bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of plasma circulating KRAS mutations as a predictive biomarker for targeted treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Mi Rim , Woo Sang Myung , Kim Min Kyeong , Han Sung‐Sik , Park Sang‐Jae , Lee Woo Jin , Lee Dong‐eun , Choi Sun Il , Choi Wonyoung , Yoon Kyong‐Ah , Chun Jung Won , Kim Yun‐Hee , Kong Sun‐Young
Published: February 2024

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations in circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) have been reported as representative noninvasive prognostic markers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we aimed to evaluate single KRAS mutations as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with an emphasis on potential therapeutic approaches to PDAC. A total of 128 patients were analyzed for multiple or single KRAS mutations (G12A, G12C, G12D, G12R, G12S, G12V, and G13D) in their tumors and plasma using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Overall, KRAS mutations were detected by multiplex ddPCR in 119 (93%) of tumor DNA and 68 (53.1%) of ctDNA, with a concordance rate of 80% between plasma ctDNA and tumor DNA in the metastatic stage, which was higher than the 44% in the resectable stage. Moreover, the prognostic prediction of both overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) was more relevant using plasma ctDNA than tumor DNA. Further, we evaluated the selective tumor‐suppressive efficacy of the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib in a patient‐derived organoid (PDO) from a KRAS G12C‐mutated patient using a patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model. Sotorasib showed selective inhibition in vitro and in vivo with altered tumor microenvironment, including fibroblasts and macrophages. Collectively, screening for KRAS single mutations in plasma ctDNA and the use of preclinical models of PDO and PDX with genetic mutations would impact precision medicine in the context of PDAC.
Adoptive parent linguistics: Links to adoptees' relationships with their birth mother
Authors: Wright Anna W. , Lo Albert Y. H. , McGinnis Hollee , Leslie Carine , Grotevant Harold D.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study addressed whether specific linguistic variables used by adoptive parents were associated with ratings of the adoptee's relationship with their birth mothers.

Background

Parents transmit their beliefs and values to children through verbal and nonverbal communication. The ways in which adoptive parents discuss their child's adoption and birth family can influence the child's adoptive identity development and satisfaction with their adoption arrangements.

Method

Participants included mothers, fathers, and adolescents (M age = 15.7 years) in 177 adoptive families of children who were adopted domestically as infants by same‐race parents. The Linguistic Analysis and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015) program was used to code adoptive parents' interviews regarding their thoughts and feelings about adoption and their child's birth family. Adolescents' views of birth mothers were coded from their interviews.

Results

There were significant differences in linguistic patterns when adoptive parents discussed adoption generally compared to when they discussed their child's birth family. Specific linguistic variables used by adoptive mothers and fathers were significantly associated with adopted adolescents' perceptions and feelings towards their birth mothers.
Investigation of the effects of colour on the user's fabric handle perception and warm/cool feeling
Authors: Atav Rıza , Keskin Seda
Published: February 2024

Colour has been an indispensable element for humanity from past to present. Colour, which in the past was used only to add visual appeal and to differentiate from others, is now also used for various functional purposes (such as textiles that change colour with heat). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the fabric colour has an effect on the handle perception and warm/cool feeling of the user. Studies have shown that, in subjective evaluations, fabrics with warm colours (yellow, red and orange) cause softer and warmer feeling than those with cool colours (blue, green and purple). In fact, considering that there is no statistically significant difference between the handle and temperature values determined by objective test methods, it can be said that this perception may arise from the psychological effect of colour. All these results reveal that colour, beyond adding visual appreciation to the fabric, also has an effect on handle perception and warm/cool feeling, which play an important role in the purchasing process for customers.
Economic insecurity and the demand for populism in Europe
Authors: Guiso L. , Herrera H. , Morelli M. , Sonno T.
Published: February 2024

We document the spiral of populism in Europe and the direct and indirect role of economic insecurity shocks. Using survey data on individual voting, we make two contributions to the literature. (i) Economic insecurity shocks have a significant impact on the populist vote share, directly as demand for protection, and indirectly through the induced changes in trust and attitudes. (ii) A key consequence of increased economic insecurity is a drop in turnout. The impact of this largely neglected turnout effect is substantial: conditional on voting, when economic insecurity increases, almost 40% of the induced change in the vote for a populist party comes from the turnout channel.
Classification of intrusion cyber‐attacks in smart power grids using deep ensemble learning with metaheuristic‐based optimization
Authors: Naeem Hamad , Ullah Farhan , Srivastava Gautam
Published: February 2024

