bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal follow‐up and prognostic factors in nitrous oxide‐induced neuropathy
Authors: Fortanier Etienne , Delmont Emilien , Corazza Giovanni , Kouton Ludivine , Micallef Joelle , Attarian Shahram
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has been associated with the development of severe nitrous oxide‐induced neuropathy (N2On). Follow‐up of these patients poses challenges, and their clinical progression remains largely unknown. The identification of prognostic factors is made difficult by the lack of standardized longitudinal assessments in most studies. The objective was to document the course of neuropathy through systematic follow‐up assessments in N2On patients to identify prognostic factors for persistent disability after 6 months.

Methods

We gathered demographic, clinical, biological, and electrophysiological data from N2On patients hospitalized in the Referral center in Marseille, both at baseline and during a standardized follow‐up assessment at 6 months.

Results

We retrospectively included 26 N2On patients (mean age 22.6 ± 4.4). Significant improvements were observed in all main clinical scores including Rankin, ONLS, and MRC testing (p < .01). Electrophysiological studies (EDX) revealed a predominantly motor neuropathy with marked reduction in CMAP in the lower limbs at baseline, and no significant improvement in motor parameters (p = .543). Rankin score at 6 months correlated with the initial weekly N2O consumption (r = .43, p = .03) and the CMAP sum score in the lower limbs at the first EDX (r = −.47, p = .02). Patients with and without myelitis showed similar Rankin and ONLS score after 6 months.

Interpretation

The clinical course generally improved favorably at 6 months with notable amelioration in the primary disability scores, sensory deficits, and ataxia. However, distal motor impairment associated with peripheral neuropathy persisted, with distal axonal loss emerging as the main prognostic factor for long‐term disability in these young patients.
Machine learning evaluation of inequities and disparities associated with nurse sensitive indicator safety events
Authors: Georgantes Erika R. , Gunturkun Fatma , McGreevy T. J. , Lough Mary E.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To use machine learning to examine health equity and clinical outcomes in patients who experienced a nurse sensitive indicator (NSI) event, defined as a fall, a hospital‐acquired pressure injury (HAPI) or a hospital‐acquired infection (HAI).

Design

This was a retrospective observational study from a single academic hospital over six calendar years (2016–2021). Machine learning was used to examine patients with an NSI compared to those without.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: all adult inpatient admissions (2016–2021). Three approaches were used to analyze the NSI group compared to the No‐NSI group. In the univariate analysis, descriptive statistics, and absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were employed to compare the demographics and clinical variables of patients who experienced a NSI and those who did not experience any NSIs. For the multivariate analysis, a light grading boosting machine (LightGBM) model was utilized to comprehensively examine the relationships associated with the development of an NSI. Lastly, a simulation study was conducted to quantify the strength of associations obtained from the machine learning model.

Results

From 163,507 admissions, 4643 (2.8%) were associated with at least one NSI. The mean, standard deviation (SD) age was 59.5 (18.2) years, males comprised 82,397 (50.4%). Non‐Hispanic White 84,760 (51.8%), non‐Hispanic Black 8703 (5.3%), non‐Hispanic Asian 23,368 (14.3%), non‐Hispanic Other 14,284 (8.7%), and Hispanic 30,271 (18.5%). Race and ethnicity alone were not associated with occurrence of an NSI. The NSI group had a statistically significant longer length of stay (LOS), longer intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and was more likely to have an emergency admission compared to the group without an NSI. The simulation study results demonstrated that likelihood of NSI was higher in patients admitted under the major diagnostic categories (MDC) associated with circulatory, digestive, kidney/urinary tract, nervous, and infectious and parasitic disease diagnoses.

Conclusion

In this study, race/ethnicity was not associated with the risk of an NSI event. The risk of an NSI event was associated with emergency admission, longer LOS, longer ICU‐LOS and certain MDCs (circulatory, digestive, kidney/urinary, nervous, infectious, and parasitic diagnoses).

Clinical Relevance

Machine learning methodologies provide a new mechanism to investigate NSI events through the lens of health equity/disparity. Understanding which patients are at higher risk for adverse outcomes can help hospitals improve nursing care and prevent NSI injury and harm.
Neonatal head circumference to maternal mid‐transverse pelvic distance ratio as a key anatomical predictor for dystocia: Retrospective case–control study
Authors: Baek Min Jung , Na Eun Duc , Lee Hanna , Park So Hyeon , Kim Seoyeon , Kim Taeho , Jung Sang Hee , Jang Ji Hyon
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine maternal and neonatal factors in cesarean deliveries due to dystocia, including cephalopelvic disproportion, latent‐phase prolongation, and fetal malposition or malpresentation. Additionally, we sought to compare the differences between the dystocia subgroups.

Method and Materials

This retrospective case–control study included women who delivered between January 2010 and June 2021 after 37 weeks of pregnancy and underwent abdominal‐pelvic CT scans within 5 years before and after delivery. Neonatal factors were extracted from medical charts immediately after delivery.

