bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring tropical rainforest resilience under non-Gaussian disturbances
Authors: Benson Vitus , Donges Jonathan F , Boers Niklas , Hirota Marina , Morr Andreas , Staal Arie , Vollmer Jürgen , Wunderling Nico
Published: January 2024

The Amazon rainforest is considered one of the Earth’s tipping elements and may lose stability under ongoing climate change. Recently a decrease in tropical rainforest resilience has been identified globally from remotely sensed vegetation data. However, the underlying theory assumes a Gaussian distribution of forest disturbances, which is different from most observed forest stressors such as fires, deforestation, or windthrow. Those stressors often occur in power-law-like distributions and can be approximated by α-stable Lévy noise. Here, we show that classical critical slowing down (CSD) indicators to measure changes in forest resilience are robust under such power-law disturbances. To assess the robustness of CSD indicators, we simulate pulse-like perturbations in an adapted and conceptual model of a tropical rainforest. We find few missed early warnings and few false alarms are achievable simultaneously if the following steps are carried out carefully: first, the model must be known to resolve the timescales of the perturbation. Second, perturbations need to be filtered according to their absolute temporal autocorrelation. Third, CSD has to be assessed using the non-parametric Kendall-τ slope. These prerequisites allow for an increase in the sensitivity of early warning signals. Hence, our findings imply improved reliability of the interpretation of empirically estimated rainforest resilience through CSD indicators.
Global biomethane and carbon dioxide removal potential through anaerobic digestion of waste biomass
Authors: Feng Yanlei , Rosa Lorenzo
Published: January 2024

Anaerobic digestion is a bioenergy technology that can play a vital role in achieving net-zero emissions by converting organic matter into biomethane and biogenic carbon dioxide. By implementing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), carbon dioxide can be separated from biomethane, captured, and permanently stored, thus generating carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to offset hard-to-abate emissions. Here, we quantify the global availability of waste biomass for BECCS and their CDR and biomethane technical potentials. These biomass feedstocks do not create additional impacts on land, water, and biodiversity and can allow a more sustainable development of BECCS while still preserving soil fertility. We find that up to 1.5 Gt CO2 per year, or 3% of global GHG emissions, are available to be deployed for CDR worldwide. The conversion of waste biomass can generate up to 10 700 TWh of bioenergy per year, equivalent to 10% of global final energy consumption and 27% of global natural gas supply. Our assessment quantifies the climate mitigation potential of waste biomass and its capacity to contribute to negative emissions without relying on extensive biomass plantations.
q-analog qudit Dicke states
Authors: Raveh David , Nepomechie Rafael I
Published: January 2024

Dicke states are completely symmetric states of multiple qubits (2-level systems), and qudit Dicke states are theird-level generalization. We define hereq-deformed qudit Dicke states using the quantum algebrasuq(d). We show that these states can be compactly expressed as a weighted sum over permutations withq-factors involving the so-called inversion number, an important permutation statistic in Combinatorics. We use this result to compute the bipartite entanglement entropy of these states. We also discuss the preparation of these states on a quantum computer, and show that introducing aq-dependence does not change the circuit gate count.
4D printed shape-shifting biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Kalogeropoulou Maria , Díaz-Payno Pedro J , Mirzaali Mohammad J , van Osch Gerjo J V M , Fratila-Apachitei Lidy E , Zadpoor Amir A
Published: January 2024

The existing 3D printing methods exhibit certain fabrication-dependent limitations for printing curved constructs that are relevant for many tissues. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging technology that is expected to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). 4D printing is based on 3D printing, featuring the introduction of time as the fourth dimension, in which there is a transition from a 3D printed scaffold to a new, distinct, and stable state, upon the application of one or more stimuli. Here, we present an overview of the current developments of the 4D printing technology for TERM, with a focus on approaches to achieve temporal changes of the shape of the printed constructs that would enable biofabrication of highly complex structures. To this aim, the printing methods, types of stimuli, shape-shifting mechanisms, and cell-incorporation strategies are critically reviewed. Furthermore, the challenges of this very recent biofabrication technology as well as the future research directions are discussed. Our findings show that the most common printing methods so far are stereolithography (SLA) and extrusion bioprinting, followed by fused deposition modelling, while the shape-shifting mechanisms used for TERM applications are shape-memory and differential swelling for 4D printing and 4D bioprinting, respectively. For shape-memory mechanism, there is a high prevalence of synthetic materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), poly(glycerol dodecanoate) acrylate (PGDA), or polyurethanes. On the other hand, different acrylate combinations of alginate, hyaluronan, or gelatin have been used for differential swelling-based 4D transformations. TERM applications include bone, vascular, and cardiac tissues as the main target of the 4D (bio)printing technology. The field has great potential for further development by considering the combination of multiple stimuli, the use of a wider range of 4D techniques, and the implementation of computational-assisted strategies.
DC reactive sputtering of ZnON thin films: band gap engineering and associated evolution of microstructures
Authors: J G Anjana , Jose Kiran , Nair Aswathi R , Anand Venu
Published: January 2024

