bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Future Impacts (2016–2055) of Offshore Wind Energy Development on the Atlantic Surfclam, Spisula solidissima, Fishery in the US Mid‐Atlantic Bight Continental Shelf
Authors: Moya Autumn L. , Powell Eric N. , Scheld Andrew M. , Borsetti Sarah , Klinck John M. , Hofmann Eileen E. , Spencer Molly M. , Curchitser Enrique , Munroe Daphne M.
Published: December 2024

Offshore wind energy development on the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) portion of the Northwestern Atlantic continental shelf could have adverse impacts on the future of the Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, fishery. The current and potential future areas designated for offshore wind energy development overlap with the present‐day and projected Atlantic surfclam fishing grounds and so could limit the fishery. Fishery impacts imposed by displacement of fishing outside wind farm areas and possible restrictions on vessel transit through the wind farms were simulated using a spatially explicit fishery model. The distribution of catch, hours fished, landings per unit effort (LPUE), time at sea, fishing mortality, and the number of fishing trips were projected for five time periods encompassing the period of 2016–2055. Simulations showed a significant decline in the mean of all fishery metrics (apart from LPUE) as the area of wind farm restrictions increased in scale. Impacts were consistently larger when vessel transit through and fishing within offshore wind areas were prohibited. Impacts were also larger for MAB regions off New Jersey and Delmarva than regions farther north and east. These simulations highlight the necessity of evaluating future conditions as warming temperatures shift the surfclam range relative to the immobile wind farm locations. The offshore wind industry must consider projected long‐term impacts of developmental expansion on surrounding sedentary benthic species and the commercially important fisheries that rely on them.
Supported Decision‐Making Interventions in Mental Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Evidence on the Outcomes for People With Mental Ill Health
Authors: Francis Cathy J. , Hazelton Michael , Wilson Rhonda L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Most people with mental ill health want to be involved in decision‐making about their care, many mental health professionals now recognise the importance of this (at least in‐principle) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities enshrines the ethical imperative to support people in making their own treatment decisions. Nonetheless, there are widespread reports of people with mental ill health being excluded from decision‐making about their treatment in practice.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research on interventions to improve opportunities for the involvement of mental healthcare service users in treatment planning. We sought to consolidate and understand the evidence on the outcomes of shared and supported decision‐making for people with mental ill health.

Methods

Seven databases were searched and 5137 articles were screened. Articles were included if they reported on an intervention for adult service users, were published between 2008 and October 2023 and were in English. Evidence in the 140 included articles was synthesised according to the JBI guidance on Mixed Methods Systematic Reviews.

Results

There was evidence relating to the effects of these interventions on a range of outcomes for people with mental ill health, including on: suicidal crisis, symptoms, recovery, hospital admissions, treatment engagement and on the use of coercion by health professionals. There is favourable evidence for these types of interventions in improving some outcomes for people with mental ill health, more so than treatment‐as‐usual. For other outcomes, the evidence is preliminary but promising. Some areas for caution are also identified.

Conclusions

The review indicates that when the involvement of people with mental ill health in treatment planning is supported, there can be improved outcomes for their health and care. Areas for future research are highlighted.

Patient or Public Contribution

This systematic review has been guided at all stages by a researcher with experience of mental health service use, who does not wish to be identified at this point in time. The findings may inform organisations, researchers and practitioners on the benefits of implementing supported decision‐making, for the greater involvement of people with mental ill health in their healthcare.
Review of methodology and re‐analysis of lipidomic data focusing on specialised pro‐resolution lipid mediators (SPMs) in a human model of resolving inflammation
Authors: Homer Natalie Z. M. , Andrew Ruth , Gilroy Derek W.
Published: December 2024

Using a model of UV‐killed E. coli driven dermal inflammation in healthy human volunteers, we originally reported that following inflammatory resolution there was infiltration of macrophages, which, through prostanoids including prostaglandin (PG) E2, imprints long‐term tissue immunity. In addition to the prostanoids, data on levels of Specialised Pro‐Resolution Lipid Mediators (SPMs) throughout inflammatory onset, resolution and post‐resolution phases of this model were presented, but as illustrations rather than as primary data. Therefore, in response to a request for increased transparency, a subset of the original data from our human UV‐killed E. coli model was re‐analysed by two experts from an independent laboratory alongside a review of the methodology used. The prostanoids were detected robustly following re‐analysis but the areas of the chromatographic peaks of the SPM lipid mediators were too small to yield amounts that could be reliably detected and/or quantified using community standards. Importantly, with prostanoids including PGE2 being robustly detected, this re‐analysis does not alter the original report that post‐resolution PGs imprint tissue immunity. Here we show the outcome of this re‐analysis and review the biology surrounding SPMs as a result.
Building the Community Mental Health Nursing Workforce Through a Supported Transition Programme: An Evaluation of a Competency Framework Implementation
Authors: Burkitt Sandra , Hopkins Liza , Olasoji Michael
Published: December 2024

