bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intranasal lavage with hypochlorous acid safely reduces the symptoms in the ambulatory patient with COVID-19
Authors: Abner Monique Lisa
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate intranasal lavage with a hypochlorous acid solution in the reduction of symptoms in the ambulatory COVID-19 patient.

STUDY DESIGN

Study approval granted by the Institutional Review Board of Reading Hospital (IRB 036-20), with informed consent obtained from all adult participants(age>18 years).

SETTING

All enrollees, taken from the same ambulatory testing facility, received nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain (RT-PCR) or the COVID-19 antigen specific test (Binax NOW, Abbott Lab)

METHODS

Convenience sampling methodology was utilized. Each enrollee was provided with the study devices which included a Nasaflo Neti Pot (NeilMed Pharmaceutical, Inc.), and the hypochlorous acid solution (Vashe Wound Solution, Urgo Medical North America, LLC). Participants were instructed to irrigate each nostril with 120 cc (four ounces) of the solution for ten consecutive days, and record the presence or absence of symptoms in a scripted diary log.

RESULTS

The study included 88 patients of which 74 (84.1%) completed the ten days of nasal lavage. All data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0.

Chi square test of association found no significant difference related to gender, age group race, ethnicity, residence, or living arrangements (all p-values > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in any of the co-morbid conditions. Mild adverse reactions included burning, epistaxis, and oral metallic taste. No enrollees required mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the feasibility and safety of using intranasal lavage with a hypochlorous acid solution in relieving symptoms in the ambulatory Covid-19 patient.
Phylogenetic diversity and functional potential of large and cell-associated viruses in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Minch Benjamin , Akter Salma , Weinheimer Alaina , Rahman M Shaminur , Parvez Md Anowar Khasru , Rahman Sabita Rezwana , Ahmed Md Firoz , Moniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: July 2023

The Bay of Bengal (BoB), the largest bay in the world, provides valuable ecosystem services such as fishing and recreation to millions of people living along its coast and has a significant economic value. The BoB is impacted by various environmental factors such as seasonal monsoons and multiple freshwater inputs, and this region is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and increased frequency of devastating cyclones that are predicted to be exacerbated due to global climate change. These factors are also compounded by anthropogenic influences from tourism and development, making it an important ecosystem to understand and study from a global change perspective. Despite its importance, microbial diversity and ecology have remained largely understudied in this region. In this study, we describe the diversity and putative functional importance of large and cell-associated (that is, originating from the cellular size fraction) viruses from two coastal sites in the BoB, with an emphasis on giant viruses and large phages. Sites chosen for this study include Cox’s Bazar, a populated beach with multiple freshwater inputs, and Saint Martin Island, a resort island that has considerably less human influence compared to Cox’s Bazar. Through metagenomic sequencing, we were able to identify a more abundant and more diverse viral community at Cox’s Bazar consisting of many viruses that are indicators of freshwater intrusion and runoff. Overall, 1962 putative phage genome bins were obtained ranging from 10 - 655 kilobase pairs (kbp) in sizes. Of these genomes, 16 from Saint Martin were found to be larger than 100kbp which we deemed “large” phages, and we were able to reconstruct a phylogeny of these large phages using the TerL gene as a marker. This phylogeny revealed clades enriched in large phages and a high diversity of large phage candidates in the Bay of Bengal coast. Protein annotation analysis showed a wide variety of functionality from both sites with more auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) found in the Cox’s Bazar viral community. Five giant virus (Phylum Nucleocytoviricota) genomes were also reconstructed from Cox’s Bazar and identified as belonging to the orders Imitervirales and Pandoravirales. These genomes ranged from 83 - 876 kbp in size and contained a wide range of encoded functionalities. To the best of our knowledge, our study represents the first insights on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of viruses in the Bay of Bengal. These results thus provide an important foundation for further studies on the impact of host-virus interactions on biogeochemical cycles and microbial food web in this understudied marine environment.
Intestinal LKB1 loss drives a pre-malignant program along the serrated cancer pathway
Authors: Plugge S.F. , Ma H. , van der Vaart J.Y. , Sprangers J. , Morsink F.H.M. , Xanthakis D. , Jamieson C. , Keijzer A.R. , Margaritis T. , Candelli T. , Straver R. , de Ridder J. , Holstege F.C.P. , de Leng W.W.J. , Offerhaus G.J.A. , Merenda A. , Maurice M.M.
Published: July 2023

Background & Aims

Heterozygous inactivating mutations of Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) are causative to the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a hereditary disease characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis and increased cancer susceptibility. While LKB1 loss-induced polyp formation has been ascribed to non-epithelial tissues, how LKB1 deficiency increases cancer risk of patients by altering the phenotypical landscape and hierarchical organization of epithelial tissues remains poorly understood.

Methods

Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated heterozygous and homozygous Lkb1-deficient mouse small intestinal organoids. These organoids were characterized by a combined approach that integrates imaging, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and growth assays. Our findings were validated in human PJS-derived tissues using immunohistochemistry and linked to colorectal cancer profiles using the TCGA cancer database.

