bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiu , Kou Liqiu , Xie Xiaolu , Su Song , Li Jun , Li Yaling
Published: January 2024

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly advanced HCC, has been a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are landmark drugs in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, which have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. In the field of HCC treatment, this class of drugs has shown good therapeutic prospects. For example, atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as first‐line treatment for advanced HCC due to significant efficacy. However, sensitivity to ICI therapy varies widely among HCC patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for determinants of resistance/sensitivity to ICIs and to screen biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of ICIs. This manuscript reviews the research progress of prognostic biomarkers associated with ICIs in HCC in order to provide a scientific basis for the development of clinically individualised precision medication regimens.
Flexible dual‐phase rare‐earth zirconate high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes for superior thermal insulation
Authors: Wang Hengchang , Xu Jie , Wei Mingyue , Feng Xiaoying , Wu Jiamin , Zhang Ping , Gao Feng
Published: January 2024

Ceramic fibers are potential lightweight materials for high‐temperature insulation due to their excellent high‐temperature stability and low thermal conductivity. However, the grain growth at high temperatures leads to the loss of flexibility and decreases in the thermal insulation performances of the ceramic fibers. Herein, we prepared flexible (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Yb0.2)2Zr2O7 (LNSGY) high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes using polyacetylacetone rare‐earth zirconium precursors by electrospinning method. According to the XRD and TEM analyses, the LNSGY nanofibrous membranes exhibited dual phases of defective fluorite and ordered pyrochlore structures. The grain size of the LNSGY fibers increased from 15.4 to 40.8 nm at heat treatments increasing from 800 to 1200°C; the slow grain growth in high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes contributed to the good flexibility. The fiber morphology was continuous and well distributed with diameters less than 500 nm. The thermal conductivity at room temperature was 0.0339 W/(m K). In addition, the high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes exhibited tensile strength and thermal stability at high temperatures. These performances provide further applications for high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes as high‐temperature insulation materials.
Prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: The Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study (JDCP study 10)
Authors: Kamiya Hideki , Himeno Tatsuhito , Watarai Atsuko , Baba Masayuki , Nishimura Rimei , Tajima Naoko , Nakamura Jiro
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes registered in the Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study. In the study, 6,338 patients with diabetes who had been treated by diabetes specialists were registered in 2007–2009. Of these, patients with type 2 diabetes who could be evaluated for DSPN were analyzed using the t‐test, χ2‐test and logistic regression analyses. DSPN was diagnosed using the Simple Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetic Polyneuropathy proposed by the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan. Of the total participants, 5,451 patients (mean age 61.4 years, duration of diabetes 10.8 years) were analyzed. Based on the criteria, 35.8% of patients were diagnosed with DSPN. The prevalence of sensory symptoms was 25.8%. The following factors increased the risk for DSPN: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–1.73), duration of diabetes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.43), body mass index (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10), hemoglobin A1c (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22), biguanides (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06–1.39) and insulin therapy (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.36–1.84). The following factors decreased the risk for DSPN: total cholesterol (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and exercise therapy (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98). The baseline survey clarified the prevalence and characteristics of DSPN in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. The survey also showed the risk factors of DSPN.
Serum amyloid A facilitates expansion of CD4+ T cell and CD19+ B cell subsets implicated in the severity of myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , An Xueting , Gao Xue , Wang Ningning , Liu Jia , Zhang Yong , Qi Guoyan , Zhang Chao
Published: January 2024

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a clinically useful inflammatory marker involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the SAA levels in a cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in relation to disease‐related clinical parameters and myasthenic crisis (MC) and elucidate the effects of SAA on immune response. A total of 82 MG patients including 50 new‐onset MG patients and 32 MC patients were enrolled in this study. Baseline data and laboratory parameters of all enrolled MG patients were routinely recorded through electronic medical systems. SAA levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro, human recombinant SAA (Apo‐SAA) was applied to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients to observe the effect on T and B cell differentiation. Our results indicated that SAA levels in new‐onset MG patients were higher than those in controls and were positively correlated with QMG score, MGFA classification, plasmablast cells, IL‐6, and IL‐17 levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that SAA levels were increased in generalized MG (GMG) patients than in ocular MG (OMG), as well as elevated in late‐onset MG (LOMG) than in early‐onset MG (EOMG) and higher in MGFA III/IV compared with MGFA I/II. The ROC curve demonstrated that SAA showed good diagnostic value for MC, especially when combined with NLR. In vitro, Apo‐SAA promoted the Th1 cells, Th17 cells, plasmablast cells, and plasma cells differentiation in MG PBMCs. The present findings suggested that SAA was increased in MG patients and promoted expansion of CD4+ T cell and CD19+ B cell subsets, which implicated in the severity of MG patients.

