bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of computational optimization of bone scaffold architecture: methods, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Foroughi Ali H , Valeri Caleb , Razavi Mir Jalil
Published: October 2024

The design and optimization of bone scaffolds are critical for the success of bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of computational optimization methods for bone scaffold architecture, focusing on the balance between mechanical stability, biological compatibility, and manufacturability. Finite element method (FEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and various optimization algorithms are discussed for their roles in simulating and refining scaffold designs. The integration of multiobjective optimization and topology optimization has been highlighted for developing scaffolds that meet the multifaceted requirements of BTE. Challenges such as the need for consideration of manufacturing constraints and the incorporation of degradation and bone regeneration models into the optimization process have been identified. The review underscores the potential of advanced computational tools and additive manufacturing techniques in evolving the field of BTE, aiming to improve patient outcomes in bone tissue regeneration. The reliability of current optimization methods is examined, with suggestions for incorporating non-deterministic approaches and in vivo validations to enhance the practical application of optimized scaffolds. The review concludes with a call for further research into artificial intelligence-based methods to advance scaffold design and optimization.
A novel route of carburizing through microwave hybrid heating
Authors: Samyal Rahul , Khulbey Chitrank , Bedi Raman , Shukla Dinesh Kumar , Bagha Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2024

Carburizing is a surface treatment process by diffusing carbon into the steel. These days, manufacturing industries demand highly efficient processes that consume low power. Microwave processing is a newly evolving process that consumes low power. This study proposes a novel route for carburizing mild steel (substrate) through experimental and simulation studies using a microwave heating. Charcoal powder was used as a susceptor to convert microwave energy into heat energy and to deposit carbon on the surface of the specimen. The mild steel specimens were exposed to the microwave power input of 900 W and 360 W for exposure time of 1500 s and 1980 s naming it as S2 and S3 respectively. The microstructural analysis of specimens S2 and S3 confirms the formation of pearlite structures at the surface. However, the amount of pearlite structure was significantly higher for the S3. The higher carbon content is confirmed through energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of specimen S3. The average hardness of the S3 specimen was determined to be 220.8 HV, which shows an increase of 38.36% compared to the S1 (base metal). x-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate the additional cementite peaks (Fe3C) and ferrite-confirming phase transformations for carburized samples. The wear analysis of S2 and S3 was conducted through pin-on-disk testing. The peak COF of 0.73 and 0.64 was observed for S2 and S3 respectively. The hard surface of S3 resists the penetration of the counter body to a greater extent due to the fine morphology of pearlite. From the FEM study, the maximum value of 7.96

×

10

3

(V/m) was determined at the center region for the electric field distribution in the microwave cavity, which is the optimum value for efficient heating. The maximum temperature of the mild steel obtained during the carburization process was 900 °C in 1800 s. The microwave carburizing process requires relatively less time than the conventional carburizing process which will save energy consumption.
An acoustic nanogenerator based on porous PDMS/ZnO/PVDF-TrFE structure for self-powered intermediated-frequency sound monitoring
Authors: Liu Mei , Liu Xinyue , He Mengfan , Bai Xin , Wang Shuo , Meng Lingjun , Giernacki Wojciech , Rao Jinjun , Wang Zhiming
Published: October 2024

Sound energy is widely present in natural environment, nowadays predominantly collected using voluminous and heavy rigid devices, limiting their portability. Till now, there are few reports about using flexible materials to collect sound energy, and it is usually susceptible to environmental humidity. This study combines flexible polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), piezoelectric material polyvinylidene difluoride trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE), nano zinc oxide (ZnO), and conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to fabricate a porous nano ZnO/PVDF-TrFE/CNTs PDMS sound-driven nanogenerator (PZPCP SNG). It amalgamates frictional and piezoelectric effects: its porous structure enables efficient collection of vibration and frictional energy generated by sound waves; the piezoelectric effect of PVDF-TrFE and nano ZnO facilitates the conversion of acoustic mechanical energy, collectively enhancing the generator's output. Experimental optimization yields the best production conditions, achieving optimal outputs of 481.1 mV (open-circuit voltage), 209.13 nA (short-circuit current) under 400 Hz/125 dB sound stimuli, with a surface power density of 9.1 μW/m2 (volumetric power density of 2.28 mW/m3). And it can convert sound ranging from 63–3000 Hz. With hardware circuitry, up to 5 series-connected light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be illuminated within the circuit, demonstrating a certain degree of sound recognition capability. The proposed PZPCP SNG design is simple, effective, and lightweight, enabling flexible and stable intermediated-frequency acoustic energy harvesting. Its hydrophobic structural characteristics render it adaptable to various humidity, presenting a new approach toward widespread low-power sound detection and self-powering applications.
Improving the performance of polyvinyl chloride with added natural extracts for medical storage
Authors: Saadi Furqan M , Mohammed Alaa A , Salih Wafaa M
Published: October 2024

