bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The historical demography of the Martha’s Vineyard signing community
Authors: Power Justin M , Meier Richard P
Published: January 2024

The deaf population of Martha’s Vineyard has fascinated scholars for more than a century since Alexander Graham Bell’s research on the frequent occurrence of deafness there and since Groce’s book on the island’s signing community (Groce, N. E. (1985). Everyone here spoke sign language: Hereditary deafness on Martha’s Vineyard. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.). In Groce’s work, and in that of subsequent scholars, the Vineyard signing community has often been portrayed as remote and outlying, having developed independently of mainland signing communities for roughly 133 years until 1825. We re-examine that interpretation in light of historical, demographic, and genealogical evidence covering the period 1692–2008. We argue that the Vineyard signing community began in Chilmark in 1785, 93 years later than previously thought, and that it had had a brief period of independent development, roughly 40 years, before becoming well connected, through deaf education, to the nascent New England signing community. We consider the implications of the Vineyard community’s history for our understanding of how village signing communities develop.
Hybrid endovascular treatment for complicated aortic dissection concomitant with true lumen obliteration: a case report
Authors: Ikeoka Kuniyasu , Nishi Hiroyuki , Ueda Yasunori , Yamane Haruya , Matsumura Yasushi
Published: January 2024

Background

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been widely introduced. However, unestablished transfemoral approach due to true lumen obliteration disables endovascular option.

Case summary

A 74-year-old male with a history of 15-year-ago type B aortic dissection presented with chronic bilateral lower extremity claudication. CT angiography revealed that a large entry tear was located at distal to the left subclavian artery. The thoracic aneurysmal degeneration progressed and eventually required repair. True lumen of infrarenal aorta to bilateral common iliac arteries was totally collapsed by false lumen, and the re-entry tear was open at external iliac artery. Initially, we performed recanalization to the collapsed true lumen. Bidirectional approach was taken from right brachial and bifemoral arteries. The covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation (CERAB) technique and double D-shape moulding technique (DDMT) was performed to create covered stent configuration. As secondary treatment, 1-debranching TEVAR with axillary artery bypass was successfully performed by utilizing femoral approach.

Discussion

This case demonstrated feasibility of two-stage endovascular therapy for thoracic aneurysmal degeneration concomitant with true lumen obliteration. This combined technique of CERAB and DDMT was absolutely effective to minimize type Ⅲ endoleak in infrarenal segment. Hybrid endovascular treatment offered minimally invasive therapy to the patient.
Fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater risk of hyperandrogenism in women: UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Chen Huadong , Buziau Amée M , Rentería Miguel E , Simons Pomme I H G , Brouwers Martijn C G J
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the association between fructose consumption and serum sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), (free) testosterone, and risk of hyperandrogenism in a population-based cohort.

Design

An observational and genetic association study in participants of the UK Biobank (n = 136 384 and n = 383 392, respectively).

Methods

We assessed the relationship of (1) the intake of different sources of fructose (ie, total, fruit, fruit juice, and sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs]) and (2) rs2304681 (a missense variant in the gene encoding ketohexokinase, used as an instrument of impaired fructose metabolism), with SHBG, total and free testosterone levels, and risk of hyperandrogenism (free androgen index >4.5).

Results

The intake of total fructose and fructose from fruit was associated with higher serum SHBG and lower free testosterone in men and women and lower risk of hyperandrogenism in women. In contrast, fructose intake from SSB (≥10 g/day) was associated with lower SHBG in men and women and with higher free testosterone levels and risk of hyperandrogenism in women (odds ratio [OR]: 1.018; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010; 1.026). Carriers of the rs2304681 A allele were characterized by higher circulating SHBG (both men and women), lower serum free testosterone (women), and a lower risk of biochemical hyperandrogenism (OR: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.955; 0.999; women) and acne vulgaris (OR: 0.975, 95% CI: 0.952; 0.999; men and women combined).

Conclusions

The consumption of ≥10 g/day fructose from SSB, corresponding to ≥200 mL serving, is associated with a 2% higher risk of hyperandrogenism in women. These observational data are supported by our genetic data.
Association between antithrombotic therapy after stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and the risk of net clinical outcome: an observational cohort study
Authors: Ahn Hyo-Jeong , Lee So-Ryoung , Choi JungMin , Lee Kyung-Yeon , Kwon Soonil , Choi Eue-Keun , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: January 2024

Aims

Data on the optimal use of antithrombotic drugs and associated clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute ischaemic stroke (IS) are limited. We investigated the prescription patterns of antithrombotics in community practice and long-term clinical prognosis according to early post-stroke antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF and acute IS.

