bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of tuna fisheries in the sea of Sikka Regency
Authors: Wini Bhokaleba B P P , Bangkur P H , Widiastuti M M D , Kodiran T
Published: October 2024

The high potential tuna fisheries in Sikka Seas produce high pressure as well. The research objective was to determine the performance of tuna fisheries in managing and utilizing sustainable tuna. The research was conducted for 3 months from December to March 2023 with research locations in Alok, West Alok, East Alok and Talibura Sub-district of Sikka Regency. The choice of research location decided by concentrated area for tuna fisheries. This research used primary and secondary data. Interviewed with 131 tuna fishermen showed the diversity of tuna fisheries in Sikka Regency including the characteristics of fishermen (age, education, number of family, marital status, side job, fishing business experience); targeted catch; vessel; fishing gear and fishing aids device; hauling time; fishing season; fishing grounds; fishing techniques; handling fish on board; and tuna processing company description.
Social-ecological system (SES) mapping of spiny lobster (Panulirus sp.) fisheries in Nasal Coastal Water, Bengkulu
Authors: Manik G R , Zairion Z , Zulfikar A
Published: October 2024

Nasal coast is one of the areas with a fishing sector that includes lobster fishing and falls under the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 572 (IFMA 572). However, little information on lobster fishery system in this area. This research aims to map the social-ecological system (SES) for the pronghorn spiny lobster (Panulirus penicillatus) in Nasal District, Kaur Regency, Bengkulu. This study conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 using a social-ecological system (SES) approach. The study refers that there are 34 nodes and 55 edges in the lobster fisheries connectivity parameter. The main elements in the lobster fisheries network are fishermen, fishing activity, weather, cost, fishing season, water quality, lobster, catch per unit effort, macro collectors, revenue, and catch. Those components are important in the dynamics of the SES lobster fisheries network (Panulirus spp.) in the coastal waters of Nasal District.
A measurement method for the axial bending deformation of parts with circumferential cycling element based on laser profile sensor
Authors: Wang Bin , Luo Meng-Yan , Zhao Yuan-Zheng , Pei Yong-Chen , Xin Qing-Yuan , Xu Long , Wang Cong-Hui , Wang Zhi-Qiong
Published: October 2024

The cross-section of the CPP (circumferential periodic parts) is composed of fixed shaped elements regularly arranged in the circumferential direction, examples include cylinders, positive prisms, lead screws, gear shafts, and spline shafts, it has applications in many fields. Existing research has not yet proposed a universal method for measuring the axial bending of CPP. This paper presents a non-contact measurement method using a laser profile sensor that is capable of measuring axial bending of CPP. The axis of a shaft part is determined by connecting the geometric center of each cross-section. This method is suitable for measuring the bending deformation of most CPS (circumferential periodic shaft parts). To verify the validity of this method, numerical simulation calculations are conducted on cylinders, hexagonal prisms, and lead screws. Additionally, comparative experiments are performed on lead screws using self-built experimental platform and a measuring projector to investigate the effectiveness and repeatability.
Phase separation induced controllable nanoscale roughness in PS-b-PMMA Di-block copolymer thin films for enhanced anti-reflectivity
Authors: Killada Suresh , Nathani Akash , Karim Alamgir , Sharma Chandra S
Published: October 2024

This study demonstrates a simple method to control surface roughness and, consequently, the optical properties of PS-b-PMMA thin films. By utilizing different solvent combinations and post-treatment steps, we can precisely tune the surface morphology, leading to significant variations in the films’ reflectance and transmittance characteristics. As-fabricated rough and porous PS-b-PMMA thin films exhibited omnidirectional broadband anti-reflective behaviour, with surface roughness values ranging from ∼ 25 nm to 300 nm. Reflectance measurements showed near-zero reflection (as low as 0.045%) for PS-b-PMMA thin films, and transmittance was minimized to 0.7%. This work uniquely demonstrates the ability to tune surface roughness over more than one order of magnitude, from nano to sub-micron scale, using a straightforward and scalable method. The significant reduction in reflectance and transmittance achieved in this study underscores the potential application of these films in optoelectronic devices, marking a notable advancement over existing techniques.
High-entropy oxides as energy materials: from complexity to rational design
Authors: Yang Zhong , Xiang Xianglin , Yang Jian , Zhao Zong-Yan
Published: October 2024

