bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the path planning integrated with multi-steer modes for heavy reconfigurable unit
Authors: Ma Minghao , Ni Jun , Cen Hangjie , Yang Xu
Published: October 2024

Heavy reconfigurable units (HRUs) can form the heavy transportation vehicular platform (HTVP) to perform transportation for large equipment, by combining with each other. With all-wheel-independent-steered, the HRU can realize multi-steer modes (MSMs) such as Ackermann steer mode (ASM), diagonal steering mode (DSM), and zero radius steer mode (ZSM). However, with heavy weight and long wheelbase, the HRU’s mobility is poor if it only employs ASM. Therefore, this paper proposes a hierarchical path planning architecture, realizing path planning integrated with the above steer modes. This architecture includes the MSMs behaviors planning layer (upper layer) and smooth path planning layer (low layer). Firstly, this paper innovative proposes the MSM graph-based search algorithm in the upper layer, which extends nodes through graph-based searching on the grid map considering MSMs information. Then, the upper layer generates MSMs nodes sequence considering improved cost function for MSMs. Secondly, smooth path planning methods for the MSMs are respectively applied to the ASM sequence, DSM sequence, and ZSM sequence. Comparative simulations are shown as results based on measured parameters from real HRU. The results from the proposed method have the lowest or one of the lowest time cost compared with pure ASM planner and special steer modes planner used in the simulations. The maximum optimization rate can reach 10% or more.
Lightweighting an automotive fuel tank through formability analysis
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Digavalli Ravi Kumar
Published: October 2024

For lightweighting automotive sheet metal parts, it is important to use the right grade/material with the minimum possible initial blank thickness in the forming processes. Fuel tank is one of the most critical sheet metal parts in automobiles due to its complex shape and large depth. In this work, a simulation-based approach has been employed to study the feasibility of lightweighting an automotive fuel tank (for two wheelers) by reducing blank thickness and changing steel grade. Formability analysis has been carried out using numerical simulations of a 0.8 mm thick sheet of Extra Deep Drawing (EDD) steel which is being used to manufacture the fuel tanks. Simulations have been performed to find out the minimum initial sheet thickness which can be formed successfully without failure or excessive thinning. From the predictions of formability, thinning, and strain distributions in the formed parts, it has been found that the weight of the part can be reduced by 12.5% by reducing the initial thickness from 0.80 to 0.70 mm. To reduce the thickness further, simulations have also been carried out by changing the grade from EDD steel to Interstitial Free (IF) steel which has superior drawability than EDD steel. It has been found that the blank thickness can be further reduced to 0.65 mm in the case of IF steel which is expected to result in 19.0% reduction in the weight of the component. The predictions have been validated by the actual press trials in the industry with reduced sheet thickness. The predicted strain distribution and thinning in the formed parts have also been validated with the experimental press trails. In addition to the weight reduction, the proposed change in thickness and grade would lead to a reduction of 16.5% and 4.0%, respectively, in the raw material cost of the fuel tank.
Lightweight image denoising method for feature-based visual SLAM in γ radiation environments
Authors: Wang Hai , Deng Hao , Zhang Hua
Published: October 2024

In the γ radiation environments, high-energy photons impact image sensor pixels and induce speckle noise in the scene image, which influences the accuracy of feature detection and matching in the visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms. To mitigate these effects, this paper presents a lightweight image denoising method based on super-neighborhood down-sampling. Firstly, the super-neighborhood down-sampling strategy is used to split the speckle noise in the camera images into isolated point noises in the sub-image sets. Secondly, these isolated flickering point noises are removed by the detection-based median filter. Finally, the denoised scene image is reconstructed by the super-neighborhood up-sampling. Extensive experiments were performed on the radiation environment datasets that were captured by the camera inside the Cobalt-60 hot cell. The results show that the proposed method can effectively filter out the speckle radiation noise induced by γ rays, significantly improve the quality of features and feature matching rate, and improve the performance of ORB-SLAM3, the state-of-the-art feature-based SLAM algorithm, in radiation environments.
Ritual Child Homicide in Contemporary Africa: A Systematic Review of the Empirical Literature
Authors: Owusu Emmanuel Sarpong
Published: October 2024

Ritual child homicide, the killing of children for ritual or occult purposes, is a phenomenon that occurs in many African countries. Prior to the 21st century, very little, if any, criminological analysis of ritual paedicide in African settings existed. However, research on ritual child homicide has increased in recent years, leading to greater knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon. The present study sought to consolidate and synthesize information on ritual child homicide in African communities to facilitate a better appreciation of the phenomenon. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a comprehensive search for empirical studies on ritual paedicide in African settings, spanning the years 2000 to 2022, was conducted across four databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Journal Storage, and Google Scholar. A total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria and were diligently appraised. The review shows that most ritual paedicide victims are from families of low socioeconomic backgrounds in rural communities. A ritual paedicide typically involves multiple culprits. The actual perpetrators (i.e., body hunters or murderers) are predominantly males of low socioeconomic status, motivated largely by monetary gain. To combat the phenomenon, economic improvement, the promotion of formal and public education, formal regulation of the activities of traditional healers/spiritualists, and the strengthening of the criminal justice system are recommended.
A nonlinear model predictive control for air suspension of hub motor electric vehicle based on hybrid H2/H∞ state estimation
Authors: Li Zhongxing , Yu Yi , Zhou Ying
Published: October 2024

