bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Care Use, Coverage, and Experiences During the Year Prior to Pregnancy in a Primarily Hispanic Population with Low Income: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Nehme Eileen K. , Patel Divya A. , Cortez Dagoberto , Morse Sophie M. , Schuessler Kirkland , Gulbas Lauren E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A qualitative picture of the health care experiences prior to pregnancy can inform patient‐centered strategies to optimize preconception health. This study describes health care utilization and experiences and how health care costs were covered in the year prior to pregnancy in a population of primarily Hispanic women with low income.

Methods

Pregnant participants were recruited from 5 Federally Qualified Health Center clinics. Semistructured interviews included questions about health care in the year prior to pregnancy. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic approach that integrated deductive and inductive analysis.

Results

Most participants self‐identified as Hispanic. Just under half were US citizens. All but one were Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program Perinatal coverage insurance during pregnancy and relied on a variety of strategies to cover prepregnancy health care costs. Almost all received health care during the year prior to pregnancy. Fewer than half reported an annual preventive visit. Health care needs that led to care‐seeking included a prior pregnancy, chronic depression, contraception, workplace injury, a persistent rash, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infection, breast pain, stomach pain (leading to gallbladder removal), and kidney infection. The ways in which study participants covered the costs of health care ranged in terms of sources and complexity. Although some participants described stable health care coverage, most reported changes throughout the year as they pieced together various health care coverage programs and out‐of‐pocket payments. When participants did seek health care prior to their current pregnancy, most described the experience in positive terms and focused on health care provider communication quality. Respect of patient autonomy was highly valued.

Discussion

Women with pregnancy‐related health care coverage accessed care for a wide range of health care needs prior to pregnancy. Health care providers may consider strategies to respectfully introduce preconception care into any visit by an individual who could become pregnant.
Risk factors for recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after loop electrosurgical excisional procedure in patients with positive margins
Authors: Oh Soo Hyun , Lee Kwang Beom , Shin Jin Woo , Lee Seung Ho
Published: June 2023

Aim

Loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) is a major treatment method for cervical precancerous lesions. However, recurrence rates were estimated to be 15%, and the risk is increased if a surgical margin is involved by dysplastic cells. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for recurrence of cervical precancerous lesions in patients with positive margins.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent LEEP between 2012 and 2014 and had a positive surgical margin. Clinicopathologic factors were collected, including age, parity, menopausal status, smoking, human papilloma virus infection, results of cytology/biopsy/LEEP, and specimen size and volume.

Results

A total of 117 patients with positive margins were included, and 26 (22.2%) patients had recurrence. According to a multivariate analysis, the recurrence rates were significantly higher in parous women (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–8.49), but positive margins at the exocervix (adjusted HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17–0.91) and volume ≥4000 mm3 (adjusted HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16–0.82) showed negative correlation.

Conclusions

The risk of recurrence for cervical precancerous lesions increased in patients with a history of previous delivery, positive margin at the endocervix, and specimen volume of LEEP <4000 mm3. These results could help gynecologists determine optimal treatment options for patients with positive margins.
Sex hormones associated with temporomandibular pain on palpation in male adolescents—Results of the epidemiologic LIFE child study
Authors: Hirsch Christian , Schierz Oliver , Körner Antje , Kiess Wieland , Biemann Ronald , Schrock Annett , Türp Jens Christoph
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether the sex steroid precursor hormone dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone (TT) are associated with temporomandibular (TM) pain on palpation in male adolescents.

Methods

Out of the LIFE Child study dataset containing 1022 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years (496 males, 48.5%), we used a subsample of 273 male adolescents (mean age: 13.8 ± 2.3 years) in advanced pubertal development (PD) to analyse the association between hormones and TM pain. The Tanner scale was applied to describe the stage of PD. Pain on palpation of the temporalis and masseter muscles and the TM joints (palpation pain) was assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Serum levels of sex hormones (DHEA‐S, SHBG and TT) were determined using standardised laboratory analyses. Free TT was estimated from the ratio between TT and SHBG (free androgen index[FAI]). We calculated the risk of perceived positive palpation pain for male participants as a function of hormone levels (DHEA‐S, FAI) taking into account age and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Among more developed (Tanner stage 4–5) male adolescents, 22.7% (n = 62) reported palpation pain in the TM region. In these participants, FAI levels were approximately half that of individuals without such pain (p < .01). DHEA‐S levels were about 30% lower in the pain group (p < .01). In multivariable regression analyses, the odds ratio (OR) for pain on palpation decreased to 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57–0.98) per 10 units of FAI level compared to those without pain, after controlling for the effects of age and adjusted BMI. We observed the same effect for this subgroup per unit of DHEA‐S serum level (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.53–0.94).