There is a growing focus in the Australian healthcare system of providing mental health care in a community setting. A key feature of the Royal Commission into Victoria's mental health system was to prioritise community‐based care ‘a system with community at its core’. Developing a skilled, flexible and competent nursing workforce is a key objective for any community‐based mental health service as nurses provide a vital role in healthcare delivery. The 3‐year comprehensive nursing qualification has little to no mental health curriculum leaving nursing graduates unprepared for work in mental health, while hospital‐based training for graduate nurses doesn't prepare them for the realities of community‐based work. Significant work in Victoria to develop, refine and implement a competency framework for transition from acute mental health inpatient settings into community‐based services has been undertaken. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of this framework in preparing nurses for the community workforce, as well as the barriers and enablers of implementation. A qualitative method investigated experiences of mental health staff who had participated in the transition programme in either aged, adult or a homeless outreach team. Interviews were conducted with transition nurses (n = 5), mentors (n = 4), Clinical managers (n = 3) educators/coordinator (n = 2). The framework structure helped mitigate role stress, allowed for consolidation of theory into practice providing learning opportunities, provided clinical oversight for safe practice, supported autonomous practice, critical thinking, staff wellbeing and demonstrated positive outcomes for consumers and carers. It also had a positive impact on retention and recruitment. Whilst there were limited barriers, the framework implementation relied on organisational support with staff resourcing. Evaluation findings demonstrate the importance of this framework. This structured programme helped facilitate professional development with an integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence along with staff wellbeing, leading to enhanced clinical practice and outcomes for clients and carers.
Effectiveness of AIMS, a Four‐Week Recovery‐Oriented Suicide Prevention Pathway
Authors: Kar Ray Manaan , Gregory Melanie , Wyder Marianne , Choudhury Md Abu , Geffen Nikki , Lane Abigail , Kinsella Kieran , Lombardo Chiara
Published: December 2024

Striking a balance between risk and recovery while supporting people in suicidal distress is a challenging proposition. To address this challenge, a 4‐week AIMS (Assessment, Intervention, Monitoring, Step up/down) pathway was created to support people in suicidal crisis. Each of the four functions was customised into semi‐structured conversations about pain relief. The pathway operationalised tools for relational safety from the PROTECT framework for suicide prevention. To deliver this pathway, a new team was established that included both clinicians and lived experience staff. Scores for the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) for 300 patients were collected before and after time on the pathway. Paired T tests were performed individually for each item as well as for the total. All 7 items and the total score had statistically significant improvement (p < 0.01). The mean pre‐ and post‐total scores increased from 14.8 to 22.5, strongly indicating clinically meaningful improvement at an individual and group level. The improvement on baseline in each of the seven items ranged from 38% to 73.5%. The top two were in the person's ability to deal with problems and in them feeling relaxed. The study provides a blueprint for collaborative and empowering suicide prevention pathways that strike a balance between positive risk taking and safe care through a relational approach. Professional and lived experience both played a part in capturing hope through evidence‐based person‐centred interventions, helping a person in suicidal crisis improve their mental wellbeing.
Synthesis and performance of mullite/Y2Si2O7/ZrO2 coating: Microstructure, phase evolution, and thermal shock behavior
Authors: Chen Yongqiang , Chen Mao , Tang Beibei , Liu Guoqi , Li Hongxia , Wang Hailong , Fan Bingbing
Published: December 2024

A uniform, dense, and well‐bonded mullite/Y2Si2O7/ZrO2(MYZ) composite barrier coating was synthesized using a spraying technique followed by a two‐step sintering process. The microstructure, phase composition, and thermal shock resistance of the MYZ coating were systematically investigated. The sintering process comprised two stages. In the initial stage (25–1350°C), granular mullite grains transformed into columnar crystals with progressive growth. Concurrently, a eutectic composite of mullite and Y2Si2O7 formed and dispersed within the grain boundaries, significantly enhancing the coating's density and adhesion. In the subsequent stage (∼1400°C), ZrO2 reacted with the eutectic composite to produce yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) in situ. The YSZ phase exhibited excellent interfacial compatibility with the substrate, markedly improving the coating's high‐temperature stability. As a result, the coating achieved high hardness and a coefficient of thermal expansion matching that of the SiC substrate. Remarkably, the MYZ coating withstood 20 thermal cycles between 25°C and 1200°C without noticeable interfacial damage.
Exploring the Bright and Dark Sides of Social Media Use on Academic Performance: Contrasting Effects on Actual vs. Perceived Performance
Authors: Chao Miao , Sun Weiyi , Liu Jie , Ding Jiahui , Zhu Ye
Published: December 2024

Background

The use of social media among students has become debatable concern due to both positive and negative effects on academic performance. Yet, understanding of the diverse patterns of social media use and their influence on actual and perceived academic performance remains limited.

Objectives

This study distinguishes between academic and excessive social media usage that predicts academic performance while considering academic motivation as a predictive antecedent variable.

Methods

A sample of 887 high school students participated in this study through an online questionnaire. The research model was evaluated using the structural equation modelling approach.

