bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Census 2023: your thoughts, our actions
Authors: Allum William , Smith Karen , Joubert Tyla , Kane Nicola
Published: December 2024

RCS England's plans to tackle the challenges facing the workforce, increase opportunities for trainees and support future generations of surgeons.
Theatre evolution: the barn theatre
Authors: Sykes M , Handzewniak N , Tiwatane S , Subramanian P
Published: December 2024

Could this innovative theatre layout be the key to improving efficiency?
The surgical mind: harnessing flow state in complex procedures
Authors: Visavadia B , Murden F
Published: December 2024

Unlocking peak performance in the operating theatre: how mastering focused immersion enhances precision, decision making, and efficiency during challenging operations.
No training today, no surgeons tomorrow
Authors: Mitchell Tim
Published: December 2024

Surgical training: a time of crisis?
Observational Eros: Time, Libido, the Attention Ecology, and Surfing
Authors: Pettman Dominic
Published: December 2024

Abstract: In her popular book How To Do Nothing, Jenny Odell briefly introduces the prospect of “observational eros.” This essay borrows this suggestive prompt to explore the compromised contemporary relationship between desire and attention. There follows a portrait of the surfer as a specific instance of participating eros; one that complements the observational.
Color statistics of images created by generative AI
Authors: Wang Yujin , Webster Mike A. , Joyce Daniel S.
Published: December 2024

Novel digital images are increasingly created using generative AI tools. However, how well these AI images reflect the color statistics of human-generated (“real”) images is unknown. We analyzed hue, chroma, and lightness distributions for image objects and backgrounds created by three generative AI models (Open AI DALL E 2, Stability AI Dreamstudio, and Adobe Firefly) and for real images (Bing image search); N=8400 images. We found that, although AI images had similar mean hues to real images, AI images systematically exhibited statistical anomalies, including narrower tunings for hue, chroma, and lightness, and higher correlations between their objects and backgrounds. While a conscious, perceptual appraisal may consider AI images to be high-fidelity, our results indicate that AI images are underpinned by color statistics that are unnatural for visual sensation. As generative AI increasingly dominates the creation of novel digital media, we may experience a narrowing of our color diet.
Changes in illumination color induce powerful illusory rotations
Authors: Pont Sylvia , Doerschner Katja
Published: December 2024

We present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, interactive mechanism for inducing illusory rotations. Printed versions of Kitaoka’s rotating snakes illusion change effective color contrast depending on LED illumination color. This drives changes in the illusory rotations. In a psychophysical experiment, participants indicated by button press whether they perceived a given pattern to rotate as the color of illumination changed and in which direction this rotation occurred. Results could be predicted by an effective luminance contrast model, and we found high agreement between observers. This constitutes a novel manner of showing perceptual mechanisms, allowing for new applications and adding perceptual dynamics to static imagery.
Design for light-based spherical aberration correction of ultrafast electron microscopes
Authors: Chirita Mihaila Marius Constantin , Kozák Martin
Published: December 2024

We theoretically demonstrate that ponderomotive interactions near the electron cross-over can be used for aberration correction in ultrafast electron microscopes. Highly magnified electron shadow images from Si3N4 thin films are utilized to visualize the distortions induced by spherical aberrations. Our simulations of electron-light interactions indicate that spherical aberrations can be compensated resulting in an aberration-free angle of 8.1 mrad. For achieving the necessary light distribution, we use a gradient descent algorithm to optimize Zernike polynomials and shape the light beam into a modified Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beam.
Free-form surface-based polar-axis rotational direct solar radiation spectrum measurements
Authors: Sun Jingrui , Zhang Jian , Mo Xiaoxu , Wang Lu , Zhao Bin , Zhang Yu , Chong Wei , Liu Qiang , Zou Yangyang , Ren Zhengwei , Yang Junjie , Yang Songzhou , Li Guanlin , Ren Dianwu , Yang Dongping , Zhang Ke , Zhang Guoyu
Published: December 2024

Accurate measurements of direct solar radiation spectra are crucial for atmospheric science, climatology, agriculture, and solar energy. Existing systems depend on costly dual-axis tracking devices, leading to high maintenance and error rates. This study presents a free-form surface-based polar-axis rotating solar direct radiation spectrometer, enabling year-round measurements across all latitudes without mobile tracking. The system operates in the 380–780 nm range with a spectral resolution better than 2 nm. Simulation results demonstrate spectral curve area errors between 0.68% and 1.22%, and outdoor experiments in Changchun, China, confirm the accuracy of measurements against the AM1.5 G standard.
Coherent beam combining of wavelength-division multiplexed telecom signals: toward high-power and high-bit-rate free-space optical telecommunications
Authors: Le Beux Thomas , Bramerie Laurent , Chartier Thierry , Gay Mathilde , Lombard Laurent , Pichon Pierre , Rouzé Bastien
Published: December 2024

