bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronics-Free Soft Robotic Knee Brace for Dynamic Unloading During Gait for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Johnson Amanda , Gao Run Ze , Marriott Kendal , Dickerson Clark R. , Maly Monica R. , Ren Carolyn L.
Published: December 2023

We present a novel electronics-free soft robotic knee brace which employs a closed-loop fluidic regenerative (CLFR) system for dynamic unloading in unicompartmental tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). The existing dynamic unloaders are bulky, large, and heavy, and have low compliance likely due to the use of an electrical control box, which is eliminated in the CLFR system. The system consists of a commercial unloading knee brace, a spring-loaded bellow inserted under the heel inside a shoe, a soft-fluidic actuator (bladder), and tubing for fluid transfer. The novelty lies in the fact that the user's body weight (self-powered) compresses the bellow to provide energy to inflate the air bladder placed at the knee. As a result, the yielded pressure unloads the undesirable forces due to knee OA during the stance phase of gait while strategically applying no forces during the swing phase. The knee bladder contact pressure/force, the system response time, and the durability were evaluated via contact pressure measurements for six systems with varying bellow volumes and either pneumatic or hydraulic configurations. All systems produced safe pressure outputs for human skin within a tested bodyweight range of 60–90 kg. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems achieved 250 ms and 400 ms pressurization response times, respectively. During cyclic loading, pneumatic and hydraulic systems demonstrated less than 1% and ∼10% pressure loss, respectively. Overall, the CLFR system created a promising electronics-free solution for dynamically unloading the knee during gait, indicating a potential new paradigm for knee braces.
HAXPES Cr Kα measurement of bulk germanium
Authors: Zborowski C. , Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: December 2023

Bulk germanium was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of germanium obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include survey scan and high-resolution spectra of Ge 2s, Ge 2p3/2, Ge 3s, Ge 3p, and Ge 3d.
HAXPES Cr Kα measurement of bulk indium
Authors: Zborowski C. , Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: December 2023

Indium was analyzed using high-resolution high energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of indium obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include survey scan and high-resolution spectra of In 2s, In 2p3/2, In 3s, In 3p3/2, In 3d, In 4s, and In 4d.
Evidence for early domestic yak, taurine cattle, and their hybrids on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Ningbo , Zhang Zhengwei , Hou Jiawen , Chen Jialei , Gao Xuan , Tang Li , Wangdue Shargan , Zhang Xiaoming , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , Liu Xuexue , Han Jianlin , Lü Hongliang , Lei Chuzhao , Marshall Fiona , Liu Xinyi
Published: December 2023

Domestic yak, cattle, and their hybrids are fundamental to herder survival at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about their history.
Bos
remains are uncommon in this region, and ancient domestic yak have not been securely identified. To identify
Bos
taxa and investigate their initial management, we conducted zooarchaeological analyses of 193
Bos
specimens and sequenced five nuclear genomes from recently excavated assemblages at Bangga. Morphological data indicated that more cattle than yak were present. Ancient mitochondrial DNA and nuclear genome sequences identified taurine cattle and provided evidence for domestic yak and yak-cattle hybridization ~2500 years ago. Reliance on diverse
Bos
species and their hybrid has increased cattle adaptation and herder resilience to plateau conditions. Ancient cattle and yak at Bangga were closely related to contemporary livestock, indicating early herder legacies and the continuity of cattle and yak husbandry on the Tibetan Plateau.
Nonself RNA rewires IFN-β signaling: A mathematical model of the innate immune response
Authors: Korwek Zbigniew , Czerkies Maciej , Jaruszewicz-Błońska Joanna , Prus Wiktor , Kosiuk Ilona , Kochańczyk Marek , Lipniacki Tomasz
Published: December 2023

Type I interferons (IFNs) are key coordinators of the innate immune response to viral infection, which, through activation of the transcriptional regulators STAT1 and STAT2 (STAT1/2) in bystander cells, induce the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Here, we showed that in cells transfected with poly(I:C), an analog of viral RNA, the transcriptional activity of STAT1/2 was terminated because of depletion of the interferon-β (IFN-β) receptor, IFNAR. Activation of RNase L and PKR, products of two ISGs, not only hindered the replenishment of IFNAR but also suppressed negative regulators of IRF3 and NF-κB, consequently promoting
IFNB
transcription. We incorporated these findings into a mathematical model of innate immunity. By coupling signaling through the IRF3–NF-κB and STAT1/2 pathways with the activities of RNase L and PKR, the model explains how poly(I:C) switches the transcriptional program from being STAT1/2 induced to being IRF3 and NF-κB induced, which converts IFN-β–responding cells to IFN-β–secreting cells.
Lymphoid tissues contribute to plasma viral clonotypes early after antiretroviral therapy interruption in SIV-infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Solis-Leal Antonio , Boby Nongthombam , Mallick Suvadip , Cheng Yilun , Wu Fei , De La Torre Grey , Dufour Jason , Alvarez Xavier , Shivanna Vinay , Liu Yaozhong , Fennessey Christine M. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Li Qingsheng , Keele Brandon F. , Ling Binhua
Published: December 2023

