patients. Complications of laparoscopy were few and non was serious. For a conclusive evaluation of the tubal factor in infertility, one must consider abandoning HSG entirely in favor of laparoscopy.
DOSAGE OF INSULIN DURING DELIVERY AND THE IMMEDIATE POST‐PARTUM PERIOD IN PREGNANT DIABETICS
Authors: Hanson Ulf , Moberg Peter , Efendic Suad
Published: September 2024

Several different principles have been presented for treatment of the pregnant diabetic in connection with labor. There is, however, a lack of documentation of blood glucose levels in the immediate post‐partum period. On the day of delivery and on the 2 following days, 55 diabetics were given one daily injection of an intermediate‐acting insulin, irrespective of the mode of delivery. The amount of insulin given was one‐third of the total dose on the day before delivery. From 07.00 hours on the day of delivery, blood‐glucose levels were determined every fourth hour for 48 hours. This insulin dosage gave a satisfactory control of glycemia with a low incidence of hypoglycemia and additional insulin was very seldom required.
Angiopoietin‐like 4 is a potential biomarker for diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Kun , Yuan Shasha , Yu Caiguo , Yin Ruili , Wang Di , Xu Yongsong , Zhang Lijie , Wei Lingling , Cheng Yanan , Mao Lin , Zhao Dong , Yang Longyan
Published: September 2024

Aims/Introduction

The association between serum angiopoietin‐like 4 (ANGPTL4) levels and the severity of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 1,115 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were analyzed in this cross‐sectional study. DKD index included DKD stages defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate, the albuminuria grades and DKD risk management grades. Serum levels of ANGPTL4 and other biomarkers were detected. Multivariable‐adjusted linear and logistic analyses were used to study the association between ANGPTL4 and DKD. The protein levels of ANGPTL4 were assessed in the kidney. Renal tubular cells were stimulated with glucose to study ANGPTL4 expression.

Results

Compared with the participants in the third or fourth quantile of ANGPTL4, those in the first or second quantile of ANGPTL4 were younger, with lower glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (all P < 0.05). There was a negative nonlinear relationship between ANGPTL4 and estimated glomerular filtration rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. One standard deviation increased serum ANGPTL4 levels, the odds ratio of having DKD was 1.40 (95% confidence interval 1.08–1.80). The mediation analysis showed that triglycerides did not mediate the association between ANGPTL4 and DKD. Furthermore, ANGPTL4 could be the strongest among multiple panels of biomarkers in its association of DKD. Compared with mice at 8 weeks‐of‐age, db/db mice at 18 weeks‐of‐age had increased ANGPTL4 expression in glomeruli and tubular segments. In vitro, glucose could stimulate ANGPTL4 expression in tubular cells in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

ANGPTL4 could be a potential marker and therapeutic target for DKD treatment.
Estimating background risk hedging demands from cross‐sectional data
Authors: Brugler James , Inkmann Joachim , Rizzo Adrian
Published: September 2024

Based on a theory of portfolio choice with non‐tradable assets, we estimate hedging demands due to background risks before and after the Great Recession for U.S households. Hedging demands related to human capital, residential property and business assets reduce financial risk‐taking, but these effects decline over the Great Recession, as does expected risk‐adjusted stock market performance. We also estimate the appropriate discount rate to compute the risk‐adjusted value of human capital, which declines by around eight percent over the period. Unlike previous literature requiring panel data with large time dimensions, our approach only requires cross‐sectional data to identify hedging demands.
Design of a Portable Electronic Nose for Identification of Minced Chicken Meat Adulterated With Soybean Protein Isolate
Authors: Zhou Min , Dai Chunxia , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Zhang Xiaorui
Published: September 2024

The study aimed to develop a portable electronic nose system for detecting adulteration with soybean protein isolate (SPI) in chicken meat. The system mainly consisted of three parts: the gas sensor array, the DSP28335 control board, and the upper computer. The DSP28335 control board, developed using C language, included analog to digital converter (ADC) module, digital output (DO) module, pulse width modulation (PWM) module, controller area network (CAN) module, power module, drive circuit, and so forth. The upper computer, developed using LabVIEW, facilitated user interaction with the user by primarily handling CAN configuration and monitoring, displaying and storing sensor data, temperature and flow data, and sending and monitoring electronic nose commands. The feasibility of the proposed electronic nose for characterizing adulterated chicken meat was tested on six classes of chicken meat that had been adulterated with varied quantities of SPI. The mass fractions of SPI were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%, respectively. On the basis of odor data from the electronic nose, K‐nearest neighbor (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and support vector machine (SVM) were applied to qualitatively distinguish minced chicken meat with different adulteration ratios. The results showed that the SVM model had the best recognition effect. When the best parameters (c, g) were c = 16 and g = 1, the accuracy of SVM model was 97.22% and 93.75% in the training and testing sets, respectively. These results demonstrated that the portable electronic nose designed in this paper effectively identifies minced chicken meat under various adulteration conditions, enabling rapid and nondestructive detection of chicken meat adulteration.
The gradient of social determinants of health and related inequalities and early childhood development: Analysis of two rounds of a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Islam M Mofizul
Published: September 2024

Aim

Social determinants of health (SDH) have a critical role in child development. Yet these determinants are often overshadowed. This study examines the effect of composites of five SDH on early childhood development (ECD) of children of age 36–59 months.

