bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pop Shove-It, Pop Music
Authors: Millea James
Published: June 2024

James Millea focuses on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series of video games, its use of popular music, and how this transmediality between game culture and music culture shapes the series’ “projection of authenticity.” Millea critiques the vogue for viewing the music of video games through the lens of cinema—the ways in which popular music is used in the series have a markedly different genesis, that of music videos and television and other media depicting the culture of skateboarding. The transmediality of popular music and the series’ games finds purchase in the skateboarding community through the creation of audiovisual relationships that are anything but cinematic.
Valuations of target items are drawn towards unavailable decoy items due to prior expectations
Authors: Izakson Liz , Yoo Minhee , Hakim Adam , Krajbich Ian , Webb Ryan , Levy Dino J
Published: June 2024

When people make choices, the items they consider are often embedded in a context (of other items). How this context affects the valuation of the specific item is an important question. High-value context might make items appear less attractive because of contrast—the tendency to normalize perception of an object relative to its background—or more attractive because of assimilation—the tendency to group objects together. Alternatively, a high-value context might increase prior expectations about the item's value. Here, we investigated these possibilities. We examined how unavailable context items affect choices between two target items, as well as the willingness-to-pay for single targets. Participants viewed sets of three items for several seconds before the target(s) were highlighted. In both tasks, we found a significant assimilation-like effect where participants were more likely to choose or place a higher value on a target when it was surrounded by higher-value context. However, these context effects were only significant for participants’ fastest choices. Using variants of a drift-diffusion model, we established that the unavailable context shifted participants’ prior expectations towards the average values of the sets but had an inconclusive effect on their evaluations of the targets during the decision (i.e. drift rates). In summary, we find that people use context to inform their initial valuations. This can improve efficiency by allowing people to get a head start on their decision. However, it also means that the valuation of an item can change depending on the context.
The Poem on the Door: John Milton’s Sonnet VIII and the Defence of London 1642–1643
Authors: Sawday Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This essay offers a substantial reappraisal and reinterpretation of John Milton’s ‘Sonnet VIII’ (‘Captain or Colonel, or Knight in Arms’) first printed in 1645. Arguing that Milton’s sonnet was written in response to the construction of London’s defences which were built in anticipation of a royalist siege in 1642–1643, the essay: a) analyses the ‘locodescriptive’ character of a poem designed as a ‘found’ text, within a city in which messages of many different kinds were publicly displayed; b) uncovers a hitherto unrecognized classical source for Milton’s sonnet; c) examines the significance of Milton’s deployment of a third-person narrative voice in the poem; d) discusses Milton’s own role within London as the city prepared for an assault by royalist troops; e) considers Milton’s poem as a highly topical protest against parliamentarian property destruction and confiscation in London in 1642–1643; f) identifies the most likely individuals to whom Milton’s sonnet was addressed, while also revising the generally assumed date of the poem’s composition; and finally g) situates the poem within the context of Milton’s evolving political views in the 1640s.
Integration of beta counting system with ORION-DSP coupled to NaI(Tl) detector—a comparative study with an HPGe detector
Authors: Rupa Nyapathy , Kumar Pavan , Shankar Madhavi , Reddy Ram Mohan , Rao Bala Bhaskara , Mahalakshmi Balasubramanian
Published: June 2024

The integration of the ORION digital signal processing-based MCA system coupled with a 3″ × 3″ NaI(Tl) detector assembly with a GM detector for counting beta (β) has eliminated the need for a standalone β-γ method in which U3O8 is determined by gross β and gross γ counting. Uraniferous and mixed U-Th samples were taken up for study and compared with the results obtained from Canberra p-type coaxial high resolution gamma ray spectrometry detector. In uraniferous samples, U3O8 values obtained are within ±10%, whereas in the case of mixed U-Th samples, U3O8 values are within ±15%. Regression graphs drawn between the outcomes from the two analytical systems indicate R2 > 0.95 for Ra(eU3O8) and ThO2. In uraniferous samples, the R2 value for U3O8 was found to be > 0.99, but in mixed U-Th samples, it is 0.92. The closeness of agreement between the results obtained from two methods at various concentrations over the analytical range shows that the integrated system is suitable for the quantitative determination of eU3O8, U3O8, Ra(eU3O8), ThO2 and K in geological rock samples.
Clinicians’ Use of Choice Framing in ICU Family Meetings*
Authors: Hart Joanna L. , Malik Leena , Li Carrie , Summer Amy , Ogunduyile Lon , Steingrub Jay , Lo Bernard , Zlatev Julian , White Douglas B.
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To quantify the frequency and patterns of clinicians’ use of choice frames when discussing preference-sensitive care with surrogate decision-makers in the ICU.

DESIGN:

Secondary sequential content analysis.

