bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-duct flow computation and acoustic propagation using the admittance multimodal formulation
Authors: Mangin B. , Gabard G. , Daroukh M.
Published: May 2024

A multimodal method for computing the potential base flow and propagating acoustic perturbations inside axisymmetric ducts is presented. Instead of using the standard modal basis, a polynomial basis is used in the radial direction to reduce the computational cost of the method, but this introduces non-physical high-order modes. The impact of these modes on the stability of the calculation is examined, and for the acoustic computation, a modification of the axial integration is proposed to improve the conditioning of the matrices involved. The flow computation is achieved by applying the method (initially devoted to acoustics) at a zero frequency without convective effects, by modifying the definition of the admittance at the exit of the duct, and by performing an induction process on the density. The method is validated against a finite element method for ducts with hard walls or lined walls. The results show that the proposed multimodal method is very efficient in computing the mean flow and propagating the sound disturbances inside axisymmetric ducts.
Evolution repeats itself in replicate long-term studies in the wild
Authors: Nosil Patrik , de Carvalho Clarissa F. , Villoutreix Romain , Zamorano Laura S. , Sinclair-Waters Marion , Planidin Nicholas P. , Parchman Thomas L. , Feder Jeffrey , Gompert Zach
Published: May 2024

The extent to which evolution is repeatable remains debated. Here, we study changes over time in the frequency of cryptic color-pattern morphs in 10 replicate long-term field studies of a stick insect, each spanning at least a decade (across 30 years of total data). We find predictable “up-and-down” fluctuations in stripe frequency in all populations, representing repeatable evolutionary dynamics based on standing genetic variation. A field experiment demonstrates that these fluctuations involve negative frequency-dependent natural selection (NFDS). These fluctuations rely on demographic and selective variability that pushes populations away from equilibrium, such that they can reliably move back toward it via NFDS. Last, we show that the origin of new cryptic forms is associated with multiple structural genomic variants such that which mutations arise affects evolution at larger temporal scales. Thus, evolution from existing variation is predictable and repeatable, but mutation adds complexity even for traits evolving deterministically under natural selection.
Feedback between stochastic gene networks and population dynamics enables cellular decision-making
Authors: Piho Paul , Thomas Philipp
Published: May 2024

Phenotypic selection occurs when genetically identical cells are subject to different reproductive abilities due to cellular noise. Such noise arises from fluctuations in reactions synthesizing proteins and plays a crucial role in how cells make decisions and respond to stress or drugs. We propose a general stochastic agent-based model for growing populations capturing the feedback between gene expression and cell division dynamics. We devise a finite state projection approach to analyze gene expression and division distributions and infer selection from single-cell data in mother machines and lineage trees. We use the theory to quantify selection in multi-stable gene expression networks and elucidate that the trade-off between phenotypic switching and selection enables robust decision-making essential for synthetic circuits and developmental lineage decisions. Using live-cell data, we demonstrate that combining theory and inference provides quantitative insights into bet-hedging–like response to DNA damage and adaptation during antibiotic exposure in
Escherichia coli
.
A model for the noninvasive, habitat-inclusive estimation of upper limit abundance for synanthropes, exemplified by
M. fascicularis
Authors: Koch Liston André L. , Zhu Xueying , Bang Tran V. , Phiapalath Phaivanh , Ahmed Tanvir , Hasan Sabit , Biswas Sajib , Nath Shimul , Ahmed Toufique , Ilham Kurnia , Lwin Ngwe , Frechette Jackson L. , Hon Naven , Agger Cain , Ai Suzuki , Auda Emeline , Gazagne Eva , Kamler Jan F. , Groenenberg Milou , Banet-Eugene Sarah , Challis Neil , Leroux Nicole , Sinovas Pablo , Muñoz Vanessa H. , Lappan Susan , Zainol Zaki , Albanese Valeria , Alexiadou Athanasia , Nielsen Daniel R. K. , Holzner Anna , Ruppert Nadine , Briefer Elodie F. , Fuentes Agustin , Hansen Malene F.
Published: May 2024

Accurately estimating population sizes for free-ranging animals through noninvasive methods, such as camera trap images, remains particularly limited by small datasets. To overcome this, we developed a flexible model for estimating upper limit populations and exemplified it by studying a group-living synanthrope, the long-tailed macaque (
Macaca fascicularis
). Habitat preference maps, based on environmental and GPS data, were generated with a maximum entropy model and combined with data obtained from camera traps, line transect distance sampling, and direct sightings to produce an expected number of individuals. The mapping between habitat preference and number of individuals was optimized through a tunable parameter ρ (inquisitiveness) that accounts for repeated observations of individuals. Benchmarking against published data highlights the high accuracy of the model. Overall, this approach combines citizen science with scientific observations and reveals the long-tailed macaque populations to be (up to 80%) smaller than expected. The model’s flexibility makes it suitable for many species, providing a scalable, noninvasive tool for wildlife conservation.
Spin angular momentum–encoded single-photon emitters in a chiral nanoparticle–coupled WSe
2
monolayer
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , So Jae-Pil , Kim Ryeong Myeong , Kim Kyoung-Ho , Rha Hyun-Ho , Na Gunwoo , Han Jeong Hyun , Jeong Kwang-Yong , Nam Ki Tae , Park Hong-Gyu
Published: May 2024