Zinc oxynitride (ZnON) has recently emerged as a highly promising band gap-tunable semiconductor material for optoelectronic applications. In this study, a novel DC reactive sputtering protocol was developed to fabricate ZnON films with varying elemental concentrations, by precisely controlling the working pressure. The working pressure was varied from 0.004 mbar to 0.026 mbar.For working pressure greater than 1.6 × 10−3mbar, the mean free path of ions decrease, the sputtering rate decreases and the concentration of nitrogen in the films decreases. The band gap of the film obtained from UV Vis Spectroscopy initially decreases and reaches a minimum of 1.6 eV at a flow rate of 20 sccm of nitrogen, after which it drastically increases. The correlation between the micro structure and band gap was investigated. The initial alloy structure of the film was found to exist when the band gap was between 1.66 eV and 2.15 eV, beyond which, a distorted wurtzite structure began to emerge. At a band gap of 2.7 eV, the spectrum peaks indicated the coexistence of both alloy and wurtzite structures. With an increasing band gap, the wurtzite structure became dominant, completely replacing the alloy structure at 3.25 eV. This study revealed the existence of intermediate structures formed during the tuning of the band gap, which can have important implications for future research aimed at developing heterostructures and 2D superlattices for photonics applications.
Fabrication of graphene from graphite using high-powered ultrasonic vibrators
Authors: Nguyen Yen Hai , Thi Mai Phuong , Nguyen Nghia Phan Trong , Van Tran Hau , Thi Minh Nguyen Hien , Thi Van Nguyen Anh , Nguyen Dung Viet , Doan Phuong Dinh , Phan Minh Ngoc , Bui Thang Hung
Published: January 2024

This paper utilizes an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing graphene from graphite, namely liquid-phase exfoliation. High-power density ultrasonic vibrators were used to separate graphite layers into graphene in a liquid medium. During layer separation, ultrasonic waves provided mechanical energy to break the Van der Walls bonds and separate graphite layers into graphene. In our study, graphene was synthesized by ultrasonicating graphite in Tween 80 for 1 to 5 h, followed by magnetic stirring and surfactant removal. The FESEM and Raman measurements demonstrated that high-frequency ultrasound waves were effective at breaking the Van der Waals bonding force between adjacent graphite layers. Average flake sizes (lateral) were reduced with increasing ultrasonication time, reaching a minimum value of 317 nm with 5 h of ultrasonic treatment. These results show that liquid-phase exfoliation is a cost-effective method to obtain low-defect few-layer graphene.
A theoretical study of the signal enhancement mechanism of coaxial DP-LIBS
Authors: SONG 宋 Zhen 震 , WANG 王 Junxiao 俊霄 , WANG 王 Gang 钢 , ZHANG 张 Lei 雷 , WANG 王 Shuqing 树青 , ZHANG 张 Wanfei 婉飞 , MA 马 Xiaofei 晓飞 , LIU 刘 Zhenrong 珍荣 , (罗学彬) Xuebin LUO , MA 马 Weiguang 维光 , YE 叶 Zefu 泽甫 , ZHU 朱 Zhujun 竹君 , YIN 尹 Wangbao 王保 , JIA 贾 Suotang 锁堂
Published: January 2024

In the field of dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) research, the pursuit of methods for determining pulse intervals and other parameters quickly and conveniently in order to achieve optimal spectral signal enhancement is paramount. To aid researchers in identification of optimal signal enhancement conditions and more accurate interpretation of the underlying signal enhancement mechanisms, theoretical simulations of the spatiotemporal processes of coaxial DP-LIBS-induced plasma have been established in this work. Using a model based on laser ablation and two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid dynamics, plasma evolutions during aluminum–magnesium alloy laser ablation under single-pulse and coaxial dual-pulse excitations have been simulated. The influences of factors, such as delay time, laser fluence, plasma temperature, and particle number density, on the DP-LIBS spectral signals are investigated. Under pulse intervals ranging from 50 to 1500 ns, the time evolutions of spectral line intensity, dual-pulse emission enhancement relative to the single-pulse results, laser irradiance, spatial distribution of plasma temperature and species number density, as well as laser irradiance shielded by plasma have been obtained. The study indicates that the main reason behind the radiation signal enhancement in coaxial DP-LIBS-induced plasma is attributed to the increased species number density and plasma temperature caused by the second laser, and it is inferred that the shielding effect of the plasma mainly occurs in the boundary layer of the stagnation point flow over the target surface. This research provides a theoretical basis for experimental research, parameter optimization, and signal enhancement tracing in DP-LIBS.
The Martens–Mumford theorem and the Green–Lazarsfeld secant conjecture
Authors: Agostini Daniele
Published: January 2024

