bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eliphas Lévi, La Bible de la liberté (1841)
Authors: Strube Julian
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses two of Eliphas Lévi’s openly radical publications (under his civil name Alphonse-Louis Constant) from the 1840s wherein the figure of Lucifer is discussed in a decidedly political way: La Bible de la liberté (The Bible of Liberty) from 1841, and Le testament de la liberté (The Testament of Liberty) from 1848. Eliphas Lévi ranks among the most influential esotericists up to the present day and could be regarded as one of the most influential esotericists of the nineteenth century. His romantic-socialist depiction of Lucifer as a rebellious, revolutionary force of liberty and reason underlies his most famous occultist writings, and it eventually resurfaced in an openly revolutionary way in his writings since the early 1860s. The Testament de la liberté contains the most extensive and radical discussion of the revolutionary Lucifer. Constant emphasized the role of Lucifer as a redeemer of humankind who first must work for his own redemption through suffering.
Léo Taxil, Le Palladium régénéré et libre (1895)
Authors: van Luijk Ruben
Published: August 2023

This chapter assesses the periodical called Le Palladium régénéré et libre (The Free and Regenerated Palladium), which began publication in Paris in 1895. It purported to be the public voice of a faction of Luciferians who had recently seceded from the New Palladium, a secret esoteric organization operating within the inner circles of Freemasonry and devoted to the worship of the fallen angel. However, the Palladium régénéré et libre was a hoax, an elaborate mystification crafted by master impostor Léo Taxil in order to discredit the Roman Catholic Church. In 1897, Taxil disclosed at a press conference that both editor-in-charge Miss Diana Vaughan and the Palladium had been his own creations and only existed on paper. Ultimately, the primary intention of the Palladium régénéré et libre was to serve as a trap. Yet, some of the criticism expressed by Miss Vaughan will certainly have been shared by Taxil himself.
Aleister Crowley, “Hymn to Lucifer” (Undated) and The Book of Thoth (1944)
Authors: Nilsson Johan
Published: August 2023

This chapter studies Aleister Crowley’s undated poem “Hymn to Lucifer” and an extract from The Book of Thoth (1944), which deals with the tarot card The Devil. “Hymn to Lucifer” alludes to the state of humankind in the Garden of Eden before the fall, a condition that is described in negative terms and portrayed as restrictive and stagnant. Even if it happens at the price of death, the Devil represents the possibility for humankind to leave the stagnation of Eden. The view of the Devil, especially in the guise of Lucifer, as the revealer of knowledge has been regarded as one of the classical elements of Romantic Satanism. Meanwhile, The Book of Thoth is a manual designed to give an account of Crowley’s interpretation of the significance of the tarot deck as well as to instruct its readers in a divinatory use of the cards. In The Book of Thoth, the Devil card is said to represent “creative energy in its most material form” and the connection that exists between the card, the Devil as a spiritual entity or principle and the creative force is possibly the main theme of the text.
Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Muslim Intellectuals on Islam–Democracy Compatibility
Authors: Ahmad Parray Tauseef
Published: August 2023

This chapter deliberates on Islam and democracy reconciliation in the light of the views of some prominent modern pioneering South Asian Muslim intellectuals, namely Muhammad Iqbal (d. 1938), Abul Kalam Azad (d. 1958), Syed Abu’l ‘Ala Mawdudi (d. 1979), Fazlur Rahman (d. 1988), and Amin Ahsan Islahi (d. 1997). This is followed by a brief assessment of the views of scholars of Traditionalist bent, especially belonging to ‘Deoband’ school of thought, including Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (d. 1943), Mufti Shabbir Ahmad ‘Uthmani (d. 1949), Mufti Muhammad Shafi (d. 1976), and Qari Muhammad Tayyib (d. 1983) and those belonging to the Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jama‘ah (the mainstream Muslim stance on things Quranic) like Abdul Majid Daryabadi (d. 1977).
Twenty-First Century Muslim Thinkers on Islam–Democracy Compatibility—II
Authors: Ahmad Parray Tauseef
Published: August 2023

In continuation with the previous chapter, the globally reputed twenty-first-century intellectuals (academicians, political leaders/activists, and analysts) selected in this chapter on Islam–democracy reconciliation are: Javed Ahmad Ghamidi (b. 1951), Abdelwahab el-Affendi (b. 1955), Louay M. Safi (b. 1955), Khaled Abou El Fadl (b. 1963), Radwan Masmoudi (b. 1963), M. A. Muqtedar Khan (b. 1966), and Kamran Bokhari (b. 1968). Most of them focus on the concept of Shura and Bay‘ah as the sources of democratic governance in Islam. This is followed by a comparative analysis between the nineteenth and twentieth-century modernist thinkers with the intellectuals and analysts of the twenty-first century so that to show the scope, trends, as well as relevance and significance of the issue under discussion.
Epilogue
Authors: Ahmad Parray Tauseef
Published: August 2023

