bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of fitting the reference photon dose–response on the clonogenic survival predicted with the Mayo Clinic Florida microdosimetric kinetic model in case of accelerated ions
Authors: Parisi Alessio , Beltran Chris J , Furutani Keith M
Published: October 2023

The Mayo Clinic Florida microdosimetric kinetic model (MCF MKM) is a recently developed clonogenic survival model. Since the MCF MKM relies on novel strategies to a priori determine the cell-specific model parameters, the only experiment-specific input values are the α and ß terms of the linear–quadratic model (LQM) of clonogenic survival for the reference photon exposure. Because the two LQM terms are anti-correlated, the fitting process of the reference photon survival curve was found to significantly influence the MCF MKM calculations. This article reports this effect for two clinically relevant cell lines (human brain glioblastoma A-172, human healthy foreskin fibroblasts AG01522) and ions (1H and 12C ions).
Dose assesment with fast Monte Carlo codes in interventional radiology
Authors: Balcaza V García , Camp A , Sánchez R M , Ginjaume M , Duch M A
Published: October 2023

This study presents the performance of two fast Monte Carlo codes, PENELOPE/penEasyIR and MCGPU-IR in order to assess operator doses in interventional radiology. In particular, it aims to validate the calculations when workers are protected with shielding located between the patient and the operator. The experiments are performed in a calibration laboratory and measurements are gathered using Thermo EPD and Mirion DMC personal active dosemeters. Calculation efficiency of the fast Monte Carlo codes is approximately four orders of magnitude greater than for a standard Monte Carlo code. Satisfactory agreement between measurements and calculations is shown.
A new detector concept based on the prompt gamma radiation analysis for In vivo boron monitoring in BNCT
Authors: Silarski M , Dziedzic-Kocurek K , Sobczuk F , Nykiel A , Moskal P , Niedźwiecki S , Stępień E Ł , Szczepanek M
Published: October 2023

The problem of boron concentration monitoring during the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) therapy is one of the main challenges of this type of radiotherapy and is directly related to the nature of the interaction of neutrons with mater. Among the available in vivo methods of boron monitoring positron emission tomography seems to be very promising but it requires a new boron carrier with a β+ emitter, which is not yet clinically available. An alternative solution may be the prompt gamma radiation analysis (PGRA) based on the secondary radiation emitted in the interaction of neutrons with the patient’s tissues. This method requires, however, compact gamma radiation detection systems sustaining high counting rates and characterized by very good energy resolution. In this contribution, we present state-of-the-art solutions for monitoring in BNCT based on PGRA. Moreover, we describe a new concept of such a system based on position-sensitive scintillator detectors equipped with an anti-Compton shield and data analysis supported with modern artificial intelligence algorithms.
External dose measurements to investigate the body-size dependence of personal dosemeter responses in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
Authors: Yajima K , Kim E , Tani K , Arae H , Iwaoka K , Hosoda M , Tokonami S , Kurihara O , Aono T
Published: October 2023

To formulate necessary protective measures after a large-scale nuclear accident, it is crucial to understand the levels of radiation to which persons living in radionuclide-contaminated areas are exposed. Individual monitoring using personal dosemeters (PDs) plays a role in this, although PDs were not originally intended to be used by members of the public. The present study investigated PD responses in areas highly affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, as well as the dependence of those measurements on body size. Three types of commercially available electronic PDs, including D-shuttle, which has often been used in Fukushima, were placed on the front surfaces of three age-specific anthropometric phantoms imitating a 5-y-old, a 10-y-old and an adult male, and these phantoms were then exposed to radiation in an open field in the affected area. In the case of D-shuttle, the ratios of PD readings to the ambient dose rate for the 5-y-old phantom and the adult male phantom were 0.79 and 0.72, respectively. The ratios were somewhat higher for the other PDs; any PDs showed higher readings than the effective doses estimated by simulations based on the assumed ground deposition of 134Cs and/or 137Cs over the affected areas.
EURADOS IC2019exteye- a self-funded intercomparison for extremity and eye lens dosemeters organised by EURADOS working group 2
Authors: McWhan Andrew , Dobrzynska Wioletta , Romero Ana , Grimbergen Tom , Stadtmann Hannes , Figel Markus
Published: October 2023

The European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has been organising regular, self-funding, external dosimetry intercomparisons (ICs) since 2008. IC2019exteye, for extremity and eye lens dosemeters, attracted 113 systems (68 extremity and 45 eye lens) from 60 institutes with participants from 26 countries around the world. Irradiations were carried out in accredited European irradiation facilities in terms of Hp(0.07)/or Hp(3) in the ranges: photon energy: 16–662 keV, beta mean energy 250–1000 keV, dose: 0.5 mSv to 1 Sv, maximum angle of incidence: ±60°. This paper describes the IC2019exteye set-up, irradiation plan and coordination with an overview of the main conclusions. Out of the total of 113 systems, 57 reported results for photons only and 56 reported both photon and beta. In general, the participants showed very satisfactory performances with the medians of all Hp(0.07) and Hp(3) response values very close to unity.
Response of current dosemeters to new operational quantities in rotational geometry
Authors: Čemusová Zina , Ekendahl Daniela , Kurková Dana , Judas Libor , Kapuciánová Michaela , Vykydal Zdeněk
Published: October 2023

