bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonergic underpinnings of obsessive‐compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of neuroimaging findings
Authors: Pastre Martin , Occéan Bob‐Valéry , Boudousq Vincent , Conejero Ismael , Fabbro‐Peray Pascale , Collombier Laurent , Mallet Luc , Lopez‐Castroman Jorge
Published: November 2024

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent and disabling condition, with many patients being treatment‐resistant. Improved understanding of its neurobiology is vital for better therapies. Evidence is still conflicting regarding specific serotonergic‐related dysfunctions in OCD. We systematically reviewed the literature to provide a quantitative assessment of the role of serotonin (5‐HT) in patients with untreated OCD through imaging. We searched for neuroimaging studies investigating central 5‐HT tonus in unmedicated patients with OCD, excluding studies comprising treated patients to prevent bias from antidepressant‐induced changes in serotonergic tonus. We also conducted a meta‐analysis using a homogeneous group of positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography articles that compared 5‐HT transporter (SERT) and 5‐HT2A receptor (HT2AR) binding potential in different brain regions of patients with untreated OCD and healthy controls. The systematic review encompassed 18 articles, with 13 included in the subsequent meta‐analysis. Risk of bias was assessed by a revised form of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. We provided standardized mean difference (SMD) values for SERT and 5‐HT2AR binding potential measures across 15 different brain regions. Patients with OCD showed lower SERT binding potential in the brainstem (SMD = −1.13, 95% CI [−1.81 to −0.46]), midbrain (SMD = −0.54, 95% CI [−0.92 to −0.16]), and thalamus/hypothalamus regions (SMD = −0.58, 95% CI [−0.99 to −0.18]) with neglectable to moderate heterogeneity. By combining results from 2 decades of molecular imaging studies, we show that individuals with OCD exhibit lower SERT binding potential in specific brain regions, providing compelling evidence of a 5‐HT system dysfunction. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this phenotype remain elusive. The limitations include heterogeneity across studies in populations, imaging techniques, and radiotracer usage.
Anti‐saccade can be used as a screening tool for early cognitive impairment: a correlation study based on anti‐saccade parameters and cognitive function
Authors: Yang Liwen , Lu Lingmei
Published: November 2024

Background

Eye movement tasks, especially anti‐saccade tasks, have been used to assess cognitive function in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Although it has been shown that individuals with cognitive impairment perform worse on anti‐saccades tasks, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the sensitivity of parameters of anti‐saccades to assess different subtypes of cognitive impairment.

Methods

A total of 158 participants were enrolled in this study, consisting of 66 men and 92 women, with an average age of 50.2 ± 10 years. The comparison of pro‐saccade reaction time, anti‐saccade reaction time, and error rates in the saccade task between individuals with cognitive impairments and a normal group was conducted. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed the correlations between the performance in neurological function tests (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Stroop) and these anti‐saccade parameters. Especially, the correlation between these parameters and cognitive function in different domains of the MoCA task were also evaluated.

Results

The pro‐saccade reaction time, anti‐saccade reaction time and error rate were negatively correlated with the MMSE and MoCA scores (P < 0.001), and positively correlated with the time used in Stroop tasks. Among them, the error rate had the strongest correlation with the performance of MMSE, MoCA and Stroop tasks (MoCA: P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.608; MMSE: P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.344; Stroop: P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.455). Among the seven cognitive domains examined by the MoCA task, error rates had relatively high correlations with visuospatial/executive (P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.4660) and delayed recall (P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.4228) compared to naming, language (P = 0.0004, r2 = −0.0788), attention (P = 0.0004, r2 = −0.0780), abstraction (P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.1515), orientation (P < 0.0001, r2 = −0.1075). Moreover, pro‐saccade reaction time, anti‐saccade reaction time and error rate of people with high MoCA scores were significantly higher than those of people with low MoCA scores, which can be used to identify people with mild cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our study's results provide valuable clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of anti‐saccades in assessing cognitive impairment, which is beneficial for screening and timely clinical intervention in individuals with specific cognitive impairment.
Exploring the potential of native sea urchins as ex situ coral propagation allies
Authors: Dakin Maggie , Pilnick Aaron R. , Smith Jessica , Petrosino Alex , O'Neil Keri , Patterson Joshua
Published: November 2024