The Green–Lazarsfeld secant conjecture predicts that the syzygies of a curve of sufficiently high degree are controlled by its special secants. We prove this conjecture for all curves of Clifford index at least two and not bielliptic and for all line bundles of a certain degree. Our proof is based on a classic result of Martens and Mumford on Brill–Noether varieties and on a simple vanishing criterion that comes from the interpretation of syzygies through symmetric products of curves.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 exerts a protective effect on diabetes-induced cognitive decline by remodeling cerebral glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism in mice
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zheng Hong , Ni Zhitao , Shen Yuyin , Wang Die , Li Wenqing , Zhao Liangcai , Li Chen , Gao Hongchang
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes damage to the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive impairment. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exhibits the potential to alleviate neurodegeneration. However, the therapeutic effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) FGF21 infusion on diabetes-induced cognitive decline (DICD) and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the impact of FGF21 on DICD was explored, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics plus 13C NMR spectroscopy in combine with intravenous [1-13C]-glucose infusion were used to investigate the underlying metabolic mechanism. Results revealed that i.c.v FGF21 infusion effectively improved learning and memory performance of DICD mice; neuron loss and apoptosis in hippocampus and cortex were significantly blocked, suggesting a potential neuroprotective role of FGF21 in DICD. Metabolomics results revealed that FGF21 modulated DICD metabolic alterations related to glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism, which are characterized by distinct recovered enrichment of [3-13C]-lactate, [3-13C]-aspartate, [4-13C]-glutamine, [3-13C]-glutamine, [4-13C]-glutamate, and [4-13C]- γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from [1-13C]-glucose. Moreover, diabetes-induced neuron injury and metabolic dysfunctions might be mediated by PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway inactivation in the hippocampus and cortex, which were activated by i.c.v injection of FGF21. These findings indicate that i.c.v FGF21 infusion exerts its neuroprotective effect on DICD by remodeling cerebral glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism by activating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
The Place of Law In Political Economy. J.R.Commons’ Legal Foundations of Capitalism at 100: A Retrospective Article
Authors: Frerichs Sabine
Published: January 2024

This article revisits J.R. Commons’ The Legal Foundations of Capitalism (LFC), published 100 years ago, from an interdisciplinary point of view. It explains and contextualizes Commons’ approach, introduces key concepts and core arguments of the book, and links these to contemporary scholarly work and debates. The aim is to make Commons’ ideas more accessible and to demonstrate their continued relevance for discussions on the role of law in political economy.
Evaluating analgesia strategies in patients who have undergone oesophagectomy—a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Ramjit Sinead , Davey Matthew G , Loo Caitlyn , Moran Brendan , Ryan Eanna J , Arumugasamy Mayilone , Robb William B , Donlon Noel E
Published: January 2024

Optimal pain control following esophagectomy remains a topic of contention. The aim was to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the analgesia strategies post-esophagectomy. A NMA was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Shiny and R. Fourteen RCTs which included 565 patients and assessed nine analgesia techniques were included. Relative to systemic opioids, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) significantly reduced static pain scores at 24 hours post-operatively (mean difference (MD): −13.73, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −27.01–0.45) (n = 424, 12 RCTs). Intrapleural analgesia (IPA) demonstrated the best efficacy for static (MD: −36.2, 95% CI: −61.44–10.96) (n = 569, 15 RCTs) and dynamic (MD: −42.90, 95% CI: −68.42–17.38) (n = 444, 11 RCTs) pain scores at 48 hours. TEA also significantly reduced static (MD: −13.05, 95% CI: −22.74–3.36) and dynamic (MD: −18.08, 95% CI: −31.70–4.40) pain scores at 48 hours post-operatively, as well as reducing opioid consumption at 24 hours (MD: −33.20, 95% CI: −60.57–5.83) and 48 hours (MD: −42.66, 95% CI: −59.45–25.88). Moreover, TEA significantly shortened intensive care unit (ICU) stays (MD: −5.00, 95% CI: −6.82–3.18) and time to extubation (MD: −4.40, 95% CI: −5.91–2.89) while increased post-operative forced vital capacity (MD: 9.89, 95% CI: 0.91–18.87) and forced expiratory volume (MD: 13.87, 95% CI: 0.87–26.87). TEA provides optimal pain control and improved post-operative respiratory function in patients post-esophagectomy, reducing ICU stays, one of the benchmarks of improved post-operative recovery. IPA demonstrates promising results for potential implementation in the future following esophagectomy.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine [RZV] is Effective in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A US Propensity Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Desai Aakash , Hashash Jana G , Kochhar Gursimran S , Hayney Mary S , Caldera Freddy , Farraye Francis A
Published: January 2024

Background

Recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV] reduces the short-term risk of herpes zoster [HZ] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However, there is lack of data regarding the long-term effectiveness in this population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults ≥50 years old using TriNetX database between patients with IBD who received two doses of RZV [IBD-RZV cohort] and patients who did not receive RZV [IBD control cohort]. The primary outcome was risk of incident HZ. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for demographic parameters, comorbid conditions, and IBD medications. Risk was expressed as adjusted odds ratio [aOR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI].

Results

The IBD-RZV cohort [n = 5489; mean age 63.2 ± 9.1 years; 57.2% females] was identified with a mean follow-up of 900.9 days. IBD-RZV cohort had a lower risk of HZ [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.62] compared with IBD control cohort. The risk of HZ was lower in patients aged 50–65 years [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68] and patients >65 years [aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96]. There was a lower risk of HZ in patients with ulcerative colitis [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.63] and Crohn’s disease [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74] in the IBD-RZV cohort compared with IBD control cohort.

