bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Producerist populist attitudes and electoral support for populism in the USA and Western Europe
Authors: Ivaldi Gilles , Mazzoleni Oscar
Published: June 2024

This article aims to clarify the importance of producerism as a socio-economic dimension of contemporary populism. Building on the existing literature about the supply of producerism by populist politicians, we adopt a demand-side perspective to investigate whether producerism consistently manifests among the general public and how it may affect populist voting. We draw on an original set of items and a cross-national survey conducted in Western Europe and the USA to identify clusters of citizens with distinct left-wing and right-wing producerist attitudes. Our findings show that such attitudes are no longer exclusive to American politics but also found in Western Europe, albeit with country-specific modifications. Moreover, producerist citizens show distinct socio-cultural and economic attitudes and are more likely to support populist parties and candidates, particularly on the right side of the political spectrum.
Wealth, gender and sexual orientation—evidence from siblings
Authors: Dujeancourt Erwan , Boschini Anne , Nordén Anna
Published: June 2024

Using Swedish administrative data, this study investigates the link between wealth and sexual orientation across genders, focusing on nearly 4400 individuals who have ever been in a same-sex legal union and their siblings who had been exclusively in different-sex relationships. Employing unconditional quantile regressions and sibling fixed effects, we show that the wealth gap by gender and sexual orientation varies across the wealth distribution. Men in same-sex couples (SSCs) experience a wealth penalty below the 70th percentile but a premium above it. For women, the wealth penalty persists until the 95th percentile. Similar patterns hold for the wealth subcomponents, with men in SSCs holding more financial resources, real estate and debt at the top of the distributions, while women in SSCs hold more financial resources but less real estate and total debt. Additional analysis highlights the positive marginal effects of urban residency and years of schooling on these patterns.
Micro-CT data reveal new information on the craniomandibular and neuroanatomy of the dicynodont Gordonia (Therapsida: Anomodontia) from the late Permian of Scotland
Authors: George Hady , Kammerer Christian F , Foffa Davide , Clark Neil D L , Brusatte Stephen L
Published: June 2024

Dicynodontia was an abundant, globally widespread clade of Permo-Triassic synapsids on the stem lineage of mammals. Although there is an extensive body of literature on dicynodont craniomandibular anatomy, only recently has the power of computed tomographic (CT) scanning been applied to this system. CT-assisted research on dicynodonts has focused on the smallest members of the clade, while larger dicynodonts (particularly the members of the diverse, long-ranging subclade Bidentalia) have received comparatively little attention. Here, we work towards filling that gap by presenting a µCT-assisted reconstruction of ‘The Elgin Marvel’, a bidentalian specimen consisting of a complete cranium and mandible from late Permian deposits near Elgin, Scotland, which historically has been difficult to study because of its unusual preservation as void space in sandstone. This specimen can be referred to Gordonia, which is solely represented by moulds of void specimens. The µCT data reveal new information on the palate and endocranium of this taxon that could not previously be gleaned from physical moulds made from the void specimens. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that Gordonia and the Chinese Jimusaria form a clade of bidentalians characterized by narrow pterygoid medial plates, expanding our understanding of late Permian biogeography. The endocast of Gordonia is similar to that of other non-cynodont therapsids, and has a remarkably enlarged pineal body, probably related to exaggeration of the sagittal crest. Comparisons of encephalization quotients (EQ), a measure of brain size relative to body size, reveal Gordonia has a similar EQ to most other non-cynodont therapsids.
The Relationship Between Nursing Students’ Psychological Distress and Perceived Stress and the Nursing Educational Environment
Authors: Watson Mayantoinette F. , Patti Marion
Published: June 2024

AIM

This study aimed to identify associations between psychological distress and perceived stress and the educational environment among baccalaureate nursing students.

BACKGROUND

BSN students are a high-risk group for mental problems. High attrition rates are noted among students who screen for psychological distress.

METHOD

A quantitative descriptive design was utilized with a convenience sample of 202 students. Psychological distress was correlated with perceived stress and educational environment. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Psychological distress was reported in 45 percent of the sample. A significant positive relationship between being married and experiencing reduced psychological distress was found. Perceived stress and educational environment were significantly correlated (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Perceived stress from the educational environment plays a role in influential factors of psychological distress.
Health Care Fraud and Abuse: Lessons From One of the Largest Scandals of the 21st Century in the Field of Spine Surgery
Authors: Szewczyk Thomas , Sinha Michael S. , Gerling Jack , Zhang Justin K. , Mercier Philippe , Mattei Tobias A.
Published: June 2024

