bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microborings reveal alternating agitation, resting and sleeping stages of modern marine ooids
Authors: Mono Phyllis , Hoffmann René , Wisshak Max , Lokier Stephen W. , Pederson Chelsea L. , Hennhoefer Dominik , Diaz Mara R. , Swart Peter K. , Nehrke Gernot , Immenhauser Adrian
Published: October 2023

Ooids are abundant carbonate grains throughout much of Earth's history, but their formation is not well understood. Here, an in‐depth study of microbial bioerosion features of Holocene ooids from the Schooner Cays ooid shoals (Great Bahama Bank, Eleuthera, Bahamas) and the Shalil al Ud ooid shoals in the Arabian/Persian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) is presented. No obvious differences were found in ooid size distribution, cortex layer thickness, the composition of nuclei or euendolithic community when comparing ooids from both locations. Microendolithic borings are present in most studied ooid surfaces, but the intensity of (micro‐)bioerosion varies significantly. Applying an epoxy vacuum cast‐embedding technique allowed the identification of ichnotaxa and their inferred producers (various genera of diatoms, cyanobacteria, coccolithophores and unspecified bacteria). Euendolithic taxa have specific low‐light tolerances and light optima. This implies that information about the relative bathymetry (seafloor versus burial within an ooid shoal) and ecology for ooid cortex formation can be obtained via the presence or absence of their respective ichnotaxa. The history of a statistically significant number of ooid cortices can be translated into dune dynamics and the temporal variations thereof by allocating the inferred index producer to a defined burial or light penetration zone. In this context, ooid formation can be divided into four stages: (i) an agitation stage in the water column, characterized by the colonization of grains by photoautotrophs; (ii) a resting stage, characterized by temporary burial of the ooid, leading to immobilization and a shift towards heterotrophs; (iii) a sleeping stage, characterized by prolonged burial and colonization by organotrophs; and (iv) a reactivation stage, characterized by a resurfacing of the ooid and a subsequent shift towards photoautotrophs. The sleeping stage is presumably a stage of ooid degradation where bioerosion, mainly by heterotrophic fungi and bacteria is particularly active.
“Urgently Needed to Protect Asian American Children and Families”: The Social Movement for Asian American Studies at K‐12 Grades
Authors: Jeung Russell , Garcia Annelle Maranan , Bae Annie , Shen Christina (Krysty) , Malasa Joseph
Published: October 2023

The national movement for Asian American Studies (AASs) curriculum at the K‐12 level has burgeoned during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the subsequent surge of anti‐Asian hate. Seventeen states proposed legislation requiring AAS content in their public schools and ten states have now mandated it. Using case studies of two states, Illinois and New Jersey, this article details how community activists and elected legislators framed their campaigns to successfully pass their bills. In both states, the campaigns utilized diagnostic frames from the broader Asian American movement. However, they also incorporated and developed prognostic frames and motivational frames more resonant with the current moment. Notably, stakeholders focused on organizing around a winnable issue, with an emphasis on racial bullying in New Jersey and multiracial solidarity and inclusion in Illinois.
Follicular conjunctivitis in dogs: A retrospective study (2007–2022)
Authors: Cerrada Irene , Leiva Marta , Vilao Rita , Peña Teresa , Ríos Jose
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the incidence, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of canine follicular conjunctivitis (CFC).

Procedure

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with CFC were reviewed. Data recorded included signalment, duration of clinical signs and treatment details prior to presentation, concurrent ocular/systemic diseases, ocular clinical signs, cytology, treatment, follow‐up, and outcome. Blepharospasm, signs of self‐trauma, hyperemia, chemosis, ocular discharge, and follicle location and severity (0.5–4) were retrospectively evaluated. Based on severity, treatment consisted of topical 0.1% diclofenac or 0.1% dexamethasone sodium eyedrops. Dogs were classified into young (YD < 18 months) and adult (AD ≥ 18 months).

Results

One hundred and fifty‐three dogs (276 eyes) were included in the study: 83YD (54%) and 70AD (46%). Males and bilateral disease were over‐represented in both groups. Severity was associated with young age (p = .032) and bilaterality (p = .025), and not with dermatological diseases (p > .05). No differences in follicular location were observed except for more frequent involvement of the nictitating membrane (MN) in YD (p = .02). Response to treatment was faster in AD (p = .001), with complete resolution in 80.6% of the eyes (100/124) at 1 month. YD treated with diclofenac showed faster resolution than those treated with 0.1% dexamethasone (p = .009).

