bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning and transfer learning of earthquake and quarry-blast discrimination: applications to southern California and eastern Kentucky
Authors: Zhu Jun , Fang Lihua , Miao Fajun , Fan Liping , Zhang Ji , Li Zefeng
Published: November 2023

Discrimination between tectonic earthquakes (EQs) and quarry blasts is important for accurate EQ cataloguing and seismic hazard analysis. However, reliable classification of these two types of seismic events is challenging with no prior knowledge of source parameters. Here, we applied deep learning to perform this classification task in southern California and eastern Kentucky. Since the two regions differ significantly in available labelled data, class imbalance and waveform characteristics, we adopted different strategies for them. We directly trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) for southern California due to its data abundancy. To alleviate the class imbalance, the blast data were augmented by repeated sampling. The model for California yields F1-scores of >83.5 per cent when estimated by individual stations and >98.1 per cent by network average (i.e. averaging the CNN’s outputs on all available stations for each event). As eastern Kentucky has a much smaller data size, we apply transfer learning to the pre-trained California model to fit the Kentucky data. The transfer-learned model yields F1-scores of >86.9 per cent when estimated by individual stations and >96.7 per cent by network average. The transfer-learned model outperforms the model re-trained from scratch for the Kentucky data. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping shows the S onset and the S long-period coda are important to identify EQs and blasts, respectively. By visual inspections of the seismograms, the source locations, the origin time and the P-wave polarities, we verified that most of the events falsely predicted by our models are actually mislabelled by seismic analysts. Our models thus show great potential in helping seismic analysts find those mislabelled events which remain hidden in the historical catalogue. Our results demonstrate that deep learning can achieve high accuracy in seismic event discrimination and that transfer learning is effective and efficient to generalize deep learning models across different regions.
Improving health literacy of antibiotic use in people with cystic fibrosis (CF)—comparison of the readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) from the EU, USA and UK of 23 CF-related antibiotics used in the treatment of CF respiratory infections
Authors: Tang Ka Wah Kelly , Millar Beverley C , Moore John E
Published: December 2023

Background

Antibiotic adherence is poor amongst people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Low-quality patient information leaflets (PILs), which accompany prescription antibiotics, with poor readability may contribute to poor antibiotic adherence, with the potential for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development. The aim of this study was to examine the readability of antibiotic PILs used to treat CF lung infections.

Methods

CF-related antibiotics (n = 23; seven classes: aminoglycosides, β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, macrolides/lincosamides, oxazolidinones, tetracyclines, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) were investigated. Readability of PILs (n = 141; 23 antibiotics) from the EU (n = 40), USA (n = 42) and UK (n = 59) was calculated.

Results

Mean [± standard error of mean (SEM)] values for the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) for EU, USA and UK were 50.0 ± 1.1, 56.2 ± 1.3 and 51.7 ± 1.1, respectively (FRE target ≥60). Mean (± SEM) values for the Flesch Kinkaid Grade Level (FKGL) for the EU, USA and UK were 9.0 ± 0.2, 7.5 ± 0.2 and 9.6 ± 0.2, respectively (FKGL target ≤8). US PILs were significantly shorter (P < 0.0001) in words (mean ± SEM = 1365 ± 52), than either UK or EU PILs, with fewer sentences (P < 0.0001), fewer words per sentence (P < 0.0001) and fewer syllables per word. The mean ( ± SEM) reading time of UK PILs (n = 59) was 12.7 ± 0.55 mins .

Conclusions

Readability of antibiotic PILs is poor. Improving PIL readability may lead to improved health literacy, which may translate to increased antibiotic adherence and AMR avoidance. Authors preparing written materials for the lay/patient CF community are encouraged to employ readability calculators, so that final materials are within recommended readability reference parameters, to support the health (antibiotic) literacy of their readers.
Repurposing rabeprazole sodium as an anti-Clostridium perfringensdrug by inhibiting perfringolysin O
Authors: Wang Guizhen , Liu Yan , Deng Le , Liu Hongtao , Deng Xuming , Li Quanshun , Feng Haihua , Guo Zhimin , Qiu Jiazhang
Published: November 2023

Aims

Clostridium perfringens infections affect food safety, human health, and the development of the poultry feed industry. Anti-virulence is an alternative strategy to develop new drug. Perfringolysin O (PFO) is an exotoxin of C. perfringens that has been demonstrated to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of this organism, promising it an attractive target to explore drugs to combat C. perfringens infection.

Methods and results

Based on an activity-based screening, we identified six PFO inhibitors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library, among which rabeprazole sodium (RS) showed an optimal inhibitory effect with an IC50 of 1.82 ± 0.746 µg ml−1. The GLY57, ASP58, SER190, SER193-194, ASN199, GLU204, ASN377, THR379, and ALA200 in PFO interacted with RS during binding based on an energy analysis and H-bond analysis. This interaction blocked the oligomer formation of PFO, thereby inhibiting its cytotoxicity. RS treatment significantly increased the survival rate and alleviated pathological damage in C. perfringens or PFO-treated Galleria mellonella.

