bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, during rapid range expansion in New York State
Authors: Oppler Zachary J. , Prusinski Melissa A. , O'Keeffe Kayleigh R. , Pearson Patrick , Rich Stephen M. , Falco Richard C. , Vinci Vanessa , O'Connor Collin , Haight Jamie , Backenson P. Bryon , Brisson Dustin
Published: July 2024

Recent changes in climate and human land‐use have resulted in alterations of the geographic range of many species, including human pathogens. Geographic range expansion and population growth of human pathogens increase human disease risk. Relatively little empirical work has investigated the impact of range changes on within‐population variability, a contributor to both colonization success and adaptive potential, during the precise time in which populations are colonized. This is likely due to the difficulties of collecting appropriate natural samples during the dynamic phase of migration and colonization. We systematically collected blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) across New York State (NY), USA, between 2006 and 2019, a time period coinciding with a rapid range expansion of ticks and their associated pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. These samples provide a unique opportunity to investigate the population dynamics of human pathogens as they expand into novel territory. We observed that founder effects were short‐lived, as gene flow from long‐established populations brought almost all B. burgdorferi lineages to newly colonized populations within just a few years of colonization. By 7 years post‐colonization, B. burgdorferi lineage frequency distributions were indistinguishable from long‐established sites, indicating that local B. burgdorferi populations experience similar selective pressures despite geographic separation. The B. burgdorferi lineage dynamics elucidate the processes underlying the range expansion and demonstrate that migration into, and selection within, newly colonized sites operate on different time scales.
The Subaltern: Illuminating matters of representation and agency in mental health nursing through a postcolonial feminist lens
Authors: Dhari Shivinder , Slemon Allie , Jenkins Emily
Published: July 2024

Inpatient mental health nursing operates with an overarching goal to support people living with mental health challenges by managing risk of harm to self and others, decreasing symptoms, and promoting capacity to live outside of hospital settings. Yet, dominant, harmful stereotypes persist, constructing patients as less than, in need of saving, and lacking self‐control and agency. These dominant assumptions are deeply entrenched in racist, patriarchal, and Othering beliefs and continue to perpetuate and (re)produce inequities, specifically for people with multiple intersecting identities relating to race, class, gender, and culture. This paper explores the relevance of postcolonial feminism, particularly Gayatri Spivak's concept of Subaltern—conceptualized as groups of people who are denied access to power and therefore continue to be systematically oppressed and marginalized—in illuminating the problematic and dominant assumptions about people living with mental health challenges as lacking agency and requiring representation. Through an understanding of Subalternity, this paper aims to decenter and deconstruct dominant colonial, patriarchal narratives in mental health nursing, and ultimately calls for mental health nursing to fundamentally reconsider prevailing assumptions of patients as needing representation and lacking agency.
Enteric neuroprotection—A matter of balancing redox potentials, limiting inflammation, and boosting resilience
Authors: Voss Ulrikke
Published: July 2024

The enteric nervous system (ENS) orchestrates intricate and autonomous functions throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Disruptions in ENS function are associated GI disorders. This mini review focuses on the past decade's research, utilizing rodent models, with an emphasis on protecting enteric neurons from loss. The review specifically looks at efforts to reduce oxidative stress, limit inflammation, and enhance neuronal resilience. Protective interventions including administration of antioxidants and compounds targeting cellular redox buffer systems, are evaluated for their effectiveness in preventing loss of enteric neurons in the ischemia–reperfusion model and streptozotocin‐induced diabetes model. Interventions such as engrafting mesenchymal stem cells and targeting inflammatory signaling pathways in enteric neurons and glial cells are evaluated in inflammatory bowel disease models including the Winnie mouse, DSS‐, and DNBS/TNBS‐induced colitis models. The review also touches upon neuronal resilience, particularly in the context of Parkinson's disease models. Including estrogen's neuroprotective role, and the influence of metal ions on enteric neuronal protection. Understanding the dynamic interplay within the ENS and its role in disease pathogenesis holds promise for developing targeted therapies to effectively manage and treat various GI ailments.
Comparative transcriptome profiling to untie the drought tolerance molecular mechanism of backcross rice (Oryza sativa L.) inbred
Authors: Baghyalakshmi Kari , Ramchander Selvaraj , Jagadeeshselvam Nallathambi , Raveendran Muthurajan , Jeyaprakash Paramasiwam
Published: July 2024