High-entropy oxides (HEOs), with their multi-principal-element compositional diversity, have emerged as promising candidates in the realm of energy materials. This review encapsulates the progress in harnessing HEOs for energy conversion and storage applications, encompassing solar cells, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, lithium-ion batteries, and solid oxide fuel cells. The critical role of theoretical calculations and simulations is underscored, highlighting their contribution to elucidating material stability, deciphering structure-activity relationships, and enabling performance optimization. These computational tools have been instrumental in multi-scale modeling, high-throughput screening, and integrating artificial intelligence for material design. Despite their promise, challenges such as fabrication complexity, cost, and theoretical computational hurdles impede the broad application of HEOs. To address these, this review delineates future research perspectives. These include the innovation of cost-effective synthesis strategies, employment of in situ characterization for micro-chemical insights, exploration of unique physical phenomena to refine performance, and enhancement of computational models for precise structure-performance predictions. This review calls for interdisciplinary synergy, fostering a collaborative approach between materials science, chemistry, physics, and related disciplines. Collectively, these efforts are poised to propel HEOs towards commercial viability in the new energy technologies, heralding innovative solutions to pressing energy and environmental challenges.
CAPTVRED: an automated pipeline for viral tracking and discovery from capture-based metagenomics samples
Authors: Tarradas-Alemany Maria , Martínez-Puchol Sandra , Mejías-Molina Cristina , Itarte Marta , Rusiñol Marta , Bofill-Mas Sílvia , Abril Josep F
Published: October 2024

Target Enrichment Sequencing or Capture-based metagenomics has emerged as an approach of interest for viral metagenomics in complex samples. However, these datasets are usually analyzed with standard downstream Bioinformatics analyses. CAPTVRED (Capture-based metagenomics Analysis Pipeline for tracking ViRal species from Environmental Datasets), has been designed to assess the virome present in complex samples, specially focused on those obtained by Target Enrichment Sequencing approach. This work aims to provide a user-friendly tool that complements this sequencing approach for the total or partial virome description, especially from environmental matrices. It includes a setup module which allows preparation and adjustment of the pipeline to any capture panel directed to a set of species of interest. The tool also aims to reduce time and computational cost, as well as to provide comprehensive, reproducible, and accessible results while being easy to costume, set up, and install.

Availability and implementation

Source code and test datasets are freely available at github repository: https://github.com/CompGenLabUB/CAPTVRED.git
Could future ocean acidification be affecting the energy budgets of marine fish?
Authors: Yoon Gwangseok R , Bozai Arsheen , Porteus Cosima S
Published: October 2024

With the unprecedented environmental changes caused by climate change including ocean acidification, it has become crucial to understand the responses and adaptive capacity of fish to better predict directional changes in the ecological landscape of the future. We conducted a systematic literature review to examine if simulated ocean acidification (sOA) could influence growth and reproduction in fish within the dynamic energy budget theory framework. As such, we chose to examine metabolic rate, locomotion, food assimilation and growth in early life stages (i.e. larvae and juvenile) and adults. Our goal was to evaluate if acclimatization to sOA has any directional changes in these traits and to explore potential implications for energetic trade-offs in these for growth and reproduction. We found that sOA had negligible effects on energetic expenditure for maintenance and aerobic metabolism due to the robust physiological capacity regulating acid–base and ion perturbations but substantive effects on locomotion, food assimilation and growth. We demonstrated evidence that sOA significantly reduced growth performance of fish in early life stages, which may have resulted from reduced food intake and digestion efficiency. Also, our results showed that sOA may enhance reproduction with increased numbers of offspring although this may come at the cost of altered reproductive behaviours or offspring fitness. While these results indicate evidence for changes in energy budgets because of physiological acclimatization to sOA, the heterogeneity of results in the literature suggests that physiological and neural mechanisms need to be clearly elucidated in future studies. Lastly, most studies on sOA have been conducted on early life stages, which necessitates that more studies should be conducted on adults to understand reproductive success and thus better predict cohort and population dynamics under ongoing climate change.
The plasma proteome reveals markers of recent and repeated stress in free-ranging seals
Authors: Avalos Jessica G , Champagne Cory D , Crocker Dan E , Khudyakov Jane I
Published: October 2024

Animals in nature potentially experience multiple stressors, and those of anthropogenic origin are likely to be repeated or chronic. However, stress hormone levels are highly context-dependent and are not consistent predictors of chronic stress in wildlife. Profiling the downstream consequences of repeated stress responses, such as changes in metabolism or gene expression, may be more informative for predicting their individual-level health consequences and population-level impacts, which are key objectives for wildlife conservation. We previously found that in free-ranging juvenile elephant seals, the blubber transcriptome and proteome, but not cortisol levels, could distinguish between responses to single versus repeated stress axis stimulation. However, the blubber proteome response to stress was limited and mainly involved extra-cellular matrix proteins. In this study, we examined the plasma proteome response of four of the same animals to the repeated stress experiment, since multiple organs secrete proteins into the circulation, providing a readout of their activity and integration. We isolated plasma proteins, identified and quantified them using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and compared their abundance between sampling times. We identified >200 proteins in plasma, of which 42 were altered in abundance, revealing complex protein dynamics in response to repeated stress challenges. These changes were delayed but sustained, suggesting that the plasma proteome may reflect longer term integration of multi-organ responses to recent, rather than immediate, challenges. Differentially abundant proteins included components of the osmoregulatory system, acute phase and complement proteins, organokines, apolipoproteins and hormone transport proteins, which coordinate physiological processes with significant implications for marine mammal health and may explain several aspects of marine mammal stress physiology, such as insulin resistance and high aldosterone levels. We identified several potentially novel biomarkers, such as AGT, HPX, TTR and APOA4, that may be useful for detecting recent and repeated stress exposure in marine mammals.
Generative artificial intelligence and ELT
Authors: Cogo Alessia , Patsko Laura , Szoke Joanna
Published: October 2024

