bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of remote sensing methods to determine the water quality changes caused by the oil spill in Faekhuna’a, North Nias
Authors: Manurung V R , Husaini H , Dalimunthe H I , Florencia S , Abdillah M F , Harahap M P , Hanif A , Manurung F , Minfi U
Published: December 2024

On February 11, 2023, An incident of asphalt oil spilling in the waters of North Nias, the distance of 50 km from the oil spill from faekhuna’a to the conservation area in lahewa. the efforts of observations could not be conducted due to a lack of time and cost. remote sensing methods offer advantages to estimate and determine the Primary Productivity and changes in the Chlorophyll-A, Photosynthetically Active Radiation and Sea Surface Temperature. Using Vertically Generalised Production Model data from AquaModis 2019 to 2023, The results after oil spills in 4 locations. the Sea Surface Temperature had decreasing in february: SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 31.08 °C, 31.17 °C, 31.27 °C, 31.17 °C; in march: SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 31.11 °C, 31.21 °C, 31.21 °C, 31.02 °C in spilt oil. Chlorophyll-a had increasing in February SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 0.218 mg/m−3, 0.201 mg/m−3, 0.283 mg/m−3, 0.282 mg/m−3; in march SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 0.332 mg/m−3, 0.312 mg/m−3, 0.272 mg/m−3, 0.261 mg/m−3. Primary Productivity had increasing in February SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 429.75, 439.75, 509.75, 479.75; in march SL, PL1, PL2, PL3: 587.89, 534.12, 517.29, and 527.39. oil spills affect in chollorophyl-a, sea surface temperature, and primary productivity, particularly in coastal areas.
Growth and quality of the seaweeds (Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum) in different inter croppings and planting distances using the longline method
Authors: Aslan L O M , Yuniar S , Balubi M , Ruslaini  , Sabilu K , Aslin L O , Muskita W H , Boer D
Published: December 2024

Seaweed cultivation is currently being extensively practiced to boost productivity. This research aimed to determine the optimal Daily Growth Rate (DGR) and planting distance for enhancing the growth and quality of K. alvarezii (KA) and E. denticulatum (ED), specifically the dry weight (DW) to wet weight (WW) ratio and Clean Anhydrous Weed (CAW) content. The 45-day experiment used a 2-factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with planting distance (J) and intercropping planting pattern (R) as the two factors. The results showed that ED (R3) at planting distances of 7 and 14 cm achieved the highest DGR, ranging from 3.46%/day (J2, R3) to 4.55%/day (J1, R3) and 9.92%/day (J1, R3) to 10.91%/day (J2, R3). The intercropping between KA and ED had the second highest DGR, ranging from 3.81%/day (J3, R1) to 8.21%/day (J2, R1). The highest DW: WW ratio was observed in ED (1:4.59; J2, R3). The highest CAW levels were found in the KA treatment (53.63 %; J1, R2). The intercropping treatment showed CAW levels from 48.70 (J2, R1) to 50.56 (J1, R1). In conclusion, ED planted at a distance of 7-14 cm had the most favorable effect on daily growth rate, dry weight to wet weight ratio, and CAW. Additionally, the intercropping method used for the first time in this research between KA and ED can also be employed to increase seaweed production.
Clinical features of vulvar and vaginal malignant melanomas and the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in Japanese patients: a single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Horisaki Ken , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Omata Wataru , Tsutsumida Arata , Kiyohara Yoshio
Published: December 2024

Vulvar and vaginal melanomas (VVMs) are rare malignancies, but they are relatively more common among Asian women. This makes the collection of data on VVMs in this population crucial. Moreover, no cohort studies have examined and compared the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) on VVM in Asian women. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of VVMs in Japanese women and the effects of ICI treatment. This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients who were histologically diagnosed with VVM at our hospital between March 2005 and December 2023. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare the prognosis of vulvar melanoma (VuM) and vaginal melanoma (VaM) throughout entire treatments and compare the efficacies of ICIs and conventional chemotherapies in VVM. In total, 28 women with VuM (n = 14) and VaM (n = 14) were included. There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) [median OS: not reached (95% confidence interval (CI), 13.2–NA) vs. 30.2 months (95% CI, 23.2–NA), log-rank test, P = 0.456] between the VuM and VaM groups. The progression-free survival (median progression-free survival: 14.7 vs. 5.2 months, P = 0.002) and OS (median OS: 33.8 vs. 7.2 months, P < 0.001) were significantly better for the ICI-treated group than for the conventional chemotherapy-treated group in VVM. The prognosis of patients with VVM improved significantly with the advent of ICI, demonstrating the importance of ICI in the treatment of VVM.
Wearable Devices Enable Long COVID Patients to Decrease Symptom Severity: A Case Series From Pilot User Testing
Authors: Goosen Andrea , Foster-Bonds Romina , Vogel Julia Moore
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Long COVID is a debilitating condition that is estimated to affect over 65M individuals across the world after a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and has no broadly effective treatments. People with Long COVID have reported that pacing helps manage their symptoms, but it is difficult to implement. Based on experiences in the Long COVID community, we hypothesized that wearable devices can help individuals pace and reduce their Long COVID symptom severity.

