bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of persistent singular and Čech homology for locally connected filtrations
Authors: Schmahl Maximilian
Published: July 2024

We show that the interleaving distance between the persistent singular homology and the persistent Čech homology of a homologically locally connected filtration consisting of paracompact Hausdorff spaces is 0.
Special values of shifted Dirichlet series and quasi-modular forms
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Multiplication by a given modular form can be viewed as a linear map on the space of modular forms. By computing its adjoint operator, one can obtain certain cusp forms whose Fourier coefficients are special values of Dirichlet series of Rankin-Selberg type associated to modular forms. We generalize this idea to the space of almost holomorphic modular forms with some cuspidal conditions. We prove that the generating function of special values of the Dirichlet series at certain points is a quasi-modular form.
Sobolev mappings on metric spaces and Minkowski dimension
Authors: Chrontsios-Garitsis Efstathios-K.
Published: July 2024

We introduce the class of compactly Hölder mappings between metric spaces and determine the extent to which they distort the Minkowski dimension. These mappings are defined purely with metric notions and can be seen as a generalization of Sobolev mappings, without the requirement for a measure on the source space. In fact, we show that if

f
:
X
→
Y

f:X\rightarrow Y

is a continuous mapping lying in some super-critical Newtonian-Sobolev space

N

1
,
p

(
X
,
μ
)

N^{1,p}(X,\mu )

, under standard assumptions on the metric measure space

(
X
,
d
,
μ
)

(X,d,\mu )

, it is then a compactly Hölder mapping. The dimension distortion result we obtain is new even for Sobolev mappings between weighted Euclidean spaces and generalizes previous results of Kaufman [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 128 (2000), pp. 427–431] and Bishop-Hakobyan-Williams [Geom. Funct. Anal. 26 (2016), pp. 379–421].
Some examples of well-behaved Beurling number systems
Authors: Broucke Frederik , Debruyne Gregory , Révész Szilárd
Published: July 2024

We investigate the existence of well-behaved Beurling number systems, which are systems of Beurling generalized primes and integers which admit a power saving in the error term of both their prime and integer-counting function. Concretely, we search for so-called

[
α
,
β
]

[\alpha ,\beta ]

-systems, where

α
\alpha

and

β
\beta

are connected to the optimal power saving in the prime and integer-counting functions. It is known that every

[
α
,
β
]

[\alpha ,\beta ]

-system satisfies

max
{
α
,
β
}
≥
1

/

2

\max \{\alpha ,\beta \}\ge 1/2

. In this paper we show there are

[
α
,
β
]

[\alpha ,\beta ]

-systems for each

α
∈
[
0
,
1
)

\alpha \in [0,1)

and

β
∈
[
1

/

2
,
1
)

\beta \in [1/2, 1)

. Assuming the Riemann hypothesis, we also construct certain families of

[
α
,
β
]

[\alpha ,\beta ]

-systems with

β
>
1

/

2

\beta >1/2

.
Aristotle on What Emotions Are
Authors: Pearson Giles
Published: July 2024

This book provides the first systematic interpretation of what Aristotle thinks occurrent emotions are and points to some philosophical merits of his account. It is argued that he holds that emotions are representational pleasures or distresses that are formed in response to other intentional states that apprehend their objects. Even this bare formulation of his view is notable in several respects. First, the idea that the pleasures or distresses of emotions are representational—directed at objects in the world (or ourselves)—contrasts sharply with accounts that identify emotions with non-representational sensations or feelings. Second, the notion that emotions are pleasurable or distressful responses to other intentional states that apprehend their objects provides a fundamental contrast with many current accounts which instead view emotions as (in part) modes of apprehension or kinds of epistemic state themselves. Third, Aristotle’s view stands in opposition to motivational accounts of emotions, insofar as while he thinks that emotions interact with desires or motivational states in important ways, he does not think they are themselves (even in part) motivational states. They are representational pleasures or distresses alone. Together, these three points give Aristotle a novel understanding of the representational role emotions play; namely, neither descriptive, nor prescriptive, but reactive. Besides developing these ideas, both textually and philosophically, the book also explores how Aristotle individuates emotion types; his understanding of the material dimension of emotions; and how his view can provide a novel explanation of recalcitrant emotions, a notoriously problematic phenomenon for many recent accounts of emotions.
Emotions and the Account(s) of Pleasure in the Ethics
Authors: Pearson Giles
Published: July 2024

This chapter considers Aristotle’s view in relation to the account(s) of pleasure we find in his ethical works (and, briefly, the account in Rhetoric I.11). Although in the ethical works Aristotle is addressing taking pleasure in a (sensory or thought-based) activity, rather than representational pleasures as such, it is argued that his views there are compatible with his account of the emotions (as that has been developed). This is established by addressing two objections to the idea: (1) concerning the idea that even without identifying pleasures and activities in Nicomachean Ethics X, the connection he there specifies between the two is still too tight for his account of the emotions; (2) pertaining to defective pleasures. The chapter also considers two recent readings of what Aristotle means by pleasure ‘perfecting’ activities and suggests that one of these may provide him with an explanation of the phenomenological or felt dimension of emotions.
Contrast with a Contemporary Motivational Theory. Which Representational Role(s) Do Emotions Play?
Authors: Pearson Giles
Published: July 2024

