bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccination Rates and Uptake of Tixagevimab‐Cilgavimab Among a Cohort of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Reis Christopher A. , Ristagno Elizabeth H. , Madigan Theresa
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a lack of data regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination rates and tixagevimab‐cilgavimab (TC) uptake among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. The purpose of our study was to assess these rates.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed vaccination records of pediatric recipients of heart, kidney, and liver transplants at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, who received a transplant between January 2011 and December 2021. All SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines and doses of TC received on or before September 1, 2022, the date of approval of the bivalent SARS‐CoV2 vaccine, were included. We also assessed whether patients had been seen by an infectious diseases physician (ID) in the preceding 6 months.

Results

Our study included 110 patients: 47 kidney, 36 heart, and 27 liver transplant recipients. All vaccine doses recorded were monovalent SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. Sixty‐eight (61.8%) patients received at least one vaccine. This varied by age group, with f of ≥12 years olds, 40.9% of 5–11 year olds and 14.3% of under 5 year olds (p = 0.001). Seven patients (6.4%) were up‐to‐date (UTD) for age. There was no difference in UTD status by organ type (p = 0.335). Patients who saw ID were significantly more likely to be UTD (13.2% versus 2.8%; p = 0.047). Among those eligible, 14 (18.2%) received TC, with rates not different based on transplanted organ type (p = 0.158) or whether they saw ID (p = 0.273).

Conclusions

Despite the availability of vaccines, nearly 40% of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients remained unvaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 at time of the bivalent vaccine release. Less than a fifth of eligible patients received TC. Strategies to increase uptake of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines as well as adjunctive agents among this vulnerable group should be further explored.
Outcomes of Deceased Donor Kidney Recipients From the Same Donor Based on Donor–Recipient Sex Discordance
Authors: Swanson Kurtis J. , Aziz Fahad , Garg Neetika , Mandelbrot Didier , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT) recipients from the same donor with donor–recipient sex discordance have been studied with inconsistent results.

Methods

Adult DDKT where both kidneys from the same donor occurred at our center in two different recipients of different sexes were included. Outcomes were analyzed separately for male and female donors, based on the concordance or discordance between donor–recipient sex: Male‐male (M‐m) versus Male to female (M‐f) or vice versa, F‐f versus F‐m. Acute rejection (AR) and uncensored graft failure were primary outcomes of interest. The univariate and multivariate risks for AR and graft failure were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model and log‐rank tests.

Results

A total of 130 donors, 84 male and 46 female fulfilled our selection criteria and were transplanted in 260 recipients. With respect to the concordant groups (M‐m or F‐f), sex discordance was not significantly associated with the risk of rejection in multivariate analysis (M‐f vs. M‐m HR 1.15 [0.53–2.53, P = 0.72]; F‐m vs. F‐f HR 1.77 [0.71–4.39, P = 0.23]). Sex discordance was also not significantly associated with graft failure in multivariate analysis. Interestingly, risk factors for AR differed among male donors and female donors. The higher calculated panel reactive antibodies (cPRA) and nonwhite recipients were at increased risk for AR in F‐m, but not in M‐f.

Conclusions

Donor–recipient sex discordance was not significantly associated with AR or graft failure. Risk factors for AR may differ across male and female donors.
T‐cell Mediated Rejection Associated Microvascular Inflammation in the Allograft Kidney: RNAseq Analysis Using the Banff Human Organ Transplant Gene Panel
Authors: Barwad Adarsh , Huang Yuchen , Randhawa Parmjeet
Published: July 2024

Background

Microvascular inflammation (MVI) can occur in biopsies showing T‐cell mediated rejection (TCMR), but it is not well established that T‐cells can directly mediate microvascular injury (TCMR‐MVI).

Methods

This was a cross sectional RNAseq based Banff Human Organ Transplant (BHOT) gene expression (GE) analysis. The objective of this study was to probe the molecular signature of TCMR‐MVI in comparison with C4d+, DSA+ antibody mediated rejection (ABMR), stable renal function (STA), and TCMR without MVI. Transcriptome analysis utilized CLC genomic workbench and R‐studio software.

Results

No gene set was specific for any diagnostic category, and all were expressed at low levels in STA biopsies. BHOT gene set scores could differentiate ABMR from TCMR and TCMR‐MVI, but not TCMR from TCMR‐MVI. TCMR‐MVI underexpressed several genes associated with ABMR including DSATs, ENDAT, immunoglobulin genes, ADAMDEC1, PECAM1 and NK cell transcripts (MYBL1, GNLY), but overexpressed C3, NKBBIZ, and LTF. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the expression of these genes in TCMR‐MVI versus TCMR. This indicates that the GE profile of TCMR MVI aligns more closely with TCMR than ABMR. The limitations of classifying biopsies using the binary ABMR‐TCMR algorithm, and the occurrence of common pathogenesis mechanisms amongst different rejection phenotype was highlighted by the frequent presence of molecular mixed rejection.

