bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unifying Rayleigh-Plesset-type equation for bubbles in viscoelastic media
Authors: Oratis Alexandros T. , Dijs Kay , Lajoinie Guillaume , Versluis Michel , Snoeijer Jacco H.
Published: February 2024

Understanding the ultrasound pressure-driven dynamics of microbubbles confined in viscoelastic materials is relevant for multiple biomedical applications, ranging from contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging to ultrasound-assisted drug delivery. The volumetric oscillations of spherical bubbles are analyzed using the Rayleigh-Plesset equation, which describes the conservation of mass and momentum in the surrounding medium. Several studies have considered an extension of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation for bubbles embedded into viscoelastic media, but these are restricted to a particular choice of constitutive model and/or to small deformations. Here, we derive a unifying equation applicable to bubbles in viscoelastic media with arbitrary complex moduli and that can account for large bubble deformations. To derive this equation, we borrow concepts from finite-strain theory. We validate our approach by comparing the result of our model to previously published results and extend it to show how microbubbles behave in arbitrary viscoelastic materials. In particular, we use our viscoelastic Rayleigh-Plesset model to compute the bubble dynamics in benchmarked viscoelastic liquids and solids.
Non-Abelian physics in light and sound
Authors: Yang Yi , Yang Biao , Ma Guancong , Li Jensen , Zhang Shuang , Chan C. T.
Published: February 2024

Non-Abelian phenomena arise when the sequence of operations on physical systems influences their behaviors. By possessing internal degrees of freedom such as polarization, light and sound can be subjected to various manipulations, including constituent materials, structured environments, and tailored source conditions. These manipulations enable the creation of a great variety of Hamiltonians, through which rich non-Abelian phenomena can be explored and observed. Recent developments have constituted a versatile testbed for exploring non-Abelian physics at the intersection of atomic, molecular, and optical physics; condensed matter physics; and mathematical physics. These fundamental endeavors could enable photonic and acoustic devices with multiplexing functionalities. Our review aims to provide a timely and comprehensive account of this emerging topic. Starting from the foundation of matrix-valued geometric phases, we address non-Abelian topological charges, non-Abelian gauge fields, non-Abelian braiding, non-Hermitian non-Abelian phenomena, and their realizations with photonics and acoustics and conclude with future prospects.
Database of all currently known mobile colistin resistance genes
Authors: Rebelo Ana Rita , Hendriksen Rene S.
Published: February 2024

We created a database of all currently known mobile colistin resistance genes and variants (
n
= 115). It contains accession numbers of the gene and protein sequences, mutations between the protein variants and the main proteins, and additional metadata. It is accompanied by all genetic and protein sequences as two aggregated FASTA files.
Complete genome sequence of new
Microbacterium
sp. strain ET2, isolated from roots of leafless orchid
Authors: Volynchikova Elena A. , Khrenova Maria G. , Panova Tatiana V. , Rodin Vladimir A. , Zvereva Maria I. , Tsavkelova Elena A.
Published: February 2024

Whole-genome sequence of ET2 strain, isolated from the roots of leafless orchid, constitutes a single circular chromosome of 3,604,840 bp (69.44% G + C content). BLAST+-based average nucleotide identity (ANIb) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values indicate that ET2 may be a novel
Microbacterium
species. Genes putatively involved in plant-microbial interactions were predicted.
Draft genome sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. OT2 isolated from human skin and capable of growing on
t
-octylphenol polyethoxylate
Authors: Son Haelim , Huang Shir-Ly , Lee Kyoung
Published: February 2024

Here, we present the draft whole-genome sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. OT2, isolated from human skin on a minimal medium containing
t
-octylphenol ethoxylate (Triton X-100). This genomic information contributes to understanding the niche adaptation on human skin and its catabolism of Triton X-100 in this strain.
Complete genome sequence of
Vibrio
sp. strain AH4, a close relative of
Vibrio metoecus
isolated from Nile tilapia (
Oreochromis niloticus
)
Authors: Al-Harbi Ahmed H.
Published: February 2024

Here, I report the complete genome sequence of
Vibrio
sp. strain AH4, which had been isolated from moribund farmed Nile tilapia (
Oreochromis niloticus
). Assessment of the genome sequence of this strain revealed the presence of two linear chromosomes 2,894,109 bp and 1,082,372 bp.
Complete genome sequences of StopSmel and Aussie, two Mu-like bacteriophages of
Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Nielander Macy , Maybank Mya , Massimino Crissy , Fitzgerald John , Blossum Hannah , Douthitt Cayce , Holland Chris , Hunter Wayne B. , Carrol Megan , D'Elia Tom
Published: February 2024

We report the complete genome sequences of two bacteriophages, Aussie and StopSmel, isolated from soil using the host
Sinorhizobium meliloti
NRRL L-50. The genomes are similar in length and gene content and share 76% nucleotide identity. Comparative analysis of Aussie and StopSmel identified core functional modules associated with Mu-like bacteriophages.
Pathogenic and genomic characterization of rabbit-sourced
Pasteurella multocida
serogroup F isolates recovered from dead rabbits with respiratory disease
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , Sun Shikun , Chen Dongjin , Gao Chenfang , Sang Lei , Xie Xiping
Published: February 2024

