bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2. Iannis Xenakis through his Letters at the KSYME Archive
Authors: Kourmpana Stella
Published: October 2024

The KSYME (Contemporary Music Research Centre) was founded in Athens in 1979 by Iannis Xenakis, along with Stefanos Vassiliades and John G. Papaioannou, and twenty-two other members, following the example of Xenakis’s CEMAMu—Centre d’Études de Mathématique et Automatique Musicales (founded in 1972 in Paris)—having as a main goal the research and development of computer-based electroacoustic music in Greece. Among the material kept at its Archive (currently located at the Athens Conservatoire) one can find a collection of twenty-three valuable letters by Iannis Xenakis. Through the twenty-two of those addressed to Papaioannou, one can reconstruct Xenakis’s life in Paris as an engineer, architect, and composer during the period 1956-1962 and at the same time become acquainted with his thoughts, his fears, his aspirations; likewise, the letter of 1980, addressed to the president of the Greek Republic, reveals all his dreams about the future of contemporary music in Greece.
10. Jean-Étienne Marie and Iannis Xenakis
Authors: Romero Porras Judith
Published: October 2024

Jean-Étienne Marie, French composer and artistic engineer at Radiodiffusion Télévision Française from 1949 to 1975, was in contact with the most prominent composers of his time, among whom Iannis Xenakis. In this context, Marie participated as a technical engineer in the Greek composer’s works Oresteïa and Bohor. Later, Marie took on the task of delving theoretically into Xenakis’s compositional process, thanks to his status as an artistic engineer, defined as: ‘the one who makes sound shots, creating the necessary balance for a good diffusion of a concert. But he is also a musician, who has a musical, scientific, historical, and musicological culture’. Marie considers Xenakis’s music to be ‘a music beyond art, whose evolution in time is closely adapted to the curve of a meditation’. At the time, the musical literature available on composers such as Xenakis was non-existent. However, Marie analyzed and studied the Greek’s music, becoming the spokesman for this new music to make it known both to the knowledgeable public and to neophytes eager to understand these new artistic expressions. His experience as a music promoter since the founding of the Cultural Circle of the Conservatory in Paris in 1947 made Marie a respected scholar of contemporary music. The aim of this chapter is to approach Marie’s vision from the perspective of sound realization, that is, to describe the technical challenges imposed by these works, and their value as innovative works in the field of composition. On the other hand, I address how the study of Xenakis’s music allows Marie to approach and understand the compositional theory of meta-music; that is Xenakis’s sieves, a theory that the former compares with the microtonal theory of composers such as Ivan Wyschnegradsky, Alois Haba and Julian Carrillo.
11. On the Link between the Exact Sciences and Music in Iannis Xenakis’s Creative Work
Authors: Araya Pablo
Published: October 2024

Without being a specialist in the field of physics or mathematics, in this chapter, I outline a proposal regarding the relationship that Iannis Xenakis established with the exact sciences. Likewise, my approach is solely circumscribed to an early compositional period, the brief time range spanning Metastasis (1953-54) and Pithoprakta (1955-56). I consider that, in these two works, one finds the quintessence or the most outstanding contribution of Xenakis’s creative work. Beyond this statement, the question arises: What is the relationship between Xenakis’s music and the exact sciences? Between one field and the other lies, at least tentatively and preliminarily, a link between the metaphorical and the analogical, an approach set out in several texts by the musicologist Makis Solomos, and from which I attempt try to dig more deeply.
16. A Myth of Recurrence in Iannis Xenakis’s La Légende d’Eer
Authors: Vishio Anton
Published: October 2024

Xenakis’s La Légende d’Eer has received much analytical attention, detailing the life stages of its cosmic soundworld: its origin, flourishing, and eventual disintegration. Many analyses have suggested a kind of symmetry between the beginning and ending, as if the soundworld has returned to its initial state. In contrast, in this chapter I argue that the symmetry and any corresponding ideas about closure are ultimately illusory, that the intimations of the opening sounds in the closing minutes in fact highlight the tragic impossibility of ‘recurrence’. The work enacts this theme on a smaller scale as well as it deploys rotations of shapes in an ‘epicyclic’ manner: cycles of the work’s constituent sounds layer on top of one another, creating fluctuations of intensity rather than being markers of forward motion. This intensity is a key component of the immersive character of La Légende d’Eer, and the source of its elusive temporal quality.
19. Performing Iannis Xenakis’s Polyrhythms
Authors: Talgam Imri
Published: October 2024

