bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of the host associations of Ceraphronoidea (Hymenoptera): a key to illuminating a dark taxon
Authors: Moser Marina , Salden Tobias , Mikó István , Krogmann Lars
Published: November 2024

Understanding the complexity of trophic interactions of parasitoid Hymenoptera remains a critical challenge in biodiversity research, particularly in vastly understudied dark taxa. Using Ceraphronoidea (Hymenoptera) as a case study, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of host associations at both genus level and species level across the four prominent genera Aphanogmus Thomson, 1858 (Ceraphronidae), Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 (Ceraphronidae), Conostigmus Dahlbom, 1858 (Megaspilidae) and Dendrocerus Ratzeburg, 1852 (Megaspilidae), drawing from an extensive synthesis of existing literature. We shed light on the ecological interactions and explore their potential to advance integrative taxonomic efforts within this moderately species-rich yet highly understudied taxon. Our analysis reveals a broad host range that spans up to nine insect orders with species from the four major ceraphronoid genera parasitizing dipteran and hymenopteran hosts. Notably, 80.8% of ceraphronoid species lack documented host associations, reflecting significant gaps in autecological knowledge, with rates varying significantly between the genera. Our findings highlight the urgent need to improve our understanding of host-parasitoid interactions beyond economically relevant species, emphasizing both the significance and the potential of this data for biodiversity research within taxonomically challenging taxa, particularly in times of escalating species decline.
Uncertainty in Preferential Trade Agreements: Impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Suspension on Exports
Authors: Kassa Woubet , Edjigu Habtamu , Hakobyan Shushanik
Published: November 2024

This study examines the impact of an abrupt suspension of the benefits of the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on exports from eligible African countries to the USA. The study uses a triple difference-in-differences estimation that controls for both country- and product-level changes in exports. The results suggest that suspension of the AGOA has a considerable negative impact on the level of exports to the USA. The impact appears to be bigger for countries with a high rate of utilization of AGOA. On average, suspension is associated with a subsequent 39% decline in exports to the USA. At the product level, the suspension affects exports of apparel and textiles the most, which decline by about 88%. Understanding the impact of withdrawing access to a nonreciprocal trade agreement is particularly important now, as the European Union has begun negotiating economic partnership agreements with African countries. This is a sign of a shift to reciprocity, and the USA is considering a similar path. These developments underscore the need to prepare for a post–AGOA period with more reciprocity as trade uncertainty is becoming rampant.
Evaluating Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) for the reduction of fumonisin B1 levels in livestock feed
Authors: Paulk Ryan T , Abbas Hamed K , Rojas M Guadalupe , Morales-Ramos Juan A , Busman Mark , Little Nathan , Shier W Thomas
Published: November 2024

The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, L., can be an important component of the circular economy because of its ability to transform a variety of agricultural wastes and byproducts into valuable livestock feed. Analysis of their ability to endure toxins coupled with their potential to transfer contaminants to higher trophic levels is not complete. Fumonisins, produced primarily by Fusarium verticillioides (Hypocreales: Netriaceae) (Sacc.) Nirenberg (1976), are mycotoxins likely to be encountered by T. molitor in corn and other grain byproducts. Tenebrio molitor larvae were reared on a simulated diet of corn and other grain byproducts treated with a range of maximum recommended fumonisin B1 levels for different livestock feeds. We observed that T. molitor were able to survive, grow, and reduce by excretion and metabolism their retained fumonisin B1 levels by up to 99.7% compared to the diet they consumed. Unknown metabolic processes were inferred from the significantly reduced content of fumonisin B1 in the frass (63.1% to 73.2%) as compared to the diet and by the first report of long-chain acylated fumonisin B1 derivatives in insect frass.
Challenges in baiting to manage fungus-growing termite colonies
Authors: Chiu Chun-I , Li Hou-Feng
Published: November 2024

Fungus-growing termites (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) exhibit significant diversity and abundance in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Fungus-growing termites consume a wide range of materials, including leaf litter, woody debris, agricultural crops, and wooden structures, including houses. Their presence in termite baiting stations can impede the control of other residential termite pests, such as Coptotermes spp. Current control practices for managing fungus-growing termites are both costly and time-consuming, rendering them impractical for large-scale application. In our review, we analyzed recent biological and control studies on fungus-growing termites to identify key challenges and suggest improvements in termite management strategies. We identified 5 primary factors contributing to the low efficacy of current control measures for fungus-growing termites: (i) sporadic foraging behavior, which diminishes consistent bait intake; (ii) naturally small colony sizes; (iii) the nonmolting nature of the worker caste, reducing the effectiveness of chitin synthesis inhibitors; (iv) fungal cultivation, which delays and mitigates pesticide toxicity; and (v) wide-range of feeding niche, which lessens their consumption of cellulose-based baits. These insights are critical for developing more effective termite control strategies.
The U.S. Treasury Term Premia in a Low Interest Rate Regime
Authors: Isakin Maksim , Ngo Phuong V
Published: November 2024

