bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melt inclusion heterogeneity in nakhlite and chassignite meteorites and evidence for complicated, multigenerational magmas
Authors: Ostwald Amanda , Udry Arya , Day James M. D. , Gross Juliane
Published: March 2024

Nakhlite and chassignite meteorites are cumulate rocks thought to originate from the same location on Mars. Petrogenetic relationships between nakhlites and chassignites are not fully constrained, and the two cumulus phases in nakhlites—olivine and clinopyroxene—possibly formed either together from one magma or separately from different magmas. Primary magma compositions can potentially be determined from studies of melt inclusions (MIs) trapped within early‐formed mineral phases. MIs frequently undergo post‐entrapment effects, and when such processes occur, there can be significant changes to their compositions. Here, we report major, minor, and trace element abundances for MIs in cumulus phases in nakhlites and chassignites. The melt compositions that they record are variable (MgO = 2.50–13.5 wt%, K2O = 0.03–3.03 wt%, La/Yb = 2.46%–16.4%) and are likely affected by diffusive reequilibration with changing magma composition outside of their host phases. Evidence for diffusive reequilibration suggests that nakhlite and chassignite magmas were generated in an open system, and cumulus phases may have undergone magma storage and mixing. Such processes may be akin to those that occur in terrestrial intrusive magmatic systems by open‐system magma recharge. MIs within the nakhlite and chassignite suite therefore provide insights into magmatic processes during magma storage and transit on Mars.
Understanding differential reductions in undernutrition among districts in Rwanda through the perspectives of mid‐level and community actors on policy commitment and policy coherence
Authors: Iruhiriye Elyse , Frongillo Edward A. , Olney Deanna K. , Niyongira Emmanuel , Nanama Simeon , Blake Christine E. , Rwibasira Eugene , Mbonyi Paul
Published: March 2024

Understanding the drivers of improvements in child undernutrition at only the national level can mask subnational differences. This paper aimed to understand the contributions of factors in the enabling environment to observed differences in stunting reduction between districts in Rwanda. In 2017, we conducted 58 semi‐structured interviews with mid‐level actors (n = 38) and frontline workers (n = 20) implementing Rwanda's multi‐sectoral nutrition policy in five districts in which stunting decreased (reduced districts) and five where it increased or stagnated (non‐reduced districts) based on Rwanda's 2010 and 2014/15 Demographic and Health Surveys. Mid‐level actors are government officials and service providers at the subnational level who represent the frontline of government policy. Interviews focused on political commitment to and policy coherence in nutrition, and contributors to nutrition changes. Responses were coded to capture themes on the changes and challenges of these topics and compared between reduced and non‐reduced districts. Descriptive statistics described district characteristics. Political commitment to nutrition was high in both reduced and non‐reduced districts. Respondents from reduced districts were more likely to define commitment to nutrition as an optimal implementation of policy, whereas those from non‐reduced districts focused more on financial commitment. Regarding coherence, respondents from reduced compared to non‐reduced districts were more likely to report the optimal implementation of multi‐sectoral nutrition planning meetings, using data to assess plans and progress in nutrition outcomes and integration of nutrition into the agriculture sector. In contrast, respondents from non‐reduced districts more often reported challenges in their relationships with national‐level stakeholders and nutrition and/or monitoring and evaluation capacities. Enhancing the integration of nutrition in different sectors and improving mid‐level actors' capacity to plan and advocate for nutrition programming may contribute to reductions in stunting.
THE EARLIEST ANATOLIAN ITEM MADE OF METEORIC IRON: AN AMULET FROM THE BODRUM KESIKSERVI EARLY BRONZE AGE I CEMETERY
Authors: Aykurt Ayşegül , Böyükulusoy Kadİr , Benlİ–Bağci Ece , Denİz Seda
Published: March 2024

Much information about the early periods of south‐western Anatolia consists of data obtained from graves and finds therefrom. The amulet of meteoric iron that is the subject of this article was found in the Kesikservi cemetery, on the Bodrum peninsula, and dates to Early Bronze Age I. It was unearthed in the pithos grave of a male aged between twenty and twenty‐five years that is one of the richest such burials in Western Anatolia: it also contained five vessels, lids, a golden spiral, silver bracelets, a necklace of electrum and agate beads, and pieces of arsenical copper, all of which indicate his elite status. The amulet is the earliest dated find of meteoric iron from Anatolia, and demonstrates the existence of advanced metallurgy in the region during the period.
Chromosome‐level reference genome and resequencing of 322 accessions reveal evolution, genomic imprint and key agronomic traits in adzuki bean
Authors: Chu Liwei , Yang Kai , Chen Chunhai , Zhao Bo , Hou Yanan , Wang Wanqiu , Zhao Pu , Wang Kaili , Wang Binhu , Xiao Ying , Li Yongqiang , Li Yisong , Song Qijian , Liu Biao , Fan Ruoxi , Bohra Abhishek , Yu Jianping , Sonnenschein Eva C. , Varshney Rajeev K , Tian Zhixi , Jian Jianbo , Wan Ping
Published: March 2024