Xenakis often uses complex superimposed polyrhythms that are uniquely challenging for performers to realize, especially in solo and chamber works. Faced with overwhelming rhythmic complexity, performers must choose a strategy to navigate the score, often resulting in informal compromises and approximations. As an alternative, in this chapter, I propose a methodological approach to performance of rhythmic complexity using re-notation informed by theories of metric perception. Using examples from Mists, À l’île de Gorée, and Dikhthas, I identify three classes of rhythmic textures: irregular a-metrical rhythms, isochronous polyrhythms, and phase-shifted polyrhythms. While Xenakis’s notation clearly conveys these distinct ideas, it does not facilitate accurate realization in performance, which diminishes the polyphonic quality of these passages. My methodology proceeds in several stages: a) Analysis of the primary cues for grouping and possible metric interpretations of each rhythmic texture using the theory proposed by London; b) using the notion of context-sensitive constraints on metric perception (I propose a quantization strategy to reduce the complexity of the rhythm while preserving the macro characteristics; c) proposal of several possible re-notations, depending on the grouping cues or pulse layers that are taken as the tactus in the passage, while relegating other layers to ana-metrical status.

Since multiple versions may be beneficial in representing different aspect of the music, I consider their advantages from both performers’ and listeners’ perspectives; d) finally, I examine the dynamics of listening and synchronization between multiple players in realizing rhythmically complex passages, in which players create a metric interpretation collaboratively.
27. Music, Science, Architecture
Authors: Estrada Julio
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents large excerpts of previously unpublished interviews between Xenakis and the author provide stunning new insights.
30. The UPIC System of Iannis Xenakis
Authors: Nelson Peter
Published: October 2024

Drawing on the author’s experience of working with Les Ateliers UPIC between the presentation of the UPIC computer music system at the Huddersfield Festival of Contemporary Music in 1987, and its residency at the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) 1990, this paper will reflect on the technological, educational, social, and organizational milieu of UPIC during the period of its formation as both a material equipment, and a cultural project. As well as interrogating historical anecdote, this chapter attempts to contextualize UPIC within a set of cues taken from recent work in science and technology studies–particularly the work of Antoine Hennion–as well as from Howard Becker’s classic sociological investigation of ‘art worlds’, in order to clarify both the historical impact and the possible future potential of Xenakis’s conception. Beginning in an era when institutional infrastructure was a necessity for any project of this kind, UPIC has morphed, in the subsequent era of internet sociality, into an app with a contrasting set of technical and operational consistencies. This contrast will be considered as a key means of insight into the creative conceptions that underpin UPIC as part of an attempt to reassess the position of the system within Xenakis’s main theoretical achievement and creative output.
32. Somax2 and Reinterpreting Iannis Xenakis
Authors: Malt Mikhail , Sluchin Benny
Published: October 2024

In the French leg of the Meta-Xenakis marathon global conference, we presented a Computer Aided Improvisation Performance based on Xenakis’s Keren for trombone. This was possible with the SOMAX 2 environment, developed by the Representations Musicales Research Team, at Ircam, a multi-agent interactive system performing live machine co-improvisation with musicians, based on machine-listening and generative units. Here we briefly present SOMAX 2, opening the path to a future detailed explanation of the musical and aesthetic implications concerning its use.
39. The Process of Creating a Computational System
Authors: Solís Hugo , Bernal Mizky , Jiménez Diego , Leonardini Guillermo , Pérez Eunice
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the process of generation and collaboration of a computational system of audiovisual composition modeled in three dimensions based on three main points: the tradition of the Xenakis's UPIC environment, the authors' own ideas regarding the sonic reinterpretation of flock behavior, and the use of the Three.js JavaScript library. The system has two sound procedures: the sonification of the spatial location of the agents in relation to the emergent phenomenon (Flock Behavior), and the reinterpretation of such positions in relative coordinates by means of planes.
40. The Xenakis Networked Performance Marathon 2022
Authors: Zannos Iannis , Carlé Martin , Agiomyrgianakis Vasilis , Ikeda Takumi , Atake Hanako
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we provide a summary of the Xenakis Networked Performance Marathon project, a computer music and dance performance marathon comprising sixteen pieces with worldwide live participation over the internet, dedicated to the memory of Iannis Xenakis. The project’s aim was to explore collaborative performance practices using the internet, through the use of alternative protocols and technologies such as UDP-based OpenSoundControl and experimental, low-cost wearable sensors systems for motion capture. We describe the hardware and software used in the project, as well as the original development work required to incorporate these tools in our work setup. We compare various hardware systems employed, focusing on the Zigbee-based Sense Stage system versus a Bluetooth-based PineTime smartwatch-based system. Finally, we outline the pieces performed in this project, giving summaries of their inspiration and objectives. The performances span a wide spectrum of approaches and techniques. They demonstrate the potential of current technology for networked collaborative performance and show its impact on the aesthetic of experimental musical and dance art forms.
43. Meta-Xenakis Concert at Suntory Hall, Tokyo
Authors: Kato Kuniko
Published: October 2024

As a part of the Meta-Xenakis centennial celebration of the life and work of Iannis Xenakis, Kuniko Kato, percussionist, and ARTSWORKS presented this concert at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Japan on Friday, November 11, 2022, including Xenakis’s two solo percussion works [(Rebonds A. B. (1987-89) and Psappha (1975)], an ‘installation–improvisation’, and a new spatialization of Hibiki-Hana-Ma. After the performance, a post-concert talk took place with music critic Tadashi Yamanouch, composer/musicologist Mikako Mizuno and Kuniko Kato.

