bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of in‐hospital cardiac rehabilitation on hospital‐associated disability after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Katano Satoshi , Kono Yuji , Yano Toshiyuki , Kanaoka Koshiro , Sawamura Akinori , Motokawa Tetsufumi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ohya Yusuke , Miura Shin‐ichiro , Fukuma Nagaharu , Makita Shigeru , Izawa Hideo
Published: November 2024

Background

Hospital‐associated disability (HAD), a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization, is a modifiable target in integrated care for older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on the development of HAD in older patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Older patients undergoing TAVI were extracted from the Japanese nationwide database (JROAD‐DPC) from April 2014 to March 2021 and were divided into patients receiving inpatient CR (CR group) and a non‐CR group. HAD was defined as a decrease in the Barthel Index (BI) score ≥5 points at discharge compared with the score at admission.

Results

Of 19,789 eligible patients, 17,066 (86%) underwent inpatient CR. The overall prevalence of HAD was 9.6%, with a lower incidence in the CR group than in the non‐CR group (8.8% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001). Random forest analysis revealed key features associated with HAD risk including BI score at admission, inpatient CR participation, age, body mass index (BMI), and chronic kidney disease. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participation in inpatient CR was associated with a lower odds ratio (OR) of HAD (OR, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.70), with similar results in inverse probability of treatment weighting‐adjusted logistic regression analyses (OR, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.88). Analyses in subgroups of interest showed heterogeneity in the effects of inpatient CR with possible loss in patients with a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2 or a BI score of less than 60 points at admission.

Conclusions

The data suggest a beneficial effect of inpatient CR participation on the prevention of HAD in older patients undergoing TAVI, but the effect may be limited in lean patients with disability for ADL before TAVI.
Evaluation of the Sleep Habits and Dental Problems in Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke During Childhood
Authors: Polat Simge , Uyar Didem Sakaryali
Published: November 2024

Background

Clinically, data on the association of early‐life secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure with sleep bruxism and dental problems are scarce.

Objective

To examine whether the relationship between early‐life SHS exposure with sleep problems, sleep bruxism, and dental problems in children.

Methods

Within the scope of this study, questionnaires were applied to the volunteer parents of 710 children, aged 5–12 years old. The questionnaire applied in this study named as Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and consists of seven subscales and a total of 33 items. The questionnaire was completed retrospectively by any parent, and the presence of sleep bruxism was questioned during the anamnesis. Afterward, the presence of dental decay and tooth wear was evaluated during intraoral and radiographic examinations. Dental decay and tooth wear were scored with the DMFT/deft index and tooth wear index of Smith & Knight, respectively.

Results

The presence of sleep bruxism was significantly higher in children with parasomnia (p = 0.01; p < 0.05). The presence of tooth wear in children with sleep bruxism was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.032; p < 0.05). It was observed that the presence of sleep bruxism was higher in the children of individuals who smoked at home (p = 0.027; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Sleep bruxism, untreated dental decay and exposure to early‐life secondhand smoke may have a negative impact on children's sleep habits and characteristics.
A comparative study of strength and surface properties of permanent 3D‐printed resins with CAD‐CAM milled fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Gad Mohammed M. , Al Mahfoudh Hoor A. , Al Mahfuth Fatimah A. , Hashim Kouthar A. , Khan Soban Q. , Al‐Qarni Faisal D. , Baba Nadim Z. , Al‐Harbi Fahad A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To compare the strength, surface roughness, and hardness of newly introduced permanent three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed resin in comparison with computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) milled materials.

Materials and Methods

Three 3D‐printed resins (NextDent C&B, Formlabs Permanent Crown, and VarseoSmile Crown plus) and two CAD‐CAM milled (IPS e.max ZirCAD LT and VITA Enamic) resins were used to fabricate discs specimens. A total of 200 disc specimens were fabricated according to manufacturer recommendations. Within each group, half of the specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (5°C–55°C, the 30 s, 5000 cycles). Aged and nonaged specimens were evaluated for biaxial flexural strength (BFS), surface roughness, and hardness. Results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t‐tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the BFS, surface roughness, and hardness between the 3D‐printed and milled groups, before and after thermal aging. Overall, the CAD‐CAM milled ceramic group had superior strength, surface roughness, and hardness when compared to all other groups (p < 0.001), except for surface roughness after thermal aging, which was similar in all groups (p = 0.063). Within each group, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in surface roughness after thermal aging. BFS values of 3D‐printed materials were statistically similar. In terms of surface roughness, Formlabs specimens displayed the highest value before and after thermal cycling, when compared to other 3D‐printed materials. Regarding hardness, the VarseoSmile Crown plus group demonstrated the highest values compared to other 3D‐printed materials, before and after thermal cycling.

