bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Internet-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Maithreepala Sujeewa Dilhani , Chao Hsin-Yu , Chen Hsing-Mei , Pimsen Apiradee , Shu Bih-Ching
Published: November 2024

Background

Internet-based cardiac rehabilitation (IBCR) is an innovative, alternative platform used in current practice for the secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD). The impact of IBCR on anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with IHD remains inconclusive.

Objective

To explore the effect of IBCR on anxiety, depression, and QoL among patients with IHD.

Methods

Five databases (Embase, CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science) and additional resources were searched to identify studies published between January 2014 and March 2024. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist were used. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality, eligibility, and data extraction. RevMan (version 5.3) software was used for the meta-analysis. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023387666).

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included across 9 countries. A total of 2256 participants, with a mean age ranging from 55 to 63 years, the majority being men (73%), were identified. IBCR did not significantly reduce anxiety (P = .22) or depression (P = .44) or increase QoL (P = .21) compared with usual care. Intervention was delivered mainly via smartphones. Physical activities and risk factor management were mostly used, and behavioral changes less likely occurred. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was mostly used.

Conclusions

IBCR was comparable to the effects of usual care in cardiac rehabilitation. Theory-driven interventions with larger and diverse sample sizes, and longer durations across different regions, are recommended for reliable findings.
Analyzing trends and practices: A survey of procedures performed by nurse practitioners
Authors: D'Aoust Rita F. , McCamey Danielle , Russell Nancy G. , Fingerhood Marianne L. , Ling Catherine , Baker Deborah J. , Bianchi Carolanne , Slone Sarah
Published: November 2024

Background:

Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide essential patient care services. Most (88%) are primary care certified, and 70% practice in primary care settings. National NP organizations and state practice authority regulations influence the training and level of independence of performing procedures common in primary care practice. National standards reference the ability to select and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests related to clinical reasoning or management functions, but not competency in the procedures. Although the blueprint for certification examinations includes procedures as part of evidence-informed practice, none are specifically named.

Purpose:

There are limited data concerning procedural training for NPs. The study aims were to describe the training practicing NPs received for procedures they perform, define areas of research concerning the development of uniform training, and identify advocacy initiatives for competency acquisition for procedures.

Methodology:

Practicing NPs completed a survey concerning the procedures they perform in their practice. In addition, they reported their level of perceived competency, independence in performing, and method of training.

Results:

The majority of respondents (87.8%) hold certifications in primary care specialties. In this sample of practicing NPs, 74% of the respondents perform procedures independently, but only 67% had procedure training as part of their initial NP education. Additional training (60%) was completed through professional development programs.

Conclusions:

Many NPs surveyed perform procedures independently. Training occurred in their NP programs and through continuing education.

Implications:

Further studies are needed concerning procedural training and the setting that is most appropriate for competency achievement.
Utilization and Outcomes of Temporary Percutaneous Right Ventricular Assist Devices in Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: John Kevin John , Hernandez-Montfort Jaime , Kanwar Manreet K. , Li Song , Garan Arthur Reshad , Sinha Shashank S. , Abraham Jacob , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Li Borui , Kong Qiuyue , Sangal Paavni , Burkhoff Daniel , Kapur Navin K. ,   on behalf of the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group
Published: November 2024

Acute right ventricular failure (RVF) is a common finding in cardiogenic shock (CS), yet the optimal method of supporting the failing RV remains unclear. This study aimed to describe CS patients receiving percutaneous right ventricular assist devices (pRVADs) using the multicenter Cardiogenic Shock Working Group (CSWG) registry. Among 6,201 patients with CS, 152 (2.4%) received pRVADs, with ProtekDuo and Impella RP being used in 71% and 29% of cases, respectively. The average age of this group was 58.5 years, with a higher proportion of men (66.4%). Heart failure–associated CS (HF-CS) was observed in 48% of patients, while myocardial infarction–associated CS (MI-CS) was seen in 27% (HF-CS versus MI-CS: 52.8% vs. 21.3% for ProtekDuo; 36.4% vs. 40.9% for Impella RP; p = 0.01). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 54.6%, bleeding complications were more prevalent among ProtekDuo recipients (64.8% vs. 43.2%, p = 0.008), whereas Impella RP recipients had shorter hospital stays (20.4 ± 18.7 vs. 41.9 ± 31.5 days, p < 0.001). ProtekDuo was more commonly used in patients with HF-CS and was associated with higher rates of bleeding and longer hospital stays compared with Impella RP, although overall mortality was similar. Further investigation is required to determine the ideal timing and clinical conditions warranting pRVAD deployment in CS.
Wear and use of prostheses in sport by adolescents with upper limb absence: A preliminary mixed-methods study
Authors: Chinn Natalie M. , Kenney Laurence P. J. , Chadwell Alix , Williams Anita E. , Head John
Published: November 2024

Background:

There is minimal research on sports participation in adolescents with upper limb absence (ULA) and specifically on the impact of prosthesis provision.

