bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated fast–slow plant and nematode economics spectrum predicts soil organic carbon dynamics during natural restoration
Authors: Zhang Chongzhe , Zhu Tongbin , Nielsen Uffe N. , Wright Ian J. , Li Na , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Manqiang
Published: October 2024

Aboveground and belowground attributes of terrestrial ecosystems interact to shape carbon (C) cycling. However, plants and soil organisms are usually studied separately, leading to a knowledge gap regarding their coordinated contributions to ecosystem C cycling.

We explored whether integrated consideration of plant and nematode traits better explained soil organic C (SOC) dynamics than plant or nematode traits considered separately. Our study system was a space‐for‐time natural restoration chronosequence following agricultural abandonment in a subtropical region, with pioneer, early, mid and climax stages.

We identified an integrated fast–slow trait spectrum encompassing plants and nematodes, demonstrating coordinated shifts from fast strategies in the pioneer stage to slow strategies in the climax stage, corresponding to enhanced SOC dynamics. Joint consideration of plant and nematode traits explained more variation in SOC than by either group alone. Structural equation modeling revealed that the integrated fast–slow trait spectrum influenced SOC through its regulation of microbial traits, including microbial C use efficiency and microbial biomass.

Our findings confirm the pivotal role of plant‐nematode trait coordination in modulating ecosystem C cycling and highlight the value of incorporating belowground traits into biogeochemical cycling under global change scenarios.
Perioperative intravenous lignocaine for pediatric postoperative pain—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Ashok Vighnesh
Published: October 2024

Background

Intravenous lignocaine has been used as an analgesic adjunct in pediatric surgical patients, although its efficacy is still unclear.

Objective

We aimed to clarify the efficacy of perioperative intravenous lignocaine (bolus followed by an infusion) on pediatric postoperative pain outcomes.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar (inception to June 2024).

Eligibility Criteria

Studies involving pediatric patients (≤18 years) undergoing surgery under general anesthesia with one group receiving perioperative intravenous lignocaine (bolus followed by infusion) and the other group receiving placebo. The primary outcome was 24‐h postoperative opioid consumption. Postoperative pain scores and the need for rescue analgesia were the secondary outcomes.

Results

Seven studies (n = 415) were included in the final meta‐analysis. The use of intravenous lignocaine significantly reduced the morphine consumption in the first 24 h after surgery, compared to placebo (SMD ‐1.31, 95% CI ‐2.18 to −0.43, p = 0.003). A meta‐analysis could not be performed for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

There is low quality evidence to suggest that perioperative intravenous lignocaine bolus followed by an infusion significantly reduced the opioid consumption on the first postoperative day in pediatric surgical patients. The effects of perioperative lignocaine on postoperative pain scores and the need for rescue analgesia are uncertain.
Localizing the state: Stateness among refugee–led community‐based organizations in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Authors: Millar Stefan
Published: October 2024

The localization of humanitarian operations is commonly characterized as a return of ownership to local and national actors. Localization policies in Kenya have made refugee‐led community‐based organizations a viable alternative for humanitarian provisioning. Simultaneously, localization facilitated the ongoing enlargement of the Kenyan state into refugee management. Incidentally, the Kenyan state has introduced limitations on community‐based organizations’ international funding and registration through a verification process. Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic research in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, this article explores how community‐based organizations mediate Kenyan state control through verification. The article develops the concept of “stateness” to examine how refugee actors claim legitimacy as a state function. Stateness is generated by members of community‐based organizations through practices involving fellow refugees and Kenyan state actors. Using stateness, this article seeks to draw attention to how refugees can become a part of wider state apparatus and shape how the state is constituted within the camp.
Optimizing oilseed rape growth: Exploring the effect of foliar biostimulants on the interplay among metabolism, phenology, and yield
Authors: Ancín María , Soba David , Picazo Pedro J. , Gámez Angie L. , Le Page Jean‐François , Houdusse Diane , Aranjuelo Iker
Published: October 2024

The current agricultural system is in search of new strategies to achieve a more sustainable production while keeping or even increasing crop yield and quality. In this scenario, the application of biostimulants constitutes a potent solution. In the current study, the impact of a blue‐green microalgal extract (MB) and a pig tissue hydrolysate (PTH) on rapeseed plants' development was characterized. Obtained results revealed a positive effect on yield parameters of plants treated with MB and, especially, PTH; this was associated to an improvement on the photosynthetic performance. Moreover, this study remarked the effects of biostimulants on plant phenology through their pivotal role in modulating developmental processes. More specifically, proteomic, metabolomic, and hormone content analyses revealed distinct alterations associated with the acceleration of phenology induced by biostimulant application. Additionally, some antioxidant enzymes and stress‐related compounds were up‐regulated upon MB and PTH treatments, indicating enhanced plant defense mechanisms in response to accelerated phenological transitions. Such findings highlight the intricate interplay between biostimulants and plant physiology, wherein biostimulants orchestrate rapid developmental changes, ultimately influencing growth dynamics. Altogether, the current study reveals that the application of both MB and PTH biostimulants promoted rapeseed plant phenology and productivity associated with an improvement in the photosynthetic machinery while boosting other physiological and molecular mechanisms.
Analysis of KIR and HLA Polymorphism in Chinese Individuals With COVID‐19
Authors: Tao Sudan , You Xuan , Norman Paul J. , Kichula Katherine M. , Dong Lina , Chen Nanying , He Ji , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: October 2024

Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) interactions with HLA class I have crucial roles in modulating NK cell function in response to viral infections. To explore the correlation between KIR/HLA and susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, we analysed polymorphism of KIR genes, haplotypes, HLA allotypes, and the interplay between KIR and HLA in individuals diagnosed with COVID‐19. Compared to a population control group, we observed a significantly increased frequency of KIR3DL3*00802 in the COVID‐19 group. When encoded by the HLA‐B gene, the frequency of HLA‐Bw4, a ligand for KIR3DL1, was at lower frequency in the COVID‐19 group. Additionally, significantly elevated frequencies of KIR‐Bx3, KIR3DL3*00301, 3DL3*048, and C1+HLA‐C were identified in the COVID‐19 group before multiple test correction, suggesting associations with susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our findings indicate that the KIR3DL3*00802 allele may be a high‐risk factor for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, while Bw4 encoded by HLA‐B gene may confer protective effects against the infection.
Physiological and behavioural implications of the portosystemic shunt in C57Bl/6J mice
Authors: Lehtimäki Kimmo K. , Rytkönen Jussi , Pussinen Raimo , Shatillo Artem , Bragge Timo , Heikkinen Taneli , Fischer David F. , Kopanitsa Maksym V. , Sweeney Patrick , Nurmi Antti , Puoliväli Jukka
Published: October 2024

A significant fraction of the popular inbred C57Bl/6J mice show structural and biochemical features of the congenital portosystemic shunt (PSS). How this hepatic abnormality affects physiological and behavioural parameters has not been explored in detail. Here, we confirmed the frequent occurrence of the PSS in C57Bl/6J mice by three different methods. We screened a cohort of 119 C57Bl/6J mice for total bile acids (TBA) in plasma, identified 11 animals (9.2%) with high TBA (>11 µm; 171.1 ± 76.8 µm), and confirmed PSS presence in that subset by magnetic resonance angiography and 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy of brain metabolites in the hippocampal area. In addition to the high glutamine and low myo‐inositol levels, we detected lower levels of several neurotransmitters and metabolites in the hippocampus, higher brain weight and volume, as well as enhanced brain glucose utilisation in the PSS mice. We also observed differences in peripheral organ weights, haematological cell counts and clinical chemistry parameters in C57Bl/6J mice with and without PSS. Animals with PSS were slightly hyperlocomotive, had better balance on the rotarod, showed altered gait properties, and displayed attenuated fear memory in the fear conditioning test. Furthermore, we revealed a significant alteration of the pharmacokinetic profile of diazepam in C57Bl/6J mice with PSS. Our data support previous reports of hepatic disturbances and demonstrate an altered neurobiological phenotype in C57Bl/6J mice with PSS. Such congenital differences between inbred C57Bl/6J littermates may significantly distort experimental outcomes of pharmacological, behavioural and genetic studies.

image

Key points

A significant proportion of C57Bl/6J mice, an inbred strain popular in preclinical research, have congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) that allow venous blood to enter systemic circulation bypassing the liver.

In this study, we extended existing knowledge of PSS consequences, particularly with respect to the effects on brain structure and function.

We demonstrated that C57Bl/6J mice with PSS differ from their normal counterparts in brain size and contents of several neuroactive substances, as well as in peripheral organ weights, rate of glucose utilisation, blood cell counts and blood clinical chemistry parameters.

C57Bl/6J mice with PSS showed altered locomotor behaviour, performed worse in a memory test and had abnormal blood pharmacokinetics of a benzodiazepine drug after a single administration.

PSS presence may significantly complicate the interpretation of experiments in C57Bl/6J mice; therefore, we propose that before their use in biomedical studies, these mice should be screened with a simple blood test.
Gold Medal Engineering
Authors: Abrams Michael
Published: October 2024

Every Olympic Games, athletes set new records for speed, strength, and endurance. One force helping human bodies reach their max potentia is technology. Rowers benefit from lighter boats, cyclists ride bespoke bikes, and the shooters placing pellets on top of pellets are handling more accurate rifles. Even the most stripped-down event of them all—running—features athletes trained with an engineered pacer to gain their serious advantage. Behind the scenes engineering is pushing athletes further than they’ve ever gone.
Reduction of Pressure Distribution Variation in Press Mold Based on Variable Lattice Optimization
Authors: Yanagihara Kazutaka , Takezawa Akihiro
Published: October 2024

