bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments on Tuned UHBR Open-Test-Case Fan ECL5/CATANA: Performance and Aerodynamics
Authors: Schneider Alexandra P. , Fiquet Anne-Lise , Paoletti Benoit , Ottavy Xavier , Brandstetter Christoph
Published: December 2023

With the advancement of modern fan architectures, the lack of experimental benchmarks for the research community became apparent in the recent years. Enormous effort in the method development could not be validated on representative geometries and motivated the development of the open-test-case ECL5/CATANA. A carbon fiber fan stage has been designed by Ecole Centrale de Lyon and shared with the community in 2021. The fan is representative of a modern ultra high bypass ratio (UHBR) architecture with sonic design speed. The reference configuration has been investigated experimentally on a novel test facility with multiphysical instrumentation. In this publication, the results of the first experimental campaign are presented with a detailed analysis of the aerodynamic performance and system symmetry. The presented results comprise full stage mappings across the whole operating range for three main speedlines (55%, 80%, and 100%) using performance rakes, unsteady wall pressure arrays, tip clearance, and stagger angle measurements. Radial profiles of intake boundary layer and rotor exit conditions at selected conditions complete the full validation dataset for steady and unsteady aerodynamic simulations. Results are discussed in comparison to blind-test Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of different international institutes. Significant prediction inaccuracies of the tip flow and corner separations of the stator are observed and reveal the requirement of real blade geometry measurements at running conditions. This article is accompanied by a publication with a focus on aeroelastic instabilities observed near the stability limit. The results represent a comprehensive dimensional benchmark dataset and allow method validation on multiple levels of fidelity for the aerodynamic and aeroelastic research community.
Large-scale efficient mid-wave infrared optoelectronics based on black phosphorus ink
Authors: Gupta Niharika , Wang Shu , Higashitarumizu Naoki , Wang Vivian , Lee Kyuho , Park Cheolmin , Javey Ali
Published: December 2023

The mid-wave infrared (MWIR), ranging from 2 to 5 micrometers, is of substantial interest for chemical sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy. Black phosphorus (bP)–based MWIR light emitters and detectors have been shown to outperform the state-of-the-art for commercial devices due to the low Auger recombination coefficient of bP. However, the scalability of these devices remains a challenge. Here, we report a bP ink formula that preserves the exceptional MWIR optoelectronic properties of bP to deposit centimeter-scale, uniform, and pinhole free films with a photoluminescence quantum yield higher than competing III-V and II-VI semiconductors with similar bandgaps at high excitation regime. As a proof of concept, we use bP ink as a “phosphor” on a red commercial light-emitting diode to demonstrate bright MWIR light emission. We also show that these films can be integrated into heterostructure device architectures with electron and hole selective contacts for direct-injected light emission and detection in MWIR.
Interdisciplinary evidence for early domestic horse exploitation in southern Patagonia
Authors: Taylor William Timothy Treal , Belardi Juan Bautista , Barberena Ramiro , Coltrain Joan Brenner , Marina Flavia Carballo , Borrero Luis Alberto , Conver Joshua L. , Hodgins Gregory , Admiraal Marjolein , Craig Oliver Edward , Lucquin Alexandre , Talbot Helen Marie , Lundy Jasmine , Liu Xuexue , Chauvey Lorelei , Schiavinato Stéphanie , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Le Roux Petrus , Lucas Mary , Orlando Ludovic , Roberts Patrick , Jones Emily Lena
Published: December 2023

The introduction of domestic horses transformed Indigenous societies across the grasslands of Argentina, leading to the emergence of specialized horse cultures across the Southern Cone. However, the dynamics of this introduction are poorly chronicled by historic records. Here, we apply archaeozoological and biomolecular techniques to horse remains from the site of Chorrillo Grande 1 in southern Argentina. Osteological and taphonomic analyses suggest that horses were pastorally managed and used for food by Aónikenk/Tehuelche hunter-gatherers before the onset of permanent European settlement, as early as the mid-17th century. DNA-based sex identifications suggest consumption of both male and female horses, while ceramic residue also shows use of guanaco products. Sequential isotope analyses on horse dentition reveal an origin in southern Patagonia and movement of these animals between the Río Coig and Río Gallegos basins. These results reinforce emerging evidence for rapid Indigenous-mediated dispersal of horses in the Americas and demonstrate that horses catalyzed rapid economic and social transformations.
Genome sequence of
Clostridium septicum
strain WW106, isolated from influent wastewater at a research center with multiple-species research animal facilities
Authors: Wang Sharon X. , Park Miseon , Summage-West Christine V. , Reyna Mariela , Kim Sung Guk
Published: December 2023

