bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal analysis of juvenile blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) demographies identifies critical habitats
Authors: Eustache Kim B. , van Loon Emiel , Rummer Jodie L. , Planes Serge , Smallegange Isabel
Published: September 2023

Reef shark species have undergone sharp declines in recent decades, as they inhabit coastal areas, making them an easy target in fisheries (i.e., sharks are exploited globally for their fins, meat, and liver oil) and exposing them to other threats (e.g., being part of by‐catch, pollution, and climate change). Reef sharks play a critical role in coral reef ecosystems, where they control populations of smaller predators and herbivorous fishes either directly via predation or indirectly via behavior, thus protecting biodiversity and preventing potential overgrazing of corals. The urgent need to conserve reef shark populations necessitates a multifaceted approach to policy at local, federal, and global levels. However, monitoring programmes to evaluate the efficiency of such policies are lacking due to the difficulty in repeatedly sampling free‐ranging, wild shark populations. Over nine consecutive years, we monitored juveniles of the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) population around Moorea, French Polynesia, and within the largest shark sanctuary globally, to date. We investigated the roles of spatial (i.e., sampling sites) and temporal variables (i.e., sampling year, season, and month), water temperature, and interspecific competition on shark density across 10 coastal nursery areas. Juvenile C. melanopterus density was found to be stable over 9 years, which may highlight the effectiveness of local and likely federal policies. Two of the 10 nursery areas exhibited higher juvenile shark densities over time, which may have been related to changes in female reproductive behavior or changes in habitat type and resources. Water temperatures did not affect juvenile shark density over time as extreme temperatures proven lethal (i.e., 33°C) in juvenile C. melanopterus might have been tempered by daily variation. The proven efficiency of time‐series datasets for reef sharks to identify critical habitats (having the highest juvenile shark densities over time) should be extended to other populations to significantly contribute to the conservation of reef shark species.
Characterizing the spatiotemporal evolution of building material stock in China's Greater Bay Area: A statistical regression method
Authors: Yuan Liang , Lu Weisheng , Wu Yijie
Published: September 2023

More than half of the materials extracted from natural environments eventually accumulate as building material stock (BMS). From a linear‐to‐circular economy perspective, BMS transforms the building sector from a virgin material consumer and a waste generator to a future depository of secondary resources. Studies characterizing the amount and distribution of BMS adopt different approaches, but high data requirements restrict their applicability. This research proposes an alternative method for regional BMS quantification. The method leverages the permanent population, electricity consumption, and BMS of a sample city to develop a statistical regression model; then uses it to estimate the BMS of a larger, homogenous region. With relatively low data requirements, the new method is especially applicable in underdeveloped areas where data required for BMS quantification methods are usually unavailable or incomplete. We apply the method to characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of BMS in China's Greater Bay Area. From 2000 to 2021, the total BMS in this region increased from 4.4 to 7.7 billion tonnes, with concrete, brick, and steel accounting for 72.32%, 17.57%, and 4.71% of the total BMS, respectively. The most rapid BMS growth occurred in Guangzhou (from 534.75 to 1277.82 Mt) and Shenzhen (517.80 to 1235.48 Mt). A core–edge BMS accumulation pattern emerged in this area while the BMS peak showed a coast‐to‐inland shift. Future studies can explore generalizing this new method to characterize BMS in other developing regions.
Family and religion in flux: Relationship complexity, type of religiosity, and race/ethnicity
Authors: Smith Jesse
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study examines the links between family formation, relationship history, and multiple types of religiosity in early–middle adulthood, as well as racial/ethnic heterogeneity of these associations.

Background

Family and religion have long been recognized as linked institutions. However, rapid changes in both institutions in recent decades necessitate a reexamination of this link. We know little about how this association varies by past versus present relationship experience, institutional versus private types of religiosity, or racial/ethnic group.

Methods

Logistic regression models predicting religious attendance, importance of faith, and prayer frequency were estimated using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Models included measures of both contemporaneous union and parenthood status and past relationship experiences. Additional analyses tested these associations separately for White, Black, and Hispanic respondents.

Results

Parenthood is consistently linked to higher, and cohabitation lower, religiosity. Respondents with more sexual partners tend to be less religious, while those with past marriages/divorces are more religious. Associations are stronger for attendance than faith or prayer, and more pronounced among White than Black or Hispanic respondents.

Conclusion

The link between religion and family remains in evidence, but may have become more tenuous due to the delay and complexification of family formation. This link is strongest for White Americans and with respect to institutional rather than private religiosity.
Occlusal splint and combined multiwave locked system laser therapy demonstrated differential patient‐reported outcomes and clinical parameters: A randomized controlled trial in patients with temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Potewiratnanond Prangtip , Vanichanon Phanomporn , Limpuangthip Nareudee
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of occlusal splint plus laser therapy (OS + LT) compared with OS alone on the patient‐reported outcomes and clinical parameters of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with TMDs were randomly assigned to two treatment approaches: OS and OS + LT (multiwave locked system). The two outcomes were clinical parameters (mouth‐opening distances, number of muscles and TMJs with pain) and patient‐reported outcomes (pain score and oral health‐related quality of life [OHRQoL] determined using the 14‐item oral health impact profile [OHIP‐14]). The outcomes were measured at four time points: baseline, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months after treatment. According to DC/TMD Axis I classification, the participants were diagnosed as having pain only and pain with intraarticular joint disorder. Adjusting for age and sex, the outcome changes were analysed using generalized estimating models at a 5% significance level.