Methods:

To inform the design of a larger study, we performed user testing by distributing Garmin® devices, the study surveys and pacing educational materials to 11 individuals with Long COVID, and conducting interviews to learn about their experience.

Results:

Eight of the 9 (89%) individuals reported that the information provided was helpful for their symptom management, and 2 testers did not complete the final survey. Four (44%) users had not used a wearable device before and none had trouble setting up their device. Due to the limited sample size and lack of control group, generalizability is unknown.

Conclusions:

The most user testers reported that the study materials were helpful for their symptom management. These results are a promising indication of the potential for wearable devices and educational materials to help individuals with Long COVID, and potentially other chronic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), decrease symptom severity.
Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Current Understanding, Preventative Strategies, and Future Directions
Authors: Naami Robert , Miller Drew M. , Datla Sanjana , Rahman Mahboob , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Neeland Ian J.
Published: December 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant burden on global health, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a leading cause of mortality in this population. Despite advancements in pharmacotherapies, preventing CVD in CKD patients remains challenging due to the intricate interplay of traditional risk factors and novel pathophysiological processes. This review aims to elucidate the current understanding of CVD prevention in CKD, encompassing epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic considerations, and pharmacological therapeutic strategies. CKD patients exhibit a unique cardiovascular risk profile characterized by traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, as well as CKD-specific factors including albuminuria, vascular calcification, and valvulopathies. The utility of coronary artery calcium scoring in risk stratification and the efficacy of aspirin, lipid-lowering agents, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in CVD prevention are discussed. Despite promising findings, challenges such as lack of specific guidelines and data gaps persist, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary efforts to address the CVD burden in the CKD population effectively. Further research is warranted to optimize preventative strategies and improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
Synergistic Effect of Dual-Focus Soft Contact Lenses and 0.05% Atropine on Myopia Control in Children With Rapidly Progressing Myopia
Authors: Yum Hae Ri , Han So Young , Park Shin Hae , Shin Sun Young
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of dual-focus soft contact lenses (CLs) and 0.05% atropine in the control of myopia.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on 142 myopic children aged 7 to 13 years. A single nightly instillation of 0.05% atropine at bedtime was prescribed if the rate of myopia progression exceeded −1.00 D/year. After 1 year of treatment, patients who exhibited myopia progression of more than 0.75 D/year or an increase in axial length of more than 0.25 mm/year were additionally treated with dual-focus soft CLs (MiSight) alongside 0.05% atropine (Combination group, n=71). By contrast, patients who showed myopia progression of less than 0.50 D/year and axial elongation of less than 0.20 mm/year continued treatment with 0.05% atropine only (Monotherapy group, n=71). Subjects in the combination group were further divided into high myopia and low/moderate myopia subgroups, using a cutoff of −6 D.

Results:

Myopia progression and axial elongation were significantly slower after the addition of dual-focus soft CLs to 0.05% atropine in the combination group (P=0.001 and P=0.012, respectively). The combination group exhibited statistically significantly faster myopia progression than the monotherapy group before the addition of dual-focus soft CLs (both P<0.001), but no significant difference in myopia progression between the two groups was observed afterward (P=0.504 and P=0.479, respectively). The inhibition of axial elongation was more pronounced in the low/moderate myopia group compared with the high myopia group (P=0.028).

Conclusions:

The combination of dual-focus soft CLs and 0.05% atropine is an effective treatment strategy for controlling myopia in children with rapidly progressing myopia. The additive effect was greater in children with low/moderate myopia than in those with high myopia.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation is downstream coupled to pannexin 1 opening by Src kinase in dorsal horn neurons: an essential link for mechanical hyperalgesia in nerve-injured rats
Authors: Zepeda-Morales Katherine , Bravo David , Aránguiz-Barrera Jonathan , Ampuero Estibaliz , Renard Georgina M. , Pelissier Teresa , Hernández Alejandro , Retamal Jeffri S. , Constandil Luis
Published: December 2024

