bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐mannosidase‐2 modulates arbovirus infection in a pathogen‐ and Wolbachia‐specific manner in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Urakova Nadya , Joseph Renuka E. , Huntsinger Allyn , Macias Vanessa M. , Jones Matthew J. , Sigle Leah T. , Li Ming , Akbari Omar S. , Xi Zhiyong , Lymperopoulos Konstantinos , Sayre Richard T. , McGraw Elizabeth A. , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: March 2024

Multiple Wolbachia strains can block pathogen infection, replication and/or transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes under both laboratory and field conditions. However, Wolbachia effects on pathogens can be highly variable across systems and the factors governing this variability are not well understood. It is increasingly clear that the mosquito host is not a passive player in which Wolbachia governs pathogen transmission phenotypes; rather, the genetics of the host can significantly modulate Wolbachia‐mediated pathogen blocking. Specifically, previous work linked variation in Wolbachia pathogen blocking to polymorphisms in the mosquito alpha‐mannosidase‐2 (αMan2) gene. Here we use CRISPR‐Cas9 mutagenesis to functionally test this association. We developed αMan2 knockouts and examined effects on both Wolbachia and virus levels, using dengue virus (DENV; Flaviviridae) and Mayaro virus (MAYV; Togaviridae). Wolbachia titres were significantly elevated in αMan2 knockout (KO) mosquitoes, but there were complex interactions with virus infection and replication. In Wolbachia‐uninfected mosquitoes, the αMan2 KO mutation was associated with decreased DENV titres, but in a Wolbachia‐infected background, the αMan2 KO mutation significantly increased virus titres. In contrast, the αMan2 KO mutation significantly increased MAYV replication in Wolbachia‐uninfected mosquitoes and did not affect Wolbachia‐mediated virus blocking. These results demonstrate that αMan2 modulates arbovirus infection in A. aegypti mosquitoes in a pathogen‐ and Wolbachia‐specific manner, and that Wolbachia‐mediated pathogen blocking is a complex phenotype dependent on the mosquito host genotype and the pathogen. These results have a significant impact for the design and use of Wolbachia‐based strategies to control vector‐borne pathogens.
Sporoderm‐broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum modulate hepatoblastoma malignancy by regulating RACK1‐mediated autophagy and tumour immunity
Authors: Shen Rui , Ge Yang , Qin Yunpeng , Gao Hang , Yu Hongyan , Wu Huazhang , Song Hang
Published: March 2024

Hepatoblastoma (HB), a primary liver tumour, is notorious for its high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Ganoderma lucidum, an edible mushroom species utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing various tumour types, presents an intriguing avenue for HB treatment. However, the effectiveness of G. lucidum in managing HB and its underlying molecular mechanism necessitates further exploration. Standard in vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of sporoderm‐broken spores of G. lucidum (SBSGL) on the malignant characteristics of HB cells. The mechanism of SBSGL in treating HB and its tumour immunomodulatory effects were explored and validated by various experiments, including immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 adenovirus transfection and co‐localization analysis, as well as verified with in vivo experiments in this regard. The results showed that SBSGL effectively inhibited the malignant traits of HB cells and suppressed the O‐GlcNAcylation of RACK1, thereby reducing its expression. In addition, SBSGL inhibited immune checkpoints and regulated cytokines. In conclusion, SBSGL had immunomodulatory effects and regulated the malignancy and autophagy of HB by regulating the O‐GlcNAcylation of RACK1. These findings suggest that SBSGL holds promise as a potential anticancer drug for HB treatment.
Improvement of periodontal parameters following intensive diabetes care and supragingival dental prophylaxis in patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mizutani Koji , Minami Isao , Mikami Risako , Kido Daisuke , Takeda Kohei , Nakagawa Keita , Takemura Shu , Saito Natsumi , Kominato Hiromi , Sakaniwa Eri , Konuma Kuniha , Izumi Yuichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Iwata Takanori
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diabetes care on periodontal inflammation.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study included 51 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent intensive diabetes care including educational hospitalization and regular outpatient treatment for 6 months. Dental prophylaxis without subgingival scaling was provided three times during the observational period. Associations between changes in periodontal parameters and glycaemic control levels were evaluated using multiple regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 33 participants (mean age: 58.7 ± 12.9) were followed up for 6 months. At baseline examination, 82% were diagnosed with Stage III or IV periodontitis. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level changed from 9.6 ± 1.8% at baseline to 7.4 ± 1.3% at 6 months. The ratio of probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm, bleeding on probing (BOP), full‐mouth plaque control record (PCR), periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) also significantly improved. The reduction in PPD and PESA was significantly associated with changes in both HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, and the reduction in PISA was significantly associated with an improvement in FPG after adjusting for smoking, change in body mass index and full‐mouth PCR.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report a significant improvement in PPD and BOP after intensive diabetes care and dental prophylaxis without subgingival scaling. Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000040218.
Host sweet host: Rodent communities support similar ectoparasite diversity regardless of anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Gil‐Fernández Margarita , Vargas‐Sandoval Margarita , Delfín‐Alfonso Christian A. , Mendoza Eduardo , Godínez‐Gómez Oscar , Jiménez‐Lara Nancy K. , MacSwiney G. M. Cristina , Carthey Alexandra , Blanco‐García Arnulfo , Le Roux Johannes J.
Published: March 2024

