bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-year neurodevelopmental data for preterm infants born over an 11-year period in England and Wales, 2008–2018: a retrospective study using the National Neonatal Research Database
Authors: van Blankenstein Emily , Sodiwala Tia , Lanoue Julia , Modi Neena , Uthaya Sabita N , Battersby Cheryl
Published: October 2023

Objective

United Kingdom guidelines recommend all infants born <30 weeks’ gestation receive neurodevelopmental follow-up at 2 years corrected age. In this study, we describe completeness and results of 2-year neurodevelopmental records in the National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD).

Design

This retrospective cohort study uses data from the NNRD, which holds data on all neonatal admissions in England and Wales, including 2year follow-up status.

Patients

We included all preterm infants born <30 weeks’ gestation between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018 in England and Wales, who survived to discharge from neonatal care.

Main outcome measures

Presence of a 2-year neurodevelopmental assessment record in the NNRD, use of standardised assessment tools, results of functional 2-year neurodevelopmental assessments (visual, auditory, neuromotor, communication, overall development).

Results

Of the 41 505 infants included, 24 125 (58%) had a 2-year neurodevelopmental assessment recorded. This improved over time, from 32% to 71% for births in 2008 and 2018, respectively.

Of those with available data: 0.4% were blind; 1% had a hearing impairment not correctable with aids; 13% had <5 meaningful words, vocalisations or signs; 8% could not walk without assistance and 9% had severe (≥12 months) developmental delay.

Conclusions

The proportion of infants admitted to neonatal units in England and Wales with a 2-year neurodevelopmental record has improved over time. Rates of follow-up data from recent years are comparable to those of bespoke observational studies. With continual improvement in data completeness, the potential for use of NNRD as a source of longer-term outcome data can be realised.
Is intraprocedural intravenous aspirin safe for patients who require emergent extracranial stenting during mechanical thrombectomy?
Authors: Ingleton Adam , Raseta Marko , Chung Rui-En , Kow Kevin Jun Hui , Weddell Jake , Nayak Sanjeev , Jadun Changez , Hashim Zafar , Qayyum Noman , Ferdinand Phillip , Natarajan Indira , Roffe Christine
Published: October 2023

Background

Intraoperative antiplatelet therapy is recommended for emergent stenting during mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Most patients undergoing MT are also given thrombolysis. Antiplatelet agents are contraindicated within 24 hours of thrombolysis. We evaluated outcomes and complications of patients stented with and without intravenous aspirin during MT.

Methods

All patients who underwent emergent extracranial stenting during MT at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, UK between 2010 and 2020, were included. Patients were thrombolysed before MT, unless contraindicated. Aspirin 500 mg intravenously was given intraoperatively at the discretion of the operator. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and the National Institutes for Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) were recorded at 7 days, and mortality and functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale: mRS ≤2) at 90 days.

Results

Out of 565 patients treated by MT 102 patients (median age 67 IQR 57–72 years, baseline median NIHSS 18 IQR 13–23, 76 (75%) thrombolysed) had a stent placed. Of these 49 (48%) were given aspirin and 53 (52%) were not. Patients treated with aspirin had greater NIHSS improvement (median 8 IQR 1–16 vs median 3 IQR −9–8 points, p=0.003), but there were no significant differences in sICH (2/49 (4%) vs 9/53 (17%)), mRS ≤2 (25/49 (51%) vs 19/53 (36%)) and mortality (10/49 (20%) vs 12/53 (23%)) with and without aspirin. NIHSS improvement (median 12 IQR 4–18 vs median 7 IQR −7–10, p=0.01) was greater, and mortality was lower (4/33 (12%) vs 6/15 (40%), p=0.05) when aspirin was combined with thrombolysis, than for aspirin alone, with no increase in bleeding.

Conclusion

Our findings based on registry data derived from routine clinical care suggest that intraprocedural intravenous aspirin in patients undergoing emergent stenting during MT does not increase sICH and is associated with good clinical outcomes, even when combined with intravenous thrombolysis.
Estimating the silica content and loss-on-ignition in the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes datasets: a recursive inversion approach
Authors: de Caritat Patrice , Grunsky Eric C. , Smith David B.
Published: October 2023

