bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and mechanical properties of CP780 steel - 7075 aluminum alloy laser welded joint assisted by rotating magnetic field
Authors: Zhu Xiaoou , Li Yu , Chen Xueting , Yin Guili , Chen Yining , Xiao Chenxu
Published: October 2024

This study uses a rotating magnetic field for laser welding on 1 mm thick CP780 high-strength steel and 1.5 mm thick 7075 aluminum alloy. The effects of different welding parameters (B = 0 mT, B = 65 mT with V = 0°/s, B = 65 mT with V = 10°/s) on the morphology, microstructure, and tensile properties of welded joints are analyzed. At B = 0 mT, the weld shape is V-shaped, with the intermetallic compounds primarily consisting of needle-like brittle Al-rich (Fe, Si)Al2 phase and fewer granular ductile Fe-rich (Fe, Si)Al phase, resulting in poor mechanical properties. With the application of the rotating magnetic field, the laser energy becomes more concentrated, forming a ‘T’ shape weld. The rotating magnetic field (B = 65 mT with V = 10°/s) generates a constantly changing Lorentz force, promoting molten pool flow and enhancing Fe diffusion within the weld. This process reduces needle-like brittle Al-rich (Fe, Si)Al2 phase and increases granular ductile Fe-rich (Fe, Si)Al phase. It also accelerates the weld cooling rate and inhibits the reaction time and grain growth of intermetallic compounds, thereby reducing the thickness and content of the intermediate transition layer and significantly improving mechanical properties. A comprehensive comparison shows that the best mechanical properties are achieved at B = 65 mT with V = 10°/s. This study offers new insights and a theoretical foundation for achieving cost-effective, high-performance welded joints in advanced high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy for automobiles, thereby facilitating lightweight vehicle development.
Scoping review of sustainable diets research reveals a thematic and disciplinary emphasis on nutrition and environment
Authors: Hricko Carolyn , Demarest Bradford , Liu Tung-Lin , Cheney Nick , Belarmino Emily H , Trubek Amy , Niles Meredith T
Published: October 2024

Sustainable diets have been identified as an important component of a food systems transformation that is urgently needed to meet global sustainability and development goals. This study addresses the lack of a comprehensive synthesis and overview of the sustainable diets literature, including its evolution over time and across disciplines, and sheds light on whether and how this body of work addresses dimensions of sustainability as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation’s (FAO) sustainable diets framework. Topic modeling, a type of natural language processing, was used to perform a thematic scoping review of 855 articles published between 2000–2022 to identify trends and themes in a way that was rapid, transparent, reliable, and reproducible. This research finds demonstrated growth in the field of sustainable diets research, with the majority (66%) of sustainable diets articles considered in this study published in the last three years of the study period. Sixty-three percent of the sustainable diets research articles can be characterized by two topics, ‘sustainability impacts of dietary patterns’ and ‘sustainable diets and food system policy.’ FAO components of sustainable diets related to local and seasonal foods, culture, and equity receive relatively little research attention, whereas components of health, environment, and food security each align with approximately a third of the research literature. This is also reflected in the subject classification analysis, in which nearly half of the research (44%) was classified as Nutrition and Dietetics and/or Environmental Studies. This research highlights the need for more transdisciplinary research that addresses areas of equity, culture, social processes, and context as well as the intersections of sustainability dimensions to better understand the need for, implications, and directions of sustainable diets to support a sustainable food systems transformation.
Breakthrough to data 1825–1827
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the emergence of the French national crime statistics as an ideal type of the modern crime statistical report. It was created by a team led by Jacques Guerry de Champneuf (1788–1852) in the French Ministry of Justice from 1824 onwards. The aims of the project are described based on data instructions, later testimonies, obituaries, and by reverse engineering from the published tables. The reception of the statistics in France and by scholars in other European countries is discussed. This chapter also discusses a core motive in the creation and use of administrative crime data: many of the first-generation criminologists wanted the data to help them to move from ideology and confirmation bias to cumulative knowledge. The notion of public data as the final arbiter constituted a field of inquiry where disagreements were possible but not eternal.
The origins of criminology
Authors: Kivivuori Janne
Published: October 2024

This chapter summarizes the main findings and argument of the book. It starts by discussing two interpretive frames in the history of criminology: the theory linking criminology to the fear of ‘dangerous classes’ and the alternative interpretation proposed in this book, which explains the rise of criminology by the collision of the civilization theoretical tradition with the new instrument of research-enabling statistics. The chapter summarizes the key external conditions of the emergence of criminology and moves on to discuss the role of internal factors by asking the question whether empirical contact changed the developmental logic of the discipline. The chapter concludes by noting the caveats and silences of criminology’s first, constitutive data revolution, such as the role of the individual and the use of qualitative sources.
Effects of controlled supramaximal high-intensity interval training on muscle capacities and physical functions for older adults: analysis of secondary outcomes from the Umeå HIT study—a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Frykholm Erik , Hedlund Mattias , Becker Clemens , Holmberg Henrik , Johansson Bengt , Klenk Jochen , Lindelöf Nina , Lindemann Ulrich , Simonsson Emma , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Rosendahl Erik
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigated the effectiveness of supramaximal high-intensity interval training (supramaximal HIT) on muscle capacities and physical function compared to moderate-intensity training (MIT) for older adults.

