bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pandemic agreement is within reach
Authors: Cicero Anita , Phelan Alexandra
Published: April 2024

At the end of May, 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet for the World Health Assembly. Negotiations underway now will determine whether they vote then to adopt a pandemic agreement. For the past 2 years, discussions have focused on articulating essential components of a robust and equitable architecture for pandemic preparedness and response. Despite this, talks have failed to produce sufficient consensus on a detailed draft, prompting the intergovernmental negotiating body to propose a “streamlined” version. The new text, released on 16 April, consolidates provisions for research and development, technology transfer, pathogen access and benefit sharing (including pandemic products such as medicines and vaccines), with many particulars deferred to future procedures. Ultimately, success of the agreement will depend on these details and implementation. Nevertheless, member states shouldn’t bypass the consensus reached to date, but continue progress to adopt this agreement.
Targeted deletion of Pf prophages from diverse
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates has differential impacts on quorum sensing and virulence traits
Authors: Schmidt Amelia K. , Schwartzkopf Caleb M. , Pourtois Julie D. , Burgener Elizabeth B. , Faith Dominick R. , Joyce Alex , Lamma Tyrza , Kumar Geetha , Bollyky Paul L. , Secor Patrick R.
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that commonly causes medical hardware, wound, and respiratory infections. Temperate filamentous Pf phages that infect
P. aeruginosa
impact numerous virulence phenotypes. Most work on Pf phages has focused on Pf4 and its host
P. aeruginosa
PAO1. Expanding from Pf4 and PAO1, this study explores diverse Pf phages infecting
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates. We describe a simple technique targeting the Pf lysogeny maintenance gene,
pflM
(
PA0718
), that enables the effective elimination of Pf prophages from diverse
P. aeruginosa
hosts. The
pflM
gene shows diversity among different Pf phage isolates; however, all examined
pflM
alleles encode the DUF5447 domain. We demonstrate that
pflM
deletion results in prophage excision but not replication, leading to total prophage loss, indicating a role for lysis/lysogeny decisions for the DUF5447 domain. This study also assesses the effects different Pf phages have on host quorum sensing, biofilm formation, pigment production, and virulence against the bacterivorous nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. We find that Pf phages have strain-specific impacts on quorum sensing and biofilm formation, but nearly all suppress pigment production and increase
C. elegans
avoidance behavior. Collectively, this research not only introduces a valuable tool for Pf prophage elimination from diverse
P. aeruginosa
isolates but also advances our understanding of the complex relationship between
P. aeruginosa
and filamentous Pf phages.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that is frequently infected by filamentous Pf phages (viruses) that integrate into its chromosome, affecting behavior. Although prior work has focused on Pf4 and PAO1, this study investigates diverse Pf in clinical isolates. A simple method targeting the deletion of the Pf lysogeny maintenance gene
pflM
(
PA0718
) effectively eliminates Pf prophages from clinical isolates. The research evaluates the impact Pf prophages have on bacterial quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and virulence phenotypes. This work introduces a valuable tool to eliminate Pf prophages from clinical isolates and advances our understanding of
P. aeruginosa
and filamentous Pf phage interactions.
Validation of a clinical assay for botulinum neurotoxins through mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Hoyt Kaitlin M. , Barr John R. , Hopkins André O. , Dykes Janet K. , Lúquez Carolina , Kalb Suzanne R.
Published: April 2024

Botulism is a paralytic disease due to the inhibition of acetylcholine exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction, which can be lethal if left untreated. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced by some spore-forming
Clostridium
bacteria. The current confirmatory assay to test for BoNTs in clinical specimens is the gold-standard mouse bioassay. However, an Endopep-MS assay method has been developed to detect BoNTs in clinical samples using benchtop mass spectrometric detection. This work demonstrates the validation of the Endopep-MS method for clinical specimens with the intent of method distribution in public health laboratories. The Endopep-MS assay was validated by assessing the sensitivity, robustness, selectivity, specificity, and reproducibility. The limit of detection was found to be equivalent to or more sensitive than the mouse bioassay. Specificity studies determined no cross-reactivity between the different serotypes and no false positives from an exclusivity panel of culture supernatants of enteric disease organisms and non-toxigenic strains of
Clostridium
. Inter-serotype specificity testing with 19 BoNT subtypes was 100% concordant with the expected results, accurately determining the presence of the correct serotype and the absence of incorrect serotypes. Additionally, a panel of potential interfering substances was used to test selectivity. Finally, clinical studies included clinical specimen stability and reproducibility, which was found to be 99.9% from a multicenter evaluation study. The multicenter validation study also included a clinical validation study, which yielded a 99.4% correct determination rate. Use of the Endopep-MS method will improve the capacity and response time for laboratory confirmation of botulism in public health laboratories.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Authors: Elnagar Ali , Kgomo Mpho , Mokone Modise , Yousif Badreldin
Published: April 2024