Recently, the ICRU released Report 95, where new operational quantities for external radiation exposure are defined. The new quantities are defined in close relation to the protection quantities. This change affects the practice use of dosemeters. That is why the instruments must be adapted to the measurement of new quantities before their implementing as legally binding. The discrepancies depend on radiation spectra-particle type, energy of particles and direction of incidence. To analyse the performance of currently used instruments, irradiations in photon and neutron fields of various energies were performed for personal and area dosemeters. In this work, the response of photon and neutron personal dosemeters in conditions of rotational geometry is presented. The difference between the responses with respect to the new or old operational quantity was not large, which corresponded to the similar reference values for this irradiation geometry. The mutual ratio depended on the specific radiation quality and geometry. The behaviour of different types of dosemeters varied too.
Comparison of optimization techniques for the Monte Carlo simulation of clearance monitors
Authors: Geser Federico Alejandro , Kasprzak Malgorzata Magdalena , Mayer Sabine
Published: October 2023

In this work, simulations of the clearance monitor HWM-1800 (Ludlum GmbH, Hamburg) with the Monte Carlo (MC) code FLUKA were performed and optimized. Nowadays, clearance monitors are being widely implemented for decommissioning activities in nuclear reactors and particle accelerator facilities. For every situation, a different calibration is typically needed, depending on the material composition of the samples to be released, their volume and the expected radionuclides. For this reason, MC simulations present a practical tool to obtain information on the capabilities of clearance monitors for different configurations. Early models of clearance monitors worked as counters, providing an energy-integrated value of the measured net count rates. However, modern devices have a multi-channel analyzer, which allows constructing pulse-height spectra. The results of the MC simulations were optimized for both of the described situations: comparing the integrated net count rates and performing a spectral analysis. The performance of both methodologies is evaluated in terms of their discrepancy with the experimentally measured values, and the possible improvements for the optimization with spectral analysis are further discussed.
Multisignal ionization chamber with a B4C coating as an active neutron beam spectrometer: Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Maciak Maciej , Domański Szymon , Tulik Piotr , Tymińska Katarzyna , Gryziński Michał Aleksander
Published: October 2023

In this study, the influence of additional 10B4C polarizing electrodes coating on KW-1 multisignal ionization chamber performance was investigated. Using the FLUKA Monte Carlo code energy deposition, neutron fluence and neutron track-length distributions were simulated. Further calculations allow us to obtain response functions for monoenergetic neutron beams in the energy range from 1 meV to 30 MeV. Results indicate further upgrades that can be adapted for moderator-based gaseous detectors for the neutron beam spectrometry approach.
Results of extremity dosimetry based on the measurements at laboratory of individual and environmental dosimetry at IFJ PAN
Authors: Sas-Bieniarz Anna , Pyszka Ewelina , Budzanowski Maciej , Bubak Anna , Michalska Magdalena , Milcewicz-Mika Izabela
Published: October 2023

Laboratory of Individual and Environmental Dosimetry (LADIS) at the Institute of Nuclear Physics is the largest dosimetry service in Poland. Extremity ring dosimetry measurements are performed at LADIS laboratory for ˃20 years, with accredited procedure since 2002. According to the quality system based on PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02 standard, Hp(0.07) personal dose equivalent is measured over the range of doses from 0.1 mSv to 1 Sv. Years of experience allow the laboratory to analyse the levels of doses received by workers in medical and industrial institutions cooperating with LADIS laboratory. Yearly, ˃30 000 of extremity measurements have been performed for about 1000 institutions in Poland on the quarterly basis. According to the internal classification, the radiation workers under radiation protection control have been divided into a few groups. The analysis indicated that most of the doses received by exposed workers were on the level of the natural radiation background, but some of them exceeded the dose limit. The results show that ˃60% of Hp(0.07) doses were below 0.1 mSv/quarter; however, some very high doses were also registered. The highest number of doses above 125 mSv was observed in nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. The percentage of overdoses was relatively small but looking at individual cases the risk of unexpected irradiation was noticeable. Therefore, constant monitoring is always necessary.
Chameleon: a cloud computing Industry 4.0 neutron spectrum unfolding code
Authors: Machado Igor A , Lacerda Marco Aurelio S , Martinez-Blanco Ma Del Rosario , Serrano Arturo , García-Baonza Roberto , Ortiz-Rodriguez Jose M
Published: October 2023

