bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LGBTQ+ Sociopolitical Engagement: Examining the Role of House Ball Community Involvement and LGBTQ+ Community Connection
Authors: Green Joy , Gibbs Jeremy J
Published: May 2024

Recent events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and political elections have highlighted the power of a socially and politically engaged society. One under-researched cultural pillar at the core of sociopolitical resistance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of color (POC) has been the House Ball Community, a dynamic subculture made up of intricate social networks. This study uses data collected for the Social Justice Sexuality Project (N = 246) to examine LGBTQ+ community connection and House Ball Community involvement as predictors of LGBTQ+ and intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Two continuous variables, community connection and sociopolitical engagement (consisting of separate scales about LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ POC), were included in the analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between these variables. While community connection was significantly associated with both scales of sociopolitical engagement, House Ball involvement was only associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Relative to community connection, House Ball involvement was more strongly associated with intersectional LGBTQ+ sociopolitical engagement. Findings suggest that House Ball involvement may influence behavior for LGBTQ+ POC. Authors discuss implications for intersectionality in social movements and culturally responsive direct, community, and systems-level social work practice within the current U.S. sociopolitical landscape.
Selection of viral variants with enhanced transmission and reduced neutralization susceptibility alongside lateral introductions may explain the persistence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in vaccinated breeding herds
Authors: Clilverd Hepzibar , Li Yanli , Martín-Valls Gerard , Aguirre Laia , Martín Marga , Cortey Martí , Mateu Enric
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the long-term evolutionary dynamics of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV-1) in an endemically infected and vaccinated pig herd. Over a one year and a half period, piglets from seven farrowing batches in a 300-sow PRRSV-vaccinated farm were monitored from birth to nine weeks of age by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Eighty-five PRRSV-positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing (Illumina Miseq), and 251 samples to open reading frame 5 (ORF5) sequencing. Farm-specific PRRSV variants’ impact on anti-PRRSV antibodies was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and neutralizing antibody assays. The replication kinetics and cytokine inhibition capabilities (IFN-α and TNF-α) of these variants were assessed in porcine alveolar macrophages. The study revealed fluctuating PRRSV-1 incidences in farrowing units and nurseries, attributed to two key evolutionary events: an escape variant emergence and a lateral introduction of a new strain. Initially, strain 1 variant α was swiftly replaced within weeks by variant 1β (99.5 per cent genomic similarity), with twenty-five amino acid mutations, primarily in nsp1α, GP2, GP3, and GP5, including an additional glycosylation site and a deletion downstream the neutralization epitope of GP5. This shift to 1β correlated with increased incidence in nurseries and higher viral loads, with sera from 1α-exposed animals showing reduced neutralization against 1β. Consistently for in vitro assays, variant 1β demonstrated enhanced replication in porcine alveolar macrophages but no difference regarding IFN-α or TNF-α responses. Later, a new strain (strain 2, 83.3 per cent similarity to strain 1) emerged and led to incidence resurgence because of the low cross reactivity with the previous antibodies. The study highlights PRRSV’s rapid adaptability and challenges in controlling its spread, underscoring the necessity for more effective vaccines and eradication approaches.
Multidisciplinary Educational Program to Standardize Education and Management of Immune-related Adverse Events
Authors: Zibelman Matthew , Wong Victoria , Reilly Jennifer , Zawislak Carolyn , Richman Darrin , Keleher Cynthia , Herron Brianna , Rafferty Christine , Tisone Tracy , Rogers Barbara , Kokate Rutika
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as anticancer therapy across a variety of malignancies has led to durable efficacy in a subset of patients. However, associated side effects denoted immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Particularly early in the experience of using these agents, a lack of standardized education regarding irAEs among patients and clinical providers may have contributed to poor outcomes. Optimal management of these emerging toxicities depends on a coordinated institutional approach. We hypothesized that centralized educational programs and electronic health record (EHR)-based interventions, targeted both toward ICI-treated patients as well as patient-interfacing providers, would improve patient outcomes.

Methods:

We created a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and associated staff to direct a coordinated approach to the education and management of patients receiving ICIs across our institution. A 3-tiered approach was designed: patient-centered, internally centered, and externally centered. Multimedia educational products were produced for patients to improve knowledge and awareness of ICIs and associated irAEs. An EHR-based banner was deployed to improve identification of patients receiving ICIs across disciplines. Tailored educational seminars were provided to clinicians who interact with ICI-treated patients at all levels. Educational seminars were also offered to local physicians and institutions. We assessed patient uptake of educational products and surrogate patient outcomes to measure the potential impact of our interventions.