Cannabis use is legalised in many countries. We present a patient in their 40s who complained of recurrent abdominal pain and associated nausea and vomiting. The patient was previously seen in various hospitals, treated symptomatically, and discharged with a diagnosis of non-specific abdominal pain. The patient had a chronic history of smoking cannabis and nicotine and drinking alcohol. Abdominal examination revealed no masses, and abdominal X-ray was normal. Blood tests and gastroduodenoscopy revealed no obvious aetiology. Intravenous fluids, together with antiemetics and proton pump inhibitors, were administered. The patient also received counselling and was advised to stop cannabis use. At discharge, the patient was well and asked to come back for review in 2 weeks, and, thereafter monthly for a period of 6 months after stopping cannabis use. The patient reported no recurrent symptoms despite continued cigarette and alcohol use. A suspected cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) became a consideration. Awareness of cannabis-related disorders such as CHS may assist in avoiding costly hospital workups.
Anti-GBM disease in pregnancy
Authors: Kafagi Abdul Hadi , Li Anna S , Jayne David , Brix Silke R
Published: April 2024

We present the case of a pregnant woman in her 20s who presented in her second trimester with severe pulmonary haemorrhage and dialysis-dependent acute kidney failure due to antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease. Responding to therapy, she recovered kidney function and delivered a baby. During her pregnancy, she developed cytomegalovirus viraemia, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Here, we report the first combined use of cyclophosphamide, rituximab and intensified plasma exchange in anti-GBM disease in pregnancy, allowing minimal exposure to cytotoxic medication, resulting in live birth and dialysis independence.
Inflammatory progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 coinfection
Authors: Hasebe Sachiko , Maekawa Kota , Shishido-Hara Yukiko , Nakamichi Kazuo , Funata Nobuaki , Takahashi Makio
Published: April 2024

A middle-aged man with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) carrier on haemodialysis presented with mild dysarthria and ataxia. Brain MRI revealed asymmetric T2-hyperintense lesions in the cerebral white matter, cerebellum and brainstem. A small amount of JC virus (JCV) genome in cerebrospinal fluid was detected by PCR and cerebellar biopsy demonstrated JCV-DNA presence. Pathological findings showed demyelinating lesions and glial cells with mildly enlarged nuclei, accompanied by T-lymphocytes, neutrophils and plasma cell infiltration. The CD4+/CD8+ratio was 0.83. High-dose corticosteroid therapy was effective for inflammatory PML lesions, and the administration of mefloquine combined with mirtazapine led to favourable outcome. The encephalitis in this case is considered to have occurred secondarily to JCV infection in the presence of HTLV-1 infection. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the presence of HTLV-1 in order to understand the aetiology of this brain inflammation.
Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using polypropylene mesh in a displaced pathological fracture of the patella affected by giant cell tumour
Authors: Tripathy Sujit , Khan Shahnawaz , Patel Hursch , Pradhan Siddharth Satyakam
Published: April 2024

A man in his 30s came to our clinic with a year-long history of progressive pain and swelling in his knee. Diagnostic imaging revealed a displaced patellar fracture with an osteolytic, septated lesion and thinned expanded cortex in both fracture fragments. A core needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell tumour. Treatment involved wide excision of the tumour and the use of polypropylene mesh and a peroneal longus tendon autograft to reconstruct the extensor mechanism of the knee joint. One year postoperatively, the patient experienced no pain, demonstrated full range of motion and showed no signs of functional impairment or local tumour recurrence. This case highlights that reconstruction of the extensor mechanism of the knee after tumour excision with synthetic mesh is an affordable, user-friendly and widely accessible method. It can address large defects effectively while minimising the risks of disease transmission and graft lengthening, resulting in satisfactory outcomes.
‘It’s not meant to be for life, but it carries on’: a qualitative investigation into the psychosocial needs of young retinoblastoma survivors
Authors: O'Donnell Nicola , Phillips Bob , Morgan Jessica Elizabeth , Howell Debra
Published: April 2024

Objective and design

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare childhood eye cancer, with 45% of individuals impacted by heritable disease and the remainder impacted non-heritably. The condition can leave survivors with life-long psychological and social challenges. This qualitative study examined the psychosocial needs of teenagers and young adults living beyond Rb.

Setting

A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using focus groups with teenagers and interviews with young adults. Participants were recruited via the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and the two national Rb treatment centres in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data using exploratory and inductive methods.

Participants

32 young survivors of Rb (10 heritable, 21 non-heritable, 1 unknown; 23 unilateral, 9 bilateral) aged between 13 and 29 years (12 male, 20 female).