This is the concluding chapter of this work and covers the findings of the study regarding the changing discourse of Islam–democracy (in)compatibility (covering a period of over two centuries) and thereof summarizes the general approach of the Muslim scholars of the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries regarding Islam–democracy reconciliation: be it the nineteenth and early twentieth scholars of the Arab world or South Asia (sub-continent) or the prominent academicians, thinkers, religious/political leaders, (political) analysts—of the sub-continent, Arab world and those based in the West. It also raises some fundamental questions related to this fiercely debated discourse in the contemporary Islamic political thought.
Human Spinal Oligodendrogenic Neural Progenitor Cells Enhance Pathophysiological Outcomes and Functional Recovery in a Clinically Relevant Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model
Authors: Pieczonka Katarzyna , Nakashima Hiroaki , Nagoshi Narihito , Yokota Kazuya , Hong James , Badner Anna , Chio Jonathon C T , Shibata Shinsuke , Khazaei Mohamad , Fehlings Michael G
Published: August 2023

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the loss of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Present interventions for SCI include decompressive surgery, anti-inflammatory therapies, and rehabilitation programs. Nonetheless, these approaches do not offer regenerative solutions to replace the lost cells, fiber tracts, and circuits. Neural stem/progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising strategy that aims to encourage regeneration. However, NPC differentiation remains inconsistent, thus, contributing to suboptimal functional recovery. As such, we have previously engineered oligodendrogenically biased NPCs (oNPCs) and demonstrated their efficacy in a thoracic model of SCI. Since the majority of patients with SCI experience cervical injuries, our objective in the current study was to generate human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived oNPCs (hiPSC-oNPCs) and to characterize these cells in vitro and in vivo, utilizing a clinically relevant rodent model of cervical SCI. Following transplantation, the oNPCs engrafted, migrated to the rostral and caudal regions of the lesion, and demonstrated preferential differentiation toward oligodendrocytes. Histopathological evaluations revealed that oNPC transplantation facilitated tissue preservation while diminishing astrogliosis. Moreover, oNPC transplantation fostered remyelination of the spared tissue. Functional analyses indicated improved forelimb grip strength, gait, and locomotor function in the oNPC-transplanted rats. Importantly, oNPC transplantation did not exacerbate neuropathic pain or induce tumor formation. In conclusion, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of oNPCs in promoting functional recovery and histopathological improvements in cervical SCI. This evidence warrants further investigation to optimize and advance this promising cell-based therapeutic approach.
The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA enhances the metabolic activity and angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells by upregulation of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2
Authors: AL-Eitan Laith Naser , Alahmad Saif Zuhair , ElMotasem Mohd Fahmi Munib , Alghamdi Mansour Abdullah
Published: August 2023

Brain angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing brain vasculature, has been previously associated with neural plasticity and addictive behaviors related to substances. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the effects of cannabis, offering high potency and easy accessibility. In the current study, we reveal that the SC 5F-MDMB-PICA, the most common SC in the United States in 2019, increases cell metabolic activity and promotes angiogenesis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). First, we performed an MTT assay to evaluate the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment at various concentrations (0.0001 μM, 0.001 μM, 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, and 1 μM) on HBMECs metabolic activity. The results demonstrated higher concentrations of the SC improved cell metabolic activity. Furthermore, 5F-MDMB-PICA treatment enhanced tube formation and migration of HBMECs in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the mRNA, secreted protein, and intracellular protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2, which are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, as well as the protein levels of cannabinoid receptor type-1, were all increased following treatment with 5F-MDMB-PICA. Notably, the phosphorylation levels at Serine 9 residue of glycogen synthase kinase-3β were also increased in the 5F-MDMB-PICA treated HBMECs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 5F-MDMB-PICA can enhance angiogenesis in HBMECs, suggesting the significant role of angiogenesis in the response to SCs. Manipulating this interaction may pave the way for innovative treatments targeting SC addiction and angiogenesis-related conditions.
Spatial scale influences the distribution of viral diversity in the eukaryotic virome of the mosquito Culex pipiens
Authors: Gil Patricia , Exbrayat Antoni , Loire Etienne , Rakotoarivony Ignace , Charriat Florian , Morel Côme , Baldet Thierry , Boisseau Michel , Marie Albane , Frances Benoît , L’Ambert Gregory , Bessat Mohamed , Otify Yehia , Goffredo Maria , Mancini Giuseppe , Busquets Núria , Birnberg Lotty , Talavera Sandra , Aranda Carles , Ayari Emna , Mejri Selma , Sghaier Soufien , Bennouna Amal , El Rhaffouli Hicham , Balenghien Thomas , Chlyeh Ghita , Fassi Fihri Ouafaa , Reveillaud Julie , Simonin Yannick , Eloit Marc , Gutierrez Serafin
Published: August 2023

