bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forgotten and ignored: making digital health work for migrant population in Africa
Authors: Adigun Taofeekat , Opone Esther , Baidoo Bettina , Mathenge Moses , Avoka Cephas , Awosiku Olutola
Published: July 2024

The African continent has experienced an alarming increase in forcibly displaced individuals, driven by socio-political conflict, economic instability and climate-induced calamities. The urgent need for contextualized and adaptable health solutions in the face of ongoing conflicts and crises underscores the importance of harnessing digital health innovations while ensuring inclusivity and equity for all. This commentary explores the potential of digital health to address healthcare disparities among migrant populations, examining the barriers to adoption and providing recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to promote inclusivity and improve healthcare access. While digital health emerged as a promising avenue for improving healthcare access, there is also a greater necessity for tailoring these innovations to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the target populations.
A genetic mouse model mimicking MET related human osteofibrous dysplasia is characterized by delays in fracture repair and defective osteogenesis
Authors: Hong Guoju , Xie William , Ahmed Kashif , Oborn Connor , Soltys Carrie‐lynn , Kannu Peter
Published: July 2024

Osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) is a rare, benign, fibro‐osseous lesion that occurs most commonly in the tibia of children. Tibial involvement leads to bowing and predisposes to the development of a fracture which exhibit significantly delayed healing processes, leading to prolonged morbidity. We previously identified gain‐of‐function mutations in the MET gene as a cause for OFD. In our present study, we test the hypothesis that gain‐of‐function MET mutations impair bone repair due to reduced osteoblast differentiation. A heterozygous Met exon 15 skipping (MetΔ15‐HET) mouse was created to imitate the human OFD mutation. The mutation results in aberrant and dysregulation of MET‐related signaling determined by RNA‐seq in the murine osteoblasts extracted from the wide‐type and genetic mice. Although no gross skeletal defects were identified in the mice, fracture repair was delayed in MetΔ15‐HET mice, with decreased bone formation observed 2‐week postfracture. Our data are consistent with a novel role for MET‐mediated signaling regulating osteogenesis.
Metagenomic next‐generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid reveals etiological and microbiological features in patients with various central nervous system infections
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Xu Huan , Qin Lingzhi , Wang Huimin , Jiang Yushu , Liu Huiqin , Zhang Milan , Pang Rui , Wu Wencai , Li Wei
Published: July 2024

The application of metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS) in pathogens detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is limited because clinical, microbiological, and biological information are not well connected. We analyzed the 428 enrolled patients' clinical features, pathogens diagnostic efficiency of mNGS in CSF, microbial community structure and composition in CSF, and correlation of microbial and clinical biomarkers in CSF. General characteristics were unspecific but helpful in formulating a differential diagnosis. CSF mNGS has a higher detection rate (34.6%) compared to traditional methods (5.4%). mNGS detection rate was higher when the time from onset to CSF collection was ≤20 days, the CSF leukocytes count was >200 × 106/L, the CSF protein concentration was >1.3 g/L, or CSF glucose concentration was ≤2.5 mmol/L in non‐postoperative bacterial CNS infections (CNSi). CSF was not strictly a sterile environment, and the potential pathogens may contribute to the dysbiosis of CSF microbiome. Furthermore, clinical biomarkers were significantly relevant to CNS pathogens. Clinical data are helpful in choosing a proper opportunity to obtain an accurate result of mNGS, and can speculate whether the mNGS results are correct or not. Our study is a pioneering study exploring the CSF microbiome in different CNSIs.
Qualitative Exploration of the #MeTooMedicine Online Discourse: “Holding Beacons of Light to Shine in the Corners They Are Hoping to Keep Dark”
Authors: LaDonna Kori A. , Field Emily , Cowley Lindsay , Ginsburg Shiphra , Watling Chris , Pack Rachael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The MeToo movement forced a social reckoning, spurring women in medicine to engage in the #MeTooMedicine online discourse. Given the risks of reporting sexual violence, discrimination, or harassment, it is important to understand how women in medicine use platforms like Twitter to publicly discuss their experiences. With such knowledge, the profession can use the public documentation of women in medicine for transformative change.

Method

Using reflexive thematic analysis, 7,983 tweets (posted between November 2017 and January 2020) associated with #WomenInMedicine, #MeTooMedicine, and #TimesUpHC were systematically analyzed in 2020–2022, iteratively moving from describing their content, to identifying thematic patterns, to conceptualizing the purpose the tweets appeared to serve.

Results

The Twitter engagement of women in medicine was likened to “holding beacons of light to shine in the corners [harassers] are hoping to keep dark,” both reinforcing the message that “gender bias is alive and well” and calling for a “complete transformation in how we approach” the problem. The tweets of women in medicine primarily seemed aimed at disrupting complacency; encouraging bystanders to become allies; challenging stereotypes about women in medicine; championing individual women leaders, peers, and trainees; and advocating for reporting mechanisms and policies to ensure safety and accountability across medical workplaces.

