bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rich magnon topology in triangular lattice magnets
Authors: Yu Haodong , Hu Lin , Zheng Fawei , Yao Yugui
Published: September 2024

The two-dimensional magnet has been an emerging and rapidly growing field. The nontrivial topological phenomenon in these materials is an attracting subject. Yet, the realization of such magnets exhibiting topological magnons remains a challenge. Here, employing the linear spin-wave theory and the first-principles calculations, we propose that variety of topological phases exist in the triangular ferromagnet. These include magnon Chern insulators and high-order topological insulators. Interestingly, these topological states can coexist within a certain parameter space, leading to a hybrid topological state. We propose that these topological phases can be realized via atomic substitutions in

MnSe

2

or

MnTe

2

single-layers. The following detailed analysis suggests that non-uniform Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions are crucial in achieving topological magnons. Our work unveil a unique approach to obtaining non-trivial topological magnons in two-dimensional materials.
Effect of textile pre-stretch and printed geometry on the curvature of PLA-Lycra 4D textiles
Authors: Pandini Stefano , Pasini Chiara , Battini Davide , Avanzini Andrea , Fiorentino Antonio , Bodini Ileana , Pasinetti Simone
Published: September 2024

4D textiles are a specific class of 4D printed materials obtained by printing flat patterns on elastically pre-tensioned textiles and being able to switch from planar systems to complex 3D objects after the textile pre-stretch is released. The mechanical balance between textile recovering strain and printed structure stiffness determines the final shape. This study is carried out by coupling pre-stretched Lycra to PLA and explores ways to control 4D textile shape transformations by varying pre-stretch (10% ÷ 60%), printed structure geometry (bar-shaped and star-shaped elements; star-shaped patterns), printed element thickness (0.3 ÷ 3 mm) and mutual distance (2 ÷ 15 mm). By adjusting these parameters, a wide set of out-of-plane curvatures are obtained, ranging from flat, to dome-like and highly curved, wrapped or coiled shapes. Digital optical methods, including digital image analysis, 3D scanning, and digital image correlation, are used to evaluate the complexity of the final shape and strain state evolution during shape transformation. The geometry variation is measured in terms of height increase (maximum 45 mm for a star-shaped system, 30 mm for a multiple star pattern) and of area decrease (maximum 80% for a star-shaped system, 60% for a multiple star pattern). While most shape transformations occur immediately after printing (‘direct 4D printing’), further shape evolutions may be triggered by heating above the PLA glass transition, allowing for the creation of dynamic structures whose shape changes upon external stimuli. The adhesion between the 3D printed element and the stretched textile is also examined, with a focus on determining the role of interfacial strength and the conditions that could enhance it. This study provides an overview of the primary design variables and valuable maps of their impacts on shape transformations in this broad scenario of influencing parameters.
Vector rogue waves in spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates with spin–orbit coupling
Authors: He Jun-Tao , Li Hui-Jun , Lin Ji , Malomed Boris A
Published: September 2024

We analytically and numerically study three-component rogue waves (RWs) in spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates with Raman-induced spin–orbit coupling (SOC). Using the multiscale perturbative method, we obtain approximate analytical solutions for RWs with positive and negative effective masses, determined by the effective dispersion of the system. The solutions include RWs with smooth and striped shapes, as well as higher-order RWs. The analytical solutions demonstrate that the RWs in the three components of the system exhibit different velocities and their maximum peaks appear at the same spatiotemporal position, which is caused by SOC and interactions. The accuracy of the approximate analytical solutions is corroborated by comparison with direct numerical simulations of the underlying system. Additionally, we systematically explore existence domains for the RWs determined by the baseband modulational instability (BMI). Numerical simulations corroborate that, under the action of BMI, plane waves with random initial perturbations excite RWs, as predicted by the approximate analytical solutions.
Quantum state classification via complex-valued neural networks
Authors: Dong Yu-Chao , Li Xi-Kun , Yang Ming , Lu Yan , Liao Yan-Lin , Ullah Arif , Lin Zhi
Published: September 2024

To efficiently complete quantum information processing tasks, quantum neural networks (QNNs) should be introduced rather than the common classical neural networks, but the QNNs in the current noisy intermediate-scale quantum era cannot perform better than classical neural networks because of scale and the efficiency limits. So if the quantum properties can be introduced into classical neural networks, more efficient classical neural networks may be constructed for tasks in the field of quantum information. Complex numbers play an indispensable role in the standard quantum theory, and constitute an important feature in quantum theory. So if complex numbers are introduced in classical neural networks, they may outperform the common classical neural networks in dealing with the tasks in the quantum information field. In this paper, we verify this conjecture by studying quantum state classification via complex-valued neural networks (CVNNs). The numerical results show that the performance of CVNNs is much better than the real-valued neural network in classifying the entangled states. Our results not only provide a new way to improve the performance of artificial neural networks in quantum state classifiers, but also might shed light on the study of CVNNs in the field of other quantum information processing tasks before the appearance of the universal quantum computer.
3-D parallel anisotropic inversion of controlled-source electromagnetic data using nested tetrahedral grids
Authors: Ren Zhengyong , Liu Zhengguang , Tang Jingtian
Published: September 2024