SETTING:

One hundred one audio-recorded and transcribed conferences between surrogates and clinicians of incapacitated, critically ill adults from a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

SUBJECTS:

Surrogate decision-makers and clinicians.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Four coders identified preference-sensitive decision episodes addressed in the meetings, including topics such as mechanical ventilation, renal replacement, and overall goals of care. Prior critical care literature provided specific topics identified as preference-sensitive specific to the critical care context. Coders then examined each decision episode for the types of choice frames used by clinicians. The choice frames were selected a priori based on decision science literature. In total, there were 202 decision episodes across the 101 transcripts, with 20.3% of the decision episodes discussing mechanical ventilation, 19.3% overall goals of care, 14.4% renal replacement therapy, 14.4% post-discharge care (i.e., discharge location such as a skilled nursing facility), and the remaining 32.1% other topics. Clinicians used default framing, in which an option is presented that will be carried out if another option is not actively chosen, more frequently than any other choice frame (127 or 62.9% of decision episodes). Clinicians presented a polar interrogative, or a “yes or no question” to accept or reject a specific care choice, in 43 (21.3%) decision episodes. Clinicians more frequently presented options emphasizing both potential losses and gains rather than either in isolation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinicians frequently use default framing and polar questions when discussing preference-sensitive choices with surrogate decision-makers, which are known to be powerful nudges. Future work should focus on designing interventions promoting the informed use of these and the other most common choice frames used by practicing clinicians.
Contribution of Thoron and Its Progeny to the Effective Dose by Inhalation in the Uranium-Thorium Bearing Regions of Mayo Kebbi and Guéra in Chad
Authors: Patale Ziebno , Guillaume Samuel Bineng , Kranrod Chutima , Modibo Oumar Bobbo , Didier Takoukam Soh Serge , Abba Hamadou Yerima , Omori Yasutaka , Hosoda Masahiro , Saïdou  , Paul Ekobena Henri , Tokonami Shinji
Published: June 2024

In recent years, technological developments and hypotheses made by some researchers have revealed that the effective inhalation dose from thoron and its progeny was underestimated. This study uses direct measurements to show the significant contribution of thoron progeny to the effective inhalation dose. To achieve this, radon-thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) and thoron progeny monitors were used for the simultaneous measurement of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny in 150 selected houses in the townships of Bitkine, Mongo, Léré, and Pala in southern Chad. By solid-state detection, concentrations of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny were measured and associated effective doses evaluated. The mean concentrations of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny were 62 (1), 60 (2), and 7.6 (2.1) Bq m−3, respectively. These concentrations are above the corresponding global average values. The equilibrium factor of the thoron varied considerably from one municipality to another. The average total annual effective dose by inhalation was estimated to be 4.23 mSv. The contribution of thoron and its progeny to the total inhalation dose ranged from 5% to 86% with an average of 62%. Considering the above, public exposure to thoron and its associated progeny is a public health concern in a similar way to radon.
Light Therapy for Facial Rejuvenation and Dry Eyes, Blepharitis, and Styes
Authors: Zhang-Nunes Sandy
Published: June 2024

Intense pulsed light has a growing body of research supporting its use in skin rejuvenation, dermatologic conditions, as well as ocular rosacea, dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction. This paper will start with the conception of one protocol for treating dry eyes, blepharitis and styes using broad band light, a version of intense pulsed light, and its evolution into a life-changing in-office procedure for many patients. The approach for optimizing the settings, considerations during the consultation, the procedure in detail, after treatment care, and potential complications to avoid are all explained. Periocular and facial rejuvenation treatment protocols are discussed as well. This should be a useful guide for clinicians looking to add intense pulsed light to their in-office treatment armamentarium to significantly improve the lives of their patients.
The prognostic value of visceral pleural infiltration in ≤3 cm nonsmall cell lung cancer presenting with ground glass opacity: an inverse probability of treatment weighting study
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Li Yiming , Guo Chenglin , Xing Yikai , Liu Chengwu , Zhang Jian , Pu Qiang , Liu Lunxu
Published: June 2024

Background:

Visceral pleural infiltration (VPI) has been identified as an important risk factor in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for many decades. However, for patients who present with ground glass opacity (GGO), the prognostic value of VPI is still elusive. The authors aimed to investigate whether the VPI is a significant prognostic factor in surgically resected ≤3 cm stage I NSCLC, who presented with GGO.

Materials and methods:

Patients with primary NSCLC who underwent surgical resection between December 2009 and December 2018 were collected. Stage I tumors that presented as GGO nodules with a tumor size of less than 3 cm were included and divided into two groups based on VPI status (positive and negative). Clinical, pathological, and prognostic data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

A total of 2043 patients were included in this study (VPIs were found in 196 patients). After IPTW weighting, all factors between the two groups were balanced. The median follow-up time was 67.3 months. According to the multivariable Cox models, the VPI was not a significant prognostic factor for OS (HR=2.00, 95% CI: 0.96–4.17; P=0.063), but was significant for RFS (HR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.12–3.55; P=0.019). In subgroup analysis, we found VPI was significant for OS (HR=3.17, 95% CI: 1.09–9.26, P=0.035) and RFS (HR=4.07, 95% CI: 1.76–9.40, P=0.001) in patients with a tumor size >1 cm and a consolidation to tumor ratio (CTR) >50%. For patients with a tumor size ≤1 cm or a CTR ≤50%, the VPI was not significant.