Conclusions

Although CFC is a bilateral ocular disease occurring at any age, the clinical presentation is influenced by age. Follicular conjunctivitis in adult dogs is less sever, less commonly affects the NM, and responds more quickly to topical treatment. One month of topical diclofenac may be adequate for mild cases, and 1 month of topical 0.1% dexamethasone is recommended as initial therapy for moderate to severely affected cases.
Computed tomographic measures of renomegaly vary among dogs with different types of congenital portosystemic shunts
Authors: Murakami Masahiro , Nishi Reo , Lenoir Kindele N.
Published: October 2023

Renomegaly has been reported in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS). However, no study has objectively evaluated the degree of renomegaly in dogs with different types of PSS. The purpose of this retrospective, analytical, cross‐sectional study was to determine kidney size (renal length‐to‐L2 vertebral body ratio; RL/L2 ratio) using CT in dogs with different types of PSS and correlate with clinical information. A medical record search for dogs with a PSS diagnosed using CT between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. Breed, age, sex, body weight, and biochemistry results were recorded. Kidney and L2 vertebral body lengths were measured using multiplanar reformatted CT images, and the RL/L2 ratio was calculated. Dogs were categorized into four groups based on PSS morphology for comparisons: intrahepatic (IH; n = 19), extrahepatic portocaval (EHPC; n = 20), extrahepatic portoazygos (EHPA; n = 7), or extrahepatic portophrenic (EHPP, n = 7). The RL/L2 ratio (mean ± SD) was largest in IH (3.55 ± 0.38) and EHPC (3.55 ± 0.38), followed by EHPP (3.10 ± 0.23), and EHPA (2.78 ± 0.18). RL/L2 ratio was significantly larger in EHPC and IH (vs. EHPA and EHPP [P < .01]). Significant correlations between kidney size and creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, and ammonia were present. Renomegaly was observed in 86.8% of dogs with PSS overall, but it was uncommon in dogs with EHPA and less common in dogs with EHPP, as these two groups showed clinical signs later in life, made evident by older age at presentation. The authors suggest that the severity of hepatic dysfunction and the shunted blood volume may influence the development of renomegaly in dogs with PSS.
Orthogonal irreducible representations of finite solvable groups in odd dimension
Authors: Korhonen Mikko
Published: October 2023

We prove that if is a finite irreducible solvable subgroup of an orthogonal group with odd, then preserves an orthogonal decomposition of into 1‐spaces. In particular is monomial. This generalizes a theorem of Rod Gow.
Evolutionary changes in the capacity for organismic autonomy
Authors: Rosslenbroich Bernd
Published: October 2023

Studies of macroevolution have revealed various trends in evolution – which have been documented and discussed. There is, however, no consensus on this topic. Since Darwin's time one presumption has persisted: that throughout evolution organisms increase their independence from and stability towards environmental influences. Although this principle has often been stated in the literature, it played no role in mainstream theory. In a closer examination, we studied this particular feature and described that many of the major transitions in animal evolution have been characterized by changes in the capacity for physiological regulation. Organisms gained in robustness, self‐regulation, homeostasis and stabilized self‐referential, intrinsic functions within their respective systems. This is associated with expanded environmental flexibility, such as new opportunities for movement and behaviour. Together, these aspects can be described as changes in the capacity for autonomy. There seems to be a large‐scale trajectory in evolution during which some organisms gained in autonomy and flexibility. At the same time, adaptations to the environment emerged that were a prerequisite for survival. Apparently, evolution produced differential combinations of autonomy traits and adaptations. These processes are described as modifications in relative autonomy because numerous interconnections with the environment and dependencies upon it were retained. Also, it is not a linear trend, but rather an outcome of all the diverse processes which have been involved during evolutionary changes. Since the principle of regulation is a core element of physiology, the concept of autonomy is suitable to build a bridge from physiology to evolutionary research.

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Numerical Investigation on Thermal Performance in Low-Enthalpy Geothermal System Under the Impact of Anisotropic Reservoir Heterogeneity and Well Layout
Authors: Xu Bin , Liao Jianxing , Hu Ke , Wang Hong , Teng Yuhang , Luo Jiashun , Cao Cheng
Published: October 2023

The utilization of low-enthalpy geothermal systems holds substantial potential for mitigating the greenhouse effect. However, the thermal efficiency of geothermal systems is significantly influenced by the spatial distribution of reservoir property, particularly permeability and porosity. In this work, we systematically investigate the impact of anisotropic heterogeneity in porosity and permeability on geothermal performance using numerical method. The thermal performance is evaluated based on parameters such as thermal production lifetime, thermal breakthrough time, and thermal production energy. Our findings indicate that with an increase in correlation length from 100 to 500 m, highly heterogeneous reservoirs tend to regionalize pores, forming highly conductive fluid flow channels. This led to shorter thermal production lifetime and thermal breakthrough time. Moreover, the thermal performance varied significantly with different rotation angles in a double well layout, displaying a maximum difference of 41.17% compared to a homogeneous reservoir. This difference decreased with the number of wells, reaching 32.82% and 16.66% in triple and quadruple well layouts, respectively. Consequently, the thermal performance was more stable under uncertain well positions in the quadruple well layout, but with reduced heat extraction efficiency. Our research results provide valuable insights into the impact of anisotropic heterogeneity on thermal performance in low-enthalpy geothermal systems.
Overhauled and Regenerated Steam Turbine: Reconditioning Process and Application
Authors: Capata Roberto , Calabria Alfonso , Reale Michele
Published: October 2023

