bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Pre-Kidney Transplantation Elevated Parathyroid Hormone and Posttransplantation Graft Loss
Authors: Crepeau Philip K , Liu Yi , Done Joy Z , Foote Darci , Brennan Daniel C , Morris-Wiseman Lilah F , Segev Dorry L , McAdams-DeMarco Mara , Mathur Aarti
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Before kidney transplantation (KT), most patients have an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, the impact of PTH on post-KT mortality and graft loss is unclear. We quantified the association between PTH levels measured at transplantation and adverse post-KT outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN:

We leveraged a prospective longitudinal cohort of 1,136 KT recipients from a single tertiary care center between December 2008 and February 2020. Pre-KT PTH levels were abstracted retrospectively. Adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between pre-KT PTH levels and mortality and death-censored graft loss (DCGL).

RESULTS:

Of 1,136 recipients, pre-KT PTH levels were 300 pg/mL or less in 62.3% and more than 600 pg/mL in 12.5%. Compared with those with a pre-KT PTH 300 pg/mL or less, patients with a pre-KT PTH more than 600 pg/mL were more likely to be Black (51.4% vs 34.6%) and have a longer dialysis vintage (4.8 vs 1.7 years, p < 0.001). Those with a pre-KT PTH more than 600 pg/mL had a higher 10-year cumulative incidence of DCGL than those with PTH 300 pg/mL or less (31.7% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, pre-KT PTH more than 600 pg/mL was associated with a 1.76-fold increased risk of DCGL (95% CI 1.16 to 2.65). The magnitude of this association differed by race (pinteraction = 0.011) and by treatment (pinteraction = 0.018). Among non-Black patients, a PTH more than 600 pg/mL was associated with a 3.21-fold increased risk of DCGL compared with those with PTH 300 pg/mL or less (95% CI 1.77 to 5.81). Among untreated patients, those with PTH more than 600 pg/mL had a 2.54-fold increase in DCGL (95% CI 1.44 to 4.47). No association between pre-KT PTH and mortality risk was observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

PTH more than 600 pg/mL before KT increased the risk of DCGL by 76%, demonstrating the importance of treating PTH before KT to prevent graft loss in a contemporary era with the introduction and widespread availability of medical therapy.
Greatwall-Endos-PP2A/B55
Twins
network regulates translation and stability of maternal transcripts in the
Drosophila
oocyte-to-embryo transition
Authors: Rangone Hélène , Bond Laura , Weil Timothy T. , Glover David M.
Published: June 2024

The transition from oocyte to embryo requires translation of maternally provided transcripts that in
Drosophila
is activated by Pan Gu kinase to release a rapid succession of 13 mitotic cycles. Mitotic entry is promoted by several protein kinases that include Greatwall/Mastl, whose Endosulfine substrates antagonize Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), facilitating mitotic Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/Cyclin B kinase activity. Here we show that hyperactive

greatwall
Scant

can not only be suppressed by mutants in its Endos substrate but also by mutants in Pan Gu kinase subunits. Conversely, mutants in
me31B
or
trailer hitch,
which encode a complex that represses hundreds of maternal mRNAs, enhance

greatwall
Scant

. Me31B and Trailer Hitch proteins, known substrates of Pan Gu kinase, copurify with Endos. This echoes findings that budding yeast Dhh1, orthologue of Me31B, associates with Igo1/2, orthologues of Endos and substrates of the Rim15, orthologue of Greatwall.
endos-
derived mutant embryos show reduced Me31B and elevated transcripts for the mitotic activators Cyclin B, Polo and Twine/Cdc25. Together, our findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated conservation of the Greatwall–Endosulfine pathway in regulating translational repressors and its interactions with the Pan Gu kinase pathway to regulate translation and/or stability of maternal mRNAs upon egg activation.
Comparative genome analyses of Staphylococcus aureus from platelet concentrates reveal rearrangements involving loss of type VII secretion genes
Authors: Ighem-Chi Sylvia , Flint Annika , Weedmark Kelly , Pagotto Franco , Ramirez-Arcos Sandra
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus aureus has been involved in transfusion-transmitted fatalities associated with platelet concentrates (PCs) due to its heightened pathogenicity enhanced by genome-encoded virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. This may be facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can cause rearrangements. Several factors contribute to S. aureus virulence, including the type VII secretion system (T7SS), which is comprised of twelve genes, six of which form the T7SS core and are conserved across S. aureus strains. In this study, we conducted comparative genome analyses of five S. aureus isolates from PCs (CI/BAC/25/13/W, PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W were detected during PCs screening with the BACT/ALERT automated culture system, and ATR-20003 and CBS2016-05 were missed during screening and caused septic transfusion reactions). Multiple alignments of the genomes revealed evidence of rearrangements involving phage ɸSa3 in PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W. While the former had undergone translocation of its immune evasion cluster (IEC), the latter had lost part of the phage, leaving behind the IEC. This observation confirms S. aureus genome plasticity. Unexpectedly, strain CBS2016-05 was found to encode a pseudo-T7SS that had lost five of the conserved core genes (esxA, esaA, essA, esaB and essB) and contained a 5’ truncated essC. Since these genes are essential for the function of the T7SS protein transport machinery, which plays a key role in S. aureus virulence, CBS2016-05 probably compensates by recruiting other export mechanisms and/or alternative virulence factors, such as neutralizing immunity proteins. This study unravels genome rearrangements in S. aureus isolated from PCs and reports the first S. aureus isolate lacking conserved T7SS core genes.
Urine Proteomics in Methamphetamine Addicted Patients
Authors: Shen Ziyun , Liang Juncheng , Tang Shuxuan , Pan Xuanzhen , Bao Yijin , Deng Yanping , Gao Youhe
Published: June 2024