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Morphological and functional changes of the geniohyoid muscle in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery: Comparison of ultrasound images with a focus on swallowing function
Authors: Kiyomiya Yuto , Fujiu‐Kurachi Masako , Hirata Aya , Nakasone Waku , Azuma Masaki , Kishida Shunji , Tsuda Gota
Published: January 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to clarify, using ultrasound imaging, (1) whether the area and contraction of GH change in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery and (2) whether the changes in the area and contraction of GH are related to decline in swallowing function.

Methods

The participants were 21 female patients over 65 years of age who underwent hip fracture surgery. The patients were divided into two groups based on the results of swallowing assessment by water drinking: One with normal swallowing function (NSF) and the other with suspected decline in swallowing function (DSF). Sagittal cross‐sectional area (SA) of GH at rest and the shortening rate (SR) of GH upon contraction during swallowing were compared at two time points: immediately and 2 weeks after surgery. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for intra‐group comparisons, and Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for between‐group comparisons.

Result

SA of GH decreased significantly at 2 weeks after surgery in both groups, regardless of their swallowing function. In the intra‐group comparison, SR significantly decreased (worsened) only in DSF group. SR at 2 weeks after surgery was significantly higher in NSF than in the DSF. In the inter‐group comparison, DSF showed a significantly smaller (worse) change of SR than NSF in 2 weeks after surgery.

Conclusion

Decrease in muscle mass, or atrophy, of GH observed in both NSF and DSF, did not coincide with the post‐operative change in GH contraction of the two groups. The results suggest the importance of continuous swallowing assessment in the elderly individuals during their perioperative period.
Circadian misalignment impairs oligodendrocyte myelination via Bmal1 overexpression leading to anxiety and depression‐like behaviors
Authors: Zuo Yao , Hou Yuanyuan , Wang Yunlei , Yuan Linran , Cheng Lingna , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2024

Circadian misalignment (CM) caused by shift work can increase the risk of mood impairment. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear. In the present study, we used long‐term variable photoperiod (L‐VP) in wild‐type mice to better simulate real‐life shift patterns and study its effects on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, which are closely related to mood function. The results showed that exposure to L‐VP altered the activity/rest rhythms of mice, by eliciting phase delay and decreased amplitude of the rhythms. Mice with CM developed anxiety and depression‐like manifestations and the number of mature oligodendrocytes (OL) was reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 regions. Mood impairment and OL reduction worsened with increased exposure time to L‐VP, while normal photoperiod restoration had no effect. Mechanistically, we identified upregulation of Bmal1 in the PFC and hippocampal regions of CM mice at night, when genes related to mature OL and myelination should be highly expressed. CM mice exhibited significant inhibition of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR signaling pathway, which is directly associated to OL differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we demonstrated in the OL precursor cell line Oli‐Neu that overexpression of Bmal1 inhibits AKT/mTOR pathway and reduces the expression of genes OL differentiation. In conclusion, BMAL1 might play a critical role in CM, providing strong research evidence for BMAL1 as a potential target for CM therapy.
Railway sleeper vibration measurement by train‐borne laser Doppler vibrometer and its speed‐dependent characteristics
Authors: Zeng Y. , Núñez A. , Li Z.
Published: January 2024

