bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and cross‐cultural adaptation to Spanish of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury Scale (SP ACL‑RSI): Measurement properties and responsiveness in a multisport sample
Authors: Donat‐Roca Rafel , Sánchez‐Socarrás Violeida , Romero‐Sánchez José M. , Tárrega Salomé , Estapé‐Madinabeitia Tània , Escalona‐Marfil Carles , Seijas Roberto , Romero‐Cullerés Georgia , Ochoa Carolina , Webster Kate E.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim was to translate and adapt The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL‐RSI) to Spanish and provide evidence of its psychometric properties and responsiveness in a both sexes multisport sample.

Methods

ACL‐RSI Spanish version (SP ACL‐RSI) was obtained by forward‐back‐translation method. Internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness were assessed. Standardized response mean (SRM), smallest detectable change (SDC) and minimally important change (MIC) were obtained by anchor‐based method. The sample consisted of n = 132 multisport patients who underwent ACL‐RSI. Sixty‐seven patients (Group A) completed test‐retest of the SP ACL‐RSI within 15 days and 65 patients (Group B) fulfilled SP ACL‐RSI, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK‐11), the International Knee Documentation Committee‐Subjective Knee Form (IKDC‐SF 2000), the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) preoperative, 6 and 12 months.

Results

The SP ACL‐RSI shows satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.92), with acceptable floor (9%) and ceiling (6%) effects. Convergent validity was supported with moderate positive correlations with KOOS and IKDC‐SF 2000 dimensions, and a negative correlation with the TSK (p < 0.001). For SDC responsiveness, a high effect was observed with SRM = 0.97 at 12 months, and the MIC for SP ACL‐RSI was 15.

Conclusions

The SP ACL‐RSI is as valid and reliable as the original for measuring emotions, confidence in performance, and re‐injury risk on return to sport after ACL‐R in Spanish‐speaking multisport practitioners of both sexes. Moreover, it shows acceptable responsiveness, performing better at the group level than the individual level.

Level of evidence

A cohort study (diagnosis); Level II of evidence.
Effects of glyphosate on antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria and its potential significance: A review
Authors: Bearson Bradley L. , Douglass Cameron H. , Duke Stephen O. , Moorman Thomas B. , Tranel Patrick J.
Published: November 2024

The evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance are problems with important consequences for bacterial disease treatment. Antibiotic use in animal production and the subsequent export of antibiotic resistance elements in animal manure to soil is a concern. Recent reports suggest that exposure of pathogenic bacteria to glyphosate increases antibiotic resistance. We review these reports and identify soil processes likely to affect the persistence of glyphosate, antibiotic resistance elements, and their interactions. The herbicide molecular target of glyphosate is not shared by antibiotics, indicating that target‐site cross‐resistance cannot account for increased antibiotic resistance. The mechanisms of bacterial resistance to glyphosate and antibiotics differ, and bacterial tolerance or resistance to glyphosate does not coincide with increased resistance to antibiotics. Glyphosate in the presence of antibiotics can increase the activity of efflux pumps, which confer tolerance to glyphosate, allowing for an increased frequency of mutation for antibiotic resistance. Such effects are not unique to glyphosate, as other herbicides and chemical pollutants can have the same effect, although glyphosate is used in much larger quantities on agricultural soils than most other chemicals. Most evidence indicates that glyphosate is not mutagenic in bacteria. Some studies suggest that glyphosate enhances genetic exchange of antibiotic‐resistance elements through effects on membrane permeability. Glyphosate and antibiotics are often present together in manure‐treated soil for at least part of the crop‐growing season, and initial studies indicate that glyphosate may increase abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in soil, but longer term investigations under realistic field conditions are needed. Although there are demonstratable interactions among glyphosate, bacteria, and antibiotic resistance, there is limited evidence that normal use of glyphosate poses a substantial risk for increased occurrence of antibiotic‐resistant, bacterial pathogens. Longer term field studies using environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate and antibiotics are needed.
Reproductive decision‐making experiences of Australian adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 and schwannomatosis
Authors: Gonzalez Tina , McLean Alison , Fleming Jane , Morris Katrina , Pacque Melissa , Forwood Caitlin , Wong Claire , Siow Sue‐Faye , Barter Sarah , Jones Kristi J. , Drummond Katharine , Berman Yemima
Published: November 2024

Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 and schwannomatosis (NF) often face difficult reproductive choices when family planning; however, their experiences and the barriers and enablers to reproductive decision‐making are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions and experiences of individuals with NF in Australia and inform the development of practice recommendations and resources. Focus groups with adults with NF were conducted using a semi‐structured interview schedule developed by the research team. Partners were also invited. The focus groups were recorded, de‐identified, transcribed, and analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. Three focus groups were conducted with 17 participants (12 = NF1, 4 = NF2‐related schwannomatosis [NF2‐SWN] and one partner). Three themes were identified: (1) Barriers and enablers; (2) Contemplating the options; and (3) Education and support needs. Barriers to reproductive decision‐making included: difficulty accessing healthcare services to discuss reproductive planning; a lack of access to reliable information sources and support; and, in some cases, the financial cost of assistive reproductive technology. Conversely, positive healthcare experiences and support systems enabled reproductive choices. Participants reported many factors that contributed to their reproductive decisions, including: their personal experience of their condition; concern about their future health and that of an affected child; the impact of pregnancy on their health; and the opinion of healthcare providers, family, and friends. Many participants reported mental health difficulties related to their condition and additional stressors related to the reproductive journey. Participants' recommendations included increased access to healthcare services to discuss reproductive options, the development of comprehensive information resources, and improved psychological and peer support for individuals with NF considering family planning and, where relevant, their partners. In conclusion, people with NF and their partners identify a need for improved awareness of NF among healthcare professionals and increased access to appropriate services, information, and support to facilitate informed reproductive decision‐making.
Incidence and risk factors of graft failure in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for mucopolysaccharidosis in a nationwide pediatric cohort. A study on behalf of the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Danhardt Laura , Wiedemann Arnaud , Michel Gerard , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Rialland Fanny , Renard Cécile , Jubert Charlotte , Maertens Johan , Sirvent Anne , Buchbinder Nimrod , Devalck Christine , Brichard Bénédicte , Paillard Catherine , Nguyen Stephanie , Paci Angelo , Combarel David , Castelle Martin , Pagliuca Simona , Pochon Cecile
Published: November 2024

Context

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) requires urgent treatment to prevent neurological damage. While gene therapy holds promise for effectively treating these diseases with minimal toxicity, access remains limited for most patients. Consequently, advancing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for young children is crucial. Since the 2010s, cord blood (CB) transplants with reduced‐toxicity conditioning (RTC) have become the standard of care.

Patients and methods

Recent reports in France indicate a significant incidence of graft failures (GF), prompting a large‐scale retrospective study from the French‐speaking bone marrow transplantation society's registry, to understand GF risks, guide clinicians in selecting transplant platforms, and describe outcomes of second HSCT in young patients.

Results

This report analyses 93 children who underwent HSCT for MPS between 2000 and 2020. The GF rate was notably high (22.6% at day 100), primarily associated with the donor's HLA compatibility and the recipient's age. Well‐matched CB and RTC were not found to be risk factors for GF. This study also details the procedures for second and third transplants in patients who rejected their first HSCT.

Conclusion

In the era of RTC, CB remains a viable and expedient option for MPS transplantation.
The effect of enzymatic deamidation on the solubility and emulsifying properties of walnut protein isolate
Authors: Xue Jing , Feng Sisi , Zhou Zheng
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Alkaline‐extracted walnut protein isolates (WPI) exhibit limited solubility, which poses challenges for their application in the food industry. The present study investigated the effects of protein‐glutaminase (PG) deamidation on the physicochemical characteristics, solubility and emulsifying properties of WPI.

RESULTS

The deamidation process of WPI was monitored by assessing the release of free ammonia and the reduction in solution turbidity. PG deamidation significantly increased the surface charge of WPI and modified its surface hydrophobicity with increasing deamidation degree (DD), resulting in a gradual improvement in solubility by approximately 50–70%. Furthermore, the emulsifying capacity of deamidated WPI (DeWPI), specifically at 0.25 h (DeWPI0.25, DD 7%) and 9 h (DeWPI9, DD 23%), was evaluated for stabilizing low internal phase emulsions (LIPEs) and high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). LIPEs stabilized by WPI and DeWPI0.25 exhibited significant flocculation of oil droplets, leading to decreased stability against heat, salt treatment and storage compared to those stabilized by DeWPI9. DeWPI‐stabilized HIPEs showed a 2–2.5‐fold higher storage modulus compared to those stabilized by WPI. However, HIPEs stabilized by DeWPI0.25 displayed higher flow stress and flow strain compared to DeWPI9‐stabilized HIPEs. Overall, DeWPI‐stabilized HIPEs demonstrated relatively high physical stability against storage, heat treatment and high ionic strength.

