bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of the BD MAX MDR-TB assay in a clinical setting and its impact on the clinical course of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a retrospective before-after study
Authors: Ko Sung Jun , Yoon Kui Hyun , Lee Sang Hee
Published: April 2024

Background: Missing isoniazid (INH) resistance during tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis can worsen the outcomes of INH-resistant TB. The BD MAX MDR-TB assay (BD MAX) facilitates the rapid detection of TB and INH and rifampin (RIF) resistance; however, data related to its performance in clinical setting remain limited. Moreover, its effect on treatment outcomes has not yet been studied.Methods: We compared the performance of BD MAX for the detection of INH/RIF resistances to that of the line probe assay (LPA) in patients with pulmonary TB (PTB), using the results of a phenotypic drug sensitivity test as a reference standard. The treatment outcomes of patients who used BD MAX were compared with those of patients who did not.Results: Of the 83 patients included in the study, the BD MAX was used for an initial PTB diagnosis in 39 patients. The sensitivity of BD MAX for detecting PTB was 79.5%. The sensitivity and specificity of BD MAX for INH resistance were both 100%, whereas these were 50.0% and 95.8%, respectively, for RIF resistance. The sensitivity and specificity of BD MAX were comparable to those of LPA. The BD MAX group had a shorter time interval from specimen request to the initiation of anti-TB drugs (2.0 days vs. 5.5 days, p=0.001).Conclusion: BD MAX showed comparable performance to conventional tests for detecting PTB and INH/RIF resistances. The implementation of BD MAX as a diagnostic tool for PTB resulted in a shorter turnaround time for the initiation of PTB treatment.
Derecho internacional, cooperación y conflicto en algunos temas complejos para el Tratado Antártico
Authors: Villamizar Lamus Fernando
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo resalta los inicios conflictivos de las relaciones antárticas de mediados del siglo XX y cómo se fueron superando las diferencias para lograr un tratado que tiene sesenta años de vigencia y que ha permitido una adecuada administración del Continente Blanco, pese a los intereses contrapuestos de varios actores. En él, se analizan algunos desafíos presentes del Tratado Antártico, tales como su régimen objetivo, el aumento de actores y reclamaciones de espacios marinos, el proyecto de conexión a internet del continente antártico, el cambio climático y el turismo. Mediante un método descriptivo, se abordan los temas comentados resaltando la relación entre cooperación y conflicto. El principal hallazgo es la demostración de la simbiosis entre cooperación y conflicto en el seno del Tratado Antártico.
Alcance y aplicabilidad del principio de las responsabilidades comunes pero diferenciadas en el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica
Authors: Donadio Linares Luciano M.
Published: April 2024

En la negociación actual del Marco Mundial de la Biodiversidad Post-2020, se debe determinar qué línea de base se utilizará para medir el avance de la implementación del Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica (CDB), incluida la ambición de restauración de ecosistemas históricamente degradados. Este elemento técnico no solo repercute en el alcance técnico de la discusión, sino también en la dimensión política y en el alcance jurídico del principio de responsabilidades comunes pero diferenciadas (CBDR, por sus siglas en inglés) del CDB. Luego de más de cincuenta años desde su primera aparición en los instrumentos internacionales, la literatura especializada sigue discutiendo sobre su alcance y naturaleza jurídica, que incluye, desde la categoría de costumbre internacional, hasta el principio de derecho internacional ambiental o guía de política ambiental. De igual modo, se discute si se funda en la solidaridad internacional o si tiene un componente de responsabilidad para la reparación del daño ambiental histórico. Este capítulo tiene el propósito de construir un puente entre los hechos socioeconómicos y ambientales que fundamentan la crisis ambiental actual y el CBDR que podría contribuir a justificar una reparación justa y equitativa del daño ambiental acumulado.
Contribuições da “Cidade Inteligente” no Direito Ambiental e Internacional: em busca de soluções
Authors: Batistella Devólio Isadora , Soares Barbosa Verônica Elisa
Published: April 2024

Com o objetivo de verificar se a implantação de projetos de cidades inteligentes nas cidades é capaz de concretizar o direito ao meio ambiente, considerando uma perspectiva internacional, esta pesquisa desenvolve um estudo reflexivo por meio da análise de artigos científicos publicados a partir do ano de 2016 no Portal de Periódicos Capes, bem como em documentos internacionais do Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento (BID) e do Programa das Nações Unidas para o Meio Ambiente (PNUMA). Utiliza-se o método hipotético dedutivo, aliado a um levantamento documental, para negar ou comprovar a hipótese de que há eficácia no direito ambiental na implantação da cidade inteligente. Nessa linha, verificou-se que o direito ao meio ambiente é tratado de forma secundária pelos projetos de cidades inteligentes, enfrentando diversos obstáculos para sua efetivação. Assim, não é, de fato, protegido
A reading on the right to freedom of the press in South America from the United Nations and inter-American systems for the protection of human rights
Authors: Colares Leal Thaise Roberta , Noura Teixeira Carla , de Mattos Neto Antonio José
Published: April 2024