Results

Among the 292 women studied, those with cesarean deliveries for dystocia were older (mean ± SD, 34.2 ± 4.27 vs. 32.2 ± 3.8, p‐value = 0.002), had higher pre‐pregnancy BMI (22.7 ± 3.67 vs. 21.4 ± 3.48, p‐value = 0.012) and term‐BMI (27.4 ± 3.72 vs. 25.9 ± 3.66, p‐value = 0.010), shorter interspinous distance (ISD, the distance between ischial spine) (10.8 ± 0.76 vs. 11.2 ± 0.85 cm, p‐value = 0.003), and longer head circumference (HC) (35 ± 1.47 vs. 34.4 ± 1.36 cm, p‐value = 0.003) compared to those who had vaginal deliveries. Univariate logistic regression for dystocia revealed associations between HC/maternal height and HC/ISD ratios (OR, 2.02 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.4 ~ 2.92], 12.13 [3.2 ~ 46.04], respectively). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that maternal age, ISD, and HC were significant factors for dystocia (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01 ~ 1.21], 0.49 [0.26 ~ 0.91], 1.53 [1.07 ~ 2.19], respectively). The subgroup with latent‐phase prolongation exhibited the lowest birthweight/term‐BMI ratio (124 ± 18.8 vs. 113 ± 10.3 vs. 134 ± 19.1, p‐value = 0.013).

Conclusion

The HC/ISD ratio emerged as a crucial predictor of dystocia, suggesting that reducing term‐BMI could potentially mitigate latent‐phase prolongation. Further research assessing the maternal mid‐pelvis during pregnancy and labor is warranted, along with efforts to reduce BMI during pregnancy.
Towards a decolonial developmental science: Adolescent development in the Majority World taking center stage
Authors: Abubakar Amina , Brandelli Costa Angelo , Cui Lixian , Koller Silvia H. , Nwafor Chidozie Edwin , Raval Vaishali V.
Published: May 2024

While aspiring to be a diverse and global science, developmental science continues to be dominated by EuroAmerican epistemologies, researchers, and communities in its published scholarship. Adolescents in communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America comprise 85% of the world's adolescent population, and yet their experiences and perspectives are marginalized in our science. Adolescents in the Majority World live in highly diverse social, cultural, political, economic, educational and healthcare contexts that contribute to their development, and we have much to learn from their experiences. This article situates the marginalization of the global majority within coloniality embedded in developmental science. The article describes the impetus for this special issue Towards a decolonial developmental science and the process of putting it together, along with providing an overview of the 18 articles in this collection that push us towards decoloniality. The special issue serves as a call to transform developmental science to be decolonial by empowering adolescent development in Majority World communities to take center stage. Adolescent development research from Majority World communities has the potential to challenge the knowledge base generated from Minority World samples, contributing to a science that is comprehensive, inclusive, and can inform prevention and intervention efforts to support the well‐being of adolescents globally.
Evaluation of antagonistic activity of DAPG‐producing fluorescent pseudomonads from rhizospheres of Solanaceous crops for biocontrol of bacterial wilt
Authors: Suansia Anjali , Senapati Akshaya Kumar , Samantaray Deviprasad , Mohanty Mahendra Kumar
Published: May 2024

Pseudomonads produce a wide array of antimicrobial compounds including 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), which possess a broad‐spectrum antagonistic effect against phytopathogens. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the Solanaceous crops for isolation of fluorescent pseudomonads (FPs). Out of the 32 fluorescent bacterial isolates, 21 showed antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanacearum (NAIMCC‐B‐01630) with the highest zone of inhibition at 38.33 mm. Among them, 11 bacterial isolates depicted the production of DAPG in Kings' B medium. DAPG production was detected by TLC and quantified through HPLC analysis. Moreover, the bacterial isolate OD13 exhibited higher DAPG production. Further, the presence of the DAPG‐encoding phlD gene within the size of 629 bp and 725 bp was also validated through amplification. These bacterial isolates belonged to the genera Pseudomonas as confirmed by morpho‐physiological characterization using the VITEK 2 system. The higher DAPG‐producing bacterial isolate was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by polyphasic approach with GenBank accession number OQ781265. Thus, the DAPG‐producing rhizospheric Pseudomonas strains can be used as biocontrol agents for bacterial wilt. However, field study is highly essential before its successful application.
Shifting the perspective on labor exploitation: Non‐commercial organizations' contribution toward supply chain governance
Authors: Shirgholami Zahra , Cole Rosanna , Aitken James
Published: May 2024

Labor exploitation persists within global supply chains regardless of governmental legislation, private governance mechanisms, and increasing consumer demands. Notably, non‐commercial organizations have been lauded as potential facilitators of improvements in labor standards through their capability to influence supply chain actors. Through an analysis of 45 semi‐structured interviews across three cases, this research provides rich evidence of non‐commercial organizations' contribution to governance linked to the persistence of labor exploitation. The findings reveal that the constraining factors of change capabilities of non‐commercial organizations are (1) recognition of their limitations to enact improvements when their organizations are positioned in a heterogeneous supply chain context, (2) lack of a level playing field that provides a fair competitive environment to improve labor standards, and (3) labor deregulation. Similarly, the complex situation faced by non‐commercial organizations created dilemmas that hindered progress in addressing labor exploitation. Governance inertia is an overarching issue that circumscribes the ambitions of non‐commercial organizations to enhance labor standards. This research emphasizes the issues and challenges that constrain these uniquely placed organizations in facilitating positive change in global apparel supply chains.
Treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding in infants with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Chaudhari Prabhat Kumar , Rajasekaran Abirami , Haldar Partha , Zere Edlira , Dhingra Kunaal , Manas Raj Kumar , Yang Xianrui
Published: May 2024

