bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to Supporting Young People in Out-of-Home Care Who ‘Self-Place’ in Unapproved Locations: Perspectives of Statutory Child Protection Practitioners
Authors: Venables Jemma , Warrell Chloe , Cullin Joel , Ellem Kathy , Healy Karen
Published: August 2024

The responsibilities of statutory child protection practitioners (SCPPs) include supporting the care and protection needs of young people in out-of-home care. SCPPs face challenges in responding to young people’s preferences and rights to self-determination within child protection systems that are often risk averse. This article considers SCPPs’ approaches to working with young people who leave approved placements to stay in other, unapproved locations. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘self-placing’ in Queensland (Australia), where this study was conducted. These young people are often disconnected from support, at increased risk of homelessness and exploitation, have increased contact with the justice system, disengage from education, face barriers to mental and physical health care and experience ongoing trauma and crisis. We draw on data from seven focus groups conducted with twenty-six practitioners from Queensland’s child protection authority to explore how they work with this cohort. Our findings highlight the discomfort that SCPPs experience, due to concerns about risk and a lack of formal practice guidelines. Despite sharing concerns for the safety of young people, SCPPs adopt different approaches to manage the complexities of this work. Understanding these practices can assist in developing more responsive policies and practices for supporting this cohort.
Anion recognition by phosphoric triamide-based receptors
Authors: Kondo Shin-ichi , Yuki Yuto , Kumagai Honoka , Yoshida Yuka , Li Chenyi
Published: August 2024

A series of phosphoric triamides were employed as a new class of anion receptor. The binding abilities for anions were evaluated by means of ultraviolet-visible and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral titrations. Receptor 1a ((PhNH)3P=O), which has 3 aryl N–H groups, showed remarkable binding ability for anions comparable to the corresponding N,N’-diphenylurea 2. The orders of the association constants of receptors 1a, 1b ((BuNH)(PhNH)2P=O), and 1c ((BuNH)2(PhNH)P=O) for anions are basically dependent on the charge, Hofmeister series, and size of anions. The order of the binding ability of receptors for anions is 1a > 1b > 1c, indicating that the hydrogen bond ability of aryl substituted phosphoryl amide N–H is stronger than that of alkyl substituted phosphoryl amide. The properties were confirmed by using density functional theory calculations.
Implications of Age for the Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Cardiac Troponin T and I
Authors: Hasselbalch Rasmus Bo , Schytz Philip Andreas , Schultz Martin , Sindet-Pedersen Caroline , Kristensen Jonas Henrik , Strandkjær Nina , Knudsen Sophie Sander , Pries-Heje Mia , Pareek Manan , Kragholm Kristian H , Carlson Nicholas , Schou Morten , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Bundgaard Henning , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Iversen Kasper Karmark
Published: August 2024

Background

The influence of age on cardiac troponin is unclear and may vary between cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI). We aimed to compare the impact of age on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of cTnT and cTnI.

Methods

This Danish nationwide, register-based cohort study included patients with at least one cardiac troponin (cTn) measurement from 2009 through June 2022, stratified into decades of age. We used peak cTn concentration during admission, dichotomized as positive/negative and normalized to the 99th percentile. Receiver operating characteristics for myocardial infarction (MI) and logistic regression were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for mortality at 1 year.

Results

We included 541 817 patients; median age 66 years (interquartile range [IQR] 51–77) and 256 545 (47%) female. A total of 40 359 (7.4%) had an MI, and 59 800 (14.1%) patients died within 1 year of admission. The predictive ability of both cTns for MI were highest for patients 30 to 50 years. This was most pronounced for cTnT, the specificity of which fell from 83% among patients 40 to 49 years to 4% for patients ≥90 years. The prognostic ability of both cTns for 1-year mortality declined with age. cTnT had stronger prognostic ability for all age-groups; OR for a positive cTnT 28.4 (95% CI, 20.1–41.0) compared with 9.4 (95% CI, 5.0–16.7) for cTnI among patients <30 years.

Conclusions

The predictive and prognostic ability of cTnT and cTnI declined with age. cTnT had a low specificity for MI in elderly patients. However, cTnT was the strongest prognostic marker among all age groups.
Multidisciplinary team meetings improve survival in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Lindblad Mats , Jestin Christine , Johansson Jan , Edholm David , Linder Gustav
Published: August 2024

Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) are recommended for patients with esophageal cancer. Improved staging, timeliness to surgery and better adherence to guidelines have been attributed to MDTs, but there are few studies published on the MDTs’ effect on survival. All patients with esophageal cancer in Sweden between 2006 and 2018 were grouped according to whether they had been discussed at an MDT as part of their clinical pathway. Factors affecting group allocation were explored with multivariable logistic regression, and the impact of MDT on survival was studied with Cox-regression and the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Of 6837 included patients, 1338 patients (20%) were not discussed at an MDT. Advanced age (80–90 years; odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 0.16–0.42 (95% confidence interval)) and clinical stage IVb (OR 0.65, 0.43–0.98) decreased the probability of being presented at an MDT, whereas high education level (OR 1.31, 1.02–1.67), being married (OR 1.20, 1.01–1.43), squamous histology (OR 1.50, 1.22–1.84) and later year of diagnosis (OR 1.33, 1.29–1.37 per year) increased the probability of an MDT. In multivariable adjusted analysis, MDT discussion was associated with improved survival (hazard ratios 0.72, 0.66–0.78) and median survival increased from 4.5 to 10.7 months. MDTs were associated with improved survival for esophageal cancer patients. Elderly patients with advanced disease and poor socioeconomic status were less likely to be presented at an MDT, but had clear survival-benefits if they were discussed in a multidisciplinary setting.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction without culprit lesion—a case report picturing the challenging interplay of epicardial atherosclerosis and coronary artery spasm
Authors: Wachter Kristina , Akyol Elif , Bekeredjian Raffi , Ong Peter
Published: August 2024

Background

Approximately 5–15% of patients with acute coronary syndrome have myocardial infarction with unobstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA). Guidelines recommend invasive assessments to identify underlying causes for MINOCA such as coronary artery spasm (CAS), spontaneous coronary dissection, or microvascular disease as well as non-invasive assessments in search of myocarditis, takotsubo syndrome, or cardiomyopathies.

Case summary

A 54-year-old male patient presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Upon arrival, ST-segment elevation and symptoms had ceased. Emergency coronary angiography showed diffuse epicardial atherosclerosis with stenoses in the distal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and second diagonal branch (D2); however, no epicardial occlusion was seen. Left ventriculography showed no clear wall motion abnormalities. Based on these findings, intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) testing in search of CAS was performed. At 200 µg ACh intracoronary ST-segment elevation and chest pain recurred. Angiography showed occlusive epicardial spasm in the LAD and D2. Based on studies where the tendency of epicardial CAS was linked with the presence of epicardial atherosclerosis, the decision was made to perform PCI in the LAD and D2. ACh re-challenge after intracoronary nitroglycerine revealed only very mild symptoms, no demonstrable epicardial CAS, and no ST-segment elevation anymore. Cardiac enzymes reached their peak on day one [creatine kinase max 262 U/L (norm < 190 U/L), maximum of high-sensitivity troponin T 269 pg/mL (n < 14 pg/mL)].

Discussion

There is a broad spectrum of patients with STEMI without culprit lesion regarding the extent of epicardial disease. In cases with an unclear culprit lesion, other causes for the acute presentation such as CAS should be investigated in an ad hoc fashion. The interplay of epicardial atherosclerosis and CAS should receive more attention in future trials.
Profiling heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction by cluster analysis
Authors: Vicent Lourdes , Rosillo Nicolás , Vélez Jorge , Moreno Guillermo , Pérez Pablo , Bernal José Luis , Seara Germán , Salguero-Bodes Rafael , Arribas Fernando , Bueno Héctor
Published: August 2024

Background

Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the heterogeneity of heart failure (HF) phenotypes, particularly among patients with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFp/mrEF). Our aim was to identify HF subtypes within the HFp/mrEF population.

Methods

K-prototypes clustering algorithm was used to identify different HF phenotypes in a cohort of 2570 patients diagnosed with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction or heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. This algorithm employs the k-means algorithm for quantitative variables and k-modes for qualitative variables.

Results

We identified three distinct phenotypic clusters: Cluster A (n = 850, 33.1%), characterized by a predominance of women with low comorbidity burden; Cluster B (n = 830, 32.3%), mainly women with diabetes mellitus and high comorbidity; and Cluster C (n = 890, 34.5%), primarily men with a history of active smoking and respiratory comorbidities. Significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics and 1-year mortality rates across the clusters: 18% for Cluster A, 33% for Cluster B, and 26.4% for Cluster C (P < 0.001). Cluster B had the shortest median time to death (90 days), followed by Clusters C (99 days) and A (144 days) (P < 0.001). Stratified Cox regression analysis identified age, cancer, respiratory failure, and laboratory parameters as predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Cluster analysis identified three distinct phenotypes within the HFp/mrEF population, highlighting significant heterogeneity in clinical profiles and prognostic implications. Women were classified into two distinct phenotypes: low-risk women and diabetic women with high mortality rates, while men had a more uniform profile with a higher prevalence of respiratory disease.
Protective effects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate postconditioning on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing valve replacement: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Xu Hongchun , Wang Min , Zhao Ting , Yu Xiang , Wang Fangjun
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

Pharmacological postconditioning can protect against myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury during cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The aim of this study was to observe the protective effects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP) postconditioning on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement with extracorporeal circulation.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective mitral valve replacement and/or aortic valve replacement were divided into normal saline postconditioning group (NS group) and FDP postconditioning group (FDP group). The primary outcome was the plasma concentration of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). The secondary outcomes were the plasma concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase, CK, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and cardiac troponin I, the spontaneous cardiac rhythm recovery profile, the extracorporeal circulation time and duration of surgery, intensive care unit and postoperative hospitalization.

