bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Syphilis in the United States: A Narrative Review
Authors: Azqul Mahmoud M. , Griner Stacey B. , Pinto Casey N.
Published: October 2024

Congenital syphilis (CS) continues to pose a significant global challenge. There has been a marked increase in reported cases in the US, with 102.5 cases per 100,000 live births in 2022 compared to 11.6 cases per 100,000 live births in 2014. CS can lead to a range of severe complications, including premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, perinatal death, stillbirth, and postnatal complications that may persist into later life. Maternal/parental factors such as age, race/ethnicity, occupation, income level, access to healthcare services, and incarceration have been linked to higher rates of CS. Additionally, pregnant individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors such as sex work, having multiple sexual partners, or substance use are at a higher risk of exposure and subsequent infection. Routine screening for syphilis during pregnancy is crucial for its detection, timely management, and prevention of CS. The asymptomatic nature of the latent stage of syphilis further underscores the importance of prenatal syphilis screening. Studies in various countries have shown that early or first antenatal care visit screening for CS is cost-effective. This review article critically evaluates the current knowledge of CS in the US, including its prevalence, social determinants of health, prevention efforts, challenges, the significance of screening, and the call to action to address the rising trend.
Comparison of the Consequences of Short- Versus Long-Term Intubation on Speech and Swallowing
Authors: Bach John R. , Nair Anthariksh
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Intubated, ventilator unweanable patients with ventilatory pump failure can be extubated to continuous noninvasive positive pressure ventilatory support; however, delays may result in untoward effects on speech and swallowing.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of ventilatory pump failure patients to determine need for postextubation gastrostomy tubes and consequences on speech for intubations less than (short) versus greater than (long) 3 wks.

Results

One hundred sixty-five patients were intubated for a mean 20.7 ± 23.5 (range = 1–240) days. All recovered prehospitalization speech status within 2 hrs to 3 days. One hundred four of the short group were intubated 1.6 ± 1.3 (range = 1–9) times for 9.9 ± 5.1 (range = 1–20) days versus 61 of the long group intubated 2.4 ± 3.3 (range = 1–26) times for 39.0 ± 30.5 (range = 21–210) days, 10.6% vs. 8.2%, respectively, required postextubation gastrostomy tubes indefinitely.

Discussion

There was no difference in untoward effects on speech or swallowing from short- versus long-term intubation. Had the patients undergone tracheotomies, the majority would have had gastrostomy tubes placed permanently and suffer morbidity and mortality from the tubes. Thus, an option is to permit patients to remain intubated and, even if unweanable, extubate them to continuous noninvasive positive pressure ventilatory support rather than tracheotomy.
99mTc-PYP Uptake in an Insulin Ball
Authors: Takahashi Koji , Sasaki Daisuke , Yamamura Nobuhisa , Inoue Katsuji , Okura Takafumi
Published: October 2024

Long-term subcutaneous insulin injection causes histopathological changes, such as insulin amyloidosis resulting in poor glycemic control, at the insulin injection site. Insulin amyloidosis often leads to the formation of a nodule called the “insulin ball.” An insulin ball has not yet been documented on 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy. Hereby, we describe the case of a 74-year-old man with insulin-requiring diabetes who developed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction due to new-onset atrial fibrillation. 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy for cardiac amyloidosis screening showed no tracer uptake in the myocardium but did show uptake in the insulin ball suspected by CT and MRI scans.
18F-FDG PET/CT in the Evaluation of Polyarteritis Nodosa
Authors: Brown Parker J. , Huang Steve , Martinez Felipe
Published: October 2024

A 61-year-old man with a medical history of human immunodeficiency virus well controlled on antiretroviral therapy presented for distal sensorimotor symptoms, fatigue, and recurrent fevers. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were both elevated. Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody and antinuclear antibodies were negative. Neurologic imaging workup was unremarkable. 18F-FDG PET/CT, which was crucial for diagnosis, demonstrated pathological tracer activity throughout the medium-sized vessels with sparing of the aorta. In view of presentation, comorbidities, and imaging findings, polyarteritis nodosa was diagnosed. The patient was treated appropriately with steroids and cyclophosphamide with significant symptomatic improvement.
A Larger Size of the Forehead Expander Can Reduce Donor Site Deformities and Acquire Better Outcomes After Forehead Tissue Expansion
Authors: Zhao Yifei , Yu Wenyuan , Zou Yun , Chen Hui , Jin Yunbo , Zhang Shujing , Shang Ying , Qiu Yajing , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: October 2024

Background

Both reconstructive outcomes and donor site deformities should be considered in forehead expander selection for resurfacing facial skin defects. Cranial bone deformity as well as bone resorption always cannot be completely normalized after tissue expander extraction. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the degree of frontal deformity, the reconstruction outcomes, and the expander size.

Patients and Methods

Cases of forehead tissue expansion performed from 2011 to 2020 with 50/80 mL sized expanders and 150/200 mL expanders were retrospectively reviewed and separated into 2 groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Two plastic surgeons (Y.Z. and L.L.) who were not involved in the operation process compared the patient's preoperative photos with their final follow-up photos. The Fisher exact, 2-sample t tests, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were performed in this study.

