bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using low-cost air quality sensors to estimate wildfire smoke infiltration into childcare facilities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lee Michael Joseph , Dickson James M , Greif Ophir , Ho William , Henderson Sarah B , Mallach Gary , Coker Eric S 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The health risks associated with wildfires are expected to increase due to climate change. Children are susceptible to wildfire smoke, but little is known about indoor smoke exposure at childcare facilities. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the effects of outdoor PM2.5 and wildfire smoke episodes on indoor PM2.5 at childcare facilities across British Columbia, Canada. We installed low-cost air-quality sensors inside and outside 45 childcare facilities and focused our analysis on operational hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–18:00) during the 2022 wildfire season (01 August–31 October). Using random-slope random-intercept linear mixed effects regression, we estimated the overall and facility-specific effects of outdoor PM2.5 on indoor PM2.5, while accounting for covariates. We examined how wildfire smoke affected this relationship by separately analyzing days with and without wildfire smoke. Average indoor PM2.5 increased by 235% on wildfire days across facilities. There was a positive relationship between outdoor and indoor PM2.5 that was not strongly influenced by linear adjustment for meteorological and area-based socio-economic factors. A 1.0 μg m−3 increase in outdoor PM2.5 was associated with a 0.55 μg m−3 [95% CI: 0.47, 0.63] increase indoors on non-wildfire smoke days and 0.51 μg m−3 [95% CI: 0.44, 0.58] on wildfire-smoke days. Facility-specific regression coefficients of the effect of outdoor PM2.5 on indoor PM2.5 was variable between facilities on wildfire (0.18–0.79 μg m−3) and non-wildfire days (0.11–1.03 μg m−3). Indoor PM2.5 responded almost immediately to increased outdoor PM2.5 concentrations. Across facilities, 89% and 93% of the total PM2.5 infiltration over 60 min occurred within the first 10 min following an increase in outdoor PM2.5 on non-wildfire and wildfire days, respectively. We found that indoor PM2.5 in childcare facilities increased with outdoor PM2.5. This effect varied between facilities and between wildfire-smoke and non-wildfire smoke days. These findings highlight the importance of air quality monitoring at childcare facilities for informed decision-making.
Recruitment strategies in marginalized industries for occupational health research: an example in a pilot study of cleaning staff during COVID-19
Authors: Wilson Amanda M , Gerald Lynn B , Beamer Paloma I 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This commentary describes challenges in recruiting workers from marginalized industries with examples from a pilot study of janitors, custodians, and maids and their experiences of cleaning and disinfection protocols during COVID-19 and potentially associated respiratory symptoms. Recruitment strategies included contacting a local hospital, national workers’ unions, and a large Arizona employer; using online Facebook groups; and contacting Arizona maid service companies and a school district. English and Spanish online and hard copy surveys about cleaning protocols and respiratory symptoms were used. Participants could also participate in online/phone interviews. Worker’s compensation, liability, and confidentiality were concerns across organizations. Online surveys yielded unreliable data. Hard copy surveys were used due to workers’ limited technology access. We reflect upon these challenges and discuss other strategies for recruiting from marginalized populations for occupational health research. Building trust with organizations and workers and considering technology access may ultimately increase recruitment feasibility.
Euphausia pacifica emulsified oil powder improves sleep quality in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers
Authors: Yamada Hidetoshi , Miyasaka Raimu , Hamada Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Although it is known that adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, approximately 30% of the general population has experienced insomnia. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between food components and sleep quality is needed. North Pacific krill, Euphausia pacifica, is rich in marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form as well as 8R-hydroxy-eicosapentanoic acid. Here, emulsified oil powder derived from this krill was used in a trial involving 64 participants to assess its potential to enhance sleep quality. Consumption of the powdered emulsified oil was found to reduce drowsiness upon waking and enhance fatigue recovery, and for participants aged 40 and above, an improvement in sleep cycle was observed. In conclusion, consumption of krill emulsified oil powder was effective in enhancing sleep quality for individuals with partial sleep restrictions.
Impact of explanted valve type on aortic valve reoperations: nationwide UK experience
Authors: Narayan Pradeep , Dong Tim , Dimagli Arnaldo , Fudulu Daniel P , Chan Jeremy , Sinha Shubhra , Angelini Gianni D 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This nationwide retrospective cohort study assessed the impact of the explanted valve type on reoperative outcomes in aortic valve surgery within the UK over a 23-year period.

