bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Comparative Outcomes of All-Inside Versus Inside-Out Repair of Bucket-Handle Meniscal Tears: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lamba Abhinav , Hevesi Mario , Pan Xuankang , Boos Alexander M. , Wang Allen S. , Levy Bruce A. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs) are a common subtype of meniscal tears that represent a clinical challenge. Arthroscopic inside-out repair has been considered the gold standard in treatment; however, an all-inside approach has gained widespread popularity, with limited long-term evidence.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to (1) compare long-term clinical outcomes and rates of failure after surgical repair of BHMTs using the all-inside versus inside-out technique, and 2) identify risk factors for failure at long-term follow-up. It was hypothesized that clinical outcomes and rates of failure would be similar between the 2 techniques.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who had undergone surgical repair of BHMTs between 2003 and 2013 at a single institution were identified. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up using the Tegner scale, International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire, and visual analog scale pain at rest and with activity. A univariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors for repair failure, defined as revision meniscal surgery and/or documented meniscal retear.

Results:

In total, 63 patients were included (37 with inside-out repair, 26 with all-inside repair). At a mean follow-up of 11.2 years, the survival rate for BHMT repair was 63% overall, 70% for all-inside repairs, and 60% for inside-out repairs ( P = .37). The mean time to failure was 2.6 years for all-inside repairs and 2.5 years for inside-out repairs ( P = .98). PROM scores were not significantly different between the 2 repair groups ( P > .22). Univariate Cox proportional hazards model for failure demonstrated that increasing age at surgery was associated with lower failure rates (hazard ratio, 0.91 change per 1-year increase in age; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98) and medial meniscus repair was associated with higher failure rates (hazard ratio, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.14-8.77).

Conclusion:

Long-term follow-up of BHMT repair demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes and failure rates. In appropriately selected patients, the all-inside technique did not compromise outcome as compared with the inside-out repair techniques. For both methods, older age was associated with lower failure rates and medial meniscus repair was associated with increased failure.
Violation of the Right to Stay in Nicaragua: Promoting and Weaponizing Emigration
Authors: Chamorro Juan S.
Published: December 2024

Executive Summary

This paper analyzes the right to stay and to migrate in light of state regimes that seek to exercise totalitarian control over their own populations, with a particular focus on the Nicaraguan regime of Daniel Ortega. Such regimes violate the rights to stay and to migrate — which are rooted in human dignity, rights, and agency —by using migration (both of their own citizens and third-country nationals) and repression to ensure their survival and to advance their own political, economic, and geopolitical ends.

The author, a former Nicaraguan presidential candidate, finds that such regimes fail to create the conditions that would allow for robust, widely shared, socio-economic development. The Ortega regime instead encourages and seeks to facilitate the emigration of Nicaraguan nationals and depends on spending of remitted monies to keep Nicaragua’s economy afloat. It systematically persecutes, confiscates assets, and strips citizenship from its perceived opponents, including political dissidents, civil society organization, and religious institutions. Finally, it has sought to benefit financially by serving as a hub and way station for third-country nationals in transit to the United States, Costa Rica and other nations, which it (in turn) hopes to destabilize.
Effects of cadmium doping on thermo-physical properties of ZnO nanoparticles and nanofluids for heat transfer applications
Authors: Siva Krishna Turlapati , Prasad LSV , Krishna Varma Kola Poornodaya Venkata
Published: December 2024

The most common method of improving the thermal performance of the conventional fluids is adding the solid particles to the base fluid. This even though increases the thermal conductivity, but in turn increases the viscosity and the risk of sedimentation. Hence alternative methods are required to enhance the thermal performance of the base fluids. One such promising method is doping. In this regard, in this work it is aimed to study the effects of cadmium doping ZnO nanoparticles, which were then analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Their elemental composition was determined using SEM. XRD was utilized to ascertain the average size of the crystallite. All particles were found to be spherical and the average particle size ranged from 17 to 20 nm. Their thermal features were determined for various temperatures (20°C–60°C) and concentrations (0.1%–0.3%). Outcomes depict that at the highest concentration of the doped ZnO NPs, the thermal conductivity (TC) of the cadmium doped ZnO NFs for the concentration of 0.05% has enhanced by 42% than the base fluid. The TC of the Cadmium doped NFs was also found to be 7% higher than the TC of pure ZnO NFs. Density and viscosity has showed an increasing trend with the rise in the loading of the nanoparticles(NPs) whereas the specific heat has decreased. Doped nanofluids outperformed the ZnO nanofluids in their properties.
Clustering moves: Spatial network analysis in residential mobility
Authors: Cramer-Greenbaum Susannah
Published: December 2024

