bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extension of Hamiltonian Mechanics to Non-Conservative Systems Via Higher-Order Dynamics
Authors: Sanders John W. , Becker Eric T. , DeVoria Adam C.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a detailed review of the emerging topic of higher-order dynamics and their intrinsic variational structure, which has enabled—for the very first time in history—the general application of Hamiltonian formalism to non-conservative systems. Here the general theory is presented alongside several interesting applications that have been discovered to date. These include the direct modal analysis of non-proportionally damped dynamical systems, a new and more efficient algorithm for computing the resonant frequencies of damped systems with many degrees-of-freedom, and a canonical Hamiltonian formulation of the Navier–Stokes problem. A significant merit of the Hamiltonian formalism is that it leads to the transformation theory of Hamilton and Jacobi, and specifically the Hamilton–Jacobi equation, which reduces even the most complicated of problems to the search for a single scalar function (or functional, for problems in continuum mechanics). With the extension of the Hamiltonian framework to non-conservative systems, now every problem in classical mechanics can be reduced to the search for a single scalar. This discovery provides abundant opportunities for further research, and here we list just a few potential ideas. Indeed, the present authors believe there may be many more applications of higher-order dynamics waiting to be discovered.
Dynamic silicone hydrogel gauze coatings with dual anti-blood adhesion mechanism for rapid hemostasis and minimal secondary damage
Authors: Xu Xiubin , Chen Yanting , Li Yunlong , Li Xin , Bai Jian , Jiang Xusheng , Yu Danfeng , Wu Xu , Yao Xi
Published: December 2024

Hemostatic materials that can rapidly control bleeding without causing secondary damage or sharp pain upon removal are receiving increasing demands in acute trauma treatments and first-aid supplies. Here, we report the development of a dynamic silicone hydrogel coating on medical gauze to enable rapid hemostasis and synergistic anti-blood adhesion properties. The silicone hydrogel can spontaneously form oriented cross-linked structures on fibrous medical gauze through a solution-processing method to achieve macroscopic superhydrophobicity with microscopic surface slipperiness, resulting in excellent anti-blood adhesion with the on-wound peeling force at ~0 millinewton. The development of dynamic silicone hydrogel coating on medical gauze enables a unique integration of advanced features including instant bleeding control, excellent anti-blood adhesion, and excellent air permeability. The proposed strategy is also suitable for scalable production, making it promising in the applications of trauma management.
X-ray–induced acoustic computed tomography: 3D X-ray absorption imaging from a single view
Authors: Wang Siqi , Pandey Prabodh Kumar , Lee Gerald , van Bergen Rick J. P. , Sun Leshan , Xu Yifei , Xiang Liangzhong)
Published: December 2024

Computed tomography (CT) scanners are essential for modern imaging but require around 600 projections from various angles. We present x-ray–induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT), a method that uses radiation-induced acoustic waves for three-dimensional (3D) x-ray imaging. These spherical acoustic waves travel through tissue at 1.5 × 10
3
meters per second, much slower than x-rays, allowing ultrasound detectors to capture them and generate 3D images without mechanical scanning. We validate this theory by performing 3D numerical reconstructions of a human breast from a single x-ray projection and experimentally determining 3D structures of objects at different depths. Achieving resolutions of 0.4 millimeters in the
XZ
plane and 3.5 millimeters in the
XY
plane at a depth of 16 millimeters, XACT demonstrates the ability to produce 3D images from one x-ray projection, reducing radiation exposure and enabling gantry-free imaging. XACT shows great promise for biomedical and nondestructive testing applications, potentially replacing conventional CT.
Characterization and genomic analysis of the highly virulent
Acinetobacter baumannii
ST1791 strain dominating in Anhui, China
Authors: He Zhien , Huang Yi , Li Wei , Zhang Huanhuan , Cao Ruobing , Ali Md Roushan , Dai Yuanyuan , Lu Huaiwei , Wang Wanying , Niu Qiuhong , Sun Baolin , Li Yujie
Published: December 2024

The multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
clonal complex 92 is spreading worldwide due to its high-frequency gene mutation and recombination, posing a significant threat to global medical and health safety. Between November 2021 and April 2022, a total of 132 clinical
A. baumannii
isolates were collected from a tertiary hospital in China. Their growth ability and virulence of these isolates were assessed using growth curve analyses and the
Galleria mellonella
infection model. The genetic characteristics of the isolates were further examined through whole-genome sequencing. ST1791
O
/ST2
P
isolates represented the largest proportion of isolates in our collection and exhibited the highest growth rate and strongest virulence among all sequence types (STs) analyzed. Whole-genome sequences from 14,159 clinical isolates were collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, and only nine ST1791
O
/ST2
P
isolates were detected. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that ST1791
O
/ST2
P
carried 11 unique genes, 5 of which were located within the capsular polysaccharide synthesis (
cps
) gene cluster. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between ST1791
O
/ST2
P
and other isolates were primarily found in the cps gene cluster. Among the other isolates, ST195
O
/ST2
P
and ST208
O
/ST2
P
exhibited the smallest SNP differences from ST1791
O
/ST2
P
, while ST195
O
/ST2
P
and ST1486
O
/ST2
P
had high homology. The ST1791
O
/ST2
P
strain in Anhui, China, displayed significant homology with ST195
O
/ST2
P
, ST208
O
/ST2
P
, and ST1486
O
/ST2
P
isolates. Compared to other isolates in this study, ST1791
O
/ST2
P
exhibited strong growth ability and virulence. Therefore, preventing the further spread of ST1791
O
/ST2
P
should be a top public health priority.
Evaluation of aqueous chlorine and peracetic acid sanitizers to inactivate protozoa and bacteria of concern in agricultural water
Authors: McCaughan Kyle J. , Scott Zoe , Rock Channah , Kniel Kalmia E.
Published: December 2024