Spin angular momentum (SAM)–encoded single-photon emitters, also known as circularly polarized single photons, are basic building blocks for the advancement of chiral quantum optics and cryptography. Despite substantial efforts such as coupling quantum emitters to grating-like optical metasurfaces and applying intense magnetic fields, it remains challenging to generate circularly polarized single photons from a subwavelength-scale nanostructure in the absence of a magnetic field. Here, we demonstrate single-photon emitters encoded with SAM in a strained WSe
2
monolayer coupled with chiral plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Single-photon emissions were observed at the nanoparticle position, exhibiting photon antibunching behavior with a
g
(2)
(0) value of ~0.3 and circular polarization properties with a slight preference for left-circular polarization. Specifically, the measured Stokes parameters confirmed strong circular polarization characteristics, in contrast to emitters coupled with achiral gold nanocubes. Therefore, this work provides potential insights to make SAM-encoded single-photon emitters and understand the interaction of plasmonic dipoles and single photons, facilitating the development of chiral quantum optics.
Chirality tuning and reversing with resonant phase-change metasurfaces
Authors: Sha Xinbo , Du Kang , Zeng Yixuan , Lai Fangxing , Yin Jun , Zhang Hanxu , Song Bo , Han Jiecai , Xiao Shumin , Kivshar Yuri , Song Qinghai
Published: May 2024

Dynamic control of circular dichroism in photonic structures is critically important for compact spectrometers, stereoscopic displays, and information processing exploiting multiple degrees of freedom. Metasurfaces can help miniaturize chiral devices but only produce static and limited chiral responses. While external stimuli can tune resonances, their modulations are often weak, and reversing continuously the sign of circular dichroism is extremely challenging. Here, we demonstrate the dynamically tunable chiral response of resonant metasurfaces supporting chiral bound states in the continuum combining them with phase-change materials. Phase transition between amorphous and crystalline phases allows for control of chiral response and varies chirality rapidly from −0.947 to +0.958 backward and forward via the chirality continuum. Our demonstrations underpin the rapid development of chiral photonics and its applications.
Mycoplasmoides genitalium
nucleic acid semi-quantitation and molecular macrolide resistance detection via automated assays: gender and specimen source considerations
Authors: Munson Erik , Moore Josephine , Krueger Trinity , Zapp Amanda , Lavey Stephen C. , Munson Kimber L. , Stafford Irene A. , Mustanski Brian
Published: May 2024

A laboratory-developed test (LDT) using analyte-specific reagents has been optimized on a commercial platform to detect macrolide resistance-associated mutations (MRM) in 23S rRNA from
Mycoplasmoides genitalium
from primary clinical specimens. In this study, MRM-LDT was applied to a multi-specimen source study set. One thousand four hundred ninety-five primary specimens testing positive for
M. genitalium
by commercial transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) were initially titered by the TMA assay using serial 10-fold dilutions to semi-quantitate target nucleic acid burden. Primary specimens were then processed for MRM detection using the MRM-LDT. Findings were stratified by gender and specimen source. The mean log
10
target nucleic acid titer of a TMA-positive specimen was 3.51 (median 3; range 0–10). Male specimens (
n
= 1145) demonstrated a mean log
10
M. genitalium
TMA titer of 3.67; that value observed in 350 female specimens was 2.98 (
P
< 0.0001). The MRM-LDT detection rate (88.7%) from specimens with log
10
M. genitalium
TMA titers ≥ 4 was increased over specimens with log
10
titers ≤ 1 (4.5%;
P
< 0.0002). In females, MRM-LDT was positive from 51.3% of vaginal swab and 34.7% of urine specimens (
P
= 0.01). In males, MRM-LDT was positive from 65.0% of rectal swab and 55.7% of urine specimens (
P
= 0.002). Differences were also observed in log
10
M. genitalium
TMA titers as a function of specimen source.
M. genitalium
macrolide resistance rates among multiple specimen sources, as determined by MRM-LDT, are high in the United States and can be consistent with target nucleic acid burden within the primary specimen. Caveats experienced within subgroupings support MRM reflex testing on primary
M. genitalium
-positive specimens.

IMPORTANCE

First-line macrolide treatment failure is of increasing concern with
Mycoplasmoides genitalium
in multiple settings. Recent sexually-transmitted infection treatment guidelines from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have predicated therapeutic approaches on the availability of a macrolide resistance/susceptibility result from a primary clinical specimen. In this report, we investigate potential correlation between macrolide resistance mutation detection rates (identified by a molecular amplified laboratory-developed test) and transcription-mediated amplification-based rRNA target semi-quantitation. Data reveal that rRNA semi-quantitation and laboratory-developed test detection rate differences exist as a function of gender and specimen source. These data can guide providers in proper specimen selection not only for the laboratory diagnosis of
M. genitalium
but also macrolide resistance mutation determination from primary clinical specimens.
The utilization of an unconventional approach to introduce basic bacteriology in a medical school bridge program
Authors: Iqbal Henna , Onyedibe Kenneth
Published: May 2024

