bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in the Timing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemics in Guatemala, 2008–2018
Authors: Hamid Sarah , Grajeda Laura M. , de Leon Oscar , Lopez Maria Renee , Maldonado Herberth , Gomez Ana Beatriz , Lopman Benjamin , Clasen Thomas F. , McCracken John P.
Published: July 2024

Background

The description of local seasonality patterns in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence is important to guide the timing of administration of RSV immunization products.

Methods

We characterized RSV seasonality in Guatemala using the moving epidemic method (MEM) with absolute counts of RSV‐associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) from hospital surveillance in Santa Rosa and Quetzaltenango departments of Guatemala.

Results

From Week 17 of 2008 through Week 16 of 2018, 8487 ARI cases tested positive for RSV by rRT‐PCR. Season onsets varied up to 5 months; early seasons starting in late May to early August and finishing in September to November were most common, but late seasons starting in October to November and finishing in March to April were also observed. Both epidemic patterns had similar durations ranging from 4 to 6 months. Epidemic thresholds (the levels of virus activity that signal the onset and end of a seasonal epidemic) calculated prospectively using previous seasons' data captured between 70% and 99% of annual RSV detections. Onset weeks differed by 2–10 weeks, and offset weeks differed by 2–16 weeks between the two surveillance sites.

Conclusions

Variability in the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics in Guatemala demonstrates the difficulty in precisely predicting the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics based on onset weeks from past seasons and suggests that maximal reduction in RSV disease burden would be achieved through year‐round vaccination and immunoprophylaxis administration to at‐risk infants.
Exploring the nature of peer feedback: An epistemic network analysis approach
Authors: Viberg Olga , Baars Martine , Mello Rafael Ferreira , Weerheim Niels , Spikol Daniel , Bogdan Cristian , Gasevic Dragan , Paas Fred
Published: July 2024

Background Study

Peer feedback has been used as an effective instructional strategy to enhance students' learning in higher education.

Objectives

This paper reports on the findings of an explorative study that aimed to increase our understanding of the nature and role of peer feedback in the students' learning process in a computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) setting. Exploring what types of feedback are used, and how they relate to each other and are related to academic performance has important implications for students and teachers.

Methods

This study was conducted in the higher education setting. It used a dataset consisting of student peer feedback messages (N = 2444) and grades from 231 students who participated in a large engineering course. Using qualitative methods, peer feedback was coded inductively. Epistemic network analysis (ENA) was used to analyse the relation between peer feedback types and performance.

Results

Based on the five types of peer feedback (i.e., ‘management’, ‘cognition’ ‘affect’, ‘interpersonal factors’ and ‘suggestions for improvements’), the results of the ENA showed that student feedback categories ‘management’, ‘cognition’ and ‘affect’ were positively related to student performance at the formative assessment phase.

Conclusions

The findings and the ENA visualizations also show that ‘suggestions for improvement’ and ‘interpersonal factors’ were not a significant part of student learning in peer assessment and feedback in the studied context.
The Emigration Conundrum: EU Countries of Origin of Migrants Between Integration and Demarcation
Authors: Roos Christof , Nagel Max , Kieschnick Hanna , Cherniak Kseniia
Published: July 2024

Based on an analysis of parliamentary debates and party manifestos from 2000 to 2022 in three EU countries of emigration, this article responds to the following question: How emigration is discussed in the political discourse, by whom and why? The research on Poland, Portugal and Romania reveals that parties of the left and right address the societal impacts of emigration whilst simultaneously acknowledging the appreciation of citizens of EU freedoms. Tackling this conundrum, parties call for domestic demarcation for an issue that is partially European. They advocate for state intervention to improve working and living conditions and express concern for the sustainability of the national community responding to demographic changes. The variation amongst the case countries is evident in the dominance of a rightist framing in Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing state intervention and concerns for the nation, and a leftist framing in Southern Europe, advocating solely for state intervention into the economy. Differently structured party systems and strength of cleavages explain this variation.
Research progress of antibacterial and antioxidant packaging materials for meat: A review
Authors: Guo Xianglin
Published: July 2024

Due to the easy spoilage of meat products and the improper preservation and transportation technology, the loss rate of meat is relatively high. Most of the fresh‐keeping films are made by adding natural antioxidants and various film‐forming methods. This study expounds the latest progress in the application of antibacterial and antioxidant packaging materials in meat products. With the addition of antibacterial and antioxidant active substances to the packaging, challenges regarding the stability, safety, compatibility and regulations of active substances emerge. This research status in the direction of prospects and challenges about antibacterial and antioxidant packaging materials for meat.
Sex differences in patterns of potentially inappropriate prescribing and adverse drug reactions in hospitalized older people: Findings from the SENATOR trial
Authors: O'Mahony Denis , Cruz‐Jentoft Alfonso J. , Gudmundsson Adalsteinn , Soiza Roy L. , Petrovic Mirko , Cherubini Antonio , Byrne Stephen , Rochon Paula
Published: July 2024

Background

Older women experience more adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than older men. However, the underlying basis for this sex difference is unclear. Sex (biological status) and/or gender (sociocultural constructs) influences on patterns of inappropriate prescribing in multimorbid older adults may be one reason for this ADR sex difference. In this secondary analysis, we examined whether incident ADR sex differences could be related to concurrent sex differences in potentially inappropriate prescribing.

