bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the health status and functional capacity assessment of older people with heart failure on the participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program after myocardial infarction
Authors: Pietrzykowski L , Ratajczak J , Kasprzak M , Kubielas G , Kosobucka-Ozdoba A , Michalski P , Krys J , Kubica A
Published: July 2024

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after myocardial infarction (MI), conducted by a multidisciplinary team, is considered to be the most effective secondary prevention strategy. CR might be particularly beneficial in older patients, who often suffer from heart failure (HF) and other comorbidities. Low enrolment in CR programs is observed in various age groups despite the proven effectiveness of CR in the reduction of subsequent ischemic episodes, hospitalization, and mortality risk.

Purpose

The study aimed to analyze the impact of the health status and functional capacity assessment of elderly patients with HF using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) scale on the willingness to participate in the CR program as part of the national Comprehensive Care Program after Myocardial Infarction.

Methods

The analysis of the medical records of MI patients, who were hospitalized between 2017 and 2023 and met the inclusion criteria for CR was performed. People included in the study were ≥60 years of age and had previously been diagnosed with HF. The study included 350 people who underwent VES-13 assessment during hospitalization. The median age of the studied group was 74 (IQR 68-81), with the majority of males (59.1%).

Results

The willingness to participate in CR was declared by 26.3% of respondents. The median VES-13 score was 3 (IQR 2-7) points and was higher in patients who did not want to participate in CR [3 (IQR 2-7) vs 2 (IQR 1-3), p <0.0001]. In the group of patients who scored <3 points in the VES-13 scale, there was a significantly higher percentage of patients declaring their willingness to participate in CR compared to the group with ≥3 points (38.8% vs 18.5%, p=0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that all parameters assessed by the VES-13 scale had a significant impact on patients' willingness to participate in CR (Figure 1). Independent factors determining patients' declaration were age, difficulties in reaching or extending arms above the shoulder level, and limitations in shopping for personal items (like toilet items or medicines) (Figure 2).

Conclusion

The VES-13 scale can help to identify patients with HF after MI who require additional support and motivation in the decision process to participate in coordinated care and early CR.

Limitations in the everyday functioning of elderly patients with HF determine the lack of willingness to participate in CR after MI. It is necessary to carry out intensive educational and motivational activities to improve the recruitment to the CR program.
From the waiting list to the transplanted heart: a qualitative approach to emotions, feelings, and coping strategies
Authors: Medeiros Bussi Teixeira R , Malaman Galhardi N , Batista Dos Santos Pedrosa R
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Living with a complex disease such as heart failure (HF) can influence the functional and emotional capacity of individuals, compromising their quality of life. Furthermore, it is a progressive disease that can result in the final route of treatment, which is heart transplantation (HT), and the patient suffers an impactful change in health and disease status that can generate different emotions and feelings. A stressful factor can interfere with the way an individual deals with situations and this can result in negative behavior that harms themselves, their quality and meaning in life. Understanding emotions, and feelings and being able to deal with emotions are fundamental practices for coping with the disease and maintaining quality of life.

Objective

To identify the emotions, feelings, and coping strategies of patients who are on the waiting list for an HT and those who have already received the graft.

Method

Qualitative and exploratory research was conducted with 3 patients on the waiting list and 3 HT patients undergoing outpatient follow-up in a Brazilian public hospital. The Symbolic Interactionism was used as a theoretical framework. Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured interview with the following triggering questions: "How do you feel when you think about Heart Transplantation?", and "What do you usually do to deal with these emotions and feelings?", "Is the way you deal with these emotions ideal for you?" The interview was recorded in audio, and transcribed in full and the data was subjected to content analysis consisting of 03 phases: I) Pre-exploration; II) Selection of analysis units; III) Categorization and subcategorization.

Results

The emotions mentioned by patients on the HT waiting list were fear, anger, and surprise and the feelings were hope, melancholy, and disappointment. The coping strategies of this group were religious belief, support from family and friends, or even introspection and resignation to the disease. Heart transplant patients reported emotions such as joy and sadness, and feelings such as gratitude and loneliness. The beliefs, the presence of family and friends, psychiatric support, and carrying out work activities were reported as ways of dealing with loneliness and sadness. Regarding self-perception of emotional management, both groups reported an adequate approach when they can rely on beliefs/family/friends.

Conclusion

Patients on the waiting list or who have already undergone an HF experience a duality of emotions and feelings characterized by fear, anger, surprise, joy, sadness, hope, melancholy, disappointment, gratitude, and loneliness, respectively. These findings contribute to the development of new tools that enable specific management of these emotions and feelings that emerge in patients who experience the context of HF.
Heart health champions: how to develop student nurses as role models for cardiovascular health
Authors: Creighton L , Caughers G , Fitzsimons D
Published: July 2024

Background

Nurses as health promotors are optimally placed to identify cardiovascular disease risk factors and discuss behaviour change strategies for modifiable risk factors, but most undergraduate curriculums lack detailed content regarding these topics. Unfortunately evidence indicates that student nurses often demonstrate risky behaviours such as smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and poor nutritional choices. As nursing is a pressurised career with long shifts and often challenging emotional encounters, it can be easy to overlook personal health behaviours.