Conclusion

Permanent 3D‐printed resins have lower strength than CAD‐CAM milled materials. 3D‐printed permanent resin materials exhibited high roughness and comparable hardness to CAD‐CAM materials. Thermal aging negatively affected the properties of 3D‐printed permanent crowns. Owing to the low strength of 3D‐printed permanent resins, they may not be recommended for clinical practice until further improvements in flexural strength are made to meet clinical standards.
Nanoparticles Impact on the Morphogenetics of Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Babanli Safiyakhanim , Ahmadov Ismat , Mammadova Sevinj , Khalilov Rovshan , Ojaghi Javid , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Ali M. Ajmal , Ptaszyńska Aneta A. , Zafar Muhammad , Makhkamov Trobjon , Islom Zulunov
Published: November 2024

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses, which seriously affects crop growth and yield. Therefore, the main attention of plant geneticists, physiologists and agronomists is always focused on obtaining drought‐resistant varieties. The application of modern technologies, including nanotechnology, in this area, can be an achievement. In the presented work, the effect of some metal‐based nanoparticles on the biomorphological parameters of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants grown in the field under normal irrigation and artificial drought conditions was studied. Outcomes of our experiments indicated that drought causes a remarkable reduction in plant height, leaf area, number of branches, number of pods, pod length and width, the number and mass of grains taken from five chickpea plants, the mass of 100 grains (g), the mass of bundle (g), yield index and the protein and fat contents. Biomorphological parameters were observed to be both decreased and stimulated depending on the type of nanoparticles under irrigated conditions in plants obtained from nanoparticle‐coated chickpea seeds. In drought conditions, nanoparticles slightly improved the biomorphological characteristics of plants. Different nanoparticles had different effects on the biochemical indices of grains. Nanoparticle application increased the leaf area, plant height, the number of pods, the length and width of the pods, the mass of seeds of five plants at full maturity stage, the dry mass of 100 seeds, the number of productive nodes, the mass of bundle and the fat content of grain in the drought condition.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C in Ethiopia: First National Study Based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Kassa Getahun Molla , Weldemariam Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier , Abrahim Saro Abdella , French Clare E. , Wolday Dawit , Dagne Emebet , Mulu Andargachew , Adane Aynishet , Inglis Sarah K. , Radley Andrew , Tasew Geremew , Vickerman Peter , Yesuf Elias Ali , Paltiel Ora , Hailu Mesay , Amogne Wondwossen , Dillon John F. , Hickman Matthew , Lim Aaron G. , Walker Josephine G. ,   the DESTINE NIHR Global Health Research Group
Published: November 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is hypothesised to be a public health problem in Ethiopia, and systematic review evidence suggested 1%–3% seroprevalence. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV overall and across regions of Ethiopia. We estimated HCV seroprevalence using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS‐2016). EDHS‐2016 is a nationwide household survey conducted using two‐stage cluster sampling methods. We tested all 26,753 samples from participating adult women (15–49 years) and men (15–59 years) using HCV Enzyme Immunoassay. Descriptive analyses were performed based on the Guide to Demographic Health Survey statistics. We applied sample weighting to derive representative estimates. Of the total tested, more than half (54.40%) were aged 15–29 years and 51.59% were women. Overall HCV seroprevalence was 0.18% (95% Confidence Interval: 0.10–0.32). Higher seroprevalences were found in Afar (0.92%) and South Nations Nationality Peoples Region (0.43%); people living with HIV (PLWH) (0.62%); the poorest wealth index (0.35%); people having multiple lifetime sexual partners (0.31%); and widowed/divorced individuals (0.30%). In stratified analyses by sex and residency, we found higher seroprevalences in non‐Christian and non‐Muslim males (1.98%) and rural population (1.00%), male PLWH (1.67%), rural PLWH (1.45%), widowed/divorced males (0.97%), and in all groups from the Afar region: males (1.30%), females (0.61%), urban (1.07%), and rural (0.86%). HCV seroprevalence among the general population in Ethiopia is much lower than from previous estimates. General population screening is unlikely to be cost‐effective, and so screening programs targeted to people at greater risk of HCV will be required.
Plant PI4P is required for bacteria to translocate type‐3 effectors
Authors: Peng Jinfeng , Zhang Liyuan , Lu Kai , Chen Xiaochen , Pang Hao , Yao Xiaohui , Li Ping , Cao Peng , Li Xiaoxu , Wang Zuodong , Qin Lina , Zhou Miao , Wang Maoling , Li Qizhen , Qiu Chunyu , Sun Mingxin , Li Yufen , Gong Liping , Wei Xinlin , Wang Siyi , Chen Jiajia , Lu Chongchong , Zou Shenshen , Ding Xinhua , Chen Lei , Zhang Meixiang , Dong Hansong
Published: November 2024

Type‐3 effectors (T3E) of phytopathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria fulfill a virulent role, causing disease, or an avirulent role, inducing immunity, following their translocation into plant cells. This study aimed to validate the hypothesis that bacterial T3E translocation requires lipidic compounds in plant cell membranes.

