bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of behavioural interventions with motivational interviewing on physical activity outcomes in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu SuFen , Sinha Deepra , Kirk Megan , Michalopoulou Moscho , Hajizadeh Anisa , Wren Gina , Doody Paul , Mackillop Lucy , Smith Ralph , Jebb Susan A , Astbury Nerys M
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions that include motivational interviewing on physical activity outcomes in adults.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study selection

A search of seven databases for randomised controlled trials published from inception to 1 March 2023 comparing a behavioural intervention including motivational interviewing with a comparator without motivational interviewing on physical activity outcomes in adults. Outcomes of interest were differences in change in quantitative measures of total physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Population characteristics, intervention components, comparison groups, and outcomes of studies were summarised. For overall main effects, random effects meta-analyses were used to report standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Differential effects based on duration of follow-up, comparator type, intervention duration, and disease or health condition of participants were also examined.

Results

129 papers reporting 97 randomised controlled trials totalling 27 811 participants and 105 comparisons were included. Interventions including motivational interviewing were superior to comparators for increases in total physical activity (SMD 0.45, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.65, equivalent to 1323 extra steps/day; low certainty evidence) and MVPA (0.45, 0.19 to 0.71, equivalent to 95 extra min/week; very low certainty evidence) and for reductions in sedentary time (−0.58, −1.03 to −0.14, equivalent to −51 min/day; very low certainty evidence). Evidence for a difference in any outcome compared with comparators of similar intensity was lacking. The magnitude of effect diminished over time, and evidence of an effect of motivational interviewing beyond one year was lacking. Most interventions involved patients with a specific health condition, and evidence of an effect of motivational interviewing to increase MVPA or decrease sedentary time was lacking in general population samples.

Conclusions

Certainty of the evidence using motivational interviewing as part of complex behavioural interventions for promoting total physical activity in adults was low, and for MVPA and sedentary time was very low. The totality of evidence suggests that although interventions with motivational interviewing increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviour, no difference was found in studies where the effect of motivational interviewing could be isolated. Effectiveness waned over time, with no evidence of a benefit of motivational interviewing to increase physical activity beyond one year.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020219881.
Psychosocial outcomes following emergency laparotomy (POLO) study: a study protocol for a multicentre mixed-methods prospective cohort study assessing the psycho-social outcomes following emergency laparotomy in adults
Authors: Silva Louise , Abbas Mohamed Sarah , Meggy Alun , Ng Jene Hwei , Torkington Jared , Moug Susan , Watts Tessa , Bisson Jonathan , Cornish Julie A
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Morbidity from an emergency laparotomy (EmLap) is difficult to define and poorly understood. Morbidity is a holistic concept, reliant upon an interplay of bio-psychosocial outcomes that evolve long after discharge. To date, no previous study has explored the psychosocial outcomes following EmLap as a collective, nor their change over time. This study aims to describe the holistic morbidity following EmLap within the first year following surgery.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, mixed-methods prospective 12-month cohort study with two participant populations: patient participants and family caregivers (FCGs). A target of 160 adult patients who undergo EmLap and can give informed consent will be included in the patient participant group. Patient participants will be asked to complete three patient surveys, incorporating validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess bio-psychosocial outcomes (EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ5D-5L), Gastrointestinal Quality Life Index-36, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7, International Trauma Questionnaire, Caregiver Interaction Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale) in the 12 months following surgery. A subgroup of 15 patient participants will be asked to take part in two semistructured interviews at 6 and 12 months. A target of 15 associated family caregivers will be included in the FCG group. FCGs will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview at 6 months to assess the EmLap impact on the wider support network. The primary outcome will be a change in quality of life (EQ5D-5L) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will be changes in bio-psychosocial status at 3 and 12 months. Qualitative analysis will allow contextualisation of PROMS and further explore themes of EmLap morbidity. It is anticipated that the results of this study will help inform and develop standards of aftercare for future EmLap patients.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval (Wales REC7;12/WA/0297) and will be undertaken in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. We intend to disseminate study results in peer-reviewed journals and medical conferences, as well as a lay report to study participants.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials.govNCT05281627.
Interactive voice response (IVR) for tobacco cessation: a systematic review
Authors: Khan Maha , Memedovich Ally , Eze Nkiruka , Asante Benedicta , Adhikari Kamala , Dunn Rachel , Clement Fiona
Published: July 2024

Objective

To summarise the uses, outcomes and implementation of interactive voice response (IVR) as a tobacco cessation intervention.

Data sources

A systematic review was conducted. Searches were performed on 3 May 2023. The strategies used keywords such as “tobacco cessation”, “smoking reduction” and “interactive voice recording”. Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched. Grey literature searches were also conducted.