Conclusions

Women in medicine appeared to use Twitter for a host of reasons: for amplification, peer support, advocacy, and seeking accountability. By sharing their experiences publicly, women in medicine seemed to make a persuasive argument that time is up, providing would-be allies with supporting evidence of sexual violence, discrimination, and harassment. Their tweets suggest a roadmap for what is needed to achieve gender equity, ensure that lack of awareness is no longer an excuse, and ask bystanders to grapple with why women’s accounts continue to be overlooked, ignored, or dismissed and how they will support women moving forward.
Associations Between Gestational Residential Radon Exposure and Term Low Birthweight in Connecticut, USA
Authors: Heo Seulkee , Li Longxiang , Son Ji-Young , Koutrakis Petros , Bell Michelle L.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Studies suggest biologic mechanisms for gestational exposure to radiation and impaired fetal development. We explored associations between gestational radon exposure and term low birthweight, for which evidence is limited.

Methods:

We examined data for 68,159 singleton full-term births in Connecticut, United States, 2016–2018. Using a radon spatiotemporal model, we estimated ZIP code-level basement and ground-level exposures during pregnancy and trimesters for each participant’s address at birth or delivery. We used logistic regression models, including confounders, to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for term low birth weight in four exposure quartiles (Q1–Q4) with the lowest exposure group (Q1) as the reference.

Results:

Exposure levels to basement radon throughout pregnancy (0.27–3.02 pCi/L) were below the guideline level set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (4 pCi/L). The ORs for term low birth weight in the second-highest (Q3; 1.01–1.33 pCi/L) exposure group compared with the reference (<0.79 pCi/L) group for basement radon during the first trimester was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.45). The OR in the highest (Q4; 1.34–4.43 pCi/L) quartile group compared with the reference group during the first trimester was 1.26 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.50). Risks from basement radon were higher for participants with lower income, lower maternal education levels, or living in urban regions.

Conclusion:

This study found increased term low birth weight risks for increases in basement radon. Results have implications for infants’ health for exposure to radon at levels below the current national guideline for indoor radon concentrations and building remediations.
The Effect of Art on Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms
Authors: Çitil Elif Tuğçe , Canbay Funda Çitil
Published: July 2024

Art-based interventions can serve as a complementary and alternative method in managing various illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of art-based interventions on symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This study was conducted between September and December 2022, involving 72 midwifery students with PMS (37 in the experimental group [EG] and 35 in the control group [CG]). Art-based interventions were applied to the EG weekly for 8 weeks, while the students in the CG continued with their usual coping habits. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). At the end of 8 weeks, both the EG and the CG were reassessed with the PMSS. The students who participated in the study were similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical characteristics (P > .05). Analysis of the difference between pre- and posttest measurements revealed that the PMSS scores of the EG significantly decreased (P = .000), whereas the PMSS scores of the CG did not improve (P = .000). The findings of the study demonstrate that art-based interventions had a therapeutic effect on PMS symptoms.
The Effect of Self-Acupressure on Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Nurses
Authors: Çavuşoğlu Esra , Gün Meral
Published: July 2024

This study was conducted to determine the effects of self-acupressure on sleep quality and fatigue in nurses working in medical clinics. A total of 64 nurses (n = 32 acupressure, n = 32 sham acupressure) participated in this prospective, 2-arm (1:1) study with an experimental design. In the study, both groups used the pressure points they were taught while performing self-acupressure 3 times per week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the total mean score average of the acupressure group on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and Fatigue Severity Scale was significantly lower than that of the sham acupressure group (P < .05). Self-acupressure is a noninvasive, easy-to-use, safe, and efficient complementary and integrated technique that nurses can use to improve their sleep quality and manage fatigue.
Anterior Chamber Air Bubble Dynamics With Decreases in Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Donner Ruth , Aschauer Julia , Schmidinger Gerald
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of decreasing barometric pressure on intracameral bubble size and intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with varying air fills in the anterior chamber.

Methods:

A total of 36 human donor eyes received 30%, 50%, or 90% anterior chamber air fill. The eyes were subjected to decreases in atmospheric pressure down to 750 hPa, equal to 2400 m in altitude, and were repeatedly imaged using anterior segment OCT while IOP was measured continuously.

Results:

Eyes with 30% air fill initially showed moderate increases in IOP yet rising to an average of 30.83 mm Hg at 850 hPa (mimicking 1400 m altitude) and 42.08 mm Hg at 750 hPa. Eyes with larger air bubbles showed more acute increases in IOP with increases to an average of 47.25 mm Hg in eyes with 50% air fill at 850 hPa and 63.33 mm Hg at 750 hPa. In eyes with 90% air fill in the anterior chamber, IOP readings with an average of 113.42 mm Hg were observed already at 850 hPa, at which point additional pressure reduction was not performed.