Bacteria form an intense portion of reading and learning for students enrolled in microbiology education. As a part of the foundational course outline of bacteriology, bacterial classification is a significant topic of discussion. The purpose of our study was to analyze whether bacterial classification can be taught with a phylogenetic tree approach that might be more engaging and beneficial to student learners of microbiology. This methodology is unique compared to the conventional approach applied in introductory lectures of bacteriology that relies on morphology and Gram-staining to classify bacteria. The participants of this study were students enrolled in a two-semester medical school bridge program that offers a Master’s degree in Pre-clinical Sciences. We presented bacterial origin and classification in the light of evolution and used a phylogenetic tree to signify clinically relevant groups of bacteria. Students were also taught the traditional bacterial classification using Gram stains and morphology. Both methods of classification were delivered in a didactic classroom session considering equal time spent and utilizing the same format. An online survey was distributed to the students after the session to collect their feedback. The results from the survey showed that 74% of participants would prefer learning bacterial classification using a combined approach that includes both Gram-staining and morphology as well as the phylogenetic tree. When asked if the study of bacterial classification through an evolutionary tree diagram is a clear and concise way of understanding bacteria, 79% of the students either agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. Interestingly, the alternative phylogenetic tree approach was considered more engaging and regarded as a means to expand the clinical knowledge of bacteria by 78% and 71% of the students, respectively. Overall, our study strongly supports the use of tree-based classification as an additional method to improve the learning of medically important groups of bacteria at varying levels of education.
Tectonic inversion of an intracontinental rift basin: An example from the opening and closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Jie , Wu Chen , Li Xiaogang , Zuza Andrew V. , Haproff Peter J. , Zhao Yonghui , Zhao Wentao , Yue Yahui , Ding Lin
Published: May 2024

Suture zones located across the Tibetan region clearly demarcate the rift-and-drift and continental accretion history of the region. However, the intraplate responses to these marginal plate-tectonic events are rarely quantified. Our understanding of the Paleo-Tethyan orogenic system, which involved ocean opening and closing events to grow the central Asian continent, depends on the tectonic architecture and histories of major late Paleozoic–early Mesozoic orogenic belts. These opening and collision events were associated with coupled intracontinental deformation, which has been difficult to resolve due to subsequent overprinting deformation. The late Paleozoic–early Mesozoic Zongwulong Shan–Qinghai Nanshan belt in northern Tibet separates the Qilian and North Qaidam regions and is composed of Carboniferous–Triassic sedimentary materials and mantle-derived magmatic rocks. The tectonic setting and evolutional history of this belt provide important insight into the paleogeographic and tectonic relationships of the Paleo-Tethyan orogenic system located ~200 km to the south. In this study, we integrated new and previous geological observations, detailed structural mapping, and zircon U-Pb geochronology data from the Zongwulong Shan–Qinghai Nanshan to document a complete tectonic inversion cycle from intraplate rifting to intracontinental shortening associated with the opening and closing of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. Carboniferous–Permian strata in the Zongwulong Shan were deposited in an intracontinental rift basin and sourced from both the north and the south. At the end of the Early–Middle Triassic, foreland molasse strata were deposited in the southern part of the Zongwulong Shan during tectonic inversion in the western part of the tectonic belt following the onset of regional contraction deformation. The Zongwulong Shan–Qinghai Nanshan system has experienced polyphase deformation since the late Paleozoic, including: (1) early Carboniferous intracontinental extension and (2) Early–Middle Triassic tectonic inversion involving reactivation of older normal faults as thrusts and folding of pre- and synrift strata. We interpret that the Zongwulong Shan–Qinghai Nanshan initiated as a Carboniferous–Early Triassic intracontinental rift basin related to the opening of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean to the south, and it was then inverted during the Early–Middle Triassic closing of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. This work emphasizes that pre-Cenozoic intraplate structures related to the opening and closing of ocean basins in the Tethyan realm may be underappreciated across Tibet.
Modelling the public health benefits of fibre fortification in the Chinese population through food reformulation
Authors: Teh Thomas , Ying Yang , Schnor Noa Pereira Prada , Flynn Brian , Goodwin William , O’Sullivan William , Pigat Sandrine , Hirsch John , Crowley Lorraine , Adolphus Katie , Laurie Ieva , Karnik Kavita , Risso Davide
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Various studies have highlighted how consuming adequate dietary fibre (DF) foods could confer multiple potential health benefits to humans, though data suggested that the average intake of the population is below the recommendations. The aim of this study, which involved probabilistic, mathematical and statistical modelling, was to understand, for the first time, how fibre fortification in a broad array of food categories could impact the diet and health status of Chinese consumers.

Design

A simulation-based approach was used to examine the potential impact of fibre fortification. The China Health and Nutrition Survey dataset was used to evaluate intakes of DF together with a dietary intake mathematical model. Commercially manufactured foods and beverages eligible for fibre fortification were identified and a total of 296 food and beverages were selected for fibre fortification calculation. Foods and beverages eligible for fibre fortification and the concentration of fibre used at intervention were identified based on Chinese legislations and regulations of nutrition label claims. Populations who meet the dietary reference values of fibre fortification have their health outcomes such as weight, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes risk quantified prefibre and postfibre reformulation as per published studies.