A novel method of estimating the silica (SiO
2
) and loss-on-ignition (LOI) concentrations for the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes (NASGL) project datasets is proposed. Combining the precision of the geochemical determinations with the completeness of the mineralogical NASGL data, we suggest a ‘reverse normative’ or inversion approach to first calculate the minimum SiO
2
, water (H
2
O) and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) concentrations in weight percent (wt%) in these samples. These can be used in a first step to compute minimum and maximum estimates for SiO
2
. In a recursive step, a ‘consensus’ SiO
2
is then established as the average between the two aforementioned SiO
2
estimates, trimmed as necessary to yield a total composition (major oxides converted from reported Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S and Ti elemental concentrations + ‘consensus’ SiO
2
+ reported trace element concentrations converted to wt% + ‘normative’ H
2
O + ‘normative’ CO
2
) of no more than 100 wt%. Any remaining compositional gap between 100 wt% and this sum is considered ‘other’ LOI and likely includes H
2
O and CO
2
from the reported ‘amorphous’ phase (of unknown geochemical or mineralogical composition) as well as other volatile components present in soil. We validate the technique against a separate dataset from Australia where geochemical (including all major oxides) and mineralogical data exist on the same samples. The correlation between predicted and observed SiO
2
is linear, strong (
R
2
 = 0.91) and homoscedastic. We also compare the estimated NASGL SiO
2
concentrations with a sparser, publicly available continental-scale survey over the conterminous USA, the ‘Shacklette and Boerngen’ dataset. This comparison shows the new data to be a reasonable representation of SiO
2
values measured on the ground over the conterminous USA. We recommend the approach of combining geochemical and mineralogical information to estimate missing SiO
2
and LOI by the recursive inversion approach in datasets elsewhere, with the caveat to always validate results.
Climate Stress Testing
Authors: Acharya Viral V. , Berner Richard , Engle Robert , Jung Hyeyoon , Stroebel Johannes , Zeng Xuran , Zhao Yihao
Published: October 2023

We explore the design of climate stress tests to assess and manage macroprudential risks from climate change in the financial sector. We review the climate stress scenarios currently employed by regulators, highlighting the need to ( a) consider many transition risks as dynamic policy choices, ( b) better understand and incorporate feedback loops between climate change and the economy, and ( c) further explore compound risk scenarios in which climate risks co-occur with other risks. We discuss how the process of mapping climate stress scenarios into financial firm outcomes can incorporate existing evidence on the effects of various climate-related risks on credit and market outcomes. We argue that more research is required to ( a) identify channels through which plausible scenarios can lead to meaningful short-run impact on credit risks given typical bank loan maturities, ( b) incorporate bank-lending responses to climate risks, ( c) assess the adequacy of climate risk pricing in financial markets, and ( d) better understand how market participants form climate risk expectations and how that affects financial stability. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using market-based climate stress tests that can be conducted with publicly available data to complement existing stress-testing frameworks.
Building Ventilation: The Consequences for Personal Exposure
Authors: Bhagat Rajesh K. , Dalziel Stuart B. , Davies Wykes M.S. , Linden P.F.
Published: October 2023

Ventilation is central to human civilization. Without it, the indoor environment rapidly becomes uncomfortable or dangerous, but too much ventilation can be expensive. We spend much of our time indoors, where we are exposed to pollutants and can be infected by airborne diseases. Ventilation removes pollution and bioaerosols from indoor sources but also brings in pollution from outdoors. To determine an appropriate level of ventilation and an appropriate way of providing it, one must understand that the needs for ventilation extend beyond simple thermal comfort; the quality of indoor air is at least as important. An effective ventilation system will remove unwanted contaminants, whether generated within the space by activities or by the simple act of breathing, and ensure that the ventilation system does not itself introduce or spread contaminants from elsewhere. This review explores how ventilation flows in buildings influence personal exposure to indoor pollutants and the spread of airborne diseases.
Gas–Particle Dynamics in High-Speed Flows
Authors: Capecelatro Jesse , Wagner Justin L.
Published: October 2023

High-speed disperse multiphase flows are present in numerous environmental and engineering applications with complex interactions between turbulence, shock waves, and particles. Compared with its incompressible counterpart, compressible two-phase flows introduce new scales of motion that challenge simulations and experiments. This review focuses on gas–particle interactions spanning subsonic to supersonic flow conditions. An overview of existing Mach-number-dependent drag laws is presented, with origins from eighteenth-century cannon firings and new insights from particle-resolved numerical simulations. The equations of motion and phenomenology for a single particle are first reviewed. Multiparticle systems spanning dusty gases to dense suspensions are then discussed from numerical and experimental perspectives.
Semantics of Gesture
Authors: Ebert Cornelia
Published: October 2023

Current formal semantic theories aim at capturing gestural semantic contributions and in particular their interplay with the semantics that stems from cooccurring speech. To grasp how gesture contributes meaning and interacts with speech, the information status of gesture is of prime importance. This article gives an overview of the different conceptions of the information status of gestures that have been put forth and discusses the empirical predictions and theoretical consequences that arise from the respective theories.
Gene-Environment Interactions: My Unique Journey
Authors: Nebert Daniel W.
Published: October 2023

I am deeply honored to be invited to write this scientific autobiography. As a physician-scientist, pediatrician, molecular biologist, and geneticist, I have authored/coauthored more than 600 publications in the fields of clinical medicine, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, drug metabolism, toxicology, molecular biology, cancer, standardized gene nomenclature, developmental toxicology and teratogenesis, mouse genetics, human genetics, and evolutionary genomics. Looking back, I think my career can be divided into four distinct research areas, which I summarize mostly chronologically in this article: ( a) discovery and characterization of the AHR/CYP1 axis, ( b) pharmacogenomics and genetic prediction of response to drugs and other environmental toxicants, ( c) standardized drug-metabolizing gene nomenclature based on evolutionary divergence, and ( d) discovery and characterization of the SLC39A8 gene encoding the ZIP8 metal cation influx transporter. Collectively, all four topics embrace gene-environment interactions, hence the title of my autobiography.
Anthracycline Toxicity: Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Cejas Romina B. , Petrykey Kateryna , Sapkota Yadav , Burridge Paul W.
Published: October 2023