Caribbean coral reefs face unprecedented decline due to anthropogenic and environmental stressors, necessitating active restoration efforts. Among the strategies to conserve and restore reef ecosystems, land‐based sexual propagation of corals is crucial for preserving genetic diversity and population resilience. This study explores the efficacy of utilizing native sea urchin herbivory to control benthic macroalgal proliferation and enhance coral growth in land‐based propagation systems. Three captive‐reared urchin species—Lytechinus variegatus, Tripneustes ventricosus, and Diadema antillarum—were evaluated for their influence on algal cover and growth of sexually propagated brain coral Pseudodiploria strigosa. Juveniles of each urchin species were co‐cultured with 6‐month‐old coral colonies over a 105‐day experiment. Results indicated that all urchin treatments effectively reduced algal cover compared to controls; however, only T. ventricosus significantly increased coral growth rate, while the other urchin species did not have a notable effect. Despite differences in growth, coral survival was consistently high across all treatments. Benthic community analysis revealed shifts in algal composition, with D. antillarum grazing associated with increased crustose coralline algae. However, overgrazing by D. antillarum may have resulted in mild peripheral tissue damage to some corals. Urchin survival remained high, suggesting potential for downstream utilization in restoration (e.g. urchin population enhancement). This study highlights the potential of native urchins as biocontrol agents in coral propagation, emphasizing the importance of species‐specific interactions in shaping benthic communities and promoting coral resilience.
Estimating the Laffer tax rate on capital income: cross‐base responses matter!
Authors: Lefebvre Marie‐Noëlle , Lehmann Etienne , Sicsic Michaël
Published: November 2024

We express the Laffer tax rate on capital income using direct elasticity (capital income response) and cross‐elasticity (labor income response) to the net‐of‐tax rate on capital income. We estimate these elasticities using salient capital tax reforms that took place in France between 2008 and 2017. We use graphical analysis and instrumental variable estimates to confirm significant responses of capital and labor incomes. Both methods lead to positive labor responses, contrary to income‐shifting predictions. Omitting cross‐elasticity suggests a Laffer rate around 57 percent. However, incorporating our positive cross‐elasticity estimate lowers the rate to about 43 percent, taking labor income tax into account.
Resuscitation of adult shocked trauma patients using major haemorrhage protocol guided by viscoelastic haemostatic assays versus formulaic approach
Authors: Mitra Biswadev , Wake Elizabeth , Talarico Carly , Czuchwicki Sarah , Koolstra Christine , Campbell Don , Hendel Simon , Winearls James
Published: November 2024

Background

The resuscitation of trauma patients with critical bleeding may follow a formulaic approach using high ratios of blood components or a viscoelastic haemostatic assay (VHA) guided approach. The aim of this study was to compare the two strategies for resuscitation of shocked trauma patients.

Methods

This was a registry‐based cohort study including shocked trauma patients from two trauma centres–one practising a formulaic approach, with VHA unavailable during trauma resuscitation and the other practicing a VHA‐guided resuscitation strategy. The primary outcome was the total units of blood components transfused in 24 h after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics and time to death.

Results

Between 01 Jan 2020 and 31 Dec 2022, 152 eligible patients were categorised to the formulaic group and 40 to the VHA group. Prehospital times were longer in the formulaic group (2.0 vs. 1.4 h), and more patients in the VHA group (38% vs. 17%) were transfused prehospital blood components. Formulaic resuscitation was associated with significantly more blood components transfused (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.5; 95%CI: 1.4–1.7, p < 0.001). Using a formulaic approach, patients were administered more red blood cells, plasma and platelets, but fewer cryoprecipitate. There was no significant association of the formulaic approach with in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 2.4; 95%CI: 0.7–8.0, p = 0.17).

Conclusions

Given the cost and potential adverse effects of blood component transfusions, VHA‐guided transfusion strategies present an attractive option, particularly among centres managing high volumes of shocked patients. Further trials, enrolling the population most likely to benefit from precision transfusion strategies, are indicated.
Wisdom of the silicon crowd: LLM ensemble prediction capabilities rival human crowd accuracy
Authors: Schoenegger Philipp , Tuminauskaite Indre , Park Peter S. , Bastos Rafael Valdece Sousa , Tetlock Philip E.
Published: November 2024

Human forecasting accuracy improves through the “wisdom of the crowd” effect, in which aggregated predictions tend to outperform individual ones. Past research suggests that individual large language models (LLMs) tend to underperform compared to human crowd aggregates. We simulate a wisdom of the crowd effect with LLMs. Specifically, we use an ensemble of 12 LLMs to make probabilistic predictions about 31 binary questions, comparing them with those made by 925 human forecasters in a 3-month tournament. We show that the LLM crowd outperforms a no-information benchmark and is statistically indistinguishable from the human crowd. We also observe human-like biases, such as the acquiescence bias. In another study, we find that LLM predictions (of GPT-4 and Claude 2) improve when exposed to the median human prediction, increasing accuracy by 17 to 28%. However, simply averaging human and machine forecasts yields more accurate results. Our findings suggest that LLM predictions can rival the human crowd’s forecasting accuracy through simple aggregation.
Dynamic overrepresentation of accumbal cues in food- and opioid-seeking rats after prenatal THC exposure
Authors: Luján Miguel Á. , Young-Morrison Reana , Aroni Sonia , Katona István , Melis Miriam , Cheer Joseph F.
Published: November 2024