Results

The simulated fibre fortification intervention model has shown that the mean DF intake increased by 13.28%, from 12.8 g/day of baseline to 14.5 g/day, leading to an increase of 48% (from 6.85% to 10.13%) and 54% (from 14.22% to 21.84%) of the adult and children population, respectively, achieving the recommended fibre guidelines. Additionally, 234 diabetes cases per day (85 340 cases per year) as well as 73 065 deaths secondary to CVD could also potentially be averted or delayed with the increase of DF intake via fibre fortification.

Conclusions

This study provides a practical application implicating the potential public health benefits that could be achieved with food product reformulation.
Variations in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) associated with cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of adults with diabetes in the Korean general population
Authors: Jung Hyejin
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Previous studies on the differences in the mechanism and complications of diabetes between men and women have indicated potential sex differences in cardiovascular health, which affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Design

A cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting

To determine how sex differences can be noticed, acknowledged and applied in clinical practice, we aimed to determine the cardiovascular (CV) health status of men and women with diabetes and its effects on HRQoL.

Participants

In total, 2829 individuals with diabetes (1518 men and 1311 women) aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled.

Outcome measures

Individuals with diabetes were categorised into poor, intermediate and ideal groups based on CV health indicators recommended by the American Heart Association. We used EQ-5D-3L to compare HRQoL scores between the sexes. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to analyse the outcome variables.

Results

In the poor CV health score group, female sex was associated with mobility problems (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.54), problems with usual activities (OR1.71, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.35), pain/discomfort (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.16) and anxiety/depression (OR 1.66 95% CI 1.16 to 2.38). In the intermediate and ideal CV health score groups, female sex was associated with pain/discomfort (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.15). Men had higher EQ-5D index scores in the poor and intermediate CV health score groups than did women.

Conclusions

Although women tended to have high health-related CV health scores, HRQoL was lower in women than in men, especially in the poor CV health score group and in the pain/discomfort domain.
Epidemiological impact ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandChlamydia trachomatisscreening in men having sex with men: a modelling study
Authors: Flaig Julien , Hocqueloux Laurent , Palich Romain , Cuzin Lise , Robineau Olivier , Pugliese Pascal , Delpierre Cyrille , Voirin Nicolas , Cotte Laurent
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The impact of the systematic screening ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) andChlamydia trachomatis(CT) in men having sex with men (MSM) on these pathogens’ epidemiology remains unclear. We conducted a modelling study to analyse this impact in French MSM.

Methods

We modelled NG and CT transmission using a site-specific deterministic compartmental model. We calibrated NG and CT prevalence at baseline using results from MSM enrolled in the Dat’AIDS cohort. The baseline scenario was based on 1 million MSM, 40 000 of whom were tested every 90 days and 960 000 every 200 days. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) at steady state were simulated for NG, CT, NG and/or CT infections, for different combinations of tested sites, testing frequency and numbers of frequently tested patients.

Results

The observed prevalence rate was 11.0%, 10.5% and 19.1% for NG, CT and NG and/or CT infections. The baseline incidence rate was estimated at 138.2 per year per 100 individuals (/100PY), 86.8/100PY and 225.0/100PY for NG, CT and NG and/or CT infections. Systematically testing anal, pharyngeal and urethral sites at the same time reduced incidence by 14%, 23% and 18% (IRR: 0.86, 0.77 and 0.82) for NG, CT and NG and/or CT infections. Reducing the screening interval to 60 days in frequently tested patients reduced incidence by 20%, 29% and 24% (IRR: 0.80, 0.71 and 0.76) for NG, CT and NG and/or CT infections. Increasing the number of frequently tested patients to 200 000 reduced incidence by 29%, 40% and 33% (IRR: 0.71, 0.60 and 0.67) for NG, CT and NG and/or CT infections. No realistic scenario could decrease pathogens’ incidence by more than 50%.

Conclusions

To curb the epidemic of NG and CT in MSM, it would not only be necessary to drastically increase screening, but also to add other combined interventions.
Phase-space analysis in non-minimal symmetric-teleparallel dark energy
Authors: Carloni Youri , Luongo Orlando
Published: May 2024

We modify the symmetric-teleparallel dark energy through the addition of a further Yukawa-like term, in which the non-metricity scalar, Q, is non-minimally coupled to a scalar field Lagrangian where the phion acts as quintessence, describing dark energy. We investigate regions of stability and find late-time attractors. To do so, we conduct a stability analysis for different types of physical potentials describing dark energy, namely the power-law, inverse power-law, and exponential potentials. Within these choices, we furthermore single out particular limiting cases, such as the constant, linear and inverse potentials. For all the considered scenarios, regions of stability are calculated in terms of the signs of the coupling constant and the exponent, revealing a clear degeneracy among coefficients necessary to ensure stability. We find that a generic power-law potential with $$\alpha > 0$$

