bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPR fiber optic sensor based on MMF-NCF doped with MgF2 for dual-parameter measurement of temperature and humidity
Authors: Song Mingshi , Jing Xili , Guo Pengxiao , Yin Ziyong , Li Shuguang
Published: December 2024

Dual-parameter temperature and humidity sensors based on optical fiber sensing have wide applications. Among various optical fiber sensors, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors exhibit excellent sensing sensitivity. To address the bandwidth issue and expand the sensitivity, this paper proposes a multimode fiber-no core fiber (MMF-NCF) SPR sensor. The humidity channel covers an Ag/PVA composite film, while the temperature channel covers an Ag/MgF2/PDMS composite film. The MgF2 modulates the shape of the resonance curve, shifts the resonance curve towards the infrared direction and enhancing the sensitivity by 0.245 nm/oC. Compared with previous temperature and humidity detection ranges up to 20°C ∼ 100°C and 40% ∼ 100%, this has obvious improvement. The maximum sensitivities are -0.5683 nm/%RH and -3.259 nm/oC. The mean temperature sensitivity is -1.88877 nm/oC and the mean humidity sensitivity is -0.51249 nm/%RH. The polynomial fitting degrees reach 0.99914 and 0.99875, and FOM values are 2.715 × 10−2/oC and 4.735 × 10−3/%RH, which is expected to be in agriculture, food industry, such as biological implementation is widely used in production activities.
Robust broadband ptychography algorithms for high-harmonic soft X-ray supercontinua
Authors: Shearer Benjamin , Kapteyn Henry , Binnie Iona , Jenkins Nicholas W. , Murnane Margaret
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate PaCMAN, a ptychography algorithm that can reconstruct high quality images with broadband illumination sources while being robust to shot, detector, and parasitic noise. We extend prior monochromatization work to improve accuracy, especially for discrete spectra, and also demonstrate how PaCMAN can be converted into Ms. PaCMAN, a multi-spectral variant that outperforms multi-spectral ePIE. When comparing speed-optimized ePIE and PaCMAN, we achieve high reconstruction quality in 4x less time, and when they are dose-optimized, we achieve high reconstruction quality in 1.5-2x less dose. These algorithms will enable rapid sub-10 nm imaging with table-top soft X-ray high harmonic supercontinua, advance attosecond coherent diffractive imaging, and reduce the dose needed to image radiation sensitive materials.
Efficient evaluation of the Jacobian in the damped least-squares method for optical design problems using algorithmic differentiation
Authors: Seger Tobias , Menke Christoph , Sonntag Matthias , Urban Karsten
Published: December 2024

The fast evaluation of the Jacobian is an essential part of the optimization of optical systems using the damped least-squares algorithm. While finite differences provide an intuitive way to approximate derivatives, algorithmic differentiation is a technique to evaluate them exactly. However, applying algorithmic differentiation to a ray tracing routine for optical systems with many parameters is computationally expensive, where the main costs are caused by the determination of the ray-surface intersection. To overcome this disadvantage, we present a mathematical analysis of the ray-surface intersection and its efficient differentiation in both forward and reverse mode algorithmic differentiation. Futhermore the structure of the optimization variables and operands is exploited to derive a method that allows computation of the Jacobian in the same order of computational complexity as the primal ray trace. The method is successfully tested for a rotationally symmetric lens system and a freeform design task.
Logic-qubit CNOT gates in decoherence-free subspaces assisted by the nitrogen-vacancy center
Authors: Dong Li , Yuan Zi-Qing , Zhao Zi-Lin , Chen Si-Ge , Zhang Xin-Yi , Ji Yan-Qiang , Li Jiu-Ming , Xiu Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2024

Employing an optical microcavity interacting with a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center with excellent optical performance and scalability, two logic-qubit controlled-not (CNOT) gates in decoherence-free subspaces (DFSs) are successfully constructed against collective-rotating noise and collective-dephasing noise, respectively. The circuit has a heralded function that can filter out incorrect components. Furthermore, a waveform corrector (WFC) is adopted to balance the amplitude of two components in different spatial modes, thereby achieving high fidelity.
Enhancing optoelectronic and communication performance of green μ-LEDs using pre-strain layer structures
Authors: Zhao Minhao , Lin Youqin , Lai Chaohsu , Lu Tingwei , Lai Shouqiang , Wang Shuhui , Dai Yurong , Lee Tzu-Yi , Liao Xinqin , Chen Zhong , Kuo Hao-Chung , Wu Tingzhu
Published: December 2024