Results and Conclusions

The results revealed that academic motivation prompts academic social media usage and reduces excessive use. Additionally, academic usage positively impacts perceived academic performance but has no impact on actual performance. Paradoxically, although excessive use doesn't affect perceived academic performance, there is an observed negative impact on actual academic performance. These findings provide valuable insights for students and educators, illuminating the limitations of academic social media usage and highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive social media use.
Annual Research Review: Adolescent social media use is not a monolith: toward the study of specific social media components and individual differences
Authors: Maheux Anne J. , Burnell Kaitlyn , Maza Maria T. , Fox Kara A. , Telzer Eva H. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: December 2024

Social media have drastically changed the context of adolescent development. To date, the majority of research investigating the effects of these changes has measured time spent on social media, yielding inconclusive results—likely because this approach conceptualizes social media as a monolith. Social media experiences are complex and diverse, as are adolescents themselves. Emerging research has identified several specific components of social media that have varied associations with adolescent mental health, as well as individual difference factors that may alter these associations across adolescents. In this annual research review, we synthesize evidence regarding heterogeneity in social media effects related to (a) specific components of social media and (b) adolescents' individual differences regarding social media use and effects. We first focus on the specific social media components—content, features, and functions—that may be especially relevant for adolescent development. These include functions designed to foster relationships and social connections (e.g., social media feeds, ‘friends’), hateful content, notifications, risky content, and algorithmically curated content, among others. Next, we provide an overview of for whom these effects may matter most. We review research on individual differences that may explain some heterogeneity in social media effects, including gender/sex, age, marginalized status, neurobiological and social sensitivities, and other preexisting vulnerabilities to mental health concerns. The nascent work in these areas suggests many specific constructs and considerations that could drive future research examining nuanced and precise questions that go beyond ‘screen time’. We discuss avenues for researchers to leverage methodological advancements and address how specific social media experiences and individual differences shape developmental outcomes.
TaDL interacts with TaB3 and TaNF‐YB1 to synergistically regulate the starch synthesis and grain quality in bread wheat
Authors: Liu Guoyu , Zhang Runqi , Wu Ziyan , Yu Jiazheng , Lou Hongyao , Zhu Jun , Liu Jie , Gou Jinying , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Liang Rongqi
Published: December 2024

Starch biosynthesis is a critical factor in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality and yield. However, the full scope of its regulation is not fully understood. Here we report that TaDL interacts with TaB3 and TaNF‐YB1 to synergistically regulate starch biosynthesis and quality in wheat. Genome‐edited tadl mutant lines had smaller and lighter grains with lower total starch and amylose contents compared to wild type (WT). Correspondingly, the transcript levels of starch biosynthesis‐related genes, including TaSUS1, TaSUS2, TaAGPL2, TaSBEIIa, TaGBSSII, and TaSWEET2a, were markedly lower at 15 d after flowering (DAF) in tadl mutants. TaDL physically interacted with TaB3 and TaNF‐YB1 and activated the transcription of TaSUS2 and TaAGPL2 through direct binding to their promoter regions. A null mutant of TaB3 also affected grain filling, with phenotypes similar to those of tadl mutants, whereas overexpression of TaNF‐YB1 promoted grain filling. Our study demonstrated that TaDL plays an essential role in starch biosynthesis and identified an elite allele (TaDL‐BI) associated with starch content, providing insights into the underlying molecular mechanism of wheat grain filling, which may be useful in breeding of high‐yielding wheat and quality improvement.
Global Comparison of Codes of Ethics for Nurses: A Mixed‐Method Collective Case Study Differentiating Aspirational and Mandatory Ethics
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Choi Jiyeon
Published: December 2024

Aims

To identify the characteristics and compare the codes of ethics enacted by the Korean Nursing Association and International Council of Nurses.

Design

A mixed‐method collective case study.

Methods

This study adopted interpretive approaches comprising case definition and selection, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Based on the developed aspirational versus mandatory ethics analytic framework, we differentiated the aspirational and mandatory codes of the Korean Nursing Association and International Council of Nurses.

Results

The Korean Nursing Association placed greater emphasis on aspirational ethics (73.3%) than the International Council of Nurses (53.6%). The Korean Nursing Association addressed legal implications regarding adequate services and patient safety, whereas the International Council of Nurses emphasised informed consent and authorised practice. Compared to the Korean Nursing Association's code, the International Council of Nurses' code had one additional chapter and 67 more units. The additional chapter focused on global health.

Conclusion

Some implications can be considered for future revisions of the code of ethics for Korean nurses. Informed consent needs to be addressed as a legal implication for respecting the patient's right to self‐determination. Furthermore, nurses' attention to global health could be discussed in the context of globalisation.

