bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLANCE – Gravitational Lensing Authenticator using Non-modelled Cross-correlation Exploration of Gravitational Wave Signals
Authors: Chakraborty Aniruddha , Mukherjee Suvodip
Published: July 2024

Gravitational lensing is the phenomenon where the presence of matter (called a lens) bends the path of light-like trajectories travelling nearby. Similar to the geometric optics limit of electromagnetic waves, gravitational lensing of gravitational waves (GWs) can occur in geometric optics condition when GW wavelength is much smaller than the Schwarzschild radius of the lens, that is, $\lambda _{\mathrm{ GW}} \ll$R$^{\rm s}_{\rm lens}$. This is known as the strong lensing regime for which a multiple-image system with different magnifications and phase shifts is formed. We developed GLANCE, Gravitational Lensing Authenticator using Non-modelled Cross-correlation Exploration, a novel technique to detect strongly lensed GW signals. We demonstrate that cross-correlation between two noisy reconstruction of polarized GW signals shows a non-zero value when the signals are lensed counterparts. The relative strength between the signal cross-correlation and noise cross-correlation can quantify the significance of the event(s) being lensed. Since lensing biases the inference of source parameters, primarily the luminosity distance, a joint parameter estimation of the source and lens-induced parameters is incorporated using a Bayesian framework. We applied GLANCE to synthetic strong lensing data and showed that it can detect lensed GW signals and correctly constrain the injected source and lens parameters, even when one of the signals is below match-filtered threshold signal-to-noise ratio. This demonstrates GLANCE’s capability as a robust detection technique for strongly lensed GW signals and can distinguish between lensed and unlensed events.
The boundary of cosmic filaments
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Peng , Guo Hong , Kang Xi , Libeskind Noam I , Galárraga-Espinosa Daniela , Springel Volker , Kannan Rahul , Hernquist Lars , Pakmor Rüdiger , Yu Hao-Ran , Bose Sownak , Guo Quan , Yu Luo , Hernández-Aguayo César
Published: July 2024

For decades, the boundary of cosmic filaments has been a subject of debate. In this work, we determine the physically motivated radii of filaments by constructing stacked galaxy number density profiles around the filament spines. We find that the slope of the profile changes with distance to the filament spine, reaching its minimum at approximately 1 Mpc at $z=0$ in both state-of-the-art hydrodynamical simulations and observational data. This can be taken as the average value of the filament radius. Furthermore, we note that the average filament radius rapidly decreases from $z=4$ to 1, and then slightly increases. Moreover, we find that the radius of the filament depends on the length of the filament, the distance from the connected clusters, and the masses of the clusters. These results suggest a two-phase formation scenario of cosmic filaments. The filaments experienced rapid contraction before $z=1$, but their density distribution has remained roughly stable since then. The subsequent mass transport along the filaments to the connected clusters is likely to have contributed to the formation of the clusters themselves.
On the ultra-long spin period of 4U 1954+31
Authors: Mao Ying-Han , Li Xiang-Dong
Published: July 2024

4U 1954$+$31 is a high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) that contains a neutron star (NS) and an M supergiant companion. The NS has a spin period of $\sim 5.4$ h. The traditional wind-accreting model requires an ultra-strong magnetic field for the NS to explain its extremely long spin period, which seems problematic for the NS with age of a few $10^7$ yr. In this work, we take into account the unsteady feature of wind accretion, which results in alternation of the direction of the wind matter’s angular momentum. Accordingly, the torque exerted by the accreted wind matter varies between positive and negative from time to time, and largely cancels out over long time. In such a scenario, NSs can naturally attain long spin periods without the requirement of a very strong magnetic field. This may also provide a reasonable explanation for the spin period distribution of long-period NSs in HMXBs.
Molecular basis of RNA recombination in the 3′UTR of chikungunya virus genome
Authors: Bardossy Eugenia S , Volpe Sebastiano , Suzuki Yasutsugu , Merwaiss Fernando , Faraj Santiago , Montes Mónica , Saleh Maria-Carla , Alvarez Diego E , Filomatori Claudia V
Published: July 2024

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a rapidly spreading re-emergent virus transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. The emergence of epidemic variants has been associated with changes in the viral genome, such as the duplication of repeated sequences in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Indeed, blocks of repeated sequences seemingly favor RNA recombination, providing the virus with a unique ability to continuously change the 3′UTR architecture during host switching. In this work, we provide experimental data on the molecular mechanism of RNA recombination and describe specific sequence and structural elements in the viral 3′UTR that favor template switching of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase on the 3′UTR. Furthermore, we found that a 3′UTR deletion mutant that exhibits markedly delayed replication in mosquito cells and impaired transmission in vivo, recombines in reference laboratory strains of mosquitoes. Altogether, our data provide novel experimental evidence indicating that RNA recombination can act as a nucleic acid repair mechanism to add repeated sequences that are associated to high viral fitness in mosquito during chikungunya virus replication.
The influence of feature-based attention and response requirements on ERP correlates of auditory awareness
Authors: Filimonov Dmitri , Krabbe Andreas , Revonsuo Antti , Koivisto Mika
Published: July 2024