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding (dNAM) technique with conventional nasoalveolar moulding (cNAM) or non‐presurgical intervention protocol in infants with unilateral (UCLP) or bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. A bibliometric search by MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, grey literature and manual method was conducted without language restriction until November 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were undertaken in Covidence. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and RoB‐2. Pooled effect sizes were determined through random‐effects statistical model using R‐Software, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Among 775 retrieved articles, nine studies were included for qualitative synthesis (6‐UCLP, 3‐BCLP), with only three eligible UCLP studies for meta‐analysis. In the UCLP group, very low certainty of evidence indicated no difference in alveolar cleft width (SMD, 0.13 mm; 95% CI, −0.31 to 0.57; I2, 0%), soft tissue (lip) cleft gap, nasal width, nasal height, and columellar deviation angle changes between dNAM and cNAM. In the BCLP group, qualitative synthesis suggested similar changes in alveolar, lip, and nasal dimensions with dNAM and cNAM. In both cleft groups (UCLP, BCLP), reduced alveolar cleft width was observed in the dNAM group compared to the non‐presurgical intervention protocol, along with fewer clinical visits and reduced chairside time for dNAM compared to cNAM. It can be concluded that the treatment outcomes with dNAM were comparable to cNAM in reducing malformation severity and were advantageous in terms of chairside time and clinical visit frequency. However, the overall quality of evidence is very low and standardization is needed for the virtual workflow regarding the alveolar movements and growth factor algorithms. Registration: PROSPERO‐database (CRD42020186452).
Childhood atopic disorders in relation to placental changes—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bakoyan Zaki , Cao Yang , Hansson Stefan R. , Karlsson Johanna Patriksson , Lodefalk Maria
Published: May 2024

Fetal programming may arise from prenatal exposure and increase the risk of diseases later in life, potentially mediated by the placenta. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate publications describing associations between human placental changes and risk of atopic disorders during childhood. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis guidelines. The inclusion criteria were original research articles or case reports written in English describing a human placental change in relation to disease occurring in offspring during childhood. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for eligible studies. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the ROBINS‐I tool. The results were pooled both in a narrative way and by a meta‐analysis. Nineteen studies were included (n = 12,997 participants). All studies had an overall serious RoB, and publication bias could not be completely ruled out. However, five studies showed that histological chorioamnionitis in preterm‐born children was associated with asthma‐related problems (pooled odds ratio = 3.25 (95% confidence interval = 2.22–4.75)). In term‐born children, a large placenta (≥750 g) increased the risk of being prescribed anti‐asthma medications during the first year of life. Placental histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and gene expression differences were found to be associated with different atopic disorders in term‐born children. There is some evidence supporting the idea that the placenta can mediate an increased risk of atopic disorders in children. However, further studies are needed to validate the findings, properly control for confounders, and examine potential mechanisms.
Septic arthritis of the cervical facet joint: Clinical report and review of the literature
Authors: Quoilin Melanie , Vu Peter D. , Bansal Vishal , Chen Jason W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Facet joint septic arthritis (FJSA) is an uncommon cause of neck pain, most frequently occurring in the lumbosacral spine. Cervical facet joint septic arthritis is particularly rare. Symptoms typically include spinal or paraspinal pain and tenderness, with severe infections potentially causing neurological impairments. This condition can progress to discitis and osteomyelitis. High clinical suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Objective

To present the first known case of cervical spine FJSA caused by Moraxella species and provide an updated narrative review of cervical spine FJSA.

Methods

A case study of a 66‐year‐old male with cervical spine FJSA caused by Moraxella osloensis is detailed. Additionally, a librarian‐assisted literature search was conducted on MEDLINE Pubmed, filtering for adult human trials and including various study types, resulting in the inclusion of 9 relevant manuscripts.

Results

The patient’s symptoms included neck, right upper thoracic, and periscapular pain, with episodes of numbness and tingling. MRI revealed septic arthritis at the C7‐T1 facet joint and associated osteomyelitis. Cultures identified Moraxella osloensis as the causative agent. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and experienced significant symptom improvement. Literature review highlights that Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent of cervical FJSA, with diagnosis typically involving MRI and culture tests. Treatment generally includes long‐term antibiotics, with some cases requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusions

This report underscores the need for high clinical suspicion in diagnosing FJSA and highlights the importance of early intervention. It documents the first known case of cervical spine FJSA caused by Moraxella osloensis, contributing valuable information to the limited literature on this rare condition.
Severe congenital ichthyosiform dermatosis in CHIME syndrome successfully treated with ixekizumab
Authors: Flowers Lauren E. , Dyer Jonathan A. , Eisenstein Kimberly A.
Published: May 2024

