bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Neonatal Ventriculitis: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Difficult-to-Treat Central Nervous System Infection Resistant to Conventional Therapy
Authors: Ongun Hakan , Kihtir Zeynep , Zarif Nurten Ozkan , Ozyurt Ozlem Koyuncu , Kara Tugce Tural , Celik Kiymet , Arayici Sema
Published: February 2024

Objective Ventriculitis is an example of the increasing global trend in difficult-to-treat infections in neonates caused by pathogens resistant to conventional therapies. This article describes the first use of intravenous and intraventricular tigecycline to treat ventriculitis caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a preterm neonate and systematically review the literature on challenges posed by the definitions, diagnosis, and treatment of neonatal ventriculitis

Methods The authors searched PubMed and Internet search engines for “ventriculitis” in the period from 2003 to 2023 restricting the research to “Newborn,” “Human,” “English language,” and “full-text availability.”

Results Thirty-seven publications (20 case reports, 6 case series, and 11 research articles) were extracted upon research. Preterm birth, posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation requiring placement of ventricular access devices, and sepsis preceded neonatal ventriculitis. Infections caused by rare microorganisms, in particular gram-negative bacteria resistant to conventional therapies, predominated in the publications describing the need for a combination of intravenous (IV) and intraventricular (IVT) therapies. Survivors of neonatal ventriculitis developed neurodevelopmental impairments such as hydrocephalus, seizures, motor function, hearing, and vision impairment.

Conclusion Clinical suspicion of ventriculitis indicated by subtle signs is key for prompt diagnosis. Effective IV and IVT antibiotics are essential to prevent serious sequelae and mortality. The drug delivery method should be changed if there is no clinical response. This study emphasizes the urgent need for pediatric trials of antibiotics against organisms resistant to other drugs.
Exploring Health Care Disparities in Genetic Testing and Research for Hereditary Cardiomyopathy: Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Huang Helen , Verma Jay , Mok Valerie , Bharadwaj Hareesha R. , Alrawashdeh Maen M. , Aratikatla Adarsh , Sudan Sourav , Talukder Suprateeka , Habaka Minatoullah , Tse Gary , Bardhan Mainak
Published: February 2024

Background Hereditary cardiomyopathies are commonly occurring myocardial conditions affecting heart structure and function with a genetic or familial association, but the etiology is often unknown. Cardiomyopathies are linked to significant mortality, requiring robust risk stratification with genetic testing and early diagnosis.

Hypothesis We hypothesized that health care disparities exist in genetic testing for hereditary cardiomyopathies within clinical practice and research studies.

Methods In a narrative fashion, we conducted a literature search with online databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Science Direct on papers related to hereditary cardiomyopathies. A comprehensive analysis of findings from articles in English on disparities in diagnostics and treatment was grouped into four categories.

Results Racial and ethnic disparities in research study enrollment and health care delivery favor White populations and higher socioeconomic status, resulting in differences in the development and implementation of effective genetic screening. Such disparities have shown to be detrimental, as minorities often suffer from disease progression to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Barriers related to clinical genetic testing included insurance-related issues and health illiteracy. The underrepresentation of minority populations extends to research methodologies, as testing in ethnic minorities resulted in a significantly lower detection rate and diagnostic yield, as well as a higher likelihood of misclassification of variants.

Conclusions Prioritizing minority-based participatory research programs and screening protocols can address systemic disparities. Diversifying research studies can improve risk stratification strategies and impact clinical practice.
Parent-implemented interventions in Chinese families of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gao Xin , Drani Syazwani
Published: February 2024

This study aims to test the effects of the parent-implemented interventions (PIIs) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to explore the effects of PIIs on the family quality of life of families of children with ASD in China. This study adopted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design based on PIIs. Participants is divided into intervention group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 35.69 ± 3.45; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.49 ± 2.74) and control group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 36.06 ± 4.28; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.71 ± 3.25); parents in intervention group were trained with PIIs and required to implement family interventions for their children with ASD as they learned. This study will provide data to support the development and improvement of PIIs, and will also benefit the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families. Compared to control group, the children in intervention group had a significant improvement in social communication ability (p < 0.05), and the families in intervention group had a significant enhancing in family quality of life (satisfaction) (p < 0.001). This study found that PIIs are effective in enhancing the social communication ability of children with ASD in China and the family quality of life (satisfaction) of their families. PIIs is a good and cost-effective complement to rehabilitation training in professional institutions, and have positive significance for the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families.
Idea engines: Unifying innovation & obsolescence from markets & genetic evolution to science
Authors: Lee Edward D. , Kempes Christopher P. , West Geoffrey B.
Published: February 2024

