bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Phenotypes of Neutrophils During Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic Leishmania braziliensis Infection
Authors: Conceição Jacilara A , Carneiro Pedro P , Dórea Andreza S , Oliveira Walker N , Muniz Aline C , Carvalho Edgar M , Wilson Mary E , Bacellar Olívia
Published: June 2024

Background

The mechanisms that mediate immune protection in individuals with subclinical (SC) or asymptomatic infection with Leishmania braziliensis are largely unknown. Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) have been implicated in progressive symptomatic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), but their potential participation in maintenance of subclinical infection is unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the phenotypic and functional profiles of PMNs in individuals with SC infection versus patients with symptomatic CL due to L braziliensis.

Methods

Subjects were recruited in the endemic region of Corte de Pedra, Bahia, Brazil. Surface markers to define activation status were characterized by flow cytometry. Functional responses of PMNs including phagocytic capacity, production of oxidative species, and oxidative killing of intracellular parasites were studied in vitro.

Results

PMNs from individuals with SC infection displayed a more activated phenotype and greater ability to control the infection than PMNs from patients with CL. In contrast, PMNs from patients with CL exhibited higher expression of HLA-DR and higher production of oxidative species than PMNs from subjects with SC infection.

Conclusions

PMNs from individuals with SC infection can control the infection more efficiently than PMNs from patients with CL, despite the lower production of oxidants. Our observations suggest that L braziliensis may evade microbicidal mechanisms of PMNs from patients with CL, contributing to parasite dissemination and the establishment of disease.
Cognitive Enhancement, Hyperagency, and Responsibility Explosion
Authors: Gordon Emma C
Published: June 2024

Hyperagency objections appeal to the risk that cognitive enhancement may negatively impact our well-being by giving us too much control. I charitably formulate and engage with a prominent version of this objection due to Sandel (2009) —viz., that cognitive enhancement may negatively impact our well-being by creating an “explosion” of responsibilities. I first outline why this worry might look prima facie persuasive, and then I show that it can ultimately be defended against. At the end of the day, if we are to resist cognitive enhancement, it should not be based on a Sandel-style hyperagency argument.
The biological significance of tumor grade, age, enhancement, and extent of resection in IDH-mutant gliomas: How should they inform treatment decisions in the era of IDH inhibitors?
Authors: van den Bent Martin J , French Pim J , Brat Daniel , Tonn Joerg C , Touat Mehdi , Ellingson Benjamin M , Young Robert J , Pallud Johan , von Deimling Andreas , Sahm Felix , Figarella Branger Dominique , Huang Raymond Y , Weller Michael , Mellinghoff Ingo K , Cloughsey Tim F , Huse Jason T , Aldape Kenneth , Reifenberger Guido , Youssef Gilbert , Karschnia Philipp , Noushmehr Houtan , Peters Katherine B , Ducray Francois , Preusser Matthias , Wen Patrick Y
Published: June 2024

The 2016 and 2021 World Health Organization 2021 Classification of central nervous system tumors have resulted in a major improvement in the classification of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant gliomas. With more effective treatments many patients experience prolonged survival. However, treatment guidelines are often still based on information from historical series comprising both patients with IDH wild-type and IDH-mutant tumors. They provide recommendations for radiotherapy and chemotherapy for so-called high-risk patients, usually based on residual tumor after surgery and age over 40. More up-to-date studies give a better insight into clinical, radiological, and molecular factors associated with the outcome of patients with IDH-mutant glioma. These insights should be used today for risk stratification and for treatment decisions. In many patients with IDH-mutant grades 2 and 3 glioma, if carefully monitored postponing radiotherapy and chemotherapy is safe, and will not jeopardize the overall outcome of patients. With the INDIGO trial showing patient benefit from the IDH inhibitor vorasidenib, there is a sizable population in which it seems reasonable to try this class of agents before recommending radio-chemotherapy with its delayed adverse event profile affecting quality of survival. Ongoing trials should help to further identify the patients that are benefiting from this treatment.
The Importance of Sound to the Formation of Presence
Authors: Grimshaw-Aagaard Mark
Published: June 2024

Mark Grimshaw-Aagaard uses his chapter to highlight the importance of sound in the formation of presence in video games and to provide a conceptual model for understanding the formation of presence. Following some terminological clarification, the chapter outlines some of the debates on presence and immersion in the fields of virtual reality and video games using first-person perspective. Grimshaw-Aagaard provides a model of externality and self and uses this to show how sound waves from externality lead to the initial other-presences of a perceptual environment—it is against these other-presences that the self is defined and within this environment that the self is present.
Semiotics and the Negotiation of Musical Communication in Video Game Music
Authors: Hart Iain
Published: June 2024