Objectives:

This study explored using activity monitoring sensors and interviews to gain insight into levels of sport participation and associated prosthesis use in active adolescents with ULA.

Study design:

A mixed methods study using a convergent parallel design.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews and activity diaries were used to investigate sports and related activities undertaken during a 2-week period. Prosthesis wear/use were determined via accelerometers worn on the anatomical and prosthetic wrists throughout; interview data added context. For comparison, accelerometer data and activity diaries were captured from similar aged anatomically intact (AI) participants.

Results:

Three adolescents with unilateral transradial ULA and 4 AI adolescents were recruited. Two ULA participants wore prostheses during sport (16.2% and 56.5% of the time). The third rarely wore their prosthesis. The ability to participate in sport has a powerful influence on participants' lives, and prostheses were used when participants felt they offered specific benefits. In contrast to AI participants, who showed similar reliance on each of their arms throughout, when wearing a prosthesis, users were heavily reliant on the anatomical arm, including during periods playing sports.

Conclusions:

Prosthesis use facilitated access to some sports, although they were only used by 2 out of 3 participants for short periods. The methods were acceptable to adolescent individuals with ULA.
A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics & orthotics: Part 2 of 2—orthotics
Authors: Oldfrey Ben M. , Morgado Ramirez Dafne Z. , Holloway Catherine , Wassall Matthew , Nester Christopher , Dickinson Alex , Wong Man S. , Danemayer Jamie , Kenney Laurence , Lemaire Edward , Ramstrand Nerrolyn , Gholizadeh Hossein , Diment Laura E. , Donovan-Hall Margaret K. , Miodownik Mark
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Traditionally, orthosis manufacturing is time and labor-intensive. Digitalization of some of the fabrication process is already ubiquitous, yet extension across device types could reduce the burden of manual labor and advance automation to help unblock access to assistive technologies globally. It seems, however, that appropriately strong evidence is holding this back. This review looks to thoroughly examine the current state of evidence to make this clear.

Objectives:

To identify gaps in the literature that create barriers to decision-making on either appropriate uptake by clinical teams or setting research directions, by identifying what forms of evidence the current research literature provides to the orthotics community.

Study design:

Scoping literature review.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was completed in the following databases: AMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health Archive, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ACM, IEEE, and Engineering Village, resulting in 3487 articles to be screened.

Results:

After screening, 121 lower limb orthosis, 104 upper limb orthosis, and 30 spinal orthosis articles were included in this review. For some areas such as CAD/CAM-produced insoles and spinal orthoses, the evidence base is strong. For most additive manufacture articles, long-term, larger-scale studies as well as research into training requirements are lacking.

Conclusion:

The advantages of digital fabrication technology that could streamline orthotic device production in many cases are still blocked by a lack of strong formal evidence, ie large longitudinal studies with a range of evaluation measures. Increased collaboration between clinicians, patient/service users, academia, and industry could be a route to addressing these gaps and creating a better pathway to market for new technologies.
Strength profiles in patients with knee osteoarthritis with and without unilateral transfemoral amputation
Authors: Hannigan Lindsay Slater , Sudhir Shraddha , Jetanalin Pim , Foucher Kharma C.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Individuals with lower limb amputation have increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the intact limb, however there is little information regarding strength profiles in individuals with KOA with and without amputation.

Objective:

To compare lower extremity strength in individuals with KOA with and without unilateral transfemoral (TF) amputation.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Seven participants with unilateral TF amputation (3F/4M, 58.0 ± 11.0 years, 172.7 ± 12.8 cm, 90.8 ± 19.1 kg, 38.8 ± 14.4 years after amputation) and symptomatic KOA in the intact limb and 9 participants with unilateral KOA (control (CON)) without leg amputation (4F/5M, 66.0 ± 9.9 years, 170.5 ± 10.7 cm, 86.8 ± 18.1 kg) participated in this study. Both groups completed strength testing on the involved limb with KOA and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire to meaure subjective function. Strength variables were mass-normalized.

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups in age, mass, or height. The CON group reported significantly reduced subjective function on the KOOS total score (P = 0.049; d = 1.03) and KOOS symptoms scores (P = 0.047, d = 0.95) compared with the TF amputation group. A lower subjective function score indicates worse function. There were no other significant differences between groups on KOOS subcategories. The TF amputation group had significantly greater average isokinetic quadriceps torque (P = 0.05; d = 1.10), peak isokinetic quadriceps torque (P = 0.02; d = 1.36), and average isokinetic quadriceps power (P = 0.02; d = 1.38) compared with the CON group. There were no differences between groups in isometric knee extensor strength or any differences in knee flexor isokinetic or isometric strength.

