bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global biogeographic distribution of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils
Authors: Xue Shu-Dan , Yi Xing-Yun , Cui Hui-Ling , Li Meng , Peng Jing-Jing , Zhu Yong-Guan , Duan Gui-Lan
Published: May 2023

Bathyarchaeota, known as key participants of global elements cycling, is highly abundant and diverse in the sedimentary environments. Bathyarchaeota has been the research spotlight on sedimentary microbiology; however, its distribution in arable soils is far from understanding. Paddy soil is a habitat similar to freshwater sediments, while the distribution and composition of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils have largely been overlooked. In this study, we collected 342
in situ
paddy soil sequencing data worldwide to illuminate the distribution patterns of Bathyarchaeota and explore their potential ecological functions in paddy soils. The results showed that Bathyarchaeota is the dominant archaeal lineage, and Bathy-6 is the most predominant subgroup in paddy soils. Based on random forest analysis and construction of a multivariate regression tree, the mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature are identified as the factors significantly influencing the abundance and composition of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils. Bathy-6 was abundant in temperate environments, while other subgroups were more abundant in sites with higher rainfall. There are highly frequent associations between Bathyarchaeota and methanogens and ammonia-oxidizing archaea. The interactions between Bathyarchaeota and microorganisms involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism imply a potential syntrophy between these microorganisms, suggesting that members of Bathyarchaeota could be important participants of geochemical cycle in paddy soils. These results shed light on the ecological lifestyle of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils, and provide some baseline for further understanding Bathyarchaeota in arable soils.

IMPORTANCE

Bathyarchaeota, the dominant archaeal lineage in sedimentary environments, has been the spotlight of microbial research due to its vital role in carbon cycling. Although Bathyarchaeota has been also detected in paddy soils worldwide, its distribution in this environment has not yet been investigated. In this study, we conducted a global scale meta-analysis and found that Bathyarchaeota is also the dominant archaeal lineage in paddy soils with significant regional abundance differences. Bathy-6 is the most predominant subgroup in paddy soils, which differs from sediments. Furthermore, Bathyarchaeota are highly associated with methanogens and ammonia-oxidizing archaea, suggesting that they may be involved in the carbon and nitrogen cycle in paddy soil. These interactions provide insight into the ecological functions of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils, which will be the foundation of future studies regarding the geochemical cycle in arable soils and global climate change.
Robust Ferrimagnetism in Quasi-Freestanding Graphene
Authors: Rybkin A. G. , Tarasov A. V. , Gogina A. A. , Eryzhenkov A. V. , Rybkina A. A.
Published: May 2023

The influence of the size of dislocation loops on sublattice ferrimagnetism in graphene is studied. It is shown that graphene and the underlying gold layer with Au/Co dislocation loops of various sizes are characterized by ferrimagnetic ordering within atomic layers. Additional gold adatoms under graphene enhance the induced Rashba spin–orbit coupling in graphene but do not destroy the ferrimagnetic order in graphene. Since gold clusters can remain during the intercalation of gold on the surface of graphene and under graphene, the number and size of clusters after intercalation can be controlled to enhance the induced Rashba interaction and to obtain a topological phase in graphene.
Robust and Fast Quantum State Transfer on Superconducting Circuits
Authors: Liu X.-Q. , Liu J. , Xue Z.-Y.
Published: May 2023

Quantum computation attaches importance to high-precision quantum manipulation, where the quantum state transfer with high fidelity is necessary. Here, we propose a new scheme to implement the quantum state transfer of high fidelity and long distance, by adding on-site potential into the qubit chain and enlarging the proportion of the coupling strength between the two ends and the chain. In the numerical simulation, without decoherence, the transfer fidelities of 9 and 11 qubit chain are 0.999 and 0.997, respectively. Moreover, we give a detailed physical realization scheme of the quantum state transfer in superconducting circuits, and discuss the tolerance of our proposal against decoherence. Therefore, our scheme will shed light on quantum computation with long chain and high-fidelity quantum state transfer.
Development and Tasks of Radiochemical Technologies: History and Modern Challenges
Authors: Kolupaev D. N. , Apalkov G. A.
Published: May 2023

The main prerequisites for creating and developing industrial radiochemical production in the USSR and the Russian Federation is reviewed. The history of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management in relation to the RT-1 and RT-2 plants, the features and tasks of the plants are considered from the position of today. Current specifics of the platforms of the Mayak Production Association, the Mining and Chemical Complex and the Siberian Chemical Combine of the closed nuclear fuel cycle of the Russian Federation was analyzed. Topical issues are formulated on SNF reprocessing and radioactive waste management technologies.
Voloxidation of Mixed Nitride Uranium–Plutonium Spent Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Momotov V. N. , Makarov A. O. , Volkov A. Yu. , Lakeev P. V. , Tikhonova D. E. , Dvoeglazov K. N.
Published: May 2023

