bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translational validity of neuropsychological tasks of sustained attention between rodents and humans: A systematic review of three rodent tasks
Authors: Salmon Claire , Li Shuting , Burrows Emma L. , Johnson Katherine A.
Published: May 2024

Atypical sustained attention is a symptom in a number of neurological and psychological conditions. Investigations into its neural underpinnings are required for improved management and treatment. Rodents are useful in investigating the neurobiology underlying atypical sustained attention and several rodent tasks have been developed for use in touchscreen testing platforms that mimic methodology used in human clinical attention assessment. This systematic review was conducted to assess how translatable these rodent tasks are to equivalent clinical human tasks. Studies using the rodent Continuous Performance Task (rCPT), Sustained Attention Task (SAT), and 5‐choice CPT (5C‐CPT) were sought and screened. Included in the review were 138 studies, using the rCPT (n = 21), SAT (n = 90), and 5C‐CPT (n = 27). Translatability between rodent and human studies was assessed based on (1) methodological similarity, (2) performance similarity, and (3) replication of results. The 5C‐CPT was found to be the most translatable cross‐species paradigm with good utility, while the rCPT and SAT require adaptation and further development to meet these translatability benchmarks. With greater replication and more consistent results, greater confidence in the translation of sustained attention results between species will be engendered.

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Particularity, Engagement, Actionable Inferences, Reflexivity, and Legitimation tool for rigor in mixed methods implementation research
Authors: Younas Ahtisham , Fàbregues Sergi
Published: May 2024

Background

Implementation science helps generate approaches to expedite the uptake of evidence in practice. Mixed methods are commonly used in implementation research because they allow researchers to integrate distinct qualitative and quantitative methods and data sets to unravel the implementation process and context and design contextual tools for optimizing the implementation. To date, there has been limited discussion on how to ensure rigor in mixed methods implementation research.

Purpose

To present Particularity, Engagement, Actionable Inferences, Reflexivity, and Legitimation (PEARL) as a practical tool for understanding various components of rigor in mixed methods implementation research.

Data Sources

This methodological discussion is based on a nurse‐led mixed methods implementation study. The PEARL tool was developed based on an interpretive, critical reflection, and purposive reading of selected literature sources drawn from the researchers' knowledge, experiences of designing and conducting mixed methods implementation research, and published methodological papers about mixed methods, implementation science, and research rigor.

Conclusion

An exemplar exploratory sequential mixed methods study in nursing is provided to illustrate the application of the PEARL tool. The proposed tool can be a useful and innovative tool for researchers and students intending to use mixed methods in implementation research. The tool offers a straightforward approach to learning the key rigor components of mixed methods implementation research for application in designing and conducting implementation research using mixed methods.

Clinical Relevance

Rigorous implementation research is critical for effective uptake of innovations and evidence‐based knowledge into practice and policymaking. The proposed tool can be used as the means to establish rigor in mixed methods implementation research in nursing and health sciences.
Machine learning models for prediction of postoperative venous thromboembolism in gynecological malignant tumor patients
Authors: Lin Bijuan , Chen Fang , Wu Meiying , Li Chaojing , Lin Lanzhi
Published: May 2024

Aim

To identify risk factors that associated with the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 30 days after hysterectomy among gynecological malignant tumor patients, and to explore the value of machine learning (ML) models in VTE occurrence prediction.

Methods

A total of 1087 patients between January 2019 and January 2022 with gynecological malignant tumors were included in this single‐center retrospective study and were randomly divided into the training dataset (n = 870) and the test dataset (n = 217). Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors that associated with the occurrence of postoperative VTE in the training dataset. Machine learning models (including decision tree (DT) model and logistic regression (LR) model) to predict the occurrence of postoperative VTE were constructed and internally validated.

Results

The incidence of developing 30‐day postoperative VTE was 6.0% (65/1087). Age, previous VTE, length of stay (LOS), tumor stage, operative time, surgical approach, lymphadenectomy (LND), intraoperative blood transfusion and gynecologic Caprini (G‐Caprini) score were identified as risk factors for developing postoperative VTE in gynecological malignant tumor patients (p < 0.05). The AUCs of LR model and DT model for predicting VTE were 0.722 and 0.950, respectively.

Conclusion

The ML models, especially the DT model, constructed in our study had excellent prediction value and shed light upon its further application in clinic practice.
The Earth atmosphere‐like bulk nitrogen isotope composition obtained by stepwise combustion analyses of Ryugu return samples
Authors: Hashizume Ko , Ishida Akizumi , Chiba Ayano , Okazaki Ryuji , Yogata Kasumi , Yada Toru , Kitajima Fumio , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Yabuta Hikaru , Naraoka Hiroshi , Takano Yoshinori , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Nishimura Masahiro , Nakato Aiko , Miyazaki Akiko , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Terui Fuyuto , Tanaka Satoshi , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei‐ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi , Broadley Michael W. , Busemann Henner ,   the Hayabusa2 Initial Analysis Volatile Team
Published: May 2024

