bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Fish Movement: home range sizes for commercially relevant species
Authors: Bradley Darcy , Caughman Alicia M. , Fogg Sandra A. , Cabral Reniel B. , Mayorga Juan , Goodell Whitney , Millage Katherine D. , White Timothy D.
Published: August 2024

Estimates of home range sizes for marine fishes are essential for designing and assessing the effects of spatial wildlife conservation policies and management interventions. However, in situ studies of marine species movement are challenging and often expensive, resulting in a paucity of data on the home range size of the vast majority of marine fishes. Here, we develop a set of new datasets, which we have collectively named Marine Fish Movement, that synthesises published empirically evaluated home ranges reported for adult marine fishes that interact with fisheries and leverage these data to estimate home range sizes for unstudied species. The empirical data contain estimated home range sizes (km2) for 193 species across 63 family groups from 179 studies published between 1971 and 2022. We use a random forest regression model to estimate home range sizes (km2) for 664 fished marine species currently lacking home range estimates. Marine Fish Movement can inform spatial interventions including the design and management of marine protected areas and dynamic fisheries management to meet sustainability goals.
Datasets of traits of zodariid spiders (Araneae: Zodariidae)
Authors: Pekár Stano
Published: August 2024

Species traits are essential for inferences on ecology and the evolution of organisms. Spiders are the most abundant and diversified terrestrial predators, playing an important role in a range of ecosystem services. Here, I present datasetse on all traits of zodariid spiders, which are known to be free-living ground-dwellers occurring on all continents (except Antarctica) with the highest species diversity in Australia. I collated the data from published resources. The datasets includes nearly 100 000 trait records on all (90) genera and almost all species (1249) of the family. The majority of the 88 traits collected are morphometric, followed by those relating to ecology, reproduction, and physiology. Morphometric traits were available for the majority of species. Other trait classes were only available for some species. I provide a standardized classification of selected categorical traits (habitat, microhabitat, retreat type, circadian activity, prey, primary defensive, and predators). This is the first complete database of traits of a whole spider family, which is available through the World Spider Trait database.
Skin exposure to soil microbiota elicits changes in cell-mediated immunity to pneumococcal vaccine
Authors: Roslund Marja I. , Nurminen Noora , Oikarinen Sami , Puhakka Riikka , Grönroos Mira , Puustinen Leena , Kummola Laura , Parajuli Anirudra , Cinek Ondřej , Laitinen Olli H. , Hyöty Heikki , Sinkkonen Aki
Published: August 2024

A resilient immune system is characterized by its capacity to respond appropriately to challenges, such as infections, and it is crucial in vaccine response. Here we report a paired randomized intervention-control trial in which we evaluated the effect of microbially rich soil on immune resilience and pneumococcal vaccine response. Twenty-five age and sex matched pairs of volunteers were randomized to intervention and control groups. The intervention group rubbed hands three times a day in microbially rich soil until participants received a pneumococcal vaccine on day 14. Vaccine response, skin and gut bacteriome and blood cytokine levels were analyzed on days 0, 14 and 35. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with vaccine components and autoclaved soil for cytokine production. Commensal bacterial community shifted only in the intervention group during the 14-day intervention period. When PBMCs collected on day 14 before the vaccination were stimulated with the vaccine components, IFN-y production increased in the intervention but not in the control group. On day 35, vaccination induced a robust antibody response in both groups. In parallel, gut bacterial community was associated with TGF-β plasma levels and TGF-β decrease in plasma was lower in the intervention group. The results indicate that exposure to microbially rich soil can modulate the cell-mediated immunity to components in pneumococcal vaccine.
Controlling wind turbine tower vibration under external force by applying control systems combination
Authors: Amer Y. A. , EL-Sayed A. T. , Agwa M. M.
Published: August 2024

The global focus has recently shifted away from fuel-based power sources, and one of the most important projects for energy production is wind energy. To maintain low costs, the current research examines the problem of vibrations affecting wind turbine towers’ performance (WTTs). In particular, the tower, resulting from excessive vibrations, can negatively affect a structure’s power output and service life, as it can cause fatigue. Therefore, we conducted numerical tests on various types of controlled systems. Our tests revealed that combining a new technique cubic negative velocity control (CNVC) and linear negative acceleration control (LNAC) was the most effective and cost-efficient option for vibration damping. This solution was derived by using an approximation method for the averaging technique. The external force is an important component of a nonlinear dynamic system and can be characterized by two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) differential coupled equations. After implementing the control measures, we conducted a numerical analysis of the vibration values before and after the operation. Stability is studied numerically. The numerical and approximate solutions were confirmed through the frequency response equation and time history with fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK-4). Finally, we investigated the effect of parameters and compared our results with those of previously published studies.
UAV propeller fault diagnosis using deep learning of non-traditional χ2-selected Taguchi method-tested Lempel–Ziv complexity and Teager–Kaiser energy features
Authors: Al-Haddad Luttfi A. , Giernacki Wojciech , Basem Ali , Khan Zeashan Hameed , Jaber Alaa Abdulhady , Al-Haddad Sinan A.
Published: August 2024

