bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TempDiff: Enhancing Temporal‐awareness in Latent Diffusion for Real‐World Video Super‐Resolution
Authors: Jiang Q. , Wang Q.L. , Chi L.H. , Chen X.H. , Zhang Q.Y. , Zhou R. , Deng Z.Q. , Deng J.S. , Tang B.B. , Lv S.H. , Liu J.
Published: October 2024

Latent diffusion models (LDMs) have demonstrated remarkable success in generative modeling. It is promising to leverage the potential of diffusion priors to enhance performance in image and video tasks. However, applying LDMs to video super‐resolution (VSR) presents significant challenges due to the high demands for realistic details and temporal consistency in generated videos, exacerbated by the inherent stochasticity in the diffusion process. In this work, we propose a novel diffusion‐based framework, Temporal‐awareness Latent Diffusion Model (TempDiff), specifically designed for real‐world video super‐resolution, where degradations are diverse and complex. TempDiff harnesses the powerful generative prior of a pre‐trained diffusion model and enhances temporal awareness through the following mechanisms: 1) Incorporating temporal layers into the denoising U‐Net and VAE‐Decoder, and fine‐tuning these added modules to maintain temporal coherency; 2) Estimating optical flow guidance using a pre‐trained flow net for latent optimization and propagation across video sequences, ensuring overall stability in the generated high‐quality video. Extensive experiments demonstrate that TempDiff achieves compelling results, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art methods on both synthetic and real‐world VSR benchmark datasets. Code will be available at https://github.com/jiangqin567/TempDiff
Reframing conservation audiences from individuals to social beings
Authors: Thomas‐Walters L. , Cologna V. , de Lange E. , Ettinger J. , Selinske M. , Jones M. S.
Published: October 2024

Environmental practitioners often develop communications and behavior change interventions that conceptualize individuals as consumers or as other limited, standalone personae. This view neglects the role of conservation audiences as social beings with complex social relationships and networks, potentially resulting in lost opportunities to increase the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We offer a reframing of individuals as members of social networks who can influence others through their many different societal roles. This framing may help individuals recognize their potential to affect large‐scale societal structures and empower them to contribute to systemic changes. In practice, conservation organizations might increase the impact and reach of their behavioral interventions by targeting social referents (individuals or groups who people reference for accepted and desired behaviors) and leveraging interpersonal relationships. This includes encouraging individuals to make use of their networks to discuss issues such as biodiversity loss with a variety of acquaintances to normalize them as a topic of conversation. We argue that organizations can leverage the power of social networks to amplify change and promote the message that people change the world through their social ties, thereby inspiring audiences to further engage in conservation behaviors.
Experiences of Unanticipated Outcomes Among Ethnically Diverse Living Kidney Donors: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Vélez‐Bermúdez Miriam , Brakey Heidi Rishel , Myaskovsky Larissa , Unruh Mark , Singh Pooja P. , Pandhi Nancy
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Although living kidney donation is generally considered a safe procedure, it is ethically critical that prospective donors are fully informed before consent. However, prospective donors lack a deep understanding of the donation experience, making the postdonation aftermath feel unanticipated. We sought to gain in‐depth qualitative descriptions of the short‐ and long‐term risks and benefits associated with kidney donation among an ethnically diverse group of donors to offer a balanced view of the positive and negative experiences that may occur postdonation.

Methods

We conducted individual narrative in‐depth interviews (September 2020–March 2021) using the DIPEx (database of individual patient experiences) method with former living kidney donors primarily via Zoom.

Results

Fourteen donors (10 women; 8 White, 5 Hispanic, and 1 Native American) completed interviews. Interactions with healthcare providers leading up to donation were largely positive; however, lack of clarity regarding postdonation laboratory values among primary care providers led three participants to be erroneously told they developed kidney disease. Most experienced unanticipated outcomes, including postsurgical complications (e.g., hernia), long‐term fatigue (i.e., ≥12 weeks), emotional distress (e.g., depression), hypertension, and gout. Difficulty obtaining life insurance following donation was an unexpected challenge. Despite these issues, participants were unanimously enthusiastic about living kidney donation and reported no regrets.

Conclusions

Enthusiasm for living kidney donation remained high among all participants despite most experiencing negative outcomes. These findings suggest that greater transparency regarding postdonation experiences may not preclude the decision to move forward with living kidney donation. These narratives will be utilized for an online module of lived experiences of donation.
Examining the association between psychological resilience and chronic versus discrete stressors among individuals who use opioids in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Sisson Laura Nicole , Tomko Catherine , Rouhani Saba , Sherman Susan G.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Psychological resilience has emerged as a key construct of interest in the study of substance use. However, very few studies have examined resilience among individuals who are actively using drugs. Furthermore, many studies of psychological resilience have focused on individual‐level factors. This study addresses the call for a more ‘ecological’ approach to the study of resilience by exploring how socio‐structural vulnerabilities may shape individuals' assessment of their own ability to cope.