CONCLUSION

PG deamidation significantly enhanced the solubility and influenced the emulsifying properties of WPI in a manner dependent on the DD. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Raccoon density estimation from camera traps for raccoon rabies management
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Dixon Wesley C. , Chipman Richard B. , Gilbert Amy T. , Hill Jacob E. , Beasley James C. , Rhodes Olin E. , Dharmarajan Guha
Published: November 2024

Density estimation for unmarked animals is particularly challenging, yet density estimates are often necessary for effective wildlife management. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are the primary terrestrial wildlife reservoir for Lyssavirus rabies within the United States. The raccoon rabies variant (RRVV) is actively managed at landscape scales using oral rabies vaccination (ORV) within the eastern United States. To effectively manage RRVV, it is important to know the density of raccoons to appropriately scale the density of ORV baits distributed on the landscape. We compared methods to estimate raccoon densities from camera‐trap data versus more intensive capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) estimates across 2 land cover types (upland pine and bottomland hardwood) in the southeastern United States during 2019 and 2020. We evaluated the effect of alternative camera configurations and durations of camera trapping on density estimates and used an N‐mixture model to estimate raccoon densities, including covariates on abundance and detection. We further compared different methods of scaling camera‐based counts, with the maximum number of raccoons seen on any given image within a day best explaining density. Camera‐trap density estimates were moderately correlated with CMR estimates (r = 0.56). However, densities from camera‐trap data were more reliable when classifying category of density as an index used to inform management (83% correct when compared to CMR estimates), although the densities in our study fell into the 2 lowest density classes only. Using more cameras reduced bias and uncertainty around density estimates; however, if ≤6 camera traps were used at a site, a line transect approach proved less biased than a grid design. Camera trapping should be conducted for at least 3 weeks for more accurate estimates of raccoon population density in our study area (<5% bias). We show that camera‐trap data can be used to assign raccoon densities to management‐relevant density index bins, but more studies are needed to ensure reliability across a greater range of environmental conditions and raccoon densities.
Asymmetric Domain Growth for Bistable Information Hiding and Revealing in Blue Phase Liquid Crystals
Authors: Chen Quanming , Ouyang Cheng , Xie Zhiyao , Xu Chunting , Wu Zongxuan , Min Jiayuan , Liu Yanjun , Luo Dan , Hu Wei
Published: November 2024

Photonic crystals (PCs) are innovative structures with periodic variations in refractive index, enabling remarkable light manipulation capabilities that hold promise for fundamental research and practical applications in physics, biology, and engineering. This work explores the hierarchical structures of blue‐phase liquid crystals (BPLCs), which are characterized by distinct omnidirectional photonic band gaps. By leveraging the asymmetric domain growth of BP a novel method for bistable information hiding and revealing is proposed. With a single‐side photopatterned cell, a polydomain of BPLC is formed during cooling thanks to the generated temperature gradient. Upon applying an alternating current (AC) electric field, a monodomain state is achieved, allowing for clear, high‐contrast information retrieval. Both quick response (QR) code and geometric phase hologram are encoded to the alignment layer, and reversible information hiding and revealing are demonstrated via alternating the heating and electric driving processes. Moreover, continuous shifting of reflective color is presented via varying applied voltages. The proposed technique may inspire future applications in optical encryption, camouflage, and advanced information security technologies.
Advances in Adhesive Materials for Oral and Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Diseases
Authors: Cheng Qiu‐Shuang , Xu Pei‐Yao , Luo Sheng‐Chang , Chen Ai‐Zheng
Published: November 2024

Oral diseases represent a prevalent global health burden, profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Given the involvement of oral mucosa and muscles in diverse physiological functions, coupled with clinical aesthetics considerations, repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects poses a formidable challenge. Wet‐adhesive materials are regarded as promising oral repair materials due to their unique advantages in easily overcoming physical and biological barriers in the oral cavity. This review first introduces the intricate wet‐state environment prevalent in the oral cavity, meticulously explaining the fundamental physical and chemical adhesion mechanisms that underpin adhesive materials. It then comprehensively summarizes the diverse types of adhesives utilized in stomatology, encompassing polysaccharide, protein, and synthetic polymer adhesive materials. The review further evaluates the latest research advancements in utilizing these materials to treat various oral and maxillofacial soft tissue diseases, including oral mucosal diseases, periodontitis, peri‐implantitis, oral and maxillofacial skin defects, and maxillofacial tumors. Finally, it also highlights the promising future prospects and pivotal challenges related to stomatology application of multifunctional adhesive materials.
A Novel Synonymous Variant in SQSTM1 Causes Neurodegeneration With Ataxia, Dystonia, and Gaze Palsy Revealed by Urine‐Derived Cells‐Based Functional Analysis
Authors: Masuko Shinji , Sato Mitsuto , Nakamura Katsuya , Hamanaka Kohei , Miyatake Satoko , Inaba Yuji , Kosho Tomoki , Matsumoto Naomichi , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: November 2024

Background

Heterozygous variants of sequestosome‐1 gene (SQSTM1) have been reported in patients with various neurological disorders, whereas biallelic pathogenic variants of SQSTM1 can cause child‐onset and multisystem neurodegeneration, including cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and vertical gaze palsy (NADGP). Here, we describe two cases of NADGP in a Japanese family.

Methods

We performed clinical and genetic laboratory evaluations of the two patients and their healthy parents.