Our knowledge of the diversity of eukaryotic viruses has recently undergone a massive expansion. This diversity could influence host physiology through yet unknown phenomena of potential interest to the fields of health and food production. However, the assembly processes of this diversity remain elusive in the eukaryotic viromes of terrestrial animals. This situation hinders hypothesis-driven tests of virome influence on host physiology. Here, we compare taxonomic diversity between different spatial scales in the eukaryotic virome of the mosquito Culex pipiens. This mosquito is a vector of human pathogens worldwide. The experimental design involved sampling in five countries in Africa and Europe around the Mediterranean Sea and large mosquito numbers to ensure a thorough exploration of virus diversity. A group of viruses was found in all countries. This core group represented a relatively large and diverse fraction of the virome. However, certain core viruses were not shared by all host individuals in a given country, and their infection rates fluctuated between countries and years. Moreover, the distribution of coinfections in individual mosquitoes suggested random co-occurrence of those core viruses. Our results also suggested differences in viromes depending on geography, with viromes tending to cluster depending on the continent. Thus, our results unveil that the overlap in taxonomic diversity can decrease with spatial scale in the eukaryotic virome of C. pipiens. Furthermore, our results show that integrating contrasted spatial scales allows us to identify assembly patterns in the mosquito virome. Such patterns can guide future studies of virome influence on mosquito physiology.
Original Research: Nurse-Reported Missed Care and Its Association with Staff Demographics and the Work Environment
Authors: Heng Laura Mun Tze , Rajasegeran Darshini Devi , See Alicia Min Ting , Kannusamy Premarani , Lim Siew Hoon , Aloweni Fazila Binte Abu Bakar , Ang Shin Yuh
Published: August 2023

Background:

Nurses have primary responsibility for many of the care processes and interventions intended to improve patients' health during hospital stays. Accordingly, missed nursing care can negatively impact patient safety and lead to negative clinical outcomes. Missed nursing care is standard care that is not completed, incomplete, or seriously delayed.

Purpose:

There is scant literature on nurse-reported missed care (NRMC) in Singapore. Identifying the prevalence of, types of, and reasons for missed care, including staff-related factors, is imperative to understanding the implications of missed care and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Methods:

Ours is a correlation study of NRMC using convenience sampling. Nurses working on all inpatient units in an acute care hospital in Singapore were recruited to complete the MISSCARE survey, a quantitative tool measuring missed nursing care and the reasons for it. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyze demographics, types of NRMC, and reasons for NRMC. The Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the correlation between demographics and satisfaction variables and NRMC.

Results:

A total of 314 participants out of 1,944 eligible nurses (response rate, 16%) were recruited. The most commonly reported missed care activities were setting up meals for patients who can feed themselves (87.3%), ambulation (70.1%), attending interdisciplinary conferences (64.3%), providing emotional support to patients and/or family (58%), and turning patients every two hours (56.7%). The most cited reasons for missed care were inadequate number of staff (84.4%), caregiver not in unit or unavailable (76.1%), heavy admission and discharge activity (75.5%), urgent patient situations (74.2%), and unexpected rise in patient volume and/or acuity (73.2%). Younger age, greater experience in role and current unit, inadequate staffing and teamwork, low satisfaction with current role and with being a nurse, and planning to leave the current position were factors significantly associated with greater levels of missed care.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated evidence of NRMC and its associated factors within the local setting. In addition to expanding nursing resources, analyzing nursing work processes, providing support for younger nurses, and improving nursing satisfaction are possible mitigating factors in preventing missed care. Strategies targeting workforce and resource management, greater support for new and younger nurses, and job satisfaction should be considered to address missed care.
Linear regression
Authors: Dombrowsky Thomas
Published: August 2023

Linear regression is one of the most basic regression techniques used in research statistics, particularly nursing research. This article explains linear regression in detail.
Endometriosis – a painful disease
Authors: Coxon Lydia , Evans Emma , Vincent Katy
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

This review looks to overview advances in endometriosis-associated pain, both in understanding the pain mechanisms involved and increasing treatment options with well designed clinical trials and meta-analyses.

Recent findings

Our understanding of endometriosis-associated pain has progressed from a purely nociceptive model to an awareness that both neuropathic and nociplastic mechanisms can be present for some people with endometriosis. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated efficacy of surgical treatments and hormonal therapies. It is notable that currently, the basic science and clinical trials are not cross-fertilising.

Following growth in other areas of chronic pain, there have been significant advances in our understanding of endometriosis-associated pain. However, there remains lots to explore and we are currently a long way from our goal of timely personalized holistic multidisciplinary treatment for all sufferers of endometriosis-associated pain.
Kratom Use Among Pregnant and Lactating Individuals With Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Bowman Justin , Lai Miao , Charles Jasmin E. , Gordon Adam J. , Smid Marcela C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use in pregnancy is associated with maternal and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. However, kratom use patterns in the population of peripartum and postpartum individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of pregnant and postpartum individuals with SUD who report using kratom in pregnancy or lactation and the reasons for their use.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous survey of pregnant and postpartum individuals receiving care at a single center's multidisciplinary prenatal clinic for individuals with SUD. We collected participants' demographic and pregnancy characteristics. We assessed ever use of kratom, kratom use during pregnancy or lactation, and reasons for kratom use. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results

From January 2021 to May 2021, a total of 80 surveys were collected (81% response rate of 98 eligible individuals). Most respondents were pregnant (n = 50 [62.5%]). The most frequent substance(s) of use were opioids (n = 50 [62.5%]) and methamphetamine (n = 39 [48.8%]). Many (n = 26 [32.5%]) reported ever use of kratom use. Of all respondents, 4 (5%) reported use during pregnancy, and 1 (1%) reported use during lactation. Kratom was primarily used to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms and for relaxation, pain control, and stress relief.