Results

Our results reveal that heterozygous Lkb1 loss is sufficient to push cells into a premalignant transcriptional program associated with serrated colorectal cancer, which is further amplified by loss-of-heterozygosity. This altered epithelial growth state associates with persistent features of regeneration and enhanced EGFR ligand and receptor expression, conferring niche-independent growth properties to Lkb1-deficient organoids. Moreover, LKB1 loss-of-function mutations co-occur with serrated colorectal cancer driver mutations for which synergistic cooperation was experimentally confirmed for Kras mutation and Lkb1-deficiency by assessing growth properties and transcriptomes.

Conclusions

Heterozygous loss of LKB1 pushes intestinal cells into a chronic regenerative state which is amplified upon loss-of-heterozygosity. Lkb1-deficiency thereby establishes fertile ground for serrated colorectal cancer formation in the intestine, explaining the increased cancer risk observed in PJS.
The role of the unicellular bottleneck and organism size in mediating cooperation and conflict among cells at the onset of multicellularity
Authors: Ackermann Sydney , Osmond Matthew
Published: July 2023

Evolutionary transitions in individuality introduce new levels of selection and thus enable discordant selection, threatening the stability of the transition. Cheating is such a problem for multicellularity. So why have so many transitions to multicellularity persisted? One possibility is that the unicellular propagule maintains cooperation among cells by purging cheaters. The evolution of propagule size has been modeled previously, but in the absence of competition between individuals, which may often select for larger propagules. How does the nature of competition between individuals affect the optimal propagule size in the presence of cheating? Here we take a model of early multicellularity, add phenotypic switching between cheating and cooperative phenotypes, and simulate size-dependent competition on a lattice, which allows us to tune the strength of interspecific vs. intraspecific competition via dispersal. As expected, cheating favors strategies with unicellular propagules while size-dependent competition favors strategies with few large propagules (binary fragmentation). How these opposing forces resolve depends on dispersal. Local dispersal, which intensifies intraspecific competition, favors binary fragmentation, which reduces intraspecific competition for space, with one unicellular propagule. Global dispersal instead favours multiple fission when cheating is common. We also find that selfishness promotes smaller body size, despite direct opposing selection from competition. Our results shed light on the evolution of multicellular life cycles and the prevalence of a unicellular stage in the multicellular life cycle across the tree of life.

Author summary

A multicellular organism is a group of cooperating cells. But wherever there is cooperation there is the temptation to cheat. Having offspring that start as a single cell (a unicellular bottleneck) has been hypothesized as an adaptation to purge lineages of cheating cells. We model the evolution of offspring size but add competition between individuals, which may select against small unicellular offspring. We find that having some unicellular offspring is still a successful strategy, but how many depends on the nature of competition.
DeepDynaForecast: Phylogenetic-informed graph deep learning for epidemic transmission dynamic prediction
Authors: Sun Chaoyue , Fang Ruogu , Salemi Marco , Prosperi Mattia , Magalis Brittany Rife
Published: July 2023

In the midst of an outbreak or sustained epidemic, reliable prediction of transmission risks and patterns of spread is critical to inform public health programs. Projections of growth or decline among specific risk groups can aid in optimizing interventions, particularly when resources are limited. Phylogenetic trees have been widely used in the detection of transmission chains and high-risk populations. Moreover, tree topology and the incorporation of population parameters (phylodynamics) can be useful to reconstruct the evolutionary dynamics of an epidemic across space and time among individuals. We now demonstrate the utility of phylodynamic trees for infection forecasting in addition to backtracking, developing a phylogeny-based deep learning system, calledDeepDynaForecast. Our approach leverages a primal-dual graph learning structure with shortcut multi-layer aggregation, and it is suited for the early identification and prediction of transmission dynamics in emerging high-risk groups. We demonstrate the accuracy ofDeepDynaForecastusing simulated outbreak data and the utility of the learned model using empirical, large-scale data from the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic in Florida between 2012 and 2020. Our framework is available as open-source software (MIT license) at:https://github.com/lab-smile/DeepDynaForcast.

Author Summary

During an outbreak or sustained epidemic, accurate prediction of patterns in transmission risk can reliably inform public health strategies. Projections indicating growth or decline of transmission for specific risk groups can significantly enhance the optimization of interventions, especially when resources are limited. To address this, we presentDeepDynaForecast, a cutting-edge deep learning algorithm designed for forecasting pathogen transmission dynamics. Uniquely,DeepDynaForecastwas trained on in-depth simulation data and used more information from the phylogenetic tree of pathogen sequence data than any other algorithm in the field to date, allowing classification of samples according to their dynamics (growth, static, or decline) with incredible accuracy. We evaluated the model’s performance using both simulated outbreak data and empirical, large-scale data from the HIV epidemic in Florida between 2012 and 2020. We concludeDeepDynaForecastrepresents a significant advancement in genomics-mediated pathogen transmission characterization and has the potential to catalyze new research directions within virology, molecular biology, and public health.
Reliable interpretability of biology-inspired deep neural networks
Authors: Esser-Skala Wolfgang , Fortelny Nikolaus
Published: July 2023