The concert was co-sponsored by Meta Xenakis Consortium, Centre Iannis Xenakis, Japan Society for Contemporary Music, The Embassy of Greece in Japan.

The concert footage was filmed by TV MAN UNION.
49. An Architecture of Alchemy
Authors: Lieberman David J.
Published: October 2024

In furthering the assertion that architecture is a performing art not a fine art, this work re-interprets the ideas of sieve theory, granular synthesis, and arborescence as strategies of architectural composition, demonstrating the manner in which Iannis Xenakis has established parameters for pushing the boundaries and the understandings of architectures of an extended comprehension of time. Elevations are considered as the threshold and transition between inside and outside, architecture and landscape, in terms of framing of views, choreographing perceptions and movements, in the permeability of a thickened wall manipulating sound and light as palpable materials of spatial containment, interrogating the intended and the unexpected as we move through and occupy the spaces defined by the physical constructs afforded by the intentions of built form. The work, Listening to Architecture is a twenty-two-minute film or cinematic painting.
51. Iannis Xenakis, 1922–2001
Authors: Sluchin Benny
Published: October 2024

The centenary of Xenakis’s birth caught me by surprise. I have many items concerning him, archived for more than forty years already, and it became obvious for me to highlight them through a particular discographic tribute. Iannis Xenakis 1922-2001: Texts, Essays, and Music (Utperformance, 2022) contains previously unreleased studio and live recordings accompanied by various texts, many of which are also unreleased to date.

The texts particularly explore the production of Xenakis for Brass: Eonta (1964), Linaia-Agon (1972), N’Shima (1975), Keren (1986), and Zythos (1997). Personal remarks included in these texts constitute an original contribution. Finally, a kabbalistic analysis of two Hebrew titles of the works included as well as a text commenting on a work by Freud conclude this tribute. A path that recalls the richness and variety of the composer’s theories.

This project is available in two forms: a) CD with a 48-page booklet in French (English version is available on the producer’s website), b) Book/CD of 116 pages in French.
2024 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS)
Authors: Goates James D. , Harris Asianna , Arora Saumya
Published: October 2024

The Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) is the national student organization for Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP). In August 2024, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s counseling psychology program finished its 2-year tenure as the 16th and final host institution of the SAS. The purpose of this report is to review the efforts of the SAS in the past year as well as across our term as a whole. More specifically, we highlight the efforts from committee members across the SAS as well as identify three themes across our tenure: fostering structural stability, fostering community, and fostering advocacy and liberation. We also provide final reflections on the SAS as an organization and our vision for the future directions of the SAS.
Poster 112: Toxicity of Chlorhexidine and Povidone-Iodine to Rotator Cuff Tendon
Authors: Moslehyazdi Maziar , Bielajew Benjamin , Hu Jerry , Athanasiou Kyriacos , Johnston Tyler , Wang Dean
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Antimicrobial wound lavages containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or povidone-iodine (PI) are commonly used to prevent periprosthetic infection during shoulder arthroplasty. However, the potential toxicity of these solutions to the native surrounding rotator cuff tendon is not well understood. In total shoulder arthroplasty, the rotator cuff tendon is often concomitantly repaired, and any toxic effects from antimicrobial wound lavage during surgery may be detrimental to postoperative rotator cuff tendon healing. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro effects of a 1-minute CHG exposure and a 3-minute 0.35% PI exposure on the viability and biochemical content of rotator cuff tendon.

Methods:

Infraspinatus tendons (n=6 per group) were isolated from shoulders of Nubian goats (n=3; 2 female and 1 male). Tendons were submerged in Irrisept (0.05% CHG in sterile water) for 1 minute or 0.35% Betadine (PI) for 3 minutes per manufacturer guidelines, followed by phosphate-buffered saline wash and culture in tissue culture medium. Control tendon specimens were similarly exposed to tissue culture medium, followed by phosphate-buffered saline wash and culture in tissue culture medium. After seven days of culture, isolates from both the tendinous and enthesis portions of the rotator cuff were analyzed for viability, collagen content (hydroxyproline assay), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content (dimethylmethylene blue assay). Statistical analyses were performed via one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s test.

Results:

Within the tendinous portion of the rotator cuff, CHG-treated specimens demonstrated a decrease in mean tenocyte viability compared to controls (p=0.045) (Fig.1). While PI-treated specimens exhibited lower mean viability compared to controls, this difference was not statistically significant. Within the enthesis portion of the rotator cuff, tenocyte viability decreased in both CHG- and PI-treated groups; however, these decreases were not statistically significant (Fig. 2). There were no significant differences in mean collagen content/wet weight or GAG/wet weight among groups within the tendinous and enthesis portion of the rotator cuff (Fig. 3).

