bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An adaptive fuzzy maximum power point tracking for PV systems by a mutant gray wolf optimization algorithm
Authors: Omali Yahya Gholami , Shokouhandeh Hassan , Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Sedighi Mohsen , Hwang Jae-Yong
Published: July 2024

An innovative and adaptive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based on a fuzzy controller is proposed in this article. The proposed controller is optimized by the mutant gray wolf optimization (MGWO) algorithm, and the objective function uses an integral squared time squared error (ISTSE) index. To indicate the efficiency of the proposed MPPT algorithm (MGWO-AF-MPPT), the simulations for several irradiation conditions are modeled in MATLAB. In addition, two fair comparisons are performed between the simulation results of the proposed MPPT method with an adaptive fuzzy controller that optimized with particle swarm optimization (PSO-AF-MPPT), as well as a Perturbation and Observation method (P&O-MPPT). The comparison results illustrate that the amount of generated electrical power from the PV system for all adaptive MPPT systems is almost close to each other, indicating the high accuracy of both fuzzy-based controllers. However, the PV power generation of the proposed MGWO-AF-MPPT is higher, and also its ripple is lower than PSO-AF-MPPT. Note that, the calculated total harmonic distortion (THD) for the P&O-MPPT, PSO-AF-MPPT, and the proposed MGWO-AF-MPPT methods are calculated at 3.4%, 2.3%, and 2.1%, respectively. A lower THD indicates better power quality generated by the PV system employing the MGWO-AF-MPPT method.
Returning value to the community through the All of Us Research Program Data Sandbox model
Authors: Cohn Elizabeth , Kleiman Frida Esther , Muhammad Shayaa , Jones S Scott , Pourkey Nakisa , Bier Louise
Published: July 2024

Objective

The All of Us Research Program aims to return value to participants by developing research capacity in communities. We describe a novel set of introductory exercises (Data Sandboxes) and specialized trainings to orient researchers to the Researcher Workbench to foster health equity research.

Materials and Methods

We developed a tailored training to familiarize researchers with the All of Us Research Program: (1) orientation, (2) tailored “data treasure hunt” using the Public Data Browser, and (3) overview of the analyses tools and platform.

Results

Participants’ pre- and post-knowledge of the contents and structure of the All of Us dataset scores increased significantly after training. These trainings effectively engaged researchers in exploring this rich dataset.

Conclusion

We describe ways of orienting and familiarizing a wide variety of researchers with the All of Us Research Program dataset, sparking their interest, and “jump-starting” their research.
Effects of thinning and ground cover plants on soil bacterial community composition and diversity in Picea asperata plantations within giant panda habitats
Authors: Tao Xiang , Xiao Qiuju , Shao Huanhuan , Tu Weiguo , Li Ling , Zhang Yuanbin , Jiang Hao
Published: July 2024

Forest thinning and ground cover plant management play crucial roles in habitat enhancement, yet their effects on soil microbiota remain poorly understood. This study examines their impact on soil properties and bacterial communities in artificial spruce forests (Picea asperata) within China’s Huangtuliang ecological corridor, a crucial habitat for giant pandas. Thinning significantly alters soil pH and total phosphorus (TP) levels, with minimal changes observed in total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN). The combined effect of thinning and ground cover presence increases soil organic carbon (SOC) to 65.47 g/kg, contrasting with its absence. Thinning enhances the abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi while reducing Actinobacteria. Conversely, ground cover removal decreases Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes but increases Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobia and Rokubacteria. These changes lead to reduced bacterial community diversity, as indicated by a lower Shannon diversity index and distinct community composition differences demonstrated through beta-diversity analysis. Soil pH, TP and MBN are crucial in maintaining bacterial community structure, with pH and TP exhibiting the strongest correlations. Network analysis confirms the significant influence of TP and pH on bacterial genera across various phyla. This study reveals the role of stochastic processes in high-elevation, low-temperature ecological corridors (R2 = 0.817), with thinning’s impact varying depending on the ground cover presence, thus enhancing effects post-removal by reducing dispersal limitation (migration rate, m = 0.96). These findings highlight the ecological implications of habitat management in sensitive ecosystems and advance our understanding of microbial dynamics in critical habitats.
Territorial Conflict in the Spotlight: Unveiling Paths to Territorial Clarity
Authors: Sanjaume-Calvet Marc , Daniels Lesley-Ann , Bossacoma Busquets Pau
Published: July 2024