The democratic regime is a fundamental conjecture for protecting and promoting individual and collective freedoms. From the end of the 20th century until today, we have had a moment characterized by the escalation of far-right governments in Latin America, North America, and even in Europe. This scenario represents, in fact, a democratic setback which fell mainly upon the freedom of the press. Note that the cut made by this article concerns understanding the restrictions and violations of press freedom that occurred in South America, based on what was standardized on the subject within the United Nations and the Inter-American System of Human Rights. To this end, international documents and reports were used, allowing one to observe the current situation and providing evidence of international accountability for States that violate the right to freedom of the press.
Acuerdo de cooperación entre el Gobierno de Colombia y la Oficina del Fiscal de la Corte Penal Internacional: ¿pacto de no agresión?
Authors: González Ocampo Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

El examen preliminar realizado por la Oficina del Fiscal de la Corte Penal Internacional (OTP, por sus siglas en inglés) de conductas constitutivas de crímenes de lesa humanidad y de guerra cometidas en Colombia terminó con la firma en octubre de 2021 de un acuerdo de cooperación entre esa dependencia del tribunal y el Ejecutivo colombiano. Este acuerdo, que no es simplificado según el derecho nacional pero que sí puede ser vinculante conforme al derecho internacional, obliga al Gobierno colombiano a apoyar la legislación de implementación del acuerdo de paz firmado por la Administración de Juan Manuel Santos y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). Pero esto no significa que la OTP haya aprobado definitivamente las “sanciones propias” para responsables de crímenes del Estatuto de Roma que cooperen con el sistema de justicia transicional acordado en La Habana y que una investigación de la situación en Colombia ante la Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) sea una posibilidad del todo superada. Como el análisis de admisibilidad de una causa ante la CPI con sede en La Haya es fáctico, no abstracto, una determinación final sobre una eventual investigación de la situación en Colombia dependerá de que las sanciones que, en efecto, se impongan a los máximos responsables de los crímenes más graves no vicie el carácter genuino o auténtico de los procedimientos.
Communication Within Firms: Evidence from CEO Turnovers
Authors: Impink Stephen Michael , Prat Andrea , Sadun Raffaella
Published: April 2024

This paper uses novel, firm-level communication measures derived from communications metadata several months before and after a CEO transition for 102 firms to study whether and how this organizational event is reflected in employees’ communication flows. We find that CEO turnover is associated with an initial decrease in intrafirm communication (−20% relative to the pre-CEO transition period), followed by a significant increase approximately five months after the CEO turnover (+20% relative to the pre-CEO transition period). The increase in communication is driven primarily by interdepartmental (i.e., communication involving employees of different functional departments) and vertical (i.e., communication among managers and employees) communication flows. This study suggests that communications metadata are a useful tool to examine how organizational change and related uncertainty impact information flows within firms.

This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02719 .
Commitment on Volunteer Crowdsourcing Platforms: Implications for Growth and Engagement
Authors: Lo Irene , Manshadi Vahideh , Rodilitz Scott , Shameli Ali
Published: April 2024

Problem definition: Volunteer crowdsourcing platforms match volunteers with tasks that are often recurring. To ensure completion of such tasks, platforms frequently use a lever known as “adoption,” which amounts to a commitment by the volunteer to repeatedly perform the task. Despite reducing match uncertainty, high levels of adoption can decrease the probability of forming new matches, which in turn can suppress growth. We study how platforms should manage this trade-off. Our research is motivated by a collaboration with Food Rescue U.S. (FRUS), a volunteer-based food recovery organization active in more than 30 locations. For platforms such as FRUS, effectively using nonmonetary levers, such as adoption, is critical. Methodology/results: Motivated by the volunteer management literature and our analysis of FRUS data, we develop a model for two-sided markets that repeatedly match volunteers with tasks. We study the platform’s optimal policy for setting the adoption level to maximize the total discounted number of matches. When market participants are homogeneous, we fully characterize the optimal myopic policy and show that it takes a simple extreme form: depending on volunteer characteristics and market thickness, either allow for full adoption or disallow adoption. In the long run, we show that such a policy is either optimal or achieves a constant-factor approximation. We further extend our analysis to settings with heterogeneity and find that the structure of the optimal myopic policy remains the same if volunteers are heterogeneous. However, if tasks are heterogeneous, it can be optimal to only allow adoption for the harder-to-match tasks. Managerial implications: Our work sheds light on how two-sided platforms need to carefully control the double-edged impacts that commitment levers have on growth and engagement. Setting a misguided adoption level may result in marketplace decay. At the same time, a one-size-fits-all solution may not be effective, as the optimal design crucially depends on the characteristics of the volunteer population.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2020.0426 .
Diversity explained - Why do qǝltu dialects present three different forms for the long persons in the prefix-conjugation?
Authors:   10.13173/9783447121729.217, Bar-Moshe Assaf
Published: April 2024

