bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Guillain–Barré syndrome in Bangladesh: Clinical practice, limitations and recommendations for low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Papri Nowshin , Islam Zhahirul , Ara Gulshan , Saha Tamal , Leonhard Sonja E. , Endtz Hubert P. , Jacobs Bart C. , Mohammad Quazi D.
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Considerable variation in clinical practice for management of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) has been observed worldwide. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) due to lack of facilities and treatment availability. We aimed to evaluate current clinical practice and limitations and to provide recommendation for GBS management in low‐resource settings.

Methods

We conducted an explanatory‐sequential mixed‐methods survey among neurologists and internists working in tertiary and secondary government hospitals in Bangladesh. There were two phases: (1) quantitative (cross‐sectional survey to evaluate clinical practice and limitations); (2) qualitative (key informant interview to explain certain clinical practice and provide recommendations for GBS management in LMIC). Data were analyzed by frequencies, χ2 test and thematic analysis.

Results

Among 159 physicians (65 neurologists and 94 internists), 11% and 8% physicians used Brighton and NINDS criteria respectively to diagnose GBS. Specific treatment protocols of GBS were used by 12% physicians. Overcrowding of patients, inadequate diagnostic facilities, high costs of standard therapy, and inadequate logistics and trained personnel for intensive care unit and rehabilitation services were considered major challenges for GBS management. In qualitative part, respondents recommended regular training for the physicians, development of cost‐effective treatment strategies and appropriate patients' referral and management guideline considering existing limitations in health service delivery and socio‐economic status of the country.

Interpretation

Current study design and recommendations might be applied for other LMIC. Such data can assist policymakers to identify areas requiring urgent attention and take required action to improve GBS management in LMIC.
Explicating narrow and broad conceptualizations of environmental influences on personality
Authors: Weidmann Rebekka , Chopik William J.
Published: September 2023

Background

A surge of studies aims to identify environmental factors that explain individual differences, personality stability, and personality development. This special issue builds on this large interest and solicited articles on broad and narrow environmental factors of personality.

Objective

We provide an overview of the motivations behind the special issue, review each of the articles, and present data on researchers' perceptions of environmental factors contributing to personality expression and development.

Method

We review 16 special issue articles, thematically grouped into seven topics—culture and race, genes and environment, geography and habitat, major/minor life events, social relationships, socioeconomic status and economic inequality, and work. We also present data on researchers' (N = 223) responses and ratings of environmental influences on personality expression and development.

Results

In the open‐ended responses, the most important environmental influences were family, culture, peers, relationships, and trauma. Among the least important were weather, birth order, geography, climate, and shared environment. Nearly all the environmental influences featured in this special issue were considered at least somewhat important; however, there was considerable heterogeneity in how important researchers found each topic.

Conclusions

There is no perfect consensus among researchers as to which environmental factors contribute most to personality expression and development. We hope that there is a larger surge of studies on personality constructs beyond traits, that contextualize concepts within a cultural and historical framework and develop more stringent theories to hypothesize about the environmental influences on personality.
A post‐politics earnings penalty? Evidence from politicians' lifetime income trajectories (1970–2019)
Authors: Geys Benny , Sørensen Rune J.
Published: September 2023

Politicians are commonly believed to gain financially from holding and/or having held office. We argue that there may often also be economic downsides to pursuing a political career and investigate whether and when politicians can (not) capitalize on their political experience. We thereby study both entry into and exit from political office and directly compare the returns to politics across government levels and types of politicians. Empirically, we build on detailed information from Norwegian administrative register data over the period 1970–2019 to study individual‐level income developments before, during and after a political career at the national and local levels (covering nearly 22,000 individuals and 700,000 person‐years). Using an event‐study methodology, we show that politicians on average witness a significant income boost during their time in office. In sharp contrast, leaving political office is on average associated with a substantial drop in income, which generally outweighs the income gain from entry into office. These findings suggest that most politicians face a net present value loss from holding office.
Quantitative mineral analysis of (99942) Apophis using reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang PengYue , Cloutis Edward , Zhang XiaoPing , Su Ye , Wu YunZhao
Published: September 2023