Clostridium septicum
is an anaerobic Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterial pathogen known as a lethal causative agent of progressive gas gangrene in animals and humans. We report the 3.43-Mbp genome sequence of
C. septicum
strain WW106, isolated from influent wastewater at a research center with multiple-species laboratory animal facilities.
No extraction? No problem. Direct to PCR processing of tongue swabs for diagnosis of tuberculosis disease as an alternative to sputum collection
Authors: Ahls Charlotte L. , Emsweller Duncan , Helfers Seth J. , Niu Xin , Wilson Douglas , Padgett Leah R. , Drain Paul K.
Published: December 2023

Sputum collection and testing for tuberculosis (TB) have been problematic due to the potential for aerosolization, difficulty in generating a quality sample, and complex DNA extraction methods. Tongue swabs are inexpensive, minimally invasive, and a promising alternative to sputum collection. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of tongue swabs for TB diagnosis using the Truenat MTB Plus assay from Molbio Diagnostics with a direct to PCR processing method. Four tongue swabs were collected per participant using two nylon-flocked swabs and two spun polyester swabs. Following tongue swab sample collection, participants also provided two sputum samples, which were tested by Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra or culture. Of the 81 participants enrolled, 24 (30%) were positive for TB disease by sputum Ultra. Using the Truenat MTB Plus test, tongue swabs had 54% (52/96) sensitivity and 99% (218/220) specificity compared to sputum Ultra. Crude lysate was also tested using an in-house qPCR assay, which allowed for increased sample input. Using this method, tongue swabs had 70% (67/96) sensitivity and 94% (216/224) specificity.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB) sample quantification using digital PCR yielded between 20 copies (minimum) and 34,000 copies (maximum) of MTB per swab. In addition, serially collected tongue swabs resulted in similar levels of detected MTB, and spun polyester swabs performed equivalently to nylon-flocked swabs. Overall, this study demonstrates that tongue swab samples are compatible with the Truenat MTB testing platform and that a direct to PCR method is a viable diagnostic solution.

IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, despite available treatments. Although highly sensitive molecular diagnostics are available, expensive equipment and poor infrastructure have hindered their implementation in low-resource settings. Furthermore, the collection of sputum poses challenges as it is difficult for patients to produce and creates dangerous aerosols. This manuscript explores tongue swabs as a promising alternative to sputum collection. While previous studies have explored the sensitivity of tongue swabs as compared to sputum, existing literature has not addressed the need to standardize and simplify laboratory processing for easy implementation in high TB burden areas. This manuscript provides the first evidence that detection of TB from a tongue swab is possible without the use of DNA extraction or purification steps. The data provided in this manuscript will improve the collection and testing of tongue swabs for the diagnosis of TB disease.
The effect of changing diagnostic method from culture to PCR on the number of episodes of human campylobacteriosis in Denmark: a retrospective study (2015–2022)
Authors: Benedetti Guido , Holm Hansen Christian , Tølbøll Svendsen Anna , Grimstrup Joensen Katrine , Sørensen Gitte , Engsbro Anne Line , Torpdahl Mia , Møller Nielsen Eva , Ethelberg Steen
Published: December 2023

We investigated whether the introduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to replace culture as the primary diagnostic method for
Campylobacter
species in the Danish Departments of Clinical Microbiology (DCMs) was associated with a systematic change in the number of reported episodes of human campylobacteriosis from 2015 to 2022. We described a hypothetical scenario where PCR was solely used from 2018 to 2021. We analyzed the effect of primary diagnostic methods (culture or PCR) on the number of weekly episodes of human campylobacteriosis in a negative binomial regression adjusting for time, seasonality, COVID-19 restrictions, and DCMs. Furthermore, we applied the estimated PCR effect to the number of episodes that was identified using culture. Overall, PCR was associated with a 43% estimated increase of weekly campylobacteriosis episodes [rate ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.34–1.53]. Up to 17%–25% additional episodes would have been reported yearly from 2018 to 2021, had PCR been solely used. Through the lens of laboratory diagnostic methods, we described a systematic change in the number of reported episodes of human campylobacteriosis in Denmark. This is operationally relevant as considerably more episodes would have been identified had PCR been solely used. Changes in diagnostic methods should be considered in the epidemiological analysis of historical data.