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a candidate biopolymer for medical packaging due to its inertness to biological fluids, high mechanical and chemical resistance, and wide range of processing possibilities. Blood bags were fabricated to obtain a flexible blood bag with high durability, antibacterial resistance, and good bio-properties. Recently, most of the problems related to blood bags available in hospitals are related to the synthetic plasticizer added to the base material to provide the required flexibility for application, but these synthetic materials harm human blood as they lead to blood dissolution and thus blood corruption quickly. So the present work focuses on modifying the properties of PVC by incorporating extracted natural materials including basil seeds at different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) using solvent cast method. Then, extracted wheat gel at concentrations (0.5 and 1%) was added to composite samples containing basil seed gel (3%). The resulting samples were characterized by tensile, water absorption, FTIR, wettability, transparency, antibacterial, and hemolytic tests. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength decreased with increasing concentration of two additives. While the elastic modulus value decreased when basil seed gel was added, but tended to increase when wheat gel was added. The elongation ratio results showed improvement with the addition of gel. The results showed that the water absorption and wettability of the composites increased with the increase of the additive concentration. The results also showed that these materials had better resistance to S. aureus and C. albicans bacteria. The transparency and hemolysis results decreased with the addition of a gel enhancer. According to the obtained results the resultant composite has better properties than commercial blood bags and is more suitable for blood bags.
The existence of Zariski dense orbits for endomorphisms of projective surfaces
Authors: Xie Junyi
Published: October 2024

Let

f
f

be a dominant endomorphism of a smooth projective surface

X
X

over an algebraically closed field

k

\mathbf {k}

of characteristic

0
0

. We prove that if there is no rational function

H
∈

k

(
X
)

H \in \mathbf {k}(X)

such that

H
∘
f
=
H

H \circ f = H

, then there exists a point

x
∈
X
(

k

)

x \in X(\mathbf {k})

such that the forward orbit of

x
x

under

f
f

is Zariski dense in

X
X

. This result gives us a positive answer to the Zariski dense orbit conjecture for endomorphisms of smooth projective surfaces.

We also define a new topology on varieties over algebraically closed fields with finite transcendence degree over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

, which we call “the adelic topology”. This topology is stronger than the Zariski topology, and an irreducible variety is still irreducible in this topology. Using the adelic topology, we propose an adelic version of the Zariski dense orbit conjecture that is stronger than the original one and quantifies how many such orbits there are. We also prove this adelic version for endomorphisms of smooth projective surfaces, for endomorphisms of abelian varieties, and for split polynomial maps. This yields new proofs of the original conjecture in the latter two cases.

In Appendix A, we study endomorphisms of

k
k

-affinoid spaces. We show that for certain endomorphisms

f
f

on a

k
k

-affinoid space

X
X

, the attractor

Y
Y

of

f
f

is a Zariski closed subset and that the dynamics of

f
f

is semi-conjugate to its restriction to

Y
Y

. A special case of this result is used in the proof of the main theorem.

In Appendix B, written in collaboration with Thomas Tucker, we prove the Zariski dense orbit conjecture for endomorphisms of

(

P

1

)
N

(\mathbb {P}^1)^N

.
Betti numbers for connected sums of graded Gorenstein Artinian algebras
Authors: Altafi Nasrin , Di Gennaro Roberta , Galetto Federico , Grate Sean , Miró-Roig Rosa , Nagel Uwe , Seceleanu Alexandra , Watanabe Junzo
Published: October 2024

The connected sum construction, which takes as input Gorenstein rings and produces new Gorenstein rings, can be considered as an algebraic analogue for the topological construction having the same name. We determine the graded Betti numbers for connected sums of graded Artinian Gorenstein algebras. Along the way, we find the graded Betti numbers for fiber products of graded rings; an analogous result was obtained in the local case by Geller [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 150 (2022), pp. 4159–4172]. We relate the connected sum construction to the doubling construction, which also produces Gorenstein rings. Specifically, we show that, for any number of summands, a connected sum of doublings is the doubling of a fiber product ring.
A Minkowski type inequality in warped cylinders
Authors: Pan Shujing , Yang Bo
Published: October 2024

We prove a Minkowski type inequality for weakly mean convex and star-shaped hypersurfaces in warped cylinders which are asymptotically flat or hyperbolic. In particular, we show that this sharp inequality holds for outward minimizing hypersurfaces in the Schwarzschild manifold or the hyperbolic space using the weak solution of the inverse mean curvature flow.
Impact of an enterprise controlled substance management system on labor and inventory costs
Authors: Mohundro Michael , Greene Thomas , Moore Cindy , Jones Jennifer , Goldblatt Claudia , Nelkin Heather , Hays Amanda
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of an enterprise controlled substance (ECS) management system with integration of analytics software on labor requirements and inventory cost within a health-system pharmacy.

