bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Frequency Gravitational Wave bounds from galactic neutron stars
Authors: Dandoy V. , Bertólez-Martínez T. , Costa F.
Published: December 2024

High-Frequency Gravitational Waves (HFGWs) constitute a unique window on the early Universe as well as exotic astrophysical objects. While the current gravitational wave experiments are more dedicated to the low frequency regime, the graviton conversion into photons in a strong magnetic field constitutes a powerful tool to probe HFGWs. In this paper, we show that neutron stars, due to their extreme magnetic field, are a perfect laboratory to study the conversion of HFGWs into photons. Using realistic models for the galactic neutron star population, we calculate for the first time the expected photon flux induced by the conversion of an isotropic stochastic gravitational wave background in the magnetosphere of the ensemble of neutron stars present in the Milky Way. We compare this photon flux to the observed one from several telescopes and derive upper limits on the stochastic gravitational wave background in the frequency range 108 Hz–1025 Hz. We find our limits to be competitive in the frequency range 108 Hz–1012 Hz.
Fatigue life analysis of a special vehicle lower control arm
Authors: Zhou Yunbo , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

To enhance vehicle structural fatigue durability and improve design methods, this study analyzed and predicted the fatigue life of a special vehicle control arm. Finite element analysis was used to model the control arm, identify stress hot spots, and determine fatigue damage locations. Strain loads under test conditions were measured, and data processing, including spectrum analysis and low-pass filtering, was performed to create a load spectrum using the rain flow counting method. Fatigue life and damage were analyzed using the nominal stress method and Miner’s criterion in Ncode software. Results show that the fatigue damage distribution matches actual road conditions, with an expected life of 21, 200 hours, meeting usage requirements.
Research on theoretical modal analysis method of load simulation system
Authors: Zhang Guangxiang , Qin Shumin , Yang Shuo , Liu Jinsuo
Published: December 2024

In order to study the modal analysis of large structures, this paper uses a load simulation system as the research object and uses different methods to calculate the natural frequency according to the characteristics of different systems. Because the elastic moment loading subsystem is relatively independent and its main motion mode is considered, it is equivalent to a cantilever beam, and the modal analysis is carried out using the theoretical calculation method. According to the simple structure of the shafting subsystem and its characteristics as the most important moment transmission component, it is equivalent to a simply supported beam, and the modal analysis is carried out by theoretical calculation method; given the complex structure of the load simulation system, the modal analysis is carried out utilizing simulation analysis. By comparing the results of these analyses, it is found that different modal analysis methods should be adopted for structures with different characteristics to obtain more accurate analysis results.
The Grothendieck formalism applied to physical examples in a single quantum system
Authors: Vourdas A.
Published: December 2024

The Grothendieck formalism considers a classical quadratic form C(θ), and a quantum quadratic form Q(θ). It shows that if C(θ) ≤ 1, the Q(θ) might take values greater than 1, up to the complex Grothendieck constant k

G
. The region (1, k

G
) is ‘ultra-quantum’ in the sense that Q can take values in it, but C cannot take values in it. The mathematical formalism is applied to various physical examples. It is shown that many physically interesting density matrices give Q(θ) ≤ 1. In some examples Q is the Wigner and Weyl functions, and in that case also Q(θ) ≤ 1. In many examples Fourier dual density matrices both give Q(θ) ≤ 1, and in this sense Fourier duality does not play an important role within the Grothendieck formalism. Therefore quantumness according to Grothendieck (Q ε (1, k

G
)) is different from quantumness according to other criteria.
Flipped SU(5) GUT with conformal gravity from a single supermultiplet
Authors: Chester David , Marrani Alessio , Rios Michael , Irwin Klee
Published: December 2024

The Grassmann envelope is used to find the 𝒩 = 1 ‘superquasiconformal’ algebra in D = 10 + 1. The adjoint representation of this algebra is found to contain 𝔰𝔲2,2 ⊕ u1 ⊕ 𝔰𝔲5 as a submaximal subalgebra, giving a spectrum of conformal gravity with flipped SU
5 × U
1 GUT. Combining Yang-Mills theory with MacDowell-Mansouri gravity over the conformal group is found to recover the Einstein-Hilbert action with a cosmological constant. An action for the theory is presented, which contains the gauge bosons of gravity and GUT, three generations of fermions in an efficient manner, and a new Higgs sector. By using the superalgebra for the entire multiplet, the theory gauges a non-supersymmetric subalgebra without introducing superpartners.
Thermal erosion behavior of electroplating and multi-arc ion plating Cr coatings on PCrNi3MoVA steel
Authors: Han Xiao , Hu Ming , Tang Yueyang , Gao Pan , Gao Yuan , Li Zhiteng
Published: December 2024

