bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and implementation of a nationwide multidrug-resistant organism tracking and alert system for Veterans Affairs medical centers
Authors: Pfeiffer Christopher D. , Jones Makoto M. , Klutts James S. , Francis Quinn A. , Flegal Hannah M. , Murray Adrienne O. , Willson Tina M. , Hicks Natalie R. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Evans Martin E.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Develop and implement a system in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to alert local medical center personnel in real time when an acute- or long-term care patient/resident is admitted to their facility with a history of colonization or infection with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) previously identified at any VA facility across the nation.

Methods:

An algorithm was developed to extract clinical microbiology and local facility census data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse initially targeting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The algorithm was validated with chart review of CRE cases from 2010-2018, trialed and refined in 24 VA healthcare systems over two years, expanded to other MDROs and implemented nationwide on 4/2022 as “VA Bug Alert” (VABA). Use through 8/2023 was assessed.

Results:

VABA performed well for CRE with recall of 96.3%, precision of 99.8%, and F1 score of 98.0%. At the 24 trial sites, feedback was recorded for 1,011 admissions with a history of CRE (130), MRSA (814), or both (67). Among Infection Preventionists and MDRO Prevention Coordinators, 338 (33%) reported being previously unaware of the information, and of these, 271 (80%) reported they would not have otherwise known this information. By fourteen months after nationwide implementation, 113/130 (87%) VA healthcare systems had at least one VABA subscriber.

Conclusions:

A national system for alerting facilities in real-time of patients admitted with an MDRO history was successfully developed and implemented in VA. Next steps include understanding facilitators and barriers to use and coordination with non-VA facilities nationwide.
Modal stability analysis of toroidal pipe flow approaching zero curvature
Authors: Lupi V. , Canton J. , Rinaldi E. , Örlü R. , Schlatter P.
Published: May 2024

The present study investigates the modal stability of the steady incompressible flow inside a toroidal pipe for values of the curvature

$\delta$

(ratio between pipe and torus radii) approaching zero, i.e. the limit of a straight pipe. The global neutral stability curve for

$10^{-7} \leq \delta \leq ~10^{-2}$

is traced using a continuation algorithm. Two different families of unstable eigenmodes are identified. For curvatures below

$1.5 \times 10^{-6}$

, the critical Reynolds number

${{Re}}_{cr}$

is proportional to

$\delta ^{-1/2}$

. Hence, the critical Dean number is constant,

${{De}}_{cr} = 2\,{{Re}}_{cr}\,\sqrt {\delta } \approx 113$

. This behaviour confirms that the Hagen–Poiseuille flow is stable to infinitesimal perturbations for any Reynolds number and suggests that a continuous transition from the curved to the straight pipe takes place as far as it regards the stability properties. For low values of the curvature, an approximate self-similar solution for the steady base flow can be obtained at a fixed Dean number. Exploiting the proposed semi-analytic scaling in the stability analysis provides satisfactory results.
Experimental study on spray in the atmospheric surface layer by raindrops impacting water surface
Authors: Liu Xinan , Zhang Xiguang , Zheng Quanan , Duncan James H.
Published: May 2024

Spray formed by a myriad of secondary droplets generated by the impact of raindrops on a deep-water pool is studied with a laboratory rain facility. Experiments are performed with two rain rates and raindrops fall on the water surface at a nearly constant velocity. The secondary droplets at various heights above the pool's water surface are recorded with a cinematic digital in-line holographic technique that consists of a high-speed camera, a pulsed Nd:YLF laser and associated optics. The experimental results show that in the heat-map scatter plots of radius versus velocity near the water surface of the pool, the droplets are distributed into three regions, corresponding to distinct physical mechanisms of droplet generation. It is found that the diameter distribution of the droplets in the rain field changes with height above the pool's water surfaces. Both numerical simulation and experimental data reveal that the liquid water content, due to the presence of secondary droplets, in the atmospheric surface layer decreases exponentially with increasing height.
Co-ethnic Migration of Vojvodina Slovaks to Slovakia: Institutional Frameworks and Everyday Practices of Interaction
Authors: Zlatanović Sanja , Marušiak Juraj
Published: May 2024

In this article, we explore intra-ethnic aspects of co-ethnic migration by members of the Slovak community from Serbia to Slovakia, both at the institutional level and at the level of intra-ethnic relations, and the boundaries between migrants and the established population. In the first part, we focus on the institutional framework of co-ethnic migration: the politicization of diaspora issues in Slovakia, the Slovak community in Serbia in the hierarchy of Slovakia’s diaspora policy, and co-ethnic relations as a subject of negotiations. In the second part, we investigate the role of language in co-ethnic migration, the situation of nonrecognition by co-ethnics in Slovakia, intra-ethnic boundary-making in everyday interactions, and the consequences of migration on intra-ethnic relations among those members of the community who did not migrate. We thus analyze the ongoing migration of the Slovaks of Vojvodina from Serbia into Slovakia, from the early 1990s onward, through a blend of perspectives “from above” and “from below.” This article is based on extensive fieldwork conducted among members of the Vojvodina Slovak community, both migrants and non-migrants who have remained in Vojvodina. Thus, the sending country (Serbia) and the receiving country (Slovakia) represent one research field. The data collected in the field have been complemented by legal documents and statistical data to gain an overview of the wider social and political structures within which the migration is taking place.
Peer Effects and Recidivism: Wartime Connections and Criminality among Colombian Ex-Combatants
Authors: VÁSQUEZ-CORTÉS MATEO
Published: May 2024