Up to hundreds of billions of dollars are annually lost to fraud and abuse in the US health care, making it a significant burden on the system. This study investigates a specific instance of health care fraud in spine surgery, in which a medical device company ended up paying $75 million to settle violations of the False Claims Act. We review the surgical background regarding the kyphoplasty procedure, as well as its billing and reimbursement details. We also explore the official legal complaint brought by the US Department of Justice to tell the story of how one of the most significant medical innovations in spine surgery in the 21st century turned into a widespread fraudulent marketing scheme. In the sequence, we provide a detailed root cause analysis of this scandal and propose some proactive measures that can be taken to avoid such type of unfortunate events. Ultimately, this historical health care scandal constitutes a valuable lesson to surgeons, health care administrators, medical device companies, and policymakers on how misaligned incentives and subsequent unscrupulous practices can transform a medical innovation into an unfortunate tale of fraud and deceit.
The Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the Oswestry Disability Index Substantially Varies Based on Calculation Method
Authors: Solomito Matthew J. , Kia Cameron , Makanji Heeren
Published: June 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

Evaluate differences in the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold value based on various acceptable statistical methods, and how these differences may influence the interpretation of surgical benefit following elective 1 and 2 level lumbar fusion.

Summary of Background Data.

The MCID is a statistically determined threshold value to evaluate if a patient has received benefit from a medical procedure. In the era of value based medicine, the MCID has become increasingly important. However, there is substantial ambiguity surrounding the interpretation of this value given that it can be influenced by both demographic and methodological factors.

Methods.

371 patients that underwent one or two level elective lumbar fusion between June 2021 and June 2023 were included in this study. All patients completed both their preoperative and 6 month post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), as well as two anchor questions concerning satisfaction with their surgical procedure. The MCID values were calculated using 16 accepted statistical methods, and the resulting MCID values were applied to the cohort to determine how many patients reached MCID by 6 months post fusion.

Results.

Results demonstrated significant variability in the MCID value. The average MCID value for all 16 methods was 10.5±7.0 points range (0.8 to 25). Distribution methods provided lower threshold MCID values but had greater variability while the Anchor methods resulted in higher threshold values but had lower variability. Depending on the method used 30 to 83% of the cohort reached MCID by 6 months.

Conclusion.

The statistical method used to calculate the MCID resulted in significantly different threshold values, and greatly affected the number of patients meeting MCID. The results demonstrates the complexity surrounding the interpretation of MCID values, and calls into question the utility of a single statistically determined value to assess surgical success.
Comparing Collagenase and Tissue Subcision for Cellulite Treatment of the Buttock and Thigh Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Foppiani Jose A. , Raska Otakar , Galinaud Cécilia , Stearns Stephen , Hernandez Alvarez Angelica , Taritsa Iulianna C. , Schuster Kirsten A. , Ho Olivia A. , TerKonda Sarvam , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: June 2024

Background:

In this systematic review, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (CCH) and tissue subcision (TS) for treating cellulite, which ranges from subtle to pronounced lesions.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines for CCH and TS treatment to the thigh and gluteal regions. A proportion meta-analysis was then conducted using Stata statistical software.

Results:

A total of 14 studies were incorporated into the final analysis. Nine focused on TS and five on CCH injection, collectively reporting outcomes for 1254 patients. Of these, 465 received CCH injection and 789 underwent subcision. For bruising, rates were 89% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71%–96%] with CCH injection and 99% (95% CI, 85%–99%) for subcision; pain requiring analgesic was reported at 74% (95% CI, 55%–87%) for CCH and 60% (95% CI, 43%–76%) for subcision; both showed induration at 7% (95% CI, 5%–11% for CCH, 95% CI, 2%–25% for subcision), whereas skin discoloration was higher post-CCH injection at 16% (95% CI, 10%–26%) compared with 7% (95% CI, 5%–10%) postsubcision.

Conclusions:

Both CCH and TS seem effective treatments for cellulite. However, upon evaluating the adverse outcomes between the two modalities, subcision demonstrated a higher incidence of bruising, albeit similar rates of induration compared with CCH injection. Conversely, the CCH injection group manifested a higher propensity for pain requiring analgesia and notably exhibited increased instances of skin discoloration compared with their subcision patient group. Further standardized research is crucial for more informed cellulite treatment decisions and for comparing efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness between TS and CCH.
Aldosterone-independent regulation of K+ secretion in the distal nephron
Authors: Demko John , Weber Robert , Pearce David , Saha Bidisha
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Maintenance of plasma K+ concentration within a narrow range is critical to all cellular functions. The kidneys are the central organ for K+ excretion, and robust renal excretory responses to dietary K+ loads are essential for survival. Recent advances in the field have challenged the view that aldosterone is at the center of K+ regulation. This review will examine recent findings and propose a new mechanism for regulating K+ secretion.