Based on genetic, molecular, and biochemical assays, we determined that phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PI4P) associated with plant cell membranes is essential for the translocation of T3E by bacterial pathogens.

Replicate experimental data revealed that PI4P cooperates with the type‐3 translocase HrpF to facilitate the translocation of effectors TAL and Xop from Xanthomonas oryzae and Hop from Pseudomonas syringae into the cells of Oryza sativa and Nicotiana benthamiana, respectively. Genetic and molecular analyses confirmed that, once translocated into plant cells, the distinct effectors induce disease or immunity. Combined genetic and pharmacological analyses revealed that when PI4P content is suppressed via genetic or pharmacological measures, the T3 effector translocation is considerably suppressed, resulting in serious inhibition of bacterial infection.

Overall, these findings demonstrate that cooperative functioning of HrpF–PI4P is conserved in bacterial effectors and plants.
Dental and Craniofacial Anomalies in Fanconi Anemia: A Systematic Review and Additional 46 Reports
Authors: Rocha Paula Alves da Silva , Santana Nayara Conceição Marcos , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Amaral Tania Mara Pimenta , Drumond Victor Zanetti , Torres‐Pereira Cassius Carvalho , Acevedo Ana Carolina , Berdal Ariane , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Fournier Benjamin P. J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare genetic disorder, has not been comprehensively studied regarding its dental and craniofacial phenotypes. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on dental, occlusion, and craniofacial anomalies in individuals with FA and to describe the occurrence of these anomalies in a cohort from two Brazilian referral centers.

Materials and Methods

Electronic searches were conducted across six databases, supplemented by manual searches and gray literature. The Brazilian cohort included 46 patients diagnosed with FA.

Results

A total of 19 articles describing 158 cases of FA were analyzed. The estimated prevalence of dental/craniofacial anomalies ranged from 13.3% to 71.4%. In our cohort, 93.5% of patients exhibited anomalies, primarily root abnormalities (69.6%), tooth rotation (54.3%), and tooth agenesis (26%). Males (p = 0.031) and individuals with endocrine disorders (p = 0.047) were more likely to experience alterations in eruption and/or exfoliation. Anomalies in size and shape were significantly more prevalent among individuals who had undergone hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation at age 14 or older (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The high occurrence of dental/craniofacial anomalies in individuals with FA suggests that these anomalies are part of the disease's phenotypic spectrum, emphasizing the need to expand and standardize the diagnostic criteria of the disease.
Validation of the simplified PIBD‐classes criteria: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Miura Yoshikazu , Hagiwara Shin‐ichiro , Hizuka Keinosuke , Saura Ryutaro , Hata Ayaha , Maeyama Takatoshi , Etani Yuri
Published: November 2024

Background

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) subtypes are classified according to the PIBD‐classes criteria, comprising 23 items. These criteria were later simplified to 19 diagnostic items. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are classified as ulcerative colitis (UC), atypical UC, IBD‐unclassified (IBD‐U), Crohn's disease (CD), or isolated colonic CD. This study aimed to validate the simplified PIBD‐classes criteria in an Asian population and evaluate IBD‐U characteristics.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with PIBD between 2007 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Data regarding PIBD phenotypes, age at diagnosis, endoscopic and pathological findings, and biologics and/or steroid use were collected from medical records. Physician‐assigned diagnoses were compared with simplified PIBD‐classes criteria‐based diagnoses. Differences in the clinical features of patients with IBD‐U and other IBDs classified using the simplified PIBD‐class criteria were also evaluated.

Results

Eighty‐six patients were included, of whom 54 (63%) had UC, 21 (24%) had CD, and 11 (13%) had IBD‐U. Using the simplified PIBD‐classes criteria, 48 (56%) patients were diagnosed with UC, 3 (3%) with atypical UC, 22 (26%) with CD, 1 (1%) with isolated colonic CD, and 12 (14%) with IBD‐U. The diagnoses were changed in 10 cases based on the simplified PIBD‐classes criteria. There were no significant differences in age at diagnosis or rates of steroid and biologic use between IBD subtypes.

