bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The link between organizational choice and global input sourcing under sequential production
Authors: Karabay Bilgehan
Published: April 2024

This article analyzes the ways heterogenous firms procure their inputs in the presence of relationship‐specific investments and incomplete contracts. We first consider a closed economy in which firms decide how to structure their organization. Production is sequential and inputs (upstream and downstream) are sourced in the same order as production. While our closed‐economy setup is analogous to Antràs and Chor (Econometrica, 2013), there are two distinct features: (1) The reward to each supplier is determined through bargaining over the full revenue of the firm (as opposed to marginal contribution of the supplier), and (2) The reward structure combined with our sequential bargaining protocol gives rise to linkages across suppliers. The analysis in Antràs and Chor (Econometrica, 2013) identifies a mechanism in which upstream organizational decisions have spillover effects on downstream suppliers' investment incentives. Thanks to our novel features, we identify another mechanism: the spillover effects of downstream organizational decisions on the investment incentive of upstream suppliers. Next, we consider an open economy in which firms not only make organizational decisions but also determine where to source their inputs. We show that these decisions are connected between sequential production stages such that the sourcing location of the upstream input may affect the organizational choice in the downstream stage. We then examine how within sectoral heterogeneity and variations in industry characteristics influence the relative prevalence of firms that choose to form different organizational structures.
The politics of tariff cooperation in the presence of trade costs
Authors: Susa Taiki , Tsubuku Masafumi
Published: April 2024

This study explores how income inequality among individuals in each country and trade costs depicting geographic distance between countries impact economic welfare and regime choice under representative democracy, comparing three trading regimes: most favored nation, customs union, and free trade agreement. We examine two cases: one in which trade costs are incurred symmetrically among all countries, and the other in which no trade costs are incurred among the potential member countries, but only between them and nonmembers. In each case, we identify the political feasibility of each regime as well as the impact on the average welfare levels.
Clinical and molecular significance of flow cytometric analysis for reactive oxygen species production and residual p67phox expression in p67phox‐deficient chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Miyazawa Hanae , Muraoka Masahiro , Matsuda Yusuke , Toma Tomoko , Morio Tomohiro , Shigemura Tomonari , Haraguchi Kohei , Matsubayashi Tadashi , Kawai Toshinao , Shirai Yuya , Wada Taizo
Published: April 2024

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency disease caused by molecular defects in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. p67phox‐CGD is an autosomal recessive CGD, which is caused by a defect in the cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase, p67phox, encoded by NCF2. We previously established a flow cytometric analysis for p67phox expression, which allows accurate assessment of residual protein expression in p67phox‐CGD. We evaluated the correlation between oxidase function and p67phox expression, and assessed the relevancy to genotypes and clinical phenotypes in 11 patients with p67phox‐CGD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by granulocytes was evaluated using dihydrorhodamine‐1,2,3 (DHR) assays. p67phox expression was evaluated in the monocyte population. DHR activity and p67phox expression were significantly correlated (r = 0.718, p < 0.0162). Additionally, DHR activity and p67phox expression were significantly higher in patients carrying one missense variant in combination with one nonsense or frameshift variant in the NCF2 gene than in patients with only null variants. The available clinical parameters of our patients (i.e., age at disease onset, number of infectious episodes, and each infection complication) were not linked with DHR activity or p67phox expression levels. In summary, our flow cytometric analysis revealed a significant correlation between residual ROS production and p67phox expression. More deleterious NCF2 genotypes were associated with lower levels of DHR activity and p67phox expression. DHR assays and protein expression analysis by using flow cytometry may be relevant strategies for predicting the genotypes of p67phox‐CGD.
Walking an extra mile: Determinants of organizational citizenship behavior—An exploratory study in faith‐based organizations
Authors: Jose Jerin , Chully Arun Antony , Thomas Nobin
Published: April 2024

Objective

Our study is intended to explore the factors that promote organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) in faith‐based organizations, which has the potential to extend the scholarly conversation around a previously unexplored context.

Methods

Our study used a purposive, homogeneous sampling technique in selecting the participants. We interviewed 30 employees who have at least 5 years of experience in faith‐based organizations. We conducted detailed interviews and subsequent analysis involved a rigorous six‐step thematic analysis process to better understand the phenomena being studied.

Results

Our study revealed the significance of OCB in faith‐based organizations and further elucidated those factors that determine the display of OCBs. Our findings have the power to enhance the existing comprehension of OCBs in different environments, specifically those present in faith‐based organizations. Our study broadens our conceptual understanding of OCB in faith‐based organizations by adding one more dimension to the existing framework of P. MPodsakoff et al. (1990).