Conclusion

At subclinical lower levels of serum free TT and DHEA‐S, male adolescents are more likely to report pain on standardised palpation of the masticatory muscles and/or TM joints. This finding supports the hypothesis that sex hormones may influence pain reporting.
Increased genetic diversity and immigration after West Nile virus emergence in American crows: No evidence for a genetic bottleneck
Authors: Townsend Andrea K. , Jones Melissa L. , Chen Nancy , Chivily Caroline , McAndrews Casey , Clark Anne B. , McGowan Kevin J. , Eimes John
Published: June 2023

Infectious diseases can cause steep declines in wildlife populations, leading to changes in genetic diversity that may affect the susceptibility of individuals to infection and the overall resilience of populations to pathogen outbreaks. Here, we examine evidence for a genetic bottleneck in a population of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) before and after the emergence of West Nile virus (WNV). More than 50% of marked birds in this population were lost over the 2‐year period of the epizootic, representing a 10‐fold increase in adult mortality. Using analyses of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellite markers, we tested for evidence of a genetic bottleneck and compared levels of inbreeding and immigration in the pre‐ and post‐WNV populations. Counter to expectations, genetic diversity (allelic diversity and the number of new alleles) increased after WNV emergence. This was likely due to increases in immigration, as the estimated membership coefficients were lower in the post‐WNV population. Simultaneously, however, the frequency of inbreeding appeared to increase: Mean inbreeding coefficients were higher among SNP markers, and heterozygosity–heterozygosity correlations were stronger among microsatellite markers, in the post‐WNV population. These results indicate that loss of genetic diversity at the population level is not an inevitable consequence of a population decline, particularly in the presence of gene flow. The changes observed in post‐WNV crows could have very different implications for their response to future pathogen risks, potentially making the population as a whole more resilient to a changing pathogen community, while increasing the frequency of inbred individuals with elevated susceptibility to disease.
Soil erosion variations along land use and land cover dynamics in Matenchose watershed, Rift Valley Basin, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mathewos Markos , Tsegaye Misgena , Wondrade Nigatu
Published: June 2023

The global community recognizes land use and land cover change (LULC) as a primary cause of ecological modification that has a considerable impact on natural resources, particularly soil and water resources. The aim of this research was to investigate land use change's influences on soil erosion in the Matenchose watershed of Ethiopia in 1991, 2003, and 2020. The maximum likelihood classification (MLC) method was used in the study for supervised image analysis. Soil erosion was estimated using the geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing, and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. According to the LULC data from 1991, the watershed was mostly covered by grassland (35%), while in 2003 and 2020, it was typically enclosed by cultivated land (36%) and (52%), respectively. The watershed's mean annual soil erosion rate grew significantly from 13 t/ha in 1991 to 18 t/ha in 2003 to 21 t/ha in 2020. Based on the current soil loss rate result, the Matenchose watershed was divided into five priority groups for soil management practices. In contrast, the watershed is made up of 2052 ha (21%) of areas with high to very high erosion risk, 3304 ha (33%) of areas with moderate erosion risk, and 2866 ha (29%) of areas with severe erosion risk. Based on the average annual rate of soil erosion, several vital subwatersheds were identified for potential future land management‐related actions. Over the 29 years, the area of grassland and forest decreased while agricultural and settlement areas expanded, and they contributed to the enhanced hazards of soil erosion. Particularly vulnerable to erosion are the watershed's hilly and steeper areas. The identified subwatersheds that are most at risk of erosion should be given priority for upcoming LULC initiatives, proper participatory watershed planning and management, and measures to conserve soil and water to preserve the Matenchose watershed's soil resources.
2. Cervical radicular pain
Authors: Peene Laurens , Cohen Steven P. , Brouwer Brigitte , James Rathmell , Wolff Andre , Van Boxem Koen , Van Zundert Jan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cervical radicular pain is pain perceived in the upper limb, caused by irritation or compression of a cervical spine nerve, the roots of the nerve, or both.

Methods

The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radicular pain was retrieved and summarized.

Results

The diagnosis is made by combining elements from the patient's history, physical examination, and supplementary tests. The Spurling and shoulder abduction tests are the two most common examinations used to identify cervical radicular pain. MRI without contrast, CT scanning, and in some cases plain radiography can all be appropriate imaging techniques for nontraumatic cervical radiculopathy. MRI is recommended prior to interventional treatments. Exercise with or without other treatments can be beneficial. There is scant evidence for the use of paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and neuropathic pain medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants for the treatment of radicular pain. Acute and subacute cervical radicular pain may respond well to epidural corticosteroid administration, preferentially using an interlaminar approach. By contrast, for chronic cervical radicular pain, the efficacy of epidural corticosteroid administration is limited. In these patients, pulsed radiofrequency treatment adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion may be considered.