Purpose

Given that nursing students are our potential health promotors of the future, we aimed to enhance cardiovascular knowledge and behaviour change awareness in their undergraduate education by implementing a co-designed digital educational resource - ASMOSUS. It sought to embed knowledge and risk assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors, while motivating and sustaining behaviour change within undergraduates, facilitating them to make healthier lifestyle choices themselves and act as role models for patients. We developed roles of ‘Heart Health Champions’ within university and clinical placements, which is novel for both clinical practice and Higher Education Institutes.

Methods

Any nursing student who had received the ASMOSUS digital educational resource in the first semester of their undergraduate program and had an interest in further knowledge acquisition and health promotion amongst their peers were invited to become a Heart Health Champion. Alongside the recruitment of Heart Health Champions the cohort received cardiovascular risk factor specific educational sessions on physical exercise, smoking and vaping cessation, nutrition and alcohol consumption.

Results

We recruited 9 Heart Health Champions from the cohort representing all fields of undergraduate nursing. These students have undertaken 30 hours of required participation, leading to a university recognised qualification- FutureReady on graduation. This included attending cardiac risk and prevention training with cardiac rehabilitation nurses. They have taken the initiative to plan activities such as a sponsored walk, a ‘dancercise' class and support for their peers in harnessing healthy lifestyle behaviours through role modelling and motivational interviewing techniques. Results demonstrate that these sessions and student led activities are well attended and positively evaluated, which shows that including cardiovascular prevention techniques in undergraduates is feasible and acceptable.

Conclusion

Heart Health Champions are a valuable asset and can promote modifiable risk factor change amongst their peers and may help to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Further Heart Health Champions will be recruited over the next undergraduate nursing cohorts with a planned study to explore their effectiveness.
Importance of key stakeholder communication in the implementation of an in-hospital digital medical translation application for heart surgery patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Lie I , Rokeness S , Skredsvig K , Johannsen N , Lindsjorn K E , Hasle C H , Nes L S
Published: July 2024

Background/Introduction

The scientific and clinical communities are inundated with health applications designed for testing and/or implementation to support and enhance clinical practice. However, there is a deficiency in studies concentrating on vital factors such as stakeholder involvement to ensure the successful implementation of such applications.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of key stakeholders involved in the process leading to the implementation of a digital medical translation tool designed for in-hospital use with heart surgery patients who speak minority languages.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide through digital (i.e., Zoom) interviews in June 2023. The data collected was analyzed using NVivo software, following Braun and Clarke´s six-step thematic analysis process.

Results

Five stakeholders participated in the interviews, including representatives from the Regional Health Authorities Information Technology partner and the project leader, and representatives from the company responsible for the digital medical translation tool. All with major stakes in such an in-hospital application implementation process.

Four main themes with corresponding quotations emerged from the analysis, pointing to the need for: i) Qualified stakeholders: Stakeholders who possessed the knowledge of "what to do and when" played a crucial role in the process. ii) Communication between stakeholders: Effective communication between stakeholders was deemed essential for optimizing the process at the required pace, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts by "working as partners to enhance services for minority-speaking patients". iii) Requirement specification for procurement: The importance of "detailed and clear quality requirements in the procurement process to select the best clinical translation tool", was highlighted. iv) Clinical practice foundation: "Expert nurses from the hospital setting and medical doctor from the company adjusted the translation tool" was pointed to as necessary to suit clinical practice needs.

Conclusions

Key stakeholders involved in the implementation of a medical translation tool for minority-speaking patients within a hospital setting pointed to four vital aspects for successfully implementing a digital medical translation tool in-hospital care. Effective communication among stakeholders was seen to inspire and improve the working process. Having qualified stakeholders was vital for ensuring quality requirements and establishing a solid clinical foundation during the application implementation.
Production of an introperative safety list in interventional cardiology. From pilot project to clinical practice guidelines hospital
Authors: Faraci A , Grimaudo R , Messana D , Corrado E , Adorno A , Evola S , Novo G
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The safety list was created to respond to two complexities: the first is the fallibility of human memory and attention; The second is the tendency to skip some operations even when remembering that they should be performed: not all operations in the supply chain of a process are always considered important so the shortcut is taken, motivated by the fact that nothing has ever happened so far. Safety in Interventional Cardiology laboratories is characterized by the intrinsic complexity that characterizes all interventional procedures, even the simplest ones: complexity due to the number of people and professionals involved, the acute and/or serious conditions of the patients, the amount of information required, the urgency with which the processes must be performed, the high technological and high level of specialization and the multiplicity of critical points of the processes that can cause serious harm to patients. For this reason, an intraoperative safety list for interventional cardiology has been designed and drawn up.

