bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ophthalmic surgeries on post mortem porcine eyes with picosecond ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Körber Michael , Fellinger Jakob , Fritsche Milan , Giese Andreas , Kostourou Konstantina , Kopf Daniel , Kottcke Manfred , Luciani Francesco , Schmidbauer Josef M. , Wenk Jonathan , Braun Bernd
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This work demonstrates significant advantages in ophthalmic surgeries through the use of picosecond ultrashort laser pulses instead of state-of-the-art nanosecond laser pulses. These ultrashort lasers shall serve as universal tools more effectively combining advantages of high precision, low impact and economic advantages compared to existing instruments.

Methods

As samples, we used post-mortem porcine eyes on which we performed the experiments with both picosecond and nanosecond lasers. Performed surgeries were laser iridotomy, (post-) cataract treatment/capsulotomy and selective laser-trabeculoplasty. Pulse widths were between 12 ps and 220 ns with pulse energies between 30 μJ and 10 mJ at 532 nm and 1,064 nm. Additionally, we investigated accompanying shock waves, cavitation bubbles, and heat effects during the ablation processes.

Results

For all surgeries, significant differences were observed between picosecond and nanosecond pulses: It was possible to scale the pulse energy down to 10 of microjoules rather than requiring millijoules, and resulting tissue ablations are much more precise, more deterministic and less frayed. The shock wave and cavitation bubble investigation revealed major differences in pressure between picosecond pulses (0.25 MPa, 50 μJ) and nanosecond pulses (37 MPa, 5 mJ). The heat input during ablation could be lowered by two orders of magnitude.

Conclusion

Picosecond ultrashort laser pulses show substantial benefits for several ophthalmic surgeries, with regard to ablation precision, shock wave generation and heat input. They are better than state-of-the-art ophthalmic nanosecond lasers in all aspects tested.
How the adaptation of the human microbiome to harsh space environment can determine the chances of success for a space mission to Mars and beyond
Authors: Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Said-Salman Ilham , Mortazavi Ali Reza , El Khatib Sami , Sihver Lembit
Published: February 2024

The ability of human cells to adapt to space radiation is essential for the well-being of astronauts during long-distance space expeditions, such as voyages to Mars or other deep space destinations. However, the adaptation of the microbiomes should not be overlooked. Microorganisms inside an astronaut’s body, or inside the space station or other spacecraft, will also be exposed to radiation, which may induce resistance to antibiotics, UV, heat, desiccation, and other life-threatening factors. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential effects of radiation not only on humans but also on their microbiomes to develop effective risk reduction strategies for space missions. Studying the human microbiome in space missions can have several potential benefits, including but not limited to a better understanding of the major effects space travel has on human health, developing new technologies for monitoring health and developing new radiation therapies and treatments. While radioadaptive response in astronauts’ cells can lead to resistance against high levels of space radiation, radioadaptive response in their microbiome can lead to resistance against UV, heat, desiccation, antibiotics, and radiation. As astronauts and their microbiomes compete to adapt to the space environment. The microorganisms may emerge as the winners, leading to life-threatening situations due to lethal infections. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of the adaptation of microorganisms before launching a space mission is crucial to be able to develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with radiation exposure. Ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during long-duration space missions and minimizing the risks linked with radiation exposure can be achieved by adopting this approach.
Preliminary exploratory research on the application value of oral and intestinal meta-genomics in predicting subjects' occupations–A case study of the distinction between students and migrant workers
Authors: Dou Shujie , Ma Guanju , Liang Yu , Fu Guangping , Shen Jie , Fu Lihong , Wang Qian , Li Tao , Cong Bin , Li Shujin
Published: February 2024

Background

In the field of forensic science, accurately determining occupation of an individual can greatly assist in resolving cases such as criminal investigations or disaster victim identifications. However, estimating occupation can be challenging due to the intricate relationship between occupation and various factors, including gender, age, living environment, health status, medication use, and lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking. All of these factors can impact the composition of oral or gut microbial community of an individual.

Methods and results

In this study, we collected saliva and feces samples from individuals representing different occupational sectors, specifically students and manual laborers. We then performed metagenomic sequencing on the DNA extracted from these samples to obtain data that could be analyzed for taxonomic and functional annotations in five different databases. The correlation between occupation with microbial information was assisted from the perspective of α and β diversity, showing that individuals belonging to the two occupations hold significantly different oral and gut microbial communities, and that this correlation is basically not affected by gender, drinking, and smoking in our datasets. Finally, random forest (RF) models were built with recursive feature elimination (RFE) processes. Models with 100% accuracy in both training and testing sets were constructed based on three species in saliva samples or on a single pathway annotated by the KEGG database in fecal samples, namely, “ko04145” or Phagosome.

