bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationship between cultural and structural workforce issues and retention of nurses in general practice: A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Anderson Helen , Brady Louise , Adamson Joy
Published: July 2024

Aim(s)

The aim of this study is to understand factors that challenge retention and support nurses to stay in general practice.

Background

One in four general practice nurse positions in England expected to be left unfilled within the next 10 years. Cultural and structural issues associated with working in general practice have been linked with nurses leaving general practice, re‐evaluating their professional futures, adjusting work‐life balance and bringing forward retirement. This has implications for the future of the general practice nursing workforce and patient care more broadly.

Design

Exploratory qualitative interview study funded by the General Nursing Council Trust for England and Wales. University of York ethics approval (Ref: HSRGC/2023/586/A) was gained in September 2023. The study will be conducted between September 2023 and August 2024.

Methods

Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a range of nurses working in, or who have worked in, general practice as well as nurse leaders associated with general practice across England and Wales. Recruitment will be via professional and social media networks and snowballing techniques. We aim to purposively recruit 30–40 participants for maximum variation. Cultural and structural influences which may contribute to retention decisions will be explored. Data will be analysed following framework analysis.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study will explore how underpinning cultural and structural issues may impact on retention of this highly skilled professional group and identify factors to support retention.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

By exploring factors that support or discourage nurses to remain in general practice, retention strategies can be better planned on order to address the general practice nursing workforce crisis.

Impact

What problem did the study address? This study will address the retention crisis in nursing in general practice by exploring how cultural and structural issues may impact on retention of this highly skilled professional group and identify factors to support retention.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? From the study findings, recommendations will be developed to inform future policy and practice. Key factors to address attrition will be generated to support employers and policy makers in future primary care workforce planning, as well as supporting nurses, at an individual level, in negotiating their roles in practice.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (O'Brien et al., 2014).

Patient or Public Contribution

As this is a workforce study protocol, there is no patient or public contribution.
Genetic variant profiling of neonatal diabetes mellitus in Iranian patients: Unveiling 58 distinct variants in 14 genes
Authors: Mianesaz Hamidreza , Ghalamkari Safoura , Abbasi Farzaneh , Razzaghy‐Azar Maryam , Sayarifard Fatemeh , Vakili Rahim , Sedghi Maryam , Noroozi Asl Samaneh , Hosseini Sousan , Amoli Mahsa M , Yaghootkar Hanieh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare non‐immunological monogenic disorder characterized by hyperglycemic conditions primarily occurring within the first 6 months of life. The majority of cases are attributed to pathogenic variants in genes affecting beta‐cell survival, insulin regulation, and secretion. This study aims to investigate the genetic landscape of NDM in Iran.

Methods

We recruited a total of 135 patients who were initially diagnosed with diabetes at <12 months of age in Iran and referred to pediatric endocrinology clinics across the country. These patients underwent genetic diagnostic tests conducted by the Exeter Molecular Genetics Laboratory in the UK. The pathogenic variants identified were sorted and described based on type, pathogenicity (according to ACMG/AMP criteria), novelty, and the affected protein domain.

Results

Genetic defects were identified in 93 probands, presenting various pathogenic abnormalities associated with NDM and its associated syndromes. 76% of the patients were born as a result of consanguineous marriage, and a familial history of diabetes was found in 43% of the cases. A total of 58 distinct variants in 14 different genes were discovered, including 20 variants reported for the first time. Causative variants were most frequently identified in EIF2AK3, KCNJ11, and ABCC8, respectively. Notably, EIF2AK3 and ABCC8 exhibited the highest number of novel variants.

Discussion

These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic landscape of NDM in the Iranian population and contribute to the knowledge of novel pathogenic variants within known causative genes.
Baduanjin for ischemic heart failure with mildly reduced/preserved ejection fraction (BEAR Trial): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jingen , Yu Meili , Wang Yanhui , Li Siming , Li Siwei , Feng Xue , Li Ruijie , Chen Keji , Xu Hao
Published: July 2024

Aim

While Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind‐body exercise, has shown potential health benefits, its efficacy in improving outcomes for heart failure patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF) has not been well documented. We aimed to investigate the adjunctive impact of Baduanjin on exercise capacity and quality of life for HFmrEF/HFpEF.

Methods

Patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF were enrolled in this multicenter randomized clinical trial. All participants were randomized to conventional cardiac rehabilitation with or without an additional 12‐week Baduanjin exercise. The primary endpoint was the distance covered in a 6‐min walk test (6MWD), while key secondary outcomes included quality of life measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and cardiopulmonary function including anaerobic threshold (VO2 AT).

