bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting a Sleep-friendly Environment by Minimizing Overnight Room Entries
Authors: McDaniel Lauren M. , Seshadri Nilesh , Harkins Elizabeth A. , Keydash Megan , Pan Alice , Sterni Laura M. , Ralston Shawn L.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Despite its importance in illness recovery, the sleep of hospitalized children is frequently interrupted. This quality improvement intervention aimed to reduce overnight room entries by minimizing unnecessary interventions.

Methods:

This study occurred at a university-affiliated children’s hospital on the hospital medicine services from March 26, 2021, to April 14, 2022. The intervention included order set changes and the implementation of a rounding checklist designed to address factors most closely associated with sleep disruption and overnight room entries. The outcome measure was overnight (10 pm to 6 am) room entries, counted using room entry sensors. Process measures reflected the intervention targets (overnight vital sign orders, medication administration, and intravenous fluid use). The method of analysis was statistical process control charting.

Results:

After identifying special cause variation, the average number of overnight room entries decreased from 8.1 to 6.8, a 16% decrease. This decrease corresponded with the implementation of a rounding checklist. However, there continued to be variability in average room entries, suggesting a process lacking ongoing stability. During this period, avoidance of overnight medications and intravenous fluid increased by 28% and 17%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Implementing a rounding checklist to a broad patient population decreased overnight room entries. However, future work is needed to better understand the factors associated with sustaining such an improvement.
Patient Perspectives on Selecting an Academic Aesthetic Surgeon
Authors: Chen Shirley , Park Benjamin C. , Makhoul Alan T. , Perdikis Galen , Hammack-Aviran Catherine M. , Drolet Brian C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Growth of the aesthetic surgery marketplace has increased patient choice in provider selection. This study aimed to characterize how patients choose an aesthetic surgeon, identify knowledge gaps in this decision-making process, and understand why patients select academic aesthetic surgeons.

Methods

A qualitative interview study of aesthetic surgery patients from an academic center was conducted. Purposive sampling maximized representation regarding surgeon, surgery type, and patient demographics. An interview guide was developed in collaboration with content and methodology experts, then refined through pilot testing. Emergent themes were identified using a codebook constructed by grounded theory.

Results

Thematic saturation was achieved with 24 patients. When selecting a surgeon, participants valued bedside manner (24 of 24) and past patients' satisfaction (18 of 24). Most participants (16 of 24) ascribed low importance to board certification. Reasons given for choosing an academic practice included the institution's reputation (13 of 24) and the availability of medical records and other specialties if complications arise (8 of 24). Participants demonstrated knowledge gaps regarding medical training and licensure. No participant (0 of 24) was aware that any licensed physician can offer aesthetic surgery, and nearly all participants (23 of 24) expressed discomfort with this.

Conclusions

Patients prioritize subjective elements when selecting an aesthetic surgeon, relying less on objective and meaningful qualifications like board certification and training background. Academic aesthetic practice is valued because of reputation and ability to function as a medical home. Given the lack of public understanding regarding physician training, initiatives promoting transparency are needed to ensure that patients can make safe, informed decisions.
Risk-stratified thromboprophylaxis effects of aspirin versus low-molecular-weight heparin in orthopedic trauma patients: A secondary analysis of the PREVENT CLOT trial
Authors: O'Hara Nathan N. , O'Toole Robert V. , Frey Katherine P. , Castillo Renan C. , Cuschieri Joseph , Haut Elliott R. , Slobogean Gerard P. , Firoozabadi Reza , Christmas A. Britton , Obremskey William T. , Carlini Anthony R. , Gaski Greg E. , Kutcher Matthew E. , Marvel Debra , Stein Deborah M. ,   Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC)
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The PREVENT CLOT trial concluded that thromboprophylaxis with aspirin was noninferior to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing death after orthopedic trauma. However, it was unclear if these results applied to patients at highest risk of thrombosis. Therefore, we assessed if the effect of aspirin versus LMWH differed based on patients' baseline risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

The PREVENT CLOT trial enrolled 12,211 adult patients with fractures. This secondary analysis stratified the study population into VTE risk quartiles: low (<1%) to high (>10%) using the Caprini score. We assessed stratum-specific treatment effects using the win ratio method, in which each patient assigned to aspirin was paired with each assigned to LMWH. In each pair, we compared outcomes hierarchically, starting with death, then pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and bleeding. The secondary outcome added patients' medication satisfaction as a fifth composite component.