Conclusion

Although this study may have limited representativeness due to its small sample size, it provides preliminary evidence of the potential of using microbiome information for occupational inference.
Assessing probiotic viability in mixed species yogurt using a novel propidium monoazide (PMAxx)-quantitative PCR method
Authors: Marole Tlaleo A. , Sibanda Thulani , Buys Elna M.
Published: February 2024

Viability is a prerequisite for any therapeutic benefits associated with the ingestion of probiotic bacteria. Current culture-based techniques are inadequate for the enumeration of probiotics in mixed-species food products. This study utilized a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method coupled with propidium monoazide (PMAxx), and novel species-specific tuf gene primers to selectively enumerate Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium spp., and yogurt starter cultures in mixed-species probiotic yogurt. The method was optimized for PMAxx concentration and specificity and evaluated for efficiency and applicability. PMAxx-qPCR showed high specificity to the target organisms in mixed-species yogurt, quantifying only viable cells. The linear dynamic ranges were established over five to seven orders of magnitude. The assay was reliable with an efficiency of 91–99%, R2 values > 0.99, and a good correlation to the plate count method (r = 0.882). The results of this study demonstrate the high selectivity, improved lead time, and reliability of PMAxx-qPCR over the culture-dependent method, making it a valuable tool for inline viability verification during processing and improving probiotic quality assurance for processors and consumers.
Establishment and application of a rapid assay for GII.4/GII.17 NoV detection based on the combination of CRISPR/Cas13a and isothermal amplification
Authors: Li Jia-Heng , Jing Duona , Wang Yu , Xu Jiayi , Yu Junxuan , Du Huisha , Chen Qing , Tang Shixing , Zhang Xu-Fu , Dai Ying-Chun
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Norovirus (NoV) is one of the most important agents responsible for viral acute gastroenteritis, among which GII.4 NoV is the predominant strain worldwide, and GII.17 NoV surpassed GII.4 in some epidemic seasons. Rapid and accurate gene recognition is essential for a timely response to NoV outbreaks.

Methods

In the present study, the highly conserved regions of GII.4 and GII.17 NoVs were identified in the junction of open reading frame (ORF) 1 and ORF2 and then amplified by isothermal recombinase-aided amplification (RAA), followed by the cleavage of CRISPR-Cas13a with screened CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) and RAA primers. The entire detection procedure could be completed within 40 min using a thermostat, and the results could be read out by the naked eye under a portable blue light transilluminator.

Discussion

The assay showed a high sensitivity of 97.96% and a high specificity of 100.0%. It offered a low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.5×100 copies/reaction and a coincidence rate of 96.75% in 71 clinical fecal samples. Overall, rapid and inexpensive detection of GII.4/GII.17 NoVs was established, which makes it possible to be used in areas with limited resources, particularly in low-income countries. Furthermore, it will contribute to assessing transmission risks and implementing control measures for GII.4/GII.17 NoVs, making healthcare more accessible worldwide.
Comparative microbiome analysis of beef cattle, the feedyard environment, and airborne particulate matter as a function of probiotic and antibiotic use, and change in pen environment
Authors: Strickland A. H. , Murray S. A. , Vinasco J. , Auvermann B. W. , Bush K. J. , Sawyer J. E. , Scott H. M. , Norman K. N.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Intensive beef cattle production systems are frequently implicated as a source of bacteria that can be transferred to nearby humans and animals via effluent water, manure used as fertilizer, or airborne particulate matter. It is crucial to understand microbial population dynamics due to manure pack desiccation, antibiotic usage, and antibiotic alternatives within beef cattle and their associated feedyard environment. Understanding how bacterial communities change in the presence of antibiotics can also improve management practices for reducing the spread of foodborne bacteria.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to compare the microbiomes within cattle feces, the feedyard environment and artificially produced airborne particulate matter as a function of pen change and treatment with tylosin or probiotics. We utilized 16S rRNA sequencing to compare bacterial communities among sample types, study days, and treatment groups.

Results

Bacterial community diversity varied as a function of sampling day and pen change (old or new) within fecal and manure pack samples. Manure pack samples from old pens and new pens contained diverse communities of bacteria on days 0 and 84; however, by day 119 of the study these taxonomic differences were less evident. Particulate matter samples exhibited significant differences in community diversity and predominant bacterial taxa compared to the manure pack they originated from. Treatment with tylosin did not meaningfully impact bacterial communities among fecal, environmental, or particulate matter samples; however, minor differences in bacterial community structure were observed in feces from cattle treated with probiotics.