In the past sixty years, network analysis has become a valuable analytic tool in the study of interpersonal relationships and also in the construction of spatial relationships within urban geographies. Researchers have applied network analysis in a wide array of spatial applications; however, the power of network analysis has yet to be applied to understanding patterns in residential mobility. Residential movement patterns take place over longer time scales and potentially greater distances than daily journeys or commutes, but equally create networks connecting places and people. This research demonstrates how applying network analysis to residential moves may lend insight to open questions in the study of residential mobility, using fine-grained data on residential moves held by the city of Zurich, Switzerland. By creating a weighted directed network linking locations on a 400 meter coordinate grid with residents moving between them, the work demonstrates that network analysis can reveal geographies that overwrite the political boundaries commonly used to categorize residential spaces in the city. The new geographies produced by this method capture a wholistic picture of moving behaviour independent of reported residential choices. By tracking completed moves rather than stated aims, the uncovered mobility geographies sidestep the common categorisation of voluntary versus structurally determined residential choices, aggregating accumulated choices to demonstrate some of the geographic specificities of residential moving behaviour.
Fostering Linguistic Justice in Digital Spaces: Using Indigenous Methods in the Study of NLP
Authors: Gasparotto Melissa
Published: December 2024

Data and data modeling practices in natural language processing (NLP) privilege languages with the greatest levels of representation online, leaving behind speakers of the overwhelming majority of the world's languages from enjoying the full benefits of digital inclusion. These dynamics have been explored in the context of historic colonial relationships, with linguists and language activists noting the colonizing discourses around the adoption of language-related technologies, and highlighting problematic research practices among linguists and computational linguists working in the area of digital corpus development for minoritized and Indigenous languages. Such power differentials raise questions about the source(s) and nature of language technology development bias in Global South contexts. To that end, this paper is divided into three parts. The first addresses the identification and roots of bias in NLP as it is currently understood, emphasizing the particular ways it is expressed in Global South contexts, and Latin America in particular. The second briefly discusses the theoretical frameworks of data colonialism and Indigenous data sovereignty as mechanisms to clarify how bias in NLP operates in these contexts. In the third section, Indigenous methods are proposed to investigate how these frameworks can help illuminate a research ethics around NLP for minoritized languages. Although there is an abundance of literature addressing ethics in NLP, no work to date has utilized an Indigenous methods framework to examine bias in the field, even as it relates specifically to Indigenous language data and technologies. This work argues that Indigenous methods can ultimately yield deeper insights into the concepts of bias and fairness in NLP, as well as the motivations and decisions employed in the development of language technologies, thereby serving as a more effective generator of equitable solutions while advancing theory development.
Differences in microorganism profile in periprosthetic joint infections of the hip in patients affected by chronic kidney disease
Authors: Stimolo Davide , Budin Maximilian , De Mauro Domenico , Suero Eduardo , Gehrke Thorsten , Citak Mustafa
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This patient population has a higher risk of recurrent infections and hospitalization. The aim of this study is to compare the profile of microorganisms in patients with CKD and PJI of the hip versus controls and to individuate potentially unusual and drug-resistant microorganisms among the causative bacteria.

Materials and methods

A total of 4261 patients affected by PJI of the hip were retrospectively studied. Patients affected by CKD in this population were identified and compared with a control group of patients with PJI but without CKD. Data on patient characteristics and comorbidities were collected. The microorganisms responsible for PJI were identified and compared between both groups.

Results

The CKD group included 409 patients, 54.3% male, mean age of 73.8 ± 8.9 years, a higher body mass index (BMI) than the general population (29.88 ± 5.90 kg/m2), and higher age-adjusted CCI of 6.15 ± 2.35. Overall, 70 different isolates of microorganisms were identified, including 52 Gram-positive spp., 28 Gram-negative spp., 3 fungi, and 1 mycobacterium. Polymicrobial infections were more common in CKD group than controls (47.9% versus 30.9%; p < 0.0001). Staphylococcus spp. were the most common bacteria in both groups, followed by Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus spp. CKD group showed a higher risk of developing infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.003), Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Renal failure exposes patients who undergo THA to PJI caused by microorganisms that are potentially more drug resistant, leading to a higher risk of treatment failure. Knowing in advance the different microorganism profiles could help to plan a different surgical strategy.

Level of Evidence III.
Brain volumes, cognitive, and adaptive skills in school-age children with Down syndrome
Authors: Grzadzinski Rebecca , Mata Kattia , Bhatt Ambika S. , Jatkar Alapika , Garic Dea , Shen Mark D. , Girault Jessica B. , St. John Tanya , Pandey Juhi , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Estes Annette , Shen Audrey M. , Dager Stephen , Schultz Robert , Botteron Kelly , Marrus Natasha , Styner Martin , Evans Alan , Kim Sun Hyung , McKinstry Robert , Gerig Guido , Piven Joseph , Hazlett Heather ,   for the IBIS Network, Chappell C. , Shaw D. , Constantino J. , Elison J. , Wolff J. , Pruett J. , Collins D. L. , Fonov V. , MacIntyre L. , Das S. , Truong K. , Volk H. , Fallin D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common congenital neurodevelopmental disorder, present in about 1 in every 700 live births. Despite its prevalence, literature exploring the neurobiology underlying DS and how this neurobiology is related to behavior is limited. This study fills this gap by examining cortical volumes and behavioral correlates in school-age children with DS.