This work presents Chameleon, a cloud computing (CC) Industry 4.0 (I4) neutron spectrum unfolding code. The code was designed under the Python programming language, using Streamlit framework®, and it is executed on the cloud, as I4 CC technology through internet, by using mobile devices with internet connectivity and a web navigator. In its first version, as a proof of concept, the SPUNIT algorithm was implemented. The main functionalities and the preliminary tests performed to validate the code are presented. Chameleon solves the neutron spectrum unfolding problem and it is easy, friendly and intuitive. It can be applied with success in various workplaces. More validation tests are in progress. Future implementations will include improving the graphical user interface, inserting other algorithms, such as GRAVEL, MAXED and neural networks, and implementing an algorithm to estimate uncertainties in the calculated integral quantities.
Results and analysis of an intercomparisons study for individual monitoring services of Latin American and Caribbean regions
Authors: Khoury Helen , Menchaca Ignacio , Andres Pablo , de Barros Vinicius , Silva Everton , Alonso Thessa , Molina Daniel , Noguera Gerardo , Videla Ricardo , Rubio José , Bastidas Byron , Quintero Claudia , Castillo R , Castillo Andrea , Kawas Nabil , Grant Charles , Garcia Ana Laura , Martinez Edwars , Mora Juan , Suarez Rodolfo Cruz
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to present the results obtained by the Latin-American and Caribbean personal dosimetry services that participated, with the support of IAEA, in the 2020-Eurados whole-body dosemeter intercomparison for photon radiation. All participant services in this study use thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) systems except one that uses optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosemeters. Data analysis shows that 93.4% of the results are within the acceptance range, according to International ISO Standard ISO 14146: 2018. The evaluation of the trumpet curves shows that only three laboratories presented a few dosemeters results outside the limits of acceptability. Participation in this Eurados intercomparison exercise gave the Latin American and Caribbean laboratories the opportunity to show compliance with their own quality management system, to compare results with other participants and to develop plans for improving their dosimetry systems. It also gave the assurance that occupational doses are being measured properly and following the international standards in the regions.
A Monte Carlo study on the impact of indirect action on neutron relative biological effectiveness
Authors: Manalad James , Montgomery Logan , Kildea John
Published: October 2023

Recent Monte Carlo studies have linked the energy-dependent risk of neutron-induced stochastic effects to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of neutrons in inflicting difficult-to-repair clusters of lesions in nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). However, an investigation on the damaging effects of indirect radiation action is missing from such studies. In this work, we extended our group’s existing simulation pipeline by incorporating and validating a model for indirect action. Our updated simulation pipeline was used to study the impact of indirect action and estimate neutron RBE for inflicting clustered lesions in DNA. In our results, although indirect action significantly increased the average yield of DNA damage clusters, our neutron RBE values are lower in magnitude than previous estimates due to model limitations and the greater relative impact of indirect action in lower-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation than in higher-LET radiation.
Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of Determine™ HIV-1/2 rapid test using a 0.01M phosphate-buffered saline produced at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia for the diagnosis of HIV
Authors: Boté-Casamitjana Anna , Faye-Joof Tisbeh , Bah Ousman , Jallow Sira , Camara Alagie , Jallow Olimatou , Mohammed Nuredin , Forrest Karen , Nadjm Behzad
Published: October 2023

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used. However, buffer stockouts commonly lead to utilising non-approved liquids, resulting in errors. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an alternative buffer.

Methods

Paired Determine HIV-1/2 rapid tests with commercial buffer and locally produced 0.01M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were performed on consecutive consenting individuals requiring HIV testing. Serum samples were sent for confirmation through the local gold-standard algorithm (Murex HIV Ag/Ab, Hexagon HIV with/without Geenius HIV 1/2). Test accuracy, κ and exact McNemar's test were also carried out.

Results

Of 167 participants, 137 had confirmatory testing. The sensitivity of the Determine HIV-1/2 test using PBS compared with the gold standard was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.5 to 100) with a specificity of 98% (95% CI 92.9 to 99.8). The κ value was 0.94 compared with the gold standard and 0.92 compared with the Determine HIV-1/2 test using the commercial buffer. McNemar's test showed no evidence of differing sensitivities. Due to operational constraints, the study included 37 of the 49 positive cases as determined by the sample size calculation, resulting in an attained power of 80% instead of the intended 90%.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 0.01M PBS is an alternative solution for Determine HIV-1/2 when buffer stockouts occur.
Scheduling Fungicide Applications for Cucurbit Downy Mildew Control on Pickling Cucumber in Michigan Using Disease Forecasters
Authors: Uebbing Matthew R. , Hayden Zachary D. , Hausbeck Mary K.
Published: October 2023

