bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with development of colitis in horses post‐exploratory laparotomy
Authors: Givan Stephanie A. , Estell Krista E. , Martinez‐Lopez Javier , Brown James A. , Wong David M. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: November 2023

Background

Diagnosis of colitis has been shown to impact morbidity and mortality in hospitalised horses. There are no studies to date that describe the incidence of infectious colitis after exploratory laparotomy.

Objectives

To investigate risk factors associated with the development of colitis and infectious colitis post‐exploratory laparotomy.

Study design

Retrospective case–control.

Methods

Medical records of equids admitted from 2011 to 2020 were reviewed. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of colitis following exploratory laparotomy. Bivariable associations between colitis and risk factors were assessed using the 2‐samplet‐test and Fisher's exact test. All risk factors were subjected to a backward elimination variable reduction algorithm within a logistic regression framework (p‐value set to 0.05). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed for the final model.

Results

A total of 504 equids were included in the study. Forty‐two patients (8.3%) were diagnosed with postoperative colitis. Five patients were diagnosed withSalmonellaspp. and two withClostridioides difficile. The odds of postoperative colitis were higher among patients that had pelvic flexure enterotomy (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.7–7.9,p = 0.001), postoperative leukopenia or leukocytosis (OR = 21.2, 95% CI = 9.7–46.7,p < 0.001), or plasma lactate 2.0–4.0 mmol/L (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3–6.7,p < 0.008). Patients diagnosed with colitis had a longer median length of hospitalisation (9 days; range 2–21) compared with patients without colitis (7 days; range 2–25). Patients with colitis had a survival to discharge rate similar to patients without colitis (95% compared to 93%).

Main limitations

Risk factors for infectious colitis could not be determined due to variation in testing protocols in this retrospective study and the low number of positive cases.

Conclusions

Colitis as a postoperative complication does not negatively impact survival to discharge but is associated with longer hospitalisation. Pelvic flexure enterotomy, postoperative leukopenia or leukocytosis, and increased plasma lactate were identified as significant risk factors associated with colitis.
Association between secondhand smoke exposure and severe headaches or migraine in never‐smoking adults
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Yang Panpan , Wu Xiaodan , Yu Xiaoxuan , Zeng Fanfang , Wang Haitang
Published: November 2023

Objective

The study aimed to examine the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and severe headaches or migraine in never‐smoking adults verified by serum cotinine.

Background

Current evidence about the association between self‐reported SHS exposure and headaches or migraine is limited and contradictory. An important issue lies in the lack of actual SHS exposure assessment through biomarkers.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on 4560 never‐smoking adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2004. The SHS exposure was evaluated by measuring serum cotinine concentrations. The information regarding severe headaches or migraine was based on self‐reporting.

Results

The overall prevalence rate of severe headaches or migraine was 20% (919/4560). After adjusting for relevant covariates, we found that heavy SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 1 to 10 ng/mL) was positively associated with severe headaches or migraine (OR: 2.02, 95% CI [1.19, 3.43]); however, no significant association was found between low SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 0.05 to 0.99 ng/mL) and severe headaches or migraine (OR: 1.15, 95% CI [0.91, 1.47]). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that the natural logarithm of serum cotinine had a linear relationship with severe headaches or migraine (p = 0.335 for nonlinearity). Stratified analysis indicated that individuals with a BMI of <25 (p < 0.001 for interaction) and sedentary activity (p = 0.016 for interaction) modified the relationship between SHS exposure and severe headaches and migraine. Even after altering the definition of SHS exposure, excluding drugs that might affect the metabolism of serum cotinine, and multiple imputation, our sensitivity analysis results remained stable.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that heavy SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 1 to 10 ng/mL) had a significant positive association with severe headaches or migraine in never‐smoking adults. Prospective studies are necessary to verify this relationship in the future.
Effects of weight loss on metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease in Japanese people: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Gifu area, longitudinal analysis study
Authors: Hasegawa Yuka , Okada Hiroshi , Nakajima Hanako , Kitagawa Nobuko , Okamura Takuro , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takafumi , Ushigome Emi , Nakanishi Naoko , Nakahata Yuki , Obora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: November 2023

Aim

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a major health concern. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between weight loss and remission of MAFLD in the Japanese population to aid the development of efficient treatment strategies.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Japanese health screening center. Participants included 3309 individuals diagnosed with baseline MAFLD between 2004 and 2016. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between MAFLD remission from baseline to 5 years and weight change.