Methods

School-age children (mean = 9.7 years ± 1.1) underwent comprehensive assessments, including cognitive and adaptive assessments, as well as an MRI scan without the use of sedation. Children with DS (n = 35) were compared to available samples of typically developing (TD; n = 80) and ASD children (n = 29). ANOVAs were conducted to compare groups on cognitive and adaptive assessments. ANCOVAs (covarying for age, sex, and total cerebral volume; TCV) compared cortical brain volumes between groups. Correlations between behavioral metrics and cortical and cerebellar volumes (separately for gray (GM) and white matter (WM)) were conducted separately by group.

Results

As expected, children with DS had significantly lower cognitive skills compared to ASD and TD children. Daily Living adaptive skills were comparable between ASD children and children with DS, and both groups scored lower than TD children. Children with DS exhibited a smaller TCV compared to ASD and TD children. Additionally, when controlling for TCV, age, and sex, children with DS had significantly smaller total GM and tissue volumes. Cerebellum volumes were significantly correlated with Daily Living adaptive behaviors in the DS group only.

Conclusions

Despite children with DS exhibiting lower cognitive skills and smaller brain volume overall than children with ASD, their deficits in Socialization and Daily Living adaptive skills are comparable. Differences in lobar volumes (e.g., Right Frontal GM/WM, Left Frontal WM, and Left and Right Temporal WM) were observed above and beyond overall differences in total volume. The correlation between cerebellum volumes and Daily Living adaptive behaviors in the DS group provides a novel area to explore in future research.
The effect of time to neurosurgical or neuroradiological intervention therapy on outcomes and quality of care after traumatic brain injury, a registry-based observational study
Authors: Pansiritanachot Wasin , Riyapan Sattha , Shin Sang Do , Chantanakomes Jirayu , Thirawattanasoot Netiporn , Rangabpai Wichayada , Somboonkul Bongkot , Jeong Joo , Song Kyoung Jun , Chiang Wen-Chiu , Jamaluddin Sabariah Faizah , Kajino Kentaro
Published: December 2024

Background

Evidence regarding the effect of time to neurosurgical and neuroradiological intervention on outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Asia-Pacific region is limited. This study evaluates the quality of care and outcomes for TBI patients undergoing neurosurgical and neuroradiological procedures at different timings.

Methods

Adult TBI patients who received any neurosurgical or neuroradiological interventions during the year 2015–2022 in the Pan-Asian Trauma Outcome Study database were analyzed. The time to intervention, as the main exposure, was classified into three groups (Early, Intermediate, and Delayed) using Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) analysis. The outcomes were in-hospital mortality and unfavorable neurological outcomes. W score was utilized to compare the quality of care among exposure groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and interaction analysis were performed to identify the association between the exposure groups and outcomes, reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 1,780 patients were included. From the RCS analysis, patients were classified into three groups according to time to intervention: Early (< 1.9 h), Intermediate (1.9–4.1 h), and Delayed (> 4.1 h). According to the time to intervention, W score was − 8.6 in the early group, -1.1 in the intermediate group, and + 0.4 in the delayed group. Patients receiving intermediate and delayed intervention showed significantly lower mortality (AOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.86 and AOR 0.66, 95%CI 0.48–0.90, respectively).

Conclusion

Early neurosurgical and neuroradiological interventions in TBI patients in the Asia-Pacific region were associated with lower quality of care and higher mortality. The quality of care should be focused and improved during the early hours of TBI.
Vascular hemodynamic effects of penile revascularization surgery and the role of resistive index in follow-up
Authors: Akdemir Fatih , Kayigil Önder
Published: December 2024

Background

To evaluate the effects of penile revascularization surgery on penile vascular hemodynamics and to assess the utility of the resistive index (RI) as an objective parameter for postoperative patient follow-up.

Methods

This study included a total of 35 patients who underwent penile revascularization. Penile color Doppler ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and at the third postoperative month to evaluate cavernosal arteries, dorsal arteries, deep dorsal vein, and inferior epigastric artery. During these evaluations, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and resistive index were measured. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was administered before surgery and at the third postoperative month. In addition, corpus cavernosum electromyography and cavernosometry tests were performed in all cases preoperatively. Anastomotic patency was assessed using computed tomography angiography at the end of the follow-up period.

Results

The mean preoperative resistive index values were determined to be 0.74 ± 0.07 and 0.73 ± 0.09 cm/s for the right and left cavernosal arteries, respectively, and these values increased to 0.95 ± 0.09 and 0.96 ± 0.06 cm/s, respectively, at the last postoperative control. The mean International Index of Erectile Function-5, 15 scores for the right and left cavernosal arteries were 8.52 ± 4.83 and 19.4 ± 8.54, respectively, preoperatively, and these scores improved to 15.26 ± 4.50 and 35.76 ± 13.65, respectively, at the last postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the resistive index can be used as an objective parameter in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction of vascular origin and in the follow-up and management of the disease following penile revascularization.