Results

Ultimately, 51 patients were included in the 50/80ml sized expander group, and 28 patients were included in the 150/200 mL expander group. Demographic data were collected and had no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. There was no statistical difference in the frontal deformation rate between the 2 groups. The degree of frontal deformation was significantly different, and a large expander could significantly reduce the frontal deformation degree (P < 0.05) and acquire a higher evaluation of the whole reconstruction outcomes (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

The large-sized (150/200 mL) expander sited on the forehead was shown to have a slighter postoperative forehead change and better reconstruction effect. It is advisable to choose expanders with relatively larger sizes in the application of the forehead expand flap.
Highly oxygenated dihydrostilbenoids and flavones from the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and their antimicrobial activities
Authors: Wei Xinyi , Zhou Junfei , Zeng Liping , Xu Mingming , Che Chuntao , Duan Jin’ao , Yan Hui , Bi Hongkai , Zhao Ming
Published: October 2024

Background

Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) represent a significant global challenge due to their high mortality rates, substantial economic burden, and rapid spread. Traditional triple or quadruple therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy as a result of increasing drug resistance. Thus, it is urgent to develop novel anti-MDRB drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity.

Objectives

To isolate and identify the dihydrostilbenoids and flavones from the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Fabaceae) and to screen their antimicrobial activities.

Materials and methods

The aerial part of G. uralensis was extracted with 75% aqueous EtOH. The crude extract was repeatedly isolated by macroporous resin, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, C18-MPLC, and MCI-MPLC, which were then purified by semipreparative RP-HPLC to obtain monomer compounds. The structures of the isolates were assigned by a combination of optical rotations, UV spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and the absolute configurations of compounds 2, 3, and 7 were further confirmed by electronic circular dichroism calculations. Subsequently, we investigated their antimicrobial activities by the broth microdilution method.

Results

Seventeen previously undescribed phenolic compounds (1–17) and 26 known analogs (18–43), including dihydrostilbenoids, flavones, and dihydroflavones, were identified from the aerial part of G. uralensis. In vitro, antimicrobial bioassays demonstrated that compound 31 displayed the strongest inhibitory effect against 4 drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains (MIC = 2–4 μg/mL), comparable to metronidazole (MIC = 1–32 μg/mL). Additionally, compounds 10, 13, and 15 demonstrated bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 4 μg/mL), while compounds 15 and 22 exhibited inactivation effects against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Enterococcus faecium, and E. faecalis (MIC = 4–8 μg/mL).

Conclusions

These monomeric compounds with antimicrobial activities were isolated from the aerial parts of G. uralensis, providing valuable insights into the potential anti-MDRB properties of its nonmedicinal parts.
ER O-glycosylation in synovial fibroblasts drives cartilage degradation
Authors: Tran Le Son , Chia Joanne , Guezennec Xavier Le , Min Tham Keit , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Sandrin Virginie , Chen Way Cherng , Leng Tan Tong , Sechachalam Sreedharan , Pang Leong Khai , Bard Frederic A.
Published: October 2024

How arthritic synovial fibroblasts (SFs) activate cartilage ECM degradation remains unclear. GALNT enzymes initiate O-glycosylation in the Golgi; when relocated to the ER, their activity stimulates ECM degradation. Here, we show that in human rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synovial SFs, GALNTs are relocated to the ER. In an RA mouse model, GALNTs relocation occurs shortly before arthritis symptoms and abates as the animal recovers. An ER GALNTs inhibitor prevents cartilage ECM degradation in vitro and expression of this chimeric protein in SFs results in the protection of cartilage. One of the ER targets of GALNTs is the resident protein Calnexin, which is exported to the cell surface of arthritic SFs. Calnexin participates in matrix degradation by reducing ECM disulfide bonds. Anti-Calnexin antibodies block ECM degradation and protect animals from RA. In sum, ER O-glycosylation is a key switch in arthritic SFs and glycosylated surface Calnexin could be a therapeutic target.
Piecewise Omnigenous Stellarators
Authors: Velasco J. L. , Calvo I. , Escoto F. J. , Sánchez E. , Thienpondt H. , Parra F. I.
Published: October 2024

In omnigenous magnetic fields, charged particles are perfectly confined in the absence of collisions and turbulence. For this reason, the magnetic configuration is optimized to be close to omnigenity in any candidate for a stellarator fusion reactor. However, approaching omnigenity imposes severe constraints on the spatial variation of the magnetic field. In particular, the topology of the contours of constant magnetic field strength on each magnetic surface must be such that there are no particles transitioning between different types of wells. This, in turn, usually leads to complicated plasma shapes and coils. This Letter presents a new family of optimized fields that display tokamak-like collisional energy transport while having transitioning particles. This result radically broadens the space of accessible reactor-relevant configurations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unclocklike Oscillators with Frequency Memory for the Entrainment of Biological Clocks
Authors: Denis Christian Mauffette , François Paul
Published: October 2024

