bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of marine halophilic Bacillus species against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Murphy Monica M. , Culligan Eamonn P. , Murphy Craig P.
Published: October 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), known as the “silent pandemic,” is exacerbated by pathogenic bacteria's ability to form biofilms. Marine compounds hold promise for novel antibacterial drug discovery. Two isolates from preliminary saltwater environment screening demonstrated antimicrobial activity and were subsequently identified as Bacillus subtilis MTUA2 and Bacillus velezensis MTUC2. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum biofilm inhibition concentrations (MBICs) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) required to prevent and/or disrupt bacterial growth and biofilm formation were established for MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. The metabolic activity within biofilms was determined by the 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride assay. Both Bacillus species exhibited unique antimicrobial effects, reducing MRSA and S. aureus planktonic cell growth by 50% and sessile cell growth for S. aureus and E. coli by 50% and 90%, respectively. No effect was observed against A. baumannii. Significant MBIC and MBEC values were achieved, with 99% inhibition and 90% reduction in MRSA and S. aureus biofilms. Additionally, 90% and 50% inhibition was observed in E. coli and A. baumannii biofilms, respectively, with a 50% reduction in E. coli biofilm. These findings suggest that the mode of action employed by B. subtilis MTUA2 and B. velezensis MTUC2 metabolites should be further characterized and could be beneficial if used independently or in combination with other treatments.
Factors Associated With Abdominal Pain in Patients With Active and Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicohort Study
Authors: van Gils Tom , Törnblom Hans , Hreinsson Jóhann P. , Jonefjäll Börje , Strid Hans , Simrén Magnus
Published: October 2024

Background

Abdominal pain can be an overlooked symptom in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with abdominal pain in active and quiescent UC.

Methods

Three study cohorts of adult UC patients were used. Cross‐sectional cohorts I and II included 130 (46 active) and 288 (156 active) patients. Longitudinal cohort III included 83 patients with active disease at diagnosis that reached deep remission during follow‐up. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale was used to assess abdominal pain and other validated questionnaires to assess psychological distress, fatigue and quality of life (QoL).

Results

In the two cross‐sectional cohorts, 63% and 58% of the active vs. 54% and 33% of the quiescent UC patients reported abdominal pain (both p ≤ 0.02). In the longitudinal cohort, 71% had abdominal pain at diagnosis vs. 46% when in remission (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, symptoms of anxiety were associated with higher abdominal pain levels in both cross‐sectional cohorts (OR 1.75 [IQR 1.11–2.76] and OR 1.99 [1.45–2.73]), whereas in cohort II, active disease (OR 2.68 [1.61–4.45]) and female sex (OR 2.03 [1.21–3.41]) were also associated with pain. QoL was negatively correlated with higher levels of abdominal pain, both in active and quiescent disease.

Conclusions

Abdominal pain in UC is prevalent and associated with lower QoL in both active and quiescent disease. Associated factors are active disease, female sex and psychological symptoms, especially anxiety. We suggest considering a holistic approach when treating UC patients with abdominal pain.
Learning apps at home prepare children for school
Authors: Niklas Frank , Birtwistle Efsun , Mues Anna , Wirth Astrid
Published: October 2024

The usage of high‐quality learning applications (apps) at home may increase children's mathematical and literacy competencies. This approach was tested in a family intervention study. Intervention families (n = 302) in two German cohorts (N = 500; M (SD)age = 61.0 (4.6) months; n♀ = 302) received tablets with newly developed learning apps focusing either on mathematical or literacy learning for every‐day usage at home across half a kindergarten year. Compared with two control groups with and without tablets, children in the intervention groups significantly enhanced their specific competencies (η2 = .03–.10). Higher app usage was associated with greater gains (ΔR2 = .01–.02). Consequently, an easy‐to‐apply app‐based intervention supports children's development of cognitive competencies and helps prepare them for school.
Thymoma‐Associated Multiorgan Autoimmunity (TAMA) Presenting as a Graft Versus Host Disease‐Like Erythroderma
Authors: Hewitt Noah , Bertus Brooke , Farmer William , Kiavash Katrin , Beatty Colleen , Powers Roxann
Published: October 2024

Thymoma‐associated multiorgan autoimmunity (TAMA) is a rare paraneoplastic disorder that presents similarly to graft versus host disease (GVHD). We report a unique case of TAMA presenting as a GVHD‐like erythroderma in an elderly male with a history of benign thymoma. Cutaneous histopathological findings demonstrated vacuolar interface dermatitis with numerous dyskeratotic keratinocytes, exocytosis of lymphocytes, and a mildly acanthotic epidermis, which can be seen in several different disease processes. Thus, careful consideration of clinical presentation, historical information, laboratory testing, and histopathologic findings led to the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Novel technique “short myotomy” during endoscopic submucosal dissection for a diverticulum‐associated colonic lesion
Authors: Kobayashi Ryosuke , Hirasawa Kingo , Maeda Shin
Published: October 2024