A train‐borne laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) directly measures the dynamic response of railway track components from a moving train, which has the potential to complement existing train‐borne technologies for railway track monitoring. This paper proposes a holistic methodology to characterize train‐borne LDV measurements by combining computer‐aided approaches and real‐life measurements. The focus is on the speed‐dependent characteristics because the train speed affects the intensity of railway sleeper vibrations and the intensity of speckle noise, which further affects the quality and usability of the measured signals. First, numerical models are established and validated to simulate sleeper vibrations and speckle noise separately. Then, a vibration–noise separation method is proposed to effectively extract speckle noise and structural vibrations from LDV signals measured at different speeds. The parameters of the separation method are tuned using simulation signals. The method is then validated using laboratory measurements in a vehicle‐track test rig and applied to field measurements on a railway track in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Further, the speed‐dependent characteristics of train‐borne LDV measurement are determined by analyzing the competition between sleeper vibrations and speckle noise at different speeds. Simulation and measurement results show that an optimal speed range yields the highest signal‐to‐noise ratio, which varies for different track structures, measurement configurations, and operational conditions. The findings demonstrate the potential of train‐borne LDV for large‐scale rail infrastructure monitoring.
Effect of dietary and physical activity behavioral interventions on reducing postpartum weight retention among women with recent gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: He Jing , Hu Kaili , Wang Binghua , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) increases the risk of long‐term obesity and metabolic disease in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of dietary and physical activity behavior interventions in reducing PPWR. We systematically searched 13 electronic databases to retrieve articles published in English or Chinese before October 22, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed dietary and/or physical activity behaviors interventions on the outcomes of PPWR among women with recent GDM were included. Twelve studies researched a total of 5672 participants. The meta‐analysis indicated that dietary and physical activity behaviors interventions showed significant effects on the pooled effect size of body weight changes (WMD = −2.19, 95% CIs: −3.39, −0.98 kg), body mass index (WMD = −0.98, 95% CIs: −1.56, −0.39 kg/m2), and waist circumference (WMD = −1.20, 95% CIs: −2.49, 0.08 cm). Furthermore, the intervention group was more likely to achieve weight reduction (OR = 0.76, 95% CIs: 0.67, 0.87) than the control group. Postpartum dietary and physical activity behavior interventions for women with a recent GDM can reduce PPWR, and 1 year postpartum may be a window of opportunity.
Efficacy and safety between radiofrequency ablation and types of cryoablation catheters for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: A Network Meta‐analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Siranart Noppachai , Keawkanha Ponthakorn , Pajareya Patavee , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Ayudhya Choutchung Tinakorn Na , Prasitlumkum Narut , Chung Eugene H , Jongnarangsin Krit , Tokavanich Nithi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia referred for ablation. Periprocedural conduction system damage was a primary concern during AVNRT ablation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of permanent atrioventricular (AV) block and the success rate associated with different types of catheters in slow pathway ablation.

Method

A literature search was performed to identify studies that compared various techniques, including types of radiofrequency ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated) and different sizes of catheter tip cryoablation (4, 6, and 8‐mm), in terms of their outcomes related to permanent atrioventricular block and success rate. To assess and rank the treatments for the different outcomes, a random‐effects model of network meta‐analysis, along with p‐scores, was employed.

Results

A total of 27 studies with 5110 patients were included in the analysis. Overall success rates ranged from 89.78% to 100%. Point estimation showed 4‐mm cryoablation exhibited an odds ratio of 0.649 (95%CI: 0.202–2.087) when compared to nonirrigated RFA. Similarly, 6‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.944 (95%CI: 0.307–2.905), 8‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.848 (95%CI: 0.089–8.107), and irrigated RFA had an odds ratio of 0.424 (95%CI: 0.058–3.121) compared to nonirrigated RFA.

Conclusion

Our study found no significant difference in the incidence of permanent AV block between the types of catheters. The success rates were consistently high across all groups. These findings emphasize the potential of both RF ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated catheter) and cryoablation as viable options for the treatment of AVNRT, with similar safety and efficacy profile.
The reprogramming of mitochondrial energy metabolism in Rice: The role of the TCA cycle and GABA shunt under Arsenic exposure
Authors: Bhatia Priyanka , Saini Himanshu , Mirza Zainab , Gupta Meetu
Published: January 2024

Arsenic (As) pollution is hazardous for all living organisms. Plants growing in As‐contaminated soil are less performant. Recently, seed priming has attracted significant attention for its beneficial effects on plants. Numerous studies have associated priming technique with the induction of stress memory against traumatic conditions, but its relation to crop's energy balance is under‐researched. The present study highlights variations in energy metabolic pathways, particularly TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle and GABA (gamma‐aminobutyric acid)‐shunt in multi‐nutrient [silicon (Si), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and ascorbic acid (AA)] primed rice seedlings under As stress. Arsenic exposure decreased the TCA cycle enzymes' activity while intensifying GABA accumulation and metabolism. This enhancement in GABA shunt provides an alternative energy source for As‐stressed seedlings. However, priming and further Fe‐supplementation reduced As‐toxicity by accelerating the activity of both energy pathways, namely, TCA and GABA cycle. Improved energy regulation by priming and Fe‐augmentation also enhanced the functionality of anabolic respiratory‐interactive‐pathway, i.e., carbon‐nitrogen metabolism. The As‐tolerance response of priming and Fe‐augmentation was further analyzed from the expression profiling of nitrogen and phosphorous utilization genes. Out of 10 genes, particular enhancement was observed in OsNiR, OsGS, and OsGOGAT expression with improved macro‐micronutrient content of the seedlings. Thus, irrespective of As infestations, multi‐nutrient (Si, Fe, Zn, and AA) seed priming approach along with Fe‐supplementation may emerge as a beneficial strategy to improve plant metabolic capacity in terms of nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon assimilation to support normal vigor because they balance cellular energy levels.
A profound absence of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa: A call to action based on an empty scoping review
Authors: Knettel Brandon A. , Obale Armstrong , Iqbal Hamza , Fotabong Mela C. , Philippe Ngaha N. , Graton Margaret , Ledbetter Leila
Published: January 2024