Hot molding is one of the efficient techniques for shaping viscoelastic materials such as glass. However, to prevent surface quality defects caused by the contact between molds during the shaping process, the mold should be carefully designed to provide unifying contact pressure. In this study, to reduce the distribution of contact pressure of molds, the mold's internal stiffness distribution was controlled using variable lattice optimization via molding. Control of stiffness in the contact direction was achieved using unit cell shapes that included beam structures, and the range of effective stiffness was expanded by combining multiple types of unit cells. In addition, contact and linear elastic calculations were performed separately to address the boundary nonlinearity problem in the contact analysis. The linear elastic calculation was performed by mapping the displacement distribution obtained in the contact analysis, and sensitivity calculation was performed for the linear elastic calculation. Using two examples with modified contact surface shapes, the proposed method's effectiveness and validity are discussed through numerical calculations with effective material properties, reproduced detailed shapes, and experimental verification. The numerical simulations revealed a reduction in the variance of contact pressure by 74% in the 2.5D examples and 68% in the 3D examples. Experimental results demonstrated a decrease in the variance of contact pressure by 29% in both the 2.5D and 3D examples.
The Phase Transition of Covariant Lyapunov Vector Precisely Locates a Stability Reversal of Quasi-Periodic Response
Authors: Cao Limin , Liu Jike , Chen Yanmao
Published: October 2024

Assessing the stability of quasi-periodic (QP) response is crucial, as the bifurcation of QP response is usually accompanied by a stability reversal. The largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), as an important indicator for chaotic motion, can also be used for the stability analysis of QP response. The precise location of a stability reversal, however, is tough to achieve as a poor convergence rate would be usually encountered when solving the LLE. Herein a straightforward and precise approach is suggested to identify the critical point when a stability reversal happens. Our approach is based on an explicit differential equation that provides the LLE straightforwardly via numerical integration, and the corresponding covariant Lyapunov vector is simultaneously obtained. The major finding consists in the phase transition of the covariant Lyapunov vector, which can happen much early before the LLE reaches a relatively convergent value. More importantly, the phase transition can serve as a strong indicator to locate a stability reversal of the QP response qualitatively. Numerical examples are provided to verify of the effectiveness and wide applicability the presented approach.
Closed-Form Solutions of Injection-Driven Flow and Heat Transfer Inside an Inclined Horizontal Filter Chamber
Authors: Lekoko Modisawatsona Lucas , Magalakwe Gabriel , Motsepa Tanki
Published: October 2024

The closed-form solutions of models provide operators and designers with a better understanding of how the systems perform practically, thus improving critical industrial production operations. Due to this importance, the case study at hand seeks to find closed-form solutions of the internal momentum and temperature variation during the filtration process to advance fluid purification. Lie group analysis is used to transform a system of equations representing the flow and heat transfer into a solvable system without changing the dynamics of the case study. The transformed solvable system is then integrated to find closed-form solutions of the internal velocity (momentum) and temperature variation. The obtained closed-form solutions are then used to analyze the effects of physical parameters arising from the process dynamics to find combinations of parameters that yield maximum permeates outflow. The analysis conveys that the internal fluid velocity increases when enhancing the permeation parameter and minimizing Reynolds number, wave speed parameter, and chamber height.
Methodology for Modeling Nonlinear Thermomechanical Response With Wear at High-Speed Interactions: Application to a Pin–Disk Configuration
Authors: Pontonnier Soufiane , Quaegebeur Samuel , Thouverez Fabrice , Almeida Patricio
Published: October 2024