The nitrogen isotope compositions of two samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu were determined using a stepwise combustion method, along with Ivuna (CI) and Y‐980115, a CI‐like Antarctic meteorite, as references. The two Ryugu samples A0105‐07 and C0106‐07 showed bulk δ15N values of +1.7 ± 0.5‰ and +0.2 ± 0.6‰, respectively, significantly lower than Ivuna with +36.4 ± 0.4‰, but close to Y‐980115 with +4.0 ± 0.3‰. The Ryugu samples are further characterized by C/N and 36Ar/N ratios up to 3.4× and 4.9× the value of Ivuna, respectively. Among all Ryugu samples and CI chondrites, a positive correlation was observed between nitrogen concentrations and δ15N values, with samples with lower nitrogen concentrations exhibiting lower δ15N. This trend is explained by a two‐component mixing model. One component is present at a constant abundance among all CI‐related samples, with a δ15N value around 0‰ or lower. The other varies in abundance between different samples, and exhibits a δ15N value of +56 ± 4‰. The first 15N‐poor endmember is seemingly tightly incorporated into a carbonaceous host phase, whereas the 15N‐rich endmember can be mobilized and decoupled from carbon, potentially because it is in the form of ammonia. Asteroid materials with volatile compositions that are similar to those reported here for the Ryugu samples are attractive candidates for the volatile sources among Earth's building blocks.
Israeli Hydro‐Hegemony and the Gaza War
Authors: Seeberg Peter
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes the vicious cycle of Israel's control of water resources in Jordan and the Palestinian territories, the development of a one‐state reality in the region, and geopolitical changes driven by the Israeli occupation and the war in Gaza. Israel no longer suffers from water shortages, but its domination of Palestine and the conflict sparked by Hamas have increased the yawning water deficit. This has played a role in the decades‐long move away from the two‐state solution promised by the Oslo peace process. This article examines regional security through the lens of water resources. It shows that Jordan is left with few options but to accept its dependence on Israel and muddle through. In addition, the Palestinian territories, which face not just Israeli military rule but also the expansion of settlements, experience major water shortages. The article concludes that the increasing water hegemony reduces Israeli incentives for a comprehensive peace with the Palestinians that could resolve the resource crisis and enable two states to live side by side.
Significant Association of Serum Albumin With the Severity of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Using Dynamic CZT‐SPECT
Authors: Chien Shih‐Chieh , Wang Shan‐Ying , Tsai Cheng‐Ting , Shiau Yu‐Chien , Wu Yen‐Wen
Published: May 2024

Objective

Both low serum albumin (SA) concentration and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) are risk factors for the development of heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that SA concentration is associated with myocardial flow reserve (MFR) and implicated in pathophysiological mechanism of HF.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 454 patients undergoing dynamic cardiac cadmium‐zinc‐telluride myocardial perfusion imaging from April 2018 to February 2020. The population was categorized into three groups according to SA level (g/dL): Group 1: >4, Group 2: 3.5–4, and Group 3: <3.5. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR, defined as stress/rest MBF ratio) were compared.

Results

The mean age of the whole cohort was 66.2 years, and 65.2% were men. As SA decreased, stress MBF (mL min−1 g−1) and MFR decreased (MBF: 3.29 ± 1.03, MFR: 3.46 ± 1.33 in Group 1, MBF: 2.95 ± 1.13, MFR: 2.51 ± 0.93 in Group 2, and MBF: 2.64 ± 1.16, MFR: 1.90 ± 0.50 in Group 3), whereas rest MBF (mL min−1 g−1) increased (MBF: 1.05 ± 0.42 in Group 1, 1.27 ± 0.56 in Group 2, and 1.41 ± 0.61 in Group 3). After adjusting for covariates, compared with Group 1, the odds ratios for impaired MFR (defined as MFR < 2.5) were 3.57 (95% CI: 2.32–5.48) for Group 2 and 34.9 (95% CI: 13.23–92.14) for Group 3. The results would be similar if only regional MFR were assessed. The risk prediction for CMD using SA was acceptable, with an AUC of 0.76.

Conclusion

Low SA concentration was associated with the severity of CMD in both global and regional MFR as well as MBF.
UDP‐glycosyltransferase UGT96C10 functions as a novel detoxification factor for conjugating the activated dinitrotoluene sulfonate in switchgrass
Authors: Su Kunlong , Wu Zhenying , Liu Yuchen , Wang Yan , Wang Han , Liu Meifeng , Wang Yu , Wang Honglun , Fu Chunxiang
Published: May 2024

Dinitrotoluene sulfonates (DNTSes) are highly toxic hazards regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States. The trinitrotoluene (TNT) red water formed during the TNT purification process consists mainly of DNTSes. Certain plants, including switchgrass, reed and alfalfa, can detoxify low concentrations of DNTS in TNT red water‐contaminated soils. However, the precise mechanism by which these plants detoxify DNTS remains unknown. In order to aid in the development of phytoremediation resources with high DNTS removal rates, we identified and characterized 1‐hydroxymethyl‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (HMDNBS) and its glycosylated product HMDNBS O‐glucoside as the degradation products of 2,4‐DNT‐3‐SO3Na, the major isoform of DNTS in TNT red water‐contaminated soils, in switchgrass via LC–MS/MS‐ and NMR‐based metabolite analyses. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 15 UDP‐glycosyltransferase genes were dramatically upregulated in switchgrass plants following 2,4‐DNT‐3‐SO3Na treatment. We expressed, purified and assayed the activity of recombinant UGT proteins in vitro and identified PvUGT96C10 as the enzyme responsible for the glycosylation of HMDNBS in switchgrass. Overexpression of PvUGT96C10 in switchgrass significantly alleviated 2,4‐DNT‐3‐SO3Na‐induced plant growth inhibition. Notably, PvUGT96C10‐overexpressing transgenic switchgrass plants removed 83.1% of 2,4‐DNT‐3‐SO3Na in liquid medium after 28 days, representing a 3.2‐fold higher removal rate than that of control plants. This work clarifies the DNTS detoxification mechanism in plants for the first time, suggesting that PvUGT96C10 is crucial for DNTS degradation. Our results indicate that PvUGT96C10‐overexpressing plants may hold great potential for the phytoremediation of TNT red water‐contaminated soils.
Alterations in driving ability and their relationship with morphometric magnetic resonance imaging indicators in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wakita Hideaki , Takahashi Yu , Masuzugawa Satoshi , Miyasaka Hiroyuki , Sonoda Shigeru , Shindo Akihiro , Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: May 2024