Results

Data were rich and spanned the life course: three key themes were generated, containing eight subthemes. Theme 1 describes participants’ experiences of childhood and trauma, including survivor guilt, memories from treatment and impact on personality. Theme 2 focuses on the challenges of adolescence, including the psychological impact of Rb, the impact on identity, and the sense of normality and adaptation to late effects. The third theme considered adulthood and the development of acceptance, a state of being widely considered unachievable during childhood, as well as the ‘work’ needed to feel supported, including seeking out information, peer support and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions

This study provides in-depth insight into the experiences of life beyond Rb. Findings highlight the need for specific psychosocial interventions informed by codesign.
Risk of cardiovascular diseases among young adults: a cross-sectional study in Malaysia
Authors: Azzani Meram , Muagan Gogilawani A P , Atroosh Wahib M , Ng Ian Zhen
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality worldwide. Recent studies showed that there is increasing CVD incidence at younger ages. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the risk of CVD and its associated factors among young adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Selangor, Malaysia, using a self-administered questionnaire along with anthropometric measurements. The sample size was calculated using a single proportion formula. The CVD risk was calculated using the non-laboratory-based Inter-Heart Modifiable Risk Score (IHMRS). Participants aged 18 years and above, with no CVD history, were recruited using a convenience sampling method between February and May 2022. CVD risk was classified as low (scores between 0 and 9 points), moderate (scores between 10 and 15 points) and high (scores between 16 and 48 points). The factors associated with the CVD risk were identified using χ2analysis.

Results

A total of 241 participants were included in this study. The median age was 28 years and the majority were females (75.1%). The IHMRS revealed that 46.5%, 44.4% and 9% of the respondents have low, moderate and high CVD risk, respectively. The CVD risk associated factors were education, the history of heart attacks among parents, feeling sad or depressed for 2 weeks or more in a row, having several episodes/permanent stress, expose to secondhand smoke and consuming meat and poultry more than two times daily.

Conclusions

This study found that more than 50% of study participants had moderate to high risk of CVD. Family history and lifestyle factors are the most likely determinants of CVD risk among the young age group. These findings support the development and implementation of targeted prevention programmes as well as provide useful information for action planning and policymaking to curb the disease in the future.
Regional versus general anesthesia for total hip and knee arthroplasty: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae
Published: April 2024

Introduction

We aimed to determine whether regional anesthesia (RA) has any advantages over general anesthesia (GA) in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in terms of mortality and postoperative complications.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study included data of adults who underwent total knee or hip arthroplasty under RA or GA between 2016 and 2021 from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea. RA included spinal or epidural anesthesia or a combination of both. Endpoints were 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and postoperative complications. Propensity score (PS) matching was used for statistical analysis.

Results

We included 517 960 patients (RA, n=380 698; GA, n=137 262) who underwent TJA. After PS matching, 186 590 patients (93 295 in each group) were included in the final analysis. In the logistic regression analyses using the PS-matched cohort, the RA group compared with the GA group showed 31% (OR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.80; p<0.001) and 22% (OR: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.85; p<0.001) lower 30-day and 90-day mortality rates, respectively. However, the total postoperative complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.105).

Conclusion

RA compared with GA was associated with improved 30-day and 90-day survival outcomes in patients who underwent TJA. However, the postoperative complication rate did not differ significantly. Therefore, our results should be interpreted with caution, and more well-designed future studies are needed to clarify the most appropriate type of anesthesia for TJA.
Analysis of water migration in an earthen landfill cover with recycled construction waste
Authors: Guo Haowen , Ng Charles Wang Wai , Zhang Qi , Wei Wei
Published: April 2024

In this study, numerical analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of particle sizes on water migration in a three-layer landfill cover system using recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs). This cover system consists of a top fine recycled concrete (FRC) aggregate layer and a middle coarse recycled concrete aggregate layer overlying a bottom silty refuse soil layer. Numerical simulations were performed to back analyse a flume model test data and further evaluate the particle size effects of RCAs on the effectiveness of the cover system. With the increase in rainfall duration, surface runoff reduced, while the lateral diversion increased pronouncedly. Nonetheless, no significant percolation is observed through the cover system using RCAs during 100-year extreme rainfall with different durations. Based on the results, the d10 of FRC is recommended to be from 0.2 to 0.5 mm.
Constraining on the non-standard cosmological models combining the observations of high-redshift quasars and BAO
Authors: Liu Ziqiang , Liu Tonghua , Zhong Xinyi , Xu Yifei , Zheng Xiaogang
Published: April 2024

In this work, we studied four types of cosmological models with different mechanisms driving the accelerated expansion of the universe, include Braneworld models, Chaplygin Gas models, Emergent Dark Energy models, and cosmological torsion models. Considering that the dynamics of these models at low redshifts are very similar and difficult to distinguish, we used the latest and largest UV and X-ray measurements of quasars (QSOs) observations covering the range of redshift $$0.009<z<7.5$$

