bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of discrimination are associated with microbiome and transcriptome alterations in the gut
Authors: Dong Tien S. , Shera Simer , Peters Kirstin , Gee Gilbert C. , Beltrán-Sánchez Hiram , Wang May C. , Kilpatrick Lisa A. , Zhang Xiaobei , Labus Jennifer S. , Vaughan Allison , Church Arpana
Published: October 2024

Background

Discrimination is a recognized psychosocial stressor that has been linked to various negative health outcomes. This study explored the impact of discrimination on gut health, specifically focusing on microbiome changes, predicted metagenomic differences, transcriptomic profiles, and the potential for using a multi-omic approach to predict discrimination to identify discrimination status for an individual. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive investigation involving male and premenopausal female participants, using the Everyday Discrimination Scale to classify them into either high or low discrimination. Multiple questionnaires were administered to evaluate participants’ physiological, psychological, and perceived stressors. Two diet questionnaires were also administered. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analysis and RNA sequencing. Microbial composition changes were analyzed using the Shannon index and Chao1 richness estimator for alpha diversity and the Aitchison distance metric for beta diversity. Differential abundance was evaluated using MaAsLin2, followed by metatranscriptomics sequencing and annotation. A multi-omic approach utilizing random forest was used to assess the predictability of discrimination.

Results

The study results showed that high discrimination was linked to higher gut microbiome species richness (Chao1, p = 0.02) and significant beta diversity differences (p = 0.04). Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae were both less abundant in the high discrimination group. High discrimination participants also reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, early life adversity, visceral sensitivity, and neuroticism than those in the low discrimination group. Gene expression analysis revealed distinctive patterns, with significant changes in genes associated with environmental sensing (two-component system) and metabolic pathways. In a plot comparing gene transcription to DNA content, certain genes showed higher expression levels in participants who experienced both high and low levels of discrimination. Our random forest classifier demonstrated the capability to accurately differentiate individuals with high and low discrimination in our training cohort (AUC = 0.91).

Conclusion

These findings illuminate the substantial impact of discrimination on gut health, encompassing microbiome composition, gene expression, and functional pathways. These findings suggest that discrimination is associated with internal biological changes that can be associated with negative health outcomes, opening research to examine novel pathways that can be used to mitigate the negative health effects of discrimination.
Impaired maturation of resting-state connectivity in anorexia nervosa from adolescence to adulthood: differential mechanisms of consummatory vs. anticipatory responses through a symptom provocation paradigm
Authors: Mendez-Torrijos Andrea , Selvakumar Mageshwar , Kreitz Silke , Roesch Julie , Dörfler Arnd , Paslakis Georgios , Krehbiel Johannes , Steins-Löber Sabine , Kratz Oliver , Horndasch Stefanie , Hess Andreas
Published: October 2024

This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study examined resting-state (RS) connectivity in adolescent and adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) using symptom provocation paradigms. Differential food reward mechanisms were investigated through separate assessments of responses to food images and low-caloric/high-caloric food consumption. Thirteen young (≤ 21 years) and seventeen adult (> 21 years) patients with AN and age-matched controls underwent two stimulus-driven fMRI sessions involving RS scans before and after the presentation of food-related stimuli and food consumption. Graph theory and machine learning were used for analyzing the fMRI and clinical data. Healthy controls (HCs) showed widespread developmental changes, while young participants with AN exhibited cerebellum differences for high-calorie food. Young individuals with AN displayed increased connectivity during the consumption of potato chips compared to zucchini, with no differences in adults with AN. Multiparametric machine learning accurately distinguished young individuals with AN from healthy controls based on RS connectivity following food visual stimulation (“anticipatory”) and consumption (“consummatory”). This study highlights the differential food reward mechanisms and minimal developmental changes in RS connectivity from youth to adulthood in individuals with AN compared to healthy controls. Young individuals with AN demonstrated heightened reactivity to high-caloric foods, while adults showed decreased responsiveness, potentially due to desensitization. These findings shed light on aberrant eating behaviors in individuals with AN and contribute to our understanding of the chronicity of the disease.
The evolution of intractable Ménière’s disease: attacks resolve over time
Authors: Gerritsen F. R. , Schenck A. A. , Locher H. , van de Berg R. , van Benthem P. P. , Blom H. M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Knowledge of the natural and temporal course of a disease is important when deciding if an intervention is appropriate. In the case of Ménière’s disease (MD), there is some evidence that attacks diminish over time, but the topic remains controversial. A conservative approach to surgery is usually followed in northern Europe, and leads to strict patient selection before considering surgery. Here, we describe the evolution of vertigo attacks among a group of intractable MD patients in whom surgery was considered.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study in a Ménière’s disease expert center. Patients with definite unilateral Ménière’s disease and persisting vertigo attacks despite treatment with intratympanic steroid injections were included. All patients had been waitlisted for participation in a planned trial assessing non-ablative surgery. They were waitlisted between June 2016 and June 2021 without undergoing the surgical intervention. In September 2022, data were collected from patient’s files and follow-up telephone interviews were conducted to assess the evolution of their vertigo attacks.