The rebound-competent viral reservoir, composed of a virus that is able to persist during antiretroviral therapy (ART) and mediate reactivation of systemic viral replication and rebound viremia after ART interruption (ATI), remains the biggest obstacle to treating HIV infection. A better understanding of the cellular and tissue origins and the dynamics of viral populations that initiate rebound upon ATI could help develop therapeutic strategies for reducing the rebound-competent viral reservoir. In this study, barcoded simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), SIVmac239M, was used to infect rhesus macaques to enable monitoring of viral barcode clonotypes contributing to virus detectable in plasma after ATI. Blood and tissues from secondary lymphoid organs (spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and inguinal lymph nodes) and from the colon, ileum, lung, liver, and brain were analyzed using viral barcode sequencing, intact proviral DNA assay, single-cell RNA sequencing, and combined CODEX and RNAscope in situ hybridization. Four of seven animals had viral barcodes detectable by deep sequencing of plasma at necropsy, although plasma viral RNA remained below 22 copies per milliliter. Among the tissues studied, mesenteric lymph nodes, inguinal lymph nodes, and spleen contained viral barcodes detected in plasma. CD4
+
T cells were the main cell type harboring viral RNA after ATI. Furthermore, T cell zones in lymphoid tissues showed higher viral RNA abundance than B cell zones for most animals. These findings are consistent with lymphoid tissues contributing to the virus present in plasma early after ATI.
Why should early-career scientists publish in society journals
Authors: Dolan Stephen K. , Banks Lori D. , Yu Wenqi
Published: December 2023

In this editorial, written by early-career scientists, we advocate for the invaluable role of society journals in our scientific community. By choosing to support these journals as authors, peer reviewers, and as editors, we can reinforce our academic growth and benefit from their re-investment back into the scientific ecosystem. Considering the numerous clear merits of this system for future generations of microbiologists and more broadly, society, we argue that early-career researchers should publish our high-quality research in society journals to shape the future of science and scientific publishing landscape.
An ANI gap within bacterial species that advances the definitions of intra-species units
Authors: Rodriguez-R Luis M. , Conrad Roth E. , Viver Tomeu , Feistel Dorian J. , Lindner Blake G. , Venter Stephanus N. , Orellana Luis H. , Amann Rudolf , Rossello-Mora Ramon , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: December 2023

Large-scale surveys of prokaryotic communities (metagenomes), as well as isolate genomes, have revealed that their diversity is predominantly organized in sequence-discrete units that may be equated to species. Specifically, genomes of the same species commonly show genome-aggregate average nucleotide identity (ANI) >95% among themselves and ANI <90% to members of other species, while genomes showing ANI 90%–95% are comparatively rare. However, it remains unclear if such “discontinuities” or gaps in ANI values can be observed within species and thus used to advance and standardize intra-species units. By analyzing 18,123 complete isolate genomes from 330 bacterial species with at least 10 genome representatives each and available long-read metagenomes, we show that another discontinuity exists between 99.2% and 99.8% (midpoint 99.5%) ANI in most of these species. The 99.5% ANI threshold is largely consistent with how sequence types have been defined in previous epidemiological studies but provides clusters with ~20% higher accuracy in terms of evolutionary and gene-content relatedness of the grouped genomes, while strains should be consequently defined at higher ANI values (>99.99% proposed). Collectively, our results should facilitate future micro-diversity studies across clinical or environmental settings because they provide a more natural definition of intra-species units of diversity.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial strains and clonal complexes are two cornerstone concepts for microbiology that remain loosely defined, which confuses communication and research. Here we identify a natural gap in genome sequence comparisons among isolate genomes of all well-sequenced species that has gone unnoticed so far and could be used to more accurately and precisely define these and related concepts compared to current methods. These findings advance the molecular toolbox for accurately delineating and following the important units of diversity within prokaryotic species and thus should greatly facilitate future epidemiological and micro-diversity studies across clinical and environmental settings.
The peroxisome protein translocation machinery is developmentally regulated in the fungus
Podospora anserina
Authors: Aguirre-López Beatriz , Suaste-Olmos Fernando , Peraza-Reyes Leonardo
Published: December 2023

