bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical marvels
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: December 2023

James McKenzie celebrates some of the firms with a medicalphysics slant that have won business innovation awards from the Institute of Physics in 2023.
Condensed matters
Authors: Goodman Maurice , Flicker Felix
Published: December 2023

A reply to James Kakalios’s October 2023 feature “What’s the matter with condensed matter?” which called for physicists to do more to promote solid-state and condensed-matter physics.
Oppenheimer’s apple
Authors: Harris Philip , Watson Alan
Published: December 2023

In reply to Andrew Robinson’s October 2023 letter about the incident in the mid-1920s where Robert Oppenheimer is supposed to have given his tutor Patrick Blackett a poisoned apple.
Prolific polymath Thomas Young at 250
Authors: Rees Martin
Published: December 2023

To mark the 250th anniversary of Thomas Young’s birth, Martin Rees, the UK’s Astronomer Royal, highlights the wide-ranging expertise and discoveries of the maverick British scientist.
The physics of brain–computer interfaces
Authors: Perkowitz Sidney
Published: December 2023

Sidney Perkowitz delves into the cutting-edge work being done to make brain–computer interfaces safer, more durable and widely available.
Nuclear physics – stamped
Authors: Briggs Ian
Published: December 2023

Postage stamps are not just tokens we use to send letters – they also form part of our social history. Ian Briggs looks at how developments in nuclear physics have been depicted in postage stamps.
Light power resource availability for energy harvesting photovoltaics for self-powered IoT
Authors: Seunarine Krishna , Haymoor Zaid , Spence Michael , Burwell Gregory , Kay Austin , Meredith Paul , Armin Ardalan , Carnie Matt
Published: December 2023

As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, the need for energy-efficient, self-powered devices increases and so a better understanding of the available energy resource is necessary. We examine the light power resource availability for energy harvesting photovoltaics (PV) in various environments and its potential for self-powered IoT applications. We analyse light sources, considering spectral distribution, intensity, and temporal variations, and evaluate the impact of location, seasonal variation, and time of day on light power availability. Additionally, we discuss human and building design factors, such as occupancy, room aspect, sensor placement, and décor, which influence light energy availability and therefore power for IoT electronics. We propose a best-case and non-ideal scenario in terms of light resource for energy-harvesting, and using a commercially available organic PV cell, show that the energy yield generated and available to the IoT electronics, can be anywhere between 0.7 mWh and 75 mWh per day, depending on the lighting conditions.
Membrane lipids couple synaptotagmin to SNARE-mediated granule fusion in insulin-secreting cells
Authors: Amos Chase , Kiessling Volker , Kreutzberger Alex J. B. , Schenk Noah A. , Mohan Ramkumar , Nyenhuis Sarah , Doyle Catherine A. , Wang Hong-Yin , Levental Kandice , Levental Ilya , Anantharam Arun , Tamm Lukas K.
Published: December 2023

Insulin secretion depends on the Ca2+-regulated fusion of granules with the plasma membrane. A recent model of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis in secretory cells proposes that lipids in the plasma membrane couple the calcium sensor Syt1 to the membrane fusion machinery (Kiessling et al., 2018). Specifically, Ca2+-mediated binding of Syt1’s C2 domains to the cell membrane shifts the membrane-anchored SNARE syntaxin-1a to a more fusogenic conformation, straightening its juxtamembrane linker. To test this model in live cells and extend it to insulin secretion, we enriched INS1 cells with a panel of lipids with different acyl chain compositions. Fluorescence lifetime measurements demonstrate that cells with more disordered membranes show an increase in fusion efficiency, and vice versa. Experiments with granules purified from INS1 cells and recombinant SNARE proteins reconstituted in supported membranes confirmed that lipid acyl chain composition determines SNARE conformation and that lipid disordering correlates with increased fusion. Addition of Syt1’s C2AB domains significantly decreased lipid order in target membranes and increased SNARE-mediated fusion probability. Strikingly, Syt’s action on both fusion and lipid order could be partially bypassed by artificially increasing unsaturated phosphatidylserines in the target membrane. Thus, plasma membrane lipids actively participate in coupling Ca2+/synaptotagmin-sensing to the SNARE fusion machinery in cells.
Cationic amphiphilic drugs induce accumulation of cytolytic lysoglycerophospholipids in the lysosomes of cancer cells and block their recycling into common membrane glycerophospholipids
Authors: Nielsen Inger Ødum , Clemmensen Knut Kristoffer Bundgaard , Fogde Ditte Louise , Dietrich Tiina Naumanen , Giacobini Jano Dicroce , Bilgin Mesut , Jäättelä Marja , Maeda Kenji
Published: December 2023