Design and Setting

A retrospective secondary analysis of sex differences in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), potential prescribing omissions (PPOs), and ADRs among the 1537 participants (47.2% female, median [IQR] age 78 [72–84] years) was undertaken in the SENATOR clinical trial database, conducted in six large European medical centers.

Participants and Methods

We looked specifically for male/female differences relating to PIMs and PPOs (defined by STOPP/START version 2 criteria) identified within 48 h of acute hospitalization. We also assessed sex differences for ADRs identified at 14 days from admission or discharge, whichever came first. ADRs were assessed by blinded endpoint adjudication panel consensus.

Results

During hospitalization, significantly more females experienced ≥1 ADR compared to males (28% and 21%, respectively; odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.10–1.78, p < 0.005). Nine of the 11 STOPP‐criteria PIMs showing a significant sex difference occurred more often in females. Of the four START‐criteria PPOs showing a significant sex difference, all occurred more often in females. Some sex‐associated PIMs reflect higher prevalence of related conditions in older women.

Conclusion

We conclude that specific STOPP‐criteria PIMs and START‐criteria PPOs were identified more frequently in older women than older men during acute hospitalization, possibly contributing to higher ADR incidence in older women. Prescribers should appreciate sex differences in exposure to potentially inappropriate prescribing and ADR risk, given the preponderance of older women over older men in most clinical settings.
Seis‐ing up the Super‐ Morrison formation sauropods
Authors: Woodruff D. Cary , Curtice Brian D. , Foster John R.
Published: July 2024

The Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation sauropods Diplodocus (formerly “Seismosaurus”) hallorum and Supersaurus vivianae are quantifiably the largest dinosaurian taxa from the formation, as well as being among the largest dinosaurs in the world. Their extreme body size (in particular body length, c. 50+ m) has fascinated the paleontological community since their discoveries and has sparked an ongoing discussion on the trends and limits of Morrison Formation sauropod body size. Although not an undeviating proxy, often the largest and skeletally most mature specimens are among the rarest (as exemplified in Triceratops). While their body size has no phylogenetic bearing, the extreme size and potential eco and biological significance of these two sauropod taxa are frequently discussed. Whether these rare and titanically proportioned sauropod specimens are large‐bodied, senescent or both is an often‐repeating rhetoric. To definitively make maturational inferences about these taxa, we osteohistologically sampled the holotype of D. hallorum (NMMNH P‐25079) and the second known specimen of S. vivianae (WDC DMJ‐021). Our age‐determinant and maturational assessments indicate that both specimens were skeletally mature at their respective age of death. Retrocalculation methods for D. hallorum NMMNH P‐25079 produce a maximum age‐at‐death estimation of 60 years, whereas S. vivianae WDC DMJ‐021 lived well past skeletal maturity—so much so that reliable retrocalculated ages cannot be accurately determined at this time. Additionally, the rarity of such large sauropods within the Morrison Formation might be more parsimoniously explained as relating to their maturity as opposed to representing aberrant taxa on the Morrison landscape.
Energy‐based devices and hyaluronic acid filler, polymer filler, and threads: Cadaveric study
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the thermal effects on hyaluronic acid fillers, PCL fillers, and PDO threads when exposed to controlled heat. This study aims to provide insights into how these materials respond to thermal energy, which is crucial for safe and effective cosmetic procedures involving combined modalities.

Materials and Methods

Cadaveric tissue was utilized to simulate clinical conditions. Hyaluronic acid fillers were injected at approximately 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses, with variations in G' value (high and low). PCL fillers were similarly injected in 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses. PDO threads were also inserted. All materials were injected at a depth of 2 cm. A thermometer was used to measure heat penetration, and a multi‐wavelength laser was applied to the tissue. The temperature was maintained at 60°C for 5 min to assess whether heat penetrated more than 3 cm in thickness. Observations were made regarding the heat distribution and any physical changes in the fillers and threads.

Results

In thick layers, heat accumulated above the PCL filler without penetrating deeper layers. In thin layers, heat penetration was observed. For the HA fillers, heat energy was not blocked, regardless of the G' value or thickness. For the threads, no significant heat blockage effect was observed. For all materials, no visual changes were detected in any of the materials due to temperature exposure.

