bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value and immunological role of IDO1 gene in pan-cancer
Authors: Lin Kaili , Wang Yongfeng , Liu Fangyu , You Taifu , Liu Xiongxiong , Liu Runzhang , Li Zeyang , Zhen Chunyu , Zhang Yunxia , Liu Xingguang , Cai Hui
Published: March 2024

Objective

It has been demonstrated that IDO1, a target of immune checkpoint inhibition, functions as an oncogene in the majority of human malignancies. IDO1’s function in human pan-cancers hasn’t been thoroughly studied, though.

Materials and methods

The Kaplan–Meier (K-M) and COX analyses were applied to the survival analysis. Furthermore, we used Spearman’s correlation analysis to examine the associations between IDO1 and microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), tumor mutational burden (TMB), the associated genes of mismatch repair (MMR), and immune checkpoint biomarkers. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate IDO1’s expression in pan-cancer cells.

Results

The findings of this study reveal that IDO1 has abnormal expression in a number of malignancies and is related to the prognosis for UVM, LGG, KIRP, GBM, LAML, OV, READ, MESO, SARC, SKCM, and HNSC. Furthermore, the aberrant IDO1 expression was connected to the TMB, MSI, MMR, drug sensitivity, immune cells infiltrating, and tumor immune microenvironment across a variety of cancer types. The PCR results showed that in contrast to normal cells, IDO1 was found to be significantly highly expressed in breast cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and significantly lowly expressed in gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

The clinical treatment of IDO1 is now better supported by a theoretical basis and guidelines provided by our study.
Phenology and ecological role of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs in freshwaters
Authors: Villena-Alemany Cristian , Mujakić Izabela , Fecskeová Livia K. , Woodhouse Jason , Auladell Adrià , Dean Jason , Hanusová Martina , Socha Magdalena , Gazulla Carlota R. , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Sunagawa Shinichi , Silva Kavagutti Vinicius , Andrei Adrian-Ştefan , Grossart Hans-Peter , Ghai Rohit , Koblížek Michal , Piwosz Kasia
Published: March 2024

Background

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria are heterotrophic bacteria that supply their metabolism with light energy harvested by bacteriochlorophyll-a-containing reaction centers. Despite their substantial contribution to bacterial biomass, microbial food webs, and carbon cycle, their phenology in freshwater lakes remains unknown. Hence, we investigated seasonal variations of AAP abundance and community composition biweekly across 3 years in a temperate, meso-oligotrophic freshwater lake.

Results

AAP bacteria displayed a clear seasonal trend with a spring maximum following the bloom of phytoplankton and a secondary maximum in autumn. As the AAP bacteria represent a highly diverse assemblage of species, we followed their seasonal succession using the amplicon sequencing of the pufM marker gene. To enhance the accuracy of the taxonomic assignment, we developed new pufM primers that generate longer amplicons and compiled the currently largest database of pufM genes, comprising 3633 reference sequences spanning all phyla known to contain AAP species. With this novel resource, we demonstrated that the majority of the species appeared during specific phases of the seasonal cycle, with less than 2% of AAP species detected during the whole year. AAP community presented an indigenous freshwater nature characterized by high resilience and heterogenic adaptations to varying conditions of the freshwater environment.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the substantial contribution of AAP bacteria to the carbon flow and ecological dynamics of lakes and unveil a recurrent and dynamic seasonal succession of the AAP community. By integrating this information with the indicator of primary production (Chlorophyll-a) and existing ecological models, we show that AAP bacteria play a pivotal role in the recycling of dissolved organic matter released during spring phytoplankton bloom. We suggest a potential role of AAP bacteria within the context of the PEG model and their consideration in further ecological models.
Unveiling student academic resilience in language learning: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Duan Siyu , Han Xiaoyu , Li Xiaoxue , Liu Honggang
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to investigate the internal structure of student academic resilience in language learning, to assess its global and dimensional levels and to examine the gender and age-related differences. Therefore, 1,653 English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, including junior and senior high school students were selected as participants to complete the questionnaires. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses unveiled a four-factorial structure of student academic resilience in English learning, including positive individual characteristics, family support, teacher support and peer support. In addition, there were no significant differences between male and female students in terms of academic resilience in English learning and its four subdimensions. Only the level of family support for junior high school students was significantly higher than that of senior high school students. The findings, implications, and limitations of language learning academic resilience were discussed.
Characterisation of the fracture- and karst-controlled geothermal reservoir below Munich from geophysical wireline and well information
Authors: Krumbholz J. F. , Krumbholz M. , Wadas S. H. , Tanner D. C.
Published: March 2024

