bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inversion of the two‐data circular Radon transform centered on a curve on C(R2)${\cal C}(\mathbf {R}^2)$
Authors: Aramyan Rafik
Published: May 2024

More often, in the mathematical literature, the injectivity of the spherical Radon transform (SRT) for compactly supported functions is considered. In this article, an additional condition, for the reconstruction of an unknown function (the support can be noncompact) using the circular Radon transform (CRT) over circles centered on a smooth simple curve is found. It is proved that this problem is equivalent to the injectivity of a so‐called two‐data CRT over circles centered on a smooth curve (can be a segment). Also, we present an inversion formula of the transform that uses the local data of the circular integrals to reconstruct the unknown function. Such inversions are the mathematical base of modern modalities of imaging, such as thermo‐ and photoacoustic tomography and radar imaging, and have theoretical significance.
Underdogs and favorites: Past, present, and future
Authors: Pettit Nathan C. , Doyle Sarah P. , Lount Robert B.
Published: May 2024

This article highlights the value in taking a multi‐temporal perspective to the literature on underdogs and favorites in competitive contexts. We contend that an inherent feature of the psychological experience of being an underdog or favorite is the coexistence of thoughts related to the past and future. Building upon this key insight, we adopt a multi‐temporal lens to compare current research on underdogs and favorites to the broader literature studying competition and motivation in intergroup contexts, with the goal of identifying possible areas of coherence and contradiction in relation to other relevant theoretical frameworks. Through this analysis, we put forth a set of what we hope are thought‐provoking research questions that are intended to guide and inspire future work in this domain.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPB1*1591:01 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Lee Jong Kwon , Bae Go Eun , Lee Sookyeon , Lim Sori , Kang Eun‐Suk
Published: May 2024

The novel HLA‐DPB1*1591:01 allele was detected during the HLA typing for kidney transplantation.
Bartonella species in dromedaries and ruminants from Lower Shabelle and Benadir regions, Somalia
Authors: Osman Aamir M. , Hassan‐Kadle Ahmed A. , Dias Clara Morato , Ibrahim Abdalla M. , Collere Flávia C. M. , Shair Mohamed A. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , André Marcos R. , Yusuf Abdulkarim A. , Vieira Thállitha S. W. J. , Machado Rosangela Z. , Vieira Rafael F. C.
Published: May 2024

Background

Bartonellosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella, is a zoonotic disease with several mammalian reservoir hosts. In Somalia, a country heavily reliant on livestock, zoonotic diseases pose significant public health and economic challenges. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been performed aiming to verify the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in Somalia. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular characterization of Bartonella in dromedary (Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus, 1758), cattle, sheep, and goats from Somalia.

Materials and Methods

530 blood samples were collected from various animals (155 dromedary, 199 goat, 131 cattle, and 45 sheep) in Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions. DNA was extracted for molecular analysis, and a qPCR assay targeting the NADH dehydrogenase gamma subunit (nuoG) gene was used for Bartonella screening. Positive samples were also subjected to PCR assays targeting seven molecular markers including: nuoG, citrate synthase gene (gltA), RNA polymerase beta‐subunit gene (rpoB), riboflavin synthase gene (ribC), 60 kDa heat‐shock protein gene (groEL), cell division protein gene (ftsZ), and pap31 and qPCR targeting the 16‐23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) followed by Sanger sequencing, BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Out of 530 tested animals, 5.1% were positive for Bartonella spp. by the nuoG qPCR assay. Goats showed the highest Bartonella occurrence (17/199, 8.5%), followed by sheep (6/44, 6.8%), cattle (4/131, 3.1%), and dromedary (1/155, 1.9%). Goats, sheep, and cattle had higher odds of infection compared to dromedary. Among nuoG qPCR‐positive samples, 11.1%, 14.8%, 11.1%, and 25.9% were positive in PCR assays based on nuoG, gltA, and pap31 genes, and in the qPCR based on the ITS region, respectively. On the other hand, nuoG qPCR‐positive samples were negative in the PCR assays targeting the ribC, rpoB, ftsZ, and groEL genes. While Bartonella bovis sequences were detected in cattle (nuoG and ITS) and goats (gltA), Bartonella henselae ITS sequences were detected in dromedary, goat, and sheep. Phylogenetic analysis placed gltA Bartonella sequence from a goat in the same clade of B. bovis.