Methods

The Peer Harm Reduction of Maryland Outreach Tiered Evaluation study conducted a cross‐sectional survey of people who used opioids in Baltimore, Maryland, USA (n = 565). Resilience was measured using the 10‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. We used linear regression to examine the association between resilience and stressors commonly encountered by individuals who use drugs, including both chronic, enduring stressors (e.g., homelessness, food insecurity) and discrete, event‐based stressors (e.g., overdose, arrest).

Results

We observed a negative relationship between self‐reported resilience and chronic stressors. Specifically, individuals who reported experiencing three (β = −4.08; p = 0.002) or four (β = −4.67; p = 0.008) types of chronic stress had significantly lower resilience scores. Additionally, we found that an unmet need for mental health treatment was associated with reduced resilience (β = −1.74; p = 0.040) and greater educational attainment was associated with increased resilience (β = 2.13; p = 0.005).

Discussion and Conclusions

Overlapping experiences of socio‐structural vulnerability, as well as access to mental health care, may influence how individuals who use drugs evaluate their own resilience. Interventions that seek to promote the resilience of this population should focus on addressing structural drivers of marginalisation and barriers to mental health treatment.
Afferent loop syndrome following pancreatic head cancer surgery treated with metal stent placement using a short‐type single‐balloon enteroscope
Authors: Hirakawa Noriyuki , Kitamura Katsuya , Itoi Takao
Published: October 2024

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The effects of fragmentation per se on patch occupancy are stronger and more positive in a landscape with a higher quality and more homogeneous matrix
Authors: Galán‐Acedo Carmen , Fahrig Lenore
Published: October 2024

Habitat fragmentation per se – independent of habitat amount – often increases patch occupancy, possibly because patches are closer together in landscapes with higher fragmentation per se, which should increase dispersal success. Here, we ask whether this effect is influenced by the quality and/or heterogeneity of the landscape matrix, i.e. the non‐habitat portion of the landscape. Specifically, we expect the positive effect of fragmentation per seshould be accentuated when matrix quality is high, reducing dispersal mortality. In contrast, when matrix quality is low, high dispersal mortality should lead to fewer colonisations, and accumulation of extinctions across the smaller patches in a more‐fragmented landscape could lead to negative effects of fragmentation per se. Additionally, matrix heterogeneity could obscure fragmentation effects, as the link between habitat spatial distribution and between‐patch dispersal becomes less predictable. We test these ideas using Glanville fritillary butterfly Melitaea cinxia occupancy data for 4291 habitat patches in the Åland Islands, Finland. Habitat patches for the study species are discrete and well‐defined areas where at least one of the two host species occurs. Adult individuals disperse from habitat patches, spending time in the landscape matrix while searching for new habitat patches. Our predictions were mostly supported. Fragmentation effects were more strongly positive when matrix quality was high; however, we did not see the predicted negative effect of fragmentation per se in landscapes with low matrix quality. As predicted, fragmentation effects on patch occupancy were weaker in landscapes with a more heterogeneous matrix. Our findings may explain why fragmentation effects are often weak. They also suggest that the moderating effects of matrix quality and heterogeneity should be explicitly considered when interpreting effects of habitat fragmentation per se on species distributions.
Global Avian Functional Diversity Depends on the World's Most Widespread and Distinct Birds
Authors: Affleck Saxbee , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: October 2024

The relationship between global trait distinctiveness and geographic range size is an emerging pattern of interest in macroecology. Early observations suggested that the relationship was positive, implying that globally widespread species hold the rarest combinations of traits. Here, we formally describe and test the relationship in the world's birds and consider its implications for global functional diversity and redundancy. We demonstrate that the relationship is best described as triangular with a positive upper boundary, with its linear model significance lost when including phylogenetic effects. The triangular relationship is formed by groups of phylogenetically related widespread species with moderate and high trait distinctiveness. Decomposing the relationship further using quantile regression highlights the unique traits of these widespread birds. Overall, the triangular relationship emphasises that while not all widespread species have rare trait combinations, those that do should not be overlooked in conservation efforts, regardless of their current threat status.
The Proportion of Catagen and Telogen Hair Follicles in Occipital Scalp of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Patients: Challenging the Established Dogma
Authors: Jimenez Francisco , Alam Majid
Published: October 2024