RESULTS

In the high-risk quartile (n = 3052), 80% had femur fracture, pelvic, or acetabular fractures. Thoracic (47%) and head (37%) injuries were also common. In the low risk quartile (n = 3053), most patients had a tibia fracture (67%), 5% had a thoracic injury, and less than 1% had head or spinal injuries. Among high risk patients, thromboembolic events did not differ statistically between aspirin and LMWH (win ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–1.08, p = 0.42). This result was consistent in the low (win ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.90–1.47, p = 0.27), low-medium (win ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85–1.29, p = 0.68), and medium-high risk quartiles (win ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.80–1.11, p = 0.48). When medication satisfaction was considered, favorable outcomes were 68% more likely with aspirin (win ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.60–1.77; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Thromboembolic outcomes were similar with aspirin or LMWH, even among patients at highest risk of VTE. Aspirin was favored if medication satisfaction was also considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level II.
Foraging guild structure of seabirds
Authors: Hernández Juan , Arroyo Jose Ignacio
Published: December 2023

An ecological guild is a group of species that exploit the same resources, or that exploit the same or different resources in a related way. We built The Foraging Guilds of Seabirds database (FGSdb) by compiling a global database of 311 seabird species (from a total of 346 known) and assigning to each of them their diet types and foraging strategy. Across all seabirds, there were found 22 diets and 30 strategies. The number of diet categories for a species varied between 1 and 11, and the number of strategies varied from 1 to 9, with averages of 2.71 and 3.65, being the ratio diet/strategies of 0.74 (∼3/4), meaning that on average with four strategies they can exploit up to 3 diet items. Beyond this description, we show that the Gusein-Zade model fits well both the frequency rank and number of species per guild distributions. Our database and analyses provide a useful resource database for future studies and demonstrate simple rules behind guild structure.
Imaging Electrical Activity of Retinal Ganglion Cells with Fluorescent Voltage and Calcium Indicator Proteins in Retinal Degenerativerd1Blind Mice
Authors: Jung Younginha , Lee Sungmoo , Rhee Jun Kyu , Lee Chae-Eun , Baker Bradley J. , Song Yoon-Kyu
Published: December 2023

In order to understand the retinal network, it is essential to identify functional connectivity among retinal neurons. For this purpose, imaging neuronal activity through fluorescent indicator proteins has been a promising approach offering simultaneous measurements of neuronal activities from different regions of the circuit. In this study, we used genetically encoded voltage and calcium indicators, Bongwoori-R3 and GCaMP6f, to visualize membrane voltage and calcium dynamics in the form of the spatial map within retinal ganglion cells from retina tissues of the photoreceptor degeneratedrd1mice. Retinal voltage imaging confirmed current-evoked responses from somatic spiking and intercellular conduction, while calcium imaging showed current evoked changes in calcium concentrations of presynaptic neurons. These results indicate that the combination of fluorescent protein sensors and high-speed imaging methods permits imaging electrical activity with cellular precision and millisecond resolution. Hence, we expect our method will provide a potent experimental platform for the study of retinal signaling pathways as well as the development of retinal stimulation strategies in visual prosthesis.
Constructing the foundations of microeconomic analysis of Chinese economics: based on the theory of classified reform of state-owned enterprise
Authors: Yang Ruilong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Since the core issue of Chinese economics is to elucidate the logical relationship between socialism and the market economy, it necessitates a robust foundation for microeconomic analysis to uncover the behavioral patterns and characteristics of microeconomic agents in a socialist market economy and identify the conditions and methods for the functioning of market mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The core issue of microeconomics with Chinese characteristics is to identify the economic logic of how market mechanisms play a decisive role in resource allocation under the basic socialist economic system based on China's reform.

Findings

The core issue in building the foundation of microeconomic analysis of Chinese economics is addressing the compatibility issue between SOEs and a market economy.

Originality/value

In the author’s view, this can be achieved under the logic of classified reform so as to build the microeconomic foundation for the effective functioning of a socialist market economy.
Consequences of implementing activity-based flexible offices in academia: a follow-up study of perceived changes in the physical and psychosocial work environment after relocation
Authors: Toivanen Susanna , Berthelsen Hanne , Muhonen Tuija
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate university staff relocation from multiple separate buildings to a new building with activity-based flexible offices (AFOs) at a University in Sweden. The aim was to assess staff perceptions of the physical and psychosocial work environment and whether there were any changes in these perceptions before and after the move.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was used, analyzing closed-ended survey data at two time points (T1, n = 169 and T2, n = 160) and open-ended responses (n = 180) at T2.

Findings

The main findings revealed that employees started working more from home and that there were significant decreases in perceptions of the physical and psychosocial work environment, as well as job satisfaction, after the move to the new premises.

Practical implications

A comprehensive analysis of existing work processes, tasks and collaborations is crucial when planning new university premises. The planning process needs to be done in close collaboration with different stakeholders with multiple perspectives.