An aircraft engine is a complex structure for which some components can come into contact at high speed. Modeling this behavior is very complex as multiple physics must be considered. State-of-the-art methodologies usually account for permanent contact and thermal modeling. In this paper, a new approach is proposed and embeds various phenomena such as nonregular and nonlinear contact mechanics, surface rubbing, wear, and nonlinear heat transfer. A nonlinear version of Moreau–Jean algorithm is employed to compute the transient response of the system and to capture accurately the contact dynamics. Moreover, the full nonlinear coupling between the dynamics and the heating process is taken into account through both a semi-analytical formulation and the finite element (FE) method. At the contact interface, heat flux is generated by dry rubbing and flows into both interacting bodies. The heat flux partition is evaluated thanks to a coefficient that depends on the material properties of the solids in contact. The proposed method also accounts for the adhesive wear between the solids through an energetic approach. This methodology is applied to an academic, yet realistic, disk connected to a rotor shaft that is free to move axially and to rotate around its revolution axis. Gyroscopic effects and variation of the rotation velocity are included leading to a full nonlinear mechanical behavior. The disk undergoes aerodynamic load moving it to contact with a clamped free pin. The rotor shaft and the pin are both modeled as one-dimensional (1D) elastic bodies, while the rotor disk is assumed to be rigid. Through this example, the developed strategy shows its potential to compute the complete transient highly nonlinear response of the breaking phenomenon, in an acceptable time simulation.
In Situ Species Concentration Measurements in Ammonia-Mix Flames Using FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Bedick Clinton , Boyette Wesley , Tulgestke Andrew
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen and ammonia represent two carbon-free fuel sources that could be used in place of current fossil energy sources in combustion systems. To develop optimized ammonia combustion systems, validated modeling tools are needed. In the open literature, it has been shown that the complex chemistry associated with fuel-bound nitrogen contained in ammonia differs greatly from natural gas or hydrogen combustion. As a result, several new chemical kinetic mechanisms have been developed. Many of these mechanisms have been validated experimentally; however, this has primarily focused on bulk parameters such as laminar flame speed and ignition delay time. Critically, high quality measurements of species concentrations are needed under controlled conditions that are easily represented by simple models. In this paper, direct, in situ measurements of species concentrations and gas temperature are performed in a laminar flat-flame burner. This arrangement enables comparison with one-dimensional (1D) model predictions, better isolating chemical kinetics from the fluid dynamics. Quantitative species concentrations are determined by absorption spectroscopy using an Fourier-transform-infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Fuel compositions representative of cracked ammonia (NH3/H2) and ammonia-natural gas (NH3/CH4) are considered for rich and lean equivalence ratios. A major focus of the paper is on the selection of spectral features for nitric oxide and ammonia and correcting for large amounts of baseline H2O absorption.
ASME Robotics Roadmap
Authors:   ASME Robotics Technology Group (RTG) and its Working Groups, edited by Gloria J. Wiens
Published: October 2024

The ASME Robotics Technology Group (RTG) and its Working Groups present, herein a robotics roadmap written with the aim 1) to embody mechanical and physical necessities and bridge the gaps between AI and integration challenges; 2) to identify critical trends, top-of-market challenges, and knowledge gaps; and 3) to identify opportunities in the journey – path to get there and in strengthening the mechanical engineering footprint in robotics technology.
Full book download
Authors:   ASME Robotics Technology Group (RTG) and its Working Groups Edited by Gloria J. Wiens
Published: October 2024

This book is available as a single PDF download.
Front Matter
Authors:   ASME Robotics Technology Group (RTG) and its Working Groups Edited by Gloria J. Wiens
Published: October 2024

This frontmatter contains the Table of Contents and is available for free viewing by clicking on the PDF below.

eBook keywords: robotics, robotics technology, human-robot interaction, robot to robot machine collaboration, robot to human machine collaboration, robotic manufacturing, space-based robotic manufacturing and assembly, human-centered manufacturing, robotics risk and safety aspects.
P2X
7
receptors exhibit at least three modes of allosteric antagonism
Authors: Oken Adam C. , Ditter Ismayn A. , Lisi Nicolas E. , Krishnamurthy Ipsita , Godsey Michael H. , Mansoor Steven E.
Published: October 2024

P2X receptors are trimeric ion channels activated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that contribute to pathophysiological processes ranging from asthma to neuropathic pain and neurodegeneration. A number of small-molecule antagonists have been identified for these important pharmaceutical targets. However, the molecular pharmacology of P2X receptors is poorly understood because of the chemically disparate nature of antagonists and their differential actions on the seven constituent subtypes. Here, we report high-resolution cryo–electron microscopy structures of the homomeric rat P2X
7
receptor bound to five previously known small-molecule allosteric antagonists and a sixth antagonist that we identify. Our structural, biophysical, and electrophysiological data define the molecular determinants of allosteric antagonism in this pharmacologically relevant receptor, revealing three distinct classes of antagonists that we call shallow, deep, and starfish. Starfish binders, exemplified by the previously unidentified antagonist methyl blue, represent a unique class of inhibitors with distinct functional properties that could be exploited to develop potent P2X
7
ligands with substantial clinical impact.
What are the essential determinants of human papillomavirus carcinogenesis?
Authors: Munger Karl , White Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading viral cause of cancer. Over the past several decades, research on HPVs has provided remarkable insight into human cell biology and into the pathology of viral and non-viral cancers. The HPV E6 and E7 proteins engage host cellular proteins to establish an environment in infected cells that is conducive to virus replication. They rewire host cell signaling pathways to promote proliferation, inhibit differentiation, and limit cell death. The activity of the “high-risk” HPV E6 and E7 proteins is so potent that their dysregulated expression is sufficient to drive the initiation and maintenance of HPV-associated cancers. Consequently, intensive research efforts have aimed to identify the host cell targets of E6 and E7, in part with the idea that some or all of the virus-host interactions would be essential cancer drivers. These efforts have identified a large number of potential binding partners of each oncoprotein. However, over the same time period, parallel research has revealed that a relatively small number of genetic mutations drive carcinogenesis in most non-viral cancers. We therefore propose that a high-priority goal is to identify which of the many targets of E6 and E7 are critical drivers of HPV carcinogenesis. By identifying the cancer-driving targets of E6 and E7, it should be possible to better understand the distinct roles of other targets, perhaps in the viral life cycle, and to focus efforts to develop anti-cancer therapies on the subset of virus-host interactions for which therapeutic intervention would have the greatest impact.
Complete genome sequence of a vampire bat-related rabies virus obtained by metagenomics from a patient with encephalitis of unknown etiology, French Guiana
Authors: Hourdel Véronique , Balière Charlotte , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Brisebarre Angela , Grassin Quentin , Manuguerra Jean-Claude , Kallel Hatem , Demar Magalie , Dacheux Laurent , Caro Valérie
Published: October 2024

