bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framework for understanding movement and physical activity in patients diagnosed with psychosis
Authors: Diamond Rowan , Waite Felicity , Boylan Anne-Marie , Hicks Alice , Kabir Thomas , Freeman Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients diagnosed with psychosis often spend less time than others engaged in exercise and more time sitting down, which likely contributes to poorer physical and mental health.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework from the perspective of patients, carers, and staff for understanding what promotes movement and physical activity.

Methods

A critical realist approach was taken to design the study. Interviews (n=23) and focus groups (n=12) were conducted with (1) outpatients aged 16 years or older diagnosed with psychosis, and under the care of a mental health team, (2) carers and (3) mental health staff working in the community. Purposive sampling was used to maximise variation in participant characteristics. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

19 patients (9 women and 10 men, mean age=45·0 (SD=12·2) years, 15 White British, 2 Black African, 1 Pakistani and 1 other ethnic group), 14 carers (11 women and 3 men, mean age=59·9 (SD=12·7) years, 13 White British and 1 Asian) and 18 staff (14 women and 4 men, mean age=38·7 (SD=12·3) years, 15 White British, 1 White other, 1 Asian Bangladeshi and 1 other Asian) participated in the study. Five factors were found to promote movement and physical activity. Patients must be able to find a purpose to moving which is meaningful to them (Factor 1: Purpose). Patients need to have an expectation of the positive consequences of movement and physical activity, which can be influenced by others’ expectations (Factor 2: Predictions). A patient’s current physical (eg, pain) and emotional state (eg, distress about voices) needs to be addressed to allow movement and physical activity (Factor 3: Present state). Movement and physical activity can also be encouraged by the availability of effective and tailored support, provided by engaged and supported people (Factor 4: Provision). Finally, through the identification and interruption of vicious cycles (eg, between inactivity and mood states) more positive cycles can be put in place (Factor 5: Process).

Conclusions and clinical implications

The 5 P (Purpose, Predictions, Present state, Provision and Process Physical Activity Framework) for understanding movement and physical activity for people diagnosed with psychosis has the potential to inform future research and guide interventions. A checklist is provided for clinicians to help foster change in activity levels.
Exploring rural households’ knowledge and perception of acute kidney injury in the southern region of The Gambia: a mixed-method community-based cross-sectional study design
Authors: Kinteh Bakary , Jatta Solomon P S , Kinteh Sambou L S , Badjie Mansour , Touray Ebrima , Sillah Sheikh Omar , Barrow Amadou
Published: February 2024

Background

The Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in The Gambia is a national tragedy attracting international concern, linked to nearly 100 deaths in children. This situation arose due to the use of contaminated medical products by children in the country.

Method

We used a mixed-method, cross-sectional study design to assess households’ knowledge and perceptions of AKI in the southern region of The Gambia. A total of 2174 respondents from 123 rural communities were recruited via multistage sampling and were interviewed face-to-face using a questionnaire. Qualitatively, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. The collected data were analysed as categorical and continuous variables, and thematic areas using SPSS V.26 and NVivo software.

Results

The mean age was 36 years (SD±14.17) and 70% of the respondents were women. Most respondents had no formal education (45.6%), lived in extended family households (55%) and 91.6% earned a monthly income of less than GMD5000 (Gambian dalasi) (<US$100). Although 80% of the respondents were aware of the AKI outbreak in The Gambia, 90% showed poor knowledge about the disease. Half of the respondents correctly identified contaminated medical products as the cause of AKI. Interestingly, 97.1% of the participants held a moderate perception of AKI in The Gambia and firmly rejected the notion that the outbreak was politically motivated. The AKI outbreak was viewed as a stern lesson and a wake-up call for the Ministry of Health to take the necessary actions.

Conclusion

A significant deficiency in AKI knowledge exists among rural households, even though their perceptions of health services remain positive and unwavering. AKI is viewed as a widespread health concern rather than a political issue. To maintain this view and enhance trust, a national dialogue involving the Ministry of Health and the population is recommended.
Genomic discordances and heterogeneous mutational burden, PD-L1 expression and immune infiltrates of non-small cell lung cancer metastasis
Authors: Wu Jianghua , Mao Luning , Lei Wanjun , Sun Wei , Yang Xin , Zhang Yanhui , Huang Xiaozheng , Lin Dongmei
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the genomic discordances and heterogeneous mutational burden, PD-L1 expression and immune cell (IC) infiltrates of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis.

Methods

Surgical samples from 41 cases of NSCLC with metastatic tumours (MTs) and paired primary tumours (PTs) were collected. PD-L1 expression and ICs were quantified using image-based immunohistochemistry profiling. Whole exome sequencing was employed to explore discrepancies in genomic characteristics, tumour mutational burden (TMB) and tumour neoantigen burden (TNB) in 28 cases.