Results

After 5 years, 671 participants achieved MAFLD remission. Weight loss was associated with MAFLD remission for every 1 kg of weight loss over 5 years; the odds ratio for MAFLD remission was 1.24 (95% CI 1.15–1.34) for participants with type 2 diabetes, 1.40 (95% CI 1.35–1.45) for overweight participants, and 1.51 (95% CI 1.33–1.72) for non‐overweight participants with metabolic dysfunctions. The cutoff values for weight loss for MAFLD remission were 1.9 kg for all participants, 3.0 kg for participants with type 2 diabetes, 1.9 kg for overweight participants, and 0.8 kg for non‐overweight participants with metabolic dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Among participants diagnosed with MAFLD, weight loss was associated with MAFLD remission regardless of the type of metabolic dysfunction in MAFLD. The results of this study may contribute to the development of novel approaches to achieve MAFLD remission.
Molecular pathology of non‐small cell carcinoma
Authors: Yatabe Yasushi
Published: November 2023

Currently, lung cancer is treated by the highest number of therapeutic options and the benefits are based on multiple large‐scale sequencing studies, translational research and new drug development, which has promoted our understanding of the molecular pathology of lung cancer. According to the driver alterations, different characteristics have been revealed, such as differences in ethnic prevalence, median age and alteration patterns. Consequently, beyond traditional chemoradiotherapy, molecular‐targeted therapy and treatment with immune check‐point inhibitors (ICI) also became available major therapeutic options. Interestingly, clinical results suggest that the recently established therapies target distinct lung cancer proportions, particularly between the EGFR/ALK and PD‐1/PD‐L1‐positive subsets, e.g. the kinase inhibitors target driver mutation‐positive tumours, whereas driver mutation‐negative tumours respond to ICI treatment. These therapeutic efficacy‐related differences might be explained by the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer. Addictive driver mutations promote tumour formation with powerful transformation performance, resulting in a low tumour mutation burden, reduced immune surveillance, and subsequent poor response to ICIs. In contrast, regular tobacco smoke exposure repeatedly injures the proximal airway epithelium, leading to accumulated genetic alterations. In the latter pathway, overgrowth due to alteration and immunological exclusion against neoantigens is initially balanced. However, tumours could be generated from certain clones that outcompete immunological exclusion and outgrow the others. Consequently, this cancer type responds to immune check‐point treatment. These pathogenic differences are explained well by the two‐compartment model, focusing upon the anatomical and functional composition of distinct cellular components between the terminal respiratory unit and the air‐conducting system.
RETRACTED: Effects of pneumatic compression therapy on wound healing in patients with venous ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Qiuxiang , Li Zhuanzhuan
Published: November 2023

This meta‐analysis assessed the effect of pneumatic compression therapy on the wound healing of venous ulcers, with the aim of providing a basis for the selection of clinical treatment. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of pneumatic compression therapy to venous ulcers were collected by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang databases, with a timeframe from database inception to August 2023. After two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the quality of the included studies, a meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Six RCTs with 367 patients were included, with 172 patients in the intervention group and 195 in the control group. The results showed that pneumatic and bandage compression therapies had a similar impact on wound healing rates of venous ulcers (54.65% vs. 53.84%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–2.12, p = 0.96), changes in wound area (standardised mean difference: −0.16, 95% CIs: −0.45 to 0.12, p = 0.26), adverse event rates (76.56% vs. 67.07%, OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 0.77–3.39, p = 0.20), and the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, current evidence suggests that the effects of pneumatic compression therapy on wound healing rates, changes in wound area, and the incidence of adverse events in patients with venous ulcers are similar to those of bandage pressure therapy. However, owing to the limitations in the number and quality of studies, more high‐quality RCTs are needed to clarify the feasibility and economics of pneumatic compression therapy in patients with venous ulcers.
Blood pressure and renal function responses in workers exposed to lead for up to six years
Authors: Yu Yu‐Ling , An De‐Wei , Yang Wen‐Yi , Verhamme Peter , Allegaert Karel , Nawrot Tim S. , Staessen Jan A.
Published: November 2023

The Study for Promotion of Health in Recycling Lead (SPHERL) assessed the blood pressure (BP) and renal function (RF) responses for up to 6 years in the workers without previous occupational lead exposure. BP was the average of five consecutive readings and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was derived from serum creatinine (eGFRcrt) and cystatin C (eGFRcys). Blood lead (BL) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (detection limit 0.5 μg/dL). The statistical methods included multivariable‐adjusted mixed models and interval‐censored Cox regression analysis. The 234 workers analyzed were on average 28.5 years old and included 91.9% men. The baseline BL concentration was 4.35 μg/dL and increased 3.17‐fold over follow‐up (median: 2.03 years; range: 0.92–6.45 years). The changes in BP and RF were not significantly correlated with the follow‐up‐to‐baseline BL ratio (p ≥ .51 and p ≥ .18, respectively). The fully‐adjusted changes in systolic/diastolic BP associated with a doubling of BL were −0.25/−0.12 mm Hg (CI: −0.94 to 0.44/−0.66 to 0.42 mm Hg). Accordingly, the incidence of stage‐1 or ‐2 hypertension was not associated with the BL change (p ≥ .063). Similarly, the changes in eGFRcrt and eGFRcys associated with a 3‐fold BL increment were not significant, amounting to −0.70 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CI: −1.70 to 0.30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and −1.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 (−2.16 to 0.03 mL/min/1.73 m2). In conclusion, the BP and RF responses to an over 3‐fold BL increment were small and not significant confirming the safety of modern lead‐handing facilities operating under current safety rules.
Assessment of drying characteristics for whole and sliced red ginseng using short‐wave infrared spectroscopy and mathematical model
Authors: Park Jong‐Jin , Cho Jeong‐Seok , Park Kee‐Jai , Cho Chang‐Won , Oh Mi‐Ra , Lim Jeong‐Ho
Published: November 2023

