bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse association between serum chloride levels and the risk of atrial fibrillation in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Gan Yangang , Nie Sheng , Pang Mingzhen , Huang Rong , Xu Hong , Liu Bicheng , Weng Jianping , Chunbo Chen , Liu Huafeng , Li Hua , Kong Yaozhong , Li Guisen , Wan Qijun , Zha Yan , Hu Ying , Xu Gang , Shi Yongjun , Zhou Yilun , Su Guobin , Tang Ying , Gong Mengchun , Hou Fan Fan , Yang Qiongqiong
Published: May 2024

Background

Electrolyte abnormalities are common symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but previous studies have mainly focussed on serum potassium and sodium levels. Chloride is an important biomarker for the prognosis of various diseases. However, the relationship between serum chloride levels and atrial fibrillation (AF) in CKD patients is unclear.

Objective

In this study, we sought to determine the association between serum chloride homeostasis and AF in CKD patients.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients who met the diagnostic criteria for CKD in China between 2000 and 2021. Competing risk regression for AF was performed. The associations of the baseline serum chloride concentration with heart failure (HF) and stroke incidence were also calculated by competing risk regression. The association of baseline serum chloride levels with all-cause death was determined by a Cox regression model.

Results

The study cohort comprised 20 550 participants. During a median follow-up of 350 days (interquartile range, 123–730 days), 211 of the 20 550 CKD patients developed AF. After multivariable adjustment, every decrease in the standard deviation of serum chloride (5.02 mmol/l) was associated with a high risk for AF [sub-hazard ratio (sHR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.94, P = .008]. These results were also consistent with those of the stratified and sensitivity analyses. According to the fully adjusted models, the serum chloride concentration was also associated with a high risk for incident HF (sHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.91, P < .001), a high risk for incident stroke (sHR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.94, P < .001), and a high risk for all-cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.91, P < .001].

Conclusion

In this CKD population, serum chloride levels were independently and inversely associated with the incidence of AF. Lower serum chloride levels were also associated with an increased risk of incident HF, stroke, and all-cause death.
Vulnerability Localization Based On Intermediate Code Representation and Feature Fusion
Authors: Zhu Chenguang , Wei Renzheng , Chen Liwei , Wu Tongshuai , Du Gewangzi , Shi Gang
Published: May 2024

Vulnerability localization can assist security professionals in vulnerability validation and analysis. This study proposes an intelligent vulnerability localization method based on fine-grained program representation and feature fusion. Firstly, we generate efficient fine-grained program representations of the program. This involves transforming the source code into intermediate code. We use abstract syntax tree characteristics to correspond to the points of interest of the intermediate code. We slice the intermediate code file based on the point of interest and program dependency relationships. Subsequently, we use the word2vec model to the vectorization of the intermediate code slices. Then, we propose a vulnerability localization framework based on a feature fusion method, which can better combine the advantages of bidirectional gate recurrent unit and convolutional neural network to capture the syntax and semantics of program representation. Through comparing different program representations, we have discovered that the fine-grained representation based on intermediate code in this study provides a more accurate portrayal of program semantics. By comparing various methods, the proposed feature fusion approach in this paper improves vulnerability localization. We also conducted a visualization display of vulnerability localization. Furthermore, we have validated the effectiveness of this method in localizing vulnerabilities across five common vulnerability types.
Wall shear stress measured with 4D flow CMR correlates with biomarkers of inflammation and collagen synthesis in mild-to-moderate ascending aortic dilation and tricuspid aortic valves
Authors: Hammaréus Filip , Trenti Chiara , Björck Hanna M , Engvall Jan , Lekedal Hanna , Krzynska-Trzebiatowska Aleksandra , Kylhammar David , Lindenberger Marcus , Lundberg Anna K , Nilsson Fredrik , Nilsson Lennart , Swahn Eva , Jonasson Lena , Dyverfeldt Petter
Published: May 2024

Aims

Understanding the mechanisms underlying ascending aortic dilation is imperative for refined risk stratification of these patients, particularly among incidentally identified patients, most commonly presenting with tricuspid valves. The aim of this study was to explore associations between ascending aortic haemodynamics, assessed using four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow CMR), and circulating biomarkers in aortic dilation.

Methods and results

Forty-seven cases with aortic dilation (diameter ≥ 40 mm) and 50 sex-and age-matched controls (diameter < 40 mm), all with tricuspid aortic valves, underwent 4D flow CMR and venous blood sampling. Associations between flow displacement, wall shear stress (WSS), and oscillatory shear index in the ascending aorta derived from 4D flow CMR, and biomarkers including interleukin-6, collagen type I α1 chain, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and inhibitors of MMPs derived from blood plasma, were investigated. Cases with dilation exhibited lower peak systolic WSS, higher flow displacement, and higher mean oscillatory shear index compared with controls without dilation. No significant differences in biomarkers were observed between the groups. Correlations between haemodynamics and biomarkers were observed, particularly between maximum time-averaged WSS and interleukin-6 (r = 0.539, P < 0.001), and maximum oscillatory shear index and collagen type I α1 chain (r = −0.575, P < 0.001 in cases).