Conclusion

Our findings have important implications for organizational scholars in faith‐based organizations. Our new conceptual framework offers insights into the distinct characteristics of OCBs in faith‐based organizations and suggests directions for future scholars to engage with OCBs from different contexts.
Prospective pilot study utilizing changes in quantitative values obtained on serial fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma before and after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and carboplatin chemotherapy to assess for prediction of survival and therapeutic effectiveness
Authors: Martin Tiffany W. , Griffin Lynn
Published: April 2024

Serial fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography–CT (PET/CT) is commonly used in human oncology to prognosticate and evaluate for therapeutic effectiveness. In this pilot study, dogs with naturally occurring appendicular osteosarcoma were evaluated with serial 18F‐FDG PET/CT in an attempt to assess for response to therapy, prognostic factors, and appropriateness of imaging intervals. Fourteen dogs were enrolled in the trial. All dogs had the initial 18F‐FDG PET/CT (PET1), with nine dogs having their end‐of‐therapy 18F‐FDG PET/CT (EoT PET) 3 months after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the primary tumor. The median percent change from the PET1 to the EoT PET for the standard uptake value maximum (SUVmax%) was −58% (range: −17 to −88%), metabolic tumor volume (MTV%) was −99.8% (range: −65 to −100%), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG%) was −99.8% (range: −75 to −100%), all of which were significant (P < .05, <.05, and <.05, respectively). On evaluation, it was found that volumes of GTV and CTV were significant for survival (P < .05 and <.05), MTV1, TLG1, and SUVmax on the EoT PET (SUVmaxEoT) were predictive of metastasis (P < .05), and the SUVmax% was significantly correlated to the time to first event (P < .05). Based on this data, serial 18F‐FDG PET/CT performed 3 months after SBRT can show a significant reduction in avidity, and the quantitative data collected may help predict metastatic disease in canine appendicular osteosarcoma.
Further psychometric evaluation of the WOUND‐Q: A responsiveness study
Authors: Gallo Lucas , Rae Charlene , Voineskos Sophocles , Simonsen Nina Vestergaard , Pusic Andrea L. , Poulsen Lotte , Sørensen Jens Ahm , Klassen Anne F. , Cano Stefan J.
Published: April 2024

The WOUND‐Q is a modular patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) with 13 scales measuring constructs across 4 domains (i.e., wound characteristics, health related quality of life, experience of care and wound treatment). The psychometrics of the WOUND‐Q were previously assessed and the 13 scales evidenced good validity and reliability. However, the responsiveness (i.e., ability to detect clinical change) of the WOUND‐Q has yet to be assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate responsiveness for 9 WOUND‐Q scales that assess outcomes, in a sample of people 18 years of age or older with chronic wounds that were present for at least 3 months. This study conducted a 4 month follow‐up of 421 participants who completed the WOUND‐Q as part of a previous psychometric study. Participants completed an online survey answering questions about their current wound state (e.g., number, type, size, smell, drainage), anchor questions about change, as well as the WOUND‐Q scales that they had completed in their initial assessment. Pre‐defined hypotheses were tested with a 75% acceptance threshold indicating sufficient evidence of responsiveness. Minimally important differences (MIDs) were also calculated using both anchor‐based and distribution‐based methods. Of 390 invited participants, 320 provided responses, ranging in age from 19 to 84 years. Acceptance of hypotheses ranged from 60% to 100%, with only the Symptom scale not meeting the 75% threshold. The findings of this study provide evidence that the WOUND‐Q can validly measure clinical change in patients with chronic wounds.
Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride application with atraumatic restorative treatment in arresting the progression of dental caries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Varughese Anju , Janakiram Chandrashekar , Karuveettil Vineetha , James Anju
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride application along with atraumatic restorative treatment in arresting the progression of dental caries when compared with other caries-arresting treatments in children and adults.

Introduction:

A combination of silver diamine fluoride with atraumatic restorative treatment is a minimally invasive and cost-effective method to treat dental caries. It offers a solution for the progression of caries and restoration of cavitated lesions in both primary and permanent teeth. A comprehensive summary of the evidence will assist dental clinicians and guide subsequent clinical research.

Inclusion criteria:

Randomized controlled trials involving human participants of any age with cavitated dental caries lesions will be included. The intervention arm will evaluate the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride application with atraumatic restorative treatment in dental caries arrest with a control arm of either atraumatic restorative treatment or silver diamine fluoride application; or composite restoration; or sodium fluoride varnish or a placebo; or a study group with no intervention.