Agricultural water is a potential source of microbial contamination whereby
Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium,
and
Cyclospora cayetenensis
can enter the food supply. To reduce this risk, effective sanitization of agricultural water may be critical to food safety. As such, it is important to investigate the effects of aqueous peracetic acid (PAA) and chlorine (Cl) on bacteria and protozoa at different treatment times and temperatures in agricultural water with respect to key water characteristics. Multiple concentrations of each sanitizer, ranging from 3 to 200 ppm, were prepared in recently collected agricultural water, the solution was brought to the desired temperature, and the target organisms were added and left for the desired contact time (5 or 10 minutes) when sodium metabisulfite was added to neutralize the sanitizers. Bacterial samples were enumerated on MacConkey or XLT4 agar. Samples with protozoa were added to mammalian cell culture (HCT-8 cells for
Cryptosporidium parvum
and MDBK cells for
Eimeria tenella
). After 48 hours, the infected cells were collected, DNA extracted and infectivity assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Low and high concentrations of sanitizer were effective at eliminating bacteria with Cl being significantly (
P
< 0.05) more effective. The greatest reductions in
E. coli
and
Salmonella
(3.48 log and 2.5 log cfu/mL, respectively) were observed after 10 minutes of exposure to 10 ppm Cl. Concentrations of sanitizer 50 ppm and lower resulted in insignificant (
P
> 0.05) reductions in parasite infectivity of less than 1 log for both organisms. A 200 ppm PAA treatment reduced infectious oocyst populations by 3.8 log for
C. parvum
and 2.6 log for
E. tenella
, with Cl being significantly (
P
< 0.05) less effective against these organisms.

IMPORTANCE

This research is critical to inform decisions regarding the application and use of sanitizers in pre-harvest agricultural water settings to enhance food safety. Understanding the effectiveness of chlorine (Cl) and peracetic acid (PAA) on bacteria and protozoa will allow for the more efficient and practical use of these sanitizers, thus improving agricultural practices in ways that are beneficial to both growers and consumers.
Potassium molybdate blocks APN-dependent coronavirus entry by degrading receptor via PIK3C3-mediated autophagy
Authors: Zhang Yunhang , Zhang Na , Zhang Yue , Li Yang , Yang Ning , Cai Yifei , Tan Chen , Zhao Jing , Li Wenjie , Liu Yuanyuan , Rui Xue , Wu Junfei , Fu Yuguang , Liu Guangliang
Published: December 2024

Swine enteric coronaviruses pose a significant challenge to the global pig industry, inflicting severe diarrhea and high mortality rates among piglets, and resulting in substantial economic losses. In our clinical practice, we observed that the addition of potassium molybdate (PM) to the feed could dramatically reduce diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in piglets. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and merit further investigation. In this study, we revealed that PM effectively inhibited the infection of both aminopeptidase N (APN)-dependent coronaviruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), both
in vitro
and
ex vivo
. Specifically, PM was found to block TGEV and PRCV penetration by degrading the cell receptor APN through the upregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (PIK3C3) expression. In addition, knockdown and knockout of PIK3C3 resulted in the attenuation of PM-induced autophagy, thereby rescuing APN expression and viral infection. Correspondingly, replenishment of PIK3C3 in PIK3C3-null ST cells restored PM-mediated APN degradation and successfully blocked viral entry. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that PM promoted the assembly of the PIK3C3-BECN1-ATG14 complex, leading to induced autophagic degradation by upregulating PIK3C3 Ser249 phosphorylation.
In vivo
experiments further confirmed that PM-induced PIK3C3-mediated autophagic degradation of APN, thereby limiting the pathogenicity of TGEV. In summary, our study for the first time identified the mechanism by which PM blocked TGEV and PRCV internalization by degrading the cell receptor APN via PIK3C3-mediated autophagy. This study provides valuable insights and potential strategies for preventing APN-restricted coronavirus infection.