The increasing prevalence of cannabis use during pregnancy has raised medical concerns, primarily related to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which readily crosses the placenta and affects fetal brain development. Previous research has identified dopaminergic alterations related to maternal THC consumption. However, the consequences that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) has on striatum-based processing during reward pursuit have not been determined. Here, we characterize PCE rats during food or opioid-maintained reward seeking. We find that the supramotivational phenotype of PCE rats is independent of value-based processing and is instead related to augmented reinforcing efficiency of opioid rewards. Our findings reveal that prenatal THC exposure leads to increased cue-evoked dopamine responses and an overrepresentation of effort-driven striatal encoding patterns. Recapitulating clinical findings, drug-related PCE adaptations were more pronounced in males, who showed increased vulnerability for relapse. Collectively, these findings indicate that prenatal THC exposure in male rats engenders a pronounced neurodevelopmental susceptibility to addiction-like disorders.
Unraveling the impact of host genetics and factors on the urinary microbiome in a young population
Authors: Zou Leying , Zhang Zhe , Chen Junhong , Guo Ruijin , Tong Xin , Ju Yanmei , Lu Haorong , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Zong Yang , Xu Xun , Jin Xin , Xiao Liang , Jia Huijue , Zhang Tao , Liu Xiaomin
Published: November 2024

The significance of the urinary microbiome in maintaining health and contributing to disease development is increasingly recognized. However, a comprehensive understanding of this microbiome and its influencing factors remains elusive. Utilizing whole metagenomic and whole-genome sequencing, along with detailed metadata, we characterized the urinary microbiome and its influencing factors in a cohort of 1,579 Chinese individuals. Our findings unveil the distinctiveness of the urinary microbiome from other four body sites, delineating five unique urotypes dominated by
Gardnerella vaginalis, Sphingobium fluviale, Lactobacillus iners, Variovorax
sp. PDC80, and
Acinetobacter junii
, respectively. We identified 108 host factors significantly influencing the urinary microbiome, collectively explaining 12.92% of the variance in microbial composition. Notably, gender-related factors, including sex hormones, emerged as key determinants in defining urotype groups, microbial composition and pathways, with the urinary microbiome exhibiting strong predictive ability for gender (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.843). Furthermore, we discovered 43 genome-wide significant associations between host genetic loci and specific urinary bacteria,
Acinetobacter
in particular, linked to eight host loci (
P
< 5 × 10
−8
). These associations were also modulated by gender and sex hormone levels. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the impact of host genetics and other factors on the urinary microbiome, shedding light on its implications for host health and disease.

IMPORTANCE

The urinary microbiome, essential to human health, reveals its unique qualities in our study of 1,579 Chinese individuals. We identified distinctive microbial profiles, or “urotypes,” and uncovered strong gender-related influences, particularly from sex hormones, on these microbial communities. Our research highlights significant genetic associations affecting specific urinary bacteria, indicating a deep interaction between our genetics and our microbiome. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the urinary microbiome’s role in health and disease but also open new pathways for personalized medical strategies, making our findings crucial for future diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. This work underscores the intricate relationship between our body’s biological processes and the microorganisms within, providing valuable knowledge for both scientific and medical communities.
ω-Amidase and Its Substrate α-Ketoglutaramate (the α-Keto Acid Analogue of Glutamine) as Biomarkers in Health and Disease
Authors: Cooper Arthur J. L. , Denton Travis T.
Published: November 2024

A large literature exists on the biochemistry, chemistry, metabolism, and clinical importance of the α-keto acid analogues of many amino acids. However, although glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in human tissues, and transamination of glutamine to its α-keto acid analogue (α-ketoglutaramate; KGM) was described more than seventy years ago, little information is available on the biological importance of KGM. Herein, we summarize the metabolic importance of KGM as an intermediate in the glutamine transaminase – ω-amidase (GTωA) pathway for the conversion of glutamine to anaplerotic α-ketoglutarate. We describe some properties of KGM, notably its occurrence as a lactam (2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline; 99.7% at pH 7.2), and its presence in normal tissues and body fluids. We note that the concentration of KGM is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of liver disease patients and that the urinary KGM/creatinine ratio is elevated in patients with an inborn error of the urea cycle and in patients with citrin deficiency. Recently, of the 607 urinary metabolites measured in a kidney disease study, KGM was noted to be one of five metabolites that was most significantly associated with uromodulin (a potential biomarker for tubular functional mass). Finally, we note that KGM is an intermediate in the breakdown of nicotine in certain organisms and is an important factor in nitrogen homeostasis in some microorganisms and plants. In conclusion, we suggest that biochemists and clinicians should consider KGM as (i) a key intermediate in nitrogen metabolism in all branches of life, and (ii) a biomarker, along with ω-amidase, in several diseases.
De Haas–van Alphen Effect and a Giant Temperature Peak in the Heavy Fermion SmB6 Compound
Authors: Zyuzin V. A.
Published: November 2024