The tensions between centralization and autonomy inherent in territorial conflicts can give rise to entrenched positions and stalemate. This Federalism Monitor article describes an attempt in Catalonia to find new ways to resolve the Spanish-Catalan conflict over self-determination, which culminated in a referendum and unilateral declaration of independence in 2017, followed by a backlash by the central authorities, including the suspension of political autonomy. We summarize the context, contents, and potential impact of the Report on the Clarity Agreement (2024). Our analysis draws on our experiences as members of the plural and independent council of academic experts appointed by the Catalan Government to produce the report. This experience, we argue, can guide and inspire other experiences of conflict resolution by offering a description and analysis of this case, which has many generalizable features.
Association between food insecurity and long COVID in adults from southern Brazil: findings of the PAMPA cohort
Authors: Schröeder Natália , Feter Natan , Caputo Eduardo L , Delpino Felipe M , da Silva Luísa S , Rocha Juliana Q S , Paz Isabel de A , da Silva Carine N , da Cunha Larissa L , Vieira Yohana P , Reichert Felipe F , Silva Marcelo C , Rombaldi Airton J
Published: July 2024

Background

Social and economic factors, such as food insecurity, contribute to long coronavirus disease (COVID). During the pandemic, a significant rise in food insecurity was observed, both in Brazil and worldwide. We aimed to investigate the association between food insecurity and long COVID in Brazilian adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional study nested within the Prospective study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults (PAMPA) Cohort. Participants completed an online questionnaire in June 2022. We assessed food insecurity using the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity. Long COVID was defined as any post-coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms that persisted for at least 3 months after infection.

Results

A total of 956 participants were included (74.0% female, median age 36 (Interquartile Range [IQR] (29–45.7). The prevalence of food insecurity was 29.4%, and 77.8% had long COVID. Food insecurity was associated with an increased probability of long COVID (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.22). Participants in food insecurity situations had a higher likelihood of experiencing neurological (PR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.28), pulmonary (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.17–1.52) and gastrointestinal (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.31–1.88) symptoms after infection.

Conclusions

Food insecurity was associated with long COVID. Governments must plan public policies to mitigate the effects of long COVID and food insecurity.
Bayesian Inference Under the Multispecies Coalescent with Ancient DNA Sequences
Authors: Nagel Anna A , Flouri Tomáš , Yang Ziheng , Rannala Bruce
Published: July 2024

Ancient DNA (aDNA) is increasingly being used to investigate questions such as the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of extant and extinct species. If aDNA samples are sufficiently old, expected branch lengths (in units of nucleotide substitutions) are reduced relative to contemporary samples. This can be accounted for by incorporating sample ages into phylogenetic analyses. Existing methods that use tip (sample) dates infer gene trees rather than species trees, which can lead to incorrect or biased inferences of the species tree. Methods using a multispecies coalescent (MSC) model overcome these issues. We developed an MSC model with tip dates and implemented it in the program BPP. The method performed well for a range of biologically realistic scenarios, estimating calibrated divergence times and mutation rates precisely. Simulations suggest that estimation precision can be best improved by prioritizing sampling of many loci and more ancient samples. Incorrectly treating ancient samples as contemporary in analyzing simulated data, mimicking a common practice of empirical analyses, led to large systematic biases in model parameters, including divergence times. Two genomic datasets of mammoths and elephants were analyzed, demonstrating the method’s empirical utility.
Comparative secured transactions law: how and to what extent do global standards affect the reform of Japanese inventory financing law
Authors: Aoki Noriyuki
Published: July 2024

Since March 2021 Japan has been undertaking official legislative discussions at the Committee of Secured Transactions Law Reform under the Legislative Council of the Ministry of Justice Japan to draft a statute of secured transactions of personal property. These discussions are now in their final stages. Enhancing the reliability and feasibility of security devices for inventory financing is the core purpose of the proposed legislation. As a result of policy-making decisions, the conventional Japanese security device of ownership transfer for security purposes will not be replaced by a new regime which reflects the modern principles originating from the UCC9 and illustrated in the UNCITRAL Model Law on Secured Transactions. However, the significance of such global standards in the context of Japanese law has been two-fold. First, they illustrate what conventional Japanese law achieves through its own alternative rules. Second, the Council Committee is likely to propose several changes to refresh our conventional security device by adding new principles which have traditionally been of less concern to Japanese practitioners. In this article, the author substantiates the influence of these global standards on Japanese legislation. This article focuses on the functional approach taken by the ownership transfer type security interest, the rules relevant to publicity of security interests as modified by the first-to-register-or-possession rule as suggested by global standards, the concept of aggregate of inventory as collateral as modified by registration to cover perfection in security interests in goods joining the aggregate after a debtor's dishonest disposition, and the assignment of accounts receivables accompanied with ownership transfer of inventory which may be viewed as functionally close to security interests in proceeds of inventory.
Pathotype Identification and Host Resistance Evaluation of Clubroot in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gong Wenfeng , Gao Yingying , Zhao Kun , Wang Fangzhan , Liu Yapei , Zhang Mei , Yu Xiaolin
Published: July 2024