Results

By whole‐exome sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous variants in SQSTM1(NM_003900.5): c.1A>G p.(Met1?) in the initial codon, and c.969G>A, located at the 3′ end of exon 6, which is novel and seemingly a synonymous but is actually a truncating variant causing aberrant splicing. An SQSTM1 protein expression assay using urine‐derived cells (UDCs) demonstrated that both variants (c.1A>G and c.969G>A) were unable to induce normal splicing of premessenger RNA. Cerebellar ataxia is a characteristic manifestation of this disorder; however, brain magnetic resonance imaging studies have not shown significant cerebellar atrophy. Our patients experienced chorea during adolescence.

Conclusions

Only a few reports have highlighted the presence of chorea; however, our findings suggest that NADGP should be considered as a differential diagnosis of hereditary chorea. This study also demonstrates the utility of UDCs, obtained using noninvasive approaches, in functionally analyzing genetic diseases.
3D MR elastography at 0.55 T: Concomitant field effects and feasibility
Authors: Darwish Omar Isam , Di Cio Pierluigi , Sinkus Ralph , Neji Radhouene
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of hepatic 3D MR elastography (MRE) at 0.55 T in healthy volunteers using Hadamard encoding and to study the effects of concomitant fields in the domain of MRE in general.

Methods

Concomitant field effects in MRE are assessed using a Taylor series expansion and an encoding scheme is proposed to study the corresponding effects on 3D MRE at 0.55 T in numerical simulations and in phantom experiments. In addition, five healthy volunteers were enrolled and scanned at 60 Hz mechanical excitation with a Hadamard‐encoded 3D MRE sequence at 0.55 T and were also scanned with a reference 3D MRE sequence at 3 T for comparison. The retrieved biomechanical parameters were the magnitude of the complex shear modulus (|G*|), the shear wave speed (Cs), and the loss modulus (G″). Comparison of apparent SNR between 3 T and 0.55 T was performed.

Results

Theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and phantom experiments demonstrated that the effects of concomitant fields in 3D MRE at 0.55 T are negligible. In the healthy volunteer experiments, the mean values of |G*|, Cs, and G″ in the liver were 2.1 ± 0.3 kPa, 1.5 ± 0.1 m/s, and 0.8 ± 0.1 kPa at 0.55 T, respectively, and 2.0 ± 0.2 kPa, 1.5 ± 0.1 m/s, and 0.9 ± 0.1 kPa at 3 T, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the biomechanical parameters retrieved at 0.55 T and 3 T. A 2.1‐fold relative apparent SNR decrease was observed in 3D MRE at 0.55 T in comparison with 3 T.

Conclusion

Hepatic 3D MRE is feasible at 0.55 T, showing promising initial results in healthy volunteers.
Analytical Method for Predicting Tunnel Deformation Caused by Overlying Excavation Considering the Dewatering
Authors: Li Yanwei , Wang Defa , Luo Yiping , Liu Yuhao , Suo Nan , Liu Zhao , Wang Qi
Published: November 2024

Predicting the tunnel deformation caused by overlying excavation is a crucial catch in current rail transit construction. Most theoretical studies overlook the effect of dewatering on tunnel response. This study utilized Mindlin's stress solution and an improved incremental method to calculate the additional load resulting from excavation. The load increment due to dewatering was determined based on the effective stress principle and a modified Dupuit infiltration curve. Treating the tunnel as a series of segment rings on a Vlazov foundation, the energy variance method and a collaborative deformation model were employed to develop a tunnel deformation prediction model. The proposed model's validity was confirmed by examining two traceable cases. Based on this, further discussion addressed the impact of dewatering depth, tunnel burial depth, tunnel‐pit relative distance, and intersection angle on existing tunnel deformation. Finally, combining the proposed model with multiple regression analysis, a semi‐empirical method was established to determine the tunnel's maximum vertical displacement. The study found that dewatering extends the tunnel force range, and the tunnel subsidence was positively correlated with groundwater level drop depth. The increase in the tunnel burial depth and distance from the excavation center led to a longer soil unloading transfer path, resulting in reduced disturbance to the tunnel. A smaller intersection angle between the excavation's short edge and the tunnel led to less disturbance of the underlying tunnel, which should be avoided in practical engineering. The developed semi‐empirical formulae have sufficient engineering accuracy, guiding the reinforcement of the underlying tunnel.
An Adaptive Time Filter Algorithm for the 2D/3D Unsteady Triple‐Porosity Stokes Model Arising in Super‐Hydrophobic Proppant Modification in Hydraulic Fracturing Systems
Authors: Li Jian , Song Wenyan , Qin Yi , Chen Zhangxing
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose an adaptive time filter algorithm for the 2D/3D unsteady triple‐porosity Stokes model arising in super‐hydrophobic proppant modification in hydraulic fracturing systems. The time filter algorithm with variable time steps is given, which can improve the time accuracy from the first order to the second order without increasing any computational complexity. Moreover, this adaptive decoupled algorithm can reduce calculational costs and provide effective error control for its solution, compared to traditional numerical algorithms. Especially, the stability and second‐order convergence of the time filter algorithm with variable time steps are proven under a relaxed time step restriction of the form . Numerical results confirm the results of our theoretical analysis and the complex flow characteristics of the model through 2D/3D numerical examples.
Efficacy of Nortriptyline‐Topiramate and Verapamil‐Paroxetine in Tinnitus Management: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Abouzari Mehdi , Tawk Karen , Kim Joshua K. , Larson Eva D. , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of 2 drug combinations on tinnitus severity and associated stress, depression, sleep, and anxiety.

