bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of time-dependent dialysate bicarbonate concentrations on acid–base and uremic solute kinetics during hemodialysis treatments
Authors: Wieliczko Monika , Twardowska-Kawalec Malgorzata , Debowska Malgorzata , Pietribiasi Mauro , Bialonczyk Urszula , Waniewski Jacek , Leypoldt John K. , Matuszkiewicz-Rowinska Joanna , Malyszko Jolanta
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have suggested benefits for time-dependent dialysate bicarbonate concentrations (Dbic) during hemodialysis (HD). In this clinical trial, we compared for the first time in the same HD patients the effects of time-dependent changes with constant Dbic on acid–base and uremic solute kinetics. Blood acid–base and uremic solute concentration were measured in twenty chronic HD patients during 4-h treatments with A) constant Dbic of 35 mmol/L; B) Dbic of 35 mmol/L then 30 mmol/L; and C) Dbic of 30 mmol/L then 35 mmol/L (change of Dbic after two hours during Treatments B and C). Arterial blood samples were obtained predialysis, every hour during HD and one hour after HD, during second and third treatments of the week with each Dbic concentration profile. Blood bicarbonate concentration (blood [HCO3]) during Treatment C was lower only during the first three HD hours than in Treatment A. Overall blood [HCO3] was reduced during Treatment B in comparison to Treatment A at each time points. We conclude that a single change Dbic in the middle of HD can alter the rate of change in blood [HCO3] and pH during HD; time-dependent Dbic had no influence on uremic solute kinetics.
NKG2D knockdown improves hypoxic-ischemic brain damage by inhibiting neuroinflammation in neonatal mice
Authors: Liu Lin , Yang Yuxin , Wu Ting , Du Junrong , Long Fangyi
Published: January 2024

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a leading cause of neonatal death and neurological dysfunction. Neuroinflammation is identified as one of the crucial pathological mechanisms after HIBD, and natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) is reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of immunoinflammatory diseases. However, the role of NKG2D in neonatal HIBD is seldomly investigated. In this study, a neonatal mice model of HIBD was induced, and the role of the NKG2D in neuroinflammation and brain injury was explored by intracerebroventricular injection of lentivirus to knockdown NKG2D in neonatal mice with HIBD. The results showed that a significant increase in NKG2D protein level in the brain of neonatal mice with HIBD. The NKG2D knockdown in the brain significantly alleviated cerebral infarction, neurobehavioral deficits, and neuronal loss in neuronal HIBD. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of NKG2D knockdown was associated with inhibition of the activation of microglia and astrocytes, expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) and DAP10, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Our findings reveal NKG2D knockdown may exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in the neonatal mice with HIBD through downregulation of NKG2D/NKG2DLs/DAP10/NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that NKG2D may be a potential target for the treatment of neonatal HIBD.
Follow-up short and long-term mortalities of tracheostomized critically ill patients in an Italian multi-center observational study
Authors: Vargas Maria , Battaglini Denise , Antonelli Massimo , Corso Ruggero , Frova Giulio , Merli Guido , Petrini Flavia , Ranieri Marco V. , Sorbello Massimiliano , Di Giacinto Ida , Terragni Pierpaolo , Brunetti Iole , Servillo Giuseppe , Pelosi Paolo
Published: January 2024

The effects of tracheostomy on outcome as well as on intra or post-operative complications is yet to be defined. Admission of patients with tracheostomy to rehabilitation facility is at higher risk of suboptimal care and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate ICU mortality, clinical outcome and quality of life up to 12 months after ICU discharge in tracheostomized critically ill patients. This is a prospective, multi-center, cohort study endorsed by Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Reanimation, and Intensive Care (SIAARTI Prot. n° 643/13) registered in Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT01899352). Patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and requiring elective tracheostomy according to physician in charge decision were included in the study. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for ICU mortality, prevalence of mortality at follow-up, rate of discharge from the hospital and rehabilitation, quality of life, performance status, and management of tracheostomy cannula at 3-, 6, 12-months from the day of tracheostomy. 694 critically ill patients who were tracheostomized in the ICU were included. ICU mortality was 15.8%. Age, SOFA score at the day of the tracheostomy, and days of endotracheal intubation before tracheostomy were risk factors for ICU mortality. The regression tree analysis showed that SOFA score at the day of tracheostomy and age had a preeminent role for the choice to perform the tracheostomy. Of the 694 ICU patients with tracheostomy, 469 completed the 12-months follow-up. Mortality was 33.51% at 3-months, 45.30% at 6-months, and 55.86% at 12-months. Patients with tracheostomy were less likely discharged at home but at hospital facilities or rehabilitative structures; and quality of life of patients with tracheostomy was severely compromised at 3–6 and 12 months when compared with patients without tracheostomy. In patients admitted to ICU, tracheostomy is associated with high mortality, difficult rehabilitation, and decreased quality of life. The choice to perform a tracheostomy should be carefully weighed on family burden and health-related quality of life.

Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT01899352).
Gravity-induced seismicity modulation on planetary bodies and their natural satellites
Authors: Senapati Batakrushna , Kundu Bhaskar , Jha Birendra , Jin Shuanggen
Published: January 2024

Ground-based monitoring of seismicity and modulation by external forces in the field of planetary seismology remains equivocal due to the lack of natural observations. Constrained by the natural observations (including Earthquakes, Moonquakes, and Marsquakes) and theoretical models, we present the variation in gravitational acceleration “g” of different solar system objects, combined with external harmonic forcings that are responsible for seismicity modulation on the planetary bodies and their natural satellites. From the global diversity in seismicity modulation, it has been observed that the plate-boundary regions on the Earth exhibit both short and long-period seismicity modulation. In contrast, the stable plate interior regions appear to be more sensitive to long-period seismicity modulation, however, lacking in short-period modulation. The deep Moonquakes are susceptible for both the lunar tidal period (13.6 days and 27 days) and long-period pole wobble modulation (206 days), whereas shallow emergent type moonquakes show a seismic periodicity at the lunation period (29.5 days). Further, the seasonal variation with an annual seismicity burst and seismic periodicity at polar wobble periods for high-frequency Marsquakes captured by InSight lander indicate a natural origin. Whereas diurnal and semi-diurnal periodicity along with Phobos’ tidal period, indicate possible artifacts due to different detection probabilities and non-seismic noise in the Martian environment. We argue that, in the context of rate-state-dependent fault friction, the gravity-induced resonance destabilization model appears to be better agreement with the contrast and relative diversity in seismicity modulation linked to the Earth, Moon, and Mars.
Ventilation control of road tunnels towards disturbance suppression
Authors: Wang Yimeng , Zhou Changxuan , Zhao Qitao , Jia Ruihan , Wu Wei
Published: January 2024

In recent years, research on ventilating tunnels has become increasingly important. However, the impact of external disturbances on ventilating systems has been largely ignored. To address this issue of frequent airflow fluctuations caused by external perturbations, which cannot be fully compensated using conventional control methods, this study proposes a perturbation-compensated ventilation control approach. A disturbance compensator is developed by incorporating the tunnel’s airflow velocity and the number of jet fan start-stop events as input parameters. By compensating for external disturbances, the disturbance to the system is reduced. The Simulink model of the tunnel controller was used for simulation experiments. The compensator demonstrated good tracking results in comparison experiments with different disturbances. The ventilation approach based on disturbance compensator is capable of regulating the fluctuation of CO concentration within a justifiable range compared to using PID control and ADRC. This not only improves the stability of the entire control system but also significantly prolongs the service life of the jet fan by reducing the frequency of start-stop cycles.
Optimized network based natural language processing approach to reveal disease comorbidities in COVID-19
Authors: Duman Emre Taylan , Tuna Gizem , Ak Enes , Avsar Gülben , Pir Pinar
Published: January 2024

A novel virus emerged from Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 and quickly evolved into a pandemic, significantly impacting various industries, especially healthcare. One critical lesson from COVID-19 is the importance of understanding and predicting underlying comorbidities to better prioritize care and pharmacological therapies. Factors like age, race, and comorbidity history are crucial in determining disease mortality. While clinical data from hospitals and cohorts have led to the identification of these comorbidities, traditional approaches often lack a mechanistic understanding of the connections between them. In response, we utilized a deep learning approach to integrate COVID-19 data with data from other diseases, aiming to detect comorbidities with mechanistic insights. Our modified algorithm in the mpDisNet package, based on word-embedding deep learning techniques, incorporates miRNA expression profiles from SARS-CoV-2 infected cell lines and their target transcription factors. This approach is aligned with the emerging field of network medicine, which seeks to define diseases based on distinct pathomechanisms rather than just phenotypes. The main aim is discovery of possible unknown comorbidities by connecting the diseases by their miRNA mediated regulatory interactions. The algorithm can predict the majority of COVID-19's known comorbidities, as well as several diseases that have yet to be discovered to be comorbid with COVID-19. These potentially comorbid diseases should be investigated further to raise awareness and prevention, as well as informing the comorbidity research for the next possible outbreak.
Boosting-based ensemble machine learning models for predicting unconfined compressive strength of geopolymer stabilized clayey soil
Authors: Abdullah Gamil M. S. , Ahmad Mahmood , Babur Muhammad , Badshah Muhammad Usman , Al-Mansob Ramez A. , Gamil Yaser , Fawad Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The present research employs new boosting-based ensemble machine learning models i.e., gradient boosting (GB) and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) to predict the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of geopolymer stabilized clayey soil. The GB and AdaBoost models were developed and validated using 270 clayey soil samples stabilized with geopolymer, with ground-granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash as source materials and sodium hydroxide solution as alkali activator. The database was randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets for model development and validation. Several performance metrics, including coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean squared error (MSE), were utilized to assess the accuracy and reliability of the developed models. The statistical results of this research showed that the GB and AdaBoost are reliable models based on the obtained values of R2 (= 0.980, 0.975), MAE (= 0.585, 0.655), RMSE (= 0.969, 1.088), and MSE (= 0.940, 1.185) for the testing dataset, respectively compared to the widely used artificial neural network, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, multivariable regression, and multi-gen genetic programming based models. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis result shows that ground-granulated blast-furnace slag content was the key parameter affecting the UCS.
A complex system health state assessment method with reference value optimization for interpretable BRB
Authors: Zhang Qingxi , Li Kangle , Zhang Guangling , Zhu Hailong , He Wei
Published: January 2024