As its name suggests, the prefix-conjugation is formed by adding prefixes to a verbal base. In the case of the 2FS, 2P, and the 3P, however, suffixes are also added. In the first stem, these three persons, which we call the long persons, are formed using three different morpho-phonological strategies in qǝltu dialects. This paper describes the three strategies and their geographical distribution. It also accounts for the historical evolution of the different strategies and for the reason behind their development. As it turns out, the synchronic diversity that qǝltu dialects exhibit in respect to the formation of the long persons stems from two sources. The first is the manner by which Old Arabic a in an unstressed open syllable is treated in the different dialects. The second, relevant mainly for the dialects of the Euphrates branch, is contact with Bedouin dialects. Keywords: qǝltu dialects, verb morphology, long persons, prefix-conjugation, historical linguistics
Der persische Einfluss im Wortschatz des Khorasan- Arabischen
Authors: Bozkurt Volkan
Published: April 2024

In diesem Beitrag soll die Sprache der arabischen Dörfer Südkhorasans weiter vorgestellt werden. Anhand einer Auswahl kürzerer Texte wird der lexikalische Einfluss des Persischen im Khorasan-Arabischen aufgezeigt. Die Texte sind Teil eines Korpus von transkribierten Aufnahmen. Sie entstanden in den Jahren 2019 und 2021 in der Islamischen Republik Iran und stammen aus unterschiedlichen Regionen Arabkhanes sowie dem sunnitischen Araberdorf Khalaf. Neben einigen sprachlichen Unterschieden in Khorasan selbst manifestieren die Textauszüge auch die linguistische Sonderstellung des Khorasan-Arabischen innerhalb des sogenannten „zentralasiatischen“ Arabisch und die Folgen des persisch-arabischen Sprachkontakts. Keywords: Khorasan-Arabisch, Arabkhane, Khalaf, Zentralasiatisches Arabisch, Sprachkontakt
The Ruined Landscapes of Beowulf : Apocalypse and Hope
Authors: Myers Lisa
Published: April 2024

Abstract: A wide variety of scholars have examined the settings of the Old English epic Beowulf , interpreting the text in a myriad of ways and providing valuable information on sources and analogues. This article seeks to build upon and add to this body of scholarship by applying landscape history and a variety of archaeological evidence to the poem in order to develop a further understanding of the landscape settings of Beowulf as literary representations of real topographical features of early medieval England. Attention is paid to the mere and lair of the Grendle-kin, the barrow of the dragon, and Beowulf’s own final resting place. Analysis of these landscapes, grounded in the historical topography of England, enhances an interpretation of the text as a statement on humanity’s relationship with the past and hope for the future.
Eliminating sticking effects among fine strokes in micropatterning complex Chinese characters
Authors: Kong Xiangbin , Wei Jingsong , Huang Zhihong , Gao Tianyu
Published: April 2024

In this work, complex Chinese micropatterns are experimentally inscribed in AgInSbTe thin films through laser writing technique. The overlapping inscription strategy is introduced to reduce the size of complex Chinese micropatterns, and the erosion algorithm is used to eliminate sticking effects among fine strokes in complex Chinese micropatterns. The results show that the size of complex Chinese micropatterns can be reduced to around 15.41µm×15.41µm. The width of the finest stroke is only 0.45 µm. This method can achieve a fidelity of 95%. This work helps with the long-term preservation of massive Chinese character archives.
Dynamic tracking of onion-like carbon nanoparticles in cancer cells using limited-angle holographic tomography with self-supervised learning
Authors: Liu Yakun , Xiao Wen , Xiao Xi , Wang Hao , Peng Ran , Feng Yuchen , Zhao Qi , Pan Feng
Published: April 2024

This research presents a novel approach for the dynamic monitoring of onion-like carbon nanoparticles inside colorectal cancer cells. Onion-like carbon nanoparticles are widely used in photothermal cancer therapy, and precise 3D tracking of their distribution is crucial. We proposed a limited-angle digital holographic tomography technique with unsupervised learning to achieve rapid and accurate monitoring. A key innovation is our internal learning neural network. This network addresses the information limitations of limited-angle measurements by directly mapping coordinates to measured data and reconstructing phase information at unmeasured angles without external training data. We validated the network using standard SiO2 microspheres. Subsequently, we reconstructed the 3D refractive index of onion-like carbon nanoparticles within cancer cells at various time points. Morphological parameters of the nanoparticles were quantitatively analyzed to understand their temporal evolution, offering initial insights into the underlying mechanisms. This methodology provides a new perspective for efficiently tracking nanoparticles within cancer cells.
KeplAR: All-around Augmented Reality Smart Glasses
Authors: Park Soon-gi , Lee Kwangbok , Park Sehyun , Ha Jeong Hun
Published: April 2024