IMPORTANCE

This study is important because it shows the potential epidemiological silence associated with the use of culture as the primary diagnostic method for the laboratory identification of human campylobacteriosis. Also, we show how polymerase chain reaction methods are associated with a systematic increase in the number of human campylobacteriosis episodes as reported by routine disease surveillance. These findings are operationally relevant and have public health implications because they tell how crucial it is to consider changes in diagnostic methods, e.g., in the epidemiological analysis of historical data and in the interpretation of future data in light of the past. We also believe that this study highlights how the synergy between microbiology and epidemiology is essential for disease surveillance.
Interaction of mRNA with the C-Terminal Domain of PCID2, a Subunit of the TREX-2 Complex, Is Required for Its Export from the Nucleus to the Cytoplasm in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Vdovina Yu. A. , Georgieva S. G. , Kopytova D. V.
Published: December 2023

Following the transcription step, the newly synthesized mRNA is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and further to the translation site. The TREX-2 complex is involved in the step of mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This complex in Drosophila melanogaster consists of four proteins: Xmas-2, PCID2, ENY2, and Sem1p. In our work, we have shown that deletion of the C-terminal sequence of PCID2 leads to a decrease in the interaction of the protein with RNA and to impaired mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in D. melanogaster.
Systematic approach to diagnosing suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Authors: Rode Matthew M , Itoh Christopher , Martinez-Sosa Santiago , Ebner Blake A , Chang Bryce K , Flanagan Eoin P , Pinto Marcus V
Published: December 2023

Evaluation of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) is usually challenging. In most cases, patients progress to dementia in weeks to months, and the differential diagnosis is broad. In this case, a woman in her 60s presented with a 1-month history of episodic vertigo, cognitive decline, ataxia and myoclonus. Cerebrospinal fluid total tau was markedly elevated, which was helpful in establishing the diagnosis and discussing prognosis/end-of-life measures with the patient’s family. This case summarises a stepwise diagnostic approach for patients with RPD and highlights recent literature on biomarkers of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and autoimmune encephalitis.
Idiopathic left-sided ovarian vein thrombosis in a post-menopausal woman
Authors: Zhen Simon , Kodesh Afek , Preston William
Published: December 2023

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare thromboembolic condition largely involving the right ovarian vein. Risk factors include pregnancy/ peripartum period, oestrogen therapy, recent surgery or hospitalisation, malignancy, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and thrombophilia; OVT without risk factors is considered idiopathic. We present a rare case of idiopathicleft-sided OVT in a post-menopausal woman in her 60s with insignificant past medical history and no identifiable risk factors. She presented with isolated left -lower -quadrant abdominal pain ultimately found to have OVT on computed tomography (CT) scan and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was initially treated with low-molecular-weight heparin and then transitioned to apixaban. She remained symptom-free at 3-month follow-up. Five previous cases of idiopathic left-sided OVT have been reported to-date, but this is the first case in a postmenopausal woman that has not been associated with hypercoagulable risk factors nor further thromboembolic complications.
Mortality and healthcare assessment among patients with chronic disease over 2 years of COVID-19: a population-based study in a large hard-hit Italian region
Authors: Fortuna Daniela , Caselli Luana , Berti Elena , Moro Maria Luisa
Published: December 2023

Objectives

We aimed to provide a region-wide comprehensive account of the indirect effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic disease, in terms of non-COVID-19 mortality, and access to both inpatient and outpatient health services over a 2-year pandemic period.

Design

Population-based retrospective study.

Setting

Adult patients, affected by at least 1 of 32 prevalent chronic conditions, residing in the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy, during the years 2020 (N=1 791 189, 47.7% of the overall adult regional population) and 2021 (N=1 801 071, 47.8%).

Results

Overall, non-COVID-19 mortality among patients with chronic disease during the pandemic (2.7%) did not differ substantially from the expected mortality (2.5%), based on a 3 years prepandemic period (2017–2019) and adjusting for the demographic and clinical characteristics of the population under study. Indeed, while the first pandemic wave was characterised by a significant non-COVID-19 excess mortality (March: +35%), the subsequent phases did not show such disruptive variations in non-COVID-19 deaths, which remained around or even below the excess mortality threshold. End-of-life care of patients with chronic disease, especially for non-COVID-19 cases, significantly shifted from hospitalisations (−19%), to homecare (ADI: +7%; w/o ADI: +9%). Overall, healthcare of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease decreased, with similar negative trends in hospitalisations (−15.5%), major procedures (−19.6%) and ER accesses (−23.7%). Homecare was the least affected by the pandemic, with an overall reduction of −9.8%. COVID-19 outbreak also impacted on different types of outpatient care. Rehabilitation therapies, specialist visits, diagnostic and lab tests were considerably reduced during the first pandemic wave and consequent lockdown, with access rates of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease below −60%.

Conclusions

This work thoroughly describes how a large and well-defined population of patients without COVID-19 chronic disease has been affected by the changes and reorganisation in the healthcare system during 2 years of the pandemic, highlighting health priorities and challenges in chronic disease management under conditions of limited resources.
Understanding the national evidence on the double burden of malnutrition in Ethiopia for the implications of research gap identifications: a scoping review
Authors: Getacher Lemma , Ademe Beyene Wondafrash , Belachew Tefera
Published: December 2023

Background

Owing to the unavoidable consequences of nutritional transition, the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is an emerging public health problem. An increasing number of studies have found that Ethiopians face a DBM. However, country-level evidence has not yet been summarised using a scoping review study design.