Methods

Sixty-eight older adults (66–79 years, 56% women), not engaged in regular exercise, were randomised to 3 months of twice-weekly supramaximal HIT (20 minutes including 10 × 6-second intervals) or MIT (40 minutes including 3 × 8-minute intervals). Both groups performed the training on stationary bicycles in a group setting. Target intensity was watt-controlled, with standardised cadence and individualised resistance. Outcomes analysed with linear-mixed models included leg power (Nottingham Power Rig), hand grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), static and dynamic balance (One leg stance, 30-second step test), chair stand (30-second chair stand), and anaerobic cycling performance (modified Borg Cycle Strength Test).

Results

Baseline values were (supramaximal HIT/MIT, mean ± SD) leg power 198 ± 60/189 ± 53 W, hand grip strength 4.2 ± 1.0/4.3 ± 1.1 N/kg, static balance 64 ± 41/62 ± 41 s, dynamic balance 39 ± 7/38 ± 5 steps, chair stands 22 ± 6/22 ± 6 and anaerobic cycling performance 224 ± 60/217 ± 55 W. At 3-month follow-up, a between-group difference in favour of supramaximal HIT [95% CI] was observed in anaerobic cycling performance of 19[3;35] W. Within-group mean changes for supramaximal HIT/MIT were for leg power 8.4[0.9;15.8]/6.0[−1.3;13.3] W, hand grip strength 0.14[0.00;0.27]/0.13[−0.01;0.26] N/kg, static balance 11[3;20]/10[1;18] s, dynamic balance 1.6[0.3;2.8]/2.3[1.1;3.6] steps, 2.1[1.1;3.1]/1.4[0.4;2.3] chair stands and anaerobic cycling performance 31.3[19.6;43.0]/12.0[0.4;23.5] W.

Conclusion

Supramaximal HIT showed superior effect on anaerobic cycling performance when compared to MIT. Additionally, the results indicate that supramaximal HIT is comparably beneficial as MIT in terms of effects on muscle capacity and physical function for older adults.
Core outcome set for studies evaluating interventions to prevent or treat delirium in long-term care older residents: international key stakeholder informed consensus study
Authors: Russell Gregor , Rana Namrata , Reilly Siobhan T , Shehadeh Anas , Page Valerie , Siddiqi Najma , Rose Louise
Published: October 2024

Background

Trials of interventions to prevent or treat delirium in older adults resident in long-term care settings (LTC) report heterogenous outcomes, hampering the identification of effective management strategies for this important condition. Our objective was to develop international consensus among key stakeholders for a core outcome set (COS) for future trials of interventions to prevent and/or treat delirium in this population.

Methods

We used a rigorous COS development process including qualitative interviews with family members and staff with experience of delirium in LTC; a modified two-round Delphi survey; and virtual consensus meetings using nominal group technique. The study was registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative (https://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/796).

Results

Item generation identified 22 delirium-specific outcomes and 32 other outcomes from 18 qualitative interviews. When combined with outcomes identified in our earlier systematic review, and following an item reduction step, this gave 43 outcomes that advanced to the formal consensus processes. These involved 169 participants from 12 countries, and included healthcare professionals (121, 72%), researchers (24, 14%), and family members/people with experience of delirium (24, 14%). Six outcomes were identified as essential to include in all trials of interventions for delirium in LTC, and were therefore included in the COS. These are: ‘delirium occurrence’; ‘delirium related distress’; ‘delirium severity’; ‘cognition including memory’, ‘admission to hospital’ and ‘mortality’.

Conclusions

This COS, endorsed by the American Delirium Society and the European and Australasian Delirium Associations, is recommended for use in future clinical trials evaluating delirium prevention or treatment interventions for older adults residing in LTC.
Realising the right to rehabilitation—commentary on ‘reablement, rehabilitation, recovery: everyone’s business’
Authors: Hendry Anne
Published: October 2024

Rehabilitation is a core component of comprehensive geriatric assessment and should be central to integrated care and support across the whole system. Yet access barriers and ageist practices still prevail within many rehabilitation services. This commentary reflects on a report and recommendations published by the British Geriatrics Society in May 2024. As lead author for the report, I share my personal reflection on the key messages and take this opportunity to thank the multidisciplinary contributors.

Reablement, Rehabilitation, Recovery: everyone’s business describes why rehabilitation matters to older people and their caregivers. It provides evidence and examples of practice at different care touchpoints and makes the case that rehabilitation is everyone’s business and knows no boundaries, whether by condition, profession, care setting or taxonomy. The report sets out 12 key actions for health and care systems to deliver effective and integrated rehabilitation as a right for all older people, wherever and whenever they need it. To realise that right, health and care professionals must work together, and with their local community partners, to build capacity and capability for reablement, rehabilitation and recovery across the whole workforce.

