bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Improvement in Intention-to-treat Survival and Increasing Liver Nonutilization Rate During the MELD Era
Authors: Matsumoto Rei , Verna Elizabeth C. , Rosenblatt Russell , Emond Jean C. , Brown Robert S. , Rahnemai-Azar Amir A. , Samstein Benjamin , Dove Lorna M. , Kato Tomoaki
Published: April 2024

Background.

Although post liver transplant survival rates have significantly improved during the past 2–3 decades, the trend in intention-to-treat (ITT) survival (survival from waitlist addition) has not been well studied.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data to determine the trend in ITT survival in liver transplant candidates. Adult (age ≧ 18 y) patients who were on the waitlist between the time period of March 1, 2002, to December 31, 2019 (n = 200 816) and deceased liver donors that were registered between the same time period (n = 152 593) were analyzed.

Results.

We found a constant increase in posttransplant survival rates; however, the ITT survival rates showed no statistically significant improvement through the study period. We observed significant linear increase in waitlist dropout rates over time. We also observed linear increase in liver nonutilization rate in both entire cases and brain-dead cases. Donor risk index increased significantly over the years; however, it was mostly driven by increase in donation after circulatory death cases; without donation after circulatory death cases, donor risk index was stable throughout the 17 y we observed.

Conclusions.

The reason of the increased liver nonutilization rate is unclear; however, it is possible that reluctance to use high-risk organ to maintain better posttransplant outcomes contributed to this increase, which also could have led to increase in waitlist dropout rates and no improvements in ITT survival. Further investigation is warranted on the increased nonutilization rates to improve over all contribution of liver transplant to patient care.
Dynamically assisted tunneling in the Floquet picture
Authors: Ryndyk Daniil , Kohlfürst Christian , Queisser Friedemann , Schützhold Ralf
Published: April 2024

We study how tunneling through a potential barrier V(x) can be enhanced by an additional harmonically oscillating electric field E(t)=E0cos(ωt) or a similar oscillating force. To this end, we transform into the Kramers-Henneberger frame and calculate the coupled Floquet channels numerically. We find distinct signatures of resonances when the incident energy E equals the driving frequency ω=E, which clearly shows the breakdown of the time-averaged potential approximation in this regime. As a simple model for experimental applications (e.g., in solid-state physics), we study the rectangular potential, which can also be benchmarked with respect to analytical results. Finally, we consider the truncated Coulomb potential relevant for nuclear fusion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Temperature-induced miscibility of impurities in trapped Bose gases
Authors: Pascual G. , Wasak T. , Negretti A. , Astrakharchik G. E. , Boronat J.
Published: April 2024

We study the thermal properties of impurities embedded in a repulsive Bose gas under a harmonic trapping potential. In order to obtain the exact structural properties in this inhomogeneous many-body system, we resort to the path-integral Monte Carlo method. We find that, at low temperatures, a single impurity is expelled to the edges of the bath cloud if the impurity-boson coupling constant is larger than the boson-boson one. However, when the temperature is increased, but still in the Bose-condensed phase, the impurity occupies the center of the trap and, thus, the system becomes miscible. This thermal-induced miscibility crossover is also observed for a finite concentration of impurities in this inhomogeneous system. We find that the transition temperature for miscibility depends on the impurity-boson interaction and we indicate a different nondestructive method to measure the temperature of a system based on the studied phenomenon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Vertical velocity of a small sphere in a sheared granular bed
Authors: Gao Song , Ottino Julio M. , Lueptow Richard M. , Umbanhowar Paul B.
Published: April 2024

Small particles fall through sheared beds of larger particles in settings ranging from geophysics to industry, but the study of large-to-small size ratios R, spanning the trapping threshold Rt, has been neglected. In simulations of noncohesive spheres for RRt, vp is constant at low γ̇, but again decreases at high γ̇. We model these behaviors and discuss analogies with electron transport in solids.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does digital transformation help mitigate firm innovation dilemma? A quasi-natural experiment based on the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Yang Yaru , Zhu Yingming , Du Jiazhen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on company innovation, specifically centering on the quantity and quality of innovation. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of whether the epidemic inhibits innovation and the role of digital transformation in mitigating this negative impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a quasi-experimental study of the COVID-19 pandemic and constructs a differential model to analyze the relationship between the epidemic and firm innovation in three dimensions: total, quantity and quality. The paper also uses a difference-in-difference-in-differences model to test whether digital transformation of firms mitigates the negative impact of the epidemic and its mechanism of action.

