bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on CRDI diesel engine performance and emissions using waste plastic oil and fly ash catalyst
Authors: Abdul munaf A , Velmurugan A , Loganathan M , Bakkiyaraj M , Premkumar P
Published: February 2024

Fossil fuels are quickly draining on a daily basis, causing fuel product prices to increase throughout the world. There is a crucial need to develop new alternate fuels from various sources that meet our daily requirements, like industries, mining, building construction, transportation, electric power generation from rural areas, etc. In the present study, mono-use low density polyethylene (LDPE) was successfully transformed into a liquid form of hydrocarbon fuel with fly ash-supported catalytic pyrolysis. The ratio of 0.1 with reference to catalyst-to-feedstock was fixed for the preparation of waste plastic oil (WPO) using batch-type pyrolysis reactors. About 180 °C was the temperature at which the extracted crude oil was segregated. The diesel fuel’s properties and those of the WPO fuel were compared and evaluated. Experiments were carried out using diesel-WPO mixed fuel (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in a multi-cylinder, water-cooled Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) diesel engine. Additionally, the impact of the compression and mixing ratios on performance, emission characteristics, and combustion was studied. We observed significant improvement in the results of BTE and BSFC for the tested fuel blend, D80WPO20, compared to other blends. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the emissions of CO, HC, and NOx rise with an increasing fuel mixing ratio. Based on the analysis carried out on performance and emissions, it was determined that D80WPO20 was the best combination.
Effects of topological structure and destination selection strategies on agent dynamics in complex networks
Authors: Tsuzuki Satori , Yanagisawa Daichi , Itoh Eri , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: February 2024

We analyzed agent behavior in complex networks: Barabási–Albert, Erdos–Rényi, and Watts–Strogatz models under the following rules: agents (a) randomly select a destination among adjacent nodes; (b) exclude the most congested adjacent node as a potential destination and randomly select a destination among the remaining nodes; or (c) select the sparsest adjacent node as a destination. We focused on small complex networks with node degrees ranging from zero to a maximum of approximately 20 to study agent behavior in traffic and transportation networks. We measured the hunting rate, that is, the rate of change of agent amounts in each node per unit of time, and the imbalance of agent distribution among nodes. Our simulation study reveals that the topological structure of a network precisely determines agent distribution when agents perform full random walks; however, their destination selections alter the agent distribution. Notably, rule (c) makes hunting and imbalance rates significantly high compared with random walk cases (a) and (b), irrespective of network types, when the network has a high degree and high activity rate. Compared with the full random walk in (a) and (b) increases the hunting rate while decreasing the imbalance rate when activity is low; however, both increase when activity is high. These characteristics exhibit slight periodic undulations over time. Furthermore, our analysis shows that in the BA, ER, and WS network models, the hunting rate decreases and the imbalance rate increases when the system disconnects randomly selected nodes in simulations where agents follow rules (a)–(c) and the network has the ability to disconnect nodes within a certain time of all time steps. Our findings can be applied to various applications related to agent dynamics in complex networks.
Synthesis of graphene oxide and nitrogen-doped graphene oxide by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of graphene in liquid for fiber optic gas sensing application
Authors: Puliyasseri Rohini , Yeptho Kiyekali H , Sastikumar Dillibabu
Published: February 2024

Heteroatom-doped graphene oxide has a wide range of applications in bio-imaging and sensing. In this work, Graphene Oxide (GO) and Nitrogen-doped GO (NG) were synthesized by laser ablation of Graphene in ethanol. The dopant Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is used in different amounts for different nitrogen concentrations. Optical, morphological, structural, and elemental composition studies were done by UV–vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, Raman, and EDAX analysis, respectively. The nitrogen doping on the surface of GO was confirmed by FT-IR and EDAX studies. Upon laser ablation with fundamental wavelength, the graphene is converted to spherical GO nanoparticles, and nitrogen doping is done to produce porous nano coral structured NG nanoparticles. The sensitivity and selectivity of GO and NG for ammonia, ethanol, and acetone target gaseous were investigated and compared. NG sample shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards acetone gas. And the Nitrogen-doped graphene oxide can be considered an ideal material for gas-sensing applications.
How far can low emission retrofit of terraced housing in Northern Ireland go?
Authors: James Ben , Mondol Jayanta , Hyde Trevor , Houlihan Wiberg Aoife
Published: February 2024

