bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Holocene environmental change on the evolutionary ecology of an Arctic top predator
Authors: Westbury Michael V. , Brown Stuart C. , Lorenzen Julie , O’Neill Stuart , Scott Michael B. , McCuaig Julia , Cheung Christina , Armstrong Edward , Valdes Paul J. , Samaniego Castruita José Alfredo , Cabrera Andrea A. , Blom Stine Keibel , Dietz Rune , Sonne Christian , Louis Marie , Galatius Anders , Fordham Damien A. , Ribeiro Sofia , Szpak Paul , Lorenzen Eline D.
Published: November 2023

The Arctic is among the most climatically sensitive environments on Earth, and the disappearance of multiyear sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is predicted within decades. As apex predators, polar bears are sentinel species for addressing the impact of environmental variability on Arctic marine ecosystems. By integrating genomics, isotopic analysis, morphometrics, and ecological modeling, we investigate how Holocene environmental changes affected polar bears around Greenland. We uncover reductions in effective population size coinciding with increases in annual mean sea surface temperature, reduction in sea ice cover, declines in suitable habitat, and shifts in suitable habitat northward. Furthermore, we show that west and east Greenlandic polar bears are morphologically, and ecologically distinct, putatively driven by regional biotic and genetic differences. Together, we provide insights into the vulnerability of polar bears to environmental change and how the Arctic marine ecosystem plays a vital role in shaping the evolutionary and ecological trajectories of its inhabitants.
Simultaneous multimaterial operando tomography of electrochemical devices
Authors: Shrestha Pranay , LaManna Jacob M. , Fahy Kieran F. , Kim Pascal , Lee ChungHyuk , Lee Jason K. , Baltic Elias , Jacobson David L. , Hussey Daniel S. , Bazylak Aimy
Published: November 2023

The performance of electrochemical energy devices, such as fuel cells and batteries, is dictated by intricate physiochemical processes within. To better understand and rationally engineer these processes, we need robust operando characterization tools that detect and distinguish multiple interacting components/interfaces in high contrast. Here, we uniquely combine dual-modality tomography (simultaneous neutron and x-ray tomography) and advanced image processing (iterative reconstruction and metal artifact reduction) for high-contrast multimaterial imaging, with signal and contrast enhancements of up to 10 and 48 times, respectively, compared to conventional single-modality imaging. Targeted development and application of these methods to electrochemical devices allow us to resolve operando distributions of six interacting fuel cell components (including void space) with the highest reported pairwise contrast for simultaneous yet decoupled spatiotemporal characterization of component morphology and hydration. Such high-contrast tomography ushers in key gold standards for operando electrochemical characterization, with broader applicability to numerous multimaterial systems.
Truly pattern: Nonlinear integration of motion signals is required to account for the responses of pattern cells in rat visual cortex
Authors: Matteucci Giulio , Bellacosa Marotti Rosilari , Zattera Benedetta , Zoccolan Davide
Published: November 2023

A key feature of advanced motion processing in the primate dorsal stream is the existence of pattern cells—specialized cortical neurons that integrate local motion signals into pattern-invariant representations of global direction. Pattern cells have also been reported in rodent visual cortex, but it is unknown whether the tuning of these neurons results from truly integrative, nonlinear mechanisms or trivially arises from linear receptive fields (RFs) with a peculiar geometry. Here, we show that pattern cells in rat primary (V1) and lateromedial (LM) visual cortex process motion direction in a way that cannot be explained by the linear spatiotemporal structure of their RFs. Instead, their tuning properties are consistent with and well explained by those of units in a state-of-the-art neural network model of the dorsal stream. This suggests that similar cortical processes underlay motion representation in primates and rodents. The latter could thus serve as powerful model systems to unravel the underlying circuit-level mechanisms.
Mapping the genomic landscape of multidrug resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
and its impact on parasite fitness
Authors: Mok Sachel , Yeo Tomas , Hong Davin , Shears Melanie J. , Ross Leila S. , Ward Kurt E. , Dhingra Satish K. , Kanai Mariko , Bridgford Jessica L. , Tripathi Abhai K. , Mlambo Godfree , Burkhard Anna Y. , Ansbro Megan R. , Fairhurst Kate J. , Gil-Iturbe Eva , Park Heekuk , Rozenberg Felix D. , Kim Jonathan , Mancia Filippo , Fairhurst Rick M. , Quick Matthias , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Sinnis Photini , Fidock David A.
Published: November 2023