We report the complete genome sequence of a rabies virus obtained by direct metagenomics from the cerebellum of a gold panner who died of unknown encephalitis in French Guiana. Phylogenetic analysis exhibited a close genetic relationship with vampire bat-related isolates, confirming the second case of human rabies identified in this territory.
Transcriptomic data sets for
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
grown with the β-5-linked aromatic dimer dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol and the related G-aromatic monomers vanillin and ferulic acid
Authors: Metz Fletcher , Myers Kevin S. , Lu Fachuang , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J.
Published: October 2024

The transcriptomes of a 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid-producing strain of
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
DSM12444 were determined when grown in minimal medium containing glucose alone or glucose plus vanillin, ferulic acid, or the β-5-linked aromatic dimer dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol as carbon sources. Here, we present the RNA-sequencing data we obtained.
Draft genome sequence of
Sanguibacter
species strain 25GB23B1, cultivated from arctic surface seawater
Authors: Mitchell Kiana , Busch Grace , Sharma Indu
Published: October 2024

We report a draft genome sequence for
Sanguibacter
species strain 25GB23B1, isolated from arctic surface seawater off the coast of Alaska. The whole genome sequence will provide knowledge of the bacteria’s relationship to its environment and possibly a new species of
Sanguibacter
.
Pan-genome-scale metabolic modeling of
Bacillus subtilis
reveals functionally distinct groups
Authors: Neal Maxwell , Brakewood William , Betenbaugh Michael , Zengler Karsten
Published: October 2024

Bacillus subtilis
is an important industrial and environmental microorganism known to occupy many niches and produce many compounds of interest. Although it is one of the best-studied organisms, much of this focus including the reconstruction of genome-scale metabolic models has been placed on a few key laboratory strains. Here, we substantially expand these prior models to pan-genome-scale, representing 481 genomes of
B. subtilis
with 2,315 orthologous gene clusters, 1,874 metabolites, and 2,239 reactions. Furthermore, we incorporate data from carbon utilization experiments for eight strains to refine and validate its metabolic predictions. This comprehensive pan-genome model enables the assessment of strain-to-strain differences related to nutrient utilization, fermentation outputs, robustness, and other metabolic aspects. Using the model and phenotypic predictions, we divide
B. subtilis
strains into five groups with distinct patterns of behavior that correlate across these features. The pan-genome model offers deep insights into
B. subtilis’
metabolism as it varies across environments and provides an understanding as to how different strains have adapted to dynamic habitats.

IMPORTANCE

As the volume of genomic data and computational power have increased, so has the number of genome-scale metabolic models. These models encapsulate the totality of metabolic functions for a given organism.
Bacillus subtilis
strain 168 is one of the first bacteria for which a metabolic network was reconstructed. Since then, several updated reconstructions have been generated for this model microorganism. Here, we expand the metabolic model for a single strain into a pan-genome-scale model, which consists of individual models for 481
B. subtilis
strains. By evaluating differences between these strains, we identified five distinct groups of strains, allowing for the rapid classification of any particular strain. Furthermore, this classification into five groups aids the rapid identification of suitable strains for any application.
Salivary microbiota reflecting changes in subgingival microbiota
Authors: Jung Jae-Suk , Kook Joong-Ki , Park Soon-Nang , Lim Yun Kyong , Choi Geum Hee , Kim Sunjin , Ji Suk
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine whether subgingival microbial changes according to the severity of periodontal disease and following the non-surgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis are reflected in the saliva microbiota. Subgingival and saliva samples were collected from 7 periodontally healthy controls, 14 patients with gingivitis, 12 with moderate periodontitis, and 18 with severe periodontitis. Among subjects who received treatment, seven moderate and seven severe periodontitis patients were selected for post-treatment microbial analysis, and their samples were analyzed at baseline and 6 months after treatment. The V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced, and correlations of the relative abundance of phyla and health- or periodontitis-dominant species between subgingival plaque and saliva samples were analyzed using Spearman signed-rank tests. Alpha diversity was higher in saliva than subgingival plaque samples, and beta diversity was significantly different between the two samples. However, levels of phyla and most health- or periodontitis-dominant species in salivary microbiota were significantly correlated with those in subgingival plaque. The improvement in clinical parameters following treatment was accompanied by a microbial shift not only in subgingival plaque but also in saliva. The abundance of 2 phyla including Bacteroidetes, 6 genera including
Porphyromonas
and
Treponema
, and 11 species including
Porphyromonas gingivalis
,
Tannerella forsythia
, and
Filifactor alocis
was significantly reduced in saliva following treatment. These results indicate that the salivary microbiota can reflect changes in the subgingival microbiota, suggesting that saliva can be used as a diagnostic tool to monitor the periodontal health status of individuals.