Drug addiction is a serious chronic relapsing brain disease, and methamphetamine dependence has a complex course and is difficult to treat, causing a serious public health burden. In this study, we compared and analyzed the urine proteome of methamphetamine-using patients, methamphetamine-withdrawing patients, healthy individuals. The urine proteome of methamphetamine-using patients and methamphetamine-withdrawing patients was significantly different from that of healthy individuals, and some differential proteins and their enriched biological functions showed that they were associated with addiction or neurotoxicity of methamphetamine. The fact, that the urine proteome of patients who withdrew methamphetamine for more than 3 months were significantly different from that of healthy patients, may reveal the reasons for the high rate of methamphetamine relapse and potential intervention targets. This study proved that urine proteome can reflect the effects of addiction on the body comprehensively, and has the potential to provide clues for addiction.
Underground Guardians: How Collagen and Chitin Amendments Shape Soil Microbiome Structure and Function forMeloidogyne enterolobiiControl
Authors: Pasche Josephine , Sawlani Roshni , Buttrós Victor Hugo , Desaeger Johan , Garret Karen , Martins Samuel J.
Published: June 2024

The emergence of the Guava Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) poses a significant threat to tomato yields globally. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of collagen and chitin soil amendments on soil microbial composition and function (fungal and bacterial communities), and their effects on tomato plant health andM. enterolobiiinfection under standard (5,000 eggs plant-1) and high (50,000 eggs plant-1) inoculum pressure. Conducted in a greenhouse setting, the study investigated the effectiveness of these amendments in nurturing beneficial microbial communities across both native and agricultural soils. Both collagen and chitin were effective in reducing nematode egg counts up to 66% and 84% under standard and high inoculum pressure, respectively and enhance plant health parameters (biomass and chlorophyll content). Moreover, a microbiome shift led to an increase in bacterial (Kitasatospora, Bacillus, and Streptomyces) and fungal (Phialemonium) genera, known for their chitinase, collagenase, and plant-parasitic nematode control. Among the microbes,Streptomycesspp. were found among the core microbiome and associated with a lower disease incidence assessed through a phenotype-OTU network analysis (PhONA). Under standard inoculum a higher metabolite expression was observed with the amino acid class being the majority among the metabolite groups. The findings highlight the potential of collagen and chitin to mitigateMeloidogyne enterolobiiinfection by fostering beneficial soil microbial communities.
Enhancing precision and efficiency in English bond brick masonry: novel unified templates approach
Authors: Mehta Vikas , Thakur Mohindra Singh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of English Bond brick masonry by developing three unified templates: Tc, T1, and T2. These templates are designed to address the complexities in the placement of bricks, particularly queen closers and brickbats, in English Bond patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The research introduces a unique numbering system integrated within each template to facilitate accurate brick placement. Template Tc is designed explicitly for corner masonry, while T1 and T2 are developed for linear masonry along the X and Y directions, respectively. The approach standardizes the bricklaying process, ensuring proper alignment and bricks overlap.

Findings

Applying these templates significantly improves the efficiency and pace of English bond brick masonry. They simplify the construction process, reduce errors, and enhance the overall quality of masonry work. The study demonstrates that using these templates results in consistent and high-quality brickwork, surpassing traditional speed, efficiency, and accuracy methods.

Originality/value

This study contributes a novel, systematic approach to bricklaying in English Bond masonry. The introduction of unified templates aids in skill acquisition for professionals and learners, ensuring flawless execution of masonry projects. This innovative approach holds great value in modern construction practices, promoting standardization and excellence in masonry work.
Monthly seller’s bargaining power index constructed using open-source data
Authors: Zhang Xingrui , Xu Shuai , Wang Yunpeng , Yang Eunhwa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

A tangible representation of the housing market hotness, namely, the index derived via Carrilo 2013’s concept, is widely used but difficult to construct, as it requires listing data of a geography which is not only inaccessible but also cumbersome to summarize. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a methodological extension of Carrilo 2013, presenting a process by which the seller’s bargaining power index can be easily constructed using open-source data.

Design/methodology/approach

The seller’s bargaining power index was first constructed using the open-source data by Zillow Research. Then, results verification approach including visualization, Pearson correlation test, Granger causality test and linear regression were used with the goal to generate empirical evidence and verify if the constructed index conforms with established relationships derived in past work, thereby substantiate accuracy of the constructed index.