Methods and results

Patients with AF who were admitted for acute IS at a single tertiary hospital in 2010–2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical profiles including the aetiology of stroke and prescription patterns of antithrombotics were identified. The net clinical outcome (NCO)—the composite of recurrent stroke, any bleeding, hospitalization or emergency department visits for cardiovascular (CV) events, and death—was compared according to the antithrombotic therapy at the first outpatient clinic visit [oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone vs. antiplatelet (APT) alone vs. OAC/APT(s)] following discharge. A total of 918 patients with AF and acute IS (mean age, 72.6 years; male, 59.3%; mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 3.3) were analysed. One-third (33.9%, n = 310) of patients were simultaneously diagnosed with AF and IS. The most common aetiology of IS was cardioembolism (71.2%), followed by undetermined aetiology (19.8%) and large artery atherosclerosis (6.0%). OAC, APT(s), and concomitant OAC and APT(s) were prescribed in 33.4%, 11.1%, and 53.4% of patients during admission that changed to 67.0%, 9.1%, and 21.7% at the first outpatient clinic, and were mostly continued up to one year after IS. Non-prescription of OAC was observed in 11.3% of post-stroke patients with AF. During a median follow-up of 2.1 years, the overall incidence rate of NCO per 100 patient-year (PY) was 20.14. APT(s) monotherapy presented the highest cumulative risk of NCO (adjusted hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.08–2.00, P = 0.015; with reference to OAC monotherapy) mainly driven by the highest rates of recurrent stroke and any bleeding. OAC/APT(s) combination therapy was associated with a 1.62-fold significantly higher risk of recurrent stroke (P = 0.040) and marginally higher risk of any bleeding than OAC monotherapy.

Conclusion

Approximately one-third of acute IS in AF have a distinctive mechanism from cardioembolism. Although APT was frequently prescribed in post-stroke patients with AF, no additive clinical benefit was observed. Adherence to OAC treatment is essential to prevent further CV adverse events in patients with AF and IS.
A pilot study of the quality of care of atrial fibrillation in Irish general practice
Authors: McErlean Sarah , Broughan John , McCombe Geoff , Fawsitt Ronan , Ledwidge Mark , Cullen Walter , Gallagher Joe
Published: January 2024

Background

Worldwide, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in adults and poses a significant burden to patients, physicians, and healthcare systems. We developed a quality of care score based on the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway recommended by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association guidelines. This is a 14-point score that we have termed the MAGIC score(Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Integrated Care and General Practice).

Objective

The objective of this pilot study was to develop and test a quality of care score for patients with permanent AF in general practice.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional pilot study was undertaken. Proportionate sampling was used across 11 practices from the Ireland East practice-based research network. The GPs completed a report form on each patient by undertaking a retrospective chart review. Eleven practices participated with a total of 1855 patients with AF. We received data on 153 patients.

Results

The main findings were that no patient met all 14 guideline based recommendations. The mean MAGIC score was 11.3. Points were most commonly deducted because the creatinine clearance and HAS-BLED score were not recorded, and the patient was not on the correct dose of oral anti-coagulation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a quality of care score to measure the quality of AF management in general practice. This scoring system, which is based on internationally recognized quality of care markers, highlights key areas that can be targeted with quality improvement intervention.
A missense SNP in the tumor suppressor SETD2 reduces H3K36me3 and mitotic spindle integrity in Drosophila
Authors: Brockett Jovan S , Manalo Tad , Zein-Sabatto Hala , Lee Jina , Fang Junnan , Chu Philip , Feng Harry , Patil Dattatraya , Davidson Priscilla , Ogan Kenneth , Master Viraj A , Pattaras John G , Roberts David L , Bergquist Sharon H , Reyna Matthew A , Petros John A , Lerit Dorothy A , Arnold Rebecca S
Published: January 2024

Mutations in SETD2 are among the most prevalent drivers of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We identified a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SETD2, E902Q, within a subset of RCC patients, which manifests as both an inherited or tumor-associated somatic mutation. To determine if the SNP is biologically functional, we used CRISPR-based genome editing to generate the orthologous mutation within the Drosophila melanogaster Set2 gene. In Drosophila, the homologous amino acid substitution, E741Q, reduces H3K36me3 levels comparable to Set2 knockdown, and this loss is rescued by reintroduction of a wild-type Set2 transgene. We similarly uncovered significant defects in spindle morphogenesis, consistent with the established role of SETD2 in methylating α-Tubulin during mitosis to regulate microtubule dynamics and maintain genome stability. These data indicate the Set2 E741Q SNP affects both histone methylation and spindle integrity. Moreover, this work further suggests the SETD2 E902Q SNP may hold clinical relevance.
Asymptotic properties of the Lotka–Volterra competition and mutualism model under stochastic perturbations
Authors: Shaikhet Leonid , Korobeinikov Andrei
Published: January 2024