The thermal erosion behavior of two-kind Cr coating on PCrNi3MoVA steel under 350 MPa erosive pressure is compared. Microscopic observations and elemental analyses of the two-kind Cr coatings are carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS), which led to their exfoliation mechanism. It is found the spalling mechanism of the two-kind Cr coatings after thermal erosion is different: the spalling of the electroplating Cr coating is in the form of localized delamination to overall spalling over a large area, and the spalling of the multi-arc ion plating Cr coating is in the form of horizontal and vertical extended spalling. The results show that the electroplated Cr coating has weaker erosion resistance than the multi-arc ion plating Cr coating and the Cr coating by multi-arc ion plating is more suitable as a protective layer to extend the life of the gun barrel.
Research on manufacturing process control and analysis technology of civil aircraft
Authors: Zhang Kaikai , Xia Jian , Zhang Xinai , Yang Huaizhi
Published: December 2024

The manufacturing stage is the core link of product reliability, and the manufacturing process control is the bridge between design reliability and product reliability. In the manufacturing process, the influence of various factors on the formation of product reliability is considered and controlled. Meanwhile, the process failure mode and impact analysis (PEMEA) method is introduced to clarify its principle and method. The key processes of the manufacturing and assembly process are identified by taking the RAT system of certain aircraft as an example. Effective measures are proposed to improve the manufacturing and assembly process, ensure the manufacturing reliability of products, and provide strong support for improving the quality and reliability of civil aircraft.
On the nature of ensembles from gravitational path integrals
Authors: Marolf Donald
Published: December 2024

Spacetime wormholes in gravitational path integrals have long been known to lead to interpretations in terms of an ensemble of theories. Here we probe the question of precisely what sort of theories such ensembles might contain. Careful consideration of a simple d = 2 topological model indicates that the Hilbert space structure of a general ensemble element fails to factorize over disconnected Cauchy-surface boundaries, and in particular that its Hilbert space

H

N

C
S
∂

for

N

C
S
∂

Cauchy-surface boundaries fails to be positive definite when the number

N

C
S
∂

of disconnected such boundaries is large. This observation then suggests a generalization of the AdS/CFT correspondence in which a bulk gravitational theory is dual to an ensemble of theories that deviate from standard CFTs by violating both locality and positivity (at least under certain circumstances). Since violations of positivity are undesirable, we propose that positivity-violating elements of the ensemble be removed when studying physics in asymptotically AdS spacetimes (or in other contexts in which Cauchy surfaces have asymptotic boundaries), perhaps reducing the ensemble to a single standard CFT. Nevertheless, properties of any remaining CFTs that are uncorrelated with positivity of

H

N

C
S
∂

at large

N

C
S
∂

will agree with those of typical elements of the full ensemble and may be computed using the ensemble average. On the other hand, elements that violate positivity at large

N

C
S
∂

can still have a positive-definite cosmological sector with

N

C
S
∂

=
0

. The collection of such elements then defines a basis for a Hilbert space describing such cosmologies. In contrast to the cases in which Cauchy-surfaces are allowed to have boundaries, we argue that the resulting Hilbert space need not decohere into single-state theories. As a result, familiar physics might be more easily recovered from this new scenario.
Biological arrow of time: emergence of tangled information hierarchies and self-modelling dynamics
Authors: Prokopenko Mikhail , Davies Paul C W , Harré Michael , Heisler Marcus G , Kuncic Zdenka , Lewis Geraint F , Livson Ori , Lizier Joseph T , Rosas Fernando E
Published: December 2024

We study open-ended evolution by focusing on computational and information-processing dynamics underlying major evolutionary transitions. In doing so, we consider biological organisms as hierarchical dynamical systems that generate regularities in their phase-spaces through interactions with their environment. These emergent information patterns can then be encoded within the organism’s components, leading to self-modelling ‘tangled hierarchies’. Our main conjecture is that when macro-scale patterns are encoded within micro-scale components, it creates fundamental tensions (computational inconsistencies) between what is encodable at a particular evolutionary stage and what is potentially realisable in the environment. A resolution of these tensions triggers an evolutionary transition which expands the problem-space, at the cost of generating new tensions in the expanded space, in a continual process. We argue that biological complexification can be interpreted computation-theoretically, within the Gödel–Turing–Post recursion-theoretic framework, as open-ended generation of computational novelty. In general, this process can be viewed as a meta-simulation performed by higher-order systems that successively simulate the computation carried out by lower-order systems. This computation-theoretic argument provides a basis for hypothesising the biological arrow of time.
Twenty years of intervention optimization
Authors: Collins Linda M
Published: December 2024