This article aims to rationalize major shifts in yields and term premia for the U.S. Treasury securities since 1961. To this end, we build and estimate a Markov switching model that features a distinctive regime where short-term interest rates are at the effective lower bound (ELB). Our empirical results show that the conditional covariance between long-run consumption growth and target inflation became significantly more positive at the ELB, which is consistent with the economic theory. More importantly, this change led to nominal bonds being a better hedge against low economic growth, causing a downward shift in term premia and yields. In addition, we can generate yields that match the U.S. data.
Motion analysis of an undulatory fin underwater robot
Authors: Lin Yu-Chih , Chung Yu-Chen , Lin Chien-Tzu , Wang Bo-Sheng
Published: November 2024

The underwater robot has gained increasing attention due to the crucial role of oceanographic surveys in monitoring and exploring resources. A bionic underwater robot offers several advantages, including enhanced environmental interaction, reduced noise, improved propulsion, a smaller turning radius, higher efficiency and greater stability. This study designs and investigates a bionic underwater robot featuring undulatory soft fins. Finite element analysis is used to compute the drag and velocity of the robot with various shape designs. Experiments are conducted to measure the velocity under varying design parameters, including kinematic parameters, hull geometric shapes and fin materials. The experimental results reveal that the Type I robot exhibits vertical oscillations that reduce its forward speed. This phenomenon may result from asymmetry between the top and bottom of the stern, generating a pitch moment that leads to lift and causes oscillation. It is also indicated from the experiments that velocity generally increases with amplitude and frequency. The robot achieves optimal velocity performance with a phase difference of 67.5° (0.375π) and an amplitude of 60° for both polyvinyl chloride and natural rubber fins. The robot with Type B at both ends performs better than the one with Type A at both ends, consistent with the finite element analysis results, though the difference is not significant in the current design. The shape design for the hull is crucial and warrants further investigation. This study provides recommendations for optimizing the shape, materials and motion parameters of bionic soft undulating fin underwater robots.
A brief review of the photoelasticity based on a pixelated polarization camera: principle, advantages/disadvantages and typical applications
Authors: Su Fei , Wu Shaohua , Zhang Zheng
Published: November 2024

An innovative form of photoelasticity, based on pixel polarization cameras, is rapidly advancing. This paper offers a comprehensive introduction to its operational principles, highlighting key technical advantages such as high-speed and quantitative testing capability, high sensitivity, robust resistance to environmental light interference and a straightforward structure conducive to implementation in industrial settings. Four application examples are provided to demonstrate these advantages. The first two are about dynamic and quantitative stress evaluation, the third one is on-site strength evaluation of tempered glass around the bolts in a confined space, the last one is measurement of Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-System (MEMS) stress birefringence field. In order to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the technology, two primary drawbacks of the new photoelasticity are also addressed. The first is the manufacturing deviation of the nano-grating polarizer, which introduces an additional error factor that necessitates complex corrective measures for high-precision testing. The second is the method's limited measurement range, which requires the use of a multi-wavelength or Red-Green-Blue (RGB) method for unwrapping under large-range conditions. Up-to-date research regarding error correction and phase unwrapping of the novel photoelasticity are briefly introduced, some potential application directions are also introduced.
WEAVE First Light Observations: Origin and Dynamics of the Shock Front in Stephan’s Quintet
Authors: Arnaudova M I , Das S , Smith D J B , Hardcastle M J , Hatch N , Trager S C , Smith R J , Drake A B , McGarry J C , Shenoy S , Stott J P , Knapen J H , Hess K M , Duncan K J , Gloudemans A , Best P N , García-Benito R , Kondapally R , Balcells M , Couto G S , Abrams D C , Aguado D , Aguerri J A L , Barrena R , Benn C R , Bensby T , Berlanas S R , Bettoni D , Cano-Infantes D , Carrera R , Concepción P J , Dalton G B , D’Ago G , Dee K , Domínguez-Palmero L , Drew J E , Escott E L , Fariña C , Fossati M , Fumagalli M , Gafton E , Gribbin F J , Hughes S , Iovino A , Jin S , Lewis I J , Longhetti M , Méndez-Abreu J , Mercurio A , Molaeinezhad A , Molinari E , Monguió M , Murphy D N A , Picó S , Pieri M M , Ridings A W , Romero-Gómez M , Schallig E , Shimwell T W , Skvarč J , Stuik R , Vallenari A , van der Hulst J M , Walton N A , Worley C C
Published: November 2024