Recent findings

Local aldosterone-independent response systems in the distal nephron are increasingly recognized as key components of the rapid response to an acute K+ load, as well as playing an essential role in sustained responses to increased dietary K+. The master kinase mTOR, best known for its role in mediating the effects of growth factors and insulin on growth and cellular metabolism, is central to these aldosterone-independent responses. Recent studies have shown that mTOR, particularly in the context of the “type 2” complex (mTORC2), is regulated by K+ in a cell-autonomous fashion.

New concepts related to cell-autonomous K+ signaling and how it interfaces with aldosterone-dependent regulation are emerging. The underlying signaling pathways and effectors of regulated K+ secretion, as well as implications for the aldosterone paradox and disease pathogenesis are discussed.
Combined Efficacy of Nimotuzumab and Gemcitabine on the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Yi , Li Dan , Liu Qianqian , Li Jun
Published: June 2024

Objective

We sought to investigate whether the addition of nimotuzumab to gemcitabine would improve the treatment efficacy of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

This retrospective analysis involved a total of 98 hospitalized patients harboring advanced pancreatic cancer. Depending on the specific treatment, patients were divided into study groups and control groups. The clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and follow-up results of the 2 groups were compared, and the physical status, CA724, CA19-9, and CEA levels before and after treatment were monitored and recorded.

Results

After treatment, PR ratio, SD ratio, ORR, and DCR in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and PD ratio was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05) the KPS score after treatment in the study group was markedly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, however, significantly lower levels of the 3 indicators were observed when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study highlights a more superior combined efficacy of nimotuzumab and gemcitabine than the control regimen, exhibiting improved survival and reduced levels of CA724, CA19-9, and CEA in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Simulation-Based Training Program for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement
Authors: Corvetto Marcia A. , Kattan Eduardo , Ramírez Gaspar , Besa Pablo , Abbott Eduardo , Zamorano Elga , Contreras Víctor , Altermatt Fernando R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Simulation training that includes deliberate practice is effective for procedural skill training. Delivering feedback remotely and asynchronously has been examined for more cost-efficient training. This prospective randomized study aimed to compare 2 feedback techniques for simulation training: synchronous direct feedback versus asynchronous distance feedback (ASYNC).

Methods

Forty anesthesia and internal medicine residents were recruited after study approval by the institutional ethics committee. Residents reviewed instructional material on an online platform and performed a pretraining assessment (PRE) for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement. Each resident was then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training types, practice with synchronous direct feedback (SYNC) or practice with ASYNC. Training consisted of four, 1-hour practice sessions; each was conducted once per week. Both groups underwent posttraining evaluation (POST). The PRE and POST assessments were videotaped and evaluated by 2 independent, blinded reviewers using a global rating scale.

Results

Thirty-five residents completed the training program and both evaluations. Both groups had significantly improved global rating scale scores after 4 sessions. The SYNC group improved from 28 to 45 points (P < 0.01); the ASYNC group improved from 26.5 to 46 points (P < 0.01). We found no significant between-group differences for the PRE (P = 0.42) or POST assessments (P = 0.13).

Conclusion

This simulation-based training program significantly improved residents' peripherally inserted central venous catheter placement skills using either modality. With these results, we are unable to demonstrate the superiority of synchronous feedback over ASYNC. Asynchronous feedback training modality represents a new, innovative approach for health care procedural skills training.
Infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses may govern trophic interactions between maggots and insectivorous passerine birds
Authors: Hashizume Akane , Koda Ryosuke , Nakashima Yoshihiro
Published: June 2024

Infection risk by pathogenic agents motivates hosts to avoid using resources with high risks. This, in turn, results in increased availability of these resources for other species that are more tolerant of infections. For instance, carcasses of mammalian carnivores are frequently avoided by conspecific or closely related carnivores, allowing them to be almost exclusively used by maggots. This may lead to novel interactions with other species. This study investigated the consumption of maggots from carnivore carcasses by non-corvid passerines. We successfully monitored 66 raccoon carcasses in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2016 to 2019. Vertebrates only scavenged 14 carcasses before maggot dispersal; the other 52 carcasses produced abundant maggots that regularly fed at least 12 species of non-corvid passerines. Surprisingly, predation occurred at a distance from the carcasses, mainly after maggot dispersal for pupation, despite the higher efficiency of feeding on maggot masses on the carcasses. Birds are likely to reduce the potential risk of infection from the carcass and/or from maggots on the carcasses. Overall, only 1% of maggots were consumed. Our results suggest that necrophagous flies could benefit from the infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses, which may decrease scavenging by other carnivores and constrain maggot consumption by insectivorous birds.
Zygomorphic flowers last longer: the evolution of floral symmetry and floral longevity
Authors: Stephens R. E. , Gallagher R. V. , Méndez M. , Sauquet H.
Published: June 2024