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Why There Must Be Something Rather Than Nothing: A New Argument from the PSR
Authors: Shaul Dylan
Published: October 2024

This article offers a new argument that there must be something rather than nothing, grounded in the PSR. Inspired by the rationalist tradition running from Parmenides to Spinoza and Leibniz, I argue that there must be something rather than nothing because the contrary would constitute a violation of the PSR. In particular, I argue that, if there was nothing, there could be no sufficient reason for it, since nothing at all would exist to serve as a sufficient reason. Therefore, given the PSR, something must exist after all. After presenting and explaining this new argument, I consider a series of objections and replies, and develop some of its broader philosophical implications.
Plasma phosphorylated tau181 outperforms [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the identification of early Alzheimer disease
Authors: Quispialaya Kely Monica , Therriault Joseph , Aliaga Antonio , Tissot Cécile , Servaes Stijn , Rahmouni Nesrine , Karikari Thomas K. , Benedet Andrea L. , Ashton Nicholas J. , Macedo Arthur C. , Lussier Firoza Z. , Stevenson Jenna , Wang Yi‐Ting , Arias Jaime Fernandez , Hosseini Ali , Matsudaira Takashi , Jean‐Claude Bertrand , Gilfix Brian M. , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Pascoal Tharick A. , Gauthier Serge , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Rosa‐Neto Pedro ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to compare the performance of plasma p‐tau181 with that of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in the identification of early biological Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods

We included 533 cognitively impaired participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Participants underwent PET scans, biofluid collection, and cognitive tests. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of plasma p‐tau181 and [18F]FDG‐PET using clinical diagnosis and core AD biomarkers ([18F]florbetapir‐PET and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] p‐tau181) as reference standards. Differences in the diagnostic accuracy between plasma p‐tau181 and [18F]FDG‐PET were determined by bootstrap‐based tests. Correlations of [18F]FDG‐PET and plasma p‐tau181 with CSF p‐tau181, amyloid β (Aβ) PET, and cognitive performance were evaluated to compare associations between measurements.

Results

We observed that both plasma p‐tau181 and [18F]FDG‐PET identified individuals with positive AD biomarkers in CSF or on Aβ‐PET. In the MCI group, plasma p‐tau181 outperformed [18F]FDG‐PET in identifying AD measured by CSF (p = 0.0007) and by Aβ‐PET (p = 0.001). We also observed that both plasma p‐tau181 and [18F]FDG‐PET metabolism were associated with core AD biomarkers. However, [18F]FDG‐PET uptake was more closely associated with cognitive outcomes (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes, and logical memory delayed recall, p < 0.001) than plasma p‐tau181.

Conclusions

Overall, although both plasma p‐tau181 and [18F]FDG‐PET were associated with core AD biomarkers, plasma p‐tau181 outperformed [18F]FDG‐PET in identifying individuals with early AD pathophysiology. Taken together, our study suggests that plasma p‐tau181 may aid in detecting individuals with underlying early AD.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in Huntington disease
Authors: Funcis Antonio , Ravera Beatrice , Zinzi Paola , Solito Marcella , Petracca Martina , Calabresi Paolo , Bentivoglio Anna Rita
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Despite the wide use of dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs) in Huntington disease (HD), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is rarely described in this population. The aim of this study was to assess NMS prevalence in a large cohort of HD patients and explore the main associated risk factors.

Methods

In 2023, an HD patient was admitted to our neurology department due to NMS. Starting from the case description, we performed a narrative review of the literature of NMS cases in HD, reviewed data from the fifth dataset of the Enroll‐HD (a longitudinal, observational, global study of families with HD) study (PDS5) selecting HD patients treated with DRBAs and/or tetrabenazine (TBZ) who presented at least one of the core symptoms of NMS (rigidity and hyperthermia), and collected data to investigate prevalence of NMS and identify risk factors.

Results

In the Enroll‐HD PDS5 dataset, we identified 5108 of 11,569 HD patients who were undergoing DRBA and/or TBZ treatment. Only one patient, a Caucasian man of 46 years, undergoing clozapine and valproate treatment, had a registered diagnosis of NMS.