Study selection

Titles and abstracts were assessed by two independent reviewers. Studies were included if IVR was an intervention for tobacco cessation for adults; any outcomes were reported and study design was comparative. Any abstract included by either reviewer proceeded to full-text review. Full texts were reviewed by two independent reviewers.

Data extraction

Data were independently extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. The Risk of Bias Tool for Randomised Trials and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tools were used to assess study quality.

Data synthesis

Of 308 identified abstracts, 20 moderate-quality to low-quality studies were included. IVR was used standalone or adjunctly as a treatment, follow-up or risk-assessment tool across populations including general smokers, hospitalised patients, quitline users, perinatal women, patients with cancer and veteran smokers. Effective studies found that IVR was delivered more frequently with shorter follow-up times. Significant gaps in the literature include a lack of population diversity, limited implementation settings and delivery schedules, and limited patient and provider perspectives.

Conclusions

While the evidence is weak, IVR appears to be a promising intervention for tobacco cessation. However, pilot programmes and research addressing literature gaps are necessary.
Frameworks describing the transition to open labour employment for persons with mild and moderate intellectual disability: a scoping review protocol
Authors: du Toit Taryn Lynne , Soeker Mogammad Shaheed , Wegner Lisa
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Persons with mild and moderate intellectual disability (MMID) have the right to participate in all aspects of society and be afforded equal opportunities to realise their full potential. However, it is a challenge for persons with MMID to find and maintain employment due to many different barriers. Currently, there is no contextually relevant framework in South Africa that considers the unique employment support needs and accommodation of persons with MMID, which can guide and inform the transition to employment interventions, strategies and national policy directives.

Methods and analysis

The proposed scoping review will be guided by the methodological framework developed by a working group from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the JBI Collaboration. The search for relevant studies will be conducted across 12 research databases. Reference mining of review studies will be conducted. A three-step search strategy will be used, including the use of information management software to manage the search results. Three independent reviewers will screen the full-text studies to finalise the list of included and excluded studies. Included studies will be assessed for methodological quality using a critical appraisal tool. Data will be charted by one independent reviewer and assessed by two independent reviewers, using a data charting instrument. The data chart will be presented using tables and charts describing the demographic features of the reviewed studies, with an explanation of the thematically analysed results.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review has received ethical approval (BM22/10/11). A summary of the findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This scoping review will contribute to a better understanding of the key characteristics or factors underpinning the components of a multilevel transition to employment framework that will result in open labour market employment for persons with MMID.
Preventing adverse events during paediatric cancer treatment: protocol for a multi-site hybrid randomised controlled trial of catheter lock solutions (the CLOCK trial)
Authors: Ullman Amanda , Takashima Mari , Gibson Victoria , Comber Elouise , Borello Eloise , Bradford Natalie , Byrnes Joshua , Cole Roni , Eisenstat David , Henson Nicole , Howard Philippa , Irwin Adam , Keogh Samantha , Kleidon Tricia , Martin Michelle , McCleary Karen , McLean Jordana , Moloney Susan , Monagle Paul , Moore Andrew , Newall Fiona , Noyes Michelle , Rowan Gemma , St John Amanda , Wood Andrew , Wolf Joshua , Ware Robert
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are commonly used for the treatment of paediatric cancer patients. Catheter locking is a routine intervention that prevents CVAD-associated adverse events, such as infection, occlusion and thrombosis. While laboratory and clinical data are promising, tetra-EDTA (T-EDTA) has yet to be rigorously evaluated or introduced in cancer care as a catheter lock.

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a two-arm, superiority type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trial conducted at seven hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. Randomisation will be in a 3:2 ratio between the saline (heparinised saline and normal saline) and T-EDTA groups, with randomly varied blocks of size 10 or 20 and stratification by (1) healthcare facility; (2) CVAD type and (3) duration of dwell since insertion. Within the saline group, there will be a random allocation between normal and heparin saline. Participants can be re-recruited and randomised on insertion of a new CVAD. Primary outcome for effectiveness will be a composite of CVAD-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI), CVAD-associated thrombosis or CVAD occlusion during CVAD dwell or at removal. Secondary outcomes will include CABSI, CVAD-associated-thrombosis, CVAD failure, incidental asymptomatic CVAD-associated-thrombosis, other adverse events, health-related quality of life, healthcare costs and mortality. To achieve 90% power (alpha=0.05) for the primary outcome, data from 720 recruitments are required. A mixed-methods approach will be employed to explore implementation contexts from the perspective of clinicians and healthcare purchasers.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been provided by Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (HREC/22/QCHQ/81744) and the University of Queensland HREC (2022/HE000196) with subsequent governance approval at all sites. Informed consent is required from the substitute decision-maker or legal guardian prior to participation. In addition, consent may also be obtained from mature minors, depending on the legislative requirements of the study site. The primary trial and substudies will be written by the investigators and published in peer-reviewed journals. The findings will also be disseminated through local health and clinical trial networks by investigators and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000499785.
Emergency department workforces’ experiences and perceptions of well-being from an international perspective: a scoping review
Authors: Swancott Lucy , Armstrong Natalie , Roland Damian , Walters Helen L , Kirk Kate
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To identify and present the available evidence regarding workforce well-being in the emergency department.