To alleviate the vibration from the road irregularities and the unbalanced electromagnetic forces (UEFs), deteriorating the dynamic performance of hub motor electric vehicles (HM-EVs), a novel nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is proposed based on a hybrid H2/H ∞ filtering algorithm for the HM-EVs with air suspension (HM-AS). The dynamic HM-AS model involves the electric vehicle’s longitudinal, lateral, and vertical motion. The air suspension system between the body and the hub motor enhances ride quality and insulates the oscillation delivered to the vehicle body. Then, the dynamic HM-AS model is validated by the actual vehicle test, and the proposed filter is developed to obtain the vehicle states. Besides, the NMPC controller guarantees the dynamic performance of HM-AS by intervening in vehicle attitude, road-holding stability, motor safety, and ride comfort. Finally, compared with the application of PID and MPC, the efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated based on several random road scenarios. The results indicate the proposed algorithm can alleviate the dynamic performance of HM-AS and reduce motor vibration.
Behind the screen: The perception–reality gap in cybersexual harassment between remote coworkers
Authors: Navick Nitzan , Mazur Allison P , Gibbs Jennifer L
Published: October 2024

This study examines the perception–reality gap regarding the influence of technological affordances on cybersexual harassment (CSH) between remote workers. While previous research has recognized the existence of gender stereotypes and discrimination in online spaces, little attention has been given to how technological affordances impact—or are perceived to impact—incidents of CSH. By employing a theoretical framework of technological affordances, this study reveals that users often perceive affordances differently from how they utilize them, indicating a misalignment between perception and behavior. Our analysis of interviews with 30 remote knowledge workers extends affordances theory by showing that affordances are not always applied in the ways they are perceived, and that power dynamics and structural inequalities outweigh technological affordances in shaping reporting behaviors. Addressing this perception–reality gap is crucial for developing interventions and policies that accurately reflect the realities of CSH experiences and promote a safe online work environment.
“Moving choice to center stage” in the relationship between the self and offending: Integrating symbolic interactionism and rational choice
Authors: O’Neill Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Symbolic interactionism (SI) and rational choice (RC) can inform two parts of one process in which an individual's self guides their choice to offend. Building on the work of others who have referenced their theoretical compatibility, I draw explicit connections between the key concepts of each perspective to propose an integrated framework for examining variation in offending both between- and within-persons. The framework proposes a process by which individuals hold several structured role-identities that inform expectations of the risks, costs, and rewards of offending, and together these role-identities comprise a core self that influences the degree to which one weighs these expectations (preferences) in behavioral decisions. Further development of this integrated model can advance empirical tests of SI and RC.
Tunable spectral properties of PVB/WS2 impregnated fabrics in VIS, IR and RF part of the EMS
Authors: Samolov Aleksandra , Pijević Darko , Knežević Dragan , Mišković Katarina , Sirovatka Radoslav , Bajić Danica
Published: October 2024

The application of nanomodified polymer impregnation on knitted polyester fabrics was studied to improve camouflage characteristics in VIS, IR, and RF domains to enhance multispectral camouflage protection. Nanoparticles of tungsten disulfide (WS2) were dispersed in an ethanol solution of poly (vinyl butyral) (PVB) and applied as a thin impregnation on polyester fabrics already dyed in camouflage shades. A reference sample impregnated only with PVB, without WS2, was also prepared in the same way. Parallel to the impregnated fabrics, a neat knitted polyester textile sample was submitted to all the examination methods. Diffuse reflection, specular gloss, and color coordinates were measured for all the samples. Moreover, the samples were observed using IR thermography in medium and long-wavelength infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The best suppression (≥20%) in the IR range of EMS was achieved for the dark green shade sample by applying PVB alone and/or adding PVB/ WS2. RF domain measurement analysis of how impregnated fabrics influence effective Radar Cross Section (RCS), K band radar was used, with the measurements done in terrain conditions. The decrease of the mean RCS value between 11% and 41% was achieved. The obtained results indicate that the addition of WS2 has a positive effect on the observed characteristics and that there is a possibility of using this newly impregnated knitwear in the wider area of the EMS as a camouflage material.
Routine Use of Indwelling Urinary Catheters During Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair is Not Necessary
Authors: Simone Avital , Carmon Lauren , Rao Priya , Cichocki Meghan , Yuan Karen , Blecha Matthew , Bechara Carlos F. , Soult Michael C.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Endovascular infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has proven to be an effective, less invasive alternative to open aortic aneurysm repair with decreased 30-day mortality. Historically, urinary drainage catheters were routinely placed preoperatively before EVAR in our institution. A shift to reduced catheter placement has occurred in conjunction with percutaneous EVARs becoming more routine. Urethral catheterization carries risk of infection (UTI), urinary retention and prostatic trauma inducing hematuria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether avoidance of urinary catheter placement during EVAR is an effective practice to reduce cost and morbidity.