Discussion

This study was the first to characterize and compare microbial communities within feces, manure pack, and airborne particulate matter from the same location and as a function of tylosin and probiotic treatment, and pen change. Although fecal and environmental samples are commonly used in research studies and other monitoring programs to infer public health risk of bacteria and antimicrobial resistance determinants from feedyard environments, our study suggests that these samples may not be appropriate to infer public health risk associated with airborne particulate matter.
Insights into Hsp90 mechanism and in vivo functions learned from studies in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rios Erick I. , Hunsberger Isabel L. , Johnson Jill L.
Published: February 2024

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 (Heat shock protein, 90 kDa) is an abundant and essential cytosolic protein required for the stability and/or folding of hundreds of client proteins. Hsp90, along with helper cochaperone proteins, assists client protein folding in an ATP-dependent pathway. The laboratory of Susan Lindquist, in collaboration with other researchers, was the first to establish the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism to study the functional interaction between Hsp90 and clients. Important insights from studies in her lab were that Hsp90 is essential, and that Hsp90 functions and cochaperone interactions are highly conserved between yeast and mammalian cells. Here, we describe key mechanistic insights into the Hsp90 folding cycle that were obtained using the yeast system. We highlight the early contributions of the laboratory of Susan Lindquist and extend our analysis into the broader use of the yeast system to analyze the understanding of the conformational cycle of Hsp90 and the impact of altered Hsp90 function on the proteome.
Challenges and prospects in geriatric epilepsy treatment: the role of the blood–brain barrier in pharmacotherapy and drug delivery
Authors: Chen Xin , Luo Juan , Song Min , Pan Liang , Qu Zhichuang , Huang Bo , Yu Sixun , Shu Haifeng
Published: February 2024

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is pivotal in maintaining neuronal physiology within the brain. This review delves into the alterations of the BBB specifically in the context of geriatric epilepsy. We examine how age-related changes in the BBB contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy in the elderly and present significant challenges in pharmacotherapy. Subsequently, we evaluate recent advancements in drug delivery methods targeting the BBB, as well as alternative approaches that could bypass the BBB’s restrictive nature. We particularly highlight the use of neurotropic viruses and various synthetic nanoparticles that have been investigated for delivering a range of antiepileptic drugs. Additionally, the advantage and limitation of these diverse delivery methods are discussed. Finally, we analyze the potential efficacy of different drug delivery approaches in the treatment of geriatric epilepsy, aiming to provide insights into more effective management of this condition in the elderly population.
‘Am I fixed, am I better now?’: undergoing MR-guided focused ultrasound for essential tremor: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Stoycheva Tsvetina , Jameel Ayesha , Bain Peter , Nandi Dipankar , Jones Brynmor , Honeyfield Lesley , Gedroyc Wladyslaw , Moore Jaqualyn
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Essential tremor (ET) is characterised by postural and intentional tremor typically affecting the upper limbs, which can negatively impact functionality and quality of life. Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel and promising non-invasive treatment for ET which offers instantaneous results.

Methods

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis we explored the experience of undergoing MRgFUS in six ET patients as well as their experiences pre- and post-procedure.

Results

One-time, retrospective semi-structured interviews were conducted and six themes emerged: Life pre-treatment: “It’s everyday tasks that get you down” and “Most people who understand, they are okay. Some people aren’t”; MRgFUS: Treatment day: “Going into the unknown” and “There’s no way I was going to press that button”; and Life post-treatment: “One is good. Two is better” and “Am I fixed, am I better now?.”

Discussion

The findings point to a significant period of adjustment associated with living with ET and the effects of undergoing ET MRgFUS treatment. As ET progressed, participants struggled to cope with increasing symptoms and had to develop coping strategies to manage life with ET. The procedure itself was perceived as strange and extraordinary and despite some immediate adverse effects participants were determined to go through with it. Post procedure, all participants reported tremor suppression which was life changing. While some participants still felt burdened by ET, others expressed it took them a while to psychologically adjust to what essentially was their new body. This study has highlighted the need for patients to be supported at all stages of their ET journey.
All-night spectral and microstate EEG analysis in patients with recurrent isolated sleep paralysis
Authors: Černý Filip , Piorecká Václava , Kliková Monika , Kopřivová Jana , Bušková Jitka , Piorecký Marek
Published: February 2024