In this paper we suggest a possible explanation of the giant temperature peak in the amplitude of the de Haas–van Alphen oscillations observed at very low temperatures in insulating SmB6 system. Our theoretical model consists of two fermions with particle-like dispersion but with different masses, one much heavier than the other, which hybridize with each other to open up a gap at their degeneracy point. As a result of the hybridization a heavy-fermion hybrid appears at the Fermi level. Our results strongly suggest that it is exactly this heavy-fermion hybrid which results in the giant temperature peak. In addition we propose a scenario when this hybrid has edge states.
Acute aortic dissection related to bilateral pelvic paragangliomas
Authors: Jha Vivek , Bhadada Sanjay , Das Liza , Kumar Santosh
Published: November 2024

A female in late adolescence with severe chest pain, dyspnoea, diaphoresis and dizziness presented to the emergency department where she was found to have exceptionally high blood pressure (250/150 mm Hg) and a diastolic murmur. Initial examinations showed left ventricular hypertrophy, and urgent CT angiography confirmed a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Following successful surgical repair, further evaluations were prompted by her persistent, drug-resistant hypertension, revealing elevated normetanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine. Subsequent imaging identified bilateral pelvic paragangliomas, which were surgically removed, significantly reducing her hypertension. Her postoperative period showed biochemical remission, and genetic testing was positive for germline SDHB mutation. Monitoring and follow-up imaging are ongoing. This case highlights the rare association of pelvic paragangliomas with acute aortic dissection in young adults, emphasising the importance of possible endocrine hypertension in young people with hypertensive emergencies.
Complicated neurological pathways: tuberculoma with Guillain-Barre syndrome – an uncharted clinical odyssey
Authors: Verma Shubham , Salotagi Siddannagoud , Angadi Varun M , Sahoo Manas Ranjan
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis is a global disease and presents with an array of neurological manifestations. Presentation varies from meningitis, radiculo-myelitis, tuberculoma, brain abscess and other combinations. The association of Guillain-Barre’ syndrome (GBS) with tuberculosis has been reported in a few reports. Neurological tuberculosis association with GBS is very rare. We here report an early adolescent patient with tubercular meningitis and tuberculoma who presented with acute areflexic quadriparesis and was subsequently diagnosed as an acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy variant of GBS. The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, positive anti-ganglioside antibody and clinical response to intravenous immunoglobulin. We present a case of an association between tubercular meningitis clinically presenting as encephalopathy and acute flaccid weakness due to GBS.
Native mitral valve streptococcal endocarditis presenting as myocardial infarction and diagnosed with multimodality imaging
Authors: Wilcox Joshua , Dadrewalla Arshan Jimmy , Subesinghe Manil , Patterson Tiffany
Published: November 2024

A man in his 60s presented to the emergency department with central crushing chest pain on a background of a week’s history of flu-like symptoms. An ECG demonstrated ischaemia with blood tests confirming myocardial injury; catheter angiography revealed an obstructed diagonal coronary artery. In addition, blood tests revealed elevated markers of inflammation, blood cultures grewStreptococcus gordoniiand transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mitral valve lesion. A diagnosis of embolic infarction secondary to native mitral valve infective endocarditis was made. Imaging with [18F]Flurodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography CT, cardiac MRI and brain MRI confirmed myocardial infarction, mitral valve infection and embolic phenomena within the brain, respectively. This case reinforces the need for strategic flexibility when faced with evolving clinical data, the role of multidisciplinary involvement in an endocarditis team and the benefits of multimodality imaging techniques to secure diagnostic certainty.
Unusual location of aortic root abscess as a complication of bicuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis by a rare organism
Authors: Khan Ateeb Mahmood , Tipoo Fateh Ali , Syed Shahabuddin Sharfuddin , Mehmood Aqeel
Published: November 2024