Conclusions

Simplified PIBD‐classes criteria‐based diagnoses matched physician‐assigned diagnoses in almost all cases. This study suggests that the simplified PIBD‐classes criteria are useful at reducing diagnostic variability in multicenter and international PIBD studies.
Cognitive frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation among older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Min , Liu Qin , Li Miao , He Mei
Published: November 2024

To examine whether cognitive frailty serves as a predictor of hospitalisation in older adults. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to February 6, 2024. The reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and evaluated the quality of studies. Stata 15.1 Software was used to perform the meta‐analysis. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, including 34 230 participants. The results suggested that cognitive frailty was associated with hospitalisation in older adults (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.33–2.42, P < 0.001). The risk of hospitalisation for patients with cognitive frailty was 1.76 times higher than that for patients without cognitive frailty (relative risk = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.48–2.08, P < 0.001). According to different models of cognitive frailty, the results of subgroup analysis showed that the frail + cognitive impairment group had the highest risk of hospitalisation (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.51–3.26, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on study design showed that the incidence of hospitalisation was lowest in the cohort study group (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14–2.00, P = 0.004). This study suggested that cognitive frailty was an important predictor of hospitalisation in older adults. Future studies are needed to investigate the impact of cognitive frailty on hospitalisation in older adults, as this may help reduce hospitalisation rates and improve patients' quality of life.
Analyzing Key Factors Influencing Human Mobility Before and During COVID‐19 With Explainable Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Pingping , Yuan Yihong
Published: November 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted and worsened social inequalities in the United States. This study uses mobile phone location data at the Census Block Group level and explainable machine learning methods to examine the relationships between various factors and human mobility in ten Metropolitan Statistical Areas to uncover how different factors influenced mobility disparities. Our key findings show significant reductions in all mobility indices during the summer of 2020 compared to 2019, mainly due to stay‐at‐home orders, business closures, and health concerns. Median household income was a consistent positive driver of mobility, while the minority rate negatively impacted movement, exacerbating existing inequalities. Remote work significantly affected full‐time and part‐time job mobility. These findings highlight the need for fair and resilient mobility policies that consider decentralized commuting, flexible work models, and sustainable transportation. These insights can help policymakers and urban planners address inequalities, support economic recovery, and build inclusive urban environments.
A multi‐omics approach reveals a link between ribosomal protein alterations and proteome rebalancing in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds
Authors: Bagaza Clement , Ansaf Huda , Yobi Abou , Chan Yen On , Slaten Marianne L. , Czymmek Kirk , Joshi Trupti , Mittler Ron , Mawhinney Thomas P. , Cohen Dan H. , Yasuor Hagai , Angelovici Ruthie
Published: November 2024

The ability of seeds to restore their amino acid content and composition after the elimination of the most abundant seed storage proteins (SSPs) is well‐documented, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To better understand how seeds compensate for major proteomic disruptions, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on an Arabidopsis mutant lacking the three most abundant SSPs, the cruciferins. Our initial findings indicated that carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur levels, as well as total protein and oil content, remained unchanged in these mutants suggesting rebalanced seeds. Transcriptomics and proteomics performed during seed maturation of Col‐0 and the triple mutant revealed significant modulation in many components of the translational machinery, especially ribosomal proteins (RPs), and in the antioxidation response in the mutant. These findings suggest that RPs play a critical role in facilitating proteomic homeostasis during seed maturation when proteomic perturbation occurs. Biochemical and metabolic analyses of the triple mutant dry seeds revealed increased protein carbonylation and elevated glutathione levels further supporting the link between SSP accumulation and seed redox homeostasis. Overall, we propose that in response to significant proteomic perturbations, changes in the proteome and amino acid composition of seeds are accompanied by a broad remodeling of the translation apparatus. We postulate that these alterations are key elements in seed adaptability and robustness to large proteomic perturbations during seed maturation.
Downy mildew effector HaRxL106 interacts with the transcription factor BIM1 altering plant growth, BR signaling and susceptibility to pathogens
Authors: Bogino Maria Florencia , Lapegna Senz Juan Marcos , Kourdova Lucille Tihomirova , Tamagnone Nicolás , Romanowski Andres , Wirthmueller Lennart , Fabro Georgina
Published: November 2024

Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) is an oomycete pathogen that causes downy mildew disease on Arabidopsis. This obligate biotroph manipulates the homeostasis of its host plant by secreting numerous effector proteins, among which are the RxLR effectors. Identifying the host targets of effectors and understanding how their manipulation facilitates colonization of plants are key to improve plant resistance to pathogens. Here we characterize the interaction between the RxLR effector HaRxL106 and BIM1, an Arabidopsis transcription factor (TF) involved in Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. We report that HaRxL106 interacts with BIM1 in vitro and in planta. BIM1 is required by the effector to increase the host plant susceptibility to (hemi)biotrophic pathogens, and thus can be regarded as a susceptibility factor. Mechanistically, HaRxL106 requires BIM1 to induce the transcriptional activation of BR‐responsive genes and cause alterations in plant growth patterns that phenocopy the shade avoidance syndrome. Our results support previous observations of antagonistic interactions between activation of BR signaling and suppression of plant immune responses and reveal that BIM1, a new player in this crosstalk, is manipulated by the pathogenic effector HaRxL106.
Evaluation of the Trauma‐Associated Severe Hemorrhage score as a predictor of transfusion in traumatized dogs
Authors: Delgado Atalie , Prittie Jennifer , Mastrocco Alicia , Weltman Joel
Published: November 2024

Objective

To retrospectively study the use of the human‐based Trauma‐Associated Severe Hemorrhage (TASH) score to predict transfusion needs and outcome in a population of traumatized dogs.