IMPORTANCE

Aminopeptidase N (APN) is one of the most important host receptors of coronavirus. Modulating APN expression can represent a novel approach for controlling APN-dependent coronaviruses and their variants infection. Here we found that a chemical compound potassium molybdate (PM) negatively regulates APN expression by inducing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (PIK3C3)-mediated autophagy against APN-dependent coronavirus internalization, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). Furthermore, PM can promote PIK3C3-BECN1-ATG14 complex assembly to induce autophagic degradation of APN by upregulating PIK3C3 Ser249 phosphorylation. Lastly, results from pig experiments also confirmed that PM can trigger PIK3C3-mediated autophagic degradation of APN to restrict TGEV pathogenicity
in vivo
without toxicity. Our findings underscore the promising potential of PM as an effective agent against APN-dependent coronavirus and potentially emerging viral disease entry.
A MALDI-TOF MS-based multiple detection panel of drug resistance-associated multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms in
Candida tropicalis
Authors: Wan Feifei , Zhang Min , Guo Jian , Lin Huiping , Zhou Xiaoguang , Wang Lixin , Wu Wenjuan
Published: December 2024

Candida tropicalis
is one of the main causes of invasive candidiasis. Rapid identification of antifungal resistance is crucial for selection of an appropriate antifungal to improve patient outcomes. Mutations at specific loci are strongly correlated with resistance to antifungal agents. In this study, we developed a multi-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to accurately identify 36 mutation sites across seven genes of
C. tropicalis
that are associated with resistance to azoles and/or echinocandins. Ten isolates were selected to test repeatability, and another 20 isolates of
C. tropicalis
were selected to validate consistency. Intra-assay and inter-assay repeatability of the panel was 100%, with the loci accuracy being 99.44% (716 of 720). Furthermore, 109 isolates were examined for clinical research, and the most commonly detected mutations were G751A and A866T of
UPC2
, A491T of
TAC1
, and A395T and C461T of
ERG11
. The G751A and A866T mutations of
UPC2
as well as the A395T and C461T mutations of
ERG11
co-existed. The SNP panel enables identification of specific mutations at critical sites of drug-resistant strains to facilitate the rapid selection of appropriate antifungal agents and efficient monitoring of the regional epidemiological trends of resistance of
C. tropicalis
.

IMPORTANCE

C. tropicalis
infections pose a growing global public health challenge, with mortality rates approaching 40%.
C. tropicalis
is one of the top four
Candida
spp. responsible for candidiasis, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America, notably affecting patients with neutropenia and malignancies. The azole resistance rate of
C. tropicalis
ranges from 0% to 30%. Between 2009 and 2018, the China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Network reported an increase in fluconazole and voriconazole resistance from 5.7% to ~30%. Although resistance to echinocandins and amphotericin B remains low, multi-resistance to echinocandins and azoles has been observed. Current methods for detecting drug resistance are limited by the long turnaround time of antifungal susceptibility testing, low throughput of Sanger sequence to target resistance mutations, complex data analysis, and high costs of second-generation sequencing. We developed and validated a rapid, high-throughput, and cost-effective panel to detect and monitor drug-resistance mutations of
C. tropicalis
.
Mitochondrial targeting of
Candida albicans
SPFH proteins and requirement of stomatins for SDS-induced stress tolerance
Authors: Kim Hyunjeong , Heredia Marienela Y. , Chen Xiao , Ahmed Maisha , Qasim Mohammad , Callender Tracy L. , Hernday Aaron D. , Rauceo Jason M.
Published: December 2024

The SPFH (stomatin, prohibitin, flotillin, and HflK/HflC) protein superfamily is conserved across all domains of life. Fungal SPFH proteins are required for respiration, stress adaptation, and membrane scaffolding. In the yeast
Candida albicans
, stomatin-like protein 3 (Slp3) forms punctate foci at the plasma membrane, and
SLP3
overexpression causes cell death following exposure to the surfactant, SDS, and the oxidative stressor, H
2
O
2
. Here, we sought to determine the cellular localization and functionally characterize stomatin-like protein 2 (Slp2), prohibitin-1 (Phb1), prohibitin-2 (Phb2), and prohibitin-12 (Phb12) in
C. albicans
. Cytological and western blotting results showed that Slp2-Gfp/Rfp and prohibitin-Gfp fusion proteins localize to the mitochondrion in yeast cells. Growth assay results did not identify any respiration defects in a panel of stomatin and prohibitin mutant strains, suggesting that SPFH respiratory function has diverged in
C. albicans
from other model eukaryotes. However, a
slp2Δ
/
Δ
/
slp3Δ
/
Δ
double mutant strain grew poorly in the presence of 0.08% SDS, accumulated intracellular reactive oxidative species, and displayed aberrant ergosterol distribution in the plasma membrane. These phenotypes were not observed in
slp2Δ
/
Δ
or
slp3Δ
/
Δ
single mutants, indicating a possible indirect genetic interaction between
SLP2
and
SLP3
. In addition,
slp2Δ
/
Δ
and
slp2Δ
/
Δ
/
slp3Δ
/
Δ
mutant strains were slightly resistant to the antifungal drug, fluconazole. Collectively, these findings reveal the cellular localization of Slp2, Phb1, Phb2, and Phb12, highlight the significance of stomatins in
C. albicans
SDS stress tolerance, and, for the first time, associate stomatins with antifungal resistance.