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a globally destructive soilborne disease affecting cruciferous plants. In this study, the predominant pathotypes of P. brassicae in six cities within Zhejiang Province were identified using the Williams and European clubroot differential (ECD) systems. A phylogenetic analysis of P. brassicae isolates infecting cruciferous crops worldwide was conducted using MEGA, and their ITS2 secondary structures were predicted through the ITS2 database. Accessions of Brassica rapa, B. oleracea, B. juncea, and Eruca sativa Mill. were employed to assess clubroot resistance. The results revealed that the prevalent pathotypes in Zhejiang Province were pathotype 1, ECD20/31/12 and ECD24/16/30; pathotype 3, ECD20/15/4; pathotype 8, ECD16/0/0 and ECD24/0/0; and pathotype 2, ECD16/15/15. Isolates from distinct genera of Brassicaceae formed separate branches in the evolutionary tree. Moreover, isolates of Brassica crops from Zhejiang Province exhibited homology with those from other global regions, a finding corroborated by their ITS2 secondary structure. Approximately 80 and 95% of B. rapa and B. juncea crops displayed susceptible phenotypes for pathotype 8, ECD16/0/0, whereas approximately 60% of B. oleracea crops exhibited resistance. Furthermore, three Brassica crop accessions showed significant variation in resistance to the pathogen, both among morphological and geographical origin groups. This study contributes to understanding the distribution of diverse P. brassicae pathotypes in different regions of Zhejiang Province and facilitates the identification of Brassica crops with potential disease resistance suitable for cultivation in the province.
Development and validation of prognostic nomogram in pediatric melanoma: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Saichun , Liu Zixiang , Zhu Dongsheng
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study is to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to develop a useful clinical nomogram that uses prognosis prediction for pediatric melanoma patients. We obtained clinical information on pediatric melanoma patients from the SEER database between 2000 and 2018. Each patient was split into a training cohort or a validation cohort at random. Results between various subgroups were compared using Kaplan–Meier analyses. We created a nomogram to calculate the probability of survival for pediatric patients with melanoma. The performance of nomograms was assessed using calibration and discrimination. To assess the clinical use of this newly created model, decision curve analysis was also performed. In this study, a total of 890 eligible patients were chosen at random and allocated to 70% of training cohorts (n = 623) and 30% of validation cohorts (n = 267). After applying the chosen various components to create a nomogram, validated indexes showed that the nomogram had a strong capacity for discrimination. The training set’s and validation set’s C-index values were 0.817 and 0.832, respectively. The calibration plots demonstrated a strong correlation between the observation and the forecast. The model has a good clinical net benefit for pediatric melanoma patients, according to the clinical decision curve. In conclusion, we created an effective survival prediction model for pediatric melanoma. This nomogram is accurate and useful for clinical decision-making. Still, more external confirmation is required.
Digital therapeutics lead to clinically significant body weight loss in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Albhaisi Somaya , Tondt Justin , Cyrus John , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Conroy David E. , Stine Jonathan G.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Most patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease are unable to achieve clinically significant body weight loss with traditional in-person approaches. Digital therapeutic (DTx)-delivered interventions offer promise to remove barriers to weight loss success inherent to traditional resource-heavy in-person programs and at a population level, but their efficacy remains relatively unknown.

Methods:

Published studies were identified through May 2023 by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed and Embase (Ovid). DTx intervention was compared to standard of care. The primary outcome was a change in body weight. Secondary outcomes included clinically significant body weight loss (≥5%) and change in liver enzymes.

Results:

Eight studies comprising 1001 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age: 47 y; body mass index: 33.2 kg/m2). The overall rate of clinically significant body weight loss was 33%, with DTx lifestyle interventions ranging from 4 to 24 months in length. DTx lifestyle intervention achieved statistically significant body weight loss (absolute change −3.4 kg, 95% CI: −4.8 to −2.0 kg, p < 0.01, relative change −3.9%, 95% CI: −6.6 to −1.3, p < 0.01) as well as clinically significant body weight loss of ≥5% (risk ratio: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.7–5.5, p < 0.01) compared to standard of care. This was seen alongside improvement in liver enzymes.

Conclusions:

DTx-delivered lifestyle intervention programs lead to greater amounts of body weight loss than traditional in-person lifestyle counseling. These results further support the role of DTx in delivering lifestyle intervention programs to patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease and suggest that this scalable intervention offers promise to benefit the billions of patients worldwide with this condition.
Validation of MELD3.0 in 2 centers from different continents
Authors: Tejedor Marta , Bellón José María , Fernández de la Varga Margarita , Peralta Peregrina , Montalvá Eva , Selzner Nazia , Berenguer Marina
Published: July 2024

Background:

MELD3.0 has been proposed to stratify patients on the liver transplant waiting list (WL) to reduce the historical disadvantage of women in accessing liver transplant. Our aim was to validate MELD3.0 in 2 unique populations.