Conclusions:

The TF amputation group demonstrated greater isokinetic knee extensor strength in their intact limb with KOA compared with the CON group osteoarthritic limb; however, there were no differences in isometric strength. Furthermore, the differences in isokinetic strength may suggest that those with a history of leg amputation may require more strength and power in the intact limb to maintain daily activity and, therefore, may require greater thresholds of strength to protect the knee joint from cartilage degradation.
The Trojan seahorse: citizen science pictures of a seahorse harbour insights into the distribution and behaviour of a long-overlooked polychaete worm
Authors: Fourreau Chloé Julie Loïs , Macrina Laura , Lalas Jue Alef A. , Takahata Ai , Koido Tatsuki , Reimer James Davis
Published: November 2024

Symbiotic marine invertebrates can be small, hidden or difficult to find, hampering the understanding of their distribution and ecological roles.
Haplosyllis anthogorgicola
is a polychaete inhabiting the gorgonian
Anthogorgia bocki
, where it lives in high densities within the host’s coenenchyme and occupies burrows formed by host tissue near coral polyps. This study provides the first records of
H. anthogorgicola
since its description in 1956, from colonies of Anthogorgiidae in southern Japan. We observed that host gorgonians were also inhabited by the pygmy seahorse
Hippocampus bargibanti
, a popular species to observe and photograph among SCUBA divers. Therefore, we examined photographic records of
H. bargibanti
available on the citizen science website iNaturalist and screened for structures associated with infestation by
H. anthogorgicola
to gather information on this elusive species. Our analyses confirmed that this polychaete and/or similar species are widespread in the central Indo-Pacific region. In addition, we observed some polychaete behaviours, raising questions about the nature of the relationships between
H. anthogorgicola
, its gorgonian hosts and the pygmy seahorse. Our study demonstrates that citizen science can contribute to our knowledge not only on the distribution and behaviour of well known and charismatic species but also inadvertently on overlooked and neglected taxa.
Exploring legitimacy in a municipal budget decision in Switzerland: empirical insights into citizens’ perceptions
Authors: Hänggli Fricker Regula , Wellings Thomas , Zai Florin , Yang Joshua C. , Majumdar Srijoni , Bernhard Laurent , Weil Leopold , Hausladen Carina I. , Pournaras Evangelos
Published: November 2024

This study examines legitimacy in municipal budgeting decisions, focusing on input, throughput and output dimensions. Using data from four Swiss studies, we explore how citizens assess these dimensions across traditional and innovative decision-making processes and investigate the impact of different voting methods on legitimacy perceptions. Our findings reveal that in routine processes using traditional voting, legitimacy dimensions are considered collectively. Conversely, in innovative participatory budgeting, dimensions are judged separately, involving more active evaluation. Throughput legitimacy (perceived fairness) emerges as crucial in both contexts, while input and output legitimacy's importance varies by process type. The Method of Equal Shares voting system shifts focus towards procedural fairness, increases representation and is perceived as fairer than the traditional Greedy method. However, even fair processes cannot fully compensate for outcome dissatisfaction, highlighting the complex interplay of legitimacy dimensions. This research contributes to understanding legitimacy construction in municipal decision-making, offering insights into the relationship between voting methods and legitimacy perceptions. The findings have implications for policy-makers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of budgeting processes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance’.
Translocation of gutEnterococcus faecalistrains myeloid bone marrow progenitors via the C-type lectin receptor Mincle
Authors: Robles-Vera Iñaki , Jarit-Cabanillas Aitor , Brandi Paola , Martínez-López María , Martínez-Cano Sarai , González-Correa Cristina , Moleón Javier , Duarte Juan , Conejero Laura , Mata-Martínez Pablo , Díez-Rivero Carmen María , Bergón-Gutiérrez Marta , Fernández-López Iván , Gómez Manuel J. , Quintas Ana , Dopazo Ana , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Pariente Esther , del Fresno Carlos , Subiza José Luis , Iborra Salvador , Sancho David
Published: November 2024

Impairment of the intestinal barrier allows the systemic translocation of commensal bacteria, inducing a pro-inflammatory state in the host. To address potential mechanisms underlying this link, we explored innate immune responses following increased gut permeability upon administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to mice. Microbiota translocation induced trained immunity (TI) in mouse myeloid bone marrow progenitors (BMPs).Enterococcus faecaliswas the predominant bacteria detected in the bone marrow (BM) following DSS treatment. Notably, live or heat-killedE. faecalisinduced reprogramming of mouse BMPsin vitroandin vivoand enhanced macrophage inflammatory activity, also training human monocytes.E. faecalissensing by the C-type lectin receptor Mincle (Clec4e−/-) is essential for TI induction in BMPs. Consequently,Clec4e−/-mice showed impaired TI uponE. faecalisor reduced pathology following DSS treatment. Our results identifyE. faecalisas inducer of TI-related inflammation that may contribute to pathologies associated with increased gut permeability.
The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals: an evidence-mapping review of recent data on aquatic concentrations and predictable effects
Authors: Francesca Renda , Valentina Giunchi , Matilde Bianconi , Rossana Matera , Emanuele Tandurella , Elisabetta Poluzzi , Giorgia Macedonio , Carlotta Lunghi
Published: November 2024