Conclusion

Significant associations were discovered between 4D flow CMR derived whole-cardiac cycle WSS and circulating biomarkers representing inflammation and collagen synthesis, suggesting an intricate interplay between haemodynamics and the processes of inflammation and collagen synthesis in patients with early aortic dilation and tricuspid aortic valves.
Sudden cardiac death during scuba diving: a case report of a patient with unknown hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Di Paolo Marco , Mezzetti Eleonora , Leoni Matteo , Scatena Andrea , Passino Claudio
Published: May 2024

Background

Scuba diving is a recreational activity usually considered at low impact on cardiovascular system. However, when diving, increased ambient pressure exerts several effects on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, mainly due to redistribution of peripheral blood into the central circulation. This phenomenon, also known as blood shift, may produce a significant overload on a non-healthy heart.

Case summary

We present the case of a female patient who experienced sudden cardiac death during scuba diving: post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance and autopsy revealed that the patient was affected by previously unknown hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Discussion

Diving exposes the body to significant physiological changes that may overstress a diseased heart. This case suggests the need for some cardiovascular exams, such as an echocardiogram or, at least, an electrocardiogram, for screening cardiovascular abnormalities in subjects who wish to practice scuba diving.
An unusual cause of anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Dindane Zouhir , Golgor Elena , Linke Axel , Mangner Norman
Published: May 2024

Background

Metastatic tumours, notably lung cancer, can cause conditions resembling acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs), contributing to the minor percentage of AMIs unrelated to coronary atherosclerosis. These instances necessitate specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches due to the distinct underlying pathology.

Case summary

We report a case of a 65-year-old male with metastatic lung cancer presenting with prolonged angina pectoris. Elevated troponin and creatine kinase levels led to emergency catheterization, revealing a total occlusion of the distal left coronary artery attributed to tumour infiltration. Intervention attempts were unsuccessful, and given the palliative context, other revascularization strategies were not pursued. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram depicted tumour invasion at the heart’s apex, confirming the diagnosis. The patient passed away shortly after receiving palliative radiation therapy.

Discussion

This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing myocardial infiltrations from metastatic tumours mimicking AMI. It accentuates the importance of imaging studies for accurate diagnosis and the critical evaluation of intervention strategies, highlighting the need for focused palliative care in such complex scenarios.
Remote proctoring in complex percutaneous coronary intervention aided by mixed reality technology
Authors: Calic Slobodan , Jortveit Jarle , Andersen Jahn Otto , Eek Christian Hesbø
Published: May 2024

Aims

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) has a lower success rate and a higher complication rate compared to PCI of non-occluded coronary arteries. Co-operation and supervision by a more experienced operator (proctoring) are associated with improved success of CTO procedures. This study aims to assess the feasibility of remote proctoring using web-based communication and mixed reality technology in CTO procedures.

Methods and results

The PCI operator was equipped with a Microsoft HoloLens 2 head-mounted display enabling visual and verbal interaction including holographic annotations with a remote proctor. Ten CTO procedures were performed by a single PCI operator assisted by a remote proctor. Audio and video communication was successfully established in all procedures. All procedures were possible to perform with a Microsoft HoloLens 2 head-mounted display. The PCI operator experienced the remote proctoring as useful.

Conclusion

Remote proctoring of CTO procedures using mixed reality technology was feasible. The impact of the method regarding procedural and patient outcomes needs to be assessed in new studies.
Artificial intelligence–enhanced electrocardiography analysis as a promising tool for predicting obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina
Authors: Park Jiesuck , Kim Joonghee , Kang Si-Hyuck , Lee Jina , Hong Youngtaek , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Cho Youngjin , Yoon Yeonyee E
Published: May 2024

Aims

The clinical feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI)-based electrocardiography (ECG) analysis for predicting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been sufficiently validated in patients with stable angina, especially in large sample sizes.

Methods and results

A deep learning framework for the quantitative ECG (QCG) analysis was trained and internally tested to derive the risk scores (0–100) for obstructive CAD (QCGObstCAD) and extensive CAD (QCGExtCAD) using 50 756 ECG images from 21 866 patients who underwent coronary artery evaluation for chest pain (invasive coronary or computed tomography angiography). External validation was performed in 4517 patients with stable angina who underwent coronary imaging to identify obstructive CAD. The QCGObstCAD and QCGExtCAD scores were significantly increased in the presence of obstructive and extensive CAD (all P < 0.001) and with increasing degrees of stenosis and disease burden, respectively (all Ptrend < 0.001). In the internal and external tests, QCGObstCAD exhibited a good predictive ability for obstructive CAD [area under the curve (AUC), 0.781 and 0.731, respectively] and severe obstructive CAD (AUC, 0.780 and 0.786, respectively), and QCGExtCAD exhibited a good predictive ability for extensive CAD (AUC, 0.689 and 0.784). In the external test, the QCGObstCAD and QCGExtCAD scores demonstrated independent and incremental predictive values for obstructive and extensive CAD, respectively, over that with conventional clinical risk factors. The QCG scores demonstrated significant associations with lesion characteristics, such as the fractional flow reserve, coronary calcification score, and total plaque volume.