Iain Hart finds beauty in the mess of meanings that arises from interaction with video game music. Although music might be composed to communicate specific meanings to the player within gameplay, the inherent variability of human interaction may result in a failure to communicate those meanings as intended. And yet, miscommunications and missed communications still result in meaningful and semiotically relevant gameplay experiences. Hart suggests that the communication of meanings between player and game is the result of a negotiation that continues throughout gameplay, an ongoing conversation between the player and the composer about the meaning of musical signs.
Musical Repetition and Predictive Gameplay in Rhythm Games
Authors: Lind Stephanie
Published: June 2024

Stephanie Lind explores the phenomenon of rhythm games by wondering if players untrained in music theory have an intuitive awareness of the musical structures of the games and use this to predict dance moves and gestures. Through analyses of rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution and Just Dance, Lind highlights instances of kinesonic congruence (the synchronization of gesture with sound) in order to discover the role that repetition plays in these games. Lind concludes that nonmusical players have a visceral understanding of musical pattern and articulation, and that the kinesonic congruence the players experience aids in their perceptions of such patterns.
Press Start to (Fore)Play
Authors: Austin Michael L.
Published: June 2024

Michael L. Austin begins his chapter with a history of sonic representations of sex and sexuality in erotic film and pornography, tracing the friction between such media and public morals and showing how the media borrowed musical tropes and clichés from mainstream media and used developments in technology to make the soundtrack hyperreal. Austin then turns his attention to sonic depictions of heterosexuality in mainstream video games such as The Sims, as well as a range of niche games, before focusing on sonic representations of homosexuality. Throughout, Austin shows how the use of music and sound supports the developing role of games as tools for constructively “enacting our real-life identity and personhood.”
Playing with American Folk Music, Supernatural Encounters, and Perspectives on Death
Authors: Smucker Peter
Published: June 2024

Peter Smucker focuses on the use of American folk songs in video games and the effects of interpretations of these songs on the player experience. As Smucker shows, the specific use of preexisting American folk songs and freshly composed country music can affect the player’s social encounters and acceptance of a character’s death during gameplay through their use of supernatural and religious tropes. The chapter focuses on the player’s interaction with supernatural boundaries in the game, which separate aspects of life and death. By highlighting Southern Gothic features and Appalachian beliefs in music, Smucker offers the player new perspectives on the game character’s life, death, and afterlife.
Synergy and Syncs
Authors: Arditi David
Published: June 2024

David Arditi uses the term “unending consumption” to describe developments in early 21st century capitalism whereby, rather than expanding the consumer base, an industry thrives by supplying the same consumer base with ever more goods. This shift in focus is used by Arditi to illustrate strategic changes in the music recording industry that took place in the early 2000s: a response to the revenue challenges posed by the video game industry by blurring the lines between gamer and music fan. Arditi explains this phenomenon by examining synchronization licenses and the later use of gaming platforms to live-stream music concerts. It is through this industry synergy, Arditi argues, that the recording industry has secured new means of revenue generation, enabling it to thrive in the new millennium.
Onna no Jidai
Authors: McCorkle Okazaki Brooke
Published: June 2024

Brooke McCorkle Okazaki asks the question “What did it mean to be a woman composer and sound designer [for video games] in 1980s Japan?” The question, triggered by a chance finding of a contemporary photograph of some of Capcom’s female composers and sound designers, leads McCorkle Okazaki to explore further issues regarding the politics, economy, and the social conditions for women in Japanese corporate culture of the time, and the subsequent visibility of these particular women’s contributions to video games. The tale of the demise of this singular and short-lived instance of women’s ability to find a creative space for their labor in Japan mirrors the all-too-common situation of women the world over—economic collapse in 1990s Japan, reproductive pressures, and the dominance of male composers and sound designers means that female contributions to video game music and sound risks being forgotten.
Searching for the signature of fast radio burst by Swift/XRT X-ray afterglow light curve
Authors: Shen Hsien-chieh , Sakamoto Takanori , Serino Motoko , Sato Yuri
Published: June 2024

A new type of cosmological transient, dubbed fast radio bursts (FRBs), was recently discovered. The source of FRBs is still unknown. One possible scenario of an FRB is the collapse of a spinning supra-massive neutron star. Zhang (2014, ApJ, 780, L21) suggests that the collapse can happen shortly (hundreds to thousands of seconds) after the birth of supra-massive neutron stars. The signatures can be visible in X-ray afterglows of long and short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For instance, a sudden drop (decay index steeper than $-3$ to $-9$) from a shallow decay (decay index shallower than $-1$) in the X-ray afterglow flux can indicate such an event. We selected the X-ray afterglow light curves with a steep decay after the shallow decay phase from the Swift/XRT GRB catalog. We analyzed when the decay index changed suddenly by fitting these light curves to double power-law functions and compared them with the onset of FRBs. We found that none of our GRB samples match the onset of FRBs.
Mutual funds’ strategic voting on environmental and social issues
Authors: Michaely Roni , Ordonez-Calafi Guillem , Rubio Silvina
Published: June 2024