Part IV (Chapters 11–12) provides some further philosophical reflections on Aristotle’s account. This chapter contrasts his view of emotions as representational pleasures/distresses with a current motivational account, according to which emotions essentially involve motivations or action tendencies. It is argued that Aristotle’s view gives a better explanation of why many emotions do not seem to connect to desires or motivations in the way the motivational theory proposes. It is also shown that his view gives a superior account of acting emotionally than the motivational theory (which itself improves on belief-desire cognitivist theories). Finally, the chapter considers the different representational role(s) that emotions play according to various theories. Aristotle’s view is distinctive in that it implies that emotions play neither a descriptive nor a prescriptive role (nor both). While emotions bear interesting relations to intentional states that play these roles, they themselves play only what is termed a ‘reactive’ or ‘responsive’ role.
Converting Verse
Authors: Ungvary David
Published: July 2024

This book is concerned with the Christianization of Latin poetry during the turbulent fifth century, a period in which the Roman world experienced barbarian incursion, the rise of monasticism, and the collapse of the Western Empire itself. Exploration focuses on Christian verse composed within contexts shaped by the dynamic ascetic movement of southern Gaul, and reveals a world of competing theories of poetry and practices of Christian writing. In the fifth century, Christian poetry became an especially contested discourse. Ascendant ascetic authorities promoted ethics of thinking, speaking, reading, and writing that were distinctive from, and sometimes opposed to, the premises and practices of the classical poetic tradition. Aristocratic authors, moved by these ascetic ideas and facing a decline in the imperial structures from which they had once derived support, became consumed by the challenge of converting the prestigious forms and language of classicizing poetry into useful facets of Christian piety. The book explicates the strategies that Gallo-Roman poets crafted to integrate classical literary habits within their intensifying Christian lives, as well as to express the ambiguities that attended changes of identity, practice, and belief. Employing approaches from classical studies, religious studies, and literary theory, it argues that the significance of Christian poetic experimentation was not restricted to the aesthetic domain, but had profound social and cultural implications as well. In Latin Late Antiquity, Christian verse writing became one of the most distinctive modes for negotiating cultural boundaries between the sacred and the secular, the classical and the Christian.
The Chain Tower before Damietta, 1218
Authors: Marvin Laurence W
Published: July 2024

Chapter 3 describes how the crusade army got to Egypt, set up camps, and besieged the Chain Tower. As the army sailed for Egypt, contrary weather separated it, so only a partial force made the initial landing. These established a fortified camp north of Damietta on the Nile’s west side and elected a temporary leader. After the rest arrived, the notables elected John, titular King of Jerusalem, as commander. To threaten Cairo, the crusaders had to control the city of Damietta on the Nile’s east bank. The city was impossible to draw close to because of chains on pontoons stretching from the Nile’s east edge to a tower located on a small island in the Nile. The crusaders besieged the Chain Tower using various unsuccessful stratagems. Eventually they built a large structure on two conjoined ships to lower a bridge on the Chain Tower’s top, and, after an assault, caused the garrison to capitulate. Sultan al-‘Adil died, leaving the Ayyubid empire divided between several sons. Al-Kamil, al-‘Adil’s heir as sultan of Egypt, constructed a camp, called al-‘Adilya, across from the crusaders, preventing them from slipping by on the Nile. He also placed underwater obstructions to block crusader ships from sailing close to Damietta. That fall he conducted several unsuccessful attacks. As crusaders departed reinforcements arrived, among them Cardinal Pelagius, the papal legate assigned to the crusade. In November severe storms caused flooding for both crusaders and Egyptians. The crusaders also suffered from food shortages and cold weather.
Isolation of microorganisms from the feces of Kitasato Yakumo beef cattle as bioactive natural product producers
Authors: Kimishima Aoi , Nishitomi Atsuka , Kondo Naozumi , Honma Sota , Honsho Masako , Negami Sota , Maruyama Serino , Taguchi Kazuki , Matsui Hidehito , Hanaki Hideaki , Chinen Takumi , Usui Takeo , Ogasawara Hideki , Asami Yukihiro
Published: July 2024

We envisioned that the rumen of Kitasato Yakumo beef cattle would contain unique microorganisms which produce bioactive compounds as their defense response to the external environment. The variety of microorganisms were collected from the feces of Kitasato Yakumo beef cattle. We evaluated the biological activity of the culture broth of the isolated strains, proving the utility of our approach.
Management of scabies in children under 15 kg and pregnant or breastfeeding women: recommendations supported by the Centre of Evidence of the French Society of Dermatology
Authors: Morand Aurelie , Weill Amandine , Miquel Juliette , Chosidow Olivier , Guillot Bernard , Tannous Julio , de Gentile Ludovic , Parant Emmanuel , Quinet Béatrice , Boyer Marie , Maruani Annabel , Bodak Nathalie , Phan Alice , Izri Arezki , Tosello Barthélémy , Bretelle Florence , Elefant Elisabeth , Boralevi Franck , Letord Catherine , Hubiche Thomas , Mallet Stephanie
Published: July 2024