Monitoring the moisture content is crucial for red ginseng quality control. In this study, we established a moisture content prediction model using partial least squares regression (PLSR) based on short‐wave infrared (SWIR) data of different ginseng types (whole and sliced) at various drying temperatures and times. The model parameters, including the R2 values, ratio of prediction deviation, and range error ratio, showed that the developed model was robust. Sliced ginseng showed a constant rate period, followed by a falling rate period, whereas whole ginseng showed only a falling rate period. The falling‐rate period coincided with the formation of a dry zone on the sample surface in the moisture distribution map, indicating that monitoring the moisture distribution map can predict the onset of the falling‐rate period. These results suggest that the SWIR technique is a promising nondestructive method for evaluating the drying process of red ginseng.

Practical applications

Monitoring the moisture content of red ginseng is essential to prevent microbial spoilage during transportation. Traditional monitoring of water content is destructive and time‐consuming. Therefore, using hyperspectral imaging, we aimed to develop an efficient moisture prediction model for the drying process of red ginseng. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to non‐destructive and rapid quality evaluation in red ginseng production.
Comparing rare variants versus common in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a whole exome sequencing approach
Authors: Bale Govardhan , Kulkarni Anand V , Padaki Nagaraja Rao , Menon P. Balachandran , Sharma Mithun , Iyengar Sowmya , Sekaran Anuradha , Pawar Smita C , Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy , Vishnubhotla Ravikanth
Published: November 2023

Background/Purpose

Genome‐wide association studies have reported the association of common variants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in genes, namely, PNPLA3/TM6SF2/MBOAT7/HSD17B13, across ethnicities. However, the approach does not identify rarer variants with a higher effect size. We therefore sequenced the complete exonic regions of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and controls to compare rare and common variants with a role in the pathogenesis.

Methods

This is a prospective study that recruited 54 individuals with/without fatty infiltration. Patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and persistently elevated liver enzymes were included. Controls were with normal CT/MR fat fraction. DNA was isolated from whole blood, amplified (SureSelectXT Human All Exon V5 + UTR kit) and sequenced (Illumina). Data were filtered for quality, aligned (hg19), and annotated (OpenCRAVAT). Pathogenic (Polyphen‐2/SIFT/ClinVar) variants and variants reported to be associated with NAFLD based on published literature were extracted from our data and compared between patients and controls.

Results

The mean age of controls (N = 17) and patients (N = 37) was 46.88 ± 6.94 and 37.46 ± 13.34 years, respectively. A total of 251 missense variants out of 89 286 were classified as pathogenic. Of these, 106 (42.23%) were unique to the patients and remaining (n = 145; 57.77%) were found in both patients and controls. Majority (25/37; 67.57%) patients had a minimum of one or more rare pathogenic variant(s) related to liver pathology that was not seen in the controls.

Conclusion

Elucidating the contribution of rare pathogenic variants would enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis. Including the rarer genes in the polygenic risk scores would enhance prediction power.
Paternal imprinting in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Montgomery Sean A. , Berger Frédéric
Published: November 2023

We are becoming aware of a growing number of organisms that do not express genetic information equally from both parents as a result of an epigenetic phenomenon called genomic imprinting. Recently, it was shown that the entire paternal genome is repressed during the diploid phase of the life cycle of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The deposition of the repressive epigenetic mark H3K27me3 on the male pronucleus is responsible for the imprinted state, which is reset by the end of meiosis. Here, we put these recent reports in perspective of other forms of imprinting and discuss the potential mechanisms of imprinting in bryophytes and the causes of its evolution.
Stomatal closure in maize is mediated by subsidiary cells and the PAN2 receptor
Authors: Liu Le , Ashraf M. Arif , Morrow Taylor , Facette Michelle
Published: November 2023

Stomata are epidermal pores that facilitate plant gas exchange. Grasses have fast stomatal movements, likely due to their dumbbell‐shaped guard cells and lateral subsidiary cells. Subsidiary cells reciprocally exchange water and ions with guard cells. However, the relative contribution of subsidiary cells during stomatal closure is unresolved.

We compared stomatal gas exchange and stomatal aperture dynamics in wild‐type and pan1, pan2, and pan1;pan2 Zea mays (L.) (maize) mutants, which have varying percentages of aberrantly formed subsidiary cells. Stomata with 1 or 2 defective subsidiary cells cannot close properly, indicating that subsidiary cells are essential for stomatal function.