Conclusions

RS could potentially be used as a candidate drug for treating C. perfringens infection.
Knowledge and ignorance in Belnap–Dunn logic
Authors: Kozhemiachenko Daniil , Vashentseva Liubov
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we argue that the usual approach to modelling knowledge and belief with the necessity modality $\Box $ does not produce intuitive outcomes in the framework of the Belnap–Dunn logic ($\textsf{BD}$, alias $\textbf{FDE}$—first-degree entailment). We then motivate and introduce a nonstandard modality $\blacksquare $ that formalizes knowledge and belief in $\textsf{BD}$ and use $\blacksquare $ to define $\bullet $ and $\blacktriangledown $ that formalize the unknown truth and ignorance as not knowing whether, respectively. Moreover, we introduce another modality $\textbf{I}$ that stands for factive ignorance and show its connection with $\blacksquare $. We equip these modalities with Kripke-frame-based semantics and construct a sound and complete analytic cut system for $\textsf{BD}^{\blacksquare }$ and $\textsf{BD}^{\textbf{I}}$—the expansions of $\textsf{BD}$ with $\blacksquare $ and $\textbf{I}$. In addition, we show that $\Box $ as it is customarily defined in $\textsf{BD}$ cannot define any of the introduced modalities, nor, conversely, neither $\blacksquare $ nor $\textbf{I}$ can define $\Box $. We also demonstrate that $\blacksquare $ and $\textbf{I}$ are not interdefinable and establish the definability of several important classes of frames using $\blacksquare $.
The languages we speak and the empires we embrace: addressing decolonization through the gaze of the empire
Authors: Ambrossi Paula Alexandra
Published: November 2023

In this article I make a case for differentiating the process of decolonization in education from the process of dismantling the values of the empire and their continuing, subliminal role in our thought and practice (the gaze of the empire). I argue that ignoring the empire within (particularly the word ‘empire’ itself) is what sustains the colonial gaze and what constitutes decolonization’s greatest obstacle. I employ a poststructuralist, Foucauldian framework, which helps me explore notions of power and knowledge through language and the gaze. To illuminate discussions, I make use of some of the historical context necessary to understand the spirit and the tragedy of empire, with its language as principal instrument, as well as some of the literary aspects (Magical Realism and poetry) that have been used to gaze at the colonized and redeem the conqueror.
A methodology for building domain ontology of cultural heritage
Authors: Wei Tong , Chen Yuqi
Published: December 2023

Ontology plays a vital role in linking and publishing heritage data. However, the main difficulties of building ontology faced by heritage institutions are how the cultural heritage information is integrated into a fine-grained ontology. Therefore, following the ISO principles of Terminology (ISO 1087 and 704), this article proposed a term-concept-characteristic methodology that is user-friendly for cultural heritage experts to build a fine-grained ontology. This article aims to provide a method to integrate the fine-grained knowledge of cultural heritage into an ontology, especially when it is necessary to build a fine-grained ontology for particular purposes, such as knowledge-based terminological resources.
Stellar populations in STARFORGE: the origin and evolution of star clusters and associations
Authors: Farias Juan P , Offner Stella S R , Grudić Michael Y , Guszejnov Dávid , Rosen Anna L
Published: November 2023

Most stars form in highly clustered environments within molecular clouds, but eventually disperse into the distributed stellar field population. Exactly how the stellar distribution evolves from the embedded stage into gas-free associations and (bound) clusters is poorly understood. We investigate the long-term evolution of stars formed in the starforge simulation suite – a set of radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of star-forming turbulent clouds that include all key stellar feedback processes inherent to star formation. We use nbody6++gpu to follow the evolution of the young stellar systems after gas removal. We use HDBSCAN to define stellar groups and analyse the stellar kinematics to identify the true bound star clusters. The conditions modeled by the simulations, i.e. global cloud surface densities below 0.15 g cm−2, star formation efficiencies below 15 per cent, and gas expulsion time-scales shorter than a free fall time, primarily produce expanding stellar associations and small clusters. The largest star clusters, which have ∼1000 bound members, form in the densest and lowest velocity dispersion clouds, representing ∼32 and 39 per cent of the stars in the simulations, respectively. The cloud’s early dynamical state plays a significant role in setting the classical star formation efficiency versus bound fraction relation. All stellar groups follow a narrow mass-velocity dispersion power-law relation at 10 Myr with a power-law index of 0.21. This correlation result in a distinct mass–size relationship for bound clusters. We also provide valuable constraints on the gas dispersal time-scale during the star formation process and analyse the implications for the formation of bound systems.
The superluminous Type IIn supernova ASASSN-15ua: part of a continuum in extreme precursor mass-loss
Authors: Dickinson Danielle , Smith Nathan , Andrews Jennifer E , Milne Peter , Kilpatrick Charles D , Milisavljevic Dan
Published: November 2023