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is an important legume crop cultivated in over 30 countries worldwide. We developed a high‐quality chromosome‐level reference genome of adzuki bean cultivar Jingnong6 by combining PacBio Sequel long‐read sequencing with short‐read and Hi‐C technologies. The assembled genome covers 97.8% of the adzuki bean genome with a contig N50 of approximately 16 Mb and a total of 32 738 protein‐coding genes. We also generated a comprehensive genome variation map of adzuki bean by whole‐genome resequencing (WGRS) of 322 diverse adzuki beans accessions including both wild and cultivated. Furthermore, we have conducted comparative genomics and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on key agricultural traits to investigate the evolution and domestication. GWAS identified several candidate genes, including VaCycA3;1, VaHB15, VaANR1 and VaBm, that exhibited significant associations with domestication traits. Furthermore, we conducted functional analyses on the roles of VaANR1 and VaBm in regulating seed coat colour. We provided evidence for the highest genetic diversity of wild adzuki (Vigna angularis var. nipponensis) in China with the presence of the most original wild adzuki bean, and the occurrence of domestication process facilitating transition from wild to cultigen. The present study elucidates the genetic basis of adzuki bean domestication traits and provides crucial genomic resources to support future breeding efforts in adzuki bean.
TaNAM‐6A is essential for nitrogen remobilisation and regulates grain protein content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Meng Xinhao , Lou Hongyao , Zhai Shanshan , Zhang Runqi , Liu Guoyu , Xu Weiya , Yu Jiazheng , Zhang Yufeng , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Xing Jiewen , Li Baoyun
Published: March 2024

Grain protein content (GPC) is a crucial quality trait in bread wheat, which is influenced by the key transcription factor TaNAM. However, the regulatory mechanisms of TaNAM have remained largely elusive. In this study, a new role of TaNAM was unveiled in regulating nitrogen remobilisation which impacts GPC. The TaNAM knockout mutants generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 exhibited significantly delayed senescence and lower GPC, while overexpression of TaNAM‐6A resulted in premature senility and much higher GPC. Further analysis revealed that TaNAM directly activates the genes TaNRT1.1 and TaNPF5.5s, which are involved in nitrogen remobilisation. This activity aids in the transfer of nitrogen from leaves to grains for protein synthesis. In addition, an elite allele of TaNAM‐6A, associated with high GPC, was identified as a candidate gene for breeding high‐quality wheat. Overall, our work not only elucidates the potential mechanism of TaNAM‐6A affecting bread wheat GPC, but also highlights the significance of nitrogen remobilisation from senescent leaves to grains for protein accumulation. Moreover, our research provides a new target and approach for improving the quality traits of wheat, particularly the GPC.
Identification of four novel HLA alleles: HLA‐B*27:265, ‐B*35:569, ‐DRB1*08:117 and ‐DPB1*1435:01
Authors: de Oliveira Cintia Keilla Fabreti , Nascimento Evaldo , da Silva Assis Aline , da Silva Patrícia Cristina Lopes , Fabreti‐Oliveira Raquel Aparecida
Published: March 2024

Identification of four new HLA alleles (B*27:265, B*35:569, DRB1*08:117, and DPB1*1435:01) in Brazilian bone marrow donors.
Bilateralism, collapsing modalities, and the logic of assertion and denial
Authors: Kürbis Nils
Published: March 2024

Rumfitt has given two arguments that in unilateralist verificationist theories of meaning, truth collapses into correct assertibility. In the present paper I give similar arguments that show that in unilateral falsificationist theories of meaning, falsehood collapses into correct deniability. According to bilateralism, meanings are determined by assertion and denial conditions, so the question arises whether it succumbs to similar arguments. I show that this is not the case. The final section considers the question whether a principle central to Rumfitt's first argument, ‘It is assertible that if and only if it is assertible that it is assertible that ’, is one that bilateralists can reject, and concludes that they cannot. It follows that the logic of assertibility and deniability, according to a result by Williamson, is the little known modal logic K4 studied by Sobociński. The paper ends with a plaidoyer for bilateralists to adopt this logic.
Arabidopsis hypocotyl growth in darkness requires the phosphorylation of a microtubule‐associated protein
Authors: Arico Denise Soledad , Burachik Natalia B. , Wengier Diego Leonardo , Mazzella María Agustina
Published: March 2024