Rice production is severely hampered by drought stress, which causes enormous economic losses. The issue of global climate change is gaining importance, and hence development of rice genotypes tolerant to drought stress is becoming more critical. To address this issue, backcross inbred lines (BILs) developed were subjected to drought stress, and their molecular mechanism was studied. The drought‐tolerant parent Apo and drought‐susceptible, high‐yielding IR64 along with two BILs, namely, CB 229 (qDTY2.2 + qDTY3.1 + qDTY8.1) and CB 193‐3 (qDTY3.1 + qDTY8.1) were tested in a greenhouse for their response to drought. In this study, CB 229 showed better performance under water stress irrigated conditions; it was on par with IR64. Drought‐responsive transcriptome profiling was carried out in both the parents and the superior BIL CB 229 through the RNA‐Seq approach. About 3050 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (2021 upregulated and 1029 downregulated) were detected in tolerant BIL CB 229 in drought stress. Most of the DEGs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the formation of cell walls, as well as genes associated with metabolite adaptability, ROS homeostasis and post‐transcriptional regulation. Genes such as chaperone protein, senescence‐induced receptor‐like serine, mannose‐6‐phosphate isomerase, aquaporin and heat shock proteins (LOC_Os02g26840, LOC_Os02g25720, LOC_Os07g35570, LOC_Os01g64970, etc.) were upregulated in the tolerant Apo and CB 229. It was observed that the BIL CB 229 yielded higher grains than both parents under moisture stress. Ninety‐four genes in the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) region were found to be differentially regulated in CB 229, Apo and IR64. Out of 94, nine genes co‐localized within the QTL qDTY2.2, 12 genes within qDTY3.1 and four genes within qDTY8.1 were differentially upregulated in CB 229 and downregulated in the susceptible genotype. The study revealed that the QTLs qDTY2.2, qDTY3.1 and qDTY8.1 are found to have complementary effects and offer enhanced levels of tolerance against drought due to complementation. Additionally, this analysis discovered new DEGs that may be involved in functions related to drought tolerance but lack function annotations. Future research can focus on a few of the significant DEGs found in this study. Taken together, our findings provide insight into drought tolerance mechanisms and could assist the development of novel strategies for improving drought tolerance in rice.
Adverse childhood experiences exacerbate peripheral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in adults
Authors: Okumura Kazuki , Takeda Tsutomu , Komori Takashi , Toritsuka Michihiro , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Takada Ryohei , Ikehara Minobu , Kamikawa Kohei , Noriyama Yuki , Nishi Yuki , Ishida Rio , Kayashima Yoshinori , Yamauchi Takahira , Iwata Nakao , Makinodan Manabu
Published: July 2024

Aim

Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events with long‐lasting effects on the health and well‐being of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important to clarify which types of long‐lasting autism‐related symptoms are influenced by childhood experiences to design future intervention studies. However, few studies have examined the association between childhood experiences and autistic symptoms in large samples of adults with ASD and individuals with typical development (TD). In this study, we evaluate the effects of adverse childhood experiences on multiple ASD phenotypes among both individuals with ASD and those with TD.

Method

We combined questionnaire evaluations; Childhood Abuse and Trauma Scale, the Japanese version of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient, Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Japanese version of the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, and the Japanese version of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile.

Results

Individuals with ASD and those with TD (n = 205 and 104, respectively) were included. There were significant correlations between the extent of adverse childhood experiences and severity of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and hypersensitivity in both participants with ASD and those with TD. By contrast, ASD core symptoms showed no significant correlation with adverse childhood experiences in either group. These results remained consistent after adjusting for age, sex, and the estimated intelligence quotient.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the need for a detailed disentanglement of ASD‐related core and peripheral symptoms of adverse childhood experiences, which may help to appropriately set outcomes for future early interventions for the childhood experiences of individuals with ASD.
Prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis among postmenopausal women: A cross‐sectional study from Jordan
Authors: Khurmah Manar H. Abu , Alkhatatbeh Mohammad J. , Alshogran Osama Y. , Alarda Hamza M.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Our aim was to predict the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis and their associated risk factors among postmenopausal women from Jordan.

Methodology

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 368 postmenopausal women were recruited from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in the North of Jordan between September 2022 and April 2023. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan. T‐score was used for osteoporosis diagnosis in accordance with the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) guidelines. Data about sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were collected using face‐to‐face interviews. Medical records were used to retrieve participants’ BMD information. Predictors of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression.

Results

Prevalence of osteoporosis was 40.5%, while 44.6% of participants were diagnosed with osteopenia. The lumbar spine had the highest frequency of osteoporosis (30.4%), while the left femoral neck had the highest prevalence of osteopenia (46.3%). Postmenopausal women's age (p‐value = .024), and history of chronic diseases (p‐value = .038) were significant factors associated with increased osteoporosis risk.