Conclusions

T‐cell mediated mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MVI. GE was broadly different between rejection phenotypes, but molecular scores varied substantially between biopsies with the same Banff grade. It was not always possible to achieve precise molecular score‐based diagnostic categorization of individual patients.
The Impact of Kidney/Pancreas Transplantation on Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Knight Richard J. , Ye Yan , Graviss Edward A. , Nguyen Duc T. , Garami Zsolt , Yi Stephanie G. , Hobeika Mark , Bavare Charudatta S. , Sadhu Archana R. , Gaber A. Osama
Published: July 2024

Introduction

It is unclear whether kidney/pancreas (KP) transplantation will prevent the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) and end‐stage renal disease. We sought to determine the pre‐ and posttransplant prevalence of symptomatic PAD and changes in carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) in KP recipients.

Methods

In this single center study, outcomes were compared between KP recipients with and without a history of PAD. A subset of recipients underwent pre‐ and posttransplant IMT measurements.

Results

Among the study group (N = 107), 18 (17%) recipients admitted to a pretransplant history of symptomatic PAD, comprised 11 foot infections and 7 amputations (5 minor and 2 major). Baseline characteristics of age, gender, race, years of diabetes, dialysis history, smoking history, years of hypertension, and history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were equivalent between PAD and non‐PAD cohorts. At a median follow‐up of 60 months (IQR: 28, 110), 16 (15%) KP recipients had suffered a PAD event. In multivariate analysis, a pretransplant history of PAD (hazard ratio [HR] 9.66, p < 0.001) and CAD (HR 3.33, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of posttransplant PAD events. Among a subset of 20 recipients (3 with PAD), mean IMT measurements pretransplant and at a median of 24 (range 18–24) months posttransplant, showed no evidence of disease progression.

Conclusion

Based on IMT measurements and clinical results, KP transplantation stabilized PAD in most patients, but did not alter outcomes of symptomatic PAD recipients. A pretransplant history of PAD and CAD was an independent predictor of posttransplant PAD events.
Estimating the alcohol‐related burden of child maltreatment among Māori in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Barnes Helen Moewaka , Romeo Jose S.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To assesses the alcohol‐related burden of child maltreatment among Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. We compared the risk of child maltreatment among Māori (0–17 years) exposed to parents with alcohol‐related hospitalisation or mental health/addiction service use. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to estimate the number of cases of maltreatment that could be attributed to alcohol among Māori.

Methods

A cohort study of 16,617 Māori aged 0–17 and their parents from 2000 to 2017 was conducted using the Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure. A Bayesian piecewise exponential model estimated the risk of time to first child maltreatment event. This analysis used data from child protection, hospital, mortality and police records, and specifically focused on the risk associated with exposure to parents with an alcohol‐attributable hospitalisation or mental health/addiction service use event. Potential confounders for both parents and Māori (0–17 years) were included. We calculated a population‐attributable fraction to estimate the proportion of maltreatment cases that could be attributed to alcohol in 2017.

Results

Results showed a 65% increased risk for young Māori exposed to parents with heavy alcohol use. We estimated 17% of substantiated child maltreatment among Māori could be attributed to parental hazardous alcohol consumption.

Discussion and Conclusions

Severe or hazardous alcohol consumption among parents is a risk factor for child maltreatment among Māori. Māori alcohol consumption and harm are symptomatic of wider inequities related, among other things, to the ongoing effects of colonisation, as well as gaps in the regulation of alcohol sales.
Gentrification of Taste and Lifestyle: Shanghai as an Instagrammable Wanghong City
Authors: Ping Lei
Published: July 2024

Gentrification parallels with massive demolition and displacement in Chinese cities in the post‐Reform era. The article studies the ways in which gentrification of cultural taste and lifestyle is played into state‐sponsored neoliberal space and class making. Focusing on Shanghai—China's gateway to modernity and leading Instagrammable Internet‐famous (wanghong) city—the article examines how the new Shanghai middle class becomes the patron of gentrification and how spatial consumption in the age of social media produces new forms of urban inauthenticity and social distinction. Through case studies of the transformation of two major historic Shanghai architectural forms—vernacular alleyway (longtang) houses and Western‐style garden villas (laoyangfang)—into wanghong scenes, the article argues that by “wanghongnizing” cities like Shanghai and gentrifying ordinary people's everyday life, the Chinese state strategically replaces collective memories of radical urbanism and displacement with propagation of an aestheticized middle‐class xiaokang society and romanticized “Chinese Dream.”
An overview of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial: The primary outcomes and key clinical implications for those managing patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Angela X. , Fletcher Robert , Neuen Brendon L. , Neal Bruce , Arnott Clare
Published: July 2024

Aims

To provide an overview of the primary outcomes and key clinical implications of the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial, which were event‐driven, double‐blind randomized controlled trials that established the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high cardiovascular risk (CV) or albuminuric chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods and Results