Results

A total of 120 patients were enrolled, and 109 completed all session and tests. The mean age of the 120 patients was 60.5 years (SD, 9.21 years), and 23 (19.2%) were women. The Baduanjin group exhibited a 6.14% improvement in 6MWD compared to a 1.32% improvement in the control group (median improvement, 25.0 vs. 5.0 m; p < 0.001) at 12th week. The VO2 AT increased by 25.87% in the Baduanjin group versus 3.94% in the control group (p < 0.001). Quality of life also significantly improved in the Baduanjin group as indicated by MLHFQ score changes (–16.8% vs. –3.99%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adding Baduanjin to exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with ischemic HFmrEF or HFpEF are generally safe and could provide significant improvements in exercise capacity and quality of life.
Life‐sustaining treatment decisions and family evaluations of end‐of‐life care for Veteran decedents in Department of Veterans Affairs nursing homes
Authors: Levy Cari , Esmaeili Aryan , Smith Dawn , Hogikyan Robert V. , Periyakoil Vyjeyanthi S. , Carpenter Joan G. , Sales Anne , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Murray Andrew , Ersek Mary
Published: July 2024

Background

Modeled after the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment program, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) implemented the Life‐Sustaining Treatment (LST) Decisions Initiative to improve end‐of‐life outcomes by standardizing LST preference documentation for seriously ill Veterans. This study examined the associations between LST documentation and family evaluation of care in the final month of life for Veterans in VA nursing homes.

Methods

Retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of data for decedents in VA nursing homes between July 1, 2018 and January 31, 2020 (N = 14,575). Regression modeling generated odds for key end‐of‐life outcomes and family ratings of care quality.

Results

LST preferences were documented for 12,928 (89%) of VA nursing home decedents. Contrary to our hypothesis, neither receipt of wanted medications and medical treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63, 1.16) nor ratings of overall care in the last month of life (adjusted OR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.76, 1.22) differed significantly between those with and without completed LST templates in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Among Community Living Center (CLC) decedents, 89% had documented LST preferences. No significant differences were observed in family ratings of care between Veterans with and without documentation of LST preferences. Interventions aimed at improving family ratings of end‐of‐life care quality in CLCs should not target LST documentation in isolation of other factors associated with higher family ratings of end‐of‐life care quality.
A spatial–temporal map of glutamatergic neurogenesis in the murine embryonic cerebellar nuclei uncovers a high degree of cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Casoni Filippo , Croci Laura , Marroni Francesca , Demenego Giulia , Marullo Chiara , Cremona Ottavio , Codazzi Franca , Consalez G. Giacomo
Published: July 2024

The nuclei are the main output structures of the cerebellum. Each and every cerebellar cortical computation reaches several areas of the brain by means of cerebellar nuclei processing and integration. Nevertheless, our knowledge of these structures is still limited compared to the cerebellar cortex. Here, we present a mouse genetic inducible fate‐mapping study characterizing rhombic lip‐derived glutamatergic neurons of the nuclei, the most conspicuous family of long‐range cerebellar efferent neurons. Glutamatergic neurons mainly occupy dorsal and lateral territories of the lateral and interposed nuclei, as well as the entire medial nucleus. In mice, they are born starting from about embryonic day 9.5, with a peak between 10.5 and 12.5, and invade the nuclei with a lateral‐to‐medial progression. While some markers label a heterogeneous population of neurons sharing a common location (BRN2), others appear to be lineage specific (TBR1, LMX1a, and MEIS2). A comparative analysis of TBR1 and LMX1a distributions reveals an incomplete overlap in their expression domains, in keeping with the existence of separate efferent subpopulations. Finally, some tagged glutamatergic progenitors are not labeled by any of the markers used in this study, disclosing further complexity. Taken together, our results obtained in late embryonic nuclei shed light on the heterogeneity of the excitatory neuron pool, underlying the diversity in connectivity and functions of this largely unexplored cerebellar territory. Our findings contribute to laying the groundwork for a comprehensive functional analysis of nuclear neuron subpopulations.
Nursing practices on sexual health for people with neurological disorders: A narrative review
Authors: Lefebvre Sandrine , Cousin Lorraine , Bourmaleau Julie , Rohé Séverine , Devictor Julie , Martin Philippe , Jovic Ljiljana
Published: July 2024

Aims

To identify and describe nursing practices on the sexual health of people with neurological disorders.

Design

Narrative review.

Methods

Data were extracted from 1 January 2002, to 20 May 2021. Inclusion criteria were nursing practices, sexual health and people with neurological disorders. The main outcome measures were: context of nursing practice implementation (assumptions, knowledge, strategies and skills), facilitators of and barriers to addressing and treating the sexual health of people with neurological disorders, and benefits of nursing practices in sexual health. PRISMA reporting guidelines were used.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect and CINAHL.

Results

In total, 926 articles were identified and nine were included. The involvement of nurses was recommended in most studies. Assumptions about the impact of neurology on sexuality and nurse's role in sexual healthcare, biopsychosocial knowledge, and skills (ethical, interpersonal, and technical) were highlighted. We found that the modes of knowledge proposed by Carper were mobilized in an unequal way. Sexual difficulties were the key focus and eroticization concerns were not addressed in any of the articles.

