bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive evaluation of nucleic acid amplification methods widely used for generic detection of sandfly-borne phleboviruses
Authors: Polat Ceylan , Ayhan Nazli , Ergünay Koray , Charrel Remi N.
Published: March 2024

Sandfly-borne phleboviruses (SBPs), which cause sandfly fever, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis, are emerging pathogens of major public health concern. Virus nucleic acid testing is essential for SBP diagnosis, especially in the early stages of infection, and for the discovery of novel SBPs. The efficacy of utilizing generic primers that target conserved nucleotide sequences for the detection of both known and novel SBPs has not been extensively evaluated. We aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of five generic primer sets, widely used to detect S- and L-segments of arthropod-borne phleboviruses and designed as singleplex (
n
= 3) and nested (
n
= 2) formats, including both well-known and recently characterized 15 Old World virus strains. Furthermore, we performed
in silico
analysis to assess the detection capabilities of these generic primer sets. The initial evaluation of previously published generic primer sets for SBP detection yielded two singleplex primer sets with the potential to be adapted for use in real-time or high-throughput detection settings. Studies are ongoing to develop and further optimize a preliminary assay and test various hosts and vectors to assess their capacity to detect known and novel viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Virus nucleic acid testing is the primary diagnostic method, particularly in the early stages of illness. Virus-specific or syndromic tests are widely used for this purpose. The use of generic primers has had a considerable impact on the discovery, identification, and detection of Old World sandfly-borne phleboviruses (OWSBP). The study is significant because it is the first to carry out a comparative evaluation of all published OWSBP generic primer sets.
CARE-radiology statement explanation and elaboration: reporting guideline for radiological case reports
Authors: Wang Mengshu , Luo Xufei , Xiao Xiaojuan , Zhang Linlin , Wang Qi , Wang Shiyu , Wang Ximing , Xue Huadan , Zhang Longjiang , Chen Yaolong , Lei Junqiang , Štupnik Tomaž , Scarci Marco , Fiorelli Alfonso , Laisaar Tanel , Fruscio Robert , Elkhayat Hussein , Novoa Nuria M. , Davoli Fabio , Waseda Ryuichi , Estill Janne , Norris Susan L , Riley David S , Tian Jinhui
Published: March 2024

Despite the increasing number of radiological case reports, the majority lack a standardised methodology of writing and reporting. We therefore develop a reporting guideline for radiological case reports based on the CAse REport (CARE) statement. We established a multidisciplinary group of experts, comprising 40 radiologists, methodologists, journal editors and researchers, to develop a reporting guideline for radiological case reports according to the methodology recommended by the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research network. The Delphi panel was requested to evaluate the significance of a list of elements for potential inclusion in a guideline for reporting mediation analyses. By reviewing the reporting guidelines and through discussion, we initially drafted 46 potential items. Following a Delphi survey and discussion, the final CARE-radiology checklist is comprised of 38 items in 16 domains. CARE-radiology is a comprehensive reporting guideline for radiological case reports developed using a rigorous methodology. We hope that compliance with CARE-radiology will help in the future to improve the completeness and quality of case reports in radiology.
Learning curve of achieving competency in emergency endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: how much experience is necessary?
Authors: Allo Gabriel , Lang Sonja , Martin Anna , Bürger Martin , Zhang Xinlian , Chon Seung-Hun , Nierhoff Dirk , Töx Ulrich , Goeser Tobias , Kasper Philipp
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has seen rapid advancements with revolutionising innovations. However, insufficient data exist on the necessary number of emergency endoscopies needed to achieve competency in haemostatic interventions.

Design

We retrospectively analysed all oesophagogastroduodenoscopies with signs of recent haemorrhage performed between 2015 and 2022 at our university hospital. A learning curve was created by plotting the number of previously performed oesophagogastroduodenoscopies with signs of recent haemorrhage against the treatment failure rate, defined as failed haemostasis, rebleeding and necessary surgical or radiological intervention.

Results

The study population included 787 cases with a median age of 66 years. Active bleeding was detected in 576 cases (73.2%). Treatment failure occurred in 225 (28.6%) cases. The learning curve showed a marked decline in treatment failure rates after nine oesophagogastroduodenoscopies had been performed by the respective endoscopists followed by a first plateau between 20 and 50 procedures. A second decline was observed after 51 emergency procedures followed by a second plateau. Endoscopists with experience of <10 emergency procedures had higher treatment failure rates compared with endoscopists with >51 emergency oesophagogastroduodenoscopies performed (p=0.039) or consultants (p=0.041).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a minimum number of 20 oesophagogastroduodenoscopies with signs of recent haemorrhage is necessary before endoscopists should be considered proficient to perform emergency procedures independently. Endoscopists might be considered as advanced-qualified experts in managing UGIB after a minimum of 50 haemostatic procedure performed. Implementing recommendations on minimum numbers of emergency endoscopies in education programmes of endoscopy trainees could improve their confidence and competency in managing acute UGIB.
The impact of policy and policy communication on COVID-19 vaccination inequalities among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia: a comparative cross-sectional interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Gomez Wilson , Fernández-Niño Julián A , Guillén José Rafael , Stevenson Megan , Ortíz Jennifer , Barriga Talero Miguel Ángel , López Jhon Jairo , Núñez Ricardo Luque , Spiegel Paul , Page Kathleen R , Ramirez Correa Jhon Fredy , Porras Damary Martínez , Wirtz Andrea L
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Equitable access to vaccines for migrants and refugees is necessary to ensure their right to health and to achieve public health goals of reducing vaccine-preventable illness. Public health policies require regulatory frameworks and communication to effect uptake of effective vaccines among the target population. In Colombia, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan implicitly included Venezuelan refugees and migrants; however, initial communication of the policy indicated that vaccine availability was restricted to people with regular migration status. We estimated the impact of a public announcement, which clarified access for refugees and migrants, on vaccination coverage among Venezuelans living in Colombia.

