bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twisted Mahler Discrete Residues
Authors: Arreche Carlos E , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2024

Recently we constructed Mahler discrete residues for rational functions and showed they comprise a complete obstruction to the Mahler summability problem of deciding whether a given rational function $f(x)$ is of the form $g(x^{p})-g(x)$ for some rational function $g(x)$ and an integer $p> 1$. Here we develop a notion of $\lambda $-twisted Mahler discrete residues for $\lambda \in \mathbb{Z}$, and show that they similarly comprise a complete obstruction to the twisted Mahler summability problem of deciding whether a given rational function $f(x)$ is of the form $p^{\lambda } g(x^{p})-g(x)$ for some rational function $g(x)$ and an integer $p>1$. We provide some initial applications of twisted Mahler discrete residues to differential creative telescoping problems for Mahler functions and to the differential Galois theory of linear Mahler equations.
Review: Known, Emerging, and Remerging Pharyngitis Pathogens
Authors: Caldwell Jane M , Ledeboer Nathan A , Boyanton Bobby L
Published: October 2024

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition of the pharynx and/or tonsils commonly seen in both children and adults. Viruses and bacteria represent the most common encountered etiologic agents—yeast/fungi and parasites are infrequently implicated. Some of these are predominantly observed in unique populations (eg, immunocompromised or unvaccinated individuals). This article (part 1 of 3) summarizes the impact of acute pharyngitis on the health care system and reviews the etiologic agents of acute pharyngitis, including both emerging and reemerging pathogens that health care providers should consider when evaluating their patients. Finally, it sets the stage for parts 2 and 3, which discuss the current and evolving state of diagnostic testing for acute pharyngitis.
Repeated horizontal acquisition of lagriamide-producing symbionts in Lagriinae beetles
Authors: Uppal Siddharth , Waterworth Samantha C , Nick Alina , Vogel Heiko , Flórez Laura V , Kaltenpoth Martin , Kwan Jason C
Published: October 2024

Microbial symbionts associate with multicellular organisms on a continuum from facultative associations to mutual codependency. In the oldest intracellular symbioses there is exclusive vertical symbiont transmission, and co-diversification of symbiotic partners over millions of years. Such symbionts often undergo genome reduction due to low effective population sizes, frequent population bottlenecks, and reduced purifying selection. Here, we describe multiple independent acquisition events of closely related defensive symbionts followed by genome erosion in a group of Lagriinae beetles. Previous work in Lagria villosa revealed the dominant genome-eroded symbiont of the genus Burkholderia produces the antifungal compound lagriamide, protecting the beetle’s eggs and larvae from antagonistic fungi. Here, we use metagenomics to assemble 11 additional genomes of lagriamide-producing symbionts from 7 different host species within Lagriinae from 5 countries, to unravel the evolutionary history of this symbiotic relationship. In each host, we detected one dominant genome-eroded Burkholderia symbiont encoding the lagriamide biosynthetic gene cluster. However, we did not find evidence for host–symbiont co-diversification or for monophyly of the lagriamide-producing symbionts. Instead, our analyses support a single ancestral acquisition of the gene cluster followed by at least four independent symbiont acquisitions and subsequent genome erosion in each lineage. By contrast, a clade of plant-associated relatives retained large genomes but secondarily lost the lagriamide gene cluster. Our results, therefore, reveal a dynamic evolutionary history with multiple independent symbiont acquisitions characterized by a high degree of specificity and highlight the importance of the specialized metabolite lagriamide for the establishment and maintenance of this defensive symbiosis.
The Autocracy Bias: Evaluating Democratic Citizens’ Perception of Human Rights Violations in Policy Proposals Abroad
Authors: Barceló Joan , Sheen Greg Chih-Hsin
Published: October 2024

Do citizens in democracies view foreign policies as more violative of human rights based on the governing regime’s type? We hypothesize that in democratic societies, there is an inherent association of autocracy with human rights violations, leading citizens to believe that policies from authoritarian governments infringe upon human rights more than those from democracies, even when the policies are seemingly identical. We evaluate this autocracy bias by gathering evidence from nine survey experiments across seven democracies. Consistently, we find that citizens of democratic countries are more likely to consider a policy to be a violation of human rights if China adopts it, compared to when a seemingly identical policy is adopted by Spain or Italy. We find that this perception extends to eleven other authoritarian regimes, and a mechanism experiment reveals that regime type is the driving force behind this differential evaluation. This study contributes to the understanding of how citizens in democratic societies perceive respect for human rights in foreign countries.
Development and characterization of nanoemulsions containing Lippia origanoides Kunth essential oil and their antifungal potential against Candida albicans
Authors: Prado Júlio César Sousa , de Aguiar Francisca Lidiane Linhares , Prado Guilherme Mendes , Nascimento Joice Farias do , de Sousa Natália Vasconcelos , Barbosa Francisco Cesar Barroso , Lima Danielle Malta , Rodrigues Tigressa Helena Soares , Bessa Nathália Uchôa de Castro , Abreu Flavia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva , Fontenelle Raquel Oliveira dos Santos
Published: October 2024

Aims

Nanoemulsions based on plant essential oils have shown promise as alternatives against fungal pathogens by increasing the solubility and bioavailability of the active compounds of essential oils, which can improve their efficacy and safety. In the present study, we aimed to prepare and characterize nanoemulsions of Lippia origanoides essential oil, and analyze their antifungal activity against C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm form. Additionally, we sought to verify their cytotoxicity.