This work presents a coherent beam combining system achieving constructive interferences of 8 arms seeded by 4 wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) channels modulated at 10 Gbit/s each. The whole spectrum spans over 2.4 THz (19 nm) in the C-band. Phase-locking of one channel, combined with an accurate equalization process of the optical path differences (OPD) of the arms, allows us to maximize the combining efficiency of all the channels simultaneously. Each channel achieves a combining efficiency higher than 95%. Supported by an analytical description of the system, tolerancing rules underline the need for precise OPD equalization accuracy: a 5 µm OPD mismatch results in a 1% combining efficiency loss. Bit error rate and eye diagram analysis demonstrate the reliability of the system to transmit data without penalties. This marks a step toward the development of innovative WDM laser sources for high-power, high-bit-rate free-space optical telecommunications.
Highly scalable solid-core inhibited-coupling fiber-based plasmonic refractive index sensor
Authors: Mahfuz Mohammad Al , Habib Md Selim
Published: December 2024

Advancements in plasmonic sensing require simultaneous detection capability that ensures large-scale detection with reduced losses. In this work, we propose a new solid-core fiber-based refractive index (RI) sensor with an ultra-broad detection range. The proposed fiber consists of a relatively simple single-ring cladding with six circular tubes in which the light is guided in the core based on the inhibited-coupling (IC) mechanism. The sensing performance is investigated using extensive finite-element modeling (FEM) through the combination of IC and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing technology. Our results show a low loss of <3 dB/cm across the RI detection range from 1 to 1.60, peaking the wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 3000 nm/RIU and figure of merit (FOM) of 120 RIU−1. Our study also includes the investigation of the fabrication tolerance, fiber bending, and the use of alternative plasmonic materials, providing insights into the practical implementation capability of the proposed sensor. Our findings highlight the potential of the proposed sensor in emerging applications such as detecting air pollutants, biochemical substances, and DNA, paving the way towards bio-sensing within a lab-on-a-chip platform.
Towards retrieving the temporal profile of unequal pulse bound states from autocorrelation measurements
Authors: Qi Yaoyao , Wang Wenxuan , Wang Zhenhong , Gao Yaqing , Zhu Zhiwei , He Chaojian , Lv Zhiwei , Yang Song , Lin Xuechun
Published: December 2024

Optical autocorrelators are typically employed to retrieve the temporal information of bound-state lasers; however, they suffer from limitations when multiple sub-pulses coexist with varying intensities and pulse widths. To this end, this study investigates the impact of differences in pulse temporal intensity and width between two unequal pulses in a bound-state laser on the corresponding autocorrelation trace. Maps of autocorrelation trace in terms of the temporal profile of unequal pulse bound state are created to evaluate their internal relationship. Specifically, the autocorrelation peak intensity ratio exhibits an approximatively Gamma cumulative distribution function relationship with respect to either individual variation in the temporal intensity or width ratio. Additionally, we examine the impact of oscillating tail intensity on the autocorrelation trace. These results reveal that variations in pulse temporal characteristics complicates the retrieval of accurate temporal information. To address this, we provide a checklist based on careful examination of the autocorrelation trace to retrieve the temporal profile of bound states with unequal pulses. This work provides guidance for approximately retrieving the temporal information of a bound-state laser with variations in sub-pulse shapes from the autocorrelation trace and underscores the necessity for more sophisticated analytical methods to disentangle the complexities arising from non-uniform pulse parameters.
High-sensitivity, low-noise, and stable fiber vibration sensor using an integrated fiber cantilever beam with surface plasmon resonance microcavities
Authors: Kong Weiyu
Published: December 2024

Fiber-optic vibration sensors have been studied widely owing to their anti-electromagnetic interference, corrosion resistance, and ease of integration and distribution. Previous reports primarily focused on the frequency detection of vibration signals. However, the amplitude sensitivity, noise-equivalent amplitude (NEA), and stability determine the sensing precision and accuracy of the device. The present work proposes a fiber-optic device for detecting vibration signals. A fiber cantilever beam in-line structure is integrated on the surface of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microcavity at the end facet of a single-mode fiber (SMF). The device can detect broadband vibration signals (1–150 kHz) under the experimental conditions in the study. The amplitude sensitivity of the device reaches 396.64 mV/µm at 100 kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 61.5 dB at 0.41µm, and the NEA of the device is as low as 2.97 pm/Hz1/2 with good linearity in frequency detection. In the absence of any feedback control system, the device has a low standard deviation of 2.15% in response to vibration signals, limited by the stability of our optical testing system. The developed device is a perfect combination of fiber configuration, miniaturization, high sensitivity, and stability, making it a promising candidate for detecting vibration signals in the future.
Multi-wavelength DFB laser based on a sidewall third-order four phase-shifted sampled Bragg grating with uniform wavelength spacing
Authors: Sun Xiao , Li Zhibo , Fan Yizhe , Al-Rubaiee Mohanad Jamal , Marsh John H. , Kelly Anthony E. , Sweeney Stephen J. , Hou Lianping
Published: December 2024

