bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From “Additive-Free” to “Tobacco & Water”: Assessing the Impact of Marketing Claim Changes on Natural American Spirit and L&M Cigarettes
Authors: Weiger Caitlin , Gratale Stefanie K , Ganz Ollie , Wackowski Olivia A
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The 2017 agreement between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the makers of Natural America Spirit (NAS) cigarettes restricted the use of “additive-free” (AF) in brand marketing, which the company replaced with “tobacco ingredients: tobacco & water” (TW), a phrase subsequently adopted by L&M. We tested how participants’ perceptions differed when exposed to AF versus TW claims on NAS and L&M packs.

Aims and Methods

A between-subjects experiment was embedded within an online survey in August 2022 (n = 2526). Participants were randomized to view one of three packs (NAS AF pack, NAS TW pack, L&M TW pack). Logistic regressions assessed differences (by pack exposure) in perceived pack attractiveness and relative chemical and harm perceptions compared to other cigarettes. Interactions by smoking status were explored.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the NAS AF and NAS TW packs on perceived attractiveness or relative harm, although never smokers had higher odds of having lower relative chemicals perceptions in response to the NAS AF versus NAS TW pack (OR = 1.81). Compared to participants who saw the NAS TW pack, those who saw the L&M TW pack tended to have lower odds of perceiving the pack as attractive, believing that the product had fewer chemicals than other products, or believing the product was less harmful than other products compared to the NAS TW pack.

Conclusion

Results suggest the more implicit “tobacco ingredients: tobacco & water” claim functions similarly to “additive-free” and as an unauthorized modified risk claim. NAS brand image also appears to contribute to higher perceived pack attractiveness and lower perceptions of chemicals and harm. Additional marketing regulations and corrective campaigns may be needed to reduce risk-related misperceptions about NAS cigarettes.

Implications

Our findings show that replacing “additive-free” claims with “tobacco ingredients: tobacco & water” did not sufficiently address the illegal use of unauthorized modified risk claims by the makers of NAS cigarettes. Further regulatory action restricting the TW claim could potentially reduce inaccurate lower harm perceptions about NAS cigarettes. Educational campaigns may also be needed to mitigate NAS’s history of marketing that implies reduced harm, given that the effects of implicit reduced risk claims like TW have a greater effect on pack perceptions for NAS than L&M.
Effects of physical forcing on short-term plankton dynamics in a narrow coral reef lagoon (Ouano, New Caledonia): a two-week high-frequency study
Authors: Rodier Martine , Pagano Marc , Lhomond Lucas , Péricaud Jean-Baptiste , Guilloux Loïc , Devenon Jean-Luc , Chevalier Cristèle
Published: February 2024

The response of plankton communities to short-term climatic events was studied in a narrow coral reef lagoon representative of the channel-type lagoons of the high islands of the tropical Pacific. Phyto- and zooplankton data (abundance and taxonomic composition) were sampled at high frequencies for 2 weeks in April–May 2017 under various tidal conditions and combined with environmental and physical measurements and modeling hydrodynamic products. The short-term external events (wind, waves and rain) that occurred caused changes in the circulation patterns and increased nutrient concentrations in the lagoon. The plankton reacted quickly to this enrichment, with an increase in chlorophyll a and the rapid development of a microphytoplankton community dominated by diatoms, and of opportunistic herbivorous zooplankton (tintinnids, appendicularians). Zooplankton composition and distribution were strongly modulated by the circulation patterns through advection and mixing. Our results show that the tidal and diel components of the temporal variability of planktonic groups were blurred by sporadic event components (i.e. wind, wave and rainfall events). Environmental and biological responses to these external physical forcings occurred at lagoon scale in this channel-like lagoon, unlike what is observed in larger lagoons (such as the southern lagoons of New Caledonia) where spatial variability is much higher.
Brassinosteroid-dependent phosphorylation of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE2 reduces its DNA-binding ability in rice
Authors: Zhang Guoxia , Wang Hongru , Ren Xiangle , Xiao Yunhua , Liu Dapu , Meng Wenjing , Qiu Yahong , Hu Bin , Xie Qingjun , Chu Chengcai , Tong Hongning
Published: February 2024

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are widely used as plant growth regulators in modern agriculture. Understanding how BRs regulate nutrient signaling is crucial for reducing fertilizer usage. Here we elucidate that the central BR signaling inhibitor GSK3/SHAGGY-LIKE KINASE2 (GSK2) interacts directly with and phosphorylates PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE2 (OsPHR2), the key regulator of phosphate (Pi) signaling, to suppress its transcription factor activity in rice (Oryza sativa). We identify a critical phosphorylation site at serine residue S269 of OsPHR2 and demonstrate that phosphorylation by GSK2 or phosphor-mimic mutation of S269 substantially impairs the DNA-binding activity of OsPHR2, and thus diminishes expression of OsPHR2-induced genes and reduces Pi levels. Like BRs, Pi starvation noticeably induces GSK2 instability. We further show that this site-specific phosphorylation event is conserved in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but varies among the PHR-family members, being present only in most land plants. These results unveil a distinctive post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in Pi signaling by which BRs promote Pi acquisition, with a potential contribution to the environmental adaptability of plants during their evolution.
Unlocking Nature's Defense: Plant Pattern Recognition Receptors as Guardians Against Pathogenic Threats
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xie Yingpeng , He Ping , Shan Libo
Published: February 2024