Objective

One‐third of all global suicide deaths occur among adolescents and young adults, making suicide the second leading cause of death among young people. Nearly 80% of suicide deaths occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and many African nations have higher rates of suicide than global averages. However, interventions are scarce. We conducted a scoping review of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa.

Method

We performed structured searches of the Medline, Embase, PyscINFO, African Index Medicus, Global Heath Database, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they described a counseling intervention conducted in Africa, focused on participants under age 22, and included a suicide‐related outcome.

Results

After removal of duplicates, 1808 titles and abstracts were screened and 10 studies were identified for full‐text review. Of these, six included adult participants and did not disaggregate results for youth, two did not describe an intervention, and two did not include a relevant outcome. Thus, no studies were eligible for inclusion.

Conclusions

This empty review highlights the striking absence of published research on a life‐threatening public health challenge, representing a distinct call to action for improved efforts in adolescent suicide prevention in Africa.
KULEX-Wrist: Design and Analysis of Linkage-Driven Exoskeleton for Wrist Assistance
Authors: Bok Hong Man , Yoon Dukchan , Park Jaehyun , Kim Keehoon
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a wrist exoskeleton called the KIST Upper-Limb EXoskeleton (KULEX)-wrist for activities of daily living assistance of the elderly and the disabled. A novel linkage-based structure of the rotational mechanism with three degrees-of-freedom is proposed. The proposed wrist mechanism is composed of two prismatic-universal-spherical serial chains and one revolute-revolute-revolute spherical chain. Besides, a combination of a planar slider-crank and spherical four-bar linkages was employed as a drive mechanism for power transmission. Kinematic analysis was conducted to understand its working principle. Then, the dimensions of all the linkages were synthesized to meet the structural design suitable for the wearable exoskeleton and the transmission quality. In addition, motion twists and wrenches were geometrically derived. Finally, a prototype of the KULEX-wrist was designed, and then its performance of mechanical stiffness, motion capability, and power assistance was verified.
Multi-Task Learning for Design Under Uncertainty With Multi-Fidelity Partially Observed Information
Authors: Xu Yanwen , Wu Hao , Liu Zheng , Wang Pingfeng , Li Yumeng
Published: January 2024

The assessment of system performance and identification of failure mechanisms in complex engineering systems often requires the use of computation-intensive finite element software or physical experiments, which are both costly and time-consuming. Moreover, when accounting for uncertainties in the manufacturing process, material properties, and loading conditions, the process of reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) for complex engineering systems necessitates the repeated execution of expensive tasks throughout the optimization process. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel methodology for RBDO. First, a multi-fidelity surrogate modeling strategy is presented, leveraging partially observed information (POI) from diverse sources with varying fidelity and dimensionality to reduce computational cost associated with evaluating expensive high-dimensional complex systems. Second, a multi-task surrogate modeling framework is proposed to address the concurrent evaluation of multiple constraints for each design point. The multi-task framework aids in the development of surrogate models and enhances the effectiveness of reliability analysis and design optimization. The proposed multi-fidelity multi-task machine learning model utilizes a Bayesian framework, which significantly improves the performance of the predictive model and provides uncertainty quantification of the prediction. Additionally, the model provides a highly accurate and efficient framework for reliability-based design optimization through knowledge sharing. The proposed method was applied to two design case studies. By incorporating POI from various sources, the proposed approach improves the accuracy and efficiency of system performance prediction, while simultaneously addressing the cost and complexity associated with the design of complex systems.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Caffeine and Its Two Main Metabolites in Dried Blood Spots After Five Different Oral Caffeine Administration Forms—A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Tuma Chiara , Thomas Andreas , Trede Lasse , Braun Hans , Thevis Mario
Published: January 2024