There is undoubtedly, and understandably, a growing interest in incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies into ELT. While advanced AI models have the potential to support language education, offering new tools and resources to enhance learning, their use also raises important questions regarding ethics and responsibility. As we follow the emergence of GenAI as another ELT tool, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of these technologies and maintaining the core values of effective pedagogy. Educators must develop clear guidelines and best practices for the responsible integration of AI in the classroom, ensuring that it enhances rather than replaces human interaction and critical thinking. In this Special Issue on GenAI and ELT we explore some of the applications, their potential, and the challenges of incorporating GenAI in ELT.
Land use effects on soil microbiome composition and traits with consequences for soil carbon cycling
Authors: Cole Lisa , Goodall Tim , Jehmlich Nico , Griffiths Robert I , Gleixner Gerd , Gubry-Rangin Cecile , Malik Ashish A
Published: October 2024

The soil microbiome determines the fate of plant-fixed carbon. The shifts in soil properties caused by land use change leads to modifications in microbiome function, resulting in either loss or gain of soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil pH is the primary factor regulating microbiome characteristics leading to distinct pathways of microbial carbon cycling, but the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Here, the taxa-trait relationships behind the variable fate of SOC were investigated using metaproteomics, metabarcoding, and a 13C-labeled litter decomposition experiment across two temperate sites with differing soil pH each with a paired land use intensity contrast. 13C incorporation into microbial biomass increased with land use intensification in low-pH soil but decreased in high-pH soil, with potential impact on carbon use efficiency in opposing directions. Reduction in biosynthesis traits was due to increased abundance of proteins linked to resource acquisition and stress tolerance. These trait trade-offs were underpinned by land use intensification-induced changes in dominant taxa with distinct traits. We observed divergent pH-controlled pathways of SOC cycling. In low-pH soil, land use intensification alleviates microbial abiotic stress resulting in increased biomass production but promotes decomposition and SOC loss. In contrast, in high-pH soil, land use intensification increases microbial physiological constraints and decreases biomass production, leading to reduced necromass build-up and SOC stabilization. We demonstrate how microbial biomass production and respiration dynamics and therefore carbon use efficiency can be decoupled from SOC highlighting the need for its careful consideration in managing SOC storage for soil health and climate change mitigation.
Comparing public health-related material in print and web page versions of legacy media
Authors: Gaba Ann , Bennett Richard
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to create a database of public health content from a sample of legacy media, and to compare the prevalence of public health themes in print and web-based versions over time.

Materials and Methods

A database was created from eleven nationally published magazines as a sample of legacy media content. Relevant material was extracted and coded by the title of the article, periodical, print or web edition, month of publication, item type, and 1-3 public health theme codes.

Results

Theme codes emerged as the documents were reviewed based on the primary discussion in each piece. A total of 2558 unique documents were extracted from print issues and 6440 from web-based issues. Seventeen public health themes were identified. Individual coded documents were saved with file names identical to the code string, thus creating a searchable database.

Discussion

Legacy media are those that existed before the internet and social media. Publishers target readership groups defined by age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and other commonalities. Although legacy media have been identified as trusted sources of health information, they have not been examined as sources of public health communication. Because both print and web-based versions exist as unstructured textual data, these are rarely examined with informatics methods.

Conclusion

The process described can serve as a model for application of informatics approaches to similar data and assist development of targeted public health communications. Having a better understanding of what types of health content is distributed through legacy media can help to target health messages to specific demographic and interest groups in ways that are understandable and appealing to them.
Ileal intussusception due to heterotopic pancreas in the ileum: a case report
Authors: Cammarata Francesco , Yakushkina Al’ona , Aguzzi Martina , Guerci Claudio , Fioritti Niccolò , Danelli Piergiorgio
Published: October 2024

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is a rare condition where pancreatic tissue is found outside its usual location, usually within the gastrointestinal tract. While typically asymptomatic, HP can cause complications like gastrointestinal bleeding and intussusception, especially in adults, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 31-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Initial imaging revealed significant ileal and cecal wall thickening. Despite antibiotic therapy, his condition worsened, necessitating exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperative findings showed ileal intussusception near the cecum, leading to ileocecal resection and ileo-colic anastomosis. Pathological examination confirmed HP as the cause of intussusception. This case underscores the importance of considering HP in adult intussusception. Timely surgical intervention is critical to prevent severe complications. At a two-year follow-up, he remained symptom-free, highlighting the necessity for prompt diagnosis and management.
Basosquamous cutaneous carcinoma: a rare case study involving the perineum and review of the literature
Authors: Lu Charles , Fox Mackenzie E , Shapiro Alexandra F , Parker Glenn S
Published: October 2024