In the classical paradigm for intervention research, the components that are to make up an intervention are identified, pilot tested, and then immediately assembled into a treatment package and subjected to an evaluation randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the performance of the entire package. Intervention optimization, which adapts ideas from technological fields to intervention science in order to hasten scientific progress, is an alternative to the classical paradigm. The first article introducing intervention optimization via the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) was published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine in 2005. In this commentary, I reflect on the evolution of intervention optimization from that first publication to today, and on what the future could hold if the intervention science field continues to adopt the optimization paradigm. I propose that if intervention optimization became standard operating procedure, the field would accumulate a coherent base of knowledge about what specific intervention strategies work, for whom, under which circumstances, and why; every intervention produced would contain only components that contribute enough to justify their resource requirements; interventions would be readily implementable; and as the knowledge base grew, interventions would be improved continually.
Effect of recreational sport and physical activity participation on well-being during early parenthood: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E , Beauchamp Mark R , Carson Valerie , Courtnall Sandy , Wierts Colin M , Blanchard Chris M
Published: December 2024

Background

Parents with children in the home may benefit considerably from sport participation, given the high levels of physical inactivity and psychosocial distress among this group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of team sport participation on mental health (primary outcome) as well as other secondary psychosocial outcomes compared to an individual physical activity condition and a “date night” control condition among parents with young children (under the age of 13).

Methods

A three-arm parallel design single blinded randomized controlled trial compared the team sport (n = 58), individual physical activity (n = 60), and control condition (n = 66) over three months. Well-being variables (short-form-12, satisfaction with life scale, parental stress scale, relationship assessment scale, family inventory version II) were assessed at baseline and post-randomization at 6 weeks and 3 months. Rolling recruitment began in winter 2016 until spring 2023. Analyses were conducted using generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Team sport participation resulted in improvements in mental health and increased relationship satisfaction compared to the other conditions. Team sport participation also showed improvements in lowering parental stress and increasing family emotional expressiveness compared to the control condition. All conditions improved satisfaction with life, lowered stress, increased relationship satisfaction, benefited family health/competence and lowered family conflict over time.

Discussion

The findings extend prior observational research by demonstrating team sport participation may be a viable activity to recommend for parents of young children, who are typically challenged by lower well-being, stress, and social isolation from other adults.

Registered trial

The clinical trial is registered with the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health registration ID is NCT02898285.
Transriver Borders in the Asian Highlands
Authors: Gamble Ruth
Published: December 2024

Asian Highlands rivers flow down to the world’s most heavily populated river plains in South, Southeast, and East Asia. These well-watered, sediment-rich plains have attracted human settlers for millennia. For most of this history, the powerful states that ruled the river plains left highland states and communities alone, and within the highlands, shifting mosaics of states and independent communities governed river valleys. These highlanders’ border practices only restricted the movement of armies and untaxed trade but allowed flows of nomads, animals, and rivers. This system began to change during the mid-19th century, as the British, Russian, and Manchu-Qing empires began drawing competitive maps that claimed overlapping areas of the highlands. Over the next century, the British and Chinese increased their control of the highlands, and from the 1950s onward, the postcolonial Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani states attempted to enforce the ill-defined imperial-era borders on the ground. This territorialization transformed cartographic disputes into actual and threatened conflict as all three nations built up armies and infrastructure in the highlands. By the early 21st century, all three states were maintaining strict, militarized, and monitored bordering practices. The states’ bordering practices transected the Indus, Ganges-Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, and Yangzi River Systems. As the rivers preceded the borders, they should be known as transriver boundaries, but as much history and commentary are focused on nation-states, the waterways ahistorically tend to be called transboundary rivers.
Informality: Beyond Blurring the Lines between Favors and Clientelism in Eastern Europe
Authors: Pantovic Ljiljana
Published: December 2024

In the intricate web of Eastern European societies, the lines between favors and clientelism often blur, creating a complex landscape of informality. Anthropologists examine how these personal exchanges shape social structures and relationships, revealing a world where personal connections and informal contacts frequently bypass formal procedures. Informality broadly encompasses the invisible and unwritten rules of “getting things done through personal contacts, using connections, pulling strings, and exchanging favors.” Despite this, many scholars, not just in anthropology, struggle to pin down a precise definition of informality beyond its contrast with formality. Favors, clientelism, and informal practices are deeply intertwined, making it challenging to distinguish between them and fueling ongoing debates in anthropological research.
Association between ultra-processed food intake and biological ageing in US adults: findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2010
Authors: Cardoso Barbara Rita , Liu Junxiu , Machado Priscila , Kwon Dayoon , Belsky Daniel W , Martinez Steele Euridice
Published: December 2024

Background

The association between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and markers of biological ageing has been scarcely investigated, despite the evident adverse health effects associated with UPF. This study aimed to test the association between UPF intake and biological ageing, and evaluate how much of this association is accounted for by overall diet quality.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed 16 055 participants aged 20–79 years (51% women, 46 ± 0.3 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2010. Dietary UPF intake was assessed using the Nova system. Values were expressed as % of total energy intake and were denominated as a continuous variable and in quintiles. Diet quality was assessed with the American Heart Association 2020 and the Healthy Eating Index 2015. Biological ageing was assessed using the PhenoAge algorithm.