Conclusions

NMS in HD patients is seldom described. This could be due to an underestimation of this condition. There are no available objective NMS diagnostic criteria at present, and the existence of atypical forms of NMS further complicates diagnosis. Advanced disease stage, rigid–akinetic phenotype, abrupt therapy changes, polytherapy, and dehydration are key risk factors, most of which are preventable through awareness and caution in managing medications in the HD population.
Freedom as a Matter of Perspective and Perception in Martin Luther's De servo arbitrio☆
Authors: Kallas‐Põder Karin
Published: October 2024

Martin Luther's notion of freedom, as presented in De servo arbitrio, is often interpreted as a denial of free choice in matters of God (salvation) and as an affirmation of free choice in earthly life. This article questions this twofold distinction and argues that in De servo arbitrio Luther's notion of freedom is set into epistemic discourse in which he distinguishes between different perspectives or perceptions and reality. The article demonstrates that for Luther, freedom denotes human perception, misperception, and deception. This indicates that beneath the free choice debate lies a fundamental question of human ability to understand reality.
Assessing the reliability and usefulness of ChatGPT responses on intermittent catheterization queries: A critical analysis
Authors: Aras Nilgun , Çalışkan Nurcan
Published: October 2024

The rapid development of technology has caused patients to start using artificial intelligence based applications more frequently to learn about their diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and usefulness of responses to questions related to intermittent catheterization using the large language model defined as ChatGPT. Ten questions were created based on the most searched keywords on Google Trends, the most searched questions on ChatGPT and the clinical experiences of the authors. The created questions were asked to ChatGPT and the answers were evaluated by five raters with seven‐point Likert‐type reliability and usefulness scales. The highest score in terms of reliability and usefulness was the response to “Is there a difference between the catheters used for intermittent catheterization in men and women?”(mean 6.4 ± 0.8; 6.0 ± 1.0). The lowest average reliability and usability score was for the response to “What is intermittent catheterization and how is it performed?”(mean 2.8 ± 0.8; 2.8 ± 0.8). ChatGPT is relatively very reliable and moderately useful in providing patients with information about intermittent catheterization, but it may give incorrect and misleading answers. It should be remembered that simple errors in intermittent catheterization can lead to major problems.
Evolution of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses in Bhutan for Two Consecutive Years, 2022 and 2023
Authors: Dorji Tshering , Dorji Kunzang , Gyeltshen Sonam
Published: October 2024

Background

Influenza A viruses pose a significant public health threat globally and are characterized by rapid evolution of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene causing seasonal epidemics. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of A(H3N2) circulating in Bhutan during 2022 and 2023.

Methods

We analysed 166 whole‐genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) from Bhutan, obtained from the GISAID database. We employed a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework, with a curated global dataset of HA sequences from regions with significant migration links to Bhutan. Phylogenetic, temporal, and phylogeographic analyses were conducted to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics and spatial dissemination of the viruses.

Results

Our phylogenetic analysis identified the circulation of influenza A(H3N2) Clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 in Bhutan during 2022 and 2023, with viruses further classified into three subclades: 2a.3 (39/166), 2a.3a.1 (58/166) and 2a.3b (69/166). The TMRCA estimates suggest that these viral lineages originated approximately 1.93 years prior to their detection. Phylogeographic analysis indicates introductions from the United States in 2022 and Australia in 2023. The mean evolutionary rate across all gene segments was calculated to be 4.42 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year (95% HPD: 3.19 × 10−3 to 5.84 × 10−3), with evidence of purifying selection and limited genetic diversity. Furthermore, reassortment events were rare, with an estimated rate of 0.045 events per lineage per year.

Conclusion

Our findings show that primary forces shaping the local evolution of the influenza A(H3N2) in Bhutan are largely stochastic, with only sporadic instances of adaptive change, and thus underscore the importance of continuous surveillance to mitigate the impact of evolving strains.
No Backstage: The Relentless Emotional Management of Acute Nursing Through the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Grant Aileen , O'Brien Rosaleen , Douglas Flora , Kennedy Catriona , Baldie Debbie , Torrance Nicola
Published: October 2024

Aim(s)

To explore the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurse's well‐being, experiences of delivering healthcare within acute settings and their emotional management.

Design

Sequential mixed methods.

Methods

February to July 2021 an online well‐being survey was disseminated to nurses working in acute settings within one Scottish health board. In‐depth interviews with a purposive sample of respondents were conducted. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data using Framework analysis and emotional management as the theoretical framework.

Results

Well‐being was poor overall. Infection control measures impeded interactions, with loss of connection between patients, families and nurses. Emotional work was extended in caring for patients and families when visits were forbidden or restricted. Disconnect between colleagues was intensely felt. On COVID and non‐COVID wards, nurses were caring for patients with a significantly reduced workforce and often outside their clinical speciality. Nurses masked their own anxieties, fears, moral distress and exhaustion on the ward. Communal ‘backstage’ spaces, were reduced to enable more infection‐control space but reduced opportunity for collegial support. Formal psychological intervention required access after shift, and/or nurses feared they could not contain their emotions afterwards.

Conclusion

Working during the pandemic was emotionally and physically demanding for those in COVID a.nd non‐COVID wards. Unintended consequences of infection control measures significantly extended nurses' emotional management, by caring for isolated patients and families but impeding opportunities to care for each other, compounding their emotions.