Design

Scoping review.

Setting

The emergency department (ED).

Data sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched with no publication time parameters. The reference lists of articles selected for full-text review were also screened for additional papers.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

All peer-reviewed, empirical papers were included if: (1) participants included staff-based full-time in the ED, (2) ED workforce well-being was a key component of the research, (3) English language was available and (4) the main focus was not burnout or other mental illness-related variables.

Results

The search identified 6109 papers and 34 papers were included in the review. Most papers used a quantitative or mixed methods survey design, with very limited evidence using in-depth qualitative methods to explore ED workforce well-being. Interventions accounted for 41% of reviewed studies. Findings highlighted pressing issues with ED workforce well-being, contributed to by a range of interpersonal, organisational and individual challenges (eg, high workloads, lack of support). However, the limited evidence base, tenuous conceptualisations and links to well-being in existing literature mean that the findings were neither consistent nor conclusive.

Conclusions

This scoping review highlights the need for more high-quality research to be conducted, particularly using qualitative methods and the development of a working definition of ED workforce well-being.
A review of foot-related lameness in feedlot cattle
Authors: Erickson Sarah E. , Jelinski Murray D. , Booker Calvin W. , Janzen Eugene , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen
Published: July 2024

Lameness is the second most prevalent morbidity in North American feedlot cattle and is both an animal welfare and economic concern. Lameness accounts for 30%–40% of all feedlot treatments with greater than 70% being foot-related lameness (FRL). This review focused on foot rot (FR), digital dermatitis (DD), and toe tip necrosis syndrome (TTNS). While there are significant study-to-study differences regarding the prevalence of FR, DD, and TTNS, it is unequivocal that FR is the most prevalent. Poor pen conditions are risk factors for both FR and DD, but the epidemiology of the two diseases is quite different. Whereas FR is diagnosed throughout the feeding period, DD typically occurs after 80 days on feed (DOF). TTNS is the least prevalent of the three FRL, but has the greatest negative effect on animal welfare and production performance. Most TTNS cases occur within 50 DOF with treatment failure leading to a significant loss in production performance and even death. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology of lameness in feedlot cattle with emphasis on the prevalence and risk factors associated with FR, DD, and TTNS.
Searching for the open flavor tetraquark $$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$ in the process $$B^+\rightarrow K^+ D^+ D^-$$
Authors: Duan Man-Yu , Wang En , Chen Dian-Yong
Published: July 2024

Inspired by recent observations of$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^0$$Tcs¯0(2900)0in the$$D_s^+ \pi ^-$$Ds+π-invariant mass distribution of$$B^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 D_s^+ \pi ^-$$B0→D¯0Ds+π-decay and$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$Tcs¯0(2900)++in the$$D_s^+ \pi ^+$$Ds+π+invariant mass distribution of$$B^+ \rightarrow D^- D_s^+ \pi ^+$$B+→D-Ds+π+decay, we investigate the$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$Tcs¯0(2900)++contribution to the$$B^+ \rightarrow K^+ D^+ D^-$$B+→K+D+D-decay in a molecular scenario, where we consider$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$Tcs¯0(2900)++as a$$D^{*+} K^{*+}$$D∗+K∗+molecular state. Our estimations indicate that the fit fraction of$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$Tcs¯0(2900)++in the$$B^+ \rightarrow K^+ D^+ D^-$$B+→K+D+D-is about$$13\%$$13%, and its signal is visible in the$$D^+ K^+$$D+K+invariant mass distribution. With the involvement of$$T_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}$$Tcs¯0(2900)++, the fit fractions of$$\chi _{c0}(3915)$$χc0(3915)and$$\chi _{c2}(3930)$$χc2(3930)may be much different with the ones obtained by the amplitude analysis in Ref. [Aaij et al. Phys. Rev. D 102:112003, 2020], which may shed light on the long standing puzzle of$$\chi _{c0}(3915)$$χc0(3915)as the conventional charmonium.
Recent Advances in Bio-Inspired Vision Sensor: A Review
Authors: Zhong Xiaoyu , Yu Zhiguo , Gu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2024