We present a series of ground-based photometry and spectroscopy of the superluminous Type IIn supernova (SN) ASASSN-15ua, which shows evidence for strong interaction with pre-existing dense circumstellar material (CSM). Our observations constrain the speed, mass-loss rate, and extent of the progenitor wind shortly before explosion. A narrow P Cygni absorption component reveals a progenitor wind speed of ∼100 km s−1. As observed in previous SNe IIn, the intermediate-width H α emission became more asymmetric and blueshifted over time, suggesting either asymmetric CSM, an asymmetric explosion, or increasing selective extinction from dust within the post-shock shell or SN ejecta. Based on the CSM radius and speed, we find that the progenitor suffered extreme eruptive mass-loss with a rate of 0.1–1 M⊙ yr−1 during the ∼12 yr immediately before the death of the star that imparted ∼ 1048 erg of kinetic energy to the CSM. Integrating its V-band light curve over the first 170 d after discovery, we find that ASASSN-15ua radiated at least 3 × 1050 erg in visual light alone, giving a lower limit to the total radiated energy that may have approached 1051 erg. ASASSN-15ua exhibits many similarities to two well-studied superluminous SNe IIn: SN 2006tf and SN 2010jl. Based on a detailed comparison of these three, we find that ASASSN-15ua falls in between these two events in a wide variety of observed properties and derived physical parameters, illustrating a continuum of behaviour across superluminous SNe IIn.
An off-axis relativistic jet seen in the long lasting delayed radio flare of the TDE AT 2018hyz
Authors: Sfaradi Itai , Beniamini Paz , Horesh Assaf , Piran Tsvi , Bright Joe , Rhodes Lauren , Williams David R A , Fender Rob , Leung James K , Murphy Tara , Green Dave A
Published: November 2023

The Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) AT 2018hyz exhibited a delayed radio flare almost three years after the stellar disruption. Here, we report new radio observations of the TDE AT 2018hyz with the AMI-LA and ATCA spanning from a month to more than four years after the optical discovery and 200 d since the last reported radio observation. We detected no radio emission from 30–220 d after the optical discovery in our observations at 15.5 GHz down to a 3σ level of <0.14 mJy. The fast-rising, delayed radio flare is observed in our radio data set and continues to rise almost ∼1580 d after the optical discovery. We find that the delayed radio emission, first detected 972 d after optical discovery, evolves as t4.2 ± 0.9, at 15.5 GHz. Here, we present an off-axis jet model that can explain the full set of radio observations. In the context of this model, we require a powerful narrow jet with an isotropic equivalent kinetic energy Ek, iso ∼ 1055 erg, an opening angle of ∼7°, and a relatively large viewing angle of ∼42°, launched at the time of the stellar disruption. Within our framework, we find that the minimal collimated energy possible for an off-axis jet from AT 2018hyz is Ek ≥ 3 × 1052 erg. Finally, we provide predictions based on our model for the light curve turnover time, and for the proper motion of the radio emitting source.
Islamic ADR in Britain: Diversity, Hybridity, and Women’s Experiences of Community Justice
Authors: Azzouz Fouzia
Published: December 2023

Key developments in recent decades have contributed to Islamic community justice mechanisms in Britain becoming highly politicized, with a disproportionate focus on Sharia councils. The Sharia council phenomenon, however, does not encompass the full diversity of Islamic Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Britain. This article starts by providing a more comprehensive outlook on Sharia-based ADR mechanisms in Britain by exploring a variety of forums and actors involved in this line of work, including individual imams and Sheikhs, established and lesser-known Sharia councils, and other forums engaged in religious mediation and arbitration. Based on new empirical research conducted with women users and service providers, the article goes on to reflect on ADR processes of mediation and arbitration and reveals that religious actors frequently move back and forth between counselling, negotiating, mediating, and arbitrating within one case and one setting. Finally, the article explores women’s experiences and narratives about faith-based community justice, reflecting particularly on divorce cases which involve domestic violence. Insights into how such cases have been handled by community mechanisms are provided, highlighting where the latter are falling short and identifying avenues for going forward with setting appropriate procedures and responses to protect the welfare of Muslim women.
Genesis of Carbonatite at Oldoinyo Lengai (Tanzania) from Olivine Nephelinite: Protracted Melt Evolution and Reactive Porous Flow in Deep Crustal Mushes
Authors: Mourey Adrien J , France Lydéric , Ildefonse Benoît , Gurenko Andrey , Laporte Didier
Published: November 2023