An efficient pre-strained layer structure is proposed, which combines a pre-layer with a pre-well, to prepare a 2 × 3 InGaN green micro-light-emitting-diode (μ-LED) device array with a diameter of 20 μm. The addition of the pre-layer increases the lateral lattice constant of the bottom layer of the structure. This alleviates the strain accumulation of lattice mismatch, reduces the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) of the green μ-LEDs, improves the crystal quality, and produces better optoelectronic properties. Under stress modulation, the external quantum efficiency and −3 dB modulation of the green μ-LED array reach 16.6% and 411 MHz, respectively, which are 14.8 and 91.2% higher than those of the traditional structure.
Event detection via THz generation with flat nonlinear optics [Invited]
Authors: Arregui Leon Unai , Franceschini Paolo , Sergaeva Olga , Tognazzi Andrea , Rocco Davide , Carletti Luca , de Ceglia Domenico , Della Valle Giuseppe , De Angelis Costantino
Published: December 2024

Event detection is a key feature in many applications and is often
achieved digitally by comparing sequential frames and detecting
changes or patterns that signify an event. While digital systems
dominate most applications, optical analog methods are receiving
increasing attention in areas requiring speed or operation in
challenging conditions. Here we demonstrate how a simple thin film of
AlGaAs can be used to realize ultrafast event detection by exploiting
the THz signal generated by the difference-frequency of optical
events.
Uncovering population contributions to the extracellular potential in the mouse visual system using Laminar Population Analysis
Authors: Rimehaug Atle E. , Dale Anders M. , Arkhipov Anton , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: December 2024

The local field potential (LFP), the low-frequency part of the extracellular potential, reflects transmembrane currents in the vicinity of the recording electrode. Thought mainly to stem from currents caused by synaptic input, it provides information about neural activity complementary to that of spikes, the output of neurons. However, the many neural sources contributing to the LFP, and likewise the derived current source density (CSD), can often make it challenging to interpret. Efforts to improve its interpretability have included the application of statistical decomposition tools like principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) to disentangle the contributions from different neural sources. However, their underlying assumptions of, respectively, orthogonality and statistical independence are not always valid for the various processes or pathways generating LFP. Here, we expand upon and validate a decomposition algorithm named Laminar Population Analysis (LPA), which is based on physiological rather than statistical assumptions. LPA utilizes the multiunit activity (MUA) and LFP jointly to uncover the contributions of different populations to the LFP. To perform the validation of LPA, we used data simulated with the large-scale, biophysically detailed model of mouse V1 developed by the Allen Institute. We find that LPA can identify laminar positions within V1 and the temporal profiles of laminar population firing rates from the MUA. We also find that LPA can estimate the salient current sinks and sources generated by feedforward input from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), recurrent activity in V1, and feedback input from the lateromedial (LM) area of visual cortex. LPA identifies and distinguishes these contributions with a greater accuracy than the alternative statistical decomposition methods, PCA and ICA. The contributions from different cortical layers within V1 could however not be robustly separated and identified with LPA. This is likely due to substantial synchrony in population firing rates across layers, which may be reduced with other stimulus protocols in the future. Lastly, we also demonstrate the application of LPA on experimentally recorded MUA and LFP from 24 animals in the publicly available Visual Coding dataset. Our results suggest that LPA can be used both as a method to estimate positions of laminar populations and to uncover salient features in LFP/CSD contributions from different populations.
The Tumor-Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2) oncogene is upregulated in cystic epithelial cells revealing a potential new target for polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Smith Abigail O. , Frantz William Tyler , Preval Kenley M. , Edwards Yvonne J. K. , Ceol Craig J. , Jonassen Julie A. , Pazour Gregory J.
Published: December 2024

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an important cause of kidney failure, but treatment options are limited. While later stages of the disease have been extensively studied, mechanisms driving the initial conversion of kidney tubules into cysts are not understood. To identify genes with the potential to promote cyst initiation, we deleted polycystin-2 (Pkd2) in mice and surveyed transcriptional changes before and immediately after cysts developed. We identified 74 genes which we term cyst initiation candidates (CICs). To identify conserved changes with relevance to human disease we compared these murine CICs to single cell transcriptomic data derived from patients with PKD and from healthy controls. Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (Tacstd2) stood out as an epithelial-expressed gene with elevated levels early in cystic transformation that further increased with disease progression. Human tissue biopsies and organoids show that TACSTD2 protein is low in normal kidney cells but is elevated in cyst lining cells, making it an excellent candidate for mechanistic exploration of its role in cyst initiation. While TACSTD2 has not been studied in PKD, it has been studied in cancer where it is highly expressed in solid tumors while showing minimal expression in normal tissue. This property is being exploited by antibody drug conjugates that target TACSTD2 for the delivery of cytotoxic drugs. Our finding that Tacstd2/TACSTD2 is prevalent in cysts, but not normal tissue, suggests that it should be explored as a candidate for drug development in PKD. More immediately, our work suggests that PKD patients undergoing TACSTD2-directed treatment for breast and urothelial cancer should be monitored for kidney effects.
Development of a Copro-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay to detect Echinococcus granulosus nucleic acids isolated from canine feces using NaOH-based DNA extraction method
Authors: Shao Guoqing , Zhu Xiaowei , Hua Ruiqi , Chen Yanxin , Yang Guangyou
Published: December 2024

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.), remains a significant zoonotic parasitic disease affecting both livestock and humans. It arises from the ingestion of food and water contaminated with canine feces containing E. granulosus eggs. The detection of these eggs in canine feces is essential for guiding effective preventative measures against the disease. Therefore, the development of a novel accurate, rapid, and visually interpretable point-of-care test is crucial for controlling CE.