The CANVAS programme (CANVAS and CANVAS‐R trials) randomized 10 142 people with T2D and high CV risk to canagliflozin or placebo and followed them for a median of 126 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was met, with canagliflozin treatment associated with a 14% reduction in major adverse CV events (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.97; p < 0.001) as compared to placebo. The CREDENCE trial randomized 4401 individuals with T2D and albuminuric CKD to canagliflozin or placebo and followed them for 109 weeks. The CREDENCE trial also met its primary endpoint; canagliflozin treatment was associated with a 30% reduction in the composite of kidney failure, sustained doubling of serum creatinine level, or death from kidney or CV causes (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.82; p < 0.001). Substantial reductions in hospitalization for heart failure (CANVAS: HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87; CREDENCE: HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.80) and other key CV and kidney outcomes were also identified. Relative clinical benefits were consistent across subgroups defined by baseline age, sex, kidney function and history of CV disease but absolute benefits were greatest in those at highest baseline risk. Total serious adverse events were less common with canagliflozin treatment. Concerns about amputation and fracture risk observed in the CANVAS Program were not seen in CREDENCE and appear to have been spurious chance findings.

Conclusion

Canagliflozin reduced important CV, kidney and mortality outcomes in those with T2D and high CV risk or CKD across diverse patient groups, with a good safety profile. Taken together with the other sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor CV and renal outcomes trials, these landmark findings have changed the treatment landscape for patients worldwide.
Estimation of effective number of breeders and effective population size in an abundant and heavily exploited marine teleost
Authors: Bertram Andrea , Bell Justin , Brauer Chris , Fairclough David , Hamer Paul , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Wellenreuther Maren , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: July 2024

Obtaining reliable estimates of the effective number of breeders (Nb) and generational effective population size (Ne) for fishery‐important species is challenging because they are often iteroparous and highly abundant, which can lead to bias and imprecision. However, recent advances in understanding of these parameters, as well as the development of bias correction methods, have improved the capacity to generate reliable estimates. We utilized samples of both single‐cohort young of the year and mixed‐age adults from two geographically and genetically isolated stocks of the Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) to investigate the feasibility of generating reliable Nb and Ne estimates for a fishery species. Snapper is an abundant, iteroparous broadcast spawning teleost that is heavily exploited by recreational and commercial fisheries. Employing neutral genome‐wide SNPs and the linkage‐disequilibrium method, we determined that the most reliable Nb and Ne estimates could be derived by genotyping at least 200 individuals from a single cohort. Although our estimates made from the mixed‐age adult samples were generally lower and less precise than those based on a single cohort, they still proved useful for understanding relative differences in genetic effective size between stocks. The correction formulas applied to adjust for biases due to physical linkage of loci and age structure resulted in substantial upward modifications of our estimates, demonstrating the importance of applying these bias corrections. Our findings provide important guidelines for estimating Nb and Ne for iteroparous species with large populations. This work also highlights the utility of samples originally collected for stock structure and stock assessment work for investigating genetic effective size in fishery‐important species.
Molecular biological role of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Haruna Takahiro , Kudo Mitsuhiro , Ishino Kousuke , Ueda Junji , Shintani‐Domoto Yukako , Yoshimori Daigo , Fuji Takenori , Kawamoto Yoko , Teduka Kiyoshi , Kitamura Taeko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Ohashi Ryuji
Published: July 2024

Aim

Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) regulates tumor progression and metastasis through the epithelial‒mesenchymal transition by interacting with zinc finger E‐box binding 1 (ZEB1) and CD44 in cancers. However, the role of ESRP1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains unclear.

Methods

Three iCCA cell lines (HuCCT‐1, SSP‐25, and KKU‐100) were analyzed using small interfering RNA to investigate the molecular biological functions of ESRP1 and ZEB1. The association between clinicopathological features and the expression of ESRP1 and ZEB1 in iCCA tissues was analyzed immunohistochemically. Proteomic analysis was performed to identify molecules related to ESRP1 expression.

Results

ESRP1 expression was upregulated in HuCCT‐1 and SSP‐25 cells. Cell migration and invasion were enhanced, and the expression of ZEB1 and CD44s (CD44 standard) isoforms were upregulated in the ESRP1 silencing cells. Moreover, ESRP1 silencing increased the expression of N‐cadherin and vimentin, indicating the presence of mesenchymal properties. Conversely, ZEB1 silencing increased the expression of ESRP1 and CD44v (CD44 variant) isoforms. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that a lower ESRP1‐to‐ZEB1 expression ratio was associated with poor recurrence‐free survival in patients with iCCA. Flotillin 2, a lipid raft marker related to epithelial‒mesenchymal transition, was identified as a protein related to the interactive feedback loop in proteomic analysis.