Results

Non-synonymous mutations in MTs were slightly more than in PTs, with only 42.34% of mutations shared between paired PTs and MTs. The heterogeneity of TMB showed no significant difference (p=0.785) between MTs and PTs, while TNB significantly increased in MTs (p=0.013). MTs generally exhibited a higher density of PD-L1+ cells and a higher tumour proportion score with a lower density of IC infiltrates. Subgroup analysis considering clinicopathological factors revealed that the heterogeneity of immune biomarkers was closely associated with the histology of lung adenocarcinoma, metastatic sites of extrapulmonary, time intervals and treatment history. Prognosis analysis indicated that a high density of CD8+ T cells was a low-risk factor, whereas a high density of PD-L1+ cells in MTs was a high-risk factor for cancer-related death in metastatic NSCLC.

Conclusions

The mutational burden, PD-L1 expression and IC infiltrates undergo changes during NSCLC metastasis, which may impact the immunotherapeutic benefits in patients with NSCLC with metastatic progression and should be monitored according to clinical scenarios.
Embolization of the middle meningeal artery for the prevention of chronic subdural hematoma recurrence in high-risk patients: a randomized controlled trial—the EMPROTECT study protocol
Authors: Shotar Eimad , Mathon Bertrand , Rouchaud Aymeric , Mounayer Charbel , Salle Henri , Bricout Nicolas , Lejeune Jean-Paul , Janot Kevin , Zemmoura Ilyess , Naggara Olivier , Roux Alexandre , Goutagny Stéphane , Guedon Alexis , Brunel Herve , Troude Lucas , Dufour Henry , Bernat Anne-Laure , Tuilier Titien , Bresson Damien , Apra Caroline , Fouet Mathilde , Escalard Simon , Chauvet Dorian , Baptiste Amandine , Lebbah Said , Dechartres Agnès , Clarençon Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Background

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been proposed as a treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The benefit of the procedure has yet to be demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. We aim to assess the efficacy of MMA embolization in reducing the risk of CSDH recurrence 6 months after burr-hole surgery compared with standard medical treatment in patients at high risk of postoperative recurrence.

Methods

The EMPROTECT trial is a multicenter open label randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 12 French centers. Adult patients (≥18 years) operated for CSDH recurrence or for a first episode with a predefined recurrence risk factor are randomized 1:1 to receive either MMA embolization within 7 days of the burr-hole surgery (experimental group) or standard medical care (control group). The number of patients to be included is 342.

Results

The primary outcome is the rate of CSDH recurrence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include the rate of repeated surgery for a homolateral CSDH recurrence during the 6-month follow-up period, the rate of disability and dependency at 1 and 6 months, defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥4, mortality at 1 and 6 months, total cumulative duration of hospital stay during the 6-month follow-up period, directly or indirectly related to the CSDH and embolization procedure-related complication rates.

Conclusions

The EMPROTECT trial is the first RCT evaluating the benefit of MMA embolization as a surgical adjunct for the prevention of CSDH recurrence. If positive, this trial will have a significant impact on patient care.

Trial registration number

NCT04372147.
An assessment of microplastics in fecal samples from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Canada's North
Authors: Iyare P.U. , Vanderlip H.L. , Dias M. , Provencher J.F. , Zou S. , Lougheed S.C. , Van Coeverden de Groot P.J. , Whitelaw G. , Branigan M. , Dyck M. , Orihel D.M.
Published: February 2024

We assessed the potential for plastic ingestion in polar bears ( Ursus maritimus (Phipps (1774))) using fecal analysis. Two method studies ensured our protocols could effectively recover and identify plastics in feces. First, microplastics (film, foam, or fragments) were intentionally introduced into a model organic matrix. Recovery rates (mean ± standard deviation) averaged 95.8 ± 14.7% ( n = 18) and were significantly affected by microplastic morphology but not digestion status. Second, microplastic fragments of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene were intentionally introduced to polar bear feces. Recovery rates averaged 79.3 ± 21.6% ( n = 8) and Raman microscopy successfully identified all three polymers in 87.5% of samples. The main study then investigated the presence of microplastics in hunter-collected polar bear feces in the Canadian Arctic. Feces from the colons of hunted bears ( n = 15) and field scat ( n = 15) were collected through collaboration with Inuit communities. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and/or polyethylene terephthalate were detected in the feces of eight bears. Concentrations of microplastics in feces were, on average, less than 1 particle/g dry weight feces and at or near detection limits. Overall, this work suggests microplastic ingestion by Canadian polar bears may be low and demonstrates the utility of fecal sampling for community-based monitoring programs.
Temporal and spatial thermal performance of a ground heat exchanger in response to bridge solar recharging and de-icing operations: a pilot full-scale study
Authors: Habibzadeh-Bigdarvish Omid , Lei Gang , Yu Xinbao , Puppala Anand J. , Narsilio Guillermo A.
Published: February 2024