This article has been retracted as of July 17, 2024, after a reader expressed concern that maximum caffeine concentrations in the study were substantially higher than those in earlier reports. The authors of the original article were asked to provide their raw dataset and an explanation for the apparent inconsistencies. During an independent review of the study data in coordination with the authors, they identified a contamination issue with caffeine that affected their evaluation of the results. Because the plausibility of the present data is in doubt due to the contamination issue, the article is retracted.
Effects of Hypoxia Severity on Muscle Oxygenation Kinetics Using Statistical Parametric Mapping During Repeated Treadmill Sprints
Authors: Hansen Clint , Brocherie Franck , Millet Grégoire P. , Girard Olivier
Published: January 2024

Purpose: We examined the effects of increasing hypoxia severity on oxygenation kinetics in the vastus lateralis muscle during repeated treadmill sprints, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Methods: Ten physically active males completed 8 sprints of 5 seconds each (recovery = 25 s) on a motorized sprint treadmill in normoxia (sea level; inspired oxygen fraction = 0.21), moderate hypoxia (inspired oxygen fraction = 0.17), and severe hypoxia (SH; inspired oxygen fraction = 0.13). Continuous assessment of tissue saturation index (TSI) in the vastus lateralis muscle was conducted using near-infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, TSI data were averaged for the sprint–recovery cycle of all sprints and compared between conditions. Results: The SPM analysis revealed no discernible difference in TSI signal amplitude between conditions during the actual 5-second sprint phase. However, during the latter portion of the 25-second recovery phase, TSI values were lower in SH compared with both sea level (from 22 to 30 s; P = .003) and moderate hypoxia (from 16 to 30 s; P = .001). The mean distance covered at sea level (22.9 [1.0] m) was greater than for both moderate hypoxia (22.5 [1.2] m; P = .045) and SH (22.3 [1.4] m; P = .043). Conclusions: The application of SPM demonstrated that only SH reduced muscle oxygenation levels during the late portion of the passive (recovery) phase and not the active (sprint) phase during repeated treadmill sprints. These findings underscore the usefulness of SPM for assessing muscle oxygenation differences due to hypoxic exposure and the importance of the duration of the between-sprints recovery period.
Movement Patterns in Older Adults Recovering From Hip Fracture
Authors: Kraaijkamp Jules J.M. , Stijntjes Marjon , De Groot Jurriaan H. , Chavannes Niels H. , Achterberg Wilco P. , van Dam van Isselt Eléonore F.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to quantify physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults recovering from hip fracture and to identify groups based on movement patterns. In this cross-sectional cohort study, older adults (≥70 years) were included 3 months after surgery for proximal femoral fracture. Patients received an accelerometer for 7 days. Demographics and outcomes related to physical function, mobility, cognitive functions, quality of life, and hip fracture were assessed. In total, 43 patients with sufficient accelerometer wear time were included. Across all groups, participants engaged in very low levels of physical activity, spending an average of 11 hr/day in prolonged sedentary behavior. Based on the extracted components from a principal component analysis, three groups with substantial differences in levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior could be distinguished.
Unveiling intra-person fingerprint similarity via deep contrastive learning
Authors: Guo Gabe , Ray Aniv , Izydorczak Miles , Goldfeder Judah , Lipson Hod , Xu Wenyao
Published: January 2024

Fingerprint biometrics are integral to digital authentication and forensic science. However, they are based on the unproven assumption that no two fingerprints, even from different fingers of the same person, are alike. This renders them useless in scenarios where the presented fingerprints are from different fingers than those on record. Contrary to this prevailing assumption, we show above 99.99% confidence that fingerprints from different fingers of the same person share very strong similarities. Using deep twin neural networks to extract fingerprint representation vectors, we find that these similarities hold across all pairs of fingers within the same person, even when controlling for spurious factors like sensor modality. We also find evidence that ridge orientation, especially near the fingerprint center, explains a substantial part of this similarity, whereas minutiae used in traditional methods are almost nonpredictive. Our experiments suggest that, in some situations, this relationship can increase forensic investigation efficiency by almost two orders of magnitude.
Cassette recombination dynamics within chromosomal integrons are regulated by toxin-antitoxin systems
Authors: Richard Egill , Darracq Baptiste , Littner Eloi , Vit Claire , Whiteway Clémence , Bos Julia , Fournes Florian , Garriss Geneviève , Conte Valentin , Lapaillerie Delphine , Parissi Vincent , Rousset François , Skovgaard Ole , Bikard David , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Mazel Didier , Loot Céline
Published: January 2024

