bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of MICB mismatches in unrelated haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Amann Elisa Maria , Gowdavally Sowmya , Tsamadou Chrysanthi , Platzbecker Uwe , Sala Elisa , Wagner‐Drouet Eva , Valerius Thomas , Kröger Nicolaus , Wulf Gerald , Einsele Hermann , Thurner Lorenz , Schaefer‐Eckart Kerstin , Freitag Sebastian , Casper Jochen , Dürholt Mareike , Kaufmann Martin , Hertenstein Bernd , Klein Stefan , Ringhoffer Mark , Frank Sandra , Saal Teresa , Schmid‐Möglich Amelie , Neuchel Christine , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Mytilineos Joannis , Fürst Daniel
Published: June 2024

MICA polymorphisms have been associated with increased incidence of acute GvHD and adverse outcome in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MICB is another expressed member of MHC class I‐related chain genes and its impact on HSCT outcome is yet to be fully defined. We typed a large cohort of patients and donors for MICB polymorphisms and investigated the impact of MICB matching on outcome after unrelated HSCT. 69.2% of the patients were 10/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched and 30.8% were 9/10 HLA matched. MICB typing was performed using a short amplicon‐based NGS typing assay on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Differences in proteins were considered as mismatches. MICA polymorphisms were identified as possible confounder and were therefore included as parameter in the multivariate analyses. Due to the strong linkage disequilibrium with the classical HLA‐genes, sub‐stratification for HLA matching status was necessary, and no effect of MICB mismatches was seen in the 10/10 HLA matched group when compared to the MICB matched cases. However, in the 9/10 HLA matched group, MICB mismatched cases showed significantly worse disease free survival (DFS), GvHD and relapse free survival (GRFS) compared to the MICB matched cases (DFS: HR 1.24, p = 0.011; GRFS: HR 1.26, p = 0.002). MICA mismatches had no impact on any outcome parameter. According to our findings, effects previously attributed to MICA differences may have been confounded by MICB polymorphisms. We show that MICB differences contribute a small but relevant effect in 9/10 HLA‐matched transplantations, which in turn highlights the possible usefulness of MICB typing in donor selection among similarly suitable 9/10 matched donors, especially when HLA‐B mismatches have to be accepted.
HLA‐G*01:01:01:34 allele discovered in two individuals from a tribal community of Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Mujumdar Yogini , Thakur Shramika Vasant , Bhor Vikrant M. , Chaaithanya Itta Krishna
Published: June 2024

HLA‐G*01:01:01:34 differs from HLA‐G*01:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in intron 3 at position 1432 (G to A).
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:61 allele, first identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Secco Danielle , Oliveira Victoria , Cunha Mayara , Vianna Romulo , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: June 2024

The novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:61 allele, first described in a potential bone marrow donor from Brazil.
Impact of blood donation biovigilance and transfusion‐transmitted infections on organ transplantation
Authors: Stewart Adam G. , Kotton Camille Nelson
Published: June 2024

Over 118 million blood donations are collected globally each year. Recipients of blood products include those who experience major trauma or surgery, have acute blood loss and anemia, or impaired bone marrow function. Solid organ transplant recipients often require transfusion of blood products which places them at risk of transfusion‐associated adverse events including transfusion‐transmitted infection. National hemovigilance networks have documented low rates of transfusion‐transmitted infection in the general population. Incidence transfusion‐transmitted infection continues to occur in solid organ transplant patients and arises mainly from existing gaps in blood donor biovigilance processes. Emerging infectious diseases have highlighted existing gaps in the donor‐recipient pathway to administering safe blood products. This article reviews the current process and regulatory oversight of blood donor biovigilance, including donor screening and microbiological testing, highlights cases of transfusion‐transmitted infection documented in the literature, and addresses ways in which biovigilance may be improved, with a focus on the impact of solid organ transplantation.
New tatt? We're ok with that! Relaxing the tattoo deferral for plasmapheresis donors maintains safety and increases donations
Authors: Styles Claire E. , Hoad Veronica C. , Harley Robert , Kaldor John , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Tattooing is one of the leading donor deferral reasons in Australia. Until September 2020, donors were deferred from all donation types for 4 months after a tattoo. At this time, our guideline changed such that donations of plasma for further manufacture were accepted immediately, provided the tattoo was administered in a licensed or regulated Australian establishment. We examined the effects of this change.

Materials and Methods

Donors with a tattoo deferral in the 2 years before or after the guideline change were identified and followed up until 3 November 2022. Between the two periods, we compared blood‐borne virus (BBV) incidence, donor return, and the number of donors and donations regained after deferral.

Results

The incidence of BBV infection in donors after a tattoo deferral was zero in both periods. To exceed a residual risk of 1 in 1 million for hepatitis C virus, 190 donors would need to be infected yearly from a tattoo. Donors returned to donate significantly faster after the change (median return 85 days compared with 278 days). An extra 187 donations per 10,000 person‐years of observation were gained, yielding a total of 44,674 additional plasma donations nationally 0–4 months after getting a tattoo.