Methods

We used two 2013 and 2019 rounds of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Bangladesh data. The analytical sample included ECD data for 25 721 children. ECD was computed following United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund's psychometric approach. Three composite indices of SDH were developed to examine their gradient effects on ECD. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to examine the relationship between SDH indices and ECD. The concentration index was computed, and a concentration curve was developed to measure inequalities in being on track of ECD among children with various levels of SDH.

Results

Almost 69% of children were on track in their ECD, a higher percentage in 2019 (74.85%) than in 2017 (65.37%). The prevalence of children on track in their ECD significantly rises per unit in the score of three SDH composites (adjusted prevalence ratios are 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.04) for summative and standardised indexes and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.41–1.58) for weighted index). There is almost a linear positive relationship between the SDH composite and ECD. Significant concentration indexes suggest SDH‐related inequalities in ECD.

Conclusion

Children's early development can be hampered due to unfavourable SDH. Although ECD plays a vital role in creating and maintaining socio‐economic and health inequalities through to adulthood, favourable SDH needs to be ensured during childhood.
Photoperiod and temperature interactions drive the latitudinal distribution ofLaminaria hyperborea(Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) under climate change
Authors: Diehl Nora , Laeseke Philipp , Bartsch Inka , Bligh Margot , Buck‐Wiese Hagen , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik , Niedzwiedz Sarina , Plag Niklas , Karsten Ulf , Shan Tifeng , Bischof Kai
Published: September 2024

Due to global rises in temperature, recent studies predict marine species shifting toward higher latitudes. We investigated the impact of interacting abiotic drivers on the distribution potential of the temperate kelpLaminaria hyperborea. The ecosystem engineering species is widespread along European coasts but has not yet been observed in the High Arctic, although it can survive several months of low temperatures and darkness. To investigate its ability to extend northward in future, we conducted a long‐term multifactorial experiment with sporophytes from Porsangerfjorden, Norway—close to the species' documented northernmost distribution margin. The samples were exposed to three different photoperiods (PolarDay, LongDay, and PolarNight) at 0°C, 5°C, and 10°C for 3 months. Optimum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm), dry weight, pigments, phlorotannins, and storage carbohydrates were monitored. Both physiological and biochemical parameters revealed thatL. hyperboreawas strongly influenced by the different photoperiods and their interaction with temperature, while temperature alone exerted only minor effects. TheFv/Fmdata were integrated into a species distribution model to project a possible northward expansion ofL. hyperborea. The combination of extended day lengths and low temperatures appeared to be the limiting reason for northward spread ofL. hyperboreauntil recently. However, with water temperatures reaching 10°C in summer, this kelp will be able to thrive also in the High Arctic. Moreover, no evidence of stress to Arctic winter warming was observed. Consequently,L. hyperboreahas a high potential for spreading northward with further warming which may significantly affect the structure and function of Arctic ecosystems.
Household food insecurity and symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Biete Camila , Biete Amanda , Patriota Erika S. O. , Gonçalves Vivian S. S. , Buccini Gabriela , Pizato Nathalia
Published: September 2024

Household food insecurity (HFI) has been related to adverse maternal‐child health outcomes and mental health worsening during pregnancy. Few studies evaluated the temporal association between HFI and anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women, and this association remains not completely understood. This study aimed to systematically review the association between HFI and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant individuals. The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022373615). Systematic searches were conducted on 10 electronic databases and grey literature. Two researchers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction process, and the risk of bias assessment. Random‐effects meta‐analysis models were used, and I2 > 40% indicated high heterogeneity across studies. Eighteen articles were included for the systematic review, comprising n = 27,882, and a total of 18,987 pregnant individuals aged between 14 and 45 years were included in the meta‐analysis. The prevalence of HFI reported in studies ranged from 12.6% to 62.1% (n = 17). The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms ranged from 18% to 49% (n = 11) and 23% to 34% (n = 2), respectively. HFI during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of experiencing symptoms of depression [(OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 2.11–3.02), I2 = 73.23%]. The quality of evidence was very low due to high heterogeneity. Our findings highlighted the association between HFI and depression symptoms during pregnancy. Findings from this study suggest the importance of assessing HFI and mental health during pregnancy.
An appreciation of apex‐to‐base variation in xylem traits will lead to more precise understanding of xylem phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Petit Giai
Published: September 2024