Findings

Monthly seller’s bargaining power index was constructed for US as a whole and 250 metropolitan statistical areas through an automated process. The constructed index conforms with established evidence in terms of seasonality, trend and magnitude. The index also forms positive correlation with building permit/housing value/housing value increase rate, and negative correlation with inventory. It requires the explanatory power of multiple linear features to simulate the parameter. Seller’s bargaining power index at a national level can serve as a general indicator of economic strength, in parallel to number of building permit, housing starts and real gross domestic product. Quantitatively, the housing market of the USA is as “hot” during the COVID-19 pandemic as it was in the years before 2008. A healthy housing market appears to be one in which 75%−80% of the deals are in favor of the seller (take-it-or-leave-it). When said percentage reaches 90%, the market should be considered to be in a “bubble.”

Originality/value

This paper provides an easy pathway for future studies to simulate housing market hotness, and bring upon the benefit of convenience at low cost and in monthly frequency rather than quarterly or annually.
Toxicity in the trans debate: what are the psychological phenomena that turn an issue of mental health and social inclusion into a forum for vitriolically vicious social exclusion?
Authors: MacLennan Nigel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore and document some of the phenomena that seem to have toxified the trans debate.

Design/methodology/approach

To create a partial compilation of the phenomena most known to cloud human judgement and reasoning, using the trans debate as the prime example.

Findings

The trans debate seems to have been increasingly toxified in ways predicted by well-documented psychological phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

Although much is known about the psychological toxifiers on an individual basis, little is known about how they interact to cause the emergence and amplification of toxic debate.

Practical implications

It is anticipated by studying the emergence of the toxicity around the trans debate, that the descent into toxic discourse in many other contexts can be better understood.

Social implications

If lessons can be learnt from the descent into toxicity in the trans debate, and its participants become aware of their behaviour, perhaps they can better work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

Originality/value

By compiling the factors responsible for the toxification of debate, it is hoped that what appear to be the precursors of all conflict and war can be better understood, prevented or avoided.
Preferences for urban greenspace functions during public health pandemics. Empirical evidence from Malawi
Authors: Khataza Robertson
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Corona virus disease on the perceived values of urban green landscapes in a developing country setting. To achieve this objective, the author investigated changes in the preferences for urban green space services among city residents who use nature areas for recreation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied the best–worst scaling technique to elicit changes in the preferences for ecosystem services from urban recreational sites in Malawi. The study also used a fractional logit model to examine factors that motivate visitors’ willingness to donate/contribute to improve the quality of nature’s recreational services.

Findings

This study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic changed visitors’ perceptions of urban woodlands, but leisure/recreation remained the most important service with or without the Corona virus outbreak. However, the perceived value of air pollution control and cultural/religious functions gained more prominence (+3%), whereas biodiversity conservation became less prominent (−2%) during the pandemic period. The mean willingness to pay (WTP) was estimated to be US$28.73, and WTP is positively influenced by education, income status and the user’s satisfaction with the recreation site.

Originality/value

The study substantiated the impact of Corona virus disease on the perceived values of urban green landscapes, using Malawi as a case study. This was demonstrated through the changes in preferences for urban green space services among city residents who use nature areas for recreation.
Indigenous autonomy and decentralization in Colombia's quest for peace
Authors: Mitchell Derek P.
Published: June 2024

Colombia's constitution recognizes territorial autonomy as an inalienable right of its indigenous peoples, much like other countries across Latin America. Yet, for indigenous people exercising those rights, Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world. Why do states grant extensive rights to indigenous peoples and then fail to uphold them? This article approaches that question through an analysis of decentralization amid Colombia's armed conflict. It examines how crises that prompted a decentralization of governance during the conflict created political opportunities for indigenous rights in Colombia. Subsequent shifts in the conflict, however, including competition for control of extractive industries, put indigenous autonomy at odds with all the conflicting parties' interests. To resolve these challenges, the article suggests that the politics of climate change has created new political opportunities for indigenous autonomy throughout Latin America. It calls for investing in indigenous self‐governance to both protect the environment and secure peace.
Women peacebuilders in Colombia and new digital solutions
Authors: Hustead Maggie
Published: June 2024

Women all over the world are using information and communications technology (ICT) to build peace in their communities. Women are natural pioneers of these technologies because the networks they use daily are the foundations that build long‐term peace in their communities. This article discusses the relationship between gender and digital connectivity, investigates whether women have different needs when building peace versus when implementing peace, and uses ICT in peacebuilding in Colombia as a case study. The Colombian government has made significant strides in closing the digital gap, especially in rural areas, and women have taken advantage of ICT to facilitate the Peace Agreement of 2016. The implementation of the peace agreement and digital solutions, however, is posing new challenges to women, including vulnerabilities in physical safety and increasing social and political polarization. Colombia needs to strengthen its efforts to close the digital divide by providing communities with the type of infrastructure and training that will meet their needs. Further, gender‐based technical policy needs to be readdressed to incorporate strategies to combat the current violence women face when using ICT. Colombia needs to prioritize providing a digital state presence to help protect women peacebuilders and hold perpetrators accountable.
NATO and the institutional reform of the Colombian armed forces
Authors: McKellips Andrew I. G.
Published: June 2024