Methods and results

Alginate nanoemulsions were prepared with different concentrations of essential oil, sunflower oil, and surfactant to investigate ideal formulations regarding stability and antifungal efficiency. The results showed the nanoemulsions remained stable for longer than 60 days, with acidic pH, particle sizes ranging from 180.17 ± 6.86 nm to 497.85 ± 253.50 nm, zeta potential from −60.47 ± 2.25 to −43.63 ± 12, and polydispersity index from 0.004 to 0.622. The photomicrographs revealed that the addition of sunflower oil influenced the formation of the particles, forming nanoemulsions. The antifungal results of the essential oil and nanoemulsions showed that the MIC ranged from 0.078 to 0.312 mg ml−1. The nanoemulsions were more effective than the free essential oil in eradicating the biofilm, eliminating up to 89.7% of its mass. With regard to cytotoxicity, differences were found between the tests with VERO cells and red blood cells, and the nanoemulsions were less toxic to red blood cells than the free essential oil.

Conclusions

These results show that nanoemulsions have antifungal potential against strains of C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm forms.
Airborne metofluthrin, a pyrethroid repellent, does not impact foraging honey bees
Authors: Couvillon Margaret J , Hainze John , Bizon Connor , Johnson Lindsay E , McKellips Ian F , McMillan Benjamin E , Ohlinger Bradley D , Ostrom Robert B J , Schürch Roger
Published: October 2024

Outdoor spatial mosquito repellents, such as mosquito coils or heating devices, release pyrethroid insecticides into the air to provide protection from mosquitoes within a defined area. This broadcast discharge of pyrethroids into the environment raises concern about the effect on non-target organisms. A previous study found that prallethrin discharged from a heating device did not affect honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) [Hymenoptera: Apidae] foraging or recruitment. In this second study, there was no significant difference in foraging frequency (our primary outcome), waggle dance propensity, or persistency in honey bees collecting sucrose solution between those exposed to metofluthrin from a different heating device and bees exposed to a non-metofluthrin control. One measure, waggle dance frequency, was higher in the metofluthrin treatment than the control but this outcome was likely a spurious result due to the small sample size. The small particle size of the emissions, averaging 4.43 µm, from the heated spatial repellent products, which remain airborne with little settling, may play an important role in the lack of effect found on honey bee foraging.
A new species of Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Han Xuesong , Csorba Gábor , Wu Yi , Chen Huaiqing , Zhao Xiang , Dong Zhengyi , Yu Wenhua , Lu Zhi
Published: October 2024

In 2018, an adult male of a small-sized Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) was captured at an arid cave located on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, China. Despite external morphological similarities with those of M. harpioloides and M. chrysochaetes, the individual in question displays explicit craniodental differences that distinguish it from either species. Morphological and morphometric evidence, coupled with phylogenetic analyses utilizing the mitochondrial COI gene, confirmed that it represents a distinct and still unknown species of Murina, described herewith as M. yushuensis sp. nov. Our research highlights the importance of future surveys aimed at exploring cryptic species diversity in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent under-surveyed regions.
Trends in age and prostate-specific antigen at prostate cancer diagnosis between 2010 and 2019
Authors: Owens Lukas , Brahme Ojas , Gulati Roman , Etzioni Ruth
Published: October 2024

Recent studies have shown that de novo metastatic prostate cancer incidence in the United States increased from 2010 to 2019. Plausible explanations include delayed detection after recommendations against prostate cancer screening or upstaging associated with use of more sensitive imaging technologies. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results patient cases and controlling for aging of the population, we found the median age and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at prostate cancer diagnosis increased by 1.4 years of age (95% CI = 1.3 to 1.5 years) and 1.4 ng/mL (95% CI = 1.4 to 1.5 ng/mL) over this period, consistent with the delayed detection hypothesis. Racial differences were noted, with 75th percentiles of PSA at diagnosis increasing by 4.3 ng/mL (95% CI = 3.7 to 4.8 ng/mL) over this time period for non-Hispanic Black men compared with 3.0 ng/mL (95% CI = 2.8 to 3.2 ng/mL) for non-Hispanic White men. Overall, patient characteristics at diagnosis suggest that delayed detection contributed at least in part to increases in de novo metastatic disease.
Animal neuropathic pain aroused by conglutinating oxidative regenerative cellulose on dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Kung Chia-Chi , Dai Shih-Ping , Yen Cheng-Han , Lee Yi-Jui , Chang Shih-Lun , Fang Yi-Ting , Lin Heng-Liang , Chen Chih-Li
Published: October 2024