Results

Thirty-five patients (54% male, mean age of onset 52 years, 51% right sided) were included in the analysis. Twenty-five patients (71%) eventually declined surgery. Of the 33 patients with complete information on vertigo attacks, 21 (64%) were free of vertigo attacks upon data collection, after a median disease duration of 5.3 years. Patients who did undergo surgery, had longer duration of disease than patients who did not.

Discussion

Even in a population with intractable MD, most patients will experience relief of symptoms over time. On one hand, active treatment may accelerate relief of symptoms, but on the other hand, non-ablative therapies are of debatable effect and ablative intervention carries a risk of life long side effects. Therefore, any active intervention should be carefully considered.
Perturbing reach elicits anticipatory responses in transport and grasp
Authors: Akbaş Anna , Furmanek Mariusz P. , Hsu Sarah , Yarossi Mathew , Tunik Eugene
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the anticipation of a mechanical perturbation applied to the arm during a reach-to-grasp movement elicits anticipatory adjustments in the reach and grasp components. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate whether anticipatory adjustments in the upper limb might be global or specific to the direction of the perturbation.

Methods

Thirteen healthy participants performed reach-to-grasp with perturbations randomly applied to their dominant limb. Participants were presented with three types of trials: unperturbed (control), trials perturbed in a predictable manner (either Up or Down), or perturbed in a partially predictable manner (knowledge about the perturbation but not its specific direction). EMG activity of 16 muscles, as well as the kinematics of wrist, thumb, and index finger, were acquired and analyzed.

Results and discussion

When the perturbation was expected, EMG activity of the triceps and pectoralis major muscles significantly increased about 50 – 200 ms before the perturbation onset. Peak acceleration of the reach was significantly higher and occurred earlier relative to control trials. Similar adjustments were observed in the grasp kinematics, reflected as significantly shorter time to peak aperture velocity and acceleration, as well as in increased activity of flexor and extensor digitorum 100–200 ms before perturbation onset. In summary, our data demonstrate that knowledge of an upcoming perturbation of reach during reach-to-grasp action triggers anticipatory adjustments not only in the muscles controlling the reach component, but also in those controlling grasp. Furthermore, our data revealed that the preparatory activations were generalized, rather than direction specific.
Safety and feasibility of home-based transcranial alternating current stimulation in youths with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Latrèche Caren , Mancini Valentina , McGinn Nova , Rochas Vincent , Férat Victor , Forrer Silas , Schneider Maude , Eliez Stephan
Published: October 2024

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia are characterized by core impairment in executive functions (EF). Despite the development of various behavioral interventions to enhance EF, the evidence is still scarce. Alternatively, non-invasive brain stimulation tools such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has emerged as a potential strategy to alleviate cognitive deficits. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of one single tACS session in different clinical populations. However, the effects of tACS appear limited and need to be sustained to be considered an effective cognitive neurorehabilitation tool. Recent studies have used home-based, repeated tACS sessions in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. To our knowledge, the safety and feasibility of such an intensive protocol remains to be tested in a younger population with neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a randomized double-blind sham-controlled design, we administered home-based, repeated tACS sessions to seven individuals aged 14–25 with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), which confers an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of tACS. Findings from this ongoing clinical trial revealed a favorable safety profile, with frequent yet transient and mainly mild adverse effects. The intervention proved to be feasible, shown by very high adherence rates and positive user experiences. Future studies should therefore investigate whether prolonged exposure to tACS can lead to long-lasting cognitive outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05664412.
Dissection of signaling pathways regulating TrkB-dependent gephyrin clustering
Authors: Wüstner Lisa-Sophie , Beuter Simone , Kriebel Martin , Volkmer Hansjürgen
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The TrkB receptor is known for its role in regulating excitatory neuronal plasticity. However, accumulating evidence over the past decade has highlighted the involvement of TrkB in regulating inhibitory synapse stability and plasticity, particularly through regulation of the inhibitory scaffold protein gephyrin, although with contradicting results.

Methods

In this study, we extended on these findings by overexpressing rat TrkB mutants deficient in either Shc-or PLCγ-dependent signaling, as well as a kinase-dead mutant, to dissect the contributions of specific TrkB-dependent signaling pathways to gephyrin clustering.

Results

Our results demonstrate that TrkB signaling is required for gephyrin clustering on the perisomatic area of granule cells in the dentate gyrus in vivo. To further investigate, we expressed TrkB wild-type and mutants in hippocampal neurons in vitro.