Peroxisomes are versatile organelles that are essential for diverse developmental processes. Peroxisome function critically depends on its matrix proteins, which are imported from the cytosol by the receptors Pex5 and Pex7. These receptors cycle into and out of peroxisomes through two membrane protein channels. Cargo-loaded Pex5 is imported into peroxisomes through the docking/translocation machinery, which is composed of Pex13 and Pex14. After cargo delivery, Pex5 is exported through the peroxisome ubiquitin ligase complex. This complex also ubiquitinates the receptors dictating their membrane extraction by the peroxisome AAA ATPase complex. In the fungus
Podospora anserina,
peroxisomes are required for meiotic induction. This process relies on PEX13 but not on PEX14. In addition, PEX14 is partially dispensable for peroxisome protein import during meiotic development, suggesting a developmental regulation of the translocation machinery. Here we show that PEX13 abundance in hyphae is maintained at low levels by the activity of the peroxisome ubiquitin ligase complex and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme PEX4, in conjunction with PEX14, PEX5, and with the peroxin that bridges the ubiquitination and the docking/translocation machineries, PEX8. Moreover, we found that the AAA ATPase complex and the peroxins that drive peroxisome membrane formation—PEX3 and PEX19—are also required to restrain PEX13 levels and that in their absence PEX13 associates with mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that PEX13 levels are higher throughout sexual development, where they are further increased during meiocyte and meiotic-spore differentiation. Our findings show that the peroxisome protein translocation machinery is subject to complex developmental regulation, which finely modulates PEX13 along sexual development.

IMPORTANCE

Sexual reproduction allows eukaryotic organisms to produce genetically diverse progeny. This process relies on meiosis, a reductional division that enables ploidy maintenance and genetic recombination. Meiotic differentiation also involves the renewal of cell functioning to promote offspring rejuvenation. Research in the model fungus
Podospora anserina
has shown that this process involves a complex regulation of the function and dynamics of different organelles, including peroxisomes. These organelles are critical for meiosis induction and play further significant roles in meiotic development. Here we show that PEX13—a key constituent of the protein conduit through which the proteins defining peroxisome function reach into the organelle—is subject to a developmental regulation that almost certainly involves its selective ubiquitination-dependent removal and that modulates its abundance throughout meiotic development and at different sexual differentiation processes. Our results show that meiotic development involves a complex developmental regulation of the peroxisome protein translocation system.
Control of bacterial quorum threshold for metabolic homeostasis and cooperativity
Authors: Goo Eunhye , Hwang Ingyu
Published: December 2023

Many
Proteobacteria
employ an acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) system to control diverse social behaviors in a cell density-dependent manner. Various QS modulation mechanisms securing QS initiation at high cell density have been described. However, how QS bacteria determine the quorum threshold is less well known than expected, and little is known about how their physiological and social traits are affected by problems making such early decisions. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein TofM binds to the mRNA of the QS signal synthase gene
tofI
and prevents QS signal biosynthesis at low cell density (LCD), thereby defining a stringent QS threshold for the rice pathogen
Burkholderia glumae
. The
tofM
mutant produced significant amounts of QS signals at LCD, resulting in a reduced growth rate due to advanced metabolic slowing and metabolic imbalance. When
tofM
mutants were grown in closed batch culture, mutants of
qsmR
, encoding a QS-dependent master regulator, spontaneously emerged. The same type of
qsmR
mutation was observed when low-density wild-type cells were cultured at AHL concentrations above the QS threshold. These data showed that translational control of the QS signal synthase gene at LCD is a stringent mechanism to maintain metabolic homeostasis and cooperativity in
B. glumae
. Our findings reveal that the bacterial genetic system has diversified to ensure the social activity of QS bacteria, as well as the possible consequences of QS bacteria at LCD encountering environments in which signals generated by their natural neighbors exceed their QS threshold.

IMPORTANCE

The mechanisms used by various bacteria to determine whether their density is sufficient to meet the QS threshold, how stringently bacterial cells block QS initiation until the QS threshold is reached, and the impacts of low-density bacterial cells encountering conditions that exceed the QS threshold are longstanding gaps in QS research. We demonstrated that translational control of the QS signaling biosynthetic gene creates a stringent QS threshold to maintain metabolic balance at low cell densities. The emergence of non-cooperative cells underlines the critical role of stringent QS modulation in maintaining the integrity of the bacterial QS system, demonstrating that a lack of such control can serve as a selection pressure. The fate of quorum-calling cells exposed to exceeding the QS threshold clarifies QS bacteria evolution in complex ecosystems.
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis withElizabethkingia miricola
Authors: Kayes Masnun , Potter Daniela , Wong Jeffrey , Spicer Tim
Published: December 2023

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is linked to increased mortality rates and transfer to haemodialysis or PD discontinuation. Rare and emerging pathogens can pose challenges in management. We present the first case of PD peritonitis caused byElizabethkingia miricolathrough direct contamination, which was successfully treated with intraperitoneal and oral antibiotics.
Exophiala dermatitidisfungal infective endocarditis on prosthetic mitral valve
Authors: Seo Jiyoung , Mangeshkar Shaunak , Farooq Muhammad U , Clark Rachel Marie , Forest Stephen J , Sims Daniel B , Tauras James , Murthy Sandhya
Published: December 2023