Innovation and obsolescence describe dynamics of ever-churning and adapting social and biological systems, concepts that encompass field-specific formulations. We formalize the connection with a reduced model of the dynamics of the “space of the possible” (e.g., technologies, mutations, theories) to which agents (e.g., firms, organisms, scientists) couple as they grow, die, and replicate. We predict three regimes: The space is finite, ever growing, or a Schumpeterian dystopia in which obsolescence drives the system to collapse. We reveal a critical boundary at which the space of the possible fluctuates dramatically in size, displaying recurrent periods of minimal and of veritable diversity. When the space is finite, corresponding to physically realizable systems, we find surprising structure. This structure predicts a taxonomy for the density of agents near and away from the innovative frontier that we compare with distributions of firm productivity, COVID diversity, and citation rates for scientific publications. Our minimal model derived from first principles aligns with empirical examples, implying a follow-the-leader dynamic in firm cost efficiency and biological evolution, whereas scientific progress reflects consensus that waits on old ideas to go obsolete. Our theory introduces a fresh and empirically testable framework for unifying innovation and obsolescence across fields.
X-ray photoelectron diffraction as a modern tool for determining surface stacking sequence in layered materials
Authors: de Lima L H , de Siervo A
Published: February 2024

We investigated the surface structure of a NbSe2 single crystal at room temperature, using angle-scanned x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) combined with multiple scattering calculations. Different stacking sequences were tested (1T, 2H
a
, 2H
c
, and 3R), including possible stacking faults and a mixed 2H–3R stacking proposed earlier in the literature. We confirm the capability of XPD to distinguish different proposed structural models and, unambiguously, determine the true surface structure. Also, our findings provide reliable in-plane and interlayer distances. We observed expansions of the perpendicular distances between atomic planes within the monolayer and between monolayers of 3%–5%. These results are important as accurate experimental input for the development of theoretical methods that involve a quantitative description of van der Waals systems.
Stepped frequency ultrasound computed tomography with waveform inversion
Authors: Forte Luca A
Published: February 2024

Routine US (ultrasound) scans for breast imaging run on a conventional console suffer from machine and operator dependence and are subject to personal interpretation. Recently, the framework of USCT (ultrasound computed tomography) has emerged as a safe, powerful and operator independent alternative to diagnostic US scans and x-rays mammography. The most known systems employ one circular array or a combination of transmitters and receivers by exploiting reflection, diffraction and transmission data. These systems are based on a pulsed transmission. Following propagation in tissue, the signals are usually recorded with a direct RF sampling scheme and stored as digital time-series. Image reconstruction is performed in the frequency domain in the 400 kHz–1 MHz bandwidth over a limited number of discrete frequencies. In this paper, we propose a new architecture based on the stepped frequency continuous waveform (SFCW) principle. In this scheme, the transmission is a continuous one and the received waveforms undergo a homo-dyne stage. By sequentially transmitting single tones at different frequencies, data can be collected directly in the frequency domain at specific frequencies, with programmable frequency steps and with any desired SNR. We describe in detail the transmitter and the receiver paths and compare with a conventional pulsed USCT architecture. Finally, we highlight the benefits of a SFCW-USCT device and comment on SNR, absorbed power, data fidelity and data storage.
Unravelling the role of iron and manganese oxides in colouring Late Antique glass by micro-XANES and micro-XRF spectroscopies
Authors: Gherardi Francesca , Hole Clément , Campbell Ewan , Cotte Marine , Tyson Rachel , Paynter Sarah
Published: February 2024