We present the first, to our knowledge, demonstration of a 1550 nm multi-wavelength distributed feedback (MW-DFB) laser employing a third-order, four-phase-shifted sampled sidewall grating. By utilizing linearly chirped sampled gratings and incorporating multiple true π-phase shifts within a cavity, we achieved and experimentally validated a four-wavelength laser with a channel spacing of 0.4 nm. The device operates stably and uniformly across a wide range of injection currents from 280 mA to 350 mA. The average wavelength spacing was measured at 0.401 nm with a standard deviation of 0.0081 nm. Additionally, we demonstrated a 0.3 nm MW-DFB laser with a seven-channel output, achieving a wavelength spacing of 0.274 nm and a standard deviation of 0.0055 nm. This MW-DFB laser features a ridge waveguide with sidewall gratings, requiring only one metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) step and a single III–V material etching process. This streamlined fabrication approach simplifies device manufacturing and is well-suited for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems.
Single-crystal CsPbBr3-based vertical cavity surface emitting laser
Authors: Aoyagi Shunya , Su Zhan , Weng Gouen , Ye Shoujie , Cao Fuyi , Wang Cong , Hu Xiaobo , Yamamoto Yohei , Chen Shaoqiang
Published: December 2024

All-inorganic perovskite materials have been widely used in various
devices, including lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar
cells, due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Devices
utilizing high-quality single crystals are anticipated to achieve
significantly enhanced performance. In this work, we present a
high-performance vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) based
on a single-crystal CsPbBr3 microplatelet, fabricated
through a simple solution process and sandwiched between two
distributed Bragg reflector (DBRs). The VCSEL demonstrated single-mode
lasing at 542 nm, a low threshold of 5 µJ/cm2, and a high
Q-factor of 2893. Additionally, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL)
measurements using a streak camera revealed picosecond-scale lasing
dynamics. This study offers a novel, to the best of our knowledge,
approach for realizing laser devices using perovskite single-crystal
microplatelets.
Microtubular structured random lasers as microfluidic channels for multifunctional sensing
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Liu Zhe , Zhao Jinjiang , Gao Ning , Zhai Tianrui
Published: December 2024

Random lasers (RLs) with a simple structure and low-cost properties have been recognized as an ideal analytical platform and are still challenging for liquid detecting, remaining beset for low sensitivity, complicated operation, and large analyte consumption. Here, inspired by a microfluidic sensor, a microtubule structured random laser for multifunctional sensing is demonstrated. The random laser is achieved resorting to a curly PMMA film with gain and scatterers embedded in it. By coupling the high-order WGM with a weak random scattering mode, a coherent random laser with a low threshold of 0.62 MW cm−2 and a high Q factor of 4700 is obtained. The sensing process has been demonstrated based on two kinds of representative analytes of sucrose solution and TiO2 NP suspension, which respond to the variation of gain and scattering. The RL sensor features fast detection, easy operation, and low cost, which may provide a new approach for their further applications in analytical microfluidic chip and disposable/pocket analytical instruments.
See-through characteristics of a holographic contact lens display and design consideration for a spatial light modulator
Authors: Gu Youjia , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2024

The holographic contact lens display offers an ultra-thin and compact form factor as a visual interface device for augmented reality. It uses a transmission-type spatial light modulator (SLM) and a polarizer to overlay three-dimensional images onto real scenes, affecting the display’s see-through capability. This study explores theoretical and experimental aspects of light efficiency, higher-order diffraction light generation, and see-through image resolution. Increasing the SLM’s fill factor improved the light efficiency and reduced the higher-order diffraction light generation, without impacting the image resolution. Additionally, we investigated removing the polarizer to further enhance light efficiency and demonstrated its effects.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveal that TORC1 is reactivated by pheromone signaling during sexual reproduction in fission yeast
Authors: Bérard Melvin , Merlini Laura , Martin Sophie G.
Published: December 2024

Starvation, which is associated with inactivation of the growth-promoting TOR complex 1 (TORC1), is a strong environmental signal for cell differentiation. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, nitrogen starvation has distinct physiological consequences depending on the presence of mating partners. In their absence, cells enter quiescence, and TORC1 inactivation prolongs their life. In presence of compatible mates, TORC1 inactivation is essential for sexual differentiation. Gametes engage in paracrine pheromone signaling, grow towards each other, fuse to form the diploid zygote, and form resistant, haploid spore progenies. To understand the signaling changes in the proteome and phospho-proteome during sexual reproduction, we developed cell synchronization strategies and present (phospho-)proteomic data sets that dissect pheromone from starvation signals over the sexual differentiation and cell–cell fusion processes. Unexpectedly, these data sets reveal phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 during sexual development, which we establish requires TORC1 activity. We demonstrate that TORC1 is re-activated by pheromone signaling, in a manner that does not require autophagy. Mutants with low TORC1 re-activation exhibit compromised mating and poorly viable spores. Thus, while inactivated to initiate the mating process, TORC1 is reactivated by pheromone signaling in starved cells to support sexual reproduction.
A mathematical model of plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis of single fibrin fibers
Authors: Ouedraogo Roukayatou R. , Sowers Hannah K. , Lynch Spencer R. , Hudson Nathan E. , Bannish Brittany E.
Published: December 2024