Carbonatites, carbon-rich magmatic rocks, are thought to form by low-degree partial melting of a relatively carbon-poor mantle followed by protracted differentiation and immiscibility. However, the nature of parental magmas and the characteristics of the early stages of differentiation that shape the subsequent crystal and liquid lines of descent remain poorly constrained. To provide new constraints, deep crustal cumulative xenoliths from Oldoinyo Lengai (East African Rift), the only active volcano erupting carbonatite magmas, were studied. We use major and volatile elements in primitive olivine-hosted melt inclusions, as well as major and trace elements in crystals, to reconstruct the conditions of formation and evolution of cumulates (pressure, temperature, composition). Xenoliths are composed of olivine, diopside, phlogopite, amphibole and accessory minerals. One remarkable feature is the presence of diopside and phlogopite oikocrysts enclosing roundish olivine chadacrysts. Melt inclusions do not have vapor bubble and have major element compositions resembling olivine nephelinite (7–10 wt % MgO after corrections for post-entrapment crystallization). The absence of vapor bubbles implies that the concentrations of volatile components (i.e. CO2, H2O, S) were not compromised by well-known post-entrapment volatile loss into the vapor bubble. Based on the melt inclusion study by SIMS, the volatile concentrations in olivine nephelinite magmas (early stage of differentiation) at Oldoinyo Lengai were 20–130 ppm S, 390–4500 ppm F, 50–540 ppm Cl, up to 6074 ppm CO2 and up to 1.5 wt % H2O. According to the calculated CO2-H2O saturation pressures and geophysical data, xenoliths from Embalulu Oltatwa document a mushy reservoir in the lower crust. Primitive olivine nephelinite melt inclusions have higher H2O contents than olivine nephelinite lavas from other further South volcanoes from the North Tanzanian Divergence (0.2–0.5 wt % H2O), suggesting that the lithospheric mantle source beneath the Oldoinyo Lengai is more hydrated than the mantle beneath the rest of North Tanzanian Divergence. We present a model in which resorption features observed in olivine chadacrysts, together with the LREE enrichments in olivine grains, are the consequences of reactive porous flows in a deep crustal mushy reservoir. We provide constraints on the major, trace and volatile element composition of the parental magmas of carbonatite series and demonstrate with Rhyolite-MELTS models that phonolites and related natrocarbonatites from Oldoinyo Lengai can be produced by protracted differentiation of olivine nephelinite melts.
Fear of sleep in first responders: associations with trauma types, psychopathology, and sleep disturbances
Authors: Reffi Anthony N , Kalmbach David A , Cheng Philip , Tappenden Peter , Valentine Jennifer , Drake Christopher L , Pigeon Wilfred R , Pickett Scott M , Lilly Michelle M
Published: December 2023

Study Objectives

Fear of sleep contributes to insomnia in some individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but remains uncharacterized in first responders, a population with high rates of insomnia and PTSD. We evaluated the clinical relevance of fear of sleep in first responders by (1) examining its relationship with trauma types and clinical symptoms and (2) assessing differences in fear of sleep severity between those reporting provisional PTSD, insomnia, or both.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 242 first responders across the United States (59.2% male, 86.4% white, 56.2% law enforcement officers, 98.7% active duty, and Myears of service = 17). Participants completed the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form and measures of trauma history, psychopathology (e.g. PTSD), and sleep disturbances (insomnia and trauma-related nightmares).

Results

Fear of sleep was associated with trauma types characterized by interpersonal violence and victimization, as well as symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use problems, insomnia, and trauma-related nightmares. Fear of sleep was most pronounced among first responders reporting provisional PTSD comorbid with insomnia compared to those with PTSD or insomnia only. Post hoc analyses revealed PTSD hyperarousal symptoms and trauma-related nightmares were independently associated with fear of sleep, even after adjusting for the remaining PTSD clusters, insomnia, sex, and years of service.

Conclusions

Fear of sleep is a clinically relevant construct in first responders that is associated with a broad range of psychopathology symptoms and is most severe among those with cooccurring PTSD and insomnia. Fear of sleep may merit targeted treatment in first responders. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Health in the Justice System Collection.
Risk mapping of wildlife–vehicle collisions across the state of Montana, USA: a machine-learning approach for imbalanced data along rural roads
Authors: Bell Matthew , Wang Yiyi , Ament Rob
Published: December 2023

Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) with large animals are estimated to cost the USA over 8 billion USD in property damage, tens of thousands of human injuries and nearly 200 human fatalities each year. Most WVCs occur on rural roads and are not collected evenly among road segments, leading to imbalanced data. There are a disproportionate number of analysis units that have zero WVC cases when investigating large geographic areas for collision risk. Analysis units with zero WVCs can reduce prediction accuracy and weaken the coefficient estimates of statistical learning models. This study demonstrates that the use of the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) to handle imbalanced WVC data in combination with statistical and machine-learning models improves the ability to determine seasonal WVC risk across the rural highway network in Montana, USA. An array of regularized variables describing landscape, road and traffic were used to develop negative binomial and random forest models to infer WVC rates per 100 million vehicle miles travelled. The random forest model is found to work particularly well with SMOTE-augmented data to improve the prediction accuracy of seasonal WVC risk. SMOTE-augmented data are found to improve accuracy when predicting crash risk across fine-grained grids while retaining the characteristics of the original dataset. The analyses suggest that SMOTE augmentation mitigates data imbalance that is encountered in seasonally divided WVC data. This research provides the basis for future risk-mapping models and can potentially be used to address the low rates of WVCs and other crash types along rural roads.
Design of potential anti-cancer agents as COX-2 inhibitors, using 3D-QSAR modeling, molecular docking, oral bioavailability proprieties, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Er-rajy Mohammed , El fadili Mohamed , Faris Abdelmoujoud , Zarougui Sara , Elhallaoui Menana
Published: November 2023