Deep neural networks display impressive performance but suffer from limited interpretability. Biology-inspired deep learning, where the architecture of the computational graph is based on biological knowledge, enables unique interpretability where real-world concepts are encoded in hidden nodes, which can be ranked by importance and thereby interpreted. In such models trained on single-cell transcriptomes, we previously demonstrated that node-level interpretations lack robustness upon repeated training and are influenced by biases in biological knowledge. Similar studies are missing for related models. Here, we test and extend our methodology for reliable interpretability in P-NET, a biology-inspired model trained on patient mutation data. We observe variability of interpretations and susceptibility to knowledge biases, and identify the network properties that drive interpretation biases. We further present an approach to control the robustness and biases of interpretations, which leads to more specific interpretations. In summary, our study reveals the broad importance of methods to ensure robust and bias-aware interpretability in biology-inspired deep learning.
EHMT2/G9a-Inhibition Reprograms Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) to a More Differentiated, Less Proliferative and Invasive State
Authors: Wu Nila C , Quevedo Rene , Nurse Michelle , Hezaveh Kebria , Liu Haijiao , Sun Fumao , Muffat Julien , Sun Yu , Simmons Craig A , McGaha Tracy L , Prinos Panagiotis , Arrowsmith Cheryl H , Ailles Laurie , D’Arcangelo Elisa , McGuigan Alison P
Published: July 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have previously been shown to play a pivotal role in multiple cancer dynamics, including mediating tumor cell invasion: their pro-invasive secretory profile and ability to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture particularly promote tumor progression through tumor cell invasion into surrounding tissue areas and beyond. Given that reduced CAF abundance in tumors correlates with improved outcomes in various cancers, we set out to identify epigenetic targets involved in CAF activation in the tumor-stromal margin to reduce overall tumor aggressiveness. Using the GLAnCE (Gels for Live Analysis of Compartmentalized Environments) co-culture platform, we performed an image-based, phenotypic screen and identified EHMT2 (also known as G9a), an epigenetic enzyme that targets the methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9), as the most potent modulator of CAF abundance and CAF-mediated tumor cell invasion. Transcriptomic and functional analysis of EHMT2-inhibited CAFs revealed the involvement of EHMT2 in driving CAFs towards a pro-invasive phenotype. Further, EHMT2 signaling mediated CAF hyperproliferation, a feature that is typically associated with activated fibroblasts present in tumors, but the molecular basis for which has not thus far been identified. This study suggests a role for EHMT2 as a regulator of CAF hyperproliferation within the tumor mass, which in turn magnifies CAF-induced pro-invasive effects on tumor cells.
Persistent effects of intramammary ceftiofur treatment on the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance in dairy cattle
Authors: Vasco Karla A. , Carbonell Samantha , Sloup Rebekah E. , Bowcutt Bailey , Colwell Rita R. , Graubics Karlis , Erskine Ronald , Norby Bo , Ruegg Pamela L. , Zhang Lixin , Manning Shannon D.
Published: July 2023

Intramammary (IMM) ceftiofur treatment is commonly used in dairy farms to prevent mastitis, though its impact on the cattle gut microbiome and selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has not been elucidated. Herein, we enrolled 40 healthy dairy cows after lactation: 20 were treated with IMM ceftiofur (Spectramast®DC) and a non-antibiotic internal teat sealant (bismuth subnitrate) and 20 (controls) received only bismuth subnitrate. Fecal samples were collected before (day −1) and after treatment (weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9) for bacterial quantification and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Overall, 90% and 24% of the 278 samples had Gram-negative bacteria with resistance to ampicillin and ceftiofur, respectively. Most of the cows treated with ceftiofur did not have an increase in the number of resistant bacteria; however, a subset (25%) shed higher levels of ceftiofur-resistant bacteria for up to 2 weeks post-treatment. At week 5, the antibiotic-treated cows had lower microbiome abundance and richness, whereas a greater abundance of genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), CfxA, ACI-1, and CMY, was observed at weeks 1, 5 and 9. Moreover, the contig and network analyses detected associations between β-lactam resistance genes and phages, mobile genetic elements, and specific genera. Commensal bacterial populations belonging to Bacteroidetes most often possessed ESBL genes followed by members of Enterobacteriaceae. This study highlights variable, persistent effects of IMM ceftiofur treatment on the gut microbiome and resistome in dairy cattle. Antibiotic-treated cattle had an increased abundance of specific taxa and genes encoding ESBL production that persisted for 9 weeks, while fecal shedding of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae varied across animals. Together, these findings highlight the need for additional studies that identify factors linked to shedding levels and the dissemination and persistence of resistance determinants on dairy farms in different geographic locations.
Patterns of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Adebowale Olusegun F. , Omotehinse Oluwaseun Solomon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to determine the patterns of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examined the pattern of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population comprised all the 28,673 undergraduate students of the university out of which 800 students were selected by stratified random sampling for the study. A questionnaire was used in gathering data for this study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, cluster and factor analyses. The study concluded that the patterns of suicide ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University are passive. It is recommended that Obafemi Awolowo University students adopt the physical and online counselling services provided by the institution to aid their mental and psychological well-being.