Discussion

The findings suggest that the thickness and composition of fillers significantly influence heat penetration. Thick PCL fillers act as a thermal barrier, whereas thin PCL fillers allow deeper heat penetration. Hyaluronic acid fillers do not impede heat transfer, regardless of their physical properties. PDO threads do not exhibit any notable thermal resistance. These insights are essential for optimizing the safety and efficacy of combined filler and energy‐based device treatments in esthetic medicine.
The effectiveness of positive psychological interventions for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Xia , Zhou Xiaojun , Sun Mimi , Yu Nancy Xiaonan , Peng Yunyi , Zheng Xiaoting , Xiao Wenli
Published: July 2024

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of positive psychological interventions on quality of life, positive psychological outcomes and negative psychological outcomes in patients with cancer.

Background

Patients with cancer often suffer from various psychological problems and have a poor quality of life. Positive psychological interventions have been increasingly applied to patients with cancer, but the results of these studies have not been synthesized.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials according to PRISMA.

Methods

Six English databases and four Chinese databases were searched from the inception to December 2022. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RevMan was used for meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐nine randomized controlled trials examined the effects of positive psychological interventions including meaning therapy, dignity therapy, positive psychotherapy, mindfulness‐ based intervention, life review, expressive writing intervention, acceptance and commitment psychotherapy, attention and interpretation therapy, compassion training and spiritual therapy on patients with cancer. Positive psychological interventions significantly improved the quality of life, enhanced positive psychological outcomes including well‐being, meaning of life, self‐esteem, optimism, resilience and self‐efficacy and alleviated negative psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety and hopelessness. However, the heterogeneity of some outcomes was rather high, due to the wide diversity of the interventions included.

Conclusion

Positive psychological interventions have potentially positive effects on improving quality of life, enhancing positive psychological outcomes and alleviating negative psychological outcomes in patients with cancer. However, due to the heterogeneity and the lack of follow‐up studies, more high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the results of our review and to clarify the long‐term effects of positive psychological interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

As feasible psychological interventions, healthcare professionals can consider applying appropriate positive psychological interventions according to the condition of cancer patients.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Ecological investigations of giant Phaeocystis colonies in Viet Nam: I. Cell abundance and elemental composition
Authors: Meng Rui , Smith Walker O. , Cao Ruobing , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam , Wang Jinxiu
Published: July 2024

Phaeocystis globosa is an important bloom‐forming marine phytoplankton species that often accumulates to large levels in temperate and tropical waters and has significant impacts on food webs and biogeochemical cycles. It can form “giant” colonies that reach 3 cm in diameter. Microscopic observations, colony elemental composition, and pigment composition were analyzed to assess the characteristics of colonies as a function of colony size. Particulate organic carbon (POC) per unit surface area, colonial cell density, and chlorophyll a per unit surface area all increased with colony size, in contrast to results from temperate waters. Cellular chl a averaged 0.85 pg chl · cell−1. Colonies had both photosynthetic and protective pigments, with fucoxanthin being the dominant accessory pigment. Based on chl a and pigment levels, it appears colonies were acclimated to relatively low irradiances, likely due to their life cycle and the extremely turbulent environment in which they grew. Mucous carbon ranged from 16.2% to 79.2% of the total POC, and mucous carbon per unit surface area increased with colony size, suggesting that the mucous envelope did not thin as the colony grew. Based on elemental composition, nitrogen did not appear to limit growth, but phosphorus:carbon ratios were similar to those of P‐limited cultures. Giant colonies represent an extreme response to the environment, but they do not appear to have greatly different characteristics than other tropical strains.
Do credences model guesses?
Authors: Horowitz Sophie
Published: July 2024

What are credences? Where do the numbers come from? Some have argued that they are brute and primitive; others, that they model our dispositions to bet, our comparative confidence judgments, or our all‐out beliefs. This paper explores a new answer to this question: credences model our dispositions to guess. I argue that we can think of credences this way, and then consider: should we?
Hamiltonian shocks
Authors: Arnold Russell , Camassa Roberto , Ding Lingyun
Published: July 2024

Wave propagation in the form of fronts or kinks, a common occurrence in a wide range of physical phenomena, is studied in the context of models defined by their Hamiltonian structure. Motivated, for dispersive wave evolution equations such as a strongly nonlinear model of two‐layer internal waves in the Boussinesq limit, by the symmetric properties of a class of front‐propagating solutions, known as conjugate states or solibores, a generalized formulation based purely on the dispersionless reduction of a system is introduced, and a class of undercompressive shock solutions, here referred to as “Hamiltonian shocks,” is defined. This analysis determines whether a Hamiltonian shock, representing locally a kink for the parent dispersive equations, will interact with a sufficiently smooth background wave without inducing loss of regularity, which would take the form of a classical dispersive shock for the parent equations. This property is also related to an infinitude of conservation laws, drawing a parallel to the case of completely integrable systems.
The Nietzschean Sellars: Remarks on the Nietzsche‐Sellars view of mind
Authors: Magnell Elsa , Dahl Niklas
Published: July 2024

