bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Tad Pili during the transition from Planktonic to Biofilm State inBradyrhizobium diazoefficiensUSDA 110
Authors: Iglesias Julian Andres , Colla Delfina , Serrangeli Juan Simon , Lozano Mauricio Javier , Falduti Ornella , Brignoli Damian , Medici Ian , Althabegoiti Maria Julia , Lodeiro Anibal , Abdian Patricia , Paczia Nicole , Becker Anke , Soler-Bistué Alfonso , Pérez-Giménez Julieta , Mongiardini Elias Javier
Published: January 2025

Free-living soil bacteria may exist in two states: planktonic as swimmer cells, and sessile within biofilms. In biofilms, bacterial cells are embedded into an extracellular matrix, which confers protection against environmental stresses and extends bacterial survival. The transition from planktonic to biofilm state involves surface sensing and attachment mediated by flagella and pili. Here, we explored the role of Tad pili (Type IVc) in surface sensing, adhesion, and biofilm formation inBradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that Tad pili are widely distributed and highly conserved in Bradyrhizobium. In other model bacteria, pili deletion leads to decrease in biofilm-forming capacity, but other functions are also affected depending on the microorganism. Surprisingly, deletion of the most conserved genomic cluster encoding Tad pili inB. diazoefficienscaused an increased adhesion to abiotic surfaces and loss of movement, indicating a physiological shift towards a biofilm state. These observations suggest a sensor or regulatory role for this apparatus that could affect cell-cell interactions or interactions with the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a connection between pili and c-di-GMP levels in the cell was established. These findings highlight the critical role of Tad pili inB. diazoefficiensphysiology, providing insights into bacterial adaptability and potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. Understanding these mechanisms is key to improving biofilm management strategies and generating novel approaches to enhance bacterial viability in soil and inoculants as well as to optimize the symbiosis.
Discovery and analysis of an 841 kbp phage genome: the largest known to date
Authors: CHEN LINXING
Published: January 2025

Viruses represent the most abundant biological entities on Earth, with bacteriophages (or phages) specifically infecting bacteria. Typically, double-strand DNA phages possess genomes around 50 kilobase pairs (kbp) in size, although the largest known genome surpasses 735 kbp. This raises intriguing questions about the potential maximum size of phage genomes. In this study, we present the first phage genome over 800 kbp, named BF3, which was reconstructed from oil reservoir production water. BF3 encodes 1,164 protein-coding genes (code 11) and 46 tRNA genes, and is classified within the Caudoviricetes, though its bacterial host remains unidentified. We utilized ColabFold to predict the structures of 744 protein-coding genes with high confidence, finding that 395 and 591 of these genes corresponded with known structures in the Protein Data Bank and the Big Fantastic Virus Database (BFVD), respectively. Notably, 153 of BF3's predicted structures exhibited no similarity to those catalogued in the BFVD, which is currently the most extensive viral protein structure database. This study not only expands our understanding of phage genome capacities but also underscores the need for specialized analytical tools and pipelines to investigate exceptionally large phages.
Maternal Serum Hemoglobin Levels Relative to Anemia Interventions in the COVID-19 era: A systematic review andmeta-analysis
Authors: Muthuka John K. , Agnes Muthoni L. , Leonard Ngeno K. , Lucy Chembugei C. , Dianna Mbari F. , Nabaweesi Rosemary
Published: January 2025

Aims

The purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of different types of maternal anemia interventions on serum hemoglobin levels among pregnant cohort of reproductive age during COVID-19 pandemic using a pool of studies conducted with different research designs.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified from January 2020 to December 2022 by using MeSH terms in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical trials, Scopus databases and gray literature. The studies were systematically reviewed, and quality assessments were evaluated by the guidelines of the Cochrane risk of bias. All the statistical analysis was performed on RevMan 5.4.1 software with a random and fixed effect models. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the Cochran Q statistic and Higgins test and publication bias assessed via funnel plots. The cumulative pooled effect of maternal anemia interventions (n= 15) on serum hemoglobin concentration was the main outcome, while effects of specific types of maternal anemia interventions; mode of administration; and the country a study was conducted were derived as secondary outcomes. In total, 6695 pregnant women of reproductive age were established from the entire pool of studies. Mean serum hemoglobin levels’ data were retrieved alongside their standard errors for ascertaining the effect of the said maternal anemia interventions on hemoglobin levels using f standard mean and mean differences during meta-analysis. The review component was part of registered PROSPERO: CRD-CRD42023410657:[

Results

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with the current study findings proposing that, maternal anemia interventions in overall improved serum hemoglobin levels [SMD (95% CI) = 0.93 [0.57, 1.30]; Heterogeneity: Tau-squared = 0.50; Chi-squared = 627.07, df = 14 (P < 0.00001); I-squared = 98%. The effect of specific intervention categories was; dietary iron supplement 1.16 [95% CI = −0.97, 3.28], education information 0.75 [95% CI = 0.12, 1.37], Intravenous ferric carboxy-maltose 1.33 [95% CI = 0.28, 2.38], intravenous iron sucrose 0.82 [95% CI = 0.56, 1.09] and herbal substances 0.42 [95% CI = 0.24, 0.61]. Dietary iron supplementation didn’t demonstrate an improvement on hemoglobin levels (Test for overall effect: Z = 1.07 (P = 0.29). Parenterally given and via education administered interventions had better utility on hemoglobin concentrations with maternal anemia interventions among developing countries showing insignificant effect on maternal serum hemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

