bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Social Marketing in Community-Wide Physical Activity Programs: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wilson Dawn K , Sweeney Allison M , Wippold Guillermo M , Garcia Kaylyn A , White Taylor , Wong Dylan , Fuller Arianna , Kitzman Heather
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous community-wide physical activity trials have been criticized for methodological limitations, lack of population-level changes, and insufficient reach among underserved communities. Social marketing is an effective technique for community-wide behavior change and can coincide with principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR).

Purpose

A systematic scoping review of community-wide interventions (system-level) targeting physical activity and/or weight loss was conducted to (i) describe and critically discuss how social marketing strategies are implemented; (ii) identify which populations have been targeted, including underserved communities; (iii) evaluate the use of CBPR frameworks; (iv) assess retention rates; and (v) identify gaps in the literature and formulate future recommendations.

Methods

Eligible studies included those that: aimed to improve physical activity and/or weight loss on a community-wide level, used social marketing strategies, and were published between 2007 and 2022.

Results

Approximately 56% of the studies reported a positive impact on physical activity. All studies described social marketing details in alignment with the five principles of social marketing (product, promotion, place, price, and people). Only two studies explicitly identified CBPR as a guiding framework, but most studies used one (k = 8, 32%) or two (k = 12, 48%) community engagement strategies. Few studies included at least 50% representation of African American (k = 2) or Hispanic (k = 3) participants.

Conclusions

This review highlights key gaps in the literature (e.g., lack of fully-developed CBPR frameworks, reach among underserved communities, randomized designs, use of theory), highlights examples of successful interventions, and opportunities for refining community-wide interventions using social marketing strategies.
The Saddle Projection Graft
Authors: Nissan Michael E , Kurkjian Jon
Published: August 2024

This paper and the accompanying video present a novel technique developed by the senior author to reliably control nasal tip projection and rotation with a midline cartilage graft that is nonbulky; easily reproducible; and conceptually intuitive. The saddle projection graft is a cartilage graft ∼5 by 15 mm in size fashioned from the nasal septum. A 15 blade is used to create a sagittal groove in the cartilage, which is then inset onto the anterior septal angle with the septum fitting within the sagittal groove. It is positioned to project anteriorly to the position of the desired nasal tip and the graft is inset with sutures. The tip is then unified upon this structurally stable unit. The midline position helps avoid the introduction of new deviation or asymmetry of the nasal tip. The cartilage dimensions do not demand a large stock of cartilage. The technique does not cause external valve obstruction or visibility. Most notably, the saddled position of the graft benefits from the direct support of the sturdy septal cartilage as it opposes the forces of scar maturation, resulting in predictable control of nasal tip projection and rotation.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
729 Enabling Children with Long Term Tracheostomies to Re-Enter the Water for Leisure or Therapeutic Purposes – the Potential to Adapt an Adult Care Model into the Paediatric Setting
Authors: McTernan E
Published: August 2024

Aim

The number of paediatric patients with complicated medical conditions who require tracheostomies is increasing. Periods of ventilatory support are required to manage respiratory failure linked to congenital and acquired pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological abnormalities. Studies suggest children suffer low self-esteem and social exclusion due to restrictive lifestyle changes following a tracheostomy. In adults’ similar obstacles apply, traditionally tracheostomy/laryngectomy patients suffer from reduced self-perceived quality of life (SP-QOL). Water sports have been noted to be amongst the most missed activities. Aquather Therapy (AT) enables patients to enter the water safely by redirecting the airway, allowing breathing through the nasopharynx and eliminating the risk of water entering the trachea. This research aims to establish the success of AT in adult patients and investigate the potential of adapting this care model to improve overall SP-QOL in the paediatric population.

Method

Adult patients attending the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital who underwent a tracheostomy over a 5-year period were selected. Patients were surveyed using questionnaires prior and post use of AT.

Results

Analysing feedback questionnaires from 27 AT patients showed a mean increase in SP- QOL of 1.4 points out of 10 (p<0.05). Patients reported the AT device was user-friendly and felt confident while in the water. Patients remarked it improved their fitness, enabling them to enjoy aquatics.

Conclusions

AT improves overall SP-QOL in adults, as children are fast learners and easily adapt to their environment, it would suggest that AT could have greater success in the paediatric population.
Effect of tailoring biliopancreatic limb length based on total small bowel length versus standard limb length in one anastomosis gastric bypass: 1-year outcomes of the TAILOR randomized clinical superiority trial
Authors: Slagter Nienke , van der Laan Lindsy , de Heide Loek J M , Jutte Ewoud H , Kaijser Mirjam A , Damen Stefan L , van Beek André P , Emous Marloes
Published: August 2024

Background

Tailoring the biliopancreatic limb length in one anastomosis gastric bypass is proposed as beneficial in retrospective studies, yet randomized trials are lacking. The aim of this double-blind, single-centre RCT was to ascertain whether tailoring biliopancreatic limb length based on total small bowel length (TSBL) results in superior outcomes after one anastomosis gastric bypass compared with a fixed 150 cm biliopancreatic limb length.