Stochastically perturbed models, where the white noise type stochastic perturbations are proportional to the current system state, the most realistically describe real-life biosystems. However, such models essentially have no equilibrium states apart from one at the origin. This feature makes analysis of such models extremely difficult. Probably, the best result that can be found for such models is finding of accurate estimations of a region in the model phase space that serves as an attractor for model trajectories. In this paper, we consider a classical stochastically perturbed Lotka–Volterra model of competing or symbiotic populations, where the white noise type perturbations are proportional to the current system state. Using the direct Lyapunov method in a combination with a recently developed technique, we establish global asymptotic properties of this model. In order to do this, we, firstly, construct a Lyapunov function that is applicable to the both competing (and globally stable) and symbiotic deterministic Lotka–Volterra models. Then, applying this Lyapunov function to the stochastically perturbed model, we show that solutions with positive initial conditions converge to a certain compact region in the model phase space and oscillate around this region thereafter. The direct Lyapunov method allows to find estimates for this region. We also show that if the magnitude of the noise exceeds a certain critical level, then some or all species extinct via process of the stochastic stabilization (‘stabilization by noise’). The approach applied in this paper allows to obtain necessary conditions for the extinction. Sufficient conditions for the extinction (that for this model occurs via the process that is known as the ‘stochastic stabilization’, or the ‘stabilization by noise’) are found applying the Khasminskii-type Lyapunov functions.
IL-17 and IFN-γ–producing Respiratory Tissue-Resident Memory CD4 T Cells Persist for Decades in Adults Immunized as Children With Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccines
Authors: McCarthy Karen N , Hone Stephen , McLoughlin Rachel M , Mills Kingston H G
Published: January 2024

The objective was to determine if antigen-specific tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells persist in respiratory tissues of adults immunized as children with whole-cell pertussis (wP) or acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines. Mononuclear cells from tonsil or nasal tissue cells were cultured with Bordetella pertussis antigens and TRM cells quantified by flow cytometry. Adults immunized with wP vaccines as children had significantly more interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–producing TRM cells that respond to B. pertussis antigens in respiratory tissues when compared with aP-primed donors. Our findings demonstrate that wP vaccines induce CD4 TRM cells that can persist in respiratory tissues for decades.
Implementation of an electronic health record-integrated instant messaging system in an academic health system
Authors: Kwan Brian , Bell John F , Longhurst Christopher A , Goldhaber Nicole H , Clay Brian
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Effective communication amongst healthcare workers simultaneously promotes optimal patient outcomes when present and is deleterious to outcomes when absent. The advent of electronic health record (EHR)-embedded secure instantaneous messaging systems has provided a new conduit for provider communication. This manuscript describes the experience of one academic medical center with deployment of one such system (Secure Chat).

Methods

Data were collected on Secure Chat message volume from June 2017 to April 2023. Significant perideployment events were reviewed chronologically.

Results

After the first coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown in March 2020, messaging use increased by over 25 000 messages per month, with 1.2 million messages sent monthly by April 2023. Comparative features of current communication modalities in healthcare were summarized, highlighting the many advantages of Secure Chat.

Conclusions

While EHR-embedded secure instantaneous messaging systems represent a novel and potentially valuable communication medium in healthcare, generally agreed-upon best practices for their implementation are, as of yet, undetermined.
Structural differences contributing to sex-specific associations between FN BMD and whole-bone strength for adult White women and men
Authors: Jepsen Karl J , Bigelow Erin M R , Goulet Robert W , Nolan Bonnie T , Casden Michael A , Kennedy Kathryn , Hertz Samantha , Kadur Chandan , Clines Gregory A , Leis Aleda M , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie A , Bredbenner Todd L
Published: January 2024

Hip areal BMD (aBMD) is widely used to identify individuals with increased fracture risk. Low aBMD indicates low strength, but this association differs by sex with men showing greater strength for a given aBMD than women. To better understand the structural basis giving rise to this sex-specific discrepancy, cadaveric proximal femurs from White female and male donors were imaged using nano-CT and loaded in a sideways fall configuration to assess strength. FN pseudoDXA images were generated to identify associations among structure, aBMD, and strength that differ by sex. Strength correlated significantly with pseudoDXA aBMD for females (R2 = 0.468, P < .001) and males (R2 = 0.393, P < .001), but the elevations (y-intercepts) of the linear regressions differed between sexes (P < .001). Male proximal femurs were 1045 N stronger than females for a given pseudoDXA aBMD. However, strength correlated with pseudoDXA BMC for females (R2 = 0.433, P < .001) and males (R2 = 0.443, P < .001) but without significant slope (P = .431) or elevation (P = .058) differences. Dividing pseudoDXA BMC by FN-width, total cross-sectional area, or FN-volume led to significantly different associations between strength and the size-adjusted BMC measures for women and men. Three structural differences were identified that differentially affected aBMD and strength for women and men: First, men had more bone mass per unit volume than women; second, different cross-sectional shapes resulted in larger proportions of bone mass orthogonal to the DXA image for men than women; and third, men and women had different proportions of cortical and trabecular bone relative to BMC. Thus, the proximal femurs of women were not smaller versions of men but were constructed in fundamentally different manners. Dividing BMC by a bone size measure was responsible for the sex-specific associations between hip aBMD and strength. Thus, a new approach for adjusting measures of bone mass for bone size and stature is warranted.
A systematic review of work-related health problems of factory workers in the textile and fashion industry
Authors: Seidu Raphael Kanyire , Ofori Emmanuel Abankwah , Eghan Benjamin , Fobiri George Kwame , Afriyie Alex Osei , Acquaye Richard
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to present a systematic review of the health-related problems of factory workers in the textile and fashion industry. These workers endure long sitting postures, poor workspace conditions, and long working hours to complete their overload of tasks. This situation results in several health problems that affect the productivity, mental health, and well-being of the workers.