Health condition assessment is the basis for formulating and optimizing maintenance strategies of complex systems, which is crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of these systems. In complex system health condition assessment, it is not only necessary for the model to handle various uncertainties to ensure the accuracy of assessment results, but also to have a transparent and reasonable assessment process and interpretable, traceable assessment results. belief rule base (BRB) has been widely used as an interpretable modeling method in health condition assessment. However, BRB-based models currently face two issues: (1) inaccuracies in expert-provided parameters that can affect the model's accuracy, and (2) after model optimization, interpretability may be reduced. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method for complex system health condition assessment called interpretable BRB with reference value optimization (I-BRB). Firstly, to address the issue of inaccurate reference values, a reference value optimization algorithm with interpretability constraints is designed, which optimizes the reference values without compromising expert knowledge. Secondly, the remaining parameters are optimized using the projection covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (P-CMA-ES) with interpretability constraints to improve the model's accuracy. Finally, a case study evaluating the bearing components of a flywheel system is conducted to validate the proposed method. Experimental results demonstrate that I-BRB achieves higher accuracy in health condition assessment.
Dual contrastive learning based image-to-image translation of unstained skin tissue into virtually stained H&E images
Authors: Asaf Muhammad Zeeshan , Rao Babar , Akram Muhammad Usman , Khawaja Sajid Gul , Khan Samavia , Truong Thu Minh , Sekhon Palveen , Khan Irfan J. , Abbasi Muhammad Shahmir
Published: January 2024

Staining is a crucial step in histopathology that prepares tissue sections for microscopic examination. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, also known as basic or routine staining, is used in 80% of histopathology slides worldwide. To enhance the histopathology workflow, recent research has focused on integrating generative artificial intelligence and deep learning models. These models have the potential to improve staining accuracy, reduce staining time, and minimize the use of hazardous chemicals, making histopathology a safer and more efficient field. In this study, we introduce a novel three-stage, dual contrastive learning-based, image-to-image generative (DCLGAN) model for virtually applying an "H&E stain" to unstained skin tissue images. The proposed model utilizes a unique learning setting comprising two pairs of generators and discriminators. By employing contrastive learning, our model maximizes the mutual information between traditional H&E-stained and virtually stained H&E patches. Our dataset consists of pairs of unstained and H&E-stained images, scanned with a brightfield microscope at 20 × magnification, providing a comprehensive set of training and testing images for evaluating the efficacy of our proposed model. Two metrics, Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) and Kernel Inception Distance (KID), were used to quantitatively evaluate virtual stained slides. Our analysis revealed that the average FID score between virtually stained and H&E-stained images (80.47) was considerably lower than that between unstained and virtually stained slides (342.01), and unstained and H&E stained (320.4) indicating a similarity virtual and H&E stains. Similarly, the mean KID score between H&E stained and virtually stained images (0.022) was significantly lower than the mean KID score between unstained and H&E stained (0.28) or unstained and virtually stained (0.31) images. In addition, a group of experienced dermatopathologists evaluated traditional and virtually stained images and demonstrated an average agreement of 78.8% and 90.2% for paired and single virtual stained image evaluations, respectively. Our study demonstrates that the proposed three-stage dual contrastive learning-based image-to-image generative model is effective in generating virtual stained images, as indicated by quantified parameters and grader evaluations. In addition, our findings suggest that GAN models have the potential to replace traditional H&E staining, which can reduce both time and environmental impact. This study highlights the promise of virtual staining as a viable alternative to traditional staining techniques in histopathology.
Molecular determinants of ASIC1 modulation by divalent cations
Authors: Liu Yi , Ma Jichun , DesJarlais Renee L. , Hagan Rebecca , Rech Jason , Liu Changlu , Miller Robyn , Schoellerman Jeffrey , Luo Jinquan , Letavic Michael , Grasberger Bruce , Maher Michael P.
Published: January 2024