The hair follicle can cycle throughout a lifetime, undergoing periods of growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and relative quiescence (telogen). The time that a hair follicle spends in each of these stages is crucial to determine the length of hair fibre that it produces. Perturbations in this regard can manifest in various hair diseases such as anagen effluvium, or acute and chronic telogen effluvium. The established ‘dogma’ when considering how many hair follicles there are in each stage has long been that the majority are in anagen (85%–90%), followed by telogen (10%–15%) and catagen (1%–2%). These values are based on various studies using different methodologies such as hair plucking, phototrichograms and histology. However, these methods have flaws when it comes to differentiating between catagen and telogen follicles. We sought to determine the catagen: telogen ratio through the ex vivo stereomicroscopic examination of hundreds of hair follicles removed from the occipital scalp of 14 Caucasian males during routine hair transplantation procedures. Using this methodology, and in agreement with a similar observation by another research group, we found that the percentage of catagen hair follicles was higher (7.5%) than telogen (3.5%) in all patients assessed. Consequently, we believe that the percentage of catagen follicles is clearly underestimated and therefore challenge the current established dogma.
Global view of haematolymphoid tumor classifications and their application in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Fedoriw Yuri , Silva Oscar , Znaor Ariana , Macintyre Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

The accurate diagnosis of haematolymphoid malignancies is crucial for effective cancer care, but major obstacles to diagnosis exist in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This article explores the global applicability of current haematolymphoid classification systems, which are predominantly derived from data generated in high‐income countries (HICs). Although disproportionately burdened with poor cancer outcomes, LMICs are generally faced with limited diagnostic resources, suboptimal access to therapeutics, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The article highlights the challenges faced by LMICs, including inconsistent access to high‐quality pathology services, limited availability of advanced diagnostic techniques, and a lack of population‐based cancer registry data. It also discusses the progress made in narrowing the gap between LMICs and HICs, such as the introduction of resource‐adapted classifications, improved guidance on essential diagnostic tools, and strengthening of in‐country professional pathology networks. Innovative diagnostic approaches, including gene expression profiling and machine learning, represent potential solutions for improving the diagnostic accuracy in LMICs, but addressable gaps remain. Recommendations are suggested for sustainable investments in diagnostic infrastructure, capacity‐building, and population‐based cancer registries to enhance the global applicability of haematolymphoid classification systems and improve outcomes for patients in LMICs.
Are people with HIV at advanced disease stages being left behind? A global survey
Authors: Fonseca Fernanda , Avelino‐Silva Vivian I. , Odoke Wilfred , van den Hombergh Jan , Benzaken Adele Schwartz ,   AHF Country and Bureau Quality Team
Published: October 2024

Introduction

A substantial percentage of people with HIV are still admitted for care at advanced disease stages. Here, we investigate the availability of the supplies and infrastructure required to provide care for this population in healthcare facilities and explore correlations with local demand.

Methods

AIDS Healthcare Foundation's partner facilities were invited to respond to a survey addressing the availability of services to support clients with advanced HIV. We present results per continent and according to gross national income per capita using frequencies and percentages. We generated country‐level scores taking the average percentage of facilities with available resources on 10 key items and used Spearman's correlation to investigate relationships between country scores and local demand, depicted by the percentages of people with HIV newly enrolled in care with a CD4 T‐cell count <200/mm3 in 2022.

Results

A total of 643 facilities from 37 countries responded to the survey between September and December 2021. Overall, services requiring more costly equipment and/or supplies were less frequently available. Facilities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America/Caribbean and those with lower gross national income had a somewhat lower availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Availability of services was not correlated with local demand: 14 countries (42%) had scores below the 50% percentile despite having >20% of newly enrolled people with HIV with a CD4 T‐cell count <200/mm3.

Conclusion

Appropriate care can mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with advanced HIV. We found that the healthcare services recommended by the World Health Organization as essential to support clients with advanced HIV are often unavailable in facilities providing HIV care, despite high local demand.
Magnetic field improves the quality of frozen tilapia fillets by decreasing the ice crystals during freezing process
Authors: Ye Peiting , Luo Kaixuan , Feng Aiguo , Zhao Dingxiang , Wang Dongyi , Lin Xiangdong , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: October 2024

In this study, the alternating magnetic field (AMF) with frequency of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 Hz at magnetic field intensity of 5 mT was used to assist the freezing of tilapia fillets, with no magnetic field (NMF) as a control group. The evaluation of thawed tilapia fillets encompassed an assessment of freezing curve, texture, microstructure, moisture state and protein structure, followed by a subsequent analysis of their correlation. The findings showed that the application of a magnetic field during the freezing process yielded favourable outcomes in enhancing the overall quality of tilapia fillets. Among them, 200 Hz had the best effect. Under the condition, the frozen tilapia fillets assisted by magnetic field showed the shortest freezing time, the least decrease in hardness and elasticity and the best chewiness after thawing. The size of the ice crystals generated during freezing was small and uniform, and the fractal dimension of the frozen sections was the highest. Muscle tissue was the least damaged, which led to the improvement of its water‐holding capacity. Magnetic field‐assisted freezing was found to maintain the α‐helix and β‐sheet in the secondary structure of proteins. The correlation analysis showed that cohesion, elasticity, fractal dimension, FD, A2, A22 and β‐turn were closely related to the quality changes of tilapia fillets after magnetic field treatment.
Clinical manifestations of interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome: Analysis of a patient registry in Japan
Authors: Niimi Aya , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Tomonori Yamanishi , Furuta Akira , Matsuo Tomohiro , Tomoe Hikaru , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Ogawa Teruyuki , Mitsui Takahiko , Masumori Naoya , Inamura So , Enomoto Yutaka , Nomiya Akira , Maeda Daichi , Igawa Yasuhiko , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe clinical manifestations of patients with interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) using a patient registry in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized a patient registry supported by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Patients were classified as IC or BPS based on cystoscopic findings. Data on demographics, comorbidities, symptom severity, pain intensity, and bladder function were collected and we evaluated the differences in clinical characteristics between IC and BPS, and used multivariate analysis to search for additional factors that might contribute to pain.

