bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating vertical movement of fishes in habitat use models
Authors: Richter Ian A. , Smokorowski Karen E. , Blanchfield Paul J.
Published: July 2024

Fish telemetry studies now routinely collect positional and depth data, yet analytical approaches that integrate three‐dimensional data are limited. Here we apply the potential path volume (PPV) model, a method previously developed to estimate habitat volume based on rates of avian movement, to free‐swimming fish. Using a telemetry dataset of white sucker (Catastomus commersonii) from Turkey Lake (Ontario, Canada), we evaluated the effects of the number of spatial positions and different methods of selecting swim speed (vswim), a key parameter for PPV models, on habitat volume estimates. We subsequently compared habitat volume estimates and habitat overlap among white sucker pairs from the PPV models to those calculated using kernel utilization distribution‐based approaches. The number of spatial positions in the PPV model had a significant effect on habitat volume estimates, whereas the magnitude of the vswim parameter or its specificity (constant value vs. fish‐season specific parameter values) did not affect habitat volume estimates. The PPV method resulted in larger habitat volume estimates and greater habitat overlap estimates among fish pairs relative to those obtained from a three‐dimensional kernel utilization distribution method. The PPV model is a useful analytical tool that, by incorporating potential animal movement into habitat use evaluations, can help answer key ecological questions and provide insight into fish space use in a wide range of conservation and management applications.
The taxonomy of tail risk
Authors: Stoja Evarist , Polanski Arnold , Nguyen Linh H.
Published: July 2024

We use tail events at different levels of severity to define an asset's tail risk and to decompose the latter into a systematic and an idiosyncratic component. The systematic component captures an asset's tendency to experience joint tail losses with the market and generalizes a classic tail dependence coefficient. However, the idiosyncratic component consists of two parts: idiosyncratic tail risk that leads to asset‐specific tail losses and tail risk cushioning that dampens the tail losses emanating from the market. Tail risk cushioning is a novel concept that arises naturally in our framework, is consistent with the previous two and completes the taxonomy of tail risk. We examine the performance of our tail risk decomposition on a large dataset, confirming some previous results on tail risk and uncovering new theoretical and empirical findings.
Machine learning for gap‐filling in greenhouse gas emissions databases
Authors: Cullen Luke , Marinoni Andrea , Cullen Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions datasets are often incomplete due to inconsistent reporting and poor transparency. Filling the gaps in these datasets allows for more accurate targeting of strategies aiming to accelerate the reduction of GHG emissions. This study evaluates the potential of machine learning methods to automate the completion of GHG datasets. We use three datasets of increasing complexity with 18 different gap‐filling methods and provide a guide to which methods are useful in which circumstances. If few dataset features are available, or the gap consists only of a missing time step in a record, then simple interpolation is often the most accurate method and complex models should be avoided. However, if more features are available and the gap involves non‐reporting emitters, then machine learning methods can be more accurate than simple extrapolation. Furthermore, the secondary output of feature importance from complex models allows for data collection prioritization to accelerate the improvement of datasets. Graph‐based methods are particularly scalable due to the ease of updating predictions given new data and incorporating multimodal data sources. This study can serve as a guide to the community upon which to base ever more integrated frameworks for automated detailed GHG emissions estimations, and implementation guidance is available at https://hackmd.io/@luke‐scot/ML‐for‐GHG‐database‐completion and https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10463104. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.
Cognitive and affective theory of mind in young and elderly patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Montembeault Maxime , Farley Romane , Ouellet Julie , Brando Estefania , Tremblay Alexandra , Charest Kim , Roger Élaine , Scherzer Peter , Duquette Pierre , Rouleau Isabelle
Published: July 2024

Theory of mind (ToM) deficits have been reported in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, most studies have used pictures or written scenarios as stimuli without distinguishing between cognitive and affective ToM, and no studies have investigated older pwMS. We recruited 13 young healthy controls (HC), 14 young pwMS, 14 elderly HC and 15 elderly pwMS. ToM was measured using an adaptation of the Conversations and Insinuations task (Ouellet et al., J. Int. Neuropsychol. Soc., 16, 2010, 287). In this ecological video‐based task, participants watch four 2‐minute videos of social interactions, which are interrupted by multiple choice questions about either the emotional state (affective ToM) or the intention (cognitive ToM) of the characters. They also underwent a short neuropsychological battery including cognitive, executive and social cognition tasks and questionnaires. We observed a significant interaction between the ToM conditions and the groups regarding ToM performance. Elderly pwMS scored significantly lower than elderly HC and young pwMS in cognitive ToM, but not in affective ToM. They also showed the largest discrepancy between their cognitive and affective ToM. Young pwMS showed relatively preserved ToM in both conditions. Both cognitive and affective ToM correlated with global cognition and executive abilities, but not with social cognitive measures (emotion recognition, real‐life empathy). This study suggests that decline in cognitive ToM might be accentuated by advancing age in pwMS. These impairments are most likely underlied by cognitive and executive difficulties, but not by core social cognitive impairments. Future studies should investigate the real‐life impacts of ToM impairments in pwMS.
Clinical, histologic, and immunologic signatures of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Galosi Eleonora , Pirone Carmelo , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Esposito Nicoletta , Falco Pietro , Leopizzi Martina , Di Maio Valeria , Tramontana Lorenzo , De Stefano Gianfranco , Di Pietro Giuseppe , Di Stefano Giulia , Garufi Cristina , Leone Caterina , Natalucci Francesco , Orefice Valeria , Alessandri Cristiano , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Truini Andrea , Conti Fabrizio
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often causes damage to small nerve fibers, leading to distressing painful and autonomic symptoms. Despite this, Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) remains an underrecognized complication for SLE patients. In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to assess SFN in patients with SLE and to explore its correlations with immunologic disease features and clinical manifestations.