While the 2016 Peace Accords with FARC do not contain a Chapter dedicated to the reform of the Armed Forces or to the methods for securing peace by the State, the False Positives scandal and the broader consequences of the armed conflict have driven the Truth Commission to consider the role of the Armed Forces in the conflict and to recommend institutional reforms. Throughout the peacebuilding phase, the Colombian Armed Forces have been slowly reforming their institution and have made progress on a number of the focus areas identified by the Truth Commission. The epitome of this progress is Colombia's ongoing participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Building Integrity (BI) Program, which has been the anchor point in the development and growth of the NATO‐Colombia relationship and partnership since 2013. This article looks at the ongoing reforms and suggests that there is an opportunity for Colombia to leverage its established, mature relationship with NATO and the BI Program, to accomplish the desired reforms in the Armed Forces. This strategy allows the government of Colombia to co‐opt existing efforts for his own domestic agenda without alienating or discounting the progress that the Armed Forces have already made on their own.
Absorption pharmacokinetics and feasibility of intranasal dexmedetomidine in patients under general anaesthesia
Authors: Tiainen Suvi‐Maria , Anderson Brian J. , Rinne Ella , Tornio Aleksi , Engström Marica T. , Saari Teijo I. , Uusalo Panu
Published: June 2024

Background

The use of intranasal dexmedetomidine is hampered by a limited understanding of its absorption pharmacokinetics.

Methods

We examined the pharmacokinetics and feasibility of intranasal dexmedetomidine administered in the supine position to adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Twenty‐eight patients between 35 and 80 years of age, ASA 1–3 and weight between 50 and 100 kg, who underwent elective unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty under general anaesthesia were recruited. All patients received 100 μg of intranasal dexmedetomidine after anaesthesia induction. Six venous blood samples (at 0, 5, 15, 45, 60, 240 min timepoints from dexmedetomidine administration) were collected from each patient and dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations were measured. Concentration‐time profiles after nasal administration were pooled with earlier data from a population analysis of intravenous dexmedetomidine (n = 202) in order to estimate absorption parameters using nonlinear mixed effects. Peak concentration (CMAX) and time (TMAX) were estimated using simulation (n = 1000) with parameter estimates and their associated variability.

Results

There were 28 adult patients with a mean (SD) age of 66 (8) years and weight of 83 (10) kg. The mean weight‐adjusted dose of dexmedetomidine was 1.22 (0.15) μg kg−1. CMAX 0.273 μg L−1 was achieved at 98 min after intranasal administration (TMAX). The relative bioavailability of dexmedetomidine was 80% (95% CI 75–91%). The absorption half‐time (TABS = 120 min; 95% CI 90–147 min) was slower than that in previous pharmacokinetic studies on adult patients. Perioperative haemodynamics of all patients remained stable.

Conclusions

Administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine in the supine position during general anaesthesia is feasible with good bioavailability. This administration method has slower absorption when compared to awake patients in upright position, with consequent concentrations attained after TMAX for several hours.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab for hidradenitis suppurativa: An ambispective observational study
Authors: Mansilla‐Polo Miguel , Pons‐Benavent Martí , Fernández‐Crehuet Pablo , Vilarrasa Eva , Albanell‐Fernández Cristina , Morales‐Tedone Enrico , Rausell‐Félix Francisca , Alcalá‐García Rebeca , Matellanes‐Palacios María , Martín‐Ezquerra Gemma , Alfageme Fernando , Ciudad‐Blanco Cristina , López‐Villaescusa María Teresa , Garbayo‐Salmons Patricia , Martorell Antonio , Escutia‐Muñoz Begoña , Navarro‐Blanco Fernando , Martín‐Torregrosa Daniel , Cuenca‐Barrales Carlos , Molina‐Leyva Alejandro , Botella‐Estrada Rafael
Published: June 2024

In this original research, we present the results in terms of effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab for hidradenitis suppurativa in real clinical practice. Results indicated significant improvement in all activity scores and patient‐reported outcomes at week 16, including a notable decrease in mean IHS4 from 27.1 to 15.6 (p < 0.001), HS‐PGA from 5.1 to 3.2 (p < 0.001), VAS pain from 8.3 to 4.7 (p < 0.001) and DLQI from 21.6 to 12.6 (p < 0.001). Bimekizumab, administered every 2 or 4 weeks, was well‐tolerated with no discontinuations and no new safety concerns identified. These findings corroborate the drug's effectiveness and favourable safety profile observed in phase 3 clinical trials, supporting its use in real‐world clinical practice for treating HS.
Signs of the sacred at the sanctuary of Gravisca, Italy: reconstruction of an Etruscan ritual through a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Patrizi Giulia , Rageot Maxime , Cafisso Sara , Pennetta Antonio , Fiorini Lucio , De Benedetto Giuseppe Egidio , Spiteri Cynthianne , Fiorentino Girolamo
Published: June 2024

Archaeological campaigns carried out at the emporic sanctuary of Gravisca (Tarquinia, Italy) have revealed extraordinary evidence for ritual depositions and ceremonies linked to the divinities/guarantors of the sanctuary. The ritual of one such deposition was reconstructed using a multidisciplinary approach, comprising an in‐depth analysis of the stratigraphy and archaeobotanical and lipid biomolecular techniques. This approach helped to define the possible sequence of events and human actions that occurred during the ritual, the animal and plant offerings, how these were processed, and the season during which the ceremony took place. Lipid biomolecular analysis also suggested the presence of garum, which to date is the earliest evidence for its use in the Mediterranean area.
The initial experience of robot‐assisted transabdominal transversalis fascial and preperitoneal repair for small ventral hernia
Authors: Shimada Gen , Matsubara Taketo , Ong Marc Weijie , Sambommatsu Mariko , Sakurai Shintaro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Despite the widespread of ventral hernia repairs globally, the approach method, dissection planes, defect closure, and the choice and placement layer of mesh are an ongoing debate. We reported the details of surgical techniques, safety and feasibility for robot‐assisted transabdominal transversalis fascial and preperitoneal repair (R‐TATFPP) for small ventral hernia.