Pharmaceuticals are recognised among emerging contaminants, particularly in water. They have the potential to alter ecosystem dynamics, with notable examples including hormone-induced feminization of male fish and disruptions to oogenesis in invertebrates. To assess the risk posed by pharmaceuticals, it is essential to understand their amount (via Measured Environmental Concentrations – MEC) and their actual effects on target species (via Predicted No Effect Concentrations – PNEC). Recently, many studies have aimed to collect MEC data from around the world, but a comprehensive overview is still lacking. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview by examining recently published literature on MEC data for a wide range of pharmaceuticals. Additionally, to enable risk assessment, this study also reviewed the published literature on PNEC data and integrated it with existing databases. A total of 315 substances were selected for MEC data extraction, with the inclusion of 56 articles. The most frequently monitored locations were Cadiz Bay in Spain (90 samples), the River Thames in the UK (51), and Hrdějovice in the Czech Republic (49). Most MEC samples were collected from surface water (N=325), influent wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) (205), and effluent WWTP (118). Based on PNEC values, risk analysis identified 81 pharmaceuticals as high-risk, with the highest risk values for propranolol (risk quotient [RQ]: 29,450,000), diclofenac (395,920), and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (95,946). Additionally, the ATC classes with the most high-risk substances were anti-infectives (J), nervous system agents (N), cardiovascular agents (C), antineoplastic agents (L), analgesics (M), and sex hormones (G). The findings of this study highlight the widespread impact of pharmaceuticals across the globe and the involvement of multiple therapeutic classes. To move beyond the current point-in-time overview, which is limited to specific locations and sampling periods, systems for continuous monitoring of pharmaceuticals should be developed. This could involve the creation of resource-efficient methods and the integration of sampling data with estimation models. Furthermore, these results could serve as a starting point for developing and implementing actions to prevent and mitigate the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals.
TissueMosaic enables cross-sample differential analysis of spatial transcriptomics datasets through self-supervised representation learning
Authors: Kambhampati Sandeep , D’Alessio Luca , Grab Fedor , Fleming Stephen , Chen Fei , Babadi Mehrtash
Published: November 2024

Spatial transcriptomics allows for the measurement of gene expression within native tissue context, thereby improving our understanding of how cell states are modulated by their microenvironment. Despite technological advancements, computational methods to link cell states with their microenvironment and perform comparative analysis across different samples and conditions are still underdeveloped. To address this, we introduce TissueMosaic (Tissue MOtif-based SpAtial Inference across Conditions), a self-supervised convolutional neural network designed to discover and represent tissue architectural motifs from multi-sample spatial transcriptomic datasets (https://github.com/broadinstitute/TissueMosaic). TissueMosaic effectively maps structurally similar tissue motifs close together in a learned latent space. TissueMosaic further links these motifs to gene expression, enabling the study of how changes in tissue structure impact function. TissueMosaic increases the signal-to-noise ratio of differential expression analysis through a motif enrichment strategy, resulting in more reliable detection of genes that covary with tissue structure. Here, we demonstrate TissueMosaic on high resolution spatial transcriptomics datasets across tissues, learning representations that outperform neighborhood cell-type composition baselines and existing methods on downstream tasks. We highlight genes and pathways in these tissues that are associated with changes in tissue structure across external conditions. These findings underscore the potential of self-supervised learning to significantly advance spatial transcriptomics research.
Single-Cell and Spatial Multi-omics Reveal Interferon Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cao Siyan , Nguyen Khai M. , Ma Kaiming , Yao Xin , Liu Ta-Chiang , Ayoub Malek , Devi Jalpa , Liu Yizhou , Smith Radhika , Silviera Matthew , Hunt Steven R. , Wise Paul E. , Mutch Matthew G. , Glasgow Sean C. , Chapman William C. , Cowan Michelle , Ciorba Mathew A. , Colonna Marco , Deepak Parakkal
Published: November 2024

Background & Aims

Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PCD) is a common and debilitating complication with elusive pathophysiology. We examined mucosal cells from patients with PCD and related conditions using a multi-omics approach.

Methods

We recruited patients with PCD (n = 24), CD without perianal disease (NPCD, n = 10), and idiopathic perianal fistulas (IPF, n = 29). Biopsies were taken from fistula tracts, fistula opening, and rectal mucosa. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry (CyTOF), spatial transcriptomics (ST), immunohistochemistry, and integrated analysis were performed.