Implications for the Profession

There is a need to value emotional work in nursing to better support mental well‐being.

Impact

We advance the nursing emotional management literature by addressing the gap of exploration in challenging conditions. The importance of emotional management on nurses' mental well‐being has been overlooked but focusing on this in the next crisis could improve nurse's well‐being.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

GRAMMS.
Smart Home Technologies for Enhancing Independence of Living and Reducing Care Dependence in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Yulong , Sun Huabei , Xu Shuxin , Xia Qiujie , Ge Song , Li Mei , Tang Xianping
Published: October 2024

Aim

To systematically review the potential of smart home technology to enhance the independence of older adults and reduce their dependence on care. Additionally, it sought to examine the positive impacts of such technology on their golden years.

Design

A systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Data Sources

The search was conducted on 8 April 2024. Peer‐reviewed studies in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and VIP from 1 January 2000 to 8 April 2024 were searched.

Methods

The methodological quality assessment used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Positive findings relevant to this study were extracted from the literature and analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

After meticulously examining 3404 studies, we identified 21 relevant sources for in‐depth analysis, including qualitative studies (n = 10), experimental studies (n = 9) and mixed method studies (n = 2). These sources were grouped into five core themes based on the pivotal role of smart home technologies in enabling ageing in place: daily monitoring, assisted living activities, life reminders, functional improvement and emotional companionship. The study found that smart home technology offers numerous benefits to the lives of older adults, including increased independence, psychological support, improved cognitive functioning, enhanced self‐management, increased mobility, support for caregivers, promoted social engagement and enhanced quality of life.

Conclusion

Smart home technology can enhance the independence of older adults' lives, reduce their dependence on care, alleviate the burden on caregivers and promote home‐based elderly care.

Impact

This systematic review contributes to understanding the capability of smart home technology to promote elderly care at home and help better utilise smart home technology to benefit older adults. Older adults and their caregivers should be encouraged to adopt this technology to improve older adults' quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Resistance for Disrupting Inequities and Fostering Social Justice in Nursing: A Discussion
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Kvist Tarja
Published: October 2024

Aims

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual overview of resistance and argue for the need to embrace resistance as a part of nurses' professional repertoire for disrupting inequities and fostering social justice in both nursing education and practice.

Design

Discursive article.

Data Sources

Published peer reviewed literature on ‘resistance’ and ‘professional resistance’ in nursing, medicine, social work and other allied health care professions.

Results

Enhancing critical consciousness and engaging in intersectional collaboration are promising strategies to embrace resistance for collective action towards disrupting inequities and injustices in nursing education and practice.

Conclusion

Embracing and legitimising resistance in everyday individual and social interactions in educational and practice settings is instrumental to fostering social justice in nursing. Without resistance, nurses may risk jeopardising enactment of moral and ethical responsibilities and suppressing their professional values of caring and compassion.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses can embrace resistance in practice to counteract social injustice and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and antiracism in clinical and educational settings.

Impact

Research demonstrated that perceived and real inequities and injustices are common in nursing in the form of individual and structural racism, sex and gender discrimination, power imbalances and incivility. Nurses' engagement in resistance and increased capacity to resist injustices and incivilities can play an instrumental role in disrupting professional inequities in clinical practice and education.

Patient and Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design or writing of this discursive article.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Apricot Drying Methods via Multi‐Criteria Decision Making Techniques
Authors: Abdulvahitoglu Aslı , Abdulvahitoglu Adnan , Cengiz Nurten
Published: October 2024

Food and food safety have been among the most important issues for people throughout history. Societies have always tried to be self‐sufficient in food and have avoided becoming dependent on foreign sources. However, the fact that most foods are seasonal and the increasing population's food consumption have revealed the need to preserve foodstuffs for a long time. The old and well‐known method used today for extending shelf life is the drying process. The drying process is preferred over other preservation methods for reasons such as being more economical, easier to transport, having a longer shelf life, more concentrated nutritional value, and containing fewer additives. This ensures that dried foods are of higher quality in terms of physical, chemical, microbial properties, and nutritional values compared to other packaged foods. While the drying process was traditionally done over a long period, technological advancements have led to the production of higher quality and more valuable commercial products in a shorter time. In this study, traditional and technological methods used in drying apricots were compared according to the parameters determined by experts in the field. Since multiple parameters are effective in the comparison, Multi‐Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques were used. The optimum apricot drying method was determined by combining the results obtained from different MCDM techniques with the Borda rule.
Why do older adults stop cancer screening? Findings from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey
Authors: Belliveau Olivia H. , Richman Ilana B.
Published: October 2024