Conclusions:

While severe increases in IOP were observed with decreased atmospheric pressure in eyes with large air bubbles in the anterior chamber, small and moderately sized bubbles seem to allow for travel over modest changes in altitude.
A Protocol for Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound as an Adjunct in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Leviter Julie I. , Feick Megan , Riera Antonio , White Lauren J.
Published: July 2024

Pediatric cardiac arrest is a rare but time-critical event that poses significant challenges to health care providers. Initiation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) early in resuscitation can help optimize the location of chest compressions, identify inadequate compressions, evaluate for sonographic pulse, and help direct management. Although several algorithms currently exist to incorporate POCUS into adult cardiac arrest, none, to our knowledge, currently exist for the pediatric population. We propose a novel protocol for POCUS use as an adjunct to existing standard-of-care measures in pediatric cardiac arrest, which we call the Pediatric Ultrasound for Life-Supporting Efforts protocol.
Implementation and Reach of Health Coaching Using Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Uninsured Illinois Women
Authors: Zimmermann Kristine , Cui, MS Liyong , Kaur Ravneet , Ford Chloe , Carnahan Leslie R. , Jefferies Pam , Curtis, MPA Phallisha , Khare Manorama M.
Published: July 2024

Context:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality for US women; lack of health insurance contributes to poor control of risk factors and increased mortality. Health coaching including motivational interviewing can support primary and secondary CVD prevention, but among uninsured women, improving health outcomes is dependent on successfully reaching priority populations.

Objective:

We evaluated the implementation and reach of health coaching with motivational interviewing among clients in the Illinois WISEWOMAN Program (IWP), a CVD screening and risk-reduction program for uninsured women aged 40 to 64.

Intervention:

Following CVD screening, motivational interviewing is offered to all IWP clients via four 30-min one-on-one health coaching sessions to offer personalized guidance on setting and achieving health behavior goals.

Setting:

Our analysis included clients from the eight community-based Illinois agencies that implemented IWP from 2019 to 2023.

Design and Measures:

We assessed client demographic and baseline health characteristics among all IWP clients, those who participated in health coaching by attending at least one session, and those who completed health coaching by attending at least three of four sessions. We also assessed health coaching participation and completion by agency and examined agency-specific associations between client characteristics and health coaching participation and completion.

Results:

Among IWP enrollees (n = 3094), 89.7% participated in at least one health coaching session but only 31.4% completed health coaching by attending at least three sessions. Over 90% of IWP clients participated in at least one health coaching session at 4 IWP agencies. Further, over 85% of health coaching participants completed health coaching at four agencies. Across agencies, no client-level characteristics were consistently associated with health coaching participation or completion.

Conclusions:

High motivational interviewing participation rates support its acceptability among uninsured women, but agency-level community-level barriers likely prevent client engagement in multiple sessions. Reducing CVD risk requires working with partner agencies to address barriers to reaching the priority population.
Current State of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Noticewala Sonal S. , Das Prajnan
Published: July 2024

In locally advanced rectal cancer, neoadjuvant treatment has evolved from no preoperative treatment to the addition of radiation and systemic therapy and ultimately total neoadjuvant therapy. Total neoadjuvant therapy is the completion of preoperative radiation or chemoradiation and chemotherapy before surgery in order to maximize tumor response and improve survival outcomes. This review summarizes the literature of the neoadjuvant approaches related to locally advanced rectal cancer and highlights the nuances of selecting the appropriate treatment.
Local-Regional Therapy for Oligometastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Miller Sean R. , Chang Daniel T.
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the United States as well as a leading cause of cancer-related death. Upward of 30% of patients ultimately develop metastatic disease, most commonly to the liver and lung. Untreated, patients have poor survival. Historically, patients with oligometastatic disease were treated with resection leading to long-term survival; however, there are many patients who are not surgical candidates. Innovations in thermal ablation, hepatic artery infusions, chemoembolization and radioembolization, and stereotactic ablative radiation have led to an expansion of patients eligible for local therapy. This review examines the evidence behind each modality for the most common locations of oligometastatic colorectal cancer.
Local Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dykstra Michael P. , Apisarnthanarax Smith , Poultsides George , Atkins Katelyn M. , Binder David , Olsen Jeffrey , Diaz Dayssy Alexandra , Chang Daniel T.
Published: July 2024

The oligometastatic disease state, defined as a cancer with 5 or fewer sites of metastasis, is a therapeutic opportunity to improve oncologic outcomes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) was among the first for which oligometastatic treatment was used in routine clinical practice, and recent studies have shown potential for improved overall survival with metastasis-directed therapies. As CRC is the third most common cause of cancer death in men and women, improving oncologic outcomes in this population is of paramount importance. The relatively recent identification of this treatment paradigm and paucity of high-quality data have led to heterogeneity in clinical practice. This review will explore perspectives of a panel of surgical and radiation oncologists for complex or controversial cases of metastatic CRC.
The Role of Circulating Tumor DNA for Management of Patients With Rectal Cancer
Authors: Sahin Ibrahim Halil , Yanes Rami , Saridogan Turcin , Holder-Murray Jennifer , Dasari Arvind N.
Published: July 2024

