bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic theory of a charged superfluid
Authors: Kovalevskii M. Yu.
Published: December 2024

Equations are given for the hydrodynamics of a charged superfluid with allowance for dissipation processes. Anisotropy effects associated with the nonzero normal and superfluid velocity vectors are taken into account. The kinetic coefficients are represented in terms of the two-time correlation functions of the flux operators and satisfy the Onsager symmetry principle.
The CYLD–PARP1 feedback loop regulates DNA damage repair and chemosensitivity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Zheng Miaomiao , Wang Shuo , Tang Kexin , Kong Ruixue , Wang Xuemeng , Zhou Jun , Chen Yan , Wang Yijie
Published: December 2024

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) plays a crucial role in DNA repair and genomic stability maintenance. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing PARP1 activity, particularly through deubiquitination, remain poorly elucidated. Using a deubiquitinase (DUB) library binding screen, we identified cylindromatosis (CYLD) as a bona fide DUB for PARP1 in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, CYLD is recruited by PARP1 to DNA lesions upon genotoxic stress, where it cleaves K63-linked polyubiquitin chains on PARP1 at residues K748, K940, and K949, resulting in compromised PARP1 activation. In a reciprocal manner, PARP1 PARylates CYLD at sites E191, E231, E259, and E509, thereby enhancing its DUB activity. Consequently, depletion of CYLD leads to increased efficiency in base excision repair and confers breast cancer cells with resistance to alkylating agents. Conversely, overexpression of CYLD enhances sensitivity to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) even in homologous recombination-proficient breast cancer cells. These findings offer unique insights into the intricate interplay between CYLD and PARP1 in DNA repair, underscoring the pivotal role of targeting this regulatory axis for breast cancer chemotherapy.
Dual-action kinase inhibitors influence p38α MAP kinase dephosphorylation
Authors: Stadnicki Emily J. , Ludewig Hannes , Kumar Ramasamy P. , Wang Xicong , Qiao Youwei , Kern Dorothee , Bradshaw Niels
Published: December 2024

Reversible protein phosphorylation directs essential cellular processes including cell division, cell growth, cell death, inflammation, and differentiation. Because protein phosphorylation drives diverse diseases, kinases and phosphatases have been targets for drug discovery, with some achieving remarkable clinical success. Most protein kinases are activated by phosphorylation of their activation loops, which shifts the conformational equilibrium of the kinase toward the active state. To turn off the kinase, protein phosphatases dephosphorylate these sites, but how the conformation of the dynamic activation loop contributes to dephosphorylation was not known. To answer this, we modulated the activation loop conformational equilibrium of human p38α ΜΑP kinase with existing kinase inhibitors that bind and stabilize specific inactive activation loop conformations. From this, we identified three inhibitors that increase the rate of dephosphorylation of the activation loop phospho-threonine by the PPM serine/threonine phosphatase WIP1. Hence, these compounds are “dual-action” inhibitors that simultaneously block the active site and promote p38α dephosphorylation. Our X-ray crystal structures of phosphorylated p38α bound to the dual-action inhibitors reveal a shared flipped conformation of the activation loop with a fully accessible phospho-threonine. In contrast, our X-ray crystal structure of phosphorylated apo human p38α reveals a different activation loop conformation with an inaccessible phospho-threonine, thereby explaining the increased rate of dephosphorylation upon inhibitor binding. These findings reveal a conformational preference of phosphatases for their targets and suggest a unique approach to achieving improved potency and specificity for therapeutic kinase inhibitors.
Banking with ixml and XForms
Authors: Pemberton Steven
Published: December 2024

My bank offers me my bank records as CSV, which is easy enough to convert to XML for input to my XForms banking application.
But they don't offer my credit card records digitially, only as a screen display.
To solve this I use ixml to convert that text to XML, as input to the application. A real-world application of ixml.
Sensitive photoelectrochemical determination of low concentrations of chlortetracycline by combining in situ electrochemically reduced BiOBr with SPR active AuNPs
Authors: Cui Zhankui , Zhou Ling , Li Xiangmin
Published: December 2024

