bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative single-cell analysis reveals IFN-γ as a driver of respiratory sequelae after acute COVID-19
Authors: Li Chaofan , Qian Wei , Wei Xiaoqin , Narasimhan Harish , Wu Yue , Arish Mohd , Cheon In Su , Tang Jinyi , de Almeida Santos Gislane , Li Ying , Sharifi Kamyar , Kern Ryan , Vassallo Robert , Sun Jie
Published: July 2024

Postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) represent an urgent public health challenge and are estimated to affect more than 60 million individuals globally. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulated immune reactions may be linked with PASC symptoms, most investigations have primarily centered around blood-based studies, with few focusing on samples derived from affected tissues. Furthermore, clinical studies alone often provide correlative insights rather than causal mechanisms. Thus, it is essential to compare clinical samples with relevant animal models and conduct functional experiments to understand the etiology of PASC. In this study, we comprehensively compared bronchoalveolar lavage fluid single-cell RNA sequencing data derived from clinical PASC samples and a mouse model of PASC. This revealed a pro-fibrotic monocyte-derived macrophage response in respiratory PASC, as well as abnormal interactions between pulmonary macrophages and respiratory resident T cells, in both humans and mice. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) emerged as a key node mediating the immune anomalies in respiratory PASC. Neutralizing IFN-γ after the resolution of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection reduced lung inflammation and tissue fibrosis in mice. Together, our study underscores the importance of performing comparative analysis to understand the cause of PASC and suggests that the IFN-γ signaling axis might represent a therapeutic target.
H
2
inhalation therapy in patients with moderate COVID-19 (H
2
COVID): a prospective ascending-dose phase I clinical trial
Authors: Salomez-Ihl C. , Giai J. , Barbado M. , Paris A. , Touati S. , Alcaraz J. P. , Tanguy S. , Leroy C. , Lehmann A. , Degano B. , Gavard M. , Bedouch P. , Pavese P. , Moreau-Gaudry A. , Roustit M. , Boucher F. , Cinquin P. , Brion J. P.
Published: July 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has triggered a serious global health crisis, resulting in millions of reported deaths since its initial identification in China in November 2019. The global disparities in immunization access emphasize the urgent need for ongoing research into therapeutic interventions. This study focuses on the potential use of molecular dihydrogen (H2) inhalation as an adjunctive treatment for COVID-19. H2 therapy shows promise in inhibiting intracellular signaling pathways associated with inflammation, particularly when administered early in conjunction with nasal oxygen therapy. This phase I study, characterized by an open-label, prospective, monocentric, and single ascending-dose design, seeks to assess the safety and tolerability of the procedure in individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Employing a 3 + 3 design, the study includes three exposure durations (target durations): 1 day (D1), 3 days (D2), and 6 days (D3). We concluded that the maximum tolerated duration is at least 3 days. Every patient showed clinical improvement and excellent tolerance to H2 therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this phase I clinical trial is the first to establish the safety of inhaling a mixture of H2 (3.6%) and N2 (96.4%) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The original device and method employed ensure the absence of explosion risk. The encouraging outcomes observed in the 12 patients included in the study justify further exploration through larger, controlled clinical trials.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with

ClinicalTrials.gov
as
NCT04633980

.
Efficacy of epetraborole against
Mycobacteroides abscessus
in a mouse model of lung infection
Authors: Rimal Binayak , Lippincott Christopher K. , Panthi Chandra M. , Xie Yi , Keepers Tiffany R. , Alley MRK , Lamichhane Gyanu
Published: July 2024

Mycobacteroides abscessus
(
Mab
or
Mycobacterium abscessus
) is a fast-growing mycobacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment and can cause opportunistic disease in people with lung comorbidity and immunodeficiency. There are no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for this disease, and repurposed antibiotics have a poor microbiological response. To address the need for effective new antibiotics, we determined the efficacy of epetraborole (EBO) against three
Mab
clinical isolates in a mouse model of lung
Mab
infection. Reduction in lung
Mab
burden over 4 weeks of treatment was the study end point. EBO was administered orally once daily at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, which achieved exposures approximating the once-daily dosing of 250 mg and 500 mg, respectively, in humans. EBO administration led to a gradual reduction in the lung
Mab
burden. After 4 weeks of treatment, the efficacies of 25 and 50 mg/kg EBO against isolates ATCC 19977 and M9501 were comparable. However, against isolate M9530, 50 mg/kg EBO was more efficacious than 25 mg/kg and comparable with parenteral imipenem, one of the most efficacious antibiotics against
Mab
. We also undertook a dose-ranging study by evaluating the efficacies of once-daily oral administration of 0.5, 5, 10, 25, and 100 mg/kg EBO against M9501 over 4 weeks. Once-daily oral 100 mg/kg EBO was as effective as twice-daily 100 mg/kg imipenem injection. Our study suggests that EBO could address the unmet need for effective oral treatment options for
Mab
lung disease, given the high rates of
Mab
drug resistance and limited tolerable intravenous options.
Can genomics and meteorology predict outbreaks of legionellosis in urban settings?
Authors: Timms Verlaine J. , Sim Eby , Pey Keenan , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: July 2024