Xylem air embolism is the primary cause of drought‐related tree mortality. Phenotypic plasticity of xylem traits is key for species acclimation to environmental variability and evolution. It is widely believed that plants increase xylem embolism resistance in response to drought. However, I argue that this hypothesis, based on extensive literature, relies on sampling methods that overlook predictable anatomical patterns, potentially biasing our understanding of acclimation and adaptation strategies.
High‐yield, plant‐based production of an antimicrobial peptide with potent activity in a mouse model
Authors: Chaudhary Shahid , Ali Zahir , Pantoja‐Angles Aarón , Abdelrahman Sherin , Juárez Cynthia Olivia Baldelamar , Rao Gundra Sivakrishna , Hong Pei‐Ying , Hauser Charlotte , Mahfouz Magdy
Published: September 2024

Plants offer a promising chassis for the large‐scale, cost‐effective production of diverse therapeutics, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, key advances will reduce production costs, including simplifying the downstream processing and purification steps. Here, using Nicotiana benthamiana plants, we present an improved modular design that enables AMPs to be secreted via the endomembrane system and sequestered in an extracellular compartment, the apoplast. Additionally, we translationally fused an AMP to a mutated small ubiquitin‐like modifier sequence, thereby enhancing peptide yield and solubilizing the peptide with minimal aggregation and reduced occurrence of necrotic lesions in the plant. This strategy resulted in substantial peptide accumulation, reaching around 2.9 mg AMP per 20 g fresh weight of leaf tissue. Furthermore, the purified AMP demonstrated low collateral toxicity in primary human skin cells, killed pathogenic bacteria by permeabilizing the membrane and exhibited anti‐infective efficacy in a preclinical mouse (Mus musculus) model system, reducing bacterial loads by up to three orders of magnitude. A base‐case techno‐economic analysis demonstrated the economic advantages and scalability of our plant‐based platform. We envision that our work can establish plants as efficient bioreactors for producing preclinical‐grade AMPs at a commercial scale, with the potential for clinical applications.
Cell Death in Crustacean Immune Defense
Authors: Chen Zeyan , Tayyab Muhammad , Yao Defu , Aweya Jude Juventus , Zheng Zhihong , Zhao Xianliang , Lin Zhongyang , Zhang Yueling
Published: September 2024

Cell death mechanisms in crustaceans are a complex interplay of processes essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and immune defense. Modes of cell death like apoptosis, necroptosis, and necrosis are well‐documented in crustaceans, serving crucial roles in removing damaged or infected cells. Unlike in other organisms, crustaceans likely lack pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with innate immunity and inflammation, because they do not possess the gasdermin genes essential for this process. Recently, NETosis and ferroptosis have emerged as significant mechanisms in pathogen defense. NETosis, involving the release of DNA fibers and antimicrobial proteins, helps trap and neutralize pathogens, while ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent form of cell death, contributes to lipid peroxidation and immune responses. Cuproptosis, although not yet studied in the context of crustacean immunity, shows potential crosstalk with ferroptosis, particularly in the regulation of metal ion homeostasis, oxidative stress, and cellular metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms offers promising applications in aquaculture, such as developing targeted immune modulators and enhancing disease resistance in economically important crustacean species.
Uneven Growth and Unexpected Drivers of Ethnoracial Diversity across Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan America☆
Authors: Brooks Matthew M. , Mueller J. Tom , Thiede Brian C. , Lichter Daniel T.
Published: September 2024

High levels of ethnoracial diversity are a defining demographic characteristic of U.S. metropolitan areas, but the role of diversity in nonmetropolitan areas is often underappreciated. Here, we use Decennial Census data from 2000 to 2020 to evaluate growing ethnoracial diversity in nonmetropolitan counties and to highlight the uneven geographic distribution of diversity, and changes therein, across nonmetropolitan America. We measure levels of diversity using Simpson's Diversity Index and describe underlying changes in ethnoracial composition. We then produce counterfactual estimates to measure how population change among seven ethnoracial groups has contributed to changes in diversity and compare exposure to diversity across geography and ethnoracial groups. We find that ethnoracial diversity in nonmetropolitan counties has grown by nearly thirty percent in the past twenty years but has remained firmly below that of metropolitan counties. Importantly, nonmetropolitan diversity is increasing due to both growing multiracial and Hispanic populations and the decreasing absolute size of White populations. County‐level exposure to diversity among White populations and populations from minoritized ethnoracial groups has also converged substantially. Overall, growing nonmetropolitan diversity is driven by multiple complex sources and is spatially heterogeneous. Understanding these patterns is important given the centrality of ethnoracial change to the nation's demographic future.
The Functional Organization of Corticomotor Neurons Within the Motor Cortex Differs Among Basketball and Volleyball Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy Compared to Asymptomatic Controls
Authors: Vallance Patrick , Kidgell Dawson J. , Vicenzino Bill , Frazer Ashlyn K. , Garofolini Alessandro , Malliaras Peter
Published: September 2024