Fungal infective endocarditis, although rare, carries a high mortality risk. We present a case of successful multidisciplinary management ofExophiala dermatitidisinfective endocarditis in an immunocompetent male with a bio-prosthetic mitral valve. This case highlights the clinical presentation and provides valuable treatment insights into this rare fungal entity. Prompt consideration of fungal pathogens in predisposed patients, expedited detection through non-culture-based tests, and a combined surgical and prolonged antifungal approach are pivotal.
Utility of MRI in diagnosis and treatment of acute focal bacterial nephritis with abscess formation in a paediatric patient
Authors: Takagi Yuhi , Fujita Yuji , Kuwashima Shigeko , Yoshihara Shigemi
Published: December 2023

Contrast-enhanced CT is the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN). However, owing to radiation exposure and the possibility of contrast agent-induced side effects, contrast-enhanced CT is not always recommended for children. A paediatric patient presenting with a 1-week history of fever was admitted to our hospital. After a urine culture detectedEscherichia coli, antimicrobials were administered; however, the fever had not resolved by the third day of hospitalisation. Renal diffusion-weighted MRI was performed and showed multiple wedge-shaped areas of high signal intensity in the right kidney. Additionally, the same site showed an area of low signal intensity in the apparent diffusion coefficient, and a diagnosis of AFBN with abscess was made. A chronic-phase technetium-99m-labelled dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy was performed, but there was no renal scarring. MRI may be a more suitable tool for diagnosing AFBN given no radiation exposure.
Unmasking herbal medication-induced lead poisoning in a geriatric patient with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Eldhose Raeba , Viggeswarpu Surekha , Jambugulam Mohan
Published: December 2023

Lead poisoning, often associated with occupational exposure, can also arise from intake of traditional and herbal medicines with high lead content. Geriatric patients displaying gastrointestinal symptoms from such sources are frequently misdiagnosed. An individual in his 70s reported to our geriatric clinic with vomiting, constipation and anaemia. A meticulous history unveiled his recent intake of herbal remedies. Heavy metal assay indicated elevated lead levels in his blood and urine, consistent with the high lead content we measured in the herbal medication. Following supportive treatment, nutritional supplementation and chelation therapy with calcium disodium EDTA, he improved. Follow-up tests indicated a decrease in lead levels and resolution of anaemia. This case emphasises the importance of considering lead poisoning as a potential diagnosis in patients with unexplained symptoms, particularly when there is a history of herbal or alternative medication intake. Timely recognition and appropriate management can lead to better outcome.
Incidental finding of a retained intracorneal wooden foreign body
Authors: Zidan Asmaa , Barbosa Joshua , Diskin Jacob , McDermott Mark
Published: December 2023

We present a case of an intracorneal wooden foreign body that remained undetected for 15 years following an ocular injury sustained during gardening. The patient presented with stable visual acuity despite the long-standing presence of a wooden splinter embedded in the cornea. Interestingly, Pentacam corneal tomography did not show any abnormalities despite the foreign body piercing through the corneal stroma and endothelium. This case may serve as an opportunity to re-examine the approach to managing chronic and stable intracorneal wooden foreign bodies and explore the implications of continued observation rather than surgical management.
A drug target for erectile dysfunction to help improve fertility, sexual activity, and wellbeing: mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Woolf Benjamin , Rajasundaram Skanda , Cronjé Héléne T , Yarmolinsky James , Burgess Stephen , Gill Dipender
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the association of genetically proxied (using a surrogate biomarker) inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an established drug target for erectile dysfunction, with fertility, sexual behaviour, and subjective wellbeing.

Design

Two sample cis-mendelian randomisation study.

Setting

Summary data on genetic associations obtained from the International Consortium for Blood Pressure and UK Biobank.

Participants

Individuals of European ancestry from the International Consortium for Blood Pressure (n=757 601) for estimating PDE5 inhibition (using the surrogate biomarker of diastolic blood pressure reduction), and UK Biobank (n=211 840) for estimating the fertility, sexual behaviour, and subjective wellbeing outcomes in male participants.

Intervention

Genetically proxied PDE5 inhibition.

Main outcome measures

Number of children fathered, number of sexual partners, probability of never having had sexual intercourse, and subjective wellbeing.

Results

Genetically proxied PDE5 inhibition was associated with male participants having 0.28 (95% confidence interval 0.16 to 0.39) more children (false discovery rate corrected P<0.001). This association was not identified in female participants. No evidence was found of an association between genetically proxied PDE5 inhibition and number of sexual partners, probability of never having had sexual intercourse, or self-reported wellbeing in male participants.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide genetic support for PDE5 inhibition potentially increasing the number of children fathered by male individuals. Absence of this association in female participants supports increased propensity for sustained and robust penile erections as a potential underlying mechanism. Further studies are required to confirm this, however, and these findings should not promote indiscriminate use of PDE5 inhibitors, which can also have harmful adverse effects.
Role of artificial intelligence in imaging and endoscopy for the diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication of inflammatory bowel disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chavannes Mallory , Kysh Lynn , Allocca Mariangela , Krugliak Cleveland Noa , Dolinger Michael Todd , Robbins Tom S , Rubin David T , Sagami Shintaro , Verstockt Bram , Novak Kerri
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are immune-mediated conditions that are increasing in incidence and prevalence worldwide. Their assessment and monitoring are becoming increasingly important, though complex. The best disease control is achieved through tight monitoring of objective inflammatory parameters (such as serum and stool inflammatory markers), cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic assessment. Considering the complexity of the information obtained throughout a patient’s journey, artificial intelligence (AI) provides an ideal adjunct to existing tools to help diagnose, monitor and predict the course of disease of patients with IBD. Therefore, we propose a scoping review assessing AI’s role in diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication tools in patients with IBD. We aim to detect gaps in the literature and address them in future research endeavours.