Rapid hypocotyl elongation allows buried seedlings to emerge, where light triggers de‐etiolation and inhibits hypocotyl growth mainly by photoreceptors. Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events regulate many aspects of plant development. Only recently we have begun to uncover the earliest phospho‐signaling responders to light. Here, we reported a large‐scale phosphoproteomic analysis and identified 20 proteins that changed their phosphorylation pattern following a 20 min light pulse compared to darkness. Microtubule‐associated proteins were highly overrepresented in this group. Among them, we studied CIP7 (COP1‐INTERACTING‐PROTEIN 7), which presented microtubule (MT) localization in contrast to the previous description. An isoform of CIP7 phosphorylated at Serine915 was detected in etiolated seedlings but was undetectable after a light pulse in the presence of photoreceptors, while CIP7 transcript expression decays with long light exposure. The short hypocotyl phenotype and rearrangement of MTs in etiolated cip7 mutants are complemented by CIP7‐YFP and the phospho‐mimetic CIP7S915D‐YFP, but not the phospho‐null CIP7S915A‐YFP suggesting that the phosphorylated S915CIP7 isoform promotes hypocotyl elongation through MT reorganization in darkness. Our evidence on Serine915 of CIP7 unveils phospho‐regulation of MT‐based processes during skotomorphogenic hypocotyl growth.
The effect of VEGF stimulation in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Bang Frederik S. , Leeberg Veronica , Ding Ming , Dreyer Chris H.
Published: March 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and severe complication of diabetes mellitus, and a risk factor for amputation. Because of the vessel insufficiency in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that simulates angiogenesis is of interest to promote wound healing. This systematic review evaluates the last 16 years of in‐vivo studies with VEGF stimulation as a treatment for DFU, developed based on the last published systematic article. A total of 961 articles were identified through databases in two phases. 947 articles were excluded by exclusion criteria, and four articles met our inclusion criteria and were included. The effects of VEGF on wound healing were analysed in all four studies. In three studies, the VEGF‐treated wounds showed statistically faster healing than those not treated with VEGF. In one study, the VEGF‐treated wounds revealed a positive trend toward faster healing. Furthermore, all four studies were in favor of using VEGF, but concluded that further research is needed. These studies showed a positive trend towards faster healing and was safe when using VEGF topically on humans. Furthermore, viral particles of VEGF seem to have a systematic effect when a dose exceeding 5.0 × 109 vp pr wound. Future research in using VEGF on DFU should focus on VEGF's relevant dosage, release rate, and specific mechanism. This review inspires further research, and a consistent study design is prerequisite such that results are more homogenic and comparable. Much effort is needed to translate the results into our clinical practice.
Surrogate Model Development for Air Foil Thrust Bearings With Chevron-Patterned Trailing Edge
Authors: Yildiz Saltuk , Untaroiu Alexandrina
Published: March 2024

Air foil thrust bearings provide some advantages over oil-lubricated thrust bearings. The use of these bearings reduces weight and increases dynamic stability, making it possible to reach high rotational speeds. However, as the bearing reaches high rotational speeds, the higher amount of heat generated results in reduced efficiency, deterioration, and even failure of the rotating machinery system. To overcome this, better thermal management is needed for air foil thrust bearings. Addressing this challenge, this study proposes the use of a chevron pattern at the trailing edge of the top foil to enhance air stream mixing, thus influencing heat dissipation. The main purpose of this study is to identify the optimal design parameters of the top foil trailing edge shape and provide a guideline for future air foil thrust bearing design. In this regard, 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted to evaluate an air thrust foil bearing model performance. The highest temperature value occurring in the fluid and load-carrying capacity is selected as the output to find optimum design values. The design of experiments (DOE) technique is utilized for generating the sample points. A surrogate model is then used jointly with a multi-objective optimization to minimize the peak temperature in the air film and increase the load-carrying capacity. The optimal configuration is compared with the baseline, which is also used to validate the computational model with experimental data. This optimal design approach using a surrogate model can be used for further studies on improving the efficiency of air foil thrust bearings.
Auto-Labeling for Pattern Recognition of Wafer Defect Maps in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Fan Shu-Kai S. , Chen Pei-Chen , Jen Chih-Hung , Sethanan Kanchana
Published: March 2024

In practical semiconductor processes, the defect analysis for wafer map is a critical step for improving product quality and yield. These defect patterns can provide important process information so that the process engineers can identify the key cause of process anomalies. However, in supervised learning, the manual annotation for wafer maps is an extremely exhausting task, and it can also induce misjudgment when a long-term operation is implemented. Toward this end, this paper proposes a new auto-labeling system based on ensemble classification. The noted VGG16 model is used in ensemble learning as the building block to train the classifier via a limited number of labeled data. Through the model being trained, the auto-labeling procedure is executed to annotate abundant unlabeled data. Therefore, the classification performances between the models trained by supervised and semi-supervised learning can be compared. In addition, the gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) is also adopted to analyze and verify the quality of auto-labeling by visual inspection. Based on the experimental results, the proposed auto-label system can return a satisfactory classification performance, and then, the manual labeling operation can be drastically reduced. The classification performance for wafer defect patterns can be further assured as the auto-labeled data are given with corresponding confidence scores of specific defect patterns being identified in this study.
Neutrino mass and nature through its mediation in atomic clock interference
Authors: Bernabeu José , Sabulsky Dylan O. , Sánchez Federico , Segarra Alejandro
Published: March 2024