With both global and national targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the improvement of existing buildings will be key to realising these ambitions. How this can be achieved, and the impact of whole-life emissions from retrofit remains a key question. This paper investigates the potential of retrofit to reduce and limit lifecycle GHG emissions resulting from an existing house, typical of one of the predominant housing typologies in Northern Ireland. Through the use of lifecycle assessment a range of retrofit scenarios are considered for an early 20th century, solid wall, terraced house, to understand the impacts of retrofit on lifecycle emissions. A range of retrofit scenarios were modelled and simulated, considering both embodied and operational emissions over the building’s lifetime, to understand how net emissions can be reduced. The results show that although fabric and some technological measures can reduce emissions by over 60% when applied in isolation, a holistic approach is required to achieve the greatest reductions. Although operation remains the largest single source of emissions, the results also show the importance of taking a holistic approach to the assessment of retrofit with varying lifecycle stages responsible for considerable emissions. It is seen that emissions reductions of up to 99% may be possible when taking a holistic approach to retrofit and its assessment, considering whole-life emissions. This study highlights the potential benefits of retrofit and how it could be effectively applied to the existing housing stock in Northern Ireland creating low-emission or net-zero emission buildings.
Evaluating Deterrence
Authors: Edelman R David
Published: February 2024

Chapter 3 asks whether cyberattack capabilities, as tools of deterrence, might play a role in keeping the peace, even without featuring into war. It is oriented around three key questions. In seeking to restrain state use of cyberattacks, will states: self-restrain if cyberattacks are of limited deterrent value; be deterred from acquiring or using cyberattack capabilities by other states doing the same; and deterred from acquiring or using them by other states’ more traditional (noncyber) capabilities? An introductory section defines the notion of deterrence and situates it within the theories of international relations into which it features prominently. The chapter then argues four key points to address these questions. First, it outlines the general criteria required for states to make rational deterrence calculations. Second, laid against those criteria, it argues that cyberattack capabilities meet very few of them given the complex aspects of observing and attributing them, making them poor instruments of deterrence. Third, it argues that there are substantial difficulties in deterring cyberattacks with other cyberattack capabilities (in-kind deterrence), but that—like any other unfriendly acts—states can be effectively deterred from using them in other ways (most obviously threat of military reprisal). The credibility of that threat of military reprisal is, however, presently contested, leaving states unable to amass the information necessary to make full, rationalist deterrence calculations. Those engaged in the project of restraint thus find little to practically bind states—but also a paradox in explaining their present behavior accumulating cyberattack capabilities. This enigma demands a reconceptualization of how deterrence activities are taking place with respect to cyberattacks.
Constructing Self-Defense
Authors: Edelman R David
Published: February 2024

Chapter 6 begins with the question of whether and how cyberattacks would invoke the remedial jus ad bellum, and specifically, the lawful rights of self-defense under the UN Charter. If they are available to defending states, the combination of presumptive illegality and lawful repellent force would provide a powerful disincentive for a would-be attacker. If instead a would-be attacker is bound to suffer little beyond reproach by the legal community—knowing the victim had no substantial and lawful means to repel—cyberattacks may be even more attractive than other means of coercion. After considering a range of relevant criteria under existing law, it evaluates whether they are adequate, both from the standpoint of law and states’ ability to activate that regime. It finds that as with deterrence, major gaps remain, and argues that states are seizing upon these gaps and racing to fill them through a process called structural remediation—a kind of operational preparation of the environment (OPE) for the legal battlefield—that aims to create the customary conditions for their preferred outcome of law. The balance of the chapter documents this structural remediation dynamic, where in the absence of certainty about the law’s operation, states are at once testing whether the international legal environment will sustain more robust acts of self-defense against legally dubious uses of force or armed attacks, as well as creating a customary record of reaction that would habituate other states to a sizable response.
Efficacy and Safety of LetibotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Moderate and Severe Glabellar Lines in Females 35 to 50 Years of Age: Post Hoc Analyses of the Phase 3 Clinical Study Data
Authors: Gold Michael , Taylor Susan , Mueller Daniel S , Adelglass Jeffrey , Kaufman-Janette Joely , Cox Sue E , Cecerle Michael , Frank Konstantin , Nestor Mark
Published: February 2024

Background

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections continue to be widely used as a common treatment for both males and females. According to a recent survey conducted by the International Society of Plastic Aesthetic Surgeons, the majority of patients receiving these injections are females between the ages 35 and 50.

Objectives

A post hoc analysis was conducted to examine whether there were variances in the effectiveness and safety of letibotulinumtoxinA for treating vertical glabellar lines between the broader female study population and a particularly defined group of female participants aged 35 to 50.

Methods

For this post hoc analysis, data from females aged 35 to 50 were extracted and analyzed from the BLESS III study. In this Phase 3 clinical trial, 355 participants with moderate-to-severe glabella frown lines received either 20 U of letibotulinumtoxinA or a placebo. The study evaluated Glabella Line Severity (GLS) score, treatment onset, duration of effects, time to retreatment, and adverse events. A positive response was determined by achieving a GLS score of 0 or 1, as assessed by both patients and investigators, along with at least a 2-point improvement in GLS score relative to baseline at Week 4 after the injections.