Implications for the Profession

The findings of the analysis of the current codes of ethics of national and international nursing organisations may provide scientific evidence for future revisions. An evidence‐based revision of ethical guidelines, as proposed by the findings, underscores the importance of fostering a moral identity consistent with established professional norms and values for nursing.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Given that this study is based on the literature, namely the codes of ethics, there is no direct/indirect involvement of patients or the public.
Clinical characterization of a novel episodic ataxia in young working Cocker Spaniels
Authors: Sarró Clara , Stalin Catherine , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Cloquell Ana
Published: December 2024

Background

Episodic ataxias (EAs) are a rare group of paroxysmal movement disorders (PMD) described in human medicine with only one suspected case described in veterinary literature.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study aimed to provide clinical description of a suspected primary EA in working Cocker Spaniel (WCS) dogs.

Animals

Seven WCS dogs with suspected primary EA.

Methods

Descriptive, retrospecitve, multicenter study. Clinical signs, video footage, investigations, treatment, and outcome were reviewed. Owners of affected dogs were invited to complete a questionnaire.

Results

The mean age at clinical onset was 4 months. Signs were acute and included episodic body swaying, titubation, cerebellar ataxia, wide‐base stance, and hypermetria, all while mentation remained unaltered. Neither autonomic nor vestibular signs nor hyperkinetic movements were observed. Duration of episodes ranged from 30 minutes up to 24 hours, and their frequency varied from weekly to once every 5 months. When investigations were performed, results revealed no abnormalities except for 1 dog that had increased gluten antibody titers. None of the dogs deteriorated, and in dogs with available follow‐up (5/7) the frequency of episodes decreased or completely resolved, from which the majority (4/5) received gluten‐free diet.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

A novel PMD was identified in young WCS, manifesting as EA. The condition is suspected to have a primary (genetic) etiology, although the cause of this manifestation has not yet been identified. Episodic ataxia in our WCS had a good prognosis. Veterinarians must be aware of this presentation, and further investigations are needed to determine the origin of the clinical signs.
The relationship between radiographic disc calcification score and FGF4L2 genotype in dachshunds
Authors: Sullivan Stacey , Redden David , Hardeng Froydis , Sundqvist Malin , Kutzler Michelle
Published: December 2024

Background

The relationship between radiographic disc calcification score and FGF4L2 genotype has been reported in only a small number of dachshunds.

Hypothesis

A genotype with either 0 or 1 FGF4L2 copy will be associated with a lower number of calcified discs (lower K‐n) compared with a genotype with 2 FGF4L2 copies.

Animals

Dachshunds registered with the Norwegian or Finnish Kennel Clubs for which both K‐n and FGF4L2 genotype are known (n = 407).

Methods

Retrospective study (2012‐2024). The frequency and percentage of dachshunds within each K‐n group (K0, K1/2, K3/4, K5+) by FGF4L2 genotype (FGF4L2/FGF4L2, N/FGF4L2, N/N) were reported. The K‐n distribution differences among genotypes were analyzed by the Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test in SAS 9.4. Significance was defined as P < .05.

Results

A difference in K‐n distribution was found between dachshunds that have 0 or 2 FGF4L2 copies. However, no difference was found in the K‐n distribution between dachshunds that have 1 or 2 FGF4L2 copies.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Most dachshunds with 1 FGF4L2 copy have radiographic disc calcification scores that are associated with substantially lower risk of symptomatic disc disease. Radiographic disc calcification scores are similar in dachshunds with 0 and 1 FGF4L2 copies. Given the high allele frequency of FGF4L2, breeding to produce progeny with 1 FGF4L2 copy is expected to be a more achievable short‐term goal for dachshund spinal health breeding programs than breeding for 0 copies. It is recommended that both K‐n and FGF4L2 genotype status be considered when choosing dachshund breeding stock.
Employment and Distributional Effects of Greece's National Minimum Wage
Authors: Roupakias Stelios
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the short‐run effects of minimum wage policies on the distribution of earnings and employment. We exploit the variation in the “bite” of the minimum wage across region‐industry cells, employing data from the Greek Labour Force Survey over the period 2015–2020. Using a Difference‐in‐Differences strategy, we estimate unconditional quantile regressions that yield economically important effects, at the bottom end of the earnings distribution. In particular, the estimated coefficients suggest a 14% and 7% rise in the wages for workers concentrated around the 10th and the 20th percentile, respectively. Importantly, we find that this does not come at the expense of disemployment effects, either at the extensive or at the intensive margin.
ProFESS: Changing the Way Multidisciplinary Student's Professional Behaviour Lapses Are Identified and Managed. An Evaluation of Educators' Perspectives
Authors: Clearihan Lyn , Baird Marilyn , Hodgson Wayne , Dart Janeane , Barber Charlotte , Palermo Claire
Published: December 2024

Background

Best practice evidence for identifying and managing professional behaviour lapses in a multidisciplinary context is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate multidisciplinary educators' attitudes and perceptions of the ProFESS (Professional standards, Ethical Behaviour and Student Support) framework and its companion Fitness for Practice model, designed and implemented at a large Australian university to address this using a behaviour change approach.

Methods

A 72‐item survey based on the Context, Input, Process, Product evaluation framework was completed by 92 multidisciplinary faculty educators and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis of open text responses occurred.