Event-based cameras, also known as biologically inspired visual sensors, are capable of capturing real-time scene changes efficiently. Unlike traditional frame-based cameras, event cameras solely report triggered pixel-level brightness changes which are referred to as events. Event-based cameras show many advantages such as high temporal resolution, low latency, and high dynamic range, making them very attractive in robotics and computer vision, especially in challenging scenarios that are too demanding for traditional cameras. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of event-based vision, focusing on the operation principle, sampling mechanisms, and algorithms that take advantage of their superior features. We also delve into the various tasks for which event cameras are utilized, such as object tracking, optical flow estimation, 3D reconstruction, SLAM, image reconstruction, and recognition. Additionally, we highlight the challenges and future opportunities for event cameras, seeking a more efficient way for machines to perceive and interact with the world.
Polarization phenomenon in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Niida Takafumi , Voloshin Sergei A.
Published: July 2024

The strongly interacting system created in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions behaves almost as an ideal fluid with rich patterns of the velocity field exhibiting strong vortical structure. Vorticity of the fluid, via spin-orbit coupling, leads to particle spin polarization. Due to the finite orbital momentum of the system, the polarization on average is not zero. It depends on the particle momenta reflecting the spatial variation of the local vorticity. In the last few years, this field experienced a rapid growth due to experimental discoveries of the global and local polarizations. Recent measurements triggered further development of the theoretical description of the spin dynamics and suggestions of several new mechanisms for particle polarization. In this review, we focus mostly on the experimental results. We compare the measurements with the existing theoretical calculations but try to keep the discussion of possible underlying physics at the qualitative level. Future measurements and how they can help to answer open theoretical questions are also discussed. We pay a special attention to the employed experimental methods, as well as to the detector effects and associated corrections to the measurements.
Mutation commutativity between geometric realizations and related quivers of classical cluster algebras and applications
Authors: Zhang Baojin , Tang Xiaomin
Published: July 2024

Cluster algebras, introduced by Fomin and Zelevinsky, are connected to dual canonical bases. Geometric realization is an effective way to solve algebraic problems. In 2002, Fomin and Zelevinsky proposed geometric realizations for root systems and finite-type cluster algebras. This study examines the regulation of mutation in geometric realization. We establish a fascinating link between centrally symmetric triangulations and quivers in classical cluster algebras, showing that these triangulations and quivers are interchangeable under mutation. This connection leads to a significant finding: any cluster variable of a given cluster algebra can induce a connected subquiver within the corresponding initial quiver. Furthermore, we demonstrate that any two quivers generated by cluster variables intersect, emphasizing their connectedness. To illustrate the practical implications of this geometric realization, we present a convenient method to compute seed mutations of type [Formula: see text] and define a category based on centrally symmetric triangulations. This category’s objects are [Formula: see text]-linear combinations of positive roots of the root system of type [Formula: see text], and we propose an equivalent condition for morphisms. This condition is a generalization of the case of type [Formula: see text] by [P. Caldero, F. Chapoton and R. Schiffler, Quivers with relations arising from clusters [Formula: see text] case), Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 358(3) (2006) 1347–1364]. Finally, we propose a geometric realization for cluster algebras: weighted triangulations. This approach does not require cluster algebras to be of finite type and can verify whether a matrix from a cluster algebra is equivalent to a subdiagonal matrix.
A generalized deep neural network approach for improving resolution of fluorescence microscopy images
Authors: Jin Zichen , He Qing , Liu Yang , Wang Kaige
Published: July 2024

Deep learning is capable of greatly promoting the progress of super-resolution imaging technology in terms of imaging and reconstruction speed, imaging resolution, and imaging flux. This paper proposes a deep neural network based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). The generator employs a U-Net-based network, which integrates DenseNet for the downsampling component. The proposed method has excellent properties, for example, the network model is trained with several different datasets of biological structures; the trained model can improve the imaging resolution of different microscopy imaging modalities such as confocal imaging and wide-field imaging; and the model demonstrates a generalized ability to improve the resolution of different biological structures even out of the datasets. In addition, experimental results showed that the method improved the resolution of caveolin-coated pits (CCPs) structures from 264[Formula: see text]nm to 138[Formula: see text]nm, a 1.91-fold increase, and nearly doubled the resolution of DNA molecules imaged while being transported through microfluidic channels.
About this title - Mineral Resources Related to Ultramafic–Mafic Magmas, from Archean to Present: Old Deposits and New Prospects of Chromite, Ti–V–Magnetite and Ni–Cu–(PGE) Sulfides
Authors: Mondal S.K. , Reisberg L.C. , González-Jiménez J.M. , Hughes H.S.R.
Published: July 2024

The climate action plan to limit global warming to 1.5–2°C has substantially enhanced the demand for metals. This has significant implications both for mineral-rich developing countries and for countries with actively exploited deposits. This book will broaden our understanding of existing deposits of PGE–Ni–Cu–Co–Ti–V–Cr and of new prospects for these metals.
TWIN-GPT
: Digital Twins for Clinical Trials via Large Language Model
Authors: Wang Yue , Fu Tianfan , Xu Yinlong , Ma Zihan , Xu Hongxia , Du Bang , Lu Yingzhou , Gao Honghao , Wu Jian , Chen Jintai
Published: July 2024