Methods

A prospective, pre-post observational study was designed to assess the impact of implementing a solution that connects disparate systems with the integration of analytics software. Three study modules were implemented over approximately 18 months. The intervention consisted of implementation of new CS vaults, a centralized server, an automated central medication inventory system, and inventory optimization analytics software. The number of transactions and time spent on CS reports were compared before and after implementation to determine labor and inventory efficiencies.

Results

Both of the study facilities had a decrease in CS daily stockouts and an increase in inventory turns compared to baseline, while the total number of transactions (vends) at the central vault and decentralized dispensing cabinets increased. The addition of analytics allowed for establishment of informed changes to periodic automated replenishment levels. Additionally, both facilities saw a reduction in the number of expired medications, and there was subsequently a reduction in the total reverse distributor costs. Finally, both facilities had a reduction in the amount of time spent on manual tasks associated with reconciling and managing discrepancies.

Conclusion

An inventory management system integrated with an advanced analytics tool provided a reduction in the time spent on receiving, storing, and reconciling CS records while the number of transactions increased. The ECS solution enhanced the visibility of the chain of custody while closing the loop between reporting and receiving inventory, eliminating or reducing the frequency of manual processes.
Incidence of scabies from 1996 to 2022: a retrospective single centre cohort study from Finland
Authors: Jokela Ella , Mikola Anna , Kiviniemi Eetu , Jokelainen Jari , Sinikumpu Suvi-Päivikki , Huilaja Laura
Published: October 2024

Our observation of increasing numbers of cases of scabies being diagnosed in our clinic in Oulu, northern Finland, led us to conduct a retrospective study of the epidemiology of scabies in our area from 1996 to 2022. We found a pattern of growing incidence during that period, especially among adolescents in more recent years. We found different seasonal incidence peaks among different age groups.
Noise in the operating room coincides with surgical difficulty
Authors: Peisl Sarah , Sánchez-Taltavull Daniel , Guillen-Ramirez Hugo , Tschan Franziska , Semmer Norbert K , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Wrann Simon G , Gutknecht Stefan , Weber Markus , Candinas Daniel , Beldi Guido , Keller Sandra
Published: October 2024

Background

Noise in the operating room has been shown to distract the surgical team and to be associated with postoperative complications. It is, however, unclear whether complications after noisy operations are the result of objective or subjective surgical difficulty or the consequence of distraction of the operating room team by noise.

Methods

Noise level measurements were prospectively performed during operations in four Swiss hospitals. Objective difficulty for each operation was calculated based on surgical magnitude as suggested by the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), duration of operation and surgical approach. Subjective difficulty and distraction were evaluated by a questionnaire filled out by the operating room team members. Complications were assessed 30 days after surgery. Using regression analyses, the relationship between objective and subjective difficulty, distraction, intraoperative noise and postoperative complications was tested.

Results

Postoperative complications occurred after 121 (38%) of the 294 procedures included. Noise levels were significantly higher in operations that were objectively and subjectively more difficult (59.89 versus 58.35 dB(A), P < 0.001) and operations that resulted in postoperative complications (59.05 versus 58.77 dB(A), P = 0.004). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that subjective difficulty as reported by all members of the surgical team, but not distraction, was highly associated with noise and complications. Only objective surgical difficulty independently predicted noise and postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Noise in the operating room is a surrogate of surgical difficulty and thereby predicts postoperative complications.
Automated analysis of operative video in surgical training: scoping review
Authors: Dick Lachlan , Boyle Connor P , Skipworth Richard J E , Smink Douglas S , Tallentire Victoria Ruth , Yule Steven
Published: October 2024

Background

There is increasing availability of operative video for use in surgical training. Emerging technologies can now assess video footage and automatically generate metrics that could be harnessed to improve the assessment of operative performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of which technology features are most impactful in surgical training is lacking. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current use of automated video analytics in surgical training.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database were searched, to 29 September 2023, following PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Search terms included ‘trainee’, ‘video analytics’, and ‘education’. Articles were screened independently by two reviewers to identify studies that applied automated video analytics to trainee-performed operations. Data on the methods of analysis, metrics generated, and application to training were extracted.

Results

Of the 6736 articles screened, 13 studies were identified. Computer vision tracking was the common method of video analysis. Metrics were described for processes (for example movement of instruments), outcomes (for example intraoperative phase duration), and critical safety elements (for example critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Automated metrics were able to differentiate between skill levels (for example consultant versus trainee) and correlated with traditional methods of assessment. There was a lack of longitudinal application to training and only one qualitative study reported the experience of trainees using automated video analytics.

Conclusion

The performance metrics generated from automated video analysis are varied and encompass several domains. Validation of analysis techniques and the metrics generated are a priority for future research, after which evidence demonstrating the impact on training can be established.
A patient with a resistant case of centrofacial erythema
Authors: Banner Alexandra , Dixon Richard , Woodrow Sarah
Published: October 2024

A patient with a resistant case of centrofacial erythema highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses when there is no response to conventional therapy, the potential disadvantages of teledermatology and the need to take a thorough history, including any recent travel.
Addressing cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Aiumtrakul Noppawit , Thongprayoon Charat , Yingchoncharoen Pitchaporn , Wannaphut Chalothorn , Wathanavasin Wannasit , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Krisanapan Pajaree , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: October 2024

Background

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a critical complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, associated with decreased quality of life and increased hospitalization. Despite its significant impact, the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of CI in PD patients are not well understood. We aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of CI in PD patients.