The most advanced power grid design, known as a ‘smart power grid’, integrates information and communication technology (ICT) with a conventional grid system to enable remote management of electricity distribution. The intelligent cyber‐physical architecture enables bidirectional, real‐time data sharing between electricity suppliers and consumers through smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Data protection issues, such as data tampering, firmware exploitation, and the leakage of sensitive information arise due to the smart power grid's substantial reliance on ICT. To maintain reliable and efficient power distribution, these issues must be identified and resolved quickly. Intrusion detection is essential for providing secure services and alerting system administrators in the case of adversary attacks. This paper proposes an intrusion classification scheme that identifies several types of cyber attacks on modern smart power grids. Grey‐Wolf metaheuristic optimization‐based feature selection is used to learn non‐linear, overlapping, and complex electrical grid properties. An extended deep‐stacked ensemble technique is advanced by putting predictions from weak learners (CNNs) into a meta‐learner (MLP). The outcomes of this approach are explained and confirmed using explainable AI (XAI). The publicly available dataset from Mississippi State University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (MSU‐ORNL) is used to conduct experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieved a peak accuracy of 96.6% while scrutinizing the original MSU‐ORNL data feature set and a maximum accuracy of 99% when analysing the selected feature set. Therefore, the proposed intrusion classification scheme may protect smart power grid systems against cyber security attacks.
Land‐use intensity influences European tetrapod food webs
Authors: Botella Christophe , Gaüzère Pierre , O'Connor Louise , Ohlmann Marc , Renaud Julien , Dou Yue , Graham Catherine H. , Verburg Peter H. , Maiorano Luigi , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: February 2024

Land use intensification favours particular trophic groups which can induce architectural changes in food webs. These changes can impact ecosystem functions, services, stability and resilience. However, the imprint of land management intensity on food‐web architecture has rarely been characterized across large spatial extent and various land uses. We investigated the influence of land management intensity on six facets of food‐web architecture, namely apex and basal species proportions, connectance, omnivory, trophic chain lengths and compartmentalization, for 67,051 European terrestrial vertebrate communities. We also assessed the dependency of this influence of intensification on land use and climate. In addition to more commonly considered climatic factors, the architecture of food webs was notably influenced by land use and management intensity. Intensification tended to strongly lower the proportion of apex predators consistently across contexts. In general, intensification also tended to lower proportions of basal species, favoured mesopredators, decreased food webs compartmentalization whereas it increased their connectance. However, the response of food webs to intensification was different for some contexts. Intensification sharply decreased connectance in Mediterranean and Alpine settlements, and it increased basal tetrapod proportions and compartmentalization in Mediterranean forest and Atlantic croplands. Besides, intensive urbanization especially favoured longer trophic chains and lower omnivory. By favouring mesopredators in most contexts, intensification could undermine basal tetrapods, the cascading effects of which need to be assessed. Our results support the importance of protecting top predators where possible and raise questions about the long‐term stability of food webs in the face of human‐induced pressures.
Herbage and sheep production from simple, diverse, and legume pastures established in an agrivoltaic production system
Authors: Andrew Alyssa C. , Higgins Chad W. , Smallman Mary A. , Prado‐Tarango David E. , Rosati Adolfo , Ghajar Shayan , Graham Maggie , Ates Serkan
Published: February 2024

Agrivoltaic systems combine solar energy and agriculture, promoting dual land use. Although grazing sheep in these systems is common, research on intentionally designed pastures to increase production is lacking. This study seeks to compare the herbage growth and lamb production in simple, diverse, and legume pastures in an agrivoltaic system over 2 years in Oregon. Annual herbage production in diverse pastures (4583 kg DM ha−1) was comparable to simple pastures (4457 kg DM ha−1), but higher than legume pastures (p < .05; 4023 kg DM ha−1) for the 2020/2021 growing season. In the 2021/2022 growing season, diverse pastures had a higher yield (4660 kg DM ha−1, p < .05) than simple pastures (4052 kg DM ha−1), which were similar to legume pastures (3955 kg DM ha−1). Liveweight gain (LWG; g head−1 d−1) tended (p = .06) to be higher from lambs in diverse and legume pastures compared to simple pastures in spring 2021. Liveweight production (LWP; kg ha−1 d−1) of legume pasture were greater (P < 0.05) than other pasture types, while simple pastures had the lowest LWP during this period. In summer 2021, LWG tended to be greater in lambs grazing diverse versus simple pastures. No difference was detected (all p > .05) in LWG or LWP at any grazing period in 2022. Overall, efficiency of pasture production was greatly reduced by lower light availability in all pasture types. Diversification of pastures using forbs in agrivoltaics was a good strategy for greater herbage production, while the legume pastures had poor persistence.
Principle and antimicrobial efficacy of laser‐activated irrigation: A narrative review
Authors: Meire Maarten , De Moor Roeland J. G.
Published: February 2024