To what extent do peers affect criminal behavior? In this article, I study peer effects among ex-combatants in Colombia. Following a theoretical framework that differentiates the impact of economic conditions from that of social networks, I rely on individual-level data on over 16,000 former paramilitaries in Colombia to study the relationship between illegal gold production and recidivism. I show that when the economic benefits of illegal sectors increase, ex-combatants favor criminal activities. More importantly, I show that an increase in wartime peers’ criminality increases an ex-combatant’s criminal activity. I complement these results with the analysis of an original survey about the social connections of ex-combatants and explore the potential effect of tackling wartime networks as a policy to reduce crime after conflicts.
To Report or Not to Report on Research Ethics in Political Science and International Relations: A New Dimension of Gender-Based Inequality
Authors: KNOTT ELEANOR , KOSTOVICOVA DENISA
Published: May 2024

The profession has been increasing efforts to ensure ethical research in politics and international relations (IR) with robust institutional review procedures. But this ethics turn has not been evaluated systematically to date. Drawing on two original datasets that record reporting on the ethical practices of research in key political science and IR journals (2000–18), we analyze how scholars report on ethics of research involving human participants as well as archival, social media, and textual data from the perspective of feminist ethics of care. We find that women report ethics more than men, women and men report on different dimensions of ethics, and these differences are starker at the intersection of gender and method. We identify a new dimension of gender-based inequality in the profession which, we argue, stems from voluntary practices of ethics reporting that persist globally in academic publications. An agreed international standard of reporting research ethics is needed.
Low soil phosphorus availability has limited effects on wood traits in young plants of five eucalypt species
Authors: Silva Franklin Magnum de Oliveira , Gioppato Helena Augusto , Borghi Alexandre Augusto , Andrade Sara Adrián López , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: May 2024

Plant-derived products rely heavily on the availability of phosphorus (P) in the soil. With reserves of P-rocks being limited, there is a growing demand to enhance the efficiency of P utilization by crops. Eucalypts, an important economic crop in many countries, is a source of timber, coal, essence oils, and cellulose. After identifying low P tolerant and susceptible species in a previous study, we explored the various physiological and biochemical responses of these same species to low P availability. The aim was to expand our understanding of how different P-nutrition responses might impact eucalypt wood production and traits related to its quality. Our results indicate that low soil P minimally affects physiological wood parameters in the young trees of Eucalyptus acmenoides, Corymbia maculata, E. grandis, E. globulus, and E. tereticornis. Decreases in cellulose contents and increases in lignin content and syringyl and guaiacyl (S/G) ratios were observed under low P and only in E. acmenoides plants. Wood density remained unaffected in all species. Additionally, bark, stem, and root P concentrations increased under sufficient P conditions in E. globulus, E. grandis, and E. tereticornis. These findings suggest that these plant parts may act as reserve pools of this nutrient.
Larger putamen in individuals at risk and with manifest bipolar disorder
Authors: Thomas-Odenthal Florian , Stein Frederike , Vogelbacher Christoph , Alexander Nina , Bechdolf Andreas , Bermpohl Felix , Bröckel Kyra , Brosch Katharina , Correll Christoph U. , Evermann Ulrika , Falkenberg Irina , Fallgatter Andreas , Flinkenflügel Kira , Grotegerd Dominik , Hahn Tim , Hautzinger Martin , Jansen Andreas , Juckel Georg , Krug Axel , Lambert Martin , Leicht Gregor , Leopold Karolina , Meinert Susanne , Mikolas Pavol , Mulert Christoph , Nenadić Igor , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Reif Andreas , Ringwald Kai , Ritter Philipp , Stamm Thomas , Straube Benjamin , Teutenberg Lea , Thiel Katharina , Usemann Paula , Winter Alexandra , Wroblewski Adrian , Dannlowski Udo , Bauer Michael , Pfennig Andrea , Kircher Tilo
Published: May 2024

Background:

Individuals at risk for bipolar disorder (BD) have a wide range of genetic and non-genetic risk factors, like a positive family history of BD or (sub)threshold affective symptoms. Yet, it is unclear whether these individuals at risk and those diagnosed with BD share similar gray matter brain alterations.

Methods:

In 410 male and female participants aged 17–35 years, we compared gray matter volume (3T MRI) between individuals at risk for BD (as assessed using the EPIbipolar scale; n = 208), patients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BD (n = 87), and healthy controls (n = 115) using voxel-based morphometry in SPM12/CAT12. We applied conjunction analyses to identify similarities in gray matter volume alterations in individuals at risk and BD patients, relative to healthy controls. We also performed exploratory whole-brain analyses to identify differences in gray matter volume among groups. ComBat was used to harmonize imaging data from seven sites.