A man in his 50s with diabetes, hypertension and history of multiple percutaneous coronary interventions presented with 3 weeks of fever and worsening shortness of breath. There was clinical suspicion of infective endocarditis with raised infective parameters. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed abnormally thickened, bicuspid aortic valve with suspicion of paravalvular aortic root abscess. Transoesophageal echocardiogram identified large vegetation on aortic valve and non-homogeneous area around the aortic root towards the right ventricular outflow tract, which was further confirmed as paravalvular aortic root abscess on cardiac CT. Blood cultures revealed a rare organism ‘Burkholderia cepacia’. The patient responded well to intravenous antibiotics and surgical treatment with debridement of aortic root abscess, patch repair of aortic root and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve.
Safety and efficacy of individual target transcranial magnetic stimulation to stimulate the most negative correlate of DLPFC-pgACC in the treatment of major depressive disorder: study protocol of a double-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Nian , Zhao Na , Tang Nailong , Cai Min , Zhang Yuyu , Lv Runxin , Zhang Yaochi , Han Tianle , Meng Yumeng , Zang Yufeng , Wang Huaning
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder that is characterised by high morbidity, high rates of relapse, high rates of disability and, in severe cases, suicide ideas or even behaviour causing significant distress and burden. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique widely used in the clinical treatment of MDD. Nevertheless, due to the imprecise selection and positioning of stimulation targets, their response rate is not as satisfactory. This trial was designed to treat MDD based on functional connectivity with individual target-TMS (IT-TMS) to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) where it correlates most negatively with the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC). We will validate the safety and efficacy of IT-TMS for MDD using pgACC as an effector target, analyse the underlying antidepressant mechanism of the DLPFC-ACC brain network and search for neuroimaging markers that predict the efficacy of TMS.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, randomised, double-blind and sham-stimulation-controlled clinical trial. We aim to recruit approximately 68 depressed patients with MDD aged 18–60 years. Eligible participants will be randomised into the DLPFC-pgACC localisation and sham stimulation groups. The IT-TMS treatment will last 10 days and will be combined with antidepressant medication. Assessments will be confirmed at baseline, on day 5 of treatment and at the end of treatment with follow-up at weeks 2, 4 and 8 after the end of treatment. The primary outcome measure is the difference in the Hamilton Depression Scale score between baseline and end of treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University has approved this clinical trial (project code: XJLL-KY20222111). The trial’s results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (ID:NCT05577481).
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine for discogenic low back pain: protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lin Yi , Li Xinyi , Huang Liangqing , Xie Xiaoming , Luo Taoxu , Tian Guihua
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Discogenic low back pain is a common form of chronic low back pain. In traditional Chinese medicine, combinations of acupuncture and herbal medicine are frequently used to manage this condition. However, evidence for the efficacy of a combined approach remains scarce. To address this gap, we designed a multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the effects of the combined use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and their separate applications along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in treating discogenic low back pain.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, four-arm, parallel-controlled trial involving patients with discogenic low back pain. Patients will be randomly divided into four groups (acupuncture combined with herbal medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine and positive drug control) at a 1:1:1:1 ratio. All patients will undergo a 4-week treatment regimen consisting of acupuncture (active or sham acupuncture) and oral medication (herbal medicine or placebo granules and celecoxib or placebo capsules), as well as a 3-month follow-up assessment. The primary outcome measure will be pain intensity, measured using the Visual Analogue Scale after a 4-week treatment period. Secondary outcome measures will include the lumbar pressure pain threshold, pain-related disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and incidence of adverse events. Assuming an SD of 1.8, minimal clinically important difference of 1.5 and a 10% dropout rate, at least 97 participants per group are needed, totalling 388 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 2024DZMEC-083-03) and the other seven participating subcentres. All participants will provide written informed consent. This trial will be conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments. This work will be disseminated through the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2400082428.
Acceptability, barriers and facilitators of using dried blood spots-point-of-care testing for sickle cell disease in Africa: an implementation science protocol for a multinational qualitative study
Authors: Nnodu Obiageli Eunice , Munung Nchangwi Syntia , Chirande Lulu , Chunda-Liyoka Catherine , Kiguli Sarah , Sarfo Fred Stephen , Touré Boubacari Ali , Balandya Emmanuel , Guindo Aldiouma , Kuona Patience , Esoh Kevin , Jonas Mario , Nwegbu Maxwell , Masamu Upendo , Morrice Jack , Moru Patrick Ohiani , Bitoungui Valentina Ngo , Nembaware Victoria , Nkya Siana , Tshilolo Léon , Makani Julie , Wonkam Ambroise , Peprah Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent inherited blood disorder. Globally, approximately 515 000 babies are born with SCD annually, with 75% of these births occurring in Africa. Integrating newborn screening (NBS) for SCD into primary healthcare structures, such as immunisation programmes, holds significant promise, with dried blood spots (DBS)-point-of-care technologies (POCT) like HaemoTypeSC offering cost-effective screening solutions. However, scaling up DBS-POCT for NBS of SCD in Africa remains challenging.

Objective

This study aims to explore individual, organisational and external factors that may influence the reliability, feasibility, acceptability, adoption and sustainability of using DBS-POCT with HaemoTypeSC for NBS of SCD at primary healthcare centres in African countries.