The concentrations of tetracyclines can be conveniently measured by photoelectrochemical (PEC) technique using semiconductor electrodes. However, the sensitivity of the detection is greatly restricted by the photoelectric response. Herein, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were dispersed on the surface of in situ electrochemically reduced BiOBr (ERBOB) electrode so as to generate more photoinduced electrons and synergistically enhance the charge separation through electrochemical reduction induced oxygen vacancy defects (OVD). In contrast with pure BiOBr sample, the FTO/ERBOB/AuNPs photoelectrode displays wider visible light absorption range and higher photoinduced carrier separation efficiency, resulting in the remarkable enhancement of the photoelectric response. A plausible mechanism suggests that the strong interaction between the positively charged OVD layer in ERBOB and the adjacent SPR active Au nanoparticle layer play a key role in the amplification of the photoelectric signal. Additionally, the photoelectrode exhibits a highly sensitive signal-off type detection performance when used to determine low value concentrations of chlortetracycline. The sensitivity is 53.9 nA per decade of concentration and the detection limit of 0.073 μM at 3σ/S. It is believed that the designed layered structure and the facile fabrication procedure will shed some lights on the design and preparation of high performance metal oxide-SPR NPs related photoelectrodes.
Design and Optimization of Novel Double Perovskite-Cs2PdBr6 Solar Cell with Organic–Inorganic Charge Transport Layers: A Numerical SCAPS-1D Simulation
Authors: Maher Un Nisa Tariq , Kashif Muhammad , Pandey Rahul , Malik Mahnoor
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) exhibit excellent optoelectronic performance but have stability and toxicity problems. In order to address this challenge, lead-free Double perovskites solar cells (DPSC) have drawn a lot of attention because of their inherent thermodynamic stability and low toxicity. In this work, lead-free double perovskite Cs2PdBr6 is demonstrated using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) software. This study thoroughly investigated hole transport layers (HTLs including P3HT, CuI, CBTS, NiO, PEDOT: PSS, Spiro-OMeTAD) in combination with lead-free absorber layer Cs2PdBr6 and electron transport layers (ETLs such as ZnO, WS2, SnS2, WO3, SnO2, TiO2). CBTS had the best HTL for Cs2PdBr6 over all six ETLs, resulting in an efficient power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.19% with SnS2. Thickness variation, back contact, doping density, temperature, defect density, series and shunt resistance were optimized. The solar cell obtained the highest PCE of 29.3%, an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.05 V, a short circuit current density (JSC) of 32.61 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 85.30%. Results were optimized at 2200 nm absorber thickness and 280 K working temperature. The optimized device FTO/SnS2/Cs2PdBr6/CBTS/Au has remarkable optical and electrical properties that make it appropriate for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.
Adversarial purification using a modified guided diffusion model and adaptive self-supervised training
Authors: Zabihzadeh Davood , Razzaq Abed Alameer Hawraa , Mousavirad Seyed Jalaleddin
Published: December 2024

As the applications of deep neural networks broaden, enhancing their robustness against adversarial attacks becomes increasingly important. Multiple studies have demonstrated their vulnerability to adversarial perturbations. This paper presents an iterative method employing a probabilistic diffusion model, guided by a self-supervised training strategy, to purify potential adversarial inputs. Specifically, the diffusion process blends the adversarial noise with incrementally added Gaussian noise. Subsequently, both types of noise are removed during the guided denoising process. Unlike existing methods that use a fixed number of iterations and rely on the adversarial input for guidance, our scoring-based approach dynamically adjusts the purification duration for each individual image, thereby reducing computational overhead and minimizing the side effects caused by excessive purification. Additionally, we modify the input at each iteration using a self-supervised strategy and then utilize this modified input to guide the denoising process, resulting in better adversarial robustness. Since the proposed method operates without any label information, it can be applied to various training paradigms, including supervised, semi-supervised, self-supervised, and unsupervised learning. We conduct several experiments on widely used machine vision datasets to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method. The results confirm that our method effectively eliminates adversarial perturbations across these datasets. For example, under a white-box PGD attack with an l

∞
ball (ϵ = 8/255) on CIFAR-10, our method achieves a robust accuracy of 92.13%, surpassing the state-of-the-art by 3.68%.
Plant and soil responses to ground-mounted solar panels in temperate agricultural systems
Authors: Carvalho Fabio , Montag Hannah , Bentley Laura , Šarlej Radim , Broyd Rosanne C , Blaydes Hollie , Cattin Marta , Burke Miranda , Wallwork Abby , Ramanayaka Sammani , White Piran C L , Sharp Stuart P , Clarkson Tom , Armstrong Alona
Published: December 2024

In the move to decarbonise energy supplies to meet Net Zero targets, ground-mounted solar farms have proliferated around the world, with uncertain implications for hosting ecosystems. We provide some of the first evidence on the effects of ground-mounted solar panels on plant and soil properties in temperate agricultural systems. We sampled 32 solar farms in England and Wales in summer 2021. Plant cover and aboveground biomass, as well as soil nutrients and physiochemical properties, were quantified on land underneath solar panels, in the gaps between rows of solar arrays, and in control land (pasture) adjacent to three solar farms. Plant cover and aboveground biomass were significantly lower under solar panels than in the gaps between solar arrays and in pastures. Soil compaction was 14.4% and 15.5% higher underneath solar panels than in gaps and pastures, respectively. Soil organic carbon was 9% lower under solar panels than in gaps, while particulate organic matter was 29.1% and 23.6% lower under solar panels than in gaps and pastures, respectively. Soil mineral nitrogen was 30.5% higher under solar panels than in gaps, while soil (plant-available) phosphorus was approximately 60% higher in solar farm soils than in pasture soils. Reductions in solar radiation and changes to microclimate caused by solar panels may be driving lower plant productivity and growth, with consequences for nutrient cycling and soil properties. However, impacts must be considered in light of the previous land use and the total land area under solar panels, in the gaps between solar arrays, and around the margins of the solar farm. Our findings can inform solar farm design and management options (e.g. increase the proportion of land unaffected by solar panels, enhance plant cover under solar panels) to ensure the long-term provision of ecosystem services (e.g. soil carbon storage) within this fast-growing land use.
Development and evaluation of a 532 nm iodine-stabilized laser frequency standard at PGMF
Authors: Zhang Zhenqi , You Wen , Liu Xingyue , Liu Hongli , Zhang Jie , Deng Ke , Lu Zehuang
Published: December 2024