Results

The pain‐free mouth‐opening distance of the patients who received OS + LT continuously increased from 2 weeks to 3 months. However, the value was significantly increased at 3 months in patients who received OS alone. The unassisted mouth‐opening distance significantly increased after 3 months in both groups. In both treatment approaches, the number of muscles and TMJs with pain, as well as the pain and OHIP‐14 scores gradually decreased from baseline to 3 months.

Conclusions

The patients who received OS and OS + LT demonstrated better OHRQoL and clinical parameters during 3 months after treatment. An improvement in the pain‐free mouth‐opening distance at 2 weeks was found only in OS plus LT group; however, this difference may not be clinically significant.
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (both reflux oesophagitis and non‐erosive reflux disease): Prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear and saliva properties
Authors: Kitasako Yuichi , Tanabe Tomohide , Koeda Mai , Momma Eri , Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Hoshino Shintaro , Kawami Noriyuki , Ikeda Masaomi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: September 2023

Background

The prevalence between erosive tooth wear (ETW) in association with reflux oesophagitis (RO) has been reported. However, the severity of both diseases and the relationship between ETW and non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) is unclear.

Objectives

The prevalence and severity of ETW were investigated in RO, NERD and healthy controls.

Methods

135 patients with RO, 65 with NERD and 40 healthy controls were recruited for this case–control study. A modified tooth wear index was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ETW. Salivary secretion and buffer capacity were assessed prior to endoscopy. The prevalence and severity of ETW, saliva properties among each group were analysed using Pearson's chi‐squared test.

Results

A total of 135 cases (56.3%) were categorised as the patient with ETW (55 with mild RO, 49 with severe RO and 31 with NERD). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of RO and ETW, while there was no significant correlation between the prevalence of NERD and ETW. There was a significant difference related to the severity between RO and ETW. For salivary secretion, there was a significant difference between with and without ETW in patients with mild RO, severe RO and NERD. There was a significant difference between with and without ETW for salivary buffer capacity in patients with mild and severe RO.

Conclusion

There was a significant association of the prevalence and severity between RO and ETW. Clinical signs such as ETW and salivary buffer capacity depended on the severity of RO.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in inpatient psychiatric care: a systematic review
Authors: Schneider Carlotta L , Hertenstein Elisabeth , Nissen Christoph
Published: September 2023

Insomnia is highly prevalent among patients with psychiatric disorders. According to current guidelines, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) represents the first‐line treatment for chronic insomnia, also for patients with psychiatric comorbidity. While recent studies have demonstrated that CBT‐I not only improves insomnia but also other health outcomes in patients with psychiatric disorders and comorbid insomnia in outpatient settings, the level of implementation and treatment potential of CBT‐I in inpatient psychiatry is less clear. The objective of this systematic review is to present and discuss studies that have adapted CBT‐I for inpatient psychiatric care. PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO, were searched until June 2023. A total of 10 studies were identified, with the majority being non‐randomised trials without comparison groups and small sample sizes. With preliminary character, studies report feasibility and potential efficacy in inpatient settings. Together, this review identifies a paucity of studies on CBT‐I or derivates in inpatient psychiatry. Despite challenging in this setting, studies adapting CBT‐I to the needs of severely ill patients and hospital settings might have the potential to improve mental health care.
Left cardiac sympathetic denervation in children with Jervell Lange‐Nielsen syndrome and drug refractory torsades – A case series
Authors: Bhattacharya Deepanjan , Namboodiri Narayanan , Sreelekshmi Madhusoodanan Pillai , Prabhu Mukund A. , Sreevilasam Pushpangadhan Abhilash , Menon Sabarinath , Dharan Baiju S. , Valaparambil Ajitkumar
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Long QT syndrome is an inherited malignant channelopathy which leads to life‐threatening arrhythmia, with multiple genotypes. Jervell and Lange‐Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) is an autosomal recessive subtype of this disease, characterized by congenital sensorineural deafness and a high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methodology

We prospectively followed up six children who underwent left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) for JLNS in view of high‐risk features despite being on maximally tolerated doses of oral propranolol.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 2.75 ± 0.39 years, with a significant delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis (mean 7.2 ± 3.5 months). All had sensorineural hearing loss, conforming to the JLNS phenotype. Mean QTc interval was 603 ± 93 ms, with T wave alternans (TWA) seen in all cases. All were started on propranolol and subsequently subjected to LCSD, and 3 underwent AAI permanent pacemaker implantation. Over a mean follow‐up of 20 months, there was a significant reduction in QTc (603 ± 93 ms to 501 ± 33 ms, p = .04), which was persistent on follow‐up (525 ± 41 ms) and only two out of six had persistent T wave alternans on ECG (p < .01). None of these children had presyncope, syncope, seizures, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest or death on follow up following LCSD.