Clinical trials are indispensable for medical research and the development of new treatments. However, clinical trials often involve thousands of participants and can span several years to complete, with a high probability of failure during the process. Recently, there has been a burgeoning interest in virtual clinical trials, which simulate real-world scenarios and hold the potential to significantly enhance patient safety, expedite development, reduce costs, and contribute to the broader scientific knowledge in healthcare. Existing research often focuses on leveraging electronic health records (EHRs) to support clinical trial outcome prediction. Yet, trained with limited clinical trial outcome data, existing approaches frequently struggle to perform accurate predictions. Some research has attempted to generate EHRs to augment model development but has fallen short in personalizing the generation for individual patient profiles. Recently, the emergence of large language models has illuminated new possibilities, as their embedded comprehensive clinical knowledge has proven beneficial in addressing medical issues. In this paper, we propose a large language model-based digital twin creation approach, called
TWIN-GPT
.
TWIN-GPT
can establish cross-dataset associations of medical information given limited data, generating unique personalized digital twins for different patients, thereby preserving individual patient characteristics. Comprehensive experiments show that using digital twins created by
TWIN-GPT
can boost the clinical trial outcome prediction, exceeding various previous prediction approaches. Besides, we also demonstrate that
TWIN-GPT
can generate high-fidelity trial data that closely approximates specific patients, aiding in more accurate result predictions in data-scarce situations. Moreover, our study provides practical evidence for the application of digital twins in healthcare, highlighting its potential significance.
Toward Effective AI Support for Developers
Authors: Khemka Mansi , Houck Brian
Published: July 2024

The journey of integrating AI into the daily lives of software engineers is not without its challenges. Yet, it promises a transformative shift in how developers can translate their creative visions into tangible solutions. As we have seen, AI tools such as GitHub Copilot are already reshaping the code-writing experience, enabling developers to be more productive and to spend more time on creative and complex tasks. The skepticism around AI, from concerns about job security to its real-world efficacy, underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes transparency, education, and ethical considerations. With these efforts, AI has the potential not only to alleviate the burdens of mundane tasks, but also to unlock new horizons of innovation and growth.
Dormancy, Quiescence, and Diapause: Savings Accounts for Life
Authors: Özgüldez Hatice Özge , Bulut-Karslioğlu Aydan
Published: July 2024

Life on Earth has been through numerous challenges over eons and, one way or another, has always triumphed. From mass extinctions to more daily plights to find food, unpredictability is everywhere. The adaptability of life-forms to ever-changing environments is the key that confers life's robustness. Adaptability has become synonymous with Darwinian evolution mediated by heritable genetic changes. The extreme gene-centric view, while being of central significance, at times has clouded our appreciation of the cell as a self-regulating entity informed of, and informing, the genetic data. An essential element that powers adaptability is the ability to regulate cell growth. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of growth regulation spanning species, tissues, and regulatory mechanisms. We aim to highlight the commonalities, as well as differences, of these phenomena and their molecular regulators. Finally, we curate open questions and areas for further exploration.
Shared Mobility's Role in Sustainable Mobility: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Martinez Luis M. , Pritchard John P. , Crist Philippe
Published: July 2024

This article reviews shared mobility, a prominent urban transportation concept with considerable potential to contribute to more sustainable urban mobility. Shared passenger mobility spans diverse services, often leveraging technological advances and disruptions such as smartphones and data analytics to optimize transport resources. Given the broad range of services, a shared mobility taxonomy is proposed, accommodating evolving services. Key challenges for delivering efficient and effective shared mobility services with lower environmental impacts are also identified. Finally, the International Transport Forum transport demand models are used to analyze policy implications and potential effects quantitatively. This article presents a possible scenario for the global evolution of these services to 2050. Results emphasize shared mobility's role in transport decarbonization in the present and future and show that shared mobility may reduce resource use and mobility externalities (e.g., CO2, local pollutants, congestion, urban space use) but that the uptake will differ between Global South and Global North cities.
Plant Thermosensors
Authors: Casal Jorge J. , Murcia Germán , Bianchimano Luciana
Published: July 2024

Plants are exposed to temperature conditions that fluctuate over different time scales, including those inherent to global warming. In the face of these variations, plants sense temperature to adjust their functions and minimize the negative consequences. Transcriptome responses underlie changes in growth, development, and biochemistry (thermomorphogenesis and acclimation to extreme temperatures). We are only beginning to understand temperature sensation by plants. Multiple thermosensors convey complementary temperature information to a given signaling network to control gene expression. Temperature-induced changes in protein or transcript structure and/or in the dynamics of biomolecular condensates are the core sensing mechanisms of known thermosensors, but temperature impinges on their activities via additional indirect pathways. The diversity of plant responses to temperature anticipates that many new thermosensors and eventually novel sensing mechanisms will be uncovered soon.
EPAC1 and 2 inhibit K+ currents via PLC/PKC and NOS/PKG pathways in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Boileve Arthur , Romito Olivier , Hof Thomas , Levallois Aurélia , Brard Laura , d’Hers Sarah , Fouchet Alexandre , Simard Christophe , Guinamard Romain , Brette Fabien , Sallé Laurent
Published: July 2024

The exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) has been implicated in cardiac proarrhythmic signaling pathways including spontaneous diastolic Ca2+ leak from sarcoplasmic reticulum and increased action potential duration (APD) in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes. The action potential (AP) lengthening following acute EPAC activation is mainly due to a decrease of repolarizing steady-state K+ current (IKSS) but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the role of EPAC1 and EPAC2 in the decrease of IKSS and to investigate the underlying signaling pathways. AP and K+ currents were recorded with the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique in freshly isolated rat ventricular myocytes. EPAC1 and EPAC2 were pharmacologically activated with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2′- O-methyl-cAMP acetoxymethyl ester (8-CPTAM, 10 µmol/L) and inhibited with R-Ce3F4 and ESI-05, respectively. Inhibition of EPAC1 and EPAC2 significantly decreased the effect of 8-CPTAM on APD and IKSS showing that both EPAC isoforms are involved in these effects. Unexpectedly, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibition by AIP or KN-93, and Ca2+ chelation by intracellular BAPTA, did not impact the response to 8-CPTAM. However, inhibition of PLC/PKC and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/PKG pathways partially prevents the 8-CPTAM-dependent decrease of IKSS. Finally, the cumulative inhibition of PKC and PKG blocked the 8-CPTAM effect, suggesting that these two actors work along parallel pathways to regulate IKSS upon EPAC activation. On the basis of such findings, we propose that EPAC1 and EPAC2 are involved in APD lengthening by inhibiting a K+ current via both PLC/PKC and NOS/PKG pathways. This may have pathological implications since EPAC is upregulated in diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy.

NEW & NOTEWORHTY Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) proteins modulate ventricular electrophysiology at the cellular level. Both EPAC1 and EPAC2 isoforms participate in this effect. Mechanistically, PLC/PKC and nitric oxide synthase (NO)/PKG pathways are involved in regulating K+ repolarizing current whereas the well-known downstream effector of EPAC, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), does not participate. This may have pathological implications since EPAC is upregulated in diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy. Thus, EPAC inhibition may be a new approach to prevent arrhythmias under pathological conditions.
Class B1 GPCRs: insights into multireceptor pharmacology for the treatment of metabolic disease
Authors: Sangwung Panjamaporn , Ho Joseph D. , Siddall Tessa , Lin Jerry , Tomas Alejandra , Jones Ben , Sloop Kyle W.
Published: July 2024

The secretin-like, class B1 subfamily of seven transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of 15 members that coordinate important physiological processes. These receptors bind peptide ligands and use a distinct mechanism of activation that is driven by evolutionarily conserved structural features. For the class B1 receptors, the C-terminus of the cognate ligand is initially recognized by the receptor via an N-terminal extracellular domain that forms a hydrophobic ligand-binding groove. This binding enables the N-terminus of the ligand to engage deep into a large volume, open transmembrane pocket of the receptor. Importantly, the phylogenetic basis of this ligand-receptor activation mechanism has provided opportunities to engineer analogs of several class B1 ligands for therapeutic use. Among the most accepted of these are drugs targeting the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recently, multifunctional agonists possessing activity at the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, such as tirzepatide, and others that also contain glucagon receptor activity, have been developed. In this article, we review members of the class B1 GPCR family with focus on receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, including their signal transduction and receptor trafficking characteristics. The metabolic importance of these receptors is also highlighted, along with the benefit of polypharmacologic ligands. Furthermore, key structural features and comparative analyses of high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy structures for these receptors in active-state complexes with either native ligands or multifunctional agonists are provided, supporting the pharmacological basis of such therapeutic agents.
An improved SSVEP-based brain-computer interface with low-contrast visual stimulation and its application in UAV control
Authors: Cheng Yu , Yan Lirong , Shoukat Muhammad Usman , She Jingyang , Liu Wenjiang , Shi Changcheng , Wu Yibo , Yan Fuwu
Published: July 2024

In this article, we proposed an improved steady-state visual-evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm and constructed an SSVEP-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system to navigate the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in two-dimensional (2-D) physical space. We proposed a modified method for evaluating visual fatigue including subjective score and objective indices. The results indicated that the improved SSVEP paradigm could effectively reduce visual fatigue while maintaining high accuracy.
Nonlinear analysis and recognition of epileptic EEG signals in different stages
Authors: Lu Xiaojie , Zhang Jiqian , Huang Shoufang , Wang Tingting , Wang Maosheng , Ye MingQuan
Published: July 2024