The present work aims to analyze the economic convenience of using a reconditioned steam turbine within a waste-to-energy plant for municipal solid waste. First, the methodology for the evaluation of the functional conditions of the disused steam turbine will be identified through a complete revision of the turbine itself, paying attention to components subject to greater wear. The considered steam turbine is a disused and malfunctioning machine considered “a disposal.” The overhaul operations necessary for reconditioning are preceded by an analysis of the typical failures of steam turbines that allows to identify the components with the highest incidence of failures and to evaluate the frequency of occurrence and severity of the damage. The analysis of all possible fault chains and the maintenance history of the steam turbine are aimed at defining the inspection methodology to be carried out on the various components. Once the functionality has been verified and the necessary reconditioning operations of the steam turbine have been completed, the possibility of its reuse in a waste-to-energy plant for municipal solid waste will be analyzed. Through appropriate market analysis simulation, the actual possibility of using the reconditioned steam turbine within an existing plant used as a reference plant will be evaluated. The economic evaluations and the calculation of the return time must provide for a comparison of the purchase costs of a revised steam turbine compared to a new one, considering the revenues related to the sale of the electricity produced, the thermal power generated, and the revenues related to waste treatment. In the present work, the authors wanted to underline the importance of considering the waste-to-energy of municipal solid waste as an added value rather than as a mere cost aimed only at the inertization process. In addition, it can be underlined that the use of a reconditioned steam turbine also guarantees economic convenience since the payback time is equal to two years.
A comparison of underwater speakers for fish playback studies
Authors: Mosharo Kathryn K. , Lobel Phillip S.
Published: October 2023

Acoustic playback is a key method used to determine the behavioral significance of animal sounds, including fishes. This study presents the first comparison of the acoustic quality of underwater speakers for the playback of fish sounds. Seven underwater acoustic playback systems were tested for their ability to accurately reproduce the low frequency, pulsed, courtship sounds of a small fish, Tramitichromis intermedius (Cichlidae). Results indicated that in an aquarium with low ambient noise and at low amplitude playback levels (<120 dB re 1 μPa), the Clark Synthesis speakers were the best choice for playback at moderate distances (>20 cm), and that the Electro-Voice UW30 was the best speaker for short distance (<20 cm) playback of low frequency fish sounds. However, in aquaria with higher levels of ambient noise and at higher amplitude playback levels, the Clark Synthesis speakers performed best. However, none of these speaker systems reproduced a high-fidelity quality fish sound. It is important when using underwater speakers for behavioral studies that there is a careful assessment of the played back sound and comparison to the original sound.
Depth and frequency dependence of geoacoustic properties on the New England Mud Patch from reflection coefficient inversion
Authors: Jiang Yong-Min , Holland Charles W. , Dosso Stan E. , Dettmer Jan
Published: October 2023

Muddy sediments cover significant portions of continental shelves, but their physical properties remain poorly understood compared to sandy sediments. This paper presents a generally applicable model for sediment-column structure and variability on the New England Mud Patch (NEMP), based on trans-dimensional Bayesian inversion of wide-angle, broadband reflection-coefficient data in this work and in two previously published reflection-coefficient inversions at different sites on the NEMP. The data considered here include higher frequencies and larger bandwidth and cover lower reflection grazing angles than the previous studies, hence, resulting in geoacoustic profiles with significantly better structural resolution and smaller uncertainties. The general sediment-column structure model includes an upper mud layer in which sediment properties change slightly with depth due to near-surface processes, an intermediate mud layer with nearly uniform properties, and a geoacoustic transition layer where properties change rapidly with depth (porosity decreases and sound speed, density, and attenuation increase) due to increasing sand content in the mud above a sand layer. Over the full frequency band considered in the new and two previous data sets (400–3125 Hz), there is no significant sound-speed dispersion in the mud, and attenuation follows an approximately linear frequency dependence.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Black Women Diversity and Inclusion Leaders in Sport Organizations
Authors: Keaton Ajhanai C.I.
Published: October 2023

Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Officers (ADIOs) are novel leadership positions in sport tasked with creating and sustaining diverse, inclusive, and equitable athletic departments. Interestingly, Black women have assumed many of the Division I ADIO positions. Thus, they seek to lead inclusionary efforts in an organizational field with sustained issues of gender and racial exclusion. This hermeneutic phenomenological study applied a Black feminist lens to examine what it means to be a Black woman ADIO who leads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in gendered and racialized Division I collegiate athletic departments. This study has three themes: (a) the ADIO position elicits the Strong Black Woman stereotype, inducing emotional fatigue; (b) Black women ADIOs are positioned as athletic departments’ conscience, often interpreting substantive and symbolic diversity, equity, and inclusion practices; and (c) Black women ADIOs center their perception of affirmative prescriptions of Black womanhood in an attempt to withstand the adverse realities of ADIO leadership.
Past human expansions shaped the spatial pattern of Neanderthal ancestry
Authors: Quilodrán Claudio S. , Rio Jérémy , Tsoupas Alexandros , Currat Mathias
Published: October 2023