Conclusion

Allowing plasma donations immediately post‐tattoo resulted in a substantial donation gain with no adverse safety effect. Lifeblood subsequently reduced the deferral for transfusible component donations to 7 days for tattoos in Australian licensed/regulated establishments.
Connecting Pixels to Trust: A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Government Social Media Usage and Citizens' Trust in Government
Authors: Chi Jinglin , Kamarudin Syafila , Rahman Saiful Nujaimi Abdul
Published: June 2024

Government social media has garnered significant attention due to its impact on citizens' attitudes, prompting extensive academic research. This review aims to delineate a decade-spanning corpus of literature, discern prevalent research trends, and propose a prospective research agenda in this domain. Employing systematic literature review and PRISMA methodologies, our investigation identified 22 published articles through comprehensive keyword searches across Scopus, Google Scholar, CNKI, and ProQuest databases, ensuring a diverse representation of geographic areas to capture the global perspective on this issue. This study mainly utilize a mixed research methodology encompassing bibliometrics and content analysis to analyze data results. This paper conducted a bibliometric analysis revealing that the relationship between government social media usage and citizens' trust in the government remains a contentious topic. To delve deeper into this relationship, the selected literature were categorized into three distinct research themes through content analysis, forming a comprehensive conceptual framework. Upon meticulous analysis, the findings suggest that future research should explore the communication field more extensively, encompass a broader range of research topics, employ refined concepts, and examine the mediating role of audience behavior, particularly focusing on the behavior of young people. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to adopt a more thorough and detailed systematic approach when reviewing relevant literature on government social media.
Characteristic cohomology II: Matrix singularities
Authors: Damon James
Published: June 2024

For a germ of a variety , a singularity of “type ”  is given by a germ , which is transverse to in an appropriate sense, such that . In part I of this paper, we introduced for such singularities the Characteristic Cohomology for the Milnor fiber (for a hypersurface), and complement and link (for the general case). It captures the cohomology of inherited from and is given by subalgebras of the cohomology for for the Milnor fiber and complements, and is a subgroup for the cohomology of the link. We showed these cohomologies are functorial and invariant under diffeomorphism groups of equivalences for Milnor fibers and for complements and links. We also gave geometric criteria for detecting the nonvanishing of the characteristic cohomology.

In this paper, we apply these methods in the case denotes any of the varieties of singular complex matrices, which may be either general, symmetric, or skew‐symmetric (with even). For these varieties, we have shown in another paper that their Milnor fibers and complements have compact “model submanifolds”  for their homotopy types, which are classical symmetric spaces in the sense of Cartan. As a result, we first give the structure of the characteristic cohomology subalgebras for the Milnor fibers and complements as images of exterior algebras (or in one case a module on two generators over an exterior algebra). For links, the characteristic cohomology group is the image of a shifted upper truncated exterior algebra. In addition, we extend these results for the complement and link to the case of general complex matrices.

Second, we then apply the geometric detection methods introduced in Part I to detect when specific characteristic cohomology classes for the Milnor fiber or complement are nonzero. We identify an exterior subalgebra on a specific set of generators and for the link that it contains an appropriate shifted upper truncated exterior subalgebra. The detection criterion involves a special type of “kite map germ of size ” based on a given flag of subspaces. The general criterion that detects such nonvanishing characteristic cohomology is then given in terms of the defining germ containing such a kite map germ of size . Furthermore, we use a restricted form of kite spaces to give a cohomological relation between the cohomology of local links and the global link for the varieties of singular matrices.
Education and training programs for health professionals’ competence in virtual consultations: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mathiesen Louise M. W. , Bagger Bettan , Høgsgaard Ditte , Nielsen Martine V. , Gjedsig Sissel S. , Hägi-Pedersen Mai-Britt
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Digital solutions, telemedicine, and technologies are increasingly becoming a part of the health system, requiring current and future health professionals to master skills in these domains.

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore, report, and map the evidence on education and training programs for current and future health professionals’ competence in virtual consultations.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider any studies on education and training programs designed to optimize current and future health professionals’ competence in virtual consultations in any setting, such as faculties, universities, university colleges, hospitals, or community locations.

Methods:

This review will be guided by the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and unpublished sources of information will be searched for in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), and Scopus. Studies written in English, German, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian will be considered, with no geographical or cultural limitations. Two independent reviewers will screen retrieved papers, and a standardized tool will be used to extract data from each included source. The results of the extracted data will be presented in tabular format, together with a narrative summary of the evidence.