Methods

Between 30 July 2021 and 5 February 2022, 6221 adult Venezuelans participated in a cross-sectional, population-based health survey. We used a comparative cross-sectional time-series analysis to estimate the effect of the October 2021 announcement on the average biweekly change in COVID-19 vaccine coverage of Venezuelans with regular and irregular migration status.

Results

71% of Venezuelans had an irregular status. The baseline (preannouncement) vaccine coverage was lower among people with an irregular status but increased at similar rates as those with a regular status. After the announcement, there was a level change of 14.49% (95% CI: 1.57 to 27.42, p=0.03) in vaccination rates among individuals with irregular migration status with a 4.61% increase in vaccination rate per biweekly period (95% CI: 1.71 to 7.51, p=0.004). By February 2022, there was a 26.2% relative increase in vaccinations among individuals with irregular migration status compared with what was expected without the announcement.

Conclusion

While there was no policy change, communication clarifying the policy drastically reduced vaccination inequalities across migration status. Lessons can be translated from the COVID-19 pandemic into more effective global, regional and local public health emergency preparedness and response to displacement.
Collaboration within the global vaccine safety surveillance ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learnt and key recommendations from the COVAX Vaccine Safety Working Group
Authors: Chandler Rebecca E , Balakrishnan Madhava Ram , Brasseur Daniel , Bryan Philip , Espie Emmanuelle , Hartmann Katharina , Jouquelet-Royer Corinne , Milligan James , Nesbitt Linda , Pal Shanthi , Precioso Alexander , Takey Paulo , Chen Robert T
Published: March 2024

This analysis describes the successes, challenges and opportunities to improve global vaccine safety surveillance as observed by the Vaccine Safety Working Group from its role as a platform of exchange for stakeholders responsible for monitoring the safety of vaccines distributed through the COVAX mechanism. Three key elements considered to be essential for ongoing and future pandemic preparedness for vaccine developers in their interaction with other members of the vaccine safety ecosystem are (1) the availability of infrastructure and capacity for active vaccine safety surveillance in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the advancement of concepts of safety surveillance and risk management to vaccine developers and manufacturers from LMICs; (2) more comprehensive mechanisms to ensure timely exchange of vaccine safety data and/or knowledge gaps between public health authorities and vaccine developers and manufacturers; and (3) further implementation of the concept of regulatory reliance in pharmacovigilance. These aims would both conserve valuable resources and allow for more equitable access to vaccine safety information and for benefit/risk decision-making.
Effectiveness of shared medical appointments delivered in primary care for improving health outcomes in patients with long-term conditions: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tang Mei Yee , Graham Fiona , O'Donnell Amy , Beyer Fiona , Richmond Catherine , Dhami Raenhha , Sniehotta Falko F , Kaner Eileen F S
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of shared medical appointments (SMAs) compared with one-to-one appointments in primary care for improving health outcomes and reducing demand on healthcare services by people with one or more long-term conditions (LTCs).

Design

A systematic review of the published literature.

Data sources

Six databases, including MEDLINE and Web of Science, were searched 2013–2023. Relevant pre-2013 trials identified by forward and backward citation searches of the included trials were included.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials of SMAs delivered in a primary care setting involving adults over 18 years with one or more LTCs. Studies were excluded if the SMA did not include one-to-one patient-clinician time. All countries were eligible for inclusion.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted and outcomes narratively synthesised, meta-analysis was undertaken where possible.

Results

Twenty-nine unique trials were included. SMA models varied in terms of components, mode of delivery and target population. Most trials recruited patients with a single LTC, most commonly diabetes (n=16). There was substantial heterogeneity in outcome measures. Meta-analysis showed that participants in SMA groups had lower diastolic blood pressure than those in usual care (d=−0.086, 95% CI=−0.16 to –0.02, n=10) (p=0.014). No statistically significant differences were found across other outcomes. Compared with usual care, SMAs had no significant effect on healthcare service use. For example, no difference between SMAs and usual care was found for admissions to emergency departments at follow-up (d=−0.094, 95% CI=−0.27 to 0.08, n=6, p=0.289).