Conclusions

Postmenopausal women from Jordan had high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. It is therefore necessary to target risk factors leading to osteoporosis and to improve patients' lifestyles through patient education. Healthcare systems should consider early screening approaches for osteoporosis at the age of menopause and thereafter. Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may be routinely considered for this age group depending on their serum levels.
Principles for equitable and resilient tropical peatland restoration in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Toumbourou Tessa D. , Lestari Sri , Yuwati Tri W. , Treby Sarah , Winarno Bondan , Rachmanadi Dony , Idrus Nafila I. , Sakuntaladewi Niken , Budiningsih Kushartati , Grover Samantha P. P. , Rawluk Andrea
Published: July 2024

Indonesia's tropical peatlands are crucial global carbon stores but have been heavily degraded in recent decades. We present seven principles for equitable and resilient tropical peatland restoration in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, host to 19% of Indonesia's tropical peatland area, where local livelihoods, cultural practices, and indigenous social relations remain closely connected. Our collaborative methods employed a Delphi survey and focus group discussions with researchers from various disciplines to develop a shared vision for restoration. This vision served as a boundary object during interviews with diverse stakeholders involved in peatland restoration in Central Kalimantan, allowing for refinement and adaptation of the vision and the development of principles to achieve it. The principles emphasize inclusive and collaborative decision‐making, planning, and implementation; site‐specific approaches adapted to local social and ecological conditions; and ensuring the informed consent of and fair benefit distribution to all local social groups. They also emphasize a holistic, integrated, and long‐term approach to restoration that considers multiple aspects, including hydrological function, vegetation regeneration, fire prevention, locally appropriate livelihood benefits, inclusive governance, and adaptive management practices. These principles serve as a starting point for resilience‐oriented social‐ecological restoration practice and policy formulation, aiming to facilitate equitable, effective, and resilient tropical peatland restoration outcomes.
Estimating the benefits of floodplain restoration to juvenile Chinook salmon in the upper San Francisco Estuary, United States, under future climate scenarios
Authors: Huntsman Brock M. , Wulff Marissa L. , Knowles Noah , Sommer Ted , Feyrer Frederick V. , Brown Larry R.
Published: July 2024

Many river systems within the Central Valley of California have been disconnected from their floodplains, hypothesized to be partially responsible for declining Chinook salmon populations (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). The primary floodplain of the system, Yolo By‐Pass (known regionally as “Yolo Bypass”), offered an opportunity to examine whether improved connectivity between the floodplain and river could limit negative climate change effects on salmon populations. Specifically, the top of the floodplain (Fremont Weir) is being modified to provide Sacramento River Chinook salmon better access to floodplain rearing habitat. We estimated restoration effects on the Yolo By‐Pass flood regime now and under future climate scenarios using flow rating curves. Additionally, we used temperature and flow‐specific effects on Chinook salmon population dynamics within the Yolo By‐Pass and Sacramento River complex to describe how the restoration project and climate change may interact to affect juvenile Chinook salmon biomass production. Our results indicate that the Fremont Weir restoration project will extend the frequency, timing, and duration of Yolo By‐Pass flooding. Our production model indicates that the modification will result in greater salmon entrainment rates into the Yolo By‐Pass, where salmon growth rates, survival rates, and biomass production were higher when compared to the Sacramento River main stem. The project appears to benefit all regional runs of Chinook salmon, which should help support life history diversity. Our results suggest that the weir modification should benefit native fish from the Central Valley that use floodplain habitat and that these benefits may be resilient to challenges created by a changing climate.
Intracorporeal evaluation of hyaluronic acid fillers with varied rheological properties and correlations with aesthetic outcomes
Authors: Nikolis Andreas , Enright Kaitlyn M. , Cotofana Sebastian , Nguyen Quynh , Raco Laura , Weiner Steven
Published: July 2024

Background

Understanding the differences in soft tissue filler rheology and how these properties can impact clinical results is a fundamental concepts for any injector. This study aimed to assess the tissue integration characteristics of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers manufactured with different technologies (Non‐Animal Stabilized HA [HA‐N] or Optimal Balance Technology [HA‐O]) using ultra‐high‐frequency ultrasound.

Methods

Twelve female participants with mild‐to‐moderate midface volume loss and temporal hollowing were enrolled and treated with HA‐N and/or HA‐O. Participants were seen at five visits (screening/baseline [treatment], and Weeks 1 [optional touch‐up], 4, 6, and 8 [follow‐up visits]). Ultrasound was used to evaluate the degree of product integration.

Results

On ultrasound, HA‐N presented with distinct borders, minimal tissue integration, and a capacity to displace tissues. Conversely, HA‐O tended to spread horizontally within the same tissue plane and integrated within tissues. The volumizing capacity of the HA‐O fillers was dependent on particle size.

Conclusion

HA‐N is suited for deep injections in areas such as the upper lateral cheek and under the muscle of the temporal region when a lifting effect is desired; HA‐O is best suited for subcutaneous injections, in areas of dynamic movement or for patients with thin skin; and can be injected subcutaneously or supraperiosteally when a volumizing effect is desired.
Evaluation of the implementation, frequency of use, type, and impact of veterinary emergency service pause systems
Authors: Linklater Andrew
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the prevalence of veterinary emergency service pause systems (VESPSs) and describe aspects of implementation and perceived impact.

Design

Electronic questionnaire

Setting

Membership of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS).

Animals

None.

Interventions

None.