Pasteurella multocida
serogroup F can infect a number of animals. However, the pathogenicity and genomic features of this serogroup are still largely unknown. In the present study, the pathogenicity and genomic sequences of 19 rabbit-sourced
P. multocida
serogroup F isolates were determined. The 19 isolates were highly pathogenic for rabbits causing severe pathologic lesions and high mortality in inoculated rabbits. Nevertheless, the pathologic lesions in rabbits caused by the 19 isolates were distinct from those caused by the previously reported high-virulent serogroup F strains J-4103 (rabbit), P-4218 (turkey), and C21724H3km7 (chicken). Moreover, the 19 isolates were avirulent to white feather broilers. The genomes of the 19 isolates were determined to understand the pathogenicity of these isolates. The finding of a number of functional genes in the 19 isolates by comparison with the low-virulent rabbit-sourced serogroup F strain s4 might contribute to the high virulence of these isolates. Notably, polymorphisms were determined in the lipopolysaccharide outer core biosynthetic genes
natC
and
gatF
among the serogroup F strains of different hosts. However, the sequences of
natC
and
gatF
from rabbit-sourced strains (except for SD11) were identical, which might be responsible for the host specific of the 19 isolates. The observations and findings in this study would be helpful for the understanding of the pathogenicity variation and host predilection of
P. multocida
.

IMPORTANCE

The 19 rabbit-sourced
Pasteurella multocida
serogroup F isolates showing high virulence to rabbits were avirulent to the broilers. Notably, polymorphisms were determined in the lipopolysaccharide outer core biosynthetic genes
natC
and
gatF
among all serogroup F strains of different hosts. However, the sequences of
natC
and
gatF
from rabbit-sourced strains (except for SD11) were identical, which might be responsible for the host specific of the 19 isolates.
Resensitizing tigecycline- and colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
using an engineered conjugative CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Zhang Haijie , Chen Bo , Wang Zeyu , Peng Kai , Liu Yuan , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

Tigecycline and colistin were referred to as the “last resort” antibiotics in defending against carbapenem-resistant, Gram-negative bacterial infections, and are currently widely used in clinical treatment. However, the emergence and prevalence of plasmid-mediated
tet
(X4) and
mcr-1
genes pose a serious threat to the therapeutic application of tigecycline and colistin, respectively. In this research, a tigecycline- and colistin-resistant bacteria resensitization system was developed based on efficient and specific DNA damage caused by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Associated Protein 9 (Cas9) nucleases. A conjugation method was used to deliver the resensitization system, which harbors two single-guide RNAs targeting
tet
(X4) and
mcr-1
genes and constitutively expressed Cas9. The conjugation efficiency was nearly 100% after conjugation condition optimization
in vitro
, and the resensitivity efficiency for clinical isolates was over 90%. In addition, when performing resensitization
in vivo
, the resistance marker was replaced with a glutamate-based, chromosomal, plasmid-balanced lethal system to prevent the introduction of additional resistance genes in clinical settings, making this strategy a therapeutic approach to combat the
in vivo
spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among bacterial pathogens. As a proof of concept, this resensitive system can significantly decrease the counts of tigecycline- and colistin-resistant bacteria to 1%
in vivo
. Our study demonstrates the efficacy and adaptability of CRISPR-Cas systems as powerful and programmable antimicrobials in resensitizing
tet
(X4)- and
mcr-1-
mediated, tigecycline- and colistin-resistant strains, and opens up new pathways for the development of CRISPR-based tools for selective bacterial pathogen elimination and precise microbiome composition change.

IMPORTANCE

The emergence of plasmid-encoded
tet
(X4) and
mcr-1
isolated from human and animal sources has affected the treatment of tigecycline and colistin, and has posed a significant threat to public health. Tigecycline and colistin are considered as the “last line of defense” for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections, so there is an urgent need to find a method that can resensitize
tet
(X4)-mediated tigecycline-resistant and
mcr-1
-mediated colistin-resistant bacteria. In this study, we developed a glutamate-based, chromosomal, plasmid-balanced lethal conjugative CRISPR/Cas9 system, which can simultaneously resensitize
tet
(X4)-mediated tigecycline-resistant and
mcr-1
-mediated colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
. The counts of tigecycline- and colistin-resistant bacteria decreased to 1%
in vivo
after the resensitization system was administered. This study opens up new pathways for the development of CRISPR-based tools for selective bacterial pathogen elimination and precise microbiome composition change.
Are we moving into a new era for alcohol policy globally? An analysis of the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-30
Authors: McCambridge Jim , Lesch Matthew
Published: February 2024

The Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-30 (GAAP) represents an important milestone in policy implementation at the global level on alcohol and health. There has, however, been little attention paid to the GAAP in the research literature. With a focus on the alcohol industry, this analysis examines the content of, and prospects for, the GAAP. It is clear why stronger action on alcohol and health is needed. The health harming nature of alcohol and policy interference by industry are now clearly understood. The alcohol industry is now thus regarded primarily as a key part of the problem. The GAAP calls for action in six areas with specific roles for public health actors, and invites powerful industry actors to desist from harmful activities, within each area. The broad outline of what is expected of the alcohol industry is now clear. It remains unclear, however, how far countries will continue to face formidable opposition from the major alcohol companies and their surrogates, in adopting and implementing evidence-based measures. Governments must now act at speed, and it is unclear if the targets set for 2030 will be met. If this long-running public health policy failure continues, this will have dire consequences for low and middle income countries where the alcohol market is expanding. Stronger actions may also be needed.
Seamless EMR data access: Integrated governance, digital health and the OMOP-CDM
Authors: Hallinan Christine Mary , Ward Roger , Hart Graeme K , Sullivan Clair , Pratt Nicole , Ng Ashley P , Capurro Daniel , Van Der Vegt Anton , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Daly Oliver , Luxan Blanca Gallego , Bunker David , Boyle Douglas
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesIn this overview, we describe theObservational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP-CDM), the established governance processes employed in EMR data repositories, and demonstrate how OMOP transformed data provides a lever for more efficient and secure access to electronic medical record (EMR) data by health service providers and researchers.

MethodsThrough pseudonymisation and common data quality assessments, the OMOP-CDM provides a robust framework for converting complex EMR data into a standardised format. This allows for the creation of shared end-to-end analysis packages without the need for direct data exchange, thereby enhancing data security and privacy. By securely sharing de-identified and aggregated data and conducting analyses across multiple OMOP-converted databases, patient-level data is securely firewalled within its respective local site.

ResultsBy simplifying data management processes and governance, and through the promotion of interoperability, the OMOP-CDM supports a wide range of clinical, epidemiological, and translational research projects, as well as health service operational reporting.

DiscussionAdoption of the OMOP-CDM internationally and locally enables conversion of vast amounts of complex, and heterogeneous EMR data into a standardised structured data model, simplifies governance processes, and facilitates rapid repeatable cross-institution analysis through shared end-to-end analysis packages, without the sharing of data.

ConclusionThe adoption of the OMOP-CDM has the potential to transform health data analytics by providing a common platform for analysing EMR data across diverse healthcare settings.
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in paediatric post-discharge care
Authors: Mullan Kathryn , Davey Nicola , Oketah Ngozi
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic dictated rapid reform in outpatient paediatric services. To reduce ward footfall and its associated infection risk, a trainee-led outpatient clinic was established with the aim to provide children with continuity of care following discharge from hospital. The service was created as a safe alternative to the long-standing practice of ward attenders while reducing mounting pressures on appointments at consultant-led clinics. Several issues arose in its implementation. A retrospective analysis with insights from service users found significant communication issues at various stages in referral, booking and follow-up management. This project aimed to reduce clinic non-attendance rates and ensure timely outpatient review with effective communication to all parties.

Quality improvement methods allowed the problem to be understood and defined. Through consultation with service users in the start-up phase of the project, four key criteria were determined as essential for improving communication: indication, lead consultant, patient attendance and outcome letter provision. The project aimed to achieve 100% compliance across the four criteria during the 6-month project period. A baseline measure was established and measurements collected while five interventions were tested using plan–do–study–act test cycles.

Following the small-scale tests, the run chart illustrated process improvement leading to meaningful change in outcome at both patient and service level. During the project, performance increased from a baseline median of one to a minimum of three out of four criteria being met for every patient. Several patients and families had a change in management as a direct result of their timely review and communication of clinic outcomes. These interventions resulted in a 50% reduction in the clinic’s did not attend rate.

The initial pandemic response to facilitate post-discharge care for children and young people led to frustrations surrounding communication breakdown among service users. Targeted interventions led to the development of a safer, more efficient service. Ongoing feedback continues to guide strategies for change with future work in service development focusing on capturing patient experience and improving patient-centred outcomes.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease trajectory: severe exacerbations and dynamic change in health-related quality of life
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Han , Hung Jo-Ying , Su Pei-Fang , Hsu Chih-Hui , Yu Chun-Hsiang , Liao Xin-Min , Wang Jung-Der , Hsiue Tzuen-Ren , Chen Chiung-Zuei
Published: February 2024

Background

The life trajectory of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown.

Patients and methods

We collected data from two populations. In the first cohort, we recruited 375 patients with COPD from our hospital, and 1440 repeated assessments of quality of life (QoL) using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire from 2006 to 2020. We analysed their dynamic changes using the kernel-smoothing method. The second cohort comprised 27 437 patients from the National Health Insurance (NHI) dataset with their first severe acute exacerbations (AEs) requiring hospitalisation from 2008 to 2017 were analysed for their long-term course of AEs. We employed a Cox hazard model to analyse the predictors for mortality or AEs.