Entrainment experiments on the vertebrate segmentation clock have revealed that embryonic oscillators actively change their internal frequency to adapt to the driving signal. This is not consistent with either a one-dimensional clock model or a limit-cycle model, but rather it suggests a new “unclocklike” behavior. In this work, we propose simple, biologically realistic descriptions of such internal frequency adaptation, where a phase oscillator activates a memory variable controlling the oscillator's frequency. We study two opposite limits for the control of the memory variable, one with a smooth phase-averaging memory field, and the other with a pulsatile, phase-dependent activation. Both models recapitulate intriguing properties of the entrained segmentation clock, such as very broad Arnold tongues and an entrainment phase plateauing with detuning. We compute analytically multiple properties of such systems, such as entrainment phases and cycle shapes. We further describe new phenomena, including hysteresis in entrainment, bistability in the frequency of the entrained oscillator, and probabilistic entrainment. Our work shows that oscillators with frequency memory can exhibit new classes of unclocklike properties that can be tested through experimental entrainment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of catena-poly[[diaquadiimidazolecobalt(II)]-μ2-2,3,5,6-tetrabromobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylato]
Authors: Kumagai Hitoshi , Kawata Satoshi , Ogihara Nobuhiro
Published: October 2024

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Co(C8Br4O4)(C3H4N2)2(H2O)2]
n
or [Co(Br4bdc)(im)2(H2O)2]
n
, comprises half of CoII ion, tetrabromobenzenedicarboxylate (Br4bdc2−), imidazole (im) and a water molecule. The CoII ion exhibits a six-coordinated octahedral geometry with two oxygen atoms of the Br4bdc2− ligand, two oxygen atoms of the water molecules, and two nitrogen atoms of the im ligands. The carboxylate group is nearly perpendicular to the benzene ring and shows monodentate coordination to the CoII ion. The CoII ions are bridged by the Br4bdc2− ligand, forming a one-dimensional chain. The carboxylate group acts as an intermolecular hydrogen-bond acceptor toward the im ligand and a coordinated water molecule. The chains are connected by interchain N—H...O(carboxylate) and O—H(water)...O(carboxylate) hydrogen-bonding interactions and are not arranged in parallel but cross each other via interchain hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, yielding a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of bis{5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ido}nickel(II) methanol disolvate
Authors: Znovjyak Kateryna , Shova Sergiu , Panov Dmitriy M. , Kariaka Nataliia S. , Fritsky Igor O. , Malinkin Sergey O. , Seredyuk Maksym
Published: October 2024

The unit cell of the title compound, [Ni(C16H10ClN6)2]·2CH3OH, consists of a neutral complex and two methanol molecules. In the complex, the two tridentate 2-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine ligands coordinate to the central NiII ion through the N atoms of the pyrazole, pyridine and triazole groups, forming a pseudooctahedral coordination sphere. Neighbouring tapered molecules are linked through weak C—H(pz)...π(ph) interactions into monoperiodic chains, which are further linked through weak C—H...N/C interactions into diperiodic layers. The intermolecular contacts were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, revealing the relative contributions of the contacts to the crystal packing to be H...H 32.8%, C...H/H...C 27.5%, N...H/H...N 15.1%, and Cl...H/H...Cl 14.0%. The average Ni—N bond distance is 2.095 Å. Energy framework analysis at the HF/3–21 G theory level was performed to quantify the interaction energies in the crystal structure.
Foreign direct investment inflow and the economic growth nexus in Tanzania
Authors: Mwakabungu Benedict Huruma Peter , Wondimu Melkamu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A shortage of investment capital is one of the main issues facing most developing economies, including Tanzania. Policymakers, economists, and governments in these countries have been debating how to overcome this obstacle and improve economic growth through foreign direct investments (FDI). The present study endeavors to examine the relationship between FDI and economic growth in Tanzania during the period of 1991–2021. The analysis considers financial development, capital formation, and labor force involvement as intermediation variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses time series data to estimate an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, as well as Granger causality tests to investigate the relationship between the variables under study.

Findings

The findings show a long-run co-integration between the studied variables. However, only FDI and labor input have a significant impact on gross domestic product (GDP) growth in both the short and long run. Bidirectional causality exists between FDI, labor input, and GDP growth in the short and long run.

Practical implications

This study contributes to an understanding of the relationship between inbound FDI, labor input, and economic growth in Tanzania, as well as updating the government to improve its financial system to gain more from FDI inflows and hence boost growth-enhancing effects.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the relationship between inbound FDI and economic growth in Tanzania, which is a critical policy concern in developing economies. Extant studies’ results remain controversial, and this is the first study in Tanzania to investigate the FDI-growth nexus, by considering financial development, capital formation, and labor input simultaneously.
The potentials of University–Industry Collaboration (UIC) for agriculture from diverse stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors: Haji Shahlehi Syahraudhah , Haji Shahlehi Syahnur Farhana , Shaya Vivi Nabilah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

University–Industry Collaboration (UIC) is crucial for enhancing sectoral performance and competitiveness. This study focuses on investigating the challenges and solutions to achieving effective UIC in Brunei Darussalam’s agricultural sector. This sector is pivotal in diversifying the economy away from historical dependence on oil and gas, thereby promoting sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an interpretivist stance, this study prioritised subjective views through semi-structured interviews with 20 diverse participants, including government officials, agri-business professionals, farmers, an agri-tech company and academicians.