Although scabies is a common disease, questions concerning efficacy, safety, tolerance and galenic formulation persist, in particular regarding its treatment in young children under 15 kg and in pregnant or breastfeeding women. This manuscript reports the recommendations developed by the Centre of Evidence of the French Society of Dermatology. Ivermectin can be proposed as first-line treatment from 2 years on, especially if in doubt about compliance or damaged skin, or in grouped cases; ivermectin can also be proposed as second-line treatment, if necessary, after 2 months.
Preoperative high dose of dexamethasone in emergency laparotomy: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cihoric Mirjana , Kehlet Henrik , Lauritsen Morten L , Højlund Jakob , Kanstrup Katrine , Kärnsund Sofia , Foss Nicolai B
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy present with a profound inflammatory response, which could be an independent pathophysiological component in prolonged recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone on the inflammatory response and recovery after emergency laparotomy.

Methods

In this double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, patients were prospectively stratified according to surgical pathology (intestinal obstruction and perforated viscus) and randomized to preoperative 1 mg/kg dexamethasone or placebo at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome was C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes were postoperative recovery, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included in the trial. On postoperative day 1, the C-reactive protein response was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (a median of 170 versus 220 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.015; mean difference = 49 (95% c.i. 13 to 85) mg/l) and when stratified according to intestinal obstruction (a median of 60 versus 160 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.002) and perforated viscus (a median of 230 versus 285 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.035). Dexamethasone administration was associated with improved recovery (better haemodynamics, better pulmonary function, less fatigue, and earlier mobilization). Furthermore, the dexamethasone group had a lower 90-day mortality rate (7% versus 23% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.33 (95% c.i. 0.11 to 0.93); P = 0.023) and a decreased incidence of postoperative major complications (27% versus 45% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.62 (95% c.i. 0.37 to 1.00); P = 0.032).

Conclusion

A single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone significantly reduces the inflammatory response after emergency laparotomy and is associated with enhanced recovery and improved outcome.

Registration number

NCT04791566 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
PPCRKB: a risk factor knowledge base of postoperative pulmonary complications
Authors: Duan Jianchao , Li Peiyi , Shao Aibin , Hao Xuechao , Zhou Ruihao , Bi Cheng , Liu Xingyun , Li Weimin , Zhu Huadong , Chen Guo , Shen Bairong , Zhu Tao
Published: July 2024

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are highly heterogeneous disorders with diverse risk factors frequently occurring after surgical interventions, resulting in significant financial burdens, prolonged hospitalization and elevated mortality rates. Despite the existence of multiple studies on PPCs, a comprehensive knowledge base that can effectively integrate and visualize the diverse risk factors associated with PPCs is currently lacking. This study aims to develop an online knowledge platform on risk factors for PPCs (Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Risk Factor Knowledge Base, PPCRKB) that categorizes and presents the risk and protective factors associated with PPCs, as well as to facilitate the development of individualized prevention and management strategies for PPCs based on the needs of each investigator. The PPCRKB is a novel knowledge base that encompasses all investigated potential risk factors linked to PPCs, offering users a web-based platform to access these risk factors. The PPCRKB contains 2673 entries, 915 risk factors that have been categorized into 11 distinct groups. These categories include habit and behavior, surgical factors, anesthetic factors, auxiliary examination, environmental factors, clinical status, medicines and treatment, demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, genetic factors and miscellaneous factors. The PPCRKB holds significant value for PPC research. The inclusion of both quantitative and qualitative data in the PPCRKB enhances the ability to uncover new insights and solutions related to PPCs. It could provide clinicians with a more comprehensive perspective on research related to PPCs in future.

Database URL: http://sysbio.org.cn/PPCs
MIAMI-AD (Methylation in Aging and Methylation in AD): an integrative knowledgebase that facilitates explorations of DNA methylation across sex, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lukacsovich David , O’Shea Deirdre , Huang Hanchen , Zhang Wei , Young Juan , Chen X Steven , Dietrich Sven-Thorsten , Kunkle Brian , Martin Eden , Wang Lily
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant impact on aging populations. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations have been implicated in both the aging processes and the development of AD. Given that AD affects more women than men, it is also important to explore DNAm changes that occur specifically in each sex. We created MIAMI-AD, a comprehensive knowledgebase containing manually curated summary statistics from 98 published tables in 38 studies, all of which included at least 100 participants. MIAMI-AD enables easy browsing, querying, and downloading DNAm associations at multiple levels—at individual CpG, gene, genomic regions, or genome-wide, in one or multiple studies. Moreover, it also offers tools to perform integrative analyses, such as comparing DNAm associations across different phenotypes or tissues, as well as interactive visualizations. Using several use case examples, we demonstrated that MIAMI-AD facilitates our understanding of age-associated CpGs in AD and the sex-specific roles of DNAm in AD. This open-access resource is freely available to the research community, and all the underlying data can be downloaded. MIAMI-AD facilitates integrative explorations to better understand the interplay between DNAm across aging, sex, and AD.