A full-scale mock-up geothermal bridge was built in Texas, USA, to evaluate the field performance of a novel external geothermal bridge de-icing system. The geothermal bridge system comprises a single U-loop ground heat exchanger (GHE) 131 m deep, a geothermal heat pump, four circulation pumps, and hydronic heating loops attached to the bridge deck. A comprehensive monitoring system was implemented to monitor the spatial ground temperature response. The geothermal bridge system was operated and monitored for solar collector and bridge de-icing operations totaling 99 days between August 2019 and April 2020. An average heat injection of 5.7 W/m was observed during the solar collector operation. Based on the defined control volume, approximately 48.9–380.8 kWh of energy, corresponding to 3.7%–28.5% of the total injected energy, was available at the end of the solar–collector operation. Moreover, test results showed that 31.7%–39.4% of stored thermal energy was preserved for utilization in the first winter de-icing test. The radius of the influence zone of the GHE operation was found to be 3.45 m. The outcome of the field experimental studies and further data collection performed over a year of operations showed that the heat injection into the soil by bridge solar collector was 54% more effective than heat extraction from the ground during the several de-icing tests performed from 2019 to 2020.
The effects of cricket meal (Gryllus sigillatus) on the meat quality, growth, and internal morphology of broiler chickens
Authors: Fisher Holly J. , Empey Madelaine , MacIsaac Janice L. , Rathgeber Bruce R. , Mason Beth , Colombo Stefanie M. , Collins Stephanie A.
Published: February 2024

Cricket ( Gryllus sigillatus) meal (CM) was fed to Ross 308 broiler chickens ( n = 624 total; 26 birds/pen) at dietary inclusion rates of 0% (non-medicated control; NM), 0% (medicated control; 0.05% virginiamycin, 0.03% monensin; M), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% CM (non-medicated) for 35 days to determine the impact of this novel feed ingredient on the growth, feed intake, organ indices, and meat quality of these chickens. The final average live weight of broilers fed 5% CM was lower than broilers fed the 10% CM ( P < 0.05) and the 0% NM diets ( P < 0.05). Total weight gain was lowest in chickens fed 5% CM ( P < 0.05) and the % ratio of the weight of the small intestine to body weight of the chickens fed 5% CM was significantly higher on day 20 than that of the other treatments ( P < 0.05). Meat texture and colour were not affected by dietary treatments. Cooking loss in birds fed the 10% CM diet was significantly higher than that of birds fed the 0% NM control. Feeding up to 20% CM did not alter the growth, organ indices, or meat quality of broiler chickens, although further research is required to determine whether including >20% CM in the diet will produce similar results.
Copy number variation at Vrn-A1 and haplotype diversity at Fr-A2 are major determinants of winter survival of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Eastern Canada
Authors: Chen Yi , Kaviani Mina , Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi Mohsen , McElroy Michel , Rajcan Istvan , Navabi Alireza
Published: February 2024

Winter survival is an essential trait for winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars grown in high latitude regions such as Eastern Canada. Indoor studies have identified that copy number variation of genes influencing freezing is an essential component. Although Canadian winter wheat is predominantly grown in Eastern Canada, the extent to which allele variation in freezing tolerance genes affects winter survival in this region remains unknown, as there are presently no studies characterizing such variation in Canadian winter wheat germplasm. In this study, we characterized a panel 415 Canadian winter wheat cultivars for haplotype diversity of the Frost Resistance-2 ( Fr-A2) locus and copy number variation of Vernalization-A1 ( Vrn-A1) and C- repeat binding factors- A14 ( CBF-A14). Additionally, this study evaluates each gene’s effect on winter survival across two locations and 2 years. We found that a combination of Vrn-A1 copy number and Fr-A2 haplotype accounted for 67.38% of the genotypic variance. Most of the cultivars tested (77.3%) carry the allele combination of three copies of Vrn-A1 and the Fr-A2-T haplotype, which was associated with the best winter survival. Interestingly, copy number of Vrn-A1 did not significantly affect heading time, therefore, selecting for higher copy number of Vrn-A1 would not affect maturity.
BACKGROUND VERIFICATION AT ERGOS INDIA
Authors: Bathini Dharma Raju
Published: February 2024

Arnold, HR head of ERGOS India, faces a difficult decision when an employee, Swati, is asked to resign due to a discrepancy in her background verification (BGV) and her inability to submit a document proving her past employment. The account team, which serves one of the company’s most valuable clients, wants to retain Swati at any cost due to her impressive performance and a sudden talent crunch. However, the company takes BGV concerns seriously as it poses a compliance issue and a potential ethics code violation. The evidence against Swati is substantive but not conclusive, and there are potential privacy breaches involving her private income tax information. In deciding the case, Arnold must weigh legal, diversity, privacy and inter-team conflict concerns to balance ethics compliance and immediate business needs.
Development of Honey Badger-Cat Swarm Optimisation-Based Parallel Cascaded Deep Network for Software Bug Prediction Framework
Authors: Gupta Anurag , Sharma Mayank , Srivastava Amit
Published: February 2024