Drug-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites have swept across Southeast Asia and now threaten Africa. By implementing a
P. falciparum
genetic cross using humanized mice, we report the identification of key determinants of resistance to artemisinin (ART) and piperaquine (PPQ) in the dominant Asian KEL1/PLA1 lineage. We mapped
k13
as the central mediator of ART resistance in vitro and identified secondary markers. Applying bulk segregant analysis, quantitative trait loci mapping using 34 recombinant haplotypes, and gene editing, our data reveal an epistatic interaction between mutant PfCRT and multicopy plasmepsins 2/3 in mediating high-grade PPQ resistance. Susceptibility and parasite fitness assays implicate PPQ as a driver of selection for KEL1/PLA1 parasites. Mutant PfCRT enhanced susceptibility to lumefantrine, the first-line partner drug in Africa, highlighting a potential benefit of opposing selective pressures with this drug and PPQ. We also identified that the ABCI3 transporter can operate in concert with PfCRT and plasmepsins 2/3 in mediating multigenic resistance to antimalarial agents.
Specialized phosphate transport is essential for
Staphylococcus aureus
nitric oxide resistance
Authors: Stephens Amelia C. , Banerjee Srijon K. , Richardson Anthony R.
Published: November 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen capable of causing a variety of diseases ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to systemic presentations such as sepsis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. For
S. aureus
to persist as a pathogen in these environments, it must be able to resist the host immune response, including the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (e.g., nitric oxide, NO·). Extensive work from our lab has shown that
S. aureus
is highly resistant to NO·, especially in the presence of glucose. RNA-seq performed on
S. aureus
exposed to NO· in the presence and absence of glucose showed a new system important for NO· resistance—phosphate transport. The phosphate transport systems
pstSCAB
and
nptA
are both upregulated upon NO·-exposure, particularly in the presence of glucose. Both are key for phosphate transport at an alkaline pH, which the cytosol of
S. aureus
becomes under NO· stress. Accordingly, the Δ
pstS
Δ
nptA
mutant is attenuated under NO stress
in vitro
as well as in macrophage and murine infection models. This work defines a new role in infection for two phosphate transporters in
S. aureus
and provides insight into the complex system that is NO· resistance in
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a bacterial pathogen capable of causing a wide variety of disease in humans.
S. aureus
is unique in its ability to resist the host immune response, including the antibacterial compound known as nitric oxide (NO·). We used an RNA-sequencing approach to better understand the impact of NO· on
S. aureus
in different environments. We discovered that inorganic phosphate transport is induced by the presence of NO·. Phosphate is important for the generation of energy from glucose, a carbon source favored by
S. aureus
. We show that the absence of these phosphate transporters causes lowered energy levels in
S. aureus
. We find that these phosphate transporters are essential for
S. aureus
to grow in the presence of NO· and to cause infection. Our work here contributes significantly to our understanding of
S. aureus
NO· resistance and provides a new context in which
S. aureus
phosphate transporters are essential.
Assessing airborne transmission risks in COVID-19 hospitals by systematically monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in the air
Authors: Li Shanglin , Guo Jiazhen , Gu Yin , Meng Yan , He Ming , Yang Shangzhi , Ge Ziruo , Wang Guanjun , Yang Yi , Jin Ronghua , Lu Lianhe , Liu Peng
Published: November 2023

The continuous emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants with the capability of immune evasion demands more effective risk assessment and management approaches for infection prevention and control. Controlling nosocomial transmission is critical in response to the COVID-19 pandemic upon the resumption of day-to-day activities. Here, we systematically analyzed the presence of airborne SARS-CoV-2 in the isolation ward and within the contaminant, emergency, and clean zones of a designated COVID-19 hospital. A total of 359 air samples collected in the clean and emergency zones tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating the interruption of airborne transmission in a designated COVID-19 hospital by combining the closed-loop management, unidirectional airflow, and negative pressure of isolation wards. In contrast, some air samples in the corridor outside the isolation wards tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The leakage of virus-containing air from patient rooms to adjoining areas during rounds and meal delivery sheds light on the need for intensive and widespread virus monitoring in designated COVID-19 hospitals. In conclusion, by systematically monitoring viruses in the air, the study provides a starting point for the standardization of transmission risk management in designated hospitals for the future pandemic of a newly emerged respiratory infectious disease.