Database URL: https://miami-ad.org/
Family structure and policy contexts: implications for tertiary education attainment in 25 European countries
Authors: Lindemann Kristina
Published: July 2024

This study examines how institutional contexts in 25 European countries moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment. Previous research has proposed the resource deprivation perspective to explain lower educational outcomes among children from disrupted families, suggesting that policies addressing resource deprivation could mitigate these negative consequences. However, limited attention has been given to the role of policy contexts in shaping the educational outcomes of youth from disrupted families. This study focuses on two types of policies: the generosity of social benefits to single parents and financial support for students in tertiary education. Using data from the EU-SILC and employing multilevel regression models, the findings indicate that generous financial support for students reduces the tertiary education attainment gap between youth from separated and two-parent families. However, this effect is observed only among low-socioeconomic status (SES) and moderate-SES families. In contrast, the generosity of social benefits does not appear to moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment, even when examining low-SES families or specifically considering benefits for low-earning single parents. Furthermore, the influence of these analysed policies is limited among young people from widowed families.
Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: current status and perspectives
Authors: Landmesser Ulf , Skurk Carsten , Tzikas Apostolos , Falk Volkmar , Reddy Vivek Y , Windecker Stephan
Published: July 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism, and the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been identified as a principal source of thromboembolism in these patients. While oral anticoagulation is the current standard of care, LAA closure (LAAC) emerges as an alternative or complementary treatment approach to reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with AF. Moderate-sized randomized clinical studies have provided data for the efficacy and safety of catheter-based LAAC, largely compared with vitamin K antagonists. LAA device iterations, advances in pre- and peri-procedural imaging, and implantation techniques continue to increase the efficacy and safety of LAAC. More data about efficacy and safety of LAAC have been collected, and several randomized clinical trials are currently underway to compare LAAC with best medical care (including non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) in different clinical settings. Surgical LAAC in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery reduced the risk of stroke on background of anticoagulation therapy in the LAAOS III study. In this review, we describe the rapidly evolving field of LAAC and discuss recent clinical data, ongoing studies, open questions, and current limitations of LAAC.
Acute post-procedural inducibility is a poor predictor of clinical outcomes in high-risk patients (PAINESD > 17) undergoing scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Sipko Joseph , Baranowski Bryan , Bhargava Mandeep , Callahan Thomas D , Dresing Thomas J , Higuchi Koji , Hussein Ayman A , Kanj Mohamed , Lee Justin , Martin David O , Nakhla Shady , Rickard John J , Saliba Walid I , Taigen Tyler , Wazni Oussama M , Santangeli Pasquale , Sroubek Jakub
Published: July 2024

Aims

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) non-inducibility in response to programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is a widely used procedural endpoint for VT ablation despite inconclusive evidence with respect to clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. The aim is to determine the utility of acute post-ablation VT inducibility as a predictor of VT recurrence, mortality, or mortality equivalent in high-risk patients.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of high-risk patients (defined as PAINESD > 17) who underwent scar-related VT ablation at our institution between July 2010 and July 2022. Patients’ response to PVS (post-procedure) was categorized into three groups: Group A, no clinical VT or VT with cycle length > 240 ms inducible; Group B, only non-clinical VT with cycle length > 240 ms induced; and Group C, all other outcomes (including cases where no PVS was performed). The combined primary endpoint included death, durable left ventricular assist device placement, and cardiac transplant (Cox analysis). Ventricular tachycardia recurrence was considered a secondary endpoint (competing risk analysis). Of the 1677 VT ablation cases, 123 cases met the inclusion criteria for analysis. During a 19-month median follow-up time (interquartile range 4–43 months), 82 (66.7%) patients experienced the composite primary endpoint. There was no difference between Groups A and C with respect to the primary [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21 (0.94–1.57), P = 0.145] or secondary [HR = 1.18 (0.91–1.54), P = 0.210] outcomes. These findings persisted after multivariate adjustments. The size of Group B (n = 13) did not permit meaningful statistical analysis.

Conclusion

The results of post-ablation PVS do not significantly correlate with long-term outcomes in high-risk (PAINESD > 17) VT ablation patients.
‘Largely a matter of sentiment’? The demise of the battleship in the post-1945 Royal Navy
Authors: Benbow Tim
Published: July 2024

Received wisdom suggests that a conservative, even sentimental Royal Navy clung to the battleship long after it ceased to have any strategic rationale; that the battleship finally disappeared due to its vulnerability; and that its withdrawal was imposed on a reluctant admiralty by more enlightened politicians. This article challenges each of these assertions to argue that the admiralty in fact had a reasoned case for temporarily retaining battleships; they departed because other capabilities could better perform their role; and the admiralty actively developed these replacements, while rapidly shrinking and retiring its battleship fleet in the face of some political resistance.
What We (Don’t) Know About the Infectious Disease Burden Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness in the United States and Canada
Authors: Kashani Mitra , Bien Michael , Mosites Emily , Meehan Ashley A
Published: July 2024

Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and sexual and gender minority (SGM) YEH may be at increased risk for infectious diseases due to living arrangements, risk behaviors, and barriers to health care access that are dissimilar to those of housed youth and older adults experiencing homelessness. Here, we synthesize findings from 12 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2020 that enumerate YEH or SGM YEH infectious disease burden in locations across the United States or Canada. Pathogens presented in the reviewed studies were limited to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bloodborne infections (BBI). Only 3 studies enumerated infectious diseases among SGM YEH. There was a dearth of comparison data by housing status or SGM identity. We also introduce 3 publicly available surveillance datasets from the United States or Canada that quantify certain STIs, BBIs, and tuberculosis among YEH to support future analyses. Our review calls for more comprehensive YEH-centered research and surveillence to improve estimates of infectious diseases among this vulnerable population.
HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance in newly diagnosed individuals in Italy over the period 2015–21
Authors: Fabeni Lavinia , Armenia Daniele , Abbate Isabella , Gagliardini Roberta , Mazzotta Valentina , Bertoli Ada , Gennari William , Forbici Federica , Berno Giulia , Piermatteo Lorenzo , Borghi Vanni , Pinnetti Carmela , Vergori Alessandra , Mondi Annalisa , Parruti Giustino , Di Sora Fiorella , Iannetta Marco , Lichtner Miriam , Latini Alessandra , Mussini Cristina , Sarmati Loredana , Perno Carlo Federico , Girardi Enrico , Antinori Andrea , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Maggi Fabrizio , Santoro Maria Mercedes ,   The Italian HIV Drug Resistance Group, Ceccherini-Silberstein F , Bellocchi M C , Carioti L , Santoro M M , Andreoni M , Iannetta M , Bertoli A , Sarmati L , Malagnino V , Teti E , Armenia D , Antinori A , Baldini F , Bellagamba R , Berno G , Camici M , Cicalini S , De Zottis F , Esvan R , Fabeni L , Forbici F , Fusto M , Gagliardini R , Gebremeskel S , Gili F , Girardi E , Grilli E , Grisetti S , Mastrorosa I , Mazzotta V , Mondi A , Orchi N , Ottou S , Pinnetti C , Pittalis S , Pizzi D , Plazzi M , Vergori A , Buonomini A R , Giuliani M , Latini A , Pacifici A , Perno C F , Belvisi V , Del Borgo C , Carraro A , Lichtner M , Marocco R , Borghi V , Mussini C , Gennari W
Published: July 2024

Background

Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) is still a critical aspect for the management of individuals living with HIV-1. Thus, its evaluation is crucial to optimize HIV care.

Methods

Overall, 2386 HIV-1 protease/reverse transcriptase and 1831 integrase sequences from drug-naïve individuals diagnosed in north and central Italy between 2015 and 2021 were analysed. TDR was evaluated over time. Phylogeny was generated by maximum likelihood. Factors associated with TDR were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results

Individuals were mainly male (79.1%) and Italian (56.2%), with a median (IQR) age of 38 (30–48). Non-B infected individuals accounted for 44.6% (N = 1065) of the overall population and increased over time (2015–2021, from 42.1% to 51.0%, P = 0.002). TDR prevalence to any class was 8.0% (B subtype 9.5% versus non-B subtypes 6.1%, P = 0.002) and remained almost constant over time. Overall, 300 transmission clusters (TCs) involving 1155 (48.4%) individuals were identified, with a similar proportion in B and non-infected individuals (49.7% versus 46.8%, P = 0.148). A similar prevalence of TDR among individuals in TCs and those out of TCs was found (8.2% versus 7.8%, P = 0.707).

By multivariable analysis, subtypes A, F, and CFR02_AG were negatively associated with TDR. No other factors, including being part of TCs, were significantly associated with TDR.

Conclusions

Between 2015 and 2021, TDR prevalence in Italy was 8% and remained almost stable over time. Resistant strains were found circulating regardless of being in TCs, but less likely in non-B subtypes. These results highlight the importance of a continuous surveillance of newly diagnosed individuals for evidence of TDR to inform clinical practice.
Prediction of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae using genomic and metagenomic next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Zhou Xun , Yang Ming , Chen Fangyuan , Wang Leilei , Han Peng , Jiang Zhi , Shen Siquan , Rao Guanhua , Yang Fan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant pathogen with increasing resistance and high mortality rates. Conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing methods are time-consuming. Next-generation sequencing has shown promise for predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to develop prediction models using whole-genome sequencing data and assess their feasibility with metagenomic next-generation sequencing data from clinical samples.

Methods

On the basis of 4170 K. pneumoniae genomes, the main genetic characteristics associated with AMR were identified using a LASSO regression model. Consequently, the prediction model was established, validated and optimized using clinical isolate read simulation sequences. To evaluate the efficacy of the model, clinical specimens were collected.

Results

Four predictive models for amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam, initially had positive predictive values (PPVs) of 92%, 98%, 99%, 94%, respectively, when they were originally constructed. When applied to clinical specimens, their PPVs were 96%, 96%, 95%, and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, there were negative predictive values (NPVs) of 100% for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and ‘not applicable’ (NA) for amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam. Our method achieved antibacterial phenotype classification accuracy rates of 95.92% for amikacin, 96.15% for ciprofloxacin, 95.31% for levofloxacin and 100% for piperacillin/tazobactam. The sequence-based prediction antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) reported results in an average time of 19.5 h, compared with the 67.9 h needed for culture-based AST, resulting in a significant reduction of 48.4 h.