Results:

Both individuals at risk and BD patients showed larger volumes in the right putamen than healthy controls. Furthermore, individuals at risk had smaller volumes in the right inferior occipital gyrus, and BD patients had larger volumes in the left precuneus, compared to healthy controls. These findings were independent of course of illness (number of lifetime manic and depressive episodes, number of hospitalizations), comorbid diagnoses (major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder), familial risk, current disease severity (global functioning, remission status), and current medication intake.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that alterations in the right putamen might constitute a vulnerability marker for BD.
International Relations and the non-human: Exploring animal culture for global environmental governance
Authors: Lappe-Osthege Teresa , Duffy Rosaleen
Published: May 2024

There is a paradox in global environmental governance that policymaking must ‘follow the science’ while environmental change is itself characterised by scientific uncertainty. This paper addresses this paradox by embracing that uncertainty. We bring International Relations (IR) into conversation with animal studies to further develop conceptual debates on integrating non-human actors. We focus on avian cultures to understand the nexus between bird crime, flyways, and global environmental governance. We analyse how bird migrations along flyways disrupt mainstream systems of knowledge production that global conventions rely on. Zooming in on bird crime along flyways, we demonstrate that crime relies on offenders’ understanding of avian cultures. We synthesise those findings with an analysis of the Convention on Migratory Species, as the only global convention that integrates animal cultures to develop more effective responses to wildlife crime. Our analysis demonstrates that international conservation overlooks the exploitation of avian culture for criminal activity, rendering policy responses less effective, particularly in contexts of scientific uncertainty. Integrating animal cultures can address scientific uncertainty and promote multispecies learning, creating more effective forms of global environmental governance. Ultimately, this renders the non-human visible and makes it possible to explore the implications for multispecies entanglements in IR.
Analysis and forecasting of syphilis trends in mainland China based on hybrid time series models
Authors: Wang Zhen D. , Yang Chun X. , Zhang Sheng K. , Wang Yong B. , Xu Zhen , Feng Zi J.
Published: May 2024

Syphilis remains a serious public health problem in mainland China that requires attention, modelling to describe and predict its prevalence patterns can help the government to develop more scientific interventions. The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, long short-term memory network (LSTM) model, hybrid SARIMA-LSTM model, and hybrid SARIMA-nonlinear auto-regressive models with exogenous inputs (SARIMA-NARX) model were used to simulate the time series data of the syphilis incidence from January 2004 to November 2023 respectively. Compared to the SARIMA, LSTM, and SARIMA-LSTM models, the median absolute deviation (MAD) value of the SARIMA-NARX model decreases by 352.69%, 4.98%, and 3.73%, respectively. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value decreases by 73.7%, 23.46%, and 13.06%, respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) value decreases by 68.02%, 26.68%, and 23.78%, respectively. The mean absolute error (MAE) value decreases by 70.90%, 23.00%, and 21.80%, respectively. The hybrid SARIMA-NARX and SARIMA-LSTM methods predict syphilis cases more accurately than the basic SARIMA and LSTM methods, so that can be used for governments to develop long-term syphilis prevention and control programs. In addition, the predicted cases still maintain a fairly high level of incidence, so there is an urgent need to develop more comprehensive prevention strategies.
International travel as a risk factor for gastrointestinal infections in residents of North East England
Authors: Love Nicola K. , Jenkins Claire , McCarthy Noel , Baker Kate S. , Manley Petra , Wilson Deborah
Published: May 2024

International travel is thought to be a major risk factor for developing gastrointestinal (GI) illness for UK residents. Here, we present an analysis of routine laboratory and exposure surveillance data from North East (NE) England, describing the destination-specific contribution that international travel makes to the regional burden of GI infection.

Laboratory reports of common notifiable enteric infections were linked to exposure data for cases reported between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2022. Demographic characteristics of cases were described, and rates per 100,000 visits were determined using published estimates of overseas visits from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) International Passenger Survey (IPS).

About 34.9% of cases reported international travel during their incubation period between 2013 and 2022, although travel-associated cases were significantly reduced (>80%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2013 and 2019, half of Shigella spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella infections and a third of Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections were reported following travel. Rates of illness were highest in travellers returning from Africa and Asia (107.8 and 61.1 per 100,000 visits), with high rates also associated with tourist resorts like Turkey, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic (386.4–147.9 per 100,000 visits).

International travel is a major risk factor for the development of GI infections. High rates of illness were reported following travel to both destinations, which are typically regarded as high-risk and common tourist resorts. This work highlights the need to better understand risks while travelling to support the implementation of guidance and control measures to reduce the burden of illness in returning travellers.
Anaesthesia management of interventional cardiac catheterisation for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Ning , Wang Kui-liang , Ren Yue-yi
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis usually have to undergo treatment in the neonatal period. Compared to traditional surgical intervention, catheter-based cardiac interventions may achieve similar or superior outcomes for neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis. However, there is limited literature on anaesthesia techniques, challenges, and risks associated with cardiac catheterisation in this population.

