bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Surgeons and Attitudes Towards Wearable Devices for Ergonomic Optimization
Authors: LaMonica Lauren C. , Farha Mark W. , Mullen Connor R. , Hughes Tasha M. , Kozlow Jeffrey H. , Chrouser Kristin L. 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
To assess the burden of ergonomic strain and to examine factors influencing intention to use wearable technology that may improve ergonomics during surgery.

Background:
Surgical ergonomic strain leads to high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and pain, contributing to early surgeon retirement and an epidemic of burnout.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of surgeons at a single institution was conducted using two validated instruments, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), assessing musculoskeletal strain and facilitators of wearable sensor use, respectively. Additional survey items examined preferred ergonomic device features. Partial least squares structural equation modeling tested model validity.

Results:
161 participants completed the entire survey. Most respondents were male (63.4%) and were more likely to be from General Surgery (26.1%) than from other subspecialties. The majority of surgeons had never received prior ergonomic training (n=107, 72.3%). Twenty surgeons (14.1%) required hospitalization and 31 (21.8%) surgeons changed operating responsibilities due to musculoskeletal injury with 77 (59.1%) reporting an impact of ergonomic pain on their ability to work as a surgeon. Perceived efficacy (β=0.190, P=0.005), social influence (β=0.135, P=0.039), hedonic motivation (β=0.274, P<0.001), and innovativeness (β=0.243, P<0.001) were significantly associated with behavioral intention to use a wearable ergonomic device. The waist (n=36, 24.3%), followed by the neck/upper back (n=29, 19.6%), were the most preferred sensor locations.

Conclusions:
Surgeons report a high burden of MSDs impacting their ability to work. Wearable sensors that provide feedback on ergonomic strain represent an opportunity to reduce MSDs among surgeons.
Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Concurrent High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cue Exposure in Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Chauhan Devika , Ghosh Abhishek , Naik Shalini S. , Rana Devender K. , Singh Shubh Mohan 
Published: December 2024

Objectives
We studied the acceptability, feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary effectiveness of combined cue exposure and anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on cannabis craving in cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Methods
We randomly assigned 48 participants equally in 4 groups: A, tDCS and cannabis cue exposure; B, tDCS and neutral image; C, sham tDCS and cue exposure; and D, sham tDCS and neutral image. The images were validated by Delphi consensus. All participants received 6 sessions. We explored the acceptance, protocol completion, and follow-up rates. We assessed cannabis cravings twice, at the end of sessions and 4 weeks after intervention; change in frequency and amount of cannabis and other substance use were assessed at 4 weeks after intervention; working memory and executive functions were tested at the end of sessions. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis.

Results
We observed low acceptance (19.6%) but high completion (91.7%) and follow-up rates. There were motivational and logistical reasons for low acceptance; monetary compensation improved treatment acceptance. Participants in all groups showed significant reductions in cannabis cravings at the end of sessions, except for group C, the reduction in cravings sustained at the follow-up. Frequency and amount of cannabis use reduced, and cognitive outcomes improved in all 4 groups; however, there was no between-group difference, and changes were higher in groups B and D. Adverse effects and attrition were not different between HD-tDCS and sham treatment.

Conclusions
Anodal right DLPFC HD-tDCS is a safe and promising treatment for CUD. Cue exposure does not add to its effect.
Limitations in quantum metrology approaches to imaging resolution
Authors: Iqbal S. , Xu Y. , Boyd R. W. 
Published: December 2024