In the last two decades, the activation of root canal irrigants with pulsed lasers as an adjunct in root canal treatment has become increasingly popular. This narrative review explains the physical basics and the working mechanism of laser‐activated irrigation (LAI), explores the parameters influencing LAI efficacy, considers historical evolutions in the field and summarizes laboratory and clinical evidence with emphasis on the antimicrobial action of LAI. Cavitation is the driving force behind LAI, with growing and imploding vapour bubbles around the laser tip causing various secondary phenomena in the irrigant, leading to intense liquid dynamics throughout the underlying root canal. High‐speed imaging research has shown that laser wavelength, pulse energy, pulse length and fibre tip geometry are parameters that influence this cavitation process. Nevertheless, this has not resulted in standardized settings for LAI. Consequently, there is significant variability in studies assessing LAI efficacy, complicating the synthesis of results. Laboratory studies in extracted teeth suggest that, with regard to canal disinfection, LAI is superior to conventional irrigation and there is a trend of higher antimicrobial efficacy of LAI compared to ultrasonic activation. Clinical evidence is limited to trials demonstrating similar postoperative pain levels after LAI versus no activation or ultrasonic activation. Clinical evidence concerning the effect of LAI on healing of apical periodontitis as yet is scarce.
Structural and socioeconomic features of cities predict migratory bird species richness
Authors: Kinnunen Riikka P. , Fraser Kevin C. , Schmidt Chloé , Garroway Colin J.
Published: February 2024

Cities are aggregates of human activities where our decisions shape the environment creating heterogeneity across urban centers that can have significant ecological effects on wildlife. Many bird species are found in cities during the breeding season, which implies they find sufficient resources in cities to support them during this energetically costly time. As populations of many migratory bird species are declining, knowledge of how they are affected by urbanization is needed. Yet, we know little about how the species richness of migratory birds varies across different types of cities. Here we ask if cities' structural and socioeconomic features can predict the species richness of migratory birds that generally select different breeding habitats during the breeding season. We used eBird data from census‐designated urban areas in the US to model the relationship between features of cities (housing density, median income, city age, and commuting time), environmental disturbance (measured by the human footprint index) and species richness by fitting generalized linear models to data. We show that commuting time was the most important factor determining species richness across cities and the rest of the city features were weakly associated with species richness. Overall species were responding to city variation in similar ways. While we expected that cities with more disturbance would have lower species richness, our results indicate that some species are able to tolerate even highly disturbed cities and that cities in certain regions may act as a refuge to birds. This knowledge is important for our general understanding of cities as habitat for birds and how migratory birds respond to across‐city variation during the breeding season.
Brugada syndrome in Iran: Insights from a 12‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Haghjoo Majid , Askarinejad Amir , Madadi Shabnam , Fazelifar Amirfarjam , Kamali Farzad , Alizadeh‐Diz Abolfath , Emkanjoo Zahra
Published: February 2024

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is characterized by ST‐segment elevation in the right precordial leads, which is not explained by ischemia, electrolyte disturbances, or obvious structural heart disease.

Aim

In present study, we aim to evaluate presentation, long‐term outcome, genetic findings, and therapeutic interventions in patients with BrS.

Methods

Between September 2001 and June 2022, all consecutive patients with diagnosis of BrS were enrolled in the present study. All patients gave written informed consent for the procedure, and the local ethical committee approved the study.

Results

Of the 76 cases, 79% were proband and 21% were detected during screening after diagnosis of BrS in a family member. Thirty‐three (43%) patients had a typical spontaneous electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern. Thirty percent of the patients were symptomatic; symptomatic patients were more likely to have spontaneous type 1 Brugada ECG pattern in their ECGs (p = .01), longer PR interval (p = .03), and SCN5A mutation (p = .01) than asymptomatic patients. The mean PR interval was considerably longer in men than women (p = .034). SCN5A mutation was found in 9 out of 50 (18%) studied patients. Fifteen percent received appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy and inappropriate ICD interventions were observed in 17%. Presentation with aborted SCD or arrhythmic syncope was the only predictor of adverse outcome in follow‐up (odds ratio: 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.7–19.6, p = .001).

Conclusions

Symptomatic patients with BrS are more likely to present with spontaneous type 1 Brugada ECG pattern, longer PR interval, and pathogenic mutation in SCN5A gene. Appropriate ICD interventions are more likely in symptomatic patients and those with SCN5A mutation.
Addressing Perinatal Substance Use: A Triad Approach Led by the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative
Authors: Johnson Amber , Swenson Karli S. , Dillner Elena , Klie Kaylin A. , Duncan Rachael , Brandspigel Sara , Breen Katie
Published: February 2024

Unintentional overdose is a leading driver of maternal death in Colorado. The high volume of maternal deaths from preventable causes lends questions to failures in our clinical and community‐based care for pregnant and postpartum people. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee identified 3 main contributors including stigma in the community and health care system, fragmentation of the health care system, and the need for more clinician training. The Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative led a 3‐pronged intervention to address these challenges and improve perinatal care. The first intervention, the Colorado Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Substance Use Disorder quality improvement initiative, partnered with birthing hospitals statewide to institute universal screening and timely referral for individuals at risk of substance use disorder (SUD) and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The second intervention, the Improve Perinatal Access, Coordination, and Treatment for Behavioral Health initiative, established a perinatal support network within communities. This program assists individuals with SUD, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, or social needs to navigate the perinatal period. The third intervention, the Colorado Maternal Overdose Matters Plus program, has enhanced in‐hospital access to pharmacotherapy for pregnant and postpartum individuals with SUD through training and technical support. These collaborative initiatives aim to minimize barriers to care by integrating inpatient screening, treatment referrals, pharmacotherapy access, and community care support to mitigate maternal mortality in Colorado.
Does size matter? Evidence from municipal splits
Authors: Erlingsson Gissur Ó , Klarin Jonas , Mörk Eva
Published: February 2024