Measurements and Main Results

The TASH score (comprising sex, hemoglobin concentration, systolic blood pressure, abdominal effusion, heart rate, base excess [BE], and presence of pelvic/femoral fractures) was applied to 24 dogs presenting to a private veterinary hospital following trauma: 12 dogs that required transfusion of blood products and 12 age‐ and weight‐matched controls that did not. Dogs that required transfusions demonstrated a significantly higher TASH score compared with dogs that did not (10.2 ± 2.0 vs 5.2 ± 1.1, respectively; P = 0.03). Univariate analyses of individual TASH score components demonstrated significant differences between animals that received a transfusion and those that did not in BE (median: −8.6 [range: −14.4 to 1.4] vs −4.5 [range: −15.4 to −0.4], respectively; P = 0.04) and positive abdominal fluid score (4/12 vs 0/12, respectively; P = 0.03). The Animal Trauma Triage scores (ATTSs) for dogs included in the study were also obtained from the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry. The mean ATTS was significantly higher in dogs that received blood transfusions than those that did not (5.2 ± 0.78 vs 2.0 ± 0.5, respectively; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The TASH score may be useful to predict transfusion needs in a larger population of traumatized canine patients.
Agreement of point‐of‐care and laboratory lactate levels among trauma patients and association with transfusion
Authors: Mitra Biswadev , Essery Madison , Somesh Abha , Talarico Carly , Olaussen Alexander , Anderson David , Meadley Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

In the setting of trauma and suspected critical bleeding, indications to commence blood transfusions remain unclear, with high rates of potentially avoidable transfusions. Prehospital blood lactate measurements could help predict the need for blood transfusions. The aim of this study was to compare measurements detected by a point‐of‐care (POC) lactate device with laboratory measured lactate levels.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the emergency department. Eligible patients were those with suspected major trauma and critical bleeding. Venous or arterial blood samples were collected. POC measurements of lactate levels were conducted using a StatStrip Xpress® lactate meter and compared with laboratory values.

Results

Among 70 patients, the mean difference between the POC and laboratory lactate results was −0.19 mmol/L, with limits of agreement at −1.9 and 1.5. Most measurements (n = 66; 94.3%) were within the limits of agreement. A POC lactate level of >3.3 mmol/L had >90% specificity for transfusion, whereas a level <1.4 mmol/L had 90% sensitivity to rule out a transfusion.

Conclusion

The level of agreement of POC lactate with the laboratory lactate was high. Research on clinical decision rules for pre‐hospital transfusion that incorporate POC lactate measures is therefore feasible.
Extraction of Mechanical Properties of Shape Memory Alloys From Instrumented Spherical Indentation
Authors: Sansusthy Tardio Emmanuel , El Awad Santiago , Chen Tian , Baxevanis Theocharis
Published: November 2024

An approach to infer mechanical properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) from instrumented spherical indentation records of indenter tip loading force, P, versus the resultant indentation depth, h, during indentation loading and unloading is proposed. The approach is based on (i) a finite element (FE) model for describing the forward problem of determining the indentation response, i.e., the P−h curve, for a given set of SMA mechanical properties, (ii) a computationally efficient Gaussian process surrogate model to replace the costly FE one, and (iii) an iterative solution strategy, which approximates the unknown model parameters from an experimentally determined P−h record and their corresponding probability densities via a Bayesian inference framework and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling strategy. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated using numerical experiments, i.e., indentation curves generated by evaluating the FE model at points in the parameter space.
A Robust Model for Hydrogen Supply Chain Network Design in China Under Renewable Energy Uncertainty
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Li Qiaofeng , Zheng Li
Published: November 2024

The increasing demand for new energy sources in China, coupled with the abundant waste, has prompted the exploration of converting excess renewable energy into hydrogen through electrolyzers. However, the uncertainty surrounding renewable energy supply, its remote distribution, and regional imbalance with demand pose significant challenges for designing and planning an integrated hydrogen supply chain. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing a two-stage robust optimization model based on ellipsoidal uncertainty sets. We derive a robust approximation model and develop an algorithm using generalized Benders decomposition to solve the resulting model. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm compared to CPLEX. Additionally, a case study utilizing real data from China is presented to showcase the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed model. Finally, we draw conclusions and highlight potential avenues for future research.
Evaluation Method and Performance Indices for the Motion/Force Constrainability of Overconstrained Parallel Manipulators Without Actuation Redundancy
Authors: Xu Lingmin , Ye Wei , Li Qinchuan
Published: November 2024