0.009
<
z
<
7.5

. However, the high intrinsic dispersion of this sample and the degeneracy between cosmological model parameters, we added 2D-BAO and 3D-BAO datasets to help us constrain the parameters of these cosmological models. Our results suggest that standard cold dark matter scenario may not be the best cosmological model preferred by the high-redshift observations. The Generalized Chaplygin Gas (GCG) and cosmological constant plus torsion (named Case II) models perform best by Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), but the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM is the best cosmological model preferred by Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Our work also supports that the Phenomenologically Emergent Dark Energy and cosmological torsion models may alleviate the Hubble tension, the reported value of the Hubble constant obtained from QSO+BAO datasets combination lies between Planck 2018 observations and local measurements from the SH0ES collaboration, while other cosmological models all support that the Hubble constant tends to be closer to recent Planck 2018 results, but these model are penalized by information criterion.
Electro-fluid-dynamics (EFD) of soft-bodied organisms swimming through mucus having dilatant, viscous, and pseudo-plastic properties
Authors: Asghar Zeeshan , Shah Rehman Ali , Waqas Muhammad , Gondal Muhammad Asif
Published: April 2024

The sperm propelling mechanism has been proposed as a possible resource for soft micro-robots in confined spaces, with potential applications in biomedical engineering. Human sperm cells essentially swim through the non-Newtonian liquid (cervical mucus) to reach their target. Thus, sperm cells swimming through non-Newtonian fluids is not vital only for physiology, but also for the fabrication of swimming micro-robots. Inspired by these remarkable applications, we examine the basic mechanics of spermatozoa motility using an undulating sheet model. This undulating sheet is bounded between two rigid walls which is self-propeling in the negative axial direction. The liquid around the spermatozoa is taken as Carreau fluid with electro-osmotic properties. The application of the lubrication approximation results in the reduction of momentum equations. The resulting ODE is solved numerically via the finite difference method and MATLAB’s built-in routine bvp5c. The unknowns that are present in the boundary conditions are refined by the root-finding algorithm. Power losses, cell speed, flow rate, velocity of the fluid, and streamline pattern are visualized by graphs. The findings of this study have important implications for the designing and optimization of electrically controlled microswimmers.
FINAL SIZE RELATIONS FOR SOME COMPARTMENTAL MODELS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY
Authors: MUKHERJEE ABHIK , KUNDU SOUVIK , SASMAL SOURAV KUMAR
Published: April 2024

The summary measurement of an epidemic such as the final size is an important quantity that allows us to approximate the impact of the disease on the affected region. In recent years, final size measurements for vector-transmitted diseases have acquired importance because of the increased concern for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, etc. However, analytical expressions for this estimate in the stage-structured models applicable to vector-borne diseases are less, mostly focused on the classical Kermack–McKendrick model. In this paper, we first calculate the final size expressions for an SIR model with carrier state and a SEIR–SI host–vector model. Then we extend this for the SEIR–SI host–vector model with treatment class in the host, as well as for the model with vertical transmission in the vector population. Finally, we verify our final size expression with some real scenarios.
Encoding and decoding of information in general probabilistic theories
Authors: Heinosaari Teiko , Leppäjärvi Leevi , Plávala Martin
Published: April 2024

Encoding and decoding are the two key steps in information processing. In this work, we study the encoding and decoding capabilities of operational theories in the context of information-storability game, where the task is to freely choose a set of states from which one state is chosen at random and by measuring the state it must be identified; a correct guess results in as many utiles as the number of states in the chosen set and an incorrect guess means a penalty of a fixed number of utiles. We connect the optimal winning strategy of the game to the amount of information that can be stored in a given theory, called the information storability of the theory, and show that one must use so-called nondegradable sets of states and nondegradable measurements whose encoding and decoding properties cannot be reduced. We demonstrate that there are theories where the perfect discrimination strategy is not the optimal one so that the introduced game can be used as an operational test for super information storability. We further develop the concept of information storability by giving new useful conditions for calculating it in specific theories.
CASE REPORT: INFERTILITY IN TWO DAIRY GOATS
Authors: Chung Shung-Cheng , Guo Bing-Cheng , Chan Jacky Peng-Wen
Published: April 2024

Two female goats with infertility were reported in December during the breeding season. Both patients showed normal physiology on the day of presentation. Patient A, a 2.5-year-old primiparous lactating alpine with a history of blurred signs of estrous behavior, refused to mate with a buck since the breeding season in August. Patient B, a 2-year-old nulliparous alpine, failed to conceive after three times of natural mating and did not return to estrus. Two protocols of estrus synchronization were prescirbed for each patient and the changes of progesterone (P4) profile were monitored. Hormones integrating eCG (400 IU) plus hCG (200 IU) on Day 1, GnRH (0.1[Formula: see text]mg gonadorelin) on Day 6, PGF2[Formula: see text] (0.125[Formula: see text]mg clopostenol sodium) on Day 13, and eCG (400 IU) plus hCG (200 IU) on Day 14 were used in patient A. The increasing P4 concentrations from 0.16[Formula: see text]ng/mL to 24.14[Formula: see text]ng/mL during the treatment course were detected, then an estrous induction was performed, followed by natural mating with a buck for 2 days. Pregnancy was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography 50 days after mating. Patient B failed to respond to the treatment of 5 consecutive injections of GnRH (a total of 0.5[Formula: see text]mg gonadorelin) as all the P4 values were less than 1[Formula: see text]ng/mL. Furthermore, vaginal speculum revealed a stenosis of vagina, possibly elucidating a case of infertility in this young goat. Our results demonstrated that an eCG-based protocol without pretreatment of progesterone was beneficial to help restore cyclicity for breeding in an alpine goat with seasonal anestrus.
Biophysical Mechanisms of Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Biological Systems
Authors: Uzorka Afam , Olaniyan Ademola Olatide , Bawa Musa
Published: April 2024

