bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric dispersal shapes rapid bacterial colonization of Icelandic Lava Rocks
Authors: Daussin Aurélien , Vannier Pauline , Daboussy Lola , Šantl-Temkiv Tina , Cockell Charles , Marteinsson Viggó Þór
Published: May 2024

Microorganisms released into the atmosphere by various disturbances can travel significant distances before depositing, yet their impact on community assembly remains unclear. To address this, we examined atmospheric and lithospheric bacterial communities in 179 samples collected at two distinct Icelandic volcanic sites: a small volcanic island Surtsey, and a volcanic highland Fimmvörðuháls using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Airborne microbial communities were similar between sites while significant differences emerged in the communities on lava rocks after 1-year exposure. SourceTracker analysis revealed distinct bacterial populations in the atmosphere and the lava rocks with surrounding soil contributed more significantly to lava rock microbial composition. Nevertheless, shared genera among air, rocks, and local sources, suggested potential exchange between these environments. The prevalent genera shared between rocks and potential sources exhibited stress-resistant properties, likely helping their survival during air transportation and facilitating their colonization of the rocks. We hypothesize that the atmosphere serves as a conduit for locally sourced microbes and stress-resistant distant-sourced microbes. Additionally, bacterial communities on the lava rocks of Fimmvörðuháls showed remarkable similarity after 1 and 9 years of exposure, suggesting rapid establishment. Our study reveals that atmospheric deposition significantly influences bacterial community formation, potentially influencing ecosystem dynamics and microbial communities’ resilience.
Understanding Frailty: Perspectives and Experiences of Rural Older Adults in India
Authors: Das Sayani , Mukhopadhyay Barun , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: May 2024

Objectives

In India, frailty has been predominantly studied as a physiological aspect, overlooking the subjective perceptions of community-dwelling older adults, which holds global significance. This study aims to explore frailty perceptions among community-dwelling older adults, comparing those enrolled in a geriatric welfare program facility to those not-enrolled.

Methods

A cross-sectional design with a qualitative descriptive framework was employed, using focus group methodology. The study took place in rural West Bengal, located in eastern India, with a sample of 27 participants aged 60–87 years. Data collection occurred between October 2018 and January 2020, conducted through a face-to-face, semistructured discussion guide. Thematic analysis was performed to ensure data saturation and reliability.

Results

Three key themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Perceptions of frailty were associated with aging, functional dependence, and psychosocial health, (b) Exposure to a scientific definition led to an ideological dilemma influenced by personal experiences, (c) Walking speed and grip strength were prominent components of frailty. The findings revealed that there was no difference in perception between program-enrolled and nonenrolled older adults, likely due to the concept of frailty being new to all participants. However, it was noteworthy that participants enrolled in the welfare program exhibited a resilient mindset toward the definition and demonstrated a proactive interest in preserving their overall health.

Discussion

This novel study underscores the necessity of enhancing community awareness and integrating frailty management into the Indian health care system, which is yet to be fully integrated, aiming to promote the well-being of older adults.
Increasing Rates of Bowel Resection Surgery for Stricturing Crohn’s Disease in the Biologic Era
Authors: Fansiwala Kush , Spartz Ellen J , Roney Andrew R , Kwaan Mary R , Sauk Jenny S , Chen Po-Hung , Limketkai Berkeley N
Published: May 2024

Background

The era of biologics is associated with declining rates of surgery for Crohn’s disease (CD), but the impact on surgery for stricturing CD is unknown. Our study aimed to assess nationwide trends in bowel resection surgery for obstruction in CD since the introduction of infliximab for CD in 1998.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we performed a nationwide analysis, identifying patients hospitalized for CD who underwent bowel resection for an indication of obstruction between 1998 and 2020 (era of biologics). Longitudinal trends in all CD-related resections and resection for obstruction were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with bowel resection surgery for obstruction.

Results

Hospitalizations for all CD-related resections decreased from 12.0% of all hospitalizations in 1998 to 6.9% in 2020, while hospitalizations for CD-related resection for obstructive indication increased from 1.3% to 2.0%. The proportion of resections for obstructive indication amongst all CD-related bowel resections increased from 10.8% in 1998 to 29.1% in 2020. In the multivariable models stratified by elective admission, the increasing year was associated with risk of resection for obstructive indication regardless of urgency (nonelective model: odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; elective model: odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.08).

Conclusions

In the era of biologics, our findings demonstrate a decreasing annual rate of CD-related bowel resections but an increase in resection for obstructive indication. Our findings highlight the effect of medical therapy on surgical rates overall but suggest limited impact of current medical therapy on need of resection for stricturing disease.
Pharmacist’s knowledge and attitude towards self-medication practices: a cross-sectional study for the development and validation of questionnaire
Authors: Ansari Nahid , Ajmera Puneeta , Dadhich Abhishek
Published: May 2024

Background

Pharmacists play an essential role in self-medication by providing guidance and counselling services to consumers; hence, it is necessary to assess pharmacists’ awareness and attitude towards self-medication to promote responsible self-medication practices.