Background

Drivers with dementia are at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents. The characteristics of driving behaviour of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been fully elucidated. We investigated driving ability and its relationship with cognitive function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphometry indicators.

Methods

The driving abilities of 19 patients with AD and 11 with amnestic MCI (aMCI) were evaluated using a driving simulator. The association between each driving ability parameter and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score or voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for AD (VSRAD) was assessed.

Results

Patients with AD made a significantly higher number of operational errors than those with aMCI in attention allocation in the complex task test (P = 0.0008). The number of operational errors in attention allocation in the complex task test significantly and negatively correlated with MMSE scores in all participants (r = −0.4354, P = 0.0162). The decision time in the selective reaction test significantly and positively correlated with the severity and extent of medial temporal structural atrophy (r = 0.4807, P = 0.0372; r = 0.4862, P = 0.0348; respectively).

Conclusion

An increase in the operational errors for attention allocation in the complex task test could be a potential indicator of progression from aMCI to AD. Atrophy of the medial temporal structures could be a potential predictor of impaired judgement in driving performance in aMCI and AD. A driving simulator could be useful for evaluating the driving abilities of individuals with aMCI and AD.
Bounding toric singularities with normalized volume
Authors: Moraga Joaquín , Süß Hendrik
Published: May 2024

We study the normalized volume of toric singularities. As it turns out, there is a close relation to the notion of (nonsymmetric) Mahler volume from convex geometry. This observation allows us to use standard tools from convex geometry, such as the Blaschke–Santaló inequality and Radon's theorem to prove nontrivial facts about the normalized volume in the toric setting. For example, we prove that for every there are only finitely many ‐Gorenstein toric singularities with normalized volume at least . From this result it directly follows that there are also only finitely many toric Sasaki–Einstein manifolds of volume at least in each dimension. Additionally, we show that the normalized volume of every toric singularity is bounded from above by that of the rational double point of the same dimension. Finally, we discuss certain bounds of the normalized volume in terms of topological invariants of resolutions of the singularity. We establish two upper bounds in terms of the Euler characteristic and of the first Chern class, respectively. We show that a lower bound, which was conjectured earlier by He, Seong, and Yau, is closely related to the nonsymmetric Mahler conjecture in convex geometry.
Ekman-driven salt transport as a key mechanism for open-ocean polynya formation at Maud Rise
Authors: Narayanan Aditya , Roquet Fabien , Gille Sarah T. , Gülk Birte , Mazloff Matthew R. , Silvano Alessandro , Naveira Garabato Alberto C.
Published: May 2024

Open-ocean polynyas formed over the Maud Rise, in the Weddell Sea, during the winters of 2016–2017. Such polynyas are rare events in the Southern Ocean and are associated with deep convection, affecting regional carbon and heat budgets. Using an ocean state estimate, we found that during 2017, early sea ice melting occurred in response to enhanced vertical mixing of heat, which was accompanied by mixing of salt. The melting sea ice compensated for the vertically mixed salt, resulting in a net buoyancy gain. An additional salt input was then necessary to destabilize the upper ocean. This came from a hitherto unexplored polynya-formation mechanism: an Ekman transport of salt across a jet girdling the northern flank of the Maud Rise. Such transport was driven by intensified eastward surface stresses during 2015–2018. Our results illustrate how highly localized interactions between wind, ocean flow and topography can trigger polynya formation in the open Southern Ocean.
A pairwise approach to revitalize β-lactams for the treatment of TB
Authors: Negatu Dereje A. , Aragaw Wassihun Wedajo , Dartois Véronique , Dick Thomas
Published: May 2024

The dual β-lactam approach has been successfully applied to overcome target redundancy in nontuberculous mycobacteria. Surprisingly, this approach has not been leveraged for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
despite the high conservation of peptidoglycan synthesis. Through a comprehensive screen of oral β-lactam pairs, we have discovered that cefuroxime strongly potentiates the bactericidal activity of tebipenem and sulopenem—advanced clinical candidates—and amoxicillin, at concentrations achieved clinically. β-lactam pairs thus have the potential to reduce TB treatment duration.
Novel insights into the host cell glycan binding profile of human metapneumovirus
Authors: Van Den Bergh Annelies , Bailly Benjamin , Guillon Patrice , von Itzstein Mark , Dirr Larissa
Published: May 2024