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare form of non-melanoma skin cancer with significant invasive and metastatic potential. This malignancy presents unique challenges in diagnostic and therapeutic options given its ambiguous clinical nature. While there are documented cases of BSC involving the aerodigestive tract and sun-exposed areas like the head and neck, cutaneous BSC in the gluteal and perineal regions remains quite rare. In this report, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and prognosis of this disease. We describe a case of a 71-year-old female who presented for evaluation of a symptomatic right-sided cutaneous lesion in the inner gluteal and perineal region. Upfront surgical resection was pursued for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Final pathology of the lesion revealed infiltrating BSC with negative margins. Although BSC typically presents in sun-exposed areas, the presentation in this patient in a non-sun-exposed area makes this presentation unusual.
Heating in the solar atmosphere at a fin current sheet driven by magnetic flux cancellation
Authors: Priest Eric R , Pontin David I
Published: October 2024

Magnetic reconnection before flux cancellation in the solar photosphere when two opposite-polarity photospheric magnetic fragments are approaching one another is usually modelled by assuming that a small so-called ‘floating current sheet’ forms about a null point or separator that is situated in the overlying atmosphere. Here, instead we consider the reconnection that is initiated as soon as the fragments become close enough that their magnetic fields interact. The resulting current sheet, which we term a ‘fin sheet’ extends up from the null point or separator that is initially located in the solar surface. We develop here non-linear analyses for finite-length models of both fin and floating current sheets that extend the previous models that were limited to short floating current sheets. These enable the length of the current sheet and the rate of heating to be calculated in both cases as functions of the separation distance of the sources and the reconnection rate. Usually, the fin current sheet liberates more energy than a floating current sheet.
JWST/NIRSpec spectroscopy of intermediate-mass quiescent galaxies at z ~ 3-4
Authors: Sato Riku A , Inoue Akio K , Harikane Yuichi , Shimakawa Rhythm , Sugahara Yuma , Tamura Yoichi , Hashimoto Takuya , Ito Kei , Yamanaka Satoshi , Mawatari Ken , Fudamoto Yoshinobu , Ren Yi W
Published: October 2024

We present the analysis of three intermediate-mass quiescent galaxies (QGs) with stellar masses of ${\sim} 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ at redshifts $z\sim 3\!-\!4$ using NIRSpec low-resolution spectroscopy. Utilizing the spectral energy distribution fitting code bagpipes, we confirm these target galaxies are consistent with quiescent population, with their specific star formation rates falling below 2 dex the star-forming main sequence at the same redshifts. Additionally, we identify these QGs to be less massive than those discovered in previous works, particularly prior to the JWST era. Two of our target galaxies exhibit the potentially blended $\mathrm{ H} \, {\alpha }$ + [N ii] emission line within their spectra with signal-to-noise ratio ${\gt} 5$. We discuss whether this feature comes from an active galactic nucleus (AGN) or star formation, although future high-resolution spectroscopy is required to reach a conclusion. One of the target galaxies is covered by JWST/NIRCam imaging of the Public Release IMaging for Extragalactic Research survey. Using the 2D profile fitting code galfit, we examine its morphology, revealing a disc-like profile with a Sérsic index of $n=1.1 \pm 0.1$. On the size–mass relation, we find a potential distinction between less massive ($\log _{10}{(M_*/\mathrm{M}_\odot)}\lt 10.3$) and massive ($\log _{10}{(M_*/\mathrm{M}_\odot)}\gt 10.3$) QGs in their evolutionary pathways. The derived quenching time-scales for our targets are less than $1 \, {\rm Gyr}$. This may result from these galaxies being quenched by AGN feedback, supporting the AGN scenario of the emission line features.
Feeling Carcerality: How Carceral Seepage Shapes Racialized Emotions
Authors: Serrano Uriel
Published: October 2024

This article examines how young people experience policing and reveals the emotional weight of the carceral state. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with over forty Black and non-Black Latinx young men in Los Angeles County, I argue that the racialized emotions the young men allude to do not stem from one individual encounter with the police or any single identifiable source. Instead, they are responses to the ongoing violence of what I describe as carceral seepage: witnessing the policing of loved ones and peers, the omnipresence of police, and the vulnerability of being criminalized across social contexts (schools, healthcare settings, neighborhood settings, etc.). Integrating theories on racialized emotions and the slow violence of policing, I use carceral seepage to show the breadth of the carceral state and demonstrate how it elicits a particular set of racialized emotional responses (or racialized emotions).
Everything, everywhere, and all at once: A blueprint for supra‐organization of core facilities
Authors: Elkayam Cohen Tsiona , Fluhr Robert
Published: October 2024