Software bug prediction is mainly used for testing and code inspection. So, software bug prediction is carried out by network measures over the decades. But, the classical fault prediction method failed to obtain the semantic difference among various programs. Thus, it degrades the working of the prediction model, which is designed using these aspects. It is necessary to obtain the semantic difference for designing the prediction model accurately and effectively. In a software defect prediction system, it faces many difficulties in identifying the defect modules like correlation, irrelevance aspects, data redundancy, and missing samples or values. Consequently, many researchers are designed to detect software bug prediction that categorises faulty as well as non-faulty modules with software matrices. But, there are only a few works focussed to mitigate the class imbalance problem in bug prediction. In order to overcome the problem, it is required to develop an efficient software bug prediction method with the enhanced classifier. For this experimentation, the input data are taken from the standard online data sources. Initially, the input data undergo pre-processing phase and then, the pre-processed data are provided as input to the feature extraction by utilising the Auto-Encoder. These obtained features are utilised in getting the optimal fused features with the help of a new Hybrid Honey Badger Cat Swarm Algorithm (HHBCSA). Finally, these features are fed as input to the Optimised Parallel Cascaded Deep Network (OPCDP), where the “Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Deep Belief Network (DBN)” are used for the prediction of software bugs, in which the parameters from both classifiers are optimised by proposed HHBCSA algorithm. From the investigations, the recommended software bug prediction method offers a quicker bug prediction result, which helps to detect and remove the software bug easily and accurately.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE VARIABLES: INSIGHTS FROM GRAPHICAL GAUSSIAN MODEL
Authors: DA FERMO CARMINE , TANZI PAOLA MUSILE , NICOLOSI MARCO , STANGHELLINI ELENA
Published: February 2024

In recent years, attention toward Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues has become increasingly important in the investment decision-making process, prompting interest of investors, companies, regulators and researchers on the possible relationships between financial performances and sustainable variables. With the aim to increase our understanding of these relationships, we use a graphical modeling approach on the MSCI and Bloomberg sustainable dataset for years from 2017 to 2021. Our analysis shows that companies with a higher level of compliance with ESG standards have lower assets’ volatility than others and are not penalized in terms of returns. Furthermore, the increasing level of mandatory disclosure within the European area, induced by the current regulation, has reduced the strength of the positive relationship between Disclosure Score and ESG Score. Moreover, the negative relationship between ESG Score and volatility remains consistent across temporal and geographic areas.
Can Machines Be in Language?
Authors: Denning Peter , Rousse B. Scot
Published: February 2024

Large language models brought language to machines. Machines are not up to the challenge.
Protecting Sensitive Data with Secure Data Enclaves
Authors: Howison Mark , Angell Mintaka , Hastings Justine S.
Published: February 2024

A Secure Data Enclave is a system that allows data owners, such as governments and private firms, to control data access and ensure data security while facilitating approved uses of data by other parties. This model of data use offers additional protections and technical controls for the data owner compared to the more commonly used approach of transferring data from the owner to another party through a data sharing agreement. Under the data use model, the data owner retains full transparency and auditing over the other party's access, which can be difficult to achieve in practice with even the best legal instrument for data sharing. We describe the key technical requirements for a Secure Data Enclave, provide a reference architecture for its implementation on Amazon Web Services using managed cloud services, and describe four use cases of this architecture in partnerships with state governments to control access to sensitive administrative data.
Interaction-Shaping Robotics: Robots That Influence Interactions between Other Agents
Authors: Gillet Sarah , Vázquez Marynel , Andrist Sean , Leite Iolanda , Sebo Sarah
Published: February 2024

Work in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) has investigated interactions between one human and one robot as well as human–robot group interactions. Yet the field lacks a clear definition and understanding of the influence a robot can exert on interactions between other group members (e.g., human-to-human). In this article, we define Interaction-Shaping Robotics (ISR), a subfield of HRI that investigates robots that influence the behaviors and attitudes exchanged between two (or more) other agents. We highlight key factors of interaction-shaping robots that include the role of the robot, the robot-shaping outcome, the form of robot influence, the type of robot communication, and the timeline of the robot’s influence. We also describe three distinct structures of human–robot groups to highlight the potential of ISR in different group compositions and discuss targets for a robot’s interaction-shaping behavior. Finally, we propose areas of opportunity and challenges for future research in ISR.
Internal Rehearsals for a Reconfigurable Robot to Improve Area Coverage Performance
Authors: Samarakoon S. M. Bhagya P. , Muthugala M. A. Viraj J. , Elara Mohan Rajesh
Published: February 2024

Reconfigurable robots are deployed for applications demanding area coverage, such as cleaning and inspections. Reconfiguration per context, considering beyond a small set of predefined shapes, is crucial for area coverage performance. However, the existing area coverage methods of reconfigurable robots are not always effective and require improvements for ascertaining the intended goal. Therefore, this article proposes a novel coverage strategy based on internal rehearsals to improve the area coverage performance of a reconfigurable robot. In this regard, a reconfigurable robot is embodied with the cognitive ability to predict the outcomes of its actions before executing them. A genetic algorithm uses the results of the internal rehearsals to determine a set of the robot’s coverage parameters, including positioning, heading, and reconfiguration, to maximize coverage in an obstacle cluster encountered by the robot. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method can significantly improve the area coverage performance of a reconfigurable robot.
Electrochemical Signatures of Potassium Plating and Stripping
Authors: Rizell Josef , Chrobak Wojciech , Mozhzhukhina Nataliia , Xiong Shizhao , Matic Aleksandar
Published: February 2024