Embedded in the plasma membrane of plant cells, receptor kinases (RKs) and receptor proteins (RPs) act as key sentinels, responsible for detecting potential pathogenic invaders. These proteins were originally characterized more than three decades ago as disease resistance (R) proteins, a concept that was formulated based on Harold Flor's gene-for-gene theory. This theory implies genetic interaction between specific plant R proteins and corresponding pathogenic effectors, eliciting effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Over the years, extensive research has unraveled their intricate roles in pathogen sensing and immune response modulation. RKs and RPs recognize molecular patterns from microbes as well as dangers from plant cells in initiating pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and danger-triggered immunity (DTI), which have intricate connections with ETI. Moreover, these proteins are involved in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmunity. This review showcases seminal studies in discovering RKs and RPs as R proteins and discusses the recent advances in understanding their functions in sensing pathogen signals and the plant cell integrity and in preventing autoimmunity, ultimately contributing to a robust and balanced plant defense response.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.
Phage-Dependent Alteration of Rhizosphere Microbiota in Tomato Plants
Authors: Lee Seung Yeup , Magar Roniya Thapa , Choi Kihyuck , Kim Hyo Jeong , Park Insoo , Lee Seon-Woo
Published: February 2024

Bacteriophages (phages) that infect bacterial pathogens are an alternative means of controlling bacterial diseases in humans, animals, and plants. However, the effects of targeted phage therapy on indigenous microbial communities are not fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized that phages infecting plant pathogenic bacteria play a role in modulating the microbial community in the plant rhizosphere. To explore this, we used the soil-borne plant bacterial pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum as the host bacterium and its phages as a model system in the tomato rhizosphere. The effect of phages on the microbiota was examined using a narrow host range phage RpY1 and a combination of two phages (RpY2 and RpT1, termed the phage combo) with a broad host range under the natural rhizosphere microbiota of tomato plants. Both RpY1 and the phage combo altered the tomato rhizosphere microbiota. The phage combo displayed phage effects mostly in the presence of R. pseudosolanacearum. However, RpY1 affected the rhizosphere microbiota even in the absence of the host bacterium. The effect of phage RpY1 on the microbiota was further investigated in the tomato rhizosphere using a synthetic community (SynCom) mimicking the natural tomato rhizosphere microbiota. Phage RpY1 affected the microbial community structure of the SynCom in the tomato rhizosphere in the absence of the host bacterium. Analyses of the natural microbiota and SynCom in the tomato rhizosphere indicated an indirect effect of phage RpY1 on the microbiota. This study suggests that phage application modulates the indigenous microbiota through unknown interactions with nonhost bacterial members in the plant rhizosphere.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Teaching Social Determinants of Health in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Longitudinal Curricular and Experiential Program in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Habbal Khairat , Ibrahim Halah
Published: February 2024

Social determinants of health (SDH) have a major impact on illness and wellness. However, research shows a lack of training on SDH in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, with studies confirming that the social needs of patients are not routinely identified or addressed by health care professionals in clinical practice. The medical education community is currently working to incorporate SDH into undergraduate training but has had limited guidance regarding educational topics, modes of teaching, and evaluation criteria in this domain. This article describes the evolution, process, and structure, along with student perceptions, lessons learned, and future directions, of an SDH educational program in the United Arab Emirates. Using the Institute of Medicine’s behavioral and social science knowledge domains as a framework, the program includes a didactic component with workshops, reflective practice training, and an experiential component that integrates home visits with social activities in collaboration with community partners. The program began in 2019. To date, 114 students have completed the didactic sessions and at least 1 year of the experiential component. Student surveys and reflective narratives reveal positive perceptions of the program and improved SDH knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Learning From Clinical Supervisor Practice Variability: Exploring Medical Resident and Fellow Experiences and Interpretations
Authors: Mithoowani Siraj , Khattak Shahzaib , Lieberman Susan , Tseng Eric K. , Zeller Michelle P. , van Merriënboer Jeroen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Clinical practice variability is characterized by 2 or more clinicians making different treatment decisions despite encountering a similar case. This study explores how medical residents and fellows experience and interpret intersupervisor clinical practice variability and how these variations influence learning.

