bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical factors associated with day‐to‐day peak pain severity in individuals with chronic migraine: A cohort study using daily prospective diary data
Authors: Vives‐Mestres Marina , Casanova Amparo , Silberstein Stephen D. , Hershey Andrew D. , Orr Serena L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To describe the association between day‐to‐day peak pain severity and clinical factors in individuals with chronic migraine (CM).

Background

Little is known about how clinical factors relate to day‐to‐day pain severity in individuals with CM.

Methods

Adults with CM were enrolled into this observational prospective cohort study that collected daily data about headache, associated symptoms, and lifestyle factors using a digital health platform (N1‐Headache™) for 90 days. “Migraine days” were defined as days in which a headache occurred that had features described by the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. On these days, peak pain severity was recorded on a 4‐point scale; on non‐headache days peak pain severity was imputed as “0/none”. The associations between peak pain severity and 12 clinical factors were modeled and adjusted for sex, age, daily headache, presence of menstrual bleeding, day of the week, and disability. All numerical and Likert scale variables were standardized prior to analysis.

Results

Data were available for 392 participants (35,280 tracked days). The sample was predominantly female (90.6%), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 39.9 (12.8) years. In the final multivariable model with random intercept and slopes, higher than typical self‐reported levels of standardized stress (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.11), standardized irritability (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08), standardized sadness (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07), fatigue (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15–1.36), eyestrain (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.26–1.52), neck pain (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.76–2.13), skin sensitivity (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.44–1.80), and dehydration (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.18–1.42) were associated with higher reported peak pain severity levels, while standardized sleep quality (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99) and standardized waking feeling refreshed (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.81–0.88) were associated with lower reported peak pain severity levels. The inclusion of a random intercept and random slopes improved upon more parsimonious models and illustrated large differences in individuals’ reporting of peak severity according to the levels of the associated clinical factors.

Conclusion

Our data showed that the experience of CM, from a pain severity perspective, is complex, related to multiple clinical variables, and highly individualized. These results suggest that future work should aim to study a personalized approach to both medical and behavioral interventions for CM based on which clinical factors relate to the individual's experience of pain severity.
Not their fault: Mental health characteristics of parents with migraine and the migraine status of their children
Authors: Marzouk Maya A. , Buse Dawn C. , Karvounides Dina , Powers Scott W. , Seng Elizabeth K.
Published: June 2024

Plain Language Summary

In the past, research indicated that a parent's mental health symptoms may impact their child's migraine status; however, these studies do not usually hold constant whether the parents themselves have migraine. This study provided new data suggesting that when parents have migraine, the connection between parents' mental health symptoms and their child's migraine status may be less pronounced. Future studies investigating the heritability of migraine and its related mental health conditions may consider this approach when recruiting study participants.
A review of thermal shock behavior of ceramics: Fundamental theory, experimental methods, and outlooks
Authors: Meng Qiaoyu , Zhang Keqiang , He Rujie , Qu Zhaoliang
Published: June 2024

The thermal shock resistance of ceramics is a key factor for determining the durability of ceramic components under transient thermal conditions and is also one of the key factors for evaluating the stability of ceramics under extreme thermal conditions. After rapid heating or cooling, the surface and internal thermal stress mismatches of ceramics can cause severe thermal damage. Two main types of ceramic thermal shock exist: rapid cooling and rapid heating thermal shock. This article presents a broad understanding and insight into fundamental theory and experimental methods for ceramic thermal shock testing. The experimental equipment and procedures, test result evaluation, and material characterization of ceramic thermal shock are summarized. Moreover, outlooks and perspectives are discussed for testing and characterizing ceramic thermal shock resistance. This review will be helpful to researchers performing studies in the relevant fields of ceramics.
Early childhood executive control modulates negative affectivity's role in increasing adolescent body mass index trajectories
Authors: Tomaso Cara C. , James Tiffany D. , Brock Rebecca L. , Yaroch Amy L. , Hill Jennie L. , Huang Terry T. , Nelson Jennifer M. , Mason W. Alex , Espy Kimberly A. , Nelson Timothy D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Executive control and temperament have been associated with pediatric obesity. However, interactions between these constructs in relation to future weight outcomes have not been investigated.

Objective

This longitudinal study examined early childhood executive control, early temperament (negative affectivity and surgency), and their interactions as predictors of adolescent BMI trajectories.

Methods

At age 5.25, children (N = 229) completed executive control tasks, and parents completed the Child Behavior Questionnaire to assess temperament. BMI was calculated annually between ages 14–17.

Results

Greater early negative affectivity predicted more positive BMI growth. Although early childhood executive control was not associated with BMI growth, greater negative affectivity predicted greater BMI escalation at average and below average executive control abilities.