Conclusion

In a survey of pregnant and postpartum individuals with SUD at a single high-risk pregnancy clinic, ever use of kratom was frequent, whereas peripartum use was rare.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS8201) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with HER2 exon 20 insertion mutation: a case report
Authors: He Xincheng , Hou Lei , Bai Jun , Sun Chao , Wang Dongjie , An Gaili
Published: August 2023

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) provides effective treatment for patients with HER2-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Exon 20 insertion mutations are the most common among HER2 mutations. This mutant subtype is highly drug-resistant, and patients receiving conventional treatment often have a poor prognosis. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), a novel anti-HER2 ADC, has emerged as a novel treatment option for HER2-positive (mutated, expressed, amplified, alternated) NSCLC, based on several studies and reported results. Herein, we report a case of stage IV NSCLC with HER2 exon 20 mutation in a 52-year-old male patient whose tumor recurred after radical resection of pulmonary carcinoma, who could not tolerate chemotherapy, and presented with bone metastasis. After treatment with T-DXd, the tumor significantly regressed and bone metastasis improved, maintaining a state of no progression for 21 months. This case report evidences the use of T-DXd in the treatment of NSCLC with HER2 exon 20 insertion mutation.
Venetoclax dose adjustment due to drug-drug interactions: a case report and literature review
Authors: Fan Weibin , Guo Jun , Zhang Yue , Zhang Runcong , Lin Bin
Published: August 2023

The primary aim of the study is to discuss the potential interactions between venetoclax and common drugs used in department of hematology and the corresponding effects on the efficacy and safety of venetoclax treatment. Here, we report an acute myeloid leukemia patient treated with venetoclax and posaconazole, and the dose of venetoclax was adjusted due to drug interactions. Clinical pharmacists actively participated in treatment of this patient to provide pharmacy care to assist clinicians to identify the venetoclax-induced liver function impairment and give timely management. The case reported here is hoped to provide reference for clinical venetoclax treatment in patients with such disease. Clinical pharmacists should actively participate in clinical treatment, actively screen potential drug interactions, strengthen cooperation and communication with doctors, provide patients with high-quality pharmaceutical services, and establish clinical pharmacists’ status in the multidisciplinary treatment of tumor.
Semiscleral Contact Lens Use After Direct Corneal Neurotization for Neurotrophic Keratopathy
Authors: Morel Mark , Severinsky Boris , Kim Hee Joon , Behshad Soroosh
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To describe a case of a patient treated for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) with direct corneal neurotization (CN), where a modification to the CN technique allowed for semiscleral contact lens use postoperatively.

Observation:

Our patient had successful CN with improved corneal sensation. During the procedure, a 1.0 mm gutter was created between the limbus and nerve graft to allow for semiscleral contact lens fitting.

Conclusions:

With the use of preoperative planning and a limbal gutter during CN, a semiscleral contact lens can serve as a well-tolerated postoperative management option to improve visual acuity and protect the corneal surface in patients with NK.
Comparison of myopic astigmatic correction after cross-assisted SMILE, FS-LASIK, and transPRK
Authors: Yang Yi-Zeng , Li Fen-Fen , Wu Shuang-Qing , Dai Qi , Bao Fang-Jun , Cheng Dan , Zhu Jun , Ye Yu-Feng
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To compare astigmatic correction among cross-assisted small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transPRK).

Setting:

The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.

Design:

Prospective comparison study.

Methods:

154 right eyes of 154 patients with astigmatism of −1.00 to −2.75 diopters (D) were included in this study. 64 eyes, 42 eyes, and 48 eyes were receiving SMILE, FS-LASIK, and transPRK, respectively. The SMILE group used cross-axial alignment for head positioning for astigmatism correction. In the FS-LASIK and transPRK groups, static and dynamic cyclotorsion control were used. Changes in ocular parameters and vector analysis were assessed at 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