Results

Composite responder rates for patients aged 35 to 50 receiving active treatment were significantly higher than for the remaining female population receiving active treatment at Weeks 1, 2, and 4. Females aged 35 to 50 showed higher rates of GLS improvement of ≥1 at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 compared with the remaining female population receiving active treatment. At Week 4, a higher percentage of females aged 35 to 50 achieved a GLS score of 0 upon maximum frowning compared with the remaining females. Females aged 35 to 50 had a shorter median time to onset of GLS improvement compared with the remaining female population. Safety assessments showed a low incidence of treatment-related adverse events in females aged 35 to 50.

Conclusions

LetibotulinumtoxinA showed significantly higher response rates in females aged 35 to 50 compared with other female patients at Weeks 1, 2, and 4. Response rates remained higher up to Week 16. The treatment demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating vertical glabellar lines in this patient group.

Level of Evidence: 2
Chromosome structure modeling tools and their evaluation in bacteria
Authors: Liu Tong , Qiu Qin-Tian , Hua Kang-Jian , Ma Bin-Guang
Published: February 2024

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of bacterial chromosomes is crucial for understanding chromosome function. With the growing availability of high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (3C/Hi-C) data, the 3D structure reconstruction algorithms have become powerful tools to study bacterial chromosome structure and function. It is highly desired to have a recommendation on the chromosome structure reconstruction tools to facilitate the prokaryotic 3D genomics. In this work, we review existing chromosome 3D structure reconstruction algorithms and classify them based on their underlying computational models into two categories: constraint-based modeling and thermodynamics-based modeling. We briefly compare these algorithms utilizing 3C/Hi-C datasets and fluorescence microscopy data obtained from Escherichia coli and Caulobacter crescentus, as well as simulated datasets. We discuss current challenges in the 3D reconstruction algorithms for bacterial chromosomes, primarily focusing on software usability. Finally, we briefly prospect future research directions for bacterial chromosome structure reconstruction algorithms.
Multiply robust estimators in longitudinal studies with missing data under control-based imputation
Authors: Liu Siyi , Yang Shu , Zhang Yilong , Liu Guanghan (Frank)
Published: February 2024

Longitudinal studies are often subject to missing data. The recent guidance from regulatory agencies, such as the ICH E9(R1) addendum addresses the importance of defining a treatment effect estimand with the consideration of intercurrent events. Jump-to-reference (J2R) is one classical control-based scenario for the treatment effect evaluation, where the participants in the treatment group after intercurrent events are assumed to have the same disease progress as those with identical covariates in the control group. We establish new estimators to assess the average treatment effect based on a proposed potential outcomes framework under J2R. Various identification formulas are constructed, motivating estimators that rely on different parts of the observed data distribution. Moreover, we obtain a novel estimator inspired by the efficient influence function, with multiple robustness in the sense that it achieves n1/2-consistency if any pairs of multiple nuisance functions are correctly specified, or if the nuisance functions converge at a rate not slower than n−1/4 when using flexible modeling approaches. The finite-sample performance of the proposed estimators is validated in simulation studies and an antidepressant clinical trial.
Family Group Conference Provision in UK Local Authorities and Associations with Children Looked after Rates
Authors: Wood Sophie , Scourfield Jonathan , Meindl Melissa , Au Kar Man , Evans Rhiannon , Jones-Willams Delyth , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Pallmann Philip , Robling Michael , Schroeder Elizabeth-Ann , Petrou Stavros , Wilkins David
Published: February 2024

Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare share decision-making with family members by bringing the immediate and wider family together to make a plan to meet a child’s needs. This paper reports survey findings on FGC provision in the UK in 2022 and explores whether in England the presence of an FGC service and the rate of FGC provision is associated with the rate of children in care, entering care, in kinship foster care and leaving care. Seventy-nine per cent (n = 167) of local authorities in the UK provided FGCs to families, and 14 per cent (n = 29) did not. Services that were more established offered a more diverse range of FGCs. The introduction of FGCs in English local authorities was associated with a higher rate of children in care, but also higher rates of kinship foster care, a key goal of FGCs where it is not possible for children to stay with their parents. Higher rates of FGCs were associated with more children leaving care, possibly due to reunification with birth families. To understand in more detail, the circumstances of children in and leaving care in local authorities with FGCs, individual data linkage studies are needed.
Brain pathology and symptoms linked to concussion history: beyond chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Taskina Daria , Zhu Cherrie , Schwab Nicole , Hazrati Lili-Naz
Published: February 2024