Results:

Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC)-specific ICI identification cards were created and distributed to patients. By the end of the investigational period, 98.6% of ICI-treated patients reported receiving a card. An ICI-focused on-line portal was created accessible only to ICI-treated patients, with 9.4% of these patients accessing the portal in the first 6 months without marketing promotion. Deidentified surrogate clinical endpoints of corticosteroid use, direct referral unit (DRU) visits, and hospital admissions all improved during the study period.

Conclusions:

Institutionally directed educational initiatives are feasible at a free-standing academic cancer center and may lead to improved outcomes in patients developing irAEs from ICIs. More granular patient-specific data and studies at other types of institutions are necessary to determine the applicability of similar approaches on a broader scale.
Staged Versus Concomitant TAVI and PCI for the Treatment of Coexisting Aortic Stenosis and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Shirke Manasi Mahesh , Wang William , Welch Joseph , Faisal Farqhan , Nguyen Dang , Harky Amer
Published: May 2024

Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular pathologies. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) often coexists with AS. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been established as alternatives to open surgical interventions. The data on the timing for the treatment of the 2 conditions are scarce and depend on multiple factors. This review compares the clinical outcomes of the concomitant versus staged PCI and TAVI for the treatment of AS and CAD. A systematic, electronic search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify relevant articles that compared outcomes of the staged versus concomitant approaches for the TAVI and PCI. Seven studies were included involving 3745 patients. We found no statistically significant difference in primary outcomes such as 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–1.57] and secondary outcomes including length of hospital stay (mean difference = −4.74, 95% CI: −10.96 to 1.48), new-onset renal failure (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.22–3.13), cerebrovascular accidents (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.64–2.57), and intraoperative blood loss (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.32–2.12). New pacemaker insertion was statistically significant in favor of the concomitant approach (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63–0.96). This analysis suggests that while the 2 approaches are largely comparable in terms of most outcomes, patients at risk of requiring a pacemaker postprocedure may benefit from a concomitant approach. In conclusion, concomitant TAVI + PCI approach is nonsuperior to the staged approach for the treatment of CAD and AS. This review calls for robust trials in the field to further strengthen the evidence.
Experiences and perspectives of adults on using opioids for pain management in the postoperative period
Authors: Aljohani Dalia M. , Almalki Nabat , Dixon Diane , Adam Rosalind , Forget Patrice
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Opioids play an important role in peri-operative pain management. However, opioid use is challenging for healthcare practitioners and patients because of concerns related to opioid crises, addiction and side effects.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing evidence related to adults’ experiences of opioid use in postoperative pain management.

DESIGN

Systematic scoping review of qualitative studies. Inductive content analysis and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were applied to analyse and report the findings and to identify unexplored gaps in the literature.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All qualitative and mixed-method studies, in English, that not only used a qualitative approach that explored adults’ opinions or concerns about opioids and/or opioid reduction, and adults’ experience related to opioid use for postoperative pain control, including satisfaction, but also aspects of overall quality of a person's life (physical, mental and social well being).

RESULTS

Ten studies were included; nine were qualitative (n = 9) and one used mixed methods. The studies were primarily conducted in Europe and North America. Concerns about opioid dependence, adverse effects, stigmatisation, gender roles, trust and shared decision-making between clinicians and patients appeared repeatedly throughout the studies. The TDF analysis showed that many peri-operative factors formed people's perceptions and experiences of opioids, driven by the following eight domains: Knowledge, Emotion, Beliefs about consequences, Beliefs about capabilities, Self-confidence, Environmental Context and Resources, Social influences and Decision Processes/Goals. Adults have diverse pain management goals, which can be categorised as proactive and positive goals, such as individualised pain management care, as well as avoidance goals, aimed at sidestepping issues such as addiction and opioid-related side effects.

CONCLUSION

It is desirable to understand the complexity of adults’ experiences of pain management especially with opioid use and to support adults in achieving their pain management goals by implementing an individualised approach, effective communication and patient–clinician relationships. However, there is a dearth of studies that examine patients’ experiences of postoperative opioid use and their involvement in opioid usage decision-making. A summary is provided regarding adults’ experiences of peri-operative opioid use, which may inform future researchers, healthcare providers and guideline development by considering these factors when improving patient care and experiences.
Model-Informed Precision Dosing of Intravenous Busulfan in Thai Pediatrics Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Puangpetch Apichaya , Thomas Fabienne , Anurathapan Usanarat , Pakakasama Samart , Hongeng Suradej , Rachanakul Jiratha , Prommas Santirhat , Nuntharadthanaphong Nutthan , Chatelut Étienne , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Le Louedec Félicien
Published: May 2024

Background:

Conditioning bifunctional agent, busulfan, is commonly used on children before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently, at the Ramathibodi hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, initial dosing is calculated according to age and body surface area, and 7 samples per day are used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This study aimed to identify the best strategies for individual dosages a priori from patient characteristics and a posteriori based on TDM.