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) typically affects jumping‐sport athletes with functional impairments frequently observed. Alterations to the functional organization of corticomotor neurons within the motor cortex that project to working muscles are evident in some musculoskeletal conditions and linked to functional impairments. We aimed to determine if functional organization of corticomotor neuron projections differs between athletes with PT and asymptomatic controls, and if organization is associated with neuromuscular control. We used a cross‐sectional design, and the setting was Monash Biomedical Imaging. Basketball and volleyball athletes with (n = 8) and without PT (n = 8) completed knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion force matching tasks while undergoing fMRI. We determined functional organization via identification of the location of peak corticomotor neuron activation during respective tasks (expressed in X, Y, and Z coordinates) and calculated force matching accuracy for both tasks to quantify neuromuscular control. We observed significant interactions between group and coordinate plane for functional organization of corticomotor projections to knee extensors (p < 0.001) and ankle dorsiflexors (p = 0.016). Compared to controls, PT group peak corticomotor activation during the knee extension task was 9.6 mm medial (p < 0.001) and 5.2 mm posterior (p = 0.036), and during the ankle dorsiflexion task 8.2 mm inferior (p = 0.024). In the PT group, more posterior Y coordinate peak activation location during the knee extension task was associated with greater task accuracy (r = 0.749, p = 0.034). Functional organization of corticomotor neurons differed in jumping athletes with PT compared to controls. Links between functional organization and neuromuscular control in the PT group suggest organizational differences may be relevant to knee extension neuromuscular control preservation.
Single‐cell RNA‐seq in diabetic foot ulcer wound healing
Authors: Dong Yan , Wang Mengting , Wang Qianqian , Cao Xiaoliang , Chen Peng , Gong Zhenhua
Published: September 2024

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic and serious complication of diabetes mellitus. It is mainly caused by hyperglycaemia, diabetic peripheral vasculopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These conditions result in ulceration of foot tissues and chronic wounds. If left untreated, DFU can lead to amputation or even endanger the patient's life. Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a technique used to identify and characterise transcriptional subpopulations at the single‐cell level. It provides insight into cellular function and the molecular drivers of disease. The objective of this paper is to examine the subpopulations, genes and molecules of cells associated with chronic wounds of diabetic foot by using scRNA‐seq. The paper aims to explore the wound‐healing mechanism of DFU from three aspects: inflammation, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of DFU wound healing and identify possible DFU therapeutic targets, providing new insights for the application of DFU personalised therapy.
Assessing the role of wound debridement in pyoderma gangrenosum—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bar Danielle , Beberashvili Ilia
Published: September 2024

The role of wound debridement in pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is controversial, largely due to concerns regarding pathergy. This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes and utility of wound debridement in PG management. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 104 patients diagnosed with PG at a single tertiary referral centre, stratified into two treatment groups: those receiving debridement in conjunction with immunosuppressive therapy (n = 38) and those treated with immunosuppression alone (control group, n = 66). The primary outcomes measured were remission (absence of active PG lesions without necessitating additional treatment), time to remission and disease progression (new lesions or expansion of existing ones). Remission was achieved by 60.53% (n = 23) in the debridement group versus 87.88% (n = 58) in the control group (p = 0.003). The mean time to remission was 12.3 months for the debridement group versus 8.67 months for the control group (p = 0.2). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that debridement significantly decreased the likelihood of disease remission (adjusted hazards ratio [HR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.78, p = 0.005). Disease progression was significantly higher in the debridement group (68.42%, n = 26) compared to the control group (15.15%, n = 10) (p < 0.001). Additionally, 28.95% (n = 11) of patients in the debridement group required repeated procedures, and 10.53% (n = 4) underwent amputations due to deteriorating conditions. The timing and duration of immunosuppressive therapy relative to the procedure did not mitigate the risk of post‐surgical exacerbations. These findings suggest that debridement is associated with poorer healing outcomes in PG, advocating for its contraindication in the management of this condition.
Rond wetenschap verenigd
Authors: Mantels Ruben
Published: September 2024