Trial registration

NCT06350019/04/03/2024 (retrospectively registered).
Environmental sex reversal in parrotfish does not cause differences in the structure of their gut microbial communities
Authors: Dai Jingcheng , Wang Teng , Qiu Shunda , Qi Xiaoxue , Zeng Juntao , Chen Changcui , Wu Siqi , Qiu Dongru , Bai Shijie
Published: December 2024

Parrotfish are a common fish in coral reef areas, but little is known about their gut microbial communities. In addition, parrotfish are capable of sex reversal, usually some males are sexually reversed from females, and it is still not known whether this sex reversal leads to significant changes in gut microbial communities. In this study, we investigated the gut microbial communities of three species of parrotfish including Scarus forsteni (4 females and 4 sex-reversed males), Scarus ghobban (5 females and 5 sex-reversed males), and Hipposcarus longiceps (5 females and 5 sex-reversed males) by using high-throughput sequencing technology. The gut microbial communities of these three species were mainly composed of Pseudomonadota (class Gammaproteobacteria) and Bacillota, while at the family level, they mainly included Vibrionaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcacea, and Erwiniaceae. Although at the genus level, there were a large number of unclassified lineages, the remaining gut microorganisms were mainly composed of Vibrio, Photobacterium, Enterococcus and Lactococcus. Furthermore, we did not find significant differences in gut microbial community structure between the female parrotfish and corresponding female reversed males within each species, even in terms of the structure of gut microbial functional information obtained from 16 S rRNA gene sequence predictions. However, the gut microbial communities of these three species of parrotfish differed significantly not only in their community structure but also in their microbial functional information structure, mainly in terms of aspartate and asparagine biosynthesis, histidine degradation, inositol degradation, heptose biosynthesis, chitin derivatives degradation, enterobactin biosynthesis, and thiazole biosynthesis. Our study provides essential gut microbial community data for understanding the physiology and sex reversal phenomenon in parrotfish.
Multivariate filter methods for feature selection with the $$\varvec{\gamma }$$-metric
Authors: Ngo Nicolas , Michel Pierre , Giorgi Roch
Published: December 2024

Background

The $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric value is generally used as the importance score of a feature (or a set of features) in a classification context. This study aimed to go further by creating a new methodology for multivariate feature selection for classification, whereby the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric is associated with a specific search direction (and therefore a specific stopping criterion). As three search directions are used, we effectively created three distinct methods.

Methods

We assessed the performance of our new methodology through a simulation study, comparing them against more conventional methods. Classification performance indicators, number of selected features, stability and execution time were used to evaluate the performance of the methods. We also evaluated how well the proposed methodology selected relevant features for the detection of atrial fibrillation, which is a cardiac arrhythmia.

Results

We found that in the simulation study as well as the detection of AF task, our methods were able to select informative features and maintain a good level of predictive performance; however in a case of strong correlation and large datasets, the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric based methods were less efficient to exclude non-informative features.

Conclusions

Results highlighted a good combination of both the forward search direction and the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric as an evaluation function. However, using the backward search direction, the feature selection algorithm could fall into a local optima and can be improved.
Predictive value of a self-administered frailty screening questionnaire for the effectiveness of functional rehabilitation evaluated with the locomotor functional independence measure in a geriatric rehabilitation unit: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Chrusciel Jan , Ndoye Ramatoulaye , Ndiongue Biné-Mariam , Fournier Marie-Anne , Kabirian Fariba , Pondjikli Manon , Dutheillet-de-Lamothe Valentine , Berrut Gilles , Rolland Yves , Sanchez Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Background

Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that collect health data directly from the patient, without any intervention from a third party. The aim of rehabilitation units is to restore function. Functional gain can be evaluated with classic scales, such as the locomotor subscale of the Functional Independence Measure. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of a new self-assessment questionnaire pertaining to physical, sensory and cognitive ability (abbreviated SEPCO) for the prediction of functional prognosis in older patients admitted to a rehabilitation unit.

Methods

In this multicentre observational study including patients admitted to 12 rehabilitation centres in France, all included patients completed the SEPCO on admission. Poor response to rehabilitation was defined as relative effectiveness < 40% on the evolution of the locomotor FIM subscale. Components of the questionnaire potentially associated with the outcome of rehabilitation were confirmed for inclusion upon expert review and summed to form an overall score. The final score had five components: the depression score of the HADS, the SOFRESC vision score, the SOFRESC balance score, the stress urinary incontinence subscale of the USP, and the EPICES socio-economic deprivation score. A logistic regression model adjusted for baseline characteristics assessed the performance of the SEPCO score to predict change in functional status, defined by the relative functional gain for the locomotion subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

Results

A total of 153 patients (mean age 79.2 ± 8.1 years, 72.5% women) were included. By multivariate analysis, a 5-scale SEPCO score ≥ 1.1 predicted worse functional improvement with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.575, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.081 to 6.133, p = 0.03. Sensitivity for this threshold was 67.4% (95% CI 52.0–80.5%), with a specificity of 58.8% (95% CI 46.2–70.6%). Having a SEPCO ≥ 1.1 almost doubled the probability of poor response to rehabilitation (from 27.3 to 52.5%).