The impact threat of some near‐Earth Asteroids (NEAs) drives our need to understand their mineral compositions. Quantitative mineral abundances based on reflectance spectroscopy are of great significance for studying the compositions of NEAs. In this study, we constrained the surface mineralogy of (99942) Apophis based on multiple diagnostic spectral parameters. The influence of non‐mineral component factors (e.g., space weathering, phase angle, and surface temperature) on diagnostic spectral parameters was evaluated. We established the connection between Apophis and corresponding meteorite analog. Our results show that the abundances of olivine and pyroxene on the surface of Apophis are 53.4 ± 6 wt% and 35.6 ± 2 wt%, respectively. The 1 μm band width is basically unaffected by phase‐angle changes and is less affected by temperature variations. Low temperature has more obvious effects on the 1.25/1 μm band depth ratio (BDR 1.25) based on the present data. When the phase angle ranges from 60° to 120°, the BDR 1.25 changes significantly with the increase or decrease of phase angle. In terms of spectral characteristics, the best meteorite analog of Apophis is LL chondrite, confirming earlier interpretations. Mineral analyses based on multiple diagnostic spectral parameters provide more consistent results. Knowledge of the surface compositions of Apophis can also inform optimum or possible defense strategies for it and other NEAs.
Action anthropology and public policy change: Lead poisoning in Syracuse, NY
Authors: Lane Sandra D. , Rubinstein Robert A. , Fair Oceanna , Farkouh Katie , Delgado Melaica , McGee Tanya S. , Gaudette Kinley , Ciavarri Paul , Thompson Maureen , Ahmed Md Koushik
Published: September 2023

In Syracuse, New York more than 10% of children are lead poisoned each year, a toxic exposure that lowers the children's ability to learn and increases risky behaviors in adolescence. African American children are affected at nearly twice the rate of White children. We describe a community‐university collaboration to reduce childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse, and the effects these efforts have had on public policy to date. This paper documents the effectiveness of the Community Action, Research, and Education model to deliver community‐based prevention strategies on child lead poisoning in Syracuse, New York. The community‐based strategies were successful for promoting legal and policy change, increasing the public awareness of this tragic problem, holding elected and appointed officials to their commitments in addressing this toxic injustice, and obtaining needed intervention and disability accommodations for lead‐poisoned children in the community and educational institutions.
Implementation of artificial intelligence Chatbot in peritoneal dialysis nursing care: Experience from a Taiwan medical center
Authors: Cheng Ching‐I , Lin Woan‐Jean , Liu Hui‐Ting , Chen Yi‐Ting , Chiang Chih‐Kang , Hung Kung‐Yu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Coronavirus disease pandemic makes high requirements in delivering remote and efficient communication, and patient education. Because of the increases of digital and social media applications in Taiwan, we aim to apply Artificial Intelligence of LINE Chatbot to improve the self‐care ability of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Materials and Methods

We conducted the project since 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022. We designed an automatically replied Chatbot system, and divided into six scopes of interaction interfaces, including peritoneal dialysis technique operation video, clinical reminder, home caring, hospital registration service, dietary guideline, and Automatic Peritoneal dialysis guidance. We surveyed patients' satisfaction with the LINE Chatbot 3 months later by the Likert 1–5 score‐based questionnaire and the higher score indicated higher satisfaction.

Results

There were 440 patients who joined the PD AI Chatbot study and use the Chatbot, but the satisfaction questionnaire recovery rate was only 297 patients. We found that 91.7% of participants agreed ‘Overall satisfaction with patient intelligent Chatbot application’. More than 4 points accounted for 86.6%. We traced every click in each section of the Chatbot and explored the potential scenario patients face. The Chatbot statistically significant reduced infection rate of exit site and tunnel infection before using (p = .049 and .024). Furthermore, peritonitis rate decreased from 0.93 to 0.8/100 patient month after using Artificial Intelligence technique. Peritoneal dialysis Artificial Intelligence Chatbot had similar effect with face‐to‐face education.