Fibrinolysis, the plasmin-mediated degradation of the fibrin mesh that stabilizes blood clots, is an important physiological process, and understanding mechanisms underlying lysis is critical for improved stroke treatment. Experimentalists are now able to study lysis on the scale of single fibrin fibers, but mathematical models of lysis continue to focus mostly on fibrin network degradation. Experiments have shown that while some degradation occurs along the length of a fiber, ultimately the fiber is cleaved at a single location. We built a 2-dimensional stochastic model of a fibrin fiber cross-section that uses the Gillespie algorithm to study single fiber lysis initiated by plasmin. We simulated the model over a range of parameter values to learn about patterns and rates of single fiber lysis in various physiological conditions. We also used epifluorescent microscopy to measure the cleavage times of fibrin fibers with different apparent diameters. By comparing our model results to the laboratory experiments, we were able to: 1) suggest value ranges for unknown rate constants(namely that the degradation rate of fibrin by plasmin should be ≤ 10 s−1 and that if plasmin crawls, the rate of crawling should be between 10 s−1 and 60 s−1); 2) estimate the fraction of fibrin within a fiber cross-section that must be degraded for the fiber to cleave in two; and 3) propose that that fraction is higher in thinner fibers and lower in thicker fibers. Collectively, this information provides more details about how fibrin fibers degrade, which can be leveraged in the future for a better understanding of why fibrinolysis is impaired in certain disease states, and could inform intervention strategies.
“The COVID-19 pandemic in BRICS: Milestones, interventions, and molecular epidemiology”
Authors: van Wyk Stephanie , Moir Monika , Banerjee Anindita , Bazykin Georgii A. , Biswas Nidhan K. , Sitharam Nikita , Das Saumitra , Ma Wentai , Maitra Arindam , Mazumder Anup , Karim Wasim Abdool , Lamarca Alessandra Pavan , Li Mingkun , Nabieva Elena , Tegally Houriiyah , San James Emmanuel , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Xavier Joicymara S. , Wilkinson Eduan , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: December 2024

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) are a group of developing countries with shared economic, healthcare, and scientific interests. These countries navigate multiple syndemics, and the COVID-19 pandemic placed severe strain on already burdened BRICS’ healthcare systems, hampering effective pandemic interventions. Genomic surveillance and molecular epidemiology remain indispensable tools for facilitating informed pandemic intervention. To evaluate the combined manner in which the pandemic unfolded in BRICS countries, we reviewed the BRICS pandemic epidemiological and genomic milestones, which included the first reported cases and deaths, and pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in these countries. To assess the development of genomic surveillance capacity and efficiency over the pandemic, we analyzed the turnaround time from sample collection to data availability and the technologies used for genomic analysis. This data provided information on the laboratory capacities that enable the detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and highlight their potential for monitoring other pathogens in ongoing public health efforts. Our analyses indicated that BRICS suffered >105.6M COVID-19 infections, resulting in >1.7M deaths. BRICS countries detected intricate genetic combinations of SARS-CoV-2 variants that fueled country-specific pandemic waves. BRICS’ genomic surveillance programs enabled the identification and characterization of the majority of globally circulating Variants of Concern (VOCs) and their descending lineages. Pandemic intervention strategies first implemented by BRICS countries included non-pharmaceutical interventions during the onset of the pandemic, such as nationwide lockdowns, quarantine procedures, the establishment of fever clinics, and mask mandates- which were emulated internationally. Vaccination rollout strategies complemented this, some representing the first of their kind. Improvements in BRICS sequencing and data generation turnaround time facilitated quicker detection of circulating and emerging variants, supported by investments in sequencing and bioinformatic infrastructure. Intra-BRICS cooperation contributed to the ongoing intervention in COVID-19 and other pandemics, enhancing collective capabilities in addressing these health challenges. The data generated continues to inform BRICS-centric pandemic intervention strategies and influences global health matters. The increased laboratory and bioinformatic capacity post-COVID-19 will support the detection of emerging pathogens.
Mapping the organisational network of support for people experiencing homelessness in rural coastal areas of North East England: Results from a mixed-methods multi-sector social network analysis
Authors: Thirkle Steven A. , Adams Emma A. , John Deepti A. , Harland Jill , Kaner Eileen , Ramsay Sheena E.
Published: December 2024