Even though the percentage of aberrant stomata is similar in pan1 and pan2, pan2 showed a more severe defect in stomatal closure. In pan1, only stomata with abnormal subsidiary cells fail to close normally. In pan2, all stomata have stomatal closure defects, indicating that PAN2 has an additional role in stomatal closure.

Maize Pan2 is orthologous to Arabidopsis GUARD CELL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE‐RESISANT1 (GHR1), which is also required for stomatal closure. PAN2 acts downstream of Ca2+ in maize to promote stomatal closure. This is in contrast to GHR1, which acts upstream of Ca2+, and suggests the pathways could be differently wired.
Exploring sustainable energy consumption and social conflict risks in Turkey: Insights from a novel multiresolution ARDL approach
Authors: Mohamed Hassen , Saâdaoui Foued
Published: November 2023

Nonrenewable energy sources have been shown to be a cause of conflict and terrorism, highlighting the global conflict aspect, but little is known about the causal relationship between the energy system and terrorism in Turkey. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the causal links among renewable energy consumption, fossil fuels, terrorist attacks, education, trade opening, and geopolitical risks in Turkey from 1980 to 2016. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and Granger causality tests, the study analyzes the short and long‐term relationships between the variables. Additionally, robustness tests are conducted using a powerful multiresolution ARDL approach to ensure the stability of the statistical findings. The results reveal the existence of long‐term relationships between all the variables, particularly among terrorism, renewable energy, and education. In the short term, a one‐way relationship exists between terrorism and education to renewable energies and from trade openness to terrorism. The study demonstrates that nonrenewable energy increases terrorism in the long term, whereas renewable energy and trade openness reduce terrorism, highlighting the potential impact of global conflicts on Turkey's sustainable development. Therefore, renewable energy is a powerful tool to fight against terrorism, and Turkey has encouraged its use and deployment of diplomatic efforts to resolve political and military conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. This study provides insights into the complex relationship among sustainable energy consumption, terrorism, education, and trade opening, contributing to the understanding of the geopolitical risks and economics in Turkey. It has implications for policymakers in the region, highlighting the importance of renewable energy and trade openness as tools for conflict resolution and sustainable development in the face of global conflicts.
Passive Cooling Strategies in Summer for Office Buildings in Temperate Clear Sky Climates: Assessment of Effectiveness With Zero-Energy Building Criteria
Authors: D´Amanzo Micaela , Andreoni-Trentacoste Soledad Elisa , Montiel Virginia , Betman Alicia , Ganem-Karlen Carolina
Published: November 2023

Passive energy-efficient design in temperate climates with clear-sky conditions and high solar radiation can lead to a significant reduction in energy use while promoting occupant comfort. This paper presents an optimization of the performance of an office building with a mixed-mode run, including night ventilative cooling and shading strategies in summer. The objective is to assess their effectiveness with zero-energy building criteria. The building design integrates an efficient envelope and renewable energy generation from photovoltaic solar panels on-grid. On-site measurements were taken to collect hygrothermal data and energy demand information. Two office configurations were discussed, open plan and individual office, both options with a high trend to overheat. For all orientations tested, multiple horizontal overhangs have better performance than vertical ones. Results from the net energy balance in the base model present a primary energy demand of 116 kWh/m2/year and the optimization model of 55 kWh/m2/year. To conclude, the positive impact of the implementation of passive design strategies rises the comfort hours in-use period in the open plan office a 70% and in the individual office a 55% and a decrease of 60% of primary energy demand.
The Contribution of Lower-Body Kinematics to Pitching and Hitting Performance in Baseball: Utilizing the OpenBiomechanics Project
Authors: Perrett Corey S.
Published: November 2023

As markerless motion capture systems become more affordable than ever, it is becoming far easier to collect and analyze kinematic data on baseballers. To ensure this data can be used impactfully, coaches and practitioners should possess a good understanding of specific technique characteristics that are associated with enhanced performance in pitchers and hitters. This study used the open-source data provided by Driveline Baseball’s OpenBiomechanics Project to evaluate the contribution of lower-body kinematics to pitch velocity and bat speed. In addition to correlational analyses to examine the association between discrete kinematic variables and performance, statistical nonparametric mapping was used to compare slow and fast velocity groups across the entirety of pitching and hitting motions from peak knee height to ball release/contact. It was found that rotation of the trail leg and extension of the lead knee were both associated with performance in pitchers and hitters. Consequently, coaches and practitioners should ensure that individuals possess an adequate level of strength and flexibility to facilitate optimal movement of the trail hip and lead knee during pitching and hitting movements. If deficiencies exist, then training programs should be designed to address these issues and eventually bring about an improvement in performance.
The Path to Translating Focus of Attention Research Into Canadian Physiotherapy, Part 4: Sequentially Linking Assessment Outcomes Into a Chain of Evidence Supporting the Workshop
Authors: Hussien Julia , Khodko Liza , Macdonald Cooper , Ste-Marie Diane
Published: November 2023