Methods

We performed systematic reviews in OVID Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases until February 2024 to identify cross-sectional and cohort studies on prevalence of CI (identified by cognitive assessment scales) in PD patients. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. A pooled meta-analysis of CI prevalence in PD and a subgroup analysis comparing the risk of CI between PD and non-PD settings were performed using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 19 studies were identified, involving 2882 PD patients. The pooled prevalence of CI in PD patients was 47.7% (95%CI: 35.8–59.9%). CI in patients undergoing PD appears to be associated with older age, female gender, lower levels of education, and is linked to higher rates of hospitalization and peritonitis, compared to those without CI. However, it is not associated with increased mortality. Compared to hemodialysis, PD showed a trend toward a lower risk of CI (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.39–1.03; P = .068).

Conclusion

CI is highly prevalent and associated with several adverse clinical outcomes in PD patients. These findings could contribute to facilitate the development of screening and early intervention strategies to reduce the burden of disease in this population.
Seasonal variation in thermal tolerance and hypoxia tolerance of a threatened minnow and a non-imperilled congener: a cautionary tale for surrogate species in conservation
Authors: Reemeyer Jessica E , Rumball Dominique , Mandrak Nicholas E , Chapman Lauren J
Published: October 2024

Freshwater organisms face multiple threats to their ecosystems, including warming associated with climate change and low dissolved oxygen (environmental hypoxia), which are both increasing in frequency and extent in freshwater systems. Understanding tolerance thresholds for these environmental stressors as well as the plasticity of responses is the key for informing the conservation of imperilled species. Direct measurement of imperilled species can be difficult, and the use of surrogate (non-imperilled but closely related) species has been proposed as a remedy, but the degree to which surrogate data are representative of the imperilled species has not been widely validated. In this study, we measured physiological performance of two species: one federally listed as Threatened in Canada (Pugnose Shiner, Miniellus anogenus) and a non-imperilled congener (Blackchin Shiner, Miniellus heterodon). Hypoxia tolerance (critical oxygen tension and loss of equilibrium) and upper thermal tolerance (CTmax) were measured streamside over a period of 5 months. We found that the Threatened Pugnose Shiner had lower tolerance to both elevated temperature and hypoxia than the non-imperilled Blackchin Shiner. The species also differed in their responses to environmental dissolved oxygen (DO). CTmax of Pugnose Shiner had a positive relationship with DO such that CTmax was lowered when environmental DO was low, whereas there was no effect of DO on CTmax of Blackchin Shiner. Blackchin Shiner also showed plasticity of hypoxia tolerance in response to changes in environmental DO, while Pugnose Shiner showed little plasticity. We conclude that Pugnose Shiner may be more sensitive to heat waves and hypoxia associated with climate change. We also assert that researchers should be cautious when using surrogate species to inform tolerance limits of imperilled species and highlight the value of measuring imperilled species directly when possible.
Mucosal Cytokine Expression Associated With Deep Endoscopic Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Takagi Tomohisa , Mizushima Katsura , Hirai Yasuko , Murakami Eiki , Asaeda Kohei , Kajiwara-Kubota Mariko , Kashiwagi Saori , Minagawa Yuki , Hotta Yuma , Tanaka Makoto , Inoue Ken , Katada Kazuhiro , Kamada Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Takeshi , Konishi Hideyuki , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito
Published: October 2024

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause, for which no curative treatments have been developed. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of UC, and therapies targeting specific cytokines have been successful in treating refractory UC. The purpose of this study was to measure mucosal cytokines in UC and identify those that contribute to nonrelapsing mucosal healing (MH) diagnosed by endoscopy.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 163 patients with UC. The mucosa was evaluated by the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES) and linked color imaging (LCI) at the time of endoscopy, and cytokine mRNA expression in biopsy tissue taken from the same site was quantified by real-time PCR and compared with endoscopic findings. The relationship between cytokine mRNA expression and endoscopic findings was investigated.