Findings

The results show that COVID-19 significantly reduced the overall level of firm innovation, primarily in terms of quantity rather than quality. Furthermore, this study finds that digital transformation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the pandemic’s adverse impact on innovation. By addressing financing constraints and countering demand insufficiency, digital transformation acts as a catalyst for preserving and fostering innovation during and after the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study extends the current research on the pandemic’s impact on firm innovation at the micro level. It offers valuable insights into strategies for fostering digital transformation among Chinese enterprises in the post-pandemic era.
Mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains: the role of CSR in Nigeria's oil producing communities
Authors: Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu , Okolo-Obasi Nduka Vitalis Elda , Nnabuko Justitia Odinaka , Ugwuonah Geraldine Egondu , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an explanatory research design with a mixed method to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses. A total of 1,200 rural women respondents were sampled across the Niger Delta region.

Findings

Results from the use of a combined logit model and propensity score matching indicate a significant relationship between the GMoU model and mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta.

Research limitations/implications

This study implies that MOCs’ CSR interventions that improve women’s access to land and encourage better integration of food markets through improved roads and increased mobile networks would enable women to engage in cash crop production.

Social implications

This implies that improving access to credit through GMoU cluster farming targeted at female farmers would improve access to finance and extension services for women in cash crop production in the Niger Delta.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the gender debate in the agricultural value chain from a CSR perspective in developing countries and is rational for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that businesses have an obligation to help solve problems of public concern.
Effects of socialization mechanisms on managers’ desire to have a significant impact through work: evidence from the banking sector
Authors: Frare Anderson Betti , Horz Vagner , Cruz Ana Paula Capuano da
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of socialization mechanisms (belief system and peer mentoring) on managers’ job engagement and their desire to have a significant impact through work, that is, the desire to substantially improve or facilitate the lives of others by performing their work. The study also examines the moderating role of organizational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with middle and lower-level managers at one of the largest banks in Brazil, the BankCo. The authors obtained a sample of 201 respondents and tested the research hypotheses with structural equation modeling. The authors also performed a complementary data analysis with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that belief systems and peer mentoring directly promote job engagement and indirectly promote desire to have a significant impact to a better world through work (through full mediation of job engagement). The effects of job engagement on desire to have a significant impact through work are even greater when managers have high organizational identification. Finally, several causal combinations are sufficient for high levels of desire to have a significant impact through work.

Social implications

Beyond studies that examine how organizational mechanisms influence employee outcomes (e.g. performance), this study explores how socialization mechanisms can promote desire to have a significant impact through work. Thus, the authors demonstrate how organizational core values, mission statement and peer mentoring collaborate for managers to develop altruistic behavior, that is, directly related to other human values, such as empathy and ethics, being able to contribute to a world better.

Originality/value

This study developed and empirically tested a model that connects socialization mechanisms, job engagement, organizational identification and managers’ desire to have a significant impact through their work. Therefore, the paper provides insights into the relevance of socialization mechanisms for orchestrating managers’ proactive and altruistic behaviors.
Genetic variations in CYP2A6, CYP2E1, GSTM1, GSTT1 genes and the risk of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in North African population
Authors: Alami Imane EL , Khaali Wafa , Jalbout Majida , Gihbid Amina , Ayoub Wided Ben , Benider Abdellatif , Brahim Selma Mohamed , Cherif Mokhtar Hamdi , Benchakroun Nadia , Mzibri Mohammed El , Driss El Khalil Ben , Belghmi Khalid , Corbex Marilys , Khyatti Meriem
Published: April 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multifactorial malignancy associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Polymorphic deletions of the phase I and phase II genes involved in the detoxification of potential carcinogens may be a risk factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CYP2E1 (rs3813867), CYP2A6, GSTM1(rs1183423000) and GSTT1(rs1601993659) gene variations and NPC risk in North African countries with the highest incidence of NPC (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). and the evaluation of the potential use of these variants as potential biomarkers for NPC management.

Methods

A total of 600 NPC cases and 545 controls frequency‐matched on ethnicity, sex, age and childhood household type, were recruited from three North African countries (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) and analysed. Genotyping of CYP2A6 and CYP2E1(rs3813867) was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction (PCR)‐fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and the GSTM1 (rs1183423000) and GSTT1(rs1601993659) genetic variations were evaluated using the PCR technique.

Results

The genotype distributions of CYP2E1(rs3813867), CYP2A6, GSTM1(rs1183423000) and GSTT1(rs1601993659) genotypes did not differ significantly among NPC cases and controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, our data did not reveal any association with smoking and the studied variants, even when the samples were stratified by the duration period of smoking.

