bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 variant
Authors: Tamura Tomokazu , Irie Takashi , Deguchi Sayaka , Yajima Hisano , Tsuda Masumi , Nasser Hesham , Mizuma Keita , Plianchaisuk Arnon , Suzuki Saori , Uriu Keiya , Begum Mst Monira , Shimizu Ryo , Jonathan Michael , Suzuki Rigel , Kondo Takashi , Ito Hayato , Kamiyama Akifumi , Yoshimatsu Kumiko , Shofa Maya , Hashimoto Rina , Anraku Yuki , Kimura Kanako Terakado , Kita Shunsuke , Sasaki Jiei , Sasaki-Tabata Kaori , Maenaka Katsumi , Nao Naganori , Wang Lei , Oda Yoshitaka ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Sawa Hirofumi , Kawabata Ryoko , Watanabe Yukio , Sakamoto Ayaka , Yasuhara Naoko , Suzuki Tateki , Nakajima Yukari , Ferdous Zannatul , Shishido Kenji , Mugita Yuka , Takahashi Otowa , Ichihara Kimiko , Kaku Yu , Misawa Naoko , Guo Ziyi , Hinay Alfredo , Kosugi Yusuke , Fujita Shigeru , Tolentino Jarel M. , Chen Luo , Pan Lin , Suganami Mai , Chiba Mika , Yoshimura Ryo , Yasuda Kyoko , Iida Keiko , Ohsumi Naomi , Strange Adam P. , Shibatani Yuki , Nishiuchi Tomoko , Tanaka Shiho , Putri Olivia , Joas Gustav , Kim Yoonjin , Yamasoba Daichi , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Sadamasu Kenji , Nagashima Mami , Asakura Hiroyuki , Yoshida Isao , Nakagawa So , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Shirakawa Kotaro , Nagata Kayoko , Nomura Ryosuke , Horisawa Yoshihito , Tashiro Yusuke , Kawai Yugo , Ueno Takamasa , Motozono Chihiro , Toyoda Mako , Ikeda Terumasa , Saito Akatsuki , Matsuno Keita , Ito Jumpei , Tanaka Shinya , Sato Kei , Hashiguchi Takao , Takayama Kazuo , Fukuhara Takasuke
Published: February 2024

Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB has resulted in the emergence of XBB.1.5, a new Variant of Interest. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that XBB.1.5 evolved from XBB.1 by acquiring the S486P spike (S) mutation, subsequent to the acquisition of a nonsense mutation in ORF8. Neutralization assays showed similar abilities of immune escape between XBB.1.5 and XBB.1. We determine the structural basis for the interaction between human ACE2 and the S protein of XBB.1.5, showing similar overall structures between the S proteins of XBB.1 and XBB.1.5. We provide the intrinsic pathogenicity of XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 in hamsters. Importantly, we find that the ORF8 nonsense mutation of XBB.1.5 resulted in impairment of MHC suppression. In vivo experiments using recombinant viruses reveal that the XBB.1.5 mutations are involved with reduced virulence of XBB.1.5. Together, our study identifies the two viral functions defined the difference between XBB.1 and XBB.1.5.
Contribution of climate change to the spatial expansion of West Nile virus in Europe
Authors: Erazo Diana , Grant Luke , Ghisbain Guillaume , Marini Giovanni , Colón-González Felipe J. , Wint William , Rizzoli Annapaola , Van Bortel Wim , Vogels Chantal B. F. , Grubaugh Nathan D. , Mengel Matthias , Frieler Katja , Thiery Wim , Dellicour Simon
Published: February 2024

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen in Europe where it represents a new public health threat. While climate change has been cited as a potential driver of its spatial expansion on the continent, a formal evaluation of this causal relationship is lacking. Here, we investigate the extent to which WNV spatial expansion in Europe can be attributed to climate change while accounting for other direct human influences such as land-use and human population changes. To this end, we trained ecological niche models to predict the risk of local WNV circulation leading to human cases to then unravel the isolated effect of climate change by comparing factual simulations to a counterfactual based on the same environmental changes but a counterfactual climate where long-term trends have been removed. Our findings demonstrate a notable increase in the area ecologically suitable for WNV circulation during the period 1901–2019, whereas this area remains largely unchanged in a no-climate-change counterfactual. We show that the drastic increase in the human population at risk of exposure is partly due to historical changes in population density, but that climate change has also been a critical driver behind the heightened risk of WNV circulation in Europe.
Surface triggered stabilization of metastable charge-ordered phase in SrTiO3
Authors: Eom Kitae , Chung Bongwook , Oh Sehoon , Zhou Hua , Seo Jinsol , Oh Sang Ho , Jang Jinhyuk , Choi Si-Young , Choi Minsu , Seo Ilwan , Lee Yun Sang , Kim Youngmin , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Jung-Woo , Lee Kyoungjun , Rzchowski Mark , Eom Chang-Beom , Lee Jaichan
Published: February 2024