Vlaamse Leergangen, opgericht in 1924 door de classicus Pieter-Jozef Sencie, speelde tijdens het interbellum een historische rol in de vernederlandsing van het onderwijs en onderzoek aan de Leuvense universiteit. In de jaren na de Tweede Wereldoorlog ontplooide de vereniging een culturele werking rond Huis Vlaamse Leergangen en nam het vernieuwende initiatieven op het vlak van wetenschapscommunicatie, onder andere met de uitgave van het tijdschrift Onze Alma Mater. Ze verzekerde de wetenschappelijke standing van de universiteit en bewaakte ook na 1968 haar katholieke identiteit. In 2003 transformeerde Vlaamse Leergangen tot Academische Stichting Leuven en werd zij voornamelijk een steunfonds voor jonge onderzoekers.
Steenbrink‐type vanishing for surfaces in positive characteristic
Authors: Kawakami Tatsuro
Published: September 2024

Let be a pair of a normal surface over a perfect field of characteristic and an effective ‐divisor on . We prove that Steenbrink‐type vanishing holds for if it is log canonical and , or it is ‐pure. We also show that rational surface singularities satisfying the vanishing are ‐injective.
Dual role for pannexin 1 at synapses: regulating functional and morphological plasticity
Authors: Casillas Martinez Adriana , Wicki‐Stordeur Leigh E. , Ariano Annika V. , Swayne Leigh Anne
Published: September 2024

Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is an ion and metabolite membrane channel and scaffold protein enriched in synaptic compartments of neurons in the central nervous system. In addition to a well‐established link between PANX1 and synaptic plasticity, we recently identified a role for PANX1 in the regulation of dendritic spine stability. Notably, PANX1 and its interacting proteins are linked to neurological conditions involving dendritic spine loss. Understanding the dual role of PANX1 in synaptic function and morphology may help to shed light on these links. We explore potential mechanisms, including PANX1's interactions with postsynaptic receptors and cytoskeleton regulating proteins. Finally, we contextualize PANX1's dual role within neurological diseases involving dendritic spine and synapse dysfunction.

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Sex-Based Differences and Asymmetry in Hip Kinematics During Unilateral Extension From Deep Hip Flexion
Authors: Johnson Camille C. , Ruh Ethan , Frankston Naomi , Charles Shaquille , McClincy Michael , Anderst William
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify side-to-side and sex-based differences in hip kinematics during a unilateral step-up from deep flexion. Twelve (eight men, four women) asymptomatic young adults performed a step ascent motion while synchronized biplane radiographs of the hip were collected at 50 images per second. Femur and pelvis position were determined using a validated volumetric model-based tracking technique that matched digitally reconstructed radiographs created from subject-specific computed tomography (CT) bone models to each pair of synchronized radiographs. Hip kinematics and side-to-side differences were calculated and a linear mixed effects model evaluated sex-based differences. Women were on average 10.2 deg more abducted and 0.2 mm more medially translated than men across the step up motion (p < 0.001). Asymmetry between hips was up to 14.1 ± 12.1 deg in internal rotation and 1.3 ± 1.4 mm in translation. This dataset demonstrates the inherent asymmetry during movements involving unilateral hip extension from deep flexion and may be used provide context for observed kinematics differences following surgery or rehabilitation. Previously reported kinematic differences between total hip arthroplasty and contralateral hips may be well within the natural side-to-side differences that exist in asymptomatic native hips.
Effect of Structure and Wearing Modes on the Protective Performance of Industrial Safety Helmet
Authors: Li Tian-Cheng , Zhao Hua , Zhang Bin , Du Cheng-Fei
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the effects of helmet structure designs and wearing modes on the protective performance of safety helmets under the impact of falling objects. Four helmet types (no helmet, V-shaped, dome-shaped, and motorcycle helmets) and five wearing modes (left and right tilt by 5 deg, backward tilt by 15 deg, 0 deg without chin strap, 0 deg with chin strap) were included in this study. The axial impact of a concrete block under various impact velocities was simulated. The results indicate that the energy absorption and shock mitigation effects of the foam cushion are superior to those of the suspension system in traditional industrial safety helmets. The structure of the top of V-shaped helmets is designed to withstand greater impact. Regarding the wearing mode, the helmet strap's deflection angle increases stress in the brain tissue and skull, heightens intracranial pressure, and causes pressure diffusion toward the forehead.
Prediction of the Flame Characteristics of an Industrial Gas Turbine Operated With CO2-Diluted Air Through a High-Fidelity Numerical Analysis: A Comparison Between Flamelet Generated Manifolds and Artificially Thickened Flame
Authors: Lemmi G. , Castellani S. , Galeotti S. , Picchi A. , Becchi R. , Andreini A. , Meloni R. , Babazzi G.
Published: September 2024