METHODS
Data were sourced from the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) database. All patients undergoing first-time isolated reoperative aortic valve replacement between 1996 and 2019 in the UK were included. Concomitant procedures, homograft implantation or aortic root enlargement were excluded. Propensity score matching was utilized to compare outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality was evaluated through multivariable logistic regression. Final model selection was conducted using Akaike Information Criterion through bootstrapping. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality, and secondary end points included postoperative morbidities.

RESULTS
Out of 2371 patients, 24.9% had mechanical and 75% had bioprosthetic valves implanted during the primary procedure. Propensity matched groups of 324 patients each, were compared. In-hospital mortality for mechanical and bioprosthetic valve explants was 7.1% and 5.9%, respectively (P = 0.632). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, valve type was not a risk factor for mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–1.05; P = 0.1]. Age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P &lt; 0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.08–2.42; P &lt; 0.05), creatinine ≥ 200 mg/dl (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.17–4.04; P &lt; 0.05) and endocarditis (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.71–4.14; P &lt; 0.05) emerged as risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
The type of valve initially implanted (mechanical or bioprosthetic) did not determine mortality. Instead, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, renal impairment and endocarditis were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality.
Morbidity and mortality in adults with a Fontan circulation beyond the fourth decade of life
Authors: Constantine Andrew , Ferrero Paolo , Gribaudo Elena , Mitropoulou Panagiota , Krishnathasan Kaushiga , Costola Giulia , Lwin Myo T , Fitzsimmons Samantha , Brida Margarita , Montanaro Claudia , Kempny Aleksander , Heng Ee Ling , Chessa Massimo , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Rafiq Isma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the late outcomes of adults (above 35 years) with a Fontan-type circulation, for whom current data on morbidity and mortality are lacking.

Methods and results
Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with Fontan circulation above the age of 35 years followed in three European specialist centres. Overall, 115 Fontan patients were included [median age 35 (range 35–48) years, 47.8% female]. The most common underlying congenital heart disease diagnosis was tricuspid atresia (n = 58, 50.4%), and the age at first Fontan completion was 9.1 (interquartile range 5.0–15.8) years. Almost two-thirds (61.7%) of patients had undergone an atriopulmonary Fontan, and 23.5% had received a total cavopulmonary connection. One-third required repeat surgery or intervention. Most patients (55.9%) were in New York Heart Association functional class II or class I (30.6%), 76 (66.1%) patients had experienced at least one arrhythmia, and eight (7.0%) protein-losing enteropathy. At a median follow-up of 5.0 (2.4–10.3) years, 15 (13.0%) patients were referred for transplantation assessment and 19 (16.5%) patients died, mainly from heart failure (84.2%). Univariable predictors of death or transplantation included lower serum albumin level [hazard ratio (HR) 1.09 per g/L decrease, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.15, P = 0.0009], prior heart failure admission (HR 4.28, 95% CI:1.75–10.44, P = 0.001), prior atrial tachycardia or flutter (HR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.23–7.38, P = 0.02), and baseline pulmonary vasodilator therapy (HR 8.59, 95% CI:1.05–70.13, P = 0.04). Lower serum albumin and prior atrial tachycardia or flutter remained significant on bivariable analysis.