Environmental and social (ES) funds in non-ES families must balance incorporating the stakeholders’ interests they advertise and maximizing shareholder value favored by their families. We find that these funds support ES proposals that are far from the majority threshold, while opposing them when their vote is more likely to be pivotal. This strategy results in a high average support for ES proposals, seemingly consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities, while opposing contested ES proposals. This greenwashing strategy is driven by ES funds in non-ES families who cater to institutional investors. Indeed, these funds experience lower inflows when providing low average support for ES proposals. This strategic voting is not exhibited in governance proposals, nor by ES funds in ES families or by non-ES funds in non-ES families, reinforcing the notion of strategic voting to accommodate family preferences while appearing to meet the fiduciary responsibilities of the funds.
Effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the rat osteoarthritis models
Authors: Yang Huanfeng , Zhou Yiqin , Ying Bi , Dong Xuhui , Qian Qirong , Gao Shaorong
Published: June 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer great potential for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) by promoting articular cartilage regeneration via paracrine secretion of exosomes; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of exosomes secreted by human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) in rat models of OA and reveal the underlying mechanisms. UC-MSCs and UC-MSC-exosomes were prepared and identified by transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes and the operation and collagenase-induced OA rat models were established. The results of micro-computed tomography, histology, and immunohistochemistry showed that UC-MSC-exosomes promoted cartilage regeneration in OA rats. ELISA results showed that the levels of synovial fluid cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were lower in exosome therapy group than control group in both OA rat models. Exosome treatment significantly downregulated the expression of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 in chondrocytes stimulated by IL-1β, and upregulated collagen II expression. These findings suggest that hUC-MSC-exosomes offer a promising option for the therapy for OA.
Comparison of Catheter Malposition Between Left and Right Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Subclavian Venous Catheterizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial*
Authors: Shin Kyung Won , Park Seyong , Jo Woo-Young , Choi Seungeun , Kim Yoon Jung , Park Hee-Pyoung , Oh Hyongmin
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Catheter malposition after subclavian venous catheterization (SVC) is not uncommon and can lead to serious complications. This study hypothesized that the left access is superior to the right access in terms of catheter malposition after ultrasound-guided infraclavicular SVC due to the asymmetry of the bilateral brachiocephalic veins.

DESIGN:

Parallel-armed randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:

A tertiary referral hospital in Korea.

PATIENTS:

Patients 20–79 years old who were scheduled to undergo SVC under general anesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients were randomly assigned to either the left (n = 224) or right (n = 225) SVC group. The primary outcome measure was the overall catheter malposition rate. The secondary outcome measures included catheter malposition rates into the ipsilateral internal jugular and contralateral brachiocephalic veins, other catheterization-related complications, and catheterization performance.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The catheter malposition rate was lower (10 [4.5%] vs. 31 [13.8%], p = 0.001), especially in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (9 [4.0%] vs. 24 [10.7%], p = 0.007), in the left SVC group than in the right SVC group. In the left SVC group, catheterization success rates on the first pass (88 [39.3%] vs. 65 [28.9%], p = 0.020) and first-catheterization attempt (198 [88.4%] vs. 181 [80.4%], p = 0.020) were higher whereas times for vein visualization (30 s [18–50] vs. 20 s [13–38], p < 0.001) and total catheterization (134 s [113–182] vs. 132 s [103–170], p = 0.034) were longer. There were no significant differences in other catheterization performance and catheterization-related complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings strengthen the rationale for choosing the left access over the right access for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular SVC.
Natural Language Processing Application in Nursing Research
Authors: Mun Minji , Kim Aeri , Woo Kyungmi
Published: June 2024