Findings

The findings highlight key challenges to successful UIC, including varying stakeholder needs and goals, limited proactive engagement and inadequate funding. Overcoming these barriers necessitates the provision of financial support and supportive mechanisms to agricultural stakeholders, along with fostering active participation in collaborative efforts. Enhancements in both academic and practical aspects are also essential for addressing these challenges effectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides practical insights for stakeholders in industry, academia and government to collaboratively improve sectoral performance. Given its qualitative nature, the findings may not be universally generalisable beyond the contexts examined. Future research should validate these findings across diverse settings to enhance the transferability and applicability of UIC strategies.

Originality/value

This study addresses a crucial gap in the literature by examining UIC in agricultural contexts, particularly in developing countries such as Brunei, where research in this area is scarce. Moreover, this study’s findings may have relevance beyond the immediate context, as they provide rich and detailed insights into UIC dynamics from diverse stakeholders' perspectives, which can be applicable to similar settings in other developing countries.
Short‐term exercise counteracts accelerated ageing impacts on physical performance and liver health in mice
Authors: Pinto Ana P. , Muñoz Vitor R. , Tavares Maria Eduarda A. , Neto Ivo V. de Sousa , dos Santos Jonathas R. , Rodrigues Guilherme S. , Carolino Ruither O. Gomes , Alberici Luciane C. , Simabuco Fernando M. , Teixeira Giovana R. , Pauli José R. , de Moura Leandro P. , Cintra Dennys E. , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Freitas Ellen C. , Rivas Donato A. , da Silva Adelino S. R.
Published: October 2024

Senescence impairs liver physiology, mitochondrial function and circadian regulation, resulting in systemic metabolic dysregulation. Given the limited research on the effects of combined exercise on an ageing liver, this study aimed to evaluate its impact on liver metabolism, circadian rhythms and mitochondrial function in senescence‐accelerated mouse‐prone 8 (SAMP8) and senescence‐accelerated mouse‐resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice. Histological, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunoblotting analyses were conducted, supplemented by transcriptomic data sets and AML12 hepatocyte studies. Sedentary SAMP8 mice exhibited decreased muscle strength, reduced mitochondrial complex I levels and increased lipid droplet accumulation. In contrast, combined exercise mitigated muscle strength loss, upregulated proteins involved in mitochondrial complexes (CIII, CIV, CV) and increased Bmal1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the liver. These molecular adaptations are associated with healthier liver phenotypes and may influence metabolic function and cellular longevity. Notably, elevated lipid content in aged mice was reduced post‐exercise, indicating liver benefits even after a relatively short intervention. The combined exercise regimen did not improve aerobic capacity, likely due to the low volume and brief duration of running. Moreover, no significant effects were observed in SAMR1 mice, possibly because the training intensity was insufficient for younger, healthier animals. These findings underscore the potential of combined strength and endurance exercise to attenuate age‐related liver dysfunction, particularly in ageing populations.
Clinical characteristics, imaging diagnostic accuracy, and prognosis of autoimmune pancreatitis: A real‐world study in China
Authors: Liu Yue , Wan Dong Ling , Yang Zheng Hui , Liu Chao , Tu Ya Tao , Liu Yu Ting , Wang Xin Yue , Xu Jia Heng , Jiang Meng Ruo , Zhang De Yu , Wu Chang , Jin Zhen Dong , Li Zhao Shen , Sun Li Qi , Huang Hao Jie
Published: October 2024

Objective

In this study we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of Chinese patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) through a single‐center real‐world study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with AIP in Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University from January 2014 to December 2021 were included. Baseline characteristics, laboratory test results, cross‐sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) findings, and long‐term follow‐up data were obtained. The differences in these characteristics between type 1 and type 2 AIP patients were analyzed.

Results

Among all 320 patients, 271 (84.7%) and 49 (15.3%) had type 1 and type 2 AIP, respectively. The most common initial symptom was abdominal discomfort (58.1%), followed by obstructive jaundice (32.5%). Extrapancreatic organ involvement was identified in 126 (39.4%) patients, with the biliary system being the most commonly involved (36.6%). Elevated serum IgG4 level was rare in type 2 AIP patients. The diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and EUS for definitive and probable AIP were 78.0%, 68.7%, and 80.5%, respectively. EUS‐guided tissue acquisition with immunohistochemical staining helped establish a final diagnosis in 39.7% of patients. During the follow‐up period of 60 months, 18.6% of patients experienced relapse. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year relapse rates were higher in type 1 AIP patients, with an accumulated rate of 8.0%, 12.6%, and 15.1%, when compared with those with type 2 AIP.