Our results based on nonlinear method have better practical significance and clinical application value and improved the prediction efficiency of epileptic EEG signals effectively. This work provides direct insight into the application of these biomarkers for seizure detection and prediction.
Force reserve predicts compensation in reaching movement with induced shoulder strength deficit
Authors: Faity Germain , Barradas Victor R. , Schweighofer Nicolas , Mottet Denis
Published: July 2024

Our study reveals key findings on compensatory movements during upper limb reaching tasks under shoulder strength deficits, as observed poststroke. Using heavy dumbbells with healthy volunteers, we demonstrate how forward trunk displacement conserves around 40% of shoulder strength reserve during reaching. We show that an optimal controller employing a cost function combining squared motor torque and a nonlinear penalty for excessive muscle activation outperforms traditional controllers in predicting torques and compensatory movements in these scenarios.
Differential components of bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease revealed by deep brain stimulation
Authors: Mazzoni Pietro , Ushe Mwiza , Younce John R. , Norris Scott A. , Hershey Tamara , Karimi Morvarid , Tabbal Samer D. , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: July 2024

In this study, we examined different components of bradykinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We identified different components through signal processing techniques and their response to deep brain stimulation (DBS). We found that some components of bradykinesia respond to stimulation, whereas others do not. This knowledge advances our understanding of brain mechanisms that control movement speed and amplitude.
Modulation of multisensory nociceptive neurons in monkey cortical area 7b and behavioral correlates
Authors: Dong Willie K.
Published: July 2024

Multisensory nociceptive neurons in cortical area 7b are engaged in integration of threatening visuosensory and a wide range of innocuous and nocuous somatosensory (thermoreceptive) inputs. The enhancement of neuronal activity and escape behavior in monkey by multisensory integration is consistent and supportive of human psychophysical studies. The spatial features of visuosensory stimulation in peripersonal space in relation to somatic stimulation in personal space are critical to multisensory integration, nociception, nocifensive behavior, and pain.
An Observational Study of Early Treatment Response and Predictors of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Moderate‐to‐Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Deng Sisi , Wang Huan , Fu Jiong , Zhai Zhifang , Chen Qiquan , Song Zhiqiang
Published: July 2024

Background. Dupilumab has shown good effectiveness and safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis. However, there is a lack of clinical data that focuses solely on the treatment response for the endpoint to observe the short‐term goal (12 weeks) in the treatment‐to‐target (T2T) concept. Study on predictors of early treatment response is also limited. Objective. To evaluate the early effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis and to identify possible predictors of response. Methods. Using a retrospective study method, patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis who received dupilumab for ≥12 weeks at the Southwest Hospital between September 2019 and April 2022 were included. Results. Totally 16.25% of patients achieved EASI75 after 4 weeks and 53.75% achieved EASI75 after 12 weeks. SCORAD, EASI, and NRS were 50.17 ± 17.35, 13.51 ± 12.33 and 7.10 ± 1.82 in turn at baseline, and decreased to 29.94 ± 15.01, 6.97 ± 7.92, 3.64 ± 1.39 and 14.96 ± 10.31, 3.05 ± 4.16, 2.19 ± 1.09 after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). After 12 weeks, the changes in peripheral blood eosinophil count (decreased from (0.60 ± 0.43) ∗ 10^9/L to (0.30 ± 0.21) ∗ 10^9/L), total IgE level (decreased from 547.00 (179.00, 2167.50) IU/ml to 216.50 (106.00, 825.00) IU/ml), and LDH (decreased from (166.11 ± 171.59) IU/L to (67.54 ± 70.68) IU/L) from baseline were significant (p < 0.01). Elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts might be associated with an inadequate response to dupilumab (SCORAD12w: p = 0.007; EASI12w: p = 0.003; NRS12w: p = 0.030). The most common adverse events were reactions at the injection site (6/80) and conjunctivitis (4/80). Conclusion. Dupilumab showed good early effectiveness and safety in real‐world practice in Chinese patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis.
A Design Method for Redundant Microthruster Layout With Allocation Error
Authors: Chen Mingwei , Zhang Chu , He Jianwu , Yang Chao , Duan Li , Kang Qi
Published: July 2024