Originality/value

Introduction of AFOs in an academic setting can lead to negative consequences for occupational health and efficiency.
Exploring the challenges and solutions for river scour in dynamic environments: a comprehensive review
Authors: Rafiqii Muzamil Ahmad , Lone M.A. , Tantray M.A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a review for scour in complex rivers and streams with coarser bed material, steep longitudinal bed slopes and dynamic environments, in the interest of the safety and the economy of hydraulic structures. The knowledge of scour in such geographical complexities is very crucial for a comprehensive understanding of scour failures and for establishing definitive criteria to bridge this major research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing available literature shows significant work done in case of silt, sand and small sized coarser bed material but any substantial work for bed material of gravel size or above is lacking, resulting in a wide gap. Though some researchers have attempted to explore possibilities of refining the existing models by adding pier size, shape, sediment non-uniformity and armouring effects, which otherwise have been given a miss by the various researchers, including the pioneer in the field Lacey–Inglis (1930). But still, a rational model for scour estimation in such complex conditions for global use is yet to come. This is because all the parameters governing the scour have not been studied properly till date as is evident from the globally available literature and is witnessed in the field too, in recurrent failure of hydraulic structures especially bridges.

Findings

The researchers presume that the finer materials move only as a result of erosion. However, in actual field conditions, it has been observed that the large-sized stones also roll down and cause huge erosion along the river bed and damage the hydraulic structures, especially in the steep river/stream beds along hilly slopes. This fact has been overlooked in the models available globally and has been highlighted only in the current work in an attempt to recognize this major research gap. A study carried out on a number of streams globally and in Jammu and Kashmir, India also, has shown that in steep river and stream beds with bed material consisting of gravel size or greater than gravel, large scour holes ranging from 1 m to 5 m were created by furious floods, and due to other unknown forces along the channel path and near foundations of hydraulic structures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is purely original.
HUI: Beautiful scars
Authors: Kewene Fran , King Alexandra , Schutz Teramira , Jutel Annemarie , Young Jessica
Published: December 2023

This article is the written account of a discussion between a group of indigenous women (trained both in Western and Indigenous knowledge systems), on the relevance of diagnosis in their conceptualisations of health and illness.
Testicular fine‐needle aspiration in infertile men with absolute non‐obstructive azoospermia: A single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Sakas Jawad , Radin Orit , Abrahami Noa , Altshuler Osnat , Younis Johnny S.
Published: December 2023

Background

The methodology of surgically extracted sperm cells in fertility treatments remains debated, mainly due to the lack of data evaluating its predictive value on treatment outcomes.

Aim

To gain insight into the effectiveness of testicular fine‐needle aspiration (TEFNA) in a cohort of infertile men with absolute non‐obstructive azoospermia and to examine whether the number of retrieved sperm cells affects the fertilisation rate.

Materials and Methods

A total of 89 infertile men, aged 26–47, meticulously diagnosed with non‐obstructive azoospermia, participated in the study. All participants underwent TEFNA. The primary outcome measure was the TEFNA success rate in retrieving mature sperm. The secondary outcome measures included fertilisation rate, clinical pregnancy rates, and live births associated with the retrieved sperm.

Results

Sperm cells were successfully retrieved from 40 out of 89 patients (45%) with no significant postoperative complications. Retrieval of up to ten sperm cells occurred in 11 procedures (25%); ten procedures (22.7%) resulted in producing dozens of sperm cells, and 100s to 1000s of sperm cells were obtained from the remainder of 23 procedures (52.3%). Patients whose TEFNA resulted in only a few sperm cells had a much lower fertilisation rate (16.6%) than the other two groups (40.1% and 47.2%, respectively, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The utilisation of TEFNA for sperm extraction in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia is a simple, fast‐learning, effective, and safe treatment option. In cases where sperm retrieval was successful, the fertilisation rate was strongly related to the number of sperm cells obtained.
Confounding mitigation for the exposure‐response relationship of bevacizumab in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lobet Sarah , Caulet Morgane , Paintaud Gilles , Azzopardi Nicolas , Desvignes Céline , Chautard Romain , Borg Christophe , Capitain Olivier , Ferru Aurélie , Bouché Olivier , Lecomte Thierry , Ternant David
Published: December 2023

Aims

The exposure‐response relationship of bevacizumab may be confounded by various factors, including baseline characteristics, time‐dependent target engagement and recursive relationships between exposure and response, requiring effective mitigation. This study aimed to investigate the exposure‐response relationships of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients while mitigating potential biases.

Methods

Bevacizumab pharmacokinetics was described using target‐mediated drug disposition modelling. Relationships between target kinetics, progression‐free (PFS) and overall (OS) survivals were assessed using joint pharmacokinetic and parametric hazard function models. Both prognostic‐driven and response‐driven potential biases were mitigated. These models evaluated the impact of increased antigen target levels, clearance and intensified dosing regimen on survival.