Alkali metal anodes can enable unmatched energy densities in next generation batteries but suffer from insufficient coulombic efficiencies. To deduce details about processes taking place during galvanostatic cycling, voltage profiles are commonly analyzed, however the interpretation is not straightforward as multiple processes can occur simultaneously. Here we provide a route to disentangle and interpret features of the voltage profile in order to build a mechanistic understanding on alkali metal stripping and deposition, by investigating potassium metal deposition as a model case where processes and reactions are exaggerated due to the high reactivity of potassium. In particular, the importance of separating SEI formation and nucleation to correctly estimate the energy barrier for nucleation is demonstrated. Further, we show how the native layer formed on alkali metal foils gives rise to strong features in the voltage profile and propose forming alkali metal electrode through electrodeposition to mitigate these effects.
Study of ZnAl Hydroxides-Based Thin Films to Enhance the Filiform Corrosion Resistance of Acrylic-Coated AA5005
Authors: Fedel Michele , Zonta Stefano , Cristoforetti Andrea
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the imperative to adopt a sustainable approach to aluminum coating pre-treatments due to environmental concerns has engaged researchers in corrosion studies. This work investigates Zn-Al hydroxides-based conversion coatings developed on AA5005 to enhance filiform corrosion (FFC) resistance. The conversion coatings were applied as a pre-treatment (200 nm–800 nm thick, depending on synthesis conditions) prior to coating with acrylic paint. The synthesis of the Zn-Al hydroxides conversion coating involves a rapid hydrothermal method at near-neutral pH. Electrochemical tests performed on the ZnAl hydroxides conversion coatings onto AA5005 revealed a substantial improvement in localized corrosion resistance. FFC tests in a climatic chamber exhibit a significant decrease (about 50%) in rust creep filament propagation compared to bare AA5005 after 1000 h. Those results were obtained employing Zn and Al salts at neutral pH for ten minutes at 95 °C. The findings obtained suggest that the synthesis process is of potential interest within the context of chemical surface conversion treatments for aluminum. In fact, eco-friendly metallic salts contribute to a more economical and environmentally friendly waste disposal process, making this treatment a potential solution for industrial applications, considering its simplicity, time efficiency, and use of non-toxic products.
Atherosclerosis as the Damocles’ sword of human evolution: insights from nonhuman ape-like primates, ancient human remains, and isolated modern human populations
Authors: Kumar Annora Ai-Wei , Huangfu Gavin , Figtree Gemma A. , Dwivedi Girish
Published: February 2024

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the predominant risk factors are advanced age and high-circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, the findings of atherosclerosis in relatively young mummified remains and a lack of atherosclerosis in chimpanzees despite high LDL-C call into question the role of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The inflammatory theory of atherosclerosis may explain the discrepancies between traditional risk factors and observed phenomena in current literature. Following the divergence from chimpanzees several millennia ago, loss of function mutations in immune regulatory genes and changes in gene expression have resulted in an overactive human immune system. The ubiquity of atherosclerosis in the modern era may reflect a selective pressure that enhanced the innate immune response at the cost of atherogenesis and other chronic disease states. Evidence provided from the fields of genetics, evolutionary biology, and paleoanthropology demonstrates a sort of circular dependency between inflammation, immune system functioning, and evolution at both a species and cellular level. More recently, the role of proinflammatory stimuli, somatic mutations, and the gene-environment effect appear to be underappreciated elements in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Neurobiological stress, metabolic syndrome, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors may instead function as intermediary links between inflammation and atherosclerosis. Therefore, considering evolution as a mechanistic process and atherosclerosis as part of the inertia of evolution, greater insight into future preventative and therapeutic interventions for atherosclerosis can be gained by examining the past.
Cerebrospinal Pharmacokinetic Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Ceftriaxone in Pediatric Patients with Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Onita Tetsushu , Ikawa Kazuro , Ishihara Noriyuki , Tamaki Hiroki , Yano Takahisa , Morikawa Norifumi , Naora Kohji
Published: February 2024

What Is Known? and Objective. Ceftriaxone has been widely used to treat bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients. Ceftriaxone dosing regimens of 80–120 mg/kg/day have been recommended for bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients, and the usual duration of therapy is 7–14 days. Although the target site for meningitis is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a CSF pharmacokinetic (PK) model in pediatric patients has not been reported. We aimed to develop a CSF PK model of ceftriaxone, using not only serum but also CSF concentration data, and to evaluate the appropriateness of dosing regimens for pediatric patients with bacterial meningitis. Methods. The population PK model was developed by simultaneously fitting serum and CSF data from pediatric patients described in nine published articles. Probabilities of attaining a pharmacodynamic target (100% T > MIC, 100% of time that drug concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration) in CSF were estimated for some dosing regimens. Results and Discussion. Twenty‐four pediatric patients with meningitis were the subjects for PK modeling (0.52–13 years old, and 3.5–50 kg of body weight). Sixty‐eight serum concentrations and 98 CSF samples were used to develop the CSF PK model. The CSF/serum concentration ratio at the same sampling time was 0.0628 ± 0.0689. Age was not a statistically significant covariate in the PK parameter. In the CSF PK model, 40–60 mg/kg q12 h achieved a target attainment probability >90% against causative bacteria for bacterial meningitis. However, 4‐h infusion (rather than 0.5‐h infusion) dosing regimens were required for efficacy against antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria with high MICs. What Is New? and Conclusion. Ceftriaxone‐dosing regimens with prolonged infusion times might be reasonably effective for treating antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens in empiric therapy.
The Effect of Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate, and Xanthan Gum on Textural and Rheological Characteristics of Gluten-Free Batter and Cake
Authors: Ghaemi Parastoo , Arabshahi-Delouee Saeedeh , Aalami Mehran , Hosseini Ghaboos Seyyed Hossein
Published: February 2024