The pathophysiology of recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) has yet to be fully clarified. Very little research has been performed on electroencephalographic (EEG) signatures outside RISP episodes. This study aimed to investigate whether sleep is disturbed even without the occurrence of a RISP episode and in a stage different than conventional REM sleep. 17 RISP patients and 17 control subjects underwent two consecutive full-night video-polysomnography recordings. Spectral analysis was performed on all sleep stages in the delta, theta, and alpha band. EEG microstate (MS) analysis was performed on the NREM 3 phase due to the overall high correlation of subject template maps with canonical templates. Spectral analysis showed a significantly higher power of theta band activity in REM and NREM 2 sleep stages in RISP patients. The observed rise was also apparent in other sleep stages. Conversely, alpha power showed a downward trend in RISP patients' deep sleep. MS maps similar to canonical topographies were obtained indicating the preservation of prototypical EEG generators in RISP patients. RISP patients showed significant differences in the temporal dynamics of MS, expressed by different transitions between MS C and D and between MS A and B. Both spectral analysis and MS characteristics showed abnormalities in the sleep of non-episodic RISP subjects. Our findings suggest that in order to understand the neurobiological background of RISP, there is a need to extend the analyzes beyond REM-related processes and highlight the value of EEG microstate dynamics as promising functional biomarkers of RISP.
The impact of transparent packaging: how transparent packaging for organic foods affects tourists' green purchasing behavior
Authors: Kuang TingYue , Yang Dajun , Zou Dingxia
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that transparent packaging can influence consumer behavior, but the impact on tourists' environmentally friendly purchase intentions is not well-understood. This study conducted four experiments with 1,513 participants to explore the role of transparent packaging in tourists' willingness to engage in green purchasing. Factors such as ecological concern, nature connectedness, and environmental consequences were also examined. The results showed that transparent packaging significantly enhanced tourists' purchase intentions and that ecological concern, nature connectedness, and environmental consequences had a significant influence on these intentions. These findings contribute to understanding the packaging paradox and its relationship with tourists' green purchasing behavior. The study has implications for the food retail industry and the promotion of sustainable development in scenic areas, suggesting that transparent packaging can effectively enhance tourists' purchase intentions for green products. Understanding factors like ecological concern and nature connectedness can also provide valuable insights for the industry to improve marketing strategies and promote environmentally friendly choices among tourists.
Update on the advances and challenges in bioequivalence testing methods for complex topical generic products
Authors: Alomari Nedaa , Alhussaini Waleed
Published: February 2024

Most of the government regulatory agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency, demand that the generic complex topical products prove pharmaceutical and bioequivalence. The evaluation of bioequivalence for complex topical dermatological formulations is a challenging task that requires careful consideration of several factors. Although comparative clinical studies are still considered the gold standard approach for establishing bioequivalence in most formulations, these studies can be costly and insensitive to detect formulation differences. Therefore, significant efforts have been made to develop and validate alternative approaches that demonstrate bioequivalence and expedite the availability of high-quality generic topical dermatological products. This article reviews the current methods for determining the bioequivalence of topical formulations in humans, with particular emphasis on recent advances in these methodologies. Most of the alternative methods are sensitive and reproducible, with the capability to ease the financial burden of comparative clinical studies within a short delivery time. The limitations associated with each technique are reviewed in detail.
A comprehensive review of the literature on CD10: its function, clinical application, and prospects
Authors: Wang Shudong , Xiao Yinghui , An Xingna , Luo Ling , Gong Kejian , Yu Dehai
Published: February 2024

CD10, a zinc-dependent metalloprotease found on the cell surface, plays a pivotal role in an array of physiological and pathological processes including cardiovascular regulation, immune function, fetal development, pain response, oncogenesis, and aging. Recognized as a biomarker for hematopoietic and tissue stem cells, CD10 has garnered attention for its prognostic potential in the progression of leukemia and various solid tumors. Recent studies underscore its regulatory significance and therapeutic promise in combating Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it is noted for its protective role in preventing heart failure (HF), obesity, and type-2 diabetes. Furthermore, CD10/substance P interaction has also been shown to contribute to the pain signaling regulation and immunomodulation in diseases such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and osteoarthritis (OA). The emergence of COVID-19 has sparked interest in CD10’s involvement in the disease’s pathogenesis. Given its association with multiple disease states, CD10 is a prime therapeutic target; inhibitors targeting CD10 are now being advanced as therapeutic agents. This review compiles recent and earlier literature on CD10, elucidating its physicochemical attributes, tissue-specific expression, and molecular functions. Furthermore, it details the association of CD10 with various diseases and the clinical advancements of its inhibitors, providing a comprehensive overview of its growing significance in medical research.
Dissection of the E8 locus in two early maturing Canadian soybean populations
Authors: Gélinas Bélanger Jérôme , Copley Tanya Rose , Hoyos-Villegas Valerio , O’Donoughue Louise
Published: February 2024