Conclusions

There was a little difference in the effectiveness of SMAs compared with usual care in terms of health outcomes or healthcare service use in the short-term (range 12 weeks to 24 months). To strengthen the evidence base, future studies should include a wider array of LTCs, standardised outcome measures and more details on SMA components to help inform economic evaluation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020173084.
Brain-wide activation involved in 15 mA transcranial alternating current stimulation in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhao Wenfeng , Wang Huang , Leng Haixia , Xue Qing , Peng Mao , Min Baoquan , Jin Xiukun , Tan Liucen , Gao Keming , Wang Hongxing
Published: March 2024

Background

Although 15 mA transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has a therapeutic effect on depression, the activations of brain structures in humans accounting for this tACS configuration remain largely unknown.

Aims

To investigate which intracranial brain structures are engaged in the tACS at 77.5 Hz and 15 mA, delivered via the forehead and the mastoid electrodes in the human brain.

Methods

Actual human head models were built using the magnetic resonance imagings of eight outpatient volunteers with drug-naïve, first-episode major depressive disorder and then used to perform the electric field distributions with SimNIBS software.

Results

The electric field distributions of the sagittal, coronal and axial planes showed that the bilateral frontal lobes, bilateral temporal lobes, hippocampus, cingulate, hypothalamus, thalamus, amygdala, cerebellum and brainstem were visibly stimulated by the 15 mA tACS procedure.

Conclusions

Brain-wide activation, including the cortex, subcortical structures, cerebellum and brainstem, is involved in the 15 mA tACS intervention for first-episode major depressive disorder. Our results indicate that the simultaneous involvement of multiple brain regions is a possible mechanism for its effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms.
PHOX2B: a diagnostic cornerstone in neurocristopathies and neuroblastomas
Authors: Windels Mei-Lan , Cordier Fleur , Van Dorpe Jo , Ferdinande Liesbeth , Creytens David
Published: March 2024

Paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) is a gene essential in the development of the autonomic nervous system.PHOX2Bmutations are associated with neurocristopathies—Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS)—and peripheral neuroblastic tumours. PHOXB2 plays an important role in the diagnostics of these conditions.

Genotyping of aPHOX2Bpathogenic variant is required to establish a diagnosis of CCHS. In HSCR patients, PHOX2B immunohistochemical staining has proven to be a valuable tool in identifying this disease. Furthermore,PHOXB2is a predisposition gene for neuroblastoma, in which PHOX2B immunohistochemical staining can be used as a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic marker. The utility of PHOX2B immunohistochemistry in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma has also been studied but yields conflicting results.

In this review, an overview is given ofPHOX2B, its associated diseases and the usefulness of PHOX2B immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic tool.
An oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding hyaluronidase reshapes the extracellular matrix to enhance cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Shibing , Li Yuxin , Xu Chuning , Dong Jie , Wei Jiwu
Published: March 2024

Background

The redundant extracellular matrix (ECM) within tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hyaluronic acid (HA) often impairs intratumoral dissemination of antitumor drugs. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are being studied extensively for cancer therapy either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Here, we designed a novel recombinant vaccinia virus encoding a soluble version of hyaluronidase Hyal1 (OVV-Hyal1) to degrade the HA and investigated its antitumor effects in combination with chemo drugs, polypeptide, immune cells, and antibodies.

Methods

We constructed a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding the hyaluronidase, and investigated its function in remodeling the ECM of the TME, the antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in several murine solid tumors either alone, or in combination with chemo drugs including doxorubicin and gemcitabine, with polypeptide liraglutide, with immune therapeutics such as PD-L1/PD-1 blockade, CD47 antibody, and with CAR-T cells.

Results

Compared with control OVV, intratumoral injection of OVV-Hyal1 showed superior antitumor efficacies in a series of mouse subcutaneous tumor models. Moreover, HA degradation by OVV-Hyal1 resulted in increased intratumoral dissemination of chemo drugs, infiltration of T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and activation of CD8+T cells. When OVV-Hyal1 was combined with some antitumor therapeutics, for example, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, liraglutide, anti-PD-1, anti-CD47 blockade, or CAR-T cells, more profound therapeutic outcomes were obtained.

Conclusions

OVV-Hyal1 effectively degrades HA to reshape the TME, therefore overcoming some major hurdles in current cancer therapy, such as limited OVs spread, unfavored dissemination of chemo drugs, polypeptides, antibodies, and insufficient infiltration of effector immune cells. OVV-Hyal1 holds the promise to improve the antitumor outcomes of current cancer therapeutics.
Assessing the impacts of environmental and ecological variables on the performance of Fraser sockeye salmon forecast
Authors: Xu Yi , Liu Qi , Fu Caihong , Holmes John
Published: March 2024

The Canadian Fraser River sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka) is one of the largest stock complexes in North America, supporting major commercial, recreational, and First Nations fisheries. Sockeye fisheries management relies on an annual pre-season forecast of adult returns. In this study, we developed a comprehensive framework for visualization with a Taylor diagram to evaluate pre-season forecast models annually and identify external drivers important for forecasting sockeye returns. Specifically, we incorporated five new covariates, including sea surface temperature in the Gulf of Alaska and the abundance of salmon species, into the existing forecast models. Results revealed better performances by both the Ricker and Power models when coupled with the newly included covariates. Moreover, models selected over a decade ago underperformed compared to those selected based on our recent retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2020. We advocate for continuous evaluation of forecast models in the face of environmental change, emphasizing the necessity of developing models that incorporate non-stationary processes and assess the impacts of environmental and ecological factors on Fraser sockeye dynamics.
Complex translation methods and its application to resonances for quantum walks
Authors: Higuchi Kenta , Morioka Hisashi
Published: March 2024