Modeling the structural properties of novel morpholine-bearing 1, 5-diaryl-diazole derivatives as potent COX-2 inhibitor, two proposed models based on CoMFA and CoMSIA were evaluated by external and internal validation methods. Partial least squares analysis produced statistically significant models with Q2 values of 0.668 and 0.652 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively, and also a significant non-validated correlation coefficient R² with values of 0.882 and 0.878 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively. Both models met the requirements of Golbraikh and Tropsha, which means that both models are consistent with all validation techniques. Analysis of the CoMFA and CoMSIA contribution maps and molecular docking revealed that the R1 substituent has a very significant effect on their biological activity. The most active molecules were evaluated for their thermodynamic stability by performing MD simulations for 100 ns; it was revealed that the designed macromolecular ligand complex with 3LN1 protein exhibits a high degree of structural and conformational stability. Based on these results, we predicted newly designed compounds, which have acceptable oral bioavailability properties and would have high synthetic accessibility.
Exploring Evidence of Fatigue in Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Wood Jennifer , Verity Sarah Jane
Published: December 2023

Background:

As the number of survivors of childhood brain tumor increase, fatigue is increasingly recognized as a long-term correlate of survivorship.

Objective:

To systematically evaluate the evidence for fatigue in pediatric brain tumor survivors.

Method:

A systematic search using EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO identified 20 papers meeting the inclusion criteria.

Result:

Nineteen of the 20 studies reviewed showed conclusive evidence of fatigue in survivors of pediatric brain tumor. This review found that the construct of fatigue was poorly defined throughout, with early onset fatigue associated with the physical effects of treatment and later emergent fatigue associated with long-term cognitive impairment not distinguished.

Conclusion:

Poor construct validity reduces the generalizability of the data and its utility in developing effective interventions. Current research does not provide a sound basis for developing effective management and rehabilitation plans and fails to support children who have survived brain tumor.

Implications for Practice:

The nebulous definition and imprecise measurement of posttumor fatigue leaves survivors without a clear diagnosis of impairment, and, in the case of some regions, access to treatment. Further research built on a well-defined construct offers the potential to improve the quality of life of pediatric brain tumor survivors.

What is Foundational:

Despite the significant impact of “fatigue” on cancer survivorship, much of the research available is based upon a poorly defined construct. This paper is the first to question the utility of this all-encompassing construct and to call for further research that identifies the fatigue experience in different subgroups of brain tumor survivors.
Comprehensive Monitoring of Psychoactive Substances in Psychiatric Patients Using Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: A Key Tool for Treatment Planning and Understanding Consumption Patterns in Rome, Italy
Authors: La Maida Nunzia , Di Giorgi Alessandro , Pichini Simona , Pellegrini Manuela , Di Trana Annagiulia , Elmo Maria Giuseppa , Polselli Gian Marco , Casella Pietro , Di Stefano Adele , Ducci Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Background:

The comprehensive monitoring of licit and illicit drug consumption plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of patient conditions and designing effective treatment strategies. In this study, the prevalence of psychoactive prescription drugs, classical illicit drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS) were objectively assessed in individuals diagnosed with drug-related psychiatric disorders or episodes.

Methods:

Blood, urine, and hair samples were collected from psychiatric patients admitted to the Mental Health Department and Drug Addiction Service of the North Rome Local Health Authority with declared or suspected psychoactive drug use. Comprehensive drug screening was conducted for all samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Results:

A total of 71 blood and urine and 50 hair samples were analyzed to confirm the suitability of the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry method for the study purposes. The main substances found in blood and urine were antipsychotics (71.8% and 66.2%) and benzodiazepines (62.0% and 59.2%), respectively, whereas cocaine (84.0%) and antipsychotics (74.0%) was more evident in hair. Z-drugs were detected in blood (7.0%), urine (5.6%), and hair (24%) samples; amphetamines were mainly detected in hair samples (14.0%). Synthetic cathinones were the most frequently detected NPS in hair specimens (8.0%), whereas synthetic cannabinoids were mainly found in blood samples (11.3%). These analyses showed that patients were polydrug users (77.5% detected in blood and urine, and 94.0% in hair).

Conclusions:

Comprehensive screening enabled the assessment of past, recent, and actual consumption of psychoactive substances, including licit and illicit drugs and NPS, by psychiatric patients. A thorough understanding of substance consumption patterns can enhance therapeutic interventions and management of psychiatric disorders associated with psychoactive substance use.
Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in Home Health Workers in New York City: A Pilot Study
Authors: McCabe Chelsea Aleo , Venkatram Chinmayi , Yarakala Sahiti , Korin Maya , Boulos Alexander , Oliver Kristin
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to identify characteristics surrounding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and trust in home health workers (HHWs) in New York City.