Methods:

Systematic searches for relevant studies will be conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, CINAHL, and Web of Science. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Google Scholar will also be searched for gray literature. The databases will be searched from January 2016 to the present. No restrictions will be imposed on the country of publication. Data appraisal, extraction, and synthesis will follow JBI guidance for systematic reviews of effectiveness. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to grade the certainty of evidence, and a Summary of Findings will be prepared.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023426766
Cross‐strata co‐occurrence of ripples with theta‐frequency oscillations in the hippocampus of foraging rats
Authors: Seenivasan Pavithraa , Basak Reshma , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: April 2024

Brain rhythms have been postulated to play central roles in animal cognition. A prominently reported dichotomy of hippocampal rhythms links theta‐frequency oscillations (4–12 Hz) and ripples (120–250 Hz) exclusively to preparatory and consummatory behaviours, respectively. However, because of the differential power expression of these two signals across hippocampal strata, such exclusivity requires validation through analyses of simultaneous multi‐strata recordings. We assessed co‐occurrence of theta‐frequency oscillations with ripples in multi‐channel recordings of extracellular potentials across hippocampal strata from foraging rats. We detected all ripple events from an identified stratum pyramidale (SP) channel. We then defined theta epochs based on theta oscillations detected from the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare (SLM) or the stratum radiatum (SR). We found ∼20% of ripple events (in SP) to co‐occur with theta epochs identified from SR/SLM channels, defined here as theta ripples. Strikingly, when theta epochs were instead identified from the SP channel, such co‐occurrences were significantly reduced because of a progressive reduction in theta power along the SLM‐SR‐SP axis. Behaviourally, we found most theta ripples to occur during immobile periods, with comparable theta power during exploratory and immobile theta epochs. Furthermore, the progressive reduction in theta power along the SLM‐SR‐SP axis was common to exploratory and immobile periods. Finally, we found a strong theta‐phase preference of theta ripples within the fourth quadrant [3π/2 – 2π] of the associated theta oscillation. The prevalence of theta ripples expands the potential roles of ripple‐frequency oscillations to span the continuum of encoding, retrieval and consolidation, achieved through interactions with theta oscillations.

image

Key points

The brain manifests oscillations in recorded electrical potentials, with different frequencies of oscillation associated with distinct behavioural states.

A prominently reported dichotomy assigns theta‐frequency oscillations (4–12 Hz) and ripples (120–250 Hz) recorded in the hippocampus to be exclusively associated with preparatory and consummatory behaviours, respectively.

Our multi‐strata recordings from the rodent hippocampus coupled with cross‐strata analyses provide direct quantitative evidence for the occurrence of ripple events nested within theta oscillations.

These results highlight the need for an analysis pipeline that explicitly accounts for the specific strata where individual oscillatory power is high, in analysing simultaneously recorded data from multiple strata.

Our observations open avenues for investigations involving cross‐strata interactions between theta oscillations and ripples across different behavioural states.
Effect of Pitch Ratio and Tube Support Conditions on the Dynamic Behavior of a Low Mass-Damping Parameter Parallel Triangular Array
Authors: Elhelaly Amro , Hassan Marwan , Weaver David , Riznic Jovica R. , Moussa Soha
Published: April 2024

To better explain the basic aspects of fluidelastic instability (FEI) in tube arrays, a rigorous research program has been initiated. In this research, the authors executed a series of water-flow experiments utilizing a fully flexible, parallel triangular tube array (a cluster of 9 brass rods). To examine the effect of pitch ratio on the onset of FEI, four pitch-to-diameter ratios of 1.27, 1.37, 1.48, and 1.62 were tested. To investigate the effect of flat bar support on the stability threshold, a series of experiments were carried out for each pitch ratio with varied tube/support clearances. The findings of these experimental investigations and a full description of the flow loop, including the utilized instrumentation, are reported. The current results show good agreement with the available data from previous investigations and interesting findings in terms of the effect of the pitch ratio and support clearance on the stability threshold.
Investigation of Fluidelastic Instability in Normal Triangular Tube Arrays Subjected to Air Flow
Authors: Elhelaly Amro , Hassan Marwan , Weaver David , Riznic Jovica , Moussa Soha
Published: April 2024

This work presents the results of an experimental investigation of fluidelastic instability (FEI) in a normal triangular array. Several tube array configurations were considered, including a single flexible tube, a row of three tubes, a kernel of three flexible tubes, a kernel of seven flexible tubes, and a kernel of 17 tubes. Each case studied four pitch to diameter ratios. This study investigates the stability characteristics in the transverse and streamwise directions. The findings were carefully evaluated in comparison to established results documented in the existing literature. The major contributions of the current study are a detailed investigation of the streamwise stability behavior as well as the only complete dataset in terms of the effect of the pitch ratio.
Compressible Flow Through Flat Valve Seals at Microscale Displacements
Authors: Hagstrom Nathan P. , Gallagher Matthew L. , Chase Thomas R.
Published: April 2024

Existing analytical flow models for predicting flow rates at microscale seal displacements are limited to two separate domains. The first assumes a small channel length to height aspect ratio at relatively large seal displacements. The second assumes a large channel length to height aspect ratio at relatively small seal displacements. A piecewise analytical model for compressible flow is developed here to enable predicting flow rates in valves with fluid pathways of any aspect ratio. The new model is validated by numerical studies and experiment. The results are applicable to flat valve seals having a cylindrical seal boss feature with fluid passage length to height aspect ratios ranging from 3.3 to 800. The new model is particularly useful for the design of microvalves and macroscale valves with small actuator displacements.
The Measured Flow at the Inlet of a Francis Turbine Runner Operating in Speed No-Load Condition
Authors: Rezavand Hesari Araz , Munoz Anthony , Coulaud Maxime , Houde Sébastien , Maciel Yvan
Published: April 2024