Conclusion

RZV is associated with a lower long-term risk of HZ in patients ≥50 years old with IBD. Given the widespread availability and safety of RZV, more effective vaccination strategies are needed to improve RZV use in this high-risk population.
Increased Activity of MAPKAPK2 within Mesenchymal Cells as a Target for Inflammation-Associated Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Chulkina Marina , Rohmer Christina , McAninch Steven , Panganiban Ronaldo P , Villéger Romain , Portolese Austin , Ciocirlan Justin , Yang Wenjing , Cohen Claire , Koltun Walter , Valentine John F , Cong Yingzi , Yochum Gregory , Beswick Ellen J , Pinchuk Irina V
Published: January 2024

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells are suggested to play a critical role in Crohn’s disease [CD]-associated fibrosis. MAPKAPK2 [MK2] has emerged as a potential therapeutic target to reduce inflammation in CD. However, the cell-specific pattern of phospho-MK2 activation and its role in CD-associated fibrosis are unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cell-specific changes in MK2 activity between predominantly inflammatory CD vs CD with fibrotic complications and define the role of stromal cell-specific MK2 activation in CD-associated fibrosis.

Methods

CD tissue, CD tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells known as myo-/fibroblasts [CD-MFs], and fibroblast-specific MK2 conditional knockout [KO] mice were used.

Results

In the inflamed area of predominantly inflammatory CD, high MK2 activity was equally distributed between mesenchymal and haematopoietic cells. By contrast, in CD with fibrotic complications, high MK2 activity was mostly associated with mesenchymal stromal cells. Using ex vivo CD tissue explants and an IL-10KO murine colitis model, we demonstrated that pro-fibrotic responses are significantly reduced by treatment with the MK2 inhibitor PF-3644022. Inhibition of MK2 activity in primary cultures of CD-MFs significantly reduced basal and TGF-β1-induced profibrotic responses. Using fibroblast-specific MK2 knockout mice in chronic dextran saline sulphate colitis, we demonstrated that fibroblast intrinsic MK2 signalling is among the key processes involved in the chronic inflammation-induced profibrotic responses.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that activation of MK2 within fibroblasts contributes to the chronic inflammation-induced fibrosis in CD and that targeting MK2 has potential for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for fibrosis in CD.
Direct mailing of HPV self-sampling kits to women aged 50–65 non-participating in cervical screening in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ngo Ondřej , Chloupková Renata , Cibula David , Sláma Jiří , Mandelová Lucie , Hejduk Karel , Hajdúch Marián , Minka Petr , Koudeláková Vladimíra , Jaworek Hana , Trnková Markéta , Vaněk Peter , Dvořák Vladimír , Dušek Ladislav , Májek Ondřej
Published: January 2024

Background

A population-based cervical cancer screening programme is implemented in the Czech Republic. However, participation is insufficient among women over 50 years. This study aimed to estimate the potential improvement in participation through directly mailed HPV self-sampling kits (HPVssk) compared with standard invitation letters in women aged 50–65 non-participating in screening.

Methods

The study recruited 1564 eligible women (no cervical cancer screening in the last 3 years or more, no previous treatment associated with cervical lesions or cervical cancer). Eight hundred women were mailed with an HPVssk (HPVssk group), and 764 women were sent a standard invitation letter (control group) inviting them to a routine screening (Pap test). The primary outcome was a comparison of the overall participation rate between study groups using a binominal regression model.

Results

The participation rate in the HPVssk group was 13.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.2–15.9%; 7.4% of women returned the HPVssk and 6.0% attended gynaecological examination] and 5.0% (95% CI 3.6–6.8%) in the control group. Using the binominal regression model, the difference between the groups was estimated as 7.6% (95% CI 5.0–10.2%; P < 0.001). In the HPVssk group, 22% of women who returned HPVssk had a positive result and 70% of them underwent a follow-up examination.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional invitation letters, the direct mailing of the HPVssk achieved a significantly higher participation rate, along with a notable HPV positivity rate among HPVssk responders. This approach offers a potentially viable method for engaging women who have not yet attended a cervical screening programme.
Studying the O-GlcNAcome of human placentas using banked tissue samples
Authors: Luna Sarai , Malard Florian , Pereckas Michaela , Aoki Mayumi , Aoki Kazuhiro , Olivier-Van Stichelen Stephanie
Published: January 2024