This research aims to understand colouring technologies in 5th–7th centuries glass imported to Atlantic Britain by correlating the iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) ratios and oxidation states with colour. Despite having a similar matrix chemical composition and concentrations of Fe and Mn oxides, these vessels display different colours (from green to yellow/amber, sometimes with purple streaks). Colour changes can be induced by controlling the reduction-oxidation reactions that occur during glass production, which are influenced by the raw materials, furnace and melt atmosphere, and recycling. To evaluate these parameters, reference glasses were prepared, following the composition of Late Antique archaeological glass recovered from Tintagel (UK) and Whithorn (UK). A corpus of archaeological and experimental glass samples was analysed using bulk Fe and Mn K-edge x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, micro-XANES and micro x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) at beamline ID21, at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Fe and Mn XANES spectra of the archaeological glass indicate that Fe and Mn are in a similar oxidation state in all the yellow samples, predominantly Fe3+ and Mn2+. No detectable difference in Mn and Fe oxidation state occurs in the purple streaks compared to the yellow glass bulk but μ-XRF maps of the distribution of Fe and Mn show that Mn is more concentrated in the purple streaks. This indicates that the purple colour of the streaks is mainly due to a higher Mn/Fe ratio and persistence of more oxidised manganese in the purple areas, even though it is difficult to detect. Many archaeological fragments appear pale green in transmitted light but amber in reflected light. XANES studies detected the presence of surface layers where manganese is more oxidised. This layer is believed to scatter transmitted and reflected light differently and might be responsible for the optical features of the archaeological glass.
Characterizing planar SERS substrates: unraveling the link between physical characteristics and performance metrics
Authors: Feizpour Mehdi , Liu Qing , Van der Donck Tom , Thienpont Hugo , Meulebroeck Wendy , Ottevaere Heidi
Published: February 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful optical sensing technique used in various applications, including medicine, microbiology, and environmental analysis. Planar SERS substrates are of particular interest due to their ease of integration in lab-on-chips and better reproducibility compared to colloidal SERS. The performance of these SERS substrates is quantified using metrics such as enhancement factor, sensitivity, and reproducibility. However, there is yet to be a consensus on how to practically compare and interpret such metrics in publications and experiments. These performance metrics are strongly influenced by the nanostructures’ material, architecture, element sizes, as well as the circumstances surrounding the experiments. Understanding the effect of these characteristics on the SERS substrates’ performance could not only enable a better performance but also direct their development for different applications. Thus, we prepared a planar SERS-substrate characterization methodology to explore the correlation between the nanostructures’ physical characteristics and the performance metrics through coordinate-transformed spectroscopic measurements over structure-characterized areas. Seven commercial SERS substrates, with various surface architectures fabricated using different fabrication technologies, were studied using this benchmarking methodology. The results demonstrated how this methodology can indicate a SERS substrate’s suitability for a specific application, thus, guiding the substrate’s further adaptations or development.
Recent innovations in laser additive manufacturing of titanium alloys
Authors: Su Jinlong , Jiang Fulin , Teng Jie , Chen Lequn , Yan Ming , Requena Guillermo , Zhang Lai-Chang , Wang Y Morris , Okulov Ilya V , Zhu Hongmei , Tan Chaolin
Published: February 2024

Titanium (Ti) alloys are widely used in high-tech fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering. Laser additive manufacturing (LAM), as an innovative technology, is the key driver for the development of Ti alloys. Despite the significant advancements in LAM of Ti alloys, there remain challenges that need further research and development efforts. To recap the potential of LAM high-performance Ti alloy, this article systematically reviews LAM Ti alloys with up-to-date information on process, materials, and properties. Several feasible solutions to advance LAM Ti alloys are reviewed, including intelligent process parameters optimization, LAM process innovation with auxiliary fields and novel Ti alloys customization for LAM. The auxiliary energy fields (e.g. thermal, acoustic, mechanical deformation and magnetic fields) can affect the melt pool dynamics and solidification behaviour during LAM of Ti alloys, altering microstructures and mechanical performances. Different kinds of novel Ti alloys customized for LAM, like peritectic α-Ti, eutectoid (α + β)-Ti, hybrid (α + β)-Ti, isomorphous β-Ti and eutectic β-Ti alloys are reviewed in detail. Furthermore, machine learning in accelerating the LAM process optimization and new materials development is also outlooked. This review summarizes the material properties and performance envelops and benchmarks the research achievements in LAM of Ti alloys. In addition, the perspectives and further trends in LAM of Ti alloys are also highlighted.
A pathway to improve short channel effects of junctionless based FET’s after incorporating technology boosters: a review
Authors: Narula Vishal , Agarwal Mohit , Verma Shekhar
Published: February 2024

The Short Channel Effects (SCE) are becoming more prominent in Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits with the introduction of nanoscale Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET). The short channel effects (SCE’s) and fabrication challenges have provoked the researchers to think of some other technologies to enhance the market of semiconductor devices. To overcome these SCE’s, various methodologies such as multi-gate structures, material engineering, gate engineering, dielectric pockets, strain technology, high K dielectric material, heterostructures, source and drain extensions etc have been implemented. However, at very short channel lengths, the sharp edges of doping are difficult to obtain and thus SCE’s have become so difficult to control even after the implementations of different methodologies. Therefore, a new type of technology has been introduced to overcome such pitfalls e.g. transistors without junctions. Junctionless field effect transistor (JLFET) is one of the technologies which has overcome various SCE’s. Although the research on various issues has been addressed by different authors, there is still an impediment to the commercialization of the same device. The different technology boosters have been incorporated into junctionless-based devices to escalate the performance. The technology-boosting aspect of junctionless FET has been reviewed in this paper which has not been considered yet. In this paper distinct technology boosters and numerous effects on junctionless devices have been studied and presented. The performance of the junctionless FET devices is studied by incorporating the different semiconductor materials, effect of strain, use of high k dielectric, use of dielectric pockets, effect of gate misalignment, use of heterostructures, silicon on nothing (SON), vertically stacked nanowires, newly proposed rectangular core–shell based junctionless FET’s and roles of various physical parameters such as temperature, nanowire widths and effect of scattering mechanism on the performance of JLFET have been addressed.
Filtering higher-order datasets
Authors: Landry Nicholas W , Amburg Ilya , Shi Mirah , Aksoy Sinan G
Published: February 2024

