bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ZrO2 ceramics doped with varying content on the mechanical properties and energy release characteristics of W-Zr alloys
Authors: Fang Yuanhang , Zhan Tingbian , Li Xiaojun , Xie Changyou , Zhang Xinggao , Wang Weizhan , Jiang Xiansong
Published: July 2024

A W-Zr alloy doped with ceramic powder W54.5Zr35-xNi6.7Fe3.3Mo0.5 (ZrO2) x was prepared by powder metallurgy. The effects of the ceramic content on the dynamic and static compressive mechanical behavior and energy release properties of the alloy were studied. The results showed that the addition of ceramics enhanced the energy release characteristics of the W-Zr alloy, and made the alloy break more thoroughly and the fragment cloud distribute evenly. The reaction delay time was shorter and the energy release reaction was more complete. However, the maximum temperature of the alloy reaction decreased. In addition, the addition of ceramics improves the mechanical properties of the material, and its compressive strength is much higher than that of traditional W-Zr alloys.(ZrO2)1 exhibited good mechanical behavior and energy release characteristics. The aftereffect damage performance was further verified using a ballistic gun experiment. Ballistic gun test results showed that (ZrO2) 1 can penetrate A92124 aluminum targets with a thickness of 2 mm at a speed of 809.3 m s−1 and ignite post-target absorbent cotton, with both penetration and post-target damage capabilities.
Effect of cortical bone thickness on shear stress and force in orthodontic miniscrew-bone interface – A finite element analysis
Authors: V Balamurali , Magesh Varadaraju , Harikrishnan Pandurangan
Published: July 2024

Miniscrews are widely used in orthodontics as an anchorage device while aligning teeth. Shear stress in the miniscrew-bone interface is an important factor when the miniscrew makes contact with the bone. The objective of this study was to analyze the shear stress and force in the screw-bone interface for varying Cortical Bone Thickness (CBT) using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Varying CBT of 1.09 mm (1.09CBT) and 2.66 mm (2.66CBT) with miniscrews of Ø1.2 mm, 10 mm length (T1), Ø1.2 mm, 6 mm length (T2) and Ø1.6 mm, 8 mm length (T3) were analyzed. Six Finite Element (FE) models were developed with cortical, cancellous bone, miniscrews and gingiva as a prism. A deflection of 0.1 mm was applied on the neck of the miniscrews at 0°, +30° and −30° angles. The shear stress and force in the screw-bone interface were assessed. The results showed that the CBT affects the shear stress and force in the screw-bone interface region in addition to the screw dimensions and deflection angulations. T1 screw generated lesser shear stress in 1.09CBT and 2.66CBT compared to T2 and T3 screws. Higher CBT is preferred for better primary stability in shear aspect. Clinically applied forces of 200 gms to 300 gms to an anchorage device induces shear stress in the miniscrew-bone interface region might cause stress shielding. Thus, clinicians need to consider the effect of varying CBT and the size of the miniscrews for the stability, reduced stress shielding and better anchorage during orthodontic treatment.
Understanding the antecedents of Chinese people’s pro-environmental behavior: the role of self-construal and news attention
Authors: Li Li , Song Cuiyou
Published: July 2024

This study aims to extend the attitude-intention-behavior model by adding news attention and interdependent self-construal as antecedents to understand the pro-environmental behavior of Chinese people. Results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis based on web survey data of 715 Chinese individuals show that interdependent self-construal significantly and positively affected individuals’ attention to environmental news messages on new media platforms. Such news attention then positively affected their attitude toward pro-environmental behavior. In turn, pro-environmental behavioral attitude positively affected their pro-environmental behavioral intention. Finally, individuals’ pro-environmental behavioral intention positively led to their actual pro-environmental behavior. Besides, the results demonstrated that interdependent self-construal also significantly and positively affects individuals’ intention of engaging in pro-environmental behavior, but little evidence was found to support the significant association between interdependent self-construal and pro-environmental attitude. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Assessing the social risks of flooding for coastal societies: a case study for Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Pang Tianze , Shah Mohammad Aminur Rahman , Dau Quan Van , Wang Xiuquan
Published: July 2024

With the worldwide growing threat of flooding, assessing flood risks for human societies and the associated social vulnerability has become a necessary but challenging task. Earlier research indicates that islands usually face heightened flood risks due to higher population density, isolation, and oceanic activities, while there is an existing lack of experience in assessing the island-focused flood risk under complex interactions between geography and socioeconomics. In this context, our study employs high-resolution flood hazard data and the principal component analysis (PCA) method to comprehensively assess the social risk of flood exposure and social vulnerability in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, where limited research has been delivered on flood risk assessments. The findings reveal that exposed populations are closely related to the distribution of flood areas, with increasingly severe impact from current to future climate conditions, especially on the island’s north shore. Exposed buildings exhibit a concentrated distribution at different levels of community centers, with climate change projected to significantly worsen building exposure compared to population, possibly due to the urban agglomeration effect. The most populated cities and towns show the highest social vulnerabilities in PEI, and the results reflect a relatively less complex economic structure of islands. Recommendations for research and management in the coming stage include the necessity of particular climate actions, recognizing community centers as critical sites for flood hazard responses, and incorporating flood hazards into urban planning and management to mitigate the impacts of continuous urbanization on ecosystem services for flood prevention.
Evaluation of SENTINEL-2 products-based algorithms in estimating water pollutants of the River Niger in Bamako
Authors: Coulibaly Nana , Sanogo Souleymane , BA Abdramane
Published: July 2024

