bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A shallow‐scale phylogenomics approach reveals repeated patterns of diversification among sympatric lineages of cryptic Neotropical aquatic beetles (Coleoptera: Noteridae)
Authors: Baca Stephen M. , Gustafson Grey T. , DeRaad Devon A. , Alexander Alana , Hime Paul M. , Short Andrew E. Z.
Published: June 2024

The Notomicrus traili species group (Coleoptera: Noteridae) is a lineage of aquatic beetles distributed throughout South America and extends into Mexico and the West Indies. Previous research has revealed a species complex within this group, with multiple distinct clades sharing overlapping distributions and lineages attributed to N. traili and the closely related Notomicrus gracilipes recovered as polyphyletic. Here, we perform targeted capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to examine relationships and patterns of evolution within the N. traili group. First, we use short‐read whole‐genome sequencing of four noterid genera to design a noterid‐specific UCE probe set (Noteridae 3.4Kv1) targeting over 3400 unique loci. Using this probe set, we capture UCE data from population‐level sampling of 44 traili group specimens from across the Neotropics, with an emphasis on the Guiana Shield where distributions of several putative N. traili group populations overlap. We subject the resulting data matrix to various trimming and data completeness treatments and reconstruct the phylogeny with both concatenated maximum likelihood and coalescent congruent methods. We recover robust phylogenetic estimates that identify several phylogenetically distinct clades within the traili group that share overlapping distributions. To test for the genetic distinctiveness of populations, we extract single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from UCE alignments using a chimeric reference method to map UCE‐enriched reads and examine patterns of genetic clustering using principal component analyses (PCAs) and STRUCTURE. Population genetic results are highly concordant with recovered phylogenetic structure, revealing a high degree of co‐ancestry shared within identified clades, contrasting with limited ancestry sharing between clades. We recover a pattern consistent with repeated diversification and dispersal of the traili group in the Neotropics, highlighting the efficacy of a tailored UCE approach for facilitating shallow‐scale phylogenetic reconstructions and population genetic analyses, which can reveal novel aspects of coleopteran phylogeography.
Anthocyanin glucosylation mediated by a glycoside hydrolase family 3 protein in purple carrot
Authors: Koga Shun‐ya , Miyahara Taira , Nishizaki Yuzo , Tamura Kotaro , Okamoto Emi , Kawagishi Hiroaki , Sakurai Kaori , Kaneko Yumika , Kumakubo Ryota , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Ozeki Yoshihiro , Sasaki Nobuhiro
Published: June 2024

Purple carrot accumulates anthocyanins modified with galactose, xylose, glucose, and sinapic acid. Most of the genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis have been identified, except for the glucosyltransferase genes involved in the step before the acylation in purple carrot. Anthocyanins are commonly glycosylated in reactions catalyzed by UDP‐sugar‐dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Although many studies have been conducted on UGTs, the glucosylation of carrot anthocyanins remains unknown. Acyl‐glucose‐dependent glucosyltransferase activity modifying cyanidin 3‐xylosylgalactoside was detected in the crude protein extract prepared from purple carrot cultured cells. In addition, the corresponding enzyme was purified. The cDNA encoding this glucosyltransferase was isolated based on the partial amino acid sequence of the purified protein. The recombinant protein produced in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves via agroinfiltration exhibited anthocyanin glucosyltransferase activity. This glucosyltransferase belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 3 (GH3). The expression pattern of the gene encoding this GH3‐type anthocyanin glucosyltransferase was consistent with anthocyanin accumulation in carrot tissues and cultured cells.
The ethylene‐responsive transcription factor ERF024 is a novel regulator of climacteric fruit ripening in melon
Authors: Santo Domingo Miguel , Orduña Luis , Navarro David , Mayobre Carlos , Santiago Antonio , Valverde Laura , Alexiou Konstantinos G. , Matus José Tomás , Pujol Marta , Garcia‐Mas Jordi
Published: June 2024

Fruit ripening is an essential developmental stage in Angiosperms triggered by hormonal signals such as ethylene, a major player in climacteric ripening. Melon is a unique crop showing both climacteric and non‐climacteric cultivars, offering an ideal model for dissecting the genetic mechanisms underpinning this process. The major quantitative trait locus ETHQV8.1 was previously identified as a key regulator of melon fruit ripening. Here, we narrowed down ETHQV8.1 to a precise genomic region containing a single gene, the transcription factor CmERF024. Functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9 knock‐out plants unequivocally identified CmERF024 as the causal gene governing ETHQV8.1. The erf024 mutants exhibited suppression of ethylene production, leading to a significant delay and attenuation of fruit ripening. Integrative multi‐omic analyses encompassing RNA‐seq, DAP‐seq, and DNase‐seq revealed the association of CmERF024 with chromatin accessibility and gene expression dynamics throughout fruit ripening. Our data suggest CmERF024 as a novel regulator of climacteric fruit ripening in melon.
Evaluation of changes in lacrimal canaliculi width depending on temperature and viscosity of eye drops using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in dogs
Authors: Sung Hyeonu , Kang Seonmi , Lee Songhui , Jang Yeajin , Kim Giyeon , Kim Yujin , Seo Kangmoon
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the changes in the width of the lower lacrimal canaliculi (LC) upon instillation of artificial tears (AT) at different temperatures and viscosities using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Animal Studied

Eight eyes of four client‐owned adult dogs.