IMPORTANCE

Risk management and control of airborne transmission in hospitals is crucial in response to a respiratory virus pandemic. However, the formulation of these infection control measures is often based on epidemiological investigations, which are an indirect way of analyzing the transmission route of viruses. This can lead to careless omissions in infection prevention and control or excessively restrictive measures that increase the burden on healthcare workers. The study provides a starting point for standardizing transmission risk management in designated hospitals by systemically monitoring viruses in the air of typical spaces in COVID-19 hospitals. The negative results of 359 air samples in the clean and emergency zones demonstrated the existing measures to interrupt airborne transmission in a designated COVID-19 hospital. Some positive cases in the corridor of the contaminant zone during rounds and meal delivery highlighted the importance of monitoring airborne viruses for interrupting nosocomial infection.
Purification, characterization, and cloning of a novel pro-inflammatory secreted protein from
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schlievert Patrick M. , Nelson Jacob D. , Kilgore Samuel H. , Radoshevich Lilliana , Klingelhutz Aloysius J. , Leung Donald Y. M.
Published: November 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
is a human pathogen, causing infections ranging from benign skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening pneumonia, sepsis/infective endocarditis, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The organisms cause infections through production of both cell-surface and secreted virulence factors. We focus primarily on secreted virulence factors, having done scans for such proteins for many years. We have purified and characterized TSS toxin-1; staphylococcal enterotoxin-like superantigens K, L, and Q; an operon of six serine proteases, epsilon cytotoxin; and enterotoxin-associated ampicillin resistance protein. The current study clones and characterizes another novel secreted factor that we tentatively refer to as methionine-rich protein (MRP) because its gene encodes a protein with ten methionine residues and eight in the small mature protein. The MRP gene encodes a protein of 199 amino acids with the first 28 being a signal peptide. The mature protein has 171 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 18,800. MRP has an unusual isoelectric point (pI) for staphylococcal secreted virulence factors of approximately 5.3, whereas other secreted virulence factors have neutral or basic pIs. MRP was listed as a hypothetical protein in the NCBI database. We tested MRP for biological activities that characterize
S. aureus
and observed that the protein has no detectable superantigen, cytolytic (hemolytic), lipase, or protease activity. MRP induced chemokine (interleukin-8) production from human vaginal epithelial cells. This activity potentially facilitates
S. aureus
provoking harmful mucosal and skin inflammatory responses.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
causes a myriad of human diseases, ranging from relatively mild soft tissue infections to highly fatal pneumonia, sepsis, and toxic shock syndrome. The organisms primarily cause diseases across mucosal and skin barriers. In order to facilitate penetration of barriers,
S. aureus
causes harmful inflammation by inducing chemokines from epithelial cells. We report the cloning and characterization of a novel secreted
S. aureus
protein that induces chemokine production from epithelial cells as its major demonstrable function. This secreted protein possibly helps
S. aureus
and its secreted proteins to penetrate host barriers.
Thoracic splenosis: an important consideration in oncology patients
Authors: Julian Katherine , Vasekar Monali
Published: November 2023

Splenosis is the implantation of ectopic splenic tissue after splenic injury or splenectomy. Signs and symptoms of splenosis vary based on anatomic location; however, it remains asymptomatic in many cases. On radiographic imaging, splenosis often appears as a soft tissue mass and can be diagnosed using heat-damaged red blood cell scintigraphy, a non-invasive imaging modality. Radiographic findings of splenosis on imaging may be suspicious for metastatic disease in patients with known solid organ tumours. It is important to have a high degree of suspicion for splenosis with known history of splenic trauma or splenectomy in order to avoid invasive procedures and guide appropriate management.
Effect of national guidance on survival for babies born at 22 weeks’ gestation in England and Wales: population based cohort study
Authors: Smith Lucy K , van Blankenstein Emily , Fox Grenville , Seaton Sarah E , Martínez-Jiménez Mario , Petrou Stavros , Battersby Cheryl ,   MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Surveillance Group
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To explore the effect of changes in national clinical recommendations in 2019 that extended provision of survival focused care to babies born at 22 weeks’ gestation in England and Wales.

Design

Population based cohort study.

Setting

England and Wales, comprising routine data for births and hospital records.

Participants

Babies alive at the onset of care in labour at 22 weeks+0 days to 22 weeks+6 days and at 23 weeks+0 days to 24 weeks+6 days for comparison purposes between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021.

Main outcome measures

Percentage of babies given survival focused care (active respiratory support after birth), admitted to neonatal care, and surviving to discharge in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Results

For the 1001 babies alive at the onset of labour at 22 weeks' gestation, a threefold increase was noted in: survival focused care provision from 11.3% to 38.4% (risk ratio 3.41 (95% confidence interval 2.61 to 4.45)); admissions to neonatal units from 7.4% to 28.1% (3.77 (2.70 to 5.27)), and survival to discharge from neonatal care from 2.5% to 8.2% (3.29 (1.78 to 6.09)). More babies of lower birth weight and early gestational age received survival focused care in 2020-21 than 2018-19 (46% to 64% at <500g weight; 19% to 31% at 22 weeks+0 days to 22 weeks+3 days).

Conclusions

A change in national guidance to recommend a risk based approach was associated with a threefold increase in 22 weeks’ gestation babies receiving survival focused care. The number of babies being admitted to neonatal units and those surviving to discharge increased.
Systematic literature review and network meta-analysis of therapies for psoriatic arthritis on patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Nash Peter , Dutz Jan P , Peterson Steve , Patel Barkha P , Eaton Kiefer , Shawi May , Zazzetti Federico , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Head-to-head clinical trials are common in psoriasis, but scarce in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), making treatment comparisons between therapeutic classes difficult. This study describes the relative effectiveness of targeted synthetic (ts) and biologic (b) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Design

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in January 2020. Bayesian NMAs were conducted to compare treatments on Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey including Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE (including Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily),Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Eligibility criteria

Phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating patients with PsA receiving tsDMARDS, bDMARDs or placebo were included in the SLR; there was no restriction on outcomes.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent researchers reviewed all citations. Data for studies meeting all inclusion criteria were extracted into a standardised Excel-based form by one reviewer and validated by a second reviewer. A third reviewer was consulted to resolve any discrepancies, as necessary. Risk of bias was assessed using the The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical effectiveness quality assessment checklist.