Objective

To develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess the knowledge and attitude of pharmacists towards self-medication practices and their role in promoting responsible self-medication.

Method

A questionnaire was developed in English after a relevant literature review, which was further administered to a sample of 105 community pharmacists. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using the Karl–Pearson correlation and Cronbach alpha statistics. Content validity was evaluated by subject experts. The dimensional structure of items was assessed through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Key Findings

The final questionnaire comprises 27 items for knowledge and attitude with a Karl–Pearson correlation value of 0.896 and Cronbach alpha value of 0.814 (24 items), indicating good internal consistency and reproducibility. Factor analysis identified five factors: namely, (i) attitude towards providing guidance and advice to consumers to promote responsible SMP, (ii) attitude towards shared responsibility for promoting rational medicine supply and use, (iii) knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of SMP, (iv) knowledge of the definition of self-medication, (v) attitude towards professional competency of a pharmacist as a healthcare provider. CFA results demonstrate good model fit with the value of Chi-square (184.56), CFI (0.937), RMSEA (0.054), and SRMR (0.075). Model validity measures ensure satisfactory validity and reliability.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate a valid and reliable measure for assessing the knowledge and attitude of pharmacists towards self-medication.
N-Ethylhexedrone: A very long and bad trip! A case series
Authors: Lefeuvre Sandrine , Richeval Camille , Lelong Jeremy , Venisse Nicolas , Humbert Luc , Brunet Bertrand
Published: May 2024

N-ethylhexedrone (NEH) is a new cathinone derivative with, currently, low toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic knowledge. We present three documented clinical cases of NEH intoxication with plasma and urine concentrations. A thorough search for metabolites was performed. The three patients were admitted to the emergency department, and two out of the three were hospitalized for an extended period. While recovering from the drug effects, 12–24 h after nasal intake of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS), the patients described the following disorders: anxiety, feelings of persecution, asthenia, anhedonia, abulia, psychomotor slowing and loss of consciousness. NEH was identified in all samples by liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS), and quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). Quantitative analysis showed decreasing concentrations over time: for Case 1, from 97.2 (Day 1, D1) to 0.7 (Day 7, D7) µg/L for plasma, and from 724 (D1) to 0.5 (D7) µg/L for urine. NEH concentration of 7.9 µg/L was found in the plasma collected at admission for Case 2. For Case 3, concentrations ranging from 49 (D1) to 1.8 (D7) µg/L in plasma, and from 327.3 (Day 6, D6) to 116.8 (D7) µg/L in urine were found. NEH was no longer detected in the urine sample at Day 10. Elimination half-life was estimated at 19, and 28 hours in Patients 1 and 3, respectively. Four metabolites were identified in blood and urine: reduced NEH, dealkyl-NEH, reduced dealkyl-NEH and hydroxy-NEH. The cases presented highlight the long detectable lifetime of NEH. Characterization of the metabolites will allow better identification of the consumption of this drug. Serious adverse events can be observed after NEH consumption, as two out of the three patients required intubation and ventilation. A syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was also diagnosed. Two out of the three cases are notable because of the number of samples collected and because NEH was the only drug of abuse detected.
Sex Differences, Age, and Burn Size Contribute to Risk of PTSD and Depression After Burn Injury
Authors: Gavrilova Yulia , Rooney Emily , Donevant Julia , Ficalora Julia , Sieglein Amy , Kahn Steven , Davidson Tatiana
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of psychological symptoms in burn survivors has been well documented; however, the role of biological sex requires further investigation. This study explored sex differences among burn survivors and examined the impact of sex, age, and total body surface area (TBSA) of the burn injury on the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and, subsequently, the influence of initial risk on symptom outcomes 30 days postinjury. Participants included 374 adult patients enrolled in the Burn Behavioral Health program at a regional Burn Center. T-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences between sexes on outcome measures. A path analysis was conducted to evaluate relationships between variables of interest. Findings revealed significant sex discrepancies in risk and symptom outcomes. Compared to men, women reported greater total risk scores of developing PTSD and depression (P = .005) early after their burn injury. A subscale analysis showed that women reported greater risk scores for depression (P < .001), but not on PTSD. Women did not report higher depression scores 30 days postinjury compared to men but did report higher PTSD scores than men (P = .020). When sex, age, and TBSA were included in a path analysis, female sex (P = .001), younger age (P < .001), and larger TBSA of the burn injury (P = .024) were associated with greater risk. In addition, risk scores significantly predicted PTSD (P < .001) and depression (P < .001) symptoms 30 days postinjury. Our research shows how sex, age, and TBSA affect the risk of PTSD and depression among burn survivors. It underscores the importance of accounting for sex and age differences in mental health risk, especially in women and younger patients. This emphasizes the urgency of early screening and intervention.
Disability and Achievement: A Reply to Campbell, Nyholm, and Walter
Authors: Dunkle Ian D
Published: May 2024