Conclusion

Several studies advocate nursing intervention; however, few accurately present, detail and evaluate sexual health nursing practices of patients with neurological pathologies. Literature describes practices structured around disorders rather than the potentials, fails to address the brake of eroticism and provides little information on the results of interventions.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Developing teaching programs on sexual health in nursing programs may be necessary if nurses are to support a diverse range of patients in an inclusive and positive manner. These programs should highlight the domain‐specific knowledge that is mobilized.

Impact

Sexual health is a fundamental human right. Alterations in the nervous system have shown to affect sexual health, however, it is not often discussed among patients with neurological disorders, who are rarely provided with sexual health counselling. Our findings may impact healthcare professionals engaged in care with these patients.

Reporting Method

PRISMA.

No patient or public contribution.
High dispersal ability versus migratory traditions: Fine‐scale population structure and post‐glacial colonisation in bar‐tailed godwits
Authors: Conklin Jesse R. , Verkuil Yvonne I. , Lefebvre Margaux J. M. , Battley Phil F. , Bom Roeland A. , Gill Robert E. , Hassell Chris J. , ten Horn Job , Ruthrauff Daniel R. , Tibbitts T. Lee , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Warnock Nils , Piersma Theunis , Fontaine Michaël C.
Published: July 2024

In migratory animals, high mobility may reduce population structure through increased dispersal and enable adaptive responses to environmental change, whereas rigid migratory routines predict low dispersal, increased structure, and limited flexibility to respond to change. We explore the global population structure and phylogeographic history of the bar‐tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica, a migratory shorebird known for making the longest non‐stop flights of any landbird. Using nextRAD sequencing of 14,318 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and scenario‐testing in an Approximate Bayesian Computation framework, we infer that bar‐tailed godwits existed in two main lineages at the last glacial maximum, when much of their present‐day breeding range persisted in a vast, unglaciated Siberian‐Beringian refugium, followed by admixture of these lineages in the eastern Palearctic. Subsequently, population structure developed at both longitudinal extremes: in the east, a genetic cline exists across latitude in the Alaska breeding range of subspecies L. l. baueri; in the west, one lineage diversified into three extant subspecies L. l. lapponica, taymyrensis, and yamalensis, the former two of which migrate through previously glaciated western Europe. In the global range of this long‐distance migrant, we found evidence of both (1) fidelity to rigid behavioural routines promoting fine‐scale geographic population structure (in the east) and (2) flexibility to colonise recently available migratory flyways and non‐breeding areas (in the west). Our results suggest that cultural traditions in highly mobile vertebrates can override the expected effects of high dispersal ability on population structure, and provide insights for the evolution and flexibility of some of the world's longest migrations.
Survival and population size of the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins off the eastern Leizhou Peninsula
Authors: Lin Wenzhi , Chen Shenglan , Liu Binshuai , Zheng Ruiqiang , Serres Agathe , Lin Mingli , Liu Mingming , Li Songhai
Published: July 2024

Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins form a resident population off the east coast of Leizhou Peninsula (LZP) in South China. The most recent study suggested ~1,500 individuals in this area, making this population one of only two populations of this species exceeding 1,000 individuals. However, demographic information regarding this population has been lacking since 2012. Using a 5‐year (2019–2023) photo‐identification data set, we examined two key demographic parameters of the LZP population, namely the apparent survival and population size, using multistate capture‐recapture analyses. Annual survival probabilities (φ) changed over time, fluctuating between 0.942 and 0.961 for adults, and between 0.787 and 0.837 for juveniles. Jolly‐Seber multistate model analyses resulted in highly comparable noncalf population size estimates from 2020 to 2023 (2020 = 479, SE = 28; 2021 = 458, SE = 29; 2022 = 481, SE = 27; 2023 = 446, SE = 31). By reviewing the available demographic information, we conclude that the population size of LZP humpback dolphins has been previously overestimated. The time‐dependent survivals seemingly reflect a dynamic development of anthropogenic disturbance during the pandemic period. We propose that the population status should be re‐evaluated, especially in the postpandemic era when the human activities came back to “normal” levels.
Class I TCP transcription factors TCP14 and TCP15 promote axillary branching in Arabidopsis by counteracting the action of Class II TCP BRANCHED1
Authors: Gastaldi Victoria , Nicolas Michael , Muñoz‐Gasca Aitor , Cubas Pilar , Gonzalez Daniel H. , Lucero Leandro
Published: July 2024

Shoot branching is determined by a balance between factors that promote axillary bud dormancy and factors that release buds from the quiescent state. The TCP family of transcription factors is classified into two classes, Class I and Class II, which usually play different roles. While the role of the Class II TCP BRANCHED1 (BRC1) in suppressing axillary bud development in Arabidopsis thaliana has been widely explored, the function of Class I TCPs in this process remains unknown.

We analyzed the role of Class I TCP14 and TCP15 in axillary branch development in Arabidopsis through a series of genetic and molecular studies.

In contrast to the increased branch number shown by brc1 mutants, tcp14 tcp15 plants exhibit a reduced number of branches compared with wild‐type. Our findings provide evidence that TCP14 and TCP15 act by counteracting BRC1 function through two distinct mechanisms. First, they indirectly reduce BRC1 expression levels. Additionally, TCP15 directly interacts with BRC1 decoying it from chromatin and thereby preventing the transcriptional activation of a set of BRC1‐dependent genes.