Conclusion

In this large studied North African population, our findings suggest that the functional CYP2E1, CYP2A6, GSTM1 and GSTT1 variations did not influence NPC susceptibility.
Droplet digital PCR: An effective method for monitoring and prognostic evaluation of minimal residual disease in JMML
Authors: Mao Shengqiao , Lin Yuchen , Qin Xia , Miao Yan , Luo Changying , Luo Chengjuan , Wang Jianmin , Huang Xiaohang , Zhu Hua , Lai Junchen , Chen Jing
Published: April 2024

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm requiring haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for potential cure. Relapse poses a significant obstacle to JMML HSCT treatment, as the lack of effective minimal residual disease (MRD)‐monitoring methods leads to delayed interventions. This retrospective study utilized the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technique, a highly sensitive nucleic acid detection and quantification technique, to monitor MRD in 32 JMML patients. The results demonstrated that ddPCR detected relapse manifestations earlier than traditional methods and uncovered molecular insights into JMML MRD dynamics. The findings emphasized a critical 1‐ to 3‐month window post‐HSCT for detecting molecular relapse, with 66.7% (8/12) of relapses occurring within this period. Slow MRD clearance post‐HSCT was observed, as 65% (13/20) of non‐relapse patients took over 6 months to achieve ddPCR‐MRD negativity. Furthermore, bone marrow ddPCR‐MRD levels at 1‐month post‐HSCT proved to be prognostically significant. Relapsed patients exhibited significantly elevated ddPCR‐MRD levels at this time point (p = 0.026), with a cut‐off of 0.465% effectively stratifying overall survival (p = 0.007), event‐free survival (p = 0.035) and cumulative incidence of relapse (p = 0.035). In conclusion, this study underscored ddPCR's superiority in JMML MRD monitoring post‐HSCT. It provided valuable insights into JMML MRD dynamics, offering guidance for the effective management of JMML.
“It's good for the forest and it's traditional”: Indigenous ecologies and land management at the community/NGO interface in southern Belize
Authors: Baines Kristina , Miss (Miis) Pablo
Published: April 2024

In 2019, the Maya Leaders Alliance unveiled “The Future We Dream,” a vision document sharing a common interest among the Mopan and Q'eqchi’ Maya people of Belize for a future in which they are committed to sustaining a reciprocal relationship with and stewardship of the land. In this context, this paper shares results from three communities bordering a forest reserve who were asked to identify important practices, which they considered “traditional” and “environmentally sustainable,” as part of a collaborative NGO project to promote indigenous forest management. Through analysis of data collected alongside Indigenous Community Promoters (ICPs), it explores how these terms were defined and deployed to discuss healthy forests and healthy communities. The paper discusses how collaborative and community‐led data collection addresses both the need to decolonize sustainability discourse and produce better data for better project outcomes (Maya, traditional ecological knowledge, forest management, environmental sustainability, indigenous land rights).
1079. Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Lambkin Deborah
Published: April 2024

Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve (Compositae: Astereae: Symphyotrichinae) is described and illustrated, and the species is provided with an expanded synonymy that includes type citations, known types, and supplementary comments for the presently accepted varieties. A commentary on the tribal position of Symphyotrichum, its recognition, infrageneric classification, and the placement of S. laeve within that classification, is provided. Most recently, Symphyotrichum laeve has been divided into four varieties, although it might be more appropriate to recognise just two subspecies; the appropriate synonymy is suggested by amalgamating the two pairs' synonymies. The material grown in the North American Prairie plantings at Wakehurst Place is more aptly called S. laeve var. laeve (or subsp. laeve) largely by the conspicuous diamond‐shaped apical green patch on the phyllaries, and the phyllaries markedly gradate nature. Notes are provided on cultivation and propagation, pests and diseases, and availability. Although illustrated previously, in 1830, the plate of Aster laevigatus was somewhat stylized, and the name, possibly applicable to Lamarck's, Willdenow's or Purch's concept, at best sensu auctt. A short commentary on Oliver Atkins Farwell, author of a few infraspecific names of, is provided.
1080. Coreopsis lanceolata L.: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Lambkin Deborah , Tebbs Margaret
Published: April 2024

Coreopsis lanceolata L. (Compositae: Heliantheae: Coreopsidinae) is described and illustrated, a full synonymy provided, and its taxonomic position discussed. The generic concepts are discussed in relation to Bidens L. and Cosmos Cav., noting that molecular studies have so far not been of much practical use. Cultivation requirements are also outlined, and the species long history in the literature, with three centuries of cultivation, is discussed. Methods of propagation, pests and diseases and the species' availability are also covered. Comments are also provided on the growth ‘phases’ of this somewhat variable species outlined in the literature. Rather than pointing to discreet infraspecific entities, they are simply considered part of the range of variation, to the extent that the species' synonymy covers all of the variation. Stemming from a recent literature assessment of plant phylogenies, the odd transfer of well‐known species, in Coreopsis L. and Cosmos, to Bidens, is critiqued. The UV‐absorption patterns reflecting the nectar guides in open capitula is discussed, noting that within the genus there are three distinct modes of distribution of the anthochlor pigments.
1082. Rudbeckia hirta L.
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Lambkin Deborah
Published: April 2024