In this article, I explore the impact of disability on one of life’s goods: achievement. Contra Campbell, Nyholm, and Walter. I argue that construing the magnitude of achievements in terms of subjective effort trivializes what it means to achieve. This poses a problem for the authors’ argument that disability, in general, does not reduce access to this good. I draw on an alternative construal of achievement that I have proposed elsewhere to show that, indeed, many disabilities do not restrict access to achievement. I defend this argument against an objection that it problematically relativizes the achievements of persons with disability, and I close with general lessons for future work.
Effects of participatory organizational interventions on mental health and work performance: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iida Mako , Sakuraya Asuka , Imamura Kotaro , Asaoka Hiroki , Arima Hideaki , Ando Emiko , Inoue Akiomi , Inoue Reiko , Iwanaga Mai , Eguchi Hisashi , Otsuka Yasumasa , Kobayashi Yuka , Komase Yu , Kuribayashi Kazuto , Sasaki Natsu , Tsuno Kanami , Hino Ayako , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Ebara Takeshi , Shimazu Akihito , Kawakami Norito , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Participatory organizational interventions to improve psychosocial working conditions are important for a safe and healthy work environment. However, there are few systematic reviews or meta-analyses investigating the effects of these interventions on workers’ mental health and work-related outcomes. We intend to apply the protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of participatory organizational intervention on mental health and work performance.

Methods and analysis

The participants, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes (PICO) of the studies in this systematic review and meta-analysis are defined as follows: (P) inclusion of all workers, (I) participatory organizational intervention, (C) treatment as usual or no intervention (including waitlist control), and (O) mental health and work performance. Published studies will be searched using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society. Studies that (1) include participatory organizational intervention, (2) include participants who were working as of the baseline survey period, (3) assess mental health or work performance outcomes, (4) use a cluster randomized controlled trials design, (5) are published in English or Japanese, and (6) are published in peer-reviewed journals (including advanced online publication) will be included. Study selection and the risk-of-bias assessment will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. A meta-analysis will be performed to statistically synthesize the included studies. Publication bias will be assessed for meta-bias using Egger's test as well as visually on a funnel plot. We will assess heterogeneity by using the Q statistic.
Global analysis of key post-transcriptional regulation in early leaf development of Limonium bicolor identifies a long non-coding RNA that promotes salt gland development and salt resistance
Authors: Wang Xi , Wang Xiaoyu , Mu Huiying , Zhao Boqing , Song Xianrui , Fan Hai , Wang Baoshan , Yuan Fang
Published: May 2024

Limonium bicolor, known horticulturally as sea lavender, is a typical recretohalophyte with salt glands in its leaf epidermis that secrete excess Na+ out of the plant. Although many genes have been proposed to contribute to salt gland initiation and development, a detailed analysis of alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation patterns, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been lacking. Here, we applied single-molecule long-read mRNA isoform sequencing (Iso-seq) to explore the complexity of the L. bicolor transcriptome in leaves during salt gland initiation (stage A) and salt gland differentiation (stage B) based on the reference genome. We identified alternative splicing events and the use of alternative poly(A) sites unique to stage A or stage B, leading to the hypothesis that they might contribute to the differentiation of salt glands. Based on the Iso-seq data and RNA in situ hybridization of candidate genes, we selected the lncRNA Btranscript_153392 for gene editing and virus-induced gene silencing to dissect its function. In the absence of this transcript, we observed fewer salt glands on the leaf epidermis, leading to diminished salt secretion and salt tolerance. Our data provide transcriptome resources for unraveling the mechanisms behind salt gland development and furthering crop transformation efforts towards enhanced survivability in saline soils.
Legal expertise and military strategy: Christine de Pizan on the laws of war
Authors: Rech Walter
Published: May 2024

Christine de Pizan’s Book of the Deeds of Arms (ca 1410) constitutes an insightful attempt to integrate law and military strategy in a way that shows the hybridity of both domains. Her work both defends the role of neutral legal ‘experts’ and unveils the affinities between legal expertise and strategic military thinking.
The Universal Periodic Review and peace agreement implementation: conceptualising connections, challenges, and ways forward
Authors: Molloy Sean
Published: May 2024

In response to calls for greater alignment between the peacebuilding and human rights pillars of the United Nations, this article considers what role the Universal Periodic Review might play in supporting the implementation of peace agreements, particularly the human rights components contained within them. In identifying possible contributions alongside existing challenges, this paper calls into question the benefits associated with engaging human rights mechanisms in the complex business of peacebuilding and suggests some moderate adjustments that could support the UPR’s role in contributing to peace.
Grain polydispersity and non-sphericity effects on gas flow through granular beds using measurements and modelling
Authors: Zivithal Stephan , Kargl Günter , Macher Wolfgang , Laddha Sunny , Blum Jürgen , Gundlach Bastian , Güttler Carsten , Sierks Holger
Published: May 2024