Recently, organ preservation with total neoadjuvant therapy resulted in substantial progress in the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The PROSPECT trial showed noninferiority of de-escalation of radiotherapy for patients with low-risk LARC who do not need abdominoperineal resection. Although these escalation and de-escalation approaches offer more personalized therapeutic approaches, the current state of care for patients with rectal cancer is far from individualized management. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is known to be one of the most powerful prognostic factors for early relapse and has been investigated in several interventional clinical trials to offer more precise treatment algorithms. In this review article, we discuss recent updates from studies examining the role of ctDNA for the prediction of treatment response and recurrence for patients with rectal cancer. We also elaborate on the future potential use of ctDNA in treatment escalation and de-escalation approaches for more personalized therapeutic interventions.
Point/Counterpoint #2
Authors: Rajeev-Kumar Greeshma , Katipally Rohan R. , Li Shen , Shogan Benjamin D. , Olortegui Kinga S. , Chin Janet , Polite Blase N. , Liauw Stanley L.
Published: July 2024

Locally advanced rectal cancer has historically been treated with multimodal therapy consisting of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and total mesorectal excision. However, recent prospective trials and registry studies have demonstrated similar disease outcomes with nonoperative management for patients who experience an excellent clinical response to radiation and chemotherapy. This article reviews data regarding nonoperative management for rectal cancer, and highlights current challenges and limitations in a point-counterpoint format, in the context of two clinical cases.
Impact of Positive Resection Margins on Recurrence and Survival Following Resection and Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: Results of the PRODIGE 24-CCTG PA-6 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lambert Aurélien , Salleron Julia , Harlé Alexandre , Biagi James J. , Leroux Agnès , Thomas Jacques , Monard Laure , Cros Jérôme , Marchal Frédéric , Ayav Ahmet , Conroy Thierry
Published: July 2024

Objective:

This study investigated the correlation between positive resection margins and outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy according to the pivotal trial PRODIGE 24-CCTG PA-6.

Background:

The primary focus is on elucidating the prognostic significance of specific resection margins, including those associated with the superior-mesenteric vein (SMV), medial, and posterior pancreas.

Methods:

The analysis involved 400 patients across multiple centers in France and Canada. Surgical resection and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy were core interventions. This study assessed the prognostic impact of resection margins, highlighting the significance of standardized pathology assessments. Additionally, the influence of chemotherapy regimen choice, comparing gemcitabine to mFOLFIRINOX, on the implications of positive resection margins was examined.

Results:

Only three margins, SMV (HR=1.48 95% CI [1.11;1.96], P<.001), medial (HR=1.92 95% CI [1.36;2.73], P<.001) and posterior (HR=1.65 95% CI [1.21;2.24], P=.002), had a significant prognostic impact on disease-free survival and were sufficient compared with the seven recommended margins (Kappa=0.90 95% CI [0.87; 0.94]). R1 status was significant independent prognostic factor for poorer survival in gemcitabine-treasted patients (HR=1.97 95% CI [1.23;3.16], P=.005) but lost its significance with mFOLFIRINOX (HR=1.46 95% CI [0.91;2.35], P=.114).

Conclusions:

All efforts should be made to evaluate the three margins of the highest prognostic value, with the others being secondary. A key finding of this study is the likely effect of mFOLFIRINOX on local invasion in operated patients, which seems to correct the impairment related to margin involvement, probably explaining the improvements in DFS and OS.
Nanotechnology-based Strategies for Molecular Imaging, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Organ Transplantation
Authors: Sun Ruiqi , Wang Ning , Zheng Shusen , Wang Hangxiang , Xie Haiyang
Published: July 2024

Organ transplantation is the preferred paradigm for patients with end-stage organ failures. Despite unprecedented successes, complications such as immune rejection, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and graft dysfunction remain significant barriers to long-term recipient survival after transplantation. Conventional immunosuppressive drugs have limited efficacy because of significant drug toxicities, high systemic immune burden, and emergence of transplant infectious disease, leading to poor quality of life for patients. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has emerged as a promising medical technology and offers several advantages by enhancing the delivery of drug payloads to their target sites, reducing systemic toxicity, and facilitating patient compliance over free drug administration. In addition, nanotechnology-based imaging approaches provide exciting diagnostic methods for monitoring molecular and cellular changes in transplanted organs, visualizing immune responses, and assessing the severity of rejection. These noninvasive technologies are expected to help enhance the posttransplantation patient survival through real time and early diagnosis of disease progression. Here, we present a comprehensive review of nanotechnology-assisted strategies in various aspects of organ transplantation, including organ protection before transplantation, mitigation of ischemia–reperfusion injury, counteraction of immune rejection, early detection of organ dysfunction posttransplantation, and molecular imaging and diagnosis of immune rejection.
Gender stereotypes regarding power and niceness in Japanese children
Authors: Meng Xianwei , Okanda Mako , Kanakogi Yasuhiro , Uragami Moe , Yamamoto Hiroki , Moriguchi Yusuke
Published: July 2024