Details of the review can be found in Open Science Framework:

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BSMUY
Enhanced bactericidal performance of textiles through compound antimicrobial agents
Authors: Huang Yi , Li Ying , Chen Kai-Bo , Zhang Hang
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explore the essential functional requirements associated with controlling the proliferation of microbes in the domain of textiles used in public health areas. Herein, three antimicrobial agents, specifically iodopropylbutylcarbamate (IPBC), 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thioketone zinc (ZPT), and 2-octyl-3-isothiazolinone (OIT), were chosen for fabric finishing based on their notable effectiveness, minimal toxicity, cost-efficiency, and chemical stability. Utilizing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as representative bacterial strains, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50) of individual and combined antimicrobial agents was measured, and their antimicrobial effectiveness was rigorously evaluated. Concurrently, the antimicrobial effectiveness, whiteness, and mechanical durability of the fabric following antimicrobial treatment were thoroughly examined. The results demonstrate that some combinations of the three antimicrobial agents elicit additive effects on both S. aureus and E. coli. Notably, at an equivalent ratio of IPBC, ZPT, and OIT and a total concentration of 0.2 wt. %, the inhibition rates against both bacterial strains surpass 99%. Upon application to nylon fabric, the treated material demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties, with minimal reduction observed in the whiteness and tensile strength of the treated nylon. This study provides practicable strategies relevant to the production of textiles endowed with antimicrobial properties.
Community Group-Based Physical Activity Programs for Immigrant Older Adults: A Systematic Realist Review
Authors: Salma Jordana , Au Alesia , Ali Sonam , Chamberlain Stephanie , Spence John C. , Jones Allyson , Kennedy Megan , Tong Hongmei , Meherali Salima , Mngomezulu Philile , Flynn Rachel
Published: June 2024

Physical activity program interventions often lack sensitivity to the needs of older immigrant adults. The objective of this systematic realist review is to explain how, why, for whom, and under which circumstances community group-based physical activity programs work for immigrant older adults. The initial program theory was developed using prior research, team expertise, social cognitive theory, and knowledge user consultations. The program theory was tested and refined via a systematic review of the literature. Database searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Sports Medicine and Education Index, and SPORTDiscus. A total of 22 sources of evidence met inclusion criteria and included intervention studies, systematic reviews, and a discussion paper. Intervention studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The final program theory constituted eight context–mechanism–outcome configurations that highlight the importance of facilitator characteristics, access to safe spaces, group dynamics, and social support. A limitation was the small number and variable quality of included evidence. Physical activity programs that target immigrant older adults must strengthen physical and psychological safety and maximize opportunities for role modeling and socialization. This research was supported by the Alberta Health Services Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network and is registered in PROSPERO (ID#258179).
Social and Emotional Learning Through a Sports-Based Youth Development Program Grounded in a Hybrid Model-Based Practice
Authors: Shen Yanhua , Dyson Benedict , Baek Seunghyun , Howley Donal , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the student’s experiences of social and emotional learning in a community-based youth soccer program grounded in the hybridization of the teaching personal and social responsibility model and the cooperative learning model. Methods: This research was guided by a case study design. Qualitative data were collected over 28 weeks. Twenty-three children (n = 23) participated in the study. Eleven individual interviews, six focus group interviews, two rounds of student drawing activities, and 22 researcher’s self-reflection journals were taken during the program. Inductive analysis and constant comparison were used for data analysis. Results: Four themes were drawn from the collected data: trying your best, respecting each other, learning and working as a team, and making your responsibilities at home and school. Conclusion: The study provided evidence that the hybridization of teaching personal and social responsibility and cooperative learning could be an effective pedagogical approach for students’ social and emotional learning development in sports-based youth development programs.
Rapid volcanic ash entombment reveals the 3D anatomy of Cambrian trilobites
Authors: El Albani Abderrazak , Mazurier Arnaud , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Azizi Abdelfattah , El Bakhouch Asmaa , Berks Harry O. , Bouougri El Hafid , Chraiki Ibtissam , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Fontaine Claude , Gaines Robert R. , Ghnahalla Mohamed , Meunier Alain , Trentesaux Alain , Paterson John R.
Published: June 2024

Knowledge of Cambrian animal anatomy is limited by preservational processes that result in compaction, size bias, and incompleteness. We documented pristine three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of trilobites fossilized through rapid ash burial from a pyroclastic flow entering a shallow marine environment. Cambrian ellipsocephaloid trilobites from Morocco are articulated and undistorted, revealing exquisite details of the appendages and digestive system. Previously unknown anatomy includes a soft-tissue labrum attached to the hypostome, a slit-like mouth, and distinctive cephalic feeding appendages. Our findings resolve controversy over whether the trilobite hypostome is the labrum or incorporates it and establish crown-group euarthropod homologies in trilobites. This occurrence of moldic fossils with 3D soft parts highlights volcanic ash deposits in marine settings as an underexplored source for exceptionally preserved organisms.
A neutralizing antibody prevents postfusion transition of measles virus fusion protein
Authors: Zyla Dawid S. , Della Marca Roberta , Niemeyer Gele , Zipursky Gillian , Stearns Kyle , Leedale Cameron , Sobolik Elizabeth B. , Callaway Heather M. , Hariharan Chitra , Peng Weiwei , Parekh Diptiben , Marcink Tara C. , Diaz Avalos Ruben , Horvat Branka , Mathieu Cyrille , Snijder Joost , Greninger Alexander L. , Hastie Kathryn M. , Niewiesk Stefan , Moscona Anne , Porotto Matteo , Ollmann Saphire Erica
Published: June 2024

