bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing information in neuron populations for neuromorphic spike encoding
Authors: Ferdaoussi Ahmad El , Plourde Eric , Rouat Jean
Published: January 2025

One of the ways neuromorphic applications emulate the processing performed by the brain is by using spikes as inputs instead of time-varying analog stimuli. Therefore, these time-varying stimuli have to be encoded into spikes, which can induce important information loss. To alleviate this loss, some studies use population coding strategies to encode more information using a population of neurons rather than just one neuron. However, configuring the encoding parameters of such a population is an open research question. This work proposes an approach based on maximizing the mutual information between the signal and the spikes in the population of neurons. The proposed algorithm is inspired by the information-theoretic framework of Partial Information Decomposition. Two applications are presented: blood pressure pulse wave classification, and neural action potential waveform classification. In both tasks, the data is encoded into spikes and the encoding parameters of the neuron populations are tuned to maximize the encoded information using the proposed algorithm. The spikes are then classified and the performance is measured using classification accuracy as a metric. Two key results are reported. First, adding neurons to the population leads to an increase in both mutual information and classification accuracy beyond what could be accounted for by each neuron separately, showing the usefulness of population coding strategies. Second, the classification accuracy obtained with the tuned parameters is near-optimal and it closely follows the mutual information as more neurons are added to the population. Furthermore, the proposed approach significantly outperforms random parameter selection, showing the usefulness of the proposed approach. These results are reproduced in both applications.
Heterogeneous long-term changes in larch forest and shrubland cover in the Kolyma lowland are not captured by coarser-scale greening trends
Authors: Kropp Heather , Loranty Michael M , Epstein Howard , Frost Gerald V , Koplik Adam , Berner Logan T
Published: January 2025

Changes in shrub and tree cover concurrent with rising air temperatures are a widespread phenomenon in Arctic–Boreal ecosystems. The expansion of tall shrubs and trees can alter ground thermal regimes and soil moisture impacting permafrost and biogeochemical cycling. Changes in shrub and tree cover can be difficult to characterize with limited in-situ observations and moderate/coarse resolution satellite imagery, thereby posing challenges in disentangling changes in vegetation growth from shifts in vegetation composition. We pair high resolution historical (KeyHole9 1971) and current satellite imagery (WorldView-3 2020) with a convolutional neural network approach to predict forest, shrubland, and surface water cover within a region of the Kolyma lowland (171 km2) in eastern Siberia. The overall accuracy of the predictions was 0.90 for 1971 and 0.92 for 2020. We found an overall net increase in shrubland cover of 14 km2 (8% of study extent) and little net change in forest cover, but changes in both land cover classes were highly heterogenous across the landscape. Increases in shrubland cover were highest in proximity to surface water (<100 m) and in close proximity to areas with stable shrubland cover. We found that changes in shrubland and forest cover did not correspond with trends in vegetation greenness (i.e., NDVI) derived from moderate resolution satellite data time series, which were fairly uniform among the land cover classes. Our findings highlight that ongoing land cover change in Siberian lowlands is highly heterogeneous and the need for a better quantification of the drivers and consequences of landscape change in these carbon- and ice- rich permafrost ecosystems.
Measurement error in remotely sensed fractional snow cover datasets: implications for ecological research
Authors: Jacques-Hamilton Rowan , Valcu Mihai , Kwon Eunbi , Versluijs Tom S L , Kempenaers Bart
Published: January 2025

Snow cover and snow melt patterns are important features of the Arctic environment, with wide-ranging repercussions for ecology. Datasets based on satellite imaging—often freely available—provide a powerful means for estimating snow cover. However, researchers should be aware of the possible error and bias in such datasets. Here, we quantify measurement error in commonly used data on snow cover, and demonstrate how biases have the potential to alter conclusions of ecological studies. We established 38 quadrats (80 m × 50 m) across a study site of Arctic tundra near Utqiaġvik, Alaska. At each quadrat, we estimated fractional snow cover (FSC) and the timing of snow melt using data from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS), and Sentinel-2 satellites. We compared satellite-based estimates with data from drone imagery to quantify measurement error and bias. We then evaluated whether the measurement error and bias alter conclusions about the relationship between the timing of snow melt and the breeding phenology of a population of pectoral sandpipers Calidris melanotos. We found that satellite datasets tended to overestimate FSC, leading to late estimates for snow melt dates. The Sentinel-2 dataset gave the most accurate results, followed by VIIRS, with MODIS giving the least accurate results. The degree of error varied substantially with the level of FSC, with biases reaching up to 60% for MODIS and VIIRS datasets at intermediate FSC values. Consequently, these datasets resulted in substantially different conclusions about how snow melt patterns were related to settlement and nesting dates of pectoral sandpipers. Our study indicates that measurement error in FSC can be large with substantial variation in the degree of error among satellite products. We show that these biases can impact conclusions of ecological studies. Therefore, ecologists should be conscious of the limitations of satellite-derived estimates of snow melt, and where possible should consult studies validating snow measurements in environments comparable to that of their study system.
Bellman function method for general operators on martingales: arbitrary regular filtrations
Authors: Osipov N.
Published: January 2025