Procedures

Imaging of lower LC was performed under general anesthesia. AT at temperatures of 2°C, 20°C, and 38°C, and a high‐viscosity tear gel of 20°C, were topically instilled in 100 μL volumes. SD‐OCT tracked LC width changes following each instillation.

Results

The average baseline width of the LC was 96.38 ± 30.18 μm. The 2°C AT expanded LC width to 183.50 ± 44.11 μm, returning to baseline in 5.00 ± 1.31 min. The 20°C AT resulted in a width of 155.25 ± 35.79 μm, with a 3.88 ± 1.25 min return. The 38°C AT expanded LC width to 131.75 ± 29.49 μm, with a 2.25 ± 0.89 min return. The high‐viscosity tear gel expanded LC width to 208.57 ± 56.31 μm, with remained expanded for 10 or more minutes. In temperature comparisons, the 2°C and 20°C AT significantly expanded the LC width more and had longer return times than the 38°C AT (p < .05). Viscosity comparisons showed higher viscosity eye drops significantly expanded LC width more than lower viscosity eye drops (p < .05).

Conclusions

This study found that lower temperature and higher viscosity of eye drops had tendency to result in a wider expansion of the LC width. Additionally, the return time to baseline for LC width tended to be longer with eye drops of lower temperature and higher viscosity. This finding could be helpful in advancing future research on tear dynamics.
Los problemas del desarrollo en las ciencias sociales : la perspectiva procesual de Norbert Elias
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Aldana Cedeño Janneth , Jaramillo G. José Manuel , Lara Bernal Wilson , Mora Lizarazo Alejandra , Pérez Carlos Daniel , Roncancio Henao Laura Tatiana , Saidiza Oscar
Published: June 2024

En este libro, la referencia al trabajo de Norbert Elias resulta ineludible: su producción intelectual es el eje que conecta los capítulos. Desde una perspectiva procesual, se abordan las instituciones de formación de maestros en el siglo xx en Colombia, la posición de Julio Garavito sobre las geometrías no euclidianas y la relatividad en clave eliasiana, los manuales de urbanidad decimonóni-cos, la modernización del Estado en Colombia, los supuestos de los estudios sociales del cuerpo, la pérdida del enfoque genético en psicología y el análisis de la creación artística. Los capítulos resaltan por su diversidad temática, pero en su conjunto tienen el objetivo de contribuir al debate sobre las bases epistemológicas de las ciencias sociales. Teóricamente, este libro es una apuesta firme por que la idea de desarrollo —muy criticada y en ocasiones vaciada del sentido dado por Nobert Elias— sea una base para comprender las distintas figuraciones sociales y sus transformaciones, sus aspectos psicogené-ticos y sociogenéticos y el equilibrio entre compromiso y distanciamiento en la adquisición del conocimiento. En definitiva, se propone pensar las implicaciones de una visión procesual del largo plazo que articule conocimientos de diversas áreas, puesto que, en últimas, esta perspectiva considera el desarrollo histórico de los seres humanos como especie y sus distintas formas de organización social.
Exponential Stability of Impulsive Switched Nonlinear Systems With Partial Unmeasurable States on Time Scales
Authors: Li Liangliang , Yang Chengfeng , Li Heng , Jiang Wenlin
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the stability of a class of partially unmeasurable nonlinear impulsive switched dynamical systems on time scales. It provides sufficient conditions for ensuring exponential stability of impulsive switched systems in hybrid time domains using Gronwall's inequality, dimensionality reduction technique, and time scale theory. These conditions apply to systems where nonlinearities affect both continuous and discrete subsystems. Stable strategies involving partial unmeasurable states are obtained. Furthermore, the proposed results allow the switched system to have incomplete measurable states. The effectiveness of these results is demonstrated by several examples, which are accompanied by simulations for comparison.
A Preconditioner-Based Data-Driven Polynomial Expansion Method: Application to Compressor Blade With Leading Edge Uncertainty
Authors: Wang Haohao , Gao Limin , Yang Guang , Li Ruiyu , Wu Baohai
Published: June 2024