In light of the global commitment to decarbonize industrial processes, carbon capture and storage (CCS) plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from gas turbine (GT) power generation processes. Achieving an efficient GT–CCS coupling requires the employment of high percentages of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to maximize the CO2 content at the CCS inlet. Nevertheless, such operating conditions pose critical challenges for conventional combustion systems due to reduced oxygen levels associated with higher EGR, limiting engine operability. To address this challenge, the development of innovative technical solutions is essential to extend the combustor operational capabilities at high EGR rates. For this goal, a significant number of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are required to identify the flame stability limits across various EGR levels and burner designs. It is imperative, in this context, to minimize computational costs while maintaining high accuracy. In this work, a comprehensive comparative study of an extended version of the flamelet generated manifolds (FGM) and the artificially thickened flame (ATF) model is performed through a large eddy simulation (LES)-based CFD analysis. The investigation is performed within the context of an industrial lean-premixed burner manufactured by Baker Hughes, operating with natural gas and CO2-diluted air at atmospheric pressure. While the extended-FGM has been previously presented by the authors in a study on the same test rig under standard air conditions, the current work aims to extend its application to critical oxygen-depleted conditions, where near-blowout phenomena such as flame liftoff and length elongation may become significantly pronounced. Numerical validation is carried out through a direct comparison of the computed averaged heat release, representing the flame topology, with detailed OH* chemiluminescence images from a test campaign conducted by the technology for high temperature (THT) Lab of the University of Florence. The experimental data will serve as the primary benchmark for assessing the models’ effectiveness in capturing the main dynamics of such critical operating conditions. Furthermore, potential disparities in both thermal and flow fields at the burner exit region between the two models will be discussed.
Effects of Foam Rolling Prior to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility and Thigh Skin Temperature
Authors: Yenil Sinem , Yalcinkaya Colak Gamze , Ozyurek Seher
Published: September 2024

Context: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNFS) is suggested to improve the range of motion and flexibility as an active warm-up. Recently, the foam rolling (FR) methods have also emerged as a passive warm-up. However, the combined effects of PNFS and FR are still unclear, and no reports have compared their effects using thermal imaging. This study investigated the acute effects of combining nonvibration FR (NVFR) and vibration FR (VFR) prior to PNFS, in comparison with PNFS alone, on hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperature. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants (n = 60) were randomly assigned to PNFS, NVFR + PNFS, VFR + PNFS, and control group (CG). Active knee-extension (AKE), sit and reach (SR) test, and thermal imaging were evaluated before (pre-int), immediately after (post-int), and 30-minutes after (post30-int) intervention. Results: All intervention groups had a significant increase at all time periods (P < .001) except the CG in terms of AKE and sit and reach test (P > .05). Combined (NVFR + PNFS/VFR + PNFS) groups had also a significant increase in the post30-int compared with pre-int and post-int values of thigh skin temperature (P < .001). Combined groups, over time, had the best post30-int effect on increasing skin temperature. The study found a significant interaction effect between interventions and time across several measurements (P < .05). Combined groups showed more significant improvements in AKE compared to CG at post-int (P < .05). There is a similar change in AKE, SR test, and skin temperatures between combined groups and PNFS alone at both post-int and post30-int (P < .05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that using FR, with or without vibration, before PNFS does not provide an additional benefit in improving hamstring flexibility and thigh skin temperatures compared with PNFS alone.
Physical Activity Predicts Better Lung Function in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Balbinot Fernanda , Gerbase Margaret W.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate (1) whether physical activity is associated with lung function in children and adolescents, (2) whether this association is modified by the subjects’ weight status, and (3) whether this association is mediated by the body mass index. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 460 participants aged 7–17 years, randomly selected from 13 public schools in southern Brazil. Collected data included anthropometric measures, physical activity, screen time, and spirometric measures expressed as percent predicted values. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and 2-way analysis of variance. Results: There were positive associations between physical activity and forced vital capacity (β = 3.897, P = .001) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (β = 2.931, P = .021). The effect modification by weight status was not statistically significant (forced vital capacity: Pinteraction = .296 and forced expiratory volume in the first second: Pinteraction = .057). Body mass index did not mediate the association between physical activity and spirometric outcomes (P > .05). Conclusion: Regular physical activity was associated with higher forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second in children and adolescents. The observed associations were not modified by weight status nor mediated by body mass index. Our results reinforce the importance of regular physical activity for the development of lung function during childhood and adolescence.
Gender Critical Feminism and Trans Tolerance in Sports
Authors: Jones C.J.
Published: September 2024