The worldwide expansion of modern humans (
Homo sapiens
) started before the extinction of Neanderthals (
Homo neanderthalensis
). Both species coexisted and interbred, leading to slightly higher introgression in East Asians than in Europeans. This distinct ancestry level has been argued to result from selection, but range expansions of modern humans could provide an alternative explanation. This hypothesis would lead to spatial introgression gradients, increasing with distance from the expansion source. We investigate the presence of Neanderthal introgression gradients after past human expansions by analyzing Eurasian paleogenomes. We show that the out-of-Africa expansion resulted in spatial gradients of Neanderthal ancestry that persisted through time. While keeping the same gradient orientation, the expansion of early Neolithic farmers contributed decisively to reducing the Neanderthal introgression in European populations compared to Asian populations. This is because Neolithic farmers carried less Neanderthal DNA than preceding Paleolithic hunter-gatherers. This study shows that inferences about past human population dynamics can be made from the spatiotemporal variation in archaic introgression.
Global lactylome reveals lactylation-dependent mechanisms underlying T
H
17 differentiation in experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Fan Wei , Wang Xiaotang , Zeng Shuhao , Li Na , Wang Guoqing , Li Ruonan , He Siyuan , Li Wanqian , Huang Jiaxing , Li Xingran , Liu Jiangyi , Hou Shengping
Published: October 2023

Dysregulation of CD4
+
T cell differentiation is linked to autoimmune diseases. Metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and accumulation of lactate are involved in this process. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study showed that lactate-derived lactylation regulated CD4
+
T cell differentiation. Lactylation levels in CD4
+
T cells increased with the progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Inhibition of lactylation suppressed T
H
17 differentiation and attenuated EAU inflammation. The global lactylome revealed the landscape of lactylated sites and proteins in the CD4
+
T cells of normal and EAU mice. Specifically, hyperlactylation of Ikzf1 at Lys
164
promoted T
H
17 differentiation by directly modulating the expression of T
H
17-related genes, including Runx1, Tlr4, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-4. Delactylation of Ikzf1 at Lys
164
impaired T
H
17 differentiation. These findings exemplify how glycolysis regulates the site specificity of protein lactylation to promote T
H
17 differentiation and implicate Ikzf1 lactylation as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.
In vivo neuromodulation of animal behavior with organic semiconducting oligomers
Authors: Tommasini Giuseppina , De Simone Mariarosaria , Santillo Silvia , Dufil Gwennaël , Iencharelli Marika , Mantione Daniele , Stavrinidou Eleni , Tino Angela , Tortiglione Claudia
Published: October 2023

Modulating neural activity with electrical or chemical stimulus can be used for fundamental and applied research. Typically, neuronal stimulation is performed with intracellular and extracellular electrodes that deliver brief electrical pulses to neurons. However, alternative wireless methodologies based on functional materials may allow clinical translation of technologies to modulate neuronal function. Here, we show that the organic semiconducting oligomer 4-[2-{2,5-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)thiophen-3-yl}ethoxy]butane-1-sulfonate (ETE-S) induces precise behaviors in the small invertebrate
Hydra
, which were dissected through pharmacological and electrophysiological approaches. ETE-S–induced behavioral response relies on the presence of head neurons and calcium ions and is prevented by drugs targeting ionotropic channels and muscle contraction. Moreover, ETE-S affects
Hydra
’s electrical activity enhancing the contraction burst frequency. The unexpected neuromodulatory function played by this conjugated oligomer on a simple nerve net opens intriguing research possibilities on fundamental chemical and physical phenomena behind organic bioelectronic interfaces for neuromodulation and on alternative methods that could catalyze a wide expansion of this rising technology for clinical applications.
User preference optimization for control of ankle exoskeletons using sample efficient active learning
Authors: Lee Ung Hee , Shetty Varun S. , Franks Patrick W. , Tan Jie , Evangelopoulos Georgios , Ha Sehoon , Rouse Elliott J.
Published: October 2023

One challenge to achieving widespread success of augmentative exoskeletons is accurately adjusting the controller to provide cooperative assistance with their wearer. Often, the controller parameters are “tuned” to optimize a physiological or biomechanical objective. However, these approaches are resource intensive, while typically only enabling optimization of a single objective. In reality, the exoskeleton user experience is likely derived from many factors, including comfort, fatigue, and stability, among others. This work introduces an approach to conveniently tune the four parameters of an exoskeleton controller to maximize user preference. Our overarching strategy is to leverage the wearer to internally balance the experiential factors of wearing the system. We used an evolutionary algorithm to recommend potential parameters, which were ranked by a neural network that was pretrained with previously collected user preference data. The controller parameters that had the highest preference ranking were provided to the exoskeleton, and the wearer responded with real-time feedback as a forced-choice comparison. Our approach was able to converge on controller parameters preferred by the wearer with an accuracy of 88% on average when compared with randomly generated parameters. User-preferred settings stabilized in 43 ± 7 queries. This work demonstrates that user preference can be leveraged to tune a partial-assist ankle exoskeleton in real time using a simple, intuitive interface, highlighting the potential for translating lower-limb wearable technologies into our daily lives.
A ticking time bomb hidden in plain sight
Authors: Narasimhan Sukanya , Fish Durland , Pedra Joao H. F. , Pal Utpal , Fikrig Erol
Published: October 2023