In engineering practice, the amount of measured data is often scarce and limited, posing a challenge in uncertainty quantification (UQ) and propagation. Data-driven polynomial chaos (DDPC) is an effective way to tackle this challenge. However, the DDPC method faces problems from the lack of robustness and convergence difficulty. In this paper, a preconditioner-based data-driven polynomial chaos (PDDPC) method is developed to deal with UQ problems with scarce measured data. Two numerical experiments are used to validate the computational robustness, convergence property, and application potential in case of scarce data. Then, the PDDPC is first applied to evaluate the uncertain impacts of real leading edge (LE) errors on the aerodynamic performance of a two-dimensional compressor blade. Results show that the overall performance of compressor blade is degraded and there is a large performance dispersion at off-design incidence conditions. The actual blade performance has a high probability of deviating from the nominal performance. Under the influence of uncertain LE geometry, the probability distributions of the total pressure loss coefficient and static pressure ratio have obvious skewness characteristics. Compared with the PDDPC method, the UQ results obtained by the fitted Gaussian and Beta probability distributions seriously underestimate the performance dispersion of compressor blade. The mechanism analysis illustrates that the large flow variation around the leading edge is the main reason for the overall performance degradation and the fluctuations of the entire flow field.
Top-down brain circuits for operant bradycardia
Authors: Yoshimoto Airi , Morikawa Shota , Kato Eriko , Takeuchi Haruki , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: June 2024

Heart rate (HR) can be voluntarily regulated when individuals receive real-time feedback. In a rat model of HR biofeedback, the neocortex and medial forebrain bundle were stimulated as feedback and reward, respectively. The rats reduced their HR within 30 minutes, achieving a reduction of approximately 50% after 5 days of 3-hour feedback. The reduced HR persisted for at least 10 days after training while the rats exhibited anxiolytic behavior and an elevation in blood erythrocyte count. This bradycardia was prevented by inactivating anterior cingulate cortical (ACC) neurons projecting to the ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VMT). Theta-rhythm stimulation of the ACC-to-VMT pathway replicated the bradycardia. VMT neurons projected to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and DMH neurons projected to the nucleus ambiguus, which innervates parasympathetic neurons in the heart.
Wild poliovirus makes comeback in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: June 2024

2024 target of ending all transmission will likely be missed
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of HRS9432(A) injection in healthy Chinese subjects: a phase-I randomized, double-blind, dose escalation, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Yan Xin , Huang Yuanyuan , Xie Jinlian , Wu Qian , Yang Shuang , Yang Xiaoyan , Chen Honghui , Huang Jie , Yang Guoping
Published: June 2024

HRS9432(A) is a long-acting echinocandin antifungal medication primarily used to treat invasive fungal infections, particularly invasive candidiasis. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of HRS9432(A) injection were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending-dose Phase I study involving 56 healthy adult subjects. Doses ranging from 200 to 1200 mg were administered. Safety was continually monitored, including adverse events, clinical laboratory examinations, vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiograms, and physical examinations, while the pharmacokinetic profile within the body was evaluated. The results indicated that concentrations of HRS9432 peaked immediately after infusion, demonstrating essentially linear pharmacokinetic characteristics within the dosage range of 200–1,200 mg. It exhibited a low clearance rate and an extended half-life, with a clearance of approximately 0.2 L/h, a volume of distribution of around 40 L, and a half-life of approximately 140h following a single dose. The accumulation index for AUC0-τ after multiple doses ranged from 1.41 to 1.75. No severe adverse events occurred during the study, and the severity of all adverse events was mild or moderate. Therefore, the intravenous administration of HRS9432(A) in healthy Chinese adult subjects, either as multiple infusions of 200 to 600 mg (once a week, four doses) or as a single infusion of 900–1,200 mg, demonstrated overall good safety and tolerability. The pharmacokinetic exhibited essentially linear characteristics in the body, supporting a weekly dosing frequency for clinical applications and providing additional options for the treatment or prevention of invasive fungal infections.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with the

International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
as
ChiCTR2300073525

.
Staphylococcus capitis
: insights into epidemiology, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of a clinically relevant bacterial species
Authors: Crepin Deborah M. , Chavignon Marie , Verhoeven Paul O. , Laurent Frédéric , Josse Jérôme , Butin Marine
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus capitis
is divided into two subspecies,
S. capitis
subsp.
ureolyticus
(renamed
urealyticus
in 1992; ATCC 49326) and
S. capitis
subsp.
capitis
(ATCC 27840), and fits with the archetype of clinically relevant coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS).
S. capitis
is a commensal bacterium of the skin in humans, which must be considered an opportunistic pathogen of interest particularly as soon as it is identified in a clinically relevant specimen from an immunocompromised patient. Several studies have highlighted the potential determinants underlying
S. capitis
pathogenicity, resistance profiles, and virulence factors. In addition, mobile genetic element acquisitions and mutations contribute to
S. capitis
genome adaptation to its environment. Over the past decades, antibiotic resistance has been identified for
S. capitis
in almost all the families of the currently available antibiotics and is related to the emergence of multidrug-resistant clones of high clinical significance. The present review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the taxonomic position of
S. capitis
among staphylococci, the involvement of this species in human colonization and diseases, the virulence factors supporting its pathogenicity, and the phenotypic and genomic antimicrobial resistance profiles of this species.
An insight into the role of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD) complex in branched-chain fatty acid biosynthesis and virulence of
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Kader Chowdhury Q M Monzur , Islam Shamima , Narayanan Lakshmi , Ogunleye Seto C. , Wang Shangshang , Thu Dinh , Freitag Nancy E. , Lawrence Mark L. , Abdelhamed Hossam
Published: June 2024