Conclusions:

Due to the potential catastrophic consequences associated with periprosthetic infection, CHG and PI antimicrobial lavages are commonly used to reduce the risk of periprosthetic infection during shoulder arthroplasty. However, in this study, brief 0.05% CHG and 0.35% PI exposures to rotator cuff tendon resulted in lower tenocyte viability 7 days after treatment. These results are consistent with the toxicity reported with exposure of CHG and PI to other musculoskeletal tissues, including articular cartilage. The toxicity of antimicrobial irrigation to the surrounding native rotator cuff tendon may be detrimental to the postoperative healing of concomitant rotator cuff repair in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty.
Poster 149: Supplemental Testosterone Increases Risk of Reoperation after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Coden Gloria S. , Smith Eric L. , Jawa Andrew , Kirsch Jacob
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are devastating complications after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). While it has been shown that increased serum testosterone levels may increase the concentration of skin flora, it is unknown how this correlates clinically with the risk of infection/reoperation. Therefore, we sought to evaluate if supplemental testosterone increases the risk of infection and reoperation after TSA.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 448 males who underwent TSA between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021 who were prescribed supplemental testosterone within 1 year prior to TSA using a commercial claims database. These patients were matched 1:5 to 2240 patients who were not prescribed supplemental testosterone based on year of TSA, age, geographical region, inpatient or outpatient TSA, and comorbidities within 30 days preoperatively including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, and Charleson Comorbidity Index (CCI) using Mahalanobis nearest neighbor matching. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

Patients prescribed supplemental testosterone were younger (mean = 60.5 versus 61.3 years old, p = 0.04), but otherwise demographics were similar between cohorts (Table 1). Mean follow-up was 1.5 years. At 2 years postoperatively, patients prescribed testosterone had a higher cumulative incidence for reoperation for infection at 2.0% compared to 0.9% for those who were not prescribed testosterone (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that preoperative supplemental testosterone (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.03-6.6, p=0.04), diabetes (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.9, p=0.04), and alcohol abuse (OR = 11.4, 95% CI=2.2-60.1, p = 0.004) were risk factors for reoperation for infection (Table 2). At 2 years postoperatively, patients prescribed testosterone had a higher cumulative incidence for overall reoperation at 9.6% compared to 4.0% for those who were not prescribed testosterone (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that supplemental testosterone was found to be risk factor for overall reoperation (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.2, p = 0.001) (Table 3).

Conclusions:

Patients prescribed supplemental testosterone had a higher risk of all cause reoperation and reoperation for infection after TSA. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism by how testosterone increases the risk of reoperation after TSA.
Poster 177: Snowboarding Related Concussions and Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Pediatric Population: An 11-Year Analysis of National Injury Data
Authors: Yendluri Avanish , Obana Kyle , Kocher Mininder , Ganley Theodore , Trofa David , Parisien Robert
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Snowboarding is a high energy sport associated with traumatic musculoskeletal injury. Although the pediatric population constitutes most snowboarding injuries, no study has investigated this cohort in further detail. The purpose of this study is to analyze underlying etiologies, diagnoses, and injury trends of pediatric snowboarding injuries presenting to United States emergency departments.

Methods:

Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were analyzed for pediatric snowboarding injuries (≤18 years old) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2022. Data were collected for mechanism of injury, diagnosis, location of injury, and disposition. National estimates (NE) were calculated using the statistical sample weight of the corresponding hospital assigned by the NEISS. Linear regressions were used to analyze injury trends over time.

Results:

In total, 3,036 (NE=120,140) pediatric snowboarding injuries were included in this study. Average age was 14.0 ± 2.7 years. The most common mechanism of injury was impact with the ground (NE=97,120, 80.8%). The most common diagnoses were fractures (NE=48,886, 40.7%), strains/sprains (NE=22,948, 19.1%), and concussions (NE=12,553, 10.4%). Most common fractures occurred at the wrist (NE=18,122, 37.1%), lower arm (NE=12,348, 25.3%), and shoulder (NE=9,073, 18.6%). Overall, 96.1% injuries were treated without admission. There were decreases of 1,051 injuries (p<0.01), 299 fractures (p=0.04), 298 strains/sprains (p<0.001), and 143 concussions (p<0.01) per year during the study period. Mechanisms of injury demonstrated decreasing annual trends of 784 impact with ground injuries per year (p<0.01), 161 not specified injuries per year (p<0.01), and 42 impact with inanimate object injuries per year (p=0.03).