Study Design

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial conducted between 2019 and 2023 for an 8‐week duration.

Setting

Single institution tertiary care center.

Methods

The study recruited adult patients with moderate to severe tinnitus for 6 months or more. In total, 81 patients were assessed for eligibility, 78 were enrolled and randomized, and 67 were included in the per‐protocol analysis. Patients were randomized into 3 groups (1:1:1). Group NT received nortriptyline‐topiramate, group VP received verapamil‐paroxetine, and group P received placebo.

Results

A total of 19 patients in group NT, 22 in group VP, and 26 patients in group P were included in the per‐protocol analysis. In group NT, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) score decreased from 58.4 ± 13.9 (baseline) to 46.3 ± 17.5 (end‐of‐trial) (P < .001). Similarly, in group VP, the TFI score decreased from 54.6 ± 17.5 to 42.2 ± 16.1 (P = .004). However, group P did not demonstrate any significant decrease in the TFI score from 51.2 ± 18.6 to 45.2 ± 20.1 (P = .086). The between‐arm analysis did not yield any statistical significance decrease in the TFI score (analysis of variance, P = .265).

Conclusion

Both combinations of drugs were promising in improving tinnitus severity. However, larger‐scale trials with longer follow‐up periods are warranted to validate our findings between groups.
Multiscale damage analysis based on the variational effective model
Authors: Xu Xu , Jezdan Ghina , He Yiqian , Hackl Klaus
Published: November 2024

In the damage analysis of material with complex microstructures, a full‐scale direct numerical simulation (DNS) could produce huge computational costs. Alternatively, multiscale modeling is a more effective method by using less degrees of freedom to balance the calculation accuracy and cost. In this paper, a new multiscale damage modeling method is proposed based on the framework of the variational effective model originally presented by Jezdan et al. and the relaxation damage model presented by Junker et al. A variational statement for the free energy and the dissipation potential for a coarse scale model is constructed by relating the free energy and dissipation potential of the fine scale model. In this way, the coarse scale damage variable is defined instead of directly solving in the fine scale model; therefore, the computational efficiency can be increased. Besides, the relaxation damage model can effectively avoid ill‐posed boundary value problems in damage analysis without use of gradients or integration techniques. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hydrothermal behavior of pure PA 6 and homogenization of discontinuous long carbon fiber‐reinforced PA 6
Authors: Kehrer Loredana , Scheuring Benedikt , Blarr Juliane , Böhlke Thomas
Published: November 2024

Polymer‐based composites play a crucial role in lightweighting applications by providing resource‐efficient semi‐structural materials. Among these, polyamides, in particular polyamide 6 (PA 6), serve as widely used matrix materials in various technical applications, especially in fiber‐reinforced composites. The mechanical properties and performance of PA 6 are significantly affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Previous research has investigated the influence of hydrothermal conditions on the mechanical properties of pure PA 6. This study aims to extend the preceding investigations with additional experimental tests. As a preliminary work to later investigate the influence of the fibers on the hydrothermal behavior, discontinuous long carbon fiber‐reinforced PA 6 is considered for micromechanical modeling of the effective behavior. In this context, a mean‐field homogenization approach based on the Hashin–Shtrikman principle is used. By means of a variable reference stiffness, an approach specifically tailored to the material system under consideration can be applied. The simulation data are compared with data from experiments under tension load indicating good agreements for a specific choice of the reference material.
Utilization and associated factors of TPMT testing among Australian adults receiving thiopurines: A national retrospective data‐linkage study
Authors: Yiu Chin Hang , Ianni Bella D. , Fujita Kenji , Tan Edwin C. K. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Lu Christine Y.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Thiopurine drugs are metabolized by thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and low TPMT activity can result in severe adverse drug reactions. Therefore, TPMT testing is recommended for individuals receiving thiopurines to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess the rate of TPMT testing among individuals receiving thiopurines and explore factors associated with undergoing TPMT testing in Australia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized administrative data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and the 2021 Census, accessed via the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) DataLab. Individuals receiving thiopurines aged 18 years or above were identified using PBS data and exposure to TPMT testing was determined using MBS data. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with TPMT testing.

