bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing business in Russia: normative organizational resilience, organizational identity and exit decisions
Authors: Avioutskii Viatcheslav , Roth Fabrice
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Our study examines multinational enterpris (MNE) decisions to withdraw from the Russian market on moral grounds in reaction to the Russo–Ukrainian war. We investigate to what extent these decisions reflect the normative organizational resilience of MNEs under institutional pressures in Russia. We test the impact of various macro- (home democracy, institutional quality, stakeholder pressure) and micro-variables (ESG criteria) that define the organizational identities of MNEs in relation to their withdrawal decisions. Our sample comprises 1,648 companies from 55 countries doing business in Russia before the start of the conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

To test our hypotheses, we perform a nuanced analysis using both latent constructs and regression analysis on data for 1,648 MNEs.

Findings

Our results are in line with the foreign divestment literature, suggesting that MNEs are likely to exit normatively distant countries.

Originality/value

In this study, we explore the impact of organizational values on normative responses of MNEs to a geopolitical crisis. We introduce a normative organizational resilience construct to demonstrate how MNEs respond to institutional pressures in a host country, in this case Russia. Making exit decisions on moral grounds, MNEs have acted as social actors endowed with moral sense and intentionality, in conformity with their organizational values.
Creating a sustainable urban ecosystem: the Azheke village model
Authors: Wu Yuting , Azmi Athira , Ibrahim Rahinah , Ghafar Azmiah Abd , Salih Sarah Abdulkareem
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With rapid urbanization, cities are facing various ecological and environmental problems. Living in harmony with nature is more important than ever. This paper aims to evaluate the ecosystem and ecological features of Azheke village, a key component of the Hani Rice Terraces World Cultural Heritage in China. The focus is on exploring effective ways to improve the relationship between humans and the natural environment through urban design in order to create a livable and sustainable city that can promote the development of sustainable smart urban ecology design.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a systematic literature review to answer the following research questions: (1) How does Azheke design achieve harmony between humans and nature? (2) What are the effective approaches to improve the relationship between humans and nature within urban ecosystems? (3) How can urban design learn and integrate from Azheke’s ecological features to improve the relationship between humans and nature?

Findings

Azheke sustains long-term human-nature harmony through traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and efficient natural resource use. By incorporating biophilic design and nature-based solutions from Azheke, along with biodiversity-friendly urban planning, we can boost urban ecosystem health and create unique Azheke-inspired urban designs.

Research limitations/implications

This research primarily focuses on the human-nature relationship, exploring design strategies based on biodiversity without delving into the interactions between other components of urban ecosystems, such as social-cultural and economic components.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new perspective and strategies for developing sustainable and smart urban ecology design. These findings can provide theoretical references for urban planners, designers and decision-makers.
An advanced exploration of functionalities as the underlying principles of construction control metrics
Authors: Sheikhkhoshkar Moslem , Bril El Haouzi Hind , Aubry Alexis , Hamzeh Farook
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In academics and industry, significant efforts have been made to lead planners and control teams in evaluating project performance and control. In this context, numerous control metrics have been devised and put into practice, often with little emphasis on analyzing their underlying concepts. To cover this gap, this research aims to identify and analyze a holistic list of control metrics and their functionalities in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-step analytical approach was conducted to achieve the study’s objectives. First, a holistic list of control metrics and their functionalities in the construction industry was identified. Second, a quantitative analysis based on social network analysis (SNA) was implemented to discover the most important functionalities.

Findings

The results revealed that the most important control metrics' functionalities (CMF) could differ depending on the type of metrics (lagging and leading) and levels of control. However, in general, the most significant functionalities include managing project progress and performance, evaluating the look-ahead level’s performance, measuring the reliability and stability of workflow, measuring the make-ready process, constraint management and measuring the quality of construction flow.

Originality/value

This research will assist the project team in getting a comprehensive sensemaking of planning and control systems and their functionalities to plan and control different dynamic aspects of the project.
MediLog: A Pilot Study of Online Management System for Medical Device Status and Loan
Authors: Mohd Fairuz Fadlin Amira , Hussein Al Ashwal Rania , Mohamad Salim Maheza Irna
Published: February 2024

Malaysia's medical device industry is experiencing significant growth, with 309,829 devices procured at a cost of RM 7.78 billion and actively utilized in public hospitals nationwide. This surge highlights the need for an advanced medical device management system to efficiently handle the life cycle of these devices to ensure optimal utilization and streamline operations. Other proposed technological solutions like RFID, RTLS, and infrared tags aim to address these challenges, but their high installation costs pose barriers, especially for government hospitals. To overcome these obstacles, this pilot study advocates for a mobile application as a cost-effective alternative for comprehensive medical data management. The proposed application, developed using MIT Apps, capitalizes on portability, ease of management, and the multifunctionality of mobile platforms. A key feature of the application is the barcode scanner, widely employed across industries for enhanced data capture efficiency. The Real-time Database is integrated into the project, facilitating the swift and accurate storage of medical device information. In essence, the mobile application prototype provides a practical solution to the limitations of manual data management in the biomedical department. Leveraging MIT Apps and incorporating features like the barcode scanner and Real-time Database, the application streamlines the updating of machine details, ensuring users access precise and current information. This approach promotes efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness in medical device management within the healthcare system.
Digital Chess Clock for Visually Impaired Players
Authors: Anandaraj Praveen Raaj , Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi , Abdul Razak Mohd Azhar , Zakaria Nor Aini
Published: February 2024