Conclusion

Jervell Lange‐Nielsen syndrome is a subtype of LQTS with high‐risk features. LCSD, an effective therapeutic option for those having symptoms despite being on propranolol, results in significant reduction of QTc interval and amelioration of symptoms.
Potential breeding target genes for enhancing agronomic drought resistance: A yield‐survival balance perspective
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Ning Kang , Chen Shuting , Moshelion Menachem , Xu Pei
Published: September 2023

Amidst global climate warming, the urgency to enhance crop drought resistance has reached unprecedented levels. However, the achievement of superior drought‐resistant crop varieties, despite substantial research investments, remains constrained. This limited success in transitioning from the laboratory to the field can be partly attributed to the disparity between evaluating biological and agronomic drought resistance (ADR). ADR places emphasis on minimizing yield losses during drought conditions and maintaining robust performance under normal circumstances. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of ADR genes reported during the past decades, categorized based on their yield performance under both drought and standard growth conditions. We highlight 23 genes from grain and legume crops, providing insight into their working mechanisms. Particularly, we delve into their efficacy in improving yields predominantly through transgenic approaches in field conditions. Furthermore, we briefly touch upon the adoption of emerging phenomics technologies, which can streamline the discovery and application of ADR genes. This review is poised to serve the breeding community, aiding in the selection of appropriate target genes to augment crop drought resistance.
Physician practice migration and changes in practice style: An empirical analysis of inappropriate diagnostic imaging in primary care
Authors: Young Gary J. , Zepeda E. David , Flaherty Stephen , Hasan Md Mahmudul
Published: September 2023

Much interest exists in physicians’ ability and willingness to adapt their practice styles, as research demonstrates that many physicians practice in ways that are not aligned with the best available scientific evidence. We exploit migration patterns of primary care physicians in Massachusetts over a span of 8 years by tracking physician migrations to practice sites comprised of new peers who shared actual physical working space. We examined whether a patient's likelihood of receiving an inappropriate referral for diagnostic imaging, specifically a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was associated with a change in the work environment of the referring physician. Study results indicate that migrating physicians changed their practice style for imaging relatively soon after migration in conformance with the average practice style of their new peer group regardless of whether or not the practice style was aligned with evidence‐based standards for diagnostic imaging. To place our results in context, a 1 percentage point difference in average inappropriate MRI referral rates between a migrating physician's new and previous work environment was associated with approximately a 14% change in the probability that a patient received an inappropriate MRI referral. The effect diminished with greater variability in inappropriate MRI referral rates within the new peer group. The results show that physician practice style may deviate from evidence‐based standards and vary markedly among physicians within a work environment. At the same time, physician practice style is also malleable in either direction—more or less likely to deviate from evidence‐based standards in conformance with the average practice style of their new peer group. These results imply that healthcare managers can employ various institutional‐level interventions to influence physician behavior in the direction of evidence‐based practice by including strategies directed towards developing strong peer influence in physicians’ work environments.
Effectiveness of high‐intensity interval training on peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in adults: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Eva , Torres‐Costoso Ana , Saz‐Lara Alicia , Bizzozero‐Peroni Bruno , Guzmán‐Pavón María José , Sánchez‐López Mairena , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: September 2023

Background

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an alternative training method to increase brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a crucial molecule involved in plastic brain changes. Its effect compared to moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) is controversial. We aimed to estimate, and to comparatively evaluate, the acute and chronic effects on peripheral BDNF levels after a HIIT, MICT intervention or a control condition in adults.

Methods

The CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to June 30, 2023. A network meta‐analysis was performed to assess the acute and chronic effects of HIIT versus control condition, HIIT versus MICT and MICT versus control condition on BDNF levels. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for RCTs using a random‐effects model.

Results

A total of 22 RCTs were selected for the systematic review, with 656 participants (aged 20.4–79 years, 34.0% females) and 20 were selected for the network meta‐analysis. Network SMD estimates were significant for HIIT versus control condition (1.49, 95% CI: 0.61, 2.38) and MICT versus control condition (1.08, 95% CI: 0.04, 2.12) for acutely BDNF increase. However, pairwise comparisons only resulted in a significant effect for HIIT versus control condition.

Conclusions

HIIT is the best training modality for acutely increasing peripheral BDNF levels in adults. HIIT may effectively increase BDNF levels in the long term.
A single‐center, randomized, controlled study on the efficacy of niacinamide‐containing body emollients combined with cleansing gel in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis
Authors: Zhu Jun‐Rong , Wang Jie , Wang Shang‐Shang
Published: September 2023

Objective

To observe the effect of niacinamide‐containing body emollients combined with a cleansing gel on the clinical symptoms of mild atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults.