For Francis turbines, speed-no-load (SNL) represents one of the most detrimental operating conditions, marked by significant pressure and strain fluctuations on the runner. Mitigating these fluctuations necessitates a comprehensive understanding and characterization of the flow phenomena responsible for their generation. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the flow at the inlet of a Francis turbine runner model operating in speed-no-load condition using high-speed stereoscopic and endoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV). The measurements are made in a radial-azimuthal plane that covers the vaneless space and a large region in the interblade channel. This study marks the first-time measurement of critical flow phenomena at this operating point, performed in the runner. Instantaneous and average velocity fields are analyzed, along with other statistical data. The results not only confirm the stochastic nature of the flow at speed-no-load but also highlight the general structure of the flow observed in other studies. The high velocity fluctuations on the suction side are associated with a backflow extending into the vaneless space and a circulation zone occasionally generated by this backflow. Both phenomena are frequently present, but fluctuate stochastically. Additionally, two other circulation zones intermittently form on the pressure side of the blades. The presence of vortices, smaller than the circulation zones, near the blade's leading edge correlates with the backflow intensity.
Effect of high temperature thermohydrogen treatment on the microstructure, martensitic transformation, and mechanical and corrosion behaviors of Ti-V-Al lightweight shape memory alloy
Authors: Yi Xiaoyang , Liu Wei , Liu Gaofeng , Wang Yunfei , Li Weijian , Zhang Guohao , Wu Yanqing , Zhang Shangzhou , Wang Haizhen , Sun Bin , Gao Weihong , Meng Xianglong , Gao Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

In the present study, hydrogenation treatment was adopted to tailor the phase constituents of the Ti-V-Al shape memory alloy, further optimizing its performances. It can be found that hydrogenation treatment induced the transition from the α″ martensite phase to the β parent phase. Moreover, large amounts of hydride precipitates can be observed in the hydrogenation treated Ti-V-Al shape memory alloy with longer time of 5h. Meanwhile, the grain size of the Ti-V-Al shape memory alloy was reduced as a result of hydrogenation treatment. The interstitial atom H serving as a β-stabilizing element led to the reduction of martensitic transformation temperature. In proportion, hydrogenation treatment caused the enhancement of yield strength and decrease of elastic modulus, which promoted its application in biomedical fields. Besides, by optimizing the time of hydrogenation treatment, the hydrogenation treated Ti-V-Al shape memory alloy with 1 h possessed the superior corrosion resistance.
Suppressed terahertz dynamics of water confined in nanometer gaps
Authors: Yang Hyosim , Ji Gangseon , Choi Min , Park Seondo , An Hyeonjun , Lee Hyoung-Taek , Jeong Joonwoo , Park Yun Daniel , Kim Kyungwan , Park Noejung , Jeong Jeeyoon , Kim Dai-Sik , Park Hyeong-Ryeol
Published: April 2024

Nanoconfined waters exhibit low static permittivity mainly due to interfacial effects that span about one nanometer. The characteristic length scale may be much longer in the terahertz (THz) regime where long-range collective dynamics occur; however, the THz dynamics have been largely unexplored because of the lack of a robust platform. Here, we use metallic loop nanogaps to sharply enhance light-matter interactions and precisely measure real and imaginary THz refractive indices of nanoconfined water at gap widths ranging from 2 to 20 nanometers, spanning mostly interfacial waters all the way to quasi-bulk waters. We find that, in addition to the well-known interfacial effect, the confinement effect also contributes substantially to the decrease in the complex refractive indices of the nanoconfined water by cutting off low-energy vibrational modes, even at gap widths as large as 10 nanometers. Our findings provide valuable insights into the collective dynamics of water molecules which is crucial to understanding water-mediated processes.
Autonomous circadian rhythms in the human hepatocyte regulate hepatic drug metabolism and inflammatory responses
Authors: March Sandra , Nerurkar Niketa , Jain Anisha , Andrus Linda , Kim Daniel , Whittaker Charles A. , Tan Edward K.W. , Thiberge Sabine , Fleming Heather E. , Mancio-Silva Liliana , Rice Charles M. , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: April 2024