Measurement and Main Results

A questionnaire was distributed to 6176 VECCS members with 1168 responses. Seventy‐six percent of the respondents were veterinarians. Ninety‐one percent of respondents practice in the United States, with 74% of them working at 24/7 multispecialty practices. Eighty‐seven percent of respondents indicated patient volume had increased, and 75% reported that a VESPS had been implemented between September 2020 and December 2021. Sixty‐two percent reported that their emergency service had been paused or closed once per week or more. The top reasons for implementing a VESPS included excessive caseload and staffing shortages. A variety of methods were utilized to implement a pause. Sixty‐nine percent reported their VESPS was less than ideal for effectiveness. Pause systems were reported to be highly supported by medical staff. Seventy‐seven percent reported increased client frustration and complaints, and 57% reported staff were stressed from denying care. Of those who do not currently have a VESPS in place, 74% would prefer to have one.

Conclusions

VESPSs were in widespread use at the time of this survey, and most have been implemented between September 2020 and December 2021. The majority of VESPSs were employed to mitigate increased caseload and staffing shortages. Although VESPSs are largely supported by medical staff, drawbacks may include staff stress and client frustrations, and improvements are warranted.
Presumed myxosarcoma in the eyelid of a cat: Case report
Authors: Araújo Rosélia L. S. , Carvalho Aline S. S. , Moreira Matheus V. L. , Galera Paula D.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of a neoformation suggestive of myxosarcoma in a cat's eyelid.

Animal Studied

An 11‐year‐old mixed‐breed castrated female cat presented with a nodule on the lower eyelid approximately 1.6 cm in diameter, multilobulated, non‐ulcerated, soft, and adhered to both the skin and conjunctiva of the lower eyelid.

Procedures

The incisional biopsy revealed findings suggestive of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. After performing an exenteration of the right eyeball to ensure a safe surgical margin, the tissue samples were sent for histopathological analysis and later for immunohistochemistry.

Results

Microscopic evaluation classified the mass as a grade‐I mesenchymal neoplasm, suggesting myxosarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor as differential diagnoses. An immunohistochemical examination was carried out to differentiate the neoplasm. Once tumors of neural origin were excluded, the diagnosis of myxosarcoma was indicated as the most likely.

Conclusion

We report a presumed case of eyelid myxosarcoma in a cat, highlighting its relevance in the differential diagnosis in the evaluation of eyelid and conjunctival neoplasms in cats.
Hollow Fiber Contactors with Improved Hydrophobicity for Acid Gas Removal: Progress and Recent Advances
Authors: K. Pabby Anil , Mahajan-Tatpate Pallavi
Published: July 2024

The gas–liquid membrane contactor technology, which integrates the absorption process with membranes, is a developing membrane technology that is especially pertinent to acid gas absorption. When it comes to removing acid gases from natural gas or after combustion, membrane technology has demonstrated potential as a substitute for conventional absorption columns. The membrane contactor offers exceptional operating flexibility and a high mass transfer area. In addition to summarizing the key elements of membrane materials, absorbents, and membrane contactor design, this paper presents the working principle and wetting mechanism of hollow membrane contactors and focuses the most recent advancements in membrane contactor research in gas separation from gas mixtures. The state-of-the-art overview of highly hydrophobic microporous membranes is presented after a discussion of the main challenges to the preparation of superhydrophobic membranes.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF PROCUREMENT AND COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Unegbu Hyginus C.O. , D.S. Yawas , B. Dan-asabe
Published: July 2024

The construction sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria. However, it faces significant challenges, particularly in project performance, which can be attributed, at least in part, to ineffective communication and procurement management. This research aims to evaluate how communication and procurement management impact the outcomes of construction projects in Nigeria. To conduct this study, a quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire administered to 260 construction professionals. The data collected underwent analysis employing various techniques such as descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and structural equation model (SEM) utilizing software including the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Microsoft Excel, and LISREL (Linear Structural Relations). The SEM analysis results revealed that 31 out of the 35 hypotheses used in the study were validated. Among these, the strongest relationships observed were those between procurement management and time performance, procurement management and cost performance, time performance and cost performance, time performance and quality performance, and communication management and time performance, in that specific order. This demonstrates the critical role of effective communication and procurement management in achieving successful construction projects in Nigeria. Additionally, the analysis of factors affecting the implementation of procurement and communication management in the Nigerian construction industry highlighted the need for stakeholders to be proactive in developing strategies that facilitate effective implementation of these practices to enhance project performance. The study also emphasizes the importance of establishing effective procurement policies and regulations, embracing technology, building capacity, managing stakeholders, and continuously improving project management practices to elevate project performance in the Nigerian construction industry.
ANALYSIS OF MICRO GAS TURBINE PERFORMANCE USING MODELLING APPROACH
Authors: Othman Norazila
Published: July 2024