This work presents the development and evaluation of a 532 nm iodine-stabilized laser frequency standard at the National Precise Gravity Measurement Facility (PGMF) in China. The 532 nm laser serves as the length reference for high precision absolute gravimeters that are developed at PGMF. The absolute frequency measurement of the hyperfine transition R(56)32-0:a10 line of the molecular iodine at 532 nm is extensively performed. The absolute frequency measurement is carried out through an optical frequency comb, which is referenced to a hydrogen maser. The maser output frequency is calibrated by a local time-scale system, which is traced to the Coordinated Universal Time. To verify the measurement reliability of the optical frequency comb, an acetylene-stabilized laser from the National Institute of Metrology of China (NIM) is employed as the frequency transfer standard. The major noise contributions are studied, and the uncertainty of the 532 nm laser system is evaluated. The absolute frequency of the laser locked to the molecular iodine R (56) 32-0: a10 hyperfine transition line is measured to be 563 260 223 515.0 kHz, with a total uncertainty of 5.1 kHz. The frequency instability of the laser is measured to be about 3 × 10−13/τ
1/2 over the averaging time of 1 s–100 s. These results are consistent with previous international findings. This study thus will support and validate the traceability of gravity measurements at PGMF to the SI units.
Enhancing termite mound soil blocks with natural fibers and Portland cement: a sustainable approach to construction
Authors: Mitikie Bahiru Bewket , Elsaigh Walied A , Hardido Adane Shank
Published: December 2024

The use of termite mound soil as a construction material has the potential for sustainable and cost-effective building practices due to its abundance. This research aims to utilize the enzymatic properties of termite mound soil to improve the production of stabilized soil blocks, focusing on enhancing strength, durability, and sustainability. Cement is used as a stabilizing agent, while fibers reinforce the blocks to achieve the desired strength. The study explores different proportions of sisal fiber (ranging from 0.25% to 1.25%) and cement (ranging from 5% to 15%) to optimize block performance. The termite mound soil, sisal fiber, and cement mix designs were thoroughly analyzed to formulate the soil blocks. Standardized blocks were cast and subjected to tests for compressive strength, dry density, shrinkage, and erosion resistance. The findings indicate that adding 1% sisal fiber and 10% cement achieves a compressive strength of 10.2 MPa. Additionally, the study shows that increasing fiber content reduces the linear shrinkage and water erosion rate of the blocks. This research highlights the viability of using termite mound soil blocks enhanced with fiber and cement as a preferred construction material, both in terms of engineering and sustainability.
Deep-learning-based canopy height model generation from sub-meter resolution panchromatic satellite imagery
Authors: Abolt Charles J , E Santos Javier , Atchley Adam L , Wells Lucas , Martin Daithi , Parsons Russell A , Linn Rodman R
Published: December 2024

Canopy height models (CHMs) with sufficient resolution to distinguish individual trees are useful for a variety of applications. However, standard techniques to acquire such data, such as airborne lidar surveying, are often prohibitively expensive. Deep learning techniques for generating CHMs from high-resolution imagery are an attractive option to reduce costs. To date, success with these methods has been demonstrated using multichannel aerial photography and specialized satellite data products derived from multiple sensors, neither of which is commonly available at temporal resolutions finer than one year. Here we demonstrate a method to generate sub-meter resolution CHMs in three forests in California using a more abundant data source: sub-meter resolution, panchromatic satellite imagery from a single sensor. We show that phenology and species composition play important roles in model transferability; when trained using imagery from a single conifer forest in autumn, the model performs well on autumn imagery from a second conifer forest several hundred kilometers distant with no re-training. With modest additions to the training dataset, the same model generates minimally biased estimates of canopy height in both conifer and deciduous forests during multiple seasons. Because the model operates on satellite data with global coverage and a relatively short return interval, we propose its suitability to extrapolate tree-level canopy height data to remote regions and conduct high-temporal resolution monitoring of forest structure. We furthermore demonstrate the workflow’s applicability to fire modeling by conducting simulations in forests populated by trees measured using both this approach and airborne lidar surveying. We find minimal differences in fire behavior relative to a baseline case in which only statistical distributions of tree height and crown area are known. This result underscores the value of forest structural information derived from our workflow for improving the fidelity of wildland fire simulations, among other ecological applications.
Precise identification of somatic and germline variants in the absence of matched normal samples
Authors: Li Hui , Meng Lu , Wang Hongke , Cui Liang , Sheng Heyu , Zhao Peiyan , Hong Shuo , Du Xinhua , Yan Shi , Xing Yun , Feng Shicheng , Zhang Yan , Fang Huan , Bai Jing , Liu Yan , Lan Shaowei , Liu Tao , Guan Yanfang , Xia Xuefeng , Yi Xin , Cheng Ying
Published: December 2024