We discuss the striking similarities between Friedrich Nietzsche's and Wilfrid Sellars's respective philosophies of mind. Drawing especially on recent Nietzsche scholarship by Riccardi and Katsafanas, we argue that the Nietzschean picture of consciousness is essentially the same as Sellars's view of conceptually structured thought. In particular, we argue that both consider structured thinking to be a linguistic phenomenon whose structure, in turn, arises contingently from social interactions within a community. Further, both views provide for a special role to be played by specifically mentalistic vocabulary, making it possible to engage with the mental states of others in a reflective way. We also discuss how this parallel extends to their respective views on perception. Drawing on O'Shea and Riccardi, we argue for interpretations on which there still is a clear connection between their respective views. Finally, we end the article by discussing some reasons why this similarity should not be as unexpected as it initially seems.
QuantiFERON monitor predicts early cytomegalovirus infection and viral burden in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yoon Eungjun , Shin Sunghwan , Choi Sooin , Jang Jun Ho , Kim Kihyun , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Won Seog , Jung Chul Won , Kang Eun‐Suk
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of transplantation‐related morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the utility of the QuantiFERON monitor (QFM; Qiagen) for the prediction of early CMV infection and viral burden.

Methods

QuantiFERON‐CMV (QF‐CMV; Qiagen) and QFM were measured at the post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) week 4. CMV DNA was measured at every visit until post‐HSCT week 24. The QFM cutoff specific to CMV infection was established.

Result

At the post‐HSCT week 4, the QFM cutoff predicting CMV infection was 86.95 IU/mL. While QF‐CMV results at the post‐HSCT week 4 were associated with high‐level CMV infection (CMV DNA ≥ 5,000 IU/mL) but not with CMV infection (CMV DNA ≥ 500 IU/mL), QFM was associated with both CMV infection and high‐level CMV infection. Both indeterminate QF‐CMV and nonreactive QFM were associated with increased peak CMV DNA.

Conclusion

Low QFM is a risk factor for CMV infection and increased CMV viral loads. QFM at post‐HSCT week 4 can be utilized as an assay to predict the risk and burden of early CMV infection in HSCT recipients, in conjunction with other risk factors.

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Risk factors for severe outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 through the waves of the pandemic: Comparing patients with and without solid organ transplantation
Authors: Lee Stephen B. , Dai Ran , French Evan , Anzalone Jerrod A. , Olex Amy L. , Ge Jin , Schissel Makayla , Agarwal Gaurav , Vinson Amanda , Madhira Vithal , Mannon Roslyn B. ,   the N3C Consortium
Published: July 2024

Background

While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is no longer a public health emergency, certain patients remain at risk of severe outcomes. To better understand changing risk profiles, we studied the risk factors for patients with and without solid organ transplantation (SOT) through the various waves of the pandemic.

Methods

Using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative we studied a cohort of adult patients testing positive for COVID‐19 between January 1, 2020, and May 2, 2022. We separated the data into waves of COVID‐19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control. In our primary outcome, we used multivariable survival analysis to look at various risk factors for hospitalization in those with and without SOT.

Results

A total of 3,570,032 patients were captured. We found an overall risk attenuation of adverse COVID‐19‐associated outcomes over time. In both non‐SOT and SOT populations, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure were risk factors for hospitalization. For SOT specifically, longer time periods between transplant and COVID‐19 were protective and age was a risk factor. Notably, asthma was not a risk factor for major adverse renal cardiovascular events, hospitalization, or mortality in either group.

Conclusions

Our study provides a longitudinal view of the risks associated with adverse COVID‐related outcomes amongst SOT and non‐SOT patients, and how these risk factors evolved over time. Our work will help inform providers and policymakers to better target high‐risk patients.

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Red cell exchange modulates neutrophil degranulation responses in sickle cell disease
Authors: Lee Grace M. , Boyle Kimberly , Batchvarova Milena , Delahunty Martha , Suggs Mark A. , Arepally Gowthami M. , Telen Marilyn J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Neutrophils in sickle cell disease (SCD) are activated, contributing to disease. Red cell exchange (RCE), with the goal of lowering hemoglobin S (HbS), is an important part of therapy for many SCD patients. Whether RCE impacts neutrophil reactivity is unknown.