Methods:

The pharmacokinetic data set consisted of 2018 plasma concentrations measured in 135 Thai (n = 135) pediatric patients (median age = 8 years) and were analyzed using a population approach.

Results:

Body weight, presence of malignant disease, and genetic polymorphism of Glutathione S-transferase Alpha-1 (GSTA1) were predictors of clearance. The optimum sampling times for TDM concentration measurements were 0.25, 2, and 5 hours after a 3-hour infusion. This was sufficient to obtain a Bayesian estimate of clearance a posteriori. Simulations showed the poor performance of a priori formula-based dose calculations with 90% of patients demonstrating a 69%–151% exposure interval around the target. This interval shrank to 85%–124% if TDM was carried out only at day 1 and to 90%–116% with TDM at days 1 and 3.

Conclusions:

This comprehensive study reinforces the interest of TDM in managing interindividual variability in busulfan exposure. Therapeutic drug monitoring can reliably be implemented from 3 samples using the Bayesian approach, preferably over 2 days. If using the latter is not possible, the formulas developed herein could present an alternative in Thai patients.
Pathologic Analysis of Twenty-one Appendices From Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Compared to Specimens of Acute Appendicitis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Okarska-Napierała Magdalena , Woźniak Weronika , Mańdziuk Joanna , Ludwikowska Kamila Maria , Feleszko Wojciech , Grzybowski Jakub , Panczyk Mariusz , Berdej-Szczot Elżbieta , Zaryczański Janusz , Górnicka Barbara , Szenborn Leszek , Kuchar Ernest
Published: May 2024

Background:

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019, commonly involving the gastrointestinal tract. Some children with MIS-C undergo appendectomy before the final diagnosis. There are several hypotheses explaining the pathomechanism of MIS-C, including the central role of the viral antigen persistence in the gut, associated with lymphocyte exhaustion. We aimed to examine appendectomy specimens from MIS-C patients and assess their pathologic features, as well as the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study we included 21 children with MIS-C who underwent appendectomy. The control group included 21 sex- and age-matched children with acute appendicitis (AA) unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Histologic evaluation of appendiceal specimens included hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical identification of lymphocyte subpopulations, programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen.

Results:

Appendices of MIS-C patients lacked neutrophilic infiltrate of muscularis propria typical for AA (14% vs. 95%, P < 0.001). The proportion of CD20+ to CD5+ cells was higher in patients with MIS-C (P = 0.04), as was the proportion of CD4+ to CD8+ (P < 0.001). We found no proof of SARS-CoV-2 antigen presence, nor lymphocyte exhaustion, in the appendices of MIS-C patients.

Conclusions:

The appendiceal muscularis of patients with MIS-C lack edema and neutrophilic infiltration typical for AA. SARS-CoV-2 antigens and PD-1 are absent in the appendices of children with MIS-C. These findings argue against the central role of SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the gut and lymphocyte exhaustion as the major triggers of MIS-C.
Barriers to the Implementation of Infant- and Family-Centered Developmental Care From Focus Groups With Neonatal Care Providers
Authors: Detollenaere Jens , Benahmed Nadia , Costa Elena , Van den Heede Koen , Christiaens Wendy
Published: May 2024

Aim:

Although infant- and family-centered developmental care (IFCDC) is scientifically grounded and offered in many hospitals to some extent, it has not yet been universally implemented as the standard of care. In this article, we aim to identify barriers to the implementation of IFCDC in Belgian neonatal care from the perspective of neonatal care providers.

Methods:

We conducted 8 online focus groups with 40 healthcare providers working in neonatal care services. An inductive thematic analysis was carried out by means of Nvivo.

Results:

The focus groups revealed barriers related to contextual, hospital, and neonatal unit characteristics. Barriers found in the hospital and neonatal unit were related to financing, staffing, infrastructure, access to knowledge/information and learning climate, leadership engagement, and relative priority of IFCDC. Contextual barriers were related to peer pressure and partnerships, newborn/parent needs and resources, external policy, and budgetary incentives.