Geophysicists today face the challenge of quickly and reliably interpreting extensive controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data sets to map subsurface conductivity structures within realistic geological environments. An ideal 3-D CSEM inversion algorithm using tetrahedral grids should be capable of distinguishing different resolution requirements between forward modelling and inversion grids, have an optimal parallel strategy that fully exploits the inherent independence of CSEM data sets while also possessing the capability to handle large-scale geo-electrical models, and incorporate conductivity anisotropy which should be a common characteristic in realistic subsurface environments. However, existing tools in the geo-electromagnetic community often fall short of these three demands. Addressing this gap, our study introduces a scalable and parallel anisotropic inversion technique for CSEM data, capitalizing on the potential of unstructured tetrahedral grids. We first apply the tetrahedral longest-edge bisection method to create a refined dense, heterogeneous forward modelling grid from a coarse inversion grid. This refinement, focused on areas around transmitters and receivers, is seamlessly integrated within the coarser inversion grid’s topology, enabling precise conductivity mapping and preserving electromagnetic response accuracy during model updates. We further innovate with a source-mesh double-level parallel strategy, utilizing the message passing interface technique for parallel handling of independent CSEM data sets and large-scale geo-electrical models. Externally, we dedicate a processor for inversion model updates employing the Limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno optimization algorithm and divide other processors into groups, each associated with specific transmitting sources and frequencies. Internally, in each group, we employ a domain-decomposition-based scalable and robust iterative solvers using the Auxiliary-Space Maxwell pre-conditioner to parallel quickly calculate the electromagnetic responses from its assigned source-frequency set. Additionally, recognizing the potential for electrical conductivity anisotropy in field data, we incorporate the case of vertical transverse isotropy. We validate the effectiveness of our method through examples, including an isotropic land model with undulating topography, an anisotropic marine model and a real-field data case. Results from both synthetic and field data inversions underscore our method’s significant advancements in efficiency and practicality, particularly in addressing large-scale 3-D CSEM data sets inversion challenges in realistic geological environments.
Resource shortage in public health facilities and private pharmacy practices in Odisha, India
Authors: Bose Bijetri , Cheng Terence C , Kalita Anuska , Haakenstaad Annie , Yip Winnie
Published: September 2024

In low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs), private pharmacies play a crucial role in the supply of medicines and the provision of healthcare. However, they also engage in poor practices including the improper sale of medicines and caregiving beyond their legal scope. Addressing the deficiencies of private pharmacies can increase their potential contribution towards enhancing universal health coverage. Therefore, it is important to identify the determinants of their performance. The existing literature has mostly focused on pharmacy-level factors and their regulatory environment, ignoring the market in which they operate, particularly their relationship to existing public sector provision. In this study, we fill the gap in the literature by examining the relationship between the practices of private pharmacies and resource shortages in nearby public health facilities in Odisha, India. This is possible due to three novel primary datasets with detailed information on private pharmacies and different levels of public healthcare facilities, including their geospatial coordinates. We find that when public healthcare facilities experience shortages of healthcare workers and essential medicines, private pharmacies step in to fill the gaps created by adjusting the type and amount of care provision and medicine dispensing services. Moreover, the relationship depends on their location, with public facilities and private pharmacies in rural areas performing substitutive caregiving roles, while they are complementary in urban areas. This study demonstrates how policies aimed at addressing resource shortages in public health facilities can generate dynamic responses from private pharmacies, highlighting the need for thorough scrutiny of the interaction between public healthcare facilities and private pharmacies in LMICs.
Multicentre evaluation of in vitro activity of contezolid against drug-resistant Staphylococcus and Enterococcus
Authors: Yang Wenhang , Li Xue , Chen Jiawei , Zhang Ge , Li Jin , Zhang Jingjia , Wang Tong , Kang Wei , Gao Haotian , Zhang Zhijie , Liu Yong , Xiao Yuling , Xie Yi , Zhao Jianhong , Mao Liyan , Sun Ziyong , Li Gang , Jia Wei , Song Guibo , Shan Bin , Yu Yanhua , Sun Guizhen , Xu Yingchun , Liu Yali
Published: September 2024

Background

To investigate susceptibility to contezolid, a novel oxazolidinone, multicentre surveillance was conducted involving 2449 strains of Staphylococcus and Enterococcus collected from 65 hospitals across China.