Conclusion

The present study showed, for the first time, molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in dromedary and ruminants from Somalia and B. henselae in sheep and goats globally. These findings contribute valuable insights into Bartonella spp. occurrence in Somali livestock, highlighting the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures under the One Health approach.
Using Machine Learning Tools for Rotating Stall Warning in a Contra-Rotating Compressor
Authors: Xue Fei , Wang Yangang , Liu Qian , Wu Tong , Liu Hanru
Published: May 2024

This paper takes a low-speed axial contra-rotating compressor as the experimental object, and the sensor array is used to collect the pressure sequences in stall conditions for different speed configurations. These pressure data sets are then preprocessed to train the neural networks. A self-learning stall threshold method based on kernel density estimation (KDE) is utilized to obtain the alarm thresholds. By utilizing the best-performing long short-term memory (LSTM) model to predict the stall initiation time for 15 speed configurations with different stall characteristics, the results show that the model can provide early warning before stall for 11 speed configurations. For the rest four speed configurations, the stall initiation time predicted by LSTM is unsatisfactory. To overcome the poor generalizability of LSTM, a convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with LSTM (CNN–LSTM) stall warning method is developed. The stall warning results indicate that the CNN–LSTM has a better capability in fitting the nonlinear pressure stall data and issues warnings before a stall occurs for all speed configurations. By comparing the pressure time series predicted by LSTM and CNN–LSTM, it is obvious that the CNN–LSTM is more sensitive to perturbations than before stall occurs.
Quantitative analysis of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition mechanisms: Quantum chemical and plasma-fluid dynamics investigation on tetraethoxysilane/O2 plasma
Authors: Li Hu , Denpoh Kazuki
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the influence of reactive oxygen species (i.e., neutral O atom and O2+ ion) on deposition rates and film thickness uniformity in tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) plasma, utilizing a combination of plasma-fluid dynamic and quantum chemical (QC) simulations. The plasma simulations employed an improved model based on a previous study [H. Li et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 58, SEED06 (2019)], specifically tailored for a TEOS/O2/Ar/He gas mixture. In the QC simulations, both flat and step silicon oxide (SiO2) surfaces were employed to investigate the adsorption behavior of SiO molecules, the predominant silicon-containing species in TEOS plasma. These simulations also enabled the examination of the rates of SiO molecule adsorption on SiO2 surfaces, facilitating a direct comparison with the sticking coefficients utilized in the plasma simulation. The results of QC simulations revealed that SiO molecules exhibited a higher energetic preference for adsorption on step surfaces than on flat surfaces, resulting in the formation of new SiOH surface sites. Meanwhile, the plasma simulations demonstrated a strong correlation between the deposition rate and film thickness uniformity and the generation of oxygen species, specifically O atoms and O2+ ions, as well as their respective fluxes. This relationship takes precedence over the influence of TEOS or its fragments colliding with the surface. Notably, higher plasma source frequencies were found to enhance the production of atomic O, which contributed significantly to achieving higher deposition rates.
Selecting the best surface analysis method for your materials/samples
Authors: Robinson Kye J. , Thissen Helmut
Published: May 2024

There are a large number of surface analytical methods, each with their own strengths and limitations. This review provides tools and an amalgamated source of information to those new to surface characterization or to those who would like to select the most appropriate, commonly accessible, surface characterization technique for their sample. It includes a quick technique selection guide for narrowing down suitable methods for obtaining a range of compositional, structural, and surface properties. Considerations and recommendations for approaching instrument technicians and field experts are also discussed. To further aid in technique selection, comparative tables for complementary techniques are included in addition to case studies in technique selection and application, and finally, a brief overview of commonly employed analysis methods is provided, including related important considerations.
The KAT module of the SAGA complex maintains the oncogenic gene expression program in
MYCN-
amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Malone Clare F. , Mabe Nathaniel W. , Forman Alexandra B. , Alexe Gabriela , Engel Kathleen L. , Chen Ying-Jiun C. , Soeung Melinda , Salhotra Silvi , Basanthakumar Allen , Liu Bin , Dent Sharon Y. R. , Stegmaier Kimberly
Published: May 2024

Pediatric cancers are frequently driven by genomic alterations that result in aberrant transcription factor activity. Here, we used functional genomic screens to identify multiple genes within the transcriptional coactivator Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex as selective dependencies for
MYCN
-amplified neuroblastoma, a disease of dysregulated development driven by an aberrant oncogenic transcriptional program. We characterized the DNA recruitment sites of the SAGA complex in neuroblastoma and the consequences of loss of SAGA complex lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) activity on histone acetylation and gene expression. We demonstrate that loss of SAGA complex KAT activity is associated with reduced MYCN binding on chromatin, suppression of MYC/MYCN gene expression programs, and impaired cell cycle progression. Further, we showed that the SAGA complex is pharmacologically targetable in vitro and in vivo with a KAT2A/KAT2B proteolysis targeting chimeric. Our findings expand our understanding of the histone-modifying complexes that maintain the oncogenic transcriptional state in this disease and suggest therapeutic potential for inhibitors of SAGA KAT activity in
MYCN
-amplified neuroblastoma.
A three-dimensionally architected electronic skin mimicking human mechanosensation
Authors: Liu Zhi , Hu Xiaonan , Bo Renheng , Yang Youzhou , Cheng Xu , Pang Wenbo , Liu Qing , Wang Yuejiao , Wang Shuheng , Xu Shiwei , Shen Zhangming , Zhang Yihui
Published: May 2024