In previous research, Canadian physiotherapists identified barriers to effective external focus promotion and recommended the delivery of a focus of attention workshop as a solution. Accordingly, the current research entailed the virtual delivery of such a workshop, consisting of asynchronous Website modules followed by a synchronous group session, to 15 Canadian physiotherapists working mainly with musculoskeletal rehabilitation clients. Assessment of the workshop outcomes was guided by constructs of social cognitive and adult learning theory, and organized based on the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model (KP1-Reaction, KP2-Learning, KP3-Behavior, and KP4-Results). Specifically, participants received links to questionnaire packages at three time points: 1-week preworkshop, immediately postworkshop, and 1-week postworkshop. Results showed that participants (a) reported high satisfaction, engagement, and perceived relevance of the workshop (KP1); (b) experienced significant improvements to their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and self-efficacy from pre- to immediately postworkshop (KP2); and (c) self-reported increases to their external focus promotion in the week following the workshop (modified KP3), and perceived improvements to their clients’ outcomes as a result of this external focus encouragement (modified KP4). Taken together, these results serve as a chain of evidence supporting the usefulness of the workshop in translating focus of attention findings into Canadian physiotherapy.
Shifted sediment-transport regimes by climate change and amplified hydrological variability in cryosphere-fed rivers
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Dongfeng , East Amy E. , Kettner Albert J. , Best Jim , Ni Jinren , Lu Xixi
Published: November 2023

Climate change affects cryosphere-fed rivers and alters seasonal sediment dynamics, affecting cyclical fluvial material supply and year-round water-food-energy provisions to downstream communities. Here, we demonstrate seasonal sediment-transport regime shifts from the 1960s to 2000s in four cryosphere-fed rivers characterized by glacial, nival, pluvial, and mixed regimes, respectively. Spring sees a shift toward pluvial-dominated sediment transport due to less snowmelt and more erosive rainfall. Summer is characterized by intensified glacier meltwater pulses and pluvial events that exceptionally increase sediment fluxes. Our study highlights that the increases in hydroclimatic extremes and cryosphere degradation lead to amplified variability in fluvial fluxes and higher summer sediment peaks, which can threaten downstream river infrastructure safety and ecosystems and worsen glacial/pluvial floods. We further offer a monthly-scale sediment-availability-transport model that can reproduce such regime shifts and thus help facilitate sustainable reservoir operation and river management in wider cryospheric regions under future climate and hydrological change.
Emergence and inversion of chirality in hierarchical assemblies of CdS nanocrystal fibers
Authors: Gonzalez Alexander V. , Gonzalez Miranda , Hanrath Tobias
Published: November 2023

Arranging semiconducting nanocrystals into ordered superstructures is a promising platform to study fundamental light-matter interactions and develop programmable optical metamaterials. We investigated how the geometrical arrangement of CdS nanocrystals in hierarchical assemblies affects chiroptical properties. To create these structures, we controlled the evaporation of a colloidal CdS nanocrystal solution between two parallel plates. We combined in situ microscopy and computational modeling to establish a formation mechanism involving the shear-induced alignment of nanocrystal fibers and the subsequent mechanical relaxation of the stretched fibers to form Raman noodle–type band textures. The high linear anisotropy in these films shares many similarities with cholesteric liquid crystals. The films deposited on top and bottom surfaces exhibit opposite chirality. The mechanistic insights from this study are consequential to enable future advances in the design and fabrication of programmable optical metamaterials for further development of polarization-based optics toward applications in sensing, hyperspectral imaging, and quantum information technology.
Water circulation in Ryugu asteroid affected the distribution of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in returned sample
Authors: Yokoyama Tetsuya , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Iizuka Tsuyoshi , Rai Vinai , Gautam Ikshu , Hibiya Yuki , Masuda Yuki , Haba Makiko K. , Fukai Ryota , Hines Rebekah , Phelan Nicole , Abe Yoshinari , Aléon Jérôme , Alexander Conel M. O’D. , Amari Sachiko , Amelin Yuri , Bajo Ken-ichi , Bizzarro Martin , Bouvier Audrey , Carlson Richard W. , Chaussidon Marc , Choi Byeon-Gak , Dauphas Nicolas , Davis Andrew M. , Di Rocco Tommaso , Fujiya Wataru , Hidaka Hiroshi , Homma Hisashi , Hoppe Peter , Huss Gary R. , Ichida Kiyohiro , Ireland Trevor , Ishikawa Akira , Itoh Shoichi , Kawasaki Noriyuki , Kita Noriko T. , Kitajima Koki , Kleine Thorsten , Komatani Shintaro , Krot Alexander N. , Liu Ming-Chang , McKeegan Kevin D. , Morita Mayu , Motomura Kazuko , Moynier Frédéric , Nakai Izumi , Nagashima Kazuhide , Nguyen Ann , Nittler Larry , Onose Morihiko , Pack Andreas , Park Changkun , Piani Laurette , Qin Liping , Russell Sara , Sakamoto Naoya , Schönbächler Maria , Tafla Lauren , Tang Haolan , Terada Kentaro , Terada Yasuko , Usui Tomohiro , Wada Sohei , Walker Richard J. , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Yin Qing-Zhu , Yoneda Shigekazu , Young Edward D. , Yui Hiroharu , Zhang Ai-Cheng , Nakamura Tomoki , Naraoka Hiroshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Sakamoto Kanako , Yabuta Hikaru , Abe Masanao , Miyazaki Akiko , Nakato Aiko , Nishimura Masahiro , Okada Tatsuaki , Yada Toru , Yogata Kasumi , Nakazawa Satoru , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Tsuda Yuichi , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Tachibana Shogo , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: November 2023