α
>
0

is not suitable as a non-minimal quintessence potential and we put severe limits on the use of inverse potential, as well. In addition, the equations of state of each potential have been also computed. We find the constant potential seems to be favored than other treatments, since the critical point appears independent of the non-minimal coupling.
Enhancing Non-Player Characters in Unity 3D using GPT-3.5
Authors: Sissler John
Published: May 2024

This case study presents a comprehensive integration process of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 large language model into Unity 3D to enhance non-player characters (NPCs) in video games and interactive applications. The study aims to develop an architecture and open source software framework that enables NPCs to engage in dynamic real-time interactions with players and other characters. The background and motivation for the study are provided, highlighting the existing limitations of traditional NPC programming and the potential of advanced natural language models such as GPT-3.5 to overcome these limitations. The methodology section outlines the step-by-step process, covering framework design and preparation, core architecture development, humanoid avatar integration and animation, and important feature extensions. The progression of framework design and implementation is described, emphasizing key architectural concepts, design patterns, and essential classes and interfaces. The results of the case study are discussed, focusing on the valuable insights gained and the implications for future advancements. Lessons learned from the integration process are shared, along with suggestions for potential improvements and directions for future research. This case study provides a practical resource for game developers and researchers interested in leveraging advanced natural language processing capabilities to create more immersive and interactive NPC experiences in Unity 3D environments.
IMAGE: An Open-Source, Extensible Framework for Deploying Accessible Audio and Haptic Renderings of Web Graphics
Authors: Regimbal Juliette , Blum Jeffrey R. , Kuo Cyan , Cooperstock Jeremy R.
Published: May 2024

For accessibility practitioners, creating and deploying novel multimedia interactions for people with disabilities is a nontrivial task. As a result, many projects aiming to support such accessibility needs come and go or never make it to a public release. To reduce the overhead involved in deploying and maintaining a system that transforms web content into multimodal renderings, we created an open source, modular microservices architecture as part of the IMAGE project. This project aims to design richer means of interacting with web graphics than is afforded by a screen reader and text descriptions alone. To benefit the community of accessibility software developers, we discuss this architecture and explain how it provides support for several multimodal processing pipelines. Beyond illustrating the initial use case that motivated this effort, we further describe two use cases outside the scope of our project to explain how a team could use the architecture to develop and deploy accessible solutions for their own work. We then discuss our team’s experience working with the IMAGE architecture, informed by discussions with six project members, and provide recommendations to other practitioners considering applying the framework to their own accessibility projects.
Light-Aware Contrastive Learning for Low-Light Image Enhancement
Authors: Wu Xu , Lai Zhihui , Zhou Jie , Hou Xianxu , Pedrycz Witold , Shen Linlin
Published: May 2024

Low-Light Image Enhancement (LLIE) presents challenges due to texture information loss and uneven illumination, which can distort feature distribution and reduce the quality of the enhanced images. However, current deep learning methods for LLIE only use supervised information from clear images to extract low-light image features, while disregarding the negative information in low-light images (i.e., low illumination and noise). To address these challenges, we propose a novel LLIE method, LACR-VAE, by leveraging the negative information and considering the uneven illumination. In particular, a Light-Aware Contrastive Regularization (LACR) based on contrastive learning is designed to exploit information from both clear and low-light images. The LACR aims to align latent variables of enhanced images with clear images, away from those of low-light images. This allows the method to prioritize essential elements for LLIE and minimize noise and lighting variations. Furthermore, considering the uneven illumination with diverse region sizes and shapes, a Region-CAlibrated Module (RCAM) is present to learn local and global illumination relations among image regions, and an Attention-guided Multi-Scale Module (AMSM) is designed to extract multi-scale features that improve the model’s representation capability. Extensive experiments show that our method achieves superior performance than previous works. Specifically, our method yields a significant enhancement in the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
testset, achieving an improvement of at least 0.99 in PSNR and 0.0409 in SSIM. Codes and datasets are available at
https://github.com/csxuwu/LACR-VAE
.
Innervation of adipocytes is limited in mouse perivascular adipose tissue
Authors: Hanscom Marie , Morales-Soto Wilmarie , Watts Stephanie W. , Jackson William F. , Gulbransen Brian D.
Published: May 2024

This study challenges prevailing views on neural innervation in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and its role in adrenergic-driven anticontractile effects on vasculature. Contrary to existing paradigms, limited anatomical and functional connections were found between PVAT nerve fibers and adipocytes, underscoring the importance of exploring alternative mechanistic pathways. Understanding the mechanisms involved in PVAT’s anticontractile effects is critical for developing potential therapeutic interventions against dysregulated vascular tone, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Visfatin Related to the Severity of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Retrospective Study of 164 Patients at a Tertiary Chest Pain Center
Authors: Zheng Meifan , Wu Zhongwei , Liu Chaoquan , Xiao Fei
Published: May 2024