Numerous viruses have been found to exploit glycoconjugates expressed on human cells as their initial attachment factor for viral entry and infection. The virus-cell glycointeractome, when characterized, may serve as a template for antiviral drug design. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans extensively decorate the human cell surface and were previously described as a primary receptor for human metapneumovirus (HMPV). After respiratory syncytial virus, HMPV is the second most prevalent respiratory pathogen causing respiratory tract infection in young children. To date, there is neither vaccine nor drug available to prevent or treat HMPV infection. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we report for the first time the glycointeractome of the HMPV fusion (F) protein, a viral surface glycoprotein that is essential for target-cell recognition, attachment, and entry. Our glycan microarray and surface plasmon resonance results suggest that Galβ1-3/4GlcNAc moieties that may be sialylated or fucosylated are readily recognized by HMPV F. The bound motifs are highly similar to the
N
-linked and
O-
linked glycans primarily expressed on the human lung epithelium. We demonstrate that the identified glycans have the potential to compete with the cellular receptors used for HMPV entry and consequently block HMPV infection. We found that lacto-
N
-neotetraose demonstrated the strongest HMPV binding inhibition in a cell infection assay. Our current findings offer an encouraging and novel avenue for the design of anti-HMPV drug candidates using oligosaccharide templates.

IMPORTANCE

All cells are decorated with a dense coat of sugars that makes a sugar code. Many respiratory viruses exploit this sugar code by binding to these sugars to cause infection. Human metapneumovirus is a leading cause for acute respiratory tract infections. Despite its medical importance, there is no vaccine or antiviral drug available to prevent or treat human metapneumovirus infection. This study investigates how human metapneumovirus binds to sugars in order to more efficiently infect the human host. We found that human metapneumovirus binds to a diverse range of sugars and demonstrated that these sugars can ultimately block viral infection. Understanding how viruses can take advantage of the sugar code on our cells could identify new intervention and treatment strategies to combat viral disease.
Comorbidity and multimorbidity in patients with cirrhosis, hospitalised in an internal medicine ward: a monocentric, cross-sectional study
Authors: Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Ballesio Alessia , Croce Gabriele , Brera Alice Silvia , Padovini Lucia , Bertolino Giampiera , Di Sabatino Antonio , Klersy Catherine , Corazza Gino Roberto
Published: May 2024

Objectives

There are no data regarding the prevalence of comorbidity (ie, additional conditions in reference to an index disease) and multimorbidity (ie, co-occurrence of multiple diseases in which no one holds priority) in patients with liver cirrhosis. We sought to determine the rate and differences between comorbidity and multimorbidity depending on the aetiology of cirrhosis.

Design

This is a subanalysis of the San MAtteo Complexity (SMAC) study. We have analysed demographic, clinical characteristics and rate of comorbidity/multimorbidity of patients with liver cirrhosis depending on the aetiology—alcoholic, infectious and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A multivariable analysis for factors associated with multimorbidity was fitted.

Setting

Single-centre, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary referral, academic, internal medicine ward in northern Italy (November 2017–November 2019).

Participants

Data from 1433 patients previously enrolled in the SMAC study were assessed; only those with liver cirrhosis were eventually included.

Results

Of the 1433 patients, 172 (median age 79 years, IQR 67–84; 83 females) had liver cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis displayed higher median Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) comorbidity (4, IQR 3–5; p=0.01) and severity (1.85, IQR 16.–2.0; p<0.001) indexes and lower educational level (103, 59.9%; p=0.003). Patients with alcohol cirrhosis were significantly younger (median 65 years, IQR 56–79) than patients with cirrhosis of other aetiologies (p<0.001) and more commonly males (25, 75.8%). Comorbidity was more prevalent in patients with alcohol cirrhosis (13, 39.4%) and multimorbidity was more prevalent in viral (64, 81.0%) and NAFLD (52, 86.7%) cirrhosis (p=0.015). In a multivariable model for factors associated with multimorbidity, a CIRS comorbidity index >3 (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.93, p=0.024) and admission related to cirrhosis (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.54, p=0.002) were the only significant associations.

Conclusions

Comorbidity is more common in alcohol cirrhosis compared with other aetiologies in a hospital, internal medicine setting.
Determinants of unmet need for modern contraceptives in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Hailay , Alemayehu Mussie , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify the determinants of the unmet need for modern contraceptives in Ethiopia.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Ethiopia.

Participants

A group of 6636 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who were sexually active were included in the study.

Outcome

Unmet need for modern contraceptives

Method

The study used data from the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action-Ethiopia survey, which was community-based and cross-sectional. The sample consisted of women aged 15–49 from households randomly selected to be nationally representative. Multinomial logistic regression and spatial analysis were performed to determine the factors influencing unmet needs for modern contraceptives. The descriptive analysis incorporated svy commands to account for clustering.