Methods:

This study is a 2-center retrospective cohort study from Toronto, Canada, and Valencia, Spain, of all adults added to the liver transplant WL between 2015 and 2019. Listing indications whose short-term survival outcome is not adequately captured by the MELD score were excluded. All patients analyzed had a minimum follow-up of 3 months after inclusion in the WL.

Results:

Six hundred nineteen patients were included; 61% were male, with a mean age of 56 years. Mean MELD at inclusion was 18.00 ± 6.88, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELDNa) 19.78 ± 7.00, and MELD3.0 20.25 ± 7.22. AUC to predict 90-day mortality on the WL was 0.879 (95% CI: 0.820, 0.939) for MELD, 0.921 (95% CI: 0.876, 0.967) for MELDNa, and 0.930 (95% CI: 0.888, 0.973) for MELD3.0. MELDNa and MELD3.0 were better predictors than MELD (p = 0.055 and p = 0.024, respectively), but MELD3.0 was not statistically superior to MELDNa (p = 0.144). The same was true when stratified by sex, although the difference between MELD3.0 and MELD was only significant for women (p = 0.032), while no statistical significance was found in either sex when compared with MELDNa. In women, AUC was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.744, 0.926) for MELD, 0.873 (95% CI: 0.785, 0.961) for MELDNa, and 0.886 (95% CI: 0.803, 0.970) for MELD3.0; differences for the comparison between AUC in women versus men for all 3 scores were nonsignificant. Compared to MELD, MELD3.0 was able to reclassify 146 patients (24%), the majority of whom belonged to the MELD 10–19 interval. Compared to MELDNa, it reclassified 68 patients (11%), most of them in the MELDNa 20–29 category.

Conclusions:

MELD3.0 has been validated in centers with significant heterogeneity and offers the highest mortality prediction for women on the WL without disadvantaging men. However, in these cohorts, it was not superior to MELDNa.
A plasma peptidomic signature reveals extracellular matrix remodeling and predicts prognosis in alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Sayed Khaled , Dolin Christine E. , Wilkey Daniel W. , Li Jiang , Sato Toshifumi , Beier Juliane I. , Argemi Josepmaria , Vatsalya Vatsalya , McClain Craig J. , Bataller Ramon , Wahed Abdus S. , Merchant Michael L. , Benos Panayiotis V. , Arteel Gavin E.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is plagued with high mortality and difficulty in identifying at-risk patients. The extracellular matrix undergoes significant remodeling during inflammatory liver injury and could potentially be used for mortality prediction.

Methods:

EDTA plasma samples were collected from patients with AH (n = 62); Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score defined AH severity as moderate (12–20; n = 28) and severe (>20; n = 34). The peptidome data were collected by high resolution, high mass accuracy UPLC-MS. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified differentially abundant peptides, which were used for Gene Ontology, parent protein matrisomal composition, and protease involvement. Machine-learning methods were used to develop mortality predictors.

Results:

Analysis of plasma peptides from patients with AH and healthy controls identified over 1600 significant peptide features corresponding to 130 proteins. These were enriched for extracellular matrix fragments in AH samples, likely related to the turnover of hepatic-derived proteins. Analysis of moderate versus severe AH peptidomes was dominated by changes in peptides from collagen 1A1 and fibrinogen A proteins. The dominant proteases for the AH peptidome spectrum appear to be CAPN1 and MMP12. Causal graphical modeling identified 3 peptides directly linked to 90-day mortality in >90% of the learned graphs. These peptides improved the accuracy of mortality prediction over the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and were used to create a clinically applicable mortality prediction assay.

Conclusions:

A signature based on plasma peptidome is a novel, noninvasive method for prognosis stratification in patients with AH. Our results could also lead to new mechanistic and/or surrogate biomarkers to identify new AH mechanisms.
Intraocular Lens Opacification After Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty—Risk Factors and Outcomes After Intraocular Lens Exchange
Authors: Moura-Coelho Nuno , Papa-Vettorazzi Renato , Reyes Alonso , Cunha João Paulo , Dutra-Medeiros Marco , Manero Felicidad , Güell José Luis
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To determine risk factors for intraocular lens opacification (IOLop) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to analyze clinical outcomes after IOL exchange.

Methods:

Cross-Sectional Study: Analysis of all cases of IOL exchange because of post-DMEK IOLop with a minimum of 6-month postoperative follow-up observed in clinic between November 2021 and April 2022. Main outcomes analyzed at the study visit were change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity after IOL exchange, endothelial cell loss (ECL), and graft survival. An historical cohort of 232 pseudophakic DMEK eyes was retrospectively analyzed to determine risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop.