Result

A data set comprising 529 patients was obtained from 14 university hospitals. 66.5% of the cases were classified as IC and 33.5% as BPS. IC patients were significantly aged and female‐dominant. Comorbidities such as autoimmune diseases were more prevalent in IC patients.

All of the symptom severity, quality of life impairment, and bladder function were significantly worse in patients with IC. Urinary frequency and maximum voided volume on the Frequency‐volume chart were 18.8 times and 15.0 times, and 160.9 and 214.1 mL, respectively. Bladder capacity under anesthesia was 293.8 and 472.6 mL, respectively. Maximum voided volume and the number of Hunner lesions were significant predictors of pain in IC patients.

Conclusion

The analysis revealed clinical manifestations of IC/BPS using the largest cohort in Japan. The results indicated higher age, higher female proportion, and higher symptomatic and functional severity in IC patients compared to BPS.
Unexpected Delayed Incursion of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) Into the Antarctic Region
Authors: Lisovski Simeon , Günther Anne , Dewar Meagan , Ainley David , Aldunate Fabián , Arce Rodrigo , Ballard Grant , Bauer Silke , Belliure Josabel , Banyard Ashley C. , Boulinier Thierry , Bennison Ashley , Braun Christina , Cary Craig , Catry Paulo , Clessin Augustin , Connan Maelle , Correia Edna , Cox Aidan , Cristina Juan , Elrod Megan , Emerit Julia , Ferreiro Irene , Fowler Zoe , Gamble Amandine , Granadeiro José P. , Hurtado Joaquin , Jongsomjit Dennis , Lesage Célia , Lejeune Mathilde , Kuepfer Amanda , Lescroël Amélie , Li Amy , McDonald Ian R. , Menéndez‐Blázquez Javier , Morandini Virginia , Moratorio Gonzalo , Militão Teresa , Moreno Pilar , Perbolianachis Paula , Pennycook Jean , Raslan Maryam , Reid Scott M. , Richards‐Babbage Roanna , Schmidt Annie E. , Sander Martha Maria , Smyth Lucy , Soutullo Alvaro , Stanworth Andrew , Streith Léo , Tornos Jérémy , Varsani Arvind , Herzschuh Ulrike , Beer Martin , Wille Michelle
Published: October 2024

The current highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 panzootic is having substantial impacts on wild birds and marine mammals. Following major and widespread outbreaks in South America, an incursion to Antarctica occurred late in the austral summer of 2023/2024 and was confined to the region of the Antarctic Peninsula. To infer potential underlying processes, we compiled H5N1 surveillance data from Antarctica and sub‐Antarctic Islands prior to the first confirmed cases.
Efficient property value estimation for single‐family homes in central Florida
Authors: Lozano Sebastián , Gutiérrez Ester , Klizentyte Kotryna , Susaeta Andrés
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes the use of a metafrontier efficiency analysis approach to estimate residential property values. The objective is to mitigate inefficiencies in these valuations, thereby enhancing tax revenue and fairness in tax burdens. Property features (such as acreage, living area, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, age, and pool presence) along with contextual variables (such as county and median household income) are utilized to estimate just market value. Observations can be grouped based on some of these variables, allowing a metafrontier analysis to be conducted. This analysis not only assesses efficiency scores but also identifies technology gaps for each group. Furthermore, the proposed approach can be employed to estimate the value of any property based on its characteristics. To illustrate the proposed approach, we utilize data on over 30,000 properties in Orange and Seminole Counties in central Florida. Additionally, we present the results of a robust regression approach for comparison purposes. While our approach can serve as a valuable tool across various sectors, its primary aim is to promote best practices in governance regarding land use and real estate valuation. This includes balancing multiple objectives such as tax revenue, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social considerations.
Effect of seasonal changes in temperature on capture efficiency in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, fed seston and microplastics
Authors: Rosa Maria , Capriotti Martina , Austin Kayla , Shumway Sandra E. , Ward J. Evan
Published: October 2024