The quality of cometary surface activity simulations and erosion models of icy moons depends on a good knowledge of the surface layer permeability to gas flow. Therefore, we study various models of the Knudsen diffusion coefficient and the viscous permeability, which are used to describe the flow of rarefied gases through porous materials. Usually, these models are expressed for monodisperse packed beds. In this work, we describe a generalization to polydisperse packed beds and compare them with experimental results. In addition, we analyse non-spherical packings to test how well the recently developed models are applicable. For this purpose, the gas flow parameters of these samples are measured in a dedicated measurement set-up. Special attention had to be paid to biases in measuring the porosity and the pressure drop in the sample, which are discussed in detail. Our measurements confirm that the Knudsen diffusion coefficient is inversely proportional to the specific surface area of the grains and that the viscous permeability is inversely proportional to the specific surface area squared. Further, we were able to identify a relation between the gas flow parameters, represented by a parameter β, which seems to be an indicator of the mean orientation of the grains. The findings give further evidence of the importance of the grain size distribution and the grain shape for rarefied gas flow. In particular, the results show that the standard polydisperse model is not sufficient when a considerable part of the pore space consists of traps or other rarely percolated parts.
Lyα emission in galaxies at z ≃ 5−6: new insight from JWST into the statistical distributions of Lyα properties at the end of reionization
Authors: Tang Mengtao , Stark Daniel P , Ellis Richard S , Sun Fengwu , Topping Michael , Robertson Brant , Tacchella Sandro , Arribas Santiago , Baker William M , Bhatawdekar Rachana , Boyett Kristan , Bunker Andrew J , Charlot Stéphane , Chen Zuyi , Chevallard Jacopo , Jones Gareth C , Kumari Nimisha , Lyu Jianwei , Maiolino Roberto , Maseda Michael V , Saxena Aayush , Whitler Lily , Williams Christina C , Willott Chris , Witstok Joris
Published: May 2024

JWST has recently sparked a new era of Lyα spectroscopy, delivering the first measurements of the Lyα escape fraction and velocity profile in typical galaxies at z ≃ 6−10. These observations offer new prospects for insight into the earliest stages of reionization. But to realize this potential, we need robust models of Lyα properties in galaxies at z ≃ 5−6 when the IGM is mostly ionized. Here, we use new JWST observations from the JADES and FRESCO surveys combined with VLT/MUSE and Keck/DEIMOS data to characterize statistical distributions of Lyα velocity offsets, escape fractions, and EWs in z ≃ 5−6 galaxies. We find that galaxies with large Lyα escape fractions (>0.2) are common at z ≃ 5−6, comprising 30 per cent of Lyman break selected samples. Comparing to literature studies, our census suggests that Lyα becomes more prevalent in the galaxy population towards higher redshift from z ∼ 3 to z ∼ 6, although we find that this evolution slows considerably between z ∼ 5 and z ∼ 6, consistent with modest attenuation from residual H i in the mostly ionized IGM at z ≃ 5−6. We find significant evolution in Lyα velocity profiles between z ≃ 2−3 and z ≃ 5−6, likely reflecting the influence of resonant scattering from residual intergalactic H i on the escape of Lyα emission near line centre. This effect will make it challenging to use Lyα peak offsets as a probe of Lyman continuum leakage at z ≃ 5−6. We use our z ≃ 5−6 Lyα distributions to make predictions for typical Lyα properties at z ≳ 8 and discuss implications of a recently discovered Lyα emitter at z ≃ 8.5 with a small peak velocity offset (156 km s−1).
Ly α emission strength and stellar properties of faint galaxies from 5 < z < 8.2
Authors: Bolan Patricia , Bradăc Marus̆a , Lemaux Brian C , Strait Victoria , Treu Tommaso , Pentericci Laura , Pelliccia Debora , Glazer Kelsey , Jones Gareth C
Published: May 2024

We present a study on stellar properties of Lyman-alpha (Ly α) emitters at 5 < z < 8.2. We use 247 photometrically selected, lensed, high-redshift, low-luminosity galaxy candidates with spectroscopic follow-up. Of these, 38 are confirmed spectroscopically to be between 5 < z < 8.2 via detection of Ly α. For each galaxy and candidate, we estimate stellar mass, star formation rate, specific star formation rate, and mass-weighted age with spectral energy distribution fitting. We also measure the UV β slope and luminosity using values from photometry. We find no strong correlation between Ly α equivalent width and any of these properties, as well as no significant difference between the physical properties of Ly α emitters and candidates without Ly α detected. This lack of expected trends may be explained by a combination of the evolving opacity of the intergalactic medium at these redshifts as well as the unique phase space probed by our lensed sample. Via tests on other galaxy samples which show varying strengths of correlations, we conclude that if there exist any relationships between Ly α equivalent width and physical properties in the underlying population of faint galaxies, they are weak correlations. We also present the results of a spectroscopic search for C iii] emission in confirmed Ly α emitters at z ∼ 7, finding no C iii] detections, but putting constraints on strong active galactic nuclei activity and extreme nebular emission.
Ram pressure stripping in clusters: gravity can bind the ISM but not the CGM
Authors: Ghosh Ritali , Dutta Alankar , Sharma Prateek
Published: May 2024