Methods

We recruited 50 SLE patients (1 male to 12.5 females, aged 20–80 years) reporting painful disturbances. We conducted a comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological evaluation, using Nerve Conduction Studies and Quantitative Sensory Testing. Additionally, we carried out an extensive laboratory assessment of disease‐related serological parameters. We also performed a thorough skin biopsy analysis, investigating somatic and autonomic innervation while detecting complement and inflammatory cell infiltrates within the skin.

Results

Out of 50 patients, 19 were diagnosed with SFN, primarily characterized by a non‐length‐dependent distribution; 7 had a mixed neuropathy, with both large and small fiber involvement. Patients with SFN were younger than patients with a mixed neuropathy (p = .0143); furthermore, they were more likely to have a history of hypocomplementemia (p = .0058) and to be treated with cyclosporine A (p = .0053) compared to patients without neuropathy. However, there were no significant differences in painful and autonomic symptoms between patients with and without SFN.

Discussion

This study highlights the relevant frequency of SFN with a non‐length‐dependent distribution among SLE patients experiencing painful symptoms. Indeed, SFN emerges as an early manifestation of SLE‐related neuropathy and is closely associated with hypocomplementemia, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of the complement system. Moreover, SFN may be influenced by disease‐modifying therapies. However, the precise role of SFN in shaping painful and autonomic symptoms in patients with SLE remains to be fully elucidated.
Laying train tracks en route: How institutional education leaders navigate complexity during mandated curriculum change
Authors: Tam Herman , Scott Ian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Institutional education leaders serve key roles in leading major curricular change within residency education, yet little is known about how they accomplish these goals on the ground. Change management principles have predominantly been developed and described in the hierarchical context of management science and corporate settings. However, the non‐hierarchical, complex and adaptive features of health professions education may render these traditional change management models inadequate. We explored how institutional educational leaders navigate the complex residency education system in implementing a major curricular change.

Methods

Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted and iteratively analysed semi‐structured interviews with 11 institutional education leaders from across Canada who were responsible for leading the nationally mandated curricular change to competency‐based residency education. Thematic analysis was performed iteratively using constant comparison.

Results

Leaders managing the change process focused on two priorities: steering the direction of the change process as it evolved and maintaining the momentum amongst stakeholders to move forward steadily. Four common threats and opportunities impacted the focus on direction and momentum: multiplicity of contexts, innovation, resistance and distractions. In response, leaders utilised various tactics and harnessed diverse leadership styles to manage these challenges accordingly.

Conclusions

We identified a change framework that offers a more contextually nuanced understanding of curricular change in residency education that has not been described in the change management literature generated by the management sector. Institutional education leaders focused on maintaining the direction and momentum, while constantly assessing and adapting to evolving, uncertain and complex conditions. Our findings provide a simple and practical foundation to support leadership education in curricular change as well as researchers in developing further change theories in complex adaptive health professions education systems.
Naturalizing skepticism
Authors: Jiménez‐Rolland Marc
Published: July 2024

Naturalism, construed as the idea that philosophy should be continuous with science, is a highly influential view. Its consequences for epistemology, however, are rather odd. Many believe that naturalized epistemology allows eschewing traditional skeptical challenges. This is often seen as an advantage; but it also calls into question its claim of belonging to the philosophical inquiry into knowledge. This paper argues that skeptical challenges can be stated to defy epistemic optimism within naturalized epistemology, and that there are distinctively naturalistic forms of skepticism. To that end, it outlines some assumptions underlying many attempts to naturalize epistemology. It contrasts these approaches to traditional epistemology and identifies the reasons offered by naturalistic epistemologists to dismiss traditional skeptical challenges. Next, it argues that the problem of skepticism can be sensibly stated within a naturalistic setting. Finally, it contends that there are distinctively naturalistic strategies to argue for skepticism and diagnoses the prospects of naturalism vis‐à‐vis these kinds of skeptical challenges.
Learning to the rhythm: On the potential of music in fostering relations in the classroom
Authors: Gaillard JC , Gampell Anthony , Joe Martin , Skuse Zara , Young Caitlin
Published: July 2024