We present a detailed study of the large-scale shock front in Stephan’s Quintet, a by-product of past and ongoing interactions. Using integral-field spectroscopy from the new William Herschel Telescope Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer (WEAVE), recent 144 MHz observations from the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey, and archival data from the Very Large Array and JWST, we obtain new measurements of key shock properties and determine its impact on the system. Harnessing the WEAVE large integral field unit’s field of view (90 $\times$ 78 arcsec$^{2}$), spectral resolution ($R\sim 2500$), and continuous wavelength coverage across the optical band, we perform robust emission-line modelling and dynamically locate the shock within the multiphase intergalactic medium with higher precision than previously possible. The shocking of the cold gas phase is hypersonic, and comparisons with shock models show that it can readily account for the observed emission-line ratios. In contrast, we demonstrate that the shock is relatively weak in the hot plasma visible in X-rays (with Mach number of $\mathcal {M}\sim 2\!-\!4$), making it inefficient at producing the relativistic particles needed to explain the observed synchrotron emission. Instead, we propose that it has led to an adiabatic compression of the medium, which has increased the radio luminosity 10-fold. Comparison of the Balmer line-derived extinction map with the molecular gas and hot dust observed with JWST suggests that pre-existing dust may have survived the collision, allowing the condensation of H$_2$ – a key channel for dissipating the shock energy.
Planet–planet scattering in systems of multiple planets of unequal mass
Authors: Marzari F
Published: November 2024

A large sample of planet–planet scattering events for three planet systems with different orbital separations and masses is analysed with a multiple regression model. The dependence of the time for the onset of instability on the masses of the planets and on their initial orbital separations is modelled with a quadratic function. The same analysis is applied to the timespan of the chaotic evolution dominated by mutual close encounters. The configurations with the less massive planet on an outside orbit are stable over longer time-scales. The same configuration leads to shorter chaotic evolution times before the ejection of one planet. In about 70  per cent of the cases, the lighter planet is the one escaping from the system. If a different separation is assumed between the inner and outer planet pairs, then the dominant effect on the instability time is due to the pair with the smaller separation, as a first approximation.
Probing galaxy evolution from z = 0 to z ≃ 10 through galaxy scaling relations in three L-galaxies flavours
Authors: Vani Akash , Ayromlou Mohammadreza , Kauffmann Guinevere , Springel Volker
Published: November 2024

We present a comprehensive examination of the three latest versions of the L-galaxies semi-analytic galaxy formation model, focusing on the evolution of galaxy properties across a broad stellar mass range ($10^7\:{\rm M}_{\odot }\lesssim {M_\star }\lesssim 10^{12}\:{\rm M}_{\odot }$) from $z=0$ to $z\simeq 10$. This study is the first to compare predictions of L-galaxies with high-redshift observations well outside the original calibration regime, utilizing multiband data from surveys such as SDSS, CANDELS, COSMOS, HST, JWST, and ALMA. We assess the models’ ability to reproduce various time-dependent galaxy scaling relations for star-forming and quenched galaxies. Key focus areas include global galaxy properties such as stellar mass functions, cosmic star formation rate density, and the evolution of the main sequence of star-forming galaxies. Additionally, we examine resolved morphological properties such as the galaxy mass–size relation, alongside core $(R\lt 1\, {\rm {kpc}})$ and effective $(R\lt R_{\rm {e}})$ stellar-mass surface densities as a function of stellar mass. This analysis reveals that the L-galaxies models are in qualitatively good agreement with observed global scaling relations up to $z\simeq 10$. However, significant discrepancies exist at both low and high redshifts in accurately reproducing the number density, size, and surface density evolution of quenched galaxies. These issues are most pronounced for massive central galaxies, where the simulations underpredict the abundance of quenched systems at $z\ge 1.5$, reaching a discrepancy of a factor of 60 by $z\approx 3$, with sizes several times larger than observed. Therefore, we propose that the physical prescriptions governing galaxy quenching, such as AGN feedback and processes related to merging, require improvement to be more consistent with observational data.
Phenomenology of auto-induced cognitive trance using text mining: a prospective and exploratory group study
Authors: Vanhaudenhuyse Audrey , Castillo Marie-Carmen , Martial Charlotte , Annen Jitka , Bicego Aminata , Rousseaux Floriane , Sanz Leandro R D , Sombrun Corine , Bioy Antoine , Gosseries Olivia
Published: November 2024

Auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) is a modified state of consciousness derived from shamanic tradition that can be practised by individuals after specific training. The aim of this work was to characterize the phenomenological experiences of AICT, using text mining analysis. Free recalls of subjective experiences were audio-recorded in 27 participants after five pseudo-randomized experimental sessions: ordinary conscious resting state, with auditory stimulation and with an imaginary mental task, as well as during AICT with and without auditory stimulation. Recordings were transcribed, normalized total word counts were calculated for each condition, and analyses of content were performed using IRaMuTeQ software. Results showed that the length of the participants’ reports was higher for AICT compared to the other conditions, and that the content could be categorized into four classes of discourse: AICT memory, AICT, ordinary conscious states, and AICT with and without stimulation. AICT was also characterized by specific content compared to rest, auditory stimulation, and imagination conditions. Content analysis of the narrative revealed nine categories encompassing the presence of nature, people, animals, positive and negative features, sensory perceptions, body modifications, metacognition, and difficulty of describing thoughts. Among these categories, AICT is specifically characterized by reports related to the presence of nature, animals, body modifications, as well as the difficulty of describing thoughts. These results suggest that a richer phenomenology was reported during AICT, compared to the other conditions, and that AICT constitutes a class of discourse on its own, with a clear dissociation from the other conditions.
Distinct epigenetic and transcriptional profiles of Epstein-Barr virus-positive and negative primary CNS lymphomas
Authors: Hai Ling , Friedel Dennis , Hinz Felix , Hoffmann Dirk C , Doubrovinskaia Sofia , Rohdjess Hannah , Weidenauer Katharina , Denisova Evgeniya , Scheffler Georg T , Kessler Tobias , Kourtesakis Alexandros , Herold-Mende Christel , Henegariu Octavian , Baehring Joachim M , Dietrich Jorg , Brors Benedikt , Wick Wolfgang , Sahm Felix , Kaulen Leon D
Published: November 2024