Results:

Cross-Sectional Study: Four eyes were observed (median follow-up = 45 (35.5–86.8) months). IOL materials were hydrophilic acrylic IOLs in 2 eyes and hydrophobic–hydrophilic in the other 2. At the study visit, improvement in median best-corrected visual acuity after IOL exchange was statistically significant (0.25 (0.19–0.41) logMAR to 0.00 (0–0.10) logMAR; P = 0.041). ECL ranged between 57.7% and 85.3%, without cases of graft failure. In the historical cohort, 21 eyes (9.05%) had some IOLop. In multivariate logistic regression model (105 eyes where IOL material data was available), IOLs with high water content material (odds ratio = 65.5, P = 0.0005) and rebubbling (odds ratio = 9.51, P = 0.0138) were independent risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop.

Conclusions:

Post-DMEK IOLop is infrequent, but a non-neglectable proportion of cases may require IOL explantation. IOL exchange is safe and effective in these eyes but may pose a risk for increased ECL. This study confirms that IOL material and number of rebubblings are major risk factors for post-DMEK IOLop.
Imaging immunometabolism in situ in live animals
Authors: Molnar Nicole , Miskolci Veronika
Published: July 2024

Immunometabolism is a rapidly developing field that holds great promise for diagnostic and therapeutic benefits to human diseases. The field has emerged based on seminal findings from in vitro and ex vivo studies that established the fundamental role of metabolism in immune cell effector functions. Currently, the field is acknowledging the necessity of investigating cellular metabolism within the natural context of biological processes. Examining cells in their native microenvironment is essential not only to reveal cell-intrinsic mechanisms but also to understand how cross-talk between neighboring cells regulates metabolism at the tissue level in a local niche. This necessity is driving innovation and advancement in multiple imaging-based technologies to enable analysis of dynamic intracellular metabolism at the single-cell level, with spatial and temporal resolution. In this review, we tally the currently available imaging-based technologies and explore the emerging methods of Raman and autofluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, which hold significant potential and offer broad applications in the field of immunometabolism.
New Insights Into Infections’ Risk of Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Trimbour Camille , Balsat Marie , Olivier Laura , Mihalcea Ana-Raluca , Garnier Nathalie , Kebaili Kamila , Sirvent Nicolas , Dupont Damien , Fuhrmann Christine , Theron Alexandre , Domenech Carine
Published: July 2024

Background:

This study aims to compare the infections’ risk between adolescents and young adults (AYAs), treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and pediatric population. We also focused on their bacterial and fungal infection specificities.

Methods:

This case–control study investigated the occurrence of bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) and proven and probable invasive fungal infection (IFI) in AYAs (15–25 years old) and children (1–14 years old) treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia between January 2013 and December 2020 in 2 French tertiary pediatric and 2 referral adult hematological centers, independent of their treatment protocol. We also evaluated the impact of these infections on morbidity (necessity of intensive care) and mortality.

Results:

We analyzed 83 AYAs and 230 children and found that AYAs developed significantly more IFI than the pediatric population (22% vs. 10%, P = 0.007), regardless of their care center (adult or pediatric). Furthermore, the occurrence of BSI was similar between the 2 populations (48% vs. 51%, P = 0.66). Moreover, the occurrence of infection increased with the AYAs’ risk group of treatment: standard, medium or high risk (P = 0.021 for BSI and P = 0.029 for IFI). Finally, the mortality rate is only 1.3% after a BSI whereas it increases to 4.9% after IFI.

Conclusion:

AYAs have their own specificity with an increased risk of fungal infection compared to children, independent of the care center. Antifungal prophylaxis should be contemplated, especially for patients classified in high-risk groups.
Performance of formulas included in the ESCRS intraocular lens power calculator
Authors: Skrzypecki Janusz , Koch Douglas D. , Wang Li
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To compare the refractive prediction errors (PEs) of formulas included in the ESCRS intraocular lens (IOL) power calculator to aid in informed decisions on IOL power selection based on the output of this tool.

Setting:

Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Design:

Retrospective case-series.

Methods:

748 eyes of 748 patients after implantation of 1 of 3 lenses were included, single-piece: the SN60WF, PCB00/ZCB00 and 3-piece: MA60MA. IOL constants recommended by the calculator were used for the study. We performed analysis for the whole dataset, short (<22 mm) and long eyes (>25 mm) as well as in subgroups based on the type of the implanted IOL. SD and root mean square absolute error (RMSAE) were selected as the primary endpoints.

Results:

Cooke K6 had the lowest SD of PEs in the whole dataset (P < .05) when compared with Barrett, EVO, and Hoffer QST. In the subgroup of long eyes, the Kane formula had the lowest RMSAE (P < .05) when compared with Barrett and EVO. No significant differences in primary endpoints for implantation of the 3 types of IOLs were found. However, the median absolute error after implantation of the MA60MA was significantly higher for Hoffer QST than for all other formulas except for Pearl-DGS.