Measles virus (MeV) presents a public health threat that is escalating as vaccine coverage in the general population declines and as populations of immunocompromised individuals, who cannot be vaccinated, increase. There are no approved therapeutics for MeV. Neutralizing antibodies targeting viral fusion are one potential therapeutic approach but have not yet been structurally characterized or advanced to clinical use. We present cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of prefusion F alone [2.1-angstrom (Å) resolution], F complexed with a fusion-inhibitory peptide (2.3-Å resolution), F complexed with the neutralizing and protective monoclonal antibody (mAb) 77 (2.6-Å resolution), and an additional structure of postfusion F (2.7-Å resolution). In vitro assays and examination of additional EM classes show that mAb 77 binds prefusion F, arrests F in an intermediate state, and prevents transition to the postfusion conformation. These structures shed light on antibody-mediated neutralization that involves arrest of fusion proteins in an intermediate state.
Game theories
Playing with Reality: How Games Have Shaped Our World
Kelly Clancy
Riverhead Books, 2024. 368 pp.
Authors: Mäyrä Frans
Published: June 2024

Games are powerful tools that must be played with care
An epigenetic editor to silence genes
Authors: Whittaker Madelynn N. , Musunuru Kiran
Published: June 2024

A new class of editor has improved delivery, durability, tunability, and safety
The perfect pesticide?
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: June 2024

Insecticides made of RNA could offer a safer and more targeted weapon against crop pests
Genomic evolution of ST228 SCCmec-I MRSA 10 years after a major nosocomial outbreak
Authors: Mauffrey Florian , Bertelli Claire , Greub Gilbert , Senn Laurence , Blanc Dominique S.
Published: June 2024

In this study, we investigated the genomic changes in a major methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) clone following a significant outbreak at a hospital. Whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolates was utilized to explore the genomic evolution of post-outbreak MRSA strains. The epidemicity of the clone declined over time, coinciding with the introduction of multimodal infection control measures. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified multiple genes significantly associated with either high or low epidemic success, indicating alterations in mobilome, virulence, and defense mechanisms. Random Forest models pinpointed a gene related to fibrinogen binding as the most influential predictor of epidemicity. The decline of the MRSA clone may be attributed to various factors, including the implementation of new infection control measures, single nucleotide polymorphisms accumulation, and the genetic drift of a given clone. This research underscores the complex dynamics of MRSA clones, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of their evolution. The decline in epidemicity seems linked to alterations in the clone’s genetic profile, with a probable shift towards decreased virulence and adaptation to long-term carriage. Understanding the genomic basis for the decline of epidemic clones is crucial to develop effective strategies for their surveillance and management, as well as to gain insights into the evolutionary dynamics of pathogen genomes.
Spatial and temporal variation in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtype RNA in wastewater and relation to clinical specimens
Authors: Zambrana Winnie , Huang ChunHong , Solis Daniel , Sahoo Malaya K. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: June 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a large burden of respiratory illness globally. It has two subtypes, RSV A and RSV B, but little is known regarding the predominance of these subtypes during different seasons and their impact on morbidity and mortality. Using molecular methods, we quantified RSV A and RSV B RNA in wastewater solids across multiple seasons and metropolitan areas to gain insight into the predominance of RSV subtypes. We determined the predominant subtype for each group using the proportion of RSV A to total RSV (RSV A + RSV B) in each wastewater sample (
P
A,WW
) and conducted a comparative analysis temporally, spatially, and against clinical specimens. A median
P
A,WW
of 0.00 in the first season and 0.58 in the second season indicated a temporal shift in the predominant subtype. Spatially, while we observed dominance of the same subtype,
P
A,WW
was higher in some areas (
P
A,WW
= 0.58–0.88). The same subtype predominated in wastewater and clinical samples, but clinical samples showed higher levels of RSV A (RSV A positivity in clinical samples = 0.79, median
P
A,WW
= 0.58). These results suggest that wastewater, alongside clinical data, holds promise for enhanced subtype surveillance.

