bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult telomere length is positively correlated with survival and lifetime reproductive success in a wild passerine
Authors: Chik Heung Ying Janet , Mannarelli Maria‐Elena , dos Remedios Natalie , Simons Mirre J. P. , Burke Terry , Schroeder Julia , Dugdale Hannah L.
Published: July 2024

Explaining variation in individual fitness is a key goal in evolutionary biology. Recently, telomeres, repeating DNA sequences capping chromosome ends, have gained attention as a biomarker for body state, physiological costs, and senescence. Existing research has provided mixed evidence for whether telomere length correlates with fitness, including survival and reproductive output. Moreover, few studies have examined how the rate of change in telomere length correlates with fitness in wild populations. Here, we intensively monitored an insular population of house sparrows, and collected longitudinal telomere and life history data (16 years, 1225 individuals). We tested whether telomere length and its rate of change predict fitness measures, namely survival, lifespan and annual and lifetime reproductive effort and success. Telomere length positively predicted short‐term survival, independent of age, but did not predict lifespan, suggesting either a diminishing telomere length—survival correlation with age or other extrinsic factors of mortality. The positive association of telomere length with survival translated into reproductive benefits, as birds with longer telomeres produced more genetic recruits, hatchlings and reared more fledglings over their lifetime. In contrast, there was no association between telomere dynamics and annual reproductive output, suggesting telomere dynamics might not reflect the costs of reproduction in this population, potentially masked by variation in individual quality. The rate of change of telomere length did not correlate with neither lifespan nor lifetime reproductive success. Our results provide further evidence that telomere length correlates with fitness, and contribute to our understanding of the selection on, and evolution of, telomere dynamics.
Temporal governance and accountability costs of Beijing's digital citizen request system
Authors: Habich‐Sobiegalla Sabrina , Zheng Huan , Pluemmer Franziska
Published: July 2024

Prior literature highlights democracies' struggle to cope with today's rapid socio‐economic changes, contrasting with more adept responses in authoritarian systems. This study makes a first attempt to explain the perceived speediness in an authoritarian setting. By focusing on Beijing's digital service request system, Jiesu Jiban, we argue that in creating request categories, standardizing cadres' reactions to requests, and designing decision pathways, Jiesu Jiban is not only an instrument to deal with increasing complexity and acceleration of socio‐economic development, but the system itself also creates acceleration. It does so by categorizing, specifying, and standardizing service requests and response procedures and by channeling these through a digital infrastructure. We show that the datafication of governing citizens' request increases pressure for frontline administrators co‐producing a system of responsibility without accountability for the central government.
Modeling defensive resource allocation in multilayered systems under probabilistic and strategic risks
Authors: Wei Zhiyuan , Zhuang Jun
Published: July 2024

Confronting the continuing risk of an attack, security systems have adopted target‐hardening strategies through the allocation of security measures. Most previous work on defensive resource allocation considers the security system as a monolithic architecture. However, systems such as schools are typically characterized by multiple layers, where each layer is interconnected to help prevent single points of failure. In this paper, we study the defensive resource allocation problem in a multilayered system. We develop two new resource allocation models accounting for probabilistic and strategic risks, and provide analytical solutions and illustrative examples. We use real data for school shootings to illustrate the performance of the models, where the optimal investment strategies and sensitivity analysis are presented. We show that the defender would invest more in defending outer layers over inner layers in the face of probabilistic risks. While countering strategic risks, the defender would split resources in each layer to make the attacker feel indifferent between any individual layer. This paper provides new insights on resource allocation in layered systems to better enhance the overall security of the system.
Long‐time asymptotics of solution for the fifth‐order modified KdV equation in the presence of discrete spectrum
Authors: Liu Nan , Chen Mingjuan , Guo Boling
Published: July 2024

We investigate the Cauchy problem of an integrable focusing fifth‐order modified Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation, which contains the fifth‐order dispersion and relevant higher order nonlinear terms. The long‐time asymptotics of solution is established in the case of initial conditions that lie in some low regularity weighted Sobolev spaces and allow for the presence of discrete spectrum. Our method is based on a generalization of the nonlinear steepest descent method of Deift and Zhou. We show that the solution decomposes in the long time into three main regions: (i) an expanding oscillatory region where solitons and breathers travel with positive velocities, the leading order term has the form of a multisoliton/breather and soliton/breather–radiation interactions; (ii) a Painlevé region, which does not have traveling solitons and breathers, the asymptotics can be characterized with the solution of a fourth‐order Painlevé II equation; (iii) a region of breathers traveling with negative velocities. Employing a global approximation via PDE techniques, the asymptotic behavior of solution is extended to lower regularity spaces with weights.
Mendelian randomization analysis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis associated with risks of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Pan Jing , Lv Yanwei , Wang Lingyan , Chang Xiaodan , Zhao Kaiping , Liu Xiao
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study is designed to explore the potential causal relationship between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) while investigating the genetic basis shared by these inflammatory diseases.