We contribute to the limited knowledge of the consequences of municipal splits by estimating how break‐ups of seven Swedish municipalities affected per capita expenditures. To predict what would have happened had the break‐ups not taken place, we apply the matrix completion method with nuclear norm minimization. We find that smaller municipalities not necessarily imply higher per capita expenditures. Instead, expenditures increase in some cases, are unaffected in others, and in others, decrease. The results point to the complex nature of territorial reforms and underscore the perils of policy recommendations that take uniform outcomes of either amalgamations or break‐ups for granted.
Clustering analysis of lipoprotein profiles to identify subtypes of hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers
Authors: Tate Nicole M. , Yamkate Punyamanee , Xenoulis Panagiotis G. , Steiner Jörg M. , Behling‐Kelly Erica L. , Rendahl Aaron K. , Wu Yu‐An , Furrow Eva
Published: February 2024

Background

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is prevalent in Miniature Schnauzers, predisposing them to life‐threatening diseases. Varied responses to management strategies suggest the possibility of multiple subtypes.

Hypothesis/Objective

To identify and characterize HTG subtypes in Miniature Schnauzers through cluster analysis of lipoprotein profiles. We hypothesize that multiple phenotypes of primary HTG exist in this breed.

Animals

Twenty Miniature Schnauzers with normal serum triglyceride concentration (NTG), 25 with primary HTG, and 5 with secondary HTG.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using archived samples. Lipoprotein profiles, generated using continuous lipoprotein density profiling, were clustered with hierarchical cluster analysis. Clinical data (age, sex, body condition score, and dietary fat content) was compared between clusters.

Results

Six clusters were identified. Dogs with primary HTG were dispersed among 4 clusters. One cluster showed the highest intensities for triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein (TRL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) fractions and also included 4 dogs with secondary HTG. Two clusters had moderately high TRL fraction intensities and low‐to‐intermediate LDL intensities. The fourth cluster had high LDL but variable TRL fraction intensities with equal numbers of NTG and mild HTG dogs. The final 2 clusters comprised only NTG dogs with low TRL intensities and low‐to‐intermediate LDL intensities. The clusters did not appear to be driven by differences in the clinical data.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The results of this study support a spectrum of lipoprotein phenotypes within Miniature Schnauzers that cannot be predicted by triglyceride concentration alone. Lipoprotein profiling might be useful to determine if subtypes have different origins, clinical consequences, and response to treatment.
Goal‐directed fluid therapy guided by plethysmographic variability index versus conventional liberal fluid therapy in neonates undergoing abdominal surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Swathy A. S. , Jafra Anudeep , Bhardwaj Neerja , Kanojia Ravi P. , Bawa Monika
Published: February 2024

Background

Intraoperative fluid therapy maintains normovolemia, normal tissue perfusion, normal metabolic function, normal electrolytes, and acid–base status. Plethysmographic variability index has been shown to predict fluid responsiveness but its role in guiding intraoperative fluid therapy is still elusive.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to compare intraoperative goal‐directed fluid therapy based on plethysmographic variability index with liberal fluid therapy in term neonates undergoing abdominal surgeries.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care centre, over a period of 18 months. A total of 30 neonates completed the study out of 132 neonates screened. Neonates with tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease, respiratory disorders, creatinine clearance <90 mL/min and who were hemodynamically unstable were excluded. Neonates were randomized to goal‐directed fluid therapy group where the plethysmographic variability index was targeted at <18 or liberal fluid therapy group. Primary outcome was comparison of total amount of fluid infused intraoperatively in both the groups. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas parameters, biochemical parameters, use of vasopressors, number of fluid boluses, complications and duration of hospital stay.

Results

There was no significant difference in total intraoperative fluid infused [90 (84–117.5 mL) in goal‐directed fluid therapy and 105 (85.5–144.5 mL) in liberal fluid therapy group (p = .406)], median difference (95% CI) −15 (−49.1 to 19.1). There was a decrease in serum lactate levels in both groups from preoperative to postoperative 24 h. The amount of fluid infused before dopamine administration was significantly higher in liberal fluid therapy group (58 [50.25–65 mL]) compared to goal‐directed fluid therapy group (36 [22–44 mL], p = .008), median difference (95% CI) −22 (−46 to 2). In postoperative period, the total amount of fluid intake over 24 h was comparable in two groups (222 [204–253 mL] in goal‐directed fluid therapy group and 224 [179.5–289.5 mL] in liberal fluid therapy group, p = .917) median difference (95% CI) cutoff −2 (−65.3 to 61.2).