Can a quantum advantage for imaging resolution be realized with the help of quantum estimation theory? We expect so, but we show that, presently, theoretical tools are insufficiently developed to answer this question for extended objects. Still, there is much to be learned from the current state of the art. In this review, we re-examine prominent results in the literature and probe the limits of quantum metrology in addressing imaging resolution. In particular, we show that under restrictive but well-defined conditions, any quantum advantage in one-dimensional phase imaging appears to diminish for increasingly detailed objects. We also show that a previous attempt at tackling this question, while incomplete, does predict an advantage for single-molecule localization microscopy, although this method may not be feasible in the near term. As for experimental claims of Heisenberg-limited imaging resolution, we briefly address the many inherent difficulties in demonstrating that such a thing has indeed been achieved.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The quantum theory of light’.
An operational distinction between quantum entanglement and classical non-separability
Authors: Korolkova Natalia , Sánchez-Soto Luis , Leuchs Gerd 
Published: December 2024

Quantum entanglement describes superposition states in multi-dimensional systems—at least two partite—which cannot be factorized and are thus non-separable. Non-separable states also exist in classical theories involving vector spaces. In both cases, it is possible to violate a Bell-like inequality. This has led to controversial discussions, which we resolve by identifying an operational distinction between the classical and quantum cases.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The quantum theory of light’.
Neural networks with quantum states of light
Authors: Labay-Mora Adrià , García-Beni Jorge , Giorgi Gian Luca , Soriano Miguel C. , Zambrini Roberta 
Published: December 2024