Results

For each 10% of energy intake accounted for by UPF, participants were 0.21 (95%CI 0.16–0.26) years biologically older in terms of PhenoAge. As compared to participants in the lowest UPF quintile (≤39%), those in the highest UPF quintile (68–100%) were 0.86 (95% CI 0.55, 1.16) years older (P-for-trend across quintiles ≤0.001). Adherence to a healthy diet moderately attenuated the relationship between UPF and PhenoAge (adjusted β = 0.14 per 10% increment of UPF).

Conclusions

Adults with higher UPF tended to be biologically older. This association is partly independent of diet quality, suggesting that food processing may contribute to biological ageing acceleration. Our findings point to a compelling reason to target UPF consumption to promote healthier ageing.
Nonopioid medications for managing opioid withdrawal in acute care settings: A scoping review
Authors: Erstad Brian L , Quaye Aurora N , Hellwege Megan E , Do David , Kopp Brian J
Published: December 2024

Purpose

There are hospitalized patients with chronic opioid use who will experience signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal who were not on medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) prior to admission, do not want to start or are unable to start medications for OUD during admission, and want to limit or avoid the use of opioids. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the potential effectiveness and safety of using non-opioid agents for managing acute opioid withdrawal in acute care settings.

Methods

PubMed (inception to 2024), Embase (inception to 2024), and Cochrane Library (inception to 2024) were the databases evaluated for the literature search. Bibliographies of full-text articles were reviewed for additional relevant papers.

Results

Twenty-eight studies evaluating nonopioid agents for managing acute opioid withdrawal were identified in the literature search. The agents could be divided into 4 broad mechanistic categories: α-adrenergic receptor agonists, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulators, and serotonergic agents. Of these drug classes, the available literature suggests the α-adrenergic receptor agonists clonidine and lofexidine have the best evidence of efficacy as alternative agents for acute opioid withdrawal, although the majority of studies comparing such agents to opioids for opioid withdrawal were conducted well before the rise in synthetic opioid overdose deaths and have other methodologic issues that limit firm conclusions concerning efficacy and, particularly, safety.

Conclusion

For the nonopioid alternative agents that have been studied for acute opioid withdrawal, there is more evidence supporting the efficacy of α-adrenergic receptor agonists as opposed to NMDA antagonists, GABA modulators, or sertonergic agents; however, more research is needed regarding the efficacy and safety of nonopioid alternatives for acute opioid withdrawal in order to better guide clinical decision-making.
Heterologous expression and enzymological characterization of L-glutamate oxidase from the marine actinomycete Streptomyces lydicamycinicus NBRC 110027
Authors: Oikawa Tadao , Yamanaka Kazuya
Published: December 2024

We successfully constructed a heterologous expression system for L-glutamate oxidase from the marine actinomycete Streptomyces lydicamycinicus NBRC 110027 (Sl-LGOX) in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) as a host. This is the first example of L-glutamate oxidase from a marine microorganism. A chemically synthesized gene optimized for codon usage in E. coli was used as the inserted fragment, which was effective for enzyme expression. We expressed Sl-LGOX in the soluble fraction of E. coli BL21(DE3)/pET21b-Sl-lgox. We also succeeded in purifying the recombinant Sl-LGOX (rSl-LGOX) to homogeneity from the cell-free extract of this clone via an Ni-NTA column. rSl-LGOX showed high specificity for L-Glu and was active and stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH values. In particular, it showed high specific activity and stability at an acidic pH. A variety of applications can take advantage of the unique enzymatic properties of rSl-LGOX.
Inbreeding and cognitive impairment in animals
Authors: Townsend Andrea K , Williams Keelah E G , Nannas Natalie J
Published: December 2024

The physiological costs of inbreeding in wild animals are well-documented, but the potential cognitive costs of inbreeding have received far less attention. A growing body of evidence indicates that inbreeding is associated with impaired learning ability and aberrant innate behaviors in model systems, as well as intellectual disability and lower general intelligence in humans. As highlighted in this review, however, far less is known about inbreeding-linked cognitive impairments for wild populations and the potential behavioral and fitness implications of these impairments. Here, we review evidence indicating that, through its negative effects on song and other courtship behaviors, as well as its association with deficits in mating behavior and parental care, inbreeding is likely to have negative consequences for reproductive success in wild animals. The impairment of specific cognitive abilities, such as learning, innovation, and decision-making, may be particularly detrimental for inbred animals in changing environments, where individuals must adjust their behavior appropriately to deal with novel threats and resources.
Bayesian subtyping for multi-state brain functional connectome with application on preadolescent brain cognition
Authors: Chen Tianqi , Zhao Hongyu , Tan Chichun , Constable Todd , Yip Sarah , Zhao Yize
Published: December 2024