In this paper, some properties of resonances for multi-dimensional quantum walks are studied. Resonances for quantum walks are defined as eigenvalues of complex translated time evolution operators in the pseudo momentum space. For some typical cases, we show some results of existence or nonexistence of resonances. One is a perturbation of an elastic scattering of a quantum walk which is an analogue of classical mechanics. Another one is a shape resonance model which is a perturbation of a quantum walk with a non-penetrable barrier.
Influence of the focusing parameter on the SHG efficiency at a wavelength of 968nm in a ZnSe polycrystal
Authors: Shahin R. , Nuzhdin D. A. , Savikin A. P. , Kurashkin S. V.
Published: March 2024

A theoretical model for determine the optimal focusing parameter for second harmonic generation (SHG) process in a polycrystalline nonlinear medium has been constructed. Theoretical calculations were confirmed by an experiment to obtain SHG at a wavelength of 968[Formula: see text]nm in a zinc selenide polycrystal using a thulium laser.
The complex hyperbolic form as a Weil–Petersson form
Authors: Wang Xiangsheng
Published: March 2024

For the moduli space of the punctured spheres, we find a new equality between two symplectic forms defined on it. Namely, by treating the elements of this moduli space as the singular Euclidean metrics on a sphere, we give an interpretation of the complex hyperbolic form, i.e. the Kähler form of the complex hyperbolic structure on the moduli space, as a kind of Weil–Petersson form.
Subsonic flows with a contact discontinuity in a finitely long axisymmetric cylinder
Authors: Weng Shangkun , Zhang Zihao
Published: March 2024

This paper concerns the structural stability of subsonic flows with a contact discontinuity in a finitely long axisymmetric cylinder. We establish the existence and uniqueness of axisymmetric subsonic flows with a contact discontinuity by prescribing the horizontal mass flux distribution, the swirl velocity, the entropy and the Bernoulli’s quantity at the entrance and the radial velocity at the exit. It can be formulated as a free boundary problem with the contact discontinuity to be determined simultaneously with the flows. Compared with the two-dimensional case, a new difficulty arises due to the singularity near the axis. An invertible modified Lagrangian transformation is introduced to overcome this difficulty and straighten the contact discontinuity. The key elements in our analysis are to utilize the deformation-curl decomposition introduced in [S. Weng and Z. Xin, A deformation-curl decomposition for three dimensional steady Euler equations, Sci. Sin. Math. 49 (2019) 307–320 (in Chinese): doi:10.1360/N012018-00125] to effectively decouple the hyperbolic and elliptic modes in the steady axisymmetric Euler system and to use the implicit function theorem to locate the contact discontinuity.
Mountain pass periodic solutions for the Lorentz force equation via the Poincaré action functional
Authors: Bereanu Cristian
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study the Lorentz force equation with the rest mass [Formula: see text] and periodic boundary conditions on a fixed interval [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are the electric and magnetic fields. From the Poincaré paper concerning the special relativity it is well known that this is the Euler–Lagrange equation of the action functional given by [Formula: see text] defined for all [Formula: see text]-periodic Lipschitz functions [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] In this paper, under some assumptions on the potentials [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] around zero and infinity, we prove that [Formula: see text] has nonzero critical points which are [Formula: see text]-periodic solutions of the Lorentz force equation. To prove our main results we use new “mountain pass” methods for the Poincaré action functional [Formula: see text]
Asymptotic Log-Harnack inequality for the 2D Ericksen–Leslie model system with degenerate noise and damping
Authors: Tachim Medjo T.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider a 2D liquid crystal model with damping and examine some asymptotic behaviors of the strong solution. More precisely, we establish the asymptotic log-Harnack inequality for the transition semigroup associated with a simplified liquid crystal model driven by an additive degenerate noise via the asymptotic coupling method. As consequences of the asymptotic log-Harnack inequality, we derive the gradient estimate, the asymptotic irreducibility, the asymptotic strong Feller property, the asymptotic heat kernel estimate and the ergodicity.
Random invariant densities for markov operator cocycles and random mean ergodic theorem
Authors: Nakamura Fumihiko , Toyokawa Hisayoshi
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider random invariant densities and the mean ergodic theorem for Markov operator cocycles which are applicable to quenched type random dynamical systems. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of random invariant densities for Markov operator cocycles and establish the mean ergodic theorem for generalized linear operator cocycles over a weakly sequentially complete Banach space. The advantage of the result is that we show the implication of weak precompactness for almost every environment to strong convergence in the global sense.
Characterization of some specific lee distance codes over finite rings
Authors: Gupta Shalini , Bamta Ashish , Kumar Ashwini
Published: March 2024