IMPORTANCE

The salivary microbiota has attracted increasing attention as a promising method for monitoring periodontal disease. With regard to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, however, subgingival plaque microbiota is the dominant etiological factor. Although it has been established that periodontopathogenic bacteria exist in saliva and their distribution differs, depending on the severity of the disease, it is necessary to analyze the extent to which the salivary microbiota reflects the subgingival microbiota. This study explored whether subgingival microbial changes according to the severity of periodontal disease and following the non-surgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis are reflected in the saliva microbiota and concluded that the salivary microbiota can reflect changes in the subgingival microbiota. Saliva can be used as a diagnostic tool to monitor the periodontal health status of individuals.
Exhumation history of the Shanxi Rift, Central Asia, derived from low-temperature thermochronology
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Li Shichao , Yang Xiaopeng , Zuza Andrew V. , Liu Fangbin , Sheldrick Thomas C. , He Xiaoqi , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2024

The Shanxi Rift system in Central Asia is a prominent Cenozoic intraplate rift system within the North China craton that also preserves a record of Mesozoic contractional deformation. The overprinting phases of deformation complicate interpretations of its tectonic history. Here, we present new apatite fission-track (AFT) thermochronology data from the northern flank of the rift system and compile a large thermochronology dataset from around the Shanxi Rift. We also present a new seismic reflection profile for the central Datong Basin to investigate synkinematic basin sediments within the rift. Thermal inverse models of low-temperature thermochronology data reveal temporal and spatial variations in exhumation rates across the rift flanks. The northern rift started exhuming in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, whereas the central and southern flanks experienced mainly Cenozoic exhumation. Between 50 Ma and 30 Ma, exhumation rates diminished from south to north but markedly accelerated again after 20 Ma. These modeling results reveal that normal faulting along the rift flank was active between 40 Ma and 25 Ma coupled with basin subsidence. The main phase of rifting initiated in the Paleogene, with deformation propagating from southwest to northeast. Postulated Late Jurassic crustal shortening in the Shanxi Rift system followed by Early Cretaceous extension explain the ages in the north, and these dynamics were probably driven by west-dipping flat-slab subduction of the Izanagi (Paleo-Pacific) slab and subsequent slab rollback. Cenozoic rifting across the Shanxi Rift was caused by the combined impacts of Pacific slab dynamics and the growing margin of the Tibetan Plateau.
Diachronous end-Permian terrestrial crises in North and South China
Authors: Chu Daoliang , Song Haijun , Dal Corso Jacopo , Winguth A.M.E. , Gautam Mitali D. , Wignall Paul B. , Grasby Stephen E. , Shu Wenchao , Song Hanchen , Song Huyue , Tian Li , Wu Yuyang , Tong Jinnan
Published: October 2024

Climate breakdown driven by massive volcanic eruptions was the likely cause of the terrestrial Permian–Triassic mass extinction (ca. 252 Ma). However, establishing the relationship between climate factors and terrestrial ecosystem responses is difficult. Furthermore, it is unclear if the pattern and timing of the terrestrial ecosystem crises are consistent across different regions. Our integrated paleontology and geochemistry study indicates that the onset of the terrestrial crisis in North China preceded that in South China by at least 300 k.y. Geological and Earth system modeling suggest that lethal heatwaves and aridity, along with enhanced climate seasonality, were caused by higher atmospheric CO2. The onset of these environmental changes varied regionally and were likely responsible for the diachronous terrestrial crisis. Our results indicate that, rather than a globally synchronous event, cumulative regional extirpations ultimately resulted in a global terrestrial extinction.
The impact of increasing temperatures due to climate change on infectious diseases
Authors: Anikeeva Olga , Hansen Alana , Varghese Blesson , Borg Matthew , Zhang Ying , Xiang Jianjun , Bi Peng
Published: October 2024

Global temperatures will continue to rise due to climate change, with high temperature periods expected to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration. Infectious diseases, including vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, waterborne diseases such as cholera, and foodborne diseases such as salmonellosis are influenced by temperature and other climatic variables, thus contributing to higher disease burden and associated healthcare costs, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. Targeted efforts and investments are therefore needed to support low and middle income countries to prepare for and respond to the increasing infectious disease threats posed by rising temperatures. This can be facilitated by the development and refinement of robust disease and entomological surveillance and early warning systems with integration of climatic information that promote enhanced understanding of the geographic distribution of disease risk. To enhance healthcare workforce capacity and capability to respond to these public health threats, medical curricula and continuing professional education programmes for healthcare providers must include evidence based components on the impacts of climate change on infectious diseases.
Recent trends in GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i use among people with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the USA
Authors: King Aaron , Tan Xi , Dhopeshwarkar Neil , Bohn Rhonda , Dea Katherine , Leonard Charles E , de Havenon Adam
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess recent trends in the US use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including incident use following newly diagnosed ASCVD.