Through a systematic review of gender critical feminist rhetoric in the realm of sports, this article excavates a rhetorical strategy of what the author calls “trans tolerance,” a strategy that is at once trans-affirming and trans-exclusionary. The author argues that three themes run across three gender critical feminist organizations: (a) nonpartisanship, (b) biofeminism, and (c) trans tolerance. In a sports world that desperately needs transformation, scholars and activists alike must sharpen analyses of violent transphobic rhetoric in a way that moves beyond a “pro-trans versus anti-trans framework.”
Going deep on marine lipid metabolism
Authors: Schubotz Florence
Published: September 2024

Marine bacteria cooperate to degrade lipids in sinking particulate organic matter
In Science Journals
Authors: Grocholski Brent , Shaw Aaron , Lopez Bianca , Walia Ankit , Funk Michael A. , Lavine Marc S. , Isles Hannah M. , Ross Sarah H. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Ash Caroline , Szuromi Phil , Yeston Jake S. , Malo Courtney , Smith Jesse , Wong Wei
Published: September 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Lavine Marc S. , Lopez Bianca , Hurtley Stella M. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Ross Sarah H. , McCartney Melissa , Osborne Ian S.
Published: September 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
What ionized the universe? JWST finds too many culprits
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: September 2024

Observatory reveals a surfeit of ultraviolet light from the first stars and giant black holes
Identification of the organic peroxide scavenging system of
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
and its regulation by OxyR
Authors: Fan Junfeng , Mo Xiaofen , Zhang Hui , Xu Linna , Yin Jianhua , Wan Fen
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is inevitable for all aerobic microorganisms as ROS are the byproducts of aerobic respiration. For gut pathogens, ROS are an integrated part of colonization resistance which protects the host against bacteria invasion. Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpR) and organic hydroperoxide resistance (Ohr) proteins are considered as the main enzymes responsible for the degradation of organic peroxides (OPs) in most bacteria. To elucidate how enteric pathogen
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
YPIII deals with oxidative stress induced by OPs, we performed transcriptomic analysis and identified the OP scavenging system, which is composed of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), thiol peroxidase (Tpx), and AhpR. Gpx serves as the main scavenger of OPs, and Tpx assists in the degradation of OPs. Transcriptional factor OxyR regulates Gpx expression, suggesting that OxyR is the regulator mediating the cellular response to OPs. Although AhpR has little influence on OP degradation, its deletion would greatly impair the scavenging ability of OPs in the absence of
gpx
or
tpx
. In addition, we found that catalase KatG and KatE are responsive to OPs but do not participate in the removal of OPs.

IMPORTANCE

In bacteria, oxidative stress caused by ROS is a continuously occurring cellular response and requires multiple genes to participate in this process. The elimination of OPs is mainly dependent on AhpR and Ohr protein. Here, we carried out transcriptomic analysis to search for enzymes responsible for the removal of organic peroxides in
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
. We found that Gpx was the primary OP scavenger in bacteria, which was positively regulated by the oxidative stress regulator OxyR. The OP scavenging system in
Y. pseudotuberculosis
was composedof Gpx, Tpx, and AhpR. OxyR is the critical global regulator mediating gene expression involved in OPs and H
2
O
2
stress. These findings suggest that
Y. pseudotuberculosis
has a unique defense system in response to oxidative stress.
Predictive performance of urinalysis for urine culture results according to causative microorganisms: an integrated analysis with artificial intelligence
Authors: Choi Min Hyuk , Kim Dokyun , Bae Hye Gyung , Kim Ae-Ran , Lee Mikyeong , Lee Kyungwon , Lee Kyoung-Ryul , Jeong Seok Hoon
Published: September 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are pervasive and prevalent in both community and hospital settings. Recent trends in the changes of the causative microorganisms in these infections could affect the effectiveness of urinalysis (UA). We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of UA for urinary culture test results according to the causative microorganisms. In addition, UA results were integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) methods to improve the predictive power. A total of 360,376 suspected UTI patients were enrolled from two university hospitals and one commercial laboratory. To ensure broad model applicability, only a limited range of clinical data available from commercial laboratories was used in the analyses. Overall, 53,408 (14.8%) patients were identified as having a positive urine culture. Among the UA tests, the combination of leukocyte esterase and nitrite tests showed the highest area under the curve (AUROC, 0.766; 95% CI, 0.764–0.768) for predicting urine culture positivity but performed poorly for Gram-positive bacteriuria (0.642; 0.637–0.647). The application of an AI model improved the predictive power of the model for urine culture results to an AUROC of 0.872 (0.870–0.875), and the model showed superior performance metrics not only for Gram-negative bacteriuria (0.901; 0.899–0.902) but also for Gram-positive bacteriuria (0.745; 0.740–0.749) and funguria (0.872; 0.865–0.879). As the prevalence of non-
Escherichia coli
-caused UTIs increases, the performance of UA in predicting UTIs could be compromised. The addition of AI technologies has shown potential for improving the predictive performance of UA for urine culture results.