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is a serious and common side effect of anthracycline therapy. Identification of genes and genetic variants associated with AIC risk has clinical potential as a cardiotoxicity predictive tool and to allow the development of personalized therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the function of known AIC genes identified by association studies and categorize them based on their mechanistic implication in AIC. We also discuss the importance of functional validation of AIC-associated variants in human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to advance the implementation of genetic predictive biomarkers. Finally, we review how patient-specific hiPSC-CMs can be used to identify novel patient-relevant functional targets and for the discovery of cardioprotectant drugs to prevent AIC. Implementation of functional validation and use of hiPSC-CMs for drug discovery will identify the next generation of highly effective and personalized cardioprotectants and accelerate the inclusion of approved AIC biomarkers into clinical practice.
Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Citrullus colocynthis Peel Extract and Antibacterial Activity for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Hoshang O. , Taha Hawkar T. , Ali Runak T.
Published: October 2023

A novel and green method was developed to synthesise copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Citrullus colocynthis peel extract as a sustainable source. The study is the first to utilise this extract for the environmentally safe and economically efficient synthesis of CuNPs. The impact of experimental parameters, including the copper sulfate concentration, extract volume, reaction time, and temperature, on the synthetic procedure was thoroughly investigated. The as-prepared CuNPs were characterised using HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, EDX, UV–vis spectrophotometry, and FTIR spectroscopy. The CuNPs exhibited a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 9 nm, and the calculated d-spacing values were measured at 0.257 nm. Furthermore, the XRD analysis revealed characteristic diffraction peaks at 2θ angles of 44.56°, 56.1°, and 71.4°. The UV–Vis absorption spectra of the CuNPs displayed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 335 nm, corresponding to an energy band gap of 3.47 eV. Further, the FTIR spectra confirmed the interaction between copper and the biomolecules present in the extract, providing evidence of the significant role played by organic compounds in the capping process. The as-prepared CuNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and gram-positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) bacteria.
Stationary Patterns of a Cross-Diffusion Prey-Predator Model with Holling Type II Functional Response
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Zhao Jingfu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we consider positive steady-state solutions of a cross-diffusions prey-predator model with Holling type II functional response. We investigate sufficient conditions for the existence and the nonexistence of nonconstant positive steady state solutions. It is observed that nonconstant positive steady states do not exist with small cross-diffusion coefficients, and the constant positive steady state is global asymptotically stable without cross-diffusion. Furthermore, we show that if natural diffusion coefficient or cross-diffusion coefficient of the predator is large enough and other diffusion coefficients are fixed, then under some conditions, at least one nonconstant positive steady state exists.
Unusual Location of Residual Mass in an Uncorrected Undescended Testis with Germ Cell Tumor
Authors: Masoumi Navid , Farajpour Mostafa , Gharib Atoosa
Published: October 2023

Intra-abdominal cancer in an adult with undescended testis (UDT) is rare owing to widespread screening and management during childhood. Here, we present a 33-year-old gentleman with a complaint of abdominal pain and pelvic mass which appeared to be an uncorrected UDT with cancerous degeneration. Additional evaluation revealed a suspicious mass in the retrovesical space which remained after chemotherapy. Histologic evaluation after resection of this mass indicated cancer spread of testicular origin behind the bladder.
Deciphering the Pathways to PARP Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tsang Erica S. , Gallinger Steven
Published: October 2023

A recent article analyzed paired cell-free DNA among patients with platinum-sensitive BRCA- or PALB2-mutated pancreatic cancer who received maintenance olaparib. Reversion mutations were linked with worse outcomes. These types of paired correlative studies are needed to improve our understanding of drug resistance and guide future clinical trials.

See related article by Brown et al., p. 5207
FIGURE 2 from Metastatic Competency and Tumor Spheroid Formation Are Independent Cell States Governed by RB in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Freeburg Nelson F. , Peterson Nia , Ruiz Dain A. , Gladstein Amy C. , Feldser David M.
Published: October 2023