Methods

The MICs of contezolid, linezolid and other clinically significant antibiotics were determined by the broth microdilution method. Consistency with the broth microdilution method for contezolid was assessed using agar dilution method, as well as disc diffusion and ETEST for linezolid, respectively. WGS was conducted on all 20 linezolid-resistant and 30 randomly non-resistant strains to analyse linezolid resistance genes (optrA, poxtA, cfr) and 23S rRNA mutation sites.

Results

All strains exhibited WT susceptibility to contezolid, while resistance proportions to daptomycin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline and eravacycline ranged from 0% to 5.2% in Staphylococcus, and from 0% to 7.8% in Enterococcus. Linezolid resistance was higher in Enterococcus faecalis (4.4%) compared with Enterococcus faecium (0.2%). Contezolid showed a lower MIC50 (0.5 mg/L) than linezolid (2 mg/L) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. Against Enterococcus, contezolid demonstrated a cumulative MIC percentage of 70% for VRE and 39.1% for E. faecalis (at MIC = 1 mg/L), whereas linezolid showed 0% and 1.1%, respectively. Among the 20 linezolid-resistant Enterococcus strains, all carried the optrA gene without 23S rRNA mutations. For contezolid, MICs were 4 mg/L for 19 strains and 2 mg/L for 1 strain. The ETEST, agar dilution and disc diffusion methods showed essential and categorical agreements of >90% for linezolid, with no major errors or very major errors.

Conclusions

Contezolid demonstrated significant in vitro antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, VRE and linezolid-resistant E. faecalis.
Salvage radiotherapy for locoregional recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery
Authors: Torii Akira , Tomita Natsuo , Takaoka Taiki , Kondo Takuhito , Yamamoto Shintaro , Sugie Chikao , Nagai Aiko , Miyakawa Akifumi , Kuno Mayu , Uchiyama Kaoru , Otsuka Shinya , Ogawa Yasutaka , Takano Seiya , Kita Nozomi , Tanaka Tatsuya , Ogawa Ryo , Kubota Eiji , Takiguchi Shuji , Kataoka Hiromi , Hiwatashi Akio
Published: September 2024

Objective

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients with locoregional recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with salvage radiotherapy in patients with locoregional recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery.

Methods

We reviewed 80 patients with locoregional recurrence of esophageal cancer after surgery who were treated with radiotherapy. The median dose was 60 Gy, and 29 patients (36%) received elective nodal irradiation. Fifty-three patients (66%) received concurrent chemotherapy (mostly 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin) during radiotherapy. Overall survival, progression-free survival and in-field recurrence rate were assessed.

Results

The median follow-up period was 17 months. Two-year overall survival, progression-free survival and in-field recurrence rate were 50.3%, 23.5% and 41.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, a maximum diameter of locoregional recurrence lesions <30 mm was associated with higher overall survival (P = 0.044). Disease-free interval between surgery and locoregional recurrence >14 months was associated with higher PFS (P = 0.003). Late grade 3 toxicities occurred in three patients (3.8%). No grade 4 or higher toxicity was observed.

Conclusions

Salvage radiotherapy demonstrated efficacy in achieving in-field control with acceptable toxicity. However, the high rate of out-of-field metastases led to poor progression-free survival and overall survival, particularly in cases involving large lesions and a short disease-free interval. A prospective study is warranted to establish a treatment strategy, particularly considering the combined use of effective anti-cancer drugs.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing of gamma and omega gliadins: paving the way for gliadin-free wheat
Authors: Sánchez-León Susana , Marín-Sanz Miriam , Guzmán-López María H , Gavilán-Camacho Marta , Simón Edurne , Barro Francisco
Published: September 2024

Wheat is a staple cereal in the human diet. Despite its significance, an increasing percentage of the population suffers adverse reactions to wheat, which are triggered by wheat gluten, particularly the gliadin fractions. In this study, we employed CRISPR/Cas [clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein] multiplexing to introduce targeted mutations into γ- and ω-gliadin genes of wheat, to produce lines deficient in one or both immunogenic gliadin fractions simultaneously. For this study, eight single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed and combined into four plasmids to produce 59 modified wheat lines, of which 20 exhibited mutations in the target genes. Characterization of these lines through Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing revealed a complex pattern of InDels, including deletions spanning multiple sgRNAs. The mutations were transmitted to the offspring, and the analysis of homozygous derived lines by reverse-phase HPLC and monoclonal antibodies showed a 97.7% reduction in gluten content. Crossing these lines with other CRISPR/Cas lines deficient in the α-gliadins allowed multiple mutations to be combined. This work represents an important step forward in the use of CRISPR/Cas to develop gluten-free wheat.
Cytotoxicity assessment and antimicrobial effects of cell-free supernatants from probiotic lactic acid bacteria and yeast against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Ozma Mahdi Asghari , Ghotaslou Reza , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Abbasi Amin , Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Kafil Hossein Samadi
Published: September 2024

The antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity activity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli evaluated in current research. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the CFSs were determined by analyzing inhibition zone formation using agar disk diffusion for antibacterial activity, microtiter plate for biofilm analysis, and auto-aggregation were done. CFSs substances were analyzed by GC-MS. The MTT assay on HEK293 cells investigated CFS’s influence on cell viability. CFSs were examined for biofilm-related virulence genes, including aggR and fimH using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). All CFSs had bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The B. bifidum exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity compared to the others. Bifidobacterium bifidum, L. plantarum, and S. cerevisiae produce 19, 16, and 11 mm inhibition zones against E. coli, respectively. GC-MS indicated that Hydroxyacetone, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid, and Oxime-methoxy-phenyl-dominated CFSs from L. plantarum, B. bifidum, and S. cerevisiae CFSs, respectively. The MTT test demonstrated a cell viability rate of over 90%. Statistically, adding all CFSs lowered the relative expression of both aggR and fimH virulence genes.
Landscape of in situ cytokine expression, soluble C-type lectin receptors, and vitamin D in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Consuegra-Asprilla Jeiser Marcelo , Chaverra-Osorio Manuela , Torres Brajhan , Cabrera-Chingal Yuliana , Mancera-Mieles Angelica , Rodríguez-Echeverri Carolina , Gómez Beatriz L , González Ángel
Published: September 2024

The immunopathogenesis of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is poorly understood. Recently, it was reported that patients with RVVC present a decrease in both the fungicidal capacity of neutrophils and the proliferative capability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to Candida albicans infection, suggesting an alteration in the innate and adaptive immune response. The aim of this study was to determine the in-situ expression, in the vaginal mucosa, of genes associated with the immune response, as well as the serum concentrations of dectin-1, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and vitamin D in patients with RVVC. A study was carried out on 40 patients with a diagnosis of RVVC and 26 healthy women. Vaginal scrapings were obtained, and the expression of genes that encode cytokines and transcription factors specific for Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, pro-inflammatory profiles, and enzymes related to oxidative/microbicidal mechanisms was evaluated by quantitiative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, serum levels of vitamin D and the soluble receptors dectin-1 and MBL were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In patients with RVVC, a decreased expression of T-bet, RORγ-T, IL-1β, and IL-17, and an increase in the expression of FOXP3, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18 were observed when compared to healthy women: moreover, decreased levels of MBL were also observed in these patients. These results confirm that patients with RVVC present in-situ alterations in both the specific and adaptive immune response against Candida spp., a fact that could be associated with the exaggerated vaginal inflammatory response.
Time from waking to the first cigarette and mortality and incident cardiovascular disease
Authors: Li Yanzhi , Lai Wenjian , Zhao Hao , Zhong Xiali , Guo Lan
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the associations of time from waking to the first cigarette (TWFC) with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and incident CVD among people smoking.

Methods

Data were from the UK Biobank, including 32 519 people smoking aged 40–70 years. TWFC was investigated using a touch-screen questionnaire. Outcomes included all-cause mortality and mortality from and incidence of CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke.

Results

Compared with participants reporting TWFC >120 min, those reporting TWFC between 61 and 120 min (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10–1.53), TWFC between 5 and 60 min (1.48, 1.30–1.70) and TWFC <5 min (1.65, 1.42–1.93) had a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Compared with participants reporting TWFC >120 min, those reporting TWFC between 5 and 60 min and TWFC <5 min had higher risks of CVD and IHD mortality and incident CVD and IHD, but those reporting TWFC between 61 and 120 min did not. The associations of TWFC with stroke mortality and incident stroke were not observed.

Conclusion

In this cohort study, a shorter TWFC was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality, mortality from CVD and IHD, as well as incident CVD and IHD.
An Analysis of Curricular Structures in MD-PhD Programs in the United States
Authors: Roghmann Mary-Claire , Schimmenti Lisa A. , Williams Christopher S. , Swartz Talia H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study describes the structure and timing of the clinical education components of MD-PhD programs to illustrate how variations in preclerkship curriculum correlate with the opportunity for early clinical exposure and other key program characteristics.

Method

A survey was disseminated to U.S. MD-PhD programs on May 25, 2022, asking about the preclerkship curriculum length (long [> 18 months], medium [13–18 months], or short [12 months]), United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 timing (relative to the PhD training and clerkships), and opportunity for clerkships before the PhD phase. This survey was supplemented with data from publicly available sources to include 92 MD-PhD programs.