The absolute mass of neutrinos and their nature are presently unknown. Aggregate matter has a coherent weak charge leading to a repulsive interaction mediated by a neutrino pair. The virtual neutrinos are non-relativistic at micron distances, giving a distinct behavior for Dirac versus Majorana mass terms. This effective potential allows for the disentanglement of the Dirac or Majorana nature of the neutrino via magnitude and distance dependence. We propose an experiment to search for this potential based on the concept that the density-dependent interaction of an atomic probe with a material source in one arm of an atomic clock interferometer generates a differential phase. The appropriate geometry of the device is selected using the saturation of the weak potential as a guide. The proposed experiment has the added benefit of being sensitive to gravity at micron distances. A strategy to suppress the competing Casimir–Polder interaction, depending on the electronic structure of the material source, as well as a way to compensate the gravitational interaction in the two arms of the interferometer is discussed.
Plasma-assisted synthesis of gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles and their enhanced catalytic dye degradation and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy performance
Authors: Ismail Siddiqa , Ahmed W. , Farooq Muhammad , Rehman N. U.
Published: March 2024

The plasma-liquid interaction (PLI) technique has been employed as a green approach for the synthesis of gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) using a two-step method. In the first step, the Au seed particles were grown by the PLI technique. Subsequently, the formation of Ag shell was achieved by adding AgNO3 to the solution containing Au seeds and placing it under the atmospheric pressure plasma. The growth of Ag shell on Au seeds was optimized and secondary nucleation was avoided by tuning the discharge current, precursor concentration, and stabilizer (d-fructose) concentration. The shell thickness of Ag was also changed by changing the concentration of AgNO3 in the solution. UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to analyze the synthesized nanoparticles. Furthermore, the particles were employed for catalysis and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based molecular trace detection. The catalytic efficiency of the NPs was investigated for the reduction of four molecules, i.e., 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, Congo red, and rhodamine B. The SERS-based trace detection was studied for rhodamine 6G using the substrates of synthesized NPs. In both cases, core-shell nanoparticles showed far superior performance compared to the seed Au nanoparticles.
Exploring associations between the teat apex metagenome and
Staphylococcus aureus
intramammary infections in primiparous cows under organic directives
Authors: Dean C. J. , Peña-Mosca F. , Ray T. , Wehri T. J. , Sharpe K. , Antunes A. M. , Doster E. , Fernandes L. , Calles V. F. , Bauman C. , Godden S. , Heins B. , Pinedo P. , Machado V. S. , Caixeta L. S. , Noyes N. R.
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this study was to identify associations between the prepartum teat apex microbiome and the presence of
Staphylococcus aureus
intramammary infections (IMI) in primiparous cows during the first 5 weeks after calving. We performed a case-control study using shotgun metagenomics of the teat apex and culture-based milk data collected longitudinally from 710 primiparous cows on five organic dairy farms. Cases had higher odds of having
S. aureus
metagenomic DNA on the teat apex prior to parturition compared to controls (OR = 38.9, 95% CI: 14.84–102.21). Differential abundance analysis confirmed this association, with cases having a 23.8 higher log fold change (LFC) in the abundance of
S. aureus
in their samples compared to controls. Of the most prevalent microorganisms in controls, those associated with a lower risk of post-calving
S. aureus
IMI included
Microbacterium
phage Min 1 (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25–0.53),
Corynebacterium efficiens
(OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.94),
Kocuria polaris
(OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35–0.82),
Micrococcus terreus
(OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44–0.93), and
Dietzia alimentaria
(OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26–0.75). Genes encoding for Microcin B17 AMPs were the most prevalent on the teat apex of cases and controls (99.7% in both groups). The predicted abundance of genes encoding for Microcin B17 was also higher in cases compared to controls (LFC 0.26).

IMPORTANCE

Intramammary infections (IMI) caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
remain an important problem for the dairy industry. The microbiome on the external skin of the teat apex may play a role in mitigating
S. aureus
IMI risk, in particular the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by commensal microbes. However, current studies of the teat apex microbiome utilize a 16S approach, which precludes the detection of genomic features such as genes that encode for AMPs. Therefore, further research using a shotgun metagenomic approach is needed to understand what role prepartum teat apex microbiome dynamics play in IMI risk.
Metabolism, digestion, and horizontal transfer: potential roles and interaction of symbiotic bacteria in the ladybird beetle
Novius pumilus
and their prey
Icerya aegyptiaca
Authors: Tang Xue-Fei , Sun Yi-Fei , Liang Yuan-Sen , Yang Kun-Yu , Chen Pei-Tao , Li Hao-Sen , Huang Yu-Hao , Pang Hong
Published: March 2024

In this study, we first time sequenced and analyzed the 16S rRNA gene data of predator ladybird beetles
Novius pumilus
and globally distributed invasive pest
Icerya aegyptiaca
at different stages, and combined data with bacterial genome sequences in
N. pumilus
to explored the taxonomic distribution, alpha and beta diversity, differentially abundant bacteria, co-occurrence network, and putative functions of their microbial community. Our finding revealed that
Candidatus
Walczuchella, which exhibited a higher abundance in
I. aegyptiaca
, possessed several genes in essential amino acid biosynthesis and seemed to perform roles in providing nutrients to the host, similar to other obligate symbionts in scale insects.
Lactococcus
,
Serratia
, and
Pseudomonas
, more abundant in
N. pumilus
, were predicted to have genes related to hydrocarbon, fatty acids, and chitin degradation, which may assist their hosts in digesting the wax shell covering the scale insects. Notably, our result showed that
Lactococcus
had relatively higher abundances in adults and eggs compared to other stages in
N. pumilus
, indicating potential vertical transmission. Additionally, we found that
Arsenophonus
, known to influence sex ratios in whitefly and wasp, may also function in
I. aegyptiaca
, probably by influencing nutrient metabolism as it similarly had many genes corresponding to vitamin B and essential amino acid biosynthesis. Also, we observed a potential horizontal transfer of
Arsenophonus
between the scale insect and its predator, with a relatively high abundance in the ladybirds compared to other bacteria from the scale insects.