Findings

ProFESS and Fitness for Practice were found to be acceptable irrespective of the discipline using them, providing a supportive, transparent, consistent approach for identifying and managing a professional behaviour lapse. Other key strengths of the framework included its student‐centredness and fostering a sense of safety for respondents with potential to improve student‐educator relationships.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that ProFESS enhances educators' confidence in managing professional behaviour lapses and that its structural flexibility and adaptability underpin its acceptability for multidisciplinary educators. Many of its positive attributes address the failure to fail barriers. The ProFESS method provides opportunities for greater consistency of application as it does not require individual interpretation of behaviour but does require education and training to apply consistently.

Conclusions

The acceptability of the ProFESS/FfP framework in a multidisciplinary healthcare education context is promising for integrating support and standards, fostering a safety culture for educators and reducing ‘failure to fail’ barriers.
How do we engage with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in blood donation and research? Reflections from the Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility study
Authors: Crowder Lauren A. , Reik Rita , Stramer Susan L. , Whitaker Barbee I. , Buccheri Renata , Zurita Karla G. , Gehrig Nick , Forbes Susan , Wilson Rodney , Pandey Suchitra , Custer Brian
Published: December 2024

Background

The Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility (ADVANCE) study was a multicenter cross‐organizational collaboration to collect data to inform possible changes in blood donor selection criteria for men who have sex with men. Multiple recruitment approaches were used, and these may be applicable to current efforts in LGBTQ+ community engagement to recruit new blood donors.

Methods

Fieldwork for ADVANCE was a partnership between blood collection organizations (BCOs) and LGBTQ+ community organizations. First, we had to establish relationships with these organizations based on trust and commitment to common objectives. We developed recruitment materials for online and printed distribution. We worked directly with organizations in each community to tailor outreach. Approaches changed over the course of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

The study website was a portal for general information about donation policy, the study itself, scheduling study visits, and news stories. It was important to evolve outreach messages and approaches over time. Study team members created changing content and posting schedules on the website and social media platforms. We also worked with community and social media influencers to raise community awareness about the study. Later in the pandemic, we were able to recruit at in‐person community events. These in‐person events were our most successful outreach.

Discussion

The partnerships with LGBTQ+ community organizations, diversity promotion groups, and other members of the community were instrumental in making ADVANCE a success. The approaches we used for the study may be valuable for BCO outreach to attract new blood donors.
RHCE genotyping using next generation sequencing: Allele specific reference sequences
Authors: Tounsi Wajnat A. , Halawani Amr J. , Sillence Kelly A. , Kiernan Michele , Avent Neil D. , Madgett Tracey E.
Published: December 2024

Background

The Rh blood group system (ISBT004) is encoded by two homologous genes, RHD and RHCE. Polymorphism in these two genes gives rise to 56 antigens, which are highly immunogenic and clinically significant. This study extended previous work on the establishment of RHD allele specific reference sequences using next generation sequencing (NGS) with the Ion Personal Genome Machine (Ion PGM) to sequence the complete RHCE gene.

Study Design and Methods

Genomic DNA (gDNA) samples (n = 87) from blood donors of different serologically predicted genotypes including R1R1 (DCe/DCe), R2R2 (DcE/DcE), R1R2 (DCe/DcE), R2RZ (DcE/DCE), R1r (DCe/dce), R2r (DcE/dce), R0r (Dce/dce), rr (dce/dce), r'r (dCe/dce), and r″r (dcE/dce) were used in this study. The RHCE gene was amplified through overlapping long range‐polymerase chain reaction (LR‐PCR) amplicons and then sequenced with the Ion PGM. Data were analyzed against the human genome reference sequence build hg38 and variants were called.

Results

Referen variant allel VS. In addition to the RHCE reference alleles, different exonic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were detected that encode known RHCE variant alleles including RHCE*Ce.09, RHCE*ceAR, and RHCE*ceVS.03. Numerous intronic SNVs were detected and compared from samples with different Rh genotypes, to determine their link to a specific Rh haplotype. Based on the exonic and intronic changes detected in different RHCE alleles, three RHCE reference sequences were established and submitted to Genbank (one for the RHCE*Ce allele, one for the RHCE*cE allele, and one for the RHCE*ce allele).

Conclusion

Intronic SNVs may represent a novel alternative diagnostic approach to investigate known and novel variants of the RH genes and the prediction of Rh haplotype.
Classification of hyperbolic Dehn fillings I
Authors: Jeon BoGwang
Published: December 2024

Let be a 2‐cusped hyperbolic 3‐manifold. By the work of Thurston, the product of the derivatives of the holonomies of core geodesics of each Dehn filling of is an invariant of it. In this paper, we classify Dehn fillings of with sufficiently large coefficients using this invariant. Further, for any given two Dehn fillings of (with sufficiently larger coefficients), if their aforementioned invariants are the same, it is shown their complex volumes are the same as well.
Simulating spin dynamics with quantum computers
Authors: Lancaster Jarrett L. , Allen D. Brysen
Published: December 2024