Listeria monocytogenes
is a foodborne bacterial pathogen that causes listeriosis. Positive regulatory factor A (PrfA) is a pleiotropic master activator of virulence genes of
L. monocytogenes
that becomes active upon the entry of the bacterium into the cytosol of infected cells.
L. monocytogenes
can survive and multiply at low temperatures; this is accomplished through the maintenance of appropriate membrane fluidity via branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) synthesis. Branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD), which is composed of four polypeptides encoded by
lpd
,
bkdA1
,
bkdA2
, and
bkdB
, is known to play a vital role in BCFA biosynthesis. Here, we constructed BKD-deficient
Listeria
strains by in-frame deletion of
lpd
,
bkdA1
,
bkdA2
, and
bkdB
genes. To determine the role in
in vivo
and
in vitro
, mouse model challenges, plaque assay in murine L2 fibroblast, and intracellular replication in J744A.1 macrophage were conducted. BKD-deficient strains exhibited defects in BCFA composition, virulence, and PrfA-regulon function within the host cells. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that the transcript level of the PrfA-regulon was lower in Δ
bkdA1
strain than those in the wild-type. This study demonstrates that
L. monocytogenes
strains lacking BKD complex components were defective in PrfA-regulon function, and full activation of wild-type
prfA
may not occur within host cells in the absence of BKD. Further study will investigate the consequences of BKD deletion on PrfA function through altering BCFA catabolism.

IMPORTANCE

Listeria monocytogenes
is the causative agent of listeriosis, a disease with a high mortality rate. In this study, we have shown that the deletion of BKD can impact the function of PrfA and the PrfA-regulon. The production of virulence proteins within host cells is necessary for
L. monocytogenes
to promote its intracellular survival and is likely dependent on membrane integrity. We thus report a link between
L. monocytogenes
membrane integrity and the function of PrfA. This knowledge will increase our understanding of
L. monocytogenes
pathogenesis, which may provide insight into the development of antimicrobial agents.
Involvement of ribosomal protein L17 and Y-box binding protein 1 in the assembly of hepatitis C virus potentially via their interaction with the 3′ untranslated region of the viral genome
Authors: Liu Jie , Ito Masahiko , Liu Liang , Nakashima Kenji , Satoh Shinya , Konno Alu , Suzuki Tetsuro
Published: June 2024

The 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome, which contains a highly conserved 3′ region named the 3′X-tail, plays an essential role in RNA replication and promotes viral IRES-dependent translation. Although our previous work has found a cis-acting element for genome encapsidation within 3′X, there is limited information on the involvement of the 3′UTR in particle formation. In this study, proteomic analyses identified host cell proteins that bind to the 3′UTR containing the 3′X region but not to the sequence lacking the 3′X. Further characterization showed that RNA-binding proteins, ribosomal protein L17 (RPL17), and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) facilitate the efficient production of infectious HCV particles in the virus infection cells. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing in four assays that distinguish between the various stages of the HCV life cycle, RPL17 and YBX1 were found to be most important for particle assembly in the trans-packaging assay with replication-defective subgenomic RNA.
In vitro
assays showed that RPL17 and YBX1 bind to the 3′UTR RNA and deletion of the 3′X region attenuates their interaction. Knockdown of RPL17 or YBX1 resulted in reducing the amount of HCV RNA co-precipitating with the viral Core protein by RNA immunoprecipitation and increasing the relative distance in space between Core and double-stranded RNA by confocal imaging, suggesting that RPL17 and YBX1 potentially affect HCV RNA-Core interaction, leading to efficient nucleocapsid assembly. These host factors provide new clues to understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate HCV particle formation.

IMPORTANCE

Although basic research on the HCV life cycle has progressed significantly over the past two decades, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the process of particle formation, in particular encapsidation of the genome or nucleocapsid assembly, has been limited. We present here, for the first time, that two RNA-binding proteins, RPL17 and YBX1, bind to the 3′X in the 3′UTR of the HCV genome, which potentially acts as a packaging signal, and facilitates the viral particle assembly. Our study revealed that RPL17 and YBX1 exert a positive effect on the interaction between HCV RNA and Core protein, suggesting that the presence of both host factors modulate an RNA structure or conformation suitable for packaging the viral genome. These findings help us to elucidate not only the regulatory mechanism of the particle assembly of HCV but also the function of host RNA-binding proteins during viral infection.
ANCA negative pulmonary vasculitis: a challenging diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Mayor Kara , Mahdi Amar
Published: June 2024

A man in his 40s with end-stage kidney disease due to IgA nephropathy and receiving peritoneal dialysis presented with a 1-week history of breathlessness, cough and nosebleeds. CT scan of the chest revealed ground glass changes while blood tests indicated elevated inflammatory markers and a negative vasculitis screen. This included negative ANCA and anti-GBM antibodies. Initial treatment for suspected atypical pneumonia with antibiotics yielded no clinical improvement.