This article draws on a case study of a third‐year geography course to explore the potential of music in fostering relational pedagogy in higher education. We argue that the reciprocal nature of music sharing generates a dialogical space that allows for multiple relations to be developed between the learners and their selves, among students and peers, between learners and teachers, as well as between students and the materials they study and the wider world. Furthermore, music encourages an approach to pedagogy that is emancipatory and which is characterised by genuine care, humility and trust.
Music festival geographies: Place‐creation and attendee experience
Authors: Lindsay Neil , Kearns Robin , Coleman Tara
Published: July 2024

We examine how design features influence the experiences of attendees at New Zealand music festivals. Drawing on interviews with festival organisers and attendees, we argue that organisers configure particular atmospheres to provoke affective dispositions. By interrogating how festivals engage in this affective engineering, we argue that festivals are ephemeral spaces where design plays a central role in influencing the thoughts, feelings, behaviours and, ultimately, the place‐experience of attendees.
Research Progress on the Treatment of Geriatric Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures with Proximal Femur Bionic Nails (PFBNs)
Authors: Duan Wenyu , Liang Hao , Fan Xiaolong , Zhou Dongming , Wang Yulu , Zhang Haidong
Published: July 2024

Intertrochanteric femur fracture is the most common hip fracture in elderly people, and the academic community has reached a consensus that early surgery is imperative. Proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation (PFNA) and InterTan are the preferred internal fixation devices for intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly individuals due to their advantages, such as a short lever arm, minimal stress shielding, and resistance to rotation. However, PFNA is associated with complications such as nail back‐out and helical blade cut‐out due to stress concentration. As a new internal fixation device for intertrochanteric femur fractures, the proximal femoral biodegradable nail (PFBN) addresses the issue of nail back‐out and offers more stable fracture fixation, a shorter lever arm, and stress distribution compared to PFNA and InterTan. Clinical studies have shown that compared to PFNA, PFBNs lead to faster recovery of hip joint function, shorter non‐weight‐bearing time, and faster fracture healing. This article provides a literature review of the structural characteristics, biomechanical analysis, and clinical studies of PFBNs, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of internal fixation devices for the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients and to improve the quality of life of patients during the postoperative period.
Knowledge Mapping of Macrophages in Osteoporosis: A Bibliometric Analysis (1999–2023)
Authors: Jia Hai‐Feng , Li Han‐Zheng , Rong Yi‐Fa , Jiang Kai , Liang Xue‐Zhen , Li Gang
Published: July 2024

Background

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic disorder that significantly impacts quality of life in the elderly population. Macrophages play a crucial role in the development of osteoporosis by regulating bone metabolism through cytokine secretion. However, there is a lack of scholarly literature in the field of bibliometrics on this topic.

Objective

This study provides a detailed analysis of the research focus and knowledge structure of macrophage studies in osteoporosis using bibliometrics.

Methods

The scientific literature on macrophage research in the context of osteoporosis, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database spanning from January 1999 to December 2023, has been incorporated for bibliometric examination. The data is methodically analyzed and visually represented using analytical and visualization tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, the Bibliometrix R package, and Pajek.

Results and Conclusions

In the last quarter‐century, there has been a consistent rise in the quantity of scholarly publications focusing on the relationship between macrophages and osteoporosis, resulting in a total of 1499 research documents. These studies have originated from 45 different countries, with China, South Korea, and the United States being the most prominent contributors, and the United States having the highest frequency of citations. Noteworthy research institutions involved in this field include Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wonkwang University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Seoul National University. The Journal of Bone and Mineral Research is widely regarded as the premier and most frequently referenced publication in the field. These publications involve the collaboration of 8744 authors, with Lee Myeung Su contributing the most articles, and Takayanagi being the most co‐cited author. Key emerging research focal points are encapsulated in keywords such as “mTOR,” “BMSCs,” “bone regeneration,” and “exosome.” The relationships between exosome from macrophage sources and those from BMSCs, along with the regulatory role of the mTOR signaling pathway on macrophages, represent crucial directions for future development in this field. This study represents the inaugural comprehensive bibliometric analysis detailing trends and advancements in macrophage research within the osteoporosis domain. It delineates recent frontiers and hotspots, providing valuable insights for researchers in this particular area of study.
Characterizing drug‐induced epidermal necrolysis in a pediatric cohort
Authors: Brown Ariel B. , Park Andrew J. , Agim Nnenna G. , Gordon Katherine A.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to characterize the timeline and clinical features of onset, progression, and management of drug‐induced epidermal necrolysis in pediatric patients. Sixteen pediatric patients were retrospectively identified and selected if under age 18 years at admission with one identified culprit drug exposure. Culprit drugs were antiepileptics (12/16, 75%) and antibiotics (4/16, 25%). Notably, anti‐epileptic drugs (AED) had delayed onset and reported dose escalations that precipitated symptom onset; thus, patients prescribed AED with or without planned dose escalations should be monitored for prodromal symptoms longer than the typical onset window.
Atypical cutaneous manifestations of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in two immunocompetent pediatric patients: Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Bash Gina N. , Higgins Claire , McClanahan Danielle , Dunlap Rachel , Dhossche Julie , Leitenberger Sabra , Small Alison , Koon Stephanie Mengden , White Kevin P. , Funk Tracy
Published: July 2024