Conclusions:

VPI may be a significant risk factor for GGOs in NSCLC patients with a tumor size >1 cm and a CTR >50%. Further prospective studies conducted across multicenters with a larger sample size are needed.
Stellate ganglion block for visceral pain in elderly patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Xiang Xiao-bing , Wu Yang-yang , Fang Zheng , Tang Xiao , Wu Ying-li , Zhou Jun , Cheng Xin-qi
Published: June 2024

Background:

Visceral pain occurs commonly following thoracic surgery, but an effective method to relieve visceral pain in thoracic surgery remains controversial. The authors test the effect of stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) on perioperative visceral pain following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial enrolled 77 elderly patients undergoing VATS. Patients were randomized to SGB followed by modified intercostal nerve block (Group S, n=37); or modified intercostal nerve block only (Group C, n=40). Remifentanil 0.02–0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1 was titrated to keep pain threshold index values between 40 and 65 and maintain mean arterial pressure or heart rate values around 20% of baseline values. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with sufentanil was used in the postoperative period. The co-primary outcomes were the perioperative cumulative opioid consumption and pain scores on movement at 24 h after surgery.

Results:

Compared with the control group, SGB greatly reduced the intraoperative remifentanil consumption [300.00 (235.00–450.00)μg versus 710.00 (500.00–915.00)μg; P<0.01], with no difference in cumulative sufentanil consumption to 48 h postsurgery. There was a statistically significant difference in pain scores on movement at 24 h between groups [4.00 (3.00–4.00) versus 4.00 (3.25–5.00); P=0.01]. Further exploratory analyses showed a significant difference in intrachest pain on movement at 24 h [3.00 (2.00–3.00) versus 3.00 (2.25–4.00); P=0.01]. No significant difference was observed in nausea/vomiting, time to pass flatus, and postoperative length of stay.

Conclusion:

Preoperative SGB for elderly patients could effectively blunt intraoperative visceral stress and reduce postoperative visceral pain extending 24 h after VATS. This initial finding deserves further investigation.
Mapping the blueprint of artificial blood vessels research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Pan Dikang , Wang Jingyu , Wang Hui , Wu Sensen , Guo Jianming , Guo Lianrui , Sun Li , Gu Yongquan
Published: June 2024

Background:

Vascular diseases represent a significant cause of disability and death worldwide. The demand for artificial blood vessels is increasing due to the scarce supply of healthy autologous vessels. Nevertheless, the literature in this area remains sparse and inconclusive.

Methods:

Bibliometrics is the study of quantitative analysis of publications and their patterns. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of publications on artificial blood vessels in the 21st century, examining performance distribution, research trajectories, the evolution of research hotspots, and the exploration of the knowledge base. This approach provides comprehensive insights into the knowledge structure of the field.

Results:

The search retrieved 2060 articles, showing a consistent rise in the publication volume and average annual citation frequency related to artificial blood vessels research. The United States is at the forefront of high-quality publications and international collaborations. Among academic institutions, Yale University is a leading contributor. The dominant disciplines within the artificial blood vessels sector include engineering, biomedical sciences, materials science, biomaterials science, and surgery, with surgery experiencing the most rapid expansion.

Conclusions:

This study is the inaugural effort to bibliometrically analyze and visualize the scholarly output in the domain of artificial blood vessels. It provides clinicians and researchers with a reliable synopsis of the field’s current state, offering a reference point for existing research and suggesting new avenues for future investigations.
Prevention and management of rebound pain after resolution of regional block: a systematic review
Authors: Admassie Belete Muluadam , Debas Simachew Amogne , Admass Biruk Adie
Published: June 2024

Background:

An extreme pain known as rebound pain develops after regional blockage wears off. Patient, surgical, and anesthesia-related factors influence the occurrence and intensity of rebound pain. Prior to the peripheral nerve block (PNB) being resolved, multimodal therapy should use. The objective of this review was to explore rebound pain prevention and management following PNB resolution.

Methods:

We conducted a thorough search across Pub Med, Hinari, Google Scholar, and Cochrane review databases, utilizing relevant keywords and search parameters to identify studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies aimed to provide sufficient evidence regarding the prevention and management of rebound pain following the resolution of regional blocks. Duplicate entries were removed using Endnote software. Screening of the literature was performed using a rigorous appraisal checklist. The findings of this review are reported in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement.