Many complex systems often contain interactions between more than two nodes, known as higher-order interactions, which can change the structure of these systems in significant ways. Researchers often assume that all interactions paint a consistent picture of a higher-order dataset’s structure. In contrast, the connection patterns of individuals or entities in empirical systems are often stratified by interaction size. Ignoring this fact can aggregate connection patterns that exist only at certain scales of interaction. To isolate these scale-dependent patterns, we present an approach for analyzing higher-order datasets by filtering interactions by their size. We apply this framework to several empirical datasets from three domains to demonstrate that data practitioners can gain valuable information from this approach.
Using low-cost air quality sensors to estimate wildfire smoke infiltration into childcare facilities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lee Michael Joseph , Dickson James M , Greif Ophir , Ho William , Henderson Sarah B , Mallach Gary , Coker Eric S
Published: February 2024

The health risks associated with wildfires are expected to increase due to climate change. Children are susceptible to wildfire smoke, but little is known about indoor smoke exposure at childcare facilities. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the effects of outdoor PM2.5 and wildfire smoke episodes on indoor PM2.5 at childcare facilities across British Columbia, Canada. We installed low-cost air-quality sensors inside and outside 45 childcare facilities and focused our analysis on operational hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–18:00) during the 2022 wildfire season (01 August–31 October). Using random-slope random-intercept linear mixed effects regression, we estimated the overall and facility-specific effects of outdoor PM2.5 on indoor PM2.5, while accounting for covariates. We examined how wildfire smoke affected this relationship by separately analyzing days with and without wildfire smoke. Average indoor PM2.5 increased by 235% on wildfire days across facilities. There was a positive relationship between outdoor and indoor PM2.5 that was not strongly influenced by linear adjustment for meteorological and area-based socio-economic factors. A 1.0 μg m−3 increase in outdoor PM2.5 was associated with a 0.55 μg m−3 [95% CI: 0.47, 0.63] increase indoors on non-wildfire smoke days and 0.51 μg m−3 [95% CI: 0.44, 0.58] on wildfire-smoke days. Facility-specific regression coefficients of the effect of outdoor PM2.5 on indoor PM2.5 was variable between facilities on wildfire (0.18–0.79 μg m−3) and non-wildfire days (0.11–1.03 μg m−3). Indoor PM2.5 responded almost immediately to increased outdoor PM2.5 concentrations. Across facilities, 89% and 93% of the total PM2.5 infiltration over 60 min occurred within the first 10 min following an increase in outdoor PM2.5 on non-wildfire and wildfire days, respectively. We found that indoor PM2.5 in childcare facilities increased with outdoor PM2.5. This effect varied between facilities and between wildfire-smoke and non-wildfire smoke days. These findings highlight the importance of air quality monitoring at childcare facilities for informed decision-making.
Recruitment strategies in marginalized industries for occupational health research: an example in a pilot study of cleaning staff during COVID-19
Authors: Wilson Amanda M , Gerald Lynn B , Beamer Paloma I
Published: February 2024

This commentary describes challenges in recruiting workers from marginalized industries with examples from a pilot study of janitors, custodians, and maids and their experiences of cleaning and disinfection protocols during COVID-19 and potentially associated respiratory symptoms. Recruitment strategies included contacting a local hospital, national workers’ unions, and a large Arizona employer; using online Facebook groups; and contacting Arizona maid service companies and a school district. English and Spanish online and hard copy surveys about cleaning protocols and respiratory symptoms were used. Participants could also participate in online/phone interviews. Worker’s compensation, liability, and confidentiality were concerns across organizations. Online surveys yielded unreliable data. Hard copy surveys were used due to workers’ limited technology access. We reflect upon these challenges and discuss other strategies for recruiting from marginalized populations for occupational health research. Building trust with organizations and workers and considering technology access may ultimately increase recruitment feasibility.
Into the radius valley
Authors: Ho Cynthia S K
Published: January 2024

Some exoplanets are slightly larger than Earth, and some are slightly smaller than Neptune. But there is a distinct lack of anything in between. Why? Cynthia Ho dives into the radius valley.
Euphausia pacifica emulsified oil powder improves sleep quality in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers
Authors: Yamada Hidetoshi , Miyasaka Raimu , Hamada Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Although it is known that adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, approximately 30% of the general population has experienced insomnia. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between food components and sleep quality is needed. North Pacific krill, Euphausia pacifica, is rich in marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form as well as 8R-hydroxy-eicosapentanoic acid. Here, emulsified oil powder derived from this krill was used in a trial involving 64 participants to assess its potential to enhance sleep quality. Consumption of the powdered emulsified oil was found to reduce drowsiness upon waking and enhance fatigue recovery, and for participants aged 40 and above, an improvement in sleep cycle was observed. In conclusion, consumption of krill emulsified oil powder was effective in enhancing sleep quality for individuals with partial sleep restrictions.
Impact of explanted valve type on aortic valve reoperations: nationwide UK experience
Authors: Narayan Pradeep , Dong Tim , Dimagli Arnaldo , Fudulu Daniel P , Chan Jeremy , Sinha Shubhra , Angelini Gianni D
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

This nationwide retrospective cohort study assessed the impact of the explanted valve type on reoperative outcomes in aortic valve surgery within the UK over a 23-year period.