Codes over integer rings equipped with the Lee metric are gaining attention among researchers recently. In this paper, we investigate some specific linear codes over integer rings and characterize their dimensions and Lee weights using greatest common divisors (GCD). Furthermore, we construct equidistant Lee codes over [Formula: see text] which have applications in error detection and error correction.
FACT OR FICTION? — CLIMATE CHANGE RISK AND TRADE CREDIT
Authors: YEN HUANG-PING , YUE XIAOTONG , HO KUNG-CHENG , KONG XIAORAN
Published: March 2024

The economic consequences of frequent weather events at the firm level have received considerable attention in recent years. This study empirically investigates the impact of climate change risk on firms’ trade credit, using Chinese-listed firms as research subjects. The results suggested that climate change risk has a negative impact on corporate trade credit by deepening firms’ financial distress and lowering the level of industry competitiveness. Both digital transformation and government transparency were found to have a significant negative moderating effect. Heterogeneity analyses showed that firms without environmental background executives, nonstate-owned firms, and nongreen firms were more significantly affected. Finally, we found that the green, low-carbon city pilot policy had a benign effect on corporate trade credit.
Nonlocal modelling of piezoelectric solid with cracks based on peridynamic differential operator
Authors: Xin Yuyan , Lu Yanzhou , Li Zhiyuan , Huang Dan
Published: March 2024

The paper establishes a nonlocal model for piezoelectric solids using the Peridynamic differential operator. The method transforms the displacement-electric potential equation, constitutive equation, and boundary conditions of piezoelectric solids from a local differential form to a nonlocal integral form. The solution for the displacement and electric potential distributions in piezoelectric solids is obtained using variational principles and the Lagrange multiplier method. The correctness and effectiveness of the model are validated through a comparison of the deformation analysis of piezoelectric solid square plates with analytical solutions. Analysis of piezoelectric solid square plates with edge cracks proves the applicability of this model for solving discontinuous problems. Furthermore, the paper explores the suitability of the model in analysing problems involving multiple cracks in piezoelectric solid plates, highlighting its capability to address defective piezoelectric solid problems. This model provides a new perspective for solving problems involving defects under electro-mechanical coupling conditions.
3D Path Planning of the Solar Powered UAV in the Urban-Mountainous Environment with Multi-Objective and Multi-Constraint Based on the Enhanced Sparrow Search Algorithm Incorporating the Levy Flight Strategy
Authors: Xie Pengyang , Ma Ben , Wang Bingbing , Chen Jian , Xiao Gang
Published: March 2024

In response to practical application challenges in utilizing solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for remote sensing, this study presents a three-dimensional path planning method tailored for urban-mountainous environment. Taking into account constraints related to the solar-powered UAV, terrain, and mission objectives, a multi-objective trajectory optimization model is transferred into a single-objective optimization problem with weight factors and multi-constraint and is developed with a focus on three key indicators: minimizing trajectory length, maximizing energy flow efficiency, and minimizing regional risk levels. Additionally, an enhanced sparrow search algorithm incorporating the Levy flight strategy (SSA-Levy) is introduced to address trajectory planning challenges in such complex environments. Through simulation, the proposed algorithm is compared with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the regular sparrow search algorithm (SSA) across 17 standard test functions and a simplified simulation of urban-mountainous environments. The results of the simulation demonstrate the superior effectiveness of the designed improved SSA based on the Levy flight strategy for solving the established single-objective trajectory optimization model.
A Novel Method of Skeletonization of Complex Shapes Based on Bisectors
Authors: Saidou Nourddin , Zineddine Mhamed , Rhazzaf Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The mathematical skeleton of a complex form has been essential for a variety of scientific fields and of great interest to many researchers for decades. It is based on several concepts such as the reconstruction of forms and image processing. This paper aims to develop a novel mathematical algorithm to approximate the skeleton of a non-polygonal shape and to compare it to the most used methods. The mathematical technique of skeletonization is used as a reference to validate and compare the proposed method to the most used ones. The crux of the proposed technique is to Cartesianize the shape (polygonize in 2D), then skeletonize it. Moreover, this novel method is grounded upon the construction of bisectors on the simplex of the corresponding Cartesianized shape. Python is used to implement the algorithm proposed and test it on multiple shapes. The comparison of the results generated by the proposed algorithm and the Python predefined function skeletonize() shows that the proposed method is more effective and could be adjusted through the rate of Cartesianization of the target shape. The major contributions of this novel technique include the mitigation of some issues of existing methods, simplification, and optimization of the processing performance mainly in terms of algorithm complexity.
Symplectic reduction of the sub-Riemannian geodesic flow for metabelian nilpotent groups
Authors: Bravo-Doddoli A. , Le Donne E. , Paddeu N.
Published: March 2024