Methods:

The relevant data (21 article publications) were obtained from the Scopus database. Analysis of the 21 articles was grouped under 3 research themes based on the critical reading of the content and abstracts: respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological stressors and other health issues.

Results:

The findings show that factory workers are exposed to dust particles of cotton and other raw materials, fumes, and chemicals from manufacturing processes. This prolonged exposure without the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) leads to respiratory diseases like byssinosis that affect the workers’ health. Additionally, working in a particular posture due to the workstation design for prolonged hours causes musculoskeletal disorders or pains. Workers also suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress from workload and pressure, hence making them unstable with reduced productivity.

Conclusions:

The findings of the study reinforce the need for a safe workspace and spacious work environment, provision of PPE, training in occupational hazards, frequent health checks, and ergonomic assessment of workstations to reduce prolonged work postures. Stakeholders, employers, policymakers, and governments should collaborate to safeguard and protect the well-being and health of the workers at these factories.
An unusual case of pilonidal p16 positive squamous cell carcinoma—a case report
Authors: Khatri Hershil , Chuang Tzu-Yi , Swan Daniel
Published: January 2024

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare and aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It is commonly seen in the oropharynx and strongly associated with p16-expressivity and high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV). We report the first case of primary cutaneous p16-positive BSCC in an elderly woman, with a background of chronic inverse psoriasis of the natal cleft. P16-expressivity is a common surrogate marker for oncogenic HPV16, routinely tested for oropharyngeal/anogenital squamous cell carcinoma. This is not routinely done for primary cutaneous disease. Pilonidal disease is uncommon in the elderly population, and malignant transformation is rarer still. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment for primary cutaneous BSCC, however due to this patient’s broad distribution of cutaneous field change and p16-expressivity, she was effectively treated with primary radiotherapy. This is a unique case of malignant transformation of pilonidal disease in an atypical demographic, with a rare/aggressive disease variant.
Bursts from Space: MeerKAT – the first citizen science project dedicated to commensal radio transients
Authors: Andersson Alex , Lintott Chris , Fender Rob , Bright Joe , Carotenuto Francesco , Driessen Laura , Espinasse Mathilde , Gasealahwe Kelebogile , Heywood Ian , van der Horst Alexander J , Motta Sara , Rhodes Lauren , Tremou Evangelia , Williams David R A , Woudt Patrick , Zhang Xian , Bloemen Steven , Groot Paul , Vreeswijk Paul , Giarratana Stefano , Saikia Payaswini , Andersson Jonas , Ruiz Arroyo Lizzeth , Baert Loïc , Baumann Matthew , Domainko Wilfried , Eschweiler Thorsten , Forsythe Tim , Gaudenzi Sauro , Ann Grenier Rachel , Iannone Davide , Lahoz Karla , Melville Kyle J , De Sousa Nascimento Marianne , Navarro Leticia , Parthasarathi Sai , Piilonen  , Rahman Najma , Smith Jeffrey , Stewart B , Temoke Newton , Tworek Chloe , Whittle Isabelle
Published: January 2024

The newest generation of radio telescopes is able to survey large areas with high sensitivity and cadence, producing data volumes that require new methods to better understand the transient sky. Here, we describe the results from the first citizen science project dedicated to commensal radio transients, using data from the MeerKAT telescope with weekly cadence. Bursts from Space: MeerKAT was launched late in 2021 and received ∼89 000 classifications from over 1000 volunteers in 3 months. Our volunteers discovered 142 new variable sources which, along with the known transients in our fields, allowed us to estimate that at least 2.1 per cent of radio sources are varying at 1.28 GHz at the sampled cadence and sensitivity, in line with previous work. We provide the full catalogue of these sources, the largest of candidate radio variables to date. Transient sources found with archival counterparts include a pulsar (B1845-01) and an OH maser star (OH 30.1–0.7), in addition to the recovery of known stellar flares and X-ray binary jets in our observations. Data from the MeerLICHT optical telescope, along with estimates of long time-scale variability induced by scintillation, imply that the majority of the new variables are active galactic nuclei. This tells us that citizen scientists can discover phenomena varying on time-scales from weeks to several years. The success both in terms of volunteer engagement and scientific merit warrants the continued development of the project, while we use the classifications from volunteers to develop machine learning techniques for finding transients.
Velocity gradient and stellar polarization: magnetic field tomography towards the L1688 cloud
Authors: Schmaltz Tyler , Hu Yue , Lazarian Alex
Published: January 2024