The Upper Jurassic carbonate aquifer in the German Molasse Basin (S Germany) below Munich is the focus of exploitation of geothermal energy. To implement geothermal wells, meaningful prediction of reservoir quality (e.g., volume, temperature, location of aquifers, porosity, permeability) is required. However, permeability of this aquifer is often highly heterogeneous and anisotropic, as in other karst- and fracture systems. Based on geophysical well logs from six wells, a 3D porosity model, and side-wall cores, we provide a comprehensive characterisation of the reservoir. We investigate the correlation between rock porosity and matrix permeability, and the impact of hyper-facies on fractures and karstification. We locate and analyse hydraulic active zones and compare them with hydraulic inactive zones within equivalent depth ranges, to characterise promising exploration targets. We show that fracture system parameters vary strongly between wells and within a single well. However, we observe local trends between the fracture systems and rock properties. For instance, fracture intensities and compressional wave velocity increase, while porosity decreases, in dolomitic reefal build-ups (massive facies). We observed substantial karstification dominantly within the massive facies. The main indicators for hydraulic active zones in the reservoir seem to be karstification, fractures, and fault zones. Although matrix porosity has neglectable impact on permeability, the identified hydraulic active zones appear more frequently in sections with higher porosity. We conclude, similar to previous studies, that the massive facies is a suitable exploitation target. Despite the favourable conditions within the massive facies, the strongest hydraulic active zones are nevertheless in the bedded facies, often considered as aquitard, directly below the top of the reservoir within the lithostratigraphic group of the Purbeck, at the transition between the Jurassic and the Cretaceous.
Ensilage using Leuconostoc lactis and Weissella confusa reduces microbial risk and enhances hygienic quality of whole-crop corn
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Xinbao , Liu Haopeng , Jing Zhaodi , Yin Xuejing , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Shao Tao
Published: March 2024

This study combined applied PICRUSt2 and BugBase tools to evaluate the effects of these two strains on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, potential microbial risk and hygienic quality of whole-crop corn (WCC) silage. Fresh WCC harvested at the dough stage was ensiled with distilled water (CON),Leuconostoc lactis(LS) andWeissella confusa(WA) for 2, 4, 8, 15 and 30 days. After ensiling, all WCC silages presented desirable fermentation with high lactic acid andLactobacillusproportions, low pH and ammonia nitrogen levels and absent butyric acid. Ensiling decreased the complexity of bacterial co-occurrence networks, and theLc. lactisandW. confusainoculation further decreased the complexity. The inoculation ofW. confusasuppressed the most pathogenic pathways and related modules associated with zoonosis. In bacterial phenotype predicted analysis, although CON had lower proportions of ‘Potentially pathogenic’ than fresh material, this undesirable phenotype declined to negligible levels via LS and WA inoculation. Even for well-fermented WCC silages, the risk of pathogens remained after 30 days of ensiling. Therefore, WA could be developed as a promising fast start-up inoculant for reducing pathogenic contamination and improving hygienic quality of silage.

Graphical Abstract
Genomic susceptibility to gastric cancer in Northwest Iran: population-based and case–control studies
Authors: Aghghaleh Homa Akhavan , Ranji Najmeh , Habibollahi Hadi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The age-standardized incidence rate for gastric cancer is estimated to be 11.1% worldwide and 39.1% for Ardabil province in northwest Iran. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur in coding and non-coding regions, contributing to cancer susceptibility. To identify SNPs predisposing individuals to gastric cancer in this region, we compared 263 variants between the Ardabil population and other populations.

Materials and methods

Whole exome sequencing was used to determine the distribution of variants in the genomic DNA of 150 volunteers (aged < 35 years) from the general population of Ardabil. We compared allele frequencies with databases such as Iranome, Alfa, GnomAD, and 1000G, and statistically analyzed their correlation with age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) for gastric cancer in related populations using the Pearson correlation test. Some findings were validated using Sanger-based PCR-Sequencing. We determined the frequency of seventeen variants among 150 individuals with gastric cancer and 150 healthy volunteers (matched for age and sex) as the control group.

Results

Nineteen variants, including rs10061133, rs1050631, rs12220909, rs12983273, rs1695, rs2274223, rs2292832, rs2294008, rs2505901, rs2976391, rs33927012, rs3744037, rs3745469, rs4789936, rs4986790, rs4986791, rs6194, rs63750447, and rs6505162, were found to be significantly different between the general population of Ardabil and other populations. Among them, the variants rs1050631, rs12983273, rs1695, rs2274223, rs2292832, rs2505901, rs33927012, rs374569, and rs6505162 showed significant differences between the cases and controls.

Discussion

In this study, 17 variants appeared to be involved in the etiology of the high frequency of gastric cancer in the Ardabil population. Some of the observed differences were consistent with previous case–control and meta-analysis reports from various parts of the world. These findings motivate further cohort investigations in this population. Ultimately, identifying prognostic factors can help diagnose individuals predisposed to gastric cancer in this population.
Size-dependent effects of niosomes on the penetration of methotrexate in skin layers
Authors: Soni Sakshi , Baghel Kalpana , Soni Murari Lal , Kashaw Sushil K. , Soni Vandana
Published: March 2024

Background

Niosomes hold promise as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, with niosome size impacting stability, biodistribution, and effectiveness. This study optimized methotrexate (MTX)-loaded niosome formulation by studying the effects of components and processing conditions on size. The niosomes formulation was made by the thin-film hydration technique.