We consider nilpotent Lie groups for which the derived subgroup is abelian. We equip them with sub-Riemannian metrics and we study the normal Hamiltonian flow on the cotangent bundle. We show a correspondence between normal trajectories and polynomial Hamiltonians in some Euclidean space. We use the aforementioned correspondence to give a criterion for the integrability of the normal Hamiltonian flow. As an immediate consequence, we show that in Engel-type groups the flow of the normal Hamiltonian is integrable. For Carnot groups that are semidirect products of two abelian groups, we give a set of conditions that normal trajectories must fulfill to be globally length-minimizing. Our results are based on a symplectic reduction procedure.
Maximizing Electric Power Recovery through Advanced Compensation with MPPT Algorithms
Authors: Touairi Souad , Zekraoui Mustapha , Mabrouki Mustapha
Published: March 2024

The present investigation introduces an advanced methodology for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) applied to a piezo harvester scheme. A comprehensive rectifier circuit, equipped with an embedded MPPT component, is established to optimize energy production by monitoring a DC-DC inverter connected to the rectifier. Furthermore, the system’s sensitivity error has been finely tuned to dynamically adjust its impedance unit in real time, thereby optimizing load acquisition. This innovative approach seamlessly integrates the MPPT algorithm into the piezo harvester circuit. Moreover, the vehicle’s road handling is significantly augmented through the incorporation of a robust steering front and an active differential control system. Leveraging the MPPT module, the rectifier consistently achieves a power recovery efficiency exceeding 85%, independent of varying load conditions. Additionally, a DC-DC converter circuit has been seamlessly integrated to finely adjust the output voltage to meet specified levels. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the harvesting scheme, extracting a substantial output power of 90 W with an overall efficiency of 70%. The improved MPPT approach, employing angles of arrival (AoA) DV-Hop control strategies, minimizes the system’s power consumption based on the Global Positioning System (GPS). The utilization of Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) and the generation of quadrants in the four-quadrant operation mode of DC motors in the wireless sensor network (RCSFs) have been significantly enhanced in this study. Simulations reveal that, at a velocity of 50 km/h, shock absorbers utilizing the received signal strength indication (RSSI) can harvest between 60 and 90 W on a class C road, based on the time of arrival (TOA). Striking a balance in ride comfort using the time difference of arrival (TDOA) as a trade-off constitutes approximately 30% of the piezoelectric harvester (PEH) system’s power consumption when operating in active suspension mode, optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO).
A Complex Dynamic of an Eco‐Epidemiological Mathematical Model with Migration
Authors: Savadogo Assane , Sangaré Boureima , Ouedraogo Wendkouni
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose an eco‐epidemiological mathematical model in order to describe the effect of migration on the dynamics of a prey–predator population. The functional response of the predator is governed by the Holling type II function. First, from the perspective of mathematical results, we develop results concerning the existence, uniqueness, positivity, boundedness, and dissipativity of solutions. Besides, many thresholds have been computed and used to investigate the local and global stability results by using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion and Lyapunov principle, respectively. We have also established the appearance of limit cycles resulting from the Hopf bifurcation. Numerical simulations are performed to explore the effect of migration on the dynamic of prey and predator populations.
Leishmania major Infection in Synanthropic Rodents: Evidence for the Urbanization of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Southern Iran
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Azizi Kourosh , Asgari Qasem , Sarkari Bahador
Published: March 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is of particular importance in southern Iran. This study aimed to investigate the infection of rodents with Leishmania major in an urban area of Fars Province, located in southern Iran. Rodents were trapped and samples from the liver, spleen, and skin were collected. Impression smears were prepared from these tissues and any skin lesions and were examined microscopically. In addition, a portion of the samples were preserved for subsequent DNA extraction. A total of 41 rodents belonging to three species were caught from 10 trapping stations in gardens or houses within the area. The caught rodent species were Rattus rattus (n = 25, 60.97%), Mus musculus (n = 15, 36.58%), and Meriones persicus (n = 1, 2.5%). Leishmania amastigotes were seen in the spleen tissue smear of 6 (2.43%) of the rodents, including 4 of R. rattus and 2 of M. musculus. Skin lesions were observed on the muzzles of two R. rattus and one M. musculus. Samples taken from these lesions tested positive for Leishmania infection. Leishmania DNA was detected in 18 (43.9%) rodents, including 11 R. rattus, 6 M. musculus, and one M. persicus, based on DNA sequencing of the ITS2 gene and PCR of the kDNA. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the parasite infecting the rodents was L. major. The detection of Leishmania infection in these rodents in urban areas raises concerns about the urbanization of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major. This urbanization poses unique challenges for control and prevention efforts.
Differential Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Branched Poly(1-Vinyl-1,2,4-Triazole): Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Qualities
Authors: Kaptan Usul Sedef , Lüleci Hatice Büşra , Değirmenci Nurdan Sena , Ergüden Bengü , Soydan Ali Murat , Aslan Ayse
Published: March 2024