Rodents are important hosts for ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which means they are also important intermediate hosts for many zoonotic diseases. As anthropogenic environments bring humans and rodents into closer contact, an understanding of host–ectoparasite ecology is essential to predict and manage disease spillover risks. We aimed to understand how disturbances in vegetation cover affect rodent ectoparasite diversity, prevalence, spatial segregation, host (i.e., sex, genus, size, and habitat domain), and environmental (i.e., vegetation structure, forest cover, and rainfall) variables in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. We investigated these relationships by trapping rodents in five paired disturbed (reduced vegetation cover and regular human activities) and undisturbed (no reduction in vegetation cover) sites in the summer and autumn of 2022. From 110 trapped rodents, we collected 138 ectoparasites on 38 individuals. We found no difference in rodent diversity, ectoparasite diversity, or ectoparasite prevalence between disturbed and undisturbed sites. However, arboreal and male rodents had a higher probability of carrying ectoparasites than ground‐dwelling and female rodents. Rodents with ectoparasites were not spatially clustered; rather, they were randomly distributed across trapping grids. We also identified two rodent genera (Rattus and Sigmodon) that carry ectoparasites of medical importance and that are in close contact with humans. Our results highlight the necessity of constant monitoring of rodents, ectoparasites, and their associated transmittable diseases. Assessing these interactions and how they are affected by anthropogenic disturbance could better inform management decisions and support the need for rodent conservation programmes in the area.
Balancing fracture risk versus risk of mortality before fracture among women aged 80 years or older
Authors: Schousboe John T. , Langsetmo Lisa , Fink Howard A. , Kado Deborah M. , Cauley Jane A. , Taylor Brent C. , Ensrud Kristine E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Most fractures occur in women aged ≥80 years but competing mortality unrelated to fracture may limit the benefit of osteoporosis drug therapy for some women in late life. Our primary aim was to develop separate prediction models for non‐spine fracture (NSF) and mortality before fracture to identify subsets of women with varying fracture versus mortality risks.

Methods

Separate prediction models were developed for NSF and mortality before NSF for 4895 women aged ≥80 years enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) or the Health Aging and Body Composition (HABC) study. Proportional hazards models modified to account for competing mortality were used to identify candidate risk factors for each outcome. Predictors associated with NSF or mortality (p < 0.2) were included in separate competing risk models to estimate the cumulative incidence of NSF and mortality before NSF during 5 years of follow‐up. This process was repeated to develop separate prediction models for hip fracture and mortality before hip fracture.

Results

Significant predictors of NSF (race, total hip BMD, grip strength, prior fracture, falls, and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, or oral/transdermal estrogen) differed from predictors of mortality before NSF (age, walking speed, multimorbidity, weight change, shrinking, smoking, self‐rated health, dementia, and use of warfarin). Within nine subsets of women defined by tertiles of risk, 5‐year outcomes varied from 28% NSF and 8% mortality in the high‐risk NSF/low‐risk mortality subset, to 9% NSF and 22% mortality in the low‐risk NSF/high‐risk mortality subset. Similar results were seen for predictors of hip fracture and mortality before hip fracture.

Conclusion

Considerable variation in 5‐year competing mortality risk is present among women in late life with similar 5‐year NSF risk. Both fracture risk and life expectancy should inform shared clinical decision‐making regarding initiation or continuation of osteoporosis drug therapy for women aged ≥80 years.
Paste, aggregate, or air? That is the question
Authors: Ossetchkina Ekaterina , Chernoloz Oleksiy , Bromerchenkel Lucas Herzog , Karim Mahzabin , MacHale Liam , Montgomery Amy , Hu Yuqi , Peterson Karl
Published: March 2024

The Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, has served for almost 100 years as North America's busiest international border crossing. But in 2025, the Ambassador will be replaced by the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Gordie Howe is a cable‐stayed bridge, with two massive 220 m tall concrete piers on opposite banks of the St. Claire River, a single clear span of 853 m, and 42 m of clearance over this busy waterway. To ensure durability in this harsh freeze‐thaw environment, air‐entrained concrete is specified throughout. And, to ensure the quality of air entrainment, the ASTM C 457 Procedure C, Contrast Enhanced Method is employed. While a similar automated microscopic approach has been in use for well over a decade according to EN 480‐11 Determination of air void characteristics in hardened concrete, this is the first large‐scale application of automated air void assessment in North American infrastructure. According to the ASTM Procedure C, the air void characteristics are determined through digital image processing, while the paste content may be determined by either mix design parameters, manual point count, or ‘other means’. Of these three options, point counting is used for Gordie Howe; but in parallel, during each point count, the digital image coordinates and phase identifications for each evaluated stop are recorded. This allows for training of a neural network, for automated determination of paste content, as demonstrated here.
Incidence of and factors associated with emergency caesarean section in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nabika Satoshi , Nakamura Tsukasa , Ito Yasuo , Nagasawa Atsushi , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: March 2024

Aim

The incidence of factors associated with emergency cesarean section (ECS) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have not been well investigated.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with GDM between 2011 and 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in Japan. Clinical data, vital signs, and laboratory results of the patients were collected from electronic medical records. We constructed a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the clinical characteristics associated with ECS.