Legionella pneumophila
is ubiquitous and sporadically infects humans causing Legionnaire’s disease (LD). Globally, reported cases of LD have risen fourfold from 2000 to 2014. In 2016, Sydney, Australia was the epicenter of an outbreak caused by
L. pneumophila
serogroup 1 (Lpsg1). Whole-genome sequencing was instrumental in identifying the causal clone which was found in multiple locations across the city. This study examined the epidemiology of Lpsg1 in an urban environment, assessed typing schemes to classify resident clones, and investigated the association between local climate variables and LD outbreaks. Of 223 local Lpsg1 isolates, we identified dominant clones with one clone isolated from patients in high frequency during outbreak investigations. The core genome multi-locus sequence typing scheme was the most reliable in identifying this Lpsg1 clone. While an increase in humidity and rainfall was found to coincide with a rise in LD cases, the incidence of the major
L. pneumophila
outbreak clone did not link to weather phenomena. These findings demonstrated the role of high-resolution typing and weather context assessment in determining source attribution for LD outbreaks in urban settings, particularly when clinical isolates remain scarce.

IMPORTANCE

We investigated the genomic and meteorological influences of infections caused by
Legionella pneumophila
in Sydney, Australia. Our study contributes to a knowledge gap of factors that drive outbreaks of legionellosis compared to sporadic infections in urban settings. In such cases, clinical isolates can be rare, and thus, other data are needed to inform decision-making around control measures. The study revealed that core genome multi-locus sequence typing is a reliable and adaptable technique when investigating Lpsg1 outbreaks. In Sydney, the genomic profile of Lpsg1 was dominated by a single clone, which was linked to numerous community cases over a period of 40 years. Interestingly, the peak in legionellosis cases during Autumn was not associated with this prevalent outbreak clone. Incorporating meteorological data with Lpsg1 genomics can support risk assessment strategies for legionellosis in urban environments, and this approach may be relevant for other densely populated regions globally.
Impact of the interaction between herpes simplex virus 1 ICP22 and FACT on viral gene expression and pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Shaocong , Maruzuru Yuhei , Takeshima Kosuke , Koyanagi Naoto , Kato Akihisa , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: July 2024

Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) interacts with nucleosomes to promote gene transcription by regulating the dissociation and reassembly of nucleosomes downstream and upstream of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). A previous study reported that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) regulatory protein ICP22 interacted with FACT and was required for its recruitment to the viral DNA genome in HSV-1-infected cells. However, the biological importance of interactions between ICP22 and FACT in relation to HSV-1 infection is unclear. Here, we mapped the minimal domain of ICP22 required for its efficient interaction with FACT to a cluster of five basic amino acids in ICP22. A recombinant virus harboring alanine substitutions in this identified cluster led to the decreased accumulation of viral mRNAs from UL54, UL38, and UL44 genes, reduced Pol II occupancy of these genes in MRC-5 cells, and impaired HSV-1 virulence in mice following ocular or intracranial infection. Furthermore, the treatment of mice infected with wild-type HSV-1 with CBL0137, a FACT inhibitor currently being investigated in clinical trials, significantly improved the survival rate of mice. These results suggested that the interaction between ICP22 and FACT was required for efficient HSV-1 gene expression and pathogenicity. Therefore, FACT might be a potential therapeutic target for HSV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE

ICP22 is a well-known regulatory factor of HSV-1 gene expression, but its mechanism(s) are poorly understood. Although the interaction of FACT with ICP22 was reported previously, its significance in HSV-1 infection is unknown. Given that FACT is involved in gene transcription, it is of interest to investigate this interaction as it relates to HSV-1 gene expression. To determine a direct link between the interaction and HSV-1 infection, we mapped a minimal domain of ICP22 required for its efficient interaction with FACT and generated a recombinant virus carrying mutations in the identified domain. Using the recombinant virus, we obtained evidence suggesting that the interaction between ICP22 and FACT promoted Pol II transcription from HSV-1 genes and viral virulence in mice. In addition, CBL0137, an inhibitor of FACT, effectively protected mice from lethal HSV-1 infection, suggesting FACT might be a potential target for the development of novel anti-HSV drugs.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the antiangiogenic role of Mgarp in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Ren Ling , Xia Jiao , Huang Chang , Bai Yun , Yao Jin , Li Dan , Yan Biao
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common vascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Endothelial cell (EC) heterogeneity has been observed in the pathogenesis of DR. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing EC heterogeneity may provide novel insights into EC-specific therapies for DR.