Method

Seventeen senior residents or fellows in internal medicine, hematology, or thrombosis medicine (postgraduate year 3 or above) participated in semistructured interviews after a clinical rotation in thrombosis medicine from December 2019 to March 2021. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively and concurrently in a manner consistent with constructivist grounded theory. Variation theory was used to guide the development of some interview questions. A central tenet of this theory is that learning occurs by experiencing 3 sequential patterns of variation: contrast, generalization, and fusion. Participants were recruited purposively with respect to specialty until theoretical sufficiency was reached.

Results

Clinical practice variability was experienced by all participants. Residents and fellows attributed practice variability to intrinsic differences among supervisors; interinstitutional differences; selection and interpretation of evidence; patient preferences, priorities, and fears; and their own participation in the decision-making process. Clinical practice variability helped residents and fellows discern key features of cases that influenced decision-making (contrast), group similar cases so that the appropriate evidence could be applied (generalization), and develop attitudes consistent with providing individualized patient care (fusion). Observing practice variability was more helpful for fifth- and sixth-year residents and less helpful for third- and fourth-year residents.

Conclusions

Clinical practice variability helped residents and fellows discern critical aspects, group similar patients, and practice individualized medicine. Future research should characterize how clinical practice variability influences learning across the spectrum of training, how supervisors could encourage learning from practice variability, and how curricula could be modified to allow learners greater opportunity to reflect on and consolidate the practice differences they observe.
Comparing Cosmetic Outcomes of Straight-Line Versus W-Plasty Techniques for Linear Postauricular Wound Closure: A Randomized Evaluator Blind Split-Scar Trial
Authors: Mehrzad Mehrnaz , Kang Alison S. , Armstrong April W. , Eisen Daniel B.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Surgeons' opinions vary on the cosmetic outcome of straight-line (SL) versus broken-line (W-plasty) closure methods. To date, no studies have compared the 2 techniques in the split-scar design model that resolves the confounding individual patient factors that affects the scar outcome.

OBJECTIVE

Compare outcomes and wound cosmesis with SL versus W-plasty closure techniques.

METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted with 50 linear surgical wounds randomized to SL closure on half and W-plasty on the other half. At 3 months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale [POSAS]).

RESULTS

The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores were 16.6 (6.18) for the SL side and 15.5 (6.37) for the W-plasty side (p = .49). The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS patient scores were 14.4 (6.8) in SL and 15.1 (8.2) in W-plasty (p = .59). The mean (SD) complications were 0.08 (0.06) for SL and 0.02 (0.14) for W-plasty (p = .18).

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant difference in wound cosmesis or complications was noted between SL versus W-plasty closure techniques. Surgeons may want to consider whether the extra time involved in placing zigzag W-plasty lines is worthwhile.
Protective Effect of CD137 Deficiency Against Postinfarction Cardiac Fibrosis and Adverse Cardiac Remodeling by ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zang Guangyao , Chen Yiliu , Guo Ge , Wan Aijun , Li Bo , Wang Zhongqun
Published: February 2024

Myocardial fibrosis, a common complication of myocardial infarction (MI), is characterized by excessive collagen deposition and can result in impaired cardiac function. The specific role of CD137 in the development of post-MI myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of CD137 signaling using CD137 knockout mice and in vitro experiments. CD137 expression levels progressively increased in the heart after MI, particularly in myofibroblast, which play a key role in fibrosis. Remarkably, CD137 knockout mice exhibited improved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis compared with wild-type mice at day 28 post-MI. The use of Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining demonstrated a reduction in the infarct area and collagen volume fraction in CD137 knockout mice. Furthermore, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen I, key markers of fibrosis, was decreased in heart tissues lacking CD137. In vitro experiments supported these findings because CD137 depletion attenuated cardiac fibroblast differentiation, and migration, and collagen I synthesis. In addition, the administration of CD137L recombinant protein further promoted alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen I synthesis, suggesting a profibrotic effect. Notably, the application of an inhibitor targeting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway attenuated the profibrotic effects of CD137L. To conclude, this study provides evidence that CD137 plays a significant role in promoting myocardial fibrosis after MI. Inhibition of CD137 signaling pathways may hold therapeutic potential for mitigating pathological cardiac remodeling and improving post-MI cardiac function.
High-value innovations in otolaryngology born from a tertiary hospital in Rwanda: opportunities for bi-directional learning
Authors: Nuss Sarah , Shaye David , Tuyishimire Gratien , Bukuru John ,   Co-PI, Nuss Roger , Ncogoza Isaie
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

The objective of this paper is to discuss bidirectional innovation sharing between high-income countries (HICs) and low-income countries and middle-income countries (LMICs) in otolaryngology surgery. The authors aim to highlight several high-value, context-appropriate innovations in otolaryngology care that have been developed in a tertiary hospital in Rwanda and discuss their safety and efficacy compared to the standard of care.