IMPORTANCE

The composition and dynamic changes of microbiome in different developmental stages of ladybird beetles
Novius pumilus
with its prey
Icerya aegyptiaca
were detected. We found that
Candidatus
Walczuchella, abundant in
I. aegyptiaca,
probably provide nutrients to their host based on their amino acid biosynthesis-related genes. Abundant symbionts in
N. pumilus
, including
Lactococcus
,
Serratia
, and
Pseudophonus
, may help the host digest the scale insects with their hydrocarbon, fatty acid, and chitin degrading-related genes. A key endosymbiont
Arsenophonus
may play potential roles in the nutrient metabolisms and sex determination in
I. aegyptiaca
, and is possibly transferred from the scale insect to the predator.
Supplemental Material: Mesozoic intra-arc basin records the tectonic transition from the Paleo-Asian Ocean to the Paleo-Pacific Ocean in northeastern Eurasia
Authors: Wang Hong-Yan , al. et
Published: March 2024

Table S1: Major element (wt%), rare earth element (ppm), and trace element (ppm) analyses for sandstones from central Jilin Province. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb data for sandstones from central Jilin Province. Table S3: Trace element (ppm) analyses of zircons within the sandstones from the Seluohe Group. 
Resection of primary left renal vein leiomyosarcoma with renal preservation following an unusual clinical presentation
Authors: Cholankeril Tyler John , Lou Johanna , Spitz Francis , Tjaden Bruce
Published: March 2024

An elderly man was referred to vascular surgery on incidental discovery of a left retroperitoneal mass ultimately found to be of left renal vein (LRV) origin. He initially presented with recurring lower back pain. CT of the abdomen/pelvis showed a 6.0×5.5 cm lobulated retroperitoneal mass anterior to the infrarenal aorta. Resection of the mass necessitated a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, urologists and vascular surgeons. In efforts to obtain an R0 margin, en-bloc resection of the LRV from its confluence with the inferior vena cava (IVC) was necessary. A primary repair of the IVC was performed with preservation of the left kidney. The patient’s back pain has since resolved after the surgery. A literature search found IVC reconstructions to be safe and effective in the removal of vascular leiomyosarcomas.
New proposal for a multimodal imaging approach for the subclinical detection of hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Araújo Olga , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P , Hernández-Rodríguez José , Figueras-Roca Marc , Budi Vanesa , Morató Montse , Hernández-Negrín Halbert , Ríos José , Adan Alfredo , Espinosa Gerard , Pelegrín Laura , Cervera Ricard
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare multimodal structural and functional diagnostic methods in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with hydroxychloroquine, to identify the best complementary approach for detecting subclinical retinal toxicity.

Methods

A cross-sectional, unicentric study was conducted on patients with SLE treated with hydroxychloroquine. Each patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, comprising structural tests (spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT),en faceOCT,en faceOCT angiography (OCTA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF)) and functional tests (automated perimetry for visual field (VF) testing, multifocal electroretinography (mfERG)). A diagnosis of macular toxicity required the presence of abnormalities in at least one structural and functional test. The Kappa Concordance Index was used to assess the concordance among the different tests in detecting potential macular toxicity-associated alterations.

Results

Sixty-six patients with SLE (132 eyes) were consecutively enrolled. Four (6.1%) patients developed subclinical hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity without visual acuity impairment. The proportion of abnormal results was 24% for bothen faceOCT anden faceOCTA. Regarding functional analysis, VF was less specific than mfERG in detecting subclinical retinal toxicity (VF specificity 47.5%).En faceOCT anden faceOCTA structural findings showed better concordance, with akappaindex >0.8, and both identified the same cases of toxicity as FAF.

Conclusion

Although structural OCT and VF are frequently used to screen for hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity, our findings suggest that a combination of mfERG,en faceOCT anden faceOCTA could improve the diagnostic accuracy for subclinical retinal damage. This study emphasises the importance of a multimodal imaging strategy to promptly detect signs of hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity.
Association between short birth spacing and child malnutrition in Bangladesh: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Ahmmed Foyez , Hasan Md Nahid , Hossain Md Faruk , Khan Md Tareq Ferdous , Rahman Mohammod Mahmudur , Hussain Md Parvej , Hossain Md. Jamal
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the effects of short birth spacing (SBS), which is defined as a period of less than 33 months between two successive births, on multiple concurrent forms of child malnutrition (MCFCM) and at least one form of child malnutrition (ALOFCM) using propensity score matching (PSM).