Charge ordering (CO), characterized by a periodic modulation of electron density and lattice distortion, has been a fundamental topic in condensed matter physics, serving as a potential platform for inducing novel functional properties. The charge-ordered phase is known to occur in a doped system with high d-electron occupancy, rather than low occupancy. Here, we report the realization of the charge-ordered phase in electron-doped (100) SrTiO3 epitaxial thin films that have the lowest d-electron occupancy i.e., d1-d0. Theoretical calculation predicts the presence of a metastable CO state in the bulk state of electron-doped SrTiO3. Atomic scale analysis reveals that (100) surface distortion favors electron-lattice coupling for the charge-ordered state, and triggering the stabilization of the CO phase from a correlated metal state. This stabilization extends up to six unit cells from the top surface to the interior. Our approach offers an insight into the means of stabilizing a new phase of matter, extending CO phase to the lowest electron occupancy and encompassing a wide range of 3d transition metal oxides.
Autoinhibition and activation of myosin VI revealed by its cryo-EM structure
Authors: Niu Fengfeng , Li Lingxuan , Wang Lei , Xiao Jinman , Xu Shun , Liu Yong , Lin Leishu , Yu Cong , Wei Zhiyi
Published: February 2024

Myosin VI is the only molecular motor that moves towards the minus end along actin filaments. Numerous cellular processes require myosin VI and tight regulations of the motor’s activity. Defects in myosin VI activity are known to cause genetic diseases such as deafness and cardiomyopathy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity regulation of myosin VI remain elusive. Here, we determined the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopic structure of myosin VI in its autoinhibited state. Our structure reveals that autoinhibited myosin VI adopts a compact, monomeric conformation via extensive interactions between the head and tail domains, orchestrated by an elongated single-α-helix region resembling a “spine”. This autoinhibited structure effectively blocks cargo binding sites and represses the motor’s ATPase activity. Certain cargo adaptors such as GIPC can release multiple inhibitory interactions and promote motor activity, pointing to a cargo-mediated activation of the processive motor. Moreover, our structural findings allow rationalization of disease-associated mutations in myosin VI. Beyond the activity regulation mechanisms of myosin VI, our study also sheds lights on how activities of other myosin motors such as myosin VII and X might be regulated.
Brain gray matter morphometry relates to onset age of bilingualism and theory of mind in young and older adults
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Ng Kwun Kei , Wong Joey Ju Yu , Zhou Juan Helen , Yow W. Quin
Published: February 2024

Lifelong bilingualism may result in neural reserve against decline not only in the general cognitive domain, but also in social cognitive functioning. In this study, we show the brain structural correlates that are associated with second language age of acquisition (L2AoA) and theory of mind (the ability to reason about mental states) in normal aging. Participants were bilingual adults (46 young, 50 older) who completed a theory-of-mind task battery, a language background questionnaire, and an anatomical MRI scan to obtain cortical morphometric features (i.e., gray matter volume, thickness, and surface area). Findings indicated a theory-of-mind decline in older adults compared to young adults, controlling for education and general cognition. Importantly, earlier L2AoA and better theory-of-mind performance were associated with larger volume, higher thickness, and larger surface area in the bilateral temporal, medial temporal, superior parietal, and prefrontal brain regions. These regions are likely to be involved in mental representations, language, and cognitive control. The morphometric association with L2AoA in young and older adults were comparable, but its association with theory of mind was stronger in older adults than young adults. The results demonstrate that early bilingual acquisition may provide protective benefits to intact theory-of-mind abilities against normal age-related declines.
A systematic review and meta analysis of measurement properties for the flexion relaxation ratio in people with and without non specific spine pain
Authors: De Carvalho Diana , Mackey Sarah , To Daphne , Summers Allyson , Frey Mona , Romme Kristen , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Howarth Samuel J.
Published: February 2024

This review sought to identify, critically appraise, compare, and summarize the literature on the reliability, discriminative validity and responsiveness of the flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) in adults (≥ 18 years old) with or without spine pain (any duration), in either a clinical or research context. The review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/27EDF) and follows COSMIN, PRISMA, and PRESS guidelines. Six databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2022. The search string was developed by content experts and a health services librarian. Two pairs of reviewers independently completed titles/abstracts and full text screening for inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (COSMIN RoB Toolkit). At all stages, discrepancies were resolved through consensus meetings. Data were pooled where possible with a three-level random effects meta-analyses and a modified GRADE assessment was used for the summary of findings. Following duplicate removal, 728 titles/abstracts and 219 full texts were screened with 23 included in this review. We found, with moderate certainty of evidence, that the cervical FRR has high test–retest reliability and lumbar FRR has moderate to high test–retest reliability, and with high certainty of evidence that the cervical and lumbar FRR can discriminate between healthy and clinical groups (standardized mean difference − 1.16 [95% CI − 2.00, − 0.32] and − 1.21 [− 1.84, − 0.58] respectively). There was not enough evidence to summarize findings for thoracic FRR discriminative validity or the standard error of measurement for the FRR. Several studies used FRR assuming responsiveness, but no studies were designed in a way that could confirm responsiveness. The evidence supports adequate reliability of FRR for the cervical and lumbar spine, and discriminative validity for the cervical and lumbar spine only. Improvements in study design and reporting are needed to strengthen the evidence base to determine the remaining measurement properties of this outcome.
Associations of lifestyle with burnout risk and recovery need in Flemish secondary schoolteachers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Verhavert Yanni , Deliens Tom , Van Cauwenberg Jelle , Van Hoof Elke , Matthys Christophe , de Vries Juriena , Clarys Peter , De Martelaer Kristine , Zinzen Evert
Published: February 2024