Method

This qualitative study will be conducted in seven African countries that are part of the SickleInAfrica consortium sites. The study design is informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Implementation Outcome Model. Participants will be mothers whose babies have been diagnosed with SCD, healthcare professionals and policy-makers. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions will be used for data collection. Data analysis will be through thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approvals have been obtained from the seven countries. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals, scientific conferences, reports to national ministries of public health and webinars.
Scoping review of countries’ practices missed by health emergency preparedness and response quantitative tools: COVID-19 and Ebola response experiences
Authors: Ssenkusu John Mbaziira , Kiwanuka Julius , Ninsiima Mackline , Bell Jessica , Nuzzo Jennifer B
Published: November 2024

Introduction

After the COVID-19 pandemic and previous disease outbreaks, it is critical to continuously examine the preparedness measurement tools and level of country preparedness for future health emergencies. Existing preparedness quantitative tools, such as the 2021 Global Health Security Index (GHSI) and Joint External Evaluation (JEE) second edition, may not fully reflect the country’s actual practices during an outbreak. This scoping review profiles countries’ practices, actions and experiences during Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics missed by these tools but critical to a successful response.

Methods

Using the PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews, we documented country practices during health emergence responses. Our search strategy keywords included “actions/practices,” “preparedness/response,” “Ebola/COVID-19,” and “successes/experiences/challenges,” across PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar and WHO IRIS. English peer-reviewed articles published between January 2004 and October 2020 for Ebola and between January 2020 and December 2022 for COVID-19 were included. Articles were independently assessed for inclusion and discordant decisions were agreed on by consensus. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted and findings were presented by a disease outbreak.

Results

Out of 1913 studies screened, 36 were included. The COVID-19 and Ebola response practices, actions, and experiences not included in the GHSI 2021 and JEE second edition tools included; use of previous outbreaks lessons, cushioning the populations and putting in place mechanisms to support businesses, protection of vulnerable populations, leveraging the trust in leadership and role models, and innovative ways of engaging the public through use of technology.

Conclusion

Countries’ outbreak response strategies depend on the available resources, the outbreak characteristics, its effects and how other countries are responding. This study suggests incorporating capacities of these response actions into existing tools and countries should make detailed plans on how they can leverage existing trust, protect the vulnerable, cushion citizens and businesses from epidemic effects, and innovatively use technology to engage the public in epidemic responses.
Colonic stents: who, where, when
Authors: McCaughan Hannah , Caddy Grant , Tham Tony C
Published: November 2024

Large bowel obstruction can be caused by advanced colonic cancer, extracolonic obstruction or benign strictures. The technical success rate of colonic stents for the treatment of colorectal obstruction is about 87% with complications or technical failure at about 14%. Mortality associated with the procedure is <4% and perforation is 4.5%. This article will discuss who would benefit from colonic stents including bridge to surgery, palliation, benign strictures and who should be performing this procedure. The insertion of stents in the colon has been primarily studied in the left colon, although proximal obstruction will also be discussed. The timing of stent insertion, in relation to symptoms and chemotherapy, will be discussed.
Cognitive rehabilitation in posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: Suárez-González Aida , Bier Nathalie , Sauvageau Hélène , Pelak Victoria S , Ahmed Samrah
Published: November 2024

Posterior cortical atrophy is an uncommon type of dementia often caused by Alzheimer’s disease and characterised by progressive loss of visuospatial and perceptual abilities. Although there is no curative treatment, patients may benefit from a range of symptom-based techniques and strategies to address visuospatial deficits and apraxia, and to reduce disability. Specific techniques based on visual and tactile cues, adapted and assistive equipment, environmental modifications and skill training may help people with posterior cortical atrophy continue to carry on activities that are important to them. We share vignettes from patients treated in our clinics to illustrate the practical delivery and potential impact of these therapies.
High prevalence of STIs among men engaged in transactional sex and alcohol use in western Kenya: important implications for STI prevention interventions
Authors: Napierala Sue , Bair Elizabeth F , Omollo Ouma Dan , Egbe Teniola I , Wesonga Julius Oduor , Rajaratnam Anisha , Celum Connie , Thirumurthy Harsha , Agot Kawango
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Better data on aetiological prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among African men could greatly strengthen STI prevention efforts and convey benefits to women as well. In an ongoing study among men in Kenya, we analysed baseline STI prevalence and individual characteristics associated with STI.

Methods

In Siaya County, Kenya, we recruited men aged 18–39 years who self-reported engagement in transactional sex and alcohol use. We administered a baseline questionnaire to participants and conducted testing for HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) infection. Characteristics associated with bacterial STIs were analysed using logistic regression and we estimated the positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of syndromic management of these infections.