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a short-day crop for which breeders want to expand the cultivation range to more northern agro-environments by introgressing alleles involved in early reproductive traits. To do so, we investigated quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) regions comprised within the E8 locus, a large undeciphered region (~7.0 Mbp to 44.5 Mbp) associated with early maturity located on chromosome GM04. We used a combination of two mapping algorithms, (i) inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) and (ii) genome-wide composite interval mapping (GCIM), to identify major and minor regions in two soybean populations (QS15524F2:F3 and QS15544RIL) having fixed E1, E2, E3, and E4 alleles. Using this approach, we identified three main QTL regions with high logarithm of the odds (LODs), phenotypic variation explained (PVE), and additive effects for maturity and pod-filling within the E8 region: GM04:16,974,874-17,152,230 (E8-r1); GM04:35,168,111-37,664,017 (E8-r2); and GM04:41,808,599-42,376,237 (E8-r3). Using a five-step variant analysis pipeline, we identified Protein far-red elongated hypocotyl 3 (Glyma.04G124300; E8-r1), E1-like-a (Glyma.04G156400; E8-r2), Light-harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex I subunit A4 (Glyma.04G167900; E8-r3), and Cycling dof factor 3 (Glyma.04G168300; E8-r3) as the most promising candidate genes for these regions. A combinatorial eQTL mapping approach identified significant regulatory interactions for 13 expression traits (e-traits), including Glyma.04G050200 (Early flowering 3/E6 locus), with the E8-r3 region. Four other important QTL regions close to or encompassing major flowering genes were also detected on chromosomes GM07, GM08, and GM16. In GM07:5,256,305-5,404,971, a missense polymorphism was detected in the candidate gene Glyma.07G058200 (Protein suppressor of PHYA-105). These findings demonstrate that the locus known as E8 is regulated by at least three distinct genomic regions, all of which comprise major flowering genes.
Emotional responses to climate change in Norway and Ireland: a validation of the Inventory of Climate Emotions (ICE) in two European countries and an inspection of its nomological span
Authors: Marczak Michalina , Wierzba Małgorzata , Kossowski Bartosz , Marchewka Artur , Morote Roxanna , Klöckner Christian A.
Published: February 2024

There is an increasing research interest in emotional responses to climate change and their role in climate action and psycho-social impacts of climate change. At the same time, emotional experience of climate change is multidimensional and influenced by a variety of factors, including the local cultural context. Here, we contribute to the scientific debate about this topic with original quality-controlled data from the general populations in Norway (N = 491) and Ireland (N = 485). We investigate the cross-cultural validity and the nomological span of eight distinct emotional responses to climate change - climate anger, climate contempt, climate enthusiasm, climate powerlessness, climate guilt, climate isolation, climate anxiety, and climate sorrow - measured using the recently introduced Inventory of Climate Emotions. We first validate the 8-factor structure of the Norwegian and English language versions of the ICE. Subsequently, we demonstrate a high degree of cross-cultural measurement invariance for these eight climate emotions. Finally, we explore the relationships between these emotional responses and a range of theoretically relevant variables. In this final step, we show that climate emotions are differentially linked to climate change perceptions, support for mitigation policies, socio-demographic factors, feelings of loneliness and alienation, environmental activism, and the willingness to prioritize the natural environment over one’s immediate self-interests. Some of these links are also differentiated by the cultural context. This research presents further evidence for the structural, cross-cultural, and concurrent validity of climate emotions as postulated in the ICE framework. Moreover, it provides tools in the form of validated Norwegian and English language versions of the ICE, the complete R code for the validation analysis, as well as an informed basis for cross-cultural research on emotional responses to climate change.
Ranking important predictors of the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit among 2,064 inpatients admitted to psychiatric emergency hospitals: a random forest model
Authors: Iwanaga Mai , Yamaguchi Sosei , Hashimoto Satoshi , Hanaoka Shimpei , Kaneyuki Hiroshi , Fujita Kiyoshi , Kishi Yoshiki , Hirata Toyoaki , Fujii Chiyo , Sugiyama Naoya
Published: February 2024

Aims

In order to uphold and enhance the emergency psychiatric care system, a thorough comprehension of the characteristics of patients who require a high-acuity psychiatry unit is indispensable. We aimed to clarify the most important predictors of the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit using a random forest model.

Methods

This cross-sectional study encompassed patients admitted to psychiatric emergency hospitals at 161 medical institutions across Japan between December 8, 2022, and January 31, 2023. Questionnaires were completed by psychiatrists, with a maximum of 30 patients assessed per medical institution. The questionnaires included psychiatrists’ assessment of the patient’s condition (exposure variables) and the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit (outcome variables). The exposure variables consisted of 32 binary variables, including age, diagnoses, and clinical condition (i.e., factors on the clinical profile, emergency treatment requirements, and purpose of hospitalization). The outcome variable was the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit, scored from 0 to 10. To identify the most important predictors of the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit, we used a random forest model. As a sensitivity analysis, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

Data on 2,164 patients from 81 medical institutions were obtained (response rate, 50.3%). After excluding participants with missing values, this analysis included 2,064 patients. Of the 32 items, the top-5 predictors of the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit were the essentiality of inpatient treatment (otherwise, symptoms will worsen or linger), need for 24-hour professional care, symptom severity, safety ensured by specialized equipment, and medication management. These items were each significantly and positively associated with the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit in linear regression analyses (p < 0.001 for all). Conversely, items on age and diagnosis were lower in the ranking and were not statistically significant in linear regression models.