Objective

The main objective of this review was to map the national evidence on DBM in Ethiopia for the implications of research gap identifications.

Eligibility criteria

The population, concept and context approach was used. All age groups, box sexes, all dates of publication and articles in English language focused on DBM conducted in Ethiopia were included.

Sources of evidence

Primary research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and scoping reviews searched from electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar and Google were the sources of evidence.

Charting methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s manual was used as a review methodology. The authors, publication year, region, study design, sample size, population group, measured outcomes and main findings were charted in a table.

Results

A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria among 124 426 participants. The average summarised prevalence of DBM was 33.6%, with the average proportions of undernutrition and overnutrition at 21.5% and 12.1%, respectively. The major factors that influenced the DBM were categorised as child, maternal, adolescent, household and adult-related factors.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, the overall prevalence of DBM is high, which makes one-third of the population affected by DBM. The foremost determinant factors that influenced the DBM were characterised as child, maternal, adolescent, household and adult-related factors. Therefore, a double-duty interventions should be used to address DBM, considering multilevel factors at the individual, community and societal levels.

Protocol registration

This review was registered on the figshare website on 28 February 2021, with DOI numberhttps://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14131874. The review protocol was published with a DOI numberhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050805.
Randomised controlled trial of automated VR therapy to improve positive self-beliefs and psychological well-being in young people diagnosed with psychosis: a study protocol for the Phoenix VR self-confidence therapy trial
Authors: Freeman Daniel , Freeman Jason , Rovira Aitor , Miguel Andre Lages , Ward Rupert , Bousfield Matthew , Riffiod Ludovic , Leal Jose , Kabir Thomas , Yu Ly-Mee , Beckwith Helen , Waite Felicity , Rosebrock Laina
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The confidence of young people diagnosed with psychosis is often low. Positive self-beliefs may be few and negative self-beliefs many. A sense of defeat and failure is common. Young people often withdraw from many aspects of everyday life. Psychological well-being is lowered. Psychological techniques can improve self-confidence, but a shortage of therapists means that very few patients ever receive such help. Virtual reality (VR) offers a potential route out of this impasse. By including a virtual coach, treatment can be automated. As such, delivery of effective therapy is no longer reliant on the availability of therapists. With young people with lived experience, we have developed a staff-assisted automated VR therapy to improve positive self-beliefs (Phoenix). The treatment is based on established cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology techniques. A case series indicates that this approach may lead to large improvements in positive self-beliefs and psychological well-being. We now aim to conduct the first randomised controlled evaluation of Phoenix VR.

Methods and analysis

80 patients with psychosis, aged between 16 and 30 years old and with low levels of positive self-beliefs, will be recruited from National Health Service (NHS) secondary care services. They will be randomised (1:1) to the Phoenix VR self-confidence therapy added to treatment as usual or treatment as usual. Assessments will be conducted at 0, 6 (post-treatment) and 12 weeks by a researcher blind to allocation. The primary outcome is positive self-beliefs at 6 weeks rated with the Oxford Positive Self Scale. The secondary outcomes are psychiatric symptoms, activity levels and quality of life. All main analyses will be intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority (22/LO/0273). A key output will be a high-quality VR treatment for patients to improve self-confidence and psychological well-being.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10250113.
Protocol for a realist evaluation of Recovery College dementia courses: understanding coproduction through ethnography
Authors: Birt Linda , West Juniper , Poland Fiona , Wong Geoff , Handley Melanie , Litherland Rachael , Hackmann Corinna , Moniz-Cook Esme , Wolverson Emma , Teague Bonnie , Mills Ruth , Sams Kathryn , Duddy Claire , Fox Chris
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Support following a dementia diagnosis in the UK is variable. Attending a Recovery College course with and for people with dementia, their supporters and healthcare professionals (staff), may enable people to explore and enact ways to live well with dementia. Recovery Colleges are established within mental health services worldwide, offering peer-supported short courses coproduced in partnership between staff and people with lived experience of mental illness. The concept of recovery is challenging in dementia narratives, with little evidence of how the Recovery College model could work as a method of postdiagnostic dementia support.