Micro-gas turbine (MGT) is compact and self-sufficient distributed power generation units that exhibit reliability and has the capability to mitigate carbon monoxide (CO) emissions while conserving energy together with biomass used as a fuel sources. It is expected that they will have a noteworthy impact on securing the provision of upcoming energy resources for isolated areas, disaster condition and off-grid zone regardless of their connection to the power grid. However, the MGT performance using the various fuel still questionable. Databases and procedure of the MGT performance analysis should be established well to understand the overall MGT performance. In this study, MGT performance is determined by utilising the computer aided design (CAD) and solver software such as SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS-FLUENT. CAD drawing is used to design the combustion chamber and simulation performance is visualised in specific inside the combustion chamber (CC) of the MGT. The solver software was employed for the purpose of conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. The optimal configuration contained a flame holder with a diameter of 50 millimetres, a chamber height of 60 centimetres, four holes with diameters of 6, 8, and 10 millimetres, and a dead zone separating the combustion and dilution zones. The air inlet boundary conditions were established by utilising the specifications and compressor maps of the Garrett GT25 turbocharger in the simulation. The simulation employed the standard k-ε model of viscous model and energy equation to establish an optimal maximum airflow rate of 0.15 kg/s at a pressure of 1.4 bar, resulting in a compressor efficiency of approximately 70%. Three different fuels, diesel-air, wood-volatiles-air, and coal-hv-volatile, were used to determine the MGT's optimal performance. Successful investigation of this study opts to significant contribution to understand the MGT performance thus, give the awareness to choose as one of the alternative power generations which can be used in the future.
SIMULATION STUDY ON PARAMETRIC MODELLING OF MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL DAMPER SYSTEM
Authors: Ab Talib Mat Hussin , Mohammad Sabri Ismail
Published: July 2024

The Magnetorheological (MR) damper system serves as a semi-active suspension system designed to absorb road disturbances. This research aims to replicate the MR damper system through a parametric modeling approach, specifically employing the Simple Bouc-Wen Model, Spencer Model, and Hyperbolic-Tangent Model. The objective of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of these modeled MR damper systems with the utilization of a Fuzzy-PID controller. The simulation process is conducted within MATLAB Simulink, whereby a block diagram is devised based on equations related to the suspension system and the parametric models. The inputs for the system encompass sinusoidal and bump road profiles. The outcomes from the modeled MR damper systems reveal that the semi-active suspension system outperforms the passive suspension system. The primary simulation metrics under consideration include sprung displacement, sprung acceleration, and unsprung acceleration. Among the three MR damper models, the Hyperbolic-tangent model displays the most favorable performance, with a mean squared error of 51.44%, while the Bouc-Wen model exhibits the least favorable performance, registering a mean squared error of 25.96%. The integration of the Fuzzy-PID controller demonstrates an enhancement in the sprung suspension system, though the sprung acceleration remains relatively unchanged.
Prediction of Soot in a Rich–Quench–Lean Burner Using a Semidetailed JetA-1 Chemistry
Authors: Lameloise Etienne , Cuenot Bénédicte , Riber Eleonore , Perrier Aurélien , Cabot Gilles , Grisch Frédéric
Published: July 2024

This work proposes a methodology to include accurate kinetics for soot modeling taking into account real fuel complexity in large eddy simulation (LES) of aeronautical engines at a reasonable computational cost. The methodology is based on the construction of an analytically reduced kinetic mechanism describing both combustion and gaseous soot precursors growth with sufficient accuracy on selected target properties. This is achieved in several steps, starting from the selection of the detailed kinetic model for combustion and soot precursors growth, followed by the determination of a fuel surrogate model describing the complex real fuel blend. Finally, the selected kinetic model is analytically reduced with the code arcane while controlling the error on flame properties and soot prediction for the considered fuel surrogate. To perform all evaluation and reduction tests on canonical sooting flames, a discrete sectional method (DSM) for soot has been implemented in cantera. The resulting code (cantera-soot) is now available for the fast calculation of soot production in laminar flames for any fuel. The obtained reduced kinetic scheme is finally validated in a rich–quench–lean (RQL) burner of the literature in terms of soot prediction capabilities by comparison of LES coupled to the Lagrangian soot tracking (LST) model with measurements. Results show a significant improvement of the soot level prediction when using the reduced more realistic kinetics, which also allows a more detailed analysis of the soot emission mechanisms. This demonstrates the gain in accuracy obtained with improved reduced kinetics and validates the methodology to build such schemes.
Complete genome sequence of
Microbacterium foliorum
phage Curie, a podovirus isolated from soil in Spokane, Washington
Authors: Horton Emma N. , Beach Erika K. , Cook Kathryn T. , Cronin Kyra G. , Haag Avery T. , Salter Sierra M. , Stojanovic Nicole A. , Fry Zoe E. , Connolly Brian M. , Hare Rebekah F. , Ettinger Ann-Scott H. , Poxleitner Marianne K. , Anders Kirk R.
Published: July 2024