Aim

In view of Law no. 24 of 8 March 2017, a provision on the safety of care and the assisted person, it was necessary to have a document aimed at: improving the quality and safety of surgical interventions and interventional/structural procedures, dissemination of recommendations and safety standards aimed at strengthening pre- intra and post-operative processes, Implementation of safety standards through the application of the safety list, adapting it to the characteristics of your organization.

Materials and methods

The trial phase began in 2021 and was tested on about 800 patients, in 2022 on about 900 patients. The safety list has been designed to combine an intraoperative "check list" with a "nursing card", collecting information relating to the individual people assisted, in order to promote continuity and personalization of care, represents a resource for research on nursing care, for the analysis of care complexity and allows the traceability of the actions carried out.

Results and conclusions

After years of constant reviews and updates with the collaboration of the Risk Management and Quality staff, the safety list has become a fundamental part of the work of the operating room, supporting both system and individual changes, strengthening standards for safety and communication processes, counteracting possible failure factors, having been included in the hospital Guidelines on the management of patients undergoing surgery.
Family dynamics and relationships while living with heart disease
Authors: Holmbom M , Andreasson F , Grundstrom H , Bernild C , Rotvig C , Norekval T M , Kikkenborg Berg S , Stromberg A
Published: July 2024

Background

When an adult within a family is diagnosed with heart disease, it influences the whole family. Family members might be concerned about the well-being and prognosis of the affected adult, while the affected adult may fear becoming a burden to the family. When having heart disease lifestyle adjustments are necessary and these changes can cause disruption within the family. To understand the holistic impact of living with heart disease, it is important to integrate the perspectives of all family members and analyze the dynamics of their relationships. Addressing this knowledge gap, can enable more precise and effective support measures for families navigating this challenging situation.

Purpose

To describe how family life and relationships are affected when an adult is affected by heart disease.

Methods

This was a qualitative semi-structured individual interview study, conducted in Scandinavia in 2019 to 2022. In all, 28 families from three university hospitals were included. Inclusion criteria were families with an adult who was diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease or cardiac arrest who had an adolescent living at home. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive and latent approach.

Results

Three themes emerged. 1) "Transitioning family dynamics" explored the consequences of altered family structures due to heart disease, impacting communication patterns and responsibilities. Some families adopted collective strategies, fostering unity and a supportive environment. In contrast, other families exhibited varied coping strategies, leading to diverse communication patterns and opinions. Family diversity presented both advantages, fostering understanding, and challenges, potentially causing misunderstandings and conflicts. 2) "Family bonding" highlighted how pre-existing family relationships influenced the experience of dealing with a family member's heart disease. Strong pre-existing bonds facilitated a smoother recovery process compared to families with unresolved issues, serving as a valuable support system during challenging times. 3) "Becoming different as a family" underscored the disappointment arising from a family member's heart disease affecting the family. The disease's physical invisibility added complexity, challenging the maintenance of normalcy and creating a distinct detached feeling. This distinctiveness extended beyond observable routine changes, influencing emotional dynamics. The constant need for adjustments formed a unique family identity, evolving relationships beyond typical familial connections.

Conclusion

Families affected by heart disease handle this in various ways. Open communication and establishing a robust network of support emerged as crucial elements in helping families overcoming the multifaceted challenges associated with living with heart disease.
Exploring reasons for (non)participation in a tele-yoga intervention
Authors: Klompstra L , Stromberg A , Jaarsma T , Owelius L , Thylen I
Published: July 2024

Background

Studies evaluating digital health technologies can be characterized by selective participation.

Purpose

We examined the reasons of (non)participation in a digital yoga study of patients with a long-term illness (80% heart failure) and the association with age and sex.

Methods

Reasons for exclusion of screened patients and for declining participation in invited patients were registered throughout the study. Differences in age and sex between patients that were eligible but declined to participate and patients included in the tele-yoga study were analysed using Student T-test and Fisher exact test.

Results

Of 3033 patients screened, 1401 patients (46%) were eligible for inclusion. Based on chart review and screening interviews, reasons for exclusion were not being in a stable condition to perform yoga (n=727, 24%), unable to complete questionnaires (n=176, 6%), not hospitalised in the last 3-36 months (n=66, 2%) and having a short life expectancy (n=42, 1%). Of 1401 eligible patients, 311 patients (n=22%) signed informed consent and were included. The main reasons for declining to participate were having no time for the intervention (n=294, 21%), not having the energy (n=150, 11%), and disliking or having doubts about yoga (n=147, 10%). Only 45 patients (3%) had doubts related to the technology as a reason not to participate (n=45, 3%). There were no age or sex differences between patients that were eligible, but declined to participate and those participating (67±13 vs. 66±12 years and 70% vs. 70% male, p=0.18 and p=0.52, respectively).