Conclusion

The innovative Chatbot allowed delivering remote and digital information's to improve patients' self‐care ability. Peritoneal dialysis patients were highly recognized and satisfied with the tools. It deserves to further explore the long‐term impact of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in peritoneal dialysis care.

image
Shredding the gender straitjacket
Authors: Washington Natalie
Published: September 2023

Trying to compete for scraps from the patriarchal table by tearing others down is a race to the bottom. If we listen to each other, find areas of common ground where we're looking to achieve the same things, and build each other up instead of trying to fight for whatever's left, we can learn so much and build a more inclusive movement, says Natalie Washington.
The women's vote
Authors: Mattinson Deborah
Published: September 2023

Blair's Babes – a turning point in Labour's electoral fortunes.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography meibography compared with keratograph meibography
Authors: Edgar Amanda K. , Connor Heather R. M. , Kamarelddin Shayma , Musich Jack , Mclouta Stefanos , Choi Evelyn , Thamer Afnan , Salcedo Adrian , Nazarian Aram , Chong Luke X.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using readily accessible technology, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT), to detect and grade meibomian gland dropout and examine its interchangeability with the Oculus Keratograph 5M (K5M).

Methods

A total of 30 participants (30 eyes) with a median age of 21 (range = 19–28 years) were recruited. Meibography was performed using two commercially available imaging devices to look at the structure of the meibomian glands and grade them subjectively in real time, and image analysis was used to quantify meibomian gland loss objectively. Gland loss as imaged by the two techniques was graded using the meiboscore grading schema. Test–retest reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Weighted kappa was used to evaluate agreement between the two imaging devices and four methods of image analysis. Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the association of structural measurements between each of the techniques. The agreement between the two imaging techniques was determined with the Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Reliability of subjective grading was strong for AS‐OCT (ICC: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83–0.96, p < 0.001) and K5M (ICC: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.96–0.91, p = 0.001). Image analysis with ImageJ reliability was strong between the imaging devices (ICC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.55–0.94, p < 0.001). Agreement between each subjective technique was fair, κ = 0.45 (95% CI: 0.17–0.73, p < 0.001) and a positive Spearman correlation was also observed (r = 0.52, p < 0.001).

There was no significant difference between the mean meibomian gland loss measured with ImageJ between AS‐OCT and K5M (0.92 ± 6.28, p = 0.26). The 95% limits of agreement were −12.45% to +14.04%.

Conclusion

These findings suggest subjective real‐time grading of meibomian gland loss could be performed using readily available AS‐OCT technology and that this method was interchangeable with the K5M.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheema Huzaifa Ahmad , Shafiee Arman , Jafarabady Kyana , Seighali Niloofar , Shahid Abia , Ahmad Adeel , Ahmad Imama , Ahmad Soban , Pahuja Mohit , Dani Sourbha S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a resuscitation method for patients with refractory out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is lacking.

Methods

We searched several electronic databases until March 2023 for RCTs comparing ECPR with conventional CPR in OHCA patients. RevMan 5.4 was used to pool risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of four RCTs were included. The results of our meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant benefit of ECPR regarding mid‐term survival (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.64 to 2.28; I2= 48%; p = .55). We found a significant improvement with ECPR in mid‐term favorable neurological outcome (RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.33; I2= 0%; p = .02). There was no significant difference between ECPR and conventional CPR in long‐term survival (RR 1.32; 95% CI 0.18 to 9.50; I2= 64%; p = .79), and long‐term favorable neurological outcome (RR 1.47; 95% CI 0.89 to 2.43; I2= 25%; p = .13). There was an increased incidence of adverse events in the ECPR group (RR 3.22; 95% CI 1.18 to 8.80; I2= 63%; p = .02).