Core facilities are crucial for cutting‐edge scientific research in academic institutions, yet they place a significant financial burden on budgets. The viability of these facilities can be improved through cross‐institutional collaborations, although initiating and sustaining such partnerships poses challenges. Insights from Israel's recent nationwide organization of core facilities could offer valuable lessons for fostering similar cooperation elsewhere. Despite the chronic shortfall in public research funding, Israeli research institutions were slow to fully embrace infrastructure sharing. This gap led to the creation of the Israel Research Core Facilities (IRCF) in 2022, which linked core facilities across the country through a bottom‐up approach. IRCF facilitated the formation of numerous specialized nation‐wide networks for intellectual exchange, and supported training workshops and meetings aimed at core technology providers. These initiatives serve dual purposes: they ensure the ongoing advancement of technological capabilities across facilities, regardless of their size or location, and they strengthen the commitment to the IRCF mission by motivating the maintenance of the IRCF database. As a result, a model of “capacity sharing” emerged, connecting all of Israel's core facility centers. This model enhances infrastructure use, supports strategic planning, and fosters growth. With over 450 core experts offering over 1100 scientific services consolidated into a publicly accessible database, IRCF supports research in universities, hospitals, government, and industry. This strategy could act as a model for creating regional core facility organizations to elevate research quality and ensure efficient infrastructure development.
Critical patient safeguards for ambulatory surgery centers
Authors: Eklund Jamey E. , Chang Candace C. , Donnelly Melanie J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

The role of ambulatory surgery centers in surgical care is evolving, as lower facility fees and improved patient experience increase the popularity of these venues. As care expands in ambulatory surgery center, so does the complexity of cases and patients cared for in these centers, which may pose a risk for patient safety. Anesthesiologists should lead multidisciplinary teams to screen for appropriate patients and procedures.

Recent findings

Patient considerations go beyond physical status and include psychosocial factors. Ensuring patients understand preoperative instructions is crucial to decrease case cancellation rates and facilitate efficiency. Pediatric patients require special considerations including extra attention to preprocedure and postoperative care and instructions, PALS-certified staff, pediatric equipment and medications, as well as heightened awareness of respiratory complications.

Procedural concerns start with the capabilities of the facility such as equipment, pharmacy, and staffing for each phase of care. However, nuances such as patient throughput in a given day, emergency preparedness, and after-hours staffing will affect both patient safety and staff morale. This article outlines the issues leaders need to consider to ensure patient safety in ambulatory surgery centers.
Recruitment of Abdominal and Neck Muscles During Four Different Exercises in Healthy Adults
Authors: Gabison Sharon , Ho Andrew , Goligher Ewan , Campos Marcelle , Schreiber Annia , Reid W. Darlene
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose:

Prolonged mechanical ventilation can greatly increase morbidity and mortality. Diaphragm weakness has been identified as a major contributor for 50% of patients; however, other muscles besides the diaphragm contribute to efficient ventilatory function. The purpose of this study was to compare the change in deoxyhemoglobin (ΔHHb) and muscle oxygen saturation (ΔSmO2) (markers of muscle recruitment) of 3 extra-diaphragmatic muscles across 4 different bed exercises.

Methods:

Using a pretest–posttest design, healthy participants (n = 18) performed 3 minutes of 30 repetitions of 4 exercises: resisted trunk flexion (TF), resisted neck flexion (NF), expiratory threshold loading (ETL), and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the rectus abdominis and external obliques. Near infrared spectroscopy was used to measure ΔHHb, and ΔSmO2 in the sternocleidomastoid, rectus abdominis, and external obliques during these exercises.

Results:

Increases of ΔHHb were highest for the sternocleidomastoid during NF and for rectus abdominis and external obliques during TF (P
< .010). The opposite pattern was shown for ΔSmO2; decreases of ΔSmO2 were largest for the sternocleidomastoid during NF and for rectus abdominis and external obliques during TF (P
< .005). No significant differences were observed in ΔHHb and ΔSmO2 for rectus abdominis and external obliques during ETL versus NF or NMES nor were there differences when comparing NF versus NMES for these 2 muscles.

Conclusion:

TF and NF are most effective for recruiting abdominal muscles and sternocleidomastoid, respectively, whereas ETL showed a variable response. Stimulation parameters of NMES and its tolerance can limit outcomes.
Exposure to ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and early-onset female breast cancer in a case–control study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Waddingham Claudia M. , Hinton Patrick , Villeneuve Paul J. , Brook Jeffrey R. , Lavigne Eric , Larsen Kristian , King Will D. , Wen Deyong , Meng Jun , Zhang Junhua , Galarneau Elisabeth , Harris Shelley A.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of toxicologically important and understudied air pollutants. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that chronic exposure to PAHs increases breast cancer risk; however, there are few studies in nonoccupational settings that focus on early-onset diagnoses.