O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic modulator of signaling pathways, equal in magnitude to the widely studied phosphorylation. With the rapid development of tools for its detection at the single protein level, the O-GlcNAc modification rapidly emerged as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in human diseases. Yet, mapping the human O-GlcNAcome in various tissues is essential for generating relevant biomarkers. In this study, we used human banked tissue as a sample source to identify O-GlcNAcylated protein targets relevant to human diseases. Using human term placentas, we propose (1) a method to clean frozen banked tissue of blood proteins; (2) an optimized protocol for the enrichment of O-GlcNAcylated proteins using immunoaffinity purification; and (3) a bioinformatic workflow to identify the most promising O-GlcNAc targets. As a proof-of-concept, we used 45 mg of banked placental samples from two pregnancies to generate intracellular protein extracts depleted of blood protein. Then, antibody-based O-GlcNAc enrichment on denatured samples yielded over 2000 unique HexNAc PSMs and 900 unique sites using 300 μg of protein lysate. Due to efficient sample cleanup, we also captured 82 HexNAc proteins with high placental expression. Finally, we provide a bioinformatic tool (CytOVS) to sort the HexNAc proteins based on their cellular localization and extract the most promising O-GlcNAc targets to explore further. To conclude, we provide a simple 3-step workflow to generate a manageable list of O-GlcNAc proteins from human tissue and improve our understanding of O-GlcNAcylation’s role in health and diseases.
Sustainable dietary patterns and all-cause mortality among US adults
Authors: Jung Sukyoung , Young Heather A , Simmens Samuel J , Braffett Barbara H , Ogden Cynthia L
Published: January 2024

Background

Sustainable dietary patterns that incorporate multiple dimensions may have benefits for both human health and the environment. We examined the association between sustainable dietary patterns assessed by using the Sustainable Diet Index-US (SDI-US) and mortality in US adults.

Methods

This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–18 (N = 22 414 aged ≥20 years). The SDI-US (range: 4–20) was composed of four sub-indices representing nutritional, environmental, economic and sociocultural dimensions, and was computed using 24-h dietary recalls, food expenditures and food preparation habits. A higher score indicates a more sustainable dietary pattern. All-cause mortality from baseline until 31 December 2019 was obtained through linkage to the National Death Index. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models, adjusting for covariates.

Results

During 150 386 person-years of follow-up, 2100 total deaths occurred and the median SDI-US was 9.8 in Quintile 1 (Q1) and 16.3 in Quintile 5 (Q5). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the highest SDI-US quintile was associated with a 36% reduction in mortality risk (Q5 vs Q1, HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, P = 0.002) compared with the lowest quintile. When stratified by age (P interaction = 0.002), an inverse association between SDI-US and mortality was observed in younger adults (<65 years, HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.68, P = 0.001) but not in older adults (≥65 years, HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71–1.16, P = 0.15).

Conclusions

A higher SDI-US score was associated with lower mortality risk among US adults, particularly in younger adults.
Towards closing socio-economic status disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality: a nationwide and trend analysis in Chile
Authors: Maureira Lea , Urquidi Cinthya , Sepúlveda-Peñaloza Alejandro , Soto-Marchant Mario , Matus Patricia
Published: January 2024

Background

Socio-economic status (SES) disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality have been reported but complete information and time trends are scarce. In this study, we analysed the years of life lost (YLL) due to COVID-19 premature mortality during the pandemic in Chile and its evolution according to SES and sex compared with a counterfactual scenario [cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)].

Method

We used Chile’s national mortality databases from 2020 to 2022. YLL and age-standardized YLL and mortality rates by sex and by epidemic waves were determined. The 346 communes were stratified into SES groups according to their poverty index quintile. Negative binomial regression models were used to test trends.

Results

In >2 years of the pandemic, the COVID-19 YLL was 975 937, corresponding to 61 174 deaths. The YLL rate per 100 000 inhabitants was 1027 for males and 594 for females. There was a heterogeneous distribution of YLL rates and the regional level. Communes in the most advantaged SES quintile (Q5) had the highest YLL during the first wave compared with those in the lowest SES quintile (Q1) (P < 0.001) but the opposite was true during the second wave. COVID-19 YLL trends declined and differences between Q1 and Q2 vs Q5 converged from the second to the fourth waves (0.33 and 0.15, Ptrend < 0.001 and Ptrend = 0.024). YLL declined but differences persisted in stroke (–0.002, Ptrend = 0.979).

Conclusions

COVID-19 deaths resulted in a higher impact on premature death in Chile, especially in men, with a heterogeneous geographic distribution along the territory. SES and sex disparities in COVID-19 premature mortality had narrowed by the end of the pandemic.
A gauge of coral physiology: re-examining temporal changes in Endozoicomonas abundance correlated with natural coral bleaching
Authors: Chuang Po-Shun , Yu Sheng-Ping , Liu Po-Yu , Hsu Ming-Tsung , Chiou Yu-Jing , Lu Chih-Ying , Tang Sen-Lin
Published: January 2024