Conclusions

There is currently no gold standard for the diagnosis of cervical radicular pain. There is scant evidence for the use of medication. Epidural corticosteroid injection and pulsed radiofrequency adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion may be considered. [Correction added on 12 June 2023, after first online publication: The preceding sentence was corrected.]
Fine mapping and identification of the candidate gene BoPur for purple head trait in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Authors: Zhu Xiaowei , Chen Jinxiu , Tai Xiang , Wang Min , Ren Yunying , Bo Tianyue
Published: June 2023

Although purple cabbage becomes more and more popular in recent years, the genetic basis of purple head trait in cabbage has not been well studied. Here, we report the fine mapping and candidate screening of the gene underlying the purple head trait in a cabbage inbred line named G279. Genetic analysis indicated that a single dominant gene, BoPur, controlled the purple head trait. Through fine mapping, the BoPur gene was delimited to a 199.5‐kb region in chromosome 6 between InDel markers BoC06ID48 and BoC06ID53. The InDel marker BoC06ID22 co‐segregated with the purple head trait and can be used for marker‐assisted selection. Bol012528, which shows high homology to Arabidopsis MYB113, appeared to be the best candidate for the BoPur gene. Sequence analysis identified multiple variations in the coding and promoter regions of Bol012528 in G279. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis indicated that the up‐regulation of Bol012528 might enhance the expression of a series of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Taken together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying purple head trait in cabbage.
Oral administration of helminth fluid modulates distinct tuft cell and immune‐metabolic cues linked to reduced body fat
Authors: Andersen Daniel , Moll Janne Marie , Arora Pankaj , Danneskiold‐Samsøe Niels Banhos , Sonne Si Brask , Workman Christopher Thomas , Williams Andrew Richard , Kristiansen Karsten , Brix Susanne
Published: June 2023

Intestinal tuft cells have been shown to induce type 2 immune responses during viable parasite infections, but whether oral supplementation with a parasitic exudate is able to promote type 2 immune responses that have been shown to positively regulate obesogenic metabolic processes is yet unresolved. High‐fat fed mice were gavaged with pseudocoelomic fluid (PCF) derived from the helminth Ascaris suum or saline thrice a week during weeks 5–9, followed by examination of intestinal tuft cell activity, immune, and metabolic parameters. Helminth PCF upregulated expression of distinct genes in small intestinal tuft cells, including genes involved in regulation of RUNX1 and organic cation transporters. Helminth PCF also enhanced levels of innate lymphoid cells in the ileum, and eosinophils in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Network analyses revealed two distinct immunometabolic cues affected by oral helminth PCF in high‐fat fed mice: one coupling the small intestinal tuft cell responses to the fat‐to‐lean mass ratio and a second coupling eosinophils in eWAT to general regulation of body fat mass. Our findings point to specific mechanisms by which oral supplementation with helminth PCF may translate into systems‐wide effects linking to reduced body and fat mass gain in mice during high‐fat feeding.
Optimal inventory control with cyclic fixed order costs
Authors: Taube Florian , Minner Stefan
Published: June 2023

We consider a periodic review single‐item inventory model under stochastic demand. Every m periods, in the regular order period, fixed order costs are K. In the periods in‐between, the intraperiods, higher fixed order costs of [Formula: see text] apply. The literature on optimal inventory policies under fixed order costs does not account for these time‐dependent fixed order costs. By generalizing existing proofs for optimal inventory policies, we close this gap in inventory theory. The optimal inventory policy is complex in the regular order period and in the intraperiods, a period‐dependent [Formula: see text] policy is optimal. We describe and prove this optimal policy based on the notion of K‐convexity and the optimal ordering behavior in the presence of non– K‐convex cost functions. In a numerical study, we find that a major driver of the optimal policy is a forward‐buying effect that shifts the probability of ordering from the intraperiods to the regular order period. The cost differences between the optimal and a pure period‐dependent [Formula: see text] policy are, however, small.
Similar‐to‐me effects in the grant application process: Applicants, panellists, and the likelihood of obtaining funds
Authors: Banal‐Estañol Albert , Liu Qianshuo , Macho‐Stadler Inés , Pérez‐Castrillo David
Published: June 2023

We analyse if and how the characteristics of grant research panels affect the applicants' likelihood of obtaining funding and, especially, if particular types of panels favour particular types of applicants. We use the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) award decisions to test the similar‐to‐me hypothesis for the first time in the grant context. Our main results indicate that panel members tend to favour more (or penalise less) applicants with similar characteristics to them, as the similar‐to‐me hypothesis suggests. We show, for instance, that the quality of the applicants is more critical for panels of high quality than for panels of relatively lower quality, that basic‐oriented panels tend to penalise applied‐oriented applicants, and that panels with fewer female members tend to penalise teams with more female applicants. As a whole, we show that similar‐to‐me effects are simultaneously at work for a wide variety of functional, job‐related research characteristics as well as for more well‐known demographic attributes.
Punctuating “Happiness”: Punctuated equilibrium theory and the agenda‐setting of the Gross National Happiness (GNH) policy in Bhutan
Authors: Ugyel Lhawang , Givel Michael , Chophel Dendup
Published: June 2023