Floral longevity, the length of time a flower remains open and functional, is a phylogenetically conserved trait that balances floral costs against the rate at which flowers are pollinated. Floral symmetry has long been considered a key trait in floral evolution. Although zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetric) flowers typically receive fewer floral visitors than actinomorphic (radially symmetric) flowers, it is yet to be determined whether this could be associated with longer floral longevity. Using newly collected field data combined with data from the literature on 1452 species in 168 families, we assess whether floral longevity covaries with floral symmetry in a phylogenetic framework. We find that zygomorphic flowers last on average 1.1 days longer than actinomorphic flowers, a 26.5% increase in longevity, with considerable variation across both groups. Our results provide a basis to discuss the ecological and evolutionary costs of zygomorphy for plants. Despite these costs, zygomorphy has evolved numerous times throughout angiosperm history, and we discuss which rewards may outweigh the costs of slower pollination in zygomorphic flowers.
Population characteristics and predation rates of the dominant soft-bodied and durophagous predators on temperate intertidal shores
Authors: Peck Lloyd S. , Mance Hannah E. , Ellis Miles B. , Matok Daniel , Grange Laura J.
Published: June 2024

Substantial research exists on predation and its ecology. Most research has focused on durophagous fishes, brachyuran crabs, and lobsters. Data are lacking, however, on soft-bodied predators like anemones, and their contribution to overall levels of predation remains largely unevaluated. Here, we compared predation rates of the durophagous predator, the crab
C. maenas
and the soft-bodied predator, the anemone
Actinia equina
on 15 intertidal shores around Anglesey, north Wales, UK. We employed a novel approach to assess predation based on measuring faecal output from recently collected individuals and converting it to food consumed using absorption efficiencies (AEs) measured using potential prey species inhabiting the same shores. Anemone mean abundance was 8.21 (± 0.27, s.e.) individuals.m
−2
, whereas for
C. maenas
it was 0.23 (± 0.02, s.e.) individuals.m
−2
. AEs when fed mussel tissue, a polychaete worm, or a shrimp were 92.8–94.0% in
C. maenas
and 40.5–95.8% in
A. equina
. This difference in values reflected the different feeding modes of the two predators. Unexpectedly,
A. equina
consumed 3.5–7 times more prey than
C. maenas
. The consumption of larger amounts of prey by an anemone than the dominant durophagous predator has important consequences for calculating energy flows in food webs, understanding predation controls in assemblages, and potentially for wider predation trends.
Unveiling the underlying drivers of Phanerozoic marine diversification
Authors: Wilson Connor J. , Reitan Trond , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: June 2024

In investigating global patterns of biodiversity through deep time, many large-scale drivers of diversification have been proposed, both biotic and abiotic. However, few robust conclusions about these hypothesized effectors or their roles have been drawn. Here, we use a linear stochastic differential equation (SDE) framework to test for the presence of underlying drivers of diversification patterns before examining specific hypothesized drivers. Using a global dataset of observations of skeletonized marine fossils, we infer origination, extinction and sampling rates (collectively called fossil time series) throughout the Phanerozoic using a capture–mark–recapture approach. Using linear SDEs, we then compare models including and excluding hidden (i.e. unmeasured) drivers of these fossil time series. We find evidence of large-scale underlying drivers of marine Phanerozoic diversification rates and present quantitative characterizations of these. We then test whether changing global temperature, sea-level, marine sediment area or continental fragmentation could act as drivers of the fossil time series. We show that it is unlikely any of these four abiotic factors are the hidden drivers we identified, though there is evidence for correlative links between sediment area and origination/extinction rates. Our characterization of the hidden drivers of Phanerozoic diversification and sampling will aid in the search for their ultimate identities.
Phenotypic plasticity and the effects of thermal fluctuations on specialists and generalists
Authors: Jacob Staffan , Dupont Léonard , Haegeman Bart , Thierry Mélanie , Campana Julie L. M. , Legrand Delphine , Cote Julien , Raffard Allan
Published: June 2024

Classical theories predict that relatively constant environments should generally favour specialists, while fluctuating environments should be selected for generalists. However, theoretical and empirical results have pointed out that generalist organisms might, on the contrary, perform poorly under fluctuations. In particular, if generalism is underlaid by phenotypic plasticity, performance of generalists should be modulated by the temporal characteristics of environmental fluctuations. Here, we used experiments in microcosms of
Tetrahymena thermophila
ciliates and a mathematical model to test whether the period or autocorrelation of thermal fluctuations mediate links between the level of generalism and the performance of organisms under fluctuations. In the experiment, thermal fluctuations consistently impeded performance compared with constant conditions. However, the intensity of this effect depended on the level of generalism: while the more specialist strains performed better under fast or negatively autocorrelated fluctuations, plastic generalists performed better under slow or positively autocorrelated fluctuations. Our model suggests that these effects of fluctuations on organisms’ performance may result from a time delay in the expression of plasticity, restricting its benefits to slow enough fluctuations. This study points out the need to further investigate the temporal dynamics of phenotypic plasticity to better predict its fitness consequences under environmental fluctuations.
Response to geometrical visual illusions in non-human animals: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bánszegi Oxána , Rosetti Marcos , Olivares Uriel J. , Szenczi Péter
Published: June 2024