Results

The proportion of unmet need for modern contraceptives was 19.7% (95% CI: 18% to 21.5%). Women with supportive norms towards family planning had a lower risk of unmet need for spacing (relative risk ratio (RRR)=0.92, 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.99). Older age lowered the risk of unmet need for spacing 40–44 (RRR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.59) and 45–49 (RRR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.31). Being married increased the unmet need for spacing (RRR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.7) and limiting (RRR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.86 to 7.4). Increasing parity increases the risk of unmet need for spacing (RRR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.38) and limiting (RRR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.4). Contrarily, older age increased the risk of unmet need for limiting 40–44 (RRR=10.2, 95% CI: 1.29 to 79.5), 45–49 (RRR=8.4, 95% CI: 1.03 to 67.4). A clustered spatial unmet need for modern contraceptives was observed (Global Moran’s I=0.715: Z-Score=3.8496, p<0.000118). The SaTScan identified 102 significant hotspot clusters located in Harari (relative risk (RR)=2.82, log-likelihood ratio (LLR)=28.2, p value<0.001), South Nations Nationalities and People, Oromia, Gambella and Addis Ababa (RR=1.33, LLR=15.6, p value<0.001).

Conclusions

High levels of unmet need for modern contraceptives were observed in Ethiopia, showing geographical variations. It is essential to address the key factors affecting women and work towards reducing disparities in modern contraceptive unmet needs among different regions.
Shared decision-making for non-operative management versus operative management of hip fractures in selected frail older adults with a limited life expectancy: a protocol for a nationwide implementation study
Authors: Zeelenberg Miliaan L , Oosterwijk Paulieke C , Willems Hanna C , Gosens Taco , Den Hartog Dennis , Joosse Pieter , Loggers Sverre A I , Nijdam Thomas MP , Pel-Littel Ruth E , Polinder Suzanne , Schuijt Henk Jan , Wijnen Hugo H , Van der Velde Detlef , Van Lieshout Esther M M , Verhofstad Michael H J
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

Recent research has highlighted non-operative management (NOM) as a viable alternative for frail older adults with hip fractures in the final phase of life. This study aims to guide Dutch physicians and hospitals nationwide in a standardised implementation of shared decision-making regarding surgery or NOM in selected frail older adults with a hip fracture.

Methods and analysis

The patient population for implementation includes frail older adults aged ≥70 years with an acute proximal femoral fracture, nursing home care or a similar level of care elsewhere and at least one additional criterion (ie, malnutrition, severe mobility impairment or ASA≥4). The 2-year implementation study will be conducted in four phases. In phases 1 and 2, barriers and facilitators for implementation will be identified and an implementation protocol, educational materials and patient information will be developed. Phase 3 will involve an implementation pilot in 14 hospitals across the Netherlands. The protocol and educational material will be improved based on healthcare provider and patient experiences gathered through interviews. Phase 4 will focus on upscaling to nationwide implementation and the effect of the implementation on NOM rate will be measured using data from the Dutch Hip Fracture Audit.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was exempted by the local Medical Research Ethics Committee (MEC-2023-0270, 10 May 2023) and Medical Ethics Committee United (W23.083, 26 April 2023). The study’s results will be submitted to an open access international peer-reviewed journal. Its protocols, tools and results will be presented at several national and international academic conferences of relevant orthogeriatric (scientific) associations.

Trial registration number

NCT06079905.
Impact of a teaching hospital-based multidisciplinary telemedicine programme in Southwestern Colombia: a cross-sectional resource analysis
Authors: Prada Sergio Iván , Toro José Joaquín , Peña-Zárate Evelyn E , Libreros-Peña Laura , Alarcón Juliana , Escobar María Fernanda
Published: May 2024

Background

Telemedicine, a method of healthcare service delivery bridging geographic distances between patients and providers, has gained prominence. This modality is particularly advantageous for outpatient consultations, addressing inherent barriers of travel time and cost.

Objective

We aim to describe economical outcomes towards the implementation of a multidisciplinary telemedicine service in a high-complexity hospital in Latin America, from the perspective of patients.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted, analysing the institutional data obtained over a period of 9 months, between April 2020 and December 2020.

Setting

A high-complexity teaching hospital located in Cali, Colombia.

Participants

Individuals who received care via telemedicine. The population was categorised into three groups based on their place of residence: Cali, Valle del Cauca excluding Cali and Outside of Valle del Cauca.

Outcome measures

Travel distance, time, fuel and public round-trip cost savings, and potential loss of productivity were estimated from the patient’s perspective.

Results

A total of 62 258 teleconsultations were analysed. Telemedicine led to a total distance savings of 4 514 903 km, and 132 886 hours. The estimated cost savings were US$680 822 for private transportation and US$1 087 821 for public transportation. Patients in the Outside of Valle del Cauca group experienced an estimated average time savings of 21.2 hours, translating to an average fuel savings of US$149.02 or an average savings of US$156.62 in public transportation costs. Areas with exclusive air access achieved a mean cost savings of US$362.9 per teleconsultation, specifically related to transportation costs.