Methods

This was a single-institution, retrospective review of 177 consecutive patients who underwent elective infrarenal EVAR. Ruptured aneurysms and emergent EVAR were excluded. The study end points were postoperative UTI, urinary retention, length of stay, and readmission within 30 days. Univariable analysis was performed for these four outcomes in patients with (N = 92 and without (N = 65) preoperative urinary catheter placement. A more expansive multivariable investigation for risk of urinary retention following EVAR was conducted with binary logistic regression with co-variates including age, sex, femoral cutdown, estimated blood loss (EBL), urinary catheter, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and postoperative urinary retention as co-variates.

Results

Patients who had a Urinary catheter placed had an over two fold higher event rate of urinary retention (10.9% vs 4.6%) This urinary retention trend lacked power to reach significance (OR 2.52 (.665-9.55). Placement of urinary catheter also had a strong trend towards increased rate of UTI but lacking power for significance (7.6% vs 3.10%, OR 1.96 (.556-6.57). There was no difference with or without urinary catheter placement regarding 30-day readmission (yes catheter 7.6% vs no catheter 6.2%, P = .725), or length of stay (yes catheter 2.13 days vs no catheter 1.74 days, P = .723). Urinary retention was significantly associated with the development of a UTI with 23% of patients who had retention developing UTI compared with 4.2% of patients without retention developing UTI (adjusted odds ratio = 17.98, P = .019). Increased blood loss ( P = .027) was also associated with increased rate of UTI on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Avoidance of preoperative urinary catheter placement displays a trend towards avoiding urinary retention and UTI. Patients who develop post EVAR urinary retention experience a significantly increased rate of UTI. Selective urinary catheter placement should be used to help reduce urinary-related complications following elective EVAR.
Promoting leadership for learning in Nigeria: The interplay of leadership mastery experience and leader self-efficacy
Authors: Ugwuanyi Christian S , Pietsch Marcus
Published: October 2024

Leadership for learning has emerged as a holistic leadership behaviour that combines aspects of instructional leadership, transformational leadership and shared leadership. Little is known about how this type of leadership develops and what antecedents are important. Following the rationales of Social Cognitive (Career) Theory and applying Chan and Drasgow's leader development model, we examine how leadership mastery experience and leader self-efficacy affect leadership for learning in Nigerian schools. We divide leaders’ self-efficacy into the belief that they have the necessary skills and abilities to be successful as leaders (leader self-regulatory self-efficacy) and the belief that the actions they take as leaders will have the desired effect (leader action self-efficacy). Using structural equation modelling, our results show that both leadership mastery experience and leader self-efficacy are relevant antecedents of leadership for learning, with self-efficacy mediating the effects of experience on leadership. Our results suggest efficiency–performance spirals and illustrate how important it is for the enactment of leadership for learning to believe in one's ability to competently perform various critical leadership actions.
‘The most stressful thing…was never the content, really’: The emotional impact PICS practitioners experience during consultation and formulation
Authors: Groome Eve , Blinkhorn Victoria , Kewley Stephanie , Forshaw Mark , Petalas Michael , McGuirk Lisa-Jo
Published: October 2024

The Psychologically Informed Consultation Service (PICS), based in Merseyside and Cheshire, aims to help Probation Practitioners develop a psychological understanding of people on probation who are assessed as high risk and have been reported to have personality disorder traits. A role of high importance and benefit, but one that also sometimes involves exposure to highly emotive content. It is vital to consider PICS Practitioners’ emotional wellbeing. This research aims to explore the emotional impact PICS Practitioners experience during the consultation and formulation processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven PICS Practitioners and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data. Five Experiential Themes were identified: Changes within PICS impacted Practitioners’ experiences of the role; advantages and disadvantages to being a removed service; high workload having negative impact on consultation and formulation process; emotional impact of the role; and an overall sense of gratitude for the role and appreciating its purpose.
(S)Tumbling Blocks: Making Sense of and Creating a Model for Mental Blocks in Sport
Authors: Butterbaugh Nicole , Barrett Ashley K. , Browning Blair
Published: October 2024