Lysosomes are acidic organelles responsible for lipid catabolism, and their functions can be disrupted by cationic amphiphilic drugs that neutralize lumenal pH and thereby inhibit most lysosomal hydrolases. These drugs can also induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cancer cell death, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we uncover that the cationic amphiphilic drugs induce a substantial accumulation of cytolytic lysoglycerophospholipids within the lysosomes of cancer cells, and thereby prevent the recycling of lysoglycerophospholipids to produce common membrane glycerophospholipids. Using quantitative mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics, we demonstrate that structurally diverse cationic amphiphilic drugs, along with other types of lysosomal pH-neutralizing reagents, elevate the amounts of lysoglycerophospholipids in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. Lysoglycerophospholipids constitute ∼11 mol% of total glycerophospholipids in lysosomes purified from MCF7 cells, compared with ∼1 mol% in the cell lysates. Treatment with cationic amphiphilic drug siramesine further elevates the lysosomal lysoglycerophospholipid content to ∼24 mol% of total glycerophospholipids. Exogenously added traceable lysophosphatidylcholine is rapidly acylated to form diacylphosphatidylcholine, but siramesine treatment sequesters the lysophosphatidylcholine in the lysosomes and prevents it from undergoing acylation. These findings shed light on the unexplored role of lysosomes in the recycling of lysoglycerophospholipids and uncover the mechanism of action of promising anticancer agents.
Free Dermal Fat Grafting: A Novel Technique for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds During Facelift Surgery
Authors: Zhi Jiajun , Yao Cheng , Zhao Yanyong
Published: December 2023

Background

Traditional facelift surgery does not behave well in the correction of nasolabial folds, which is a common clinical problem and needed to be improved.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery for the treatment of nasolabial folds.

Methods

This prospective cohort study involved 80 patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds and facial skin dermatolysis. Fifty of them underwent facelift surgery combined with free dermal fat grafting, and 30 of them underwent traditional facelift surgery. These patients were followed up 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery to evaluate the effect.

Results

The difference in Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) scores, assessed at each follow-up, between the patients who underwent and did not undergo free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery, was statistically significant. For patients who underwent free dermal fat grafting during facelift surgery, the WSRS scores assessed at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery were significantly different from those before the surgery. The analytic results of FACE-Q indicated a high level of overall satisfaction rate. No major complications were recorded.

Conclusions

Free dermal fat as a filler for nasolabial folds can achieve excellent therapeutic effect. The combination of facelift surgery with free dermal fat grafting for the treatment of nasolabial folds can provide very good long-term results and a high patient satisfaction rate for patients with symptoms of facial aging such as facial dermatolysis, obvious wrinkles, and deep nasolabial folds.

Level of Evidence: 4
The state of cumulative sum sequential changepoint testing 70 years after Page
Authors: Aue Alexander , Kirch Claudia
Published: December 2023

Quality control charts aim at raising an alarm as soon as sequentially obtained observations of an underlying random process no longer seem to be within stochastic fluctuations prescribed by an in-control scenario. Such random processes can often be modelled using the concept of stationarity, or even independence as in most classical works. An important out-of-control scenario is the changepoint alternative, for which the distribution of the process changes at an unknown point in time. In his seminal 1954 Biometrika paper, E. S. Page introduced the famous cumulative sum control charts for changepoint monitoring. Innovatively, decision rules based on cumulative sum procedures took the full history of the process into account, whereas previous procedures were based only on a fixed and typically small number of the most recent observations. The extreme case of using only the most recent observation, often referred to as the Shewhart chart, is more akin to serial outlier than changepoint detection. Page’s cumulative sum approach, introduced seven decades ago, is ubiquitous in modern changepoint analysis, and his original paper has led to a multitude of follow-up papers in different research communities. This review is focused on a particular subfield of this research, namely nonparametric sequential, or online, changepoint tests that are constructed to maintain a desired Type-1 error as opposed to the more traditional approach seeking to minimize the average run length of the procedures. Such tests have originated at the intersection of econometrics and statistics. We trace the development of these tests and highlight their properties, mostly using a simple location model for clarity of exposition, but we also review more complex situations such as regression and time series models.
Genome variation and LTR-RT analyses of an ancient peach landrace reveal mechanism of blood-flesh fruit color formation and fruit maturity date advancement
Authors: Wang Jiao , Cao Ke , Li Yong , Wu Jinlong , Li Wenqing , Wang Qi , Zhu Gengrui , Fang Weichao , Chen Changwen , Wang Xinwei , Dong Wenxuan , Liu Weisheng , Wang Lirong
Published: December 2023