KeplAR is innovative augmented reality glasses with thin, light weight, high optical efficiency, and wide field of view optics. Here we introduce PinTILT which is the key optical technology realizing these features
Headsetless Holographic Virtual Reality Displays
Authors: Akşit Kaan
Published: April 2024

We introduce a headsetless holographic virtual reality display. In this new design, a custom holographic projector populates a micro-volume located at some distance with 3D images. Users view these with the help of an eyepiece.
Design of AR system tracking registration method using dynamic target light-field
Authors: An Zhe , Liu Yang , Xue Mingyu
Published: April 2024

In the process of tracking registration for an augmented reality (AR) system, it's essential first to obtain the system's initial state, as its accuracy significantly influences the precision of subsequent three-dimensional tracking registration. At this point, minor movements of the target can directly lead to calibration errors. Current methods fail to address the challenge of capturing the initial state of dynamic deformation in optically transparent AR systems effectively. To tackle this issue, the concept of a static light-field is expanded to a four-dimensional dynamic light-field, and a tracking registration method for an optical see-through AR system based on the four-dimensional dynamic light-field is introduced. This method begins by analyzing the relationship between the components of the optical see-through AR system and studying the impact of a dynamic target on the initial state model. Leveraging the fundamental principle of light-field correlation, the theory and model for four-dimensional dynamic light-field tracking registration are developed. A lot of experiments have confirmed the algorithm's accuracy, enhanced its stability, and demonstrated the superior performance of the three-dimensional tracking registration algorithm.
Natural regeneration of drylands and associated pathways to human health outcomes: Perspectives from rural households
Authors: Murage Peninah , Asenga Ayoub , Tarimo Angelina , Njunge Tabby , van der Zaan Thijs , Chiwanga Faraja
Published: April 2024

Land degradation and climate change are intertwined global challenges, their implications on human health are driven by the unsustainable use of natural resources, resulting in the loss of vital ecosystem services that support human health. There are equity implications in that landscape degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations that live in the most fragile ecosystems. Solutions to reverse degradation are increasingly considered attractive because of their ability to meet multiple societal objectives, however, their implementation has outpaced research on impact; the research and evidence gaps are particularly acute in relation to quantifying the health and well-being impacts of nature-based solutions. This study documents the experiences of rural communities implementing Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) in Central Tanzanian drylands, which integrates trees in agricultural landscapes. FMNR technique has been hailed as the largest positive environmental transformation in African drylands due to its effectiveness in restoring landscapes at very low costs. Despite its success, the impact on human well-being is largely unquantified. We used in-depth group discussions across four villages to document how respondents perceive the health and well-being impacts of natural regeneration. We thereafter adapted the ecosystem services cascade model to conceptualise the pathways between natural regeneration and impact on health and well-being. Respondents across all study sites unanimously reported how FMNR implementation has reversed decades of land degradation, resulting in physical and mental health benefits that can be linked to food and nutritional security, improved air and water quality, income diversification, heat adaptation and gender equality. We demonstrate how the application of the cascade model can generate causal pathways that 1) map how changes in ecosystem structure, functions and services can result in measurable health outcomes, and, 2) support empirical investigation by defining concrete metrics for monitoring and evaluation of interventions.
Transcriptional signatures in human macrophage-like cells infected by Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica
Authors: Diotallevi Aurora , Bruno Federica , Castelli Germano , Persico Giuseppe , Buffi Gloria , Ceccarelli Marcello , Ligi Daniela , Mannello Ferdinando , Vitale Fabrizio , Magnani Mauro , Galluzzi Luca
Published: April 2024

Background

In the Mediterranean basin, three Leishmania species have been identified: L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica, causing zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL), zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and anthroponotic CL, respectively. Despite animal models and genomic/transcriptomic studies provided important insights, the pathogenic determinants modulating the development of VL and CL are still poorly understood. This work aimed to identify host transcriptional signatures shared by cells infected with L. infantum, L. major, and L. tropica, as well as specific transcriptional signatures elicited by parasites causing VL (i.e., L. infantum) and parasites involved in CL (i.e., L. major, L. tropica).

Methodology/Principal findings

U937 cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells were infected with L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica for 24h and 48h, and total RNA was extracted. RNA sequencing, performed on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform, was used to evaluate the transcriptional signatures of infected cells with respect to non-infected cells at both time points. The EdgeR package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (fold change > 2 and FDR-adjusted p-values < 0.05). Then, functional enrichment analysis was employed to identify the enriched ontology terms in which these genes are involved. At 24h post-infection, a common signature of 463 dysregulated genes shared among all infection conditions was recognized, while at 48h post-infection the common signature was reduced to 120 genes. Aside from a common transcriptional response, we evidenced different upregulated functional pathways characterizing L. infantum-infected cells, such as VEGFA-VEGFR2 and NFE2L2-related pathways, indicating vascular remodeling and reduction of oxidative stress as potentially important factors for visceralization.