A well-recognized molecular entity involved in pain-related neuroplasticity is the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), which is crucial for developing chronic pain. Likewise, the pannexin 1 (Panx1) channel has been described as necessary for initiating and maintaining neuropathic pain, driving nociceptive signals dependent on spinal NMDAR through several possible mechanisms. Through behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular approaches, our study in male rats has revealed several key findings: (1) neurons located in spinal cord laminae I and II express functional Panx1 channels in both neuropathic and sham rats. These channels can open (indicated by YOPRO-1 uptake) through the stimulation of NMDARs with intrathecal NMDA; (2) intrathecal NMDA leads to increased expression of pSrc and pPanx1 in dorsal horn neurons. This elevation exacerbates existing mechanical hyperalgesia in nerve-injured rats; (3) inhibition of Src with intrathecal PP2 or blockade of Panx1 with intrathecal 10Panx effectively mitigates NMDA-induced effects and reduces the spontaneous mechanical hyperalgesia of nerve-injured rats. Notably, while 10Panx successfully alleviates hyperalgesia, it does not alter pSrc expression; and (4) NMDA-stimulated YOPRO-1 uptake in neurons of laminae I-II of spinal cord slices were prevented by the NMDAR antagonist D-AP5, the Src inhibitor PP2 (but not PP3), as well as with the 10Panx and carbenoxolone. Therefore, NMDAR activation in dorsal horn neurons triggers an NMDAR-Src-Panx1 signaling pathway, where Panx1 acts as an enhancing effector in neuropathic pain. This implies that disrupting the NMDAR-Panx1 communication (eg, through Src inhibitors and/or Panx1 blockers) may offer a valuable strategy for managing some forms of chronic pain.
Evaluation of a Cohort-Based Healthy Aging With HIV Wellness Pilot Intervention: “People Aging and Thriving With HIV” in Colorado
Authors: Burk-Leaver Erin , Zivalich Christopher , Sunshine Justine , Lowry Christopher A. , Erlandson Kristine M.
Published: December 2024

The aging population of people living with HIV (PLWH) face unique health and social challenges. We piloted a community-based wellness program, People Aging and Thriving with HIV (PATH2Wellness), aiming to improve health outcomes through physical activity, nutritional counseling, and social support within Colorado Health Network, a statewide AIDS service organization. Participants ages 50+ were recruited into three cohorts between September 2020 and December 2021. Weekly step counts and psychosocial measures were collected. Overall, while there were no statistically significant improvements in step count or secondary outcomes (including depression, social connectedness, self-reported physical function, and quality of life [all p ≥ .55]), participants noted a high level of satisfaction. Ongoing feedback led to modifications for program improvement; as such, PATH2Wellness shows promise in improving mental health and social connectedness, and findings underscore the importance of tailored programs for older PLWH, suggesting avenues for research and program development.
Sleep Disturbances and Risk of Sports Injury Among Collegiate Student-Athletes
Authors: Messman Brett A. , Petrie Kyla A. , Moore E. Whitney G. , Petrie Trent A.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between collegiate student-athletes’ sleep and injury status.

Design:

This study was a secondary analysis of observational survey data of student-athletes collected across 2 time periods, October 2020 and January 2021.

Setting:

Data were collected as part of an ongoing national (USA) longitudinal survey investigating student-athletes’ well-being in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants:

Participants were made-up of a subsample of participants from the parent study. Data from 89 exact matched pairs (across 5 demographics) of injured and noninjured student-athletes (68.5% NCAA Division I, 82.0% women) were assessed.

Independent Variables:

Student-athletes’ sleep disturbance levels were the primary independent variable of interest. Analytic models also covaried for gender, racial, and ethnic identities, sport in-seasons, and previous injury status.

Main Outcome Measures:

Participant endorsed injury status was the main outcome measure of interest. Hypotheses were formulated during the data collection of the parent study.

Results:

Student-athletes injured in January 2021 reported higher average sleep disturbances in both October 2020 and January 2021 than noninjured student-athletes but not student-athletes injured in October. In addition, October 2020 sleep disturbances were a significant predictor (P = 0.007) of injury, such that odds of student-athletes being injured increased 1.07 times for each unit increase in their sleep disturbances controlling for their identities, sport in-season, and previous injury status.

Conclusions:

Findings signal support for the screening and targeting of student-athletes’ sleep problems to reduce potential occurrences of sports-related injuries in student-athletes.
The Relationship Between Psychopathology, Personality Traits, and a History of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sarwer David B. , Spitzer Jacqueline C. , Wu Jingwei , LaGrotte Caitlin , Griffiths Caitlin , Ashare Rebecca L. , McDevitt Jane , Langford Dianne , Ramirez Servio H.
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To determine whether history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with psychopathology, and, in particular, substance use disorder (SUD) in young adults with a history of athletic participation.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

University in the northeastern United States.

Participants:

A large (n = 534) and mixed sex (57% female) sample of varsity and club sport athletes older than 18 years.

Interventions:

None.

Main Outcome Measure:

The Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury ID assessment and the Structured Clinical Interview for the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition.

Results:

Twenty-five percent of participants reported no history of head injuries, 32% reported 1 head injury, and 43% reported more than 1 head injury. Thirty-eight percent of participants had been diagnosed with 1 or more concussions. Twenty-eight percent of participants had a current psychiatric diagnosis and 49% had at least 1 lifetime diagnosis. Head injuries and concussions were significantly associated with the presence of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis and symptoms or diagnosis of alcohol or SUD. More head injuries were associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusions:

Higher number of self-reported head injuries and diagnosed concussions were associated with a lifetime history of psychopathology, and specifically, with alcohol and substance use disorders. These relationships are similar to those seen in the general population of adults. The relationships also raise several interesting questions about recovery from head injuries in young adult athletes.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Profiles in Menière's Disease and Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Monaghan Neil P. , Shah Sunny , Keith Brian A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Newton Danforth A. , Baatz John E. , Wagner Carol L. , Rizk Habib G.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines and symptom survey scores in patients diagnosed with Menière's disease or vestibular migraine from a single center by a single neurotologist compared to control subjects with no history of dizziness or migraine.