Over the course of the admission, his symptoms progressively worsened, leading to oxygen dependency with a FiO2 of 40% and episodes of haemoptysis. Suspicions of pulmonary vasculitis arose due to clinical deterioration, prompting consultation with a tertiary vasculitis centre. It was subsequently concluded that the clinical and radiological findings correlated with ANCA-negative pulmonary vasculitis or a rare case of IgA-associated pulmonary capillaritis. Treatment with methylprednisolone and rituximab led to significant improvement, allowing rapid oxygen withdrawal. The patient was discharged with a tapering prednisolone regimen.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation purulence status and its association with pulmonary embolism: protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Mai Vicky , Girardi Laura , de Wit Kerstin , Castellucci Lana , Aaron Shawn , Couturaud Francis , Fergusson Dean A , Le Gal Grégoire
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) increases the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). AECOPD and PE have similar symptoms which results in a high proportion of patients with AECOPD undergoing imaging to rule out PE. Finding predictors and explanatory factors of PE in AECOPD, such as purulence status, could help reduce the need for imaging. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to evaluate if there is an association between purulence status in AECOPD and PE diagnosis.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL will be searched from database inception to April 2024. Randomised trials, cohort studies and cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of PE in patients with AECOPD will be included if the prevalence of PE based on the AECOPD purulence status is available. There will be no restriction on language. The primary outcome will be PE at the initial assessment and secondary outcomes will be all venous thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PE) and DVT, respectively, diagnosed at the initial assessment. Relative risks with their 95% CI will be calculated by using a Mantel-Haenszel random-effect model to compare the association between the risk of PE and the AECOPD purulence status (purulent vs non-purulent/unknown). Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the type of study, systematic search of PE versus no systematic search of PE and localisation of PE. Risk of bias will be evaluated by the ROBINS-E tool, publication bias will be evaluated with the funnel plot. The manuscript will be drafted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethics approval. This work will be submitted for presentation at an international conference and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023459429.
Antibiotic dispensing practices among informal healthcare providers in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Tandan Meera , Thapa Poshan , Bhandari Buna , Gandra Sumanth , Timalsina Diwash , Bohora Shweta , Thapaliya Swostika , Bhusal Anupama , Gore Genevieve C , Sheokand Surbhi , Shukla Prachi , Joshi Chandrashekhar , Mudgal Nitin , Pai Madhukar , Sulis Giorgia
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The rise of antimicrobial resistance represents a critical threat to global health, exacerbated by the excessive and inappropriate dispensing and use of antimicrobial drugs, notably antibiotics, which specifically target bacterial infections. The surge in antibiotic consumption globally is particularly concerning in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where informal healthcare providers (IPs) play a vital role in the healthcare landscape. Often the initial point of contact for healthcare-seeking individuals, IPs play a crucial role in delivering primary care services in these regions. Despite the prevalent dispensing of antibiotics by IPs in many LMICs, as highlighted by existing research, there remains a gap in the comprehensive synthesis of antibiotic dispensing practices and the influencing factors among IPs. Hence, this scoping review seeks to map and consolidate the literature regarding antibiotic dispensing and its drivers among IPs in LMICs.

Methods and analysis

This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline for scoping review. A comprehensive search across nine electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Global Health, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, AJOL and IMSEAR) will be performed, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists of eligible publications. The search strategy will impose no constraints on study design, methodology, publication date or language. The study selection process will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The findings on antibiotic dispensing and its patterns will be synthesised and reported descriptively using tables, visuals and a narrative summary. Additionally, factors influencing antibiotic dispensing will be elucidated through both inductive and deductive content analysis methods.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for scoping reviews. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant conferences.
Understanding the enablers and barriers to implementing a patient-led escalation system: a qualitative study
Authors: Sutton Elizabeth , Ibrahim Mudathir , Plath William , Booth Lesley , Sujan Mark , McCulloch Peter , Mackintosh Nicola
Published: June 2024

Background

The management of acute deterioration following surgery remains highly variable. Patients and families can play an important role in identifying early signs of deterioration but effective contribution to escalation of care can be practically difficult to achieve. This paper reports the enablers and barriers to the implementation of patient-led escalation systems found during a process evaluation of a quality improvement programme Rescue for Emergency Surgery Patients Observed to uNdergo acute Deterioration (RESPOND).

Methods

The research used ethnographic methods, including over 100 hours of observations on surgical units in three English hospitals in order to understand the everyday context of care. Observations focused on the coordination of activities such as handovers and how rescue featured as part of this. We also conducted 27 interviews with a range of clinical and managerial staff and patients. We employed a thematic analysis approach, combined with a theoretically focused implementation coding framework, based on Normalisation Process Theory.