Conclusions

The identification of pathways elicited by parasites causing VL or CL could lead to new therapeutic strategies for leishmaniasis, combining the canonical anti-leishmania compounds with host-directed therapy.
Prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors according to urbanization level, gender and age, in apparently healthy adults living in Gabon, Central Africa
Authors: Mengome Mérédith Flore Ada , Kono Héléna Noéline , Bivigou Elsa Ayo , M’bondoukwe Noé Patrick , Ngomo Jacques-Mari Ndong , Ditombi Bridy Moutombi , Ngondza Bedrich Pongui , Bisseye Cyrille , Mawili-Mboumba Denise Patricia , Bouyou Akotet Marielle Karine
Published: April 2024

Background

The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and represents a serious public health issue. Accurate data are required to implement adapted prevention programs and healthcare strategies. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of CMRFs according to the level of urbanization, age and gender in Gabon.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in northern (Bitam), western coast (Libreville, Melen) and southeast (Koulamoutou) areas of Gabon using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stepwise approach for the surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Participants over 18 years of age, without known underlying disease, living in rural and urban areas of Gabon were included. Sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the CMRFs.

Results

Of the 978 participants, 499 lived in urban and 479 in rural areas. Their median age was 38[28–50] years. Tobacco (26.1% vs 6.2%; p < 0.01) and excessive alcohol consumption (19.4% vs 9.6%; p < 0.01) predominated in rural than in urban areas, respectively. Urban dwellers had more often insufficient physical activity than rural people (29.5% vs 16.3%; p < 0.01). In total, 79.9% of participants aged under 54 years had a high blood pressure;10.6% of the younger participants had pre-hypertension. Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in women (21.7%) than in men (10.0%) (p < 0.01); 6.4% of men and 2.5% of women had a high Framingham score (p = 0.03). Finally, 54.0% of the participants had three or four CMRFs. The multivariate analysis showed that men were more likely to be smokers and to be at risk of pre-hypertension or high blood pressure (p < 0.01). Women were more likely to be obese or to have a metabolic syndrome (p < 0.01). Living in urban areas was also a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high LDL cholesterol level.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CMRFs was high in the study population. Disparities were observed according to urban and rural areas, gender and age. National prevention and healthcare strategies for cardiometabolic diseases in Gabon should consider these observed differences.
Impact of improved dead time correction on the quantification accuracy of a dedicated BrainPET scanner
Authors: Issa Ahlam Said Mohamad , Scheins Jürgen , Tellmann Lutz , Brambilla Cláudia Régio , Lohmann Philipp , Rota-Kops Elena , Herzog Hans , Neuner Irene , Shah N. Jon , Lerche Christoph
Published: April 2024

Objective

Quantitative values derived from PET brain images are of high interest for neuroscientific applications. Insufficient DT correction (DTC) can lead to a systematic bias of the output parameters obtained by a detailed analysis of the time activity curves (TACs). The DTC method currently used for the Siemens 3T MR BrainPET insert is global, i.e., differences in DT losses between detector blocks are not considered, leading to inaccurate DTC and, consequently, to inaccurate measurements masked by a bias. However, following careful evaluation with phantom measurements, a new block-pairwise DTC method has demonstrated a higher degree of accuracy compared to the global DTC method.

Approach

Differences between the global and the block-pairwise DTC method were studied in this work by applying several radioactive tracers. We evaluated the impact on [11C]ABP688, O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET), and [15O]H2O TACs.

Results

For [11C]ABP688, a relevant bias of between -0.0034 and -0.0053 ml/ (cm3 • min) was found in all studied brain regions for the volume of distribution (VT) when using the current global DTC method. For [18F]FET-PET, differences of up to 10% were observed in the tumor-to-brain ratio (TBRmax), these differences depend on the radial distance of the maximum from the PET isocenter. For [15O]H2O, differences between +4% and -7% were observed in the GM region. Average biases of -4.58%, -3.2%, and -1.2% for the regional cerebral blood flow (CBF (K1)), the rate constant k2, and the volume of distribution VT were observed, respectively. Conversely, in the white matter region, average biases of -4.9%, -7.0%, and 3.8% were observed for CBF (K1), k2, and VT, respectively.

Conclusion

The bias introduced by the global DTC method leads to an overestimation in the studied quantitative parameters for all applications compared to the block-pairwise method.