Results

ScRNA-seq, CyTOF, and ST unraveled immune and non-immune cell compartments in PCD and IPF fistula tracts. PCD fistulas showed hyperactivated pathogenic pathways including interferon (IFN)G response and TNF signaling in myeloid and stromal cells. Intestinal cells from PCD patients also expressed greater levels of IFNG-responsive and EMT genes compared to NPCD patients. Furthermore, both fistula tracts and ileal mucosa from PCD patients harbored expanded IFNG+ pathogenic Th17 cells, which expressed elevated inflammatory mediators. CyTOF also identified skewed immune cell phenotypes in the fistula tracts, fistula opening, and rectum in PCD patients including expanded Th17 cells, increased pathogenic myeloid cells, and altered T cell exhaustion markers. Further analysis also revealed cellular modules associated with anti-TNF therapy in PCD patients.

Conclusion

Multi-omics analysis revealed immune, stromal, and epithelial cell landscapes of PCD, which highlight the pathogenic role of hyperactivated IFNG signaling in both fistula tracts and luminal mucosa. This study identified IFNG as a potential therapeutic target for PCD.
Phenotypic high-throughput screening identifies modulators of gut microbial choline metabolism
Authors: Woo Amelia Y. M. , Sandoval–Espinola Walter J. , Bollenbach Maud , Wong Alison , Sakanaka–Yokoyama Mariko , Zhang Qijun , Nieto Vincent , Rey Federico E. , Balskus Emily P.
Published: November 2024

Anaerobic metabolism of dietary choline to trimethylamine (TMA) by the human gut microbiome is a disease-associated pathway. The host’s impaired ability to oxidize TMA to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) results in trimethylaminuria (TMAU), while elevated serum TMAO levels have been positively correlated with cardiometabolic disease. Small molecule inhibition of gut bacterial choline metabolism attenuates the development of disease in mice, highlighting the therapeutic potential of modulating this metabolism. Inhibitors previously developed to target this pathway are often designed to mimic choline, the substrate of the key TMA-generating enzyme choline trimethylamine-lyase (CutC). Here, we use a growth-based phenotypic high-throughput screen and medicinal chemistry to identify distinct chemical scaffolds that can modulate anaerobic microbial choline metabolism and lower TMAO levelsin vivo. These results illustrate the potential of using phenotypic screening to rapidly discover new inhibitors of gut microbial metabolic activities.
Evaluating metagenomic analyses for undercharacterized environments: what’s needed to light up the microbial dark matter?
Authors: Nickols William A. , McIver Lauren J. , Walsh Aaron , Zhang Yancong , Nearing Jacob T. , Asnicar Francesco , Punčochář Michal , Segata Nicola , Nguyen Long H. , Hartmann Erica M. , Franzosa Eric A. , Huttenhower Curtis , Thompson Kelsey N.
Published: November 2024

Non-human-associated microbial communities play important biological roles, but they remain less understood than human-associated communities. Here, we assess the impact of key environmental sample properties on a variety of state-of-the-art metagenomic analysis methods. In simulated datasets, all methods performed similarly at high taxonomic ranks, but newer marker-based methods incorporating metagenomic assembled genomes outperformed others at lower taxonomic levels. In real environmental data, taxonomic profiles assigned to the same sample by different methods showed little agreement at lower taxonomic levels, but the methods agreed better on community diversity estimates and estimates of the relationships between environmental parameters and microbial profiles.
Alternative EEG pre-processing pipelines can lead to conflicting conclusions regarding cortical excitation/inhibition ratio
Authors: Racz Frigyes Samuel , Mac-Auliffe Diego , Mukli Peter , Milton John , Cabrera Juan Luis , Millán José del R.
Published: November 2024

Confluent recent evidence indicates that the spectral slope of1/fneurophysiological recordings is correspondent to cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio. In this framework, a steeper power spectrum (i.e., one with a larger spectral exponentβ) is indicative of stronger inhibitory tone and thus lower E/I ratio, and vice versa. While the tools commonly utilized for estimatingβare mostly consistent, there appears to be a lack of standardization among data processing protocols for slope analysis. In this work our goal is to draw attention to a fundamental consequence of this issue, namely that even in a confined, comparative research environment, applying different pre-processing steps to electroencephalography (EEG) data can lead to conflicting conclusions in terms of the E/I ratio. To this end, we analyzed resting-state EEG recordings in two independent datasets, containing data collected with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC), with the latter considered as a physiological state with stronger inhibitory tone. Our analysis confirmed consistently in both cohorts that applying different spatial filtering schemes in an otherwise identical analytical pipeline indicated a decrease in E/I ratio over the prefrontal cortex in one case, but not the other when transitioning from EO to EC. In contrast, this same pattern was apparent over the occipital cortex regardless of the pre-processing scheme. This empirical evidence calls for the development of a standardized data processing protocol for EEG-based analyses of the E/I ratio.
Microbial Differences Accurately Identifies Global SERT KO Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Leitman Madelaine , Katza Will , Zhang David , Pawar Shrey , Shera Simer , Hernandez Laura , Dong Tien S.
Published: November 2024