Converging evidence indicates that the heterogeneity of cognitive profiles may arise through detectable alternations in brain functional connectivity. Despite an unprecedented opportunity to uncover neurobiological subtypes through clustering or subtyping analyses on multi-state functional connectivity, few existing approaches are applicable to accommodate the network topology and unique biological architecture. To address this issue, we propose an innovative Bayesian nonparametric network-variate clustering analysis to uncover subgroups of individuals with homogeneous brain functional network patterns under multiple cognitive states. In light of the existing neuroscience literature, we assume there are unknown state-specific modular structures within functional connectivity. Concurrently, we identify informative network features essential for defining subtypes. To further facilitate practical use, we develop a computationally efficient variational inference algorithm to approximate posterior inference with satisfactory estimation accuracy. Extensive simulations show the superiority of our method. We apply the method to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, and identify neurodevelopmental subtypes and brain sub-network phenotypes under each state to signal neurobiological heterogeneity, suggesting promising directions for further exploration and investigation in neuroscience.
Predicting success with reduced dosing frequency of tralokinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Weidinger Stephan , Bewley Anthony , Hong H Chih-ho , Silvestre Juan Francisco , Peris Ketty , Wollenberg Andreas , Ivens Ulla , Soehoel Anders , Steffensen Louise Abildgaard , Tindberg Ann-Marie , Simpson Eric L
Published: December 2024

Background

Approved tralokinumab maintenance dosing regimens for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) include 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) and every 4 weeks (Q4W). Clinicians may consider tralokinumab Q4W for patients whose skin has become clear or almost clear at week 16 with initial Q2W dosing.

Objectives

To identify predictive factors associated with maintained response after switching to tralokinumab Q4W, evaluate recapture of treatment response after relapse on Q4W, and assess treatment-emergent immunogenicity with tralokinumab Q4W.

Methods

These post hoc analyses utilized machine learning to identify predictive factors for maintained treatment response at week 52 using data from the week 16 responder population of the phase III ECZTRA 1 and 2 trials, i.e. patients who met Investigator’s Global Assessment of clear/almost clear skin (IGA 0/1) and/or ≥ 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 75) at week 16 with tralokinumab Q2W monotherapy. Top-ranked factors were then assessed individually and together to identify factors associated with a similar maintained efficacy at week 52 between patients rerandomized to tralokinumab Q2W or Q4W monotherapy at week 16. Additionally, the probability of recapturing IGA 0/1 and/or EASI 75 response after relapse was assessed in patients on tralokinumab Q4W transferred to the open-label arm.

Results

The two top-ranked predictive factors for maintained response at week 52 were IGA score at week 16 (76.1%) and worst daily pruritus numeric rating scale (NRS) < 3 at week 16 (56.5%). Patients whose AD reached stable clinical response scores of both IGA 0/1 and worst daily pruritus NRS < 3 from weeks 12–16 with tralokinumab Q2W similarly maintained IGA 0/1 response at week 52 regardless of dosing regimen beyond week 16 (72.0% of patients on Q2W and 72.2% of those on Q4W). Of patients who relapsed on Q4W, 94.6% recaptured treatment response after returning to Q2W dosing. The immunogenicity potential of tralokinumab was low, and patients with positive antidrug antibodies did not show loss of efficacy or higher incidences of adverse events.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Q4W is an effective dosing regimen for most patients who achieved stable disease control as shown by clear/almost clear skin and no itch to mild itch over 4 consecutive weeks on the initial regimen of tralokinumab Q2W.
A preoperative nomogram with MR elastography in identifying cytokeratin 19 status of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gu Yanan , Jin Kaipu , Gao Shanshan , Sun Wei , Yin Minyan , Han Jing , Zhang Yunfei , Wang Xiaolin , Zeng Mengsu , Sheng Ruofan
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Developing a nomogram integrating MR elastography (MRE)-based tumour stiffness and contrast-enhanced MRI in identifying cytokeratin 19 (CK19) status of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) preoperatively.

Methods

One hundred twenty CK19-negative HCC and 39 CK19-positive HCC patients undergoing curative resection were prospectively evaluated. All received MRE and contrast-enhanced MRI. Clinical and MRI tumour features were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors for CK19 status. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis evaluated diagnostic performance. A nomogram was established with calibration and decision curve analysis.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level (P < 0.001), targetoid appearance (P = 0.007), and tumour stiffness (P = 0.011) as independent significant variables for CK19-positive HCC. The area under the curve for tumour stiffness was 0.729 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.653, 0.796). Combining these features, a nomogram-based model achieved an area under the curve value of 0.844 (95% CI 0.778, 0.897), with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76.92%, 85.00%, and 83.02%, respectively. Calibration and decision curve analyses demonstrated good agreement and optimal net benefit.

Conclusions

MRE-measured tumour stiffness aids in predicting CK19 status in HCC. The combined nomogram incorporating tumour stiffness, targetoid appearance, and AFP provides a reliable biomarker for CK19-positive HCC.