RESULTS

Forty patients were randomly assigned to receive intervention and included in the analysis. The serum concentrations of CK-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, CK, cardiac troponin I, alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at T1∼4 were lower in the FDP group than in the NS group (P < 0.001). Compared with the NS group, the dosage of dopamine administered 1–90 min after cardiac resuscitation, the spontaneous cardiac rhythm recovery time and the incidence of ventricular fibrillation were lower in the FDP group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.040, respectively). The values of ST- changes were increased more significantly in the NS group than in the FDP group (median [standard deviation] 1.3 [0.3] mm vs 0.7 [0.2] mm; P < 0.001). Compared with the NS group, the time of recovery of ST-segment deviations was shorter in the FDP group (50.3 [12.3] min vs 34.6 [6.9] min; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The FDP postconditioning could improve both myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and the spontaneous cardiac rhythm recovery during cardiac valve surgery with extracorporeal circulation.
The Influence of Vision Impairment on the Measurement of Cognition in Older Adults in India: Findings From LASI-DAD
Authors: Ehrlich Joshua R , Nichols Emma , Chen Yizhou , Nagarajan Niranjani , Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina , Reed Nicholas S , Lee Jinkook , Gross Alden L
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Prior investigations have not considered whether poor vision biases cognitive testing. However, such research is vital given increasing evidence that vision impairment (VI) may be an important modifiable risk factor for dementia, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where the prevalence of VI is high.

Research Design and Methods

This study employed data from 3 784 participants in Wave 1 of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India-Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD) who underwent both visual acuity and cognitive function testing. We used multiple indicators and multiple causes models to assess differential item functioning (DIF; eg, bias) in cognitive testing by objectively measured distance and near VI. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the association between VI and cognitive factor scores before and after DIF adjustment. Analyses were performed for general cognition and separate cognitive domains, corresponding to memory, language/fluency, executive functioning, and visuospatial performance. Models were adjusted for demographic, health, and socioeconomic covariates.

Results

Participants in our sample were 60 and older. Most participants with VI were 60–69 years old (59.6%) and 50.8% were female. Individuals experiencing both distance and near VI tended to be older, have lower educational attainment, be married, reside in rural settings, and belong to lower consumption and BMI categories. Both distance and near VI were associated with poorer cognition before and after DIF-adjustment. Differences between DIF-unadjusted and -adjusted scores were small compared to the standard error of measurement, indicating no evidence of meaningful measurement differences by VI.

Discussion and Implications

In well-conducted large-scale surveys, bias in cognitive testing due to VI is likely minimal. Findings strengthen previous evidence on the association between VI and dementia by showing that such associations are unlikely to be attributable to vision-related measurement error in the assessment of cognitive functioning.
“Successfully” Aging “Alone?”: Unequal Global Opportunities and Rising Risks in Family-Based Models of Care Cross-Nationally
Authors: Mair Christine A
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

For the first time in human history, older adults will outnumber children and a substantial and growing proportion will live alone and lack one or more nuclear family ties. Such unprecedented shifts require a reevaluation of existing models of “successful aging,” particularly in terms of long-term care policies.

Research Design and Methods

This paper draws on country-level data from multiple publicly available sources (e.g., World Bank, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Our World in Data, and the World Values Survey) to examine cross-national patterns of development, health, demography, resources and policies, and cultural values in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Results

Although there exists substantial heterogeneity across countries, country-level patterns illustrate the economic privilege of living alone and the dominance of “successful aging” opportunities in high-income countries. Cultural values about family reflect standard patterns of economic development, yet friendship emerges as a particularly consistent global value. At the country-level, living alone and health are associated with higher-income countries with lower within-country inequality.

Discussion and Implications

Aging “alone” is a risk factor in some contexts, yet a marker of privilege in others. Models of “successful aging” are largely unobtainable in lower-income countries or high-inequality countries, and therefore require a thorough incorporation of global realities or final abandonment in favor of more nuanced structural perspectives. Long-term care policies that assume the presence of family will yield increasing risk over time across all global contexts and represent a key vulnerability in the future of healthy aging policy.
International Protection for Criminals: To Grant or Not to Grant? Lessons from Australia, Belgium, and Canada
Authors: Zomignani Barboza Júlia
Published: August 2024