Conclusions

These preliminary results demonstrated that the performance of prediction model for a clinically significant antimicrobial–species pair was comparable to that of phenotypic methods, thereby encouraging the expansion of sequence-based susceptibility prediction and its clinical validation and application.
Deep-seated intermuscular lipoma of posterior neck muscles: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Alrumayh Jawaher , Albesher Meshal , Alrohaimi Fayez
Published: July 2024

Lipomas are the most common soft tissue tumours, accounting for nearly 50% of all soft tissue neoplasms. Among the types of lipomas, intermuscular lipomas are rare. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with a deep-seated lipoma located between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscles in the posterior neck triangle. A successful surgical excision was performed. This case highlights challenges in diagnosis, surgical management, and the importance of complete excision in minimizing the risk of recurrence. This type of lipoma remains relatively understudied; therefore, further studies are needed to increase awareness of its incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and optimal management.
Suppressing Lithium Migration in a Carbon Fiber Negative Electrode During Atom Probe Tomography Analysis
Authors: Johansen Marcus , Singh Mahander P , Gault Baptiste , Liu Fang
Published: July 2024

Carbon fibers can play dual roles, carrying mechanical load and hosting lithium (Li) simultaneously in multifunctional devices called structural batteries. It is essential to gain a detailed understanding on the interaction between Li and carbon fibers on the nanoscale. Atom probe tomography (APT) can potentially reveal individual Li and C atoms. However, lithiated carbon fibers experience massive Li migration once exposed to the electric field in the APT instrument. We show that a few nanometers of a chromium (Cr) coating on APT specimens can shield the electric field and suppress the massive Li migration. The related effects of the Cr coating, such as introduction of oxygen, enhanced mass resolving power of the mass spectrum, and increased portion of single hits, are also discussed.
TSQ Incubation Enhances Autometallographic Zinc Detection in Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Ballestín Raúl , Torres Josema , Ponsoda Xavier
Published: July 2024

Zinc is a critical ion for a large number of cellular functions. In the central nervous system, zinc ions are involved in synaptic transmission. Therefore, zinc homeostasis is essential, and cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to control cellular zinc concentration, including the zincosome formation. Alterations of free zinc levels have been associated with brain dysfunction and are present in many illnesses and syndromes. Astrocytes are implicated in the maintenance of the neuronal milleu and brain homeostasis. In this work, we have analyzed the combination of direct (TSQ) and indirect (autometallography) zinc detection methods to increase sensitivity for studying zinc uptake by rat astrocytes in vitro. Zincosome formation was visualized with the zinc fluorochrome TSQ by light microscopy. Additionally, we improved both zinc precipitation and cellular fixation methods to preserve zinc ions and make them suitable for autometallography development. Our tests pinpointed paraformaldehyde and sodium sulfide as the more adequate methods for cellular fixation and zinc precipitation, respectively. TSQ incubation and pH of the fixative were shown to be crucial for autometallography. Using this improved method, we visualized the zinc content of zincosomes at the ultrastructural level both as silver autometallographic precipitates and as electrodense sulfide-osmium zinc precipitates.
Analysis of Water Ice in Nanoporous Copper Needles Using Cryo Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Tegg Levi , McCarroll Ingrid E , Kim Se-Ho , Dubosq Renelle , Woods Eric V , El-Zoka Ayman A , Gault Baptiste , Cairney Julie M
Published: July 2024

The application of atom probe tomography (APT) to frozen liquids is limited by difficulties in specimen preparation. Here, we report on the use of nanoporous Cu needles as a physical framework to hold water ice for investigation using APT. Nanoporous Cu needles are prepared by electropolishing and dealloying Cu–Mn matchstick precursors. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam milling reveal a hierarchical, dendritic, highly wettable microstructure. The atom probe mass spectrum is dominated by peaks of Cu+ and H(H2O)n+ up to n ≤ 3, and the reconstructed volume shows the protrusion of a Cu ligament into an ice-filled pore. The continuous Cu ligament network electrically connects the apex to the cryostage, leading to an enhanced electric field at the apex and increased cooling, both of which simplify the mass spectrum compared to previous reports.
Weak lensing mass bias and the alignment of centre proxies
Authors: Sommer Martin W , Schrabback Tim , Ragagnin Antonio , Rockenfeller Robert
Published: July 2024