Conclusion

The SEPCO score can predict poor functional gain from rehabilitation. Future studies should validate this score on an external cohort. The SEPCO could serve as a complement to the initial clinical evaluation performed by physicians, and assist physicians in setting each patient’s rehabilitation goals.
Comparison of the effects of high tibial osteotomy with and without a tourniquet
Authors: Wu Huiwen , Wang Fangyuan , Deng Shihao , Liang Shuai , Lan Shaoze , Sun Kenan , Lunzhu Ciren , Cangjue Dawa , Li Jun
Published: December 2024

Background

Tourniquets are routinely employed to achieve hemostasis in modern limb surgeries. Nevertheless, the precise role and benefits of tourniquets in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgeries remain understudied. The aim of this study was to assess the application of tourniquets in high-tibial osteotomy procedures.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients who underwent HTO surgery at an identical hospital. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A, with a tourniquet (n = 43); and Group B, without a tourniquet (n = 43). The same surgical technique and postoperative care were employed for both groups of patients. Knee range of motion (ROM) and pain were assessed by utilizing a visual analogue scale (VAS) after exercise and maximum calf circumference, and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, as well as inflammatory markers including CRP and IL-6, were adopted to compare and analyse the recovery of knee function in the two groups of patients following surgery.

Results

All participants were followed up for a period exceeding three months. No cases of vascular or nerve injuries were observed during surgery in either group. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in total blood loss volume throughout treatment or haemoglobin or haematocrit levels (P > 0.05). furthermore, Group A underwent a shorter operation than Group B did (P < 0.05). Group B demonstrated decreased postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain levels, calf swelling (P < 0.05), increased early knee range of motion (P < 0.05), and diminished release of blood inflammation markers(IL-6 and CRP) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The application of tourniquets in HTO surgery reduces intraoperative blood loss and shortens the operative time yet does not substantially affect total bleeding. Nonetheless, the absence of a tourniquet resulted in reduced postoperative pain and facilitated early rehabilitation of knee function.
Comparative evaluation of rapid diagnostic test and PCR-based diagnostic assay for identification of trypanosomes in cattle of Apac and Kiryandongo districts, Uganda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Kizza Daniel , Azuba Rose , Wampande Eddie , Okwasiimire Rodney , Owembabazi Lillian , Mandela Wangoola , Waiswa Charles , Odoi Agricola
Published: December 2024

Background

Diagnostic tests and knowledge of their diagnostic accuracies are important for animal trypanosomosis surveillance and treatment.

Methodology

: A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021 to compare the performance of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and PCR-based assay for the detection of trypanosome infections. Random sampling and probability proportional to size sampling were used to sample study households and animals from the sampled household respectively. Animals were screened for the presence of trypanosomes using both tests. A total of 100 cattle (52 from Apac and 48 from Kiryandongo districts) were included in the study. The percentage of positive tests, sensitivity, and specificity of the tests using mini PCR as a reference were computed. Cohen’s kappa statistics was computed to assess how well the rapid diagnostic test agrees with the mini PCR. McNemar’s statistic assessed if the proportion of positive tests identified by mini PCR significantly differed from that identified by the rapid diagnostic test.

Results

The mini PCR test detected 31.2% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo while it detected only 5.7% positive samples in Apac district. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) analysis detected 91.6% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo district and only 46.1% in Apac district. T. congolense was the most common Trypanosoma species identified in Apac (36.5%) and Kiryandongo (47.9%) by the RDT. The percentage of each of the Trypanosome species (T.vivax, T.congolense, and mixed infection of T.vivax and T. congolense) detected by RDT differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two districts. The RDT had a high sensitivity of 94.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 72.7–99.9) but a very low specificity of 36.6% (95% CI: 26.2–48.0). The kappa test showed evidence of only a slight agreement (kappa = 0.1547, Accuracy = 0.48 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.379,0.5822) between the two tests. The observed agreement between the tests was 47% while the expected agreement was 37.84%.

Conclusion

This study found high sensitivity but low specificity of RDT using mini PCR as a reference.
Willingness to pay for a mosquito bite prevention ‘forest pack’ in Cambodia: results of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Yukich Joshua , Doum Dyna , McIver David J. , Richardson Jason H. , Sovannanoroth Siv , Lobo Neil F. , Tatarsky Allison
Published: December 2024

Background

Progress towards malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion has left much of the residual malaria transmission concentrated among forest-exposed populations for whom traditional domicile focused malaria vector control is unlikely to be effective. New tools to protect these populations from vector biting outdoors are needed.