We describe a molecular mechanism by which Class I TCPs physically antagonize the action of the Class II TCP BRC1, aligning with their opposite roles in axillary bud development.
FBLN2 is associated with Goldenhar syndrome and is essential for cranial neural crest cell development
Authors: Niu Xiaomin , Zhang Fuyu , Gu Wei , Zhang Bo , Chen Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

Goldenhar syndrome, a rare craniofacial malformation, is characterized by developmental anomalies in the first and second pharyngeal arches. Its etiology is considered to be heterogenous, including both genetic and environmental factors that remain largely unknown. To further elucidate the genetic cause in a five‐generation Goldenhar syndrome pedigree and exploit the whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data of this pedigree, we generated collapsed haplotype pattern markers based on WES and employed rare variant nonparametric linkage analysis. FBLN2 was identified as a candidate gene via analysis of WES data across the significant linkage region. A fbln2 knockout zebrafish line was established by CRISPR/Cas9 to examine the gene's role in craniofacial cartilage development. fbln2 was expressed specifically in the mandible during the zebrafish early development, while fbln2 knockout zebrafish exhibited craniofacial malformations with abnormal chondrocyte morphologies. Functional studies revealed that fbln2 knockout caused abnormal chondrogenic differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs), and downregulated the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in the zebrafish model. This study demonstrates the role of FBLN2 in CNCC development and BMP pathway regulation, and highlights FBLN2 as a candidate gene for Goldenhar syndrome, which may have implications for the selection of potential screening targets and the development of treatments for conditions like microtia‐atresia.
Contribution of oxidation reactions to photo‐induced damage to cellular DNA
Authors: Cadet Jean , Angelov Dimitar , Di Mascio Paolo , Wagner J. Richard
Published: July 2024

This review article is aimed at providing updated information on the contribution of immediate and delayed oxidative reactions to the photo‐induced damage to cellular DNA/skin under exposure to UVB/UVA radiations and visible light. Low‐intensity UVC and UVB radiations that operate predominantly through direct excitation of the nucleobases are very poor oxidizing agents giving rise to very low amounts of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine and DNA strand breaks with respect to the overwhelming bipyrimidine dimeric photoproducts. The importance of these two classes of oxidatively generated damage to DNA significantly increases together with a smaller contribution of oxidized pyrimidine bases upon UVA irradiation. This is rationalized in terms of sensitized photooxidation reactions predominantly mediated by singlet oxygen together with a small contribution of hydroxyl radical that appear to also be implicated in the photodynamic effects of the blue light component of visible light. Chemiexcitation‐mediated formation of “dark” cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in UVA‐irradiated melanocytes is a recent major discovery that implicates in the initial stage, a delayed generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species giving rise to triplet excited carbonyl intermediate and possibly singlet oxygen. High‐intensity UVC nanosecond laser radiation constitutes a suitable source of light to generate pyrimidine and purine radical cations in cellular DNA via efficient biphotonic ionization.
Event‐related potentials of social comparisons in depression and social anxiety
Authors: Paz Valentina , Nicolaisen‐Sobesky Eliana , Fernández‐Theoduloz Gabriela , Pérez Alfonso , Cervantes Constantino Francisco , Martínez‐Montes Eduardo , Kessel Dominique , Cabana Álvaro , Gradin Victoria B.
Published: July 2024

Social comparison is central in human life and can be especially challenging in depression and social anxiety. We assessed event‐related potentials and emotions using a social comparison task in which participants received feedback on both their own and a co‐player's performance, in participants with depression and/or social anxiety (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 72). Participants reported more negative emotions for downward (being better than the co‐player [participant correct, co‐player wrong]) and upward (being worse than the co‐player [participant wrong, co‐player correct]) comparisons versus even outcomes, with these effects being stronger in depression and social anxiety. At the Medial Frontal Negativity, both controls and depressed participants showed a more negative amplitude for upward comparison versus both the participant and co‐player performing wrong. Socially anxious subjects showed the opposite effect, possibly due to greater expectations about being worse than others. The P300 decreased for downward and upward comparisons compared to even outcomes, which may relate to the higher levels of conflict of social inequality. Depressed and socially anxious subjects showed a blunted P300 increase over time in response to the task outcomes, suggesting deficits in allocating resources for the attention of incoming social information. The LPP showed increased amplitude for downward and upward comparison versus the even outcomes and no group effect. Emotional findings suggest that social comparisons are more difficult for depressed and socially anxious individuals. Event‐related potentials findings may shed light on the neural substrates of these difficulties.
LiDAR and maps blend for rural decision support
Authors: Marković Viktor , Potić Ivan , Đorđević Dejan , Stojković Sanja , Drobnjak Siniša
Published: July 2024