Overconstrained parallel manipulators (PMs) without actuation redundancy have been widely used in various applications, such as the parallel module of the Exechon robot for workpiece machining. However, existing methods are inadequate for describing the motion/force constraint performance of nonredundant and overconstrained PMs (NOPMs) because they do not reasonably consider the influence of the overconstrained structure. This performance is crucial for evaluating the capability to resist external loads, which is of great significance for applications requiring high stiffness and precision. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new evaluation method for the motion/force constrainability of NOPMs. First, based on the four wrench and twist systems of limbs, the output constraint performances of all the single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanisms under different cases can be obtained. These single-DOF mechanisms are constructed by selectively “losing” some constraint wrench screws and “locking” all the transmission wrench screws of the original overconstrained PM, which is the key step in the establishment of this method and achieved using the ergodic method. Then, the output and input constraint performance indices in a certain configuration can be calculated, followed by the definition of a local constraint index to evaluate the motion/force constrainability of the NOPM. Notably, all the proposed indices are characterized by coordinate independence. Finally, two PMs and their corresponding overconstrained structures are simulated to demonstrate the correctness of the proposed evaluation method. The evaluation strategy can also be used for the optimal design of the NOPMs in the future.
A New Nonlinear Time-Domain Flutter Analysis Approach for Distorted Flows
Authors: Corral Roque , Rodríguez-Blanco Salvador , Chennuru Venkata Y. T. , Vahdati Mehdi , Zhao Fanzhou
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to establish an efficient and accurate computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method for calculating the flutter stability of fan blades in the presence of inlet distortion due to crosswind. Due to the asymmetry of the flow and interaction of fan and distortion, this type of analysis will require a whole assembly computational model. Therefore, reducing the computational cost needed to obtain accurate aerodynamic damping values is paramount. Mode-tracking free-flutter analyses are computationally expensive and troublesome due to the presence of many frequencies in the response signals and, hence, require long physical times to converge the aerodynamic damping. Moreover, the unsteady flow field associated with the distortion can be more significant than the one due to flutter, giving rise to additional numerical difficulties. On the other hand, the energy method approach is commonly performed for a single nodal diameter (ND) at a time, requiring many computations to establish the least stable ND. This paper proposes an alternative approach based on the multi-ND energy method. The underlying hypothesis is that the unsteady pressure scales linearly with the blade displacements, and the scattering of circumferential modes due to the distortion is negligible. The general method presented here is general and can be used to compute the aerodynamic damping for other types of distortion (such as downstream distortions due to pylon and structure).
Teaching magnetism with bivectors
Authors: Jensen Steuard
Published: November 2024

The magnetic field is traditionally presented as a (pseudo)vector quantity, tied closely to the cross product. Though familiar to experts, many students find these ideas challenging and full of subtleties. Building on earlier work in rotational physics, we present an alternative pedagogical approach that describes magnetic fields using bivectors. These objects can be visualized as oriented tiles whose components form an antisymmetric matrix. Historically, bivectors have been mostly used in specialized contexts like spacetime classification or geometric algebra, but they are not necessarily more complicated to understand than cross products. Teaching magnetism in this language addresses common student difficulties, generalizes directly to relativity (and extra dimensions), and brings fresh insight to familiar ideas.
Loss of Earth’s old, wise, and large animals
Authors: Kopf R. Keller , Banks Sam , Brent Lauren J. N. , Humphries Paul , Jolly Chris J. , Lee Phyllis C. , Luiz Osmar J. , Nimmo Dale , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: November 2024

Earth’s old animals are in decline. Despite this, emerging research is revealing the vital contributions of older individuals to cultural transmission, population dynamics, and ecosystem processes and services. Often the largest and most experienced, old individuals are most valued by humans and make important contributions to reproduction, information acquisition and cultural transmission, trophic dynamics, and resistance and resilience to natural and anthropogenic disturbance. These observations contrast with the senescence-focused paradigm of old age that has dominated the literature for more than a century yet are consistent with findings from behavioral ecology and life history theory. In this work, we review why the global loss of old individuals can be particularly detrimental to long-lived animals with indeterminate growth; those with increasing reproductive output with age; and those dependent on migration, sociality, and cultural transmission for survival. Longevity conservation is needed to protect the important ecological roles and ecosystem services provided by old animals.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses for sulbactam–durlobactam using Phase 1, 2, and 3 data
Authors: Cammarata Anthony P. , Safir M. Courtney , Trang Michael , Larson Kajal B. , O'Donnell John P. , Bhavnani Sujata M. , Rubino Christopher M.
Published: November 2024