Current review concluded that maternal anemia interventions had a utility on serum hemoglobin, more feasible, those given as injections. Notably, dietary iron interventions were compromised especially in developing nations during COVID-19 pandemic. Multifaceted further clinical studies are crucial to substantiate current findings.
A Novel Scoring System for Coronary Care Unit Patients: Merging SAPS 2 and Troponin I for Improved Prognostication
Authors: Alam Mohammad Saquib , Zafar Khawaja Saifullah , Amir Syed Hasan , Haque Shahzad F.
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to develop a novel prognostic scoring system for coronary care unit (CCU) patients by integrating the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) with cardiac-specific biomarkers, including Troponin I (Trop I), NT-proBNP, lactate, AST, and ALT. The objective was to enhance the prediction of in-hospital mortality by addressing limitations of existing scoring systems.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 25 adult patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital’s CCU with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Clinical and laboratory parameters, including Troponin I (Trop I), NT-proBNP, lactate, AST, ALT, and SAPS II scores, were collected upon admission. Logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of mortality, and a new scoring system was developed. The predictive accuracy of the system was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The novel scoring system demonstrated superior discriminatory performance with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.8897 compared to SAPS II alone (AUC: 0.8493). Troponin I emerged as the most significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.05), while SAPS II showed a trend toward significance. The optimal cutoff score for the new system was determined to be 4.716, achieving a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 94.12%. Elevated lactate, Trop I and SAPS 2 score levels were strongly associated with mortality.

Discussion

The new scoring system integrates systemic and cardiac-specific parameters, enhancing the predictive accuracy of in-hospital mortality in CCU patients compared to SAPS II alone. While Trop I proved highly predictive, other biomarkers (NT-proBNP, AST, ALT, lactate) did not achieve statistical significance in multivariate analysis, likely due to the limited sample size. Future validation in larger cohorts is required to confirm its generalizability and clinical utility. This study underscores the potential of combining systemic and cardiac-specific biomarkers to refine risk stratification in CCU settings, offering a robust tool for guiding clinical decision-making.
Identification of a secreted protease from Bacteroides fragilis that induces intestinal pain and inflammation by cleavage of PAR2
Authors: Lakemeyer Markus , Latorre Rocco , Blazkova Kristyna , Jensen Dane , Wood Hannah M. , Shakil Nayab , Thomas Scott C. , Saxena Deepak , Malpuri Yatendra , Poolman David , Duran de Haro Paz , Keller Laura J. , Reed David E. , Schmidt Brian L. , Lomax Alan E. , Bunnett Nigel W , Bogyo Matthew
Published: January 2025

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a central regulator of intestinal barrier function, inflammation and pain. Upregulated intestinal proteolysis and PAR2-signaling are implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To identify potential bacterial regulators of PAR2 activity, we developed a functional assay for PAR2 processing and used it to screen conditioned media from a library of diverse gut commensal microbes. We found that multiple bacteria secrete proteases that cleave host PAR2. Using chemoproteomic profiling with a covalent irreversible inhibitor, we identified a previously uncharacterized Bacteroides fragilis serine protease Bfp1, and showed that it cleaves and activates PAR2 in multicellular and murine models. PAR2 cleavage by Bfp1 disrupts the intestinal barrier, sensitizes nociceptors, and triggers colonic inflammation and abdominal pain. Collectively, our findings uncover Bfp1-mediated PAR2-processing as a new axis of host-commensal-interaction in the gut that has the potential to be targeted for therapeutic intervention in IBD or IBS.
Stress-activated neuronal ensemble in the supramammillary nucleus stores anxiety but not memory
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Yu Kexin , Zhang Junmin , Chang Yuan , Sun Xiao , Qian Zhaoqiang , Sun Zongpeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Ren Wei , Han Jing
Published: January 2025

Anxiety is a very common negative emotional status induced by stress. However, its underlying neural mechanism is still largely unknown. Here, we found a hypothalamic section named the supramammillary nucleus (SuM), which is taking control of anxiety. We then characterized a small ensemble of stress-activated neurons and recruited encoding anxiety. These stress-activated neurons specifically respond to stress, and its activation robustly increases the anxiety-like behavior of mice without significantly influencing fear memory. We then found that the ventral subiculum -SuM but not the dorsal subiculum -SuM projection encodes anxiety and would exhibit an anti-anxiety effect by its inhibition. Our findings extend the understanding of the function of the neuronal engram cells and bring new insights into the studies on emotion especially anxiety.
Coxsackievirus A24 variant whole genome sequencing from clinical samples using a three overlapping amplicons strategy
Authors: Morobe John Mwita , Odoyo Samuel , Lambisia Arnold W. , Moraa Edidah , Houldcroft Charlotte J. , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Holmes Edward C. , Githinji George , Agoti Charles N.
Published: January 2025