Visually impaired chess players usually have difficulties using a normal traditional or digital chess clock during chess tournaments. This research aims to provide a solution which is a digital chess clock with an audio output indicating the remaining time of the chess players. These chess clocks are designed with Arduino Uno as the processing board with LCD keypad shield as display displaying and controlling and setting the hours, minutes, and seconds of the time. Besides that, the chess clock is equipped with a few mini pushbuttons to switch the time between the players together with two pushbuttons as the trigger for giving the audio output of the remaining time via attached 0.5W stereo speakers. This digital chess clock is essential to visually impaired chess players. In conclusion, hope this project will ease the visually impaired chess players to manage and be worry free of their remaining time during the chess match.
An Integrated Experimental-Computational Study of Vocal Fold Vibration in Type I Thyroplasty
Authors: Avhad Amit , Wilson Azure , Sayce Lea , Li Zheng , Rousseau Bernard , Doyle James F. , Luo Haoxiang
Published: February 2024

Subject-specific computational modeling of vocal fold (VF) vibration was integrated with an ex vivo animal experiment of type 1 thyroplasty to study the effect of the implant on the vocal fold vibration. In the experiment, a rabbit larynx was used to simulate type 1 thyroplasty, where one side of the vocal fold was medialized with a trans-muscular suture while the other side was medialized with a silastic implant. Vocal fold vibration was then achieved by flowing air through the larynx and was filmed with a high-speed camera. The three-dimensional computational model was built upon the pre-operative scan of the laryngeal anatomy. This subject-specific model was used to simulate the vocal fold medialization and then the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) of the vocal fold. Model validation was done by comparing the vocal fold displacement with postoperative scan (for medialization), and by comparing the vibratory characteristics with the high-speed images (for vibration). These comparisons showed the computational model successfully captured the effect of the implant and thus has the potential for presurgical planning.
A mammalian-specific Alex3/Gα
q
protein complex regulates mitochondrial trafficking, dendritic complexity, and neuronal survival
Authors: Izquierdo-Villalba Ismael , Mirra Serena , Manso Yasmina , Parcerisas Antoni , Rubio Javier , Del Valle Jaume , Gil-Bea Francisco J. , Ulloa Fausto , Herrero-Lorenzo Marina , Verdaguer Ester , Benincá Cristiane , Castro-Torres Rubén D. , Rebollo Elena , Marfany Gemma , Auladell Carme , Navarro Xavier , Enríquez José A. , López de Munain Adolfo , Soriano Eduardo , Aragay Anna M.
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking are essential to provide the energy required for neurotransmission and neural activity. We investigated how G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G proteins control mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking. The activation of Gα
q
inhibited mitochondrial trafficking in neurons through a mechanism that was independent of the canonical downstream PLCβ pathway. Mitoproteome analysis revealed that Gα
q
interacted with the Eutherian-specific mitochondrial protein armadillo repeat–containing X-linked protein 3 (Alex3) and the Miro1/Trak2 complex, which acts as an adaptor for motor proteins involved in mitochondrial trafficking along dendrites and axons. By generating a CNS-specific Alex3 knockout mouse line, we demonstrated that Alex3 was required for the effects of Gα
q
on mitochondrial trafficking and dendritic growth in neurons. Alex3-deficient mice had altered amounts of ER stress response proteins, increased neuronal death, motor neuron loss, and severe motor deficits. These data revealed a mammalian-specific Alex3/Gα
q
mitochondrial complex, which enables control of mitochondrial trafficking and neuronal death by GPCRs.
Cbl-b mitigates the responsiveness of naive CD8
+
T cells that experience extensive tonic T cell receptor signaling
Authors: Eggert Joel , Zinzow-Kramer Wendy M. , Hu Yuesong , Kolawole Elizabeth M. , Tsai Yuan-Li , Weiss Arthur , Evavold Brian D. , Salaita Khalid , Scharer Christopher D. , Au-Yeung Byron B.
Published: February 2024