Studies of material returned from Cb asteroid Ryugu have revealed considerable mineralogical and chemical heterogeneity, stemming primarily from brecciation and aqueous alteration. Isotopic anomalies could have also been affected by delivery of exogenous clasts and aqueous mobilization of soluble elements. Here, we show that isotopic anomalies for mildly soluble Cr are highly variable in Ryugu and CI chondrites, whereas those of Ti are relatively uniform. This variation in Cr isotope ratios is most likely due to physicochemical fractionation between
54
Cr-rich presolar nanoparticles and Cr-bearing secondary minerals at the millimeter-scale in the bulk samples, likely due to extensive aqueous alteration in their parent bodies that occurred

5.2

−
1.4

+
1.8

Ma

after Solar System birth. In contrast, Ti isotopes were marginally affected by this process. Our results show that isotopic heterogeneities in asteroids are not all nebular or accretionary in nature but can also reflect element redistribution by water.
Diffusiophoresis-enhanced Turing patterns
Authors: Alessio Benjamin M. , Gupta Ankur
Published: November 2023

Turing patterns are fundamental in biophysics, emerging from short-range activation and long-range inhibition processes. However, their paradigm is based on diffusive transport processes that yield patterns with shallower gradients than those observed in nature. A complete physical description of this discrepancy remains unknown. We propose a solution to this phenomenon by investigating the role of diffusiophoresis, which is the propulsion of colloids by a chemical gradient, in Turing patterns. Diffusiophoresis enables robust patterning of colloidal particles with substantially finer length scales than the accompanying chemical Turing patterns. A scaling analysis and a comparison to recent experiments indicate that chromatophores, ubiquitous in biological pattern formation, are likely diffusiophoretic and the colloidal Péclet number controls the pattern enhancement. This discovery suggests that important features of biological pattern formation can be explained with a universal mechanism that is quantified straightforwardly from the fundamental physics of colloids.
A tale of two cells: Regulatory T cell–microglia cross-talk in the ischemic brain
Authors: Ricci Alessio , Liesz Arthur
Published: November 2023

Regulatory T cells exert a beneficial immunomodulatory effect on poststroke neuroinflammation that is amplified by microglial cells.
Seasonality of endemic COVID-19
Authors: Townsend Jeffrey P. , Hassler Hayley B. , Lamb April D. , Sah Pratha , Alvarez Nishio Aia , Nguyen Cameron , Tew Alexandra D. , Galvani Alison P. , Dornburg Alex
Published: November 2023

Successive waves of infection by SARS-CoV-2 have left little doubt that this virus will transition to an endemic disease. Foreknowledge of when to expect seasonal surges is crucial for healthcare and public health decision-making. However, the future seasonality of COVID-19 remains uncertain. Evaluating its seasonality is complicated due to the limited years of SARS-CoV-2 circulation, pandemic dynamics, and varied interventions. In this study, we project the expected endemic seasonality by employing a phylogenetic ancestral and descendant state approach that leverages long-term data on the incidence of circulating HCoV coronaviruses. Our projections indicate asynchronous surges of SARS-CoV-2 across different locations in the northern hemisphere, occurring between October and January in New York and between January and March in Yamagata, Japan. This knowledge of spatiotemporal surges leads to medical preparedness and enables the implementation of targeted public health interventions to mitigate COVID-19 transmission.

IMPORTANCE

The seasonality of COVID-19 is important for effective healthcare and public health decision-making. Previous waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections have indicated that the virus will likely persist as an endemic pathogen with distinct surges. However, the timing and patterns of potentially seasonal surges remain uncertain, rendering effective public health policies uninformed and in danger of poorly anticipating opportunities for intervention, such as well-timed booster vaccination drives. Applying an evolutionary approach to long-term data on closely related circulating coronaviruses, our research provides projections of seasonal surges that should be expected at major temperate population centers. These projections enable local public health efforts that are tailored to expected surges at specific locales or regions. This knowledge is crucial for enhancing medical preparedness and facilitating the implementation of targeted public health interventions.
Genome sequence of freshwater sediment isolated fungus
Westerdykella aurantiaca
strain NNIBRFG27121
Authors: Kim Ki-Tae , Kim Jea Hyeoung , Hue Yoeguang , Jeong Haejun , Hwang Hyeon Jung , Yoo Li Ra , Cheon Wonsu , Goh Jaeduk
Published: November 2023