Results

We included 1189 patients diagnosed with GDM, the mean maternal age was 33 years, and 507 (42.6%) patients were aged ≥35 years. In total, 114 patients underwent ECS (9.6%). The previous assisted reproductive technology (ART) use (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.93), previous artificial abortion (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.13–3.33), high pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11), and late diagnosis of GDM (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.003–1.05) were independently associated with ECS.

Conclusions

One of every 10 GDM patients required ECS. Previous ART use, previous artificial abortion, high pre‐pregnancy BMI, and late diagnosis of GDM were risk factors for ECS in GDM patients.
The effect of different pain characteristics on jaw functional limitations in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Kliangkaeo Watcharee , Tangpothitham Sakarin , Mitrirattanakul Somsak , Wachiralarpphaithoon Chookiat
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) more often experience jaw functional limitations. The study of jaw functional limitations should be primarily focused on painful TMD.

Objectives

The impact of TMD pain characteristics (source, chronicity and intensity) on jaw functional limitations were evaluated using Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study reviewed the dental records and self‐report questionnaires of patients with painful TMD. The pain source, chronicity and intensity were evaluated to study the TMD pain characteristics. The jaw functional limitations were analysed using the Thai version of the JFLS.

Results

A total of 176 patients with painful TMD were included in this study. The jaw functional limitations were affected only by pain intensity. Patients with TMD with severe pain intensity had significantly higher jaw functional limitations than those with mild‐to‐moderate pain intensity (p < .05). A significant association was observed between pain intensity and jaw functional limitations (p < .05). Mastication was highly restricted by pain intensity (odd ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.16–1.67).

Conclusion

The present study found a significant effect of TMD pain intensity on jaw functional limitations. Patients with severe TMD pain intensity were more likely to experience jaw functional limitations, particularly mastication limitation. Management focusing on reduction of pain intensity may improve jaw functions in patients with TMD.
The eternal life of taxonomic monographs: The series on the Fauna and Flora of the Gulf of Naples
Authors: Boero Ferdinando
Published: March 2024

Taxonomic monographs, such as those of the Fauna and Flora of the Gulf of Naples, have almost eternal life, in terms of scientific relevance, and keep being cited even after centuries.
Automated whole slide morphometry of sural nerve biopsy using machine learning
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Kawai Honami , Kuwahara Hiroya , Yokota Takanori
Published: March 2024

Aim

The morphometry of sural nerve biopsies, such as fibre diameter and myelin thickness, helps us understand the underlying mechanism of peripheral neuropathies. However, in current clinical practice, only a portion of the specimen is measured manually because of its labour‐intensive nature. In this study, we aimed to develop a machine learning‐based application that inputs a whole slide image (WSI) of the biopsied sural nerve and automatically performs morphometric analyses.

Methods

Our application consists of three supervised learning models: (1) nerve fascicle instance segmentation, (2) myelinated fibre detection and (3) myelin sheath segmentation. We fine‐tuned these models using 86 toluidine blue‐stained slides from various neuropathies and developed an open‐source Python library.

Results

Performance evaluation showed (1) a mask average precision (AP) of 0.861 for fascicle segmentation, (2) box AP of 0.711 for fibre detection and (3) a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.817 for myelin segmentation. Our software identified 323,298 nerve fibres and 782 fascicles in 70 WSIs. Small and large fibre populations were objectively determined based on clustering analysis. The demyelination group had large fibres with thinner myelin sheaths and higher g‐ratios than the vasculitis group. The slope of the regression line from the scatter plots of the diameters and g‐ratios was higher in the demyelination group than in the vasculitis group.

Conclusion

We developed an application that performs whole slide morphometry of human biopsy samples. Our open‐source software can be used by clinicians and pathologists without specific machine learning skills, which we expect will facilitate data‐driven analysis of sural nerve biopsies for a more detailed understanding of these diseases.
Effects of communication team training on clinical competence in Korean Advanced Life Support: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yun Soyeon , Park Hyeoun‐Ae , Na Sang‐Hoon , Yun Hee Je
Published: March 2024

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to study the effects of interprofessional communication team training on clinical competence in the Korean Advanced Life Support provider course using a team communication framework. Our study involved 73 residents and 42 nurses from a tertiary hospital in Seoul. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, forming 10 teams per group. The intervention group underwent interprofessional communication team training with a cardiac arrest simulation and standardized communication tools. The control group completed the Korean Advanced Life Support provider course. All participants completed a communication clarity self‐reporting questionnaire. Clinical competence was assessed using a clinical competency scale comprising technical and nontechnical tools. Blinding was not possible due to the educational intervention. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney U test and a multivariate Kruskal–Wallis H test. While no significant differences were observed in communication clarity between the two groups, there were significant differences in clinical competence. Therefore, the study confirmed that the intervention can enhance the clinical competence of patient care teams in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A higher‐yield hybrid rice is achieved by assimilating a dominant heterotic gene in inbred parental lines
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Wang Ziqun , Cai Yunxiao , Zhu Zhou , Yu Danheng , Hong Lei , Wang Yongchun , Lv Wei , Zhao Qiang , Si Lizhen , Liu Kun , Han Bin
Published: March 2024