Naive T cells experience tonic T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in response to self-antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in secondary lymphoid organs. We investigated how relatively weak or strong tonic TCR signals influence naive CD8
+
T cell responses to stimulation with foreign antigens. The heterogeneous expression of Nur77-GFP, a transgenic reporter of tonic TCR signaling, in naive CD8
+
T cells suggests variable intensities or durations of tonic TCR signaling. Although the expression of genes associated with acutely stimulated T cells was increased in Nur77-GFP
HI
cells, these cells were hyporesponsive to agonist TCR stimulation compared with Nur77-GFP
LO
cells. This hyporesponsiveness manifested as diminished activation marker expression and decreased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2. The protein abundance of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b, a negative regulator of TCR signaling, was greater in Nur77-GFP
HI
cells than in Nur77-GFP
LO
cells, and Cbl-b deficiency partially restored the responsiveness of Nur77-GFP
HI
cells. Our data suggest that the cumulative effects of previously experienced tonic TCR signaling recalibrate naive CD8
+
T cell responsiveness. These changes include gene expression changes and negative regulation partially dependent on Cbl-b. This cell-intrinsic negative feedback loop may enable the immune system to restrain naive CD8
+
T cells with higher self-reactivity.
In vivo
pharmacodynamic characterization of a next-generation polyene, SF001, in the invasive pulmonary aspergillosis mouse model
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , VanScoy Brian , Rubino Chris , Ambrose Paul G. , Andes David R.
Published: February 2024

SF001 is a next-generation polyene antifungal drug in development, designed to have increased specificity to fungal ergosterol, which is absent in humans, and decreased binding to cholesterol. SF001 demonstrates long-acting, potent, broad-spectrum fungicidal activity. The goal of the current study was to determine the pharmacodynamic index and target of SF001 in an immunocompromised mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis against six
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/L. Plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) pharmacokinetics were performed following single intraperitoneal doses of 1, 4, 16, and 64 mg/kg. Treatment efficacy was assessed with each of the six fungal isolates using daily doses of SF001 ranging from 0.25 to 64 mg/kg/day over a 96-h treatment duration. Efficacy was assessed by
A. fumigatus
quantitative PCR of conidial equivalents from lung homogenates. Nonlinear regression analysis using the Hill equation demonstrated that the 24-h exposure-response relationships for both plasma and ELF area under the concentration/MIC and
C
max
/MIC ratios were strong and relatively similar [coefficient of determination (
R
2
) = 0.74–0.75). Exposure-response relationships included a median plasma 24-h
C
max
/MIC target for stasis and 1-log kill endpoint of 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. The present studies demonstrated
in vitro
and
in vivo
SF001 potency against
A. fumigatus
. These results have potential relevance for SF001 clinical dose selection and evaluation of susceptibility breakpoints.
Labyrinthulomycetes thrives in organic matter-rich waters with ecological partitioning in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Dai Sheng , Guo Jia , Liu Weiwei , Liu Jiaxing , Ding Xiang , Quan Qiumei , Tan Yehui
Published: February 2024

Labyrinthulomycetes play important roles in organic matter remineralization, carbon sinks, and food webs. However, the true diversity of Labyrinthulomycetes is still unclear due to limitations in isolation and culture methods. In addition, previous studies on their relationship with environmental factors are inconsistent and even contradictory, and it is speculated that their community composition may have spatial heterogeneity along the environmental gradient. In this study, the distribution pattern and key regulators of Labyrinthulomycetes in the PRE were revealed. Combining the niche of dominant species, it is suggested that salinity determines the spatial differences in Labyrinthulomycetes diversity, and the resources of substrate (terrestrial input or phytoplankton-derived) determine the dominant species, and its abundance is mainly determined by organic matter concentrations. Our study provided new information on the Labyrinthulomycetes diversity and verified the spatial heterogeneity of Labyrinthulomycetes community composition, providing reliable explanations for the inconsistencies in previous studies.
PKM2 induces mitophagy through the AMPK-mTOR pathway promoting CSFV proliferation
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Yan Quanhui , Liu Xueyi , Wei Wenkang , Zou Linke , Zhao Feifan , Zeng Sen , Yi Lin , Ding Hongxing , Zhao Mingqiu , Chen Jinding , Fan Shuangqi
Published: February 2024