It has recently been shown that the Bellman function method can be applied in the general context of Gundy’s extrapolation theorem for vector-valued martingales. But this was done under the additional assumption that martingales are adapted to a certain special filtration. Here it is shown that those results can be extended to any regular filtration.
Don’t Rock the Boat—the Devil You Know Is in It: MONUC/MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: von Billerbeck Sarah , Gippert Birte Julia , Oksamytna Kseniya , Tansey Oisín
Published: January 2025

Chapter 4 examines the case of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo / Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies en République Démocratique du Congo (MONUC) and the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo / Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en RD Congo (MONUSCO) in Congo from 2003 to 2018. We ascribe enabling in Congo to numerous factors, in particular the tension between maintaining stability and supporting democratization, government mistrust of the United Nations (UN) and the need to maintain working relations with Congolese officials, and the need to deliver concrete successes in the short term. We then examine how the UN enabled authoritarian behavior through the capacity-building and signaling mechanisms. First, we demonstrate how the UN built the capacity of political and security institutions, including support to the presidency and the armed forces, which in turn enabled these institutions to engage in repression and political exclusion. Second, we show how the UN created a permissive environment through signaling and mild responses to authoritarian moves by the government, in particular during presidential elections and episodes of violence and repression.
Courts Declare Victory Early and Often
Authors: Hasday Jill Elaine
Published: January 2025

Courts Declare Victory Early and Often explores generations of judicial opinions proclaiming victory over sex discrimination. This chapter introduces another new concept, “self-contradictory victory announcements,” and reveals the important role these announcements have played in defending and maintaining inequality. Many of the judiciary’s sunniest proclamations about American progress have appeared in decisions denying women equality, as courts rationalize their rejection of women’s claims by insisting that women already have so much. The book calls these decisions self-contradictory because judges boast about America’s embrace of sex equality while simultaneously enforcing male supremacy. Women are not the only marginalized group to have experienced the judiciary’s self-contradictory declarations, but cases perpetuating women’s inequality have long been prominent triggers for self-contradiction. Over the course of the twentieth century, for example, courts announced that women’s legal status had been transformed while issuing judgments that empowered states to maintain sex-specific restrictions on women’s working hours, prohibitions on women entering jobs reserved for men, and obstacles to women’s jury service that denied women juries of their peers. Judges trumpeted the nation’s commitment to sex equality while undermining women’s control over their reproductive lives, refusing to give wives rights their husbands had, and making it harder for women to escape subordination in marriage.
On Beauty and Wellformedness
Authors: Paris Panos
Published: January 2025

Taking my cue from the longest-standing theory of beauty to date, which identified beauty with formal properties such as order, harmony, and proportion, I argue that wellformedness—understood under a tripartite account comprising abstract, categorial, and functional species—is a necessary condition for beauty, which itself comprises three corresponding species. To this end, I offer a new conception of wellformedness along with a clear taxonomy of both beauty and wellformedness. My account reverses the common tendency to treat species of beauty that are independent of considerations of objects’ functions or kinds as paradigmatic and others as derivative, construing instead all three species as interrelated. In doing so, my proposal sheds considerable light on the concept of beauty, provides a measure of objectivity in our understanding thereof, clarifies the conceptual terrain in the philosophy of beauty, and elucidates some central links between beauty, form, and our interests and values.
Obese Hypertensive Men Have Fasting Serum Concentrations of Leptin Similar to Those of Obese Normotensive Men
Authors: Asferg Camilla L , Andersen Ulrik B , Frystyk Jan , Linneberg Allan , Hedley Paula L , Christiansen Michael , Jeppesen Jørgen L
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Leptin is a hormone that is secreted by the adipocytes. In the circulation, leptin levels are directly proportional to the body fat percentage. Studies have shown that higher leptin levels are associated with an increased risk of hypertension after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). Therefore, leptin has been proposed as a mediator of obesity-related hypertension. Whether leptin is associated with hypertension when controlling for body fat percentage remains unclear.

METHODS

We studied 103 obese men (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). All men were healthy and were medication-free. We measured blood pressure using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) recordings. Hypertension was defined as 24-h systolic ABP ≥ 130 mm Hg and/or 24-h diastolic ABP ≥ 80 mm Hg, and normotension was defined as 24-h ABP < 130/80 mm Hg. We measured fasting serum leptin concentrations and used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning to determine body fat percentage.