In search for the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs), it is important to isolate the true NCCs from their prerequisites, consequences, and co-occurring processes. To date, little is known about how attention affects the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of auditory awareness and there is contradictory evidence on whether one of them, the late positivity (LP), is affected by response requirements. By implementing a GO-NOGO design with target and nontarget stimuli, we controlled for feature-based attention and response requirements in the same experiment, while participants rated their awareness using a perceptual awareness scale. The results showed a prolonged auditory awareness negativity (AAN) for aware trials, which was influenced neither by attention nor by response requirement. The LP was affected by both attention and response requirements. Consistent with the levels of processing hypothesis, the LP was related to consciousness as a correlate of the processing of higher-level stimulus features, likely requiring access to a “global workspace.” Our findings further suggest that AAN is a proper ERP correlate of auditory consciousness and thus a true NCC in the auditory modality.
Biology of the proximal tubule in body homeostasis and kidney disease
Authors: Hoenig Melanie P , Brooks Craig R , Hoorn Ewout J , Hall Andrew M
Published: July 2024

The proximal tubule (PT) is known as the workhorse of the kidney, for both the range and magnitude of the functions that it performs. It is not only responsible for reabsorbing most solutes and proteins filtered by glomeruli, but also for secreting non-filtered substances including drugs and uremic toxins. The PT therefore plays a pivotal role in kidney physiology and body homeostasis. Moreover, it is the major site of damage in acute kidney injury and nephrotoxicity. In this review, we will provide an introduction to the cell biology of the PT and explore how it is adapted to the execution of a myriad of different functions and how these can differ between males and females. We will then discuss how the PT regulates phosphate, glucose and acid–base balance, and the consequences of alterations in PT function for bone and cardiovascular health. Finally, we explore why the PT is vulnerable to ischemic and toxic insults, and how acute injury in the PT can lead to maladaptive repair, chronic damage and kidney fibrosis. In summary, we will demonstrate that knowledge of the basic cell biology of the PT is critical for understanding kidney disease phenotypes and their associated systemic complications, and for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent these.
Regulating interaction with surface ligands on Au25 nanoclusters by multivariate metal–organic framework hosts for boosting catalysis
Authors: Wang He , Liu Xiaokang , Zhao Yulong , Sun Zhihu , Lin Yue , Yao Tao , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: July 2024

While atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) with unique structures and reactivity are very promising in catalysis, the spatial resistance caused by the surface ligands and structural instability poses significant challenges. In this work, Au25(Cys)18 NCs are encapsulated in multivariate metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to afford Au25@M-MOF-74 (M = Zn, Ni, Co, Mg). By the MOF confinement, the Au25 NCs showcase highly enhanced activity and stability in the intramolecular cascade reaction of 2-nitrobenzonitrile. Notably, the interaction between the metal nodes in M-MOF-74 and Au25(Cys)18 is able to suppress the free vibration of the surface ligands on the Au25 NCs and thereby improve the accessibility of Au sites; meanwhile, the stronger interactions lead to higher electron density and core expansion within Au25(Cys)18. As a result, the activity exhibits the trend of Au25@Ni-MOF-74 > Au25@Co-MOF-74 > Au25@Zn-MOF-74 > Au25@Mg-MOF-74, highlighting the crucial roles of microenvironment modulation around the Au25 NCs by interaction between the surface ligands and MOF hosts.
A Content Analysis of Nicotine Descriptors on the Front of Vape Packaging in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ford Allison , MacKintosh Anne Marie , Morgan Amber , Jones Daniel , Moodie Crawford , Hunt Kate , Angus Kathryn
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) 2016 require consumers in the United Kingdom to be informed about the presence of nicotine in vaping products. However, there is misunderstanding among some young people and adults around the strength of products. We examined how nicotine content is displayed on the front of vape packaging in the United Kingdom.

Aims and Methods

Between August and December 2022, we systematically analyzed a representative, stratified selection of vapes and refill packs (n = 156) on the UK market to assess TRPR compliance. This paper presents an analysis of free-text responses collected to indicate the presence of nicotine information on the front-of-pack including metric, percentage, graphic, and text indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics produced for the sample as a whole and for five product categories.

Results

Most packs (n = 126, 81%) displayed at least one front-of-pack nicotine descriptor, including the majority of disposables (n = 43, 90%), e-liquid (n = 42, 88%) and refill pods (n = 36, 100%). Many packs (n = 107, 69%) contained a nicotine-related metric (eg mg/ml), a quarter (n = 37, 24%) included a percentage indicator and most (n = 126, 81%) displayed at least one of these. Almost two-fifths (n = 57, 37%) mentioned nicotine beyond the warning. Less observed indicators included graphic and textual depictions of strength, dosage information, and an equivalent number of cigarettes.