Critical aspects of physiology and cell function exhibit self-sustained ~24-hour variations termed circadian rhythms. In the liver, circadian rhythms play fundamental roles in maintaining organ homeostasis. Here, we established and characterized an in vitro liver experimental system in which primary human hepatocytes display self-sustained oscillations. By generating gene expression profiles of these hepatocytes over time, we demonstrated that their transcriptional state is dynamic across 24 hours and identified a set of cycling genes with functions related to inflammation, drug metabolism, and energy homeostasis. We designed and tested a treatment protocol to minimize atorvastatin- and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Last, we documented circadian-dependent induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines when triggered by LPS, IFN-β, or
Plasmodium
infection in human hepatocytes. Collectively, our findings emphasize that the phase of the circadian cycle has a robust impact on the efficacy and toxicity of drugs, and we provide a test bed to study the timing and magnitude of inflammatory responses over the course of infection in human liver.
Learning robust autonomous navigation and locomotion for wheeled-legged robots
Authors: Lee Joonho , Bjelonic Marko , Reske Alexander , Wellhausen Lorenz , Miki Takahiro , Hutter Marco
Published: April 2024

Autonomous wheeled-legged robots have the potential to transform logistics systems, improving operational efficiency and adaptability in urban environments. Navigating urban environments, however, poses unique challenges for robots, necessitating innovative solutions for locomotion and navigation. These challenges include the need for adaptive locomotion across varied terrains and the ability to navigate efficiently around complex dynamic obstacles. This work introduces a fully integrated system comprising adaptive locomotion control, mobility-aware local navigation planning, and large-scale path planning within the city. Using model-free reinforcement learning (RL) techniques and privileged learning, we developed a versatile locomotion controller. This controller achieves efficient and robust locomotion over various rough terrains, facilitated by smooth transitions between walking and driving modes. It is tightly integrated with a learned navigation controller through a hierarchical RL framework, enabling effective navigation through challenging terrain and various obstacles at high speed. Our controllers are integrated into a large-scale urban navigation system and validated by autonomous, kilometer-scale navigation missions conducted in Zurich, Switzerland, and Seville, Spain. These missions demonstrate the system’s robustness and adaptability, underscoring the importance of integrated control systems in achieving seamless navigation in complex environments. Our findings support the feasibility of wheeled-legged robots and hierarchical RL for autonomous navigation, with implications for last-mile delivery and beyond.
Why animals can outrun robots
Authors: Burden Samuel A. , Libby Thomas , Jayaram Kaushik , Sponberg Simon , Donelan J. Maxwell
Published: April 2024

Animals are much better at running than robots. The difference in performance arises in the important dimensions of agility, range, and robustness. To understand the underlying causes for this performance gap, we compare natural and artificial technologies in the five subsystems critical for running: power, frame, actuation, sensing, and control. With few exceptions, engineering technologies meet or exceed the performance of their biological counterparts. We conclude that biology’s advantage over engineering arises from better integration of subsystems, and we identify four fundamental obstacles that roboticists must overcome. Toward this goal, we highlight promising research directions that have outsized potential to help future running robots achieve animal-level performance.
Legged robots take a leap forward
Authors: Matsiko Amos
Published: April 2024

Legged robots take a leap forward.
Inhibiting Eph/ephrin signaling reduces vascular leak and endothelial cell dysfunction in mice with sepsis
Authors: Khan Nemat , Kumar Vinod , Li Pengcheng ,   RAPIDS Study Group, Schlapbach Luregn J. , Boyd Andrew W. , Coulthard Mark G. , Woodruff Trent M. , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Raman Sainath , Sharp Natalie , Phillips Natalie , Irwin Adam , George Shane , Grimwood Keith , Snelling Peter , Chavan Arjun , Hempenstall Allison , Gibbons Kristen , Le Marsney Renate , Blumenthal Antje , Ganesamoorthy Devika , Coin Lachlan
Published: April 2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, resulting in 11 million deaths globally each year. Vascular endothelial cell dysfunction results in the loss of endothelial barrier integrity, which contributes to sepsis-induced multiple organ failure and mortality. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors and their ephrin ligands play a key role in vascular endothelial barrier disruption but are currently not a therapeutic target in sepsis. Using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model of sepsis, we showed that prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of mice with EphA4-Fc, a decoy receptor and pan-ephrin inhibitor, resulted in improved survival and a reduction in vascular leak, lung injury, and endothelial cell dysfunction.
EphA2

−/−

mice also exhibited reduced mortality and pathology after CLP compared with wild-type mice. Proteomics of plasma samples from mice with sepsis after CLP revealed dysregulation of a number of Eph/ephrins, including EphA2/ephrin A1. Administration of EphA4-Fc to cultured human endothelial cells pretreated with TNF-α or ephrin-A1 prevented loss of endothelial junction proteins, specifically VE-cadherin, with maintenance of endothelial barrier integrity. In children admitted to hospital with fever and suspected infection, we observed that changes in EphA2/ephrin A1 in serum samples correlated with endothelial and organ dysfunction. Targeting Eph/ephrin signaling may be a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce sepsis-induced endothelial dysfunction and mortality.
An electroencephalogram microdisplay to visualize neuronal activity on the brain surface
Authors: Tchoe Youngbin , Wu Tianhai , U Hoi Sang , Roth David M. , Kim Dongwoo , Lee Jihwan , Cleary Daniel R. , Pizarro Patricia , Tonsfeldt Karen J. , Lee Keundong , Chen Po Chun , Bourhis Andrew M. , Galton Ian , Coughlin Brian , Yang Jimmy C. , Paulk Angelique C. , Halgren Eric , Cash Sydney S. , Dayeh Shadi A.
Published: April 2024