Peach (Prunus persica) landrace has typical regional characteristics, strong environmental adaptability, and contains many valuable genes that provide the foundation for breeding excellent varieties. Therefore, it is necessary to assemble the genomes of specific landraces to facilitate the localization and utilization of these genes. Here, we de novo assembled a high-quality genome from an ancient blood-fleshed Chinese landrace Tianjin ShuiMi (TJSM) that originated from the China North Plain. The assembled genome size was 243.5 Mb with a contig N50 of 23.7 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 28.6 Mb. Compared with the reported peach genomes, our assembled TJSM genome had the largest number of specific structural variants (SVs) and long terminal repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). Among the LTR-RTs with the potential to regulate their host genes, we identified a 6688 bp LTR-RT (named it blood TE) in the promoter of NAC transcription factor-encoding PpBL, a gene regulating peach blood-flesh formation. The blood TE was not only co-separated with the blood-flesh phenotype but also associated with fruit maturity date advancement and different intensities of blood-flesh color formation. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the development of the blood-flesh color and determination of fruit maturity date and highlight the potential of the TJSM genome to mine more variations related to agronomic traits in peach fruit.
A metabolomics study in citrus provides insight into bioactive phenylpropanoid metabolism
Authors: Wang Shouchuang , Shen Shuangqian , Wang Chao , Wang Xia , Yang Chenkun , Zhou Shen , Zhang Ran , Zhou Qianqian , Yu Huiwen , Guo Hao , Zheng Weikang , Liu Xianqing , Xu Juan , Deng Xiuxin , Xu Qiang , Luo Jie
Published: December 2023

Citrus fruits are widely consumed worldwide in juices or as fresh and provide a broad range of phytonutrients that are important for human health. Here, a citrus multi-omics resource is presented: comprehensive metabolic profiling of various citrus species was performed and metabolic profiles were compared among species, with a focus on the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway. A metabolite-based genome-wide association analysis (mGWAS) of 154 pummelo accessions was performed using factored spectrally transformed linear mixed models (FaST-LMM) and efficient mixed-model association eXpedited (EMMAX), and the genetic and biochemical basis of metabolomic variation was comprehensively analysed. A metabolite-single nucleotide polymorphism-gene (metabolite-SNP-gene) interaction network was constructed for pummelo, and many candidate loci controlling the synthesis and regulation of bioactive compounds were identified; among these loci, three BAHD malonyltransferases were involved in the malonylation of flavonoid glycosides. Further investigation revealed that an R2R3-MYB transcription factor CgMYB1 positively controls the metabolism of phenylpropanoid molecules, particularly the flavonoid derivatives. This study provides valuable data resources on the metabolic regulatory networks of bioactive components in citrus, in addition to demonstrating an efficient method for metabolic pathway dissection and providing targets for future breeding work with the aim of improving nutritional value.
Reinforcement learning guided Spearman dynamic opposite Gradient-based optimizer for numerical optimization and anchor clustering
Authors: Sun Kangjian , Huo Ju , Jia Heming , Yue Lin
Published: December 2023

As science and technology advance, the need for novel optimization techniques has led to an increase. The recently proposed metaheuristic algorithm, Gradient-based optimizer (GBO), is rooted in the gradient-based Newton's method. GBO has a more concrete theoretical foundation. However, gradient search rule (GSR) and local escaping operator (LEO) operators in GBO still have some shortcomings. The insufficient updating method and the simple selection process limit the search performance of the algorithm. In this paper, an improved version is proposed to compensate for the above shortcomings, called RL-SDOGBO. First, during the GSR phase, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient is used to determine weak solutions on which to perform dynamic opposite learning. This operation assists the algorithm to escape from local optima and enhance exploration capability. Secondly, to optimize the exploitation capability, reinforcement learning is used to guide the selection of solution update modes in the LEO operator. RL-SDOGBO is tested on 12 classical benchmark functions and 12 CEC2022 benchmark functions with seven representative metaheuristics, respectively. The impact of the improvements, the scalability and running time of the algorithm, and the balance of exploration and exploitation are analyzed and discussed. Combining the experimental results and some statistical results, RL-SDOGBO exhibits excellent numerical optimization performance and provides high-quality solutions in most cases. In addition, RL-SDOGBO is also used to solve the anchor clustering problem for small target detection, making it a more potential and competitive option.
Generation and directional decomposition of guided waves for finite-range defect detection in rail tracks
Authors: Wu Wen-Chuan , Yin Ching-Chung
Published: December 2023

Railway tracks exhibit a complex, sudden alteration in their cross-sectional configuration. Generating guided waves within thick rail tracks using conventional guided wave transducers is challenging. This research employs directional decomposition to comprehend how guided waves form within the rail. These waves arise from constructive interference between multiple reflected bulk waves, which are induced by point forces on the top surface of the railhead or diffracted from cracks in the rail structure. This study simulates finite-range detection of rail defects using finite element analysis to demonstrate a potential application to the guided wave rail inspection car. The transmitter and a series of monitoring points are located on the same side of the rail defect in the pitch-catch configuration. The transmitting guided waves often hide the small backscatter waves induced by defects. A directional filter extracts the small backscatter signals from the entire received data. A 100 kHz tone burst actuates on the top surface of the rail in three orthogonal directions. Numerical findings demonstrate that vertical and tangential excitations are suitable for detecting defects in the railhead and lower region, while transverse excitation and detection are appropriate for identifying defects in the rail web. The application of directional decomposition provides valuable insights into the complex process of backscatter waves arising from rail track defects.
A successful plasma exchange in bridging to rituximab for severe neuropsychiatric lupus and lupus nephritis with viral infections and aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Kagitani Maki , Fujiki Youhei , Suzuka Takayasu , Ooe Katsumasa , Sakamoto Aya , Takeuchi Tohru , Azuma Haruhito
Published: December 2023

Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving several organs such as the kidneys, skin, vessels, and central nervous system. Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) is a life-threatening condition that needs treatment with the combination of glucocorticoids and Immunosuppressants (IS). This includes cyclophosphamide and rituximab (RTX) which can lead to several infections. Therapeutic apheresis is an optional treatment for inflammatory diseases and has less risks of infections than IS. Plasma exchange (PE) is one of the most common apheresis, and is recommended for the management of NPSLE. We report a refractory NPSLE case with bacterial pneumonia and cytomegalovirus antigenemia. PE was performed prior to RTX. After the initiation of RTX which was incompatible due to infection such as aspiration pneumonia and cytomegalic virus, PE was scheduled considering the pharmacokinetics of RTX. Her SLE activity was well managed after PE and RTX without flare. PE treatment plan bridging to IS and RTX may effectively work in refractory SLE patients with infections.
Recognizing and addressing atypical growth
Authors: Casey Linda , Fenton Tanis R
Published: December 2023

While child growth evaluation is fundamental to paediatric practice, an increasingly complex clinical picture can complicate interpretation of growth patterns. This practice point uses representative case studies to illustrate key features of interpretation and response to commonly encountered growth patterns. Awareness of these common patterns and their etiologies will enhance the clinician’s ability to respond appropriately and minimize the risk for under- or over-diagnosis of growth impairment.
An Introduction to Burn Care: The Sequel
Authors: Hermans Michel H. E.
Published: December 2023

Care of burns, particularly those that are deep and/or extensive, requires a very specific approach from a multidisciplinary team of different types of experts. In contrast to many chronic lesions, large burns are also immediately life-threatening and have significant systemic effects that require specialized treatment as well. This article provides a high-level overview of burn care with an emphasis on these burn-specific issues and treatment.

GENERAL PURPOSE

To review burn care, with an emphasis on burn-specific issues and treatment.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Select the appropriate treatment guidelines for patients who have burn injuries.

2. Identify common complications of major burns.

3. Choose the recommended pharmacologic approaches to burn care.
Does anterior plating of pelvic ring fractures increase infection risk in patients with bladder or urethral injuries?
Authors: Medda Suman , Cuadra Mario , Yu Ziqing , Manzano Givenchy , Spitler Clay , Matuszewski Paul , Patch David , Pease Tyler , Chen Andrew , Garrard Victoria , Karunakar Madhav ,   the EMIT Pelvic Fracture Study Group
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Evaluate the effect of anterior fixation on infection in patients with operative pelvic fractures and bladder or urethral injuries.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective

Setting:

Eight centers

Patient Selection Criteria:

Adult patients with closed pelvic fractures with associated bladder or urethral injuries treated with anterior plating (AP), intramedullary screw (IS) or no anterior internal fixation (NAIF, including external fixation or no fixation)

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Deep infection

RESULTS:

There were 81 extraperitoneal injuries and 57 urethral injuries. There was no difference in infection between fixation groups across all urologic injuries (AP: 10.8%, IS: 0%, NAIF: 4.9%, p = 0.41). There was a higher rate of infection in the urethral injury group compared to extraperitoneal injuries (14.0% vs 2.5%, p = 0.016). Among extraperitoneal injuries specifically, there was no difference in deep infection related to fixation (AP: 2.6%, IS 0%, NAIF: 2.9%, p = 0.99). Among urethral injuries, there was no statistical difference in deep infection related to fixation (AP: 23.1%, IS: 0%, NAIF: 7.4%, p = 0.21). There was a higher rate of suprapubic catheter (SPC) use in urethral injuries compared to extraperitoneal injuries (57.9% vs 4.9%, p < 0.0001). In the urethral injury group, SPC use did not have a statistically significant difference in infection rate (SPC: 18.2% vs No SPC: 8.3%, p = 0.45). Early removal of the SPC before or during the definitive orthopedic intervention did not significantly effect infection rate (Early: 0% vs Delayed: 25.0%, p = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgeons should approach operative pelvic fractures with associated urologic injuries with caution given the high risk of infection. Further work must be done to elucidate the effect of anterior implants and suprapubic catheter use and duration.
Outcomes in Early Versus Delayed Management of Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures
Authors: Hidalgo Perea Sofia , Loyst Rachel A. , Botros Daniel , Barsi James M.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

There is a paucity of literature regarding the timing of treatment for pediatric femur fractures. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether early versus delayed management of pediatric femoral shaft fractures would impact outcomes regarding time to union and return to baseline function.