RB restoration limits tumor spheroid proliferation but not maintenance. A,KP;RbTR/TR tumor spheroid lines were plated in Matrigel and simultaneously treated with 4OHT (KP;RbR/R) or vehicle (KP;RbTR/TR). Spheroids were allowed to grow for 10 days. For KP;RbTR/TR and KP;RbR/R, the top row of images are brightfield, and to bottom row of images show tdTomato fluorescence. B, Western blot analysis for RB and β-ACTIN in two tumor spheroid lines treated with 4OHT (KP;RbR/R) or vehicle (KP;RbTR/TR). C, Quantification of tumor spheroid number in tumor spheroid lines treated with 4OHT (KP;RbR/R) or vehicle (KP;RbTR/TR). Significance was assessed by paired Student t test. For each treatment group, n = 7 tumor spheroid lines. D, Quantification of tumor spheroid size in tumor spheroid lines treated with 4OHT (KP;RbR/R) or vehicle (KP;RbTR/TR). Significance was assessed by Student t test. For each treatment group, n = 60 tumor spheroids from three tumor spheroid lines. Error bars represent mean ± SD.
Data from Metastatic Competency and Tumor Spheroid Formation Are Independent Cell States Governed by RB in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Freeburg Nelson F. , Peterson Nia , Ruiz Dain A. , Gladstein Amy C. , Feldser David M.
Published: October 2023

Inactivation of the retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with the rapid acquisition of metastatic ability and the loss of lung cell lineage commitment. We previously showed that restoration of RB in advanced lung adenocarcinomas in the mouse was correlated with a decreased frequency of lineage decommitted tumors and overt metastases. To identify a causal relationship for RB and its role in reprogramming lineage commitment and reducing metastatic competency in lung adenocarcinoma, we developed multiple tumor spheroid forming lines where RB restoration could be achieved after characterization of the degree of each spheroid's lineage commitment and metastatic ability. Surprisingly, we discovered that RB inactivation dramatically promoted tumor spheroid forming potential in tumors that arise in the KrasLSL-G12D/+; p53flox/flox lung adenocarcinoma model. However, RB reactivation had no effect on the maintenance of tumor spheroid lines once established. In addition, we show that RB-deficient tumor spheroid lines are not uniformly metastatically competent but are equally likely to be nonmetastatic. Interestingly, unlike tumor spheroid maintenance, RB restoration could functionally revert metastatic tumor spheroids to a nonmetastatic cell state. Thus, strategies to reinstate RB pathway activity in lung cancer may reverse metastatic ability and have therapeutic potential. Finally, the acquisition of tumor spheroid forming potential reflects underlying cell state plasticity, which is often predictive of, or even conflated with metastatic ability. Our data support that each is a discrete cell state restricted by RB and question the suitability of tumor spheroid models for their predictive potential of advanced metastatic tumor cell states.
Significance:
Members of the RB pathway are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma. We show that RB regulates cell state plasticity, tumor spheroid formation, and metastatic competency. Our data indicate that these are independent states where spheroid formation is distinct from metastatic competency. Thus, we caution against conflating spheroid formation and other signs of cell state plasticity with advanced metastatic cell states. Nevertheless, our work supports clinical strategies to reactivate RB pathways.
Post‐Market Registry of Stroke Patients Treated With Medtronic Neurothrombectomy Devices in Southeast Asia: PROSPR‐SEA
Authors: Nguyen Huy Thang , Ton Mai Duy , Vu Dang Luu , Churojana Anchalee , Nilanont Yongchai , Ayudya Sirintara (Pongpech) Singhara Na , De Silva Deidre Anne , Hoe Winston Lim Eng , Van Truong Le , Pham Minh Thong , Worakijthamrongchai Thanaboon , Tran Quoc Tuan , Seet Raymond Chee Seong , Lee Wickly
Published: October 2023

Background

Southeast Asia accounts for approximately 10% of stroke‐related mortalities worldwide, yet there are limited data regarding mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes in this region. PROSPR‐SEA (Post‐Market Registry of Stroke Patients Treated With Medtronic Neurothrombectomy Devices to Collect Real‐World Data in Southeast Asia) assessed post‐market clinical outcomes of MT using the Solitaire Revascularization Device in southeast Asia.

Methods

PROSPR‐SEA is a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, observational registry of patients who underwent MT using Solitaire as first line treatment at 1 of 10 centers in Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore between January 2018 and July 2019. The primary end point was functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0–2) at 90 days. Safety end points included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, emboli in new territory at 24 hours, and all‐cause mortality at 90 days. Secondary end points were successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b), workflow metrics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at discharge, and patient disposition at 90 days.

Results

A total of 183 patients (64.9±13.7, 49.7% [91/183] female) were included in the study and underwent MT; 79.2% (145/183) had occlusions in the middle cerebral artery. Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 15.0 (range 1–31) and median baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 8.0 (range 0–10). Functional independence at 90 days was achieved in 62.2% (112/180). Mean puncture‐to‐revascularization time was 53.3±53.9 minutes, and mean onset‐to‐revascularization time was 330.0±110.4 minutes. Revascularization was successful in 94.0% (172/183) of patients. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improved at discharge (−8.0, range −22, 25) and 90 days (−13.0, range −22, 0). Within 24 hours, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 7.7% (14/183) and emboli in new territory in 3.3% (6/183). At 90 days, the all‐cause mortality rate was 7.7% (14/183). Most patients were discharged to home by 90 days (84.1%, 154/183).