Altered serotonin signaling is a well-established contributor to depression, with the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) playing a critical role in regulating serotonin reuptake. Mice lacking SERT (SERT -/-) serve as a robust model for depression, exhibiting significant depressive-like behaviors compared to littermate wild-type (SERT +/+) controls. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between gut microbiota composition and depressive behaviors in SERT -/- mice. Behavioral assays, including the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), confirmed that SERT -/- mice exhibited significantly increased immobility times compared to SERT +/+ mice (FST: p = 0.004; TST: p = 0.080), consistent with a depressive phenotype. Utilizing littermate controls, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples revealed significant differences in alpha diversity between the two groups of mice, as measured by the Shannon entropy index (p = 0.05). Additionally, our bacterial co-occurrence network analysis uncovered distinct structural differences in microbial interactions between SERT -/- and SERT +/+ mice (p = 0.001), suggesting shifts in microbiome stability and functionality between the groups. We created a microbial depression score utilizing the top five bacteria taxa that were differentially abundant between SERT -/- and SERT +/+ mice:Clostridium sp. MD294, Acetatifactor MGBC165152, Desulfovibrio MGBC129232, Oscillibacter MGBC161747, and Schaedlerella MGBC000001.This microbial depression score correlated strongly with immobility times in the FST (r = 0.705, p < 0.0006) and TST (r = 0.401, p < 0.09). A random forest classifier based on these taxa accurately distinguished SERT -/- from SERT +/+ mice (accuracy = 0.82). These findings suggest that gut microbial species composition is highly associated with depressive-like behaviors in SERT -/- mice, likely via alterations in serotonin signaling pathways, and may offer potential targets for microbiome-based interventions in depression.
The development of aperiodic neural activity in the human brain
Authors: Cross Zachariah R. , Gray Samantha M. , Dede Adam J. O. , Rivera Yessenia M. , Yin Qin , Vahidi Parisa , Rau Elias M. B. , Cyr Christopher , Holubecki Ania M. , Asano Eishi , Lin Jack J. , McManus Olivia Kim , Sattar Shifteh , Saez Ignacio , Girgis Fady , King-Stephens David , Weber Peter B. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Schuele Stephan U. , Rosenow Joshua M. , Wu Joyce Y. , Lam Sandi K. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Chang Edward F. , Shaikhouni Ammar , Brunner Peter , Roland Jarod L. , Braga Rodrigo M. , Knight Robert T. , Ofen Noa , Johnson Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2024

The neurophysiological mechanisms supporting brain maturation are fundamental to attention and memory capacity across the lifespan. Human brain regions develop at different rates, with many regions developing into the third and fourth decades of life. Here, in this preregistered study (https://osf.io/gsru7), we analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings from widespread brain regions in a large developmental cohort. Using task-based (i.e., attention to-be-remembered visual stimuli) and task-free (resting-state) data from 101 children and adults (5.93 – 54.00 years, 63 males;nelectrodes = 5691), we mapped aperiodic (1/ƒ-like) activity, a proxy of excitation:inhibition (E:I) balance with steeper slopes indexing inhibition and flatter slopes indexing excitation. We reveal that aperiodic slopes flatten with age into young adulthood in both association and sensorimotor cortices, challenging models of early sensorimotor development based on brain structure. In prefrontal cortex (PFC), attentional state modulated age effects, revealing steeper task-based than task-free slopes in adults and the opposite in children, consistent with the development of cognitive control. Age-related differences in task-based slopes also explained age-related gains in memory performance, linking the development of PFC cognitive control to the development of memory. Last, with additional structural imaging measures, we reveal that age-related differences in gray matter volume are differentially associated with aperiodic slopes in association and sensorimotor cortices. Our findings establish developmental trajectories of aperiodic activity in localized brain regions and illuminate the development of PFC inhibitory control during adolescence in the development of attention and memory.
Bichromatic exon-reporters reveal voltage-gated Ca2+-channel splice-isoform diversity acrossDrosophilaneuronsin vivo
Authors: Feghhi Touhid , Hernandez Roberto X. , Mahneva Olena , Oliva Carlos D. , Macleod Gregory T.
Published: November 2024

Every neuron contains the same genomic information but its complement of proteins is the product of countless neuron-specific steps including pre-mRNA splicing. Despite advances in RNA sequencing techniques, pre-mRNA splicing biases that favor one isoform over another are largely inscrutable in live neuronsin situ. Here, inDrosophila, we developed bichromatic fluorescent reporters to investigate alternate splicing ofcacophony– a gene that codes the pore-forming α1-subunit of the primary neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+channel (VGCC). These reporters reveal a neuron-specific pattern of exon biases, including stereotypical differences between neurons of the same neurotransmitter type and ostensibly the same function. Information about exon splicing biases of individual neuronsin vivoprovides clues to the role of VGCC motifs and the role of those neurons in the context of local circuits. The application of this technology to a large gene such ascacophonyprovides a precedence for effective exon-reporter design for otherDrosophilagenes.
Retrospective Attention Can Trigger Visual Perception Without Dependence on Either Cue Awareness or Target Reporting
Authors: Li Ye , Wan Xingbei , Mao Mingxing , Jin Lingying , Zhang Xilin
Published: November 2024