Conclusions

For children without robust executive control abilities early in development, negative affectivity may be a risk factor for accelerated adolescent BMI growth. Targeted assessment of early risk factors may be useful for childhood obesity prevention efforts.
Chromium‐substituted bismuth titanate–niobate exhibiting superior piezoelectric performance for high‐temperature applications
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang En‐Meng , Wang Chun‐Ming
Published: June 2024

High‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics with excellent piezoelectric properties are key materials for high‐temperature piezoelectric devices. In this context, bismuth titanate–niobate (Bi3TiNbO9) is one of the most promising candidates, owing to its high Curie temperature (TC) > 900°C. However, the relatively low piezoelectric response of prototype Bi3TiNbO9 does not satisfy the requirements of high‐precision and high‐sensitivity applications. Herein, chromium‐substituted Bi3TiNbO9 with a nominal composition, Bi3Ti1−xCrxNbO9 (BTN‐100xCr), was prepared using the solid‐state reaction method. Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction refinements revealed structural distortions induced by the substitution of chromium. Piezo‐response force microscopy and ferroelectric hysteresis loops showed facile polarization reversal and domain wall movement in chromium‐substituted Bi3TiNbO9. The resultant structural distortion and domain wall movement served as intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to the enhancement of the piezoelectric properties, respectively. Consequently, BTN‐1.5Cr exhibits a high piezoelectric constant (d33) of 17.7 pC/N, which is four times that of Bi3TiNbO9 (4.2 pC/N), a high TC of 908°C, and an excellent thermal stability of piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling properties up to 500°C. These results indicate that chromium substitution enhances the high‐temperature piezoelectric properties of Bi3TiNbO9, and chromium‐substituted Bi3TiNbO9 is a promising candidate for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications.
Examining socio‐ecological transitions and new human–wildlife relations in farming landscapes of the Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Khatri Dil , Paudel Dinesh , Poudyal Bishnu Hari , Khatri Sanjaya , Poudel Dilli P. , Marquardt Kristina
Published: June 2024

Wildlife invasion into farmlands is emerging as an acute problem in the Himalayas, threatening farm‐based livelihood systems of smallholder rural communities. The problem is severe in the areas where successful forest restoration has been achieved by community forestry programmes alongside massive outmigration. Such evolving dynamics have created new conceptual and empirical discourses on conservation, nature‐society relations and human‐wildlife interactions, as some wild animals have become pests for farming communities. Consequently, the historical co‐existence and relationships between subsistence communities and local ecosystems have been destabilized. By mobilizing the concepts of forest transition and agrarian transition, we explore these new and emerging relationships between the growing wildlife problem and deteriorating people's livelihood by examining the nature, extent and drivers of the new human‐wildlife interactions and provide critical insights towards effectiveness of current policies and practical responses.
Effect of strain and enteric septicemia of catfish vaccine‐booster on production and processing traits of the Delta Select and Delta Control strains of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Bosworth Brian , Waldbieser Geoff , Wise Dave , Kumar Ganesh , Lourenco Daniela , Garcia Andre , Ott Brian , Torrans Les
Published: June 2024

The Delta Select channel catfish strain (DS) was developed by selection for increased growth and carcass yield. Progeny from DS and the Delta Control (DC) strain (a randomly bred strain from the same base population as DS) were compared in three trials. Trial 1: unvaccinated ~1‐year‐old fingerlings from each strain reared communally in 0.4‐ha ponds. Trial 2: vaccinated ~ 1‐year‐old fingerlings from each strain grown in separate replicated 0.4‐ha ponds and fish in about half the ponds were given an ESC vaccine‐booster at 13 months post‐hatch. Trial 3: same procedures as Trial 2, except fish were raised in replicate 0.04‐ha ponds with no vaccine‐booster. In Trial 1 DS were larger at stocking, larger at harvest, and had higher carcass yield than DC; in Trial 2 DS were larger at harvest, had better survival and higher production/ha than DC. Vaccine‐booster had no effect on fish growth or survival. DS and DC were not different for any traits in Trial 3. Although outcome varied among trials, the overall results indicated a vaccine booster did not affect growth or survival, DS strain fingerlings grew faster than DC fingerling, and DS had higher carcass yield than DC strain fish when reared communally.
Long‐term albumin improves the outcomes of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus: Post hoc analysis of the ANSWER trial
Authors: Pompili Enrico , Baldassarre Maurizio , Iannone Giulia , Tedesco Greta , Nardelli Silvia , Piano Salvatore , Alessandria Carlo , Neri Sergio , Foschi Francesco G. , Levantesi Fabio , Caraceni Paolo , Bernardi Mauro , Zaccherini Giacomo ,   for the ANSWER Study Investigators
Published: June 2024

Type‐2 diabetes mellitus is a frequent comorbidity of cirrhosis independently associated with cirrhosis‐related complications and mortality. This post hoc analysis of the ANSWER trial database assessed the effects of long‐term human albumin (HA) administration on top of the standard medical treatment (SMT) on the clinical outcomes of a subgroup of 85 outpatients with liver cirrhosis, uncomplicated ascites and insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus type 2 (ITDM). Compared to patients in the SMT arm, the SMT + HA group showed a better overall survival (86% vs. 57%, p = .016) and lower incidence rates of paracenteses, overt hepatic encephalopathy, bacterial infections, renal dysfunction and electrolyte disorders. Hospital admissions did not differ between the two arms, but the number of days spent in hospital was lower in the SMT + HA group. In conclusion, in a subgroup of ITDM outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites, long‐term HA administration was associated with better survival and a lower incidence of cirrhosis‐related complications.
Mathematics Presentation Matters: How Superfluous Brackets and Higher‐order Operator Position in Mathematics Can Impact Arithmetic Performance
Authors: Egorova Alena , Ngo Vy , Liu Allison S. , Mahoney Molly , Moy Justine , Ottmar Erin
Published: June 2024