Belief in gendered social power imbalance (i.e. males are more powerful than females) leads to undesirable gender disparities, but little is known about the developmental origins of this belief, especially in Eastern cultures. We investigated the development onset of this belief by focusing on 4–7-year-old Japanese children while considering another belief (females are nicer than males) for comparison. In the dyadic context tasks, children saw pairs of animated characters depicting powerful–powerless or kind–unkind postures and judged the characters' gender (boy or girl). Results suggested both ‘nice = female’ and ‘powerful = female’ gender stereotypes in children. In the collective context tasks, children were presented with stories in occupational contexts, including multiple unspecified people and verbal cues, describing more explicitly the powerful and nice traits of the protagonists. The results replicated the ‘nice = female’ gender stereotype. Moreover, early ‘powerful = male’ gender stereotypes were seen in 6-year-old boys but not among girls in general. These findings demonstrate that Japanese children's beliefs regarding gender differences in power vary depending on the context in which male–female interactions are presented. Additionally, the study reveals that signs of the ‘powerful = male’ social power gender stereotype emerge around the age of 6.
Gut microbial community in proboscis monkeys (
Nasalis larvatus
): implications for effects of geographical and social factors
Authors: Jose Lilian , Lee Wanyi , Hanya Goro , Tuuga Augustine , Goossens Benoit , Tangah Joseph , Matsuda Ikki , Kumar Vijay Subbiah
Published: July 2024

Recent technological advances have enabled comprehensive analyses of the previously uncharacterized microbial community in the gastrointestinal tracts of numerous animal species; however, the gut microbiota of several species, such as the endangered proboscis monkey (
Nasalis larvatus
) examined in this study, remains poorly understood. Our study sought to establish the first comprehensive data on the gut microbiota of free-ranging foregut-fermenting proboscis monkeys and to determine how their microbiota are affected locally by environmental factors, i.e. geographical distance, and social factors, i.e. the number of adult females within harem groups and the number of adults and subadults within non-harem groups, in a riverine forest in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 264 faecal samples collected from free-ranging proboscis monkeys, we demonstrated the trend that their microbial community composition is not particularly distinctive compared with other foregut- and hindgut-fermenting primates. The microbial alpha diversity was higher in larger groups and individuals inhabiting diverse vegetation (i.e. presumed to have a diverse diet). For microbial beta diversity, some measures were significant, showing higher values with larger geographical distances between samples. These results suggest that social factors such as increased inter-individual interactions, which can occur with larger groups, as well as physical distances between individuals or differences in dietary patterns, may affect the gut microbial communities.
A discrete-to-continuum model for the human cornea with application to keratoconus
Authors: Köry J. , Stewart P. S. , Hill N. A. , Luo X. Y. , Pandolfi A.
Published: July 2024

We introduce a discrete mathematical model for the mechanical behaviour of a planar slice of human corneal tissue, in equilibrium under the action of physiological intraocular pressure (IOP). The model considers a regular (two-dimensional) network of structural elements mimicking a discrete number of parallel collagen lamellae connected by proteoglycan-based chemical bonds (crosslinks). Since the thickness of each collagen lamella is small compared to the overall corneal thickness, we upscale the discrete force balance into a continuum system of partial differential equations and deduce the corresponding macroscopic stress tensor and strain energy function for the micro-structured corneal tissue. We demonstrate that, for physiological values of the IOP, the predictions of the discrete model converge to those of the continuum model. We use the continuum model to simulate the progression of the degenerative disease known as keratoconus, characterized by a localized bulging of the corneal shell. We assign a spatial distribution of damage (i.e. reduction of the stiffness) to the mechanical properties of the structural elements and predict the resulting macroscopic shape of the cornea, showing that a large reduction in the element stiffness results in substantial corneal thinning and a significant increase in the curvature of both the anterior and posterior surfaces.
The prebiotic emergence of biological evolution
Authors: Kocher Charles D. , Dill Ken A.
Published: July 2024