Methods

Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with UC, psoriasis, and PsA were selected as genetic instrumental variables using Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) datasets. Additionally, Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including inverse‐variance weighting (IVW), MR‐Egger regression, and Weighted Median (WME), were utilized to evaluate the causal relationships between these diseases. Moreover, sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity testing were conducted to validate the stability of the results.

Results

A total of 123 significant SNPs associated with psoriasis, PsA, and UC were identified as genetic instrumental variables based on GWAS datasets. The analysis revealed a 36% increased risk of UC with psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.350, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.065‐1.729, P = 0.012) and a 32.9% increased risk of UC with PsA (OR = 1.329, 95% CI = 1.176‐1.592, P < 0.001). Further analysis showed a 43.5% increased risk of psoriasis with UC (OR = 1.435, 95% CI = 1.274‐1.831, P < 0.001) and a 45.8% increased risk of PsA with UC (OR = 1.458, 95% CI = 1.166‐1.822, P = 0.0013). In addition, sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity testing demonstrated the high stability of these results. Particularly, neither MR‐Egger regression analysis nor leave‐one‐out analysis revealed significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy bias, indicating the reliability of these causal estimates. Moreover, the use of the MR‐PRESSO further confirmed the positive correlation between psoriasis and UC, and the corrected estimates remained consistent with IVW analysis results after excluding potential outlier SNPs, enhancing the credibility of the analysis.

Conclusions

This study strengthens the understanding of the genetic and causal relationships among UC, psoriasis, and PsA through GWAS and MR methods, revealing the genetic basis they may share. These findings not only provide a novel perspective on the comorbidity mechanisms of these diseases but also offer a valuable reference for the development of future treatment strategies and intervention measures.
Gravity field and geothermal structure of the Corsica‐Sardinia Block
Authors: Cocco F. , Casini L. , Funedda A.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a finite‐differences 3D numerical model that simulates the gravity and thermal structure of the Corsica‐Sardinia Block (CSB), an apparently stable lithospheric domain characterized by cryptic tectonic activity. In the experiments, we change the density and heat production rate of the model crust within a range of geologically realistic values to fit the measured Bouguer gravity anomaly and surface heat flow pattern. The discrepancy between the observed geophysical structure and the outcomes of numerical modelling are discussed in relation to the composition of the CSB crust and finally recast in the geodynamic framework of the western Mediterranean region.
An accurate finite difference formula for the numerical solution of delay-dependent fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Baleanu Dumitru , Hajipour Mojtaba , Jajarmi Amin
Published: July 2024

Time-delay fractional optimal control problems (OCPs) are an important research area for developing effective control and optimization strategies to address complex phenomena occurring in various natural sciences, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. By considering fractional OCPs with time delays, we can design control strategies that take into account the system's history and optimize its behavior over a given time horizon. However, applying the Pontryagin principle of maximization to solve these problems leads to a boundary value problem (BVP) that includes delay and advance terms, making analytical solutions difficult and demanding. To address this issue, this paper presents a precise finite difference formula to solve the aforementioned advance-delay BVP numerically. The suggested approximate method's error analysis and convergence properties are provided, and several illustrative examples demonstrate the applicability, validity, and accuracy of the proposed approach. Simulation results confirm the proposed technique's advantages for the optimal control of delay fractional dynamical equations.
La admisibilidad de las disposiciones per relationem en el campo sucesorio en el Perú
Authors: Labrín Pimentel Cynthia Lizbeth , Torres Zamora José Carlos
Published: July 2024

En el campo sucesorio existen una serie de instituciones aplicables al testamento que permiten afirmar la posibilidad de utilizar documentos externos para aprehender la voluntad del testador. La evaluación sobre la admisibilidad de dicho mecanismo jurídico importará una serie de preguntas y problemas adicionales, por lo menos desde la perspectiva de la doctrina sucesoria tradicional, pues no todos los autores se muestran de acuerdo con su empleo, básicamente porque se cree que se atentaría contra algunos de los caracteres fundamentales del testamento; por lo que en esta revisión del tema se sostendrá como conclusión principal que esto no es así en el Perú.
Thermodynamic Optimization of Load-Following Operation in a Decarbonized Combined Cycle Power Plant Under Net-Zero Scenarios
Authors: Ravelli Silvia
Published: July 2024