Research design and methods

We used the single-cell data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to explore EC heterogeneity between diabetic retinas and non-diabetic retinas and identify the potential genes involved in DR. CCK-8 assays, EdU assays, transwell assays, and tube formation assays were conducted to determine the role of the identified gene in angiogenic effects.

Results

Our analysis identified three distinct EC subpopulations in retinas and revealed that Mitochondria-localized glutamic acid-rich protein (Mgarp) gene is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of DR. Silencing of Mgarp significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and tube formation capacities in retinal endothelial cells.

Conclusions

This study not only offers new insights into transcriptomic heterogeneity and pathological alteration of retinal ECs but also holds the promise to pave the way for antiangiogenic therapy by targeting EC-specific gene.
Randomised controlled trial of an online mental health and suicide gatekeeper resource for parents and caregivers: study protocol
Authors: Calear Alison L , McCallum Sonia M , Kazan Dominique , Torok Michelle , Werner-Seidler Aliza , O'Dea Bridianne , Morse Alyssa , Farrer Louise , Shand Fiona , Batterham Philip J
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Rates of help-seeking for mental disorders and suicide are low among children and adolescents. Parents are viewed as gatekeepers for their care, yet they may lack the knowledge and skills to identify needs or facilitate service access. The primary aim is to test the effect of a new gatekeeper resource for parents and caregivers on their self-efficacy to recognise, respond and access support for mental health problems and suicide risk in their child.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm randomised controlled trial will compare an online mental health and suicide gatekeeper resource for parents and caregivers to a waitlist control. Australian parents of children aged 5–17 years recruited through social media and community advertising will participate in an online trial. Participants randomised to the intervention condition will be emailed the resource to work through at their own pace. The resource consists of three sections providing parents and caregivers with confidence, knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to mental health problems and suicide risk in their child, as well as support them in accessing professional help. The primary outcome measure is self-efficacy to recognise, respond and provide support for mental health problems and suicide risk, while secondary outcomes include perceived knowledge, stigma, literacy, help-seeking attitudes, intentions and barriers. Data will be collected at preintervention, postintervention (4 weeks after accessing the resource) and 12-week follow-up. Primary analyses will compare changes in self-efficacy in the intervention condition relative to the waitlist control using mixed-model repeated measures analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethical aspects of the study were approved by the Australian National University Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol 2023/195). If effective, the resource will fill an important gap in resources for parents, with the potential for dissemination through school groups, community organisations and clinical settings.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12623000933651.
Factors influencing physical activity in individuals with head and neck cancer: a scoping review
Authors: Schmocker Martina , Engst Ramona , Wirz Markus , Bana Marika
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Higher physical activity (PA) levels are associated with better quality of life in people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this positive association, most individuals with these cancer types have a sedentary or low-activity lifestyle. Limited knowledge exists regarding the factors that influence PA in this group. Therefore, we reviewed and mapped the available literature on factors that may influence PA in people with HNC.

Design

We conducted a scoping review based on the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline extension for scoping reviews.

Data sources

CINHAL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2023.

Eligibility criteria

We included qualitative and quantitative studies that stated factors such as barriers, facilitators, beliefs, perceptions and views influencing PA in individuals with HNC. Furthermore, views and recommendations of healthcare professionals involved in the care of people affected by HNC and researchers in this domain were eligible for data extraction.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted and synthesised by one reviewer according to the predefined items including characteristics, barriers, facilitators, beliefs, perceptions and views of people being affected and views and recommendations of experts. Quantitative data were charted descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed and summarised using a basic content analysis approach.

Results

Of the 1351 publications, we included 19 in our review. Publications mainly focused on barriers to PA, with some studies reporting facilitators and collecting data on patients’ and healthcare professionals’ views on PA. Most research teams made recommendations for promoting PA in people with HNC.

Characteristics associated with activity levels included age, cancer type and stage, morbidity level and attitude towards being active. Prevalent barriers consisted of health-related factors, including fatigue, pain and nutritional issues, alongside personal and environmental impediments such as time constraints, lack of interest or motivation. Facilitating factors for PA included perceived or experienced mental and health-related benefits. Consensus among patients, healthcare professionals and researchers highlighted the necessity for enhanced information and education, emphasising individualised approaches to promote PA throughout the cancer continuum.

Conclusions

Numerous factors affect PA in individuals with HNC. Future research should concentrate on screening and addressing risk factors for sedentary behaviour and activity barriers and on optimal design and delivery of interventions to incorporate PA promotion into the care pathway.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire for the assessment of depression in primary care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Teusen Clara , Bühner Markus , Hapfelmeier Alexander , von Schrottenberg Victoria , Linde Klaus , Gensichen Jochen , Schneider Antonius
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To develop a new questionnaire for the diagnostic assessment of depression adapted to the primary care setting by combining psychiatric criteria and heuristics of general practitioners (GPs). Psychometric evaluation of the new questionnaire and first validity evidence.