Discussion

Under basal conditions, TrkB-Shc signaling was important for the reduction of gephyrin cluster size, while TrkB-PLCγ signaling accounts for gephyrin clustering specifically at synaptic sites. Concomitant, impaired PLCγ signaling was associated with disinhibition of transduced neurons. Moreover, chemically induced inhibitory long-term potentiation (chem iLTP) depended on TrkB signaling and the activation of both Shc and PLCγ pathways.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a complex, pathway-specific regulation of TrkB-dependent gephyrin clustering, both under basal conditions and during chem iLTP.
Plasma cell-free DNA as predictor of disease status in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer - a prospective study from a tertiary care institution
Authors: Goel Rashi , Satapathy Swayamjeet , Chandekar Kunal Ramesh , Ballal Sanjana , Agarwal Shipra , Deo Suryanarayan S. V. , Tripathi Madhavi , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) estimation offers a non-invasive method to potentially diagnose, monitor, and prognosticate patients with malignancy. This prospective study aimed to assess plasma cfDNA levels in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) to determine its role in predicting disease status in the post-operative setting.

Materials and methods

This was a single-center prospective observational study conducted at a public medical research university and hospital in New Delhi, India. 254 patients with DTC in the post-operative setting were included: 95 in Group 1 (active structural disease) and 159 in Group 2 (disease-free). Blood samples were collected for plasma separation and cfDNA extraction. The cfDNA concentrations were quantified and compared across various disease states.

Results

Median values of plasma cfDNA (ng/µL) in groups 1 and 2 were found to be 0.272 (IQR: 0.137-0.442) and 0.222 (IQR: 0.123-0.398), respectively with no significant difference (p=0.122). cfDNA levels were significantly higher in patients in the age group ≥55 years (p=0.016). However, the cfDNA levels were not significantly associated with any of the other known prognostic markers of DTC.

Discussion

Based on the results of this study, plasma cfDNA levels did not significantly predict disease status in patients with DTC in the post-operative setting.
Perirectal angioleiomyoma preoperatively misdiagnosed as rectal cancer: a case report
Authors: Liu Wenhan , Wen Xianxiong , Hu Dongping , Ma Hong
Published: October 2024

Angioleiomyoma (ALM) is a rare benign perivascular (pericytic) tumor primarily composed of well-differentiated smooth muscle and vascular components. Its clinical and radiological features lack specificity, making diagnosis challenging and prone to misdiagnosis. This report summarizes the clinical data of a patient treated at our hospital who was preoperatively misdiagnosed with rectal cancer but was subsequently found to have perirectal ALM. Additionally, a review of the relevant literature is provided.
Machine learning-based prediction of 5-year survival in elderly NSCLC patients using oxidative stress markers
Authors: Chen Hao , Xu Jiangjiang , Zhang Qiang , Chen Pengfei , Liu Qiuxia , Guo Lianyi , Xu Bindong
Published: October 2024

Background

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in aging and cancer, yet there is currently a lack of research utilizing machine learning models to examine the relationship between oxidative stress and prognosis in elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

This study included elderly NSCLC patients who underwent radical lung cancer resection from January 2012 to April 2018, exploring the relationship between Oxidative Stress Score (OSS) and prognosis. Machine learning techniques, including Decision Trees (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were employed to develop predictive models for 5-year overall survival (OS).

Results

The datasets consisted of 1647 patients in the training set, 705 in the internal validation set, and 516 in the external validation set. An OSS was formulated from six systemic oxidative stress biomarkers, such as albumin, total bilirubin, and blood urea nitrogen, among others. Boruta variable importance analysis identified low OSS as a key indicator of poor prognosis. The OSS was subsequently integrated into the DT, RF, and SVM models for training. These models, optimized through hyperparameter tuning on the training set, were then evaluated on the internal and external validation sets. The RF model demonstrated the highest predictive performance, with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) of 0.794 in the internal validation set, compared to AUCs of 0.711 and 0.760 for the DT and SVM models, respectively. Similarly, in the external validation set, the RF model achieved an AUC of 0.784, outperforming the DT and SVM models, which had AUCs of 0.699 and 0.730, respectively. Calibration plots confirmed the RF model’s superior calibration, followed by the SVM model, with the DT model performing the poorest.

Conclusion

The OSS-based clinical prediction model, constructed using machine learning methodologies, effectively predicts the prognosis of elderly NSCLC patients post-radical surgery.
Low miR-936-mediated upregulation of Pim-3 drives sorafenib resistance in liver cancer through ferroptosis inhibition by activating the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway
Authors: Li Xiao , Cui Mengna , Xu Long , Guo Qie
Published: October 2024

Objective

Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is currently the standard treatment for advanced liver cancer. However, its application has become limited by the development of drug resistance. We intended to explore the mechanisms underlying the development of sorafenib resistance, therefore identifying an effective strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance remain challenges.