The deer tick transmits nearly half of the known tick-borne pathogens in the United States, and its expanding geographic range increases the risk of human infection. To decrease the abundance of and infection risk from deer ticks, approaches that include vaccines for human use and for animal hosts are desired.
Natural protein engineering in the Ω-loop: the role of Y221 in ceftazidime and ceftolozane resistance in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase
Authors: Mack Andrew R. , Kumar Vijay , Taracila Magdalena A. , Mojica Maria F. , O'Shea Margaret , Schinabeck William , Silver Galen , Hujer Andrea M. , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Chen Shuang , Haider Shozeb , Caselli Emilia , Prati Fabio , van den Akker Focco , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: October 2023

A wide variety of clinically observed single amino acid substitutions in the Ω-loop region have been associated with increased minimum inhibitory concentrations and resistance to ceftazidime (CAZ) and ceftolozane (TOL) in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase and other class C β-lactamases. Herein, we demonstrate the naturally occurring tyrosine to histidine substitution of amino acid 221 (Y221H) in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase (PDC) enables CAZ and TOL hydrolysis, leading to similar kinetic profiles (
k
cat
= 2.3 ± 0.2 µM and 2.6 ± 0.1 µM, respectively). Mass spectrometry of PDC-3 establishes the formation of stable adducts consistent with the formation of an acyl enzyme complex, while spectra of E219K (a well-characterized, CAZ- and TOL-resistant comparator) and Y221H are consistent with more rapid turnover. Thermal denaturation experiments reveal decreased stability of the variants. Importantly, PDC-3, E219K, and Y221H are all inhibited by avibactam and the boronic acid transition state inhibitors (BATSIs) LP06 and S02030 with nanomolar IC
50
values and the BATSIs stabilize all three enzymes. Crystal structures of PDC-3 and Y221H as apo enzymes and complexed with LP06 and S02030 (1.35–2.10 Å resolution) demonstrate ligand-induced conformational changes, including a significant shift in the position of the sidechain of residue 221 in Y221H (as predicted by enhanced sampling well-tempered metadynamics simulations) and extensive hydrogen bonding between the enzymes and BATSIs. The shift of residue 221 leads to the expansion of the active site pocket, and molecular docking suggests substrates orientate differently and make different intermolecular interactions in the enlarged active site compared to the wild-type enzyme.
Evolution and exchange of plasmids in pathogenic
Neisseria
Authors: Yee Wearn-Xin , Elsener Tabea , Cehovin Ana , Maiden Martin C. J. , Tang Christoph M.
Published: October 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
causes sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea and is on the WHO critical list due to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The bacterium can carry a conjugative plasmid, pConj, which prevents the use of tetracycline or doxycycline for treating gonorrhea, and is responsible for spread of a β-lactamase plasmid, p
bla
; over 90% of gonococcal isolates also harbor a small cryptic plasmid, pCryp. We systematically analyzed the presence of these plasmids in other
Neisseria
spp., including
Neisseria meningitidis
, which causes sepsis/meningitis. pConj is the most frequently found plasmid in the meningococcus and is in many clonal complexes. The plasmid is associated with meningococcal carriage rather than disease, indicating that pConj imposes fitness costs during systemic disease. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that pConj is genetically diverse in
N. meningitidis
, indicating that it shares a long evolutionary history with the meningococcus and that the plasmid has been transferred at least twice from
N. meningitidis
to
N. gonorrhoeae
. Following the first transfer, gonococcal isolates carrying the plasmid underwent clonal expansion and disseminated pConj to other gonococcal lineages. The second introduction was associated with an altered conjugation machinery which reduces conjugation efficiency. Therefore, in contrast to chromosomal resistance which has evolved through introduction of genes from commensals, gonococcal plasmid-mediated resistance has arisen through transfer from another pathogen,
N. meningitidis
. Further antibiotic pressure from the use of doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis against STIs is likely to promote plasmid-mediated AMR in both
N. gonorrhoeae
and
N. meningitidis
.