Conclusions

Results indicate that the tele-yoga study had a representative sample of patients with a long-term condition (80% heart failure) based on age and sex. As in many trials involving long-term illnesses, invited patients did not have time or energy to participate. One in ten where sceptical towards yoga but very few declined the digital format of the intervention.
A review of methods of age estimation based on postmortem computed tomography
Authors: Barszcz Marta , Woźniak Krzysztof Jerzy
Published: July 2024

Age at death is one of the key elements of the “biological profile” prepared when analysing unidentified human remains. Biological age is determined according to physiological indicators and developmental stage, which can be determined by bone assessment. It is worth remembering that the researcher must interpret each case individually and in accordance with the current state of knowledge. One of the most developed tools for analysing human remains is postmortem computed tomography. This allows for the visualization not only of bones without maceration but also of the entire body under various altered states, including corpses in advanced stages of decomposition and burnt bodies. The aim of this review is to present the current methods for age estimation based on postmortem computed tomography evaluation, comparing the results presented in 18 research projects published between 2013 and 2023 on foetuses, children, and adults from contemporary populations. Recent literature includes assessment of bones and characteristics such as skulls, teeth, vertebrae, pelvises, and long bones to estimate age at death. We cover the methods used in this recent literature, including machine learning, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of them.

Key points
Molecular Insights into the Low Complexity Secreted Venom of Calliactis polypus
Authors: Smith Hayden L , Broszczak Daniel A , Bryan Scott E , Norton Raymond S , Prentis Peter J
Published: July 2024

Sea anemones are venomous animals that rely on their venom for prey capture, defense against predators, and intraspecific competition. Currently, comprehensive molecular and evolutionary analyses of the toxin repertoire for sea anemones are limited by a lack of proteomic data for most species. In this study, proteo-transcriptomic analysis was used to expand our knowledge of the proteinaceous components of sea anemone venom by determining the secreted venom proteome of Calliactis polypus. Electromechanical stimulation was used to obtain the secreted venom of C. polypus. We identified a low complexity proteome that was dominated by toxins with similarity to known neurotoxins, as well as six novel toxin candidates. The novel putative toxin candidates were found to be taxonomically restricted to species from the superfamily Metridioidea. Furthermore, the secreted venom of C. polypus had only three putative toxins in common with the venom of acontia from the same species and little similarity with the secreted venom of closely related species. Overall, this demonstrates that regionalized and lineage-specific variability in toxin abundance is common among sea anemone species. Moreover, the limited complexity of the toxin repertoire found in C. polypus supports the idea that peptide neurotoxins make up the dominant toxin arsenal found in the venom of sea anemones.
The cost of inaction: a global tool to inform nutrition policy and investment decisions on global nutrition targets
Authors: Jain Sakshi , Ahsan Sameen , Robb Zachary , Crowley Brett , Walters Dylan
Published: July 2024

At present, the world is off-track to meet the World Health Assembly global nutrition targets for 2025. Reducing the prevalence of stunting and low birthweight (LBW) in children, and anaemia in women, and increasing breastfeeding rates are among the prioritized global nutrition targets for all countries. Governments and development partners need evidence-based data to understand the true costs and consequences of policy decisions and investments. Yet there is an evidence gap on the health, human capital, and economic costs of inaction on preventing undernutrition for most countries. The Cost of Inaction tool and expanded Cost of Not Breastfeeding tool provide country-specific data to help address the gaps. Every year undernutrition leads to 1.3 million cases of preventable child and maternal deaths globally. In children, stunting results in the largest economic burden yearly at US$548 billion (0.7% of global gross national income [GNI]), followed by US$507 billion for suboptimal breastfeeding (0.6% of GNI), US$344 billion (0.3% of GNI) for LBW and US$161 billion (0.2% of GNI) for anaemia in children. Anaemia in women of reproductive age (WRA) costs US$113 billion (0.1% of GNI) globally in current income losses. Accounting for overlap in stunting, suboptimal breastfeeding and LBW, the analysis estimates that preventable undernutrition cumulatively costs the world at least US$761 billion per year, or US$2.1 billion per day. The variation in the regional and country-level estimates reflects the contextual drivers of undernutrition. In the lead-up to the renewed World Health Assembly targets and Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, the data generated from these tools are powerful information for advocates, governments and development partners to inform policy decisions and investments into high-impact low-cost nutrition interventions. The costs of inaction on undernutrition continue to be substantial, and serious coordinated action on the global nutrition targets is needed to yield the significant positive human capital and economic benefits from investing in nutrition.
Sustainability and life cycle analyzes of different biofuel from municipal solid waste processes: an effective environmental guidance
Authors: Hou Lixia , Basem Ali , Shami Hayder Oleiwi , Sabri Laith S , Farqad Rand Otbah , Abdul Hussein Abbas Hameed , Alhaidry Wesam Abed A L Hassan , Idan Ameer Hassan , Fooladi Hadi
Published: July 2024