Methods

From July 2022 to January 2023, adults with mild AD were enrolled at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University using single‐center, randomized and placebo‐controlled methods. They were divided into three groups: the control group, treatment group 1 (T1) receiving niacinamide‐containing body emollients alone, and treatment group 2 (T2) receiving emollients plus niacinamide‐containing cleansing gel. All patients were orally administered 10 mg of ebastine tablets daily. AD severity (SCORAD score), peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP‐NRS), patient‐oriented measure of eczema (POEM), dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content (SCWC) were measured by the same dermatologist at days 0, 7, 14, and 28.

Results

A total of 122 patients were enrolled, including 38 in the control group, 42 in the T1 group and 42 in the T2 group. There were no obvious adverse reactions at the end of the study and the clinical scores and stratum corneum barrier of all the groups improved significantly relative to baseline. The SCORAD, PP‐NRS, DLQI, TEWL and SCWC scores in T1 group (12.43 ± 3, 3.3 ± 0.9, 7.1 ± 2.33, 17.1 ± 9.12, 67.2 ± 21.46, seperately) and T2 group (11.17 ± 3.26, 3 ± 1.3, 6.5 ± 2.11, 16.3 ± 9.12, 69.4 ± 24.52, seperately) were significantly improved than the control group(15.1 ± 3.64, 4.3 ± 1.7, 9.5 ± 2.46, 21.2 ± 9.47, 52.7 ± 22.43, seperately) at the endpoint of the study, while compared the POEM scores, only T2 group showed the difference with control group (5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 6 ± 1.6). The epidermal barrier parameters of TEWL and SCWC in the T2 group (17.57 ± 5.24, 66.46 ± 21.38, seperately) were significantly better than that of the T1 (19.96 ± 4.45, 56.45 ± 20.48, seperately) and control group(21.89 ± 7.03, 51.56 ± 16.58, seperately) on the 14th day of follow‐up.

Conclusion

The use of niacinamide‐containing body emollients can significantly improve the clinical symptoms, quality of life, and skin barrier function in patients with mild AD. The addition of niacinamide‐containing cleansing gel can also affect the clinical efficacy at certain time points.
Geophysical‐petrological modelling of the crust and upper mantle structure across the North‐South Gravity Lineament in NE China: Insights into the lithospheric thinning mechanism
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Deng Yangfan , Zhang Zhou , Li Xin
Published: September 2023

The North‐South Gravity Lineament (NSGL), characterized by an abrupt variation in both the Bouguer gravity anomaly and topography, acts as a significant geological boundary in eastern China. The formation of such a lateral feature is believed to be associated with lithospheric thinning. The Songliao Basin (SLB) is considered to mark the centre of the lithospheric thinning in Northeast China, whereas its thinning mechanism remains unclear. Here we perform integrated geophysical‐petrological modelling of the crust and upper mantle structure along a passive‐source seismic profile crossing the NSGL, to understand the thinning mechanism beneath the SLB based on the constructed lithospheric extension and delamination models. Our delamination model identifies the compositional variation across the NSGL and the S‐wave velocity signature dominated by high velocity beneath the SLB, which are compatible with previous geochemical and geophysical results. The multidisciplinary analyses suggest that the lithospheric delamination is a plausible mechanism to account for the thinning to the east of the NSGL. The resulting model also shows that the NSGL is a lithospheric‐scale geophysical and geochemical boundary separating two distinct structural domains. In combination with previous evidence, structural discrepancies across the NSGL can be attributed to the lithospheric delamination driven by the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific plate.
Validación de intervención psicoeducativa para mejorar el afrontamiento y adaptación de familiares en la UCI
Authors: Ochoa Lozano María Paula , Torres Ballesteros Jefferson , Hernández Zambrano Sandra Milena , Corredor Parra Lina Rocío , González Ruiz Diana Patricia , Tautiva Ochoa Karen , Zambrano González Lina María , Andrade Fonseca David , Montenegro Ramírez Juan David
Published: September 2023

Introducción: Las Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo (UCI) son servicios especializados en la atención de pacientes críticos. La hospitalización de una paciente afecta directamente el estado de salud de sus familiares, por lo tanto, se requiere de una intervención psicoeducativa que reduzca el efecto ocasionado en las familias favoreciendo el afrontamiento y la adaptación. Objetivo: Determinar los componentes con mayor consenso entre expertos para operacionalizar la intervención psicoeducativa que mejore el afrontamiento y la adaptación en familiares de pacientes hospitalizados en la UCI. Método: Estudio primario, cuantitativo y descriptivo, realizado a través de la técnica Delphi, por medio una única ronda entre profesionales de la salud con experiencia mayor a dos años en atención de pacientes críticos o investigación en esta área. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 14 ítems distribuidos de la siguiente manera: matriz de componentes (3 ítems) y protocolo de la intervención (11 ítems). El 7.14% de los ítems logró un consenso total, el 85.7% aceptable y solo el 7.14% de los ítems no alcanzó un consenso. Discusión: Los componentes, actividades y acciones propuestas en la intervención psicoeducativa a través de la matriz de componentes como el protocolo de intervención, según el consenso de expertos es pertinente, congruente, factible y genera impacto, lo cual permite mejorar el afrontamiento y adaptación de familiares de pacientes hospitalizados en UCI. Conclusiones: La intervención requiere ser validada por medio de una prueba piloto y un estudio cuasi-experimental que permita medir el impacto de éstos resultados.
Tuberculosis laríngea y pulmonar en un hombre inmunocompetente de 45 años: presentación de un caso
Authors: Celis Preciado Carlos Andres , Valencia Murillo Maria Monica , Ayala Copete Ana María , Rodriguez Sarmiento Jorge Luis , Lasso Apraez Javier Ivan
Published: September 2023