Results:

Using an electronic search, 3526 items were found from databases and websites. After removing duplicates (n=500), 3026 articles remained. Of these, 2813 were excluded after going through their titles and abstracts. Of the 213 articles screened, 126 were removed for such reasons as ineligibility or similarity in objectives. Of the remaining 87 studies, 37 were excluded for such reasons as the inaccessibility of free full texts. Finally, 50 studies were included for review.

Conclusions and recommendation:

Proper patient education about rebound pain, combined with the utilization of multimodal systemic analgesia before the resolution of PNBs, perineural dexamethasone, and employing a combination of nerve blocks, has been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of rebound pain. Therefore, clinicians should aim to prevent and manage rebound pain by implementing perioperative multimodal strategies before the resolution of regional blocks.
Awareness of personal safety among frontline healthcare workers working in COVID ward of BPKIHS during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study authors
Authors: Khadka Rama , Parajuli Pushpa , Mehta Ram Sharan , Mandal Gyanand , Shrestha Erina , Adhikari Pratik , Uprety Pratik
Published: June 2024

Background:

Frontline healthcare workers are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and due to lack of availability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of knowledge and good practices results in more deaths each year due to occupational accidents and diseases.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of personal safety, the association between the level of awareness with selected socio-demographic variables and to identify the correlation between knowledge and practice of personal safety.

Materials and methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 106 Frontline Healthcare workers who have worked in the COVID ward. The study was conducted between 7 August 2022 and June 2023. A convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of personal safety. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (χ2 and Spearman’s correlation rank) were used for the data analysis.

Results:

Among the respondents, there were 38 doctors and 68 nurses. The majority of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (79.2%) and practice (52.8%) with a mean score of 13.52±2.10 and 14.51± 2.35, respectively. Doctors have slightly higher levels of knowledge (14.01±1.62) and practice (14.57±2.07) as compared to Nurses (13.19±2.27, 14.48±2.5), respectively. Knowledge was found to be associated with the education level and age of the respondents, and practice has a significant association with training/demonstration with a P value of less than 0.05. Knowledge and practice were found to have a partial positive correlation (r value of 0.27).

Conclusion:

This study concluded that those having higher levels of education had good levels of knowledge and those who have attended formal or informal training or demonstrations regarding personal safety had good practices regarding personal safety.
Laparoscopic partial splenectomy for a giant splenic pseudocyst with elevated CA19-9: a case report
Authors: Sun Yi , Yu Xiao-Feng , Yao Han , Chai Chen
Published: June 2024

Introduction and importance:

Currently, there is a lack of reliable evidence on the management of splenic cysts, which are rare. Exploring the efficacy of laparoscopic partial splenectomy can aid in the accumulation of treatment-related evidence.

Case presentation:

Here, we report the case of a 31-year-old female who was diagnosed with a giant splenic cyst with elevated serum CA19-9 and subsequently underwent laparoscopic partial splenectomy.

Clinical discussion:

The effects of most treatment options for splenic cysts, including percutaneous aspiration and drainage, fenestration, and partial splenectomy, have not been confirmed by high-level evidence. With the development of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic partial splenectomy has drawn increasing attention. Additionally, the relationships between tumor markers and splenic cysts need to be further elucidated.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy might be recommended for patients with splenic cysts, especially when the cysts are not completely covered by the splenic parenchyma.
Heat-related illness
Authors: Gardner Justin , Caley Lindsey , Poche Matthew , Trammell Susannah
Published: June 2024

This article concisely overviews heat-related illnesses, emphasizing their significant impact on public health. It explores the pathophysiology of conditions ranging from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke, highlighting key heat transfer mechanisms and the importance of environmental factors. Differential diagnosis considerations, prevention strategies, and nursing implications are discussed, underscoring the need for prompt recognition and intervention in managing these conditions.
Folate Receptor Alpha Expression and the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yazaki Shu , Chiba Yohei , Kojima Yuki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Takamizawa Shigemasa , Kitadai Rui , Saito Ayumi , Kita Shousuke , Yamamoto Kasumi , Sumiyoshi-Okuma Hitomi , Nishikawa Tadaaki , Sudo Kazuki , Shimoi Tatsunori , Noguchi Emi , Uno Masaya , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kato Tomoyasu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Yonemori Kan
Published: June 2024