The exploitation of heterosis to integrate parental advantages is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of rice breeding. The genomic architecture of heterosis suggests that the grain yield is strongly correlated with the accumulation of numerous rare superior alleles with positive dominance. However, the improvements in yield of hybrid rice have shown a slowdown or even plateaued due to the limited availability of complementary superior alleles. In this study, we achieved a considerable increase in grain yield of restorer lines by inducing an alternative splicing event in a heterosis gene OsMADS1 through CRISPR‐Cas9, which accounted for approximately 34.1%–47.5% of yield advantage over their corresponding inbred rice cultivars. To achieve a higher yield in hybrid rice, we crossed the gene‐edited restorer parents harbouring OsMADS1GW3p6 with the sterile lines to develop new rice hybrids. In two‐line hybrid rice Guang‐liang‐you 676 (GLY676), the yield of modified hybrids carrying the homozygous heterosis gene OsMADS1GW3p6 significantly exceeded that of the original hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1. Similarly, the gene‐modified F1 hybrids with heterozygous OsMADS1GW3p6 increased grain yield by over 3.4% compared to the three‐line hybrid rice Quan‐you‐si‐miao (QYSM) with the homozygous genotype of OsMADS1. Our study highlighted the great potential in increasing the grain yield of hybrid rice by pyramiding a single heterosis gene via CRISPR‐Cas9. Furthermore, these results demonstrated that the incomplete dominance of heterosis genes played a major role in yield‐related heterosis and provided a promising strategy for breeding higher‐yielding rice varieties above what is currently achievable.
Leflunomide as adjunct therapy for BK viremia management in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Aldieri Alexandra , Chandran Mary , Matossian Debora , Hariprasad Aparna , Magella Bliss , Lazear Danielle , Blanchette Eliza , Benz Eric , Bock Margret
Published: March 2024

Background

BK viremia after kidney transplantation (KT) poses significant risk for BK virus‐associated nephropathy and impacts graft survival. Conventional treatment involves reduction of immunosuppression, which in turn may increase risk for rejection. To address this dilemma, use of anti‐viral therapy with immunosuppressive properties such as leflunomide is an attractive option.

Methods

We performed a multi‐center, retrospective chart review to report tolerability and effectiveness of leflunomide use for the eradication of BK viremia and prevention of BK virus‐associated nephropathy in pediatric KT recipients.

Results

Seventy patients prescribed leflunomide were included and were followed up from initiation until 1 year following leflunomide completion. BK viremia was eradicated in 64 (91.4%) patients including 8 of 11 with nephropathy (BKVN) on initial biopsy. Reduced anti‐proliferative medication (AP) dosing was not associated with increase in biopsy proven rejection (BPAR). However, complete discontinuation of AP during leflunomide therapy was associated with increase in BPAR in uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression, as was targeted reduction in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) trough goals. One graft was lost to BKVN. There was no significant association found between time to BK eradication and leflunomide trough concentration, mycophenolate dose reduction, or steroid use (univariate logistic regression). Few leflunomide adverse drug reactions (ADR) were reported (most commonly: gastrointestinal, hematologic).

Conclusion

Leflunomide is a promising adjunctive treatment to immunosuppression reduction for BK virus eradication with minimal ADR. AP reduction, not discontinuation, and judicious reduction in CNI trough goals with close monitoring, is a promising strategy for treatment of BK viremia with concomitant use of leflunomide therapy.
Metacognitive strategies mediate the association between metacognitive beliefs and perceived quality of life
Authors: Havnen Audun , Anyan Frederick , Nordahl Henrik
Published: March 2024

Quality of life may be understood as a multidimensional evaluation of life circumstances in relation to values, expectations, and perceived well‐being. Quality of life is thus dependent on the subjective perception of the current life situation, not only objective circumstances. According to metacognitive theory, metacognition guides the appraisal of inner experiences (i.e., thoughts and feelings) and influences how one relates to external stressors. Hence, dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS), which includes perseverative thinking, threat monitoring and ineffective coping strategies, may negatively influence subjective quality of life. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if metacognitive beliefs and CAS strategies were associated with quality of life. A sample of 503 participants (77.1% women, mean age 41.0, SD = 11.5) completed the metacognitions questionnaire 30 (MCQ‐30), the CAS‐1 and the quality of life scale (QOLS). We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to estimate associations between the variables founded in metacognitive theory. The results of the SEM showed a significant direct relationship between metacognitive beliefs and quality of life. CAS strategies mediated the effect of metacognitive beliefs on quality of life. Higher level of metacognitive beliefs was associated with greater use of CAS strategies, which in turn was associated with lower quality of life. Further, more CAS strategies were associated with lower quality of life. The results support the generic metacognitive model and suggest that stronger endorsement of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and corresponding CAS strategies are associated with lower quality of life. This observation held even when controlling for relevant covariates and suggests that modifying metacognitive beliefs may impact on subjective quality of life.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐B*47:01:01:07 allele in a Greek volunteer bone marrow donor
Authors: Kouniaki Diamanto , Tarassi Katerina , Tsirogianni Alexandra
Published: March 2024