Methods:

This article retrospectively analysed the clinical data of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis neonates who were treated with interventional cardiac catheterisation in our hospital from January 2015 to October 2022. Clinical outcomes considered were haemodynamic or pulse oxygen saturation instability, vasoactive requirements, prolonged intubation (>24 h postoperatively), and cardiovascular adverse events.

Results:

A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients survived the intervention. Among the patients with critical pulmonary stenosis, 40 successfully received percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, while three patients received ductal stenting due to moderate right ventricular dysplasia at the same time. For patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, 17 of the 23 patients successfully underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve perforation and percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Of these, five patients underwent ductal stenting due to unstable pulmonary blood flow. Three patients only underwent ductal stenting. In addition, three patients received hybrid therapy.

Conclusions:

There are various clinical techniques and risk challenges in the interventional cardiac catheterisation of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis. However, by mastering the physiological and pathophysiological characteristics of the disease, adequately preparing for the perioperative period, and predicting the procedure process and potential complications, anaesthesia and surgical risks can be effectively managed.
Political scientists' Track II diplomacy: the International Political Science Association and Cross-Strait relations
Authors: Feng John
Published: May 2024

The International Political Science Association (IPSA) is a unique case against the common perception that Beijing has the upper hand when the two regimes by the Taiwan Strait contest to join international (non-governmental) organisations. Beijing relentlessly pushes international organisations to acknowledge the One China principle; Taipei also relentlessly denies this principle while it seeks to join. In the 1980s, Chinese and Taiwanese political scientists, representing their own regimes, applied Track II diplomacy to compete over membership of this organisation. IPSA membership mattered to both regimes and their political scientists. After many years of Track II competition, The Chinese Association of Political Science in Taipei became a “collective” member without compromising on how to name itself in April 1989. As a result, Beijing's counterpart withdrew from the IPSA. This situation has now persisted for over thirty years. The IPSA case not only challenges the current understanding of Cross-Strait relations but also throws light on the theoretical understanding of Track II diplomacy.
Menschsein im Sterben
Authors: Riedel Christoph
Published: May 2024

Sterben gehört zum Leben. Würdevolle Lebensführung braucht Entscheidungen.

Den Mittelpunkt der Hospizarbeit und der Palliative Care bildet das sorgende Dasein um den sterbenden Menschen und seine Angehörigen. Wichtiger als einzelne Care-Strategien erscheint das anthropologische Verstehen der Lebensthemen sterbender Menschen: Wer ist der sterbende Mensch? Wie führt er sein Leben? Welchen Sinn kann er für sein Leben finden? Wie drückt er seine persönliche Würde auch in Krisensituationen aus? Menschsein im Sterben zu verstehen, fördert die angemessene Sorge um die Lebensführung Sterbender. Die Klärung anthropologischer Grundbegriffe wie Würde, Souveränität, Selbstbestimmtheit und Autonomie erleichtern mitfühlende Unterstützung bei Entscheidungsprozessen Sterbender.

Der Autor, Philosoph mit Qualifikationen in Psychotherapie und Palliative Care, reflektiert das Menschsein im Sterben auf den Grundlagen der Logotherapie nach Frankl und der Würdezentrierten Therapie nach Chochinov. So entsteht ein strukturiertes Konzept für die palliative und hospizliche Praxis in der Perspektive einer angewandten Anthropologie, wie sie die Logotherapie ermöglicht. Das erleichtert Fachexpert*innen der Gesundheitsberufe wie auch ehrenamtlich Begleitenden die kommunikative Begegnung mit Sterbenden und die mitfühlende Sicht auf deren existenzielle Themen.

In anschaulichen, kommentierten Fallvignetten, in Merksätzen und Praxistipps erschließen sich in diesem Fachbuch die Grundlagen würdevollen Verhaltens, wertschätzender Kommunikation und mitfühlender Begegnung von Sterbenden und Sorgenden, u.a. im Kontext von Sinnkrisen, Schuldgefühlen und Trauer.
The Ancient Configuration of the Southern Central Andes and Paleogeographic Reconstruction of the Late Cretaceous Foreland Basin at 34°40’S
Authors: Martos F. E. , Fennell L. M. , Naipauer M. , Valencia V. , Folguera A.
Published: May 2024

The early stages of Andean construction have been barely recognized due to a long history of tectonic superposition during the growth of the orogen. In this work, we present a multi‐method approach integrating sedimentological, geochronological, structural, and provenance analyses to reconstruct the architecture of the Late Cretaceous foreland basin at 34°40’S. We identified a new depocenter located in an inner position of the Late Cretaceous foreland basin, a strategic location to understand the sedimentation dynamics near the topographic front of the orogen. Two sandstone samples from the basal and upper sections of the Diamante Formation were collected for detrital zircons dating, which yielded maximum depositional ages between 98 Ma and 91 Ma. The provenance analyses based on U‐Pb zircons ages indicated a main source area located to the west, in the incipient orogenic belt, with a complementary contribution from basement rocks, located to the east. Moreover, growth strata documented in these deposits were compared with structural kinematic models, which suggest that some of these deposits are associated with inherited structures, reactivated during the tectonic inversion of the extensional Jurassic Atuel depocenter. Our paleogeographic model comprises an Andean Cordillera flanked by a hinterland basin to the west and a foreland basin to the east, with a deformational front positioned further east compared to previous models.
Ionizing terahertz waves with 260 MV/cm from scalable optical rectification
Authors: Kim Hyeongmun , Kang Chul , Jang Dogeun , Roh Yulan , Lee Sang Hwa , Lee Joong Wook , Sung Jae Hee , Lee Seong Ku , Kim Ki-Yong
Published: May 2024