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels widely expressed in the nervous system. ASIC gating is modulated by divalent cations as well as small molecules; however, the molecular determinants of gating modulation by divalent cations are not well understood. Previously, we identified two small molecules that bind to ASIC1a at a novel site in the acidic pocket and modulate ASIC1 gating in a manner broadly resembling divalent cations, raising the possibility that these small molecules may help to illuminate the molecular determinants of gating modulation by divalent cations. Here, we examined how these two groups of modulators might interact as well as mutational effects on ASIC1a gating and its modulation by divalent cations. Our results indicate that binding of divalent cations to an acidic pocket site plays a key role in gating modulation of the channel.
Intention to leave, depersonalisation and job satisfaction in physicians and nurses: a cross-sectional study in Europe
Authors: Maniscalco L. , Enea M. , de Vries N. , Mazzucco W. , Boone A. , Lavreysen O. , Baranski K. , Miceli S. , Savatteri A. , Fruscione S. , Kowalska M. , de Winter P. , Szemik S. , Godderis L. , Matranga D.
Published: January 2024

The European healthcare sector faces a significant shortage of healthcare workers. Assessing the prevalence of this issue and understanding its direct and indirect determinants are essential for formulating effective recruitment programs and enhancing job retention strategies for physicians and nurses. A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 381 physicians and 1351 nurses recruited from eight European hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. The study focused on assessing turnover intentions among healthcare workers based on the Job Demands-Resources model, using an online questionnaire. Structural equation models were employed to test the data collection questionnaires’ construct validity and internal consistency. The turnover intention was assessed by agreement with the intention to leave either the hospital or the profession. Among physicians, 17% expressed an intention to leave the hospital, while 9% intended to leave the profession. For nurses, the figures were 8.9% and 13.6%, respectively. The internal consistency of the questionnaires exceeded 0.90 for both categories of health workers. Depersonalization and job dissatisfaction were identified as direct determinants of turnover intention, with work engagement being particularly relevant for nurses. We found a higher intention to leave the hospital among physicians, while nurses were more prone to leave their profession. To mitigate turnover intentions, it is recommended to focus on improving job satisfaction, work engagement and fostering a positive working climate, thereby addressing depersonalisation and promoting job retention.
Effects of bathing in different hot spring types on Japanese gut microbiota
Authors: Takeda Midori , Choi Jungmi , Maeda Toyoki , Managi Shunsuke
Published: January 2024

Hot springs have been used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment and amelioration of illness and recreation. Japan has ten different types of therapeutic springs (described here as spa types), which are traditionally believed to have different efficacy. However, more research must be conducted to determine how they affect healthy people. Therefore, this study focused on the gut microbiota and aimed to investigate changes in the gut microbiota in healthy people after bathing in different spa types. Using Beppu's hot springs (simple, chloride, bicarbonate, sulfur, and sulfate types), 136 healthy Japanese adults living in the Kyushu area participated in the study and bathed in the same hot spring for seven days. Fecal samples were collected before and after the 7-day bathing period, and the relative abundance of the gut microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum increased significantly after seven consecutive days of bathing in the bicarbonate spring. Significant increases in other gut microbiota were also observed after bathing in simple, bicarbonate, and sulfur springs. These results suggest that bathing in different hot springs may affect the gut microbiota in healthy individuals differently.
Recent progress in critical electrode and electrolyte materials for flexible zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Mao Yunjie , Zhao Bangchuan , Bai Jin , Wang Peiyao , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: January 2024

In this review article, some recent advances in the electrode and electrolyte materials for FZIBs are summarized. The efforts to explore the applications of FZIBs have been considered and challenges for the development of FZIBs are also discussed.
Inter‐ and intra‐session variability of compression strain gauge for the adductor groin squeeze test on soccer athletes
Authors: McMinn Kieran J. , Diewald Shelley N. , Harrison Craig , Cronin John B. , Ye‐Lee Dana ,   Paris Saint Germain
Published: January 2024

The importance of hip adductor strength for injury prevention and performance benefits is well documented. The purpose of this study was to establish the intra‐ and inter‐day variability of peak force (PF) of a groin squeeze protocol using a custom‐designed compression strain gauge device. Sixteen semi‐professional soccer players completed three trials over three separate testing occasions with at least 24‐h rest between each session. The main findings were that the compression strain gauge was a reliable device for measuring PF within and between days. All intraclass correlations were higher than 0.80 and coefficients of variations were below 10% across the different sessions and trials. Due to the information gained through the compression strain gauge, the higher sampling frequency utilized, portability, and the relatively affordable price, this device offers an effective alternative for measuring maximal strength for hip adduction.
Hormonal stories: a new materialist exploration of hormonal emplotment in four case studies
Authors: Erikainen Sonja , Ford Andrea , Malcolm Roslyn , Raeder Lisa
Published: January 2024