Quantum optical networks are instrumental in addressing the fundamental questions and enable applications ranging from communication to computation and, more recently, machine learning (ML). In particular, photonic artificial neural networks (ANNs) offer the opportunity to exploit the advantages of both classical and quantum optics. Photonic neuro-inspired computation and ML have been successfully demonstrated in classical settings, while quantum optical networks have triggered breakthrough applications such as teleportation, quantum key distribution and quantum computing. We present a perspective on the state of the art in quantum optical ML and the potential advantages of ANNs in circuit designs and beyond, in more general, analogue settings characterized by recurrent and coherent complex interactions. We consider two analogue neuro-inspired applications, namely quantum reservoir computing and quantum associative memories, and discuss the enhanced capabilities offered by quantum substrates, highlighting the specific role of light squeezing in this context.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The quantum theory of light’.
The formin FMNL2 plays a role in the response of melanoma cells to substrate stiffness
Authors: Clugston Joshua D. , Fox Sarah , Harden James L. , Copeland John W. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCells are constantly sensing and responding to changes in their local environment to adapt their behaviour and morphology. These external stimuli include chemical and mechanical signals, and much recent work has revealed the complexity of the cellular response to changes in substrate stiffness. We investigated the effects of substrate stiffness on the morphology and motility of A2058 human melanoma cells. FMNL2, a formin protein associated with actin cytoskeleton dynamics, regulates cell morphology and motility but its role in stiffness sensing remains unclear. This study examines how A2058 cells respond to substrates of varying stiffness and evaluates the impact of FMNL2 depletion on these responses.ResultsWe found that with increasing substrate stiffness the cells transitioned from a rounded cell morphology to progressively more elongated morphologies with a concomitant increase in actin stress fiber alignment. Depletion of FMNL2 expression amplified these morphological changes, with knockdown cells showing consistently greater elongation and more pronounced stress fiber alignment compared to controls. Notably, the orientational order parameter (S) revealed higher alignment of actin filaments along the cell’s long axis in knockdown cells.Substrate stiffness also affected cell motility, indicated by an apparent optimal stiffness that maximized motility followed by a notable decrease in distance travelled during cell migration on progressively stiffer substrates. This decrease was largely attributable to a decrease in the time the cells spent in motion as the substrate stiffness increased. FMNL2 depletion significantly exacerbated this effect, with knockdown cells traveling shorter net distances and spending less time moving across all substrates.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that substrate stiffness profoundly influences A2058 melanoma cell morphology and motility, with FMNL2 playing a pivotal regulatory role. Our observations suggest that FMNL2 is critical for maintaining motility and morphological adaptability under increased stiffness. Loss of FMNL2 enhanced stress fiber alignment and cell elongation while impairing motility, particularly on stiff substrates, revealing FMNL2 as a mechanosensitive effector. However, further biochemical work should be performed to determine the exact mechanisms by which FMNL2 participates in regulation of melanoma cell response to substrate stiffness.
Atomistic Mechanism of Cation Permeation and Pore Voltage Sensitivity in Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated CNGA1 Ion Channel
Authors: Liu Haoran , Biedermann Johann , Sun Han 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMammalian cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels play a fundamental role in signal transduction within the visual and olfactory sensory cells, converting external stimuli into electrical signals. Here, using large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under transmembrane voltages, we uncover the atomistic mechanism of monovalent cation permeation in the homotetrameric CNGA1 channel, involving hydrated cations in the selectivity filter. We propose that hydration fluctuations in the central gate region, driven by pore flexibility, are the underlying mechanism for excess single-channel conductance noise and characteristic single-channel flickering. Furthermore, we suggest an atomistic mechanism for intrinsic voltage sensitivity in the channel pore, mediated by allosteric coupling between the selectivity filter and the central cavity gate. Our study provides atomistic insights into non-selective cation permeation and voltage sensitivity of the CNGA1 channel pore that could not be resolved by static structural analysis alone.
Oxygen saturation and acute mountain sickness during repeated altitude exposures simulating high-altitude working schedules