Perceptual learning theory suggests that perceptual grouping in mathematical expressions can direct students' attention toward specific parts of problems, thus impacting their mathematical reasoning. Using in‐lab eye tracking and a sample of 85 undergraduates from a STEM‐focused university, we investigated how higher‐order operator position (HOO; i.e., multiplication/division operators and the presence of superfluous brackets impacted students' time to first fixation to the HOO, response time, and percent of correct responses). Students solved order‐of‐operations problems presented in six ways (3 HOO positions × presence of brackets). We found that HOO position and presence of superfluous brackets had separate and combined impacts on calculating arithmetic expressions. Superfluous brackets most influenced undergraduates' performance when higher‐order operators were located in the center of mathematical expressions. Implications for learning and future directions are discussed about observing eye movements and gaining insights into students' processes when solving arithmetic expressions.
Impact of anesthesia drugs on digestive motility measurements in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Renard Domitille , Clavier Thomas , Gourcerol Guillaume , Desprez Charlotte
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

Measurement of gastro‐intestinal motility is increasingly performed under general anesthesia during endoscopic or surgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to review the impact of different anesthetic agents on digestive motility measurements in humans.

Methods

This systematic review was performed using the Medline‐Pubmed and Web of Science databases. All articles published until October 2023 were screened by identification of key words. Studies were reviewed if patients had an assessment of digestive motility using conventional perfused manometry, high‐resolution manometry, electronic barostat or functional lumen impedance planimetry with the use of inhaled or intravenous anesthetic anesthetic agents (propofol, ketamine, halogens, nitrous oxide, opioids, and neuromuscular blockades).

Results

Four hundred and eighty‐eight unique citations were identified, of which 42 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. The impact of anesthetics was mostly studied in patients who underwent esophageal manometry. There was a heterogeneity in both the dose and timing of administration of anesthetics among the studies. Remifentanil analgesia was the most studied anesthetic drug in the literature, showing a decrease in both distal latency and lower esophageal sphincter pressure after its administration, but the impact on Chicago classification was not studied. Inhaled anesthetics administration elicited a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure, but contradictory findings were shown on esophageal motility following propofol or neuromuscular blocking agents administration.

Conclusion

Studies of the impact of anesthetics on digestive motility remain scarce in the literature, although some agents have been reported to profoundly affect gastro‐intestinal motility.
Pepper SUMO protease CaDeSI2 positively modulates the drought responses via deSUMOylation of clade A PP2C CaAITP1
Authors: Joo Hyunhee , Baek Woonhee , Lim Chae Woo , Lee Sung Chul
Published: June 2024

Posttranslational modification of multiple ABA signaling components is an essential process for the adaptation and survival of plants under stress conditions. In our previous study, we established that the pepper group A PP2C protein CaAITP1, one of the core components of ABA signaling, undergoes ubiquitination mediated by the RING‐type E3 ligase CaAIRE1.

In this study, we discovered an additional form of regulation mediated via the SUMOylation of CaAITP1. Pepper plants subjected to drought stress were characterized by reductions in both the stability and SUMOylation of CaAITP1 protein.

Moreover, we identified a SUMO protease, Capsicum annuum DeSUMOylating Isopeptidase 2 (CaDeSI2), as a new interacting partner of CaAITP1. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that CaAITP1 is deSUMOylated by CaDeSI2. Silencing of CaDeSI2 in pepper plants led to drought‐hypersensitive and ABA‐hyposensitive phenotypes, whereas overexpression of CaDeSI2 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants resulted in the opposite phenotypes. Importantly, we found that the CaAITP1 protein was stabilized in response to the silencing of CaDeSI2, and CaDeSI2 and CaAITP1 co‐silenced pepper plants were characterized by drought‐tolerant phenotypes similar to those observed in CaAITP1‐silenced pepper.

Collectively, our findings indicate that CaDeSI2 reduces the stability of CaAITP1 via deSUMOylation, thereby positively regulating drought tolerance.
Leaf isotopes reveal tree diversity effects on the functional responses to the pan‐European 2018 summer drought
Authors: Jing Xin , Baum Christel , Castagneyrol Bastien , Eisenhauer Nico , Ferlian Olga , Gebauer Tobias , Hajek Peter , Jactel Hervé , Muys Bart , Nock Charles A. , Ponette Quentin , Rose Laura , Saurer Matthias , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Verheyen Kris , Van Meerbeek Koenraad
Published: June 2024

Recent droughts have strongly impacted forest ecosystems and are projected to increase in frequency, intensity, and duration in the future together with continued warming. While evidence suggests that tree diversity can regulate drought impacts in natural forests, few studies examine whether mixed tree plantations are more resistant to the impacts of severe droughts.