Conclusions

ESRP1 suppresses tumor progression in iCCA by interacting with ZEB1 and CD44 to regulate epithelial‒mesenchymal transition.
Characterising the effect of commercial wheat grain milling methods on wheat bran characteristics
Authors: Saini Praveen , Sinha Akhouri Sanjay Kumar , Prasad Kamlesh
Published: July 2024

To assess the effect of wheat milling or bran separation method, five wheat bran fractions, one from stone milling (SB), two from roller flour milling (coarse: RB1, fine: RB2), and two from grain pearling (0–3%: PB1, 3–6%: PB2) were analysed. Physiological properties provided good physical and flow characteristics of SB fraction; however, it was the darkest. Particle size was in the order of RB1 > SB > RB2 > PB1 > PB2. The fibre analysis showed the highest insoluble fibre components for RB1, PB1, and exceptionally higher soluble fibre for PB1. The protein, fat, ash, and starch content were highest for RB2 and PB2. Antioxidant properties followed the order PB2 > RB2 > PB1 > RB1 > SB. Pearled fractions (PB1 and PB2) showed better functional properties than others. SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR verified the changes in the properties of bran fractions. The characterisation data will find applications to help increase the usage of bran fractions in specific food products.
First record of the lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier, 1789) (Insecta: Blattodea) in Europe with remarks on synanthropic cockroaches of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Sánchez Omar , Robla Jairo , Pérez‐Gómez Álvaro , Arias Andrés
Published: July 2024

Globalization has facilitated the introduction and establishment of organisms beyond their natural ranges, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. While many non‐native species are well documented, others remain understudied, either due to their unknown impact or morphological similarities with native species. This study addresses such a case, focusing on synanthropic cockroaches within the order Blattodea. Despite the order's diversity, less than 1% of known species are recorded in urban environments. While certain species like Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis and Blattella germanica are well distributed and studied, others remain largely unknown. This research unveils the first established population of Nauphoeta cinerea in Europe, specifically in Spain (Asturias, northern Iberian Peninsula), with specific genetic and morphological confirmation. This study also explores potential pathways of introduction for N. cinerea. Long‐distance transport by ships or escape/release from captivity are proposed as potential pathways for the newly established populations in Asturias. The species' high fecundity and parthenogenetic reproduction raise concerns about its potential invasiveness. Additionally, this study includes unpublished data on various synanthropic cockroaches in Asturias (with the first records of P. lateralis and Supella longipalpa for this area), drawn from specimens deposited in biological collections and some extra collections. An identification key for all Spanish non‐native synanthropic cockroach species is provided to assist in future detections. This research emphasizes the imperative need for robust monitoring systems, highlights the scarcity of scientific information regarding synanthropic cockroach distribution and underscores the pivotal role of biological collections in advancing our understanding of invasive species.
I am the psychiatric patient and the psychiatric patient is me: Retelling a lived experience narrative of professional sexual misconduct
Authors: Wiggins Morgan
Published: July 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Professional sexual misconduct is the name given to the phenomenon of healthcare providers crossing sexual boundaries with their patients. It is comprised of a range of behaviors from comments to unwanted touching and even rape. The exact incidence is unknown, but estimates have been made. These abuses are thought to be underreported. The applicable reporting processes are problematic.

Trauma‐informed care presupposes knowledge of various types of trauma, and this is one type. Traua‐informed care places emphasis on healthcare systems and healthcare providers' avoidance of retraumatizing patients who disclose any type of trauma, including sexual violence.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper adds one narrative experience of a sexual assault perpetrated by the writer's colleague psychiatrist. It can be viewed as a cautionary tale about horizontal violence against nurses.

This narrative discusses how one traumatic event can mushroom into chronic traumatic sequelae when disclosure re‐traumatizes.

What are the implications for practice?

Increased knowledge of this type of sexual violence may help those who have suffered it.

As psychiatry is among the healthcare fields who regularly screen patients for trauma, it is imperative that the psychiatric workforce gain familiarity with trauma‐informed responses to avoid re‐traumatizing patients who disclose sexual violence.
Protest, Violence, and Illiberal Populism In Turkey, 2013–2019: A Network Perspective
Authors: Deets Stephen
Published: July 2024

This article argues protest and violence between 2013 and 2019 both strengthened Turkey's competitive authoritarian regime in the short term and significantly weakened it over time. Crises in liberal democracy create opportunities for illiberal populists to build tightly bounded, vertical networks of supporters, but public disruptions can reconfigure such informal structures and allow new opposition networks to emerge. Using process tracing, the study shows how President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's attempts at building a dominant, religious‐nationalist community failed in the face of the 2013 protests in Istanbul and the violence around the 2015 national elections. These, in turn, altered the ruling party's vertical network. In Istanbul, the opposition took advantage of these changes to create a more pluralistic network and win the 2019 mayoral vote. After a narrow loss in the 2023 presidential contest, the opposition parties ran separately in the 2024 local elections and triumphed, pointing toward a post‐Erdoğan party system. Attention to both government and opposition networks and how they change helps illustrate the dynamics of illiberal populist regimes.
Unfolded protein response markers Grp78 and eIF2alpha are upregulated with increasing alpha‐synuclein levels in Lewy body disease
Authors: Hrabos Dominik , Poggiolini Ilaria , Civitelli Livia , Galli Emilia , Esapa Chris , Saarma Mart , Lindholm Päivi , Parkkinen Laura
Published: July 2024