We explore the survival of a galaxy’s circumgalactic medium (CGM) as it experiences ram pressure stripping (RPS) moving through the intracluster medium (ICM). For a satellite galaxy, the CGM is often assumed to be entirely stripped/evaporated, an assumption that may not always be justified. We carry out 3D-hydrodynamic simulations of the interstellar and circumgalactic media (ISM + CGM) of a galaxy like JO201 moving through the ICM. The CGM can survive long at cluster outskirts ($\gtrsim 2 \rm \ Gyr$) but at smaller clustercentric distances, 90 per cent of the CGM mass is lost within ∼500 Myr. The gravitational restoring force on the CGM is mostly negligible and the CGM–ICM interaction is analogous to ‘cloud–wind interaction’. The CGM stripping time-scale does not depend on the ram pressure but on the CGM to ICM density contrast χ. Two distinct regimes emerge for CGM stripping: the χ > 1 regime, which is the well-known ‘cloud crushing’ problem, and the χ < 1 regime, which we refer to as the (relatively unexplored) ‘bubble drag’ problem. The first pericentric passage near the cluster core can rapidly – over a crossing time tdrag ∼ R/vrel – strip the CGM in the bubble drag regime. The ISM stripping criterion unlike the CGM criterion, still depends on the ram pressure $\rho _{\rm ICM} v_{\rm rel}^2$. The stripped tails of satellites contain contributions from both the disc and the CGM. The X-ray plume in M89 in the Virgo cluster and a lack of it in the nearby M90 might be attributed to their orbital histories. M90 has likely undergone stripping in the bubble drag regime due to a pericentric passage close to the cluster centre.
WeSA: a web server for improving analysis of affinity proteomics data
Authors: Shtetinska Magdalena M , González-Sánchez Juan-Carlos , Beyer Tina , Boldt Karsten , Ueffing Marius , Russell Robert B
Published: May 2024

Protein–protein interaction experiments still yield many false positive interactions. The socioaffinity metric can distinguish true protein-protein interactions from noise based on available data. Here, we present WeSA (Weighted SocioAffinity), which considers large datasets of interaction proteomics data (IntAct, BioGRID, the BioPlex) to score human protein interactions and, in a statistically robust way, flag those (even from a single experiment) that are likely to be false positives. ROC analysis (using CORUM-PDB positives and Negatome negatives) shows that WeSA improves over other measures of interaction confidence. WeSA shows consistently good results over all datasets (up to: AUC = 0.93 and at best threshold: TPR = 0.84, FPR = 0.11, Precision = 0.98). WeSA is freely available without login (wesa.russelllab.org). Users can submit their own data or look for organized information on human protein interactions using the web server. Users can either retrieve available information for a list of proteins of interest or calculate scores for new experiments. The server outputs either pre-computed or updated WeSA scores for the input enriched with information from databases. The summary is presented as a table and a network-based visualization allowing the user to remove those nodes/edges that the method considers spurious.
NeMu: a comprehensive pipeline for accurate reconstruction of neutral mutation spectra from evolutionary data
Authors: Efimenko Bogdan , Popadin Konstantin , Gunbin Konstantin
Published: May 2024

The recognized importance of mutational spectra in molecular evolution is yet to be fully exploited beyond human cancer studies and model organisms. The wealth of intraspecific polymorphism data in the GenBank repository, covering a broad spectrum of genes and species, presents an untapped opportunity for detailed mutational spectrum analysis. Existing methods fall short by ignoring intermediate substitutions on the inner branches of phylogenetic trees and lacking the capability for cross-species mutational comparisons. To address these challenges, we present the NeMu pipeline, available at https://nemu-pipeline.com, a tool grounded in phylogenetic principles designed to provide comprehensive and scalable analysis of mutational spectra. Utilizing extensive sequence data from numerous available genome projects, NeMu rapidly and accurately reconstructs the neutral mutational spectrum. This tool, facilitating the reconstruction of gene- and species-specific mutational spectra, contributes to a deeper understanding of evolutionary mechanisms across the broad spectrum of known species.
Association of COVID-19 and the Prevalence of In-person Versus Telehealth Primary Care Visits and Subsequent Impacts on Tobacco Use Assessment and Referral for Cessation Assistance
Authors: Flocke Susan A , Albert Elizabeth L , Lewis Steven A , Seeholzer Eileen L , Bailey Steffani R
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered patterns of healthcare delivery. Smoking remains an important risk factor for multiple chronic conditions and may exacerbate more severe symptoms of COVID-19. Thus, it is important to understand how pandemic-induced changes in primary care practice patterns affected smoking assessment and cessation assistance.

Aims and Methods

Electronic health record data from eight community health centers were examined from March 1, 2019 to February 28, 2022. Data include both telehealth (phone and video) and in-person office visits and represent 310 388 visits by adult patients. Rates of smoking assessment, provision of referral to counseling, and orders for smoking cessation medications were calculated. Comparisons by visit mode and time period were examined using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression.