Cucumber production is important to Michigan's economy and was valued at more than $45 million in 2019. Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is an annual threat to Michigan's cucumber production, and fungicides must be applied frequently to prevent major yield losses. Our objective was to evaluate the disease forecasting models TOM-CAST, BLITE-CAST, and DM-CAST for their application in scheduling fungicide applications for CDM control. Field trials were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate each disease forecaster at different spray thresholds compared with 7- and 10-day programs and an untreated control. In 2021, all treatments received applications of cyazofamid alternated with oxathiapiprolin/chlorothalonil alternated with ametoctradin/dimethomorph plus chlorothalonil. The 2022 fungicide program was similar to that of 2021 except that cyazofamid was tank-mixed with chlorothalonil. Treatment plots were visually assessed for the foliar area (%) with CDM symptoms, and the relative area under the disease progress curve was determined at the end of each season. The results indicate that using DM-CAST or BLITE-CAST to schedule fungicide applications limited CDM and was similar to the 7-day program. The 7-day program received 7 (2021) and 6 (2022) applications, whereas DM-CAST and BLITE-CAST required 4 to 8 or 5 to 6 applications, respectively, depending on the threshold and year. This is the first study to evaluate these disease forecasters for scheduling fungicide application intervals for CDM.
Screening and therapeutic recommendations for patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kierski Kathleen , Maupin Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder worldwide. Early screening can identify patients at risk for developing AUD, creating opportunities for prevention and early intervention. This article encourages the use of AUD screening tools, explores AUD treatments, and aims to equip clinicians with evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage AUD.
Residential Greenness and Long-term Mortality Among Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Sadeh Maya , Fulman Nir , Agay Nirit , Levy Ilan , Ziv Arnona , Chudnovsky Alexandra , Brauer Michael , Dankner Rachel
Published: October 2023

Background:

Studies have reported inverse associations between exposure to residential greenness and mortality. Greenness has also been associated with better surgical recovery. However, studies have had small sample sizes and have been restricted to clinical settings. We investigated the association between exposure to residential greenness and all-cause mortality among a cohort of cardiac patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Methods:

We studied this cohort of 3,128 CABG patients between 2004 and 2009 at seven cardiothoracic departments in Israel and followed patients until death or 1st May 2021. We collected covariate information at the time of surgery and calculated the patient-level average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over the entire follow-up in a 300 m buffer from the home address. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate associations between greenness and death, adjusting for age, sex, origin, socioeconomic status, type of hospital admission, peripherality, air pollution, and distance from the sea.

Results:

Mean age at surgery was 63.8 ± 10.6 for men and 69.5 ± 10.0 for women. During an average of 12.1 years of follow-up (37,912 person–years), 1,442 (46%) patients died. A fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model estimated a 7% lower risk of mortality (HR: 0.93, 95% CI = [0.85, 1.00]) per 1 interquartile range width increase (0.04) in NDVI. Results were robust to the use of different buffer sizes (100 m–1,250 m from the home) and to the use of average NDVI exposure during the first versus the last 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Residential greenness was associated with lower risk of mortality in CABG patients.
Corneal Neurotization: Preoperative Patient Workup and Surgical Decision-making
Authors: Daeschler Simeon C. , Woo Jyh Haur , Hussein Isra , Ali Asim , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: October 2023

Background:

The use of sensory nerve transfers to the anesthetic cornea has transformed the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy by restoring ocular surface sensation and activating dysfunctional epithelial repair mechanisms. However, despite numerous reports on surgical techniques, there is a scarcity of information on the interdisciplinary management, preoperative assessment, and surgical decision-making, which are equally critical to treatment success.

Methods:

This Special Topic presents a standardized, interdisciplinary preoperative workup based on our 10-year experience with corneal neurotization in 32 eyes of patients with neurotrophic keratopathy.

Results:

Our assessment includes a medical history review, ophthalmic evaluation, and systematic facial sensory donor nerve mapping for light touch and pain modalities. This approach enables evidence-based patient selection, optimal surgery timing, and suitable donor nerve identification, including backup options.

Conclusions:

Based on a decade-long experience, this special topic highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a practical roadmap for optimizing patient selection and surgical decision-making in patients undergoing corneal neurotization.
Feasibility of Ultrasound Measurements of Peripheral Sensory Nerves in Head and Neck Area in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Bink Thijs , Hazewinkel Merel H.J. , Hundepool Caroline A. , Duraku Liron S. , Drenthen Judith , Gfrerer Lisa , Zuidam J. Michiel
Published: October 2023

Background:

Current diagnostic methods for nerve compression headaches consist of diagnostic nerve blocks. A less-invasive method that can possibly aid in the diagnosis is ultrasound, by measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the affected nerve. However, this technique has not been validated, and articles evaluating CSA measurements in the asymptomatic population are missing in the current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of ultrasound measurements of peripheral extracranial nerves in the head and neck area in asymptomatic individuals.

Methods:

The sensory nerves of the head and neck in healthy individuals were imaged by ultrasound. The CSA was measured at anatomical determined measurement sites for each nerve. To determine the feasibility of ultrasound measurements, the interrater reliability and the intrarater reliability were determined.

Results:

In total, 60 healthy volunteers were included. We were able to image the nerves at nine of 11 measurement sites. The mean CSA of the frontal nerves ranged between 0.80 ± 0.42 mm2 and 1.20 ± 0.43 mm2, the mean CSA of the occipital nerves ranged between 2.90 ± 2.73 mm2 and 3.40 ± 1.91 mm2, and the mean CSA of the temporal nerves ranged between 0.92 ± 0.26 mm2 and 1.40 ± 1.11 mm2. The intrarater and interrater reliability of the CSA measurements was good (ICC: 0.75–0.78).