Methods

Eligible patients, meeting International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) criteria for metabolic bariatric surgery, scheduled for primary one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery, and willing to be randomized, underwent TSBL measurement during surgery. When TSBL measurement was feasible, patients were randomly assigned to a standard 150 cm biliopancreatic limb length or a tailored biliopancreatic limb based on TSBL: TSBL less than 500 cm, biliopancreatic limb 150 cm; TSBL 500–700 cm, biliopancreatic limb 180 cm; and TSBL greater than 700 cm, biliopancreatic limb 210 cm. The primary outcome was percentage total weight loss at 5 years.

Results

Between September 2020 and August 2022, 212 patients were randomized into the standard biliopancreatic limb group (105 patients) or the tailored biliopancreatic limb group (107 patients). The mean(s.d.) TSBL was 657(128) cm (range 295–1020 cm). In the tailored group, 150, 180, and 210 cm biliopancreatic limb lengths were applied to 8.4%, 53.3%, and 38.3% of patients respectively. The mean(s.d.) 1-year percentage total weight loss was 32.8(6.9)% in the standard group and 33.1(6.2)% in the tailored group (P = 0.787). Nutritional deficiencies and short-term complications showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

Tailoring biliopancreatic limb length based on TSBL is safe and feasible. One year after surgery, it is not superior to a standard biliopancreatic limb length of 150 cm in terms of percentage total weight loss.

Registration number

Dutch Trial Register, NL7945.
Implementing Connecting People in Adult Mental Health Social Work Practice: A Thematic Analysis of Postgraduate Student Assessed Placement Reports
Authors: Webber Martin , Shires Kirsty
Published: August 2024

Many mental health social workers employed in NHS mental health trusts in England undertake generic care co-ordination roles. Their identity as social workers is often overlooked, diminishing their potential to lead the implementation of social interventions to improve social outcomes for people with mental health problems. This study explores the extent to which mental health social work students were able to implement an evidence-informed social intervention—Connecting People—during a mental health practice learning placement. A thematic analysis of sixteen placement reports was conducted and evidence was found of high fidelity to the practice model alongside areas for improvement. Additionally, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Connecting People in practice were noted. The findings demonstrated that it was possible to implement the model in mental health services, though the support of supervisors, teams and employers was required. The use of social approaches in mental health services may provide a leadership opportunity for mental health social workers which is distinct from their statutory functions, potentially assisting their retention in the profession.
Electrochemical permeability assays of hydrolyzed acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in engineered gut models
Authors: Ito Chisato , Ino Kosuke , Utagawa Yoshinobu , Iwase Kazuyuki , Shinoda Yasuhiko , Abe Hiroya , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: August 2024

This study presents an electrochemical permeability assay for drugs using an engineered gut model. Caco-2 cells (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line) were cultured on porous membranes for 21 d. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), after hydrolysis, was introduced from either the apical or basal sides and incubated for 2 h. The solution from the acceptor side was collected, and cyclic voltammetry was conducted to measure the hydrolyzed acetylsalicylic acid. This electrochemical approach holds promise for drug screening applications in engineered gut models.
Intrapopulation variability in coloration is associated with reproductive season in the crayfish Faxonius virilis
Authors: Mathews Lauren
Published: August 2024

Animal coloration has a wide range of biological functions and may be subject to different, sometimes conflicting, selective pressures. In crustaceans, the evolution of coloration is relatively unstudied, despite the broad range of colors and color patterns, which includes variability at multiple levels. Freshwater crayfish are known to show color variability within species and populations, as well as intra-individual variability, but the function, if any, of crayfish coloration is largely unknown. Here, I report on an experiment to understand patterns of color variability in the crayfish Faxonius virilis and show that variation is strongly correlated to ontogenetic changes from a summer non-reproductive form to a fall reproductive form. Crayfish showed comparatively little inter- and intra-individual color variation in their non-reproductive form, but substantial variation at both levels in the reproductive form. Transition to the reproductive form was associated with the development of greener or bluer coloration localized to the chelae on a subset of individuals, but these changes showed no clear correlation with sex or body size. Future investigations should focus on determining whether differences in color between individuals in the mating season are associated with any physiological or behavioral differences, or with differential susceptibility to predation.
CBGDA: a manually curated resource for gene–disease associations based on genome-wide CRISPR
Authors: Du Qingsong , Zhang Zhiyu , Yang Wanyi , Zhou Xunyu , Zhou Nan , Wu Chuanfang , Bao Jinku
Published: August 2024