Methods

This study used data extracted from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. PSM with four different distance functions, including logistic regression, classification and regression tree, single hidden layer neural network and random forest, were performed to evaluate the effects of SBS on MCFCM and ALOFCM. We also explored how the effects were modified in different subsamples, including women’s empowerment, education and economic status (women’s 3E index)–constructed based on women’s decision-making autonomy, education level, and wealth index, and age at marriage, and place of residence.

Results

The prevalence of SBS was 22.16% among the 4652 complete cases. The matched samples of size 2062 generated by PSM showed higher odds of MCFCM (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.56, p=0.038) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.20, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.42, p=0.045) for the SBS children compared with their counterparts. In the subsample of women with 3E index≥50% coverage, the SBS children showed higher odds of MCFCM (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI=1.03 to 2.00, p=0.041] and ALOFCM (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.74, p=0.036). Higher odds of MCFCM (AOR=1.27, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.58, p=0.036) and ALOFCM (AOR=1.23, 95% CI=1.02 to 1.51, p=0.032) for SBS children than normal children were also evident for the subsample of mothers married at age≤18 years.

Conclusion

SBS was significantly associated with child malnutrition, and the effect was modified by factors such as women’s autonomy and age at marriage.
Low-dose ketamine infusion to facilitate opioid tapering in chronic non-cancer pain with opioid-use disorder: a historical cohort study
Authors: Elyn Antoine , Roussin Anne , Lestrade Cécile , Franchitto Nicolas , Jullian Bénédicte , Cantagrel Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Background

Long-term opioid use is associated with pharmacological tolerance, a risk of misuse and hyperalgesia in patients with chronic pain (CP). Tapering is challenging in this context, particularly with comorbid opioid-use disorder (OUD). The antihyperalgesic effect of ketamine, through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonism, could be useful. We aimed to describe the changes in the dose of opioids consumed over 1 year after a 5-day hospitalisation with ketamine infusion for CP patients with OUD.

Methods

We performed a historical cohort study using a medical chart from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019. Patients were long-term opioid users with OUD and CP, followed by the Pain Center of the University Hospital of Toulouse, for which outpatient progressive tapering failed. Ketamine was administered at a low dose to initiate tapering during a 5-day hospitalisation.

Results

59 patients were included, with 64% of them female and a mean age of 48±10 years old. The most frequent CP aetiologies were back pain (53%) and fibromyalgia (17%). The baseline opioid daily dose was 207 mg (±128) morphine milligram equivalent (MME). It was lowered to 92±72 mg MME at discharge (p<0.001), 99±77 mg at 3 months (p<0.001) and 103±106 mg at 12 months. More than 50% tapering was achieved immediately for 40 patients (68%), with immediate cessation for seven patients (12%). 17 patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

A 5-day hospitalisation with a low-dose ketamine infusion appeared useful to facilitate opioid tapering in long-term opioid users with CP and OUD. Ketamine was well tolerated, and patients did not present significant withdrawal symptoms. Prospective and comparative studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Intravenous versus oral acetaminophen for pain and quality of recovery after ambulatory spine surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schwenk Eric S , Ferd Polina , Torjman Marc C , Li Chris J , Charlton Alex R , Yan Vivian Z , McCurdy Michael A , Kepler Christopher K , Schroeder Gregory D , Fleischman Andrew N , Issa Tariq
Published: March 2024

Introduction

As ambulatory spine surgery increases, efficient recovery and discharge become essential. Multimodal analgesia is superior to opioids alone. Acetaminophen is a central component of multimodal protocols and both intravenous and oral forms are used. While some advantages for intravenous acetaminophen have been touted, prospective studies with patient-centered outcomes are lacking in ambulatory spine surgery. A substantial cost difference exists. We hypothesized that intravenous acetaminophen would be associated with fewer opioids and better recovery.

Methods

Patients undergoing ambulatory spine surgery were randomized to preoperative oral placebo and intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen or preoperative oral acetaminophen. All patients received general anesthesia and multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was 24-hour opioid use in intravenous morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), beginning with arrival to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes included pain, Quality of Recovery (QoR)-15 scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, recovery time, and correlations between pain catastrophizing, QoR-15, and pain.

Results

A total of 82 patients were included in final analyses. Demographics were similar between groups. For the primary outcome, the median 24-hour MMEs did not differ between groups (12.6 (4.0, 27.1) vs 12.0 (4.0, 29.5) mg, p=0.893). Postoperative pain ratings, PACU MMEs, QoR-15 scores, and recovery time showed no differences. Spearman’s correlation showed a moderate negative correlation between postoperative opioid use and QoR-15.

Conclusion

Intravenous acetaminophen was not superior to the oral form in ambulatory spine surgery patients. This does not support routine use of the more expensive intravenous form to improve recovery and accelerate discharge.