Results

The optimized formulation (NIO 17) with a 6:2:2 ratio of span 60, soya PC, and cholesterol achieved 55.05% methotrexate encapsulation, particle size 597.2 nm, PDI 0.49, and zeta potential − 23.3 mV. The compatibility of methotrexate with lipids was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical, well-dispersed vesicles. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated methotrexate conversion or entrapment within vesicles. In vitro release exhibited a sustained pattern with an initial burst. NIO 17 showed potent anti-cancer activity against B16-F10 cells (GI50: 38.7176 μg/mL). Ex vivo studies suggest tailoring niosome size (597.2–982.3 nm) to target specific skin depths (0–38 μm) for enhanced localized drug delivery.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of methotrexate-loaded niosomes as a novel cancer therapy approach, highlighting the potent anti-cancer activity and transdermal delivery potential of NIO 17. Further research is necessary to explore its clinical translation.

Graphical abstract
Thyroid abscess presenting as a discharging sinus: a case report
Authors: Singh Vibha , Soni Annanya , Jotdar Arijit , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: March 2024

Background

It is unusual to get an isolated thyroid abscess. Thyroid abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis accounts for 0.7–1% of all instances of thyroid diseases. The thyroid gland typically has a high level of iodine, a well-enveloped capsule, and resistance to infections. The diagnosis and treatment of this unusual entity are covered in this paper.

Case presentation.

An adult male patient presented with anterior neck swelling for 15 days and pus discharge for 2 days. The neck ultrasound revealed characteristics that could indicate a thyroid abscess. The thyroid function test and other laboratory data were within normal bounds. A neck contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan was performed, and it only revealed a single thyroid abscess and no other abnormalities. After starting the patient on intravenous antibiotics, the abscess was incised and drained. The patient’s symptoms got better.

Conclusion

In the era of advanced antibiotics incidence of thyroid abscess is extremely rare. Early diagnosis and intervention may improve the outcome of this condition. Knowledge of disease and its potential complications can prevent morbidity.
A robust numerical method based on a deep-learning operator for solving the 2D acoustic wave equation
Authors: Chang Yunfan , Yang Dinghui , He Xijun
Published: March 2024

The numerical solution of a wave equation plays a crucial role in computational geophysics problems, which forms the foundation of inverse problems and directly impacts the high-precision imaging results of earth models. However, common numerical methods often lead to significant computational and storage requirements. Due to the heavy reliance on forward-modeling methods in inversion techniques, particularly full-waveform inversion, enhancing the computational efficiency and reducing the storage demands of traditional numerical methods have become key issues in computational geophysics. We develop the deep Lax-Wendroff correction (DeepLWC) method, a deep-learning-based numerical format for solving 2D hyperbolic wave equations. DeepLWC combines the advantages of traditional numerical schemes with a deep neural network. We provide a detailed comparison of this method with the representative traditional Lax-Wendroff correction method. Our numerical results indicate that the DeepLWC significantly improves the calculation speed (by more than 10 times) and reduces the space needed for storage by more than 10,000 times compared with traditional numerical methods. In contrast to the more popular physics-informed neural network method, DeepLWC maximizes the advantages of traditional mathematical methods in solving partial differential equations and uses a new sampling approach, leading to improved accuracy and faster computations. It is particularly worth pointing out that DeepLWC introduces a novel research paradigm for numerical equation solving, which can be combined with various traditional numerical methods, enabling acceleration and reduction in the storage requirements of conventional approaches.
Impact of Broadening Trial Eligibility Criteria on the Inclusion of Patients With Brain Metastases in Cancer Clinical Trials: Time Series Analyses for 2012-2022
Authors: Xiao Hong , Vaidya Riha , Hershman Dawn L. , Unger Joseph M.
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

In October 2017, an ASCO, Friends of Cancer Research (FoCR), and US Food and Drug Administration (ASCO/FoCR/FDA) task force recommended that common eligibility criteria be modified to make trials more inclusive. We examined whether patterns of exclusions regarding patients with brain metastases changed over time in relation to these recommendations.

METHODS

Trial eligibility criteria were abstracted from ClinicalTrials.gov for phase I-III US-based interventional clinical trials for patients with advanced breast, colorectal, lung, or melanoma cancers from January 2012 to December 2022. Trials were examined to determine whether patients with brain metastases were not excluded, conditionally excluded (ie, excluded in some circumstances), or wholly excluded. An interrupted time series analysis with multinomial logistic regression was used to determine whether the ASCO/FoCR/FDA recommendations were associated with changes in brain metastases criteria.