Fault detection and isolation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propellers are critical for operational safety and efficiency. Most existing fault diagnosis techniques rely basically on traditional statistical-based methods that necessitate better approaches. This study explores the application of untraditional feature extraction methodologies, namely Permutation Entropy (PE), Lempel–Ziv Complexity (LZC), and Teager–Kaiser Energy Operator (TKEO), on the PADRE dataset, which encapsulates various rotor fault configurations. The extracted features were subjected to a Chi-Square (χ2) feature selection process to identify the most significant features for input into a Deep Neural Network. The Taguchi method was utilized to test the performance of the recorded features, correspondingly. Performance metrics, including Accuracy, F1-Score, Precision, and Recall, were employed to evaluate the model’s effectiveness before and after the feature selection. The achieved accuracy has increased by 0.9% when compared with results utilizing traditional statistical methods. Comparative analysis with prior research reveals that the proposed untraditional features surpass traditional methods in diagnosing UAV propeller faults. It resulted in improved performance metrics with Accuracy, F1-Score, Precision, and Recall reaching 99.6%, 99.5%, 99.5%, and 99.5%, respectively. The results suggest promising directions for future research in UAV maintenance and safety protocols.
Tectonic structures of the Dome Fuji region, East Antarctica, based on new magnetic data
Authors: Guy Alexandra , Eagles Graeme , Eisen Olaf
Published: August 2024

The Oldest Ice Reconnaissance (OIR) airborne geophysical survey in East Antarctica was flown over approximately 170,000 km2 of the Dome Fuji region in 2016/17. The survey’s results support new insights into the subglacial geology and its meaning for the tectonic histories of the supercontinents Rodinia and Gondwana. The new magnetic and radar-derived bed topography data are integrated with previously acquired magnetic and gravity data, allowing the mapping of crustal domains within and beyond the survey’s limits. The magnetic data reveal three distinct domains within the survey region, delineated by N–S oriented boundaries, partly aligned with gravity domains following upward continuation transformations for both datasets. Additionally, four primary sets of magnetic lineaments were identified, exhibiting correlations with topographic and gravity patterns. These correlations indicate the continuation of the Tonian Oceanic Arc Super Terrane (TOAST) southward of its previously known southern limit. Moreover, an E–W-trending magnetic anomaly, the Elbert magnetic anomaly, suggests the suture between the recently-proposed subglacial Valkyrie craton and the TOAST. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a broad scale shear zone, named here the OIR shear zone, which formed as a result of oblique collision of the Ruker and Valkyrie cratons during the amalgamation of Gondwana.
Phenotypic diversity and population structure of Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) collections reveals geographic patterns
Authors: Wang Xinwang , Stein Larry , Black Mark , Kubenka Keith , Randall Jennifer , Ding Chen
Published: August 2024

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is an economically important nut crop known for its genetic diversity and adaptability to various climates. Understanding the growth variability, phenological traits, and population structure of pecan populations is crucial for breeding programs and conservation. In this study, plant growth and phenological traits were evaluated over three consecutive seasons (2015–2017) for 550 genotypes from 26 provenances. Significant variations in plant height, stem diameter, and budbreak were observed among provenances, with Southern provenances exhibiting faster growth and earlier budbreak compared to Northern provenances. Population structure analysis using SNP markers revealed eight distinct subpopulations, reflecting genetic differentiation among provenances. Notably, Southern Mexico collections formed two separate clusters, while Western collections, such as 'Allen 3', 'Allen 4', and 'Riverside', were distinguished from others. 'Burkett' and 'Apache' were grouped together due to their shared maternal parentage. Principal component analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis further supported subpopulation differentiation. Genetic differentiation among the 26 populations was evident, with six clusters highly in agreement with the subpopulations identified by STRUCTURE and fastSTRUCTURE. Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed distinct groups, corresponding to subpopulations identified by genetic analysis. Discriminant analysis of PCA (DAPC) based on provenance origin further supported the genetic structure, with clear separation of provenances into distinct clusters. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity and growth patterns of pecan populations. Understanding the genetic basis of phenological traits and population structure is essential for selecting superior cultivars adapted to diverse environments. The identified subpopulations can guide breeding efforts to develop resilient rootstocks and contribute to the sustainable management of pecan genetic resources. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of pecan genetic diversity and informs conservation and breeding strategies for the long-term viability of pecan cultivation.
Individual mangrove trees provide alternative reef fish habitat on backreefs
Authors: von Hammerstein Hannah , Fett Theresa-Marie , Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Helfer Véronique , Kininmonth Stuart , Bejarano Sonia
Published: August 2024