Findings

Findings revealed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among the students was low (89.9%). Result also showed that pattern of suicidal ideation was passive (85.2%). In addition, result showed that social isolation (31.3%), hopelessness (29.4%), disappointment with school result (26.5%) and unmet expectation (12.9%) were possible factors of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

This study only established the patterns of suicidal ideation among students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, without any reference to treatment of students with suicidal ideation. Since the patterns of suicidal ideation had been established, it is suggested that further research be conducted on the treatment and prevention of suicide among the students.

Originality/value

The research was conducted by the researchers, and data were adequately collected and prepared following research ethics and guidelines. Results were presented as revealed by the analysis of the data.
Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: Does age matter?
Authors: Barka Malek , Jarrar Mohamed Salah , Ben Abdessalem Zied , Hamila Fehmi , Youssef Sabri
Published: July 2023

Aim

Advances in laparoscopic surgery and perioperative care have improved the prognosis of operated patients, especially the oldest among them. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis in older adult patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out of 567 patients who underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis between January 2003 and July 2021. The outcomes of older adult patients (≥ 75 years) were compared with those of younger patients.

Results

The older adult group had significantly more patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 (37.5% vs 8.3%; P < 0.001) and more severe acute calculous cholecystitis (grade II; 82.8% vs 67%; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences regarding operative time (90 vs 80 min; P = 0.064), conversion rate (20.3% vs 13.5%; P = 0.144), and both intra‐ and postoperative morbidity, principally bile duct injuries (1.6% vs 0%; P = 0.113) and bile leakage (0% vs 1.2%; P = 1).

Conclusion

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy could be proposed safely for older adult patients with mild and moderate acute cholecystitis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 671–675.
Oral antimicrobial therapy for cellulitis versus outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a single‐centre audit of cellulitis outcomes
Authors: Bowhay Thomas R. , Tsang Tiffany , Wei Jeremy C. Z. , Edwik Wafa , Fridman Avi , Hubber Julia , Jo Jae Y. , Mckay Nicole , O'Brien Catherine , Osmond‐Wallam Joe , Smythe James , Crump John A. , Arnold Brendan
Published: July 2023

Background

Cellulitis is a common acute skin and soft tissue infection that causes substantial morbidity and healthcare costs.

Aims

To audit the impact on cellulitis management, regimen tolerability and outcomes of switching from outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) using intravenous (i.v.) cefazolin once daily plus probenecid to oral beta‐lactam therapy (OBLT) using oral flucloxacillin plus probenecid.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective audit on cellulitis management, regimen tolerability and outcomes at the Dunedin Public Hospital Emergency Department (ED) before and after a change of the local outpatient cellulitis treatment pathway from OPAT using i.v. cefazolin once daily plus probenecid to OBLT using oral flucloxacillin plus probenecid.

Results

OPAT was used in 97/123 (78.9%) patients with cellulitis before compared to 1/70 (1.4%) after the pathway change (odds ratio (OR), 0.04, P < 0.01). OBLT was used in 26/123 (21.1%) patients with cellulitis before and 69/70 (98.6%) after (OR, 218.8, P < 0.01). Antimicrobial change due to intolerance occurred in 4/123 (3.2%) patients with cellulitis before and 4/70 (5.7%) after (OR, 1.8, P, not significant (NS)) the pathway change. Inpatient admission within 28 days occurred in 15/123 (12.2%) cellulitis patients before and 9/70 (12.9%) after (OR, 1.1, P, NS) the pathway change.

Conclusions

Implementation of a change in outpatient cellulitis treatment pathway resulted in a significant change in prescribing practice. Our findings suggest that OBLT was both tolerable and had similar outcomes to OPAT.
The role of haptoglobin in the diagnosis of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome and in predicting neonatal outcomes
Authors: Ünal Hamza Bilal , Dal Yusuf , Karagün Şebnem , Coşkun Ayhan
Published: July 2023

Objective

The study aimed to determine whether maternal serum haptoglobin values could have an effect on predicting diagnosis and neonatal outcomes in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Materials and Methods

Hundred sixteen pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. To evaluate whether serum haptoglobin level in maternal blood could be used in early diagnosis of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, 49 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 13 pregnant women diagnosed with HELLP syndrome were included in the study group, and 54 healthy pregnant women in the control group. The groups were compared regarding maternal serum haptoglobin level, platelet count, ALT, AST, LDH, and uric acid levels. Moreover, the age, obstetric histories, and newborn outcomes of all pregnant women were recorded and compared between groups.