Conclusion

The AI-based QCG analysis for predicting obstructive CAD in patients with stable angina, including those with severe stenosis and multivessel disease, is feasible.
Joint shape/texture representation learning for cardiovascular disease diagnosis from magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chen Xiang , Xia Yan , Dall'Armellina Erica , Ravikumar Nishant , Frangi Alejandro F
Published: May 2024

Aims

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cardiac image and mesh are two primary modalities to present the shape and structure of the heart and have been demonstrated to be efficient in CVD prediction and diagnosis. However, previous research has been generally focussed on a single modality (image or mesh), and few of them have tried to jointly consider the image and mesh representations of heart. To obtain efficient and explainable biomarkers for CVD prediction and diagnosis, it is needed to jointly consider both representations.

Methods and results

We design a novel multi-channel variational auto-encoder, mesh-image variational auto-encoder, to learn joint representation of paired mesh and image. After training, the shape-aware image representation (SAIR) can be learned directly from the raw images and applied for further CVD prediction and diagnosis. We demonstrate our method on data from UK Biobank study and two other datasets via extensive experiments. In acute myocardial infarction prediction, SAIR achieves 81.43% accuracy, significantly higher than traditional biomarkers like metadata and clinical indices (left ventricle and right ventricle clinical indices of cardiac function like chamber volume, mass, and ejection fraction).

Conclusion

Our mesh-image variational auto-encoder provides a novel approach for 3D cardiac mesh reconstruction from images. The extraction of SAIR is fast and without need of segmentation masks, and its focussing can be visualized in the corresponding cardiac meshes. SAIR archives better performance than traditional biomarkers and can be applied as an efficient supplement to them, which is of significant potential in CVD analysis.
Role of supply chain intermediaries in steering hospital product choice: Group Purchasing Organizations and biosimilars
Authors: Dean Emma Boswell , Pierre Reekarl , Carter Samuel , Bond Amelia M
Published: May 2024

Over 95% of hospitals in the United States use pooling alliances, known as Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), to purchase medications, devices, and supplies. While GPOs create savings for hospitals through lowered prices and reduced administrative burden, critics allege that these supply chain intermediaries reduce competition, particularly if GPOs concentrate purchasing from larger, dominant manufacturers. Using a mixed-methods design, we studied whether GPOs influence hospital purchasing behavior and explored the contracting mechanisms used by GPOs. Focusing on 4 high-cost biologic molecules that face competition from generic-like biosimilars between 2015 and 2019, we found that biosimilar uptake was 16%–23% higher among Traditional Medicare patients in hospitals associated with 2 of the 3 top GPOs as compared with smaller GPOs. The increase in biosimilar use was driven by single biosimilar brands that varied by GPO. Based on qualitative interviews, these 2 GPOs used more aggressive contracting strategies to steer member hospitals to specific biosimilar brands. To date, the use of GPOs and these aggressive contracting strategies appear to have increased biosimilar use, suggesting savings for payers and patients. However, single-source GPO contracting could inhibit competition or create shortages in the long term. Transparency on GPO practices and pricing strategies is needed for further GPO evaluations.
Equivariant Cohomology and Conditional Oriented Matroids
Authors: Dorpalen-Barry Galen , Proudfoot Nicholas , Wang Jidong
Published: May 2024

We give a cohomological interpretation of the Heaviside filtration on the Varchenko–Gelfand ring of a pair $({\mathcal{A}},{\mathcal{K}})$, where ${\mathcal{A}}$ is a real hyperplane arrangement and ${\mathcal{K}}$ is a convex open subset of the ambient vector space. This builds on work of the first author, who studied the filtration from a purely algebraic perspective, as well as work of Moseley, who gave a cohomological interpretation in the special case where ${\mathcal{K}}$ is the ambient vector space. We also define the Gelfand–Rybnikov ring of a conditional oriented matroid, which simultaneously generalizes the Gelfand–Rybnikov ring of an oriented matroid and the aforementioned Varchenko–Gelfand ring of a pair. We give purely combinatorial presentations of the ring, its associated graded, and its Rees algebra.
Hemagglutinin Stalk-Specific Fc-Mediated Functions Are Associated With Protection Against Influenza Illness After Seasonal Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Motsoeneng Boitumelo M , Dhar Nisha , Nunes Marta C , Krammer Florian , Madhi Shabir A , Moore Penny L , Richardson Simone I
Published: May 2024

Background

Future vaccine candidates aim to elicit antibodies against the conserved hemagglutinin stalk domain. Understanding the protective mechanism of these antibodies, which mediate broad neutralization and Fc-mediated functions, following seasonal vaccination is critical.