Results

In total, 26 RCTs were included. For HAQ-DI, SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS scores, intravenous tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors generally ranked higher than most other classes of therapies available to treat patients with PsA. For almost all outcomes, several interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17A, subcutaneous TNF and IL-12/23 agents offered comparable improvement, while cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, phosphodiesterase-4 and Janus kinase inhibitors often had the lowest efficacy.

Conclusions

While intravenous TNFs may provide some improvements in PROs relative to several other tsDMARDs and bDMARDs for the treatment of patients with PsA, differences between classes of therapies across outcomes were small.
Clinician and patient perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to physical rehabilitation in intensive care: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Woodbridge Huw R , Norton Christine , Jones Mandy , Brett Stephen J , Alexander Caroline M , Gordon Anthony C
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study is to explore patient, relative/carer and clinician perceptions of barriers to early physical rehabilitation in intensive care units (ICUs) within an associated group of hospitals in the UK and how they can be overcome.

Design

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic framework analysis.

Setting

Four ICUs over three hospital sites in London, UK.

Participants

Former ICU patients or their relatives/carers with personal experience of ICU rehabilitation. ICU clinicians, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, involved in the delivery of physical rehabilitation or decisions over its initiation.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

Views and experiences on the barriers and facilitators to ICU physical rehabilitation.

Results

Interviews were carried out with 11 former patients, 3 family members and 16 clinicians. The themes generated related to: safety and physiological concerns, patient participation and engagement, clinician experience and knowledge, teamwork, equipment and environment and risks and benefits of rehabilitation in intensive care. The overarching theme for overcoming barriers was a change in working model from ICU clinicians having separate responsibilities (a multidisciplinary approach) to one where all parties have a shared aim of providing patient-centred ICU physical rehabilitation (an interdisciplinary approach).

Conclusions

The results have revealed barriers that can be modified to improve rehabilitation delivery in an ICU. Interdisciplinary working could overcome many of these barriers to optimise recovery from critical illness.
Assessing tobacco retailer compliance with flavoured tobacco product sales restrictions: a cross-sectional study of four California cities
Authors: Yang Joshua S , Cuomo Raphael , Nguyen Quincy , Merrill Regina , McMann Tiana , Nali Matthew , Gooneratne Chrismarie , Le Nicolette , Cui Mandy , Mackey Tim K
Published: November 2023

Background

Governments are passing laws to restrict the sale of flavoured tobacco products (FTPs), but retailer compliance with such policies may vary. This study compared tobacco retailer compliance with local ordinances restricting the sale of FTPs across various localities in Southern California.

Methods

Attempts to purchase FTPs from a random sample of tobacco retailers in a convenience sample of four cities in Southern California with FTP sales restrictions were made from June to August 2022. Trained shoppers of legal tobacco purchasing age entered tobacco retailers and purchased prohibited FTPs if they were on display or asked salespersons for menthol cigarettes or a flavoured e-cigarette, completing purchases if they were made available.

Results

Among 141 stores, 39.9% of stores were non-compliant with local ordinances. Non-compliance varied by city, occurring in 49.3%, 43.8%, 15.4% and 0% of stores across four cities. The highest proportion of non-compliance was among vape or tobacco shops (91.2%) followed by convenience and liquor stores (36.4%), grocery stores and pharmacies (15.4%), and gas stations (13.5%).

Conclusion

Prior to California’s statewide sales restriction on flavoured tobacco, compliance with local sales restrictions was variable across cities and store types.
Development of a set of quality indicators in paediatric and perinatal care in Japan with a modified Delphi method
Authors: Shinjo Daisuke , Ozawa Nobuaki , Nakadate Naoya , Kanamori Yutaka , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Noguchi Takashi , Ohtera Shosuke , Kato Hitoshi
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds

Few paediatric and perinatal quality indicators (QIs) have been developed in the Japanese setting, and the quality of care is not assured or validated. The aim of this study was to develop QIs in paediatric and perinatal care in Japan using an administrative database and confirm the feasibility and applicability of the indicators using a single-site practice test.

Methods

We used a RAND-modified Delphi method that integrates evidence review with expert consensus development. QI candidates were generated from clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) available in English or Japanese and existing QIs in nine selected paediatric or perinatal conditions. Consensus building was based on independent panel ratings. The performance of QIs was retrospectively assessed using data from an administrative database at the National Children’s Hospital. Data between April 2018 and March 2019 were used, while data between April 2019 and March 2021 were also used for selected condition, considering the small number of patients. Each QI was calculated as follows: number of times the indicator was met/number of participants×100.

Results

From the literature review conducted between 2010 and 2020, 124 CPGs and 193 existing indicators were identified to generate QI candidates. Through the consensus-building process, 133 QI candidates were assessed and 79 QIs were accepted. The practice test revealed wide variations in the process-level performance of QIs in four categories: patient safety: median 43.9% (IQR 16.7%–85.6%), general paediatrics: median 98.8% (IQR 84.2%–100%), advanced paediatrics: median 94.4% (IQR 46.0%–100%) and advanced obstetrics: median 80.3% (IQR 59.6%–100%).