Bacteria contribute to many physiological functions of coral holobionts, including responses to bleaching. The bacterial genus, Endozoicomonas, dominates the microbial flora of many coral species and its abundance appears to be correlated with coral bleaching. However, evidences for decoupling of bleaching and Endozoicomonas abundance changes have also been reported. In 2020, a severe bleaching event was recorded at reefs in Taiwan, providing a unique opportunity to re-examine bleaching-Endozoicomonas association using multiple stony corals in natural environments. In this study, we monitored tissue color and microbiome changes in three coral species (Montipora sp., Porites sp., and Stylophora pistillata) in Kenting National Park, following the bleaching event. All tagged Montipora sp. and Porites sp. recovered from bleaching within 1 year, while high mortality occurred in S. pistillata. Microbiome analysis found no correlation of Endozoicomonas relative abundance and bleaching severity during the sampling period, but found a stronger correlation when the month in which bleaching occurred was excluded. Moreover, Endozoicomonas abundance increased during recovery months in Montipora sp. and Porites sp., whereas in S. pistillata it was nearly depleted. These results suggest that Endozoicomonas abundance may represent a gauge of coral health and reflect recovery of some corals from stress. Interestingly, even though different Endozoicomonas strains predominated in the three corals, these Endozoicomonas strains were also shared among coral taxa. Meanwhile, several Endozoicomonas strains showed secondary emergence during coral recovery, suggesting possible symbiont switching in Endozoicomonas. These findings indicate that it may be possible to introduce Endozoicomonas to non-native coral hosts as a coral probiotic.
Characterizing core microbiota and regulatory functions of the pig gut microbiome
Authors: Hu Jun , Chen Jianwei , Ma Libao , Hou Qiliang , Zhang Yong , Kong Xiangfeng , Huang Xingguo , Tang Zhonglin , Wei Hong , Wang Xiangru , Yan Xianghua
Published: January 2024

Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) are the leading terrestrial animals used for meat production. The gut microbiota significantly affect host nutrition, metabolism, and immunity. Hence, characterization of the gut microbial structure and function will improve our understanding of gut microbial resources and the mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions. Here, we investigated the gut microbiomes of seven pig breeds using metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We established an expanded gut microbial reference catalog comprising 17 020 160 genes and identified 4910 metagenome-assembled genomes. We also analyzed the gut resistome to provide an overview of the profiles of the antimicrobial resistance genes in pigs. By analyzing the relative abundances of microbes, we identified three core-predominant gut microbes (Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, Prevotella copri, and Oscillibacter valericigenes) in pigs used in this study. Oral administration of the three core-predominant gut microbes significantly increased the organ indexes (including the heart, spleen, and thymus), but decreased the gastrointestinal lengths in germ-free mice. The three core microbes significantly enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier function and altered the intestinal mucosal morphology, as was evident from the increase in crypt depths in the duodenum and ileum. Furthermore, the three core microbes significantly affected several metabolic pathways (such as “steroid hormone biosynthesis,” “primary bile acid biosynthesis,” “phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis,” and “phenylalanine metabolism”) in germ-free mice. These findings provide a panoramic view of the pig gut microbiome and insights into the functional contributions of the core-predominant gut microbes to the host.
Doubts and certainties about the Duke of Urbino’s diplomatic gifts to Prince Philip of Spain in 1593
Authors: Campos-Perales Àngel
Published: January 2024

In 1593 Francesco Maria II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino, sent a number of diplomatic gifts to Philip II of Spain, intended for the crown prince, the future Philip III. The gifts included a silver model of a citadel accompanied by a set of compasses, the whereabouts of which are currently unknown; a small gilt-bronze sculptural group which has been identified with Giovanni Bandini’s The Hunt, today in the Prado Museum; and an illuminated manuscript recounting glorious episodes from the reign of the Emperor Charles V, Philip III’s grandfather, identified with British Library, Add. ms 33733, which contains miniatures possibly by Simonzio Lupi. A study of some of the inventories made in Madrid at the beginning of the seventeenth century has revealed that The Hunt and the illuminated manuscript might subsequently have belonged to persons close to the Duke of Lerma, Philip III’s prime minister – namely, Juan de Borja, the duke’s uncle, and Jerónimo Funes, the son-in-law of the secretary of state, Count of Villalonga, respectively.
Causes and consequences of pre-hibernation body mass in golden-mantled ground squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis)
Authors: Howland Summer , Wells Caitlin P , Van Vuren Dirk H
Published: January 2024