Refugee law requires States to protect those who may face persecution in their country of origin. This protection, however, is not extended to those who, because of their acts, are considered to be undeserving of it. Similarly, the 1951 Refugee Convention allows the return to persecution of those who are considered a danger to the host country’s community. International human rights law, however, forbids States from returning anyone, regardless of their actions, to a place where they may face irreparable harm, such as arbitrary deprivation of life or torture (the non-refoulement obligation). Thus, forced migrants with a criminal background may find themselves in a situation in which they cannot benefit from refugee status but also cannot be returned to their country of origin. The uncertainties associated with this situation can be challenging for both migrants and States. Against this background, the current contribution explores how three States – Australia, Belgium, and Canada – regulate the situation of criminal migrants in need of international protection. More specifically, it identifies who these countries exclude from protection status, how they assess non-refoulement claims, and the measures they use to regulate the situation of these migrants. Lastly, this article evaluates whether currently applicable domestic measures comply with States’ human rights obligations. As there seems to be a lack of sustainable solutions for these migrants in the countries analysed, a reformed international protection procedure is proposed. This reformed procedure would allow the possibility of granting these migrants temporary status, subject to conditions, which, after a certain number of years, could lead to permanent residence.
On the fast convergence of minibatch heavy ball momentum
Authors: Bollapragada Raghu , Chen Tyler , Ward Rachel
Published: August 2024

Simple stochastic momentum methods are widely used in machine learning optimization, but their good practical performance is at odds with an absence of theoretical guarantees of acceleration in the literature. In this work, we aim to close the gap between theory and practice by showing that stochastic heavy ball momentum retains the fast linear rate of (deterministic) heavy ball momentum on quadratic optimization problems, at least when minibatching with a sufficiently large batch size. The algorithm we study can be interpreted as an accelerated randomized Kaczmarz algorithm with minibatching and heavy ball momentum. The analysis relies on carefully decomposing the momentum transition matrix, and using new spectral norm concentration bounds for products of independent random matrices. We provide numerical illustrations demonstrating that our bounds are reasonably sharp.
Characterization of the Spatiotemporal Localization of a Pan-Mucorales–Specific Antigen During Germination and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Hudson Alyssa C , Corzo-Léon Dora E , Kalinina Iana , Wilson Duncan , Thornton Christopher R , Warris Adilia , Ballou Elizabeth R
Published: August 2024

Background

Mucormycosis is an aggressive invasive fungal infection caused by molds in the order Mucorales. Early diagnosis is key to improving patient prognosis, yet it relies on insensitive culture or nonspecific histopathology. A pan-Mucorales–specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), TG11, was recently developed. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal localization of the antigen and specificity of the mAb for immunohistochemistry.

Methods

We used immunofluorescence microscopy to assess antigen localization in 11 Mucorales species of clinical importance and live imaging of Rhizopus arrhizus germination. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy revealed the subcellular location of mAb TG11 binding. Finally, we performed immunohistochemistry of R arrhizus in an ex vivo murine lung infection model alongside lung infection by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Results

Immunofluorescence revealed TG11 antigen production at the emerging hyphal tip and along the length of growing hyphae in all Mucorales except Saksenaea. Time-lapse imaging revealed early antigen exposure during spore germination and along the growing hypha. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy confirmed mAb TG11 binding to the hyphal cell wall only. The TG11 mAb stained Mucorales but not Aspergillus hyphae in infected murine lung tissue.

Conclusions

TG11 detects early hyphal growth and has valuable potential for diagnosing mucormycosis by enhancing discriminatory detection of Mucorales in tissue.
High Seroreactivities to Orthoebolaviruses in Rural Cameroon: A Case-Control Study on Nonhuman Primate Bites and a Cross-sectional Survey in Rural Populations
Authors: Ramassamy Jill-Léa , Ayouba Ahidjo , Thaurignac Guillaume , Bilounga Ndongo Chanceline , Nnuka Patrick , Betsem Edouard , Njouom Richard , Mpoudi Ngole Eitel , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Hoinard Damien , England Patrick , Journeaux Alexandra , Picard Caroline , Thomas Damien , Pannetier Delphine , Baize Sylvain , Delaporte Eric , Peeters Martine , Gessain Antoine
Published: August 2024

Background

Ebola (EBOV) and Sudan (SUDV) orthoebolaviruses are responsible for lethal hemorrhagic fever outbreaks in humans in Central and West Africa, and in apes that can be at the source of human outbreaks for EBOV.

Methods

To assess the risk of exposure to orthoebolaviruses through contact with nonhuman primates (NHP), we tested the presence of antibodies against different viral proteins with a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay in a case-control study on bites from NHPs in forest areas from Cameroon (n = 795) and in cross-sectional surveys from other rural populations (n = 622) of the same country.

Results

Seroreactivities against at least 2 viral proteins were detected in 13% and 12% of the samples for EBOV and SUDV, respectively. Probability of seroreactivity was not associated with history of NHP bites, but was 3 times higher in Pygmies compared to Bantus. Although no neutralizing antibodies to EBOV and SUDV were detected in a selected series of highly reactive samples, avidity results indicate strong affinity to SUDV antigens.

Conclusions

The detection of high level of seroreactivities against orthoebolaviruses in rural Cameroon, where no outbreaks have been reported, raises the possibilities of silent circulation of orthoebolaviruses, or of other not yet documented filoviruses, in these forested regions.