Conclusion:

Three main barriers to IFCDC implementation have been identified. Resources (staffing, financing, and infrastructure) must be available and aligned with IFCDC standards, knowledge and information have to be accessible and continuously updated, and hospital management should support IFCDC implementation to create an enabling climate, including compatibility with the existing workflow, learning opportunities, and priority setting.
Daily weight monitoring for inpatients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Burkett Melissa Styan
Published: May 2024

Unlike intake and output documentation, which is often inaccurate and inconsistent, daily weight measurement is a reliable method to assess fluid volume status. Daily weight assessment and monitoring are crucial for preventing volume overload in patients receiving chemotherapy in the inpatient setting.
Sex Estimation With Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Maxillary Sinus From Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Salim Hande , Yanarates Gurbet , Golpinar Murat , Komut Erdal , Aydoğdu Gulcin
Published: May 2024

Sex estimation from human skeletal relics is essential in creating an individual’s biological profile. This study was performed to examine whether the dimensions and volume of the maxillary sinus can be used to estimate sex. The maxillary sinus’s volume, length, width, and height were obtained on the paranasal computed tomography images of 232 adult subjects (116 males and 116 females). All parameters were significantly higher in males except for the right maxillary sinus length (P < 0.05). The highest precision for sex determination was the right maxillary sinus volume (68.1%). The ability of the maxillary sinus parameters to define sex was 78.6% for males and 58.6% for females. The precision of sex estimation of the maxillary sinus parameters was 68.2%. The volume and dimensions of the maxillary sinus can be useful for sex estimation in forensic sciences with a relatively close accuracy rate to reference value (close to 70%). The volume and dimensions of the maxillary sinus can be used for sex estimation together with other bony structures in the skull in cases where the entire skeleton is not available.
Superficial Temporal Fascia V-Y Advancement Flap for Delayed Complication in Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Jun Beomcho , Kwon Da Yoon , Jung Sung-No
Published: May 2024

Cochlear implantation (CI), a widely employed procedure for individuals with severe hearing loss, can encounter a serious complication in the form of implant exposure. In such instances, surgeons are tasked with deciding between salvage measures or opting for reimplantation with a healthy tissue covering. This case presented a challenge with delayed flap necrosis triggered by an increase in the magnetic force of the external device. Notably, this complication manifested 8 years after the initial operation. Following the removal of the device, it was reconstructed successfully using a superficial temporal fascia V-Y advancement flap.
Investigation of the Effects of Thymoquinone and Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Tibial Bone Defect Models
Authors: Ozden Ersin , Kaya Beyza , Guler Ridvan
Published: May 2024

The thymoquinone obtained from Nigella sativa increases osteoblastic activity and significantly reduces the number of osteoclasts, thereby accelerating bone healing. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells isolated from various tissues are considered a potential cell source for bone regenerative therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of thymoquinone, a current and novel agent, in combination with mesenchymal stem cells derived from the dental pulp in promoting bone healing. In the study, 28 male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 rats: the control group (group 1) (n=7), thymoquinone group (group 2) (n=7), stem cell group (group 3) (n=7), stem cell+thymoquinone group (group 4) (n=7). A bone defect of 4 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length was created in the left tibial bones of all rats with a trephine bur. In group 1, no procedure was applied to the defect area. Group 2 was applied thymoquinone (10 mg/kg) with oral gavage. In group 3, stem cells were used locally to the defect area. In group 4, stem cells and thymoquinone (10 mg/kg) was applied to the defect area. All rats were killed on the 28th day of the experiment. Tibia tissues extracted during sacrifice were histomorphologically examined in a fixative solution. Significant differences were found in terms of new bone formation and osteoblastic activity values in the “thymoquinone” (P<0.05), “stem cell” (P<0.05), and “stem cell+thymoquinone” (P<0.05) groups compared to the “control” group. In addition, while there was no significant difference in the “thymoquinone” group compared to these stem cell+thymoquinone group in terms of osteoblastic activity (P>0.05), the difference in terms of new bone formation was found to be significantly lower. No significant differences among the other groups were observed in new bone formation and osteoblastic activity (P>0.05). According to the results of our study, stem cell+thymoquinone treatment for bone defects is not only more effective than thymoquinone or stem cell treatment alone but also induces greater development of bone trabeculae, contributes to the matrix and connective tissue formation, and increases the number of osteoblasts and osteocytes involved in bone formation.
Full-left/Full-right Liver Splitting With Middle Hepatic Vein and Caval Partition During Dual Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion
Authors: Cillo Umberto , Lauterio Andrea , Furlanetto Alessandro , Canitano Nicola , Polacco Marina , Buscemi Vincenzo , De Carlis Riccardo , Boetto Riccardo , D’Amico Francesco Enrico , Bassi Domenico , De Carlis Luciano , Gringeri Enrico
Published: May 2024

Background.