Methods:

Five surgeons (three Rwandan surgeons, two United States surgeons with longitudinal experience in Rwanda) provided their recommendations for high-value innovations currently being employed in their experience at a tertiary hospital in Rwanda.

Results:

Otolaryngologists provided feedback on the utility, safety, and efficacy of ten ‘innovations’ that aim to optimize resource utilization and improve access to otolaryngology care. The authors emphasize the need for tailored, context-appropriate solutions in surgical care and the importance of research and evaluation to ensure the safety and efficacy of LMIC innovations. The authors also highlight the potential for HICs to learn from LMICs in terms of high-value and environmentally sustainable surgical practices. Further research is needed to guide national health systems in prioritizing their infrastructure, equipment, and training needs for scaling up otolaryngology services.

Discussion:

Our review highlights the importance of bidirectional learning in surgical innovation and the potential for high-value innovations to improve surgical care in LMICs.
Social Support and Social Stress Among Suicidal Inpatients at Military Treatment Facilities
Authors: Darmour Charles A. , Luk Jeremy W. , LaCroix Jessica M. , Perera Kanchana U. , Goldston David B. , Soumoff Alyssa A. , Weaver Jennifer J. , Ghahramanlou-Holloway Marjan
Published: February 2024

The associations between social support and stress with internalizing symptoms (depressive symptoms and hopelessness) and hazardous drinking were tested in an inpatient sample of suicidal military personnel. Baseline data from a randomized clinical trial were analyzed. Different sources of support and stressors in the social context of military personnel were differentially linked to internalizing symptoms and hazardous drinking. In the full sample (n = 192), family and nonfamily support were both inversely associated with internalizing symptoms but not hazardous drinking. Family stress was positively associated with internalizing symptoms. In a subsample of service members who had a history of deployment (n = 98), postdeployment social support was protective against internalizing symptoms, whereas deployment harassment was associated with increased odds of hazardous drinking. Results underscore the need for assessment of various dimensions of social support and stress to guide case formulation and optimize strategies to support patients' mental well-being and adaptive coping.
Assessment of the Readability and Quality of Online Information for Patients and Their Families Regarding Schizophrenia
Authors: Ekinci Okan , Koyuncu Alcin Naz
Published: February 2024

To our knowledge, this is the first study that specifically aims to assess the readability and quality of online information about schizophrenia. The analysis is performed on 93 of 195 websites that appeared in an advanced Google search of the term “schizophrenia” performed on a single day. The websites were categorized as commercial, nonprofit, professional, and government. The websites were evaluated using the Health on the Net Foundation (HON) code certificate, DISCERN tool, and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria for quality and the Flesch Reading Ease Formula, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) Formula, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and Gunning Fog indices for readability. A total of 21.5% of all websites had a HON code certificate, 50.5% were accepted as high quality (JAMA score ≥3), and 25.8% reached the recommended readability level (FKGL ≤8). Only three websites scored at a fifth- to sixth-grade reading level. Commercial and government websites had significantly lower DISCERN scores. Commercial websites had significantly lower Flesch Reading Ease Score and FKGL score than nonprofit websites. In conclusion, the current findings indicate that the quality of online information on schizophrenia is generally acceptable, but the readability is insufficient. Website creators, physicians, and health authorities should be more sensitive to the readability of online information about schizophrenia, considering the poor cognitive capacity of the patients and the unique nature of the disease.
Vestibular Decompensation Following COVID-19 Infection in a Person With Compensated Unilateral Vestibular Loss: A Rehabilitation case study
Authors: Weston Angela R. , Doar Grayson , Dibble Leland E. , Loyd Brian J.
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose:

Surgical removal of a vestibular schwannoma (vestibular schwannoma resection; VSR) results in a unilateral vestibular hypofunction with complaints of dizziness and imbalance. Although the anatomic lesion is permanent, recovery of balance and diminution of dizziness occurs through central neurophysiologic compensation. Compensation of the system is maintained through daily activity. Unfortunately, interruption of stimulus, such as decreased activities due to illness, can cause decompensation. Decompensation is described as the return of symptoms consistent with that experienced during the initial insult/injury (eg, dizziness, oscillopsia, balance difficulty). This case study describes a reoccurrence of vestibular dysfunction in a person with a history of VSR following hospitalization and protracted recovery from a COVID-19 infection. It further documents her recovery that may be a result of vestibular rehabilitation.

Case Description:

A 49-year-old woman (M.W.) with a surgical history of VSR (10 years prior) and a medical history of significant COVID-19 infection, resulting in an intensive care unit stay and prolonged use of supplemental oxygen, presented to physical therapy with persistent dizziness and imbalance. The video head impulse test confirmed unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Intervention:

M.W. attended biweekly vestibular rehabilitation for 6 weeks and completed daily home exercises.

Outcomes:

At discharge, M.W. demonstrated improvements in patient-reported outcomes (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), functional testing (MiniBEST, 2-Minute Walk Test), and gaze stability measures (video head impulse testing, dynamic visual acuity).