Suspension‐feeding bivalve molluscs are dominant benthic fauna in many near‐shore environments, with phytoplankton often being their main prey type. Feeding, which involves hydrosol filtration and mucociliary processes to capture particles and process them for digestion, occurs at low Reynolds numbers. Changes in water temperature have been shown to affect feeding processes of bivalves as a result of altered physiological processes or temperature‐dependent changes in kinematic viscosity of water. Most studies, however, have focused on feeding rates and have manipulated temperature under laboratory conditions. In this study, experiments were conducted using ambient seawater and acclimatized blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, to examine particle capture efficiency over a 1‐year period. During this period, water temperature decreased from ~18°C to 5°C with a concomitant increase in viscosity of ~41%. The capture of a wide variety of bacteria and phytoeukaryotes (0.8–8 μm), as well as two sizes of polystyrene microspheres (1 and 6 μm), was quantified to calculate capture efficiency. Data demonstrate that temperature, and the concomitant change in water viscosity, had no significant effect on capture efficiency. Cyanobacteria were captured at significantly higher rates than other bacteria of similar size. These results suggest that the laterofrontal cirri of blue mussels act as paddles rather than sieves because capture efficiency was constant over a range of viscosities and Reynolds numbers. Additionally, the efficient capture of some bacteria and smaller phytoeukaryotes by the mussels suggests that these plankters could play a larger role in the diet of M. edulis than previously considered. The ecological impact of these findings, especially regarding differences in capture efficiency of different bacterial cells, warrants further study.
Exchange bias induced by CoMn2O4 interface grown through sequential annealing in Mn2O3@Co3O4 core–shell nanocomposite
Authors: Yadav Naveen , Kumar Akshay , Kumari Kavita , Sharma Mohit K. , Park Sujeong , Kumar Shalendra , Kim Jong‐Woo , Yun Chiho , Huh Seok‐Hwan , Koo Bon Heun
Published: October 2024

Exchange interactions at the interfaces are the root to produce conventional exchange bias in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet (FM/AFM) heterostructures, which are extensively utilized in spintronics. This work proposes an unconventional approach for the growth of the CoMn2O4 interface in Mn2O3@Co3O4 core–shell, which led to an unprecedented exchange bias. Specimens were prepared with a modified two‐step co‐precipitation method followed by the controlled heating episodes, to initiate the Co2+/3+/Mn2+/3+/4+ cation exchange, which facilitates CoMn2O4 interface in the sample (SA‐1). For comparison, Mn2O3@Co3O4 composite was synthesized with inhibited cation exchange (SA‐2 specimen). X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope results confirmed the presence of each phase with core–shell type morphology. SA‐1 sample experiences AFM–FiM (ferrimagnetic) exchange coupling, revealed by the strongly bifurcated zero field‐cooled and field‐cooled magnetization curves below the Néel temperature (TN‐86 K), resulting in large exchange bias field (HEB) strength of 2712 Oe. Training effect data fitted with thermal relaxation and frozen‐rotatable spin relaxation model suggests the dominant character of uncompensated rotating spins in AFM–FiM–AFM interfaces as opposed to the relaxing frozen spins found in conventional AFM–FM interfaces.
The Concept of Health, From Definition to Measurement and the Implications of the Reserves‐Based Model for Nursing in France
Authors: Joannès Camille , Crozes Fanny , Kelly‐Irving Michelle , Delpierre Cyrille , Couarraze Sébastien
Published: October 2024

Aim

To discuss a reserves‐based model of Health, recently developed in the literature, defining Health and moving from conceptual considerations to methods of measuring Health, applicable to nursing practice and research.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

A discursive paper critically synthesising a reserves‐based model of Health for conceptualising and operationalising Health, with reference to key Health theories from nursing science and social epidemiology.

Results

In the reserves‐based model of Health, Health was defined as the ability to maintain/restore physical, socioemotional, cognitive and physiological health reserves in order to adapt and self‐manage to life's challenges. Health was measured by the sum of indicators of deterioration of health reserves.

Conclusion

The reserves‐based model of Health defining Health through the prism of adaptation reinforces the holistic vision of Health, appropriate to nursing practice, based on the interconnectedness of the whole person and the whole system.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This reserves‐based model of Health is likely to modify nursing practices. Nursing diagnosis of patient adaptation could be implemented, in order to offer support care adapted to the patient's capacity to adapt, enabling health promotion strategies to be developed. Nursing research on health reserves is a future promising direction to act on individuals' capacity to adapt.
Transcriptional profiles of peripheral eosinophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma—An exploratory study
Authors: Mycroft Katarzyna , Proboszcz Małgorzata , Paplińska‐Goryca Magdalena , Krenke Rafał , Górska Katarzyna
Published: October 2024