Results

Estimated target‐mediated pharmacokinetic parameters in 130 assessed patients were baseline target levels (R0 = 8.4 nM), steady‐state dissociation constant (KSS = 10 nM) and antibody‐target complexes elimination constant (kint = 0.52 day−1). The distribution of R0 was significantly associated with increased baseline concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen, circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and the presence of extrahepatic metastases. Unbound target levels (R) significantly influenced both progression and death hazard functions. Increasing baseline target levels and/or clearance values led to decreased bevacizumab unbound concentrations, increased R levels and shortened PFS and OS, while increasing bevacizumab dose led to decreased R and longer survival.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate the relationship between bevacizumab concentrations, target involvement and clinical efficacy by effectively mitigating potential sources of bias. Most of the target amount may be tumoural in mCRC. Future studies should provide a more in‐depth description of this relationship.
The ethics of expert communication
Authors: Desmond Hugh
Published: December 2023

Despite its public visibility and impact on policy, the activity of expert communication rarely receives more than a passing mention in codes of scientific integrity. This paper makes the case for an ethics of expert communication, introducing a framework where expert communication is represented as an intrinsically ethical activity of a deliberative agent. Ethical expert communication cannot be ensured by complying with various requirements, such as restricting communications to one's area of expertise or disclosing conflicts of interest. Expert communication involves morally laden trade‐offs that must be weighed by a deliberative agent. A basic normative framework is introduced, and concrete provisions are proposed for codes of scientific integrity.
Bee species richness through time in an urbanizing landscape of the southeastern United States
Authors: Ruzi Selina A. , Youngsteadt Elsa , Cherveny April Hamblin , Kettenbach Jessica , Levenson Hannah K. , Carley Danesha Seth , Collazo Jaime A. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: December 2023

Compared to non‐urban environments, cities host ecological communities with altered taxonomic diversity and functional trait composition. However, we know little about how these urban changes take shape over time. Using historical bee (Apoidea: Anthophila) museum specimens supplemented with online repositories and researcher collections, we investigated whether bee species richness tracked urban and human population growth over the past 118 years. We also determined which species were no longer collected, whether those species shared certain traits, and if collector behavior changed over time. We focused on Wake County, North Carolina, United States where human population size has increased over 16 times over the last century along with the urban area within its largest city, Raleigh, which has increased over four times. We estimated bee species richness with occupancy models, and rarefaction and extrapolation curves to account for imperfect detection and sample coverage. To determine if bee traits correlated with when species were collected, we compiled information on native status, nesting habits, diet breadth, and sociality. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling to determine if individual collectors contributed different bee assemblages over time. In total, there were 328 species collected in Wake County. We found that although bee species richness varied, there was no clear trend in bee species richness over time. However, recent collections (since 2003) were missing 195 species, and there was a shift in trait composition, particularly lost species were below‐ground nesters. The top collectors in the dataset differed in how often they collected bee species, but this was not consistent between historic and contemporary time periods; some contemporary collectors grouped closer together than others, potentially due to focusing on urban habitats. Use of historical collections and complimentary analyses can fill knowledge gaps to help understand temporal patterns of species richness in taxonomic groups that may not have planned long‐term data.
Principle and applications of near‐infrared imaging for fruit quality assessment—An overview
Authors: Patel Krishna Kumar , Pathare Pankaj B.
Published: December 2023

The quality (i.e. the degree of excellence and acceptance to the consumer) evaluation and safety of fruit and other agricultural products is by far the main challenging task in the food industries. Hence, the development of efficient non‐invasive, real‐time and rapid‐quality assessment tools and techniques is the need of the hour. This review paper aims to provide the basic or fundamental knowledge regarding the principle, potential and application of near‐infrared imaging‐based computer vision systems. Non‐invasive technologies, based on optical properties, are the most applicable and important for real‐time quality assessment. Absorption, reflection and scattering before the transmission of incident light are phenomenon properties of biological materials. The principle and application of NIR imaging (i.e. medical imaging) in agriculture for quality detection were studied from various published research papers. Thus, collected pieces of information are summarised, concluded and discussed in a unique way in this report. The NIR spectrum of electromagnetic waves has some basic benefits of light penetration into the upper layer and makes visualisation of the targeted area of objects. Several studies have proved that the non‐destructive system based on visible and non‐visible imaging in combination has a significant role in quality defect detection in fruits. In NIR imaging, the artefacts caused by light illumination can be reduced and it will help in the visualisation of biological tissues and hidden defects just below the peel.
Decline in measured glomerular filtration rate is associated with simple renal cyst in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Qiaoling Fu , Jingyi Lu , Yan Li , Wen Li , Chaoying Yang , Mingliang Zhang , Lei Zhang
Published: December 2023

Aims/Introduction

Simple renal cysts (SRC) are associated with age, hypertension and hyperuricemia, which are risk factors of renal impairment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SRC and its association with measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.

Methods

A total of 3,552 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were investigated. All participants were diagnosed as SRC by color Doppler, and all participants were measured for GFR by using dynamic renal scintigraphy with technetium‐99m‐diethylene triamine peta‐acetic acid.