Study Design and Methods

To determine the effect of RCE on neutrophil activation, SCD patients undergoing RCE in steady‐state were enrolled. Neutrophil degranulation responses were examined before/after RCE. Kinetic studies were completed to determine the duration of the effect of RCE on neutrophil function. Degranulation results were examined in relation to white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and HbS levels. The effect of RCE on RBC phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure was examined as a possible contributor to modulation of neutrophil function by RCE.

Results

Twenty‐two patients with SCD, genotype SS, who underwent RCE (average pre‐RCE HbS 33 ± 14%) were included for the study. RCE significantly decreased neutrophil degranulation responses. The effect of RCE on neutrophil activation was unrelated to cell count and instead directly correlated with HbS. The effect of RCE on neutrophil activation was sustained over several days post‐apheresis. Furthermore, while increased RBC PS exposure results in increased neutrophil degranulation, RCE decreases RBC PS exposure.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that RCE significantly decreases neutrophil activation in a sustained HbS‐dependent manner. Modulation of PS exposure by RCE may be a contributing mechanism by which RCE modulates neutrophil activation. These studies raise the possibility that modulation of neutrophil activation contributes significantly to the therapeutic effect of RCE.
Treadmill running and mechanical overloading improved the strength of the plantaris muscle in the dystrophin‐desmin double knockout (DKO) mouse
Authors: Moutachi Dylan , Hyzewicz Janek , Roy Pauline , Lemaitre Mégane , Bachasson Damien , Amthor Helge , Ritvos Olli , Li Zhenlin , Furling Denis , Agbulut Onnik , Ferry Arnaud
Published: July 2024

Limited knowledge exists regarding the chronic effect of muscular exercise on muscle function in a murine model of severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Here we determined the effects of 1 month of voluntary wheel running (WR), 1 month of enforced treadmill running (TR) and 1 month of mechanical overloading resulting from the removal of the synergic muscles (OVL) in mice lacking both dystrophin and desmin (DKO). Additionally, we examined the effect of activin receptor administration (AR). DKO mice, displaying severe muscle weakness, atrophy and greater susceptibility to contraction‐induced functional loss, were exercised or treated with AR at 1 month of age and in situ force production of lower leg muscle was measured at the age of 2 months. We found that TR and OVL increased absolute maximal force and the rate of force development of the plantaris muscle in DKO mice. In contrast, those of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle remained unaffected by TR and WR. Furthermore, the effects of TR and OVL on plantaris muscle function in DKO mice closely resembled those in mdx mice, a less severe murine DMD model. AR also improved absolute maximal force and the rate of force development of the TA muscle in DKO mice. In conclusion, exercise training improved plantaris muscle weakness in severely affected dystrophic mice. Consequently, these preclinical results may contribute to fostering further investigations aimed at assessing the potential benefits of exercise for DMD patients, particularly resistance training involving a low number of intense muscle contractions.

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Key points

Very little is known about the effects of exercise training in a murine model of severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). One reason is that it is feared that chronic muscular exercise, particularly that involving intense muscle contractions, could exacerbate the disease.

In DKO mice lacking both dystrophin and desmin, characterized by severe lower leg muscle weakness, atrophy and fragility in comparison to the less severe DMD mdx model, we found that enforced treadmill running improved absolute maximal force of the plantaris muscle, while that of tibialis anterior muscle remained unaffected by both enforced treadmill and voluntary wheel running.

Furthermore, mechanical overloading, a non‐physiological model of chronic resistance exercise, reversed plantaris muscle weakness.

Consequently, our findings may have the potential to alleviate concerns and pave the way for exploring the prescription of endurance and resistance training as a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of dystrophic patients. Additionally, such interventions may serve in mitigating the pathophysiological mechanisms induced by physical inactivity.
The Development of a Novel Peristaltic Test Stand “Swallow-Sim” for the Mechanical Evaluation of Esophageal Stents
Authors: Berger Daniel Michael , Sehrt Jan T. , Brinkmann Thomas , Henrichs Niclas Norman , Bilec Oguzhan , Fuchs Karl-Hermann , Meining Alexander
Published: July 2024

The development of medical products begins with the “in silico” phase, where the development and simulation of new stent types are carried out. This is followed by the “in vitro” phase. Here, tests are done in a test stand to obtain initial conclusions about the interaction of the environment. The approval process is completed in the “in vivo” phase, where testing in living beings happen. Here, preclinical studies are carried out in animals first, followed by clinical studies on patients. A big part of the development fails in this final phase, as this is where the interactions of all influences from the stent environment are investigated. Since this not only causes high costs for the developers but also unnecessarily destroys living resources in animal studies, this publication describes the development of a test stand called “Swallow-Sim” that superimposes the mechanical influences of the esophagus, the chemical stress caused by hydrochloric acid and increased body temperature. Furthermore, tests of the acting pressures are carried out using esophageal manometry, a temperature test of the test stand and a test run of the gastric juice. At the end of this publication, the results are evaluated with a six-week test of a Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory stent, which loses much of its mechanical properties and is partially destroyed by the load. The results show a clear correlation with the findings from reality. The test stand should be further optimized and examined in more detail in further tests and subjected to a reality check.
Data-driven acoustic control of a spherical bubble using a Koopman linear quadratic regulator
Authors: Gibson Andrew J. , Yee Xin C. , Calvisi Michael L.
Published: July 2024