Conclusion

PROSPR‐SEA demonstrated high rates of positive functional outcomes and procedural success with a low mortality rate and indicates that the technical and clinical outcomes of landmark MT trials using Solitaire as the first‐line device are reproducible in real‐world southeast Asian settings.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signatures of Pavlovian and Instrumental Valuation Systems during a Modified Orthogonalized Go/No-go Task
Authors: Queirazza Filippo , Steele J. Douglas , Krishnadas Rajeev , Cavanagh Jonathan , Philiastides Marios G.
Published: October 2023

Motivational (i.e., Pavlovian) values interfere with instrumental responding and can lead to suboptimal decision-making. In humans, task-based neuroimaging studies have only recently started illuminating the functional neuroanatomy of Pavlovian biasing of instrumental control. To provide a mechanistic understanding of the neural dynamics underlying the Pavlovian and instrumental valuation systems, analysis of neuroimaging data has been informed by computational modeling of conditioned behavior. Nonetheless, because of collinearities in Pavlovian and instrumental predictions, previous research failed to tease out hemodynamic activity that is parametrically and dynamically modulated by coexistent Pavlovian and instrumental value expectations. Moreover, neural correlates of Pavlovian to instrumental transfer effects have so far only been identified in extinction (i.e., in the absence of learning). In this study, we devised a modified version of the orthogonalized go/no-go paradigm, which introduced Pavlovian-only catch trials to better disambiguate trial-by-trial Pavlovian and instrumental predictions in both sexes. We found that hemodynamic activity in the ventromedial pFC covaried uniquely with the model-derived Pavlovian value expectations. Notably, modulation of neural activity encoding for instrumental predictions in the supplementary motor cortex was linked to successful action selection in conflict conditions. Furthermore, hemodynamic activity in regions pertaining to the limbic system and medial pFC was correlated with synergistic Pavlovian and instrumental predictions and improved conditioned behavior during congruent trials. Altogether, our results provide new insights into the functional neuroanatomy of decision-making and corroborate the validity of our variant of the orthogonalized go/no-go task as a behavioral assay of the Pavlovian and instrumental valuation systems.
Mammillaria monochrysacantha (Cactaceae), a new endemic species from Guanajuato, Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-ZAMORA PEDRO , AQUINO DAVID , RODRÍGUEZ AARÓN , SÁNCHEZ DANIEL
Published: October 2023

A new species of Mammillaria ser. Stylothelae is described and illustrated. Mammillaria monochrysacantha is distinguished from other species of the series by having a globose stem with fibrous roots, one single golden yellow hooked central spine, 28–32 tortuous hair-like radial spines, flowers with lanceolate pale yellow tepals, and non-arilloid seeds. We provided a comparison with other morphologically close and sympatric species of Mammillaria. The new species is endemic from the Sierra Gorda, Guanajuato, Mexico. We included data about its habitat and the status of conservation. Additionally, we integrated an identification key for M. ser. Stylothelae from Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, and Querétaro, Mexico.
A brief review of the tribe Telsimiini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of the Indian subcontinent, including three new species of Telsimia Casey from South India
Authors: POORANI J. , THANIGAIRAJ R.
Published: October 2023

Species of the tribe Telsimiini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of the Indian subcontinent, all belonging to a single genus, Telsimia Casey, 1899, are briefly reviewed. Three new species, Telsimia pygmaea sp. n., Telsimia intricata sp. n. (both from Tamil Nadu) and Telsimia mudigerensis sp. n. (from Karnataka), are described and illustrated from southern India. The immature stages of Telsimia pygmaea sp. n. and Telsimia intricata sp. n. are also illustrated along with details of their associated hosts and host plants. Telsimia sichuanensis Pang & Mao, 1979 is a new addition to the Indian fauna (from the northeastern state of Manipur). An updated checklist of the Telsimiini of the Indian Subcontinent is provided.
An annotated catalog of the type material of Mecoptera deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods in Gainesville, Florida, USA
Authors: KELLER OLIVER , SOMMA LOUIS A.
Published: October 2023

The Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) is one of the largest and most valuable insect collections in the United States with more than twelve million curated specimens. The order Mecoptera currently comprises over 800 extant described species in nine extant families. The FSCA houses type material in the families Bittacidae, Panorpidae, and Panorpodidae. This catalog documents the FSCA type material for 23 species in five genera in Mecoptera.
Exploring the Composited T-28 Hailstorm Penetration Dataset to Characterize Hail Properties within the Updraft and Downdraft Regions
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Cecchini Micael A. , Detwiler Andrew , Honeyager Ryan , Field Paul
Published: October 2023