Terahertz (THz) waves, known as non-ionizing radiation owing to their low photon energies, can actually ionize atoms and molecules when a sufficiently large number of THz photons are concentrated in time and space. Here, we demonstrate the generation of ionizing, multicycle, 15-THz waves emitted from large-area lithium niobate crystals via phase-matched optical rectification of 150-terawatt laser pulses. A complete characterization of the generated THz waves in energy, pulse duration, and focal spot size shows that the field strength can reach up to 260 megavolts per centimeter. In particular, a single-shot THz interferometer is employed to measure the THz pulse duration and spectrum with complementary numerical simulations. Such intense THz pulses are irradiated onto various solid targets to demonstrate THz-induced tunneling ionization and plasma formation. This study also discusses the potential of nonperturbative THz-driven ionization in gases, which will open up new opportunities, including nonlinear and relativistic THz physics in plasma.
Strong nonlinear optical processes with extraordinary polarization anisotropy in inversion-symmetry broken two-dimensional PdPSe
Authors: Zhu Song , Duan Ruihuan , Xu Xiaodong , Sun Fangyuan , Chen Wenduo , Wang Fakun , Li Siyuan , Ye Ming , Zhou Xin , Cheng Jinluo , Wu Yao , Liang Houkun , Kono Junichiro , Li Xingji , Liu Zheng , Wang Qi Jie
Published: May 2024

Nonlinear optical activities, especially second harmonic generation (SHG), are key phenomena in inversion-symmetry-broken two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). On the other hand, anisotropic nonlinear optical processes are important for unique applications in nano-nonlinear photonic devices with polarization functions, having become one of focused research topics in the field of nonlinear photonics. However, the strong nonlinearity and strong optical anisotropy do not exist simultaneously in common 2D materials. Here, we demonstrate strong second-order and third-order susceptibilities of 64 pm/V and 6.2×10−19 m2/V2, respectively, in the even-layer PdPSe, which has not been discovered in other common TMDCs (e.g., MoS2). Strikingly, it also simultaneously exhibited strong SHG anisotropy with an anisotropic ratio of ~45, which is the largest reported among all 2D materials to date, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, the SHG anisotropy ratio can be harnessed from 0.12 to 45 (375 times) by varying the excitation wavelength due to the dispersion of $${\chi }^{(2)}$$

χ

(
2
)

values. As an illustrative example, we further demonstrate polarized SHG imaging for potential applications in crystal orientation identification and polarization-dependent spatial encoding. These findings in 2D PdPSe are promising for nonlinear nanophotonic and optoelectronic applications.
Serum eosinophil-derived neurotoxin: a new promising biomarker for cow’s milk allergy diagnosis
Authors: Bahbah Wael A. , Abo Hola Ahmed S. , Bedair Hanan M. , Taha Eman T. , El Zefzaf Heba M. S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) diagnosis is often a challenge due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and lack of a confirmatory diagnostic test. To our knowledge no previous studies investigated serum Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin (sEDN) in CMA. So, we aimed to assess the role of sEDN in CMA diagnosis.

Methods

Forty-five infants with CMA were compared to 45 infants with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and 45 healthy controls. For all participants, Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) was documented, and sEDN level with hematological parameters were measured before starting elimination diet.

Results

Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve identified sEDN > 14 ng/mL and CoMiSS > 9 as the optimal cut-off points to discriminate CMA from other groups with sensitivity 86.67%, 97.78% and specificity 60.00%, 78.89% respectively. Additionally, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) showed the highest sensitivity and specificity (80.0% and 78.89%) among hematological parameters. Although CoMiSS and ANC showed a significant positive correlation with sEDN in CMA group, CoMiSS was the only significant predictor for sEDN in multivariate linear regression.

Conclusions

sEDN showed high sensitivity in discriminating infants with and without CMA. Therefore, it is suggested as a potential biomarker for CMA diagnosis. Also, ANC should be closely monitored in these infants.

Impact

CMA presents with high heterogeneity, which complicates the diagnosis especially non-IgE-mediated and mixed types. So, oral food challenge continues to be the gold standard for its diagnosis.

ROC curve identified CoMiSS > 9 as the best cut-off point to identify CMA. However, CoMiSS is a good awareness tool for CMA but not a diagnostic tool.

sEDN level was significantly higher in infants with CMA with a good diagnostic performance in differentiating them than those without CMA. So, it is suggested as a potential biomarker for CMA diagnosis.