RESULTS

Of the 103 obese men, 64 were hypertensive (24-h systolic ABP—mean ± standard deviation—137 ± 11 mg Hg and 24-h diastolic ABP 83 ± 6 mm Hg) and 40 were normotensive (24-h systolic ABP 117 ± 6 mg Hg and 24-h diastolic ABP 73 ± 4 mm Hg). The 2 groups had similar fasting serum leptin concentrations (median—interquartile range; 13.4 (5.7–36.1) µg/L vs. 13.4 (5.4-27.1) µg/L, P = 0.88) and total fat mass percentage (34.8 ± 4.5% vs. 34.0 ± 4.7%, P = 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese hypertensive men have serum leptin concentrations similar to those of obese normotensive men with comparable body fat percentage measurements. This finding does not support leptin’s candidacy as a mediator of obesity-related hypertension.
A review of kilovoltage radiotherapy treatment in the United Kingdom: quality control, radiation dosimetry, treatment equipment, and workload
Authors: Palmer Antony L , Brimelow Jason , Downes Patrick , Munshi Mayur , Nash David , Rai Bhupinder , White Andrew R
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To survey kilovoltage (kV) radiotherapy in the United Kingdom, updating a 2016 study, focussing on radiotherapy physics, including equipment quality control (QC) and radiation dosimetry, with information on installed equipment and clinical activity.

Methods

All UK radiotherapy physics departments (n = 68) were invited to complete a comprehensive survey. An analysis of the installed equipment base, patient numbers, clinical activity, QC testing, and radiation dosimetry processes were undertaken.

Results

91% of centres (n = 62) responded to the survey. kV radiotherapy was available in 70% of UK radiotherapy departments, with a wide variation in workload; 7-436 patients/centre annually. There has been an increase in centres using treatment calculation software rather than manual methods, up from 36% in 2016 to 50% currently. Only 50% of centres use an independent calculation check method. There was an increase in the use of the addendum to the UK dosimetry code of practice, enabling medium energy calibration in-air rather than at depth in phantom, citing “clinical relevance.” Appropriate levels of QC testing were being conducted at UK centres, with Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) Report 81 cited as a primary source of guidance. Good consensus for the frequency and tolerance values used for QC was seen across UK centres.

Conclusions

A comprehensive review of consensus practice for QC and dosimetry in kV radiotherapy across the United Kingdom is presented, with supporting information on equipment installation and clinical use.

Advances in Knowledge

Updated data are presented on kV radiotherapy treatment in the United Kingdom, with focus on physics aspects of QC and dosimetry.
Evolution of quality of life, anxiety, and depression over time in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm approaching the surgical threshold
Authors: Vanmaele Alexander , Branidis Petros , Karamanidou Maria , Bouwens Elke , Hoeks Sanne E , de Bruin Jorg L , ten Raa Sander , Akkerhuis K Martijn , van Lier Felix , Budde Ricardo P J , Fioole Bram , Verhagen Hence J M , Boersma Eric , Kardys Isabella
Published: January 2025

Background

Contrary to the impact of screening, the effect of long-term surveillance on the quality of life of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is not well known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe patient-reported outcomes of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm approaching the surgical threshold.

Methods

This multicentre, observational cohort study included patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a maximum aneurysm diameter of greater than or equal to 40 mm. The EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (range −0.446 to 1, minimal clinically important difference 0.071), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire (0–21 points/subscale, minimal clinically important difference 1.7 points), and the short version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (0–6 points) were mailed to patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm at baseline and after 1 and 2 years or until abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery/death. Linear mixed-effects models were used to describe the evolution of patient-reported outcomes over time and investigate changes attributable to clinical characteristics.

Results

In total, 291 to 294 responses to each questionnaire were available from 124 patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, of whom 34 underwent surgery during follow-up. The mean health-related quality of life and anxiety and depression scores over time were 0.781 (95% c.i. 0.749 to 0.814), 4.4 points (95% c.i. 3.9 to 4.9), and 4.6 points (95% c.i. 4.0 to 5.2) respectively. Anxiety and depression scores decreased in patients who underwent surgery with a mean of 2.8 (95% c.i. 1.1 to 4.6) and 2.0 (95% c.i. 0.4 to 3.6) points/year respectively, compared with patients who had not had surgery. Considering the minimal clinically important difference, patients with a primary education alone, compared with a secondary education, had higher or increasing anxiety and depression scores. Patients with a first-degree relative with an abdominal aortic aneurysm had a higher risk of clinical anxiety.

Conclusion

Although health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression remain stable over time on average, anxiety and depression decrease in patients approaching surgery. Patients with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm or a primary education alone experience more anxiety and/or depression and thus might benefit from a tailored approach during surveillance.
Understanding training and support needs of foster carers of infants in out-of-home care
Authors: Blythe Stacy , Elcombe Emma
Published: January 2025