Conclusion

ECPR in OHCA patients was not associated with improved survival or long‐term favorable neurological outcome but did improve favorable neurological outcome in the mid‐term. However, these results are likely underpowered due to the small number of available RCTs. Large‐scale confirmatory RCTs are needed to provide definitive conclusions.
The Historical Presidency: Rethinking the origins of national security classification
Authors: Lebovic Sam
Published: September 2023

This article reconstructs the bureaucratic and legal processes that culminated in the creation of the modern national security classification system in Executive Order No. 10,290, issued by Harry Truman in 1951. It argues that classification was shaped by processes of improvisation endogenous to the federal bureaucracy, which produced the problems of overclassification, definitional vagueness, and ambiguous constitutional status that have haunted the secrecy regime until the present. In so doing, it provides new insight into the development of the modern presidency, the national security state, and American democracy, and suggests possible paths to reform the contemporary pathologies of the classification system.
Effects of soil mulches and conditioners on seedling emergence and survival of Astragalus nigricans Barneby in an arid steppe rangeland
Authors: Rahimi Fatemeh , Farzam Mohammad , Dastorani Mohammad T. , Ahmadpour Amir , Eldridge David J.
Published: September 2023

Soil mulches and conditioners have been shown to improve soil moisture conservation, infiltration, and seed germination and survival, but their interactive effects with sporadic rainfall and the existing vegetation have rarely been considered. In an experimental field study, we assessed the effects of soil additives (sawdust and hydrogel) and mulches (river sand and plant debris) on seedling emergence and survival of Astragalus nigricans Barneby, in the rangelands of Mashhad, northeast Iran. We also assessed any effects on soil moisture and temperature several days after rain in July 2017 and May 2018 and weed composition, density, and diversity. The most successful treatment was hydrogel, associated with earlier seedling emergence for A. nigricans, greater seedling survival, and biomass production. Sawdust and sand treatments were useful for root proliferation and seedling emergence in the spring of the first season, but they led to high seedling mortality under drought. Debris of Artemisia khorasanica shoots was the most efficient and consistent treatment for soil moisture conservation and temperature stability in both years, but its possible allelopathic effects led to high seedling mortality and a long delay (41 days) on seedling emergence. Plant debris also negatively affected the density, richness, and diversity of nontarget plant species. Despite differences among different rainfall events, mulch treatments have an important role in regenerating degraded rangelands.
Some exact and approximate solutions to a generalized Maxwell–Cattaneo equation
Authors: Herron Isom H. , Mickens Ronald E.
Published: September 2023

The simple heat conduction equation in one‐space dimension does not have the property of a finite speed for information transfer. A partial resolution of this difficulty can be obtained within the context of heat conduction by the introduction of a partial differential equation (PDE) called the Maxwell–Cattaneo (M‐C) equation, elsewhere called the damped wave equation, a special case of the telegraph equation. We construct a generalization to the M‐C equation by allowing the relaxation time parameter to be a function of temperature. In the balance of the paper, we present a variety of special exact and approximate solutions to this nonlinear PDE.
Water and dialysis fluid purity for contemporary hemodialysis
Authors: Canaud Bernard , Lucena Rui , Ward Richard
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The purity of water and dialysis fluids is of utmost importance in ensuring the safe and effective administration of hemodialysis treatment to patients with chronic kidney disease. It is crucial to enforce compliance with international standards for dialysis water and fluids, as this is mandatory in reducing chemical hazards, mitigating the adverse effects of bioincompatibility resulting from contaminated water and ultimately enhancing long‐term patient outcomes.

Standards and Risks

Within this comprehensive review, we highlight the presence of water contaminants and thoroughly assess the existing international standards for dialysis water and fluids, spanning from pure to ultrapure. Additionally, we delve into the fundamental components of water purification and present a comprehensive range of water treatment options, encompassing pre‐treatment, primary treatment (reverse osmosis), and tertiary water treatment. Furthermore, we outline recommended monitoring and maintenance procedures, ensuring the consistent delivery of high‐quality water and dialysis fluids at the point of care.