Hormones are complex biosocial objects that provoke myriad cultural narratives through their association with social activities and identities, and these narratives have the power to shape people’s lived realities and bodies. While hormones were historically conceptualised as ‘master molecules’ capable of controlling various life processes, their explanatory potential has now been overshadowed by technoscientific developments like omics- and gene-based biotechnologies that have reframed how human bodies and behaviours are understood. Considering these shifts, this paper asks what roles hormones perform and what stories they are arousing today. Through a patchwork of four hormone stories about contraception, gender hacking, birth, and autism-specific horse therapy, we show how hormones remain vital protagonists in the constitution of bodies, affects, environments, places, politics, and selves in the contemporary period. Building on new materialist approaches, we adopt and extend the notion of ‘emplotment’ to encapsulate how hormones act as key characters in our plots. They are working to complicate dominant understandings of what bodies are and can be in new ways as they mediate different plots of bodily experience, in ways showing the ongoing powerful salience of hormones and their ascendancy in the present.
Investigating allied health professionals’ attitudes, perceptions and acceptance of an electronic medical record using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
Authors: Qvist Alison , Mullan Leanne , Nguyen Lemai , Wynter Karen , Rasmussen Bodil , Goh Min , Feely Kath
Published: January 2024

Objective This study aimed to investigate allied health professionals’ (AHPs’) perspectives pre- and post-implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR) in a tertiary health service in Australia and examine factors influencing user acceptance. Methods Data were collected pre- and post-EMR implementation via cross-sectional online surveys based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT). All AHPs at a large tertiary hospital were invited to complete the surveys. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, Mann–Whitney U tests for pre-post item- and construct-level comparison and content analysis of free-text responses. The theoretical model was empirically tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results AHPs had positive attitudes toward EMR use both pre- and post-implementation. Compared to pre-implementation, AHPs felt more positive post-implementation about system ease of use and demonstrated decreased anxiety and apprehension regarding EMR use. AHPs felt they had adequate resources and knowledge to use EMR and reported real-time data accessibility as a main advantage. Disadvantages of EMR included an unfriendly user interface, system outages and decreased efficiency. Conclusions As AHPs increase EMR system familiarity, their positivity towards its use increases. An understanding of what influences AHPs when implementing new compulsory technology can inform change management strategies to improve adoption.
Co-developing ‘The CyberABIlity Scale’ to assess vulnerability to cyberscams for people with acquired brain injury: Delphi and cognitive interviews with clinicians and people with acquired brain injury
Authors: Carminati Jao-Yue J. , Ponsford Jennie L. , Gould Kate Rachel
Published: January 2024

Background Although individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) may be vulnerable to cyberscams, the lack of existing measures documenting cybersafety behaviours in people with ABI limits our understanding of ABI-specific risk factors, the frequency of this problem, and the ability to evaluate evidence-based interventions. The CyberABIlity Scale was developed to assess vulnerability in people with ABI via self-rated statements and practical scam-identification tasks. This study aimed to develop and refine The CyberABIlity Scale through feedback from clinicians and people with ABI. Methods Scale feedback was collected via three rounds of clinician surveys (n = 14) using Delphi methods and two rounds of cognitive interviews with participants with ABI (n = 8). Following each round, feedback was quantitatively and qualitatively summarised, and revisions were made accordingly. Results Key revisions included removing 12 items deemed irrelevant. Instructions and rating scales were revised to improve clarity. Cognitive interviews identified 15 comprehension errors, with further revisions made to support response clarity for participants with ABI. Clinicians and participants with ABI endorsed the content and face validities of The CyberABIlity Scale. Conclusions Following further validation, The CyberABIlity Scale has the potential to be an effective screening measure for online vulnerability for people with ABI within clinical and research settings.
Co-designing for behavioural change: understanding barriers and enablers to addressing sexuality after traumatic brain injury and mapping intervention strategies in a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation unit
Authors: Hwang Jill H. A. , Downing Marina G. , Specht Riccarda A. G. , Ponsford Jennie L.
Published: January 2024

Background Persistent changes in sexuality often follow traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, health professionals remain reticent about discussing sexuality and have reported barriers including uncertainties around whose role it is and limited educational and institutional support. This study employed a co-design and implementation process, aiming to promote team-wide behavioural change, whereby health professionals at a TBI rehabilitation unit would attempt to address sexuality with patients routinely. Methods Focus group sessions with multidisciplinary health professionals were conducted to identify barriers and enablers to behavioural change, identify areas for development, and co-design intervention options. Implementation deliverables were then finalised and provided to the team. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to map factors influencing behaviours and the Behaviour Change Wheel was used to map interventions. Thematic analysis was used to further analyse barrier themes. Results Thirty-five barriers and eight enablers falling within 12 theoretical domains to behavioural change were identified. Thematic analysis revealed highly correlated barriers in initiating and sustaining change. Nine co-designed intervention options aligned with five intervention functions of the Behaviour Change Wheel, resulting in six final implementation deliverables. Conclusions Barriers were highly interrelated, influencing the approach to implementation deliverables. Simultaneously addressing multiple barriers could potentially alleviate discomfort associated with discussing sexuality. Concerns around initiating change were related to confidence in achieving sustainable changes. Achieving change requires organisational and team-level environmental restructuring and enablement. The next step involves evaluating the effectiveness of the co-design and implementation process in driving behavioural change and potential impacts on patient satisfaction and sexuality outcomes.
Acute facial neuralgia related to initiation of emtricitabine/tenofovir for HIV PrEP: a report of two cases in a PrEP demonstration trial
Authors: Yin Zhuoheng , Tan Rayner Kay Jin , Tucker Joseph D. , Li Quanmin , Sherer Renslow , Li Linghua , Tang Weiming
Published: January 2024