The field of understanding the association between genes and diseases is rapidly expanding, making it challenging for researchers to keep up with the influx of new publications and genetic datasets. Fortunately, there are now several regularly updated databases available that focus on cataloging gene–disease relationships. The development of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system has revolutionized the field of gene editing, providing a highly efficient, accurate, and reliable method for exploring gene–disease associations. However, currently, there is no resource specifically dedicated to collecting and integrating the latest experimentally supported gene–disease association data derived from genome-wide CRISPR screening. To address this gap, we have developed the CRISPR-Based Gene–Disease Associations (CBGDA) database, which includes over 200 manually curated gene–disease association data derived from genome-wide CRISPR screening studies. Through CBGDA, users can explore gene–disease association data derived from genome-wide CRISPR screening, gaining insights into the expression patterns of genes in different diseases, associated chemical data, and variant information. This provides a novel perspective on understanding the associations between genes and diseases. What is more, CBGDA integrates data from several other databases and resources, enhancing its comprehensiveness and utility. In summary, CBGDA offers a fresh perspective and comprehensive insights into the research on gene–disease associations. It fills the gap by providing a dedicated resource for accessing up-to-date, experimentally supported gene–disease association data derived from genome-wide CRISPR screening.

Database URL: http://cbgda.zhounan.org/main
Automatic extraction of transcriptional regulatory interactions of bacteria from biomedical literature using a BERT-based approach
Authors: Varela-Vega Alfredo , Posada-Reyes Ali-Berenice , Méndez-Cruz Carlos-Francisco
Published: August 2024

Transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) give a global view of the regulatory mechanisms of bacteria to respond to environmental signals. These networks are published in biological databases as a valuable resource for experimental and bioinformatics researchers. Despite the efforts to publish TRNs of diverse bacteria, many of them still lack one and many of the existing TRNs are incomplete. In addition, the manual extraction of information from biomedical literature (“literature curation”) has been the traditional way to extract these networks, despite this being demanding and time-consuming. Recently, language models based on pretrained transformers have been used to extract relevant knowledge from biomedical literature. Moreover, the benefit of fine-tuning a large pretrained model with new limited data for a specific task (“transfer learning”) opens roads to address new problems of biomedical information extraction. Here, to alleviate this lack of knowledge and assist literature curation, we present a new approach based on the Bidirectional Transformer for Language Understanding (BERT) architecture to classify transcriptional regulatory interactions of bacteria as a first step to extract TRNs from literature. The approach achieved a significant performance in a test dataset of sentences of Escherichia coli (F1-Score: 0.8685, Matthew’s correlation coefficient: 0.8163). The examination of model predictions revealed that the model learned different ways to express the regulatory interaction. The approach was evaluated to extract a TRN of Salmonella using 264 complete articles. The evaluation showed that the approach was able to accurately extract 82% of the network and that it was able to extract interactions absent in curation data. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first effort to obtain a BERT-based approach to extract this specific kind of interaction. This approach is a starting point to address the limitations of reconstructing TRNs of bacteria and diseases of biological interest.

Database URL: https://github.com/laigen-unam/BERT-trn-extraction.
Standard length of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vespa Edoardo , Barchi Alberto , Mandarino Francesco Vito , Fasulo Ernesto , Fratto Maria Caterina , Passaretti Sandro , Azzolini Francesco , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Danese Silvio
Published: August 2024

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia, yet there is still a lack of technical standardization. No clear definition of ‘long’, ‘standard’, or ‘short’ POEM exists to date. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to analyze current POEM length standards. We included studies reporting technical details of POEM, in which no definite or comparative myotomy length was intentionally adopted (standard myotomy). The primary outcome was the pooled mean total myotomy length. Sub-group analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity across studies. From the initial 7172 records, 31 studies with 3023 patients were included. Pooled mean of total myotomy length was 10.39 cm (95% CI 10.06–10.71; I2 99.3%). Pooled mean of esophageal and gastric myotomy length, provided by 17 studies, was 7.11 cm (95% CI 6.51–7.71; I2 99.8%) and 2.81 cm (95% CI 2.41–3-22; I2 99.8%), respectively. On subgroup analysis for achalasia subtypes, pooled mean length in non-spastic achalasia (type I and II) was 10.17 cm (95% CI 9.91–10.43; I2 94.2%), while in type III it was 14.02 cm (95% CI 10.59–17.44; I2 98.9%). Pooled mean myotomy length for studies conducted between 2014–2020 was 10.53 cm (95% CI, 10.22–10.84; I2 99.1%) and 9.74 cm (95% CI, 7.95–11.54; I2 99.7%) in 2021–2022. Myotomy length during a ‘standard’ POEM is 10.4 cm, remaining over 10 cm in non-spastic achalasia. The high heterogeneity across studies confirms that the POEM technique needs further standardization. We found no significant time trend towards adopting short POEM, despite recent evidence supporting its use.
Digital solutions to optimize guideline-directed medical therapy prescription rates in patients with heart failure: a clinical consensus statement from the ESC Working Group on e-Cardiology, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions of the European Society of Cardiology, the ESC Digital Health Committee, the ESC Council of Cardio-Oncology, and the ESC Patient Forum
Authors: Schuuring Mark Johan , Treskes Roderick Willem , Castiello Teresa , Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Casado-Arroyo Ruben , Neubeck Lis , Lyon Alexander R , Keser Nurgul , Rucinski Marcin , Marketou Maria , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Volterrani Maurizio , Hill Loreena
Published: August 2024