IMPORTANCE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a large burden of respiratory illness globally. It has two subtypes, RSV A and RSV B, but little is known regarding the predominance of these subtypes during different seasons and their impact on morbidity and mortality. The study illustrates that information on subtype predominance can be gleaned from wastewater. As a biological composite sample from the entire contributing population, wastewater monitoring of RSV A and B can complement clinical surveillance of RSV.
Benchmarking low- and high-throughput protein cleanup and digestion methods for human fecal metaproteomics
Authors: Tanca Alessandro , Deledda Maria Antonietta , De Diego Laura , Abbondio Marcello , Uzzau Sergio
Published: June 2024

The application of fecal metaproteomics to large-scale studies of the gut microbiota requires high-throughput analysis and standardized experimental protocols. Although high-throughput protein cleanup and digestion methods are increasingly used in shotgun proteomics, no studies have yet critically compared such protocols using human fecal samples. In this study, human fecal protein extracts were processed using several different protocols based on three main approaches: filter-aided sample preparation (FASP), solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3), and suspension trapping (S-Trap). These protocols were applied in both low-throughput (i.e., microtube-based) and high-throughput (i.e., microplate-based) formats, and the final peptide mixtures were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The FASP-based methods and the combination of SP3 with in-StageTips (iST) yielded the best results in terms of the number of peptides identified through a database search against gut microbiome and human sequences. The efficiency of protein digestion, the ability to preserve hydrophobic peptides and high molecular weight proteins, and the reproducibility of the methods were also evaluated for the different protocols. Other relevant variables, including interindividual variability of stool, duration of protocols, and total costs, were considered and discussed. In conclusion, the data presented here can significantly contribute to the optimization and standardization of sample preparation protocols in human fecal metaproteomics. Furthermore, the promising results obtained with the high-throughput methods are expected to encourage the development of automated workflows and their application to large-scale gut microbiome studies.

IMPORTANCE

Fecal metaproteomics is an experimental approach that allows the investigation of gut microbial functions, which are involved in many different physiological and pathological processes. Standardization and automation of sample preparation protocols in fecal metaproteomics are essential for its application in large-scale studies. Here, we comparatively evaluated different methods, available also in a high-throughput format, enabling two key steps of the metaproteomics analytical workflow (namely, protein cleanup and digestion). The results of our study provide critical information that may be useful for the optimization of metaproteomics experimental pipelines and their implementation in laboratory automation systems.
Boulders modulate hillslope-channel coupling in the northern Alaska Range
Authors: Bender Adrian M. , Lease Richard O.
Published: June 2024

Active orogens balance tectonic rock uplift with erosion, commonly via river incision coupled to landslide denudation of “threshold” hillslopes, but sediment’s role in this feedback is unclear. We report fluvial geometry and sediment size, prevalence, and mobility across two ≤600-m-tall gneissic northern Alaska Range anticlines that sustain steep landslide-clad hillslopes but differ 10× in late Pleistocene–recent rock uplift rate. Enigmatically, the river steepens and narrows prominently across the fold experiencing slow surface uplift (~0.5 mm/yr) but remains low-gradient and wide downstream across the anticline undergoing rapid differential rock uplift (~5 mm/yr). Frequent bedload mobilization across both folds implies fluvial equilibration to sediment transport despite discrepant channel forms and similarly prevalent hillslope-derived boulders. Boulder prevalence correlates significantly with channel slope and width on the slowly uplifting anticline, but weakly on the rapidly uplifting anticline. Strong correlations across the tectonically quiescent anticline may reflect local incision-suppressing boulder aggradation that forces the channel to steepen and narrow, consistent with field observations. Conversely, weak correlations across the rapidly uplifting anticline imply that boulders may modulate expected tectonic channel adjustment by preferentially aggrading to subdue slope, and deflecting frequently mobile bedload to drive lateral erosion that maintains channel width, steepens adjacent hillslopes, and perpetuates hillslope-channel coupling. Hence, hillslope-derived boulders may occupy important roles in regulating feedbacks between river incision and landslide erosion that differ fundamentally at high and low tectonic rates.
Fault rock structure-related stiffness contrast explains earthquakes in creeping faults
Authors: Woo Sangwoo , Han Raehee , Lee Hikweon
Published: June 2024

Fault rocks exhibit structures resulting from different styles of shear deformation (either distributed or localized) during fault displacement. However, how the fault rock structures affect fault slip behavior remains poorly understood. We conducted shear experiments on thick and thin gouge layers of various mineral compositions, which simulate the predominant development of velocity-strengthening distributed deformation zones and velocity-weakening shear localized zones, respectively. Here, we show that deformation zones with contrasting structures and frictional properties can be developed together in a single fault. If the rheological stiffness of shear localization zones in the fault exceeds the elastic stiffness of neighboring wall rocks, stick-slip can intermittently occur along the localization zones while stable slip persists in the distributed deformation zones. These findings suggest that contrasting rheological stiffnesses resulting from fault rock structures may induce the simultaneous operation of multiple slip modes in a fault and explain the occurrence of earthquakes in creeping faults.
Eocene exhumation of the High Andes at ~30°S differentiated by detrital multimethod U-Pb-He thermochronology
Authors: Fosdick Julie C. , Stevens Goddard Andrea L. , Mackaman-Lofland Chelsea , Lossada Ana C. , Rodríguez María Pía , Carrapa Barbara
Published: June 2024