Coloboma, congenital heart disease, ichthyosiform dermatosis, intellectual disability, conductive hearing loss, and epilepsy (CHIME) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive neuroectodermal disorder caused by PIGL gene mutations. There is emerging literature to support the use of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) antagonists in the treatment of certain ichthyosiform dermatoses. Here, we report a case of severe ichthyosiform dermatosis in a child with CHIME syndrome who was recalcitrant to multiple topical medications and dupilumab. This is the first reported case of successful treatment of congenital ichthyosiform dermatosis in a CHIME syndrome patient with ixekizumab, an IL‐17A antagonist.
The burden of treatment of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas: A mixed methods study
Authors: O'Connor Cathal , Murphy Michelle
Published: May 2024

The burden of treatment (BOT) related to propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH) has never previously been explored. A modified validated questionnaire, the Treatment Burden Questionnaire, and one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews were used to assess the BOT for propranolol for IH. Out of 80 caregivers, the overall burden score was very low at 1.2 out of 10; thematic analysis of interviews grouped themes into administration, monitoring, financial, and associated anomalies. The BOT of propranolol for IH is very low but could be reduced further by offering age‐based risk stratification related to feeding frequency and risk of hypoglycemia, pragmatic advice around timing of doses before sleep, and reducing frequency of vital sign monitoring.
Coinfection of cotton plants with cotton leafroll dwarf virus‐atypical and a novel cotton begomovirus
Authors: Delfosse Veronica C. , Debat Humberto , Zavallo Diego , Alvarez Liliana , Gomez‐Talquenca Sebastien , Bonacic Kresic Ivan , Asurmendi Sebastián , Distéfano Ana J.
Published: May 2024

Cotton is a commercial crop of global importance whose versatile fibre is widely used in the textile industry. Cotton is vulnerable to infectious pathogens, including viruses, that are a major threat to cotton production. Cotton blue disease is caused by cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV), a polerovirus transmitted by aphids. This virus is controlled by sowing cotton varieties resistant to CLRDV, although, in recent years an atypical variant (CLRDV‐at), that breaks the resistance, has been identified. An outbreak of a disease occurred in cotton fields of the province of Chaco, in the north‐west of Argentina, in the 2014–2015 growing season. NuOpal cotton plants (a variety resistant to CLRDV and susceptible to CLRDV‐at) showed mosaic symptoms and had virus‐transmitting insect vectors, such as aphids and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). The symptoms were common for virus infections but different from those caused by CLRDV or CLRDV‐at. According to a reverse transcription‐PCR analysis with polerovirus primers and sequencing, the plants contained CLRDV‐at. To identify the complete virome of these plants, we performed a massive RNA‐based deep sequencing assay using Illumina technology. As a result, a new begomovirus that infects cotton in Argentina was identified. Structural and functional annotation indicated that its sequences corresponded to complete DNA components A and B of a novel New World bipartite begomovirus. Genetic distance and evolutionary analyses support that the detected sequences correspond to a new virus, which we propose to name cotton mosaic virus (CoMV). In addition, we report the first begomovirus and polerovirus coinfection in cotton.
Molecular characterization of Secreted in Xylem 1 (Six1) gene of Fusarium oxysporum causing wilt of potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Ghosal Debraj , Datta Bejoysekhar
Published: May 2024

Deciphering effector genes of plant‐pathogenic fungi is key to understanding their role in pathogenicity because acquisition of such genes through horizontal transfer may result in emergence of new pathogenic races. A full‐length (837 bp) Six1 gene has been cloned and sequenced from the genome of Fusarium oxysporum FPo isolated from roots of wilted potatoes in West Bengal, India. The isolate was identified based on conidial morphology and sequencing of the 28S rDNA and elongation factor 1α gene. Koch's postulates established that the isolate could incite wilting in potato plants. The Six Gene Expression 1 gene (Sge1) was amplified from the isolate and compared with that of other wilt‐causing F. oxysporum isolates. The Six1 gene had no intron and it encoded 278 amino acids, with a calculated molecular weight of 30.6 kDa, estimated isoelectric point 5.66 and theoretical extinction coefficient of 57,410 M−1 cm−1. Multiple sequence alignment of SIX1 amino acid sequences showed that the length of SIX1 varied among F. oxysporum formae speciales and different isolates of the same forma specialis. The predicted secondary structure of FPoSIX1 contained four α‐helices and 14 β‐sheets. Its predicted tertiary structure showed 92% query coverage and 67.37% identity with the template of the SIX1 protein of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici PDB code: 7t69. The QMEAN score of this model was −2.53 and the model was validated using the Ramachandran Phi/Psi plot. Structure analysis of the effector protein will be helpful to identify its specific function and recognition by the host resistance protein.
Long‐term ecological responses to landscape‐scale restoration in a western United States dry forest
Authors: Roccaforte John P. , Huffman David W. , Rodman Kyle C. , Crouse Joseph E. , Pedersen Rory J. , Normandin Donald P. , Fulé Peter Z.
Published: May 2024