Magnetic fields are a defining yet enigmatic aspect of the interstellar medium, with their three-dimensional (3D) mapping posing a substantial challenge. In this study, we harness the innovative velocity gradient technique (VGT), underpinned by magnetohydrodynamic turbulence theories, to map the magnetic field structure by applying it to the atomic neutral hydrogen (H i) emission line and the molecular tracer 12CO. We construct the tomography of the magnetic field in the low-mass star-forming region L1688, utilizing two approaches: (1) VGT-H i combined with the Galactic rotational curve, and (2) stellar polarization paired with precise star parallax measurements. Our analysis reveals that the magnetic field orientations deduced from stellar polarization undergo a distinct directional change in the vicinity of L1688, providing evidence that the misalignment between VGT-H i and stellar polarization stems from the influence of the molecular cloud’s magnetic field on the polarization of starlight. When comparing VGT-12CO to stellar polarization and Planck polarization data, we observe that VGT-12CO effectively reconciles the misalignment noted with VGT-H i, showing statistical alignment with Planck polarization measurements. This indicates that VGT-12CO could be integrated with VGT-H i, offering vital insights into the magnetic fields of molecular clouds, thereby enhancing the accuracy of our 3D magnetic field reconstructions.
Momentum power spectrum of SDSS galaxies by massE cosmic ruler: 2.1×improvement in measure of growth rate
Authors: Shi Yong , Zhang Pengjie , Mao Shude , Gu Qiusheng
Published: January 2024

Peculiar motion of galaxies probes the structure growth in the universe. In this study, we employ the galaxy stellar mass-binding energy (massE) relation with only two nuisance parameters to build the largest peculiar-velocity (PV) catalogue to date, consisting of 229 890 ellipticals from the main galaxy sample (MGS) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We quantify the distribution of the massE-based distances in individual narrow redshift bins (dz = 0.005), and then estimate the PV of each galaxy based on its offset from the Gaussian mean of the distribution. As demonstrated with the Uchuu-SDSS mock data, the derived PV and momentum power spectra are insensitive to accurate calibration of the massE relation itself, enabling measurements out to a redshift of 0.2, well beyond the current limit of z = 0.1 using other galaxy scaling laws. We then measure the momentum power spectrum and demonstrate that it remains almost unchanged if varying significantly the redshift bin size within which the distance is measured, as well as the intercept and slope of the massE relation, respectively. By fitting the spectra using the perturbation theory model with four free parameters, fσ8 is constrained to fσ8 = 0.459$^{+0.068}_{-0.069}$ over Δz = 0.02–0.2, 0.416$^{+0.074}_{-0.076}$ over Δz = 0.02–0.1, and 0.526$^{+0.133}_{-0.148}$ over Δz = 0.1–0.2. The error of fσ8 is 2.1 times smaller than that by the redshift space distortion (RSD) of the same sample. A Fisher matrix forecast illustrates that the constraint on fσ8 from the massE-based PV can potentially exceed that from the stage-IV RSD in late universe (z<0.5).
Training custom light curve models of SN Ia subpopulations selected according to host galaxy properties
Authors: Taylor G , Lidman C , Popovic B , Abbot H J
Published: January 2024

Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) cosmology analyses include a luminosity step function in their distance standardization process to account for an observed yet unexplained difference in the post-standardization luminosities of SNe Ia originating from different host galaxy populations [e.g. high-mass ($M \gtrsim 10^{10} \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) versus low-mass galaxies]. We present a novel method for including host-mass correlations in the SALT3 (Spectral Adaptive Light curve Template 3) light curve model used for standardizing SN Ia distances. We split the SALT3 training sample according to host-mass, training independent models for the low- and high-host-mass samples. Our models indicate that there are different average Si ii spectral feature strengths between the two populations, and that the average spectral energy distribution of SNe from low-mass galaxies is bluer than the high-mass counterpart. We then use our trained models to perform an SN cosmology analysis on the 3-yr spectroscopically confirmed Dark Energy Survey SN sample, treating SNe from low- and high-mass host galaxies as separate populations throughout. We find that our mass-split models reduce the Hubble residual scatter in the sample, albeit at a low statistical significance. We do find a reduction in the mass-correlated luminosity step but conclude that this arises from the model-dependent re-definition of the fiducial SN absolute magnitude rather than the models themselves. Our results stress the importance of adopting a standard definition of the SN parameters (x0, x1, c) in order to extract the most value out of the light curve modelling tools that are currently available and to correctly interpret results that are fit with different models.
Brain-inspired chaotic spiking backpropagation
Authors: Wang Zijian , Tao Peng , Chen Luonan
Published: January 2024