Significance

The observed differences between the two DTC methods are particularly relevant for research applications in neuroscientific studies as they affect the accuracy of quantitative Brain PET images.
Comparison of qPCR and metagenomic sequencing methods for quantifying antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater
Authors: Daw Elbait Gihan , Daou Mariane , Abuoudah Miral , Elmekawy Ahmed , Hasan Shadi W. , Everett Dean B. , Alsafar Habiba , Henschel Andreas , Yousef Ahmed F.
Published: April 2024

Surveillance methods of circulating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are of utmost importance in order to tackle what has been described as one of the greatest threats to humanity in the 21st century. In order to be effective, these methods have to be accurate, quickly deployable, and scalable. In this study, we compare metagenomic shotgun sequencing (TruSeq DNA sequencing) of wastewater samples with a state-of-the-art PCR-based method (Resistomap HT-qPCR) on four wastewater samples that were taken from hospital, industrial, urban and rural areas. ARGs that confer resistance to 11 antibiotic classes have been identified in these wastewater samples using both methods, with the most abundant observed classes of ARGs conferring resistance to aminoglycoside, multidrug-resistance (MDR), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), tetracycline and beta-lactams. In comparing the methods, we observed a strong correlation of relative abundance of ARGs obtained by the two tested methods for the majority of antibiotic classes. Finally, we investigated the source of discrepancies in the results obtained by the two methods. This analysis revealed that false negatives were more likely to occur in qPCR due to mutated primer target sites, whereas ARGs with incomplete or low coverage were not detected by the sequencing method due to the parameters set in the bioinformatics pipeline. Indeed, despite the good correlation between the methods, each has its advantages and disadvantages which are also discussed here. By using both methods together, a more robust ARG surveillance program can be established. Overall, the work described here can aid wastewater treatment plants that plan on implementing an ARG surveillance program.
COCCOS study: Developing a transition program for adolescents with chronic conditions using Experience-Based Co-Design. A study protocol
Authors: Janssens Natwarin , Van Wilder Lisa , Van Hecke Ann , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Vanden Wyngaert Karsten , De Smedt Delphine , Goossens Eva
Published: April 2024

Background

During adolescence, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are expected to transfer their care from the pediatric environment towards an adult-focused setting. To prevent an abrupt transfer of care, it is recommended to provide AYAs with chronic conditions an adequate transition program. The aim of this paper is to describe the study protocol for the development of a transition program for AYAs with common chronic conditions (COCCOS study), using the Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodology.

Methods and analysis

A qualitative, participatory study is conducted in Flanders (Belgium). Study participants are AYAs (n≥15, 14–25 years old, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, asthma, or obesity), their families, and healthcare providers (n≥15). The study is composed of eight EBCD stages: clinical site observations, in-depth interviews, trigger film, healthcare providers’ feedback event, AYAs’ feedback event, joint event, co-design workshops, and a celebration event. Photovoice will take place as a starting point of EBCD. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Data collection has started in January 2023 and is expected to be completed in May 2024. As of August 2023, over 15 clinical site observations have been conducted. A total of 18 AYAs, two parents, six healthcare providers have been enrolled and a total of 20 interviews have been conducted.

Conclusion

Advancing transitional care is essential for tackling negative health outcomes. Applying the innovative participatory EBCD methodology will reveal key elements of transitional care for AYAs with common chronic conditions in the development of a person-centered transition program.

Practice implications

Study findings will apply key elements of transitional care of AYAs with chronic conditions in the development of an adequate transition program.
The vulnerability assessment and obstacle factor analysis of urban agglomeration along the Yellow River in China from the perspective of production-living-ecological space
Authors: Yang Long , Meng Huihong , Wang Jitao , Wu Yifan , Zhao Zhiwei
Published: April 2024

Urban agglomerations are sophisticated territorial systems at the mature stage of city development that are concentrated areas of production and economic activity. Therefore, the study of vulnerability from the perspective of production-living-ecological space is crucial for the sustainable development of the Yellow River Basin and global urban agglomerations. The relationship between productivity, living conditions, and ecological spatial quality is fully considered in this research. By constructing a vulnerability evaluation index system based on the perspectives of production, ecology, and living space, and adopting the entropy value method, comprehensive vulnerability index model, and obstacle factor diagnostic model, the study comprehensively assesses the vulnerability of the urban agglomerations along the Yellow River from 2001 to 2020. The results reveal that the spatial differentiation characteristics of urban agglomeration vulnerability are significant. A clear three-level gradient distribution of high, medium, and low degrees is seen in the overall vulnerability; these correspond to the lower, middle, and upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, respectively. The percentage of cities with higher and moderate levels of vulnerability did not vary from 2001 to 2020, while the percentage of cities with high levels of vulnerability did. The four dimensions of economic development, leisure and tourism, resource availability, and ecological pressure are the primary determinants of the urban agglomeration’s vulnerability along the Yellow River. And the vulnerability factors of various urban agglomerations showed a significant evolutionary trend; the obstacle degree values have declined, and the importance of tourism and leisure functions has gradually increased. Based on the above conclusions, we propose several suggestions to enhance the quality of urban development along the Yellow River urban agglomeration. Including formulating a three-level development strategy, paying attention to ecological and environmental protection, developing domestic and foreign trade, and properly planning and managing the tourism industry.
Photophysical image analysis: Unsupervised probabilistic thresholding for images from electron-multiplying charge-coupled devices
Authors: Krog Jens , Dvirnas Albertas , Ström Oskar E. , Beech Jason P. , Tegenfeldt Jonas O. , Müller Vilhelm , Westerlund Fredrik , Ambjörnsson Tobias
Published: April 2024