Methods

This study included 5 cases of R‐TATFPP repair among 22 cases performed by robot‐assisted ventral hernia repair from 2018 to 2023 with the approval of the Institutional Review Board at St. Luke's International University and clinical ethical committee at St. Luke's International Hospital (19‐R147, 22–012).

Results

There were four males and one female, with mean age of 64.4 ± 10.0 years, inclusive of two umbilical and three incisional hernias. Mean height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hernia defect length, width, operation time, console time, and hospital stay were 171.2 ± 11.8 cm, 82.4 ± 13.4 kg, 28.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2, 2.8 ± 1.4 cm, 3.0 ± 1.3 cm, 180 min, 133.8 min, and 2.4 days, respectively. No conversion nor complication was observed except for one acute urinary retention.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted transversalis fascial and preperitoneal repair was safe and feasible for small ventral hernia with the minimal disruption to the abdominal wall architecture and structures.
Application of immunocapture and nanoflow LC–MS/MS to overcome the barriers to the quantitation of oxytocin in plasma of women in third stage labour
Authors: Bijttebier Sebastiaan , Nguyen Tri‐Hung , McIntosh Michelle P. , Kirkpatrick Carl , Remmerie Bart , Dillen Lieve , Lambert Pete
Published: June 2024

Aims

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. To prevent PPH, the WHO recommends administration of oxytocin (OT) immediately after birth, i.e. during the third stage of labour (TSL). Previous studies demonstrate that methods to quantify OT in biological matrices, e.g. enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), radioimmunoassays (RIA) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) lack the specificity and/or sensitivity to accurately quantify OT in plasma from women administered OT during TSL. This is due to increased metabolic clearance of OT in late‐stage pregnancy and at the time of childbirth, resulting in extremely low OT plasma concentrations. This study describes the development of an ultra‐sensitive bioanalytical method that overcomes the issues previously reported and enables accurate pharmacokinetic analyses of exogenously administered OT in TSL.

Methods

A selective and sensitive assay to quantify OT in TSL plasma was developed. Immunoprecipitation (IP) was applied to selectively extract OT from the TSL plasma, thereby generating clean extracts compatible with nanoflow LC (nLC). nLC–MS/MS was chosen for its high sensitivity and ability to differentiate between OT and potentially co‐captured OT‐like immunoreactive products.

Results

The presented methodology is accurate and precise, with a good linear fit between 100–10 000 fg mL−1 OT. TSL plasma samples from a clinical phase 1 study (NCT02999100) were analysed successfully, enabling OT quantification down to 100 fg mL−1.

Conclusions

The presented IP–nLC–MS/MS method succeeded in overcoming the sensitivity challenge related to the assay of OT in TSL plasma and thereby revealing the PK profiles of OT in TSL plasma clinical study samples.
Serum mass spectrometry for treatment monitoring in patients with multiple myeloma receiving ARI0002h CAR T‐cells
Authors: Ortiz de Landazuri Iñaki , Oliver‐Caldés Aina , Español‐Rego Marta , Agulló Cristina , Contreras María Teresa , Zabaleta Aintzane , Puig Noemí , Cabañas Valentín , González‐Calle Verónica , Zugasti Inés , Inogés Susana , Rodríguez Otero Paula , Martin‐Antonio Beatriz , Reguera Juan Luis , López‐Diaz de Cerio Ascensión , Aróstegui Juan Ignacio , Uribe‐Herranz Mireia , Benítez‐Ribas Daniel , Rodríguez‐Lobato Luis Gerardo , González Europa Azucena , Tovar Natalia , Charry Paola , Navarro Sergio , Rosiñol Laura , Tréboles Karen , Mora Génesis , Yagüe Jordi , Moraleda José María , Urbano‐Ispizua Álvaro , Mateos María Victoria , Pascal Mariona , Paiva Bruno , Juan Manel , Fernández de Larrea Carlos
Published: June 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapies have increased the patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in whom standard electrophoretic techniques fail to detect the M‐protein. Quantitative immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (QIP‐MS) can accurately measure serum M‐protein with high sensitivity, and identify interferences caused by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Here, we investigate the outcome of QIP‐MS in 33 patients treated with the academic BCMA‐directed CAR T‐cell ARI0002h (Cesnicabtagene Autoleucel). QIP‐MS offered more detailed insights than serum immunofixation (sIFE), identifying glycosylated M‐proteins and minor additional peaks. Moreover, the potential interferences owing to daratumumab or tocilizumab treatments were successfully detected. When analysing different assay platforms during patient's monitoring after ARI0002h administration, we observed that QIP‐MS showed a high global concordance (78.8%) with sIFE, whereas it was only moderate (55.6%) with bone marrow (BM)‐based next‐generation flow cytometry (NGF). Furthermore, QIP‐MS consistently demonstrated the lowest negativity rate across the different timepoints (27.3% vs. 60.0% in months 1 and 12, respectively). Patients with QIP‐MS(+)/BM‐based NGF(−) showed a non‐significant shorter median progression free survival than those with QIP‐MS(−)/BM‐based NGF(−). In summary, we show the first experience to our knowledge demonstrating that QIP‐MS could be particularly useful as a non‐invasive technique when evaluating response after CAR T‐cell treatment in MM.
Controversies in endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided management of walled‐off necrosis
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Saito Tomotaka , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Sato Tatsuya , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Takahara Naminatsu , Isayama Hiroyuki , Yasuda Ichiro , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2024