Methods

Here, the follow-up of liver cancer patients undergoing sorafenib therapy, as well as animal tumor challenge and treatment were performed. The sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cell lines Huh7/SOR and HepG2/SOR were also established. miRNA and mRNA microarray analyses, TargetScan prediction, dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, co-mmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and pull-down assays, a transcription factor-specific NRF2 assay, an iron detection assay, a lipid peroxidation quantification assay, a ROS measurement assay, and GSH/GSSG and GSH-px standard quantitative assays were used.

Results

We showed that upregulation of the provirus-integrating site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 3 (Pim-3) predicted poor response and unsatisfactory prognosis in sorafenib-treated liver cancer patients. Similarly, Pim-3 expression was positively associated with sorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, microRNA-936 (miR-936) targeted the 3’-noncoding region (3'-UTR) of Pim-3 but exhibited lower expression in sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cells than in their parental cells. The high expression of Pim-3 mediated by miR-936 insufficiency activated the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway which rearranged the expression of the indicated markers involved in iron distribution and lipid peroxidation homeostasis. MiR-936 overexpression and GV102-Pim-3-shRNA significantly attenuated the activity of the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway to decrease the expression of Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 18A (ANKRD18A), Src, and Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), especially decreasing NRF2 nuclear retention and transcriptional activity. The transcriptional activity of NRF2 prompted cell ferroptosis because the transfection of miR-936 mimics, GV102-Pim-3-shRNA and GV102-NRF2-shRNA plasmid increased the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) but decreased the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thus facilitating the accumulation of intracellular Fe2+, lipid peroxides, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) but reducing the glutathione (GSH) level. Moreover, the elevated expression of Pim-3, resulting from the absence of miR-936 enhances sorafenib resistance in liver cancer by inhibiting cell ferroptosis.

Conclusion

Pim-3 can be regarded as a target in the treatment of sorafenib-resistant liver cancer.
Nanoparticle-based approaches for treating restenosis after vascular injury
Authors: Zhao Liangfeng , Feng Liuliu , Shan Rong , Huang Yue , Shen Li , Fan Mingliang , Wang Yu
Published: October 2024

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently the main method for treating coronary artery stenosis, but the incidence of restenosis after PCI is relatively high. Restenosis, the narrowing of blood vessels by more than 50% of the normal diameter after PCI, severely compromises the therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, preventing postinterventional restenosis is important. Vascular restenosis is mainly associated with endothelial injury, the inflammatory response, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and intimal hyperplasia (IH) and is usually prevented by administering antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory drugs through drug-eluting stents (DESs); however, DESs can lead to uncontrolled drug release. In addition, as extracorporeal implants, they can cause inflammation and thrombosis, resulting in suboptimal treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drug carrier with controlled drug release and high biocompatibility for in vivo drug delivery to prevent restenosis. The development of nanotechnology has enabled the preparation of nanoparticle drug carriers with low toxicity, high drug loading, high biocompatibility, precise targeting, controlled drug release and excellent intracellular delivery ability. This review summarizes the advantages of nanoparticle drug carriers for treating vascular restenosis, as well as how nanoparticles have improved targeting, slowed the release of therapeutic agents, and prolonged circulation in vivo to prevent vascular restenosis more effectively. The overall purpose of this review is to present an overview of nanoparticle therapy for vascular restenosis. We expect these findings to provide insight into nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for vascular restenosis.
The addition of PD-1 inhibitor overcame trastuzumab resistance in patients with HER2 positive, PD-L1 negative metastatic gastric cancer: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Wen Zhenpeng , Ye Daoli , Hu Qiancheng , Gou Hongfeng
Published: October 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis and high heterogeneity. For HER2-positive, PD-L1 negative metastatic GC patients, chemotherapy plus trastuzumab is the first-line therapy. However, such patients soon acquired resistance to treatment, especially to trastuzumab during the treatment. Improving the therapeutic resistance of HER2-positive, PD-L1 negative metastatic GC is still a dilemma. We present the case of a metastatic GC patient with HER2-positive and PD-L1-negative expression who suffered progression after a short remission with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy. The patient exhibited strong heterogeneity in the primary and metastatic lesions. His resistance to trastuzumab was overcome after the addition of a PD-1 inhibitor, after which he received a durable response for more than 8 months. In HER2-positive, PD-L1-negative metastatic GC, the addition of PD-1 inhibitors after first-line chemotherapy and trastuzumab treatment resistance may be an option.
Thymol and carvacrol against Klebsiella: anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and synergistic activities—a systematic review
Authors: Farhadi Kousha , Rajabi Erta , Varpaei Hesam Aldin , Iranzadasl Maryam , Khodaparast Sepideh , Salehi Mohammadreza
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Klebsiella poses a significant global threat due to its high antibiotic resistance rate. In recent years, researchers have been seeking alternative antimicrobial agents, leading to the introduction of natural compounds such as monoterpenes, specifically thymol and carvacrol. This review aims to illustrate the potential antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and synergistic traits of thymol and carvacrol in combat against Klebsiella.