Neuropathic pain arises as a consequence of injury or disease in the peripheral or central nervous system. Clinical cases have shown that spine postoperative chronic neuropathic pain remains a troublesome issue in medical treatment due to the presence of various degrees of peridural fibrosis and different inflammatory factors after spinal surgery. To address this issue, we developed a new neuropathic mice model that successfully simulates the real clinical situation by applying oxidative regenerative cellulose to L5 DRG (dorsal root ganglion). Behavior tests were done by von Fray and thermal stimuli. ELISA and real-time PCR were employed to detect the expression of genes involved in neuropathic pain. This model not only successfully induces chronic pain but also causes membrane thickening, non-neuronal cell recruitment, and a local increase of TNFα and interleukin-6. Additionally, this model did not cause neuron loss in the affected DRG, which mimics the characteristics of sticky tissue-induced neuropathic pain after clinic surgery. Based on this model, we administrated a TNF inhibitor to mice and successfully reduced mechanical allodynia after DRG surgery. In this study, the developed animal model may be a novel platform for delivering neuropathic pain treatments, such as target-based drug discovery or personalized diagnostic approaches.
New criteria to predict LATE-NC in the clinical setting: Probable/Possible LATE and LANS
Authors: Nelson Peter T
Published: October 2024

This review discusses terminology recently proposed for the classification of dementia and, more specifically, nosology related to aging-associated TDP-43 pathology: limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), and limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome (LANS). While the “gold standard” for these clinical conditions is still LATE neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC), clinical criteria and biomarkers are evolving. The newly proposed clinical rubrics are discussed with emphasis on the need for terminology that acknowledges the distinctions between clinical syndrome-, molecular biomarker-, and pathologically defined disease concepts. As further progress is made on research into the specific biomarker-based detection and prediction of TDP-43 proteinopathy in the clinical setting, the definitions of “Probable” and “Possible” LATE are likely to become more useful clinically. For people interested in the pathological diagnoses or basic research related to LATE-NC, the relevant terminology remains unchanged by the newly proposed clinical criteria.
Supporting emotion regulation in children on the autism spectrum: co-developing a digital mental health application for school-based settings with community partners
Authors: Kaur Isha , Kamel Rima , Sultanik Evan , Tan Jessica , Mazefsky Carla A , Brookman-Frazee Lauren , McPartland James C , Goodwin Matthew S , Pennington Jeffrey , Beidas Rinad S , Mandell David S , Nuske Heather J
Published: October 2024

Objective

KeepCalm is a digital mental health application, co-designed with community partners, that incorporates wearable biosensing with support for teams to address challenging behaviors and emotion dysregulation in children on the autism spectrum.

Methods

We followed a user-centered design framework. Before app development, we conducted design workshops, needs assessment interviews, a systematic review, and created an Expert Advisory Board. Once we had a working prototype, we recruited 73 participants to test and help improve the app across five testing cycles.

Results

Participants rated the app across testing cycles as highly acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and with good usability. Qualitative data indicated that KeepCalm helped teachers (a) be aware of students’ previously unrealized triggers, especially for nonspeaking students; (b) prevent behavioral episodes; (c) communicate with parents about behaviors/strategies; and (d) equipped parents with knowledge of strategies to use at home. We learned that in order to make the app acceptable and appropriate we needed to make the app enjoyable/easy to use and to focus development on novel features that augment teachers’ skills (e.g., behavioral pattern and stress detection). We also learned about the importance of maximizing feasibility, through in-person app training/support especially regarding the wearable devices, and the importance of having aides involved.

Conclusion

Our findings have informed plans for wider-scale feasibility testing so that we may examine the determinants of implementation to inform adaptations and refinement, and gather preliminary efficacy data on KeepCalm’s impact on reducing challenging behaviors and supporting emotion regulation in students on the autism spectrum.
Achieving RoutIne Screening for Emotional health (ARISE) in pediatric subspecialty clinics
Authors: Al Zahidy Misk , Montori Victor , Gionfriddo Michael R , Mulholland Hannah , Particelli Britt , Olson Janelle , Campagna Allegra , Mateo Chavez Maria B , Montori Victor M , McCarthy Sarah R
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to describe the experience of implementing a psychosocial distress screening system for children with serious or chronic medical conditions.

Methods

Achieving RoutIne Screening for Emotional health (ARISE) was developed to systematically evaluate psychosocial distress in children with serious medical or chronic medical illnesses, by integrating patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) into care delivery. ARISE was developed using a user-centered approach with extensive input from patients, families, and healthcare professionals to overcome barriers to routine PROM collection and integration into care as usual. It comprises a system to capture PROMs and then relay results to clinicians for changing care. We sought to implement ARISE at four subspecialty pediatric clinics caring for patients with cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and neurological malignancy.

Results

Problems with acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility represented barriers to implementation which were overcome by modifying the intervention using stakeholder input during the planning phase, leading to broad program acceptance. ARISE was implemented in three of the four clinics, in which 79.8% of eligible children and their family completed PROMs.