Conclusions:

There was a large decline in pediatric snowboarding injuries over the last decade. Given the small proportion requiring hospital admission, the decline may reflect increasing on-site management of less-severe snowboarding injuries. These findings also highlight the importance of protective equipment considering the large proportion of injuries secondary to impact with the ground.
Associations between diabetes and risk of short-term and long-term nursing home stays among older people receiving home care services: A nationwide registry study
Authors: Teigland Tonje , Igland Jannicke , Graue Marit , Blytt Kjersti M. , Haltbakk Johannes , Tell Grethe S. , Birkeland Kåre I. , Østbye Truls , Kirkevold Marit , Iversen Marjolein M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Older people with diabetes who live at home and receive home care services (HCS) are vulnerable, which may result in a need for more care than the HCS can provide. In this study we aimed to explore associations between pharmacologically treated diabetes and the risk of short-term and long-term nursing home stays (NHS) among older people receiving HCS.

Methods

This nationwide registry study included older people ≥ 65 years receiving HCS, as registered in the Norwegian Information System for the Nursing and Care Sector (IPLOS) (2010–2014). Data from IPLOS were merged with data from the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Norwegian Patient Registry. Pharmacologically treated diabetes (hereafter referred to as diabetes) was defined based on prescriptions of glucose-lowering drugs (GLD) (≥ 1 prescription in the current or previous year). Persons not prescribed GLD were defined as not having diabetes. Based on Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes we identified the following subgroups: persons without diabetes, persons using “non-insulin GLD only”, “insulin and non-insulin GLD” and “insulin only”. An NHS was defined as at least one stay during a given calendar year, where a short-term NHS is temporary, and a long-term NHS is permanent. Log-binomial regression was used to test for differences in NHS and results are reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% CIs.

Results

Both insulin-treated subgroups had a higher risk of a short-term NHS (“insulin only” users RR 1.06 (CI 1.03–1.09) and “insulin and non-insulin GLD” users RR 1.04 (CI 1.02–1.06)) compared to those without diabetes. In general, persons with diabetes had a lower risk of a long-term NHS than those without diabetes (RR 0.92 (CI 0.89–0.94)). The subgroup using “insulin and non-insulin GLD” had the lowest risk of a long-term NHS (RR 0.86 (CI 0.81–0.91)).

Conclusion

Despite a lower risk of a long-term NHS among older people with diabetes, we found an increased risk of a short-term NHS among persons with insulin-treated diabetes who live at home and receive HCS. This calls for attention when planning health care, in order to provide coordinated and individualized care to prevent short-term NHS’s.
Comparative study on the epidemiological characteristics and hazards of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus infections among elderly people
Authors: Yu Jiangtao , Liu Na , Zhu Yiheng , Wang Wenyu , Fan Xianquan , Yuan Xuan , Xu Juan , Zheng Benfeng , Luan Lin
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and infections of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses in hospitalized elderly patients with respiratory tract infections in Suzhou City, China, and to compare the differences in clinical characteristics and economic burden associated with these two infections.

Methods

In this prospective study, pathogenetic testing and clinical data for hospitalized patients aged 60 years and older with respiratory tract infections were collected in five hospitals through stratified cluster sampling from December 2023 to May 2024. Comparative study on epidemic characteristics, clinical features and costs of cases who infected RSV alone and influenza alone were conducted.

Results

Among 1,894 cases included, the RSV positivity rate was 5.91% during the 2023–2024 winter-spring season, while the influenza positivity rate was 9.61%. RSV-B was the predominant subtype of RSV, and influenza A (primarily H3N2) was the dominant strain among the influenza-positive cases. Compared with cases infected influenza virus alone, those infected RSV alone had lower occurrence frequency of fever (18.8% vs. 35.7%, P = 0.004), higher occurrence frequency of complications of lower respiratory tract infections (70.8% vs. 54.8%, P = 0.011), higher direct medical costs ($996.2 vs. $841.1, P = 0.017) and total costs ($1019.7 vs. $888.1, P = 0.036). RSV single infection is more common in female cases (P = 0.007) and diabetic cases (P = 0.007) than influenza virus single infection.

Conclusions

During the winter and spring months, RSV is the second most common pathogen after influenza virus among older adults hospitalized for respiratory infections in Suzhou, China. Patients infected RSV are more likely to develop complications with lower respiratory tract infections and have higher medical costs than the influenza. RSV infection in the elderly should be emphasized, especially in female patients and diabetic patients.
Nanoremediation of tilapia fish culture using iron oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilis and immobilized in a free-floating macroporous cryogel
Authors: Sheta Basma , El-Zahed Mohammed , Nawareg Mona , Elkhiary Zeinab , Sadek Salahuddin , Hyder Ayman
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

Contamination from increased anthropogenic activities poses a threat to human health as well as the ecosystem. To develop a nanotechnological approach to improve aqua fisheries, we synthesized magnetic hematite nanoparticle-based gel and evaluated its efficacy in a cadmium-polluted closed system to decontaminate water and improve tilapia fish health.