With population ageing and many more people living with frailty or multimorbidity, there is an urgent need for greater investment in rehabilitation to prevent, delay or reduce disability, caregiver burden and demand for long-term care. This timely BGS report should be essential reading for all who plan, commission, provide or assure health and care services for older people.
Molecular mechanism of flower colour formation in Rhododendron simsii Planchon revealed by integration of microRNAome and RNAomics
Authors: Fu Jun , Tian Chuanchuan , Wan Xuchun , Hu Ruibin , Yu Jiaojun , Zhang Jialiang , Wang Shuzhen
Published: October 2024

Systems-wide understanding of gene expression profile regulating flower colour formation in Rhododendron simsii Planchon is insufficient. In this research, integration analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA)omics and microRNAome were performed to reveal the molecular mechanism of flower colour formation in three R. simsii varieties with red, pink and crimson flowers, respectively. Totally, 3129, 5755 and 5295 differentially expressed gene (DEG)s were identified through comparative transcriptome analysis between ‘Red variety’ and ‘Pink variety’ (1507 up-regulated and 1622 down-regulated), ‘Red variety’ and ‘Crimson variety’ (2148 up-regulated 3607 down-regulated), as well as ‘Pink variety’ and ‘Crimson variety’ (2089 up-regulated and 3206 down-regulated), which were involved in processes of ‘catalytic activity’, ‘binding’, ‘metabolic process’ and ‘cellular process’, as well as pathways of ‘metabolic pathways’, ‘biosynthesis of secondary metabolites’, ‘plant-pathogen interaction’ and ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’. A total of 215 miRNAs, containing 153 known miRNAs belonging to 57 families and 62 novel miRNA, were involved in flower colour formation. In particular, 55 miRNAs were significantly differently expressed. Based on miRNA–mRNA regulatory network, ath-miR5658 could affect the synthesis of pelargonidin, cyanidin and delphinidin through downregulating accumulation of anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase; ath-miR868-3p could regulate isoflavonoid biosynthesis through downregulating expression of CYP81E1/E7; ath-miR156g regulated the expression of flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase; and ath-miR829-5p regulated flavonol synthasein flavonoid biosynthesis process. This research will provide important roles in breeding new varieties with rich flower colour.
AntigenBoost: enhanced mRNA-based antigen expression through rational amino acid substitution
Authors: Gao Yumiao , Zhu Siran , Li Huichun , Hao Xueting , Chen Wen , Pan Deng , Qian Zhikang
Published: October 2024

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a groundbreaking advancement in immunology and public health, particularly highlighted by their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Optimizing mRNA-based antigen expression is a crucial focus in this emerging industry. We have developed a bioinformatics tool named AntigenBoost to address the challenge posed by destabilizing dipeptides that hinder ribosomal translation. AntigenBoost identifies these dipeptides within specific antigens and provides a range of potential amino acid substitution strategies using a two-dimensional scoring system. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we significantly enhanced the in vitro expression of mRNA-derived Respiratory Syncytial Virus fusion glycoprotein and Influenza A Hemagglutinin antigen. Notably, a single amino acid substitution improved the immune response in mice, underscoring the effectiveness of AntigenBoost in mRNA vaccine design.
Bioinformatics approaches for studying molecular sex differences in complex diseases
Authors: Loo Rebecca Ting Jiin , Soudy Mohamed , Nasta Francesco , Macchi Mirco , Glaab Enrico
Published: October 2024

Many complex diseases exhibit pronounced sex differences that can affect both the initial risk of developing the disease, as well as clinical disease symptoms, molecular manifestations, disease progression, and the risk of developing comorbidities. Despite this, computational studies of molecular data for complex diseases often treat sex as a confounding variable, aiming to filter out sex-specific effects rather than attempting to interpret them. A more systematic, in-depth exploration of sex-specific disease mechanisms could significantly improve our understanding of pathological and protective processes with sex-dependent profiles. This survey discusses dedicated bioinformatics approaches for the study of molecular sex differences in complex diseases. It highlights that, beyond classical statistical methods, approaches are needed that integrate prior knowledge of relevant hormone signaling interactions, gene regulatory networks, and sex linkage of genes to provide a mechanistic interpretation of sex-dependent alterations in disease. The review examines and compares the advantages, pitfalls and limitations of various conventional statistical and systems-level mechanistic analyses for this purpose, including tailored pathway and network analysis techniques. Overall, this survey highlights the potential of specialized bioinformatics techniques to systematically investigate molecular sex differences in complex diseases, to inform biomarker signature modeling, and to guide more personalized treatment approaches.
Gene expression prediction from histology images via hypergraph neural networks
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Yong , Wang Qing , Zhang Chengyang , Li Mengran , Wang Guangyu , Song Qianqian
Published: October 2024