IMPORTANCE

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major influence in driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many bacteria. A conjugative plasmid which is widespread in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, pConj, prevented the use of tetracycline/doxycycline for treating gonococcal infection. Here, we show that pConj evolved in the related pathogen,
Neisseria meningitidis
, and has been acquired by the gonococcus from the meningococcus on multiple occasions. Following its initial acquisition, pConj spread to different gonococcal lineages; changes in the plasmid’s conjugation machinery associated with another transfer event limit spread in the gonococcal populations. Our findings have important implications for the use of doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted disease which is likely to exacerbate the spread of AMR through HGT in pathogenic bacteria.
Lateral and vertical characteristics of floodplain aggradation cycles in the lower Eocene Willwood Formation, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Wang Youwei , Baars Timothy F. , Storms Joep E.A. , Martinius Allard W. , Gingerich Philip D. , Chmielewska Magda , Buckley Simon J. , Abels Hemmo A.
Published: October 2023

Sedimentation on river floodplains is a complex process that involves overbank flooding, crevasse splaying, and river avulsion. The resulting floodplain stratigraphy often exhibits floodplain aggradation cycles with alternating fine-grained overbank ﬂooding deposits that underwent significant petrogenesis, and coarser-grained, avulsion-belt deposits largely devoid of pedogenic impact. These cycles are linked to lateral migration and avulsion of channels driven by internal dynamics, external factors, or a combination of both. To better understand the spatial and vertical variability of such floodplain aggradation cycles, we map these in three dimensions using a photogrammetric model of the lower Eocene Willwood Formation in the northern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA. This allows identifying 44 floodplain aggradation cycles in ∼300 m of strata with an average thickness of 6.8 m and a standard deviation of 2.0 m. All the cycles are traceable over the entire model, pointing to their spatial consistency over the 10 km2 study area. At the same time, rapid lateral thickness changes of the floodplain aggradation cycles occur with changes up to 4 m over a lateral distance of 400 m. Variogram analyses of both field and numerical-model results reveal stronger consistency of floodplain aggradation cycle thicknesses along the paleoflow direction compared to perpendicular to paleoflow. Strong compensational stacking occurs at the vertical scale of 2−3 floodplain aggradation cycles (14−20 m), while full compensational stacking occurs at larger scales of more than six floodplain aggradation cycles (>41 m). The lateral and vertical thickness variability of the floodplain aggradation cycles, as well as their compensational stacking behavior, are interpreted to be dominantly driven by autogenic processes such as crevasse splaying and avulsing that preferentially fill topographic lows. External climate forcing may have interacted with these autogenic processes, producing the laterally persistent and vertically repetitive floodplain aggradation cycles. The spatial variability of floodplain aggradation cycles demonstrated in this study highlights again the need for three-dimensional data collection in alluvial floodplain settings rather than depending on one-dimensional records.
Supplemental Material: Late Miocene to present synchronous extension and contraction in the eastern Pamir: Insights from inversion of thermochronologic data across the southern Muztaghata dome
Authors: Chen Shenqiang , et al.
Published: October 2023

Figures S1, S2, and S3 and Tables S1, S2, and S3 report the analytical details of our data; Table S4 lists the date data used in Pecube models.
Changing landscape of paediatric refugee health in South Western Sydney, Australia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Amarasena Lahiru , Zwi Karen , Hu Nan , Lingam Raghu , Raman Shanti
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To examine the changing health needs of refugee children and young people (CYP) entering Australia, in relation to key government policy changes.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of health service use data over 11 years.

Setting

Paediatric refugee clinics in South Western Sydney (SWS), the Australian region with the largest annual resettlement of refugees.

Participants

Refugee CYP (≤25 years) attending the SWS paediatric refugee clinics for their first visit between 2009 and 2019.

Measures

Clinician defined health conditions categorised as communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD).

Results

Data were analysed for 359 CYP, mean age 9.3 years; 212 male (59.1%). Most CYP (n=331, 92.2%) had health problems identified; 292 (81.3%) had ≥1 NCD and 24 (6.7%) had ≥1 communicable disease. The most frequent individual NCDs were dental disease (n=128, 35.7%) and vitamin D deficiency (n=72, 20.1%). Trend analysis showed increased odds of identifying an NCD from 2013 onwards (crude OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.96). Neurodevelopmental problems, especially Global Developmental Delay (n=31, 8.6%), emerged as more prevalent issues in the latter half of the decade. There were significantly increased odds of identifying a neurodevelopmental problem in 2016–2019, especially in 2016–2017 (adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.40). Key policy changes during this period included acceptance of refugees with disabilities from 2012, additional Australian Humanitarian Programme intake from the Eastern Mediterranean region and mandatory offshore processing for those seeking asylum by boat from 2013. In response to the changing needs, local health services adopted nurse-led primary healthcare screening, early childhood services, youth and disability clinics.

Conclusions

Refugee CYP in Australia are presenting with a growing burden of NCDs, with neurodevelopmental problems contributing. Government policy changes affect the sociodemographics of resettled populations, influencing health profiles. Paediatric refugee health services need to be responsive to the changing needs of these populations to optimise well-being.
Impacts of adjustment of National Reimbursement Drug List on orphan drugs volume and spending in China: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Yi Hongbin , Shi Fenghao , Wang Zihao , Kuai Liping , Xu Dongyan , Xie Yu , Xing Hua
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the impacts of the 2017 adjustment of National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) on orphan drugs hospital procurement volumes and spending in China.

Design

We used an interrupted time series design covering the period from 2016 to 2018 to analyse changes in hospital procurement volumes and spending of orphan drugs for which were included in the 2017 NRDL.