Teacher burnout and high recovery need are a topic of concern for educational institutions. This cross-sectional study assesses the association between lifestyle (including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), dietary behavior and sleep), burnout risk and recovery need in 1878 secondary schoolteachers in Flanders. In September–October 2019, an online-questionnaire assessing burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment), recovery need, PA-domains, SB-domains, dietary behavior (including fruit and vegetable intake and diet quality) and sleep during the week and the weekend was completed. Multiple linear regression models were applied. More emotional exhaustion was associated with more domestic and garden PA, work-related SB and sleep during the weekend, whereas higher scores of emotional exhaustion were associated with lower fruit intake, diet quality and less sleep during the week. More depersonalization was associated with more leisure-time PA and work-related SB and with lower fruit intake. Teachers showing more recovery need, showed more domestic and garden PA and work-related SB, but less leisure-time PA and sleep during the week. Future research should use longitudinal or experimental designs to get more insight into causality. Despite the low effect sizes, education networks and schools might benefit from promoting and facilitating a healthy lifestyle in secondary schoolteachers.
Continuous-wave second-harmonic generation in the far-UVC pumped by a blue laser diode
Authors: Stanton Eric J. , Tønning Peter , Ulsig Emil Z. , Calmar Stig , Stanton Maiya A. , Thomsen Simon T. , Gravesen Kevin B. , Johansen Peter , Volet Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Far-UVC light in the wavelength range of 200–230 nm has attracted renewed interest because of its safety for human exposure and effectiveness in inactivating pathogens. Here we present a compact solid-state far-UVC laser source based on second-harmonic generation (SHG) using a low-cost commercially-available blue laser diode pump. Leveraging the high intensity of light in a nanophotonic waveguide and heterogeneous integration, our approach achieves Cherenkov phase-matching across a bonded interface consisting of a silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide and a beta barium borate (BBO) nonlinear crystal. Through systematic investigations of waveguide dimensions and pump power, we analyze the dependencies of Cherenkov emission angle, conversion efficiency, and output power. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of generating far-UVC, paving the way for mass production in a compact form factor. This solid-state far-UVC laser source shows significant potential for applications in human-safe disinfection, non-line-of-sight free-space communication, and deep-UV Raman spectroscopy.
Tibial morphology of symptomatic osteoarthritic knees varies according to location: a retrospective observational study in Japanese patients
Authors: Ishibashi Teruya , Konda Shoji , Tamaki Masashi , Okada Seiji , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: February 2024

This study analyzed 31 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritic knees scheduled to undergo knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomy and demonstrated shape variations in their proximal tibia using an average three-dimensional (3D) bone model. Preoperative computed tomography of the affected knees was reconstructed as 3D bone models using a triangle mesh of surface layers. The initial case was defined as the template, and the other models were reconstructed into homologous models with the same number of mesh vertices as that in the template. The corresponding mesh vertices of the other models were averaged to evaluate the spatial position on the particular mesh vertex of the template. This was applied to all the mesh vertices of the template to generate the average 3D model. To quantify the variation in surface geometry, average minimum distance from the average bone model to 31 models was recorded. The medial proximal tibial cortex (1.63 mm) revealed lesser variation compared to the tibial tuberosity (2.50 mm) and lateral cortex (2.38 mm), (p = 0.004 and p = 0.020, respectively). The medial tibial plateau (1.46 mm) revealed larger variation compared to the lateral tibial plateau (1.16 mm) (p = 0.044). Understanding 3D geometry could help in development of implants for arthroplasty and knee osteotomy.
Dolutegravir based therapy showed CD4+ T cell count recovery and viral load suppression among ART naïve people living with HIV AIDS: a pilot evaluation
Authors: Gebremedhin Teshager , Aynalem Melak , Adem Mohammed , Geremew Demeke , Aleka Yetemwork , Kiflie Amare
Published: February 2024