Conclusions

Type 2 AIP is not uncommon in Chinese population. The diagnostic accuracy of CT and EUS for AIP might be superior to that of MRI.
Motivations for and experience with labor induction at 39 weeks in women with obesity—A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Joan , Krogh Lise Qvirin , Fuglsang Jens , Boie Sidsel , Henriksen Tine Brink , Taastrøm Katja Albert , Kjeldsen Anne Cathrine Maqving , Glavind Julie , Lou Stina
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Timing of induction of labor (IOL) at term has been investigated in multiple settings. In Denmark, the ‘When to INDuce for OverWeight’ (WINDOW) study compares IOL at 39 weeks of gestation vs expectant management in low‐risk women with obesity. However, knowledge on women's expectations of and experience with IOL is sparse. The aim of this study was to explore women's motivation to join the WINDOW study and their experience when randomized to IOL at 39 gestational weeks.

Material and Methods

A qualitative interview study of 25 pregnant women with obesity randomized in the WINDOW study to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation was conducted. Participants were recruited from four hospitals in Central Denmark Region and were interviewed four to six weeks after giving birth. A thematic analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach.

Results

The analysis resulted in three main themes, (1) Motivation for IOL, (2) The IOL process, and (3) IOL in recollection and in the future. Participants perceived inclusion into the WINDOW study as a “great opportunity,” as they hoped to be randomized to IOL at 39 weeks of gestation. Their main motivation for participating was physical discomfort in late pregnancy and a wish for “knowing” the timing of the birth. BMI‐related risk factors were mentioned by few as a motivating factor. Some participants described the IOL process as a team effort between the couple and the midwives and were positive towards future IOL. Others associated the IOL process with prolonged labor or described the body as “reluctant” to respond to the induction regime. A desire to experience spontaneous onset of labor in a future pregnancy was mentioned.

Conclusions

Physical discomfort and wanting to “control” the onset of labor were main motivations for women's decision to participate in the WINDOW study, hoping they would be allocated for IOL. Comprehensive information and being supported by midwives through the IOL process was crucial for a positive IOL experience. Some participants were positive towards a future IOL. Others speculated if their body was not ready for birth in 39 weeks of gestation and/or associated the IOL process with a challenging labor.
How do exchange rates affect environmental quality?
Authors: Park Doyoung , Ridley William
Published: October 2024

Exchange rates are integral to explaining the environmental consequences of globalization because they govern the prices of imported inputs and the price competitiveness of exports and, consequently, firms' input use decisions, production levels and emissions. We study how exchange rates, foreign input sourcing and export orientation determine environmental outcomes across countries and industries in both theoretical and empirical contexts. For industries that rely intensively on imported intermediate inputs, a stronger domestic currency leads to higher emission intensities (emissions per unit of output), while the reverse holds for industries that export intensively. Our results thus show that exchange rates have implications for the environment that have heretofore remained unexplored.
Relationships Between Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Capital and Marital Quality Amongst Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Golan Bayazy Yifat , Gur Ayelet
Published: October 2024

This study aims to explore the differences in psychological flexibility, psychological capital and the perception of marital quality between parents of children with and without autism and to examine whether psychological capital could serve as a moderator of the association between psychological flexibility and the perception of marital quality. One‐hundred fifty parents of children with autism and 192 parents of children without autism completed an online survey. Parents of children with autism had lower psychological flexibility and psychological capital than the comparison group. The levels of psychological flexibility and psychological capital were also found to be significantly and positively correlated with the perception of marital quality of parents in both groups. Amongst parents of children with autism, hope significantly moderated the association between psychological flexibility and the perception of marriage quality. Hope buffers the relationship between psychological flexibility and the perception of marital quality amongst parents of children with autism. Designing unique, specific and tailored therapeutic interventions for parents of children with autism is recommended.
Optogenetic activation of mesencephalic projections to the nucleus accumbens shell impairs probabilistic reversal learning by disrupting learning from negative reinforcement
Authors: Zühlsdorff Katharina , Sala‐Bayo Júlia , Piller Sammy , Zhukovsky Peter , Lamla Thorsten , Nissen Wiebke , von Heimendahl Moritz , Deiana Serena , Nicholson Janet R. , Robbins Trevor W. , Alsiö Johan , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2024

Cognitive flexibility, the capacity to adapt behaviour to changes in the environment, is impaired in a range of brain disorders, including schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Putative neural substrates of cognitive flexibility include mesencephalic pathways to the ventral striatum (VS) and dorsomedial striatum (DMS), hypothesized to encode learning signals needed to maximize rewarded outcomes during decision‐making. However, it is unclear whether mesencephalic projections to the ventral and dorsal striatum are distinct in their contribution to flexible reward‐related learning. Here, rats acquired a two‐choice spatial probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task, reinforced on an 80%|20% basis (correct|incorrect responses) that assessed the flexibility of behaviour to repeated reversals of response‐outcome contingencies. We report that optogenetic stimulation of projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS) in the VS significantly impaired reversal learning when optical stimulation was temporally aligned with negative feedback (i.e., reward omission). VTA → NAcS stimulation during other phases of the behavioural task was without significant effect. Optogenetic stimulation of projection neurons from the substantia nigra (SN) to the DMS, aligned either with reward receipt or omission or prior to making a choice, had no significant effect on reversal learning. These findings are consistent with the notion that increased activity in the VTA → NAcS pathway disrupts behavioural flexibility by impairing learning from negative reinforcement.
Depth‐dependent soil phosphorus alteration is independent of 145‐year phosphorus balances
Authors: Xu Suwei , Nakayama Yuhei , Rothman Maia G. , Margenot Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