Galaxy cluster masses derived from observations of weak lensing suffer from a number of biases affecting the accuracy of mass-observable relations calibrated from such observations. In particular, the choice of the cluster centre plays a prominent role in biasing inferred masses. In the past, empirical miscentring distributions have been used to address this issue. Using hydrodynamic simulations, we aim to test the accuracy of weak lensing mass bias predictions based on such miscentring distributions by comparing the results to mass biases computed directly using intracluster medium (ICM)-based centres from the same simulation. We construct models for fitting masses to both centred and miscentred Navarro–Frenk–White profiles of reduced shear, and model the resulting distributions of mass bias with normal and lognormal distributions. We find that the standard approach of using miscentring distributions leads to an overestimation of cluster masses at levels of between 2 per cent and 6 per cent when compared to the analysis in which actual simulated ICM centres are used, even when the underlying miscentring distributions match in terms of the miscentring amplitude. While we find that neither lognormal nor normal distributions are generally reliable for accurately modelling the shapes of the mass bias distributions, both models can serve as reasonable approximations in practice.
Efficacy of transdermal buprenorphine patch for managing withdrawal symptoms in patients with cancer physically dependent on prescription opioids
Authors: Kang Jung Hun , Lee Kyung Hee , Huh Seok Jae , Shin Seong-Hoon , Kim Il Hwan , Hwang In Gyu , Koo Dong-Hoe , Lee Dongyun , Koh Su-Jin , Seo Seyoung , Lee Guk Jin , Chun Sang Hoon , Ji Jun Ho , Oh Sung Yong , Choi Jung Woo , Go Se-Il
Published: July 2024

Background

The physical dependence on prescription opioids among cancer survivors remains an under-investigated area, with a scarcity of well-designed prospective studies.

Methods

This single-arm, phase-2 clinical trial in Korea assessed the efficacy and safety of a transdermal buprenorphine patch (TBP) in managing physical dependence on prescription opioids in cancer survivors, as confirmed through the DSM-5 criteria or psychiatric consultation for opioid withdrawal. This study involved a 4-phase treatment protocol of screening, induction/stabilization, discontinuation, and monitoring. The primary outcome was the rate of successful opioid discontinuation, as measured by a negative urine-drug screening at 8 weeks. Key secondary outcomes included the resumption of prescribed opioids, changes in both the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD), and assessments related to the psychological and physiological aspects of dependence and safety.

Results

Thirty-one participants were enrolled. In the intention-to-treat population, the success rate of opioid discontinuation was 58%, with only 2 participants experiencing a resumption of prescribed opioids. Significant reductions were observed in MEDD, which decreased from 98 to 26 mg/day (P < .001), and COWS scores, which decreased from 5.5 to 2.8 (P < .001). Desire to use opioids reduced from 7.0 to 3.0 on a 10-point numeric rating scale (P < .001). Toxicities related to TBP were mild and manageable, without severe precipitated withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion

TBP may be considered as an alternative therapeutic option in cancer survivors physically dependent on prescription opioids, especially where sublingual formulations are unavailable.
From sensing to acclimation: The role of membrane lipid remodeling in plant responses to low temperatures
Authors: Shomo Zachery D , Li Fangyi , Smith Cailin N , Edmonds Sydney R , Roston Rebecca L
Published: July 2024

Low temperatures pose a dramatic challenge to plant viability. Chilling and freezing disrupt cellular processes, forcing metabolic adaptations reflected in alterations to membrane compositions. Understanding the mechanisms of plant cold tolerance is increasingly important due to anticipated increases in the frequency, severity, and duration of cold events. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the adaptive changes of membrane glycerolipids, sphingolipids, and phytosterols in response to cold stress. We delve into key mechanisms of low-temperature membrane remodeling, including acyl editing and headgroup exchange, lipase activity, and phytosterol abundance changes, focusing on their impact at the subcellular level. Furthermore, we tabulate and analyze current gycerolipidomic data from cold treatments of Arabidopsis, maize, and sorghum. This analysis highlights congruencies of lipid abundance changes in response to varying degrees of cold stress. Ultimately, this review aids in rationalizing observed lipid fluctuations and pinpoints key gaps in our current capacity to fully understand how plants orchestrate these membrane responses to cold stress.
Grounding Legalism
Authors: Haderlie Derek Christian , Litland Jon Erling
Published: July 2024

Many authors have proposed that grounding is closely related to metaphysical laws. However, we argue that no existing theory of metaphysical laws is sufficiently general. In this paper, we develop a general theory of grounding laws, proposing that they are generative relations between pluralities of propositions and propositions. We develop the account in an essentialist language; this allows us to state precisely the sense in which grounding might be reduced to laws. We then put the theory to use in showing how moral laws can play a role in grounding particular moral facts, in defending monism about ground, and in showing in what sense there is no gap between the grounds and the grounded. Finally, we make a novel proposal about what grounds facts about ground.
Reduction of pathological retinal neovascularization, vessel obliteration, and artery tortuosity by PEDF protein in an oxygen‐induced ischemic retinopathy rat model
Authors: Zhao Shiying , Tschulakow Alexander V. , Karthikeyan Subha S. , Wang Kun , Kochanek Stefan , Schraermeyer Ulrich , Julien‐Schraermeyer Sylvie
Published: July 2024