Infants constitute a significant proportion of admissions into out-of-home care (OOHC). These vulnerable infants face heightened health and well-being challenges compared to the general population. Addressing their complex needs is crucial to their well-being and requires knowledgeable foster and kinship carers. However, the extent to which these carers receive specialized training and support for infants is largely unknown. This study provides insights into the experiences of foster carers providing care to infants (<12 months) in Australia. A total of 232 foster carers participated in an online survey, reporting on support received and training in eight key areas: infant nutrition, feeding, bathing, sleeping, immunization, development, attachment, and developmental trauma. Analysis found, only 34 per cent of respondents reported that infants in their care received visits from community nurses or midwives, while 75 per cent took infants to see community health nurses. Training rates for basic infant care were low, ranging from 15 per cent to 30 per cent. Respondents without biological children were more likely to receive training. Surprisingly, 41 per cent of respondents did not receive any training. The majority (87 per cent) of respondents emphasized the need for infant specific training. While further research is necessary, these findings highlight the lack for current support for foster carers of infants in OOHC.
Lesion correlates of impaired acoustic-phonetic perception after unilateral left hemisphere stroke
Authors: Binder Jeffrey R , Freiberg Anna , Heffernan Joseph , Giraldo-Chica Mónica , Book Diane S , Pillay Sara B
Published: January 2025

Acoustic-phonetic perception refers to the ability to perceive and discriminate between speech sounds. Acquired impairment of acoustic-phonetic perception is known historically as ‘pure word deafness’ and typically follows bilateral lesions of the cortical auditory system. The extent to which this deficit occurs after unilateral left hemisphere damage and the critical left hemisphere areas involved are not well defined.

We tested acoustic-phonetic perception in 73 individuals with chronic left hemisphere stroke and performed multivariate lesion-symptom mapping incorporating controls for non-specific task confounds, pure tone hearing loss, response bias and lesion size. Separate analyses examined place of articulation, manner of articulation, voicing and vowel discriminations. Overlap of the lesion map with transcallosal pathways linking left and right temporal lobes was examined using a probabilistic diffusion tensor tractography map of these pathways obtained from a healthy control cohort.

Compared to an age- and education-matched control sample, 18% of the patients had impaired acoustic-phonetic perception overall, with 44% impaired on voicing, 26% on manner, 15% on place and 14% on vowel discrimination. Lesion-symptom mapping revealed the most critical areas to be the transverse temporal gyrus (TTG) and adjacent medial belt cortex, the acoustic radiation and the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS). There were notable differences between lesion correlates for the different types of discrimination, with place discrimination linked to medial TTG, vowel discrimination to lateral TTG and planum temporale, manner discrimination to posterior planum temporale and voicing discrimination to pSTS. Overlap of the main lesion map with transcallosal temporal lobe pathways was minor but included a deep white matter component at the base of the middle and inferior temporal gyri. The extent of overlap between individual lesions and the transcallosal pathway map was not correlated with acoustic-phonetic perception.

The results add further evidence that acoustic-phonetic impairments, particularly impairments of voicing perception, are relatively common after unilateral left temporal lobe damage, and they clarify the lesion correlates of these deficits. Differences between the lesion maps for the discrimination types likely reflect differential reliance on spectral versus temporal analysis for these discriminations.
Changes in neurotransmitter-related functional connectivity along the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Manca Riccardo , De Marco Matteo , Soininen Hilkka , Ruffini Livia , Venneri Annalena
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease may be associated with early dopamine dysfunction. However, its effects on neurofunctional alterations in the neurotransmission pathways remain elusive. In this study, positron emission tomography atlases and functional MRI data for 86 older adults with mild cognitive impairment Alzheimer's disease (MCI), 58 with mild Alzheimer's disease-dementia and 76 cognitively unimpaired were combined to investigate connectivity alterations associated with the dopaminergic and cholinergic systems. A cross-sectional design was used to compare neurotransmitter-related functional connectivity across groups and associations between functional connectivity and cognitive performance. The findings show that the Alzheimer's disease dementia group showed a decline in mesocorticolimbic dopamine-related connectivity in the precuneus but heightened connectivity in the thalamus, whereas the Alzheimer's disease-MCI group showed a decline in nigrostriatal connectivity in the left temporal areas. Acetylcholine-related connectivity decline was observed in both Alzheimer's disease-MCI and Alzheimer's disease-dementia primarily in the temporo-parietal areas. Episodic memory scores correlated positively with acetylcholine- and dopamine-related connectivity in the temporo-parietal cortex and negatively with dopamine-related functional connectivity in the fronto-thalamic areas. This study shows that connectivity alterations in acetylcholine and dopamine functional pathways parallel cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and might be a clinically relevant marker in early Alzheimer's disease.
Predicting the Risk of Intensive Care Unit Admission in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Presenting in the Emergency Room: Development and Evaluation of the Confusion, Respiratory rate, Oxygen Saturation With or Without Concurrent Supplemental Oxygen, and Oxygen Supplementation Score
Authors: Xiang Weiwei , Steinbeis Fridolin , Dhindsa Kiret , Kurth Florian , Lingscheid Tilman , Thibeault Charlotte , Meyer Hans-Jakob , Suttorp Norbert , Mittermaier Mirja , Stecher Melanie , Scherer Margarete , Hagen Marina , Mitrov Lazar , Geisler Ramsia , Appel Katharina S , Hopff Sina M , Koll Carolin , Nunes de Miranda Susana M , Weismantel Christina , Reese Jens-Peter , Heuschmann Peter , Miljukov Olga , Nürnberger Carolin , Sander Leif-Erik , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Witzenrath Martin , van Smeden Maarten , Zoller Thomas
Published: January 2025

Background

Existing risk evaluation tools underperform in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to develop and evaluate an accurate and calculator-free clinical tool for predicting ICU admission at emergency room (ER) presentation.