This study integrates aerial LiDAR data and 2D cartographic information to rapidly develop an advanced non‐photorealistic rendering (NPR) model for rural environment analysis. The focus is enhancing decision support in crises and assessing potential hazards in these territories. The methodology involves capturing LiDAR data from high altitudes and classifying it as Ground, Vegetation, and Buildings. The integration of this data with 2D cartographic information, augmented with attribute data from a GIS database, is achieved through a semi‐automatic process. This process facilitates the creation of detailed 3D models, providing a more nuanced, visually and semantically rich representation of the rural landscape. The study underscores the benefits of combining LiDAR, photogrammetric, and cartographic data for creating accurate and detailed models of the rural environment, which are crucial for effective decision‐making and threat assessment.
Deciphering salt stress responses in Solanum pimpinellifolium through high‐throughput phenotyping
Authors: Morton Mitchell , Fiene Gabriele , Ahmed Hanin Ibrahim , Rey Elodie , Abrouk Michael , Angel Yoseline , Johansen Kasper , Saber Noha O. , Malbeteau Yoann , Al‐Mashharawi Samir , Ziliani Matteo G. , Aragon Bruno , Oakey Helena , Berger Bettina , Brien Chris , Krattinger Simon G. , Mousa Magdi A. A. , McCabe Matthew F. , Negrão Sónia , Tester Mark , Julkowska Magdalena M.
Published: July 2024

Soil salinity is a major environmental stressor affecting agricultural productivity worldwide. Understanding plant responses to salt stress is crucial for developing resilient crop varieties. Wild relatives of cultivated crops, such as wild tomato, Solanum pimpinellifolium, can serve as a useful resource to further expand the resilience potential of the cultivated germplasm, S. lycopersicum. In this study, we employed high‐throughput phenotyping in the greenhouse and field conditions to explore salt stress responses of a S. pimpinellifolium diversity panel. Our study revealed extensive phenotypic variations in response to salt stress, with traits such as transpiration rate, shoot mass, and ion accumulation showing significant correlations with plant performance. We found that while transpiration was a key determinant of plant performance in the greenhouse, shoot mass strongly correlated with yield under field conditions. Conversely, ion accumulation was the least influential factor under greenhouse conditions. Through a Genome Wide Association Study, we identified candidate genes not previously associated with salt stress, highlighting the power of high‐throughput phenotyping in uncovering novel aspects of plant stress responses. This study contributes to our understanding of salt stress tolerance in S. pimpinellifolium and lays the groundwork for further investigations into the genetic basis of these traits, ultimately informing breeding efforts for salinity tolerance in tomato and other crops.
Screening, genotyping and haematological analysis of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the blood donors of Wuxi City, China
Authors: Jin Jianhuai , Jiang Jian , Xu Youshan , Gao Li , Sun Wenhui , Jiang Ruixin , Gao Jing
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, genotype and haematological characteristics of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the blood donor population of Wuxi area (Jiangsu Province, China) and to assess the impact of their red blood cell (RBC) units on clinical transfusion.

Materials and Methods

We conducted genotyping and large‐scale screening for G6PD enzyme activity in the blood donors of Wuxi City. In addition, we assessed the haematological parameters of G6PD‐deficient and non‐deficient blood donors, and investigated the adverse transfusion reactions in patients transfused with G6PD‐deficient blood.

Results

We investigated 17,113 blood donors, among whom 44 (0.26%) were tested positive for G6PD deficiency. We identified 40 G6PD gene variants, among which c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.1024C>T and c.95A>G were common. In addition, we identified two novel G6PD gene variants, c.1312G>A and c.1316G>A. The G6PD‐deficient and non‐deficient blood samples showed a significant difference in the RBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), RBC distribution width, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) values. However, the two samples showed no significant difference in the haemolysis rate at the end of the storage period. Finally, transfusion with G6PD‐deficient RBC units did not lead to any adverse transfusion reactions.

Conclusion

The positive rate of G6PD deficiency in the blood donor population of Wuxi City is 0.26%, and the genetic variants identified in this population are consistent with the common genetic variants observed in the Chinese population. Blood centres can establish a database on G6PD‐deficient blood donors and mark their RBC units to avoid their use for special clinical patients.
Rearrangement inequalities on the lattice graph
Authors: Gupta Shubham , Steinerberger Stefan
Published: July 2024

The Polya–Szegő inequality in states that, given a nonnegative function , its spherically symmetric decreasing rearrangement is ‘smoother’ in the sense of for all . We study analogues on the lattice grid graph . The spiral rearrangement is known to satisfy the Polya–Szegő inequality for , the Wang‐Wang rearrangement satisfies it for and no rearrangement can satisfy it for . We develop a robust approach to show that both these rearrangements satisfy the Polya–Szegő inequality up to a constant for all . In particular, the Wang‐Wang rearrangement satisfies for all . We also show the existence of (many) rearrangements on such that for all .
Post‐exercise hot or cold water immersion does not alter perception of effort or neuroendocrine responses during subsequent moderate‐intensity exercise
Authors: Menzies Campbell , Clarke Neil D. , Pugh Christopher J. A. , Steward Charles J. , Thake C. Douglas , Cullen Tom
Published: July 2024