Results

Cytokines such as IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-23 were significantly elevated in proportion to endoscopic severity of MES and LCI classification. Interestingly, we found differences in the expression of cytokines (eg, IL-22 and IL-33) between MES and LCI classification according to disease severity. Additionally, pathway analysis based on RNA sequencing comparing LCI-A and LCI-B in patients diagnosed as MES 0 revealed that IL-5 and IL-6 are involved in the finer differences in endoscopic mucosal redness.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report the correlation between mucosal cytokine expression and the pathogenesis of MH in UC and supports the contribution of specific cytokines as molecular markers of MH or in the pathogenesis of MH in UC.
To what extent did mortality from COVID-19 in England and Wales differ for migrants compared to non-migrants in 2020 and 2021? A descriptive, observational study
Authors: Hiam Lucinda , Minton Jon , Burns Rachel , McKee Martin , Aldridge Robert W
Published: October 2024

Seventeen percent of people living in the UK are migrants. In high-income countries, migrants have been shown to have better all-cause mortality but worse mortality for some specific causes such as infectious diseases. This observational study aims to quantify the extent to which mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differed between migrants and non-migrants for the population of England and Wales, 2020-2021. We use Official National Statistics data to compare mortality from COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 by country/region of birth, expressed as the standardized mortality ratio with those born in England and Wales as the reference population. Migrants from 17 of 19 countries/regions examined had higher mortality from COVID-19 than non-migrants. The highest mortality was those born in Bangladesh (females SMR = 3.39, 95% CIs 3.09–3.71; males 4.41, 95% CIs 4.09–4.75); Pakistan (females 2.73, 95% CIs 2.59–2.89; males 3.02, 95% CIs 2.89–3.14); and the Caribbean (females 2.03, 95% CIs 1.87–2.20; males 2.48, 95% CIs 2.37–2.60). Migrants born in Antarctica and Oceania (females 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.40; males 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.88), and North and Central America (females 0.95, 95% CI 0.80–1.11; males 0.85, 95% CI 0.72–0.99) had lower mortality than non-migrants. Most migrant populations had higher mortality from COVID-19 than non-migrants in England and Wales. Policy-makers must work to integrate migration status into routine data collection to inform future research and understand the causes of the inequalities seen.
Pyoverdine–antibiotic combination treatment: its efficacy and effects on resistance evolution in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vollenweider Vera , Roncoroni Flavie , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: October 2024

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern for global health, demanding innovative and effective strategies to combat pathogenic bacteria. Pyoverdines, iron-chelating siderophores produced by environmental Pseudomonas spp., present a novel class of promising compounds to induce growth arrest in pathogens through iron starvation. While we previously demonstrated the efficacy of pyoverdines as antibacterials, our understanding of how these molecules interact with antibiotics and impact resistance evolution remains unknown. Here, we investigated the propensity of three Escherichia coli strains to evolve resistance against pyoverdine, the cephalosporin antibiotic ceftazidime, and their combination. We used a naive E. coli wildtype strain and two isogenic variants carrying the blaTEM-1 β-lactamase gene on either the chromosome or a costly multicopy plasmid to explore the influence of genetic background on selection for resistance. We found that strong resistance against ceftazidime and weak resistance against pyoverdine evolved in all E. coli variants under single treatment. Ceftazidime resistance was linked to mutations in outer membrane porin genes (envZ and ompF), whereas pyoverdine resistance was associated with mutations in the oligopeptide permease (opp) operon. In contrast, ceftazidime resistance phenotypes were attenuated under combination treatment, especially for the E. coli variant carrying blaTEM-1 on the multicopy plasmid. Altogether, our results show that ceftazidime and pyoverdine interact neutrally and that pyoverdine as an antibacterial is particularly potent against plasmid-carrying E. coli strains, presumably because iron starvation compromises both cellular metabolism and plasmid replication.
The Impact of Hormone Therapy on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals
Authors: Hassan Bashar , Suchan Andrew , Brown Madyson , Kishan Arman , Liang Fan , Truta Brindusa
Published: October 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global healthcare problem that affects around 3 million people in the United States. Although the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on IBD severity has been studied in cisgender patients, there is currently no literature on the impact of exogenous hormone therapy (HT) in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of TGNB adults diagnosed with IBD and treated with HT for gender dysphoria at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015-2022). We aimed to determine whether the use of GAHT was associated with subsequent increase in IBD severity. We compared the incidence of flares before vs after GAHT.

Results

Twenty-two patients were analyzed. More than half (59%) of them were assigned female at birth, identified as transmen, and underwent masculinizing HT. Their median (interquartile range) age was 30 (25-36) years. More patients had Crohn’s disease compared with ulcerative colitis (13 [59.1%] vs 9 [40.9%], P = .23) with a median IBD duration of 6.2 (1.8-12.3) years. Nine (41%) patients were on biologics. Of 15 patients on HT, 8 (36.3%) experienced at least one flare. Most of them were treated with steroids (66.7%), and 6 (40%) required hospital or emergency room admission. The proportion of patients who flared after GAHT was similar to that before GAHT: 9 (60%) vs 8 (53.3%), P = 1.0.