METHODS

Data were sourced from the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) database. All patients undergoing first-time isolated reoperative aortic valve replacement between 1996 and 2019 in the UK were included. Concomitant procedures, homograft implantation or aortic root enlargement were excluded. Propensity score matching was utilized to compare outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality was evaluated through multivariable logistic regression. Final model selection was conducted using Akaike Information Criterion through bootstrapping. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality, and secondary end points included postoperative morbidities.

RESULTS

Out of 2371 patients, 24.9% had mechanical and 75% had bioprosthetic valves implanted during the primary procedure. Propensity matched groups of 324 patients each, were compared. In-hospital mortality for mechanical and bioprosthetic valve explants was 7.1% and 5.9%, respectively (P = 0.632). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, valve type was not a risk factor for mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–1.05; P = 0.1]. Age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P < 0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.08–2.42; P < 0.05), creatinine ≥ 200 mg/dl (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.17–4.04; P < 0.05) and endocarditis (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.71–4.14; P < 0.05) emerged as risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of valve initially implanted (mechanical or bioprosthetic) did not determine mortality. Instead, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, renal impairment and endocarditis were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality.
Morbidity and mortality in adults with a Fontan circulation beyond the fourth decade of life
Authors: Constantine Andrew , Ferrero Paolo , Gribaudo Elena , Mitropoulou Panagiota , Krishnathasan Kaushiga , Costola Giulia , Lwin Myo T , Fitzsimmons Samantha , Brida Margarita , Montanaro Claudia , Kempny Aleksander , Heng Ee Ling , Chessa Massimo , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Rafiq Isma
Published: February 2024

Aims

To evaluate the late outcomes of adults (above 35 years) with a Fontan-type circulation, for whom current data on morbidity and mortality are lacking.

Methods and results

Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with Fontan circulation above the age of 35 years followed in three European specialist centres. Overall, 115 Fontan patients were included [median age 35 (range 35–48) years, 47.8% female]. The most common underlying congenital heart disease diagnosis was tricuspid atresia (n = 58, 50.4%), and the age at first Fontan completion was 9.1 (interquartile range 5.0–15.8) years. Almost two-thirds (61.7%) of patients had undergone an atriopulmonary Fontan, and 23.5% had received a total cavopulmonary connection. One-third required repeat surgery or intervention. Most patients (55.9%) were in New York Heart Association functional class II or class I (30.6%), 76 (66.1%) patients had experienced at least one arrhythmia, and eight (7.0%) protein-losing enteropathy. At a median follow-up of 5.0 (2.4–10.3) years, 15 (13.0%) patients were referred for transplantation assessment and 19 (16.5%) patients died, mainly from heart failure (84.2%). Univariable predictors of death or transplantation included lower serum albumin level [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09 per g/L decrease, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.15, P = 0.0009], prior heart failure admission (HR 4.28, 95% CI:1.75–10.44, P = 0.001), prior atrial tachycardia or flutter (HR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.23–7.38, P = 0.02), and baseline pulmonary vasodilator therapy (HR 8.59, 95% CI:1.05–70.13, P = 0.04). Lower serum albumin and prior atrial tachycardia or flutter remained significant on bivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the significant morbidity and mortality in older adults with a Fontan-type circulation, emphasizing the need for lifelong specialist surveillance with frequent risk stratification, close monitoring, and early consideration for transplantation assessment.
Bacterial community distribution and functional potentials provide key insights into their role in the ecosystem functioning of a retreating Eastern Himalayan glacier
Authors: Mukhia Srijana , Kumar Anil , Kumar Rakshak
Published: February 2024

Himalayan glaciers are receding at an exceptional rate, perturbing the local biome and ecosystem processes. Understanding the microbial ecology of an exclusively microbe-driven biome provides insights into their contributions to the ecosystem functioning through biogeochemical fluxes. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities and their functional potential in the retreating East Rathong Glacier (ERG) of Sikkim Himalaya. Amplicon-based taxonomic classification revealed the dominance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and candidate Patescibacteria in the glacial sites. Further, eight good-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Choloflexota retrieved from the metagenomes elucidated the microbial contributions to nutrient cycling. The ERG MAGs showed aerobic respiration as a primary metabolic feature, accompanied by carbon fixation and complex carbon degradation potentials. Pathways for nitrogen metabolism, chiefly dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrification, and a complete sulphur oxidation enzyme complex for sulphur metabolism were identified in the MAGs. We observed that DNA repair and oxidative stress response genes complemented with osmotic and periplasmic stress and protein chaperones were vital for adaptation against the intense radiation and stress conditions of the extreme Himalayan niche. Current findings elucidate the microbiome and associated functional potentials of a vulnerable glacier, emphasizing their significant ecological roles in a changing glacial ecosystem.
Microbes and us: microbiology literacy in Greece
Authors: Karayanni Hera , Motsiou Eleni , Sapountzi Vasiliki , Meggou Lydia , Pagkoutsou Maria , Triantafyllidi Aikaterini , Markouti Alexandra-Kyparisia , Zervou Sevasti , Anastasopoulos Stelios , Efthimiou Georgios
Published: February 2024