The yips are a complex phenomenon that leaves athletes unable to perform previously mastered athletic skills. Here, we coin the term athletic skills mental blocks (ASMBs) to collectively define the phenomenon, which has garnered several terms across scholarship and media outlets. Previous ASMBs literature is often post-positivist in nature, offers minimal insight into complex firsthand experiences, includes small sample sizes, and/or analyzes one or two sports. Through a pilot study of 12 tumbling athletes, and a primary study including 16 collegiate and professional athletes and coaches from baseball, golf, and tumbling, this study offers an in-depth understanding of ASMBs that highlights shared ASMB rationalizations across multiple sports. Guided by sensemaking theory, we use a rigorous thematic analysis to draw out themes within four aspects of the experience: phenomenon, perceived causes, strategies to overcome, and consequences. We highlight the role communication plays in ASMBs sensemaking through revealing the importance of internal dialogue and communication with coach, family, and teammates. We offer theoretical implications by illuminating how naming/labeling processes and identity are vital components to ASMB sensemaking and generating an ASMB sensemaking model that can be used in future research. Practically, this research serves sports organizations by expanding the vocabulary surrounding ASMBs and helps destigmatize the mental health complexities inherent in ASMBs across sports.
Factors affecting the outcomes of in vitro fertilization in women with endometriosis: Preliminary data from Vietnam
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Tran Giang Ngoc Ha , Nguyen Quoc Huy Vu
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with endometriosis and identify related factors that may influence treatment outcomes.

Methods:

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between November 2018 and November 2022. The study group comprised individuals who were diagnosed with endometriosis (endometrioma and/or adenomyosis) indicated for in vitro fertilization. The control group (129 patients with 249 cycles), which included patients without endometriosis and had an equivalent mean age as the study group patients.

Results:

In the endometriosis group, the quantities of retrieved oocytes and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) were reduced compared to the control group. The overall dose of gonadotropin and the duration of ovarian stimulation were significantly higher than the control group. The endometriosis group exhibited a Metaphase II (MII) oocyte rate of 82.3% and an oocyte fertilization rate of 82.2%. However, in patients with endometriosis, the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy were significantly lower than in patients without endometriosis. Besides, the clinical pregnancy rate of women with endometriosis was remarkably higher in the groups with maternal age ⩽35 years, a ratio of Follicle-stimulating Hormone to Luteinizing Hormone (FSH/LH) ⩽1.5, and over 10 retrieved oocytes.

Conclusion:

Endometriosis was associated with a decreased rate of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy after in vitro fertilization treatment compared with patients without endometriosis. In vitro fertilization outcomes in patients with endometriosis were influenced by maternal age ⩽35 years, FSH/LH ratio ⩽1.5, and number of retrieved oocytes over 10.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Its Relation to Mirtazapine: A Case Report
Authors: Oyejide Kafayat O. , Miller Michael
Published: October 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and Restless legs syndrome (RLS) present complex clinical challenges, often coexisting and complicating treatment strategies. While the relationship between MDD and RLS remains somewhat elusive, emerging evidence suggests a potential interplay between antidepressant medications and the worsening of RLS symptoms. This case report illuminates an instance where mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant commonly used in MDD, precipitated a resurgence of RLS symptoms in a patient with a previously controlled presentation.
Resolution of tuberculosis blood RNA signatures fails to discriminate persistent sputum culture positivity after 8 weeks of anti-tuberculous treatment
Authors: Calderwood Claire J. , Sanchez Martinez Alvaro , Greenan-Barrett James , Turner Carolin T. , Oguti Blanché , Roe Jennifer K. , Gupta Rishi , Martineau Adrian R. , Noursadeghi Mahdad
Published: October 2024

Background

Concerted efforts aim to reduce the burden of 6 months of anti-tuberculous treatment for tuberculosis (TB). Treatment cessation at 8 weeks is effective for most but incurs increased risk of disease relapse. We tested the hypothesis that blood RNA signatures or C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements discriminate 8-week sputum culture status, as a prerequisite for a biomarker to stratify risk of relapse following treatment cessation at this time-point.

Methods

We identified blood RNA signatures of TB disease or cure by systematic review. We evaluated these signatures and CRP measurements in a pulmonary TB cohort, pre-treatment, at 2 and 8 weeks of treatment, and sustained cure after treatment completion. We tested biomarker discrimination of 8-week sputum culture status using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis and, secondarily, assessed correlation of biomarker scores with time to culture positivity at 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

12 blood RNA signatures were reproduced in the dataset from 44 individuals with sputum culture-positive pulmonary TB. These normalised over time from TB treatment initiation. 11 out of 44 cases with blood RNA, CRP and sputum culture results were sputum culture-positive at 8 weeks of treatment. None of the contemporary blood RNA signatures discriminated sputum culture status at this time-point or correlated with bacterial load. CRP achieved modest discrimination with AUROC 0.69 (95% CI 0.52–0.87).