Recently, dolutegravir (DTG)-based combined therapy, a more effective and safer first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART), has been recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) since July 2018. However, its effectiveness in CD4+ T-cells count recovery and viral load suppression has not been studied yet in Ethiopia, where HIV is endemic. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a pilot assessment on the effect of DTG-based therapy on CD4+ T-cell count and viral load count among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Ethiopia. A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021. 109 PLWH who are ART naive but plan to initiate DTG-based therapy were recruited. HIV viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) copies were determined using polymerase chain reaction. To compute the difference in viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts between the baseline, 3rd, and 6th months, a Friedman test was used. The study included 109 PLWH who had never received antiretroviral medication. Participants taking DTG-based treatment showed significantly decreasing median (IQR) values of viral load count (copies/mL) from 446,812 (237649.5–732994.5) at baseline to 34 (23.5–46) at 3 months and 0.0 (0–19) at 6 months of treatment follow-up. Although the treatment increases the proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA 50 copies/mL from 0 (0% at baseline) to 87 (79.8%) and 100 (91.7%) at the 3rd and 6th months of treatment, respectively, On the other hand, the CD4+ T-cell count increased significantly during treatment: median (IQR): 209 (81.5–417.5) versus 291 (132–522) versus 378 (181–632.5) cells/L at baseline, the 3rd and 6th months of the treatment follow-up period, respectively. We found dolutegravir-based therapy was a promising option with high virological suppression rates and CD4+ T-cell count recovery, demonstrating a restoration of cellular immunity. Moreover, Viral load suppression rates were high after the initiation of the treatment. We recommend further research should be conducted with a larger number of participants to acquire greater awareness of the treatment outcomes.
Framing fact-checks as a “confirmation” increases engagement with corrections of misinformation: a four-country study
Authors: Aruguete Natalia , Batista Flavia , Calvo Ernesto , Guizzo-Altube Matias , Scartascini Carlos , Ventura Tiago
Published: February 2024

Previous research has extensively investigated why users spread misinformation online, while less attention has been given to the motivations behind sharing fact-checks. This article reports a four-country survey experiment assessing the influence of confirmation and refutation frames on engagement with online fact-checks. Respondents randomly received semantically identical content, either affirming accurate information (“It is TRUE that p”) or refuting misinformation (“It is FALSE that not p”). Despite semantic equivalence, confirmation frames elicit higher engagement rates than refutation frames. Additionally, confirmation frames reduce self-reported negative emotions related to polarization. These findings are crucial for designing policy interventions aiming to amplify fact-check exposure and reduce affective polarization, particularly in critical areas such as health-related misinformation and harmful speech.
Human archetypal pluripotent stem cells differentiate into trophoblast stem cells via endogenous BMP5/7 induction without transitioning through naive state
Authors: Tietze Ethan , Barbosa Andre Rocha , Araujo Bruno , Euclydes Veronica , Spiegelberg Bailey , Cho Hyeon Jin , Lee Yong Kyu , Wang Yanhong , McCord Alejandra , Lorenzetti Alan , Feltrin Arthur , van de Leemput Joyce , Di Carlo Pasquale , Ursini Gianluca , Benjamin Kynon J. , Brentani Helena , Kleinman Joel E. , Hyde Thomas M. , Weinberger Daniel R. , McKay Ronald , Shin Joo Heon , Sawada Tomoyo , Paquola Apua C. M. , Erwin Jennifer A.
Published: February 2024

Primary human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and TSCs derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can potentially model placental processes in vitro. Yet, the pluripotent states and factors involved in the differentiation of hPSCs to TSCs remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the primed pluripotent state can generate TSCs by activating pathways such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Wingless-related integration site (WNT), and by suppressing tumor growth factor beta (TGFβ), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathways, all without the addition of exogenous Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)—a condition we refer to as the TS condition. We characterized this process using temporal single-cell RNA sequencing to compare TS conditions with differentiation protocols involving BMP4 activation alone or BMP4 activation in conjunction with WNT inhibition. The TS condition consistently produced a stable, proliferative cell type that closely mimics first-trimester placental cytotrophoblasts, marked by the activation of endogenous retroviral genes and the absence of amnion expression. This was observed across multiple cell lines, including various primed induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines. Primed-derived TSCs can proliferate for over 30 passages and further specify into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblast cells. Our research establishes that the differentiation of primed hPSCs to TSC under TS conditions triggers the induction of TMSB4X, BMP5/7, GATA3, and TFAP2A without progressing through a naive state. These findings propose that the primed hPSC state is part of a continuum of potency with the capacity to differentiate into TSCs through multiple routes.
Collagenase-based wound debridement agent induces extracellular matrix supporting phenotype in macrophages
Authors: Banerjee Pradipta , Das Amitava , Singh Kanhaiya , Khanna Savita , Sen Chandan K. , Roy Sashwati
Published: February 2024