Viruses exploit the host cell’s energy metabolism system to support their replication. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, play a critical role in regulating cell survival and virus replication. Our prior research indicated that the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) alters mitochondrial dynamics and triggers glycolytic metabolic reprogramming. However, the role and mechanism of PKM2, a key regulatory enzyme of glycolytic metabolism, in CSFV replication remain unclear. In this study, we discovered that CSFV enhances PKM2 expression and utilizes PKM2 to inhibit pyruvate production. Using an affinity purification coupled mass spectrometry system, we successfully identified PKM as a novel interaction partner of the CSFV non-structural protein NS4A. Furthermore, we validated the interaction between PKM2 and both CSFV NS4A and NS5A through co-immunoprecipitation and confocal analysis. PKM2 was found to promote the expression of both NS4A and NS5A. Moreover, we observed that PKM2 induces mitophagy by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, thereby facilitating CSFV proliferation. In summary, our data reveal a novel mechanism whereby PKM2, a metabolic enzyme, promotes CSFV proliferation by inducing mitophagy. These findings offer a new avenue for developing antiviral strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Viruses rely on the host cell’s material-energy metabolic system for replication, inducing host metabolic disorders and subsequent immunosuppression—a major contributor to persistent viral infections. Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is no exception. Classical swine fever is a severe acute infectious disease caused by CSFV, resulting in significant economic losses to the global pig industry. While the role of the metabolic enzyme PKM2 (pyruvate dehydrogenase) in the glycolytic pathway of tumor cells has been extensively studied, its involvement in viral infection remains relatively unknown. Our data unveil a new mechanism by which the metabolic enzyme PKM2 mediates CSFV infection, offering novel avenues for the development of antiviral strategies.
Agnodice: indexing experimentally supported bacterial sRNA-RNA interactions
Authors: Kotsira Vasiliki , Skoufos Giorgos , Alexiou Athanasios , Zioga Maria , Tastsoglou Spyros , Kardaras Filippos S. , Perdikopanis Nikos , Elissavet Zacharopoulou , Gouzouasis Vasileios , Charitou Theodosia , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis G.
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, the immense growth in the field of bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs), along with the biotechnological breakthroughs in Deep Sequencing permitted the deeper understanding of sRNA-RNA interactions. However, microbiology is currently lacking a thoroughly curated collection of this rapidly expanding universe. We present Agnodice (
https://dianalab.e-ce.uth.gr/agnodice
), our effort to systematically catalog and annotate experimentally supported bacterial sRNA-RNA interactions. Agnodice, for the first time, incorporates thousands of bacterial sRNA-RNA interactions derived from a diverse set of experimental methodologies including state-of-the-art Deep Sequencing interactome identification techniques. It comprises 39,600 entries which are annotated at strain-level resolution and pertain to 399 sRNAs and 12,137 target RNAs identified in 71 bacterial strains. The database content is exclusively experimentally supported, incorporating interactions derived via low yield as well as state-of-the-art high-throughput methods. The entire content of the database is freely accessible and can be directly downloaded for further analysis. Agnodice will serve as a valuable source, enabling microbiologists to form novel hypotheses, design/identify novel sRNA-based drug targets, and explore the therapeutic potential of microbiomes from the perspective of small regulatory RNAs.

IMPORTANCE

Agnodice (
https://dianalab.e-ce.uth.gr/agnodice
) is an effort to systematically catalog and annotate experimentally supported bacterial small RNA (sRNA)-RNA interactions. Agnodice, for the first time, incorporates thousands of bacterial sRNA-RNA interactions derived from a diverse set of experimental methodologies including state-of-the-art Next Generation Sequencing interactome identification techniques.
The role of GpsB in
Staphylococcus aureus
cell morphogenesis
Authors: Costa Sara F. , Saraiva Bruno M. , Veiga Helena , Marques Leonor B. , Schäper Simon , Sporniak Marta , Vega Daniel E. , Jorge Ana M. , Duarte Andreia M. , Brito António D. , Tavares Andreia C. , Reed Patricia , Pinho Mariana G.
Published: February 2024

For decades, cells of the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
were thought to lack a dedicated elongation machinery. However,
S. aureus
cells were recently shown to elongate before division, in a process that requires a shape elongation division and sporulation (SEDS)/penicillin-binding protein (PBP) pair for peptidoglycan synthesis, consisting of the glycosyltransferase RodA and the transpeptidase PBP3. In ovococci and rod-shaped bacteria, the elongation machinery, or elongasome, is composed of various proteins besides a dedicated SEDS/PBP pair. To identify proteins required for
S. aureus
elongation, we screened the Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library, which contains transposon mutants in virtually all non-essential staphylococcal genes, for mutants with modified cell shape. We confirmed the roles of RodA/PBP3 in
S. aureus
elongation and identified GpsB, SsaA, and RodZ as additional proteins involved in this process. The
gpsB
mutant showed the strongest phenotype, mediated by the partial delocalization from the division septum of PBP2 and PBP4, two penicillin-binding proteins that synthesize and cross-link peptidoglycan. Increased levels of these PBPs at the cell periphery versus the septum result in higher levels of peptidoglycan insertion/crosslinking throughout the entire cell, possibly overriding the RodA/PBP3-mediated peptidoglycan synthesis at the outer edge of the septum and/or increasing stiffness of the peripheral wall, impairing elongation. Consequently, in the absence of GpsB,
S. aureus
cells become more spherical. We propose that GpsB has a role in the spatio-temporal regulation of PBP2 and PBP4 at the septum versus cell periphery, contributing to the maintenance of the correct cell morphology in
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a Gram-positive clinical pathogen, which is currently the second cause of death by antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide. For decades,
S. aureus
cells were thought to be spherical and lack the ability to undergo elongation. However, super-resolution microscopy techniques allowed us to observe the minor morphological changes that occur during the cell cycle of this pathogen, including cell elongation.
S. aureus
elongation is not required for normal growth in laboratory conditions. However, it seems to be essential in the context of some infections, such as osteomyelitis, during which
S. aureus
cells apparently elongate to invade small channels in the bones. In this work, we uncovered new determinants required for
S. aureus
cell elongation. In particular, we show that GpsB has an important role in the spatio-temporal regulation of PBP2 and PBP4, two proteins involved in peptidoglycan synthesis, contributing to the maintenance of the correct cell morphology in
S. aureus
.
Precambrian to Pleistocene 40Ar/39Ar dating of clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions
Authors: Jicha Brian R. , Schaen Allen J. , Wathen Bryan , Nachlas William O.
Published: February 2024