Spatial transcriptomics reveals the spatial distribution of genes in complex tissues, providing crucial insights into biological processes, disease mechanisms, and drug development. The prediction of gene expression based on cost-effective histology images is a promising yet challenging field of research. Existing methods for gene prediction from histology images exhibit two major limitations. First, they ignore the intricate relationship between cell morphological information and gene expression. Second, these methods do not fully utilize the different latent stages of features extracted from the images. To address these limitations, we propose a novel hypergraph neural network model, HGGEP, to predict gene expressions from histology images. HGGEP includes a gradient enhancement module to enhance the model’s perception of cell morphological information. A lightweight backbone network extracts multiple latent stage features from the image, followed by attention mechanisms to refine the representation of features at each latent stage and capture their relations with nearby features. To explore higher-order associations among multiple latent stage features, we stack them and feed into the hypergraph to establish associations among features at different scales. Experimental results on multiple datasets from disease samples including cancers and tumor disease, demonstrate the superior performance of our HGGEP model than existing methods.
PatchProt: hydrophobic patch prediction using protein foundation models
Authors: Gogishvili Dea , Minois-Genin Emmanuel , van Eck Jan , Abeln Sanne
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Hydrophobic patches on protein surfaces play important functional roles in protein–protein and protein-ligand interactions. Large hydrophobic surfaces are also involved in the progression of aggregation diseases. Predicting exposed hydrophobic patches from a protein sequence has shown to be a difficult task. Fine-tuning foundation models allows for adapting a model to the specific nuances of a new task using a much smaller dataset. Additionally, multitask deep learning offers a promising solution for addressing data gaps, simultaneously outperforming single-task methods.

Results

In this study, we harnessed a recently released leading large language model Evolutionary Scale Models (ESM-2). Efficient fine-tuning of ESM-2 was achieved by leveraging a recently developed parameter-efficient fine-tuning method. This approach enabled comprehensive training of model layers without excessive parameters and without the need to include a computationally expensive multiple sequence analysis. We explored several related tasks, at local (residue) and global (protein) levels, to improve the representation of the model. As a result, our model, PatchProt, cannot only predict hydrophobic patch areas but also outperforms existing methods at predicting primary tasks, including secondary structure and surface accessibility predictions. Importantly, our analysis shows that including related local tasks can improve predictions on more difficult global tasks. This research sets a new standard for sequence-based protein property prediction and highlights the remarkable potential of fine-tuning foundation models enriching the model representation by training over related tasks.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/Deagogishvili/chapter-multi-task
The extrafloral nectary traits of woody plants in Brazil’s Caatinga: describing an ecological spectrum
Authors: Cavalcante Nathália Thais , Câmara Talita , Falcão Hiram Marinho , Arnan Xavier
Published: October 2024

Plants use extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) as indirect defence mechanisms against herbivores. These structures contain nectar that is offered to ants in exchange for their protection. EFNs display pronounced functional variation, but it is unknown how this variation comes together in phenotypes. Here, we characterized the main functional traits of EFNs and investigated the associations among them. This work was conducted at a study site in the Caatinga that hosts 14 species of woody plants. We characterized the following functional traits: EFN type, position, arrangement, size, and reducing-sugar level. We observed a marked degree of trait variation (~30%) that was manifested in species-specific trait combinations, giving rise to an ‘ecological spectrum’. At one end were Fabaceae species with large, vascularized EFNs that occur individually on the leaf petiole and/or rachis and that produce high levels of reducing sugars. At the other end were Euphorbiaceae species with small, nonvascularized EFNs that are generally grouped on the leaf blade and that produce low levels of reducing sugars. Despite its limited geographical and phylogenetic scale, this study represents an important first step in describing an ecological spectrum that can inform our understanding of the ecological interactions and evolutionary history of this functionally relevant group of plants.
Causal effect estimation in survival analysis with high dimensional confounders
Authors: Jiang Fei , Zhao Ge , Rodriguez-Monguio Rosa , Ma Yanyuan
Published: October 2024

With the ever advancing of modern technologies, it has become increasingly common that the number of collected confounders exceeds the number of subjects in a data set. However, matching based methods for estimating causal treatment effect in their original forms are not capable of handling high-dimensional confounders, and their various modified versions lack statistical support and valid inference tools. In this article, we propose a new approach for estimating causal treatment effect, defined as the difference of the restricted mean survival time (RMST) under different treatments in high-dimensional setting for survival data. We combine the factor model and the sufficient dimension reduction techniques to construct propensity score and prognostic score. Based on these scores, we develop a kernel based doubly robust estimator of the RMST difference. We demonstrate its link to matching and establish the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator. We illustrate our method by analyzing a dataset from a study aimed at comparing the effects of two alternative treatments on the RMST of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
A not-so healthy glow: a qualitative analysis of sunbed content and viewer engagement on social media
Authors: Quigley Claire , Howard-James Claudine , Yoo Helena , Lai Fei , Yong JiFung , Maguire Michael , Ralph James , Tobin Anne-Marie , Murray Gregg
Published: October 2024