Gross National Happiness (GNH), a concept first introduced by Bhutan, has gained immense traction as an alternate development paradigm to GDP toward achieving wholesome global progress. In this paper, we investigate the origins of the policy of GNH, through the theoretical lens of the punctuated equilibrium theory (PET), and when and how GNH came to the national agenda. By focusing on the year 2008, that is, when Bhutan's Government transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy, this paper analyses the key events that serve as policy windows and the policy entrepreneurs responsible for agenda‐setting the policy of GNH. We argue there is a major change, such as, the government changing its form from monarchy to democracy, it is a definitive benchmark as to what punctuation means. In addition to providing a definitive meaning of “punctuation” in public policy, we also identify and discuss the key methodological issues in relation PET and offer explanations through Bhutan's policy of GNH to determine policy punctuation and measuring policy change.
The bilateral birth–death chain generated by the associated Jacobi polynomials
Authors: de la Iglesia Manuel D. , Juarez Claudia
Published: June 2023

We give a probabilistic interpretation of the associated Jacobi polynomials, which can be constructed from the three‐term recurrence relation for the classical Jacobi polynomials by shifting the integer index n by a real number t. Under certain restrictions, this will give rise to a doubly infinite tridiagonal stochastic matrix, which can be interpreted as the one‐step transition probability matrix of a discrete‐time bilateral birth–death chain with state space on . We also study the unique UL and LU stochastic factorizations of the transition probability matrix, as well as the discrete Darboux transformations and corresponding spectral matrices. Finally, we use all these results to provide an urn model on the integers for the associated Jacobi polynomials.
The contribution of office design to the appraisal of job control: A longitudinal study
Authors: Nielsen Morten B. , Christensen Jan O. , Knardahl Stein
Published: June 2023

The appraisal of control over work intensity and decisions at the workplace is a well‐established determinant of health and well‐being among employees. Building on job design theories, the overarching aim of this study was to determine office layout as a predictor of perceived job control. Specifically, we investigated between‐group differences in control by contrasting employees in cellular offices with employees in shared/open offices, as well as effects on control among employees transitioning from one office design to another. This is a longitudinal study with three survey points across 48 months comprising 3,415 Norwegian office employees. Data were analyzed with latent growth curve analyses, adjusted for gender, age, leadership responsibility, and teleworking. Employees in cellular offices reported significantly higher control over work intensity and control over decisions when compared with employees in shared/open workspaces. Transitioning from a shared/open workspace to a cellular office led to a significant increase in perceived control regarding work intensity. As the experience of control may buffer the negative impact of job demands, organizations that rely on shared or open office solutions may benefit from identifying tools that can contribute to enhancing their employees' perceived control.
Geo‐environment‐aware adversarial transfer learning method for landslide susceptibility evaluation of complex mountainous areas
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Zeng Haowei , Ding Yulin , Hu Han , Chen Li , Zhang Junxiao , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2023

Landslide susceptibility evaluation (LSE) is a critical issue for disaster prevention. Limited by labor cost and observation technology, landslide samples are extremely limited in dense vegetation‐covered and remote areas, making the common supervised learning model underfit with limited samples. Therefore, the reliability of analysis results in mountainous areas is low. Transfer learning can achieve reliable assessment without the need for representative samples. However, transfer learning suffers from environmental heterogeneity in regional LSE and may transfer incorrect classification knowledge of landslide features from dissimilar environments. Aiming at these challenges, we proposed a geo‐environment‐aware LSE method based on unsupervised adversarial transfer learning. The key is to consider the difference in landslide features in different geo‐environments. The study areas were first divided into multiple sub‐environments, and the similarity between the sub‐environments was calculated. Then an environment‐aware adversarial transfer model was built for fine‐grained aligning of the landslide feature with similar sub‐environments and for reducing negative transfer between dissimilar environments. The fitted classification model was employed to predict the target regions and to generate the final LSE. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method achieves reliable LSE for sample‐free regions. The accuracy of the proposed method is 7–12% better than commonly used methods such as support vector machines, random forests, and artificial neural networks. The performance of the proposed method is even close to the results of supervised learning with the presence of representative samples, and it also performs more globally and objectively in susceptibility mapping. These results reveal that the proposed method effectively transfers the knowledge of landslide susceptibility from other regions to the sample‐free region.
Road map to success: Advice for transplant infectious diseases job interviews, negotiation, and early career development
Authors: Harris Courtney E. , Kumar Rebecca N. , Gorsline Chelsea A.
Published: June 2023