Advances in knowledge

MRE-measured tumour stiffness can be used to predict CK19 status in HCC. The nomogram, which integrates tumour stiffness, targetoid appearance, and AFP levels, has shown improved diagnostic performance. It offers a comprehensive preoperative tool for clinical decision-making, further advancing personalized treatment strategies in HCC management.
Days at home after surgery as a perioperative outcome: scoping review and recommendations for use in health services research
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Malhotra Armaan K , Bondzi-Simpson Adom , Eskander Antoine , Ahmadi Negar , Wright Frances C , McIsaac Daniel I , Mahar Alyson , Jerath Angela , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie
Published: December 2024

Background

Days at home after surgery is a promising new patient-centred outcome metric that measures time spent outside of healthcare institutions and mortality. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the use of days at home in perioperative research and evaluate how it has been termed, defined, and validated, with a view to inform future use.

Methods

The search was run on MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus on 30 March 2023 to capture all perioperative research where days at home or equivalent was measured. Days at home was defined as any outcome where time spent outside of hospitals and/or healthcare institutions was calculated.

Results

A total of 78 articles were included. Days at home has been increasingly used, with most studies published in 2022 (35, 45%). Days at home has been applied in multiple study design types, with varying terminology applied. There is variability in how days at home has been defined, with variation in measures of healthcare utilization incorporated across studies. Poor reporting was noted, with 14 studies (18%) not defining how days at home was operationalized and 18 studies (23%) not reporting how death was handled. Construct and criterion validity were demonstrated across seven validation studies in different surgical populations.

Conclusion

Days at home after surgery is a robust, flexible, and validated outcome measure that is being increasingly used as a patient-centred metric after surgery. With growing use, there is also growing variability in terms used, definitions applied, and reporting standards. This review summarizes these findings to work towards coordinating and standardizing the use of days at home after surgery as a patient-centred policy and research tool.
FACS-based detection of extracellular ASC specks from NLRP3 inflammasomes in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Topping Joanne , Lara-Reyna Samuel , Ibbotson Alice , Jarosz-Griffiths Heledd , Chang Leon , Poulter James , Peckham Daniel , McDermott Michael F , Savic Sinisa
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) is crucial for inflammasome assembly and activation of several inflammasomes, including NLRP3. ASC aggregates are detected in human sera post pyroptotic cell death, but their inflammasome origin remains unclear.

Method

This study aimed to develop a method to detect ASC aggregates originating from NLRP3 inflammasomes. Initially, human monocytes, macrophages, and THP-1 ASC reporter cells were employed to validate the detection of ASC/NLRP3-positive events through flow cytometry.

Results

The presence of ASC/NLRP3 specks was confirmed in cell supernatants from monocytes and macrophages treated with LPS and nigericin or ATP. Flow cytometry analysis identified double-positive specks in patient sera from inflammatory conditions when compared with healthy controls. Elevated ASC/NLRP3 specks were observed in conditions such as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome and Schnitzler’s syndrome.

Conclusion

We validated fluorescence-activated cell sorting as a reliable method for detecting ASC/NLRP3 specks in human sera, with potential diagnostic and monitoring applications in certain systemic autoinflammatory diseases.
Neural dynamics of attentional resource allocation in early visual cortex: emotional scenes produce competitive interactions
Authors: de Echegaray Javier , Keil Andreas , Müller Matthias M
Published: December 2024

Salient emotional visual cues receive prioritized processing in human visual cortex. To what extent emotional facilitation relies on preattentional stimulus processing preceding semantic analysis remains controversial. Making use of steady-state visual evoke potentials frequency-tagged to meaningful complex emotional scenes and their scrambled versions, presented in a 4-Hz rapid serial visual presentation fashion, the current study tested temporal dynamics of semantic and emotional cue processing. The neural dynamics of bottom-up capture of attention driven by concrete images were analyzed under a passive-viewing-like scenario and in a competitive context, where a concurrent foreground task realized with a random dot kinematogram flickering at 15 Hz enabled the concurrent monitoring of top-down selective attention. Aligned with the semantic primacy hypothesis, the steady-state visual evoke potentials’ results provide evidence of an initial rapid capture of attention driven by objecthood, followed by heightened deployment of attentional resources to emotional scenes that remained stable for the entire stimulation period. We replicated previous findings in which emotional distractors first prompt visuocortical facilitation, followed by suppression of a concurrent foreground task. Modeling this time-delayed competition process fit the data better than a time-invariant trade-off between concurrent cues as assumed by most models of selective attention.
The influence of a deep learning tool on the performance of oral and maxillofacial radiologists in the detection of apical radiolucencies
Authors: Hamdan Manal H , Uribe Sergio E , Tuzova Lyudmila , Tuzoff Dmitry , Badr Zaid , Mol André , Tyndall Donald A
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impact of a deep learning model on oral radiologists’ ability to detect periapical radiolucencies on periapical radiographs. The secondary objective was to conduct a regression analysis to evaluate the effects of years of experience, time to diagnose, and specialty.