Conclusions

We established 79 QIs for paediatric and perinatal care in Japan using an administrative database that can be applied to hospitals nationwide. The practice test confirmed the measurability of the developed QIs. Benchmarking these QIs will be an attractive approach to improving the quality of care.
Performing Nordic hamstring strength testing with additional weight affects the maximal eccentric force measured: do not compare apples to oranges
Authors: Amundsen Roar , Møller Merete , Bahr Roald
Published: November 2023

Background

Nordic hamstring test devices are commonly used to measure maximal eccentric hamstring force. The ability to control the final phase of the exercise has been adopted as a criterion to add weight when testing, without substantial evidence. We investigated if adding weight affected the maximal force measured, and if there were differences between players who could and could not control the final phase.

Methods

Female (n=84) and male (n=56) football players performed a Nordic hamstring strength test with 0, 5 and 10 kg. We used visual inspection to assess the ability to control the final phase (approximately last 20°), as per previously published studies.

Results

Maximal force was higher when tested with 5 kg (females: +8 N (2%), p<0.001; males: +18 N (4%), p<0.001) and 10 kg (females: +17 N (5%), p<0.001; males: +27 N (6%), p<0.001) compared with 0 kg. This was the case for both groups, those who could control the final phase (5 kg: +16 N (4%), p<0.001; 10 kg: +28 N (7%), p<0.001) and those who could not (5 kg: +9 N (3%), p<0.001; 10 kg: +15 N (4%), p<0.001).

Conclusion

Both players who could and could not control the final phase of the Nordic hamstring test demonstrated higher maximal force when adding weight to testing. Therefore, this should not be used to decide if players should perform testing with or without weight. Either all participants or none should be tested with weight, and the same approach should be used both for pre-testing and post-testing.
Accuracy of visual estimation of ejection fraction in patients with heart failure using augmented reality glasses
Authors: Choi Sungwoo , Nah Sangun , Cho Young Soon , Moon Inki , Lee Jae Wook , Ah Lee Choung , Moon Ji Eun , Han Sangsoo
Published: November 2023

Objective

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is measured to assess haemodynamic status and cardiac function. It may be difficult to accurately measure in patients with heart failure (HF) as they are often poorly echogenic. The augmented reality (AR) technology is expected to provide real-time guidance that will enable more accurate measurements.

Methods

A prospective, randomised, case-crossover simulation study was conducted to confirm the effect of AR glasses on echocardiographic interpretation in patients with HF. 22 emergency physicians participated. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A estimated the visual ejection fraction of echocardiographic video clips without the AR glasses, while group B estimated them with glasses. After a washout period, the two groups crossed over. The estimates were then compared with the ejection fraction measurements obtained by echocardiologists; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated.

Results

The ICC with glasses (0.969, 95% CI 0.966 to 0.971) was higher than without glasses (0.705, 95% CI 0.681 to 0.727) among all participants. In the subgroup analysis, the first-year and second-year residents showed the most significant difference, with an ICC of 0.568 (95% CI 0.508 to 0.621) without glasses compared with 0.963 (95% CI 0.958 to 0.968) with glasses. For the third-year and fourth-year residents group, the ICC was 0.754 (95% CI 0.720 to 0.784) without glasses and 0.972 (95% CI 0.958 to 0.968) with glasses. Among the group of attending physicians, the ICC was 0.807 (95% CI 0.775 to 0.834) without glasses and 0.973 (95% CI 0.969 to 0.977) with glasses.

Conclusions

AR glasses could be helpful in measuring LVEF and could be more helpful to those with little visual estimation experience.
c-Met immunohistochemistry as reflex test at diagnosis for non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world experience from a monocentric case series
Authors: Bontoux Christophe , Hofman Veronique , Abboute Milissa , Lespinet-Fabre Virginie , Lalvée Salomé , Goffinet Samantha , Bordone Olivier , Long-Mira Elodie , Lassalle Sandra , Murcy Florent , Rignol Guylène , Heeke Simon , Ilie Marius , Hofman Paul
Published: November 2023

Aims

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results with drugs targeting the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) for advanced non-small cell lung cancers overexpressing c-Met. We assessed reflex testing of c-Met immunohistochemistry (IHC) at diagnosis for NSCLC in the real-world.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical, pathological and molecular data of cases diagnosed with NSCLC in our institution from January 2021 to June 2023. We performed c-Met IHC (SP44 clone) and scored the expression using a H-score and a three-tier classification.

Results

391 cases with interpretable c-Met IHC staining were included. The median age at diagnosis was 70 years (range 25–89 years) including 234 males (male/female ratio 1:5). 58% of the samples came from surgical resections, 35% from biopsies and 8% from cytological procedures. 52% of cases were classified as c-Met-positive (H-score≥150) and 19% were classified as c-Methigh(≥50%, 3+). 43% of the c-Metnegpresented with lymph node and/or visceral metastases at diagnosis vs 55% for c-Methigh(p=0.042). 23% of the adenocarcinomas showed c-Methighexpression vs 3% for squamous cell carcinomas (p=0.004). 27% of the c-Metnegcases had a high PD-L1 expression vs 58% of c-Methighcases (p<0.001).METex14 skipping was present in 8% of the c-Methighcases.