Functional mapping during brain surgery is applied to define brain areas that control critical functions and cannot be removed. Currently, these procedures rely on verbal interactions between the neurosurgeon and electrophysiologist, which can be time-consuming. In addition, the electrode grids that are used to measure brain activity and to identify the boundaries of pathological versus functional brain regions have low resolution and limited conformity to the brain surface. Here, we present the development of an intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG)–microdisplay that consists of freestanding arrays of 2048 GaN light-emitting diodes laminated on the back of micro-electrocorticography electrode grids. With a series of proof-of-concept experiments in rats and pigs, we demonstrate that these iEEG-microdisplays allowed us to perform real-time iEEG recordings and display cortical activities by spatially corresponding light patterns on the surface of the brain in the surgical field. Furthermore, iEEG-microdisplays allowed us to identify and display cortical landmarks and pathological activities from rat and pig models. Using a dual-color iEEG-microdisplay, we demonstrated coregistration of the functional cortical boundaries with one color and displayed the evolution of electrical potentials associated with epileptiform activity with another color. The iEEG-microdisplay holds promise to facilitate monitoring of pathological brain activity in clinical settings.
Construction of the ETECFinder database for the characterization of enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) and revision of the VirulenceFinder web tool at the CGE website
Authors: Scheutz Flemming , Nielsen Camilla Hald , von Mentzer Astrid
Published: April 2024

The identification of pathogens is essential for effective surveillance and outbreak detection, which lately has been facilitated by the decreasing cost of whole-genome sequencing (WGS). However, extracting relevant virulence genes from WGS data remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a web-based tool to predict virulence-associated genes in enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC), which is a major concern for human and animal health. The database includes genes encoding the heat-labile toxin (LT) (
eltA
and
eltB
), heat-stable toxin (ST) (
est
), colonization factors CS1 through 30, F4, F5, F6, F17, F18, and F41, as well as toxigenic invasion and adherence
loci
(
tia
,
tibAC
,
etpBAC
,
eatA
,
yghJ
, and
tleA
). To construct the database, we revised the existing ETEC nomenclature and used the VirulenceFinder webtool at the CGE website [
VirulenceFinder 2.0 (dtu.dk)
]. The database was tested on 1,083 preassembled ETEC genomes, two BioProjects (
PRJNA421191
with 305 and
PRJNA416134
with 134 sequences), and the ETEC reference genome H10407. In total, 455 new virulence gene alleles were added, 50 alleles were replaced or renamed, and two were removed. Overall, our tool has the potential to greatly facilitate ETEC identification and improve the accuracy of WGS analysis. It can also help identify potential new virulence genes in ETEC. The revised nomenclature and expanded gene repertoire provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity of ETEC. Additionally, the user-friendly interface makes it accessible to users with limited bioinformatics experience.

IMPORTANCE

Detecting colonization factors in enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is challenging due to their large number, heterogeneity, and lack of standardized tests. Therefore, it is important to include these ETEC-related genes in a more comprehensive VirulenceFinder database in order to obtain a more complete coverage of the virulence gene repertoire of pathogenic types of
E. coli
. ETEC vaccines are of great importance due to the severity of the infections, primarily in children. A tool such as this could assist in the surveillance of ETEC in order to determine the prevalence of relevant types in different parts of the world, allowing vaccine developers to target the most prevalent types and, thus, a more effective vaccine.
Subduction history of the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab along the northern margin of the North China Craton: A case study of zircons and cherts from central Jilin Province, NE China
Authors: Song Chen , Pei Fuping , Xu Wenliang , Wei Jingyang , Ding Bingqian , Sang Tianjiao , Song Kai , Wang Zhiwei , Dong Hongchen
Published: April 2024

This paper presents U-Pb ages and Hf isotope data for detrital zircons and whole-rock geochemical data for siliceous-clastic sedimentary rocks of the Shitoukoumen Formation, central Jilin Province, NE China. The new data combined with published data for the northern North China Craton enable us to constrain the temporal changes in crustal thickness along the Solonker–Xar Moron–Changchun–Yanji suture belt (SXCYB). The Shitoukoumen Formation contains ophiolitic lenses, radiolarian-bearing cherts, and volcanic-sedimentary units of various ages. A radiolarian-bearing volcanic-sedimentary unit exhibits a Bouma sequence, in which detrital zircons from a rhyolitic tuff and siliceous-clastic sedimentary rocks yielded youngest ages of 278–273 Ma, which constrain the depositional age of the unit. The geochemical compositions of the cherts suggest the pelagic deposits contain some continent-derived clastic material and may be near-trench gravity flow deposits. The dominantly depleted zircon εHf(t) values of the sedimentary rocks in the Shitoukoumen Formation record extensive crustal growth during the Paleozoic. The variations in the crustal thicknesses during the Paleozoic to early Mesozoic record a tectonic transition from subduction initiation, mature continental arc, and finally to Paleo-Asian ocean closure. The thickest crust (~58 km) at ca. 245 Ma might have been related to an orogenic peak during the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean along the SXCYB.
Thematic analysis of Prevention of Future Death reports for suicide: January 2021 to October 2022
Authors: Wallace Emma , Revie Lauren , Schneider Dorothee , Mais David , Sharland Emma
Published: April 2024