Study Design

Cross-sectional pilot study.

Setting

Single-center tertiary referral center in Charleston, SC.

Patients

Patients were recruited from the neurotology clinic at a tertiary referral center. Patients with definite Menière's disease or definite vestibular migraine as defined by the Barany consensus criteria were eligible. Control subjects presented to clinic without dizziness, vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, or a history of migraine.

Main Outcome Measures

Questionnaire scores include DHI, SF-20, CFQ, PHQ-9, PSWQ, GAD-7, NVI, DCS, VM-PATHI, and MD-POSI. Circulating and in vitro levels of cytokines include ENA-78, GROα, IFN-α2a, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MCP-2, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and TNF-α. Cytokine levels were compared with effect size analysis.

Results

There were 20 Menière's disease, 20 vestibular migraine, and 10 control patients enrolled in this study. Episode frequencies ranged from three per week to two to five per year in the MD group and daily to 1 every 2 to 3 months in the VM group. When patient-derived PBMC samples were compared to vestibular migraine, TNF-α (d = −0.427 [−0.879, 0.025]) and IFN-γ (d = −0.818 [−1.313, −0.323]) were found to be higher in Menière's disease, whereas ENA-78 (d = −0.652 [−1.361, 0.056]) was found to be lower. No differences were found when cytokines were measured following stimulation with LPS.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests Menière's disease patients may have higher levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ and lower levels of ENA-78 than vestibular migraine patients when measured following in vitro release from patient-derived PBMC. Increased sample size, optimized blood draw timing, and more specific PBMC stimulation may help us further elucidate inflammatory pathways implicated in these disorders.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Sensorineural Hearing Loss—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Berezovsky Anna N. , Espahbodi Mana , LaPrade Samantha L. , Friedland David R. , Harris Michael S.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To assess the relationship of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Databases Reviewed

Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane.

Methods

A systematic review was performed. Studies were identified using Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane from 1946 to 2023. Per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, abstracts were screened for primary review. Full texts were reviewed for secondary review.

Results

There were 3,440 unique abstracts screened. After primary review of abstracts and secondary full text review, 68 articles were included. The relationship between SNHL and the following CVDs, risk factors, and interventions were ascertained: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, coronary artery disease (CAD), carotid stenosis (CS), myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), other arteriosclerosis, cerebral small vascular disease, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), transient ischemic attack (TIA), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), hyperlipidemia (HLD), hypertension (HTN), and diabetes mellitus (DM). CABG and CAD were consistently associated with SNHL. DM was associated with SNHL, but HTN and HLD were not consistently associated.

Conclusions

There is a complex relationship between CVDs and SNHL. CABG and CAD were consistently associated with SNHL. DM was associated with SNHL, but other CVD risk factors (HTN and HLD) did not appear to consistently correlate with SNHL, raising consideration that SNHL is a later finding in those with CVD.
Diagnosis of Death Using Neurological Criteria in Children: The U.K. Experience, 2015–2023*
Authors: Aziz Omer , Main Thomas B. N. , Hannon Faith R. , Fraser James I.
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES:

In the United Kingdom, the starting point for diagnosing and confirming death using neurologic criteria (DNC) is when death is suspected to have occurred following devastating brain injury in patients on an ICU who remain deeply comatose, have absent brainstem reflexes and are apneic with their lungs mechanically ventilated but in whom circulation and other bodily functions persist. In this report, we describe the U.K. experience of diagnosing DNC in children.

DESIGN:

Retrospective review of data collected by the U.K. National Health Service Blood and Transplant Potential Donor Audit.

SETTING AND PATIENTS:

U.K. children from birth to younger than 18 years old with suspected DNC between April 1, 2015, and April 1, 2023.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

A total of 824 children were suspected of DNC and 565 of 824 (68.6%) proceeded to have testing. Overall, 393 of 565 (69.5%) of the tested patients were cared for on a PICU, 164 of 565 (29%) on an adult ICU, three of 565 (0.5%) on a neonatal ICU, and the other five of 565 (1%) in other locations. After testing, 548 of 565 (97%) were confirmed as having died using neurologic criteria. During 2020 to 2023, we estimate that DNC occurred in 6.2% of all PICU deaths. Of 393 of 565 children undergoing testing on the PICU, 15 were younger than 2 months, 45 between 2 months to 1 year, and 31 between 1 and 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

During the 8 years, 2015–2023, out of 824 children younger than 18 years old suspected of being dead using neurologic criteria, close to one-in-three did not proceed to formal testing. In 2020–2023, DNC in U.K. PICUs accounted for 6.2% of all death. Last, in young children up to 2 years old, the average experience of diagnosing and confirming DNC across each of the 30 U.K. PICUs was one patient every other year.
User preference and patient benefits of a novel energy storing and return foot: A randomized, cross-over clinical trial
Authors: Maciejasz Pawel , Budny Tymoteusz , Sauer Michael , Umari Marina , Korber Jürgen , Ernst Jennifer , Altenburg Bjoern , Hahn Andreas , Braatz Frank
Published: December 2024

Background:

Energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic feet often provide high energy return at the cost of increased foot height, compromised appearance, and reduced flexibility. An ESAR foot, Ottobock Evanto, with a novel compact design has been introduced (novel foot).