Results

A total of 62,574 prevalent thiopurine users were identified between 2020 and 2022. Of these, 20,327 (32.5%) underwent TPMT testing (2011–2022). The most significant factor associated with TPMT testing was having at least one thiopurine medication prescribed by a medical specialist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02–2.22), compared to having medication solely prescribed by primary care physicians (PCPs). Other significant factors associated with TPMT testing included speaking a non‐English language at home (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22–1.36), having no chronic health conditions (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.24), not requiring assistance with core activities (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.23), and having a higher educational attainment (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.11). Compared to living in major cities, individuals living in remote areas were significantly less likely to undergo testing (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.39–0.60).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the low utilization of TPMT testing in Australia and suggests the need for targeted interventions to address disparities and improve TPMT testing.
Design and synthesis of camphor‐thiazole derivatives as potent antifungal agents: structure–activity relationship and preliminary mechanistic study
Authors: Dai Peng , Ma Zihua , Dang Yuncong , Huang Jiaxuan , Xue Huizhen , Sun Yafang , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Xia Qing , Zhang Weihua
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a severe threat to crop yield and food security. This study aims to investigate the potential antifungal activity and mechanism of action of camphor‐thiazole derivatives against six plant pathogenic fungi. A novel series of camphor‐thiazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal effects against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum, Valsa mali, Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum orbiculare and Botryitis cinerea.

RESULTS

Most of the synthesized camphor‐thiazole derivatives exhibited notable antifungal activity. Amongst them, compounds C5, C10 and C17 showed significant activity against R. solani with median effective concentrations (EC50) values in the range 3–4 μg mL−1, demonstrating superior antifungal efficacy to the control drug boscalid (EC50 = 1.23 μg mL−1). Structure–activity relationship and density functional theory analysis emphasized the critical role of substituent selection in optimizing the biological activity of these compounds. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that compound C5 induced abnormal mycelial and cellular morphology in R. solani as observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and triggered the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the increased concentration of C5 resulted in enhanced cell membrane permeability.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the designed and optimized compound C5 emerged as a promising candidate for potent antifungal agents. The results demonstrate that synthesized camphor‐thiazole derivatives possess potent antifungal activity and can serve as lead compounds for further optimization in antifungal agent development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of Mathematics for Robust Stability and for Robustly Strictly Positive Real on an Uncertain Interval Plant
Authors: Ghosh Buddhadev , Chakraborty Gargi
Published: November 2024

In this article, we present a robust control problem wherein represents a family of interval plants. For this particular problem, we introduce four Kharitonov polynomials uniquely by minimizing and maximizing the concept of multilinear functions with uncertain parameters and for the plant and where denotes the conjugate of and , with representing frequency within a specified domain. This technique yields a Kharitonov rectangle or box whose every four vertices are represented by four unique Kharitonov polynomials , each is denoted by and and this rectangle characterizes both robust stability and robustly strictly positive real (SPR) for the family of interval plants (). Thus, the introduction of this Kharitonov rectangle stands as a novel innovation in this article. Our contribution encompasses two key aspects. Initially, we demonstrate the stability of the four unique Kharitonov polynomials employing Hurwitz stability criteria, followed by the utilization of Kharitonov's theorem to ensure robust stability of . Subsequently, to establish robustly SPR of , we analyze the SPR of each interval plant concerning the stability of and , adhering to the condition . Additionally, we provide a detailed illustrative example. Furthermore, we demonstrate the motion of the Kharitonov rectangle and the robust stability test through simulation.
Swarm Intelligence in Action: Particle Swarm Optimization and Rendezvous Algorithms for Swarm Robotics
Authors: Ganduri Krishna Vamshi , Pathri Bhargav Prajwal
Published: November 2024

Swarm technology is evolving quickly in the new era in the domains of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Swarm technology takes its cues from nature, particularly from the behaviors of ants, bees, schools of fish, and birds. The rapid growth of swarm technologies can be attributed to this organic inspiration. It is utilized in a variety of applications, such as pick‐and‐place robotics and drone swarms for laser shows. To mimic the behavior of swarm robots or microbots, this research work explores the use of swarm algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO) and rendezvous algorithms (RA). The emphasis will be on applying these algorithms to situations that require swarm robots to navigate around obstacles while planning their paths and forming patterns. This study shows how successful these algorithms are by using MATLAB as a useful tool. The outcomes demonstrate that the algorithms are capable of producing intricate patterns and facilitating effective path planning for swarms of robots. The robots' ability to avoid obstacles and travel around them at a high speed is noteworthy. This study covers a wide range of industries, such as space exploration, military/defense applications, storage, surveillance, and search and rescue. The application of swarm technology demonstrates how it may transform practical situations and provides information about how flexible and efficient swarm algorithms are in a variety of settings. By offering useful insights for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in utilizing the combined potential of swarm intelligence (SI) for a variety of applications, this investigation advances the field of swarm robotics.
Assessing the long‐term effect of different organic amendments on the quality of acidic sandy soil
Authors: Aranyos József Tibor
Published: November 2024