This research aims to improve antimicrobial materials based on functional silica nanoparticles. Three different methods were used in the study to create silica nanoparticles with other properties. The nanoparticles’ morphological structures are porous, hollow, and filled with spherical forms. The surface of these nanoparticles was grafted with poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVTri). The morphological properties of nanocomposites were used for analysis. In contrast, thermal gravimetric analysis was used to characterize the thermal properties of nanocomposites (thermogravimetric analysis). The silica nanoparticles were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using minimum inhibitory concentration measurement. Silica nanoparticles have different antifungal and antibacterial properties related to their structure. The cytotoxic effects of the silica nanoparticles on HaCaT cells were performed with an MTS assay. In this study, we observed that high doses of HSS and e-SiO2 decreased cell growth, while HSS and e-SiO2 composite with PVTri increased cell proliferation.
Supplementary Table 5 from Gigaxonin Suppresses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Cancer Through Downregulation of Snail
Authors: Veena Mysore S. , Gahng Jungmo J. , Alani Mustafa , Ko Albert Y. , Basak Saroj K. , Liu Isabelle Y. , Hwang Kimberly J. , Chatoff Jenna R. , Venkatesan Natarajan , Morselli Marco , Yan Weihong , Ali Ibraheem , Kaczor-Urbanowicz Karolina Elżbieta , Gowda Bhavani Shankara , Frost Patrick , Pellegrini Matteo , Moatamed Neda A. , Wilczynski Sharon P. , Bomont Pascale , Wang Marilene B. , Shin Daniel Sanghoon , Srivatsan Eri S.
Published: March 2024

GAN gene RT-PCR primers
Supplementary Table 4 from Gigaxonin Suppresses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Cancer Through Downregulation of Snail
Authors: Veena Mysore S. , Gahng Jungmo J. , Alani Mustafa , Ko Albert Y. , Basak Saroj K. , Liu Isabelle Y. , Hwang Kimberly J. , Chatoff Jenna R. , Venkatesan Natarajan , Morselli Marco , Yan Weihong , Ali Ibraheem , Kaczor-Urbanowicz Karolina Elżbieta , Gowda Bhavani Shankara , Frost Patrick , Pellegrini Matteo , Moatamed Neda A. , Wilczynski Sharon P. , Bomont Pascale , Wang Marilene B. , Shin Daniel Sanghoon , Srivatsan Eri S.
Published: March 2024

Exon 8 SNP in cancer cell lines
MARCH2, a Novel Oncogene-regulated SNAIL E3 Ligase, Suppresses Triple-negative Breast Cancer Metastases
Authors: Ito Koichi , Harada Ibuki , Martinez Criseyda , Sato Katsutoshi , Lee EunJee , Port Elisa , Byerly Jessica H. , Nayak Anupma , Tripathi Ekta , Zhu Jun , Irie Hanna Y.
Published: March 2024

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer promotes metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. A subset of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits a mesenchymal gene signature that is associated with poor patient outcomes. We previously identified PTK6 tyrosine kinase as an oncogenic driver of EMT in a subset of TNBC. PTK6 induces EMT by stabilizing SNAIL, a key EMT-initiating transcriptional factor. Inhibition of PTK6 activity reverses mesenchymal features of TNBC cells and suppresses their metastases by promoting SNAIL degradation via a novel mechanism. In the current study, we identify membrane-associated RING-CH2 (MARCH2) as a novel PTK6-regulated E3 ligase that promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of SNAIL protein. The MARCH2 RING domain is critical for SNAIL ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. PTK6 inhibition promotes the interaction of MARCH2 with SNAIL. Overexpression of MARCH2 exhibits tumor suppressive properties and phenocopies the effects of SNAIL downregulation and PTK6 inhibition in TNBC cells, such as inhibition of migration, anoikis resistance, and metastasis. Consistent with this, higher levels of MARCH2 expression in breast and other cancers are associated with better prognosis. We have identified MARCH2 as a novel SNAIL E3 ligase that regulates EMT and metastases of mesenchymal TNBC.

Significance:

EMT is a process directly linked to drug resistance and metastasis of cancer cells. We identified MARCH2 as a novel regulator of SNAIL, a key EMT driver, that promotes SNAIL ubiquitination and degradation in TNBC cells. MARCH2 is oncogene regulated and inhibits growth and metastasis of TNBC. These insights could contribute to novel strategies to therapeutically target TNBC.
Impact of Advanced Therapy Centers on Characteristics and Outcomes of Heart Failure Admissions
Authors: Lu Daniel Y. , Kanduri Jaya , Yeo Ilhwan , Goyal Parag , Krishnan Udhay , Horn Evelyn M. , Karas Maria G. , Sobol Irina , Majure David T. , Naka Yoshifumi , Minutello Robert M. , Cheung Jim W. , Uriel Nir , Kim Luke K.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Although much attention has been paid to admission and transfer patterns for cardiogenic shock, contemporary data are lacking on decompensated heart failure (HF) admissions and transfers and the impact of advanced therapy centers (ATCs) on outcomes.