Results

The mean haptoglobin values were 0.29 ± 0.23 g/L in the HELLP syndrome group, 1.01 ± 0.52 g/L in the preeclampsia group, and 1.16 ± 0.37 g/L in the control group. The mean haptoglobin result was lower in the HELLP syndrome group compared to the preeclampsia and control groups (p < 0.001). While the differences between HELLP syndrome and the control and preeclampsia groups were statistically significant, no significant difference was determined between the preeclampsia and control groups. There was a significant positive correlation between haptoglobin value with the week of delivery, umbilical cord pH value, and the first and fifth‐minute Apgar scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was concluded that haptoglobin values could be used together with other biochemical parameters to diagnose HELLP syndrome and predict newborn outcomes.
Suspected cancer (red flag) referrals: A review of our experience in Northern Ireland
Authors: Causey Christine , Marley John
Published: July 2023

Aim

Head and neck cancer continues to represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality for patients. Alongside prevention, early recognition is key to improving patient outcomes. We aim to present our experience of suspected cancer referrals to the oral surgery/oral medicine units within a dental hospital in Northern Ireland in terms of patient demographic, referral quality, and referral outcome.

Materials and Methods

Patients who were referred to the oral surgery or oral medicine departments within the Queen's University Belfast Dental hospital between January and September 2018, and placed on the suspected cancer (Red Flag) pathway, had their records reviewed. Data was extracted by 2 calibrated dentists using predetermined data extraction forms.

Results

Overall, 377 patient referrals were identified with the majority coming from dentists (GDPs) and general practitioners (GMPs). GMP referrals were commonly via the e‐referral system (97%), and GDP via post or email (97%). E‐referrals underwent triage faster than other referral methods. Of the original referrals, 62% remained on the red flag pathway following consultant triage, and all were allocated appointments within 2 weeks. Ulcers, swellings, and white patches were the most referred lesions with just 5.5% of referrals including clinical photographs. Overall, positive predictive value (PPV) was 5.3% (8% for GDPs and 3% for GMPs).

Conclusion

Our department successfully met the 2‐week target in all cases. PPV does however remain low, but within recognised guidance limits, and could potentially be improved by further education of referrers and/or inclusion of a clinical photo at the time of referral.
Transvenous lead extraction of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators: A comprehensive outcome‐and risk factor analysis
Authors: Chung Da‐Un , Burger Heiko , Kaiser Lukas , Osswald Brigitte , Bärsch Volker , Nägele Herbert , Knaut Michael , Reichenspurner Hermann , Gessler Nele , Willems Stephan , Butter Christian , Pecha Simon , Hakmi Samer ,   the GALLERY investigators
Published: July 2023

Background

Device complications, such as infection or lead dysfunction necessitating transvenous lead extraction (TLE) are continuously rising amongst patients with transvenous implantable‐cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD).

Objectives

Aim of this study was to characterize the procedural outcome and risk‐factors of patients with indwelling 1‐ and 2‐chamber ICD undergoing TLE.

Methods

We conducted a subgroup analysis of all ICD patients in the GALLERY (GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY) database. Predictors for procedural failure and all‐cause mortality were assessed.

Results

We identified 842 patients with an ICD undergoing TLE with the mean age of 62.8 ± 13.8 years. A total number of 1610 leads were treated with lead dysfunction (48.5%) as leading indication for extraction, followed by device‐related infection (45.4%). Lead‐per‐patient ratio was 1.91 ± 0.88 and 60.0% of patients had dual‐coil defibrillator leads. Additional extraction tools, such as mechanical rotating dilator sheaths and snares were utilized in 6.5% of cases. Overall procedural complications occurred in 4.3% with 2.0% major complications and a procedure‐related mortality of 0.8%. Clinical success rate was 97.9%. All‐cause in‐hospital mortality was 3.4%, with sepsis being the leading cause for mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed lead‐age ≥10 years (OR:5.82, 95%CI:2.1‐16.6; p = .001) as independent predictor for procedural failure. Systemic infection (OR:9.57, 95%CI:2.2‐42.4; p < .001) and procedural complications (OR:8.0, 95%CI:2.8‐23.3; p < .001) were identified as risk factors for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

TLE is safe and efficacious in patients with 1‐ and 2‐chamber ICD. Although lead dysfunction is the leading indication for extraction, systemic device‐related infection is the main driver of all‐cause mortality for ICD patients undergoing TLE.
Corrosion Rates and Remaining Life Calculations
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

The existence of a representative corrosion rate (CR) is a central theme to API codes. Despite the fact that CR is not always uniform or linear through time it is nevertheless treated as a useful benchmark from which to predict the remaining life of a component. From this can be derived various inspection intervals and predictions about the future fitness-forservice of the item.
API 570 Sections 6 Intervals and 7 Data Evaluation
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