Tree thinning and the application of prescribed surface fire are widespread forest restoration strategies used to regain ecological structure and function throughout dry forests of the western United States. Though such treatments are increasingly applied to broad extents, their effects on forest ecosystems are commonly evaluated at individual experimental sites or treatment units rather than large, operational landscapes. We evaluated the responses of forest structure, regeneration, old‐tree mortality, and tree growth to forest restoration for 21 years in a landscape‐scale (2114 ha) experiment in a Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)‐Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) forest in northern Arizona, United States. Relative to the start of the experiment in 1996, tree density and basal area (BA) in the treated area were reduced by 56 and 38%, respectively, at the end of the study period compared to the untreated control. Conifer seedling densities generally declined and sprouting hardwoods increased following treatment. Mortality of old oak trees was significantly higher in the treated area compared to the control, likely due to fire‐caused injury during the prescribed burning. Mean annual BA increment of individual trees was 93% higher in the treated area than in the control. Our study provides new information on Ponderosa pine forest responses to restoration treatments at broad spatial scales and under realistic operational conditions. Results from this study can help inform landscape‐scale restoration projects in dry, fire‐dependent forests.
Effects of abiotic restoration through rock addition on invertebrate functional diversity in native temperate grasslands
Authors: Roberts Isobel , Milner Richard N. C. , Howland Brett , Lumbers James , Gilbert Maree , Smith Annabel L.
Published: May 2024

Invertebrates account for over 90% of all described species and provide crucial ecosystem services. Land clearing, including the removal of abiotic habitat features, threatens invertebrate biodiversity, making environmental restoration crucial for conservation. However, little is known about the effects of abiotic restoration compared to the restoration of biotic features. To determine if rock addition increased invertebrate biodiversity, we introduced 120 t of rocks to 10 sites across five grassland reserves in the Australian Capital Territory in a before‐after‐control‐impact design. We sampled invertebrates using pitfall traps before treatment in 2016 and after rock addition in 2019 (during record‐breaking drought). We recorded 29,164 individual invertebrates from 19 orders and undertook a functional trait‐based analysis of rock effects on the invertebrate community. No effects of rock addition were observed on the probability of occurrence, richness, diversity, community similarity, or abundance of any taxonomic or functional group. The abundance of snare‐building spiders and large ants was higher in the control plots at the end of the experiment. These abundance responses in 2019 did not differ from the control or treatment plots in 2016. Thus, some combination of drought and rock addition appears to have neutralized a positive temporal change that was evident without rocks. Despite a regionwide, replicated restoration effort and an extensive functional analysis of invertebrate communities, very little positive response to rock addition was recorded. Rock addition did not have a negative effect on grassland invertebrate biodiversity and may still be beneficial to the long‐term conservation and restoration of vertebrate and invertebrate communities.
Safety of pyrazinamide in elderly patients with tuberculosis in Japan: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Taniguchi Jumpei , Jo Taisuke , Aso Shotaro , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is the standard first‐line treatment for tuberculosis (TB); however, its safety in elderly patients has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

This retrospective study used data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. We identified patients who were admitted for TB between July 2010 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into HRE (isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol) and HREZ (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and PZA) groups. Primary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality and overall adverse events (characterized by a composite of hepatotoxicity, gout attack, allergic reactions and gastrointestinal intolerance). Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, 90‐day readmission and use of drugs related to the primary outcome adverse events. Data were analysed using propensity score matching; we also conducted a subgroup analysis for those aged ≥75 years.

Results

Among 19,930 eligible patients, 8924 received HRE and 11,006 received HREZ. Propensity score matching created 3578 matched pairs with a mean age of approximately 80 years. Compared with the HRE group, the HREZ group demonstrated a higher proportion of overall adverse events (3.1% vs. 4.7%; p < 0.001), allergic reactions (1.4% vs. 2.5%; p < 0.001) and antihistamine use (21.9% vs. 27.6%; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding in‐hospital mortality, hepatotoxicity or length of hospital stay between the groups. Subgroup analysis for those aged ≥75 years showed consistent results.

Conclusion

Medical practitioners may consider adding PZA to an initial treatment regimen even in elderly patients with TB.
The challenge of interpreting diminished mid‐expiratory flow in the presence of normal FEV1 and FVC
Authors: Gie Andre , Goussard Pierre
Published: May 2024