Conclusions

The front of vape packaging communicates important product information to consumers. There is inconsistency in how nicotine content is currently displayed. Future research should examine how best to display nicotine content to promote consumer understanding and informed decision making.

Implications

This pack analysis of a representative sample of UK vape packaging highlights the varied ways in which nicotine content and strength are currently communicated to consumers on the front of vape packaging. The inconsistent presentation of nicotine content on the front of packs may contribute to misperceptions around product strength. A consistent and easily understood way of communicating nicotine content on the front of vape packaging may help consumers make more informed choices about vape products.
Ocular adverse events associated with antibody-drug conjugates for cancer: evidence and management strategies
Authors: Dy Grace K , Farooq Asim V , Kang Joann J
Published: July 2024

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a fast-growing class of cancer drugs designed to selectively deliver cytotoxic payloads through antibody binding to cancer cells with high expression of the target antigen, thus reducing systemic exposure and minimizing off-target effects. However, ADCs are associated with various ocular adverse events (AEs) that may impact treatment administration and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a summary of ocular AEs associated with approved and investigational ADCs, recommendations for the mitigation and management of ocular AEs, current guidelines and expert opinions, and recommendations for clinical practice. A literature search was performed, using PubMed and Google Scholar, for English-language articles published between January 1985 and January 2023 to identify studies reporting ocular AEs associated with ADC use. Search terms included generic and investigational names of all identified ADCs, and further searches were performed to identify strategies for managing ADC-associated ocular AEs. ADC-associated ocular AEs include symptoms such as blurred vision and foreign-body sensation and signs such as corneal fluorescein staining, corneal pseudomicrocysts, and conjunctivitis. Reported management strategies include ADC dose modification (eg, dose delay or reduction), cool compresses, artificial tears, topical vasoconstrictors, and topical steroids. Although ADC dose modification appears to be beneficial, the preventive and/or therapeutic benefits of the remaining interventions are unclear. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, most ADC-associated ocular AEs are reversible with dose delay or dose reduction. Management of ocular AEs requires a multidisciplinary approach to minimize treatment discontinuation and optimize clinical outcomes.
Plumage polymorphism in raptors
Authors: Robinson Bryce W , Lovette Irby J , Walsh Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Trait polymorphisms are a perennially popular topic of study in ecology and evolutionary biology. Plumage polymorphisms occur broadly in birds, with a particularly high rate among the raptors. The regularity of this heritable, melanin-based trait in raptors has prompted research into its potential connections to aspects of life history such as immune response, foraging ecology, and mating systems. Because raptors are a non-monophyletic grouping of multiple orders, they can further be leveraged to explore the eco-evolutionary drivers of recurrent plumage polymorphism phenotypes. Here we characterize plumage polymorphism throughout the raptors and review the existing literature on factors involved in its development and maintenance. We identify patterns and trends in this past body of research and discuss the opportunity to strengthen our understanding of plumage polymorphism through a holistic research approach. Specifically, we detail the likely benefits of applying genomic tools to plumage polymorphism research in raptors while encouraging both a focus on unstudied polymorphic species and on the potential interactions among multiple hypotheses that might promote plumage polymorphism.
The gut-lung axis: the impact of the gut mycobiome on pulmonary diseases and infections
Authors: Sey Emily A , Warris Adilia
Published: July 2024

The gastrointestinal tract contains a diverse microbiome consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea. Although these microbes usually reside as commensal organisms, it is now well established that higher abundance of specific bacterial or fungal species, or loss of diversity in the microbiome can significantly affect development, progression and outcomes in disease. Studies have mainly focused on the effects of bacteria, however, the impact of other microbes, such as fungi, has received increased attention in the last few years. Fungi only represent around 0.1% of the total gut microbial population. However, key fungal taxa such as Candida, Aspergillus and Wallemia have been shown to significantly impact health and disease. The composition of the gut mycobiome has been shown to affect immunity at distal sites, such as the heart, lung, brain, pancreas, and liver. In the case of the lung this phenomenon is referred to as the ‘gut-lung axis’. Recent studies have begun to explore and unveil the relationship between gut fungi and lung immunity in diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, and lung infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. In this review we will summarize the current, rapidly growing, literature describing the impact of the gut mycobiome on respiratory disease and infection.
Polarized X-rays correlated with the short-timescale variability of Cygnus X-1
Authors: Ninoyu Kaito , Uchida Yuusuke , Yamada Shinya , Kohmura Takayoshi , Igarashi Taichi , Hayakawa Ryota , Kawamura Tenyo
Published: July 2024