The market of gluten-free food products has been growing exponentially in recent years. Consequently, it is necessary to conduct research on the effects of various compounds to enhance the quality of these products. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of adding whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI) at three levels (0%, 5%, and 10%) and xanthan gum (XG) (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%) on the textural and rheological characteristics of gluten-free batter and cake based on rice flour. The results showed that increasing the levels of XG, WPC, and SPI improved the apparent viscosity of the batter samples. The effect of WPC on the apparent viscosity was more pronounced than that of SPI, as the highest value (21.9 Pa·s) was related to the sample containing 10% WPC and 0.3% XG. The loss tangent values of the batter samples, measured at a frequency of 1 Hz, ranged from 0.531 to 0.8 for different levels of WPC/XG and from 0.466 to 0.699 for SPI/XG, indicating a gel-like behavior of the batter samples. The sample containing 10% SPI and 0.3% XG displayed the strongest gel with higher storage modulus (982.112 Pa) and loss modulus (458.039 Pa) compared to other samples. Increasing the levels of XG, WPC, and SPI resulted in higher specific volume, porosity, firmness, and springiness of the samples compared to the control sample (P<0.05). The addition of WPC, SPI, and XG improved the overall acceptability of the cake samples, with the samples containing WPC/XG combination being the most preferred. Ultimately, the cake sample containing 10% WPC along with 0.3% XG introduced as optimal sample. This formulation not only can enhance the characteristics of gluten-free cake but also meets parts of the nutritional needs of consumers, particularly those with celiac disease.
Novel Antioxidant Humanin Analogue Restores Bull Semen Cryosurvivability
Authors: Pande Megha , Ghosh S. K. , Tyagi S. , Katiyar R. , Kumar S. , Srivastava N. , Sirohi A. S. , Sarika  , Chand N. , Dhara S. K. , Bhure S. K. , Mahajan S.
Published: February 2024

The current study was intended to determine the effects of humanin analogue (HNG) supplementation on semen freezability and oxidative stress parameters of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa. A total of 24 semen ejaculates, from Frieswal breeding bulls, were selected for the experiment. Samples with ≥70% progressive motility, ≥500 million spermatozoa/mL, and >2 mL volume were utilized for further processing, supplementation, and cryopreservation. Each sample was divided into four equal groups and the experiment consisted of three treatment groups and one control group. In the control group, the spermatozoa were frozen in an extender without HNG, while in the other three groups, HNG supplementation was done at a concentration of 2, 10, and 20 μM, respectively. The fortification of HNG at a concentration of 10 and 20 µM significantly (p  < 0.05) improved the percent post‐thaw motility and kinetic variables as assessed by CASA, viability, acrosome‐ and plasma membrane‐integrity as compared to 2 µM and control group. The supplementation showed significant (p  < 0.05) controlled oxidative stress as exhibited by a reduction in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels. The supplemented groups also exhibited significant (p  < 0.05) improvements in total antioxidant levels, increased mean percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting high mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, acrosome‐intact noncapacitated spermatozoa, and zona binding ability. In conclusion, the supplementation of humanin analogue at 10 and 20 µM significantly improved the post‐thaw semen quality, functional parameters, and zona binding ability and controlled the oxidative stress in cryopreserved spermatozoa. Thus, the supplementation of its analogue may potentially prove to be a valuable approach for the improvement of semen freezability in crossbred Frieswal bulls.
Stability Analysis of SIRS Model considering Pulse Vaccination and Elimination Disturbance
Authors: Ma Yanli , Zuo Xuewu
Published: February 2024

It is well known that many natural phenomena and human activities do exhibit impulsive effects in the fields of epidemiology. At the same time, compared with a single control strategy, it is obvious that the multiple control strategies are more beneficial to restrain the spread of infectious diseases. In this paper, we consider pulse vaccination and pulse elimination strategies at the same time and establish an SIRS epidemic model with standard incidence. Firstly, according to the stroboscopic mapping method of the discrete dynamical system, the disease-free T periodic solution of the model under the condition of pulse vaccination and pulse elimination is obtained. Secondly, the basic reproductive number R0 is defined, and the local asymptotic stability of the disease-free T periodic solution is proved by Floquet theory for R0<1. Finally, based on the impulsive differential inequality theory, the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free T periodic solution is given for R0<1, and the disease dies out eventually. The results show that in order to stop the disease epidemic, it is necessary to choose the appropriate vaccination rate and elimination rate and the appropriate impulsive period.
Improving Quality, Productivity, and Cost Aspects of a Sewing Line of Apparel Industry Using TQM Approach
Authors: Joy Raihan Ahmed , Hawlader Md Solaiman , Rahman Md Saifur , Hossain Md. Rafayat , Shamim Shariful Islam , Mahmud Hosen
Published: February 2024