Aims

Endoplasmic reticulum stress followed by the unfolded protein response is one of the cellular mechanisms contributing to the progression of α‐synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body diseases. We aimed to investigate the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and its correlation with α‐synuclein pathology in human post‐mortem brain tissue.

Methods

We analysed brain tissue from 45 subjects—14 symptomatic patients with Lewy body disease, 19 subjects with incidental Lewy body disease, and 12 healthy controls. The analysed brain regions included the medulla, pons, midbrain, striatum, amygdala and entorhinal, temporal, frontal and occipital cortex. We analysed activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress via levels of the unfolded protein response‐related proteins (Grp78, eIF2α) and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐regulating neurotrophic factors (MANF, CDNF).

Results

We showed that regional levels of two endoplasmic reticulum‐localised neurotrophic factors, MANF and CDNF, did not change in response to accumulating α‐synuclein pathology. The concentration of MANF negatively correlated with age in specific regions. eIF2α was upregulated in the striatum of Lewy body disease patients and correlated with increased α‐synuclein levels. We found the upregulation of chaperone Grp78 in the amygdala and nigral dopaminergic neurons of Lewy body disease patients. Grp78 levels in the amygdala strongly correlated with soluble α‐synuclein levels.

Conclusions

Our data suggest a strong but regionally specific change in Grp78 and eIF2α levels, which positively correlates with soluble α‐synuclein levels. Additionally, MANF levels decreased in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Our research suggests that endoplasmic reticulum stress activation is not associated with Lewy pathology but rather with soluble α‐synuclein concentration and disease progression.
Ageing‐related tau astrogliopathy severely affecting the substantia nigra
Authors: Tanaka Hidetomo , Lee Seojin , Martinez‐Valbuena Ivan , Couto Blas , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , de Gordoa Javier Sanchez‐Ruiz , Erro M. Elena , Lang Anthony E. , Forrest Shelley L. , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Astrocytic tau pathology is a major feature of tauopathies and ageing‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG). The substantia nigra (SN) is one of the important degenerative areas in tauopathies with parkinsonism. Nigral tau pathology is usually reported as neuronal predominant with less prominent astrocytic involvement. We aimed to identify cases with prominent astrocytic tau pathology in the SN.

Methods

We use the term nigral tau‐astrogliopathy (NITAG) to describe cases showing an unusually high density of ARTAG with less neuronal tau pathology in the SN. We collected clinical information and studied the distribution of tau pathology, morphological features and immunostaining profiles in three cases.

Results

Three cases, all males with parkinsonism, were identified with the following clinicopathological diagnoses: (i) atypical parkinsonism with tau pathology reminiscent to that in postencephalitic parkinsonism (69‐year‐old); (ii) multiple system atrophy (73‐year‐old); (iii) traumatic encephalopathy syndrome/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (84‐year‐old). Double‐labelling immunofluorescence confirmed co‐localization of GFAP and phosphorylated tau in affected astrocytes. Staining profiles of NITAG revealed immunopositivity for various phosphorylated tau antibodies. Some astrocytic tau lesions were also seen in other brainstem regions and cerebral grey matter.

Conclusions

We propose NITAG is a rare neuropathological feature, and not a distinct disease entity, in the frame of multiple system ARTAG, represented by abundant tau‐positive astrocytes in various brain regions but having the highest density in the SN. The concept of NITAG allows the stratification of cases with various background pathologies to understand its relevance and contribution to neuronal dysfunction.
Varieties of Bias
Authors: Johnson Gabbrielle M.
Published: July 2024

The concept of bias is pervasive in both popular discourse and empirical theorizing within philosophy, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence. This widespread application threatens to render the concept too heterogeneous and unwieldy for systematic investigation. This article explores recent philosophical literature attempting to identify a single theoretical category—termed ‘bias’—that could be unified across different contexts. To achieve this aim, the article provides a comprehensive review of theories of bias that are significant in the fields of philosophy of mind, cognitive science, machine learning, and epistemology. It focuses on key examples such as perceptual bias, implicit bias, explicit bias, and algorithmic bias, scrutinizing their similarities and differences. Although these explorations may not conclusively establish the existence of a natural theoretical kind, pursuing the possibility offers valuable insights into how bias is conceptualized and deployed across diverse domains, thus deepening our understanding of its complexities across a wide range of cognitive and computational processes.
Risk assessment of aflatoxin in Iowa corn post‐harvest using an event tree analysis: A case study
Authors: Branstad‐Spates Emily , Mosher Gretchen A. , Bowers Erin
Published: July 2024