Methods

Alongside implementation research on the deployment of a “forest pack” consisting of a volatile pyrethroid (transfluthrin)-based spatial repellent (VPSR), a picaridin-based topical repellent and etofenprox treatment of clothing, an assessment was made of participant willingness to pay for the forest packs and variants of the packs using a discrete choice experiment.

Results

Participants showed willingness to pay for forest packs consistent with full-cost recovery for VPSR devices. The inclusion of a full malaria season’s worth of VPSR devices increased the willingness to pay for a forest pack by 15% (p = 0.061). At a price of approximately 10 USD, approximately 50% of participants were willing to pay for a forest pack which included a full season’s worth of VPSR.

Conclusion

Forest packs which include VPSR are likely to be acceptable to the target forest-exposed populations, and those which include VPSR products may even have potential for commercial sales or some cost-recovery.
Dynamic control of the plasmid copy number maintained without antibiotics in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Geunyung , Yang Jina , Seo Sang Woo
Published: December 2024

Background

Manipulating the gene expression is the key strategy to optimize the metabolic flux. Not only transcription, translation, and post-translation level control, but also the dynamic plasmid copy number (PCN) control has been studied. The dynamic PCN control systems that have been developed to date are based on the understanding of origin replication mechanisms, which limits their application to specific origins of replication and requires the use of antibiotics for plasmid maintenance. In this study, we developed a dynamic PCN control system for Escherichia coli that is maintained without antibiotics. This is achieved by regulating the transcription level of the translation initiation factor IF-1 (infA), an essential gene encoded on the plasmid, while deleting it from the plasmid-bearing host cell.

Results

When validated using GFP as a reporter protein, our system demonstrated a 22-fold dynamic range in PCN within the CloDF13 origin. The system was employed to determine the optimal copy number of the plasmid carrying the cad gene, which converts an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) to itaconic acid. By optimizing the PCN, we could achieve an itaconic acid titer of 3 g/L, which is 5.3-fold higher than the control strain.

Conclusions

Our system offers a strategy to identify the optimal expression level of genes that have a competitive relationship with metabolic pathways crucial for the growth of the host organism. This approach can potentially be applied to other bacterial hosts by substituting the sensing module or the essential gene.
Nek6 regulates autophagy through the mTOR signaling pathway to alleviate cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Qingzhi , Liu Xinjing , Yuan Jing , Yang Ting , Ding Lan , Song Bo , Xu Yuming
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major obstacle to neurological recovery after clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Nek6 alleviating CIRI through autophagy after cerebral ischemia.

Materials and methods

A mouse model of CIRI was constructed by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of neuronal cells. The oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established by hypoxia and reoxygenation. The cell apoptosis and activity was detected. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of autophagy-related proteins, protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins. Cellular autophagy flux was observed by fluorometric method. NIMA-related kinase 6 (Nek6) mRNA stability was detected by actinomycin D treatment. Methylation RNA immunoprecipitation technique was used to detect Nek6 methylation level.

Results

Nek6 expression was increased in both MCAO and OGD/R models. Overexpression of Nek6 in OGD/R inhibited apoptosis, decreased LC3II and Beclin-1 expression, increased p62 expression, and occurred lysosome dysfunction. Interference with Nek6 has opposite results. Nek6 overexpression promoted p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expressions, inhibited p-AMPK and p-UNC-51-like kinase 1 protein expressions and cell apoptosis, while LY294002, Rapamycin or RSVA405 treatment reversed this effect. Abnormal methyltransferase·like protein 3 (METTL3) expression in CIRI enhanced m6A modification and promoted Nek6 expression level.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that Nek6 regulates autophagy and alleviates CIRI through the mTOR signaling pathway, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with ischemic stroke in the future.
Pre-alerts from critical care ambulances to trauma centers: a quantitative survey of trauma team leaders in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Williams Tara , Nolan Brodie , McGowan Melissa , Johnston Tania , Maria Sonja , von Vopelius-Feldt Johannes
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Pre-alerts from paramedics to trauma centers are important for ensuring the highest quality of trauma care. Despite this, there is a paucity of data to support best practices in trauma pre-alert notifications. Within the trauma system of Ontario, Canada, the provincial critical care transport organization, Ornge, provides pre-alerts to major trauma centers, but standardization is currently lacking. This study examined the satisfaction of trauma team leaders’ (TTLs) satisfaction with current trauma pre-alerts and their preferences for logistics, content, and structure.

Methods

This was a quantitative survey of TTLs at adult and pediatric trauma centers across Ontario, Canada. Recruitment was through email to trauma directors, with follow-up efforts to target low-response sites to achieve good geographical representation. The survey was completed online and contained a combination of single or multiple-choice questions, Likert scales and free text options.

Results

In total, 79 TTLs from adult and pediatric lead trauma centers across Ontario responded to the survey, which took place over a 120-day period. The survey achieved good geographical representation. Given the current processes, TTLs describe moderate satisfaction with room for improvement (median score 3, IQR 3–4 on a 5-point Likert scale). Their overall preference was for timely and direct communication, with some concerns about multiple channels of communication around logistics. Most TTLs agreed on the important and less important content details found in common standardized framework tools. For structure, 28/79 TTLs strongly preferred the cognitive aid ATMIST, 13/79 preferred IMIST-AMBO, and 8/79 preferred MIST or SBAR as the most useful.