We developed a whole genome sequencing assay for coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v), a major cause of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, and used it to recover three near complete genomes from the 2024 CA24v outbreak in Kenya. This assay will support studies on CA24v genomic epidemiology and evolution across Africa.
Measurement of the
13S1→23S1
interval in positronium using field ionization of Rydberg states
Authors: Heiss Michael W. , Borges Lucas de Sousa , Golovizin Artem , Crivelli Paolo
Published: January 2025

We report a 40 parts per 109 measurement of the positronium 13S1→23S1 interval using pulsed two-photon optical spectroscopy. The transition is detected via field ionization of atoms excited from the 2S to the 20P Rydberg state. Precise Monte Carlo line-shape simulations allow for the accounting of effects such as Doppler and ac Stark shifts, while an optical heterodyne measurement of the excitation laser pulse is used to correct for laser frequency chirp. A value of 1233607210.5±49.6MHz is obtained. This scheme allows for the measurement of the velocity distribution of positronium atoms to correct for the second-order Doppler effect. This is a major source of systematic uncertainty expected for future measurements of this transition with a cw laser; thus, our technique paves the way toward a new generation of a high-precision determination of this interval in positronium.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
In+115−Yb+172
Coulomb Crystal Clock with
2.5×10−18
Systematic Uncertainty
Authors: Hausser H. N. , Keller J. , Nordmann T. , Bhatt N. M. , Kiethe J. , Liu H. , Richter I. M. , von Boehn M. , Rahm J. , Weyers S. , Benkler E. , Lipphardt B. , Dörscher S. , Stahl K. , Klose J. , Lisdat C. , Filzinger M. , Huntemann N. , Peik E. , Mehlstäubler T. E.
Published: January 2025

We present a scalable mixed-species Coulomb crystal clock based on the S01↔P30 transition in In+115. Yb+172 ions are cotrapped and used for sympathetic cooling. Reproducible interrogation conditions for mixed-species Coulomb crystals are ensured by a conditional preparation sequence with permutation control. We demonstrate clock operation with a 1In+−3Yb+ crystal, achieving a relative systematic uncertainty of 2.5×10−18 and a relative frequency instability of 1.6×10−15/τ/1  s. We report on absolute frequency measurements with an uncertainty of 1.3×10−16 and optical frequency comparisons with clocks based on Yb+171 (E3) and Sr87. With a fractional uncertainty of 4.4×10−18, the former is—to our knowledge—the most accurate frequency ratio value reported to date. For the In+115/Sr87 ratio, we improve upon the best previous measurement by more than an order of magnitude. We also demonstrate operation with four In+115 clock ions, which reduces the instability to 9.2×10−16/τ/1  s.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Anatomy of a mass resignation: moral entrepreneurship and academic outsiders within
Authors: Tekeste Milena , Özbilgin Mustafa F.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to examine the claims made in the resignation letter and global petition surrounding the mass resignation of editorial members from the journal Gender, Work and Organization. It aims to shed light on the overlooked voices that criticized the boycott and to reflect on how the protest, while addressing legitimate concerns, inadvertently marginalized early-career and minoritized scholars, undermining principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a reflexive methodology, engaging with a globally diverse set of junior, mid-career and senior scholars to gather their insights on the unfolding events. By intentionally seeking out those critical of the resignation, the authors emphasized their positionality as scholars committed to fostering inclusivity and fairness. They positioned themselves against the instrumentalization of social justice rhetoric, critiquing how it disproportionately impacted vulnerable academic communities.

Findings

The viewpoint highlights how the mass resignation and academic boycott of Gender, Work and Organization failed to account for its adverse effects on early-career and marginalized scholars, missing opportunities for feminist care and solidarity. It argues that the boycott, while signalling virtue, had a polarizing impact and overlooked key principles of EDI, leading to unintended negative consequences.

Originality/value

The originality of this viewpoint lies in its focus on the often-unheard voices of scholars who opposed the mass resignation and academic boycott of Gender, Work and Organization, offering a counter-narrative to the widely publicized protest. Its value comes from critically examining how actions intended to promote social justice and equality can inadvertently harm early-career and marginalized scholars. By spotlighting these complexities and challenging the virtue signalling behind the boycott, the critique contributes to ongoing discussions on the ethical responsibilities of academic activism, solidarity and inclusivity in feminist scholarship.
Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes
Authors: Pijanowski Wojciech , Chmielewski Sebastian , Wysoczański Wojciech , Havrysh Polina , Turnau Katarzyna , Lembicz Marlena
Published: January 2025