Conclusion

Items related to the patient’s clinical profile might hold greater importance in predicting the need for a high-acuity psychiatry unit than do items associated with age and diagnosis.
Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts?
Authors: Ramalho André , Duarte-Mendes Pedro , Paulo Rui , Serrano João , Petrica João
Published: February 2024

In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.
Exploring the performance of automatic speaker recognition using twin speech and deep learning-based artificial neural networks
Authors: Cavalcanti Julio Cesar , da Silva Ronaldo Rodrigues , Eriksson Anders , Barbosa Plinio A.
Published: February 2024

This study assessed the influence of speaker similarity and sample length on the performance of an automatic speaker recognition (ASR) system utilizing the SpeechBrain toolkit. The dataset comprised recordings from 20 male identical twin speakers engaged in spontaneous dialogues and interviews. Performance evaluations involved comparing identical twins, all speakers in the dataset (including twin pairs), and all speakers excluding twin pairs. Speech samples, ranging from 5 to 30 s, underwent assessment based on equal error rates (EER) and Log cost-likelihood ratios (Cllr). Results highlight the substantial challenge posed by identical twins to the ASR system, leading to a decrease in overall speaker recognition accuracy. Furthermore, analyses based on longer speech samples outperformed those using shorter samples. As sample size increased, standard deviation values for both intra and inter-speaker similarity scores decreased, indicating reduced variability in estimating speaker similarity/dissimilarity levels in longer speech stretches compared to shorter ones. The study also uncovered varying degrees of likeness among identical twins, with certain pairs presenting a greater challenge for ASR systems. These outcomes align with prior research and are discussed within the context of relevant literature.
Virtual first: implementation of a novel sleep telehealth platform in the United States military
Authors: Wickwire Emerson M. , Collen Jacob , Capaldi Vincent F. , Assefa Samson Z. , Jones Rachell , Williams Scott G. , Thomas Connie L. , Williams Daniel C. , Albrecht Jennifer S.
Published: February 2024

Background

There is a gross shortage of sleep specialist providers within the military health system. Telehealth and mobile health represent promising approaches to increase access to high quality, cost-effective care in the U.S military.

Objectives

This paper reports findings from a mixed-methods clinical implementation study of a novel sleep telehealth platform at two military treatment facilities in the National Capitol Region. The platform includes a mobile app and integrated wearable sensors (i.e., a commercial off-the-shelf sleep tracker [Fitbit]). The primary purpose was to evaluate the implementation of a 10-day remote monitoring assessment and provision of evidence-based sleep treatment recommendations to patients and providers. In addition, we sought to observe, in an exploratory manner, subsequent engagement with the app during 5 days of personalized sleep education and training.

Methods

Patients with sleep problems completed an intensive 10-day remote monitoring assessment that included a baseline intake questionnaire, daily sleep diaries, twice daily symptom surveys, and Fitbit. Based on this assessment, patients received personalized assessment results. Concurrently, a provider report was generated that included provisional diagnoses and evidence-based treatment recommendations. Next, participants gained access to personalized sleep education and trainings within the mobile app. Within an established implementation science framework, outcomes were assessed via behavioral adherence (engagement with the app) and separate questionnaires for patients and providers. Last, we conducted four focus groups with patients and 12 key informant interviews with primary care managers (PCMs) and economic stakeholders to seek feedback and recommendations for future directions.

Results

Two hundred and seventy patients participated in the study. Using validated research questionnaires, participants reported high-risk for obstructive sleep apnea (65.6%), moderate to severe insomnia (38.2%), and moderate to severe daytime sleepiness (38.5%), and moderate to severe anxiety (14.1%) and depressive (20.4%) symptoms. Total sleep time was 6.6 (SD = 1.8) h based on sleep diaries and 6.1 (SD = 1.8) h based on Fitbit. Regarding implementation, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance were all notably high, based on quantitative and qualitative data from participants and PCMs.