Mangrove trees occur in a variety of geomorphic and sedimentary settings. Yet, studies investigating their role as habitat providers often focus on the most common biophysical types, such as deltaic, estuarine, open coast or lagoonal mangroves on soft sediments, disregarding less typical environments. Here, we investigated the influence of individual mangrove trees growing on a consolidated backreef system (Laucala Bay, Fiji) on habitat use by reef fishes. Combining field surveys and an experiment, we quantified the extent to which reef mangrove trees serve as habitat for solitary or shoaling reef fishes. Using mangrove tree mimics, we disentangled effects attributable to the physical structure of trees from those related to their bio-chemical properties. We found that fish numbers were 3.7 times higher within close proximity to the mangrove trees than at control sites and correlated significantly with root system perimeter. The roots of larger trees sheltered aggregations of juveniles and adults at incoming and high tides. Mangrove trees and mimics attracted fishes alike. We show that mangrove trees on backreefs provide habitat for shoaling and adult reef fishes in addition to serving as nursery areas, an ecosystem service otherwise lacking on backreef areas with low structural complexity.
Disparities in clinical studies of AI enabled applications from a global perspective
Authors: Yang Rui , Nair Sabarinath Vinod , Ke Yuhe , D’Agostino Danny , Liu Mingxuan , Ning Yilin , Liu Nan
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been extensively researched in medicine, but its practical application remains limited. Meanwhile, there are various disparities in existing AI-enabled clinical studies, which pose a challenge to global health equity. In this study, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the geo-economic distribution of 159 AI-enabled clinical studies, as well as the gender disparities among these studies. We aim to reveal these disparities from a global literature perspective, thus highlighting the need for equitable access to medical AI technologies.
Universal-neural-network-potential molecular dynamics for lithium metal and garnet-type solid electrolyte interface
Authors: Iwasaki Rinon , Tanibata Naoto , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu
Published: August 2024

All-solid-state Li-metal batteries can conceivably improve the safety and extend the driving ranges of electric vehicles. In this regard, the garnet-type solid electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZ) has garnered considerable attention because of its high Li-ion conductivity and nonreactivity towards molten Li metal. Here, we perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using a universal neural network potential (UNNP) to analyse the Li-ion exchange at the LLZ/Li interface at the atomic scale. The UNNP-MD calculations show that Li ions traverse the LLZ/Li interface and that excess Li ions relative to the stoichiometric composition accumulate in an approximately 1 nm-thick zone near the LLZ phase interface, signifying the formation of a space-charge layer. Electronic structural analysis of the UNNP-MD-derived configuration, performed using density functional theory calculations, reveals band bending near the LLZ phase interface and the simultaneous suppression of Li metal reduction. These findings can help expedite the development of rationally designed all-solid-state Li-metal batteries.
Type II collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Hu Xu , Wu Zhonglian , Zhang Zhen , Yao Hang , Wang Dong-An
Published: August 2024

Type II collagen (CII), a key component of cartilaginous tissues, offers an attractive option for fabricating biomimetic scaffolds that provide mechanical support and biochemical signals to facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Advances in fabrication technologies have enabled the creation of intricate and multicellular CII-based scaffolds that more accurately replicate the natural structure of tissues. Here, we review the application of CII in tissue engineering and highlight its crucial contributions to the regeneration of hyaline cartilage and intervertebral discs. Additionally, we discuss the versatile roles of CII in other biomedical applications, including disease modeling, bone regeneration, and the development of artificial immune organs.
Ecosystem services “on the move” as a nature-based solution for financing the Global Biodiversity Framework
Authors: Sequeira Ana M. M. , Rashid Sumaila U. , Rogers Abbie A.
Published: August 2024

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to halt global biodiversity loss. However, its implementation process will need strategic financing particularly to address the divide between the Global North and Global South. Highly migratory marine vertebrates (henceforth marine megafauna) connect distant ecosystems providing ecosystem services across jurisdictions with considerably different conservation interests and economic ability to pay for biodiversity protection. Although such migratory behaviour presents a specially challenging case for protection, because it provides a direct link between developed and less-developed countries it can provide a key to unlock the potential for financial support for implementing the GBF and shed light on a nature-based solution for how Official Development Assistance (ODA) could be deployed. Such ODA could ensure the global protection of these charismatic and threatened species, while contributing to the financing of the GBF. Our work emphasises the economic value of marine megafauna ecosystem services provided “on the move” across jurisdictions and highlights the economic value of conserving marine megafauna, our global heritage.
Efficient reductive amination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by iridium-catalysed transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Liu Haoying , Tang Weijun , Xue Dong , Xiao Jianliang , Wang Chao
Published: August 2024