Objective:

To characterize user preference and benefits of a novel foot compared with the subject's previously worn (everyday foot) and comparator foot, Össur Pro-Flex XC.

Study Design:

Multicenter, randomized, nonblinded, cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05628064).

Methods:

Transtibial amputees using ESAR feet were eligible. Outcome measures included perceived mobility, the extent of meeting amputees' needs, pain intensity, EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, pain interference, foot preference, and walking experience. The first 3 measures with the novel foot vs. the everyday and comparator feet were used for primary objectives.

Results:

Data from 20 participants were analyzed. For all primary outcomes, improved scores while wearing the novel foot were obtained. The change in perceived mobility vs. the everyday foot score was highly significant (P = 0.0007). The novel foot was the most preferred foot overall (55% participants) and for many activities, e.g., walking on inclines (85%) and over uneven terrain (70%). Participants confirmed that the novel foot made walking up slopes easier (95%), standing more flexible (85%), and heel strike more comfortable (85%) vs. their everyday feet.

Conclusions:

The novel foot offers advantages compared with the tested feet, including making walking on uneven terrain and slopes easier and more comfortable heel strike. Activities in which the novel foot would perform worse than the other feet have not been reported.
Predictors of frailty trajectories among people with HIV
Authors: Iriarte Evelyn , Smyth Heather L. , Schmiege Sarah , Tassiopoulos Katherine , Jankowski Catherine M. , Erlandson Kristine M.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to estimate the latent frailty trajectories and identify corresponding predictors (sociodemographic, HIV-related, comorbidities, and behavioral) among a cohort of people with HIV (PWH).

Design:

Longitudinal observational study using latent class growth modeling.

Methods:

Nine hundred and seventy-six PWH aged 40 years and older with frailty measured from at least two visits within the ACTG HAILO cohort were included. Frailty components included weakness, physical activity, weight loss, exhaustion, and slowness. Latent class growth models were estimated to capture change in frailty over time; multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate associations between predictors and frailty trajectory class.

Results:

At baseline, participants were M = 51.5 years old (SD = 7.5), 81% male (n = 783), 48% White non-Hispanic (n = 461), and 20% Hispanic (n = 195). Latent class growth models identified three frailty trajectories: sustained robustness (n = 811; 83%), worsening frailty (n = 79; 8%), and frailty improvement (n = 86; 9%). Older age, race, sex at birth, select comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, depression, type 2 diabetes), and behavioral characteristics (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol) were associated with fluctuations in frailty trajectories over time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Modifiable factors such as managing comorbidities and promoting physical activity present ideal opportunities for future interventions to prevent or slow the progression of frailty.
Solitary Scapula Metastasis From Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Detected by PET/CT
Authors: Xu Churun , Ren Pengcheng , Zhao Guoxing , Wei Lingge , Xie Peng
Published: December 2024

A 59-year-old man presented with a mass and pain in the left side of his back for 6 months. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated increased FDG uptake in the inferior aspect of his left scapula and the left hepatic lobe, highly suggesting the possibility of hepatic malignancy with solitary scapula metastasis. Finally, solitary scapula metastasis from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was confirmed.
Immediate postinjury extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal reduces ventilator requirements and mitigates acute respiratory distress syndrome in swine
Authors: Batchinsky Andriy I. , Roberts Teryn R. , Jordan Bryan S. , Beely Brendan M. , Wendorff Daniel S. , Necsoiu Corina , Cannon Jeremy W. , Chung Kevin K. , Cancio Leopoldo C.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Awareness of ventilator-induced lung injury contributed to increased use of extracorporeal interventions, but not immediately after injury,before acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ensues. Our objective was to evaluate the role of venovenous extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) in management of mechanically ventilated swine with smoke inhalation injury and 40% body surface area burns.

METHODS

Yorkshire swine (n = 29, 43.2 ± 0.5 kg) underwent anesthesia, instrumentation, severe smoke inhalation, and 40% body surface area burns, followed by 72 hours of round-the-clock intensive care unit care with mechanical ventilation, fluids, pressors, bronchoscopic cast removal, computer tomography scans, and arterial blood assays. Within 1 hour after injury, animals received ECCO2R with either MiniLung (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany; n = 10) or Hemolung (ALung Technologies, Pittsburgh, PA; n = 10), or no ECCO2R in injured controls (INJC, n = 12).