The fungus Beauveria felina is often classified as one of the so‐called good biocontrol agents. However, no information is available about the growth of this entomopathogenic fungus in the presence of other endophytic fungi, which are usually found in plant tissues. Effects of fungal interactions vary from inhibiting the activity of a biocontrol agent to stimulating its effect on the targeted pathogen. This study compared the growth rate of Beauveria felina alone and in interaction with other endophytic fungi. In the presence of each competitor (Gliomastix polychroma or Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), B. felina grew faster than in the control. In the interaction between Beauveria felina and Gliomastix polychroma, an inhibition zone was formed between their mycelia. This is the first report showing the response of its mycelium to biotic stress caused by the presence of other fungi.
Phosphoproteomics for studying signaling pathways evoked by hormones of the renin‐angiotensin system: A source of untapped potential
Authors: Souza‐Silva Igor Maciel , Carregari Victor Corasolla , Steckelings U. Muscha , Verano‐Braga Thiago
Published: January 2025

The Renin‐Angiotensin System (RAS) is a complex neuroendocrine system consisting of a single precursor protein, angiotensinogen (AGT), which is processed into various peptide hormones, including the angiotensins [Ang I, Ang II, Ang III, Ang IV, Ang‐(1–9), Ang‐(1–7), Ang‐(1–5), etc] and Alamandine‐related peptides [Ang A, Alamandine, Ala‐(1–5)], through intricate enzymatic pathways. Functionally, the RAS is divided into two axes with opposing effects: the classical axis, primarily consisting of Ang II acting through the AT1 receptor (AT1R), and in contrast the protective axis, which includes the receptors Mas, AT2R and MrgD and their respective ligands. A key area of RAS research is to gain a better understanding how signaling cascades elicited by these receptors lead to either “classical” or “protective” effects, as imbalances between the two axes can contribute to disease. On the other hand, therapeutic benefits can be achieved by selectively activating protective receptors and their associated signaling pathways. Traditionally, robust “hypothesis‐driven” methods like Western blotting have built a solid knowledge foundation on RAS signaling. In this review, we introduce untargeted mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomics, a “hypothesis‐generating approach”, to explore RAS signaling pathways. This technology enables the unbiased discovery of phosphorylation events, offering insights into previously unknown signaling mechanisms. We review the existing studies which used phosphoproteomics to study RAS signaling and discuss potential future applications of phosphoproteomics in RAS research including advantages and limitations. Ultimately, phosphoproteomics represents a so far underused tool for deepening our understanding of RAS signaling and unveiling novel therapeutic targets.
Early Dynamics of Portal Pressure Gradient After TIPS Insertion Predict Mortality
Authors: Reuken P. A. , Franz A. , Wirtz T. H. , Ripoll C. , Aschenbach R. , Teichgräber U. , Pollmanns M. R. , Kiehntopf M. , Keil S. , Kuhl C. , Schulze P. C. , Trautwein C. , Bruns T. , Stallmach A. , Zipprich A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement leads to a reduction in portal pressure and an improvement in survival in patients with recurrent and refractory ascites and variceal haemorrhage. Prediction of post‐TIPS survival is primarily determined by factors identified before the TIPS procedure, as data collected during or after TIPS implantation are limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of early hemodynamic changes after TIPS placement on survival, in order to refine post TIPS management.

Methods

In this prospective bicentric study, consecutive patients (n = 105) undergoing TIPS placement for ascites or variceal haemorrhage underwent measurement of portal pressure gradient (PPG) immediately at TIPS insertion (PPG0) and 24 h later (PPG24h) and the ΔPPG was calculated from PPG24h and PPG0 (ΔPPG = PPG24h‐PPG0). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and uni‐ and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify survival predictors.

Results

Patients with lack of increased ΔPPG exhibited poorer 90‐day and 1‐year survival compared to patients with increased ΔPPG. This worse survival was independent of The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child‐Pugh score, bilirubin levels, creatinine and the Freiburg index of post‐TIPS survival (FIPS) > 0.92. Among these patients with poorer outcome, elevated bilirubin (> 25 μmol/L) further distinguished survivors from non‐survivors.

Conclusion

Lack of increased ΔPPG post‐TIPS insertion identifies a high‐risk patient group with worse survival. We propose incorporating this second PPG measurement and determining ΔPPG into clinical practice to identify these patients early and tailor post‐TIPS patient care.
Patient signalment and aetiology of hypercortisolism in Australian dogs with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Langner KFA , Foster SF , Duff BC
Published: January 2025

Objective

Patient characteristics of Cushing's syndrome differ between countries and have not been assessed in the Australian dog population. This study describes signalment and distribution of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)‐dependent hypercortisolism (ADH) and ACTH‐independent hypercortisolism (AIH) in Australian dogs.

Animals

Two‐hundred client‐owned dogs that had endogenous ACTH concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay.

Methods

Animals with Cushing's syndrome were identified from laboratory accessions and signalment details recorded. Dogs were classified as having ADH or AIH based on their endogenous ACTH concentration and, if equivocal, by additional data obtained from medical records.