IMPORTANCE

UA had good performance in predicting urine culture results caused by Gram-negative bacteria, especially for
Escherichia coli
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
bacteriuria, but had limitations in predicting urine culture results caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including
Streptococcus agalactiae
and
Enterococcus faecalis
. We developed and externally validated an AI model incorporating minimal demographic information of patients (age and sex) and laboratory data for UA, complete blood count, and serum creatinine concentrations. The AI model exhibited improved performance in predicting urine culture results across all the causative microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi.
Augmented pathogen detection in brain abscess using metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Xuyang , Guo Xiaoxiao , Liu Hong , Wang Bei , Wu Jing , Chen Shengsen , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Xinyun , Wang Xinyu
Published: September 2024

Brain abscess is a severe infection characterized by the accumulation of pus within the brain parenchyma. Accurate identification of the causative pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. This 10-year retrospective, single-center study aimed to compare the detection performance of conventional culture methods and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in brain abscess. We reviewed 612 patients diagnosed with brain abscess and identified 174 cases with confirmed etiology. The median age was 52 years, with 69.5% males. Culture tests predominately identified gram-positive bacteria, particularly
Streptococcus
spp. Gram-negative bacteria, including
Klebsiella
spp., were also detected. However, mNGS revealed a more diverse pathogen spectrum, focusing on anaerobes (e.g.,
Fusobacterium
spp.,
Parvimonas
spp.,
Porphyromonas
spp.
, Prevotella
spp., and
Tannerella
spp.). mNGS exhibited significantly higher overall pathogen-positive rates in pus samples (85.0% vs 50.0%,
P
= 0.0181) and CSF samples (84.2% vs 7.9%,
P
< 0.0001) compared to culture. Furthermore, the detection rates for anaerobes displayed a notable disparity, with mNGS yielding significantly higher positive detections in both pus samples (50.0% vs 10%,
P
= 0.0058) and CSF samples (18.4% vs 0%,
P
= 0.0115) when compared to culture methods. The assistance of mNGS in pathogen detection, particularly anaerobes in brain abscess, was evident in our findings. mNGS demonstrated the ability to identify rare and fastidious pathogens, even in culture-negative cases. These results emphasize the clinical value of mNGS as a supplement for brain abscess, enabling more comprehensive and accurate pathogen identification.

IMPORTANCE

The accurate identification of pathogens causing brain abscess is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. In this 10-year retrospective study, the detection performance of conventional culture methods and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was compared. The study analyzed 612 patients with brain abscess and confirmed etiology in 174 cases. The results showed that culture tests predominantly identified gram-positive bacteria, while mNGS unveiled a broader diverse pathogen spectrum, particularly anaerobes. The mNGS method exhibited significantly higher overall rates of pathogen positivity both in pus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, surpassing the culture methods. Notably, mNGS detected a significantly higher number of anaerobes in both pus and CSF samples compared to culture methods. These findings underscore the clinical value of mNGS as a supplement for brain abscess diagnosis, enabling more comprehensive and accurate pathogen identification, particularly for rare and fastidious pathogens that evade detection by conventional culture methods.
Cryophilic polychaetes at the subtropical Laurentian margin of the Iapetus Ocean: Evidence for cold-water ocean circulation and upwelling
Authors: Smelror Morten , Grenne Tor , Bøe Reidulv , Gasser Deta , Solbakk Terje
Published: September 2024

Through the Phanerozoic eon, the trace fossil Macaronichnus—made by sediment-burrowing polychaetes—appears to be restricted to intermediate- and high-latitude shallow-marine habitats with cold to temperate waters or coastal areas closer to the equator with cold-water upwelling. We present records of such trace fossils in Ordovician (Darriwilian–Sandbian?) shallow- and deep-water marine deposits in the Central Norwegian Caledonides, pointing toward previously undocumented deep-ocean circulation and upwelling of cold water along the subtropical eastern Laurentian margin and adjacent volcanic arcs and microcontinents in the early Paleozoic Iapetus Ocean. Possible implications for Middle Ordovician ocean circulation patterns are discussed in relation to paleogeographic reconstructions and paleoclimatic models.
Maxillary sinus actinomycosis: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Cunha-Cabral Diogo , Gomes Pedro , Duarte Delfim , Peneda José
Published: September 2024

The authors present a case of maxillary sinus actinomycosis in a young adult woman.

This is a rare condition whose unspecific clinical presentation makes its diagnosis challenging. In this case, the diagnosis was given by the identification ofActinomycescolonies in samples of infected tissue.

Treatment consisted of a combined medical and surgical approach. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to remove diseased mucosa and to aerate the involved sinuses, followed by long-term antibiotic therapy. No recurrence of the disease was observed during follow-up.