Total quality management (TQM) is a methodical strategy to minimize defects through six processes including choosing the manufacturer, gathering information, identifying the issues, analyzing the current situation, and coming up with solutions, putting the plan into action, data collection, and result analysis. The study investigates how quality, productivity, and cost aspects of a sewing line can be improved by implementing (TQM) approach in an apparel manufacturing industry in Bangladesh. This research concentrates on reducing four primary types of faults in the sewing department of DMC Apparels Ltd., such as uncut thread, up-down, broken stitch, and joint stitch. Proper information on several stitching errors was provided by the operators and helpers and those are used to assess the study in the next step. Performing the Pareto analysis and histograms to identify the primary concerns are part of the analyzing process. Moreover, using the 10 TQM pillars, the implementation step entails establishing the TQM mindset in the sewing line of the apparel industry. Several data-gathering methods are utilized to analyze primary data throughout the study’s final phase. To analyze the acquired data, Microsoft Excel was employed. The percentage of defect per hundred unit was decreased by 1.51% after optimization, as the recommended solutions’ impact on the defect level in the section was found to be quite significant. Significant parameters such as efficiency, quality, and cost aspect were analyzed and showed positive changes after implementing the TQM approach. The new technical layout also allows for the saving of five employees and a 3,000-min labor expense reduction. Finally, the research was completed by analyzing the basic pitch time graph and calculating the overall equipment effectiveness.
Synthesis and Antitubercular Evaluation of Diverse Glycosylated Ureas from D-Glucose
Authors: Tripathi Neetu , Tiwari Vinod K.
Published: February 2024

N, N-disubstituted glycosylated ureas have been synthesized in good-to-excellent yields by 1,4-conjugate addition of amines to glycosylated olefinic esters followed by reaction of resulting glycosyl β-amino esters with diisocyanates. The developed sugar-based molecules were well characterized by extensive standard spectroscopic analysis including NMR (1H, 13C, and DEPT), IR, MS, and elemental analysis and were screened for their biological activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. Tb.), where some of them displayed potent antitubercular activity. The molecules have been designed keeping in view the well-known inhibitors of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall polymers and may be further explored as lead molecules for the successful development of a potential antitubercular drug candidate.Dedicated to Dr. Rama P. Tripathi, Former Chief Scientist at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, for his extraordinary contribution to “Drug development against Tuberculosis”
Supplementary Figure 3 from Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Heterogeneity of the Immune Landscape of IDH–Wild-Type High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Ran Xiaojuan , Zheng Jian , Chen Linchao , Xia Zhen , Wang Yin , Sun Chengfang , Guo Chen , Lin Peng , Liu Fuyi , Wang Chun , Zhou Jianguo , Sun Chongran , Liu Qichang , Ma Jianzhu , Qin Zhiyong , Zhu Xiangdong , Xie Qi
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure 3
Supplementary Figure S1 from RALDH1 Inhibition Shows Immunotherapeutic Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Cao Shuwen , Yang Shyh-Ming , Rai Ganesha , Martinez Natalia J. , Yasgar Adam , Zakharov Alexey V. , Simeonov Anton , Molina Arocho William A. , Lobel Graham P. , Mohei Hesham , Scott Alexis L. , Zhai Li , Furth Emma E. , Simon M. Celeste , Haldar Malay
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure
Supplementary table 2 from Tumor-Derived RAB21+ABHD12+ sEVs Drive the Premetastatic Microenvironment in the Lung
Authors: Wu Kun , Li Yan , Ji Yikang , Liu Chun , Wang Xiaoning , Guo Haiyan , Zhang Jianjun , He Yue
Published: February 2024

Supplementary table 2
Supplementary Figure 8 from Engagement of CD99 Activates Distinct Programs in Ewing Sarcoma and Macrophages
Authors: Manara Maria Cristina , Manferdini Cristina , Cristalli Camilla , Carrabotta Marianna , Santi Spartaco , De Feo Alessandra , Caldoni Giulia , Pasello Michela , Landuzzi Lorena , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Salamanna Francesca , Dominici Sabrina , Fiori Valentina , Magnani Mauro , Lisignoli Gina , Scotlandi Katia
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure 8
Deventilation Syndrome in COPD Patients Receiving Long-Term Home Noninvasive Ventilation: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Wollsching-Strobel Maximilian , Stannek Karsten , Majorski Daniel Sebastian , Magnet Friederike Sophie , Kroppen Doreen , Berger Melanie Patricia , Zimmermann Maximilian , Windisch Wolfram , Stanzel Sarah Bettina
Published: February 2024