We conducted informal and formal trend analysis on the term ‘sunbed’ assessing its search popularity, identifying the top-three social media (SM) sites where the term is mentioned, characterizing the persons or groups most likely to post about sunbeds and analysing the content that is most frequently being made available in relation to sunbeds. We found a statistically significant increase in the search trend for the term ‘sunbed’ between 2008 and 2023. While Instagram had the most sunbed mentions, TikTok videos had more viewer engagement. TikTok had more influencer-driven sunbed posts than the other SM platforms. Commercial premises posting about sunbed use featured heavily on Instagram (56%) and TikTok (40%). Our study highlights the harmful influence SM can have.
Paradoxical psoriasiform skin eruption in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors
Authors: Hilewitz Daniel , Yacobovitz Sharon , Reiss-Huss Shiran , Matar Manar , Weintraub Yael , Shouval Dror S , Pavlovsky Lev , Friedland Rivka
Published: October 2024

Background

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitor (TNFi)-induced psoriasiform eruptions are a well-known phenomenon among adults. However, data are limited regarding this reaction in children.

Objectives

To describe in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the clinical characteristics of TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions and the outcomes of various therapeutic options.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of paediatric patients (aged < 18 years) with IBD who developed TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions during 2006–2022.

Results

Among 454 patients with IBD treated with TNFis, 58 (12.8%) were diagnosed with TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions, of whom 51 were included in the study. The female to male ratio was 1 : 1.3. The median age at skin eruption was 14.11 [interquartile range (IQR) 12.11–16.05] years. The median elapsed time to eruption appearance was 15.00 months (IQR 7.00–24.00) after initiation of the treatment. All 51 patients were treated with topical steroids and 17 (33%) needed systemic treatment (phototherapy, methotrexate or acitretin). Sixteen of 51 patients (31%) needed to stop TNFi treatment because of an intractable eruption. Female patients, patients with inflammatory alopecia and patients who were treated with methotrexate or phototherapy were more prone to stop TNFis.

Conclusions

TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions are common in paediatric patients with IBD. The eruption may appear months or even years after treatment initiation. Almost one-third of the described patients had to replace their treatment because of a recalcitrant cutaneous eruption. This indicates that a multidisciplinary approach is required.
The Heterogeneous Syndrome of Noninfectious Causes of Persistent Fever in Neutropenic Patients With Hematologic Malignancy: Another Opportunity for Stewardship?
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Tarik , Akova Murat , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P
Published: October 2024

Although occult fungal, viral, and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections can cause persistent fever in neutropenic patients with hematologic cancer, a variety of noninfectious entities should be considered on a case-by-case basis in the context of negative diagnostic workup for infection.
Carotid sinus massage in clinical practice: the Six-Step-Method
Authors: de Lange Frederik J , de Jong Jelle S Y , van Zanten Steven , Hofland Willem P M E , Tabak Rick , Cammenga Marianne , Francisco-Pascual Jaume , Russo Vincenzo , Fedorowski Artur , Deharo Jean-Claude , Brignole Michele
Published: October 2024

Carotid sinus massage (CSM) as integral part of cardiovascular autonomic testing is indicated in all patients > 40 years with syncope of unknown origin and suspected reflex mechanism. However, large practice variation exists in performing CSM that inevitably affects the positivity rate of the test and may result in an inaccurate diagnosis in patients with unexplained syncope. Even though CSM was introduced into medical practice more than 100 years ago, the method of performing CSM is still largely operator- and centre-dependent, while in many places, the test has been entirely abandoned. Here, we describe a standardized protocol on how to perform CSM, which basic monitoring equipment is necessary and why CSM is a safe procedure to perform. Our aim is to create a uniform approach to perform CSM. The new proposed algorithm, the Six-Step-Method, includes: (i) check history for exclusion CSM; (ii) turn head slightly contralaterally and posterior (see also explanatory video and poster provided as Supplementary material; (iii) palpation to identify carotid sinus location; (iv) massage for 10 s; (v) monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate to assess of the haemodynamic response type; and (vi) include time intervals between subsequent massages. Carotid sinus massage should be performed on both the left and right and in the supine and upright position. The recommended equipment to perform CSM consists of: (i) a tilt table in order to perform CSM in supine and standing position, (ii) a continuous blood pressure monitor or cardiac monitor, and (iii) at least two persons.
Making sense of recent models of the “sheltering” hypothesis for recombination arrest between sex chromosomes
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Olito Colin
Published: October 2024