Somatic variants play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of cancer. However, in the absence of matched normal controls, distinguishing between germline and somatic variants becomes challenging in tumor samples. The existing tumor-only genomic analysis methods either suffer from limited performance or insufficient interpretability due to an excess of features. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an alternative approach that can address these issues and have practical implications. Here, we presented OncoTOP, a computational method for genomic analysis without matched normal samples, which can accurately distinguish somatic mutations from germline variants. Reference sample analysis revealed a 0% false positive rate and 99.7% reproducibility for variant calling. Assessing 2864 tumor samples across 18 cancer types yielded a 99.8% overall positive percent agreement and a 99.9% positive predictive value. OncoTOP can also accurately detect clinically actionable variants and subclonal mutations associated with drug resistance. For the prediction of mutation origins, the positive percent agreement stood at 97.4% for predicting somatic mutations and 95.7% for germline mutations. High consistency of tumor mutational burden (TMB) was observed between the results generated by OncoTOP and tumor-normal paired analysis. In a cohort of 97 lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, TMB-high patients had prolonged PFS (P = .02), proving the reliability of our approach in estimating TMB to predict therapy response. Furthermore, microsatellite instability status showed a strong concordance (97%) with polymerase chain reaction results, and leukocyte antigens class I subtypes and homozygosity achieved an impressive concordance rate of 99.3% and 99.9% respectively, compared to its tumor-normal paired analysis. Thus, OncoTOP exhibited high reliability in variant calling, mutation origin prediction, and biomarker estimation. Its application will promise substantial advantages for clinical genomic testing.
A puzzling renal Fanconi Syndrome
Authors: Haydock Ludwig , Hureaux Marguerite , Hoffmann Maxime , Vargas-Poussou Rosa , Knebelmann Bertrand
Published: December 2024

Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) can be either acquired or inherited. When FS presents at a young age, it is typically inherited, with cystinosis being the most common cause. In this report, we describe a rare cause of autosomal dominant FS, Fanconi renotubular syndrome type 3 (FRTS3) caused by the already reported heterozygous p.E3K variant in EHHADH gene. Only two FRTS3 families have been reported in the literature, and the kidney function was stated as normal or only slightly decreased into late life. Our family expands the spectrum of FRTS3, with some individuals showing only glucosuria and mild low-molecular-weight proteinuria (LMWP), while others exhibited complete FS with rickets. Importantly, we observed impairment of kidney function at a young age in our proband, highlighting a broader phenotypic variability associated with FRTS3.
Promoting human rights-based deinstitutionalization in Lithuania by applying the World Health Organization’s QualityRights Assessments
Authors: Grigaitė Ugnė , Levickaitė Karilė , Juodkaitė Dovilė , Goštautaitė-Midttun Nijolė
Published: December 2024

Lithuania ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2010 and started deinstitutionalization in 2014. This reform covers segregated social care institutions where persons with mental health conditions, psychosocial, and/or intellectual disabilities live. It aims to move away from institutional care and towards community-based services. Mental healthcare services are also a part of the complex picture, undergoing its own reform since 2022. This study aims to assess the human rights conditions and standards of care in Lithuanian psychiatric and social care facilities in the context of deinstitutionalization. Data collection assessments were conducted in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units in general hospitals, segregated social care homes, and community-based group living homes. Independent experts collected data through documentation review, observation, and semistructured interviews with service users and staff. The study followed the World Health Organization’s QualityRights Toolkit methodology. In all assessed facilities, regardless of their type, the human rights of service users are often undermined, especially the right to exercise legal capacity, personal liberty and security, freedom from seclusion and restraints, and the right to live independently and be included in the community. The study reveals shortcomings in the implementation of the UNCRPD and Lithuania’s attempts at deinstitutionalization. It points to key practical gaps and areas, including the vital need for better collaboration between the social and mental healthcare systems. The Lithuanian government needs to address these issues to make reforms more effective, safeguard human rights, and ensure the quality of mental health and social care services.
A scoping review of applied tick control research in North America: funding, implementation, and advancement
Authors: Lehane Áine , Mader Emily M , Poggi Joseph D , McCoy Kaci D , Gruntmeir Jeff , Weldon Caroline T
Published: December 2024