Background

Prostate and breast cancer screening are prevalent among older adults, even among those unlikely to benefit. We aimed to evaluate why older adults stop cancer screening, including the role of physician recommendations.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from the 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). We included women aged 76 and older without a history of breast cancer and men aged 71 and older without a history of prostate cancer. The primary outcome was reason for discontinuing screening, categorized as follows: (1) physician recommendation against screening; (2) absence of a recommendation to screen; and (3) patient‐driven reason, such as patient preferences or beliefs. We evaluated reasons for screening discontinuation by health status and educational attainment using age‐stratified multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The sample included 7350 participants representing a weighted population of 22,498,715. Overall, 53% of women underwent screening mammography in the past year or intended to continue screening. Among those who stopped screening, 5% reported a recommendation to stop screening from their doctor, 48% reported no recommendation, and 32% reported a patient‐driven reason for cessation. Findings did not differ by educational attainment or health status, including among the oldest patients. For men, 61% were screened with PSA in the past year or intended to continue. Among those who stopped, 3% reported a recommendation against screening, 54% reported no recommendation, and 27% reported a patient‐driven reason for cessation. Men with higher educational attainment were more likely to report that their physician recommended against screening (4% vs. 1%, p = 0.01) and that their doctor did not recommend screening (58% vs. 47%, p = 0.01). Reasons for screening cessation did not differ by health status, including among the oldest patients.

Conclusions

Cancer screening remains common, even among those with limited potential for benefit, but discussions around screening cessation are rare. Improving communication between patients and physicians may improve screening decision quality.
Comparison of outcomes in dogs undergoing hiatal hernia repair with and without use of a gastropexy: 41 cases (2012‐2022)
Authors: Watkins M. , Shales C. , Thomas G. , Rossanese M. , Sparks T. , White R.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To determine the difference in complication rate, gastrointestinal grade and requirement for ongoing medical and/or surgical management following hiatal hernia repair in dogs with and without gastropexy.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively for dogs that had undergone surgical hiatal hernia repair at two veterinary referral centres between April 2012 and March 2022. Pre‐operative grading of gastrointestinal signs and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was performed. All dogs had an oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty. Referring primary veterinary practices and clients were contacted to obtain follow‐up information. Fisher's exact tests and Mann Whitney tests were used to assess pre‐ and intra‐operative similarities between groups. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine the changes in gastrointestinal grade at short‐ (<6 months) and long‐term (>6 months) follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐one dogs which underwent oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty were included. Fifteen dogs had no gastropexy performed and 26 dogs had left‐sided gastropexy performed. Dogs that underwent gastropexy (n=8, 29%, 95% CI: 13 to 51%) were significantly more likely to require further surgery related to the initial surgery or persistence of gastrointestinal signs compared to dogs that had no gastropexy (n=0, 0%, 95% CI: 0 to 18%) . This difference was not significant when dogs which had further surgery to address brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome were excluded. Gastrointestinal grade significantly improved for both groups at both short‐ and long‐term follow‐up. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate, gastrointestinal grade or requirement for further medical treatment between groups.

Clinical Significance

A left‐sided gastropexy is not required for successful surgical repair of hiatal hernia in dogs provided oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty are performed.
Threshold‐dependent association between non‐rapid eye movement obstructive sleep apnea and interictal epileptiform discharges: A hospital study
Authors: Wu Meina , Xue Pei , Yan Jinzhu , Benedict Christian
Published: October 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea frequently coexists with epilepsy, potentially influencing its pathophysiology. However, the effect of obstructive sleep apnea severity on interictal epileptiform discharges is not well understood. To explore this, we studied 108 Asian patients with epilepsy who underwent single‐night polysomnography. We utilized generalized linear models, adjusting for age, sex, epilepsy type (focal versus generalized), antiepileptic medication use and disease duration, to analyse the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea severity, as measured by the apnea–hypopnea index, and interictal epileptiform discharge frequency during non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. Our analysis revealed that severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 30) was associated with a higher frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges during non‐rapid eye movement sleep (p = 0.04), but no such association was observed during rapid eye movement sleep. Additionally, the frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges in non‐rapid eye movement sleep was positively correlated with the wake time between sleep onset and offset (p = 0.03). Further studies are warranted to validate our findings across diverse ethnicities, and over multiple nights of sleep and interictal epileptiform discharge recordings.
Gravitropic Gene Expression Divergence Associated With Adaptation to Contrasting Environments in an Australian Wildflower
Authors: Broad Zoe , Lefevre James , Wilkinson Melanie J. , Barton Samuel , Barbier Francois , Jung Hyungtaek , Donovan Diane , Ortiz‐Barrientos Daniel
Published: October 2024