Transfer hydrogenative reductive amination of 5-(hydroxymethy)furfural (HMF) has been accomplished, catalysed by a cyclometalated iridium catalyst with formic acid as a hydrogen source.
A cobalt porphyrin-bridged covalent triazine polymer-derived electrode for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Aijian , Yang Xin , Zhang Fengqiang , Peng Qitao , Zhai Xiaoyu , Zhu Weihua
Published: August 2024

A nitrogen-rich porphyrin-bridged covalent triazine polymer derived catalyst can generate a more effective hydrogen evolution reaction, outperforming many other state-of-the-art HER electrocatalysts.
Effect of dietary fibre on cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Mingyue , Cai Chenxi , Yang Zhongmin , Wang Xue , Li Guiling , Li Jian , Liu Jingwen , Zhang Zhengxiao
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of dietary fibre on the mental health and cognitive function of children and adolescents.
Facile synthesis and electrochemical analysis of TiN-based ZnO nanoparticles as promising cathode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Riaz Junaid , Cao Jianchun , Zhang Yongguo , Bibi Amina , Zhou Xiaolong
Published: August 2024

In today's energy landscape, the rise of energy crises spurred by rapid industrial expansion demands the development of advanced energy storage systems, especially those leveraging renewable sources independently.
Highly fluorescent fish scale-derived carbon dots for quercetin sensing
Authors: Xu Chengzhi , Wang Binglu , Xing Jinyue , Zhao Yanqiu , Zhu Lian , Zhang Juntao , Wei Benmei , Wang Haibo
Published: August 2024

Through modification, this work significantly enhances the quantum yield of carbon dots derived from fish scales and applies them for trace detection of quercetin.
A fast response and highly sensitive flexible humidity sensor based on a nanocomposite film of MoS2 and graphene oxide
Authors: Ge Gengwu , Ke Ningfeng , Ma Hongliang , Ding Jie , Zhang Wendong , Fan Xuge
Published: August 2024

A flexible humidity sensor based on MoS2/GO was realized with a high responsivity of 98%, a fast response/recovery time of 1.3/12.1 s, and excellent stability and linearity. It was applied for human respiration and fingertip proximity detection.
Photochemical tandem reaction of nitrogen containing heterocycles, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, and difluoroiodane(iii) reagents
Authors: Zhu Yaqing , Yi Fengchao , Zhou Ningning , Zhang Yi , Zhang Ying , Zhao Xia , Lu Kui
Published: August 2024

A visible light-induced difluoroalkylation/heteroarylation of [1.1.1]propellane with nitrogen containing heterocycles and difluoroiodane(iii) reagents was achieved.
Chromium-catalysed selective synthesis of 3-oxo and 3-amino quinolines using β-O-4′ lignin models or α-amino ketones
Authors: Adhikari Priyanka , Borah Asish , Das Animesh
Published: August 2024

Chromium-catalyzed annulation of 2-aminoaryl alcohol with phenoxyacetophenone to 3-oxo-quinoline derivatives is reported.
Combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and a transient flow method for efficient kinetic analysis of the Claisen rearrangement
Authors: Takebayashi Yoshihiro , Sue Kiwamu , Kataoka Sho
Published: August 2024

An automated flow reactor with a rapid inline monitoring using a compact near-infrared spectrometer and a flow rate ramp control enabled high-density kinetic data acquisition.
Type-II WS2/AsP van der Waals heterojunctions with high rectification ratio and high detectivity
Authors: Jia Runmeng , Guo Tingting , Wang Yifei , Lin Yuhai , Zhu Cheng , Farhan Ahmad , Xu Jing , Ruan Banqin , Zhang Aidi , Chen Xiang , Li Zhi , Song Xiufeng , Zeng Haibo
Published: August 2024

The WS2/AsP vdWHs device with a type-II band structure suppresses dark currents and improves photoelectric characteristics. It boasts a detectivity of 1.72 × 1013 jones and a responsivity of 14.6 A W−1, showing great potential in future applications.
Sub‐6 GHz plane wave generator design for automotive antenna over‐the‐air testing
Authors: An Xudong , Duan Siqi , Zhang Qinjuan , Wang Weimin , Liu Yuanan
Published: August 2024

Automotive antennas are gaining importance due to their increasingly important role for autonomous driving with the development of the Internet of Vehicles. However, over‐the‐air testing on automotive antennas is difficult owing to its large volume and complex body structure. Plane wave generators can approximate uniform plane waves in the near field of the device under test, which can greatly reduce the measurement distance and thereby decreasing the cost compared with direct far‐field solutions. This letter designs three plane wave generators for three quiet zone sizes selected according to the vehicle structure at 5.9 GHz, achieving quiet zone sizes of 1.45 m m, 2.9m m, and 3.9 m m, respectively. Within the three quiet zones, amplitude deviations of 0.82, 0.34, and 0.34 dB and phase deviations of , and are realized, respectively, according to the numerical simulations. Uncertainty analysis is further implemented to investigate the robustness of the designed PWGs proposed in this letter.
DBAD: Dual branch reconstruction for industrial anomaly detection
Authors: Cai Huaze , Liu Shuaishi
Published: August 2024