Conclusion

Intraoperative plethysmographic variability index‐guided goal‐directed fluid therapy was comparable to liberal fluid therapy in terms of total volume of fluid infused in neonates during perioperative period. More randomized controlled trials with higher sample size are required.

Trial Registration

Central Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/02/023561).
Perspectives on the Japanese new religion Tenrikyō: From global expansion to the development of a distinct “Tenri culture”
Authors: Sanguineti Patrick
Published: February 2024

Tenrikyō, one of Japan's oldest “new religions,” remains one of the archipelago's most fascinating, yet most understudied religious organizations within English‐language scholarship. Since its founding in 1838, the group has undergone multiple radical transformations as it has negotiated its place within Japanese society and the fluctuating place of religion therein. Once a rural group of relative outcasts drawn by the healing powers of its foundress, the group became a vital arm of Japanese colonial expansion through missionary work as a Shinto sect in the decades after her death. Since the promulgation of the country's postwar constitution, the movement once again asserted its independence, refocused itself on public service and the teachings of its foundress, and has grown into a complex, transnational religious organization with multiple generations of followers across no fewer than 15 countries. This essay provides a brief overview of the movement's development with particular focus on its history of global expansion and the growth of its cultural institutions. It aims to provide a balanced introduction to the movement by critically reviewing sources and materials produced by non‐members, members, scholars from Tenri University (part of Tenrikyō’s secular mission), and the movement's own institutions alike. It offers avenues for potential future research on the movement, paying special attention to diaspora, the formalization of its cultural identity, and its development beyond Japan's borders.
Clofazimine‐induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation as a source of stigma in the treatment of leprosy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nogueira Andreza Soares , Garcia Monique Allana Chagas , Silva Moises Batista da , Costa Patricia Fagundes da , Frade Marco Andrey Cipriani , Salgado Claudio Guedes , Barreto Josafá Gonçalves
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is one of the main adverse effects encountered in patients undergoing leprosy treatment with multidrug therapy (WHO‐MDT). This adverse effect has been described as intolerable and capable of contributing to social stigma. The objectives of this study were to quantify the variation in skin colour induced by clofazimine during and after treatment and to assess the related stigma.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional study objectively measured skin colour in 51 patients by reading the individual typology angle (ITA°) with a spectrophotometer, followed by the application of the Stigma Scale of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC).

Results

Skin hyperpigmentation was observed in 100% of the individuals. They showed more negative ITA° values in lesion areas than non‐lesion areas, particularly in sun‐exposed regions. Clofazimine‐induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation was not homogeneous and seemed to follow the lesion locations. The mean EMIC score was 18.8 points.

Conclusion

All patients presented skin hyperpigmentation caused by clofazimine, detectable through spectrophotometry. Hyperpigmentation strongly impacted the social domain, indicating the intersectionality of disease and skin colour stigma, contributing to the social isolation of these patients. Health authorities should consider the negative impact of clofazimine on treatment adherence.
The impact of blood donation deferral strategies on the eligibility of men who have sex with men and other sexual risk behavior in Australia
Authors: Mowat Yasmin , Hoad Veronica , Masser Barbara , Kaldor John , Heywood Anita , Thorpe Rachel , McManus Hamish , McGregor Skye , Haire Bridget
Published: February 2024

Background

In Australia, a man cannot donate blood if he has had sex with another man within the past 3 months. However, this policy has been criticized as being discriminatory as it does not consider lower risk subgroups, and led to calls for modifications to the policy that more accurately distinguish risk among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM).

Study Design and Methods

We used data from a nationally representative survey to estimate the proportion of GBM aged 18–74 years old who would be eligible to donate under current criteria and other scenarios.

Results

Among the 5178 survey participants, 155 (3.0%) were classified as GBM based on survey responses, Among the GBM, 40.2% (95% CI 28.0%–53.7%) were eligible to donate based on current criteria, and 21.0% (95% CI 14.5%–29.5%) were ineligible due to the 3 months deferral alone. Eligibility among GBM, all men, and the population increased as criteria were removed. Under the new Australian plasma donation criteria, 73.6% (95% CI 64.4%–81.1%) of GBM, 68.4% (95% CI 65.5%–71.2%) of all men, and 60.8% (95% CI 58.8%–62.8%) of the full population were estimated to be eligible. Only 16.1% (95% CI 8.6%–28.1%) of GBM knew that the male‐to‐male sex deferral period is 3 months.