Results

We found that organisational infrastructural support in the form of a leadership support and clinical care outreach teams with capacity were enablers in implementing the patient-led escalation system. Barriers to implementation included making changes to professional practice without discussing the value and legitimacy of operationalising patient concerns, and ensuring equity of use. We found that organisational work is needed to overcome patient fears about disrupting social and cultural norms.

Conclusions

This paper reveals the need for infrastructural support to facilitate the implementation of a patient-led escalation system, and leadership support to normalise the everyday process of involving patients and families in escalation. This type of system may not achieve its goals without properly understanding and addressing the concerns of both nurses and patients.
Sex differences in asthma control, lung function and exacerbations: the ATLANTIS study
Authors: Kole Tessa M , Muiser Susan , Kraft Monica , Siddiqui Salman , Fabbri Leonardo M , Rabe Klaus F , Papi Alberto , Brightling Chris , Singh Dave , van der Molen Thys , Nawijn Martijn C , Kerstjens Huib A M , van den Berge Maarten
Published: June 2024

Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with a prevalence and severity that differs between male and female patients.

Question

What are differences between male and female patients with asthma with regard to asthma control, lung function, inflammation and exacerbations?

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis in the ATLANTIS (Assessment of Small Airways Involvement in Asthma) study, an observational cohort study including patients with asthma from nine countries with a follow-up of 1 year during which patients were characterised with measures of large and small airway function, questionnaires, inflammation and imaging. We compared differences in baseline characteristics and longitudinal outcomes between male and female patients with asthma.

Results

773 patients were enrolled; 450 (58%) of these were female. At baseline, female patients with asthma were in higher Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) steps (p=0.042), had higher Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 (F: 0.83; M: 0.66, p<0.001) and higher airway resistance as reflected by uncorrected impulse oscillometry outcomes (ie, R5-R20: F: 0.06; M: 0.04 kPa/L/s, p=0.002). Male patients with asthma had more severe airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity % predicted: F: 91.95; M: 88.33%, p<0.01) and more frequently had persistent airflow limitation (F: 27%; M: 39%, p<0.001). Blood neutrophils were significantly higher in female patients (p=0.014). With Cox regression analysis, female sex was an independent predictor for exacerbations.

Interpretation

We demonstrate that female patients are in higher GINA steps, exhibit worse disease control, experience more exacerbations and demonstrate higher airway resistance compared with male patients. The higher exacerbation risk was independent of GINA step and blood eosinophil level. Male patients, in turn, have a higher prevalence of persistent airflow limitation and more severe airflow obstruction. These findings show sex can affect clinical phenotyping and outcomes in asthma.

Trial registration number

NCT02123667.
Challenges and opportunities in cancer immunotherapy: a Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) strategic vision
Authors: Emens Leisha A , Romero Pedro J , Anderson Ana Carrizosa , Bruno Tullia C , Capitini Christian M , Collyar Deborah , Gulley James L , Hwu Patrick , Posey Avery D , Silk Ann W , Wargo Jennifer A
Published: June 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has flourished over the last 10–15 years, transforming the practice of oncology and providing long-term clinical benefit to some patients. During this time, three distinct classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapies specific for two targets, and two distinct classes of bispecific T cell engagers, a vaccine, and an oncolytic virus have joined cytokines as a standard of cancer care. At the same time, scientific progress has delivered vast amounts of new knowledge. For example, advances in technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have provided deep insights into the immunobiology of the tumor microenvironment. With this rapid clinical and scientific progress, the field of cancer immunotherapy is currently at a critical inflection point, with potential for exponential growth over the next decade. Recognizing this, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer convened a diverse group of experts in cancer immunotherapy representing academia, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, patient advocacy, and the regulatory community to identify current opportunities and challenges with the goal of prioritizing areas with the highest potential for clinical impact. The consensus group identified seven high-priority areas of current opportunity for the field: mechanisms of antitumor activity and toxicity; mechanisms of drug resistance; biomarkers and biospecimens; unique aspects of novel therapeutics; host and environmental interactions; premalignant immunity, immune interception, and immunoprevention; and clinical trial design, endpoints, and conduct. Additionally, potential roadblocks to progress were discussed, and several topics were identified as cross-cutting tools for optimization, each with potential to impact multiple scientific priority areas. These cross-cutting tools include preclinical models, data curation and sharing, biopsies and biospecimens, diversification of funding sources, definitions and standards, and patient engagement. Finally, three key guiding principles were identified that will both optimize and maximize progress in the field. These include engaging the patient community; cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress. Here, we present the outcomes of these discussions as a strategic vision to galvanize the field for the next decade of exponential progress in cancer immunotherapy.
French mobile neurosurgical unit: a retrospective analysis of 22 years of mission
Authors: Fawaz Rayan , Maison F L , Robert P , Fouet M , Delmas J-M , Dulou R , Desse N , Dagain A
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The French mobile neurosurgical unit (MNSU) is used to provide specific support to remote military medicosurgical units deployed in foreign theatres. If a neurosurgical casualty is present, the Role 2 team may request the MNSU to be deployed directly from France. The deployed neurosurgeon can then perform surgery in Role 2 or decide to evacuate the casualty and perform surgery in Role 4 in France. We provide an epidemiological analysis of MNSU missions between 2001 and 2023 and investigate the value of the MNSU for the French Armed Forces.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series that included patients managed by the MNSU from 1 January 2001 to 31 January 2023. We collected epidemiological data (eg, age, military or civilian status, delay between transmission and takeoff, origin of the injury and mission location), clinical records (aetiologies of the injury and disease), data on surgical intervention (operator nature and type of surgery) and data on postoperative outcomes recorded at the time of discharge from hospital.