The efficiency of voloxidation of mixed nitride uranium–plutonium spent nuclear fuel (MNUP SNF) for the separation of the fuel composition from the fuel rod cladding and removal of3H and14C was estimated. It was shown that the completeness of SNF separation from fuel rod cladding under optimal conditions is at the level of 98–99%. The residual content of tritium in the voloxidized fuel does not exceed 0.2% of its content in the original SNF sample; radiocarbon is removed by 98%.
Preparation of 177Lu Using Vacuum Sublimation Technology
Authors: Alekseev I. E. , Krotov S. A.
Published: May 2023

A simple sublimation technology for the lutetium and ytterbium separation was proposed, which already at the stage of preliminary experiments showed effectiveness: (a) the completeness of Yb separation resulted in short-term thermal annealing is at least 98%, the distilled product is completely free from 177Lu, no additional preparation of ytterbium for repeated irradiation is required ; (b) traditional ion-exchange chromatography can be used for the final purification of 177Lu from ytterbium.
Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (Nora’s lesion) of the hand: management of a rare clinical entity
Authors: Misky Adam Tamas , Thomson David , Jain Abhilash
Published: May 2023

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, or Nora’s lesion, is a rare benign tumour of the bone, most commonly described in the hands and feet. We present the case of a female patient in her 20s attending the hand clinic with a sudden onset, atraumatic swelling on the proximal phalanx of her right ring finger. The patient retains good hand function and remains asymptomatic 3 months after surgical excision. Our case highlights the importance of being aware of this diagnosis and differentiating it from other malignant, as well as benign tumours of the hand.
Atypical progression of motor symptoms in facio-scapulo-humeral dystrophy: clinical worsening or overlap?
Authors: Calisi Dario , De Rosa Matteo A , Russo Mirella , Sensi Stefano L
Published: May 2023

Facio-scapulo-humeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a common muscular dystrophy featuring progressive weakness, mostly involving facial muscles and the scapular cingulum. FSHD is an autosomal-dominant inherited disease driven by the contraction of the D4Z4 region of chromosome 4. Patients with FSHD have a high life expectancy, about 20% of FSHD subjects need wheelchairs in their 50s, and extramuscular involvement is rare, however, no epidemiological studies have been carried out on this data.

Our case describes a man affected by FSHD who, in his 60s, developed atypical Parkinsonism diagnosed as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

FSHD symptoms can hide other neuromuscular diseases developed on ageing. This case highlights the importance of considering possible overlaps with other neurodegenerative diseases.
Overcoming anaesthetic challenges in a pregnant woman with pituitary apoplexy undergoing endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary tumour
Authors: Thappa Priya , Sharma Charu , Reddy Ashwini , Barik Amiya Kumar
Published: May 2023

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare condition that occurs due to acute haemorrhage in the pituitary gland and usually presents with features of acute hypopituitarism, visual defects and ophthalmoplegia. Pregnancy is one of the risk factors for pituitary apoplexy. Medical management is the first line of management in pregnancy irrespective of the gestational age. However, acute neuro-ophthalmological deterioration might warrant an urgent surgical decompression. Preoperative corticosteroids have dual benefits of providing hormonal replacement in the mother and also promoting fetal lung maturity in the offspring. Uterine contractions should be monitored and tocolysis provided as per requirements in a post-viable fetus.
Clinical lesson to not overlook venous thrombosis: a case of primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Punjadath Sryla , Aggarwal Mukul , Gupta Gaurav , Baitha Upendra
Published: May 2023

A man in his early 30s presented to us with progressive shortness of breath limiting activities of daily living. An important clue in history was the episode of a deep vein thrombosis 5 years ago treated with short-term anticoagulation. His echocardiography revealed elevated estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure. A CT pulmonary angiography confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Blood investigations established primary antiphospholipid syndrome. He underwent pulmonary endarterectomy, relieving his symptoms and was started on indefinite oral anticoagulation with warfarin. He is currently under follow-up with no recurrence of thrombosis.

We wish to highlight the importance of an appropriate workup of venous thrombosis in all patients. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare disease with important implications in the management of patients with thromboses. The delay in his diagnosis had several causes including the unclear distinction between provoked and unprovoked thrombosis and socioeconomic factors in a developing nation limiting referral and testing.
Idiopathic fibroadenoma in an elderly man
Authors: Cooper Jonah Max , Hilsenrath Lior , Yagudaev Eva , Safadi Wajdi
Published: May 2023