Water Purification and Monitoring Sustainability and Future Challenges

Importantly, we raise concerns regarding the sustainability and conservation of water resources in hemodialysis treatment. It is imperative that these concerns be addressed in the future to avert the potential shortage of this essential resource.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the contemporary landscape of hemodialysis conditions has engendered an urgent necessity for advanced water treatment systems and optimized delivery of dialysis fluids. This review serves as a comprehensive update on the latest technological advancements aimed at meeting these critical demands. Dialysis water and fluids must adhere to increasingly stringent purity constraints, encompassing both biochemical and microbiological perspectives.
Counterfactual reasoning in space and time: Integrating graphical causal models in computational movement analysis
Authors: Rahimi Saeed , Moore Antoni B. , Whigham Peter A. , Dillingham Peter
Published: September 2023

Movement analysis is distinguished by an emphasis on understanding via observation and association. However, an important component of movement from the human and computer modeling perspective is the processes that bring about movement behavior in the first place. This article contextualizes the graphical causal modeling framework (for association, intervention, and counterfactual causal analysis) in GIScience, and more specifically within movement analysis studies. This is done by modeling the movement behavior of football players, applied to spatiotemporal data generated by an agent‐based simulation. The movement dataset is thoroughly analyzed to infer the statistical associations among its variables, to estimate the effect of an intervention on some of those variables, and to answer a few counterfactual questions from the observations. We conclude that causal graphs (i.e., directed acyclic graphs), if implemented correctly, can assist analysts in infering causal relations from movement data. This research suggests the integration of causal graphs and agent‐based paradigms as one solution for computational movement analysis.
Solidarity on the move: Imaginaries and infrastructures within the People's March for Jobs (1981)
Authors: Griffin Paul
Published: September 2023

This paper revisits the 1981 People's March for Jobs as a moment of unemployed activism and solidarity in the UK. The paper argues that the march revealed a spatial politics of solidarity as characterised through mobility, presence, imaginaries and dialogue. It considers how the march emerged through trade union organising and forged political alliances in articulating opposition against rising unemployment, challenging the associated stigma around labour market inactivity. Contributing to geographical scholarship on ‘working‐class presence’ and concepts of ‘imagined solidarity’, the paper explores the ‘solidarity infrastructures’ that enabled unemployed resistance. It considers material resources alongside a more generative and imaginary understanding of solidarity as fostered through the march. These more transitory and temporary forms of solidarity are meaningful in their immediacy, but also hold longer lasting impacts on both those involved and the places visited. In this regard, the combination of ‘imagined solidarities’ and ‘solidarity infrastructures’ provides geographers with an insight into the spatial dynamics of marching as resistance, as well as reflecting a wider resonance with trade union sensibilities.
Nano-Graphite-Doped Spartina alterniflora-Based Hard Carbon as High Performance Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cheng Hongkuan , Shu Qihang , Wei Huanyu , Luo Xingzhang , Huang Suzhen , Zheng Zheng
Published: September 2023

Anode materials based on hard carbon are the focus of research in the field of batteries, and bio-hard carbon is one of the most important materials. In this study, we use the invasive species Spartina alterniflora as raw material and doped with nano-graphite to produce high-performance anode materials. It can achieve a first coulomb efficiency of 67%, which is nearly 10% higher than Spartina alterniflora without nano-graphite doped. The specific capacity is close to 300 mA h g−1 under the current of 20 mA g−1. By comparison, we found that the modified Spartina alterniflora has great sodium storage capacity, and the study also proved that Spartina alterniflora material can be modified into a high-performance anode material with high economic value.
Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics of Leading Edge Serration in Low-Speed Axial Fans With Forward Skewed Blades
Authors: Tieghi Lorenzo , Czwielong Felix , Barnabei Valerio F. , Ocker Christof , Delibra Giovanni , Becker Stefan , Corsini Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Low-speed axial fans must comply with a wide number of standards and normative restrictions, often related to the maximum noise emission levels. Among the noise control techniques in axial fans, skewed fan blades and leading edge serrations have been found to be effective in leading edge noise control, which represents one of the dominant phenomena in axial fan broadband emissions. However, these solutions are usually applied separately, and literature is scarce on systematic studies on the coupling of the two modifications. In this work, a campaign of experimental measurements was conducted on unskewed and forward-skewed axial fan blades with and without leading-edge serrations. The tests were performed in undisturbed inflow conditions. The flow field and the turbulence characteristics were measured using three-dimensional hot-wire anemometry. The suction-side sound radiation of the fans was measured with microphones in an anechoic chamber. In addition, the rotating beamforming method was used to localize the sound sources at the axial fans. It was found that, regardless of the blade skew, the leading edge serrations lead to a reduction of the sound pressure level, whereby the aerodynamic properties of the fan decrease. At the same operating points, which were achieved by adjusting the rotational speed, the sound radiation through the leading edge serrations could be reduced at high-volume flows. This effect was more pronounced with the unskewed rotor, which indicates that the positive effect of the serrations is reduced by the already optimized shape of the forward skewed fan blade. Based on the experimental results, the four geometries were further considered for numerical investigations to understand how the serrations affect the fan operations and the overall aerodynamics of the rotor. All four geometries were simulated with RANS approach at the duty point to derive a flow survey and better understand the dynamics driven by serrations and blade skewing.
Correcting for bias effects due to exposure uncertainty in community noise exposure-response analyses
Authors: Horonjeff Richard D.
Published: September 2023