Background Emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) fixed-dose combination (FTC/TDF) is generally well-tolerated, although treatment-related adverse events have been reported. Methods We report two cases of persons using FTC/TDF PrEP who had acute neuralgia in a Chinese PrEP demonstration trial. Results Neurological symptoms subsided upon treatment discontinuation. Symptoms were reported as similar to one case’s previous experiences with dolutegravir (DTG) + FTC + tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) (for PEP), leading to permanent discontinuation of PrEP. Conclusion Acute facial neuralgia appears to be a rare idiosyncratic adverse event to FTC/TDF.
Conceptions of sexual health by gay men living with HIV in serodifferent couples in Montreal, Canada: results from a qualitative analysis
Authors: Avallone Francesco , Engler Kim , Cox Joseph , Hickson Ford , Lessard David , Bourdon Jeanne , Thomas Réjean , Lebouché Bertrand
Published: January 2024

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men (GBM) who have sex with men living with HIV in serodifferent couples (one partner living with HIV, the other HIV-negative) may encounter unique sexual health challenges. This study aimed to explore their definition of sexual health that could improve service provision. Methods We interviewed 10 gay-identified men living with HIV from 2017 to 2019 as part of CTNPT013, a study on the sexual health of HIV serodifferent GBM couples conducted at two HIV-specialised clinics in Montreal, Canada. Participants partook in semi-structured interviews on the meaning of sexual health. We performed a content analysis of interview transcripts, coding them according to the 10 dimensions of Robinson’s Sexual Health Model. Results Mean age of interviewees was 35.4 years (s.d.,10.2; range, 20–53). Every dimension of Robinson’s model was spontaneously evoked, except for body image and spirituality. All men indicated intimacy/relationships (e.g. sexual agreements) and sexual health care/safer sex (e.g. HIV management, risk behaviours) as relevant aspects of sexual health. Other dimensions included: positive sexuality (n = 7), such as pleasure and enjoyment during sex; talking about sex (n = 5), which mainly concerned HIV disclosure; sexual functioning (n = 4); challenges to sexual health (n = 3), including substance abuse; and culture/sexual identity (n = 3). Two participants (n = 2) cited masturbation/fantasy. Conclusions This study emphasises the multi-faceted nature of sexual health for gay men with HIV in serodifferent couples and the pivotal roles of relationships, HIV, risk management (e.g. via health care, knowledge), and positive sexual experiences. These dimensions could be considered in sexual health promotion interventions targeting this population.
PM-CNN: microbiome status recognition and disease detection model based on phylogeny and multi-path neural network
Authors: Wang Qiangqiang , Fan Xiaoqian , Wu Shunyao , Su Xiaoquan
Published: January 2024

Motivation

The human microbiome, found throughout various body parts, plays a crucial role in health dynamics and disease development. Recent research has highlighted microbiome disparities between patients with different diseases and healthy individuals, suggesting the microbiome’s potential in recognizing health states. Traditionally, microbiome-based status classification relies on pre-trained machine learning (ML) models. However, most ML methods overlook microbial relationships, limiting model performance.

Results

To address this gap, we propose PM-CNN (Phylogenetic Multi-path Convolutional Neural Network), a novel phylogeny-based neural network model for multi-status classification and disease detection using microbiome data. PM-CNN organizes microbes based on their phylogenetic relationships and extracts features using a multi-path convolutional neural network. An ensemble learning method then fuses these features to make accurate classification decisions. We applied PM-CNN to human microbiome data for status and disease detection, demonstrating its significant superiority over existing ML models. These results provide a robust foundation for microbiome-based state recognition and disease prediction in future research and applications.

Availability and implementation

PM-CNN software is available at https://github.com/qdu-bioinfo/PM_CNN.
Intronless Pabpc6 encodes a testis-specific, cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding protein but is dispensable for spermatogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Kaku Yuko , Isono Yuka , Tanaka Hideto , Kobayashi Tomohiro , Kanemori Yoshinori , Kashiwabara Shin-ichi
Published: January 2024