Methods

Data from patients with COVID-19 in a nationwide German cohort (March 2020–January 2023) were analyzed. Candidate predictors were selected based on literature and clinical expertise. A risk score, predicting ICU admission within seven days of ER presentation, was developed using elastic net logistic regression on a northern German cohort (derivation cohort), evaluated on a southern German cohort (evaluation cohort), and externally validated on a Colombian cohort. Performance was evaluated through discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility against existing tools.

Results

ICU admission rates within seven days were 30.8% (derivation cohort, n = 1295, median age 60, 38.1% female), 28.1% (evaluation cohort, n = 1123, median age 58, 36.9% female), and 30.3% (Colombian cohort, n = 780, median age 57, 38.8% female). The 11-point CROSS score, based on Confusion, Respiratory rate, Oxygen Saturation (with or without concurrent supplemental oxygen), and oxygen Supplementation, demonstrated good discrimination (area under the curve: 0.77 in the evaluation cohort; 0.69 in the Colombian cohort), good calibration, and superior clinical utility compared to existing tools. Mortality-predicting tools performed poorly in predicting ICU admission risk for patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

The calculator-free CROSS score effectively predicts ICU admission for patients with COVID-19 in the ER. Further studies are needed to assess its generalizability in other settings. Mortality-predicting tools are not recommended for ICU admission prediction.
Analysis of Repeat Hepatitis C Viremia After Sustained Virologic Response in a Large Cohort of US Veterans
Authors: Matelski Alexander , Gregoire Bruce , Beste Lauren A , Varley Cara D , Lowy Elliott , Cartwright Emily J , Morgan Timothy R , Ross David B , Rozenberg-Ben-Dror Karine , Maier Marissa M
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects >1% of the US population and a larger percentage of US veterans. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications achieve viral cure, termed sustained virologic response (SVR), but repeat viremia after SVR is recognized. Prior work has been limited by electronic medical record data. We aim to better understand repeat viremia in the DAA era through detailed chart review.

Methods

We identified 1129 individuals from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who achieved SVR using DAA therapy but subsequently had detectable HCV viremia. A random subset of 110 was chart-reviewed and assigned to 1 of the following 4 categories using laboratory, diagnosis, and chart review data: definite reinfection (25.5%), probable reinfection (25.5%), false-positive (11.8%), and presumed late relapse (37.3%). We conducted between-group analysis of variance to identify demographic, behavioral, and laboratory features specific to each.

Results

In our medical record cohort (n = 1129), substance use and unstable housing were common, and median time to repeat viremia was 1.9 years. In our chart review cohort (n = 110), younger age (18–34 years) and substance use were more frequent in definite or probable reinfection. Presumed relapse had comparatively more hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; 20%, P < .05), and more than half occurred prior to 1 year. The unique category of false-positive has not previously been reported.

Conclusions

This study deepens our understanding of HCV reinfection and relapse and highlights features including the HCV and opioid syndemic, contribution of laboratory error, possibility of a viral reservoir in HCC, and clinical engagement implications for those with ongoing risk.
Dermal glucocorticoids are uncoupled from stress physiology and infection
Authors: Quadros Victor , Inman Brady , McDonnell Nina , Williams Kaitlyn , Romero L Michael , Woodhams Douglas C
Published: January 2025

Ongoing amphibian population declines are caused by factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, pollution and infectious diseases not limited to chytridiomycosis. Unfortunately, action is taken against these factors once population collapses are underway. To avoid these post hoc responses, wildlife endocrinology aims to analyse physiological mediators that predict future population declines to inform wildlife management. Mediators typically investigated are stress hormones known as glucocorticoids, which are produced by the Hypothalamus—Pituitary—Interrenal axis (HPI axis). The HPI axis is the part of the endocrine system that helps amphibians cope with stress. Chronic increases in glucocorticoids due to stress can lead to immune dysfunction, which makes amphibians more susceptible to infectious diseases. Despite this predictive potential of glucocorticoids, interpretation of glucocorticoid data is confounded by sampling design and type. Glucocorticoid monitoring classically involves blood sampling, which is not widely applicable in amphibians as some are too small or delicate to sample, and repeated samples are often valued. To address this, we tried to validate skin swabbing via corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) injections in adults of two amphibian species: Eastern red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens, with natural skin infections with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) upon collection in the field, and Northern leopard frogs, Rana (Lithobates) pipiens, raised in captivity and naïve to Bd exposure. Further, we determined the predictive potential of skin glucocorticoids on Bd load in the field via correlations in Eastern red-spotted newts. We found that hormones present in the skin are not related to the HPI axis and poorly predict infection load; however, skin hormone levels strongly predicted survival in captivity. Although skin swabbing is not a valid method to monitor HPI axis function in these species, the hormones present in the skin still play important roles in organismal physiology under stressful conditions relevant to wildlife managers.
Hyponatraemia-induced Takotsubo syndrome secondary to idiopathic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: a case report
Authors: López-Trejo Felipe Israel , Cedillo-Urbina Martin Rodrigo , Maldonado-Tenesaca Andrea Paulina , Rivera-Guerrero Juan Carlos , Andrade-Cuellar Elias Noel
Published: January 2025