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ and EBV- primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL) carry distinct mutational landscapes, but their transcriptional and epigenetic profiles have not been integrated and compared. This precludes further insights into pathobiology and molecular differences, relevant for classification and targeted therapy.

Methods

Twenty-three EBV- and 15 EBV+ PCNSL, histologically classified as diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, were subjected to RNA-sequencing and EPIC methylation arrays. Unsupervised clustering analyses were performed. Differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes were identified and integrated.

Results

Two distinct transcriptional clusters were found, which separated EBV- and EBV+ PCNSL (P < .0001). The EBV+ transcriptional signature contained genes (GPR15, FCER2/CD23, SLAMF1/CD150) closely regulated by EBV oncogenes in B cells. Pathway enrichment analysis uncovered enhanced B-cell receptor (BCR) and WNT/beta-catenin signaling in EBV- lymphomas, whereas Interleukin-10, NOTCH, and viral life cycle pathways were upregulated in EBV+ PCNSL. Correspondingly, BCR-associated SYK kinase activity was enriched in EBV- tumors while JAK2 was overrepresented in EBV+ PCNSL. Epigenetic profiling revealed reduced global promoter methylation in EBV+ PCNSL. Two methylation clusters were recognized, which separated EBV- and EBV+ PCNSL (P < .0001). Epigenetic profiles were distinct from 2,788 other brain tumor and nonmalignant reference samples. Promoter region hypermethylation of CD79B, a BCR subunit critical for sustained proliferation in EBV- disease, highly correlated (R = −0.7) with its transcriptional downregulation in EBV+ PCNSL.

Conclusions

EBV+ and EBV- PCNSL harbor distinct transcriptional and epigenetic profiles, corroborating them as distinctive biological subtypes. Uncovered differences provide novel insights into their pathobiology, may guide molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Natural History of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Kenyan and South African Women: Implications for Vaccination Campaigns and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs
Authors: Happel Anna-Ursula , Budiawan Elvira , Onono Maricianah , Innes Steve , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Heuvel Janine , Rakiep Adeebah , Kellow-Webb Sarah , Ongere Joan , Wakhungu Imeldah , Mkhize Zandile , Kapa La-Donna , Sigcu Nompumelelo , Dabee Smritee , Nair Gonasagrie , Scoville Caitlin , Mugo Nelly R , Williamson Anna-Lise , Passmore Jo-Ann S , Jaspan Heather B , Heffron Renee
Published: November 2024

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and DNA testing roll out in resource-constrained settings. We evaluated the natural history of HPV infections in African women to contribute to normative guidance.

Methods

Women aged 16 to 35 years were enrolled from 3 sites in South Africa and Kenya and followed quarterly for 18 months. A subset was recalled 5 years postenrollment, when Papanicolaou smears were conducted. Endocervical swabs were tested for 36 HPV genotypes by HPV Direct Flow. Logistic regression models identified correlations between demographic, biological, or behavioral factors and baseline high-risk HPV (HR-HPV).

Results

At enrollment, 158 of 311 women (median age, 23 years; IQR, 20–27) had at least 1 HR-HPV genotype. HPV-52 (13.5%), HPV-16 (9.5%), HPV-58 (9.0%), HPV-18 (8.4%), and HPV-35 (8.4%) were most common. Coinfection with low-risk HPVs (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.59–4.45) were associated with HR-HPV positivity, while reported condom use (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, .34–.98) and older age were protective. Of women with HR-HPV at enrollment, 87.3% cleared at least 1 HR-HPV infection over 18 months and 64.6% cleared all such infections. Few (1.9%) had evidence of high-grade cervical abnormalities, among which HPV-35 was the most prevalent during the study.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of HR-HPV emphasizes that HPV vaccination, screening, and testing campaigns in Africa are important. Nonvaccine HPV-35 was as common as HPV-18, suggesting the need to supplement current vaccines with this genotype. HR-HPV clearance was also common, highlighting that clear messaging is needed from health care providers to patients while discussing HPV DNA testing results.
Phylogenetic analyses support flush-pursuit foraging and flocking behaviors as evolutionary drivers of flash plumage signals in North American passerines
Authors: Benedict Lauryn , Jones Harrison , Robinson Scott , P. McEntee Jay
Published: November 2024