IMPORTANCE

Stomatins and prohibitins coordinate respiration and stress adaptation in fungi. Invasive mycoses caused by
Candida albicans
are a significant cause of morbidity, and candidemia patients show high mortality rates worldwide. Mitochondria are essential for
C. albicans
commensalism and virulence, and mitochondrial proteins are targets for antifungal interventions.
C. albicans
encodes five SPFH proteins: two stomatin-like proteins and three prohibitins. We have previously shown that Slp3 is important for
C. albicans
adaptation to various types of environmental stress. Moreover, synthetic compounds that bind to mammalian prohibitins inhibit
C. albicans
filamentation and are fungicidal. However, there is limited information available regarding the remaining SPFH proteins. Our findings show that mitochondrial localization of SPFH proteins is conserved in
C. albicans
. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of stomatins in plasma membrane and mitochondrial stress tolerance.
Geographical distribution of human pythiosis in the USA
Authors: Vilela Raquel , Grady Sue C. , Vilela Priscilla Rocha , Mendoza Leonel
Published: December 2024

For more than 100 years, the infections caused by
Pythium insidiosum
have been well documented in horses. However, recently, pythiosis was also described in several species, including dogs, cats, cattle, zoo captive animals, and humans. Human pythiosis is a life-threatening infection requiring an early diagnosis for a successful management. The clinical picture of pythiosis mirrors the clinical features of infections caused by other pathogens, including filamentous fungi, making its diagnosis challenging. This fact had led to several misdiagnosed cases involving filamentous fungal pathogens. The first pythiosis human case in the USA was reported in 1989. Soon after, various pythiosis cases of orbital disease in children and on the limbs of adults were sporadically diagnosed. To investigate the geographical distribution of human pythiosis in the USA, we constructed a density USA map using a recent report of pythiosis in animals highlighting the known human cases. Our data showed that
P. insidiosum
human infections in the USA are diagnosed in the same geographic areas where animal pythiosis occur. Physicians handling clinical cases like those so far reported can use the geographic distribution of pythiosis human cases in this study as a guide in their clinical diagnosis and in the early management of putative cases.

IMPORTANCE

The relevance of the study not only resides in the epidemiological distribution of animal human pythiosis in the USA (our team’s recent publication), but also shows physicians the areas where
Pythium insidiosum
thrive in endemic areas. Our manuscript shows to the medical and veterinary communities the current areas of human and animal pythiosis, an event that could have a direct impact on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of pythiosis.
A unique
Helicobacter pylori
strain to study gastric cancer development
Authors: Whitmire Jeannette M. , Windham Ian H. , Makobongo Morris O. , Westland Mandy D. , Tran Sirena C. , Piñol Jaume , Hui Yvonne , Raheem Alkarkoushi Rasha , Pich Oscar Q. , McGee David J. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Melton-Celsa Angela , Testerman Traci L. , Cover Timothy L. , Merrell D. Scott
Published: December 2024

Helicobacter pylori
colonizes a majority of the human population worldwide and can trigger development of a variety of gastric diseases. Since the bacterium is classified as a carcinogen, elucidation of the characteristics of
H. pylori
that influence gastric carcinogenesis is a high priority. To this end, the Mongolian gerbil infection model has proven to be an important tool to study gastric cancer progression. However, only a small number of
H. pylori
strains have been evaluated in the gerbil model. Thus, to identify additional strains able to colonize and induce disease in this model, several
H. pylori
strains were used to infect Mongolian gerbils, and stomachs were harvested at multiple timepoints to assess colonization and gastric pathology. The USU101 strain reproducibly colonized Mongolian gerbils and induced gastric inflammation in the majority of the animals 1 month after infection. Adenocarcinoma or dysplasia was observed in the majority of gerbils by 2 months post-infection. To define the contribution of key virulence factors to this process, isogenic strains lacking
cagA
or
vacA
, along with restorant strains containing a wild-type (WT) copy of the genes, were studied. The Δ
cagA
USU101 strain colonized gerbils at levels similar to WT, but did not induce comparable levels of inflammation or disease. In contrast, the Δ
vacA
USU101 strain did not colonize gerbils, and the stomach pathology resembled that of the mock-infected animals. The restorant USU101 strains expressed the CagA and VacA proteins
in vitro
, and
in vivo
experiments with Mongolian gerbils showed a restoration of colonization levels and inflammation scores comparable to those observed in WT USU101. Our studies indicate that the USU101 strain is a valuable tool to study
H. pylori
-induced disease.

IMPORTANCE

Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death globally; the majority of gastric cancers are associated with
Helicobacter pylori
infection. Infection of Mongolian gerbils with
H. pylor
i has been shown to result in induction of gastric cancer, but few
H. pylori
strains have been studied in this model; this limits our ability to fully understand gastric cancer pathogenesis in humans because
H. pylori
strains are notoriously heterogenous. Our studies reveal that USU101 represents a unique
H. pylori
strain that can be added to our repertoire of strains to study gastric cancer development in the Mongolian gerbil model.
Deformation mechanisms and geometries of superposed fault zones in dolostones
Authors: Diamanti Renato , Vitale Stefano , Russo Giacomo , Vitale Enza , Camanni Giovanni
Published: December 2024