Discussion

Changing the deferral criteria and sexual risk evaluation would lead to a higher proportion of GBM being eligible to donate blood. Knowledge of the current GBM deferral period is very low. Improved education about the current criteria and any future changes are required to improve blood donation rates.
The Effect of Film Development on Primary Breakup in a Prefilming Airblast Atomizer
Authors: Wetherell Jack R. J. , Garmory Andrew
Published: February 2024

Liquid fueled gas turbines are likely to remain a dominant force in aviation propulsion for the foreseeable future, and therefore understanding the atomization process is key to meeting future emissions and performance legislation. To make experiments and simulations possible, simplified geometry and boundary conditions are often used, for example, simulations of primary atomization often use a fixed film height and velocity. This paper aims to quantify the effect of a fully developed unsteady film on the atomization process. A custom Coupled Level Set & Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) solver with adaptive meshing built in OpenFOAM v9 is used. A simulation of the atomization process in the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology atomization experiment (Warncke et al., 2017, “Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Primary Breakup of an Airblasted Liquid Sheet,” Int. J. Multiphase Flow, 91, pp. 208–224) is presented. A precursor simulation of the film development is used to provide accurate, temporally and spatially resolved inlet boundary conditions. These results are compared to previous CLSVOF simulations from Wetherell et al. (2020, “Coupled Level Set Volume of Fluid Simulations of Prefilming Airblast Atomization With Adaptive Meshing,” ASME Paper No. GT2020-14213)” using traditional boundary conditions. The unsteady film has doubled the modal ligament length and widened the distribution, and is now in better agreement with experimental measurements. A clear correlation in both time and space is observed between the film, atomization process, and spray. The sauter mean diameter (SMD) is significantly increased, again giving better agreement with the experiment. A discussion of extracting statistical descriptions of the spray is given, outlining the unfeasible computational cost required to converge droplet diameter distributions and other high order statistics for a case such as this.
Atomic layer deposition of ZnO thin films using a liquid cyclopentadienyl-based precursor
Authors: Mizutani Fumikazu , Mizui Makoto , Takahashi Nobutaka , Inoue Mari , Nabatame Toshihide
Published: February 2024

A new compound, bis(n-propyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zinc [Zn(Cppm)2], was synthesized as a Zn precursor for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO films. The compound is a liquid at room temperature and is thermally stable below ∼230 °C. Although the vapor pressure of this precursor is low (1 Torr at 99 °C), it is sufficient for the material to be used in ALD. ZnO thin films were deposited on p-type Si(100) wafers at 200 °C by ALD using the precursor. Three types of ZnO films were grown using different oxidants: (a) O2 plasma, (b) H2O, and (c) H2O followed by O2 plasma. The growth rates expressed in the growth per cycle were (a) 0.13 nm/cycle, (b) 0.07 nm/cycle, and (c) 0.10 nm/cycle, respectively, and all of the resultant films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed that, although all of the ZnO films were crystalline. X-ray diffraction analysis determined that the (002) orientation was dominant when the oxidant was H2O, and that the (103) orientation was observed when O2 plasma was used. All of the obtained films were nearly stoichiometric. Using H2O as an oxidant, very small amounts of impurities remain in the film. However, high-purity ZnO films can be deposited using H2O followed by O2 plasma as oxidants.
Joncryl chain extender reactivity with polylactide: Effect of d-lactide content, Joncryl type, and processing temperature
Authors: Akdevelioğlu Yavuz , Begum Alanalp M. , Siyahcan Ferit , Randall Jed , Gehrung Michael , Durmus Ali , Nofar Mohammadreza
Published: February 2024

In this study, a highly crystallizable and an amorphous polylactide (i.e., cPLA and aPLA) with, respectively, low (0.5 mol. %) and high (12 mol. %) d-lactic acid contents and similar molecular weights were melt compounded with two different multifunctional epoxy-based Joncryl chain extenders (CEs, i.e., ADR 4400 and 4468) at 190 °C. Reactivity of Joncryl grades with aPLA was also explored at melt processing temperatures of 150, 170, and 210 °C. Small amplitude oscillatory shear rheological analysis was conducted to understand the extent of the Joncryl reaction with PLA molecules, and the results were confirmed with molecular weight determination using gel permeation chromatography. Extensional viscosity of the processed samples was also compared to control their strain hardening behavior. Results showed that the Joncryl reaction with cPLA and aPLA differs in terms of preference for chain extension or branching, indicating that molecular regularity affected the interactions with both Joncryl grades during reactive melt processing. Moreover, although the increase in processing temperature accelerated PLA degradation, it noticeably increased the reactivity of both Joncryl grades with aPLA. In all cases, ADR 4468 was more reactive in molecular chain extension/branching due to its higher functionality than ADR 4400. Differential scanning calorimetry results also revealed that the crystallization of cPLA was differently affected by the change in the Joncryl content and type.
GPCR kinases differentially modulate biased signaling downstream of CXCR3 depending on their subcellular localization
Authors: Gardner Julia , Eiger Dylan Scott , Hicks Chloe , Choi Issac , Pham Uyen , Chundi Anand , Namjoshi Ojas , Rajagopal Sudarshan
Published: February 2024