Results

51 patients were managed by the MNSU. 36 (70.5%) and 3 (5.8%) patients underwent surgery on Role 2 and Role 4, respectively. 39 (76.9%) interventions were due to traumatic injury, 4 (7.8%) due to hydrocephalus, 4 (7.8%) due to vascular causes, 3 (5.9%) due to tumour and 1 (2%) due to spine degeneration. In 30 (76.9%) of these cases, the first operator was a neurosurgeon from the MNSU, whereas in the remaining 9 (23.1%) cases, procedures were initially performed by a non-neurosurgeon.

Conclusion

The MNSU contribution to D1 casualties’ strategic evacuation (STRATEVAC) is important. The MNSU provides additional support for STRATEVAC during the reorganisation of French Armed Forces engaged in several fronts. With the return of high-intensity wars, the French MNSU must develop and adjust for the management of massive influxes of casualties.
Clinical spectrum of late symptomatic neurosyphilis in China: an 11-year retrospective study
Authors: Yang Yilan , Gu Xin , Zhu Lin , Cheng Yuanyuan , Lu Haikong , Guan Zhifang , Shi Mei , Ni Liyan , Peng Rui-Rui , Zhao Wei , Wu Juan , Qi Tengfei , Long Fuquan , Chai Zhe , Gong Weiming , Ye Meiping , Zhou Pingyu
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the clinical features of neurosyphilis in Chinese patients in an attempt to find clinical features that are helpful for the early identification of neurosyphilis.

Methods

This retrospective study included people with syphilis who visited Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. Lumbar puncture was performed on those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The diagnosis of neurosyphilis was based on clinical and laboratory findings. The parameters were analysed statistically.

Results

Of the 3524 patients with neurosyphilis, 2111 (59.9%) and 1413 (40.1%) were asymptomatic and symptomatic neurosyphilis, respectively. General paresis was the most common type of symptomatic neurosyphilis (46.8%). The clinical manifestations of symptomatic neurosyphilis include psychiatric and neurotic symptoms, among which general paresis predominantly presented as psychiatric symptoms such as affective (66.7%) and memory disorder (72.9%). Tabes dorsalis is often presented as neurotic symptoms. One hundred fifty patients (10.6%) with symptomatic neurosyphilis presented candy signs, a rare and specific neurosyphilis symptom that is common in general paresis. Girdle sensation was presented in 13 patients, mainly with tabes dorsalis, which had not been reported in previous studies.

Conclusions

Notably, the candy sign is identified as a specific symptom of general paresis, while girdle sensations are highlighted as a particular symptom of tabes dorsalis. This is the largest study describing the clinical spectrum of neurosyphilis since the onset of the penicillin era and could help doctors learn more about the disease. A comprehensive description of the possible clinical manifestations of late symptomatic neurosyphilis, particularly highlighting rare symptoms, can identify suspicious patients and prevent diagnostic delays.
Laboratory mix preparation and investigation of mechanical behaviour of polyurethane-bound porous rubber pavement
Authors: Kabir Tamanna , Al-Bayati Hanaa Khaleel , Tighe Susan
Published: June 2024

With the rise in stormwater runoffs, permeable pavement like polyurethane-bound porous rubber pavement (PRP) offers a viable solution for urban stormwater management. Composed of stone and recycled crumb rubber aggregates bound by polyurethane, PRP features high air voids. This study explores PRP’s mechanical behaviour and freeze–thaw durability in cold climates, essential for sustainable urban infrastructure. We developed methods for sample preparation and air void assessment in PRP and conducted tests on compressive and indirect tensile strength, plus moisture-induced damage. Two scenarios were investigated: one examined four new mixes of varied compositions, and the other focused on mixes with different binders (aliphatic and aromatic). Our investigation reveals insights into PRP’s mechanical behaviour under colder climate conditions. The study shows that higher proportions of stone aggregates and binders enhance mechanical strength, while increased rubber content improves freeze–thaw durability. Furthermore, we found that different binders affect strength variations. The study concludes PRP is effective for low-traffic pavements in colder, freeze–thaw regions.
Collision energy dependence of source sizes for primary and secondary pions at energies available at the JINR nuclotron-based ion collider facility from Lévy fits
Authors: Ayala Alejandro , Bernal-Langarica Santiago , Dominguez Isabel , Maldonado Ivonne , Tejeda-Yeomans Maria Elena
Published: June 2024