Koopman operator theory has gained interest as a framework for transforming nonlinear dynamics on the state space into linear dynamics on abstract function spaces, which preserves the underlying nonlinear dynamics of the system. These spaces can be approximated through data-driven methodologies, which enables the application of classical linear control strategies to nonlinear systems. Here, a Koopman linear quadratic regulator (KLQR) was used to acoustically control the nonlinear dynamics of a single spherical bubble, as described by the well-known Rayleigh–Plesset equation, with several objectives: (1) simple harmonic oscillation at amplitudes large enough to incite nonlinearities, (2) stabilization of the bubble at a nonequilibrium radius, and (3) periodic and quasiperiodic oscillation with multiple frequency components of arbitrary amplitude. The results demonstrate that the KLQR controller can effectively drive a spherical bubble to radially oscillate according to prescribed trajectories using both broadband and single-frequency acoustic driving. This approach has several advantages over previous efforts to acoustically control bubbles, including the ability to track arbitrary trajectories, robustness, and the use of linear control methods, which do not depend on initial guesses.
A metric to quantify the time-varying characteristics of underwater acoustic communication channels
Authors: Li Xianpeng , Tai Yupeng , Wang Haibin , Wang Jun , Jia Shuo , Zhang Yonglin , Gan Weiming
Published: July 2024

Underwater acoustic communication signals suffer from time dispersion due to time-varying multipath propagation in the ocean. This leads to intersymbol interference, which in turn degrades the performance of the communication system. Typically, the channel correlation functions are employed to describe these characteristics. In this paper, a metric called the channel average correlation coefficient (CACC) is proposed from the correlation function to quantify the time-varying characteristics. It has a theoretical negative relationship with communication performance. Comparative analysis involving simulations and experimental data processing highlights the superior effectiveness of CACC over the traditional metric, the channel coherence time.
Exploring the destructive synergy between IL-33 and Suilysin hemolysis on blood-brain barrier stability
Authors: Fu Yang , Jie Jing , Lei Liang , Liu Mengmeng , Wang Junjie , Lei Liancheng , Liu Hongtao
Published: July 2024

Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) is a zoonotic pathogen capable of eliciting meningitis, presenting significant challenges to both the swine industry and public health. Suilysin (Sly), one of SS2 most potent virulence determinants, releases a surfeit of inflammatory agents following red blood cell lysis. Notably, while current research on Sly role in SS2-induced meningitis predominantly centers on its interaction with the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the repercussions of Sly hemolytic products on BBB function have largely been sidestepped. In this vein, our study delves into the ramifications of Sly-induced hemolysis on BBB integrity. We discern that Sly hemolytic derivatives exacerbate the permeability of Sly-induced
in vitro
BBB models. Within these Sly hemolytic products, Interleukin-33 (IL-33) disrupts the expression and distribution of Claudin-5 in brain microvascular endothelial cells, facilitating the release of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8), thereby amplifying BBB permeability. Preliminary mechanistic insights suggest that IL-33-driven expression of IL-6 and IL-8 is orchestrated by the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 mediates IL-33-induced suppression of Claudin-5. To validate these
in vitro
findings, an SS2-infected mouse model was established, and upon intravenous administration of growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2) antibodies,
in vivo
results further underscored the pivotal role of the IL-33/ST2 axis during SS2 cerebral invasion. In summation, this study pioneerly illuminates the involvement of Sly hemolytic products in SS2-mediated BBB compromise and spotlights the instrumental role and primary mechanism of IL-33 therein. These insights enrich our comprehension of SS2 meningitis pathogenesis, laying pivotal groundwork for therapeutic advancements against SS2-induced meningitis.