Design

The questionnaire was developed using cognitive interviews with think-aloud technique. Factorial validity was then examined in a cross-sectional study.

Setting

Primary care. Five general practices in Bavaria, Germany.

Participants

15 GPs, 4 psychiatrists/psychotherapists and 13 patients participated in cognitive expert interviews. A primary care sample of N=277 consecutive patients participated in the cross-sectional study.

Methods

After consultation with experts and literature research, the questionnaire contained a self-rating part for patients and an external part for GPs. Items were then iteratively optimised using cognitive interviews. Factorial validity was examined. To estimate internal consistency, Cronbach’s α was calculated. Validity was assessed by correlating the new questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

The preliminary version of the two-part ‘Questionnaire for the assessment of DEpression SYmptoms in Primary Care’ (DESY-PC) comprised 52 items for patients (DESY-PAT-1: questions about patient’s environment; DESY-PAT-2: questions about depression-specific symptoms) and 21 items for GPs (DESY-GP). The analysis of the DESY-PAT-1 revealed a one-factor solution (‘environmental factors’) with Cronbach’s α of 0.55. The items of the DESY-PAT-2 were assigned to three factors, ‘depressive cognitions’, ‘suicidality’ and ‘symptoms of fatigue’, with Cronbach’s α of 0.86, 0.79 and 0.85, respectively. Factorial analysis revealed two factors for the DESY-GP: ‘depression symptoms’ and ‘medical history/external factors’. Cronbach’s α was 0.90 and 0.59, respectively. After factorial analysis, the DESY-PAT was reduced to 28 items, and the DESY-GP was reduced to 15 items. Correlations of the DESY-PC with the PHQ-9 were high and significant, indicating convergent validity.

Conclusions

The new questionnaire represents an innovative extension of depression questionnaires and could be particularly suitable for general practices.
Cohort profile: migraine exposures and cardiovascular health in Hong Kong Chinese women (MECH-HK)
Authors: Yang Qingling , Sun Qi , Loke Alice Yuen , Hao Chun , Wang Harry Haoxiang , Qin Jing , Yang Lin , Xie Yao Jie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Evidence about the associations of migraine features with cardiovascular risk profiles in Chinese population is lacking. The Migraine Exposures and Cardiovascular Health in Hong Kong Chinese Women (MECH-HK) cohort was constructed to investigate longitudinal migraine features and their cardiovascular implications in Hong Kong Chinese women.

Participants

We enrolled 4221 Hong Kong Chinese women aged 30 years or above from October 2019 to December 2020. Demographics, reproductive information, lifestyle factors, disease history, blood lipids and glucose, anthropometrics and body compositions were measured during baseline and follow-up. Migraine diagnosis followed the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 criteria. Migraine features were longitudinally tracked using a migraine diary and summarised by a wide range of epidemiological metrics. Cardiovascular health was assessed using the Framingham risk score (FRS).

Findings to date

From October 2021 to June 2023, 3455 women completed the first follow-up measurement. The retention rate was 81.9%. The average age at baseline was 54.40 years. The mean blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 6.44 mmol/L, 65.06 mg/dL and 102.40 mg/dL, respectively. The average FRS was 0.06. Participants had a 10.3% prevalence of migraine or probable migraine. After 1.27 years of follow-up, the median migraine attack frequency was 0.99 attacks/month, with an incidence rate of 2.55 attacks/person-month and a median duration of 7.70 hours/attack. Sleep problems (64.7%) and stress (54.0%) were the top triggers, while prevalent accompanying symptoms were nausea (67.4%), photophobia (39.9%), phonophobia (30.0%) and vomiting (26.2%). Migraine auras included blurred visions (59.6%), flashing lights (41.3%), blind spots (33.0%), pins and needles (6.4%) and halo (1.8%).

Future plans

The follow-up for the cohort will be implemented every 2 years. MECH-HK will provide unique longitudinal data on migraine features in Hong Kong women. The linkage between migraine features and cardiovascular disease risk progression will be identified by a long-term observation.
Consumption of sugary beverages, genetic predisposition and the risk of depression: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yanchun , Yang Hongxi , Sheng Baihe , Zhou Lihui , Li Dun , Zhang Mengnan , Wang Yaogang
Published: July 2024

Background

The associations between sugary beverages and genetic predisposition to depression risk remain unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the associations of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) and natural juices (NJs) with depression and to assess whether these associations were modified by genetic predisposition.

Methods

We used data from the UK Biobank of 180 599 individuals aged 39–72 years who were depression-free at baseline. Dietary intake of SSBs, ASBs and NJs was accessed by a 24-hour dietary recall between 2009 and 2012. The Polygenic Risk Score for depression was estimated and categorised as low (lowest tertile), intermediate (tertile 2) and high (highest tertile). Cox proportional hazard and substitution models were conducted to evaluate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Over the 12-year follow-up, 4915 individuals developed depression. Higher consumption (>2 units/day) of SSBs (HR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.43) and ASBs (HR: 1.40, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.60) were both associated with an increased risk of depression. However, moderate consumption (>0–1 units/day) of NJs was associated with a lower risk of depression (HR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.95). Furthermore, genetic predisposition did not modify these associations (p interaction>0.05). In substitution models, the HRs for depression risk were 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.94), respectively, when 1 unit/day of SSBs or ASBs was replaced by an equivalent intake of NJs.