Results

The prevalence of SRC was 17.4% (619 cases). Participants with SRC had significantly lower mGFR values than those without SRC (86.16 ± 26.20 vs 94.88 ± 23.98 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001). In 478 participants with unilateral renal cyst, the mGFR of the kidney affected by SRC was significantly lower than that of the unaffected kidney (43.32 ± 13.74 vs 44.18 ± 13.34 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.014). The participants were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of mGFR level (≥109.50, 93.80–109.49, 76.90–93.79 and <76.90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The prevalence of SRC gradually increased with decreasing mGFR level (12.9, 13.9, 16.6 and 27.8%, respectively; P trend <0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, hypertension and other potential confounders, the logistic regression showed that SRC was an independent risk factor for impaired GFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2; odds ratio 1.656; 95% confidence interval 1.451–1.890, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SRC is an independent risk factor for the decrease of mGFR in Chinese diabetes patients, and could affect the renal GFR measured by dynamic renal scintigraphy on the SRC side.
Epidemiology of mental health comorbidity in patients with atopic dermatitis: An analysis of global trends from 1998 to 2022
Authors: Cai Xiao‐ce , Wang Si‐han , Wang Chun‐xiao , Liu Liu , Wang Jiao , Shen Yu‐hong , Li Xin
Published: December 2023

The prevalence rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety and suicide are increasing in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), although no research has systematically examined these trends yet. Here, we explore the prevalence of the occurrence of comorbidities, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and suicide with AD. We searched seven electronic databases from inception to October 2022 to identify relevant studies, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) tools were used to assess the quality of observational studies. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's and Begg's linear tests. The global prevalence rates of ADHD, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in patients with AD were 7%, 17%, 21% and 13%, respectively, between 1998 and October 2022. Among children (aged <18 years), North American children with AD had the highest prevalence rates of ADHD (10%), depression (13%) and anxiety (20%). Among the adult (aged ≥18 years) population, patients with AD in Africa had the highest prevalence rates of depression (36%) and anxiety (44%), while Asian adults with AD had the highest prevalence rates of ADHD (7%) and suicidal ideation (20%). These results highlight the high prevalence and comorbidity rates of mental illnesses with AD, which should be brought to the attention of patients with AD and their physicians.
Correspondence: Morphological features of the greater occipital nerve and its possible importance for interventional procedures
Authors: Kaleeny Joseph , Janis Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

This response applauds Saglam et al.'s (2023) recent study on the greater occipital nerve's anatomy while urging readers to consider earlier pivotal studies overlooked. It emphasizes how prior research has significantly shaped headache treatments and provides valuable insights for future practices and discussions.
Temperature during embryonic development in brown trout influences juvenile behaviour in encounters with predators
Authors: Filipsson K. , Bergman E. , Erlandsson A. , Greenberg L. , Österling M. , Watz J.
Published: December 2023

Variation in thermal conditions during embryogenesis can have far‐reaching impact throughout ontogeny and may give rise to behavioural variation. Many animals, such as salmonids, exhibit behavioural trade‐offs related to foraging and predator avoidance. How embryonic temperature affects these behaviours has remained unexplored. Not only abiotic conditions during embryogenesis but also biotic factors such as predator conditioning may affect fish behaviour, especially anti‐predator responses. We examined how elevated temperatures and predator odours throughout embryogenesis affect the behaviour of 28–37 mm young‐of‐the‐year brown trout (Salmo trutta) in encounters with predators, namely Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar; 20 cm) and burbot (Lota lota; 40 cm). Juvenile brown trout were more active and aggressive if they were incubated in warmer water as eggs than if they were incubated in colder water, and trout remained inactive longer when encountering predators if they were cold incubated. Brown trout were less active and aggressive when an Atlantic salmon was present than when a burbot or no predator was present. Behavioural responses did not differ between trout that had been subjected to water with versus without predator odours during embryogenesis, possibly because brown trout were not subjected to conspecific alarm cues during egg incubation. This study shows that thermal conditions during embryogenesis can influence fish behaviour early in life and thus contribute to behavioural variation, with potential effects on life history. Considering the rapid warming of northern regions, elevated embryonic temperatures may contribute substantially to variation in salmonid behaviour in the near future.
Social jetlag and obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Arab Arman , Karimi Elham , Garaulet Marta , Scheer Frank A. J. L.
Published: December 2023