Methods

Green iron oxide nanoparticles were biosynthesized by the metabolite of bacillus subtilis and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol to construct a hydrogel by cryogelation.

Key findings

The cryogel had interconnected macropores with diameters widely ranging between 20 and 200 μm and could be free-floating in water. When applied in cadmium-polluted tilapia culture, this nanogel reduced turbidity and ammonia in the aquarium, adsorbed cadmium from the water with a larger quantity on the gel’s outer surface than in its center., and reduced cadmium concentration in tilapia’s liver, gills, and muscles. Application of this nano-based cryogel reduced the toxic effects of cadmium on tilapia fish. It maintained hepatic and renal cell nuclear integrity as determined by comet assay. This nano-treatment also reversed the cadmium-induced elevations of plasma lipids, glucose, stress marker cortisol, the hepatic enzymes AST and ALT, and the kidney function marker urea, and improved the lymphocytopenia and other hematological functions in tilapia fish intoxicated by cadmium.
Exploring cultural competence barriers in the primary care sexual and reproductive health centres in Catalonia, Spain: perspectives from immigrant women and healthcare providers
Authors: Lurgain Jone G. , Ouaarab-Essadek Hakima , Mellouki Khadija , Malik-Hameed Sumaira , Sarif Andleed , Bruni Laia , Rangel-Sarmiento Valentina , Peremiquel-Trillas Paula
Published: October 2024

Background

Immigrant populations, especially women, continue facing challenges in accessing quality healthcare, particularly sexual and reproductive health services (SRH). Poor cultural competent health systems contribute to communication challenges between immigrant women and healthcare providers perpetuating health disparities. This exploratory study describes these communication barriers from the perspective of Moroccan and Pakistani immigrant women and healthcare providers within the Catalan health system and its implications to ensure an equitable provision of SRH services.

Methods

An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in various municipalities of Barcelona with high concentration of immigrants. Eight focus groups (N = 51) and semi-structured interviews (N = 22) with Moroccan and Pakistani immigrant women were combined with key informant interviews (N = 13) with healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis and data triangulation were performed primarily using an inductive approach.

Results

Language barriers and cultural differences in health needs, expectations, care-seeking behaviours and understanding of quality healthcare provision hindered the ability of immigrant women and providers to interact effectively. Limited availability of intercultural mediators and inadequate cultural competence training opportunities for health staff were also identified. Findings suggest a lack of minority representation in the Catalan health workforce and leadership roles.

Conclusion

This study reinforces the evidence of persistent inequities in accessing healthcare among immigrant populations by focusing on the cultural competence barriers of the Catalan health system in the provision and access to SRH services. The regularization of adequately trained intercultural mediators, quality training in cultural competence for health staff and a commitment to increase workforce diversity would contribute to improve intercultural communication between immigrant patients and providers. An urgent call to action in this direction is needed to ensure an equitable access to SRH services among immigrant women.
Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associations with clinical and social characteristics in a general practice population
Authors: van den Hoek Rinske , Hek Karin , Bos Isabelle , Hak Eelko , van Dijk Liset
Published: October 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 and the effects of clinical and psychosocial factors, accounting for post-COVID conditions (PCC), on the mental and physical aspect of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods

Data from the Nivel Corona Cohort were used, which includes individuals with an established SARS-CoV-2 infection that received four questionnaires over a year’s time with questions regarding HRQoL (SF-12), symptoms and social characteristics. PCC was determined based on questionnaire data. Data on medical history and healthcare utilization were obtained from electronic health records from general practice. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to explore associations between clinical and social characteristics, and the course of mental and physical HRQoL after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking PCC into account.

Results

One hundred fifty-eight individuals of whom it was possible to determine whether they had PCC or not were included in this study. Seventy-six (48.1%) developed PCC, which was associated with a persistent reduction in both physical and mental HRQoL. Hospitalization during the acute phase of the infection had a negative impact on the physical HRQoL, which decreased over time. Females, people older than 53, and those with increased resilience and mental HRQoL before infection were more likely to report a more positive mental HRQoL over time.

Conclusion

The negative association PCC has with both mental and physical HRQoL for at least six months, calls for more research to support patients with PCC.
“Warning: ultra-processed”: an online experiment examining the impact of ultra-processed warning labels on consumers’ product perceptions and behavioral intentions
Authors: D’Angelo Campos Aline , Ng Shu Wen , Duran Ana Clara , Khandpur Neha , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Christon Fernanda O. , Hall Marissa G.
Published: October 2024

Background

Nutrient content and degree of processing are complementary but distinct concepts, and a growing body of evidence shows that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can have detrimental health effects independently from nutrient content. 10 + countries currently mandate front-of-package labels (FOPL) to inform consumers when products are high in added sugars, saturated fat, and/or sodium. Public health advocates have been calling for the addition of ultra-processed warning labels to these FOPLs, but the extent to which consumers would understand and be influenced by such labels remains unknown. We examined whether the addition of ultra-processed warning labels to existing nutrient warning labels could influence consumers’ product perceptions and purchase intentions.