ANC could have a role in CMA diagnosis and differentiating it from FGIDs.
Molecular understanding and clinical outcomes of CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of urological tumors
Authors: Zhang Gong , Wang Yuan , Lu Shiyang , Ding Fengzhu , Wang Xia , Zhu Chunming , Wang Yibing , Wang Kefeng
Published: May 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T (CAR T) cell therapy has developed rapidly in recent years, leading to profound developments in oncology, especially for hematologic malignancies. However, given the pressure of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, antigen escape, and diverse other factors, its application in solid tumors is less developed. Urinary system tumors are relatively common, accounting for approximately 24% of all new cancers in the United States. CAR T cells have great potential for urinary system tumors. This review summarizes the latest developments of CAR T cell therapy in urinary system tumors, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer, and also outlines the various CAR T cell generations and their pathways and targets that have been developed thus far. Finally, the current advantages, problems, and side effects of CAR T cell therapy are discussed in depth, and potential future developments are proposed in view of current shortcomings.
Inhibition of lysosomal TRPML1 channel eliminates breast cancer stem cells by triggering ferroptosis
Authors: Fan Chunhong , Wu Haotian , Du Xin , Li Canjun , Zeng Wenping , Qu Lili , Cang Chunlei
Published: May 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a sub-population of cells possessing high tumorigenic potential, which contribute to therapeutic resistance, metastasis and recurrence. Eradication of CSCs is widely recognized as a crucial factor in improving patient prognosis, yet the effective targeting of these cells remains a major challenge. Here, we show that the lysosomal cation channel TRPML1 represents a promising target for CSCs. TRPML1 is highly expressed in breast cancer cells and exhibits sensitivity to salinomycin, a drug known to selectively eliminate CSCs. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic depletion of TRPML1 promote ferroptosis in breast CSCs, reduce their stemness, and enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. The inhibition and knockout of TRPML1 also demonstrate significant suppression of tumor formation and growth in the mouse xenograft model. These findings suggest that targeting TRPML1 to eliminate CSCs may be an effective strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
DRG2 is required for surface localization of PD-L1 and the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy
Authors: Choi Seong Hee , Mani Muralidharan , Kim Jeonghwan , Cho Wha Ja , Martin Thomas F. J. , Kim Jee Hyun , Chu Hun Su , Jeong Won Jin , Won Young-Wook , Lee Byung Ju , Ahn Byungyong , Kim Junil , Jeon Do Yong , Park Jeong Woo
Published: May 2024

More than half of tumor patients with high PD-L1 expression do not respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be clarified. Here we show that developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2) is required for response of PD-L1-expressing tumors to anti-PD-1 therapy. DRG2 depletion enhanced IFN-γ signaling and increased the PD-L1 level in melanoma cells. However, it inhibited recycling of endosomal PD-L1 and reduced surface PD-L1 levels, which led to defects in interaction with PD-1. Anti-PD-1 did not expand effector-like T cells within DRG2-depleted tumors and failed to improve the survival of DRG2-depleted tumor-bearing mice. Cohort analysis revealed that patients bearing melanoma with low DRG2 protein levels were resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy. These findings identify DRG2 as a key regulator of recycling of endosomal PD-L1 and response to anti-PD-1 therapy and provide insights into how to increase the correlation between PD-L1 expression and response to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Integrated analyses reveal the diagnostic and predictive values of COL5A2 and association with immune environment in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhong Tingting , Cheng Xiaoqing , Gu Qianru , Fu Guoxiang , Wang Yihong , Jiang Yujie , Xu Jiaqi , Jiang Zhinong
Published: May 2024

The pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD) involves abnormal immune cell infiltration and dysregulated immune response. Therefore, thorough research on immune cell abnormalities in CD is crucial for improved treatment of this disease. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data of CD were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks evaluated the proportion of immune infiltrating cells, constructed co-expression network and identified key genes, respectively. Based on the dataset (GSE134809), 15 cell clusters were defined and labeled as different cell types. Among the 11 modules, the yellow module had the closest relationship with plasma cells (cluster 5). Confirmed using RNA sequencing and IHC assay, the expression of COL5A2 in CD samples was higher than that in control samples. Furthermore, the COL5A2 protein expression remarkably decreased in the group of patients who responded to anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatments, compared to the non-response group. The comprehensive analyses described here provided novel insight into the landscape of CD-associated immune environment. In addition, COL5A2 were identified as potential diagnostic indicators for CD, as well as promising predictive markers for CD patients.
Shifts in evolutionary lability underlie independent gains and losses of root-nodule symbiosis in a single clade of plants
Authors: Kates Heather R. , O’Meara Brian C. , LaFrance Raphael , Stull Gregory W. , James Euan K. , Liu Shui-Yin , Tian Qin , Yi Ting-Shuang , Conde Daniel , Kirst Matias , Ané Jean-Michel , Soltis Douglas E. , Guralnick Robert P. , Soltis Pamela S. , Folk Ryan A.
Published: May 2024