Walled‐off necrosis (WON) develops as local complications after acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Although less invasive interventions such as endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy are selected over surgical interventions, delayed and step‐up interventions are still preferred to avoid procedure‐related adverse events. However, there is a controversy about the appropriate timing of drainage and subsequent necrosectomy. The advent of large‐caliber lumen‐apposing metal stents has also brought about potential advantages of proactive interventions, which still needs investigation in future trials. When step‐up interventions of necrosectomy and additional drainage are necessary, a structured or protocoled approach for WON has been reported to improve safety and effectiveness of endoscopic and/or percutaneous treatment, but has not been standardized yet. Finally, long‐term outcomes such as recurrence of WON, pancreatic endocrine, and exocrine function are increasingly investigated in association with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. In this review we discuss current evidence and controversy on EUS‐guided management of WON.
Estimation of the direct health and indirect societal costs of diabetes in the UK using a cost of illness model
Authors: Hex Nick , MacDonald Rachael , Pocock Jessica , Uzdzinska Barbara , Taylor Matthew , Atkin Marc , Wild Sarah H. , Beba Hannah , Jones Ross
Published: June 2024

Aims

The direct cost of diabetes to the UK health system was estimated at around £10 billion in 2012. This analysis updates that estimate using more recent and accurate data sources.

Methods

A pragmatic review of relevant data sources for UK nations was conducted, including population‐level data sets and published literature, to generate estimates of costs separately for Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. A comprehensive cost framework, developed in collaboration with experts, was used to create a population‐based cost of illness model.

The key driver of the analysis was prevalence of diabetes and its complications. Estimates were made of the excess costs of diagnosis, treatment and diabetes‐related complications compared with the general UK population. Estimates of the indirect costs of diabetes focused on productivity losses due to absenteeism and premature mortality.

Results

The direct costs of diabetes in 2021/22 for the UK were estimated at £10.7 billion, of which just over 40% related to diagnosis and treatment, with the rest relating to the excess costs of complications. Indirect costs were estimated at £3.3 billion.

Conclusions

Diabetes remains a considerable cost burden in the UK, and the majority of those costs are still spent on potentially preventable complications. Although rates of some complications are reducing, prevalence continues to increase and effective approaches to primary and secondary prevention continue to be needed. Improvements in data capture, data quality and reporting, and further research on the human and financial implications of increasing incidence of Type 2 diabetes in younger people are recommended.
In situ studies on temperature‐dependent deformation mechanisms of Al2O3 prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Shen Chao , Niu Tongjun , Cho Jaehun , Sun Tianyi , Shang Anyu , Zhang Yifan , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xinghang
Published: June 2024

Alumina (α‐Al2O3) is one of the most versatile engineering ceramics, and its mechanical properties have been extensively studied. However, the micromechanical properties of Al2O3 with a fine microstructure are less well understood. Here, we present one of the first investigations that probe the micromechanical properties of fine‐grained polycrystalline Al2O3 fabricated via spark plasma sintering, employing in situ microcompression tests inside a scanning electron microscope. This study explores the influence of temperature variations on the deformation mechanisms, particularly the involvement of microcracks and dislocation activities throughout the deformation process. As temperature rises, substantial deformability occurs in the inherently brittle Al2O3 at intermediate temperature, where the improved plastic deformability mainly arose from prominent dislocation activities accompanied by grain boundary sliding. This study sheds light on understanding the relationship between defect evolution and mechanical behavior in Al2O3 with fine grain sizes.
Evaluating Airflow Sensor Methods: Precision in Indirect Calorimetry
Authors: Titheradge Praneel , Robergs Robert
Published: June 2024