Conclusions:

Significant differences in the performance of formulas included in the calculator were found. In the whole dataset, Cooke K6 had the lowest SD of PEs among the analyzed formulas.
Metastasis to the External Auditory Canal: A Systematic Review
Authors: Epperson Madison V. , Mahajan Arushi , Welch Christopher M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To systematically review the literature and understand the behavior, diagnosis, management, and mortality of metastasis to the external auditory canal (EAC).

Databases Reviewed

PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science.

Methods

Studies from 1948 to June 2023 describing metastasis to the EAC were included. Non-English literature was excluded. Data extraction: Study design, age, sex, pathology, primary site, staging, additional sites of metastasis, time to EAC metastasis from diagnosis, time from diagnosis of EAC metastasis to death, symptoms, exam and imaging findings, and management.

Results

Data were synthesized qualitatively with means calculated. Thirty-two studies met the criteria, totaling 37 patients with EAC metastasis. Mean age was 58 years; 73% were male. The most common pathologies were adenocarcinoma (37.8%), acute myelogenous leukemia (8.1%), and renal cell carcinoma (8.1%). Sites of primary malignancy were hematologic (10.8%), breast (8.1%), esophagus (8.1%), renal (8.1%), and prostate (8.1%). Within the temporal bone, 73% had isolated EAC metastasis. Median time to EAC metastasis from the diagnosis of primary malignancy was 18 months. Metastasis to the EAC was the first presentation of malignancy in 21.6% of patients. Median time to death was 4.5 months. Symptoms included hearing loss (59.5%), otalgia (27.0%), otorrhagia (24.3%), facial paralysis (21.6%), otorrhea (16.2%), and aural fullness (13.5%). On imaging, bony erosion was present in 50% of cases. Treatment was primarily palliative with excision and radiation.

Conclusions

EAC metastasis has a distinct presentation from other temporal bone subsites. Early biopsy to establish a diagnosis and intervene is critical.
Development of the comprehensive inpatient transfer tool: initial reliability and validity
Authors: Bassile Clare C. , Harmon Emma , Lehman Jennifer , Shinn Brittany , Ferreira Nancy , Manrai Ramneet , Platt Iris , Pavol Marykay A.
Published: July 2024

A new patient transfer assessment scale for use in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) is warranted to assess level of assistance, adaptations needed for success, and movement strategies. This study presents initial psychometric analyses for the Comprehensive Inpatient Transfer Tool (CITT). CITT items were developed through interdisciplinary team discussions. Interrater reliability was assessed between blinded pairs of raters administering the CITT for each subject on the same day. Intrarater reliability was assessed with one rater administering the CITT for each subject twice within the same day. Thirty-six subjects in an IRF completed the CITT four times during their rehabilitation stay; three times at admission and once at discharge. Intraclass correlations (mixed models) were used in reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) analyses. Spearman correlations of CITT and CITT change scores with their respective Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) transfer scores were performed for concurrent validity. Responsiveness was assessed using paired t-tests on change scores. Interrater and intrarater reliability ranged from 0.90 to 0.98. Correlations between the CITT and FIM/IRF-PAI ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. The MDC for CITT was 7.11 pts. Differences between admission and discharge CITT were significant (P < 0.001). The CITT, developed by an interdisciplinary team, addresses limitations of existing transfer measures utilized in IRFs. The CITT demonstrated excellent inter and intrarater reliability. Concurrent validity demonstrated modest agreement between existing transfer measures and the CITT. The CITT is a reliable, useful scale for evaluating transfer skills in patients admitted to an IRF.
Revision of the Essential Core Competencies: Domains of Competence and Associated Competencies for Pediatric Physical Therapy Professional Education
Authors: Schreiber Joe , Rapport Mary Jane , Anderson Deborah , Lundeen Heather , Moore James , Furze Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this Special Communication is to describe the processes of Education Summit III, sponsored by the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, with an emphasis on the review, update, and integration of contemporary language and the Competency-Based Education framework into a revision of the Essential Core Competencies (ECCs).

Summary of Key Points:

The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy has consistently supported pediatric professional education, including sponsoring 3 Education Summits in 2012, 2016, and 2023. The most recent summit focused on a revision of the ECCs and the development of materials to support their implementation.

Recommendations for Practice:

These revised domains of competence and associated competencies will support and guide pediatric physical therapy education for professional students. Educators are encouraged to use their creativity and resources to integrate these into teaching and learning activities.
Ultra-high dose methylcobalamin and other emerging therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kaji Ryuji , Izumi Yuishin , Oki Ryosuke
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Recent development in understanding the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has led to increasing number of promising test drugs in the pipeline along with the existing ones. We will review these agents focusing on ultra-high dose methylcobalamin, which is pending approval in Japan. Clinical trial design best suited for ALS will also be discussed.