Conclusions

Systematic c-Met testing in daily routine for NSCLC patients is feasible, highlighting a potential correlation with clinicopathological and molecular features.
Inflammatory bowel disease patients have an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zaka Ammar , Mridha Naim , Subhaharan Deloshaan , Jones Mark , Niranjan Selvanayagam , Mohsen Waled , Ramaswamy Pradeep K
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Systemic inflammation is increasingly being recognised as a possible mechanism for acute arterial thrombotic events, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite this, there is conflicting data on the risk of ACS in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the risk of ACS in patients with IBD.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched up to 27 October 2022. Multivariable-adjusted or propensity matched studies with a non-IBD control cohort were included. HRs were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted in order to explore sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Twelve retrospective cohort studies were included (225 248 IBD patients). Patients with IBD were associated with an increased risk of ACS in both adjusted (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.41) and unadjusted analyses (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.92). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (i2=88, p=0.002 and i2=98%, p=0.002, respectively). Subgroup analysis of age revealed a greater association of ACS in IBD patients <40 years of age (relative HR 1.50; 95 CI 1.15 to 1.96).

Conclusion

Patients with IBD demonstrated an independently increased risk of ACS. Prospective studies are required to explore the relationship with disease activity and duration, concomitant medication use and angiographic characteristics and outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022367846.
Validation of a novel point-of-care ultrasound method to assess diaphragmatic excursion
Authors: Da Conceicao Diogo , Perlas Anahi , Giron Arango Laura , Wild Kim , Li Qixuan , Huszti Ella , Chowdhury Jayanta , Chan Vincent
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasound can assess diaphragmatic function and rule in or rule out paresis of the diaphragm. While this is a useful bedside tool, established methods have significant limitations. This study explores a new method to assess diaphragmatic motion by measuring the excursion of the uppermost point of the zone of apposition (ZOA) at the mid-axillary line using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe and compares it with two previously established methods: the assessment of the excursion of the dome of the diaphragm (DOD) and the thickening ratio at the ZOA.

Methods

This is a single-centre, prospective comparative study on elective surgical patients with normal diaphragmatic function. Following research ethics board approval and patient written consent, 75 elective surgical patients with normal diaphragmatic function were evaluated preoperatively. Three ultrasound methods were compared: (1) assessment of the excursion of the DOD using a curvilinear probe through an abdominal window; (2) assessment of the thickening fraction of the ZOA; and (3) assessment of the excursion of the ZOA. The last two methods performed with a linear probe on the lateral aspect of the chest.

Results

Seventy-five patients were studied. We found that the evaluation of the excursion of the ZOA was more consistently successful (100% bilaterally) than the evaluation of the excursion of the DOD (98.7% and 34.7% on the right and left sides, respectively). The absolute values of the excursion of the ZOA were greater than and well correlated with the values of the DOD.

Conclusion

Our preliminary data from this exploratory study suggest that the evaluation of the excursion of the ZOA on the lateral aspect of the chest using a linear probe is consistently successful on both right and left sides. Future studies are needed to establish the distribution of normal values and suggest diagnostic criteria for diaphragmatic paresis or paralysis.

Trial registration number

NCT03225508.
Heterogeneity of determining disease severity, clinical course and outcomes in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a systematic literature review
Authors: Petelytska Liubov , Bonomi Francesco , Cannistrà Carlo , Fiorentini Elisa , Peretti Silvia , Torracchi Sara , Bernardini Pamela , Coccia Carmela , De Luca Riccardo , Economou Alessio , Levani Juela , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Distler Oliver , Bruni Cosimo
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe course of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is highly variable and different from continuously progressive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Most proposed definitions of progressive pulmonary fibrosis or SSc-ILD severity are based on the research data from patients with IPF and are not validated for patients with SSc-ILD. Our study aimed to gather the current evidence for severity, progression and outcomes of SSc-ILD.

MethodsA systematic literature review to search for definitions of severity, progression and outcomes recorded for SSc-ILD was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to 1 August 2023.

ResultsA total of 9054 papers were reviewed and 342 were finally included. The most frequent tools used for the definition of SSc-ILD progression and severity were combined changes of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and forced vital capacity (FVC), isolated FVC or DLCO changes, high-resolution CT (HRCT) extension and composite algorithms including pulmonary function test, clinical signs and HRCT data. Mortality was the most frequently reported long-term event, both from all causes or ILD related.

ConclusionsThe studies presenting definitions of SSc-ILD ‘progression’, ‘severity’ and ‘outcome’ show a large heterogeneity. These results emphasise the need for developing a standardised, consensus definition of severe SSc-ILD, to link a disease specific definition of progression as a surrogate outcome for clinical trials and clinical practice.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42022379254.Cite Now
Trends in vaping and nicotine product use among youth in Canada, England and the USA between 2017 and 2022: evidence to inform policy
Authors: Hammond David , Reid Jessica L
Published: November 2023

Background

Preventing uptake of nicotine products among youth remains a central objective of tobacco control policy. Comparing trends in the use of nicotine across countries provides an opportunity to identify emergent product trends and to evaluate ‘natural experiments’ in policies.