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) poses a pervasive threat to individuals grappling with cardiovascular afflictions, manifesting as unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), or sudden cardiac death, depending on vascular obstruction’s extent and location. NSTEMI, closely linked to substantial morbidity and mortality, has become the primary cause of hospitalization in ischemic heart disease patients. Swift prognostication of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is crucial, necessitating the identification of precise markers. This study, conducted from January 2020 to March 2021, explored the correlation between serum visfatin levels and NSTE-ACS severity. A total of 164 patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled, with a control group (n = 55) exhibiting less than 50% coronary stenosis. NSTE-ACS patients were categorized based on angiography outcomes into single-vessel (n = 41), double-vessel (n = 28), and multivessel (n = 40) groups. Serum visfatin levels, meticulously quantified, showed significant elevation in NSTE-ACS patients (n = 109) compared to the control group (n = 55) (P<0.01). Visfatin correlated positively with the GRACE score (r = 0.397, P<0.01). In the multivessel disease group, visfatin levels were notably higher (P<0.01). After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, visfatin emerged as an independent predictor of affected coronary arteries (OR 0.205; 95% CI 0.032–0.378; P=0.02). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated enhanced prognostic ability when combining visfatin with age, hypertension, and diabetes for multivessel disease (AUC: 0.839, sensitivity: 65.0%, specificity: 89.7%, P<0.001). Elevated serum visfatin in NSTE-ACS patients suggests its role as an independent harbinger for the number of affected coronary arteries, potentially indicating severity in NSTE-ACS patients.
Nurses’ Refusal to Report Medication Administration Errors in a Ghanaian Municipality: Uncovering the Barriers with a Quantitative Approach
Authors: Boakye Dorothy Serwaa , Konadu Emmanuel , Boateng Edward Appiah , Kumah Emmanuel , Dzakadzie Fafanyo , Buabeng Kwame Ohene
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Effective​ self-reporting of medication administration errors (MAEs) is crucial for patient safety globally, yet underreporting persists as a significant challenge, hindering policy interventions. Despite extensive studies on barriers to MAE reporting by nurses, limited attention has been given to this issue in Ghana. This study aimed to explore the reasons behind nurses’ reluctance to report MAEs, contributing to a broader understanding of this critical issue. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered nurses at two public health facilities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 153 respondents using stratified and simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and logistic regression, were employed to analyze 150 completed questionnaires using SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results. The majority (60.7%) of nurses reported MAEs, primarily to the ward in-charge (72.0%) and documented in the incidence book (54.3%), while only 9% reported to patients. Reasons for nonreporting included fear of criticism (34.5%), litigation (19.5%), losing practice licenses (18.6%), and stigma (17.7%). Significant correlations were found between nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, years of practice, and rank) and their self-reporting of MAEs (P<0.05). Conclusion. Despite high levels of self-reported MAEs among nurses, fear remains a pervasive barrier to reporting. Addressing the culture of blame, criticism, and stigma is imperative to enhance nurses’ confidence in reporting MAEs globally, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering patient safety on a broader scale.
Evaluating Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancers with Deleterious CDK12 Alterations in the Phase 2 IMPACT Trial
Authors: Nguyen Charles B. , Reimers Melissa A. , Perera Chamila , Abida Wassim , Chou Jonathan , Feng Felix Y. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , McKay Rana R. , Pachynski Russell K. , Zhang Jingsong , Reichert Zachery R. , Palmbos Phillip L. , Caram Megan E.V. , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Heath Elisabeth I. , Hopkins Alexander C. , Cieslik Marcin P. , Wu Yi-Mi , Robinson Dan R. , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Alva Ajjai S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

CDK12 inactivation in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) may predict immunotherapy responses. This phase 2 trial evaluated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with CDK12-altered mCRPC.

Patients and Methods:

Eligible patients had mCRPC with deleterious CDK12 alterations and any prior therapies except ICI. Cohort A received ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) with nivolumab (3 mg/kg) every 3 weeks for up to four cycles, followed by nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks. Cohort C received nivolumab alone 480 mg every 4 weeks. Patients with CDK12-altered nonprostate tumors were enrolled in cohort B and not reported. The primary endpoint was a 50% reduction in PSA (PSA50). Key secondary endpoints included PSA progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and safety.

Results:

PSA was evaluable in 23 patients in cohort A and 14 in cohort C. Median lines of prior therapy were two in cohorts A and C, including any prior novel hormonal agent (74% and 79%) and chemotherapy (57% and 36%). The PSA50 rate was 9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1%–28%] in cohort A with two responders; neither had microsatellite instability or a tumor mutational burden >10 mutations/megabase. No PSA50 responses occurred in cohort C. Median PSA progression-free survival was 7.0 months (95% CI, 3.6–11.4) in cohort A and 4.5 months (95% CI, 3.4–13.8) in cohort C. Median overall survival was 9.0 months (95% CI, 6.2–12.3) in cohort A and 13.8 months (95% CI, 3.6–not reached) in cohort C.