RESULTS

We evaluated N = 3,077 trials. Patients with brain metastases were not excluded in 506 trials (16.4%), conditionally excluded in 2,263 trials (73.5%), and wholly excluded in 308 trials (10.0%). In the postrecommendation period, we estimated a 68% increase in the odds of brain metastases not excluded compared with conditionally excluded (odds ratio, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.06 to 2.66], P = .03). The proportion of trials in which patients with brain metastases were not excluded increased (from 11.5% v 17.3%) and conditionally excluded decreased (from 82.3% to 75.2%, P = .03). We found no difference in the proportion of trials in which patients with brain metastases were wholly excluded (7.5% v 6.2%, P = .42).

CONCLUSION

The ASCO/FoCR/FDA task force recommendations were associated with a shift in patterns of brain metastases exclusion criteria from conditionally excluded to not excluded. These findings demonstrate that the cancer clinical trial community has begun to change the way trials are written to be more inclusive.
A Scoping Review of the Mechanisms Underlying Developmental Anesthetic Neurotoxicity
Authors: Borzage Matthew Thomas , Peterson Bradley S.
Published: March 2024

Although anesthesia makes painful or uncomfortable diagnostic and interventional health care procedures tolerable, it may also disrupt key cellular processes in neurons and glia, harm the developing brain, and thereby impair cognition and behavior in children. Many years of studies using in vitro, animal behavioral, retrospective database studies in humans, and several prospective clinical trials in humans have been invaluable in discerning the potential toxicity of anesthetics. The objective of this scoping review was to synthetize the evidence from preclinical studies for various mechanisms of toxicity across diverse experimental designs and relate their findings to those of recent clinical trials in real-world settings.
Sounding Together
Authors: Wilson Dave
Published: March 2024

This article reflects on the participation of humans and other species as listening and sounding entities in creating sonic environments. The article offers a preliminary reflexive consideration of the author’s current composition-improvisation project, discussing how the project’s pieces transform and transport particular sonic environments of the author’s experience to new settings. The author meditates through birdsong on what it sounds like to compose, improvise, and perform with the sonic affordances of our surroundings. The article suggests that extensions of interspecies and interhuman acoustic assemblages and sonic affordances in composition and improvisation can bring overlapping elements of world-making projects into focus and open up potentialities for new ones. In the article, the author blends reflection with musical description and analysis of one of the project’s pieces, refusing to situate nature as other and rejecting a posture that uses nonhuman sound for personal (human) benefit. By focusing on the edge effects of the overlapping world-making projects at the site of the Zealandia Te Mārā a Tāne Wildlife Sanctuary in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, and on challenging settler colonial listening practices, the article reflects on the implications of sharing spaces with other humans and with countless species beyond our own.
Inter-plane feedback coordinates cell morphogenesis and maintains 3D tissue organization in the Drosophila pupal retina
Authors: Sun Xiao , Decker Jacob , Sanchez-Luege Nicelio , Rebay Ilaria
Published: March 2024

How complex organs coordinate cellular morphogenetic events to achieve three-dimensional (3D) form is a central question in development. The question is uniquely tractable in the late Drosophila pupal retina, where cells maintain stereotyped contacts as they elaborate the specialized cytoskeletal structures that pattern the apical, basal and longitudinal planes of the epithelium. In this study, we combined cell type-specific genetic manipulation of the cytoskeletal regulator Abelson (Abl) with 3D imaging to explore how the distinct cellular morphogenetic programs of photoreceptors and interommatidial pigment cells (IOPCs) organize tissue pattern to support retinal integrity. Our experiments show that photoreceptor and IOPC terminal differentiation is unexpectedly interdependent, connected by an intercellular feedback mechanism that coordinates and promotes morphogenetic change across orthogonal tissue planes to ensure correct 3D retinal pattern. We propose that genetic regulation of specialized cellular differentiation programs combined with inter-plane mechanical feedback confers spatial coordination to achieve robust 3D tissue morphogenesis.
Measuring Absolute Income Mobility: Lessons from North America and Europe
Authors: Manduca Robert , Hell Maximilian , Adermon Adrian , Blanden Jo , Bratberg Espen , Gielen Anne C. , van Kippersluis Hans , Lee Keunbok , Machin Stephen , Munk Martin D. , Nybom Martin , Ostrovsky Yuri , Rahman Sumaiya , Sirniö Outi
Published: March 2024

We use linked parent–child administrative data for five countries in North America and Europe, as well as detailed survey data for two more, to investigate methodological challenges in the estimation of absolute income mobility. We show that the commonly used “copula and marginals” approximation methods perform well across countries in our sample, and the greatest challenges to their accuracy stem not from assumptions about relative mobility rates over time but from the use of nonrepresentative marginal income distributions. We also provide a multicountry analysis of sensitivity to specification decisions related to age of income measurement, income concept, family structure, and price index. (JEL D31, G51, I31, J12, J31, J62)
Molecular basis of human polyA polymerase recruitment by mPSF
Authors: Todesca Sofia , Sandmeir Felix , Keidel Achim , Conti Elena
Published: March 2024