The 2021 European Society of Cardiology guideline on diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure (HF) and the 2023 Focused Update include recommendations on the pharmacotherapy for patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV HF with reduced ejection fraction. However, multinational data from the EVOLUTION HF study found substantial prescribing inertia of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in clinical practice. The cause was multifactorial and included limitations in organizational resources. Digital solutions like digital consultation, digital remote monitoring, digital interrogation of cardiac implantable electronic devices, clinical decision support systems, and multifaceted interventions are increasingly available worldwide. The objectives of this Clinical Consensus Statement are to provide (i) examples of digital solutions that can aid the optimization of prescription of GDMT, (ii) evidence-based insights on the optimization of prescription of GDMT using digital solutions, (iii) current evidence gaps and implementation barriers that limit the adoption of digital solutions in clinical practice, and (iv) critically discuss strategies to achieve equality of access, with reference to patient subgroups. Embracing digital solutions through the use of digital consults and digital remote monitoring will future-proof, for example alerts to clinicians, informing them of patients on suboptimal GDMT. Researchers should consider employing multifaceted digital solutions to optimize effectiveness and use study designs that fit the unique sociotechnical aspects of digital solutions. Artificial intelligence solutions can handle larger data sets and relieve medical professionals’ workloads, but as the data on the use of artificial intelligence in HF are limited, further investigation is warranted.
Technology Adoption, Mortality and Population Dynamics
Authors: Hejkal John , Ravikumar B , Vandenbroucke Guillaume
Published: August 2024

We develop a quantitative theory of mortality and population dynamics, emphasising individuals’ decisions to reduce their mortality by adopting better health technology. Expanded use of this technology reduces the cost of adoption and confers a dynamic externality by increasing the future number of individuals who use the technology. Our model generates a diffusion curve whose shape dictates the pace of mortality reduction. The model explains historical trends in mortality rates and life expectancies at various ages and population dynamics in Western Europe. Unlike Malthusian theories based solely on income, ours is consistent with the observed disconnect between mortality and income. Unlike Beckerian theories of fertility, ours accounts for the observed acceleration in population.
Cardiovascular outcomes with semaglutide by severity of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: the FLOW trial
Authors: Mahaffey Kenneth W , Tuttle Katherine R , Arici Mustafa , Baeres Florian M M , Bakris George , Charytan David M , Cherney David Z I , Chernin Gil , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Gumprecht Janusz , Idorn Thomas , Pugliese Giuseppe , Rasmussen Ida Kirstine Bull , Rasmussen Søren , Rossing Peter , Sokareva Ekaterina , Mann Johannes F E , Perkovic Vlado , Pratley Richard
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

In the FLOW trial, semaglutide reduced the risks of kidney and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and death in participants with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These prespecified analyses assessed the effects of semaglutide on CV outcomes and death by CKD severity.

Methods

Participants were randomized to subcutaneous semaglutide 1 mg or placebo weekly. The main outcome was a composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or non-fatal stroke (CV death/MI/stroke) as well as death due to any cause by baseline CKD severity. CKD was categorized by estimated glomerular filtration rate < or ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio < or ≥300 mg/g, or Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) risk classification.

Results

Three thousand, five hundred and thirty-three participants were randomized with a median follow-up of 3.4 years. Low/moderate KDIGO risk was present in 242 (6.8%), while 878 (24.9%) had high and 2412 (68.3%) had very high KDIGO risk. Semaglutide reduced CV death/MI/stroke by 18% [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.98); P = .03], with consistency across estimated glomerular filtration rate categories, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels, and KDIGO risk classification (all P-interaction > .13). Death due to any cause was reduced by 20% [HR 0.80 (0.67–0.95); P = .01], with consistency across estimated glomerular filtration rate categories and KDIGO risk class (P-interaction .21 and .23, respectively). The P-interaction treatment effect for death due to any cause by urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was .01 [<300 mg/g HR 1.17 (0.83–1.65); ≥300 mg/g HR 0.70 (0.57–0.85)].

Conclusions

Semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of CV death/MI/stroke regardless of baseline CKD severity in participants with type 2 diabetes.
Comparative evaluation of access to emicizumab (Hemlibra®) for people with haemophilia A in community and hospital pharmacies in France
Authors: Cabon Morgane , Chamouard Valérie , Freyssenge Julie , Fraticelli Laurie
Published: August 2024