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as stress cardiomyopathy or broken-heart syndrome, is an acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction often triggered by stress and associated with elevated catecholamine levels. Hyponatraemia has been recognized as a potential trigger for TC, although its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear.

Case summary

We present the case of an 84-year-old woman with a history of Type 2 diabetes, primary hypertension, hypothyroidism, and osteoporosis, who was admitted for typical angina and seizures. Initial laboratory tests revealed severe hyponatraemia (serum sodium: 119 mmol/L) and elevated cardiac enzymes. Electrocardiogram showed Wellens Type B syndrome and subsequent ST-segment elevation. Coronary angiography revealed no significant coronary lesions. Optical coherence tomography showed a non-significant lesion in the anterior descending artery, and ventriculography confirmed TC. The patient was treated with beta-blockers and managed for syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone-induced hyponatraemia with fluid restriction. Follow-up echocardiography at three months showed recovery of global longitudinal strain and preserved biventricular systolic function. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated normal chamber dimensions and late gadolinium enhancement with a non-ischaemic pattern.

Discussion

This case underscores the association between severe hyponatraemia and TC, highlighting the need for careful electrolyte management in patients with acute cardiac symptoms. The exact mechanisms linking hyponatraemia and TC remain to be elucidated, but this case contributes to the limited literature on hyponatraemia-induced TC, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing this electrolyte imbalance to prevent cardiac complications.
Roundtable: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors: Alouane Rim-Sarah , De Oliveira Patrick Luiz Sullivan , Doria Corinne , Ervine Jonathan , Gillett Rachel Anne , Graham-Goering Erika , Levett Geoffrey , Lewis Robert W , Smith Andrew W M , Wardhaugh Jessica , Eldridge Claire
Published: January 2025

One hundred years after Paris last hosted, the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in the French capital this summer. To mark this centenary, French History gathered a group of academics together to write blog posts in response to different aspects of Paris 2024. Their posts, which were originally hosted on the French History Network Blog, invited readers to delve into the historical, cultural and sporting references being evoked by the opening ceremonies; to analyse the ways the Games were being used as a vehicle for wider political messages about France and its place in the world; and to reflect on the relationship between the images of France as projected through the Games and realities on the ground. We have collated the blog posts here, lightly edited and updated to reflect conclusion of the Games, and hope readers will enjoy reminding themselves of this very memorable French summer.
Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome Assemblies for the Endangered Wood-Decaying Fungus Somion occarium
Authors: Hill Rowena , McGowan Jamie , Brabcová Vendula , McTaggart Seanna , Irish Naomi , Barker Tom , Knitlhoffer Vanda , Lucchini Sacha , Baker Kendall , Catchpole Leah , Watkins Chris , Gharbi Karim , Kaithakottil Gemy , Tracey Alan , Wood Jonathan M D , Tomšovský Michal , Baldrian Petr , Swarbreck David , Hall Neil
Published: January 2025

Somion occarium is a wood-decaying bracket fungus belonging to an order known to be rich in useful chemical compounds. Despite its widespread distribution, S. occarium has been assessed as endangered on at least 1 national Red List, presumably due to loss of old-growth forest habitat. Here, we present a near-complete, annotated nuclear genome assembly for S. occarium consisting of 31 Mbp arranged in 11 pseudochromosomes—9 of which are telomere-to-telomere—as well as a complete mitochondrial genome assembly of 112.9 Kbp. We additionally performed phylogenomic analysis and annotated carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) to compare gene and CAZyme content across closely related species. This genome was sequenced as the representative for Kingdom Fungi in the European Reference Genome Atlas Pilot Project.
How Neighborhood Social Deprivation Is Associated With Nursing Home Quality: A Structure, Process, Outcome Model
Authors: Pradhan Rohit , Lord Justin , Orewa Gregory , Davlyatov Ganisher , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Nursing home (NH) quality often varies across socioeconomic gradients. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between social deprivation and NH quality.

Research Design and Methods

Integrating resource dependence theory with Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome model, this study utilized 2019 data from Payroll Based Journal, Care Compare: Five-Star Quality Rating System, and LTCFocus.org. The analytic file included 12,900 free-standing NH observations. The primary variable of interest was severe social deprivation index (SDI) defined as SDI ≥85/100. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the effects of severe deprivation on NH structural (nursing staff), processes (antipsychotic medications [APMs]), and outcomes (falls, pressure ulcers, activities of daily living [ADL] decline, and hospitalizations) quality indicators among long-stay NH residents.