Sulbactam–durlobactam is a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination approved in the United States for the treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus
in adults. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of sulbactam–durlobactam in plasma was developed using data from eight Phase 1–3 studies. A total of 432 subjects and 8,100 plasma concentrations were available for the population PK data set. The combined model was a four-compartment (two compartments per drug) model with linear kinetics. Both renal clearance and nonrenal clearance were estimated, and total clearance was calculated as the sum of renal and nonrenal clearance. Individual renal clearances were scaled by baseline creatinine clearance. The sampling–importance–resampling analysis indicated that the parameters were estimated reliably with adequate precision. Hemodialysis (HD) and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) sub-models were developed for each analyte separately. Intermittent HD resulted in an approximately 30% decrease in the daily area under the concentration–time curve (AUC
0–24
) when HD was started 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Assuming protein binding estimates of 10% and 38% for durlobactam and sulbactam, respectively, ELF penetration ratios were found to be 41.3% for durlobactam and 86.0% for sulbactam. Of the statistically significant covariates of PK identified, which included body weight, body mass index, infection type, and region of origin, renal function was the only clinically relevant covariate. Overall, a robust description of the plasma PK of sulbactam and durlobactam was achieved. The resultant population PK model was expected to be appropriate for model-based simulations and assessment of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationships.
SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion are independent of ACE2 localization to lipid rafts
Authors: Bolland William , Marechal Inès , Petiot Chloé , Porrot Françoise , Guivel-Benhassine Florence , Brelot Anne , Casartelli Nicoletta , Schwartz Olivier , Buchrieser Julian
Published: November 2024

Membrane fusion occurs at the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication, during entry of the virus, and later during the formation of multinucleated cells called syncytia. Fusion is mediated by the binding of the viral Spike protein to its receptor ACE2. Lipid rafts are dynamic nanodomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. Rafts can act as platforms for entry of different viruses by localizing virus receptors, and attachment factors to the same membrane domains. Here, we first demonstrate that cholesterol depletion by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inhibits Spike-mediated fusion and entry. To further study the role of ACE2 lipid raft localization in SARS-CoV-2 fusion and entry, we designed a GPI-anchored ACE2 construct. Both ACE2 and ACE2-GPI proteins were similarly expressed at the plasma membrane. Through membrane flotation assays, we show that in different cell lines, ACE2-GPI localizes predominantly to raft domains of the plasma membrane while ACE2 is non-raft associated. We then compare the ability of ACE2 and ACE2-GPI to permit SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and syncytia formation of different viral variants. We find little difference in the two proteins. Our results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion are cholesterol-dependent and raft-independent processes.

IMPORTANCE

Rafts are often exploited by viruses and used as platforms to enhance their entry into the cell or spread from cell to cell. The membrane localization of ACE2 and the role of lipid rafts in SARS-CoV-2 entry and cell-to-cell spread are poorly understood. The function of lipid rafts in viral fusion is often studied through their disruption by cholesterol-depleting agents. However, this process may have off-target impacts on viral fusion independently of lipid-raft disruption. Therefore, we created an ACE2 construct that localizes to lipid rafts using a GPI anchor. Conversely, wild-type ACE2 was non-raft associated. We find that the localization of ACE2 to lipid rafts does not modify the fusion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.
Effect of metronidazole on concentrations of vaginal bacteria associated with risk of HIV acquisition
Authors: Valint D. J. , Fiedler Tina L. , Liu Congzhou , Srinivasan Sujatha , Fredricks David N.
Published: November 2024

Several bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria have been associated with elevated risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition; however, susceptibility of these bacteria to antibiotics is poorly understood. Vaginal samples were collected from 22 persons daily for 2 weeks following BV diagnosis. Metronidazole treatment was prescribed for 5–7 days. Changes in bacterial concentrations were measured with taxon-specific 16S rRNA gene quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. A culture-based antimicrobial assay confirmed presence of antibiotics in vaginal swab samples. Bacterial DNA concentrations decreased during antibiotic administration for all 13 bacterial taxa tested. Comparison of bacterial DNA concentrations in samples before administration of antibiotics to samples taken on the last day of antimicrobial assay-confirmed antibiotic presence showed a 2.25–4.78 log10-fold decrease across all taxa. Concentrations were frequently reduced to the qPCR assay’s limit of detection, suggesting eradication of bacteria. Mean clearance time varied across taxa (1.2–7.9 days), with several bacteria (e.g.,
Sneathia
spp., Vaginal TM7, and
Eggerthella
-like sp.) taking >7 days to suppress. Metronidazole reduces quantities of bacterial taxa associated with increased HIV acquisition risk.