Methods

This study used an annotated dataset and a beta version of a deep learning model (Denti.AI). The testing subset comprised 68 intraoral periapical radiographs confirmed with cone-beam computed tomography for the presence/absence of apical radiolucencies. Four oral radiologists participated in a cross-over reading scenario, analysing the radiographs under 2 conditions: initially without AI assistance and later with AI predictions. The study evaluated reader performance using Alternative Free-Response Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve (AFROC-AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Receiver Operating Characteristic-Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) per case. It also assessed sensitivity per lesion. Regression analysis investigated how experience, time spent on images, and specialty influenced reader performance.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found in AFROC-AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and ROC-AUC. Regression analysis identified factors influencing diagnostic outcomes: unaided reading significantly prolonged diagnostic time (β = 12, 95% CI, 11-13, P < 0.001), while radiologists’ professional status was positively associated with diagnostic accuracy (β = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.00-0.04, P = 0.015). These findings underscore the impact of AI on diagnostic efficiency and the critical role of radiologists’ experience in diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

AI did not significantly enhance radiologists’ overall diagnostic accuracy. However, it showed potential to enhance efficiency, particularly advantageous for non-expert clinicians. The expertise of radiologists remains vital for accuracy, underscoring the complementary role of AI in dental diagnostics.
The haplotype-phased genome assembly facilitated the deciphering of the bud dormancy-related QTLs in Prunus mume
Authors: Hsiang Tzu-Fan , Yamane Hisayo , Lin Yuan-Jui , Sugimori Miku , Nishiyama Soichiro , Nagasaka Kyoka , Nakano Ryohei , Tao Ryutaro
Published: December 2024

Bud dormancy is a vital physiological process in woody perennials, facilitating their adaptation to seasonal environmental changes. Satisfying genotype-specific chilling requirements (CR) and heat requirements (HR) through exposure to specific chilling and warm temperatures is essential for dormancy release and the subsequent resumption of growth. The genetic mechanisms regulating bud dormancy traits in Prunus mume remain unclear. In this study, we first assembled the genome of ‘Nanko’, the leading P. mume cultivar in Japan, in a haplotype-resolved manner. Using an F1 segregating population from a cross between ‘Nanko’ (high-chill) and ‘SC’ (low-chill), a cultivar adapted to subtropical conditions, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for vegetative bud dormancy traits on chromosome 4 (LG4 QTLs) in the ‘Nanko’ genome and for CR and HR on chromosome 7 (LG7 QTL) in the ‘SC’ genome. A notable 5.6 Mb chromosome inversion was overlapped with LG4 QTL interval in one of the ‘Nanko’ haplotypes. We also identified candidate genes based on haplotyping, differential expression between the parents or the presence of trait-correlated variants in coding regions. Notably, genes such as PmuMAIN, PmuNAC2, PmuDOG1, PmuSUI1, PmuATG8CL, PmubZIP44, and PmuSAUR50 were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of vegetative bud dormancy in Prunus species.
Modifiable Psychological Factors are Associated With Clusters of Pain, Fatigue, Fecal Incontinence, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Type Symptoms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Wileman Vari , Chilcot Joseph , Norton Christine , Hart Ailsa , Miller Laura , Stagg Imogen , Seaton Natasha , Pollok Richard , Aziz Qasim , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: December 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes fatigue, pain, and fecal urgency/incontinence symptoms. Identifying symptom profile subgroups and related psychological correlates might enable earlier intervention and more effective tailored treatment pathways.

Methods

This study was nested within a randomized controlled trial of a digital symptom intervention for people with IBD (n = 780). Latent profile analysis was conducted on pre-randomization baseline measures of fatigue, pain, and fecal incontinence. Multinominal logistic regression examined associations between profile membership and clinical, demographic and psychological factors.

Results

Latent profile analysis determined a three-profile model: Moderate (50%), High (40%), and Severe symptoms (10%). Diagnosis and fecal calprotectin were not associated with profile membership, but female gender, comorbidity, time since diagnosis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms were associated with High and Severe symptoms profiles. Depression, anxiety, negative symptom perceptions, all-or-nothing and avoidance behaviors significantly increased the relative risk of High and Severe symptoms profile membership.