Social jetlag, the weekly variation in sleep timing, is proposed to contribute to increased obesity risk, potentially because of the misalignment of behavioral cycles relative to the endogenous circadian timing system. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to determine the association between social jetlag and adiposity‐related measures using observational studies. We reviewed 477 references, of which 43 studies met inclusion criteria with a total sample size of 231,648. There was a positive association between social jetlag and body mass index (correlation coefficient [r]: 0.12; 95%CI, 0.07, 0.17; P < 0.001; I2 = 94.99%), fat mass (r: 0.10; 95%CI, 0.05, 0.15; P < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%), fat mass index (fat mass divided by height in meter squared, β: 0.14 kg/m2; 95%CI, 0.05, 0.23; P < 0.001; I2 = 56.50%), percent of body fat (r: 0.37; 95%CI, 0.33, 0.41; P < 0.001; I2 = 96.17%), waist circumference (r: 0.15; 95%CI, 0.06, 0.24; P = 0.001; I2 = 90.83%), and the risk of having overweight/obesity (odds ratio: 1.20; 95%CI, 1.02, 1.140; P = 0.039; I2 = 98.25%). Social jetlag is positively and consistently associated with multiple obesity‐related anthropometric measures. Further studies are needed to test causality, underlying mechanisms, and whether obesity interventions based on increasing regularity of the sleep/wake cycle can aid in the battle against the obesity pandemic.
Signaling between mammalian adiponectin and a mosquito adiponectin receptor reduces
Plasmodium
transmission
Authors: Chuang Yu-Min , Stone Helen , Abouneameh Selma , Tang Xiaotian , Fikrig Erol
Published: December 2023

When a female mosquito engorges on a mammalian host, components of the blood meal can affect mosquito fitness and indirectly influence pathogen infectivity. We demonstrate that mammalian adiponectin, ingested during
Anopheles gambiae
blood feeding, co-localizes within mosquito midguts and decreases
Plasmodium
infection in the vector. Transcriptomic and RNAi studies reveal that the
A. gambiae
adiponectin receptor is involved in downregulating lipophorin, a lipid transporter that is important for egg development and
Plasmodium
infection in mosquitoes. These studies characterize a cross-phyla interaction between the mammalian host and
A. gambiae
that negatively impacts
Plasmodium
survival in its arthropod vector.

IMPORTANCE

When a female mosquito takes a blood meal from a mammalian host, components of the blood meal can affect mosquito fitness and indirectly influence pathogen infectivity. We identified a pathway involving an
Anopheles gambiae
adiponectin receptor, which, triggered by adiponectin from an incoming blood meal, decreases
Plasmodium
infection in the mosquito. Activation of this pathway negatively regulates lipophorin expression, an important lipid transporter that both enhances egg development and
Plasmodium
infection. This is an unrecognized cross-phyla interaction between a mosquito and its vertebrate host. These processes are critical to understanding the complex life cycle of mosquitoes and
Plasmodium
following a blood meal and may be applicable to other hematophagous arthropods and vector-borne infectious agents.
Purine and carbohydrate availability drive
Enterococcus faecalis
fitness during wound and urinary tract infections
Authors: Tan Casandra Ai Zhu , Chong Kelvin Kian Long , Yeong Daryl Yu Xuan , Ng Celine Hui Min , Ismail Muhammad Hafiz , Yap Zhei Hwee , Khetrapal Varnica , Tay Vanessa Shi Yun , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Ali Yusuf , Chen Swaine L. , Kline Kimberly A.
Published: December 2023

Enterococcus faecalis
is commonly isolated from a variety of wound types. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenic mechanisms of
E. faecalis
during wound infection are poorly understood. Using a mouse wound infection model, we performed
in vivo E. faecalis
transposon sequencing and RNA sequencing to identify fitness determinants that are crucial for replication and persistence of
E. faecalis
during wound infection. We found that
E. faecalis
purine biosynthesis genes are important for bacterial replication during the early stages of wound infection, a time when purine metabolites are consumed by
E. faecalis
within wounds. We also found that the
E. faecalis
MptABCD phosphotransferase system (PTS), involved in the import of galactose and mannose, is crucial for
E. faecalis
persistence within wounds of both healthy and diabetic mice, especially when carbohydrate availability changes throughout the course of infection. During
in vitro
growth with mannose as the sole carbohydrate source, shikimate and purine biosynthesis genes were downregulated in the OG1RF ∆
mptD
mutant compared to the isogenic wild-type strain, suggesting a link between mannose transport, shikimate, and purine biosynthesis. Together, our results suggest that dynamic and temporal microenvironment changes at the wound site necessitate concomitant responses by
E. faecalis
for successful pathogenesis. Moreover, both
de novo
purine biosynthesis and the MptABCD PTS system also contribute to
E. faecalis
fitness during catheter-associated urinary tract infection, suggesting that these pathways may be central and niche-independent virulence factors of
E. faecalis
and raising the possibility of lowering exogenous purine availability and/or targeting galactose/mannose PTS to control wound infections.