A key biophysical process in biological systems, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is responsible for constructing membrane-less organelles and modulating cellular activities. The biophysical mechanisms underlying LLPS are explored in this paper, with an emphasis on multivalent interactions, entropy-driven processes, and how they affect cellular organization. We investigate the impact of external stimuli on phase behavior and clarify the physiological roles of biomolecular condensates, from stress response modulation to gene expression regulation. In addition, we study dysregulated LLPS in human disorders, providing information about possible therapeutic targets and approaches to innovative therapeutics. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to improve our knowledge of LLPS and its effects on health and illness, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches that focus on the behavior of proteins and the structure of cells.
Simultaneous Detection of Epicatechin and Theophylline in Black Tea with Nano Cupric Oxide Infused Graphite Electrode
Authors: Moulick Madhurima , Das Debangana , Nag Shreya , Paul Anindita , Das Deepak Kumar , Roy Runu Banerjee
Published: April 2024

A novel cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) infused graphite electrode (CuO@GP) was synthesized for simultaneous detection of epicatechin (EC) and theophylline (TH) in black tea. The CuO NPs were synthesized via the sol–gel method and characterized using X-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope. The electrochemical sensor performance was studied using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry revealing the presence of TH and EC simultaneously in black tea. The electrode demonstrated a linear range of 50.0–100.0 [Formula: see text]M for both analytes, with a room temperature limit of detection (4.0 [Formula: see text]M for EC, 27.0 [Formula: see text]M for TH). Under the optimal conditions, it showed repeatability (with a relative standard deviation (RSD): 1.61% EC, 0.96% TH), reproducibility (RSD: 1.07% EC, 1.14% TH) and stability (RSD: 2.16% EC, 2.15% TH). CuO@GP exhibited notable selectivity and promising results in tea samples, achieving recovery rates of 102–107% for EC and 101.7–106% for TH.
Algorithm 1045: A Covariate-Dependent Approach to Gaussian Graphical Modeling in R
Authors: Helwig Jacob , Dasgupta Sutanoy , Zhao Peng , Mallick Bani K. , Pati Debdeep
Published: April 2024

Graphical models are used to capture complex multivariate relationships and have applications in diverse disciplines such as biology, physics, and economics. Within this field, Gaussian graphical models aim to identify the pairs of variables whose dependence is maintained even after conditioning on the remaining variables in the data, known as the
conditional dependence structure
of the data. There are many existing software packages for Gaussian graphical modeling, however, they often make restrictive assumptions that reduce their flexibility for modeling data that are not identically distributed. Conversely,
covdepGE
is an R implementation of a variational weighted pseudo-likelihood algorithm for modeling the conditional dependence structure as a continuous function of an extraneous covariate. To build on the efficiency of this algorithm,
covdepGE
leverages parallelism and C++ integration with R. Additionally,
covdepGE
provides fully-automated and data-driven hyperparameter specification while maintaining flexibility for the user to decide key components of the estimation procedure. Through an extensive simulation study spanning diverse settings,
covdepGE
is demonstrated to be top of its class in recovering the ground truth conditional dependence structure while efficiently managing computational overhead.
Lower Extremity Growth according to AI Automated Femorotibial Length Measurement on Slot-Scanning Radiographs in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Zech John R. , Santos Laura , Staffa Steven , Zurakowski David , Rosenwasser Katherine A. , Tsai Andy , Jaramillo Diego
Published: April 2024

Lower extremity growth curves derived from artificial intelligence measurements of the tibia and femur on standing slot-scanning radiographs in pediatric patients were more accurate than those derived using the standard Anderson-Green method.
Modification of Zinc Tungstate with Functionalized Carbon Nanofibers for Electrochemical Detection of 3-Nitro-L-Tyrosine in Tap Water and Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Kendre Vikas N. , Wang Sea-Fue
Published: April 2024