Understanding how heterogeneous rock volumes deform is crucial in structural geology, and several studies have addressed this issue by focusing on the impact that the mechanical stratigraphy of a layered stratigraphic sequence has on deformation. However, mechanical layering can also develop subparallel to fault surfaces within the upper crust, and how these anisotropies affect subsequent deformation has been much less explored. This work addresses this aspect by structurally and mechanically characterizing superposed fault zones developed in Triassic dolostones that crop out in the fold-and-thrust belt of the southern Apennines. We investigate how layering associated with an early, reservoir-scale, normal fault zone (F1), inherited from Upper Triassic−Lower Jurassic pre-orogenic extension, influenced the deformation mechanisms and the geometry of younger strike-slip faults (F2) that formed at an angle to it in the early Pliocene in association with out-of-sequence tectonics during the Apennine orogeny. We combined field surveys and laboratory analyses using a multiscalar and multimethodological approach. Meso- and microstructural observations and geomechanical, laboratory, and in situ tests were employed to describe fault rock attributes. We found that the architecture of the F1 normal fault primarily consists of four tens-of-meters-thick, subparallel fault rock units. They have a cataclastic core, and are bounded in the hanging wall by cemented micromosaic breccia, and in the footwall by high-strain and low-strain fault rocks. The younger F2 strike-slip faults developed alternatively as either cataclastic shear bands or compaction bands and occur in either localized or anastomosing geometries. By combining data, we demonstrate that the particle size distribution, porosity, and rock strength of the fault rock units related to older normal faults are the main controls on the deformation mechanisms (i.e., cataclasis versus compaction) and geometry (i.e., localized anastomosed) of the subsequent strike-slip faults. Our study highlights that preexisting highly porous fault rocks favor the development of compaction deformation bands. Conversely, low rock strength facilitates the formation of discrete and diffuse slip surfaces. These results can have significant implications for assessing fluid flow in multifaulted dolomite reservoirs.
A reinterpretation of the past 2.5 billion years of Earth’s tectonic history: Two episodes each of plate and single-lid tectonics
Authors: Stern Robert J.
Published: December 2024

This paper reinterprets the past 2.5 billion years of Earth’s tectonic history as four alternating episodes when plate tectonics dominated and when it did not. Solar System exploration over the past 50 years reveals that 75% of the four actively convecting silicate bodies (Venus, Earth, Mars, and Io) do not have plate tectonics. Instead, their deformed and magmatically active lithospheres are better characterized as coherent, if deformed, single lids. I identified geologic indicators of plate tectonic regimes and single-lid tectonic regimes, used published compilations of these, and worked backward in time to 2.5 Ga. This analysis reveals four distinct tectonic episodes, two each of plate tectonics and single-lid tectonics. The youngest is the current episode of plate tectonics (PT2), which began at ca. 800 Ma. PT2 was preceded by an ∼600-m.y.-long episode of single-lid tectonics during the Mesoproterozoic (SL2). SL2 was preceded by an ∼300-m.y.-long episode of plate tectonics in mid-Paleoproterozoic time (PT1). The oldest post-2.5 Ga tectonic episode was an enigmatic ∼200-m.y.-long interval of single-lid tectonics in early Paleoproterozoic time (SL1). Each episode is separated from earlier and later episodes by transitional periods lasting 100−200 m.y. This reinterpretation of Earth’s post-2.5 Ga tectonic history helps to explain why Earth’s mantle is warmer than it would be if it had cooled as rapidly as it is cooling today—that is, if plate tectonics operated continuously during this time. It also moots the question of “When did plate tectonics start?” and suggests that a better question is, “How far back in time can we confidently reconstruct Earth’s tectonic history?” The reframed question provides new research opportunities and insights into mineralization, climate, and biologic evolution, and opens the door to a better understanding of Archean, especially Late Archean, tectonics.
Acute pseudoaneurysm following cutaneous carcinoma excision: management and clinical insights
Authors: Gadsbøll Erik , Warming Nikolaj , Kragh Emma Lundby , Juhl Alexander Andersen
Published: December 2024

A man in his 80s with a biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma on his left temple. The team encountered complications such as postoperative bleeding, infection and pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery. Key learning points include recognising and managing rare complications, such as pseudoaneurysms. Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery is a rare complication associated with cutaneous carcinoma excision and might first appear days to weeks after surgery.
Wessely-type immune ring following collagen cross-linking
Authors: Vaz Mariana Domingues , Machado Ines , Loureiro Tomás , Campos Nuno
Published: December 2024

A woman in her early 20s with progressive keratoconus underwent corneal collagen cross-linking using the sub400 protocol. The central 5.5 mm of the epithelium was removed after the application of 20% alcohol. Topical riboflavin 0.1% was applied every 3 min for 30 min and then irradiated with UV-A light (irradiance of 3 mW/cm2for 16 min). At the end of the procedure, a therapeutic contact lens was placed and ofloxacin 0.3% (4 times daily), dexamethasone 0.1% (4 times daily) and lubricant (hourly) drops were prescribed.