Conclusions:

Ultrasound is a feasible method to evaluate CSA measurements of peripheral extracranial nerves in the head and neck area. Further research should be done to evaluate the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for nerve compression headache.
Lower-Socioeconomic Status Patients Have Extremely High-Risk Factor Profiles on Entry to Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Khadanga Sherrie , Savage Patrick D. , Ades Philip A. , Yant Blair , Anair Bradley , Kromer Lisa , Gaalema Diann E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Patients with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have higher rates of cardiovascular events, yet are less likely to engage in secondary prevention such as cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Given the low number of lower-SES patients entering CR, characterization of this population has been difficult. Our CR program specifically increased recruitment of lower-SES patients, allowing for careful comparison of medical, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors between lower- and higher-SES patients eligible for secondary prevention.

Methods:

Demographic and clinical characteristics were prospectively gathered on consecutive individuals entering phase 2 CR from January 2014 to December 2022. Patients were classified as lower SES if they had Medicaid insurance. Statistical methods included chi-square and nonpaired t tests. A P value of <.01 was used to determine significance.

Results:

The entire cohort consisted of 3131 individuals. Compared with higher-SES patients, lower-SES individuals (n = 405; 13%) were a decade younger (57.1 ± 10.4 vs 67.2 ± 11.2 yr), 5.8 times more likely to be current smokers (29 vs 5%), 1.7 times more likely to have elevated depressive symptoms, and significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin A1c, with more abnormal lipid profiles (all Ps < .001). Despite being a decade younger, lower-SES patients had lower measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical function (both Ps < .001).

Conclusion:

Lower-SES patients have a remarkably prominent high-risk cardiovascular disease profile, resulting in a substantially higher risk for a recurrent coronary event than higher-SES patients. Accordingly, efforts must be made to engage this high-risk population in CR. It is incumbent on CR programs to ensure that they are appropriately equipped to intervene on modifiable risk factors such as low cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity, depression, and smoking.
CYP8B1 downregulation mediates the metabolic effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy in mice
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Tu Jui , Shi Linsen , Fang Zhipeng , Fan Mingjie , Zhang Jianying , Ding Lili , Chen Yiqiang , Wang Yangmeng , Zhang Eryun , Xu Senlin , Sharma Nisha , Gillece John D. , Reining Lauren J. , Jin Lihua , Huang Wendong
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

Although the benefits of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery are well known, the molecular mechanisms by which VSG alleviates obesity and its complications remain unclear. We aim to determine the role of CYP8B1 (cytochrome P450, family 8, subfamily B, polypeptide 1) in mediating the metabolic benefits of VSG.

Approach and Results:

We found that expression of CYP8B1, a key enzyme in controlling the 12α-hydroxylated (12α-OH) bile acid (BA) to non-12α-OH BA ratio, was strongly downregulated after VSG. Using genetic mouse models of CYP8B1 overexpression, knockdown, and knockout, we demonstrated that overexpression of CYP8B1 dampened the metabolic improvements associated with VSG. In contrast, short hairpin RNA–mediated CYP8B1 knockdown improved metabolism similar to those observed after VSG. Cyp8b1 deficiency diminished the metabolic effects of VSG. Further, VSG-induced alterations to the 12α-OH/non-12α-OH BA ratio in the BA pool depended on CYP8B1 expression level. Consequently, intestinal lipid absorption was restricted, and the gut microbiota (GM) profile was altered. Fecal microbiota transplantation from wild type-VSG mice (vs. fecal microbiota transplantation from wild-type–sham mice) improved metabolism in recipient mice, while there were no differences between mice that received fecal microbiota transplantation from knockout-sham and knockout-VSG mice.

Conclusions:

CYP8B1 is a critical downstream target of VSG. Modulation of BA composition and gut microbiota profile by targeting CYP8B1 may provide novel insight into the development of therapies that noninvasively mimic bariatric surgery to treat obesity and its complications.
Costs and Health Care Utilization Analysis of Medical Group Visits for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Community Health Centers
Authors: Wan Wen , Staab Erin M. , Li Jefferine , GoodSmith Matthew , Campbell Amanda , Schaefer Cynthia T. , Quinn Michael T. , Huang Elbert S. , Baig Arshiya A.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

We evaluated the economic impact of group visits (GVs) in adults with uncontrolled diabetes in community health centers (CHCs) in the United States.

Research design and methods:

In this prospective controlled trial, we implemented 6 monthly GV sessions in 5 CHCs and compared intervention patients (n=49) to control patients (n=72) receiving usual care within the same CHCs. We conducted patient chart reviews to obtain health care utilization data for the prior 6 months at baseline, 6 months (during the GV implementation), and 12 months (after the implementation). We also collected monthly logs of CHC expenses and staff time spent on activities related to GVs. Per-patient total costs included CHCs’ expenses and costs associated with staff time and patients’ health care use. For group comparison, we used the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the bootstrapping method that was to bootstrap generalized estimating equation models.

Results:

The GV group had fewer 6-month hospitalizations (mean: GV: 0.06 vs. control: 0.24, rate: 6.1% vs. 19.4%) (P ≤ 0.04) and similar emergency department visits at 12 months than the control group. Implementing GV incurred $1770 per-patient. The intervention cost $1597 more than the control at 6 months ($3021 vs. $1424) but saved $1855 at 12 months ($857 vs. $2712) (P=0.002).