Conclusions

There is room for improvement through standardizing communication and streamlined pre-alert channels. Some disagreements exist between TTLs, particularly regarding logistics. Further research should examine TTL satisfaction after implementing the change in the pre-alert notification framework, which can address localized issues through stakeholder meetings with individual TTLs.
Proteoglycan 4 (Lubricin) and regulation of xanthine oxidase in synovial macrophage as a mechanism of controlling synovitis
Authors: Elsaid Khaled A. , Zhang Ling X. , Zhao Thomas , Marks Ava , Jenkins Derek , Schmidt Tannin A. , Jay Gregory D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Synovial macrophages (SMs) are important effectors of joint health and disease. A novel Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM population expressing the tight junction protein claudin-5, was recently discovered in synovial lining. Ablation of these SMs was associated with onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein that fulfills lubricating and homeostatic roles in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the role of PRG4 in modulating synovitis in the context of SM homeostasis and assess the contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO)-hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1a) axis to this regulation.

Methods

We used Prg4FrtloxP/FrtloxP;R26FlpoER/+, a novel transgenic mouse, where the Prg4Frt allele normally expresses the PRG4 protein and was designed to flank the first two exons of Prg4 with a flippase recognition target and “LOXP” sites. Inducing flippase activity with tamoxifen (TAM) inactivates the Frt allele and thus creates a conditional knockout state. We studied anti-inflammatory SMs and XO by quantitative immunohistochemistry, isolated RNA and studied immune pathway activations by multiplexed assays and isolated SMs and studied PRG4 signaling dysfunction in relation to glycolytic switching due to pro-inflammatory activation. Prg4 inactivated mice were treated with oral febuxostat, a specific XO inhibitor, and quantification of Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs, XO immunostaining and synovitis assessment were conducted.

Results

Prg4 inactivation induced Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM loss (p < 0.001) and upregulated glycolysis and innate immune pathways in the synovium. In isolated SMs, Xdh (p < 0.01) and Hif1a (p < 0.05) were upregulated. Pro-inflammatory activation of SMs was evident by enhanced glycolytic flux and XO-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Febuxostat reduced glycolytic flux (p < 0.001) and HIF-1a levels (p < 0.0001) in SMs. Febuxostat also reduced systemic inflammation (p < 0.001), synovial hyperplasia (p < 0.001) and preserved Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs (p < 0.0001) in synovia of Prg4 inactivated mice.

Conclusions

PRG4 is a biologically significant modulator of synovial homeostasis via inhibition of XO expression and downstream HIF-1a activation. PRG4 signaling is anti-inflammatory and promotes synovial homeostasis in chronic synovitis, where direct XO inhibition is potentially therapeutic in chronic synovitis.
Ex situ germination of European acorns: data from 93 batches of 12 Quercus species
Authors: Medina María , Reyes-Martín Marino P. , Levy Laura , Lázaro-González Alba , Andivia Enrique , Annighöfer Peter , Assaad Farhah , Bauhus Jürgen , Benavides Raquel , Böhlenius Henrik , Cambria Vito E. , Carbonero María D. , Castro Jorge , Chalatashvili Akaki , Chiatante Donato , Cocozza Claudia , Corticeiro Sofia , Lazdina Dagnija , De Dato Giovanbattista , De Sanctis Michele , Devetaković Jovana , Drossler Lars , Ehrenbergerová Lenka , Ferus Peter , Gómez-Aparicio Lorena , Hampe Arndt , Hanssen Kjersti H. , Heinze Berthold , Jakubowski Marcin , Jiménez María N. , Kanjevac Branko , Keizer Jan J. , Kerkez-Janković Ivona , Klisz Marcin , Kowalkowski Wojciech , Kremer Klaus , Kroon Johan , La Montagna Dario , Lazarević Jelena , Lingua Emanuele , Lucas-Borja Manuel E. , Łukowski Adrian , Löf Magnus , Maia Paula , Mairota Paola , Maltoni Alberto , Mariotti Barbara , Martiník Antonín , Marzano Raffaella , Matías Luis , Mcclory Ryan W. , Merino Manuel , Mondanelli Lucia , Montagnoli Antonio , Monteverdi Maria C. , Moreno-Llorca Ricardo , Navarro Francisco B. , Nonić Marina , Nunes Luís , Oliet Juan A. , Patrício Maria S. , Poduška Zoran , Popovic Vladan , Puchałka Radosław , Rey-Benayas José M. , Robakowski Piotr , Sewerniak Piotr , Szczerba Marek , Ureña-Lara Carmen , Vendina Viktorija , Villar-Salvador Pedro , Witzell Johanna , Leverkus Alexandro B.
Published: December 2024