Rudbeckia hirta L. (Compositae: Heliantheae: Rudbeckinae) is described and illustrated. Material in Wakehurst's North American Prairie planting would key out to the widespread Rudbeckia hirta L. var. pulcherrima Farw., in that it is a perennial, leafy in the upper half of the stem and with narrow‐lanceolate leaves. The issue of the rank of the currently recognized infraspecific taxa is highlighted and the cluttering of the synonymy with the recognition of minor, often horticultural variants discussed. A commonly cultivated species, this is one of several late‐season flowerers in the American Prairie at RBG, Kew at Wakehurst Place. Cultivars are commonly cultivated, offering a considerable colour variation in the ray limbs, but it appears that the true species is relatively uncommon, possibly having come in and gone out of fashion since it was first brought into cultivation. Statements of the species' distribution, habitat and ecological preferences, phenology, conservation status, and the etymology of both generic and specific epithets are given, along with an impressive array of vernacular names, reflecting its wide distribution and long cultivation. Comments are provided on the nectar, or honey, guides seen (under UV light) in Rudbeckia hirta. The guides are due to the presence of flavonol glucosides, these present only in the upper surface of the ray limbs. Historical uses of the species are noted, and phytochemical analyses have provided evidence that the anti‐inflammatory properties have a factual basis.
Comparative analysis of patients with new onset refractory status epilepticus preceded by fever (febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome) versus without prior fever: An interim analysis
Authors: Jimenez Anthony D. , Gopaul Margaret , Asbell Hannah , Aydemir Seyhmus , Basha Maysaa M. , Batra Ayush , Damien Charlotte , Day Gregory S. , Eka Onome , Eschbach Krista , Fatima Safoora , Fields Madeline C. , Foreman Brandon , Gerard Elizabeth E. , Gofton Teneille E. , Haider Hiba A. , Hantus Stephen T. , Hocker Sara , Jongeling Amy , Kalkach Aparicio Mariel , Kandula Padmaja , Kang Peter , Kazazian Karnig , Kellogg Marissa A. , Kim Minjee , Lee Jong Woo , Marcuse Lara V. , McGraw Christopher M. , Mohamed Wazim , Orozco Janet , Pimentel Cederic , Punia Vineet , Ramirez Alexandra M. , Steriade Claude , Struck Aaron F. , Taraschenko Olga , Treister Andrew K. , Yoo Ji Yeoun , Zafar Sahar , Zhou Daniel J. , Zutshi Deepti , Gaspard Nicolas , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Hanin Aurelie
Published: April 2024

Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a subset of new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) that involves a febrile infection prior to the onset of the refractory status epilepticus. It is unclear whether FIRES and non‐FIRES NORSE are distinct conditions. Here, we compare 34 patients with FIRES to 30 patients with non‐FIRES NORSE for demographics, clinical features, neuroimaging, and outcomes. Because patients with FIRES were younger than patients with non‐FIRES NORSE (median = 28 vs. 48 years old, p = .048) and more likely cryptogenic (odds ratio = 6.89), we next ran a regression analysis using age or etiology as a covariate. Respiratory and gastrointestinal prodromes occurred more frequently in FIRES patients, but no difference was found for non‐infection‐related prodromes. Status epilepticus subtype, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and outcomes were similar. However, FIRES cases were more frequently cryptogenic; had higher CSF interleukin 6, CSF macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 alpha (MIP‐1a), and serum chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) levels; and received more antiseizure medications and immunotherapy. After controlling for age or etiology, no differences were observed in presenting symptoms and signs or inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting that FIRES and non‐FIRES NORSE are very similar conditions.
RSV Disease Burden in Primary Care in Italy: A Multi‐Region Pediatric Study, Winter Season 2022–2023
Authors: Scarpaci Michela , Bracaloni Sara , Esposito Enrica , De Angelis Luigi , Baglivo Francesco , Casini Beatrice , Panatto Donatella , Ogliastro Matilde , Loconsole Daniela , Chironna Maria , Pariani Elena , Pellegrinelli Laura , Pandolfi Elisabetta , Croci Ileana , Rizzo Caterina ,   RSVComNet Italia
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent causes of respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age, but its socioeconomic impact and burden in primary care settings is still little studied.

Methods

During the 2022/2023 winter season, 55 pediatricians from five Italian regions participated in our community‐based study. They collected a nasal swab for RSV molecular test from 650 patients under the age of 5 with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and performed a baseline questionnaire. The clinical and socioeconomic burden of RSV disease in primary care was evaluated by two follow‐up questionnaires completed by the parents of positive children on Days 14 and 30.

Results

RSV laboratory‐confirmed cases were 37.8% of the total recruited ARI cases, with RSV subtype B accounting for the majority (65.4%) of RSV‐positive swabs. RSV‐positive children were younger than RSV‐negative ones (median 12.5 vs. 16.5 months). The mean duration of symptoms for all children infected by RSV was 11.47 ± 6.27 days. We did not observe substantial differences in clinical severity between the two RSV subtypes, but RSV‐A positive patients required more additional pediatric examinations than RSV‐B cases. The socioeconomic impact of RSV infection was considerable, causing 53% of children to be absent from school, 46% of parents to lose working days, and 25% of families to incur extra costs.