Since June 2021 in France, patients with haemophilia A with anti-factor VIII inhibitors and patients with severe haemophilia A without anti-factor VIII inhibitors have the choice between the community and the hospital pharmacy for dispensing emicizumab (Hemlibra®). This study aims to investigate patient-centred access to treatment by evaluating and comparing the dimensions of the Penchansky and Thomas model, between community and hospital pharmacies. The evaluation of access to treatment was based on the dimensions of the Penchansky and Thomas model: accessibility, availability, acceptability, accommodation and affordability. These were assessed using appropriate and specific indicators in the study context and calculated for patients choosing community pharmacy or hospital pharmacy for emicizumab dispensing. Geographical data collected as part of the national ‘PASO DOBLE DEMI’ study were used for this analysis. The findings reveal that dispensing emicizumab in community pharmacies improves accessibility by significantly reducing travel time. The availability of healthcare services is also improved due to the territorial coverage of community pharmacies. The extended opening hours and low waiting time also contribute to better access to emicizumab in community pharmacies. The dimension of acceptability must be improved, and further investigations are needed to address the affordability dimension. Several months after emicizumab became available in French community pharmacies, access to treatment has significantly improved, reducing the burden of this rare chronic disease for patients and their careers. These results suggest that this innovative model could be extended to other medicines and even other therapeutic areas.
Impact of coarse woody debris on habitat use of two sympatric rodent species in the temperate Białowieża Forest
Authors: Zegadło Emilia , Zegadło Piotr , Jancewicz Elżbieta
Published: August 2024

Importance of coarse woody debris (CWD) in habitat use of small mammals has not been thoroughly explored, especially for European species. Moreover, despite the growing awareness about the need for protecting CWD resources in forests, their amount is usually quantified with regard to current or desired volume. The area of forest floor covered by CWD is rarely considered, despite its potential importance for habitat use of small mammals. Over a period of three summer seasons (4800 trap-nights), we examined the populations of yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis and bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus through capture-mark-recapture trapping at three 1-hectare study sites, including both managed forests and a nature reserve in Białowieża Forest, Poland. We applied generalized linear mixed models on a sample of 236 adult individuals of yellow-necked mouse and 173 adult individuals of bank vole to establish that the access to CWD is a significant aspect of their habitat use. Our results suggest that both species prefer a certain minimum amount of CWD. After accounting for different aspects of forest undergrowth, we established that bank vole more frequently used areas with a relatively large amount of CWD (threshold of 0.75 m$^{3}$ CWD per 100 m$^{2}$), together with a propensity to choose areas with debris in the later stages of decay. Yellow-necked mouse was found more frequently in areas with at least 1.5 m$^{2}$ of CWD. We suggest that manipulating CWD distribution, or possibly vegetation characteristics, could be a strategy for managing the abundance and distribution of rodents in forest stands—especially when both CWD volume and coverage are taken into account.
Genomic factors shaping codon usage across the Saccharomycotina subphylum
Authors: Zavala Bryan , Dineen Lauren , Fisher Kaitlin J , Opulente Dana A , Harrison Marie-Claire , Wolters John F , Shen Xing-Xing , Zhou Xiaofan , Groenewald Marizeth , Hittinger Chris Todd , Rokas Antonis , LaBella Abigail Leavitt
Published: August 2024

Codon usage bias, or the unequal use of synonymous codons, is observed across genes, genomes, and between species. It has been implicated in many cellular functions, such as translation dynamics and transcript stability, but can also be shaped by neutral forces. We characterized codon usage across 1,154 strains from 1,051 species from the fungal subphylum Saccharomycotina to gain insight into the biases, molecular mechanisms, evolution, and genomic features contributing to codon usage patterns. We found a general preference for A/T-ending codons and correlations between codon usage bias, GC content, and tRNA-ome size. Codon usage bias is distinct between the 12 orders to such a degree that yeasts can be classified with an accuracy >90% using a machine learning algorithm. We also characterized the degree to which codon usage bias is impacted by translational selection. We found it was influenced by a combination of features, including the number of coding sequences, BUSCO count, and genome length. Our analysis also revealed an extreme bias in codon usage in the Saccharomycodales associated with a lack of predicted arginine tRNAs that decode CGN codons, leaving only the AGN codons to encode arginine. Analysis of Saccharomycodales gene expression, tRNA sequences, and codon evolution suggests that avoidance of the CGN codons is associated with a decline in arginine tRNA function. Consistent with previous findings, codon usage bias within the Saccharomycotina is shaped by genomic features and GC bias. However, we find cases of extreme codon usage preference and avoidance along yeast lineages, suggesting additional forces may be shaping the evolution of specific codons.
CsSPX3-CsPHL7-CsGS1/CsTS1 module mediated Pi-regulated negatively theanine biosynthesis in tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Chen Zhouzhuoer , Yu Zhixun , Liu TingTing , Yao Xinzhuan , Zhang Shiyu , Hu Yilan , Luo Mingyuan , Wan Yue , Lu Litang
Published: August 2024