IBM quantum computers are used to simulate the dynamics of small systems of interacting quantum spins. For time-independent systems with fewer than three spins, we compute the exact time evolution at arbitrary times and measure spin expectation values and energy. It is demonstrated that even in such small systems, one can observe the connection between conservation laws and symmetries in the model. Larger systems require approximating the time-evolution operator, and we investigate the case of N=3 spins explicitly. While it is shown to be unfeasible to use such devices to probe such larger systems without more advanced algorithms or reliable error correction, we demonstrate that the quantum circuit simulator is an easy-to-use method for studying spin dynamics in systems with N∼O(10) spins. The computations presented provide an interesting experimental component to the standard treatment of quantum spin in an undergraduate quantum mechanics course.
Exploratory Study of Psychophysiological Stress in Esports: Training and Competition in Professional League of Legends
Authors: Leis Oliver , Praisan Gantima , Pedraza-Ramirez Ismael , Sharpe Benjamin T. , Laborde Sylvain , Lautenbach Franziska
Published: December 2024

One goal of sport psychology research is to assist athletes in adapting their training and competitive behavior to maintain or enhance high-level performance under stressful and competitive conditions. To extend this research into esports, a comprehensive understanding of the stress–performance relationship in esports is essential. This knowledge can subsequently guide future intervention studies focused on enhancing players’ performance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between playing esports in competitive settings, and psychological and physiological stress among professional League of Legends players. Unlike previous research focusing on noncompetitive gameplay, we examined seven male professionals during training and competition, measuring perceived motivation and match importance, as well as perceived stress, affect, emotion, heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate. Data were collected before, during, and after gameplay, evaluating in-game performance (i.e., kill-death-assist ratio, gold, and self-rated performance). Significant differences were observed, with motivation and perceived match importance being greater during competition compared with training. Our findings substantiate that both psychological and physiological stress responses intensify during competitive gameplay in contrast to training. This supports existing theoretical and empirical research, emphasizing the intricate nature of the stress–performance relationship. Practical and theoretical applications are discussed.
Immunometabolic reprogramming in macrophages infected with active and dormant
Cryptococcus neoformans
: differential modulation of respiration, glycolysis, and fatty acid utilization
Authors: Marina Clara Luna , de Castro Raffael J. Araújo , Bellozi Paula , Cruz Ana M. , Bürgel Pedro Henrique , Potter Paul G. Weightman , Beall Craig , Tavares Aldo Henrique , De Bem Andreza , Alanio Alexandre , Coelho Carolina , Bocca Anamélia Lorenzetti
Published: December 2024

Dormancy is an adaptation in which cells reduce their metabolism, transcription, and translation to stay alive under stressful conditions, preserving the capacity to reactivate once the environment reverts to favorable conditions. Dormancy and reactivation of
Cryptococcus neoformans
(
Cn
) are closely linked to intracellular residency within macrophages. Our previous work showed that
in vitro
murine macrophages rely on the viable but not cultivable (VBNC—a dormancy phenotype) fungus from active
Cn
, with striking differences in immunometabolic gene expression. Here, we analyzed the influence of VBNC and active
Cn
on the immunometabolism of infected macrophages, combining metabolic gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), oxygen consumption analysis, and uptake of glucose and fatty acids. The active fungus induced mitochondrial depolarization, and increased glycolysis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. VBNC infection in bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) caused an attenuated modification in mitochondrial metabolism. However, we found differences in BMDM infected with VBNC vs those infected with active fungus, where VBNC induced an increment in fatty acid uptake in M0 and M1 BMDM, measured by incorporation of BODIPY-palmitate, accompanied by an increase in expression of fatty acid transporters
Fabp1
and
Fabp4
. Overall, distinct fatty acid-related responses induced by VBNC and active
Cn
suggest different immunomodulatory reactions, depending on the microbial growth stage. We posit that, for VBNC, some of these macrophage metabolic responses reflect the establishment of prolonged microbial intracellular residency and possibly initial stages of granuloma formation.
Variability in HIV-1 transmitted/founder virus susceptibility to combined APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G host restriction
Authors: Gaba Amit , Yousefi Maria , Bhattacharjee Shreoshri , Chelico Linda
Published: December 2024

Several APOBEC3 enzymes restrict HIV-1 by deaminating cytosine to form uracil in single-stranded proviral (−)DNA. However, HIV-1 Vif counteracts their activity by inducing their proteasomal degradation. This counteraction by Vif is incomplete, as evidenced by footprints of APOBEC3-mediated mutations within integrated proviral genomes of people living with HIV-1. The relative contributions of multiple APOBEC3s in HIV-1 restriction are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the activity of co-expressed APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G against HIV-1 Subtype B and Subtype C transmitted/founder viruses. We determined that APOBEC3F interacts with APOBEC3G through its N-terminal domain. We provide evidence that this results in protection of APOBEC3F from Vif-mediated degradation because the APOBEC3F N-terminal domain contains residues required for recognition by Vif. We also found that HIV-1 Subtype C Vifs, but not Subtype B Vifs, were less active against APOBEC3G when APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G were co-expressed. Consequently, when APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G were expressed together in a single cycle of HIV-1 replication, only HIV-1 Subtype C viruses showed a decrease in relative infectivity compared to when APOBEC3G was expressed alone. Inspection of Vif amino acid sequences revealed that differences in amino acids adjacent to conserved sequences influenced the Vif-mediated APOBEC3 degradation ability. Altogether, the data provide a possible mechanism for how combined expression of APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G could contribute to mutagenesis of HIV-1 proviral genomes despite the presence of Vif and provide evidence for variability in the Vif-mediated APOBEC3 degradation ability of transmitted/founder viruses.