Conclusions

Higher consumption of SSBs and ASBs was associated with an increased risk of depression; in contrast, moderate consumption of NJs was inversely associated with a lower risk of depression. In theory, substituting SSBs and ASBs with NJs would suppose a reduction of depression risk.
Estimating cancer risk in carriers of Lynch syndrome variants in UK Biobank
Authors: Fummey Eilidh , Navarro Pau , Plazzer John-Paul , Frayling Ian M , Knott Sara , Tenesa Albert
Published: July 2024

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome caused by genetic variants affecting DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genesMLH1,MSH2,MSH6andPMS2. Cancer risk in LS is estimated from cohorts of individuals ascertained by individual or family history of cancer, which may upwardly bias estimates.

Methods

830 carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (path_MMR) MMR gene variants classified by InSiGHT were identified in 454 756 UK Biobank (UKB) participants using whole-exome sequence. Nelson-Aalen survival analysis was used to estimate cumulative incidence of colorectal, endometrial and breast cancer (BC).

Results

Cumulative incidence of colorectal and endometrial cancer (EC) by age 70 years was elevated inpath_MMRcarriers compared with non-carriers (colorectal: 11.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.5% to 14.6%) vs 1.7% (95% CI: 1.6% to 1.7%), endometrial: 13.4% (95% CI: 10.2% to 17.6%) vs 1.0% (95% CI: 0.9% to 1.0%)), but the magnitude of this increase differed between genes. Cumulative BC incidence by age 70 years was not elevated inpath_MMRcarriers compared with non-carriers (8.9% (95% CI: 6.3% to 12.4%) vs 7.5% (95% CI: 7.4% to 7.6%)). Cumulative cancer incidence estimates in UKB were similar to estimates from the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database for all genes and cancers, except there was no evidence for elevated EC risk in carriers of pathogenicPMS2variants in UKB.

Conclusion

These results support offering incidentally identified carriers of anypath_MMRsurveillance to manage colorectal cancer risk. Incidentally identified carriers of pathogenic variants inMLH1,MSH2andMSH6would also benefit from interventions to reduce EC risk. The results suggest that BC is not an LS-related cancer.
Assessment of automated TICI scoring during endovascular treatment in patients with an ischemic stroke
Authors: van der Sluijs P Matthijs , Su Ruisheng , Cornelissen Sandra , van Es Adriaan C G M , Lycklama a Nijeholt Geert J , van Doormaal Pieter Jan , van Zwam Wim H , Dippel Diederik W J , van Walsum T , van der Lugt Aad
Published: July 2024

Background

The extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) score is used in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to quantify reperfusion grade in patients with an ischemic stroke who undergo endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). A previously developed automatic TICI score (autoTICI), which quantifies the ratio of reperfused pixels after EVT, demonstrates good correlation with eTICI.

Objective

To evaluate the autoTICI model in a large multicenter registry of patients with an ischemic stroke, investigate the association with visual eTICI, and compare prediction of functional outcome between autoTICI and eTICI.

Methods

Patients in the MR CLEAN Registry with an internal carotid artery, M1, and M2 occlusion were selected if both anteroposterior and lateral views were present in pre- and post-EVT DSA scans. The autoTICI score was compared with eTICI in predicting favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2), using area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) with a multivariable logistic regression model including known prognostic characteristics.

Results

In total 421 of 3637 patients were included. AutoTICI was significantly associated with eTICI non-linearly (below 70% cOR=2.3 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.5), above 70% cOR=1.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 1.7) per 10% increment). The AUC of the model predicting favorable functional outcome was similar for autoTICI and eTICI (0.86, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92 vs 0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.90, P=0.73) and was higher than for a model with prognostic patient characteristics alone (0.86 vs 0.84, P=0.01).