Results

Cohorts from our hospital and NHI were male predominant (93.6 and 83.5%, respectively). After the first severe AE, the course generally comprised three phases. The first was a 1-year period of elevated QoL, followed by a 2-year prolonged stable phase with a slowly declining QoL. After the second AE, the final phase was characterised by a rapid decline in QoL. For NHI cohort, 2712 died during the 11-year follow-up, the frequency of the first AE was approximately 5 per 10 000 per day. The median time from the first to the second AE was 3 years, which decreased to less than 6 and 3 months from 4th to 5th and 8th to 9th AE, respectively. The frequency of AE was increased 10-fold and 15-fold and risk of subsequent AE was increased 12-fold and 20-fold after the 6th and the 10th AE, relative to the first. Male gender, heart failure comorbidities were associated with the risk of subsequent AE and death.

Conclusions

The life trajectory of COPD includes the accelerated frailty phase, as well as elevated health and prolonged stable phase after the first AE.
Relationship between hamstrings–quadriceps strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale among stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Asouzu Nonso Christian , Mong Emeka , Agha Maximin , Asouzu Nwabumma Cynthia , Anekwu Emelie Moris , John Davidson Okwudili , Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka , Ibeneme Sam Chidi
Published: February 2024

Aim

The study was designed to establish the relationship between hamstrings–quadriceps (H–Q) strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale among stroke survivors.

Method

Twenty-five stroke survivors participated in the study. The hamstrings and quadriceps muscle strengths of both the paretic and non-paretic sides were determined at 60° knee flexion with an electronic tensiometer. The participants undertook the tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale.

Results

The moment of correlation between the paretic H–Q strength ratio and the total score of the Berg’s Balance Scale was 0.630, while the non-paretic was −0.144. Tasks such as standing unsupported (0.360), sitting unsupported (0.348) and standing with eyes closed (0.262) showed a weak correlation with the paretic H–Q strength ratio. Sitting to standing (0.469), standing to sitting (0.405), transfers (0.470), standing with feet together (0.565), retrieving an object from the floor (0.544), turning to look behind (0.400), turning 360° (0.589) and one leg stance (0.649) showed moderate correlation with the paretic H–Q strength ratio; while reaching forward (0.768), placing alternate foot on stool (0.710) and tandem standing (0.744) showed strong correlation with the paretic H–Q strength ratio.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the H–Q strength ratios of the paretic limbs of stroke survivors showed significant relationships with the performance of tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale. It is recommended that the H–Q strength ratio is considered as a clinical measurement tool in the balance rehabilitation of stroke survivors.
Cardiovascular toxicities associated with bispecific T-cell engager therapy
Authors: Sayed Ahmed , Munir Malak , Ghazi Sanam M , Ferdousi Mussammat , Krishan Satyam , Shaaban Adnan , Habib Alma , Kola-Kehinde Onaopepo , Ruz Patrick , Khan Sarah , Sharma Sneha , Meara Alexa , Mahmood Syed , Feldman Stephanie , Yang Eric H , Kim Jiwon , Epperla Narendranath , Addison Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background

Bispecific T-cell engagers (BTEs) are novel agents used to treat hematological malignancies. Early trials were underpowered to define cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE) and no large-scale studies systematically examined the CVAEs associated with BTEs.

Methods

Leveraging the US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System-(FAERS), we identified the relative frequency of CVAEs after initiation of five BTE products approved by the Food and Drug Administration between 2014 and 2023 for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Adjusted reporting ORs (aROR) were used to identify disproportionate reporting of CVAEs with BTEs compared with background rates in the database. Fatality rates and risk ratios (RRs) for each adverse event (AE) were calculated.

Results

From 3668 BTE-related cases reported to FAERS, 747 (20.4%) involved CVAEs. BTEs as a class were associated with fatal CVAEs (aROR 1.29 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.50)), an association mainly driven by teclistamab (aROR 2.44 (95% CI 1.65 to 3.60)). Teclistamab was also associated with a disproportionate risk of myocarditis (aROR 25.70 (95% CI 9.54 to 69.23)) and shock (aROR 3.63 (95% CI 2.30 to 5.74)), whereas blinatumomab was associated with a disproportionate risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (aROR 3.02 (95% CI 1.98 to 4.60)) and hypotension (aROR 1.59 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.03)). CVAEs were more fatal compared with non-CVAEs (31.1% vs 17.4%; RR 1.76 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.03)). Most CVAEs (83.3%) did not overlap with cytokine release syndrome.

Conclusion

In the first postmarketing surveillance study of BTEs, CVAEs were involved in approximately one in five AE reports and carried a significant mortality risk.
Methodological and statistical characteristics of meta-analyses on spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: a systematic review
Authors: Kleppel Donald J , Copeland Royce , Hussain Nasir , Karri Jay , Wang Eric , D'Souza Ryan S
Published: February 2024

Background

A growing number of meta-analyses (MA) have investigated the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a treatment modality for chronic pain. The quality of these MAs has not been assessed by validated appraisal tools.