Conclusions

Selected TB blood RNA signatures and CRP do not provide biomarkers of microbiological clearance to support TB treatment cessation at 8 weeks. Resolution of blood transcriptional host responses in sputum culture-positive individuals suggestsMycobacterium tuberculosismay colonise the respiratory tract without triggering a detectable immune response.
Predicting stroke occurrences: a stacked machine learning approach with feature selection and data preprocessing
Authors: Chakraborty Pritam , Bandyopadhyay Anjan , Sahu Preeti Padma , Burman Aniket , Mallik Saurav , Alsubaie Najah , Abbas Mohamed , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: October 2024

Stroke prediction remains a critical area of research in healthcare, aiming to enhance early intervention and patient care strategies. This study investigates the efficacy of machine learning techniques, particularly principal component analysis (PCA) and a stacking ensemble method, for predicting stroke occurrences based on demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. We systematically varied PCA components and implemented a stacking model comprising random forest, decision tree, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN).Our findings demonstrate that setting PCA components to 16 optimally enhanced predictive accuracy, achieving a remarkable 98.6% accuracy in stroke prediction. Evaluation metrics underscored the robustness of our approach in handling class imbalance and improving model performance, also comparative analyses against traditional machine learning algorithms such as SVM, logistic regression, and Naive Bayes highlighted the superiority of our proposed method.
Be-dataHIVE: a base editing database
Authors: Schneider Lucas , Minary Peter
Published: October 2024

Base editing is an enhanced gene editing approach that enables the precise transformation of single nucleotides and has the potential to cure rare diseases. The design process of base editors is labour-intensive and outcomes are not easily predictable. For any clinical use, base editing has to be accurate and efficient. Thus, any bystander mutations have to be minimized. In recent years, computational models to predict base editing outcomes have been developed. However, the overall robustness and performance of those models is limited. One way to improve the performance is to train models on a diverse, feature-rich, and large dataset, which does not exist for the base editing field. Hence, we develop BE-dataHIVE, a mySQL database that covers over 460,000 gRNA target combinations. The current version of BE-dataHIVE consists of data from five studies and is enriched with melting temperatures and energy terms. Furthermore, multiple different data structures for machine learning were computed and are directly available. The database can be accessed via our website https://be-datahive.com/ or API and is therefore suitable for practitioners and machine learning researchers.
repDilPCR: a tool for automated analysis of qPCR assays by the dilution-replicate method
Authors: Yosifov Deyan Yordanov , Reichenzeller Michaela , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Mertens Daniel
Published: October 2024

Background

The dilution-replicate experimental design for qPCR assays is especially efficient. It is based on multiple linear regression of multiple 3-point standard curves that are derived from the experimental samples themselves and thus obviates the need for a separate standard curve produced by serial dilution of a standard. The method minimizes the total number of reactions and guarantees that Cq values are within the linear dynamic range of the dilution-replicate standard curves. However, the lack of specialized software has so far precluded the widespread use of the dilution-replicate approach.

Results

Here we present repDilPCR, the first tool that utilizes the dilution-replicate method and extends it by adding the possibility to use multiple reference genes. repDilPCR offers extensive statistical and graphical functions that can also be used with preprocessed data (relative expression values) obtained by usual assay designs and evaluation methods. repDilPCR has been designed with the philosophy to automate and speed up data analysis (typically less than a minute from Cq values to publication-ready plots), and features automatic selection and performance of appropriate statistical tests, at least in the case of one-factor experimental designs. Nevertheless, the program also allows users to export intermediate data and perform more sophisticated analyses with external statistical software, e.g. if two-way ANOVA is necessary.

Conclusions

repDilPCR is a user-friendly tool that can contribute to more efficient planning of qPCR experiments and their robust analysis. A public web server is freely accessible at https://repdilpcr.eu without registration. The program can also be used as an R script or as a locally installed Shiny app, which can be downloaded from https://github.com/deyanyosifov/repDilPCR where also the source code is available.
Characterization and genomic analysis of the lytic bacteriophage vB_EclM_HK6 as a potential approach to biocontrol the spread of Enterobacter cloacae contaminating food
Authors: Temsaah Hasnaa R. , Azmy Ahmed F. , Ahmed Amr E. , Elshebrawy Hend Ali , Kasem Nahed Gomaa , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Lood Cédric , Lavigne Rob , Abdelkader Karim
Published: October 2024

Background

Increased prevalence of Enterobacter cloacae within food products underscores food as an underexplored reservoir for antibiotic resistance, thus requiring particular intervention. Bacteriophages have been explored as a promising approach for controlling bacterial growth in different matrices. Moreover, their specific interaction and self-replication, put them apart from traditional methods for controlling bacteria in different matrices.

Methods

Sixteen Enterobacter cloacae strains were recovered from raw chicken. These strains were used to isolate bacteriophages using enrichment protocol. The broad-spectrum bacteriophage was evaluated in terms of thermal, pH, shearing stress and storge. Moreover, its infection kinetics, in vitro antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity were also assessed. Genomic sequencing was performed to exclude any potential virulence or resistance genes. Finally, the capability of the isolated phages to control bacterial growth in different chicken samples was assessed alone and in combination with sodium nitrite.