Methods

Searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, we reviewed available evidence on the antibacterial effects of thymol, carvacrol, or combined with other compounds against Klebsiella until May 2024. Reference checking was performed after the inclusion of studies. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC), and anti-biofilm activity were gathered, and the MBC/MIC ratio was calculated to assess the bactericidal efficacy.

Results

We retrieved 38 articles out of 2,652 studies screened. The gathered data assessed the anti-microbial activity of thymol, carvacrol, and both compounds in 17, 10, and 11 studies, respectively. The mean (± standard deviation) non-weighted MIC was 475.46 μg/mL (±509.95) out of 60 MIC for thymol and 279.26 μg/mL (±434.38) out of 68 MIC for carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrol showed anti-biofilm activities in the forms of disruption, inhibition, and mass reduction of biofilms. The MBC/MIC ratio was lower than 4 in 45 out of 47 cases, showing high bactericidal efficacy. FIC values were gathered for 68 combinations of thymol and carvacrol with other compounds, and they were mostly synergistic or additive.

Conclusion

Thymol and carvacrol alone or in combination with other compounds, specifically known antibiotics, show great antimicrobial activity.
NeRF-based 3D reconstruction pipeline for acquisition and analysis of tomato crop morphology
Authors: Choi Hong-Beom , Park Jae-Kun , Park Soo Hyun , Lee Taek Sung
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in digital phenotypic analysis have revolutionized the morphological analysis of crops, offering new insights into genetic trait expressions. This manuscript presents a novel 3D phenotyping pipeline utilizing the cutting-edge Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) technology, aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D imaging methods. Our approach incorporates automated RGB image acquisition through unmanned greenhouse robots, coupled with NeRF technology for dense Point Cloud generation. This facilitates non-destructive, accurate measurements of crop parameters such as node length, leaf area, and fruit volume. Our results, derived from applying this methodology to tomato crops in greenhouse conditions, demonstrate a high correlation with traditional human growth surveys. The manuscript highlights the system’s ability to achieve detailed morphological analysis from limited viewpoint of camera, proving its suitability and practicality for greenhouse environments. The results displayed an R-squared value of 0.973 and a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.089 for inter-node length measurements, while segmented leaf point cloud and reconstructed meshes showed an R-squared value of 0.953 and a MAPE of 0.090 for leaf area measurements. Additionally, segmented tomato fruit analysis yielded an R-squared value of 0.96 and a MAPE of 0.135 for fruit volume measurements. These metrics underscore the precision and reliability of our 3D phenotyping pipeline, making it a highly promising tool for modern agriculture.
Enhancing academic engagement through students’ perceptions of teacher expectations: the mediating role of intentional self-regulation in middle school
Authors: Wang Haiying , Sun Yueyang , Zhao Xin , Wang Weichen , Xue Jie
Published: October 2024

In the context of evolving educational standards, enhancing students’ academic engagement has emerged as a critical factor in mitigating the risks of school aversion among middle school students. This study examines the longitudinal effect of middle school students’ perceptions of teacher expectations on their academic engagement, as well as the mediating role of intentional self-regulation in this dynamic. A six-month longitudinal survey was conducted with 702 Chinese middle school students through three waves of questionnaires. The results showed that students’ perception of teacher expectations significantly predicted their academic engagement, with higher perceived teacher expectations leading to increased academic engagement. Furthermore, the study revealed that intentional self-regulation played a pivotal mediating role in the relationship between students’ perceptions of teacher expectations and academic engagement. Students’ perceptions of teacher expectations at Time 1 positively influenced their intentional self-regulation at Time 2, which subsequently enhanced their academic engagement at Time 3. These findings highlight the crucial impact students’ perceptions of teacher expectation on adolescents’ academic motivation and provide guidance for educators to implement proactive strategies that enhance students’ academic development.
A volitional account of aesthetic experience
Authors: McCrae Robert R.
Published: October 2024

Aesthetic experience is an altered state of consciousness characterized by a detached absorption in an aesthetic object; it is a pleasant—sometimes ecstatic—liberation from the self and its agenda. I briefly review perceptual-cognitive and affective approaches used by psychologists to understand the phenomenon and suggest the need for a volitional perspective. To illustrate the nature and scope of aesthetic experience, I discuss nine varieties, elicited by different qualities in objects and evoking distinctive responses in perceivers. Over centuries, aesthetic devices have been developed that induce the aesthetic state by manipulating such psychological mechanisms as attention, appraisal, and empathy. I propose explanations for how several important devices operate, and why they are particularly effective in individuals high in the personality trait of Openness to Experience.
Feasibility of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with PTSD and psychosis
Authors: Buhmann Caecilie B. , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Graebe Frida Lau , Larsen Sarah K. , Harder Susanne , Arnfred Sidse , Austin Stephen F.
Published: October 2024