IMPORTANCE

Although
E. faecalis
is a common wound pathogen, its pathogenic mechanisms during wound infection are unexplored. Here, combining a mouse wound infection model with
in vivo
transposon and RNA sequencing approaches, we identified the
E. faecalis
purine biosynthetic pathway and galactose/mannose MptABCD phosphotransferase system as essential for
E. faecalis
acute replication and persistence during wound infection, respectively. The essentiality of purine biosynthesis and the MptABCD PTS is driven by the consumption of purine metabolites by
E. faecalis
during acute replication and changing carbohydrate availability during the course of wound infection. Overall, our findings reveal the importance of the wound microenvironment in
E. faecalis
wound pathogenesis and how these metabolic pathways can be targeted to better control wound infections.
The American Academy of Microbiology discusses gain-of-function research of concern (GOFROC) and enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (ePPP)
Authors: Casadevall Arturo , Imperiale Michael J. , Nguyen Nguyen K. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: December 2023

The American Academy of Microbiology convened a workshop bringing together scientists with varied opinions on the conduct of gain-of-function research of concern (GOFROC) and enhanced pathogen with pandemic potential (ePPP) research. Five findings were: (1) research on infectious agents is necessary for understanding, monitoring, and developing treatments and prevention measures against these agents; (2) gain-of-function research of concern or ePPP research makes up a very small fraction of all biological research; (3) clearly defined terminologies for research of concern should be developed by the scientific community to avoid public confusion and highlight its practical benefits; (4) harmonized biorisk management standardization, training, mentoring, and reporting can help improve safety and security for laboratory workers and the public; and (5) expanded engagement and collaboration of scientists with policymakers and the public, including increased transparency on the risks and rewards of research with infectious agents, is needed.
Draft genome sequence of
Staphylococcus urealyticus
strain MUWRP0921, isolated from the urine of an adult female Ugandan
Authors: Wokorach Godfrey , Erima Bernard , Najjuka Florence , Kiyengo James , Kibuuka Hannah , Musinguzi Ambrose K. , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Byarugaba Denis K.
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus urealyticus
bacteria are pathogenic among immune-compromised individuals. A strain (MUWRP0921) of
Staphylococcus urealyticus
with a genome of 2,708,354 bp was isolated from Uganda and carries genes that are associated with antibiotic resistance, including resistance to macrolides (
erm(C
) and
mph(C'
)), aminoglycosides (
aac(6")-aph(2"
)), tetracyclines (
tet(K
)), and trimethoprim (
dfrG
).
Survival in macrophages induces enhanced virulence in
Cryptococcus
Authors: Nielson Jacquelyn A. , Jezewski Andrew J. , Wellington Melanie , Davis J. Muse
Published: December 2023

Cryptococcus
is a ubiquitous environmental fungus and frequent colonizer of human lungs. Colonization can lead to diverse outcomes, from clearance to long-term colonization to life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Regardless of the outcome, the process starts with an encounter with phagocytes. Using the zebrafish model of this infection, we have noted that cryptococcal cells first spend time inside macrophages before they become capable of pathogenic replication and dissemination. What “licensing” process takes place during this initial encounter, and how are licensed cryptococcal cells different? To address this, we isolated cryptococcal cells after phagocytosis by cultured macrophages and found these macrophage-experienced cells to be markedly more virulent in both zebrafish and mouse models. Despite producing a thick polysaccharide capsule, they were still subject to phagocytosis by macrophages in the zebrafish. Analysis of antigenic cell wall components in these licensed cells demonstrated that components of mannose and chitin are more available for staining than they are in culture-grown cells or cells with capsule production induced
in vitro
.
Cryptococcus
is capable of exiting or transferring between macrophages
in vitro
, raising the likelihood that this fungus alternates between intracellular and extracellular life during growth in the lungs. Our results raise the possibility that intracellular life has its advantages over time, and phagocytosis-induced alteration in mannose and chitin exposure is one way that makes subsequent rounds of phagocytosis more beneficial to the fungus.

IMPORTANCE

Cryptococcosis begins in the lungs and can ultimately travel through the bloodstream to cause devastating infection in the central nervous system. In the zebrafish model, small amounts of cryptococcus inoculated into the bloodstream are initially phagocytosed and become far more capable of dissemination after they exit macrophages. Similarly, survival in the mouse lung produces cryptococcal cell types with enhanced dissemination. In this study, we have evaluated how phagocytosis changes the properties of
Cryptococcus
during pathogenesis. Macrophage-experienced cells (MECs) become “licensed” for enhanced virulence. They out-disseminate culture-grown cells in the fish and out-compete non-MECs in the mouse lung. Analysis of their cell surface demonstrates that MECs have increased availability of cell wall components mannose and chitin substances involved in provoking phagocytosis. These findings suggest how
Cryptococcus
might tune its cell surface to induce but survive repeated phagocytosis during early pathogenesis in the lung.
Optical Orientation of Carriers in Interband Transitions in Semiconductors
Authors: Ekimov A.I. , Safarov V.I.
Published: December 2023