Conclusion

The ARISE program demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating psychosocial screenings into subspecialty pediatric clinics, thereby enhancing the identification and management of psychosocial issues in children with serious and chronic medical illnesses.
Predicting 5G throughput with BAMMO, a boosted additive model for data with missing observations
Authors: Jacobson Tate , Ding Jie , Zou Hui
Published: October 2024

To deliver on the promise of 5G, network providers and application developers need to understand the factors impacting millimetre wave (mmWave) 5G throughput. Missing data, however, pose significant challenges for modelling throughput. Even in controlled settings, signal strength data may be only intermittently observed when a device’s connection is weak, leading to missing predictor values in model training. In addition, users may choose not to share their data once the model is deployed, meaning that key predictors may be missing when we want to predict throughput for their devices. To address these challenges, we introduce boosted additive model for data with missing observation (BAMMO), a novel additive model estimator obtained via a componentwise boosting algorithm that naturally incorporates data with missing values in model fitting. We validate BAMMO’s approach to handling missing data by comparing it with competing methods on real 5G network data with a high proportion of missing values and in simulations, finding that it delivers more accurate predictions and takes less time to compute. To identify key predictors of mmWave 5G throughput, we develop a novel extension of sparsity oriented importance learning for BAMMO, giving us a measure of variable importance based on the entire boosting solution path rather than a single selected model.
Strategic Aeromedical Evacuations of the French Armed Forces in French Guiana From 2018 to 2020
Authors: Arrivé Kévin , Hénard Jessica , Vial Valentin , Marbac Vanessa , Ilcinkas Carole , Astrié Pierre-Matthieu , Ensargueix Anne-Laure , Labrousse Thomas , André Nathalie , Bertho Kilian , Delon François
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The French Armed Forces are deployed in French Guiana (FG) to protect national territory and ensure the security of strategically important sites. Military health support (MHS) provides medical support for missions in this tropical environment, which is hazardous and where confrontations are possible. MHS must organize tactical and strategic evacuations (Strat-AEs), so that an optimal level of care can be delivered. Overall, Strat-AE activity has been described previously but no specific data related to FG has been reported. The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of military Strat-AEs from FG.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 01, 2018 through 31 December, 2020. All patients who required a military Strat-AE were included, and we collected sociodemographic characteristics, medical information, service-related injuries and illnesses, and the reason for and conditions of evacuation.

Results

We analyzed 210 patients and 199 were included. Most were noncommissioned members (63.3%) and belonged to the Army (75.4%) and the Gendarmerie (15.6%). Injury or illness was duty-related in 66.2% of patients. The main cause for evacuation was nonbattle injury (63.3%), followed by illness (27.1%). Battle stress and injury accounted for 9.5%. The main reasons for evacuation were surgical conditions (58.3%), particularly orthopedic (47.2%). Medical (22.1%), psychiatric (18.6%), and dental (1.0%) disorders followed. Most patients were categorized by the flight surgeon as P3 (98.5%), the lowest level of priority, and D4 (82.9%), the lowest level of dependency. The escort used during evacuation was identical to that recommended by the requester in 83.5% of cases. The final destination was mainly a hospital (89.9%). The time lag between injury or onset of illness and the request for evacuation was significantly longer when local health resources were insufficient.

Conclusion

The particularity of FG is a local health care system that provided initial care before the evacuation. To reduce the number of Strat-AEs in FG, the risk of nonbattle injury must be lessened and improvements must be made to the local health care system and to the partnership between civilian and military health services.
The Milky Way atlas for linear filaments – II. Clump rotation versus filament orientation
Authors: Xu Xuefang , Wang Ke , Gou Qian , Baug Tapas , Li Di , Duan Chunguo , Lei Juncheng
Published: October 2024

Dense clumps distributed along filaments are the immediate medium for star formation. Kinematic properties of the clumps, such as velocity gradient and angular momentum, combined with filament orientation, provide important clues to the formation mechanism of filament-clump configurations and the role of filaments in star formation. By cross-matching the Milky Way atlas for linear filaments and the structure, excitation and dynamics of the inner Galactic interstellar medium (SEDIGISM) $^{13}$CO (2-1) data, we aim to derive the velocity gradient and its direction, the specific angular momentum ($J/M$), and the ratio ($\beta$) between the rotational energy and gravitational energy of clumps, as well as to investigate the alignment between clump rotation and filament orientation. We found a monotonic increase in $J/M$ as a function of clump size (R), following a power-law relation $J/M~\propto ~R^{1.5\pm 0.2}$. The ratio $\beta$ ranges from 1.1 $\times$ 10$^{-5}$ to 0.1, with a median value 1.0 $\times$ 10$^{-3}$, suggesting that clump rotation provides insignificant support against gravitational collapse. The distribution of the angle between clump rotation and natal filament orientation is random, indicating that the clumps’ rotational axes have no discernible correlation with the orientation of their hosting filaments. Counting only the most massive clump in each filament also finds no alignment between clump rotation and filament orientation.
Mass and spin measurements of black hole and neutron stars X-ray binaries through axisymmetric oscillation modes of thick torus
Authors: Trova Audrey
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the oscillatory behaviour of relativistic, non-self-gravitating, charged-fluid toroidal structures within the context of the Kerr metric. The primary objective is to explore how thick accretion discs influence the mass and spin measurements of black holes and neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) through quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) models. To achieve this, we conduct a local analysis within a general relativistic framework, determining the radial epicyclic and orbital frequencies in a perfect fluid disc. The tori are modelled using a non-Keplerian distribution of specific angular momentum, and we analyse how the oscillation properties depend on the model’s angular momentum distribution parameters. Subsequently, we connect these oscillatory frequencies to high-frequency QPOs observed in LMXBs, enabling us to calculate the optimal mass and spin values for each studied source.
Hubble Space Telescope observations of nearby type 1 quasars. I. Characterization of the extended [O iii] 5007 Å emission
Authors: Trindade Falcão Anna , Kraemer S B , Fischer T C , Schmitt H R , Feuillet L , Crenshaw D M , Revalski M , Maksym W P , Vestergaard M , Elvis M , Gaskell C M , Ho L C , Netzer H , Storchi-Bergmann T , Turner T J , Ward M J
Published: October 2024