Methods

Plasma samples were obtained from pregnant women with or without HIV-1 enrolled in a randomised trial (138 trivalent inactivated vaccine [TIV] and 145 placebo recipients). Twenty-three influenza cases were confirmed within 6 months postpartum. We measured H1 stalk-specific antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement deposition (ADCD) and cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) at enrolment and 1-month postvaccination.

Results

Lower H1 stalk-specific ADCP and ADCD activity was detected for participants with confirmed influenza compared with individuals without illness 1-month postvaccination. Pre-existing ADCP scores ≥250 reduced the odds of A/H1N1 infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.11; P = .01) with an 83% likelihood of risk reduction. Following TIV, ADCD scores of ≥25 and ≥15 significantly reduced the odds against A/H1N1 (OR, 0.10; P = .01) and non-group 1 (OR, 0.06; P = .0004) influenza virus infections, respectively. These ADCD scores were associated with >84% likelihood of risk reduction.

Conclusions

Overall, H1 stalk-specific Fc effector function correlates with protection against influenza illness following influenza vaccination during pregnancy. These findings provide insight into the protective mechanisms of hemagglutinin stalk antibodies.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01306669 and NCT01306682 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Emotions in the Frontline. Notes on Interpretive Research in Conflict Areas
Authors: Tinti Alessandro
Published: May 2024

In line with the call for greater engagement with the affective and emotional dimensions of conducting research in conflict and post-conflict settings, this article addresses the methodological implications of incorporating emotionally sensed knowledge into the research process. It argues that emotions serve as fundamental heuristic keys for entering the field and acquiring situated knowledge. By reflecting upon practical challenges and ethical concerns encountered during field research in Iraq, the article aims to challenge disciplinary practices that promote emotional self-censorship and provide guidance to young researchers navigating the messy contingencies of fieldwork. The neglect of emotions in positivist approaches is examined in relation to the political economy of knowledge production, suggesting that prevailing emotional silence may lead to harmful research practices and threatens epistemological pluralism.
A system-wide approach to digital equity: the Digital Access Coordinator program in primary care
Authors: Rodriguez Jorge A , Zelen Michelle , Szulak Jessica , Moore Katie , Park Lee
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The transition to digital tools prompted by the pandemic made evident digital disparities. To address digital literacy gaps, we implemented a system-wide digital navigation program.

Methods

The Digital Access Coordinator (DAC) program consists of 12 multilingual navigators who support patients in enrolling and using the patient portal and digital tools. We implemented the program in our primary care network which consists of 1.25 million patients across 1211 clinicians.

Results

From May 2021 to November 2022, the DACs completed outreach to 16 045 patients. Of the 13 413 patients they reached, they successfully enrolled 8193 (61%) patients in the patient portal. Of those patients they enrolled, most patients were of Other race, Hispanic ethnicity, and were English-speaking (44%) and Spanish-speaking patients (44%). Using our embedded model, we increased enrollment across 7 clinics (mean increase: 21.3%, standard deviation: 9.2%). Additionally, we identified key approaches for implementing a digital navigation program.

Conclusion

Organizations can support patient portal enrollment, a key part of digital health equity, by creating and prioritizing digital navigation programs.
Validation of the AgraStrip® Pro Total Aflatoxin WATEX® Method for Detection of Total Aflatoxins in Corn and Peanut Paste: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 032402
Authors: Kraus Sonja , Cvak Barbara , Fidalgo Luis
Published: May 2024

Background

To protect public and animal health against risks provoked by aflatoxins contained therein, maximum limits for aflatoxins are defined. Limit values vary depending on the intended use and regulatory authority, therefore quantitative detection is essential.

Objective

Validation of a one-step competitive lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for quantitative screening of total aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in corn and peanut paste for the high-sensitivity range (0–50 µg/kg).

Methods

Corn or peanut paste test portions are water-based extracted and prepared for testing within 15 min. The AgraStrip® Pro Total Aflatoxin WATEX® test method quantifies the concentration of aflatoxins in the sample. Selectivity, robustness, product consistency, and stability testing were performed in addition to matrix testing.

Results

No cross-reactivity was detected against possible interferants. Corn resulted in a LOD and LOQ of 0.9 and 2.8 µg/kg and overall recoveries between 74 and 108%. Peanut paste resulted internally in a LOD and LOQ of 0.8 and 2.3 µg/kg and recoveries between 86 and 98%. Stability testing showed no influence of the age of the respective lot on the result. Robustness testing demonstrated that varying the amount of water used for extraction, extraction time, and delay between extract dilution and analysis did not significantly affect the result. Due to supply chain issues, a change to the outer cartridge required an increase in the test aliquot size, which had no effect on method performance.

Conclusion

The test kit was validated for the determination of total aflatoxins in corn and peanut paste. Recovery and precision met the requirements laid down in Codex Alimentarius CXG 71–2009 and acceptable robustness, selectivity, and product consistency and stability were demonstrated.