Conclusions

Our findings describe a baseline of the RSV disease burden in primary care in Italy before the introduction of upcoming immunization strategies.
Character strength traits, states, and emotional well‐being: A daily diary study
Authors: Wagner Lisa , Gander Fabian
Published: April 2024

Objective

Does whole trait theory work for character strengths? This study examines the daily within‐ and between‐person variability of the manifestations of positively valued lower‐order personality characteristics, namely character strengths, their convergence with trait character strengths, and their relationships to daily measures of affect.

Background

Manifestations of personality traits vary both between‐ and within people. So far, research has focused on between‐person differences in character strengths, while within‐person differences have been neglected.

Methods

German‐speaking participants (N = 199, 84.3% women; mean age = 26.0 years) participated in a two‐week daily diary study. They completed a baseline measure of character strength traits and daily measures of character strength states and positive and negative affect.

Results

Results suggested that character strength traits converged well with aggregated states. Further, we observed high within‐person variability in most character strengths. The trait‐state convergence and the amount of within‐person variability were predicted by whether the character strengths were rather phasic (i.e., more dependent on situational characteristics) or rather tonic (i.e., less dependent on situational characteristics). Higher within‐person variability in character strengths was related to trait levels of perspective, honesty, social intelligence, and fairness. Regarding relationships between character strengths and affect, within‐person associations were widely parallel to previously reported between‐person associations and largely independent of trait levels of character strengths.

Conclusion

These findings inform research on whole trait theory and character–strengths‐based interventions.
A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING PREDICTORS OF OILFIELD PERFORMANCE RESPONSE: A CASE STUDY OF OILFIELDS ON THE UK CONTINENTAL SHELF
Authors: Osah Ukari , Howell John
Published: April 2024

Oilfield production is controlled by a wide range of geological and engineering parameters, many of which are at least partially interrelated. This paper uses multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis, regression analysis and analysis of variance) to determine how these parameters are related, and which of them are most significant in controlling and predicting oilfield performance. The analysis is based on a database of publicly available oilfield data from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS), from which a series of geological, engineering and fluid‐related control variables from 136 fields were pre‐processed and analyzed. This dataset is a subset of a much wider project database for UKCS oil, gas and condensate fields. For this study, the project database was divided into two datasets: a first dataset with 10 parameters from 136 fields, and a second, more detailed dataset with 27 parameters from 38 fields. Both datasets were analysed using principal component analysis in order to investigate possible correlations between numerically/statistically interrogable predictor variables such as porosity, permeability, number of production wells, gas‐oil ratio and reservoir temperature. A regression analysis was then carried out on the predictor variables in order to obtain a ranking of predictability (i.e. how indicative a predictor is of a particular outcome) and sensitivity (how sensitive an outcome is to slight changes in a predictor) in relation to recovery factor based on R‐squared and regression coefficient values. The results showed that key variables from the principal component analysis included field size, number of production wells, PVT, gross depositional environment and reservoir quality. High‐ranking parameters of predictability and sensitivity from the regression analysis were found to include API, net‐to‐gross, porosity and reservoir depth. These results are consistent with previous studies and suggest that it should be possible to forecast oilfield recovery based on only a few selected input variables. As a preliminary test of forecasting ability of the variable permutations put forward, a best‐subsets multiple regression was carried out using a statistical software package and yielded results which corroborated the main findings.
Evaluation of muscle mass and intramuscular fatty infiltration in dogs with hypercortisolism and their association with prognosis
Authors: Yoshida Kei , Kobatake Yui , Takashima Satoshi , Nishii Naohito
Published: April 2024

Background

Muscle atrophy and intramuscular fatty infiltration, as well as their association with prognosis, have not been quantified in dogs with spontaneous hypercortisolism (HC).

Objective

To quantitatively evaluate muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration in dogs with HC and determine their prognostic impact.

Animals

Fifty‐three dogs with HC and 66 control dogs without HC.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Medical records and computed tomography images obtained between 2014 and 2021 were evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier curves and log‐rank tests were used to analyze the effect of muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration on the prognosis of dogs with HC.