This study assesses the impact of three volumetric gas flow measurement methods—turbine (fT); pneumotachograph (fP), and Venturi (fV)—on predictive accuracy and precision of expired gas analysis indirect calorimetry (EGAIC) across varying exercise intensities. Six males (Age: 38 ± 8 year; Height: 178.8 ± 4.2 cm; : 42 ± 2.8 mL O2 kg−1 min−1) and 14 females (Age = 44.6 ± 9.6 year; Height = 164.6 ± 6.9 cm; = 45 ± 8.6 mL O2 kg−1 min−1) were recruited. Participants completed physical exertion on a stationary cycle ergometer for simultaneous pulmonary minute ventilation () measurements and EGAIC computations. Exercise protocols and subsequent conditions involved a 5‐min cycling warm‐up at 25 W min−1, incremental exercise to exhaustion ( ramp test), then a steady‐state exercise bout induced by a constant Watt load equivalent to 80% ventilatory threshold (80% VT). A linear mixed model revealed that exercise intensity significantly affected measurements (p < 0.0001), whereas airflow sensor method (p = 0.97) and its interaction with exercise intensity (p = 0.91) did not. Group analysis of precision yielded a CV % = 21%; SEM = 5 mL O2 kg−1 min−1. Intra‐ and interindividual analysis of precision via Bland–Altman revealed a 95% confidence interval (CI) precision benchmark of 3–5 mL kg−1 min−1. Agreement among methods decreased at power outputs eliciting up to 150 L min−1, indicating a decrease in precision and highlighting potential challenges in interpreting biological variability, training response heterogeneity, and test–retest comparisons. These findings suggest careful consideration of airflow sensor method variance across metabolic cart configurations.
A national surveillance system for continuous monitoring of blood transfusion safety: German haemovigilance data
Authors: Berg Philipp , Heiden Margarethe , Müller Susanne , Meyer Britta , Witzenhausen Cornelia , Ruppert‐Seipp Gabriele , Kehr Sarah , Funk Markus B.
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Haemovigilance (HV) systems aim to improve transfusion outcomes in patients and donor safety. An important question for blood regulators is how to ensure an effective HV system.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed the HV reports submitted to Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut over the last two decades.

Results

Between 2011 and 2020, 50.86 million units of blood components were used, and 8931 suspected serious donor and recipient adverse reactions (SARs), 874 serious adverse events (SAEs) and 12,073 donor look‐backs were reported. Following implementation of specific risk‐minimization measures (RMMs) between 2000 and 2010, SAR reporting rates decreased for transfusion‐transmitted viral infections (TTVIs), transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs), while increasing for other serious adverse transfusion reactions. Within this decade, the overall blood component use decreased.

Conclusion

Long‐term data collection forms the basis to establish trends and changes in reporting and to evaluate the effect of RMM. Standardized criteria for reaction types, seriousness and imputability assessments and availability of a denominator are important elements. Central data collection and independent assessment allow for monitoring HV data in a nationwide context over time. Stakeholder involvement and transparent feedback on the benefit of RMM will help to achieve the objectives of HV.
Muscle Coordination During Maximal Butterfly Stroke Swimming: Comparison Between Competitive and Recreational Swimmers
Authors: Yamakawa Keisuke K. , Nishiwaki Rena , Sengoku Yasuo
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to clarify the differences in muscular coordination during butterfly swimming between high- and low-performance swimmers using muscle synergy analysis. Eight female competitive swimmers and 8 female recreational swimmers participated in this study. The participants swam a 25-m butterfly stroke with maximum effort. Surface electromyography was measured from 12 muscles and muscle synergy analysis was performed from the data using nonnegative matrix factorization algorithms. From the results of the muscle synergy analysis, 4 synergies were extracted from both groups. Synergies 1 and 2 were characterized by coactivation of the upper and lower limb muscles in the recreational swimmers, whereas only synergy 1 was characterized by this in the competitive swimmers. Synergy 3 was involved in arm recovery in both groups. Synergy 4 was only involved in the downward kick in the competitive swimmers. From these results, it can be concluded that muscle synergies with combined coordination of upper and lower limb muscles were extracted more in the recreational swimmers and that the competitive swimmers controlled the downward kick with an independent synergy and that the adjustment of the timing of the downward kick may be an important factor for the efficient performance of butterfly swimming.
Gender Differences in Students’ Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels During Primary School Physical Education Lessons: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arenas Diego , Vidal-Conti Josep , Muntaner-Mas Adrià
Published: June 2024

Purpose: We aimed to determine gender differences in students’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels measured in primary school by accelerometry. Methods: Our systematic search (PROSPERO: CRD42023422799) was developed using four electronic databases (from January 2013 to December 22, 2023). Our meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model. Results: The search yielded 6255 manuscripts. Only 24 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, reporting 7550 participants. Finally, 19 manuscripts were meta-analyzed. Our analyses indicated that the mean percentages (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.40, p < .001) of MVPA in primary school physical education (PE) lessons were 28.75 ± 13.75 for boys and 25.99 ± 12.35 for girls. In addition, the mean minutes (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.27, p < .001) were 13.75 ± 9.91 for boys and 12.15 ± 8.88 for girls. Students failed to meet the 50% recommendation of MVPA lesson time. Conclusion: Boys spend significantly more time in MVPA than girls during PE lessons in primary school. The findings show the need for methodological changes in PE to reduce this gender gap.
Ultracompact and multifunctional integrated photonic platform
Authors: Du Zhuochen , Liao Kun , Dai Tianxiang , Wang Yufei , Gao Jinze , Huang Haiqi , Qi Huixin , Li Yandong , Wang Xiaoxiao , Su Xinran , Wang Xingyuan , Yang Yan , Lu Cuicui , Hu Xiaoyong , Gong Qihuang
Published: June 2024