Methods and analysis

Using a realist evaluation approach, this research will examine and define what works, for whom, in what circumstances and why, in Recovery College dementia courses. The ethnographic study will recruit five case studies from National Health Service Mental Health Trusts across England. Sampling will seek diversity in new or long-standing courses, delivery methods and demographics of population served. Participant observations will examine course coproduction. Interviews will be undertaken with people with dementia, family and friend supporters and staff involved in coproducing and commissioning the courses, as well as people attending. Documentary materials will be reviewed. Analysis will use a realist logic of analysis to develop a programme theory containing causal explanations for outcomes, in the form of context-mechanism-outcome-configurations, at play in each case.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (22/WM/0215). Ethical concerns include not privileging any voice, consent for embedded observational fieldwork with people who may experience fluctuating mental capacity and balancing researcher ‘embedded participant’ roles in publicly accessible learning events. Drawing on the realist programme theory, two stakeholder groups, one people living with dementia and one staff will work with researchers to coproduce resources to support coproducing Recovery College dementia courses aligned with postdiagnostic services.
Hypochlorous acid hygiene solution in patients affected by blepharitis: a prospective randomised study
Authors: Mencucci Rita , Morelli Alberto , Favuzza Eleonora , Galano Angelo , Roszkowska Anna Maria , Cennamo Michela
Published: December 2023

Background/aims

To investigate the clinical outcomes and antimicrobial activity of an hypochlorous acid hygiene solution compared with hyaluronic acid wipes for blepharitis treatment in patients with dry eye disease (DED).

Methods

This study involved 48 eyes of 48 patients affected by blepharitis with mild to moderate DED. 24 patients were treated with a hypochlorous acid hygiene solution (HOCL group) and 24 patients were treated with hyaluronic acid wipes (HYAL group) for a period of 4 weeks. The following clinical outcomes were assessed before (V0) and after the treatment period (V1): non-invasive keratograph break up time (NIK-BUT), tear film BUT (TF-BUT) tear meniscus height (TMH), Keratograph meibography, Meibomian Gland Yield Secretion Score (MGYSS), Corneal Staining Score (CSS), Schirmer test I, Keratograph conjunctival redness score and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Moreover, microbiological analysis of upper and lower eyelid margins was performed at V0 both before and 5 min after treatment.

Results

After 1-month NIK-BUT and TF-BUT significantly increased in HOCL group, while they did not show a statistically significant difference in HYAL group compared with baseline. OSDI, TMH and MGYSS showed a significant difference in both groups, while Schirmer test, meibography, CSS and conjunctival redness score did not significantly change in both groups. Bacterial load showed a significant reduction in both groups, more pronounced in HOCL group compared with HYAL group.

Conclusions

Hypochlorous acid hygiene solution can be securely employed in blepharitis treatment considering the satisfying clinical outcomes and antimicrobial activity compared with hyaluronic acid wipes.
Systematic review exploring the clinical features of optic neuritis after SARS-CoV infection and vaccination
Authors: Georganta Iliana , Chasapi Despoina , Smith Charlotte Jayne , Kopsidas Konstantinos , Tatham Andrew
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aims to characterise the symptoms and clinical features of optic neuritis (ON) following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

Method

A literature search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar) to identify relevant case reports and case series. The records were screened and articles adhering to the inclusion criteria were critically appraised.

Results

Sixty-eight studies were found to be eligible for inclusion, including 34 reporting ON following SARS-CoV-2 infection and an equal number reporting cases postvaccination. In total 93 patients and 125 eyes were included. The infection cohort included 42 patients and 56 eyes, 51.2% were female and 33.3% experienced bilateral ON. The mean visual acuity was 1.64 log of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR), while pain was present in 77.8%. Oligoclonal bands were present in 3 patients, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies in 18 patients and AQP-4 antibodies in 4 patients. The vaccination cohort included 51 patients and 69 eyes. 60.8% were female and 35.3% had a bilateral ON. The mean visual acuity was 0.93 LogMAR. Oligoclonal bands were present in 46.7%, MOG antibodies in nine patients and AQP-4 antibodies in three patients.

Conclusion

Patients with ON post-SARS-CoV infection were more likely to experience severe visual impairment than in cases following vaccination. Further research is required to outline the clinical features of ON after COVID-19 infection and vaccination, and establish causality.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2-mediated aldehyde metabolism promotes tumor immune evasion by regulating the NOD/VISTA axis
Authors: Chen Yuru , Sun Jiazheng , Liu Jiazhou , Wei Yuxian , Wang Xiaoyu , Fang Huiying , Du Huimin , Huang Jing , Li Qin , Ren Guosheng , Wang Xiaoyi , Li Hongzhong
Published: December 2023

Background

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a crucial enzyme involved in endogenous aldehyde detoxification and has been implicated in tumor progression. However, its role in tumor immune evasion remains unclear.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the relationship between ALDH2 expression and antitumor immune features in multiple cancers. ALDH2 knockout tumor cells were then established using CRISPR/Cas9 system. In immunocompetent breast cancer EMT6 and melanoma B16-F10 mouse models, we investigated the impact of ALDH2 blockade on cytotoxic T lymphocyte function and tumor immune microenvironment by flow cytometry, mass cytometry, Luminex liquid suspension chip detection, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and luciferase reporter assays were employed to explore the detailed mechanism of ALDH2 involved in tumor immune evasion. Lastly, the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of blocking ALDH2 by genetic depletion or its inhibitor disulfiram in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) was investigated in mouse models.