Split liver transplantation is a valuable means of mitigating organ scarcity but requires significant surgical and logistical effort. Ex vivo splitting is associated with prolonged cold ischemia, with potentially negative effects on organ viability. Machine perfusion can mitigate the effects of ischemia–reperfusion injury by restoring cellular energy and improving outcomes.

Methods.

We describe a novel technique of full-left/full-right liver splitting, with splitting and reconstruction of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, with dual arterial and portal hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion. The accompanying video depicts the main surgical passages, notably the splitting of the vena cava and middle hepatic vein, the parenchymal transection, and the venous reconstruction.

Results.

The left graft was allocated to a pediatric patient having methylmalonic aciduria, whereas the right graft was allocated to an adult patient affected by hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis.

Conclusions.

This technique allows ex situ splitting, counterbalancing prolonged ischemia with the positive effects of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion on graft viability. The venous outflow is preserved, safeguarding both grafts from venous congestion; all reconstructions can be performed ex situ, minimizing warm ischemia. Moreover, there is no need for highly skilled surgeons to reach the donor hospital, thereby simplifying logistical aspects.
A Delphi Approach to Define Lucid Episodes in People Living With Dementia
Authors: Bangerter Lauren R. , Griffin Joan M. , Kim Kyungmin , Finnie Dawn M. , Lapid Maria I. , Gaugler Joseph E. , Biggar Virginia S. , Frangiosa Theresa
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Lucid episodes (LEs: unexpected episodes of spontaneous, meaningful, and relevant communication or behavior) in Alzheimer disease and related dementias are a new area of scientific inquiry that lacks clinical consensus and require more conceptual attention.

Methods:

We aimed to measure consensus from an expert group on: (1) potential medical or clinical explanations for LEs; (2) necessary medical and clinical context to LEs; and (3) interpretation of LEs.

Patients:

We convened 13 experts from different disciplines (neurology, psychiatry, psychology, pharmacy, palliative care, hospice, nursing, social work, primary care, geriatrics, and professional home caregivers) to identify elements of LEs.

Results:

Experts provided a range of opinions on medical and clinical explanations and questions to understand LEs. Consensus on LEs when presented with clinical vignettes was not reached. Panelists highlighted key medical and contextual factors needed to make a definitive judgement about LEs.

Conclusion:

There is variability in how LEs are interpreted by clinical experts, which complicates the identification of LEs in Alzheimer disease and related dementias.
Rising Clindamycin Resistance in Group A Streptococcus in an Irish Healthcare Institution
Authors: Lapthorne Susan , McWade Robert , Scanlon Nuala , Ní Bhaoill Saoirse , Page Aoife , O'Donnell Clare , Dornikova Gabriela , Hannan Margaret , Lynch Breda , Lynch Maureen , Brady Deirdre
Published: May 2024

Group A streptococcus (GAS) can cause serious invasive disease in humans with a high mortality rate. An increase in GAS infections was reported in Ireland in 2022, and this increase has been sustained in 2023 and is paralleled by similar trends in Europe. Rising antimicrobial resistance is a global problem and presents significant challenges to clinicians treating GAS infection. There was a reported increase in clindamycin resistance in GAS isolates in Ireland in 2022.
We examined antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GAS isolates in our institution in 2022. Although all GAS isolates included in our study were susceptible to penicillin, we noted a high clindamycin resistance rate of 28% in our invasive GAS isolates. We also noted high tetracycline and erythromycin resistance, 43% and 30%, respectively.
Our results could have implications for empiric antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for skin and soft tissue infections, which often include clindamycin as it inhibits the production of many virulence factors associated with GAS. In addition, macrolides are often the first line recommended antibiotic for patients with anaphylaxis to penicillin.
This study emphasises the importance of continuous surveillance and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of invasive and non-invasive isolates in order to monitor trends in increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Diverging Arabidopsis populations quickly accumulate pollen-acting genetic incompatibilities
Authors: Condon Chris , Carpentier Fantin , Tabourin Marie , Wozniak Natalia , Takou Margarita , Blassiau Christelle , Kumar Vinod , Pietzenuk Björn , Habert Rémi , Meaux Juliette De , Krämer Ute , Roux Camille , Corbett-Detig Russell , Castric Vincent
Published: May 2024