Looking back at Figures 14.2 and 14.3, these two sections (27 pages) make up the central core of API 570. Section 6 is the largest one, setting out how to decide the frequency/interval of inspection and how much inspection (the extent) is recommended for various components. Most of the content of Section 6 (including the two calendar-based tables) is good feedstock for closed-book exam questions as it consists of fundamental principles and ideas rather than technical padding.
The API 510/570/653 ICP Programmes
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

The API runs a certification programme for in-service inspectors. This is a system of certification of individual inspectors (not companies) involved in the in-service inspection of pressure vessels, piping and storage tanks. It is used extensively in the USA (it is a legal requirement in many states for inspectors to be certified) and in other countries that use API/ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) codes. In countries where it is not a legal requirement, it is becoming increasingly recognized as a ‘benchmark’ standard for certification of inspectors. These are termed the Individual Certification Programmes (ICPs).
API 510 Section 8: Repairs, Alterations, Rerating
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

Section 8 is a major source of API 510 exam questions. It brings together key concepts of corrosion rate, remaining life, evaluation methods and fitness-for-service of corroded vessels. The section occupies ten pages but is subdivided into just two main subsections
API 653 Section 10: Tank Dismantling and Reconstruction
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

Dismantling old (mainly atmospheric) tanks and reconstructing them on a new site is normal in the USA, although not so common in other countries. The simple welded construction of tanks makes it more feasible than for pressure vessels or piping systems. Reconstruction also gives an opportunity to replace corroded bottoms or other parts, so reconstructed tanks nearly always end up as a hybrid of old and new tanks. This raises three important points.
Tank Hydrostatic Testing
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

Hydrostatic testing of tanks is a common source of API 653 exam questions. It is different to pressure testing of vessels and piping as the tank is simply filled with water, rather than externally pressurized. The increased weight of the water, in excess of the hydrocarbon product provides a small overpressure, sufficient to test the integrity of the tank.
API RP 575 Inspection Practices
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

RP 575 acts as the support RP for the core code API 653. This follows the same relationship as API 510/RP 572 for pressure vessels. RP 575 has increased in size from earlier editions to 100+ pages with 70+ figures. In line with the other core-code RPs it has the following features
API RP 576: Pressure-Relieving Devices
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

Until recently, API RP 576: Pressure-Relieving Devices was only included in the API 510 BoK but now appears in all three BoKs in different guises. Figure 9.1 shows this in diagrammatic form. Because its main application is to pressure vessels, all the content of RP 576 is still in the API 510 BoK with the exception of the two annexes covering shop test equipment and reporting forms. API 570 includes a few sections (approx. 20%) of the document and API 653 only includes the few short sections (1–2 pages) on pressure-vacuum relief valves (PVRVs) as installed on atmospheric storage tanks. In this chapter we’ll cover the topics common to API 510/570.
U–Pb ID-TIMS Age of Rutile from the North Muya Block Eclogites (Northeastern Transbaikal Area) as a Tracer of the Duration for Exhumation of the Continental Lithosphere
Authors: Skuzovatov S. Yu. , Rizvanova N. G. , Skublov S. G. , Shatsky V. S.
Published: July 2023

Rutile, an abundant mineral phase of high-grade rocks, is used as a tracer of lithospheric evolution for deep zones of orogenic belts. This study presents new ID-TIMS U–Pb geochronological, mineralogical, and geochemical data for rutile from eclogites of the North Muya block (Baikal–Muya fold belt) in order to examine the applicability of its age estimates relative to the exhumation process of high-grade rocks. The assemblage of mineral inclusions in rutile (mainly titanite, epidote, and amphibole) indicate rutile growth through titanite breakdown reactions during prograde metamorphism epidote–amphibolite or amphibolite–facies rocks. The range of Zr contents and estimated Zr-in-rutile crystallization temperatures correspond to conditions from prograde (619–638°С at 1.5 GPa) up to peak ones (659–684°С for 2.5 GPa). The U–Pb age estimate (605 Ma) is notably younger than that of peak eclogitic metamorphism (630 Ma) and highlight the protracted cooling history of the eclogite-bearing complex during its evolution below the closure temperature of the U–Pb isotope system in rutile (~500–525°С) during tectonic denudation or erosion of continental complexes.
Research on Green and Low-Carbon Development Path of the Electric Power Industry
Authors: WANG Yaohua , XIA Peng , LIU Jun
Published: July 2023