Geographic ranges of ticks and tick-borne pathogens within North America are shifting due to environmental changes and human-driven activities, with species of public health concern presenting a multifaceted risk to human health. Innovative strategies and continued collaboration to control tick populations are needed to combat this growing threat. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to describe the nature of applied tick control research conducted in North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States) to date, with the goal of describing key concepts and identifying gaps in this research area. A total of 244 articles met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed for patterns in applied tick control authorship and funding, study location, target species, and control methodology. Most studies (83.6%) were conducted exclusively in the United States and 75% focused on ticks of public health concern, principally Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus, Acari: Ixodidae), Dermacentor variabilis (Say, Acari: Ixodidae), Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, Acari: Ixodidae). The majority of funding was provided through US federal agencies, predominantly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture. Ixodes scapularis was the target of over 50% of identified articles, with the majority of research conducted within 3 states in the Northeast region of the U.S. Only 8.2% of included studies evaluated integrated tick management interventions. We note gaps in tick control research regarding (i) non-Ixodes medically relevant tick species, (ii) endemic range coverage, and (iii) control methodologies evaluated.
Effects of salt heterogeneity and competition on the clonal plant Phragmites australis in the wetland of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Guan Bo , Hu Rong , Wu Mengdi , Wu Qiutang , Yang Jisong , Wang Xuehong , Song Weimin , Han Guangxuan
Published: December 2024

To explore the adaptive strategies of the clonal plant Phragmites australis in salinity-heterogeneous habitats, we conducted a pot control experiment with severing treatment, heterogeneous salt treatment, and competitive treatment using dominant plants from the Yellow River Delta, including P. australis and Suaeda salsa. This study assessed the effects of salinity heterogeneity, clonal integration, and interspecific competition on the morphological and physiological traits of P. australis. The results showed that clonal integration significantly promoted root system growth and underground biomass accumulation of P. australis. Competition significantly reduced plant height, tiller number, leaf number, leaf length, and internode length, inhibiting above- and underground biomass accumulation. Under the heterogeneous salt treatment, clonal integration significantly promoted only the rhizome biomass of P. australis. The S. salsa competition treatment significantly lowered the chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of P. australis. Nevertheless, leaf length and width were maintained, potentially to minimize photoinhibition. Competition significantly reduced K+ contents in P. australis fine roots and rhizomes and Na+ contents in fine roots. The Na⁺ content of fine roots was significantly affected by competition, heterogeneous salt treatment, severed treatment, and the interaction between competition and severed treatment. In conclusion, competition significantly inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, and ion content accumulation of P. australis. Meanwhile, clonal integration promoted root growth, especially under heterogeneous saline conditions. Hence, this research provided a significant and deeper understanding of the ecological adaptive responses of clonal plants in coastal heterogeneous habitats.
Hegemony, Hunting and Human Trophies in the East Asian War of 1592–1598
Authors: Clements Rebekah
Published: December 2024

On the eve of his invasion of Korea that launched the Imjin War (1592–8), the Japanese military hegemon, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, held a spectacular hunt parade, the semiotics of which linked the hunting of human and animal trophies. During the war between Japan, Korea and China that followed, Hideyoshi’s troops severed tens of thousands of body parts from combatants and non-combatants, sending heads, ears and noses to Japan for ritual curation alongside hunted animal bodies. In contrast, Chinese and Korean forces took heads and ears from defeated enemies but rarely kept body parts once battlefield tallies were complete. Drawing upon research linking hunting cultures and the taking of human trophies, this difference may be explained by the ascendancy of the warrior class in sixteenth-century Japan, which valued hunting, in contrast to the ambivalent status of hunting within the Chinese and Korean Neo-Confucian elites. Human trophy-taking was an institutionalized practice that, together with the hunting of animals, was intended to assert publicly Hideyoshi’s civilized righteousness and fitness for hegemony. This article makes the case that the human and the more-than-human were entangled in the same regime of violence that characterized and legitimized late sixteenth-century warrior rule in Japan.
Incidence and severity of paediatric sledding injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alaimo Domenic F , Sharif Nishita T , Carciumaru Redjana , Scott Stephanie C , Kam April J
Published: December 2024

Objectives

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we observed an increase in sledding injuries resulting in paediatric emergency department (PED) visits. We sought to describe the potential impact of the pandemic on the incidence and severity of sledding injuries in children.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive, retrospective cohort study of children with sledding injuries presenting to the PED in a tertiary care centre. We compared injuries occurring before and after the start of the pandemic, using March 11, 2020 as a cut-off. Children aged 0 to 17 years presenting with sledding injuries were eligible for inclusion. We compared monthly visit counts of sledding injuries, demographics, site and type of injury, disposition, surgical intervention, return visits, and length of inpatient admissions.