IMPORTANCE

APOBEC3 enzymes suppress HIV-1 infection by inducing cytosine deamination in proviral DNA but are hindered by HIV-1 Vif, which leads to APOBEC3 proteasomal degradation. Moving away from traditional studies that used lab-adapted HIV-1 Subtype B viruses and singular APOBEC3 enzymes, we examined how transmitted/founder isolates of HIV-1 replicated in the presence of APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G. We determined that APOBEC3F interacts with APOBEC3G through its N-terminal domain and that APOBEC3F, like APOBEC3G, has Vif-mediated degradation determinants in the N-terminal domain. This enabled APOBEC3F to be partially resistant to Vif-mediated degradation. We also demonstrated that Subtype C is more susceptible than Subtype B HIV-1 to combined APOBEC3F/APOBEC3G restriction and identified Vif variations influencing APOBEC3 degradation ability. Importantly, Vif amino acid variation outside of previously identified conserved regions mediated APOBEC3 degradation and HIV-1 Vif subtype-specific differences. Altogether, we identified factors that affect susceptibility to APOBEC3F/APOBEC3G restriction.
An insect virus differentially alters gene expression among life stages of an insect vector and enhances bacterial phytopathogen transmission
Authors: Lin Chun-Yi , Robledo Buritica Jacobo , Sarkar Poulami , Jassar Ola , Rocha Sâmara Vieira , Batuman Ozgur , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Levy Amit
Published: December 2024

Diaphorina citri
transmits
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) between citrus plants which causes the expression of huanglongbing disease in citrus.
D. citri
flavi-like virus (DcFLV) co-occurs intracellularly with CLas in
D. citri
populations in the field. However, the impact(s) of DcFLV presence on the insect vector and its interaction with the CLas phytopathogen remain unclear. We compared CLas acquisition and transmission efficiencies as well as transcriptomic expression between viruliferous and non-viruliferous psyllids at multiple life stages. Viruliferous nymphs acquired higher titers of CLas than non-viruliferous nymphs, whereas viruliferous adults acquired less CLas than those without virus. The presence of DcFLV increased the transmission of CLas by both nymphs and adults. Furthermore, RNA-seq and functional gene expression analyses revealed that endoplasmic reticulum stress-, autophagy-, and defense-related genes were significantly upregulated in viruliferous adult psyllids, whereas most of these genes were downregulated in viruliferous nymphs. Our work demonstrates that DcFLV differentially modulates various cellular and physiological functions in
D. citri
in a life stage-dependent manner and promotes the acquisition of CLas at the nymphal stage and transmission of the pathogen at the adult stage of the vector. Collectively, our results suggest that
D. citri
vectors with DcFLV exhibit greater pathogen transmission efficiency than those without virus.

IMPORTANCE

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by fastidious bacteria from three
Candidatus
Liberibacter species, is the most damaging disease impacting the citrus industry worldwide. Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (
Diaphorina citri
) in Asia and the Americas, HLB causes substantial financial losses, and has reduced citrus production in Florida by more than 90%. Although there are ongoing efforts to limit spread of the disease, effective HLB management remains elusive. Suppressing vector populations and decreasing CLas transmission are the two strategies that need to be urgently improved. Recently, a
D. citri
flavi-like virus (DcFLV) was characterized within its
D. citri
host, and it co-occurs intracellularly with CLas in psyllid populations. Here, we show that viruliferous nymphs exhibit higher CLas acquisition than non-viruliferous nymphs. Furthermore, both viruliferous adults and nymphs exhibit increased CLas transmission efficiency. We suggest the possibility of manipulating DcFLV in
D. citri
populations to reduce CLas transmission for HLB disease management.
Ethanolamine-induced assembly of microcompartments is required for
Fusobacterium nucleatum
virulence
Authors: Franklin Dana S. , Chen Yi-Wei , Chen Yimin , Wittchen Manuel , Agnew Angela , Luu Alexis , Whitelegge Julian P. , Zhou Z. Hong , Tauch Andreas , Das Asis , Ton-That Hung
Published: December 2024