Conclusion

Automatic quantitative assessment of reperfusion after EVT is associated with eTICI, and prediction of functional outcome is similar to that with visual eTICI. Therefore, autoTICI could be used as an alternative or additional review for visual reperfusion assessment to facilitate reproducible and uniform reporting.
Acute reversal of respiratory distress after a preoperative single-shot interscalene nerve block
Authors: Meulemans Robert J , Gerritse Bastiaan M
Published: July 2024

Background

Diaphragmatic paresis is a known complication of the interscalene block used for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. A technique involving the injection of normal saline through the interscalene catheter to alleviate this condition has shown promise. This method, termed the “washing-off” technique, dilutes the local anesthetic around the phrenic nerve, mitigating respiratory symptoms.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 4) was scheduled for arteriovenous brachiocephalic fistula creation under regional anesthesia. Following an interscalene block with 32 mL of mepivacaine 1.5%, the patient experienced acute respiratory distress, with SpO2at 88% despite 6 L O2via nasal cannula. To avoid intubation, a 20 mL normal saline injection was administered through single-shot interscalene injection under ultrasound guidance. Within 5 min, respiratory distress markedly improved, allowing the patient to converse. Surgery proceeded without complications, maintaining SpO2at 99% with 6 L O2. Postoperatively, the patient remained stable, with SpO2at 98% on 2 L O2, and was discharged from the recovery room without additional oxygen requirements.

Conclusions

The “washing-off” technique’s mechanism may involve dilutional effects, pH changes or local sodium concentration alterations affecting the phrenic nerve. This case demonstrates its effectiveness in an acute setting, enabling surgery under regional anesthesia without intubation or any additional analgesia. The previously considered placebo effect appears unlikely here.
The role of transport systems in housing insecurity: a mobility-based analysis
Authors: Iyer Nandini , Menezes Ronaldo , Barbosa Hugo
Published: July 2024

With trends of urbanisation on the rise, providing adequate housing to individuals remains a complex issue to be addressed. Often, the slow output of relevant housing policies, coupled with quickly increasing housing costs, leaves individuals with the burden of finding housing that is affordable and in a safe location. In this paper, we unveil how transit service to employment hubs, not just housing policies, can prevent individuals from improving their housing conditions. We approach this question in three steps, applying the workflow to 20 cities in the United States of America. First, we propose a comprehensive framework to quantify housing insecurity and assign a housing demographic to each neighbourhood. Second, we use transit-pedestrian networks and public transit timetables (GTFS feeds) to estimate the time it takes to travel between two neighbourhoods using public transportation. Third, we apply geospatial autocorrelation to identify employment hotspots for each housing demographic. Finally, we use stochastic modelling to highlight how commuting to areas associated with better housing conditions results in transit commute times of over an hour in 15 cities. Ultimately, we consider the compounded burdens that come with housing insecurity, by having poor transit access to employment areas. In doing so, we highlight the importance of understanding how negative outcomes of housing insecurity coincide with various urban mechanisms, particularly emphasising the role that public transportation plays in locking vulnerable demographics into a cycle of poverty.
SI/GE Quantum Dot Channel FETs for Multi-Bit Computing
Authors: Jain F. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Chandy J. , Heller E.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents quantum dot channel (QDC) FETs in quantum wire and coupled quantum dot configurations for cryogenic operation with multi-state operation. It also describes gate-all-around (GAA) quantum dot channel (QDC) FETs that exhibit potential multi-state characteristics at room temperature. FETs with cladded Si and Ge quantum dot layers as a transport channel have been fabricated. The formation of a quantum dot superlattice (QDSL) when SiOx-cladded Si and/or GeOx-cladded Ge quantum dots (QD) are assembled results in mini-energy sub-bands in the conduction and valence band. The intra-mini-energy band transitions results in significant changes in the drain current when gate and/or drain voltages are varied. This novel feature provides a pathway for 16-/32-state logic in CMOS-X configuration. The gate-defined Si quantum dot FETs, comprising of tunnel barrier coupled, have been reported for quantum computing at cryogenic temperatures.
Application of Adaptive Fuzzy Algorithm in Single-Chip Microcomputer Control System
Authors: Tang Liang
Published: July 2024

Objective: In practical application, an SCM control system needs to respond to user instructions quickly and accurately, and at the same time needs to have robustness and adaptability to adapt to complex and changeable environments and working states. Therefore, how to improve the control accuracy and stability of SCM control systems, and how to adapt to the change of different working environments and working states, has become one of the important issues in the design and research of SCM control systems. Methods: Adaptive fuzzy algorithm, as a new control algorithm, has the advantages of simple structure, easy implementation and high precision, and has been widely used in many fields. On the basis of three kinds of fuzzy logic system framework, this paper analyzes the self-adaptive fuzzy algorithm single-chip microcomputer control system and carries on the corresponding performance test of the system by constructing an intelligent car. The testability test of single-chip microcomputer detection, hardware detection, algorithm recognition rate and system control rate is tested, respectively, to ensure the normal operation of the system. Conclusion: The microcontroller control system of fuzzy algorithm system is compared with that of traditional algorithm system in many aspects. The average error rate of the traditional algorithm system is 2%, while the average error rate of the fuzzy algorithm system is 0.8%. In other aspects, the fuzzy algorithm system is superior to the traditional system. For example, the fuzzy algorithm system has a 100% instruction recognition rate and a data processing speed of up to 1 second. According to the characteristics and requirements of the single-chip microcomputer control system, applying the adaptive fuzzy algorithm to the design of a single-chip microcomputer control system can effectively improve the control precision and stability of thesystem.
Studies on Bianchi type-III cosmological model with parametrization of deceleration parameter in a SBST theory
Authors: Singh Kangujam Priyokumar , Meitei Asem Jotin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we delve into the cosmological assessments concerning the deceleration parameter [Formula: see text] in the context of the Bianchi type-III cosmological model within the framework of the Saez–Ballester theory of gravitation. By postulating a proportional relationship between the shear scalar ([Formula: see text]) and the expansion scalar ([Formula: see text]), we derive solutions for the corresponding field equations. Additionally, we conduct an examination and evaluation of the model’s physical and kinematic parameters, including the jerk parameter and snap parameter, while also discussing the energy condition of the model. Through the depiction of graphical representations, we illustrate the variations of the cosmological parameters for specific sets of constants.
FUZZY FRACTIONAL ORDER SLIDING MODE CONTROL FOR OPTIMAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION-TRANSIENT RESPONSE TRADE-OFF IN ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: ABDELHEDI FATMA , KHLIF RIM JALLOULI , NOURI AHMED SAID , DERBEL NABIL
Published: July 2024