Conclusions

GAHT was not associated with increased incidence of flares. Larger prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings and understand the interaction between GAHT and IBD in TGNB individuals.
Potential for on-grid hybrid renewable energy in a humid subtropical climatic zone: technological, economic, and environmental aspects
Authors: Hai Tao , Jaffar Hussein A , Shami Hayder Oleiwi , Al-Rubaye Ameer H , Rajab Husam , Farqad Rand Otbah , Hussein Abbas Hameed Abdul , Alhaidry Wesam Abed A L Hassan , Idan Ameer Hassan , Singh Narinderjit Singh Sawaran
Published: October 2024

China’s abundant natural resources reveal inconsistencies in economics, environment, and society. Renewable energy sources can reduce environmental pollutants and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Using HOMER software, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China, optimizes the economic, environmental, and technological aspects of creating an off-grid hybrid power system for 100 houses. According to the results, the most economically feasible photovoltaic (PV)–wind turbine (WT)–grid hybrid system is made up of one WT, 25.55 kW converters, and 80 kW PV panels. Its total net present cost (NPC) is $494 119, and its cost of energy (COE) is $0.043/kWh. However, because it has the greatest operation expenses, the PV–grid hybrid configuration has the highest NPC of $687 906 and COE of $0.068/kWh. Furthermore, according to the technical analysis’s findings, WT contributed 49.2% of the overall power generation, equivalent to $357 694/kWh. The optimal WT/PV/grid configuration, which is the suggested configuration, has the lowest yearly emissions of carbon dioxide (174 236 kg/year), whereas the PV–grid configuration has the highest carbon dioxide emissions (246 769 kg/year). The results of the sensitivity evaluation’s findings demonstrate that the COE and NPC amounts for the ideal configuration decline as solar irradiation and wind velocity increase. To clarify, raising the system’s velocity of wind or radiation from the sun can make it more economically viable. It may be concluded that the WT–PV–grid hybrid configuration is the more environmentally friendly and economical technology. Zhanjiang, China, has the potential to develop a sustainable alternative energy system combining WT and biomass power generation, but factors like fuel limitations and energy consumption must be considered.
Antibiotic biocompatibility assay and anti-biofilm strategies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in bioengineered artificial skin substitutes
Authors: Quiñones-Vico María I , Andrades-Amate Marta , Fernández-González Ana , Ubago-Rodríguez Ana , Moll Kirsten , Norrby-Teglund Anna , Svensson Mattias , Gutiérrez-Fernández José , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Bioengineered artificial skin substitutes (BASS) are an advanced therapy for treating extensively burned patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections represent a major challenge in these patients as formation of biofilms impede wound healing and perpetuate a chronic inflammatory state. Here we assessed antibiotics (alone or in combination) with respect to cytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial efficacy in P. aeruginosa biofilm formed on infection of BASS.

Methods

Cell viability, structure and functionality were evaluated using microscopy and trans-epidermal water loss analyses, respectively. BASS were established and infected for 24 h to allow P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, after which two antimicrobial approaches, treatment and prevention, were tested. In the latter, antibiotics were added to BASS before infection. The antimicrobial effect was determined using real-time calorimetry.

Results

In dose–response experiments, 1.25 mg/mL amikacin, 0.02 mg/mL ciprofloxacin, 0.051 mg/mL colistin, 1 mg/mL meropenem and colistin in combination with either amikacin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem did not affect BASS’ viability, structure and functionality. All antibiotics, except colistin, showed effective antimicrobial activity at these non-cytotoxic concentrations. For concentrations below the highest non-cytotoxic ones, successive treatments resulted in higher bacterial metabolic rates. Only the combinations managed to eradicate the infection with repeated treatments. With respect to prevention of infection, all antibiotics at the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations and the combinations were effective. This preventive capacity was maintained for at least 5 days.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the potential for developing BASS with antimicrobial properties that can prevent infections during wound healing in burn patients.
Host adaptability of Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Noctuidae
Authors: Di Xue-yuan , Yan Bin , Tian Shuang , Ren Peng , Wu Hui-zi , Yang Mao-fa
Published: October 2024

Biological control is an effective and sustainable method of integrated pest management. Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a common internal parasitoid wasp of the order Lepidoptera. To determine a suitable host species for the reproduction of parasitoids, it is essential to assess host suitability and parasitic potential of the parasitized pests. Herein, we investigated host selection and exploitation of M. manilae. We evaluated the parasitic efficacy of M. manilae in 4 pest species in the Spodoptera and Mythimna genera of the Noctuidae family. The results indicated that the parasitism rate of M. manilae on 3 species in the Spodoptera genus is higher than on Mythimna separata in the Mythimna genus, with M. manilae exhibiting a higher parasitism rate and shorter development duration on Spodoptera litura compared to other species. The parasitism rate for 1st instars hosts was 86.67 ± 0.04%, while the development duration was 14.1 ± 0.03 days. However, when parasitizing the 3rd instar of Spodoptera frugiperda, parasitoids showed a higher sex ratio, of 0.71 ± 0.05. Additionally, M. manilae had parasitic effect on M. separata, providing a new choice for its parasitism. The results identify the optimal host, which could enhance and reproduction rate and survival rate of M. manilae, thus facilitating their large-scale propagation. Understanding the parasitic effects of M. manilae on pests can further its field application, also plays a major role in promoting the development of biological control technologies and sustainable agricultural production.
Petrophysical and geophysical constrained inversion of gravity data based on starting and referenced models
Authors: Liu Shuang , Hu Xiangyun , Fedi Maurizio , Baniamerian Jamaledin , Abbas Mahmoud Ahmed , Chauhan Mahak Singh
Published: October 2024