The integration of physical and mental health, housing, social care, police, voluntary, and community services, alongside trauma-informed care, is vital for supporting people experiencing homelessness. This study examined organisational networks in rural and coastal regions of North East England, mapping and analysing these networks to identify provision, gaps, and opportunities for integration, and trauma-informed care. A mixed-methods study was conducted in rural and coastal areas of North East England, using purposive and snowball sampling for recruitment. Surveys collected data on inter-organisational collaborations, referrals, and service provision. Semi-structured interviews explored service provision for people experiencing homelessness, gaps in service provision, and trauma-informed care practices. Social network analysis was used to map and characterise organisational networks, measuring network density, distribution of degree and betweenness centrality. Thematic analysis was applied to interview data. Twenty-six participants from 24 services supporting homeless individuals were recruited. An additional 36 services were nominated as network participants, forming a network of 60 services. The network encompassed various service providers, with the most prevalent being Advice and Support services (n = 26), followed by Housing (n = 13) and Local Authority (n = 11). However, the network exhibited limited connections and collaborations (density = 0.029, average ties per service = 10.03). Three key themes emerged from the interviews: need for trauma-informed training and awareness, the impact of trauma on homelessness, and need for coordination and support. There is a need for strengthened connections and collaborations between services in rural and coastal areas to address the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness. Key players emerged across service types, with advice and support, emergency care, and criminal justice services as important intermediaries. Moreover, the implementation of trauma-informed approaches is limited. The findings highlight the importance of multi-agency collaboration in addressing the health, including mental health, needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Navigating family life with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A qualitative study
Authors: Green Michael D. , Prevost-Reilly Alejandra , Parker Devin M. , Carpenter-Song Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a critical congenital heart abnormality that, prior to 1980, offered no treatment options beyond comfort care. Surgical advancements have since transformed the prognosis, yet the lived experience of affected families remains complex and multifaceted. This study aims to elucidate the psychosocial challenges accompanying the biomedical management of HLHS, exploring both family and provider perspectives to identify opportunities for more holistic care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with five families and two healthcare providers involved in HLHS management a New England health system. Interview transcripts were analyzed inductively to identify emergent themes, with a focus on the lived experience of families and the perceived role of providers in influencing this experience. Our study illuminates the extensive psychosocial challenges and emotional distress encountered by families dealing with HLHS, indicating a disparity between the advanced biomedical treatments available and the broader, more integrative care needs of patients. Despite healthcare professionals’ technical proficiency, there exists a pivotal need for empathetic engagement and support that encompasses the full scope of the patient and family experience. Our findings advocate for an integrated care model that incorporates George Engel’s biopsychosocial aspects of health, aligning with the emotional and psychological needs of families. The study underscores the importance of socially conscious care and suggests that enhancing empathetic communication and support in clinical practice can improve both patient outcomes and family well-being in the context of chronic and complex conditions like HLHS.
Evaluating the relationship between negative foot speed and sprint performance using shoe-mounted inertial sensors
Authors: Pla Gerard Aristizábal , Martini Douglas N. , Potter Michael V. , Hoogkamer Wouter , Cain Stephen M.
Published: December 2024

Negative foot speed (i.e., the speed of the backward and downward motion of the foot relative to the body at ground contact) is a strong predictor of sprinting performance. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are becoming a popular approach for assessing sports performance. The primary aim of this study was to use IMUs to investigate the relationship between negative foot speed and top running speed attained during a sprint on an outdoor track. The secondary aim of this study was to use IMUs to investigate the relationship between initial contact foot velocity and running speed on a stride-by-stride basis for a sprint on an outdoor track. Seventeen participants performed 80-meter track sprints while wearing a shoe-mounted IMU. The anteroposterior component, vertical component, and magnitude of the velocity of the foot at initial contact was extracted from the IMU for each stride. For the mean peak stride speed of 7.98±0.78m/s and average stride speed of 7.43±0.68m/s, the adjusted R2 values were 0.27 and 0.69, 0.42 and 0.64, and 0.42 and 0.75 versus the anteroposterior, vertical, and magnitude of initial contact foot velocity, respectively. In conclusion, our findings support the common coaching tip of increasing negative foot speed to improve sprint speed. In addition, the results of this study support the use of IMUs for quantifying sprinting technique with actionable metrics.
Recent range expansion and lineage idiosyncratic population structure of Liodessus diving beetles in the high Andes (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae, Bidessini)
Authors: Balke Michael , Mainda Tobias , Neven Katja , Hendrich Lars , Basantes Michael Steven , Prieto Carlos , Villastrigo Adrián
Published: December 2024

Here, we review the taxonomy and population genetic structure of diving beetles in the genus Liodessus Guignot, 1939 from the high Andes of southern Colombia and Ecuador. Liodessus quillacinga ecuadoriensis ssp. nov. is described from the type locality Otavalo, Laguna San Pablo. Liodessus quimbaya azufralis Megna, Hendrich & Balke, 2019 stat. nov. is now regarded as a subspecies of Liodessus quimbaya Megna, Hendrich & Balke, 2019 based on new morphological and genetical data. Liodessus quimbaya paletara ssp. nov. is described from the Paletará Valley (Colombia: Cauca).
Exploring the relationship between trunk flexibility and arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cavero-Redondo Iván , Fonseca Helder , Otero-Luis Iris , Bohn Lucimere , Lever-Megina Carla Geovanna , Moreno-Herraiz Nerea , Saz-Lara Alicia
Published: December 2024