A method for correcting the relationship-distorting effects of sound level uncertainty on community noise exposure-response investigations is presented. The method employs a “calibration model,” which describes how the true exposure-response relationship becomes distorted (shallower) in the presence of sound level uncertainty and other factors. This model was incorporated in a maximum likelihood estimation procedure that solves for the coefficient values that would have been observed in the absence of sound level measurement error. Three interacting situational variables known to attenuate the slopes of fitting functions were incorporated in the model: the sample population sound level uncertainty, the sound level range, and the distribution of sound levels over that range. The method provided unbiased estimates of the slope and intercept when the calibration parameter values were known exactly. Sensitivity to inexact knowledge of the values was also examined. Although the bias effect could be removed, uncertainty in the solved regression coefficients increased with increasing predictor variable (sound level) uncertainty and with data set displacement from the asymptote.
Comment on: “Variability in humpback whale songs reveals how individuals can be distinctive when sharing a complex vocal display” [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 153, 2238–2250 (2023)]
Authors: Mercado Eduardo , Perazio Christina E. , Franklin Mark F. , Franklin Wally
Published: September 2023

Lamoni, Garland, Allen, Coxon, Noad, and Rendell [(2023). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 153, 2238–2250] analyzed variations in humpback whale song structure to assess how individual singers can produce distinctive patterns that communicate desirable individual qualities to potential mates. Their analyses revealed that singers rarely produced individually specific sound patterns and that singers varied subjectively distinctive structural features of songs differently across years. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that singing humpback whales are not varying song structure in ways that reliably reveal individual singers' physical or cognitive characteristics. Surprisingly, the authors appear to reach the opposite conclusion. Objective strategies for quantitatively comparing song properties are crucial for evaluating competing hypotheses regarding the nature and function of humpback whale songs, but the value of such strategies is reduced when the objectivity of the analyses is suspect and when negative evidence is framed as supporting prior beliefs.
The Effect of Staged Versus Usual Care Physiotherapy on Knee Function Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: McNeill Kestrel , Marmura Hana , Werstine Melanie , Alcock Greg , Birmingham Trevor , Willits Kevin , Getgood Alan , LeBel Marie-Eve , Litchfield Robert , Bryant Dianne , Giffin J. Robert
Published: September 2023