Methods:

The relationship between residentially-based ambient PAH concentrations and female breast cancer, among those 18–45 years of age, was characterized in the Ontario Environment and Health Study (OEHS). The OEHS was a population-based case–control study undertaken in Ontario, Canada between 2013 and 2015. Primary incident breast cancers were identified within 3 months of diagnosis, and a population-based series of controls were recruited. Concentrations of ambient PAHs, using fluoranthene as a surrogate, were derived using a chemical transport model at a 2.5 km spatial resolution. These estimates were assigned to participants’ residences at the time of the interview and 5 years prior. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on a quartile categorization of fluoranthene exposure while adjusting for a series of individual- and area-level risk factors. The shape of the exposure–response trend was evaluated using cubic splines.

Results:

Median fluoranthene exposure for cases and controls was 0.0017 µg/m3 and 0.0014 µg/m3, respectively. In models adjusted for a parsimonious set of risk factors, the highest quartile of exposure was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.22, 3.84). Restricted spline analyses revealed nonlinear dose–response patterns.

Conclusions:

These findings support the hypothesis that ambient PAH exposures increases the risk of early-onset breast cancer.
Association of Psychological and Physical Stress Response With Weight Gain in University Employees in Japan
Authors: Matsumura Yuichiro , Yamamoto Ryohei , Shinzawa Maki , Nakamura Yuko , Li Quiyan , Mizui Masayuki , Matsui Isao , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Shinomiya Haruki , Ishibashi Chisaki , Nakanishi Kaori , Kanayama Daisuke , Adachi Hiroyoshi , Nagatomo Izumi
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to clarify the association of job stressor score (A score), psychological and physical stress response score (B score), and social support (C score), with the incidence of ≥10% weight gain.

Methods

This study included 10,036 university employees who completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) and annual health checkups between 2016 and 2021. The incidence of ≥10% weight gain from baseline weight was measured. Participants were classified into four categories based on their BJSQ dimension scores.

Results

B score was significantly associated with the incidence of weight gain, whereas A and C scores were not. Participants of Q75–89, and Q90–100 categories of B score were at significantly high risk of the incidence of ≥10% weight gain.

Conclusions

Psychological and physical stress response had an increasing risk of weight gain.
The Association of Employee’s Unmet Social Needs and Self-Reported Injury and Illness Related Absenteeism
Authors: Jenkins Kristi Rahrig , Stiehl Emily , Franklin Joryan , Sherman Bruce
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to examine the extent to which various unmet social needs (USN) are associated with self-reported injury and illness-related absenteeism (SRIRA).

Methods

The analysis consisted of a retrospective study design of secondary data. Linear regression was used to measure the 2022 association between six measures of USN (both individual and a summary measure) and SRIRA.

Results

A greater number of USN is associated with higher SRIRA (b = 0.71, P < 0.001). Self-reported challenges in caregiving, food, healthcare, housing, transportation, and utilities are also individually significantly associated with higher SRIRA.

Conclusions

Employers may consider providing comprehensive resource support as part of their strategy to aid in reducing USN and their association with SRIRA.
New perspectives of drug related kidney diseases and disorders
Authors: Kane-Gill Sandra L.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to provide a discussion of new perspectives for up-to-date definitions, a contemporary classification system, and the potential role of stress and damage biomarkers in the context of drug related kidney diseases and disorders.

Recent findings

Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a term recently introduced in the literature describing an abnormality in kidney structure and function that lasts for less than 3 months. Drugs in the context of AKD is described as a new perspective; referred to as drug induced AKD. A framework that includes drugs into the 2X2 classification schema for acute kidney injury (AKI) is provided. Finally, stress and damage biomarkers are examined to assess risk of drug associated AKI (D-AKI), differentiate which drugs cause AKI, differentiate drugs from other etiologies and assess the prognosis of D-AKI.

Consistent definitions should be adopted with consideration to drug related diseases and disorders. Drug management can be guided using novel biomarkers to isolate a possible drug cause in the presence of more than one nephrotoxin or a nondrug cause, assisting with the diagnosis of pseudo-AKI, and deciding the likelihood AKI recovery. Furthermore, stress and damage kidney biomarkers provide the opportunity to detect subclinical AKI for early intervention in patients at high-risk for severe AKI.
Fluid management of acute kidney injury
Authors: Fahey Alison , Neligan Patrick J. , McNicholas Bairbre
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly encountered in critical care medicine as is intravenous fluid therapy. It is accepted that there is interplay between fluid use and AKI, both potentially positive and negative. An understanding of the physiological rationale for fluid is important to help clinicians when considering fluid therapy in patients with, or at risk for AKI; this includes understanding choice of fluid, method of monitoring, administration and clinical sequelae.