Highlights

The AgraStrip Pro Total Aflatoxin WATEX test kit in the high sensitivity range (0–50 µg/kg) was approved by the AOAC AOAC Research Institute (PTM number 032402).
Program Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Burn Survivors
Authors: Rothbauer Mikki , Pasek Zuzanna , Dalrymple Kirsten A , Wewerka Sandi S , Adams Nell
Published: May 2024

Mental health is a component of care that should be addressed for patients with burns while they are hospitalized. Unfortunately, dedicated burn psychotherapists are rare in burn centers in the United States (US), and it can take months for patients to be seen by a mental health professional after referral. Our burn center has a dedicated licensed clinical social worker who sees patients within 2 business days of referral. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress by modifying the individual’s maladaptive thoughts. To evaluate the timely use of CBT as a treatment for depression in patients with burns, we measured depressive symptoms before and after psychotherapy. Burn clinic nurses administered the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression screener as part of standard care. We computed difference scores to determine the change in PHQ-9 scores at both group and individual levels. At a group level, psychotherapy significantly improved symptoms of depression, indicated by a decreased mean PHQ-9 score. On an individual level, half of the patients (50.7%) experienced a meaningful improvement in their symptoms, indicated by a change in their PHQ-9 depression category, while 35.6% showed no change. Although it was not an effective solution for all patients in this study, timely use of CBT could be an important component of burn care for many and should be considered as part of standard care in burn centers across the US.
Iron and bones: effects of iron overload, deficiency and anemia treatments on bone
Authors: von Brackel Felix N , Oheim Ralf
Published: May 2024

Iron is a vital trace element and exerts opposing effects on bone in both iron overload and iron deficiency situations. Remarkably, iron supplementation through intravenous infusion in patients with iron deficiency can also have detrimental effects on bone in special cases. The diverse mechanisms underlying these effects and their manifestations contribute to the complexity of this relationship. Iron overload impacts both bone resorption and formation, accelerating bone resorption while reducing bone formation. These effects primarily result from the direct action of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which influence the proliferation, differentiation, and activity of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts differently. This imbalance favors osteoclasts and inhibits the osteoblasts. Simultaneously, multiple pathways, including bone morphogenic proteins, RANK ligand, and others, contribute to these actions, leading to a reduction in bone mass and an increased susceptibility to fractures. In contrast, iron deficiency induces low bone turnover due to energy and co-factor deficiency, both of which require iron. Anemia increases the risk of fractures in both men and women. This effect occurs at various levels, reducing muscular performance and, on the bone-specific level, decreasing bone mineral density. Crucially, anemia increases the synthesis of the phosphaturic hormone iFGF23, which is subsequently inactivated by cleavage under physiological conditions. Thus, iFGF23 levels and phosphate excretion are not increased. However, in specific cases where anemia has to be managed with intravenous iron treatment, constituents—particularly maltoses—of the iron infusion suppress the cleavage of iFGF23. As a result, patients can experience severe phosphate wasting and, consequently, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. This condition is often overlooked in clinical practice and is often caused by ferric carboxymaltose. Ending iron infusions or changing the agent, along with phosphate and vitamin D supplementation, can be effective in addressing this issue.
Numerical investigation of mixed convective flow of micropolar Casson fluid with Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model on an inclined vertical stretching surface
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naveed , Alhuthali Abdullah M S , Amjad Ayesha , Saqlain Muhammad , Yar Mohammad , Alshammry Nizal , Elkotb Mohamed Abdelghany
Published: May 2024

It is vitally critical to understand the dynamics of the non-Newtonian fluids model from an engineering and industrial perspective. Many industrial and technical activities, such as the extrusion of polymer sheets, the manufacturing of paper, and the development of photographic films, require non-Newtonian fluids. Energy transportation has numerous industrial applications, and classical heat and mass transfer laws do not accurately anticipate thermal and solute relaxation times. This study applies the modified Ohm law to heat and mass transport, utilizing Fick’s and generalized Fourier concepts. And the primary purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of heat and mass transport in the magnetohydrodynamics-mixed convective flow involving a micropolar Casson fluid across the vertically inclined starching surface with multiple slip effects. Moreover, the study considers additional factors like thermal radiation, heat generation, chemical reactions, and the influence of thermophoretic to analyze both energy and nanoparticle concentration aspects comprehensively. To simplify the flow analysis, the original flow model is transformed into a couple of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by employing relevant similarity transformations. These ODEs establish a system that is solved numerically by using the Bvp4c solver through MATLAB. It is worth noticing that a more substantial estimation of the thermal and concentration relaxation parameters decays the fluid temperature and nanoparticle concentration, respectively, and the growth of the material parameter reduces the drag force, which consequently augmenting the fluid velocity. Furthermore, the enhancement occurs in the skin friction due to greater estimation of the micropolar parameter, while the Casson fluid parameter causes the opposite trend.
Microplastic exposure is associated with epigenomic effects in the model organism Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow)
Authors: Wade Miranda J , Bucci Kennedy , Rochman Chelsea M , Meek Mariah H
Published: May 2024