Conclusions:

There was minimal activity with ICI therapy in patients with CDK12-altered mCRPC.
Sequential Analysis of cfDNA Reveals Clonal Evolution in Patients with Neuroblastoma Receiving ALK-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Bobin Charles , Iddir Yasmine , Butterworth Charlotte , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Saint-Charles Alexandra , Bellini Angela , Bhalshankar Jaydutt , Pierron Gaelle , Combaret Valérie , Attignon Valéry , André Nicolas , Corradini Nadège , Dumont Benoit , Mansuy Ludovic , Khanfar Camille , Klein Sebastien , Briandet Claire , Plantaz Dominique , Millot Frederic , Thouvenin Sandrine , Aerts Isabelle , Ndounga-Diakou Lee Aymar , Laghouati Salim , Abbou Samuel , Jehanno Nina , Tissot Hubert , Renault Shufang , Baulande Sylvain , Raynal Virginie , Bozec Laurence , Bieche Ivan , Delattre Olivier , Berlanga Pablo , Schleiermacher Gudrun
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

The study of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) enables sequential analysis of tumor cell–specific genetic alterations in patients with neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design:

Eighteen patients with relapsing neuroblastoma having received lorlatinib, a third-generation ALK inhibitor, were identified (SACHA national registry and/or in the institution). cfDNA was analyzed at relapse for nine patients and sequentially for five patients (blood/bone marrow plasma) by performing whole-genome sequencing library construction followed by ALK-targeted ddPCR of the hotspot mutations [F1174L, R1275Q, and I1170N; variant allele fraction (VAF) detection limit 0.1%] and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to evaluate disease burden and clonal evolution, following comparison with tumor/germline WES.

Results:

Overall response rate to lorlatinib was 33% (CI, 13%–59%), with response observed in 6/10 cases without versus 0/8 cases with MYCN amplification (MNA). ALK VAFs correlated with the overall clinical disease status, with a VAF < 0.1% in clinical remission, versus higher VAFs (>30%) at progression. Importantly, sequential ALK ddPCR detected relapse earlier than clinical imaging. cfDNA WES revealed new SNVs, not seen in the primary tumor, in all instances of disease progression after lorlatinib treatment, indicating clonal evolution, including alterations in genes linked to tumor aggressivity (TP53) or novel targets (EGFR). Gene pathway analysis revealed an enrichment for genes targeting cell differentiation in emerging clones, and cell adhesion in persistent clones. Evidence of clonal hematopoiesis could be observed in follow-up samples.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate the clinical utility of combining ALK cfDNA ddPCR for disease monitoring and cfDNA WES for the study of clonal evolution and resistance mechanisms in patients with neuroblastoma receiving ALK-targeted therapy.
Long-Term Pulmonary and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Affected Infants: A Retrospective National Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Shang-Po , Chen Yin-Ting , Chiu Hsiao-Yu , Tsai Ming-Luen , Cheng Hao-Wen , Huang Kuang-Hua , Chang Yu-Chia , Lin Hung-Chih
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) may cause severe pulmonary and neurologic injuries in affected infants after birth, leading to long-term adverse pulmonary or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study enrolled 1,554,069 mother-child pairs between 2004 and 2014. A total of 8,049 infants were in the MAS-affected group, whereas 1,546,020 were in the healthy control group. Children were followed up for at least 3 years. According to respiratory support, MAS was classified as mild, moderate, and severe. With the healthy control group as the reference, the associations between MAS severity and adverse pulmonary outcomes (hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay, or invasive ventilator support during admission related to pulmonary problem) or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (cerebral palsy, needs for rehabilitation, visual impairment, or hearing impairment) were accessed. Results: MAS-affected infants had a higher risk of hospital and ICU admission and longer length of hospital stay, regardless of severity. Infants with severe MAS had a higher risk of invasive ventilator support during re-admission (odds ratio: 17.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.70–39.75, p < 0.001). Moderate (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.30–2.13, p < 0.001) and severe (HR: 4.94, 95% CI: 4.94–7.11, p < 0.001) MAS groups had a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome, and the statistical significance remained remarkable in severe MAS group after adjusting for covariates (adjusted HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54–3.38, p < 0.001) Conclusions: Adverse pulmonary or neurodevelopmental outcomes could occur in MAS-affected infants at birth. Close monitoring and follow-up of MAS-affected infants are warranted.
Saberes docentes mobilizados em adaptações do Método Zaba à história brasileira feitas por professores de Salvador, Bahia (1871)
Authors: Almeida Leandro Antonio de
Published: May 2024

O método Zaba era uma variação do que ficou conhecido, no Ocidente do século XIX, como método mnemônico polonês para o ensino de História Universal, desenvolvido por Antoni Jazwinski nos anos 1820 e modificado por Jozef Bem nos anos 1830. A partir dos anos 1840, outro polonês, Napoleão Félix Zaba, desenvolveu uma versão própria do método e, nas quatro décadas seguintes, deu conferências sobre ele em vários países, inclusive o Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a recepção do método Zaba durante a passagem do seu divulgador pela Bahia, em meados de 1871, quando suas palestras foram assistidas pelo alto escalão da instrução pública da província, por normalistas e professores primários, ensejando tentativas de adaptação e implementação do método à História do Brasil. Buscaremos entender como os dirigentes perceberam a eficácia do método para o ensino de História na Bahia e como professores e normalistas mobilizaram seus conhecimentos e esforços para adaptá-lo ao conteúdo das classes primárias.
Biodegradable Polymer Versus Polymer-Free Ultrathin Sirolimus-Eluting Stents: Analysis of the Stent Arm Registry From the HOST-IDEA Randomized Trial
Authors: Han Jung-Kyu , Yang Seokhun , Hwang Doyeon , Park Sang-Hyeon , Kang Jeehoon , Yang Han-Mo , Park Kyung Woo , Kang Hyun-Jae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Cho Jin-Man , Cho Janghyun , Bang Duk Won , Lee Jae-Hwan , Lee Han Cheol , Kim Kyung-Jin , Chun Woo Jung , Seo Won-Woo , Park Woo-Jung , Park Sang Min , Kim Jin Won , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