Although many clinical variants of Staphylococcus aureus infection are well‐recognized, atypical presentations may mimic other conditions. We describe two cases of atypical S. aureus infections in pediatric patients: a S. aureus infection presenting with a vesicopustular rash mimicking varicella zoster virus and a case of multifocal panniculitis. Both of these cases were specifically caused by methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Additional cases of atypical S. aureus infections and presenting features from the current literature are also discussed.
Seeking peace and justice through harmony: Music and peacemaking
Authors: Hall Mitchell
Published: July 2024

Peacemaking encompasses both positive efforts toward achieving a more just society and negative efforts to prevent or end violent conflicts and warfare. Popular music has often accompanied American peace and antiwar movements by arousing public concern for social justice, sustaining the hopes of activists, and challenging decision makers. This essay examines how musicians have made notable contributions to peace activism by addressing a diverse set of issues in American history.
How trustworthy is online dental information for individuals with Down syndrome from Ibero‐American countries?
Authors: Rey‐Otero G. , Diniz‐Freitas M. , Rivas‐Mundiña B. , Varela‐Aneiros I. , Sande‐López L. , Limeres‐Posse J. , García‐Mato E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Internet has become an indispensable source of health‐related information. However, several studies have shown there to be a lack of quality control for webpages related to disability. Specifically, available content concerning Down syndrome (DS) and dentistry is limited and of dubious quality.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of online content in Spanish and Portuguese on dental care for individuals with DS.

Methods

A simultaneous search in Google and Bing using the terms “Down syndrome” and “odontology/dentist/dental treatment” in Spanish and Portuguese was conducted in seven Ibero‐American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal). The first 100 consecutive pages of results from the three combinations of terms in each of the search engines were accessed and selected by applying conventional exclusion criteria. The selected pages were classified according to their authorship, specificity and dissemination potential. The quality of the online content was assessed using the DISCERN questionnaire and the Questionnaire to Evaluate Health Web Sites According to European Criteria (QEEC). The presence of the Health On Net (HON) and Accredited Medical Website (AMW) seals was also assessed.

Results

The mean DISCERN score was 2.51 ± 0.85 and 2.57 ± 0.86 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. The mean readability score was 3.43 ± 1.26 and 3.25 ± 1.08 for the Spanish and Portuguese webpages, respectively. None of the selected webpages presented the HONcode or AMW trust seals.

Conclusions

The content available online in Spanish and Portuguese regarding Down syndrome and dentistry is scarce and of highly questionable quality.
The nature and functions of appearance‐related comparisons in body dysmorphic disorder
Authors: Turner Mark A. , Veale David , Anson Martin
Published: July 2024

Appearance‐related comparisons (A‐RCs) in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are under researched despite their probable role in disorder maintenance. The present study therefore aimed to explore the nature (frequency, direction and automaticity), and functions of A‐RCs in BDD. N = 43 including people with BDD (n = 23) and controls (n = 20) matched approximately on age and sex were recruited. A mixture of standardized and devised questionnaires on body image and A‐RCs were completed. A‐RCs were significantly more frequent, generally more upward (to more attractive standards of comparison), and more automatic in people with BDD relative to the control group. People with BDD also held significantly stronger agreement with beliefs about A‐RCs as serving functions of: self‐evaluation, self‐improvement, self‐enhancement, and in particular, self‐loathing (a way to confirm beliefs about physical unattractiveness) and social threat management. This research presents evidence that the nature and functions of A‐RCs in BDD have a role in this disorder's maintenance. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.
Why do organizations take political stances? A review of reasons and risks
Authors: Clark Cory J. , Isch Calvin , Shariff Azim
Published: July 2024

Organizations and their leaders have begun publicly signaling political values in candidate endorsements, statements, and advertisements, yet political action often has negative organizational consequences, including lower public support, financial costs, and reduced trust. We review the costs of organizational politicization, moderators of those costs (such as ideological alignment and size of the organization), and potential reasons why leaders take political action. Scholars often attribute political action to public pressure to “take a stand”, but this public pressure may be misunderstood. Members of the public who want organizations to take political stances desire particular stances to be made in particular ways, tend to believe in the superiority of their own values, and are relatively likely to boycott businesses for political reasons. Catering to these individuals could lead to the accumulation of supporters who are especially politically zealous and likely to punish perceived political missteps. Demands to “take a stand” might seem like one unified call to action, but they may instead be a large set of directly conflicting demands. We make recommendations for future research to better understand leaders' reasons for political action and when, if ever, such actions support the interests of organizations and broader society.
Decision‐chain integrity and sustainment of the individual placement and support model: An embedded single case study in Finland
Authors: Harkko Jaakko , Nordquist Hilla , Kouvonen Anne
Published: July 2024