Clinopyroxene is a rock-forming mineral that commonly hosts melt inclusions in mafic to intermediate composition volcanic and plutonic rocks. It is highly resistant to alteration compared to other co-existing phenocrysts such as plagioclase. Several recent studies have 40Ar/39Ar dated clinopyroxene in Neoproterozoic to Miocene basalts and dolerites. To assess the viability of the technique at the youngest end of the geologic time scale, we performed 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating experiments on clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions from a variety of mafic lithologies and tectonic settings. Most samples produced precise plateau ages including several Quaternary basalts to andesites as young as 0.6 Ma. All data are indistinguishable from new and/or published 40Ar/39Ar ages on groundmass or plagioclase from the same samples. The source of potassium (K) and resulting 40Ar* within clinopyroxene has been debated, but thus far has only been inferred based on 40Ar/39Ar data. Using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) we show that there is negligible K in the clinopyroxene host, but substantial K (e.g., 1–4 wt%) in trapped melt inclusions and minor amounts in plagioclase inclusions. Thus, melt inclusions, which are common in phenocrysts in basaltic magmas, can be used to obtain accurate and precise 40Ar/39Ar ages for difficult-to-date volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Precambrian to the Pleistocene.
Intersection between tectonic faults and magmatic systems promotes swarms with large-magnitude earthquakes around the Tengchong volcanic field, southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Min , Tan Yen Joe , Lei Xinglin , Li Hongyi , Zhang Yunpeng , Wang Weitao
Published: February 2024

Volcanic regions commonly host swarms comprising small to moderate-sized earthquakes while tectonic faults host mostly mainshock-aftershock sequences that can include very large earthquakes. In the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, large tectonic faults formed by the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates intersect with the intraplate Tengchong volcanic field, and the seismic behavior of such an environment remains unclear. Here, we built a deep-learning-based high-precision earthquake catalog for the Tengchong volcanic field and found that (1) ~59% of the seismicity occurred as swarms but on faults aligned with the regional tectonic stress field; (2) all swarms contained fluid-diffusion-like migration fronts, with some occurring where high CO2 emissions have been detected; and (3) a year-long swarm, including two ML 5.2 earthquakes within two months, revealed complex fluid-fault interaction. Combined with the historical occurrences of M >6 earthquake swarms around the Tengchong volcanic field, our observations suggest potential increased likelihood of swarms with large-magnitude earthquakes where large tectonic faults and magmatic systems intersect.
Wales Infants’ and childreN’s Genome Service (WINGS): providing rapid genetic diagnoses for unwell children
Authors: Sloper Emily , Jezkova Jana , Thomas Joanne , Dawson Kestra , Halstead Joseph , Gardner Jennifer , Burke Katherine , Oruganti Sivakumar , Calvert Jennifer , Evans Jennifer , Anderson Sarah , Corrin Sian , Pottinger Caroline , Murch Oliver
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study reviews the first 3 years of delivery of the first National Health Service (NHS)-commissioned trio rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) service for acutely unwell infants and children in Wales.

Methods

Demographic and phenotypic data were prospectively collected as patients and their families were enrolled in the Wales Infants’ and childreN’s Genome Service (WINGS). These data were reviewed alongside trio rWGS results.

Results

From April 2020 to March 2023, 82 families underwent WINGS, with a diagnostic yield of 34.1%. The highest diagnostic yields were noted in skeletal dysplasias, neurological or metabolic phenotypes. Mean time to reporting was 9 days.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that trio rWGS is having a positive impact on the care of acutely unwell infants and children in an NHS setting. In particular, the study shows that rWGS can be applied in an NHS setting, achieving a diagnostic yield comparable with the previously published diagnostic yields achieved in research settings, while also helping to improve patient care and management.
Spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma in pregnancy mimicking preterm labour
Authors: Basri Nurul I , Dasrilsyah Rima A
Published: February 2024

Ruptured renal angiomyolipoma in pregnancy is uncommon. Pregnant women may present with nonspecific symptoms such as flank or abdominal pain, contraction pain and haematuria. A thorough assessment is needed to reach the correct diagnosis. Management varies between conservative measures, radiological intervention or surgery depending on the patient’s haemodynamic status and foetal condition. We present a case of a woman in her 30s, gravida 5 para 3+1 at 28 weeks of gestation, who presented with pain. The pain worsened, and she went into hypovolaemic shock. An exploratory laparotomy and emergency caesarean section were done. Retroperitoneal haematoma was found intraoperatively, but the source of bleeding was difficult to determine. An abdominal CT angiogram subsequently revealed an ongoing bleeding from a ruptured angiomyolipoma. An emergency nephrectomy was performed, and the bleeding was secured.
Analysis and clinical determinants of post-COVID-19 syndrome in the Lombardy region: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Borgonovo Fabio , Lovaglio Pietro Giorgio , Mariani Chiara , Berta Paolo , Cossu Maria Vittoria , Rizzardini Giuliano , Vittadini Giorgio , Capetti Amedeo Ferdinando
Published: February 2024

Objective

To define macro symptoms of long COVID and to identify predictive factors, with the aim of preventing the development of the long COVID syndrome.