The safety and efficacy indices were comparable among the 3 groups at 6 months postoperatively. Residual astigmatism was smallest in the SMILE group (−0.23 ± 0.25 D) compared with that in FS-LASIK (−0.40 ± 0.28 D, P = .009) and transPRK groups (−0.42 ± 0.32 D, P = .001). 53 (82.8%), 36 (85.7%), and 37 (77.1%) eyes achieved an angle of error within ±5 degrees, respectively (P = .55). Notably, vector analysis showed that the difference vector, the magnitude of the error, and its absolute value were significantly smaller in the SMILE group than those in the other groups (P < .05). In addition, the higher-order aberrations, especially coma, were significantly induced postoperatively in each group (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Residual astigmatism magnitude was smallest by cross-assisted SMILE, followed by FS-LASIK and transPRK, and the astigmatism axial correction was comparable among groups.
Multidisciplinary Teamwork Perceptions When Mobilizing Ventilated Neurosurgery Patients
Authors: Vinar Adrianna Lall , Cipher Daisha J. , Ormand Molly , Carlisle Byron , Behan Deborah
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary teamwork is essential in delivering holistic care to critically ill populations, including ventilated neurosurgery patients. Although it is considered a safe and feasible aspect of patient care, mobilization is often missed in this population because of negative healthcare provider perceptions regarding barriers and patient safety. Nurse-led teamwork has been suggested to overcome these barriers and to achieve earlier mobilization for patients, as well as positive provider perceptions, which may affect the culture and frequency of mobilization on neurointensive care units. Quantitative studies analyzing multidisciplinary teamwork perceptions to mobilize ventilated neurosurgery patients with or without a nurse-led protocol have not been previously conducted. Analyzing such perceptions may provide insight to team-related barriers related to missed mobility. This pilot quasi-experimental study aimed to determine whether the use of a nurse-led mobility protocol affects teamwork perceptions when mobilizing ventilated neurosurgery patients. METHODS: A sample of multidisciplinary teams, composed of nurses, patient care technicians, and respiratory therapists, mobilized ventilated neurosurgery patients according to either standard of care (for the control group) or a nurse-led mobility protocol (for the interventional group). Teamwork perceptions were measured via the reliable and valid Nursing Teamwork Survey tool. RESULTS: Linear mixed model analyses revealed that multidisciplinary teams in the nurse-led mobility protocol group had significantly higher levels of overall perceived teamwork than those in the control group, t
3 = −3.296, P = .038. Such differences were also noted for teamwork variables of team leadership and mutual trust. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led mobility protocols should be considered to increase teamwork when performing multidisciplinary teamwork-based mobility for ventilated neurosurgery patients. Future studies should continue to evaluate teamwork perceptions after nurse-led mobility.
Tuberculosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Nationwide Cohort in a Low Tuberculosis Incidence Country
Authors: Feuth Thijs , Rajalahti Iiris , Vasankari Tuula , Gissler Mika , Rimhanen-Finne Ruska , Finne Patrik , Helanterä Ilkka
Published: August 2023

Background.

World Health Organization recommends tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment for risk groups such as patients preparing for organ transplantation. Pretransplant screening or treatment of latent TB infection has not been routine practice in Finland.

Methods.

In this nationwide registry study, we assessed the risk of TB among kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population. TB cases were identified by data linkage of the national infectious disease and the national transplant registries between 1995 and 2019. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated with adjustment for age, sex, and annual TB dynamics.

Results.

A total of 4101 kidney transplants in 3900 recipients with a follow-up of 37 652 patient-years were included. Eighteen TB cases were detected. Patients diagnosed with TB were older (median age 64 y, interquartile range 56–66) at transplantation than those without TB (median 51 y, interquartile range 41–60, P < 0.001). The standardized incidence ratio of TB was 6.9 among kidney transplant recipients compared to general population during the whole study period 1995–2019 but decreased from 12.5 in 1995–2007 to 3.2 in 2008–2019. The standardized incidence ratio was 44.2 during the first year after transplantation. Significant differences in 5-y graft losses were not detected between TB patients and those without TB.

Conclusions.

The standardized incidence ratio of TB in kidney transplant recipients has decreased over the years, but these patients remain at risk of TB, especially during the first posttransplant year. Cost-benefit analysis is required to address feasibility of latent TB infection screening among transplant candidates in countries with low incidence of TB.
Psilocybin desynchronizes brain networks
Authors: Siegel Joshua S , Subramanian Subha , Perry Demetrius , Kay Benjamin , Gordon Evan , Laumann Timothy , Reneau Rick , Gratton Caterina , Horan Christine , Metcalf Nicholas , Chacko Ravi , Schweiger Julie , Wong Dean , Bender David , Padawer-Curry Jonah , Raison Charles , Raichle Marcus , Lenze Eric J. , Snyder Abraham Z , Dosenbach Nico U.F. , Nicol Ginger
Published: August 2023