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have superior energy efficiency due to their spiking signal transmission, which mimics biological nervous systems, but they are difficult to train effectively. Although surrogate gradient-based methods offer a workable solution, trained SNNs frequently fall into local minima because they are still primarily based on gradient dynamics. Inspired by the chaotic dynamics in animal brain learning, we propose a chaotic spiking backpropagation (CSBP) method that introduces a loss function to generate brain-like chaotic dynamics and further takes advantage of the ergodic and pseudo-random nature to make SNN learning effective and robust. From a computational viewpoint, we found that CSBP significantly outperforms current state-of-the-art methods on both neuromorphic data sets (e.g. DVS-CIFAR10 and DVS-Gesture) and large-scale static data sets (e.g. CIFAR100 and ImageNet) in terms of accuracy and robustness. From a theoretical viewpoint, we show that the learning process of CSBP is initially chaotic, then subject to various bifurcations and eventually converges to gradient dynamics, consistently with the observation of animal brain activity. Our work provides a superior core tool for direct SNN training and offers new insights into understanding the learning process of a biological brain.
Effects of the periodic fasting-mimicking diet on health, lifespan, and multiple diseases: a narrative review and clinical implications
Authors: Wang Ruohua , Lv Xinyi , Xu Wenyu , Li Xiaoqing , Tang Xuanfeng , Huang He , Yang Mengxia , Ma Shuran , Wang Nan , Niu Yucun
Published: January 2024

Dietary restriction and fasting have been recognized for their beneficial effects on health and lifespan and their potential application in managing chronic metabolic diseases. However, long-term adherence to strict dietary restrictions and prolonged fasting poses challenges for most individuals and may lead to unhealthy rebound eating habits, negatively affecting overall health. As a result, a periodic fasting-mimicking diet (PFMD), involving cycles of fasting for 2 or more days while ensuring basic nutritional needs are met within a restricted caloric intake, has gained widespread acceptance. Current research indicates that a PFMD can promote stem cell regeneration, suppress inflammation, extend the health span of rodents, and improve metabolic health, among other effects. In various disease populations such as patients with diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease, a PFMD has shown efficacy in alleviating disease symptoms and improving relevant markers. After conducting an extensive analysis of available research on the PFMD, it is evident that its advantages and potential applications are comparable to other fasting methods. Consequently, it is proposed in this review that a PFMD has the potential to fully replace water-only or very-low-energy fasting regimens and holds promise for application across multiple diseases.
Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Outcome of Mucormycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Palomba Emanuele , Colaneri Marta , Azzarà Cecilia , Fava Marco , Maccaro Angelo , Renisi Giulia , Viero Giulia , Kaur Harsimran , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Gori Andrea , Lombardi Andrea , Bandera Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Mucormycosis is an emerging disease primarily affecting the immunocompromised host, but scarce evidence is available for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). We systematically reviewed 183 cases occurring in SOTRs, exploring epidemiology, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes. Kidney transplants accounted for half of the cases, followed by heart (18.6%), liver (16.9%), and lung (10.4%). Diagnosis showed a dichotomous distribution, with 63.7% of cases reported within 100 days of transplantation and 20.6% occurring at least 1 year after transplant. The 90-day and 1-year mortality rates were 36.3% and 63.4%, respectively. Disseminated disease had the highest mortality at both time points (75% and 93%). Treatment with >3 immunosuppressive drugs showed a significant impact on 90-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.33; 95% CI, 1.02–5.66; P = .0493), as did a disseminated disease manifestation (OR, 8.23; 95% CI, 2.20–36.71; P = .0027) and the presence of diabetes (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.01–5.65; P = .0497). Notably, prophylaxis was administered to 12 cases with amphotericin B. Further investigations are needed to validate these findings and to evaluate the potential implementation of prophylactic regimens in SOTRs at high risk.
DNA- and Selectable-Marker-Free Genome-Editing System Using Zygotes from Recalcitrant Maize Inbred B73
Authors: Yamada Hajime , Kato Norio , Ichikawa Masako , Mannen Keiko , Kiba Takatoshi , Osakabe Yuriko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Matsui Minami , Okamoto Takashi
Published: January 2024

Genome-editing tools such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system have become essential tools for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of plant breeding. Using such genome-editing tools on maize, one of the most important cereal crops of the world, will greatly benefit the agriculture and the mankind. Conventional genome-editing methods typically used for maize involve insertion of a Cas9-guide RNA expression cassette and a selectable marker in the genome DNA; however, using such methods, it is essential to eliminate the inserted DNA cassettes to avoid legislative concerns on gene-modified organisms. Another major hurdle for establishing an efficient and broadly applicable DNA-free genome-editing system for maize is presented by recalcitrant genotypes/cultivars, since cell/tissue culture and its subsequent regeneration into plantlets are crucial for producing transgenic and/or genome-edited maize. In this study, to establish a DNA-free genome-editing system for recalcitrant maize genotypes/cultivars, Cas9-gRNA ribonucleoproteins were directly delivered into zygotes isolated from the pollinated flowers of the maize-B73 cultivar. The zygotes successfully developed and were regenerated into genome-edited plantlets by co-culture with phytosulfokine, a peptide phytohormone. The method developed herein made it possible to obtain DNA- and selectable-marker-free genome-edited recalcitrant maize genotypes/cultivars with high efficiency. This method can advance the molecular breeding of maize and other important cereals, regardless of their recalcitrant characteristics.
The Origin and Differentiation of CO2-Rich Primary Melts in Ocean Island Volcanoes: Integrating 3D X-Ray Tomography with Chemical Microanalysis of Olivine-Hosted Melt Inclusions from Pico (Azores).
Authors: van Gerve Thomas D , Neave David A , Wieser Penny , Lamadrid Hector , Hulsbosch Niels , Namur Olivier
Published: January 2024