In their most extreme form, sex chromosomes exhibit a complete lack of genetic recombination along much of their length in the heterogametic sex. Some recent models explain the evolution of such suppressed recombination by the “sheltering” of deleterious mutations by chromosomal inversions that prevent recombination around a polymorphic locus controlling sex. This sheltering hypothesis is based on the following reasoning. An inversion that is associated with the male-determining allele (with male heterogamety) is present only in the heterozygous state. If such an inversion carries a lower-than-average number of deleterious mutations, it will accrue a selective advantage and will be sheltered from homozygosity for any mutations that it carries due to the enforced heterozygosity for the inversion itself. It can, therefore, become fixed among all carriers of the male-determining allele. Recent population genetics models of this process are discussed. It is shown that, except under the unlikely scenario of a high degree of recessivity of most deleterious mutations, inversions of this type that lack any other fitness effects will have, at best, a modest selective advantage; they will usually accumulate on proto-Y chromosomes at a rate close to, or less than, the neutral expectation. While the existence of deleterious mutations does not necessarily prevent the spread of Y-linked inversions, it is unlikely to provide a significant selective advantage to them.
The role of pleiotropy and population structure in the evolution of altruism through the greenbeard effect
Authors: Aubier Thomas G , Lerch Brian A
Published: October 2024

Several empirical examples and theoretical models suggest that the greenbeard effect may be an important mechanism in driving the evolution of altruism. However, previous theoretical models rely on assumptions such as spatial structure and specific sets of pleiotropic loci, the importance of which for the evolution of altruism has not been studied. Here, we develop a population-genetic model that clarifies the roles of extrinsic assortment (e.g., due to population structure) and pleiotropy in the maintenance of altruism through the greenbeard effect. We show that, when extrinsic assortment is too weak to promote the evolution of altruism on its own, the greenbeard effect can only promote altruism significantly if there is a pleiotropic locus controlling both altruism and signaling. Further, we show that indirect selection via genetic associations is too weak to have a noticeable impact on altruism evolution. We also highlight that, if extrinsic assortment is strong enough to promote the evolution of altruism on its own, it also favors the spread of alleles encoding the other functions of a greenbeard trait (signaling and discriminatory behavior), as well as genetic associations. This occurs despite the fact that the greenbeard effect did not favor the evolution of altruism in the first place. This calls for caution when inferring the causality between greenbeard traits and the evolution of altruism.
Pseudogymnoascus destructans invasion stage impacts the skin microbial functions of highly vulnerable Myotis lucifugus
Authors: Lemieux-Labonté Virginie , Pathmanathan Jananan S , Terrat Yves , Tromas Nicolas , Simard Anouk , Haase Catherine G , Lausen Cori L , Willis Craig K R , Lapointe François-Joseph
Published: October 2024

The role of the skin microbiome in resistance and susceptibility of wildlife to fungal pathogens has been examined from a taxonomic perspective but skin microbial function, in the context of fungal infection, has yet to be studied. Our objective was to understand effects of a bat fungal pathogen site infection status and course of invasion on skin microbial function. We sampled seven hibernating colonies of Myotis lucifugus covering three-time points over the course of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) invasion and white nose syndrome (pre-invasion, epidemic, and established). Our results support three new hypotheses about Pd and skin functional microbiome: (1) there is an important effect of Pd invasion stage, especially at the epidemic stage; (2) disruption by the fungus at the epidemic stage could decrease anti-fungal functions with potential negative effects on the microbiome and bat health; (3) the collection site might have a larger influence on microbiomes at the pre-invasion stage rather than at epidemic and established stages. Future studies with larger sample sizes and using meta-omics approaches will help confirm these hypotheses, and determine the influence of the microbiome on wildlife survival to fungal disease.
Limited gut bacterial response of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) to dietary manipulation and captivity
Authors: Hoffbeck Carmen , Middleton Danielle R M L , Keall Susan N , Huang Chye-Mei , Pas An , Irving Kate , Nelson Nicola J , Taylor Michael W
Published: October 2024

The bacteria of a host’s digestive tract play crucial roles in digestion and pathogen resistance. Hosts living in captivity often have more human interaction and antibiotic use, in addition to differences in diet and environment, compared to their wild counterparts. Consequently, wild and captive animals frequently harbour different bacterial communities. We tested whether diversity of diet provided in captivity shifts the gut bacteria of tuatara, an endemic New Zealand reptile, at three captive sites, and examined how the gut community of these tuatara compares to those in the wild. Dietary manipulation did not cause a strong overall shift in tuatara gut bacteria, but individual tuatara did experience bacterial shifts during manipulation, which subsequently reverted after manipulation. We found that Bacteroides, a genus common in most vertebrate guts but rare in tuatara, increased significantly in the gut during manipulation, then decreased post-manipulation. Finally, the gut bacteria of captive tuatara significantly differed from those of wild tuatara, though most of the dominant bacterial genera found in wild tuatara persisted in captive tuatara. This work represents a first investigation of the captive tuatara bacterial community and establishes the sensitivity of the gut community to dietary manipulation and captivity for this relict reptile.
CRISPR/Cas9-edited duck enteritis virus expressing Pmp17G of Chlamydia psittaci induced protective immunity in ducklings
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Wang Yihui , Tang Na , He Cheng , Li Fuhuang
Published: October 2024