Human skin sensing of mechanical stimuli originates from transduction of mechanoreceptors that converts external forces into electrical signals. Although imitating the spatial distribution of those mechanoreceptors can enable developments of electronic skins capable of decoupled sensing of normal/shear forces and strains, it remains elusive. We report a three-dimensionally (3D) architected electronic skin (denoted as 3DAE-Skin) with force and strain sensing components arranged in a 3D layout that mimics that of Merkel cells and Ruffini endings in human skin. This 3DAE-Skin shows excellent decoupled sensing performances of normal force, shear force, and strain and enables development of a tactile system for simultaneous modulus/curvature measurements of an object through touch. Demonstrations include rapid modulus measurements of fruits, bread, and cake with various shapes and degrees of freshness.
A broader view of misinformation reveals potential for intervention
Authors: van der Linden Sander , Kyrychenko Yara
Published: May 2024

Misleading claims from credible sources can be more damaging than blatant falsehoods
Research faces cuts as Dutch shift to the right
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: May 2024

New coalition to scrap science and innovation funds, roll back environmental measures
Transcriptomic profiling of haloarchaeal denitrification through RNA-Seq analysis
Authors: Miralles-Robledillo Jose María , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María , Pire Carmen
Published: May 2024

Denitrification, a crucial biochemical pathway prevalent among haloarchaea in hypersaline ecosystems, has garnered considerable attention in recent years due to its ecological implications. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms and genetic regulation governing this respiration/detoxification process in haloarchaea remain largely unexplored. In this study, RNA-sequencing was used to compare the transcriptomes of the haloarchaeon
Haloferax mediterranei
under oxic and denitrifying conditions, shedding light on the intricate metabolic alterations occurring within the cell, such as the accurate control of the metal homeostasis. Furthermore, the investigation identifies several genes encoding transcriptional regulators and potential accessory proteins with putative roles in denitrification. Among these are bacterioopsin-like transcriptional activators, proteins harboring a domain of unknown function (DUF2249), and cyanoglobin. In addition, the study delves into the genetic regulation of denitrification, finding a regulatory motif within promoter regions that activates numerous denitrification-related genes. This research serves as a starting point for future molecular biology studies in haloarchaea, offering a promising avenue to unravel the intricate mechanisms governing haloarchaeal denitrification, a pathway of paramount ecological importance.

IMPORTANCE

Denitrification, a fundamental process within the nitrogen cycle, has been subject to extensive investigation due to its close association with anthropogenic activities, and its contribution to the global warming issue, mainly through the release of N
2
O emissions. Although our comprehension of denitrification and its implications is generally well established, most studies have been conducted in non-extreme environments with mesophilic microorganisms. Consequently, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning extremophilic denitrifiers, particularly those inhabiting hypersaline environments. The significance of this research was to delve into the process of haloarchaeal denitrification, utilizing the complete denitrifier haloarchaeon
Haloferax mediterranei
as a model organism. This research led to the analysis of the metabolic state of this microorganism under denitrifying conditions and the identification of regulatory signals and genes encoding proteins potentially involved in this pathway, serving as a valuable resource for future molecular studies.
Prevalence of Slam-dependent hemophilins in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Shin Hyejin Esther , Pan Chuxi , Curran David M. , Bateman Thomas J. , Chong Derrick H. Y. , Ng Dixon , Shah Megha , Moraes Trevor F.
Published: May 2024

Iron acquisition systems are crucial for pathogen growth and survival in iron-limiting host environments. To overcome nutritional immunity, bacterial pathogens evolved to use diverse mechanisms to acquire iron. Here, we examine a heme acquisition system that utilizes hemophores called hemophilins which are also referred to as HphAs in several Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report three new HphA structures from
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
. Structural determination of HphAs revealed an N-terminal clamp-like domain that binds heme and a C-terminal eight-stranded β-barrel domain that shares the same architecture as the Slam-dependent Neisserial surface lipoproteins. The genetic organization of HphAs consists of genes encoding a Slam homolog and a TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR). We investigated the Slam-HphA system in the native organism or the reconstituted system in
Escherichia coli
cells and found that the efficient secretion of HphA depends on Slam. The TBDR also played an important role in heme uptake and conferred specificity for its cognate HphA. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis of HphA homologs revealed that HphAs are conserved in the alpha, beta, and gammaproteobacteria. Together, these results show that the Slam-dependent HphA-type hemophores are prevalent in Gram-negative bacteria and further expand the role of Slams in transporting soluble proteins.