The origin of life must have been preceded by Darwin-like evolutionary dynamics that could propagate it. How did that adaptive dynamics arise? And from what prebiotic molecules? Using evolutionary invasion analysis, we develop a universal framework for describing any origin story for evolutionary dynamics. We find that
cooperative
autocatalysts, i.e. autocatalysts whose per-unit reproductive rate grows as their population increases, have the special property of being able to cross a barrier that separates their initial degradation-dominated state from a growth-dominated state with evolutionary dynamics. For some model parameters, this leap to persistent propagation is likely, not rare. We apply this analysis to the
Foldcat Mechanism
, wherein peptides fold and help catalyse the elongation of each other. Foldcats are found to have cooperative autocatalysis and be capable of emergent evolutionary dynamics.
Diverse sources of normativity in open science and their implications for ethical governance
Authors: Simm Kadri , Eigi-Watkin Jaana
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, open science (OS) has emerged as a global science policy and research initiative with implications for most aspects of research, including planning, funding, publishing, evaluation, data sharing and access. As OS has gained increasing prominence, it has also faced substantial criticism. Whether it is the worries about the equality of access associated with open-access publishing or the more recent allegations of OS benefitting those who act in the private interest without giving back to OS, there are, indeed, many potential as well as actual harms that can be linked to the practice of OS. These criticisms often revolve around ethical challenges and fairness concerns, prompting the question of whether a comprehensive ethical governance framework is needed for OS. This commentary contends that owing to the heterogeneous nature of the normative foundations of OS and the inherent diversity within scientific practices, a pluralistic and deliberative approach to governance is needed.
An early-life challenge: becoming an older sibling in wild mandrills
Authors: Delaunay Axelle , Cossu-Doye Océane , Roura-Torres Berta , Sauvadet Loïc , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Huchard Elise , Charpentier Marie J. E.
Published: July 2024

In monotocous mammals, most individuals experience the birth of a younger sibling. This period may induce losses in maternal care and can be physiologically, energetically and emotionally challenging for the older sibling, yet has rarely been studied in wild primates. We used behavioural data collected from a natural population of mandrills to investigate changes in maternal care and mother–juvenile relationship throughout the transition to siblinghood (TTS), by comparing juveniles who recently experienced the birth of a younger sibling, to juveniles who did not. We found that the TTS was associated with an abrupt cessation of the weaning process for the juvenile, and to a decrease in maternal affiliation. Juveniles’ reactions were sex-specific, as males associated less with their mother, while females tended to groom their mother more often after the birth of their sibling. Despite the substantial loss of maternal care, juveniles did not show an increase in conflict or anxiety-related behaviours. This study contributes to explain why short interbirth intervals often pose a risk to juveniles’ survival in monotocous primates. Our results contrast existing studies and further highlight the importance of examining the TTS in species and populations with various life histories and ecologies.
Review on the impacts of indoor vector control on domiciliary pests: good intentions challenged by harsh realities
Authors: Hayes Christopher C. , Schal Coby
Published: July 2024

Arthropod vectored diseases have been a major impediment to societal advancements globally. Strategies to mitigate transmission of these diseases include preventative care (e.g. vaccination), primary treatment and most notably, the suppression of vectors in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The outcomes of indoor vector control (IVC) strategies, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual sprays (IRSs), are heavily influenced by individual and community-level perceptions and acceptance. These perceptions, and therefore product acceptance, are largely influenced by the successful suppression of non-target nuisance pests such as bed bugs and cockroaches. Adoption and consistent use of LLINs and IRS is responsible for immense reductions in the prevalence and incidence of malaria. However, recent observations suggest that failed control of indoor pests, leading to product distrust and abandonment, may threaten vector control programme success and further derail already slowed progress towards malaria elimination. We review the evidence of the relationship between IVC and nuisance pests and discuss the dearth of research on this relationship. We make the case that the ancillary control of indoor nuisance and public health pests needs to be considered in the development and implementation of new technologies for malaria elimination.
The Cambrian
Odaraia alata
and the colonization of nektonic suspension-feeding niches by early mandibulates
Authors: Izquierdo-López Alejandro , Caron Jean-Bernard
Published: July 2024

The diversity of cephalic morphologies in mandibulates (myriapods and pancrustaceans) was key to their evolutionary success. A group of Cambrian bivalved arthropods called hymenocarines exhibit diagnostic mandibulate traits that illustrate this diversity, but many forms are still poorly known. These include the odaraiids, typified by
Odaraia alata
from the Burgess Shale (Wuliuan), characterized by its unique tubular carapace and rudder-like tail fan, and one of the largest Cambrian euarthropods at nearly 20 cm in length. Unfortunately, odaraiid cephalic anatomy has been largely unknown, limiting evolutionary scenarios and putting their mandibulate affinities into question. Here, we reinvestigate
Odaraia
based on new specimens from the Burgess Shale and describe exquisitely preserved mandibles with teeth and adjacent structures: a hypostome, maxillae and potential paragnaths. These structures can be homologized with those of Cambrian fuxianhuiids and extant mandibulates, and suggest that the ancestral mandibulate head could have had a limbless segment but retained its plasticity, allowing for limb re-expression within Pancrustacea. Furthermore, we show the presence of limbs with spinose endites which created a suspension-feeding structure. This discovery provides morphological evidence for suspension feeding among large Cambrian euarthropods and evinces the increasing exploitation of planktonic resources in Cambrian pelagic food webs.
Reorganization of circadian activity and the pacemaker circuit under novel light regimes
Authors: Sharma Pragya Niraj , Sheeba Vasu
Published: July 2024