Results

In our study, we uncovered a positive correlation between the expression level of ALDH2 and T-cell dysfunction in multiple cancers. Furthermore, blocking ALDH2 significantly suppressed tumor growth by enhancing cytotoxic activity of CD8+T cells and reshaping the immune landscape and cytokine milieu of tumorsin vivo. Mechanistically, inhibiting ALDH2-mediated metabolism of aldehyde downregulated the expression of V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) via inactivating the nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. As a result, the cytotoxic function of CD8+T cells was revitalized. Importantly, ALDH2 blockade markedly reinforced the efficacy of ICB treatment.

Conclusions

Our data delineate that ALDH2-mediated aldehyde metabolism drives tumor immune evasion by activating the NOD/NF-κB/VISTA axis. Targeting ALDH2 provides an effective combinatorial therapeutic strategy for immunotherapy.
Cardiac dysfunction in survivors of sepsis: a scoping review
Authors: Garrity Kevin , Gaw Samantha , Blewitt Alice , Canon Paul , McCall Philip , McPeake Joanne
Published: December 2023

Background

Sepsis is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in a magnitude comparable to other major cardiovascular risk factors. Sepsis is one of the most common reasons for intensive care admission and survivors often have significant functional limitations following discharge. However, it is not clear to what extent chronic cardiovascular dysfunction might mediate these functional impairments, or how we might screen and manage these patients at risk of chronic cardiovascular disease. We conducted a scoping review to map existing evidence and identify research gaps relating to cardiovascular dysfunction following sepsis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases using a concept, context, population (CoCoPop) framework. Studies examining cardiovascular outcomes or symptoms following an episode of sepsis in adults were included. Data were mapped based on the population assessed, cardiovascular outcomes examined, inclusion of objective measures of cardiac dysfunction such as biomarkers or cardiovascular imaging, or whether cardiovascular symptoms or patient-reported functional outcomes measures were recorded.

Results

We identified 11 210 articles of which 70 were eligible for full text review and 28 were included in final analysis. Across our dataset, a wide range of incident cardiovascular outcomes were reported in the literature including incidence of congestive heart failure (13/28), arrhythmia (6/28), myocardial infarction (24/28) or cardiovascular death or all-cause mortality (20/28). Only 39% (11/28) of articles reported objective measures of cardiovascular function and only one article related cardiovascular function to functional impairment via patient-reported outcome measures.

Conclusion

There are significant gaps in our understanding of cardiac dysfunction following sepsis . While the research highlights the strong association of sepsis with a variety of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, further prospective work is required to understand the mechanisms that mediate this phenomenon and how we can best identify and manage patients at risk.
Inflammatory low back pain with radiculopathy revealing epidural disintegration of a bullet complicated by lead poisoning
Authors: Do Ariane , Garzelli Lorenzo , Garnier Robert , Court Charles , Sellam Jérémie , Miquel Anne , Berenbaum Francis
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory low back pain with radiculopathy is suggestive of cancer, infection or inflammatory diseases. We report a unique case of a 42-year-old patient with an acute inflammatory low back pain with bilateral radiculopathy associated with weight loss and abdominal pain, revealing the disintegration of a lead bullet along the epidural space and the S1 nerve root complicated by lead poisoning. Because of the high blood lead level of intoxication (>10 times over the usual lead levels) and the failure of repeated lead chelator cycles, a surgical treatment to remove bullet fragments was performed. It resulted in a significant decrease of pain and lead intoxication.
Individual mobility deep insight using mobile phones data
Authors: Mizzi Chiara , Baroncini Alex , Fabbri Alessandro , Micheli Davide , Vannelli Aldo , Criminisi Carmen , Jean Susanna , Bazzani Armando
Published: December 2023

The data sets provided by Information and Communication Technologies have been extensively used to study the human mobility in the framework of complex systems. The possibility of detecting the behavior of individuals performing the urban mobility may offer the possibility of understanding how to realize a transition to a sustainable mobility in future smart cities. The Statistical Physics approach considers the statistical distributions of human mobility to discover universal features. Under this point of view the power laws distributions has been extensively studied to propose model of human mobility. In this paper we show that using a GPS data set containing the displacements of mobile devices in an area around the city Rimini (Italy), it is possible to reconstruct a sample of mobility paths and to study the statistical properties of urban mobility. Applying a fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm, we succeed to detect different mobility types that highlight the multilayer structure of the road network. The disaggregation into homogeneous mobility classes explains the power law distributions for the path lengths and the travel times as an overlapping of exponential distributions, that are consistent with a maximum entropy Principle. Under this point of view it is not possible to infer other dynamical properties on the individual mobility, except for the average values of the different classes. We also study the role of the mobility types, when one restricts the analysis to the an origin-destination framework, by analyzing the daily evolution of the mobility flows.
Mosquito swarms shear harden
Authors: Reynolds Andy M.
Published: December 2023