Results

The lytic bacteriophage vB_EclM_HK6 was isolated and showed the broadest spectrum being able to infect 8/16 E. cloacae strains with a lytic activity against its host strain, E. cloacae EC21, as low as MOI of 10–6. The phage displays a latent period of 10 min and burst size of 115 ± 44 and resistance frequency of 5.7 × 10–4 ± 3.0 × 10–4. Stability assessment revealed a thermal tolerance up to 60 ˚C, wide range pH stability (3–10) and the ability to withstand shearing stress up to 250 rpm. HK6 shows no cytotoxicity against oral epithelial cells up to 1012 PFU/ml. Genomic analysis revealed a Strabovirus with total size of 177,845 bp that is free from known resistance and virulence genes. Finally, HK6 pretreatment of raw chicken, chicken nuggets and ready-made cheese salad shows a reduced bacterial count up to 4.6, 2.96 and 2.81 log-units, respectively. Moreover, combing HK6 with sodium nitrite further improved the antibacterial activity in both raw chicken and chicken nuggets without significant enhancement in case of cheese salad.

Conclusion

Enterobacter bacteriophage vB_EclM_HK6 presents a safe and effective approach for controlling E. cloacae contaminating stored chicken food samples. Moreover, they could be combined with a reduced concentrations of sodium nitrite to improve the killing capacity.
Potential protective association of the AA genotype and a allele of CXCR4 rs2228014 polymorphism with COVID-19 severity in adult egyptians
Authors: Korayem Osama H. , Ahmed Amr E. , Meabed Mohamed H. , Magdy Doaa M. , Abdelghany Wafaa M.
Published: October 2024

Background

By the end of December 2019, a new coronavirus, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged, and the cause of the disease was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several genetic factors have been implicated in diverse responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) rs2228014 polymorphism, which has been previously studied in various diseases but has not been explored in the context of COVID-19 severity. The current study aimed to assess the association between the rs2228014 polymorphism in the CXCR4 gene and the severity of COVID-19, which has not been previously reported.

Method

This cross-sectional study analyzed 300 adult Egyptian COVID-19 patients (156 with mild or moderate and 144 with severe or critical symptoms) admitted to Assiut University Quarantine Hospital from June to September 2022 during the omicron variant. The rs2228014 polymorphism in the CXCR4 gene was detected using real-time PCR with a TaqMan assay probe. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff values for C-reactive protein (CRP) that can be used to estimate the severity of COVID-19. P values less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

No significant differences in the allelic or genotypic frequencies of CXCR4 rs2228014 were detected between the severity groups. However, the exclusive presence of the AA genotype in mild or moderate cases suggests its potential protective role. Additionally, significant differences in myalgia presentation, leukocyte counts and antibiotic use, were observed among different genotypes. Statistical data showed that the severity of COVID-19 could be predicted at a cutoff value of CRP > 30 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 74.3% and a specificity of 42.9%.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest a potential protective role of the AA genotype and A allele of CXCR4 rs2228014 against severe COVID-19. Additionally, factors such as lack of vaccination and comorbidities such as hypertension, renal disease, and diabetes mellitus were associated with increased disease severity.
Comparison of proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy in proximal gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of postoperative health condition using the PGSAS-45
Authors: Yang Xiangyu , Zeng Zhili , Liao Ziyue , Zhu Caiyu , Wang Hongyang , Wu Haijuan , Cao Shu , Liang Weizheng , Li Xiushen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) offers advantages over total gastrectomy (TG) in enhancing the postoperative nutritional status of patients with proximal gastric cancer (PGC), yet its effect on long-term quality of life is still debated. This study aims to thoroughly compare postoperative health condition outcomes between PG and TG.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of English-language articles from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, covering studies published up to February 2023. Key evaluation endpoints included surgical outcomes and postoperative health condition, assessed using the Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45).

Results

Six retrospective cohort studies were included in the analysis. The PG group demonstrated no significant negative impact on surgical outcomes compared to the TG group. Notably, patients who underwent PG experienced a superior postoperative health condition, characterized by fewer gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (WMD = -0.106, 95% CI -0.183 to -0.029, P < 0.01), less weight loss (WMD = 4.440, 95% CI 3.900 to 4.979, P < 0.01), and reduced dietary dissatisfaction (WMD = -0.205, 95% CI -0.385 to -0.025, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence that PG is superior to TG in enhancing postoperative health condition for patients with proximal gastric cancer, without compromising surgical outcomes. However, further rigorous randomized controlled trials are necessary to inform surgical decision-making more effectively.
Successful corneal endothelium preservation in the management of epithelial downgrowth with 5-fluorouracil injections and membranectomy
Authors: Kam Ka Wai , Ma Andre , Ng Joanna , Choi Paul , Yip Wilson Wai Kuen , Young Alvin L.
Published: October 2024