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi found in corn and are anticipated to increase globally due to enhanced weather extremes and climate change. Aflatoxin (AFL) is of concern due to its harmful effects on human and animal health. AFL can move through complex grain supply chains in the United States, including multiple stakeholders from farms, grain elevators, grain and ethanol processors, and feed mills, before reaching end users, putting numerous entities at risk. Since corn is an essential food and feed product, risk management of AFL must be considered. This case study aimed to (1) calculate the probabilities of pivotal events with AFL in corn at Food Safety Modernization Act‐regulated entities using an event tree analysis (ETA) and (2) propose recommendations based on factors identified through the ETA for AFL risk management. The ETA was based on historical AFL prevalence data in Iowa above a 20‐part per billion (ppb) threshold (2.30%). Results showed four single‐point failures in feed safety systems, where countermeasures did not function as designed. Failure is defined as the type 2 error of corn being infected with AFL <20 ppb, when it is >20 ppb, and the overall system fails to detect this with contaminated corn reaching end users. The success rate is defined as detecting the corn samples correctly >20 ppb. The average success rate was 50.14%, and the failure rate was 49.86%. It was concluded that risk‐informed decisions are a critical component of effective AFL monitoring in corn, with timely intervention strategies needed to minimize the overall effects on end users.
Sublinear bilipschitz equivalence and sublinearly Morse boundaries
Authors: Pallier Gabriel , Qing Yulan
Published: July 2024

A sublinear bilipschitz equivalence (SBE) between metric spaces is a map from one space to another that distorts distances with bounded multiplicative constants and sublinear additive error. Given any sublinear function, the associated sublinearly Morse boundaries are defined for all geodesic proper metric spaces as a quasi‐isometrically invariant and metrizable topological space of quasi‐geodesic rays. In this paper, we prove that sublinearly‐Morse boundaries of proper geodesic metric spaces are invariant under suitable SBEs. A tool in the proof is the use of sublinear rays, that is, sublinear bilispchitz embeddings of the half line, generalizing quasi‐geodesic rays. As an application, we distinguish a pair of right‐angled Coxeter groups brought up by Behrstock up to SBE. We also show that under mild assumptions, generic random walks on countable groups are sublinear rays.
Correlations of the Riemann zeta function
Authors: Curran Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Assuming the Riemann hypothesis, we investigate the shifted moments of the zeta function
introduced by Chandee Q. J. Math. 62(2011), no. 3, 545–572, where and satisfy and . We shall prove
This improves upon the previous best known bounds due to Chandee and Ng, Shen, and Wong [Can. J. Math. Published online 2023:1–31. DOI 10.4153/S0008414X23000548], particularly when the differences are unbounded as . The key insight is to combine work of Heap, Radziwiłł, and Soundararajan [Q. J. Math. 70 (2019), no. 4, 1387–1396] and work of the author [arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.10634 (2023)] with the work of Harper [arXiv preprint arXiv.1305.4618 (2013)] on the moments of the zeta function.
Does Central Bank Transparency Matter for Inflation: Role of Inflation Targeting
Authors: Sethi Dinabandhu , Acharya Debashis , Sharma Ujjwal
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the relationship between central bank transparency and inflation for six inflation targeting (IT) and ten non-inflation targeting (non-IT) Asian economies. The propensity score matching and panel regression model are employed in the study. The empirical analysis shows that IT enhances central bank transparency. Further, we find that central bank transparency in IT significantly lowers inflation, suggesting that countries promoting greater monetary policy transparency can have a better advantage of experiencing low inflation. Our findings have policy implications for central banks in developing economies that are grappling with low transparency.
The role of FraI in cell–cell communication and differentiation in the hormogonia-forming cyanobacterium
Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Janović Ana , Maldener Iris , Menzel Claudia , Parrett Gabriel A. , Risser Douglas D.
Published: July 2024

Multicellular cyanobacteria, like
Nostoc punctiforme,
rely on septal junctions for cell–cell communication, which is crucial for coordinating various physiological processes including differentiation of N
2
-fixing heterocysts, spore-like akinetes, and hormogonia—short, motile filaments important for dispersal. In this study, we functionally characterize a protein, encoded by gene Npun_F4142, which in a random mutagenesis approach, initially showed a motility-related function. The reconstructed Npun_F4142 knockout mutant exhibits further distinct phenotypic traits, including altered hormogonia formation with significant reduced motility, inability to differentiate heterocysts and filament fragmentation. For that reason, we named the protein FraI (fragmentation phenotype). The mutant displays severely impaired cell–cell communication, due to almost complete absence of the nanopore array in the septal cell wall, which is an essential part of the septal junctions. Despite lack of communication, hormogonia in the Δ
fraI
mutant maintain motility and phototactic behavior, even though less pronounced than the wild type (WT). This suggests an alternative mechanism for coordinated movement beyond septal junctions. Our study underscores the significance of FraI in nanopore formation and cell differentiation, and provides additional evidence for the importance of septal junction formation and communication in various differentiation traits of cyanobacteria. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory networks governing multicellular cyanobacterial behavior, with implications for broader insights into microbial multicellularity.