The refining of biowaste into biofuels, particularly focusing on the organic fraction-municipal solid waste (OF-MSW), remains nascent and is influenced by factors such as energy requirements, microbial effectiveness, and structural design. This article presents a sustainable and thorough framework for evaluating the environmental behavior associated with diverse biofuel from OF-MSW conversion methodologies. The evaluation considers three different pre-treatment methods (acetone organosolv, hot water, and acidic pre-treatment), several fermentation techniques (including ethanol fermentation and ABE-F (acetone/butanol/ethanol fermentation)), and acidic or enzymatic hydrolysis approaches. Furthermore, the environmental analysis utilizes the life cycle analysis (LCA) approach. Within this framework, a consequential LCA is implemented, which includes process development to address the issue of multi-functionality and the use of marginal processes for designing foundational processes. The biofuels produced, ethanol and butanol, are analyzed for their environmental impact. To discern the varying and combined effects, methodologies for sensitivity analysis and single score evaluations have been established. Research outcomes suggest that the acetone–ethanol–butanol fermentation scenario does not provide an optimal environmental outcome due to its inability to offset the environmental impacts through the benefits derived from the byproducts. Among the scenarios examined, Scenario SC-IV emerged as the most environmentally beneficial, showing significant net environmental savings including decrements of −854.55 PDF m−2 (potentially disappeared fraction, annually), −253.74 kg CO2.eq per 1000 kg of OF-MSW, and − 3290 MJ per 1000 kg of OF-MSW treated.
Mapping medication selling practices at nonpharmacy outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic: an example of Indonesia
Authors: Wibowo Yosi Irawati , Yana I Gusti Agung Ari Kusuma , Sari Gusti Ayu Putu Laksmi Puspa , Brata Cecilia , Sunderland Bruce , Setiadi Adji Prayitno
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Nonpharmacy outlets are common medication suppliers in Indonesia, yet little is known regarding their practices. This study aimed to evaluate the medication selling practices occurring in kiosks and minimarkets during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included all minimarkets (N = 101) and a convenience sample of kiosks (a minimum sample size, N = 67) in District X, Indonesia. A validated tool was used to collect data on the characteristics of kiosks/minimarkets and their medication selling practices (i.e. drug management and drug information).

Key findings

A sample of 67 kiosks and 52 minimarkets (response rate 51.5%) consented to participate in this study. Kiosks and minimarkets generally stocked nonprescription drugs, particularly cough and/or common cold products or analgesic-antipyretics; while >90% of kiosks and 15.4% of minimarkets provided prescription medicines. Medications in kiosks and minimarkets were mainly obtained from pharmacies (94.0% vs. 17.0%, respectively) or pharmaceutical wholesale representatives (68.7% vs. 96.0%, respectively). Most minimarkets or kiosks satisfied drug storage standards (100.0% vs. 88.1%, respectively). During the previous week, >80% of kiosks and minimarkets reported purchases of nonprescription drugs, and approximately 5% reported sales of prescription drugs. No drug information was provided by kiosk or minimarket staff.

Conclusions

Minimarkets and kiosks may improve access to basic medications, but no information is provided regarding their use. These outlets should be licensed and policed to ensure the range and quality of drugs, and information provided to the Indonesian community is appropriate.
Changes in the leaf area-seed yield relationship in soybean driven by genetic, management and environments: implications for high-throughput phenotyping
Authors: Chiozza Mariana V , Parmley Kyle , Schapaugh William T , Asebedo Antonio R , Singh Asheesh K , Miguez Fernando E
Published: July 2024

High-throughput crop phenotyping (HTP) in soybean (Glycine max) has been used to estimate seed yield with varying degrees of accuracy. Research in this area typically makes use of different machine-learning approaches to predict seed yield based on crop images with a strong focus on analytics. On the other hand, a significant part of the soybean breeding community still utilizes linear approaches to relate canopy traits and seed yield relying on parsimony. Our research attempted to address the limitations related to interpretability, scope and system comprehension inherent in previous modelling approaches. We utilized a combination of empirical and simulated data to augment the experimental footprint as well as to explore the combined effects of genetics (G), environments (E) and management (M). We use flexible functions without assuming a pre-determined response between canopy traits and seed yield. Factors such as soybean maturity date, duration of vegetative and reproductive periods, harvest index, potential leaf size, planting date and plant population affected the shape of the canopy-seed yield relationship as well as the canopy optimum values at which selection of high yielding genotypes should be conducted. This work demonstrates that there are avenues for improved application of HTP in soybean breeding programs if similar modelling approaches are considered.
Consumer Dirtwork: What Extraordinary Consumption Reveals about the Usefulness of Dirt
Authors: Warren Nathan B , Price Linda L
Published: July 2024