Animal coloration patterns are wildly variable. Despite this, there are plumage traits that occur similarly across taxonomic groups, suggesting the possible action of widespread selective regimes. Here, we investigate why so many avian species have “flash” plumage signals—color patches that are not visible when an animal is still but become visible with movement. Flash patches have been hypothesized to warn conspecifics of danger and coordinate prey escape behaviors among flocking species. Other hypotheses suggest that flash signals function in prey capture, species recognition, or social (including sexual) selection. To test these hypotheses, we scored 326 species of North American passerines for the presence of 3 flash and 2 static patches on bird rumps, wings, and tails. We combined those data with social and ecological information from available datasets and used phylogenetically controlled analyses to test the hypotheses that flash color patch evolution is driven by (1) flocking-associated behaviors, (2) social selection, and/or (3) foraging strategy. Our data show that flash signals are common among North American passerines, occurring in 54% of species, and that most wing and tail patches are white in color. We recovered evidence that rump flash patches can be predicted by winter flocking, migration, and diets specialized on plants, consistent with functions in flock cohesion or species recognition, as previously reported in shorebirds. Flash plumage patch evolution was not predicted by breeding system or territoriality and was therefore not consistent with social selection as a broad evolutionary driver. In contrast, we found evidence that the flush-pursuit foraging strategy predicts the presence of avian wing and tail flash patches. These results fit with multiple single-taxon studies that have shown flash plumage signals to function in flush-pursuit foraging. Our results underscore that natural selection, not just social selection, can drive the evolution of conspicuous coloration in animals.
Using unsupervised machine learning to find profiles of domestic abuse perpetrators
Authors: Hadjimatheou Katerina , Quiroz Flores Alejandro , Weir Ruth , Skevington Taylor
Published: November 2024

In this article we use unsupervised machine learning to discover hidden structures and patterns in a longitudinal police dataset of domestic abuse suspects, to provide a police force with an overarching or ‘baseline’ picture of how domestic abuse manifests locally. 3 algorithms were used to analyse 12 variables in a longitudinal dataset of over 40,000 suspects, organising them into discreet “clusters” or profiles with common characteristics and highlighting the differences and continuities between these. The quantitative findings, which highlighted clusters of abuse that had not previously been ‘on the radar’ of domestic abuse services in the specific force area, were then contextualised through qualitative interviews with a range of stakeholders to help identify priorities for intervention and further research. Our study shows how cutting-edge quantitative methods can be applied to improve understanding of prevalence and features of police-recorded abuse; draw attention to previously under-addressed types of abuse; serve as the groundwork for further, more in-depth research; and provide an evidence-base for local decision-making.
Perceptions of grant peer reviewers: a mixed methods study
Authors: Schmaling Karen B , Evenson Gabriel R , Marble Blake K , Gallo Stephen A
Published: November 2024

Peer review is integral to the evaluation of grant proposals. Reviewer perceptions and characteristics have received limited study, especially their associations with reviewers’ evaluations. This mixed methods study analyzed the unstructured comments of 270 experienced peer reviewers after they scored proposals based on mock overall evaluations written by the primary reviewer. Comments were coded for topical content and emotional valence blind to participants’ characteristics. The most frequent comments were about their experiences with peer review with negative valence. Additional themes were identified within the content codes, including concerns about favoritism and inappropriate behavior observed in other reviewers. Reviewers who made negative comments gave poorer scores than reviewers who did not. Reviewer mindsets are understudied: negative moods and cognitions may affect reviewers’ overall evaluative severity. Future studies should further investigate these associations.
Evaluating participatory research projects through a harmonized, online, self-reflection, and impact-assessment methodology
Authors: Santoro Lamelas Valeria , Valente Riccardo , Gresle Anne-Sophie
Published: November 2024

Participatory research can be promoted by scientific intermediary units, such as Science Shops. The overarching goal of these initiatives is thereby to foster a process of co-creation of the research questions to address societal needs that are relevant to scientific research and society at large. The InSPIRES project was a Horizon Europe initiative from 2017 to 2021 with the primary objective of expanding the implementation of Science Shops across Europe and internationally. Within the framework of this project, a harmonized, self-reflection and impact assessment methodology has been developed to evaluate five dimensions of participatory research: knowledge democracy, citizen-led research, participatory dynamics, integrity, and transformative change. In this article, we report the results of 58 projects implemented in Africa, Asia and Europe. We present the results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis with a view towards encouraging the debate on the challenges involved in designing a standardized evaluation tool to capture the multiplicity of processes involved in participatory research. Results showed that the participatory research processes increase access to knowledge and promote the forging of alliances and relations of trust through respectful dialogue from multiple standpoints. The analysis also retraces some critical points with regard to the democratization of knowledge and the scope for social transformation, which would require further scrutiny. All in all, the proposed InSPIRES assessment tool proved to be a straightforward approach to systematically evaluate key dimensions of participatory research across different phases and project roles that could serve as a starting point for future similar initiatives.
Implementation of OSL nanoDot dosimetry in different treatment techniques for head and neck cancer
Authors: Negrete-Hernandez Ingrid M , Lozano Ivonne B , Roman-Lopez Jesus , Guzman-Castañeda Jesus I
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, technological advances have been made in the field of radiotherapy and with it the emergence of new dosimetric systems for their calibration and commissioning, among other uses. Such is the case of the measurement in the build-up region, where there is no charged-particle equilibrium, which is reflected in the increase in surface dose for patient treatments and potential skin toxicities as a secondary effect. This study utilizes optically stimulated dosemeters (nanoDot) and the radiochromic film (EBT3) to measure skin doses in patients with head and neck cancer who received radiotherapy. Accurately depicting 15 patients with different diagnoses from 3 linear accelerators using 3D, intensity modulated radiation therapy, or volumetric arc therapy/RapidArc technology, these results were compared with those calculated in the treatment planning system (TPS) and obtaining a percentage of variation for the EBT3 ranged from 0.30% to 6.15%, while that observed for the nanoDot was from 0.51% to 4.88%. This difference may be attributed to the reproducibility of placement in patients. Therefore, for clinical use, nanoDot dosemeters are a viable alternative for in vivo dosimetry where rapid validation of planning system results is required.
Academia–industry collaboration, intellectual property rights enforcement, and scientific performance: evidence from Chinese Academy of Sciences
Authors: Du Xinyue , Feng Feng
Published: November 2024