We sequenced the genome of
Westerdykella aurantiaca
NNIBRFG27121 strain isolated from the wetland of Maehwamarum Habitat in Korea. The final assembly consisted of six scaffolds with a size of 31.96 Mb and an N50 of 8,770,400 bp. This genome will help in comparing species within the
Westerdykella
genus.
Patient and healthcare professional perspectives on implementing patient-reported outcome measures in gender-affirming care: a qualitative study
Authors: Kamran Rakhshan , Jackman Liam , Laws Anna , Stepney Melissa , Harrison Conrad , Jain Abhilash , Rodrigues Jeremy
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Patient and healthcare professional perspectives are needed to develop a gender-affirming care patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) implementation plan. We aimed to identify top considerations relevant to gender-affirming care PROM implementation from patient and healthcare professional perspectives.

Design, settings and participants

This qualitative study conducted in the UK between January and April 2023 includes focus groups with a patient sample diverse in age and gender identity, and a healthcare professional sample diverse in age and role. Established methods in implementation science and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were used to create interview guides, and analyse data. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two independent researchers. Patient and healthcare professional focus groups were conducted separately.

Primary outcome measures

Patient and healthcare professional perspectives on PROM implementation were explored through focus groups and until data saturation.

Results

A total of 7 virtual focus groups were conducted with 24 participants (14 patients, mean (SD) age, 43 (14.5); 10 healthcare professionals, mean (SD) age, 46 (11.3)). From patient perspectives, key barriers to PROM implementation were mistrust with PROMs, lack of accessibility, burden, and lack of communication on why PROMs are important and how they will help care. From healthcare professional perspectives, key barriers to PROM implementation were lack of accessibility, burden with PROM administration and scoring, costs of implementation (financial and time), and lack of communication on what PROMs are and how they benefit service provision.

Conclusion

Gender-affirming care PROM implementation must address: patient mistrust with PROMs, accessibility, communication on what PROMs are and how they can be used, reducing burden, and hybridised implementation. These factors may also be applicable to other clinical areas interested in implementing PROMs.
Intervention targeting and retention, engagement and abstinence outcomes among Latino and White users of Smokefree.gov text messaging programmes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: El-Toukhy Sherine , Kamke Kristyn
Published: November 2023

Background

We examined retention, engagement and abstinence among Latino users of SmokefreeTXT en Español (SFTXTesp), a Latino-targeted text messaging smoking cessation intervention, and Latino and White users of SmokefreeTXT (SFTXT), a non-targeted intervention.

Methods

Data came from 12 281 users (1562 Latino SFTXTesp users and 2301 Latino and 8418 White SFTXT users). We conducted time-to-drop-out analyses by race/ethnicity. Using logistic regression, we examined associations between intervention targeting, race/ethnicity and responses to smoking status prompts, an engagement metric, and self-reported abstinence on quit day, intervention end and 1-month follow-up. Age, gender, census region, smoking frequency, cigarettes smoked per day, prequit time and number of quit attempts were covariates.

Results

Latinos in SFTXTesp (adjusted OR, aOR 0.63) and SFTXT (0.88) were less likely to drop out of the intervention than Whites. SFTXTesp Latino users had higher response rates to smoking prompts than SFTXT Latinos users (aORs 1.35, quit day; 1.84, intervention end; 1.82, 1-month follow-up). However, SFTXTesp and SFTXT Latino users had lower response rates than Whites (aORs 0.68, 0.45, quit day; 0.60, 0.30, intervention end; 0.64, 0.33, 1-month follow-up). Abstinence was equivalent among Latinos in SFTXTesp and SFTXT interventions, but Latinos using SFTXTesp and SFTXT were less likely to be abstinent than Whites (aORs 0.42, 0.41, quit day; 0.45, 0.37, intervention end and 0.53, 0.35, 1-month follow-up).

Conclusion

Linguistic intervention targeting improved retention and engagement among Latinos, but not abstinence. Latinos had higher retention but lower engagement and abstinence rates than Whites. Cultural targeting may engage Latinos in smoking cessation interventions and improve abstinence.
Anterior circulation location-specific results for stent-assisted coiling – carotid versus distal aneurysms: 1-year outcomes from the Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A , Cortez Gustavo M , Jankowitz Brian T , Sauvageau Eric , Aghaebrahim Amin , Lin Eugene , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Gross Bradley , Khaldi Ahmad , Gupta Rishi , Frei Donald , Loy David , Price Lori Lyn , Hetts Steven W , Zaidat Osama O
Published: November 2023

Background

The Neuroform Atlas Stent System is an established treatment modality for unruptured anterior and posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms. Location-specific results are needed to guide treatment decision-making. However, it is unclear whether there are differences in safety and efficacy outcomes between carotid and more distal anterior circulation aneurysms.

Methods

The ATLAS IDE trial was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label interventional study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Neuroform Atlas Stent System. We compared differences in efficacy and safety outcomes of proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) versus distal and bifurcation anterior circulation aneurysms.