Constraining the initial differentiation of primary mantle melts is vital for understanding magmatic systems as a whole. Chemical compositions of olivine-hosted melt inclusions preserve unique information about the mantle sources, crystallisation behaviour and volatile budgets of such melts. Crucially, melt inclusion CO2 contents can be linked to mantle CO2 budgets and inform us on Earth's carbon fluxes and cycles. However, determining total inclusion CO2 contents is not straightforward, as they often need to be reconstructed from CO2 dissolved in melts and CO2 stored in a vapour bubble. Here, we improve upon existing reconstruction methods by combining 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) with geochemical microanalyses of major, trace and volatile elements. We show that in comparison to CT data, traditional reconstruction methods using 2D photomicrographs can underestimate CO2 budgets by more than 40%.

We applied our improved methods to basaltic olivine-hosted melt inclusions from Pico volcano (Azores) in order constrain the formation and differentiation of volatile-rich primary melts in the context of a mantle plume. Results for these inclusions yielded 1935 to 9275 μg/g reconstructed total CO2, some of the highest values reported for ocean island volcanoes to date. Using these CO2 concentrations, we calculate entrapment pressures of 105 to 754 MPa that indicate a magma reservoir comprising stacked sills straddling the crust–mantle boundary. In the magma reservoir, crystallisation of volatile saturated melts drives extensive degassing, leading to fractionated CO2/Ba ratios of 3.5 to 62.2 and a loss of over 79% of primary mantle-derived CO2. Variabilities in trace elements (La, Y) show that differentiation occurred by concurrent mixing and crystallisation of two endmember melts, respectively depleted and enriched in trace elements. Geochemical models show that enriched endmember melts constitute 33 wt % of all melts supplied to the crust at Pico and that primary melts underwent 60% crystallisation prior to eruption.

Mantle melting models indicate that the enriched and depleted primary melt endmembers are low- and high-degree melts of carbon-poor lherzolite and carbon-rich pyroxenite, respectively. Moreover, since deep magmas at Pico island are dominantly pyroxenite derived, their CO2-enrichement is mainly controlled by mantle source carbon content. Overall, our study illustrates that by combining 3D imaging, geochemical microanalyses and numerical modelling, melt inclusions provide a unique record of differentiation and storage of deep magmas, as well as mantle melting.
The roles of epigenetic regulators in plant regeneration: Exploring patterns amidst complex conditions
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zhang Qiyan , Wang Zejia , Liu Qikun
Published: January 2024

Plants possess remarkable capability to regenerate upon tissue damage or optimal environmental stimuli. This ability not only serves as a crucial strategy for immobile plants to survive through harsh environments, but also made numerous modern plant improvements techniques possible. At the cellular level, this biological process involves dynamic changes in gene expression that redirect cell fate transitions. It is increasingly recognized that chromatin epigenetic modifications, both activating and repressive, intricately interact to regulate this process. Moreover, the outcomes of epigenetic regulation on regeneration are influenced by factors such as the differences in regenerative plant species and donor tissue types, as well as the concentration and timing of hormone treatments. In this review, we focus on several well-characterized epigenetic modifications and their regulatory roles in the expression of widely studied morphogenic regulators, aiming to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications govern plant regeneration.
Highlights in gibberellin research: A tale of the dwarf and the slender
Authors: Shani Eilon , Hedden Peter , Sun Tai-ping
Published: January 2024

It has been almost a century since biologically active gibberellin (GA) was isolated. Here, we give a historical overview of the early efforts in establishing the GA biosynthesis and catabolism pathway, characterizing the enzymes for GA metabolism, and elucidating their corresponding genes. We then highlight more recent studies that have identified the GA receptors and early GA signaling components (DELLA repressors and F-box activators), determined the molecular mechanism of DELLA-mediated transcription reprograming, and revealed how DELLAs integrate multiple signaling pathways to regulate plant vegetative and reproductive development in response to internal and external cues. Finally, we discuss the GA transporters and their roles in GA-mediated plant development.
Getting action for global economic justice: the micro-foundations of transnational activism
Authors: Seabrooke Leonard , Wigan Duncan
Published: January 2024