Authors: Waldner N. , Hartmann S. E. , Muralt L. , Lichtblau M. , Bader P. R. , Rawling J. M. , Lopez I. , Ulrich S. , Poulin M. J. , Bloch K.E. , Furian M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the effect of two consecutive prolonged, intermittent exposures to high and very high altitudes on oxygen saturation (SpO2) and acute mountain sickness (AMS).MethodsHealthy lowlanders (N=21), aged 18-30y, underwent two 7-day sojourns at the ALMA observatory, Chile (6hrs/day at 5050m, 18hrs/day at 2900m), separated by 1-week at 520m. SpO2(pulse oximetry) and AMS severity (AMSc, Environmental Symptom Questionnaire cerebral score) diagnosing AMS (AMSc≥0.7) were assessed daily at both altitudes.www.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02730143.ResultsSpO2at 2900m and 5050m on arrival day was mean±SD 93.6±0.5% and 79.9±1.0% (P<0.05 between altitudes), whereas the AMSc scores were 0.43±0.08 and 0.97±0.11 (P<0.05 between altitudes), respectively. At 2900m during a 7-day intermittent hypoxic exposure, SpO2increased by a mean(95%CI) 0.3%/day(0.1;0.4) and by 0.9%/day(0.4;1.3) at 5050m. Similarly, AMSc decreased by 0.05points/day(0.01;0.08) at 2900m and by 0.16points/day(0.11;0.21) at 5050m. During the second sojourn (vs. 1 sojourn), day1, SpO2at 2900m was unchanged but higher at 5050m by 2.9%(0.6;5.3). AMSc was lower at 2900m and 5050m by 0.37(0.16;0.59) and 0.37(0.11;0.63) (P<0.05 both comparisons vs 1 sojourn), respectively. Acclimatization with the 2 sojourn resulted in an increase in SpO2at 2900m by 0.3%/day(0.1;0.4) and at 5050m: 0.5%/day(0.1;0.8). AMSc remained unchanged with acclimatization at 2900m but decreased at 5050m by 0.08points/day(0.04;0.11).ConclusionsIn healthy lowlanders, a 7-day intermittent hypobaric hypoxic exposure of varying severity at high and very high altitude improved SpO2and AMS severity at 2900m, with larger improvements at 5050m. During a second identical sojourn, initial AMS severity was reduced despite comparable SpO2at 2900m compared to the 1 sojourn. No further acclimatization effects were observed in SpO2but in AMS symptoms at 2900m. In contrast, re-exposure to 5050m showed higher initial SpO2and lower AMSc values with further improvement with intermittent re-exposures. These findings highlight altitude-dependent acclimatization patterns and confirm the effectiveness of pre-conditioning to prevent AMS when planning sojourns to high altitudes.
Proteomic Profiling of Early-Stage Heart Failure Identifies Candidate Biomarkers and Molecular Pathways of Cardiac Inflammation in the Project Baseline Health Study
Authors: Kottilil Kalyani , Nguyen Maggie , Ramaker Megan , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Short Sarah , Plowman R. Scooter , Mentz Robert J. , Douglas Pamela S. , Holman Rury , Hernandez Adrian F. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Haddad Francois , Shah Svati H. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAsymptomatic structural heart disease, or stage B heart failure (HF), is clinically relevant for early HF diagnosis and prevention; circulating biomarkers could have prognostic significance for this. Thus, we performed proteomics discovery in a well-phenotyped cohort, the Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS).MethodsPBHS recruited participants with and without cardiovascular risk, collecting enrollment plasma biospecimens and cardiac imaging. Proteomic profiling (N=289) was performed using mass spectrometry on 503 individuals (185 stage B HF cases, 318 stage A HF controls). Logistic regression identified stage B-associated proteins, which were then eligible for inclusion in a joint protein score derived via elastic net. Scores were assessed for incident HF prediction in the UK Biobank (UKB) and the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL), examined for exenatide interactions in EXSCEL, and tested for imaging trait associations in PBHS and UKB. Mechanistic analyses of multivariate significant proteins included incident HF prediction in UKB and EXSCEL, Mendelian randomization (MR), and targeted methylation loci associations with stage B HF in PBHS.ResultsSixty-five proteins were associated with cases, of which 32 (49%) were retained via elastic net modeling; the resulting protein score showed good discrimination for cases versus controls (AUC 0.71, 95% CI [0.60, 0.82]). The protein score was significantly associated with incident HF in UKB and EXSCEL and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in PBHS, as well as beneficially modified by exenatide in EXSCEL. Multivariate analysis prioritized 11 proteins associated with cases for mechanistic study, of which 4 (B2M, EFEMP1, CST3, HBB) showed significant incident HF associations in UKB and EXSCEL; CST3 and HBB were significant in MR. Methylation of cg08099136 inPSMB8was significantly associated with cases in PBHS.ConclusionsOur findings highlight inflammatory biomarkers and mechanisms underpinning stage B HF. CpG hypomethylation atPSMB8may be implicated in inflammation, resulting in increased LVMI (a known HF risk factor), with circulating B2M a byproduct of this process.ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT03154346
Antagonistic mechanisms of probioticAliivibriosp. strain Vl2 againstMoritella viscosa: Evidence from co-cultivation and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Dobloug Marius Steen , Iakhno Stanislav , Nørstebø Simen Foyn , Sørum Henning 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWinter ulcers are a significant challenge to the Norwegian aquaculture industry and the primary causative agent isMoritella viscosa. Control measures are limited due to the lack of effective vaccines and limited use of antibiotics, reflecting the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance. It was recently demonstrated that probioticAliivibriospp. colonize the skin and ulcers of Atlantic salmon and their association with a reduced prevalence of winter ulcers. These observations suggest thatM. viscosaandAliivibriospp. may interact within ulcersin vivo. In this study, we have investigated how the probioticAliivibriosp. strain Vl2 modulatesM. viscosa in vitro, using both co-cultures and CHSE cell cultures. We found that the probiotic strain exhibits antagonistic effects againstM. viscosa, reducing its growth and pathogenicity toward salmonid cells. Transcriptome analysis ofAliivibrioVl2 revealed potential mechanisms impeding the growth of the competing pathogen. Together, our findings demonstrate how the probiotic bacterium can inhibitM. viscosa in vitroand suggests potential mechanisms that may explain the reduced prevalence of winter ulcers observed in the field.