Objective

To examine the methodological characteristics and quality of MAs related to the use of SCS for chronic pain syndromes.

Evidence review

An online literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus databases (January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2023) to identify MAs that investigated changes in pain intensity, opioid consumption, and/or physical function after SCS for the treatment of chronic pain. MA quality was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) critical appraisal tool.

Findings

Twenty-five MAs were appraised in the final analysis. Three were considered “high” quality, three “low” quality, and 19 “critically low” quality, per the AMSTAR-2 criteria. There was no association between the publication year and AMSTAR-2 overall quality (β 0.043; 95% CI −0.008 to 0.095; p=0.097). There was an association between the impact factor and AMSTAR-2 overall quality (β 0.108; 95% CI 0.044 to 0.172; p=0.002), such that studies published in journals with higher impact factors were associated with higher overall quality. There was no association between the effect size and AMSTAR-2 overall quality (β −0.168; 95% CI −0.518 to 0.183; p=0.320).

According to our power analysis, three studies were adequately powered (>80%) to reject the null hypothesis, while the remaining studies were underpowered (<80%).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates a critically low AMSTAR-2 quality for most MAs published on the use of SCS for treating chronic pain. Future MAs should improve study quality by implementing the AMSTAR-2 checklist items.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431155.
Improved follow-up care for gun violence survivors in the Trauma Quality of Life Clinic
Authors: Brandolino Amber , deRoon-Cassini Terri A , Biesboer Elise A , Tomas Carissa W , Woolfolk Monet , Wakinekona Nalani A , Subramanian Maya , Cheruvalath Heloise , Schroeder Mary E , Trevino Colleen M
Published: February 2024

Background

Outpatient follow-up represents a crucial opportunity to re-engage with gun violence survivors (GVS) and to facilitate positive health outcomes. Current outpatient models for firearm-related injuries and trauma care are inconsistent and unstandardized across trauma centers. This project describes the patient population served by the multidisciplinary Trauma Quality of Life (TQoL) Clinic for GVS. Also of primary interest was the outpatient follow-up services used by patients prior to their clinic appointment. Subsequent referrals placed during Clinic, as well as rate of attendance, was a secondary aim.

Methods

This was a descriptive retrospective analysis of a quality improvement project of the TQoL Clinic. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record and were supplemented with information from the trauma registry and the hospital-based violence intervention program database. Descriptive statistics characterized the patient population served. A Χ2analysis was used to compare no-show rates for the TQoL Clinic against two historical cohorts of trauma clinic attendees.

Results

Most attendees were young (M=32.0, SD=1.8, range=15–88 years), Black (80.1%), and male (82.0%). Of the 306 total TQoL Clinic attendees, 82.3% attended their initial scheduled appointment. Most non-attendee patients rescheduled their appointments (92.1%), and 89.5% attended the rescheduled appointment. TQoL Clinic demonstrated a significantly lower no-show rate than the traditional trauma clinic model, including after the implementation of the hospital’s inpatient violence intervention program (χ2(2)=75.52, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The TQoL Clinic has demonstrated improved outpatient follow-up to address the comprehensive needs of GVS. Trauma centers with high gunshot wound volume should consider the implementation of the multidisciplinary TQoL Clinic model to increase access to care and to continue partnership with violence intervention programs to address health outcomes in those most at risk of future morbidity and mortality.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic/care management, level III.
A perinatal social nutrition approach to improve breastfeeding in a culturally diverse group of low-income women
Authors: Carbonneau Elise , Dumas Alex , Lepage Suzanne , Dumas Audrée-Anne , Fontaine-Bisson Bénédicte
Published: February 2024

Alima, Perinatal Social Nutrition Centre, is an established community organization that adopts a perinatal social nutrition approach to provide multidimensional support to women living in vulnerable conditions, particularly those with a precarious migratory status. This study aims to ( i) determine which maternal characteristics, pregnancy-related variables, and structural features of the Alima intervention are associated with breastfeeding; and ( ii) examine whether the association between attending breastfeeding workshops and breastfeeding characteristics differ according to maternal factors. The Alima digital database was used to analyze data from women who received the perinatal intervention between 2013 and 2020. Infant feeding data were retrieved at 2 weeks postpartum (T0, n = 2925), 2 months postpartum (T2, n = 1475), and 4 months postpartum (T4, n = 890). Logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds of overall and exclusive breastfeeding depending on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy-related variables, and features of the intervention. The prevalence of overall and exclusive breastfeeding was, respectively, 96.1% and 60.7% at T0; 93.0% and 58.5% at T2; 83.0% and 48.4% at T4. Higher education, previous breastfeeding experience, and recent immigration were associated with a higher likelihood of breastfeeding at each time point. Breastfeeding workshop attendance was associated with a greater likelihood of overall and exclusive breastfeeding at T2 and T4, with a stronger effect among women aged 35 or less, those with lower education, and those with excessive gestational weight gain. In conclusion, the Alima intervention is associated with positive breastfeeding outcomes, especially among vulnerable women living with precarious migratory status in Canada.
Novel ternary PPy–ZnFe2O4/fly ash-cenosphere photocatalysts for photodegradation of methyl orange under UV light
Authors: Hu Haikun , Yuan Jinhai , Sun Qi , Qin Yu , Liu Junhong , Luo Xuanlan , Yang Ziyi , Hou Xiaopeng , Xu Di
Published: February 2024