Recently Cavagna et al. (Sci Rep 13(1): 8745, 2023) documented the swarming behaviors of laboratory-based Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Here key observations from this 3D-video tracking study are reproduced by a minimally structured (maximum entropy) stochastic trajectory model. The modelling shows that in contrast with midge swarms which are a form of collective behavior, unperturbed mosquito swarms are more like collections of individuals that independently circulate around a fixed location. The modelling predicts the observed response Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in wild swarms to varying wind speeds (Butail et al. in J Med Entomol 50(3): 552–559, 2013). It is shown that this response can be attributed to shear hardening. This is because mosquitoes are found to be attracted to the centre of the swarm by an effective force that increases with increasing flight speed. Mosquitoes can therefore better resist the influence of environmental disturbances by increasing their flight speeds. This contrasts with other emergent mechanical-like properties of swarming which arise accidentally without a change in an individual’s behavior. The new results add to the growing realization that perturbations can drive swarms into more robust states.
CS=Me: Exploring Factors that Shape Black Women's CS Identity at the Intersections of Race and Gender
Authors: Williams Krystal L. , Dillon Edward , Carter Shanice , Jones Janelle , Melchior Shelly
Published: December 2023

Improving equity and inclusion for underrepresented groups in the field of Computer Science (CS) has garnered much attention. In particular, there is a long-standing need for diversity efforts that center on the experiences of Black women, and specific actions to increase their representation—especially given the biases that they often encounter in the field. There is limited research concerning Black women in CS, specifically their conceptions of the field and their overarching CS identity development. More research in this area is especially important given the marginalization that Black women often experience at the intersections of their race and gender. Guided by a combination of critical theoretical lenses, this qualitative study examines Black women's conceptions of what it means to be a computer scientist and the degree to which those conceptions map onto how they see themselves in the field. Moreover, we explore experiences that help to bolster Black women's CS identity. The findings highlight key aspects of what it means to be a computer scientist for the Black women in this study—notably the ability to use computing to make societal contributions. Also, the results accentuate key nuances in the participants’ personal CS identification, particularly as it relates to the resilience required to overcome unique barriers that many Black women encounter when engaging within the field. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of social support systems to facilitate Black women's CS identity development. Implications for policy and practice within education and industry are discussed.
EMG-Based Automatic Gesture Recognition Using Lipschitz-Regularized Neural Networks
Authors: Neacşu Ana , Pesquet Jean-Christophe , Burileanu Corneliu
Published: December 2023

This article introduces a novel approach for building a robust Automatic Gesture Recognition system based on Surface Electromyographic (sEMG) signals, acquired at the forearm level. Our main contribution is to propose new constrained learning strategies that ensure robustness against adversarial perturbations by controlling the Lipschitz constant of the classifier. We focus on nonnegative neural networks for which accurate Lipschitz bounds can be derived, and we propose different spectral norm constraints offering robustness guarantees from a theoretical viewpoint. Experimental results on four publicly available datasets highlight that a good tradeoff in terms of accuracy and performance is achieved. We then demonstrate the robustness of our models, compared with standard trained classifiers in four scenarios, considering both white-box and black-box attacks.
Methods—Meso-Scale Electrodes for Characterizing Diffusion-Reaction Properties of Redox-Active Organics in Viscous Electrolytes
Authors: Jeganathan Vaishnavi Sree , Sinclair Nicholas , Akolkar Rohan
Published: December 2023

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) have recently gained interest as flow battery electrolytes. Their advantages include a wider electrochemical stability window compared to aqueous electrolytes, higher solubility for redox-active species, and negligible volatility. However, DESs are often highly viscous, and suffer from low ionic conductivities. This can make assessing redox kinetics difficult when attempting to determine their viability for energy storage. In classical voltammetric measurements, low ionic conductivity manifests as high solution resistance, thereby requiring “live” compensation of the electrolyte ohmic drop when performing fast-scan voltammetry. An uncompensated or inadequately-compensated ohmic drop leads to misinterpretation of the voltammetric behavior, e.g., assessing reversibility vs. irreversibility of a redox reaction. Here, we present micro-fabricated electrodes as facile “meso-scale” electrodes, which overcome these issues by nearly eliminating the ohmic drop while retaining uniformity of the current distribution over the electrode surface. Their use in precise transport-kinetics measurements is demonstrated using a redox-active organic, i.e., 4-Hydroxy-TEMPO in an aqueous medium and in ethaline, which is a viscous DES. This study provides a methodical approach to design and to implement voltammetry experiments using meso-scale electrodes leading to reliable measurements of diffusion-reaction properties of 4-Hydroxy-TEMPO.
Effect of Reinforcement Forms on the Load Bearing Capacity of Prefabricated Box Culvert
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Wang Li , Chen Jian , Li Ming , Guo Rui , Xie Yajun , Zong Da
Published: December 2023