Methods

In 2023, a sample of adults in Brazil (n = 1,004) answered an open-ended question about the meaning of the term “ultra-processed,” followed by an online experiment where they saw four ultra-processed products carrying warning labels. Participants were randomly assigned to view either only nutrient warning labels or nutrient plus ultra-processed warning labels. Participants then answered questions about their intentions to purchase the products, product perceptions, and perceived label effectiveness.

Results

Most participants (69%) exhibited a moderate understanding of the term “ultra-processed” prior to the experiment. The addition of an ultra-processed warning label led to a higher share of participants who correctly identified the products as UPFs compared to nutrient warning labels alone (Cohen’s d = 0.16, p = 0.02). However, the addition of the ultra-processed warning label did not significantly influence purchase intentions, product healthfulness perceptions, or perceived label effectiveness compared to nutrient warning labels alone (all p > 0.05). In exploratory analyses, demographic characteristics and prior understanding of the concept of UPF did not moderate the effect of ultra-processed warning labels.

Conclusions

Ultra-processed warning labels may help consumers better identify UPFs, although they do not seem to influence behavioral intentions and product perceptions beyond the influence already exerted by nutrient warning labels. Future research should examine how ultra-processed warning labels would work for products that do and do not require nutrient warnings, as well as examine the benefits of labeling approaches that signal the health effects of UPFs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05842460. Prospectively registered March 15th, 2023.
Upregulation of keratin 15 is required for varicella-zoster virus replication in keratinocytes and is attenuated in the live attenuated vOka vaccine strain
Authors: Tommasi Cristina , Yogev Ohad , Yee Michael B. , Drousioti Andriani , Jones Meleri , Ring Alice , Singh Manuraj , Dry Inga , Atkins Oscar , Naeem Aishath S. , Kriplani Nisha , Akbar Arne N. , Haas Jürgen G. , O’Toole Edel A. , Kinchington Paul R. , Breuer Judith
Published: October 2024

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of chickenpox and shingles, diseases characterised by epidermal virus replication in skin and mucosa and the formation of blisters. We have previously shown that VZV infection has a profound effect on keratinocyte differentiation, altering the normal pattern of epidermal gene expression. In particular, VZV infection reduces expression of suprabasal keratins 1 and 10 and desmosomal proteins, disrupting epidermal structure to promote expression of a blistering phenotype. Here, we extend these findings to show that VZV infection upregulates the expression of keratin 15 (KRT15), a marker expressed by basal epidermal keratinocytes and hair follicles stem cells. We demonstrate that KRT15 is essential for VZV replication in the skin, since downregulation of KRT15 inhibits VZV replication in keratinocytes, while KRT15 exogenous overexpression supports viral replication. Importantly, our data show that VZV upregulation of KRT15 depends on the expression of the VZV immediate early gene ORF62. ORF62 is the only regulatory gene that is mutated in the live attenuated VZV vaccine and contains four of the five fixed mutations present in the VZV Oka vaccine. Our data indicate that the mutated vaccine ORF62 is not capable of upregulating KRT15, suggesting that this may contribute to the vaccine attenuation in skin. Taken together our data present a novel association between VZV and KRT15, which may open a new therapeutic window for a topical targeting of VZV replication in the skin via modulation of KRT15.
Identification of molecular targets of Hypericum perforatum in blood for major depressive disorder: a machine-learning pharmacological study
Authors: Xu Zewen , Rasteh Ayana Meegol , Dong Angela , Wang Panpan , Liu Hengrui
Published: October 2024

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. Hypericumperforatum (HP) is a traditional herb that has been shown to have antidepressant effects, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to identify the molecular targets of HP for the treatment of MDD.

Methods

We performed differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with blood mRNA expression cohort of MDD and healthy control to identify DEGs and significant module genes (gene list 1). Three databases, CTD, DisGeNET, and GeneCards, were used to retrieve MDD-related gene intersections to obtain MDD-predicted targets (gene list 2). The validated targets were retrieved from the TCMSP database (gene list 3). Based on these three gene lists, 13 key pathways were identified. The PPI network was constructed by extracting the intersection of genes and HP-validated targets on all key pathways. Key therapeutic targets were obtained using MCODE and machine learning (LASSO, SVM-RFE). Clinical diagnostic assessments (Nomogram, Correlation, Intergroup expression), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for the key targets. In addition, immune cell analysis was performed on the blood mRNA expression cohort of MDD to explore the association between the key targets and immune cells. Finally, molecular docking prediction was performed for the targets of HP active ingredients on MDD.