Optical orientation, meaning the preferred orientation of the electron spin upon absorption of polarized light, is one of the most fruitful methods of spectroscopy and is extensively used for the investigation of atoms and ions [1]. Observation of optical orientation in a semiconducting crystal would make it possible to use the methods developed in atomic spectroscopy to investigate semiconductors and particularly to perform accurate measurements of the lifetime, the spin-relaxation time, the carrier g-factors, etc. So far, however, only one communication was published reporting such investigations in semiconducting crystals [2].
Measurement of the Lifetime and of the Spin-Relaxation Time of Electrons in Semiconductors by the Optical-Orientation Method
Authors: Garbuzov D. Z. , Ekimov A. I. , Safarov V. I.
Published: December 2023

It was shown recently [1, 2] that in semiconducting crystals it is possible to attain an appreciable orientation of the spins of the non-equilibrium carriers as a result of interband transitions caused by absorption of polarized light. Observation of optical orientation makes it possible to extend to semiconductors the research methods widely used in atomic spectroscopy [3], and particularly to investigate relaxation processes in a crystal under stationary conditions.
Activity Cycles of a Single G5 III–IV Giant HD 199178
Authors: Savanov I. S. , Tarasenkov A. N. , Samus N. N. , Dmitrienko E. S.
Published: December 2023

We obtained a unique series of photometric data for more than a hundred years for a rapidly rotating single G5 III–IV giant HD 199178 (V1794 Cyg), belonging to FK Com type stars. The analysis of the long-term variation of the activity of this star in the filter $$B$$ is based on all measurements available in literary sources. To evaluate the brightness of HD 199178 in the era preceding photoelectric and CCD-observations, the measurements of photographic plates from the SAI MSU archive were shot at the Krasnopresnenskaya Observatory of Moscow State University in Moscow (4 records shot from 1898 to 1903, and 41 records for the period from 1935 to 1958) were performed. As a result, a total of 2142 assessments of the brightness of the star in the filter $$B$$ were received. They have a unique duration of 118.3 yr and cover the time interval from 1898 to July 2016. Evidence was found of the existence of long-term cycles of photometric variability lasting for about 25‒60 years. We put forward an assumption on existence of possible activity cycles of 2000, 3165, 5050, 9000, and 21 600d (respectively, 5.5, 8.7, 16.6, 24.7, and 59.2 years). The results are compared with other estimates of activity cycles in HD 199178. The most reliable should be recognizing the existence of a cycle lasting 8.7‒9 years. It was found that in order to combine data into a single array, the convertation of $$B$$ magnitudes into $$V$$ magnitudes using the average value of the color index (B–V) is not possible due to the changes (including cyclic) of color index (B–V) over time.
Cost-effectiveness of Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne (SAFA): economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pyne Sarah , Sach Tracey H , Lawrence Megan , Renz Susanne , Eminton Zina , Stuart Beth , Thomas Kim S , Francis Nick , Soulsby Irene , Thomas Karen , Permyakova Natalia V , Ridd Matthew J , Little Paul , Muller Ingrid , Nuttall Jacqui , Griffiths Gareth , Layton Alison M , Santer Miriam
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of oral spironolactone plus routine topical treatment compared with routine topical treatment alone for persistent acne in adult women from a British NHS perspective over 24 weeks.

Design

Economic evaluation undertaken alongside a pragmatic, parallel, double-blind, randomised trial.

Setting

Primary and secondary healthcare, community and social media advertising.

Participants

Women ≥18 years with persistent facial acne judged to warrant oral antibiotic treatment.

Interventions

Participants were randomised 1:1 to 50 mg/day spironolactone (increasing to 100 mg/day after 6 weeks) or matched placebo until week 24. Participants in both groups could continue topical treatment.

Main outcome measures

Cost-utility analysis assessed incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) using the EQ-5D-5L. Cost-effectiveness analysis estimated incremental cost per unit change on the Acne-QoL symptom subscale. Adjusted analysis included randomisation stratification variables (centre, baseline severity (investigator’s global assessment, IGA <3 vs ≥3)) and baseline variables (Acne-QoL symptom subscale score, resource use costs, EQ-5D score and use of topical treatments).

Results

Spironolactone did not appear cost-effective in the complete case analysis (n=126 spironolactone, n=109 control), compared with no active systemic treatment (adjusted incremental cost per QALY £67 191; unadjusted £34 770). Incremental cost per QALY was £27 879 (adjusted), just below the upper National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s threshold value of £30 000, where multiple imputation took account of missing data. Incremental cost per QALY for other sensitivity analyses varied around the base-case, highlighting the degree of uncertainty. The adjusted incremental cost per point change on the Acne-QoL symptom subscale for spironolactone compared with no active systemic treatment was £38.21 (complete case analysis).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a high level of uncertainty, particularly with respect to estimates of incremental QALYs. Compared with no active systemic treatment, spironolactone was estimated to be marginally cost-effective where multiple imputation was performed but was not cost-effective in complete case analysis.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN12892056).