We use the Hubble Space Telescope to analyse the extended [O iii] 5007 Å emission in seven bright radio-quiet type 1 quasars (QSO1s), focusing on the morphology and physical conditions of their extended Narrow-Line Regions (NLRs). We find NLRs extending 3–9 kpc, with four quasars showing roughly symmetrical structures ($b/a$=1.2–1.5) and three displaying asymmetric NLRs ($b/a$=2.4–5.6). When included with type 1 and type 2 AGNs from previous studies, the sizes of the extended [O iii] regions scale with luminosity as $R_{\rm [O\,{\rm {\small III}}]}\sim L_{\rm [O\,{\rm {\small III}}]}^{0.5}$, consistent with photoionization. However, when analysed separately, type 1s exhibit a steeper slope ($\gamma _{1}$ = 0.57 $\pm$ 0.05) compared to type 2 AGNs ($\gamma _{2}$ = 0.48 $\pm$ 0.02). We use photoionization modelling to estimate the maximum NLRs sizes, assuming a minimum ionization parameter of log$(U)=-3$, an ionizing luminosity based on the $L_{\rm [O\,{\rm {\small III}}]}$-derived bolometric luminosity, and a minimum gas number density $n_{\rm H}\sim 100$ cm$^{-3}$, assuming that molecular clouds provide a reservoir for the ionized gas. The derived sizes agree well with direct measurements for a sample of type 2 quasars, but are underestimated for the current sample of QSO1s. A better agreement is obtained for the QSO1s using bolometric luminosities derived from the 5100 Å continuum luminosity. Radial mass profiles for the QSO1s show significant extended mass in all cases, but with less [O iii]-emitting gas near the central AGN compared to QSO2s. This may suggest that the QSO1s are in a later evolutionary stage than QSO2s, further past the blow-out stage.
The 2023 revised diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
Authors: Kanda Masatoshi , Nagahata Ken , Moriyama Masafumi , Takano Ken-ichi , Kamekura Ryuta , Yoshifuji Hajime , Tsuboi Hiroto , Yamamoto Motohisa , Umehara Hisanori , Umeda Masataka , Sakamoto Mizuki , Maehara Takashi , Inoue Yoshino , Kubo Satoshi , Himi Tetsuo , Origuchi Tomoki , Masaki Yasufumi , Mimori Tsuneyo , Dobashi Hiroaki , Tanaka Yoshiya , Nakamura Seiji , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: October 2024

Objectives

For the diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis, either revised comprehensive diagnostic criteria or organ-specific diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis in 2008 were applied; however, the collected knowledge for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis required us to revise the criteria for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis.

Methods

The board member of Japanese Study Group for IgG4-related Dacryoadenitis and Sialadenitis revised the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis. We collected the clinical questions to be revised and performed a review of the literature. When the data were insufficient, additional data collection was performed. After the revision, public comments were collected.

Results

The three major points were revised. (1) Asymmetric or under two pairs of dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis were included as IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis. (2) The thresholds of IgG4-positive cell infiltration were adjusted to an IgG4+/IgG+ ratio >0.4 and IgG4+ cells >10 per high power field. (3) The labial salivary gland biopsy was allowed to diagnose IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis.