Folate receptor α (FRα) is a cell-surface protein and an attractive target for cancer treatment. We investigated the association between FRα expression and the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with cervical cancer. We examined whole tumor sections of 123 patients with cervical cancer: 67 and 56 sections of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and non-SCC, respectively. FRα expression was assessed using immunohistochemical staining with the anti-FRα monoclonal antibody clone 26B3. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was assessed using a combined positive score (CPS). The intratumoral CD3 and CD8 cell densities were calculated as the average number of positive cells in five independent areas. FRα-positivity was identified in 72.4% of the patients, and it differed by histology (SCC vs. non-SCC; 55.2% vs. 92.9%, P<0.001). PD-L1 status was positive (CPS ≥1) in 75.6% and was more commonly expressed in patients with SCC (SCC vs. non-SCC; 83.5% vs. 66.1%, P=0.02). FRα expression had a weak correlation with PD-L1 expression (r=−0.22, P<0.001) and CD8-positive cells (r=−0.19, P=0.03). FRα-positivity was more frequently observed in the PD-L1 CPS <10 group than in the PD-L1 CPS ≥10 group (81% vs. 64%, P=0.03). FRα-high was significantly associated with poor prognosis, especially in the PD-L1 CPS ≥10 groups (hazard ratio: 4.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.39–12.06, P=0.01). In conclusion, FRα expression was higher in patients with cervical cancer and PD-L1 CPS <10 than in those with CPS ≥10. Targeting FRα expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer patients with low or negative PD-L1 expression.
Increased Pretransplant Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Death With Function After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Lorenz Elizabeth C. , Smith Byron H. , Liang Yun , Park Walter D. , Bentall Andrew J. , Dhala Atiya F. , Waterman Amy D. , Kennedy Cassie C. , Hickson LaTonya J. , Rule Andrew D. , Cheville Andrea L. , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Stegall Mark D.
Published: June 2024

Background.

Chronic systemic inflammation is associated with mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between pretransplant inflammatory biomarkers (growth differentiation factor-15 [GDF-15], interleukin-6 [IL-6], soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, monokine induced by gamma interferon/chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 9 [MIG/CXCL9], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble FAS, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-15, and interleukin-1β) and death with function (DWF) after kidney transplantation (KT).

Methods.

We retrospectively measured inflammatory biomarker levels in serum collected up to 1 y before KT (time from blood draw to KT was 130 ± 110 d) in recipients transplanted between January 2006 and December 2018. Kaplan-Meier estimation, Cox regression, and Gradient Boosting Machine modeling were used to examine the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and DWF.

Results.

Our cohort consisted of 1595 KT recipients, of whom 62.9% were male and 83.2% were non-Hispanic White. Over a mean follow-up of 7.4 ± 3.9 y, 21.2% of patients (n = 338) experienced DWF. Patients with the highest quartile levels of GDF-15 (>4766 pg/mL), IL-6 (>6.11 pg/mL), and MIG/CXCL9 (> 5835 pg/mL) had increased rates of DWF, and each predicted mortality independently of the others. When adjusted for clinical factors (age, diabetes, etc), the highest quartile levels of GDF-15 and IL-6 remained independently associated with DWF. Adding inflammatory markers to a clinical Cox model improved the C-statistic for DWF from 0.727 to 0.762 using a Gradient Boosting Machine modeling approach.

Conclusions.

These findings suggest that pre-KT serum concentrations of GDF-15, IL-6, and MIG/CXCL9 may help to risk stratify and manage patients undergoing KT and suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in mortality in KT recipients.
Unveiling Spatial Immune Cell Profile in Kidney Allograft Rejections Using 36-plex Immunofluorescence Imaging
Authors: Hirai Toshihito , Kondo Ayano , Shimizu Tomokazu , Fukuda Hironori , Tokita Daisuke , Takagi Toshio , Mayer Aaron T. , Ishida Hideki
Published: June 2024

Background.

Kidney allograft rejections are orchestrated by a variety of immune cells. Because of the complex histopathologic features, accurate pathological diagnosis poses challenges even for expert pathologists. The objective of this study was to unveil novel spatial indices associated with transplant rejection by using a spatial bioinformatic approach using 36-plex immunofluorescence image data.

Methods.

The image obtained from 11 T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and 12 antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) samples were segmented into 753 737 single cells using DeepCell’s Mesmer algorithm. These cells were categorized into 13 distinct cell types through unsupervised clustering based on their biomarker expression profiles. Cell neighborhood analysis allowed us to stratify kidney tissue into 8 distinct neighborhood components consisting of unique cell type enrichment profiles.

Results.

In contrast to TCMR samples, AMR samples exhibited a higher frequency of neighborhood components that were characterized by an enrichment of CD31+ endothelial cells. Although the overall frequency of CD68+ macrophages in AMR samples was not significantly high, CD68+ macrophages within endothelial cell-rich lesions exhibited a significantly higher frequency in AMR samples than TCMR samples. Furthermore, the frequency of interactions between CD31+ cells and CD68+ cells was significantly increased in AMR samples, implying the pivotal role of macrophages in AMR pathogenesis. Importantly, patients demonstrating a high frequency of CD31:CD68 interactions experienced significantly poorer outcomes in terms of chronic AMR progression.

Conclusions.

Collectively, these data indicate the potential of spatial bioinformatic as a valuable tool for aiding in pathological diagnosis and for uncovering new insights into the mechanisms underlying transplant rejection.
Pancreas Preservation: Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion to Improve Graft Reperfusion
Authors: Mesnard Benoit , Ogbemudia Etohan , Bruneau Sarah , Le Bas-Bernardet Stéphanie , Minault David , Hervouet Jeremy , Kervella Delphine , Masset Christophe , Cantarovich Diego , Rigaud Jérôme , Badet Lionel , Friend Peter , Ploeg Rutger , Blancho Gilles , Hunter James , Prudhomme Thomas , Branchereau Julien
Published: June 2024

Background.