Besides ubiquitous poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1), testis-specific PABPC2/PABPt (in humans, referred to as PABPC3), and female and male germline-specific PABPC1L/ePAB, have been reported in the mouse testis. Recent in silico analysis additionally identified testis-specific Pabpc6 in the mouse. In this study, we characterized PABPC6 and its mutant mice. PABPC6 was initially detectable in the cytoplasm of pachytene spermatocytes, increased in abundance in round spermatids, and decreased in elongating spermatids. PABPC6 was capable of binding to poly(A) tails of various mRNAs and interacting with translation-associated factors, including EIF4G, PAIP1, and PAIP2. Noteworthy was that PABPC6, unlike PABPC1, was barely associated with translationally active polysomes and enriched in chromatoid bodies of round spermatids. Despite these unique characteristics, neither synthesis of testicular proteins nor spermatogenesis was affected in the mutant mice lacking PABPC6, suggesting that PABPC6 is functionally redundant with other co-existing PABPC proteins during spermatogenesis.
Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy
Authors: Gandhi Rozil , Banker Mohal
Published: January 2024

Objective

The conservative therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis works for a few patients, while surgical options have drawbacks. Before considering surgical options, transcatheter arterial embolization may help patients with plantar fasciitis who are experiencing discomfort resistant to conservative treatment.

Methods

We report evaluation data of 10 patients treated with transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin as embolic agents to relieve chronic pain due to plantar fasciitis. All the patients were refractory to conservative therapy.

Results

The technical success of the procedure was found to be 100%. Further, effective pain relief was observed as there was no pain relapse in 6 months, and patients did not require any other form of therapy.

Conclusion

This report warrants further adequately designed randomized clinical studies for evaluating the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in plantar fasciitis.

Advances in knowledge

Resorting to surgical option for chronic pain relief in plantar fasciitis might be reconsidered and replaced with arterial embolization. However, adequately designed long-term clinical studies are required to prove its long-term efficacy.
Design-based identification with formula instruments: A review
Authors: Borusyak Kirill , Hull Peter , Jaravel Xavier
Published: January 2024

Many studies in economics use instruments or treatments that combine a set of exogenous shocks with other predetermined variables via a known formula. Examples include shift-share instruments and measures of social or spatial spillovers. We review recent econometric tools for this setting, which leverage the assignment process of the exogenous shocks and the structure of the formula for identification. We compare this design-based approach with conventional estimation strategies based on conditional unconfoundedness, and contrast it with alternative strategies that leverage a model for unobservables.
Integrated microbiota–host–metabolome approaches reveal adaptive ruminal changes to prolonged high-grain feeding and phytogenic supplementation in cattle
Authors: Ricci Sara , Pacífico Cátia , Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Castillo-Lopez Ezequias , Rivera-Chacon Raul , Sener-Aydemir Arife , Rossi Giacomo , Galosi Livio , Biagini Lucia , Schwartz-Zimmermann Heidi E , Berthiller Franz , Reisinger Nicole , Petri Renee M , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: January 2024

Diets rich in readily fermentable carbohydrates primarily impact microbial composition and activity, but can also impair the ruminal epithelium barrier function. By combining microbiota, metabolome, and gene expression analysis, we evaluated the impact of feeding a 65% concentrate diet for 4 weeks, with or without a phytogenic feed additive (PFA), on the rumen ecosystem of cattle. The breaking point for rumen health seemed to be the second week of high grain (HG) diet, with a dysbiosis characterized by reduced alpha diversity. While we did not find changes in histological evaluations, genes related with epithelial proliferation (IGF-1, IGF-1R, EGFR, and TBP) and ZO-1 were affected by the HG feeding. Integrative analyses allowed us to define the main drivers of difference for the rumen ecosystem in response to a HG diet, identified as ZO-1, MyD88, and genus Prevotella 1. PFA supplementation reduced the concentration of potentially harmful compounds in the rumen (e.g. dopamine and 5-aminovaleric acid) and increased the tolerance of the epithelium toward the microbiota by altering the expression of TLR-2, IL-6, and IL-10. The particle-associated rumen liquid microbiota showed a quicker adaptation potential to prolonged HG feeding compared to the other microenvironments investigated, especially by the end of the experiment.
Awakening the sleeping giant: Epstein–Barr virus reactivation by biological agents
Authors: Indari Omkar , Ghosh Subhrojyoti , Bal Adhiraj Singh , James Ajay , Garg Mehek , Mishra Amit , Karmodiya Krishanpal , Jha Hem Chandra
Published: January 2024

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may cause harm in immunocompromised conditions or on stress stimuli. Various chemical agents have been utilized to induce the lytic cycle in EBV-infected cells. However, apart from chemical agents and external stress stimuli, certain infectious agents may reactivate the EBV. In addition, the acute infection of other pathogens may provide suitable conditions for EBV to thrive more and planting the roots for EBV-associated pathologies. Various bacteria such as periodontal pathogens like Aggregatibacter, Helicobacter pylori, etc. have shown to induce EBV reactivation either by triggering host cells directly or indirectly. Viruses such as Human simplex virus-1 (HSV) induce EBV reactivation by HSV US3 kinase while other viruses such as HIV, hepatitis virus, and even novel SARS-CoV-2 have also been reported to cause EBV reactivation. The eukaryotic pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Aspergillus flavus can also reactivate EBV either by surface protein interaction or as an impact of aflatoxin, respectively. To highlight the underexplored niche of EBV reactivation by biological agents, we have comprehensively presented the related information in this review. This may help to shedding the light on the research gaps as well as to unveil yet unexplored mechanisms of EBV reactivation.
Spatial variation in shallow slow earthquake activity in Hyuga-nada, southwest Japan
Authors: Baba Satoru , Takemura Shunsuke , Obara Kazushige , Takeo Akiko , Yamashita Yusuke , Shinohara Masanao
Published: January 2024