Conclusion
Our study highlights the significant morbidity and mortality in older adults with a Fontan-type circulation, emphasizing the need for lifelong specialist surveillance with frequent risk stratification, close monitoring, and early consideration for transplantation assessment.
Bacterial community distribution and functional potentials provide key insights into their role in the ecosystem functioning of a retreating Eastern Himalayan glacier
Authors: Mukhia Srijana , Kumar Anil , Kumar Rakshak 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Himalayan glaciers are receding at an exceptional rate, perturbing the local biome and ecosystem processes. Understanding the microbial ecology of an exclusively microbe-driven biome provides insights into their contributions to the ecosystem functioning through biogeochemical fluxes. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities and their functional potential in the retreating East Rathong Glacier (ERG) of Sikkim Himalaya. Amplicon-based taxonomic classification revealed the dominance of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and candidate Patescibacteria in the glacial sites. Further, eight good-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Choloflexota retrieved from the metagenomes elucidated the microbial contributions to nutrient cycling. The ERG MAGs showed aerobic respiration as a primary metabolic feature, accompanied by carbon fixation and complex carbon degradation potentials. Pathways for nitrogen metabolism, chiefly dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrification, and a complete sulphur oxidation enzyme complex for sulphur metabolism were identified in the MAGs. We observed that DNA repair and oxidative stress response genes complemented with osmotic and periplasmic stress and protein chaperones were vital for adaptation against the intense radiation and stress conditions of the extreme Himalayan niche. Current findings elucidate the microbiome and associated functional potentials of a vulnerable glacier, emphasizing their significant ecological roles in a changing glacial ecosystem.
Microbes and us: microbiology literacy in Greece
Authors: Karayanni Hera , Motsiou Eleni , Sapountzi Vasiliki , Meggou Lydia , Pagkoutsou Maria , Triantafyllidi Aikaterini , Markouti Alexandra-Kyparisia , Zervou Sevasti , Anastasopoulos Stelios , Efthimiou Georgios 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Microbes are ubiquitous and provide numerous services to humans and our planet. However, a query arises as to whether these microbial services are valued by the general public especially after unprecedented conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context a survey was conducted to investigate the concept of microbe in Greece. Thematic analysis of 672 anonymous responses (age range 4–75yo) received for the open-ended prompt “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word microbe?” revealed five thematic categories: Negative emotions, Fuzzy associations, Biology, Entities and Health. Almost 80% of responses fell under “Biology” and “Health” and the general pattern of answers was the same across all age groups. Microbes took a variety of forms in the minds of respondents, however, the concept of “microbe” seems to be more unshaped at younger ages (4–11yo), as revealed in children's language choices. Overall, the often-negative perception of microorganisms seems to be confirmed in this study. Although this research was limited to participants from Greece, it remains relevant to other countries around the world as well. We discuss the reasons behind this negative perception and offer suggestions for reversing it.
Trend in Respite Use by Race Among Caregivers for People Living With Dementia
Authors: Kim Yeunkyung , Kim Jihye , Kim Hyunjee , Park Sungchul , Li Yue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Respite care provides short-term relief for caregivers. Despite efforts to promote respite use among Black caregivers, little is known if disparities in respite use between Black and White dementia caregivers have decreased over time. We examined a trend nationally to see if more recent efforts may have helped reduce disparities in respite use.

Methods
We used a repeated cross-sectional design, with the data from 2015, 2017, and 2021 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. Our study sample included 764 (in 2015), 839 (in 2017), and 521 (in 2021) non-Hispanic White and Black caregivers who provided care to older adults living with dementia, representing weighted 5 157 569 (2015), 5 877 997 (2017), and 4 712 144 (2021) dementia caregivers nationally. We conducted logistic regression models to assess the differences in respite use between White and Black caregivers over time.

Results
In 2015, Black dementia caregivers had a respite care use rate 11.6 percentage points (95% CI: −16.9 to −6.4) lower than that of White dementia caregivers. However, both in 2017 and 2021, the difference in the use of respite was not statistically significant, leading to a reduced or no gap in respite use between White and Black dementia caregivers. However, respite use remained low in both groups.

Conclusions
Although the gap in respite use between Black and White dementia caregivers had been gradually narrowed over time, more efforts are needed to encourage more respite use among both groups through targeted efforts to address factors that hinder respite use.
The Potential Role and Therapeutic Relevance of Cellular Senescence in Skeletal Pathophysiology
Authors: Li Bo , Lyu Ping , Tang Jinru , Li Jingya , Ouchi Takehito , Fan Yi , Zhao Zhihe , Li Longjiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Biological aging profoundly impairs the homeostasis of the skeletal system. Cellular senescence, a hallmark of biological aging, plays an instrumental role in bone disease. The underlying mechanisms of cellular senescence, triggered by both intracellular and extracellular stimuli, are multifaceted and yet to be uncovered. Recent research indicates that acute cellular senescence often serves beneficial roles, such as contributing to growth, development, and tissue regeneration. By contrast, chronic cellular senescence, primarily driven by the accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs) and the release of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), has detrimental effects on the skeletal system by irreversibly disrupting bone homeostasis and promoting age-related disorders. Furthermore, the bone marrow is rich in immune cells and their exposure to SASP often leads to immune dysfunction, resulting in unresolved chronic inflammation and compromised adaptive immunity. Until now, the impact of SnCs and SASP on the skeleton has remained elusive. Meanwhile, extensive efforts are being made to combat age-related diseases through various strategies. Among them, SnCs and SASP are the primary targets for antiaging therapeutic clearance, resulting in the development of “senolytics” and “senomorphics,” respectively. In this review, we summarize and highlight the role of SnCs and SASP in skeletal pathophysiology, the mechanism of cellular senescence in affecting bone metabolism, and potential therapeutic approaches, particularly senolytics and senomorphics, in treating cellular senescence-related bone diseases.
Fluctuating and Stable High Temperatures Differentially Affect Reproductive Endocrinology of Female Pupfish
Authors: Housh M J , Telish J , Forsgren K L , Lema S C 
Published: February 2024