Agricultural management practices can profoundly influence soil phosphorus (P), with effects accumulating over time. To test the overarching hypothesis that soil P pools estimated by sequential fractionation would be altered by long‐term agricultural practices, we used an experiment established in 1876 in the north‐central US to quantify 145‐year impacts of crop rotation (continuous maize [Zea mays L.], maize‐soybean [Glycine max L. Merr.] and maize‐oat [Avena sativa L.]‐alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.]) and 117‐year impacts of fertilization (unfertilized and fertilized) with rock phosphate, manure or synthetic fertilizer on soil P fractions at 15 cm intervals across 0–90 cm depth. Fertilization impacts on soil P were mostly limited to the surface (0–30 cm) depth, but extended to 90 cm depth under diverse rotations. Under fertilization, soil total P concentration increased by 51% at 0‐30 cm while concomitantly decreasing by 30% at 60–90 cm compared to no fertilization, indicating that vertically stratified surface soil P accumulation and subsoil P depletion can co‐occur even under positive P balances. Positive P balances (1222–1494 kg/ha) induced by fertilization enriched inorganic P (Pi) (+39% to 358%) and labile organic P (Po) fractions (+11%) while depleting non‐labile Po fractions (−31%), with depletion increasing with the degree of crop diversification. Fertilization had minor impacts on P fractions beyond 30 cm depth, except for acid extractable Pi (HCl‐Pi) depletion under continuous maize and maize‐soybean rotations (−16% to −78%) and accumulation under maize‐oat‐alfalfa rotation (+41% to +84%) at 60–90 cm. In contrast, without fertilization, diversifying maize rotations with oat and alfalfa decreased HCl‐Pi and residual P (−21% to −57%) but increased non‐labile Po fractions (+54%), suggesting potential mining of non‐labile Pi pools by deep‐rooted legumes under nutrient limitation. The 1–2 orders of magnitude greater changes in stocks of P fractions than stocks of total P emphasize the importance of distinguishing P pools even with operational fractionation to fully capture changes in P cycling beyond total P stocks. Our study revealed that a positive P balance under 117 years of fertilization (i) enriched Pi and labile Po pools but (ii) depleted non‐labile Po pools, (iii) largely at 0–30 cm, and (iv) non‐labile Po depletion increased with crop diversification under 145‐year rotation treatments.
From community engagement to community inclusion for socially and procedurally just flood risk governance
Authors: Watkins Sam , Collins Alexandra
Published: October 2024

Urban flood risk governance (FRG) approaches increasingly seek to engage local communities—and their surrounding ecosystem in natural flood management (NFM) approaches—to co‐produce socio‐ecological resilience. This systematic review investigates current approaches, barriers, and enablers of community engagement in urban FRG through a flood risk justice lens. Employing a systematic search and an adapted ‘best fit’ framework synthesis methodology, and reporting results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses transparent reporting system. The central theme of inclusivity emerged from the synthesis, which integrated sub‐themes of relationality, non‐universalism, power structures, and personal paradigms in a conceptual model. Results invite FRG practitioners to reframe community engagement as community inclusion in order to respond to the procedural, social, and environmental justice concerns of urban ‘flood disadvantage’ which may be reinforced by current engagement approaches. Critical discussion of evidence—informed by the conceptual model—recognised five principles for realising procedurally just community inclusion; promoting the co‐production of integrated community inclusion strategies alongside the communities themselves. The study identified a gap in the literature concerning community involvement in NFM; highlighting a priority for future research with a view to realise more inclusive FRG.
Mixed orthogonality graphs for continuous‐time state space models and orthogonal projections
Authors: Fasen‐Hartmann Vicky , Schenk Lea
Published: October 2024

In this article, we derive (local) orthogonality graphs for the popular continuous‐time state space models, including in particular multivariate continuous‐time ARMA (MCARMA) processes. In these (local) orthogonality graphs, vertices represent the components of the process, directed edges between the vertices indicate causal influences and undirected edges indicate contemporaneous correlations between the component processes. We present sufficient criteria for state space models to satisfy the assumptions of Fasen‐Hartmann and Schenk (2024a) so that the (local) orthogonality graphs are well‐defined and various Markov properties hold. Both directed and undirected edges in these graphs are characterised by orthogonal projections on well‐defined linear spaces. To compute these orthogonal projections, we use the unique controller canonical form of a state space model, which exists under mild assumptions, to recover the input process from the output process. We are then able to derive some alternative representations of the output process and its highest derivative. Finally, we apply these representations to calculate the necessary orthogonal projections, which culminate in the characterisations of the edges in the (local) orthogonality graph. These characterisations are given by the parameters of the controller canonical form and the covariance matrix of the driving Lévy process.
A new species of larval Caeculisoma (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) from Brazil with a key to species
Authors: Noei Javad , Šundić Miloje , Bernardi Leopoldo
Published: October 2024