Results

The proportion of telehealth visits was < 0.1% 1 year prior to COVID-19 onset and, 54.5% and 34.1% 1 and 2 years after. The odds of asking about smoking status and offering a referral to smoking cessation counseling were significantly higher during in-person versus telehealth visits; adjusted odds ratios (AOR) (95% CI) = 15.0 (14.7 to 15.4) and AOR (95% CI) = 6.5 (3.0 to 13.9), respectively. The interaction effect of visit type * time period was significant for ordering smoking cessation medications.

Conclusions

Telehealth visits were significantly less likely to include smoking status assessment and referral to smoking cessation counseling compared to in-person visits. Given that smoking assessment and cessation assistance do not require face-to-face interactions with health care providers, continued efforts are needed to ensure provision at all visits, regardless of modality.

Implications

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered patterns of healthcare-seeking and delivery with a considerable rise in telehealth visits. This study examined 1 year prior to the onset of COVID-19 and 2 years after to evaluate the assessment of tobacco use and assistance with tobacco cessation and differences during in-person versus telehealth visits. Tobacco assessment was 15 times more likely during in-person versus telehealth visits in the 2 years post onset of COVID-19. Given that telehealth visits are likely to continue, ensuring that patients are regularly assessed for tobacco regardless of visit modality is an important concern for health systems.
How does a poor labour market affect inequalities in access to postsecondary education? Empirical evidence from 31 affluent countries
Authors: Lindemann Kristina , Gangl Markus
Published: May 2024

This study examines how macroeconomic conditions affect inequality of educational opportunity. Using longitudinal data from 30 European countries and the USA, we study the effect of changing unemployment rates on the extent of social inequality in postsecondary transitions in the period (2004–2016), which includes the Great Recession. The findings from multilevel models with country fixed effects show that rising unemployment rates tend to increase social inequalities in postsecondary transitions, as youth from low-educated families have increased risk for exclusion from both employment and education, while the likelihood of postsecondary enrolment slightly rises for youth from higher-educated families. Yet, economic downturns also incentivize youth whose parents have middle level of education to opt for postsecondary education, especially in contexts where it is more affordable. Our findings suggest that changing opportunity costs and economic insecurity are the relevant factors to explain changing inequalities in access to postsecondary education during a recession.
Harness the Co-Benefit and Avoid the Trade-off: The Complex Relationship between Income Inequality and Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Huang Xiaorui
Published: May 2024

Given the dual crises of climate change and rising economic inequality, it is imperative to improve the synergy between climate mitigation and income inequality reduction. Domestic income inequality is linked to nations’ carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through multiple theorized pathways. Using a multidimensional framework, multiregional input–output analysis, panel regression analysis, and a sample of 34 high-income nations from 2004 to 2015, I investigate the relationships between nations’ income inequality and four components of CO2 emissions with distinct implications for climate change mitigation: (1) emissions generated by domestic-oriented supply chain activities; (2) emissions embodied in exports; (3) direct emissions from end-user activities; and (4) emissions embodied in imports. I theorize that income inequality is heterogeneously related to the four emission components via different pathways. Results show that the relationships vary across emission components, change over time, and differ between inequality measures. The Gini coefficient is generally less influential on CO2 emissions than the income share of the top 10%. Notably, the income share of the top 10% is negatively related to direct end-user emissions from 2009 to 2011 and positively related to emissions in exports from 2011 to 2015, indicating variations in pathways both across emission components and over time—especially during and after the Great Recession. The findings underscore the multidimensionality in the income inequality-CO2 emissions relationship. Whether reducing income inequality can generate the co-benefit of emission abatement while avoiding a potential trade-off is a context-specific question that requires careful policy design and implementation.
Stuck in an Unequal Society: Wealth Inequality and Pessimistic Prospects on Future Social Mobility in South Korea
Authors: Kang Woo Chang , Park Sunkyoung
Published: May 2024

Why do some people express optimism about their future social mobility, while others have a pessimistic view? This paper examines whether and how local wealth inequality is associated with individuals’ pessimistic or optimistic expectations of their future social mobility in South Korea. It argues that people in districts with greater economic inequality will have more pessimistic views of their future upward mobility, as high local inequality raises concerns among the public that their opportunities to move up the social ladder may be receding. Using economic inequality at the local level calculated using actual real estate transaction prices in South Korea from 2011 to 2018, the empirical results confirm the negative association between local inequality and individuals’ assessments of their future social mobility, particularly among residents in less affluent districts, those with low incomes, and those with a subjective awareness of belonging to a lower social class.
Is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia more cost-effective? New-perspective on economic evaluations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Leqin , Lyu Zhihong , Ai Sizhi , Du Shixu , Zhou Wenjing , Zeng Shufei , Luo Xue , Guo Junlong , Zhao Yuhan , Li Shuangyan , Hou Yanfei , Lu Ciyong , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2024

Study Objectives

To investigate the cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), with an additional focus on digital CBTI (dCBTI) in adults with insomnia.