La tuberculosis es una infección bacteriana crónica inducida por micobacterias del complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis. La tuberculosis suele afectar a los pulmones, pero también puede afectar a otros órganos como la laringe. La coexistencia de la tuberculosis laríngea y pulmonar es infrecuente en inmunocompetentes, por lo que se presenta el caso de un paciente inmunocompetente de 45 años con ambas entidades.
Development and Interplay of Metabolic and Mechanical Performance Determinants Over an Annual Training Period in Adolescent National-Level Squad Swimmers
Authors: Keller Sebastian , Ji Sanghyeon , Feuerbacher Joshua F. , Dragutinovic Boris , Schumann Moritz , Wahl Patrick
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The study examined the longitudinal interplay of anthropometric, metabolic, and neuromuscular development related to performance in adolescent national-level swimmers over 12 months. Methods: Seven male and 12 female swimmers (14.8 [1.3] y, FINA [International Swimming Federation] points 716 [51]) were tested before (T0) and after the preparation period (T1), at the season’s peak (T2), and before the next season (T3). Anthropometric (eg, fat percentage) and neuromuscular parameters (squat and bench-press load-velocity profile) were assessed on dry land. Metabolic (cost of swimming [C], maximal oxygen uptake [], and peak blood lactate [bLapeak]) and performance (sprinting speed [vsprint] and lactate thresholds [LT1 and 2]) factors were determined using a 500-m submaximal, 200-m all-out, 20-second sprint, and incremental test (+0.03 m·s−1, 3 min), respectively, in front-crawl swimming. Results: vsprint (+0.6%) and LT1 and 2 (+1.9–2.4%) increased trivially and slightly, respectively, from T0 to T2 following small to moderate strength increases (≥+10.2%) from T0 to T1 and (+6.0%) from T1 to T2. Bench-press maximal strength and peak power correlated with vsprint from T0 to T2 (r ≥ .54, P < .05) and LT2 at T1 (r ≥ .47, P < .05). Changes in fat percentage and (T2–T1 and T3–T2, r ≤ −.67, P < .01) and C and LT2 (T2–T0, r = −.52, P = .047) were also correlated. Conclusions: Increases in strength and from preparation to the competition period resulted in improved sprint and endurance performance. Across the season, upper-body strength was associated with vsprint and LT2, although their changes were unrelated.
A cell size threshold triggers commitment to stomatal fate in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Gong Yan , Dale Renee , Fung Hannah F. , Amador Gabriel O. , Smit Margot E. , Bergmann Dominique C.
Published: September 2023

How flexible developmental programs integrate information from internal and external factors to modulate stem cell behavior is a fundamental question in developmental biology. Cells of the
Arabidopsis
stomatal lineage modify the balance of stem cell proliferation and differentiation to adjust the size and cell type composition of mature leaves. Here, we report that meristemoids, one type of stomatal lineage stem cell, trigger the transition from asymmetric self-renewing divisions to commitment and terminal differentiation by crossing a critical cell size threshold. Through computational simulation, we demonstrate that this cell size–mediated transition allows robust, yet flexible termination of stem cell proliferation, and we observe adjustments in the number of divisions before the differentiation threshold under several genetic manipulations. We experimentally evaluate several mechanisms for cell size sensing, and our data suggest that this stomatal lineage transition is dependent on a nuclear factor that is sensitive to DNA content.
Optical force brush enabled free-space painting of 4D functional structures
Authors: Yi Chenqi , Qu Shuyuan , Wang Yaoyu , Qi Haoning , Zhang Yufeng , Cheng Gary J.
Published: September 2023

Femtosecond laser–based technique called two-photon polymerization (TPP) has emerged as a powerful tool for nanofabrication and integrating nanomaterials. However, challenges persist in existing three-dimensional (3D) nanoprinting methods, such as slow layer-by-layer printing and limited material options due to laser-matter interactions. Here, we present an approach to 3D nanoprinting called free-space nanopainting, using an optical force brush (OFB). OFB enables precise spatial writing paths, instantaneous adjustment of linewidths and concentrations, and unrestricted resolution beyond optical limits. OFB allows rapid aggregation and solidification of radicals, resulting in narrower lines at lower polymerization thresholds and enhanced sensitivity to laser energy. This advancement enables high-accuracy free-space painting, analogous to Chinese brush painting on paper. The printing speed is increased substantially compared to layer-by-layer methods, from 100 to 1000 times faster. We successfully printed various bionic muscle models derived from 4D nanostructures with tunable mechanical properties, responsive to electrical signals, and excellent biocompatibility.
Social vulnerability of the people exposed to wildfires in U.S. West Coast states
Authors: Modaresi Rad Arash , Abatzoglou John T. , Fleishman Erica , Mockrin Miranda H. , Radeloff Volker C. , Pourmohamad Yavar , Cattau Megan , Johnson J. Michael , Higuera Philip , Nauslar Nicholas J. , Sadegh Mojtaba
Published: September 2023