Recent findings

There is increasing interest in combining both static and dynamic measures to assess fluid balance, fluid responsiveness effects of fluid therapy, which are areas requiring ongoing study to translate this theory into clinically useful practice at the bedside. Whilst the debate of choice of crystalloid in ICU practice continues, further evidence for benefits for balanced solutions emerges in the form of international guidelines and patient data meta-analysis of previously performed trials.

This review assesses the physiological rationale for fluid use in ICU cohorts with AKI of various types, as well as a systematic approach for choice of fluid therapy using a number of different variables, which aims to help guide clinicians in managing fluid use and fluid balance in critically ill patients with AKI.
Hemodynamic management of acute kidney injury
Authors: De Backer Daniel , Rimachi Rocio , Duranteau Jacques
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

To discuss the role of hemodynamic management in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

Recent findings

Acute kidney injury (AKI) may be associated with persistent alterations in renal perfusion, even when cardiac output and blood pressure are preserved. The effects of interventions aiming at increasing renal perfusion are best evaluated by renal Doppler or contrast enhance ultrasound. However, limited data have been acquired with these techniques and the essential of the literature is based on surrogates of renal function such as incidence of use of renal replacement therapy. Fluids may increase renal perfusion but their effects are quite unpredictable and can be dissociated from their impact on cardiac output and arterial pressure. Inotropes can also be used in selected conditions. At the de-escalation phase, fluid withdrawal should be considered. Safe fluid withdrawal may be achieved when applied in selected patients with preserved tissue perfusion presenting signs of fluid intolerance. When applied, stopping rules should be set. Dobutamine, milrinone and levosimendan increase renal perfusion in AKI associated with cardiac failure or after cardiac surgery. However, the impact of these agents in sepsis is not well defined. Regarding vasopressors, norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor agent, but vasopressin derivative may limit the requirement of renal replacement therapy. Angiotensin has promising effects in a limited size post-Hoc analysis of a RCT, but these data need to be confirmed. While correction of severe hypotension is associated with improved renal perfusion and function, the optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) target level remains undefined, Systematic increase in MAP results in variable changes in renal perfusion. It sounds reasonable to individualize MAP target, paying attention to central venous and intraabdominal pressures, as well as to the response to an increase in MAP.

Recent studies have refined the impact of the various hemodynamic interventions on renal perfusion and function in critically ill patients with AKI. Though several of these interventions improve renal perfusion, their impact on renal function is more variable.
Protective mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients after surgery
Authors: Zorrilla-Vaca Andres , Arevalo Jimmy J. , Grant Michael C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

This review aims to provide an updated overview of lung protective strategies in critically ill patients after surgery, focusing on the utility of postoperative open-lung ventilation during the transition from the operating room to the intensive care unit.

Recent findings

Mechanically ventilated patients after surgery represent a challenge in the intensive care unit. Different protective strategies have been proposed to minimize the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and facilitate adequate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Fast-track extubation protocols, increasingly standard in the care of critically ill patients postsurgery, have demonstrated improvements in recovery and reductions in acute lung injury, primarily based on retrospective studies. Open-lung ventilation strategies, such as individualization of positive-end expiratory pressure based on driving pressure and postoperative noninvasive ventilation support with high-flow nasal cannula, are becoming standard of care in high-risk surgical patients after major abdominal or thoracic surgeries.

Mechanical ventilation in surgical patients should adhere to lung protective strategies (i.e., individualizing positive end expiratory pressure and prioritize alveolar recruitment) during the transition from the operating room to the intensive care unit.
Developments in the epidemiology of calcium channel blocker poisoning and implications for management
Authors: Simpson Michael D. , Cole Jon B.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to outline recent developments in calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning. The dihydropyridine CCB amlodipine is commonly prescribed in the United States, and amlodipine poisoning is increasing in frequency, presenting new challenges for clinicians because current paradigms of CCB poisoning management arose from literature on non-dihydropyridine agents.

Recent findings

Amlodipine is now the most common CCB involved in poisoning. High-dose insulin is a potent inotrope and vasodilator; as such, it should be used cautiously, and typically in conjunction with vasopressors, as it theoretically may worsen vasodilation in amlodipine poisoning. High-dose insulin is best used when some degree of cardiogenic shock is suspected. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilization in CCB poisoning appears to be increasing, but high flow rates may be needed to combat amlodipine-induced vasoplegia. Intravenous lipid emulsion cannot be routinely recommended but may have a role in peri-arrest situations. Adjunct treatments such as angiotensin II, methylene blue, and hydroxocobalamin offer theoretical benefit but warrant further study.