The southern Central Andes (~25–40°S) exhibit a complex tectonic history, crucial for understanding orogenic processes in subduction-related orogens, yet debate on the timing and mechanisms of early Cenozoic topographic growth persists. We present double-dated detrital zircon U-Pb and (U-Th)/He thermochronology data from the early Oligocene–Miocene Bermejo Basin at ~30°S to investigate source unroofing during development of the High Andes. (U-Th)/He results yield dates of ca. 565–16 Ma (n = 73), with distinct detrital modes that indicate a mixing of sediment sources characterized by variable cooling and exhumation histories. We employ a novel approach for modeling detrital thermochronology data that leverages the shared basin subsidence history of multiple detrital modes to resolve provenance and source unroofing histories. Results from the lower Oligocene Vallecito Formation (northwestern Argentina) reveal that detritus was sourced from Permian–Triassic Choiyoi Group rocks that underwent rapid late Eocene cooling, indicated by short lag time (2–5 m.y.) between source cooling and deposition. Our findings are consistent with bedrock studies of Eocene exhumation in the High Andes and establish source-to-basin connectivity during this time. Other detrital modes with pre-Cenozoic cooling histories were derived from Carboniferous Elqui-Colangüil and Choiyoi Group rocks or recycled from Paleozoic basins. We propose that an early Oligocene drainage divide in the High Andes was located west of the Punilla–La Plata fault, an active thrust front at ~30°S. These findings challenge Paleogene neutral stress-state models for the Andes and underscore the importance of improved knowledge of erosion and deformation histories for refining models of Andean orogenesis.
Supplemental Material: Eocene tearing and fragmentation of Indian lithosphere beneath the Woka rift, southern Tibet
Authors: Gong Lin , WANG QIANG , et al.
Published: June 2024

This supplemental material provides Matlab code, new U-Pb ages and trace element compositions of zircon, major element compositions of hornblende, compiled data for the activation timing of E-W extension across the Himalayan-Tibetan plateau, compiled age data for adakitic rocks and potassic-ultrapotassic rocks in the Lhasa terrane.
Autoimmune hepatitis in teenage pregnancy with good obstetric outcome
Authors: Arnowalt Sonia , Verghese Lynda
Published: June 2024

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare liver disorder having long-standing inflammatory features. It classically affects women of reproductive age and can have adverse maternal and fetal outcomes during the pregnancy. The course of the disease is unpredictable and there have been flares even in stable patients. There are limited reports of its management in pregnancy. Furthermore, clinicians may encounter more pregnancies complicated by AIH due to advances in the treatment of AIH. We report a case of unplanned pregnancy in a young teenager who had been diagnosed with AIH. This case report summarises the risks, investigations, treatment and prevention of complications to achieve a favourable outcome in pregnancy. We highlight the importance of tight surveillance by a multidisciplinary team involving maternal medicine specialists and hepatology teams to achieve a good obstetric outcome in a district hospital like ours.
Role of prescribed medication in the development of iron deficiency anaemia in adults—a case–control study
Authors: Prabhu Kiran , Warricker Frazer , Almilaji Orouba , Williams Elizabeth , Snook Jonathon
Published: June 2024

Objective

To estimate the strength of association between exposure to selected classes of prescribed medications and the risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), specifically considering oral anticoagulants (OACs), antidepressants, antiplatelet agents, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

Design

A case–control study involving the analysis of community repeat prescriptions among subjects referred with IDA, and unmatched controls referred as gastroenterology fast-tracks for other indications. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to calculate ORs for the association between IDA presentation and each medication class, adjusted for age, sex and coprescribing. For those classes showing significance, it was also used to calculate risk differences between those in the IDA group with or without haemorrhagic lesions on investigation.

Results

A total of 1210 cases were analysed—409 in the IDA group, and 801 in the control group. Significant associations were identified between presentation with IDA and long-term exposure to PPIs (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 2.47 to 4.41, p<0.001) and to OACs (OR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.24, p=0.002). IDA was not associated with long-term exposure to any of the other three drug classes. In contrast to the relationship with PPIs, the association with OACs was primarily in the IDA sub-group with haemorrhagic lesions.

Conclusion

Long-term exposure to PPIs and OACs are independently associated with the risk of developing IDA. There are grounds for considering that these associations may be causal, though the underlying mechanisms probably differ.
Cognitive function in adolescence and the risk of early-onset stroke
Authors: Bardugo Aya , Bendor Cole D , Libruder Carmit , Lutski Miri , Zucker Inbar , Tsur Avishai M , Derazne Estela , Yaniv Gal , Gardner Raquel C , Gerstein Hertzel C , Cukierman-Yaffe Tali , Lebenthal Yael , Batty David , Tanne David , Furer Ariel , Afek Arnon , Twig Gilad
Published: June 2024

Background

Stroke is increasingly prevalent at younger ages but the risk factors are uncertain. We examined the association between adolescent cognitive function and early-onset stroke.