Integrons are adaptive bacterial devices that rearrange promoter-less gene cassettes into variable ordered arrays under stress conditions, thereby sampling combinatorial phenotypic diversity. Chromosomal integrons often carry hundreds of silent gene cassettes, with integrase-mediated recombination leading to rampant DNA excision and integration, posing a potential threat to genome integrity. How this activity is regulated and controlled, particularly through selective pressures, to maintain such large cassette arrays is unknown. Here, we show a key role of promoter-containing toxin-antitoxin (TA) cassettes as systems that kill the cell when the overall cassette excision rate is too high. These results highlight the importance of TA cassettes regulating the cassette recombination dynamics and provide insight into the evolution and success of integrons in bacterial genomes.
Experimental quantum e-commerce
Authors: Cao Xiao-Yu , Li Bing-Hong , Wang Yang , Fu Yao , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: January 2024

E-commerce, a type of trading that occurs at a high frequency on the internet, requires guaranteeing the integrity, authentication, and nonrepudiation of messages through long distance. As current e-commerce schemes are vulnerable to computational attacks, quantum cryptography, ensuring information-theoretic security against adversary’s repudiation and forgery, provides a solution to this problem. However, quantum solutions generally have much lower performance compared to classical ones. Besides, when considering imperfect devices, the performance of quantum schemes exhibits a notable decline. Here, we demonstrate the whole e-commerce process of involving the signing of a contract and payment among three parties by proposing a quantum e-commerce scheme, which shows resistance of attacks from imperfect devices. Results show that with a maximum attenuation of 25 dB among participants, our scheme can achieve a signature rate of 0.82 times per second for an agreement size of approximately 0.428 megabit. This proposed scheme presents a promising solution for providing information-theoretic security for e-commerce.
A framework for leveraging network course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) faculty to develop, validate, and administer an assessment instrument
Authors: Kleinschmit Adam J. , Genné-Bacon Elizabeth , Drace Kevin , Govindan Brinda , Larson Jennifer R. , Qureshi Amber A. , Bascom-Slack Carol
Published: January 2024

Over the last several years, nationally disseminated course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have emerged as an alternative to developing a novel CURE from scratch, but objective assessment of these multi-institution (network) CUREs across institutions is challenging due to differences in student populations, instructors, and fidelity of implementation. The time, money, and skills required to develop and validate a CURE-specific assessment instrument can be prohibitive. Here, we describe a co-design process for assessing a network CURE [the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE)] that did not require support through external funding, was a relatively low time commitment for participating instructors, and resulted in a validated instrument that is usable across diverse PARE network institution types and implementation styles. Data collection efforts have involved over two dozen unique institutions, 42 course offerings, and over 1,300 pre-/post-matched assessment record data points. We demonstrated significant student learning gains but with small effect size in both content and science process skills after participation in the two laboratory sessions associated with the core PARE module. These results show promise for the efficacy of short-duration CUREs, an educational research area ripe for further investigation, and may support efforts to lower barriers for instructor adoption by leveraging a CURE network for developing and validating assessment tools.
Writing like a scientist: a research assignment for undergraduates inspired by the publishing process
Authors: Eden Alexander
Published: January 2024

Students that graduate with degrees in science may pursue a variety of career roles. Many of these roles may require them to read primary scientific literature (PSL) or even write up their own manuscripts for submission. While literature has recognized the importance of integrating PSL into undergraduate curriculum, it is also important for students to recognize the writing process that one may need to take part in if they seek to disseminate their own publications. This article will go through a research assignment that was given to an introductory journal club class for biology majors at a large R1 Hispanic-serving Institution. This assignment was designed to mirror the publication process at many journals including drafting a manuscript, integrating editor recommendations, and drafting a letter to the editor. In the end, students produce a review paper while becoming more familiar with the traditional publication process. In turn, this can prepare them to eventually seek to publish their own manuscripts.
Supplemental Material: Life in the Cambrian shallows: Exceptionally preserved arthropod and mollusk microfossils from the early Cambrian of Sweden
Authors: J. Slater Ben
Published: January 2024

 Additional details of methods, depositional environment, and table of Cambrian arthropod and radula SCFs.  
Addressing common questions on food oral immunotherapy: a practical guide for paediatricians
Authors: Anagnostou Aikaterini , Greenhawt Matthew , del Río Pablo Rodríguez , Pickett Grant , Szafron Vibha , Stukus David , Abrams Elissa M
Published: January 2024