This work presents a new fuzzy logic parameter tuning-based fractional order sliding mode control (F-FOSMC) strategy for the trajectory tracking of robotic systems. The primary objective is to achieve an optimal control compromise seeking to minimize energy consumption for required motions, all while increasing both accuracy and rapidity of the transient response, addressing therefore a critical challenge in the field of robotics. Our approach integrates a sophisticated fuzzy logic fractional order mechanism to dynamically fine-tune the noninteger derivation parameter of the FOSMC, offering adaptability to varying operational conditions. This intelligent fuzzy logic controller tuning optimizes the FOSMC performance, demonstrates a remarkable capacity to handle uncertainties and disturbances intrinsic to robotic applications and allows to optimize the trade-off between the energy consumption and transient response efficiency throughout the robot’s motion. The effectiveness of the proposed study is thoroughly examined via simulations conducted on a 3 DOF manipulator robotic system. Results showcase that F-FOSMC significantly reduces control energy consumption while preserving rapid and efficient transient response characteristics.
Tight isolated toughness bound for fractional (a,b,m)-deleted graphs
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Weifan , Chen Yaojun
Published: July 2024

A graph [Formula: see text] is a fractional [Formula: see text]-deleted graph if deleting any [Formula: see text] edges from [Formula: see text], the resulting subgraph still admits a fractional [Formula: see text]-factor. As an exclusive graph-based parameter, isolated toughness and its variant are utilized to measure the vulnerability of networks which are modelled by graph topology structures. Early studies have shown the inherent connection between isolated toughness and the existence of fractional factors in specific settings. This paper provides a theoretical perspective on the sufficient conditions for fractional [Formula: see text]-deleted graphs with respect to isolated toughness and its variant. The sharpness of the given isolated toughness bounds is explained by counterexamples.
Cosmic scenario with Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Sarkar Kaushik , Modak B.
Published: July 2024

By taking into account the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet dilaton-coupled interaction in the background of the Robertson–Walker metric, we provide some bouncing solutions of the early universe from analytic solutions of the field equations for vanishing three space curvature. For a few potentials, the solutions involving the slow-roll-type approximation produce results that are very same to those of the early era’s bouncing solutions. Considering a different approach of slow-roll approximation, the universe goes through much faster initially than standard inflation, but at a later stage, the universe enters into standard exponential inflation.
On pseudo B-symmetric spacetimes and f(ℛ) gravity
Authors: Suh Young Jin , De Krishnendu , De Uday Chand
Published: July 2024

This paper delivers the characterization of a pseudo [Formula: see text]-symmetric spacetimes and we illustrate that a pseudo [Formula: see text]-symmetric spacetime admitting Codazzi type of [Formula: see text]-tensor represents a perfect fluid spacetime and if this spacetime admits the time-like convergence criterion, then the pseudo [Formula: see text]-symmetric spacetime fulfills cosmic strong energy criterion and contains pure matter. Besides, we find in a pseudo [Formula: see text]-symmetric spacetime with Codazzi type of [Formula: see text]-tensor the electric part of the Weyl tensor vanishes and has Riemann and Weyl compatible vector fields. Furthermore, it is established that the chosen spacetime with Codazzi type of [Formula: see text]-tensor is conformally flat and represents a Robertson–Walker spacetime. Also, we calculate the scale factor [Formula: see text] for these spacetimes in a spatially flat Robertson–Walker spacetime. Finally, we study the impact of this spacetime under [Formula: see text] gravity scenario and deduce several energy conditions by considering a new model [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are positive constants.
PedFed: A performance evaluation-driven federated learning framework for efficient communication
Authors: Niu Ke , Tai Wenjuan , Peng Xueping , Guo Zhongmin , Zhang Can , Li Heng
Published: July 2024