The role of eosinophilic inflammation in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains ambiguous and likely differs from its role in asthma. The molecular processes underlying the differences between eosinophils from asthma and COPD have not been sufficiently studied. The objective of this study was to compare the transcriptomic profiles of blood eosinophils in COPD and asthma. Eosinophils were isolated from peripheral blood drawn from stable mild‐to‐moderate COPD and asthma patients. RNA was isolated from eosinophils and sequenced using an NGSelect RNA. The prepared libraries were sequenced on an Illumina platform. The study group included five patients with asthma and four patients with COPD. The RNA‐Seq data analysis identified 26 differentially expressed genes between COPD and asthma (according to adjusted p‐value). In total, 6 genes were upregulated (e.g. CCL3L1, CCL4L2, GPR82) and 20 were downregulated (e.g. JUN, IFITM3, DUSP1, GNG7) in peripheral eosinophils of COPD patients compared to asthma. The genes associated with signalling of IL‐4 and IL‐13 pathways were downregulated in COPD eosinophils compared to asthma. In conclusion, blood eosinophils from COPD and asthma patients present different transcriptomic profiles suggesting their different function in pathobiology of both obstructive airway diseases. These differences might indicate the direction of the search of targeted therapy in COPD.
Modelling the maternal‐fetal interface: An in vitro approach to investigate nutrient and drug transport across the human placenta
Authors: Fuenzalida Barbara , Basler Virginia , Koechli Nadja , Yi Nan , Staud Frantisek , Albrecht Christiane
Published: October 2024

The placenta plays a critical role in maternal‐fetal nutrient transport and fetal protection against drugs. Creating physiological in vitro models to study these processes is crucial, but technically challenging. This study introduces an efficient cell model that mimics the human placental barrier using co‐cultures of primary trophoblasts and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on a Transwell®‐based system. Monolayer formation was examined over 7 days by determining transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), permeability of Lucifer yellow (LY) and inulin, localization of transport proteins at the trophoblast membrane (immunofluorescence), and syncytialization markers (RT‐qPCR/ELISA). We analysed diffusion‐based (caffeine/antipyrine) and transport‐based (leucine/Rhodamine‐123) processes to study the transfer of physiologically relevant compounds. The latter relies on the adequate localization and function of the amino‐acid transporter LAT1 and the drug transporter P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) which were studied by immunofluorescence microscopy and application of respective inhibitors (2‐Amino‐2‐norbornanecarboxylic acid (BCH) for LAT1; cyclosporine‐A for P‐gp). The formation of functional monolayer(s) was confirmed by increasing TEER values, low LY transfer rates, minimal inulin leakage, and appropriate expression/release of syncytialization markers. These results were supported by microscopic monitoring of monolayer formation. LAT1 was identified on the apical and basal sides of the trophoblast monolayer, while P‐gp was apically localized. Transport assays confirmed the inhibition of LAT1 by BCH, reducing both intracellular leucine levels and leucine transport to the basal compartment. Inhibiting P‐gp with cyclosporine‐A increased intracellular Rhodamine‐123 concentrations. Our in vitro model mimics key aspects of the human placental barrier. It represents a powerful tool to study nutrient and drug transport mechanisms across the placenta, assisting in evaluating safer pregnancy therapies.
The correlation between stigma and treatment adherence, quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Chen Youdi , Yu Qian , Sun Guomin , Han Ziyin , Zhang Yi , Liu Li
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate the current status of stigma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its correlation with treatment adherence and quality of life.

Methods

The convenience sample of 266 patients diagnosed with RA was surveyed at the rheumatology and immunology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province from May 2022 to September 2022. In addition to this, 20 RA patients were purposively sampled for semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, and the data were analysed using content analysis methods.

Results

The total stigma's score of the 266 participants was (47.8 ± 10.8), which indicates a moderate level of stigma. The mean scores for alienation, stereotype endorsement, perceived discrimination, and social withdrawal were (2.2 ± 0.7), (2.4 ± 0.7), (2.9 ± 0.6), and (2.2 ± 0.6) respectively. A comparison of the average family monthly income, family roles, duration, disease activity, duration of morning stiffness, visual analogue scale score, C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and total stigma score revealed significant differences (p < 0.05). The total treatment adherence score was negatively correlated with the total stigma's score and scores in each dimension (p < 0.05). Similarly, the total psychological health score and total physical health score were negatively correlated with the total stigma score and scores in each dimension (p < 0.05). The qualitative study identified six themes: self‐denial, discrimination, lack of disease‐related knowledge, high medical costs, increased life burden and resistance to stigma.

Conclusion

Stigma affects RA patients' treatment adherence and quality of life negatively. Healthcare workers are advised to develop comprehensive intervention programs that address the current status of stigma, with the aim of controlling disease progression, reducing disability rates, and improving the quality of life for RA patients.
The association between surgical complications and compliance to the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist: A retrospective analysis of hospital records
Authors: Rossi Nicole , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Golinelli Luca , Bersani Federica , Geraci Marco
Published: October 2024

Background

The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC), now used by healthcare providers worldwide, has proved to be useful in the improvement of patients' health through the reduction of mortality and morbidity after surgery. In the Emilia‐Romagna region in Italy the SSC is accompanied by a document that registers any non‐conformity (NC) identified during SSC completion. This study aimed to investigate the association between surgical complications and checklist compliance, in terms of incompleteness and presence of NCs, using data from the Modena Local Health Unit (LHU).