In this study, fly ash cenospheres (FACs), characterized by their floating properties and inherent photocatalytic activity, were used as a carrier to support ZnFe2O4 material and doped with conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) to prepare a novel ternary PPy–ZnFe2O4/FACs (PPy–ZF) composite catalyst. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TEM, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the samples prepared. In particular, a 20 mg/L methyl orange (MO) solution at pH 4 was given 0.075 g of PPy–ZF catalyst to add, and after 30 min of dark adsorption, followed by irradiation for 180 min, 98.54% of the MO was removed. The material was also shown to have good stability and reusability through three cycles of use. Additionally, the material exhibited good photocatalytic activity for other dyes. The results of photocatalytic experiments showed their significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity toward MO, which was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of PPy and ZnFe2O4 on the surface of FACs, leading to a high separation efficiency and a low rate of photogenerated charge complexation. In addition, cyclic tests demonstrated the stability and reusability of the composite. The leading role in the photocatalytic degradation of MO was demonstrated by the radical trapping experiment, which showed ·O2 − and h+. The present study can significantly improve the photocatalytic performance of the floating materials of ZnFe2O4/FACs, which is beneficial to solve the current energy crisis and environmental pollution problems. It has certain reference significance to solve the problems of environmental pollution, waste recycling, and catalyst recycling in the future.
Superallowed beta-decay between isobaric analog states up to $${{\textbf {A}}}=\textbf{99}$$
Authors: Faestermann Thomas
Published: February 2024

Isospin symmetry is used to fit the precisely known $$Q_{EC}$$

Q

EC

-values of lighter $$T_Z=0,-1$$

T
Z

=
0
,
-
1

and $$T_Z=-1/2$$

T
Z

=
-
1
/
2

$$\beta $$
β
-emitters and to extrapolate them up to $$Z=50$$

Z
=
50

. For the $$\hbox {T}=1$$

T
=
1

emitters the half-lives of the pure $$0^+\rightarrow 0^+$$

0
+

→

0
+

Fermi decays are calculated and compared with experimentally known values, even for the heaviest cases where the experimental uncertainties are still rather large. For the $$\hbox {T} = 1/2$$

T
=
1
/
2

emitters only the Fermi component of the transitions can be predicted, but with the experimental half-lives the ratio of Gamow–Teller to Fermi strength can be determined.
Half-lives and fragments of spontaneous fission of superheavy elements
Authors: Manjunatha H. C. , Sridhar K. N. , Sowmya N. , Babu A. V. Mahesh , Anushree H. S.
Published: February 2024

The isotopic yield and half-lives of the spontaneous fission of superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are studied. First, the theoretical formalism is validated by applying it to known isotopes of superheavy nuclei which can undergo spontaneous fission. Half-lives obtained from this work indicate that all the half-lives are approximately twice when compared to experimental measurements. Thereafter, we explored the isotopic yield and half-lives of spontaneous fission for the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by studying the driving potential, yield and penetration probability. The superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] can undergo alpha decay up to [Formula: see text]. Thereafter they undergo spontaneous fission. Similarly, the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] undergo spontaneous fission beyond A=309. It is observed that the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] undergo spontaneous fission through the fission fragment combination of Sn+Tm, however, the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text] undergo spontaneous fission with the fragments Sn+Yb. The larger spontaneous half-life is of the order of ns from the superheavy nuclei [Formula: see text]119 and [Formula: see text]120. Further investigations were required in the evaluation of the anticipated fission fragment combinations and half-lives of [Formula: see text]119 and [Formula: see text]120.
Photon Upconversion at Organic-Inorganic Interfaces
Authors: Huang Zhiyuan , Miyashita Tsumugi , Tang Ming Lee
Published: February 2024