RESULTS

Immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced minute ventilation (p < 0.001) and prevented ARDS in 37.5% of MiniLung and 11.1% of Hemolung animals. Time to ARDS (partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio below 300) was shortest (14 ± 2.2 hours) in INJC, intermediate (21.6 ± 3.5 hours) in Hemolung (HEMO), and most delayed in MiniLung (31.1 ± 7.2 hours, p = 0.0121, log-rank test vs. INJC). Driving pressure was lower in MiniLung versus INJC (p < 0.0001) and HEMO versus INJC (p = 0.0005) at 48 hours. Extracorporeal CO2 removal reduced systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor α versus INJC.

CONCLUSION

In swine with severe smoke inhalation and burns, immediate postinjury ECCO2R reduced ventilator settings, delayed or prevented ARDS, and reduced its severity. Proactive early percutaneous ECCO2R initiation via simplified, purpose-built devices should be considered as a low-maintenance lung injury management approach with significant disease modifying clinical benefit potential.
Biologging in a free-ranging mammal reveals apparent energetic trade-offs among physiological and behavioural components of the acute-phase response
Authors: Allison Austin Z. T. , Chmura Helen E. , Williams Cory T.
Published: December 2024

The acute-phase response (APR) is an adaptive emergency life-history stage, wherein vertebrates exhibit fever and anorexia to survive an infection. However, induced immune responses are energetically costly, and sick animals may reduce physical activity to compensate. Tests of this predicted energetic trade-off in free-ranging animals are rare due to difficulties in measuring individual physiology and behaviour under immune challenge in natural settings. However, recent advances in biologging technology now make such studies possible. We surgically implanted heart rate/temperature loggers in free-ranging adult male Arctic ground squirrels, fitted the squirrels with collar-mounted accelerometers and light/temperature loggers, and injected animals with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate an immune challenge. LPS-injected squirrels exhibited approximately 1°C overnight fevers accompanied by slightly elevated (10 bpm) heart rates; LPS-injected squirrels also spent 19% less of their time aboveground the following day and reduced overall movement by 40% compared with saline-injected controls. Thus, we found support for an energetic trade-off between functional immune responses (fever and anorexia) and lethargic sickness behaviour within the APR of a free-ranging mammal. Moreover, our results suggest animal-borne devices can play an important role in future studies of vertebrate immunity and disease dynamics.
Evaluating the efficacy of protein quantification methods on membrane proteins
Authors: Löptien Jana , Vesting Sidney , Dobler Susanne , Mohammadi Shabnam
Published: December 2024

Protein quantification is an important tool for a wide range of biological applications. The most common methods include the Lowry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Coomassie Bradford assays. Despite their wide applicability, the mechanisms of action imply that these methods may not be ideal for large transmembrane proteins due to the proteins’ integration in the plasma membrane. Here, we investigate this problem by assessing the efficacy and applicability of these three common protein quantification methods on a candidate transmembrane protein: Na, K-ATPase (NKA). We compared these methods with an ELISA, which we newly developed and describe here for the quantification of NKA. The use of a relative standard curve allows this ELISA to be easily adapted to other proteins and across the animal kingdom. Our results revealed that the three conventional methods significantly overestimate the concentration of NKA compared with the ELISA. This is due to the samples containing a heterogeneous mix of proteins, including a significant amount of non-target proteins. Further, by applying the protein concentrations determined by the different methods to
in vitro
assays, we found that variation in the resulting data was consistently low when the assay reactions were prepared based on concentrations determined from the ELISA.
Line geometry of pairs of second-order Hamiltonian operators and quasilinear systems
Authors: Gubbiotti G. , van Geemen B. , Vergallo P.
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate that a pair consisting of a second-order homogeneous Hamiltonian structure in

N

components and its associated system of conservation laws is in bijective correspondence with an alternating three-form on a

N
+
2

-dimensional vector space. Additionally, we show that the three-form offers

N
+
2

linear equations in the Plücker coordinates that define the associated line congruence. We utilize these results to characterize systems of conservation laws with second-order structure for

N
≤
4

. We finally comment on how to extend this result for

N
=
6

.
Phenological variation in biotic interactions shapes population dynamics and distribution in a range-shifting insect herbivore
Authors: Stewart James E. , Maclean Ilya M. D. , Botham Marc , Dennis Emily B. , Bridle Jon , Wilson Robert J.
Published: December 2024

Phenological responses to climate change vary across trophic levels. However, how trophic phenological synchrony determines species’ distributions through its effects on population dynamics has rarely been addressed. Here, we show that phenological variation underlies population and geographical range dynamics in a range-shifting herbivore, and demonstrate its interplay with changing trophic interactions. Using a novel modelling approach, we identify drivers of variation in phenology and population growth (productivity) for populations of the brown argus butterfly (
Aricia agestis
) feeding on ancestral and novel host plants in the UK. We demonstrate host plant-specific links between phenology and productivity, highlighting their role in the consumer’s range expansion. Critically, later butterfly phenology is associated with higher productivity in the annual second brood, especially on novel annual hosts where later activity improves synchrony with germinating plants. In turn, later phenology and higher second brood productivity are associated with more rapid range expansion, particularly in regions where only the novel hosts occur. Therefore, phenological asynchrony imposes limits on local population growth, influencing consumer resource selection, evolutionary responses and emergent range dynamics. How existing and future trophic phenological synchrony determine population dynamics will be critical for the ecological and evolutionary outcomes of climate change.
Bifidobacterium apicola sp. nov., isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wang Ting-Yu , Wang Hao , Gu Chun Tao
Published: December 2024