Realizing a multifunctional integrated photonic platform is one of the goals for future optical information processing, which usually requires large size to realize due to multiple integration challenges. Here, we realize a multifunctional integrated photonic platform with ultracompact footprint based on inverse design. The photonic platform is compact with 86 inverse designed-fixed couplers and 91 phase shifters. The footprint of each coupler is 4 μm by 2 μm, while the whole photonic platform is 3 mm by 0.2 mm—one order of magnitude smaller than previous designs. One-dimensional Floquet Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model and Aubry-André-Harper model are performed with measured fidelities of 97.90 (±0.52) % and 99.34 (±0.44) %, respectively. We also demonstrate a handwritten digits classification task with the test accuracy of 87% using on-chip training. Moreover, the scalability of this platform has been proved by demonstrating more complex computing tasks. This work provides an effective method to realize an ultrasmall integrated photonic platform.
East Asian winter monsoon intensification over the Northwest Pacific Ocean driven by late Miocene atmospheric CO
2
decline
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Ran , Hao Qingzhen , Clift Peter D. , Roberts Andrew P. , Florindo Fabio , Li Qian , Liu Jianxing , Liu Ze , Gui Ke , Che Huizheng , Liu Shuangchi , Qiao Qingqing , Ju Lixia , Jin Chunsheng , Liu Chuanzhou , Liu Qingsong , Xiao Wenjiao , Guo Zhengtang
Published: June 2024

East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) activity has had profound effects on environmental change throughout East Asia and the western Pacific. Much attention has been paid to Quaternary EAWM evolution, while long-term EAWM fluctuation characteristics and drivers remain unclear, particularly during the late Miocene when marked global climate and Asian paleogeographic changes occurred. To clarify understanding of late Miocene EAWM evolution, we developed a high-precision 9-million-year-long stacked EAWM record from Northwest Pacific Ocean abyssal sediments based on environmental magnetism, sedimentology, and geochemistry, which reveals a strengthened late Miocene EAWM. Our paleoclimate simulations also indicate that atmospheric CO
2
decline played a vital role in this EAWM intensification over the Northwest Pacific Ocean compared to other factors, including central Asian orogenic belt and northeastern Tibetan Plateau uplift and Antarctic ice-sheet expansion. Our results expand understanding of EAWM evolution from inland areas to the open ocean and indicate the importance of atmospheric CO
2
fluctuations on past EAWM variability over large spatial scales.
Expansion of learning capacity elicited by interspecific hybridization
Authors: Shibata Yukino , Toji Noriyuki , Wang Hongdi , Go Yasuhiro , Wada Kazuhiro
Published: June 2024

Learned behavior, a fundamental adaptive trait in fluctuating environments, is shaped by species-specific constraints. This phenomenon is evident in songbirds, which acquire their species-specific songs through vocal learning. To explore the neurogenetic mechanisms underlying species-specific song learning, we generated F
1
hybrid songbirds by crossing
Taeniopygia guttata
with
Aidemosyne modesta
. These F
1
hybrids demonstrate expanded learning capacities, adeptly mimicking songs from both parental species and other heterospecific songs more extensively than their parental counterparts. Despite the conserved size of brain regions and neuron numbers in the neural circuits for song learning and production, single-cell transcriptomics reveals distinctive transcriptional characteristics in the F
1
hybrids, especially in vocal-motor projection neurons. These neurons exhibit enrichment for nonadditively expressed genes, particularly those related to ion channel activity and cell adhesion, which are associated with the degree of song learning among F
1
individuals. Our findings provide insights into the emergence of altered learning capabilities through hybridization, linked to cell type–specific transcriptional changes.
A subpopulation of tissue remodeling monocytes stimulates revascularization of the ischemic limb
Authors: Patel Ashish S. , Ludwinski Francesca E. , Kerr Alexander , Farkas Simon , Kapoor Puja , Bertolaccini Laura , Fernandes Ramon , Jones Paul R. , McLornan Donal , Livieratos Lefteris , Saha Prakash , Smith Alberto , Modarai Bijan
Published: June 2024

Despite decades of effort aimed at developing clinically effective cell therapies, including mixed population mononuclear cells, to revascularize the ischemic limb, there remains a paucity of patient-based studies that inform the function and fate of candidate cell types. In this study, we showed that circulating proangiogenic/arteriogenic monocytes (PAMs) expressing the FcγIIIA receptor CD16 were elevated in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), and these amounts decreased after revascularization. Unlike CD16-negative monocytes, PAMs showed large vessel remodeling properties in vitro when cultured with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and promoted salvage of the ischemic limb in vivo in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. PAMs showed a propensity to migrate toward and bind to ischemic muscle and to secrete angiogenic/arteriogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor. We instigated a first-in-human single-arm cohort study in which autologous PAMs were injected into the ischemic limbs of five patients with CLTI. Greater than 25% of injected cells were retained in the leg for at least 72 hours, of which greater than 80% were viable, with evidence of enhanced large vessel remodeling in the injected muscle area. In summary, we identified up-regulation of a circulatory PAM subpopulation as an endogenous response to limb ischemia in CLTI and tested a potentially clinically relevant therapeutic strategy.