Bacteriophage Curie is a podovirus that infects
Microbacterium foliorum
. The Curie genome spans 16,810 bp, has 90 bp terminal inverted repeats, and includes 23 protein-coding genes. Its genome architecture resembles phage PineapplePizza and other phi29-like phages. Together, Curie and PineapplePizza form a new actinobacteriophage Cluster GI.
Clinicopathological discrepancies in the diagnoses of childhood causes of death in the CHAMPS network: An analysis of antemortem diagnostic inaccuracies
Authors: Leulseged Haleluya , Bethencourt Christine , Igunza Kitiezo Aggrey , Akelo Victor , Onyango Dickens , Omore Richard , Ogbuanu Ikechukwu U , Ameh Soter , Moseray Andrew , Kowuor Dickens , Bassey Ima-Abasi , El Arifeen Shams , Gurley Emily S , Hossain Mohammad Zahid , Rahman Afruna , Alam Muntasir , Assefa Nega , Madrid Lola , Alemu Addisu , Abdullahi Yasir Y , Kotloff Karen L , Sow Samba O , Tapia Milagritos D , Kourouma Nana , Sissoko Seydou , Bassat Quique , Varo Rosauro , Mandomando Inacio , Carrilho Carla , Rakislova Natalia , Fernandes Fabiola , Madhi Shabir , Dangor Ziyaad , Mahtab Sana , Hale Martin , Baillie Vicky , du Toit Jeanie , Madewell Zachary J , Blau Dianna M , Martines Roosecelis B , Mutevedzi Portia C , Breiman Robert F , Whitney Cynthia G , Rees Chris A
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Determining aetiology of severe illness can be difficult, especially in settings with limited diagnostic resources, yet critical for providing life-saving care. Our objective was to describe the accuracy of antemortem clinical diagnoses in young children in high-mortality settings, compared with results of specific postmortem diagnoses obtained from Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS).

Methods

We analysed data collected during 2016–2022 from seven sites in Africa and South Asia. We compared antemortem clinical diagnoses from clinical records to a reference standard of postmortem diagnoses determined by expert panels at each site who reviewed the results of histopathological and microbiological testing of tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. We calculated test characteristics and 95% CIs of antemortem clinical diagnostic accuracy for the 10 most common causes of death. We classified diagnostic discrepancies as major and minor, per Goldman criteria later modified by Battle.

Results

CHAMPS enrolled 1454 deceased young children aged 1–59 months during the study period; 881 had available clinical records and were analysed. The median age at death was 11 months (IQR 4–21 months) and 47.3% (n=417) were female. We identified a clinicopathological discrepancy in 39.5% (n=348) of deaths; 82.3% of diagnostic errors were major. The sensitivity of clinician antemortem diagnosis ranged from 26% (95% CI 14.6% to 40.3%) for non-infectious respiratory diseases (eg, aspiration pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, etc) to 82.2% (95% CI 72.7% to 89.5%) for diarrhoeal diseases. Antemortem clinical diagnostic specificity ranged from 75.2% (95% CI 72.1% to 78.2%) for diarrhoeal diseases to 99.0% (95% CI 98.1% to 99.6%) for HIV.

Conclusions

Antemortem clinical diagnostic errors were common for young children who died in areas with high childhood mortality rates. To further reduce childhood mortality in resource-limited settings, there is an urgent need to improve antemortem diagnostic capability through advances in the availability of diagnostic testing and clinical skills.
Paediatric out-of-hospital clinical deterioration: a mixed-methods scoping review protocol
Authors: Alghaith Alanowd , Whitley Gregory Adam , Alsuwais Sara , Coats Tim , Roland Damian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In pre-hospital settings, identifying a deteriorating child can be challenging, especially considering that the proportion of paediatric patients with acute illnesses is lower compared with adults. This challenge is exacerbated in pre-hospital settings, where information might be scarce. Physiological alterations indicating changes in a patient’s condition can be detected hours preceding a cardiac arrest. Therefore, maintaining continuous monitoring of the patient’s clinical condition is crucial to detecting any physiological changes promptly, facilitating early identification of critical illness. This scoping review aims to assess the extent, range and nature of published research related to recognising paediatric out-of-hospital clinical deterioration by pre-hospital staff.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search of relevant databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus) will be conducted. In this scoping review, all types of study designs including quantitative and qualitative studies will be considered. The inclusion is limited to English-language studies published between January 1990 and March 2024. Two independent reviewers (AG and SS) will conduct a thorough screening of titles and abstracts against the pre-defined inclusion criteria for the review. For the selected citations, the full texts will undergo detailed assessment by the two reviewers, ensuring alignment with the inclusion criteria. A quality assessment of the included studies will be done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The findings will be presented using diagrams or tables, supplemented by narrative summaries following the JBI guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at conferences and/or seminars.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: July 2024

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Community emergency medical services approaches to fall prevention: a systematic review
Authors: Friend Tynan H , Thomas Hannah M , Ordoobadi Alexander J , Bain Paul A , Jarman Molly P
Published: July 2024

Background

Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults in the USA. Current approaches to fall prevention often rely on referral by primary care providers or enrolment during inpatient admissions. Community emergency medical services (CEMS) present a unique opportunity to rapidly identify older adults at risk for falls and provide fall prevention interventions in the home. In this systematic review, we seek to assess the efficacy and qualitative factors determining success of these programs.