Generating momentum for activist campaigns on complicated economic issues is difficult, especially in a transnational context. So, how did activists get action on tax justice and create a movement that has changed global tax policy? Drawing on 20 years of para-ethnographic fieldwork with the Tax Justice Network, we suggest that activists initially engaged in ‘identity switching’ tactics to access professional or policy arenas from a footing in one identity, to then switch identities to activate policy shifts. A first-generation leveraged multiple professional identities to access forums, build credibility and introduce a tax lexicon to activists and policymakers. These tactics were not, however, replicable, leading a second generation to concentrate on ‘identity fixing’, including professionalization and a tightening of organizational strategy over access and activation points. Here we theorize identity switching and fixing as underappreciated micro-foundations of transnational activism and demonstrate their importance for global economic justice.
Preparing for the future of precision medicine: synthetic cell drug regulation
Authors: Sampson Kira , Sorenson Carlise , Adamala Katarzyna P
Published: January 2024

Synthetic cells are a novel class of cell-like bioreactors, offering the potential for unique advancements in synthetic biology and biomedicine. To realize the potential of those technologies, synthetic cell-based drugs need to go through the drug approval pipeline. Here, we discussed several regulatory challenges, both unique to synthetic cells, as well as challenges typical for any new biomedical technology. Overcoming those difficulties could bring transformative therapies to the market and will create a path to the development and approval of cutting-edge synthetic biology therapies.

Graphical Abstract
Insights into parasites and COVID-19 co-infections in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Molaei Soheila , Asfaram Shabnam , Mashhadi Zahra , Mohammadi-Ghalehbin Behnam , Iranpour Sohrab
Published: January 2024

Background

It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of co-infections. Here we systematically summarized the cases of COVID-19-associated parasitic infections (CAPIs) in Iran.

Methods

From 19 February 2020 to 10 May 2023, all studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAPIs were collected from several databases using a systematic search strategy.

Results

Of 540 records, 11 studies remained for data extraction. In this research, most of the studies were related to Lophomonas and Toxoplasma. Of 411 cases of CAPIs, toxoplasmosis (385 [93.7%]) had the highest rate of infection among Iranian patients, followed by blastocystosis (15 [3.6%]), fascioliasis (4 [0.97%]), leishmaniasis (3 [0.7%]), lophomoniasis (3 [0.7%]) and strongyloidiasis (1 [0.2%]). In general, Blastocystis enhanced diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19. Lophomonas, Toxoplasma and Strongyloides increased the severity of COVID-19, but Fasciola decreased its intensity. Patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis showed mild symptoms of COVID-19. Also, patients with a prior history of hydatid cysts were not affected by COVID-19.

Conclusions

Due to the similar symptoms of some parasitic diseases and COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment regimens in these patients that may cause the reactivation or recurrence of parasitic infections, early diagnosis and treatment are required.
Bases-dependent Rapid Phylogenetic Clustering (Bd-RPC) enables precise and efficient phylogenetic estimation in viruses
Authors: Ma Bin , Gong Huimin , Xu Qianshuai , Gao Yuan , Guan Aohan , Wang Haoyu , Hua Kexin , Luo Rui , Jin Hui
Published: January 2024

Understanding phylogenetic relationships among species is essential for many biological studies, which call for an accurate phylogenetic tree to understand major evolutionary transitions. The phylogenetic analyses present a major challenge in estimation accuracy and computational efficiency, especially recently facing a wave of severe emerging infectious disease outbreaks. Here, we introduced a novel, efficient framework called Bases-dependent Rapid Phylogenetic Clustering (Bd-RPC) for new sample placement for viruses. In this study, a brand-new recoding method called Frequency Vector Recoding was implemented to approximate the phylogenetic distance, and the Phylogenetic Simulated Annealing Search algorithm was developed to match the recoded distance matrix with the phylogenetic tree. Meanwhile, the indel (insertion/deletion) was heuristically introduced to foreign sequence recognition for the first time. Here, we compared the Bd-RPC with the recent placement software (PAGAN2, EPA-ng, TreeBeST) and evaluated it in Alphacoronavirus, Alphaherpesvirinae, and Betacoronavirus by using Split and Robinson-Foulds distances. The comparisons showed that Bd-RPC maintained the highest precision with great efficiency, demonstrating good performance in new sample placement on all three virus genera. Finally, a user-friendly website (http://www.bd-rpc.xyz) is available for users to classify new samples instantly and facilitate exploration of the phylogenetic research in viruses, and the Bd-RPC is available on GitHub (http://github.com/Bin-Ma/bd-rpc).
Reflections on Black Nurses' Invisibility
Authors: De Sousa Ismalia , Wytenbroek Lydia , Boschma Geertje , Thorne Sally
Published: January 2024

Black nurses are at the margins of the annals of history and there is a dearth of historical accounts of their work. Drawing on our historical research about Black nurses in British Columbia (Canada) between 1845 and 1910, we point to the complexity of Black women's lives and argue that Black nurses disrupted the conceptualization of Blackness and Black womanhood of the time. We demonstrate the vital contributions of Black nurses to the health of communities and add to existing scholarship that redefines the nursing narrative: one in which white nurses are not the start and end point of history.