Cisplatin resistance reversal with treatment of Citric acid in cisplatin-resistant cell lines
Authors: Chaturvedi Siddhant , Venka Krishna 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates, posing a major threat to human health globally. While surgery remains the preferred clinical treatment, chemotherapy continues to be the cornerstone for perioperative care, adjuvant therapy, and palliative treatment for patients with advanced stages of GC. Among the chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin (DDP) has been widely used for decades as a first-line treatment for various solid tumors. However, its therapeutic efficacy is frequently undermined by the development of resistance, which is attributed to the complex interplay of multiple proteins and signaling pathways involved in the resistance mechanisms.In this study, the issue of cisplatin resistance is addressed by employing citric acid as a treatment in cell lines. The findings demonstrate that citric acid effectively reverses cisplatin resistance, suggesting the potential involvement of a novel DNA damage repair mechanism. These results pave the way for further investigation into innovative therapeutic approaches to enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in treating gastric cancer.
“People will not even bring out their children to be immunised, because of the corona vaccine”: fake news, misinformation, vaccine hesitancy and the role of community engagement in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Southern Ghana
Authors: Kuatewo Mawulom , Ebelin Wisdom , Doegah Phidelia Theresa , Kpodo Lebene , Kpordorlor Atsu Godsway , Lissah Samuel , Djokoto Senanu , Aberese-Ako Matilda , Ansah Evelyn 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is characterised by loads of fake news and misinformation, which can influence vaccine acceptance. According to the World Health Organisation, implementing a harmonized public health strategy during an outbreak necessitates effective community engagement and communication, which facilitates public trust and decision-making. This study explored the role of community engagement in the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in the midst of fake news and misinformation in two municipalities in Ghana.MethodA qualitative case study was employed using in-depth interviews with government officials from the Ghana Health Service, Municipal Assembly, Information Services Department and the National Commission on Civic Education and community gatekeepers. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with a cross-section of community members to understand the role of community engagement in vaccine acceptance. Qualitative analysis software Nvivo 12 was used to support thematic coding and analysis. All ethical procedures and COVID-19 preventive protocols were observed.ResultsStudy participants reported the sources of fake news and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines from interpersonal communication, the radio, and a popular anti-vaccine song. Some of the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy were community members believed in the fake news and misinformation, low trust in the government and public institutions, and the lack of extensive education on COVID-19 vaccines. The Ghana Health Service was the most successful in engaging communities to promote vaccine acceptance in the midst of fake news and misinformation. It leveraged on its existing community-based health planning and services (CHPS) programme, which engaged the communities frequently through routine programmes such as durbars, antenatal clinics, child welfare clinics, and other community programmes to carry out engagement.ConclusionFor Ghana to promote uptake of health interventions, it is important that communities are effectively engaged. This can be done through the provision of resources to responsible government institutions for community engagement. The gains made by government institutions during the pandemic can be sustained through continued community engagement, which will empower them to contribute towards population health.
Red-shifted GRAB acetylcholine sensors for multiplex imagingin vivo
Authors: Xie Shu , Miao Xiaolei , Li Guochuan , Zheng Yu , Li Mengyao , Ji En , Wang Jinxu , Li Shaochuang , Cai Ruyi , Geng Lan , Feng Jiesi , Wei Changwei , Li Yulong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is essential in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent studies highlight the significance of interactions between ACh and various neuromodulators in regulating complex behaviors. The ability to simultaneously image ACh and other neuromodulators can provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Here, we developed a series of red fluorescent G protein-coupled receptor activation-based (GRAB) ACh sensors, with a wide detection range and expanded spectral profile. The high-affinity sensor, rACh1h, reliably detects ACh release in various brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and cortex. Moreover, rACh1h can be co-expressed with green fluorescent sensors in order to record ACh release together with other neurochemicals in various behavioral contexts using fiber photometry and two-photon imaging, with high spatiotemporal resolution. These new ACh sensors can therefore provide valuable new insights regarding the functional role of the cholinergic system under both physiological and pathological conditions.