IMPORTANCE

This paper describes the structure and function of a family of Slam (Type IX secretion System) secreted hemophores that bacteria use to uptake heme (iron) while establishing an infection. Using structure-based bioinformatics analysis to define the diversity and prevalence of this heme acquisition pathway, we discovered that a large portion of gammaproteobacterial harbors this system. As organisms, including
Acinetobacter baumannii
, utilize this system to facilitate survival during host invasion, the identification of this heme acquisition system in bacteria species is valuable information and may represent a target for antimicrobials.
The
Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA
operon protects magnesium-dependent enzymes by supporting manganese efflux
Authors: Sachla Ankita J. , Soni Vijay , Piñeros Miguel , Luo Yuanchan , Im Janice J. , Rhee Kyu Y. , Helmann John D.
Published: May 2024

Microbes encounter a myriad of stresses during their life cycle. Dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in host–microbe interactions. Bacterial metal ion homeostasis is tightly regulated by dedicated metalloregulators that control uptake, sequestration, trafficking, and efflux. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the
Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA
(YS) complex operon, but not deletion of the individual genes, causes hypersensitivity to manganese (Mn). YqgC is an integral membrane protein of unknown function, and SodA is a Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The YS strain has reduced expression of two Mn efflux proteins, MneP and MneS, consistent with the observed Mn sensitivity. The YS strain accumulated high levels of Mn, had increased reactive radical species (RRS), and had broad metabolic alterations that can be partially explained by the inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes. Although the YS operon deletion strain and an efflux-deficient
mneP mneS
double mutant both accumulate Mn and have similar metabolic perturbations, they also display phenotypic differences. Several mutations that suppressed Mn intoxication of the
mneP mneS
efflux mutant did not benefit the YS mutant. Further, Mn intoxication in the YS mutant, but not the
mneP mneS
strain, was alleviated by expression of Mg-dependent, chorismate-utilizing enzymes of the
m
enaquinone,
s
iderophore, and
t
ryptophan (MST) family. Therefore, despite their phenotypic similarities, the Mn sensitivity in the
mneP mneS
and the YS deletion mutants results from distinct enzymatic vulnerabilities.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria require multiple trace metal ions for survival. Metal homeostasis relies on the tightly regulated expression of metal uptake, storage, and efflux proteins. Metal intoxication occurs when metal homeostasis is perturbed and often results from enzyme mis-metalation. In
Bacillus subtilis
, Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the most abundant Mn-containing protein and is important for oxidative stress resistance. Here, we report novel roles for MnSOD and a co-regulated membrane protein, YqgC, in Mn homeostasis. Loss of both MnSOD and YqgC (but not the individual proteins) prevents the efficient expression of Mn efflux proteins and leads to a large-scale perturbation of the metabolome due to inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes, including key chorismate-utilizing MST (menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan) family enzymes.
Geodetic constraints on three-component motion of the Ordos block (China) and their implications for lithospheric dynamics
Authors: Li Zhangjun , Hao Ming , Hammond William C. , Cheng Feng , Zhang Guoqing , Wang Qingliang , Liu Liwei , Hou Bowen , Gan Weijun
Published: May 2024

The Ordos block is a rigid portion of the North China Craton lying within the India-Eurasia collision zone that experiences little internal deformation, but is surrounded by active faulting, extensional grabens, and seismicity. In the surrounding region, geodetic studies have imaged complex crustal deformation, while seismic studies have suggested that the lithosphere is encountering regional modification by mantle convection. The Ordos block thus presents a valuable opportunity to compare seismic and geodetic constraints and investigate geodynamic processes affecting the region’s lithosphere. We here robustly image vertical land motion and horizontal strain rates using observations from the geographically extensive Global Navigation Satellite System and leveling networks in and around the Ordos block. Our results indicate that the Ordos block uplifts with some lateral variability at 0.5–2.0 mm/yr. In the northeastern Ordos block and Datong volcanic area, the crustal uplift rates are 2.0–4.0 mm/yr on average, much faster than those elsewhere on the block. We correct for non-tectonic vertical motion from surface hydrological loading and glacial isostatic adjustment, finding that these do not explain the vertical rate anomalies. Horizontal crustal extension and uplift are accompanied by a pattern of crustal contraction at the Datong volcanic field. Additionally, we find uplift west of and subsidence east of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, which are inconsistent with eastward crustal extrusion along it, suggesting instead a negligible migration of crustal materials especially to the east of 106°E. Comparing the geodetic measurements to evidence from seismic velocity anomalies and numerical simulation, we argue that the motions are consistent with lithospheric re-equilibration resulting from the heterogeneous thinning of the lithosphere by convective mantle upwelling and radial flow as well as shortening from the India-Eurasia collision.
Chlorite chemical refinement during giant quartz vein formation
Authors: González-Esvertit Eloi , Canals Àngels , Bons Paul D. , Casas Josep Maria , Nieto Fernando , Gomez-Rivas Enrique
Published: May 2024