We systematically investigate the variability of polarized X-rays on a timescale of a few seconds in the low/hard state of the black hole binary Cygnus X-1. The correlation between polarization degrees and angles with X-ray intensity was analyzed using data collected by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2022 June. Given that X-ray variability in the low/hard state of Cygnus X-1 is non-periodic, flux peaks were aggregated to suppress statistical fluctuations. We divided the temporal profiles of these aggregated flux peaks into seven time segments and evaluated the polarization for each segment. The results reveal that the polarization degree was 4.6% $\pm$ 1.2% and 5.3% $\pm$ 1.2% before and after the peak, respectively, but decreased to 3.4% $\pm$ 1.1% and 2.7% $\pm$ 1.1% in the segments including and immediately following the peak. Furthermore, the polarization angle exhibited a slight shift from approximately 30$^{\circ }$ to ${\sim} 40^{\circ }$ before and after the peak. These findings suggest that the accretion disk contracts with increasing X-ray luminosity, and the closer proximity of the X-ray emitting gas to the black hole may lead to reduced polarization.
Research capacity and limitations in Canadian paediatric emergency departments: An observational study on biomarker discovery
Authors: Mitevska Elena , Mickiewicz Beata , Boisvert Leslie , Bon Christine , Carciumaru Redjana , Cook Ramona , Crawford Tyrus , Dietz Joan , Doyle Melanie , Hui Angela Y , Stillwell Karly , Trajtman Adriana , Beer Darcy , Bhatt Maala , Craig William , Fitzpatrick Eleanor , Gravel Jocelyn , Kam April , Mater Ahmed , Moffat Anne , Poonai Naveen , Sabhaney Vikram , Thompson Graham C
Published: July 2024

Background

Paediatric research is essential to acquire effective diagnoses and treatment for children, but it has historically been under-prioritized. The PRIMED study aimed to characterize the bio-profiles of children with appendicitis and investigate their use as a clinical prediction tool. We evaluated the clinical research capacity of several Canadian paediatric emergency departments (EDs) and described both the challenges experienced in the implementation of the PRIMED study and the strategies which were used to improve local research capacity.

Methods

Eleven paediatric EDs across Canada provided basic demographic and administrative data along with laboratory- and human-resource availability during the PRIMED study enrollment. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Fewer than half of the study sites (5/11, 45%) had access to a laboratory that would process research samples 24 hours per day. Four study sites (36%) only enrolled patients during business hours (8:00–17:00). There was no nighttime coverage for patient enrollment and sample collection. Only three study sites (27%) had enrollment hours that captured over 75% of the potential study participants. Over half of the study sites (6/11, 55%) developed novel processes to enable study success, for example, creating graduate student on-call schedules and hiring bioscience-trained site coordinators to process samples.

Interpretation

Despite site-specific efforts to overcome resource barriers, the gap in clinical research capacity at academic paediatric EDs remains a significant concern. University research institutes and paediatric hospitals should invest in infrastructure and human resources to increase after-hours research capacity to optimize child health and wellness outcomes.
Spatial regulation of substrate adhesion directs fibroblast morphotype and phenotype
Authors: D’Urso Mirko , Jorba Ignasi , van der Pol Atze , Bouten Carlijn V C , Kurniawan Nicholas A
Published: July 2024

The switching of the fibroblast phenotype to myofibroblast is a hallmark of a wide variety of tissue pathologies. This phenotypical switch is known to be influenced not only by humoral factors such as TGF-β, but also by mechanical and physical cues in the cellular environment, and is accompanied by distinctive changes in cell morphology. However, the causative link between these cues, the concomitant morphological changes, and the resulting phenotypic switch remain elusive. Here, we use protein micropatterning to spatially control dermal fibroblast adhesion without invoking exogenous mechanical changes and demonstrate that varying the spatial configuration of focal adhesions (FAs) is sufficient to direct fibroblast phenotype. We further developed an automated morphometry analysis pipeline, which revealed FA eccentricity as the primary determinant of cell-state positioning along the spectrum of fibroblast phenotype. Moreover, linear fibronectin patterns that constrain the FAs were found to promote a further phenotype transition, characterized by dispersed expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, pointing to an interesting possibility of controlling fibroblast phenotype beyond the canonical fibroblast–myofibroblast axis. Together, our study reveals that the spatial configuration of adhesion to the cellular microenvironment is a key factor governing fibroblast morphotype and phenotype, shedding new light on fibroblast phenotype regulation.
Max Bill’s concrete art, as an instrument against irrational thinking and arguments in medicine
Authors: Wolf Gunter
Published: July 2024

Medicine is currently confronted with an increase in irrationality, and non-scientific thinking manifesting in semingly more holistic and natural treatment options, especially in cancer therapy. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that irrational beliefs are widely spread even among physicians. Max Bill (1908–94) was a Swiss architect, designer, and artist representing an art style called concrete art that focuses on geometrical abstraction and mathematical thinking. December 9, 2024, will be the 30th death anniversary of Max Bill. The following manuscript describes Max Bill’s life and art and tries to offer some suggestions on how his concept of art together with the philosophy of critical rationalism may be excellent instruments to teach medical students and young doctors scientific thinking, and may even be an antidote for irrationality in medicine.
Majorana-Free Bound State in the Continuum in the Double-Channel Fano–Anderson Structure
Authors: Gong Tong , Zhu Yu-Lian , Gong Wei-Jiang
Published: July 2024