Phosphorus (P) is the macronutrients essential for the development and growth of plants, but how external inorganic phosphate (Pi) level and signaling affect tea plant growth and characteristic secondary metabolite biosynthesis are not understood. Theanine is major secondary metabolites, and its contents largely determine tea favor and nutrition qualities. Here, we found theanine contents in tea leaves and roots declined as Pi concentration increased in tea plants after Pi feeding. The transcriptome analysis of global gene expression in tea leaves under Pi feeding suggested a wide range of genes involved in Pi/N transport and responses were altered. Among them, CsSPX3 and CsPHL7 transcript levels in response to Pi feeding to tea plants, their expression patterns were generally opposite to these of major theanine biosynthesis genes, indicating possible regulatory correlations. Biochemical analyses showed that CsSPX3 interacted with CsPHL7, and CsPHL7 negatively regulated theanine biosynthesis genes CsGS1 and CsTS1. Meanwhile, VIGS and transient overexpression systems in tea plants verified the functions of CsSPX3 and CsPHL7 in mediating Pi-feeding-repressed theanine biosynthesis. This study offers fresh insights into the regulatory mechanism underlying Pi repression of theanine biosynthesis, and the CsSPX3-CsPHL7-CsGS1/CsTS1 module plays a role in high Pi inhibition of theanine production in tea leaves. It has an instructional significance for guiding the high-quality tea production in tea garden fertilization.
The IFPA youth group, the Adolescent Confidential Telephone Service and Sexual Health Activism in Ireland, c. 1984–90
Authors: Kelly Laura
Published: August 2024

In October 1984 the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) established a youth group of volunteers aged 16-20. One of the group’s main initiatives was a sexual health phoneline for young people called the Adolescent Confidential Telephone Service (ACTS). Using oral history interviews and archival sources such as the ACTS logbook, this article explores the motivations of the young activists involved in the ACTS and what the operation of and responses to it reveal about the wider social climate in relation to sexual health. Finally, it examines the emotional labour involved in sexual health activism, showing how this was often gendered.
The Joy Factor: Redefining Leadership Excellence at Black in Marine Science through Joy-Centered Leadership Practices
Authors: Adams Lynnette , Moore Tiara
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

At Black in Marine Science (BIMS), the integration of joy-centered leadership principles has emerged as a transformative blueprint for empowering leaders and fostering inclusive environments. This article explores the integration of the Formula for Joy (F4J) model within BIMS, providing a comprehensive overview of its principles and practices. It presents the model as an adaptable leadership approach suitable for a diverse range of leaders and organizational contexts. The F4J model, uniquely designed for the challenges and opportunities within BIMS, specializes in leaders' personal joy and wellness. It encourages leaders to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing their true identities and finding fulfillment within their roles. By fostering an authentic exploration of self and nurturing continuous growth, leaders can cultivate meaningful connections within their teams, promoting collaboration and unity. Moreover, the F4J model highlights the significance of psychological safety and balanced well-being in creating environments where individuals feel valued and culturally supported. By championing an ethos of iterative joyfulness, leaders engage in ongoing self-reflection and improvement, enhancing their well-being while fostering resilience in navigating organizational challenges. This article underscores the practical benefits of joy-centered leadership within BIMS, offering a roadmap for leaders to infuse joy into their practices and drive positive change. By embracing the principles of F4J, leaders within and around BIMS can foster environments of empowerment where diversity is celebrated, and individuals thrive.
Optimization of scheduling and control for a combined cooling, heating, and power microgrid system based on GDMOPSO
Authors: Li Guimin , Wang Qing , Jing Zhen , Chen Zhiru , Zhang Zhi
Published: August 2024

This research presents an innovative approach called Gaussian Distribution Mutation and Dynamic Adaptive Parameter Change Particle Swarm Optimization (GDMOPSO), which is a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, for optimizing the scheduling of a Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Microgrid System (CHPMS). The algorithm incorporates Gaussian mutation and dynamic adaptive parameter changes to address the limitations of the PSO algorithm, such as falling into local optima and oscillating around global optima in later stages of iteration. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, it was tested on five ZDT benchmark functions and compared with two other algorithms, namely MOEA/D and MOPSO. The experimental results demonstrate that GDMOPSO outperforms the other algorithms by achieving the optimal state in significantly fewer iterations. Specifically, GDMOPSO required 92 and 162 fewer iterations compared to multi-objective evolutionary algorithm decomposition (MOEA/D) and MOPSO, respectively. Moreover, the algorithm maintains a diverse set of non-dominated solutions (NISs) with better uniformity compared to the other algorithms. Also, the proposed GDMOPSO-based CHPMS exhibits the capability to accurately predict peak electricity consumption and power consumption. After optimization, it effectively reduces the electricity load and pollution emissions while ensuring a stable power supply. The algorithm achieves an 11% reduction in the overall load, an 8% enhancement in energy use efficiency, and a 7% decrease in pollution emissions. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed GDMOPSO-based microgrid system scheduling for CHPMS in enhancing the system’s performance and sustainability. This study introduces the GDMOPSO algorithm as a solution for optimizing the scheduling of a CHPMS. The algorithm improves the performance of the PSO algorithm and maintains a diverse set of NISs. It accurately predicts peak electricity consumption and power consumption, while effectively reducing the electricity load and pollution emissions.
Revealing the Unseen: Next-Generation Sequencing for Early Detection of Drug-Resistant Cytomegalovirus Variants Upon Letermovir Prophylaxis Failure
Authors: Nägele Klaudia , Bättig Veronika , Gosert Rainer , Walti Carla S , Prince Spasenija Savic , Halter Jörg , Mathews Roby , Stühler Claudia , Khanna Nina , Leuzinger Karoline
Published: August 2024

In recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant, prophylactic management strategies are essential for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and associated disease. We report on a 63-year-old male patient with a D−/R+ CMV serostatus, who showed ongoing low-level CMV replication after hematopoietic cell transplant despite receiving letermovir prophylaxis. Sanger sequencing failed to detect drug resistance mutations (DRMs) until CMV pneumonitis developed, revealing a UL56-C325R DRM linked to high-level letermovir resistance. Retrospective analysis with next-generation sequencing revealed the DRM at a low frequency of 6% two weeks prior to detection by Sanger sequencing. This study highlights the importance of advanced next-generation sequencing methods for early detection of CMV DRMs, allowing for faster adjustments in antiviral treatment strategies.
Interplay between particle size and microbial ecology in the gut microbiome
Authors: Letourneau Jeffrey , Carrion Verónica M , Zeng Jun , Jiang Sharon , Osborne Olivia W , Holmes Zachary C , Fox Aiden , Epstein Piper , Tan Chin Yee , Kirtley Michelle , Surana Neeraj K , David Lawrence A
Published: August 2024

Physical particles can serve as critical abiotic factors that structure the ecology of microbial communities. For non-human vertebrate gut microbiomes, fecal particle size (FPS) has been known to be shaped by chewing efficiency and diet. However, little is known about what drives FPS in the human gut. Here, we analyzed FPS by laser diffraction across a total of 76 individuals and found FPS to be strongly individualized. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, a behavioral intervention with 41 volunteers designed to increase chewing efficiency did not impact FPS. Dietary patterns could also not be associated with FPS. Instead, we found evidence that human and mouse gut microbiomes shaped FPS. Fecal samples from germ-free and antibiotic-treated mice exhibited increased FPS relative to colonized mice. In humans, markers of longer transit time were correlated with smaller FPS. Gut microbiota diversity and composition were also associated with FPS. Finally, ex vivo culture experiments using human fecal microbiota from distinct donors showed that differences in microbiota community composition can drive variation in particle size. Together, our results support an ecological model in which the human gut microbiome plays a key role in reducing the size of food particles during digestion. This finding has important implications for our understanding of energy extraction and subsequent uptake in gastrointestinal tract. FPS may therefore be viewed as an informative functional readout, providing new insights into the metabolic state of the gut microbiome.
Prediction of teicoplanin plasma concentration in critically ill patients: a combination of machine learning and population pharmacokinetics
Authors: Ma Pan , Shang Shenglan , Liu Ruixiang , Dong Yuzhu , Wu Jiangfan , Gu Wenrui , Yu Mengchen , Liu Jing , Li Ying , Chen Yongchuan
Published: August 2024

Background

Teicoplanin has been widely used in patients with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, especially for critically ill patients. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of teicoplanin vary between individuals and within the same individual. We aim to establish a prediction model via a combination of machine learning and population PK (PPK) to support personalized medication decisions for critically ill patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed incorporating 33 variables, including PPK parameters (clearance and volume of distribution). Multiple algorithms and Shapley additive explanations were employed for feature selection of variables to determine the strongest driving factors.

Results

The performance of each algorithm with PPK parameters was superior to that without PPK parameters. The composition of support vector regression, categorical boosting and a backpropagation neural network (7:2:1) with the highest R2 (0.809) was determined as the final ensemble model. The model included 15 variables after feature selection, of which the predictive performance was superior to that of models considering all variables or using only PPK. The R2, mean absolute error, mean squared error, absolute accuracy (±5 mg/L) and relative accuracy (±30%) of external validation were 0.649, 3.913, 28.347, 76.12% and 76.12%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study offers a non-invasive, fast and cost-effective prediction model of teicoplanin plasma concentration in critically ill patients. The model serves as a fundamental tool for clinicians to determine the effective plasma concentration range of teicoplanin and formulate individualized dosing regimens accordingly.
Therapeutic effects of mitoquinol during an acute heat stress challenge in growing gilts
Authors: Mayorga Edith J , Freestone Alyssa D , Rudolph Tori E , Roths Melissa , Abeyta Megan A , Rodríguez-Jiménez Sonia , Goetz Brady M , Opgenorth Julie , Selsby Joshua T , Baumgard Lance H
Published: August 2024