Recent findings

The most recent phase 3 trial (JETALS) of ultra-high dose methylcobalamin demonstrated significant slowing of ALSFRSR changes (0.5/month), with marked reduction of serum homocysteine levels in the initial double-blind period. The post hoc analysis of the previous phase 2/3 study (E761 trial; Eisai) showed that it prolonged survival of ALS patients, if started within 1 year of onset, but the previous studies suggested its efficacy even in later stages, depending upon the rate of progression. Phase 3 trial of AMX0035 or Relyvrio on the other hand showed negative results despite the promising phase 2 data. The latter did not adjust the disease progression rate before entry.

Ultra-high dose methylcobalamin is not a vitamin supplement but a novel disease-modifying therapy for ALS, and it emphasizes homocysteine as a key factor in the disease process. Clinical trial design must include entering patients early and with similar rates of progression using pretrial observation periods for meaningful results, since ALS is a chronologically heterogenous condition with similar phenotypes.
Bubble ascent and rupture in mud volcanoes
Authors: Rudolph Maxwell L. , Sahu Kirti Chandra , Savva Nikos , Szilágyi András , Hórvölgyi Zoltán , Márton Péter , Tajti Ádám , Szép Károly , Balog Boglárka , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Manikantan Harishankar , Forray Ferenc L. , Manga Michael , Hantz Peter
Published: July 2024

Large gas bubbles can reach the surface of pools of mud and lava where they burst, often through the formation and expansion of circular holes. Bursting bubbles release volatiles and generate spatter, and hence play a key role in volcanic degassing and volcanic edifice construction. Here, we study the ascent and rupture of bubbles using a combination of field observations at Pâclele Mici (Romania), laboratory experiments with mud from the Imperial Valley (California, USA), numerical simulations and theoretical models. Numerical simulations predict that bubbles ascend through the mud as elliptical caps that develop a dimple at the apex as they impinge on the free surface. We documented the rupture of bubbles in nature and under laboratory conditions using high-speed video. The bursting of mud bubbles starts with the nucleation of multiple holes, which form at a near-constant rate and in quick succession. The quasi-circular holes rapidly grow and coalesce, and the sheet evolves towards a filamentous structure that finally falls back into the mud pool, sometimes breaking up into droplets. The rate of expansion of holes in the sheet can be explained by a generalization of the Taylor–Culick theory, which is shown to hold independent of the fluid rheology.
Effects of inbreeding on reproductive success in endangered North Atlantic right whales
Authors: Crossman Carla A. , Hamilton Philip K. , Brown Moira W. , Conger Lisa A. , George R. Clay , Jackson Katharine A. , Radvan Sonya N. , Frasier Timothy R.
Published: July 2024

Only approximately 356 North Atlantic right whales (
Eubalaena glacialis
) remain. With extremely low levels of genetic diversity, limited options for mates, and variation in reproductive success across females, there is concern regarding the potential for genetic limitations of population growth from inbreeding depression. In this study, we quantified reproductive success of female North Atlantic right whales with a modified de-lifing approach using reproductive history information collected over decades of field observations. We used double-digest restriction site-associated sequencing to sequence approximately 2% of the genome of 105 female North Atlantic right whales and combined genomic inbreeding estimates with individual fecundity values to assess evidence of inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression could not explain the variance in reproductive success of females, however we present evidence that inbreeding depression may be affecting the viability of inbred fetuses—potentially lowering the reproductive success of the species as a whole. Combined, these results allay some concerns that genetic factors are impacting species survival as genetic diversity is being retained through selection against inbred fetuses. While still far fewer calves are being born each year than expected, the small role of genetics underlying variance in female fecundity suggests that variance may be explained by external factors that can potentially be mitigated through protection measures designed to reduce serious injury and mortality from human activities.
Solutions to the constant Yang–Baxter equation: additive charge conservation in three dimensions
Authors: Hietarinta J. , Martin P. , Rowell E. C.
Published: July 2024

We find all solutions to the constant Yang–Baxter equation

R

12

R

13

R

23

=

R

23

R

13

R

12

in three dimensions, subject to an additive charge-conservation (ACC) ansatz. This ansatz is a generalization of (strict) charge-conservation, for which a complete classification in all dimensions was recently obtained. ACC introduces additional sector-coupling parameters—in three dimensions, there are four such parameters. In the generic dimension 3 case, in which all of the four parameters are non-zero, we find there is a single three parameter family of solutions. We give a complete analysis of this solution, giving the structure of the centralizer (symmetry) algebra in all orders. We also solve the remaining cases with three, two or one non-zero sector-coupling parameter(s).
A One Health Investigation into H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Epizootics on Two Dairy Farms
Authors: Shittu Ismaila , Silva Diego , Oguzie Judith U. , Marushchak Lyudmyla V. , Olinger Gene G. , Lednicky John A. , Trujillo-Vargas Claudia M. , Schneider Nicholas E. , Hao Haiping , Gray Gregory C.
Published: July 2024

Background

In early April 2024 we studied two Texas dairy farms which had suffered incursions of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) the previous month.