Chlamydia psittaci is threatening to the animal industry and human beings. Live attenuated duck enteritis virus (DEV) is considered a good vaccine vector. In the present study, the Pmp17G antigen of C. psittaci was expressed in DEV to construct a recombinant DEV–Pmp17G vaccine. The growing curve of the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine was comparable to the parental DEV strain, and Pmp17G protein expression was detected in the cytosol and membrane of the infected host cells. A total of 30 ducklings assigned to 5 groups were used to evaluate the vaccine efficacy. The birds in the vaccine groups received 15 000 plaque forming units of the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine via hypodermic injection. In contrast, the control groups received intramuscular inoculation with 1 × 103 embryo lethal dose of DEV vector or 50 µg of commercial recombinant major outer membrane protein (MOMP) vaccine. The rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine induced significantly higher levels of IgG antibodies than the commercial MOMP did on day 14, and the IgG antibodies persisted for 28 days. Moreover, the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine also induced higher levels of lymphocyte proliferations compared to the DEV vector. The vaccinated animals significantly reduced lesions and enhanced bacterial clearance in the lungs and throats compared to the MOMP immunization. Thus, the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine induced persistent IgG antibodies and lymphocyte proliferation against C. psittaci infection.
Capitalizing on Dementia Care Mapping in an Evaluation of a Montessori-Based Intervention for Individuals Living with Dementia
Authors: Kinney Jennifer M , Janssen Leah M , Farfsing Kathleen M , Hughes Michael R
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Montessori-based interventions (MBIs) promote quality of life among older adults living with dementia. We used Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) to evaluate the impact of a small-scale MBI. DCM is a systematic observation tool that records the behavior and mood/engagement of individuals living with dementia and can be used to improve quality of care and well-being.

Research Design and Methods

Pre- and post-intervention data from 15 care community residents compared: 1) residents’ range and types of behaviors, 2) their mood/engagement and 3) staff behaviors that facilitated and impeded residents’ personhood. In this mixed-methods study, deductive qualitative content analysis of DCM field notes further explored staff behaviors.

Results

Post-intervention, a significantly higher proportion of residents’ behaviors had the potential to promote their well-being, although there was little change in mood/engagement while engaging in those behaviors. Post-intervention, there was also a significant increase in staff behaviors that facilitated, and a decrease in staff behaviors that impeded, residents’ personhood. Further, post-intervention, staff interactions with residents were more open-ended and inclusive. Although some staff behaviors still excluded residents, the exclusion was more benign than pre-intervention.

Discussion and Implications

DCM documented incremental changes toward person-centered care, and DCM field notes provided insight into missed opportunities for effective staff interactions with residents. Taken together, findings provide additional support for the use of MBIs and highlights the usefulness of DCM, especially its associated field notes, to help researchers and practitioners create environments that promote the personhood that individuals living with dementia deserve.
The Spectre of Re-Fencing Off the Public Domain: Italian Copyright and Cultural Heritage Legal Scenarios
Authors: Dore Giulia , Priora Giulia
Published: October 2024

International and European Union (EU) law jointly promote cultural development as a global and cross-border value, mandating national efforts for the preservation, enjoyment, and enhancement of cultural heritage. Cultural development is also the specific objective underlying Art. 14 of the EU Copyright in Digital Single Market Directive (CDSMD), designed to ensure that works of visual arts in the public domain remain a vital source of cultural enrichment across the Union. Against this backdrop, the Italian legal system is currently showing some resistance against such legal obligations. Its transposition of Art. 14 CDSMD explicitly refers to the applicability of the Italian Cultural Heritage Code, which typically requires permission and, in many cases, a fee payment to use reproductions of works of cultural significance, notwithstanding their public domain status. Concurrently, Italian courts have engineered new forms of exclusivity over cultural heritage belonging to the public domain, ignoring copyright law and other applicable norms. The study examines the Italian legal framework on public domain cultural heritage, unveiling a significant degree of incompatibility with international and EU legal obligations. Through a literal, systematic, and teleological legal analysis, the authors unearth how the Italian legal system fails to balance norms regarding cultural heritage, copyright, and data, thus calling for coordinated EU and national interventions towards a sound application of legal rules safeguarding the public domain.
Alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals: a call for action
Authors: Waithera Hannah W , Ndumwa Harrieth P , Njiro Belinda J , Chande-Mallya Rehema , Julius William , Swahn Monica , Staton Catherine A , Francis Joel M
Published: October 2024