Trial registration number

NCT04574778.
Metal complexes with thiazyl chloride: single or double bond?
Authors: Vilarrubias Pere
Published: March 2024

Many metal complexes are known with thiazyl chloride as a ligand. In some complexes, the structure of the metal–ligand bond can be described as M=N=S–Cl, whereas in other cases the structure is described as M–N≡S–Cl. The metal–nitrogen bond length goes from 1.76 to 2.28 Å. In this study, density functional theory was used to search for the reasons for these differences, taking into account both mononuclear and binuclear complexes.
On thermodynamic stability of black holes. Part I: classical stability
Authors: Avramov V. , Dimov H. , Radomirov M. , Rashkov R. C. , Vetsov T.
Published: March 2024

We revisit the classical thermodynamic stability of the standard black hole solutions by implementing the intrinsic necessary and sufficient conditions for stable global and local thermodynamic equilibrium. The criteria for such equilibria are quite generic and well-established in classical thermodynamics, but they have not been fully utilized in black hole physics. We show how weaker or incomplete conditions could lead to misleading or incorrect results for the thermodynamic stability of the system. We also stress the importance of finding all possible local heat capacities in order to fully describe the classical equilibrium picture of black holes. Finally, we thoroughly investigate the critical and phase transition curves and the limits of the classical analysis. This paper is the first in the line of intended works on thermodynamic stability of black holes in modified theories of gravity and holography.
An operational approach for accurate 177Lu and 177mLu activity quantifications to comply with the environmental release criteria: the role of GEANT4 for efficiency curve and True Coincidence Summing effect estimation
Authors: Sarnelli Anna , Guidi Claretta , Pandola Luciano , Contessa Gian Marco , Loi Emiliano , Bianchini David , Mezzenga Emilio , Negrini Matteo
Published: March 2024

The increasing use of 177Lu-labelled agents for targeted radionuclide cancer therapy highlights the radiation protection challenges in the management of radioactive waste due to 177mLu impurities. To ensure safe disposal, compliance with clearance criteria must be verified using calibrated systems, such as Hyper Pure Germanium (HPGe) spectrometers. This work aims to validate a customized GEANT4 model of our HPGe system in Marinelli beaker geometry to propose an operational approach properly quantifying 177Lu and 177mLu in waste samples. The system's efficiency curve was calculated by modelling gamma sources in the energy range of interest and validated by spectra measurements of 177Lu and 99mTc sources. Correction factors accounting for true coincidence summing (TCS) effect were simulated for 177Lu, 177mLu and 99mTc and they were applied to the spectrum measurement of a waste sample model with known activities of 177Lu and 177mLu. Thus, an operational approach for activities quantification was tested comparing the results with the nominal values. No significant differences were observed between simulated and measured efficiency values. TCS correction factors are significant only for 177mLu (1.6 at 112.95 keV and 204.11 keV). Eventually, the proposed framework to quantify 177Lu in a waste sample allowed to estimate the 177Lu and 177mLu component activities within a maximum 16% uncertainty. Results show that the HPGe model could be a powerful resource for a wide range of applications in daily clinical routine and it could be used to build a simple quality assurance program to monitor the detector response constancy in time.
Numerical treatment of cross-diffusion impact on heat and mass transfer with magnetic radiation of micropolar fluid flow over a porous stretching surface
Authors: Ram M. Sunder , Shamshuddin MD. , Srinitha B. , Salawu S. O.
Published: March 2024

Cross-diffusion effects are essential in industry because they can improve process efficiency, optimize product development, improve environmental sustainability, and drive technological advancements. The effects of cross-diffusion, aligned magnetization, and radiation are considered and adequately reported on the micropolar fluid boundary layer. The momentum, energy, and species reaction models are utilized to quantitatively represent the flow equations containing the thermophysical parameters at an aligned angle. The described fluid models are transformed into ordinary systems of derivatives. The solution to the resulting equations is determined via Fehlberg Runge–Kutta. The impacts of related terms are presented on various plots. The investigation revealed that the aligned angle strengthens magnetic field parameters, which can also lower the flow. For injection cases, microrotation has a parabolic distribution. An inclined value of radiation term contributed to improving the temperature profile. Temperature and concentration profiles rise and decrease with the Soret number, affecting heat, and species transport rates. The porosity and the thermal buoyancy parameter exhibit conflicting behaviors for both the coefficient of plate drag and the couple stress.
A study of the effect of γ-radiation on the current-carrying mechanism in the P-CuTlS2 single crystal
Authors: Madatov R. S. , Mamishova R. M.
Published: March 2024

The electrical conductivity and volt–ampere characteristics (VAC) of the p-CuTlS2 single crystal with specific resistance [Formula: see text] and irradiated by [Formula: see text]-quantum were studied in the range of 100–300[Formula: see text]K temperature and 10–104[Formula: see text]V/cm. It was determined that the cause of the conduction disorder observed in the CuTlS2 single crystal at low electric fields and high radiation doses is the formation of defect clusters dominated by cation vacancies. A sharp increase in current at high electric fields and temperatures occurs as a result of thermo-field ionization of the acceptor level with activation energy [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV and the ionization voltage decreases with increasing radiation dose. Based on the determination of the parameters ([Formula: see text]) that determine the mechanism of current flow, the dependence of the shape of the potential hole on the radiation dose was determined.
Secondary Intention Healing for Fingertip Amputations in a Tropical Climate
Authors: NAH Jie Hui , TANG Camelia Qian Ying , CHOUDHURY Muntasir Mannan , CHIA Dawn Sinn Yii , MCGROUTHER Duncan Angus , JIANG Jackson Kian Hong
Published: March 2024