The treatment of patients with COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure using noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is well established. A “deventilation syndrome” (DVS) has been described as acute dyspnea after cessation of NIV therapy. A systematic scoping review reporting according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) searching Embase was conducted in September 2021. A final manual search followed in February 2023. Literature synthesis was blinded using Rayyan by three different reviewers. A total of 2,009 studies were screened. Five studies met the eligibility criteria. Four articles presented original data. Three articles examined potential treatment options. Three studies were prospective; none were randomized. A total of 122 patients were included. DVS was defined differently in all studies. Seventy-four patients were identified to suffer from DVS (48 controls). Patients were evaluated by blood gas analysis, transcutaneous TcCO2 measurement, spirometry, whole-body plethysmography, respiratory muscle assessments, diaphragmatic electromyography, ultrasound, 6-min walk test, polysomnography, and questionnaires. Treatment approaches studied were minimization of “patient-ventilator asynchrony” (PVA) and use of pursed- lip breathing ventilation. Pathophysiological mechanisms discussed were PVA, high inspiratory positive airway pressure, hyperinflation, respiratory muscle impairment, and increased respiratory rates. Compared with controls, patients with DVS appeared to suffer from more severe airway obstruction, hyperinflation, and PaCO2 retention; worse exercise test scores; and poorer quality of life. The available evidence does not allow for definite conclusions about pathophysiological mechanisms, ethology, or therapeutic options. Future studies should focus on a consistent definition and possible pathomechanisms.
Severe Colitis in 2 Patients with Melanoma Treated with BRAF/MEK Inhibitors: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wautier Chloe , Gourmaud Jolanta , Dong Catherine , Berthod Gregoire
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Encorafenib and binimetinib, a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors, is a standard of care for patients with advanced BRAFV600-mutant melanoma. This combination is known to have gastrointestinal side effects, most of which are mild and managed symptomatically. However, very few studies have reported severe colitis. Case Presentation: We report here 2 patients with advanced melanoma who developed severe ulcerated right colitis manifested by diarrhea and hematochezia while being treated with encorafenib and binimetinib after immune checkpoint therapy. Conclusion: This rare but serious adverse event was not described in early phase 3 trials but has emerged in recent years, particularly with the sequential use of immune checkpoint inhibitors followed by BRAF/MEK inhibitors. In a comprehensive review of the existing literature, we identified 20 cases of severe colitis due to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Clinical, endoscopic, and histological features are described to provide insight into the current understanding of this poorly understood clinical entity.
Rights at Sea: State Interference with Activists’ Search and Rescue Operations
Authors: Rocca Matilde
Published: February 2024

After reducing their humanitarian presence at sea, States have begun to interfere with Search and Rescue (SAR) operations led by NGOs aimed to render assistance to migrants in distress. In Italy, the recent Law-Decree 1/2023 on NGOs’ SAR activities constitutes an important development grounding States’ efforts to interfere with activists’ operations. In this article, I first describe the practices of delay and/or denial of disembarkation that Italy has implemented. Second, I consider whether these strategies stemming from national legislation are compliant with the State’s international obligations under the law of the sea. I show how the law of the sea provides some regulation but also leaves crucial gaps which amplify the State’s discretion in interpreting legal duties. Third, I assess how the new Law interferes with the rights of rescuers. I conclude that Italy’s interference with the human rights of rescuers operating at sea is not fully compliant with international legal obligations.
Taiwanese Public Opinion on Inviting the Dalai Lama to Taiwan: Political or Religious Motives?
Authors: Pan Mei-Lin , Kironska Kristina
Published: February 2024

The Dalai Lama’s absence from Taiwan since 2009, attributed to mounting pressure from China, has not deterred the persistent calls from the Taiwanese populace for his visit. However, the extent to which this desire represents a mainstream or minority viewpoint remains unclear. This raises questions about the motivations behind the Taiwanese people’s appeals for the Dalai Lama to visit the country. Is this driven by religious sentiments, or is it politically motivated? To explore these questions, the authors propose a hypothesis that suggests a dual motivation for pro-green individuals advocating the Dalai Lama’s visit—namely, a blend of religious and political inclinations, encompassing pro-Taiwan independence sentiments and opposition to the Chinese Communist Party. On the other hand, for pro-blue supporters favouring the Dalai Lama’s invitation, the primary motivation appears to lean more towards religious considerations. This paper draws its insights from a comprehensive survey project, the Sinophone Borderlands Survey, conducted in Taiwan during May and June 2022.
Words of a Leader: The Importance of Intersectionality for Understanding Women Leaders’ Use of Dominant Language and How Others Receive It
Authors: Dupree Cydney Hurston
Published: February 2024

Management scholars have long examined gender disparities in leaders’ communication and followers’ reactions. There is, however, a paucity of research that takes an intersectional perspective. This article takes that step, using an intersectional lens to examine women leaders’ use of dominant language and how others receive it. Leveraging advances in natural-language processing, I analyzed the stereotype content of more than 250,000 Congressional remarks (Study 1) and almost one million tweets (Study 2) by leaders. Women leaders referenced dominance more than men did (using more words like “powerful”), violating stereotypes that depict women as submissive. However, as theory on racialized gender stereotypes suggests, this effect was unique to White leaders. Two additional studies revealed backlash to women leaders’ use of dominant language. Analyzing almost 18,000 editorials revealed the more that women leaders referenced dominance, the more they were portrayed as dominant but also cold. Effects were strongest for Black and Latina women (Study 3). Finally, an experiment using simulated social media profiles found the more that Black women (but not men) leaders referenced dominance, the more voters rated them as less likeable, a result that was unique to Black leaders (Study 4). The article demonstrates the critical importance of intersectionality for understanding gender inequality in leaders’ communication and its reception by the media and the public.