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a severe retinal disease in premature infants characterized by pathological neovascularization, obliteration of retinal vessels and increased vessel tortuosity. Currently, there are no completely satisfactory treatments for ROP. Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF), a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, appears late in gestation and its deficiency may be linked to development of ROP. This study investigates the preclinical efficacy of PEDF protein alone or in combination with VEGF antagonists for treating ROP. The safety of PEDF protein in the rat eye was assessed using functional in vivo measurements and histology. The efficacy of intravitreal injections (IVI) of various treatments was evaluated in a rat oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) model using in vivo imaging and flatmount analyses. No functional or histological side‐effects were found in rat eyes after intravitreal PEDF protein injection. PEDF protein alone or combined with anti‐VEGF drugs significantly reduced pathological neovascularization and vessel obliteration, comparable to the effects of anti‐VEGF drugs alone. Regarding arterial tortuosity, treatment with a combination of PEDF, and VEGF antagonist was more effective than treatment with anti‐VEGF alone. IVI of PEDF protein is safe. PEDF protein alone or combined with VEGF antagonists shows similar efficacy in reducing pathological neovascularization and vessel obliteration as anti‐VEGF agents. Furthermore, only treatments involving PEDF protein, alone or with VEGF antagonists, significantly improved the quality of retinal vasculature. Thus, PEDF protein alone or combined with anti‐VEGF agents presents a promising alternative to current anti‐VEGF treatments for ROP.
Management of Patients Treated With Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Stent Implantation: The PERSEO Registry
Authors: Sciahbasi Alessandro , De Rosa Salvatore , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Giacoppo Daniele , Calabrò Paolo , Talarico Giovanni Paolo , Zilio Filippo , Talanas Giuseppe , Tebaldi Matteo , Andò Giuseppe , Rigattieri Stefano , Misuraca Leonardo , Cortese Bernardo , Musuraca Gerardo , Lucci Valerio , Guiducci Vincenzo , Renda Giulia , Zezza Luigi , Versaci Francesco , Giannico Maria Benedetta , Caruso Marco , Fischetti Dionigi , Colletta Mauro , Santarelli Andrea , Larosa Claudio , Iannone Alessandro , Esposito Giovanni , Tarantini Giuseppe , Musumeci Giuseppe , Rubboli Andrea
Published: July 2024

In patients on oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent, international guidelines endorse the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) rather than vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) rather than triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT). The aim of this study was to evaluate contemporary real-world data on antithrombotic regimens and outcome in patients on OAC undergoing PCI with stent. Consecutive patients on OAC undergoing PCI were enrolled in the multicenter, prospective, observational PERSEO registry (NCT03392948). Primary end point was net adverse clinical events (NACE) with VKA versus DOAC, whereas a secondary prespecified end point was NACE with DAT versus TAT both at 1-year follow-up. From February 2018 to February 2022; in total, 1234 consecutive patients were included. The main indication for OAC was atrial fibrillation (86%), and the mean CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4 ± 2 and 3.6 ± 1, respectively. Of the 1228 patients discharged alive, 222 (18%) were on VKA and 1006 (82%) on DOAC (P < 0.01). DAT was employed in 197 patients whereas TAT in 1028. At follow-up, NACE rate was significantly higher than VKA compared with DOAC (23% vs. 16%, P = 0.013) and confirmed after propensity score adjustment. TAT and DAT did not differ as regards NACE rate (17% vs. 19%, P = 0.864) although, compared with TAT, DAT was associated with less major bleedings (2% vs. 5%, P= 0.014), confirmed after propensity score adjustment. In conclusion, in patients on OAC undergoing PCI, DOAC, compared with VKA, was associated with a significantly lower occurrence of NACE and DAT reduced bleedings compared with TAT.
Levosimendan as an Antidote in Experimental Calcium Channel Blocker Intoxication
Authors: Levijoki Jouko M. , Kivikko Matti , Pollesello Piero
Published: July 2024

The effects of the calcium sensitizer levosimendan on hemodynamics and survival in guinea pigs intoxicated with the calcium blockers verapamil or diltiazem were evaluated in a randomized controlled study. One hundred four animals were randomized to be intoxicated with either verapamil (2.0 mg/kg) or diltiazem (4.5 mg/kg) and thereafter further randomized into 6 groups which received either saline (control), 3 different regimes of levosimendan, calcium chloride, and levosimendan combined with calcium chloride. The hemodynamics and survival of the animals were followed for 60 minutes after intoxication.

The negative inotropic effect of calcium blockers was seen as a decrease by over 70% of the positive derivative of the left ventricular pressure. This was reversed by levosimendan. Moreover, both verapamil and diltiazem-induced marked hypotension (−69% and −63% of the baseline value, respectively) which was also reversed by levosimendan. The combined levosimendan and calcium chloride treatment had a synergistic effect in reversing verapamil or diltiazem-induced deterioration in hemodynamics.

Both verapamil and diltiazem intoxications decreased the survival rate of guinea pigs to 13%. Levosimendan addition improved survival dose-dependently up to a survival rate of 75% and 88% in the verapamil and diltiazem groups, respectively. Low dose of levosimendan combined with calcium chloride improved survival in verapamil and diltiazem group to 88% and 100%, respectively.

In conclusion, the administration of levosimendan improved hemodynamics and survival in calcium channel blocker intoxicated guinea pigs. The synergistic effect of levosimendan and calcium chloride suggests that this combination could be an effective antidote in calcium channel blocker intoxications.