Amlodipine causes most cases of CCB poisoning and can induce both cardiogenic and distributive shock through multiple mechanisms. Clinicians should tailor treatment to suspected shock etiology, be aware of adjunct treatments for refractory shock, and consult an expert in poisoning.
Cardiac arrest and microcirculatory dysfunction: a narrative review
Authors: Kravitz Max S. , Lee John H. , Shapiro Nathan I.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

This review provides an overview of the role of microcirculation in cardiac arrest and postcardiac arrest syndrome through handheld intravital microscopy and biomarkers. It highlights the importance of microcirculatory dysfunction in postcardiac arrest outcomes and explores potential therapeutic targets.

Recent findings

Sublingual microcirculation is impaired in the early stage of postarrest and is potentially associated with increased mortality. Recent work suggests that the proportion of perfused small vessels is predictive of mortality. Microcirculatory impairment is consistently found to be independent of macrohemodynamic parameters. Biomarkers of endothelial cell injury and endothelial glycocalyx degradation are elevated in postarrest settings and may predict mortality and clinical outcomes, warranting further studies. Recent studies of exploratory therapies targeting microcirculation have shown some promise in animal models but still require significant research.

Although research continues to suggest the important role that microcirculation may play in postcardiac arrest syndrome and cardiac arrest outcomes, the existing studies are still limited to draw any definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to better understand microcirculatory changes and their significance to improve cardiac arrest care and outcomes.
Efficacy of continuous passive motion compared to physiotherapy in rehabilitation after total knee replacement: a prospective randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Schröter Johannes , Renz Julian , Raisig Natascha , Schüller Per Otto , Afghanyar Yama , Arand Charlotte , Nienhaus Michael , Gercek Erol
Published: October 2024

Successful total knee replacement (TKR) heavily depends on postoperative rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of continuous passive motion (CPM) partially replacing group physiotherapy in an inpatient rehabilitation setting in order to contribute to the lack of physiotherapists in patients’ care. Adult patients after TKR were included. A prospective randomized controlled two-center trial was conducted across inpatient rehabilitation facilities in Germany. Participants were randomly assigned to CPM or group physiotherapy. In addition, all participants received the same standard rehabilitation program. Primary outcome was the Staffelstein Score, and secondary outcome measures included Oxford Knee Score, range of motion (ROM), pain, and return to work. Non-inferiority margin for Staffelstein Score was set at ±5% of maximum scores based on previous collected data. Results indicate no significant differences between CPM and physiotherapy groups in the Staffelstein Score (CPM: 94 ± 10 points; group physiotherapy: 92 ± 10 points; P > 0.05), ROM, or pain management at discharge from rehabilitation facility. This study underscores the potential of CPM as a valuable component of TKR rehabilitation, providing comparable outcomes to traditional physiotherapy. However, individualized physiotherapy remains integral to optimizing long-term success. Future research should explore extended follow-up periods and diverse patient populations to further elucidate CPM’s role in TKR rehabilitation.
Role of Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Pilomatrical Tumors
Authors: Alnaqshanbandi Sarah M. , McAfee John L. , Ko Jennifer S. , Billings Steven D. , Ronen Shira
Published: October 2024

Pilomatrical skin tumors harbor mutations in CTNNB1, which encodes for β-catenin, a downstream effector of the Wnt signaling pathway responsible for the differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion of epithelial stem cells. Therefore, downstream molecules, such as CDX2, LEF-1, and SATB2, in the Wnt signaling pathway could be useful diagnostic markers. Here, we sought to investigate the potential of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to differentiate between pilomatricoma and pilomatrical carcinoma, as well as from other cutaneous adnexal tumors. We studied 88 cases of cutaneous tumors (14 pilomatrical carcinomas, 18 pilomatricomas, 13 basal cell carcinomas, 12 squamous cell carcinomas, 12 sebaceous carcinomas, 10 Merkel cell carcinomas, 7 trichoblastomas, and 2 hidradenocarcinomas) using a broad panel of IHC markers: β-catenin, SATB2, CDX2, LEF1, Ber-EP4, and PRAME. Pilomatricoma and pilomatrical carcinoma displayed >75% nuclear staining for β-catenin. CDX2 also strongly stained pilomatrical tumors; however, the staining distribution was limited in pilomatricoma and more widespread in pilomatrical carcinoma. But, overall, it was less than β-catenin. SATB2 and Ber-EP4 expressions were noted only in a subset of both pilomatrical carcinoma and pilomatricoma, whereas LEF-1 showed strong, diffuse nuclear positivity in both pilomatricoma and pilomatrical carcinoma. Among the IHC markers evaluated, none could distinguish between pilomatricoma and pilomatrical carcinoma. However, the combined use of β-catenin with CDX2 markers may assist in not only confirming the pilomatrical nature of the proliferation but also in differentiating benign from malignant cases when there is a significant presence of CDX2 staining. Despite these findings, the diagnosis should continue to primarily depend on a thorough histopathologic examination.