Article's main point

Our study found high seroreactivities to Ebola and Sudan orthoebolavirus antigens in rural Cameroonian populations, especially among Pygmies, despite no reported outbreaks. This suggests potential silent circulation of orthoebolaviruses or unknown filoviruses, highlighting the need for further surveillance and research.
Applying models of co-production in the context of health and well-being. A narrative review to guide future practice
Authors: Robert Glenn , Donetto Sara , Masterson Daniel , Kjellström Sofia
Published: August 2024

Recent years have seen a dramatic growth in interest in the nature and extent of co-production in the health and social care sectors. Due to the proliferation of work on co-production, there is variation in practice in how co-production is defined, understood, and used in practice. We conducted a narrative review to explore, and provide an overview of, which models of health and social care co-production have been developed, applied, and critiqued over recent decades. Seventy-three peer-reviewed articles met our inclusion criteria. In this set of articles, we identified three broad types of models: conceptual/theoretical, practice-oriented, and presenting a typology. We found that practice-oriented models, predominantly from the Health Services Research and Quality Improvement literature, had largely not drawn on conceptual/theoretical models from the disciplinary fields of Public Administration & Management and Sociology. In particular, they have largely neglected theoretical perspectives on relationships and power and agency in co-production work. The concepts of Service-Dominant Logic and Public Service-Dominant Logic as ways to think about the joint, collaborative process of producing new value, particularly in the context of the use of a service, have also been neglected. Our review has identified distinct literatures which have contributed a variety of models of health and social care co-production. Our findings highlight under-explored dimensions of co-production that merit greater attention in the health and social care contexts. The overview of models of co-production we provide aims to offer a useful platform for the integration of different perspectives on co-production in future research and practice in health and social care.
‘Cut medicine for me’: addressing suboptimal dosing of antimicrobials as a critical issue to combat AMR in Nigeria
Authors: Egwu Kenneth Chukwuebuka , Abdulkarim Maryam , Eze Shadrach Chinecherem , Mbamalu Oluchi
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health challenge in Nigeria as in many other countries in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Our article describes how the challenges in the regulation and operations of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) in Nigeria provide a blind spot for the underuse of antimicrobials. This article also sheds light on how patients’ antibiotic use and seeking behaviour facilitate this unwholesome practice. In addition, our article looks at the social determinants of this practice, such as poverty and poor education, and proffers solutions towards solving it. While previous research has investigated the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of PPMVs towards antimicrobial use and AMR, our article is the first to critically raise concerns about the common practice of antimicrobial underdosing in Nigeria.
Modeling energy partition patterns of growing pigs fed diets with different net energy levels based on machine learning
Authors: Yang Yuansen , Hu Qile , Wang Li , Wang Lu , Xiao Nuo , Dong Xinwei , Liu Shijie , Lai Changhua , Zhang Shuai
Published: August 2024

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the energy partition patterns of growing pigs fed diets with different net energy (NE) levels based on machine learning methods, and to develop prediction models for the NE requirement of growing pigs. Twenty-four Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred barrows with an initial body weight of 24.90 ± 0.46 kg were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments, including the low NE group (2,325 kcal/kg), the medium NE group (2,475 kcal/kg), and the high NE group (2,625 kcal/kg). The total feces and urine produced from each pig during each period were collected, to calculate the NE intake, NE retained as protein (NEp), and NE retained as lipid (NEl). A total of 240 sets of data on the energy partition patterns of each pig were collected, 75% of the data in the dataset was randomly selected as the training dataset, and the remaining 25% was set as the testing dataset. Prediction models for the NE requirement of growing pigs were developed using algorithms including multiple linear regression (MR), artificial neural networks (ANN), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and random forest (RF), and the prediction performance of these models was compared on the testing dataset. The results showed pigs in the low NE group showed a lower average daily gain, lower average daily feed intake, lower NE intake, but greater feed conversion ratio compared to pigs in the high NE group in most growth stages. In addition, pigs in the 3 treatment groups did not show a significant difference in NEp in all growth stages, while pigs in the medium and high NE groups showed greater NEl compared to pig in the low NE group in growth stages from 25 to 55 kg (P < 0.05). Among the developed prediction models for NE intake, NEp, and NEl, the ANN models demonstrated the most optimal prediction performance with the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) and the largest R2, while the RF models had the worst prediction performance with the largest RMSE and the smallest R2. In conclusion, diets with varied NE concentrations within a certain range did not affect the NEp of growing pigs, and the models developed with the ANN algorithm could accurately achieve the NE requirement prediction in growing pigs.
Predicting habitat suitability for the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) using optimized MaxEnt models with multiple variables
Authors: Yang Mingsheng , Wang Ying , Ding Weili , Li Houhun , Zhang Aibing
Published: August 2024

The soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) is one of the most important soybean pests and often causes serious damage to Glycine max (L.) Merr., a leading source of dietary protein and oil in animal feed. However, the potential distribution patterns of this economically important pest and its driving factors require further investigation. Here, we used the optimized MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of this pest with multiple variables associated with climate, land use, and host plant, at its recorded range and a globe scale. Based on 4 variable combinations, the results show that the current suitable habitats of L. glycinivorella are primarily distributed in most of China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. Whereas no suitable area is present in other continents. In future projections, the suitable region shows a slight northward expansion compared with the result predicted with current climatic conditions, and the suitable areas of almost all future projections were stable in size. Among the 9 bioclimatic factors, BIO03 (isothermality) consistently highly contributes to the predictions, indicating that temperature may be a key factor influencing the habitat distribution of L. glycinivorella. Comparative analyses of projections further show that non-climatic factors are informative in the modeling as routinely used bioclimate variables. The spatio-temporal distribution patterns of suitable habitats and the regulatory factors predicted in this study could provide important guidance for L. glycinivorella management.
Evaluating impacts of radiation-induced sterilization on the performance and gut microbiome of mass-reared Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in Hawai’i
Authors: Mason Charles J
Published: August 2024

Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a useful strategy for preventing and mitigative establishment of invasive insect species. SIT of the pest tephritid Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824)WiedemannWiedemann, has been effective in preventing population establishment in vulnerable agricultural areas of the United States. However, irradiation-induced sterilization can have detrimental impacts resulting in reduced performance metrics. Mediterranean fruit fly males reared for SIT have been shown to have differences in their microbiomes relative to other population sources, which has been postulated to be a factor in how well flies compete with wild conspecifics. To identify baseline performance metrics on the effects of irradiation on the gut microbiome of mass-reared flies in Hawai’i, a study was performed to assess performance metrics and microbiome (bacterial 16S rRNA) variation across multiple timepoints. Mediterranean fruit fly pupae were selected from mass-reared trays intended for release, and paired samples were either irradiated or remained as controls and transported to the laboratory for evaluation. Irradiated flies exhibited fewer successful fliers, more rapid mortality rates, and were less active relative to control nonirradiated flies. Contrary to initial expectations, irradiation did not exert substantial impacts on the composition or diversity of bacterial reads. Samples were primarily comprised of sequences classified as Klebsiella and there were low levels of both read and taxonomic diversity relative to other 16S surveys of medfly. Although this study does not demonstrate a strong effect of irradiation alone on the Mediterranean fruit fly microbiome, there are several explanations for this discrepancy.
‘The Garlic Gambit’: an alternative strategy for controlling vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Fezza Eugenia , Roberts Joe M , Bruce Toby J A , Walsh Lael E , Gaffney Michael T , Pope Tom W
Published: August 2024

Plant protection products derived from plant material are proposed to be a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic chemical pesticides. This study determines the efficacy of a commercially available bioinsecticide based on garlic (Allium sativum L.; Asparagales: Amaryllidaceae) extract against vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) eggs and larvae in contact, fumigation and a combination of contact and fumigation bioassays under laboratory conditions. Results showed that garlic significantly reduced egg hatch rate compared to the control group when applied as a fumigant. Similarly, the egg hatch rate was reduced compared to the control group when garlic was applied as combined contact and fumigant applications. No effect was observed when the garlic product was applied as a contact application. The bioinsecticide significantly reduced larval survival when either contact or fumigant applications were used. A combined contact and fumigant effect was shown also when vine weevil eggs were exposed to the bioinsecticide for 30 days in plastic containers containing growing media. The number of larvae recovered after this period was significantly reduced compared to the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of garlic-based bioinsecticides, such as Pitcher GR, for vine weevil control. Further studies are, however, needed to determine the efficacy of such bioinsecticides under field conditions and investigate how these products can be most effectively used as a part of a wider vine weevil integrated pest management program.
Effect of artificial sugar supplement on the lifespan and learning memory ability of honey bee (Apis cerana) worker bee offspring
Authors: Hu Yueyang , Lu Fangming , Yang Heyan , Pan Qizhong , Wu Xiaobo
Published: August 2024

Honeybees maintain their growth and reproduction mainly by collecting nutrients from nectar-source plants. Apis cerana, a unique species of honeybee in China, is capable of sporadically collecting nectar. In traditional beekeeping, sugar syrup or a honey-water solution must be artificially fed to bees to supplement their diet during rainy weather or nectar-deficient periods. In this study, 2 groups of honeybee colonies were each fed sugar syrup or a honey-water solution, and a third group consisting of colonies that were allowed to naturally forage without any dietary supplement was used as the control. The effects of the 2 sugar sources on A. cerana worker bee offspring were compared. The results showed that the sugar source affected the lifespan and learning memory of the worker bee offspring. The lifespan, learning memory ability, and expression of related genes in the sugar syrup group were significantly lower than those in the honey-water solution and natural nectar foraging groups (P < 0.05). A honey-water solution supplement was more beneficial to the healthy development of worker bee offspring than a sugar syrup supplement when the colonies lacked dietary resources. These findings provide a theoretical basis that can guide beekeepers in choosing the appropriate dietary supplements for honeybees.
Long-term outcomes by lobular vs ductal histology in 4 National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project adjuvant breast cancer trials
Authors: Foldi Julia , Carleton Neil , Anderson Stewart J , Rastogi Priya , Lee Adrian , Balic Marija , Geyer Charles E , Oesterreich Steffi , Wolmark Norman
Published: August 2024