IMPORTANCE

The treatment of meningitis caused by
Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) has always been a clinical challenge. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which SS2 breaches the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for the development of meningitis therapeutics. Suilysin (Sly) is one of the most important virulence factors of SS2, which can quickly lyse red blood cells and release large amounts of damage-associated molecular patterns, such as hemoglobin, IL-33, cyclophilin A, and so on. However, the impact of these hemolytic products on the function of BBB is unknown and ignored. This study is the first to investigate the effect of Sly hemolytic products on BBB function. The data are crucial for the study of the pathogenesis of SS2 meningitis and can provide an important reference for the development of meningitis therapeutics.
The efficacy of current treatment processes to remove, inactivate, or reduce environmental bloom-forming
Escherichia coli
Authors: Lau Melody , Monis Paul T. , King Brendon J.
Published: July 2024

Escherichia coli
is excreted in high numbers from the intestinal tract of humans, other mammals, and birds. Traditionally, it had been thought that
E. coli
could grow only within human or animal hosts and would perish in the environment. Therefore, the presence of
E. coli
in water has become universally accepted as a key water quality indicator of fecal pollution. However, recent research challenges the assumption that the presence of
E. coli
in water is always an indicator of fecal contamination, with some types of
E. coli
having evolved to survive and grow in aquatic environments. These strains can form blooms in water storages, resulting in high
E. coli
counts even without fecal contamination. Although these bloom-forming strains lack virulence genes and pose little threat to public health, their presence in treated water triggers the same response as fecal-derived
E. coli
. Yet, little is known about the effectiveness of treatment processes in removing or inactivating them. This study evaluated the effectiveness of current treatment processes to remove bloom-forming strains, in comparison to fecal-derived strains, with conventional coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation and filtration investigated. Second, the effectiveness of current disinfection processes—chlorination, chloramination, and ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect bloom-forming strains in comparison to fecal-derived strains—was assessed. These experiments showed that the responses of bloom isolates were not significantly different from those of fecal
E. coli
strains. Therefore, commonly used water treatment and disinfection processes are effective to remove bloom-forming
E. coli
strains from water.

IMPORTANCE

The presence of
Escherichia coli
in water has long been used globally as a key indicator of fecal pollution and for quantifying water safety. Traditionally, it was believed that
E. coli
could only thrive within hosts and would perish outside, making its presence in water indicative of fecal contamination. However, recent research has unveiled strains of
E. coli
capable of surviving and proliferating in aquatic environments, forming blooms even in the absence of fecal contamination. While these bloom-forming strains lack the genes to be pathogenic, their detection in source or drinking water triggers the same response as fecal-derived
E. coli
. Yet, little is known about the efficacy of treatment processes in removing them. This study evaluated the effectiveness of conventional treatment and disinfection processes in removing bloom-forming strains compared to fecal-derived strains. Results indicate that these commonly used processes are equally effective against both types of
E. coli
, reassuring that bloom-forming
E. coli
strains can be eliminated from water.
Binding of IscU and TusA to different but competing sites of IscS influences the activity of IscS and directs sulfur to the respective biomolecular synthesis pathway
Authors: Olivieri Paolo , Klabes Moritz , Crack Jason C. , Lehmann Angelika , Bennett Sophie P. , Le Brun Nick E. , Leimkühler Silke
Published: July 2024

All sulfur transfer pathways generally have in common an
l
-cysteine desulfurase as the initial sulfur-mobilizing enzyme, which serves as a sulfur donor for the biosynthesis of numerous sulfur-containing biomolecules in the cell. In
Escherichia coli
, the housekeeping
l
-cysteine desulfurase IscS functions as a hub for sulfur transfer through interactions with several partner proteins, which bind at different sites on IscS. So far, the interaction sites of IscU, Fdx, CyaY, and IscX involved in iron sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly, TusA, required for molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis and mnm
5
s
2
U34 transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications, and ThiI, involved in both the biosynthesis of thiamine and s
4
U8 tRNA modifications, have been mapped. Previous studies have suggested that IscS partner proteins bind only one at a time, with the exception of Fe-S cluster assembly, which involves the formation of a ternary complex involving IscS, IscU, and one of CyaY, Fdx, or IscX. Here, we show that the affinity of TusA for IscS is similar to but lower than that of IscU and that these proteins compete for binding to IscS. We show that heterocomplexes involving the IscS dimer and single IscU and TusA molecules are readily formed and that binding of both TusA and IscU to IscS affects its
l
-cysteine desulfurase activity. A model is proposed in which the delivery of sulfur to different sulfur-requiring pathways is controlled by sulfur acceptor protein levels, IscS-binding affinities, and acceptor protein-modulated IscS desulfurase activity.