Repeated head trauma acquired through sports injuries has been associated with the development of long-term disabling symptoms that negatively impact the quality of life. In this retrospective case series, 52 male former professional athletes involved in contact sports and with a history of multiple concussions were evaluated for chronic clinical symptoms and post-mortem neuropathological diagnoses. The clinical symptoms of 19 cases were examined in greater detail for symptom type, severity and duration. Information on neurological, psychiatric and physical symptoms, substance use profiles and concussion histories was obtained from the athletes’ next of kin and assessed in relation to post-mortem neuropathological diagnoses. Cases were categorized into three different neuropathological groups: no major neuropathological findings, the presence of only chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the diagnosis(es) of other neurodegenerative diseases. Age at death and the presence of DNA damage in the post-mortem brains were analysed for correlation with the clinical symptoms. In this case series, 14/52 (26.9%) cases (mean age 48.2 ± 11.4) had neuropathological evidence of low-stage/low-burden CTE. A total of 11/52 (21.2%) cases (mean age 38.7 ± 12.7) presented a similar profile and severity of behavioural symptoms to those with CTE, despite the lack of significant post-mortem neuropathological findings. A total of 27/52 (51.9%) cases (mean age 75.5 ± 8.7) presented with complex post-mortem neurodegenerative diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s disease and other mixed pathologies, and clinical symptoms associated with language, memory and sensory dysfunction. The presence of DNA damage in the brain was found in all neuropathological groups, predominantly in the ependymal lining of ventricles, and phosphorylated histone H2AX staining was correlated with higher age at death (r = 0.59) and symptoms of language dysfunction (r = 0.56). Findings from our case series suggest that post-concussive symptoms are not driven by CTE. Our findings show that proteinopathies alone may not account for the complexity of the clinical manifestations and suggest the possibility of other drivers, such as DNA damage, as potentially useful markers of brain trauma. Broadening the search for biological markers that reflect the effects of brain injury, even when proteinopathy is not observed, and taking a symptom-driven approach are therefore advised.
Ionic nanosphere as a novel sensitizer for luminescence from terbium(III) ion hybridized by facile ion-exchange process
Authors: Madhukar Nikita , Misato Taizo , Ito Akitaka
Published: February 2024

Luminescence from terbium(III) species is typically weak due to its low absorption coefficient and slow radiative process despite its advantageous color purity. Hybridizing with a photosensitizer(s) is one of the most popular strategies to obtain intense luminescence from terbium(III) species. We have developed a novel photosensitizing system in which terbium(III) ion is hybridized with the ionic nanosphere, a class of spherical ion-exchange resins with a diameter of <300 nm. Terbium(III)-doped ionic nanospheres successfully exhibited obvious green luminescence upon the photoexcitation of the nanosphere at 260 nm. The terbium(III)–nanosphere hybrids can be prepared by a simple methodology, and sample conditions are controllable facilely.
Do Regional Investment Preferences Affect Corporate Stock Price Crash Risk? Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Wang Junkai , Qi Baolei , Hossain Muhammad Istiaque , Geng Haipeng , Muhammad Jameel Hussain
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the influence of regional investment preferences on corporate stock price crash risk. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2006 to 2020, we find that companies located in regions with stronger investment preferences experience a lower risk of stock price crash. The analysis shows that regional investment preferences can reduce companies’ excessive investment behavior and speculative accounting practices, eventually reducing the stock price crash risk. Subsequent research reveals that stringent internal controls and external supervision can mitigate the impact of regional investment preferences on the likelihood of a company experiencing a stock price crash.
Development of a Machine Learning Modeling Tool for Predicting HIV Incidence Using Public Health Data From a County in the Southern United States
Authors: Saldana Carlos S , Burkhardt Elizabeth , Pennisi Alfred , Oliver Kirsten , Olmstead John , Holland David P , Gettings Jenna , Mauck Daniel , Austin David , Wortley Pascale , Ochoa Karla V Saldana
Published: February 2024

Background

Advancements in machine learning (ML) have improved the accuracy of models that predict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence. These models have used electronic medical records and registries. We aim to broaden the application of these tools by using deidentified public health datasets for notifiable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from a southern US county known for high HIV incidence. The goal is to assess the feasibility and accuracy of ML in predicting HIV incidence, which could inform and enhance public health interventions.

Methods

We analyzed 2 deidentified public health datasets from January 2010 to December 2021, focusing on notifiable STIs. Our process involved data processing and feature extraction, including sociodemographic factors, STI cases, and social vulnerability index (SVI) metrics. Various ML models were trained and evaluated for predicting HIV incidence using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.

Results

We included 85 224 individuals; 2027 (2.37%) were newly diagnosed with HIV during the study period. The ML models demonstrated high performance in predicting HIV incidence among males and females. Influential features for males included age at STI diagnosis, previous STI information, provider type, and SVI. For females, predictive features included age, ethnicity, previous STI information, overall SVI, and race.