Post‐exercise hot (HWI) and cold (CWI) water immersion are popular strategies used by athletes in a range of sporting contexts, such as enhancing recovery or adaptation. However, prolonged heating bouts increase neuroendocrine responses that are associated with perceptions of fatigue. Fourteen endurance‐trained runners performed three trials consisting of two 45‐min runs at 95% lactate threshold on a treadmill separated by 6 h of recovery. Following the first run, participants completed one of HWI (30 min, 40°C), CWI (15 min, 14°C) or control (CON, 30 min rest in ambient conditions) in a randomised order. Perceived effort and recovery were measured using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the Acute Recovery and Stress Scale (ARSS), whilst physiological responses including venous concentrations of a range of neuroendocrine markers, superficial femoral blood flow, heart rate and rectal temperature were measured. Exercise increased neuroendocrine responses of interleukin‐6, adrenaline and noradrenaline (all P < 0.001). Additionally, perceptions of overall recovery (P < 0.001), mental performance capacity (P = 0.02), physical performance capability (P = 0.01) and emotional balance (P = 0.03) were reduced prior to the second run. However, there was no effect of condition on these variables (P > 0.05), nor RPE (P = 0.68), despite differences in rectal temperature, superficial femoral blood flow following the first run, and participants’ expected recovery prior to the intervention (all P < 0.001). Therefore, athletes may engage in post‐exercise hot or cold‐water immersion without negatively impacting moderate‐intensity training sessions performed later the same day.
Spectra of $${Z}$$ Bosons and Lepton Angular Coefficients in the Leading Approximation of the Parton Reggeization Approach with Allowance for the Next-to-Leading-Order Corrections
Authors: Omelyanchuk S. S. , Saleev V. A. , Shipilova A. V.
Published: July 2024

The production of $$Z$$ bosons in proton–proton collisions and the LHC energies is studied. The production cross sections for $$Z$$ bosons and their transverse-momentum spectra are calculated along with the lepton angular coefficients as functions of the $$Z$$-boson transverse momentum. The calculations are performed within the parton Reggeization approach in the leading-order approximation in the strong coupling constant $$(Q\bar{Q}\to Z)$$ and with allowance for the next-to-leading-order correction associated with Reggeized-quark scattering on a Reggeized gluon $$(RQ\to Zq)$$. A numerical simulation is performed by means of the KaTie Monte Carlo generator. The results of the calculations are compared with experimental data of the ATLAS Collaboration.
Determination of Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients by Analytic Continuation of the $${R}$$-Matrix
Authors: Blokhintsev L. D. , Savin D. A.
Published: July 2024

The method of finding the values of asymptotic normalization coefficients (ANC) is proposed based on the analytic continuation of the $$R$$-matrix that describes the elastic nuclear scattering into the unphysical region of the negative energy of collision ($$E<0$$). The formula is derived, expressing the partial-wave scattering amplitude through the $$R$$-matrix and modified Coulomb functions. This formula allows, when continuing the amplitude to the region $$E<0$$, to overcome difficulties associated with irregular behavior of the scattering amplitude near $$E=0$$ if the Coulomb interaction is present. The proposed method is used to determine the ANC for the channel $${}^{16}\textrm{O}\to\alpha+{}^{12}$$C.
Do interspecific differences in morphology influence foraging efficiency of juvenile crappie?
Authors: Porreca Anthony P. , Rude Neil P. , Broadway Kyle J. , Parkos Joseph J.
Published: July 2024

Sympatric black crappie ( Pomoxis nigromaculatus Lesueur in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829) and white crappie ( Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque, 1818) often differ in ecological performance, such that white crappie outnumber black crappie in turbid waterbodies and black crappie predominate in clear waters with abundant cover. Recent work suggests that this performance difference is driven by juvenile white crappie having a limnetic body form and juvenile black crappie having a littoral body form, resulting in differential predation mortality between the species within open-water and vegetated environments. We tested whether these morphologies also lead to interspecific differences in foraging efficiency between the congeners in structure and open water. Juvenile black crappie spent more time pursuing fish prey than white crappie across all trials, suggesting that energetic gains of piscivory may differ between species. However, both species had similar capture efficiencies when attacking fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820) within vegetated and open-water habitats. We conclude that variation in morphology between juvenile black crappie and white crappie does not have a large influence on foraging efficiency, at least on fish prey, in dense cover or open water, and suggest their performance in sympatry is likely not driven by predatory capabilities at the onset of piscivory within these different environmental contexts. Instead, the relationship between morphology and predator evasion may drive the distribution and relative abundance of crappie species within sympatric populations.
Insightful inspection of the nonlinear instability of an azimuthal disturbance separating two rotating magnetic liquid columns
Authors: Moatimid Galal M. , Mohamed Mona A. A. , Elagamy Khaled
Published: July 2024