Conclusions:

The diabetes GV care model reduced hospitalizations and had cost savings at 12 months, while it improved patients’ diabetes-related quality of life and glucose control. Future studies should assess its lifetime cost-effectiveness through a randomized controlled trial.
The management of pediatric Graves’ disease
Authors: Quintanilla-Dieck Lourdes
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Graves’ disease (GD) constitutes a significant proportion of thyroid disorders seen during childhood. Several specialties may be closely involved in the management of pediatric patients with GD and emerging research in each field contributes to variations in the approach over time. Here we review the recent literature on the management of the disease, with the hope that this can be a valuable resource for treating specialists who need to be continuously updated on new data obtained in relevant fields.

Recent findings

Genetic, postinfectious and environmental factors may play a role in the immunological pathophysiology of GD. Research performed during the COVID-19 pandemic supports that viral-induced immune dysregulation may be a possible trigger for the disease. The various current treatment options all have positive and negative factors to consider. Antithyroidal drug therapy (ATD) is generally recommended as the initial treatment, although remission rates are only 20–30% at 2 years and 75% at 9 years. Unfortunately, about half of patients will relapse within 1 year of discontinuing therapy. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is an effective treatment option and can be considered in certain pediatric patients. There continues to be no definitive evidence that the doses used for GD lead to a higher risk of cancer. Surgical treatment via thyroidectomy is effective and safe when performed by a high-volume surgeon. Recent studies show improvement in quality-of-life after surgery in adolescents and young adults. Future medical treatment options for GD currently being studied include antigen-specific immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies.

Although the future holds promising new therapeutic options for autoimmune diseases including GD, the current choices continue to be ATD, usually first-line, and definitive treatments including RAI and surgery. While all three offer the possibility of remission or cure, drug therapy and RAI have a possibility of relapse. Risks of each approach should be broached in detail with patients and their families, and the nuances of treating this disease specifically in children should be familiar to all treating providers.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Typing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates From the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
Authors: Peters Remco P.H. , Jung Hyunsul , Mitchev Nireshni , Mdingi Mandisa M. , Gigi Ranjana , Shroufi Amir , Martinez Fernando P. , Bamford Colleen
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a paucity ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeantimicrobial resistance data from resource-constrained settings because of the lack of diagnostic testing and limited scale of surveillance programs. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile ofN. gonorrhoeaein the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Methods

Specimens forN. gonorrhoeaeculture were obtained from men with urethral discharge and women with vaginal discharge attending primary health care facilities. Direct inoculation of the agar plates was performed followed by culture and drug susceptibility testing using the Etest at the laboratory. Whole-genome sequencing of the isolates was performed to identify resistance-determining variants.

Results

One hundredN. gonorrhoeaeisolates were obtained. Most strains were nonsusceptible to ciprofloxacin (76%), tetracycline (75%), and penicillin G (72%). ThegyrAS91F mutation was present in 68 of 72 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (94%), with concurrentparCmutations in 47 of 68 (69%);gyrAI250M was the only mutation in 4 other resistant strains. One azithromycin-resistant isolate was identified with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.0 mg/L and the 23S rDNA gene mutation C2597T. The median MIC of cefixime was 0.016 mg/L (range, 0.016–0.064 mg/L), and that of ceftriaxone was 0.016 mg/L (range, 0.016 mg/L). Whole-genome sequencing showed 58 sequence types as revealed inN. gonorrhoeaesequence typing for antimicrobial resistance and 70 sequence types inN. gonorrhoeaemultiantigen sequence typing.

Conclusions

This study confirmed high rates ofN. gonorrhoeaeantimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, and tetracycline in our setting. The MICs of cephalosporins are reassuring for ceftriaxone use in syndromic treatment regimens, but the identification of azithromycin resistance warrants further attention.
Nuclear Matrix-associated Protein SMAR1 Attenuated Acute Graft-versus-host Disease by Targeting JAK-STAT Signaling in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Huang Zhenli , Zhang Ran , Teng Yao , Guo Jingjing , Zhang Hongyong , Wang Li , Tang Liang V , Shi Wei , Wu Qiuling , Xia Linghui
Published: October 2023

Background.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) mediated by alloreactive T cells remains a serious and life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The contribution of the different CD4+ T helper cell subtypes to the pathogenesis and regulation of aGVHD is a central point in current research. The specialized effector subsets of T cells that differentiate from naive T cells into mature cells are closely related to scaffold/matrix-associated region-1–binding protein (SMAR1). However, the role of SMAR1 in aGVHD is unclear.

Methods.

Peripheral blood was collected from the patients with or without aGVHD after allo-HCT. The differences in CD4+ T cells transduced with the SMAR1 lentivirus vector and empty vector were analyzed. A humanized aGVHD mouse model was constructed to evaluate the function of SMAR1 in aGVHD.

Results.