Societies create material, social, and moral boundaries that define who and what is dirty. “Dirt” encompasses literal and figurative things—objects, beings, ideas—that transgress these boundaries and thus are “out of place.” Previous research describing how consumers avoid and manage dirt assumes that dirt is aversive. The concept of consumer dirtwork emerged from our examination of self-described “dirtbag” wilderness consumers. Dirtwork reveals the potential usefulness of dirt. Instead of cleaning, dirtworkers redraw dirt boundaries, revealing resources they then work to capture. Boundary redrawing describes a continuum of adjustments to dirt boundaries, ranging from small shifts to complete inversions. Resourcing work describes the efforts required to capture the resources that are uncovered by boundary redrawing. Dirtwork results in challenges and rewards, and offers the possibility of continued dirtwork-resourced consumption. Dirtwork contributes by revealing the process wherein consumers make use of dirt, thus demonstrating the usefulness of dirt and fluidity of dirt boundaries. Dirtwork provides a useful lens for understanding consumer behaviors that do not aspire or cannot conform to socially-imposed cleanliness rules, including stigmatized, mundane, and extraordinary consumption. Dirtwork challenges assumptions that clean is good, socially-valuable, safe, and sustainable, and implicit associations of dirt with danger, stigma, and unsustainability.
Greater aperture counteracts effects of reduced stomatal density on water use efficiency: a case study on sugarcane and meta-analysis
Authors: Lunn Daniel , Kannan Baskaran , Germon Amandine , Leverett Alistair , Clemente Tom E , Altpeter Fredy , Leakey Andrew D B
Published: July 2024

Stomata regulate CO2 and water vapor exchange between leaves and the atmosphere. Stomata are a target for engineering to improve crop intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE). One example is by expressing genes that lower stomatal density (SD) and reduce stomatal conductance (gsw). However, the quantitative relationship between reduced SD, gsw, and the mechanisms underlying it is poorly understood. We addressed this knowledge gap using low-SD sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) as a case study alongside a meta-analysis of data from 10 species. Transgenic expression of EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR 2 from Sorghum bicolor (SbEPF2) in sugarcane reduced SD by 26–38% but did not affect gsw compared with the wild type. Further, no changes occurred in stomatal complex size or proxies for photosynthetic capacity. Measurements of gas exchange at low CO2 concentrations that promote complete stomatal opening to normalize aperture size between genotypes were combined with modeling of maximum gsw from anatomical data. These data suggest that increased stomatal aperture is the only possible explanation for maintaining gsw when SD is reduced. Meta-analysis across C3 dicots, C3 monocots, and C4 monocots revealed that engineered reductions in SD are strongly correlated with lower gsw (r2=0.60–0.98), but this response is damped relative to the change in anatomy.
Star formation properties of z ∼ 1 galaxy clusters and groups from Horizon Run 5
Authors: Lee Seong-Kook , Park Changbom , Kim Juhan , Lee Jaehyun , Gibson Brad K , Kim Yonghwi , Few C Gareth
Published: July 2024

Quiescent galaxies are predominantly observed in local galaxy clusters. However, the fraction of quiescent galaxies in high-redshift clusters significantly varies among different clusters. In this study, we present the results of an analysis of the star formation (SF) properties of $z \sim 0.87$ clusters and groups from a cosmological hydrodynamical simulation Horizon Run 5. We investigate the correlation between the quiescent galaxy fraction (QF) of these model clusters/groups and their various internal or external properties. We find that halo mass is one of the most important characteristics as higher mass clusters and groups have higher QFs. We also find that other properties such as stellar-mass ratio and Friends-of-Friends fraction, which measures the proportion of the area around a cluster occupied by dense structures, may mildly affect the QFs of clusters and groups. This may indicate that the evolutionary history as well as the large-scale environment of clusters and groups also play a certain role in determining the SF status of high-redshift galaxy clusters and groups.
Structural stability of China’s asteroid mission target 2016 HO3 and its possible structure
Authors: Cheng Bin , Baoyin Hexi
Published: July 2024