Methods and analysis

We will search electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science and IEEE Xplore. Two reviewers will independently screen the abstracts and titles first and then perform the full-text review. A third reviewer will resolve any conflict. We will include both observational studies and clinical trials. Study characteristics will be extracted using a data extraction form. The extracted data will be summarised in a tabular format, following the imaging modality theme and the study outcome assessed. The results will have an accompanying narrative review.

Ethics and dissemination

Considering the nature of the project, ethical review by an institutional review board is not required. The data will be presented at academic conferences, and the final product will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Effect of intelligent hypertension management system on blood pressure: protocol for a randomised controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Chen Xiang , Xia Jiachun , Hou Lei
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Hypertension is one of the most serious global health problems, and its prevention and treatment mainly rely on lifestyle intervention and medication. However, the current situation of hypertension control in China is still not ideal. Self-monitoring of blood pressure is expected to be a new way to control hypertension. Intervention and the Intelligent Hypertension Management System (IHMS), an information platform relying on the network and smartphone, may help patients self-monitor their blood pressure at home, allowing for intelligent management of hypertension. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether IHMS can effectively reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Methods and analysis

This is a multiple-centre, prospective, randomised, controlled study. 320 eligible subjects will be randomly divided into the IHMS management group (n=160) and the conventional care group (n=160). Subjects in the IHMS management group will be required to take their blood pressure daily at regular intervals at home and get treatment as directed by the IHMS; the control group will receive conventional treatment. The primary outcome of the trial is the net change in systolic blood pressure at the end point of follow-up after 3 months. The mixed-effects model will be used to compare the primary outcome that there is a greater reduction in blood pressure in the intervention group than in the control group.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of Shanghai Tongren Hospital has reviewed and approved the trial protocols, informed consent and subject information. The findings from the study will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations. The findings of the trial will be published in journals and presented at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05526300.
Independent and joint associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI with dementia risk: the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gafni Tal , Weinstein Galit , Leonard David , Barlow Carolyn E , DeFina Laura F , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Berry Jarett D , Shuval Kerem
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association of midlife fitness and body mass index (BMI) with incident dementia later in life.

Design and participants

A cohort study of 6428 individuals (mean age 50.9±7.6 years) from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study.

Measures

Cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI were assessed twice (1970–1999) during visits to the Cooper Clinic, a preventive medicine clinic in Dallas, Texas. These measures were examined as continuous and categorical variables. As continuous variables, fitness and BMI were examined at baseline (averaged of two examinations) and as absolute change between exams (mean time 2.1±1.8 years). Variables were categorised: unfit versus fit and normal versus overweight/obese. Medicare claims data were used to obtain all-cause dementia incidence (1999–2009). Mean follow-up between midlife examinations and Medicare surveillance was 15.7 ((SD=6.2) years. Multivariable models were used to assess the associations between fitness, BMI and dementia.

Results

During 40 773 person years of Medicare surveillance, 632 cases of dementia were identified. After controlling for BMI and covariates, each 1-metabolic equivalent increment in fitness was associated with 5% lower (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99) dementia risk. In comparison, after controlling for fitness and covariates, each 1 kg/m2increment in BMI was associated with a 3.0% (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.07) higher risk for dementia, yet without significance (p=0.051). Similar findings were observed when the exposures were categorised. Changes in fitness and BMI between examinations were not related to dementia. Jointly, participants who were unfit and overweight/obese had the highest (HR 2.28 95% CI 1.57 to 3.32) dementia risk compared with their fit and normal weight counterparts.

Conclusion

Lower midlife fitness is a risk marker for dementia irrespective of weight status. Being unfit coupled with overweight/obese status might increase one’s risk for dementia even further.
Association of epicardial and visceral adipose tissue in relation to subclinical cardiac dysfunction in Chinese: Danyang study
Authors: Yao Fang , Zeng Lingkai , Hua Mulian , Zhang Siqi , Liang Junya , Gao Yun , Chen Chao , Zhao Xixuan , He Anxia , Liu Ming
Published: December 2023

Objective

Our study aims to examine the associations of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with subclinical cardiac dysfunction in a Chinese population.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Background

EAT and VAT are the most important ectopic fat pools which were previously shown to be associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. However, few studies simultaneously measured both EAT thickness and VAT area, and explored their associations with cardiac dysfunction. Our study aims to examine the associations of VAT and EAT with subclinical cardiac dysfunction in a Chinese population.