Food allergy has been increasing in prevalence in most westernised countries and poses a significant burden to patients and families; dietary and social limitations as well as psychosocial and economic burden affect daily activities, resulting in decreased quality of life. Food oral immunotherapy (food-OIT) has emerged as an active form of treatment, with multiple benefits such as increasing the threshold of reactivity to the allergenic food, decreasing reaction severity on accidental exposures, expanding dietary choices, reducing anxiety and generally improving quality of life. Risks associated with food immunotherapy mostly consist of allergic reactions during therapy. While the therapy is generally considered both safe and effective, patients and families must be informed of the aforementioned risks, understand them, and be willing to accept and hedge these risks as being worthwhile and outweighed by the anticipated benefits through a process of shared decision-making. Food-OIT is a good example of a preference-sensitive care paradigm, given candidates for this therapy must consider multiple trade-offs for what is considered an optional therapy for food allergy compared with avoidance. Additionally, clinicians who discuss OIT should remain increasingly aware of the growing impact of social media on medical decision-making and be prepared to counter misconceptions by providing clear evidence-based information during in-person encounters, on their website, and through printed information that families can take home and review.
β-hCG secreting uterine PEComa
Authors: Murphy Patrick , Machlab Karla , Almohsen Shahd , Fratesi Jennifer , Watson Geoffrey
Published: January 2024

A postmenopausal female patient presented with vaginal bleeding. Initial bloodwork revealed an elevated serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin level (β-hCG). Pelvic MRI identified a complex heterogeneous uterine mass with central necrosis. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral saplingo-oopherectomy. Pathology reported a malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa). Postoperatively, her β-hCG level returned to normal. β-hCG secreting sarcomas are extremely rare, and to our knowledge, there has only been one previously reported case of a β-hCG secreting PEComa. Based on the limited literature, these tumours may have a worse prognosis. The role of β-hCG as a marker of treatment response and disease activity is unclear. Additional studies are required to further ascertain its role as a predictive and prognostic biomarker.
Management of hepatic hydropericardium with open drainage, maximal medical therapy and terlipressin
Authors: Ermongkonchai Tai , Ha Phil , French Janine
Published: January 2024

We present the case of a woman in her 60s with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis who developed pericardial tamponade during an admission for a haemothorax secondary to a mechanical fall. The patient developed haemodynamic compromise with a rapid decline in renal function. During an open subxiphoid drain tube insertion, a pre-existing peritoneopericardial communication was noted, with ascites in the peritoneal cavity on view. The serum ascites albumin gradient was 14 g/L. Maximal medical therapy was commenced including diuresis and albumin, with adjunctive terlipressin infusion which restored her baseline renal function and resolved the effusion. We believe this is the first case report of using open drainage, maximal medical therapy and terlipressin to successfully treat hepatic hydropericardium and its subsequent renal compromise.
Focus areas and methodological characteristics of North American-based health disparity research in sports medicine: a scoping review
Authors: Kliethermes Stephanie A , Asif Irfan M , Blauwet Cheri , Christensen Leslie , Coleman Nailah , Lavallee Mark E , Moeller James L , Phillips Shawn F , Rao Ashwin , Rizzone Katherine H , Sund Sarah , Tanji Jeffrey L , Tuakli-Wosornu Yetsa A , Stafford Cleo D
Published: January 2024

Objective

Health disparities are widely prevalent; however, little has been done to examine and address their causes and effects in sports and exercise medicine (SEM). We aimed to summarise the focus areas and methodology used for existing North American health disparity research in SEM and to identify gaps in the evidence base.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Eligibility criteria

Full-text, peer-reviewed manuscripts of primary research, conducted in North America; published in the year 2000 or after, in English; and focusing on organised sports were included.

Results

103 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles were classified into five focus areas: access to and participation in sports (n=45), access to SEM care (n=28), health-related outcomes in SEM (n=24), provider representation in SEM (n=5) and methodology (n=1). Race/ethnicity (n=39), socioeconomic status (n=28) and sex (n=27) were the most studied potential causes of health disparities, whereas sexual orientation (n=5), location (rural/urban/suburban, n=5), education level (n=5), body composition (n=5), gender identity (n=4) and language (n=2) were the least studied. Most articles (n=74) were cross-sectional, conducted on youth (n=55) and originated in the USA (n=90).

Conclusion

Health disparity research relevant to SEM in North America is limited. The overall volume and breadth of research required to identify patterns in a heterogeneous sports landscape, which can then be used to inform positive change, need expansion. Intentional research focused on assessing the intersectionality, causes and consequences of health disparities in SEM is necessary.
Is the impact of paid maternity leave policy on the prevalence of childhood diarrhoea mediated by breastfeeding duration? A causal mediation analysis using quasi-experimental evidence from 38 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Chai Yan , Nandi Arijit , Heymann Jody
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Quasi-experimental evidence suggests that extending the duration of legislated paid maternity leave is associated with lower prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This could be due to a variety of mechanisms. This study examines whether this effect is mediated by changes in breastfeeding duration.