Using natural variations in leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopic ratios, that is δ13C and δ15N, as proxies for drought response, we analyzed the effects of tree species richness on the functional responses of tree plantations to the pan‐European 2018 summer drought in seven European tree diversity experiments.

We found that leaf δ13C decreased with increasing tree species richness, indicating less drought stress. This effect was not related to drought intensity, nor desiccation tolerance of the tree species. Leaf δ15N increased with drought intensity, indicating a shift toward more open N cycling as water availability diminishes. Additionally, drought intensity was observed to alter the influence of tree species richness on leaf δ15N from weakly negative under low drought intensity to weakly positive under high drought intensity.

Overall, our findings suggest that dual leaf isotope analysis helps understand the interaction between drought, nutrients, and species richness.
The underground network: facilitation in soil bacteria
Authors: Jorna Jesse , Adams Byron J. , Aanderud Zachary T. , Frandsen Paul B. , Takacs‐Vesbach Cristina , Kéfi Sonia
Published: June 2024

Our understanding of the fundamental role that soil bacteria play in the structure and functioning of Earth's ecosystems is ever expanding, but insight into the nature of interactions within these bacterial communities remains rudimentary. Bacterial facilitation may enhance the establishment, growth, and succession of eukaryotic biota, elevating the complexity and diversity of the entire soil community and thereby modulating multiple ecosystem functions. Global climate change often alters soil bacterial community composition, which, in turn, impacts other dependent biota. However, the impact of climate change on facilitation within bacterial communities remains poorly understood even though it may have important cascading consequences for entire ecosystems. The wealth of metagenomic data currently being generated gives community ecologists the ability to investigate bacterial facilitation in the natural world and how it affects ecological systems responses to climate change. Here, we review current evidence demonstrating the importance of facilitation in promoting emergent properties such as community diversity, ecosystem functioning, and resilience to climate change in soil bacterial communities. We show that a synthesis is currently missing between the abundant data, newly developed models and a coherent ecological framework that addresses these emergent properties. We highlight that including phylogenetic information, the physicochemical environment, and species‐specific ecologies can improve our ability to infer interactions in natural soil communities. Following these recommendations, studies on bacterial facilitation will be an important piece of the puzzle to understand the consequences of global change on ecological communities and a model to advance our understanding of facilitation in complex communities more generally.
The effect of individualized ocular refraction customized spectacle lenses on myopia control in schoolchildren: A 1‐year randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lei Si , Wu Ye , Kou Ji , Chen Qian , Liu Longqian
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individualized ocular refraction customized (IORC) spectacle lenses with different actual amounts of peripheral myopic defocus (MD) on myopia control over 1 year. These lenses compensate for the original peripheral refraction via the free‐form surface on the back of the lens.

Methods

This 1‐year, double‐masked randomised clinical trial included 184 myopic schoolchildren aged 8–12 years. Participants were randomised to receive IORC lenses with high (IORC‐H group, +4.50 D), medium (IORC‐M group, +3.50 D) or low (IORC‐L group, +2.50 D) MD or single‐vision (SV) lenses. The spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) and axial length (AL) were measured at baseline and 6‐monthly intervals.

Results

After 1 year, the mean (SD) changes in SER were −0.18 (0.37), −0.36 (0.37), −0.52 (0.39) and −0.60 (0.42) D for the IORC‐H, IORC‐M, IORC‐L and SV groups, respectively. Compared with the SV group, the effects of slowing myopia progression were 70%, 40% and 13% for the IORC‐H (difference of 0.47 D, p < 0.001), IORC‐M (difference of 0.32 D, p = 0.001) and IORC‐L (difference of 0.15 D, p > 0.05) groups, respectively. The mean (SD) changes in AL were 0.12 (0.16), 0.23 (0.17), 0.29 (0.17) and 0.36 (0.17) mm for the IORC‐H, IORC‐M, IORC‐L and SV groups, respectively. The axial elongation was 67%, 36% and 19% lower in the IORC‐H (difference of 0.25 mm, p < 0.001), IORC‐M (difference of 0.15 mm, p < 0.001) and IORC‐L (difference of 0.10 mm, p = 0.04) groups, respectively, compared with the SV group. The IORC‐H group exhibited significantly less axial elongation than the IORC‐M and IORC‐L groups (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared with the IORC‐M and IORC‐L lenses, the IORC‐H lens was found to have superior efficacy in inhibiting myopic progression and slowing eye growth in schoolchildren, with better myopia control efficacy in younger children.
Is remission the new target in asthma management?
Authors: Katelaris Constance H.
Published: June 2024

See related article
Corporate tax, R&D and export decisions: Evidence from European firms
Authors: Bournakis Ioannis , Romero‐Jordán Desiderio
Published: June 2024