Background

As individuals age, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases, largely due to progressive stiffening of the arteries. This relationship underscores the critical need to monitor arterial stiffness as a predictor of CVD outcomes. While aerobic exercise has demonstrated benefits for vascular health, the influence of flexibility, particularly trunk flexibility, on arterial stiffness remains underexplored. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the overall relationship between trunk flexibility and arterial stiffness across different age groups (young, middle-aged, and older adults) and according to sex.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the MOOSE and JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis on systematic reviews of etiology and risk guidelines. Searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies investigating the association between trunk flexibility and arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity. Data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analyses were performed following predefined criteria.

Results

Five studies involving 2797 participants were included. Poor trunk flexibility was associated with increased arterial stiffness compared to high flexibility (pooled standardized mean difference = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.14), with substantial heterogeneity observed. Subgroup analyses by sex and age revealed significant associations predominantly in men and older individuals. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, and meta-regression models showed no significant differences according to age, BMI, or blood pressure. No evidence of publication bias was found.

Conclusion

Poor trunk flexibility is linked to elevated arterial stiffness across diverse demographic groups, highlighting its potential as a surrogate marker for cardiovascular health. Physiological mechanisms involving connective tissue integrity and neural regulation may underpin this relationship. Understanding the role of flexibility in arterial health could inform targeted interventions to mitigate age-related increases in arterial stiffness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore potential sex-specific differences.
Acceptance-based process variables on postpartum well-being and distress: The mediating role of psychological flexibility
Authors: Bonacquisti Alexa , Woodworth Emily C. , Diaz Maria , Grunberg Victoria A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Although up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety, current interventions are limited. Identifying the processes that impact outcomes can inform and enhance interventions. Our study aims to examine: (1) whether acceptance-based process variables (awareness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, psychological flexibility) were associated with postpartum outcomes; and (2) whether psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between treatment engagement and postpartum outcomes.

Method

Postpartum women (N = 266) were recruited online using snowball sampling via social media (i.e., Facebook). They completed a cross-sectional survey of validated and reliable quantitative measures assessing their well-being, emotional distress, and acceptance-based processes.

Results

Hierarchical regressions revealed that women with more awareness (β = .13; p = .023), acceptance (β = .17; p = .036), and cognitive defusion (β = -.46; p < .001) reported better well-being. When adding in psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion (β = -.24; p = .031) and psychological flexibility (β = -.33; p = .003) explained variance in well-being. Women with more acceptance (β = -.32; p < .001) and cognitive defusion (β = .52; p < .001) endorsed less emotional distress. When adding in psychological flexibility, acceptance (β = -.28; p < .001), cognitive defusion (β = .40; p < .001), and psychological flexibility (β = .18; p = .047) explained variance in emotional distress. Mediation models revealed that psychological flexibility explained the relationship between mental health treatment and well-being (b = 3.91, SE = 0.66, CI = [2.69, 5.30]) and emotional distress (b = -5.74, SE = 1.08, CI = [-1.26, 3.00]).

Conclusions

Targeting these acceptance-based processes in interventions may help to improve maternal, child, and family outcomes.
Right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain screening of lung transplant candidates
Authors: Scaravilli Vittorio , Scansani Silvia , Meani Paolo , Turconi Gloria , Guzzardella Amedeo , Bosone Marco , Bonetti Claudia , Vicenzi Marco , Morlacchi Letizia Corinna , Rossetti Valeria , Rosso Lorenzo , Blasi Francesco , Nosotti Mario , Grasselli Giacomo
Published: December 2024

Background

Lung transplant (LUTX) candidates have subclinical right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, which has not yet been assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE)-derived RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS). To evaluate the prevalence of RV dysfunction by RVFWLS and its relationship with conventional RV echocardiographic indexes in LUTX candidates.

Methods

In a single-center prospective observational cohort study, from January 2021 to March 2023 consecutive LUTX candidates underwent cardiac catheterization, radionuclide ventriculography, standard and STE. The diagnostic accuracy of RV ejection fraction by ventriculography (RVEF), tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid peak annulus systolic velocity (S’) versus RVFWS were computed.