Visual illusions have been studied in many non-human species, spanning a wide range of biological and methodological variables. While early reviews have proved useful in providing an overview of the field, they have not been accompanied by quantitative analysis to systematically evaluate the contribution of biological and methodological moderators on the proportion of illusory choice. In the current meta-analytical study, we confirm that geometrical visual illusion perception is a general phenomenon among non-human animals. Additionally, we found that studies testing birds report stronger illusion perception compared to other classes, as do those on animals with lateral-positioned eyes compared to animals with forward-facing eyes. In terms of methodological choices, we found a positive correlation between the number of trials during training or testing and the effect sizes, while studies with larger samples report smaller effect sizes. Despite studies that trained animals with artificial stimuli showing larger effect sizes compared with those using spontaneous testing with naturalistic stimuli, like food, we found more recent studies prefer spontaneous choice over training. We discuss the challenges and bottlenecks in this area of study, which, if addressed, could lead to more successful advances in the future.
Performance characteristics allow for confinement of a CRISPR toxin–antidote gene drive for population suppression in a reaction–diffusion model
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Champer Jackson
Published: June 2024

Gene drive alleles that can bias their own inheritance could engineer populations for control of disease vectors, invasive species and agricultural pests. There are successful examples of suppression drives and confined modification drives, but developing confined suppression drives has proven more difficult. However, CRISPR-based toxin–antidote dominant embryo (TADE) suppression drive may fill this niche. It works by targeting and disrupting a haplolethal target gene in the germline with its gRNAs while rescuing this target. It also disrupts a female fertility gene by driving insertion or additional gRNAs. Here, we used a reaction–diffusion model to assess drive performance in continuous space, where outcomes can be substantially different from those in panmictic populations. We measured drive wave speed and found that moderate fitness costs or target gene disruption in the early embryo from maternally deposited nuclease can eliminate the drive’s ability to form a wave of advance. We assessed the required release size, and finally we investigated migration corridor scenarios. It is often possible for the drive to suppress one population and then persist in the corridor without invading the second population, a potentially desirable outcome. Thus, even imperfect variants of TADE suppression drive may be excellent candidates for confined population suppression.
Extreme heat exposure of host plants indirectly reduces solitary bee fecundity and survival
Authors: Walters Jenna , Barlass McKenna , Fisher Robin , Isaacs Rufus
Published: June 2024

Extreme heat poses a major threat to plants and pollinators, yet the indirect consequences of heat stress are not well understood, particularly for native solitary bees. To determine how brief exposure of extreme heat to flowering plants affects bee behaviour, fecundity, development and survival we conducted a no-choice field cage experiment in which
Osmia lignaria
were provided blueberry (
Vaccinium corymbosum
), phacelia (
Phacelia tanacetifolia
) and white clover (
Trifolium repens
) that had been previously exposed to either extreme heat (37.5°C) or normal temperatures (25°C) for 4 h during early bloom. Despite a similar number of open flowers and floral visitation frequency between the two treatments, female bees provided with heat-stressed plants laid approximately 70% fewer eggs than females provided with non-stressed plants. Their progeny received similar quantities of pollen provisions between the two treatments, yet larvae consuming pollen from heat-stressed plants had significantly lower survival as larvae and adults. We also observed trends for delayed emergence and reduced adult longevity when larvae consumed heat-stressed pollen. This study is the first to document how short, field-realistic bursts of extreme heat exposure to flowering host plants can indirectly affect bee pollinators and their offspring, with important implications for crop pollination and native bee populations.
Marortus luteolus Yu et al. 2019 is a later heterotypic synonym of Zhongshania marina On et al. 2019
Authors: Chen Huaiyu , Huang Zhaobin
Published: June 2024

Phylogeny of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that Marortus luteolus ZX-21T and Zhongshania marina DSW25-10T are closely related, and form a monophyletic clade affiliated with the genus Zhongshania. Whole genome sequence comparisons showed that M. luteolus ZX-21T and Z. marina DSW25-10T shared 78.8 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization, 97.6 % average nucleotide identity and 98.1 % average amino acid identity. These values exceeded the recommended threshold values for species delineation. Thus, based on the principle of priority, we propose the reclassification of Marortus luteolus Yu et al. 2019 as a later heterotypic synonym of Zhongshania marina On et al. 2019.
CODI: Enhancing machine learning-based molecular profiling through contextual out-of-distribution integration
Authors: Eissa Tarek , Huber Marinus , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Linkohr Birgit , Peters Annette , Fleischmann Frank , Žigman Mihaela
Published: June 2024