Results

Dogs with HC showed lower visually measured cross‐sectional area (VCSA) and cross‐sectional area based on attenuation (HCSA) than control dogs (median [interquartile range {IQR}]: 50.3 mm2/mm [36.2‐67.8] vs 66.7 mm2/mm [48.0‐85.9]; P < .001; 30.4 mm2/mm [13.7‐57.2] vs 54.8 mm2/mm [39.7‐71.5]; P < .001, respectively). Dogs with HC had lower epaxial muscle attenuation (L3HU) than control dogs (median [IQR]: 21.2 Hounsfield [HU] [12.4‐28.2] vs 33.2 HU [22.6‐43.6]; P < .001). Dogs with HC with lower HCSA or L3HU had shorter survival (median [IQR]: 670 days [222‐673] vs 949 days [788‐1074], P < .01; 523 days [132‐670] vs 949 days [756‐1074], P < .01, respectively) but not lower VCSA (median [IQR]: 673 days [132‐788] vs 949 days [523 to not applicable]; P = .30).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Hypercortisolism in dogs causes muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration and is associated with poor prognosis.
Maternal anaemia prevention and control in China: A policy review
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Huang Xiaona , Yang Yuning , Narayan Anuradha , Du‐Skabrin Lidan , Ding Xue , Chen Yongchao , Zhao Jun , Chang Suying , Wang Fang
Published: April 2024

Maternal anaemia is a major public health problem. Developing maternal anaemia prevention and control policies is an important prerequisite for carrying out evidence‐based interventions. This article reviews maternal anaemia prevention and control policies in China, identifies gaps, and provides references for other countries. We examined policies concerning maternal nutrition and other related literature in China, identified through key databases and government websites, and conducted a narrative review of the relevant documentations guided by the Smith Policy‐Implementing‐Process framework. A total of 65 articles and documents were identified for analysis. We found that Chinese government has committed to reducing maternal anaemia at the policy level, with established objectives and a clear time frame. However, most of policies were not accompanied by operational guidelines, standardized interventions, and vigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and 85% of the policies don't have quantifiable objectives on anaemia. Maternal anaemia prevention and control services offered in clinical settings were primarily nutrition education and anaemia screening. Population‐based interventions such as iron fortification have yet to be scaled up. Furthermore, medical insurance schemes in some regions do not cover anaemia prevention and treatment, and in other regions that offer coverage, the reimbursement rate is low. The number and capacity of health professionals is also limited. Policy changes should focus on the integration of evidence‐based interventions into routine antenatal care services and public health service packages, standardization of dosages and provision of iron supplementation, streamline of reimbursement for outpatient expenses, and capacity building of health professionals.
Psychological comorbidities are more prevalent amongst pregnant and postpartum patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Luo Yuying , Luo Christie Lee , Meislin Rachel , Yang Eunyoung , Zhang Xiaotao
Published: April 2024

Background

There is a lack of data on the epidemiology of IBS in pregnant and postpartum patients in the United States.

Methods

A retrospective claims analysis was conducted in a cohort of 1,618,379 patients with ≥1 delivery hospitalization between 2013–2019 utilizing ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes after merging inpatient and outpatient claims. Obstetric, psychological, and other medical comorbidities were also examined.

Key Results

The prevalence of IBS in our cohort was 1.38%. Pregnant and postpartum patients with IBS were more likely to have psychological comorbidities including depression (OR 2.93, CI 2.83–3.03), postpartum depression (OR 3.00, CI 2.91–3.09), and anxiety (OR 3.74, CI 3.64–3.84). They were also more likely to have migraines (OR 3.04, CI 2.94–3.15) and connective tissue disease or autoimmune disease (OR 3.54, CI 3.22–3.89).

Conclusion

The prevalence of IBS in pregnant and postpartum patients in a large claims database was 1.38%. Pregnant and postpartum patients with IBS have a higher odd of psychological comorbidities in addition to medical comorbidities such as migraines, connective tissue, and autoimmune disease. Future studies should focus on validating and characterizing the impact and directionality of co‐existing comorbidities on IBS severity and the development of new‐onset IBS during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
“The future is unstable”: Exploring changing fertility intentions in the United Kingdom during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raybould Alyce , Mynarska Monika , Sear Rebecca
Published: April 2024

Objective

To understand whether reproductive decision‐making among United Kingdom (UK) respondents had changed in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and, if so, why COVID‐19 had led them to change their intentions.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional online survey in January 2021. We asked survey participants if their fertility intentions had changed and to rate how aspects of their life had changed during COVID‐19. We also included an open‐ended question and asked participants to explain in their own words how COVID‐19 had influenced their reproductive decision‐making. We used descriptive and regression analyses to explore the quantitative data and thematically analyzed written responses.

Results

Nine percent (n = 70) of our 789 UK respondents reported a change in fertility intention after the start of the pandemic. Changes in both pro‐natal and anti‐natal directions made the overall change in intentions small: there was a 2% increase across the sample in not intending a child between the two time points. Only increased financial insecurity was predictive of changing intentions. Responses to the open‐ended question (n = 103) listed health concerns, indirect costs of the pandemic, and changing work‐life priorities as reasons for changing their intentions.