HLA‐B*47:01:01:07 differs from the HLA‐B*47:01:01:03 allele by one nucleotide deletion in the 3′UTR.
High‐resolution HLA genotyping identifies risk alleles in both class I and II for primary autoimmune neutropenia in early childhood in a Danish cohort
Authors: Kløve‐Mogensen Kirstine , Haunstrup Thure Mors , Masmas Tania Nicole , Glenthøj Andreas , Höglund Petter , Hasle Henrik , Nielsen Kaspar René , Steffensen Rudi
Published: March 2024

HLA studies in patients with autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) have shown very consistent results for the association with HLA class II alleles at low resolution. This study aimed to examine the association of both HLA class I and class II at high resolution to clarify the contribution of risk alleles to the disease. A total of 107 AIN patients were genotyped for six loci of HLA class I (HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C) and class II (HLA‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, and ‐DPB1) genes by a high‐resolution (3‐field, 6‐digit) analysis and compared with HLA typing of 1000 healthy controls. Compared with the controls, the allele frequencies were significantly higher in AIN patients for A*02:17:01G, C*01:02:01G, DRB1*10:01:01G, DRB1*14:01:01G, DRB1*16:01:01G, DQB1*05:02:01G, and DQB1*05:03:01G but lower significant for C*03:04:01G, DRB1*04:01:01G, DRB1*13:02:01G, DQB1*03:02:01G, and DQB1*06:04:01G. Frequently associated two‐locus haplotypes were found to be DRB1*10:01:01G‐DQB1*05:01:01G and DRB1*16:01:01G‐DQB1*05:02:01G, while the S2 (Q‐ or D‐KRAA) shared epitope (SE) was associated with lower risk. A unique association with HLA alleles was observed between patients with specific anti‐HNA‐1a antibodies and broad‐reacting anti‐FcγRIIIb. Anti‐HNA‐1a antibody‐positive patients were associated with C*01:02:01G, DRB1*01:01:01G, DRB1*16:01:01G, DQB1*05:01:01G, DQB1*05:02:01G, DQB1*06:04:01G, and DPB1*10:01:01G; the two‐locus haplotypes DRB1*01:01:01G‐DQB1*05:01:01G and DRB1*16:01:01G‐DQB1*05:02:01G; and the S3P (Q‐ or R‐RRAA) SE. Anti‐FcγRIIIb antibody‐positive patients were associated with the alleles A*02:17:01G, DRB1*10:01:01G, and DQB1*05:02:01G; the haplotypes DRB1*10:01:01G‐DQB1*05:01:01G and DRB1*11:01:02G‐DQB1*05:02:01G; and the S3D (DRRAA) SE. The different associations regarding FcγRIIIb antibody specificities could indicate disease heterogeneity.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:03:11 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Troiano Maria , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: March 2024

HLA‐DQA1*01:03:11 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:03:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 59 in exon 2.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1*04:04:20 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Wojciechowski Elodie , Tenchon Oceane , Visentin Jonathan
Published: March 2024

HLA‐DRB1*04:04:20 differs from HLA‐DRB1*04:04:01:04 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 135 in exon 3.
Has the frequency of ABO RhD blood groups in Australian blood donors changed as a result of the removal of the variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease‐based deferral?
Authors: Hirani Rena , Hoad Veronica C. , Gosbell Iain B. , Irving David O.
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Until 25 July 2022, Australians who had spent more than 6 months in the United Kingdom or territories between 1980 and 1996 were deferred from blood donation due to the risk of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. Removal of this geography‐based donor deferral on RhD‐negative blood availability has not been reported.

Materials and Methods

All donors who donated at least once from 25 July 2022 to 25 July 2023 were included. UK donor status, first‐time donor and ABO RhD data were extracted from the National Blood Management System.

Results

Data from 566,447 blood donors with a valid ABO RhD result were analysed. Of these, 34,560 were new or returning lapsed donors following removal of the UK donor deferral. The median age [range] in years for all donors was 43 [75] with UK donors being older 53 [70]. There was a higher prevalence of RhD‐negative status in UK donors (20.2%) compared with first‐time blood donors (15.7%).