Conclusions

The revised diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis solved several issues with the previous criteria. It will improve the early diagnosis of IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis, especially in situations without enough resources for a biopsy.
Terminalia ivorensis demonstrates antioxidant properties and alters proliferation, genomic instability and migration of human colon cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Moomin Aliu , Knott Rachel M , Russell Wendy R , Moyer Mary P , Duthie Susan J
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer is a global killer that causes approximately 940 thousand deaths annually. Terminalia ivorensis (TI) is a tropical tree, the bark of which is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, malaria and ulcer. This study investigated TI as a potential anticancer agent in human colon cells in vitro. TI was extracted sequentially with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and FRAP, and differential effects on cell viability, growth, DNA damage, DNA repair, and migration were measured in human colon cancer cells (CaCo-2) and/or non-cancerous human colonocytes (NCM460). The TI phytochemicals most strongly associated with these effects were identified by partial least-squares discriminant analysis. DPPH and FRAP activity were highest in TI ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts (p=0.001). All TI extracts significantly inhibited cell viability and growth and induced DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair in both cell models. The majority of TI extracts were significantly (p=0.01) more toxic to cancer cells than non-cancerous colonocytes. DNA repair was significantly (p=0.001) inhibited in CaCo-2 cells by ethyl acetate extract compared with NCM460 cells. Migration was also significantly inhibited (p<0.001) in CaCo-2 by ethyl acetate (80%) and ethanol extracts (75%). Specific benzoic acids, flavonoids and phenols were identified to be strongly associated with these effects. TI displayed strong antioxidant activity and specific anticancer effects by inducing cell death and DNA damage, and by inhibiting DNA repair, cell proliferation and migration.
EnteroBase in 2025: exploring the genomic epidemiology of bacterial pathogens
Authors: Dyer Nigel P , Päuker Birgitta , Baxter Laura , Gupta Anshul , Bunk Boyke , Overmann Jörg , Diricks Margo , Dreyer Viola , Niemann Stefan , Holt Kathryn E , Rahman Mohammed , Brown Paul E , Stark Richard , Zhou Zhemin , Ott Sascha , Nübel Ulrich
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an update on the content, accessibility and analytical tools of the EnteroBase platform for web-based pathogen genome analysis. EnteroBase provides manually curated databases of genome sequence data and associated metadata from currently >1.1 million bacterial isolates, more recently including Streptococcus spp. and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in addition to Salmonella,Escherichia/Shigella,Clostridioides,Vibrio,Helicobacter,YersiniaandMoraxella. We have implemented the genome-based detection of antimicrobial resistance determinants and the new bubble plot graphical tool for visualizing bacterial genomic population structures, based on pre-computed hierarchical clusters. Access to data and analysis tools is provided through an enhanced graphical user interface and a new application programming interface (RESTful API). EnteroBase is now being developed and operated by an international consortium, to accelerate the development of the platform and ensure the longevity of the resources built. EnteroBase can be accessed at https://enterobase.warwick.ac.uk as well as https://enterobase.dsmz.de.
Towards the genomic sequence code of DNA fragility for machine learning
Authors: Pflughaupt Patrick , Abdullah Adib A , Masuda Kairi , Sahakyan Aleksandr B
Published: October 2024

Genomic DNA breakages and the subsequent insertion and deletion mutations are important contributors to genome instability and linked diseases. Unlike the research in point mutations, the relationship between DNA sequence context and the propensity for strand breaks remains elusive. Here, by analyzing the differences and commonalities across myriads of genomic breakage datasets, we extract the sequence-linked rules and patterns behind DNA fragility. We show the overall deconvolution of the sequence influence into short-, mid- and long-range effects, and the stressor-dependent differences in defining the range and compositional effects on DNA fragility. We summarize and release our feature compendium as a library that can be seamlessly incorporated into genomic machine learning procedures, where DNA fragility is of concern, and train a generalized DNA fragility model on cancer-associated breakages. Structural variants (SVs) tend to stabilize regions in which they emerge, with the effect most pronounced for pathogenic SVs. In contrast, the effects of chromothripsis are seen across regions less prone to breakages. We find that viral integration may bring genome fragility, particularly for cancer-associated viruses. Overall, this work offers novel insights into the genomic sequence basis of DNA fragility and presents a powerful machine learning resource to further enhance our understanding of genome (in)stability and evolution.
DNA supercoiling enhances DNA condensation by ParB proteins
Authors: Martin-Gonzalez Alejandro , Tišma Miloš , Analikwu Brian T , Barth Anders , Janissen Richard , Antar Hammam , Kemps Gianluca , Gruber Stephan , Dekker Cees
Published: October 2024

The ParABS system plays a critical role in bacterial chromosome segregation. The key component of this system, ParB, loads and spreads along DNA to form a local protein–DNA condensate known as a partition complex. As bacterial chromosomes are heavily supercoiled due to the continuous action of RNA polymerases, topoisomerases and nucleoid-associated proteins, it is important to study the impact of DNA supercoiling on the ParB–DNA partition complex formation. Here, we use an in-vitro single-molecule assay to visualize ParB on supercoiled DNA. Unlike most DNA-binding proteins, individual ParB proteins are found to not pin plectonemes on supercoiled DNA, but freely diffuse along supercoiled DNA. We find that DNA supercoiling enhances ParB–DNA condensation, which initiates at lower ParB concentrations than on DNA that is torsionally relaxed. ParB proteins induce a DNA–protein condensate that strikingly absorbs all supercoiling writhe. Our findings provide mechanistic insights that have important implications for our understanding of bacterial chromosome organization and segregation.
Impact of molecular classification on prognosis in children and adolescents with spinal ependymoma: Results from the HIT-MED database
Authors: Engertsberger Lara , Benesch Martin , Mynarek Martin , Tonn Svenja , Obrecht-Sturm Denise , Perwein Thomas , Stickan-Verfürth Martina , Funk Angela , Timmermann Beate , Bockmayr Michael , Eckhardt Alicia , Claviez Alexander , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Riemenschneider Markus J , Pietsch Torsten , Bison Brigitte , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Pajtler Kristian W , Rutkowski Stefan , Schüller Ulrich
Published: October 2024