The microthruster is generally chosen as the actuator of the drag‐free satellite control system, and the layout directly affects the stability of the satellite control. Due to the extremely rigorous objectives of drag‐free control, a design method for the redundant thruster layout is proposed in this paper to improve the control stability of the satellite and reduce the allocation error of the control system. First, the factors corresponding to the allocation errors of redundant thruster layouts are analyzed. And the minimum number of thrusters required for satellite control is determined through the calculation method of thruster redundancy. Then, the design criterion of reducing the allocation error and increasing the satellite control stability is put forward. To demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the design method proposed in this paper, the space gravitational wave detection satellite is taken as a simulation case. Thrust distribution models corresponding to the designed thruster layouts are established, and the results show that a proper layout can not only improve stability but also reduce fuel consumption. The research is looking forward to providing a reference for designing the microthruster layout of the gravitational wave detection satellite in the future.
Understanding and Improving Black Social Worker and Student Experiences in England
Authors: Dytham Siobhan , Mallett Carl , Walters Michelle
Published: July 2024

This article explores the experiences of Black newly qualified social workers and student social workers in England. Drawing on related studies that have begun to outline the challenges faced by Global Ethnic Majority social workers in the UK, the article highlights that this is both an important and under‐researched area. The article provides a much‐needed contribution to understanding the unique experiences of Black social workers through a thematic analysis of interviews with Black social workers, providing an opportunity for social work colleagues, managers, educators, and academics to understand the challenges and obstacles that these social workers face. The research reveals a dire situation in which Black social workers are hindered by racial stereotyping, discrimination, and invisibility. Black social worker voices also highlight suggestions for best practice and guidance for the social work sector about how to improve. By centering these underrepresented voices, this article provides an opportunity to acknowledge and begin to rectify the barriers and challenges that Black social workers face.
Table 2 from The Tumor Microbiome Reacts to Hypoxia and Can Influence Response to Radiation Treatment in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Benej Martin , Hoyd Rebecca , Kreamer McKenzie , Wheeler Caroline E. , Grencewicz Dennis J. , Choueiry Fouad , Chan Carlos H.F. , Zakharia Yousef , Ma Qin , Dodd Rebecca D. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Hardikar Sheetal , Churchman Michelle L. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , McCarter Martin D. , Tinoco Gabriel , Husain Marium , Jin Ning , Tan Aik C. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Eljilany Islam , Riedlinger Gregory , Schneider Bryan P. , Benejova Katarina , Kery Martin , Papandreou Ioanna , Zhu Jiangjiang , Denko Nicholas , Spakowicz Daniel
Published: July 2024

Demographic information for the COAD and READ samples in TCGA database, comparing demographic information between COAD and READ
Table 1 from The Tumor Microbiome Reacts to Hypoxia and Can Influence Response to Radiation Treatment in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Benej Martin , Hoyd Rebecca , Kreamer McKenzie , Wheeler Caroline E. , Grencewicz Dennis J. , Choueiry Fouad , Chan Carlos H.F. , Zakharia Yousef , Ma Qin , Dodd Rebecca D. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Hardikar Sheetal , Churchman Michelle L. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , McCarter Martin D. , Tinoco Gabriel , Husain Marium , Jin Ning , Tan Aik C. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Eljilany Islam , Riedlinger Gregory , Schneider Bryan P. , Benejova Katarina , Kery Martin , Papandreou Ioanna , Zhu Jiangjiang , Denko Nicholas , Spakowicz Daniel
Published: July 2024

Demographic information for the ORIEN patients with COAD or rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) tumors, stratified by radiation treatment
Figure 3 from The Tumor Microbiome Reacts to Hypoxia and Can Influence Response to Radiation Treatment in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Benej Martin , Hoyd Rebecca , Kreamer McKenzie , Wheeler Caroline E. , Grencewicz Dennis J. , Choueiry Fouad , Chan Carlos H.F. , Zakharia Yousef , Ma Qin , Dodd Rebecca D. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Hardikar Sheetal , Churchman Michelle L. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , McCarter Martin D. , Tinoco Gabriel , Husain Marium , Jin Ning , Tan Aik C. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Eljilany Islam , Riedlinger Gregory , Schneider Bryan P. , Benejova Katarina , Kery Martin , Papandreou Ioanna , Zhu Jiangjiang , Denko Nicholas , Spakowicz Daniel
Published: July 2024

The presence of certain microbes in ORIEN tumors correlates with worse outcomes after radiotherapy. A, List of strains whose interactions with hypoxia in the tumor are significantly associated with survival outcomes in ORIEN patients who received radiation treatment. B, Kaplan–Meier survival curve showing an association between the presence of F. canifelinum and patient outcome. A risk table for this result is available as Supplementary Table S6. C, Model CT26 tumors grown in immune-deficient mice and inoculated with Fusobacterium show no increase in tumor growth delay after radiotherapy. D, Similarly, model tumors inoculated with several other bacterial strains show significant increases in tumor growth delay after radiotherapy. The strains included are Lactobacillus (Lacto), a mixed population from a healthy donor (Gut Mix), bacterial growth medium (GAM), Streptococcus (Strepto), and Akkermansia (AKK). Error bars are ±SEM. P values were calculated against GAM using the t test. *, P < 0.05.