Methods

Repeat cross-sectional data were analysed from eight waves of the International Tobacco Control Youth Tobacco and Vaping Survey, conducted between 2017 and 2022. Non-probability samples of youth aged 16–19 years in Canada, England and the USA (N=104 473) completed online surveys including measures on vaping, smoking and use of other nicotine products. This paper summarises findings across the 5-year period of the study, as part of a comprehensive report on key indicators of youth vaping in the three countries.

Results

The youth nicotine market has rapidly evolved across the three countries, with different patterns of combustible and non-combustible product use in Canada, the USA and England. These changes are primarily attributable to trends in youth vaping: following declines during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period, by 2022, vaping prevalence neared pre-pandemic levels in the USA and Canada, and reached record highs in England. Notable shifts also occurred in the types of vaping products used by youth, including increased use of disposable, nicotine salt-based products. Additional findings are reported on a range of policy-relevant indicators, including for vaping products, promotions and purchasing.

Conclusions

Patterns of nicotine use among youth have rapidly evolved in recent years due to the proliferation of nicotine products, the COVID-19 pandemic and the emerging impact of policy measures.
Probiotic complex supplementation to growing pig’s diet enhances daily growth and reduces fecal gas emission
Authors: Cao Shanchuan , Cho Sungbo , Park Jae Hong , Kim Yangseon , Kim In Ho
Published: November 2023

A total of 180 growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 23.58 ± 0.8 kg were used in this experiment. According to initial BW and sex, pigs were randomly allotted three dietary treatments, 12 replicates (pen) per treatment, and five pigs per pen. The three dietary treatments were basal diet (CON) and basal diet supplemented with either 0.1% Bacillus and Saccharomyce s spp.-based probiotics complex (BS1) or 0.2% probiotics complex (BS2). The whole experiment lasted 42 days. The results showed that the BW of pigs fed the BS1 diet was significantly higher than those fed the CON diet on day 42 ( P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of pigs receiving BS1 and BS2 diets was higher than those fed CON diet during days 21–42, whereas during the overall experiment period ADG ( P < 0.05) was higher in only BS1 compared with CON group. The NH3 and H2S emissions on day 42 were reduced from the feces of pigs fed probiotic complex-supplemented diets. Therefore, adding 0.1% probiotic complex to the late-phase diet of growing pigs can more effectively improve BW and daily gain and reduce harmful gas emissions.
Dendrochronological reconstruction of arborvitae leafminer (Argyresthia spp.) outbreaks on northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) in Maine, USA
Authors: Fraver Shawn , Bosely-Smith Colby , Seirup Camilla , Guiterman Christopher H. , Schmeelk Thomas , Teets Aaron , Van Kampen Ruth , Kenefic Laura S.
Published: November 2023

Although northern white-cedar ( Thuja occidentalis; henceforth cedar) is thought to have few insect pests, arborvitae leafminers (primarily Argyresthia thuiella) have been known to cause leaf necrosis. Yet, historical evidence for leafminer outbreaks is limited. We combined leafminer larval surveys conducted between 1950 and 1992 with tree-ring analyses from eight cedar stands to reconstruct a history of leafminer outbreaks in Maine, USA. Our tree-ring data show distinctive 2- to 3-year growth reductions that we attribute to leafminers. Several such growth reductions correspond to peak leafminer larval abundances, providing evidence that the reductions are reliable indicators of leafminer activity. Outbreak severity within a site was unrelated to cedar abundance. Outbreak periods thus identified (beginning ca. 1919, 1937, 1950, 1962, mid-1970s, but not at all sites) suggest that leafminer damage may have been more prevalent (albeit patchy) than previously thought. This historical information is relevant given current outbreaks in Maine and elsewhere.
The production of charm pentaquark from B meson within SU(3) analysis
Authors: Li Na , Xing Ye , Hu Xiao-hui
Published: November 2023

We study the masses and production modes of pentaquark with the quark constituent $$c\bar{q}qqq$$

c

q

¯

q
q
q

, by the tridiquark-diquark model and systematical light flavor quark symmetry SU(3) analysis. The mass spectrums show that the S-wave singly charm pentaquark $$c{\bar{n}}nnn,~c{\bar{s}}ssn,~c{\bar{n}}ssn$$

c

n

¯

n
n
n
,

c

s

¯

s
s
n
,

c

n

¯

s
s
n

and $$c{\bar{n}}snn$$

c

n

¯

s
n
n

$$(n=u,d)$$

(
n
=
u
,
d
)

are above their strong decay thresholds, while $$c{\bar{s}} nnn$$

c

s

¯

n
n
n

and $$c\bar{s} snn$$

c

s

¯

s
n
n

with parity $$\frac{1}{2}^-$$

1
2

-

are below their strong decay thresholds, which imply the possibility of stable states. Furthermore, we discuss the production of the concerned 15 states from B meson, the analysis within SU(3) symmetry yields the golden channels of production process, $${\overline{B}}^0_s\rightarrow F_{\bar{s}udd}^{+} {\overline{p}},\ B^-\rightarrow F_{\bar{u}dds}^{-} {\overline{\Lambda }}^0$$