Monitoring surface water quality on a spatio-temporal scale is very important to restrict the entry of polluting components into water bodies, particularly rivers. Traditional techniques of assessing water quality are typically costly and time-consuming. With the advent of remote sensing technologies and the availability of high-resolution satellite images in recent years, a significant opportunity for water quality monitoring has arisen. Our study aims to test the use of Sentienl-2 multispectral imaging sensors in estimating three important water quality parameters: chlorophyll-a, Colored Dissolved Organic Matter and Total Suspended Matter in Niger River. Sentinel-2 satellite data were acquired in 2020. Atmospheric correction was performed using Sen2cor from the Sentinel toolbox to obtain a geometrically corrected Sentinel-2 multispectral image. We selected multiple water-body indices from the literature based on their spectral reflection characteristics, analyze correlations between the reflectance values of water body indices and the water quality parameters of synchronous measured sampling points in order to obtain an optimal water body index for estimating water quality parameters (WQP) in Niger River. Five regression functions were used in this study: linear regression, exponential, logarithmic, power and polynomial regression. The performance and accuracy of these regression models were evaluated by correlating spectral reflectance band ratio against the in situ water quality parameters (WQP) concentrations. Polynomial regression gave a higher performance and accuracy based on their R values. The best spectral index was selected to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of water pollutants in the Niger River in Bamako and its surroundings. The results showed that the polynomial regression of 6th degree provided the best fit had the best spectral band ratio and in situ Chl-a, CDOM and TSM concentrations which were respectively achieved with band index of B2/B3 (R2 = 0.78), B3/B6 (R

2
= 0.79) and B3/B4 (R

2
= 0.63). Therefore, the best band ratio was selected to evaluate Chl-a spatio-temporal in Niger River water in Bamako. The results of this study showed seasonal variability of the water pollutants in the Niger River. This highlights the potential of the Sentinel-2 products for water quality analysis. As a conclusion, the Sentinel-2 images could be helpful for precise water quality control of Niger River in Bamako.
TDDAM: transformer based deep domain adaptation methodology for lithium-ion battery prognosis
Authors: Yang Shanzhe , Jia Runda , Ma Xiaoguang , Li Shuai
Published: July 2024

The status of health (SOH) is a vital indicator to characterize the remaining life of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and precise prognosis of the SOH is of great importance for battery management systems. In order to prognosis the SOH of LIBs, this paper proposed a Transformer based deep domain adaptation methodology (TDDAM). This paper applies the transformer model, which is widely used in natural language processing and other fields, to the prediction of LIBs. Meanwhile in order to solve the problem of model matching in different types of batteries or different environments, this paper combines domain adaptation method based on the maximum mean discrepancy. Firstly, we extract the data features of LIBs through position encoding and processing of the encoder structure with the multi-head self-attention mechanism as the core. Then, based on the maximum mean discrepancy index, the target domain data and the source domain data features are aligned, and the decoder part of the original transformer model is replaced with a fully connected layer for the prediction of SOH of LIBs in the target domain. This is the first time that a Transformer has been combined with the maximum mean discrepancy to be applied to LIBs prediction. Comprehensive experiments on two CALCE LIBs data showed that the TDDAM achieved smaller prognostic prediction errors over popular SOH diagnostic methods, indicating its great potential as a generic backbone for LIBs prognosis.
Explainable Gaussian processes: a loss landscape perspective
Authors: Niroomand Maximilian P , Dicks Luke , Pyzer-Knapp Edward O , Wales David J
Published: July 2024