The paper presents a unified framework for analyzing the impact of corporate taxation on R&D and exporting, considering firm productivity heterogeneity and sunk costs. We empirically examine three hypotheses using data from 7819 European firms spanning 2001–2014. We propose that: (a) an increase in corporate tax reduces the likelihood of innovation, (b) an increase in corporate tax reduces the likelihood of exporting, and (c) firms that innovate are more likely to enter foreign markets. On average, a high Effective Average Tax Rate (EATR) lowers the probability of investing in R&D and exporting by 2.3% and 1.41%, respectively. For firms with low Total Factor Productivity (TFP), the adverse effect of taxation on R&D investment ranges from 3.71% in our baseline analysis to 12.9% in our sensitivity analysis. Interestingly, while EATR positively influences the export decisions of high‐TFP firms, a higher EATR can reduce the export probability by up to 25.5% for firms at the lower end of the TFP distribution. Our findings demonstrate a causal relationship between firm heterogeneity and their capacity to mitigate the distortions caused by higher taxes. From a policy perspective, our results suggest that fostering innovation is essential for firms aiming to expand into international markets.
When demography is (not) destiny: Exploring identity and issue cross‐pressures among Latino voters in the 2020 presidential election
Authors: Corral Álvaro J. , Leal David L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Scholars have struggled to understand Donald Trump's surprising levels of Latino support in two consecutive presidential elections. We test three hypotheses to better understand the strength and weakness of Trump, Biden, and both political parties.

Methods

We conduct bivariate and multivariate analyses of pre‐ and post‐election surveys to identify sources of support (beyond national origin differences) that explain how Trump improved his level of support among Latino voters to reach the low‐ to mid‐ 30 percent range.

Results

Intra‐Latino differences in ideology, identity (gender and religion), and immigration attitudes help explain Trump's relatively strong showing among Latinos in 2020.

Conclusion

While the nation's electorate is becoming more demographically diverse, many predictions associated with the notion of “demography as destiny” should be tempered given the political heterogeneity among Latino voters.
25 years of the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database
Authors: Robinson James , Barker Dominic J. , Marsh Steven G. E.
Published: June 2024

Twenty‐five years ago, in 1998, the HLA Informatics Group of the Anthony Nolan Research Institute released the IMGT/HLA Database. Since this time, this online resource has acted as the repository for the numerous variant sequences of HLA alleles named by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System. The IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database has provided a stable, highly accessible, user‐friendly repository for this work. During this time, the technology underlying HLA typing has undergone significant changes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has superseded previous methodologies of HLA typing and can generate large amounts of high‐resolution sequencing data. This has resulted in a drastic increase in the number and complexity of sequences submitted to the database. The challenge for the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database has been to maintain the highest standards of curation, while supporting the core set of tools and functionality to our users with increased numbers of submissions and sequences. Traditional methods of accessing and presenting data have been challenged and new methods utilising new computing technologies have had to be developed to keep pace and support a shifting user demographic.
Transfusion‐related acute lung injury induced by human leucocyte antigen‐II antibodies: Analysis of antibody typing and source
Authors: Yu Zou , Mao Zheng , Xiuyun Liao , Tianhua Jiang
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

To explore transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) induced by human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐II antibodies, and to analyse antibody typing and source.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed the clinical symptoms and signs of two leukaemia patients with suspected TRALI from the same female donor. HLA phenotyping was performed on the two patients, the platelet donor, her husband and her two children. The HLA and human neutrophil antigen antibodies in the donor's plasma were identified.

Results

The clinical manifestations of two leukaemia patients were those of TRALI, and we treated them with timely ventilator support. A high titre of HLA‐II antibodies was in the plasma of the platelet donor. The antibodies were directed at HLA‐DRB3*03:01, HLA‐DRB1*09:01, HLA‐DRB1*12:02, HLA‐DRB3*01:01 and HLA‐DRB1*12:01:01G, which were specific to the HLA antigens of the two patients. High‐resolution HLA genotyping suggested that the donor's HLA‐II antibodies were derived from immune stimulation by the husband's antigens during pregnancy.

Conclusions

This study described two cases of TRALI caused by HLA‐II antibodies from the same female donor. Appropriate management of blood donors with a history of multiple pregnancies is crucial.
Iwasawa theory of fine Selmer groups associated to Drinfeld modules
Authors: Ray Anwesh
Published: June 2024