Understanding of the vulnerability of populations exposed to wildfires is limited. We used an index from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess the social vulnerability of populations exposed to wildfire from 2000–2021 in California, Oregon, and Washington, which accounted for 90% of exposures in the western United States. The number of people exposed to fire from 2000–2010 to 2011–2021 increased substantially, with the largest increase, nearly 250%, for people with high social vulnerability. In Oregon and Washington, a higher percentage of exposed people were highly vulnerable (>40%) than in California (~8%). Increased social vulnerability of populations in burned areas was the primary contributor to increased exposure of the highly vulnerable in California, whereas encroachment of wildfires on vulnerable populations was the primary contributor in Oregon and Washington. Our results emphasize the importance of integrating the vulnerability of at-risk populations in wildfire mitigation and adaptation plans.
Improved detection of measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Grimes H. Leighton
Published: September 2023

A novel multiplex single-cell genomic and immunophenotypic strategy leverages the sensitivity of MRD detection and distinguishes leukemic and preleukemic subpopulations.
Metagenome meta-analysis reveals an increase in the abundance of some multidrug efflux pumps and mobile genetic elements in chemically polluted environments
Authors: Subirats Jessica , Sharpe Hannah , Tai Vera , Fruci Michael , Topp Edward
Published: September 2023

Many human activities contaminate terrestrial and aquatic environments with numerous chemical pollutants that not only directly alter the environment but also affect microbial communities in ways that are potentially concerning to human health, such as selecting for the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer. In the present study, metagenomes available in the public domain from polluted (with antibiotics, with petroleum, with metal mining, or with coal-mining effluents) and unpolluted terrestrial and aquatic environments were compared to examine whether pollution has influenced the abundance and composition of ARGs and mobile elements, with specific focus on IS26 and class 1 integrons (
intI
1). When aggregated together, polluted environments had a greater relative abundance of ARGs than unpolluted environments and a greater relative abundance of IS26 and
intI
1. In general, chemical pollution, notably with petroleum, was associated with an increase in the prevalence of ARGs linked to multidrug efflux pumps. Included in the suite of efflux pumps were
mexK
,
mexB
,
mexF
, and
mexW
that are polyspecific and whose substrate ranges include multiple classes of critically important antibiotics. Also, in some instances, β-lactam resistance (TEM181 and OXA-541) genes increased, and genes associated with rifampicin resistance (RNA polymerases subunits
rpoB
and
rpoB2
) decreased in relative abundance. This meta-analysis suggests that different types of chemical pollution can enrich populations that carry efflux pump systems associated with resistance to multiple classes of medically critical antibiotics.

IMPORTANCE

The United Nations has identified chemical pollution as being one of the three greatest threats to environmental health, through which the evolution of antimicrobial resistance, a seminally important public health challenge, may be favored. While this is a very plausible outcome of continued chemical pollution, there is little evidence or research evaluating this risk. The objective of the present study was to examine existing metagenomes from chemically polluted environments and evaluate whether there is evidence that pollution increases the relative abundance of genes and mobile genetic elements that are associated with antibiotic resistance. The key finding is that for some types of pollution, particularly in environments exposed to petroleum, efflux pumps are enriched, and these efflux pumps can confer resistance to multiple classes of medically important antibiotics that are typically associated with
Pseudomonas
spp. or other Gram-negative bacteria. This finding makes clear the need for more investigation on the impact of chemical pollution on the environmental reservoir of ARGs and their association with mobile genetic elements that can contribute to horizontal gene transfer events.
Protective efficacy and correlates of immunity of immunodominant recombinant
Babesia microti
antigens
Authors: Meredith Scott , Majam Victoria , Zheng Hong , Verma Nitin , Puri Ankit , Akue Adovi , KuKuruga Mark , Oakley Miranda , Kumar Sanjai
Published: September 2023