The process by which species diverge from one another, gradually accumulate genetic incompatibilities and eventually reach full-fledged reproductive isolation is a key question in evolutionary biology. However, the nature of reproductive barriers, the pace at which they accumulate and their genomic distribution remain poorly documented. The disruption of co-adapted epistatic interactions in hybrids and the accumulation of selfish genetic elements are proposed contributors to this process, and can lead to the distortion of the mendelian segregation of the affected loci across the genome. In this study we detect and quantify segregation distortion across the genomes of crosses produced from a diverse sampling ofArabidopsis lyrataandA. halleripopulations, two species at the early stages of speciation and that can still interbreed. We show that both the frequency of occurrence and the magnitude of distortion loci increase as the parents’ genetic distance from one another increases. We also observe that distorter loci evolve rapidly, as they occur not only within interspecific hybrids, but also in intraspecific hybrids produced from isolated population crosses. Finally, we identify both genome-wide non-independence and two specific genomic regions on different chromosomes where opposite distortion effects are repeatedly observed across multiple F1 individuals, suggesting negative epistasis is a major contributor to the evolution of hybrid segregation distortion. Our study demonstrates that pollen-acting segregation distortion is ubiquitous, and contributes not only to the ongoing reproductive isolation betweenA. halleriandA. lyrata, but also between very recently diverged populations of the same species.
Developing a User-Friendly Oropharyngeal HPV-16 Point-of-Care Diagnostic: HPV-16 Virus Detection in Oral Rinse Sample Matrix With Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Halphen John , Wright Nicholas A. , Fisher Samantha , Juarez San Juana I. , Sanchez Lisa , Riedel Timothy E.
Published: May 2024

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is a highly carcinogenic variant that is responsible for the majority of human oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-16 is critically under-tested, and there are currently no commercially available HPV-16 diagnostics for oral infection sites. We developed an oral HPV-16 diagnostic system with the goal of being as user-friendly and non-invasive as possible. The system tests an oral rinse sample from the patient, is interpreted via a color change from pink to yellow, and can be incubated in a battery-powered coffee mug. The colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based diagnostic is sensitive to synthetic HPV-16 E7/E1 DNA at levels as low as 103copies after 20 minutes of incubation. This study supports the potential to develop an easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use diagnostic for oropharyngeal HPV-16 infections.
Neuronal phenotype defined by transcriptome-wide bursting kinetics in pyramidal and fast-spiking cells
Authors: Tukacs Vanda , Fladhus Eva Kristine , Mittli Dániel , Lőrincz Magor L. , Eberwine James , Kékesi Katalin Adrienna , Juhász Gábor
Published: May 2024

Single-cell sequencing revealed the transcriptional heterogeneity of neurons and introduced transcriptome-defined neuron types and subtypes. Temporal recordings of gene transcription showed that mRNA synthesis is arranged into transcriptional bursts which can be characterized by kinetic parameters. Here, we selected two distinct, functionally homogenous, and electrophysiologically well-defined neuronal cell types – the pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons – for transcriptional burst analysis. Hierarchical clustering based on electrophysiological parameters recovered these cell types. In contrast, clustering based on transcripts failed to differentiate these neuronal phenotypes. We applied mathematical models to analyze burst kinetics of fast-spiking and pyramidal cells to explore the transcriptional underpinning of their distinct physiological functions. We found that inferred burst kinetic parameters are distinct measures of gene expression from average mRNA counts. Based on our results, we suggest that burst kinetics can be considered as a component of transcriptome-defined neuronal phenotype besides mRNA counts.
Visual network modularity and communication alterations in ADHD subtypes: evidence from source localized EEG and graph theoretical analysis
Authors: Ghaderi Amir Hossein , Taghizadeh Shiva , Nazari Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2024

The neurobiological basis of ADHD and its subtypes remains unclear, with inconsistent findings from studies using electrophysiology and neuroimaging. Some studies suggest ADHD-I is a distinct disorder, but there is also evidence of similar neural basis in ADHD-I and ADHD-C subtypes. This study investigates the neural basis of ADHD and its subtypes using a subnetwork modularity approach based on graph theoretical analysis of EEG data from 35 children aged 7-11. EEG was recorded in the eyes open condition and preprocessed. After preprocessing, data was analyzed using LORETA algorithm to estimate current densities in 84 regions of interest (ROIs) in the cortex and calculate functional connectivity between these ROIs in different EEG frequency bands. Then, we evaluated modularity of five functional brain networks (default mode, central control, salience, visual, and sensorimotor) using Newman modularity algorithm. Further, we evaluated edge betweenness centrality to assess communications between these functional brain networks. The study found that different brain networks have modularity in certain frequency bands, and ADHD groups showed reduced modularity of the visual network compared to normal groups in the alpha1 band (8-10 Hz). The communication between the visual network and other brain networks, except the salience network, was also reduced in ADHD groups (in the alpha1 band). However, there were no significant differences in the modularity of brain networks and communication among them between two ADHD subtypes. The results suggest a novel mechanism for ADHD involving lower intrinsic modularity in the visual network, disturbed communication between the visual network and other networks, and potential impact on the function of control and sensorimotor networks. Further, our results suggest that there may be a common neural basis for both subtypes, involving a shared disturbance in the modularity and connectivity of the ventral network. This supports the idea that ADHD-I and ADHD-C are subtypes within the same category and contradicts previous studies that suggest they are separate disorders.
Laser-driven pointed acceleration of electrons with preformed plasma lens
Authors: Ivanov K. A. , Gorlova D. A. , Tsymbalov I. N. , Tsygvintsev I. P. , Shulyapov S. A. , Volkov R. V. , Savel’ev A. B.
Published: May 2024