Molecular analytics increasingly utilize machine learning (ML) for predictive modeling based on data acquired through molecular profiling technologies. However, developing robust models that accurately capture physiological phenotypes is challenged by a multitude of factors. These include the dynamics inherent to biological systems, variability stemming from analytical procedures, and the resource-intensive nature of obtaining sufficiently representative datasets. Here, we propose and evaluate a new method: Contextual Out-of-Distribution Integration (CODI). Based on experimental observations, CODI generates synthetic data that integrate unrepresented sources of variation encountered in real-world applications into a given molecular fingerprint dataset. By augmenting a dataset with out-of-distribution variance, CODI enables an ML model to better generalize to samples beyond the initial training data. Using three independent longitudinal clinical studies and a case-control study, we demonstrate CODI’s application to several classification scenarios involving vibrational spectroscopy of human blood. We showcase our approach’s ability to enable personalized fingerprinting for multi-year longitudinal molecular monitoring and enhance the robustness of trained ML models for improved disease detection. Our comparative analyses revealed that incorporating CODI into the classification workflow consistently led to significantly improved classification accuracy while minimizing the requirement of collecting extensive experimental observations.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Analyzing molecular fingerprint data is challenging due to multiple sources of biological and analytical variability. This variability hinders the capacity to collect sufficiently large and representative datasets that encompass realistic data distributions. Consequently, the development of machine learning models that generalize to unseen, independently collected samples is often compromised. Here, we introduce CODI, a versatile framework that enhances traditional classifier training methodologies. CODI is a general framework that incorporates information about possible out-of-distribution variations into a given training dataset, augmenting it with simulated samples that better capture the true distribution of the data. This allows the classification to achieve improved predictive performance on samples beyond the original distribution of the training data.
Static and Dynamic Cross-Network Functional Connectivity Shows Elevated Entropy in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Maksymchuk Natalia , Bustillo Juan R. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Preda Adrian , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: June 2024

Schizophrenia (SZ) patients exhibit abnormal static and dynamic functional connectivity across various brain domains. We present a novel approach based on static and dynamic inter-network connectivity entropy (ICE), which represents the entropy of a given network's connectivity to all the other brain networks. This novel approach enables the investigation of how connectivity strength is heterogeneously distributed across available targets in both SZ patients and healthy controls. We analyzed fMRI data from 151 schizophrenia patients and demographically matched 160 healthy controls. Our assessment encompassed both static and dynamic ICE, revealing significant differences in the heterogeneity of connectivity levels across available brain networks between SZ patients and healthy controls (HC). These networks are associated with subcortical (SC), auditory (AUD), sensorimotor (SM), visual (VIS), cognitive control (CC), default mode network (DMN) and cerebellar (CB) functional brain domains. Elevated ICE observed in individuals with SZ suggests that patients exhibit significantly higher randomness in the distribution of time-varying connectivity strength across functional regions from each source network, compared to healthy control group. C-means fuzzy clustering analysis of functional ICE correlation matrices revealed that SZ patients exhibit significantly higher occupancy weights in clusters with weak, low-scale functional entropy correlation, while the control group shows greater occupancy weights in clusters with strong, large-scale functional entropy correlation. k-means clustering analysis on time-indexed ICE vectors revealed that cluster with highest ICE have higher occupancy rates in SZ patients whereas clusters characterized by lowest ICE have larger occupancy rates for control group. Furthermore, our dynamic ICE approach revealed that it appears healthy for a brain to primarily circulate through complex, less structured connectivity patterns, with occasional transitions into more focused patterns. However, individuals with SZ seem to struggle with transiently attaining these more focused and structured connectivity patterns. Proposed ICE measure presents a novel framework for gaining deeper insights into understanding mechanisms of healthy and disease brain states and a substantial step forward in the developing advanced methods of diagnostics of mental health conditions.
CLIENT SATISFACTION ON CERVICAL CANCER SCEENING AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SCREENED WOMEN IN NORTH WOLLO PUBLIC HOSPITALS, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Ejigu Betelhem , Dilnesa Tenagnwork , Ebrahim Toyba , Mulugeta Chaile , Susu Belay , Emagneh Tadele
Published: June 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the very few cancers where pre-cancer lasts many years before becoming invasive cancer providing an opportunity for detection and treatment. It is leading cause cancer death where less attention is given for screening programs in sub-Saharan Africa. For this satisfaction of cervical cancer screening have a role in increasing utilization and quality of service

Methods

A facility based cross-sectional study design was used to assess client satisfaction and its associated factor towards cervical cancer screening. Data was collected from 397 samples using a face to face interview in women who take cervical screening test in the selected health facilities. Data was entered to Epi info version 4.6 and bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was done using SPSS version 25 and p value <0.05 was considered to be significant factors associated with cervical cancer screening service