Methods

We used data from surgeries performed in the Modena LHU between 2018 and 2022, with their SSC and related NC document. We estimated relative risks (RRs) of complications fitting three modified Poisson regression models. Model 1 included checklist incompleteness and NC presence, Model 2 adjusted Model 1 for patients’ sex and age group, and Model 3 adjusted Model 2 for the other potential confounders. We also performed a sensitivity analysis estimating the same three models including death outcomes as complications.

Results

We found an increased risk of complications for both checklist incompleteness (unadjusted RR [uRR]= 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 3.54) and presence of NCs (uRR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.22). Results were consistent after adjustment and in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Improving checklist compliance can reduce the risk of surgical complications. In particular, NCs are a risk factor that must be further investigated to better understand their relationship with complications. We believe that NCs data recording is helpful for both researchers in the scope of surgical complications, and healthcare professionals in the operating room.
Lessons from the Department of Veterans Affairs: A continuum of age‐friendly care for older adults
Authors: Wozneak Kimberly A. , Jindal Shivani K. , Munro Shannon , Huhn Courtney A. , Page Tonya , Edes Thomas E. , Hartronft Scotte R.
Published: October 2024

With almost 90% of Americans expressing a desire to age in place in their home, many health systems and communities are challenged to provide the right resources, at the right time, to support What Matters to older adults. In the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 50% of Veterans enrolled in VA health care are aged 65 and older, driving an imperative to provide timely, Age‐Friendly care through a broad continuum of services. VA has taken a multifaceted approach to shift Long‐Term Services and Supports to promote aging in place through innovation pilots, expansion of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and adoption of Age‐Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) practices [or “framework”]. VA is spreading geriatrics knowledge throughout the clinician and trainee workforce, improving skills and practices across all disciplines and care settings. The framework of AFHS creates a shared language to support transitions across ambulatory, hospital, emergency department, home care, and nursing home settings. Through these efforts, VA is reimagining geriatrics, providing an example of the type of care all older adults want and deserve. Since March 2020, 375 care settings across 132/139 (95%) VA parent facilities have earned AFHS recognition. By incorporating AFHS into the infrastructure of the healthcare system, clinicians are prepared to address What Matters across clinical settings and address common geriatric syndromes. Leaders in a variety of health systems can learn from VA efforts to provide a continuum of Age‐Friendly programs and services that promote independence, function, well‐being and aging in place.
Pathogen Identification and Resistance Screening of Fusarium Basal Rot in Taşköprü Garlic in Türkiye
Authors: Polat Zühtü , Beşirli Gülay , Derviş Sibel , Özer Göksel , Sezer Satı Mehmet , İpek Mehmet
Published: October 2024

Fusarium basal rot (FBR), caused by Fusarium spp., is a significant threat to garlic production globally, including in Türkiye, where the unique Taşköprü garlic is highly valued. This study investigated the diversity and aggressiveness of 77 Fusarium isolates obtained from disease surveys of FBR in Taşköprü garlic and evaluated the yield and resistance of 20 garlic accessions, including 18 local landraces, the locally developed ‘Taşköprü 56’, and the commercial Chinese variety ‘ASCG’. Molecular identification using translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1) and second largest RNA polymerase II B‐subunit (RPB2) genes revealed F. oxysporum (67.5%) as the dominant species, followed by F. proliferatum (15.6%), F. solani (9.1%), F. redolens (5.2%) and F. clavum (2.6%), respectively. All isolates were pathogenic, but aggressiveness varied, with F. solani being the most aggressive, followed by F. redolens and F. oxysporum. While ‘ASCG’ exhibited the highest yield (3.15 ton/ha), it was highly susceptible to FBR (DSI = 97.50%). Conversely, the landrace ASTK2 displayed the highest resistance (DSI = 53.13%), but lower yield. Promisingly, several Taşköprü landraces, such as ASTK6 and ASTK13, demonstrated both moderate resistance and promising yield potential. Surprisingly, ‘Taşköprü 56’, despite being a locally developed variety, exhibited high susceptibility to FBR (DSI = 93.75%) and did not outperform many landraces in terms of yield. This study provides the first reports of F. redolens and F. clavum infecting garlic in Türkiye, and the first molecular characterisation of F. solani as a garlic pathogen in the country, highlighting the potential of local landraces for breeding FBR‐resistant, high‐yielding cultivars.
Overnight changes in performance fatigability and their relationship to modulated deep sleep oscillations via auditory stimulation
Authors: Carro‐Domínguez Manuel , Huwiler Stephanie , Stich Fabia M. , Sala Rossella , Aziri Florent , Trippel Anna , Heimhofer Caroline , Huber Reto , Meissner Sarah Nadine , Wenderoth Nicole , Lustenberger Caroline
Published: October 2024