A 74-year-old Chinese man underwent extracapsular cataract extraction in his right eye and developed a translucent iris membrane 4 months later. He was treated with two intracameral 5-FU injections and membranectomy at 2 weeks apart. At one year following the second membranectomy, the patient maintained a clear cornea without residual or recurrent membrane, an endothelial cell density of 1072 cell/mm2, a visual acuity of 20/50 and a normal intraocular pressure. Our technique of using dispersive and cohesive viscoelastics in protecting the corneal endothelium from intracameral 5-FU, helped preserve corneal endothelial cells and maintain corneal clarity at one year after surgery.
Eggplant latent viroid is located in the chloroplasts and nuclei of eggplant infected cells
Authors: Eiras Marcelo , Aragonés Verónica , Marqués Jorge , Gómez María Dolores , Daròs José-Antonio
Published: October 2024

Viroids that belong to genera Avsunviroid and Pelamovirod (family Avsunviroidae) replicate and accumulate in the chloroplasts of infected cells. In this report, we confirmed by RNA in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-UTP-labelled riboprobes that the positive strands of eggplant latent viroid (ELVd), the only member of genus Elaviroid within the family Avsunviroidae, also accumulate in the chloroplasts of infected cells. However, comparison of ELVd in situ hybridization signals with those from bona fide chloroplastic and nuclear non-coding RNAs, such as chloroplast 5S rRNA and U1 small nuclear RNA, supports the notion that this viroid is also present in the nuclei of infected cells. These results suggest that the subcellular localization of viroids within the family Avsunviroidae may be more complex than previously assumed with dynamic presence in several compartments during the infectious cycle.
Oxidative stress alters mitochondrial homeostasis in isolated brain capillaries
Authors: Velmurugan Gopal V. , Vekaria Hemendra J. , Hartz Anika M.S. , Bauer Björn , Hubbard W. Brad
Published: October 2024

Background

Neurovascular deficits and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction are major hallmarks of brain trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress is a prominent contributor to neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction and can propagate BBB disruption. Oxidative damage results in an imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis, which can further drive functional impairment of brain capillaries. To this end, we developed a method to track mitochondrial-related changes after oxidative stress in the context of neurovascular pathophysiology as a critical endophenotype of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

To study brain capillary-specific mitochondrial function and dynamics in response to oxidative stress, we developed an ex vivo model in which we used isolated brain capillaries from transgenic mice that express dendra2 green specifically in mitochondria (mtD2g). Isolated brain capillaries were incubated with 2,2’-azobis-2-methyl-propanimidamide dihydrochloride (AAPH) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation. Following the oxidative insult, mitochondrial bioenergetics were measured using the Seahorse XFe96 flux analyzer, and mitochondrial dynamics were measured using confocal microscopy with Imaris software.

Results

We optimized brain capillary isolation with intact endothelial cell tight-junction and pericyte integrity. Further, we demonstrate consistency of the capillary isolation process and cellular enrichment of the isolated capillaries. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and morphology assessments were optimized in isolated brain capillaries. Finally, we found that oxidative stress significantly decreased mitochondrial respiration and altered mitochondrial morphology in brain capillaries, including mitochondrial volume and count.

Conclusions

Following ex vivo isolation of brain capillaries, we confirmed the stability of mitochondrial parameters, demonstrating the feasibility of this newly developed platform. We also demonstrated that oxidative stress has profound effects on mitochondrial homeostasis in isolated brain capillaries. This novel method can be used to evaluate pharmacological interventions to target oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease and neurovascular pathophysiology as major players in neurodegenerative disease.
Perceptions about dementia clinical trials among underrepresented populations: a nationally representative survey of U.S. dementia caregivers
Authors: Leggins Brandon , Hart Danielle M. , Jackson Ashley J. , Levenson Robert W. , Windon Charles C. , Merrilees Jennifer , Chiong Winston
Published: October 2024

Background

The research community has historically failed to enroll diverse groups of participants in dementia clinical trials. A unique aspect of dementia care research is the requirement of a study partner, who can attest to the care recipient’s clinical and functional capacity. The aim of this study is to assess racial and ethnic differences and the importance of various trial considerations among dementia caregivers, in their decision to participate in clinical research as study partners.

Method

We embedded a vignette about a hypothetical dementia clinical trial in a nationally representative survey of U.S. dementia caregivers, oversampling non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic caregivers. Dementia caregivers were asked about their willingness to participate in the trial with their care recipient and rated the importance of nine considerations in hypothetical decisions to participate. Caregiver demographic characteristics were analyzed as predictors of trial participation in a base demographic model. In a second reasons model caregiver demographic characteristics and the rated importance of the nine considerations were separately analyzed as predictors; both models used survey-weighted logistic regression.