The simultaneous laser-driven acceleration and angular manipulation of the fast electron beam are experimentally demonstrated. The bunch of multi-MeV energy charged particles is generated during the propagation of the femtosecond laser pulse through the near-critical plasma slab accompanied by plasma channeling. Plasma is formed by the controlled breakdown of a thin-tape target by a powerful nanosecond prepulse. The electron beam pointing approach is based on the refraction of a laser pulse in the presence of a strong radial density gradient in the breakdown of the tape with a small displacement of the femtosecond laser beam relative to the breakdown symmetry axis. A shift of several micrometers makes it possible to achieve beam deflection by an angle up to 10° with acceptable beam charge and spectrum conservation. This opens up opportunities for applications for scanning objects with an electron beam and the multistage electron beam energy gain in consecutive laser accelerators without bulk magnetic optics for particles. Experimental findings are supported by numerical particle-in-cell calculations of laser-plasma acceleration and hydrodynamic simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universality of phenotypic distributions in bacteria
Authors: Biswas Kuheli , Brenner Naama
Published: May 2024

Some phenotypic properties in bacteria exhibit universal statistics, with distributions collapsing under scaling. The extent and origins of such universality are not well understood. Using phenomenological modeling of growth and division, we identify compound “shape factors” that describe the distributions throughout a large set of single-cell data. We find that the emergence of universal distributions is associated with the robustness of shape factors across conditions, explaining the universality of cell size and highly expressed protein content and the nonuniversality of times between consecutive divisions. A wide range of experimental data sets support our theory quantitatively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modeling college faculty users’ potential acceptance of library data services for research and teaching
Authors: Xu Qiong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The increasingly active data practice in academic environments makes investigating college faculty users’ potential needs for library data services (LDS) essential. Guided by a conceptual framework rooted in the data lifecycle and the extended technology acceptance model, this study aims to investigate the relationship between faculty’s data engagement (DE) and their attitudes toward multiaspect LDS.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey at a master’s college was conducted to collect data regarding faculty data practice, potential needs for data services (DS) and attitudes toward multiaspect LDS. Based on 139 complete and valid responses, the study built three conceptual models to demonstrate faculty users’ potential acceptance of LDS for research and teaching.

Findings

Participants’ research and teaching-related DE and background factors directly or indirectly affect their attitudes toward general DS, an institutional data repository if available and repository-based data curation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to DS and librarianship research by offering three conceptual models to explore LDS’ holistic support for faculty research and teaching. Moreover, the study provides insights into faculty’s job-related DE factors and calls for future research on effective DS in more college communities.
I need you to survive: a qualitative exploration of family-based beliefs among resettled Congolese refugee women in the USA
Authors: Spates Kamesha , Evans Na’Tasha , Smith Jordan , Gairola Richa , Jindra Rebecca , Guttoo Parishma , Mubikayi Kabasele Cedric , Kirkland Chelsey , Aminu PraiseGod
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The prevalence of Congolese refugee women seeking asylum in the USA has recently garnered substantial attention. Many women have fled the Democratic Republic of Congo due to trauma and loss. Likewise, the resettlement process, particularly acculturative stress, may exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. By recognizing the centrality of family within Congolese culture, this study aims to investigate cultural beliefs about family among Congolese refugee women in the USA, using acculturative theory as an interpretative lens.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ study centered on understanding the resettlement experiences of 20 Congolese refugee women living within an urban area of Midwest America after their arrival in America since 2011. Through using convenient sampling methods, the authors chose these particular activists as they could provide insight into their stories concerning their journey from Congo to settling down as refugees within Northeast America. During interviews, semi-structured questioning was used to gather responses from participants which were later analyzed through implementing a thematic interpretation process.

Findings

Three themes emerged encapsulating cultural beliefs about family: supporting one another; the importance of togetherness; and disciplining our children. These findings provide culturally tailored resources to support Congolese refugee women and their families upon resettlement optimally.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ work provides health equity researchers with an opportunity to better understand cultural beliefs among Congolese refugee women. Findings from this study provide an increased understanding of how to provide culturally specific tools to better aid Congolese refugee women and their families upon arrival.