We investigate the electron transport through a double-channel Fano–Anderson structure, by considering the side-coupling of Majorana bound states (MBSs). It is found that the bound state in the continuum (BIC) phenomenon can be induced when interchannel dot–lead couplings are identical to the intrachannel dot–lead couplings, whose signature is manifested as a halved quantum transmission ability. If the balance between the dot–lead couplings is broken, the BIC phenomenon will also be destroyed, leading to further suppression of the transmission ability. Next, when MBSs are introduced to this system, the BIC phenomenon can be modified efficiently. For the case of two MBSs side-coupled to the quantum dots in a symmetric way, level degeneracy causes a new BIC phenomenon. As only one MBS is incorporated, it suppresses the electron transmission by inducing new transmission dips. When the interdot Coulomb interaction is considered, the BIC phenomena are still robust despite the complicated changes of the transmission ability spectra. One can then understand the realization of BICs in coupled quantum dots and their variation due to the presence of side-coupled MBSs.
Identifying Deficits in Hip and Knee Muscle Strength on the Surgical and Nonsurgical Sides in Women up to 12 Months After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sekita Junya , Takahira Naonobu , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Kusaba Atsushi , Kondo Saiji
Published: July 2024

Objective

Regaining hip and knee muscle strength is important after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is unclear if muscles other than those of the operated hip also lose strength. This study aimed to identify deficits in hip and knee strength on the surgical and nonsurgical sides in female patients up to 12 months after THA.

Methods

Participants were 91 female patients who had hip osteoarthritis and underwent unilateral THA. Forty-six community-dwelling women who were asymptomatic were selected as control participants. Patients with locomotor disorders or postsurgical complications were excluded. Maximal isometric strength of the hip flexors, extensors, and abductors and knee extensors and flexors on the surgical and nonsurgical sides were measured before THA and 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter.

Results

Twelve months after THA, hip flexion, extension, and abduction strength on the surgical side were 84.6%, 83.5%, and 76.2%, respectively, of those in individuals who were asymptomatic; at the same time point, those on the nonsurgical side were 94.8%, 83.9%, and 79.4%, respectively. Knee extension strength on the surgical side was 89.3% of that in individuals who were asymptomatic. Compared to individuals who were asymptomatic, nearly all muscles showed significantly lower strength on both sides up to 6 months after THA.

Conclusion

At 12 months after THA, hip and knee strength on both the surgical and nonsurgical sides did not recover to the level observed in individuals who were asymptomatic. In particular, hip abductor strength on the surgical and nonsurgical sides were 76% and 79%, respectively, of that in individuals who were asymptomatic.

Impact

At 12 months after THA, hip and knee strength on the surgical and nonsurgical sides did not recover to the level observed in individuals who were asymptomatic, suggesting that the nonsurgical side may be inappropriate as a control to assess strength recovery on the surgical side.
Becoming JEDI Warriors in Physical Therapy Research: A Multifaceted Approach
Authors: Papa Evan V , Patel Rupal M , Windsor Nicole , Capo-Lugo Carmen
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent incidents of social injustice exposed the systemic racism and discrimination in health care and clinical research that perpetuate systemic inequities. This perspective utilizes the acronym JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) as a vision for addressing inequities in physical therapy research. The need to go beyond diversity and focus on inclusion, equity, and justice is emphasized to achieve transformation within physical therapy research. The prevailing research paradigms are examined, acknowledging that research can perpetuate inequities and reinforcing the importance of integrating JEDI principles into the research process. The underrepresentation of diverse researchers in physical therapy is discussed, as well as the barriers faced by underrepresented researchers and research participants. Funding disparities are also highlighted, emphasizing the need for JEDI principles in research funding practices. How other health professions’ associations are addressing JEDI in research is also explored. The authors propose a framework for action, utilizing the concepts of the socioecological model to identify gaps in JEDI within physical therapy research at different levels of influence and conclude by emphasizing the importance of justice in dismantling inequitable systems and urge the physical therapy research community to become JEDI warriors to bring about transformative change.