Result

The sample consisted of 610 dementia caregivers, including 156 non-Hispanic Black and 122 Hispanic caregiver participants. In the base demographic model, hypothetical trial participation was negatively associated with older caregiver age (OR (odds ratio) = 0.72, p = < 0.001). In the reasons model, the rated importance of a social responsibility to help others by participating in research was significantly associated with participation (OR = 1.56, p = 0.049), while the importance of the possibility of the care recipient experiencing serious side effects was negatively associated with participation (OR = 0.51, p = 0.003). In both models there was no significant difference in hypothetical participation between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White caregivers, or between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White caregivers.

Conclusion

Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black dementia caregivers were not less likely than non-Hispanic White dementia caregivers to participate in a hypothetical dementia clinical trial. Our study suggests that failures to recruit diverse populations in dementia clinical research are not attributable to less willingness among members of underrepresented groups but may instead reflect structural barriers and historic exclusion from trial participation.
Real-world experience: a retrospective pediatric chart review to determine why patients and caregivers discontinue oral immunotherapy
Authors: Plessis Amy A. , Cameron Scott B. , Invik Rosemary , Hanna Mariam , Mack Douglas P. , Cook Victoria E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an increasingly utilized management strategy for IgE-mediated food allergy. Despite promising efficacy and effectiveness, there is still a lack of data surrounding the reasons for discontinuation of OIT. The primary reason stated in the literature for discontinuation is adverse gastrointestinal effects. Social factors contributing to OIT discontinuation have not been well reported. We hypothesize that social considerations are significant contributors to treatment discontinuation.

Methods

We completed a retrospective chart review of 50 patients treated in community pediatric allergy practices who discontinued OIT out of 507 patients who were started on OIT between October 1, 2017-October 27, 2022. Reasons for discontinuation were identified and classified into five main categories: unsafe care decisions, anxiety, adverse effects of OIT, uncontrolled comorbidity and social factors. Categories were not exclusive.

Results

507 patients were started on OIT, with data available for 50 patients who discontinued OIT, aged 10 months to 18 years and 2 months. The overall discontinuation rate was 9.8%, of which 40 patients (80%) discontinued during buildup, 9 patients (18%) discontinued during maintenance and one patient on two food OIT discontinued one food during buildup and one during maintenance (2%). Thirty-four patients (68%) had multiple reasons for discontinuing OIT. Social factors were the most common reason for discontinuation and were identified in 32 patients (64%). Twenty-four patients (48%) discontinued OIT due to adverse effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most prevalent, while anaphylaxis contributed to discontinuation in 15 patients (30%). Anxiety led to discontinuation in 17 patients (34%).

Conclusions

Our data highlights the importance of social factors and anxiety in the success of OIT completion. Our results support the need to consider not only the patient’s medical history, but also their social history and support networks when selecting patients who are good candidates for OIT to optimize the successful completion of OIT.
Advances and prospect in natural beauty evaluation: insights for the World Heritage karst
Authors: Zhao Xi , Xiong Kangning , Zhang Meng
Published: October 2024

Natural beauty evaluation is an important branch of geography and landscape studies and has profound impact on the protection and sustainable development of World Heritage sites (WHs). However, systematic literature reviews in this field are insufficient. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed 262 relevant studies in the Web of Science and CNKI databases published since 1982, systematically reviewed the research progress in the field of natural beauty evaluation, analyzed the current main research methods, theoretical frameworks, and application practices, and explored their specific implications for the World Heritage karst sites (WHKs). The following observations were made. (1) The number of publications has been increasing year by year, reaching its peak in 2019, indicating increasing research interest in this field. (2) The research content covers five aspects: theory, evaluation indicators, methods, technology, and World Heritage value. The proportion of research on technology integration (33.94%) and evaluation methods (28.05%) is the highest, accounting for 61.99% of the total, and indicating a positive inclination toward innovation and development of research methods. (3) Methodology tends toward interdisciplinary collaboration, and evaluation methods have gradually shifted from a single qualitative description to quantitative, diversified, and interdisciplinary comprehensive evaluation. The combination of traditional and emerging technologies such as SD method, SBE method, AHP method, neuroscience, and UGC data has increased, breaking through time and space constraints and expanding data sources. (4) In future studies, the assessment of natural beauty should concentrate on aesthetic preferences across diverse cultural contexts, develop a concept of global localization, and enhance evaluators' aesthetic perception through multisensory integration. Simultaneously utilizing UGC data to balance the authority of evaluation standards and the inclusiveness of evaluation systems, developing quantifiable indicators, and improving quantitative research in analogy methods; Finally, a karst landscape aesthetic evaluation model is constructed from both global and local perspectives, providing scientific reference for the formation of a unified evaluation system.