The major elemental composition of chlorite is widely used for petrogenetic investigations on low-temperature geological processes. However, compositional variations of chlorite within a given tectonic environment are common and, when overlooked, can lead to erroneous petrological interpretations. We thoroughly investigate chlorites occurring within giant quartz veins (GQVs) in the basement rocks of the Pyrenees. These structures have widths of up to tens of meters and lengths of kilometers and form in both mid-crustal ductile and upper-crustal seismogenic domains. Texturally constrained chlorite analyses and spatially resolved whole-rock elemental analyses reveal a progressive chemical evolution of chlorite coupled to GQV formation. Six chlorite generations that were distinguished according to their texture show consistent chemical variations at the microscale. Host rock– and quartz vein–related chlorites are the textural and compositional endmembers. Between them, a progressive chemical refinement occurred in transitional chlorite compositions linked to host rock, vein quartz, and pressure-solution microstructures, in accordance with significant fluid-rock interactions leading to GQV formation. This rock alteration process is further confirmed at the macroscale by the progressive depletion of all major and trace elements but silica, with decreasing distance toward GQVs. We demonstrate that (1) inferring the temperature conditions of chlorite crystallization is not as straightforward as generally assumed and that (2) GQVs can be formed under rock-buffered conditions, at lower temperatures than previously thought. These results have implications for the practice commonly used in chlorite-based geothermometry, as well as for the modes of fluid, heat, and mass transport within Earth’s crust.
Retinopathy of prematurity in Germany over 13 years: incidences, treatment preferences and effects of national guideline changes
Authors: Krohne Tim U , Camp Alexandra T , Pfeil Johanna M , Müller Andreas , Stahl Andreas , Lagrèze Wolf A , Li Jeany Q
Published: May 2024

Objective

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading yet avoidable cause of childhood blindness. Screening for ROP is highly effective in preventing blindness secondary to ROP. We provide epidemiological data on ROP screening and treatment in Germany since 2010 and evaluate the effects of recently adopted as well as potential future screening guideline adaptations.

Methods

Data sets of the German Quality Assurance Procedure in Neonatology, the ROP screening programme of two German university hospitals, and the German section of the EU-ROP Registry were analysed.

Results

Over the 13-year period from 2010 to 2022, 141 550 infants received ROP screening in Germany. Mean annual incidences of ROP were 3.5% (±0.2%) in premature infants and 19.6% (±2.3%) in screened infants. Of screened infants, 2.0% (±0.3%) received treatment for ROP. Treatment preferences shifted from laser coagulation (46.2% in 2015) to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (83.7% in 2022). A revision of national screening criteria in 2020 with a reduction of the gestational age limit from <32 to <31 weeks resulted in a decrease of the annual number of infants requiring screening by 25.8% (p<0.001). Infants with a birth weight ≥1500 g accounted for 35.2% of the screening population but only for 0.4% of ROP stage 3–5 cases.

Conclusions

Collection of epidemiological data on ROP in national and international registries enables the continuous surveillance and adaptation of ROP screening and treatment criteria. In Germany, infants with a birth weight ≥1500 g have a very low risk of developing treatment-requiring ROP, supporting an upper birth weight limit for ROP screening.
Blood-based DNA methylation markers for lung cancer prediction
Authors: Onwuka Justina Ucheojor , Guida Florence , Langdon Ryan , Johansson Mikael , Severi Gianluca , Milne Roger L , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C , Vineis Paolo , Sandanger Torkjel , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Relton Caroline , Robbins Hilary A. , Suderman Matthew , Johansson Mattias
Published: May 2024

Objective

Screening high-risk individuals with low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer, but many lung cancers occur in individuals who are not eligible for screening. Risk biomarkers may be useful to refine risk models and improve screening eligibility criteria. We evaluated if blood-based DNA methylation markers can improve a traditional lung cancer prediction model.

Methods and analysis

This study used four prospective cohorts with blood samples collected prior to lung cancer diagnosis. The study was restricted to participants with a history of smoking, and one control was individually matched to each lung cancer case using incidence density sampling by cohort, sex, date of blood collection, age and smoking status. To train a DNA methylation-based risk score, we used participants from Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study-Australia (n=648) and Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study-Sweden (n=380) based on five selected CpG sites. The risk discriminative performance of the methylation score was subsequently validated in participants from European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy (n=267) and Norwegian Women and Cancer-Norway (n=185) and compared with that of the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 lung cancer risk model.

Results

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the PLCOm2012 model in the validation studies was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.75) compared with 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77) for the methylation score model (Pdifference=0.07). Incorporating the methylation score with the PLCOm2012 model did not improve the risk discrimination (AUC: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77,Pdifference=0.73).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the methylation-based risk prediction score alone provides similar lung cancer risk-discriminatory performance as the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 risk model.
Prevalence, risk factors and management of common mental health disorders in Cameroon: a systematic review
Authors: Ngwa Che Henry , Mpofu Limkile , Patricia Tchokokam , Njuma Libwea John , Obiora Rejoice Uche , Keinamma Marion , Ines Danga Aloleko , Ngo Ngo Valery , Oneke Egbe Henrieta , Bessong Crayton E , Oguguah Ngozi Margaret , Kah Emmanuel , Wirsiy Frankline Sevidzem , Sobh Eman
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This review aimed to synthesise evidence on (1) the prevalence of common mental health disorders (MHDs) in Cameroon; (2) the effectiveness of mental health management interventions; (3) the risk factors for common MHDs in Cameroon and (4) map the state of research on common mental disorders in Cameroon.

Design

A systematic review.