A fibroadenoma within the male breast remains a rarely diagnosed entity. Though it was once believed that a fibroadenoma could not exist within a male breast, this has now been demonstrated as incorrect by several reported cases. Most have been in individuals with gynecomastia. There are only a handful of reported cases of men with a diagnosed fibroadenoma in the absence of gynecomastia. We describe a man in his 80s with a left breast fibroadenoma and no features of gynecomastia or hormonal alterations. Based on our findings, we suggest that for men of all ages presenting with a breast lesion, a fibroadenoma remains a possible diagnosis.
Effect of a mobile app chatbot and an interactive small-group webinar on COVID-19 vaccine intention and confidence in Japan: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kobayashi Takaaki , Tomoi Hana , Nishina Yuka , Harada Ko , Tanaka Kyuto , Sasaki Shugo , Inaba Kanako , Mitaka Hayato , Takahashi Hiromizu , Passanante Aly , Lau Eric H Y , Naito Toshio , Larson Heidi , Wu Joseph , Lin Leesa , Yamada Yuji
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We investigated the effect of social media-based interventions on COVID-19 vaccine intention (VI) and confidence in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a three-arm randomised controlled trial between 5 November 2021 and 9 January 2022 during a low incidence (<1000/day) of COVID-19 in Japan in the midst of the second and the third waves. Japanese citizens aged ≥20 who had not received any COVID-19 vaccine and did not intend to be vaccinated were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: (1) a control group, (2) a group using a mobile app chatbot providing information on COVID-19 vaccines and (3) a group using interactive webinars with health professionals. VI and predefined Vaccine Confidence Index (VCI) measuring confidence in the importance, safety and effectiveness were compared before and after the interventions under intention-to-treat principle. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the effect of each intervention on postintervention VI and changes of VCI compared with control.

Results

Among 386 participants in each group, 359 (93.0%), 231 (59.8%) and 207 (53.6%) completed the postsurvey for the control, chatbot and webinar groups, respectively. The average duration between the intervention and the postsurvey was 32 days in chatbot group and 27 days in webinar group. VI increased from 0% to 18.5% (95% CI 14.5%, 22.5%) in control group, 15.4% (95% CI 10.8%, 20.1%) in chatbot group and 19.7% (95% CI 14.5%, 24.9%) in webinar group without significant difference (OR for improvement=0.8 (95% CI 0.5, 1.3), p=0.33 between chatbot and control, OR=1.1 (95% CI 0.7, 1.6), p=0.73 between webinar and control). VCI change tended to be larger in chatbot group compared with control group without significant difference (3.3% vs −2.5% in importance, OR for improvement=1.3 (95% CI 0.9, 2.0), p=0.18; 2.5% vs 1.9% in safety, OR=1.1 (95% CI 0.7, 1.9), p=0.62; −2.4% vs −7.6% in effectiveness, OR=1.4 (95% CI 0.9, 2.1), p=0.09). Improvement in VCI was larger in webinar group compared with control group for importance (7.8% vs −2.5%, OR=1.8 (95% CI 1.2, 2.8), p<0.01), effectiveness (6.4% vs −7.6%, OR=2.2 (95% CI 1.4, 3.4), p<0.01) and safety (6.0% vs 1.9%, OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.0, 2.6), p=0.08).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that neither the chatbot nor the webinar changed VI importantly compared with control. Interactive webinars could be an effective tool to change vaccine confidence. Further study is needed to identify risk factors associated with decreased vaccine confidence and investigate what intervention can increase VI and vaccine confidence for COVID-19 vaccines.

Trial registration number

UMIN000045747.
DETECT: DEveloping and testing a model to identify preventive vision loss among older paTients in gEneral praCTice – protocol for a complex intervention in Denmark
Authors: Sandholdt Catharina Thiel , Jønsson Alexandra Brandt Ryborg , Reventlow Susanne , Bach-Holm Daniella , Line Kessel , Kolko Miriam , Jacobsen Marie Honoré , Mathiesen Olivia Hjulsager , Waldorff Frans Boch
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The number of people living with visual impairment is increasing. Visual impairment causes loss in quality of life and reduce self-care abilities. The burden of disease is heavy for people experiencing visual impairment and their relatives. The severity and progression of age-related eye diseases are dependent on the time of detection and treatment options, making timely access to healthcare critical in reducing visual impairment. General practice plays a key role in public health by managing preventive healthcare, diagnostics and treatment of chronic conditions. General practitioners (GPs) coordinate services from other healthcare professionals. More involvement of the primary sector could potentially be valuable in detecting visual impairment.

Methods

We apply the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions to develop a primary care intervention with the GP as a key actor, aimed at identifying and coordinating care for patients with low vision. The development process will engage patients, relatives and relevant health professional stakeholders. We will pilot test the feasibility of the intervention in a real-world general practice setting. The intervention model will be developed through a participatory approach using qualitative and creative methods such as graphical facilitation. We aim to explore the potentials and limitations of general practice in relation to detection of preventable vision loss.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is obtained from local authority and the study meets the requirements from the Declaration of Helsinki. Dissemination is undertaken through research papers and to the broader public through podcasts and patient organisations.
Changes in private health service utilisation and access to the Italian National Health Service between 2006 and 2019: a cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Maietti Elisa , Sanmarchi Francesco , Toth Federico , de Pietro Carlo , Fantini Maria Pia , Golinelli Davide
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Previous research highlighted that in the early 2000s a significant share of the Italian population used and paid out of pocket for private healthcare services even when they could potentially have received the same treatments from the National Health Service (NHS). The decrease in public investments in healthcare and the increase in health needs due to the population ageing may have modified the use of private health services and equity of access to the Italian NHS. This study aims to investigate the change in the prevalence of individuals who have fully paid out of pocket for accessing healthcare services in Italy between 2006 and 2019 and the main reasons behind this choice.