Research design and methods

This real-world, retrospective observational study used de-identified data from the TriNetX Dataworks–USA network. A longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional data (interval: January 01, 2018 to December 31, 2022) assessed the yearly prevalent use of GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i. A nested cohort study (January 01, 2017 to January 31, 2023) assessed the proportions of patients with T2D newly prescribed GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is after incident ASCVD diagnosis.

Results

Prevalent use of GLP-1 RA and/or SGLT2i increased from 9.2% of patients in 2018 to 27.1% in 2022, with eligible annual patient numbers ranging from 279,474 to 348,997. GLP-1 RA-alone use rose from 5.2% to 9.9% and SGLT2i-alone use rose from 2.8% to 12.2% over this interval. Incident use of GLP-1 RA and/or SGLT2i within the year following ASCVD diagnosis increased from 5.9% to 17.0% (2018–2022). For GLP-1 RA alone, this increase was from 3.6% to 7.8%, while for SGLT2i alone, it was from 1.8% to 7.0%.

Conclusions

Use of GLP-1 RAs/SGLT2is in patients with T2D and ASCVD has increased in recent years in the USA, but remains suboptimal given the prevalence of ASCVD and its high morbidity and mortality.
Long-term probabilistic forecasts of activity mitigation in English hospitals: a national elicitation exercise providing an outside view based on judgements of experts in support of the New Hospital Programme
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed A , Jemmett Thomas , Cook Josh , Parsons Jake , Wyatt Steven , Beeley Chris , Spilsbury Peter
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The planning process for a new hospital relies on assumptions about future levels of demand. Typically, such assumptions are characterised by point estimates, the flaw-of-averages, base-rate neglect and overoptimism from an inside view. To counteract these limitations, we elicited an outside view of probabilistic forecasts based on judgements of experts about the extent to which various types of hospital activity might be mitigated over 20 years, in support of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) in the English National Health Service.

Design

A prospective online elicitation exercise, over two rounds, to forecast the reduction (0% no reduction to 100% total reduction) in 77 types of hospital activity across England via five types of activity mitigation: outpatient attendance avoidance (n=8); inpatient admission avoidance (n=31); A&E attendance avoidance (n=12); outpatient delivery mode (n=4); inpatient length of stay reduction (n=22) and eight types of activity groups.

Primary outcomes are the aggregated forecasts representing the percentage reduction (0%–100%) in hospital activity across England based on ‘surprisingly low’ (10th percentile—P10) to ‘surprisingly high’ (90th percentile—P90) forecasts from 17 experts.

Results

We had 657 forecasts from 17 experts. The most pessimistic forecast was for inpatient avoidance of frail elderly admissions (mean 5.71%, P10=0.43%, P90=16.40%). The most optimistic forecast was for inpatient admission avoidance for vascular surgery (mean 48.27%, P10=19.82%, P90=78.57%). The overall (n=77) aggregate means ranged from a low of 5.71% to a high of 48.27% with an average width of 50.08%. Experts highlighted mainly four types of mitigation mechanisms—prevention, displacement, quality improvement and de-adoption.

Conclusion

A national elicitation exercise has provided long-term aggregate forecasts across England that make explicit the wide variation and uncertainty associated with future mitigation activities from an outside perspective. These aggregate forecasts may now be incorporated into the NHP, providing a more robust foundation for planning.
Development of a vocational rehabilitation intervention to support return-to-work and well-being following major trauma: a person-based approach
Authors: Radford Kate , Kettlewell Jade , das Nair Roshan , Morriss Richard , Holmes Jain , Kellezi Blerina , Timmons Stephen , Jones Trevor , Tresidder Hereward , Andrews Isobel , Bridger Kay , Patel Priya , Lindley Rebecca , De Dios Perez Blanca , Statham Abigail , Jones Tadeusz , Hoffman Karen , James Marilyn , Kendrick Denise
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Major trauma centres (MTCs) save lives but rehabilitation to support return-to-work (RTW) is lacking. This paper describes development of a vocational rehabilitation intervention (the ROWTATE intervention) to support RTW following traumatic injury.

Design

Sequential and iterative person-based approach in four stages—Stage 1:review of evidence about the efficacy and mechanisms of RTW interventions;Stage 2:interviews (n=38) and focus groups (n=25) with trauma survivors and service providers in five UK MTCs to identify the issues, and challenges faced postinjury;Stage 3: codesign workshops (n=43) with trauma stakeholders in MTCs to conceptually test and identify intervention delivery barriers/enablers;Stage 4:meetings (n=7) with intervention development working group (IDWG) to: (1) generate guiding principles, (2) identify key intervention features (process, components, mechanisms) to address unmet rehabilitation needs; (3) generate a logic model and programme theory to illustrate how the intervention works; and (4) develop a training package to support delivery.