Root nodule symbiosis (RNS) is a complex trait that enables plants to access atmospheric nitrogen converted into usable forms through a mutualistic relationship with soil bacteria. Pinpointing the evolutionary origins of RNS is critical for understanding its genetic basis, but building this evolutionary context is complicated by data limitations and the intermittent presence of RNS in a single clade of ca. 30,000 species of flowering plants, i.e., the nitrogen-fixing clade (NFC). We developed the most extensive de novo phylogeny for the NFC and an RNS trait database to reconstruct the evolution of RNS. Our analysis identifies evolutionary rate heterogeneity associated with a two-step process: An ancestral precursor state transitioned to a more labile state from which RNS was rapidly gained at multiple points in the NFC. We illustrate how a two-step process could explain multiple independent gains and losses of RNS, contrary to recent hypotheses suggesting one gain and numerous losses, and suggest a broader phylogenetic and genetic scope may be required for genome-phenome mapping.
Hyperactivity of indirect pathway-projecting spiny projection neurons promotes compulsive behavior
Authors: Piantadosi Sean C. , Manning Elizabeth E. , Chamberlain Brittany L. , Hyde James , LaPalombara Zoe , Bannon Nicholas M. , Pierson Jamie L. , K Namboodiri Vijay M. , Ahmari Susanne E.
Published: May 2024

Compulsive behaviors are a hallmark symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Striatal hyperactivity has been linked to compulsive behavior generation in correlative studies in humans and causal studies in rodents. However, the contribution of the two distinct striatal output populations to the generation and treatment of compulsive behavior is unknown. These populations of direct and indirect pathway-projecting spiny projection neurons (SPNs) have classically been thought to promote or suppress actions, respectively, leading to a long-held hypothesis that increased output of direct relative to indirect pathway promotes compulsive behavior. Contrary to this hypothesis, here we find that indirect pathway hyperactivity is associated with compulsive grooming in the Sapap3-knockout mouse model of OCD-relevant behavior. Furthermore, we show that suppression of indirect pathway activity using optogenetics or treatment with the first-line OCD pharmacotherapy fluoxetine is associated with reduced grooming in Sapap3-knockouts. Together, these findings highlight the striatal indirect pathway as a potential treatment target for compulsive behavior.
Zero-field J-spectroscopy of quadrupolar nuclei
Authors: Picazo-Frutos Román , Sheberstov Kirill F. , Blanchard John W. , Van Dyke Erik , Reh Moritz , Sjoelander Tobias , Pines Alexander , Budker Dmitry , Barskiy Danila A.
Published: May 2024

Zero- to ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance (ZULF NMR) allows molecular structure elucidation via measurement of electron-mediated spin-spin J-couplings. This study examines zero-field J-spectra from molecules with quadrupolar nuclei, exemplified by solutions of various isotopologues of ammonium cations. The spectra reveal differences between various isotopologues upon extracting precise J-coupling values from pulse-acquire measurements. A primary isotope effect, $$\triangle J=\left({\gamma }_{{}^{14}{{{{{\rm{N}}}}}}}/{\gamma }_{{}^{15}{{{{{\rm{N}}}}}}}\right){J}_{{}^{15}{{{{{\rm{N}}}}}}{{{{{\rm{H}}}}}}}-{J}_{{}^{14}{{{{{\rm{N}}}}}}{{{{{\rm{H}}}}}}}\approx -58$$
△
J
=

γ

14

N

/

γ

15

N

J

15

N
H

−

J

14

N
H

≈
−
58
mHz, is deduced by analysis of the proton-nitrogen J-coupling ratios. This study points toward further experiments with symmetric cations containing quadrupolar nuclei, promising applications in biomedicine, energy storage, and benchmarking quantum chemistry calculations.
Integrated assessment modeling of a zero-emissions global transportation sector
Authors: Speizer Simone , Fuhrman Jay , Aldrete Lopez Laura , George Mel , Kyle Page , Monteith Seth , McJeon Haewon
Published: May 2024

Currently responsible for over one fifth of carbon emissions worldwide, the transportation sector will need to undergo a substantial technological transition to ensure compatibility with global climate goals. Few studies have modeled strategies to achieve zero emissions across all transportation modes, including aviation and shipping, alongside an integrated analysis of feedbacks on other sectors and environmental systems. Here, we use a global integrated assessment model to evaluate deep decarbonization scenarios for the transportation sector consistent with maintaining end-of-century warming below 1.5 °C, considering varied timelines for fossil fuel phase-out and implementation of advanced alternative technologies. We highlight the leading low carbon technologies for each transportation mode, finding that electrification contributes most to decarbonization across the sector. Biofuels and hydrogen are particularly important for aviation and shipping. Our most ambitious scenario eliminates transportation emissions by mid-century, contributing substantially to achieving climate targets but requiring rapid technological shifts with integrated impacts on fuel demands and availability and upstream energy transitions.
Ultrafast all-optical toggle writing of magnetic bits without relying on heat
Authors: Zalewski T. , Maziewski A. , Kimel A. V. , Stupakiewicz A.
Published: May 2024