Methods

The study subjects were recruited from Danyang County from 2018 to 2019. Using Philips CX50, we recorded EAT thickness at the end-systole in a long-axis view. The subclinical systolic and diastolic function were assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking, and transmitral and tissue Doppler imaging, respectively. Using Omron HDS-2000, we measured VAT area by dual bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

The 1558 participants (age, 52.3±12.8 years) included 930 (59.7%) women. Compared with women, men had higher VAT area (99.4 vs 70.1 cm2; p<0.0001) but lower EAT thickness (4.02 vs 4.46 mm; p<0.0001). In simple correlation analyses, EAT thickness and VAT area were positively associated with E/e’ ratio (r=0.16 to 0.20; all p<0.0001) and negatively with global longitudinal strain (GLS) and e’ (r=−0.12 to −0.37; all p<0.0001). Furthermore, VAT area was associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=−0.14; p<0.0001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the association of EAT with GLS and that of VAT with e’ and E/e’ ratio remained significant (all p≤0.001), whereas the associations of EAT with subclinical diastolic dysfunction and that of VAT with systolic function became non-significant (all p≥0.11). Analyses on further adjustment for LVEF showed similar results.

Conclusions

Increased EAT thickness was associated with worse subclinical systolic dysfunction, while greater VAT area was associated with early diastolic dysfunction.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in patients with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Hashimoto Dai , Yokomura Koshi , Imokawa Shiro , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Suda Takafumi
Published: December 2023

Background

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (iPPFE), a progressive fibrotic disease, is characterised by upper lobe–dominant lung fibrosis involving the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma. However, no prognostic markers have been established for this condition. Associations between blood leucocyte levels and mortality have been reported in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; therefore, we hypothesised that peripheral leucocyte levels are associated with mortality risk in patients with iPPFE.

Methods

This retrospective study longitudinally assessed peripheral leucocyte counts at the time of diagnosis and 1 year after diagnosis in two cohorts of 127 patients with iPPFE (69 and 58 patients in Seirei and Hamamatsu cohorts, respectively).

Results

A comprehensive assessment of peripheral leucocytes revealed that the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with mortality in patients with iPPFE after adjusting for age, sex and forced vital capacity in multivariate analyses (adjusted HR, 1.131; 95% CI, 1.032 to 1.227). When the patients were classified based on the median NLR, those with a high NLR had shorter survival than those with a low NLR (median, 32.2 vs 79.8 months; HR, 2.270; 95% CI, 1.416 to 3.696). Interestingly, the results of the NLR classification by median were longitudinally preserved in >70% of patients, and patients with consistently high NLR were at a higher risk of mortality than others (median, 24.8 vs 79.6 months; HR, 3.079; 95% CI, 1.878 to 5.031). Compared with the gender–age–physiology model, a composite model comprising age, sex and NLR could successfully stratify patients with iPPFE into three groups according to mortality risk.

Conclusion

The assessment of peripheral leucocyte counts is easy and might be useful in evaluating disease severity and mortality risk in patients with iPPFE. Our study suggests the importance of focusing on peripheral leucocyte levels in daily practice.
Interstitial lung disease following COVID-19 vaccination: a disproportionality analysis using the Global Scale Pharmacovigilance Database (VigiBase)
Authors: Lee Min-Taek , Lee Ju Won , Lee Hyeon Ji , Lee Jong-Min , Choi Jae Chol , Gu Kang-Mo , Jung Sun-Young
Published: December 2023

Background and objective

Despite several case reports, population-based studies on interstitial lung disease (ILD) following COVID-19 vaccination are lacking. Given the unprecedented safety issue of COVID-19 vaccination, it is important to assess the worldwide patterns of ILD following COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the signals of COVID-19 vaccine-associated ILD compared with other vaccinations using disproportionality analysis.

Methods

We analysed the VigiBase database during the period between 13 December 2020 and 26 January 2023. We adopted the case/non-case approach to assess the disproportionality signal of ILD for COVID-19 vaccines via 1:10 matching by age and sex. We compared COVID-19 vaccines with all other vaccines as the reference group.

Results

Among 1 233 969 vaccine-related reports, 679 were reported for ILD. The majority of ILD cases were related to tozinameran (376 reports, 55.4%), Vaxzevria (129 reports, 19.0%) and elasomeran (78 reports, 11.5%). The reporting OR of ILD following COVID-19 vaccination was 0.86 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.15) compared with all other vaccines.