Methods

We searched eight electronic databases for economic evaluations of CBTI: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, psycINFO, Cochrane, Library, CINAHL, ProQuest, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the effects and costs between CBTI and control groups (no treatment, other treatments included hygiene education and treatment as usual). Subgroup analyses for dCBTI were conducted.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trial studies between 2004 and 2023 were included in our systematic review and meta-analyses. The incremental cost-utility ratios and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios showed that the CBTI and dCBTI groups were more cost-effective than controls, from healthcare perspective and societal perspective, respectively. Compared to controls, CBTI demonstrated significantly better efficacy within 12 months. Healthcare costs were significantly higher in the CBTI groups compared to the controls within 6 months but there was no difference at 12 months. Additionally, dCBTI was associated with significantly lower presenteeism costs compared to controls at 6 months.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CBTI is more cost-effective than other treatments or no treatment for adults with insomnia. It may bring more economic benefits in the long term, especially in long-lasting efficacy and cost reduction. In addition, dCBTI is one of the cost-effective options for insomnia.

PROSPERO Registration Number

CRD42 022 383 440

URL

www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO

Name for PROSPERO Registration

Cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI): a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Decision-making in the multiphase optimization strategy: Applying decision analysis for intervention value efficiency to optimize an information leaflet to promote key antecedents of medication adherence
Authors: Green Sophie M C , Smith Samuel G , Collins Linda M , Strayhorn Jillian C
Published: May 2024

Advances in the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) have suggested a new approach, decision analysis for intervention value efficiency (DAIVE), for selecting an optimized intervention based on the results of a factorial optimization trial. The new approach opens possibilities to select optimized interventions based on multiple valued outcomes. We applied DAIVE to identify an optimized information leaflet intended to support eventual adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy for women with breast cancer. We used empirical performance data for five candidate leaflet components on three hypothesized antecedents of adherence: beliefs about the medication, objective knowledge about AET, and satisfaction with medication information. Using data from a 25 factorial trial (n = 1603), we applied the following steps: (i) We used Bayesian factorial analysis of variance to estimate main and interaction effects for the five factors on the three outcomes. (ii) We used posterior distributions for main and interaction effects to estimate expected outcomes for each leaflet version (32 total). (iii) We scaled and combined outcomes using a linear value function with predetermined weights indicating the relative importance of outcomes. (iv) We identified the leaflet that maximized the value function as the optimized leaflet, and we systematically varied outcome weights to explore robustness. The optimized leaflet included two candidate components, side-effects, and patient input, set to their higher levels. Selection was generally robust to weight variations consistent with the initial preferences for three outcomes. DAIVE enables selection of optimized interventions with the best-expected performance on multiple outcomes.
Recalling the Pomp and Populism of the 1822 Commission to the Californias
Authors: Brick Aaron
Published: May 2024

Upon Mexico’s independence, its Regency dispatched commissioner Agustín Fernández de San Vicente to ensure the allegiance of officials and residents of remote Alta California. His strategies for this pivotal commission are analyzed for the first time here. Fernández, inspired by the grand style of the new emperor, Agustín Iturbide, designed a lavish presentation meant for mass appeal. Literature on the commission has been dominated to date by the biased and belated eyewitness testimony of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and Juan Bautista Alvarado, who depicted Fernández as a sleazy demagogue. This article critically examines their interventions and the conditions under which these were produced. Their stories about the commissioner drinking and gambling were probably exaggerated. Locals never found out that Fernández was lying about being a canon.
IVChaucer
Authors: Menmuir Rebecca , Buchanan Peter , Fletcher Clare
Published: May 2024

This chapter has four sections: 1. General; 2. The Canterbury Tales; 3. Other Works; 4. Reception. Section 1 is by Peter Buchanan and Rebecca Menmuir; section 2 is by Peter Buchanan and Clare Fletcher; section 3 is by Clare Fletcher; section 4 is by Rebecca Menmuir.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 disturbs adipocyte differentiation via the negative regulation of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1/adiponectin‐cathepsin K axis in mice under chronic stress conditions
Authors: Zhang Meiping , Yue Xueling , Xu Shengnan , Piao Jinshun , Zhao Longguo , Shu Shangzhi , Kuzuya Masafumi , Li Ping , Hong Lan , Kim Weon , Liu Bin , Cheng Xian Wu
Published: May 2024