Babesia microti,
an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasite, is the primary causative agent of human babesiosis and an emerging threat to public health in the United States and elsewhere. An effective vaccine against
B. microti
would reduce disease severity in acute babesiosis patients and shorten the parasitemic period in asymptomatic individuals, thereby minimizing the risk of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis. Here we report on immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and correlates of immunity following immunization with four immunodominant recombinantly produced
B. microti
antigens—Serine Reactive Antigen 1 (SERA1), Maltese Cross Form Related Protein 1 (MCFRP1), Piroplasm β-Strand Domain 1 (PiβS1), and
Babesia microti
Alpha Helical Cell Surface Protein 1 (BAHCS1)—delivered subcutaneously in Montanide ISA 51/CpG adjuvant in three doses to BALB/c mice. Following
B. microti
parasite challenge, BAHCS1 led to the highest reduction in peak parasitemia (67.8%), followed by SERA1 (44.8%) and MCFRP1 (41.9%); PiβS1 (27.6%) had minimal protective effect. All four
B. microti
antigens induced high ELISA total IgG and each isotype; however, antibody levels did not directly correlate with anti-parasitic activity in mice. Increased prechallenge levels of some cell populations including follicular helper T cells (T
FH
) and memory B cells, along with a set of six cytokines [IL-1α, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-12(p40), and G-CSF] that belong to both innate and adaptive immune responses, were generally associated with protective immunity. Our results indicate that mechanisms driving recombinant
B. microti
antigen-induced immunity are complex and multifactorial. We think that BAHCS1 warrants further evaluation in preclinical studies.
Draft genome of methanol-oxidizing
Methylobacterium fujisawaense
strain LAC1
Authors: Chung Jooho , Kim Jinha , Blazier John C. , Hwangbo Myung , Chu Kung-Hui
Published: September 2023

We report the draft genome of
Methylobacterium fujisawaense
LAC1 isolated from an acidic aquifer in Indian Head, MD, USA. The genome contains 5,883,000 bp and has a GC content of 70% with 5,434 protein-encoding genes with functional assignments. This strain can grow on methanol with lanthanum, a rare earth element.
Nanopore PCR-cDNA sequencing of the biocontrol isolate
Aspergillus flavus
AF36 (NRRL 18543) informs gene annotation
Authors: Legan Andrew Wesley , Mehl Hillary L. , Varaksa Alex , Callicott Kenneth A.
Published: September 2023

Toxic molds in the
Aspergillus
genus synthesize carcinogenic aflatoxins which contaminate crops. The widely applied biocontrol isolate
Aspergillus flavus
AF36 (NRRL 18543) has a high-quality public genome but lacks corresponding gene annotations. We generated high-quality gene predictions for this isolate by using long-read Nanopore PCR-cDNA sequencing.
Completely assembled genome sequence of the florfenicol-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
strain 90_2023 isolated from a raw sausage imported from Italy to Switzerland
Authors: Kelbert Lucien , Stevens Marc J. A. , Horlbog Jule A. , Biggel Michael , Stephan Roger
Published: September 2023

Here we report the genome sequence of the florfenicol-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
strain 90_2023 isolated from a raw-meat sausage (Finocchiona) imported from Italy to Switzerland. It has a genome of 2.75 Mbp and harbors 16 antimicrobial resistance genes, including
cat
A8,
fexA
, and a truncated
optrA
gene on a RepA_N plasmid.
Performance of the Cue COVID-19 point-of-care molecular test: insights from a multi-site clinic service model
Authors: Rebbapragada Anu , Cariazo Lane , Elchuk David , Abdelrahman Hossam , Pham Dang , Raveendraraj Jerusha , Chokshi Killol , Joseph Nirochile , Gouzenkova Elena , Gill Harpreet , Blecher Peter
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostic testing. The Cue COVID-19 Point-of-Care Test (Cue POCT) is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), authorized by Health Canada and FDA as a POCT for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Cue POCT was deployed at a network of clinics in Ontario, Canada with
n
= 13,848 patrons tested between 17 July 2021 and 31 January 2022. The clinical performance and operational experience with Cue POCT were examined for this testing population composed mostly of asymptomatic individuals (93.7%). A head-to-head prospective clinical verification was performed between 17 July and 4 October for all POCT service clients (
n
= 3,037) with paired COVID-19 testing by Cue and RT-PCR. Prospective verification demonstrated a clinical sensitivity of 100% and clinical specificity of 99.4% for Cue COVID-19 POCT. The lack of false negatives and low false positive rate (0.64%), underscores the high accuracy (99.4%) of Cue POCT to provide rapid PCR quality results. Low error rates (cancellation rate of 0% and invalid rate of 0.63%) with the current software version were additionally noted. Taken together, these findings highlight the value of accurate molecular COVID-19 POCT in a distributed service delivery model to rapidly detect cases in the community with the potential to curb transmission in high-exposure settings (i.e., in-flight, congregate workplace, and social events). The insights gleaned from this operational implementation are readily transferable to future POCT diagnostic services.