Reconstruction‐based methods are commonly used in industrial visual anomaly detection. They rely on a well‐reconstructed normal mode of the model. However, it is difficult to manage the boundary of generalization. The strength of the model's generalization capability can directly affect the fidelity of the reconstruction, resulting in the occurrence of false positives. To address the above challenges, a novel dual branch reconstruction anomaly detection approach is proposed to control the model generalization capability at two dimensions. It reconstructs abnormal images into normal ones by resolution recovery and denoising branches. Detection results are generated from their comparison. In addition, an innovative channel adjustment module is introduced to improve information exchange between branches. It uses multiple dilated convolutions for interactions over different scales. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the method outperforms most inspection methods on the MVTec AD and MVTec 3D‐AD datasets. It also shows good results on the self‐generated automotive paint scratches dataset of this study.
Mechanical properties and cage transformations in CO2-CH4 heterohydrates: a molecular dynamics and machine learning study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Xintong , Shi Qiao , Qu Yongxiao , Hao Yongchao , Fu Yuequn , Wu Jianyang , Zhang Zhisen
Published: August 2024

The substitution of natural gas hydrates with CO2 offers a compelling dual advantage by enabling the extracting of CH4 while simultaneously sequestering CO2. This process, however, is intricately tied to the mechanical stability of CO2-CH4 heterohydrates. In this study, we report the mechanical properties and cage transformations in CO2-CH4 heterohydrates subjected to uniaxial straining via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning (ML). Results indicate that guest molecule occupancy, the ratio of CO2 to CH4 and their spatial arrangements within heterohydrate structure greatly dictate the mechanical properties of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates including Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and critical strain. Notable, the introduction of CO2 within clathrate cages, particularly within 512 small cages, weakens the stability of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates in terms of mechanical properties. Upon critical strains, unconventional clathrate cages form, contributing to loading stress oscillation before fracture of heterohydrates. Intriguingly, predominant cage transformations, such as 51262–4151063 or 425864 and 512–425861 cages, are identified, in which 4151062 appears as primary intermediate cage that is able to transform into 4151063, 425862, 425863, 512 and 51262 cages, unveiling the dynamic nature of heterohydrate structures under straining. Additionally, ML models developed using MD data well predict the mechanical properties of heterohydrates, and underscore the critical influence of the spatial arrangement of guest molecules on the mechanical properties. These newly-developed ML models serve as valuable tools for accurately predicting the mechanical properties of heterohydrates. This study provides fresh insights into the mechanical properties and cage transformations in heterohydrates in response to strain, holding significant implications for environmentally sustainable utilization of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates.
A reconfigurable narrow-band bandpass filter using electrically-coupled open-loop resonators based on liquid crystals
Authors: Choi Jin-Young , Ma Jun-Seok , Oh Hyunwoo , Kim Wook-Sung
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces an electrically reconfigurable narrowband bandpass filter that exploits liquid-crystal technology. The filter uses two electrically-coupled open-loop resonators to produce two transmission zeros, resulting in a more compact structure than a single open-loop resonator. The spacing between resonators contributes to easy manipulation of the fractional bandwidth (FBW) and return loss. Theoretical calculations of the electrical length using multilayer microstrip line equations are presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the center frequency can be tuned from 9.70 GHz to 10.86 GHz with a maximum bias voltage of 30 V, achieving a tuning range of 11.34%. With applied bias, the maximum FBW reaches 8.10% and the maximum return loss attains 15.97 dB in each biased state.
Generalized anxiety disorder in low-resourced adults: a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study across the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ettman Catherine K , Abdalla Salma M , Wang Ruochen , Rosenberg Samuel B , Galea Sandro
Published: August 2024

The burden of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) accrued disproportionately over the COVID-19 pandemic to low-resource populations. Using a longitudinal, nationally representative study of US adults, we used generalized estimating equations to estimate the burden of positive screen for GAD (GAD-7 score ≥ 10) over time. The final sample included 1270 adults at least 18 years old who completed the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-being (CLIMB) Study, with data collected in spring 2020, 2021, and 2022. The national prevalence of positive screen for GAD decreased from 24.4% in 2020 to 21.3% in 2022 (P < .05). Across the COVID-19 pandemic, factors associated with increased odds of positive screen for GAD were lower income (odds ratio (OR) = 2.06 [95% CI, 1.17-3.63] for ≤$19 999 relative to ≥$75 000), younger age (OR = 2.55 [95% CI, 1.67-3.89] for ages 18-39 years relative to ≥60 years), and having contracted COVID-19 (OR = 1.54 [95% CI, 1.12-2.14]). Experiencing stressors was associated with 14% increased odds of positive screen for GAD for each additional stressor. The 2020 stressors most strongly associated with positive screen for GAD in 2022 were job loss and difficulty paying rent. Efforts to address the stressors affecting groups with the highest burden of anxiety after the pandemic may help mitigate poor mental health exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hierarchical clustering analysis to inform classification of congenital malformations for surveillance of medication safety in pregnancy
Authors: Straub Loreen , Wang Shirley V , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Gray Kathryn J , Vine Seanna M , Russo Massimiliano , Mittal Leena , Bateman Brian T , Zhu Yanmin , Huybrechts Krista F
Published: August 2024