Transplant infectious diseases is an engaging subspecialty within the field of infectious diseases and poses unique considerations when searching for a job. Here, we present essential considerations for those early in their career when applying for and selecting their employment.
The Arabidopsis DNA glycosylase MBD4L repairs the nuclear genome in vivo
Authors: Torres José Roberto , Lescano López Ignacio , Ayala Ana María , Alvarez María Elena
Published: June 2023

DNA glycosylases remove mispaired or modified bases from DNA initiating the base excision repair (BER) pathway. The DNA glycosylase MBD4 (methyl‐CpG‐binding domain protein 4) has been functionally characterized in mammals, but not yet in plants, where it is called MBD4‐like (MBD4L). Mammalian MBD4 and Arabidopsis recombinant MBD4L excise U and T mispaired with G, as well as 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and 5‐bromouracil (5‐BrU) in vitro. Here, we investigate the ability of Arabidopsis MBD4L to remove some of these substrates from the nuclear genome in vivo in coordination with uracil DNA glycosylase (AtUNG). We found that mbd4l mutants are hypersensitive to 5‐FU and 5‐BrU, as they displayed smaller size, less root growth, and higher cell death than control plants in both media. Using comet assays, we determined BER‐associated DNA fragmentation in isolated nuclei and observed reduced DNA breaks in mbd4l plants under both conditions, but particularly with 5‐BrU. The use of ung and ung x mbd4l mutants in these assays indicated that both MBD4L and AtUNG trigger nuclear DNA fragmentation in response to 5‐FU. Consistently, we here report the nuclear localization of AtUNG based on the expression of AtUNG‐GFP/RFP constructs in transgenic plants. Interestingly, MBD4L and AtUNG are transcriptionally coordinated but display not completely overlapping functions. MBD4L‐deficient plants showed reduced expression of BER genes and enhanced expression of DNA damage response (DDR) gene markers. Overall, our findings indicate that Arabidopsis MBD4L is critical for maintaining nuclear genome integrity and preventing cell death under genotoxic stress conditions.
Theoretical analysis of thermal spikes during ion bombardment of amorphous silicon nitride surfaces
Authors: Cheng Erik S. , Ventzek Peter L. G. , Hwang Gyeong S.
Published: June 2023

Ion bombardment of amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN) was simulated with self-consistent-charge density functional tight binding. These simulations were used to study bombardment-induced local heating events (often called “thermal spikes”). A model for estimating the thermal conductivity (k) of a locally heated area was implemented, yielding a predicted k of 3 W/m K for a small region of the a-SiN substrate around an ion impact site. Based on the estimated k, a bombardment-induced thermal spike is predicted to return to the baseline substrate temperature after only 0.2 ps. Consequently, no cumulative heating would occur in substrates with similar k values, given a typical ion flux of less than 1 × 1018 s−1 cm−2. Our simulations also show that surface reactions toward molecular adsorbates are not significantly facilitated by the thermal spike, largely due to its short duration.
Holistic energy landscape management in 2D/3D heterojunction via molecular engineering for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ma Ke , Sun Jiaonan , Atapattu Harindi R. , Larson Bryon W. , Yang Hanjun , Sun Dewei , Chen Ke , Wang Kang , Lee Yoonho , Tang Yuanhao , Bhoopalam Anika , Huang Libai , Graham Kenneth R. , Mei Jianguo , Dou Letian
Published: June 2023

Constructing two-dimensional (2D) perovskite atop of 3D with energy landscape management is still a challenge in perovskite photovoltaics. Here, we report a strategy through designing a series of π-conjugated organic cations to construct stable 2D perovskites and to realize delicate energy level tunability at 2D/3D heterojunctions. As a result, the hole transfer energy barriers can be reduced both at heterojunctions and within 2D structures, and the preferable work function shift reduces charge accumulation at interface. Leveraging these insights and also benefitted from the superior interface contact between conjugated cations and poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) hole transporting layer, a solar cell with power conversion efficiency of 24.6% has been achieved, which is the highest among PTAA-based n-i-p devices to the best of our knowledge. The devices exhibit greatly enhanced stability and reproducibility. This approach is generic to several hole transporting materials, offering opportunities to realize high efficiency without using the unstable Spiro-OMeTAD.
Senescent cells as thermostats of antitumor immunity
Authors: Prieto Luis I. , Sturmlechner Ines , Goronzy Jörg J. , Baker Darren J.
Published: June 2023

Harnessing the immunogenic potential of senescent cells may be a viable but context-dependent opportunity to boost antitumor immunity.
Genome Sequences of Bacteria Isolated from the International Space Station Water Systems
Authors: Castro Christian L. , Velez-Justiniano Yo-Ann , Stahl-Rommel Sarah , Nguyen Hang N. , Almengor Audry , Dunbar Brandon , McLean Robert J. C. , Sysoeva Tatyana A. , Castro-Wallace Sarah L.
Published: June 2023