Conclusions

Sleep telehealth and mobile health represent promising approaches to increase access to cost-effective, evidence-based care for sleep disorders in the U.S. military.
Current sleep interventions for shift workers: a mini review to shape a new preventative, multicomponent sleep management programme
Authors: Tout Amber F. , Tang Nicole K. Y. , Sletten Tracey L. , Toro Carla T. , Kershaw Charlotte , Meyer Caroline , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Moukhtarian Talar R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Shift work can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia during the sleeping period, as well as excessive sleepiness and fatigue during the waking period. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-i) is recommended as the first line of treatment for insomnia, key elements of CBT-i, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can be challenging for shift workers, highlighting the need for tailored sleep interventions. This mini review provides a narrative synthesis of non-pharmacological sleep interventions for shift workers and informs the development of a preventative, multicomponent sleep management programme.

Method

An informal review was conducted in line with Phase 1 of the Framework for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions.

Results

A variety of strategies have been employed to help manage the impacts of shift work on sleep, including: CBT-i, adjusting shift schedules, controlled light exposure, sleep hygiene education, planned napping, caffeine consumption, and mind-body interventions (e.g., yogic relaxation).

Discussion

Recommendations, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed; notably, the role of the family, the commute to and from the workplace, and the eating behaviors of employees appear to have been overlooked in current intervention efforts. Digital CBT-i platforms could help to provide an effective, scalable, and low-cost method of reducing insomnia in shift workers.
National identity and environmentalism: why national narcissism might undermine pro-environmental efforts
Authors: Cislak Aleksandra , Wojcik Adrian D. , Cichocka Aleksandra , Milfont Taciano L.
Published: February 2024

The extant literature recognizes national identity as a pivotal factor motivating both individual and collective actions to tackle environmental problems. Yet, prior research shows mixed evidence for the relationship between national identity and environmentalism. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that articulates distinctions between different forms of national identity and their differential associations with environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we argue that it is key to differentiate national identification, which reflects a positive attachment to one's country and ties to other compatriots, from national narcissism, which reflects viewing one's country as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. In contrast to national identification, national narcissism is consistently associated with lower environmental concern and predicts support for anti-environmental policies. We show that this is likely due to national narcissism being linked to belief in climate-related conspiracy theories, support for policies that challenge external pressures yet present the nation in a positive light (e.g., greenwashing), and focusing on short-term benefits for the nation. Extending past individual-level findings, we report a pre-registered analysis across 56 countries examining whether national narcissism is also linked to objective indices of lower environmental protection at the country level of analysis. Results revealed a negative relationship between countries' environmental performance and country-level national narcissism (while adjusting for national identification and GDP per capita). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our approach and the country-level findings for advancing research in the field.
Complementary interstellar detections from the heliotail
Authors: Spitzer Sarah A. , Kornbleuth Marc Z. , Opher Merav , Gilbert Jason A. , Raines Jim M. , Lepri Susan T.
Published: February 2024

The heliosphere is a protective shield around the solar system created by the Sun’s interaction with the local interstellar medium (LISM) through the solar wind, transients, and interplanetary magnetic field. The shape of the heliosphere is directly linked with interactions with the surrounding LISM, in turn affecting the space environment within the heliosphere. Understanding the shape of the heliosphere, the LISM properties, and their interactions is critical for understanding the impacts within the solar system and for understanding other astrospheres. Understanding the shape of the heliosphere requires an understanding of the heliotail, as the shape is highly dependent upon the heliotail and its LISM interactions. The heliotail additionally presents an opportunity for more directin situmeasurement of interstellar particles from within the heliosphere, given the likelihood of magnetic reconnection and turbulent mixing between the LISM and the heliotail. Measurements in the heliotail should be made of pickup ions, energetic neutral atoms, low energy neutrals, and cosmic rays, as well as interstellar ions that may be injected into the heliosphere through processes such as magnetic reconnection, which can create a direct magnetic link from the LISM into the heliosphere. The Interstellar Probe mission is an ideal opportunity for measurement either along a trajectory passing through the heliotail, via the flank, or by use of a pair of spacecraft that explore the heliosphere both tailward and noseward to yield a more complete picture of the shape of the heliosphere and to help us better understand its interactions with the LISM.
Study on the microbial diversity of ear canal secretions from patients with otomycosis
Authors: Chen Zhuxiang , Zhao Zhang
Published: February 2024