Results

This study found a wide range of MD-PhD clinical curricula. A strong association was found between shorter preclerkship curriculum length and the opportunity for clerkships before the PhD (10 of 50 programs [20%] with long preclerkship curriculum, 19 of 35 programs [54%] with medium preclerkship curriculum, and 7 of 7 programs [100%] with short preclerkship curriculum; P < .001). Variations in United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 timing also exist based on preclerkship curriculum length and the opportunity for clerkships before the PhD. Shorter preclerkship curriculum length was associated with National Institutes of Health funding of the MD-PhD program (20 [40%] of long, 25 [69%] of medium, and 6 [86%] of short preclerkship curricula; P = .006) and larger MD-PhD program size (35 students with long, 70 with medium, and 86 with short preclerkship curricula; P < .001). Preclerkship curriculum length was not associated with public vs private medical schools, although the West had shorter preclerkship curricula.

Conclusions

This study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to gain insights into the effectiveness and implications of educational interventions in MD-PhD programs, ultimately informing future training strategies and policies.
Differentiating Between Knee Septic Arthritis and Lyme Arthritis in Children: A Clinical Prediction Algorithm for a Geographically Diverse Population
Authors: Li Ying , Bommineni Maanasa , Baldwin Keith D. , Sanborn Ryan M. , Cook Danielle , Shore Benjamin J. ,   Children’s Orthopaedic Trauma and Infection Consortium for Evidence-Based Studies (CORTICES) Study Group
Published: September 2024

Background:

Knee septic arthritis (SA) and Lyme arthritis (LA) often have similar presentations but bacterial SA necessitates urgent surgery. Predictive factors for differentiating SA and other infectious/inflammatory conditions have been published. Our purpose was to test these algorithms using a retrospective multicenter musculoskeletal infection database.

Methods:

Patients ≤18 years old with isolated knee SA or LA were identified. Diagnostic criteria for SA were synovial WBC count >50,000 cells/mm3, imaging with fluid aspiration suggestive of SA, or joint aspirate/tissue sample cultured positive for bacteria. Diagnostic criteria for LA was positive Lyme titer. Demographics, weightbearing status, admission vitals, and laboratory tests were collected. Predictive factors from Baldwin criteria for differentiating knee SA and LA, and Kocher criteria for differentiating hip SA and transient synovitis were tested.

Results:

One hundred fifty-five patients (119 SA and 36 LA) were analyzed. Patients with SA were younger (2.2 vs. 8.0 y), more nonweightbearing (74% vs. 33%), had a higher pulse (127 vs. 106), and higher WBC (12.4 vs. 10.2) (all P<0.001).

Baldwin criteria (pain with joint motion, history of fever, CRP >40 mg/L, age <2 y) were tested. Pain with motion was not collected in our database. Of the remaining factors, the probability of SA was 63% with 0 and 92% with 3 factors (AUC 0.64). Kocher criteria (nonweightbearing, temperature >101.3°F, WBC >12.0, ESR >40) and CRP >20 mg/L were also tested. The probability of SA was 41% with 0 and 96% with all factors (AUC 0.69).

Using our cohort data, regression analysis with backward stepwise elimination determined that age <4 years, nonweightbearing, admission WBC >13.0, platelets <325, and ESR >70 were predictive factors for SA. The probability of SA with 0 factors was 16%, 1 factor 52%, 2 factors 86%, 3 factors 97%, and 4 factors 100% (AUC 0.86).

Conclusions:

Our model identified age <4 years, nonweightbearing, admission WBC >13.0, platelets <325, and ESR >70 as independent predictive factors for knee SA. The more factors present, the higher the likelihood of having SA versus LA.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic level III.
Primary Treatment of Eyelid Conjunctival Melanoma with Immunotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Weiss Madison E. , Perzia Brittany M. , Sinard John H. , Tran Thuy T. , Maeng Michelle M.
Published: September 2024

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare, life- and sight-threatening ocular malignancy sharing molecular features with cutaneous and mucosal melanoma. Despite current clinical approaches, high recurrence rates and frequent metastases pose significant challenges in management. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as ipilimumab and nivolumab have revolutionized cutaneous melanoma treatment, but their efficacy in conjunctival melanoma remains largely unexplored. Herein, the authors present the case of metastatic palpebral conjunctival melanoma in a 59-year-old male successfully treated with a first-line combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab without adjuvant therapies or local surgeries. Local disease resolution was achieved after only 7 months of treatment, and the immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen was well-tolerated with limited systemic adverse effects and no ocular side effects.
Evaluating Learning by Assessing Patient Outcomes in a Student Pro Bono Clinic: A Case Report
Authors: Yorke Amy M. , James Rebecca , Smith Chelsie , Reed Luke , Smith Leslie , Trojanowski Suzanne
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose.