Mammals that cope with harsh environmental conditions by hibernating show seasonal variation in body mass, as fat reserves are accumulated during summer and depleted during winter. In hibernating species, pre-hibernation mass is often considered a key phenotypic trait that can influence future survival and reproductive success—yet we know little about how variation in environmental conditions and seasonality affect pre-hibernation mass. We used 30 years of demographic data from a high-elevation population of golden-mantled ground squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis) to identify life history and environmental variables that influenced pre-hibernation mass in females. Additionally, we determined if pre-hibernation mass influenced overwinter survival or subsequent reproduction. Growth curves revealed female-biased size dimorphism in body mass; adult mass was not attained until age 2 years, so we considered 3 age classes of females: juveniles, yearlings, and adults (≥2 years). We found that earlier snow melt during spring is associated with higher subsequent pre-hibernation body mass for yearlings and adults, and that juveniles emerging earlier from their natal burrows had higher pre-hibernation masses than later-emerging juveniles. Estimates of food quantity or quality did not affect pre-hibernation mass for any age class, nor was there an effect of reproductive status. Juvenile females with greater pre-hibernation mass were more likely to survive overwinter and reproduce as yearlings, but we found no such effect for yearlings or adult females. We did not find an effect of snow depth or winter duration on either survival or reproduction. Our results indicate that time appears to be the key variable for golden-mantled ground squirrels to acquire sufficient body mass to survive and reproduce, but the effects vary by age class.
Association of denosumab with serum cytokines, chemokines, and bone-related factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A post hoc analysis of a multicentre, open-label, randomised, parallel-group study
Authors: Iwamoto Naoki , Sato Shuntaro , Furukawa Kaori , Michitsuji Toru , Shiraishi Kazuteru , Watanabe Kounosuke , Chiba Ko , Osaki Makoto , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To clarify changes in serum cytokines, chemokines, and bone-related factors during denosumab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of a multicentre, open-label, randomised, parallel-group study. Patients were randomly assigned to continue treatment with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) plus receive treatment with denosumab (csDMARDs plus denosumab group) or to continue treatment with csDMARD therapy alone for 12 months. Serum biomarker levels were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Baseline and 6-month data from the csDMARDs plus denosumab (n = 22) and csDMARD therapy alone (n = 22) groups were analysed. Statistically significant changes from baseline were seen: Dickkopf-related protein 1 decreased at 6 and 12 months (both groups); osteopontin decreased at 6 months in the csDMARDs plus denosumab group; osteopontin and soluble CD40 ligand increased at 6 and 12 months in the csDMARD therapy alone group; osteocalcin decreased at 6 and 12 months, epidermal growth factor decreased at 12 months, and macrophage-derived chemokine decreased at 6 months in the csDMARDs plus denosumab group; and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 increased at 12 months in the csDMARD therapy alone group.

Conclusions

Denosumab may inhibit bone destruction by suppressing bone-related factors/chemokines.
NAC and Zuotin/Hsp70 chaperone systems coexist at the ribosome tunnel exit in vivo
Authors: Ziegelhoffer Thomas , Verma Amit K , Delewski Wojciech , Schilke Brenda A , Hill Paige M , Pitek Marcin , Marszalek Jaroslaw , Craig Elizabeth A
Published: January 2024

The area surrounding the tunnel exit of the 60S ribosomal subunit is a hub for proteins involved in maturation and folding of emerging nascent polypeptide chains. How different factors vie for positioning at the tunnel exit in the complex cellular environment is not well understood. We used in vivo site-specific cross-linking to approach this question, focusing on two abundant factors—the nascent chain-associated complex (NAC) and the Hsp70 chaperone system that includes the J-domain protein co-chaperone Zuotin. We found that NAC and Zuotin can cross-link to each other at the ribosome, even when translation initiation is inhibited. Positions yielding NAC–Zuotin cross-links indicate that when both are present the central globular domain of NAC is modestly shifted from the mutually exclusive position observed in cryogenic electron microscopy analysis. Cross-linking results also suggest that, even in NAC’s presence, Hsp70 can situate in a manner conducive for productive nascent chain interaction—with the peptide binding site at the tunnel exit and the J-domain of Zuotin appropriately positioned to drive stabilization of nascent chain binding. Overall, our results are consistent with the idea that, in vivo, the NAC and Hsp70 systems can productively position on the ribosome simultaneously.
Single-cell evidence for plasmid addiction mediated by toxin–antitoxin systems
Authors: Fraikin Nathan , Van Melderen Laurence
Published: January 2024

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are small selfish genetic modules that increase vertical stability of their replicons. They have long been thought to stabilize plasmids by killing cells that fail to inherit a plasmid copy through a phenomenon called post-segregational killing (PSK) or addiction. While this model has been widely accepted, no direct observation of PSK was reported in the literature. Here, we devised a system that enables visualization of plasmid loss and PSK at the single-cell level using meganuclease-driven plasmid curing. Using the ccd system, we show that cells deprived of a ccd-encoding plasmid show hallmarks of DNA damage, i.e. filamentation and induction of the SOS response. Activation of ccd triggered cell death in most plasmid-free segregants, although some intoxicated cells were able to resume growth, showing that PSK-induced damage can be repaired in a SOS-dependent manner. Damage induced by ccd activates resident lambdoid prophages, which potentiate the killing effect of ccd. The loss of a model plasmid containing TA systems encoding toxins presenting various molecular mechanisms induced different morphological changes, growth arrest and loss of viability. Our experimental setup enables further studies of TA-induced phenotypes and suggests that PSK is a general mechanism for plasmid stabilization by TA systems.
Plumage coloration differs between offspring raised in natural cavities and nestboxes
Authors: Janas Katarzyna , Di Lecce Irene , Szulkin Marta , Sudyka Joanna
Published: January 2024