Measurements from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology T-28 hail-penetrating aircraft are analyzed using recently developed data processing techniques with the goals of identifying where the large hail is found relative to vertical motion and improving the detection of hail microphysical properties from radar. Hail particle size distributions (PSD) and environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, liquid water content, air vertical velocity) were digitally collected by the T28 between 1995 and 2003 and synthesized by Detwiler et al. The PSD were forward modeled by Cecchini et al. to simulate the radar reflectivity of the PSD at multiple radar wavelengths. The T-28 penetrated temperatures primarily between 0° and −10°C. The largest hailstones were sampled near the updraft/downdraft interface. Liquid water contents were highest in the updraft cores, whereas total (liquid + frozen) water contents were highest near the updraft/downdraft interface. The fitted properties of the PSD (intercept and slope) are directly related to each other but do not show any dependence on the region of the hailstorm where sampled. The PSD measurements and the radar reflectivity calculations at multiple radar wavelengths facilitated the development of relationships between the PSD bulk properties—hail kinetic energy and kinetic energy flux—and the radar reflectivity. Rather than using the oft-assumed sphericity and solid ice physical properties, actual measurements of hail properties are used in the analysis. Results from the maximum estimated size of hail (MESH) and vertical integrated liquid water (VIL) algorithms are evaluated based on this analysis.

Significance Statement

Hailstorms in the United States have caused over $10 billion in damage for each of the last 14 years, according to insurance industry estimates (Heymsfield and Giammanco 2020). Algorithms have been developed to identify the presence and size of hail from radar. Numerical simulations of hailstorms have improved significantly since the 1970s, and further improvements will provide better resolution and more accurate estimates of the sizes of hailstones falling to the ground. Measurements of the properties of hailstones—their mass and terminal velocities—have been improved in recent years but in general are not incorporated in the algorithms developed for radar estimates of hail sizes or for the properties of hail used in the model simulations. This study synthesizes in situ aircraft data, computed radar backscatter cross sections, together with recent estimates of the physical characteristics of hailstones to improve the representation of hail in numerical models and quantitative assessment hail properties in storms using weather radar.
COMMENTARY – THE POST‐GLOBALIZATION OF SOUTH ASIA
Authors: Thornton William H. , Thornton Songok Han
Published: October 2023

Ironic as it may seem, one of the major victims of America's diplomatic retreat from Pakistan has been India. China has filled the void of U.S. disengagement, solidifying its grip on Pakistan and locking India in a two‐front vise that it cannot cope with on its own. India has no choice but to reach out for alliances with liberal nations it shunned in its Non‐Aligned days. This radical policy shift is capped, however, by the ideological constraints of Modi's BJPism. That is the main reason why India has refused to abort its military and economic ties with Russia. A similar anti‐liberalism led Imran Khan, the ex‐prime minister of Pakistan, to seek an anti‐Western accord with Russia. Conversely, Pakistan's current leadership is trying hard to repair its U.S. relations. Following the lead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, this extended commentary favors robust U.S. engagement with all of South Asia but qualifies that case by stressing that the wrong kind of engagement would end up serving the cause of Sino‐authoritarianism. What is needed is moral realism, which avoids the ethical blight of both Kissingeresque realism and globalist irrealism. Pakistan is ripe for this post‐globalist realism because it affords no clean and neat “right” choices yet is far too important to abandon. Such cases compel us to search for lesser evils: the best available bad choices we can locate.
Dig up tall fescue plastid genomes for the identification of morphotype-specific DNA variants
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Chekhovskiy Konstantin , Saha Malay C.
Published: October 2023

Background

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is an important cool-season perennial grass species. Hexaploid tall fescue has three distinct morphotypes used either as forage or turf purposes. Its chloroplast genome is conserved due to it being maternally inherited to the next generation progenies. To identify morphotype-specific DNA markers and the genetic variations, plastid genomes of all three tall fescue morphotypes, i.e., Continental cv. Texoma MaxQ II, Rhizomatous cv. Torpedo, and Mediterranean cv. Resolute, have been sequenced using Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform.

Results

The plastid genomes of Continental-, Rhizomatous-, and Mediterranean tall fescue were assembled into circular master molecules of 135,283 bp, 135,336 bp, and 135,324 bp, respectively. The tall fescue plastid genome of all morphotypes contained 77 protein-coding, 20 tRNAs, four rRNAs, two pseudo protein-coding, and three hypothetical protein-coding genes. We identified 630 SNPs and 124 InDels between Continental and Mediterranean, 62 SNPs and 20 InDels between Continental and Rhizomatous, and 635 SNPs and 123 InDels between Rhizomatous and Mediterranean tall fescue. Only four InDels in four genes (ccsA, rps18, accD, and ndhH-p) were identified, which discriminated Continental and Rhizomatous plastid genomes from the Mediterranean plastid genome. Here, we identified and reported eight InDel markers (NRITCHL18, NRITCHL35, NRITCHL43, NRITCHL65, NRITCHL72, NRITCHL101, NRITCHL104, and NRITCHL110) from the intergenic regions that can successfully discriminate tall fescue morphotypes. Divergence time estimation revealed that Mediterranean tall fescue evolved approximately 7.09 Mya, whereas the divergence between Continental- and Rhizomatous tall fescue occurred about 0.6 Mya.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of the assembled plastid genomes of Rhizomatous and Mediterranean tall fescue. Our results will help to identify tall fescue morphotypes at the time of pre-breeding and will contribute to the development of lawn and forage types of commercial varieties.
Genome-wide analysis of blueberry B-box family genes and identification of members activated by abiotic stress
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Sun Wenying , Ma Bin , Song Yan , Guo Qingxun , Zhou Lianxia , Wu Kuishen , Zhang Xinsheng , Zhang Chunyu
Published: October 2023