Methods:

Pediatric patients presenting with femoral shaft fractures, from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2021, were identified using the Pediatric Trauma Database at a single Level One Trauma Center and retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, surgical details, associated injuries, length of follow-up, time to union, and return to baseline function were collected. Patients were then divided into 2 groups; the early intervention group underwent treatment within 24 hours of admission versus the delayed group, which underwent treatment after 24 hours. Patients with neuromuscular disease, pathologic fracture, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, nonambulatory, younger than 6 months old, or had follow-up of <8 weeks posttreatment were excluded. χ2 and unpaired Student t tests were used to compare outcomes. A P value ≤0.05 was used as the threshold of statistical significance.

Results:

Of the 169 cases reviewed, 137 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 8.0 ± 5.0 (6 mo to 16 y). The average follow-up time was 1.4 ± 1.4 years. Thirty-two (19%) patients did not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded from the study. One hundred twenty-two (89%) patients were in the early intervention group versus 15 (11%) in the delayed intervention group. There were no statistically significant differences between the early and the delayed arms in regard to time to union, quality of final reduction, and return to baseline function.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study support that the timing of surgical intervention of femoral shaft fractures in the pediatric population is not correlated to time to union and final function. Clinically, prompt treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures should not supersede medical methods of resuscitation and likely has no bearing on the final outcome.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Worsening heart failure: a concept in evolution
Authors: Puthenpura Max , Wilcox Jennifer , Tang W.H. Wilson
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

Worsening heart failure (WHF) has developed as a unique definition within heart failure (HF) in recent years. It captures the disease as a dynamic process. This review describes what is currently known about WHF, why it should be considered a discrete scientific endpoint, and future directions for research.

Recent findings

There is no single agreed upon definition for WHF. It can be identified as being due to treatment side-effects, related to concomitant comorbidity, or true disease progression. Risk scores based on criteria like those already developed for HF can be created to stratify risk for WHF.

Conclusions

WHF is an emerging entity within HF that defines itself as a unique point of interest. Understanding it as a clinical measure of where a patient's HF is evolving allows for identifying patients that require a refreshed approach to their care. Keeping this in mind will help redefine more patient-centric outcome measures in research to come.
A comprehensive overview of surgical and transcatheter therapies to treat tricuspid regurgitation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Chen Vincent , Altisent Omar Abdul-Jawad , Puri Rishi
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

The unique pathophysiologic considerations of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) have led to advancements in surgical and transcatheter treatments. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current surgical and transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) to functional TR.

Recent findings

Surgical repair with ring annuloplasty consistently demonstrates better outcomes than surgical replacement or other repair approaches. However, surgical uptake of TR correction remains relatively low, and operative mortality rates are still high owing to multiple comorbidities and advanced tricuspid valve disease/right ventricular dysfunction at time of referral. Pivotal trials for tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) and transcatheter TV replacement (TTVR) indicate improved quality of life compared to medical therapy alone for high-surgical-risk patients with severe symptomatic TR. Trials are underway to assess caval valve implantation (CAVI), which holds hope for many severe TR patients who are not ideal candidates for T-TEER or orthotopic TTVR. Peri-procedural optimization of right ventricular function remains critical to promote both device success and patient outcomes.

Clinical outcomes after surgical TV intervention are poor, often due to intervening late in the disease course of TR. TTVI covers a treatment gap for patients deemed inoperable or high-surgical-risk, but earlier referral for TV interventions is still important prior to patients developing multiorgan dysfunction from chronic untreated TR.
INTRAVITREAL FARICIMAB AS AN ADJUVANT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TUBERCULAR UVEITIS
Authors: Alcibahy Yasmine , Julian Karina , Bonilla Maria Fernanda , Mohamed Ali , Amrani Sarah , Agarwal Aniruddha
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to report the use of intravitreal faricimab used as an adjunct in the management of intraocular tuberculosis in a patient with occlusive retinal vasculitis and choroiditis.

Methods:

This is a case report.

Results:

A 27-year-old Asian man presented with bilateral choroiditis and occlusive retinal vasculitis complicated by retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage in one eye. The patient had a positive tuberculin skin test, indeterminate interferon–gamma release assay, and Ghon focus on chest radiography. With a diagnosis of intraocular tuberculosis, the patient was treated with antitubercular therapy. Owing to the significant vitreous hemorrhage, he underwent pars plana vitrectomy in one eye. The patient received bilateral faricimab. Within a week of the injection, he had a near-complete resolution of the extensive choroidal and retinal vascular inflammation.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal faricimab, given its angiopoietin-2 inhibition and antivascular endothelial growth factor action, maybe a helpful adjunct in intraocular tuberculosis. Whether angiopoietin-2 inhibition provides any additional benefit needs further evaluation in extensive studies.
How long can pulmonary resection surgery be performed after SARS-CoV-2 infection? A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Duan Jiangnan , Zhou Ying , Hui Bengang , Zhao Yabo , Shang Rongxin , Qiao Bowei , Zhou Yinxi , Yang Weibo , Cui Kai , Zhang Xi , Yan Xiaolong , Jiang Tao , Lei Jie
Published: December 2023

Background:

No studies to date have focused on the timing of pulmonary resection in patients with previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. In the present study, the authors analyzed the surgical outcomes and evaluated the optimal time point of pulmonary resection surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Materials and methods:

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, patients were divided into different groups according to the time interval between SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and pulmonary resection. The primary outcome measure was postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery, which was investigated to determine the optimal time point of pulmonary resection. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the risk factors for postoperative complications.