Conclusion

No significant signal of disproportionate reporting of ILD was observed for COVID-19 vaccines compared with all other vaccines. Moreover, when compared with the influenza vaccines that are known to cause ILD, no signal was observed. This study results might help decision-making on the subsequent COVID-19 vaccination strategy of ILD. Further large and prospective studies are required for more conclusive evidence.
Guideline review: EASL clinical practice guidelines on the management of liver diseases in pregnancy
Authors: Archer Ann J , Phillips Jennifer , Adamson Robbie , Neuberger Francesca , Burden Christy , Abeysekera Kushala WM , Portal Andrew J
Published: December 2023

The recently published European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the management of liver diseases in pregnancy encompasses the management of gestational liver diseases as well as acute and chronic liver disease occurring coincidentally in pregnancy. This review will address the latter, given the broad scope of the CPG and the comprehensiveFrontline Gastroenterologycurriculum review of gestational liver disease.
Use of a mini balloon microcatheter to facilitate penetration of fine vascular networks and curative embolization in vein of Galen malformations
Authors: Devarajan Alex , Schupper Alexander J , Rossitto Christina P , Bonet Jessica M , Sorscher Michelle , Vasan Vikram , Morgenstern Peter F , Ghatan Saadi , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Berenstein Alejandro , Fifi Johanna T
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPatients with vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) can develop fine angiogenic networks with fistulous connections to the precursor of the vein of Galen. In these cases, transarterial embolization (TAE) with liquid embolic agents (LEAs) is challenging due to reflux in the pedicle leading to the network, causing poor penetration. Transvenous approaches carry a risk of hemorrhage from pathologic vasculature. Dual-lumen balloon microcatheters like the Scepter Mini (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) improve distal pedicle access, preventing reflux.

ObjectiveHere, we report on the use of the Scepter Mini for TAE of angiogenic VOGM.

MethodsA single-institution retrospective chart review identified all VOGMs treated with Scepter Mini microcatheters. Clinical data, angioarchitecture, and technical parameters were reviewed.

Results17 Scepter Mini catheters were used in 12 embolization procedures of 7 patients with VOGM at a median age of 2.1 years. Patients presented with hydrocephalus (100%) and gross motor and speech delays (57.1%). Networks developed extra-axially into the subependymal zone fed by posterior choroidal, posterior cerebral, and thalamoperforator arteries. Posterior choroidal branches (n=7/17, 41.2%) were most frequently catheterized to achieve distal access to the network. Embolization with Onyx-18 and significant network penetration occurred in 17/17 uses. Near tip entrapment with LEA cast displacement occurred in 1/17 uses. Another patient experienced postprocedural intraventricular hemorrhage requiring a third ventriculostomy without permanent neurologic deficit.

ConclusionThe Scepter Mini provided excellent distal access with penetration to the fistula and extra-axial network reduction with few complications. The Scepter Mini provides a means for successful treatment of technically challenging angiogenic VOGM.
Combined venous and arterial access in the arm for treatment of a complex dural arteriovenous fistula: a technical video
Authors: Silva Michael A , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Otvos Balint , Ramsay Ian , Fountain Hayes , Wu Eva , Starke Robert M
Published: December 2023

Transvenous access is a necessary tool for numerous cerebrovascular pathologies.

Transvenous access in the arm offers several benefits compared with transfemoral access, including patient comfort, the avoidance of transfemoral access complications, and the ability to close both radial arterial access and distal arm venous access with a single transradial compression band.1

In this video we describe the indications, technical nuances, benefits, and limitations of transvenous access in the arm.

Video 1

- Combined venous and arterial access in the arm for treatment of a complex dural arteriovenous fistula

We present the case of a young patient who presented with pulsatile tinnitus and was found to have a Cognard type IIa dural arteriovenous fistula near the left transverse sigmoid junction.

The patient was treated with transvenous embolization via the distal right basilic vein, and a single radial compression band served to close both the arterial and venous access sites.
Prevalence of chronic non-cancer pain among military veterans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Qureshi Abdul Rehman , Patel M , Neumark S , Wang L , Couban R J , Sadeghirad B , Bengizi A , Busse J W
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Chronic non-cancer pain is common among military veterans; however, the prevalence is uncertain. This information gap complicates policy decisions and resource planning to ensure veterans have access to healthcare services that align with their needs.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to 9 February 2023 for observational studies reporting the prevalence of chronic non-cancer pain among military veterans. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to pool pain prevalence data across studies and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

Results

Forty-two studies that included 14 305 129 veterans were eligible for review, of which 28 studies (n=5 011 634) contributed to our meta-analysis. Most studies (90%; 38 of 42) enrolled US veterans, the median of the mean age among study participants was 55 years (IQR 45–62) and 85% were male. The pooled prevalence of chronic non-cancer pain was 45%; however, we found evidence of a credible subgroup effect based on representativeness of the study population. Moderate certainty evidence found the prevalence of chronic pain among studies enrolling military veterans from the general population was 30% (95% CI 23% to 37%) compared with 51% (95% CI 38% to 64%) among military veterans sampled from populations with high rates of conditions associated with chronic pain (p=0.005).