See related article
Research gaps and priorities for quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Authors: Hamilton Kerry A. , Ciol Harrison Joanna , Mitchell Jade , Weir Mark , Verhougstraete Marc , Haas Charles N. , Nejadhashemi A. Pouyan , Libarkin Julie , Gim Aw Tiong , Bibby Kyle , Bivins Aaron , Brown Joe , Dean Kara , Dunbar Gwyneth , Eisenberg Joseph N. S. , Emelko Monica , Gerrity Daniel , Gurian Patrick L. , Hartnett Emma , Jahne Michael , Jones Rachael M. , Julian Timothy R. , Li Hongwan , Li Yanbin , Gibson Jacqueline MacDonald , Medema Gertjan , Meschke J. Scott , Mraz Alexis , Murphy Heather , Oryang David , Owusu‐Ansah Emmanuel de‐Graft Johnson , Pasek Emily , Pradhan Abani K. , Razzolini Maria Tereza Pepe , Ryan Michael O. , Schoen Mary , Smeets Patrick W. M. H. , Soller Jeffrey , Solo‐Gabriele Helena , Williams Clinton , Wilson Amanda M. , Zimmer‐Faust Amy , Alja'fari Jumana , Rose Joan B.
Published: May 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the need for more rapid and routine application of modeling approaches such as quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for protecting public health. QMRA is a transdisciplinary science dedicated to understanding, predicting, and mitigating infectious disease risks. To better equip QMRA researchers to inform policy and public health management, an Advances in Research for QMRA workshop was held to synthesize a path forward for QMRA research. We summarize insights from 41 QMRA researchers and experts to clarify the role of QMRA in risk analysis by (1) identifying key research needs, (2) highlighting emerging applications of QMRA; and (3) describing data needs and key scientific efforts to improve the science of QMRA. Key identified research priorities included using molecular tools in QMRA, advancing dose–response methodology, addressing needed exposure assessments, harmonizing environmental monitoring for QMRA, unifying a divide between disease transmission and QMRA models, calibrating and/or validating QMRA models, modeling co‐exposures and mixtures, and standardizing practices for incorporating variability and uncertainty throughout the source‐to‐outcome continuum. Cross‐cutting needs identified were to: develop a community of research and practice, integrate QMRA with other scientific approaches, increase QMRA translation and impacts, build communication strategies, and encourage sustainable funding mechanisms. Ultimately, a vision for advancing the science of QMRA is outlined for informing national to global health assessments, controls, and policies.
Occurrence of Coxiella burnetii in wild lagomorphs and their ticks in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Castro‐Scholten Sabrina , Caballero‐Gómez Javier , Martínez Remigio , Nadales‐Martín Borja J. , Cano‐Terriza David , Jiménez‐Martín Débora , Remesar Susana , Jiménez‐Ruiz Saúl , Gómez‐Guillamón Félix , García‐Bocanegra Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Background

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic multi‐host vector‐borne pathogen of major public health importance. Although the European Food Safety Authority has recently made the monitoring of this bacterium in wildlife a priority, the role of wild lagomorphs in the transmission and maintenance of C. burnetii is poorly understood.

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with C. burnetii circulation in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) and to assess the presence of this pathogen in ticks that feed on them in Mediterranean ecosystems in Spain, the country with the highest number of reported cases of Q fever in Europe.

Methods

A total of 574 spleen samples were collected from 453 wild rabbits and 121 Iberian hares, and 513 ticks (processed in 120 pools) between the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons.

Results

C. burnetii DNA was detected in 103 (17.9%; 95% CI: 14.8–21.1) of the 574 wild lagomorphs tested. By species, prevalence was 16.3% (74/453; 95% CI: 12.9–19.7) in the European wild rabbit and 24.0% (29/121; 95% CI: 16.4–31.6) in the Iberian hare. At least one positive lagomorph was found on 47.9% of the 96 hunting estates sampled and in every hunting season since 2018/2019. Two risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection were as follows: outbreak of myxomatosis on the hunting estate in the month prior to sampling and high tick abundance observed by gamekeepers on the hunting estate. C. burnetii DNA was also found in 33 of the 120 (27.5%; 95% CI: 19.5–35.5) tick pools tested. The pathogen was detected in 66.7% (4/6), 29.2% (26/89) and 21.4% (3/14) of Haemaphysalis hispanica, Rhipicephalus pusillus and Hyalomma lusitanicum pools respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides new epidemiological data on C. burnetii in European wild rabbits and is the first survey on this zoonotic pathogen performed in Iberian hares. Our results indicate widespread endemic circulation of C. burnetii and highlight the importance of both wild lagomorph species as natural reservoirs of this zoonotic bacterium in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain, which may be of public and animal health concern. The high prevalence and wide diversity of positive tick species suggest the possible role of ticks in the epidemiological cycle of C. burnetii, with the potential risk of transmission to sympatric species, including humans.
Design and Effect Evaluation of a Hydrogen–Natural Gas Mixing Device at Jingbian Compressor Station
Authors: Liu Wu , Zhou Haonan , Huang Bin , Lu Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen gas is an environmentally friendly alternative energy source with zero emissions, making it highly valuable for replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. One effective method of transporting hydrogen gas is by injecting it into existing natural gas pipelines. In this research, we focus on the Jingbian compressor station. This station is used for hydrogenation, blending hydrogen with the natural gas flowing through the pipelines. We propose a suitable process for hydrogen blending and design a mixing device to facilitate this process. To evaluate the mixing effect of the blended gas, we conducted numerical simulations to analyze the velocity and concentration distribution along the continuous section of the hydrogen blending pipeline. The results indicated that achieving a hydrogen branch length of 1/2 the diameter of the natural gas main pipe and a hydrogen flowrate of 10% resulted in a nonuniformity of hydrogen concentration at L = 30D of less than 0.05. Furthermore, when the hydrogen concentration was set at 3%, 10%, and 30%, the hydrogen concentration in the cross section of the pipe gradually approached the expected concentration as the mixed gas flowed. It is worth noting that during transportation of hydrogen-containing natural gas to the outlet, the velocity distribution on the cross section remained asymmetric, potentially leading to measurement errors. However, the use of a flow conditioner resulted in a further reduction in hydrogen nonuniformity and minimized velocity fluctuations, resulting in a small and uniformly distributed flow, which is advantageous for accurate measurement and transportation purposes.
Study of Buffeting Excitation Acting on Coil Tube Bundles in Cross Flow
Authors: Wang Yue , Guo Shuang , Chen Xiaodong , Tan Wei
Published: May 2024