3' end processing of most eukaryotic pre-mRNAs is a crucial co-transcriptional process that generally involves the cleavage and polyadenylation of the precursor transcripts. Within the human 3’ end processing machinery, the 4-subunit mammalian polyadenylation specificity factor (mPSF) recognizes the polyadenylation signal (PAS) in the pre-mRNA and recruits the polyA polymerase α (PAPOA) to it. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms of PAPOA recruitment to mPSF, we used a combination of cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) single-particle analysis, computational structure prediction andin vitrobiochemistry to reveal an intricate interaction network. A short linear motif in the mPSF subunit FIP1 interacts with the structured core of human PAPOA, with a binding mode that is evolutionary conserved from yeast to human. In higher eukaryotes, however, PAPOA contains a conserved C-terminal motif that can interact intramolecularly with the same residues of the PAPOA structured core used to bind FIP1. Interestingly, using biochemical assay and cryo-EM structural analysis, we found that the PAPOA C-terminal motif can also directly interact with mPSF at the subunit CPSF160. These results show that PAPOA recruitment to mPSF is mediated by two distinct intermolecular connections and further suggest the presence of mutually exclusive interactions in the regulation of 3' end processing.
Case Report: Temporary management of delayed postoperative hypotony with Baerveldt tube: Ab Interno stenting using 3-0 nylon suture
Authors: Elubous Khaled A. , Saheb Hady
Published: March 2024

Background To describe the management of delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal detachment in a 79-year-old female patient with advanced pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma. Case The patient, refractory to maximal medical therapy, underwent Baerveldt tube implantation with a ripcord using a 4-0 nylon suture. Ripcord removal and the reintroduction of antiglaucoma medication were initiated in response to a hypertensive phase. Delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusions were managed through ab interno stenting of the tube, employing a 3-0 nylon suture. Ab interno stenting of the tube, employing a short segment of 3-0 nylon suture, initially addressed delayed postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusions. However, recurrence of hypotony and choroidal detachment occurred as the short stent descended into the anterior chamber. To manage the recurrent hypotony, Baerveldt tube truncation was performed, along with re-stenting of the tube using a longer 3-0 Nylon ripcord. Conclusions While ab interno occlusion with a short segment of 3-0 nylon suture may offer temporary hypotony control, the risk of segment descent warranted the use of a longer ripcord to enhance efficacy and stability.
Effect of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) on Prostate Health: Narrative Review
Authors: Alzahrani Meshari A. , Abunohaiah Ibrahim , Altuwaijry Yousuf , Alahmadi Muath , Qasim Osama , Alzahrani Abdulaziz , Loni Shamshad Begum , Shareef Mohammed , Almannie Raed , Binsaleh Saleh
Published: March 2024

A growing amount of research is shedding light on functional foods and nutritional supplements’ potential health and disease-preventative advantages. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), an esteemed nutraceutical herb, is well-known for its multiple health advantages among health-conscious individuals, researchers, and pharmaceutical businesses. Black cumin and its principal bioactive ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ), have been found to lower oxidative stress and inflammation, while also enhancing immunological function, cellular viability, and energy metabolism. They protect against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, reproductive, and neurological diseases, as well as cancer. Black cumin works as a countermeasure to minimize the toxicity and side effects of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the possible effects of black cumin on prostate health and disorders like benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are not well understood. This narrative review seeks to reveal knowledge gaps. This study intends to guide future research into the possible uses of black cumin and TQ in prostate health and illness.
Factors associated with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among hospitalized children in Thammasat University Hospital
Authors: Bunjoungmanee Pornumpa , Sompoch Samita , Tangsathapornpong Auchara , Kulalert Prapasri
Published: March 2024

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most significant respiratory pathogens that causes acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) early in life. Most children have a history of RSV infection within 24 months of age, and recurrent infections are common throughout life. Methods Children under five years of age were identified through a review of medical records with a diagnosis of RSV-LRTI between 2016 and 2020. Severe RSV-LRTI was defined as a prolonged length of stay (> 7 days), admission to the intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, or in-hospital mortality. Factors associated with severe RSV-LRTIs were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results During the study period, 620 patients were diagnosed with RSV-LRTI and 240 (40.16%) patients had severe RSV-LRTI. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the factors for severe RSV-LRTI were being under 3 months (aOR 2.18 CI 1.39-3.43, p0.001), cardiovascular disease (aOR 3.55 CI 1.56-8.06, p0.002), gastrointestinal disease (aOR 5.91 CI 1.90-18.46, p0.002), genetic disease (aOR 7.33 CI 1.43-37.54, p0.017), and pulmonary disease (aOR 9.50, CI 4.56-19.80, p<0.001). Additionally, the presence of ≥ 2 co-morbidities (aOR 6.23 CI 2.81-14.81, p<0.016), experiencing illness for more than 5 days (aOR 3.33 CI 2.19-5.06, p<0.001), co-detection of influenza (aOR 8.62 CI 1.49-38.21, p0.015), and nosocomial RSV infection (aOR 9.13 CI 1.98-41.30, p0.012), markedly increased the risk of severe RSV-LTRI. The severe RSV-LRTI group demonstrated higher hospitalization expenses (median, US $720.77 vs $278.00, respectively; p<0.001), and three infants died in-hospital. Conclusion Children at high risk for RSV-LRTI due to underlying genetic and gastrointestinal diseases are at an increased risk for severe RSV-LRTI. Further studies to determine the cost-effectiveness of RSV immunization in these potential co-morbidities should be initiated to prioritize RSV immunization, especially in resource-constrained regions with limited availability of nirsevimab.
Animal Venoms as Potential Source of Anticonvulsants
Authors: Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Liew Anthony Kin Yip , Othman Iekhsan , Shaikh Farooq
Published: March 2024