Results

Thirty-four patients (female, 41%) with a mean age of 48 [36–59] years old enlisted for pulmonary fibrosis (35%) and cystic fibrosis (30%) were included. At cardiac catheterization, only 7 (23%) had pulmonary hypertension. Around 15–25% presented right heart enlargement. Tricuspid regurgitation was present in 20 (60%) of the patients. Median RVFWLS was -20.1% [-22.5%–-17%], being impaired (> -20%) in 16 (47%) of the patients. RVFWLS identified the highest percentage (47%) of RV dysfunction, compared to TAPSE (32%), S’ (27%), FAC (26%), and ventriculography (15%), which had very low sensitivity for detecting RV dysfunction compared to RVFWLS.

Conclusions

In patients enlisted for LUTX, RV dysfunction assessed by STE-derived RVFWLS is highly prevalent. STE can detect RV dysfunction better than standard two-dimensional echocardiography and ventriculography. Further studies are urgently needed to define the clinical implications and the prognostic value of RV dysfunction measured with RVFWLS.
Hypothermia improves neuronal network recovery in a human-derived in vitro model of oxygen-deprivation
Authors: Voogd Eva J. H. F. , Thijs Marloes , Levers Marloes R. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , Frega Monica
Published: December 2024

Mild therapeutic hypothermia showed potential neuroprotective properties during and after cerebral hypoxia or ischemia in experimental animal studies. However, in clinical trials, where hypothermia is mainly applied after reperfusion, results were divergent and neurophysiological effects unclear. In our current study, we employed human-derived neuronal networks to investigate how treatment with hypothermia during hypoxia influences neuronal functionality and whether it improves post-hypoxic recovery. We differentiated neuronal networks from human induced pluripotent stem cells on micro-electrode arrays (MEAs). We studied the effect of hypothermia (34°C)–as well hyperthermia (39°C) ‐ on neuronal functionality during and after hypoxia using MEAs. We also studied the effects on the number of synaptic puncta and cell viability by immunocytochemistry. In comparison to neuronal networks under normothermia, we found that hypothermia during hypoxia improved functional neuronal network recovery, expressed as enhanced neuronal network activity. This was associated with prevention of synaptic loss during and after the hypoxic phase. Furthermore, hypothermia improved cell viability after the hypoxic phase. Instead, hyperthermia during hypoxia had detrimental effects, with an irreversible loss of neuronal network function, loss of synaptic puncta and decreased cell viability. Our results show potential neuroprotective properties of hypothermia occurring during hypoxia, indicating that administering hypothermia to bridge the time to reperfusion may be beneficial in clinical settings.
Accelerating antimicrobial peptide design: Leveraging deep learning for rapid discovery
Authors: Al-Omari Ahmad M. , Akkam Yazan H. , Zyout Ala’a , Younis Shayma’a , Tawalbeh Shefa M. , Al-Sawalmeh Khaled , Al Fahoum Amjed , Arnold Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are excellent at fighting many different infections. This demonstrates how important it is to make new AMPs that are even better at eliminating infections. The fundamental transformation in a variety of scientific disciplines, which led to the emergence of machine learning techniques, has presented significant opportunities for the development of antimicrobial peptides. Machine learning and deep learning are used to predict antimicrobial peptide efficacy in the study. The main purpose is to overcome traditional experimental method constraints. Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli is the model organism in this study. The investigation assesses 1,360 peptide sequences that exhibit anti- E. coli activity. These peptides’ minimal inhibitory concentrations have been observed to be correlated with a set of 34 physicochemical characteristics. Two distinct methodologies are implemented. The initial method involves utilizing the pre-computed physicochemical attributes of peptides as the fundamental input data for a machine-learning classification approach. In the second method, these fundamental peptide features are converted into signal images, which are then transmitted to a deep learning neural network. The first and second methods have accuracy of 74% and 92.9%, respectively. The proposed methods were developed to target a single microorganism (gram negative E.coli), however, they offered a framework that could potentially be adapted for other types of antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer peptides with further validation. Furthermore, they have the potential to result in significant time and cost reductions, as well as the development of innovative AMP-based treatments. This research contributes to the advancement of deep learning-based AMP drug discovery methodologies by generating potent peptides for drug development and application. This discovery has significant implications for the processing of biological data and the computation of pharmacology.
Cardiovascular complications in vascular connective tissue disorders after COVID-19 infection and vaccination
Authors: Guerrerio Anthony L. , Mateja Allyson , MacCarrick Gretchen , Fintzi Jonathan , Brittain Erica , Frischmeyer-Guerrerio Pamela A. , Dietz Harry C.
Published: December 2024

Background

COVID-19 infection and vaccination have been reported to confer an elevated risk for cardiovascular events (CVE). We sought to determine whether individuals with an underlying vascular connective tissue disorder including Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), or vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome (vEDS) are at increased risk for cardiac events after COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Methods

325 respondents self-reported data through a cross-sectional, web-based survey available from 22 November 2021, through 15 March 2022 regarding COVID-19 illness and vaccinations, the occurrence of any CVE, and adverse events following vaccination. The data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with time varying indicators for COVID-19 illness/vaccination in the preceding 30 days.