Conclusions

Many participants experienced symptoms even when deemed to be in clinical remission. After controlling for clinical, inflammatory, and demographic factors, the relative risk of High or Severe symptom profile membership was associated with potentially modifiable cognitive behavioral factors. These factors were also associated with IBS-type symptoms. Recognizing the potential impact of cognitive behavioral factors in exacerbating symptoms can lead to earlier identification of patients who require support and allows treatment plans to be tailored more precisely. The findings from this study promote a more integrated approach to IBD management, combining medical treatment with cognitive behavioral interventions to enhance patient care and improve outcomes.
Australian parents’ attitudes, perceptions and supply of alcohol to adolescents: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bowden Jacqueline A , Bartram Ashlea , Harrison Nathan J , Norris Christina A , Kim Susan , Pettigrew Simone , Olver Ian , Jenkinson Rebecca , Bowshall Marina , Miller Caroline , Room Robin
Published: December 2024

Parental supply of alcohol to adolescents is associated with increased risk of subsequent adolescent alcohol use and harms, so identifying factors associated with parents’ decision-making is critical. This study examined how parental supply is associated with attitudes toward adolescent alcohol use, perceived norms of parental supply, perceived behavioural control and perceived acceptable age to drink alcohol. A total of 1197 Australian parents with children aged 12–17 years completed an online cross-sectional survey assessing their parental supply behaviours, attitudes and perceptions in April 2022. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between attitudes, perceptions and parental supply of alcohol to their child. Forty-three percent of respondents nominated an acceptable age to drink a full drink of alcohol below 18 years, and 23% reported supplying a full drink of alcohol to their adolescent. Parents were more likely to report supplying a full drink of alcohol if they nominated an acceptable drinking age below 18 years (<16: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 14.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.23–26.42; 16–17: AOR = 5.68, 95% CI = 3.69–8.73), appraised alcohol as more beneficial (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02–1.69) and less harmful (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.36–0.68) for adolescents, and perceived that parent friends (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.80–4.70) and other parents (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.37–3.62) supplied alcohol in unsupervised contexts. Perceived behavioural control was not associated with parental supply. These findings suggest there may be value in trialling interventions that target parents’ perceptions about the acceptable age to drink a full drink of alcohol, attitudes toward adolescent alcohol consumption, and perceived norms of parental supply to influence parents’ supply intentions.
UK aid is failing: suggestions for an impactful, coherent and globally aware development practice
Authors: Lazell Melita , Petrikova Ivica
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a new five-dimensional agenda for UK international development policy, offering an alternative to the current approach. The agenda is based on a critical evaluation of UK development policy since 1997 and incorporates insights from the ‘post-aid’ discourse. Key recommendations include: Recognition of complexity: The UK must acknowledge the complex and contested nature of global development and the inherent limits of development policies and aid interventions. Re-evaluation of private-sector aid instruments: A temporary pause in the use of private-sector mechanisms as a channel for overseas development assistance is advised, given concerns about their effectiveness in driving sustainable outcomes. Consolidation of aid priorities: The UK should streamline its efforts, focusing on areas that demonstrate clear contributions to long-term sustainability and positive development outcomes. Adoption of partnership models: A shift towards peer-to-peer learning and equal partnerships with global South countries is recommended, to foster equitable and respectful relationships. Mitigation of negative impacts and improvement of policy coherence: The UK must address the unintended negative consequences of its development interventions and ensure coherence in policy-making across all government departments to enhance development outcomes. This agenda is informed by extensive research, including thematic analysis of policy documents, semi-structured interviews with civil servants and development experts, and a detailed evaluation of 186 UK-funded projects over a 23-year period. The proposed framework seeks to build more respectful and equal partnerships with governments and communities in the global South, enhancing support for vulnerable populations and reducing poverty. This approach is also expected to restore the diminished soft power benefits of UK aid.
Autologous Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Injection in Refractory Complex Crohn’s Perianal Fistulas: Long-Term Results at 6.7 Years Mean Follow-up
Authors: Laureti Silvio , Cappelli Alberta , Isopi Claudio , Gentilini Lorenzo , Villani Riccardo , Sorbi Gioia , Rizzello Fernando , Menon Alessandra , Dussias Nikolas Konstantine , Gionchetti Paolo , Poggioli Gilberto
Published: December 2024

Background

Nowadays, there is a clear need for new viable therapeutic options to face complex perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD). Results of our previous pilot study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of local injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (MFat) in this setting. This study aims to evaluate the long-term follow-up results in the same cohort of patients.

Methods

Data on clinical and radiological remission and surgical recurrence rates were prospectively collected on the 15 patients with complex fistulizing PCD refractory to combined bio-surgical therapy, originally treated with local MFat injection, with a mean 6.7 years follow-up.

Results

In our previous study, at 24-week follow-up, combined remission was reported in 66.7% of patients, while clinical remission was achieved in 93% of cases. At a 6.7-year follow-up, 9 of the 10 healed patients maintained remission. The patient with recurrence was successfully reoperated. Three out of 5 patients who failed primary combined remission were retreated, with 2 obtaining combined remission and 1 failing. One patient refused any subsequent treatment due to good quality of life. The last patient presented delayed healing at a 1-year follow-up. Overall success rate after rescue therapy at the final follow-up reached 86.6%. Safety was maintained throughout all follow-up periods.

Conclusions

This is the longest follow-up published trial on MFat injection for PCD. Our results show that patients who achieved closure in the first 24 weeks sustained response at long-term evaluation. In addition, there may be a rationale in repeating treatment as rescue therapy in not responding to patients.