Macrophages assume diverse phenotypes and functions in response to cues from the microenvironment. Earlier we reported an anti-inflammatory effect of Collagenase Santyl® Ointment (CSO) and the active constituent of CSO (CS-API) on wound macrophages in resolving wound inflammation indicating roles beyond debridement in wound healing. Building upon our prior finding, this study aimed to understand the phenotypes and subsets of macrophages following treatment with CS-API. scRNA-sequencing was performed on human blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) following treatment with CS-API for 24 h. Unbiased data analysis resulted in the identification of discrete macrophage subsets based on their gene expression profiles. Following CS-API treatment, clusters 3 and 4 displayed enrichment of macrophages with high expression of genes supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) function. IPA analysis identified the TGFβ-1 pathway as a key hub for the CS-API-mediated ECM-supportive phenotype of macrophages. Earlier we reported the physiological conversion of wound-site macrophages to fibroblasts in granulation tissue and impairment of such response in diabetic wounds, leading to compromised ECM and tensile strength. The findings that CSO can augment the physiological conversion of macrophages to fibroblast-like cells carry significant clinical implications. This existing clinical intervention, already employed for wound care, can be readily repurposed to improve the ECM response in chronic wounds.
Relationship between team ranking and physical fitness in elite male handball players in different playing positions
Authors: Wei Xiaobin , Zhang Ji , Wu Jian , Chen Chong , Chmura Paweł , Krustrup Peter
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to identify the key physical indicators that affect game performance of male team handball athletes in national team handball tournaments and explore them further in relation to playing positions. A total of 150 male handball athletes were tested before a national tournament, using squat, bench press, 30-m sprint, vertical jump, pull-ups and abdominal endurance testing. Correlation analysis was used to examine the potential relationship between fitness level and tournament ranking. The results revealed significant differences in fitness variables among different playing positions (p < 0.05), excepted abdominal endurance and vertical jump (p > 0.05). 1RM squad performance was associated with team rankings (r = 0.289, p < 0.05). For individual playing positions, bench press of backs correlate with rankings (r = 0.354, p < 0.05). For goalkeepers, ranking was significantly positively correlated with 30-m sprinting (r = 0.604, p < 0.05). No other correlations were found (p > 0.05). To conclude, fitness level is to some extent related to team ranking with higher ranked teams having better scores in some of the fitness tests for all playing positions. The key predictors of performance in sport vary from position to position and practitioners need to differentiate between them to organize strength and conditioning training more precisely. More specialized fitness tests are also needed to assess athletes' competition ability.
Life cycle environmental impact assessment of natural gas distributed energy system
Authors: Wang Yakun , Ni Ting , He Bing , Xu Jiuping
Published: February 2024

Natural gas distributed energy is recognized as a pivotal means to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate carbon dioxide emissions through localized energy cascading. Positioned as a key option for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, this system optimizes energy utilization near end-users. While maximizing energy efficiency, it is imperative to address potential environmental challenges. A thorough, comprehensive environmental assessment, facilitated by the life cycle assessment method, proves instrumental in meeting this standard. Employing this method enables an intuitive grasp of the environmental strengths and weaknesses inherent in natural gas distributed energy within the power structure. This insight serves as a foundation for informed project decision-making, fostering the growth of the industry. We selected six environmental impact assessment categories based on the CML 2001 method, and conducted the life cycle analysis across four stages. China's inaugural natural gas distributed energy demonstration project was chosen as a model case, and an environmental impact assessment inventory was established, utilizing survey data and literature for comprehensive data collection and analysis. Results from case testing yield environmental impact assessment outcomes, with a specific sensitivity analysis for stages with notable environmental impact factors. The study underscores that the operation phase has the highest environmental impact, comprising 78.37% of the total combined environmental impact, followed by the fuel production phase. Comparative analyses with coal-fired and conventional natural gas power generation, based on dimensionless literature data, reveal that abiotic resources depletion potential is the primary contributor to the environmental impact of 1 kWh of electricity product, constituting 52.76% of the total impact value, followed by global warming potential. Concrete strategies have been outlined for decision-making in both the operational and planning phases of natural gas distributed energy projects. The strengthening of policies is pinpointed towards grid connection and scale expansion.
Veterinary students’ proximity to and interpretation of a simulated “aggressive” dog before and after training
Authors: Oxley James A. , Meyer Georg , Butcher Matthew , Bellantuono Giuseppe , Levers Andrew , Westgarth Carri
Published: February 2024

Dog “aggression” in the veterinary practice is commonplace. Therefore, student knowledge and education about dog behaviour and the ability to interpret “aggressive” behaviour is important from a human injury prevention and dog welfare perspective. The study aimed to compare first-year veterinary students’ perceived safest proximity to both an “aggressive” and non-reactive simulated dog, both before and after a teaching intervention about canine behaviour and a handling practical. It also examined student confidence and their ability to identify “aggressive” behaviours. Forty first year veterinary students took part in two surveys. Each survey included two videos: one of a simulated dog displaying “aggressive” behaviour, based on the ‘Canine Ladder of Aggression’; and another displaying non-reactive (passive behaviours without reaction to the participants) behaviours. Each video depicted the slow and consistent approach towards the virtual dog within a virtual indoor environment, and participants were asked to press stop if or when they would stop approaching the dog. In the “aggressive” scenario, there was a reduction in the approach-stop time from survey 1 (median = 17.8 s) to survey 2 (median = 15.2 s) in the intervention group (p = 0.018) but not in the control group (p = 0.147). Regarding confidence, there was a significant increase in the self-reported confidence rating relating to a participant’s ability to interpret canine behaviour in both the control (p = 0.011) and intervention (p = 0.003). In conclusion, these results indicate that students using approach-stop videos stayed further away from an “aggressive” virtual dog model if they had undertaken a canine behaviour educational intervention. This novel approach has the potential for further use in teaching and assessment of student knowledge and behaviour which may otherwise be difficult to demonstrate.
Predictors for viral load suppression among HIV positive adults under ART treatment in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Muhie Nurye Seid
Published: February 2024