Design

A single-centre longitudinal prospective cohort study conducted from May 2020 to October 2022.

Setting

The study was conducted at Luigi Sacco University Hospital in Milan (Italy). In May 2020, we activated the ARCOVID (Ambulatorio Rivalutazione COVID) outpatient service for the follow-up of long COVID.

Participants

Hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients previously affected by COVID-19 were either referred by specialists or general practitioners or self-referred.

Intervention

During the first visit, a set of questions investigated the presence and the duration of 11 symptoms (palpitations, amnesia, headache, anxiety/panic, insomnia, loss of smell, loss of taste, dyspnoea, asthenia, myalgia and telogen effluvium). The follow-up has continued until the present time, by sending email questionnaires every 3 months to monitor symptoms and health-related quality of life.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Measurement of synthetic scores (aggregation of symptoms based on occurrence and duration) that may reveal the presence of long COVID in different clinical macro symptoms. To this end, a mixed supervised and empirical strategy was adopted. Moreover, we aimed to identify predictive factors for post-COVID-19 macro symptoms.

Results

In the first and second waves of COVID-19, 575 and 793 patients (respectively) were enrolled. Three different post-COVID-19 macro symptoms (neurological, sensorial and physical) were identified. We found significant associations between post-COVID-19 symptoms and (1) the patients’ comorbidities, and (2) the medications used during the COVID-19 acute phase. ACE inhibitors (OR=2.039, 95% CI: 1.095 to 3.892), inhaled steroids (OR=4.08, 95% CI: 1.17 to 19.19) and COVID therapies were associated with increased incidence of the neurological macro symptoms. Age (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04), COVID-19 severity (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.82), number of comorbidities (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.5), metabolic (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.25 to 5.27), pulmonary (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.32) and autoimmune diseases (OR=4.57, 95% CI: 1.57 to 19.41) increased the risk of the physical macro symptoms.

Conclusions

Being male was the unique protective factor in both waves. Other factors reflected different medical behaviours and the impact of comorbidities. Evidence of the effect of therapies adds valuable information that may drive future medical choices.
Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women with access to public healthcare in west Shewa zone, Central Ethiopia: sequential mixed-method study
Authors: Bekele Gemechu Gelan , Woldeyes Benyam Seifu , Taye Getu Melesie , Kebede Ermiyas Mulu , Gebremichael Delelegn Yilma
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of herbal drug use among pregnant women with access to modern medicine and associated factors in public health facilities in the west Shewa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

Design

A sequential mixed-method study approach was carried out among pregnant women and other stakeholders.

Setting

This study was conducted at public health facilities, including 3 public hospitals and 20 health centres, in the west Shewa zone of Ethiopia.

Participants

A systematically selected sample of 411 pregnant women was participated in the quantitative study. For the qualitative method, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care and key informants using an interview guide until data saturation was achieved.

Primary outcome

For outcome variables, the respondents were asked if they used any herbal medicine during their current pregnancy. It was then recorded as 0=no and 1=yes.

Results

The prevalence of herbal medicines was found to be 19.7%. The most commonly used herbal medicines wereZingiber officinale,Ocimum gratissimum,Eucalyptus globules,Allium sativumandRutacha lepensis. Herbal medicine use during pregnancy was significantly associated with older maternal age (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.1), urban residence (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.7) and second trimester of pregnancy (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.5).

Conclusions

In this study, one in five pregnant women uses herbal medicine, which is relatively low. Sociodemographic factors and the duration of pregnancy affected the utilisation of herbal drugs during pregnancy. The most common herbals used by pregnant women were intended to treat minor disorders of pregnancy and medical disorders such as hypertension.
Outcomes for university students following emergency care presentation for deliberate self-harm: a retrospective observational study of emergency departments in England for 2017/2018
Authors: Campbell Catherine , Dodd Joe , Francetic Igor
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Identify university-aged students and contrast their healthcare provision and outcomes with other patients in the same age group attending emergency departments for deliberate self-harm.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

Patients visiting 129 public hospital emergency departments across England between April 2017 and March 2018.

Participants

14 074 patients aged 18–23 visiting emergency departments for conditions linked to deliberate self-harm, 1016 of which were identified as university-aged students.

Outcome measures

We study various outcomes across the entire patient pathway in the emergency department: waiting time to initial assessment on arrival at the emergency department, count of investigations delivered, discharge destination (patients refusing treatment or leave before being seen, referred to another provider or admitted to inpatient care, discharged with no follow-up) and unplanned follow-up visit within 7 days.