Abstract* Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, and there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective therapeutic agents. Animal venoms contain diverse bioactive compounds like proteins, peptides, and small molecules, which may possess medicinal properties against epilepsy. In recent years, research has shown that venoms from various organisms such as spiders, ants, bees, wasps, and conus snails have anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects by targeting specific receptors and ion channels. This review underscores the significance of purified proteins and toxins from these sources as potential therapeutic agents for epilepsy. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the valuable role of animal venoms as a natural resource for further exploration in epilepsy treatment research.
Utilization of marketing automation tools for delivery of a faculty development curriculum
Authors: Michael Sarah H. , Brevik Cody , Miller Danielle T. , Hitt-Laustsen Jessica , Kendall John L.
Published: March 2024

Background Physician clinical educators play important roles in teaching, providing feedback, and evaluating trainees, but they often have variable preparation and competing demands on their time that make universal participation in workshops, seminars, or short courses designed to foster these skillsets inefficient or impossible. Methods We designed and implemented a 52-week synchronous curriculum designed to address faculty opportunities to improve teaching skills, feedback for residents and medical students, and evaluation skills, which were delivered using marketing automation tools, including text messaging and email. We evaluated the programmatic impact and feasibility of using the implementation science framework. Results Over a 104-week evaluation period, there were at least 10,499 total content impressions and 4558 unique recipients, indicating the significant reach of this program to approximately 120 faculty members. Faculty engagement with continuing education materials remained stable or increased over the 2-year evaluation period, indicating that programs like ours can have sustainable impacts. Resident evaluations of faculty across the six key domains also improved after the implementation of the program. Conclusions Our experience with digital marketing tools reflects that they can be used to deliver impactful curricular content to faculty for continuing educational purposes and that faculty can use these resources in a sustainable way. However, because of the incomplete reach with any single communication, this type of content delivery is not appropriate for isolation as a material of critical importance. More research is needed to identify the best practices and additional education-related uses of this technology.
Experience of focused workshop intervention in presentation skills - Importance of foundational skills for ophthalmologists in training
Authors: Snigdha Snigdha , Pathengay Avinash , Pandey Shefali , Prakasam Ruby Kala , Mocherla Shobha
Published: March 2024

Background The study was conducted to assess the impact of a workshop intervention designed to enhance presentation skills of ophthalmology fellows. Methods A 10-hour workshop was conducted for ophthalmology trainees. Trainees were invited via email to participate by preparing a five-minute slide presentation and presenting it in person. Trainees from the fellowship 2022 batch (19 females and ten males) were included in the study. Participants completed a self-rating questionnaire to assess improvement in their presentation skills at different time points: Pre-Workshop (after introduction), During the Workshop (after trainee presentation), End-Workshop Intervention (after conclusion of all presentations), and Post-Workshop (scope of improvement). The self-rating questionnaire utilized a ten-point rating scale (1–10) and evaluated properties and content (PC) and soft skills (SS). Data were analysed using SPSS software. Friedman and post-hoc tests compared self-ratings at four time points. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. Results The self-rating scores indicated presentation skills PC and SS significantly (Friedman Test, p<0.001) improved at the post-workshop self-rating (PC4 and SS4) compared to earlier time points (PC1, PC2, PC3 and SS1, SS2, SS3). Conclusions Presentation skills empower medical professionals to better communicate with diverse audiences, demonstrating their currency in medical knowledge, lobbying for correct understanding, and bringing praxis to pedagogy. The findings support the integration of similar workshops into medical curricula to foster well-rounded medical professionals.
A general-purpose code for correlated sampling using batch statistics with MCNP6 for fixed-source problems
Authors: Favorite Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2024

Background Correlated sampling can be applied with batch statistics using MCNP6’s tally fluctuation chart (TFC) to reduce the uncertainty of a difference of tallies between a base case and a perturbed case without modifying the source code. The cases are correlated if they are run with the same random number sequence. Equations implemented Equations used to apply correlated sampling to the difference of two tallies are summarized from previous work. Equations used to apply correlated sampling to a ratio of two tallies, to the difference of two tallies divided by a third tally, and to other combinations of ratios are presented. New computer code A general-purpose, command-line-driven computer program, COSUBS (Correlated Sampling Using Batch Statistics), is presented that reads MCNP6 TFCs from output files and applies these equations. The user specifies the input relative perturbation, if desired, and any normalization tally, if desired. Example problems show how to run COSUBS and interpret the output.
Positionality statements in science
Authors: Karhulahti Veli-Matti
Published: March 2024