The clinical standard for pancreas preservation for transplantation is static cold storage (SCS). Oxygenation during preservation has been shown to be advantageous in clinical studies. This study evaluates the efficiency of different oxygenation modalities during hypothermic pancreas preservation.

Methods.

Thirty-two porcine pancreases were procured in a controlled donation after circulatory death model and were divided to be preserved in 8 groups: (1) SCS, (2) hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP), (3) hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) with 21% oxygen, (4) HOPE and 100%, (5) SCS and oxygen carrier, M101, (6) HMP and M101, (7) HOPE 21% and M101, and (8) HOPE 100% and M101. All the groups underwent 24 h of hypothermic preservation, followed by 2 h of normothermic reperfusion. Oxygen partial pressures were assessed using parenchymal probes. Perfusion parameters, perfusate samples, and tissue biopsies were analyzed.

Results.

This study showed that HMP was linked to higher tissue oxygen partial pressures, lower succinate levels, and better reperfusion parameters. Furthermore, the addition of M101 to either SCS or HMP was associated with lower succinate and creatinine phosphokinase accumulation, suggesting a protective effect against ischemia.

Conclusions.

Our research has demonstrated the efficacy of machine perfusion in hypothermic conditions in providing oxygen to the pancreas during preservation and conditioning the pancreatic microvasculature for reperfusion during transplantation. Furthermore, the addition of M101 suggests a protective effect on the graft from ischemia.
Reducing insulin omission errors among patients with diabetes mellitus in general surgical wards: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Ng Sharlyn Jia Yi , Goh Mien Li
Published: June 2024

Introduction and objectives:

Omission of insulin, a high-alert medication with one of the highest locally reported errors, could lead to severe hyperglycemia, which could result in coma or death if not treated timeously. This study aimed to identify, evaluate, and implement strategies to reduce the occurrence of insulin omission errors in diabetic adult patients requiring insulin.

Methods:

This project followed the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework and conducted context analysis, strategy implementation, and evaluation of outcomes according to evidence-based quality indicators. The JBI PACES and JBI GRiP situational analysis tools were used to support data collection and implementation planning. There was one evidence-based criterion and five sub-criteria, with a sample size of 22 patients.

Results:

There was increased compliance with best practices to reduce interruptions and distractions from baseline audit (50%) to follow-up audits 1 (45.4%) and 2 (31.8%), and no insulin omission incidences during the implementation period. In the post-implementation analysis, there were notable improvements in compliance with strategies related to nurses; however, reduced compliance was observed related to patients. Key barriers to implementation included patients still disturbing nurses despite the nurses wearing the medication vests and patients forgetting instructions not to disturb nurses during medication administration. Strategies to improve compliance included ensuring coverage in each cubicle during insulin preparation and administration, tending to patients’ needs prior to insulin administration, and use of posters as reminders.

Conclusions:

There was an overall increase in compliance with best practice to reduce interruptions and distractions and no insulin omission incidences related to interruptions and distractions during the implementation phase.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A219
Electromagnetic properties of nuclei from first principles: a case for synergies between experiment and theory
Authors: Roth R. , Petri M.
Published: June 2024

One of the overarching goals in nuclear science is to understand how the nuclear chart emerges from the underlying fundamental interactions. The description of the structure of nuclei from first principles, using
ab initio
methods for the solution of the many-nucleon problem with inputs from chiral effective field theory, has advanced dramatically over the past two decades. We present an overview over the available
ab initio
tools with a specific emphasis on electromagnetic observables, such as multipole moments and transition strengths. These observables still pose a challenge for
ab initio
theory and are one of the most exciting domains to exploit synergies with modern experiments. Precise experimental data are vital for the validation of the theory predictions and the refinement of
ab initio
methods. We discuss some of the past and future experimental efforts highlighting these synergies.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The liminal position of Nuclear Physics: from hadrons to neutron stars’.
Photon strength functions and nuclear level densities: invaluable input for nucleosynthesis
Authors: Wiedeking M. , Goriely S.
Published: June 2024

The pivotal role of nuclear physics in nucleosynthesis processes is being investigated, in particular the intricate influence of photon strength functions (PSFs) and nuclear level densities (NLDs) on shaping the outcomes of the i-, r- and p-processes. Exploring diverse NLD and PSF model combinations uncovers large uncertainties for (p,