There is growing interest in the secondary use of health care data to evaluate medication safety in pregnancy. Tree-based scan statistics (TBSS) offer an innovative approach to help identify potential safety signals; they use hierarchically organized outcomes, generally based on existing clinical coding systems that group outcomes by organ system. When assessing teratogenicity, such groupings often lack a sound embryologic basis, given the etiologic heterogeneity of congenital malformations. The study objective was to enhance the grouping of congenital malformations to be used in scanning approaches through implementation of hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and to pilot test an HCA-enhanced TBSS approach for medication safety surveillance in pregnancy in 2 test cases using > 4.2 million mother-child dyads from 2 US-nationwide databases. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified (1) malformation combinations belonging to the same organ system already grouped in existing classifications, (2) known combinations across different organ systems not previously grouped, (3) unknown combinations not previously grouped, and (4) malformations seemingly standing on their own. Testing the approach with valproate and topiramate identified expected signals and a signal for an HCA-cluster missed by traditional classification. Augmenting existing classifications with clusters identified through large data exploration may be promising when defining phenotypes for surveillance and causal inference studies.
The evolution of selection bias in the recent epidemiologic literature—a selective overview
Authors: Lu Haidong , Howe Chanelle J , Zivich Paul N , Gonsalves Gregg S , Westreich Daniel
Published: August 2024

Selection bias has long been central in methodological discussions across epidemiology and other fields. In epidemiology, the concept of selection bias has been continually evolving over time. In this issue of American Journal of Epidemiology, Mathur and Shpitser (Am J Epidemiol. 2025;194(1):267–277) present simple graphical rules for assessing the presence of selection bias when estimating causal effects by using a single-world intervention graph (SWIG). Their work is particularly insightful as it addresses the scenarios where treatment affects sample selection—a topic that has been underexplored in previous literature on selection bias. To contextualize the work by Mathur and Shpitser, we trace the evolution of the concept of selection bias in epidemiology, focusing primarily on the developments in the last 20-30 years following the adoption of causal directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) in epidemiologic research.
Transcriptome analysis of the common moss Bryum pseudotriquetrum grown under Antarctic field condition
Authors: Otani Masahiro , Kitamura Haruki , Kudoh Sakae , Imura Satoshi , Nakano Masaru
Published: August 2024

Mosses are distributed all over the world including Antarctica. Although Antarctic mosses show active growth in a short summer season under harsh environments such as low temperature, drought and high levels of UV radiation, survival mechanisms for such multiple environmental stresses of Antarctic mosses have not yet been clarified. In the present study, transcriptome analyses were performed using one of the common mosses Bryum pseudotriquetrum grown under an Antarctic field and artificial cultivation conditions. Totally 88 205 contigs were generated by de novo assembly, among which 1377 and 435 genes were significantly up and downregulated, respectively, under Antarctic field conditions compared with artificial cultivation conditions at 15°C. Among the upregulated genes, a number of lipid metabolism-related and oil body formation-related genes were identified. Expression levels of these genes were increased by artificial environmental stress treatments such as low temperature, salt and osmic stress treatments. Consistent with these results, B. pseudotriquetrum grown under Antarctic field conditions contained large amounts of fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. In addition, proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which enhance membrane fluidity, to the total fatty acids was also higher in B. pseudotriquetrum grown under Antarctic field conditions. Since lipid accumulation and unsaturation of fatty acids are generally important factors for the acquisition of various environmental stress tolerance in plants, these intracellular physiological and metabolic changes may be responsible for the survival of B. pseudotriquetrum under Antarctic harsh environments.
Expressive Arts Intervention for Older Carers of Adult Family Members with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ho Kit Wan
Published: August 2024