Let be a prime power and be the rational function field over , the field with elements. Let be a Drinfeld module over and be a nonzero prime ideal of . Over the constant ‐extension of , we introduce the fine Selmer group associated to the ‐primary torsion of . We show that it is a cofinitely generated module over . This proves an analogue of Iwasawa's conjecture in this setting, and provides context for the further study of the objects that have been introduced in this article.
Export Persistence and Productivity in Vietnam: Who Learns?
Authors: Dung Dang Thi Kim , Bao Nguyen Van , Thuong Phan Thi Song , Thuy Ho Thi Kim
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between firms' export activities and their productivity, with a specific focus on identifying the source of productivity improvement by examining the persistence of export operations. Leveraging firm-level panel data from 2010 to 2015 in Vietnam, we employed a combination of Propensity Score Matching and Staggered Difference-in-Differences. Our findings indicate that the phenomenon of learning by exporting is evident across both consistent and intermittent exporters. For manufacturing enterprises, our analysis reveals no substantial variance in the learning by exporting effect between the steady and sporadic exporters. In contrast, within the service sector, we discern that intermittent exporters experience a more pronounced enhancement in labor productivity compared to their consistent exporting counterparts. Upon delving deeper into industry analysis, it becomes evident that the manufacturing and wholesale/retail trade sectors are the ones benefiting most from export activities. An interesting observation is that, within the manufacturing sector, we only find a positive impact on labor productivity with continuously exporting firms. This disparity implies that the mechanisms through which the learning-by-exporting effect operates may diverge between the manufacturing and service sectors. Furthermore, our empirical evidence reveals a direct positive correlation between export status and firm performance within privately owned enterprises. However, such a relationship was not evident for state-owned enterprises. To capitalize on the potential of export-driven growth, policymakers should adopt a nuanced approach, tailored to the unique dynamics of different industries and ownership structures. This underscores the importance of sector-specific support mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives for state-owned enterprises, and targeted export literacy programs for enterprises in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth in the Vietnamese context.
Heterogeneous field response of hierarchical polar laminates in relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Zheng Hao , Zhou Tao , Sheyfer Dina , Kim Jieun , Kim Jiyeob , Frazer Travis D. , Cai Zhonghou , Holt Martin V. , Zhang Zhan , Mitchell J. F. , Martin Lane W. , Cao Yue
Published: June 2024

Understanding the microscopic origin of the superior electromechanical response in relaxor ferroelectrics requires knowledge not only of the atomic-scale formation of polar nanodomains (PNDs) but also the rules governing the arrangements and stimulated response of PNDs over longer distances. Using x-ray coherent nanodiffraction, we show the staggered self-assembly of PNDs into unidirectional mesostructures that we refer to as polar laminates in the relaxor ferroelectric 0.68PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-0.32PbTiO3(PMN-0.32PT). We reveal the highly heterogeneous electric-field–driven responses of intra- and interlaminate PNDs and establish their correlation with the local strain and the nature of the PND walls. Our observations highlight the critical role of hierarchical lattice organizations on macroscopic material properties and provide guiding principles for the understanding and design of relaxors and a wide range of quantum and functional materials.
Accelerating agricultural innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean: The crucial role of public investment data in science
Authors: Saini Eugenia
Published: June 2024

In the face of rapid global changes, the agricultural sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) stands at a crossroads. The region, known for its rich biodiversity and considerable agricultural output, is increasingly challenged by climate change, political and economic pressures, and the need for efficient and effective innovations to sustain the transformation of agrifood systems toward more sustainable practices.
Plans for U.S. bat lab spark outbreak fears
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: June 2024

Colorado team presses on amid opposition, loss of EcoHealth Alliance partnership
‘Miraculous’ plant spotted on famed Ecuador ridge
Authors: Stimpson Ashley
Published: June 2024

The former biodiversity hot spot had become a classic example of extinction
Small, nimble weather satellites join traditional behemoths
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: June 2024

Constellations of cheaper, more varied probes will track the atmosphere moment by moment, boosting forecasts
Optimizing bacteriophage treatment of resistant
Pseudomonas
Authors: Ulrich Laura , Steiner Leon X. , Giez Christoph , Lachnit Tim
Published: June 2024

Phage therapy is increasing in relevance as an alternative treatment to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria. Phage cocktails are the state-of-the-art method of administering phages in clinical settings, preferred over monophage treatment because of their ability to eliminate multiple bacterial strains and reduce resistance formation. In our study, we compare monophage applications and phage cocktails to our chosen method of phage sequential treatments. To do so, we isolated four novel bacteriophages capable of infecting
Pseudomonas alcaligenes
T3, a close relative of
P. aeruginosa
, and characterized them using sequencing and transmission electron microscopy. While investigating monophage treatments, we observed that different phage concentrations had a strong impact on the timing and amount of resistance formation. When using phage cocktails, we observed that
P. alcaligenes
were capable of forming resistance in the same timespan it took them to become resistant to single phages. We isolated mutants resistant to each single phage as well as mutants exposed to phage cocktails, resulting in bacteria resistant to all four phages at once. Sequencing these mutants showed that different treatments yielded unique single nucleotide polymorphism mutation patterns. In order to combat resistance formation, we added phages one by one in intervals of 24 h, thus managing to delay resistance development and keeping bacterial growth significantly lower compared to phage cocktails.