Some G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) demonstrate biased signaling such that ligands of the same receptor exclusively or preferentially activate certain downstream signaling pathways over others. This phenomenon may result from ligand-specific receptor phosphorylation by GPCR kinases (GRKs). GPCR signaling can also exhibit location bias because GPCRs traffic to and signal from subcellular compartments in addition to the plasma membrane. Here, we investigated whether GRKs contributed to location bias in GPCR signaling. GRKs translocated to endosomes after stimulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 or other GPCRs in cultured cells. GRK2, GRK3, GRK5, and GRK6 showed distinct patterns of recruitment to the plasma membrane and to endosomes depending on the identity of the biased ligand used to activate CXCR3. Analysis of engineered forms of GRKs that localized to either the plasma membrane or endosomes demonstrated that biased CXCR3 ligands elicited different signaling profiles that depended on the subcellular location of the GRK. Each GRK exerted a distinct effect on the regulation of CXCR3 engagement of β-arrestin, internalization, and activation of the downstream effector kinase ERK. Our work highlights a role for GRKs in location-biased GPCR signaling and demonstrates the complex interactions between ligands, GRKs, and cellular location that contribute to biased signaling.
Removal of common antimicrobial agents by sustained low-efficiency dialysis
Authors: Hudson Joanna Q. , Hilgers Madelyn N. , Gosmanova Elvira O.
Published: February 2024

Adequate dosing of antimicrobials is paramount for treating infections in critically ill patients undergoing kidney replacement therapy; however, little is known about antimicrobial removal by sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED). The objective was to quantify the removal of cefepime, daptomycin, meropenem, piperacillin–tazobactam, and vancomycin in patients undergoing SLED. Adult patients ≥18 years with acute kidney injury (AKI) or end-stage kidney disease receiving one of the select antimicrobials and requiring SLED were included. Blood and dialysate flow rates were maintained at 250 and 100 mL/min, respectively. Simultaneous arterial and venous blood samples for the analysis of antibiotic concentrations were collected hourly for 8 hours during SLED (on-SLED). Arterial samples were collected every 2 hours for up to 6 hours while not receiving SLED (off-SLED) for the calculation of SLED clearance, half-life (
t
1/2
) on-SLED and off-SLED, and the fraction of removal by SLED (
f
D
). Twenty-one patients completed the study: 52% male, mean age (±SD) 53 ± 13 years, and mean weight of 98 ± 30 kg. Eighty-six percent had AKI, and 4 patients were receiving cefepime, 3 daptomycin, 10 meropenem, 6 piperacillin–tazobactam, and 13 vancomycin. The average SLED time was 7.3 ± 1.1 hours, and the mean ultrafiltration rate was 95 ± 52 mL/hour (range 10–211). The
t
1/2
on-SLED was substantially lower than the off-SLED
t
1/2
for all antimicrobials, and the SLED
f
D
varied between 44% and 77%. An 8-hour SLED session led to significant elimination of most antimicrobials evaluated. If SLED is performed, modification of the dosing regimen is warranted to avoid subtherapeutic concentrations.
A major facilitator superfamily transporter MdtH in
Escherichia coli
is involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and secretion
Authors: Wu Xia , Ren Juan , Wang Jing , Koffas Mattheos A. G. , Zha Jian
Published: February 2024

Cyanidin 3-
O
-glucoside (C3G) is a natural colorant with health-promoting activities and is, hence, widely used in food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. Its market supply is currently dependent on extraction from plants. As an alternative, C3G can be produced by the microbe
Escherichia coli
in a green and sustainable way. However, a large portion of this compound is retained inside the cell of
E. coli
, thus complicating the purification process and limiting the high-level production. We have identified and verified an efficient native transporter named MdtH in
E. coli
that can export C3G to the cultivation medium. Overexpression of MdtH could improve extracellular C3G production by 110% without modifications of the metabolic pathway genes or enzymes. This study reveals a new regulation target for C3G production in bacteria and provides guidance to the microbial biosynthesis of related compounds.
Population-level transposable element expression dynamics influence trait evolution in a fungal crop pathogen
Authors: Abraham Leen Nanchira , Oggenfuss Ursula , Croll Daniel
Published: February 2024