Plants adapt to their local environment through complex interactions between genes, gene networks and hormones. Although the impact of gene expression on trait regulation and evolution has been recognised for many decades, its role in the evolution of adaptation is still a subject of intense exploration. We used a Multi‐parent Advanced Generation Inter‐Cross (MAGIC) population, which we derived from crossing multiple parents from two distinct coastal ecotypes of an Australia wildflower, Senecio lautus. We focused on studying the contrasting gravitropic behaviours of these ecotypes, which have evolved independently multiple times and show strong responses to natural selection in field experiments, emphasising the role of natural selection in their evolution. Here, we investigated how gene expression differences have contributed to the adaptive evolution of gravitropism. We studied gene expression in 60 pools at five time points (30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min) after rotating half of the pools 90°. We found 428 genes with differential expression in response to the 90° rotation treatment. Of these, 81 genes (~19%) have predicted functions related to the plant hormones auxin and ethylene, which are crucial for the gravitropic response. By combining insights from Arabidopsis mutant studies and analysing our gene networks, we propose a preliminary model to explain the differences in gravitropism between ecotypes. This model suggests that the differences arise from changes in the transport and availability of the two hormones auxin and ethylene. Our findings indicate that the genetic basis of adaptation involves interconnected signalling pathways that work together to give rise to new ecotypes.
Asynchronous decentralized traffic signal coordinated control in urban road network
Authors: Zhu Jichen , Ma Chengyuan , Shi Yuqi , Yang Yanqing , Guo Yuzheng , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: October 2024

This study introduces an asynchronous decentralized coordinated signal control (ADCSC) framework for multi‐agent traffic signal control in the urban road network. The controller at each intersection in the network optimizes its signal control decisions based on a prediction of the future traffic demand as an independent agent. The asynchronous framework decouples the entangled interdependence between decision‐making and state prediction among different agents in decentralized coordinated decision‐making problems, enabling agents to proceed with collaborative decision‐making without waiting for other agents’ decisions. Within the proposed ADCSC framework, each controller dynamically optimizes its signal timing strategy with a unique rolling horizon scheme. The scheme's individualized parameters for each controller are determined based on the vehicle travel time between the adjacent intersections, ensuring that controllers can make informed control decisions with accurate arrival flow information from upstream intersections. The signal optimization problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear program model, which adopts a flexible signal scheme without a fixed phase structure and sequence. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed ADCSC strategy significantly outperforms the benchmark signal coordination methods in terms of average delay, travel speed, stop numbers, and energy consumption. Experimental analysis on computation time validates the applicability of the proposed optimization model for real‐time implementation. Sensitivity analysis on key parameters in the framework is conducted, offering insights for parameter selection in practice. Furthermore, the ADCSC framework is extended to a road network in Qinzhou City, China, with 45 signalized intersections, demonstrating its effectiveness and scalability in the real‐world road network.
Functional Ventricular Undersensing After Ventricular Ectopic Beats Due to ICD Dynamic Sensitivity
Authors: Micari Antonino , Bellocchi Paolo , Crea Pasquale
Published: October 2024

An 80‐year‐old patient, previously implanted for idiopathic sustained ventricular tachycardia with a Rivacor VR‐T DX implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD Biotronik, Berlin, Germany), came to our pacemaker clinic for palpitations. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus bradycardia with interpolated ventricular ectopic beats. A ventricular‐paced event occurred with a coupling interval shorter than the expected one suggesting ventricular undersensing. The phenomenon can be explained by the default ICD sensitivity setting proposed by the manufacturer.
Longitudinal transcriptional immune profiles and persistent wheezing in moderate‐to‐late preterm infants
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fernandez Rosa , Xu Zhaohui , Moreno‐Galdó Antonio , Sardón Olaia , Rubi Teresa , Castillo‐Corullón Silvia , Torres Antonio , Corcuera Paula , Callejón Callejón Alicia , Perez Guadalupe , Cortell Isidoro , Rovira‐Amigo Sandra , Pastor‐Vivero Maria D. , Mondejar‐Lopez Pedro , Perez‐Frias Javier , Velasco Valle , Torres‐Borrego Javier , Figuerola Joan , de la Serna Blázquez Olga , Garcia‐Hernandez Gloria , Tang Li , Mejias Asuncion , Ramilo Octavio ,   the SAREPREM 3235 investigators
Published: October 2024

Background

Prematurity is associated with an increased risk of persistent wheezing but the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. The aim of this study was to identify blood transcriptional profiles associated with the development of wheezing in a cohort of moderate to late preterm infants and to define immune gene expression changes associated with wheezing.

Materials and Methods

A convenience sample of a multicenter birth cohort (SAREPREM) of moderate‐late preterm children followed during the first 3 years of life was analyzed. Children were enrolled in the first 2 weeks of life (Y0) and longitudinally evaluated at 1 (Y1), 2 (Y2), and 3 years (Y3) of age, for the presence of wheezing and to obtain samples for transcriptional profile analysis. Samples were processed on Illumina HT12 chips and genomic expression analyses performed with R programming, modular analysis for biological function, and QuSAGE for quantitative gene expression.