Public research institutes (PRIs) are an important part of the academic research world and also tasked with collaborating with industry to contribute to knowledge economics. This raises conflicts between disseminating public knowledge and appropriating through secrecy or intellectual property. However, there is little empirical evidence on the effect of PRIs’ academia–industry collaboration on scientific performance. Our research fills this gap by providing an empirical analysis at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Based on a newly compiled dataset about CAS, this study explores the effect of academia–industry collaboration on scientific performance and the moderating role of intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement. The empirical results reveal that there is an inverse U-shaped relationship between academia–industry collaboration and scientific performance and IPR enforcement steepens this curvilinear relationship. These findings suggest that policymakers should be mindful of possible adverse consequences for scientific performance and strengthen the IPR enforcement, when encouraging academia–industry collaboration.
A critique of the use of species and below-species taxonomic terms for viruses—time for change?
Authors: Simmonds Peter
Published: November 2024

The International Committee for the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) regulates assignment and names of virus species and higher taxa through its taxonomy proposal and ratification process. Despite using similar taxonomic ranks to those used elsewhere in biology, the ICTV has maintained the principle that species and other taxa are strictly categories with a formal nomenclature, whereas the viruses as objects are referenced through a parallel inventory of community-assigned virus names. This is strikingly different from common and scientific name synonyms for species used elsewhere in biology. The recent introduction of binomial names for virus species resembling biological scientific names has intensified this confusion in terms within the virology community and beyond. The ICTV taxonomy furthermore does not engage with or regulate classification below species and consequently lacks taxonomic terms or descriptions for important viral pathogens such as polioviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, HIV-1, and avian influenza as examples. The consequent reliance on community-adopted virus names, genotypes, and other categories often lacks clarity for clinical, biocontainment, and other regulatory purposes. This article proposes a revision of rules and procedures for species and below-species level classification. It recasts virus and virus species names as ‘common’ and ‘scientific’ names that are used in other biology nomenclature codes, each with expanded reference to both object and taxon. It further advocates the creation of a formal below-species taxonomic rank to define a new inventory of approved taxa and specified nomenclature below species. Adoption of the proposed changes will realign virus taxonomy with other biological nomenclatural codes and provide greater transparency and clarity in virology, medical, and regulatory fields.
Effect of a Machine Learning-Derived Early Warning Tool With Treatment Protocol on Hypotension During Cardiac Surgery and ICU Stay: The Hypotension Prediction 2 (HYPE-2) Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Schuurmans Jaap , Rellum Santino R. , Schenk Jimmy , van der Ster Björn J. P. , van der Ven Ward H. , Geerts Bart F. , Hollmann Markus W. , Cherpanath Thomas G. V. , Lagrand Wim K. , Wynandts Paul R. , Paulus Frederique , Driessen Antoine H. G. , Terwindt Lotte E. , Eberl Susanne , Hermanns Henning , Veelo Denise P. , Vlaar Alexander P. J.
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Cardiac surgery is associated with perioperative complications, some of which might be attributable to hypotension. The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI), a machine-learning-derived early warning tool for hypotension, has only been evaluated in noncardiac surgery. We investigated whether using HPI with diagnostic guidance reduced hypotension during cardiac surgery and in the ICU.

DESIGN:

Randomized clinical trial conducted between May 2021 and February 2023.

SETTING:

Single-center study conducted in an academic hospital in the Netherlands.