Results

We enrolled 1500 participants from July 2022 to March 2023. Participant mean age was 27.9 years, 62.2% were married/cohabitating and 53.5% were heavy alcohol users (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption≥4). Participants reported a mean of 4.2 sexual partners and 3.5 transactional sex partners in the past 3 months. HIV prevalence was 9.5%, HSV-2 was 38.7%, CT was 14.3% and NG was 2.5%. Combined CT and/or NG infection was detected in 16.1% of participants.

Compared with participants uninfected, those testing positive for CT and/or NG were younger (p=0.001), had more sexual partners (p=0.027) and transactional sex partners (p=0.039), were less likely to have used a condom at last sex (p=0.015) and were more likely to self-report having an STI besides HIV in the past 12 months (p=0.002). The PPV and NPV for currently experiencing CT and/or NG symptoms were 33.3% and 84.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Among Kenyan men engaged in transactional sex and alcohol use, STI prevalence was high. These data fill an important gap about STI prevalence and risk factors in African men highlighting the risk of ongoing transmission and the need for targeted prevention programmes and expanded access to testing and treatment.
Changing role of water table and weather conditions in diameter growth of Scots pine in drained peatlands
Authors: Hökkä Hannu , Palviainen Marjo , Stenberg Leena , Heikkinen Juha , Laurén Annamari
Published: November 2024

We investigated the impact of water table (WT), monthly temperature, and precipitation of current and previous growing seasons on annual diameter growth of Scots pine in boreal drained peatlands. The data were collected from six sites across Finland. WT was monitored during 5–8 growing seasons depending on site during 2007–2014. The sites contained altogether 19 sample plots, where diameter growth from 339 trees was measured, resulting in 1599 growth observations. Tree-level diameter growth was analysed using mixed linear models, including variables describing tree size, competition, and environment. The higher precipitation in June of the previous year and May of the current year increased diameter growth, whereas the higher temperature in July of the current year and the deeper WT in August of the previous year decreased growth. The results suggest that Scots pine grows better at shallow than deep WT in drained peatlands. This contradicts earlier findings that a deep WT is needed to support tree growth in drained peatlands. We suggest that the development of a mor layer on the peat is changing nutrient cycling and hydrology. The results encourage the avoidance of intensive drainage in forested peatlands, which may also diminish the adverse environmental impacts of peatland forestry.
AAC McMurphy field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , Miller Michelle , Mollison Brett , Kim Yong Min , Liu Kui , Cuthbert Richard , Naeem Hamid
Published: November 2024

AAC McMurphy is a semi-leafless, yellow cotyledonary field pea ( Pisum sativum L.) cultivar developed at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. It has a maturity of 90 days, one-thousand-seed weight of 246 g, and a lodging score of 2.9 on the scale of 1–9. The seed crude protein content of AAC McMurphy is 24.2%. AAC McMurphy is resistant to powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi) and moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes) and fusarium root rot (caused by Fusarium avenaceum).
Constructing a novel n-dimensional chaotic map with application to image encryption
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Yingqian , Iu Herbert Ho-Ching , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we develop a novel n-dimensional discrete chaotic map. First, the chaotic behaviors of the proposed map are studied. Next, to illustrate the effectiveness of our map, the 4D hyperchaotic map as an example is analyzed using the phase diagram, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams and different types of entropy, etc. Moreover, the chaotic signals generated by the proposed map passed the NIST test and were implemented on the hardware DSP. Finally, we apply our chaotic map in image encryption using true numbers and extended XOR. The experimental results express that the presented encryption algorithm has a higher level of security than same other sophisticated methods.
Perspectives of tau g−2 measurements with the ALICE experiment at the LHC
Authors: Burmasov N.
Published: November 2024

Ultraperipheral collisions of heavy ions give physicists an opportunity for studies of two-photon-induced processes in a clean environment with strongly suppressed hadronic interactions. In particular, measurements of cross-section of the process can be used to set new constraints on poorly known anomalous magnetic moment of tau lepton. Obtaining a precise experimental value for tau [Formula: see text] becomes especially important in view of new data from the Muon [Formula: see text] experiment and also for verification of Standard Model extensions, including supersymmetry and theories with composite leptons. With the ALICE experiment in Run 3 it will be possible to address low transverse momenta for reconstructed charged particles to increase the number of available events. We have carried out realistic simulations of the ALICE detector to develop event selection strategy for tau decay events. In this paper, we discuss the results of the simulations and feasibility of tau [Formula: see text] measurement with the ALICE experiment.
Probing light dark matter with NA64 at CERN
Authors: Gninenko S. N. , Krasnikov N. V. , Matveev V. A.
Published: November 2024