Methods

This was a nationwide population-based cohort study of 1 741 345 Israeli adolescents (42% women) who underwent comprehensive cognitive function tests at age 16–20 years, before mandatory military service, during 1987–2012. Cognitive function (range: 1–9) was categorised as low (1–3, corresponding to IQ score below 89), medium (4–7, IQ score range: 89–118), or high (8–9, IQ score above 118). Participant data were linked to the Israeli National Stroke Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate risks for the first occurrence of ischaemic stroke during 2014–2018.

Results

During 8 689 329 person-years of follow-up, up to a maximum age of 50 years, 908 first stroke events occurred (767 ischaemic and 141 haemorrhagic). Compared with a reference group of people with high cognitive function, body mass index-adjusted and sociodemographic-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for early-onset stroke were 1.78 (1.33–2.38) in medium and 2.68 (1.96–3.67) in low cognitive function groups. There was evidence of a dose–response relationship (Pfor trend <0.0001) such that one-unit of lower cognitive function z-score was associated with a 33% increased risk of stroke (1.33; 1.23–1.42). These associations were similar for ischaemic stroke but lower for haemorrhagic stroke; persisted in sensitivity analyses that accounted for diabetes status and hypertension; and were evident before age 40 years.

Conclusions

Alongside adolescent obesity and hypertension, lower cognitive function may be a risk factor for early-onset stroke.
SOFIA Aspiration System as first-line Technique (SOFAST): a prospective, multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of the 6 French SOFIA Flow Plus aspiration catheter for endovascular stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Gandhi Dheeraj , Chen Huanwen , Zaidi Syed , Sahlein Daniel H , Maidan Lucian , Kreitel Kenneth , Miller Timothy R , Rahimi Scott , Al Shekhlee Amer , Woo Henry H , Toth Gabor , Schirmer Clemens , Loh Yince , Fiorella David
Published: June 2024

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The SOFAST study collected clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of the 6 French SOFIA Flow Plus aspiration catheter (SOFIA 6F) when used as first-line treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter investigation to assess the safety and efficacy of SOFIA 6F used for first-line aspiration. Anterior circulation LVO stroke patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI)≥2b rate. Secondary endpoints included first-pass and first-line mTICI≥2b rates, times from arteriotomy to clot contact and mTICI≥2b, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS)≤2. First-line and final mTICI scores were adjudicated by an independent imaging core lab. Safety events were assessed by an independent clinical events adjudicator.

Results

A total of 108 patients were enrolled across 12 centers from July 2020 to June 2022. Median age was 67 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 15.5, and 56.5% of patients received intravenous thrombolytics. At the end of the procedure, 97.2%, 85.2%, and 55.6% of patients achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. With SOFIA 6F first-line aspiration, 87.0%, 79.6%, and 52.8% achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. After the first pass, 75.0%, 70.4%, and 50.9% achieved mTICI≥2b, ≥2c, and 3, respectively. Median times from arteriotomy to clot contact and successful revascularization were 12 and 17 min, respectively. At 90 days, 66.7% of patients achieved mRS≤2.

Conclusions

First-line aspiration with SOFIA 6F is safe and effective with high revascularization rates and short procedure times.
Pioneering artificial intelligence-based real time assistance for intracranial liquid embolization in humans: an initial experience
Authors: Sakakura Yuya , Masuo Osamu , Fujimoto Takeshi , Terada Tomoaki , Kono Kenichi
Published: June 2024

Background

Liquid embolization in neuroendovascular procedures carries the risk of embolizing an inappropriate vessel. Operators must pay close attention to multiple vessels during the procedure to avoid ischemic complications. We report our experience with real time artificial intelligence (AI) assisted liquid embolization and evaluate its performance.

Methods

An AI-based system (Neuro-Vascular Assist, iMed technologies, Tokyo, Japan) was used in eight endovascular liquid embolization procedures in two institutions. The software automatically detects liquid embolic agent on biplane fluoroscopy images in real time and notifies operators when the agent reaches a predefined area. Safety, efficacy, and accuracy of the notifications were evaluated using recorded videos.