Result

from 397 interviewed women, 59% (236) were satisfied with cervical cancer screening services. One-hundred fourty five (36.5%) women had good comprehensive knowledge of cervical cancer screening. Satisfaction with cervical cancer screening service was statistically associated with Being house wife (AOR= 0.42(0.19-0.95), who attend Primary and secondary secondary (AOR =0.35(0.12-0.99) waiting time 31-60 min (AOR=0.14(0.06-0.33) and who went 1-5 km to the facility (AOR=0.41(0.19-0.90)

Conclusion

The study findings indicated that greater than half of women were satisfied with cervical cancer screening service in North wollo public hospitals. Less than half of women had good knowledge about cervical cancer. The study revealed occupational status, educational status, waiting time, and distance to the facility were found to be significantly associated with cervical cancer screening satisfaction
Experienced inclusion and recognition amongst people with spinal cord injury: A comparative study in Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia
Authors: Leiulfsrud Annelie Schedin , Ellinggard Kristian Bernhof , Post Marcel W.M. , Arora Mohit , Leiulfsrud Håkon
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this article is to study inclusion and recognition experienced amongst people with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia. This is approached both from the perspectives of an interest in the impact of mobility limitations versus social attitudes, and from a consideration of differences between societies.

Methods

The data derive from the core questionnaire of International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey with extended national modules on the attitudes and values of respondents from Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia. The data gathered in 2017-18 include 2,450 participants aged 18 years or older. The data are analysed and presented with descriptive statistics and OLS regression analyses. In order to explore our main questions, we run regression controlling for country effects in addition exploring within country effects.

Results

Mobility limitations are a substantially weaker predictor of self-perceived inclusion and recognition than experiences of negative attitudes towards disabled people. Stereotypical attitudes and norms in society are shown to have various impacts on inclusion in the three countries. The Norwegian respondents report overall better results on inclusion and recognition than respondents in Australia and The Netherlands, illustrating the importance of national contexts.

Conclusions

Challenges associated with inclusion, recognition, and respect after SCI need to be defined in a language broader than mobility limitations and stereotypical attitudes towards people with an SCI. The main road to both inclusion and recognition in society is primarily linked to job and educational status, in addition to family and friends. The results are of particular interest as measures to support reintegration into society, including a strengthening of labour market integration programs.
THE USE OF AN OBJECTIVE METHOD (CONTINUOUS EXOSOMATIC ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY WITHOUT EXTERNAL STIMULI) TO EVALUATE PATIENTS WITH HYPERHIDROSIS UNDERGOING VIDEO-ASSISTED SYMPATHECTOMY
Authors: Silveira Rafael José , Sorbello Carolina Carvalho Jansen , Wolosker Nelson , de Campos José Ribas Milanez , Cardoso João José de Deus , Onofre Alexandre Sherlley Casimiro
Published: June 2024

2.

Objective

To objectively assess continuous exosomatic electrodermal activity without external stimuli in primary hyperhidrosis patients, before and after sympathectomy and compare it with responses to clinical investigation questionnaires.

Method

In a prospective study, 28 participants were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 18 patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis who underwent sympathectomy on the fourth and fifth costal arches, bilaterally and sequentially. The second group, serving as a control, consisted of 10 patients. The assessment involved 2 self-explanatory questionnaires; the control group completed the questionnaires once, while the sympathectomy group completed them before surgery, one day and 30 days later. Sweating was objectively evaluated by measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) using the MP36R biosensor from Biopac Systems Inc. USA. This was done by carrying out measurements before surgery, on the first postoperative and on the thirtieth postoperative using an exosomatic technique and a constant electrical flow. Measurements were taken sequentially from the hands and feet, for 5 uninterrupted minutes at each site, after 10 minutes of rest, in a comfortable sitting position, without external stimuli, and in an air-conditioned environment. The study also collected anthropometric, clinical, and surgical data, and no significant sociodemographic differences were observed between the groups.

Results

In the group that underwent thoracic sympathectomy, there was a significant improvement in quality of life and a reduction in palmar and plantar sweating, as assessed by the questionnaires. Electrodermal activity showed significantly higher levels in the hands and feet of patients with hyperhidrosis compared to the control group during the preoperative assessment. After surgery, there was a reduction in electrodermal activity in the hands, and 100% of the sample analyzed showed a decrease in sweating. As for the evaluation of the feet, 67% of the patients reported a reduction in sweating, and 44% showed a statistically significant decline in EDA.