We introduce the concept photophysical image analysis (PIA) and an associated pipeline for unsupervised probabilistic image thresholding for images recorded by electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) cameras. We base our approach on a closed-form analytic expression for the characteristic function (Fourier-transform of the probability mass function) for the image counts recorded in an EMCCD camera, which takes into account both stochasticity in the arrival of photons at the imaging camera and subsequent noise induced by the detection system of the camera. The only assumption in our method is that the background photon arrival to the imaging system is described by a stationary Poisson process (we make no assumption about the photon statistics for the signal). We estimate the background photon statistics parameter, λbg, from an image which contains both background and signal pixels by use of a novel truncated fit procedure with an automatically determined image count threshold. Prior to this, the camera noise model parameters are estimated using a calibration step. Utilizing the estimates for the camera parameters and λbg, we then introduce a probabilistic thresholding method, where, for the first time, the fraction of misclassified pixels can be determined a priori for a general image in an unsupervised way. We use synthetic images to validate our a priori estimates and to benchmark against the Otsu method, which is a popular unsupervised non-probabilistic image thresholding method (no a priori estimates for the error rates are provided). For completeness, we lastly present a simple heuristic general-purpose segmentation method based on the thresholding results, which we apply to segmentation of synthetic images and experimental images of fluorescent beads and lung cell nuclei. Our publicly available software opens up for fully automated, unsupervised, probabilistic photophysical image analysis.
Disruption of the mast cell carboxypeptidase A3 gene does not attenuate airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in two mouse models of asthma
Authors: Waern Ida , Akula Srinivas , Allam Venkata Sita Rama Raju , Taha Sowsan , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Åbrink Magnus , Wernersson Sara
Published: April 2024

Mast cells are effector cells known to contribute to allergic airway disease. When activated, mast cells release a broad spectrum of inflammatory mediators, including the mast cell-specific protease carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3). The expression of CPA3 in the airway epithelium and lumen of asthma patients has been associated with a Th2-driven airway inflammation. However, the role of CPA3 in asthma is unclear and therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of CPA3 for the development and severity of allergic airway inflammation using knockout mice with a deletion in the Cpa3 gene. We used the ovalbumin (OVA)- and house-dust mite (HDM) induced murine asthma models, and monitored development of allergic airway inflammation. In the OVA model, mice were sensitized with OVA intraperitoneally at seven time points and challenged intranasally (i.n.) with OVA three times. HDM-treated mice were challenged i.n. twice weekly for three weeks. Both asthma protocols resulted in elevated airway hyperresponsiveness, increased number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increased peribronchial mast cell degranulation, goblet cell hyperplasia, thickening of airway smooth muscle layer, increased expression of IL-33 and increased production of allergen-specific IgE in allergen-exposed mice as compared to mocktreated mice. However, increased number of peribronchial mast cells was only seen in the HDM asthma model. The asthma-like responses in Cpa3-/- mice were similar as in wild type mice, regardless of the asthma protocol used. Our results demonstrated that the absence of a functional Cpa3 gene had no effect on several symptoms of asthma in two different mouse models. This suggest that CPA3 is dispensable for development of allergic airway inflammation in acute models of asthma in mice.
Effects of fecal microbiota transfer on blood pressure in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Lingyu , Xu Shurong , Cai Meiling , Li Sailan , Chen Yaqin , Chen Liangwan , Lin Yanjuan
Published: April 2024

Background

Numerous recent studies have found a strong correlation between intestinal flora and the occurrence of hypertension. However, it remains unclear whether fecal microbiota transfer might affect the blood pressure of the host. This study aimed to quantify both associations.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, Weipu, Embase, and SinoMed to retrieve relevant studies. The final search was completed on August 22, 2022. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias assessment. All data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4.

Results

A total of 5 articles were selected for final inclusion. All studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias according to the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis results showed that transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can significantly improve the host’s systolic pressure (MD = 18.37, 95%CI: 9.74~26.99, P<0.001), and diastolic pressure (MD = 17.65, 95%CI: 12.37~22.93, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the increase in systolic pressure in the hypertension model subgroup (MD = 29.56, 95%CI = 23.55–35.58, P<0.001) was more pronounced than that in the normotensive model subgroup (MD = 12.48, 95%CI = 3.51–21.45, P<0.001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests a relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased blood pressure, where transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can cause a significant increase in systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in animal models.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and the association with galectin-1 in middle-aged individuals
Authors: Arvidsson Daniel , Rodrigues Silva Vagner Ramon , Ekblom Örjan , Ekblom-Bak Elin , Fryk Emanuel , Jansson Per-Anders , Börjesson Mats
Published: April 2024