Methods

Studies reporting the outcomes of fall prevention interventions delivered by EMS were identified by searching the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through 11 July 2023.

Results

35 studies including randomised and non-randomised experimental trials, systematic reviews and qualitative research primarily from Western Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada were included in our analysis. Current fall prevention efforts focus heavily on postfall referral of at-risk community members. CEMS fall prevention interventions reduced all-cause and fall-related emergency department encounters, subsequent falls and EMS calls for lift assist. These interventions also improved patient health-related quality of life, independence with activities of daily living, and secondary health outcomes.

Conclusions

CEMS programmes provide an opportunity for direct, proactive fall prevention on the individual level. Addressing barriers to implementation in the context of current emergency medical systems in the USA is the next step toward widespread implementation of these novel fall prevention interventions.
Frequency and clinicopathologic features of renal low-grade oncocytic tumour and eosinophilic vacuolated tumour: reclassification of 605 eosinophilic tumours including patients managed with active surveillance
Authors: Choiniere Roselyne , Al Qa'qa' Shifaa' , Cheung Carol C , Finelli Antonio , Prendeville Susan
Published: July 2024

Aims

Low-grade oncocytic tumour (LOT) and eosinophilic vacuolated tumour (EVT) are recently described emerging entities, which demonstrate distinct features but are not yet recognised as separate neoplasms in the fifth WHO classification. Published series to date have been largely multi-institutional and based on surgically resected tumours. This study aims to determine the frequency, clinicopathologic features and outcome of LOT and EVT in a single institutional series of oncocytic/eosinophilic renal neoplasms, including patients managed with active surveillance and non-surgical intervention.

Methods and results

Cases were identified from a consecutive institutional series of in-house renal tumours diagnosed on biopsy and/or nephrectomy (2003–2023). Tumours with a diagnosis or differential diagnosis of oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma or oncocytic neoplasm not otherwise specified (including LOT, EVT and tumours with overlapping hybrid features) were retrospectively reviewed and classified/reclassified.

In total, 605 oncocytic/eosinophilic renal neoplasms were reviewed, among which 33 LOT (5.5%) and 5 EVT (0.8%) were identified. LOT were CK7+, CD117− and GATA3+ (94%). EVT were CD117+, CK7 focal+ (80%) and cathepsin K+ (80%). At the median follow-up of 34 months (range 2–253) and 56 months (range 8–90) for LOT and EVT, respectively, there was no evidence of recurrence following ablation/surgical resection, metastasis or death from disease for all patients, including the 22 managed with active surveillance (20 LOT and 2 EVT).

Conclusions

LOT and EVT comprised a minority of oncocytic renal neoplasms in this series. We report a large institutional series including patients managed non-surgically, with no adverse outcome, adding to the existing literature indicating a benign outcome.
Subcutaneous checkpoint inhibition is equivalent to systemic delivery when combined with nelitolimod delivered via pressure-enabled drug delivery for depletion of intrahepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and control of liver metastases
Authors: Ghosh Chandra C , Cournoyer Lauren , Liu Yujia , Ballarin Alizee , Layman Ilan B , LaPorte Jason , Morrissey Molly , Fraser Kayla , Perati Shriya , Cox Bryan F , Yakirevich Evgeny , Treaba Diana O , Murtha Timothy D , Guha Prajna , Katz Steven C , Davar Diwakar
Published: July 2024

Background

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists induce inflammatory responses that promote the killing of infectious micro-organisms, cancer cells and develop adaptive immune responses. Their ability as immunomodulators to enhance the activity of checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) in treating liver tumors is limited in part by the distinctive biology of intrahepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and challenges with tumor-specific therapeutic delivery. We have shown that the regional delivery of type C TLR9 agonist via pressure-enabled drug delivery (PEDD) system improves delivery to the tumor, enhances depletion of MDSCs and overall, stimulates the immune system in combination with or without CPI. Currently, CPIs are delivered intravenously, although there is a growing interest in its subcutaneous (SQ) administration. We compared nelitolimod formerly known as SD-101 administered using PEDD in combination with systemic (Sys) or SQ CPI in murine liver metastases (LM).