Conclusion

We found moderate certainty evidence that 3 in every 10 military veterans from the general population live with chronic non-cancer pain. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring access to evidence-based care for chronic pain for veterans, and the need for prevention and early management to reduce transition from acute to chronic pain. Further research, employing a standardised assessment of chronic pain, is needed to disaggregate meaningful subgroups; for example, the proportion of veterans living with moderate to severe pain compared with mild pain.
Vortices in multilayer stacks of Bose–Einstein condensates with tilted dipoles
Authors: Zhao Qiang
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider the formation of vortices in multilayer stacks of Bose–Einstein condensates with tilted dipoles by numerical simulations of the Gross–Pitaevskii equation. Different dependencies of critical rotation frequency (CRF) and optical lattice height, vortex number, and rotation frequency are studied, depending on the direction of the dipole axis and dipole strength. Our results show that the CRF in z = 0 is minimum. When the optical lattice height is gradually increased, the CRF decreases gradually. Reducing of dipole strength in anisotropic dipole–dipole interaction (DDI) favours the formation of vortices, and such decline in isotropic DDI hinders the creation of vortices. The reason for this difference is that the repulsive interaction is favorable and the attractive interaction is disadvantageous for the vortex formation. In addition, we study the first-order correlation function and focus on variation of coherence. For small rotation frequency, the break of coherence occurs earlier in the case of purely repulsive interaction. With an increase in rotation frequency, the coherence concurrently disappears in layer z = 2. Moreover, we also investigate the quenched dynamics, showing that the increase of angular momentum is induced by changing the direction of dipoles and in this process the vortex number remains unchanged.
Michelson–Morley experiments: At the crossroads of relativity, cosmology and quantum physics
Authors: Consoli Maurizio , Pluchino Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Today, the original Michelson–Morley experiment and its early repetitions at the beginning of the 20th century are considered as a venerable historical chapter for which, at least from a physical point of view, there is nothing more to refine or clarify. The emphasis is now on the modern versions of these experiments, with lasers stabilized by optical cavities, that, apparently, have improved by many orders of magnitude on the limits placed by those original measurements. Though, in those old experiments light was propagating in gaseous systems (air or helium at atmospheric pressure) while now, in modern experiments, light propagates in a high vacuum or inside solid dielectrics. Therefore, in principle, the difference might not depend on the technological progress only but also on the different media that are tested by preventing a straightforward comparison. Starting from this observation, one can formulate a new theoretical scheme where the tiny, irregular residuals observed so far, from Michelson–Morley to the present experiments with optical resonators, point consistently toward the long sought preferred reference frame tight to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). The existence of this scheme, while challenging the traditional ‘null interpretation’, presented in all textbooks and specialized reviews as a self-evident scientific truth, further emphasizes the central role of these experiments for Relativity, Cosmology and Quantum Physics.
Joule–Thomson expansion of black holes in STU supergravity
Authors: Sekhmani Yassine , Myrzakulov Ratbay , Ali Riasat
Published: December 2023

In this research paper, we study the Joule–Thomson (JT) expansion of the STU black hole with a higher number of electric charges arranged within the parameter space [Formula: see text]. The study involves revealing the charge effect on the JT expansion in the case of four/three equal/unequal charge configurations. The process of JT expansion consists of analyzing the inversion and isenthalpic curves to describe the heating and cooling zones. In relation to the associated inversion curves, the findings show that as the electric charge increases, the inversion temperature and the inversion pressure in all sets of charge configurations increase monotonically. As far as the isenthalpic curve is concerned, which entails two regions separated by the inversion curve, these regions are nothing more than the upper region, i.e. the heating process, and the lower region, i.e. the cooling process. Moreover, the isenthalpic curve shows that for each case of charge configuration, mass increases cause an increase in inversion temperature. Therefore, the effect of the number and the parameter space on the isenthalpic and inversion curves is demonstrated. We then investigate the ratio between the minimum inversion temperature and the critical temperature. Overall, this paper provides a detailed study of the JT expansion of the STU black hole multiple charges.
Solitons, multi-solitons and multi-periodic solutions of the generalized Lax equation by Darboux transformation and its quasiperiodic motions
Authors: Pal Nanda Kanan , Chatterjee Prasanta , Saha Asit
Published: December 2023

Using the Darboux transformation method, the general Lax equation is solved and a collection of new exact solutions together with one-soliton solutions, singular one-soliton solutions, periodic solutions, singular periodic solution, two-soliton solutions, singular two-soliton solutions, two-periodic solutions and singular two-periodic solutions is obtained. Using traveling wave transformation, the Lax equation is transfigured to a conservative dynamical system (CDS) of dimension four with three equilibrium points involving two parameters [Formula: see text] and v. The CDS has various quasi-periodic motions for fixed values of the parameters [Formula: see text] and v at different initial conditions. Furthermore, effects of the parameters [Formula: see text] and v are shown on the quasiperiodic motions of the CDS by means of phase sections and time series plots. This approach can be applied to a heterogeneity of nonlinear model equations or partial differential equations for describing their inherent nonlinear phenomena.