Photon upconversion is a process that combines low-energy photons to form useful high-energy photons. There are potential applications in photovoltaics, photocatalysis, biological imaging, etc. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising for the absorption of these low-energy photons due to the high extinction coefficient of QDs, especially in the near infrared (NIR). This allows the intriguing use of diffuse light sources such as solar irradiation. In this review, we describe the development of this organic-QD upconversion platform based on triplet-triplet annihilation, focusing on the dark exciton in QDs with triplet character. Then we introduce the underlying energy transfer steps, starting from QD triplet photosensitization, triplet exciton transport, triplet-triplet annihilation, and ending with the upconverted emission. Design principles to improve the total upconversion efficiency are presented. We end with limitations in current reports and proposed future directions. This review provides a guide for designing efficient organic-QD upconversion platforms for future applications, including overcoming the Shockley-Queisser limit for more efficient solar energy conversion, NIR-based phototherapy, and diagnostics in vivo.
Influencing Factors and Challenges on the Wettability of Electrode in Molten Salt
Authors: Kong Ruijing , Su Xianwei , Li Shaolong , Fan Yong , He Jilin , Jiao Handong , Song Jianxun
Published: February 2024

Molten salts play an important role in the electrolysis of solid metal compounds, especially oxides and sulfides, and have an impressive storage capacity and power, so they are now the electrolyte for many new types of rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately, due to the high viscosity and high surface tension of molten salt, the unsatisfactory wettability of electrode and molten salt restricts the development of molten salt electrochemistry. In the past half century, the research on interface phenomena has been devoted to establishing more accurate models for measuring surface tension and wetting angle, developing more scientific wetting angle measurement techniques, and exploring the influencing factors of wettability. Different from water solution interface, molten salt experiment is in high temperature and pressure environment, so it is difficult to test the wetting angle, and there are few researches on the interface phenomenon of molten salt. In this paper, on the basis of existing models and experimental data, the factors and mechanisms that lead to the difference of wettability between melt and solid matrix in molten salt systems are analyzed in detail. Finally, we put forward the prospects and suggestions for the study of the wettability of melt to solid substrate in molten salt.
Epidemiology and Performances of Typhidot Immunoassay and Widal Slide Agglutination in the Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever in Febrile Patients in Bafoussam City, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Yemeli Piankeu Aurelie Dahlia , Fodouop Siméon Pierre Chegaing , Noubom Michel , Gomseu Djoumsie Emmanuel Boris , Ful Kuh Georges , Gatsing Donatien
Published: February 2024

Background. Enteric fever is a great public health problem associated with significant illness and death in many endemic countries, and its clinical diagnosis is still daunting. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S. Typhi among febrile patients in Bafoussam and to evaluate the diagnostic performances of Widal and Typhidot tests. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study among 336 participants visiting three hospitals in Bafoussam from August 1, 2021, to November 31, 2021. Widal test, Typhidot assay, and stool culture were used to screen for salmonellosis with the help of a structured questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi was found to be 62.85% and 37.14%, respectively. The overall prevalence of typhoid fever using stool culture was 20.86%. The significant risk factors associated with enteric fever were lack or insufficient knowledge of typhoid fever, poor hand hygiene, and anorexia. Typhidot immunoassay was more sensitive (100%) and specific (82.3%) than the Widal test. Both were analytically inferior to stool culture. Conclusions. High prevalence of typhoid fever (20.86%) was observed which was largely associated with lack or insufficient knowledge of typhoid fever, poor hygiene measure, and anorexia as risk factors. The performances of the Widal and Typhidot test against a stool culture were inferior but with Typhidot better than the Widal slide agglutination.
A Lumped-Element Directional Coupler for Bandwidth Enhancement, Impedance Matching, and Harmonic Suppressions
Authors: Zhuo Murong
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a lumped-element wideband directional coupler that enables arbitrary impedance matching and harmonic suppressions from 2f0. The coupler consists of four filtering networks (FNs) and an asymmetric branch-line hybrid serving as the matching network. The use of lumped-element topology helps reduce circuit size and improve harmonic suppressions. Each FN, composed of two lumped-element resonators, contributes two additional transmission poles, enabling bandwidth scaling, bandwidth enhancement, and harmonic suppressions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design, a wideband coupler with various terminal impedances operating at 0.5 GHz is designed, simulated, and fabricated. The measured size is 0.039×0.039 λg2, the fractional bandwidth for –14.3 dB return loss is 46%, and the harmonic suppression is more than –30 dB from 0.69 to 4.5 GHz.
CFD Simulations of Small Particle Behavior with Blower‐Driven Airflows in Single‐Family Residential Buildings
Authors: Sun Yigang , Francisco Paul , Merrin Zachary , Gilleade Kiel
Published: February 2024

Inhaling airborne droplets exhaled from an infected person is the principal mode of COVID‐19 transmission. When residential energy efficiency workers conduct blower door tests in occupied residences with a COVID‐19‐infected occupant potentially present, there is a concern that it could put the workers at risk of infection with massive flows of air being generated by the tests. To minimize this risk, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted for four prototype houses to develop guidelines for workers to follow during their service visits. The CFD simulations visualized the movements and evaluated the residence time of small particles released at certain locations under a series of scenarios representing situations that are likely to be encountered during in‐home energy efficiency services. Guidelines were derived from the simulated tracks of droplets to help to increase the safety of the worker(s).
Potential Revenue from Reserve Market Participation in Wind Power‐ and Solar Power‐Dominated Electricity Grids: The Near‐Term, Mid‐Term, and Long‐Term
Authors: Ullmark Jonathan , Göransson Lisa , Johnsson Filip
Published: February 2024