Design

Cross-sectional comparative study.

Participants and comparison

Two representative samples of the Italian population were collected in 2006 and 2019.

Outcome measures

Prevalence of access to fully paid out-of-pocket private health services; type of service of the last fully paid out-of-pocket access; main reasons for the last fully paid out-of-pocket access.

Results

We found an increase in the prevalence of people who declared having fully paid out of pocket at least one access to health services during their lifetime from 79.0% in 2006 to 91.9% in 2019 (adjusted OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.98 to 3.58). ‘To avoid waiting times’ was the main reason and it was significantly more frequent in 2019 compared with 2006 (adjusted OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.45 to 2.11).

Conclusions

This comparative study, conducted the year before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted an increase in the prevalence of Italian residents who have fully paid out of pocket for access to health services to overcome long waiting times. Our findings may indicate a reduced access and possible worsening of the equity of access to the public and universalistic Italian NHS between 2006 and 2019.
Refractive error, eye care needs and attitude towards spectacle wearing among older Zanzibari craftswomen and implications for developing women-targeted services: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chan Ving Fai , Omar Fatma , Farmer Adrianna , Othman Omar , Yong Ai Chee , Graham Christine , Price-Sanchez Carlos , Graham Ronnie , Fernandes Martins Michelle , Mashayo Eden
Published: May 2023

Background

Aged Zanzibari women are in a disadvantaged position, having high demand for near-vision spectacles. Currently, there is no information on the eye health status of craftswomen, which makes planning a women-targeted project to deliver eye health services to older craftswomen in Zanzibar difficult. We assessed the prevalence of vision impairment, refractive error, presbyopia, effective spectacle coverage (distance and near) and attitude towards spectacle wearing among older Zanzibari craftswomen.

Methods and analysis

This was a cross-sectional study. Unaided and presenting distance and near vision of craftswomen 35 years and older were assessed at the women’s co-operatives. We determined the number of those with distance vision poorer than 6/12 and their causes (distance-vision impairment), the number of those with near vision poorer than N8 at 40 cm (presbyopia) and the number of those whose distance and/or near-vision needs were met adequately with their habitual spectacles (effective distance and near spectacle coverages). A piloted and validated questionnaire (15 statements) was used to determine their attitude towards spectacle wearing.

Results

In all, 263 craftswomen participated in the survey (mean age 52.1 years±9.4 years). The prevalence of distance vision impairment among the craftswomen was 29.7% (95% CI 24.2% to 35.6%), the primary cause being uncorrected refractive error (n=51, 65.4%), and none were corrected. The prevalence of presbyopia was 86.6% (95% CI 81.5% to 90.7%, n=231) and the effective near spectacle coverage was 0.99%. The craftswomen showed a positive attitude towards spectacle wearing (strongly agree or agree) based on 12 out of 15 statements.

Conclusion

The high burden of vision impairment, uncorrected distance refractive error and presbyopia, and a positive attitude towards spectacle wearing among older craftswomen in Zanzibar indicated the need for women-targeted eye health programmes in low-resource settings.
Implementation of medication reconciliation in outpatient cancer care
Authors: Powis Melanie , Dara Celina , Macedo Alyssa , Hack Saidah , Ma Lucy , Mak Ernie , Morley Lyndon , Kukreti Vishal , Dave Hemangi , Kirkby Ryan , Krzyzanowska Monika K
Published: May 2023

Background

Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is a process where providers work with patients to document and communicate comprehensive medication information by creating a complete medication list (best possible medication history (BPMH)) then reconciling it against what patient is actually taking to identify potential issues such as drug-drug interactions. We undertook an environmental scan of current MedRec practices in outpatient cancer care to inform a quality improvement project at our centre with the aim of 30% of patients having a BPMH or MedRec within 30 days of initiating treatment with systemic therapy.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from 21 cancer centres across Canada, probing on current policies, and barriers and facilitators to MedRec. Guided by the findings of the scan, we then undertook a quality improvement project at our cancer centre, comprising six iterative improvement cycles.

Results

Most institutions interviewed had a process in place for collecting a BPMH (81%) and targeted patients initiating systemic therapy (59%); however, considerable practice variation was noted and completion of full MedRec was uncommon. Lack of resources, high patient volumes, lack of a common medical record spanning institutions and settings which limits access to medication records from external institutions and community pharmacies were identified as significant barriers. Despite navigating challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we achieved 26.6% of eligible patients with a documented BPMH. However, uptake of full MedRec remained low whereby 4.7% of patients had a documented MedRec.