B
¯

s
0

→

F

s

¯

u
d
d

+

p
¯

,

B
-

→

F

u

¯

d
d
s

-

Λ
¯

0

, which expected to be work worthily in b-factory.
Determination of the number of shots for Grover’s search algorithm
Authors: Kessler Mathieu , Alonso Diego , Sánchez Pedro
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on Grover’s quantum search algorithm, which is of paramount importance as a masterpiece of Quantum Computing software. Given the inherent probabilistic nature of quantum computers, quantum programs based on Grover’s algorithm need to be run a number of times in order to generate a histogram of candidate values for solutions, which are then checked to identify the valid ones. In this paper, the distribution of the required number of shots to find all or a fraction of all the solutions to the Grover’s search problem is studied. Firstly, considering the similarity of the probability problem with the well-known coupon collector’s problem, two formulae are obtained from asymptotic results on the distribution of the required number of shots, as the number of problem solutions grows. These expressions allow to compute the number of shots required to ensure that, with probability p, all or a fraction of all the solutions are found. Secondly, the probability mass function of the required number of shots is derived, which serves as a benchmark to assess the validity of the asymptotic approximations derived previously. A comparison between the two approaches is presented and, as a result, a rule of thumb to decide under which circumstances employ one or the other is proposed.
Energy for Free in Spark-gap Earthing Circuits
Authors: Flomenbom Ophir
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study spark-gap earthing electrical circuits and show that such circuit’s power is greater than the power required to operate the circuit. In the simplest form of such circuits, the energy is captured in coils that are just branched transformers, each having just one wire connection to the main circuit, where the transformers are Tesla coils or pancake transformers or toroid transformers; working also are circuits with multiple such transformers connected in a series in the main circuit, or combinations of branched, parallel and series connected transformers. The spark gap and earthing are essential. The device’s power, [Formula: see text], is linear with the PSU frequency and square with the PSU voltage, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] represents various electrical and geometrical constants in the system, yet also the PSU amperage. In high enough PSU currents, [Formula: see text] can also increase [Formula: see text], where resonance might further increase the cultivated additional power. By utilizing the spin property of electrons, we explain that the additional energy is due to the decrease in the entropy of the combined system: (1) [Formula: see text] in the spark gap, and (2) [Formula: see text] of metal in the grounding; this is in favor of the increase in the electromagnetic energy of the circuit just. We develop such a free energy device that requires just [Formula: see text]W to operate yet can produce about 950[Formula: see text]W.
3D Hydrophilic Nickel Foam Supported NiF3-NiF2 Catalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ma Haojie , Boda Muzaffar Ahmad , Zhao Kunfeng , Shi Chenhao , Zhou Yang , Xing Juanjuan , Yi Zhiguo
Published: November 2023

Alkaline water electrolysis is a low-cost method for large-scale and sustainable hydrogen production. However, slow kinetics of water dissociation in alkaline electrolyte limits the long-term stability and high-activity of the catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, non-noble metal based HER catalyst NiF3-NiF2/HNF (hydrophilic nickel foam), synthesized by electrodeposition and fluorination on nickel foam (NF), shows an excellent control over both the factors. The catalyst exhibits the 3D porous structure, in which super-hydrophilicity caused by HNF and local charge redistribution by the interaction between NiF2 and NiF3, makes the catalyst to present relatively a good performance for HER. An overpotential of only 50 mV and 177 mV is required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Under chronoamperometric test, current density of 10 mA cm−2 remains constant for 48 h, revealing the long-term stability of catalyst. Overall, this work gives a new paradigm in the design of high-performance non-noble metal based catalyst for HER in alkaline electrolyte.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Carbon Cloth Electrodes for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Caiado Ashley A. , Chaurasia Shabdiki , Aravamuthan Sundar Rajan , Howell Benjamin R. , Inalpolat Murat , Gallaway Joshua W. , Agar Ertan
Published: November 2023

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have shown to be a promising technology for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the existing electrical grid. Incorporation of carbon cloth electrodes into VRFB is an area of interest for their enhanced electrochemical performance, however, issues with performance degradation throughout the duration of the experiment persist. This study investigates the performance evolution of carbon cloth electrodes during VRFB cycling to build a hypothesis on possible reasons for the declining performance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve measurements are used in conjunction to monitor the electrode degradation and shed light on the effectiveness of carbon cloth electrodes during extended cycling experiments. A detailed investigation into the structure of the carbon cloth electrodes before and after cycling, via several material characterization tests, provides insight needed to determine an explanation for the increasing resistance. The structural integrity and surface morphology of the carbon cloth electrodes are evaluated to compare the electrode before and after cycling, displaying any changes to the electrode due to cycling. Durability of hydrophilicity during RFB cycling is found to be a key feature for future carbon cloth electrode design efforts.