The amplitudes induced by random excitation forces on the tubes bring continuous friction between the tube and supports, which results in gradual failure of the tubes due to fretting wear. Therefore, it is very important to determine the envelope lines of the random excitation force spectrum for the coil tube. To the authors' knowledge, there are no published studies on the normalized force spectrum of coil tubes. In this paper, a simplified three-layer experimental model was established. The robustness of the numerical method was demonstrated by comparing the experimental and simulated results, including the vibration response and the fluid excitation force spectrum. Then, a semi-empirical equation for predicting the dominant frequency of turbulent buffeting was constructed by employing the threshold envelope method. Through the observation of time-history and root-mean-square (RMS) data, it was found that the pitch diameter ratio between adjacent tube layers, a, had the greatest influence on the force coefficients. The smaller a is, the larger the force coefficients are. The pitch diameter ratio in the same layer, b, and helix angle, α, had little effect on the force coefficients. With the increase of α, the flow instability in the shell-side flow enhanced and the fluctuation of force coefficients became larger. Finally, the mechanisms of the tube position, Reynolds number (Re), and bundle structure on the normalized force spectrum were studied. The normalized envelope force spectrum for coil tubes was proposed as the guidelines to predict and evaluate the random excitation force acting on the tubes.
A New Type of S–N Equation and Its Application to Multi-Axial Fatigue Life Prediction
Authors: Xiangqiao Yan
Published: May 2024

The S–N equation is one of the most important equations in fatigue model investigation. A majority of fatigue models, including multi-axial fatigue model and mean effect models, are established on the basis of the S–N equation. Obviously, an accuracy of the S–N equation is very important. Taking into account that the S–N equation is, in fact, an empirical one in which the material constants are determined by numerical fitting fatigue experimental data, in this study, the S–N equation can be improved, by further processing these fatigue experimental data, to present a new type of S–N equation that is more accurate than the S–N equation. The new type of S–N equation is called a similar S–N equation in this study. By using a large number of experimental data of metallic materials reported in the literature, an accuracy of the similar S–N equation has been proven.
Path Forward: Materials Data Modernization for ASME Codes and Standards in the Artificial Intelligence Era
Authors: Ren Weiju
Published: May 2024

Development of the ASME Materials Properties Database was initiated in the early 2010s to support the ASME Codes and Standards. As information technologies advance at an accelerated pace with the artificial intelligence era on the horizon, the ASME Materials Properties Database must be further modernized from a database to a knowledgebase to ride the wave of digital information revolution and effectively support the ASME Codes and Standards in the new era. This paper is intended to provide an overview of the ASME Materials Properties Database and discuss a roadmap for its future development to facilitate understanding of and participation from different sectors of the Codes and Standards community. It first reviews the basic concepts of data, information, knowledge, database, and database system as well as the pros and cons in different types of data management and then discusses the path forward for a desired evolution of the database into a self-explanatory and machine-readable knowledgebase that is consistent with human cognitive processes for the Codes and Standards development and, furthermore, provides resources for data processing and analysis to reach an eventual goal of streamlining the Codes and Standards development from the initial inquiry, throughout data submission, analysis, …, to Codes and Standards rule establishment for final publication.
Mean Stress Correction of S45C Carbon Steel Based on Crack Growth Concept (Proposal of Non-Closure Model)
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki
Published: May 2024

Influence of the tensile mean stress on fatigue life and fatigue limit was investigated for carbon steel. Uni-axial fatigue tests were conducted under stress and strain-controlled conditions at room temperature. The fatigue life and fatigue limit were reduced by applying the mean stress for the same stress amplitude. The fatigue life exhibited a better correlation with the strain range than with the stress amplitude. Increase in strain range caused by applying the mean stress correlated well with the decrease in the fatigue life. It was proposed that the mean stress effect on the fatigue life was brought about by the change in crack growth rate caused by applying the mean stress. The mean stress enhanced crack opening and accelerated the crack growth. The reduction in the fatigue limit was also brought about by the same effect. It was shown that the effective strain range considering crack closure effect gave good prediction of fatigue life and fatigue limit with and without the mean stress.
Integrated analysis of blood DNA methylation, genetic variants, circulating proteins, microRNAs, and kidney failure in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Satake Eiichiro , Pezzolesi Marcus G. , Md Dom Zaipul I. , Stucki Devorah , Kobayashi Hiroki , Syreeni Anna , Johnson Adam T. , Wu Xiwei , Dahlström Emma H. , King Jaxon B. , Groop Per-Henrik , Rich Stephen S. , Sandholm Niina , Krolewski Andrzej S. , Natarajan Rama
Published: May 2024