Data sources

We performed a comprehensive search for articles in major public health databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL from inception of each database to June 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Published articles on the prevalence, risk factors or intervention for management of common MHDs in Cameroon met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review.

Data extraction and synthesis

The abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction were performed independently by at least two researchers. The results have been reported based on a narrative synthesis.

Results

After the screening stages, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. A high prevalence of common MHDs among different groups, including teenage mothers, students and people living with HIV, was observed. We identified important risk factors for these conditions in the general population and among high-risk groups. We also identified two interventions which show promising results for the management of depression among individuals with HIV in Cameroon.

Conclusion

Our review recorded a high prevalence of common MHDs and identified important risk factors for MHDs among different groups. Increased priority and participatory action with all stakeholders including individuals, communities/policy holders and in research where a huge gap remains to be filled, is crucial in reducing the burden of MHDs in Cameroon.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022348427.
Diabetes control in public assistance recipients and free/low-cost medical care program beneficiaries in Japan: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Funakoshi Mitsuhiko , Nishioka Daisuke , Haruguchi Seiji , Yonemura Sakae , Takebe Takashi , Nonaka Misato , Iwashita Sanae
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Previous research has highlighted the association between socioeconomic factors and diabetes management. This study aimed to elucidate the blood glucose control status among individuals with low income (ie, recipients of public assistance (PARs) and free/low-cost medical care (FLCMC) programme beneficiaries) and to investigate the effects of public subsidies for medical expenses on treatment adherence among low-income patients with diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of medical records from 910 outpatients with diabetes who underwent pharmacological treatment for >90 days. Data on predictive variables, such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and control variables, including sex, age and insurance type, were obtained retrospectively. The HbA1c levels among public health insurance (PHI)-only beneficiaries, FLCMC programme beneficiaries and PARs were compared using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The analysis included 874 individuals, among whom the majority were men (61.7%) and aged≥65 years (58.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that among individuals aged ˂65 years, the adjusted ORs for HbA1c levels above 9% were significantly higher in FLCMC programme beneficiaries (OR=5.37, 95% CI: 2.23 to 12.82) and PARs (OR=5.97, 95% CI: 2.91 to 12.74) than in PHI-only beneficiaries. Among patients aged ˂65 years with HbA1c levels above 7%, the adjusted OR was significantly higher in FLCMC programme beneficiaries (OR=3.82, 95% CI: 1.65 to 10.43) than in PHI-only beneficiaries. Additionally, the adjusted OR was significantly higher in FLCMC programme beneficiaries aged ˂65 years (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.02 to 7.44) than in PARs.

Conclusions

This study highlights the predictive value of public assistance or the FLCMC programme for poor blood glucose control and suggests the inadequacy of current medical expense subsidies to eliminate health disparities in diabetes control.
Knowledge and perceptions about clinical research and its ethical conduct among college students from non-science background: a representative nation-wide survey from India
Authors: Raj Jeffrey Pradeep , Tomy Suraj Kallarakal , Jose Amrutha , Kashyap Aadrika , Kureethara Joseph Varghese , Kallarakal Tomy K
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Prior studies on public attitudes and awareness of clinical research (CR) in India before the pandemic identified significant knowledge gaps. Thus, we aim to investigate if the pandemic has influenced awareness and attitudes towards CR given the wide mass and social media coverage on drug/vaccine development process.

Methods

This was an online survey conducted among young adults enrolled as students in a university in south India between 15 September 2022 and 31 October 2022. Until recently, these students attended online classes from various locations across India, likely reflecting a diverse regional and traditional background. Information regarding their sociodemographic status, awareness and perception about CR was collected and analysed applying the principle of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

A total of N=4796 eligible survey responses were analysed. Approximately, 50% were unfamiliar with CR but 42.4% expressed willingness to participate in a future CR. The significant predictors for a higher favourable perception score were having heard about CR (p<0.001), known exactly what a CR means (p<0.001) and having known anyone who participated in a CR (p<0.001). The significant predictors for willingness to participate in a CR were those living in villages as against those living in cities (p=0.002), belongs to Brahm Govind (BG) Prasad’s socioeconomic status class 1 (p=0.023) or class 4 (p=0.011) as against those in class 5, those who have heard about CR (p=0.023), participated in CR (p<0.001), have known someone participated in a CR (p<0.001) or higher total score of favourable perceptions (p<0.001).

Conclusions

While there was extensive media coverage on drug/vaccine development processes during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant knowledge gaps and concerns regarding various aspects of CR persisted. Although some individuals showed a positive view of CR and its societal benefits, the overall public awareness remains insufficient.
Attitudes of UK pathologists and judicial officers towards medicolegal view and grant examinations: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study
Authors: Foster Jacob , Sadler David , Taylor Sam
Published: May 2024

Aims

Despite the 1988 ‘Dundee Initiative’, which maximised the use of view and grant examinations to reduce the invasive forensic autopsy rate in Tayside, the view and grant itself remains controversial. This is the first study to measure attitudes towards view and grants, applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to investigate what attitudes are held, the reasons behind them and their association with deciding the scope of postmortem examinations.