Two days after the procedure, the patient presented with a painless red eye. A 360° peripheral ring-like infiltrate was observed in the 5.5 mm zone, consistent with a sterile infiltrate. Dexamethasone 0.1% drops were prescribed and tapered for 1 month. Although the infiltrate gradually decreased under corticosteroid therapy, the patient’s condition worsened after discontinuation of treatment. Treatment was resumed and complete recovery was observed 4 months later.
Unilateral congenital knee dislocation: effective conservative treatment
Authors: Adam Mosab Hussen Mostafa , Khidir Reem Jamal Yousif , Ibrahim Basil , Awadalla Alaa Ata Elmanan Elsiddig , Almahdi Abdalsalam
Published: December 2024

Congenital knee dislocation (CKD) is a rare condition; it occurs when the femoral condyle is posteriorly placed in relation to the proximal articular surface of the tibia. This displacement can happen in isolation or in association with other syndromes. Physical examination at birth is important in diagnosing CKD, with many classifications that guide its diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of a newborn male diagnosed with isolated right CKD. On examination, the diagnosis was confirmed as grade II CKD using the Tarek classification. Serial casting was adopted as initial conservative management which resulted in cumulative improvement. The child was followed up to the age of 1 year at which time he showed a complete range of motion and normal motor development.
Sex-differences in reporting of statin-associated diabetes mellitus to the US Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Kao David P , Martin James L , Aquilante Christina L , Shalowitz Elise L , Leyba Katarina , Kudron Elizabeth , Reusch Jane E B , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasingly recognized as a possible consequence of statin therapy. Secondary analysis of randomized clinical trials and limited observational cohort analyses have suggested that women may be more likely than men to experience statin-associated DM. No analyses of real-world drug safety data addressing this question have been published.

Research design and methods

This was a retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis of spontaneously reported adverse drug events (ADEs) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System between January 1997 through December 2023. We analyzed cases that mentioned atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin in aggregate as well as cases reporting atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin individually. DM events were identified using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. We used the proportional reporting ratio to identify increased rates of statin-associated DM events in women and men compared with all other medications, and the reporting OR to compare reporting rates in women versus men.

Results

A total of 18,294,814 ADEs were reported during the study period. Among statin-associated ADEs, 14,874/519,209 (2.9%) reports mentioned DM in women compared with 7,411/489,453 (1.5%) in men, which were both significantly higher than background (0.6%). Statins were the primary-suspected or secondary-suspected cause of the ADE significantly more often in women than men (60 vs 30%), and reporting rates were disproportionately higher in women than in men for all statins. (reporting OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.0)). The largest difference in reporting of statin-associated DM between women and women was observed with atorvastatin.

Conclusions

Analysis of post-marketing spontaneous ADE reports demonstrated a higher reporting rate of DM-associated with statin use compared with other medications with a significantly higher reporting rate in women compared with men. Future studies should consider mechanisms of statin-associated DM moderated by sex.
Evaluation of a strategic academic-government partnership to advance COVID-19 clinical practice guidelines access and uptake in South Africa
Authors: Schmidt Bey-Marrie , Kredo Tamara , Leong Trudy Desirie D , Young Taryn , Jessani Nasreen
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Academic–government partnerships are important to advance timely, responsive and relevant evidence for decision-making (policy, guideline, law and regulation) deliberations. Deliberate and strategic integrated knowledge translation (KT) approaches within such partnerships have been shown to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM). We used Cochrane’s KT Framework to map and analyse COVID-19 response activities instituted by a strategic academic-government partnership to support EIDM during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

Methods

We used Cochrane’s KT Framework to map and analyse COVID-19 response activities instituted by a strategic academic–government partnership to support EIDM during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. The COVID-19 response activities included coproducing rapid therapeutics reviews, engaging stakeholders with review evidence, packaging and disseminating review products, facilitating access to rapid reviews for evidence users and adapting partnership processes for rapid review production.

Results

This paper highlights the importance of (a) authentic partnerships between evidence producers and users (motivated by context-specific goals, trust and relationships); (b) intentional and systematic stakeholder engagement to promote the rapid exchange of information; (c) using tailored, responsive and relevant KT to promote the uptake of evidence and (d) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of KT to identify lessons learnt and adaptation of KT approaches.

Conclusion

In responding to future emergencies, a comprehensive KT strategy, including the expertise of KT practitioners and science communicators to make evidence and guideline recommendations accessible, should be embedded. Additionally, streamlining bureaucratic processes for approving and communicating information; identifying and addressing decision-maker capacity needs; engaging a range of stakeholders and integrating KT in usual decision-making processes, is recommended. Adequate investment by governments is needed for sustaining KT approaches that can enhance EIDM for improving public health outcomes.
Fewer relapses and worse outcomes of patients with late-onset myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease
Authors: Fan Yuxin , Wang Zhouzhou , Wu Yuhang , Zhou Lei , Wang Liang , Huang Wenjuan , Tan Hongmei , Chang Xuechun , ZhangBao Jingzi , Quan Chao
Published: December 2024

Background

To delineate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of late-onset myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (LO-MOGAD) and compare them with those of early-onset MOGAD (EO-MOGAD).

Methods

This observational cohort study included 199 adult patients with MOGAD. We reviewed the patients’ demographic and clinical data and performed comparative analyses between EO-MOGAD and LO-MOGAD (onset age 18–50 and ≥50 years, respectively).