Postcombustion capture (PCC) by means of mono-ethanolamine and hydrogen co-firing, combined with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), were applied to a typical 2 × 1 combined cycle (CC) with the goal of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions. The novelty lies in integrating decarbonization solutions into the daily operation of the CC, when power generation is adjusted according to fluctuations in electricity demand, throughout two representative days in summer and winter. More specifically, off-design thermodynamic modeling was adapted to incorporate a multivariable optimization problem to find the maximum power plant efficiency as a function of the following decision variables: (1) load of each gas turbine (GT), spanning from minimum turndown to full load; (2) EGR rate, in a range that depends on the fuel type: [0; 0.4] for 100% natural gas (NG) versus [0; 0.55] when hydrogen is fed to the combustor; with the constraint of net power output equal to electricity demand, for given environmental conditions. Suggestions were made to mitigate the energy penalty due to decarbonization in the load-following operation mode, taking the integration of mono-ethanolamine CO2 capture into the NG-fired CC as a benchmark. The solution in which EGR combines optimally with hydrogen in the fuel mixture, with the addition of PCC to abate residual CO2 emissions, has proven to be the most efficient way to provide dispatchable clean energy, especially in cold climates.
Adjoint-Based Optimization for the Venturi Mixer of A Burner
Authors: Xu Min , Radwan Akram , Xia Yu
Published: July 2024

The optimization of Venturi mixers in burners is critical for enhancing combustion efficiency and minimizing emissions. In this study, we utilize the adjoint method to analyze and refine the design of a Venturi mixer. Our numerical simulations integrate the species transport equation with the eddy dissipation model (EDM) for reacting flow and the generalized k–ω (GEKO) model to simulate turbulence. By solving adjoint equations, we effectively compute the shape sensitivity for various observables, including pressure drop, outlet fuel variance/uniformity deviation index, air and fuel mass flow rates, and outlet CO mass fraction. The shape sensitivity analysis uncovers the interplay between the observables and the appropriate weights for multiple objective optimizations. Subsequently, we perform gradient-based optimizations to enhance the mixer's performance, employing both shape sensitivity and mesh morphing techniques. We conduct a series of case studies focusing on both cold and reacting flows. The optimization of cold flow provides an in-depth exploration of various optimization strategies, encompassing single-objective and multi-objective optimization with diverse weight combinations. Following this, the optimization under reacting flow conditions improves the fuel/air mixing, leading to the increase of combustion efficiency and hence the reduction of CO emissions. Our findings showcase the potential of an adjoint-based optimization framework in designing Venturi mixers that are efficient and emit lower levels of pollutants.
Step-by-Step Evaluation of the Fuel Switch From Kerosene to Hydrogen on the Thermodynamic Cycle in Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Görtz Alexander , Schneider Björn
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen combustion engines are one of the few possible ways forward to drastically reduce climate impact of aviation. While there is many information about the engine performance of hydrogen combustion engines, it is not clear to which extend each property of the fuel switch effects the engines thermodynamic cycle and component behavior. The basic architecture is identical for both fuels but it is not known to which extend already existing and fully designed components can be used for the new application. In this work, the basic differences between both fuels are presented using a thermodynamic model of simplified turbojet. The archived knowledge is applied to a reference turbofan for an application similar to an Airbus A320 while burning hydrogen. Different effects occurring during the fuel switch, e.g., higher water loading after combustion and lower fuel mass flow, will be looked at separately. A retrofitted engine toward hydrogen combustion will use 1.5% less energy for the same thrust while operating at 60 K lower temperatures. The working line in the compressors will also switch toward higher mass flow rates despite the higher working fluid quality after combustion. Additionally, a new designed turbofan is presented on preliminary level for a constant fan diameter to address the effects of different thrust requirements and has a 3.6% lower specific energy consumption.
Characterization of Particulate Emissions From Thermal Runaway of Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Premnath Vinay , Parhizi Mohammad , Niemiec Nicholas , Smith Ian , Jeevarajan Judith
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, there has been a significant acceleration in the adoption of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for various applications, ranging from portable electronics to automotive, defense, and aerospace applications. Lithium-ion batteries are the most used energy storage technologies due to their high energy densities and capacities. However, this battery technology is a potential safety hazard under off-nominal conditions, which may result in thermal runaway events. Such events can release toxic gaseous and particulate emissions, posing a severe risk to human health and the environment. Particulate emissions from the failure of two different cell chemistries—lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC)—were studied. Experiments were conducted at multiple states of charge (SOC), and three repeats were performed at each SOC for each cell chemistry to examine the repeatability/variability of these events. Particulate emissions were characterized in terms of particulate matter mass (PM2.5), black carbon, and particle number (PN)/size. Failure of a single cell led to a significant release of particulate emissions, with peak emission levels being higher at the higher SOCs. A high level of variability was observed for a specific SOC for LFP cells, while NMCs exhibited relatively less variability. In general, much higher particulate emissions were observed for NMCs compared to LFPs at each SOC. For NMCs at 100% SOC, peak PN levels were ∼2.5 × 10+09 particles/cc (part/cc), and black carbon levels were ∼60 mg/m3. For LFPs at 100% SOC, peak PN levels were ∼9.0 × 10+08 part/cc, and black carbon levels were 2.5 mg/m3.
Growth of high-quality ruthenium films on sapphire
Authors: Majer Lena N. , Smink Sander , Braun Wolfgang , Wang Hongguang , van Aken Peter A. , Mannhart Jochen , Hensling Felix V. E.
Published: July 2024