Methods

Data were collected from HHWs through focus group sessions conducted via Zoom. We developed a facilitator guide using the 5C Scale, a validated psychometric tool for assessing vaccine hesitancy. We performed qualitative thematic analysis using a combined inductive and deductive approach.

Results

Major themes that emerged included the following: conflicting information decreased vaccine confidence; individualized outreach is valued when information gathering; mandates and financial incentives may increase skepticism; low health literacy and conflict in personal relationships are barriers to acceptance; and experiencing a severe infection and fear of exposure at work increase acceptance.

Conclusions

Based on our study, personalized yet consistent messaging may be key to reaching hesitant HHWs.
An online and telehealth intervention for women diagnosed with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Journey Ahead pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Manne Sharon , Virtue Shannon , Kashy Deborah , Frederick Sara , Jim Heather , Leiser Aliza , Studts Christina
Published: December 2023

Background:

Women diagnosed with gynecological cancer suffer from disease-related and treatment-related symptoms that can result in diminished quality of life and persistent distress. There are few evidence-based treatments to mitigate distress for these survivors.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Journey Ahead, a blended online and telehealth coaching intervention adapted from the in-person Coping and Communication Intervention.

Methods:

Fourteen women diagnosed and treated for gynecological cancer completed a baseline survey and were enrolled in Journey Ahead, which consisted of eight online modules and five telehealth coaching calls, and then completed a follow-up survey and treatment evaluation.

Results:

Acceptance rates (27.5%) and follow-up survey completion (57.1%) were lower than expected. Eighty-six percent of participants logged into the online program, and 64.2% completed it. Eighty-three percent of participants completed four or five of the telehealth sessions, and 35.7% attended one session or did not attend any of the telehealth sessions. The results indicated that this intervention reduced depressive symptoms and cancer-related distress and increased emotional well-being, emotional expression, acceptance, psychological flexibility, and coping efficacy.

Conclusions:

The results highlight the challenges of recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of collecting detailed information from study participants about how to engage them in fully remote interventions. Overall, this single-arm pilot and feasibility study demonstrated satisfactory feasibility, excellent acceptability, and a promising preliminary impact on psychological outcomes.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children
Authors: Rees Chris A. , Kuppermann Nathan , Florin Todd A.
Published: November 2023

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common cause of childhood mortality globally. In the United States, CAP is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and antibiotic use and is associated with substantial morbidity. There has been a dramatic shift in microbiological etiologies for CAP in children over time as pneumococcal pneumonia has become less common and viral etiologies have become predominant. There is no commonly agreed on approach to the diagnosis of CAP in children. When indicated, antimicrobial treatment should consist of narrow-spectrum antibiotics. In this article, we will describe the current understanding of the microbiological etiologies, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, risk factors, treatment, and future directions in the diagnosis and management of pediatric CAP.
Top 10 academic progress on traditional Chinese medicine in 2022
Authors:   China Association of Chinese Medicine
Published: November 2023

Background

To implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and theOpinions on Promoting the Inheritance, Innovation, and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), regularly summarize the research results of TCM, present the academic progress on TCM dynamically, and fully leverage the academic leadership of academic groups, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the selection of the top 10 academic progress on TCM in 2022. The selection process adhered to 4 orientations, eliminated any biases, highlighted the solutions to clinical problems, answered scientific questions, and led the industry’s development. It reflected an exploratory and forward-looking approach, emphasizing innovation and breakthroughs. The selection focused on new laws, new discoveries, new methods, new products, and new theories in the field of basic research and applied basic research in TCM. Through a process of dynamic collection, preliminary examination, review, and final judgment, the top 10 academic progress of TCM in 2022 were determined.
A general model for the motion of multivalent cargo interacting with substrates
Authors: Mosby L. S. , Straube A. , Polin M.
Published: November 2023

Multivalent interactions are common in biology at many different length scales, and can result in the directional motion of multivalent cargo along substrates. Here, a general analytical model has been developed that can describe the directional motion of multivalent cargo as a response to position dependence in the binding and unbinding rates exhibited by their interaction sites. Cargo exhibit both an effective velocity, which acts in the direction of increasing cargo–substrate binding rate and decreasing cargo–substrate unbinding rate, and an effective diffusivity. This model can reproduce previously published experimental findings using only the binding and unbinding rate distributions of cargo interaction sites, and without any further parameter fitting. Extension of the cargo binding model to two dimensions reveals an effective velocity with the same properties as that derived for the one-dimensional case.
Identifying Naturalistic Movies from Human Brain Activity with High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography
Authors: Markow Zachary E. , Tripathy Kalyan , Svoboda Alexandra M. , Schroeder Mariel L. , Rafferty Sean M. , Richter Edward J. , Eggebrecht Adam T. , Anastasio Mark A. , Chevillet Mark A. , Mugler Emily M. , Naufel Stephanie N. , Yin Allen , Trobaugh Jason W. , Culver Joseph P.
Published: November 2023