Conclusion

Continuous exosomatic electrodermal activity without external stimuli is a suitable method for assessing patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, with appropriate clinical correlation compared to the questionnaire’s answers quantifying sweating and quality of life.
Recurrent stroke prediction by applying a stroke polygenic risk score in the Japanese population
Authors: Kojima Naoki , Koido Masaru , He Yunye , Shimmori Yuka , Hachiya Tsuyoshi ,   BioBank Japan, Debette Stéphanie , Kamatani Yoichiro
Published: June 2024

Background

Recently, various polygenic risk score (PRS)-based methods were developed to improve stroke prediction. However, current PRSs (including cross-ancestry PRS) poorly predict recurrent stroke. Here, we aimed to determine whether the best PRS for Japanese individuals can also predict stroke recurrence in this population by extensively comparing the methods and maximizing the predictive performance for stroke onset.

Methods

We used data from the BioBank Japan (BBJ) 1stcohort (n=179,938) to derive and optimize the PRSs using a 10-fold cross-validation. We integrated the optimized PRSs for multiple traits, such as vascular risk factors and stroke subtypes to generate a single PRS using the meta-scoring approach (metaGRS). We used an independent BBJ 2ndcohort (n=41,929) as a test sample to evaluate the association of the metaGRS with stroke and recurrent stroke.

Results

We analyzed recurrent stroke cases (n=174) and non-recurrent stroke controls (n=1,153) among subjects within the BBJ 2ndcohort. After adjusting for known risk factors, metaGRS was associated with stroke recurrence (adjusted OR per SD 1.18 [95% CI: 1.00–1.39, p=0.044]), although no significant correlation was observed with the published PRSs. We administered three distinct tests to consider the potential index event bias; however, the outcomes derived from these examinations did not provide any significant indication of the influence of index event bias. The high metaGRS group without a history of hypertension had a higher risk of stroke recurrence than that of the low metaGRS group (adjusted OR 2.24 [95% CI: 1.07–4.66, p=0.032]). However, this association was weak in the hypertension group (adjusted OR 1.21 [95% CI: 0.69–2.13, p=0.50]).

Conclusions

The metaGRS developed in a Japanese cohort predicted stroke recurrence in an independent cohort of patients. In particular, it predicted an increased risk of recurrence among stroke patients without hypertension. These findings provide clues for additional genetic risk stratification and help in developing personalized strategies for stroke recurrence prevention.
Temporal dynamics of gene expression during metamorphosis in two distantDrosophila species
Authors: Ozerova AM , Kulikova DA , Evgen’ev MB , Gelfand MS
Published: June 2024

Complete metamorphosis of holometabolous insects is a complex biological process characterized by profound morphological, physiological, and transcriptional changes. To reveal the temporal dynamics of gene expression during this critical developmental transition, a detailed analysis of the developmental transcriptomes of two Drosophila species,Drosophila melanogasterandDrosophila virilis, was conducted. We confirm partial recapitulation of the embryonic transcriptional program in pupae, but instead of the traditional hourglass model, which posits maximal conservation at mid-embryonic stages, at different stages of pupae we observe a more complicated pattern of alternating low and high diversity, resembling an inverted hourglass, or "spindle", that underscores the complexity of developmental processes during complete metamorphosis. Notably, recently formed genes (specific to insects) exhibit pronounced expression peaks during mid-pupal development, indicating their potential role in developmental transitions.

Significance Statement

This study describes the transcriptomic dynamics of complete metamorphosis in holometabolous insects. By analyzing developmental transcriptomes ofDrosophila melanogasterandDrosophila virilis, we characterize the spindle pattern of gene expression during pupal stages, contrasting with the classical hourglass model of embryogenesis. This alternating pattern of low and high transcriptional diversity highlights the unique complexity of metamorphose processes.
AVibrio choleraeAnti-Phage System Depletes Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide to Restrict Virulent Bacteriophages
Authors: Woldetsadik Yishak A. , Lazinski David W. , Camilli Andrew
Published: June 2024

Bacteria and their predatory viruses (bacteriophages or phages) are in a perpetual molecular arms race. This has led to the evolution of numerous phage defensive systems in bacteria that are still being discovered, as well as numerous ways of interference or circumvention on the part of phages. Here, we identify a unique molecular battle between the classical biotype ofVibrio choleraeand virulent phages ICP1, ICP2, and ICP3. We show that classical biotype strains resist almost all isolates of these phages due to a 25-kb genomic island harboring several putative anti-phage systems. We observed that one of these systems, Nezha, encoding SIR2-like and helicase proteins, inhibited the replication of all three phages. Bacterial SIR2-like enzymes degrade the essential metabolic coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), thereby preventing replication of the invading phage. In support of this mechanism, we identified one phage isolate, ICP1_2001, which circumvents Nezha by encoding two putative NAD+regeneration enzymes. By restoring the NAD+pool, we hypothesize that this system antagonizes Nezha without directly interacting with either protein and should be able to antagonize other anti-phage systems that deplete NAD+.