Conclusion

While studies conducted at the beginning of the pandemic found that fertility intentions became more anti‐natal, we found little overall change in fertility intentions in January 2021. Our findings of small pro‐natal and anti‐natal changes in fertility intentions align with emerging UK birth rate data for 2021, which show minimal change in the total fertility rate in response to the pandemic.
Definitions by abstraction and Leibniz's notion of quantity
Authors: Costantini Filippo
Published: April 2024

This paper analyses the abstractionist account of quantity championed by Leibniz, especially in the 1680s. Leibniz introduced the notion of quantity in an indirect way, via an abstraction principle. In the first part of the paper, I identify the context in which this approach arose in light of Leibniz's criticism of his earlier dream of an ‘alphabet of human thought’. Recognising the impossibility of such a project led him to realise that, when dealing with terms referring to abstract objects, we should always consider them within the true sentences in which they occur. In the second part, I describe this approach in detail. This allows us to look at some key concepts of Leibniz's theory of quantity. In particular, I raise the problem of the relationship between the two sides of the abstraction principle: how should we think of the relation between the claim that a and b are equal, and the claim that the quantity of a is identical to the quantity of b? I argue that we can find a positive answer to this problem in Leibniz.
An experimentally informed computational model of neurovestibular adaptation to altered gravity
Authors: Kravets Victoria G. , Clark Torin K.
Published: April 2024

Transitions to altered gravity environments result in acute sensorimotor impairment for astronauts, leading to serious mission and safety risks in the crucial first moments in a new setting. Our understanding of the time course and severity of impairment in the early stages of adaptation remains limited and confounded by unmonitored head movements, which are likely to impact the rate of adaptation. Here, we aimed to address this gap by using a human centrifuge to simulate the first hour of hypergravity (1.5g) exposure and the subsequent 1g readaptation period, with precisely controlled head tilt activity. We quantified head tilt overestimation via subjective visual vertical and found ∼30% tilt overestimation that did not decrease over the course of 1 h of exposure to the simulated gravity environment. These findings extended the floor of the vestibular adaptation window (with controlled vestibular cueing) to 1 h of exposure to altered gravity. We then used the empirical data to inform a computational model of neurovestibular adaptation to changes in the magnitude of gravity, which can offer insight into the adaptation process and, with further tuning, can be used to predict the temporal dynamics of vestibular‐mediated misperceptions in altered gravity.
Is enrichment with inorganic and organic compounds feasible for improving the quality of vermicomposting using water hyacinth biomass?
Authors: Kotsubo Karolina , Bianchini Júnior Irineu , Henrique Lanzi Saulino Hugo , Da Cunha Santino Marcela Bianchessi
Published: April 2024

In eutrophic environments, aquatic weeds reproduce rapidly, occupying extensive areas of the water body and preventing the multiple use of water resources. The use of the biomass of these plants in vermicomposting represents a sustainable alternative utilization of the excess biomass produced by eutrophication. The enrichment of macrophyte biomass during vermicomposting was tested using aninorganic solution (NPK 1.75 % and NPK 3.50 %) and an organic solution with glucose (0.25 g/L and 0.50 g/L) to improve the quality of the vermicompost. The consumption of biomass of the macrophytes by the Eisenia fetida increased as the vermicomposting progressed, reaching the highest values at the end of the experimental period. The control treatment, i.e., without earthworms, remained stable.The electrical conductivity tended to increase for the treatments NPK 1.75 %, Glucose 0.25 g/L and Glucose 0.50 g/L. The pH of the vermicomposting tended to be neutral in all treatments. The control and inorganic treatments showed a reduction in macrophyte biomass and the number of individuals of Eisenia fetida. The additions of NPK and glucose slightly improved vermicompost quality andbiomass consumption by the earthworms. However, using vermicompost alone does not meet the requirements for its use as a fertilizer. Thus, we suggest the use of vermicompost in association with other fertilizers, adding moisture and structuring the soil.
Simulation of a spin-boson model by iterative optimization of a parametrized quantum circuit
Authors: Nishi Takanori , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: April 2024

Time evolution of the populations of spin states coupled with bosons, which can be a model of photosynthetic excitation energy transfer of dye molecules surrounded by proteins, is simulated using the projected-variational quantum dynamics algorithm. By a transformation of the Hamiltonian describing the spin-boson model into the one-dimensional nearest-neighbor form, it is shown that the spin-boson model can be simulated using the sequential ansatz even if a quantum computer has limited connectivity. The optimization of the parametrized quantum circuits is performed by the gradient descent method on a classical computer using the automatic differentiation, and the population of the spins is simulated on a noisy intermediate-scale quantum computer. The error originating from the quantum computing is mitigated by the Clifford data regression, in which the noise channel is estimated using the data obtained from all the time steps.
Walking Activity and Physical Function Among Mexican American Older Adults Over 9 Years of Follow Up
Authors: Tahmassi Nicholas , Al Snih Soham
Published: April 2024