Larvae of Caeculisoma brazilensis Noei & Šundić sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) collected from Brazil, is described and illustrated. This is the second species of the genus from Brazil. A key to the larval species of Caeculisoma of the world is presented and the key to world genera of larval Callidosomatinae are amended. We suggest considering Iguatonia seemani Xu & Jin, 2020 as a junior synonym of Dambullaeus jianfengensis Xu & Jin, 2020.
A new species of the genus Agistemus Summers (Acariformes: Stigmaeidae) with the key to known species
Authors: Mirza Jawwad Hassan , Kamran Muhammad , Alatawi Fahad Jaber
Published: October 2024

A new species of the genus Agistemus Summers (Acari: Stigmaeidae), A. punctatus sp. nov. is hereby described and illustrated based on females, collected on Grewia sp. host plant in southwestern region (Jizan) of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the identification key to known species of the genus is provided.
Cation reactivity inhibits perovskite degradation in efficient and stable solar modules
Authors: Ding Yong , Ding Bin , Shi Pengju , Romano-deGea Jan , Li Yahui , Turnell-Ritson Roland C. , Syzgantseva Olga A. , Yavuz Ilhan , Xia Ming , Yu Ruohan , Syzgantseva Maria A. , Audinot Jean-Nicolas , Miao Xiaohe , Liao Xiaobin , Li Jiantao , Dörflinger Patrick , Dyakonov Vladimir , Liu Cheng , Yang Yi , Tao Li , Brooks Keith G. , Slonopas Andre , Pan Jiahong , Zhang Lei , An Qinyou , Rong Yaoguang , Peng Jun , Ding Liming , Shi Enzheng , Mai Liqiang , Dai Songyuan , Zhao Kangning , Sheng Jiang , Wang Rui , Dyson Paul J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: October 2024

Perovskite solar modules (PSMs) show outstanding power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), but long-term operational stability remains problematic. We show that incorporating
N,N
-dimethylmethyleneiminium chloride into the perovskite precursor solution formed dimethylammonium cation and that previously unobserved methyl tetrahydrotriazinium ([MTTZ]
+
) cation effectively improved perovskite film. The in situ formation of [MTTZ]
+
cation increased the formation energy of iodine vacancies and enhanced the migration energy barrier of iodide and cesium ions, which suppressed nonradiative recombination, thermal decomposition, and phase segregation processes. The optimized PSMs achieved a record (certified) PCE of 23.2% with an aperture area of 27.2 cm
2
, with a stabilized PCE of 23.0%. The encapsulated PSM retained 87.0% of its initial PCE after ~1900 hours of maximum power point tracking at 85°C and 85% relative humidity under 1.0-sun illumination.
Bright excitons in black phosphorus
Authors: Milošević Milorad V. , Covaci Lucian
Published: October 2024

Twisted layers of atoms provide a tunable playground for quantum optoelectronics
Britain’s postwar sugar craze confirms harms of sweet diets
Authors: Offord Catherine
Published: October 2024

End of sugar rationing boosted diabetes, hypertension rates
Latin America sets out to end neglect of rare diseases
Authors: Valero Myriam Vidal
Published: October 2024

Network aims to raise awareness and bolster testing and treatment for rare genetic conditions
Microbiome divergence of marine gastropod species separated by the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Neu Alexander T. , Torchin Mark E. , Allen Eric E. , Roy Kaustuv
Published: October 2024

The rise of the Isthmus of Panama separated the populations of many marine organisms, which then diverged into new geminate sister species currently living in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. However, we know very little about how such evolutionary divergences of host species have shaped the compositions of their microbiomes. Here, we compared the microbiomes of whole-body and shell-surface samples of geminate species of marine gastropods in the genera
Cerithium
and
Cerithideopsis
to those of congeneric outgroups. Our results suggest that the effects of ~3 million years of separation and isolation on microbiome composition varied among host genera and between sample types within the same hosts. In the whole-body samples, microbiome compositions of geminate species pairs tended to be similar, likely due to host filtering, although the strength of this relationship varied among the two groups and across similarity metrics. Shell-surface microbiomes show contrasting patterns, with co-divergence between the host taxa and a small number of microbial clades evident in
Cerithideopsis
but not
Cerithium
. These results suggest that (i) isolation of host populations after the rise of the Isthmus of Panama affected microbiomes of geminate hosts in a complex and host-specific manner, and (ii) host-associated microbial taxa respond differently to vicariance events than the hosts themselves.