Prior beliefs about the latent function to shape inductive biases can be incorporated into a Gaussian process (GP) via the kernel. However, beyond kernel choices, the decision-making process of GP models remains poorly understood. In this work, we contribute an analysis of the loss landscape for GP models using methods from chemical physics. We demonstrate ν-continuity for Matérn kernels and outline aspects of catastrophe theory at critical points in the loss landscape. By directly including ν in the hyperparameter optimisation for Matérn kernels, we find that typical values of ν can be far from optimal in terms of performance. We also provide an a priori method for evaluating the effect of GP ensembles and discuss various voting approaches based on physical properties of the loss landscape. The utility of these approaches is demonstrated for various synthetic and real datasets. Our findings provide insight into hyperparameter optimisation for GPs and offer practical guidance for improving their performance and interpretability in a range of applications.
Metaethics and the Nature of Properties
Authors: Suikkanen Jussi
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the connection between two philosophical debates concerning the nature of properties. The first, metaethical debate is about whether normative properties are ordinary natural properties or some unique kind of non-natural properties. The second, metaphysical debate is about whether properties are sets of objects, transcendent or immanent universals, or sets of tropes. I argue that nominalism, transcendent realism and immanent realism are not neutral frameworks for the metaethical debate but instead lead to either metaethical naturalism or non-naturalism. We can therefore investigate the metaethical question on its own terms only within the framework of trope theory.
The Incidence of Nasal Tip and Upper Lip Malposition in Primary Rhinoplasty
Authors: Swanson Marco , DeLeonibus Anthony , Ku Ying , Guyuron Bahman
Published: July 2024

Background

For an optimal aesthetic plan for correction of nasal tip disharmony, it is crucial to note lip and tip disproportions.

Objectives

In this study we sought to investigate the incidence of preoperative upper lip malposition in primary rhinoplasty patients.

Methods

In total, 150 consecutive primary rhinoplasty patients were included. The position of the upper lip was measured during smiling relative to the incisors and gum line, and categorized as ideal, inadequate incisor show, or excessive gum show. Nasal length was categorized based on soft tissue cephalometic analysis of life-size photographs as long, ideal, or short. Tip projection was categorized as overprojected, ideal, or underprojected. The columella was categorized as hanging, ideal, or retracted.

Results

Standardized photographs of 139 primary rhinoplasty patients met inclusion criteria. Forty-seven (34%) patients had an ideal upper lip position, 83 (61%) inadequate incisor show, and 7 (5%) excessive gum show. Sixteen (12%) had a short nose, 45 (33%) ideal length, and 76 (55%) a long nose. Fourteen (10%) had an underprojected tip, 38 (28%) had an ideal tip projection and 85 (62%) an overprojected tip. None of the nasal parameters were predictive of upper lip position. Tip overprojection (odds ratio [OR] 3.03, P = .02) and hanging columella (OR 2.97, P = .001) were predictive of a long nose. Tip underprojection was predictive of short length (OR 35, P < .0001).

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of upper lip malposition in patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty. It is vital for the rhinoplasty surgeon to identify it preoperatively and plan the surgical maneuvers accordingly to prevent exacerbating an insufficient incisor show or excessive gum show.

Level of Evidence: 4
TemBERTure: advancing protein thermostability prediction with deep learning and attention mechanisms
Authors: Rodella Chiara , Lazaridi Symela , Lemmin Thomas
Published: July 2024

Motivation

Understanding protein thermostability is essential for numerous biotechnological applications, but traditional experimental methods are time-consuming, expensive, and error-prone. Recently, deep learning (DL) techniques from natural language processing (NLP) was extended to the field of biology, since the primary sequence of proteins can be viewed as a string of amino acids that follow a physicochemical grammar.

Results

In this study, we developed TemBERTure, a DL framework that predicts thermostability class and melting temperature from protein sequences. Our findings emphasize the importance of data diversity for training robust models, especially by including sequences from a wider range of organisms. Additionally, we suggest using attention scores from Deep Learning models to gain deeper insights into protein thermostability. Analyzing these scores in conjunction with the 3D protein structure can enhance understanding of the complex interactions among amino acid properties, their positioning, and the surrounding microenvironment. By addressing the limitations of current prediction methods and introducing new exploration avenues, this research paves the way for more accurate and informative protein thermostability predictions, ultimately accelerating advancements in protein engineering.

Availability and implementation

TemBERTure model and the data are available at: https://github.com/ibmm-unibe-ch/TemBERTure.
Spermatogonial stem cell technologies: applications from human medicine to wildlife conservation
Authors: Damyanova Katerina B , Nixon Brett , Johnston Stephen D , Gambini Andrés , Benitez Patricio P , Lord Tessa
Published: July 2024

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) technologies that are currently under clinical development to reverse human infertility hold the potential to be adapted and applied for the conservation of endangered and vulnerable wildlife species. The biobanking of testis tissue containing SSCs from wildlife species, aligned with that occurring in pediatric human patients, could facilitate strategies to improve the genetic diversity and fitness of endangered populations. Approaches to utilize these SSCs could include spermatogonial transplantation or testis tissue grafting into a donor animal of the same or a closely related species, or in vitro spermatogenesis paired with assisted reproduction approaches. The primary roadblock to progress in this field is a lack of fundamental knowledge of SSC biology in non-model species. Herein, we review the current understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling SSC function in laboratory rodents and humans, and given our particular interest in the conservation of Australian marsupials, use a subset of these species as a case-study to demonstrate gaps-in-knowledge that are common to wildlife. Additionally, we review progress in the development and application of SSC technologies in fertility clinics and consider the translation potential of these techniques for species conservation pipelines.
Deep learning–based and BI-RADS guided radiomics model for tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes evaluation in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Xiangyu , Jia Yingying , Zhang Hongjuan , Wu Ruichao , Zhao Wuyuan , Yao Zihuan , Nie Fang , Ma Yide
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate an interpretable radiomics model consistent with the clinical decision-making process and realize tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) levels prediction in breast cancer (BC) from ultrasound images.