Conclusion

Telemedicine emerges as a powerful tool for achieving substantial travel savings for patients, especially in regions confronting geographical and socioeconomic obstacles. These findings underscore the potential of telemedicine to bridge healthcare accessibility gaps in low-income and middle-income countries, calling for further investment and expansion of telemedicine services in such areas.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of ketamine versus ketamine and behavioural activation therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression in the community
Authors: Beaglehole Ben , Porter Richard , Douglas Katie , Lacey Cameron James , de Bie Aroha , Jordan Jennifer , Mentzel Charlie , Thwaites Bridgette , Manuel Jenni , Murray Greg , Frampton Christopher , Glue Paul
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Although short-term benefits follow parenteral ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD), there are challenges that prevent routine use of ketamine by clinicians. These include acute dissociative effects of parenteral ketamine, high relapse rates following ketamine dosing and the uncertain role of psychotherapy. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) seeks to establish the feasibility of evaluating repeated oral doses of ketamine and behavioural activation therapy (BAT), compared with ketamine treatment alone, for TR-MDD. We also aim to compare relapse rates between treatment arms to determine the effect size of adding BAT to oral ketamine.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospectively registered, two-centre, single-blind RCT. We aim to recruit 60 participants with TR-MDD aged between 18 and 65 years. Participants will be randomised to 8 weeks of oral ketamine and BAT, or 8 weeks of oral ketamine alone. Feasibility will be assessed by tracking attendance for ketamine and BAT, acceptability of treatment measures and retention to the study follow-up protocol. The primary efficacy outcome measure is the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) measured weekly during treatment and fortnightly during 12 weeks of follow-up. Other outcome measures will assess the tolerability of ketamine and BAT, cognition and activity (using actigraphy). Participants will be categorised as non-responders, responders, remitters and relapsed during follow-up. MADRS scores will be analysed using a linear mixed model. For a definitive follow-up RCT study to be recommended, the recruitment expectations will be met and efficacy outcomes consistent with a >20% reduction in relapse rates favouring the BAT and ketamine arm will be achieved.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the New Zealand Central Health and Disability Ethics Committee (reference: 2023 FULL18176). Study findings will be reported to participants, stakeholder groups, conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

UTN: U1111-1294-9310, ACTRN12623000817640p.
Radiation attenuation characterization of some biological samples by using the Klein–Nishina formula
Authors: Levet Aytaç , Büyükyıldız Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Radiation has beneficial applications in medicine and nuclear sciences, but it can also be harmful due to its ionizing properties. So, radiation usage has a significant role in different research fields. In the present study, the Klein–Nishina (K–N) approach was used to evaluate the electronic and energy-transfer cross sections of Water, bone, adipose, soft, long, breast, brain and skin tissues. Compton mass attenuation coefficients (CMAC) and Compton mass energy transfer coefficients (CMACtr) were determined in the energy range 0.284–15 MeV. Different methods, based on the effective charge, were used to determine the parameters of the materials for the energy range. The cross sections were firstly calculated for elements that made up the materials. The investigated parameters of the materials were then determined using the relevant cross sections in the energy range. The results were compared with each other and some possible results from the literature. Klein–Nishina electronic cross sections, Compton mass attenuation coefficients and Compton mass energy transfer coefficients of the studied materials were decreased with increasing γ-ray energy like the elements. A good agreement was observed for CMACs and CMACtrs based on Zeff1/A and Zeff3/A (Diff. ≤ 16.4%) for Bone Compact. In addition, a comparison with the literature was done for CaCO3 in CMAC for some photon energies. The maximum difference (%) between used methods and literature was observed as ≤ 19.0%. The reported data should be useful using the gamma rays in Compton scattering energy region.
Who Creates for the Creators?
Authors: Sturdee Miriam
Published: May 2024

Former Roblox VP of Design Eric Kabisch on the Evolution of Emergent Systems-Based Thinking in UX and HCI

"I believe that one of the most interesting shifts in design and HCI is that we're now building systems for creators that allow for the emergence of behaviors, design, and novel experiences---rather than just crafting a specific product."
Climate Change Economics over Time and Space
Authors: Desmet Klaus , Rossi-Hansberg Esteban
Published: May 2024

With average temperature ranging from −20°C at the North Pole to 30°C at the Equator and with global warming expected to reach 1.4°C to 4.5°C by the year 2100, it is clear that climate change will have vastly different effects across the globe. Given the abundance of land in northern latitudes, if population and economic activity could freely move across space, the economic cost of global warming would be greatly reduced. However, spatial frictions are real: migrants face barriers, trade and transportation are costly, physical infrastructure is not footloose, and knowledge embedded in clusters of economic activity diffuses only imperfectly. Thus, the economic cost of climate change is intimately connected to these spatial frictions. Building on earlier integrated assessment models (IAMs) that largely ignored space, in the past decade there has been significant progress in developing dynamic spatial integrated assessment models (S-IAMs) aimed at providing a more realistic evaluation of the economic cost of climate change, both locally and globally. This review discusses this progress and provides a guide for future work in this area.
Negative Interest Rate Policies: A Survey
Authors: Brandão-Marques Luis , Casiraghi Marco , Gelos Gaston , Kamber Güneş , Meeks Roland
Published: May 2024

This article surveys studies on the impact of central bank negative interest rate policies (NIRP). It reviews recent research on the effects of NIRP on financial markets, banks, households, firms, and the macroeconomy. Overall, policy rate cuts when interest rates are negative propagated along the yield curve, with the first policy cut below zero contributing significantly to the fall in longer-term yields. Lending and deposit rates also decreased following the adoption of NIRP. Based on the experience so far, bank lending volumes rose, and bank profits did not significantly deteriorate, although there was considerable heterogeneity in the effects. The impact of NIRP on inflation and output appears to have been comparable to that of conventional interest rate cuts.
Modern Industrial Policy and the World Trade Organization
Authors: Bown Chad P.
Published: May 2024