Background

Ependymomas of the spinal cord are rare among children and adolescents, and the individual risk of disease progression is difficult to predict. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of molecular typing on pediatric spinal cord ependymomas.

Methods

Eighty-three patients with spinal ependymomas ≤22 years registered in the HIT-MED database (German brain tumor registry for children, adolescents, and adults with medulloblastoma, ependymoma, pineoblastoma, and CNS-primitive neuroectodermal tumors) between 1992 and 2022 were included. Forty-seven tumors were analyzed by DNA methylation array profiling. In 6 cases, HOXB13 and MYCN proteins were detected as surrogate markers for specific methylation classes. Ten patients had NF2-related schwannomatosis.

Results

With a median follow-up time of 4.9 years, 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) were 100% and 86%, while 5- and 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) were 65% and 54%. Myxopapillary ependymoma (SP-MPE, n = 32, 63%) was the most common molecular type followed by spinal ependymoma (SP-EPN, n = 17, 33%) and MYCN-amplified ependymoma (n = 2, 4%). One case could not be molecularly classified, and one was reclassified as anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma. 5-year PFS did not significantly differ between SP-MPE and SP-EPN (65% vs. 78%, P = .64). MYCN-amplification was associated with early relapses (<2.3 years) in both cases and death in one patient. Patients with SP-MPE subtype B (n = 9) showed a non-significant trend for better 5 years-PFS compared to subtype A (n = 18; 86% vs. 56%, P = .15). The extent of resection and WHO tumor grades significantly influenced PFS in a uni- and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Molecular typing of pediatric spinal ependymomas aids in identifying very high-risk MYCN-amplified ependymomas. Further insights into the molecular heterogeneity of spinal ependymomas are needed for future clinical decision-making.
Assessing Dietary Creatine Intake in Population Studies: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M
Published: October 2024

Limited data exist for establishing the dietary requirements for creatine in the general population. This paper delineates the challenges linked to estimating creatine intake from a typical diet, and explores opportunities to improve the assessment of population-wide creatine intake. Conducting additional food chemistry studies with creatine as a standard analyte, labeling the creatine content in common foods, generating more diverse data from population-based studies, and validating new biomarkers could facilitate the establishment of nutrient reference values for this conditionally essential nutrient.
Social media homophily among women and men political candidates
Authors: Cioroianu Iulia , Coffé Hilde
Published: October 2024

This paper assesses differences between women and men political candidates in their likelihood to interact with peers who share the same gender, political affiliation, electoral district, incumbency, age, and the governmental status of their party. Using Twitter (currently X) data from Finland’s 2019 election campaign, we find a tendency towards homophily—a tendency to interact predominantly with similar others—among all candidates across the various studied characteristics. However, some gender differences in the tendency towards homophily emerge. Notably, women are more inclined than men to retweet candidates from their own party but are less likely to retweet peers with the same incumbency status and the same gender. Our multivariate analyses further show that retweet tendencies based on age, shared electoral district and party governmental status exhibit no significant gender disparities. These nuanced variations in homophilous relations highlight the complex interplay between gender and other characteristics in candidates’ social media interactions during electoral campaigns.
23 Probing bias: Understanding the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) caregivers for children with developmental disabilities and their involvement with child protection
Authors: Nallathamby Shanthiya , Young Elizabeth , Jegathesan Thivia , Peak Julia , Baptiste Nekeisha Jean , Forbes Patricia , Minhas Ripudaman , Suleman Shazeen , Milligan Karen
Published: October 2024

Background

In Canada and abroad, a disproportionate number of Black Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) experience referral to child protective services (CPS). Children with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (IDD), are also disproportionately CPS-involved. Recent Canadian research has suggested that almost a quarter of children from a complex care paediatric program are CPS-involved, however there is no known research for ASD/IDD populations seen in a general paediatric clinic. Further, intersections of race/ethnicity and ASD/IDD and CPS involvement have not been examined.

Objectives

We are conducting a mixed methods study to explore the intersections of race, developmental disabilities and involvement with CPS for our paediatric population.

Design/Methods

Phase 1: We completed a retrospective cohort study of 349 patients (0-18 years of age) who were seen by a paediatrician and social worker at a large, hospital-based paediatric clinic in Toronto, Canada in 2019. Electronic medical record data was reviewed and the following binary variables (yes/no) coded CPS-involved or referral made, 1+ caregiver identify as BIPOC, and primary language of caregiver(s) not English.