Background: Walking activity has been associated with reduction in the development of chronic disease, cognitive and physical function impairment, disability, and mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between walking activity and physical function over 9 years of follow-up among Mexican Americans aged 78 years and older. Methods: Participants (N = 998) were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2007–2016). Measures included walking activity duration and frequency, socio-demographics, body mass index, medical conditions, pain, depressive symptoms, limitation in activities of daily living, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Low physical function was defined as scoring <7 on the Short Physical Performance Battery. At baseline, participants were grouped into nonwalkers (n = 653), walked <150 minutes/week (n = 144), and walked 150 minutes/week or more (n = 201). A Generalized Estimating Equation model was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% CI of low physical performance as a function of walking activity status. Results: Compared with nonwalkers, participants walking < 150 minutes/week had lower odds (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.51–0.86) of low physical function over time, after controlling for all covariates, as did those walking ≥ 150 minutes/week (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.41–0.71). Conclusions: Mexican American older adults who engage in any walking activity are at reduced risk of low physical function, even those with disability. Interventions at the individual and community level are recommended to reduce physical function impairment, even in those with preexisting medical conditions or disability.
Taking down tumors takes atypical integrins
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: April 2024

An unexpected integrin pairing enhances T cell receptor signaling and cytotoxicity in antitumor T cells.
Genomic characterization of ST38 NDM-5-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates from an outbreak in the Czech Republic
Authors: Chudejova Katerina , Sourenian Tsolaire , Palkovicova Jana , Stredanska Katarina , Nechutna Lucie , Vlkova Katerina , Studentova Vendula ,   Working Group for Monitoring of Antibiotic Resistance, Hrabak Jaroslav , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Dolejska Monika , Bitar Ibrahim , Glasnak Marian , Krckova Dana , Horvathova Beata , Jurankova Jana , Tejkalova Renata , Pokorna Zora , Fibiger Vladimir , Sus David , Mednansky Marian , Ryskova Lenka , Koupilova Miriam , Kotalikova Jana , Prejzkova Miroslava , Bohackova Marie , Smolikova Marie , Skacan Helena , Vesela Denisa , Puchalkova Blanka , Eliasova Galina , Nedvedova Helena , Unuckova Lenka , Barinkova Yvona , Kremeckova Hana , Fackova Daniela , Janeckova Jana , Jirsa Roman , Zaruba Roman , Vesela Eva , Zamazalova Dana , Dovalova Marie , Vagnerova Iva , Kurfurst Vladimir , Ochvatova Blanka , Chmelarova Eva , Krejci Eva , Zalabska Eva , Kurkova Vera , Blahova Simona , Bergerova Tamara , Adamkova Vaclava , Kubele Jan , Skruzna Marketa , Balikova Daniela , Steinerova Alena , Semerakova Zuzana , Kocianova Miloslava , Curdova Martina , Zemlickova Helena , Jakubu Vladislav , Kadleckova Zuzana , Nycova Elka , Jordakova Helena , Nyc Otakar , Prusik Filip , Kohnova Ivana , Holnova Renata , Simeckova Eva , Czyzova Erika , Kucharova Alice , Trojan Ladislav , Urbusova Danuta , Vitova Eva , Repiscakova Jana , Miklova Jarmila , Dvorakova Lenka , Jiresova Jirina , Tkadlec Jan , Pitakova Zdena , Bartonikova Natasa , Stanek Michal
Published: April 2024

A 2-year national genomic screening in the Czech Republic identified a notable prevalence of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 5 (NDM-5)-producing
Escherichia coli
sequence type 38 (ST38) in the city of Brno. Forty-two ST38
E. coli
isolates harbored the
bla
NDM-5
gene on the chromosome. Virulence factors confirmed the persistence of these isolates through biofilm formation. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)-based phylogeny and CRISPR assay typing showed minimal genomic variations, implying a clonally driven outbreak. Results suggest that this high-risk clone may impose a nationwide problem.
Detection of Internal Transport Barrier in the T-10 Tokamak Using Thomson Scattering Diagnostics
Authors: Asadulin G. M. , Kirneva N. A. , Bel’bas I. S. , Gorshkov A. V. , Panfilov D. S. , Krylov S. V. , Nemets A. P. , Sergeev D. S. , Solov’ev N. A.
Published: April 2024

At the T-10 tokamak, the Thomson scattering diagnostics was upgraded in 2016. The new system is based on the Nd:YAG laser with the pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz; the measurements can be performed every 10 ms during the entire plasma discharge at the spatial resolution of up to 5 mm. Using the upgraded diagnostics, the electron temperature measurements were performed during experimental campaigns of the T-10 tokamak in 2016−2018. In the regimes with the electron cyclotron resonance heating, it was demonstrated that the regions with increased temperature gradients form in the plasma, which was interpreted as the formation of internal transport barrier. The ASTRA-code-based simulations of the current profile time evolution made it possible to correlate the positions of the barrier and the rational surface q = 1.