IMPORTANCE

WHO declared antimicrobial resistance a top threat to global health; while antibiotics have stood at the forefront in the fight against bacterial infection, the increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights a need to branch out in order to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophages, viruses solely infecting bacteria, could present a solution due to their abundance, versatility, and adaptability. For this study, we isolated new phages infecting a fast-mutating
Pseudomonas alcaligenes
strain capable of forming resistance within 30 h. By using a sequential treatment approach of adding one phage after another, we were able to curb bacterial growth significantly more compared to state-of-the-art phage cocktails.
Bile acid-gut microbiota imbalance in cholestasis and its long-term effect in mice
Authors: Yang Xin , Xu Yuesong , Li Jie , Ran Ximing , Gu Zhihao , Song Linfeng , Zhang Lei , Wen Li , Ji Guang , Wang Ruirui
Published: June 2024

Cholestasis is a common morbid state that may occur in different phases; however, a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term effect post-recovery is still lacking. In the hepatic cholestasis mouse model, which was induced by a temporary complete blockage of the bile duct, the stasis of bile acids and liver damage typically recovered within a short period. However, we found that the temporary hepatic cholestasis had a long-term effect on gut microbiota dysbiosis, including overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria, decreased diversity of the gut microbiota, and an overall imbalance in its composition accompanied by an elevated inflammation level. Additionally, we observed an increase in
Escherichia-Shigella
(represented by ASV136078), rich in virulence factors, in both small and large intestines following cholestasis. To confirm the causal role of dysregulated gut microbiota in promoting hepatic inflammation and injury, we conducted gut microbiota transplantation into germ-free mice. We found that recipient mice transplanted with feces from cholestasis mice exhibited liver inflammation, damage, and accumulation of hepatic bile acids. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that cholestasis disrupts the overall load and structural composition of the gut microbiota in mice, and these adverse effects persist after recovery from cholestatic liver injury. This finding suggests the importance of monitoring the structural composition of the gut microbiota in patients with cholestasis and during their recovery.

IMPORTANCE

Our pre-clinical study using a mouse model of cholestasis underscores that cholestasis not only disrupts the equilibrium and structural configuration of the gut microbiota but also emphasizes the persistence of these adverse effects even after bile stasis restoration. This suggests the need of monitoring and initiating interventions for gut microbiota structural restoration in patients with cholestasis during and after recovery. We believe that our study contributes to novel and better understanding of the intricate interplay among bile acid homeostasis, gut microbiota, and cholestasis-associated complications. Our pre-clinical findings may provide implications for the clinical management of patients with cholestasis.
Gut microbiome diversity and biogeography for Chinese bumblebee
Bombus pyrosoma
Authors: Zhang Zhengyi , Guo Yulong , Zhuang Mingsheng , Liu Fugang , Xia Zhongyan , Zhang Zhihao , Yang Fan , Zeng Huayan , Wu Yueguo , Huang Jiaxing , Xu Kai , Li Jilian
Published: June 2024

Gut microbiota of the bumblebee is critical as it modulates the health and fitness of the host. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the diversity of bumblebee gut bacteria over a long period of evolution have yet to be elucidated. In particular, the gut bacterial diversity and community assembly processes of
Bombus pyrosoma
across the Chinese border remain unclear. In this study, we systematically carried out unprecedented sampling of 513 workers of the species
Bombus pyrosoma
across the Chinese landscape and used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine their gut microbiota diversity and biogeography. The gut microbiota composition and community structure of
Bombus pyrosoma
from different geographical locations were diverse. On the whole, the gut bacteria
Gilliamella
and
Snodgrassella
are dominant in bumblebees, but opportunistic pathogens
Serratia
and
Pseudomonas
are dominant in some sampling sites such as Hb15, Gs1, Gs45, Qhs15, and Ssx35. All or part of environmental factors such as latitude, annual mean temperature, elevation, human footprint, population density, and annual precipitation can affect the alpha diversity and community structure of gut bacteria. Further analysis showed that the assembly and shift of bumblebee gut bacterial communities under geographical variation were mainly driven by the stochastic drift of the neutral process rather than by variable selection of niche differentiation. In conclusion, our unprecedented sampling uncovers bumblebee gut microbiome diversity and shifts over evolutionary time.

IMPORTANCE

The microbiotas associated with organisms facilitates host health and fitness, and the homeostasis status of gut microbiota also reflects the habitat security faced by the host. In addition, managing gut microbiota is important to improve bumblebee health by understanding the ecological process of the gut microbiome. Thus, we first carried out an runprecedented sampling of 513 workers of the species
Bombus pyrosoma
across the Chinese landscape and used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to uncover their gut microbiota diversity and biogeography. Our study provides new insights into the understanding of gut microbiome diversity and shifts for Chinese Bumblebee over evolutionary time.
Pangenome comparison of
Bacteroides fragilis
genomospecies unveils genetic diversity and ecological insights
Authors: Oles Renee E. , Carrillo Terrazas Marvic , Loomis Luke R. , Hsu Chia-Yun , Tribelhorn Caitlin , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Ea Allison C. , Bryant MacKenzie , Young Jocelyn A. , Carrow Hannah C. , Sandborn William J. , Dulai Parambir S. , Sivagnanam Mamata , Pride David , Knight Rob , Chu Hiutung
Published: June 2024