Precise revealing and early detection of 3-Nitro-L-Tyrosine (3-NLT), a biomarker of oxidative stress in biological media is critical for the early treatment of cancer tumorigenic cells and immunologic disorders. In this study, zinc tungstate (ZnWO4) was incorporated with functionalized carbon nanofibers (f-CNF) to form a ZnWO4/f-CNF composite. The composite improves detection of 3-NLT by increasing the electrical conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, and rapid electron transfer kinetics. Various physical characterization techniques were employed to confirm the ZnWO4/f-CNF composite. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry were utilized to detect 3-NLT after modifying ZnWO4/f-CNF on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The ZnWO4/f-CNF/GCE achieved an elevated electrochemically active surface area (0.08 cm2), a linear range of 1.0–117.0 μM, and a low detection limit of 0.07 μM. Finally, the ZnWO4/f-CNF/GCE was tested with bovine serum albumin and tap water in the real sample investigation.
NC Loaded PtM Alloy from M-NC with Ultralow Pt Loading for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Feng Xiaoxiong , Zhang Hui-Juan , Zhou Zilong , Zhu Chengyan , Jia Li , Ma Zhong , Xue Yuhua
Published: April 2024

Developing low Pt or non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has becoming necessary in recent years. Herein, PtM alloy anchored on nitrogen-doped carbon (PtM/NC, M=Fe, Co) catalyst with ultralow Pt loading (∼1 wt%) is prepared from the simple two-process pyrolysis, namely from C to M-NC then to PtM/NC. The as-prepared PtM/NC (M=Fe, Co) shows an excellent ORR catalytic performance with the peak potential and half-wave potential of 0.901 and 0.870 V for PtFe/NC, 0.868 and 0.845 V for Pt3Co/NC. The ORR on PtM/NC (M=Fe, Co) is a mainly direct 4-electron reaction pathway (3.75–3.90) in alkaline solution. Moreover, they possess good methanol tolerance and stability. Synergistic effect of Pt and M together with N species result in the excellent ORR catalytic activity of PtM/NC (M=Fe, Co). The negative shift of Pt binding energy caused by both lattice contraction and electron orbital coupling from M is beneficial for reducing the d-band center of Pt, weakening the oxygen binding energy and enhancing the ORR intrinsic activity of Pt. The strong interactions between NC and PtM alloy are beneficial for anchoring PtM nanoparticles, promoting the stability of catalyst. This work provides a new strategy for preparing ultralow Pt loading catalysts.
An Optimized MnO2-Ag Nanocomposite-Based Sensing Platform for Determination of 4-nitrophenol in Tomato Samples: Influences of Morphological Aspect of MnO2 Nanostructures and Synergic Effect on Electrochemical Kinetic Parameters and Analytical Performance
Authors: Nguyen Le Nhat Trang , Pham Tuyet Nhung , Ong Van Hoang , Dao Thi Nguyet Nga , Hoa Nguyen Quang , Oanh Vu Thi Kim , Vu Dinh Lam , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: April 2024

We have introduced potential modifiers synthesized from attached Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on MnO2 nanostructural surfaces, and fabricated an electrochemical sensor toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) detection. MnO2 with various morphologies (nanowires, nanorods, and nanosheets) has been prepared by hydrothermal and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods, while AgNPs have been prepared by the simple electrochemical method. The structural characteristics and surface morphologies have been investigated via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The effect of the change in morphology on the electrochemical behaviors and sensing performance has been investigated and discussed in detail. A parameter series involving the redox reaction of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− and 4-NP reduction process has been calculated for each as-prepared modified electrode. Electrochemical results evidenced that benefiting from possessing outstanding electrochemical behaviors such as better conductivity, faster electron transfer ability, larger electroactive surface area, and higher charge transfer kinetics, MnO2 sheets-Ag/SPE has offered wider linear concentration range of 0.5–50 μM, LOD value as low as 0.073 μM, and high selectivity/repeatability. Furthermore, the optimization in the morphological aspect of MnO2 nanosheets and synergic effects arising from the effective combination with AgNPs make it become a model material for modifying electrode surfaces, indicating great potential for advanced electrochemical sensing applications.
One‐Step Family of Three Optimized Second‐Derivative Hybrid Block Methods for Solving First‐Order Stiff Problems
Authors: Yakubu Saidu Daudu , Sibanda Precious
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach for solving first‐order stiff initial value problems through the development of a one‐step family of three optimized second‐derivative hybrid block methods. The optimization process was integrated into the derivation of the methods to achieve maximal accuracy. Through a rigorous analysis, it was determined that the methods exhibit properties of consistency, zero‐stability, convergence, and A‐stability. The proposed methods were implemented using the waveform relaxation technique, and the computed results demonstrated the superiority of these schemes over certain existing methods investigated in the study.
Researching the Influence of Preload on Vibration Characteristics in the Ballistic Recorder Vibration Damping System
Authors: Jiang Wencan , Lu Yonggang , Zhao Jianyu
Published: April 2024