As electricity systems become increasingly dominated by variable inverter‐based generation (such as wind and solar photovoltaics (PV)), additional sources of variability appear, while the share of dispatchable thermal power plants decreases. Maintaining a stable grid frequency requires new sources of inertia to slow the frequency changes, as well as new sources of reserve power to counter the imbalances. This work uses a linear optimization modeling approach to analyze the reserve market of the electricity system during the transition to a carbon‐free system with high shares of variable electricity generation. The modeling is performed for three regional contexts and with varying degrees of available flexibility technologies. As for the reserve supply, batteries, electrolyzers, electric boilers and heat pumps for district heating, curtailed wind and solar power, and hydropower and thermal power plants are all included. The results indicate that of these suppliers of reserves, the introduction of grid‐scale batteries into the system drastically reduces the reserve market size. Only early in the transition is revenue from the reserve market greater than 5% of the total revenue for any technology. While the demand for reserves increases as the share of solar PV and wind power increases, the modeling reveals that access to flexible loads, storage units, and emulated inertia from wind power also increases. Depending on the choice of flexibility measures available, demand‐side participation could play a major role in minimizing the cost of grid stability in the future.
Naimark-Type Results Using Frames
Authors: Sharma Raksha , Khanna Nikhil
Published: February 2024

In this article, a modified version of frame called frame associated with a sequence of scalars (FASS) is defined. This modified version of frame is used to study quantum measurements. Also, using FASS, some Naimark-type results are obtained. Finally, a formula to give the average probability of an incorrect measurement using FASS is obtained.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Microbiota: Etiopathogenesis and Potential New Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Rodríguez Baeza Daniel , Bejarano Antonio Lía , González de Arriba Marta , Picó-Monllor José Antonio , Cañueto Javier , Navarro-Lopez Vicente
Published: February 2024

Objective. To review the scientific literature related to human microbiota and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Methodology. An exploratory and systematic review of the articles retrieved from the bibliographic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus, published in the last 10 years with the following descriptors: “lymphoma, T-cell, cutaneous,” “microbiota,” “Mycosis Fungoides,” “Sézary Syndrome,” “lymphoma, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell,” “Lymphomatoid Papulosis” and “Microbiota,” “microbiota,” “Microbial Community,” and “Microbial Communities.” Results. Of the 87 references retrieved, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected. Most studies linking cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and the microbiota focus on the cutaneous microbiome, with Staphylococcus aureus being the main related agent. Skin colonization by this bacterium could be involved in the hyperactivation of the STAT3 inflammatory pathway and in the overproduction of IL-17, both of which are widely related to the development of more aggressive and advanced forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We also found evidence of a possible relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, observing a decrease in taxonomic variability and an increase in certain genera such as Prevotella in the intestinal microbiome of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The possible etiopathogenic mechanism underlying this relationship could be explained by an increase in systemic cytokine release, promoting the hyperactivation of STAT3 at the skin level. Conclusion. There appears to be a relationship between cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome, as well as a possible pathophysiological pathway involved. The possible modulation of the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome or the action on the signaling inflammatory pathway, using pharmacological tools such as JAK inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors in the latter case, could open the possibility for future therapeutic studies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Supplementary Table S3 from Estrogen Receptor Mutations as Novel Targets for Immunotherapy in Metastatic Estrogen Receptor–positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Goldberg Jonathan , Qiao Na , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Gross Brett , Meneksedag Yagiz , Lu Yoshimi F. , Philips Anne V. , Rahman Tasnim , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Roszik Jason , Chen Ken , Jeselsohn Rinath , Tolaney Sara M. , Peoples George E. , Alatrash Gheath , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2024

Overlapping nonameric peptides in-silico prediction
FIGURE 3 from Estrogen Receptor Mutations as Novel Targets for Immunotherapy in Metastatic Estrogen Receptor–positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Goldberg Jonathan , Qiao Na , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Gross Brett , Meneksedag Yagiz , Lu Yoshimi F. , Philips Anne V. , Rahman Tasnim , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Roszik Jason , Chen Ken , Jeselsohn Rinath , Tolaney Sara M. , Peoples George E. , Alatrash Gheath , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2024

Peptide-specific expansion of CD8+ T cells. PBMCs from healthy donors were isolated and expanded as described in the Materials and Methods. Tetramer staining was performed pre- and post-expansion to quantify frequencies of peptide-specific CD8+ T cells. A, Wildtype-1, E380Q. B, Wildtype-2, Y537S, D538G. Data represents three independent experiments, from 3 separate donors, performed in triplicate. Statistical significance was determined via comparison of pre-expansion versus post-expansion CD8+tetramer+ population using unpaired Student t test. *, P < 0.05.