Alcohol consumption and harmful and hazardous drinking are significant contributors to the global burden of disease, accounting for about 3 million deaths each year globally. Owing to their stressful work environment, healthcare professionals are at a high risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems, particularly alcohol use disorders. Alcohol use disorder among healthcare professionals is of concern as it is associated with decreased work productivity and performance and associated ill health and cognitive impairment. This review, therefore, aimed to gather evidence on the prevalence and associated factors for alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals. The findings revealed a high prevalence of alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals, which were worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a glaring dearth of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Urgent interventions and support systems are therefore needed to address these issues. A comprehensive approach, considering individual and organizational factors, alongside evidence-based interventions, training and support programs, can promote workforce well-being and improve the quality of patient care. It is imperative to integrate alcohol use screening, preventive and treatment interventions with primary healthcare and psychiatry services. This will help ensure early diagnosis and timely initiation of preventive and therapeutic measures, reducing the risk of missed opportunities. Furthermore, offering effective human resource management support services to healthcare professionals would significantly enhance their well-being and help prevent alcohol use disorders.
Viral and Symptom Rebound Following Anti–Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chew Kara W , McGinley Brooke , Moser Carlee , Li Jonathan Z , Evering Teresa H , Ritz Justin , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Margolis David , Wohl David A , Hughes Michael D , Daar Eric S , Currier Judith S , Eron Joseph J , Smith Davey M ,   for the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV)-2/A5401 Study Team, Study Sites, and Investigators, Chew Kara , Smith David (Davey) , Daar Eric , Wohl David , Currier Judith , Eron Joseph , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Hughes Michael , Moser Carlee , Giganti Mark , Ritz Justin , Hosey Lara , Roa Jhoanna , Patel Nilam , Colsh Kelly , Rwakazina Irene , Beck Justine , Sieg Scott , Li Jonathan , Fletcher Courtney , Fischer William , Evering Teresa , Ignacio Rachel Bender , Cardoso Sandra , Corado Katya , Jagannathan Prasanna , Jilg Nikolaus , Perelson Alan , Pillay Sandy , Riviere Cynthia , Singh Upinder , Taiwo Babafemi , Gottesman Joan , Newell Matthew , Pedersen Susan , Dragavon Joan , Jennings Cheryl , Greenfelder Brian , Murtaugh William , Kosmyna Jan , Gapara Morgan , Shahkolahi Akbar
Published: October 2024

We explored viral and symptom rebound after coronavirus disease 2019 amubarvimab-romlusevimab monoclonal antibody therapy versus placebo in the randomized ACTIV-2/A5401 trial. Participants underwent nasal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction testing at study days 3, 7, 14, and 28. Viral rebound was defined as RNA ≥3 and ≥0.5 log10 copies/mL increase from day 3 or 7, and symptom rebound as hospitalization or any moderate/severe symptom for ≥2 days after initial symptom improvement. There was no difference in viral rebound (∼5%/arm) (analysis population n = 713) or symptom rebound among participants who initially improved (hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% confidence interval, .52–1.75]; analysis population n = 574); <1% had both viral/symptom rebound.
In vitro performance of cost differentiated ceftriaxone brands against Escherichia coli: insights from a tertiary referral hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Nsojo Anthony , Mbotwa Christopher , Rweyemamu Linus , Mbwanji Godlove , Wilson Frank , George Lutengano , Mwasomola Davance , Mweya Clement N , Mwakyula Issakwisa
Published: October 2024

Background

In Tanzania, ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. However, there is quite a significant variation in cost for numerous ceftriaxone brands, leading to the perception that pricier options are more effective. Yet, limited empirical data support this perception.

Methods

Five ceftriaxone brands with a wide price range were tested in vitro against a ceftriaxone-sensitive Escherichia coli clinical isolate using microdilution and spectrophotometry. Brands were evaluated across a spectrum of concentrations. Bacterial growth inhibition was measured using optical density. Analysis of variance was used to compare the bacterial optical densities among the brands.

Results

All brands were comparable at all tested concentrations, with peak inhibition above 1.95 mg/L.

Conclusions

Despite significant price disparities, low-cost and high-cost ceftriaxone brands demonstrated similar in vitro performance against E. coli. This challenges the notion that higher-priced options offer better performance. Further, in vivo studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Barriers to obtaining and using interoperable information among non-federal acute care hospitals
Authors: Everson Jordan , Richwine Chelsea
Published: October 2024

Objective

To understand barriers to obtaining and using interoperable information at US hospitals.

Materials and Methods

Using 2023 nationally representative survey data on US hospitals (N = 2420), we examined major and minor barriers to exchanging information with other organizations, and how barriers vary by hospital characteristics and methods used to obtain information. Using a series of regression models, we examined how hospital experiences with barriers relate to routine use of information at responding hospitals.

Results

In 2023, most hospitals experienced at least one minor (81%) or major (62%) barrier to exchange, with the most common major barriers relating to different vendors and exchange partners’ capabilities. Higher-resourced hospitals and those often using network-based exchange tended to experience more minor barriers whereas lower-resourced hospitals and those often using mail/fax or direct access to outside electronic health records experienced more major barriers. In multivariate regression, hospitals indicating “Patient matching” and “Costs to exchange” were a major or minor barrier had the strongest independent negative association with the likelihood of reporting providers at their hospital frequently use information from outside organizations.

Discussion

Despite progress in interoperable exchange, various barriers remain. The prevalence of barriers varied by hospital type and methods used, with barriers more often preventing exchange for lower-resourced hospitals and those using outdated exchange methods.

Conclusion

While several technical and policy efforts are underway to address prevalent barriers, it will be important to monitor whether efforts are successful in ensuring information from outside organizations can be seamlessly exchanged and used to inform patient care.