Methods

A mixed-methods cross-sectional study examined 62 UK pathologists, coroners and procurators fiscal using an online questionnaire. Participants were asked their demographics and attitudes towards view and grants before allocating five fictitious reportable deaths to either view and grant or invasive forensic autopsy (both in ideal and real world conditions), explaining their decisions using free-text.

Results

Participants held both positive and negative attitudes towards view and grants, and most were relatively strong and ambivalent. Attitudes predicted respondents’ decisions to favour view and grant or invasive forensic autopsy in all ideal world scenarios, but no real world scenarios. There were significant differences in attitudes and decisions when comparing pathologists and judicial officers, and respondents working in Coroner and Fiscal systems. Thematic analysis was conducted on free-text responses.

Conclusions

Discrepancies between attitudes, and ideal and real world choices suggest that what respondentswantedto do did not necessarily translate to what theywould actuallydo in the scenarios tested. Applying concepts of attitudes, norms and perceived control can help to understand decision-making by death investigators, and why some jurisdictions favour more invasive procedures.
PERFECTRA: a pragmatic, multicentre, real-life study comparing treat-to-target strategies with baricitinib versus TNF inhibitors in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis after failure on csDMARDs
Authors: van de Laar Celine J , Oude Voshaar Martijn A H , ten Klooster Peter , Tedjo Danyta I , Bos Reinhard , Jansen Tim , Willemze A , Versteeg Grada A , Goekoop-Ruiterman Y P M , Kroot Eric-Jan , van de Laar Mart
Published: May 2024

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of a strategy administering baricitinib versus one using TNF-inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) failure in a real-life treat-to-target (T2T) setting.

Methods

Patients with biological and targeted synthetic DMARD (b/tsDMARD) naïve RA with disease duration ≤5 years without contraindications to b/tsDMARD were randomised to either TNFi or baricitinib when csDMARD failed to achieve disease control in a T2T setting. Changes in clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed at 12-week intervals for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority, with testing for superiority if non-inferiority is demonstrated, of baricitinib strategy in the number of patients achieving American College of Rheumatology 50 (ACR50) response at 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included 28-joint count Disease Activity Score with C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) <2.6, changes in PROMs and radiographic progression.

Results

A total of 199 patients (TNFi, n=102; baricitinib, n=97) were studied. Both study groups were similar. Baricitinib was both non-inferior and superior in achieving ACR50 response at week 12 (42% vs 20%). Moreover, 75% of baricitinib patients achieved DAS28-CRP <2.6 at week 12 compared with 46% of TNFi patients. On secondary outcomes throughout the duration of the study, the baricitinib strategy demonstrated comparable or better outcomes than TNFi strategy. Although not powered for safety, no unexpected safety signals were seen in this relatively small group of patients.

Conclusion

Up to present, in a T2T setting, patients with RA failing csDMARDs have two main strategies to consider, Janus Kinases inhibitor versus bDMARDs (in clinical practice, predominantly TNFi). The PERFECTRA study suggested that starting with baricitinib was superior over TNFi in achieving response at 12 weeks and resulted in improved outcomes across all studied clinical measures and PROMs throughout the study duration in these patients.
Service user experiences of using internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs): a qualitative study
Authors: Spence Tommer , Griffiths Frances , Ross Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections allows individuals to order a self-sampling kit online, send samples to a central laboratory and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. Its usage has grown rapidly in many high-income countries, such as England, where it now accounts for 44% of tests within the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. However, there is limited data on the experiences of service users, which may offer insights into low uptake and poor return rates among some high-incidence populations.

Methods

Participants were recruited via sexual health clinics and the website of an internet-based testing service. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a diversity of genders, sexualities and ethnic backgrounds were included. Semistructured interviews were conducted by phone, email and messenger services and explored participants’ perceptions and experiences of both internet-based and clinic-based testing. Data underwent thematic analysis.

Results

We interviewed 17 participants. Internet-based testing appealed to many due to the privacy and convenience it offered over clinic-based testing. Although most were positive about their experience of internet-based testing, many found the process of finger-prick blood sampling extremely challenging and this contributed to concerns from some participants that test results may be inaccurate. A minority of participants missed the opportunity that clinic-based testing offered to discuss symptoms or concerns with staff. Participants overwhelmingly found the process of receiving test results by short message service (SMS) acceptable and preferable to alternatives.