Background

Suicide prevention remains a high priority topic across government and the National Health Service (NHS). Prevention of Future Death (PFD) reports are produced by coroners to highlight concerns that should be addressed by organisations to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.

Objective

This research aimed to understand themes from concerns raised in PFD reports for deaths from suicide to inform future policies and strategies for preventing suicide.

Methods

We employed a retrospective case series design to analyse PFD reports categorised as suicide using qualitative inductive thematic analysis. Primary themes and subthemes were extracted from coroners’ concerns. Following theme extraction, the number of concerns coded to these themes across reports and the frequency of recipient organisation being named as addressee on these reports were assessed as primary outcomes.

Findings

12 primary themes and 83 subthemes were identified from 164 reports (4% of all available reports). The NHS was the most frequent recipient of these reports, followed by government departments. Coroners raised issues around processes within or between organisations and difficulties accessing services. The most common concerns fell under the primary theme ‘processes’ (142 mentions), followed by ‘access to services’ (84 mentions). The most frequent subthemes were ‘current training not adequate’ (38 mentions) and ‘inadequate communication between services’ (35 mentions).

Conclusions

Our results specify areas where review, improvement and policy development are required to prevent future suicide deaths occurring in similar circumstances.

Clinical implications

These themes highlight concerns across current care and service provision where reform is required for suicide prevention.
Temporal trends and the association between self-rated oral health and falls in community-dwelling older adults in South Korea: a secondary analysis of survey data
Authors: Seo Hyun-Ju , Ahn Soon-Ki , Choi Min-Jung
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to examine temporal trends and the association between falls and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in community-dwelling older Korean adults.

Design

Secondary analysis of a serial cross-sectional study.

Methods

We analysed biennial data from 314 846 older adults in South Korea from 2011 to 2019 using data from the Korea Community Health Survey. Self-reported fall experience data came from the injury questionnaire question, ‘Have you fallen in the past year (slipping, tripping, stumbling and falling)?’. For SROH, the participants were asked, ‘How do you feel about your oral health, such as teeth and gums, in your own opinion?’. The association between SROH and falls was examined using a weighted multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status and behaviours, and psychological factors.

Results

Those who reported poor SROH had a lower declining slope than the other groups, although all groups showed a significantly decreasing trend in both men and women from 2011 to 2019 (p for trend<0.001). Older adults who reported having poor SROH had a more significant history of fall accidents than the good SROH groups, controlling for potential confounding variables (adjusted OR 1.16 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.21) in men; adjusted OR 1.17 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.21) in women).

Conclusions

Older adults with poor SROH, especially women, had more fall accidents, making them a priority target for fall prevention strategies. This study suggests considering SROH status when identifying fall risk factors in community-dwelling older adults.
VaNoLaH trial: a study protocol—a multinational randomised controlled trial including two identical substudies comparing vaginal versus vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery) hysterectomy or laparoscopic versus vNOTES hysterectomy
Authors: Baekelandt Jan Filip , Stuart Andrea , Wagenius Johanna , Laenen Annouschka , Mol Ben W , Deprest Jan , Bosteels Jan J A
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed in women. Minimally invasive methods are on the rise globally as they have been shown to decrease surgical morbidity compared with abdominal hysterectomy. Hysterectomy by vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is the latest innovation. It combines the vaginal approach and endoscopy via the vagina. Large pragmatic randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking comparing outcomes after vNOTES, vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH).

Methods

Multicentre pragmatic RCT aiming to recruit 1000 women aged 18–75 years undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease. The RCT includes two identical substudies (groups A and B). If VH is considered safe and feasible, the patient will be randomised within group A (VH vs vNOTES). If VH is not considered safe or feasible, patients will be randomised within group B (LH vs vNOTES).