Methods

The LM model was developed by injecting MC38-Luc cells via the spleen of 8–12 week old male C57/BL6 mice followed by splenectomy. After a week, fluorescently labeled nelitolimod (10 µg/mouse) was delivered via PEDD and co-administered anti-programmed cell death-1 (α-PD-1) either via Sys or SQ. Tumor burden was monitored by in vivo imaging system. Serum cytokine levels were analyzed by Luminex. Tissues were harvested on Day 3 (D3) or Day 10 (D10) post-PEDD to enrich CD45+cells and were analyzed via NanoString targeted transcriptomics (D3) or flow cytometry (FC, D10) to interrogate immune cell populations (D10). For NanoString analysis, the innate immune panels were selected, and for FC, MDSCs (CD11b+Gr1+), B cells (B220+), dendritic cells (DC, CD11c+), T (CD3+) cells, and M1-like macrophages (F4/80+CD38+Egr2−) were quantified.

Results

Nelitolimod delivered via PEDD resulted in changes in innate and adaptive immune cells within LM, including depletion of liver MDSC and increased M1-like macrophages in the liver, which are supportive of antitumor immunity. While CPI monotherapy failed to control tumor progression, nelitolimod and CPI combination improved LM control, survival and antitumor immunity beyond the nelitolimod monotherapy effect, irrespective of CPI delivery route.

Conclusion

The SQ route of CPI delivery was equivalent to Sys in combination with nelitolimod, suggesting SQ-CPI may be a rational choice in combination with PEDD of nelitolimod for liver tumor treatment.
Osteoporotic fractures: an unrecognized adverse event of immune checkpoint inhibitors?
Authors: Elsayed Manar , Ye Carrie
Published: July 2024

The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical practice has broadened our understanding of their immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs, including musculoskeletal adverse events, remain a significant concern. While ICI-associated arthritis is a well-documented musculoskeletal side effect of ICI therapy, the direct effects of ICIs on bone in patients with cancer are poorly understood. There is emerging evidence to support the hypothesis that ICIs adversely impact bone turnover and can lead to osteoporosis and fragility fractures, which are not currently recognized as irAEs.
Biomarker development for PD-(L)1 axis inhibition: a consensus view from the SITC Biomarkers Committee
Authors: Monette Anne , Warren Sarah , Barrett J Carl , Garnett-Benson Charlie , Schalper Kurt A , Taube Janis M , Topp Brian , Snyder Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Therapies targeting the programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (abbreviated as PD-(L)1) axis are a significant advancement in the treatment of many tumor types. However, many patients receiving these agents fail to respond or have an initial response followed by cancer progression. For these patients, while subsequent immunotherapies that either target a different axis of immune biology or non-immune combination therapies are reasonable treatment options, the lack of predictive biomarkers to follow-on agents is impeding progress in the field. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mechanisms driving resistance to PD-(L)1 therapies, the state of biomarker development along this axis, and inherent challenges in future biomarker development for these immunotherapies. Innovation in the development and application of novel biomarkers and patient selection strategies for PD-(L)1 agents is required to accelerate the delivery of effective treatments to the patients most likely to respond.
Acetylated bacterial proteins as potent antigens inducing an anti-modified protein antibody response
Authors: Volkov Mikhail , Kampstra Arieke S B , van Schie Karin A J , van Mourik Anouk G , Kwekkeboom Joanneke C , de Ru Arnoud , van Veelen Peter A , Huizinga Tom W J , Toes René E M , van der Woude Diane
Published: July 2024

Objective

Gut-residing bacteria, such asEscherichia coli, can acetylate their proteome under conditions of amine starvation. It is postulated that the (gut) microbiome is involved in the breach of immune tolerance to modified self-proteins leading to the anti-modified protein antibodies (AMPAs), hallmarking seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our aim was to determine whether acetylated bacterial proteins can induce AMPA responses cross-reactive to modified self-proteins and be recognised by human AMPA (hAMPA).

Methods

E. colibacteria were grown under amine starvation to generate endogenously acetylated bacterial proteins. Furthermore,E. coliproteins were acetylated chemically. Recognition of these proteins by hAMPA was analysed by western blotting and ELISA; recognition by B cells carrying a modified protein-reactive B cell receptor (BCR) was analysed by pSyk (Syk phosphorylation) activation assay. C57BL/6 mice were immunised with (modified) bacterial protein fractions, and sera were analysed by ELISA.

Results

Chemically modified bacterial protein fractions contained high levels of acetylated proteins and were readily recognised by hAMPA and able to activate B cells carrying modified protein-reactive BCRs. Likely due to substantially lower levels of acetylation, endogenously acetylated protein fractions were not recognised by hAMPA or hAMPA-expressing B cells. Immunising mice with chemically modified protein fractions induced a strong cross-reactive AMPA response, targeting various modified antigens including citrullinated proteins.

Conclusions

Acetylated bacterial proteins are recognisable by hAMPA and are capable of inducing cross-reactive AMPA in mice. These observations provide the first conceptual evidence for a novel mechanism involving the (endogenous) acetylation of the bacterial proteome, allowing a breach of tolerance to modified proteins and the formation of cross-reactive AMPA.