Variation in DNA methylation (DNAmet) in white blood cells and other cells/tissues has been implicated in the etiology of progressive diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the specific mechanisms linking DNAmet variation in blood cells with risk of kidney failure (KF) and utility of measuring blood cell DNAmet in personalized medicine are not clear. We measured blood cell DNAmet in 277 individuals with type 1 diabetes and DKD using Illumina EPIC arrays; 51% of the cohort developed KF during 7 to 20 years of follow-up. Our epigenome-wide analysis identified DNAmet at 17 CpGs (5′-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3′ loci) associated with risk of KF independent of major clinical risk factors. DNAmet at these KF-associated CpGs remained stable over a median period of 4.7 years. Furthermore, DNAmet variations at seven KF-associated CpGs were strongly associated with multiple genetic variants at seven genomic regions, suggesting a strong genetic influence on DNAmet. The effects of DNAmet variations at the KF-associated CpGs on risk of KF were partially mediated by multiple KF-associated circulating proteins and KF-associated circulating miRNAs. A prediction model for risk of KF was developed by adding blood cell DNAmet at eight selected KF-associated CpGs to the clinical model. This updated model significantly improved prediction performance (c-statistic = 0.93) versus the clinical model (c-statistic = 0.85) at
P
= 6.62 × 10
−14
. In conclusion, our multiomics study provides insights into mechanisms through which variation of DNAmet may affect KF development and shows that blood cell DNAmet at certain CpGs can improve risk prediction for KF in T1D.
Gain-of-function mutations of TRPV4 acting in endothelial cells drive blood-CNS barrier breakdown and motor neuron degeneration in mice
Authors: Sullivan Jeremy M. , Bagnell Anna M. , Alevy Jonathan , Avila Elvia Mena , Mihaljević Ljubica , Saavedra-Rivera Pamela C. , Kong Lingling , Huh Jennifer S. , McCray Brett A. , Aisenberg William H. , Zuberi Aamir R. , Bogdanik Laurent , Lutz Cathleen M. , Qiu Zhaozhu , Quinlan Katharina A. , Searson Peter C. , Sumner Charlotte J.
Published: May 2024

Blood-CNS barrier disruption is a hallmark of numerous neurological disorders, yet whether barrier breakdown is sufficient to trigger neurodegenerative disease remains unresolved. Therapeutic strategies to mitigate barrier hyperpermeability are also limited. Dominant missense mutations of the cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cause forms of hereditary motor neuron disease. To gain insights into the cellular basis of these disorders, we generated knock-in mouse models of TRPV4 channelopathy by introducing two disease-causing mutations (R269C and R232C) into the endogenous mouse
Trpv4
gene. TRPV4 mutant mice exhibited weakness, early lethality, and regional motor neuron loss. Genetic deletion of the mutant
Trpv4
allele from endothelial cells (but not neurons, glia, or muscle) rescued these phenotypes. Symptomatic mutant mice exhibited focal disruptions of blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) integrity, associated with a gain of function of mutant TRPV4 channel activity in neural vascular endothelial cells (NVECs) and alterations of NVEC tight junction structure. Systemic administration of a TRPV4-specific antagonist abrogated channel-mediated BSCB impairments and provided a marked phenotypic rescue of symptomatic mutant mice. Together, our findings show that mutant TRPV4 channels can drive motor neuron degeneration in a non–cell autonomous manner by precipitating focal breakdown of the BSCB. Further, these data highlight the reversibility of TRPV4-mediated BSCB impairments and identify a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with TRPV4 mutations.
Mobile-CRISPRi as a powerful tool for modulating
Vibrio
gene expression
Authors: Geyman Logan J. , Tanner Madeline P. , Rosario-Meléndez Natalia , Peters Jason M. , Mandel Mark J. , van Kessel Julia C.
Published: May 2024

CRISPRi (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats interference) is a gene knockdown method that uses a deactivated Cas9 protein (dCas9) that binds a specific gene target locus dictated by an encoded guide RNA (sgRNA) to block transcription. Mobile-CRISPRi is a suite of modular vectors that enable CRISPRi knockdowns in diverse bacteria by integrating IPTG-inducible
dcas9
and
sgRNA
genes into the genome using Tn
7
transposition. Here, we show that the Mobile-CRISPRi system functions robustly and specifically in multiple
Vibrio
species:
Vibrio cholerae
,
Vibrio fischeri
,
Vibrio vulnificus
,
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
, and
Vibrio campbellii
. We demonstrate efficacy by targeting both essential and non-essential genes that function to produce defined, measurable phenotypes: bioluminescence, quorum sensing, cell division, and growth arrest. We anticipate that Mobile-CRISPRi will be used in
Vibrio
species to systematically probe gene function and essentiality in various behaviors and native environments.

IMPORTANCE

The genetic manipulation of bacterial genomes is an invaluable tool in experimental microbiology. The development of CRISPRi (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats interference) tools has revolutionized genetics in many organisms, including bacteria. Here, we optimized the use of Mobile-CRISPRi in five
Vibrio
species, each of which has significant impacts on marine environments and organisms that include squid, shrimp, shellfish, finfish, corals, and multiple of which pose direct threats to human health. The Mobile-CRISPRi technology is easily adaptable, moveable from strain to strain, and enables researchers to selectively turn off gene expression. Our experiments demonstrate Mobile-CRISPRi is effective and robust at repressing gene expression of both essential and non-essential genes in
Vibrio
species.