Synopsis
For many fishes, reproductive function is thermally constrained such that exposure to temperatures above some upper threshold has detrimental effects on gametic development and maturation, spawning frequency, and mating behavior. Such impairment of reproductive performance at elevated temperatures involves changes to hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis signaling and diminished gonadal steroidogenesis. However, how HPG pathways respond to consistently high versus temporally elevated temperatures is not clear. Here, sexually mature Amargosa River Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis amargosae) were maintained under thermal regimes of either stable ∼25°C (low temperature), diurnal cycling temperatures between ∼27 and 35°C (fluctuating temperature), or stable ∼35°C (high temperature) conditions for 50 days to examine effects of these conditions on HPG endocrine signaling components in the pituitary gland and gonad, ovarian and testicular gametogenesis status, and liver gene expression relating to oogenesis. Female pupfish maintained under stable high and fluctuating temperature treatments showed reduced gonadosomatic index values as well as a lower proportion of oocytes in the lipid droplet and vitellogenic stages. Females in both fluctuating and stable 35°C conditions exhibited reduced ovarian mRNAs for steroid acute regulatory protein (star), cholesterol side chain-cleavage enzyme, P450scc (cyp11a1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3bhsd), while ovarian transcripts encoding 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11bhsd) and sex hormone-binding globulin (shbg) were elevated in females at constant 35°C only. Ovarian aromatase (cyp19a1a) mRNA levels were unaffected, but circulating 17β-estradiol (E2) was lower in females at 35°C compared to the fluctuating temperature condition. In the liver, mRNA levels for choriogenins and vitellogenin were downregulated in both the fluctuating and 35°C conditions, while hepatic estrogen receptor 2a (esr2a) and shbg mRNAs were elevated in 35°C females. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential for elevated temperatures to impair ovarian steroidogenesis and reduce egg envelope and vitellogenin protein production in female C. n. amargosae pupfish, while also shedding light on how thermal regimes that only intermittently reach the upper thermal range for reproduction have differential impacts on reproductive endocrine pathways than constantly warm conditions.
Identification and Characterization of the Chemical Constituents of Qianlie Shule Capsules by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS
Authors: Liu Huimin , Nie Jiaxuan , Zhang Yue , Wang Jiayi , Song Lili , Li Yubo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The Qianlie Shule capsule is a classical Chinese medicine compound preparation frequently used in therapeutic settings to alleviate astringent pain in the urethra, prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic prostatitis or urinary frequency. However, a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules has not been reported.

Objective
To establish a quick and effective analytical method based on hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS) for the identification and characterization of chemical components in Qianlie Shule capsules.

Method
Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry and data post-processing, the samples of Qianlie Shule capsules were examined. First, the whole extract of the Qianlie Shule capsules was separated using a UPLC machine, and the fragmentation data were collected in both positive and negative ion mode. The target molecule is then quickly identified by comparing the fragmentation information of the neutral loss (NLs) and characteristic fragments (CFs) reported in the literature.

Results
A total of 145 chemical components were identified. It includes flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, alkaloids, phenylethanoids, iridoids, and anthraquinones.

Conclusions
This study is a method for the rapid qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of Qianlie Shule capsules, which provides a method for the rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput identification of the prescription components of Chinese medicine.

Highlights
Systematic identification of the chemical composition of QLSL capsules provides a theoretical basis for studying the substance basis of QLSL capsules and the improvement of the quality control level.
The gendered lens of AI: examining news imagery across digital spaces
Authors: Chen Yibei , Zhai Yujia , Sun Shaojing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study investigates gender representation in artificial intelligence (AI)-related images across various digital spaces to understand potential biases and visual narratives in the AI domain. We analyzed a dataset of 28,199 images from news media, technology news websites, social media, knowledge-sharing platforms, and other digital spaces. Our findings revealed the prevalence of male faces and the consistent underrepresentation of women across digital spaces. We also found distinct patterns in the visual framing of men and women, with women often portrayed as being disempowered and adhering to traditional gender stereotypes. Furthermore, our cluster analysis demonstrated consistent patterns of gender representation across various visual themes, reinforcing the pervasive nature of gender biases in AI news imagery. In conclusion, our study underscores the need for conscious efforts to promote a more balanced and inclusive portrayal of gender in AI news reporting, calling for a broad societal effort toward advancing gender equality and diversity.