IMPORTANCE

Iron-sulfur clusters are evolutionarily ancient prosthetic groups. The housekeeping
l
-cysteine desulfurase IscS functions as a central core for sulfur transfer through interactions with several partner proteins, which bind at different sites on each IscS monomer with different affinities and partially overlapping binding sites. We show that heterocomplexes involving the IscS dimer and single IscU and TusA molecules at each site of the dimer are formed, thereby influencing the activity of IscS.
The anatomy of $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$ distributions
Authors: Gorbahn Martin , Moldanazarova Ulserik , Sieja Kai Henryk , Stamou Emmanuel , Tabet Mustafa
Published: July 2024

The excellent experimental prospects to measure the invisible mass spectrum of the $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

decay opens a new path to test generalised quark–neutrino interactions with flavour changing $$s\rightarrow d$$

s
→
d

transitions and as such to novel probes of Physics beyond the Standard Model. Such signals can be a consequence of new lepton-number violating or lepton-number conserving interactions, with their interpretations depending on the Majorana versus Dirac nature of the neutrinos. Furthermore, the possible existence of new massive sterile neutrinos can be tested via their distinctive imprints in the invariant mass spectrum. Within the model-independent framework of the weak effective theory at dimension-six, we study the New Physics effects of Majorana and Dirac neutrinos on the differential distribution of $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

allowing for lepton-number violating interactions and potential new sterile neutrinos. We determine the current and expected future sensitivity on the corresponding $$\Delta S=1$$

Δ
S
=
1

neutral-current Wilson coefficients using the distribution measured by the NA62 collaboration and accounting for expected improvements based on the HIKE experiment. We present single-operator fits and also determine correlations among different type of operators. Even though we focus on $$s\rightarrow d\nu \nu $$

s
→
d
ν
ν

transitions, the operator bases for Majorana and Dirac and the classification of lepton-number-violating/conserving interactions is applicable also for the study of $$b\rightarrow s/d\nu \nu $$

b
→
s
/
d
ν
ν

and $$c\rightarrow u\nu \nu $$

c
→
u
ν
ν

transitions relevant in current phenomenology.
Xstar atomic database: the PyXstar package
Authors: Mendoza Claudio , Kallman Timothy R. , Ballhausen Ralf , Ogorzałek Anna , Dannen Randall , García Javier A.
Published: July 2024

We present a progress report on the development of , a Python package to manage the data (input, output, intermediate, atomic database, and model-grids) associated with the xstar code for treating photoionized and collisionally ionized plasmas. The modular structure and database retrieval scheme are described, and its functionality is illustrated with Python functions and classes for performing database searches. We briefly compare with two other Python spectrum modeling tools: and .

Graphic abstract
Combined Impact of Multidelay Feedback Number and Interval: A Novel Mechanism for Controlling the Stability of Stochastic Duffing Systems
Authors: Hu Zhouyu , Han Zikun , Yang Yanling , Wang Qiubao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study a class of nonlinear stochastic Duffing oscillators with multidelay feedback. We propose an effective reduction approach with the help of center manifold theory and stochastic averaging method. Taking the initial time-delay [Formula: see text] as the parameter, we reduce the original system to a one-dimensional averaged Itô equation. Our analysis reveals that the original system exhibits stochastic bifurcations, including stochastic D and P bifurcations. Once we have a clear understanding of the bifurcation structure, we can use this knowledge to choose appropriate system parameters and place the system in the desired state. For instance, by adjusting the initial time-delay [Formula: see text] of the control system, we can stabilize the system and achieve the desired outcome. Numerical simulations also verify the theoretical results. With appropriate parameter choices, multiple time delays can destabilize the equilibrium and promote chaotic behaviors, and can also lead to more stable dynamical behavior. Remarkably, we discovered that increasing the interval of time delays and feedback numbers can enhance system stability. It may potentially serve as a novel mechanism for stabilizing stochastic systems. The study provides a solid theoretical foundation for exploring stochastic systems subject to complex time-delay feedback control, and offers a valuable framework for related fields.
Clinical Outcomes of Oral vs. Transdermal Estrogen for Endometrial Preparation for Frozen Thawed Embryo Transfer in HRT-FET Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Humaidan Peter , Murdia Kshitiz , Chandra Vipin , Bhoi Nihar , Suwalka Isha , Punhani Ritu
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose: Among different routes of estrogen formulations, the transdermal route has obtained popularity in recent years for endometrial preparation in hormone replacement (HRT) frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. However, no clear evidence is available regarding clinical outcome of the transdermal route. This meta-analysis investigated the clinical outcomes of oral versus transdermal estrogen for endometrial preparation for FET in HRT-FET cycles.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before May 30, 2022, in electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Trip Database, Worldwide Science, and Google Scholar. Outcomes, including endometrial thickness, implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR), were measured using pooled odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Seven studies involving a total of 898 IVF patients were included in the meta-analysis. In a pooled analysis, endometrial thickness (ET) was more in the transdermal group as compared to the oral estrogen group ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–0.31). However, no significant association for IR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.38), CPR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.31), MR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–2.06), and LBR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.23) was found between oral versus transdermal estrogen groups.

Conclusions: In HRT-FET cycles using oral or transdermal estrogen, no significant difference was seen in clinical outcomes of IR, CPR, and LBR rates; however, a trend for a higher endometrial thickness was noted in the transdermal group.