Conclusions

Realising improvements to completion of MedRec in outpatient cancer care is possible but takes considerable time and iteration as the process is complex. Resource allocation and information sharing remain major barriers which need to be addressed in order to observe meaningful improvements in MedRec.
Multiparametric imaging in the evaluation of intracerebral abscesses
Authors: Chaganti Sai Sivananda , Sidhom George , Chaganti Joga
Published: May 2023

Cerebral abscesses are uncommon space occupying lesions; they are associated with high morbidity and mortality, though are potentially treatable. Patients often present with non-specific symptoms and may have few clinical signs. Routine clinical imaging may not give a definite diagnosis, as the findings can be indistinguishable from those of other intracranial mass lesions. We review the role of advanced MR techniques to characterise brain abscesses and discuss the role of imaging in monitoring their response to the treatment.
Comparison analysis of safety outcomes and the rate of subsequent spinal procedures between interspinous spacer without decompression versus minimally invasive lumbar decompression
Authors: Rosner Howard L , Tran Oth , Vajdi Tina , Vijjeswarapu Mary A
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Treatment for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) typically begins with conservative care and progresses to minimally invasive procedures, including interspinous spacer without decompression or fusion (ISD) or minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD). This study examined safety outcomes and the rate of subsequent spinal procedures among LSS patients receiving an ISD versus MILD as the first surgical intervention.

Methods

100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files were used to identify patients with an ISD or MILD (first procedure=index date) from 2017 to 2021. ISD and MILD patients were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching based on demographics and clinical characteristics. Safety outcomes and subsequent spinal procedures were captured from index date until end of follow-up. Cox models were used to analyze rates of subsequent surgical interventions, LSS-related interventions, open decompression, fusion, ISD, and MILD. Cox models were used to assess postoperative complications during follow-up and logistic regression to analyze life-threatening complications within 30 days of index procedure.

Results

A total of 3682 ISD and 5499 MILD patients were identified. After matching, 3614 from each group were included in the analysis (mean age=74 years, mean follow-up=20.0 months). The risk of undergoing any intervention, LSS-related intervention, open decompression, and MILD were 21%, 28%, 21%, and 81% lower among ISD compared with MILD patients. Multivariate analyses showed no significant differences in the risk of undergoing fusion or ISD, experiencing postoperative complications, or life-threatening complications (all p≥0.241) between the cohorts.

Conclusions

These results showed ISD and MILD procedures have an equivalent safety profile. However, ISDs demonstrated lower rates of open decompression and MILD.
Rationale and design of Tenecteplase Reperfusion Therapy in Acute Ischaemic Cerebrovascular Events III (TRACE III): a randomised, phase III, open-label, controlled trial
Authors: Xiong Yunyun , Campbell Bruce C V , Fisher Marc , Schwamm Lee H , Parsons Mark , Li Hao , Pan Yuesong , Meng Xia , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Recombinant human TNK tissue-type plasminogen activator (rhTNK-tPA) was not inferior to alteplase for ischaemic stroke within 4.5 hours. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of rhTNK-tPA in patients who had an ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) of anterior circulation beyond 4.5 hours.

Methods and design

Tenecteplase Reperfusion Therapy in Acute Ischaemic Cerebrovascular Events-III (TRACE III) is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blind endpoint, controlled clinical trial. Patients who had an ischaemic stroke due to anterior circulation LVO (internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery M1 and M2 segments) within 4.5–24 hours from last known well (including wake-up stroke and no witness stroke) and with salvageable tissue (ischaemic core volume <70 mL, mismatch ratio ≥1.8 and mismatch volume ≥15 mL) based on CT perfusion or MRI perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) were included and randomised to rhTNK-tPA 0.25 mg/kg (single bolus) to a maximum of 25 mg or standard medical therapy. Specially, we will exclude patients who are intended for direct thrombectomy. All will be followed up for 90 days.

Study outcomes

Primary efficacy outcome is modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤1 at 90 days. Secondary efficacy outcomes include ordinal distribution of mRS at 90 days, major neurological improvement defined by a decrease ≥8 points compared with the initial deficit or a score ≤1 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 72 hours, mRS score ≤2 at 90 days, the rate of improvement on Tmax >6 s at 24 hours and NIHSS score change from baseline at 7 days. Safety outcomes are symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage within 36 hours and mortality at 90 days.

Discussion

TRACE III will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of rhTNK-tPA in patients who had an ischaemic strokes due to anterior circulation LVO beyond 4.5 hours.