IMPORTANCE

The filament-forming cyanobacterium
Nostoc punctiforme
serves as a valuable model for studying cell differentiation, including the formation of nitrogen-fixing heterocysts and hormogonia. Hormogonia filaments play a crucial role in dispersal and plant colonization, providing a nitrogen source through atmospheric nitrogen fixation, thus holding promise for fertilizer-free agriculture. The coordination among the hormogonia cells enabling uniform movement toward the positive signal remains poorly understood. This study investigates the role of septal junction-mediated communication in hormogonia differentiation and motility, by studying a Δ
fraI
mutant with significantly impaired communication. Surprisingly, impaired communication does not abolish synchronized filament movement, suggesting an alternative coordination mechanism. These findings deepen our understanding of cyanobacterial biology and have broader implications for multicellular behavior in prokaryotes.
Elliptic Analogue of the Vershik–Kerov Limit Shape
Authors: Grekov Andrei , Nekrasov Nikita
Published: July 2024

We review the limit shape problem for the Plancherel measure and its generalizations found in supersymmetric gauge theory instanton count. We focus on the measure, interpolating between the Plancherel measure and the uniform measure, a $$U(1)$$ case of $$\mathcal{N}=2^{*}$$ gauge theory. We give the formula for its limit shape in terms of elliptic functions, generalizing the trigonometric “arcsin” law of Vershik–Kerov and Logan–Schepp.
Antibiotic use among extremely low birth-weight infants from 2009 to 2021: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Flannery Dustin D , Zevallos Barboza Alvaro , Mukhopadhyay Sagori , Gerber Jeffrey S , McDonough Molly , Shu Di , Hennessy Sean , Wade Kelly C , Puopolo Karen M
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess trends in antibiotic use across a large cohort of extremely low birth-weight (<1000 g; ELBW) infants admitted to academic and community neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the USA over a 13-year period.

Design

Repeated cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting

Premier Health Database, a comprehensive administrative database of inpatient encounters from academic and community hospitals across the US.

Patients

ELBW inborn infants admitted to NICUs from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2021.

Interventions

N/A

Main outcome measures

Absolute and relative changes in (1) proportion of ELBW infants with antibiotic exposure and (2) days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days, over time. Average annual differences were estimated using generalised linear regression with 95% CI. Disposition trends were also measured.

Results

Among 36 701 infants admitted to 402 NICUs, the proportion exposed to antibiotics was essentially unchanged (89.9% in 2009 to 89.3% in 2021; absolute reduction of −0.6%); generalised linear regression estimated an annual absolute difference of −0.3% (95% CI (−0.6%) to (−0.07%); p=0.01). DOT per 1000 patient days decreased from 337 in 2009 to 210 in 2021, a 37.8% relative difference and annual relative difference of −4.3% ((−5.2%) to (−3.5%); p<0.001). Mortality was unchanged during the study period.

Conclusions

We found a substantial reduction in antibiotic DOT despite no substantive change in the proportion of infants exposed to antibiotics. This suggests the success of stewardship efforts aimed at antibiotic duration and highlight the need for improved approaches to identifying ELBW infants at highest risk of infection.
Impact of residual retinal fluid on treatment outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zur Dinah , Guymer Robyn , Korobelnik Jean-François , Wu Lihteh , Viola Francesco , Eter Nicole , Baillif Stéphanie , Chen Youxin , Arnold Jennifer J
Published: July 2024

Treatment decisions for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the setting of individualised treatment regimens are adapted to disease activity. The main marker of disease activity and trigger for re-treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents is the presence of retinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Recently, attention has focused on the impact of residual retinal fluid on nAMD management. Based on a literature review and the combined clinical experience of an international group of retinal specialists, this manuscript provides expert guidance on the treatment of nAMD according to fluid status and proposes an algorithm for determining when to administer anti-VEGF treatment according to residual fluid status. We explore the role of residual fluid in treatment decisions and outcomes in nAMD, taking into consideration fluid evaluation and, in particular, distinguishing between fluid in different anatomic compartments and at different stages during the treatment course. Current limitations to identifying and interpreting fluid on OCT, and the assumption that any residual retinal fluid reflects ongoing VEGF activity, are discussed.
Association between blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio and 3-month outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study from a large healthcare system
Authors: Wang Liumin , Zhu Xinmei , Li Hui , Jia Boluo , Xie Wen , Zhang Yanli , Wang Lina , Liu Ling , Li Mingquan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The blood urea nitrogen to creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio is associated with early neurological deterioration in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). However, the predictive value of the BUN/Cr ratio for the AIS prognosis remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the correlation between the BUN/Cr ratio and the 3-month outcome in patients with AIS, further testing their dose–response relationship.