Results

In total, 243 visits for sledding injuries were analysed. There were 13 presentations in 2018, 31 in 2019, 30 in 2020, 105 in 2021, and 64 in 2022. The mean age was 8.6 years (standard deviation 3.7), with 53.5% of injuries occurring in males. Head injuries and sprains/strains were the most common site and type of injury, respectively (n = 103, 41.4%). There was a significant increase in the number of sledding injuries between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 years (P = 0.048). There were no significant differences in demographic and injury characteristics.

Conclusions

We identified a significant increase in PED visits for sledding injuries during the pandemic. Examining epidemiological trends of sledding injuries can facilitate advocacy for improved communication of injury prevention recommendations in the event of future infectious disease outbreaks.
Association of Opioid Use Disorder–Related Service Trajectories during Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Service Use: A Group-Based Multitrajectory Modeling Study
Authors: Fang Yuan , Jeffery Alvin D. , Patrick Stephen W. , Young Jessica , Raffi Edwin , Harder Gabrielle M. , Osmundson Sarah , Phillippi Julia C. , Leech Ashley A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between opioid use disorder (OUD)-related service trajectories during pregnancy and postpartum emergency department (ED) and hospitalizations.

Methods

We used the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database (2013–2021) to identify a cohort of pregnant individuals with OUD. We used group-based multitrajectory modeling to identify opioid-related treatment and service trajectories during pregnancy and examined their association with postpartum ED and hospital utilization.

Results

Seven opioid-related treatment and service trajectories were identified in our cohort of 2,531 pregnant individuals with OUD. Compared to individuals initiating medications for OUD (MOUD) halfway through pregnancy but maintaining high adherence without ancillary services, those receiving only services throughout pregnancy had a higher risk of postpartum ED visits (HRED
= 1.34). This latter group also faced significantly higher risks of postpartum hospitalizations, compared to adherent MOUD use (proportion of days covered ≥80%) alone, both throughout or in the latter half of pregnancy (HRHOS
= 1.93; HRHOS
= 1.60), and patients without MOUD or services (HRHOS
= 1.43). Individuals initiating MOUD late in pregnancy with poor adherence and infrequent service use faced significantly higher risks of postdelivery hospitalization compared to consistent MOUD users throughout pregnancy (HRHOS
= 2.33), or in the latter half, with or without services (HRHOS
= 2.02; HRHOS
= 1.93), and those not receiving MOUD or services (HRHOS
= 1.73).

Conclusions

Adherent MOUD use either throughout pregnancy or the latter half of pregnancy, irrespective of other service use, was associated with better postpartum outcomes defined by fewer ED visits and hospitalizations.
Audiology Through a Psychologically Informed Practice Lens
Authors: Laird Emma C. , Bryant Christina A. , Barr Caitlin M. , Bennett Rebecca J.
Published: December 2024

Psychologically informed practice is a structural framework originating in physiotherapy, that aids clinicians to identify, consider, and address the psychological factors related to chronic conditions and their management. Hearing loss is a chronic condition associated with a variety of psychosocial impacts, and psychological factors are known to heavily influence the engagement, adherence, and success of hearing rehabilitation. This framework could provide a structured method to manage these factors by using evidence-based psychological theory and applications. This article presents an argument for psychologically informed practice to be used within hearing healthcare, proposes how this framework could be adapted to meet the unique needs of audiology, and considers the pathways and barriers to implementation.
Therapeutic Hypothermia for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review, Pairwise, and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed , Amin Ahmed Mazen , Khlidj Yehya , Eltaly Hatem , Rakab Mohamed Saad , Al Zoubi Bashar M. , Gowaily Ibrahim , Abdelazeem Basel , Al-Azizi Karim M.
Published: December 2024

There is a need to examine the evidence of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) safety and efficacy during the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials obtained from PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to July 2024. We reported dichotomous outcomes using the risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes using the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). This study was registered with CRD42024586329 on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Ten randomized controlled trials with 806 patients were included. There was no significant difference between both groups in major adverse cardiac event (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.71–3.15, P = 0.29), microvascular obstruction (MD: 0.12, 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.29, P = 0.15), and infarct size (MD: −0.11, 95% CI: −1.65 to 1.43, P = 0.89). TH was significantly associated with longer door-to-balloon time (MD: 12.60, 95% CI: 6.75 to 18.46, P < 0.01), increased incidence of infection (RR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.29, P = 0.01), and uncontrolled shivering (RR: 5.78, 95% CI: 1.60 to 20.94, P < 0.01). The available evidence does not support a benefit for TH in reducing the burden of ST-elevation myocardial infarction nor lowering the severity of infarction.
Incidence, Mechanism, and Management of Atrial Ablation Procedure Complications: A Literature Review
Authors: Nakhla Michael , Ahmed Mahmoud Samy , Bishara Rafik , Iskandar Odette , Raju Arvind Kumar Venkataramana , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: December 2024