Results

Seventy‐six children were included in the study; 33 were classified as non‐wheezing and 43 (56.6%) in the wheezing group. At Y0, children who developed wheezing had decreased expression of interferon genes and increased expression of B cell genes compared with the non‐wheezing group. These changes in IFN and B cell gene expression were especially significant in children with late/persistent wheezing compared with transient wheezers.

Conclusions

Changes in IFN and B lymphocyte gene expression identified in early life suggest the existence of specific immunological mechanisms that play an important role in the development of wheezing in late‐preterm infants.
Division Zone Activity Determines the Potential of Drought‐Stressed Maize Leaves to Resume Growth after Rehydration
Authors: Van Hautegem Tom , Takasaki Hironori , Lorenzo Christian Damian , Demuynck Kirin , Claeys Hannes , Villers Timothy , Sprenger Heike , Debray Kevin , Schaumont Dries , Verbraeken Lennart , Pevernagie Julie , Merchie Julie , Cannoot Bernard , Aesaert Stijn , Coussens Griet , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Nuccio Michael L. , Van Ex Frédéric , Pauwels Laurens , Jacobs Thomas B. , Ruttink Tom , Inzé Dirk , Nelissen Hilde
Published: October 2024

Drought is one of the most devastating causes of yield losses in crops like maize, and the anticipated increases in severity and duration of drought spells due to climate change pose an imminent threat to agricultural productivity. To understand the drought response, phenotypic and molecular studies are typically performed at a given time point after drought onset, representing a steady‐state adaptation response. Because growth is a dynamic process, we monitored the drought response with high temporal resolution and examined cellular and transcriptomic changes after rehydration at 4 and 6 days after leaf four appearance. These data showed that division zone activity is a determinant for full organ growth recovery upon rehydration. Moreover, a prolonged maintenance of cell division by the ectopic expression of PLASTOCHRON1 extends the ability to resume growth after rehydration. The transcriptome analysis indicated that GROWTH‐REGULATING FACTORS (GRFs) affect leaf growth by impacting cell division duration, which was confirmed by a prolonged recovery potential of the GRF1‐overexpression line after rehydration. Finally, we used a multiplex genome editing approach to evaluate the most promising differentially expressed genes from the transcriptome study and as such narrowed down the gene space from 40 to seven genes for future functional characterization.
Biological and molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of an Iranian isolate of High Plains wheat mosaic virus
Authors: Nourbakhsh Fatemeh , Massah Amir , Soorni Aboozar , Talaee Ladan
Published: October 2024

High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV) is an eriophyid‐mite transmitted virus infecting a number of cereals and grasses worldwide. HPWMoV has recently been reported in Iran; therefore, a comprehensive study was required to elucidate the molecular and biological characteristics of this newly identified virus. In this study, the whole genome sequence, transmission efficiency and partial host range of an Iranian isolate of HPWMoV (HPWMoV‐Ir) were determined. Moreover, a survey was conducted to understand the occurrence of wheat curl mite‐transmitted HPWMoV, wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) and brome streak mosaic virus (BrSMV) as mite‐borne viruses in wheat fields located in central regions of Iran. During a survey of mite‐transmitted viruses, we found that mixed infections of HPWMoV and WSMV (43.7%) were more prevalent than their single infections, while all samples were negative for TriMV and BrSMV. Moreover, other grasses, such as maize, barley, wall barley, oat, rye, Johnson grass and millet, were naturally and experimentally infected with HPWMoV‐Ir at high efficiency. HPWMoV‐Ir was transmitted to wheat by Aceria tosichella with 43% efficiency, which was similar to the transmission rate of HPWMoV in a mixed infection with WSMV. The complete genome sequence comparisons of HPWMoV‐Ir with other HPWMoV isolates showed identities ranging from 79.5% to 98.1%. Remarkably, HPWMoV‐Ir possessed a single variant of the sequence and did not show any heterogeneity in its nucleocapsid protein gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the eight genomic RNA segments positioned HPWMoV‐Ir in group B with isolates from the Midwestern United States and Australia. This discovery can assist researchers in more effectively mitigating the pathogen risks through accurate diagnosis and timely management of the disease.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of cognitive assessment conducted by assistive robot for older adults living in the community: a preliminary study
Authors: Nishiura Yuko , Inoue Takenobu , Takaeda Kana , Kamimura Tomoko
Published: October 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to reveal inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the detailed evaluation of cognitive function by assistive robot for older adults.

Methods

We investigated the inter‐rater and test–retest reliability. Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination was conducted twice for each participant using an assistive robot and the examiner respectively (Experiment 1). The order of these two tests was randomly selected and the interval between them was 1 week. In Experiment 2, we investigated the test–retest reliability of the first robot test and this additional robot test was conducted approximately 6 weeks after Experiment 1.