Impact

By championing cultures that value justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, individuals within the physical therapy research community have the potential to ignite a powerful transformation in society. The authors envision a future where JEDI warriors emerge, embracing the spirit of “Do or do not. There is no try,” to forge a research community that is inclusive for all. 1 Drawing inspiration from this mindset, this perspective seeks to empower individuals to harness the force of a JEDI warrior, fostering cultures that value justice, embrace inclusive methodologies, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for researchers and participants.
Working in the Margins: The Untapped Potential of Disability Inclusion
Authors: Herrman Deana , Chambers Emma , Sharp Amanda
Published: July 2024

People with disabilities are considered a historically marginalized population that experiences significant health disparities resulting from the unequal distribution of resources as evidenced in the social determinants of health. Health professions education presents an opportunity to explore the policy, systems, and environmental changes that are needed to improve social conditions and address known disparities for people with disabilities. Evidence suggests that inclusion of learners with diverse lived experiences, including students with disabilities, strengthens our understanding of the influence of social determinants on health and our ability to address known barriers. Unfortunately, people with disabilities and other minoritized individuals are grossly underrepresented in physical therapy. It is imperative that doctor of physical therapy (DPT) education more intentionally promotes the full inclusion of students with disabilities to improve representation and to better support the complex needs of this population. In this perspective, we describe key social determinants of health for people with disabilities, offer strategies for increasing representation and inclusion of students with disabilities in DPT education, and summarize how the inclusion of students with disabilities in DPT education can enhance our understanding of and ability to address social barriers for this population.
Distinctive clinical traits of lupus-related myocarditis: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Ramirez Giuseppe A , Holopainen Noora E A , Gerosa Maria , De Luca Giacomo , Bellocchi Chiara , Arroyo-Sánchez Daniel , Sala Simone , Peretto Giovanni , Moroni Luca , Mastropaolo Francesca , Argolini Lorenza M , Pizzetti Giuseppe , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , Cariddi Adriana , Sartorelli Silvia , Campochiaro Corrado , Beretta Lorenzo , Bozzolo Enrica P , Caporali Roberto , Dagna Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Cardiovascular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is frequent, but little is known about possible distinctive traits of SLE-related myocarditis (myoSLE) in comparison with patients with SLE (onlySLE) or myocarditis alone (onlyMyo).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed comparing patients with myoSLE (n = 25) from three centres with consecutive patients with onlySLE (n = 279) and onlyMyo (n = 88). SLE patients were dichotomized by disease duration ≤1 vs >1 year into recent onlySLE/early myoSLE vs longstanding onlySLE/late myoSLE. Further stratification into disease duration of 1–5, 5–10 and >10 years was also performed. SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) was used to estimate disease activity. Myocarditis was diagnosed through biopsy or MRI.

Results

Women were significantly more frequent among myoSLE than among onlyMyo (72% vs 43%; P = 0.013). Compared with onlyMyo, myoSLE patients had a higher frequency of conduction abnormalities (22% vs 5%; P = 0.046) and presented with numerically higher frequencies of left ventricular function compromise (48% vs 30%), along with higher pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. Inflammation markers were higher in myoSLE compared with onlyMyo and with patients with onlySLE with >10 years of disease duration. SLEDAI-2K was significantly higher in late myoSLE than in longstanding onlySLE. Antiphospholipid syndrome was more frequent in myoSLE than in onlySLE. Multivariate analysis showed an association among myoSLE, anti-β-2-glycoprotein I antibodies (aB2GPI, P = 0.014) and a higher number of involved British Isles Lupus Assessment Group domains in patient history (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

myoSLE has unique clinical traits compared with other forms of myocarditis and is associated with aB2GPI and a more severe SLE course.
Evaluation of orally administered Megasphaera elsdenii in steer calves abruptly transitioned from a receiving diet with 4% dietary starch to a growing diet with 38% dietary starch
Authors: Francis Forest L , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: July 2024

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of orally administered Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 as a microbial supplement in steers abruptly transitioned from a receiving diet with 4% dietary starch (dry matter [DM] basis) to a growing diet with 38% dietary starch (DM basis). Steers (n = 192; initial shrunk body weight [SBW] = 309 ± 20.6 kg) were assigned to microbial supplement treatment in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were control (CON): no microbial supplement prior to diet transition, and (DFM): microbial supplement orally administered prior to diet transition (20 mL of microbial supplement [Lactipro NXT, Axiota Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO] containing 1 × 1010 colony forming units Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125). Steers were sourced from a previously conducted 49 d feedlot receiving period experiment and abruptly transitioned from a receiving diet including soybean hulls and wheatlage containing 4% dietary starch (DM basis) to a growing diet including high-moisture ear corn, dry-rolled corn, and wheatlage containing 38% dietary starch (DM basis). Diets were switched on an equal DM intake basis to achieve the abrupt change and steers were fed the 38% starch diet for 49 d until experiment completion. Prior to experiment initiation, steers (n = 72; n = 3/pen) were fitted with wireless rumination tags to track daily activity and rumination time. No differences (P ≥ 0.20) were observed between treatments for final SBW, average daily gain, DM intake, feed efficiency, calculated net energy (NE) for maintenance and gain, or observed-to-expected ratio of NE for maintenance and gain. Additionally, no treatment × day or treatment differences (P ≥ 0.12) were observed for activity or rumination measures. Minutes ruminating and active both differed (P < 0.01) for the main effect of day. Compared to non-supplemented steers, oral administration of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 did not improve growth performance or efficiency of dietary NE utilization in steers transitioned from a receiving diet containing 4% starch (DM basis) to a growing diet containing 38% starch (DM basis).
Rearing hogs on pasture minimally impacts pork composition
Authors: Becker Chelsea , Campbell Jonathan , Soder Kathy , Hines Elizabeth A
Published: July 2024