The expression of SMAR1 was significantly reduced in the CD4+ T cells from aGVHD patients and related to the occurrence of aGVHD. SMAR1 overexpression in human CD4+ T cells regulated CD4+ T-cell subsets differentiation and inflammatory cytokines secretion and inhibited the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Moreover, SMAR1 changed chromatin accessibility landscapes and affected the binding motifs of key transcription factors regulating T cells. Additionally, upregulation of SMAR1 expression in CD4+ T cells improved the survival and pathology in a humanized aGVHD mouse model.

Conclusions.

Our results showed that upregulation of SMAR1 regulated the CD4+ T-cell subpopulation and cytokines secretion and improved survival in a humanized aGVHD mouse model by alleviating inflammation. This study provides a promising therapeutic target for aGVHD.
Unlocking the symmetric transfer of irrelevant information: gene–environment interplay and enhanced interhemispheric cross-talk
Authors: Chiandetti Cinzia , Dissegna Andrea , Rogers Lesley J. , Turatto Massimo
Published: October 2023

Hemispheric specialization influences stimulus processing and behavioural control, affecting responses to relevant stimuli. However, most sensory input is irrelevant and must be filtered out to prevent interference with task-relevant behaviour, a process known as habituation. Despite habituation's vital role, little is known about hemispheric specialization for this brain function. We conducted an experiment with domestic chicks, an elite animal model to study lateralization. They were exposed to distracting visual stimuli while feeding when using binocular or monocular vision. Switching the viewing eye after habituation, we examined if habituation was confined to the stimulated hemisphere or shared across hemispheres. We found that both hemispheres learned equally to ignore distracting stimuli. However, embryonic light stimulation, influencing hemispheric specialization, revealed an asymmetry in interhemispheric transfer of the irrelevant information discarded via habituation. Unstimulated chicks exhibited a directional bias, with the right hemisphere failing to transfer distracting stimulus information to the left hemisphere, while transfer from left to right was possible. Nevertheless, embryonic light stimulation counteracted this asymmetry, enhancing communication from the right to the left hemisphere and reducing the pre-existing imbalance. This sharing extends beyond hemisphere-specific functions and encompasses a broader representation of irrelevant events.
Wet feet: developing sulfur isotope provenance methods to identify wetland inhabitants
Authors: Lamb Angela L. , Chenery Carolyn A. , Madgwick Richard , Evans Jane A.
Published: October 2023

The stable isotopes of sulfur provide a distinctive signature for marine proximity and interaction. Exploring coastal proximity has been the principal application of sulfur isotopes in archaeology and palaeoecology, but this deals only with high (greater than 14‰) isotope values, meaning little interpretation has been gained from lower values. Progress has been hindered by issues with biosphere mapping. Air pollution can impact modern landscapes, significantly lowering sulfur isotope baselines, leading to the assumption that modern vegetation-based sulfur maps are not reliable. This research explores the potential of previously undiagnostic low, and often, negative sulfur isotope values for identifying wetland dwellers. Impervious clays that support wetlands are distinctive ecosystems and this study tests the hypothesis that they will produce low isotope values owing to both the underlying substrate and to redox conditions. Primary mapping of targeted areas using modern plants highlights zones with natural negative sulfur values and demonstrates that this constitutes a distinctive wetland signature. Analysis of modern and archaeological fauna demonstrates that these distinctive isotope compositions are transferred into the food chain. These findings propel the interpretative potential of sulfur isotopes forward and add to the growing knowledge to provide means for identifying archaeological humans and animals raised in wetlands.
Taxing reproduction: the full transfer cost of rearing children in Europe
Authors: Vanhuysse Pieter , Medgyesi Márton , Gál Róbert Iván
Published: October 2023

What are the intergenerational resource transfer contributions of parents and non-parents in Europe? Using National Transfer Accounts and National Time Transfer Accounts for 12 countries around 2010, we go beyond public transfers (net taxes) to also value two statistically much less visible transfers in the family realm: of market goods and of unpaid household labour (time). Non-parents contribute almost exclusively to public transfers. But parents additionally provide still larger private transfers: mothers mainly time, fathers mainly market goods. Estimating transfer stocks over the working life, the average parental/non-parental contribution ratio in Europe flips from 0.73 (public transfers alone) to 2.66 (all three transfers combined). The highest combined parental/non-parental contribution ratios are in Sweden and Finland. The metaphorical tax rates implicitly imposed thereby on rearing children in Europe are multiples of the value-added tax rates in place on consumption goods. Unveiling the sheer magnitude of these invisible transfer asymmetries carries multiple implications for policy debates. For instance, it raises the question whether ageing European societies unwittingly tax, rather than subsidise, their own reproduction. Family friendly policy models, such as the Nordic welfare states, do not mitigate this effect. They help parents work, but do not lower the implicit tax parents pay.
Feasibility of NAD(P)/NAD(P)H as redox agents in enzymatic plasmonic gold nanostar assays for galactose quantification
Authors: Munyayi Tozivepi Aaron , Mulder Danielle Wingrove , Conradie Engela Helena , Vorster Barend Christiaan
Published: October 2023