Methods

A total of 378 patients with invasive BC confirmed by pathological results were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Radiomics features were extracted guided by the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) lexicon from the regions of interest (ROIs) segmented with deep learning models. After features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, 4 machine learning classifiers were used to establish the radiomics signature (Rad-score). Then, the integrated model was developed on the basis of the best Rad-score incorporating the independent clinical factors for TIL level prediction.

Results

Tumours were segmented using the deep learning models with an accuracy of 97.2%, sensitivity of 93.4%, specificity of 98.1%, and the posterior areas were also obtained. Eighteen morphology and texture-related features were extracted from the ROIs and 14 features were selected to construct the Rad-score models. Combined with independent clinical characteristics, the integrated model achieved an area under the curve of 0.889 (95% CI, 0.739-0.990) in the validation cohort, which outperformed the traditional radiomics model and achieved comparable performance with the deep learning models.

Conclusions

This study established a promising model for TIL levels prediction with numerable interpretable features and showed great potential to help decision-making and clinical applications.

Advances in knowledge

Imaging-based biomarkers have provided noninvasive ways for TIL levels evaluation in BC. Our model combining the BI-RADS-guided radiomics features and clinical data outperformed the traditional radiomics approaches and is comparable to deep learning methods.
Spontaneous cortical activity is altered in persons with HIV and related to domain-specific cognitive function
Authors: Petro Nathan M , Rempe Maggie P , Schantell Mikki , Ku Vivian , Srinivas Advika N , O’Neill Jennifer , Kubat Maureen E , Bares Sara H , May-Weeks Pamela E , Wilson Tony W
Published: July 2024

Whilst the average lifespan of persons with HIV now approximates that of the general population, these individuals are at a much higher risk of developing cognitive impairment with ∼35–70% experiencing at least subtle cognitive deficits. Previous works suggest that HIV impacts both low-level primary sensory regions and higher-level association cortices. Notably, multiple neuroHIV studies have reported elevated levels of spontaneous cortical activity during the pre-stimulus baseline period of task-based experiments, but only a few have examined such activity during resting-state conditions. In the current study, we examined such spontaneous cortical activity using magnetoencephalography in 79 persons with HIV and 83 demographically matched seronegative controls and related this neural activity to performance on neuropsychological assessments of cognitive function. Consistent with previous works, persons with HIV exhibited stronger spontaneous gamma activity, particularly in inferior parietal, prefrontal and superior temporal cortices. In addition, serostatus moderated the relationship between spontaneous beta activity and attention, motor and processing speed scores, with controls but not persons with HIV showing stronger beta activity with better performance. The current results suggest that HIV predominantly impacts spontaneous activity in association cortices, consistent with alterations in higher-order brain function, and may be attributable to deficient GABAergic signalling, given its known role in the generation of gamma and beta oscillations. Overall, these effects align with previous studies showing aberrant spontaneous activity in persons with HIV and provide a critical new linkage to domain-specific cognitive dysfunction.
Effect of benralizumab on histopathology and inflammatory signatures in a clinical cohort of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Pyne Ashley L , Uchida Amiko M , Hazel Mark W , Stubben Chris J , Chang Joy W , Bailey Dominique D , Gonsalves Nirmala , Allen-Brady Kristina , Peterson Kathryn A , Pletneva Maria A
Published: July 2024

A preliminary report from the recent phase 3 trial of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL5Rα), in patients with EoE revealed that medication use led to tissue eosinophil eradication but did not meet the clinical endpoint of symptom resolution. Here, we characterized the clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and transcriptional changes in patients with active EoE following benralizumab treatment. We retrospectively examined patients with EoE treated with benralizumab at the University of Utah (n = 11) and reviewed reported clinical symptoms, circulating and tissue eosinophilia, and endoscopic and histologic scores. Gene expression profiles from available esophageal tissue from benralizumab-treated patients were compared to those from patients with remission EoE (n = 5), active EoE (n = 10), and controls (n = 22). Benralizumab treatment resulted in partial symptom improvement and significant reduction in tissue eosinophilia, and endoscopic and histologic disease scoring (P < 0.01). Histologic score reductions were driven by eosinophil feature scores, while scores for epithelial features (basal cell hyperplasia and dilated intercellular spaces) were similar to those in active EoE. The gene signatures in benralizumab-treated patients mimicked those of active EoE (e.g. upregulation of POSTN, CDH26, CCL26, and downregulation of DSG1). RNA profiles and pathways support histologic findings of impaired epithelial function that persists despite benralizumab treatment. In conclusion, despite eosinophil eradication, patients treated with benralizumab had persistent epithelial injury at the histologic and transcriptional level. In this cohort, benralizumab therapy failed to eradicate inflammation and epithelial dysfunction showing that interleukin-5 receptor alpha blockade monotherapy is insufficient to control EoE.
A rare case of Lutembacher’s syndrome presenting with low-gradient severe mitral stenosis: case report and literature overview
Authors: El-Mhadi Samah , El Hajjaj Belghait , Laktib Nabil , Oukerraj Latifa , Cherti Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Background