Discussion:

Vestibular decompensation preluded by a COVID-19 infection caused a significant decrease in functional mobility. Vestibular rehabilitation targeted at gaze and postural stability effectively reduced symptoms and facilitated recovery to M.W.’s pre-COVID-19 level of function.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A458).
Perceptions of good physicians in patients’ online consultations: Evidence from a Chinese platform
Authors: Peng Quanming , Li Jun , Zheng Lutong , Guo Liping
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This article aimed to offer insights into patients’ expectations regarding the traits of physicians, with the goal of helping physicians gain a better understanding of patient needs and provide better care.

Method:

This study used a Python crawler script to collect patients’ comments from haodf.com, a major online consultation platform in China, to examine the expected character traits of physicians by patients. A total of 83,315 comments were obtained. We selected positive comments from patients, performed text segmentation using Jieba, and utilized the TextRank algorithm to identify high-ranking words based on the Index of Relative Importance (IRI) within these comments. To make the findings comprehensible and practical for physicians and medical educators, we utilized a word cloud to visualize the results. We classified the high-ranking words into four dimensions—professional competence, communication attitude, communication ability, and character traits—based on the categorization of positive physician qualities found in relevant literature.

Results:

Key findings from the study included: (1) The top 23 high ranking words for traits of good physicians (in descending order) were: patient, meticulous, proficient, precise, kind, moderate, successful, gentle, rigorous, explicit, clear, effective, humorous, sincere, skilled, kindhearted, modest, awesome, practical (and not flashy), unhurried, experienced, clean, and excellent; (2) Patients placed the highest value on the professional competence of physicians, followed by their communication attitude, communication ability, and character traits; (3) Despite the highest IRI score for professional competence, it was exceeded by the combined scores of communication attitude and communication ability. This underscored the significance of effective communication in medical encounters.

Conclusions:

Drawing from these findings, recommendations are proposed for physicians and medical educators to enhance the quality of medical encounters. These suggestions include implementing Narrative Medicine training to improve communication awareness and skills as well as encouraging lifelong continuing medical education to maintain professional competence among practitioners. This study contributes to the establishment of positive physician-patient relationships in both telemedicine and face-to-face medical interactions.
Effects of Endotracheal Epinephrine on Pharmacokinetics and Survival in a Swine Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Model
Authors: Johnson Don , Hensler Julie G. , O'Sullivan Joseph , Blouin Dawn , de la Garza Melissa A. , Yauger Young
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the endotracheal tube (ET) and intravenous (IV) administration of epinephrine relative to concentration maximum, time to maximum concentration, mean concentration over time (MC), area under the curve, odds, and time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a normovolemic pediatric cardiac arrest model.

Methods

Male swine weighing 24–37 kg were assigned to 4 groups: ET (n = 8), IV (n = 7), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) + defibrillation (CPR + Defib) (n = 5), and CPR only (n = 3). Swine were placed arrest for 2 minutes, and then CPR was initiated for 2 minutes. Epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg) for the ET group or 0.01 mg/kg for the IV was administered every 4 minutes or until ROSC. Defibrillation started at 3 minutes and continued every 2 minutes for 30 minutes or until ROSC for all groups except the CPR-only group. Blood samples were collected over a period of 5 minutes.

Results

The MC of plasma epinephrine for the IV group was significantly higher at the 30- and 60-second time points (P = 0.001). The ET group had a significantly higher MC of epinephrine at the 180- and 240-second time points (P < 0.05). The concentration maximum of plasma epinephrine was significantly lower for the ET group (195 ± 32 ng/mL) than for the IV group (428 ± 38 ng/mL) (P = 0.01). The time to maximum concentration was significantly longer for the ET group (145 ± 26 seconds) than for the IV group (42 ± 16 seconds) (P = 0.01). No significant difference existed in area under the curve between the 2 groups (P = 0.62). The odds of ROSC were 7.7 times greater for the ET versus IV group. Time to ROSC was not significantly different among the IV, ET, and CPR + Defib groups (P = 0.31).

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, the ET route of administration should be considered a first-line intervention.
Bane or boon regarding urbanicity and psychotic spectrum disorders: a scoping review of current evidence
Authors: Chew Qian Hui , Sim Kang
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review

This review aims to provide an update on the association between urbanization and psychotic spectrum disorders, focusing on specific aspects of the urban environment that could be a bane or boon for the risk of psychosis.

Recent findings

Majority of the included studies support previous evidence suggesting that urbanization is linked to a higher risk of psychotic experiences and psychotic spectrum disorders. A small minority, however, have also found specific factors in the urban environment that could give rise to positive outcomes, such as better social functioning and lower mortality rates in psychotic spectrum disorders, or mitigate the risks associated with urbanization. The perception of the urban environment was also an important factor that increased or mitigated stress levels in patients with psychosis, which in turn affected their susceptibility to psychotic symptoms.