Microplastics have evolutionary and ecological impacts across species, affecting organisms’ development, reproduction, and behavior along with contributing to genotoxicity and stress. As plastic pollution is increasing and ubiquitous, gaining a better understanding of organismal responses to microplastics is necessary. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation are heritable forms of molecular regulation influenced by environmental conditions. Therefore, determining such epigenetic responses to microplastics will reveal potential chronic consequences of this environmental pollutant. We performed an experiment across two generations of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to elucidate the transgenerational epigenetic effects of microplastic exposure. We exposed the first generation of fish to four different treatments of microplastics: two concentrations of each of pre-consumer polyethylene (PE) and PE collected from Lake Ontario. We then raised the first filial generation with no microplastic exposure. We used enzymatic methylation sequencing on adult liver tissue and homogenized larvae to evaluate DNA methylation differences among treatments, sexes, and generations. Our findings show the origin of the plastic had a larger effect in female minnows whereas the effect of concentration was stronger in the males. We also observed transgenerational effects, highlighting a mechanism in which parents can pass on the effects of microplastic exposure to their offspring. Many of the genes found within differentially methylated regions in our analyses are known to interact with estrogenic chemicals associated with plastic and are related to metabolism. This study highlights the persistent and potentially serious impacts of microplastic pollution on gene regulation in freshwater systems.
Military Family Perspectives on Enrollment and Engagement in the WIC Program
Authors: Chokshi Binny , Zven Sidney , Burris Rachel , Wido Meaghan , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Introduction

One in four U.S. service members endorses food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is an invaluable, underutilized resource that can increase access to nutritious food for families with children under 5 years of age. Our research sought to evaluate military family perceptions and engagement with the WIC program.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a mixed-method study, recruiting from a convenience sample of military families who applied for financial assistance for child care. An 18-question survey and follow-up focus groups assessed participant demographics and experiences with WIC. We utilized descriptive statistics ordinal logistic regression analyses for quantitative data analysis. For qualitative data, descriptive content analysis with constant comparison and inductive and deductive coding of interviews identified emerging themes. This study was approved by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Institutional Review Board.

Results

Among the 399 survey respondents, 25% were currently enrolled in WIC and 39% had been previously enrolled. Service members and their partners learned about WIC from a variety of sources, and there was no significant association between the branch of service or rank and WIC enrollment. There were 40 total participants in 10 completed focus groups. Six themes emerged: (1) Military-specific factors create unique circumstances related to WIC engagement; (2) the WIC program facilitates access to formula supplementation and nutritious foods for military families; (3) lack of program awareness and misinformation are top barriers to WIC engagement in military families; (4) stigma impacts WIC program enrollment and engagement; (5) logistics of enrollment can impact WIC engagement among military families; and (6) the military can support WIC enrollment and engagement through standardization, education, and leadership commitment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that unique circumstances related to military family life create a profound need for programs addressing food support, such as WIC. Interventions to improve WIC enrollment among military families need to be rooted in broad outreach efforts, not targeted at specific ranks, branches, or ages. Specific recommendations include increasing information dissemination, universally screening military families for WIC, decreasing logistical burdens, and involving military leadership.
Structural basis for double-stranded RNA recognition by SID1
Authors: Wang Runhao , Cong Ye , Qian Dandan , Yan Chuangye , Gong Deshun
Published: May 2024

The nucleic acid transport properties of the systemic RNAi-defective (SID) 1 family make them attractive targets for developing RNA-based therapeutics and drugs. However, the molecular basis for double-stranded (ds) RNA recognition by SID1 family remains elusive. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of Caenorhabditis elegans (c) SID1 alone and in complex with dsRNA, both at a resolution of 2.2 Å. The dimeric cSID1 interacts with two dsRNA molecules simultaneously. The dsRNA is located at the interface between β-strand rich domain (BRD)1 and BRD2 and nearly parallel to the membrane plane. In addition to extensive ionic interactions between basic residues and phosphate backbone, several hydrogen bonds are formed between 2′-hydroxyl group of dsRNA and the contact residues. Additionally, the electrostatic potential surface shows three basic regions are fitted perfectly into three major grooves of dsRNA. These structural characteristics enable cSID1 to bind dsRNA in a sequence-independent manner and to distinguish between DNA and RNA. The cSID1 exhibits no conformational changes upon binding dsRNA, with the exception of a few binding surfaces. Structural mapping of dozens of loss-of-function mutations allows potential interpretation of their diverse functional mechanisms. Our study marks an important step toward mechanistic understanding of the SID1 family-mediated dsRNA uptake.
State-of-the-RNArt: benchmarking current methods for RNA 3D structure prediction
Authors: Bernard Clément , Postic Guillaume , Ghannay Sahar , Tahi Fariza
Published: May 2024