Methods

We combined recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) with a CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) system, forming the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay. This assay targeted the E. granulosus mitochondrial nad2 gene and utilized a lateral flow strip for visual readout. To improve field applicability, we integrated a simple and cost-effective NaOH-Based DNA extraction method. Clinical validation included testing DNA extracted from eighteen canine fecal samples, followed by comparison with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and two commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results

The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay showed a detection limit of 1 fg/μL DNA, without any cross-reactivity with related tapeworms such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia hydatigera, Taenia multiceps, and Taenia pisiformis. When applied to 62 clinical fecal samples from dogs, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay demonstrated 68% sensitivity, while the developed RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-NaOH assay exhibited 45% sensitivity. In the field performance comparison of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a and the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-NaOH assay with qPCR and two ELISA kits, the sensitivity, consistency rate, and Youden’s index suggested good or fair agreement with the currently employed detection methods.

Conclusion

This study describes the development and validation of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a and RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-NaOH assays for detecting E. granulosus in canine feces. The developed assays surpassed previous detection methods in providing enhanced diagnostic sensitivity and enabling point-of-care testing. Moreover, these assays hold potential for surveilling E. granulosus in low-income countries.
The effects of fasting on acute ischemic infarcts in the rat
Authors: Schneider Anna M. , Buchan Alastair M. , Couch Yvonne
Published: December 2024

Inflammation is largely detrimental early in the acute phase of stroke but beneficial at more chronic stages. Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation acutely. This preliminary study aimed to determine whether post-ischemic fasting improves stroke outcomes through attenuated inflammation. After an endothelin-1 lesion was created in the striatum, Wistar rats were subjected to either regular feeding or water-only fasting for 24 hours. Brain damage and central inflammation were measured histologically, while systemic inflammation was assessed through blood analysis. After 24 hours, fasting was found to reduce infarct volume and BBB breakdown, and lower both circulating and brain neutrophils. These findings suggest that fasting may be a beneficial non-pharmacological additive therapeutic option for cerebral ischemia, potentially by reducing inflammation in the acute stage of the disease.
Establishing vocabulary tests as a benchmark for evaluating large language models
Authors: Martínez Gonzalo , Conde Javier , Merino-Gómez Elena , Bermúdez-Margaretto Beatriz , Hernández José Alberto , Reviriego Pedro , Brysbaert Marc
Published: December 2024

Vocabulary tests, once a cornerstone of language modeling evaluation, have been largely overlooked in the current landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) like Llama 2, Mistral, and GPT. While most LLM evaluation benchmarks focus on specific tasks or domain-specific knowledge, they often neglect the fundamental linguistic aspects of language understanding. In this paper, we advocate for the revival of vocabulary tests as a valuable tool for assessing LLM performance. We evaluate seven LLMs using two vocabulary test formats across two languages and uncover surprising gaps in their lexical knowledge. These findings shed light on the intricacies of LLM word representations, their learning mechanisms, and performance variations across models and languages. Moreover, the ability to automatically generate and perform vocabulary tests offers new opportunities to expand the approach and provide a more complete picture of LLMs’ language skills.
Dual inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis exerts a synergistic antitumor effect on colorectal and gastric cancer by creating energy depletion and preventing metabolic switch
Authors: Aisu Yuki , Oshima Nobu , Hyodo Fuminori , Elhelaly Abdelazim Elsayed , Masuo Akihiko , Okada Tomoaki , Hisamori Shigeo , Tsunoda Shigeru , Hida Koya , Morimoto Tomonori , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Taketo Makoto M. , Matsuo Masayuki , Neckers Leonard M. , Sakai Yoshiharu , Obama Kazutaka
Published: December 2024