Results

We find a statistically significant difference of 0.262 (−0.491 to –0.0327) less investigations delivered to students compared with non-students (about 8% compared with the baseline number of investigations for non-students). Stratified analyses reveal that this difference is concentrated among students visiting the emergency department outside of regular working hours (−0.485 (−0.850 to –0.120)) and students visiting for repeated deliberate self-harm episodes (−0.881 (−1.510 to –0.252)). Unplanned reattendance within 7 days is lower among students visiting emergency departments during out of hours (−0.0306 (−0.0576 to –0.00363)), while students arriving by ambulance are less likely to be referred to another provider (−0.0708 (−0.140 to –0.00182)) compared with non-students.

Conclusions

We find evidence of less-intense investigations being delivered to patients aged 18–23 identified as students compared with non-students visiting emergency departments after an episode of deliberate self-harm. Given the high risk of suicide attempts after episodes of deliberate self-harm among students, our findings may highlight the need for more focused interventions on this group of patients.
Protocol of a scoping review of outcome domains in dermatology
Authors: Nadir Umer , Ahmed Areeba , Yi Michael D , Hisham Farhana Ikmal , Dave Loma , Kottner Jan , Ezzedine K , Garg Amit , Ingram John R , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst , Spuls Phyllis I , Kirkham Jamie J , Cahn Brian , Alam Murad
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Core outcome sets (COSs) are agreed outcomes (domains (subdomains) and instruments) that should be measured as a minimum in clinical trials or practice in certain diseases or clinical fields. Worldwide, the number of COSs is increasing and there might be conceptual overlaps of domains (subdomains) and instruments within disciplines. The aim of this scoping review is to map and to classify all outcomes identified with COS projects relating to skin diseases.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review of outcomes of skin disease-related COS initiatives to identify all concepts and their definitions. We will search PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library. The search dates will be 1 January 2010 (the point at which Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) was established) to 1 January 2024. We will also review the COMET database and C3 website to identify parts of COSs (domains and/or instruments) that are being developed and published. This review will be supplemented by querying relevant stakeholders from COS organisations, dermatology organisations and patient organisations for additional COSs that were developed. The resulting long lists of outcomes will then be mapped into conceptually similar concepts.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was supported by departmental research funds from the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University. An ethics committee review was waived since this protocol was done by staff researchers with no involvement of patient care. Conflicts of interests, if any, will be addressed by replacing participants with relevant conflicts or reassigning them. The results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, social media posts and promotion by COS organisations.
Abstraction and Refinement: Towards Scalable and Exact Verification of Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Jiaxiang , Xing Yunhan , Shi Xiaomu , Song Fu , Xu Zhiwu , Ming Zhong
Published: February 2024

As a new programming paradigm, deep neural networks (DNNs) have been increasingly deployed in practice, but the lack of robustness hinders their applications in safety-critical domains. While there are techniques for verifying DNNs with formal guarantees, they are limited in scalability and accuracy. In this article, we present a novel counterexample-guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR) approach for scalable and exact verification of DNNs. Specifically, we propose a novel abstraction to break down the size of DNNs by over-approximation. The result of verifying the abstract DNN is conclusive if no spurious counterexample is reported. To eliminate each spurious counterexample introduced by abstraction, we propose a novel counterexample-guided refinement that refines the abstract DNN to exclude the spurious counterexample while still over-approximating the original one, leading to a sound, complete yet efficient CEGAR approach. Our approach is orthogonal to and can be integrated with many existing verification techniques. For demonstration, we implement our approach using two promising tools,
Marabou
and
Planet
, as the underlying verification engines, and evaluate on widely used benchmarks for three datasets
ACAS
,
Xu
,
MNIST
, and
CIFAR-10
. The results show that our approach can boost their performance by solving more problems in the same time limit, reducing on average 13.4%–86.3% verification time of
Marabou
on almost all the verification tasks, and reducing on average 8.3%–78.0% verification time of
Planet
on all the verification tasks. Compared to the most relevant CEGAR-based approach, our approach is 11.6–26.6 times faster.
Review—Fundamentals to Applications of MXenes for Biosensing
Authors: Mahajan Priyanka
Published: February 2024

Advancement in biosensing techniques is the topmost priority in the present era of technology as the limitations of conventional methods outweighs its advantages. Hence, designing of compact, user and environmental friendly, economical and highly sensitive and responsive biosensors is need of the hour. MXenes, two-dimensional layered material, have gained a lot of attention in very less time due to its diverse properties such as enormous conductivity, meagre cellular toxicity, elaborated surface chemistry, natural hydrophilicity, magnificent optoelectronic features and ability to form stable colloidal suspensions. These properties of MXenes categorize them as a potential material for fabrication of highly efficient modern world biosensors. MXenes are synthesized via various methodologies such as etching methods, top-down and bottom-up approaches, depending upon their applications. Moreover, to study the surface structure and identify various properties and functional groups, different characterization techniques are employed including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy etc. The surface functionalization of MXenes can be modified with polymerization, direct surface terminations etc. for enhancing the efficiency of biosensors developed from them. MXenes based biosensors have been utilized in diverse fields viz. electrochemical biosensing, optical biosensing, wearable biosensing etc. These biosensors are of prime importance for early detection of deadly diseases such as cancers of various body parts including lungs, pancreas, breast etc., and hyperglycaemia. Moreover, they play an important role for detecting environmental pollutants viz. heavy metals, nitrites, phenols etc. Hence, necessary actions can be taken on time in order to save the health and environment.
Review—Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Detecting Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Harini U. , Ponraj Caroline
Published: February 2024