Although the potential of natural language processing and an increase in its application in nursing research is evident, there is a lack of understanding of the research trends. This study conducts text network analysis and topic modeling to uncover the underlying knowledge structures, research trends, and emergent research themes within nursing literature related to natural language processing. In addition, this study aims to provide a foundation for future scholarly inquiries and enhance the integration of natural language processing in the analysis of nursing research. We analyzed 443 literature abstracts and performed core keyword analysis and topic modeling based on frequency and centrality. The following topics emerged: (1) Term Identification and Communication; (2) Application of Machine Learning; (3) Exploration of Health Outcome Factors; (4) Intervention and Participant Experience; and (5) Disease-Related Algorithms. Nursing meta-paradigm elements were identified within the core keyword analysis, which led to understanding and expanding the meta-paradigm. Although still in its infancy in nursing research with limited topics and research volumes, natural language processing can potentially enhance research efficiency and nursing quality. The findings emphasize the possibility of integrating natural language processing in nursing-related subjects, validating nursing value, and fostering the exploration of essential paradigms in nursing science.
Exploring Objective Simulation Competency Assessment Experience E-Learning Module Analytics
Authors: Kotcherlakota Suhasini , Mollard Elizabeth , Kupzyk Kevin , Cera Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common clinical concern for adolescent women. This research study aims to improve the clinical reasoning skills of advanced practice nursing students instructed in blended Objective Simulation Competency Assessment clinical experiences by enhancing feedback loops given to students during simulated experiences. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was conducted with two cohorts of first-year women's health nurse practitioner graduate nursing students enrolled in the Women's Health Program at a large Midwestern university. Data were collected across 2 years from two separate cohorts, and analyses included data from 15 participants. The Abnormal Uterine Bleeding module designed with decision pathways was a worthy effort, and faculty value using data analytics from the e-learning module to evaluate student learning. This study describes how nursing faculty created abnormal uterine bleeding content in an online module format that can aid the diagnostic reasoning process and enable feedback to students.
Newborn Dried Blood Spot Folate in Relation to Maternal Self-reported Folic Acid Intake, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Developmental Delay
Authors: Schmidt Rebecca J. , Goodrich Amanda J. , Delwiche Lora , Hansen Robin L. , Simpson Claire L. , Tancredi Daniel , Volk Heather E.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Maternal folic acid intake has been associated with decreased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Genetic differences in folate metabolism could explain some inconsistencies. To our knowledge, newborn folate concentrations remain unexamined.

Methods:

We measured folate in archived newborn dried blood spots of children from the CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment) case–control study who were clinically confirmed at 24–60 months to have ASD (n = 380), developmental delay (n = 128), or typical development (n = 247). We quantified monthly folic acid intake from maternally-reported supplements and cereals consumed during pregnancy and 3 months prior. We assessed associations of newborn folate with maternal folic acid intake and with ASD or developmental delay using regression. We stratified estimates across maternal and child MTHFR genotypes.

Results:

Among typically developing children, maternal folic acid intake in prepregnancy and each pregnancy month and prepregnancy prenatal vitamin intake were positively associated with newborn folate. Among children with ASD, prenatal vitamin intake in pregnancy months 2–9 was positively associated with newborn folate. Among children with developmental delay, maternal folic acid and prenatal vitamins during the first pregnancy month were positively associated with neonatal folate. Associations differed by MTHFR genotype. Overall, neonatal folate was not associated with ASD or developmental delay, though we observed associations with ASD in children with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype (odds ratio: 1.76, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.62; P for interaction = 0.08).

Conclusion:

Maternal prenatal folic acid intake was associated with neonatal folate at different times across neurodevelopmental groups. Neonatal folate was not associated with reduced ASD risk. MTHFR genotypes modulated these relationships.
Integrating Skincare into Medical Practice
Authors: Nakra Tanuj
Published: June 2024

The integration of skincare into medical practice can enhance patient care. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the skin is the foundation for effective skincare interventions. Genetic and inflammatory conditions play a significant role in aesthetic skin physiology. There are key active ingredients that are pivotal in addressing various skin concerns. Sunscreens provide crucial protection against UV radiation, while pigment control agents such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin target the melanin pathway. Exfoliating agents and skin turnover enhancers such as retinoids and hydroxy acids promote skin renewal and rejuvenation. In addition, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, antioxidants, peptides, and botanicals contribute to improving skin quality. Adding skincare to medical practice requires careful product selection, patient education, and marketing strategies
A critical review of health and financial implications of obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hussain Syed Sadam , Loh Hanyou , Paul Tanya , Paul Tashvin , Njideaka-Kevin Temiloluwa , Bhandari Sushmita , Kumar Harendra , Karam Alvina , Metu Chiamaka , Shupe Ginger , Ferrer Gerardo F. , Katwal Shailendra
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. There is a link between increased mortality and obese individuals with the disease. The disease has been claimed to have disproportionately affected non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. The rise in food accessibility and the drop in the relative cost of junk food items are the two most significant changes in dietary patterns. Around the world, 2.8 million people die from being overweight or obese, and those with more body fat also have a higher risk of diabetes (44%) and heart disease (23%). Obesity weakens the immune system because adipose cells infiltrate the bone marrow, spleen, and thymus. Obesity was substantially more common among COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized than those who were not hospitalized. Over 900 000 adults in the United States are hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection. Hospitalizations in 271 700 (30.2%) cases have been attributed to obesity. Obese patients may be experiencing reduced thoracic expansion following bariatric surgery. Less tracheal collapse and air-trapping at end-expiration chest computed tomography (CT) were observed post-surgery, and patients reported reduced dyspnea. COVID-19 is estimated to cost the European Union €13.9 billion in secondary care, with 76% of that cost attributed to treatment for overweight and obese individuals. The average price per hospitalized patient also increased with increasing BMI. Screening for obesity, preventive measures, and recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes should be of the utmost importance to decrease both the health and financial implications of COVID-19.
Mortality and Associated Risk Factors Among People Living With HIV With Kaposi Sarcoma: A5263/AMC066 and A5264/AMC067
Authors: Chagomerana Maganizo B. , Moser Carlee B. , Kang Minhee , Umbleja Triin , Hughes Michael D. , Campbell Thomas B. , Krown Susan E. , Borok Margaret Z. , Samaneka Wadzanai , Ngongondo McNeil , Nyirenda Mulinda , Langat Deborah C. , Hoagland Brenda , Burger Henriette , Busakhala Naftali , Njiru Evangeline , Mwelase Noluthando , Mngqibisa Rosie , Hosseinipour Mina C.
Published: June 2024