The individual placement and support (IPS) model is an evidence‐based practice proven effective in aiding individuals with mental disorders to achieve and maintain competitive employment. This study examines how policy and structural factors are perceived to influence the model's sustainment as routine practice after a national development project in Finland. We aim to identify critical dimensions related to decision‐making at the national, regional, and local organisational levels. We used a qualitative single‐case approach, analysing 21 stakeholder interviews and nine administrative documents. We conducted abductive thematic analyses. We report the results in compliance with the COREQ guideline. Our analysis identified three main external contextual influences affecting service sustainment: (1) System‐Level Planning—the coherence of formulation and execution of facilitative strategies across different administrative levels; (2) Political Decision Making—the recognition of inception points of policy change and the ability to set the IPS model on a broader policy agenda; and (3) Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration—the need for mutual goals and collaborative platforms. Strategic planning, governance decisions, and stakeholder involvement affect local‐level decisions on the IPS model's sustained implementation. This research introduces the concept of ‘Decision‐Chain Integrity’, highlighting the alignment of strategies and their implementation across different levels of administration as a pivotal factor in producing sustained change in the service system.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐C*01:273 allele, first identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Secco Danielle , Cunha Mayara , Andrade Gabriela , Vianna Romulo , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: July 2024

The novel HLA‐C*01:273 allele, first described in a potential bone marrow donor from Brazil.
The transcription factor ERF110 promotes cold tolerance by directly regulating sugar and sterol biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Khan Madiha , Dahro Bachar , Wang Yue , Wang Min , Xiao Wei , Qu Jing , Zeng Yike , Fang Tian , Xiao Peng , Xu Xiaoyong , Li Chunlong , Liu Ji‐Hong
Published: July 2024

ERFs (ethylene‐responsive factors) are known to play a key role in orchestrating cold stress signal transduction. However, the regulatory mechanisms and target genes of most ERFs are far from being well deciphered. In this study, we identified a cold‐induced ERF, designated as PtrERF110, from trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf., also known as Citrus trifoliata L.), an elite cold‐hardy plant. PtrERF110 is a nuclear protein with transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of PtrERF110 remarkably enhanced cold tolerance in lemon (Citrus limon) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), whereas VIGS (virus‐induced gene silencing)‐mediated knockdown of PtrERF110 drastically impaired the cold tolerance. RNA sequence analysis revealed that PtrERF110 overexpression resulted in global transcriptional reprogramming of a range of stress‐responsive genes. Three of the genes, including PtrERD6L16 (early responsive dehydration 6‐like transporters), PtrSPS4 (sucrose phosphate synthase 4), and PtrUGT80B1 (UDP‐glucose: sterol glycosyltransferases 80B1), were confirmed as direct targets of PtrERF110. Consistently, PtrERF110‐overexpressing plants exhibited higher levels of sugars and sterols compared to their wild type counterparts, whereas the VIGS plants had an opposite trend. Exogenous supply of sucrose restored the cold tolerance of PtrERF110‐silencing plants. In addition, knockdown of PtrSPS4, PtrERD6L16, and PtrUGT80B1 substantially impaired the cold tolerance of P. trifoliata. Taken together, our findings indicate that PtrERF110 positively modulates cold tolerance by directly regulating sugar and sterol synthesis through transcriptionally activating PtrERD6L16, PtrSPS4, and PtrUGT80B1. The regulatory modules (ERF110‐ERD6L16/SPS4/UGT80B1) unraveled in this study advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sugar and sterol accumulation in plants subjected to cold stress.
Hepatitis B screening in hematology patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Liston K. , Prior A. R. , McHugh J. , Enright H. , Desmond R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Transient positivity for hepatitis B core antibody (Anti‐HBc) following intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulin exposure is a well‐described phenomenon. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review Hepatitis B viral screening practices in IVIG recipients in a hematology specific cohort at a single center.

Methods

Electronic databases were analyzed to identify all hematology patients who received IVIG from September 2022 to March 2022 at a single Irish center (n = 43). The proportion of patients that had a baseline anti‐HBc tested prior to IVIG receipt was assessed as well as the proportion of patients that developed a transiently positive anti‐HBc following IVIG exposure. Data were also collected relating to signal cut‐off ratios in patients with detectable anti‐HBc post‐IVIG.