Pyruvate is situated at the intersection of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis, which are the primary energy-producing pathways in cells. Cancer therapies targeting these pathways have been previously documented, indicating that inhibiting one pathway may lead to functional compensation by the other, resulting in an insufficient antitumor effect. Thus, effective cancer treatment necessitates concurrent and comprehensive suppression of both. However, whether a metabolic switch between the metabolic pathways occurs in colorectal and gastric cancer cells and whether blocking it by inhibiting both pathways has an antitumor effect remain to be determined. In the present study, we used two small molecules, namely OXPHOS and glycolysis inhibitors, to target pyruvate metabolic pathways as a cancer treatment in these cancer cells. OXPHOS and glycolysis inhibition each augmented the other metabolic pathway in vitro and in vivo. OXPHOS inhibition alone enhanced glycolysis and showed antitumor effects on colorectal and gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, glycolysis inhibition in addition to OXPHOS inhibition blocked the metabolic switch from OXPHOS to glycolysis, causing an energy depletion and deterioration of the tumor microenvironment that synergistically enhanced the antitumor effect of OXPHOS inhibitors. In addition, using hyperpolarized 13C-magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (HP-MRSI), which enables real-time and in vivo monitoring of molecules containing 13C, we visualized how the inhibitors shifted the flux of pyruvate and how this dual inhibition in colorectal and gastric cancer mouse models altered the two pathways. Integrating dual inhibition of OXPHOS and glycolysis with HP-MRSI, this therapeutic model shows promise as a future "cancer theranostics" treatment option.
Using the diffusion of innovations theory to understand factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination among tobacco users
Authors: D’Souza Gail Carmen , Yingst Jessica M. , Krebs Nicolle M. , Bordner Candace , Allen Sophia I. , Calo William A. , Hobkirk Andrea L. , Foulds Jonathan
Published: December 2024

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has spread in the US with more than 100 million human infections and a million deaths since March 2020. A population of concern are high-risk individuals such as adults who are tobacco users, since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that affects the lungs. Although 79% of the US population ≥ 18 years of age have completed the primary COVID-19 vaccine series; it is imperative to understand the factors associated with receiving or declining the COVID-19 vaccine among high-risk populations to improve vaccination rates. Guided by the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory, this study identified factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination and the impact on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in adults who use tobacco. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a sample of Pennsylvanian adult tobacco users by sending a unique survey link to 4,081 email addresses in April 2022. Participants were asked about tobacco use, COVID-19 vaccination status, and reasons for receiving/declining the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants (n = 157) were 75% female, 96% White, 74% current tobacco users, and had a mean age of 50.1 (SD = 10.8) years. Nearly 78% (n = 119) received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (primary series). We categorized all vaccinated tobacco users into adopter categories of the DOI theory; innovators (10%), early adopters (14%), early majority (33%), late majority (11%), and laggards (32%). The major reason that prompted participants to get the COVID-19 vaccine was to ensure they were well protected against COVID-19 infection (77%). Additionally, the only reason for receiving the vaccine that significantly predicted early vaccine uptake (being an innovator or early adopter) was “to loosen restrictions on mask mandates and social/physical distancing” (p = 0.0180). Among the 22% that did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the most common major reason they declined the vaccine was because they felt politics played a big role in the vaccine development process (94%). Our findings suggest that major f actors that influenced why adult tobacco users would receive or decline the COVID-19 vaccine included infection control mandates, protection from the COVID-19 infection, and politics. Investigating these factors can help public health professionals design or develop future vaccination programs for high-risk populations in order to scale up vaccination rates.
Subjective affective experience under threat is shaped by environmental affordances
Authors: Qi Song , Nielson Dylan M. , Marcotulli Daniele , Pine Daniel S. , Stringaris Argyris
Published: December 2024

In this pre-registered study, we ask how people’s emotional responses under threat may be causally affected by what is available to them in the environment, i.e. environmental affordances. For this purpose, we introduce a novel behavioral paradigm using horror movie stimuli to simulate threats. The study illustrates that affordances, specifically items present in the environment, are instrumental in modulating both behavioral choices (approach or avoidance) and emotional expressions of anger and fear. We found that, approach-related resources, such as possession of a weapon, heightened anger and the propensity to confront the threat. This underscores the influence of environmental affordances on emotional regulation and supports a theoretical framework that connects instrumental motives with the variability of emotional and behavioral responses based on affordances. The research, while innovative, recognizes the constraints of simulated threats and controlled settings, suggesting avenues for future exploration in more naturalistic environments.
Unexpectedly complex distribution pattern of chestnut pest Niphades castanea Chao (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) based on mtDNA and ITS markers
Authors: Mao Bin , Shen Mi , Fu Yue , Wang JiaXin , Yu Peng , Xiao YunLi
Published: December 2024

Niphades castanea Chao (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), an important fruit insect pest of chestnuts (Castanea spp.), could cause chestnut involucre abscission ahead of time through larvae boring and feeding basal involucres, eventually causing huge economic losses. In this research, mitochondrial (COI and COII) and nuclear (ITS1) markers were used to investigate genetic variation among 15 different geographical populations of chestnut pest N castanea. The molecular diversity of N. castanea populations revealing three main phylogenetic clusters, with cluster I specifically distributed at high elevations in the western sampling points. Mitochondrial genes indicated population expansion events, and the ITS1 marker suggested a history of population expansion. Genetic diversity differentiation was significant among populations, indicating that geographical isolation impacts genetic differentiation among these places. AMOVA analyses confirmed substantial genetic differentiation between populations. Mantel correlogram analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between genetic differentiation and altitude/geographical distance at lower elevations and ranges, which reversed to a negative correlation at higher altitudes and ranges for all markers, indicating the role of altitude and geographical distance in shaping genetic diversity in N. castanea. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the distribution, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history of N. castanea in the central of China, underscoring the impact of geographical factors on its genetic structure.
Modeling the consequences of age-linked rDNA hypermethylation with dCas9-directed DNA methylation in human cells
Authors: Blokhina Yana , Buchwalter Abigail
Published: December 2024