Analysis

Primary outcome is the proportion of women leaving the hospital within 12 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes are hospitalisation time, conversion rates, duration of the surgical procedure, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications and readmission.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethical Board Committee at Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium, has approved the research protocol 230704 (principal investigator). Before including patients, all centres will require local or national ethical approval. The results of the study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05971875.
REporting quality of PilOt randomised controlled trials in surgery (REPORTS): a methodological survey protocol
Authors: McKechnie Tyler , Kazi Tania , Wang Austine , Zhang Sophia , Thabane Alex , Nanji Keean , Doumouras Aristithes G , Eskicioglu Cagla , Thabane Lehana , Parpia Sameer , Bhandari Mohit
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The aim of this methodological review is to evaluate the completeness of reporting of surgical pilot and feasibility randomised trials as per the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials. Moreover, we aim to assess for the presence of spin reporting and inconsistency between abstract and main text reporting in surgical pilot and feasibility randomised trials.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive, electronic search strategy will be used to identify studies indexed in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. Studies will be included if they are pilot or feasibility randomised trials of surgical interventions. The primary outcome will be overall CONSORT statement extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials checklist completeness. This will be defined as trials reporting each of the 40 items in the CONSORT statement extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials checklist. Secondary outcomes will include the reporting of individual studies as per the CONSORT extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials, the use of spin reporting strategies, trial factors associated with reporting quality and spin strategy use, and consistency between abstract and main text reporting. Poisson and logistic regressions will be performed to explore the association between trial factors and completeness of reporting as measured by the number of reported CONSORT items.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a methodological survey that has been registered a priori on the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023475512). Local ethics approval is not required. We plan to disseminate study results through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.
Comparison of the dural puncture epidural and the standard epidural techniques in patients having labor analgesia maintained using programmed epidural boluses: a prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yao Han-Qing , Qian Jing , Dong Fang Yu , Liu Lin , Qian Xing-Hua , Wang Li-Zhong , Xiao Fei
Published: April 2024

Background

The dural puncture epidural technique has been shown in some studies to improve the onset and quality of the initiation of labor analgesia compared with the standard epidural technique. However, few studies have investigated whether this technique confers advantages during the maintenance of analgesia. This randomized double-blinded controlled study compared dural puncture epidural analgesia with standard epidural analgesia when analgesia was maintained using programmed intermittent epidural boluses.

Methods

400 parturients requesting epidural labor analgesia were randomized to have analgesia initiated with a test dose of 3 mL lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine 15 µg, followed by 12 mL ropivacaine 0.15% mixed with sufentanil 0.5 µg/mL using the dural puncture epidural or the standard epidural technique. After confirming satisfactory analgesia, analgesia was maintained with ropivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 0.5 µg/mL via programmed intermittent epidural boluses (fixed volume 8 mL, intervals 40 min). We compared local anesthetic consumption, pain scores, obstetric and neonatal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 339 patients completed the study and had data analyzed. There were no differences between the dural puncture epidural and standard epidural groups in ropivacaine consumption (mean difference −0.724 mg, 95% CI of difference −1.450 to 0.001 mg, p=0.051), pain scores, time to first programmed intermittent epidural bolus, the number of programmed intermittent epidural boluses, the number of manual epidural boluses, obstetric outcome or neonatal outcome. Patient satisfaction scores were statistically higher in the dural puncture epidural group but the absolute difference in scores was small.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that when labor analgesia is maintained using the programmed intermittent epidural bolus method, there is no significant advantage to initiating analgesia using the dural puncture epidural compared with the standard epidural technique.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200062349.
Menthol and filter ventilation in cigarettes: prevalence estimates and relationships with harm perception and smoking exposure
Authors: Carroll Dana Mowls , Bittencourt Lorna , Tessier Katelyn M , Usman Ayaantuu , Stepanov Irina , Hatsukami Dorothy K
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Menthol and filter ventilation (FV) contribute to cigarette appeal. This observational study examines the US prevalence of menthol versus non-menthol cigarette use by FV and how harm perceptions, cigarettes per day and biomarkers of exposure vary.

Methods

Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (2013–2014) was merged with FV levels of cigarettes and restricted to daily smoking adults who had a usual cigarette variety and did not regularly use other tobacco (N=1614). Weighted descriptive statistics identified the prevalence of menthol and non-menthol use by low (0.02%–10.04%), moderate (10.05%–23.40%), high (23.41%–28.12%) and very high FV (28.13%–61.10%). Weighted linear regression was used to examine differences in outcomes by menthol/FV adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of a usual brand that was non-menthol, low FV was the lowest at 2.91%. Using non-menthol cigarettes with high and very high FV (≥23.4%) vs low FV (≤10.04%) was associated with a greater likeliness of misperceiving one’s cigarette variety to be less harmful than other varieties (p values<0.05). Total nicotine equivalent, biomarker for nicotine exposure, was elevated (p values<0.05) among three non-menthol groups (low, moderate and very high FV) compared with two menthol groups (moderate, very high FV).

Conclusion

The well-documented harm misperception linked to higher FV is more apparent in those using non-menthol than menthol cigarettes. Increased exposures were observed among some non-menthol cigarette users compared with some menthol cigarette users. These results should by no means delay a menthol ban but rather motivate concerted public health efforts to accompany the menthol ban to maximise smoking cessation.