Modern neuroimaging modalities, particularly functional MRI (fMRI), can decode detailed human experiences. Thousands of viewed images can be identified or classified, and sentences can be reconstructed. Decoding paradigms often leverage encoding models that reduce the stimulus space into a smaller yet generalizable feature set. However, the neuroimaging devices used for detailed decoding are non-portable, like fMRI, or invasive, like electrocorticography, excluding application in naturalistic use. Wearable, non-invasive, but lower-resolution devices such as electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have been limited to decoding between stimuli used during training. Herein we develop and evaluate model-based decoding with high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT), a higher-resolution expansion of fNIRS with demonstrated promise as a surrogate for fMRI. Using a motion energy model of visual content, we decoded the identities of novel movie clips outside the training set with accuracy far above chance for single-trial decoding. Decoding was robust to modulations of testing time window, different training and test imaging sessions, hemodynamic contrast, and optode array density. Our results suggest that HD-DOT can translate detailed decoding into naturalistic use.
Rate of brain aging associates with future executive function in Asian children and older adults
Authors: Cheng Susan F. , Yue Wan Lin , Ng Kwun Kei , Qian Xing , Liu Siwei , Tan Trevor W.K. , Nguyen Kim-Ngan , Leong Ruth L.F. , Hilal Saima , Cheng Ching-Yu , Tan Ai Peng , Law Evelyn C. , Gluckman Peter D. , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Chong Yap Seng , Meaney Michael J. , Chee Michael W.L. , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Zhou Juan Helen
Published: November 2023

Brain age has emerged as a powerful tool to understand neuroanatomical aging and its link to health outcomes like cognition. However, there remains a lack of studies investigating the rate of brain aging and its relationship to cognition. Furthermore, most brain age models are trained and tested on cross-sectional data from primarily Caucasian, adult participants. It is thus unclear how well these models generalize to non-Caucasian participants, especially children. Here, we tested a previously published deep learning model on Singaporean elderly participants (55−88 years old) and children (4−11 years old). We found that the model directly generalized to the elderly participants, but model finetuning was necessary for children. After finetuning, we found that the rate of change in brain age gap was associated with future executive function performance in both elderly participants and children. We further found that lateral ventricles and frontal areas contributed to brain age prediction in elderly participants, while white matter and posterior brain regions were more important in predicting brain age of children. Taken together, our results suggest that there is potential for generalizing brain age models to diverse populations. Moreover, the longitudinal change in brain age gap reflects developing and aging processes in the brain, relating to future cognitive function.
Epigenomic signatures as circulating and predictive biomarkers in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma
Authors: El Zarif Talal , Semaan Karl , Eid Marc , Sep Ji-Heui , Semaan Simon Garinet , Davidsohn Matthew P. , Fortunato Brad , Canniff John , Nassar Amin H. , Abou Alaiwi Sarah , Bakouny Ziad , Lakshmi Gitanjali , Savigano Hunter , Lyons Kevin , Matar Sayed , Ali Atef , Saad Eddy , Saliby Renee Maria , Cordeiro Paulo , Zhang Ziwei , El Ahmar Nourhan , Nabil Laimon Yasmine , Labaki Chris , Shah Valisha , Freeman Dory , O’Toole Jillian , Lee Gwo-Shu Mary , Hwang Justin , Pomerantz Mark , Signoretti Sabina , Xie Wanling , Berchuck Jacob E. , Viswanathan Srinivas R. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Braun David A. , Choueiri Toni K. , Freedman Matthew L. , Baca Sylvan C.
Published: November 2023

Renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation (sRCC) is associated with poor survival and heightened response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Two major barriers to improving outcomes for sRCC are (1) a limited understanding of its gene regulatory programs and (2) difficulty identifying sarcomatoid differentiation on tumor biopsies due to spatial heterogeneity. To address these challenges, we characterized the epigenomic landscape of sRCC by profiling 107 epigenomic libraries in tissue and plasma samples from 50 patients with RCC and healthy volunteers. We identified highly recurrent epigenomic reprogramming, as assessed by histone modifications and DNA methylation, that distinguishes sRCC from non-sarcomatoid RCC. Computational analysis of RCC epigenomic profiles and CRISPRa experiments implicated the transcription factor FOSL1 in activating sRCC-associated gene regulatory programs. Analysis of two randomized clinical trials identified FOSL1 expression as a predictive biomarker of response to ICIs in RCC. Finally, we demonstrate that epigenomic signatures of sRCC are detectable in patient plasma, establishing an approach for blood-based diagnosis of this clinically important phenotype. These findings provide a framework for the discovery and non-invasive detection of epigenomic correlates of tumor histology via liquid biopsy.
Making Sense of Neural Networks in the Light of Evolutionary Optimization
Authors: Sinitskiy Anton V.
Published: November 2023