The number of atrial catheter ablation procedures has significantly increased in recent years, becoming a first-line treatment modality for various supraventricular tachycardias due to their safety and efficacy. Complications, ranging from mild to life-threatening, can arise during different stages of the procedure, including vascular access complications (eg, hematoma or vascular fistula formation, retroperitoneal bleeding, etc.), thromboembolic complications (eg, stroke, transient ischemic attack, air embolism, etc.), mechanical complications (eg, cardiac perforation and tamponade), as well as pulmonary vein stenosis, atrio-esophageal fistulas, phrenic nerve injury, and gastroparesis. Atrial fibrillation ablation procedures, in particular, carry a higher complication rate due to their complexity. This review discusses the incidence, mechanisms, diagnosis, management, and prevention of these complications. Key strategies to reduce risks include optimized anticoagulation protocols, the use of intracardiac echocardiography, reduced energy delivery, and esophageal temperature monitoring, among others. Timely detection and intervention, especially in the case of life-threatening complications, is crucial. Pulsed-field ablation, a novel technique using nonthermal electrical energy, offers a promising and precise alternative to conventional thermal ablation with a favorable safety profile. However, further research is needed to fully understand its complications and refine management strategies.
Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improve long-term atrial fibrillation-free survival after catheter ablation.
Authors: Hakgor Aykun , Olgun Fatih Erkam , Dursun Atakan , Kahraman Basak Catalbas , Akhundova Aysel , Savur Umeyir , Besiroglu Mehmet , Kenger Melike Zeynep , Dervis Emir , Sengor Busra Guvendi , Kilicaslan Fethi
Published: December 2024

Although sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are known to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF-related adverse events, evidence on their prognostic effect in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for AF is limited.

In a single-center, 614 patients (mean age 58.1±9.9 years, 42.2% female) who underwent CA for AF were retrospectively divided into 2 groups according to SGLT2i treatment after the index procedure and followed up for 24-months. The primary outcome of the study was AF recurrence following the first 90-day blanking period after CA. Two separate Cox-regression models were constructed to determine the predictors of AF recurrence.

Rates of the primary outcome were 19.4% and 35.7% in the SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups, respectively. According to the multivariable Model 1, which was established among the clinically relevant variables that were found to be statistically significant in univariable analysis, left atrial diameter (adjusted HR:1.087, 95% CI:1.054-1.122, p<0.001), SGLT2i therapy (adjusted HR:0.436, 95% CI: 0.286-0.665, p<0.001) and non-paroxysmal AF (adjusted HR:1.549, 95% CI:1.039-2.309, p=0.032) were independent predictors of recurrence after ablation. In Model 2, SGLT2i treatment remained an independent predictor of AF recurrence along with significant variables such as age, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and previous stroke (adjusted HR:0.315, 95% CI:0.214-0.461, p<0.001). The favorable efficacy of SGLT2i on the primary outcome was maintained in subgroup analyses.

SGLT2i treatment is associated with lower recurrence after CA for AF in subgroups with and without diabetes or HFrEF and in the overall patient population, independent of AF phenotype.
Drug-induced Spontaneous intramural hematoma of the gastrointestinal tract: A real-world pharmacovigilance analysis
Authors: Wang Xuehong , Luo Min , Li Wenyu , Zhou Yuqian
Published: December 2024

It is unclear whether drugs other than warfarin can cause spontaneous gastrointestinal intraluminal hematomas (SGIH). This study aimed to investigate the drugs that induced SGIH based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data. A retrospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted. The disproportionality analysis was performed to assess the reports of drug-induced SGIH from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2023. Logistics regression analysis was used to explore drug-related SGIH risk factors. Weibull distribution was applied for the onset time of SGIH. A total of 116 drugs associated with SGIH have been reported in the FAERS database. After removing duplicates, 88 unique drugs involving 210 patients were identified. These drugs can be broadly classified into four categories: (1) anticoagulants, (2) new direct oral anticoagulants, (3) antiplatelet agents, and (4) others. The first group is dominated by warfarin (59/210), while the second group, rivaroxaban, accounts for the most significant proportion (9/210). As for the third group, aspirin is the dominant drug (16/210), and for the fourth group, drugs that cause thrombocytopenia are dominant. The median number of reported cases was 11.5 per year, accounting for a median percentage of 0.0094% of all adverse events related to target drugs. The median time to drug-related SGIH onset was 12.5 days (interquartile range 1–220.25 days). When patients on the related drugs present with corresponding abdominal symptoms, it is crucial to consider the differential diagnosis of SGIH despite its low incidence.
Advances in studying the pathological mechanisms and treatment strategies of transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Chen Hongyin , Liu Ruonan , Luo Siqi , Su Jinzi
Published: December 2024

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is characterized by the deposition of unstable transthyretin protein (TTR) in the heart or peripheral nerves. Therapeutic strategies for ATTR include inhibition of the secretion of abnormal TTR by the liver, reducing the concentration of aberrant TTR in the circulation, and eliminating amyloid deposits of TTR in tissues. This article delves into the pathogenesis of TTR secretion from the liver into the bloodstream, its deposition in tissues, and the subsequent development of ATTR. Additionally, we delineated the advancements in treatment strategies and discussed future research directions to provide novel insights for the identification of diagnostic and preventive targets.
Longitudinal Changes in Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Cuccia Alison F. , DiPietro Loretta , Hayman Laura L. , Whiteley Jessica A. , Napolitano Melissa A.
Published: December 2024

Background

It is essential to understand factors influencing young adult cardiovascular health (CVH) to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Objective

Evaluate longitudinal changes in CVH among young adults in a weight management intervention.