Conclusion

UK donors were generally older, female and more likely to be RhD‐negative. Although UK donors provided a boost to RhD‐negative blood collections, the overall prevalence of ABO RhD blood groups in the total Australian blood donor panel remained similar to previous estimates.
Influence of feral Raphanus sativus seed attributes and burial depth in seedling emergence dynamics
Authors: Vercellino Román B. , Hernández Fernando , Pandolfo Claudio , Presotto Alejandro
Published: March 2024

Understanding the emergence patterns of agricultural weeds is paramount for effective management practices. This study investigates the emergence dynamics of feral radish (Raphanus sativus L.), a widespread weed in the Americas, unravelling the intricate interplay of seed attributes—low or no dormancy, darkness requirement, and indehiscent siliques—on seedling emergence. To explore this, we (1) buried isolated seeds and intact siliques at six increasing depths (0–16 cm) under controlled conditions, and (2) evaluated seedling emergence from both isolated seeds and intact siliques placed on the soil surface and buried at 10 cm under field conditions over 3 years. Our findings reveal that seedlings emergence was about five‐fold higher from shallow‐buried than from surficial isolated seeds, and from isolated seeds than from seeds inside siliques, suggesting strong effects of burial depth and the pericarp. Even isolated seeds buried at 12 cm depth outperformed surface isolated seeds. The burial depth influenced emergence patterns; isolated seeds exhibited rapid emergence, with rates five times higher at 10 cm deep compared to those on the soil surface, showing no emergence after year 1. Conversely, the pericarp delayed and staggered seedlings emergence, contributing to the formation of a persistent seed bank for at least 3 years in both burial depths. Seedlings emergence from seeds inside siliques buried at 10 cm begins in year 1 and in those placed on the soil surface year 2, with emergence peaks predominantly in autumn. These findings enrich our understanding of feral radish seedling emergence, providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable and efficient management practices.
A shorter note on shorter pants
Authors: Parlier Hugo
Published: March 2024

This note is about variations on a theorem of Bers about short pants decompositions of surfaces. It contains a version for surfaces with boundary but also a slight improvement on the best‐known bound for closed surfaces.
An Analytical Model for Nonlinear-Elastic Compliant Mechanisms With Tension–Compression Asymmetry
Authors: Hargrove Brianne , Frecker Mary , Nastevska Angela , Jovanova Jovana
Published: March 2024

While nonlinear-elastic materials demonstrate potential in enhancing the performance of compliant mechanisms, their behavior still needs to be captured in a generalized mechanical model. To inform new designs and functionality of compliant mechanisms, a better understanding of nonlinear-elastic materials is necessary and, in particular, their mechanical properties that often differ in tension and compression. In the current work, a beam-based analytical model incorporating nonlinear-elastic material behavior is defined for a folding compliant mechanism geometry. Exact equations are derived capturing the nonlinear curvature profile and shift in the neutral axis due to the material asymmetry. The deflection and curvature profile are compared with finite element analysis along with stress distribution across the beam thickness. The analytical model is shown to be a good approximation of the behavior of nonlinear-elastic materials with tension–compression asymmetry under the assumptions of the von Kármán strain theory. Through a segmentation approach, the geometries of a semicircular arc and folding compliant mechanism design are defined. The deflection of the folding compliant mechanism due to an applied tip load is then evaluated against finite element analysis and experimental results. The generalized methods presented highlight the utility of the model for designing and predicting the behavior of other compliant mechanism geometries and different nonlinear-elastic materials.
Monitoring homeostasis with ultrasound
Authors: Sharma Shonit Nair , Lee Yuhan
Published: March 2024

An implant could allow at-home monitoring of deep-tissue changes after surgery
Understanding operon architecture using LEGO bricks
Authors: Hammond-Weinberger Dena R. , Lennon Christopher W.
Published: March 2024

Many undergraduates struggle to interpret abstract concepts in molecular biology. Modeling can facilitate learning by making these abstract concepts tangible. Here, we present an exercise based on the
lac
operon designed for undergraduate students using LEGO bricks. The
lac
operon is a classic example of transcriptional regulation taught in a variety of undergraduate biology courses and is fundamental to understanding the regulation of gene expression. This easy-to-implement active learning exercise demonstrates how the various components of the
lac
operon are oriented under a variety of nutritional conditions to control gene expression. In addition, higher-order concepts, such as the effect of mutation on
lac
operon expression, can be readily modeled. Overall, students not only found this exercise to be enjoyable but also helpful as a tool to engage with this course material.
Interplay between group A
Streptococcus
and host innate immune responses
Authors: Su Marcia Shu-Wei , Cheng Yi-Lin , Lin Yee-Shin , Wu Jiunn-Jong
Published: March 2024

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS), also known as
Streptococcus pyogenes
, is a clinically well-adapted human pathogen that harbors rich virulence determinants contributing to a broad spectrum of diseases. GAS is capable of invading epithelial, endothelial, and professional phagocytic cells while evading host innate immune responses, including phagocytosis, selective autophagy, light chain 3-associated phagocytosis, and inflammation. However, without a more complete understanding of the different ways invasive GAS infections develop, it is difficult to appreciate how GAS survives and multiplies in host cells that have interactive immune networks. This review article attempts to provide an overview of the behaviors and mechanisms that allow pathogenic GAS to invade cells, along with the strategies that host cells practice to constrain GAS infection. We highlight the counteractions taken by GAS to apply virulence factors such as streptolysin O, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotidase, and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B as a hindrance to host innate immune responses.
Supplemental Material: Exothermic reactions and 39Ar–40Ar thermochronology: Hydration leads to younger apparent ages
Authors: Schorn Simon , al. et
Published: March 2024