Many environmental features are cyclic, with predictable changes across the day, seasons and latitudes. Additionally, anthropogenic, artificial-light-induced changes in photoperiod or shiftwork-driven novel light/dark cycles also occur. Endogenous timekeepers or circadian clocks help organisms cope with such changes. The remarkable plasticity of clocks is evident in the waveforms of behavioural and molecular rhythms they govern. Despite detailed mechanistic insights into the functioning of the circadian clock, practical means to manipulate activity waveform are lacking. Previous studies using a nocturnal rodent model showed that novel light regimes caused locomotor activity to bifurcate such that mice showed two bouts of activity restricted to the dimly lit phases. Here, we explore the generalizability of these findings and leverage the genetic toolkit of
Drosophila melanogaster
to obtain mechanistic insights into this unique phenomenon. We find that dim scotopic illumination of specific durations induces circadian photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME-dependent activity bifurcation in male flies. We show circadian reorganization of the pacemaker circuit, wherein the ‘evening’ neurons regulate the timing of both bouts of activity under novel light regimes. Our findings indicate that such environmental regimes can be exploited to design light cycles, which can ease the circadian waveform into synchronizing with challenging conditions.
A mouse model of cardiac AL amyloidosis unveils mechanisms of tissue accumulation and toxicity of amyloid fibrils
Authors: Martinez-Rivas G , Ayala MV , Bender S , Codo GR , Swiderska K , Lampis A , Pedroza L , Merdanovic M , Sicard P , Pinault E , Richard L , Lavatelli F , Giorgetti S , Canetti D. , Rinsant A , Kaaki S , Ory C , Oblet C , Pollet J , Naser E , Carpinteiro A , Roussel M , Javaugue V , Jaccard A , Bonaud A , Delpy L , Ehrmann M , Bridoux F , Sirac C
Published: July 2024

AL amyloidosis is one of the most common types of systemic amyloidosis, caused by the deposition in tissues of fibrillar aggregates of abnormal immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain (LC), leading to organ dysfunction. The most frequent and severe forms affect the kidneys and heart, the latter being associated with a poor prognosis. Despite extensive efforts to decipher the mechanisms of fibril formation and their toxicity, the lack of reliable in vivo models hinders the study of the disease in its physiological context. We developped a transgenic mouse model producing high amounts of a human AL light chain (LC). While mice exceptionnaly develop spontaneous AL amyloidosis and do not exhibit organ toxicity due to the circulating amyloidogenic free LC, a single injection of amyloid fibrils, made up of the variable domain (VL) of the human LC, or soluble VL led to amyloid deposits in the heart, vessels, spleen and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney and other visceral tissues. AL fibrils in mice contain both full length and fragmented LC with a fragmentation pattern highly superposable to that of human AL fibrils from the same LC subgroup (IGLV6-57). They also develop an early cardiac dysfunction closely resembling the human disease with increased NT-proBNP,and activation of pathways involved in the extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis. Overall, this transgenic AL model closely reproduces human cardiac AL amyloidosis and shares with humans the biochemical composition of the deposits, arguing for a conserved mechanism of amyloid fibrils formation. It also shows that a partial degradation of the LC is likely required to initiate amyloid fibril formations. This model offers a new avenue for research on AL amyloidosis and fills an important gap for the preclinical evaluation of new therapies.
DREAMER: Exploring Common Mechanisms of Adverse Drug Reactions and Disease Phenotypes through Network-Based Analysis
Authors: Firoozbakht Farzaneh , Elkjaer Maria Louise , Handy Diane E. , Wang Rui-Sheng , Chervontseva Zoe , Rarey Matthias , Loscalzo Joseph , Baumbach Jan , Tsoy Olga
Published: July 2024

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major concern in clinical healthcare, significantly affecting patient safety and drug development. The need for a deeper understanding of ADR mechanisms is crucial for improving drug safety profiles in drug design and drug repurposing. This study introduces DREAMER (Drug adverse REAction Mechanism ExplaineR), a novel network-based method for exploring the mechanisms underlying adverse drug reactions and disease phenotypes at a molecular level by leveraging a comprehensive knowledge graph obtained from various datasets. By considering drugs and diseases that cause similar phenotypes, and investigating their commonalities regarding their impact on specific modules of the protein-protein interaction network, DREAMER can robustly identify protein sets associated with the biological mechanisms underlying ADRs and unravel the causal relationships that contribute to the observed clinical outcomes. Applying DREAMER to 649 ADRs, we identified proteins associated with the mechanism of action for 67 ADRs across multiple organ systems, e.g., ventricular arrhythmia, metabolic acidosis, and interstitial pneumonitis. In particular, DREAMER highlights the importance of GABAergic signaling and proteins of the coagulation pathways for personality disorders and intracranial hemorrhage, respectively. We further demonstrate the application of DREAMER in drug repurposing and propose sotalol (targeting KCNH2), ranolazine (targeting SCN5A, currently under clinical trial), and diltiazem (indicated drug targeting CACNA1C and SCN3A) as candidate drugs to be repurposed for cardiac arrest. In summary, DREAMER effectively detects molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypes emphasizing the importance of network-based analyses with integrative data for enhancing drug safety and accelerating the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies.
Nanomechanically-induced nonequilibrium quantum phase transition to a self-organized density wave of a Bose-Einstein condensate
Authors: Radonjić Milan , Mixa Leon , Pelster Axel , Thorwart Michael
Published: July 2024