Lutembacher’s syndrome refers to the rare combination of atrial septal defect and mitral stenosis. This condition is still underdiagnosed despite its distinct clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic implications.

Case summary

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman presenting with acute congestive heart failure. Investigations revealed the combination of low-gradient severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and ostium secundum atrial septal defect. Despite the medical team’s conservative management of her condition and recommendation for surgical intervention, the patient chose to discharge herself against medical advice. She died 6 months later.

Conclusion

Lutembacher’s syndrome continues to be a rare condition in our practice. Once low-gradient severe mitral stenosis is diagnosed, it is essential to search for an associated atrial septal defect, especially when there is an early onset of significant right ventricular enlargement or dysfunction or when an intriguing inconsistency exists between the mitral area and the transmitral gradient.
Central diabetes insipidus (vasopressin deficiency) after surgery for pituitary tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fountas Athanasios , Coulden Amy , Fernández-García Silvia , Tsermoulas Georgios , Allotey John , Karavitaki Niki
Published: July 2024

Objective

Central diabetes insipidus or vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) is the most frequent water balance disorder after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with variable prevalence amongst studies. We aimed to determine rates of newly developed transient or permanent AVP-D in patients with pituitary tumours treated with TSS.

Design and Methods

We performed systematic review of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library between January 1, 2000 and January 31, 2021 for studies reporting on outcomes for pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) after TSS and providing definition of post-operative AVP-D. We pooled the results as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Freeman-Tukey transformation random effects meta-analysis.

Results

From 11 694 studies, 51 were included. Rates of transient or permanent AVP-D were: 17% (95% CI, 13-21) and 3% (95% CI, 2-5) in total group, 16% (95% CI, 12-21) and 2% (95% CI, 2-3) in pituitary adenomas, 31% (95% CI, 24-39) and 30% (95% CI, 22-39) in craniopharyngiomas, and 35% (95% CI, 16-57) and 14% (95% CI, 6-23) in RCCs, respectively. Based on diagnostic criteria, rates of transient or permanent AVP-D were: For hypotonic polyuria, 14% (95% CI, 8-22) and 3% (95% CI, 1-4), for hypotonic polyuria and hypernatraemia, 21% (95% CI, 13-29) and 5% (95% CI, 2-11), and for desmopressin administration, 22% (95% CI, 15-29) and 9% (95% CI, 0-30), respectively.

Conclusions

Following TSS, a small proportion of patients with pituitary adenoma have permanent AVP-D (2%), but prevalence reaches 30% in ones with craniopharyngioma and 14% in those with RCC. Diagnostic criteria for post-operative AVP-D remain variable affecting reported rates of this condition.
Microeukaryote community coalescence strengthens community stability and elevates diversity
Authors: Vass Máté , Székely Anna J , Carlsson-Graner Ulla , Wikner Johan , Andersson Agneta
Published: July 2024

Mixing of entire microbial communities represents a frequent, yet understudied phenomenon. Here, we mimicked estuarine condition in a microcosm experiment by mixing a freshwater river community with a brackish sea community and assessed the effects of both environmental and community coalescences induced by varying mixing processes on microeukaryotic communities. Signs of shifted community composition of coalesced communities towards the sea parent community suggest asymmetrical community coalescence outcome, which, in addition, was generally less impacted by environmental coalescence. Community stability, inferred from community cohesion, differed among river and sea parent communities, and increased following coalescence treatments. Generally, community coalescence increased alpha diversity and promoted competition from the introduction (or emergence) of additional (or rare) species. These competitive interactions in turn had community stabilizing effect as evidenced by the increased proportion of negative cohesion. The fate of microeukaryotes was influenced by mixing ratios and frequencies (i.e. one-time versus repeated coalescence). Namely, diatoms were negatively impacted by coalescence, while fungi, ciliates, and cercozoans were promoted to varying extents, depending on the mixing ratios of the parent communities. Our study suggests that the predictability of coalescence outcomes was greater when the sea parent community dominated the final community, and this predictability was further enhanced when communities collided repeatedly.
The utility of website-based quality improvement tools for health professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Tran Georgie , Kelly Bridget , Hammersley Megan , Norman Jennifer , Okely Anthony
Published: July 2024