RNAs are essential molecules involved in numerous biological functions. Understanding RNA functions requires the knowledge of their 3D structures. Computational methods have been developed for over two decades to predict the 3D conformations from RNA sequences. These computational methods have been widely used and are usually categorised as either ab initio or template-based. The performances remain to be improved. Recently, the rise of deep learning has changed the sight of novel approaches. Deep learning methods are promising, but their adaptation to RNA 3D structure prediction remains difficult. In this paper, we give a brief review of the ab initio, template-based and novel deep learning approaches. We highlight the different available tools and provide a benchmark on nine methods using the RNA-Puzzles dataset. We provide an online dashboard that shows the predictions made by benchmarked methods, freely available on the EvryRNA platform: https://evryrna.ibisc.univ-evry.fr/evryrna/state_of_the_rnart/.
MUFFIN: a suite of tools for the analysis of functional sequencing data
Authors: de Langen Pierre , Ballester Benoit
Published: May 2024

The large diversity of functional genomic assays allows for the characterization of non-coding and coding events at the tissue level or at a single-cell resolution. However, this diversity also leads to protocol differences, widely varying sequencing depths, substantial disparities in sample sizes, and number of features. In this work, we have built a Python package, MUFFIN, which offers a wide variety of tools suitable for a broad range of genomic assays and brings many tools that were missing from the Python ecosystem. First, MUFFIN has specialized tools for the exploration of the non-coding regions of genomes, such as a function to identify consensus peaks in peak-called assays, as well as linking genomic regions to genes and performing Gene Set Enrichment Analyses. MUFFIN also possesses a robust and flexible count table processing pipeline, comprising normalization, count transformation, dimensionality reduction, Differential Expression, and clustering. Our tools were tested on three widely different scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq datasets. MUFFIN integrates with the popular Scanpy ecosystem and is available on Conda and at https://github.com/pdelangen/Muffin.
Clinical experiences and learning curves from robot-assisted neurosurgical biopsies with Stealth Autoguide™
Authors: Ljungqvist Johan , Barchéus Hanna , Abbas Fatima , Ozanne Anneli , Nilsson Daniel , Corell Alba
Published: May 2024

Background

Biopsies of intracranial lesions are a cornerstone in the diagnosis of unresectable tumors to guide neurooncological treatment; however, the procedure is also associated with risks. The results from the cranial robot guidance system Stealth Autoguide™ were studied after introduction at a neurosurgical department. Primary aims include the presentation of clinical and radiological data, accuracy of radiological diagnosis, learning curves of the new technology, diagnostic yield, and precision. The secondary aim was to study complications.

Methods

Retrospective data inclusion was performed on patients ≥ 18 years undergoing biopsy with Stealth Autoguide™ due to suspected brain tumors in the first 3 years after the introduction of the technique. Data regarding clinical characteristics, intraoperative variables, pathological diagnosis, and complications were recorded. Analyses of learning curves were performed.

Results

A total of 79 procedures were performed on 78 patients with a mean age of 62 years (SD 12.7, range 23–82), 30.8% were female. Tumors were often multifocal (63.3%) and supratentorial (89.9%). The diagnostic yield was 87.3%. The first-hand radiological diagnosis was correct in 62.0%. A slight decrease in operation time was observed, although not significant. The surgeon contributed to 12% of the variability.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted biopsies with Stealth Autoguide™ seem to be comparable, with regards to complications, to frame-based and other frameless neurosurgical biopsies. Learning curves demonstrated no statistical differences in time of surgery and only 12% surgeon-related variation (ie, variation caused by the change of performing surgeon), suggesting a successful implementation of this technical adjunct.
Unmet Needs for Ancillary Services by Provider Type Among People With Diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Thomas Celina , Yuan Xin , Taussig Jennifer A , Tie Yunfeng , Dasgupta Sharoda , Riedel David J , Weiser John
Published: May 2024

Background

Unmet needs for ancillary services are substantial among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), and provider type could influence the prevalence of unmet needs for these services.

Methods

Data from a national probability sample of PWH were analyzed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Medical Monitoring Project. We analyzed 2019 data on people who had ≥1 encounter with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care provider (N = 3413) and their care facilities. We assessed the proportion of needs that were unmet for individual ancillary services, overall and by HIV care provider type, including infectious disease (ID) physicians, non-ID physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We calculated prevalence differences (PDs) with predicted marginal means to assess differences between groups.

Results

An estimated 98.2% of patients reported ≥1 need for an ancillary service, and of those 46% had ≥1 unmet need. Compared with patients of ID physicians, needs for many ancillary services were higher among patients of other provider types. However, even after adjustment, patients of non-ID physicians had lower unmet needs for dental care (adjusted PD, −5.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, −9.9 to −1.3]), and patients of nurse practitioners had lower unmet needs for HIV case management services (adjusted PD, −5.4 [95% CI, −9.4 to −1.4]), compared with patients of ID physicians.