Studies have shown a high prevalence of trauma and PTSD among patients with severe mental illness, but relatively few studies have examined the outcomes of PTSD treatment for this patient group. The aim of this case-series was to assess the feasibility of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) intervention for PTSD in people with psychosis. The study examined the possibilities and obstacles when treating this population within clinical settings. Patients were selected from four community mental health centers and were screened for traumatic experiences and symptoms of PTSD. A small group of eligible participants (n=7) received manualized TF-CBT adapted for patients with psychosis. Experienced therapists received training and supervision in the intervention. Symptoms of PTSD and psychosis were assessed at baseline and post-treatment along with quality of life, level of functioning, alliance, life events, engagement, suicidal ideation and adverse events. Treatment fidelity and the different combinations of treatment modules were monitored in regard to implementation. Three cases were selected as illustrative of the different treatment courses when implementing the TF-CBT intervention within this population. Detailed case descriptions were based on quantitative ratings and the therapists’ experiences with the therapy. Results from the case series highlighted issues regarding toleration of treatment, large variation in psychopathology and the task of matching treatment needs with appropriate therapeutic techniques. The complexity of the patient group may affect treatment and clinical research studies. Lessons learned from this case series can contribute to the future development implementation and evaluation of trauma treatment for patients with psychosis.
The work challenges faced by primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou during the COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control period of 2021–2022: a qualitative study
Authors: Jin Yuqing , Feng Huiyao , Xiao Qin , Tian Fenglin , Yao Huan , Zhang Runquan , Wu Qiqi , Zhu Haiyuan , Zheng Wanshan , Chen Jin , Liu Tao , Ma Wenjun , Chen Xiongfei , Dong Xiaomei
Published: October 2024

Background

Primary healthcare workers in China were vital in controlling COVID-19, facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic’s suddenness and transmissibility. This paper analyzed their work in Guangzhou, highlighting key difficulties in past epidemic control efforts.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with selected primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou City and audio-recorded until saturation of themes was reached. The data were analyzed independently for themes using NVivo V.12.

Results

Thematic analysis of qualitative interview data revealed that challenges and difficulties encountered in grassroots epidemic prevention and control work during the COVID-19 pandemic were primarily categorized into seven dimensions: human resource allocation, material and vehicle support, epidemic prevention subsidies and compensation, humanistic care, upper-level management, horizontal collaboration, and resident cooperation.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the research team recommends that administrative departments and institutions related to primary healthcare should appropriately schedule personnel work and rest time, adjust work content flexibly, optimize the allocation of medical and logistical resources, and increase investment in primary healthcare work as well as staff protection.
The potential role of violet-blue light to preventing hospital acquired infections: a systematic review
Authors: Lucarelli Valentina , Amodeo Davide , de Palma Isa , Nante Nicola , Cevenini Gabriele , Messina Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major challenge in modern healthcare, leading to increased mortality, financial burden and negative societal impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) and others have highlighted the alarming rise in HAIs, exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which further complicates treatment. The efficacy of violet-blue light (VBL) technology (approximately 405–420 nm) in inactivating various pathogens and its safety for human exposure have been extensively studied. This study analyses the scientific literature on the use of VBL as a disinfection method in health care settings, with cost and safety implications. It discusses VBL in comparison to other disinfection methods, the implications of its use, and its potential in reducing HAIs due to its ability to be used in occupied environments. While UV technology is more effective at bacterial inactivation, the continuous application of VBL compensates for this difference. UV and VBL technologies have a positive environmental impact, eliminating the need for consumables and reducing waste. Safety concerns are very limited for VBL compared to UV when properly used. The literature highlights that implementing VBL can be a significant step in continuous environmental disinfection in both healthcare and domestic settings. VBL is safe for occupants and offers a feasible, green method for combating environmental contamination and potentially reducing HAIs.
Longitudinal analysis of culture of patient safety survey results in surgical departments
Authors: Butler Logan R. , Lashani Shaian , Mitchell Cody , Ra Jin H. , Greenberg Caprice , Marks Lawrence B. , Ivester Thomas , Mazur Lukasz
Published: October 2024

Background

There is a need for improved methodologies on how to longitudinally analyze, interpret and learn from the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS), developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Typically, SOPS quantify results by the percentage of positive responses, but this approach may miss insights from neutral or negative feedback.