Trial registration number

NCT05141305.
Early anticoagulation in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation is associated with fewer ischaemic lesions at 1 month: the ATTUNE study
Authors: Sharobeam Angelos , Lin Longting , Lam Christina , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Gawarikar Yash , Patel Ronak , Lee-Archer Matthew , Wong Andrew , Roizman Michael , Gilligan Amanda , Lee Andrew , Tan Kee Meng , Day Susan , Levi Christopher , Davis Stephen M , Parsons Mark , Yan Bernard
Published: May 2023

Background

The optimal time to commence anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is unclear, with guidelines differing in recommendations. A limitation of previous studies is the focus on clinically overt stroke, rather than radiologically obvious diffusion-weighted imaging ischaemic lesions. We aimed to quantify silent ischaemic lesions and haemorrhages on MRI at 1 month in patients commenced on early (<4 days) vs late (≥4 days) anticoagulation. We hypothesised that there would be fewer ischaemic lesions and more haemorrhages in the early anticoagulant group at 1-month MRI.

Methods

A prospective multicentre, observational cohort study was performed at 11 Australian stroke centres. Clinical and MRI data were collected at baseline and follow-up, with blinded imaging assessment performed by two authors. Timing of commencement of anticoagulation was at the discretion of the treating stroke physician.

Results

We recruited 276 patients of whom 208 met the eligibility criteria. The average age was 74.2 years (SD±10.63), and 79 (38%) patients were female. Median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 5 (IQR 1–12). Median baseline ischaemic lesion volume was 5 mL (IQR 2–17). There were a greater number of new ischaemic lesions on follow-up MRI in patients commenced on anticoagulation ≥4 days after index event (17% vs 8%, p=0.04), but no difference in haemorrhage rates (22% vs 32%, p=0.10). Baseline ischaemic lesion volume of ≤5 mL was less likely to have a new haemorrhage at 1 month (p=0.02). There was no difference in haemorrhage rates in patients with an initial ischaemic lesion volume of >5 mL, regardless of anticoagulation timing.

Conclusion

Commencing anticoagulation <4 days after stroke or TIA is associated with fewer ischaemic lesions at 1 month in AF patients. There is no increased rate of haemorrhage with early anticoagulation. These results suggest that early anticoagulation after mild-to-moderate acute ischaemic stroke associated with AF might be safe, but randomised controlled studies are needed to inform clinical practice.
A methodology for quantifying and characterizing litter from trash capture devices (TCDs) to measure impact and inform upstream solutions
Authors: Sherlock Cassandra , Gutierrez Rafaela F. , David Michael , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: May 2023

Trash capture devices (TCDs) are a rapidly evolving tool for municipal governments, non-governmental organizations, and industries to divert litter from our waterways. Here, we introduce protocols to initiate trash trapping projects to quantify and characterize captured anthropogenic litter based on a case study using Seabins. In addition, we have introduced a network for global data collection via TCDs. Our first protocol is a visual audit of the potential site to inform the type and location for TCD deployment. Our next two protocols quantify and characterize the litter captured by TCDs: (1) a simple protocol intended for daily monitoring and (2) a detailed protocol to characterize and quantify all large debris (>3 cm) and a subset of the small debris (2 mm–3 cm) caught in the devices. Using Seabins in the Toronto Harbour to test our methodology, we found that our subsampling methodology has a 6.9% error rate. Over a 19-week period, the Seabins captured ∼85 000 pieces of small debris. Our study highlights the utility of TCDs and proposes methods to realize this utility globally. TCDs should become more widespread and utilized as a triple threat: a cleanup tool, a data collection tool, and a platform for outreach and education.
Application of COOK® cervical ripening balloon combined with artificial rupture of membranes and oxytocin in labor induction for full-term pregnancy
Authors: Dong Ying , Li Chuyu , Zhao Xin , Zhang Lin , Jia Xiaojun , Fu Zhongxing , Du Yan , Wang Ling
Published: May 2023

Objective: The use of COOK[Formula: see text] balloon in the process of induction of labor is gradually promoted. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of COOK[Formula: see text] double balloon in promoting the maturity of uterine neck, and whether COOK[Formula: see text] double balloon can improve the success rate of induced labor.

Methods: A total of 343 pregnant women with full-term pregnancy in Shanghai Putuo Maternity & Infant Health Hospital from January 1st to September 30th of 2016 were enrolled. Of all the pregnant women, 166 had labor induction, which included the use of a COOK[Formula: see text] balloon, the implementation of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and oxytocin intravenous (IV) drip (COOK[Formula: see text] group). The other 177 pregnant women with spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and mature cervix only were administrated with oxytocin IV drip to promote regular uterus contraction (oxytocin group). Maternal adverse reactions, mode of delivery and delivery outcomes of two groups were subsequently compared between the two groups.

Results: There were significant differences of maternal age ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] years, [Formula: see text]), gestational age ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] years, [Formula: see text]) and birth weight ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g, [Formula: see text]) between the COOK[Formula: see text] group and the oxytocin group. There were no significant differences in terms of gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, analgesia, 1 min and 5 min Apgar score, labor time, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse events.