Results

Dogs had a median age of 11 years (range 3.5–18) and median body weight of 8.6 kg (2.5–50.8) with 67% of dogs weighing <10 kg and 83% <20 kg. The majority were female (62%) and neutered (91%). Maltese dogs comprised 19% of the study population and were over‐represented relative to the general dog population. Dogs of this breed were diagnosed at an earlier age than other breeds and crosses. One hundred and eighty seven of 200 dogs (93.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 89.1–96.4) were diagnosed with ADH and 5 dogs (2.5%; 95% CI: 0–0.05) with AIH; an aetiology could not be established for the remaining dogs.

Conclusions

Australian dogs with Cushing's syndrome were mostly small breed dogs and almost exclusively had ADH. Maltese dogs were frequently affected and developed the disease earlier in life compared with other breeds. These data can facilitate identification of Australian dogs at risk for the disease and assist in diagnostic and therapeutic decision‐making.
Introduction to the special issue: Organizing domestic work: The limits of regulations in the wake of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention
Authors: Coe Cati , Glaser Alana Lee
Published: January 2025

In 2011, the International Labour Organization adopted a new Domestic Workers Convention, a change that generated struggles internationally around recognizing domestic labor as a form of work. Recognition as a worker is meant to redress the particularities that render the exploitation of domestic workers so intimate, painful, and naturalized. A decade after the Convention's passage is a reasonable period in which to assess its impact, as the papers in the special issue do in a variety of sites. The introduction discusses the limitations of the regulation of work in changing domestic workers' conditions. First, labor studies scholars have shown how contracts can cement inequalities. Second, attempts to standardize domestic labor through work contracts and the law rely on liberalism's supposedly unparalleled capacity to correct historical harms and perfect human relations. Moreover, studies in legal pluralism highlight the ways that informal work is organized according to social conventions. Forms of resistance by domestic workers indicate that they use a sense of rights based both on their status as workers and from other social domains to negotiate employment conditions. This leads us to the conclusion that all forms of energy expended, both paid and unpaid, should be considered forms of work.
Acts from the cracks: Representations and positions of the decolonial in the geopolitical (de)construction of power‐entangled knowledge
Authors: Ali Subas Amjad , Sarrica Mauro , Sammut Gordon , Bigazzi Sara
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the geopolitical implications of knowledge production in psychology through two studies that respond to the growing body of work on the ‘Decolonisation of Knowledge’ and the ‘Decolonisation of Psychology’ over the past two decades. By adopting a constructivist approach, particularly through the lens of Social Representation Theory (SRT), these studies explore the ways in which geopolitical contexts shape decolonial activism within psychological and scientific discourse. The first study sheds light on the lexical divergences in the construction of knowledge within the domains of psychology. We reviewed 300 article abstracts related to decolonial studies using lexicometric analysis based on the Reinhart method (IraMuTeq). Four clusters were identified: Educational Reform, Historical Temporalities, Social Actors, and Epistemological Discourse. These clusters suggest differences in knowledge production within different geopolitical localities. The second study explores these variations by immersing itself in the perspectives and representations articulated by decolonial scholars. The second study is conducted using 12 semi‐structured interviews with academics actively engaged in decolonial efforts. The aim of the two studies is to demonstrate regional variations in decolonial discourse and highlight the ongoing influence of geopolitical factors on scientific inquiry.
Are we disadvantaging smokers by excluding them from kidney transplantation? A single‐centre experience and survey of kidney transplantation units
Authors: Hazim Humam , Rowlandson Matthew , Chang Cynthia , Poon Amy , Ward Sheridan , Howley Peter , Mackinnon Bruce
Published: January 2025

Background

Smoking has been shown to have detrimental effects on KT outcomes and survival. Most units and guidelines advocate for the cessation of smoking prior to a kidney transplant and consider it a general contraindication to listing. Smoking prevalence is higher in disadvantaged groups. Smoking cessation is complex and often takes many years. For those suffering from the burden of chronic kidney disease, a delay in transplantation with a longer dialysis time may result in worse outcomes and accentuate the difficulty of cessation.

Aim

The objective of this study was to describe the cohort of excluded smokers for kidney transplantation (KT) and further examine the current practices regarding smoking and KT waitlisting.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective observational study of dialysis patients in Hunter New England Local Health District 2013–2023 <65 years old and assessed but not listed for KT. We examined the reasons for non‐transplant listing and divided them into two categories, smoking versus others (comorbidities, patient preference and cancer). We compared the categories in terms of demography, comorbidities and dialysis modality. We also conducted a survey of KT units across Australia and New Zealand regarding their policies towards smoking.

Results

We reviewed the records of 333 patients (142 female), 89 of whom were smokers. Patients not listed due to smoking were less comorbid than those rejected for another reason (83% vs 40% having ≤1 comorbid condition, P < 0.001). Patients rejected due to smoking were younger than those rejected for other reasons (47.8 vs 52.1, P = 0.007). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of sex or dialysis modality. All the acute KT units were surveyed (response rate 100%); 72% of units do not list current smokers for KT.