To reduce the inherent ambiguity of gravity-data modeling in mineral resources exploration, it is important to incorporate available a priori information into the inversion process. In this paper, we study the use of starting and reference density models, based on two kinds of a priori information: (i) by interpolating the physical properties available from petrophysical or direct (well logs) knowledge; (ii) converting into densities by another geophysical property, such as resistivity or seismic velocity, previously estimated from geophysical modeling. We use both kinds of model as either a starting or reference model to optimally solve the regularized inverse problem using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. We validate both the procedures using synthetic datasets produced by a high-density ore-layer model with drill-hole log constraints, and then apply them to the field data of an iron-ore deposit and a polymetallic ore region, in southern China. Both the procedures produce an improved and detailed density model; the use of a priori information as a reference model is, however, preferred, giving indeed a more compact and detailed solution, which seems more suitable to mining exploration.
A new model measuring bacterial phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in humans using the intradermal injection of methylene blue–labeled Escherichia coli
Authors: Collins George B , de Souza Carvalho Jhonatan , Jayasinghe Sandali C , Gumuliauskaite Urte , Lowe David M , Thomas David C , Årstad Erik , De Maeyer Roel P H , Gilroy Derek W
Published: October 2024

Phagocytosis is an important leukocyte function; however, using existing models it cannot be measured in human tissues in vivo. To address this, we characterized a new phagocytosis model using intradermal methylene blue–labeled Escherichia coli injection (MBEC). Methylene blue (MB) is a licensed human medicine and bacterial stain potentially useful for labeling E. coli that is safe for human injection. Ex vivo coculture of leukocytes with MBEC caused MB to transfer into neutrophils and macrophages by phagocytosis. During this, a “red shift” in MB fluorescence was shown to be caused by phagolysosomal oxidation. Hence, MBEC coculture could be used to measure phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in humans, ex vivo. In healthy volunteers, inflammatory exudate sampling using suction blisters 2 to 24 h after intradermal MBEC injection showed that tissue-acquired neutrophils and monocytes contained more MB than their circulating counterparts, whereas blood and inflamed tissue T, B, and natural killer cells were MBlo. This was validated with spectral flow cytometry by visualizing the MB emission spectrum in tissue-acquired neutrophils. Neutrophil MB emission spectra demonstrated more red shift at 24 h compared with earlier time points, in keeping with progressive phagolysosomal MB oxidation in neutrophils over time in vivo. This new MBEC model can therefore measure bacterial phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in human skin, in vivo. This has a number of important research applications, e.g. in studying human phagocyte biology, testing novel antimicrobials, and understanding why certain groups such as males, the elderly or those with diabetes, recent surgery, or malnutrition are at increased risk of bacterial infection.
Viable Trypanosoma cruzi cultured from a dead Paratriatoma lecticularia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) encountered in a large dog kennel environment in south Texas, USA
Authors: Busselman Rachel E , Killets Keswick C , Saunders Ashley B , Hamer Sarah A
Published: October 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) is a protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) insects and is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Oral transmission of the parasite occurs through consumption of contaminated food or infected triatomines and may depend on the degree to which T. cruzi survives in triatomine abdomens. Dead triatomines may be abundant in areas with insecticide use, such as dog kennels where animals may encounter them. We attempted to culture T. cruzi from the gut material of 108 triatomines collected near dog kennels—14 found alive and 94 found dead—and also tested for T. cruzi DNA and discrete typing units using PCR. In total, 30 (27.8%) tested positive for T. cruzi using PCR, 5 alive (35.7%) and 25 dead (26.6%), with no difference in infection between insects found alive versus dead (P-value = 0.53) and more PCR positives identified in dead triatomines with intact gut contents than in dead desiccated triatomines (P-value = 0.049). One Paratriatoma lecticularia (Stål, 1859) that was found dead (1.1%, n = 94) had T. cruzi growth in culture. Given the use of bleach for external decontamination of triatomines as well as the level of bacterial and fungal contamination of cultures, both of which may have impacted the growth of T. cruzi, the apparent prevalence of viable parasites in this study should be interpreted as a conservative estimate. Vector control initiatives should consider that dead insects may still pose a risk of T. cruzi transmission to animals and humans.
The feasibility and acceptability of home phlebotomy for patients with cancer
Authors: Bange Erin M , Bernal Camila , Gaffney Kemi Bolutayo , Ackerman Jill , Kwong David , Thomas Jithin , Daly Bobby
Published: October 2024