Expressive arts-based interventions have proven effective in facilitating discovery, healing, and change across diverse client populations, and particularly in deepening older individuals’ connection with their own creativity, resulting in improvements in physical and mental well-being. In this study, expressive arts-based interventions were utilised in ten groups of Chinese older carers of adult family members with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Focus group interviews were used to investigate the effectiveness. Amongst the forty-seven participants, the majority were mothers between sixty-one and seventy years old. More than half of the care recipients were over the age of thirty. The emergent themes included breakthroughs in self-expression, exploration of existential meaning, and confrontation with impending mortality. Participants had great worries about the future care arrangements, leading to immense feelings of frustration which were suppressed in accordance with prevailing Chinese values. Expressive arts were found effective in facilitating the expression of concealed emotions and expectations. The creative process was therapeutic in reconnecting the participants with forgotten events and relationships to discover positive meanings for change, enlightening them to embrace end-of-life as natural, treasure the present, and re-focus on self. Without a care arrangement solution, they resorted to maintaining health for life extension. Implications for service are included.
The impact of bilateral versus unilateral anterior temporal lobe damage on face recognition, person knowledge and semantic memory
Authors: Rouse Matthew A , Ramanan Siddharth , Halai Ajay D , Volfart Angélique , Garrard Peter , Patterson Karalyn , Rowe James B , Lambon Ralph Matthew A
Published: August 2024

The functional importance of the anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) has come to prominence in two active, albeit unconnected literatures—(i) face recognition and (ii) semantic memory. To generate a unified account of the ATLs, we tested the predictions from each literature and examined the effects of bilateral versus unilateral ATL damage on face recognition, person knowledge, and semantic memory. Sixteen people with bilateral ATL atrophy from semantic dementia (SD), 17 people with unilateral ATL resection for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; left = 10, right = 7), and 14 controls completed tasks assessing perceptual face matching, person knowledge and general semantic memory. People with SD were impaired across all semantic tasks, including person knowledge. Despite commensurate total ATL damage, unilateral resection generated mild impairments, with minimal differences between left- and right-ATL resection. Face matching performance was largely preserved but slightly reduced in SD and right TLE. All groups displayed the familiarity effect in face matching; however, it was reduced in SD and right TLE and was aligned with the level of item-specific semantic knowledge in all participants. We propose a neurocognitive framework whereby the ATLs underpin a resilient bilateral representation system that supports semantic memory, person knowledge and face recognition.
A causal effect study of cortical morphology and related covariate networks in classical trigeminal neuralgia patients
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Wan Xinyue , Jiang Jingqi , Liu Yang , Wang Danyang , Ai Kai , Liu Guangyao , Zhang Xinding , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2024

Structural covariance networks and causal effects within can provide critical information on gray matter reorganization and disease-related hierarchical changes. Based on the T1WI data of 43 classical trigeminal neuralgia patients and 45 controls, we constructed morphological similarity networks of cortical thickness, sulcal depth, fractal dimension, and gyrification index. Moreover, causal structural covariance network analyses were conducted in regions with morphological abnormalities or altered nodal properties, respectively. We found that patients showed reduced sulcal depth, gyrification index, and fractal dimension, especially in the salience network and the default mode network. Additionally, the integration of the fractal dimension and sulcal depth networks was significantly reduced, accompanied by decreased nodal efficiency of the bilateral temporal poles, and right pericalcarine cortex within the sulcal depth network. Negative causal effects existed from the left insula to the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex in the gyrification index map, also from bilateral temporal poles to right pericalcarine cortex within the sulcal depth network. Collectively, patients exhibited impaired integrity of the covariance networks in addition to the abnormal gray matter morphology in the salience network and default mode network. Furthermore, the patients may experience progressive impairment in the salience network and from the limbic system to the sensory system in network topology, respectively.
The Impact of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4-Dependent Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation on the Early Development of Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Dragoni Gabriele , Ke Bo-Jun , Picariello Lucia , Abdurahiman Saeed , Ceni Elisabetta , Biscu Francesca , Mello Tommaso , Polvani Simone , Innocenti Tommaso , Spalart Valérie , Milani Stefano , D’Hoore André , Bislenghi Gabriele , Scaringi Stefano , Verstockt Bram , De Hertogh Gert , Martinod Kimberly , Galli Andrea , Matteoli Gianluca , Vermeire Séverine
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

During early phases of inflammation, activated neutrophils extrude neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in a peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-dependent manner, aggravating tissue injury and remodeling. In this study, we investigated the potential pro-fibrotic properties and signaling of NETs in Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

NETs and activated fibroblasts were labeled on resected ileum from CD patients by multiplex immunofluorescence staining. NETs-treated human primary intestinal fibroblasts were analyzed by bulk RNA sequencing to uncover cell signaling pathways, and by high-throughput imaging to assess collagen production and migratory activity. Consequentially, TLR2/NF-κB pathway was evaluated by transfection of CCD-18Co fibroblasts with an NF-κB-luciferase reporter plasmid, incorporating C29 to block TLR2 signaling. A chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse model was used to define the specific role of PAD4 deletion in neutrophils (MRP8-Cre, Pad4fl/fl).