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes encode the structural RNAs of the ribosome and are present in hundreds of copies in mammalian genomes. Age-linked DNA hypermethylation throughout the rDNA constitutes a robust “methylation clock” that accurately reports age, yet the consequences of hypermethylation on rDNA function are unknown. We confirmed that pervasive hypermethylation of rDNA occurs during mammalian aging and senescence while rDNA copy number remains stable. We found that DNA methylation is exclusively found on the promoters and gene bodies of inactive rDNA. To model the effects of age-linked methylation on rDNA function, we directed de novo DNA methylation to the rDNA promoter or gene body with a nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9)–DNA methyltransferase fusion enzyme in human cells. Hypermethylation at each target site had no detectable effect on rRNA transcription, nucleolar morphology, or cellular growth rate. Instead, human UBF and Pol I remain bound to rDNA promoters in the presence of increased DNA methylation. These data suggest that promoter methylation is not sufficient to impair transcription of the human rDNA and imply that the human rDNA transcription machinery may be resilient to age-linked rDNA hypermethylation.
Study on the structural stability of partial cable-stayed bridges with multiple towers and high piers during construction
Authors: Zhu Chenglong , Wang Lingbo , Liu Yixiang , Kang Lin , Guo Xinjun , Zheng Xiaobo
Published: December 2024

To clarify the structural safety and stability of partial cable-stayed bridges with multiple towers and high piers during the construction stage, a finite element analysis model of the entire construction process was established using a five-tower, six-span, partial cable-stayed bridge in Shaanxi Province, China, as the engineering background. Linear elasticity and nonlinear stability analyses were carried out in the following key construction stages: bare tower construction, maximum cantilever construction without cables, maximum cantilever construction with cables, side-span closure, secondary mid-span closure, mid-span closure, and second-phase paving. A sensitivity analysis of the structural parameters (the main tower stiffness, main pier stiffness, and main beam stiffness) was conducted. Furthermore, the impacts of the combination of the reduction of the main pier stiffness with two unfavorable factors (the detachment of the construction hanging basket and asymmetric construction on both sides of the main beam) on the construction safety and stability of the structure were explored. The results show that the stability coefficient of the structure during the entire construction process met the requirements of the corresponding specifications; the linear elastic stability coefficient at each stage was greater than 4.0, and the nonlinear stability coefficient was greater than 2.5. Moreover, the stability coefficient was found to be the smallest at the stage of maximum cantilever construction with cables, which was thus identified as the most unfavorable construction stage. The instability mode at each construction stage was found to be the longitudinal instability of the main pier. The structural parameter sensitivity analysis revealed that the change in the stiffness of the main pier had the greatest impact on structural stability, and the structural safety factor was found to be proportional to the stiffness of the main pier. Furthermore, the effects of multiple factors were found to intersect; under the combination of the reduction of the main pier stiffness with the two unfavorable factors, the stability coefficient of the structure was found to be greatly reduced by more than 15%. Therefore, during the construction of partial cable-stayed bridges with multiple towers and high piers, the stage of maximum cantilever construction with cables should be of primary focus, the maintenance and management of the piers should be strengthened, and the unfavorable factors should be avoided. The results of this study can provide a reference for the construction and design of similar types of bridges.
Mental well-being model of Thai older adults: Comparing the aging in place and aging migrant groups
Authors: Tuicomepee Arunya , Wiwattanapantuwong Juthatip , Suttiwan Panrapee , Watakakosol Rewadee , Iamsupasit Sompoch , Phupha Phummaret
Published: December 2024

Objective

Although aging well and aging in place policies have been encouraged in many countries, a consistent challenge is insufficient evidence on older migrants. This study compared mental well-being models of older adults between aging in place and aging migrant groups. The model included social factors (e.g., social well-being) and personal factors (e.g., cognitive function and psychological distress).

Methods

Participants were 334 Thais (187 aging in place, 147 aging migrants). Their mean age was 69.79 ± 7.28 years old. All met the selection criteria: age 60 years or over, voluntary participation, and ability to visit the community area for study participation. Instruments were The Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS), 21-item Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, 15-item Social Well-Being Scale, and 5-item WHO Well-being Index. Data were collected in the five regions of Thailand from March 2021 to February 2022. Local psychologists and research assistants assessed and interviewed the participants. Maximum likelihood with the Satorra-Bentler correction was used for parameter estimation.

