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Psychotherapies and psychological support for individuals facing psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

In this scoping review, we investigated the psychotherapies and psychological support provided during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to clarify its recipients and the methods employed, among other characteristics. We used Scopus and PubMed as the two search engines and employed the following search terms: “COVID*” AND (“psychotherap*” OR “psychological support*”) AND “psychological distress*.” The first search was conducted on October 18, 2022, by reviewing search engines and conducting a manual search. It yielded 154 articles, of which 18 finally met the eligibility criteria after the second round of screening. The distribution of the participants in the intervention studies included in this review was diverse, including the general population, patients with COVID-19, and patients who had recovered from COVID-19. The implementation of psychotherapy was not limited to more advanced countries in psychiatry, indicating the broader reach of these interventions. Psychotherapy includes various methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, mindfulness, supportive care, virtual reality therapy, and online educational content via apps. The rise of new technologies may have increased the replacement rate of human therapists. In addition, the use of remote interventions was more common than that of face-to-face interventions. It is necessary to monitor whether the technologies and methods used for the first time during the pandemic will continue to be used in the future. Therefore, further research is needed to compare the effectiveness of remote randomized controlled trials with conventional face-to-face randomized controlled trials. Finally, most of those providing psychotherapies and psychological support in the studies included in this review were not doctors or psychologists.

Author Correction: Rurality and relative poverty drive acquisition of a stable and diverse gut microbiome in early childhood in a non-industrialized setting

Structure and inhibition mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis essential transporter efflux protein A

Abstract A broad chemical genetic screen in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) identified compounds (BRD-8000.3 and BRD-9327) that inhibit the essential efflux pump EfpA. To understand the mechanisms of inhibition, we determined the structures of EfpA with these inhibitors bound at 2.7-3.4 Å resolution. Our structures reveal different mechanisms of inhibition by the two inhibitors. BRD-8000.3 binds in a tunnel contacting the lipid bilayer and extending toward the central cavity to displace the fatty acid chain of a lipid molecule bound in the apo structure, suggesting its blocking of an access route for a natural lipidic substrate. Meanwhile, BRD-9327 binds in the outer vestibule without complete blockade of the substrate path to the outside, suggesting its possible inhibition of the movement necessary for alternate access of the transporter. Our results show EfpA as a potential lipid transporter, explain the basis of the synergy of these inhibitors and their potential for combination anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Platelet rich fibrin and commercial sealants for dural closure in neurosurgery: An in vitro study

Background Watertight closure of the dura mater is essential after neurosurgical interventions to avoid complications such meningitis, intracranial hypotension and surgical site infections. In addition to conventional suturing techniques, various biomaterials have been proposed as sealants to minimize the risk of leakage. We previously reported that patient derived platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous biomaterial, significantly improves watertight dural closure when applied as an onlay over a standard running suture. To demonstrate the efficacy of this method, we aimed to compare this orthobiological approach with other commercially available sealants. Methods We utilized an in vitro testing device that allowed for the assessment of watertight dura mater closure via hydrostatic testing. On our testing phantom using freshly harvested bovine dura maters, a standardized 20-mm incision was closed using a running suture, and the leak pressure was measured initially without (primary leak pressure) and subsequently with on lay augmentation (secondary leak pressure) using either PRF, fibrinogen- and thrombin-coated collagen patch (TachoSil®), collagen matrix graft (DuraGen®), Polyethylenglykol (PEG) and polyethylene glycol ester and trilysine amine hydrogel solution (DuraSeal®), polyethylene glycol, protein-reactive polyethylene glycol monomer coated collagen matrix (Hemopatch®) or polyethylenimine component autospray sealant (Adherus®). Results The outcomes demonstrate that the usage of a dural onlay in addition to the standard running suture exhibited a substantial improvement in leak pressure compared to the running suture alone. Specifically, the median leak pressure was improved by 3.5 times, where the combined approach was able to withstand 38 cm H2O, whereas the running suture alone had a median leak pressure of 11 cm H2O. Upon evaluating the performance of the sealants, we identified two categories of dural sealants: a medium performance group (30 ± 2 cm H2O) comprised of Adherus® (31 cm H2O), DuraGen® (31 cm H2O), and Hemopatch® (28 cm H2O), and a high-performance group composed of DuraSeal® (45.5 cm H2O), and TachoSil® (41 cm H2O). Patient-derived PRF was able to withstand a max pressure of 45 cm H2O, falling into the high-performance group. Of all the sealants tested in this study, the PRF based patch demonstrated the lowest variance in leak pressure among all the tested sealants. Conclusions Autologous platelet-rich fibrin in a two-step procedure displayed enhanced augmentation and reinforced watertight closure of the dura mater, exhibiting a four-fold increase in leak pressure compared to standard running suture alone. Among other commonly utilized commercial sealants, it ranked second with demonstrated consistency in its performance.