Conclusion

Patients not listed for KT due to smoking are generally younger and less comorbid than those not listed for other reasons. Our survey shows variation in practice between units. As smoking is more prevalent in marginalised communities, not listing these patients for KT may be an equity‐of‐access‐to‐treatment issue.
The Relationship Between the Neighbourhood Environment and Mental Health: Integrating Subjective and Objective Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Guiqin , Liu Yu Jia , Zhang Ruhong , Zhang Xiaohong , Xiong Wei , Cui Jiatong , Cheng Yu Xin , Liu Qian , Wang Xiao Qin , Yang Bing Xiang , Zou Huijing
Published: January 2025

Aims

To explore the relationship between neighbourhood environments and mental health by integrating subjective and objective perspectives.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From September 2023 to January 2024, adult residents at the physical examination centers of two public hospitals in China completed measurements of subjective neighbourhood environment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, psychological stress, and socio‐demographic characteristics. Geographic information systems (GIS) were employed to extract objective environmental data including parks, bus stops, sports facilities, leisure facilities, residential housing, restaurants, food retail facilities, and street connectivity within a buffer zone of 500‐m radius of the participants' residential areas. Data were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

This study included 438 participants (mean age, 36.98 ± 11.05 years; 55.3% female). The mean scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological stress were 3.55 ± 2.99, 3.16 ± 2.91, and 13.11 ± 4.88, respectively. The total score of the subjective neighbourhood environment was 78.33 ± 10.63, with the mean scores of each dimension ranging from 5.14 to 23.76. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher scores on street environment and higher density of sports facility were statistically significantly associated with reduced risk of depressive symptoms and psychological stress. Additionally, higher scores on walking environment and social cohesion were significantly associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

This study found that street environments, walking environments, social cohesion, and density of sports facilities were independently associated with the mental health of adult residents in China.

Implications

The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers to consider specific health‐related environmental factors and develop tailored interventions to promote the mental health of the residents.

Impact

Understanding the relationship between the subjective and objective environmental factors on mental health is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies, preventing psychological issues, enhancing the quality of care, and advancing public health policies and research.

Reporting Method

The study was reported following the strengthening of the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
AF‐FLOW Global Registry Confirms Validity of Electrographic Flow Mapping as a Phenotyping Tool for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nilsson Kent R. , Castellano Steven , Kong Melissa H. , Derejko Pawel , Szili‐Torok Tamás , Goyal Sandeep K. , Wijchers Sip , Turagam Mohit , Reddy Vivek Y. , Verma Atul ,   other members of the AF‐FLOW Global Registry Study Group
Published: January 2025

Background

Electrographic flow (EGF) mapping allows for the visualization of global atrial wavefront propagations. One mechanism of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) is stimulation from EGF‐identified focal sources that serve as driver sites of fibrillatory conduction. Electrographic flow consistency (EGFC) further quantifies the concordance of observed wavefront patterns, indicating that a healthier substrate shows more organized wavefront propagation and higher EGFC. Freedom from AF (FFAF) recurrence has accordingly been shown to be higher in patients with ablated vs. unablated sources and with high vs. low EGFC.

Objectives

(1) Measure FFAF across EGF‐derived phenotypes in patients enrolled in the AF‐FLOW Global Registry; (2) determine if a relationship exists between EGFC and percentage of healthy voltage as measured from bipolar voltage maps.

Methods

The AF‐FLOW Global Registry is a multicenter, prospective study of 25 all‐comer AF patients who underwent concomitant high‐density bipolar voltage mapping with a 16‐electrode grid mapping catheter and EGF mapping with a 64‐pole basket catheter. The EGF algorithm detects extra‐pulmonary vein sources as origins of excitation from a singularity of divergent flow vectors and was used to localize RF ablation targets. Overall, EGFC per atrium was also computed as the average of the modulus of individual EGF vectors, where the vector length represents the consistency of flow patterns. Patients were then assigned phenotypes on the basis of source presence or absence and EGFC, and rates of FFAF at 1‐year were compared across the four resulting phenotypes. Atrial EGFC was also compared to the percentage of healthy tissue determined by bipolar voltage mapping.

Results

Patients with paroxysmal AF had higher FFAF than persistent AF (PeAF) and long‐standing PeAF patients; patients receiving de novo ablation had higher FFAF than those receiving redo ablation. Patient phenotyping revealed that those with high EGFC had higher FFAF than those with low EGFC (p = 0.015). Atrial EGFC was also correlated to the percent of high voltage tissue across all patients (r = 0.651, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

EGF mapping provides insights into the mechanistic nature of AF and the atrial health of the underlying substrate. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop phenotype‐specific treatments for the disease.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05481359.
A Review on the Role of 2–8 Carbon Chain Carboxylates in Enhancing Aquaculture Performance
Authors: Gouife Moussa , Jiao Lefei , Kong Fei , Ming Tinghong , Saikaly Pascal , Galindo‐Villegas Jorge , Xu Jiajie
Published: January 2025