We study the evolution of the two-pion correlation function parameters with collision energy in the context of relativistic heavy-ion collisions within the NICA energy range. To this end, we perform UrQMD simulations in the cascade mode to produce samples of pions from $$5\times 10^6$$

5
×

10
6

Bi+Bi collisions for each of the studied energies. The effects of the quantum-statistical correlations are introduced using the correlation afterburner code CRAB. We fit the correlation function using Gaussian, exponential and symmetric Lévy shapes and show that for all collision energies the latter provides the best fit. We separate the sample into pions coming from primary processes and pions originating from the decay of long-lived resonances, and show that the source size for the latter is significantly larger than for the former. The source size for the secondaries, is similar but in general larger than the size for the whole pion sample. To further characterize the pion source, we also simulate the effects of a non-ideal detector introducing a momentum smearing parameter, representing the minimum pair momentum and thus a maximum source size that can be resolved. The values of the correlation function intercept parameter are therefore modified from the values they attain for the perfect detector case. Using the core-halo picture of the source, we show that the values of the intercept parameter are influenced by the presence of a significant fraction of core pions coming from the decay of long-lived but slow-moving resonances. These findings serve as a benchmark to compare with future Monte Carlo studies that consider an Equation of State and thus allow for a phase transition within the studied energy domain.
Multi-Period Profit-Oriented Location Routing Problem in Multi-User Warehouses with Backordering and Order Acceptance: A Relax-Fix-Optimize Heuristic
Authors: Ech-Charrat Mohammed Rida , Zhani Najlae , Chargui Kaoutar , Zouadi Tarik
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses profit maximization in location routing problem (LRP) where backordering is allowed and serving all customers is not mandatory. The problem is motivated by the practical case of distribution companies using temporary multi-user warehouses to serve their customers. We propose a multi-period novel mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the problem where demand is price sensitive. The model seeks to find optimal locations of warehouses over the planning horizon, set of orders to serve, to backorder or to reject, and routing decisions giving optimal profit. The commercial solver (CPLEX) is used to solve the model on small instances. For medium and large instances, we propose a solution approach that incorporates the Relax and Fix (R&F), Fix and Optimize (F&O) procedures combined with local search heuristics. Computational experiments and economic analysis show the relevance of the proposed approach and the impact of parameters on generated profit.
A TURNING POINT FOR BANKING: UNRAVELING THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF BANKING ACTIVITY IN EUROPE SINCE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: BELLUCCI ANDREA , GUCCIARDI GIANLUCA
Published: June 2024

This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the European banking system, focusing on lending activities and risk-taking behavior. We use a difference-in-differences (DID) approach to compare the performance of banks highly impacted by the pandemic with those operating in less affected countries. Our results indicate a negative impact on lending activities, as banks reduced their exposure to both individuals and businesses. Nonetheless, the impact on bank risk-taking was heterogeneous, as certain banks increased their risk-taking by relaxing their lending standards to support their borrowers while others tightened lending criteria. The reduction in total lending for the banking system was primarily driven by less capitalized banks — with a sharp decline in corporate loans combined with stability in mortgages and consumer loans — and those with limited access to public guarantee schemes. Different characteristics, such as size, profitability, and listing status, led to varied lending behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with smaller and more profitable banks exhibiting greater resilience.
Robust Resource Bounds with Static Analysis and Bayesian Inference
Authors: Pham Long , Saad Feras A. , Hoffmann Jan
Published: June 2024

There are two approaches to automatically deriving symbolic worst-case resource bounds for programs: static analysis of the source code and data-driven analysis of cost measurements obtained by running the program. Static resource analysis is usually sound but incomplete. Data-driven analysis can always return a result, but its lack of robustness often leads to unsound results. This paper presents the design, implementation, and empirical evaluation of hybrid resource bound analyses that tightly integrate static analysis and data-driven analysis. The static analysis part builds on automatic amortized resource analysis (AARA), a state-of-the-art type-based resource analysis method that performs cost bound inference using linear optimization. The data-driven part is rooted in novel Bayesian modeling and inference techniques that improve upon previous data-driven analysis methods by reporting an entire probability distribution over likely resource cost bounds. A key innovation is a new type inference system called
Hybrid AARA
that coherently integrates Bayesian inference into conventional AARA, combining the strengths of both approaches. Hybrid AARA is proven to be statistically sound under standard assumptions on the runtime cost data. An experimental evaluation on a challenging set of benchmarks shows that Hybrid AARA (i) effectively mitigates the incompleteness of purely static resource analysis; and (ii) is more accurate and robust than purely data-driven resource analysis.