We report draft genomes of five bacteria recovered from the U.S. and Russian water systems onboard the International Space Station. The five genera include
Ralstonia
,
Burkholderia
,
Cupriavidus
,
Methylobacterium
, and
Pseudomonas
. These sequences will help further the understanding of water reclamation and environmental control and life support systems in space.
Complete Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma aurantifolia” TB2022, a Plant Pathogen Associated with Sweet Potato Little Leaf Disease in China
Authors: Li Yalu , Yan Xiao-Hua , Liu Yanzhi , Pei Shen-Chian , Kuo Chih-Horng , Huang Weijie
Published: June 2023

The complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma aurantifolia” TB2022, which consists of one 670,073-bp circular chromosome, is presented in this work. This bacterium is associated with sweet potato little leaf disease in Fujian Province, China.
Supplemental Material: A Mars-analog sulfate mineral, mirabilite, preserves biosignatures
Authors: Gill Karena K. , al. et
Published: June 2023

Experimental setup showing sample chamber used to prevent dehydration of mirabilite crystals and Raman signatures of mirabilite crystal, Great Salt Lake brine, and inclusion liquid. 
Timing of energy intake and the therapeutic potential of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating in NAFLD
Authors: Marjot Thomas , Tomlinson Jeremy W , Hodson Leanne , Ray David W
Published: June 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a major public health concern and is associated with a substantial global burden of liver-related and cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. High total energy intake coupled with unhealthy consumption of ultra-processed foods and saturated fats have long been regarded as major dietary drivers of NAFLD. However, there is an accumulating body of evidence demonstrating that the timing of energy intake across a the day is also an important determinant of individual risk for NAFLD and associated metabolic conditions. This review summarises the available observational and epidemiological data describing associations between eating patterns and metabolic disease, including the negative effects of irregular meal patterns, skipping breakfast and night-time eating on liver health. We suggest that that these harmful behaviours deserve greater consideration in the risk stratification and management of patients with NAFLD particularly in a 24-hour society with continuous availability of food and with up to 20% of the population now engaged in shiftwork with mistimed eating patterns. We also draw on studies reporting the liver-specific impact of Ramadan, which represents a unique real-world opportunity to explore the physiological impact of fasting. By highlighting data from preclinical and pilot human studies, we present a further biological rationale for manipulating timing of energy intake to improve metabolic health and discuss how this may be mediated through restoration of natural circadian rhythms. Lastly, we comprehensively review the landscape of human trials of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating in metabolic disease and offer a look to the future about how these dietary strategies may benefit patients with NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Does cumulative adverse socioeconomic exposure mediate the association of maternal mental ill health at birth and adolescent mental ill health at age 17? An analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Sheldon Faye Helen , Barr Ben , Wickham Sophie
Published: June 2023

Background

Adolescent mental health is a public health priority. Maternal mental ill health and adverse socioeconomic exposure (ASE) are known risk factors of adolescent mental ill health. However, little is known about the extent to which cumulative ASE over the life course mediates the maternal–adolescent mental health association, which this study aims to explore.

Methods

We analysed data from more than 5000 children across seven waves of the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Adolescent mental ill health was measured using the Kessler 6 (K6) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at age 17. The exposure was maternal mental ill health as measured by the Malaise Inventory at the child’s birth. Mediators were three measures of cumulative ASE defined by maternal employment, housing tenure and household poverty. Confounders measured at 9 months were also adjusted for, these were: maternal age, maternal ethnicity, household poverty, maternal employment, housing tenure, maternal complications during labour and maternal education. Using causal mediation analysis, we assessed the cumulative impact of ASE on the maternal–adolescent mental ill health relationship between birth and age 17.

Results

The study found a crude association between mothers’ mental health at the child’s birth and mental health of their children at age 17, however, when adjusting for confounders this association was reduced and no longer significant. We did not find an association between cumulative exposure to maternal non-employment or unstable housing over the child’s life course and adolescent mental health, however, cumulative poverty was associated with adolescent mental ill health (K6: 1.15 (1.04, 1.26), SDQ: 1.16 (1.05, 1.27)). Including the cumulative ASE measures as mediators reduced the association between maternal and adolescent mental health, but only by a small amount.

Conclusions

We find little evidence of a mediation effect from cumulative ASE measures. Experiencing cumulative poverty between the ages of 3–14 was associated with an increased risk of adolescent mental ill health at age 17, suggesting actions alleviating poverty during childhood may reduce adolescent mental health problems.
Competence for physician-assisted death of patients with mental disorders: theoretical and practical considerations
Authors: Gold Azgad
Published: June 2023