Retrospective attention, directed by cues after stimulus offset, enhances the perception of threshold-level Gabor patches. However, the neural mechanisms and the dependence on cue awareness and target reporting remain unclear. Using EEG in both report and no- report paradigms with visible and invisible post-cues, we found that orientation discrimination improved with retro-cues regardless of cue visibility. Under invisible conditions, retro-cueing effects were weaker, limited to a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 66.67 ms, and associated with the N2pc component. In contrast, visible retro-cueing persisted at a 100 ms SOA, eliciting strong P3b and weak VAN in report condition. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that in report conditions, neural processing of cued targets was earlier, stronger, and more generalized in fronto-parietal regions, whereas in no-report conditions, decoding was confined to parieto-occipital areas. These findings indicate that retrospective attention can enhance visual perception independently of cue awareness and target reporting, contributing to ongoing theories of consciousness.
Characterization of a GpsB-associated regulator of PBP1a reveals the organization of the cell wall remodeling complex ofStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Millat Hugo , Lenoir Cassandra , Falcou Cassandra , Cluzel Caroline , Zapun André , Roper David I , Morlot Cécile , Ducret Adrien , Grangeasse Christophe
Published: November 2024

Class A PBPs (aPBPs) play a key role in the biosynthesis and remodeling of peptidoglycan, the main component of the bacterial cell wall. The human bacterial pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniaeproduces three aPBPs, which are regulated to maintain the bacterium’s ovoid shape. Although their exact functions remain unclear, evidence suggests that PBP1a and PBP2a activities are closely coordinated. In this study, we elucidated the function of an unknown function protein named GarP (GpsB-associated regulator ofPBP1a), in the regulation of PBP1a activity. We showed that GarP localizes to the division septum and its absence leads to morphological defects. We further identified a GpsB-binding motif in GarP as well as in PBP2a, the PG deacetylase PgdA and the muramidase MpgA. Our analysis of genetic and protein interactions, combined with cell imaging, supports a model of a molecular complex that coordinates PG remodeling duringS. pneumoniaecell division.
Encoding opposing valences through frequency-dependent transmitter switching in single peptidergic neurons
Authors: Kim Dong-Il , Kang Sukjae J. , Jhang Jinho , Jo Yong S. , Park Seahyung , Ye Mao , Pyeon Gyeong Hee , Im Geun-Ho , Kim Seong-Gi , Han Sung
Published: November 2024

Peptidergic neurons often co-express fast transmitters and neuropeptides in separate vesicles with distinct release properties. However, the release dynamics of each transmitter in various contexts have not been fully understood in behaving animals. Here, we demonstrate that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the external lateral subdivision of the parabrachial nucleus (CGRPPBel) encode opposing valence via differential release, rather than corelease, of glutamate and neuropeptides, according to firing rate. Glutamate is released preferentially at lower firing rates with minimal release at higher firing rates, whereas neuropeptides are released at higher firing rates, resulting in frequency-dependent switching of transmitters. Aversive stimuli evoke high frequency responses with accompanying neuropeptide release to encode negative valence, whereas appetitive stimuli evoke low frequency responses with glutamate release to encode positive valence. Our study reveals a previously unknown capability of single CGRPPBelneurons to bidirectionally encode valence via frequency-dependent differential release of transmittersin vivo.
Electrocardiographic signs of cardiac ischemia at rest and during exercise in patients with COPD travelling to 3100 m. Data from a randomized trial of acetazolamide
Authors: Christen Marla , Buergin Aline , Mademilov Maamed , Mayer Laura , Schneider Simon R. , Lichtblau Mona , Sooronbaev Talant M. , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad E. , Furian Michael
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxygen delivery to the heart may be impaired during altitude travel. We assessed ECG-derived signs of cardiac ischemia, and effects of preventive acetazolamide therapy in COPD patients travelling to high altitude.

Methods

Patients with COPD, GOLD grade 2-3, mean±SD, FEV166±11%predicted, aged 57±8years, living <1000m, were included in this analysis of secondary outcomes from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov,NCT03156231). Exercise-electrocardiograms were recorded at the National Center of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Bishkek (760m) and on the day of arrival at Tuja Ashu high-altitude clinic (3100m), Kyrgyzstan. Acetazolamide (375mg/day) or placebo was administered 24h before ascent and during stay at 3100m. The incidence of post-exercise ST-elevations (STE) ≥0.3mm in aVR (J+80ms) was the main outcome.