We have developed and optimized a method to grow ruthenium films of unprecedented quality. Our three-step process is reminiscent of solid-phase epitaxy. First, c-cut sapphire substrates are terminated at their Al-rich √31 × √31R ± 9° reconstruction by in situ annealing. Second, 3D structured epitaxial Ru films are deposited at low temperatures by laser evaporation of Ru rods. Third, the films, thus, obtained are epitaxially transformed by high-temperature annealing. X-ray diffraction studies reveal good crystallinity of the obtained 15–60 nm-thick films: peak widths of the rocking curve are one order of magnitude smaller than those of the best published films. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss studies show that the interface between the sapphire substrates and the flat Ru films is atomically sharp with very limited intermixing. These results demonstrate the usefulness of postanneal processes for producing high-quality epitaxial films of elemental metals on insulating substrates.
Sex-biasing influence of autism-associated
Ube3a
gene overdosage at connectomic, behavioral, and transcriptomic levels
Authors: Montani Caterina , Balasco Luigi , Pagani Marco , Alvino Filomena Grazia , Barsotti Noemi , de Guzman A. Elizabeth , Galbusera Alberto , de Felice Alessia , Nickl-Jockschat Thomas K. , Migliarini Sara , Casarosa Simona , Lau Pierre , Mattioni Lorenzo , Pasqualetti Massimo , Provenzano Giovanni , Bozzi Yuri , Lombardo Michael V. , Gozzi Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Genomic mechanisms enhancing risk in males may contribute to sex bias in autism. The ubiquitin protein ligase E3A gene (
Ube3a
) affects cellular homeostasis via control of protein turnover and by acting as transcriptional coactivator with steroid hormone receptors. Overdosage of
Ube3a
via duplication or triplication of chromosomal region 15q11-13 causes 1 to 2% of autistic cases. Here, we test the hypothesis that increased dosage of
Ube3a
may influence autism-relevant phenotypes in a sex-biased manner. We show that mice with extra copies of Ube3a exhibit sex-biasing effects on brain connectomics and autism-relevant behaviors. These effects are associated with transcriptional dysregulation of autism-associated genes, as well as genes differentially expressed in 15q duplication and in autistic people. Increased Ube3a dosage also affects expression of genes on the X chromosome, genes influenced by sex steroid hormone, and genes sex-differentially regulated by transcription factors. These results suggest that
Ube3a
overdosage can contribute to sex bias in neurodevelopmental conditions via influence on sex-differential mechanisms.
CAR memory–like NK cells targeting the membrane proximal domain of mesothelin demonstrate promising activity in ovarian cancer
Authors: Tarannum Mubin , Dinh Khanhlinh , Vergara Juliana , Birch Grace , Abdulhamid Yasmin Z. , Kaplan Isabel E. , Ay Oyku , Maia Andreia , Beaver Owen , Sheffer Michal , Shapiro Roman , Ali Alaa Kassim , Dong Han , Ham James Dongjoo , Bobilev Eden , James Sydney , Cameron Amy B. , Nguyen Quang-De , Ganapathy Suthakar , Chayawatto Chayapatou , Koreth John , Paweletz Cloud P. , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Barbie David A. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Soiffer Robert J. , Ritz Jerome , Porter Rebecca L. , Chen Jianzhu , Romee Rizwan
Published: July 2024

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological cancers. Cytokine-induced memory–like (CIML) natural killer (NK) cells have shown promising results in preclinical and early-phase clinical trials. In the current study, CIML NK cells demonstrated superior antitumor responses against a panel of EOC cell lines, increased expression of activation receptors, and up-regulation of genes involved in cell cycle/proliferation and down-regulation of inhibitory/suppressive genes. CIML NK cells transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the membrane-proximal domain of mesothelin (MSLN) further improved the antitumor responses against MSLN-expressing EOC cells and patient-derived xenograft tumor cells. CAR arming of the CIML NK cells subtanstially reduced their dysfunction in patient-derived ascites fluid with transcriptomic changes related to altered metabolism and tonic signaling as potential mechanisms. Lastly, the adoptive transfer of MSLN-CAR CIML NK cells demonstrated remarkable inhibition of tumor growth and prevented metastatic spread in xenograft mice, supporting their potential as an effective therapeutic strategy in EOC.
Revealing a distortive polar order buried in the Fermi sea
Authors: Shi Jiaojian , You Wenjing , Li Xian , Gao Frank Y. , Peng Xinyue , Zhang Shangjie , Li Jiangxu , Zhang Yang , Fu Liang , Taylor Patrick J. , Nelson Keith A. , Baldini Edoardo
Published: July 2024

Polar metals are challenging to identify spectroscopically because the fingerprints of electric polarization are often obscured by the presence of screening charges. Here, we unravel unambiguous signatures of a distortive polar order buried in the Fermi sea by probing the nonlinear optical response of materials driven by tailored terahertz fields. We apply this strategy to investigate the topological crystalline insulator Pb