Conclusions

Internet-based testing is viewed positively by most users but uptake may be improved if providers emphasise the privacy and convenience it offers, as well as the accuracy of self-sampling. Providers should also consider measures to address user concerns around blood sampling and access to specialist advice.
A three-dimensional study of vegetation management on cut slopes
Authors: Tsiampousi Aikaterini
Published: May 2024

Infrastructure slopes often become covered in dense vegetation due to poor vegetation management. Despite increasing cohesion and enhancing slope stability, high water demand vegetation leads to serviceability problems, primarily towards the end of the summer. Drastic approaches, however, such as vegetation clearance, have caused instabilities during wet seasons. Therefore, appropriate, effective, and continuous vegetation management is of essence and should consider both biodiversity and the engineering asset, while accounting for the contribution of vegetation in battling climate change. Developing numerical methodologies and models can be particularly useful in acquiring insight into the complex mechanism and processes taking place during slope–plant–atmosphere interactions. The work presented here focused for the first time on combining three-dimensional (3D) stability and serviceability issues through the development of a 3D numerical model to investigate different vegetation management strategies for a slope covered in high evapotranspiration demand vegetation and suffering serviceability problems. Different 3D patterns of vegetation removal and of replacement with lower water demand vegetation were considered and the effect of each of these on the serviceability and stability of the slope during the subsequent year was examined. The results demonstrated that replacement was preferable to removal, as stability and serviceability should be considered concurrently, and that, occasionally, clearance may have detrimental effects not only on stability but also on serviceability. The importance of considering out-of-plane displacements, which have traditionally been ignored, was revealed, thus providing numerical evidence that a shift in field monitoring is required, to capture the three-dimensionality of the problem.
Density and coefficients of Jones–Dole equation for viscosity measurement of l-isoleucine, l-proline, and l-glutamine in aqueous KCl solution at 298.15–323.15 K
Authors: Basharat Riffat , Tantray Aafaq , Khan Imran
Published: May 2024

The present studies reported the experimental data on thermophysical properties such as density and viscosity of aqueous solutions of different amino acids namely l-isoleucine, l-proline, and l-glutamine in 1.5 mol/L KCl solution at different temperatures ranging from 298.15 to 323.15 K. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate interactions between amino acids and KCl solution at dilute concentrations. For understanding amino acid and KCl solution interactions, we will investigate ion–ion and ion–solvent interactions. It has been observed that the density and viscosity rise with amino acid concentration and decrease with temperature. Using the Jones–Dole equation, the viscosity A and B coefficients have been determined. The viscosity B-coefficient values for all the three amino acids in aqueous electrolyte system are depicted as positive. The positive values of B-coefficient indicate a strong alignment of the solvent molecules with solute molecules. The amino acid l-glutamine acts as a structure breaker solute. This structure breaking effect of l-glutamine on solvent may be attributed to the domination of hydrophilic nature of amide group. l-isoleucine and l-proline act as structure maker in electrolyte system.
Electrically anisotropic structure of the Rocky Mountain Trench near Valemount, British Columbia inferred from magnetotellurics: implications for geothermal exploration
Authors: Lee Benjamin , Unsworth Martyn , Finley Theron , Kong Wenxin , Cordell Darcy
Published: May 2024

Canoe Reach is a region of high geothermal potential on a segment of the Southern Rocky Mountain Trench fault (SRMTF) with highly metamorphosed and structurally complex wall rocks, near Valemount, British Columbia. This study contains analyses of magnetotelluric data collected at Canoe Reach accounting for electrical anisotropy, which is not often considered during geothermal exploration. Isotropic and anisotropic 3D inversions are used due to signs of electrical anisotropy in the Canoe Reach magnetotelluric data and the presence of visibly anisotropic geological structure. At Canoe Reach North, the anisotropic model is preferred for its simpler structure and consistency with the mapped geology. An anisotropic feature in the footwall of the steeply southwest-dipping SRMTF has a low resistivity in the fault-perpendicular direction and a high resistivity in the vertical direction, which is more easily explained by conductive minerals than by fluids in the highly metamorphosed gneiss. An exploration well in the SRMTF footwall encountered two graphite seams with thicknesses ≥1 m, supporting the interpretation of anisotropic resistivity due to conductive minerals. A strong resistivity contrast across the SRMTF suggests juxtaposition of different lithologies, challenging existing interpretations of SRMTF displacement at Canoe Reach. At Canoe Reach South, anisotropic features near the Canoe River thermal spring with a high resistivity in the fault-perpendicular direction and low resistivity in the vertical direction are consistent with fault core and damage zone models. Magnetotelluric data may be sensitive to permeability anisotropy of fault zones, and the use of electrically anisotropic inversions should be considered for these settings.
On the relation between Bekenstein–Hawking entropy and Landauer’s principle
Authors: Song Daegene
Published: May 2024

Information is intricately woven into the fabric of physical systems, implying a profound connection between the nature of information and the underlying physics governing computational processes. This deep-seated relationship was illuminated by Landauer in 1961, who revealed that erasing a mere bit of information demands an expenditure of energy equivalent to [Formula: see text], underscoring the thermodynamic costs associated with information processing. In this investigation, Landauer’s principle is applied within the framework of Bekenstein–Hawking entropy. The study demonstrates that the introduction of a single bit of information into a black hole is related to a corresponding tangible increase of one unit of the horizon, namely, [Formula: see text], aligning seamlessly with the holographic principle.