Methods

Life's Essential 8 (LE8) metrics were calculated for young adults with overweight and obesity enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (n = 459). Outcomes included LE8 total, LE8 behavior, LE8 health, and each LE8 metric. Linear mixed effects models evaluated associations between LE8 and intervention group and demographics and assessed longitudinal changes for 18 months.

Results

Although no composite LE8 scores changed over time, LE8 diet and blood glucose improved. Low socioeconomic status and non-White participants had lower scores for many LE8 metrics when controlling for time. A significant positive intervention effect on LE8 total was observed among those with baseline body mass index <27.5.

Conclusion

Identifying factors associated with LE8 in young adulthood can support CVH, prevent future disease, and minimize health disparities.
Identification of a novel signature related to the immune landscape and prognosis for human colonic adenocarcinoma based on lncRNA pairs
Authors: Wang Ying , Tian Ze-Min , Zhou Zun-Jie , Chen Lang , Zhu Xiao-Feng , Yu Kun , Qiu Yuan
Published: December 2024

Background

Long noncoding RNAs have diverse functions in the immune response to cancer and determining the tumor microenvironment. In consideration of its poor prognosis, immunogenic analysis might be effectively used for predicting the clinical outcome and immunotherapeutic response of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

Methods

This study collected expression profiles from 423 COAD cases archived in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which were then split into four subtypes (C1–C4) according to immune-related long noncoding RNA pairs (IRLPs).

Results

Among these four subtypes, samples of the C4 subtype were associated with the worst prognosis, whereas samples of the C2 subtype were associated with the best prognosis. The analysis of the immune characteristics from samples of different subtypes subsequently showed that the C1 subtype had a significantly higher immune score than the other subtypes, with a higher level of immune cell infiltration, expression of immune-related genes, and a better therapeutic response to programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA4) inhibitors. In addition, a combination of univariate COX analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), Cox regression, and shrinkage estimate was used to successfully construct a prognostic model comprising six IRLPs.

Conclusion

Our research highlights the importance of the IRLP signature in predicting the prognosis and immune characteristics of COAD.
A delayed gastric antral vascular ectasia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Fang Zheke , Zhu Jiajie , Fang Zheng , Hu Qiang , Yang Liangjun
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. It presents challenges in both diagnosis and treatment.

Patient concern:

We reported a female patient who was initially misdiagnosed with hemorrhage of the digestive tract. She was treated with medication for 4 months, but her hemoglobin levels still declined without blood transfusion.

Diagnosis:

Her diagnosis was GAVE after an endoscopic examination.

Interventions:

She was treated with an endoscopic argon plasma coagulation treatment, an endoscopic band ligation treatment, medication, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Outcomes:

This case was followed up for 6 months and her hemoglobin levels were above 9 g/dL.

Lessons:

A combination treatment of endoscopic and medication treatment will be a good choice of GAVE. More comprehensive understanding of GAVE will be build up with the developments of new technologies and methods.
Absence of genetic association between insulin-like growth factors and esophageal cancer
Authors: Sun Zhengliang , Wang Xiaohong
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between concentrations of various insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and esophageal cancer (ESC), addressing the gap in understanding the genetic link between IGF1 and ESC. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to IGFs/IGFBPs and ESC from the IEU Open GWAS Project. This analysis included ESC GWAS data from 1996 individuals of European descent and genetic variant data from 3310 individuals of European ancestry. Various methods, such as inverse variance weighting, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger regression, were applied for analysis, with sensitivity assessments including MR-PRESSO, Cochran Q, and leave-one-out analysis to ensure the robustness of results and detect biases. The genetic predictions indicated no significant association between IGFs/IGFBPs and ESC. When ESC was the outcome measure, the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were as follows: IGF1 = 1.00 (0.89–1.12, P = .936), IGF1R = 1.07 (0.90–1.27, P = .453), IGFBP3 = 1.00 (0.79–1.26, P = .975), and IGFBPL1 = 0.91 (0.75–1.12, P = .372). MR-Egger regression confirmed the absence of horizontal pleiotropy, and no outliers were identified by MR-PRESSO. Leave-one-out analysis supported the stability of the results. The study did not find a causal connection between IGFs/IGFBPs and ESC. These results suggest the need for further validation and potentially highlight the complex interplay of factors involved in the development of ESC.