Results

Both models fit the empirical data. The multi-group model estimation yielded a difference between the models. The factors of the aging in place group that were associated with mental well-being were psychological distress (SE = 0.08, p < .001) and cognitive function (SE = 0.07, p < .001), but not social well-being (SE = 0.09, ns). For the migrant group, psychological distress (SE = 0.12, p < .01) and social well-being (SE = 0.11, p < .001) were significant predictors of mental well-being, but not of cognitive function (SE = 0.12, ns).

Conclusions

By understanding differences in the mental well-being models between the two groups, policy makers and service providers can better address the needs of older adults. Policies and programs should be designed to reduce their psychological distress. Maintaining social connections can be crucial for migrants, while activities such as lifelong learning and physical activities to enhance cognitive function can benefit people who are aging in place.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation during incarceration: Perspectives of formerly incarcerated men and women
Authors: Banyas Elizabeth Anna , Castleman Madelaine F. , Rahim Husnah A. , Okumu Eunice , White Becky L.
Published: December 2024

The HIV prevalence is higher among individuals involved in the United States (U.S.) correctional system than those in general population. Despite this, people in prisons or other closed settings have poor access to the most effective biomedical prevention tool, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and beliefs of PrEP initiation in correctional facilities amongst individuals formerly in prisons or other closed settings. We conducted 13 in-depth qualitative interviews with recently released (from incarceration) clients participating in a formerly incarcerated transition program in the southern United States. We identified several themes from our interviews. These themes were 1) PrEP information during incarceration; 2) Risky behaviors during incarceration and post-release; 3) Anticipated post-release challenges to accessing PrEP. Individuals formerly in prisons or other closed settings desire more education about PrEP during incarceration. They also want to learn more about HIV prevention measures. They believe that initiating PrEP in prison would allow a seamless transition to post-release PrEP programs. In conclusion, initiating PrEP during incarceration is one strategy to increase access to PrEP among the medically underserved criminal-justice population.
A comparative study of causal perception in Guinea baboons (Papio papio) and human adults
Authors: Meewis Floor , Barezzi Iris , Fagot Joël , Claidière Nicolas , Dautriche Isabelle
Published: December 2024

In humans, simple 2D visual displays of launching events (“Michottean launches”) can evoke the impression of causality. Direct launching events are regarded as causal, but similar events with a temporal and/or spatial gap between the movements of the two objects, as non-causal. This ability to distinguish between causal and non-causal events is perceptual in nature and develops early and preverbally in infancy. In the present study we investigated the evolutionary origins of this phenomenon and tested whether Guinea baboons (Papio papio) perceive causality in launching events. We used a novel paradigm which was designed to distinguish between the use of causality and the use of spatiotemporal properties. Our results indicate that Guinea baboons successfully discriminate between different Michottean events, but we did not find a learning advantage for a categorisation based on causality as was the case for human adults. Our results imply that, contrary to humans, baboons focused on the spatial and temporal gaps to achieve accurate categorisation, but not on causality per se. Understanding how animals perceive causality is important to figure out whether non-human animals comprehend events similarly to humans. Our study hints at a different manner of processing physical causality for Guinea baboons and human adults.
Conservation futures 2050: Developing future scenarios to explore potential socio-economic developments and their impact on biodiversity
Authors: Bufford Jennifer L. , Brandt Angela J. , Ausseil Anne-Gaelle , Black Amanda , Case Bradley S. , Forbes Adam Sean , Kirby Catherine , Sprague Rowan , Wreford Anita , Peltzer Duane A.
Published: December 2024