Aquaculture is a key sector for global food security, but its sustainability and productivity remain constantly questioned. Using 2–8 carbon chain carboxylates (2–8 CCs) has proven to be a promising and beneficial strategy for various fields, including aquaculture. Within the 2–8 CCs, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have received significantly more attention from researchers than the relatively less‐explored medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Applying these compounds in aquaculture has improved growth performance, feed efficiency, immune responses, intestinal health, antioxidant capacity, and water quality, thus promoting aquaculture organisms' productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, 2–8 CCs offer significant environmental benefits by reducing the reliance on antibiotics and promoting a healthier gut microbiota, thereby mitigating some ecological impacts of aquaculture. They also contribute to improved waste management practices and developing a more circular economy within aquaculture systems. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of 2–8 CCs' effects in aquaculture, discussing their roles, environmental impacts, benefits, challenges, and future research directions. The findings underscore the potential of 2–8 CCs to significantly enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture systems, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of the field.
Applying the ADAPT guidance to implement a telemedicine and medication delivery service in a malaria‐endemic setting: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Flaherty Katelyn E. , Mahama Mohammed‐Najeeb , Klarman Molly B. , Anane‐Binfoh Nana A. , Patel Mayur D. , Smith Nathanael J. , Osei‐Ampofo Maxwell , Mathelier Michael , Nelson Eric J. , Zakariah Ahmed N. , Afaa Taiba J. , Becker Torben K.
Published: January 2025

Background

The ADAPT guidance proposes a process model for adapting evidence‐informed interventions to novel contexts. Herein, we leveraged this guidance to adapt a paediatric nighttime telemedicine and medication delivery service from Haiti, a setting with low malaria prevalence, to Ghana, where malaria is a leading cause of paediatric mortality.

Methods

Core components of the intervention were defined and conserved. Discretionary components were identified and considered for adaptation. The service was defined by a workflow involving a call from a guardian of a sick child, a telemedicine assessment, referral of severe cases, and medication delivery/in‐person assessments for non‐severe cases. Key adaptations related to partner organisation (private to public/government), clinician type (nurse to emergency medical technician), user fees (sliding scale to none), and point‐of‐care testing (none to malaria rapid diagnostic testing). The adapted model was implemented in Jamestown and Usshertown, Ghana, on 16 November 2022 as part of a 12‐month study to evaluate implementation outcomes and the role of the telemedicine assessment. Empiric thresholds for safety and feasibility were set a priori and served as benchmarks for this study and points of iteration for future studies.

Results

In the first year of implementation, 517 cases were enrolled; 492 were included in the analysis, 96% of which were reached at 10‐day follow‐up. Safety and feasibility thresholds were met. 98% of febrile cases received rapid diagnostic testing for malaria; 4% tested positive. At 10 days, 97% of cases were improving/well, and no severe adverse events were reported. The median lengths of the telemedicine assessment, time to delivery, and in‐person assessments were 9, 49, and 43 min, respectively. 99% of participants expressed interest in using the service again. There was fair congruence between paired telemedicine and in‐person assessments for vital sign assessments and mild/moderate triage decisions.

Conclusions

A nighttime paediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service adapted and implemented per the ADAPT Guidance met a priori‐defined safety and feasibility metrics in the malaria‐endemic country of Ghana. The role of telemedicine in assessing vital signs and informing mild versus moderate triage decisions may be limited.

Trial Registration

This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 8/17/2022 (NCT05506683).
Reactivation of latent HIV-1 by the glucocorticoid receptor modulator AZD9567
Authors: Fayyaz Sharmeen , Lotke Rishikesh , Haußmann Isabell , Petersen Moritz , Müller Eva , Schwarzer-Sperber Hannah S. , Schwarzer Roland , Sauter Daniel
Published: January 2025

One key determinant of HIV-1 latency reversal is the activation of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) by cellular transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1. Interestingly, the activity of these two transcription factors can be modulated by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Furthermore, the HIV-1 genome contains multiple binding sites for GRs. We therefore hypothesized that glucocorticoids and other GR modulators may influence HIV-1 latency and reactivation. To investigate how GR signaling affects latent HIV-1 reservoirs, we assembled a representative panel of GR modulators including natural steroidal agonists, selective and non-selective GR modulators, and clinically approved GR-modulating drugs. The effects of these compounds on HIV-1 reactivation were assessed using latently HIV-1-infected cell lines and primary cells, as well as reporter assays that monitored GR and LTR activities. We found that AZD9567 (Mizacorat), a non-steroidal partial GR agonist, reactivates latent HIV-1 in both lymphoid and myeloid cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells. Conversely, the GR antagonist mifepristone suppresses HIV-1 LTR-driven gene expression. Mechanistic analyses revealed that AZD9567-mediated reactivation partially depends on both GR and AP-1 binding sites in the LTR. In summary, we, here, identify the GR modulator AZD9567 as novel latency-reversing agent that activates LTR-driven gene expression, which may aid in advancing current shock-and-kill approaches in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE

Latently infected cells of people living with HIV are constantly exposed to fluctuating levels of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol. In addition, many HIV-infected individuals regularly take corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory drugs. Although corticosteroids are known to affect the activity of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter and influence ongoing HIV-1 replication, relatively little is known about the effect of corticosteroid hormones and other glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulators on latent HIV-1. By systematically comparing natural and synthetic GR modulators, we, here, identify a first first-in-class, oral, partial GR agonist that reactivates latent HIV-1 from different cell types. This drug, AZD9567, was previously tested in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. Mutational analyses shed light on the underlying mode of action and revealed transcription factor binding sites in the HIV-1 LTR that determine responsiveness to AZD9567.
Interregional Inequality in Russia and Post-Soviet Countries in the 21st Century
Authors: Zubarevich N. V. , Safronov S. G.
Published: January 2025

The article analyzes the level and dynamics of interregional inequality in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus versus other European countries based on data from official statistics of CIS countries (1995–2022) and Eurostat (2011–2022). The Gini coefficient, weighted by population and normalized depending on the number of territorial units, is used as the main assessment parameter. In Belarus and European Union countries, the level of interregional inequality is lower, associated with high and more uniform development of the territory and a more stable economic structure. In Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the level of interregional inequality is higher and its dynamics are multidirectional, associated with the influence of resource rent on a limited number of regions. In Russia and Uzbekistan since the late 2010s, inequality has grown, decreased in Kazakhstan, and was small and stable in Belarus due to the peculiarities of the economic structure and institutional factors of development. Assessments of the impact of macroeconomic dynamics on interregional inequality have not provided clear evidence of its impact. The impact of the state’s redistribution policy can only be assessed for Russia: a significant increase in transfers during the crises of 2009 and 2020 contributed to mitigating inequality. Within Russian federal districts, differentiation is generally lower. High inequality is characteristic of the extremely heterogeneous Ural Federal District and Central Federal District, where it has been declining in recent years. In the Far Eastern Federal District, regional differentiation grew, and its gradual increase also occurred in the regions of the Northwestern Federal District.
Combining the optimal grafting methods, seasons, and scion donors enhances the conifer grafting success and early supply of the next-generation seedlings
Authors: Matsushita Michinari
Published: January 2025

Improving the efficiency of grafting enables next-generation seed orchards to be established within a shorter period, resulting in improvement of productivity of high-quality seedlings for afforestation. This study investigates the effects of grafting methods (top-cleft and side-veneer), seasonal variation of collecting scions, and genetic variation of graft scions on the grafting survival rates of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl. When comparing the grafting methods, the scion shoot elongation of top-cleft method (13.7 cm) was greater than the side-veneer method (8.9 cm), while the survival rate did not differ between the top-cleft (87.5%) and side-veneer methods (83.3%). When comparing the grafting seasons on the survival rate of top-cleft grafts, the scions collected during the autumn and early spring showed significantly higher survival rates than those collected during the summer. In addition, there was a variation in graft survival rates among the genotypes, and a significant positive correlation ( r = 0.56) was found between the estimated clonal value of graft survival and of the estimated breeding value of trunk volume in the original test sites, indicating that the genotype that grew well had a higher rate of grafting success. These results can serve as practical guidance for conifer grafting.
VITA: A Multi-modal LLM-based System for Longitudinal, Autonomous, and Adaptive Robotic Mental Well-being Coaching
Authors: Spitale Micol , Axelsson Minja , Gunes Hatice
Published: January 2025

Recently, several works have explored if and how robotic coaches can promote and maintain mental well-being in different settings. However, findings from these studies revealed that these robotic coaches are not ready to be used and deployed in real-world settings due to several limitations that span from technological challenges to coaching success. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents VITA, a novel multi-modal LLM-based system that allows robotic coaches to autonomously adapt to the coachee's multi-modal behaviours (facial valence and speech duration) and deliver coaching exercises in order to promote mental well-being in adults. We identified five objectives that correspond to the challenges in the recent literature, and we show how the VITA system addresses these via experimental validations that include one in-lab pilot study (

\(N\)

= 4) that enabled us to test different robotic coach configurations (pre-scripted, generic, and adaptive models) and inform its design for using it in the real world, and one real-world study (

\(N\)

= 17) conducted in a workplace over 4 weeks. Our results show that: (i) coachees perceived the VITA adaptive and generic configurations more positively than the pre-scripted one, and they felt understood and heard by the adaptive robotic coach, (ii) the VITA adaptive robotic coach kept learning successfully by personalising to each coachee over time and did not detect any interaction ruptures during the coaching, (iii) coachees had significant mental well-being improvements via the VITA-based robotic coach practice. The code for the VITA system is openly available via
https://github.com/Cambridge-AFAR/VITA-system
.
Supplementary Figures from Activation of NKT Cells in an Anti-PD-1–Resistant Tumor Model Enhances Antitumor Immunity by Reinvigorating Exhausted CD8 T Cells
Authors: Bae Eun-Ah , Seo Hyungseok , Kim Byung-Seok , Choi Jeongwon , Jeon Insu , Shin Kwang-Soo , Koh Choong-Hyun , Song Boyeong , Kim Il-Kyu , Min Byung Soh , Han Yoon Dae , Shin Sang Joon , Kang Chang-Yuil
Published: January 2025

Supplementary Figures