Deep sleep oscillations are proposed to be central in restoring brain function and to affect different aspects of motor performance such as facilitating the consolidation of motor sequences resulting in faster and more accurate sequence tapping. Yet, whether deep sleep modulates performance fatigability during fatiguing tasks remains unexplored. We investigated overnight changes in tapping speed and resistance against performance fatigability via a finger tapping task. During fast tapping, fatigability manifests as a reduction in speed (or “motor slowing”) which affects all tapping tasks, including motor sequences used to study motor memory formation. We further tested whether overnight changes in performance fatigability are influenced by enhancing deep sleep oscillations using auditory stimulation. We found an overnight increase in tapping speed alongside a reduction in performance fatigability and perceived workload. Auditory stimulation led to a global enhancement of slow waves and both slow and fast spindles during the stimulation window and a local increase in slow spindles in motor areas across the night. However, overnight performance improvements were not significantly modulated by auditory stimulation and changes in tapping speed or performance fatigability were not predicted by individual changes in deep sleep oscillations. Our findings demonstrate overnight changes in fatigability but revealed no evidence suggesting that this effect is causally linked to temporary augmentation of slow waves or sleep spindles. Our results are important for future studies using tapping tasks to test the relationship between sleep and motor memory consolidation, as overnight changes in objectively measured and subjectively perceived fatigue likely impact behavioural outcomes.
Variation in CSR plant strategies along soil and climate gradients: A comparison between rocky outcrops and nearby rangelands
Authors: Rafiee Fahime , Ejtehadi Hamid , Farzam Mohammad , Behroozian Maryam
Published: October 2024

Question

Rocky outcrops in mountains represent unique ecosystems characterized by a series of stress‐inducing features on living organisms. Despite numerous studies focusing on plant diversity and species community composition in these ecosystems, less attention has been given to understanding plant strategies in response to their challenging environment. This is essential, especially considering the existence of numerous endemic species facing climate change and human disturbances.

Location

The study was conducted in six sites located in rocky outcrops and their nearby rangelands across a rainfall gradient (160–910 mm) and under different soil fertility levels in northern Iran.

Methods

We used competitor, stress tolerator and ruderal (CSR) strategies as functional groups to examine the responses of plant communities to environmental variation. The composition of plant species and functional traits were evaluated in ninety 1‐m2 plots. The influence of 10 soil and 5 bioclimatic factors on CSR plant strategies was examined along the rainfall gradient.

Results

Our results showed changes in CSR strategies from stress‐tolerant species (S) in rocky outcrops toward intermediate strategies (S/CSR) in rangelands. Soil organic carbon, electrical conductivity and sand were consistently correlated with shifts from S towards C and R strategies in rangelands. Silt and sodium (Na) affected the presence of S strategies in outcrops. The stressful conditions induced by a fine soil texture and Na in outcrops were particularly effective in establishing the dominance of the S strategy.

Conclusions

We identified patterns of shifts in CSR plant strategies that align with changes in environmental gradients. Although stress‐tolerant species (S) were the dominant strategy in most cases, this shifted towards intermediate strategies (SR and CSR) under more benign environmental conditions. In outcrops, these changes were primarily aligned with soil parameters, whereas in rangelands, both soil and climate variables were correlative. However, these correlations varied between soil and climate factors, as well as between outcrop and rangeland landscapes.
Use of synanthropic roosts by bats in Europe and North America
Authors: Lučan Radek K. , Jor Tomáš , Romportl Dušan , Morelli Federico
Published: October 2024

Diurnal roosts are vital to bats and growing evidence suggests that bats increasingly exploit synanthropic structures, such as buildings. The use of synanthropic roosts (SRs) has been explained as a consequence of the decreased availability of natural roosts imposed by habitat destruction, although growing evidence suggests that the use of SRs may be beneficial to bats in many ways, including enabling the expansion of distributional ranges.

Based on data from Europe and North America, our study aimed to (1) analyse the proportion of use of synanthropic vs. natural roosts, (2) test the hypothesis that bats are forced to use SRs in response to the destruction of natural habitats, (3) analyse latitudinal variation of the proportion of use of SRs and (4) address the highly contrasting pattern in the proportion of use of SRs between the two continents in the light of historical aspects of coexistence between bats and humans.

We compiled published data on day roosts obtained by means of radio‐telemetry, providing unbiased evidence of the proportion of synanthropic and natural roosts. We compared the obtained patterns between the two continents, analysed the relationship between the proportion of use of SRs, land cover and latitude and analysed historical reconstruction of anthropogenic land use.

In Europe (n = 3385 roosts), SRs were used by twice more (26) bat species and were used 17× more frequently than in North America (n = 6795). We found no support for the hypothesis that bats use SRs in response to habitat destruction. The use of SRs increases with latitude in Europe, but not in North America, despite decreasing areas of human‐altered habitats.

Historical processes related to the length of coexistence between bats and humans on both continents, rather than the current state of nature, may underlie the contrasting patterns observed.