Results

Immunofluorescence showed spatial colocalization of NETs and activated fibroblasts in ileal ulcerations of CD patients. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of pro-fibrotic genes and activation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways in NETs-treated fibroblasts. NETs treatment induced fibroblast proliferation, diminished migratory capability, and increased collagen release. Transfection experiments indicated a substantial increase in an NF-κB expression with NETs, whereas C29 led to decreased expression and release of collagen. In line, a significant reduction in collagen content was observed in the colon of MRP8-Cre, Pad4fl/fl mice subjected to chronic DSS colitis.

Conclusions

NETs potentially serve as an initial stimulus for pathological activation of fibroblasts within the intestine via the TLR2/NF-κB pathway. Given their early involvement in inflammation, inhibition of PAD4 might offer a strategy to modulate both inflammation and fibrogenesis in CD.
The use of imputation in clinical decision support systems: a cardiovascular risk management pilot vignette study among clinicians
Authors: Haitjema Saskia , Nijman Steven W J , Verkouter Inge , Jacobs John J L , Asselbergs Folkert W , Moons Karel G M , Beekers Ines , Debray Thomas P A , Bots Michiel L
Published: August 2024

Aims

A major challenge of the use of prediction models in clinical care is missing data. Real-time imputation may alleviate this. However, to what extent clinicians accept this solution remains unknown. We aimed to assess acceptance of real-time imputation for missing patient data in a clinical decision support system (CDSS) including 10-year cardiovascular absolute risk for the individual patient.

Methods and results

We performed a vignette study extending an existing CDSS with the real-time imputation method joint modelling imputation (JMI). We included 17 clinicians to use the CDSS with three different vignettes, describing potential use cases (missing data, no risk estimate; imputed values, risk estimate based on imputed data; complete information). In each vignette, missing data were introduced to mimic a situation as could occur in clinical practice. Acceptance of end-users was assessed on three different axes: clinical realism, comfortableness, and added clinical value. Overall, the imputed predictor values were found to be clinically reasonable and according to the expectations. However, for binary variables, use of a probability scale to express uncertainty was deemed inconvenient. The perceived comfortableness with imputed risk prediction was low, and confidence intervals were deemed too wide for reliable decision-making. The clinicians acknowledged added value for using JMI in clinical practice when used for educational, research, or informative purposes.

Conclusion

Handling missing data in CDSS via JMI is useful, but more accurate imputations are needed to generate comfort in clinicians for use in routine care. Only then can CDSS create clinical value by improving decision-making.
Symptom burden in chronic liver disease
Authors: Hassan Ammar , Hurtado Diaz De Leon Ivonne , Tapper Elliot B
Published: August 2024

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant contributor to global mortality. For people who are living with CLD, however, there is a substantial and often overlooked burden of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly affect health-related quality of life. CLD frequently presents with a multitude of interrelated and intricate symptoms, including fatigue, pruritus, muscle cramps, sexual dysfunction, and falls. Increasingly, there is interest in studying and developing interventional strategies to provide a more global approach to managing these complex patients. Moreover, in addition to established guidelines for the management of conventional complications, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, there have been efforts in developing evidence-based guidance for the treatment of the more subjective yet still problematic elements. This review will address the management of these less “classical” but nonetheless important symptoms.
The COVID-19 Pandemic, Geroscience, and Intersectional Dimensions of Health and Well-being
Authors: McDougle Leon , Smith Jessica T
Published: August 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged bioethical principles of research and the ability of scientific and healthcare institutions to provide equitable care. How can geroscience adapt to build equity within research protocols to better serve minoritized and marginalized communities? What lessons can geroscience take from the COVID-19 pandemic and its response? Developing geroscience approaches that incorporate such knowledge, including vaccine distribution plans and coalition-building to improve vaccine confidence, may help to reduce health inequities.
A Pragmatic Approach to Introducing Translational Geroscience Into the Clinic: A Paradigm Based on the Incremental Progression of Aging-Related Clinical Research
Authors: Forman Daniel E , Pignolo Robert J
Published: August 2024

Geroscience posits that molecular drivers underlie the aging process. Gerotherapeutics entail strategies to counter molecular drivers of aging to reduce the chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes they trigger. Although the concept of gerotherapeutics for prevention has generated much excitement, the implications of prescribing potentially harmful medications to older adults who are “healthy” have been associated with many delays. Concerns regarding safety and valid endpoints have contributed to holdups. In contrast, it has been relatively easier to implement trials of medications with gerotherapeutic properties as novel approaches to remedy disease. In these applications, the risks of the medications are easier to justify when therapeutic benefits are perceived as outweighing the harms of the disease. Likewise, metrics of effective disease treatments are often seen as more reliable and quantifiable than metrics of health prolongation. Overall, clarifying geroscience mechanisms in disease therapeutic applications provides key opportunities to advance translational geroscience, especially as preventive geroscience trials are often encumbered. In this review, gerotherapeutic benefits of canakinumab, cholchicine, and zoledronic acid as parts of disease management are considered. Longevity Clinics and other opportunities to advance translational geroscience as parts of contemporary care are also discussed.