Conclusions

The high accuracy of our ML models in predicting HIV incidence highlights the potential of using public health datasets for public health interventions such as tailored HIV testing and prevention. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to translate these models into practical public health applications.
Same, same, but different: dissimilarities in the hydrothermal germination performance of range-restricted endemics emerge despite microclimatic similarities
Authors: Rajapakshe Rajapakshe P V G S W , Tomlinson Sean , Tudor Emily P , Turner Shane R , Elliott Carole P , Lewandrowski Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

Seed germination responses for most narrow-range endemic species are poorly understood, imperilling their conservation management in the face of warming and drying terrestrial ecosystems. We quantified the realized microclimatic niches and the hydrothermal germination thresholds in four threatened taxa (Tetratheca erubescens, Tetratheca harperi, Tetratheca paynterae subsp. paynterae and Tetratheca aphylla subsp. aphylla) that are restricted to individual Banded Ironstone Formations in Western Australia. While T. aphylla subsp. aphylla largely failed to germinate in our trials, all other species demonstrated extended hydrothermal time accumulation (186–500°C MPa days), cool minimum temperatures (7.8–8.5°C), but broad base water potential thresholds (−2.46 to −5.41 MPa) under which germination occurred. These slow germination dynamics are suggestive of cool and wet winter months, where soil moisture is retained to a greater capacity in local microsites where these species occur, rather than the warmer and drier conditions in the surrounding arid environment. Hydrothermal time-to-event modelling showed that each species occupied unique hydrothermal germination niches, which correspond with the microclimatic differences the species are exposed to. Our results provide a baseline understanding for environmental and germination thresholds that govern the recruitment, and ultimately the population structure and persistence, of these short-range endemic plants. In addition, our results can aid future conservation, as well as restoration actions such as translocation to bolster population numbers and to mitigate against losses due to anthropogenic disturbance and global environmental change.
Decreasing microtubule detyrosination modulates Nav1.5 subcellular distribution and restores sodium current in mdx cardiomyocytes
Authors: Nasilli Giovanna , de Waal Tanja M , Marchal Gerard A , Bertoli Giorgia , Veldkamp Marieke W , Rothenberg Eli , Casini Simona , Remme Carol Ann
Published: February 2024

Aims

The microtubule (MT) network plays a major role in the transport of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 to the membrane, where the latter associates with interacting proteins such as dystrophin. Alterations in MT dynamics are known to impact on ion channel trafficking. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by dystrophin deficiency, is associated with an increase in MT detyrosination, decreased sodium current (INa), and arrhythmias. Parthenolide (PTL), a compound that decreases MT detyrosination, has shown beneficial effects on cardiac function in DMD. We here investigated its impact on INa and Nav1.5 subcellular distribution.

Methods and results

Ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs) from wild-type (WT) and mdx (DMD) mice were incubated with either 10 µM PTL, 20 µM EpoY, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 3–5 h, followed by patch-clamp analysis to assess INa and action potential (AP) characteristics in addition to immunofluorescence and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to investigate MT detyrosination and Nav1.5 cluster size and density, respectively. In accordance with previous studies, we observed increased MT detyrosination, decreased INa and reduced AP upstroke velocity (Vmax) in mdx CMs compared to WT. PTL decreased MT detyrosination and significantly increased INa magnitude (without affecting INa gating properties) and AP Vmax in mdx CMs, but had no effect in WT CMs. Moreover, STORM analysis showed that in mdx CMs, Nav1.5 clusters were decreased not only in the grooves of the lateral membrane (LM; where dystrophin is localized) but also at the LM crests. PTL restored Nav1.5 clusters at the LM crests (but not at the grooves), indicating a dystrophin-independent trafficking route to this subcellular domain. Interestingly, Nav1.5 cluster density was also reduced at the intercalated disc (ID) region of mdx CMs, which was restored to WT levels by PTL. Treatment of mdx CMs with EpoY, a specific MT detyrosination inhibitor, also increased INa density, while decreasing the amount of detyrosinated MTs, confirming a direct mechanistic link.

Conclusion

Attenuating MT detyrosination in mdx CMs restored INa and enhanced Nav1.5 localization at the LM crest and ID. Hence, the reduced whole-cell INa density characteristic of mdx CMs is not only the consequence of the lack of dystrophin within the LM grooves but is also due to reduced Nav1.5 at the LM crest and ID secondary to increased baseline MT detyrosination. Overall, our findings identify MT detyrosination as a potential therapeutic target for modulating INa and subcellular Nav1.5 distribution in pathophysiological conditions.
Octreotide’s role in the management of post-esophagectomy chylothorax
Authors: Deboever Nathaniel , Feldman Hope , Eisenberg Michael , Antonoff Mara B , Mehran Reza J , Rajaram Ravi , Rice David C , Roth Jack A , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G , Vaporciyan Ara A , Walsh Garrett L , Hofstetter Wayne L
Published: February 2024