As technology continues to advance, it is important to understand how website-based tools can support quality improvement. Website-based tools refer to resources such as toolkits that users can access and use autonomously through a dedicated website. This review examined how website-based tools can support healthcare professionals with quality improvement, including the optimal processes used to develop tools and the elements of an effective tool. A systematic search of seven databases was conducted to include articles published between January 2012 and January 2024. Articles were included if they were peer reviewed, written in English, based in health settings, and reported the development or evaluation of a quality improvement website-based tool for professionals. A narrative synthesis was conducted using NVivo. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. All papers were independently screened and coded by two authors using a six-phase conceptual framework by Braun and Clarke. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Themes identified were tool development processes, quality improvement mechanisms and barriers and facilitators to tool usage. Digitalizing existing quality improvement processes (n = 7), identifying gaps in practice (n = 6), and contributing to professional development (n = 3) were common quality improvement aims. Tools were associated with the reported enhancement of accuracy and efficiency in clinical tasks, improvement in adherence to guidelines, facilitation of reflective practice, and provision of tailored feedback for continuous quality improvement. Common features were educational resources (n = 7) and assisting the user to assess current practices against standards/recommendations (n = 6), which supported professionals in achieving better clinical outcomes, increased professional satisfaction and streamlined workflow in various settings. Studies reported facilitators to tool usage including relevance to practice, accessibility, and facilitating multidisciplinary action, making these tools practical and time-efficient for healthcare. However, barriers such as being time consuming, irrelevant to practice, difficult to use, and lack of organizational engagement were reported. Almost all tools were co-developed with stakeholders. The co-design approaches varied, reflecting different levels of stakeholder engagement and adoption of co-design methodologies. It is noted that the quality of included studies was low. These findings offer valuable insights for future development of quality improvement website-based tools in healthcare. Recommendations include ensuring tools are co-developed with healthcare professionals, focusing on practical usability and addressing common barriers to enhance engagement and effectiveness in improving healthcare quality. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide objective evidence of tool efficacy.
scMicrobe PTA: near complete genomes from single bacterial cells
Authors: Bowers Robert M , Gonzalez-Pena Veronica , Wardhani Kartika , Goudeau Danielle , Blow Matthew James , Udwary Daniel , Klein David , Vill Albert C , Brito Ilana L , Woyke Tanja , Malmstrom Rex R , Gawad Charles
Published: July 2024

Microbial genomes produced by standard single-cell amplification methods are largely incomplete. Here, we show that primary template-directed amplification (PTA), a novel single-cell amplification technique, generated nearly complete genomes from three bacterial isolate species. Furthermore, taxonomically diverse genomes recovered from aquatic and soil microbiomes using PTA had a median completeness of 81%, whereas genomes from standard multiple displacement amplification-based approaches were usually <30% complete. PTA-derived genomes also included more associated viruses and biosynthetic gene clusters.
Distinctive chemotactic responses of three marine herbivore protists to DMSP and related compounds
Authors: Güell-Bujons Queralt , Zanoli Medea , Tuval Idan , Calbet Albert , Simó Rafel
Published: July 2024

Marine planktonic predator–prey interactions occur in microscale seascapes, where diffusing chemicals may act either as chemotactic cues that enhance or arrest predation, or as elemental resources that are complementary to prey ingestion. The phytoplankton osmolyte dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and its degradation products dimethylsulfide (DMS) and acrylate are pervasive compounds with high chemotactic potential, but there is a longstanding controversy over whether they act as grazing enhancers or deterrents. Here, we investigated the chemotactic responses of three herbivorous dinoflagellates to point-sourced, microscale gradients of dissolved DMSP, DMS, and acrylate. We found no evidence for acrylate being a chemotactic repellent and observed a weak attractor role of DMS. DMSP behaved as a strong chemoattractor whose potential for grazing facilitation through effects on swimming patterns and aggregation depends on the grazer’s feeding mode and ability to incorporate DMSP. Our study reveals that predation models will fail to predict grazing impacts unless they incorporate chemotaxis-driven searching and finding of prey.
Fate, inducibility, and behavior of Latilactobacillus curvatus temperate phage TMW 1.591 P1 during sausage fermentation
Authors: Ambros Conrad L , Ehrmann Matthias A
Published: July 2024

Aims

Temperate phages insert their genome into the host’s chromosome. As prophages, they remain latent in the genome until an induction event leads to lytic phage production. When this occurs in a starter culture that has been added to food fermentation, this can impair the fermentation success. This study aimed to analyze prophage inducibility in the Latilactobacillus curvatus TMW 1.591 strain during meat fermentation and investigate whether an induction signal before cryopreservation is maintained during storage and can lead to phage-induced lysis after culture activation.