1

The relationship between the acute effects of psychedelics and their persisting neurobiological and psychological effects is poorly understood. Here, we tracked brain changes with longitudinal precision functional mapping in healthy adults before, during, and for up to 3 weeks after oral psilocybin and methylphenidate (17 MRI visits per participant) and again 6+ months later. Psilocybin disrupted connectivity across cortical networks and subcortical structures, producing more than 3-fold greater acute changes in functional networks than methylphenidate. These changes were driven by desynchronization of brain activity across spatial scales (area, network, whole brain). Psilocybin-driven desynchronization was observed across association cortex but strongest in the default mode network (DMN), which is connected to the anterior hippocampus and thought to create our sense of self. Performing a perceptual task reduced psilocybin-induced network changes, suggesting a neurobiological basis forgrounding, connecting with physical reality during psychedelic therapy. The acute brain effects of psilocybin are consistent with distortions of space-time and the self. Psilocybin induced persistent decrease in functional connectivity between the anterior hippocampus and cortex (and DMN in particular), lasting for weeks but normalizing after 6 months. Persistent suppression of hippocampal-DMN connectivity represents a candidate neuroanatomical and mechanistic correlate for psilocybin’s pro-plasticity and anti-depressant effects.
Genomic epidemiology of the cholera outbreak in Malawi 2022-2023
Authors: Chabuka Lucious , Choga Wonderful T. , Mavian Carla N. , Moir Monika , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Naidoo Yeshnee , Inward Rhys , Morgenstern Christian , Bhatt Samir , WilliamWint G. R. , Khan Kamran , Bogoch Isaac I. , Kraemer Moritz U.G. , Baxter Cheryl , Tagliamonte Massimiliano , Salemi Marco , Lessells Richard , Mitambo Collins , Chitatanga Ronald , Bango Joseph Bitilinyu- , Chiwaula Mabvuto , Chavula Yollamu , Bukhu Mphatso , Manda Happy , Chitenje Moses , Malolo Innocent , Mwanyongo Alex , Mvula Dr Bernard , Nyenje Dr Mirrium , Oliveira Tulio de , Kagoli Dr Mathew
Published: August 2023

Since early 2022, in the aftermath of two extreme weather events, Malawi experienced its largest ever cholera outbreak, with over 58,000 reported cases and 1,761 deaths as of May 2023. We generated 49 high-quality, near-complete Vibrio cholerae genomes in Malawi from isolates collected between December 2022 and March 2023 from all three regions of Malawi. Using phylogenetic methods with 2159 publicly available genomes, we present evidence suggesting that the Malawi outbreak strains originated from the Pakistan outbreak, the estimated most recent ancestor of this lineage, named T15, was during the Pakistan floods, and once introduced into Malawi was exacerbated by major floods between June and October 2022. The extreme weather events and humanitarian crises in Malawi provided the environment for the spread of Vibrio cholerae, and the subsequent movement of large numbers of people may have facilitated its spread to susceptible populations in areas relatively unaffected by cholera for over a decade.
Characterizing patterns of diffusion tensor imaging variance in aging brains
Authors: Gao Chenyu , Yang Qi , Kim Michael E. , Khairi Nazirah Mohd , Cai Leon Y. , Newlin Nancy R. , Kanakaraj Praitayini , Remedios Lucas W. , Krishnan Aravind R. , Yu Xin , Yao Tianyuan , Zhang Panpan , Schilling Kurt G. , Moyer Daniel , Archer Derek B. , Resnick Susan M. , Landman Bennett A. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   the BIOCARD Study team
Published: August 2023

Purpose

As large analyses merge data across sites, a deeper understanding of variance in statistical assessment across the sources of data becomes critical for valid analyses. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) exhibits spatially varying and correlated noise, so care must be taken with distributional assumptions. Here we characterize the role of physiology, subject compliance, and the interaction of subject with the scanner in the understanding of DTI variability, as modeled in spatial variance of derived metrics in homogeneous regions.

Approach

We analyze DTI data from 1035 subjects in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), with ages ranging from 22.4 to 103 years old. For each subject, up to 12 longitudinal sessions were conducted. We assess variance of DTI scalars within regions of interest (ROIs) defined by four segmentation methods and investigate the relationships between the variance and covariates, including baseline age, time from the baseline (referred to as “interval”), motion, sex, and whether it is the first scan or the second scan in the session.

Results

Covariate effects are heterogeneous and bilaterally symmetric across ROIs. Inter-session interval is positively related (p≪ 0.001) to FA variance in the cuneus and occipital gyrus, but negatively (p≪ 0.001) in the caudate nucleus. Males show significantly (p≪ 0.001) higher FA variance in the right putamen, thalamus, body of the corpus callosum, and cingulate gyrus. In 62 out of 176 ROIs defined by the Eve type-1 atlas, an increase in motion is associated (p< 0.05) with a decrease in FA variance. Head motion increases during the rescan of DTI (Δμ= 0.045 millimeters per volume).