Managing swine on pasture is increasing in popularity for both the consumer and producer. This interest appears to be driven by an effort to create an improved perception of environmentally sustainable practices and increased animal welfare, while keeping start-up costs low. However, evidence-based guidance on pasture management practices that support quality pork production and environmentally sustainable procedures is lacking. The objective of this work was to quantify the impact of pasture rearing on pig growth efficiency and pork quality. In this pilot study, 20 pigs similar in genetics, age, weight, and sex ratio were divided across indoor (n = 10) and Outdoor (n = 10) housing environments. Pigs were weighed every 14 d and harvested upon reaching an average weight of 113 kg. Average starting body weights were similar between both groups (P = 0.98). Carcass quality was evaluated by measuring pH, loin eye area (LEA), back fat (BF) thickness, subjective color and marbling scores, and colorimetry (CIE color space [L*, a*, b*]) at the 10th rib. Final body weights at slaughter also showed no significant variation between housing groups (P = 0.98). No differences were observed in pork quality: pH 0 h (P = 0.53), 6 h (P = 0.29), 12 h (P = 0.80), and 24 h (P = 0.07) postmortem, LEA (P = 0.44), color (P = 0.73), and marbling (P = 0.40). However, hogs raised indoors had an increase in BF thickness (P = 0.04). Based on this pilot study, outdoor rearing conditions did not have significant impacts on pork quality. Further research will help to determine the impact that rearing scheme has on pH and BF.
A systematic review on Nipah virus: global molecular epidemiology and medical countermeasures development
Authors: Tan Foo Hou , Sukri Asif , Idris Nuryana , Ong Kien Chai , Schee Jie Ping , Tan Chong Tin , Tan Soon Hao , Wong Kum Thong , Wong Li Ping , Tee Kok Keng , Chang Li-Yen
Published: July 2024

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging pathogen that causes encephalitis and a high mortality rate in infected subjects. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively analyze the global epidemiology and research advancements of NiV to identify the key knowledge gaps in the literature. Articles searched using literature databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct yielded 5,596 articles. After article screening, 97 articles were included in this systematic review, comprising 41 epidemiological studies and 56 research developments on NiV. The majority of the NiV epidemiological studies were conducted in Bangladesh, reflecting the country’s significant burden of NiV outbreaks. The initial NiV outbreak was identified in Malaysia in 1998, with subsequent outbreaks reported in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. Transmission routes vary by country, primarily through pigs in Malaysia, consumption of date palm juice in Bangladesh, and human-to-human in India. However, the availability of NiV genome sequences remains limited, particularly from Malaysia and India. Mortality rates also vary according to the country, exceeding 70% in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, and less than 40% in Malaysia. Understanding these differences in mortality rate among countries is crucial for informing NiV epidemiology and enhancing outbreak prevention and management strategies. In terms of research developments, the majority of studies focused on vaccine development, followed by phylogenetic analysis and antiviral research. While many vaccines and antivirals have demonstrated complete protection in animal models, only two vaccines have progressed to clinical trials. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed distinct clades between NiV Malaysia, NiV Bangladesh, and NiV India, with proposals to classify NiV India as a separate strain from NiV Bangladesh. Taken together, comprehensive OneHealth approaches integrating disease surveillance and research are imperative for future NiV studies. Expanding the dataset of NiV genome sequences, particularly from Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India will be pivotal. These research efforts are essential for advancing our understanding of NiV pathogenicity and for developing robust diagnostic assays, vaccines and therapeutics necessary for effective preparedness and response to future NiV outbreaks.
Does Aid Induce Foreign Direct Investment: Updated Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Tian Junyan
Published: July 2024

While the catalytic effect of aid on foreign direct investment (FDI) has long been an implicit consensus among many policymakers and practitioners, assessments of this causal relationship remain limited and are not always reliable. To mitigate this evidence gap, this study applies an instrumental variable approach that leverages the graduation of the International Development Association (IDA) income threshold as a quasi-experiment to identify the causal linkage between foreign aid and FDI. The analysis reveals that a 1 percent drop in the ratio of aid to gross national income leads to a decline in FDI relative to gross domestic product by 0.9 percent in 42 developing countries from 1987 to 2019. In face of the aid shock induced by IDA graduation, governments in recipient countries restrict their financial policy openness, through which aid could significantly impact subsequent foreign private investment. Results emphasize the necessity of concerted policy interventions to mitigate this negative aid shock.
13Popular Culture
Authors: Pande Rukmini
Published: July 2024