We review the recent results on the search for Light Dark Matter (LDM) in the NA64 experiment at CERN. The phenomenology and production of LDM, as well as the experimental constraints from other accelerator searches are also briefly discussed.
Scalar/Spinor cosmological model and covariant formalism
Authors: Ribas M. O. , Bonato H. O. , Devecchi F. P. , Constantinidis C. P.
Published: November 2024

We investigate a cosmological model using the covariant formalism proposed by Canuto et al., considering bosonic and fermionic fields as sources, including both self-interacting potentials. Following that path, it is possible to determine, first, a family of symmetries using the Noether procedure. That permits to obtain the conformal function [Formula: see text], part of the covariant formalism, that maps the physics between descriptions. In gravitational units (old universe) it is verified that the bosonic/fermionic combination behaves as a dark constituent. In atomic units what emerges is an initially accelerated universe, followed a decelerated period, that would correspond to a primordial era considered as an analog of inflation.
Unveiling Parkinson’s: Handwriting Symptoms with Explainable and Interpretable CNN Model
Authors: zemmar Ammar , Bennour Akram , Tahar Mekhaznia , Ghabban Fahad , Al-Sarem Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally, afflicting approximately 10 million individuals, necessitates early detection for optimal management. In this paper, we propose deep learning models to discern Parkinson’s disease through the nuanced analysis of handwriting with the overall objective of achieving transparency and trustworthiness through the integration of Explainable and Interpretable AI.

Leveraging transfer learning from well-established VGG16 and VGG19 architectures and introducing two bespoke CNN models (PD-Detect1 and PD-Detect2), we meticulously scrutinize diverse datasets (HandPD, NewhandPD, Parkinson Drawing) to ascertain the efficacy of our approach. LIME and SHAP Explainable AI techniques are employed to pinpoint specific regions of the spiral drawings that significantly influence the predictions made by the VGG16 and PD-Detect2 models. Additionally, Convolutional Filter Visualization and Grad-CAM are utilized to illustrate how the convolutional layers of the PD-Detect2 model function. Finally, LIME is applied to the PD-Detect2 model to identify visual markers of handwriting symptoms in the spiral drawing.

Remarkable results underscore our reliance on VGG16 and VGG19 for precise identification, achieving an outstanding 100% accuracy in the waves drawing dataset. PD-Detect1 exhibits commendable performance with an accuracy of 94.44% in the meander of NewhandPD dataset, while VGG16 achieves an accuracy of 95%. VGG16 records 95% accuracy while PD-Detect2 achieves 85% accuracy in the spiral drawing dataset. Both results further bolstered to 100% with the application of classic data augmentation techniques. The Positive/Negative superpixels from LIME and SHAP highlight the key regions used by VGG16 and PD-Detect2 for predictions, while PD-Detect2 places more emphasis on disease-related features. Visualizing convolutional filters provided insight into the functionality of each layer within the PD-Detect2 model, while the Class Activation Maps produced by Grad-CAM highlighted the image regions most influential to the model’s decision. Ultimately, LIME’s superpixels identified visual markers of handwriting symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Explainable AI and Interpretable AI enhance the quality of CNN models and support the decision-making process, enabling healthcare professionals to more accurately assess disease probability and monitor treatment responses. This leads to a more effective system for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease through prediction and visual monitoring of handwriting symptoms.
Uniform difference between the length spectra of Out(F2) and the genus two handlebody group
Authors: Kim KyeongRo , Seo Donggyun
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we compare the translation length spectrum of the genus [Formula: see text] handlebody group in the Teichmüller space with that of the outer automorphism group of the free group of rank [Formula: see text] in the outer space. To this end, we analyze the homomorphism from the handlebody group to the outer automorphism group, induced by the inclusion of the boundary of the handlebody to the handlebody itself. With this homomorphism in hand, we reveal a crucial relationship: the translation length of a fully irreducible outer automorphism provides a lower bound for the translation lengths of pseudo-Anosov maps in its preimage. Notably, in the case of genus two, the difference between the translation length of each fully irreducible outer automorphism and the minimum translation length among the pseudo-Anosov maps in its preimage is bounded above by [Formula: see text]. This result partially addresses a question posed by Hensel and has practical implications, including providing a lower bound for the geodesic counting problem in the genus two handlebody group.
On pass-moves and ♯-moves
Authors: Higa Ryuji
Published: November 2024

We consider the two types of local moves called a pass-move and a [Formula: see text]-move. We show that the minimal number of [Formula: see text]-moves which realize a pass-move is two. We also give a pair of links which are mutually deformed by one pass-move and by one [Formula: see text]-move. Further, we study the sets of links obtained by pass-moves and [Formula: see text]-moves from a given link, and the additivity of the pass- and [Formula: see text]-Gordian distance for several sums. Finally, we give a table of pass- and [Formula: see text]-unknotting number of all prime knots up to crossing number nine except two knots.