Methods and results

A prophage-free isogenic derivative of the model starter organism, L. curvatus TMW 1.591, was developed as a negative control (L. curvatus TMW 1.2406). Raw meat fermentation was performed with the wild-type (WT) and phage-cured strains. The WT strain produced high numbers of phages (5.2 ± 1.8 × 107 plaque-forming units g−1) in the meat batter. However, the prophage did not significantly affect the meat fermentation process. Induction experiments suggested an acidic environment as a potential trigger for prophage induction. Phage induction by ultraviolet light before strain cryopreservation remains functional for at least 10 weeks of storage.

Conclusions

Intact prophages are active during meat fermentation. However, in this study, this has no measurable consequences for fermentation, suggesting a high resiliency of meat fermentation against phages. Inadequate handling of lysogenic starter strains, even before preservation, can lead to phage introduction into food fermentation and unintended host lysis.
The morphological diagnosis of 2 economically important subterranean termites in Western Indonesia, Coptotermes curvignathus and Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Wikantyoso Bramantyo , Fajar Anugerah , Tarmadi Didi , Himmi Setiawan Khoirul , Yusuf Sulaeman
Published: July 2024

In Indonesia, the control of Coptotermes curvignathus populations as living tree termite pests has been carried out since the early 20th century. Recently, C. curvignathus has been considered the main termite pest and designated as the only species model for wood and wood products resistance tests against subterranean termite attack testing protocol in the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). However, the species distribution range of C. curvignathus has been long questioned as Coptotermes gestroi is commonly reported as a species found in urban areas of Southeast Asian region, particularly in Indonesia. One of the reasons for the species distribution discrepancies is the lack of morphological markers to distinguish both species in the field. Thus, limiting the field inspection effectiveness in termite pest management in Indonesia. This study reexamined and clarified the morphological differences between C. curvignathus and C. gestroi, based on soldier caste. The head shape, mandible shape, and distribution of genal setae on the ventro-anterior head part and pronotum marked the difference between the 2 species. These current results support previous findings of C. curvignathus as the forest dweller while clarifying C. gestroi as the common urban dweller in Indonesia. The putative benefit of morphological features related to the head, mandible, and setae distribution to the defensive adaptation in their common habitat was discussed. Ultimately, the inclusion of C. gestroi into the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) as an alternative species for efficacy tests against subterranean termites is highly recommended.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor for surgical site infection in malignant musculoskeletal tumours of the trunk
Authors: Shiraishi Sakura , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Nabeshima Akira , Iida Keiichiro , Endo Makoto , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: July 2024

Background and objective

Surgical site infection (SSI) is common in surgery for malignant musculoskeletal tumours, specifically those arising from the trunk. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for SSI after resection of musculoskeletal tumours of the trunk.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 125 patients (72 males, 53 females) with musculoskeletal tumours of the trunk in our hospital from 1 April 2008 to 31 August 2023. The incidence of SSI and its risk factors were investigated.

Results

SSI was observed in 26% (32/125), and the median time to SSI was 22 days. On multivariate analysis, the following were identified as risk factors for SSI: tumours arising caudal to Jacoby’s line (hazard ratio [HR] 4.04; P = .0107), soft tissue reconstruction (HR 3.43; P = .0131), and low Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) (HR 0.96; P = .0304). Patients were classified into two risk categories based on GNRI scores: the risk group (GNRI ≤98) and no risk group (>98). The risk group showed a significantly lower overall noninfection survival rate (P = .023).

Conclusion

Tumours arising caudal to Jacoby line, soft tissue reconstruction, and lower GNRI were risk factors for SSI. Preoperative and postoperative nutritional interventions should be considered to improve GNRI.
Single-cell landscape of alternative polyadenylation in human lymphoid hematopoiesis
Authors: Qiang Jiaqi , Yu Shan , Li Jun , Rong Yu , Wang Xiaoshuang , Zhu Yong , Wang Fang
Published: July 2024

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an essential post-transcriptional process that produces mature mRNA isoforms by regulating the usage of polyadenylation sites (PASs). APA is involved in lymphocyte activation; however, its role throughout the entire differentiation trajectory remains elusive. Here, we analyzed single-cell 3′-end transcriptome data from healthy subjects to construct a dynamic-APA landscape from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to terminally differentiated lymphocytes. This analysis covered 19973 cells of 12 clusters from five lineages (B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells). A total of 2364 genes exhibited differential 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) PAS usage, and 3021 genes displayed differential intronic cleavage during lymphoid differentiation. We observed a global trend of 3′UTR shortening during lymphoid differentiation. Nevertheless, specific events of both 3′UTR shortening and lengthening were also identified within each cluster. The APA patterns delineated three differentiation stages: HSPCs, precursor cells, and mature cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the conversion of naïve T cells to memory T cells was accompanied by dynamic APA in transcription factor-encoding genes (TCF7 and NFATC2IP), immune function-related genes (BCL2, CD5, CD28, GOLT1B, and TMEM59), and protein ubiquitination-related genes (UBE2G1, YPEL5, and SUMO3). These findings expand our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of APA and facilitate studies on the regulatory role of APA in lymphoid hematopoiesis.
Implications of refugee crisis on public sector healthcare organizations: Empirical observation from Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Hossain Farhad , Atar Emrah
Published: July 2024