We evaluated differences in long-term outcomes of invasive lobular carcinoma vs breast cancers of no special type treated with anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy using 4 National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project randomized phase III trials (B-22, B-25, B-28, and B-30). Our cohort included 11 251 patients with no special type and 1231 with invasive lobular carcinoma. Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma were older, had larger and more frequently estrogen receptor–positive tumors, and more positive lymph nodes. During early follow-up (0-5 years), patients with invasive lobular carcinoma had fewer recurrences (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.797, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.685 to 0.929) and deaths (HR = 0.756, 95% CI = 0.623 to 0.917). After 5 years, patients with invasive lobular carcinoma had more recurrences (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.085 to 1.558) and deaths (HR = 1.044, 95% CI = 0.898 to 1.214). Conditional probability analysis showed statistically significant interactions between time-period and histologic type for recurrences (P < .001) and deaths (P < .001). Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma have elevated risk of late recurrence and death compared with patients with no special type cancers.
Manipulated microtopography alters plant community development in fragile farm–pastoral transition zone
Authors: Gao Minxuan , Wang Yining , Ren Yongning , Zhan Jinyan , Xie Tian
Published: August 2024

The ecosystems within agro-pastoral transition zones exhibit inherent fragility and heightened susceptibility to climate variability, exacerbated by profound degradation resulting from anthropogenic activities. Subsequent vegetation degradation in these areas precipitates severe soil erosion, presenting formidable challenges for ecological restoration efforts. The utilization of microtopographic structures to mitigate soil erosion and facilitate vegetation recovery stands as a prominent strategy for vegetation restoration within agro-pastoral transition zones. Despite the acknowledgment in current restoration practices that the efficacy of microtopography-based restoration is contingent upon slope, aspect and elevation, there remains a notable absence of precise observed information on this correlation. This study, conducted in the Bashang Grassland, a typical agro-pastoral transition zone in northern China, aims to fill the information gap concerning the correspondence between microtopographic structures and restoration outcomes. Our findings revealed that microtopography has a significant impact on vegetation characteristics, with outcomes varying by location. Shaded slopes displayed higher biomass and density compared with sunny slopes and valleys. While microtopography affected community structure, it did not substantially alter species richness, highlighting the critical role of location and pit construction in successful restoration endeavors. This study provides insights for the selection, design and assessment of microtopography-based restoration in vulnerable ecosystems.
Out-of-this-world spacesuits: Quantifying uncertainty helps keep heroes safe
Authors: Dennis John W , Haman John T , Warner James E
Published: August 2024

NASA and the US Department of Defense acquire some of the world’s most complex systems. Assessing their effectiveness and reliability requires rigorous statistical planning, including uncertainty quantification (UQ). Here, John W. Dennis, John T. Haman, and James E. Warner walk us through the testing of a new spacesuit system
Q&A: Dorcas Kareithi
Authors: Britten Anna
Published: August 2024

The poetry-reading Newcastle University biostatistician is also president of the Young African Statisticians Association
Clinical efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid gel injection in the glans penis for treatment of premature ejaculation: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Culha Mehmet Gokhan , Baran Caner , Erkoc Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Background

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). The efficacy of this treatment is quite controversial.

Aim

This study intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glans penis augmentation with HA gel for PE.

Methods

This systematic review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), primary clinical trials, prospective and retrospective studies, case series, and case reports. Searches in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, and ClinicalTrials.gov were performed blindly by 2 reviewers.

Outcomes

Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), questionnaires about PE, glans circumference (millimeters), and adverse events.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in the evaluation: 4 RCTs, 8 prospective observational studies, and 1 restrospective study. The number of patients who received HA gel on the glans penis was 706. According to the results of 2 placebo-controlled RCTs, HA gel treatment significantly improved IELT at the end of the first month (mean difference [MD], 65.44 seconds). In the first month after the HA gel injection procedure, IELT increased vs before the procedure (MD, 176.18 [95% CI, 146.89-205.48]; P < .001, I2 = 83%). When the IELT values ​​were compared at 6 months after HA gel application, IELT improved vs before the procedure (MD, 143.93 [95% CI, 124.78-163.09]; P < .001, I2 = 82). The glans circumference expanded by approximately 1.5 cm after the procedure (MD, 14.82 mm [95% CI, 12.75-16.90]; P < .001, I2 = 65%). When the side effect profile of other studies was examined, side effects were observed in 91 patients after HA gel injection applied to 598 patients (15.22%). Among these side effects, the most common were pain (n = 46, 7.69%), bulla/nodule formation (n = 25, 4.18%), and ecchymosis (n = 20, 3.34%).