In the analogy where achieving the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals (the “dual carbon” goals) is compared to a battle, energy is the main battlefield, and electric power the main force. The low-carbon transformation path of the electric power industry exerts fundamental impact on progress towards carbon peaking and carbon neutrality of the whole society. Therefore, this paper first analyzes challenges and opportunities faced by the electric power industry to achieve the “dual carbon” goals; secondly, on the basis of deep low-carbon, zero-carbon and negative-carbon scenarios of the electric power industry, this paper quantifies and delves into the consumption structure of primary energy and final energy, as well as the future development positioning and trend of different categories of energy. Based on the research results, this paper proposes low-carbon transformation path of the electric power system at the stages of carbon peaking, deep low-carbon and carbon neutrality, and analyzes the trend of power supply cost changes in different scenarios. On this basis, a series of implementation key points and measures are proposed to adapt to green and low-carbon transformation of the electric power industry, covering areas such as coal-fired electric power development positioning, new energy development and utilization, diversified supply and demand, new energy industry chain, and power supply costs, and so forth.
Supplementary Table S4 from Dissecting the Mechanisms Underlying the Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) Mediated by T-Cell Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Leclercq-Cohen Gabrielle , Steinhoff Nathalie , Albertí Servera Llucia , Nassiri Sina , Danilin Sabrina , Piccione Emily , Yángüez Emilio , Hüsser Tamara , Herter Sylvia , Schmeing Stephan , Gerber Petra , Schwalie Petra , Sam Johannes , Briner Stefanie , Jenni Sylvia , Bianchi Roberta , Biehl Marlene , Cremasco Floriana , Apostolopoulou Katerina , Haegel Hélène , Klein Christian , Umaña Pablo , Bacac Marina
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S4. Specification of reagents for flow cytometry (In vivo work)
Seven new species of Trichostema (Lamiaceae: Ajugoideae) from the North American Coastal Plain biodiversity hotspot
Authors: MCCLELLAND R. KEVAN SCHOONOVER , WEAKLEY ALAN S. , POINDEXTER DERICK B.
Published: July 2023

Trichostema section Trichostema occurs in the North American Coastal Plain biodiversity hotspot. Much of the previously noted morphological diversity in this section has so far gone unstudied. A combination of extensive field studies, principal components analyses and statistical tests on morphological data, common garden experiments, nextRAD sequencing, and Bayesian phylogenetic techniques was used to discover and describe taxonomic entities. The Bayesian phylogeny resolved strongly supported clades that mirrored the morphological, ecological, and geographic findings. Given the preponderance of the data, seven new taxa are described herein at species level.
Actionable Scientific Assessments for the Energy Sector
Authors: Tipton Emma , Seitter Keith
Published: July 2023

There is an innate and critical relationship between energy and weather, water, and climate. As the deployment of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar energy, increases, so too does dependence on weather and weather variability. Understanding, accounting for, and communicating weather and climate variables is therefore critical for the planning and optimization of the energy system. This puts increasing pressure on the scientific community, and particularly those working on the weather and climate aspects of renewables, to provide the right information to meet the key decision-making needs of the energy sector. This study is the second of two pilot projects on the provision of actionable information for decision-making through the tailored and targeted assessment of weather and climate science. This study confirmed that excellent progress is being made on a variety of fronts associated with renewable energy, which is critically important as we move to increase use of renewables. A consistent theme in the discussions under this study, however, is the need to bring together many disparate types of data, modeling, and analyses toward convergent tools that adequately address the complex interconnectedness of a national power system built on renewable sources. In many ways, the most significant finding of this study is the need for major convergence research efforts to build the necessary historical reanalysis datasets, integrated weather-energy forecast models, and policy and regulatory frameworks that can leverage current disciplinary research efforts.
Leisure sedentary behaviour increases the risk of venous thromboembolism: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Chen Liang , You Guochang , Yang Zhenmei , Shen Runnan , Zhang Rong , Zhu Dongxi , Wang Linlu , Lin Shen , Lv Lin , Huang Kai
Published: July 2023

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a substantial contributor to the global burden of disease. Observational studies have suggested that leisure sedentary behaviours (LSB) are related to the risk of VTE; however, the causal role of LSB in VTE remains unclear.

Methods

Using data obtained from genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank (N = 422,218), we identified 84, 21, and 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to sedentary television (TV) watching, computer use, and driving, respectively. These SNPs were employed as instrumental variables. Summary statistics for SNP-VTE associations was obtained from the FinnGen study (5,403 cases and 130,235 controls). Two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were performed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger,weighted median, and weighted mode approaches. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness of the results.

Results

The main IVW approach demonstrated a positive association between the genetically predicted sedentary TV watching and the risk of VTE [odds ratio (OR):1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02—1.80, P = 0.039]. However, no significant association was observed for genetically predicted sedentary computer use or driving and VTE risk. The results from our series of sensitivity analyses, including Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier method, further supported these findings.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of an association between genetically predicted sedentary TV watching and the risk of VTE. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying causal mechanisms.
The strategy of laparoscopic surgery for asymptomatic antenatally diagnosed choledochal cyst
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Jin Jianli , Qiu Tong , Zhou Jiangyuan , Che Guowei , Ji Yi , Xu Zhicheng
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim was to investigate the characteristics, surgical management, and outcomes of asymptomatic patients with antenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts (ADCCs) and to justify the strategy of laparoscopic surgery (LS) for them in our hospital.

Methods

We developed our LS strategy for asymptomatic ADCCs. Patients with asymptomatic ADCCs who underwent LS or open surgery (OS) during January 2010 and January 2020 were included. Patients with recorded symptomatic ADCCs were exclude. All data of group LS and group OS were statistically compared and analyzed.