Sandy soils are susceptible to the adverse effects of intensive land use and climate change, which can cause a decline in soil quality. As agricultural practices have an important role in soil processes, the objective of this research was to monitor the soil parameters determining the soil quality by studying the long‐term effects of different organic amendments on soil. The research was done in long‐term soil improvement experiments on Dystric Lamellic Arenosol. In addition to conventional organic fertilizers (farmyard manure with or without chemical fertilizers, green manure), alternative fertilizers such as sewage sludge compost were also applied. For the complex evaluation, we have been carrying out soil physical, chemical, and enzyme activity tests and field soil respiration measurements for 3 years. The beneficial effect of sewage sludge compost on the parameters determining the soil quality was more pronounced compared to the effect of conventional fertilization methods. The long‐term incorporation of sewage sludge compost into the soil significantly increased the soil organic matter content and pH, and improved the physico‐chemical parameters of the soil. The positive changes in soil parameters as a result of compost application contributed to the stimulation of soil life, which resulted in more intensive soil respiration and enzyme activities. The research confirmed the significance of the long‐term supply of organic matter on sandy soil that can be implemented sustainably through the agricultural utilization of sewage sludge compost and contributes to the enhancement of soil organic carbon storage and the improvement of soil quality in acidic sandy soil.
Learn how to become a coaching leader to boost staff engagement
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2024

If you want to enhance the individual performance of your staff members while cultivating a cohesive, motivated team that thrives, you’ll need to adopt a coaching leader mindset. That's according to Floyd Consulting CEO Kate Volman and Senior Executive Coach Michele Marquis. (Floyd Consulting offers coaching services to individuals and organizations, as well as training, speaking, and consulting.) In their webinar, they explained strategies to help you become a coaching leader, which can improve the success of your department.
Address accessibility in policy development for generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Aquino Katherine C. , Lalor Adam R. , Parnther Ceceilia
Published: November 2024

At this point, you have heard about generative artificial intelligence and, most likely, dabbled with it. You may have tried out a prompt with Chat GPT or created an image using Microsoft Copilot. At first, you were a bit cautious, but it was less intimidating with practice. You felt these practice sessions were necessary — everyone is talking about generative AI — and, with yet another lecture or webinar scheduled on your campus to discuss generative AI, these “exercises” allow you to participate in the current higher education environment with some working knowledge.
Did court dismiss student's breach‐of‐contract claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2024

A student began attending Butler University, forming a close‐knit group of friends who frequently met in “Room 113” of a residence hall to spend time together. Shortly thereafter, he came out as gay to the group without incident. However, tension arose as some of his friends, particularly the residents of Room 113, felt he overstayed his visits. The next semester, he moved into a room across the hall, coinciding with his new romantic relationship.
Insights on Prussian Blue Analogue Cathode Material Engineered with Polypyrrole Surface Protection Layer for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Metal Battery
Authors: Puthiyaveetil Priyanka Pandinhare , Nair Aathira , Dilwale Swati , Kurian Maria , Joshi Kavita , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: November 2024

One of the key intricacies against using Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) in aqueous batteries is their gradual dissolution in aqueous electrolytes, resulting in inadequate cycling stability. Besides, the rate capability of PBAs is limited due to their poor electrical conductivity. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to tune the physical and chemical properties of PBAs at the nano regime without affecting the inherent charge storage properties, especially at high‐voltage operating conditions. Through this work, a strategy is demonstrated to enhance the electrochemical performance of vanadium‐based PBA (V‐PBA) by surface engineering using a conducting polymer nano‐skin (V‐PBA/PPy) for aqueous zinc metal batteries. The polypyrrole (PPy) nano‐skin over the V‐PBA nanoparticles acts as an electron percolation path to ameliorate the poor electronic conductivity of the otherwise pristine V‐PBA. Interestingly, the V‐PBA with an optimized polypyrrole coating (V‐PBA/PPy‐2) exhibits an enhanced specific capacity (173 mAh g−1 at 0.10 A g−1) than the pristine V‐PBA counterpart (80 mAh g−1) and 85% capacity retention up to 500 cycles. The DFT calculation confirms the synergistic interaction between PPy and V‐PBA and the presence of PPy favors the adsorption of Zn.
Design guidelines for SHS thin‐walled columns with large holes at their extremities
Authors: Bezas Marios‐Zois , Vermeylen Maxime , Morch Helene , Ginckels Koenraad , Demonceau Jean‐François
Published: November 2024