Conclusions

Although needs were greater among patients of providers other than ID physicians, many of these needs may be met by existing support systems at HIV care facilities. However, additional resources may be needed to address unmet needs for dental care and HIV case management among patients of ID physicians.
Genotyping-by-sequencing-based high-resolution mapping reveals a single candidate gene for the grapevine veraison locus Ver1
Authors: Frenzke Lena , Röckel Franco , Wenke Torsten , Schwander Florian , Grützmann Konrad , Naumann Julia , Zakrzewski Falk , Heinekamp Tom , Maglione Maria , Wenke Anja , Kögler Anja , Zyprian Eva , Dahl Andreas , Förster Franz , Töpfer Reinhard , Wanke Stefan
Published: May 2024

Veraison marks the transition from berry growth to berry ripening and is a crucial phenological stage in grapevine (Vitis vinifera): the berries become soft and begin to accumulate sugars, aromatic substances, and, in red cultivars, anthocyanins for pigmentation, while the organic acid levels begin to decrease. These changes determine the potential quality of wine. However, rising global temperatures lead to earlier flowering and ripening, which strongly influence wine quality. Here, we combined genotyping-by-sequencing with a bioinformatics pipeline on ∼150 F1 genotypes derived from a cross between the early ripening variety “Calardis Musqué” and the late-ripening variety “Villard Blanc”. Starting from 20,410 haplotype-based markers, we generated a high-density genetic map and performed a quantitative trait locus analysis based on phenotypic datasets evaluated over 20 yrs. Through locus-specific marker enrichment and recombinant screening of ∼1,000 additional genotypes, we refined the originally postulated 5-mb veraison locus, Ver1, on chromosome 16 to only 112 kb, allowing us to pinpoint the ethylene response factor VviERF027 (VCost.v3 gene ID: Vitvi16g00942, CRIBIv1 gene ID: VIT_16s0100g00400) as veraison candidate gene. Furthermore, the early veraison allele could be traced back to a clonal “Pinot” variant first mentioned in the seventeenth century. “Pinot Precoce Noir” passed this allele over “Madeleine Royale” to the maternal grandparent “Bacchus Weiss” and, ultimately, to the maternal parent “Calardis Musqué”. Our findings are crucial for ripening time control, thereby improving wine quality, and for breeding grapevines adjusted to climate change scenarios that have a major impact on agro-ecosystems in altering crop plant phenology.
Incorporating platinum circular economy into China’s hydrogen pathways toward carbon neutrality
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Chenyang , Li Jiashuo , Hubacek Klaus , Sun Laixiang , Yang Fan , Feng Kuishuang , Chen Wei-Qiang
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen is gaining tremendous traction in China as the fuel of the future to support the country’s carbon neutrality ambition. Despite that hydrogen as fuel largely hinges on the supply of platinum (Pt), the dynamic interlinkage between Pt supply challenges, hydrogen development pathways, and climate targets in China has yet to be deeply analyzed. Here, we adopt an integrated assessment model to address this important concern and corresponding strategies for China. The results indicate that the booming hydrogen development would drive China’s cumulative demand for Pt metal to reach 4,200–5,000 tons. Much of this demand, met through a limited supply pattern, is vulnerable to price volatility and heightened geopolitical risks, which can be mitigated through circular economy strategies. Consequently, a coordinated approach to leverage both global sustainable Pt sourcing and a robust domestic Pt circular economy is imperative for ensuring cost-effective hydrogen production, aligned with a climate-safe future.
Unsettled belief
Authors: Beddor Bob
Published: May 2024

According to many philosophers, belief is a settling state. On this view, someone who believes p is disposed to take p for granted in practical and theoretical reasoning. This paper presents a simple objection to this settling conception of belief: it conflicts with our ordinary patterns of belief ascription. I show that ascriptions of unsettled beliefs are commonplace, and that they pose problems for all of the most promising ways of developing the settling conception. I proceed to explore the implications of my argument for the relation between belief and credence, and for the relative importance of belief in psychological explanation.
Smokers’ perception of the comparative health risks of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products: a survey among the German population
Authors: Klosterhalfen Stephanie , Kotz Daniel , Kastaun Sabrina
Published: May 2024

Background

Tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products can pose different health risks (harm continuum). As current tobacco smokers could benefit from switching to less harmful products, we aimed to assess current smokers’ perceived comparative health risks of these three products and to explore associations between risk perceptions and specific user characteristics.

Methods

We analysed data from 11 waves (2019–2021; N = 5657 current tobacco smokers) of a representative, cross-sectional household survey conducted in Germany. Associations were assessed with multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

55.2% of smokers (95%CI = 53.8–56.5%) ranked cigarettes as the most harmful product. 36.1% of smokers (95%CI = 34.8–37.3%) perceived e-cigarettes and 33.8% (95%CI = 32.5–35.0%) heated tobacco products as more harmful than cigarettes. Misperceptions that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products are more harmful to health than cigarettes increased over the 3-year study period and were more common among those with lower educational attainment.

Conclusions

Only half of current tobacco smokers in Germany perceive the comparative health risks of cigarettes adequately and such misperceptions have increased recently. As current smokers could benefit most from switching to less harmful products, educational campaigns are needed to inform this group about the health risks of tobacco smoking and the comparative health risks of the various nicotine and tobacco products along the harm continuum.