Two novel bifidobacteria (designated F806-1T and F814-1.1) isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera) were characterized in the present study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains F806-1T and F814-1.1 belonged to the Bifidobacterium asteroides group and were most closely related to Bifidobacterium apousia W8102T and Bifidobacterium polysaccharolyticum W8117T, having 98.9–99.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. Strains F806-1T and F814-1.1 had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (99.1 and 99.4 %) with B. polysaccharolyticum W8117T. Strains F806-1T and F814-1.1 had 73.2–90.5% average nucleotide identity, 21.5–40.8% digital DNA–DNA hybridization and 67.4–92.5% average amino acid identity values with type strains of all species in the B. asteroides group. Acid production from d-arabinose, l-arabinose, d-xylose, l-xylose, d-galactose, d-fructose, d-mannose and methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside; tolerance to 3% NaCl and activity of cystine arylamidase, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, α-mannosidase and α-fucosidase could differentiate strains F806-1T and F814-1.1 from the type strain of B. polysaccharolyticum. Based on the data obtained in the present study, a novel species, Bifidobacterium apicola sp. nov., is proposed, and the type strain is F806-1T (=CCTCC AB 2024129T=JCM 37002T).
Dictyobacter halimunensis sp. nov., a new member of the phylum Chloroflexota, from forest soil in a geothermal area
Authors: Rachmania Mazytha Kinanti , Ningsih Fitria , Sari Dhian Chitra Ayu Fitria , Sakai Yasuteru , Yokota Akira , Yabe Shuhei , Kim Song-Gun , Sjamsuridzal Wellyzar
Published: December 2024

Three Gram-stain-positive aerobic bacteria, characterized by branched mycelia with putative sporangia, were isolated from forest soil inside a decayed bamboo stem from a geothermal area in West Java, Indonesia. The strain S3.2.2.5T grew at 15–37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.0–7.0 (optimum 7.0) and in the presence of 0–1% NaCl (optimum 0%). Strain S3.2.2.5T was able to hydrolyse cellulose, xylan, starch and skim milk. The cell-wall sugars were composed of xylose and mannose, and the peptidoglycan hydrolysates contained d-glutamic acid, glycine, d-alanine, l-alanine, β-alanine and l-ornithine. The major fatty acids (>10%) were anteiso-C17:0, iso-C17:0, C16:1 2-OH and iso-C16:1. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipids and unidentified phospholipids. The major menaquinone was MK-9 (H2). The results of the analysis of the phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that these three isolates belong to the genus Dictyobacter and they were most closely related to the type strain of species Dictyobacter aurantiacus S-27T (97.41–98.00%). The strain S3.2.2.5T exhibited a genome size of 9.41 Mbp, which was significantly larger than the known Dictyobacter species. The G+C content was 54.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (90.77%) and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values (42.6%) between strain S3.2.2.5T and D. aurantiacus S-27T were below the threshold value for species delineation. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of strain S3.2.2.5T, a novel species of the genus Dictyobacter, for which the name Dictyobacter halimunensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is S3.2.2.5T (= UICC B-128T = CGMCC 1.61913T = KCTC 43728T).
Zoonotic transmission of asymptomatic carriage Staphylococcus aureus on dairy farms in Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: Straub Christina , Taylor William , French Nigel P. , Murdoch David R. , Priest Patricia , Anderson Trevor , Scott Pippa
Published: December 2024

Zoonotic pathogen transmission is of growing concern globally, with agricultural intensification facilitating interactions between humans, livestock and wild animals. Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen, but it also causes mastitis in dairy cattle, leading to an economic burden on the dairy industry. Here, we investigated transmission within and between cattle and humans, including potential zoonotic transmission of S. aureus isolated from cattle and humans from three dairy farms and an associated primary school in New Zealand. Nasal swabs (N=170) were taken from healthy humans. Inguinal and combined nasal/inguinal swabs were taken from healthy cattle (N=1163). Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 96 S. aureus isolates (44 human and 52 cattle). Multilocus sequence typing and assessments of antimicrobial resistance and virulence were carried out. Potential within- and across-species transmission events were determined based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thirteen potential transmission clusters were detected, with 12 clusters restricted to within-species and one potential zoonotic transmission cluster (ST5). Potential transmission among cattle was mostly limited to single age groups, likely because different age groups are managed separately on farms. While the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was low among both bovine and human isolates, the discovery of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene (bla
TEM-116) in a bovine isolate was concerning. This study provides evidence around frequency and patterns of potential transmission of S. aureus on dairy farms and highlights the AMR and virulence profile of asymptomatic carriage S. aureus isolates.
Global population structure of a unicellular marine predator
Authors: Latorre Francisco , Jaillon Olivier , Sieracki Michael E. , Cruaud Corinne , Massana Ramon , Logares Ramiro
Published: December 2024