Study objectives were to evaluate the effects of mitoquinol (MitoQ) on production parameters, gastrointestinal tract (GIT; stomach and small and large intestines) weight, and circulating leukocytes during a 24-h acute heat stress (HS) challenge. Crossbred gilts [n = 32; 49.1 ± 2.4 kg body weight (BW)] were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 environmental-therapeutic treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) control (n = 8; TNCON), 2) TN and MitoQ (n = 8; TNMitoQ), 3) HS control (n = 8; HSCON), or 4) HS and MitoQ (n = 8; HSMitoQ). Pigs were moved into individual pens and allowed to acclimate for 6 d. The study consisted of 2 experimental periods (P). During P1 (2 d), all pigs remained in TN conditions (20.6 ± 1.5 °C) and were fed ad libitum. During P2 (24 h), pigs were fed ad libitum and exposed to either TN or constant HS (37.3 ± 1.3 °C). Mitoquinol (40 mg/d) was orally administered twice daily (0700 and 1800 hours) during P1 and P2. As expected, pigs exposed to HS had increased rectal temperature, skin temperature, and respiration rate (+1.5 °C, +8.7 °C, and +86 bpm, respectively; P < 0.01) compared to their TN counterparts. Compared to TN, HS pigs had decreased feed intake (67%; P < 0.01) and significant BW loss (+1.5 vs. −1.9 kg, respectively; P < 0.01). Total GIT weight was decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (P < 0.01), and this was influenced by decreased luminal contents (2.43 vs. 3.26 kg, respectively; P < 0.01) and reduced empty GIT mass (3.21 vs. 3.48 kg, respectively; P = 0.03). Stomach contents remained similar between TN and HS pigs (P > 0.54) but tended to increase in MitoQ relative to CON pigs (0.90 vs. 0.63 kg, respectively; P = 0.08). Stomach content as a percentage of the previous 24 h feed intake was increased in HS compared to the TN controls (93% vs. 31%; P < 0.01). In contrast, small and large intestinal contents were decreased in HS compared to TN pigs (23% and 49%, respectively; P < 0.01). Liver weight decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (1.15 vs. 1.22 kg, respectively; P = 0.02), and was decreased in MitoQ compared to CON pigs (1.13 vs. 1.24 kg; P < 0.01). Circulating lymphocytes tended to be decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (16%; P = 0.07). In summary, acute HS increased all body temperature indices, negatively influenced animal performance, and differentially altered GIT motility as evidenced by decreased gastric emptying and increased intestinal transit. However, MitoQ supplementation did not appear to ameliorate these effects.
Eagle syndrome: tissue characteristics and structure of the styloid process
Authors: de Ruiter Ruben D , Treurniet Sanne , Bravenboer Nathalie , Busse Björn , Hendrickx Jan Jaap , Jansen Jeroen C , Dubois Leander , Schreuder Willem H , Micha Dimitra , Teunissen Bernd P , Raijmakers Pieter G H M , Eekhoff Elisabeth M W , von Brackel Felix N
Published: August 2024

Eagle syndrome is a bone disease where elongation of the styloid process leads to throat and neck pain, and in severe cases neurovascular symptoms such as syncope and neuralgia. The pathophysiology of Eagle syndrome is poorly understood with various theories having been proposed how this elongation is caused. To better understand the pathophysiology, we performed a work-up in 6 patients presenting with Eagle syndrome. Patients mainly presented with pain on turning the neck (100%), foreign body sensation (67%), tension in the neck (67%), and dysphagia (50%). The typical length of the styloid process ranges from 25 to 30 mm; however, [18F]NaF (sodium fluoride) PET/CT showed elongated styloid processes with an average length of 52.1 ± 15.6 mm (mean ± SD) with increased turnover at the base of one of the styloid processes. The removed styloid processes were further examined by histology, micro-CT, quantitative backscatter electron imaging (qBEI), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and circularly polarized light imaging. Histology revealed one case of a fractured styloid process healing through callus formation and one case of pseudarthrosis. Bone mineral density and mineralization was similar in the styloid processes when compared to cortical bone samples derived from the mandibular bone of different patients. Circular polarized light microscopy showed a collagen orientation in the styloid process comparable to the cortical bone samples with a distinct separation of collagen structure between the mineralized structure and the surrounding soft tissue with FTIR analysis demonstrating a typical composition of bone. This altogether suggests that the elongated styloid processes in Eagle syndrome are mature bone, capable of endochondral repair, possibly growing from the base of the process through endochondral ossification, rather than being a form of secondary calcification of the stylohyoid ligament as previously postulated.
Investigating pulmonary neutrophil responses to inflammation in mice via flow cytometry
Authors: Song Zhimin , Clemens Regina A , Zhang Yun , Chen Jingjing , Wang Yaofeng , Dinauer Mary C , Meng Shu
Published: August 2024

Neutrophils play a crucial role in maintaining lung health by defending against infections and participating in inflammation processes. Here we describe a detailed protocol for evaluating pulmonary neutrophil phenotype using a murine model of sterile inflammation induced by the fungal cell wall particle zymosan. We provide step-by-step instructions for the isolation of single cells from both lung tissues and airspaces, followed by comprehensive staining techniques for both cell surface markers and intracellular components. This protocol facilitates the sorting and detailed characterization of lung neutrophils via flow cytometry, making it suitable for downstream applications such as mRNA extraction, single-cell sequencing, and analysis of neutrophil heterogeneity. We also identify and discuss essential considerations for conducting successful neutrophil flow cytometry experiments. This work is aimed at researchers exploring the intricate functions of neutrophils in the lung under physiological and pathological conditions with the aid of flow cytometry.