Results:

In total, 400 patients were enrolled, and the postoperative pathologic examination of 322 (80.5%) patients showed lung cancer. As the interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and pulmonary resection increased, the incidence of complications gradually decreased in each group. The incidence of grade ≥II complications was higher in the ≤2-week and 2-week to 4-week groups than in the 4-week to 6-week, 6-week to 8-week and >8-week groups [3 (21.4%), 17 (20.2%), 10 (10.6%), 13 (7.9%), and 3 (6.5%), respectively] (P<0.05). Multiclassification regression analysis showed that the risk of grade ≥II complications in the ≤2-week and 2-week to 4-week groups was significantly higher than that in the >8-week group [odds ratio (95% CI), 3.937 (1.072–14.459), P=0.039 and 3.069 (1.232–6.863), P=0.015]. The logistic regression analysis suggested that underlying disease, persistent SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, and surgical timing (≤4 weeks) were independent risk factors for complications of pulmonary resection after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary resection should be delayed for at least 4 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
Maternal immunization in women living with HIV
Authors: Dauby Nicolas , Gagneux-Brunon Amandine , Martin Charlotte , Mussi-Pinhata Marisa Márcia , Goetghebuer Tessa
Published: December 2023

Thanks to widespread use of antiretroviral therapy worldwide, women living with HIV (WLWH) are becoming pregnant and giving birth to HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) newborns.

Both pregnancy and HIV infection-related factors such as low CD4+T-cell count or uncontrolled viral load increase the risk of severe infections such as influenza, COVID-19, and others, making maternal immunization a valuable tool to decrease maternal morbidity among WLWH. Vaccines administered during pregnancy may also benefit the health of HEU infants. Indeed, HEU infants suffer from higher risk of morbidity of infectious origin, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), group B streptococcus (GBS), pneumococcus and pertussis infections. Maternal pertussis immunization is recommended in various high-income countries but not in many low-middle income countries where HIV prevalence is higher. GBS and RSV vaccines to be administered during pregnancy are currently in late-phase clinical trials in HIV-uninfected women and could represent a valuable tool to decrease morbidity during infancy. Decreased transfer of vaccine-specific IgG, accelerated waning of vaccine-induced antibody responses, linked to persistent maternal immune activation, and blunting of infant immune response to vaccines could hamper vaccine effectiveness among WLWH and HEU infants. Vaccine hesitancy could limit benefits of maternal immunization and strategies to tackle vaccine hesitancy should be part of HIV routine care. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the immunogenicity and efficacy of available and upcoming vaccines recommended during pregnancy of WLWH.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Neuroma Incidence in Upper Extremity Amputees
Authors: Chaker Sara C. , Hung Ya-Ching , Saad Mariam , Cardenas David , Perdikis Galen , Thayer Wesley P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuromas substantially decrease a patient's quality of life and obstruct the use of prosthetics. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the global incidence of neuroma formation in upper extremity amputees.

Methods

A literature search was performed using 3 databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review were those studies investigating only upper extremity amputees and reported postamputation neuroma. A random-effects, inverse-variance analysis was conducted to determine the pooled proportion of neuromas within the upper extremity amputation population. Critical appraisal using the JBI Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data of each individual article were performed for the systematic review.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria collating a total of 1931 patients across 8 countries. More than three-fourth of patients are young men (77%; age range, 19–54 years) and had an amputation due to trauma. The random-effects analysis found the pooled combined proportion of neuromas to be 13% (95% confidence interval, 8%–18%). The treatment of neuroma is highly variable, with some patients receiving no treatment.

Conclusions

The pooled proportion of neuroma incidence in the 1931 patients was 13%. With the known global prevalence of upper extremity amputees, this translates to nearly 3 million amputees suffering from a neuroma globally. Increasing training in preventative surgical methods could contribute to lowering this incidence and improving the outcomes of this patient population.
Effectiveness and Safety of Postoperative Hospital at Home for Surgical Patients
Authors: Ugarte Ainoa , Bachero Irene , Cucchiari David , Sala Marta , Pereta Irene , Castells Eva , Subirana Nuria , Loscos Andrea , García Laura , Cardozo Celia , Rico Verónica , García-Poutón Nicol , Torres Manuel , Lopera Carlos , Aldea Anna , Suárez Adolfo , Coloma Emmanuel , Seijas Nuria , Altés Jordi , Nicolás David
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a Hospital at Home (HaH) enabled early transfer pathways for surgical patients.