Thin‐walled cold‐formed hollow columns are widely used in steel structure construction due to their advantages such as high strength, ductility and lightweight. When bolted connections are used, long bolts passing through the entire hollow cross‐section are required. An alternative solution could be that large holes are made in one of the column faces, at the level of the connections, allowing thus the hand tightening of ‘short’ classical bolts. This paper investigates the influence of these holes on the resistance and stability of the column and aims at determining a safe way to compute the resistance of cross‐sections and the stability of members in the presence of handholes. More specifically, square hollow sections (SHS) with large holes have been considered and their behaviour has been studied numerically using shell finite elements, accounting for local and distortional effects as well as material and geometrical non‐linearities. Then, the obtained results have been compared with the predictions obtained through the code provisions for cross‐section resistance and member buckling, in order to check their adequacy.
Getting to the ‘Heart’ of Climate Change
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: November 2024

Having briefly introduced this topic from the perspective of the United Nation Development Programme Goals, this introductory chapter provides a personal to scientific perspective on climate change in the modern era. As such, it will specifically describe how it (climate change) has the potential to adversely influence the heart health of the global population. In making this case, a cruel irony will be highlighted—that is, while most of the world’s poorest people barely contribute(d) to the reasons why climate change occurred, unlike high-polluting countries, they still suffer the same and even worse consequences. Moreover, they have limited resources and capacity to address the difficult challenges arising from climate change. In this context, while clinicians are mostly focussed on the individuals they care for, this chapter further explores why having a “climatic conscience” or at least awareness of climatic conditions on health, is the pathway to better health outcomes. Specifically, it provides a rationale why health services and clinicians alike, need to acknowledge and understand the link between external conditions and the physiological status of any individual—thereby thinking beyond the four walls of an environmentally controlled hospital or GP clinic.
From Climatic Resilience to Vulnerability
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: November 2024

In the last chapter, the biological limits of human adaptation in the face of climatic conditions outside of our mandated physiological and personal comfort zones were explored—with a major focus on what happens to the heart and cardiovascular system when confronted with cold to hot extremes. It also introduced the concept of non-modifiable versus modifiable factors that modulate the biological impact of climatic provocations to an individual. As an extension of this concept, this chapter now presents a holistic, interdisciplinary framework/model that helps to explain why certain people (with consideration of sex-based differences) are ‘climatically vulnerable’, while others are more ‘climatically resilient’—identifying the key characteristics and attributes that might be altered to prevent climatically provoked cardiac events and premature mortality at the individual level.
Data Privacy Vocabulary (DPV) – Version 2.0
Authors: J. Pandit Harshvardhan , Esteves Beatriz , P. Krog Georg , Ryan Paul , Golpayegani Delaram , Flake Julian
Published: November 2024

The Data Privacy Vocabulary (DPV), developed by the W3C Data Privacy Vocabularies and Controls Community Group (DPVCG), enables the creation of machine-readable, interoperable, and standards-based representations for describing the processing of personal data. The group has also published extensions to the DPV to describe specific applications to support legislative requirements such as the EU’s GDPR. The DPV fills a crucial niche in the state of the art by providing a vocabulary that can be embedded and used alongside other existing standards such as W3C ODRL, and which can be customised and extended for adapting to specifics of use-cases or domains. This article describes the version 2 iteration of the DPV in terms of its contents, methodology, current adoptions and uses, and future potential. It also describes the relevance and role of DPV in acting as a common vocabulary to support various regulatory (e.g., EU’s DGA and AI Act) and community initiatives (e.g., Solid) emerging across the globe.
Photon self-energy at all temperatures and densities in all of phase space
Authors: Schérer Hugo , Schutz Katelin
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In an isotropic background comprised of free charges, the transverse and longitudinal modes of the photon acquire large corrections to their dispersion relations, described by the in-medium photon self-energy. Previous work has developed simple approximations that describe the propagation of on-shell photons in plasmas of varying temperatures and densities. However, off-shell excitations can also receive large medium-induced corrections, and the on-shell approximations have often been used in an effort to capture these effects. In this work we show that the off-shell self-energy can be qualitatively very different than the on-shell case. We develop analytic approximations that are accurate everywhere in phase space, especially in classical and degenerate plasmas. From these, we recover the on-shell expressions in the appropriate limit. Our expressions also reproduce the well-known Lindhard response function from solid-state physics for the longitudinal mode.
Holographic energy correlators for confining theories
Authors: Csáki Csaba , Ismail Ameen
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We present a holographic calculation of energy correlators in a simple model of confinement based on a warped extra dimension with an IR brane. For small distances we reproduce the constant correlators of a strongly-coupled conformal field theory, while for large distances the effects of confinement dominate and the correlators decay exponentially. We find exact shockwave solutions to the Einstein equations in the presence of the IR brane, hence avoiding the need for a perturbative expansion in terms of Witten diagrams. While some of the expected qualitative features of energy correlators in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) are reproduced, our crude model of confinement does not capture the effects of asymptotic freedom nor exhibit jetty behavior. We expect that our method can also be applied to more realistic models of confinement incorporating asymptotic freedom, which should fix some of the deviations from QCD.