Time toxicity is a considerable burden for oncology patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating mobile phlebotomy into standard of care procedures. From September 26, 2022, through December 31, 2023, a total of 345 patients had 1464 home laboratory test collection visits completed. These mobile phlebotomy laboratory collection visits occurred in New York (68.6% of visits), New Jersey (29.9%), Connecticut (1.1%), and Pennsylvania (0.5%). Specimen quality for home laboratory test collection surpassed the Memorial Sloan Kettering Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine benchmarks. Acceptability was high, 173 patients were approached, and 149 responded (86% response rate); most respondents (147 of 149, 99%) would use the service again or recommend it to others. This study assessed the integration of mobile phlebotomy into standard of care management for the collection of routine cancer laboratory tests. Mobile phlebotomy results in high patient satisfaction with superior specimen quality, offering a valuable solution to oncology patients for improved efficiency and convenience.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Rates Among U.S. Military Veteran Females and Males and Non-Veterans in the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Dubiel Lillian J , Vinekar Kavita S , Than Claire T , Chawla Neetu , Hoggatt Katherine J , Yano Elizabeth M , Danan Elisheva R
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of multiple cancers. Active duty service members have higher rates of HPV infection than civilians, while Veterans are diagnosed with a disproportionately high burden of HPV-associated cancers compared to civilians without prior service. While a highly effective HPV vaccine has been available for over a decade, vaccination rates in the United States remain suboptimal. The objective of this study was to investigate HPV vaccination rates among male and female Veterans compared with their non-Veteran counterparts.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of cross-sectional National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data pooled from 2015 to 2018 to analyze HPV vaccination rates for respondents aged 18–45 years. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare HPV vaccination rates between Veterans and non-Veterans stratified by sex while controlling for sociodemographic factors, including age, race/ethnicity, education level, income, insurance coverage, and VA coverage. All analyses used NHIS survey weights to produce national estimates.

Results

Among 45,493 respondents aged 18 to 45 years, vaccination rates were low across all groups: 9.6% of male Veterans and 8.4% of male non-Veterans (P = .21) had received at least one HPV immunization, whereas 32.0% of female Veterans and 25.1% of female non-Veterans (P = .02) were immunized. After controlling for sociodemographics, both male Veterans (AOR 1.79; 95%CI 1.31, 2.44) and female Veterans (AOR 1.56; 95%CI 1.1, 2.21) exhibited higher odds of HPV vaccination compared to their non-Veteran counterparts. VA coverage was also independently associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination among female Veterans (AOR 2.39; 95%CI 1.10, 5.21).

Conclusions

Veterans of both sexes are more likely to be vaccinated than their non-Veteran civilian counterparts. However, vaccination rates overall remain low. To our knowledge, ours is the first study of its kind to establish HPV vaccination rates among female Veterans. These findings underscore the important role of DoD and VA health care systems in improving HPV vaccine uptake and mitigating HPV-associated cancer risk among Veterans.
BOWIE-ALIGN: how formation and migration histories of giant planets impact atmospheric compositions
Authors: Penzlin Anna B T , Booth Richard A , Kirk James , Owen James E , Ahrer E , Christie Duncan A , Claringbold Alastair B , Esparza-Borges Emma , López-Morales M , Mayne N J , McCormack Mason , Meech Annabella , Panwar Vatsal , Powell Diana , Sergeev Denis E , Taylor Jake , Wheatley Peter J , Zamyatina Maria
Published: October 2024

Hot Jupiters present a unique opportunity for measuring how planet formation history shapes present-day atmospheric composition. However, due to the myriad pathways influencing composition, a well-constructed sample of planets is needed to determine whether formation history can be accurately traced back from atmospheric composition. To this end, the BOWIE-ALIGN survey (A spectral Light Investigation into hot gas Giant origiNs by the collaboration of Bristol, Oxford, Warwick, Imperial, Exeter,  +) will compare the compositions of eight hot Jupiters around F stars, four with orbits aligned with the stellar rotation axis, and four misaligned. Using the alignment as an indicator for planets that underwent disc migration or high-eccentricity migration, one can determine whether migration history produces notable differences in composition between the two samples of planets. This paper describes the planet formation model that motivates our observing programme. Our model traces the accretion of chemical components from the gas and dust in the disc over a broad parameter space to create a full, unbiased model sample from which we can estimate the range of final atmospheric compositions. For high metallicity atmospheres ($\mathrm{ O}\mathrm{ /H}\ge 10 \times$ solar), the C/O ratios of aligned and misaligned planets diverge, with aligned planets having lower C/O ($\lt 0.25$) due to the accretion of oxygen-rich silicates from the inner disc. However, silicates may rain out instead of releasing their oxygen into the atmosphere. This would significantly increase the C/O of aligned planets (C/O $\gt 0.6$), inverting the trend between the aligned and misaligned planets. Nevertheless, by comparing statistically significant samples of aligned and misaligned planets, we expect atmospheric composition to constrain how planets form.