Background:

HaH serves as a safe alternative to traditional hospitalization by providing acute care to patients in their homes through a comprehensive range of hospital-level interventions. To our knowledge, no studies have been published to date reporting a large cohort of early home transferred patients after surgery through a HaH unit.

Methods:

Cohort study enrolling every patient admitted to the HaH unit of a tertiary hospital who underwent any of six surgeries with a predefined early transfer pathway and fitting both general and surgery inclusion criteria (clinical and hemodynamic stability, uncomplicated surgery, presence of a caregiver, among others) from November 2021 to May 2023. Protocols were developed for each pathway between surgical services and HaH to deliver the usual postoperative care in the home setting. Discharge was decided according to protocol. An urgent escalation pathway was also established.

Results:

During the study period, 325 patients were included; 141 were bariatric surgeries, 85 kidney transplants, 45 thoracic surgeries, 37 cystectomies, 10 appendicectomies and 7 ventral hernia repairs. Overall escalation of care during HaH occurred in 7.3% of patients and 30-days readmissions in 7%. Most adverse events were managed at home and the overall mortality was zero. Total mean LOS was 8 days (IQR 2-14) and patients with HaH were transferred home 3 days (IQR 1-6) earlier than the usual pathway; a total of 1,551 bed-days were saved.

Conclusions:

The implementation of early home transfer pathways for surgical patients through HaH is feasible and effective, with favorable safety outcomes.
Pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Molla Jeta , Farhang-Sardroodi Suzan , Moyles Iain R. , Heffernan Jane M.
Published: December 2023

Disease spread can be affected by pharmaceutical interventions (such as vaccination) and non-pharmaceutical interventions (such as physical distancing, mask-wearing and contact tracing). Understanding the relationship between disease dynamics and human behaviour is a significant factor to controlling infections. In this work, we propose a compartmental epidemiological model for studying how the infection dynamics of COVID-19 evolves for people with different levels of social distancing, natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. Our model recreates the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in Ontario up to December 2021. Our results indicate that people change their behaviour based on the disease dynamics and mitigation measures. Specifically, they adopt more protective behaviour when mandated social distancing measures are in effect, typically concurrent with a high number of infections. They reduce protective behaviour when vaccination coverage is high or when mandated contact reduction measures are relaxed, typically concurrent with a reduction of infections. We demonstrate that waning of infection and vaccine-induced immunity are important for reproducing disease transmission in autumn 2021.
Multimodal analysis of disinformation and misinformation
Authors: Wilson Anna , Wilkes Seb , Teramoto Yayoi , Hale Scott
Published: December 2023

The use of disinformation and misinformation campaigns in the media has attracted much attention from academics and policy-makers. Multimodal analysis or the analysis of two or more semiotic systems—language, gestures, images, sounds, among others—in their interrelation and interaction is essential to understanding dis-/misinformation efforts because most human communication goes beyond just words. There is a confluence of many disciplines (e.g. computer science, linguistics, political science, communication studies) that are developing methods and analytical models of multimodal communication. This literature review brings research strands from these disciplines together, providing a map of the multi- and interdisciplinary landscape for multimodal analysis of dis-/misinformation. It records the substantial growth starting from the second quarter of 2020—the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in Western Europe—in the number of studies on multimodal dis-/misinformation coming from the field of computer science. The review examines that category of studies in more detail. Finally, the review identifies gaps in multimodal research on dis-/misinformation and suggests ways to bridge these gaps including future cross-disciplinary research directions. Our review provides scholars from different disciplines working on dis-/misinformation with a much needed bird's-eye view of the rapidly emerging research of multimodal dis-/misinformation.
A data-driven approach shows that individuals' characteristics are more important than their networks in predicting fertility preferences
Authors: Stulp Gert , Top Lars , Xu Xiao , Sivak Elizaveta
Published: December 2023

People's networks are considered key in explaining fertility outcomes—whether people want and have children. Existing research on social influences on fertility is limited because data often come from small networks or highly selective samples, only few network variables are considered, and the strength of network effects is not properly assessed. We use data from a representative sample of Dutch women reporting on over 18 000 relationships. A data-driven approach including many network characteristics accounted for 0 to 40% of the out-of-sample variation in different outcomes related to fertility preferences. Individual characteristics were more important for all outcomes than network variables. Network composition was also important, particularly those people in the network desiring children or those choosing to be childfree. Structural network characteristics, which feature prominently in social influence theories and are based on the relations between people in the networks, hardly mattered. We discuss to what extent our results provide support for different mechanisms of social influence, and the advantages and disadvantages of our data-driven approach in comparison to traditional approaches.
Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 1: pre-registered hypotheses
Authors: Close James , Spicer Stuart Gordon , Nicklin Laura Louise , Uther Maria , Whalley Ben , Fullwood Chris , Stiff Chris , Parke Jonathan , Lloyd Joanne , Lloyd Helen
Published: December 2023