We report on a nonequilibrium quantum phase transition (NQPT) in a hybrid quantum many-body system consisting of a vibrational mode of a damped nanomembrane interacting optomechanically with a cavity, whose output light couples to two internal states of an ultracold Bose gas held in an external quasi-one-dimensional box potential. For small effective membrane-atom couplings, the system is in a homogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) steady state, with no membrane displacement. Depending on the transition frequency between the two internal atomic states, either one or both internal states are occupied. By increasing the atom-membrane couplings, the system transitions to a symmetry-broken self-organized BEC phase, which is characterized by a considerably displaced membrane steady-state and density-wave-like BEC profiles. This NQPT can be both discontinuous and continuous for a certain interval of transition frequencies and is purely discontinuous outside of it.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of strain-tunable valleys on charge transport in bismuth
Authors: Hosoi Suguru , Tachibana Fumu , Sakaguchi Mai , Ishida Kentaro , Shimozawa Masaaki , Izawa Koichi , Fuseya Yuki , Kinoshita Yuto , Tokunaga Masashi
Published: July 2024

The manipulation of the valley degree of freedom can boost the technological development of novel functional devices based on valleytronics. The current mainstream platform for valleytronics is to produce a monolayer with inversion asymmetry, in which the strain-band engineering through the substrates can serve to improve the performance of valley-based devices. However, pinpointing the effective role of strain is inevitable for the precise design of the desired valley structure. Here, we demonstrate the charge transport under continuously controllable external strain for bulk bismuth crystals with three equivalent electron valleys and one hole valley. The strain response of resistance, namely elastoresistance, exhibits evolutions in both antisymmetric and symmetric channels with decreasing temperature. The elastoresistance behaviors mainly reflect the significant changes in valley density depending on the symmetry of induced strain, evidenced by our strain-dependent quantum oscillation measurements and first-principles band calculations under strain. These facts suggest the successful tuning and evaluation of the valley populations through strain-dependent charge valley transport.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
X-ray lens figure errors retrieved by deep learning from several beam intensity images
Authors: Sanchez del Rio Manuel , Celestre Rafael , Reyes-Herrera Juan
Published: July 2024

The phase problem in the context of focusing synchrotron beams with X-ray lenses is addressed. The feasibility of retrieving the surface error of a lens system by using only the intensity of the propagated beam at several distances is demonstrated. A neural network, trained with a few thousand simulations using random errors, can predict accurately the lens error profile that accounts for all aberrations. It demonstrates the feasibility of routinely measuring the aberrations induced by an X-ray lens, or another optical system, using only a few intensity images.
From mandate to co-create: leading the development of inclusive performance evaluation criteria
Authors: Smith Jessi L. , Mendez Sylvia , Poe Jennifer , Johnson Camille , Willson Dale K. , Daniels Elizabeth A. , Song Heather , Skop Emily
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Annual performance evaluations of faculty are a routine, yet essential, task in higher education. Creating (or revising) performance criteria presents an opportunity for leaders to work with their teams to co-create evaluation metrics that broaden participation and minimise inequity. The purpose of this study was to support organisational leaders in developing equitable performance criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted the “dual-agenda” dialogues training that draws on concepts of collective self-efficacy and intersectionality for department leaders to co-create annual review criteria with their faculty members at one university. We used qualitative and quantitative data to assess the training and conducted an equity audit of the resulting annual review criteria.

Findings

Survey results from faculty members and departmental leaders (n = 166) demonstrated general satisfaction with the process used to create new criteria, perceptions that their criteria were inclusive and optimism about future reviews. Those with greater familiarity with the dialogues process had more positive perceptions of the inclusivity of their department’s criteria and more positive expectations of future reviews. The examination of eight indicators of equity illustrated that the resultant criteria were transparent and holistic.

Originality/value

This study builds on the relatively little research on faculty members’ annual performance evaluations, focussing on inclusive dialogues that centre equity and diversity. Results highlight the value of providing department leaders with evidence-based tools to foster system-level change through equitable evaluation policies. A toolkit is available for adaptation of the “dual-agenda” leadership training to both co-create annual review criteria and improve equity and inclusion.