Specific aspects of the urban environment such as the availability and density of greenspaces are crucial for mitigating the effect of urbanization on risk of psychotic spectrum disorders, and should be incorporated into urban planning. At the same time, there is a need to further explore how modifiable risk factors of the urban environment such as air and noise pollution can be minimized to allow for more liveable cities in the context of psychotic spectrum conditions.
Current perspectives on perinatal mental health and neurobehavioral development: focus on regulation, coregulation and self-regulation
Authors: Van den Bergh Bea R.H. , Antonelli Marta C. , Stein Dan J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review

Perinatal mental health research provides an important perspective on neurobehavioral development. Here, we aim to review the association of maternal perinatal health with offspring neurodevelopment, providing an update on (self-)regulation problems, hypothesized mechanistic pathways, progress and challenges, and implications for mental health.

Recent findings

(1) Meta-analyses confirm that maternal perinatal mental distress is associated with (self-)regulation problems which constitute cognitive, behavioral, and affective social-emotional problems, while exposure to positive parental mental health has a positive impact. However, effect sizes are small. (2) Hypothesized mechanistic pathways underlying this association are complex. Interactive and compensatory mechanisms across developmental time are neglected topics. (3) Progress has been made in multiexposure studies. However, challenges remain and these are shared by clinical, translational and public health sciences. (4) From a mental healthcare perspective, a multidisciplinary and system level approach employing developmentally-sensitive measures and timely treatment of (self-)regulation and coregulation problems in a dyadic caregiver-child and family level approach seems needed. The existing evidence-base is sparse.

During the perinatal period, addressing vulnerable contexts and building resilient systems may promote neurobehavioral development. A pluralistic approach to research, taking a multidisciplinary approach to theoretical models and empirical investigation needs to be fostered.
Minimal reaction schemes for pattern formation
Authors: Waters Fraser R. , Yates Christian A. , Dawes Jonathan H. P.
Published: February 2024

We link continuum models of reaction–diffusion systems that exhibit diffusion-driven instability to constraints on the particle-scale interactions underpinning this instability. While innumerable biological, chemical and physical patterns have been studied through the lens of Alan Turing's reaction–diffusion pattern-forming mechanism, the connections between models of pattern formation and the nature of the particle interactions generating them have been relatively understudied in comparison with the substantial efforts that have been focused on understanding proposed continuum systems. To derive the necessary reactant combinations for the most parsimonious reaction schemes, we analyse the emergent continuum models in terms of possible generating elementary reaction schemes. This analysis results in the complete list of such schemes containing the fewest reactions; these are the simplest possible hypothetical mass-action models for a pattern-forming system of two interacting species.
Moraxella oculi sp. nov., isolated from a cow with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Wilkes Rebecca P. , Anis Eman , Kattoor Jobin J.
Published: February 2024

A novel species of the genus Moraxella was isolated from an ocular swab from a cow with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested this species was Moraxella bovis (99.59 % nucleotide identity). Average nucleotide identity was calculated using a draft whole genome sequence of this strain compared with type strains of closely related Moraxella species and results established that it represents a new species. The genome size was 2 006 474 nucleotides and the G+C content was 42.51 mol%. The species could not be identified by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry using a commercial database, confirming the novelty of the strain. We propose the name Moraxella oculi sp. nov. for this new species. The type strain is Tifton1T and has been deposited into the American Type Culture Collection (TSD-373T) and the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC), UK Health Security Agency (NCTC 14942T).
Rapid determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria from clinical blood cultures using a scattered light-integrated collection device
Authors: Falconer Kerry , Hammond Robert , Parcell Benjamin J. , Gillespie Stephen H.
Published: February 2024

Background. A bloodstream infection (BSI) presents a complex and serious health problem, a problem that is being exacerbated by increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Gap Statement. The current turnaround times (TATs) for most antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods offer results retrospective of treatment decisions, and this limits the impact AST can have on antibiotic prescribing and patient care. Progress must be made towards rapid BSI diagnosis and AST to improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce preventable deaths from BSIs. To support the successful implementation of rapid AST (rAST) in hospital settings, a rAST method that is affordable, is sustainable and offers comprehensive AMR detection is needed.

Aim. To evaluate a scattered light-integrated collection (SLIC) device against standard of care (SOC) to determine whether SLIC could accelerate the current TATs with actionable, accurate rAST results for Gram-negative BSIs.

Methods. Positive blood cultures from a tertiary referral hospital were studied prospectively. Flagged positive Gram-negative blood cultures were confirmed by Gram staining and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Vitek 2, disc diffusion (ceftriaxone susceptibility only) and an SLIC device. Susceptibility to a panel of five antibiotics, as defined by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints, was examined using SLIC.