Results

Of 182 cases, there were 70 aneurysms in the ICA and 112 in the distal anterior circulation (including ICA terminus/bifurcation). There were no significant differences in the primary efficacy endpoint (85.5% vs 83.9%, p=0.78) and complete aneurysm occlusion rates (88.7% vs 87.9%, p=0.78) between proximal ICA aneurysms and distal aneurysms, respectively. Complications were more often encountered in distal and bifurcation aneurysms, but the overall rate of major safety events was low and comparable between the two groups (1.4% vs 6.3%, p=0.14). Recanalization and retreatment rates were also similar between the groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the Neuroform Atlas Stent System is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for unruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms, regardless of aneurysm location.

Trial registration number

NCT02340585.
Cerebral emboli detection and autonomous neuromonitoring using robotic transcranial Doppler with artificial intelligence for transcatheter aortic valve replacement with and without embolic protection devices: a pilot study
Authors: Baig Ammad A , Manion Christopher , Khawar Wasiq I , Donnelly Brianna M , Raygor Kunal , Turner Ryan , Holmes David R , Iyer Vijay S , Hopkins L Nelson , Davies Jason M , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: November 2023

Background

Periprocedural ischemic stroke remains a serious complication in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We used a novel robotic transcranial Doppler (TCD) system equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring during TAVR to establish the safety and potential validity of this tool in detecting cerebral emboli, report the quantity and distribution of high intensity transient signals (HITS) with and without cerebral protection, and correlate HITS occurrence with various procedural steps.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR procedures during which the robotic system was used between October 2021 and May 2022 were prospectively enrolled in this pilot study. The robotic TCD system included autonomous adjustment of the TCD probes and AI-assisted post-processing of HITS and other cerebral flow parameters. Basic demographics and procedural details were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed by a two-sample Mann–Whitney t-test and categorical variables by a χ2or Fisher test.

Results

Thirty-one patients were prospectively enrolled (mean age 79.9±7.6 years; 16 men (51.6%)). Mean aortic valve stenotic area was 0.7 cm2and mean aortic–ventricular gradient was 43 mmHg (IQR 31.5–50 mmHg). Cerebral protection was used in 16 cases (51.6%). Significantly fewer emboli were observed in the protection group than in the non-protection group (mean 470.38 vs 693.33; p=0.01). Emboli counts during valve positioning and implantation were significantly different in the protection and non-protection groups (mean 249.92 and 387.5, respectively; p=0.01). One (4%) transient ischemic attack occurred post-procedurally in the non-protection group.

Conclusion

We describe a novel real-time intraoperative neuromonitoring tool used in patients undergoing TAVR. Significantly fewer HITS were detected with protection. Valve positioning–implantation was the most significant stage for intraprocedural HITS.
Is low-volume high-intensity interval training a time-efficient strategy to improve cardiometabolic health and body composition? A meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Mingyue , Li Hansen , Bai Mingyang , Liu Hengxian , Chen Zhili , Deng Jianfeng , Deng Shengji , Meng Chuan , Vollaard Niels B. J. , Little Jonathan P. , Li Yongming
Published: November 2023

The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT; i.e., ≤5 min high-intensity exercise within a ≤15 min session) on cardiometabolic health and body composition. A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to assess the effect of LV-HIIT on cardiometabolic health and body composition. Twenty-one studies (moderate to high quality) with a total of 849 participants were included in this meta-analysis. LV-HIIT increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, SMD = 1.19 [0.87, 1.50]) while lowering systolic blood pressure (SMD = −1.44 [−1.68, −1.20]), diastolic blood pressure (SMD = −1.51 [−1.75, −1.27]), mean arterial pressure (SMD = −1.55 [−1.80, −1.30]), MetS z-score (SMD = −0.76 [−1.02, −0.49]), fat mass (kg) (SMD = −0.22 [−0.44, 0.00]), fat mass (%) (SMD = −0.22 [−0.41, −0.02]), and waist circumference (SMD = −0.53 [−0.75, −0.31]) compared to untrained control (CONTROL). Despite a total time-commitment of LV-HIIT of only 14%–47% and 45%–94% compared to moderate-intensity continuous training and HV-HIIT, respectively, there were no statistically significant differences observed for any outcomes in comparisons between LV-HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-volume HIIT. Significant inverse dose–responses were observed between the change in CRF with LV-HIIT and sprint repetitions ( β = −0.52 [−0.76, −0.28]), high-intensity duration ( β = −0.21 [−0.39, −0.02]), and total duration ( β = −0.19 [−0.36, −0.02]), while higher intensity significantly improved CRF gains. LV-HIIT can improve cardiometabolic health and body composition and represent a time-efficient alternative to MICT and HV-HIIT. Performing LV-HIIT at a higher intensity drives higher CRF gains. More repetitions, longer time at high intensity, and total session duration did not augment gains in CRF.