Physician-assisted death (PAD) of patients whose suffering does not stem from terminal conditions has become more prevalent during the last few decades. This paper is focused on decision-making competence for PAD, specifically in situations in which PAD is related solely to psychiatric illness. First, a theoretical analysis presents the premises for the argument that competence for physician-assisted death for psychiatric patients (PADPP) should be determined based on a higher threshold in comparison to the required competence for conventional medical interventions. Second, the higher threshold for decision-making competence for PADPP is illustrated. Third, several real PADPP cases are critically discussed, as an illustration to decision-making competence evaluations that would not have met the higher standard. Finally, a short summary of practical suggestions regarding the assessment of decision-making competence for PADPP is presented. Psychiatrists are called to address the ethical, legal, societal and clinical challenges related to PADPP and should be prepared for its probable expansion.
Exchange and correlation effects on spin Coulomb drag in a spin-polarized quasi-one-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Verma Vishal , Puttar Devi , Garg Vinayak , Moudgil R. K.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we study the spin Coulomb drag (SCD) effect in a spin-polarized quasi-one-dimensional electron gas (Q1DEG) by including the exchange-correlation effects within the self-consistent mean-field approximation of Singwi, Tosi, Land, and Sjölander (the STLS theory). Numerical results for the spin drag rate [Formula: see text] are presented over a wide range of temperature T, some selected values of electron number density [Formula: see text] and spin-polarization. We note that for unpolarized Q1DEG, [Formula: see text] is maximum and then decreases with increase in spin-polarization at each T and/or [Formula: see text]. As an important finding, we report that for a set of critical system parameters at which a long-wavelength spin-density-wave (SDW) instability has been recently reported to occur in a Q1DEG, the drag intensity function attains maxima and [Formula: see text] increases abruptly. However, the random-phase approximation (RPA) underestimates [Formula: see text] in comparison to the STLS theory over a broad range of T and the difference becomes quite appreciable in strongly correlated regime (sufficiently low T and high [Formula: see text]). In addition, we report for the first time the spin-plasmon dispersion of spin-polarized Q1DEG and find that the increase in degree of spin-polarization causes the spectrum to reduce in energy significantly. Besides, the spin-plasmon modes at finite spin-polarization show a consistent blue shift with rise in T and/or [Formula: see text], and the RPA largely overestimates them.
Detecting Harmful Content on Online Platforms: What Platforms Need vs. Where Research Efforts Go
Authors: Arora Arnav , Nakov Preslav , Hardalov Momchil , Sarwar Sheikh Muhammad , Nayak Vibha , Dinkov Yoan , Zlatkova Dimitrina , Dent Kyle , Bhatawdekar Ameya , Bouchard Guillaume , Augenstein Isabelle
Published: June 2023

The proliferation of harmful content on online platforms is a major societal problem, which comes in many different forms, including hate speech, offensive language, bullying and harassment, misinformation, spam, violence, graphic content, sexual abuse, self-harm, and many others. Online platforms seek to moderate such content to limit societal harm, to comply with legislation, and to create a more inclusive environment for their users. Researchers have developed different methods for automatically detecting harmful content, often focusing on specific sub-problems or on narrow communities, as what is considered harmful often depends on the platform and on the context. We argue that there is currently a dichotomy between what types of harmful content online platforms seek to curb, and what research efforts there are to automatically detect such content. We thus survey existing methods as well as content moderation policies by online platforms in this light and suggest directions for future work.
Machine Unlearning: A Survey
Authors: Xu Heng , Zhu Tianqing , Zhang Lefeng , Zhou Wanlei , Yu Philip S.
Published: June 2023

Machine learning has attracted widespread attention and evolved into an enabling technology for a wide range of highly successful applications, such as intelligent computer vision, speech recognition, medical diagnosis, and more. Yet, a special need has arisen where, due to privacy, usability, and/or
the right to be forgotten
, information about some specific samples needs to be removed from a model, called machine unlearning. This emerging technology has drawn significant interest from both academics and industry due to its innovation and practicality. At the same time, this ambitious problem has led to numerous research efforts aimed at confronting its challenges. To the best of our knowledge, no study has analyzed this complex topic or compared the feasibility of existing unlearning solutions in different kinds of scenarios. Accordingly, with this survey, we aim to capture the key concepts of unlearning techniques. The existing solutions are classified and summarized based on their characteristics within an up-to-date and comprehensive review of each category’s advantages and limitations. The survey concludes by highlighting some of the outstanding issues with unlearning techniques, along with some feasible directions for new research opportunities.
Survey on Evolutionary Deep Learning: Principles, Algorithms, Applications, and Open Issues
Authors: Li Nan , Ma Lianbo , Yu Guo , Xue Bing , Zhang Mengjie , Jin Yaochu
Published: June 2023