Conclusion

While HA shows promise as a therapeutic option for PE, ongoing research is essential to elucidate its clinical utility, mechanisms of action, and comparative efficacy.
The Radio Galaxy Environment Reference Survey (RAGERS): a submillimetre study of the environments of massive radio-quiet galaxies at z = 1–3
Authors: Cornish Thomas M , Wardlow Julie L , Greve Thomas R , Chapman Scott , Chen Chian-Chou , Dannerbauer Helmut , Goto Tomotsugu , Gullberg Bitten , Ho Luis C , Jiang Xue-Jian , Lagos Claudia , Lee Minju , Serjeant Stephen , Shim Hyunjin , Smith Daniel J B , Vijayan Aswin , Wagg Jeff , Zhou Dazhi
Published: August 2024

Measuring the environments of massive galaxies at high redshift is crucial to understanding galaxy evolution and the conditions that gave rise to the distribution of matter we see in the Universe today. While high-z radio galaxies (HzRGs) and quasars tend to reside in protocluster-like systems, the environments of their radio-quiet counterparts are relatively unexplored, particularly in the submillimetre, which traces dust-obscured star formation. In this study, we search for 850 μm-selected submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) in the environments of massive ($M_{\star }$$\gt 10^{11}$${\rm M}_{\odot }$), radio-quiet ($L_{500 {\rm MHz}}$$\lesssim 10^{25}$ WHz$^{-1}$) galaxies at $z \sim 1\!-\!3$ using data from the SCUBA-2 COSMOS (S2COSMOS) survey. By constructing number counts in circular regions of radius 1–6 arcmin and comparing with blank-field measurements, we find no significant overdensities of SMGs around massive radio-quiet galaxies at any of these scales, despite being sensitive down to overdensities of $\delta \sim 0.4$. To probe deeper than the catalogue we also examine the distribution of peaks in the SCUBA-2 signal-to-noise (SNR) map, which reveals only tentative signs of any difference in the SMG densities of the radio-quiet galaxy environments compared to the blank field, and only on smaller scales (1 arcmin radii, corresponding to $\sim 0.5$ Mpc) and higher SNR thresholds. We conclude that massive, radio-quiet galaxies at cosmic noon are typically in environments with $\delta \lesssim 0.4$, which are either consistent with the blank field or contain only weak overdensities spanning sub-Mpc scales. The contrast between our results and studies of HzRGs with similar stellar masses and redshifts implies an intrinsic link between the wide-field environment and the radio luminosity of the active galactic nucleus at high redshift.
Data reconstruction of the dynamical connection function in f(Q) cosmology
Authors: Yang Yuhang , Ren Xin , Wang Bo , Cai Yi-Fu , Saridakis Emmanuel N
Published: August 2024

We employ Hubble data and Gaussian Processes in order to reconstruct the dynamical connection function in $f(Q)$ cosmology beyond the coincident gauge. In particular, there exist three branches of connections that satisfy the torsionless and curvatureless conditions, parametrized by a new dynamical function $\gamma$. We express the redshift dependence of $\gamma$ in terms of the $H(z)$ function and the $f(Q)$ form and parameters, and then we reconstruct it using 55 $H(z)$ observation data. First, we investigate the case where ordinary conservation law holds, and we reconstruct the $f(Q)$ function, which is very well described by a quadratic correction on top of symmetric teleparallel equivalent of general relativity. Proceeding to the general case, we consider two of the most studied $f(Q)$ models of the literature, namely the square-root and the exponential one. In both cases we reconstruct $\gamma (z)$, and we show that according to Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion information criteria its inclusion is favoured compared to both $\Lambda$cold dark matter paradigm, as well as to the same $f(Q)$ models under the coincident gauge. This feature acts as an indication that $f(Q)$ cosmology should be studied beyond the coincident gauge.
TIRR regulates mRNA export and association with P-bodies in response to DNA damage
Authors: Glossop Michelle S , Chelysheva Irina , Ketley Ruth F , Alagia Adele , Gullerova Monika
Published: August 2024

To ensure the integrity of our genetic code, a coordinated network of signalling and repair proteins, known as the DNA damage response (DDR), detects and repairs DNA insults, the most toxic being double-strand breaks (DSBs). Tudor interacting repair regulator (TIRR) is a key factor in DSB repair, acting through its interaction with p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1). TIRR is also an RNA binding protein, yet its role in RNA regulation during the DDR remains elusive. Here, we show that TIRR selectively binds to a subset of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in response to DNA damage. Upon DNA damage, TIRR interacts with the nuclear export protein Exportin-1 through a nuclear export signal. Furthermore, TIRR plays a crucial role in the modulation of RNA processing bodies (PBs). TIRR itself and TIRR-bound RNA co-localize with PBs, and TIRR depletion results in nuclear RNA retention and impaired PB formation. We also suggest a potential link between TIRR-regulated RNA export and efficient DDR. This work reveals intricate involvement of TIRR in orchestrating mRNA nuclear export and storage within PBs, emphasizing its significance in the regulation of RNA-mediated DDR.