Background: Various studies have examined occlusive dressings in fingertip amputations and reported good outcomes. Occlusive dressing preserves appropriate pH, cell accumulation and moisture for healing, thereby limiting scar formation and deformity. To our knowledge, no study was performed in tropical Asia. This study aims to demonstrate the viability of healing fingertip amputations through secondary intention using an effective dressing technique, even in warm tropical climates.

Methods: All patients who presented to our institution with fingertip amputations from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2022 were analysed retrospectively. Seventeen patients (15 male, 2 female) of mean age 37.2 ± 9.4 years old with 18 injured digits were retrospectively analysed. Twelve (66.7%) were Allen Type III injuries, and one patient required distal phalangeal K-wire fixation. During the patient’s final review, static 2-point discrimination, pulp sensation, fingertip contour and nail deformities alongside the last measured range of motion (ROM) of the injured finger was recorded. Treatment duration and days of leave taken were also summed and assessed.

Results: Patients were dressed with semi-occlusive dressing for an average of 20.1 ± 6.83 days. The average total duration of dressing is 36.78 ± 18.88 days over an average of 7.18 ± 4.03 dressing visits. Mean duration of follow-up was 108 ± 63.46 days. Good outcome measures in sensation, pulp contour, nail deformity and ROM similar to existing literature were reported.

Conclusions: Occlusive dressing remains a viable and feasible treatment option for fingertip amputation even in a tropical climate. While this simple treatment method may require more effort from patient, wound healing was attained after 36.8 ± 18.9 days of dressing.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Measurement of Radiological Parameters of Distal Radius Fracture Using the Ulnar Axis Compared with the Radial Axis
Authors: KITIDUMRONGSOOK Pravit , LUANGJARMEKORN Pobe , KUPTNIRATSAIKUL Vanasiri , TEERAGANANAN Theephop , CHAITANTIPONGSE Sirisak
Published: March 2024

Background: The long axis of the radius is a standard reference for measuring radiological parameters in distal radius fractures. However, in patients with severe comminution and anatomical variation with distal radius bowing, it is challenging to assess using the long axis of the radius. The long axis of the ulna can be used as an alternative reference. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability and level of agreement using the long axis of the ulna as an alternative reference in comparison to the long axis of the radius.

Methods: Posteroanterior (PA) radiography of the wrist in patients with acute distal radius fractures was evaluated in two rounds by four observers. Radial height, radial inclination and ulnar variance were measured using radial and ulnar long axis as references. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the measurements with two reference axes was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The level of agreement was determined using the Bland–Altman plot.

Results: In total, 59 patients who underwent PA radiography of the wrist were included in this study. All parameters exhibited good agreement between the two methods, with a mean difference of nearly zero (radial height = −0.03 mm, radial inclination = −0.14° and ulnar variance = 0.03 mm). The limits of agreement in radial height (−2.87, 2.82 mm) and ulnar variance (−0.81, 0.87 mm) were narrow. However, for the radial inclination, it was wider (−6.21, 5.94°). Intraobserver reliability between the long axis of radius and ulna (ICC = 0.85–0.99 and 0.84–0.98, respectively) was good to excellent. The interobserver reliability of each parameter was excellent (ICC = 0.94–0.97).

Conclusions: The ulnar long axis can be used as an alternative reference for measuring radial height, radial inclination and ulnar variance in PA radiography of the wrist in acute distal radius fracture, particularly if the radial long axis is distorted.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
A Meta-Learning Framework for Tuning Parameters of Protection Mechanisms in Trustworthy Federated Learning
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Kang Yan , Fan Lixin , Chen Kai , Yang Qiang
Published: March 2024

Trustworthy federated learning typically leverages protection mechanisms to guarantee privacy. However, protection mechanisms inevitably introduce utility loss or efficiency reduction while protecting data privacy. Therefore, protection mechanisms and their parameters should be carefully chosen to strike an optimal tradeoff amongprivacy leakage,utility loss, andefficiency reduction. To this end, federated learning practitioners need tools to measure the three factors and optimize the tradeoff between them to choose the protection mechanism that is most appropriate to the application at hand. Motivated by this requirement, we propose a framework that (1) formulates trustworthy federated learning as a problem of finding a protection mechanism to optimize the tradeoff among privacy leakage, utility loss, and efficiency reduction and (2) formally defines bounded measurements of the three factors. We then propose a meta-learning algorithm to approximate this optimization problem and find optimal protection parameters for representative protection mechanisms, including randomization, homomorphic encryption, secret sharing, and compression. We further design estimation algorithms to quantify these found optimal protection parameters in a practical horizontal federated learning setting and provide a theoretical analysis of the estimation error.