HIV continues to be a serious global public health concern, having 40.4 million lives up to now and continuing to spread throughout all countries. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for viral load suppression among HIV positive adults under ART treatment in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. An institution based retrospective cohort study design was carry out from 30th March 2017–30th March 2022.Accelerated failure time model were employed to get wide-ranging information about adult HIV positive patients. In this study out of 378 study participants, about 77.8% were suppressed viral load count and the rest were censored. The Weibull AFT model results revealed that predictors were older age (φ = 0.774, 95% CI 0.602–0.793), primary educators (φ = 0.931, 95% CI 0.809–0.964), patients disclosed the disease to family member (φ = 1.093, 95% CI 1.001–1.457), viral load < 10,000 copies/mL (φ = 1.153, 95% CI 1.015–1.309), hemoglobin level ≥ 11g/dL (φ = 1.145, 95% CI 1.028–1.275), CD4 cell count ≥ 200 per mm3 (φ = 1.147, 95% CI 1.019–1.290), weight ≥ 50 kg (φ = 1.151, 95% CI 1.033–1.275), BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m3 (φ = 1.143, 95% CI 1.007–1.296), fair treatment adherence (φ = 1.867, 95% CI 1.778–1.967), good treatment adherence (φ = 1.200, 95% CI 1.046–1.377), advanced WHO clinical stages (φ = 0.923, 95% CI 0.899–0.946), patients with OCC (φ = 0.821, 95% CI 0.720–0.936) and substance use (φ = 0.876, 95% CI 0.773–0.993) statistically significant predictors for viral load suppression at 5% level of significance. Then, near intensive care of adult patients’ whose ages between 25 and 34 years, primary educational level, advanced WHO clinical stage, patients with OCC, and substance users can help them improve their health and live longer. Lastly, further studies should be done on HIV positive adult patients by considering other important independent variables that were not included in this study.
Automated design of nighttime braces for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with global shape optimization using a patient-specific finite element model
Authors: Guy Aymeric , Coulombe Maxence , Labelle Hubert , Barchi Soraya , Aubin Carl-Éric
Published: February 2024

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine, the moderate forms of which require treatment with an orthopedic brace. Existing brace design approaches rely mainly on empirical manual processes, vary considerably depending on the training and expertise of the orthotist, and do not always guarantee biomechanical effectiveness. To address these issues, we propose a new automated design method for creating bespoke nighttime braces requiring virtually no user input in the process. From standard biplanar radiographs and a surface topography torso scan, a personalized finite element model of the patient is created to simulate bracing and the resulting spine growth over the treatment period. Then, the topography of an automatically generated brace is modified and simulated over hundreds of iterations by a clinically driven optimization algorithm aiming to improve brace immediate and long-term effectiveness while respecting safety thresholds. This method was clinically tested on 17 patients prospectively recruited. The optimized braces showed a highly effective immediate correction of the thoracic and lumbar curves (70% and 90% respectively), with no modifications needed to fit the braces onto the patients. In addition, the simulated lumbar lordosis and thoracic apical rotation were improved by 5° ± 3° and 2° ± 3° respectively. Our approach distinguishes from traditional brace design as it relies solely on biomechanically validated models of the patient’s digital twin and a design strategy that is entirely abstracted from empirical knowledge. It provides clinicians with an efficient way to create effective braces without relying on lengthy manual processes and variable orthotist expertise to ensure a proper correction of scoliosis.
Impact of material supply chain on the productivity optimization for the construction of roads projects
Authors: Awaad Shrouk , Mansour Dina M. , Mahdi Ibrahim , Abdelrasheed Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

Materials require special consideration when developing a project plan because they make up such a sizable chunk of the overall budget. Materials supply and delivery are crucial especially in road construction projects as they are required for the daily construction process. Lack of materials is a major source of jobsite productivity loss. This is due to the lack of structured communication and clearly defined tasks in the current materials management methods. The divergence between design and construction, the failure to coordinate and integrate multiple functional specializations, and poor communication lead to excessive fragmentation. All of these contribute to performance issues like late material ordering and delivery, low productivity, and budget overruns. This research develops a material supply chain (MSC) framework for best practices in road construction projects at all phases. This ensures that contractors receive the supplies they need at the optimum time, with the required quantities, and at the lowest possible cost. Contractors can enhance output, save money, and stay competitive. A questionnaire was designed to investigate current practices in MSC, identify the most common obstacles that faced contractors throughout the project phases, and identify the most important contributors to the integration of supply chain in construction. The developed framework was then evaluated by road construction experts; 90% stated that the proposed framework promotes project participants to share information and data. 80% assured that the framework promotes completing the project with desired quality and encourages problem solving before it even occurs.
Establishment of African pygmy mouse induced pluripotent stem cells using defined doxycycline inducible transcription factors
Authors: Matsuya Sumito , Fujino Kaoru , Imai Hiroyuki , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Fujii Wataru , Kano Kiyoshi
Published: February 2024