Setting and data

The study was conducted in China. Orphan drug procurement data of 789 public hospitals (594 tertiary hospitals and 195 secondary hospitals) were derived from the Chinese Medical Economic Information (CMEI).

Outcome measures

Monthly orphan drugs hospital procurement volumes and spending.

Results

Nine orphan drugs were included in the 2017 NRDL (seven were directly included, and two were included after price negotiation). Comparing to orphan drugs not included in the NRDL, hospital procurement volumes (β7=43 312, p<0.001) and spending (β7=6 48 927, p<0.001) of the nine included drugs showed significant upward trends after implementation of the 2017 NRDL adjustment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the 2017 adjustment of NRDL significantly changed the usage and spending on certain orphan drugs. The increase in orphan drug hospital procurement volumes should improve rare disease patients’ access to these orphan drugs.
Insights into caregivers’ perspectives on abuse of older persons: a qualitative exploratory study in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ojifinni Oludoyinmola , Adebayo Emmanuel , Uchendu Obioma
Published: October 2023

Objective

Elder abuse perpetration by caregivers is well documented, particularly from the perspectives of older persons who are victims of abuse. However, few studies in Nigeria have examined the caregivers’ viewpoints. This study explored the perception about the perpetration of elder abuse perpetration among adults aged 18–59 in Nigeria.

Design

Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study generated data through four in-depth interviews (IDIs) and eight focus group discussions (FGDs). All IDIs and FGDs were audiorecorded, transcribed coded and analysed thematically with Atlas ti.

Setting

Rural and urban communities in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria.

Participants

73 purposively selected adults who had provided care for or lived near an older person in southwestern Nigeria.

Results

Types of elder abuse identified were verbal (grumbling, insulting, snapping and shouting at older persons), physical (shoving and beating an older person) and neglect (refusing to render assistance, cook or carry out chores for an older person). Participants believed relatives of older persons were unlikely to perpetrate abuse compared with neighbours and paid caregivers. They, however, felt that people whose parents had maltreated them during childhood could perpetrate abuse especially neglect of their older parents. Identified possible provocation for abuse included an unkempt physical appearance, poor attitude or offensive behaviour in the older person. Participants further opined that lack of communal unity or mutual respect, loss of moral ideals and religious values and erosion of cultural values could also provide an environment where elder abuse can thrive.

Conclusion

Interventions for community-level prevention of elder abuse can leverage on the identified moral and religious values, relationship and cultural factors for successful deployment.
Prevalence of hyperuricaemia among adults from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shi Hongjuan , Liu Yining , Wang Jinyi , Luan Hong , Shi Chao
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hyperuricaemia (HUA) and investigate its risk factors in the general adult population of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Survey of cardiovascular disorders and their related risk factors in NHAR, China.

Participants

10 803 permanent residents aged 18 and older.

Main outcome measures

HUA was defined as serum uric acid levels >420 µmol/L for men and >360 µmol/L for women.

Results

The overall prevalence of HUA in NHAR adults was 19.81% (95% CI 19.06 to 20.57), with prevalence values of 24.91% (95% CI 23.70 to 26.14) in men and 15.58% (95% CI 14.66 to 16.53, p<0.001) in women. The prevalence of HUA was higher in urban residents than in rural residents (23.26% vs 17.02%, p<0.001). HUA prevalence was relatively high in individuals younger than 30 years for both men and women, then decreased with age, and began to increase at the age of 40 for women and 60 for men. Higher level of education, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, higher triglycerides, higher total cholesterol and poorer renal function were associated with an increased risk of HUA.

Conclusions

HUA prevalence is high among adults in NHAR. Young adults under 30 years and women over 50 years were identified as populations at high risk for HUA. Further attention ought to be placed to promoting healthy diets and implementing early interventions to manage dyslipidaemia, obesity and blood glucose level, as well as advocating for moderation of alcohol consumption.
Prevalence of frailty among elderly patients with hip fracture in China: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Jinghua , Li Zhenyu , Zhao Dan , Hu Yanzhen , Lu Xuemei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterised by a reduced ability to adapt to external stressors owing to a reduced physiological reserve, which is caused by degeneration of multiple organ systems. Frailty is particularly prevalent among patients with hip fractures. Research on frailty in China started late; thus, evidence regarding the prevalence of frailty among older patients with hip fracture in China is scarce. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically search for available data on the prevalence of frailty among older patients with hip fracture in China, assess the pooled prevalence of frailty and describe the association between frailty and clinical outcomes.

Method and analysis

We will systematically search electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang data Database, to identify studies on the prevalence of frailty in older patients with hip fracture. Two reviewers will independently identify eligible studies according to defined inclusion criteria and critically appraise them using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s standardised critical appraisal tool. Data will be analysed using Stata V.12.0.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as this review will only include data from published sources. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022265321.
COVID-19 vaccine barriers and perception among rural adults: a qualitative study in Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam Mansura , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Rita Razia Sultana , Akand Farhana , Rabbi Md Fozla , Hasan Md Khaledul , Alam Tasnia , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: October 2023

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges for global public healthcare, even with the authorisation of several vaccines worldwide. To better understand rural communities’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and barriers towards these vaccines, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study with adults in rural Bangladesh.