Key message

We provide data on seedlot germination potential—a key trait related to regeneration—of 12 oak species. Germination was tested at the University of Granada following international protocols with 8985 acorns from 93 batches and 16 countries across Europe. Data on germination probability, acorn origin, mass, and moisture content measured on another 4544 acorns are available at https://doi.org/10.30827/Digibug.87318. Associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/a742c6d8-bc37-4ca2-8b81-2447c5a8858d.
Intracranial complications in adult patients with severe pneumococcal meningitis: a retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Legouy Camille , Cornic Renaud , Razazi Keyvan , Contou Damien , Legriel Stéphane , Garrigues Eve , Buiche Pauline , Decavèle Maxens , Benghanem Sarah , Rambaud Thomas , Aboab Jérôme , Esposito-Farèse Marina , Timsit Jean-François , Couffignal Camille , Sonneville Romain
Published: December 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the association of intracranial complications diagnosed on neuroimaging with neurological outcomes of adults with severe pneumococcal meningitis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicenter study on consecutive adults diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis requiring at least 48 h of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoing neuroimaging, between 2005 and 2021. All neuroimaging were reanalyzed to look for intracranial complications which were categorized as (1) ischemic lesion, (2) intracranial hemorrhage (3) abscess/empyema, (4) ventriculitis, (5) cerebral venous thrombosis, (6) hydrocephalus, (7) diffuse cerebral oedema. The primary outcome was unfavorable outcome at 90 days after ICU admission, defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score > 2.

Results

Among the 237 patients included, intracranial complications were diagnosed in 68/220 patients (31%, 95%CI 0.25–0.37) who underwent neuroimaging at ICU admission and in 75/110 patients (68%, 95%CI 0.59–0.77) who underwent neuroimaging during ICU stay. At 90 days, 103 patients (44%, 95%CI 37–50) had unfavorable outcome, including 71 (30%) deaths. The most frequent intracranial complications were ischemic lesion (69/237 patients, 29%), diffuse cerebral oedema (43/237, 18%) and ventriculitis (36/237, 15%). Through multivariable analysis, we found that intracranial complications (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.88, 95%CI 1.37–6.21) were associated with unfavorable outcome, along with chronic alcohol consumption (aOR 3.10, 95%CI 1.27–7.90), chronic vascular disease (aOR 4.41, 95%CI 1.58–13.63), focal neurological sign(s) (aOR 2.38, 95%CI 1.11–5.23), and cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count < 1000 cell/microL (aOR 4.24, 95%CI 2.11–8.83). Competing risk analysis, with persistent disability (mRS score 3–5) as the primary risk and ICU-death as the competing risk, revealed that chronic alcohol consumption was the sole significant variable associated with persistent disability at 90 days (cause-specific hazard ratio 4.26, 95%CI 1.83–9.91), whereas the remaining variables were associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In adults with severe pneumococcal meninigitis, intracranial complications were independently associated with a higher risk of poor functional outcome, in the form of persistent disability or death. This study highlights the value of neuroimaging studies in this population, and provides relevant information for prognostication.
Remote ischaemic conditioning for neurological disorders—a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Alhashimi Ali , Kamarova Marharyta , Baig Sheharyar S. , Nair Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman , Wang Tao , Redgrave Jessica , Majid Arshad , Ali Ali N.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) refers to the use of controlled transient ischemic and reperfusion cycles, commonly of the upper or lower limb, to mitigate cellular damage from ischaemic injury. Preclinical studies demonstrate that RIC may have a neuroprotective effect and therefore could represent a novel therapeutic option in the management of neurological disorders. The aim of this review is to comprehensively describe the current clinical evidence of RIC in neurological disorders.

Methods

A computerised search of EMBASE and OVID MEDLINE was conducted from 2002 to October 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating RIC in neurological diseases.

Results

A total of 46 different RCTs in 12 different neurological disorders (n = 7544) were included in the analysis. Conditions included acute ischaemic stroke, symptomatic intracranial stenosis and vascular cognitive impairment. The most commonly used RIC protocol parameters in the selected studies were as follows: cuff pressure at 200 mmHg (27 trials), 5-min cycle length (42 trials), 5 cycles of ischaemia and reperfusion (24 trials) and the application to the upper limb unilaterally (23 trials).

Conclusions

The comprehensive analysis of the included studies reveals promising results regarding the safety and therapeutic effect of RIC as an option for managing neurological diseases. Particularly, the strongest evidence supports its potential use in chronic stroke patients and vascular cognitive impairment. The neuroprotective effects of RIC, as demonstrated in preclinical studies, suggest that this therapeutic approach could extend its benefits to various other diseases affecting the nervous system. However, to establish the efficacy of RIC across different neurological disorders, further trials with larger sample sizes and more diverse patient populations are warranted. Upcoming trials are expected to provide valuable evidence that will not only confirm the efficacy of RIC in neurological disease management but also help identify the most optimal RIC regimen for specific conditions.