Microbes are ubiquitous and provide numerous services to humans and our planet. However, a query arises as to whether these microbial services are valued by the general public especially after unprecedented conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context a survey was conducted to investigate the concept of microbe in Greece. Thematic analysis of 672 anonymous responses (age range 4–75yo) received for the open-ended prompt “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word microbe?” revealed five thematic categories: Negative emotions, Fuzzy associations, Biology, Entities and Health. Almost 80% of responses fell under “Biology” and “Health” and the general pattern of answers was the same across all age groups. Microbes took a variety of forms in the minds of respondents, however, the concept of “microbe” seems to be more unshaped at younger ages (4–11yo), as revealed in children's language choices. Overall, the often-negative perception of microorganisms seems to be confirmed in this study. Although this research was limited to participants from Greece, it remains relevant to other countries around the world as well. We discuss the reasons behind this negative perception and offer suggestions for reversing it.
Trend in Respite Use by Race Among Caregivers for People Living With Dementia
Authors: Kim Yeunkyung , Kim Jihye , Kim Hyunjee , Park Sungchul , Li Yue
Published: February 2024

Background

Respite care provides short-term relief for caregivers. Despite efforts to promote respite use among Black caregivers, little is known if disparities in respite use between Black and White dementia caregivers have decreased over time. We examined a trend nationally to see if more recent efforts may have helped reduce disparities in respite use.

Methods

We used a repeated cross-sectional design, with the data from 2015, 2017, and 2021 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. Our study sample included 764 (in 2015), 839 (in 2017), and 521 (in 2021) non-Hispanic White and Black caregivers who provided care to older adults living with dementia, representing weighted 5 157 569 (2015), 5 877 997 (2017), and 4 712 144 (2021) dementia caregivers nationally. We conducted logistic regression models to assess the differences in respite use between White and Black caregivers over time.

Results

In 2015, Black dementia caregivers had a respite care use rate 11.6 percentage points (95% CI: −16.9 to −6.4) lower than that of White dementia caregivers. However, both in 2017 and 2021, the difference in the use of respite was not statistically significant, leading to a reduced or no gap in respite use between White and Black dementia caregivers. However, respite use remained low in both groups.

Conclusions

Although the gap in respite use between Black and White dementia caregivers had been gradually narrowed over time, more efforts are needed to encourage more respite use among both groups through targeted efforts to address factors that hinder respite use.
The Potential Role and Therapeutic Relevance of Cellular Senescence in Skeletal Pathophysiology
Authors: Li Bo , Lyu Ping , Tang Jinru , Li Jingya , Ouchi Takehito , Fan Yi , Zhao Zhihe , Li Longjiang
Published: February 2024

Biological aging profoundly impairs the homeostasis of the skeletal system. Cellular senescence, a hallmark of biological aging, plays an instrumental role in bone disease. The underlying mechanisms of cellular senescence, triggered by both intracellular and extracellular stimuli, are multifaceted and yet to be uncovered. Recent research indicates that acute cellular senescence often serves beneficial roles, such as contributing to growth, development, and tissue regeneration. By contrast, chronic cellular senescence, primarily driven by the accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs) and the release of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), has detrimental effects on the skeletal system by irreversibly disrupting bone homeostasis and promoting age-related disorders. Furthermore, the bone marrow is rich in immune cells and their exposure to SASP often leads to immune dysfunction, resulting in unresolved chronic inflammation and compromised adaptive immunity. Until now, the impact of SnCs and SASP on the skeleton has remained elusive. Meanwhile, extensive efforts are being made to combat age-related diseases through various strategies. Among them, SnCs and SASP are the primary targets for antiaging therapeutic clearance, resulting in the development of “senolytics” and “senomorphics,” respectively. In this review, we summarize and highlight the role of SnCs and SASP in skeletal pathophysiology, the mechanism of cellular senescence in affecting bone metabolism, and potential therapeutic approaches, particularly senolytics and senomorphics, in treating cellular senescence-related bone diseases.
Fluctuating and Stable High Temperatures Differentially Affect Reproductive Endocrinology of Female Pupfish
Authors: Housh M J , Telish J , Forsgren K L , Lema S C
Published: February 2024