Background:

AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV in Africa. Mortality among people with AIDS-KS on antiretroviral therapy remains high compared with people on antiretroviral therapy who do not have AIDS-KS.

Setting:

People living with HIV with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) who participated in 2 randomized trials (A5263/AMC066 [advanced stage] and A5264/AMC067 [mild-to-moderate stage]) conducted by AIDS Clinical Trials Group/AIDS Malignancy Consortium in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods:

We estimated mortality rates over the trial period. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to identify baseline characteristics associated with mortality and compared mortality rates between participants who had KS progression within 12 weeks of treatment initiation (early progression of KS [KS-PD]) and those who did not.

Results:

Of the 329 and 189 eligible participants in A5263/AMC066 and A5264/AMC067, 71 (21.6%) and 24 (12.7%) died, respectively. In both trials, hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased hazards of death compared with normal albumin; A5263/AMC066: mild hypoalbuminemia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.42 to 6.29), moderate hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 5.11; 95% CI: 2.54 to 10.29), and severe hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 14.58; 95% CI: 6.32 to 35.60), and A5264/AMC067: mild hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 5.66; 95% CI: 1.90 to 16.93) and moderate hypoalbuminemia (aHR = 7.02; 95% CI: 2.57 to 19.15). The rate of death was higher among participants who had early KS-PD than those without early KS-PD in A5263/AMC066 (HR = 5.09; 95% CI: 1.71 to 15.19) but not in A5264/AMC067 (HR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.66 to 4.62).

Conclusions:

Albumin measurements may be used to identify individuals at higher risk of death after initiating KS treatment and for evaluation of interventions that can reduce AIDS-KS mortality.
Incidental Detection of Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interventricular Septum on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Kumar Rajender , Singh Harmandeep , Mohindra Satyawati
Published: June 2024

Cardiac lipomatous hypertrophy is a rare benign condition almost exclusively involving the interatrial septum. Interventricular septum involvement is seldom noted, with only a few documented case reports demonstrating the finding on various modalities such as ECHO, CT, and MRI. FDG PET can be a surrogate marker for lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum. Here, we describe a case of incidentally detected lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum on FDG PET/CT in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.
Atypical Presentation of Splenic Tissue Mimicking Neuroendocrine Tumor Relapse
Authors: Guarneri Andrea , Rufini Vittoria , Schinzari Giovanni , Rindi Guido , Leccisotti Lucia
Published: June 2024

A 61-year-old man underwent splenopancreasectomy for a 3-cm neuroendocrine tumor of the body of the pancreas (G2, pT1 pN0, Ki67 3%). Five months after surgery 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT showed increased radiotracer uptake in a solid tissue of the splenic fossa, possibly referring to a splenosis nodule. After 19 months, a further 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT showed a significant functional and dimensional increase of the previously detected tissue and the appearance of a new finding in the left lateral abdominal wall. In the suspicion of neuroendocrine tumor relapse, the patient underwent surgical excision of the documented lesions. Histology showed splenosis in both nodules.
Growth and stabilization of induced seismicity rates during long-term, low-pressure fluid injection
Authors: Verdon James P. , Pullen Benjamin , Rodríguez-Pradilla Germán
Published: June 2024

We examine the temporal evolution of sequences of induced seismicity caused by long-term fluid injection using a compilation of over 20 case studies where moderate magnitude (
M
> 3.0) induced events have been recorded. We compare rates of seismicity with injection rates via the seismogenic index and seismic efficiency parameters, computing both cumulative and time-windowed values. We find that cumulative values tend to accelerate steeply as each seismicity sequence initiates—most cases reach a value that is within 0.5 units of their maximum value within 1–3 years. Time-windowed values tend to increase to maximum values within 25%–35% of the overall sequence, before decreasing as levels of seismicity stabilize. We interpret these observations with respect to the pore pressure changes that will be generated in highly porous, high permeability reservoirs. In such situations, the rate of pore pressure change is highest during the early phases of injection and decreases with time. If induced seismicity scales with the rate of deformation, which in turn is controlled by the rate of pore pressure change, then it is to be expected that induced seismicity is highest during the early phases of injection, and then decreases with time.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Induced seismicity in coupled subsurface systems’.
Negative density dependence characterizes mutualistic interactions between birds and fruiting plants across latitudes
Authors: Carlo Tomás A. , Messeder João Vitor S. , Espíndola Wálter D. , Vizzachero Benjamin S. , Boyer Brady W. , Hernández-Mejía Jacqueline , Torres-Páucar E. Adrián , Fontanella Antonio , Pizo Marco A. , Amico Guillermo , Salinas Letty , Arana César , Morán-López Teresa , Morales Juan M.
Published: June 2024