Otomycosis is caused by fungi, which usually cause discharge and additional discomfort. The highest incidence of otomycosis occurs in summer. To better treat this disease, it is necessary to study the microbial diversity of otomycosis secretions. In this regard, this study used high-throughput sequencing technology to determine the microbial diversity of the ear canal secretions of six typical patients with otomycosis in Wuhan via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S rRNA analyses and proposed a reasonable clinical treatment plan. Six patients with otomycosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hubei Third People's Hospital Affiliated with Jianghan University, were selected from June 2022 to August 2022. The results showed that Staphylococcus spp. (average abundance 29.05%) was the dominant bacteria and Aspergillus spp. (average abundance 90.68%) was the dominant fungus involved in otomycosis secretion. Aspergillus spp. can cause inflammation of the external auditory canal combined with bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus spp., which can cause discharge in the ear canal. High-throughput sequencing provides comprehensive information on the microbial community involved in otomycosis discharge and will aid in evaluating the efficacy of clinical treatment and medication.
A revision of the trichostrongylid nematode Cooperia Ransom, 1907, from deer game: recent integrative research confirms the existence of the ancient host-specific species Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809)
Authors: Albrechtová Martina , Kašparová Eva Štefková , Langrová Iva , Hart Vlastimil , Neuhaus Birger , Jankovská Ivana , Petrtýl Miroslav , Magdálek Jan , Špakulová Marta
Published: February 2024

The trichostrongylid roundworms of the genus Cooperia, which are important in veterinary medicine, currently comprise 19 valid species that parasitize the small intestine of both free-living and domestic ruminants. Only four Cooperia spp. have been reported in Europe, namely C. oncophora, C. punctata, C. curticei and C. pectinata. In 2018–2022, 25 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 30 sika deer (Cervus nippon) of both sexes and various ages from several remote locations in the Czech Republic were parasitologically examined. Intestinal nematodes of the genus Cooperia were found only in two northern regions. Using the globally recognized key book on trichostrongylid nematodes, they were preliminarily identified as C. pectinata. However, a molecular analysis of cox2 and ITS rDNA gene sequences revealed that Cooperia sp. parasitizing Czech deer is a separate taxon that is more closely related to C. oncophora than to C. pectinata. A subsequent morphological analysis and literature survey confirmed the independence of deer Cooperia sp., which is similar but not identical to bovid C. pectinata. Previous long-term correct identifications of bovid C. pectinata and misidentifications of deer Cooperia species were caused by a fundamental error in the key book mentioned above. Interestingly, the ancient trichostrongylid nematode Strongylus ventricosus from the type host red deer (Cervus elaphus) shot near Greifswald (Germany) was described by Rudolphi in 1809. Rudolphi's type material (one male and four females) was deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde (Berlin). Later, the ancient species S. ventricosus was taken as a synonym for various Cooperia spp. Our current re-examination of the type male indicated that there is a relatively good agreement with our new material from Czech deer regarding the most important characteristics of S. ventricosus (i.e., the shape and size of the male spicules); however, Rudolphi's type material is in rather poor condition. The suggested resurrection of the deer Cooperia sp. in this study as Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809) requires verification by collecting and analyzing new nematode material from the type locality near Greifswald.
Comparative Genome Analysis of Two Streptococcus suis Serotype 8 Strains Identifies Two New Virulence-Associated Genes
Authors: Sheng Qi , Xu Qiuhua , Lan Zouran , Wu Zongfu
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause meningitis and septicemia in swine and humans. Among numerous pathogenic serotypes, S. suis serotype 8 has distinctive characteristics such as a high detection rate and causing multi-host infection. There is no complete genome of serotype 8 strains so far. In this study, the complete genome of two S. suis serotype 8 strains, virulent strain 2018WUSS151 and non-virulent strain WUSS030, were sequenced. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the homology of the two genomes reaches 99.68%, and the main difference is the distinctive prophages. There are 83 genes unique to virulent strain 2018WUSS151, including three putative virulence-associated genes (PVGs). Two PVGs, padR and marR, are passenger genes in ISSsu2 family transposons that are able to form circular DNA intermediates during transposition, indicating the possibility of horizontal transmission among S. suis strains. The deletion mutant of PVGs marR or atpase attenuated the virulence of serotype 2 virulent SC070731 in a mouse infection model, confirming their role in S. suis virulence. These findings contribute to clarifying the genomic characterization of S. suis serotype 8 and S. suis pathogenesis.
The Role of Life History and Familiarity in Performance of Working and Non-Working Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in a Point-Following Task
Authors: McCartney Josephine M. , Leavens David A.
Published: February 2024

Domestic dogs are very successful at following human communicative gestures in paradigms such as the object-choice task. Pet dogs also prefer responding to cues given by a familiar cue-giver and this had not been found in working dogs. Therefore, we tested three groups of dogs in the object-choice task (n = 54): the groups were “Actively working” dogs from working dog breeds, pet dogs from “Non-working breeds” and pet dogs from “Working breeds”. We found that “Actively working” and “Working breeds” dog groups outperformed “Non-working breeds” in following a point in the object-choice task. We also found that both “Actively working” and “Working breeds” preferred a familiar cue-giver over an unfamiliar one, in contrast to previous findings. Therefore, we conclude that dogs’ abilities to perform well in the object-choice task is influenced by the selective history of the breed, and this is then increased by life experience and training.