Asteroid 2016 HO$_3$, a small asteroid (<60 m) in super fast rotation state ($\sim$28 min), and is the target of China’s Tianwen-2 asteroid sample-return mission. In this work, we investigate its structural stability using an advanced soft-sphere-discrete-element-model code, dembody, which is integrated with bonded-aggregate models to simulate highly irregular boulders. The asteroid body is numerically constructed by tens of thousands particles, and then is slowly spun up until structural failure. Rubble piles with different frictions, cohesions, morphologies, grain size distributions, and structures are investigated. We find a 2016 HO$_3$ shaped granular asteroid would undergo tensile failure at higher strengths as opposed to shear failure in lower strengths, regardless of its shape and constituent grain size ratio. In the tensile failure regime, the critical tensile strength is proportional to the square of the spin rate, but surprisingly, is independent of the internal friction angle. Such relations indicate that the Maximum Tensile Stress criterion emerges as superior paradigm for investigating the failure behaviour of fast-rotating asteroids. We predict that the high-spin rate of asteroid 2016 HO$_3$ requires a surface strength over $\sim$3 Pa and a bulk tensile strength over $\sim$10–30 Pa. Through comparing these strength conditions with the latest data from asteroid missions, we suggest a higher likelihood of a monolithic structure over a typical rubble pile structure. However, the possibility of the latter cannot be completely ruled out. In addition, the asteroid’s surface could retain a loose regolith layer globally or only near its poles, which could be the target for sampling of Tianwen-2 mission.
The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: reionization kSZ trispectrum methodology and limits
Authors: MacCrann Niall , Qu Frank J , Namikawa Toshiya , Bolliet Boris , Cai Hongbo , Calabrese Erminia , Choi Steve K , Coulton William , Darwish Omar , Ferraro Simone , Guan Yilun , Hill J Colin , Hilton Matt , Hložek Renée , Kramer Darby , Madhavacheril Mathew S , Moodley Kavilan , Sehgal Neelima , Sherwin Blake D , Sifón Cristóbal , Staggs Suzanne T , Trac Hy , Van Engelen Alexander , Vavagiakis Eve M
Published: July 2024

Patchy reionization generates kinematic Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (kSZ) anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Large-scale velocity perturbations along the line of sight modulate the small-scale kSZ power spectrum, leading to a trispectrum (or four-point function) in the CMB that depends on the physics of reionization. We investigate the challenges in detecting this trispectrum and use tools developed for CMB lensing, such as realization-dependent bias subtraction and cross-correlation based estimators, to counter uncertainties in the instrumental noise and assumed CMB power spectrum. We also find that both lensing and extragalactic foregrounds can impart larger trispectrum contributions than the reionization kSZ signal. We present a range of mitigation methods for both of these sources of contamination, validated on microwave-sky simulations. We use ACT DR6 and Planck data to calculate an upper limit on the reionization kSZ trispectrum from a measurement dominated by foregrounds. The upper limit is about 50 times the signal predicted from recent simulations.
Instability throughout the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome resulting from Pms1 endonuclease deficiency
Authors: Lujan Scott A , Garbacz Marta A , Liberti Sascha E , Burkholder Adam B , Kunkel Thomas A
Published: July 2024

The endonuclease activity of Pms1 directs mismatch repair by generating a nick in the newly replicated DNA strand. Inactivating Pms2, the human homologue of yeast Pms1, increases the chances of colorectal and uterine cancers. Here we use whole genome sequencing to show that loss of this endonuclease activity, via the pms1-DE variant, results in strong mutator effects throughout the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. Mutation rates are strongly increased for mutations resulting from all types of single-base substitutions and for a wide variety of single- and multi-base indel mutations. Rates for these events are further increased in strains combining pms1-DE with mutator variants of each of the three major leading and lagging strand replicases. In all cases, mutation rates, spectra, biases, and context preferences are statistically indistinguishable from strains with equivalent polymerases but lacking initial mismatch recognition due to deletion of MSH2. This implies that, across the nuclear genome, strand discrimination via the Pms1 endonuclease is as important for MMR as is initial mismatch recognition by Msh2 heterodimers.
CLOCI: unveiling cryptic fungal gene clusters with generalized detection
Authors: Konkel Zachary , Kubatko Laura , Slot Jason C
Published: July 2024

Gene clusters are genomic loci that contain multiple genes that are functionally and genetically linked. Gene clusters collectively encode diverse functions, including small molecule biosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, metabolite degradation, and production of proteins essential for growth and development. Identifying gene clusters is a powerful tool for small molecule discovery and provides insight into the ecology and evolution of organisms. Current detection algorithms focus on canonical ‘core’ biosynthetic functions many gene clusters encode, while overlooking uncommon or unknown cluster classes. These overlooked clusters are a potential source of novel natural products and comprise an untold portion of overall gene cluster repertoires. Unbiased, function-agnostic detection algorithms therefore provide an opportunity to reveal novel classes of gene clusters and more precisely define genome organization. We present CLOCI (Co-occurrence Locus and Orthologous Cluster Identifier), an algorithm that identifies gene clusters using multiple proxies of selection for coordinated gene evolution. Our approach generalizes gene cluster detection and gene cluster family circumscription, improves detection of multiple known functional classes, and unveils non-canonical gene clusters. CLOCI is suitable for genome-enabled small molecule mining, and presents an easily tunable approach for delineating gene cluster families and homologous loci.
Chimeric HLA antibody receptor T cell therapy for humoral transplant rejection
Authors: Arana Carolt , Garcia-Busquets Ainhoa , Nicoli Michael , Betriu Sergi , Gille Ilse , Heemskerk Mirjam H M , Heidt Sebastiaan , Palou Eduard , Rovira Jordi , Diekmann Fritz
Published: July 2024

Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is a significant obstacle to achieving optimal long-term outcomes after solid organ transplantation. The presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), particularly against human leucocyte antigen (HLA), increases the risk of allograft rejection and subsequent graft loss. No effective treatment for ABMR currently exists, warranting novel approaches to target the HLA-specific humoral alloimmune response. Cellular therapies may hold promise to this end. According to publicly available sources as of now, three independent laboratories have genetically engineered a chimeric HLA antibody receptor (CHAR) and transduced it into human T cells, based on the demonstrated efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies in malignancies. These CHAR-T cells are designed to exclusively eliminate B cells that produce donor-specific HLA antibodies, which form the cornerstone of ABMR. CHAR technology generates potent and functional human cytotoxic T cells to target alloreactive HLA-specific B cells, sparing B cells with other specificities. Thus CHAR technology may be used as a selective desensitization protocol and to treat ABMR after solid organ transplantation.
Examining Differences in Real-World Effectiveness of e-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation by Source of Purchase in England: An Observational Study of Different Contexts Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cox Sharon , Jackson Sarah E , Brown Jamie , Kock Loren , Shahab Lion
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation may differ by source of purchase. The changing influence of self-selection on purchase location caused by COVID-19 pandemic-related vape shop closures means we can examine the association between smoking abstinence e-cigarette use by purchase source and test for the moderation of this association by the timing of the pandemic.

Aims and Methods

Repeat-cross-sectional nationally representative surveys, conducted between January 2017 and August 2023. Participants (N = 1284; ≥18 years, 46.9% women) who made a past-year quit attempt, used an e-cigarette in their most recent attempt, currently vaping and provided data on the purchase source were included. The association between e-cigarette purchase source and continuous abstinence following the most recent quit attempt was assessed with adjusted regression, including an interaction between the timing of pandemic restrictions (March 2020 through January 2022).

Results

Overall, 48.1% usually purchase their e-cigarettes from vape shops, declining from 53.6% prepandemic to 40.6% during the pandemic. There was inconclusive evidence that those purchasing from vape shops had greater odds of quitting smoking (ORadj = 1.25, 95% CI = .92 to 1.76). The association between purchase source and successful quitting did not depend upon whether purchasing occurred before or during the pandemic (F = 0.08, pinteraction = .774; prepandemic: ORadj = 1.23, 0.79–1.91; and pandemic: ORadj = 1.29, 0.81–2.06).

Conclusions

More data are needed to conclusively determine whether purchasing from a specialist vape shop increases smoking cessation. Given the changing influence of self-selection on purchase location caused by the pandemic, the similar associations between purchase source and quit success across both periods suggest it is unlikely an artifact of unmeasured confounding.

Implications

If purchasing e-cigarettes from a specialist vape shop can increase their effectiveness for smoking cessation is an empirical question. While we found a positive association between purchasing from a specialist vape shop and abstinence rates, the results were inconclusive. Further studies are required to establish whether purchasing from specialist vape shops improves smoking cessation outcomes compared with other purchase sources.
Development of a data dictionary on viral hepatitis for the Philippines
Authors: Herber Jan Michael M , Fernandez Randy Joseph G , Hamoy Geohari L , Macalanda Jhunnel P , Villanueva Gerard Paolo F , Marcelo Alvin B , Ong Janus P
Published: July 2024

The considerable difference between the reported number of actual and estimated viral hepatitis cases in the Philippines can be attributed to the lack of reliable data. Since viral hepatitis is endemic in the country, efficient disease control depends on access to quality data. The rapid adoption of electronic medical records in different facilities in the country offers opportunities for access to such data but raises concerns about its standardization for analysis. This study presents the steps taken toward the adoption of a standardized data dictionary for viral hepatitis, referencing existing international terminology standards. A series of workshops were conducted to gain consensus among subject matter experts such as epidemiologists, hepatologists and informaticists. These workshops provided context to the different stakeholders through a shared understanding of viral hepatitis care processes and transforming these into computable representations. Using Department of Health-approved paper forms for viral hepatitis surveillance, a multidisciplinary team mapped the 125 unique data elements to various international standard code sets. The output was a draft Philippine Viral Hepatitis Data Dictionary—a prerequisite for the semantic interoperability of data from different electronic medical records.
The German transfer system for the working-age population: design, changes and consequences
Authors: Brülle Jan , Gangl Markus
Published: July 2024

In this commentary, we use the example of the German transfer system and its recent changes to assess consequences of benefit design for social inequalities in times of changing labour markets. Based on the rich literature on the so-called ‘Hartz-IV reforms’ in the early 2000s, we argue that while producing winners and losers, the immediate consequences of benefit reforms in Germany for the generosity of transfers were modest. However, the reforms did change some of the basic design principles of the transfer system. While it is still debated to what extent the reforms of the transfer system can explain the combination of decreasing unemployment and increasing labour market inequalities, they certainly modified the institutional context in a way that fundamentally altered the preconditions for the politics of combating inequality. Thus, the German experience offers an interesting example for assessing both intended and unintended consequences of benefit reforms.