Negative density dependence (NDD) in biotic interactions of interference such as plant–plant competition, granivory and herbivory are well-documented mechanisms that promote species’ coexistence in diverse plant communities worldwide. Here, we investigated the generality of a novel type of NDD mechanism that operates through the mutualistic interactions of frugivory and seed dispersal among fruit-eating birds and plants. By sampling community-wide frugivory interactions at high spatial and temporal resolution in Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Peru, Brazil and Argentina, we evaluated whether interaction frequencies between birds and fruit resources occurred more often (selection), as expected, or below expectations (under-utilization) set by the relative fruit abundance of the fruit resources of each plant species. Our models considered the influence of temporal scales of fruit availability and bird phylogeny and diets, revealing that NDD characterizes frugivory across communities. Irrespective of taxa or dietary guild, birds tended to select fruits of plant species that were proportionally rare in their communities, or that became rare following phenological fluctuations, while they mostly under-utilized abundant fruit resources. Our results demonstrate that negative density-dependence in frugivore–plant interactions provides a strong equalizing mechanism for the dispersal processes of fleshy-fruited plant species in temperate and tropical communities, likely contributing to building and sustaining plant diversity.

This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversitydependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'.
Broadening the application of Yarrowia lipolytica synthetic biology tools to explore the potential of Yarrowia clade diversity
Authors: Park Young-Kyoung , Rossignol Tristan
Published: June 2024

Yeasts have established themselves as prominent microbial cell factories, and the availability of synthetic biology tools has led to breakthroughs in the rapid development of industrial chassis strains. The selection of a suitable microbial host is critical in metabolic engineering applications, but it has been largely limited to a few well-defined strains. However, there is growing consideration for evaluating strain diversity, as a wide range of specific traits and phenotypes have been reported even within a specific yeast genus or species. Moreover, with the advent of synthetic biology tools, non-type strains can now be easily and swiftly reshaped. The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been extensively studied for various applications such as fuels, chemicals, and food. Additionally, other members of the Yarrowia clade are currently being evaluated for their industrial potential. In this study, we demonstrate the versatility of synthetic biology tools originally developed for Y. lipolytica by repurposing them for engineering other yeasts belonging to the Yarrowia clade. Leveraging the Golden Gate Y. lipolytica tool kit, we successfully expressed fluorescent proteins as well as the carotenoid pathway in at least five members of the clade, serving as proof of concept. This research lays the foundation for conducting more comprehensive investigations into the uncharacterized strains within the Yarrowia clade and exploring their potential applications in biotechnology.
Deployment and transcriptional evaluation of nitisinone, an FDA-approved drug, to control bed bugs
Authors: Sterkel M. , Tompkin J. , Schal C. , Guerra L. M. , Pessoa G. C. D. , Oliveira P. L. , Benoit J. B.
Published: June 2024

Bed bugs are blood-feeders that rapidly proliferate into large indoor infestations. Their bites can cause allergies, secondary infections and psychological stress, among other problems. Although several tactics for their management have been used, bed bugs continue to spread worldwide wherever humans reside. This is mainly due to human-mediated transport and their high resistance to several classes of insecticides. New treatment options with novel modes of action are required for their control. In this study, we evaluated the use of nitisinone (NTBC), an FDA-approved drug, for bed bug control in an insecticide-susceptible (HH) and an insecticide-resistant (CIN) population. Although NTBC was lethal to both populations when administered orally or applied topically in very low doses, we observed a slight but significant resistance in the CIN population. Transcriptomic analysis in both populations indicated that NTBC treatment elicited a broad suppression of genes associated with RNA post-transcriptional modifications, translation, endomembrane system, protein post-translational modifications and protein folding. The CIN population exhibited higher ATP production and xenobiotic detoxification. Feeding studies on a mouse model highlight that NTBC could be used as a control method of bed bugs by host treatment. The results demonstrate that NTBC can be used as a new active ingredient for bed bug control by topical or oral treatment and shed light on the molecular mechanisms of suppressed tyrosine metabolism following NTBC treatment.
Cortical inhibitory parvalbumin interneurons exhibit metabolic specializations coordinated by PGC-1α that are lost in rodents and humans after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Quiñones Sadi , Wang Jason C , Kim Elliot , Bottom-Tanzer Samantha , Armbruster Moritz , Macêdo Jéssica K A , Hawkinson Tara , Ribas Roberto , Singh Pankaj K. , Wu Lei , Cantrell Alex R , Kumar Parveen , George Joshy , Tai Albert , Whalen Michael , McConnell Michael J , Sun Ramon C , Gentry Matthew S , Dulla Chris G
Published: June 2024

Parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV-INs) regulate neuronal and circuit activity, and their dysfunction is observed across neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. PV-INs are particularly vulnerable to cell loss, potentially due to their increased metabolic demands arising from their uniquely high level of electrical activity, which render them susceptible to metabolic pressure. Here, we use single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNAseq) data from a rodent model of TBI, as well as human TBI data, and demonstrate PV-INs have unique metabolic specializations that are lost after injury and can be rescued byin vivotreatment with the glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxyglucose. We generated a novel PV-IN transcriptional identity module comprised primarily of genes encoding specialized ion channels, metabolic enzymes, and synaptic machinery, that identifies heterogenous subsets of injury-associated PV-INs with loss of PV-IN transcriptional identity. We show that changes in metabolic specialization are coupled to changes in transcriptional identity in PV-INs and implicate the PV-IN-enriched transcriptional co-activator,Ppargc1a, as a key driver of PV-IN transcriptional metabolic dysfunction. We also identify a family of long non-coding RNAs enriched in this subset of transcriptionally dysfunctional PV-INs that negatively correlates with PV-IN metabolic specialization. Lastly, we utilize these tools to interrogate a published human TBI snRNAseq data set and find nearly identical changes, underscoring the importance of PV-IN metabolic dysfunction in the pathology of TBI.
Epigenomic programming of peripheral monocytes determines their transcriptional response to the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kiss Máté , Halasz Laszlo , Hadadi Eva , Berger Wilhelm K. , Tzerpos Petros , Poliska Szilard , Kancheva Daliya , Debraekeleer Ayla , Brughmans Jan , Elkrim Yvon , Martens Liesbet , Saeys Yvan , Daniel Bence , Czimmerer Zsolt , Laoui Damya , Nagy Laszlo , Van Ginderachter Jo A.
Published: June 2024

Classical monocytes are recruited to tumors and undergo transcriptional reprogramming resulting in tumor-promoting functions. Epigenomic features, such as post-translational modification of histones and chromatin accessibility, are key determinants of transcription factor binding and thereby play an important role in determining transcriptional responses to the tissue environment. It is unknown to what extent the epigenetic landscape of peripheral monocytes is rewired by cancer and how this could shape their transcriptional response upon recruitment to the tumor microenvironment. Here we used a combination of genome-wide assays for mRNA expression, chromatin accessibility and multiple histone modifications (H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K27ac) in a mouse model to investigate changes in the epigenomic landscape of peripheral monocytes. We then linked these epigenetic alterations to gene expression changes in monocytes occurring in the periphery or during tumor infiltration. We found that the distal tumor caused extensive remodeling of both H3K4me3+promoters and H3K4me1+enhancers in peripheral monocytes. Specifically, this involved the repression of interferon-responsive promoters and enhancers as well as the establishment of enhancers harboring binding motifs for transcription factors downstream of inflammatory and cytokine signaling pathways. The enhancers altered in the periphery could be linked to sustained gene expression changes which were less likely to be reversed in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, genes activated upon tumor infiltration showed prior epigenetic priming in peripheral monocytes. Overall, these results indicate that the epigenomic landscape of peripheral monocytes is altered in response to a distal tumor, and this could shape the transcriptional response of monocytes when they encounter microenvironmental signals upon infiltrating the tumor.
Effects of chronodisruption and alcohol consumption on gene expression in reward-related brain areas in female rats
Authors: Meyer C. , Schoettner K. , Amir S.
Published: June 2024

Circadian dysfunction caused by exposure to aberrant light-dark conditions is associated with abnormal alcohol consumption in humans and animal models. Changes in drinking behavior have been linked to alterations in clock gene expression in reward-related brain areas, which could be attributed to either the effect of chronodisruption or alcohol. To date, however, the combinatory effect of circadian disruption and alcohol on brain functions is less understood. Moreover, despite known sex differences in alcohol drinking behavior, most research has been carried out on male subjects only, and therefore implications for females remain unclear.

To address this gap, adult female rats housed under an 11h/11h light-dark cycle (LD22) or standard light conditions (LD24, 12h/ 12h light-dark) were given access to an intermittent alcohol drinking protocol (IA20%) to assess the impact on gene expression in brain areas implicated in alcohol consumption and reward: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and dorsal striatum (DS). mRNA expression of core clock genes (Bmal1,Clock,Per2), sex hormone receptors (ERβ,PR), glutamate receptors (mGluR5,GluN2B), a calcium-activated channel (Kcnn2), and an inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) were measured at two-time points relative to the locomotor activity cycle.