In this study, the vibration characteristics of a bullet‐loaded recorder’s vibration damping system under various preload conditions are investigated through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental verification. The findings indicate that the inclusion of a polyurethane elastomer vibration damping buffer layer between the cartridge and the recorder, along with the application of a specific preload, significantly reduces the amplitude of vibration acceleration transmitted to the recorder’s interior. This, in turn, enhances the overload resistance of the cartridge’s internal circuit. Numerical simulation results and theoretical analysis suggest that increasing the preload on the buffer material between the elastomer and the recorder reduces both the frequency ratio and damping ratio of the damping system. This reduction further decreases the amplitude of vibration transmitted to the recorder. However, excessively high preload generates substantial compressive stress within the recorder under static conditions, intensifying during the projectile’s accelerated movement. As a consequence, deformation and damage occur to the internal circuitry. Therefore, ensuring that the recorder possesses the structural strength necessary to withstand increased preload is crucial. This balancing act improves the recorder’s resistance to shock, vibration, and overload, while also preventing excessive stress‐induced damage.
Impaired Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormones Is Associated With the Change of Abdominal Fat in Euthyroid Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Bin , Li Kun , Ke Jing , Zhao Dong
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims: This study is aimed at investigating the potential correlation of thyroid hormone sensitivity with visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and body mass index (BMI) among euthyroid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects.

Methods: Thyroid hormone sensitivity indices were calculated by thyroid feedback quantile–based index (TFQI), TSH index (TSHI), thyrotropin thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), and free thyroxine (fT4)/free triiodothyronine (fT3) ratio. These indices were then categorized into quartiles for analysis. The outcomes were the change rates in VFA, SFA, and BMI among the participants.

Result: The present study included 921 patients, with a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. In multivariate linear regression, when compared to the first quartile, SFA demonstrated a notable decline in the fourth quartile of TFQI, TSHI, and TT4RI (β coefficient = −5.78, −7.83, and − 6.84 cm2 per year), while it significantly increased in the fourth quartile of fT4/fT3 ratio (β coefficient = 6.13 cm2 per year). Similarly, in the fourth quartile of TFQI, TSHI, and TT4RI, VFA decreased significantly, evidenced by β coefficients of −5.14, −4.80, and −4.08 cm2 per year. Yet, among the quartiles of the fT4/fT3 ratio, no discernible trend in VFA was observed. There was no significant association between indices of thyroid hormone sensitivity and change in BMI.

Conclusion: Impaired central sensitivity to thyroid hormones was significantly associated with the reduction of VFA and SFA, while impaired peripheral sensitivity was associated with an increase of SFA in euthyroid individuals with T2DM.
T-Cell Characteristics Impact Response and Resistance to T-Cell–Redirecting Bispecific Antibodies in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Verkleij Christie P.M. , O’Neill Chloe A. , Broekmans Marloes E.C. , Frerichs Kristine A. , Bruins Wassilis S.C. , Duetz Carolien , Kruyswijk Sandy , Baglio Serena R. , Skerget Sheri , Montes de Oca Rocio , Zweegman Sonja , Verona Raluca I. , Mutis Tuna , van de Donk Niels W.C.J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) directed against B-cell maturation antigen (teclistamab) or the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPRC5D (talquetamab) induce deep and durable responses in heavily pretreated patients with multiple myeloma. However, mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance remain poorly understood.

Experimental Design:

The anti–multiple myeloma activity of teclistamab and talquetamab was evaluated in bone marrow (BM) samples from patients with multiple myeloma. T-cell phenotype and function were assessed in BM/peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with multiple myeloma who were treated with these BsAb.

Results:

In ex vivo killing assays with 41 BM samples from BsAb-naive patients with multiple myeloma, teclistamab- and talquetamab-mediated multiple myeloma lysis was strongly correlated (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001). Both BsAb exhibited poor activity in samples with high regulatory T-cell (Treg) numbers and a low T-cell/multiple myeloma cell ratio. Furthermore, comprehensive phenotyping of BM samples derived from patients treated with teclistamab or talquetamab revealed that high frequencies of PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, CTLA4+ CD4+ T cells, and CD38+ CD4+ T cells were associated with primary resistance. Although this lack of response was linked to a modest increase in the expression of inhibitory receptors, increasing T-cell/multiple myeloma cell ratios by adding extra T cells enhanced sensitivity to BsAb. Further, treatment with BsAb resulted in an increased proportion of T cells expressing exhaustion markers (PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM-3), which was accompanied by reduced T-cell proliferative potential and cytokine secretion, as well as impaired antitumor efficacy in ex vivo experiments.

Conclusions:

Primary resistance is characterized by a low T-cell/multiple myeloma cell ratio and Treg-driven immunosuppression, whereas reduced T-cell fitness due to continuous BsAb-mediated T-cell activation may contribute to the development of acquired resistance.
Enhanced Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation versus Treatment as Usual for ICD-11 Complex PTSD: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial (The RESTORE Trial)
Authors: Karatzias Thanos , Shevlin Mark , Cloitre Marylène , Busuttil Walter , Graham Katherine , Hendrikx Laura , Hyland Philip , Biscoe Natasha , Murphy Dominic
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a relatively new condition in ICD-11. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to compare a four-module intervention developed to target all symptoms of ICD-11 CPTSD, namely Enhanced Skills in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (ESTAIR) with treatment as usual (TAU). The purpose of the study was to assess feasibility, safety, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes at the end of treatment and 3-month follow-up. Methods: A total of N = 56 eligible veterans with CPTSD were randomised to either ESTAIR (n = 28) or TAU (n = 28). Linear mixed models were conducted to assess CPTSD severity, the primary outcome, as measured by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Results: Treatment dropout in ESTAIR and TAU was low and equivalent (18% vs. 11%; χ2 (1) = 1.19, p = 0.275), and study retention was high, supporting the feasibility of the study. No serious adverse effects and very few adverse effects occurred, none of which were deemed related to the study. ESTAIR provided significantly greater reduction in CPTSD severity across time for ITQ PTSD (p < 0.001) and DSO (p < 0.001) symptoms. CPTSD pre-to-post effect sizes for ESTAIR were large (PTSD d = 1.78; DSO d = 2.00). Remission of probable CPTSD diagnosis at post-treatment was substantially greater in ESTAIR compared to TAU with only 13.6% versus 84% (p < 0.001) retaining the diagnosis. Conclusion: A trial of ESTAIR versus TAU for the treatment of ICD-11 CPTSD indicates the potential efficacy of ESTAIR as well as its feasibility, safety, and acceptability.
Prediction of Clinical Response to Dupilumab in Patients with Severe Asthma Using Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Combined with Pulmonary Function Testing
Authors: Liu Yi-Liang , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) combined with pulmonary function testing (PFT) for predicting the treatment outcome of patients with severe asthma receiving dupilumab. Methods: A total of 31 patients with severe asthma visiting our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023 were included in this study, with 28 patients completing a 16-week course of dupilumab treatment. Baseline clinical data, including demographic information, blood eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, FeNO, asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), and other parameters, were collected. A predictive model using a generalized linear model was established. Results: Following the 16-week course of dupilumab treatment, 22 patients showed effective response based on GETE scores, while 6 patients were nonresponders. Notably, significant improvements were observed in clinical parameters such as blood eosinophil counts, serum IgE levels, FeNO, FEV1, FEV1%, ACT, and ACQ in both response groups (p < 0.05). FeNO and pulmonary function tests demonstrated AUC values of 0.530, 0.561, and 0.765, respectively, in predicting the clinical efficacy of dupilumab, which were lower than when FeNO was combined with FEV1%. The combination of FeNO and FEV1% had a sensitivity of 1.000 and specificity of 0.591 in predicting treatment response. Conclusion: The combined assessment of FeNO and FEV1% provides improved accuracy for predicting the clinical efficacy of dupilumab in managing severe asthma. However, further larger scale clinical studies with comprehensive follow-up data are needed to validate the therapeutic efficacy and applicability across diverse patient populations.
Signaling Ligand Heterogeneities in the Peduncle Complex of the Cephalopod Mollusc Octopus bimaculoides
Authors: Wang Z. Yan , Ragsdale Clifton W.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The octopus peduncle complex is an agglomeration of neural structures with remarkably diverse functional roles. The complex rests on the optic tract, between the optic lobe and the central brain, and comprises the peduncle lobe proper, the olfactory lobe, and the optic gland. The peduncle lobe regulates visuomotor behaviors, the optic glands control sexual maturation and maternal death, and the olfactory lobe is thought to receive input from the olfactory organ. Recent transcriptomic and metabolomic studies have identified candidate peptide and steroid ligands in the Octopus bimaculoides optic gland. Methods: With gene expression for these ligands and their biosynthetic enzymes, we show that optic gland neurochemistry extends beyond the traditional optic gland secretory tissue and into lobular territories. Results: A key finding is that the classically defined olfactory lobe is itself a heterogeneous territory and includes steroidogenic territories that overlap with cells expressing molluscan neuropeptides and the synthetic enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase. Conclusion: Our study reveals the neurochemical landscape of the octopus peduncle complex, highlighting the unexpected overlap between traditionally defined regions.
A Decision-Making Algorithm for Remote Digital Assessments of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Manera Valeria , Vandersteen Clair , Plonka Alexandra , Lafontaine Constance , Galery Kevin , Derreumaux Alexandre , Ben Gaied Nouha , Mouton Aurélie , Sacco Guillaume , Launay Cyrille , Guérin Olivier , Robert Philippe , Allali Gilles , Sawchuk Kim , Beauchet Olivier , Gros Auriane
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Remote digital assessments (RDAs) such as voice recording, video and motor sensors, olfactory, hearing, and vision screenings are now starting to be employed to complement classical biomarker and clinical evidence to identify patients in the early AD stages. Choosing which RDA can be proposed to individual patients is not trivial and often time-consuming. This position paper presents a decision-making algorithm for using RDA during teleconsultations in memory clinic settings. Method: The algorithm was developed by an expert panel following the Delphi methodology. Results: The decision-making algorithm is structured as a series of yes-no questions. The resulting questionnaire is freely available online. Discussion: We suggest that the use of screening questionnaires in the context of memory clinics may help accelerating the adoption of RDA in everyday clinical practice.