Results

58.1% of patients had at least one serological hepatitis B viral test sent prior to IVIG exposure. Anti‐HBc was the least common serological investigation performed prior to IVIG exposure (21% of recipients). A positive or equivocal “low level antibody” was identified in 15% of recipients and this was proven to be transient in all cases.

Conclusion

The minority of hematology patients had a baseline anti‐HBc assessed prior to IVIG exposure. All patients in this study had the potential to require further immunosuppressive therapies, which could be limited by a misleading anti‐HBc result. We therefore advocate for baseline anti‐HBc testing to be performed prior to IVIG exposure in hematology patients and for cautious interpretation of anti‐HBc results taking into account signal cut‐off ratios post‐IVIG exposure.
Campylobacter assessment along the Spanish food chain: Identification of key points
Authors: Sacristán Carlos , Rodríguez Antonio , Iglesias Irene , de la Torre Ana
Published: July 2024

Aims

Campylobacteriosis, caused by Campylobacter spp., is one of the most important foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world and a common cause of gastroenteritis. In the European Union, campylobacteriosis is considered the most common zoonotic disease, with over 10,000 cases in 2020 alone. This high occurrence highlights the need of more efficient surveillance methods and identification of key points.

Methods and Results

Herein, we evaluated and identified key points of Campylobacter spp. occurrence along the Spanish food chain during 2015–2020, based on the following variables: product, stage and region. We analysed a dataset provided by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition using a machine learning algorithm (random forests). Campylobacter presence was influenced by the three selected explanatory variables, especially by product, followed by region and stage. Among the studied products, meat, especially poultry and sheep, presented the highest probability of occurrence of Campylobacter, where the bacterium was present in the initial, intermediate and final stages (e.g., wholesale, retail) of the food chain. The presence in final stages may represent direct consumer exposure to the bacteria.

Conclussions

By using the random forest method, this study contributes to the identification of Campylobacter key points and the evaluation of control efforts in the Spanish food chain.
Exercise‐induced pain within endurance exercise settings: Definitions, measurement, mechanisms and potential interventions
Authors: O'Malley Callum A. , Smith Samuel A. , Mauger Alexis R. , Norbury Ryan
Published: July 2024

Pain can be defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with or resembling that associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Though consistent with this definition, different types of pain result in different behavioural and psychophysiological responses. For example, the transient, non‐threatening, acute muscle pain element of exercise‐induced pain (EIP) is entirely different from other pain types like delayed onset muscle soreness, muscular injury or chronic pain. However, studies often conflate the definitions or assume parity between distinct pain types. Consequently, the mechanisms through which pain might impact exercise behaviour across different pain subcategories may be incorrectly assumed, which could lead to interventions or recommendations that are inappropriate. Therefore, this review aims to distinguish EIP from other subcategories of pain according to their aetiologies and characteristics, thereby providing an updated conceptual and operational definition of EIP. Secondly, the review will discuss the experimental pain models currently used across several research domains and their relevance to EIP with a focus on the neuro‐psychophysiological mechanisms of EIP and its effect on exercise behaviour and performance. Finally, the review will examine potential interventions to cope with the impact of EIP and support wider exercise benefits.

Highlights

What is the topic of this review?

Considerations for future research focusing on exercise‐induced pain within endurance exercise settings.

What advances does it highlight? An updated appraisal and guide of research concerning exercise‐induced pain and its impact on endurance task behaviour, particularly with reference to the aetiology, measurement, and manipulation of exercise‐induced pain.
A Cost-Aware Multi-Agent System for Black-Box Design Space Exploration
Authors: Chen Siyu , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah , Sha Zhenghui
Published: July 2024

Effective coordination of design teams must account for the influence of costs incurred while searching for the best design solutions. This article introduces a cost-aware multi-agent system (MAS), a theoretical model to (1) explain how individuals in a team should search, assuming that they are all rational utility-maximizing decision-makers and (2) study the impact of cost on the search performance of both individual agents and the system. First, we develop a new multi-agent Bayesian optimization framework accounting for information exchange among agents to support their decisions on where to sample in search. Second, we employ a reinforcement learning approach based on the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient for training MAS to identify where agents cannot sample due to design constraints. Third, we propose a new cost-aware stopping criterion for each agent to determine when costs outweigh potential gains in search as a criterion to stop. Our results indicate that cost has a more significant impact on MAS communication in complex design problems than in simple ones. For example, when searching in complex design spaces, some agents could initially have low-performance gains, thus stopping prematurely due to negative payoffs, even if those agents could perform better in the later stage of the search. Therefore, global-local communication becomes more critical in such situations for the entire system to converge. The proposed model can serve as a benchmark for empirical studies to quantitatively gauge how humans would rationally make design decisions in a team.
Physical Fitness as a Predictor of Disability Retirement: A 9-Year Register Linked Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kuusela Markus , Pohjola Valtteri , Sarttila Katariina , Munukka Matti , Holopainen Riikka , Laaksonen Mikko , Lundqvist Annamari , Lahti Jouni
Published: July 2024