Many bacteria metabolize ethanolamine as a nutrient source through cytoplasmic organelles named bacterial microcompartments (BMCs). Here we investigated the molecular assembly, regulation, and function of BMCs in
Fusobacterium nucleatum—
a Gram-negative oral pathobiont that is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The
F. nucleatum
genome harbors a conserved ethanolamine utilization (
eut
) locus with 21 genes that encode several putative BMC shell proteins and a two-component signal transduction system (TCS), in addition to the enzymes for ethanolamine transport and catabolism. We show that the expression of most of these genes and BMC formation are highly increased in wild-type fusobacteria when cultured in the presence of ethanolamine as a nutrient source. Deletion of the response regulator EutV eliminated this induction of
eut
mRNAs and BMCs, thus demonstrating that BMC formation is transcriptionally regulated by the TCS EutV-EutW in response to ethanolamine. Mass spectrometry of isolated BMCs unveiled the identity of the constituent proteins EutL, EutM
1
, EutM
2
, and EutN. Consistent with the role of these proteins in BMC assembly and metabolism, deletion of
eutN
,
eutL
/

eutM
1

/

eutM
2

, or
eutL
/

eutM
1

/

eutM
2

/
eutN
not only affected BMC formation but also ethanolamine utilization, causing cell growth defects with ethanolamine as a nutrient. BMCs are also assembled in fusobacteria cultured with placental cells or the culture media, a process that is dependent on the BMC shell proteins. Significantly, we show that the
eutN
mutant is defective in inducing preterm birth in a mouse model. Together, these results establish that the BMC-mediated metabolism of ethanolamine is critical for fusobacterial virulence.

IMPORTANCE

The oral anaerobe
Fusobacterium nucleatum
can spread to distal internal organs, such as the colon and placenta, thereby promoting the development of colorectal cancer and inducing preterm birth, respectively. Yet, how this opportunistic pathogen adapts to the various metabolically distinct host cellular niches remains poorly understood. We demonstrated here that this microbe assembles specialized metabolic organelles, termed bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), to utilize environmental ethanolamine (EA) as a key environmental nutrient source. The formation of
F. nucleatum
BMCs, containing BMC shell proteins EutLM1M2N, is controlled by a two-component system, EutV-EutW, responsive to EA. Significantly, this ability of
F. nucleatum
to form BMCs in response to EA is crucial for its pathogenicity evidenced by the fact that the genetic disruption of BMC formation reduces fusobacterial virulence in a mouse model of preterm birth.
The prebiotic potential of dietary onion extracts: shaping gut microbial structures and promoting beneficial metabolites
Authors: Yoo Yebeen , Kim Seongok , Lee WonJune , Kim Jinwoo , Son Bokyung , Lee Kwang Jun , Shin Hakdong
Published: December 2024

Onions are well-known vegetables that offer various health benefits. This study explores the impact of onion extracts on gut microbiome using an
in vitro
fecal incubation model and metabolome analysis. Fecal samples were collected from 19 healthy donors and incubated in the presence or absence of onion extracts for 24 h. To reduce inter-individual variability in the gut microbiome, we employed enterotyping based on baseline fecal microbiota: 14 subjects with a
Bacteroides
-dominant type (enterotype B) and 5 subjects with
Prevotella
-dominant type (enterotype P). Alpha diversity was significantly reduced in the onion-treated group compared to the non-treated control group in both
Bacteroides
- and
Prevotella
-dominant types. However, significant structural differences in bacterial communities were observed based on weighted UniFrac distance. Notably, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, such as
Bifidobacterium
_388775,
Feacalibacterium
, and
Fusicatenibacter
, were overrepresented in response to onion extracts in enterotype B. Furthermore, genes related to butyrate production were significantly overrepresented in the onion-treated group within enterotype B. Consistent with the enriched taxa and the predicted metabolic pathways, SCFAs and their related metabolites were significantly enriched in the onion-treated group. Additionally, tryptophan metabolism-derived metabolites, including indolelactate (ILA) and indolepropionate (IPA), were elevated by 4- and 32-fold, respectively, in the onion-treated group compared to the control group.
In vitro
growth assays showed an increase in lactobacilli strains in the presence of onion extracts. These results provide evidence that onion extracts could serve as promising prebiotics by altering gut microbial structure and promoting the production of beneficiary metabolites, including SCFAs and indole derivatives, and enhancing the growth of probiotics.

IMPORTANCE

This study is significant as it provides compelling evidence that onion extracts have the potential to serve as effective prebiotics. Utilizing an
in vitro
fecal incubation model and enterotyping to reduce inter-individual variability, the research demonstrates how onion extracts can alter gut microbial structure and promote the production of beneficial metabolites, including SCFAs and indole derivatives like ILA and IPA. Additionally, onion extract treatment enhances the growth of beneficial probiotics. The findings underscore the potential of onion extracts to improve gut health by enriching specific beneficial bacteria and metabolic pathways, thereby supporting the development of functional foods aimed at improving gut microbiota composition and metabolic health.
Erratum to: Limits of Laser Cooling of Light Alkali Metals in a Polychromatic Light Field
Authors: Ilenkov R. Ya. , Prudnikov O. N. , Taichenachev A. V. , Yudin V. I.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062873824110054