In 2020, a clinical practice guideline (CPG) highly recommended high-intensity gait training (HIGT) to improve walking outcomes in adults with chronic stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and brain injury. The success of implementing a CPG into a student-run pro bono clinic (SRPBC) utilizing knowledge translation (KT) to assess student learning is not well described. The purpose of this case report is to describe student learning by assessing the fidelity of HIGT implementation (time spent in HIGT and level of cardiovascular intensity) in a SRPBC.

Case Description.

MoveMore is a HIGT program delivered by Doctor of Physical Therapy students and Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a SRPBC.

Outcomes.

During Spring/Summer 2023, 24 physical therapy students, 10 nursing students, and 13 community partners (12 diagnosed with stroke, 1 with incomplete SCI) participated in MoveMore. The average time students engaged the community partners in HIGT was 46 minutes (range 32–54), while only 6 community partners spent a minimum of 13% of the time in the target heart rate zone.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Students delivering HIGT are able to engage community partners for time parameters aligning with the locomotor CPG; however, they are not successful in having a person with stroke/incomplete SCI consistently reach a moderate to high level of cardiovascular intensity. Using KT to implement a CPG and tracking patient outcomes allows physical therapy educators to assess student learning.
Prospective Multicenter Study to Clarify the Frequency of Peristomal Skin Disorders and Appropriate Evaluation Time in Patients with Malignant Rectal Tumors
Authors: Shiraishi Takuya , Nishizawa Yuji , Nakajima Mifumi , Kado Ryoko , Ogawa Hiroomi , Naomi Satoh , Owada Yohei , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Yazawa Shinji , Hamahata Yukihiro , Isogami Yumi , Kitagawa Kazuo , Sakamoto Maki , Enomoto Hiroya , Egawa Akiko , Kitaguchi Daichi , Hasegawa Hiro , Ikeda Koji , Tsukada Yuichiro , Ito Masaaki
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to understand the effectiveness of regular care in reducing the incidence of severe peristomal skin disorders, as well as to identify their risk factors.

Summary Background Data:

Peristomal skin disorders occur frequently in outpatient settings and require appropriate intervention. It remains, however, to be demonstrated when the need to follow up these patients decreases and whether assessing severity of peristomal skin disorders is useful.

Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study was conducted in six regional high-volume Japanese hospitals. The primary endpoint of the study was the effectiveness of regular follow-up in reducing the incidence of severe peristomal skin disorders via a scoring system at a defined regular outpatient visit. Propensity score matching was performed to compare a control group and patients with severe peristomal skin disorders.

Results:

In total, 217 patients between December 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled, and 191 patients were analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that loop stoma (odds ratio [OR], 5.017; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.350–18.639; P=0.016) and stoma height of <10 mm (OR, 7.831; 95% CI, 1.760–34.838; P=0.007) were independent risk factors for all peristomal skin disorders. After propensity score matching, the incidence of the disorders was not significantly different between the specified evaluation timing and historical control groups (75.7% vs. 77.2%, P=0.775), and the incidence of the severe disorders based on the ABCD and DET scores (5.9% vs. 19.1%, P<0.001 and 1.5% vs. 29.4%, P<0.001, respectively) was significantly lower in the specified evaluation timing group than in the historical control group.

Conclusion:

Regular peristomal skin disease follow-up and scoring, as well as appropriate stoma care at the stoma outpatient visit did not change the frequency of peristomal skin disease, but severe peristomal skin disorders were prevented. Additionally, risk factors for peristomal skin disorders were found to be height <10 mm and loop stoma.
Acute kidney injury in the acute care surgery patient: What you need to know
Authors: Villegas Cassandra V. , Gorman Elizabeth , Liu Frank M. , Winchell Robert J.
Published: September 2024

Acute kidney injury is associated with poor outcomes in the trauma and emergency general surgery population, and recent consensus definitions have allowed for significant advances in defining the burden of disease. The current definitions rely on overall functional measures (i.e., serum creatinine and urine output), which can be confounded by a variety of clinical factors. Biomarkers are increasingly being investigated as more direct diagnostic assays for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and may allow earlier detection and more timely therapeutic intervention. Etiologies fall into two general categories: disorders of renal perfusion and exposure to nephrotoxic agents. Therapy is largely supportive, and prevention offers the best chance to decrease clinical impact.
Anatomy of the interchondral joints and the effects on mobility of ribs
Authors: Akyeampong Daniel , Hoey Alexander , Patel Arjun , Privette Alicia R. , Ganske William , Halmark John , Muir Cassidy , Kubalak Steven W. , Eriksson Evert A.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Variations in the anatomy of the anterior rib cage and costal margin have been observed. We sought to evaluate the location of interchondral joints and evaluate their effect on mobility of the rib cage.