Background

B-box (BBX) proteins play important roles in regulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. BBX family genes have been identified and functionally characterized in many plant species, but little is known about the BBX family in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Result

In this study, we identified 23 VcBBX genes from the Genome Database for Vaccinium (GDV). These VcBBXs can be divided into five clades based on gene structures and conserved domains in their encoded proteins. The prediction of cis-acting elements in the upstream sequences of VcBBX genes and protein–protein interactions indicated that VcBBX proteins are likely involved in phytohormone signaling pathways and abiotic stress responses. Analysis of transcriptome deep sequencing (RNA-seq) data showed that VcBBX genes exhibited organ-specific expression pattern and 11 VcBBX genes respond to ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation. The co-expression analysis revealed that the encoded 11 VcBBX proteins act as bridges integrating UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways in blueberry under UV-B radiation. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that most VcBBX genes respond to drought, salt, and cold stress. Among VcBBX proteins, VcBBX24 is highly expressed in all the organs, not only responds to abiotic stress, but it also interacts with proteins in UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways, as revealed by computational analysis and co-expression analysis, and might be an important regulator integrating abiotic stress and phytohormone signaling networks.

Conclusions

Twenty-three VcBBX genes were identified in blueberry, in which, 11 VcBBX genes respond to UV-B radiation, and act as bridges integrating UV-B and phytohormone signaling pathways according to RNA-seq data. The expression patterns under abiotic stress suggested that the functional roles of most VcBBX genes respose to drought, salt, and cold stress. Our study provides a useful reference for functional analysis of VcBBX genes and for improving abiotic stress tolerance in blueberry.
Circulating calprotectin levels four months after severe and non-severe COVID-19
Authors: Abu Hussein N. , Machahua C. , Ruchti SC. , Horn MP. , Piquilloud L. , Prella M. , Geiser TK. , von Garnier C. , Funke-Chambour M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker mainly released by activated neutrophils that is increased in acute severe COVID-19. After initial recovery, some patients have persistent respiratory impairment with reduced diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) months after infection. Underlying causes of this persistent impairment are unclear. We aimed to investigate the correlation between circulating calprotectin, persistent lung functional impairment and intensive care unit (ICU) stay after COVID-19 in two university hospital centres in Switzerland.

Methods

Calprotectin levels were measured in serum from 124 patients (50% male) from the Bern cohort (post-ICU and non-ICU patients) and 68 (76% male) from the Lausanne cohort (only post-ICU patients) four months after COVID-19. Calprotectin was correlated with clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) was performed to evaluate the independent association of calprotectin in different models.

Results

Overall, we found that post-ICU patients, compared to non-ICU, were significantly older (age 59.4 ± 13.6 (Bern), 60.5 ± 12.0 (Lausanne) vs. 48.8 ± 13.4 years) and more obese (BMI 28.6 ± 4.5 and 29.1 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2, respectively). 48% of patients from Lausanne and 44% of the post-ICU Bern cohort had arterial hypertension as a pre-existing comorbidity vs. only 10% in non-ICU patients. Four months after COVID-19 infection, DLCO was lower in post-ICU patients (75.96 ± 19.05% predicted Bern, 71.11 ± 18.50% Lausanne) compared to non-ICU (97.79 ± 21.70% predicted, p < 0.01). The post-ICU cohort in Lausanne had similar calprotectin levels when compared to the cohort in Bern (Bern 2.74 ± 1.15 µg/ml, Lausanne 2.49 ± 1.13 µg/ml vs. non-ICU 1.86 ± 1.02 µg/ml; p-value < 0.01). Calprotectin correlated negatively with DLCO (r= -0.290, p < 0.001) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r= -0.311, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum calprotectin is elevated in post-ICU patients in two independent cohorts and higher compared to non-ICU patients four months after COVID-19. In addition, there is a negative correlation between calprotectin levels and DLCO or FVC. The relationship between inflammation and lung functional impairment needs further investigations.