The goal of this essay is to clarify positionality as an epistemological scientific concept and address related misunderstandings to help researchers assess whether statements thereof contribute to their work.
Learning from bereaved parents
Authors: Patel Mehali , Clark Julia
Published: March 2024

Mehali Patel and Julia Clark discuss the Sands Listening Project, and what was learnt from the experiences of Black and Asian bereaved parents
Immediate effects of lateral truncal tilt balance training with and without a wedge on subjective postural vertical and sitting balance in patients with subacute stroke: a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Sawa Kota , Amimoto Kazu , Ishigami Keisuke , Miyamoto Takuya , Setoyama Chika , Suzuki Rikuya , Miyagami Mitsusuke , Fukata Kazuhiro
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims

The subjective postural vertical is an important factor in maintaining sitting balance. However, specific training to improve verticality and sitting balance has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of lateral truncal tilt training, using a wedge, on subjective postural vertical, subjective postural vertical with eyes open and sitting balance in patients with subacute stroke.

Methods

In this randomised crossover trial, the immediate effects of lateral truncal tilt training were examined. Participants were allocated to one of two groups (group 1 and group 2). In group 1, after placing an inclined 10° tilt wedge on the participants' affected side, the participants moved their trunk laterally as far as possible toward the wedge side 60 times within 2 minutes. The participants in group 2 performed the same movement but without the wedge. This was performed once. The participants' subjective postural vertical, subjective postural vertical with eyes open and sitting pressure while they were tilted toward the frontal plane were measured at baseline, after the first intervention and after the second intervention. Following a 1-hour break, the groups crossed over. Repetition analysis was used at baseline and after both groups had competed the intervention both with and without the wedge.

Results

In total, 18 patients (mean age 68.7 years) participated in this study. Variabilities in subjective postural vertical with eyes open indicated a greater decrease in group 1 than group 2 (P<0.01). A significantly larger improvement in the balancing capabilities in the subjective postural vertical and sitting pressure was observed (P<0.01). The sitting pressure on the affected side in the subjective postural vertical with eyes open and subjective postural vertical showed a pre- and post-training interaction (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Lateral truncal tilt balance training using a wedge can improve postural verticality and improve sitting balance in people who have had a stroke.

Implications for practice

Stroke rehabilitation programmes can include wedge training to improve posture and sitting balance in people who have had a stroke, which can help these individuals to complete activities of daily living.
Physics-informed Neural Networks for the Resolution of Analysis Problems in Electromagnetics
Authors: Barmada S. , Barba P. Di , Formisano A. , Mognaschi M. E. , Tucci M.
Published: March 2024

Learning from examples is the golden rule in the construction of behavioral models using neural networks (NN). When NN are trained to simulate physical equations, the tight enforcement of such laws is not guaranteed by the training process. In addition, there can be situations in which providing enough examples for a reliable training can be difficult, if not impossible. To alleviate these drawbacks of NN, recently a class of NN incorporating physical behavior has been proposed. Such NN are called “physics-informed neural networks” (PINN). In this contribution, their application to direct electromagnetic (EM) problems will be presented, and a formulation able to minimize an integral error will be introduced.
Design of a New Balanced Side Slotted Vivaldi Antenna with Director using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Hu Yuxu , Zhan Aiyun
Published: March 2024

Generally, side slotting and directional techniques can improve the performance of a conventional Vivaldi antenna (CVA), but the optimal structure and distribution of slots and directors may be irregular or even complex, requiring significant manual effort, thus limiting the design possibilities. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced to assist in designing and optimizing a new type of balanced side slotted Vivaldi antenna with director (SSVAD). The methods of artificial intelligence make the process of searching for the optimal structure of such a multi-objective and multi-dimensional problem simpler and more diverse. The GA-generated SSVAD antenna consists of a CVA and 34 slots with varying lengths, as well as 5 metal strips. It has a compact size of 38.2×49×0.8 mm3 (or 0.32λL×0.41λL×0.007λL, where λL is the lowest operating frequency of 2.48 GHz). The measured results show that the antenna has a peak gain >0 dBi over 2.48-10.88 GHz and >5 dBi over 4.6-10.88 GHz with S11<-10 dB standard, and exhibits directional characteristics at most of the operating frequencies. Since the measured results are basically consistent with the simulation ones, the effectiveness of the designed scheme has been proven.
CPW-Fed UWB-MIMO Antenna with Triple-band Notched and High Isolation using Double Y-shaped Decoupling Structure
Authors: Du Chenzhu , Peng Huanchen
Published: March 2024

A ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna using double Y-shaped decoupling structure with high isolation and triple notched-band is presented. The designed antenna composed of two orthogonally placed monopole elements, coplanar ground and double Y-shaped branch. The defected substrate structure is used to achieve miniaturization. By slotting successively C-shaped slot, semi-circular slot and rectangular slot on the radiation patch and the ground, achieved three notched bands at 3.5 GHz WiMAX, 5.25 GHz WLAN, and 7.5 GHz X-band. The proposed antenna can operate in range of 2.56-12 GHz with triple notched bands of 3.31-3.96 GHz, 4.58-5.67 GHz and 6.57-8.16 GHz. Considering all the results, it can be concluded that the antenna presented has a great performance in terms of good radiation, high isolation (>24 dB), a low level ECC (<0.01) and a high DG level (>9.99), which proves the presented antenna has good prospect in UWB-MIMO systems.
Analytical Model of an E-core Driver-pickup Coils Probe Applied to Eddy Current Testing of Multilayer Conductor
Authors: Zhang Siquan
Published: March 2024

An analytical model of an E-core driver-pickup coils probe located above a multilayer conductor containing a hidden cylindrical conductor is presented. The truncated region eigenfunction expansion (TREE) method is used to deal with the axial symmetry problem, and the closed-form final expression of the induced voltage in the pickup coil is derived. The changes of the induced voltage in the pickup coil due to the hidden cylindrical conductor are examined and calculated in Mathematica. Experiments and finite element simulations are performed and the results are compared with the analytical results, and they are in good agreement.
Transcendent Images: Saintly Devotion, Art, and Indigenous Sovereignty in Oaxacan Transnational Migration
Authors: Lamrani Myriam
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: On their journey to the United States, Oaxacan migrants often turn to various saints, whom they affectionately refer to as their "images," to seek protection and safe passage on the other side of the border. In this essay, I consider the interplay between figures of devotion and other images to theorize the multifaceted connections between religious and artistic representations of the saints within the context of migration. Through the analysis of two stories—one involving "illegalized" migration, the other "legalized" migrant devotees—where several saints intervene, I examine these images through the concept of transcendence. Here, transcendence encapsulates the saints' remarkable ability to extend beyond their physical images through different media as they move across borders while reshaping temporal and geographical timelines beyond colonial narratives. I argue that, as devotees call upon the saints to creatively redraw manifold connections between faith, migration, and sovereignty through the reconfiguration of affective and historical geographies, these transcendent images also help migrants re-imagine their indigenous identities to ultimately reframe the established imperialist cartographies. RESUMEN: En sus viajes hacia los Estados Unidos, los migrantes oaxaqueños recurren a menudo a varios santos, a quienes cariñosamente se refieren como sus «imágenes», para buscar protección y un paso seguro al otro lado de la frontera. En este ensayo, evalúo la interrelación entre las figuras de devoción y otras imágenes para teorizar las conexiones multifacéticas entre las representaciones religiosas y artísticas de los santos en contexto de migración. A través del análisis de dos historias – una de migración «ilegalizada» y otra que involucra a devotos migrantes «legalizados» – donde intervienen varios santos, investigo estas imágenes a través del concepto de trascendencia. Aquí, la trascendencia encapsula la estupenda capacidad de los santos para extenderse más allá de sus imágenes físicas a través de diferentes medios mientras se desplazan a través de fronteras, reconfigurando líneas temporales y geográficas más allá de las narrativas coloniales. Argumento que, a medida que los devotos invocan a los santos para redescribir creativamente las múltiples conexiones entre la fe, la migración y la soberanía mediante la reconfiguración de geografías afectivas e históricas, estas imágenes trascendentes también ayudan a los migrantes a reimaginar sus identidades indígenas para, en última instancia, replantear las cartografías imperialistas establecidas.
The Madness of Mold: Ecogothic in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables
Authors: Myers Joshua
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s description of a New England mansion in The House of the Seven Gables (1851) relies on well-established gothic tropes that ghost certain environmental incidents and characters’ reactions to them. In turn, natural encroachment on human structures seems an otherworldly and unlikely phenomenon. This rhetorical move eases tension in stories where buildings symbolize U.S. success at mastering the landscape but also reveals architecture’s constant vulnerability to outdoor elements. This article examines Hawthorne’s depictions of decay to argue that widespread and resilient fungi, most usually mold, underscore human anxieties about the environment lurking amid portrayals of gothic structures like the famed seven-gabled house. Conditions of rot suggest the impermanence of buildings and, by extension, the limits of conquering the natural world, exhibiting an ecological reality that appears less troubling when represented through ghastly but impossible incidents. In Hawthorne’s novel, the haunting presence of fungal forms in materials, both inside the house and in the surrounding area, suggests failed ambitions and a passing socioeconomic status, so that the story transforms decay into spectral manifestation. An ecogothic reading thus highlights how sometimes unseen biological realities, such as conditions for fungal growth, enhance supernatural and existential horrors while also distracting from concerns about nature’s long-term damaging of human structures like houses. Like the mold it studies, this essay treats the psychology of domestic spaces (a major Hawthornean theme) as permeable by showing that the novel’s gloomy atmosphere, ghostly hauntings, alleged curses, and other fantastical events are enhanced by the presence of a veiled ecological catalyst.