Hyuga-nada, off the Pacific coast of Kyushu along the Nankai Trough in southwest Japan, is one of the most active slow earthquake regions around Japan. We estimated the energies of shallow tremors and moments of shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) in Hyuga-nada using data from a permanent onshore broadband network and temporary ocean–bottom seismometer observations. The energies and moments of these slow earthquakes have a similar along-strike variation and are generally higher south of the subducted Kyushu–Palau Ridge than near the top of the ridge. This spatial variation is also related to the characteristics of slow earthquake migration. The along-strike migration speed was faster at initiation in the south, where the moments of slow earthquakes are higher. After migration entered the subducted Kyushu–Palau Ridge, its speed was decelerated with a parabolic pattern and their moments became smaller. Assuming a constant patch size of slow earthquakes, we estimated that the stress drop of VLFEs in the south of the subducted ridge was approximately three times higher than that near the top of the subducted ridge. According to our observations and a physical model, this stress drop difference between adjacent regions may cause parabolic migration. We also estimated the scaled energy of slow earthquakes from the ratio of the seismic energy rates of tremors to the seismic moment rates of accompanying VLFEs. The spatial variation in scaled energy is not identified inside the Hyuga-nada. Since the range of scaled energy is similar between the south and near the top of the subducted ridge, the apparent stress may be similar if the rigidity is the same. The dominant range of scaled energy of slow earthquakes in Hyuga-nada is 10−11.5–10−8.5. In addition to having similar or one order smaller values compared to other slow earthquake regions, the range of scaled energy in Hyuga-nada is broader. This broader range suggests wide range of characteristic time and various spectral features of slow earthquakes in Hyuga-nada. Based on a Brownian slow earthquake model, the wide range of characteristic time in this area suggests width variations of slow earthquake source area.
Multifidelity adaptive sequential Monte Carlo for geophysical inversion
Authors: Amaya M , Meles G , Marelli S , Linde N
Published: January 2024

In the context of Bayesian inversion, we consider sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods that provide an approximation of the posterior probability density function and the evidence (marginal likelihood). These particle approaches build a sequence of importance sampling steps between gradually tempered distributions evolving from the prior to the posterior PDF. To automate the definition of the tempering schedule, adaptive SMC (ASMC) allows tuning the temperature increments on-the-go. One general challenge in Bayesian inversions is the computational burden associated with expensive, high-fidelity forward solvers. Lower-fidelity surrogate models are interesting in this context as they can emulate the response of expensive forward solvers at a fraction of their cost. We consider surrogate modelling within ASMC and introduce first an approach involving surrogate modelling only, in which either prior samples are used to train the surrogate, or the surrogate model is retrained by updating the training set during the inversion. In our implementation, we rely on polynomial chaos expansions for surrogate modelling, principal component analysis for model parametrization and a ground-penetrating radar cross-hole tomography problem with either an eikonal or finite-difference time-domain solver as high-fidelity solver. We find that the method based on retraining the surrogate during the inversion outperforms the results obtained when only considering prior samples. We then introduce a computationally more expensive multifidelity approach including a transition to the high-fidelity forward solver at the end of the surrogate-based ASMC run leading to even more accurate results. Both methods result in speed-ups that are larger than one order of magnitude compared to standard high-fidelity ASMC inversion.
Topography effect on seismic waveform tomography: a quantitative study
Authors: Zheng Kaiyue , Wang Yi , Zhao Li
Published: January 2024

In seismic tomography practices the Earth's surface is sometimes assumed to be either spherical or flat for convenience in forward modelling calculations. The effect of irregular surface topography on seismic wave propagation is thus ignored, resulting in biases in the phases and amplitudes of synthetic seismograms, which contribute to the residuals that are mapped into velocity structures in tomography inversions. In this study, we conduct a series of inversion experiments based on the adjoint waveform tomography method to quantitatively assess the topography effect on waveform-based inversion results. We first employ models with simplified topography to better highlight and quantify the topography effect. Results show that when topography effect is ignored in the forward modelling, it is mapped into velocity perturbations, leading to spurious velocity anomalies in tomography models. The strength of the spurious velocity anomaly is quasi-linearly related to locally averaged topography gradient. Our inversion experiments demonstrate that in places of strong topography variation, such as the Longmenshan Fault Zone region where the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake occurred, topography effect can lead to spurious relative velocity anomalies of up to 10 per cent, which cannot be ignored in waveform-based tomography inversions.