METHODS

Cadaveric dissections were performed to evaluate the anatomy of the anterior ribs and the composition of the costal margin. Experienced chest wall surgeons and anatomists evaluated this anatomy through a standardized dissection and assessment. The presence of interchondral joints, and morphology and mobility of ribs were quantified. In addition, the movement and interactions of the ribs with upward pressure on the costal margin at the tip of the 10th rib were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cadavers were evaluated bilaterally. In all patients, the first rib attached to the manubrium, the second rib attached to the sternal/manubrial junction, and ribs 3 to 6 attached directly to the sternum. Interchondral joints were present between ribs 4/5 in 0%, 5/6 in 35%, 6/7 in 96%, and 7/8 in 96%. The eighth/ninth ribs had free tips in 58% and 92%, respectively, and 10th rib was floating in 46%. Upward pressure on the costal margin resulted in compression of the ribs up to, on average, the 5.7 ± 0.6 rib with no compression above this level. This level corresponded to the rib interspace just above the most superior interchondral joint in 98% of evaluation. The transmission of these upward forces demonstrated an articulation of the ribs at the costal cartilage-sternal junction in the lower ribs.

CONCLUSION

Bridging interchondral joints are common between ribs 5 to 8 and participate in distributing forces from the costal margin across the chest wall. Upward forces at the costal margin are transmitted across the lower rib cage and result in increased mobility of the lower half of the ribs. The eighth/ninth ribs often have mobile tips, and the 10th is often a floating rib.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.
Peripheral Inflammation is accompanied by Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Mice
Authors: Kazeem Afolashade , Ge Chuang , Tajerian Maral
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Chronic pain is a disabling condition that is accompanied by neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. While the peripheral alterations are well-studied, we lack an understanding of how these peripheral changes can result in long-lasting brain alterations and the ensuing behavioral phenotypes. This study aims to quantify changes in cerebral blood perfusion using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) in the murine Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model of unilateral peripheral inflammation.

Methods

Twenty female and 24 male adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to control (0.05ml saline) or 1 of 3 experimental groups receiving CFA (0.01ml, 0.05ml, and 0.1ml) on the right hindpaw. Three days after the intraplantar injections, animals were assessed for signs of pain (von Frey), working memory (y-maze), and anxiety (zero maze and open field), and subjected to craniotomy andin vivoLSCI of the parietal-temporal lobes.

Results

Unilateral administration of CFA resulted in signs of local inflammation, decreased mechanical thresholds on the affected hindpaw, signs of anxiety in the zero maze, as well as cerebral hypoperfusion in dose-dependent manner.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study using laser speckle contrast imaging to examine the effects of CFA-induced peripheral inflammation on cerebral blood perfusion. It serves as a first step in delineating the path by which insult to peripheral tissues can cause long-lasting brain plasticity via vascular mechanisms.
Computational identification of small molecules for increased gene expression by synthetic circuits in mammalian cells
Authors: Pisani M , Calandra F , Rinaldi A , Cella F , Tedeschi F , Boffa I , Brunetti-Pierri N , Carissimo A , Napolitano F , Siciliano V
Published: September 2024

Engineering mammalian cells with synthetic circuits is leading the charge in next generation biotherapeutics and industrial biotech innovation. However, applications often depend on the cells’ productive capacity, which is limited by the finite cellular resources available. We have previously shown that cells engineered with incoherent feedforward loops (iFFL-cells) operate at higher capacity than those engineered with the open loop (OL). Here, we performed RNA-sequencing on cells expressing the iFFL and utilized DECCODE, an unbiased computational method, to match our data with thousands of drug-induced transcriptional profiles. DECCODE identified compounds that consistently enhance expression of both transiently and stably expressed genetic payloads across various experimental scenarios and cell lines, while also reducing external perturbations on integrated genes. Further, we show that drug treatment enhances the rate of AAV and lentivirus transduction, facilitating the prototyping of genetic devices for gene and cell therapies. Altogether, despite limiting intracellular resources is a pervasive, and strongly cell-dependent problem, we provide a versatile tool for a wide range of biomedical and industrial applications that demand enhanced productivity from engineered cells.
Solving the homogeneous Bethe-Salpeter equation with a quantum annealer
Authors: Fornetti Filippo , Gnech Alex , Frederico Tobias , Pederiva Francesco , Rinaldi Matteo , Roggero Alessandro , Salmè Giovanni , Scopetta Sergio , Viviani Michele
Published: September 2024

The homogeneous Bethe-Salpeter equation (hBSE), describing a bound system in a genuinely relativistic quantum-field theory framework, was solved for the first time by using a D-Wave quantum annealer. After applying standard techniques of discretization, the hBSE, in ladder approximation, can be formally transformed in a generalized eigenvalue problem (GEVP), with two square matrices: one symmetric and the other nonsymmetric. The latter matrix poses the challenge of obtaining a suitable formal approach for investigating the GEVP by means of a quantum annealer, i.e., to recast it as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem. A broad numerical analysis of the proposed algorithms, applied to matrices of dimension up to 64, was carried out by using both the simulated-annealing package and the D-Wave . The numerical results very nicely compare with those obtained with standard classical algorithms, and also show interesting scalability features.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum reference frames from top-down crossed products
Authors: Ali Ahmad Shadi , Chemissany Wissam , Klinger Marc S. , Leigh Robert G.
Published: September 2024