The rapid adaptive evolution of microbes is driven by strong selection pressure acting on genetic variation. How adaptive genetic variation is generated within species and how such variation influences phenotypic trait expression is often not well understood though. We focused on the recent activity of transposable elements (TEs) using deep population genomics and transcriptomics analyses of a fungal plant pathogen with a highly active content of TEs in the genome.
Zymoseptoria tritici
causes one of the most damaging diseases on wheat, with recent adaptation to the host and environment being facilitated by TE-associated mutations. We obtained genomic and RNA-sequencing data from 146 isolates collected from a single wheat field. We established a genome-wide map of TE insertion polymorphisms in the population by analyzing recent TE insertions among individuals. We quantified the locus-specific transcription of individual TE copies and found considerable population variation at individual TE loci in the population. About 20% of all TE copies show transcription in the genome suggesting that genomic defenses such as repressive epigenetic marks and repeat-induced polymorphisms are at least partially ineffective at preventing the proliferation of TEs in the genome. A quarter of recent TE insertions are associated with expression variation of neighboring genes providing broad potential to influence trait expression. We indeed found that TE insertions are likely responsible for variation in virulence on the host and potentially diverse components of secondary metabolite production. Our large-scale transcriptomics study emphasizes how TE-derived polymorphisms segregate even in individual microbial populations and can broadly underpin trait variation in pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Pathogens can rapidly adapt to new hosts, antimicrobials, or changes in the environment. Adaptation arises often from mutations in the genome; however, how such variation is generated remains poorly understood. We investigated the most dynamic regions of the genome of
Zymoseptoria tritici,
a major fungal pathogen of wheat. We focused on the transcription of transposable elements. A large proportion of the transposable elements not only show signatures of potential activity but are also variable within a single population of the pathogen. We find that this variation in activity is likely influencing many important traits of the pathogen. Hence, our work provides insights into how a microbial species can adapt over the shortest time periods based on the activity of transposable elements.
Complete coding genome sequence of a
Teschovirus A
genotype strain
Authors: Ding Yanbin , Xie Xiaofang , Huang Jiefeng , Yin Can , Yang Taotao
Published: February 2024

This study reports the complete coding genome sequence of a novel
Teschovirus A
genotype strain, SG2, isolated from the fecal sample of an infected indigenous pig in western Jiangxi, China.
Self-administered versus clinician-performed BinaxNOW COVID rapid test: a comparison of accuracy
Authors: Vaeth Mary Jane E. , Cheema Minahil , Omer Sarah , Gupta Ishaan , Sun Kristie J. , Mitchell Asia , Elhabashy Maryam , Foyez Maisha , Cheema Aamna , Javed Binish , Purekal Sophia , Rahat Resham , Michtalik Henry , Locke Charles , Kantsiper Melinda , Campbell James D. , Hammershaimb E. Adrianne , Manabe Yukari C. , Robinson Matthew L. , Johnson J. Kristie , Wilson Lucy E. , Callahan Charles W. ,   CONQUER COVID Consortium, Siddiqui Zishan K.
Published: February 2024

We conducted a single-center study at a free community testing site in Baltimore City to assess the accuracy of self-performed rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19. Self-administered BinaxNOW RATs were compared with clinician-performed RATs and against a reference lab molecular testing as the gold standard. Of the 953 participants, 14.9% were positive for SARS- CoV-2 as determined by RT-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity were similar for both self- and clinician-performed RATs (sensitivity: 83.9% vs 88.2%,
P
= 0.40; specificity: 99.8% vs 99.6%,
P
= 0.6). Subgroup comparisons based on age and race yielded similar results. Notably, 5.2% (95% CI: 1.5% to 9.5%) of positive results were potentially missed due to participant misinterpretation of the self-test card. However, the false-positive rate for RATs was reassuringly comparable in accuracy to clinician-administered tests. These findings hold significant implications for physicians prescribing treatment based on patient-reported, self-administered positive test results. Our study provides robust evidence supporting the reliability and utility of patient-performed RATs, underscoring their comparable accuracy to clinician-performed RATs, and endorsing their continued use in managing COVID-19. Further studies using other rapid antigen test brands are warranted.

IMPORTANCE

Accurate and accessible COVID-19 testing is crucial for effective disease control and management. A recent single-center study conducted in Baltimore City examined the reliability of self-performed rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19. The study found that self-administered RATs yielded similar sensitivity and specificity to clinician-performed tests, demonstrating their comparable accuracy. These findings hold significant implications for physicians relying on patient-reported positive test results for treatment decisions. The study provides robust evidence supporting the reliability and utility of patient-performed RATs, endorsing their continued use in managing COVID-19. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for further research using different rapid antigen test brands to enhance generalizability. Ensuring affordable and widespread access to self-tests is crucial, particularly in preparation for future respiratory virus seasons and potential waves of reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the Omicron variant.
Perforation of stomach lining 1 year after POSE procedure
Authors: Hodde Tymen , Jense Marijn , Schaafsma Bob , Greve Jan-Willem
Published: February 2024

The primary obesity surgery endoscopic, or POSE, is an endoscopic procedure where sutures are placed in the stomach to reduce its size and achieve weight loss. This procedure is regarded as a safe procedure with little minor or major adverse events. We describe the case of a woman who presented with a perforation of the stomach lining 1 year after a POSE procedure at the site of a snowshoe anchor. This has not been described previously as a late complication. The perforation was treated surgically by removing the anchor and closing the defect. Later analysis revealed an activeHelicobacter pyloriinfection.