METHODS:

HF hospitalizations were obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016 to 2019. Centers performing at least 1 heart transplant or left ventricular assist device were classified as ATCs. Patient characteristics, outcomes, and procedural volume were compared among 3 cohorts: admissions to non-ATCs, admissions to ATCs, and transfers to ATCs. A secondary analysis evaluated outcomes for severe HF hospitalizations (cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and mechanical ventilation). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for the presence of HF decompensations and significant clinical variables during univariate analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 2 331 690 hospitalizations (81.2%) were admissions to non-ATCs (94.5% of centers), 525 037 (18.3%) were admissions to ATCs (5.5% of centers), and 15 541 (0.5%) were transferred to ATCs. Patients treated at ATCs (especially those transferred) had higher rates of HF decompensations, procedural frequency, lengths of stay, and costs. Unadjusted mortality was 2.6% at non-ATCs and was higher at ATCs, both for directly admitted (2.9%,
P
<0.001) and transferred (11.2%,
P
<0.001) patients. However, multivariable-adjusted mortality was significantly lower at ATCs, both for directly admitted (odds ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.78–0.87];
P
<0.001) and transferred (odds ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.57–0.78];
P
<0.001) patients. For severe HF admissions, unadjusted mortality was 37.2% at non-ATCs and was lower at ATCs, both for directly admitted (25.3%,
P
<0.001) and transferred (25.2%,
P
<0.001) patients, with similarly lower multivariable-adjusted mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with HF treated at ATCs were sicker but associated with higher procedural volume and lower adjusted mortality.
Need for a Cardiogenic Shock Team Collaborative—Promoting a Team‐Based Model of Care to Improve Outcomes and Identify Best Practices
Authors: Senman Balimkiz , Jentzer Jacob C. , Barnett Christopher F. , Bartos Jason A. , Berg David D. , Chih Sharon , Drakos Stavros G. , Dudzinski David M. , Elliott Andrea , Gage Ann , Horowitz James M. , Miller P. Elliott , Sinha Shashank S. , Tehrani Behnam N. , Yuriditsky Eugene , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Katz Jason N.
Published: March 2024

Cardiogenic shock continues to carry a high mortality rate despite contemporary care, with no breakthrough therapies shown to improve survival over the past few decades. It is a time‐sensitive condition that commonly results in cardiovascular complications and multisystem organ failure, necessitating multidisciplinary expertise. Managing patients with cardiogenic shock remains challenging even in well‐resourced settings, and an important subgroup of patients may require cardiac replacement therapy. As a result, the idea of leveraging the collective cognitive and procedural proficiencies of multiple providers in a collaborative, team‐based approach to care (the “shock team”) has been advocated by professional societies and implemented at select high‐volume clinical centers. A slowly maturing evidence base has suggested that cardiogenic shock teams may improve patient outcomes. Although several registries exist that are beginning to inform care, particularly around therapeutic strategies of pharmacologic and mechanical circulatory support, none of these are currently focused on the shock team approach, multispecialty partnership, education, or process improvement. We propose the creation of a Cardiogenic Shock Team Collaborative—akin to the successful Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium—with a goal to promote sharing of care protocols, education of stakeholders, and discovery of how process and performance may influence patient outcomes, quality, resource consumption, and costs of care.
Object-Centric Scene Representations Using Active Inference
Authors: Van de Maele Toon , Verbelen Tim , Mazzaglia Pietro , Ferraro Stefano , Dhoedt Bart
Published: March 2024

Representing a scene and its constituent objects from raw sensory data is a core ability for enabling robots to interact with their environment. In this letter, we propose a novel approach for scene understanding, leveraging an object-centric generative model that enables an agent to infer object category and pose in an allocentric reference frame using active inference, a neuro-inspired framework for action and perception. For evaluating the behavior of an active vision agent, we also propose a new benchmark where, given a target viewpoint of a particular object, the agent needs to find the best matching viewpoint given a workspace with randomly positioned objects in 3D. We demonstrate that our active inference agent is able to balance epistemic foraging and goal-driven behavior, and quantitatively outperforms both supervised and reinforcement learning baselines by more than a factor of two in terms of success rate.
The Myth of the Theons
Authors: Heehs Peter
Published: March 2024

The reputations of Eliezer Mordechai Bimstein and Mary Ware (aka Theon and Madame Theon) as master occultists took shape during their lifetimes in the absence of accurate biographical information. Best known as leaders of the Cosmic Movement, which attracted a number of adherents during the first decade of the twentieth century, they each had an interesting backstory, Bimstein as a worker in the tobacco trade, then co-founder of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, Ware as Mother Superior of a convent, then poet, actress, and lecturer on occult themes. Their teachings, published in the Revue Cosmique and Tradition Cosmique, influenced such people as Louis Thémanlys and Mirra Alfassa, later the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Biographical material on Bimstein and Ware, brought to light by recent scholars, has led to a deconstruction of the myth of the Theons but this does not necessarily detract from the interest of their writings.
New Nabataean Inscriptions from Ḥaurān, Southern Syria
Authors: al-Salameen Zeyad , Khalaf Taissier
Published: March 2024

Presented here is a collection of six newly discovered Nabataean inscriptions from four sites in Ḥaurān: Dayr Al-Mašqūq, Mayamās, ʿAyn Umm ar-Rummān and Sahwat Al-Khaḍer. The significance of these new texts is that they contain new personal names that have not previously been found in any of the published Nabataean inscriptions. Additionally, they contain some hints relating to the Nabataean religion as well. An overview of the texts is provided along with readings, translations, and a brief commentary.