The use of octreotide in managing intrathoracic chyle leak following esophagectomy has gained popularity in the adult population. While the benefits of octreotide have been confirmed in the pediatric population, there remains limited evidence to support its use in the adults post-esophagectomy. Thus, we performed a single-institution cohort study to characterize its efficacy. The study was performed using a prospective, single-center database, from which clinicopathologic characteristics were extracted of patients who had post-esophagectomy chyle leaks. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the effect of octreotide use on chest tube duration (CTD), hospital length of stay (LOS), and overall survival (OS). In our cohort, 74 patients met inclusion criteria, among whom 27 (36.5%) received octreotide. Kaplan–Meier revealed no significant effect of octreotide on CTD (P = 0.890), LOS (P = 0.740), or OS (P = 0.570). Multivariable Cox regression analyses further corroborated that octreotide had no effect on CTD (HR = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–1.20, P = 0.155), LOS (HR = 0.64, CI: 0.34–1.21, P = 0.168), or OS (1.08, CI: 0.53–2.19, P = 0.833). Octreotide use in adult patients with chyle leak following esophagectomy lacks evidence of association with meaningful clinical outcomes. Level 1 evidence is needed prior to further consideration in this population.
Papillary muscle rupture without severe mitral regurgitation following percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy: a case report
Authors: Rossignon Pierre , Morra Sofia , de Hemptinne Quentin , de Cannière Didier , Unger Philippe
Published: February 2024

Background

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) is the first-line therapy of clinically significant rheumatic mitral stenosis. While the procedure is generally safe, new onset or aggravation of mitral regurgitation (MR) may occur, mainly due to commissural splitting and, less frequently, to leaflet tear and chordal rupture. Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is exceedingly rare in this setting.

Case summary

A 74-year-old woman with a history of aortic valve replacement and prior rheumatic mitral commissurotomy presented for worsening exercise intolerance and exertional dyspnoea. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mean pressure gradient of 10 mmHg and a mitral valve area of 1.0 cm², consistent with clinically significant mitral stenosis. Subsequent PTMC was complicated by anterolateral PMR. However, the resulting MR was unexpectedly only of mild-to-moderate severity. Because of residual mitral stenosis and persisting symptoms, surgical mechanical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed 6 weeks after PTMC. Papillary muscle rupture was confirmed during surgery.

Discussion

We herein describe the occurrence of PMR induced by PTMC; the resulting MR was unexpectedly of mild-to-moderate severity, as a result of extensive rheumatic lesions limiting valve mobility. This case challenges the dogma according to which PMR invariably leads to severe MR. This might not be necessarily the case when it occurs following PTMC.
Regional excess mortality in France during COVID-19 pandemic: the first three epidemic periods (March 2020–June 2021)
Authors: Faisant Marlène , Vincent Nicolas , Hubert Bruno , Le Tertre Alain
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to describe the mortality excess during the three first epidemic periods of COVID-19 in all regions of France.

Methods

Two complementary approaches were implemented. First, we described the number of death of patients infected with or diagnosed with COVID-19 in health care (HC) and medico-social (MS) institutions. Then, we estimated general all-cause mortality excess (all ages) by comparing the mortality observed with the expected mortality. We used a daily number of death model according to a negative binomial distribution, as a function of the long-term trend in mortality (penalized spline function of time) and its seasonal variation (cyclic spline function). The model provided expected mortality during epidemic periods with a 95% credibility interval. Each region defined three epidemic periods, including the overseas territories.

Results

The two approaches were consistent in the most affected regions but there are major regional disparities that vary according to the epidemic period. There is an east–west gradient in the relative excess of deaths from all-causes during each epidemic period. The deaths observed in HC and MS institutions alone do not explain the excess (or deficit) of mortality in each region and epidemic period.

Conclusion

An analysis by age group according to the two approaches and a comparison of death specific causes could provide a better understanding of these differences. Electronic death registration system (mortality by medical causes) would allow a rapid mortality related estimation to an emerging pathology like Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) but is still insufficient for real-time medical causes of death monitoring.
Carotid Body Function in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Conditional Olfr78 Knockout Mice
Authors: Colinas Olalla , Mombaerts Peter , López-Barneo José , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia
Published: February 2024