IMPORTANCE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission through sex remains a major public health challenge despite efforts at risk reduction and use of anti-retroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis. Many bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated vaginal bacteria have been associated with increased HIV infection risk among women. If these bacteria help mediate HIV infection risk, then eradication of these bacteria is one potential strategy to reduce this risk. However, the best approach to eradicate HIV-high risk bacteria from the vagina is not known. We analyzed vaginal swabs collected daily from women with BV to determine the impact of metronidazole treatment on 13 vaginal bacterial taxa linked to elevated risk of HIV infection through use of taxon-directed quantitative PCR assays. We conclude that eradication of high-risk vaginal bacteria using metronidazole is one promising avenue for reducing HIV acquisition risk, and we provide evidence that a 5–7-day treatment course may not be sufficient to suppress all bacteria.
Association of body index with fecal microbiome in children cohorts with ethnic–geographic factor interaction: accurately using a Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial regression model
Authors: Huang Jian , Lu Yanzhuan , Tian Fengwei , Ni Yongqing
Published: November 2024

The exponential growth of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data on the microbial communities presents researchers with an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the association of microorganisms with host phenotype. However, this growth also poses a challenge, as microbial data are complex, sparse, discrete, and prone to zero inflation. Herein, by utilizing 10 distinct counting models for analyzing simulated data, we proposed an innovative Bayesian zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model that is capable of identifying differentially abundant taxa associated with distinctive host phenotypes and quantifying the effects of covariates on these taxa. Our proposed model exhibits excellent accuracy compared with conventional Hurdle and INLA models, especially in scenarios characterized by inflation and overdispersion. Moreover, we confirm that dispersion parameters significantly affect the accuracy of model results, with defects gradually alleviating as the number of analyzed samples increases. Subsequently applying our model to amplicon data in real multi-ethnic children cohort, we found that only a subset of taxa were identified as having zero inflation in real data, suggesting that the prevailing understanding and processing of microbial count data in most previous microbiome studies were overly dogmatic. In practice, our pipeline of integrating bacterial differential abundance in microbiome data and relevant covariates is effective and feasible. Taken together, our method is expected to be extended to the microbiota studies of various multi-cohort populations.

IMPORTANCE

The microbiome is closely associated with physical indicators of the body, such as height, weight, age and BMI, which can be used as measures of human health. Accurately identifying which taxa in the microbiome are closely related to indicators of physical development is valuable as microbial markers of regional child growth trajectory. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model, a type of Bayesian generalized linear model, can be effectively modeled in complex biological systems. We present an innovative ZINB regression model that is capable of identifying differentially abundant taxa associated with distinctive host phenotypes and quantifying the effects of covariates on these taxa, and demonstrate that its accuracy is superior to traditional Hurdle and INLA models. Our pipeline of integrating bacterial differential abundance in microbiome data and relevant covariates is effective and feasible.
Mercury efficiently volatilized but not completely removed from sediments around igneous intrusions
Authors: Frieling Joost , Svensen Henrik H. , Mather Tamsin A.
Published: November 2024

The impact of large igneous province (LIP) volatile emissions from magmatic and thermogenic sources has been widely studied using sedimentary mercury (Hg). Igneous sill emplacement in sedimentary basins was a key component of several LIPs, generating environmentally significant amounts of thermogenic gases (e.g., CH4, CO2, Hg) and fluids by heating sedimentary rocks. Understanding these processes is key to realizing the promise of Hg in sedimentary archives to understand LIP impacts and track LIP carbon outputs. Published data show sedimentary rocks in contact aureoles of such LIP-related intrusions retain some Hg despite exposure temperatures above the stability limit of sedimentary Hg phases (>300 °C). We examine this unexpected Hg retention using Hg thermal desorption profiles (TDPs). The TDPs reveal a remarkable pattern in Hg speciation related to intrusions: with increasing aureole temperature, Hg release is progressively dominated by a low-temperature phase that could have formed only during or after cooling of the intrusion. We calculate a temperature-dependent Hg volatilization efficiency and show that 70%–100% of Hg was mobilized above 350 °C. Despite the efficient volatilization, only ~50% of the volatilized Hg was removed from the studied aureole. Mercury recapture in and around the thermal aureole likely extends into the associated hydrothermal vent systems, reduces the Hg:C ratios of emitted thermogenic gases, and may lead to underestimation of Hg-based LIP thermogenic CO2 and CH4 emissions estimates and their environmental impact.
Cystoid macular oedema: a rare complication following selective laser trabeculoplasty
Authors: Richardson-May James , Evans William , Pandey Shweta , Lewis Karinya
Published: November 2024

A female patient with previous vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in the left eye underwent bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for pigmentary glaucoma and subsequently developed cystoid macular oedema (CMO) in the vitrectomised eye. This resolved fully with treatment with topical steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drops. This complication has been very rarely reported in the literature, and a subsequent internal audit found a very low rate of CMO temporally related to SLT of 0.07%. We suggest close follow-up and ‘red flag’ follow-up instructions to patients with previous vitrectomy or epiretinal membrane to watch for this complication, and clinicians may consider covering higher risk patients with an NSAID post-laser.