Results

Preliminary analyses indicate that 11.7% of our sample is CPS-involved. Contrary to over-representation of BIPOC families in the general CPS population, we found that the proportion of families involved with CPS was lower for BIPOC than non-BIPOC families. A similar pattern was observed for primary language, with a trend towards caregivers who reported English as a second language being less likely to be CPS-involved. In our presentation, we will present analyses regarding the type and intensity of CPS involvement and include other demographic characteristics of the family. These findings will be interpreted with findings from Phase 2 (currently underway), which explores lived experiences of 40 caregivers involved with CPS drawn from Phase 1.

Conclusion

Within an ASD/IDD patient sample, BIPOC families were less likely to be involved with CPS than non-BIPOC families. This finding is in stark contrast to provincial rates that suggest a 2.2 times greater likelihood of CPS-involvement for Black youth. While these results on the surface suggest equity, they may still reflect bias. It is possible that the concerns of BIPOC families are being downplayed in comparison to non-BIPOC families, reducing their access to supportive services.
37 Adverse events associated with paediatric emergency medicine virtual clinic visits
Authors: Manolescu Sabrina , Chase Alexander , Belisle Sheena , Joubert Gary , Berhe Abel , Istasy Paul
Published: October 2024

Background

Emergency medical care inherently carries a potential for adverse events. With the increase in virtual medical care due to its ease of access and ability to limit the spread of infection, there is a need to evaluate the safety of paediatric emergency medicine virtual clinics.

Objectives

To elucidate the frequency of adverse events occurring within 7 days of accessing medical care provided by a Paediatric Emergency Medicine Virtual Clinic. We then seek to characterize the severity, nature, and preventability of the adverse events and to provide a knowledge base for future work related to patient safety in the virtual emergency care domain.

Design/Methods

This study was a prospective cohort study where the primary outcome was the proportion of patients who experienced an adverse event within 7 days of accessing care through a virtual emergency clinic. Data was collected through telephone interviews and chart analysis with the use of a validated adverse events trigger tool to determine which charts required independent physician review. The final data was categorized using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine potential predictors of adverse events.

Results

Of 593 eligible families, 232 (39%) consented to participate and completed the interview process. Of these families, 89 were flagged for further review, and subsequent analysis concluded that 5 (2.2%) had experienced an adverse event. Of the adverse events, 4 (80%) were considered preventable and the most common type of adverse event was sub-optimal follow up (60%). The median patient age was 3.0 years (IQR 1.0-5.0). There were no clinically significant differences between the patients who experienced an adverse event and those that did not across the parameters studied (age, sex, gender, medical complexity, length of symptoms, language of fluency, and self-identification of visible minority status).

Conclusion

2.2% of patients, approximately 1 in 45, experienced adverse events related to the care they received at the virtual clinic. The majority of these adverse events were preventable. That said, the rates of events were within the published norm, suggesting the virtual clinic provides a viable option in paediatric emergency medicine.
39 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization coverage in Canada: Results from a novel national surveillance system
Authors: Jeevakanthan Ahash , Gilbert Nicolas , Granger Morag , Henderson Allison , O’Connell Jeanine , Wertz Sophie , Shahid Maaz
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to routine immunization programs globally. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the impact of the pandemic on other routinely administered public health services. Understanding vaccination trends for routinely administered vaccinations during the pandemic is crucial for addressing potential gaps in protection and devising targeted strategies to enhance routine immunization programs.

Objectives

This study investigates the impact of the pandemic on routine immunization coverage in Canada, focusing on DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) with at least 4 doses and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) with at least 1 dose, among children at age 2.

Design/Methods

Data were collected from the Routine Childhood Vaccination Coverage Surveillance system (RCVCSS) a novel national surveillance based on standardized detailed reports prepared by participating provinces and territories using data from their immunization registries. This analysis covers the years 2019 to 2022, capturing pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic phases with data from 4 reporting provinces and territories (Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Yukon). The primary objective was to assess any changes in vaccination coverage at age 2 for routinely administered immunizations from 2019 to 2022, i.e., before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Analysis reveals a decline in routine immunization coverage from 2019 to 2022. DTaP vaccination coverage at age 2 decreased from 82.0% in 2019 to 71.8% in 2022. Likewise, MMR vaccination coverage at two years showed a decline from 90.8% in 2019 to 81.7% in 2022. Similar downward trends in coverage were observed for other sets of antigens vaccinated against at age 2 including Varicella, Rotavirus, Polio, Pneumococcal and Hepatitis B. No major differences were observed when looking at vaccination coverage over time by sex. There were regional variations, with certain jurisdictions experiencing more pronounced declines than others and an increase in coverage in 2022 the post pandemic year.

Conclusion

There was a sustained decline in DTaP and MMR vaccination coverage at age 2 from 2019 to 2022. Further research is imperative to ascertain whether there has been a catch-up in vaccination coverage and to identify the root causes of the observed declines, so these can be addressed, and targeted interventions can be undertaken to allow coverage level to recover to their pre-pandemic levels.