In this population driven society, the major cause of environmental pollution is due to modern agricultural practices & intensified industrialization. These kind of economic practices leads to excessive deposition of residual pesticides, heavy metals in both soil and water. This is a commonly accepted agreement that there is an immediate need for qualitative and quantitative information on environmental entities. Electrochemical sensing platforms which offers in situ and rapid detection of wide range of pollutants gives good results compared to other conventional methods. “Graphene” a wonder material possessing excellent physiochemical properties when utilized as an electrode for sensing, enables quicker diffusion of target analytes and detects environmental contaminants even at trace levels. The main motive of the manuscript is to give some new insights on graphene based electrochemical sensors on detecting some environmental entities like pesticides, heavy metals & antibiotics. It also highlights the growth & performance of the sensors over the years in detecting these hazardous pollutants. In addition, this review also gives a better understanding on its methods and techniques, existing challenges and future aspects.
Bimetallic Cobalt Copper Organic Framework Integrating Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Gold Nanoparticles for Glucose Sensor
Authors: Wang Shi , Zhang Ruirui , Ao Jialin , Ding Saiwen , Shu Ting
Published: February 2024

Bimetallic metal-organic framework (CuCo-BTC) was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and then CuCo-BTC/Au/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite was prepared on copper foam (CuCo-BTC/Au/MWCNTs/CF) for glucose sensing. Due to the synergistic effect of bimetal active sites, the excellent conductivity and large surface area of MWCNTs, and the good catalytic activity of gold, CuCo-BTC/Au/MWCNTs/CF had increased active sites, enhanced charge transfer and improved electro-catalytic performance. As a result, under optimized conditions, the electrode exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01–5 mM, 5–9 mM, a sensitivity of 1.029 mA mM−1 cm−2, and a detection limit of 3.4 μM (S/N = 3) for glucose detection. Meanwhile, it demonstrated satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility and stability. Furthermore, the electrode was successfully applied for the detection of glucose in serum. This work validates the potential of the fabricated sensor for non-enzymatic blood glucose monitoring.
Ni/Porous Carbon-Based Composite Derived from Poplar Wood with Ultrabroad Band Microwave Absorption Performance
Authors: Zhao Liqun , Zhuang Qixin , Hu Guoxiang , Zhang Baoqin , Pan Shibing
Published: February 2024

Electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers and electromagnetic shielding materials have attracted much attention in recent years. In this paper, Ni/wood-based porous carbon (WPC) composite material was prepared via morphology genetic method by using nickel chloride and poplar as raw material, The experimental results show that the microwave absorbing properties of the materials are related to the pyrolysis temperature, when the pyrolysis temperature settle at 700 °C, the minimum reflection loss of WPC-Ni can reach-60.4 dB with the thickness of 2.93 mm. Moreover, the effective absorption bandwidth has been greatly broadened up to 7.3 GHz when the thickness is 2.63 mm. The reason for such excellent wave absorbing performance is that the introduction of magnetic particles Ni and WPC-Ni regular straight channels improve impedance matching, the heterogeneous interface of Ni/ wood increases the polarization loss of electromagnetic waves. It is believed that this work can provide a new idea for the preparation of low-cost and high-efficiency broadband microwave absorber.
Dietary Knowledge and Eating Habits among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Lebanon
Authors: Abboud Myriam , Nacouzi Cyrille , Chahine Zeina , Atallah Angelica , Hleyhel Mira
Published: February 2024

Little is known about the dietary knowledge (DK) and eating habits (EHs) of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Lebanon. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the DK and EH of the population with T2D and determine their associated factors. A cross-sectional survey enrolling 351 patients with T2D was carried out, using the snowball sampling technique. The survey used the UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire and the Dietary Knowledge questionnaire to assess participants’ EH including the frequency of consumption of certain foods and their knowledge of food groups and food choices. While a higher DK index indicated better knowledge, a higher EH index indicated less healthy EH. Independent sample T-test and Mann–Whitney test were used for dichotomous variables, and ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for polytomous variables. Correlation analysis tested the association between two continuous variables. Two multiple linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with DK and EH. Overall, 67% of participants had good or adequate DK, and around 25% and 75% of them had healthy and less healthy EH, respectively. Better knowledge was significantly related to occupation, BMI, presence of comorbidities, and HbA1c testing during the last 3 months. Higher family income, physical activity, family history of diabetes, receiving help in medication administration from family or friends, and higher DK level were factors associated with healthier EH. Nutrition education and awareness campaigns aimed at patients and their families are needed to empower patients with adequate DK and skills to facilitate the adoption of healthy EH.