Background: To prospectively examine the association between physical fitness and risk of disability retirement in a large population-based cohort. Methods: This study utilized data from Health 2011 survey Physical Activity subsample (n = 4898), combined with information on disability retirement derived from 2 national registers. In total, 2455 individuals aged 18–74 years underwent the physical fitness test protocol concerning measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and balance. The outcome variable was disability retirement, during the follow-up period of 9 years. After excluding those not at risk of disability retirement (ie, age ≥63 y) or who had already been granted disability pension, and those who had not completed the fitness protocol, the analytical sample included 1381 participants. Data were analyzed using Cox regression model with SPSS (version 29). Results: During the 9-year follow-up period, 61 individuals (4.4%) transitioned to a disability retirement. Cox regression analysis showed an association between the various physical fitness subdomains and the risk of disability retirement. In model 1, all fitness tests were associated with the risk of disability retirement, except the one-leg stand test with hazard ratios ranging from 1.69 (95% CI, 0.86–3.34) to 5.75 (95% CI, 1.84–17.90). Further adjustment for sociodemographic, health behavior, and health-related covariates attenuated the associations and statistical significance was lost, except for the vertical jump test (hazard ratio = 4.33; 95% CI, 1.32–14.10) and 6-minute walk test (hazard ratio = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.35–10.70). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of physical fitness for preventing work disability.
Sex differences in neural projections of fear memory processing in mice and humans
Authors: Florido Antonio , Velasco Eric R. , Romero Leire R. , Acharya Neha , Marin Blasco Ignacio J. , Nabás Jaime F. , Perez-Caballero Laura , Rivero Guadalupe , Olabarrieta Estíbaliz , Nuñez-delMoral Amaia , González-Parra Jose A. , Porta-Casteràs Daniel , Cano Marta , Steward Trevor , Antony Monica S. , Cardoner Narcís , Torrubia Rafael , Jackson Alexander C. , Fullana Miquel A. , Andero Raül
Published: July 2024

It remains unexplored in the field of fear memory whether functional neuronal connectivity between two brain areas is necessary for one sex but not the other. Here, we show that chemogenetic silencing of centromedial (CeM)–
Tac2
fibers in the lateral posterior BNST (BNSTpl) decreased fear memory consolidation in male mice but not females. Optogenetic excitation of CeM-
Tac2
fibers in the BNSTpl exhibited enhanced inhibitory postsynaptic currents in males compared to females. In vivo calcium imaging analysis revealed a sex-dimorphic fear memory engram in the BNSTpl. Furthermore, in humans, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Tac2 receptor (rs2765) (
TAC3R
) decreased CeM-BNST connectivity in a fear task, impaired fear memory consolidation, and increased the expression of the
TAC3R
mRNA in AA-carrier men but not in women. These sex differences in critical neuronal circuits underlying fear memory formation may be relevant to human neuropsychiatric disorders with fear memory alterations such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
Self-enhanced localized alkalinity at the encapsulated Cu catalyst for superb electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite reduction to NH
3
in neutral electrolyte
Authors: Shen Zhen , Chen Guanghai , Cheng Xueyi , Xu Fengfei , Huang Hongwen , Wang Xizhang , Yang Lijun , Wu Qiang , Hu Zheng
Published: July 2024

The electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite reduction reaction (eNO

x

−
RR) to ammonia (NH
3
) is thermodynamically more favorable than the eye-catching nitrogen (N
2
) electroreduction. To date, the high eNO

x

−
RR-to-NH
3
activity is limited to strong alkaline electrolytes but cannot be achieved in economic and sustainable neutral/near-neutral electrolytes. Here, we construct a copper (Cu) catalyst encapsulated inside the hydrophilic hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon nanocages (Cu@hNCNC). During eNO

x

−
RR, the hNCNC shell hinders the diffusion of generated OH
−
ions outward, thus creating a self-enhanced local high pH environment around the inside Cu nanoparticles. Consequently, the Cu@hNCNC catalyst exhibits an excellent eNO

x

−
RR-to-NH
3
activity in the neutral electrolyte, equivalent to the Cu catalyst immobilized on the outer surface of hNCNC (Cu/hNCNC) in strong alkaline electrolyte, with much better stability for the former. The optimal NH
3
yield rate reaches 4.0 moles per hour per gram with a high Faradaic efficiency of 99.7%. The strong-alkalinity-free advantage facilitates the practicability of Cu@hNCNC catalyst as demonstrated in a coupled plasma-driven N
2
oxidization with eNO

x

−
RR-to-NH
3
.
Targeting a microbiota
Wolbachian
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase to block its pathogenic host
Authors: Hoffmann Guillaume , Lukarska Maria , Clare Rachel H. , Masters Ellen K.G. , Johnston Kelly L. , Ford Louise , Turner Joseph D. , Ward Steve A. , Taylor Mark J. , Jensen Malene Ringkjøbing , Palencia Andrés
Published: July 2024