Results

Differential expression analysis and WGCNA module analysis yielded 933 potential targets for MDD. Three disease databases were intersected with 982 MDD-predicted targets. The TCMSP retrieved 275 valid targets for HP. Separate enrichment analysis intersected 13 key pathways. Five key targets (AKT1, MAPK1, MYC, EGF, HSP90AA1) were finally screened based on all enriched genes and HP valid targets. Combined with the signaling pathway and immune cell analysis suggested the effect of peripheral immunity on MDD and the important role of neutrophils in immune inflammation. Finally, the binding of HP active ingredients (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) and all 5 key targets were predicted based on molecular docking.

Conclusions

The active constituents of Hypericumperforatum can act on MDD and key targets and pathways of this action were identified.
Mental health of non-binary youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Klinger Diana , Oehlke Sofia-Marie , Riedl Stefan , Eschbaum Ken , Zesch Heidi Elisabeth , Karwautz Andreas , Plener Paul L. , Kothgassner Oswald D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Non-binary identities are increasingly recognized within the spectrum of gender diversity, yet there is a dearth of research exploring the mental health challenges specific to this population. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the mental health outcomes of non-binary youth in comparison to their transgender and cisgender peers.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant studies across three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) covering the period from inception to October 2023. The meta-analysis was performed employing a random-effects model. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies comparing non-binary youth with transgender or cisgender youth, providing data on mental health outcomes such as general mental health, depressive and anxiety symptoms, self-harm and suicidality.

Results

Twenty-one studies, meeting the inclusion criteria and originating from six different countries, were included in the analysis. The sample encompassed 16,114 non-binary, 11,925 transgender, and 283,278 cisgender youth, with ages ranging from 11 to 25 years. Our meta-analysis revealed that non-binary youth exhibit significantly poorer general mental health compared to both transgender (d = 0.24, 95% CI, 0.05–0.43, p =.013) and cisgender youth (d = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.35–0.61, p <.001), indicating a more impaired general mental health in non-binary youth. Regarding depressive symptoms, when comparing non-binary and cisgender individuals, a moderate and significant effect was observed (d = 0.52, 95% CI, 0.41–0.63, p <.001). For anxiety symptoms, a small but significant effect was observed in the comparison with cisgender individuals (d = 0.44, 95% CI, 0.19–0.68, p =.001). Furthermore, non-binary individuals exhibited lower rates of past-year suicidal ideation than transgender peers (OR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.65–0.97, p =.023) and higher rates of lifetime suicidal ideation than cisgender youth (OR = 2.14, 95% CI, 1.46–3.13, p <.001).

Conclusion

Non-binary youth face distinct mental health challenges, with poorer general mental health, elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to cisgender, and similar rates of self-harm and suicidal behavior compared to transgender individuals. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including gender-affirming mental health support, to address the specific needs of non-binary youth.
Hepatocyte-derived Igκ promotes HCC progression by stabilizing electron transfer flavoprotein subunit α to facilitate fatty acid β-oxidation
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Gu Huining , Yin Sha , Yang Jiongming , Wang Qianqian , Xu Weiyan , Wang Yifan , Zhang Shenghua , Liu Xiaofeng , Xian Xunde , Qiu Xiaoyan , Huang Jing
Published: October 2024

Background

Lipid metabolism dysregulation is a key characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) onset and progression. Elevated expression of immunoglobulin (Ig), especially the Igκ free light chain with a unique Vκ4-1/Jκ3 rearrangement in cancer cells, is linked to increased malignancy and has been implicated in colon cancer tumorigenesis. However, the role of Igκ in HCC carcinogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the pivotal roles of hepatocyte-derived Igκ in HCC development.

Methods

The rearrangement sequence and expression level of hepatocyte-derived Igκ in HCC cells were determined via RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. The function of Igκ in HCC tumorigenesis was assessed by silencing Igκ using siRNA or gRNA in various HCC cell lines. To assess the role of Igκ in HCC pathogenesis in vivo, a mouse model with hepatocyte-specific Igκ knockout and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced HCC was utilized. The molecular mechanism by which Igκ affects HCC tumorigenesis was investigated through multiomics analyses, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and metabolite detection.

Results

We confirmed that Igκ, especially Vκ4-1/Jκ3-Igκ, is highly expressed in human HCC cells. Igκ depletion inhibited HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and hepatocyte-specific Igκ deficiency ameliorated HCC progression in mice with DEN and CCL4-induced HCC in vivo. Mechanistically, Vκ4-1/Jκ3-Igκ interacts with electron transfer flavoprotein subunit α (ETFA), delaying its protein degradation. Loss of Igκ led to a decrease in the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes III and IV, resulting in aberrant fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and lipid accumulation, which in turn inhibited HCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the Igκ/ETFA axis deregulates fatty acid β-oxidation, contributing to HCC progression, which suggests that targeting fatty acid metabolism may be an effective HCC treatment strategy. The results of this study suggest that hepatocyte-derived Vκ4-1/Jκ3-Igκ may serve as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.