Results

Trauma survivors described unmet needs relating to early advice about RTW; psychological support; pain management; hidden disabilities (eg, fatigue); estimating recovery; and community, amputee and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Mechanisms of effective interventions identified in the review included early intervention, colocation, employer engagement, case coordination and work accommodations. Intervention features identified by IDWG members (n=13) from stages 1 and 2 were use of stepped-care approaches by occupational therapists (OTs) and clinical psychologists (CPs), OT/CP formulation for complex cases, assessment of mental health problems, individually tailored rehabilitation including vocational goal setting, cross-sector coordination/communication, employer engagement, phased RTW, education/advice for family/employers, exploration of work alternatives, ongoing review of physical and mental health needs, work stability monitoring. Conceptual testing ratified the logic model. Geography and long waiting lists were identified as potential delivery barriers.

Conclusions

Real-world testing of the intervention is underway in a randomised controlled trial.
Substance use and risk of suicide among adults who sought mental health and addiction specialty services through a centralised intake process in Nova Scotia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Soboka Matiwos , Stewart Sherry H , Tibbo Philip , Wang JianLi
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to estimate the prevalence of suicide risk among individuals seeking mental health and addiction (MHA) services in Nova Scotia; (2) to examine the relationship between substance use and suicide risk among this population.

Setting

MHA intake programme, a province-wide centralised intake process established in 2019 by the Department of Health and Wellness of Nova Scotia.

Participants

We included 22 500 MHA intake clients aged 19–64 years old who contacted MHA intake from 2020 to 2021.

Primary outcome measures

During the intake assessment, clients were assessed for suicide risk (past suicide attempt, suicidal ideation during the interview or 2 weeks before the interview).

Results

The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempt was 25.25% in the MHA clients. The prevalence of mild and moderate/high suicide risk was 34.14% and 4.08%, respectively. Clients who used hallucinogens had the highest prevalence of mild and moderate/high suicide risk (61.3% and 12.9%, respectively), followed by amphetamine/methamphetamine (47.6% and 13.3%, respectively) and sedative/hypnotics (47.2% and 8.9%, respectively) users. Stimulant (aOR=1.84, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.75) and hallucinogen (aOR=3.54, 95% CI 1.96 to 6.43) use were associated with increased odds of moderate/high suicide risk compared with denying current use. Additionally, alcohol (aOR=1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.30) and tobacco (aOR=1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.30) use were associated with increased odds of mild suicide risk.

Conclusion

Suicide behaviours were prevalent among clients seeking MHA services. Substance use is an important factor associated with suicide risk in this population. This result underscored the importance of considering substance use patterns when assessing suicide risk and highlighted the need for targeted interventions and preventive measures for individuals engaging in substance use. Future interventional studies are needed to identify and evaluate effective strategies for reducing substance use and suicide risk among clients of MHA central intake.
Estimating rate of lung function change using clinical spirometry data
Authors: Balasubramanian Aparna , Cervantes Christopher , Gearhart Andrew S , Putcha Nirupama , Fawzy Ashraf , McCormack Meredith C , Singh Anil , Wise Robert A , Hansel Nadia N
Published: October 2024

Rationale

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), accurately estimating lung function from electronic health record (EHR) data would be beneficial but requires addressing complexities in clinically obtained testing. This study compared analytic methods for estimating rate of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) change from EHR data.

Methods

We estimated rate of FEV1change in patients with COPD from a single centre who had ≥3 outpatient tests spanning at least 1 year. Estimates were calculated as both an absolute mL/year and a relative %/year using non-regressive (Total Change, Average Change) and regressive (Quantile, RANSAC, Huber) methods. We compared distributions of the estimates across methods focusing on extreme values. Univariate zero-inflated negative binomial regressions tested associations between estimates and all-cause or COPD hospitalisations. Results were validated in an external cohort.

Results

Among 1417 participants, median rate of change was approximately −30 mL/year or −2%/year. Non-regressive methods frequently generated erroneous estimates due to outlier first measurements or short intervals between tests. Average change yielded the most extreme estimates (minimum=−3761 mL/year), while regressive methods, and Huber specifically, minimised extreme estimates. Huber, Total Change and Quantile FEV1slope estimates were associated with all-cause hospitalisations (Huber incidence rate ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99, p<0.001). Huber estimates were also associated with smoking status, comorbidities and prior hospitalisations. Similar results were identified in an external validation cohort.

Conclusions

Using EHR data to estimate FEV1rate of change is clinically applicable but sensitive to challenges intrinsic to clinically obtained data. While no analytic method will fully overcome these complexities, we identified Huber regression as useful in defining an individual’s lung function change using EHR data.