The Olfr78 gene encodes a G-protein-coupled olfactory receptor that is expressed in several ectopic sites. Olfr78 is one of the most abundant mRNA species in carotid body (CB) glomus cells. These cells are the prototypical oxygen (O2) sensitive arterial chemoreceptors, which, in response to lowered O2 tension (hypoxia), activate the respiratory centers to induce hyperventilation. It has been proposed that Olfr78 is a lactate receptor and that glomus cell activation by the increase in blood lactate mediates the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). However, this proposal has been challenged by several groups showing that Olfr78 is not a physiologically relevant lactate receptor and that the O2-based regulation of breathing is not affected in constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice. In another study, constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice were reported to have altered systemic and CB responses to mild hypoxia. To further characterize the functional role of Olfr78 in CB glomus cells, we here generated a conditional Olfr78 knockout mouse strain and then restricted the knockout to glomus cells and other catecholaminergic cells by crossing with a tyrosine hydroxylase-specific Cre driver strain (TH-Olfr78 KO mice). We find that TH-Olfr78 KO mice have a normal HVR. Interestingly, glomus cells of TH-Olfr78 KO mice exhibit molecular and electrophysiological alterations as well as a reduced dopamine content in secretory vesicles and neurosecretory activity. These functional characteristics resemble those of CB neuroblasts in wild-type mice. We suggest that, although Olfr78 is not essential for CB O2 sensing, activation of Olfr78-dependent pathways is required for maturation of glomus cells.
Feedback System Analysis of a Multicomponent Intervention on Dyads of Home-Dwelling Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers: Results From the LIVE@Home.Path Trial
Authors: Vislapuu Maarja , Patrascu Monica , Allore Heather , Husebo Bettina S , Kjerstad Egil , Gedde Marie H , Berge Line I
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Proper symptom management, informal caregiver support, and service innovation are required to reduce dementia care burden. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the multicomponent LIVE (Learning, Innovation, Volunteering, Empowerment) intervention on caregiver experience of the self-perceived care situation, coordinator performance, and informal care time.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a 24-month multicomponent, stepped-wedge randomized control trial including dyads of people ≥65 years with mild-to-moderate dementia with minimum weekly contact with their informal caregivers in Norway. The intervention was implemented by municipal coordinators over a 6-month period. This study investigates the first 6-month period (September 2019–March 2020) of the trial, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Primary outcomes are changes in provision of informal care time assessed by Resource Utilization in Dementia Care (RUD) and informal caregiver experience assessed by the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). We use logistic regression and feedback system analysis to assess the reach of the multicomponent intervention.

Results

A total of 280 dyads were included at baseline, mean age of the person with dementia was 81.8 years, and 62.5% were female. After 6 months, the feedback system analysis reveals that the caregivers randomized to the intervention period reported improved caregiver situation (CGIG-T: intervention 0.63 (SD 2.4) vs control −0.43 (SD 1.7), p < .01), even though informal care time for activities of daily living was not reduced (p = .31). Informal caregivers registered a positive change for the Learning, Innovation, and Empowerment components, while no change was found for Volunteer support.

Discussion and Implications

Findings illustrate the usefulness of dementia care coordinators that provide regular follow-up. We also show that complex intervention studies benefit from applying feedback system analysis. Meeting the needs of persons with dementia and their caregivers is a complex process that requires coordinated input from health services and user communities.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT04043364
Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants to the United States
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B , Zahodne Laura B , Ajrouch Kristine J , Dallo Florence J
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Modifiable risk factors across the life course play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Studies have identified racial and ethnic disparities in ADRD risk factors. Few studies have explored the epidemiology of ADRD risk among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans, largely due to their classification as White in US national health surveys. Our aim was to estimate ADRD risk factors among MENA immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White adults.

Research Design and Methods

We linked cross-sectional 2000–2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (N = 108 695; age ≥ 18 years). Modifiable risk factors for ADRD that were evaluated (yes or no) included less than ninth grade education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, alcohol use, obesity, smoking, depressive symptoms, marital status, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. Regression models were adjusted by age and sex.

Results

Compared to US-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of reporting less than 9th grade education (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.17–3.21) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.06–1.56). Compared to foreign-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of diabetes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.06–2.08) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01–1.54).

Discussion and Implications

The findings provide the first comprehensive look at potentially modifiable risk factors for ADRD among MENA immigrants based on a life course model. Without a racial/ethnic identifier for MENA individuals on a national level, ADRD risk factors among US-born MENA adults and MENA immigrants cannot be examined. More research is needed to explore these risk factors by life stage (early, midlife, and late) to further determine ADRD risk and prevention strategies for MENA Americans.
Transfer learning model for estimating site amplification factors from limited microtremor H/V spectral ratios
Authors: Pan Da , Miura Hiroyuki , Kwan Chiman
Published: February 2024

Site amplification factors (SAFs) of seismic ground motions are essential in evaluating and estimating seismic hazards. In our previous study, the authors proposed a simple and cost-effective method to estimate a SAF based on a deep neural network (DNN) model and microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (MHVR). Since the previous DNN model was based on the observed SAFs and MHVRs within a limited district in Japan, the applicability of the previous model to non-source regions with different site conditions was limited. This study explored the application of a transfer learning (TL) technique to adapt an existing (pre-trained) DNN model to new regions and a different database. The SAFs obtained through generalized spectral inversion technique (GIT) at the seismic observation stations (K-NET and KiK-net) in Japan were collated as the ground truth for site effects. MHVRs recorded at the stations in several districts of Japan were collected to construct a data set for the development of the TL model. Subsequently, a TL model was constructed, leveraging the neural network layers and their weights from the pre-trained model while incorporating additional neural network layers to enhance the performance. During the training process, a total data set of 112 sites was divided into training set, validation set, and external test set by 1:1:5. Utilizing a cross-validation strategy, the residuals between pSAFs (pseudo-SAFs) estimated by the TL model and the observed SAFs were analysed for the external test set containing 80 sites. The results showed that the TL model outperformed the pre-trained DNN model. The cross-validation results demonstrated that almost consistent prediction results were obtained regardless of any combination of 16 sites selected as the training set. Furthermore, by contrasting the influence of varying training set sizes on the performance of the TL model and comparing the TL model to a DNN model with an extended training set, the effectiveness of constructing the model with the limited number of data (16 sites) was ascertained. Finally, the effectiveness and limitations of the TL model were evaluated using MHVRs with peak frequencies falling outside the training set's range.
Public awareness of war on diabetes campaign and its association with behavioural outcomes
Authors: Sambasivam Rajeswari , Abdin Edimansyah , AshaRani P V , Roystonn Kumarasan , Devi Fiona , Wang Peizhi , Lee Eng Sing , Sum Chee Fang , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: February 2024