The nonlinear stability examination of two revolving magnetized liquid columns connecting two completely submerged fluids in a permeable region is the aim of the existing paper. Two endless vertical cylinders occupied with two magnetic fluids make up the present structure. Significantly, the disturbance at the border displays an azimuthal behavior. The entire structure is activated by an azimuthal unchanging magnetic field (MF). The increasing interest in the atmospheric and oceanic dynamics is the primary motivation in exploring this problem. To relax the complication of the mathematical processes, the viscous potential theory (VPT) is established. The motion is assessed using three basic coexistent field formulations: Maxwell's formula, Brinkman's formula, and the continuity condition, in the construction of the Coriolis force and centrifugal implications. The explanations of the linearized formula of motion produce a nonlinear categorizing diffusion structure because of the implications of the nonlinear boundary conditions (BCs). The non-perturbative approach (NPA) based on the He's frequency formulation (HFF) is employed to transform the nonlinear characteristic ordinary differential equation (ODE) into a linear one. A short description of the NPA is also presented. The nonlinear ODE with real and imaginary coefficients is exposed by the stability analysis. The stability requirements are implemented using only a nonlinear analysis. As demonstrated, as an unusual state, it is exposed that ignoring the Weber number removes all complex items of the nonlinear formulation. Physically, this means the absence of the angular velocities from the physical model. For both the real and complex situations of the original equation, the stability remains unchanged. It is found that the azimuthal MF, rotating parameter, and Darcy’s numeral have a maintenance impact. On the other hand, the azimuthal wave numeral has a destabilizing one. Several polar designs are drawn to agreement the stability situations.
A Global Inventory of Natural and Synthetic Estrogens in Aquatic Systems
Authors: Waniek Joanna J. , Osterholz Helena , Frazão Helena C.
Published: July 2024

Estrogens are a group of endocrine disruptors that are recognized as a threat to the world's ecosystems and are easily transported through aquatic systems from mainly anthropogenic sources. To illustrate this growing problem, we have compiled a global overview of measured concentrations of natural and synthetic estrogens restricted to freshwater systems (lakes, rivers, and lagoons) and marine coastal and open ocean environments, focusing on estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). We found that the cumulative risk quotient is high at 65% of 400 sampled sites, highlighting that estrogen pollution is a major environmental concern. Our investigation revealed that almost no information is available on the concentration levels of E1, E2, E3, and EE2 for the open ocean areas. However, their occurrence in all systems, including open seas, suggests that estrogens are not completely degraded during transport to and within the environment and may be more persistent than previously thought.
Molecular Interactions in Copper Chemical Mechanical Planarization: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Krishnan Mahadevaiyer , Canaperi Donald F. , Rangarajan Sarukkai K.
Published: July 2024

In this study, the molecular interactions occurring during Chemical Mechanical planarization of Copper in Ferric nitrate–Alumina–Benzotriazole system is investigated. This system is characterized by sudden and dramatic transitions in removal rates when experimental parameters such as downforce and concentrations of the slurry components (Benzotriazole, abrasive, oxidizer) are varied. This behavior is interpreted in terms of the three surface kinetic processes viz. Cu dissolution, film formation and film removal by abrasion, that determine the overall removal rate. A phenomenological model incorporating Frumkin isotherm for the adsorption of Benzotriazole molecules and Langmuir isotherm for the adsorption of surfactants/ions is proposed. Mathematical equations relating the rates of film formation, film removal and metal dissolution to the overall removal rates are derived. The model is validated by comparing the model predictions with experimental data. The non-linear equations describing the sudden transitions are shown to exhibit a cusp catastrophe when the interaction parameter exceeds a certain value.
Clonal Lineage Tracing with Somatic Delivery of Recordable Barcodes Reveals Migration Histories of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Serio Ryan N. , Scheben Armin , Lu Billy , Gargiulo Domenic V. , Patruno Lucrezia , Buckholtz Caroline L. , Chaffee Ryan J. , Jibilian Megan C. , Persaud Steven G. , Staklinski Stephen J. , Hassett Rebecca , Brault Lise M. , Ramazzotti Daniele , Barbieri Christopher E. , Siepel Adam C. , Nowak Dawid G.
Published: July 2024

The patterns by which primary tumors spread to metastatic sites remain poorly understood. Here, we define patterns of metastatic seeding in prostate cancer using a novel injection-based mouse model—EvoCaP (Evolution in Cancer of the Prostate), featuring aggressive metastatic cancer to bone, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. To define migration histories between primary and metastatic sites, we used our EvoTraceR pipeline to track distinct tumor clones containing recordable barcodes. We detected widespread intratumoral heterogeneity from the primary tumor in metastatic seeding, with few clonal populations instigating most migration. Metastasis-to-metastasis seeding was uncommon, as most cells remained confined within the tissue. Migration patterns in our model were congruent with human prostate cancer seeding topologies. Our findings support the view of metastatic prostate cancer as a systemic disease driven by waves of aggressive clones expanding their niche, infrequently overcoming constraints that otherwise keep them confined in the primary or metastatic site.