Detailed methods, phase diagram, additional age maps and diagrams, and geochronological data table.  
Supplemental Material: Vestiges of Earth’s earliest depleted mantle reservoir
Authors: Wright Jordan K. , Basu Asish R.
Published: March 2024

 Figures S1–S4, Tables S1–S5, and materials and methods.  
Variant ataxia telangiectasia identified during evaluation for short stature
Authors: Sokay Anitha , Leahy Timothy Ronan , O'Regan Mary , O' Grady Michael
Published: March 2024

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) (OMIM 208900) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterised by progressive cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasias, immunodeficiency and a predisposition to malignancy. ‘Variant’ A-T has later onset of neurological symptoms and slower progression compared with the ‘classic’ form. A woman presented with short stature in late childhood. Karyotype revealed rearrangements involving chromosomes 7 and 14. A chromosomal breakage disorder gene panel demonstrated compound heterozygote mutations in herATMgene including one mutation c.7271T>G with residualATMfunction, confirming the diagnosis of variant A-T. Since diagnosis, she has developed progressive cerebellar ataxia and telangiectasias. Long-standing restrictive and aversive feeding behaviours presented challenges for her management and necessitated gastrostomy.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect levels of burnout, anxiety and depression among doctors and nurses in Bangladesh? A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Hutchings Hayley Anne , Rahman Mesbah , Carter Kymberley , Islam Saiful , O'Neill Claire , Roberts Stephen , John Ann , Fegan Greg , Dave Umakant , Hawkes Neil , Ahmed Faruque , Hasan Mahmud , Azad Abul Kalam , Rahman Md Mujibur , Kibria Md Golam , Rahman M Masudur , Mia Titu , Akhter Mahfuza , Williams John G
Published: March 2024

Introduction

COVID-19 has caused severe disruption to clinical services in Bangladesh but the extent of this, and the impact on healthcare professionals is unclear. We aimed to assess the perceived levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We undertook an online survey using RedCap, directed at doctors and nurses across four institutions in Bangladesh (The Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute & Hospital (SRNGIH), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH) and M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) Hospital). We collected information on demographics, awareness of well-being services, COVID-19-related workload, as well as anxiety, depression and burnout using two validated questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Results

Of the 3000 participants approached, we received responses from 2705 (90.2%). There was a statistically significant difference in anxiety, depression and burnout scores across institutions (p<0.01). Anxiety, depression and burnout scores were statistically worse in COVID-19 active staff compared with those not working on COVID-19 activities (p<0.01 for HADS anxiety and depression and MBI emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA)). Over half of the participants exhibited some level of anxiety (SRNGIH: 52.2%; DMCH: 53.9%; MMCH: 61.3%; MARMC: 68%) with a high proportion experiencing depression (SRNGIH: 39.5%; DMCH: 38.7%; MMCH: 53.7%; MARMC: 41.1%). Although mean burnout scores were within the normal range for each institution, a high proportion of staff (almost 20% in some instances) were shown to be classified as experiencing burnout by their EE, DP and PA scores.

Conclusion

We identified a high prevalence of perceived anxiety, depression and burnout among doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was worse in staff engaged in COVID-19-related activities. These findings could help healthcare organisations to plan for future similar events.
Meta-analysis on inflammation and autonomic nervous system of coronary heart disease combined with depression
Authors: Li Guo , Zhang Lijun , Liu Meiyan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between inflammatory factors, heart rate variability (HRV) and the coexistence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and depression.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Complying with the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE for the data from the inception date to 16 March 2023.

Eligibility criteria

We included cross-sectional and cohort studies with inclusion criteria: (1) patients with CHD; (2) depression measurement and (3) including inflammatory factors or cardiac biomarkers or HRV.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors searched the databases independently. The effect estimates and heterogeneity were synthesised by Review Manager V.5.3. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were analysed by STATA software. The quantitative synthesis outcomes were presented by mean difference (MD) or standard MD (SMD) with 95% CI.

Results

By searching the databases, we identified a total of 6750 articles. There were 22 articles left after selection, including 6344 participants. This meta-analysis indicated that patients with CHD with depression had higher levels of C reaction protein (CRP) (SMD 0.50, 95% CI (0.19 to 0.81), p=0.001), high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SMD 0.28, 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48), p=0.008), IL-6 (SMD 0.49, 95% CI (0.05 to 0.92), p=0.03) and a lower level of the mean RR interval and the SD of all RR intervals (SMD −0.64, 95% CI (−1.11 to –0.17), p=0.008), SD of the 5 min averages of all normal RR intervals (MD −12.77 ms, 95% CI (–21.20 to –4.33), p=0.003), overage of the SD of all normal RR intervals for each 5 min segment (MD −13.83 ms, 95% CI (–15.94 to –11.72), p<0.00001), root mean square of successive differences (MD: −8.02 ms, 95% CI (–13.62 to –2.43), p=0.005), proportion of adjacent cycles differing by >50 ms (pNN50) (SMD −0.86, 95% CI (−1.41 to –0.31), p=0.002), than those without depression.