Conclusions

The effects of each covariate on DTI variance, and their relationships across ROIs are complex. Ultimately, we encourage researchers to include estimates of variance when sharing data and consider models of heteroscedasticity in analysis. This work provides a foundation for study planning to account for regional variations in metric variance.
Prediction of COVID-19 infection risk using personal mobile location data only
Authors: Jang Ahreum , Kim Sungtae , Baek Hyeongwoo , Kim Hyejung , Park Hae-Lee
Published: August 2023

Predicting an individual’s risk of infectious disease is a critical technology in infectious disease response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying and isolating individuals at high risk of infection was an essential task for epidemic control. We introduce a new machine learning model that predicts the risk of COVID-19 infection using only individuals’ mobile cell tower location information. This model distinguishes the cell tower location information of an individual into residential and non-residential areas and calculates whether the cell tower locations overlapped with other individuals. It then generates various variables from the information of overlapping and predicts the possibility of COVID-19 infection using a machine learning algorithm. The predictive model we developed showed performance comparable to models using individual’s clinical information. This predictive model, which can be used to predict infections of diseases with asymptomatic infections such as COVID-19, has the advantage of supplementing the limitations of existing infectious disease prediction models that use symptoms and other information.
Remote monitoring of depression severity: A machine learning approach
Authors: Holstein Vincent , Rahimi-Eichi Habiballah , Emden Daniel , Gutfleisch Lara , Refisch Alexander , Goltermann Janik , Leenings Ramona , Winter Nils , Kircher Tilo , Nenadić Igor , Redlich Ronny , Leehr Elisabeth Johanna , Dohm Katharina , Baker Justin , Dannlowski Udo , Opel Nils , Hahn Tim
Published: August 2023

Depression is a widely prevalent psychiatric illness with variable levels of severity that necessitate different approaches to treatment. To enhance the management of this condition, there is a growing interest in utilizing mobile devices, especially smartphones, for remote monitoring of patients. This study aims to build prediction models for depression severity based on active and passive features collected from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls to assess the feasibility of remote monitoring of depression severity.

Using data from 142 participants (85 healthy controls, 67 MDD) we extracted features such as GPS-derived mobility markers, ecological momentary assessments (EMA), age, and sex to develop machine learning models of depression severity on the different diagnostic subgroups in this cohort.

Our results indicate that the employed models outperformed baseline estimators in random split scenarios. However, the improvement was marginal in user-split scenarios, highlighting the need for larger and more diverse samples for clinical utility. Among the features, mood EMA emerged as the most influential predictor, followed by GPS-derived mobility features. Models also showed a significant association between depression severity and average reported mood, as well as GPS-derived mobility markers such as number of places visited and percent home.

While predicting composite depression scores is important, future studies could explore predicting individual symptom items or symptom groups for a more comprehensive assessment of depression severity. Challenges for clinical utility include participant dropout, which could be addressed through more engaging app design to promote user adherence. Harmonization of phone-derived measures is also crucial to facilitate model transfer across studies.

In conclusion, this study contributes valuable evidence supporting the potential utility of smartphone data for mood state monitoring and predicting depression severity. Future research should focus on predicting depression further ahead in time and addressing the challenges identified to create more robust and effective depression monitoring solutions using smartphone-based data.
Heat Inactivation of Aqueous Viable Norovirus and MS2 Bacteriophage
Authors: Shaffer Marlee , Huynh Kimberly , Costantini Verónica , Bibby Kyle , Vinjé Jan
Published: August 2023

Human norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis often associated with contaminated food or water exposure. Many studies have used morphologically similar viruses, such as MS2 bacteriophage, and molecular detection methods to study the environmental fate and inactivation characteristics, given the historical challenges to culture human norovirus. In this study, we used human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) to analyze the heat inactivation kinetics of viable human norovirus compared to the surrogate MS2 bacteriophage. Norovirus decay rates were 0.22 min-1, 0.68 min-1, and 1.11 min-1for 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C, respectively, and MS2 bacteriophage decay rates were 0.0065 min-1, 0.045 min-1, and 0.16 min-1for 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C, respectively. Norovirus and MS2 bacteriophage had significantly different decay rates at all tested temperatures (p = 0.002 – 0.007). No decrease of RNA titers as measured by realtime RT-PCR for both human norovirus and MS2 bacteriophage over time was observed, indicating molecular methods do not accurately depict viable human norovirus after heat inactivation. Overall, our data demonstrate that MS2 bacteriophage is a conservative surrogate to measure heat inactivation and potentially overestimates the infectious risk of norovirus.

IMPORTANCE

Norovirus is the leading cause of epidemic and endemic acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Treatments to inactivate norovirus are critical to reducing the risk associated with contaminated food and water. The recent developments to replicate human norovirus in human intestinal enteroids (HIE) enables the evaluation of heat inactivation kinetics of viable norovirus. Historically, cultivable surrogate viruses, such as bacteriophage MS2, have been used to measure the environmental fate of human norovirus. Our findings indicate that compared to human norovirus, MS2 bacteriophage is a conservative surrogate to measure the effect of heat inactivation. Furthermore, this study corroborates that measuring viral RNA titers, as evaluated by PCR methods, does not correlate with persistence of viable norovirus.
Perceptions and experiences of different Long COVID community rehabilitation service models from the perspectives of people living with Long COVID and healthcare professionals
Authors: Duncan Edward , Alexander Lyndsay , Cowie Julie , Love Alison , Morris Jacqui , Moss Rachel , Ormerod Jane , Preston Jenny , Shim Joanna , Stage Emma , Tooman Tricia , Cooper Kay
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To explore the perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators to accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation.