Large scale changes in biodiversity and conservation management require long-term goals and planning across multiple sectors in the face of increasing global change. Major trends in land use and management interventions, species additions or losses, and climate are well recognized, but responses are still often short-term and fragmented across agencies and sectors. Scenario-building can be a powerful tool to imagine possible futures, integrating across sectors and disciplines and promoting long-term thinking and planning. As an interdisciplinary team of experts, we developed potential scenarios for a range of future environmental conditions. The scenarios explored: increasing land ownership and stewardship of land by indigenous peoples (Māori); widespread afforestation using native tree species; national-scale eradication of invasive mammalian predators; and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. We explored the implications of these globally-relevant trends at a national scale using Aotearoa New Zealand as our study system. Detailed descriptions of these scenarios were developed by experts using environmental, economic, social science and policy lenses. Across scenarios several common themes were consistently highlighted, including the importance of land use in driving other conservation outcomes. How the value of ecosystem services is recognized and prioritized was also important to a wide range of outcomes. Furthermore, each scenario presented both opportunities and risks to equality, indigenous empowerment and human capital, emphasizing the importance of good policy responses to maximize benefits and minimize unintended harm. These scenarios will be used to stimulate new questions and ideas for biodiversity conservation and management, such as considering the implications of different potential futures for the management of biological invasions. This approach is explicitly designed to be generalisable across different sites or regions and provides a method for considering the implications of potential future changes for a broad range of disciplines or needs.
Effects of genetically modified soybean on physiological variables and gut microbiota of Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Ashrafi-Dehkordi Elham , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Abbasian Seyed Amin , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Soybean is an important source of food and feed. To keep weeds out of soybean it is often genetically modified. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing 70% GM soybean on Sprague-Dawley rats. Two groups of rats were fed GM and non-GM soybeans for a period of 120 days, and their body weight, hematology and serum biochemistry were compared. In addition, the effect of the consumption of GM soybean on identified intestinal microbiota and antibiotic resistance was compared with the effect of the consumption of non-GM soybean. Total bacteria and six types of bacteria shared by humans and rats were detected by q-PCR. The results showed that the consumption of GM soybean did not result in any significant changes in body weight, hematology and serum biochemistry. The results of q-PCR indicated that compared with the consumption of non-GM soybeans, the consumption of GM soybean did not have a comparable effect on the abundance of total bacteria, namely Bifidobacterium group, Clostridium perfringens subgroup, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus group, and the Bacteroides–Prevotella group. The results of antibiogram showed that the consumption of GM soybean did not change the resistance of E.coli, although it changed the resistance of E. faecalis against erythromycin (the GM group was significantly less resistant than non-GM group). Overall, the study indicated that the consumption of GM soybean did not exhibit adverse effects on physiological variables and gut microbiota of rats. However, the obtained antibiogram results indicated that it is necessary to further investigate the antibiotic resistance of the gut microbiota when GM food is consumed.
Examining the factors influencing academic performance of medical technology students in e-learning: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Chen Ding-Ping , Hour Ai-Ling , Tsao Kuo-Chien , Huang Chung-Guei , Lin Wei-Tzu , Hsu Fang-Ping
Published: December 2024

In an era of rapid digital development, e-learning has become a significant trend in the educational field. Medical technology students need to acquire extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills. E-learning can enhance learning experiences, improving students’ understanding and application abilities. This study examined the impact of learning motivation, learning approaches, and learning burnout on the academic performance of medical technology students in an e-learning environment. This study conducted a quantitative survey on 37 medical technology students. The questionnaires included learning motivations, learning methods, and burnout, and responses provided on a 5-point Likert scale. First, the 37 students were categorized into three groups based on their academic performance. Then, differences between these groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlations between academic performance and questionnaire variables were calculated using Spearman correlation analysis. It revealed that motivation varies among different academic performance levels. Furthermore, in the high-grade group, self-efficacy (r = -0.502, p = 0.047), monitoring studying (r = 0.494, p = 0.032), and emotional exhaustion (r = 0.514, p = 0.024) were correlated to academic performance. In the middle-grade group, self-efficacy for learning and performance was correlated to academic performance (r = 0.858, p = 0.001). In the low-grade group, academic performance was correlated to depth approach (r = 0.826, p = 0.022) and organized studying (r = 0.833, p = 0.020). This study, through a quantitative survey, found significant differences in learning motivation, learning methods, and learning burnout among medical technology students with different academic performance levels. High-grade students demonstrated higher levels of emotional exhaustion, which may reflect feelings of overextension and academic burnout in e-learning environments; the academic performance of the middle-grade group was related to intrinsic motivation; and low-grade students showed a stronger correlation between their learning methods in e-learning and their academic performance. These insights underscore the necessity for personalized learning strategies to enhance educational outcomes effectively.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the IBD-Control questionnaire: A patient-reported outcome measure in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Guo Bingmei , Li Haihong , Cui Qing , Li Jie , Yu Yanbo , Li Zhen , Wang Junwen
Published: December 2024

Background

A demand exists for user-friendly patient-reported outcome measures for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD-Control Questionnaire has been recently developed to assess overall disease control from the patient’s view but has not been available in China.

Methods

Translation and cultural adaption of the IBD-Control into Chinese was conducted through four steps (forward translation, backward translation, expert panel, and pilot testing). Afterwards, a prospective validation study was conducted from February 2022 to February 2023. The translated IBD-Control, Short Health Scale, EQ-5D-5L, and disease activity measurements using either the Physician Global Assessment and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index or the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index were used. Acceptability, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, content validity, convergent validity, structural validity, discriminant ability, and receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 150 participants with IBD (31 with Crohn’s disease [CD] and 119 with ulcerative colitis [UC]). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.823 for the IBD-Control-8 scale. The correlations between individual item and total score varied from 0.485 to 0.892 among CD patients and from 0.588 to 0.712 among UC patients. The S-CVI/Ave was 0.98. Convergent validity analyses exhibited moderate to strong correlations between other measurements and IBD-Control-8-subscore (0.555–0.675) or IBD-Control VAS (0.503–0.671). Test-retest analysis showed that the mean scores were 75.23±17.33 versus 72.10±14.99 (r = 0.894, p<0.01) for VAS scores and 12.75±3.49versus 12.80±3.29 for IBD-Control-8 subscore (r = 0.963, p<0.01), respectively. The IBD-Control-8-subscore and IBD-Control-VAS exhibited significant discriminative capability among the PGA categories (ANOVA, p < .001). The ROC analysis revealed an optimal cut-off point for the IBD-Control-8 subscore of 14 points (sensitivity: 70.9%, specificity 83.5%), versus a cut-off of 70 on the IBD-Control VAS score (sensitivity: 84.4%, specificity 69.3%).