Methods

We employed molecular assays, cell and egg culture, Sanger and next generation sequencing to isolate and characterize viruses from multiple farm specimens (cow nasal swab, milk specimens, fecal slurry, and a dead bird).

Results

We detected H5N1 HPAIV in 64% (9/14) of milk specimens, 2.6% (1/39) of cattle nasal swab specimens, and none of 17 cattle worker nasopharyngeal swab specimens. We cultured and characterized virus from eight H5N1-positive specimens. Sanger and next-generation sequencing revealed the viruses were closely related into other recent Texas epizootic H5N1 strains of clade 2.3.4.4b. Our isolates had multiple mutations associated with increased spillover potential. Surprisingly, we detected SARS-CoV-2 in a nasal swab from a sick cow. Additionally, 14.3% (2/14) of the farm workers who donated sera were recently symptomatic and had elevated neutralizing antibodies against a related H5N1 strain.

Conclusions

While our sampling was limited, these data offer additional insight into the large H5N1 HPAIV epizootic which thus far has impacted at least 96 cattle farms in twelve US states. Due to fears that research might damage dairy businesses, studies like this one have been few. We need to find ways to work with dairy farms in collecting more comprehensive epidemiological data that are necessary for the design of future interventions against H5N1 HPAIV on cattle farms.
Perspective on Harnessing Large Language Models to Uncover Insights in Diabetes Wearable Data
Authors: Alavi Arash , Cha Kexin , Esfarjani Delara P , Patel Bhavesh , Than Jennifer Li Pook , Lee Aaron Y. , Nebeker Camille , Snyder Michael , Bahmani Amir
Published: July 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have gained significant attention and are increasingly used by researchers. Concurrently, publicly accessible datasets containing individual-level health information are becoming more available. Some of these datasets, such as the recently released Artificial Intelligence Ready and Equitable Atlas for Diabetes Insights (AI-READI) dataset, include individual-level data from digital wearable technologies. The application of LLMs to gain insights about health from wearable sensor data specific to diabetes is underexplored. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of multiple LLMs, including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPT-4o, Gemini, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and Claude 3 Sonnet, on various diabetes research tasks using diverse prompting methods to evaluate their performance and gain new insights into diabetes and glucose dysregulation. Notably, GPT-4o showed promising performance across tasks with a chain-of-thought prompt design (aggregate performance score of 95.5%). Moreover, using this model, we identified new insights from the dataset, such as the heightened sensitivity to stress among diabetic participants during glucose level fluctuations, which underscores the complex interplay between metabolic and psychological factors. These results demonstrate that LLMs can enhance the pace of discovery and also enable automated interpretation of data for users of wearable devices, including both the research team and the individual wearing the device. Meanwhile, we also emphasize the critical limitations, such as privacy and ethical risks and dataset biases, that must be resolved for real-world application in diabetes health settings. This study highlights the potential and challenges of integrating LLMs into diabetes research and, more broadly, wearables, paving the way for future healthcare advancements, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Social Determinants of Health and Lifestyle Risk Factors Modulate Genetic Susceptibility for Women’s Health Outcomes
Authors: Guare Lindsay A , Das Jagyashila , Caruth Lannawill , Setia-Verma Shefali
Published: July 2024

Women’s health conditions are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Understanding these factors individually and their interactions is crucial for implementing preventative, personalized medicine. However, since genetics and environmental exposures, particularly social determinants of health (SDoH), are correlated with race and ancestry, risk models without careful consideration of these measures can exacerbate health disparities. We focused on seven women’s health disorders in the All of Us Research Program: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, uterine cancer, and uterine fibroids. We computed polygenic risk scores (PRSs) from publicly available weights and tested the effect of the PRSs on their respective phenotypes as well as any effects of genetic risk on age at diagnosis. We next tested the effects of environmental risk factors (BMI, lifestyle measures, and SDoH) on age at diagnosis. Finally, we examined the impact of environmental exposures in modulating genetic risk by stratified logistic regressions for different tertiles of the environment variables, comparing the effect size of the PRS. Of the twelve sets of weights for the seven conditions, nine were significantly and positively associated with their respective phenotypes. None of the PRSs was associated with different age at diagnoses in the time-to-event analyses. The highest environmental risk group tended to be diagnosed earlier than the low and medium-risk groups. For example, the cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and uterine fibroids in highest BMI tertile were diagnosed significantly earlier than the low and medium BMI groups, respectively). PRS regression coefficients were often the largest in the highest environment risk groups, showing increased susceptibility to genetic risk. This study’s strengths include the diversity of the All of Us study cohort, the consideration of SDoH themes, and the examination of key risk factors and their interrelationships. These elements collectively underscore the importance of integrating genetic and environmental data to develop more precise risk models, enhance personalized medicine, and ultimately reduce health disparities.