Results

Nursing homes in communities with severe SDI showed a decrease of 0.02 registered nurse (RN) hours per resident day (PRD) (p < .001) and an increase of 0.03 certified nursing assistant (CNA) hours PRD (p = .01). Higher licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours PRD (β = −1.03; p = .003) and higher CNA hours PRD (β = −0.80; p < .001) were significantly associated with reduced APM use. Increased APM use was significantly associated with ADL decline (β = 0.03; p < .001) and hospitalizations (β = 0.001; p = .013). Severe SDI indirectly resulted in higher hospitalizations (β = 0.01; p = .01) and falls (β = 0.01; p = .001) through lower RN staffing but lower pressure ulcers (β = −0.07; p < .001) through higher CNA staffing. Directly, severe SDI increased pressure ulcers (β = 0.69; p < .001) and hospitalizations (β = 0.09; p < .001) and decreased falls (β = −0.53; p < .001).

Discussion and Implications

Severe social deprivation affected nursing staff patterns, affecting care quality. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in the NH quality policymaking process.
Oscillation frequencies of long-period seismic events at Kusatsu–Shirane volcano, Japan, related to the volume of water vapour in a hydrothermal crack
Authors: Nakano Masayuki , Kumagai Hiroyuki , Taguchi Kimiko
Published: January 2025

Long-period (LP) seismic events at active volcanoes are characterized by damped harmonic oscillations, which are thought to be generated by resonances in fluid-filled cracks. LP source properties (crack geometry and fluid properties) are generally estimated by analytically calculating the ratios of spectral peaks in crack resonance frequencies and empirically calculating a quality (Q) factor. However, because this method is applicable only to LP events with more than four spectral peaks, we cannot use it to analyse LP events with fewer spectral peaks. To bridge this gap, we developed a new method to estimate source properties using the frequency (f), Q factor and seismic moment (M0) of the lowest spectral peak of an LP event. We assumed misty gas (water vapour containing small water droplets) as the fluid in the crack and analytically derived the geometrical relationships of the crack. M0 was estimated from observed amplitudes of the lowest spectral peaks at different stations using an assumed crack mechanism. We applied this method to LP events observed from 1989 to 1993 at Kusatsu–Shirane volcano, Japan. We found that the crack length was quite variable, but the crack width was almost constant at around 100 m during our study period. We also found a strong correlation between the inverse of f and the total mass of water in the crack, which can be explained theoretically using the acoustic properties of misty gas and crack geometrical relationships. The total mass of water is proportional to the volume of water vapour in the crack, and the water vapour has been interpreted to be derived from magmatic degassing at depth. The oscillation frequency of the LP event is thus a useful metric for monitoring magma degassing into the shallow hydrothermal system, which is an important constraint on the occurrence of phreatic eruptions. Because our simple approach is widely applicable to LP events, it can enable improved monitoring of hydrothermal activity and evaluation of the risk of phreatic eruptions.
Hyperoside improves the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells under copper stress via decreasing reactive oxygen species
Authors: Du Gang , Sun Cunying , Zheng Kaifang , Sun Mingyue , Yang Zihan , Meng Dan , Li Bingjuan , Guan Wenqiang , Zhao Hui
Published: January 2025

Copper irons are widely applied in vineyards as pesticides (commonly referred to as Bordeaux mixture). However, excess copper is toxic to cells and to human health. Organisms have developed sophisticated molecular mechanisms in response to copper stress. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transcription factor Ace1 is activated and regulates CUP1, CRS5, and SOD1 in response to copper stress. Hyperoside (HYP) is mainly used in clinical treatment and healthcare products due to its ability to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, HYP, when compared with a conventional control, dramatically improved the growth of S. cerevisiae cells in copper stress, even in CUP1 and SOD1 mutant cells, by significantly decreasing the levels of ROS. Furthermore, expression of CUP1, CRS5, and SOD1 was significantly reduced under copper stress with HYP. These results illustrate that HYP effectively improves the growth of S. cerevisiae cells under copper stress.
Methodology for accessing cyanogen glycoside and alkaloid content in Traditional foods
Authors: Hay Thomas Owen , Nastasi Joseph Robert , Turpin Gerry , Chapman Dale , Fredricks Bronwyn , Thompson Suzanne , Fitzgerald Melissa
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to assess the food safety of 8 Traditional Australian foods by analysing their cyanogen glycoside and alkaloid content. The research utilized a combination of ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and indicator strip assays to identify and quantify toxic compounds. The study found no cyanogen glycosides across all tested species above a limit of detection of 1.59 μg g−1 cyanide equivalent. Eight alkaloids were identified, including trigonelline, piperine, atropine, piperyline, corydine, cinchonine, corynoxiene, and desmotroposantonin. Notably, atropine, which was detected in trace amounts in native pepper, was found to be below the detection limit of 1.30 ± 0.60 mg per 100 g. The presence of trigonelline and piperine was significant in several species, particularly the native pepper. These findings suggest that the tested Traditional foods are safe for consumption concerning cyanogen glycosides and alkaloids. The systematic approach to toxin detection in these foods supports the use of Traditional knowledge, aids in validating their food safety, and provides a framework for future toxicological assessments.
Preservative effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and black zira (Bunium persicum) essential oil emulsion-based gelatin coating on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Darvishi Fatemeh , Moosavi-Nasab Marzieh , Khoshnoudi-Nia Sara , Oliyaei Najmeh
Published: January 2025