Conclusion: Use of a COOK[Formula: see text] balloon may help in full-term pregnancy for women with immature cervix and to obtain the same pregnancy results as those with mature cervix, without extra occurrence of adverse events.
UltraCLR: Contrastive Representation Learning Framework for Ultrasound-based Sensing
Authors: Wang Xun , Yang Zhizheng , Wang Wei , Dai Haipeng , Shi Shuyu , Gu Qing
Published: May 2023

We propose UltraCLR, a new contrastive learning framework that fuses dual modulation ultrasonic sensing signals to enhance gesture representation. Most existing ultrasound-based gesture recognition tasks rely on a large amount of manually labeled samples to learn task-specific representations via end-to-end training. However, they cannot exploit unlabeled continuous gesture signals that are easy to collect. Inspired by recent self-supervised learning techniques, UltraCLR aims to autonomously learn a ubiquitous gesture signal representation that can benefit all tasks from low-cost unlabeled signals. We use the STFT heatmap as a secondary input and leverage the contrastive learning framework to improve the high-quality Channel Impulsive Response heatmap input representations. The learned representations can better represent the spatial-position information and intermediate states of gesture movement. With the representation learned by UltraCLR, we can greatly reduce the complexity of downstream gesture recognition tasks so that they can be completed using a simple classifier trained with a small training set and a lower computational cost. Our experimental results show that UltraCLR outperforms state-of-the-art gesture recognition systems with only a few labeled samples and achieves more than 85% reduction in computational complexity and over 9× improvement in inference speed.
An Accurate Identifier Renaming Prediction and Suggestion Approach
Authors: Zhang Jingxuan , Luo Junpeng , Liang Jiahui , Gong Lina , Huang Zhiqiu
Published: May 2023

Identifiers play an important role in helping developers analyze and comprehend source code. However, many identifiers exist that are inconsistent with the corresponding code conventions or semantic functions, leading to flawed identifiers. Hence, identifiers need to be renamed regularly. Even though researchers have proposed several approaches to identify identifiers that need renaming and further suggest correct identifiers for them, these approaches only focus on a single or a limited number of granularities of identifiers without universally considering all the granularities and suggest a series of sub-tokens for composing identifiers without completely generating new identifiers. In this article, we propose a novel identifier renaming prediction and suggestion approach. Specifically, given a set of training source code, we first extract all the identifiers in multiple granularities. Then, we design and extract five groups of features from identifiers to capture inherent properties of identifiers themselves and the relationships between identifiers and code conventions, as well as other related code entities, enclosing files, and change history. By parsing the change history of identifiers, we can figure out whether specific identifiers have been renamed or not. These identifier features and their renaming history are used to train a Random Forest classifier, which can be further used to predict whether a given new identifier needs to be renamed or not. Subsequently, for the identifiers that need renaming, we extract all the related code entities and their renaming change history. Based on the intuition that identifiers are co-evolved as their relevant code entities with similar patterns and renaming sequences, we could suggest and recommend a series of new identifiers for those identifiers. We conduct extensive experiments to validate our approach in both the Java projects and the Android projects. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach could identify identifiers that need renaming with an average F-measure of more than 89%, which outperforms the state-of-the-art approach by 8.30% in the Java projects and 21.38% in the Android projects. In addition, our approach achieves a Hit@10 of 48.58% and 40.97% in the Java and Android projects in suggesting correct identifiers and outperforms the state-of-the-art approach by 29.62% and 15.75%, respectively.
MPU: Memory-centric SIMT Processor via In-DRAM Near-bank Computing
Authors: Xie Xinfeng , Gu Peng , Ding Yufei , Niu Dimin , Zheng Hongzhong , Xie Yuan
Published: May 2023

With the growing number of data-intensive workloads, GPU, which is the state-of-the-art single-instruction-multiple-thread (SIMT) processor, is hindered by the memory bandwidth wall. To alleviate this bottleneck, previously proposed 3D-stacking near-bank computing accelerators benefit from abundant bank-internal bandwidth by bringing computations closer to the DRAM banks. However, these accelerators are specialized for certain application domains with simple architecture data paths and customized software mapping schemes. For general-purpose scenarios, lightweight hardware designs for diverse data paths, architectural supports for the SIMT programming model, and end-to-end software optimizations remain challenging.

To address these issues, we propose Memory-centric Processing Unit (MPU), the first SIMT processor based on 3D-stacking near-bank computing architecture. First, to realize diverse data paths with small overheads, MPU adopts a hybrid pipeline with the capability of offloading instructions to near-bank compute-logic. Second, we explore two architectural supports for the SIMT programming model, including a near-bank shared memory design and a multiple activated row-buffers enhancement. Third, we present an end-to-end compilation flow for MPU to support CUDA programs. To fully utilize MPU’s hybrid pipeline, we develop a backend optimization for the instruction offloading decision. The evaluation results of MPU demonstrate 3.46× speedup and 2.57× energy reduction compared with an NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPU on a set of representative data-intensive workloads.
The circadian clock and extracellular matrix homeostasis in aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Dudek Michal , Swift Joe , Meng Qing-Jun
Published: May 2023