Loot boxes are purchasable randomized rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming, perhaps driven by a range of overlapping psychological processes (e.g. impulsivity, gambling-related cognitions, etc.) It has also been argued that loot box engagement may have negative influences on player financial and psychological wellbeing. We conducted a pre-registered survey of 1495 loot box purchasing gamers (LB cohort) and 1223 gamers who purchase other, non-randomized game content (nLB cohort). Our survey confirms 15 of our 23 pre-registered hypotheses against our primary outcome (risky loot box engagement), establishing associations with problem gambling, problem gaming, impulsivity, gambling cognitions, experiences of game-related ‘flow’ and specific ‘distraction and compulsion’ motivations for purchase. Results with hypotheses concerning potential harms established that risky loot box engagement was negatively correlated with wellbeing and positively correlated with distress. Overall, results indicate that any risks from loot boxes are liable to disproportionately affect various ‘at risk’ cohorts (e.g. those experiencing problem gambling or video gaming), thereby reiterating calls for policy action on loot boxes.
Social administration of juvenile hormone to larvae increases body size and nutritional needs for pupation
Authors: Negroni Matteo A. , LeBoeuf Adria C.
Published: December 2023

Social insects often display extreme variation in body size and morphology within the same colony. In many species, adult morphology is socially regulated by workers during larval development. While larval nutrition may play a role in this regulation, it is often difficult to identify precisely what larvae receive from rearing workers, especially when larvae are fed through social regurgitation. Across insects, juvenile hormone is a major regulator of development. In the ant
Camponotus floridanus
, this hormone is present in the socially regurgitated fluid of workers. We investigated the role the social transfer of juvenile hormone in the social regulation of development. To do this, we administered an artificial regurgitate to larvae through a newly developed handfeeding method that was or was not supplemented with juvenile hormone. Orally administered juvenile hormone increased the nutritional needs of larvae, allowing them to reach a larger size at pupation. Instead of causing them to grow faster, the juvenile hormone treatment extended larval developmental time, allowing them to accumulate resources over a longer period. Handfeeding ant larvae with juvenile hormone resulted in larger adult workers after metamorphosis, suggesting a role for socially transferred juvenile hormone in the colony-level regulation of worker size over colony maturation.
The Painlevé paradox in three dimensions: resolution with regularization
Authors: Cheesman N. D. , Hogan S. J. , Uldall Kristiansen K.
Published: December 2023

The classical Painlevé paradox consists of a slender rigid rod slipping on a rigid rough surface. If the coefficient of frictionμis high enough, the governing equations predict that the rod would be driven into the surface. The paradox is well studied in two dimensions, in which the paradox is resolved via regularization, where the rod tip meets the surface. In this paper, we consider the three-dimensional problem. There are two significant differences in three dimensions. Firstly, sticking now occurs on a co-dimension 2 surface. This results in a non-smooth problem, even when the three-dimensional problem is regularized. Secondly, unlike the highly singular two-dimensional problem, trajectories can now enter the inconsistent region from slipping, requiring a completely new analysis. We use blowup to investigate the problem and show that a key part of the dynamics of the regularized three-dimensional Painlevé problem is governed by a type I Painlevé equation.
Paraxial Dirac equation
Authors: Radożycki Tomasz
Published: December 2023

In this work, the paraxial approximation of the free Dirac equation is examined. The results are first obtained by constructing superpositions of exact solutions with suitable profiles, which are borrowed from paraxial optics. In this manner, the paraxial Dirac beams are obtained in four cases: as Gaussian, Bessel-Gaussian, modified Bessel-Gaussian and elegant Laguerre-Gaussian beams. In the second part of the work, the paraxial Dirac equation is derived, and then its solutions in the aforementioned cases are directly obtained. All the resulting wave functions conform to those derived formerly by virtue of superpositions, except for terms that are negligible upon the assumption that the paraxial functions along the propagation axis vary only slightly over a distance equal to the de Broglie wavelength, which is the standard paraxial requirement.
The theory of fifth-order Stokes waves in a linear shear current
Authors: Fang Haiqi , Liu Philip L.-F. , Tang Lian , Lin Pengzhi
Published: December 2023

In this study, a new set of fifth-order Stokes wave solutions, incorporating the effects of a linear shear current, is derived by using the perturbation method originally proposed for pure waves that was recently published. The present solutions are checked against the existing experimental data, the third-order stream function solutions, as well as the numerical results. The comparisons demonstrate that the present solutions are more accurate in describing the velocity distributions during wave propagation, especially in strong following currents and negative vorticity conditions. Subsequently, the present solutions are used to investigate the fluid particle trajectories for different wave–current interaction conditions. The results indicate that the background vorticity can alter the patterns of fluid particle trajectories and the direction of Stokes drifts.