Galectin-1 plays a functional role in human metabolism and the levels are altered in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigates the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with galectin-1 and the interconnection with body fatness. Cross-sectional data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) pilot was analyzed, including a sample of 774 middle-aged individuals. A submaximal cycle ergometer test was used to estimate CRF as an indirect measure of the physical activity (PA) level. Serum-galectin-1 concentration was determined from venous blood collected after an overnight fast. Body mass index (BMI) was used as an indirect measure of body fatness. CRF was significantly associated with galectin-1, when controlled for age and sex (regression coefficient (regr coeff) = -0.29, p<0.001). The strength of the association was attenuated when BMI was added to the regression model (regr coeff = -0.09, p = 0.07), while the association between BMI and galectin-1 remained strong (regr coeff = 0.40, p<0.001). CRF was associated with BMI (regr coeff = -0.50, p<0.001). The indirect association between CRF and galectin-1 through BMI (-0.50 x 0.40) contributed to 69% of total association (mediation analysis). In group comparisons, individuals with low CRF-high BMI had the highest mean galectin-1 level (25 ng/ml), while individuals with high CRF-low BMI had the lowest level (21 ng/ml). Intermediate levels of galectin-1 were found in the low CRF-low BMI and high CRF-high BMI groups (both 22 ng/ml). The galectin-1 level in the low CRF-high BMI group was significantly different from the other three groups (P<0.001). In conclusion, galectin-1 is associated with CRF as an indirect measure of the PA level through interconnection with body fatness. The size of the association is of clinical relevance.
Antifungal plant flavonoids identified in silico with potential to control rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Moin Abu Tayab , Robin Tanjin Barketullah , Patil Rajesh B. , Rani Nurul Amin , Prome Anindita Ash , Sakif Tahsin Islam , Hossain Mohabbat , Chowdhury Dil Umme Salma , Rashid Shah Samiur , Mollah A. K. M. Moniruzzaman , Islam Saiful , Uddin Mohammad Helal , Khalequzzaman Mohammad , Islam Tofazzal , Islam Nazneen Naher
Published: April 2024

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a severe threat to rice production, particularly in Asia where rice is a staple food. Concerns over fungicide resistance and environmental impact have sparked interest in exploring natural fungicides as potential alternatives. This study aimed to identify highly potent natural fungicides against M. oryzae to combat rice blast disease, using advanced molecular dynamics techniques. Four key proteins (CATALASE PEROXIDASES 2, HYBRID PKS-NRPS SYNTHETASE TAS1, MANGANESE LIPOXYGENASE, and PRE-MRNA-SPLICING FACTOR CEF1) involved in M. oryzae’s infection process were identified. A list of 30 plant metabolites with documented antifungal properties was compiled for evaluation as potential fungicides. Molecular docking studies revealed that 2-Coumaroylquinic acid, Myricetin, Rosmarinic Acid, and Quercetin exhibited superior binding affinities compared to reference fungicides (Azoxystrobin and Tricyclazole). High throughput molecular dynamics simulations were performed, analyzing parameters like RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, hydrogen bonds, contact analysis, Gibbs free energy, and cluster analysis. The results revealed stable interactions between the selected metabolites and the target proteins, involving important hydrogen bonds and contacts. The SwissADME server analysis indicated that the metabolites possess fungicide properties, making them effective and safe fungicides with low toxicity to the environment and living beings. Additionally, bioactivity assays confirmed their biological activity as nuclear receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into potential natural fungicides for combating rice blast disease, with 2-Coumaroylquinic acid, Myricetin, Rosmarinic Acid, and Quercetin standing out as promising and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fungicides. These findings have significant implications for developing crop protection strategies and enhancing global food security, particularly in rice-dependent regions.
Quality assessment of paediatric education and research in southwest China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gao Jing , Zheng Haining , Wu Tingting , Zhu Jing
Published: April 2024

Currently, there is a limited analysis of medical education research both domestically and internationally. To enhance, improve the quality of medical education, this study conducted a quantitative analysis of teaching project data from an affiliated hospital during the period 2016–2022. The results indicated that a total of 133 teaching projects were initiated during this period, with an average age of project leaders being 42.73±6.45 years. Regarding professional ranks and titles, municipal-level project leaders had a high concentration of seniors (48.15%), while at the university-level, most project leaders held the title of deputy seniors (58.82%). At the university-level, project leaders were mainly distributed between deputy senior titles (37.08%) and intermediate titles (38.20%). In terms of research content, nearly half of the studies (46.62%) focused on teaching methods and models. Further regression analysis revealed that professional ranks and titles were an independent factor influencing the project level (P<0. 05). These findings suggest the need for improvement in medical education research, including addressing the uneven distribution of research topics, enhancing the research capacity of junior and mid-career medical education teachers, and improving the dissemination of research results.