Results

Twenty-five patients received LS and 18 patients received OS were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. A total of 65.1% of biliary sludge formation was detected preoperatively by ultrasonography (US) (72.0% in group LS, 55.6% in group OS, P = 0.26). Compared to the OS group, the LS group had a longer operative time (313.4 ± 27.2 vs. 154.0 ± 11.9 min, P = 0.02), shorter postoperative fasting period (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 6.2 ± 2.3 days, P = 0.03), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (5.1 ± 1.9 vs. 9.2 ± 1.1 days, P = 0.03). The incidence of late complications, such as reflux cholangitis, adhesive intestinal obstruction, and biliary enteric anastomotic stricture with stone formation, was not significantly different between the two groups. The liver function and liver stiffness of all patients in the two groups were normal.

Conclusions

Based on the strategy for asymptomatic ADCCs in our hospital, the perioperative safety and midterm follow-up results after LS were satisfactory and comparable to those after OS.
Discovery of a new potent oxindole multi-kinase inhibitor among a series of designed 3-alkenyl-oxindoles with ancillary carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity as antiproliferative agents
Authors: Ismail Rania S. M. , El Kerdawy Ahmed M. , Soliman Dalia H. , Georgey Hanan H. , Abdel Gawad Nagwa M. , Angeli Andrea , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: July 2023

An optimization strategy was adopted for designing and synthesizing new series of 2-oxindole conjugates. Selected compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative effect in vitro against NCI-60 cell lines panel, inhibitory effect on carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms (hCAI, II, IX and XII), and protein kinases. Compounds 5 and 7 showed promising inhibitory effects on hCA XII, whereas compound 4d was the most potent inhibitor with low nanomolar CA inhibition against all tested isoforms. These results were rationalized by using molecular docking. Despite its lack of CA inhibitory activity, compound 15c was the most active antiproliferative candidate against most of the 60 cell lines with mean growth inhibition 61.83% and with IC50 values of 4.39, 1.06, and 0.34 nM against MCT-7, DU 145, and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. To uncover the mechanism of action behind its antiproliferative activity, compound 15c was assessed against a panel of protein kinases (RET, KIT, cMet, VEGFR1,2, FGFR1, PDFGR and BRAF) showing % inhibition of 74%, 31%, 62%, 40%, 73%, 74%, 59%, and 69%, respectively, and IC50 of 1.287, 0.117 and 1.185 μM against FGFR1, VEGFR, and RET kinases, respectively. These results were also explained through molecular docking.
Examining the Ethical Practice of Kissing the Teacher’s Hand in Today’s Society
Authors: Ridiansyah M. Briananda , Muhid Muhid , Nurita Andris
Published: July 2023

This study examines the hadith about the ethics of kissing a teacher's hand in today's society. This study uses qualitative research, emphasising literature study through the al-Jarḥ wa al-Ta'dīl method and analysis of hadith through an anthropological approach. The results of this study are the quality of the hadith about the ethics of kissing a teacher's hand in the history of Imam Abu Dawud No. 5225 status is ṣaḥīḥ. The discussion of this research reveals that in this hadith the Prophet Muhammad implicitly set an example so that Muslims always maintain relationships with other people, especially in face-to-face meetings, so as not to drown in the influence of foreign culture, negatively impacting Muslim youth. By looking at the loss of respect and obedience to elders or a form of ethics or manners that must be preserved, this study concludes that kissing the teacher's hand is something that is very much needed at this time by Muslims, especially for Muslim youths so that communication and good interpersonal relations.
Exploring the artificial intelligence “Trust paradox”: Evidence from a survey experiment in the United States
Authors: Kreps Sarah , George Julie , Lushenko Paul , Rao Adi
Published: July 2023

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are poised to transform society, national defense, and the economy by increasing efficiency, precision, and safety. Yet, widespread adoption within society depends on public trust and willingness to use AI-enabled technologies. In this study, we propose the possibility of an AI “trust paradox,” in which individuals’ willingness to use AI-enabled technologies exceeds their level of trust in these capabilities. We conduct a two-part study to explore the trust paradox. First, we conduct a conjoint analysis, varying different attributes of AI-enabled technologies in different domains—including armed drones, general surgery, police surveillance, self-driving cars, and social media content moderation—to evaluate whether and under what conditions a trust paradox may exist. Second, we use causal mediation analysis in the context of a second survey experiment to help explain why individuals use AI-enabled technologies that they do not trust. We find strong support for the trust paradox, particularly in the area of AI-enabled police surveillance, where the levels of support for its use are both higher than other domains but also significantly exceed trust. We unpack these findings to show that several underlying beliefs help account for public attitudes of support, including the fear of missing out, optimism that future versions of the technology will be more trustworthy, a belief that the benefits of AI-enabled technologies outweigh the risks, and calculation that AI-enabled technologies yield efficiency gains. Our findings have important implications for the integration of AI-enabled technologies in multiple settings.