To what extent can evolution be considered as the sole first principle that explains all properties of nervous systems? This paper proposes an innovative, mathematically rigorous perspective on understanding nervous systems from an evolutionary perspective, leveraging methods of nonequilibrium statistical physics. This approach allows for modeling an exhaustive evolutionary optimization of nervous systems irrespective of any specific molecular and cellular mechanisms, approximate neuronal models or evolutionary history events. This novel method may shed light on key properties of biological neural networks and may also have potential relevance for understanding artificial neural networks.
A multistage, dual voxel study of glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia supports a primary pyramidal dysfunction model of disorganization
Authors: Fan Lejia , Zhang Zhenmei , Ma Xiaoqian , Liang Liangbing , Wang Yujue , Yuan liu , Ouyang Lijun , Li Zongchang , Chen Xiaogang , He Ying , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: November 2023

Background

Schizophrenia is an illness where glutamatergic dysfunction in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been long suspected; Recent in vivo evidence (Adams et al. 2022) has implicated pyramidal dysfunction (reduced glutamate tone) as the primary pathophysiology contributing to subtle features, with a secondary disinhibition effect (higher glutamate tone) resulting in the later emergence of prominent clinical symptoms. We investigate if genetic high risk (GHR) for schizophrenia reduces glutamatergic tone in ACC when compared to the states of clinical high risk (CHR) and first episode schizophrenia (FES) where symptoms are already prominent.

Methods

We recruited 302 individuals across multiple stages of psychosis (CHR, n=63; GHR, n=76; FES, n=96) and healthy controls (n=67) and obtained proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of glutamate from perigenual ACC (pACC) and dorsal ACC (dACC) using 3-Tesla scanner.

Results

GHR had lower Glu compared to CHR while CHR had higher Glu compared to FES and HC. Higher disorganization burden, but not any other symptom domain, was predicted by lower levels of Glu in the GHR group (dACC and pACC) and in the CHR group (pACC only).

Conclusions

The reduction in glutamatergic tone in GHR supports the case for a pyramidal dysfunction contributing to higher disorganization, indicating disorganization to be the core domain in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Higher glutamate (likely due to disinhibition) is apparent when psychotic symptoms are raising to be prominent (CHR), though at the full-blown stage of psychosis, the relationship between glutamate and symptoms ceases to be a simple linear one.
The differing prevalences of propionate and butyrate-producing bacteria in the human gut microbiota
Authors: Christensen Rebecca , Wang Yu Han Daisy , Arnoldini Markus , Cremer Jonas
Published: November 2023

Propionate and butyrate are major fermentation products released during the anaerobic growth of bacteria in the large intestine with strong implications on host health. While the different metabolic pathways leading to the release of these products are biochemically well characterized, less is known about their relative abundances across hosts and conditions. Here, we introduce a bioinformatics pipeline which connects pathway analyses, gene identification via sequence homology, and the screening of metagenomic samples to systematically identify the abundances of propionate producing pathways across individuals and in relation to butyrate producing pathways. We found that on average 36% of all genomes of a gut microbiota carried propionate producing pathways with the sodium-pumping succinate pathway being the most prevalent. This pathway abundance was anti-correlated to the abundance of butyrate pathways and greatly depended on host physiology. For example, propionate pathway abundance varied strongly among infants with a substantially higher abundance in vaginally than C-section born infants, increased in early adulthood, and decreased again with higher ages. This is in strong contrast to the known variation of butyrate pathway abundance, which is close to zero in infants and steadily increases with age. These results highlight the contrasting prevalence of both fermentation products at the individual level with shifts in microbiota composition resulting in strong consequences on the amount of butyrate and propionate available to the host.
Central corneal thickness and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma: a Mendelian randomization mediation analysis
Authors: Katsimpris Andreas , Baumeister Sebastian-Edgar , Baurecht Hansjörg , Tatham Andrew J , Nolde Michael
Published: November 2023

The association of central corneal thickness (CCT) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) remains uncertain. Although, several observational studies assessing this relationship, have reported an inverse association between CCT and POAG, this could be the result of collider bias. In this study, we leveraged human genetic data to assess through Mendelian randomization (MR) the effect of CCT on POAG risk, and whether this effect is mediated by intraocular pressure (IOP) changes. We used 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CCT (P-value < 5×10-8) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) (N = 17,803) provided by the International Glaucoma Genetics Consortium and 53 SNPs associated with IOP (P-value < 5×10-8) from a GWAS of UK Biobank (UKBB) (N = 97,653). We related these instruments with POAG using a GWAS meta-analysis of 8,283 POAG cases and 753,827 controls from UKBB and FinnGen. MR analysis suggested a positive association between CCT and POAG (odds ratio of POAG per 50μm increase in CCT: 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 1.61; p-value < 0.01). MR mediation analysis showed that 28.4% of the total effect of CCT on POAG risk was mediated through changes in IOP. The primary results were consistent with estimates of pleiotropy-robust MR methods. In conclusion, contrary to most observational studies, our results support a positive effect of CCT on the risk of POAG.