The War on Diabetes campaign was launched in 2016, encouraging Singapore residents to engage in regular exercise, adopt healthy dietary habits and screen for early detection of diabetes. This study aims to examine campaign awareness and its associations with sedentary behaviour, dietary habits and identifying diabetes. Data were obtained from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore. A total of 2895 participants responded to a single question assessing campaign awareness. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet screener assessed dietary habits, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) measured sedentary behaviour. Recognition of diabetes was established using a vignette depicting a person with diabetes mellitus. Logistic and linear regression models were used to measure the associations. Most participants were 18- to 34-years old (29.9%) and females (51.6%). About 57.4% identified the campaign. Campaign awareness exhibited positive associations with identifying diabetes based on the vignette [odds ratio (OR): 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.2; P = 0.022], lower odds of sedentary behaviour ≥7 h/day (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5–0.9; P = 0.018) and higher DASH scores (β = 1.3; P < 0.001). The study recognized early significant associations between the behavioural outcomes and the campaign, emphasizing the need for ongoing campaign sustainability and evaluation of its long-term impact on population health.
cla-miR164-NO APICAL MERISTEM (ClNAM) regulates the inflorescence architecture development of Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium
Authors: Li Junzhuo , Wen Xiaohui , Zhang Qiuling , Tian Yuankai , Pu Ya , Wang Jiaying , Liu Bo , Du Yihan , Dai Silan
Published: February 2024

Chrysanthemum × morifolium has great ornamental and economic value on account of its exquisite capitulum. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the corolla morphology of the capitulum. Such an approach cannot explain the variable inflorescence architecture of the chrysanthemum. Previous research from our group has shown that NO APICAL MERISTEM (ClNAM) is likely to function as a hub gene in capitulum architecture in the early development stage. In the present study, ClNAM was used to investigate the function of these boundary genes in the capitulum architecture of Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium, a closely related species of C. × morifolium in the genus. Modification of ClNAM in C. lavandulifolium resulted in an advanced initiation of the floral primordium at the capitulum. As a result, the receptacle morphology was altered and the number of florets decreased. The ray floret corolla was shortened, but the disc floret was elongated. The number of capitula increased significantly, arranged in more densely compounded corymbose synflorescences. The yeast and luciferase reporter system revealed that ClAP1, ClRCD2, and ClLBD18 target and activate ClNAM. Subsequently, ClNAM targets and activates ClCUC2a/c, which regulates the initiation of floral and inflorescence in C. lavandulifolium. ClNAM was also targeted and cleaved by cla-miR164 in this process. In conclusion, this study established a boundary gene regulatory network with cla-miR164-ClNAM as the hub. This network not only influences the architecture of capitulum, but also affects compound corymbose synflorescences of the C. lavandulifolium. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating inflorescence architecture in chrysanthemum.
Engineered dsRNA–protein nanoparticles for effective systemic gene silencing in plants
Authors: Sun Huayu , Kalluri Ankarao , Tang Dan , Ding Jingwen , Zhai Longmei , Gu Xianbin , Li Yanjun , Yer Huseyin , Yang Xiaohan , Tuskan Gerald A , Deng Zhanao , Gmitter Jr Frederick G , Duan Hui , Kumar Challa , Li Yi
Published: February 2024

Long-distance transport or systemic silencing effects of exogenous biologically active RNA molecules in higher plants have not been reported. Here, we report that cationized bovine serum albumin (cBSA) avidly binds double-stranded beta-glucuronidase RNA (dsGUS RNA) to form nucleic acid–protein nanocomplexes. In our experiments with tobacco and poplar plants, we have successfully demonstrated systemic gene silencing effects of cBSA/dsGUS RNA nanocomplexes when we locally applied the nanocomplexes from the basal ends of leaf petioles or shoots. We have further demonstrated that the cBSA/dsGUS RNA nanocomplexes are highly effective in silencing both the conditionally inducible DR5-GUS gene and the constitutively active 35S-GUS gene in leaf, shoot, and shoot meristem tissues. This cBSA/dsRNA delivery technology may provide a convenient, fast, and inexpensive tool for characterizing gene functions in plants and potentially for in planta gene editing.