Plasmonic colorimetric sensors have emerged as powerful analytical tools in biochemistry due to their localized surface plasmon resonance extinction in the visible range. Here, we describe the feasibility of NAD(P)/NAD(P)H as redox agents in enzymatic plasmonic gold nanostar (AuNS) assays for galactose quantification using three model enzymes, GalDH, AR and GalOx, immobilized separately on polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped AuNS scaffolds. These highly specific, sensitive and selective bioassays induce the transformation of AuNS into quasi-spherical nanoparticles during the biorecognition of galactose in water and synthetic blood matrices. As a result, using our inexpensive and simple AuNS plasmon bioassays, the presence of galactose may be detected spectrophotometrically and by the naked eye.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains belonging to phylogroup 3 frequently exhibit an atypical quorum sensing response: the case of MAZ105, a tomato rhizosphere isolate
Authors: Quiroz-Morales Sara E. , Muriel-Millán Luis Felipe , Ponce-Soto Gabriel Y. , González-Valdez Abigail , Castillo-Juárez Israel , Servín-González Luis , Soberón-Chávez Gloria
Published: October 2023

Graphical abstract

A

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

MAZ105 strain belonging to phylogroup 3 has a defective Pqs QS system due to a polar mutation in pqsA but can produce pyocyanin because it can express PqsE in low-phosphate medium.
SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies cross-react with dengue virus and enhance infectionin-vitroandin-vivo
Authors: Jakhar Kamini , Sonar Sudipta , Singh Gagandeep , Asuru Tejeswara Rao , Joshi Garima , Beniwal Nisha , Sarkar Tania , Tiwari Mahima , Kaur Jaskaran , Rathore Deepak Kumar , Lal Banwari , Kumar Sandeep , Srivastav Puneet , Kumar Satendra , Phagna Vikas , Sushma  , Kumar Lokesh , Gupta Vishal , Kshetrapal Pallavi , Singh Savita , Wadhwa Nitya , Thiruvengadam Ramachandran , Raghavan Sreevatsan , Gosain Mudita , Shrivastava Tripti , Bhattacharyya Sankar , Asthana Shailendra , Guchhait Prasenjit , Mani Shailendra
Published: October 2023

The presence of non-neutralizing antibodies of any dengue serotype, increase the severity of subsequent infection by other dengue serotypes. During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of symptomatic dengue cases increased in India. The cross-reactivity of dengue with SARS-CoV-2 is well reported. We investigated the potential of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies to modulate dengue infection.In-silicoandIn-vitrostudies revealed protein-protein interactions between the spike antibodies and the dengue envelope protein. Convalescent plasma from COVID-19 patients and SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal/polyclonal antibodies showed cross-reactivity and impact on dengue infection in cell-based assays. Furthermore, increased dengue viral load was observed in serum, liver, and spleen of mice coinfected with dengue and SARS-CoV-2, compared to only dengue infected animals. Collectively, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies can cross-react with and enhance dengue infectivity. These findings have significant implications for SARS-CoV-2 monitoring and patient management in dengue-endemic regions.
Striatal calcium transients detected by fiber photometry propagate to axons
Authors: Lipton David Matthew , Tamimi Mohammad , Shalom Itay , Sheinfeld Tomer , Gonzales Ben Jerry , Groysman Maya , Citri Ami
Published: October 2023

ARISING FROM: A. Legaria et al., Nature Neurosciencehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-022-01152-z(2022). Calcium fiber photometry is a popular technique for recording the activity of neuronal populations defined by their gene expression or connectivity. In a recent study, Legaria et al., present evidence that the calcium signal recorded with fiber photometry primarily reports local fluctuations in neuropil Ca2+, rather than somatic Ca2+influx corresponding to neural firing, as has been assumed by the field. This raises the question of whether fiber photometry transients are a valid measure of the propagation of information from neural soma to their axons. We addressed this question directly, recording coincident activity from both the somato-dendritic region and downstream axons of striatal neural populations. Our findings demonstrate that calcium events are reliably propagated to axons, supporting the interpretation that these events reflect neuronal firing.
Analyzing Drumming Technique with Trajectory Optimization
Authors: Pearl Owen Douglas
Published: October 2023

Percussion began as a global phenomenon over seven thousand years ago and has continued to develop and shape human culture to this day. While drumming techniques have been qualitatively optimized in highly competitive environments like international orchestral, jazz, and marching arts competitions, little quantitative optimization has been performed to maximize technique efficiency and few tools currently exist to make a thorough quantitative analysis possible. Here, I demonstrate how trajectory optimization can be applied to the domain of percussion to (1) identify areas of suboptimality in experimental drumming strokes, (2) search for alternative locally optimal techniques, (3) analyze the sensitivity of optimal drumming techniques to variation in a drummer’s body type, and (4) analyze trends across different stroke types to create generalizable drumming strategies for a more coherent and efficient approach to drumming. Each of these quantifiable outcomes is interpreted to provide teachable insights for percussionists that are difficult to distill simply using the human eye and qualitative feedback. I also provide an open-source codebase for efficiently performing trajectory optimization on a biomechanical drumming arm model so that others can adapt this methodology for further biomechanical analysis and pedagogical development.