1−
x

Sn

x

Te, tracking its soft phonon mode in the time domain and observing the occurrence of inversion symmetry breaking as a function of temperature. By combining measurements across the material’s phase diagram with ab initio calculations, we demonstrate the generality of our approach. These results highlight the potential of terahertz driving fields to reveal polar orders coexisting with itinerant electrons, thus opening additional avenues for material discovery.
Spin vacuum switching
Authors: Harris-Lee Eddie Ivor , Dewhurst John Kay , Shallcross Samuel , Sharma Sangeeta
Published: July 2024

Ultrafast control over the magnetic orientation of matter represents a vital element of potential future spin-based electronics (“spintronics”). While physical mechanisms underpinning spin switching are established for picosecond time scales, we here present a physical route to magnetization toggle control, i.e., multiple switching events, at <100 femtoseconds. A minority spin current injected into a ferromagnet is shown to generate rapid depopulation of the minority channel below the ground-state Fermi level, creating a minority “spin vacuum” that then drives rapid charge redistribution from the majority channel and spin switching. We demonstrate that this mechanism reproduces many of the features of recent subpicosecond switching of ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers and provide simple practical rules for the design of materials via tailoring the electronic density of states to optimize spin vacuum control over magnetic order.
Preclinical studies show that Co-STARs combine the advantages of chimeric antigen and T cell receptors for the treatment of tumors with low antigen densities
Authors: Mog Brian J. , Marcou Nikita , DiNapoli Sarah R. , Pearlman Alexander H. , Nichakawade Tushar D. , Hwang Michael S. , Douglass Jacqueline , Hsiue Emily Han-Chung , Glavaris Stephanie , Wright Katharine M. , Konig Maximilian F. , Paul Suman , Wyhs Nicolas , Ge Jiaxin , Miller Michelle S. , Azurmendi P. , Watson Evangeline , Pardoll Drew M. , Gabelli Sandra B. , Bettegowda Chetan , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Zhou Shibin
Published: July 2024

Two types of engineered T cells have been successfully used to treat patients with cancer, one with an antigen recognition domain derived from antibodies [chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)] and the other derived from T cell receptors (TCRs). CARs use high-affinity antigen–binding domains and costimulatory domains to induce T cell activation but can only react against target cells with relatively high amounts of antigen. TCRs have a much lower affinity for their antigens but can react against target cells displaying only a few antigen molecules. Here, we describe a new type of receptor, called a Co-STAR (for costimulatory synthetic TCR and antigen receptor), that combines aspects of both CARs and TCRs. In Co-STARs, the antigen-recognizing components of TCRs are replaced by high-affinity antibody fragments, and costimulation is provided by two modules that drive NF-κB signaling (MyD88 and CD40). Using a TCR-mimic antibody fragment that targets a recurrent p53 neoantigen presented in a common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, we demonstrate that T cells equipped with Co-STARs can kill cancer cells bearing low densities of antigen better than T cells engineered with conventional CARs and patient-derived TCRs in vitro. In mouse models, we show that Co-STARs mediate more robust T cell expansion and more durable tumor regressions than TCRs similarly modified with MyD88 and CD40 costimulation. Our data suggest that Co-STARs may have utility for other peptide-HLA antigens in cancer and other targets where antigen density may limit the efficacy of engineered T cells.
Cefiderocol heteroresistance associated with mutations in TonB-dependent receptor genes in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
of clinical origin
Authors: Egge Stephanie L. , Rizvi Samie A. , Simar Shelby R. , Alcalde Manuel , Martinez Jose R. W. , Hanson Blake M. , Dinh An Q. , Baptista Rodrigo P. , Tran Truc T. , Shelburne Samuel A. , Munita Jose M. , Arias Cesar A. , Hakki Morgan , Miller William R.
Published: July 2024

The siderophore-cephalosporin cefiderocol (FDC) presents a promising treatment option for carbapenem-resistant (CR)
P. aeruginosa
(PA). FDC circumvents traditional porin and efflux-mediated resistance by utilizing TonB-dependent receptors (TBDRs) to access the periplasmic space. Emerging FDC resistance has been associated with loss of function mutations within TBDR genes or the regulatory genes controlling TBDR expression. Further, difficulties with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and unexpected negative clinical treatment outcomes have prompted concerns for heteroresistance, where a single lineage isolate contains resistant subpopulations not detectable by standard AST. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TBDR mutations among clinical isolates of
P. aeruginosa
and the phenotypic effect on FDC susceptibility and heteroresistance. We evaluated the sequence of
pirR
,
pirS
,
pirA
,
piuA
, or
piuD
from 498 unique isolates collected before the introduction of FDC from four clinical sites in Portland, OR (1), Houston, TX (2), and Santiago, Chile (1). At some clinical sites, TBDR mutations were seen in up to 25% of isolates, and insertion, deletion, or frameshift mutations were predicted to impair protein function were seen in 3% of all isolates (
n
= 15). Using population analysis profile testing, we found that
P. aeruginosa
with major TBDR mutations were enriched for a heteroresistant phenotype and undergo a shift in the susceptibility distribution of the population as compared to susceptible strains with wild-type TBDR genes. Our results indicate that mutations in TBDR genes predate the clinical introduction of FDC, and these mutations may predispose to the emergence of FDC resistance.
Discovery of new antigens for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in humans and dogs adds valuable tools to our arsenal
Authors: Iniguez Eva , Kamhawi Shaden
Published: July 2024