Most of our knowledge of secondary hole-nesting birds comes from populations breeding in human-provided nestboxes, yet these might differ from natural cavities in a number of parameters, including internal dimensions or microclimate, leading to differences in reproductive ecology. Here, we demonstrate differences in plumage coloration, an important visual signal of individual quality, in Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and Great Tit (Parus major) nestlings raised in natural cavities and nestboxes. For this study, we collected feather samples over two breeding seasons and applied reflectance spectrophotometry to calculate color metrics. Carotenoid chroma was higher in nestbox-reared Blue Tits, whereas brightness was higher in nestbox-reared Great Tits (with a similar tendency for Blue Tits). The latter result might be explained by the better nutritional condition of Great Tit nestlings raised in nestboxes. Furthermore, we found no evidence for preference of adults expressing more elaborate plumage towards a specific cavity type in either species. Consequently, we assume that differences in nestling plumage reported here are driven by rearing conditions (nestboxes vs. natural cavities) and not by differences in plumage-based parental quality. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence confirming that anthropogenic environmental modifiers, such as nestboxes, might influence avian physiology and the resulting phenotype.
A commitment forlife:Decades of unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind seed dormancy and germination
Authors: Sajeev Nikita , Koornneef Maarten , Bentsink Leónie
Published: January 2024

Seeds are unique time capsules that can switch between 2 complex and highly interlinked stages: seed dormancy and germination. Dormancy contributes to the survival of plants because it allows to delay germination to optimal conditions. The switch between dormancy and germination occurs in response to developmental and environmental cues. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of studies that have helped to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying dormancy and germination over the last decades. Genetic and physiological studies provided a strong foundation for this field of research and revealed the critical role of the plant hormones abscisic acid and gibberellins in the regulation of dormancy and germination, and later natural variation studies together with quantitative genetics identified previously unknown genetic components that control these processes. Omics technologies like transcriptome, proteome, and translatomics analysis allowed us to mechanistically dissect these processes and identify new components in the regulation of seed dormancy and germination.
Assessment of radioactivity in sand samples from eastern Nepal in perspective of radiological hazards
Authors: Shrestha Arun Kumar , Shrestha Ganesh Kumar , Shah Buddha Ram , Koirala Ram Prasad
Published: January 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the sand samples and the health hazards associated with them utilizing a NaI (Tl) gamma spectrometer. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to be 24.8 ± 10.1, 39.8 ± 16.4 and 531.3 ± 52.8 Bq kg−1, respectively. The calculated radiological hazard parameters, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed gamma dose and effective dose rate, were found to be 122.7 ± 34.0 Bq kg−1, 57.7 ± 14.9 nGy h−1 and 0.3 ± 0.1 mSv y−1, respectively. Notably, these results were observed to be below the recommended thresholds. Other measured hazard indices were also lower than the prescribed values. From a radiological perspective, the present study concludes that the sand samples do not pose any threat to human health when utilized as a building material.
Skill Specificity on High-Skill Online Gig Platforms: Same as in Traditional Labour Markets?
Authors: van Slageren Jaap , Herrmann Andrea M
Published: January 2024

Political economists and labour sociologists alike have studied how the skill specificity of workers can be explained, as it significantly affects workers’ performance. However, the emergence of the gig economy may substantially change skill hiring and specificity in online labour markets because gig workers do not need formal educational credentials to offer their services. Instead, skills are “unbundled” from occupations, and platforms provide alternative ways to signal competencies, for example, via their rating and review systems. To shed light on the applicability of existing theories to explain the skill profiles of gig workers, we examine what predicts the skills hired in the online gig economy. Based on multilevel ordinal logistic regression analyses of 2336 gig worker profiles, we show that—as in traditional labour markets—gig workers with a vocational degree and longer online work experience are hired for more specific skills. However, national labour market institutions and educational systems affect the gig workers’ skill specificity in the opposite direction than in traditional labour markets. Our findings thus suggest that online gig platforms allow workers to overcome restrictions imposed by national institutions as they are hired for those skills in the online gig economy that are institutionally less facilitated in their home labour markets.
No Place Like Home
Authors: Toole Cheryl , DeGrazia Michele , Andrews Theresa M. , Bouve Mary Ellen , Pezanowski Regina , Cole Alexandra , Kourembanas Stella , Hickey Patricia A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Boston Children's Hospital's Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharges about a third of its medically complex infants home. Parental feedback indicated a need for more education and training in discharge preparation.

Purpose:

The NICU to Nursery (N2N) program was created to better prepare parents to care for their medically complex infants following Level IV NICU discharge. The goals were to (1) mitigate safety risks, (2) assess parent satisfaction, (3) assess pediatric primary care providers' (PCPs') satisfaction, (4) assess community visiting nurses' and PCPs' knowledge deficits, and (5) develop educational materials.

Methods:

The N2N program provided parents with pre- and postdischarge assessments with an experienced nurse. Parents completed a survey following assessments to measure satisfaction. To enhance PCPs' knowledge, they were sent summary reports and asked for feedback. PCP feedback, along with a needs assessment of community visiting nurses, guided the development of free Web-based educational videos.

Results:

One hundred and fifty-five parents participated in the N2N program. Parents' educational needs included medication education, safe sleep, and well-infant care, with some requiring significant nursing interventions for safety risk mitigation. Most PCPs found the home visit reports helpful. Knowledge deficits identified among PCPs and community visiting nurses included management of tubes and drains, growth and nutrition, and emergency response. More than 100,000 providers viewed the 3 Web-based educational videos developed.

Implications for Practice and Research:

The N2N program fills a crucial gap in the transition of medically complex infants discharged home. The next steps are developing best practices for virtual in-home assessments.