Unicellular predators, especially marine heterotrophic flagellates (HFs), are fundamental to marine food webs, facilitating the flow of nutrients from bacteria and the smallest primary producers to upper trophic levels. Comprehending their distributions and diversity is essential for understanding the functioning of marine ecosystems. The uncultured MArine STramenopiles clade 4 (MAST-4) constitutes a crucial HF member of the ocean microbiome with a predatory (bacterivorous) lifestyle. Temperature gradients have influenced the evolution and biogeography of MAST-4 species. Yet, similarly to most uncultured microbes, there is limited information on the population diversity and structure within MAST-4 species. This information is key for better comprehending the ecological roles and adaptations of different MAST-4 species to specific ocean niches. Here, we investigate the population diversity and structure on the global scale of the MAST-4 species A, B, C, and E by combining metagenomics and single-cell genomics data from theTara Oceansexpedition. We found substantial population divergence in the abundant MAST-4A and C species, while lower levels of divergence were observed in species B and E. Temperature and salinity were the main drivers structuring the populations within the four MAST-4 species. The analysis of positively selected gene clusters within each MAST-4 species revealed genomic areas likely the basis of population adaptation to different niches. Overall, our results contribute to a better comprehension of the population diversity and structure of four species belonging to an important group of unicellular predators, offering insights into their ecological roles and adaptations in the global ocean. The results also contribute to understanding microbial populations, a dimension of diversity that remains poorly known for most wild species and is pivotal in global change.
A comprehensive pharmacological survey across heterogeneous patient-derived GBM stem cell models
Authors: Elliott Richard J.R. , Nagle Peter , Furqan Muhammad , Dawson John C. , McCarthy Aoife , Munro Alison F , Drake Camilla , Morrison Gillian M , Marand Michael , Ebner Daniel , Pollard Steven M. , Brunton Valerie G , Frame Margaret C , Carragher Neil O.
Published: December 2024

Despite substantial drug discovery investments, the lack of any significant therapeutic advancement in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) over the past two decades calls for more innovation in the identification of effective treatments. The inter-and intra-patient heterogeneity of GBM presents significant obstacles to effective clinical progression of novel treatments by contributing to tumour plasticity and rapid drug resistance that confounds contemporary target directed drug discovery strategies. Phenotypic drug screening is ideally suited to heterogeneous diseases, where targeting specific oncogenic drivers have been broadly ineffective. Our hypothesis is that a modern phenotypic led approach using disease relevant patient derived GBM stem cell systems will be the most productive approach to identifying new therapeutic targets, drug classes and future drug combinations that target the heterogeneity of GBM. In this study we incorporate a panel of patient derived GBM stem cell lines into an automated and unbiased ‘Cell Painting’ assay to quantify multiple GBM stem cell phenotypes. By screening several compound libraries at multiple concentrations across a panel of patient-derived GBM stem cells we provide the first comprehensive survey of distinct pharmacological classes and known druggable targets, including all clinically approved drug classes and oncology drug candidates upon multiple GBM stem cell phenotypes linked to cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Our data set representing, 3866 compounds, 2.2million images and 64000 datapoints is the largest phenotypic screen carried out to date on a panel of patient-derived GBM stem cell models that we are aware off. We seek to identify agents and targets classes which engender potent activity across heterogenous GBM genotypes and phenotypes, in this study we further characterize two validated target classes, histone deacetylase inhibitors and cyclin dependent kinases that exert broad and potent effects on the phenotypic and transcriptomic profiles of GBM stem cells. Here we present all validated hit compounds and their target assignments for the GBM community to explore.
Towards Spectral Variation Analysis: A Data Quality Framework for Non-Targeted Methods
Authors: Nichani Kapil , Uhlig Steffen , San Martin Victor , Colson Bertrand , Hettwer Karina , Steinacker Ulrike , Kaspar Heike , Gowik Petra , Kemmlein Sabine
Published: December 2024

Non-targeted methods (NTM) require robust methods for comparing spectral data for reliable classification and identification. Traditional approaches using match factors reduce complex spectral relationships to single values, limiting their utility in quality assurance. This study presents an evaluation of spectral comparison methodologies, contrasting classical Mahalanobis distance (MD) with neural network approaches, namely, neural classification distance (NCD). Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry data from bacterial isolates, we systematically assessed these methods across varying levels of spectral variability. The MD approach exhibited consistent performance under controlled conditions but showed limitations with increasing spectral complexity. In contrast, the NCD demonstrated adaptability across all scenarios, revealing its capability in handling complex spectral relationships. Through this exemplary example, we present the mathematical framework for quantifying spectral variations and establish criteria for method selection in different analytical scenarios. This work provides a foundation for proposing data quality metrics in NTMs and offers practical implementations for routine quality assurance. The methodology developed here extends beyond mass spectrometry applications and contributes to the broader field of analytical quality control in complex spectral analysis.