Trial registration

NCT04581135.
Intrauterine death in vasa previa without hemorrhage: case reports
Authors: Li Pin , Pan Xiuyu , Yue Chaomin , Zheng Zheng , Liu Huishu
Published: October 2023

Antepartum and intrapartum hemorrhage from vasa previa (VP) is one of the main causes of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Here, we present two cases with type I VP in which velamentous cord insertion below the fetal head and overlying the cervix were reported by prenatal ultrasound scanning, and IUFD occoured after 35 weeks with no signs of prenatal bleeding but with engaged fetal head at presentation. We hypothesized that the IUFD may attributed to the compression of the unprotected umbilical vessels by the engaged fetal head. Thus we suggest that VP with a velamentous cord insertion should be considered for earlier termination of the pregnancy to avoid the risk of non-hemorrhagic adverse fetal outcomes.
Machine learning-based prediction model of acute kidney injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wei Shuxing , Zhang Yongsheng , Dong Hongmeng , Chen Ying , Wang Xiya , Zhu Xiaomei , Zhang Guang , Guo Shubin
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can make cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) more complex, and the combination of the two can significantly worsen the prognosis. Our objective is to utilize machine learning (ML) techniques to construct models that can promptly identify the risk of AKI in ARDS patients.

Method

We obtained data regarding ARDS patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) and MIMIC-IV databases. Within the MIMIC-III dataset, we developed 11 ML prediction models. By evaluating various metrics, we visualized the importance of its features using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). We then created a more concise model using fewer variables, and optimized it using hyperparameter optimization (HPO). The model was validated using the MIMIC-IV dataset.

Result

A total of 928 ARDS patients without AKI were included in the analysis from the MIMIC-III dataset, and among them, 179 (19.3%) developed AKI after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the MIMIC-IV dataset, there were 653 ARDS patients included in the analysis, and among them, 237 (36.3%) developed AKI. A total of 43 features were used to build the model. Among all models, eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) performed the best. We used the top 10 features to build a compact model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.850, which improved to an AUC of 0.865 after the HPO. In extra validation set, XGBoost_HPO achieved an AUC of 0.854. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV), and F1 score of the XGBoost_HPO model on the test set are 0.865, 0.813, 0.877, 0.578, 0.957 and 0.675, respectively. On extra validation set, they are 0.724, 0.789, 0.688, 0.590, 0.851, and 0.675, respectively.

Conclusion

ML algorithms, especially XGBoost, are reliable for predicting AKI in ARDS patients. The compact model maintains excellent predictive ability, and the web-based calculator improves clinical convenience. This provides valuable guidance in identifying AKI in ARDS, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Association between grip strength and stress urinary incontinence of NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Zhang Nieke , Mao Weipu , Sun Si , Zhang Guanyuan , Shi Naipeng , Yao Chi , Liu Ning , Chen Shuqiu , Gao Wei , Zhang Lei , Chen Ming , Zou Xiangyu
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate the association between grip strength (GS) and relative grip strength (rGS) with the prevalence and severity risk of SUI.

Methods

Female patients were retrieved from the NHANES 2011–2014. GS was measured using a digital hand dynamometer, rGS was defined as grip strength divided by BMI. Samples were classified into four groups based on quartiles of GS and rGS distribution (Q1-Q4)。Logistic regression models were established to detect the relationship between GS or rGS and SUI. The potential bias of baseline variables between SUI and non-SUI groups was controlled by performing the propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

A total of 4263 samples were included, with 3085 (85%) people in non-SUI group and 1178 (27.6%) people in SUI group. GS and rGS levels of people without SUI were higher than that of SUI patients. Monthly SUI patients’ GS and rGS levels were higher than weekly SUI patients’ level. Logistic regression analysis showed that risks of prevalence and severity of SUI decreased with increasing levels of GS and rGS. rGS was found to have a stronger association with SUI than GS [prevalence: GS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.633, 95%CI = 0.508–0.789, p < 0.001; rGS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.365, 95%CI = 0.290–0.459, p < 0.001; severity: GS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.727, 95%CI = 0.600–0.881, p = 0.001; rGS: Q4 vs. Q1: aOR = 0.371, 95%CI = 0.282–0.488, p < 0.001]. The results of PSM confirmed that GS and rGS were correlated with SUI.

Conclusions

Lower levels of GS and rGS are associated with an increased prevalence and severity risk of SUI.
Nurses’ intention to care for patients with infectious disease: a content analysis study
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Esmaeil , Ebadi Abbas , Ashktorab Tahereh , Sharif-Nia Hamid
Published: October 2023

Objective

This present study was designed to explain the concept of nurses intention to care of patients with infectious diseases.

Methods

This study is a deductive content analysis study that was performed from May 2022 to Jun 2022 in three hospitals in Iran. In total 21 nurses were chosen by purposive sampling and for deta collection used semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using Elo and Kingas method.

Results

This study have revealed the formation of seven distinct themes, namely Job satisfaction, Professional ethics, Personal values, Standard precautions, Preserving health, Support, and Attitude of patients and their families. These themes are comprised of 17 categories and 59 subcategories.

Conclusion

By comprehending the dimensions of nurses’ intentions to care for patients with infectious diseases, it is possible to develop suitable planning and strategies to meet the healthcare requirements of such patients. Managers can take action by examining the issues and demands of nurses, and by providing job security, they can establish a Healthcare service systems with high security that can effectively respond during an outbreak of infectious diseases. Additionally, Nursing managers can prevent nurses from leaving their jobs by taking appropriate intervention, increasing their motivation, and enhancing their satisfaction.