Results

Among the 199 patients, 42 had LO-MOGAD. Compared with patients with EO-MOGAD, those with LO-MOGAD patients exhibited a significantly higher incidence of optic neuritis both at the initial attack (66.67% vs 43.31%, p=0.007) and throughout all attacks (72.15% vs 52.51%, p=0.001). Over a similar disease duration, patients with LO-MOGAD exhibited significantly fewer relapsing courses (45.16% vs 70.97%), higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and visual functional system scores at the last visit (all p<0.05). Compared with patients with EO-MOGAD, those with LO-MOGAD had a significantly lower risk of relapse (HR 0.512, 95% CI 0.268 to 0.978, p=0.034), but higher risks of reaching EDSS ≥2 (HR 2.893, 95% CI 1.524 to 5.494, p<0.001) and visual acuity ≤0.6 (HR 3.097, 95% CI 1.073 to 8.937, p=0.022). Immunosuppressive therapies significantly reduced the annualised relapse rates of patients with LO-MOGAD, although adverse events leading to drug discontinuation and hospitalisation were observed.

Conclusions

Compared with patients with EO-MOGAD, patients with LO-MOGAD exhibited fewer relapsing courses but worse disability outcomes and should be actively treated.
Distinct journeys and unique stories: how individuals from multiple professions cultivate careers in healthcare leadership
Authors: Gregor Sarah , Mulholland Alannah Delaine , Brydges Ryan , Bulmer Beverly , Kangasjarvi Emilia , Onyura Betty , Lieff Susan , Ng Stella
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Strong hospital leadership is critical to navigating the challenges of the Canadian healthcare system. Currently, physicians and nurses tend to be selected to fulfil hospital executive roles. To date, we found only limited research exploring who elsecouldor should be in these roles, or how more diverse groups of professionals navigate the journey into these roles. We sought to interview leaders from multiple professional backgrounds to understand how their career journey led them to their executive role.

Methods

We purposively sampled Canadian hospital executives with diverse professional and educational backgrounds. Through semistructured interviews, we explored their individual leadership journeys, and their experiences working with others along the way. Our team worked together to analyse data using a phenomenographic approach.

Results

Fourteen executive-level leaders from diverse professional backgrounds were interviewed. Overall, we noted three main trajectories for people to become hospital leaders: the achievement journey, the unexpected journey and the practical journey. These journeys corresponded to three main identities the champion leader, the discovered leader and the pragmatic leader, respectively. We found that some individuals had multiple trajectories and identities.

Conclusions

Improved diversity in executive hospital leadership may support transformational change in healthcare; however, this promise may not be automatically realised. Critical reflection on current hiring processes, career development and mentorship is warranted to support those with diverse and distinct backgrounds to enter and thrive in these roles.
CONUS+ Experiment
Authors: Ackermann N. , Armbruster S. , Bonet H. , Buck C. , Fülber K. , Hakenmüller J. , Hempfling J. , Heusser G. , Lindner M. , Maneschg W. , Ni K. , Rank M. , Rink T. , García E. Sánchez , Stalder I. , Strecker H. , Wink R. , Woenckhaus J. ,   CONUS Collaboration
Published: December 2024

The CONUS experiment aims to detect coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE

$$\nu $$

ν

NS) of reactor antineutrinos on germanium nuclei in the fully coherent regime, continuing on this way the CONUS physics program started at the Brokdorf nuclear power plant, Germany. The CONUS setup is installed in the nuclear power plant in Leibstadt, Switzerland, at a distance of 20.7 m from the 3.6 GW thermal power reactor core. The CE

$$\nu $$

ν

NS signature will be measured with the same four point-contact high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors produced for the former experiment, however refurbished and with optimized low energy thresholds of about 160 

$$\hbox {eV}_{ee}$$

eV

ee

. To suppress the background in the CONUS detectors, the passive and active layers of the original CONUS shield were modified such to fit better to the significantly changed background conditions at the new experimental location. New data acquisition and monitoring systems were developed. A direct network connection between the experiment and the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (MPIK) makes it possible to control and monitor data acquisition in real time. The impact of all these modifications is discussed with particular emphasis on the resulting CE

$$\nu $$

ν

NS signal prediction for the first data collection phase of CONUS. Prospects of the planned upgrade in a second phase integrating new larger HPGe detectors are also discussed.
Brane-vector dark matter and its connection to inflation and primordial gravitational waves
Authors: Nam Cao H. , Hung Tran N.
Published: December 2024

The scalar mode describing the fluctuation of the 3-brane (the observable universe) in a five-dimensional bulk spacetime compactified on a circle is absorbed by the Kaluza–Klein U(1) gauge field, leading to a massive brane-vector living on the 3-brane. The brane-vector can be responsible for dark matter because it is odd under a

$$\textrm{Z}_2$$

Z
2

symmetry, neutral under the Standard Model (SM) symmetries, and couples extremely weak to the SM particles due to its gravitational origin. Interestingly, the brane-vector dark matter could leave particular imprints on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the primordial gravitational waves. Hence, the precise measurements of the CMB and the observations of the primordial gravitational waves generated during inflation can provide a potential way to probe the extra-dimensions and branes which are the main ingredients of string/M theory.
Line and surface defects in 5D $$N=2$$ SCFT from matter-coupled F(4) gauged supergravity
Authors: Karndumri Parinya
Published: December 2024