Surveillance and sustained control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) require reliable serodiagnostic tools. rK39, the gold standard antigen for VL diagnosis, is limited by its documented poor sensitivity in certain endemic regions, such as East Africa, and by the longevity of its antibodies, making it difficult to distinguish active from cured infections. In a recent publication in
mBio
, Roberts et al. (A. J. Roberts, H.B. Ong, S. Clare, C. Brandt, et al., mBio 15:e00859-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00859-24
) identified new immunogenic
Leishmania
candidates in dogs and humans. In dogs, combined antigens LdBPK_290790.1 + LdBPK_362700.1 (D4 +D46) distinguished symptomatic from asymptomatic infections. For humans, LdBPK_323600.1 (D36) antigen produced short-lived antibodies and performed well in patient cohorts from Bangladesh and Ethiopia, but not Kenya. This study adds promising new candidates to our serodiagnostic toolbox but highlights the need for more antigen discovery studies that may have to be focused on regional performance.
P–T evolution of metapelitic and metamafic rocks from Northern Liaoning: Implications on the Neoarchean tectonic regime of the North China Craton
Authors: Guo Minjie , Zhang Jian , Qian Jiahui , Yin Changqing , Gao Peng , Chen Guokai , Cheng Changquan , Hsia Juiyen , Zhang Shuhui
Published: July 2024

The Archean basement rocks in the Eastern Block of the North China Craton have undergone extensive granulite-facies metamorphism during the late Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic. However, the geodynamic process and associated tectonic regime of this area remain poorly understood. The Qingyuan area of Northern Liaoning, located in the nucleus of the Eastern Block, plays a crucial role in unraveling the tectonothermal evolution by reconstructing its metamorphic history. Previous studies have mainly focused on the northern part of the area, while the tectonothermal evolution of the southern part remains unknown. In this study, we utilized petrography, phase equilibria modeling, and geochronology to constrain the pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) paths of representative metapelite and metabasite samples of the area. Our results indicate that both samples have recorded anticlockwise P–T–t paths. The peak condition for the metapelitic rock sample 22QY02-9 is 10.0–11.2 kbar/800–815 °C. U-Pb zircon and monazite dating results indicate a post-peak metamorphic age of ca. 2470–2450 Ma. Metamafic rock sample 22QY04-3 reaches the ultrahigh temperature peak metamorphic condition of 11.5–12.5 kbar/920–950 °C, which is consistent with the results obtained from the ternary-feldspar thermometry calculations. U-Pb zircon dating reveals a cooling age of metamorphism at ca. 2487 Ma. By combining the data from this study with previous research, a sagduction model, operating under a non–plate tectonics regime, appears to be the most promising explanation for the most prevalent geological phenomena in the Neoarchean North China Craton.
Fitness-related physical activity intensity explains most of the association between accelerometer data and cardiometabolic health in persons 50–64 years old
Authors: Fridolfsson Jonatan , Ekblom-Bak Elin , Ekblom Örjan , Bergström Göran , Arvidsson Daniel , Börjesson Mats
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the physical activity (PA) intensity associated with cardiometabolic health when considering the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods

A subsample of males and females aged 50–64 years from the cross-sectional Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study was investigated. PA was measured by accelerometry and CRF by a submaximal cycle test. Cardiometabolic risk factors, including waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and glycated haemoglobin, were combined to a composite score. A mediation model by partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the role of CRF in the association between PA and the composite score.

Results

The cohort included 4185 persons (51.9% female) with a mean age of 57.2 years. CRF mediated 82% of the association between PA and the composite score. The analysis of PA patterns revealed that moderate intensity PA explained most of the variation in the composite score, while vigorous intensity PA explained most of the variation in CRF. When including both PA and CRF as predictors of the composite score, the importance of vigorous intensity increased.

Conclusion

The highly interconnected role of CRF in the association between PA and cardiometabolic health suggests limited direct effects of PA on cardiometabolic health beyond its impact on CRF. The findings highlight the importance of sufficient PA intensity for the association with CRF, which in turn is linked to better cardiometabolic health.
Considerations for the care of transgender patients in orthopaedics and sports medicine: a narrative review
Authors: Hayes-Lattin Madison , Krivicich Laura M , Bragg Jack T , Rogerson Ashley , Salzler Matthew J
Published: July 2024