Mus minutoides is one of the smallest mammals worldwide; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying its dwarfism have not been examined. Therefore, we aimed to establish M. minutoides induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using the PiggyBac transposon system for applications in developmental engineering. The established M. minutoides iPSCs were found to express pluripotency markers and could differentiate into neurons. Based on in vitro differentiation analysis, M. minutoides iPSCs formed embryoid bodies expressing marker genes in all three germ layers. Moreover, according to the in vivo analysis, these cells contributed to the formation of teratoma and development of chimeric mice with Mus musculus. Overall, the M. minutoides iPSCs generated in this study possess properties that are comparable to or closely resemble those of naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). These findings suggest these iPSCs have potential utility in various analytical applications, including methods for blastocyst completion.
Encoding scheme design for gradient-free, nonlinear projection imaging using Bloch-Siegert RF spatial encoding in a low-field, open MRI system
Authors: Selvaganesan Kartiga , Ha Yonghyun , Sun Heng , Zhang Zhehong , Sun Chenhao , Samardzija Anja , Galiana Gigi , Constable R. Todd
Published: February 2024

Eliminating conventional pulsed B0-gradient coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can significantly reduce the cost of and increase access to these devices. Phase shifts induced by the Bloch-Siegert shift effect have been proposed as a means for gradient-free, RF spatial encoding for low-field MR imaging. However, nonlinear phasor patterns like those generated from loop coils have not been systematically studied in the context of 2D spatial encoding. This work presents an optimization algorithm to select an efficient encoding trajectory among the nonlinear patterns achievable with a given hardware setup. Performance of encoding trajectories or projections was evaluated through simulated and experimental image reconstructions. Results show that the encodings schemes designed by this algorithm provide more efficient spatial encoding than comparison encoding sets, and the method produces images with the predicted spatial resolution and minimal artifacts. Overall, the work demonstrates the feasibility of performing 2D gradient-free, low-field imaging using the Bloch-Siegert shift which is an important step towards creating low-cost, point-of-care MR systems.
Design and optimization of metamaterial-based highly-isolated MIMO antenna with high gain and beam tilting ability for 5G millimeter wave applications
Authors: Esmail Bashar A. F. , Koziel Slawomir
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with high gain and isolation, as well as beam tilting capability, for 5G millimeter wave (MMW) applications. A single bow-tie antenna fed by a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) is proposed to cover the 28 GHz band (26.5–29.5 GHz) with a maximum gain of 6.35 dB. To enhance the gain, H-shaped metamaterial (MM)-based components are incorporated into the antenna substrate. The trust-region (TR) gradient-based search algorithm is employed to optimize the H-shape dimensions and to achieve a maximum gain of 11.2 dB at 29.2 GHz. The MM structure offers zero index refraction at the desired range. Subsequently, the MIMO system is constructed with two vertically arranged radiators. Another MM, a modified square resonator (MSR), is embedded between the two radiators to reduce the mutual coupling and to tilt the antenna main beam. Herein, the TR algorithm is again used to optimize the MSR dimensions, and to enhance the isolation to a maximum of 75 dB at 28.6 GHz. Further, the MSR can tilt the E-plane radiation by ± 20° with respect to the end-fire direction when alternating between the two ports' excitation. The developed system is validated experimentally with a good matching between the simulated and measured data.
Links between the genetic determinants of morning plasma cortisol and body shape: a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Asimakopoulos Alexandros-Georgios , Riboli Elio , Tsilidis Konstantinos K.
Published: February 2024