Results. A total of 505 bacterial–antimicrobial combinations were analysed. A categorical agreement of 95.5 % (482/505) was achieved between SLIC and SOC. The 23 discrepancies that occurred were further investigated by the broth microdilution method, with 10 AST results in agreement with SLIC and 13 in agreement with SOC. The mean time for AST was 10.53±0.46 h and 1.94±0.02 h for Vitek 2 and SLIC, respectively. SLIC saved 23.96±1.47 h from positive blood culture to AST result.

Conclusion. SLIC has the capacity to provide accurate AST 1 day earlier from flagged positive blood cultures than SOC. This significant time saving could accelerate time to optimal antimicrobial therapy, improving antimicrobial stewardship and management of BSIs.
Corticosterone release in very young siblicidal seabird chicks (Rissa tridactyla) is sensitive to environmental variability and responds rapidly and robustly to external challenges
Authors: Benowitz-Fredericks Z Morgan , Will Alexis P. , Pete Sierra N. , Whelan Shannon , Kitaysky Alexander S.
Published: February 2024

In birds, patterns of development of the adrenocortical response to stressors vary among individuals, types of stressors, and species. Since there are benefits and costs of exposure to elevated glucocorticoids, this variation is presumably a product of selection such that animals modulate glucocorticoid secretion in contexts where doing so increases their fitness. In this study, we evaluated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity in first-hatched free-living seabird nestlings (black-legged kittiwakes,Rissa tridactlya) at a critical early age when food availability may drive the establishment of important parent-offspring and intra-brood dynamics. We experimentally supplemented parents with food (fed) and measured chick baseline corticosterone secretion at 5 days post-hatch (of the ~45 day nestling period) and capacity to rapidly increase corticosterone in response to an acute challenge (handling and a 15 min restraint in a bag). We also used topical administration of corticosterone to evaluate the ability of chicks to downregulate physiologically relevant corticosterone levels on a short (minutes) time scale. We found that 5 day old chicks are capable of releasing corticosterone in proportion to the magnitude of the challenge, showing differences in baseline between parental feeding treatments (supplementally-fed vs control), moderate increases in response to handling, and a larger response to restraint (comparable to restraint-induced levels found in adults) that also differed between chicks from fed and control nests. The topical application of exogenous corticosterone resulted in an increase of circulating levels similar to the restraint-induced levels. The corticosterone application also induced the downregulation of HPA responsiveness to the acute challenge of handling. Parental supplemental feeding did not affect absorbance/clearance or negative feedback. Thus, while endogenous secretion of corticosterone in 5 day old chicks is sensitive to environmental context, other aspects of the HPA function, such as rapid negative feedback and/or the ability to clear acute elevations in corticosterone, are not. We conclude that 5 day old kittiwake chicks are capable of robust adrenocortical responses to novel challenges, and are sensitive to parental food availability, which may be transduced behaviorally, nutritionally, or via maternal effects. Questions remain about the function of such rapid, large acute stress-induced increases in corticosterone in very young chicks.
Identification of teleosttnnc1aenhancers for specific pan-cardiac transcription
Authors: Bai Jianhui , Wei Xiangyun
Published: February 2024

Troponin C regulates muscle contraction by forming the troponin complex with troponin I and troponin T. Different muscle types express different troponin C genes. The mechanisms of such differential transcription are not fully understood. The Zebrafish tnnc1a gene is restrictively expressed in cardiac muscles. We here identify the enhancers and promoters of the zebrafish and medakatnnc1agenes, including intronic enhancers in zebrafish and medaka and an upstream enhancer in the medaka. The intronic and upstream enhancers are likely functionally redundant. The GFP transgenic reporter driven by these enhancers is expressed more strongly in the ventricle than in the atrium, recapitulating the expression pattern of the endogenous zebrafishtnnc1agene. Our study identifies a new set of enhancers for cardiac-specific transgenic expression in zebrafish. These enhancers can serve as tools for future identification of transcription factor networks that drive cardiac-specific gene transcription.
Neighbourhood-level burden of social risk factors on respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization in Ontario, Canada, 2016-2019
Authors: Chen Kitty Y.A. , van Ingen Trevor , Smith Brendan T. , Fitzpatrick Tiffany , Whelan Michael , Parpia Alyssa S. , Alessandrini Jenna , Buchan Sarah A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Beyond clinical risk factors, little is known about the impact of social determinants on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden. Our study aimed to estimate RSV-related hospitalization rates across sociodemographic and housing characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study of all RSV-related hospitalizations in Ontario, Canada between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2019 using validated hospital discharge codes and census data. Crude and age-standardized annualized RSV incidence rates and rate ratios (RR) were estimated for a range of individual-level demographics and neighbourhood-level measures of marginalization and housing characteristics.