γ

), (n,

γ

) and (

α

,

γ

) rates across many regions of the nuclear chart. These lead to potentially significant abundance variations of the nucleosynthesis processes and highlight the importance of accurate experimental nuclear data. Theoretical insights and advanced experimental techniques lay the ground work for profound understanding that can be gained of nucleosynthesis mechanisms and the origin of the elements. Recent results further underscore the effect of PSF and NLD data and its contribution to understanding abundance distributions and refining knowledge of the intricate nucleosynthesis processes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The liminal position of Nuclear Physics: from hadrons to neutron stars’.
Forecasting fluid-injection induced seismicity to choose the best injection strategy for safety and efficiency
Authors: Boyet Auregan , Vilarrasa Víctor , Rutqvist Jonny , De Simone Silvia
Published: June 2024

Induced seismicity poses a challenge to the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Improving monitoring and forecasting techniques is essential to mitigate induced seismicity and thereby fostering a positive perception of EGS projects among local authorities and population. Induced seismicity is the result of complex and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical mechanisms. Injection flux and pressure are crucial controlling parameters for both hydraulic stimulation and circulation protocols. We develop a methodology combining a hydro-mechanical model with a seismicity rate model to estimate the magnitude and frequency of mainshocks and aftershocks induced by fluid injection. We apply the methodology to the case of the Basel EGS (2006, Switzerland) to compare the effects of progressive, cyclic and constant injections on the mechanical response of discrete faults. Results from the coupled hydro-mechanical models show that the pore pressure diffusion and consequent enhancement of fault permeability are limited to the vicinity of the injection well during cyclic injection. Additionally, constant injection induces seismicity from the start of the injection but enhances the permeability of most of the faults within a shorter duration, inducing less post-injection seismicity. The methodology can be adapted to any numerical model and allows new projects to be developed by anticipating the safest injection protocol.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Induced seismicity in coupled subsurface systems’.
Inferring maximum magnitudes from the ordered sequence of large earthquakes
Authors: Schultz Ryan
Published: June 2024

The largest magnitude earthquake in a sequence is often used as a proxy for hazard estimates, as consequences are often predominately from this single event (in small seismic zones). In this article, the concept of order statistics is adapted to infer the maximum magnitude (

M

M
A
X

) of an earthquake catalogue. A suite tools developed here can discern

M

M
A
X

influences through hypothesis testing, quantify

M

M
A
X

through maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) or select the best

M

M
A
X

prediction amongst several models. The efficacy of these tools is benchmarked against synthetic and real-data tests, demonstrating their utility. Ultimately, 13 cases of induced seismicity spanning wastewater disposal, hydraulic fracturing and enhanced geothermal systems are tested for volume-based

M

M
A
X

. I find that there is no evidence of volume-based processes influencing any of these cases. On the contrary, all these cases are adequately explained by an unbounded magnitude distribution. This is significant because it suggests that induced earthquake hazards should also be treated as unbounded. On the other hand, if bounded cases exist, then the tools developed here will be able to discern them, potentially changing how an operator mitigates these hazards. Overall, this suite of tools will be important for better-understanding earthquakes and managing their risks.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Induced seismicity in coupled subsurface systems’.
Tepidibacillus marianensis sp. nov., a novel heterotrophic iron-reducing bacterium isolated from Mariana Trench sediment
Authors: Li Shuyi , Li Chenxi , Pei Jiahao , Liu Rulong , Fang Jiasong , Wei Yuli , He Yu , Li Shuzhen , Feng Qi , Zhang Chenxi , Guo Tianci , Jiang Yongguang , Hu Yidan , Jiang Zhou , Shi Liang , Dong Yiran
Published: June 2024

A novel chemoheterotrophic iron-reducing micro-organism, designated as strain LSZ-M11000T, was isolated from sediment of the Marianas Trench. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain LSZ-M11000T belonged to genus Tepidibacillus, with 97 % identity to that of Tepidibacillus fermentans STGHT, a mesophilic bacterium isolated from the Severo-Stavropolskoye underground gas storage facility in Russia. The polar lipid profile of strain LSZ-M11000T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, as well as other unidentified phospholipids and lipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 (28.4 %), C18 : 0 (15.8 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.9 %), and anteiso-C15 : 0 (12.0 %). Strain LSZ-M11000T had no menaquinone. Genome sequencing revealed that the genome size of strain LSZ-M11000T was 2.97 Mb and the DNA G+C content was 37.9 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values between strain LSZ-M11000T and its close phylogenetic relatives, Tepidibacillus fermentans STGHT and Tepidibacillus decaturensis Z9T, were 76.4 and 72.6 %, respectively. The corresponding DNA–DNA hybridization estimates were 20.9 and 23.4 %, respectively. Cells of strain LSZ-M11000T were rod-shaped (1.0–1.5×0.3–0.5 µm). Using pyruvate as an electron donor, it was capable of reducing KMnO4, MnO2, As(V), NaNO3, NaNO2, Na2SO4, Na2S2O3, and K2Cr2O7. Based on phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic evidence, strain LSZ-M11000T is proposed to be a novel strain of the genus Tepidibacillus, for which the name Tepdibacillus marianensis is proposed. The type strain is LSZ-M11000T (=CCAM 1008T=JCM 39431T).
Functional and Structural Cerebellar-Behavior Relationships in Aging
Authors: Hicks Tracey H. , Magalhães Thamires N. C. , Jackson T. Bryan , Ballard Hannah K. , Herrejon Ivan A. , Bernard Jessica A.
Published: June 2024