Over recent years, there has been a rapid development of deep learning (DL) in both industry and academia fields. However, finding the optimal hyperparameters of a DL model often needs high computational cost and human expertise. To mitigate the above issue, evolutionary computation (EC) as a powerful heuristic search approach has shown significant merits in the automated design of DL models, so-called evolutionary deep learning (EDL). This article aims to analyze EDL from the perspective of automated machine learning (AutoML). Specifically, we first illuminate EDL from DL and EC and regard EDL as an optimization problem. According to the DL pipeline, we systematically introduce EDL methods ranging from data preparation, model generation, to model deployment with a new taxonomy (i.e., what and how to evolve/optimize), and focus on the discussions of solution representation and search paradigm in handling the optimization problem by EC. Finally, key applications, open issues, and potentially promising lines of future research are suggested. This survey has reviewed recent developments of EDL and offers insightful guidelines for the development of EDL.
DECIPHER: Improving Genetic Diagnosis Through Dynamic Integration of Genomic and Clinical Data
Authors: Foreman Julia , Perrett Daniel , Mazaika Erica , Hunt Sarah E. , Ware James S. , Firth Helen V.
Published: June 2023

DECIPHER (Database of Genomic Variation and Phenotype in Humans Using Ensembl Resources) shares candidate diagnostic variants and phenotypic data from patients with genetic disorders to facilitate research and improve the diagnosis, management, and therapy of rare diseases. The platform sits at the boundary between genomic research and the clinical community. DECIPHER aims to ensure that the most up-to-date data are made rapidly available within its interpretation interfaces to improve clinical care. Newly integrated cardiac case–control data that provide evidence of gene–disease associations and inform variant interpretation exemplify this mission. New research resources are presented in a format optimized for use by a broad range of professionals supporting the delivery of genomic medicine. The interfaces within DECIPHER integrate and contextualize variant and phenotypic data, helping to determine a robust clinico-molecular diagnosis for rare-disease patients, which combines both variant classification and clinical fit. DECIPHER supports discovery research, connecting individuals within the rare-disease community to pursue hypothesis-driven research.
Baseline reticular basement membrane morphology is related to subsequent spirometry deterioration in pediatric chronic airway inflammation: a follow-up study
Authors: Koucký Václav , Uhlík Jiří , Hoňková Lenka , Komárek Arnošt , Pohunek Petr
Published: June 2023

This paper deals with the relationship between reticular basement membrane (RBM) morphology at baseline and follow-up spirometry in children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. For the first time, to our knowledge, the possibility to predict subsequent lung function development using selected baseline characteristics (reticular basement membrane morphology from endobronchial biopsy and ventilation inhomogeneity from nitrogen multiple breath washout test) is proposed. Corresponding predictive models are presented.
CBAM-YOLOv5: A Promising Network Model for Wear Particle Recognition
Authors: He Lei , Wei Haijun
Published: June 2023

The intelligent recognition technology for ferrography images is one of the important methods for diagnosis fault and state detection of machines. In allusion to these questions for the influences of wear particle images’ blurring, background intricacy, wear particle overlapping and lack of light, and others which lead to be the reason for the difficulty of achieving accurate identification, missed detection, and false detection, an intelligent recognition algorithm for ferrography wear particle based on convolutional block attention module (CBAM) and YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, it needs enhancement to improve contrast for ferrography wear particle images and lower background interference by adaptive histogram homogenization algorithm. Then, under the framework of YOLOv5 algorithm, the depthwise separable convolution is added to improve the detection speed of the network, and the detection accuracy of the entire network is improved by optimizing the loss function. Moreover, increase weight ratio on wear particle in images by adding a convolution block CBAM model and increase feature representative capability in detection network with YOLOv5 algorithm detection network, which can improve detection accuracy for wear particle. Finally, compare the algorithm with the three classical homologous series object detection algorithm. The experimental results show that the detection accuracy of the model can reach 96.7%, and the detection speed is 32 FPS for the images with a resolution of

1280
×
720

. It can be developed and applied to the fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of mechanical equipment.
Protective Effects of Phytic Acid on CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Xu Zhen , Chen Zhao , Lan Tongtong , Han Yisa , Yang Ning , Wang Chuhui , Tao Meng , Li Hui , Song Yang , Ma Xuezhen
Published: June 2023

Liver fibrosis is the main pathological feature of various chronic liver diseases that can progress to cirrhosis. However, no effective treatment strategy for liver fibrosis is available. Phytic acid (PA) is a natural plant compound found in cereals, legumes, and rapeseed. Currently, there are few reports on its relationship with liver fibrosis. Herein, we explored the effects of PA on liver fibrosis. In this study, the liver fibrosis model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 and intragastric administration of sodium phytate (100 mg/kg) or silymarin (100 mg/kg) five times a week. The CCl4 injection could significantly increase the content of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and induce the damage of liver cells, infiltration of inflammatory factors, and deposition of collagen fibers in the liver tissue. Compared to the CCl4 group, PA significantly reduced AST and ALT. Also, PA alleviated liver damage and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition area, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in the liver tissue, as well as downregulated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I (Col-1). Mechanistically, PA downregulated PI3K, p-AKT, p-p65, and p-IκBα in the liver tissue and reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In conclusion, PA might ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.