Box culvert structure was an essential part of modern infrastructure. Due to the advantages of low pollution and convenient construction, the prefabricated box culvert (PBC) has been gradually utilized in engineering. However, the investigations on load bearing capacity of PBC in different reinforcement forms with same reinforcement ratios were still lack. In the present research, one PBC specimen was tested and discussed by the finite-element analysis (FEA) on load bearing capacity under four-point bending. The load bearing capacity of another three PBCs in different reinforcement forms with the same reinforcement ratios was discussed by the FEA. Results of experimental and numerical investigations showed that: (1) a number of flexural cracks were observed in the midspan bottom of upper slab of PBC, and finally shear failure was observed in bending–shear zone of upper slab of PBC; (2) the number of concrete cracking, plastic deformation of PBC, and stress of rebars reduced by increasing the area of tensile rebars in PBC with reducing the area of compressive rebars under same reinforcement ratios; (3) the ductility and load bearing capacity of PBC increased by increasing the area of tensile rebars with reducing the area of compressive rebars.
AI Model Developed Using Machine Learning for Predicting Sperm Retrieval in Micro-TESE for Nonobstructive Azoospermia Patients
Authors: Kobayashi Hideyuki , Uetani Masato , Yamabe Fumito , Mitsui Yozo , Nakajima Koichi , Nagao Koichi
Published: December 2023

Azoospermia is a severe problem that prevents couples from having their own children through natural pregnancy. In nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is required to collect sperm and, at 40%–60%, the sperm retrieval success rate is not very high. Previous studies identified no single clinical finding or investigation that could accurately predict the outcome of sperm retrieval. It would be very valuable to have a factor for predicting the possibility of sperm retrieval in patients with NOA before performing micro-TESE. We retrospectively obtained data from the medical records of 430 patients who underwent micro-TESE from 2011 to 2020. Parameters extracted were age, height, body weight, body mass index, luteal hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, PRL, total testosterone, E2, T/E2, sperm retrieval, G-band, AZF, medical history, Rt testis, and Lt testis. Prediction One, which does not require coding, was used to create the AI prediction model for sperm retrieval. Prediction One makes the best prediction model using an artificial neural network with internal cross-validation. Prediction One also evaluates the “importance of variables” using a method based on permutation feature importance. The AUC for the AI model was 0.7246, which is acceptable. In addition, among the variables, T/E2 ratios contributed most to predicting whether sperm retrieval was possible or not. However, the difference in T/E2 between successful and unsuccessful sperm retrieval was not statistically significant. In addition, our analysis of data from 20 patients who underwent micro-TESE in 2021 found that in 85%, the actual result matched the result predicted using our novel AI model. We created an AI model for predicting sperm retrieval in patients with NOA before undergoing micro-TESE. In addition, we found that T/E2 ratios contributed most to predicting possibility of sperm retrieval in NOA using machine learning.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of a Fecal Immunochemical Test in Detecting Colorectal Cancer and Advanced Precancerous Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients with Iron Deficiency: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pham Jennifer , Laven-Law Geraldine , Winter Jean M. , Wassie Molla M. , Cock Charles , Symonds Erin L.
Published: December 2023

Background. Iron deficiency (ID) is a common micronutrient deficiency and the leading cause of anemia worldwide. ID can be caused by chronic occult blood loss from colorectal neoplasia including colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced precancerous colorectal lesions. Current guidelines recommend colonoscopy in both men and postmenopausal women presenting with ID anemia (IDA). However, there is controversy on the investigation of patients presenting with a lower risk of CRC including younger women with ID and those with nonanemic ID (NAID). There is a need for a triaging tool to identify which ID patients may benefit from colonoscopy. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is sensitive for CRC screening in an asymptomatic population, but its role in ID patients is unclear. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FIT for detecting CRC and advanced precancerous neoplasia in individuals presenting with ID with or without anemia. Methods and Analysis. This protocol conforms with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases will be undertaken for studies published after 2010 which involve patients with ID, who completed a FIT in the 6 months prior to colonoscopy, with FIT sensitivity and specificity calculated against the reference standard colonoscopy. The search will be limited to studies conducted after 2010 to reduce variability in colonoscopy quality. Risk of bias assessment will be conducted using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2. FIT sensitivity and specificity will be the primary measure of diagnostic accuracy, and data will be analysed using a random effects meta-analysis. Discussion. This review and meta-analysis will be the first to systematically explore the value of the FIT as a triaging tool for patients with ID. This trial is registered with CRD42022367162.