Wavelet correlation noise analysis for qubit operation variable time series

Abstract In quantum computing, characterizing the full noise profile of qubits can aid in increasing coherence times and fidelities by developing error-mitigating techniques specific to the noise present. This characterization also supports efforts in advancing device fabrication to remove sources of noise. Qubit properties can be subject to non-trivial correlations in space and time, for example, spin qubits in MOS quantum dots are exposed to noise originating from the complex glassy behavior of two-level fluctuator ensembles. Engineering progress in spin qubit experiments generates large amounts of data, necessitating analysis techniques from fields experienced in managing large data sets. Fields such as astrophysics, finance, and climate science use wavelet-based methods to enhance their data analysis. Here, we propose and demonstrate wavelet-based analysis techniques to decompose signals into frequency and time components, enhancing our understanding of noise sources in qubit systems by identifying features at specific times. We apply the analysis to a state-of-the-art two-qubit experiment in a pair of SiMOS quantum dots with feedback applied to relevant operation variables. The observed correlations serve to identify common microscopic causes of noise, such as two-level fluctuators and hyperfine coupled nuclei, as well as to elucidate pathways for multi-qubit operation with more scalable feedback systems.

The future of antibiotic use in livestock

Abstract Governments worldwide have pledged to reduce antimicrobial use in the agri-food system. This study projects global livestock antibiotic use quantities through 2040 under various scenarios. This work indicates that under a business-as-usual scenario, global antibiotic use could reach ~143,481 tons by 2040, representing a 29.5% increase from the 2019 baseline of ~110,777 tons. However, alternative scenarios suggest that these projections could vary by +14.2% to -56.8%, depending on changes in livestock biomass and antibiotic use intensity. A key contribution of this research is the development of the Livestock Biomass Conversion method, a novel indicator offering improved accuracy in estimating livestock biomass. The findings have important policy implications, highlighting that meaningful reductions in antibiotic use quantity can only be achieved through coordinated efforts targeting both antibiotic use intensity and livestock biomass.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and its co-existence with depression, anxiety, and stress as risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among university students in Bangladesh: A single-site survey

Background Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) have been identified as potential risk factors for various mental health issues, such as suicidal ideation and attempts. However, few studies have examined this association among Bangladeshi university students. This study aimed to examine the potential associations between PMDD and its co-existence with depression, anxiety, stress, and various suicidal behaviors, including suicidal ideation and attempts. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 516 university students was conducted between September and October 2023. The survey was carried out in person and employed a structured questionnaire that comprised demographic information; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21); and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), a 19-item screening tool for premenstrual symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. Results In the present study, participants with PMDD reported a prevalence of 38.8% for past-year suicidal ideation and 28.6% for suicide attempts. Through logistic regression analysis, we found a significant association between moderate/severe PMS and PMDD and a higher likelihoods of reporting suicidal ideation (AOR =  4.73; 95% CI 2.08–10.73 and AOR =  5.42; 95% CI 2.02–10.52) and suicide attempts (AOR =  3.77; 95% CI 1.36–10.50 and AOR =  4.07; 95% CI 1.22–15.56). The association between suicidal behaviors and PMS/PMDD was mediated by co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions A notable proportion of individuals diagnosed with PMDD reported experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in suicide attempts at some point in their lives. The findings of this research support the importance of conducting regular assessments of suicidal risk among women experiencing moderate to severe premenstrual disturbance. Furthermore, it is crucial to integrate mental health screenings and implement psychosocial interventions specifically designed for women diagnosed with PMS or PMDD and those with co-existing depression, anxiety, and stress alongside PMS/PMDD.

Bodily illusion enhances subjective fear of safety-margin violations surrounding the bodily self

Abstract All living organisms, including humans, must flexibly adjust their defensive behaviors according to the spatial proximity of potential threats. Previous research has examined fear responses to proximal threats by manipulating distance to the body in simulated 2D or 3D environments; however, the functional role of the sense of bodily self in the interplay between fear and threat proximity remains unclear. Here, we investigated fear responses to proximal and distal fear-relevant stimuli while manipulating the sense of body ownership over a mannequin using a perceptual full-body illusion. Our findings revealed that subjective fear was more sensitive to stimulus location when participants experienced illusory ownership over the mannequin. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between illusion strength and subjective fear ratings. These findings highlight two aspects of how the sense of bodily self influences human fear experiences: enhancing sensitivity to margin-of-safety violations and amplifying anxiety in response to threat appearance.