Significance: Defining the kinetics of prostate cancer metastasis is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies. This study uses CRISPR/Cas9-based barcoding technology to accurately define tumor clonal patterns and routes of migration in a novel somatically engineered mouse model (EvoCaP) that recapitulates human prostate cancer using an in-house developed analytical pipeline (EvoTraceR).
Dual polarity open circuit voltage in triboelectric nanogenerators originated from two states series impedance
Authors: Jeong Jiwon , Ko Jiyoung , Lee Jongjin
Published: July 2024

Experimental and simulation studies demonstrated that the initial voltage setting significantly influences the open-circuit voltage (VOC) in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Utilizing diode configurations, we consistently observed two distinct VOCs independent of the initial settings. A lower VOC corresponded to the surface voltage (VSurface), while a higher VOC was amplified by the product of the VSurface and the TENG's characteristic impedance ratio. Notably, a lower measurement system capacitance provided a more precise representation of the inherent characteristics of the TENG. Conversely, an increase in system impedance led to a convergence of the two VOCs and a reduction in their magnitudes relative to VSurface. These findings suggest that optimizing the initial/repeated charge balancing and minimizing capacitive loads are crucial for maximizing TENG output power in practical applications.
A review of plastic waste nanocomposites: assessment of features and applications
Authors: Rasilainen Ida , Lahtela Ville , Kärki Timo
Published: July 2024

Hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastic waste are generated globally every year. Processing waste into secondary raw material is preferred over energy production and landfilling. However, mechanical recycling generally deteriorates the properties of plastic waste limiting its range of potential applications. Nanocomposite fabrication is a solution to recycle plastic waste into value-added applications due to improved properties generated by nanomaterial reinforcement, however received little study. The aim of this review is to present the current status, identify research gaps and provide topics for further research of polymer nanocomposites prepared from plastic waste in respect to utilized materials, processing methods, enhanced properties, sustainability, economics, nanomaterial safety, and applications. It is found that morphological, mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy, physical, barrier, electrical and shielding properties of plastic waste can be enhanced with low loadings of different nanomaterials making them promising materials for various applications including electronic, shielding, thermal, packaging, filtration, and water treatment. Utilization of plastic waste instead of virgin polymers can be beneficial in respect to economics and sustainability, but the energy intensive and expensive production of the most nanomaterials, and the plastic waste pretreatment methods can negate these benefits. To enhance sustainability, further research should be conducted on utilization of energy friendly nanomaterials in plastic waste nanocomposites. Further research is needed also on polymer nanocomposite safety because of the unknow composition of the plastic waste and the potential for nanomaterial release during nanocomposite’s life cycle. All in all, further research and national regulations and guidance are needed on virgin polymer and plastic waste nanocomposites.
Horizontal gene transfer of the Mer operon is associated with large effects on the transcriptome and increased tolerance to mercury in nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Authors: Bhat Aditi , Sharma Reena , Desigan Kumaran , Lucas M. Mercedes , Mishra Ankita , Bowers Robert M. , Woyke Tanja , Epstein Brendan , Tiffin Peter , Pueyo José J. , Paape Tim
Published: July 2024

Background

Mercury (Hg) is highly toxic and has the potential to cause severe health problems for humans and foraging animals when transported into edible plant parts. Soil rhizobia that form symbiosis with legumes may possess mechanisms to prevent heavy metal translocation from roots to shoots in plants by exporting metals from nodules or compartmentalizing metal ions inside nodules. Horizontal gene transfer has potential to confer immediate de novo adaptations to stress. We used comparative genomics of high quality de novo assemblies to identify structural differences in the genomes of nitrogen-fixing rhizobia that were isolated from a mercury (Hg) mine site that show high variation in their tolerance to Hg.

Results

Our analyses identified multiple structurally conserved merA homologs in the genomes of Sinorhizobium medicae and Rhizobium leguminosarum but only the strains that possessed a Mer operon exhibited 10-fold increased tolerance to Hg. RNAseq analysis revealed nearly all genes in the Mer operon were significantly up-regulated in response to Hg stress in free-living conditions and in nodules. In both free-living and nodule environments, we found the Hg-tolerant strains with a Mer operon exhibited the fewest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the genome, indicating a rapid and efficient detoxification of Hg from the cells that reduced general stress responses to the Hg-treatment. Expression changes in S. medicae while in bacteroids showed that both rhizobia strain and host-plant tolerance affected the number of DEGs. Aside from Mer operon genes, nif genes which are involved in nitrogenase activity in S. medicae showed significant up-regulation in the most Hg-tolerant strain while inside the most Hg-accumulating host-plant. Transfer of a plasmid containing the Mer operon from the most tolerant strain to low-tolerant strains resulted in an immediate increase in Hg tolerance, indicating that the Mer operon is able to confer hyper tolerance to Hg.

Conclusions

Mer operons have not been previously reported in nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. This study demonstrates a pivotal role of the Mer operon in effective mercury detoxification and hypertolerance in nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. This finding has major implications not only for soil bioremediation, but also host plants growing in mercury contaminated soils.