IMPORTANCE

While considerable work has been done on evolutionary divergences of marine species in response to the rise of the Isthmus of Panama, which separated two previously connected oceans, how this event shaped the microbiomes of these marine hosts remains poorly known. Using whole-body and shell-surface microbiomes of closely related gastropod species from opposite sides of the Isthmus, we show that divergences of microbial taxa after the formation of the Isthmus are often not concordant with those of their gastropod hosts. Our results show that evolutionary responses of marine gastropod-associated microbiomes to major environmental perturbations are complex and are shaped more by local environments than host evolutionary history.
A novel multiplex and glycoprotein-based immunochromatographic serologic IgM test for the rapid diagnosis of
Escherichia coli
O157 and O145 causing bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Landivar Stella M. , Melli Luciano J. , Maiztegui Cynthia , Schesi Carla , Baschkier Ariela , Francisetti Valeria , Chinen Isabel , Miliwebsky Elizabeth , Rivas Marta , Comerci Diego J. , Ugalde Juan E. , Ciocchini Andrés E.
Published: October 2024

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) are the main etiological agents of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Good clinical management of STEC infections and HUS depends on early, rapid, and accurate diagnosis. Here, we have developed and evaluated the first multiplex and glycoprotein-based immunochromatographic test for the detection of IgM antibodies against the O-polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide of
E. coli
O157 and O145 in human serum samples. A retrospective study was carried out resulting in a diagnostic sensitivity of the
E. coli
O157/O145 LFIA (lateral flow immunoassay) of 97.1% and 98.9% for O157 and O145, respectively, and 97.9% for both serogroups. The diagnostic specificity was 98.7% for O157 and O145, and the overall specificity 97.4%. In samples obtained before 3 days after the onset of diarrhea, the detection percentage was 83%, increasing to 100% from 3 days onward. Finally, the association of bloody diarrhea (BD) or HUS cases to an STEC infection increased from 22.8% to 77.2% when stool culture and
stx
/Stx detection were combined with serology by LFIA. Our results demonstrate that the
E. coli
O157/O145 LFIA is a highly accurate and serospecific test for the early and rapid diagnosis of
E. coli
O157 and O145 infections in BD or HUS cases. This test allows the detection of specific IgM antibodies very early in the course of the infection, making it an ideal diagnostic tool to be implemented in pediatric emergencies and, thus, avoid delays in the application of the correct supportive or specific treatment and prevent complications associated with HUS.
Characteristics, temporal trends and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis in Chinese patients aged>80 years who had a stroke
Authors: Li Changsheng , Jiang Yingyu , Gu Hong-Qiu , Wang Meng , Chen Zimo , Yang Xin , Zhou Qi , Meng Xia , Wang Chunjuan , Li Zixiao
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

To date, no large cohort study has investigated the effects of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in Chinese patients aged over 80 years who had a stroke. This study aimed to assess the trends in the use of alteplase, the clinical characteristics and the outcomes of Chinese patients aged above 80 years who had an acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods

Data for this analysis were obtained from the China Stroke Center Alliance programme, a nationwide, multicentre, prospective registry encompassing 1751 hospitals across 31 provinces, covering the period from 1 January 2018 to 14 December 2022. The primary outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score of 0–2 at discharge. Secondary outcomes included an mRS Score of 0–1 and independent ambulation on discharge. Safety outcomes assessed were in-hospital mortality and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH).

Results

Out of 30 902 patients over 80 years old who qualified for thrombolysis, 8673 (median age (IQR), 84 (82–87) years) received alteplase treatment. Patients administered alteplase demonstrated improved short-term functional outcomes, such as an mRS Score of 0–2 (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.12, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.18, p<0.001), an mRS Score of 0–1 (aOR 1.14, 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.19, p<0.001) and independent ambulation at discharge (aOR 1.14, 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.20, p<0.001). Moreover, no significant increase was observed in the risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.12, 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.35; p=0.23). However, the risk of sICH was significantly higher among patients treated with alteplase (aOR 3.22, 95% CI, 2.77 to 3.75; p<0.001).

Conclusions

IVT with alteplase in elderly patients who had a stroke resulted in improved short-term functional outcomes without elevating the risk of in-hospital mortality. Nonetheless, this population remains at a higher risk of sICH.
Prediction of impulse waves generated by the potential failure of large deposits in the Rumei Reservoir, Lancang River, China
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Tu Guoxiang , Luo Bo , Tang Hao , Luo Qifeng
Published: October 2024

The impulse wave generated by the reservoir landslide seriously endangers the surrounding safety. In this paper, the failure mode of a large deposit in Rumei Reservoir, China was first explored by centrifuge test. Thereafter, a physical model based on Froude similarity (scale 1:200) and a numerical model based on fluid‒solid coupling were constructed. The failure motion process and the generated impulse waves of the deposits at high (2895 m) and low (2750 m) water levels are studied in detail. The results of the two models are similar. The velocity and wave height of the deposits at the 2750 m water level are greater than those at the 2895 m water level. The maximum wave heights generated in the river under both conditions exceed 46 and 22 m, respectively, and the maximum run-ups formed on the opposite bank are 71 and 30 m, respectively. This also suggests that landslides in the near field area are dangerous. Waves at both water levels will not overtop the dam, but attention should be given to the effect of the first wave at the 2895 m water level on the dynamic water pressure in the key area of the dam.