The efficacy and safety of each third-generation drug-eluting stent with ultrathin struts and advanced polymer technology remain unclear. We investigated the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention using the Coroflex ISAR polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) or Orsiro biodegradable polymer SES.

METHODS:

The HOST-IDEA trial (Harmonizing Optimal Strategy for Treatment of Coronary Artery Stenosis–Coronary Intervention With Next-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Platforms and Abbreviated Dual Antiplatelet Therapy), initially designed with a 2×2 factorial approach, sought to randomize patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention based on dual antiplatelet therapy duration (3 versus 12 months) and stent type (Coroflex ISAR versus Orsiro). Despite randomizing 2013 patients for dual antiplatelet therapy duration, the stent arm transitioned to a registry format during the trial. Among these, 328 individuals (16.3%) were randomized for Coroflex ISAR or Orsiro SES, while 1685 (83.7%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention without stent-type randomization. In this study, the Coroflex ISAR (n=559) and Orsiro groups (n=1449) were matched using a propensity score. The prespecified primary end point was target lesion failure, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months.

RESULTS:

The baseline patient and procedural characteristics were well balanced between the Coroflex ISAR and Orsiro groups after propensity score matching (n=559, each group). The Coroflex ISAR group was significantly associated with a higher rate of target lesion failure, mainly driven by clinically driven target lesion revascularization, compared with the Orsiro group (3.4% versus 1.1%; hazard ratio, 3.21 [95% CI, 1.28–8.05];
P
=0.01). A higher risk of target lesion failure in the Coroflex ISAR group was consistently observed across various subgroups. The rates of any bleeding (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.51–1.40];
P
=0.52) and major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 0.61–4.08];
P
=0.34) were comparable between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this propensity score-matched analysis of the stent arm registry from the HOST-IDEA trial, the Orsiro SES was associated with significantly better outcomes in terms of 1-year target lesion failure, mainly driven by clinically driven target lesion revascularization, than the Coroflex ISAR SES.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02601157.
Catholic Women as Subjects of Debate
Authors: Huygens Eline , van den Brandt Nella
Published: May 2024

Through the analysis of empirical material that discusses women’s positions in religion in Flanders/Belgium, this article shows how local religion/secular dynamics are co-constituted by issues of race and gender. Starting from the premise that religious women’s (self-)positioning must be understood from a critical perspective on both secularity and race, we show how a.) mainstream secular and racialising discourses aim to discipline various religious subjects by using questions of gender justice, and b.) ethnically mainstream young Catholic women partially resist this by distinguishing themselves from religio-racialised others and producing whiteness. Based on our analysis, we argue for taking women’s self-positioning towards religious others seriously as shaping a gendered religio-racialised location. Thinking through the production of a gendered religio-racialised location reveals how white Christian normativity depends on performativity and is a gendered construct. As such, we demonstrate the need for further investigations of the co-constructions of race, religion and gender focusing on the perspectives and positions of those normally excluded from these critical discussions, namely ethnic majority Christians in Europe.
The Meteorology of the August 2023 Maui Wildfire
Authors: Mass Clifford , Ovens David
Published: May 2024

On 8 August 2023, a wind-driven wildfire pushed across the city of Lahaina, located in West Maui, Hawaii, resulting in at least 100 deaths and an estimated economic loss of 4–6 billion dollars. The Lahaina wildfire was associated with strong, dry downslope winds gusting to 31–41 m s−1 (60–80 kt; 1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) that initiated the fire by damaging power infrastructure. The fire spread rapidly in invasive grasses growing in abandoned agricultural land upslope from Lahaina. This paper describes the synoptic and mesoscale meteorology associated with this event, as well as its predictability. Stronger-than-normal northeast trade winds, accompanied by a stable layer near the crest level of the West Maui Mountains, resulted in a high-amplitude mountain-wave response and a strong downslope windstorm. Mesoscale model predictions were highly accurate regarding the location, strength, and timing of the strong winds. Hurricane Dora, which passed approximately 1300 km to the south of Maui, does not appear to have had a significant impact on the occurrence and intensity of the winds associated with the wildfire event. The Maui wildfire was preceded by a wetter-than-normal winter and near-normal summer conditions.

Significance Statement

The 2023 Maui wildfire was one of the most damaging of the past century, with at least 100 fatalities. This paper describes the meteorological conditions associated with the event and demonstrates that excellent model forecasts made the threat foreseeable.