This article surveys the economics of industrial policy as it relates to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Motivated by concern that the modern use of industrial policy is emerging in ways that threaten cooperation in the international trading system, the article begins with the basic historical economic framework for tying industrial policy to underlying market failures. It then introduces the dominant economic understanding of the role played by the WTO, examining the WTO's rules on subsidies (and thus industrial policy), the unease with the evolution of the trading system's subsidy rules, gaps in knowledge, and important data and measurement shortcomings. The main part of the article examines four areas in which modern industrial policy operates differently and has become especially important for the trading system: China, supply chain resilience, supply chain responsiveness, and climate change. The article identifies the evidence to date, open questions, and potential paths forward for economic research to help inform policymakers’ efforts to restore international economic cooperation in trade and industrial policy.
Nano-Scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry: A Paradigm Shift in Soil Science
Authors: Mir Yasir Hanif , Qin Anzhen , Mir Shakeel , Rahman Shafeeq Ur , Mushtaq Mehnaza , Ganie Mumtaz A. , Chesti M. H. , Bhat Javid A. , Baba Zahoor A. , Bhat M. Auyoub , Khan Inayat M. , Rasool Rehana , Shah Aanisa Manzoor , Sadiq Shazia , Basheeruddin Asdaq Syed Mohammed , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Yasin Ghulam
Published: May 2024

Soils exhibit structural heterogeneity across diverse spatio-temporal scales, yielding myriad of microhabitats, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the intricate interactions within the soil matrix. At the nanometer scale, the interplay among organic matter (OM), mineral particles, and microbiota intricately govern the long-term destiny of soil carbon (C), nutrient cycling, and the fate of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Notably, the sorption of soil organic matter (SOM) onto smaller clay particles and its entrapment in microaggregates further contribute to this complex dynamic. Understanding these processes depends on recognizing their scale-dependent nature, necessitating sophisticated techniques for investigation. Although various methods are employed across scales, the current set of techniques still lacks the requisite sensitivity and resolution for microscale data collection. To address this limitation, the adoption of novel microscopic and spectroscopic techniques capable of probing molecular, isotopic, and elemental patterns at the micro to nano scale becomes imperative. Among these cutting-edge methodologies, the nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS) emerges as a paradigm-shifting tool. Representing the latest evolution in ion microprobes, NanoSIMS seamlessly integrates high-resolution microscopy and isotopic analysis, maintaining unparalleled signal transmission and spatial resolution, reaching as fine as 50 nm. Its capabilities extend beyond conventional applications in science, as evidenced by recent breakthroughs in utilizing NanoSIMS to study biophysical interfaces in soils. This article underscores the pressing need to advance the incorporation of NanoSIMS as a pioneering instrumentation technique in soil studies. Furthering the implementation of this novel instrumentation technique in soil studies will pave avenues and aid in the advancement of future research.
Bystander Effects and Profibrotic Interactions in Hepatic Stellate Cells during HIV and HCV Coinfection
Authors: Cevallos Cintia , Jarmoluk Patricio , Sviercz Franco , López Cinthya A. M. , Freiberger Rosa N. , Delpino M. Victoria , Quarleri Jorge
Published: May 2024

This study aims to explore the influence of coinfection with HCV and HIV on hepatic fibrosis. A coculture system was set up to actively replicate both viruses, incorporating CD4 T lymphocytes (Jurkat), hepatic stellate cells (LX‐2), and hepatocytes (Huh7.5). LX‐2 cells’ susceptibility to HIV infection was assessed through measurements of HIV receptor expression, exposure to cell‐free virus, and cell‐to‐cell contact with HIV‐infected Jurkat cells. The study evaluated profibrotic parameters, including programed cell death, ROS imbalance, cytokines (IL‐6, TGF‐β, and TNF‐α), and extracellular matrix components (collagen, α‐SMA, and MMP‐9). The impact of HCV infection on LX‐2/HIV‐Jurkat was examined using soluble factors released from HCV‐infected hepatocytes. Despite LX‐2 cells being nonsusceptible to direct HIV infection, bystander effects were observed, leading to increased oxidative stress and dysregulated profibrotic cytokine release. Coculture with HIV‐infected Jurkat cells intensified hepatic fibrosis, redox imbalance, expression of profibrotic cytokines, and extracellular matrix production. Conversely, HCV‐infected Huh7.5 cells exhibited elevated profibrotic gene transcriptions but without measurable effects on the LX‐2/HIV‐Jurkat coculture. This study highlights how HIV‐infected lymphocytes worsen hepatic fibrosis during HCV/HIV coinfection. They increase oxidative stress, profibrotic cytokine levels, and extracellular matrix production in hepatic stellate cells through direct contact and soluble factors. These insights offer valuable potential therapies for coinfected individuals.
Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic, and Antiarthritic Property of Different Parts of Bari Orchid
Authors: Rahaman Md. Samsur , Rahaman Md. Saifur , Hasnine Shah Md. Marzuk , Sultana Salma , Bhuiyan Md. Abdul Quaiyum , Kabir Mohammad Shahriar , Bari Md. Abdul , Islam Jahid M. M. , Hossain Md. Ismail , Khan Mubarak A.
Published: May 2024