Study design

The SOPS were distributed every two years from 2011 to 2022 to all hospital staff at one academic institution from perioperative services. Differences between rates of “positive” and “negative” scores (“Delta”), and “neutral” responses over time were calculated. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to assess the correlation strength of the positive scores as the primary outcomes provided by the SOPS and Delta values over time. Finally, we evaluated patterns (crossing and converging [indicating “worrisome” patterns] vs. diverging [suggesting “desirable” pattern] vs. stable [suggesting “neutral” pattern]) of the longitudinal scores.

Results

A total of 1,035 responses were analyzed [51 and 40 survey items for SOPS v1 and v2 (2022 only), respectively]. Comparing the R2 values of the positive only scores to the Delta scores demonstrated a change in effect size for “Nonpunitive Response to Error” (R2 = 0.290 vs. 0.420). Of the 13 specific categories measured through SOPS, plotting negative vs. positive values elucidated 2 crossing, 2 converging and 2 diverging patterns indicating both a decrease in positive responses and an increase in negative responses rather than neutral.

Conclusion

Longitudinal analysis of the SOPS using the directional measures, Delta and pattern trends can provide organizations with additional key insights regarding culture of patient safety.
Evaluation of the urban sponge stormwater regulation effectiveness based on SWMM: a case study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Lin Yuru , Liang Xiayuan , Xu Jijun , Song Zhihong , Lou Yu , Yu Yaoguo
Published: October 2024

Background

Rapid population growth, urbanization, and high-intensity infrastructure development have challenged cities sustainable development. Surface water flooding occurs as a result of heavy rainfall which generates runoff that exceeds infiltration rates and local drainage capacity. In China, 70 cities have been chosen as pilot cities for sponge city construction building to address this challenge.

Method

This paper takes the South Trunk Canal in Qingshan Demonstration Area of Wuhan Sponge City as the study area. Based on construct a Stormwater Management Model (SWMM), simulate and analyze the runoff process and the drainage capacity of the pipe network before and after the construction of the sponge city in typical years with high, normal and low water flows and different return periods.

Result

The results show that the construction of sponge cities can significantly regulate the annual runoff in various typical target years and mitigate the overflow in 1- and 5- year return period. However, when faced with the short-duration storm events, the measures involved in urban sponge regulations are only effective for rainfall with 1-year return period. As the scale of the flood events increases, the effectiveness of urban sponge regulations becomes more limited.

Discussion

To address these issues, the National Water Network Project is proposed for the construction of water system connections. The aim of this project is to rectify the shortcomings of sponge cities while also making better use of water resources to improve overall resilience.
Exploring the Tiny World of Microplastics in Your Own “Lab”
Authors: Serra Teresa , Colomer Jordi , Zekker Ivar , Gündoğdu Sedat , Hartmann Nanna B. , Federici Stefania , Tubić Aleksandra , Velimirovic Milica
Published: October 2024

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic objects, such as water bottles, shopping bags, food containers, and many other types of waste. Microplastics can be as small as a bacterial cell or as big as a grain of rice. Microplastics exist in many different shapes: some are round and smooth while others are in the shape of fibers or fragments. Scientists have known about microplastics in nature since the 1970s, but lately they are finding these tiny plastics almost everywhere they look—in the air, lakes, rivers, oceans, on land, and even in remote places like Arctic lakes and snow! In this article, we will show you the hidden universe of microplastics, cool tools scientist use to analyze them, and show how you can do your own experiment to analyze microplastics from a nearby beach.
Importance and challenges of geomagnetic storm forecasting
Authors: Khabarova Olga , Price Colin
Published: October 2024

Space weather prediction is a central focus of solar-terrestrial studies, with forecasts of geomagnetic storms deemed critical due to their significant practical implications. We have gathered facts that highlight the effects of geomagnetic storms on electric power systems and satellites. Recent studies indicate that geomagnetic storms of moderate intensity are statistically associated with larger spike amplitudes of telluric currents potentially leading to power outages compared to those caused by major storms. This underscores the importance of building reliable forecasts for all geomagnetic storms, especially given that solar cycles 20–24 saw less than 1% of storms classified as severe or extreme. A major challenge in current prediction models, even those utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, is the decline in accuracy for forecast lead times beyond 3 h, limiting the ability to mitigate infrastructure damage effectively. In this work, we provide a concise overview of geomagnetic storm statistics, describe key forecasting methods, recent advancements, and discuss the challenges in achieving accurate and timely storm predictions.
Surviving the summer: foot-and-mouth disease virus survival in U.S. regional soil types at high ambient temperatures
Authors: Bessler Andrea L. , Nayee Serena , Garabed Rebecca , Krug Peter , Obrycki John , Rodriguez Luis
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most economically significant global livestock diseases. In the U.S., economic optimization models run in 2011 demonstrate the highest mean epidemic impact of a potential FMD outbreak in California would occur in livestock-dense regions, resulting in national agriculture losses of $2.3 to $69.0 billion. In the case that an FMD outbreak occurred in the U.S., mass depopulation, carcass disposal, and disinfection protocols for infected premises have been designed to prevent further viral spread. Because the FMD virus (FMDV) is spread mechanically via the environment, characteristics of viral environmental stability are important. Temperature and adsorption to soil particles are reported to be the most important factors affecting general virus survival; however, how much these factors alter FMDV survival has not been tested.