Orthopaedic and sports medicine clinicians can improve outcomes for transgender patients by understanding the physiological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). This narrative review investigated the role of GAHT on bone mineral density, fracture risk, thromboembolic risk, cardiovascular health and ligament/tendon injury in this population. A search from the PubMed database using relevant terms was performed. Studies were included if they were levels 1–3 evidence. Due to the paucity of studies on ligament and tendon injury risk in transgender patients, levels 1–3 evidence on the effects of sex hormones in cisgender patients as well as basic science studies were included for these two topics. This review found that transgender patients on GAHT have an elevated fracture risk, but GAHT has beneficial effects on bone mineral density in transgender women. Transgender women on GAHT also have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and myocardial infarction compared with cisgender women. Despite these elevated risks, studies have found it is safe to continue GAHT perioperatively for both transgender women and men undergoing low-risk operations. Orthopaedic and sports medicine clinicians should understand these unique health considerations for equitable patient care.
Synergistic effects of social determinants of health and race-ethnicity on 30-day all-cause readmission disparities: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Wan-Ting K , Cannella Cara , Haeusler Jessica , Adrianto Indra , Rubinfeld Ilan , Levin Albert M
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of social determinants of health (SDOH) and race-ethnicity on readmission and to investigate the potential for geospatial clustering of patients with a greater burden of SDOH that could lead to a higher risk of readmission.

Design

A retrospective study of inpatients at five hospitals within Henry Ford Health (HFH) in Detroit, Michigan from November 2015 to December 2018 was conducted.

Setting

This study used an adult inpatient registry created based on HFH electronic health record data as the data source. A subset of the data elements in the registry was collected for data analyses that included readmission index, race-ethnicity, six SDOH variables and demographics and clinical-related variables.

Participants

The cohort was composed of 248 810 admission patient encounters with 156 353 unique adult patients between the study time period. Encounters were excluded if they did not qualify as an index admission for all payors based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service definition.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission. This binary index was identified based on HFH internal data supplemented by external validated readmission data from the Michigan Health Information Network.

Results

Race-ethnicity and all SDOH were significantly associated with readmission. The effect of depression on readmission was dependent on race-ethnicity, with Hispanic patients having the strongest effect in comparison to either African Americans or non-Hispanic whites. Spatial analysis identified ZIP codes in the City of Detroit, Michigan, as over-represented for individuals with multiple SDOH.

Conclusions

There is a complex relationship between SDOH and race-ethnicity that must be taken into consideration when providing healthcare services. Insights from this study, which pinpoint the most vulnerable patients, could be leveraged to further improve existing models to predict risk of 30-day readmission for individuals in future work.
Infection in preterm infants receiving topical emollient oil massage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Getaneh Fekadeselassie Belege , Asmare Aden , Abayneh Bezabih , Birre Endalk , Mohammed Anissa , Muche Amare , Gedefie Alemu , Asmamaw Yibeltal , Mengesha Zemen , Moges Natnael , Birhanu Dires Mihretie , Bitew Zebenay Workneh , Molla Asressie
Published: July 2024

Background

Preterm infants are highly susceptible to infections, which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of topical emollient oil application in preventing infections among preterm infants.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Clinical trials, Epistemonikos, HINARI and Global Index Medicus) and other sources. A total of 2185 articles were identified and screened for eligibility. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomised controlled trials. Data analysis was performed using StataCrop MP V.17 software. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I2and Cochrane Q test statistics. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist guided the presentation of the results.

Results

Of 2185 retrieved articles from initial searches, 11 met eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. A random effects meta-analysis revealed that infants who received massages with emollient oils had a 21% reduced risk of infection (risk ratio=0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97, I2=0.00%). Subgroup analyses indicated that preterm babies who received topical emollient oil massages with coconut oil, administered twice a day for more than 2 weeks, had a lower likelihood of acquiring an infection compared with their non-massaged counterparts.

Conclusion

It is quite evident from this analysis that topical emollient oil application in preterm neonates is most likely effective in preventing infection. However, further studies, particularly from the African continent, are warranted to support universal recommendations.
Cumulative sucrose exposure for repeated procedural pain in preterm neonates and neurodevelopment at 18 months of corrected age: a prospective observational longitudinal study
Authors: Bueno Mariana , Ballantyne Marilyn , Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Estabrooks Carole , Gibbins Sharyn , Harrison Denise , McNair Carol , Riahi Shirine , Squires Janet , Synnes Anne R , Taddio Anna , Victor Charles , Yamada Janet , Stevens Bonnie
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Oral sucrose is repeatedly administered to neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to treat pain from commonly performed procedures; however, there is limited evidence on its long-term cumulative effect on neurodevelopment. We examined the association between total sucrose volumes administered to preterm neonates for pain mitigation in the NICU and their neurodevelopment at 18 months of corrected age (CA).

Methods

A prospective longitudinal single-arm observational study that enrolled hospitalised preterm neonates <32 weeks of gestational age at birth and <10 days of life was conducted in four level III NICUs in Canada. Neonates received 0.1 mL of 24% sucrose 2 min prior to all commonly performed painful procedures during their NICU stay. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 18 months of CA using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Multiple neonatal and maternal factors known to affect development were adjusted for in the generalised linear model analysis.