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the noncellular scaffolding component present within all tissues and organs. It provides crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues to instruct cellular behavior and has been shown to be under circadian clock regulation, a highly conserved cell-intrinsic timekeeping mechanism that has evolved with the 24-hour rhythmic environment. Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Both aging and our modern 24/7 society disrupt circadian rhythms, which could contribute to altered ECM homeostasis. Understanding the daily dynamics of ECM and how this mechanism changes with age will have a profound impact on tissue health, disease prevention, and improving treatments. Maintaining rhythmic oscillations has been proposed as a hallmark of health. On the other hand, many hallmarks of aging turn out to be key regulators of circadian timekeeping mechanisms. In this review, we summarize new work linking the ECM with circadian clocks and tissue aging. We discuss how the changes in the biomechanical and biochemical properties of ECM during aging may contribute to circadian clock dysregulation. We also consider how the dampening of clocks with age could compromise the daily dynamic regulation of ECM homeostasis in matrix-rich tissues. This review aims to encourage new concepts and testable hypotheses about the two-way interactions between circadian clocks and ECM in the context of aging.
The multifaceted role of aquaporins in physiological cell migration
Authors: Smith Ian M. , Stroka Kimberly M.
Published: May 2023

Research has elucidated the water channel protein family of aquaporins (AQPs) as a regulator of many cell migration-related processes, from physical phenomena to biological signaling pathways. The roles that AQPs play in cell migration are both cell type- and isoform-specific; thus, a large swath of information has accumulated as researchers seek to identify the responses across these distinct variables. This review compiles insights into the recent findings linking AQPs to physiological cell migration.
The release of prolylcarboxypeptidase delays endothelial cell function loss
Authors: Shariat-Madar Zia , Boullard Nicholas , Thrash Caitlin
Published: May 2023

Prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Its functions are well-characterized. It is a critical factor for preserving cellular function by regulating angiotensin, prekallikrein, as well as des-Arg9-bradykinin, induced cell signaling. Several studies, including ours, provide evidence that PRCP levels influence vascular biology. An increased circulating level of PRCP is observed and is implemented in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. The expression pattern and function of PRCP, a lysosomal serine protease, caused by long-time culture has not been thoroughly investigated. Brefeldin A (0.2 mM), an inhibitor of protein trafficking in the secretory pathway, was ineffective in blocking PRCP release, signifying that PRCP might be secreted via an uncharacterized exocytotic pathway. Cellular senescence, a driving force of age-related dysfunction, can differentially alter the expression of lysosomal enzymes. Here, two structurally distinct lysosomal enzymes, PRCP and SA β-galactosidase, were used to identify their expression pattern during the progression of senescence in endothelial cells. Increased expression of PRCP occurred in parallel to a decline in telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA levels in the early stages of cellular senescence. However, independent of pH alterations, SA β-galactosidase expression was significantly ( P ≤ 0.5) higher in senescent cells compared to those in early-passage cells. Unlike SA β-galactosidase, expression and activity of PRCP was significantly ( P ≤ 0.5) declined in the later stages of cellular senescence. Our findings support the notion that PRCP potentially has a physiological role in delaying cellular senescence via suppressing reactive oxygen species production, endothelial cell function loss, and may have major implications on endothelial aging.

Overhead account, University of Mississippi

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Establishment of acute hypergravity in vivo model
Authors: Endo Yasuhiro , Fujita Masanori , Tandai-Hiruma Megumi , Nakamura Shingo , Ikewaki Katsunori
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Fighter and acrobatic flight pilots are exposed to short-term cerebral hypoperfusion or cerebral ischemia by hypergravity.　Preventive therapy against hypergravity stress in pilots has been sought in recent years and needs to be developed in animal models as translational research. In this study, we developed acute hypergravity in vivo models, which can be gravity loaded arbitrarily, and the blood pressure, pulse rate, and hemodynamics over time during gravity loading can also be measured. Methods/Results: In this model, 9w male SD rats were anesthetized with sevoflurane (induction 5% for 4 min, maintenance 3%) by inserting catheters in the left femoral and right carotid arteries. After intraperitoneal injection including medetomidine 0.15 mg/kg + midazolam 2 mg/kg + butorphanol 2.5 mg/kg, the rats were loaded with+1Gz~ +5 Gz for 2 minutes by a hypergravity system (Tommy Seiko, Bio Research Center). We connected the system to the femoral catheter, and we used Labchart Software (ADInstruments) to monitor blood pressure and heart date during gravity loading. Then, we used i-stat(Abbot) to measure biomarkers, including lactate acid, via the right carotid catheter from 1min to 10min after gravity-loading Conclusion: Our acute hypergravity model enables us to monitor hemodynamics during gravity loading and measure the dynamics of biomarkers with short half-lives, such as lactic acid. This model applies to the evaluation of the kinetics of hypergravity-induced oxidative stress, including hydroxyl radicals and facilitate translational research.

No Conflict of Interest

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.