All physical observations are made relative to a reference frame, which is a system in its own right. If the system of interest admits a group symmetry, the reference frame observing it must transform commensurately under the group to ensure the covariance of the combined system. We point out that the crossed product is a way to realize quantum reference frames from the bottom-up; adjoining a quantum reference frame and imposing constraints generates a crossed product algebra. We provide a top-down specification of crossed product algebras and show that one cannot obtain inequivalent quantum reference frames using this approach. As a remedy, we define an abstract algebra associated to the system and symmetry group built out of relational crossed product algebras associated with different choices of quantum reference frames. We term this object the G-framed algebra, and show how potentially inequivalent frames are realized within this object. We comment on this algebra’s analog of the classical Gribov problem in gauge theory, its importance in gravity where we show that it is relevant for semiclassical de Sitter and potentially beyond the semiclassical limit, and its utility for understanding the frame dependence of physical notions like observables, density states, and entropies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Curved-spacetime dynamics of spin-
12
particles in superposed states from a WKB approximation of the Dirac equation
Authors: Hammad F. , Simard M. , Saadati R. , Landry A.
Published: September 2024

We investigate the dynamics of spin-12 particles that are freely propagating in superposed states in curved spacetime. We first make use of a Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation of the Dirac equation in curved spacetime to extract the corresponding Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon equations that describe the deviation from geodesic motion as well as the spin precession of such particles. We then discuss, in light of our results, the case of flavor neutrinos which are, by nature, a superposition of mass eigenstates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Holographic transport in anisotropic plasmas
Authors: Demircik Tuna , Gallegos Domingo , Gürsoy Umut , Järvinen Matti , Lier Ruben
Published: September 2024

We study energy-momentum and charge transport in strongly interacting holographic quantum field theories in an anisotropic thermal state by contrasting three different holographic methods to compute transport coefficients: standard holographic calculation of retarded Green’s functions, a method based on the null-focusing equation near horizon and the novel method based on background variations. Employing these methods we compute anisotropic shear and bulk viscosities and conductivities with anisotropy induced externally, for example by an external magnetic field. We show that all three methods yield consistent results. The novel method allows us to read off the transport coefficients from the horizon data and express them in analytic form from which we derive universal relations among them. Furthermore we extend the method based on the null-focusing equation to Gauss-Bonnet theory to compute higher derivative corrections to the aforementioned transport coefficients.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mobile money, digital financial inclusion, and evidence on saving and borrowing
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate access to mobile money services and its relationship to financial planning for adults with mobile phones across different countries in different income groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using new survey data from the Global Findex Database over the 2021–2022 time period, this study applies traditional cross-sectional regressions in investigating the relationship between access to mobile money accounts and the proportion of adults that save and borrow across different countries in different income groups.

Findings

This study provides findings on population dynamics, the percentage of adults who own mobile phones, the percentage of adults that own mobile money accounts, and the percentage of adults who save and borrow through mobile money accounts across different countries in different income groups. Results of the cross-sectional regressions indicate a positive relationship between saving and borrowing in relation to access to mobile money accounts across different countries in different income groups. The empirical results are robust after controlling for financial literacy, and moreover, suggest a relatively stronger effect for saving relative to borrowing.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel approach toward examining the relationship between access to mobile money accounts and the proportion of adults that save and borrow. This study quantifies the aggregate impact of mobile money access on saving and borrowing based on a new cross-sectional data set for different countries in different income groups.
Did they mean that? The effect of cyber incivility on older worker vitality, vigor, and turnover
Authors: Baker Courtney L. , De Bruin Rushika , Finkelstein Lisa M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Incivility can be used to target minority groups as a form of discrimination. This paper aimed to assess the extent to which older workers are particularly targeted by cyber incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 used a cross-sectional design via an online crowdsourcing platform (N = 208). Study 2 (N = 227) employed a daily diary approach with an age diverse sample.

Findings

Age does not directly affect perceptions of cyber incivility, but moderates the relationships between cyber incivility and vitality and vigor. In Study 1, older workers experienced a weaker relationship between perceptions of cyber incivility and increased reports of vigor. Conversely, in Study 2, older workers who experienced cyber incivility reported reduced daily vitality both on the same day and the following day.

Originality/value

The discussion explores the nuances of vigor and vitality in older workers. Additionally, despite research on selective incivility, these studies suggest that while older workers may not be selectively targeted for cyber incivility, they struggle more with its repercussions.