Results

Fifty‐one (13 men and 38 women, mean age: 80.5 ± 5.6 years) participants went through Experiment 1 and 29 of those (eight men and 21 women, mean age: 80.4 ± 4.8 years) completed Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the interclass coefficient (ICC) in orientation was in the high range and its Cronbach's α was 0.919, rated as excellent internal consistency. On the other hand, other items did not show positive results. In Experiment 2, the ICCs in orientation, attention, and repetition were in the adequate range, while other items showed marginal or low range.

Conclusions

Orientation was supposed to be utilised for figuring out initial symptoms of dementia. In the future, as robot functions become more high‐tech, a partner robot might be able to measure the symptoms and severity of dementia.
Machine learning‐based prediction of sarcopenia in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults: findings from the CHARLS
Authors: Wang Zongjie , Wu Yafei , Zhu Junmin , Fang Ya
Published: October 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is a prominent issue among aging populations and associated with poor health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the predictive value of questionnaire and biomarker data for sarcopenia, and to further develop a user‐friendly calculator for community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

We used two waves (2011 and 2013) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to predict sarcopenia, defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. We restricted the analytical sample to adults aged 45 or above (N = 2934). Five machine learning models were used to construct Q‐based (only questionnaire variables), Bio‐based (only biomarker variables), and combined (questionnaire plus biomarker variables) models. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used for performance assessment. Temporal external validation was performed based on two datasets from CHARLS. Important predictors were identified by Shapley values and coefficients.

Results

Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), considering both questionnaire and biomarker characteristics, emerged as the optimal model, and its AUROC was 0.759 (95% CI: 0.747–0.771) at a decision threshold of 0.20 on the test set. Models also performed well on the external datasets. We found that cognitive function was the most important predictor in both Q‐based and combined models, and blood urea nitrogen was the most important predictor in the Bio‐based model. Other key predictors included education, haematocrit, total cholesterol, drinking, number of chronic diseases, and instrumental activities of daily living score.

Conclusions

Our findings offer a potential for early screening and targeted prevention of sarcopenia among middle‐aged and older adults in the community setting.
A measurement scale for material deprivation: A model‐based approach
Authors: Farcomeni Alessio , Pittau Maria Grazia , Viviani Sara , Zelli Roberto
Published: October 2024

The prevailing practice of defining classes of material deprivation based on the raw sum of a relatively small number of binary items has obvious advantages in terms of communication and ease of use. Do two people with the same raw score always have the same level of deprivation? This paper examines the methodological foundations of the raw score, comparing classical test theory with model‐based test theory such as Rasch measurement and item response theories. After discussing the merits and limitations of the different approaches, the paper legitimizes the raw score when the assumptions of the Rasch model are met. Based on the analytical procedure of the Rasch model and using the pre‐Covid data from the Survey on Income and Living Conditions, the paper also suggests how to develop a European scale for measuring material deprivation that ensures comparability across European countries.
Hydrodynamics of a discrete conservation law
Authors: Sprenger Patrick , Chong Christopher , Okyere Emmanuel , Herrmann Michael , Kevrekidis P. G. , Hoefer Mark A.
Published: October 2024

The Riemann problem for the discrete conservation law is classified using Whitham modulation theory, a quasi‐continuum approximation, and numerical simulations. A surprisingly elaborate set of solutions to this simple discrete regularization of the inviscid Burgers' equation is obtained. In addition to discrete analogs of well‐known dispersive hydrodynamic solutions—rarefaction waves (RWs) and dispersive shock waves (DSWs)—additional unsteady solution families and finite‐time blowup are observed. Two solution types exhibit no known conservative continuum correlates: (i) a counterpropagating DSW and RW solution separated by a symmetric, stationary shock and (ii) an unsteady shock emitting two counterpropagating periodic wavetrains with the same frequency connected to a partial DSW or an RW. Another class of solutions called traveling DSWs, (iii), consists of a partial DSW connected to a traveling wave comprised of a periodic wavetrain with a rapid transition to a constant. Portions of solutions (ii) and (iii) are interpreted as shock solutions of the Whitham modulation equations.
Stability of bound states for regularized nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Albert John , Arbunich Jack
Published: October 2024

We consider the stability of bound‐state solutions of a family of regularized nonlinear Schrödinger equations which were introduced by Dumas et al. as models for the propagation of laser beams. Among these bound‐state solutions are ground states, which are defined as solutions of a variational problem. We give a sufficient condition for existence and orbital stability of ground states, and use it to verify that ground states exist and are stable over a wider range of nonlinearities than for the nonregularized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We also give another sufficient and almost necessary condition for stability of general bound states, and show that some stable bound states exist which are not ground states.