Protecting healthcare data privacy and security is crucial in advanced manufacturing, which involves medical devices. It encompasses patient records and clinical trial data. Federated learning emerges as a solution that enables model training across different institutions without compromising data privacy and security. However, existing frameworks often exhibit a bias towards clients with larger data volumes, neglecting the connection between global and local model performance. This can result in suboptimal aggregation of the global model, thereby affecting the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall process. To address these limitations, we propose a performance evaluation-driven federated learning framework (PedFed). The primary objective of PedFed is to enhance global model aggregation and improve communication efficiency. Our approach involves a client selection strategy based on performance evaluation of local and global models. Specifically, we introduce the concept of local model improvement (LMI) using Intersection over Union (IoU) for client selection in medical image segmentation scenarios. Moreover, we introduce a dynamic aggregation framework incorporating validation IoU as a weighting factor to mitigate model divergence caused by not independent and identically distributed (non-IID) data. We focus on performing image segmentation tasks to simulate the analysis of sensitive data in the healthcare domain. Experimental results conducted on brain tumor and heart segmentation datasets demonstrate the superiority of the PedFed framework over the baseline framework, confirming its benefits in communication efficiency.
An agent with a sense of direction for option discovery in hierarchical reinforcement learning
Authors: Koudad Zoulikha , Merzoug Mohamed , Benamar Abdelkrim
Published: July 2024

Several approaches have been proposed to remedy the dimensionality problem that reinforcement learning (RL) suffers from. Among the solutions, hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL) consists of dividing an RL problem into sub-problems called options or abstract actions. Discovering abstract actions or options for HRL is challenging, multiple approaches are proposed. In this paper, we present a new approach, an agent with direction sense for an automatic option discovery. Our agent uses its direction sense to discover shortcuts and shortest paths between states that he has already visited, he detects bottlenecks for building termination conditions and initiation states for options. Thus, at the learning step, the agent uses his previous experience of exploration in parallel with an intrinsically motivated learning. The options discovered are task-independent and could be used for new tasks. Experimental results on maze problems and Tic-tac-toe game indicate better results compared with flat RL and another RL approach in general and special cases.
Fault diagnosis methods for multi-layer edge computing systems
Authors: Lou Daoguo , Li Ruobin , Ying Kong , Liu Lin , Sui Jiaxin
Published: July 2024

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advances the fault diagnosis of multi-tier edge computing systems into the realm of big data. However, a significant challenge arises in terms of privacy leakage due to the necessity for nodes in edge systems to share local private data. Additionally, a centralized architecture is susceptible to causing single-point failures in edge systems. Moreover, the fault data from nodes in IIoT edge systems are often nonindependent and nonidentically distributed (nonIID), posing difficulties for convergence. Furthermore, there is a lack of corresponding defenses to prevent malicious node fault attacks. To tackle these challenges, this work introduces a fault diagnosis framework and method for multi-tier edge computing systems based on blockchain smart contracts. The framework primarily adopts a decentralized model to ensure the privacy and security of fault data in multi-tier edge systems. Within this framework, a feature comparison loss function is designed to address the nonIID nature of faults. Additionally, a Byzantine fault-tolerant method is developed to prevent fault threats. Furthermore, we design an incentive method based on reputation to assess the rewards that nodes should receive. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method achieves robust overall performance without compromising the privacy of local data.
MedNER: Enhanced Named Entity Recognition in Medical Corpus via Optimized Balanced and Deep Active Learning
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Zhang Junyan , Lu Ruogu , He Kunlun , Li Xiuxing
Published: July 2024

Ever-growing electronic medical corpora provide unprecedented opportunities for researchers to analyze patient conditions and drug effects. Meanwhile, severe challenges emerged in the large-scale electronic medical records process phase. Primarily, emerging words for medical terms, including informal descriptions, are difficult to recognize. Moreover, although deep models can help in entity extraction on medical texts, they require large-scale labels, which are time-intensive to obtain and not always available in the medical domain. However, when encountering a situation where massive unseen concepts appear or labeled data is insufficient, the performance of existing algorithms will suffer an intolerable decline. In this article, we propose a balanced and deep active learning framework for
Medical Named Entity Recognition (MedNER)
to alleviate the above problems. Specifically, to describe our selection strategy precisely, we first define the uncertainty of a medical sentence as a labeling loss predicted by a loss-prediction module and define diversity as the least text distance between pairs of sentences in a sample batch computed based on word-morpheme embeddings. Furthermore, aiming to make a trade-off between uncertainty and diversity, we formulate a
Distinct-K
optimization problem to maximize the slightest uncertainty and diversity of chosen sentences. Finally, we propose a threshold-based approximation selection algorithm,
Distinct-K Filter
, which selects the most beneficial training samples by balancing diversity and uncertainty. Extensive experimental results on real datasets demonstrate that MedNER significantly outperforms existing approaches.