Exposure to chronic psychosocial stress is a risk factor for metabolic disorders. Because dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) and cysteinyl cathepsin K (CTSK) play important roles in human pathobiology, we investigated the role(s) of DPP4 in stress‐related adipocyte differentiation, with a focus on the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)/adiponectin‐CTSK axis in vivo and in vitro. Plasma and inguinal adipose tissue from non‐stress wild‐type (DPP4+/+), DPP4‐knockout (DPP4−/−) and CTSK‐knockout (CTSK−/−) mice, and stressed DPP4+/+, DPP4−/−, CTSK−/−, and DPP4+/+ mice underwent stress exposure plus GLP‐1 receptor agonist exenatide loading for 2 weeks and then were analyzed for stress‐related biological and/or morphological alterations. On day 14 under chronic stress, stress decreased the weights of adipose tissue and resulted in harmful changes in the plasma levels of DPP4, GLP‐1, CTSK, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor‐α proteins and the adipose tissue levels of CTSK, preadipocyte factor‐1, fatty acid binding protein‐4, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐α, GLP‐1 receptor, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ, perilipin2, secreted frizzled‐related protein‐4, Wnt5α, Wnt11 and β‐catenin proteins and/or mRNAs as well as macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue; these changes were rectified by DPP4 deletion. GLP‐1 receptor activation and CTSK deletion mimic the adipose benefits of DPP4 deficiency. In vitro, CTSK silencing and overexpression respectively prevented and facilitated stress serum and oxidative stress‐induced adipocyte differentiation accompanied with changes in the levels of pref‐1, C/EBP‐α, and PPAR‐γ in 3T3‐L1 cells. Thus, these findings indicated that increased DPP4 plays an essential role in stress‐related adipocyte differentiation, possibly through a negative regulation of GLP‐1/adiponectin‐CTSK axis activation in mice under chronic stress conditions.
Machine learning approaches for estimating cross-neutralization potential among FMD serotype O viruses
Authors: Makau Dennis N , Arzt Jonathan , VanderWaal Kimberly
Published: May 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop an algorithm that uses sequence data to estimate cross-neutralization between serotype O foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV) based on r1 values, while identifying key genomic sites associated with high or low r1 values. The ability to estimate cross-neutralization potential among co-circulating FMDVs in silico is significant for vaccine developers, animal health agencies making herd immunization decisions, and disease preparedness. Using published data on virus neutralization titer (VNT) assays and associated VP1 sequences from GenBank, we applied machine learning algorithms (BORUTA and random forest) to predict potential cross-reaction between serum/vaccine-virus pairs for 73 distinct serotype O FMDV strains. Model optimization involved tenfold cross-validation and sub-sampling to address data imbalance and improve performance. Model predictors included amino acid distances, site-wise amino acid polymorphisms, and differences in potential N-glycosylation sites.

The dataset comprised 108 observations (serum-virus pairs) from 73 distinct viruses with r1 values. Observations were dichotomized using a 0.3 threshold, yielding putative non-cross-neutralizing (< 0.3 r1 values) and cross-neutralizing groups (≥ 0.3 r1 values). The best model had a training accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99), 0.93, and 0.96, respectively, and an accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.71-1.00), sensitivity of 1.00, and specificity of 0.93, positive, and negative predictive values of 0.60 and 1.00, respectively, on one testing dataset and an accuracy, AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values all approaching 1.00 on a second testing dataset. Additionally, amino acid positions 48, 100, 135, 150, and 151 in the VP1 region alongside amino acid distance were found to be important predictors of cross-neutralization.

Our study highlights the value of genetic/genomic data for informing immunization strategies in disease management and understanding potential immune-mediated competition amongst related endemic strains of serotype O FMDVs in the field. We also showcase leveraging routinely generated sequence data and applying a parsimonious machine learning model to expedite decision-making in selection of vaccine candidates and application of vaccines for controlling FMD, particularly serotype O. A similar approach can be applied to other serotypes.
The phylogeny of Triticeae Dumort. (Poaceae): resolution and phylogenetic conflict based on a genome-wide selection of nuclear loci
Authors: Mason-Gamer Roberta J. , White Dawson M.
Published: May 2024

Premise

The wheat tribe, Triticeae, has been the subject of molecular phylogenetic analyses for nearly three decades, and extensive phylogenetic conflict has been apparent from the earliest comparisons among DNA-based data sets. While most previous analyses focused primarily on nuclear vs. chloroplast DNA conflict, the present analysis provides a broader picture of conflict among nuclear loci throughout the tribe.

Methods

Exon data were generated from over 1000 nuclear loci using targeted sequence capture with custom baits, and nearly-complete chloroplast genome sequences were recovered. Phylogenetic conflict was assessed among the trees from the chloroplast genomes, the concatenated nuclear loci, and a series of nuclear-locus subsets guided byHordeumchromosome gene maps.

Key results

At the intergeneric level, the analyses collectively reveal a few broadly consistent relationships. However, the prevailing pattern is one of extensive phylogenetic conflict throughout the tribe, among both deep and shallow branches, and with the extent of the conflict varying among data subsets.

Conclusions

The results suggest continual introgression or lineage sorting within and among the named lineages of the Triticeae, shaping both deep and shallow relationships in the tribe.
Identifying Representative Cell Line Models for TNBC Chemotherapy Drug Resistance via Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
Authors: Shao Shuai , Li Lang
Published: May 2024

Cancer cell lines, derived from tumors, have become essential tools in life science research and are commonly employed as experimental model systems in cancer research. However, researchers often overlook the similarities between clinical samples when selecting cell line models, potentially impacting the validity and applicability of their findings. In the context of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) chemotherapy drug resistance, our study aims to provide guidance for selecting appropriate cell line models by employing a combination of systems biology and bioinformatic approaches. These approaches, including hierarchical clustering analysis, Spearman’s rank correlation, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), allowed us to identify the most representative cell models that correspond to poor chemotherapy responders among TNBC patients.