Results

At 760m, 3 of 49 (6%) patients randomized to placebo and 3 of 50 (6%) randomized to acetazolamide showed post-exercise STE. At 3100m under placebo, 2(4%) new STE developed and 1(2%) disappeared compared to 760m (P=0.564, McNemar Test). At 3100m under acetazolamide, 1(2%) new STE developed and 2(4%) disappeared compared to 760m (P=0.564). No treatment effect was detected (P=0.242, Fisher Exact Test). Mean difference (95%CI) in STE between post-exercise and rest at 3100m was 0.22mm(0.06 to 0.39) and 0.09mm(−0.06 to 0.24) under placebo and acetazolamide therapy (treatment effect, −0.13mm(−0.35 to 0.08, P=0.230)).

Conclusions

In lowlanders with moderate to severe COPD ascending to 3100m, no ECG-derived signs of cardiac ischemia emerged neither at rest nor post-exercise and this was not modified by preventive acetazolamide therapy.
Rethinking and redesigning storage, packaging and distribution practices for food supply chain
Authors: Lu Shih-Hao , Raj Rohit , Mahajan Anupama , Jha Ajay , Verma Priyanka , Lan Hsia-Ping , Singh Sumanjeet
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to add to the existing literature on food supply chains by specifically taking into the redesigning of the alignment of storage, packaging and distribution practices in the modern complex supply chain. The redesign of the food supply chain’s storage, distribution and packaging is a transformative endeavor ultimately aimed at enhancing efficiency, sustainability and reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to identify, classify and prioritize the main challenges, this study conducted an extensive analysis of the literature and experts’ opinions in the areas of academia, information technology and the food supply chain (FSC) using combined compromise solution method (CoCoSo) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS).

Findings

The top three classes of key indicators revealed in this study are dynamic route optimization and on-demand delivery pods (RD4), implementation of active packaging with nanotechnology (RP3) and collaborative last-mile (RD2). The findings reveal that dynamic route optimization and on-demand delivery pods (RD4) and collaborative last-mile (RD2) are maintaining a balance between collaborative delivery networks through route optimization which is a very discussable theme in recent literature.

Originality/value

The research provides fresh insights into how perishable food shelf life parameters and the use of distribution networks within the short supply chain can be taken into consideration when redesigning the storage, packaging and distribution system for food supply chains.
Investigating the role of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management in enhancing pharmaceutical quality performance
Authors: Nadeem Fareena , Hussain Atif , Awan Muhammad Usman
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. It also investigates the mediating role played by total quality management in the EO-QP relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 115 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.

Findings

The results show entrepreneurial orientation that and total quality management positively and significantly affect quality performance. Moreover, the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on quality performance is partially mediated by total quality management.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses cross-sectional data. Therefore, the long-term effect of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance could not be determined. Moreover, quality performance has been measured based on perceptual data, which may be prone to biases, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), quality performance (QP), total quality management (TQM).

Originality/value

The study is unique in providing empirical evidence linking entrepreneurial orientation with quality performance through the mediating role of total quality management. Quality performance is vital in the pharmaceutical industry; thus, the study makes a valuable contribution by identifying a new mechanism to achieve it. Moreover, although both entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management are very important, only a few studies have so far investigated their interrelationship. By providing evidence from a new cultural and industrial context, the study makes a valuable contribution to an under-researched yet important area.
University rankings and sustainable development: the state of the art
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Viera Trevisan Laís , Wahaj Zujaja , Déda Araújo Nunes Denner , Ruy Portela de Vasconcelos Claudio , Aparecida Dibbern Thais , Ruiz Vargas Valeria , Iyer-Raniga Usha , Anholon Rosley , Novikau Aliaksandr , Rimi Abubakar Ismaila , Pimenta Dinis Maria Alzira
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In light of the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education, this paper aims to explore the effectiveness of sustainability university rankings, specifically focusing on sustainable development (SD), to understand their impact on advancing universities’ sustainability goals and address gaps in practical implications and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines sustainability rankings in higher education (HE) through document analysis. Chosen for significance, these rankings were evaluated for regional participation, criteria and the top 20 universities. The method involved scrutinising official ranking websites for diverse perspectives on sustainability. The results are classified into three categories: regional participation, assessment criteria and top universities in the latest iterations.

Findings

The findings show that sustainability rankings are widely spread, and their existence has led to an increased motivation for universities to further engage in efforts in the field of SD. This study offers suggestions for optimising the role of promoting SD principles and practices in HE.

Originality/value

This comprehensive assessment sheds light on rankings’ operations and success levels. It makes a significant contribution to the literature, providing an unprecedented overview of analysed rankings and on sustainability assessment and their impact. This analysis will be valuable for universities towards the integration of SD principles and practices into the HE environment.