PATIENTS:

Adults undergoing elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, with or without single heart valve surgery, were enrolled if a mean arterial pressure (MAP) greater than or equal to 65 mm Hg was targeted during the surgical off-pump phases and ICU stay. After eligibility assessment, 142 of 162 patients approached gave informed consent for participation.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients randomized 1:1 received either diagnostic guidance in addition to standard care if HPI reached greater than or equal to 75 (n = 72) or standard care alone (n = 70).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The primary outcome was the severity of hypotension, measured as time-weighted average (TWA) of MAP less than 65 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes encompassed hypertension severity and intervention disparities. Of 142 patients randomized, 130 were included in the primary analysis. The HPI group showed 63% reduction in median TWA of hypotension compared with the standard care group, with a median of differences of –0.40 mm Hg (95% CI, –0.65 to –0.27; p < 0.001). In the HPI group, patients spent a median 28 minutes (95% CI, 17–44 min) less in hypotension, with a measurement duration of 322 minutes in the HPI group and 333 minutes in the standard care group. No significant differences were observed in hypertension severity, treatment choice, or fluid, vasopressors, and inotrope amounts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using HPI combined with diagnostic guidance on top of standard care significantly decreased hypotension severity in elective cardiac surgery patients compared with standard care.
The Application of Sleep Deprivation Combined With Chloral Hydrate on Pediatric Dermatological Surgery
Authors: Yanling Dang , Lijuan Yang , Yingxin Ma , Dewu Zhang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

In small dermatological surgeries for infant and child patients, it is required that the child be in a quiet state. However, general anesthesia not only requires the participation of professional anesthesiologists for surgery but also has a high cost and anesthesia risks. Parents have a low acceptance rate. At present, chloral hydrate combined with local anesthesia for sedation has been widely used in various pediatric examination and treatment projects.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the impact of sleep deprivation on pediatric dermatological surgery performed under local anesthesia following chloral hydrate enema.

METHOD

A retrospective review was conducted on 280 pediatric patients who underwent dermatological surgery or tissue pathology biopsy from September 2022 to March 2023. The study analyzed the success rate of local anesthesia following chloral hydrate enema under different states of wakefulness and whether the surgical processes for infants and toddlers were conducted smoothly.

RESULTS

Among the 215 patients who underwent sleep deprivation, the successful completion rate of the surgery reached 87%. By contrast, only 29.2% of the 65 patients who did not experience sleep deprivation completed the surgery. The patients' vital signs remained stable throughout the surgery, and no adverse reactions occurred when the patients were awakened 30 minutes to 1 hour after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Sleep deprivation in infants and toddlers can enhance the anesthetic and immobilization effects in dermatological surgery, significantly reducing the patients' negative emotions, such as crying and fear, increasing the patient's cooperation during the surgery, and improving parental satisfaction. The clinical operation is convenient and thus worth promoting extensively.
Rates of Receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder and Opioid Overdose Deaths During the Early Synthetic Opioid Crisis: A County-level Analysis
Authors: Santaella-Tenorio Julian , Rivera-Aguirre Ariadne , Hepler Staci A. , Kline David M. , Cantor Jonathan , DeYoreo Maria , Martins Silvia S. , Krawczyk Noa , Cerda Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Background:

Medications for opioid use disorder are associated with a lower risk of drug overdoses at the individual level. However, little is known about whether these effects translate to population-level reductions. We investigated whether county-level efforts to increase access to medication for opioid use disorder in 2012–2014 were associated with opioid overdose deaths in New York State during the first years of the synthetic opioid crisis.

Methods:

We performed an ecologic county-level study including data from 60 counties (2010–2018). We calculated rates of people receiving medication for opioid use disorder among the population misusing opioids in 2012–2014 and categorized counties into quartiles of this exposure. We modeled synthetic and nonsynthetic opioid overdose death rates using Bayesian hierarchical models.

Results:

Counties with higher rates of receiving medications for opioid use disorder in 2012-2014 had lower synthetic opioid overdose deaths in 2016 (highest vs. lowest quartile: rate ratio [RR] = 0.33, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.12, 0.98; and second-highest vs. lowest: RR = 0.20, 95% CrI = 0.07, 0.59) and 2017 (quartile second-highest vs. lowest: RR = 0.22, 95% CrI = 0.06, 0.83), but not 2018. There were no differences in nonsynthetic opioid overdose death rates comparing higher quartiles versus lowest quartile of exposure.

Conclusions:

A spatio-temporal modeling approach incorporating counts of the population misusing opioids provided information about trends and interventions in the target population. Higher rates of receiving medications for opioid use disorder in 2012–2014 were associated with lower rates of synthetic opioid overdose deaths early in the crisis.
Hypotension after unilateral versus bilateral spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Gong Cansheng , Ye Xiuming , Liao Yanling , Ye Peng , Zheng Ting , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Spinal anaesthesia is frequently used in surgical procedures involving the lower abdomen and extremities, however, the occurrence of hypotension remains a common and clinically important adverse effect. Unilateral spinal anaesthesia seems to be a promising approach to minimise this complication but the effectiveness of this remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the superiority of unilateral spinal anaesthesia over bilateral spinal anaesthesia with regard to the incidence of hypotension and other complications.