IMPORTANCE

This manuscript reports on the findings of a large asymptomatic population who underwent surveillance COVID testing on the Cue COVID-19 Point-of-Care Test (POCT). Review of test performance of this rapid molecular POCT, as compared to gold standard RT-PCR, is valuable to many audiences, including public health, emergency testing services, employers, and the general population of consumers who are seeking a user-friendly, accurate, cost-effective, and sustainable testing model for COVID screening. The findings from this operational experience also inform future models of POCT services beyond COVID.
Tracing the crustal evolution of the Precambrian Southern Granulite terrane in East Gondwana: New insights from zircon U-Pb/Hf geochronology
Authors: Tomson J.K. , Dev J. Amal
Published: September 2023

The Precambrian Southern Granulite terrane of south India has a crustal evolution history broadly bracketed between the late Archean and Cambrian with records of polyphase deformation, metamorphism, and magmatism. The Southern Granulite terrane comprises distinct crustal blocks bounded by shear/suture zones that have been variably correlated with supercontinent fragments including Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Africa, Eastern Ghats, and Antarctica. However, the timing and mechanism of assembly of different crustal blocks within the Southern Granulite terrane and its linkages with counterparts in East Gondwana are highly debated. This study aimed to unravel the complex crustal evolutionary pattern of the terrane by generating robust zircon U-Pb/Hf isotopic data from basement charnockites, gneisses, granitoids, and alkaline intrusive units from the central part of Southern Granulite terrane and comparing these results with similar data from different East Gondwanan terranes. The study identified four distinct crustal growth episodes in the Madurai block: (1) Neoarchean−early Paleoproterozoic, (2) Rhyacian−Orosirian, (3) late Tonian, and (4) Ediacaran−Cambrian. Analysis of zircon Hf isotope data revealed that the first two events are marked by juvenile magmatic signatures, whereas the latter two are distinctly associated with intense reworking and remelting of older crust with no significant juvenile input. Our new results combined with existing data from other Gondwanan terranes suggest a common Paleoproterozoic ancestry for the Southern Granulite terrane and its corresponding Gondwanan fragments, proposing a revision to the existing geodynamic models.
Alignment in the registration, selection, procurement and reimbursement of essential medicines for childhood cancers in South Africa
Authors: Joosse Iris R , van den Ham Hendrika A , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K , Suleman Fatima
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The effectiveness of a health system in providing access to medicines is in part determined by the alignment of several core pharmaceutical processes. For South Africa’s public health sector, these include the registration of medicines, selection and subsequent procurement through national tenders. Registration, selection and reimbursement are key processes in the private sector. This study assessed the alignment of forementioned processes for essential paediatric oncology medicines in South Africa.

Methods

A selection of priority chemotherapeutics, antiemetics and analgesics in the treatment of five prevalent childhood cancers in South Africa was compared with those listed in 1) the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (WHO EMLc) 2021, 2) the registered health products database of South Africa, 3) the relevant South African National Essential Medicines Lists (NEML), 4) bid packs and awarded tenders for oncology medicines for 2020 and 2022 and 5) oncology formularies from the leading Independent Clinical Oncology Network (ICON) and two private sector medical aid schemes. Consistency between these sources was assessed descriptively.

Results

There was full alignment for 25 priority chemotherapeutics for children between the NEML, the products registered in South Africa and those included on tender. Due to unsuccessful procurement, access to seven chemotherapeutics was potentially constrained. For antiemetics and analgesics, eight of nine active ingredients included on the WHO EMLc were also registered in South Africa and on its NEML. An exploratory assessment of private sector formularies showed many gaps in ICON’s formulary and two medical scheme formularies (listing 33% and 24% of the chemotherapeutics, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite good alignment in public sector pharmaceutical processes, access constraints to essential chemotherapeutics for children may stem from unsuccessful tenders. Private sector formularies show major gaps; however, it is unclear how this translates to access in clinical practice.
Reductions in inhaler greenhouse gas emissions by addressing care gaps in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an analysis
Authors: Gagné Myriam , Karanikas Aliki , Green Samantha , Gupta Samir
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Climate change from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represents one of the greatest public health threats of our time. Inhalers (and particularly metred-dose inhalers (MDIs)) used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constitute an important source of GHGs. In this analysis, we aimed to estimate the carbon footprint impact of improving three distinct aspects of respiratory care that drive avoidable inhaler use in Canada.

Methods

We used published data to estimate the prevalence of misdiagnosed disease, existing inhaler use patterns, medication class distributions, inhaler type distributions and GHGs associated with inhaler actuations, to quantify annual GHG emissions in Canada: (1) attributable to asthma and COPD misdiagnosis; (2) attributable to overuse of rescue inhalers due to suboptimally controlled symptoms; and (3) avoidable by switching 25% of patients with existing asthma and COPD to an otherwise comparable therapeutic option with a lower GHG footprint.

Results

We identified the following avoidable annual GHG emissions: (1) ~49 100 GHG metric tons (MTs) due to misdiagnosed disease; (2) ~143 000 GHG MTs due to suboptimal symptom control; and (3) ~262 100 GHG MTs due to preferential prescription of strategies featuring MDIs over lower-GHG-emitting options (when 25% of patients are switched to lower GHG alternatives). Combined, the GHG emission reductions from bridging these gaps would be the equivalent to taking ~101 100 vehicles off the roads each year.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that the carbon savings from addressing misdiagnosis and suboptimal disease control are comparable to those achievable by switching one in four patients to lower GHG-emitting therapeutic strategies. Behaviour change strategies required to achieve and sustain delivery of evidence-based real-world care are complex, but the added identified incentive of carbon footprint reduction may in itself prove to be a powerful motivator for change among providers and patients. This additional benefit can be leveraged in future behaviour change interventions.