Healthy aging is associated with deficits in cognitive performance and brain changes, including in the cerebellum. Yet, the precise link between cerebellar function/structure and cognition in aging remains poorly understood. We explored this relationship in 138 healthy adults (aged 35-86, 53% female) using resting-state functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI), cerebellar volume, and cognitive and motor assessments in an aging sample. We expected to find negative relationships between lobular volume for with age, and positive relationships between specific lobular volumes with motor and cognition respectively. We predicted lower cerebellar fcMRI to cortical networks and circuits with increased age. Behaviorally, we expected higher cerebello-frontal fcMRI cerebellar connectivity with association areas to correlate with better behavioral performance. Behavioral tasks broadly assessed attention, processing speed, working memory, episodic memory, and motor abilities. Correlations were conducted between cerebellar lobules I-IV, V, Crus I, Crus II, vermis VI and behavioral measures. We found lower volumes with increased age as well as bidirectional cerebellar connectivity relationships with increased age, consistent with literature on functional connectivity and network segregation in aging. Further, we revealed unique associations for both cerebellar structure and connectivity with comprehensive behavioral measures in a healthy aging population. Our findings underscore cerebellar involvement in behavior during aging.
DiffuST: a latent diffusion model for spatial transcriptomics denoising
Authors: Jiao Shaoqing , Lu Dazhi , Zeng Xi , Wang Tao , Wang Yongtian , Dong Yunwei , Peng Jiajie
Published: June 2024

Spatial transcriptomics technologies have enabled comprehensive measurements of gene expression profiles while retaining spatial information and matched pathology images. However, noise resulting from low RNA capture efficiency and experimental steps needed to keep spatial information may corrupt the biological signals and obstruct analyses. Here, we develop a latent diffusion model DiffuST to denoise spatial transcriptomics. DiffuST employs a graph autoencoder and a pre-trained model to extract different scale features from spatial information and pathology images. Then, a latent diffusion model is leveraged to map different scales of features to the same space for denoising. The evaluation based on various spatial transcriptomics datasets showed the superiority of DiffuST over existing denoising methods. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that DiffuST can enhance downstream analysis of spatial transcriptomics and yield significant biological insights.
Minimal background noise enhances neural speech tracking: Evidence of stochastic resonance
Authors: Herrmann Bjorn
Published: June 2024

Neural activity in auditory cortex tracks the amplitude envelope of continuous speech, but recent work counter-intuitively suggests that neural tracking increases when speech is masked by background noise, despite reduced speech intelligibility. Noise-related amplification could indicate that stochastic resonance - the response facilitation through noise - supports neural speech tracking. However, a comprehensive account of the sensitivity of neural tracking to background noise and of the role cognitive investment is lacking. In five electroencephalography (EEG) experiments (N=109; box sexes), the current study demonstrates a generalized enhancement of neural speech tracking due to minimal background noise. Results show that a) neural speech tracking is enhanced for speech masked by background noise at very high SNRs (~30 dB SNR) where speech is highly intelligible; b) this enhancement is independent of attention; c) it generalizes across different stationary background maskers, but is strongest for 12-talker babble; and d) it is present for headphone and free-field listening, suggesting that the neural-tracking enhancement generalizes to real-life listening. The work paints a clear picture that minimal background noise enhances the neural representation of the speech envelope, suggesting that stochastic resonance contributes to neural speech tracking. The work further highlights non-linearities of neural tracking induced by background noise that make its use as a biological marker for speech processing challenging.
Network-community analysis of cellular senescence
Authors: Sabalic Alda , Moiseeva Victoria , Cisneros Andres , Deryagin Oleg , Perdiguero Eusebio , Munñz-Cánoves Pura , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi
Published: June 2024

Most cellular phenotypes are genetically complex. Identifying the set of genes that are most closely associated with a specific cellular state is still an open question in many cases. Here we study the transcriptional profile of cellular senescence using a combination of network-based approaches, which include eigenvector centrality feature selection and community detection. We apply our method to cell-type-resolved RNA sequencing data obtained from injured muscle tissue in mice. The analysis identifies some genetic markers consistent with previous findings, and other previously unidentified ones, which are validated with previously published single-cell RNA sequencing data in a different type of tissue. The key identified genes, both those previously known and the newly identified ones, are transcriptional targets of factors known to be associated with established hallmarks of senescence, and can thus be interpreted as molecular correlates of such hallmarks. The method proposed here could be applied to any complex cellular phenotype even when only bulk RNA sequencing is available, provided the data is resolved by cell type.