Synopsis

For many fishes, reproductive function is thermally constrained such that exposure to temperatures above some upper threshold has detrimental effects on gametic development and maturation, spawning frequency, and mating behavior. Such impairment of reproductive performance at elevated temperatures involves changes to hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis signaling and diminished gonadal steroidogenesis. However, how HPG pathways respond to consistently high versus temporally elevated temperatures is not clear. Here, sexually mature Amargosa River Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae) were maintained under thermal regimes of either stable ∼25°C (low temperature), diurnal cycling temperatures between ∼27 and 35°C (fluctuating temperature), or stable ∼35°C (high temperature) conditions for 50 days to examine effects of these conditions on HPG endocrine signaling components in the pituitary gland and gonad, ovarian and testicular gametogenesis status, and liver gene expression relating to oogenesis. Female pupfish maintained under stable high and fluctuating temperature treatments showed reduced gonadosomatic index values as well as a lower proportion of oocytes in the lipid droplet and vitellogenic stages. Females in both fluctuating and stable 35°C conditions exhibited reduced ovarian mRNAs for steroid acute regulatory protein (star), cholesterol side chain-cleavage enzyme, P450scc (cyp11a1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3bhsd), while ovarian transcripts encoding 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11bhsd) and sex hormone-binding globulin (shbg) were elevated in females at constant 35°C only. Ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) mRNA levels were unaffected, but circulating 17β-estradiol (E2) was lower in females at 35°C compared to the fluctuating temperature condition. In the liver, mRNA levels for choriogenins and vitellogenin were downregulated in both the fluctuating and 35°C conditions, while hepatic estrogen receptor 2a (esr2a) and shbg mRNAs were elevated in 35°C females. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential for elevated temperatures to impair ovarian steroidogenesis and reduce egg envelope and vitellogenin protein production in female C. n. amargosae pupfish, while also shedding light on how thermal regimes that only intermittently reach the upper thermal range for reproduction have differential impacts on reproductive endocrine pathways than constantly warm conditions.
Identification and Characterization of the Chemical Constituents of Qianlie Shule Capsules by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS
Authors: Liu Huimin , Nie Jiaxuan , Zhang Yue , Wang Jiayi , Song Lili , Li Yubo
Published: February 2024

Background

The Qianlie Shule capsule is a classical Chinese medicine compound preparation frequently used in therapeutic settings to alleviate astringent pain in the urethra, prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic prostatitis or urinary frequency. However, a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules has not been reported.

Objective

To establish a quick and effective analytical method based on hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS) for the identification and characterization of chemical components in Qianlie Shule capsules.

Method

Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry and data post-processing, the samples of Qianlie Shule capsules were examined. First, the whole extract of the Qianlie Shule capsules was separated using a UPLC machine, and the fragmentation data were collected in both positive and negative ion mode. The target molecule is then quickly identified by comparing the fragmentation information of the neutral loss (NLs) and characteristic fragments (CFs) reported in the literature.

Results

A total of 145 chemical components were identified. It includes flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, alkaloids, phenylethanoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones.

Conclusions

This study is a method for the rapid qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules, which provides a method for the rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput identification of the prescription components of Chinese medicine.

Highlights

Systematic identification of the chemical composition of QLSL capsules provides a theoretical basis for studying the substance basis of QLSL capsules and the improvement of the quality control level.
The gendered lens of AI: examining news imagery across digital spaces
Authors: Chen Yibei , Zhai Yujia , Sun Shaojing
Published: February 2024

This study investigates gender representation in artificial intelligence (AI)-related images across various digital spaces to understand potential biases and visual narratives in the AI domain. We analyzed a dataset of 28,199 images from news media, technology news websites, social media, knowledge-sharing platforms, and other digital spaces. Our findings revealed the prevalence of male faces and the consistent underrepresentation of women across digital spaces. We also found distinct patterns in the visual framing of men and women, with women often portrayed as being disempowered and adhering to traditional gender stereotypes. Furthermore, our cluster analysis demonstrated consistent patterns of gender representation across various visual themes, reinforcing the pervasive nature of gender biases in AI news imagery. In conclusion, our study underscores the need for conscious efforts to promote a more balanced and inclusive portrayal of gender in AI news reporting, calling for a broad societal effort toward advancing gender equality and diversity.
Decision-making in borderline hip dysplasia and concomitant femoracetabular impingement syndrome: using a discrete choice experiment to explore patient preferences
Authors: Cabell Grant H , Kwon Nicholas F , Shultz Christopher , Hutyra Carolyn A , Lewis Brian D , Olson Steven A , Salata Michael J , Nho Shane J , Mather III Richard C
Published: February 2024