Bacteroides fragilis
is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium commonly found in the human colon, which differentiates into two genomospecies termed divisions I and II. Through a comprehensive collection of 694
B. fragilis
whole genome sequences, we identify novel features distinguishing these divisions. Our study reveals a distinct geographic distribution with division I strains predominantly found in North America and division II strains in Asia. Additionally, division II strains are more frequently associated with bloodstream infections, suggesting a distinct pathogenic potential. We report differences between the two divisions in gene abundance related to metabolism, virulence, stress response, and colonization strategies. Notably, division II strains harbor more antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes than division I strains. These findings offer new insights into the functional roles of division I and II strains, indicating specialized niches within the intestine and potential pathogenic roles in extraintestinal sites.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the distinct functions of microbial species in the gut microbiome is crucial for deciphering their impact on human health. Classifying division II strains as
Bacteroides fragilis
can lead to erroneous associations, as researchers may mistakenly attribute characteristics observed in division II strains to the more extensively studied division I
B. fragilis
. Our findings underscore the necessity of recognizing these divisions as separate species with distinct functions. We unveil new findings of differential gene prevalence between division I and II strains in genes associated with intestinal colonization and survival strategies, potentially influencing their role as gut commensals and their pathogenicity in extraintestinal sites. Despite the significant niche overlap and colonization patterns between these groups, our study highlights the complex dynamics that govern strain distribution and behavior, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these microorganisms.
Prevotella copri
alleviates hyperglycemia and regulates gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in mice
Authors: Yang Caixin , Lan Ruiting , Zhao Lijun , Pu Ji , Hu Dalong , Yang Jing , Zhou Huimin , Han Lichao , Ye Lin , Jin Dong , Xu Jianguo , Liu Liyun
Published: June 2024

Prevotella copri
is the dominant species of the
Prevotella
genus in the gut, which is genomically heterogeneous and difficult to isolate; hence, scarce research was carried out for this species. This study aimed to investigate the effect of
P. copri
on hyperglycemia. Thirty-nine strains were isolated from healthy individuals, and three strains (HF2123, HF1478, and HF2130) that had the highest glucose consumption were selected to evaluate the effects of
P. copri
supplementation on hyperglycemia. Microbiomics and non-target metabolomics were used to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Oral administration of
P. copri
in diabetic db/db mice increased the expression and secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), significantly improved hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lipid accumulation, and alleviated the pathological morphology in the pancreas, liver, and colon.
P. copri
changed the composition of the gut microbiota of diabetic db/db mice, which was characterized by increasing the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and increasing the relative abundance of genera
Bacteroides
,
Akkermansia
, and
Faecalibacterium
. After intervention with
P. copri
, fecal metabolic profiling showed that fumaric acid and homocysteine contents decreased, and glutamine contents increased. Furthermore, amino acid metabolism and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways were enriched. Our findings indicate that
P. copri
improved glucose metabolism abnormalities in diabetic db/db mice. Especially, one of the
P. copri
strains, HF2130, has shown superior performance in improving hyperglycemia, which may have the potential as a probiotic against hyperglycemia.

IMPORTANCE

As a core member of the human intestinal ecosystem,
Prevotelal copri
has been associated with glucose metabolic homeostasis in previous studies. However, these results have often been derived from metagenomic studies, and the experimental studies have been based solely on the type of strain DSM 18205
T
. Therefore, more experimental evidence from additional isolates is needed to validate the results according to their high genomic heterogeneity. In this study, we isolated different branches of strains and demonstrated that
P. copri
could improve the metabolic profile of hyperglycemic mice by modulating microbial activity. This finding supports the causal contribution of
P. copri
in host glucose metabolism.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Empowering children, young people and families through shared decision-making: a practical guide
Authors: Nagra Arvind , Fuller Isabella Darshani , Connett Gary , Reynolds Ben C , Tyerman Kay , Wallace Dean , Preka Evgenia , Armstrong Kirsten , Patel Neeta , Shameti Sarah , Edelman James , Dempsey Rosemary , Anderson Caroline Elizabeth , Gilbert Rodney , Haq Mushfequr R , Harmer Matthew , Tse Yincent
Published: June 2024

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a collaborative approach to healthcare decision-making that involves patients and healthcare professionals working together to make decisions that are informed by the best available medical evidence, as well as the patient’s values, preferences and goals. The importance of SDM and the intricate interplay among parents, children and young people (CYP), and healthcare professionals are increasingly acknowledged as the crucial aspects of delivering high-quality paediatric care. While there is a substantial evidence base for SDM improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict, the evidence for long-term measures such as improved health outcomes is limited and mainly inconclusive. To support healthcare teams in implementing SDM, the authors offer a practical guide to enhance decision-making processes and empower CYP and their families.
Flecainide overdose-induced wide-complex tachyarrhythmia treated with sodium bicarbonate infusion
Authors: Boris James , Al-Sudani Hussein , Brophy Aaron
Published: June 2024

Flecainide is a medication used to treat supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Cases of overdoses are rare, however, can lead to significant cardiac effects. In previous cases of flecainide toxicity, treatment with sodium bicarbonate, intravenous lipid emulsion and amiodarone have been reported to be effective in preventing cardiovascular collapse and reestablishing baseline rhythm. Here, we present a case of a man in his 40s presented with flecainide overdose with wide-complex tachycardia that was treated with intravenous sodium bicarbonate following failure of amiodarone to normalise QRS interval.