Housing under LD22 did not affect alcohol intake but significantly disrupted circadian activity rhythms and reduced locomotion. Significant changes in the expression ofBmal1,ERβ, andTNF-αwere primarily related to the aberrant light conditions, whereas changes inPer2andPRexpression were associated with the effect of alcohol. Collectively, these results indicate that disruption of circadian rhythms and/or intermittent alcohol exposure have distinct effects on gene expression in the female brain, which may have implications for the regulation of alcohol drinking, addiction, and, ultimately, brain health.
Regional Anesthesia in Intensive Care: An Overview in Tunisia
Authors: Nouri Dorra , Nouri Fatma Ezzahra , Rabai Aicha
Published: June 2024

Regional anesthesia (RA) is increasingly used in intensive care in Tunisia, but challenges persist to ensure optimal practice. We conducted a multicenter study involving post-operative and polyvalent intensive care units, both private and public. Resident physicians(44.7%) are sensitized to quality of care, but gaps remain. Attending physicians (63.3%) often report the absence of pain management committees (PMCs) and written protocols for RA. The majority express a need for continuous training, particularly on RA. High-fidelity simulation is the preferred format for learning. RA is commonly used in intensive care (97.2%), mainly epidural (76.4%) and femoral nerve blocks (54.9%). Ultrasound is widely preferred for guiding procedures (77.5%). The main areas of RA application are thoracic (94.4%) and limb trauma (64.8%). The ANI is the preferred pain monitoring tool (49.3%). Improving training and infrastructure is necessary for optimal RA practice in intensive care in Tunisia.
Role of tissue fluidization and topological defects in epithelial tubulogenesis
Authors: Ho Richard D. J. G. , Bøe Stig Ove , Dysthe Dag Kristian , Angheluta Luiza
Published: June 2024

Cellular rearrangements, as primary sources of tissue fluidization, facilitate topological transitions during tissue morphogenesis. We study the role of intrinsic cell properties such as cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion in shaping epithelial tissues using a minimal model of interacting polarized cells. The presence of a vortex in the cell polarization poses the topological constraint that induces an inwards migration with the formation of a conical shape. Local rearrangements at the tip of the cone lead to the onset of tube formation. Switching between collective migration and structural rearrangements is key for balancing the contrasting tendencies, such as the tissue rigidity needed to preserve shape and the tissue fluidity allowing for topological transitions during tissue morphogenesis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry and stability of orientationally ordered collective motions of self-propelled, semiflexible filaments
Authors: Athani Madhuvanthi Guruprasad , Beller Daniel A.
Published: June 2024

Ordered, collective motions commonly arise spontaneously in systems of many interacting, active units, ranging from cellular tissues and bacterial colonies to self-propelled colloids and animal flocks. Active phases are especially rich when the active units are sufficiently anisotropic to produce liquid crystalline order and thus active nematic phenomena, with important biophysical examples provided by cytoskeletal filaments including microtubules and actin. Gliding assay experiments have provided a test bed to study the collective motions of these cytoskeletal filaments and unlocked diverse collective active phases, including states with long-range orientational order. However, it is not well understood how such long-range order emerges from the interplay of passive and active aligning mechanisms. We use Brownian dynamics simulations to study the collective motions of semiflexible filaments that self-propel in quasi-two-dimensions, in order to gain insights into the aligning mechanisms at work in these gliding assay systems. We find that, without aligning torques in the microscopic model, long-range orientational order can only be achieved when the filaments are able to overlap. The symmetry (nematic or polar) of the long-range order that first emerges is shown to depend on the energy cost of filament overlap and on filament flexibility. However, our model also predicts that a long-range-ordered active nematic state is merely transient, whereas long-range polar order is the only active dynamical steady state in systems with finite filament rigidity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the construction industry: a total interpretive structural modeling (T ISM) and DEMAT EL approach
Authors: Khuc Trung Quang , Nguyen Viet Thanh , Do Sy Tien
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the key barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in the construction industry. This investigation seeks to understand the challenges that hinder the implementation of blockchain in this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study begins with a comprehensive review of relevant literature to identify the main barriers to blockchain adoption in construction. It then uses an integrated approach using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement to investigate the interrelationships among these barriers. In addition, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the identified barriers.

Findings

The study’s integrated TISM and DEMATEL methodology reveals several crucial barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, including regulatory uncertainty, data privacy and security concerns, limited knowledge and expertise and dependence on blockchain operators. It also identifies scalability issues, uncertain benefits and lack of collaboration as dependent barriers, influenced by other identified barriers.

Originality/value

This study contributes original value by applying an integrated methodological approach to understand the complex interrelationships and dependencies among barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry. The findings provide decision-makers with insights to prioritize and effectively manage the key driving barriers, enhancing the understanding and strategic planning for blockchain implementation in this sector.