We study supersymmetric solutions of matter-coupled F(4) gauged supergravity in the forms of

$$AdS_2\times S^3$$

A
d

S
2

×

S
3

- and

$$AdS_3\times S^2$$

A
d

S
3

×

S
2

-sliced domain walls with a non-vanishing two-form field from the supergravity multiplet. These two types of solutions holographically describe conformal line and surface defects within five-dimensional

$$N=2$$

N
=
2

SCFTs, respectively. In the case of

$$SO(3)\times SO(3)$$

S
O
(
3
)
×
S
O
(
3
)

gauge group obtained by coupling F(4) supergravity to three vector multiplets, we find charged domain wall solutions describing holographic RG flows between two supersymmetric

$$AdS_6$$

A
d

S
6

vacua with a running two-form field supporting the line and surface defects. For a particular case of one vector multiplet with

$$SO(3)\times U(1)$$

S
O
(
3
)
×
U
(
1
)

gauge group, we find solutions describing RG flows from an

$$AdS_6$$

A
d

S
6

vacuum to physically acceptable singular geometries in the presence of defects. This class of solutions can be uplifted to type IIB theory using a consistent truncation obtained from SO(5, 5) exceptional field theory with half-maximal structures.
Kinks and double-kinks in generalized $$\phi ^{4}$$- and $$\phi ^{8}$$-models
Authors: Lima F. C. E. , Casana R. , Almeida C. A. S.
Published: December 2024

Examining the

$$\phi ^{4}$$

ϕ
4

and

$$\phi ^{8}$$

ϕ
8

models within a two-dimensional framework in the flat spacetime and embracing a theory with unconventional kinetic terms, one investigates the emergence of kinks/antikinks and double-kinks/antikinks. We devote our study to obtaining the field configurations with minimal energy, i.e., solutions possessing a Bogomol’nyi–Prasad–Sommerfield’s bound. Next, to accomplish our goal, we adopt non-polynomial generalizing functions, namely, hyperbolic sine and cosine functions: the first produce BPS potentials exhibiting a minimum at

$$\phi =0$$

ϕ
=
0

, facilitating the emergence of genuine double-kink-type configurations. Conversely, the second promotes the rise of kink-type solutions.
Self-Similarity Analysis of Heartbeat Fluctuations in Sleep Among Female Shift Workers
Authors: Delgado-Aranda Raquel , Dorantes-Méndez Guadalupe , Bianchi Anna Maria , Kortelainen Juha M. , Méndez Martin O.
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular signals exhibit self-similarity characteristics, which are influenced by changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation caused by shift work. This study aims to assess the self-similarity properties of inter-beat interval (IBI) in healthy female shift workers and non-shift workers in different sleep stages to detect alterations in heartbeat fluctuations due to shift work. Short- and long-term self-similarity properties of the IBI signal ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] scaling exponents, respectively) were analyzed using Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. Time and frequency indices were also calculated. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce dimensionality and evaluate group separability based on the obtained features. Most indices showed similar values in the different sleep stages for both groups, but [Formula: see text] during light sleep and sympathovagal balance during REM sleep showed a significant decrease in shift workers compared to non-shift workers ([Formula: see text]). In addition, PCA was able to separate shift workers from non-shift workers and differentiate between nighttime and daytime sleep of workers. This analysis aids in identifying cardiovascular impairment associated with shift work and suggests a loss of ANS self-similarity in shift workers, indicating reduced adaptive capacity. Such alterations in ANS behavior could lead to serious health consequences related to cardiovascular disease.
Johnson–Sinclair theorem for φ-derivations on Banach–Jordan rings
Authors: Zarhouti Chafika , Marhnine Hassan
Published: December 2024

[Formula: see text]-derivations defined from a Banach–Jordan pair [Formula: see text] into a semisimple Banach–Jordan pair [Formula: see text] are automatically continuous provided that [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] is an epimorphism.
Methanation of carbon dioxide over zirconium-tin oxide-based catalyst
Authors: Nunotani Naoyoshi , Ogino Yuki , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: December 2024

An advanced catalyst, Ni/ZrSn[Formula: see text]Ce[Formula: see text]O4/[Formula: see text]-Al2O3, was synthesized for the methanation of CO2 under moderate conditions of atmospheric pressure and low H2 concentration (4 vol%). The use of scrutinyite-type ZrSn[Formula: see text]Ce[Formula: see text]O4 improved the catalytic activity, likely because of abundant oxygen vacancies for CO2 adsorption and good redox properties for cleavage of the C-O bond of adsorbed CO2. The CH4 yield of 18 wt.% Ni/20 wt.% ZrSn[Formula: see text]Ce[Formula: see text]O4/[Formula: see text]-Al2O3 reached 61.0% with high CO2 conversion (58.4%) at [Formula: see text]C using 1 vol% CO2-4vol% H2-95 vol% Ar at atmospheric pressure.
Adversarial Binaries: AI-guided Instrumentation Methods for Malware Detection Evasion
Authors: Koch Luke , Begoli Edmon
Published: December 2024

Adversarial binaries are executable files that have been altered without loss of function by an AI agent in order to deceive malware detection systems. Progress in this emergent vein of research has been constrained by the complex and rigid structure of executable files. Although prior work has demonstrated that these binaries deceive a variety of malware classification models which rely on disparate feature sets, a consensus as to the best approach has not been reached, either in terms of the optimization algorithms or the instrumentation methods. Although inconsistencies in the data sets, target classifiers, and functionality verification methods make head-to-head comparisons difficult, we extract lessons learned and make recommendations for future research.