Conclusions

This study underscores the association between elevated CRP, hs-CRP, IL-6 and lower HRV in patients with CHD with depression. It emphasises the importance of clinicians assessing CRP, hs-CRP, IL-6 and HRV in patients with CHD to potentially identify depressive conditions.
Feasibility of quality indicators on prehospital advanced airway management in a physician-staffed emergency medical service: survey-based assessment of the provider point of view
Authors: Kottmann Alexandre , Pasquier Mathieu , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Maudet Ludovic , Rouvé Jean-Daniel , Suppan L , Caillet-Bois David , Riva Thomas , Albrecht Roland , Krüger Andreas , Sollid Stephen Johan Mikal
Published: March 2024

Objective

We aimed to determine the feasibility of quality indicators (QIs) for prehospital advanced airway management (PAAM) from a provider point of view.

Design

The study is a survey based feasibility assessment following field testing of QIs for PAAM.

Setting

The study was performed in two physician staffed emergency medical services in Switzerland.

Participants

42 of the 44 emergency physicians who completed at least one case report form (CRF) dedicated to the collection of the QIs on PAAM between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 participated in the study.

Intervention

The data required to calculate the 17 QIs was systematically collected through a dedicated electronic CRF.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were provider-related feasibility criteria: relevance and acceptance of the QIs, as well as reliability of the data collection. Secondary outcomes were effort to collect specific data and to complete the CRF.

Results

Over the study period, 470 CRFs were completed, with a median of 11 per physician (IQR 4–17; range 1–48). The median time to complete the CRF was 7 min (IQR 3–16) and was considered reasonable by 95% of the physicians. Overall, 75% of the physicians assessed the set of QIs to be relevant, and 74% accepted that the set of QIs assessed the quality of PAAM. The reliability of data collection was rated as good or excellent for each of the 17 QIs, with the lowest rated for the following 3 QIs: duration of preoxygenation, duration of laryngoscopy and occurrence of desaturation during laryngoscopy.

Conclusions

Collection of QIs on PAAM appears feasible. Electronic medical records and technological solutions facilitating automatic collection of vital parameters and timing during the procedure could improve the reliability of data collection for some QIs. Studies in other services are needed to determine the external validity of our results.
Exploring the use of ChatGPT in predicting anterior circulation stroke functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy: a pilot study
Authors: Pedro Tiago , Sousa José Maria , Fonseca Luísa , Gama Manuel G. , Moreira Goreti , Pintalhão Mariana , Chaves Paulo C. , Aires Ana , Alves Gonçalo , Augusto Luís , Pinheiro Albuquerque Luís , Castro Pedro , Silva Maria Luís
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate prediction of functional outcomes is crucial in stroke management, but this remains challenging.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the generative language model ChatGPT in predicting the functional outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) 3 months after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in order to assess whether ChatGPT can used to be accurately predict the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months post-thrombectomy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical, neuroimaging, and procedure-related data from 163 patients with AIS undergoing MT. The agreement between ChatGPT’s exact and dichotomized predictions and actual mRS scores was assessed using Cohen’s κ. The added value of ChatGPT was measured by evaluating the agreement of predicted dichotomized outcomes using an existing validated score, the MT-DRAGON.

Results

ChatGPT demonstrated fair (κ=0.354, 95% CI 0.260 to 0.448) and good (κ=0.727, 95% CI 0.620 to 0.833) agreement with the true exact and dichotomized mRS scores at 3 months, respectively, outperforming MT-DRAGON in overall and subgroup predictions. ChatGPT agreement was higher for patients with shorter last-time-seen-well-to-door delay, distal occlusions, and better modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scores.

Conclusions

ChatGPT adequately predicted short-term functional outcomes in post-thrombectomy patients with AIS and was better than the existing risk score. Integrating AI models into clinical practice holds promise for patient care, yet refining these models is crucial for enhanced accuracy in stroke management.
In situ three-dimensional visualization of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus inoculated in Pinus thunbergii using X-ray micro-computed tomography
Authors: Nakajima Gou , Iki Taiichi , Aikawa Takuya , Hara Takumi , Ito Eisuke , Nakamura Katsunori
Published: March 2024

Pine wilt disease, a devastating infectious disease of pine trees, is caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. It is important to understand the spatial dispersal processes of B. xylophilus within host-tree tissues to assess its pathogenic mechanism. However, this is not feasible with conventional microscopy-imaging techniques. In this study, we showed that X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging can be a powerful tool for visualizing infected nematodes within host-tree tissues. We visualized 161 nematodes and 11 eggs within a Pinus thunbergii stem section, 47.3 mm3 in volume, using an appropriate segmentation of the micro-CT images. Quantitative measurements of the segmented region corresponding to the nematodes allowed for the calculation of the longitudinal length and a-value, which were similar to previous morphological descriptions of B. xylophilus. The technique adopted in this study can aid in understanding the behavior of and obtaining quantitative information on B. xylophilus within tree tissues.