Scholarship on the creation and circulation of forms of popular culture has always been concerned with questions of audiences and reception. Initial theorizations of audiences as overly credulous, easily swayed masses have long been significantly complicated to account for more active participation. One of the key drivers of this move of framing audiences from passive to active has been the emergence of the discipline of fandom studies. Today, the field is truly multidisciplinary, encompassing popular culture and media studies, literary studies, communication studies and psychology, marketing and tourism studies, amongst others. Additionally, while fan communities have always been transnational and transcultural, the explosion of cross-cultural phenomena like the Korean Hallyu Wave (the worldwide popularity of Korean media texts and celebrities) has brought renewed attention to the interconnected nature of the contemporary global mediascape. Even as it has expanded, one of the main challenges to the discipline has been criticism that it has overemphasized aspects of fan identity, such as gender identity and sexual orientation, while neglecting the role of race. This critique challenges the structure of the field, whereby certain critical genealogies, methodologies, and even fandoms themselves, are granted a canonical and universal status while others are seen as tertiary. This review of published works in popular culture studies focuses on studies of fandom that aim to break these silos, selecting three publications that address different aspects of today’s globalized fandom mediascape to underline the necessity for fandom scholars to expand their understanding of how these spaces are interconnected. Thematically, the review considers how these publications address and extend three core interests of fandom studies: 1. Digital Platforms and Politics; 2. Identity and Community; and 3. Transcultural Flows.
Identification, Pathogenicity, and Fungicide Sensitivity of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Anthracnose on Italian Ryegrass in Southwestern China
Authors: Xu Lingling , Xu Zhiting , Liu Jiaqi , Cui Huawei , Long Jiahui , Xue Longhai , Li Chunjie
Published: July 2024

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) is widely cultivated as an important forage grass worldwide because of its high nutritional value and good palatability. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species was a common and new emerging disease of Italian ryegrass. In this study, 88 Colletotrichum isolates were collected from diseased leaves of Italian ryegrass planting regions in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou provinces of southwestern China between 2019 and 2022. By the pure culture technique, 15 representative single-spore isolates were obtained for further study. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis coupled with morphological features showed that these isolates were finally identified as six new record species: C. cereale of the C. graminicola species complex, C. fioriniae and C. nymphaeae of the C. acutatum species complex, C. boninense and C. citricola of the C. boninense species complex, and C. nageiae. Pathogenicity tests indicated that all species could induce anthracnose symptoms; of these, C. cereale was more invasive than other species, followed by C. fioriniae, C. nageiae, C. citricola, and C. boninense; C. nymphaeae was the weakest pathogenic species to Italian ryegrass plants (P ≤ 0.05). Fungicide sensitivity assays showed that iprodione, propineb, and oxime·tebuconazole had strong inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of six Colletotrichum species; in addition, azoxystrobin and fludioxonil also significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of C. nymphaeae and C. fioriniae, respectively. These results provide the basis for the diagnosis and detection in the field, pathogen identification, and management of anthracnose on Italian ryegrass.
The Case for Alternative Payment Models for Nursing Care
Authors: Longyear Robert , Mills Melissa
Published: July 2024

A policy solution to improve staffing and patient care
Coalition Seeks STEM Status for Nursing
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: July 2024

The designation would open up funding for research and other initiatives.
Patient Falls Again Top Annual Sentinel Events List
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: July 2024

Events overall held steady after rising for several years.
Aesthetic Nursing: Challenges and Rewards
Authors: Fink Jennifer
Published: July 2024

A growing field for nurses
Antipsychotics Linked to Increased Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Dementia
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: July 2024

According to this study:

Use of antipsychotics in patients with dementia is associated with an increased risk of a wide range of serious adverse outcomes, particularly soon after the initiation of treatment.

Antipsychotics are associated with a wider range of risks than previously known, and any potential benefits must be weighed against the risk of serious harm.
New insights into the endothelial origin of hematopoietic system inspired by “TIF” approaches
Authors: Hou Siyuan , Guo Xia , Du Junjie , Ding Xiaochen , Ning Xiaowei , Wang Haizhen , Chen Haifeng , Liu Bing , Lan Yu
Published: July 2024

Hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) are derived from a specialized subset of endothelial cells named hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) via a process of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition during embryogenesis. Recently, with the usage of multiple single-cell technologies and advanced genetic lineage tracing techniques, namely, “TIF” approaches that combining transcriptome, immunophenotype and function/fate analyses, massive new insights have been achieved regarding the cellular and molecular evolution underlying the emergence of HSPCs from embryonic vascular beds. In this review, we focus on the most recent advances in the enrichment markers, functional characteristics, developmental paths, molecular controls, and the embryonic site-relevance of the key intermediate cell populations bridging embryonic vascular and hematopoietic systems, namely HECs and pre-hematopoietic stem cells, the immediate progenies of some HECs, in mouse and human embryos. Specifically, using expression analyses at both transcriptional and protein levels and especially efficient functional assays, we propose that the onset of Kit expression is at the HEC stage, which has previously been controversial.