In this study, gelatin-based edible coatings loaded with Cuminum cyminum essential oil (CEO) and/or Bunisum persicum essential oil (BEO) emulsions were fabricated and their effect on extending the shelf life of whole ungutted rainbow trout fish was investigated. The physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of the fish during 20 days of storage were examined. The gas chromatography (GC) analysis of EO components revealed that cuminaldehyde (31.36%) and gamma-terpinene (36.12%) were the major components of CEO and BEO, respectively. The total viable, psychrophilic, and lactic acid bacteria count of samples treated with active edible coatings were significantly lower than those coated with gelatin and control samples. The highest and lowest pH values were obtained for the control sample (6.87) and the samples containing CEO (6.40), respectively. The lowest thiobarbituricacid reactive substances and total volatile basic nitrogen values were obtained in fish coated with gelatin containing 1.5% CEO and BEO. The best sensory score was achieved for the sample treated with both EOs. Therefore, using gelatin coating loaded with CEO and BEO can improve the shelf life of fish.
Exploring the antimicrobial potentials and thermal stability of bovine lactoferrin against foodborne pathogens
Authors: Khatoon Ammarah , Khan Usman Mir , Kaur Manpreet
Published: January 2025

The study was conducted to analyze the antimicrobial activity and the sensitivity of bovine lactoferrin against foodborne pathogens and to evaluate the pH range and thermal stability of bovine lactoferrin. The agar well diffusion test was used to check the antimicrobial activity of each pathogen. Bacterial samples were purified and confirmed by biochemical tests. Three concentrations of lactoferrin 0.5, 1, and 10 mg/ml were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Our results indicated that all three pathogenic bacteria were inhibited, even at 0.5 mg/ml (p < .05). E. coli was the most sensitive, and S. aureus was the least sensitive. Lactoferrin remains effective at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pH, but no inhibition showed at 3, 4, and 5 pH (p < .05). Lactoferrin showed no change at a pasteurization temperature of 60–75 °C (p < .05) but was inactivated at higher temperatures. The results showed that lactoferrin can inhibit E. coli, S. enteritidis, and S. aureus from growth and remain unchanged at pasteurization temperature and pH ranges of 6–9.
Nutritional composition, antioxidant potential, physical characteristics, overall acceptance, and in vitro glycaemic index of cookies fortified with rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed powder
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngan , Tran Thi Thu Tra , Le Van Viet Man
Published: January 2025

Rambutan seeds are a by-product of the fruit processing industry. In this research, wheat flour was partially replaced by rambutan seed powder in a cookie recipe and the influence of this replacement on the product quality was examined. When increasing the rambutan seed proportion and reducing the unsalted butter ratio in the cookie recipe, the lipid content was unchanged; the ash, dietary fibre, phenolic, and saponin contents of the product were significantly enhanced while the starch and protein contents gradually decreased. The use of rambutan seed powder slightly improved monounsaturated fatty acids level but reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids content in the cookies. At the proportion of 30% and 40% rambutan seed powder, the obtained cookies had lower hardness and breaking strength but greater overall acceptance than the control cookie. The partial replacement of wheat flour by rambutan seed powder efficiently decreased in vitro glycaemic index of the product.
Development of omega-3 fortified stirred yoghurt with enhanced sensory and oxidative qualities through the addition of fish oil nanoemulsion and fruits
Authors: Shanuke D S , Edirisinghe E M R K B , Marapana R A U J , Hettiarachi S
Published: January 2025

The application of fish oil as a source of omega-3 in food fortification is limited due to its undesirable strong flavours, odour, and susceptibility to rapid oxidation. This study aimed to develop functional yoghurt with omega-3 using fish oil with improved oxidative stability and organoleptic characteristics and evaluate its characteristics during storage for 21 days. Fish oil nanoemulsion and soursop (Annona muricata L.) added stirred yoghurt (FOESY) showed the highest omega-3 content after storage, with a significant reduction in syneresis, total oxidation (TOTOX) and acidity compared to bulk fish oil fortified stirred plain yoghurt (FOPY) and bulk fish oil fortified stirred soursop yoghurt. FOESY showed the highest retention of total eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid at 71.75 ± 2.84%. FOPY had the highest (p < .05) TOTOX of 20.95 ± 4.25 after 14 days. Therefore, this study reveals the potential of producing fish oil-added yoghurt as an omega-3 delivery food.