Practical implications

The authors’ research offers insights for health equity researchers seeking to understand the cultural beliefs of Congolese refugee women. The findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of how to provide culturally specific resources better to support Congolese refugee women and their families upon arrival.

Originality/value

The authors verify that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper was written completely independently, and neither the entire work nor any of its parts have been previously published. The authors confirm that the paper has not been submitted to peer review, nor is in the process of peer reviewing, nor has been accepted for publishing in another journal. The authors confirm that the research in their work is original.
Teacher’s agency in education for sustainable development: an East-West collaborative Erasmus programme using Q methodology
Authors: Guerra Aida , Chen Juebei , Du Xiangyun , Nielsen Helle , Kørnøv Lone
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The integration of ESD is a complex problem. It calls for an innovative, student-centred curriculum, as well as professional learning and agency, by which university teachers feel empowered to change their practice and direct their peers and institutions towards ESD. This study aims to explore what university teachers consider to be the most important attitudes in supporting their agency to deliver Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) via a Problem Based Learning (PBL) programme.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a theoretical framework for professional agency comprising three domains: intrapersonal, action and environmental. A Q methodology is adopted to explore university teachers’ perceptions of the most important environmental factors in supporting their ability to deliver ESD via a problem-based learning (PBL) programme. Twenty-eight participants from six Southeast Asian universities took part in a PBL-based professional development programme designed to improve teachers’ ESD- and PBL-based skills and competencies.

Findings

The results indicate that the participants were confident in their ability to implement PBL and saw PBL as an approach suitable for addressing current educational, professional and societal challenges. This study offers a series of recommendations to help university teachers develop their ESD and PBL practices.

Originality/value

Although the literature on human agency is extensive, research surrounding teachers’ professional agency in the context of ESD and PBL in higher education is lacking. The present study addresses this gap by capturing individual teachers’ beliefs, perceptions and views and by using Q methodology to examine the subjectivity of study participants.
Exploring the impact of athlete brand image on fans’ behavioural outcomes: the role of emotional attachment and perceived price value
Authors: Zheng Longzhao , Xu Ying
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of athlete brand image on fans’ social media engagement, purchase intentions, and also examines the mediating role of emotional attachment on these relationships, as well as the moderating role of perceived price value between emotional attachment and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are based on an online survey conducted in China (N = 572). The PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation model) and regression-based estimation method (PROCESS) are employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate a positive relationship between athletes’ athletic performance and fans’ social media engagement as well as purchase intentions. The impact of athletes’ attractive appearance and marketable lifestyle on fans’ purchase intentions is sequentially mediated by emotional attachment and social media engagement. Moreover, the mediation effect of athletes’ off-field image and purchase intentions is contingent upon fans’ perceived price value.

Research limitations/implications

Athletes and marketers could integrate and leverage both the on-field and off-field attributes to cultivate emotional connections with fans. Sports organizations and managers need to pay attention to fans’ social media engagement and provide content that increases engagement and converts into transactional behavioural intentions.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence of the mediating role of emotional attachment between athlete brand image and fans’ purchase intentions. The explanatory mechanisms involving emotional attachment and social media engagement (non-transactional behavioural intentions) are anticipated to be a noteworthy addition to the traditional fan transactional behavioural intentions framework. Moreover, the research introduces and confirms perceived price value as a crucial moderating factor influencing the relationship between emotional attachment and purchase intentions.
Study on the remaining useful life prediction method of hydraulic slide valve based on degradation-competition failure sharing random effect identification
Authors: Yang Xiao , Qian Xinbo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Hydraulic slide valve failure often results from competing failure modes, termed competitive failure. To enhance prediction accuracy for hydraulic slide valve remaining useful life, the authors propose a method incorporating competitive failure and Monte Carlo simulation. This method allows for more accurate prediction of hydraulic slide valve remaining useful life.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the competitive failure mode of the hydraulic slide valve is analyzed by studying the two failure modes of the hydraulic slide valve, and the prediction of the remaining useful life of the hydraulic slide valve is studied by using the sample set generated by Monte Carlo simulation and the competitive failure joint model.

Findings

The results show that the proposed prediction method based on competitive failure and Monte Carlo simulation is more accurate than the traditional Bayesian joint model prediction method when dealing with the failure mode competition phenomenon of hydraulic slide valve.

Originality/value

In this paper, the remaining useful life prediction of hydraulic slide valve with competitive failure characteristics is studied, which provides a new idea for the remaining useful life prediction method.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2023-0361/