Results

COVID-19 illness was significantly associated with an increased rate of a new abnormal heart rhythm 30 days following infection. No other CVEs were reported in the 90 days after COVID-19 illness. We did not find evidence of an increased rate of any CVE in the 30 days following any COVID-19 vaccination dose.

Conclusion

In respondents with MFS, LDS, or vEDS, we uncovered no evidence of an increase in CVEs in the 30 days following COVID-19 illness, with the possible exception of dysrhythmia. In light of the absence of a substantial increase in self-reported CVEs in the 30 days following COVID-19 vaccination, these data are in keeping with the recommendation from the Marfan Foundation Professional Advisory Board that all eligible persons be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Pattern, causes and functional outcome of peripheral neuropathies in the Amazon region
Authors: Deschamps Nathalie , Nacher Mathieu , Preux Pierre-Marie , Takam Valérie , Blaizot Romain , Cenciu Beatrice , Sabbah Nadia , De Toffol Bertrand
Published: December 2024

Background

Peripheral neuropathies have a wide variety of causes and pathophysiologies. Assuming that there are local particularities in the Amazon region, the aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients by determining the factors associated with functional severity.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study at Cayenne Hospital between January 2015 and May 2023. We included patients from the French hospital activity monitoring database “Programme de médicalisation des systèmes d’information” by searching for the keywords "neuropathy" "Guillain-Barre syndrome"(GBS) "multineuritis" "polyneuritis". The Peripheral Neuropathy Disability (PND) score was determined to quantify the functional severity of patients.

Results

A total of 754 patients were included, with a mean age of 60 years (SD = 14.6) and a predominance of women (53.6%). Gait disorders were present in 16.3% of patients (PND between 2 and 4). Mortality was 14.3% at 3 years. The most common causes of neuropathy were diabetes (58.2%), chemotherapy induced polyneuropathy toxicity (21.5%), Guillain-Barre syndrome (6.0%), unlabeled (3.2%), and infectious causes (2.0%). Infectious causes mainly included HIV in 13 patients (43.3%) and leprosy in 8 patients (26.7%). Only GBS was significantly associated with functional severity but all patients with a deficiency had a severe score. But, after excluding GBS, infectious causes were significantly associated with a severe PND score (aOR = 3.69 [1.18–11.58]).

Discussion

The characteristics of French Guiana combine those found in developed and developing countries, with an over-representation of infections (notably HIV and leprosy), and diabetes. The causes often result from social inequalities in health.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive study of the diverse causes of neuropathy in a territory undergoing epidemiologic transition in the Amazon region.
Ambient pollution at hip fracture units and impact on mortality and post-operative delirium: A hormetic effect?
Authors: Uzoigwe Chika Edward , Bin Qadir Rana Muhammad Anss , Daoub Ahmed
Published: December 2024

There is increasing awareness of the deleterious effects of ambient pollution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently advocated new safe limits of annual exposure for the three pre-dominant pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide; namely 5μg/m3, 15μg/m3 and 10gμ/m3 respectively. Both the USA and UK have recently implemented news standards which are lower than their current values, but still exceed those espoused by WHO. The WHO thresholds are challenging targets. It remains to be determined the proportion of secondary healthcare institutions located in zones with mean ambient pollutant levels in excess of the WHO limits and the impact this has on patients treated at these centres. This is particularly so for elderly patients who are theoretically most vulnerable to the adverse sequel of pollutant exposure. Using the UK National Hip Fracture Database and Defra Data (Department of Environmental, Food & Rural Affairs) we determined the annual mean PM2.5 PM10 and nitrogen dioxide exposure for all the units treating senescent hip fracture patients. We correlated these ambient pollutant levels with all-cause 30-day mortality and incidence of post-operative delirium for hip fracture patients. The vast majority (96%) of hip fracture units were located in zones where mean PM2.5 levels exceeded that required by the WHO guidance. A sizeable proportion also had annual mean exposures that surpassed the WHO PM10 (14.8%) and nitrogen dioxide (63%) recommended thresholds. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between hip fracture patients treated at units located in areas where pollutant titres were subliminal to the WHO guidance levels and those treated at centres where WHO thresholds were exceeded. By way of contrast patients admitted to institutions with mean ambient PM10 and nitrogen dioxide concentrations that surpassed the WHO limits had a lower risk of post-operative delirium compared to those at centres where the mean levels did not breach the WHO limit. For PM10 the relative risk was 0.89 CI:0.82–0.92 (p<0.0001) and that for nitrogen dioxide 0.92 CI: 0.89–0.94 (p<0.0001). The WHO target is ambitious as it relates to healthcare institutions. The majority are in areas that exceed WHO recommended limits. This does not appear to impact upon mortality for hip fracture patients. The decrease in incidence in post-operative delirium in areas of higher exposure raises, again in an epidemiological study, the possibility of the enigmatic phenomenon of hormesis, an adaptive response whereby low-dose exposure to a noxious agent or physiological stress enhances future physiological function.