Conclusion

The Chinese IBD-Control proves to be a disease-specific, reliable, and valid tool for revealing overall disease control from the patient’s viewpoint. Both healthcare professionals and patients may find it to be a useful patient-reported outcome measurement for triaging IBD patients in China or complementing routine care.
Gut microbiota diversity repeatedly diminishes over time following maintenance infliximab infusions in paediatric IBD patients
Authors: Carlsen Katrine , Thingholm Louise B. , Dempfle Astrid , Malham Mikkel , Bang Corinna , Franke Andre , Wewer Vibeke
Published: December 2024

Background

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding the dynamics of the gut microbiome in relation to treatment can provide valuable insights into disease management and therapy strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate if diversity and composition of the gut microbiome correlate with time since treatment and disease activity during maintenance infliximab (IFX) therapy among children with IBD.

Methods

Data was collected from IBD patients aged 10–17 participating in an IFX-eHealth study. IFX infusions were administered in 4–12-week intervals based on weekly faecal calprotectin (FC) combined with symptom scores. Excess stool samples underwent microbiome profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbiome features, including alpha diversity and single taxa, were analysed for three key variables: 1) weeks-since-treatment, 2) FC, and 3) symptom score.

Results

From 25 patients (median age 14.4 years) diagnosed with Crohn´s Disease (n = 16) or ulcerative colitis (n = 9), microbiota were analysed in 671 faecal samples collected across 15 treatment intervals.

A significant decrease over time in Shannon diversity, following the initial increase within four weeks of treatment, was found across patients. FC levels showed no association with alpha diversity (p>0.1), while symptom scores showed a negative association with Shannon and observed diversity in patients with UC. At the genus level, a lower abundance of the genera Anaerostipes and Fusicatenibacter (Firmicutes), and a greater abundance of the genus Parasutterella (Proteobacteria), were associated (p.adj<0.05) with the time elapsed since last infusion in UC specifically, while only Parasutterella was associated across the full cohort (p.adj = 1e-10).

Conclusions

We found a recurring reduction over time in alpha diversity following the initial increase in diversity after an IFX infusion. Changes in an individual’s microbiome may be an early sign of increasing disease activity that precedes clinical symptoms and increased FC.
Comparative analysis of WC1.1+ and WC1.2+ γδ T cell subset responses from cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis to repeat stimulation with mycobacterial antigens
Authors: Parveen Alia , Bhat Sajad A. , Elnaggar Mahmoud , Meade Kieran G.
Published: December 2024

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) causes bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The challenges in controlling and eradicating this zoonotic disease are compounded by our incomplete understanding of the host immune response. In this study, we used high-throughput bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterise the response profiles of γδ T cells to antigenic stimulation using purified protein derivate from M. bovis (PPDb). γδ T cells are a subgroup of T cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity and have known anti-mycobacterial response mechanisms. These cells are usually classified based on the expression of a pathogen-recognition receptor, Workshop Cluster 1 (WC1), into two main subsets: WC1.1+ and WC1.2+. Previous studies have identified a preferential transcriptomic response in WC1.1+ cells during natural bTB infection, suggesting a subset-specific response to mycobacterial antigens. This follow on study tested the hypothesis that a subset specific response would also be apparent from γδ T cells from infected cattle after repeat stimulation. Peripheral blood was collected from Holstein-Friesian cattle naturally infected with M. bovis, confirmed by a single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) and IFN-γ ELISA and stimulated with 10 μg/ml PPDb for 6 hours. After whole blood stimulation, WC1.1+ and WC1.2+ γδ T cell subsets were isolated using magnetic cell sorting (n = 5 per group). High-quality RNA was extracted from each purified lymphocyte subset (WC1.1+ and WC1.2+) to generate transcriptomes using bulk RNA sequencing, resulting in 20 RNA-seq libraries. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to both WC1.1+ and WC1.2+ γδ T cell compartments, including upregulation of IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL17A, IL17F, and IFNG genes (FDR-Padj. < 0.1). Interestingly, the WC1.2+ cells showed upregulation of IL10, CCL22, and GZMA (log2FC ≥ 1.5, and FDR-Padj. < 0.1). In conclusion, while WC1.1+ and WC1.2+ γδ T cells exhibit a conserved inflammatory response to PPDb, differences in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial gene expression between these cell subsets provide new insights into their effector functions in response to mycobacterial antigens.