Mineralogical controls on PFAS and anthropogenic anions in subsurface soils and aquifers

Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migrate into the environment through various means, e.g., soil-amendment impurities and ambient atmospheric deposition, potentially resulting in vegetative uptake and migration to groundwater. Existing approaches for modeling sorption of PFAS commonly treat soil as an undifferentiated homogeneous medium, with distribution constants (e.g., Kd, Koc) generated empirically using surface soils. Considering the limited mineral variety expected in weathered geologic media, PFAS mobility can be better understood by accounting for predictable mineral assemblages that are ubiquitously distributed in US soils. Here we explore the role of minerals and electrostatic sorption in controlling PFAS mobility in subsurface settings at contaminated agricultural sites by measuring geochemical parameters and PFAS, and calculating pH-dependent mineral surface charges through full soil and aquifer columns. These data suggest subsurface mobility of short-chain PFAS largely is controlled by aluminum-oxide mineral(oid) electrostatic sorption, whereas long-chain PFAS mobility is controlled by organic matter and air-water interfacial area.

Comparative genomics of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis strains within a group of captive lowland tapirs

Within a group of three captive lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) suffering from clinically apparent mycobacteriosis, non-tuberculous Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) strains were isolated from the animals and the tapir’s enclosure. Based on MIRU-VNTR findings, which identified two closely related INMV profiles (124 and 246), a micro-evolutionary event was assumed, and four available MAH strains were submitted to whole genome sequencing (short- and long-read technologies). Surprisingly, the differences based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were exceptionally high between the four strains, i.e., between 841 and 11,166 bases, due to a strong impact of homologous recombination. Thus, an ad hoc core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme was created and pangenome analysis was conducted for determining the genomic similarity between the strains. The INMV246 isolate obtained from sputum on the enclosure floor and one INMV124 isolate of tapir #2 showed the highest congruence, suggesting that both originated from a shared source. The other two INMV124 isolates were genomically distinct from these strains. Nevertheless, in all four strains two plasmids were detected, which were highly conserved between the strains. The study showed that the genomic variability between MAH strains isolated from the same site within a short period of time can be exceptionally high and the influence of homologous recombination needs to be considered when determining MAH strain relationships, particularly via SNP analyses.

Machine learning-driven insights into self-healing silicon-based anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Author Correction: In-situ positive electrode-electrolyte interphase construction enables stable Ah-level Zn-MnO2 batteries

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio as a novel predictor for mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Results from the cohort study of NHANES, 1999–2018

Objectives To investigate the association of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to albumin ratio (RAR) with mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods We selected 1,652 patients with COPD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018, who were categorized into four groups according to the RAR quartiles. Kaplan-Meier curves, restricted cubic splines and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate the associations between RAR and all-cause mortality and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) mortality in the COPD patients. Subgroup analyses were performed to check the interaction of the different characteristics. Results There were 640 deaths during follow-up, of which, 145 were from CLRD. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated COPD patients with higher RAR had significantly increased all-cause mortality and CLRD mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed HR of Q4 RAR was 2.88 (95% CI 2.18 - 3.81, p < 0.0001) for all cause-mortality and 3.39 (95% CI 1.76 - 6.53, p < 0.001) for CLRD mortality, compared with Q1 RAR. Restricted cubic splines analysis indicated a dose-response between RAR and risk of all-cause and CLRD mortality (p for non-linearity < 0.001). Conclusion RAR had an independent association with all-cause mortality, especially CLRD mortality, in COPD patients. RAR has potential as a novel and promising predictor to identify COPD individuals with high mortality risk.