Design and setting

Difference-in-difference approach and causal mediation analysis were used to perform secondary statistical analysis of cross-sectional data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) in 38 LMICs.

Participants

We merged longitudinal data on national maternity leave policies with information on childhood diarrhoea related to 639 153 live births between 1996 and 2014 in 38 LMICs that participated in the DHS at least twice between 1995 and 2015.

Primary outcome measure

Our outcome was whether the child had bloody stools in the 2 weeks prior to the interview. This measure was used as an indicator of severe diarrhoea because the frequency of loose stools in breastfed infants can be difficult to distinguish from pathological diarrhoea based on survey data.

Results

A 1-month increase in the legislated duration of paid maternity leave was associated with a 34% (risk ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.91) reduction in the prevalence of bloody diarrhoea. Breast feeding for at least 6 months and 12 months mediated 10.6% and 7.4% of this effect, respectively.

Conclusion

Extending the duration of paid maternity leave appears to lower diarrhoea prevalence in children under 5 years of age in LMICs. This effect is slightly mediated by changes in breastfeeding duration.
Prognostic value of circulating plasma cells detected by flow cytometry in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Feifei , Ye Wu , Deng Jili , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Congli , Yu Qingfeng , Cao Li , Gan Silin , Ma Jie
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on cytogenetic and clinical biomarkers. The circulating clonal plasma cells (CPCs) were reported to have potential prognostic impact on MM. Among various diagnostic approaches, multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) offers heightened sensitivity, minimal invasiveness and reproducibility. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of quantifying CPCs via FCM in newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data source

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and references of included studies.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational studies that evaluated the prognostic value of CPCs detected by FCM in NDMM.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were screened and extracted independently by two investigators. The pooled results originated from random effects models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). To evaluate the prognostic value of CPCs in NDMM, HRs and their 95% CI for both OS and PFS were derived using COX multivariable models. These values were then used to compute the pooled estimated effect.

Results

Our meta-analysis encompassed a total of 2704 NDMM patients from 11 studies up to 27 August 2022. The pooled HR for OS and PFS in CPC-positive (CPCs+) group and CPC-negative group were 1.95 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.07) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.39), respectively. The autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) failed to eliminate the adverse impact on OS and PFS. The heterogeneity may stem from the use of novel agents or traditional chemotherapy as initial treatment.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates CPCs+ had an adverse impact on the prognosis of NDMM patients in the total population, and the adverse impact could not be eliminated by ASCT.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021272381.
Virological, serological and clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: development and validation of the HEPA-B simulation model
Authors: Mohareb Amir M , Kim Arthur Y , Boyd Anders , Noubary Farzad , Kouamé Menan Gérard , Anglaret Xavier , Coffie Patrick A , Eholie Serge Paul , Freedberg Kenneth A , Hyle Emily P
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Detailed simulation models are needed to assess strategies for prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the world’s leading cause of liver disease. We sought to develop and validate a simulation model of chronic HBV that incorporates virological, serological and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We developed a novel Monte Carlo simulation model (the HEPA-B Model) detailing the natural history of chronic HBV. We parameterised the model with epidemiological data from the Western Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. We simulated the evolution of HBV DNA, ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and surface antigen (HBsAg). We projected incidence of HBeAg loss, HBsAg loss, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death over 10-year and lifetime horizons. We stratified outcomes by five HBV DNA categories at the time of HBeAg loss, ranging from HBV DNA<300 copies/mL to >106copies/mL. We tested goodness of fit using intraclass coefficients (ICC).

Results

Model-projected incidence of HBeAg loss was 5.18% per year over lifetime (ICC, 0.969 (95% CI: 0.728 to 0.990)). For people in HBeAg-negative phases of infection, model-projected HBsAg loss ranged from 0.78% to 3.34% per year depending on HBV DNA level (ICC, 0.889 (95% CI: 0.542 to 0.959)). Model-projected incidence of cirrhosis was 0.29–2.09% per year (ICC, 0.965 (95% CI: 0.942 to 0.979)) and HCC incidence was 0.06–1.65% per year (ICC, 0.977 (95% CI: 0.962 to 0.986)). Over a lifetime simulation of HBV disease, mortality rates were higher for people with older age, higher HBV DNA level and liver-related complications, consistent with observational studies.

Conclusions

We simulated HBV DNA-stratified clinical outcomes with the novel HEPA-B Model and validated them to observational data. This model can be used to examine strategies of HBV prevention and management.