DESIGN

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

DATE SOURCES

PUBMED, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from their inception to 5 March 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing unilateral spinal anaesthesia with bilateral spinal anaesthesia were eligible for inclusion. Observational studies, case reports, case series, and studies not conducted in humans were excluded. The incidence of hypotension, vasopressor requirement, and other complications were compared. Heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one trials involving 1358 patients undergoing unilateral lower extremity surgery or lower abdominal surgery were included in the meta-analysis. Hyperbaric solutions were used in most trials. The Mantel–Haenszel random-effect model was used for the analysis of binary endpoints, reported as relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower in the unilateral spinal anaesthesia group compared with the bilateral spinal anaesthesia (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.55; P < 0.001; I
2 = 38%). Subgroup analysis shows that the occurrence of hypotension was significantly lower in the unilateral subgroup, regardless of dosage, surgical site, adjuvants to the local anaesthetics, and different definitions of hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral spinal anaesthesia is associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of hypotension, despite variations in the definition of hypotension, adjuvants, and site of surgery. These results favour the use of lateral spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing unilateral lower abdominal or lower limb surgery. However, the GRADE assessment of the quality of evidence was ‘low’ due to the high risk of bias and heterogeneity. All the results should be treated with caution.
Recurrent Gallstone Ileus, A Deadly Encounter
Authors: Zen Ong Xin , Mohamad Ikhwan Sani , Ramasamy Umasangar , Shah Mohd Shahrulsalam Mohd
Published: November 2024

Gallstone disease is rampant due to global shift towards an unhealthy lifestyle. Gallstone ileus is a rare occurrence, accounting for 1-4% of all cases of mechanical small bowel obstructions. Computed tomography (CT) scan is a good preliminary diagnostic tool to assess patient suspicious of gallstone ileus. Incidence of recurrent gallstone ileus is as high as 20% and poses a diagnostic dilemma in the immediate postoperative week. Despite advancement in modern medicine, surgical intervention for gallstone ileus is associated with high mortality rate. This could be attributed by the elderly patient cohort with multiple comorbidities.
Surgery With Peripheral Nerve Block Under Dexmedetomidine Sedation for Foot Ulcer
Authors: Nakamura Hideharu , Makiguchi Takaya , Yamada Yumi , Sakurai Kei , Tsunoda Aya , Tomaru Nana , Shirabe Ken , Yokoo Satoshi
Published: November 2024

Background:

Patients who require surgical treatment for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) are often in generally poor condition and have complications. General anesthesia may be risky in surgery for such patients. Thus, the authors perform surgery using peripheral nerve block under dexmedetomidine sedation for patients with DFU and CLTI.

Methods:

This study evaluated intraoperative stress, anxiety, and safety in 18 patients undergoing peripheral nerve block with dexmedetomidine. Sedation levels were assessed using the observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) score on a 5-point scale from 5 (awake) to 1 (deeply sedated). Postoperatively, a questionnaire was administered to assess intraoperative stress and memory. Intraoperative stress was assessed using a 6-point face scale (0 to 6: not at all to unbearably high), and intraoperative memory was rated on a 5-point numeric scale (1 to 5: no memory to everything).

Results:

The intraoperative OAA/S score was 3–5, indicating that appropriate sedation was obtained. The mean intraoperative stress score was 0.72 (range: 0–3), and the mean intraoperative memory score was 2.44 (range: 1–4). One patient had bradycardia and 9 had hypoxemia. All of these cases were improved by decreasing the dose of dexmedetomidine and encouraging deep breathing on call.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that this procedure is a useful method to reduce patient burden and alleviate stress and anxiety during surgery. However, dexmedetomidine may cause hypoxemia in patients with DFU or CLTI; thus, attention should be paid to hypoxemia and countermeasures should be taken against this adverse effect.
New Findings in Prominent Lower Eyelid Fat Pads Possibly Contributing to Their Etiology: Two Prospective Studies
Authors: Sweis Iliana E. , Cressey Bryan C.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Little is known about the actual composition of prominent orbital fat pads. It was incidentally noted that hyaluronidase injections in prominent lower eyelid fat pads attenuated them, suggesting prevalence of hyaluronic acid (HA), and raising questions regarding their etiology. This led to 2 institutional review board studies: The first quantified HA concentration in orbital fat pads and assessed possible correlation between HA levels and degree of lower eyelid puffiness. The second determined if regular hyaluronidase injections in prominent lower eyelid fat pads impacted their size to uncover a possible role of intrinsic HA and its hydrophilic properties in their etiology.

Methods:

Lower eyelid orbital fat harvested from 20 filler-naive blepharoplasty patients underwent enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for HA quantification. A separate group of 14 filler-naive patients requesting nonsurgical treatment of lower eyelid puffiness were treated with a series of hyaluronidase injections.

Results:

HA levels in prominent eyelid orbital fat pads averaged 39.3 µg/mg of the dry weight, higher than reported in other solid human tissues. Orbital fat HA levels correlated with the degree of clinical puffiness. Hyaluronidase attenuated lower eyelid puffiness in 78.6% of patients. The extent and duration of improvement varied between responders but increased with repetitive injections.

Conclusions:

Prominent orbital fat pads have a higher HA concentration than reported in other solid human tissues. HA hydrophilic properties likely contribute to fat pad edema manifesting as puffiness. Attenuation of prominent lower eyelid fat pads following hyaluronidase injections further implicates intrinsic HA in the etiology of prominent eyelid fat pads.