Decision-making regarding surgical treatment of patients showing radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) in the setting of borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) remains a challenge as there is no consensus on treatment in current literature. When medical evidence is unclear, understanding patient preferences becomes particularly important in deciding the optimal treatment for each patient. The purpose of this study was to measure the patient-determined importance of factors surrounding surgical treatment of FAIS in BHD. Patients aged 18–65 with hip pain and BHD (defined as lateral center edge angle 18–25 or Tonnis angle 10–15) morphology were given a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) focusing on attributes that differ between treatment options: Length of Hospital Stay, Major Complication Rate, Chance of Needing Reoperation within 2 Years and Time to Return to Regular Exercise. This DCE was used to calculate treatment preferences, relative attribute importance and preference weights. A total of 101 patients fully completed the DCE. The most important attribute (average importance weight, 95% CI) was Chance of Reoperation (60.16, 56.99–63.34), while the least important was Hospital Stay (6.57, 5.73–7.41). Only 6 Months to Resume Regular Exercise and 2% Chance of Reoperation (P < 0.05) significantly impacted treatment choice. When presented with fixed choice parameters, 50.5% of subjects preferred PAO and arthroscopy while 49.5% opted for arthroscopy alone. When no clear surgical treatment is indicated, patient preferences have an amplified role in patient decision-making. Our results confirm variation in attribute importance within treatments as well as treatment choice, highlighting the importance in understanding patient preferences in decision-making for FAIS in BHD. More patient-specific generalizable outcomes of surgical treatment options are needed in the literature.
Multivariate linear-mixed analysis of changes in anterior inferior iliac spine impingement incidence with posterior pelvic tilt: a computer simulation study
Authors: Kamono Emi , Kobayashi Naomi , Yamamoto Yuya , Yukizawa Yohei , Honda Hideki , Choe Hyonmin , Ike Hiroyuki , Kumagai Ken , Inaba Yutaka
Published: February 2024

It is well known that increased posterior tilt of the pelvis is an effective strategy for avoiding impingement of the femur with the pelvis during movement. Daily repetitive collisions become mechanical loads, and the more frequently they occur, the more tissue damage and pain they cause. Therefore, reducing the rate of occurrence of impingement is important to avoid aggravation of symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of changes in posterior pelvic tilt on the risk of impingement between the femur and the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)/subspine in various functional postures. Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) who were candidates for hip arthroscopic osteochondroplasty between October 2013 and June 2020 were included. A three-dimensional reconstructed model was used to simulate the incidence of impingement at 12 hip positions required for activities of daily living. We predicted value of the spatial incidence of impingement assumed that hip motion should exceed 130/30 degrees without impingement. Impingement was measured at three pelvic positions: an anterior tilt of 10°, in the functional pelvic plane and a posterior tilt of 10°. Multivariate linear-mixed models were used to assess the effect of covariate-adjusted posterior pelvic tilt on the impingement incidence in the AIIS region. AIIS type, center-edge angle, acetabular version and femoral version were used as covariates. The impingement rates and locations of the three pelvic tilt postures were assessed. Seventy-eight patients (60 males and 18 females; average age, 46 ± 15.1 years) with FAIS were analyzed. A multivariate linear-mixed model revealed a coefficient of −0.8% (95% confidence interval −0.9 to −0.7%; P < 0.001) for posterior pelvic tilt. Thus, posterior pelvic tilt affects AIIS impingement incidence. After adjusting for anatomical effects, the posterior pelvic tilt should be addressed to avoid impingement.
Purpose definition as a crucial step for determining the legal basis under the GDPR: implications for scientific research
Authors: Becker Regina , Chokoshvili Davit , Thorogood Adrian , Dove Edward S , Molnár-Gábor Fruzsina , Ziaka Alexandra , Tzortzatou-Nanopoulou Olga , Comandè Giovanni
Published: February 2024

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, which became applicable in 2018, contains a new accountability principle. Under this principle, controllers (ie parties determining the purposes and the means of the processing of personal data) are responsible for ensuring and demonstrating the overall compliance with the GDPR. However, interpretive uncertainties of the GDPR mean that controllers must exercise considerable judgement in designing and implementing an appropriate compliance strategy, making GDPR compliance both complex and resource-intensive. In this article, we provide conceptual clarity around GDPR compliance with respect to one core aspect of the law: the determination and relevance of the purpose of personal data processing. We derive from the GDPR’s text concrete requirements for purpose specification, which we subsequently apply to the area of secondary use of personal data for scientific research. We offer guidance for correctly specifying purposes of data processing under different research scenarios. To illustrate the practical necessity of purpose specification for GDPR compliance, we then show how our proposed approach can enable controllers to meet their compliance obligations, using the example of the overarching GDPR principle of lawfulness to highlight the relevance of purpose specification for the identification of a suitable legal basis.
Mature Minor Doctrine Clarification Act: A Setback in Pediatric Immunizations
Authors: Hijano Diego R , Yaun Jason A
Published: February 2024

The Mature Minor Doctrine Clarification Act, a Tennessee bill stating that a healthcare provider may not provide vaccination to a minor without the informed consent of a parent/legal guardian, poses significant challenges to pediatric immunization. We outline changes implemented to our processes in response to this bill.