Ultrafast excitation of matter can violate Curie’s principle that the symmetry of the cause must be found in the symmetry of the effect. For instance, heating alone cannot result in a deterministic reversal of magnetization. However, if the heating is ultrafast, it facilitates toggle switching of magnetization between stable bit-states without any magnetic field. Here we show that the regime of ultrafast toggle switching can be also realized via a mechanism without relying on heat. Ultrafast laser excitation of iron-garnet with linearly polarized light modifies magnetic anisotropy and thus causes toggling magnetization between two stable bit states. This new regime of ‘cold’ toggle switching can be observed in ferrimagnets without a compensation point and over an exceptionally broad temperature range. The control of magnetic anisotropy required for the toggle switching exhibits reduced dissipation compared to laser-induced-heating mechanism, however the dissipation and the switching-time are shown to be competing parameters.
Noninvasive imaging-guided ultrasonic neurostimulation with arbitrary 2D patterns and its application for high-quality vision restoration
Authors: Lu Gengxi , Gong Chen , Sun Yizhe , Qian Xuejun , Rajendran Nair Deepthi S. , Li Runze , Zeng Yushun , Ji Jie , Zhang Junhang , Kang Haochen , Jiang Laiming , Chen Jiawen , Chang Chi-Feng , Thomas Biju B. , Humayun Mark S. , Zhou Qifa
Published: May 2024

Retinal degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible low vision and blindness globally, can be partially addressed by retina prostheses which stimulate remaining neurons in the retina. However, existing electrode-based treatments are invasive, posing substantial risks to patients and healthcare providers. Here, we introduce a completely noninvasive ultrasonic retina prosthesis, featuring a customized ultrasound two-dimensional array which allows for simultaneous imaging and stimulation. With synchronous three-dimensional imaging guidance and auto-alignment technology, ultrasonic retina prosthesis can generate programmed ultrasound waves to dynamically and precisely form arbitrary wave patterns on the retina. Neuron responses in the brain’s visual center mirrored these patterns, evidencing successful artificial vision creation, which was further corroborated in behavior experiments. Quantitative analysis of the spatial-temporal resolution and field of view demonstrated advanced performance of ultrasonic retina prosthesis and elucidated the biophysical mechanism of retinal stimulation. As a noninvasive blindness prosthesis, ultrasonic retina prosthesis could lead to a more effective, widely acceptable treatment for blind patients. Its real-time imaging-guided stimulation strategy with a single ultrasound array, could also benefit ultrasound neurostimulation in other diseases.
Longitudinal viral shedding and antibody response characteristics of men with acute infection of monkeypox virus: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Yang , Niu Shiyu , Shen Chenguang , Yang Liuqing , Song Shuo , Peng Yun , Xu Yifan , Guo Liping , Shen Liang , Liao Zhonghui , Liu Jiexiang , Zhang Shengjie , Cui Yanxin , Chen Jiayin , Chen Si , Huang Ting , Wang Fuxiang , Lu Hongzhou , Liu Yingxia
Published: May 2024

Understanding of infection dynamics is important for public health measures against monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. Herein, samples from multiple body sites and environmental fomites of 77 acute MPXV infections (HIV co-infection: N = 42) were collected every two to three days and used for detection of MPXV DNA, surface protein specific antibodies and neutralizing titers. Skin lesions show 100% positivity rate of MPXV DNA, followed by rectum (88.16%), saliva (83.78%) and oropharynx (78.95%). Positivity rate of oropharynx decreases rapidly after 7 days post symptom onset (d.p.o), while the rectum and saliva maintain a positivity rate similar to skin lesions. Viral dynamics are similar among skin lesions, saliva and oropharynx, with a peak at about 6 d.p.o. In contrast, viral levels in the rectum peak at the beginning of symptom onset and decrease rapidly thereafter. 52.66% of environmental fomite swabs are positive for MPXV DNA, with highest positivity rate (69.89%) from air-conditioning air outlets. High seropositivity against A29L (100%) and H3L (94.74%) are detected, while a correlation between IgG endpoint titers and neutralizing titers is only found for A29L. Most indexes are similar between HIV and Non-HIV participants, while HIV and rectitis are associated with higher viral loads in rectum.
Reconfigurable image processing metasurfaces with phase-change materials
Authors: Cotrufo Michele , Sulejman Shaban B. , Wesemann Lukas , Rahman Md. Ataur , Bhaskaran Madhu , Roberts Ann , Alù Andrea
Published: May 2024

Optical metasurfaces have enabled analog computing and image processing within sub-wavelength footprints, and with reduced power consumption and faster speeds. While various image processing metasurfaces have been demonstrated, most of the considered devices are static and lack reconfigurability. Yet, the ability to dynamically reconfigure processing operations is key for metasurfaces to be used within practical computing systems. Here, we demonstrate a passive edge-detection metasurface operating in the near-infrared regime whose response can be drastically modified by temperature variations smaller than 10 °C around a CMOS-compatible temperature of 65 °C. Such reconfigurability is achieved by leveraging the insulator-to-metal phase transition of a thin layer of vanadium dioxide, which strongly alters the metasurface nonlocal response. Importantly, this reconfigurability is accompanied by performance metrics—such as numerical aperture, efficiency, isotropy, and polarization-independence – close to optimal, and it is combined with a simple geometry compatible with large-scale manufacturing. Our work paves the way to a new generation of ultra-compact, tunable and passive devices for all-optical computation, with potential applications in augmented reality, remote sensing and bio-medical imaging.