Integrating digital twins with neural networks for adaptive control of automotive suspension systems

V activated electro-epoxidation catalyst in membrane electrode assembly system for the production of propylene oxide

Association of serum iron status with MASLD and liver fibrosis

Background The MASLD proposal updates and supplements the previous definition of NAFLD, making it more suitable for addressing the current understanding of chronic liver diseases. This study aims to investigate the potential association between serum iron status and the occurrence of MASLD and liver fibrosis. Methods An in-depth analysis was conducted using the 2017–2020 NHANES data. To assess the relationship between serum iron status and the prevalence of MASLD and liver fibrosis, we performed comprehensive data analysis. This approach accounts for multiple variables, enhancing the robustness and reliability of our results by reducing potential confounding factors. Results Our application of linear regression models provided significant insights through a comprehensive data analysis. Elevated serum ferritin, TIBC, and UIBC showed a distinct positive correlation with CAP, while only serum ferritin was positively correlated with LSM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated levels of serum ferritin, TIBC, and UIBC were significantly associated with the occurrence of MASLD, whereas only serum ferritin showed a similar association with the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Conclusion This study highlights the significant positive correlation between elevated levels of serum ferritin, TIBC, and UIBC with CAP and the prevalence of MASLD. A similar relationship was observed between serum ferritin with LSM and the prevalence of liver fibrosis.

Impact of work instruction difficulty on cognitive load and operational efficiency

Abstract As industries progress toward integrating more complex technologies within Industry 4.0 frameworks, ensuring work instructions that balance cognitive load and performance is increasingly critical, especially under the human-centric principles of the 5th industrial revolution. Drawing on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), this study compares two instructional methods-visual-based and code-based-to determine whether cognitive overload can be reduced without compromising task outcomes in a controlled, assembly-like scenario derived from industrial tasks. We recruited 30 participants from the academic field (students and researchers), who completed assembly tasks under both visual-based and code-based instructions. Cognitive load was measured objectively by (Galvanic Skin Response, Heart Rate Variability, and hand motion acceleration) and subjectively through (NASA Task Load Index, short Dundee Stress State Questionnaire). Operational efficiency was assessed via task completion time (TCT), number of task repetitions (NTR), and assembly precision based on the standard deviation. The findings demonstrated that visual-based instructions significantly reduced cognitive load with a $$p-value <0.001$$ . It also showed an improvement in two of the performance metrics during the use of visual-based instructions for the TCT and NTR with $$p-values <0.001$$ . However, although code-based instructions increased cognitive load, they showed better assembly precision with a $$p-value < 0.001$$ . These results suggest that while simple and direct instructions facilitate task execution and reduce cognitive loads, deep thinking approaches may still hold value for tasks requiring high precision.

Intravital imaging of translocated bacteria via fluorogenic labeling of gut microbiota in situ

The translocation of bacteria from intestinal tracts into blood vessels and distal organs plays pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of numerous severe diseases. Intravital monitoring of bacterial translocation, however, is not yet feasible, which greatly hinders us from comprehending this spatially and temporally dynamic process. Here we report an in vivo fluorogenic labeling method, which enables in situ imaging of mouse gut microbiota and real-time tracking of the translocated bacteria. By mimicking the peptidoglycan stem peptide in bacteria, a tetrapeptide probe composed of alternating D- and L-amino acids and separately equipped with a fluorophore and a quencher on the N- and C-terminal amino acid, is designed. Because of its resistance to host proteases, it can be directly used in gavage and achieves fluorogenic labeling of the microbiota in the gut via the functioning of the L,D-transpeptidases of the labeled bacteria. Using intravital two-photon microscopy, we then successfully visualize the translocation of gut bacteria into the bloodstream and liver in obesity mouse models. This technique can help further exploration into the spatiotemporal activities of gut microbiota in vivo, and be valuable in investigating the less understood pathogenicity of bacterial translocation in many severe diseases.

Free-standing bilayer metasurfaces in the visible

Examining isokinetic knee peak torque and time to peak torque as predictors of vertical jump height in division I men’s basketball players

The vertical jump (VJ) is one of the most important movements for basketball athletes and therefore determining modifiable predictors of the VJ would aid substantially in crafting more effective training regimens. The purpose of this study was to determine if isokinetic quadriceps strength and torque predict VJ height and which characteristics and testing speed is the strongest predictor of VJ height. Fifteen subjects (age: 18.5 ± 1.0 years, height: 195.9 ± 6.9 cm, weight: 96.2 ± 13.7 kg) from a single Division I men’s basketball team were recruited for this study. All participants performed a standing vertical jump with arm-swing to assess their maximum VJ height. Participants also completed an isokinetic knee extension strength protocol that included testing at multiple speeds. Pearson and Spearman tests found no significant correlation between jump height and peak torque at any of the speeds. Regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between time to peak torque at 300°/s and VJ height (R2 =  0.23, p =  0.04). These findings suggest that in a population of elite basketball players, the knee’s ability to rapidly generate torque likely plays a greater role in VJ performance than its ability to generate high magnitude of torque. This presents a potential benefit of explosive training regimens such as plyometrics for maximization of jump performance.