Results

Onyx or n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was used in the treatment of arteriovenous malformation, dural arteriovenous fistula, meningioma, and chronic subdural hematoma. The mean number of true positive and false negative notifications per case was 31.8 and 2.8, respectively. No false positive notifications occurred. The precision and recall of the notifications were 100% and 92.0%, respectively. In 28.3% of the true positive notifications, the operator immediately paused agent injection after receiving the notification, which demonstrates the potential effectiveness of the AI-based system. No adverse events were associated with the notifications.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of real time AI assistance with liquid embolization procedures in humans. The system demonstrated high notification accuracy, safety, and potential clinical usefulness in liquid embolization procedures. Further research is warranted to validate its impact on clinical outcomes. AI-based real time surgical support has the potential to advance neuroendovascular treatment.
Statin use and long-term risk of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage: the MUCH-Italy
Authors: Pezzini Alessandro , Tarantino Barbara , Zedde Maria Luisa , Marcheselli Simona , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Ciccone Alfonso , Delodovici Maria Luisa , Princiotta Cariddi Lucia , Vidale Simone , Paciaroni Maurizio , Azzini Cristiano , Padroni Marina , Gamba Massimo , Magoni Mauro , Del Sette Massimo , Tassi Rossana , de Franco Ivo Giuseppe , Cavallini Anna , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Cappellari Manuel , Giorli Elisa , Giacalone Giacomo , Lodigiani Corrado , Zenorini Mara , Valletta Francesco , Pascarella Rosario , Abrignani Giorgia , Castellini Paola , Genovese Antonio , Latte Lilia , Trapasso Maria Claudia , Grisendi Ilaria , Assenza Federica , Napoli Manuela , Moratti Claudio , Beccattini Sofia , Acampa Maurizio , Valzania Franco , Grassi Mario , Gentilini Davide
Published: June 2024

Background

Whether statin use after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) increases the risk of recurrent ICH is uncertain.

Methods

In the setting of the Multicentric Study on Cerebral Haemorrhage in Italy we followed up a cohort of 30-day ICH survivors, consecutively admitted from January 2002 to July 2014, to assess whether the use of statins after the acute event is associated with recurrent cerebral bleeding.

Results

1623 patients (mean age, 73.9±10.3 years; males, 55.9%) qualified for the analysis. After a median follow-up of 40.5 months (25th to 75th percentile, 67.7) statin use was not associated with increased risk of recurrent ICH either in the whole study group (adjusted HR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.53) or in the subgroups defined by haematoma location (deep ICH, adjusted HR, 0.74; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.57; lobar ICH, adjusted HR, 1.09; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.90), intensity of statins (low-moderate intensity statins, adjusted HR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.58 to 1.49; high-intensity statins, adjusted HR, 1.48; 95% CI 0.66 to 3.31) and use of statins before the index event (adjusted HR, 0.66; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.17).

Conclusions

Statin use appears to be unrelated to the risk of ICH recurrence.
Thin seams and small mines are associated with higher exposures to respirable crystalline silica in US underground coal mines
Authors: Shao Yuan , Almberg Kirsten S , Friedman Lee S , Cohen Robert A , Go Leonard H T
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Previous radiologic and histopathologic studies suggest respirable crystalline silica (RCS) overexposure has been driving the resurgence of pneumoconiosis among contemporary US coal miners, with a higher prevalence of severe disease in Central Appalachia. We sought to better understand RCS exposure among US underground coal miners.

Methods

We analysed RCS levels, as measured by respirable quartz, from coal mine dust compliance data from 1982 to 2021.

Results

We analysed 322 919 respirable quartz samples from 5064 US underground coal mines. Mean mine-level respirable quartz percentage and mass concentrations were consistently higher for Central Appalachian mines than the rest of the USA. Mean mine-level respirable quartz mass concentrations decreased significantly over time, from 0.116 mg/m3in 1982 to as low as 0.017 mg/m3for Central Appalachian mines, and from 0.089 mg/m3in 1983 to 0.015 mg/m3in 2020 for the rest of the USA. Smaller mine size, location in Central Appalachia, lack of mine safety committee and thinner coal seams were predictive of higher respirable quartz mass concentrations.

Conclusions

These data substantially support the association between RCS overexposure and the resurgence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in the USA, particularly in smaller mines in Central Appalachia.
Superworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae, Zophobas morio) degradation of UV-pretreated expanded polystyrene
Authors: Mapfumo Emmanuel , Hemmerling Deborah , Bukutu Cecilia , Acharya Sachin , Paterson Emma , Nobert Seth , MacElheren Megan , Golizeh Makan
Published: June 2024

A laboratory-based study was conducted to investigate the consumption and degradation of expanded polystyrene (EPS) by superworms (darkling beetle larvae, Zophobas morio; heterotypic synonym Zophobas atratus). Superworms fed on one of three diets (wheat bran control, EPS blocks, or EPS S-shaped chips) following a 60-second pretreatment with UV radiation or no UV radiation exposure. Loss-of-mass measurements were conducted every week for 4 weeks. Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and EPS degradation products in frass were determined as well as the superworm gut microbiome composition. The average loss of mass after 28 days was 34.7% for EPS blocks and 25.6% for S-shaped chips. Small quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus were found in the frass of superworms that fed on the EPS diet, but they were lower than those from wheat bran-fed superworms. Twenty-one EPS degradation products were identified in the frass of superworms on an EPS diet, including short-chain carboxylic acids, polyols, amino acids, metabolites of amino acids, and phosphoric acids. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (polystyrene degrader) and Stenotrophomonas sp. (nitrogen fixer and phosphorus solubilization promoter) were identified from the guts of superworms that fed on an EPS diet. Overall, superworms have the potential to deal with plastic waste degradation problems.