The interplay between humans and their microbiome is crucial for various physiological processes, including nutrient absorption, immune defense, and maintaining homeostasis. Microbiome alterations can directly contribute to diseases or heighten their likelihood. This relationship extends beyond humans; microbiota play vital roles in other organisms, including eukaryotic pathogens causing severe diseases. Notably,
Wolbachia
, a bacterial microbiota, is essential for parasitic worms responsible for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, devastating human illnesses. Given the lack of rapid cures for these infections and the limitations of current treatments, new drugs are imperative. Here, we disrupt
Wolbachia
’s symbiosis with pathogens using boron-based compounds targeting an unprecedented
Wolbachia
enzyme, leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), effectively inhibiting its growth. Through a compound demonstrating anti-
Wolbachia
efficacy in infected cells, we use biophysical experiments and x-ray crystallography to elucidate the mechanism behind
Wolbachia
LeuRS inhibition. We reveal that these compounds form adenosine-based adducts inhibiting protein synthesis. Overall, our study underscores the potential of disrupting key microbiota to control infections.
Hemodynamic evaluation of biomaterial-based surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot using a biorobotic heart, in silico, and ovine models
Authors: Singh Manisha , Roubertie François , Ozturk Caglar , Borchiellini Paul , Rames Adeline , Bonnemain Jean , Gollob Samuel Dutra , Wang Sophie X. , Naulin Jérôme , El Hamrani Dounia , Dugot-Senant Nathalie , Gosselin Isalyne , Grenet Célia , L’Heureux Nicolas , Roche Ellen T. , Kawecki Fabien
Published: July 2024

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart disease affecting newborns and involves stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Surgical correction often widens the RVOT with a transannular enlargement patch, but this causes issues including pulmonary valve insufficiency and progressive right ventricle failure. A monocusp valve can prevent pulmonary regurgitation; however, valve failure resulting from factors including leaflet design, morphology, and immune response can occur, ultimately resulting in pulmonary insufficiency. A multimodal platform to quantitatively evaluate the effect of shape, size, and material on clinical outcomes could optimize monocusp design. This study introduces a benchtop soft biorobotic heart model, a computational fluid model of the RVOT, and a monocusp valve made from an entirely biological cell-assembled extracellular matrix (CAM) to tackle the multifaceted issue of monocusp failure. The hydrodynamic and mechanical performance of RVOT repair strategies was assessed in biorobotic and computational platforms. The monocusp valve design was validated in vivo in ovine models through echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and catheterization. These models supported assessment of surgical feasibility, handling, suturability, and hemodynamic and mechanical monocusp capabilities. The CAM-based monocusp offered a competent pulmonary valve with regurgitation of 4.6 ± 0.9% and a transvalvular pressure gradient of 4.3 ± 1.4 millimeters of mercury after 7 days of implantation in sheep. The biorobotic heart model, in silico analysis, and in vivo RVOT modeling allowed iteration in monocusp design not now feasible in a clinical environment and will support future surgical testing of biomaterials for complex congenital heart malformations.
Targeted genome editing restores auditory function in adult mice with progressive hearing loss caused by a human microRNA mutation
Authors: Zhu Wenliang , Du Wan , Rameshbabu Arun Prabhu , Armstrong Ariel Miura , Silver Stewart , Kim Yehree , Wei Wei , Shu Yilai , Liu Xuezhong , Lewis Morag A. , Steel Karen P. , Chen Zheng-Yi
Published: July 2024

Mutations in
microRNA-96
(
MIR96
) cause autosomal dominant deafness-50 (DFNA50), a form of delayed-onset hearing loss. Genome editing has shown efficacy in hearing recovery through intervention in neonatal mice, yet editing in the adult inner ear is necessary for clinical applications, which has not been done. Here, we developed a genome editing therapy for the
MIR96
mutation 14C>A by screening different CRISPR systems and optimizing Cas9 expression and the sgRNA scaffold for efficient and specific mutation editing. AAV delivery of the KKH variant of
Staphylococcus aureus
Cas9 (SaCas9-KKH) and sgRNA to the cochleae of presymptomatic (3-week-old) and symptomatic (6-week-old) adult

Mir96
14C>A/+

mutant mice improved hearing long term, with efficacy increased by injection at a younger age. Adult inner ear delivery resulted in transient Cas9 expression without evidence of AAV genomic integration, indicating the good safety profile of our in vivo genome editing strategy. We developed a dual-AAV system, including an AAV-sgmiR96-master carrying sgRNAs against all known human
MIR96
mutations. Because mouse and human
MIR96
sequences share 100% homology, our approach and sgRNA selection for efficient and specific hair cell editing for long-term hearing recovery lay the foundation for the development of treatment for patients with DFNA50 caused by
MIR96
mutations.