Setting

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of Sylhet and Natore in Bangladesh from August 2021 to February 2022.

Participants

Our study involved 15 in-depth interviews with rural adults and 2 key informant interviews with health workers.

Results

We analysed data thematically, resulting in four main themes: (1) knowledge and perception aspects, (2) myths and misconceptions, (3) practice and attitude and (4) barriers and challenges of COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that rural populations lack sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines but have a more favourable attitude towards them. Misconceptions, beliefs and personal experiences were found to be the main reasons for vaccine avoidance. To address these challenges and dispel the spread of misinformation, health education programmes play a pivotal role in improving vaccine management. Policy-makers should initiate these programmes without delay to create a well-informed and enlightened community, given that the COVID-19 is still spreading.
Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and response on routine childhood vaccination coverage and equity in Northern Nigeria: a mixed methods study
Authors: Dadari Ibrahim , Sharkey Alyssa , Hoare Ismael , Izurieta Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Background

Based on 2021 data, Nigeria had the second largest number of zero-dose children globally estimated at over 2.25 million, concentrated in the northern part of the country due to factors some of which are sociocultural. This study analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on childhood vaccination in Northern Nigeria.

Methods

Using a mixed methods sequential study design in the most populous northern states of Kaduna and Kano, quantitative routine immunisation data for the period 2018–2021 and qualitative data collected through 16 focus group discussions and 40 key informant interviews were used. An adaptation of the socioecological model was used as a conceptual framework. Mean vaccination coverages and test of statistical difference in childhood vaccination data were computed. Qualitative data were coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Mean Penta 1 coverage declined in Kaduna from 69.88% (SD=21.02) in 2018 to 59.54% (SD=19.14%) by 2021, contrasting with Kano where mean Penta 1 coverage increased from 51.87% (SD=12.61) to 56.32% (SD=17.62%) over the same period. Outreaches and vaccination in urban areas declined for Kaduna state by 10% over the pandemic period in contrast to Kano state where it showed a marginal increase. The two states combined had an estimated 25% of the country’s zero-dose burden in 2021. Lockdowns, lack of transport and no outreaches which varied across the states were some of the factors mentioned by participants to have negatively impacted childhood vaccination. Special vaccination outreaches were among the recommendations for ensuring continued vaccination through a future pandemic.

Conclusion

While further interrogating the accuracy of denominator estimates for the urban population, incorporating findings into pandemic preparedness and response will ensure uninterrupted childhood vaccination during emergencies. Addressing the identified issues will be critical to achieving and sustaining universal childhood vaccination in Nigeria.
Primary care detection of cognitive impairment leveraging health and consumer technologies in underserved US communities: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of the MyCog paradigm
Authors: Lovett Rebecca , Bonham Morgan , Yoshino Benavente Julia , Hosseinian Zahra , Byrne Greg J , Varela Diaz Maria , Bass Michael , Yao Lihua , Adin-Cristian Andrei , Batio Stephanie , Kim Minjee , Sluis Amanda , Moran Margaret , Buchanan David R , Hunt Justin , Young Stephanie R , Gershon Richard , Nowinski Cindy , Wolf Michael
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Early identification of cognitive impairment (CI), including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), is a top public health priority. Yet, CI/ADRD is often undetected and underdiagnosed within primary care settings, and in health disparate populations. The MyCog paradigm is an iPad-based, self-administered, validated cognitive assessment based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery and coupled with clinician decision-support tools that is specifically tailored for CI/ADRD detection within diverse, primary care settings.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a two-arm, primary care practice-randomised (N=24 practices; 45 257 active patients at the proposed practices), pragmatic trial among geographically diverse Oak Street Health sites to test the effectiveness of the MyCog paradigm to improve early detection CI/ADRD among low socioeconomic, black and Hispanic older adults compared with usual care. Participating practices randomised to the intervention arm will impart the MyCog paradigm as a new standard of care over a 3-year implementation period; as the cognitive component for Annual Wellness Visits and for any patient/informant-reported or healthcare provider-suspected cognitive concern. Rates of detected (cognitive test suggesting impairment) and/or diagnosed (relevant International Classification of Diseases-9/10 [ICD-9/10] code) cognitive deficits, impairments or dementias including ADRD will be our primary outcome of study compared between arms. Secondary outcomes will include ADRD severity (ie, mild or later stage), rates of cognitive-related referrals and rates of family member or caregiver involvement in ADRD care planning. We will use generalised linear mixed models to account for clustered study design. Secondary models will adjust for subject, clinic or visit-specific characteristics. We will use mixed-methods approaches to examine fidelity and cost-effectiveness of the MyCog paradigm.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board at Advarra has approved the study protocol (Pro00064339). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and summaries will be provided to the funders of the study.

Trial registration number

NCT05607732.