Results

172 preterm neonates were enrolled and 118 were included in the analysis at 18 months of CA. The total mean sucrose volume administered/neonate/NICU stay was 5.96 (±5.6) mL, and the mean Bayley-III composite scores were: cognitive 91 (±17), language 86 (±18) and motor 88 (±18). There was no association between Bayley-III scores and the total sucrose volume: cognitive (p=0.57), language (p=0.42) and motor (p=0.70).

Conclusion

Cumulative sucrose exposure for repeated procedural pain in preterm neonates was neither associated with a delay in neurodevelopment nor neuroprotective effects at 18 months of CA. If sucrose is used, we suggest the minimally effective dose combined with other non-pharmacological interventions with demonstrated effectiveness such as skin-to-skin contact, non-nutritive sucking, facilitated tucking and swaddling.

Trial registration number

NCT02725814.
The importance of prion research
Authors: Eid Shehab , Lee Seojin , Verkuyl Claire E. , Almanza Dustin , Hanna Joseph , Shenouda Sandra , Belotserkovsky Ari , Zhao Wenda , Watts Joel C.
Published: July 2024

Over the past four decades, prion diseases have received considerable research attention owing to their potential to be transmitted within and across species as well as their consequences for human and animal health. The unprecedented nature of prions has led to the discovery of a paradigm of templated protein misfolding that underlies a diverse range of both disease-related and normal biological processes. Indeed, the “prion-like” misfolding and propagation of protein aggregates is now recognized as a common underlying disease mechanism in human neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and the prion principle has led to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these illnesses. Despite these advances, research into the fundamental biology of prion diseases has declined, likely due to their rarity and the absence of an acute human health crisis. Given the past translational influence, continued research on the etiology, pathogenesis, and transmission of prion disease should remain a priority. In this review, we highlight several important “unsolved mysteries” in the prion disease research field and how solving them may be crucial for the development of effective therapeutics, preventing future outbreaks of prion disease, and understanding the pathobiology of more common human neurodegenerative disorders.
Demography, Growth, and Robots in Advanced and Emerging Economies
Authors: GRAVINA ANTONIO FRANCESCO , LANZAFAME MATTEO
Published: July 2024

This paper provides estimates of the impact of demographic change on labor productivity growth, relying on annual data during 1961–2018 for a panel of 90 advanced and emerging economies. We find that increases in both the young and old population shares have significantly negative effects on labor productivity growth, working via various channels—including physical and human capital accumulation. Splitting the analysis for advanced and emerging economies shows that population aging has a greater effect on emerging economies than on advanced economies. Extending the benchmark model to include a proxy for the robotization of production, we find evidence indicating that automation reduces the negative effects of unfavorable demographic change—in particular, population aging—on labor productivity growth.
DYNAMIC VOLATILITY SPILLOVERS BETWEEN CURRENCIES OF ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES AND CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM TVP-VAR APPROACH
Authors: LIU MIN , LIU HONG-FEI , LIU SHUAI
Published: July 2024

Driven by the importance of analyzing interregional volatility spillover effects, this study investigates dynamic volatility spillovers between the currencies of China– ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) member countries by applying the time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach to a sample spanning January 1, 2006, to October 31, 2022. The results show that (1) dynamic volatility connectedness varies over time and reaches peaks due to economic events, such as the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) the Chinese yuan (CNY) market assumes more of a net receiving role for volatility spillovers after the 811 exchange rate reform, while the Singapore dollar (SGD) market assumes more of a net transmitting role for volatility spillovers in the whole sample period and (3) negative spillovers are dominant during the study period, except during the European debt crisis. Our findings can help China and ASEAN establish an exchange rate coordination mechanism to prevent the cross-country transmission of exchange rate risk.
Showroom Deployment with Consumers’ Anticipated Regret
Authors: Song Yang , Fan Yaodong , Song Qinyu
Published: July 2024

In conjunction with the online sales channel, an increasing number of manufacturers are launching showrooms to address consumer fit uncertainty. Our study examines showroom deployment by manufacturers under two scenarios: manufacturer-operated showroom and showroom-operated in collaboration with an independent operator. We consider two types of consumers’ anticipated regret — “mismatch regret” and “high-cost regret” — and develop two game models wherein either the manufacturer or the independent operator determines the optimal pricing strategies. From the derived equilibria, we obtain three key findings: (1) Regardless of whether the showroom is launched by the manufacturer or an independent operator, there are two pricing strategies: unified pricing when the return cost for consumers is relatively low and differential pricing when the cost is high. (2) Under the differential pricing strategy, the optimal price in the showroom increases with the intensity of consumers’ mismatch regret and decreases with the intensity of consumers’ high-cost regret. Moreover, a showroom that collaborates with an independent operator induces a lower price in the showroom than under the scenario of a manufacturer-operated showroom. (3) Consumers’ mismatch regret has a promoting effect on showroom deployment.