Political crises, like the refugee crisis, present significant challenges to nation-states and public sector entities. The influx of refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh has intensified over recent decades, notably after severe violence erupted in Myanmar’s Rakhine state on 25 August 2017. This study focuses on public service organizations, aiming to understand the impact of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Using a qualitative approach and drawing on existing literature, the research examines how the crisis affects the capacity of public healthcare providers in Bangladesh. The findings reveal both detrimental and beneficial effects on organizational functioning, including management, resource availability, and absorptive and adaptive capacities. Through data analysis, eight key themes emerge, such as changes in service quality, disease control, resource allocation dynamics, and impacts on professional knowledge, shedding light on the complex repercussions of the Rohingya refugee crisis on public healthcare services in Bangladesh.
Delayed cervical emphysema after thyroidectomy: a case report and a literature overview
Authors: Mevik Kjersti , Tysvær Gunnbjørg , Solli Torill , Osnes Terje
Published: July 2024

Thyroidectomy is a surgery performed due to both benign and malign diseases in the thyroid. The overall complication rate is low, where most of them will appear within the first 24 hours after surgery. However, severe complications can occur as late as 14 days postsurgery. A woman in her late 30’s underwent total thyroidectomy due to Graves' disease. There were no complications until she presented with swelling on her neck 10 days after surgery. She was diagnosed with cervical emphysema and treated with a controlled negative pressure drain until there was no more air leakage. We assumed that the emphysema was due to an occult injury of the trachea. Urgent evaluation and hospitalization are needed if the patient presents with swelling in the neck after thyroidectomy. Surgeons should be aware of this delayed complication, so they are able to inform and manage their patients accordingly.
An Oath for Vengeance? A vendetta with the testimony of the goddess Allāt in an Ancient North Arabian inscription from Jordan
Authors: Hayajneh Hani , Harahsheh Rafe
Published: July 2024

This paper deals with a new Ancient North Arabian (ANA)-Safaitic inscription from the north-eastern basaltic region of Jordan. Its author registers a revenge-taking action for a man called S1 TR. In contrast to the usual type of Safaitic inscriptions that deal with revenge, we encounter here a case of revenge in which the Arabian goddess Allāt is called for s2 hdt ‘testimony’. The onomastic and lexical components, with special focus on the lexeme s2 hdt and its semantic field, are investigated and analyzed in light of the Semitic lexicon.
The great escape: understanding the connection between Ly α emission and LyC escape in simulated JWST analogues
Authors: Choustikov Nicholas , Katz Harley , Saxena Aayush , Garel Thibault , Devriendt Julien , Slyz Adrianne , Kimm Taysun , Blaizot Jeremy , Rosdahl Joki
Published: July 2024

Constraining the escape fraction of Lyman Continuum (LyC) photons from high-redshift galaxies is crucial to understanding reionization. Recent observations have demonstrated that various characteristics of the Ly$\, \alpha$ emission line correlate with the inferred LyC escape fraction ($f_{\rm esc}^{\rm LyC}$) of low-redshift galaxies. Using a data set of 9600 mock Ly$\, \alpha$ spectra of star-forming galaxies at $4.64 \le z \le 6$ from the SPHINX$^{20}$ cosmological radiation hydrodynamical simulation, we study the physics controlling the escape of Ly$\, \alpha$ and LyC photons. We find that our mock Ly$\, \alpha$ observations are representative of high-redshift observations and that typical observational methods tend to overpredict the Ly$\, \alpha$ escape fraction ($f_{\rm esc}^{\rm Ly\, \alpha }$) by as much as 2 dex. We investigate the correlations between $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm LyC}$ and $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm Ly\, \alpha }$, Ly$\, \alpha$ equivalent width ($W_{\lambda }({\rm Ly\, \alpha })$), peak separation ($v_{\rm sep}$), central escape fraction ($f_{\rm cen}$), and red peak asymmetry ($A_f^{\rm red}$). We find that $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm Ly\, \alpha }$ and $f_{\rm cen}$ are good diagnostics for LyC leakage, selecting for galaxies with lower neutral gas densities and less UV attenuation that have recently experienced supernova feedback. In contrast, $W_{\lambda }({\rm Ly\, \alpha })$ and $v_{\rm sep}$ are found to be necessary but insufficient diagnostics, while $A_f^{\rm red}$ carries little information. Finally, we use stacks of Ly$\, \alpha$, H$\, \alpha$, and F150W mock surface brightness profiles to find that galaxies with high $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm LyC}$ tend to have less extended Ly$\, \alpha$ and F150W haloes but larger H$\, \alpha$ haloes than their non-leaking counterparts. This confirms that Ly$\, \alpha$ spectral profiles and surface brightness morphology can be used to better understand the escape of LyC photons from galaxies during the epoch of reionization.