Design

We used a qualitative descriptive [1] design over two rounds of data collection with three participant groups: i) people with experience of rehabilitation for Long COVID (PwLC); ii) NHS staff delivering and/or managing community rehabilitation services (allied health professionals (AHPs)), and iii) NHS staff involved in strategic planning around Long COVID in their health board (Long COVID leads).

Setting

Four NHS Scotland territorial health boards.

Participants

51 interviews: eight Long COVID leads (11 interviews); 15 AHPs (25 interviews) and 15 PwLC (15 interviews).

Results

Three key themes were identified: i) Accessing care for PwLC, ii) Understanding Long COVID and its management; and iii) Strengths and limitations of existing Long COVID rehabilitation services.

Conclusions

Organisational delivery of Long COVID community rehabilitation is complex and presents multiple challenges. In addition, access to Long COVID community rehabilitation can be challenging. When accessed, these services are valued by PwLC but require adequate planning, publicity, and resource. The findings presented here can be used by those developing and delivering services for people with Long COVID.

Strengths and limitations of this study

This is the first study to explore perceptions and experiences of different community rehabilitation models for Long COVID in the Scottish context

Perspectives of people with Long COVID, staff delivering services, and staff leading on Long COVID in four geographically diverse Scottish health boards are included

The strengths and limitations of different Long COVID rehabilitation service model components are highlighted

The rapidly evolving nature of Long COVID and its management resulted in fewer distinct differences between the four health boards than originally anticipated
Characterising the neurobiological mechanisms of action of exercise and cognitive behavioural interventions for rheumatoid arthritis fatigue: an MRI brain study
Authors: Dehsarvi Amir , Al-Wasity Salim , Stefanov Kristian , Wiseman Stewart , Ralston Stuart , Wardlaw Joanna , Emsley Richard , Bachmair Eva-Maria , Cavanagh Jonathan , Waiter Gordon D. , Basu Neil
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic Fatigue is a major clinical unmet need among patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Current therapies are limited to non-pharmacological interventions, such as personalised exercise programmes (PEP) and cognitive behavioural approaches (CBA), however, still most patients continue to report severe fatigue. To inform more effective therapies, we conducted an MRI brain study of PEP and CBA, nested within a randomised controlled trial (RCT), to identify their neurobiological mechanisms of fatigue reduction in RA.

Methods

A sub-group of RA subjects (n=90), participating in a RCT of PEP/CBA for fatigue, undertook a multi-modal MRI brain scan following randomisation to either usual care (UC) alone or in addition to PEP/CBA, and again after the intervention (6 months). Brain regional volumetric, functional, and structural connectivity indices were curated and then computed employing a causal analysis framework. The primary outcome was fatigue improvement (Chalder Fatigue Scale).

Findings

Several structural and functional connections were identified as mediators of fatigue improvement in both PEP and CBA compared to UC. PEP had a more pronounced effect on functional connectivity than CBA, however, structural connectivity between the left isthmus cingulate cortex (L-ICC) and left paracentral lobule (L-PCL) was shared and the size of mediation effect ranked highly for both PEP/CBA (ßAverage=-0·46, SD 0·61; ßAverage=-0·32, SD 0·47, respectively).

Interpretation

The structural connection between the L-ICC and L-PCL appears to be a dominant mechanism for how both PEP/CBA reduces fatigue among RA patients. This supports its potential as a substrate of fatigue neurobiology and a putative candidate for future targeting.
The role of social network structure and function in moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness: the Dutch SaNAE study in older adults
Authors: Steijvers Lisanne CJ , Brinkhues Stephanie , Suanet Bianca , Stijnen Mandy MN , Hoebe Christian JPA , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole HTM
Published: August 2023

Background

Loneliness is a serious public health problem and became even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it is unknown which aspects of social networks are most important. Here, we evaluated social network structure and function and associations with moderate and severe social and emotional loneliness in older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study includes online questionnaire data (SaNAE cohort, August-November 2020), in independently living Dutch adults aged 40 years and older. For the separate outcomes social and emotional loneliness, associations with structural network aspects (e.g., network diversity - having various types of relationships, and density - having network members who know each other), and functional network aspects (informational, emotional, and practical social support) were assessed and risk estimates were adjusted for the number of contacts, age, educational level, level of urbanization and chronic conditions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Of 3,396 participants (55% men; mean age 65 years), 18% were socially lonely which was associated with a less diverse and less dense network, living alone, feeling less connected to friends, not having a club membership, and fewer emotional supporters (men only) or informational supporters (women only). 28% were emotionally lonely, which was associated with being socially lonely, and more exclusively online (versus in-person) contacts (men only), and fewer emotional supporters (women only).

Conclusion

Network structure and function beyond the mere number of contacts is key in loneliness, and in particular, the types of relationships are important. Public health strategies should be sex-tailored and promote network diversity and density, club membership, informational and emotional support, and in-person contact.