Design

This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with AIS who were admitted between 1 January 2013 and 31 May 2022. Poor clinical outcome was defined as 3-month Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) >2. Cox proportional HR was used to evaluate the correlation between the BUN/Cr ratio and 3-month outcome. Restricted cubic spline and robust locally weighted regression analyses were conducted to determine the dose–response relationship between the BUN/Cr ratio and the 3-month outcome.

Results

A total of 4952 eligible patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of BUN/Cr ratio (T1, <0.071; T2, 0.071–0.093; and T3, >0.093). After logistic regression adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, the BUN/Cr ratio was found to be independently associated with the 3-month outcome in patients with AIS. The restricted cubic spline and locally regression smoothing scatterplot graph showed a strong dose–response relationship between the BUN/Cr ratio and the 3-month outcome in patients with AIS.

Conclusion

A dose–response relationship was observed between the BUN/Cr ratio and the 3-month outcome in patients with AIS, suggesting that the BUN/Cr ratio could serve as a reliable predictor for the AIS prognosis.
The star–square relation and the generalized star–triangle relation from 3d supersymmetric dualities I
Authors: Mullahasanoglu Mustafa
Published: July 2024

We study duality transformations of the star–square relation and the generalized star–triangle relation for Ising-like lattice spin models. The lattice spin models are obtained via gauge/YBE correspondence which connects the supersymmetric gauge theories and lattice spin models of statistical mechanics. By the use of integral identities coming from the duality of three-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories, we construct hyperbolic, lens hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational solutions to the duality transformations. These duality transformations allow us to construct spin lattice models with four-spin (the star–square relation) and three-spin (the generalized star–triangle relation) interactions.
Mid-Infrared Spectrometer Based on Tunable Photoresponses in Pdse2
Authors: Lee Jea Jung , Levi Adi , Naveh Doron , Xia Fengnian
Published: July 2024

Mid-infrared (mid-IR) photodetection is important for various applications, including biomedical diagnostics, security, chemical identification, and free-spacing optical communications. However, conventional “photon” mid-IR photodetectors require liquid nitrogen cooling (i.e., MCT). Furthermore, acquiring mid-IR spectra usually involves a complex and expensive Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer, a tabletop instrument consisting of a meter-long interferometer and MCT detectors, which is not suitable for mobile and compact device applications. In this work, we present tunable photoresponsivity in the mid-IR wavelength in palladium diselenide (PdSe2) – molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) heterostructure field-effect transistors (FETs), operating at room temperature. Furthermore, we applied a tunable membrane cavity to modulate the Fabry–Pérot resonance to modulate the absorption spectrum of the device layer. We used a robust polyetherimide (PEI) membrane with CVD-grown graphene to electrically tune the membrane structure. For the next step, we will integrate the PdSe2-based photodetector and tunable membrane to increase detection sensitivity and spectrum tunability to realize the ‘learning’-based spectroscopy.
Analyzing the dynamics of multi-solitons and other solitons in the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Rehman Hamood Ur , Iqbal Ifrah , Medani Mohamed , Awan Aziz Ullah , Perveen Uzma , Alroobaea Roobaea
Published: July 2024

The perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation is employed to characterize the dynamics of optical wave propagation when confronted with dissipation (or gain) and nonlinear dispersion that vary with both time and space. This equation serves as a fundamental model for investigating pulse dynamics within optical fibers and has application to nanofiber applications. This study successfully discovers optical solitons within this framework using the unified solver, Jacobi elliptic function, and simplest equation methods. We extract solutions using hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions, including multi-solitons, dark, singular, bright, and periodic singular solitons. This study thoroughly compares our results with existing literature to provide novelty and significance of our findings. We have incorporated a detailed comparison between the methods employed in our study, which highlights their importance and strength. We have derived soliton solutions for the examined equations and generated 3D contour and 2D visual representations of the resulting solution functions. Alongside obtaining the soliton solutions, we offer a graphical exploration of how the parameters in the considered equations influence the system.
Optical soliton solutions of the third-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the absence of chromatic dispersion
Authors: Ozisik Muslum , Secer Aydin , Bayram Mustafa
Published: July 2024

This research paper is dedicated to the investigation of the optical soliton solutions with the power law of self-phase modulation (SPM) and the third-order dispersion (TOD), completely neglecting the chromatic dispersion (CD). The aim is focused on two main points. First, obtaining the straddled soliton solution which permits us to have bright and singular soliton by applying the new Kudryashov (nKM) scheme which was recently introduced as a simple, effective, and reliable method. Second, to observe the influences of the TOD, SPM, and inter-modal dispersion (IMD) on pure-cubic optical soliton dynamics in the absence of the CD.