High cortisol production in Cushing’s syndrome leads to fat centralisation. The influence of modest cortisol variations on body shape, however, is less clear. We examined potentially causal associations between morning plasma cortisol and body shape and obesity with inverse-variance weighted random-effects models in a two-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis. We used publicly available summary statistics from the CORtisol NETwork (CORNET) consortium, UK Biobank, and the Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium. Only in women, morning plasma cortisol (proxied by ten genetic polymorphisms) was associated positively with waist size reflected in waist-to-hip index (WHI, 0.035 standard deviation (SD) units change per one SD cortisol increase; 95% confidence interval (0.002–0.067); p = 0.036) and “a body shape index” (ABSI; 0.039 (0.006–0.071); p = 0.021). There was no evidence for associations with hip index (HI) or body mass index (BMI). Among individual polymorphisms, rs7450600 stood out (chromosome 6; Long Intergenic Non-Protein-Coding RNA 473 gene, LINC00473). Morning plasma cortisol proxied by rs7450600 was associated positively with WHI and inversely with HI and BMI in women and men. Our findings support a causal association of higher morning plasma cortisol with larger waist size in women and highlight LINC00473 as a genetic link between morning plasma cortisol and body shape.
Comparison of accuracy and early outcomes in robotic total knee arthroplasty using NAVIO and ROSA
Authors: Hasegawa Masahiro , Tone Shine , Naito Yohei , Sudo Akihiro
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to compare the cutting and component placement accuracies and early outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between an image-free handheld robotic system (NAVIO) and a radiography-based robotic system (ROSA). This retrospective study included 88 patients (88 knees) who underwent TKA using the NAVIO (40 patients) or ROSA (48 patients) robotic systems. The accuracies of the robotic systems were compared. Clinical scores were evaluated using the Knee Society Score 2011 (KSS 2011) and the forgotten joint score (FJS)-12 at 1 year postoperatively. The femoral sagittal cutting error was smaller in the NAVIO group than in the ROSA group. The other cutting errors were not statistically different in both groups. Implantation errors did not differ between the groups. Regarding the clinical outcomes of the KSS 2011 subscales, the symptoms score was higher in knees operated using ROSA than in those using NAVIO. The other KSS 2011 subscales and the FJS-12 showed no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the femoral sagittal cutting error was smaller in the NAVIO group than in the ROSA group, and the KSS 2011 symptom score subsection at one year was higher in the knees operated using ROSA than in those using NAVIO.
Sarcoma cell-specific radiation sensitization by titanate scrolled nanosheets: insights from physicochemical analysis and transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Beaudier Pierre , Vilotte Florent , Simon Marina , Muggiolu Giovanna , Le Trequesser Quentin , Devès Guillaume , Plawinski Laurent , Mikael Antoine , Caron Jérôme , Kantor Guy , Dupuy Denis , Delville Marie-Hélène , Barberet Philippe , Seznec Hervé
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore the potential of metal oxides such as Titanate Scrolled Nanosheets (TNs) in improving the radiosensitivity of sarcoma cell lines. Enhancing the response of cancer cells to radiation therapy is crucial, and one promising approach involves utilizing metal oxide nanoparticles. We focused on the impact of exposing two human sarcoma cell lines to both TNs and ionizing radiation (IR). Our research was prompted by previous in vitro toxicity assessments, revealing a correlation between TNs' toxicity and alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis. A hydrothermal process using titanium dioxide powder in an alkaline solution produced the TNs. Our study quantified the intracellular content of TNs and analyzed their impact on radiation-induced responses. This assessment encompassed PIXE analysis, cell proliferation, and transcriptomic analysis. We observed that sarcoma cells internalized TNs, causing alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis. We also found that irradiation influence intracellular calcium levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed marked disparities in the gene expression patterns between the two sarcoma cell lines, suggesting a potential cell-line-dependent nano-sensitization to IR. These results significantly advance our comprehension of the interplay between TNs, IR, and cancer cells, promising potential enhancement of radiation therapy efficiency.
Association of circulating tumor HPV16DNA levels and quantitative PET parameters in patients with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Tanaka Hidenori , Takenaka Yukinori , Suzuki Motoyuki , Fukusumi Takahito , Eguchi Hirotaka , Watabe Tadashi , Kato Hiroki , Yachida Shinichi , Inohara Hidenori , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: February 2024

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which circulates in the blood after being shed from cancer cells in the body, has recently gained attention as an excellent tumor marker. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ct human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA (ctHPV16DNA) levels were associated with quantitative PET parameters in patients with HPV-positive head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Fifty patients with oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC) and 5 with SCC of unknown primary (SCCUP) before treatment were included. They all underwent blood sampling to test ctHPV16DNA levels and FDG PET-CT examinations. Quantitative PET parameters included SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), MTV of whole-body lesions (wbMTV), and 56 texture features. ctHPV16DNA levels were compared to texture features of primary tumors in OPSCC patients (Group A) or the largest primary or metastatic lymph node lesions in OPSCC and SCCUP patients (Group B) and to other PET parameters. Spearman rank correlation test and multiple regression analysis were used to confirm the associations between ctHPV16DNA levels and PET parameters. ctHPV16DNA levels moderately correlated with wbMTV, but not with SUVmax or MTV in Groups A and B. ctHPV16DNA levels exhibited a weak negative correlation with low gray-level zone emphasis in Groups A and B. Multiple regression analysis revealed that wbMTV and high gray-level zone emphasis were the significant factors for ctHPV16DNA levels in Group B. These results were not observed in Group A. This study demonstrated that ctHPV16DNA levels correlated with the whole-body tumor burden and tumor heterogeneity visualized on FDG PET-CT in patients with HPV-positive HNSCC.