Results

Overall, the annual RSV-related hospitalization rate was 27 per 100,000, with the highest rates observed in children <12 months (1049 per 100,000) and 12-23 months (294 per 100,000), and adults ≥85 years (155 per 100,000). Higher RSV-related hospitalization rates were associated with increasing marginalization quintile (Q) of material resources (RR: 1.4; Q5: 33 per 100,000 versus Q1: 24 per 100,000) and household instability (RR: 1.5; Q5: 31 per 100,000 versus Q1: 22 per 100,000).

Conclusion

The burden of RSV-related hospitalization was greatest in young children and older adults, with variation by sociodemographic and housing factors. Understanding the role of these social factors is crucial for informing equitable preventive program delivery.
Essential functions of Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) in Murine Leukemia Virus replication
Authors: Biswas Banhi , Lai Kin Kui , Bracey Harrison , Datta Siddhartha A.K. , Harvin Demetria , Sowd Gregory A. , Aiken Christopher , Rein Alan
Published: February 2024

We have investigated the function of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol pentakisphosphate (IP5) in the replication of murine leukemia virus (MLV). While IP6 is known to be critical for the life cycle of HIV-1, its significance in MLV remains unexplored. We find that IP6 is indeed important for MLV replication. It significantly enhances endogenous reverse transcription (ERT) in MLV. Additionally, a pelleting-based assay reveals that IP6 can stabilize MLV cores, thereby facilitating ERT. We find that IP5 and IP6 are packaged in MLV particles. However, unlike HIV-1, MLV depends upon the presence of IP6 and IP5 in target cells for successful infection. This IP6/5 requirement for infection is reflected in impaired reverse transcription observed in IP6/5-deficient cell lines. In summary, our findings demonstrate the importance of capsid stabilization by IP6/5 in the replication of diverse retroviruses; we suggest possible reasons for the differences from HIV-1 that we observed in MLV.
Twist-3 generalized parton distribution for the proton from basis light-front quantization
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Hu Zhi , Xu Siqi , Mondal Chandan , Zhao Xingbo , Vary James P. ,   BLFQ Collaboration
Published: February 2024

We investigate the twist-3 generalized parton distributions (GPDs) for the valence quarks of the proton within the basis light-front quantization (BLFQ) framework. We first solve for the mass spectra and light-front waved functions (LFWFs) in the leading Fock sector using an effective Hamiltonian. Using the LFWFs we then calculate the twist-3 GPDs via the overlap representation. By taking the forward limit, we also get the twist-3 parton distribution functions (PDFs), and discuss their properties. Our prediction for the twist-3 scalar PDF agrees well with the CLAS experimental extractions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical scoto-seesaw mechanism with gauged
B−L
symmetry
Authors: Leite Julio , Sadhukhan Soumya , Valle José W. F.
Published: February 2024

We propose a dynamical scoto-seesaw mechanism using a gauged B−L symmetry. Dark matter is reconciled with neutrino mass generation, in such a way that the atmospheric scale arises , while the solar scale is , arising radiatively from the exchange of “dark” states. This way we “explain” the solar-to-atmospheric scale ratio. The TeV-scale seesaw mediator and the two dark fermions carry different B−L charges. Dark matter stability follows from the residual matter parity that survives B−L breaking. Besides having collider tests, the model implies sizable charged lepton flavor violating (cLFV) phenomena, including Goldstone boson emission processes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Searching for new physics at
μ→e
facilities with
μ+
and
π+
decays at rest
Authors: Hill Richard J. , Plestid Ryan , Zupan Jure
Published: February 2024

We investigate the ability of μ→e facilities, Mu2e and COMET, to probe, or discover, new physics with their detector validation datasets. The validation of the detector response may be performed using a dedicated run with μ+, collecting data below the Michel edge, Ee≲52  MeV; an alternative strategy using π+→e+νe may also be considered. We focus primarily on a search for a monoenergetic e+ produced via two-body decays μ+→e+X or

π

+

→

e

+

X

, with X a light new physics particle. Mu2e can potentially explore new parameter space beyond present astrophysical and laboratory constraints for a set of well motivated models including axionlike particles with flavor violating couplings (μ+→e+a), massive Z′ bosons (μ+→Z′e+), and heavy neutral leptons (π+→e+N). The projected sensitivities presented herein can be achieved in a matter of days.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Soft Photon Theorem in QCD with Massless Quarks
Authors: Ma Yao , Sterman George , Venkata Aniruddha
Published: February 2024

Working to all orders in dimensionally regularized QCD with massless quarks, we study the radiation of a photon whose energy is much lower than that of external partons. The conventional soft photon theorem receives corrections at leading power in the photon energy, associated with soft virtual loops of massless fermions. These additive corrections give an overall factor times the nonradiative amplitude that is infrared finite and real to all orders in αs. Based on recent calculations of the three-loop soft gluon current, we identify the lowest-order three-loop correction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024