Many different herbal extracts have historically been utilized to treat microbe-induced infections, injuries, cancer, thrombosis, and arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial, cytotoxic, in vitro thrombolytic, and in vitro antiarthritic properties of ethanolic extracts of stem and seed of Bari orchid 1 (BO) plant. This orchid plant was developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur. Fourteen microbes were employed in the antimicrobial investigation, and samples of orchids were compared to ciprofloxacin as a reference. The BO/seed extract was found to possess more antibacterial activity. The lethality test of brine shrimps was used to assess the LC50 values. The BO/stem extract exhibited a higher cytotoxicity potential, in comparison to the BO/seed extract. Two concentrations (1000 and 100 ppm) and two incubation times (24 hours and 1.5 hours) were used to assess the thrombolytic activity of the extracts. Regarding the thrombolytic effect, the BO/stem extract has demonstrated greater promise. Furthermore, the herbal extract’s antiarthritic activity was investigated at four different concentrations, and the results were evaluated in comparison with those of diclofenac sodium. When comparing BO/stem extract to other extracts, the greatest values for protein denaturation were obtained.
Exploring Options for Syndromic Surveillance in Aquaculture: Outbreak Detection of Salmon Pancreas Disease Using Production Data from Norwegian Farms
Authors: Oliveira Victor H. S. , Dórea Fernanda C. , Dean Katharine R. , Bang Jensen Britt
Published: May 2024

Syndromic surveillance (SyS) is an important tool for early warning and monitoring of health in human and animal populations, but its use in aquaculture has been limited. Our study objective was to design a SyS system for Atlantic salmon aquaculture and to evaluate its performance in detecting pancreas disease (PD) outbreaks caused by salmonid alphaviruses on farms. We defined SyS outbreak alarms as cases where monthly farm mortality exceeded predefined cutoffs or deviated significantly from expected values based on predictive generalized linear models. These models were trained for each salmon production area in Norway, using data from 2014 to 2017. The outcome variable was fish mortality per farm‐month, and input variables were production and environmental predictors, as well as an offset for the number of fish at risk. We also added autoregressive components to explain temporal dependency within fish cohorts. Subsequently, data from 2018 to 2021 was used to parameterize and validate the SyS system’s performance against the current national PD surveillance program, which relies on routine farm‐screening tests using molecular techniques and reports of clinical findings. The study covered 19,119 farm‐months, involving 1,618 fish cohorts. The performance of our SyS system varied across production areas, with sensitivity ranging from 80.5% to 87.4% and a false alarm rate of 45.3%–53.2%. The absence of alarms was usually observed in farms that were truly negative for PD, i.e., a negative predictive value range of 81.2%–94.0%. The median time for alarms being raised was either in the same month as the current PD surveillance program or 1 month prior or after it. Our results indicate that the SyS system is a valuable tool for monitoring mortality on salmon farms, but alarms are unspecific if evaluated against an individual disease (PD). Increasing the frequency and granularity of mortality reporting might improve the SyS system’s performance.
Table S1 from Breast Cancer Stem Cells Secrete MIF to Mediate Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming That Drives Immune Evasion
Authors: Yan Linlin , Wu Mingming , Wang Tianyu , Yuan Hui , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Huafeng , Li Tao , Pandey Vijay , Han Xinghua , Lobie Peter E. , Zhu Tao
Published: May 2024

Table S1 shows the sequences of sgRNAs, shRNAs and primers for cloning and qRT-PCR analysis.
Supplementary Figure S8 from Breast Cancer Stem Cells Secrete MIF to Mediate Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming That Drives Immune Evasion
Authors: Yan Linlin , Wu Mingming , Wang Tianyu , Yuan Hui , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Huafeng , Li Tao , Pandey Vijay , Han Xinghua , Lobie Peter E. , Zhu Tao
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Figure S8 shows that Targeting MIF enhances cancer cell sensitivity to immune cell killing.
Supplementary Table S6 from Serum Lipidome Profiling Reveals a Distinct Signature of Ovarian Cancer in Korean Women
Authors: Sah Samyukta , Bifarin Olatomiwa O. , Moore Samuel G. , Gaul David A. , Chung Hyewon , Kwon Sun Young , Cho Hanbyoul , Cho Chi-Heum , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kim Jaeyeon , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table S6 shows Annotated gangliosides.
Table S3 from Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Plasma C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Andersen Høgni H. , Bojesen Stig E. , Johansen Julia S. , Ejlertsen Bent , Berg Tobias , Tuxen Malgorzata , Madsen Kasper , Danø Hella , Flyger Henrik , Jensen Maj-Britt , Nielsen Dorte L.
Published: May 2024

Standardized mortality ratio by continuous CRP
Table S1 from Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Plasma C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Andersen Høgni H. , Bojesen Stig E. , Johansen Julia S. , Ejlertsen Bent , Berg Tobias , Tuxen Malgorzata , Madsen Kasper , Danø Hella , Flyger Henrik , Jensen Maj-Britt , Nielsen Dorte L.
Published: May 2024

Baseline characteristics
Supplementary Table S11 from Serum Lipidome Profiling Reveals a Distinct Signature of Ovarian Cancer in Korean Women
Authors: Sah Samyukta , Bifarin Olatomiwa O. , Moore Samuel G. , Gaul David A. , Chung Hyewon , Kwon Sun Young , Cho Hanbyoul , Cho Chi-Heum , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kim Jaeyeon , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table S11 shows Machine learning performance for the 10-lipid panel.