Methods

Soil samples were examined from typical U.S. regions containing the highest cattle population densities: Tennessee, Georgia, Nebraska, California, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Iowa. Soils were spiked with known quantities of FMDV and FMDV stability was evaluated over seven distinct time points between 0 hours and 12 days at incubation temperatures of 25°C and 37°C to represent a range of typical ambient temperatures during the summer. FMDV stability was quantified via virus titration.

Results

Virus decayed faster at higher ambient temperatures for all soils, but decay at 25°C was faster in some soils. Consequently, areas with high ambient temperatures may have lower between-farm transmission rates, slower outbreak spread, and simpler farm decontamination.

Discussion

This study provides a helpful exploration into understanding soil survival of the virus. Additional investigations into FMDV survival across different soil types will aid in developing better disinfection protocols and further refining regional viral transmission rate estimates.
Pathological study of a traumatic anthropogenic injury in the skeleton of a spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela)
Authors: Montero-Hernández Gustavo , Caballero María José , Curros-Moreno Ángel , Suárez-Santana Cristian M. , Rivero Miguel A. , Caballero-Hernández Lucía , Encinoso Mario , Fernández Antonio , Castro-Alonso Ayoze
Published: October 2024

Introduction

External injuries in elasmobranchs are frequent findings, either due to inter- or intraspecific interactions or as a result of interaction with human activities. However, the resilience of these species to traumatic injury remains poorly understood. This work provides an insight into the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and pathological features of a severe traumatic injury to the cartilaginous skeleton of a spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela).

Methods

An adult female was found lethargic in the bottom of the coast of Gran Canaria, with an external incised-contused traumatic lesion of 2 cm diameter in the scapulocoracoid cartilage. It was captured and transferred to the Poema del Mar Aquarium for its clinical evaluation and treatment. Despite these efforts, the animal eventually died and was transfer to the Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA) for its pathological diagnosis, including a Computed Tomography (CT) study and necropsy.

Results

The animal presented a marked reduction in hematocrit and hepatosomatic index due a chronic debilitation process. The CT scan revealed a destructive lesion with irregular margins at the level of the right scapulocoracoid cartilage. The main pathological findings were the disorganization of the tesserae layer, appearing as whitish square to rectangular geometric pieces separated from the cartilaginous core. Histologically, these pieces of tesserae were separated from the unmineralized cartilage core and displaced from the adjacent perichondrium, where inflammatory cells infiltrate. Edema and hemorrhages were also observed.

Conclusions

This study reports the first comprehensive description of skeleton trauma in a spiny butterfly ray, including the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging and the anatomopathological features.
Polypharmacy in Older Adults: The Hazard of Hospitalization and Mortality is Mediated by Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions, Findings From the Moli-sani Study
Authors: Costanzo Simona , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Panzera Teresa , De Curtis Amalia , Falciglia Stefania , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia ,   the Moli-sani Investigators
Published: October 2024

Objectives

We evaluated the impact of polypharmacy on the health of community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 5,631 individuals from the Moli-sani study (51% men, aged ≥65 years, recruitment 2005–2010, follow-up 2005–2020). Exposure was categorized as chronic polypharmacy therapy (C-PT; ≥5 therapeutic groups and >2 defined daily doses (DDDs)) or non-chronic polypharmacy therapy (NC-PT; polypharmacy but ≤2 DDDs). Hospitalization and mortality were the main outcomes. The mediating role of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) was examined.

Results

Compared to individuals not on polypharmacy, those in NC-PT and C-PT had higher hazards of mortality [21% (95% CI 7%–37%) and 30% (16%–46%), respectively] and hospitalization [39% (28%–51%) and 61% (49%–75%), respectively]. Similar results were found for cardiovascular outcomes. PIP mediated the association between polypharmacy and outcomes, with mediation effects ranging from 13.6% for mortality to 6.0% for hospitalization. Older adults without multimorbidity experienced the same harm from multiple medications as those with multimorbidity.

Conclusion

Polypharmacy is associated with a higher hazard of mortality and hospitalization, with PIP playing an important role. Addressing “medication without harm” requires assessing the appropriateness of drug prescriptions and monitoring for adverse effects.