Context: The long duration and high cost of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation can pose barriers to completing rehabilitation, the latter stages of which progress to demanding sport-specific exercises critical for a safe return to sport. A staged approach shifting in-person physiotherapy sessions to later months of recovery may ensure patients undergo the sport-specific portion of ACLR rehabilitation. Design/Objective: To compare postoperative outcomes of knee function in patients participating in a staged ACLR physiotherapy program to patients participating in usual care physiotherapy through a randomized controlled trial. Methods: One hundred sixty-two patients were randomized to participate in staged (n = 80) or usual care physiotherapy (n = 82) following ACLR and assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The staged group completed the ACLR rehabilitation protocol at home for the first 3 months, followed by usual care in-person sessions. The usual care group completed in-person sessions for their entire rehabilitation. Outcome measures included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Questionnaire, pain, range of motion, strength, and hop testing. Results: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in measures of knee function at 6 months postoperative. Patients in the usual care group reported significantly higher International Knee Documentation Committee scores at 3 months postoperative (mean difference = 5.8; 95% confidence interval,  1.3 to 10.4; P = .01). Conclusion: A staged approach to ACLR rehabilitation does not appear to impede knee function at 6 months postoperative but may result in worse patient reported outcomes at early follow-ups.
Successful Physical Activity Maintainers: Strategies and Characteristics of Young African American Women
Authors: Jones Chloe S. , Barroso Cristina S. , Miossi Lindsey A. , Fitzhugh Eugene C. , Hornbuckle Lyndsey M.
Published: September 2023

African American (AA) women have disproportionately high physical inactivity and obesity prevalence rates in comparison to their gender and racial counterparts. AA women experience unique barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); however, methods to overcome these barriers are less developed. Therefore, this study used semistructured interviews to explore strategies of young, active AA women that support LTPA maintenance and to identify their psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long was also administered to provide descriptors of participants’ LTPA. Ten women (age: M = 26.1, SD = 1.7 years) who met national guidelines for aerobic or muscle-strengthening LTPA at least 6 months (aerobic LTPA: M = 2,578.0, SD = 1,228.5 metabolic equivalent-minutes [MET-min]/week; muscle-strengthening physical activity: M = 4.0, SD = 1.9 days/week) completed the study. Four categories emerged from the interviews: (a) early-life contributors to LTPA participation, (b) characteristics of current LTPA, (c) initiating LTPA participation, and (d) maintaining LTPA participation. Findings revealed participants identified weightlifting as a preferred type of LTPA, identified various planning/preparation methods to overcome LTPA challenges, and relied on social media to initiate and maintain LTPA. This study identified several strategies used by young AA women to maintain regular LTPA and program preferences. These data are important in this understudied group as similar strategies may help inactive young AA women overcome LTPA challenges and promote long-term adherence. This could help prevent health and physical activity disparities in this population.
Fluoxetine restrains allergic inflammation by targeting an FcɛRI-ATP positive feedback loop in mast cells
Authors: Haque Tamara T. , Taruselli Marcela T. , Kee Sydney A. , Dailey Jordan M. , Pondicherry Neha , Gajewski-Kurdziel Paula A. , Zellner Matthew P. , Stephenson Daniel J. , MacKnight H. Patrick , Straus David B. , Kankaria Roma , Jackson Kaitlyn G. , Chumanevich Alena P. , Fukuoka Yoshihiro , Schwartz Lawrence B. , Blakely Randy D. , Oskeritzian Carole A. , Chalfant Charles E. , Martin Rebecca K. , Ryan John J.
Published: September 2023

There is a clinical need for new treatment options addressing allergic disease. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that have anti-inflammatory properties. We tested the effects of the SSRI fluoxetine on IgE-induced function of mast cells, which are critical effectors of allergic inflammation. We showed that fluoxetine treatment of murine or human mast cells reduced IgE-mediated degranulation, cytokine production, and inflammatory lipid secretion, as well as signaling mediated by the mast cell activator ATP. In a mouse model of systemic anaphylaxis, fluoxetine reduced hypothermia and cytokine production. Fluoxetine was also effective in a model of allergic airway inflammation, where it reduced bronchial responsiveness and inflammation. These data show that fluoxetine suppresses mast cell activation by impeding an FcɛRI-ATP positive feedback loop and support the potential repurposing of this SSRI for use in allergic disease.
Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance from fresh meat and slaughtered animals in the Czech Republic: nation-wide surveillance 2020–2021
Authors: Sismova Petra , Sukkar Iva , Kolidentsev Nikita , Palkovicova Jana , Chytilova Ivana , Bardon Jan , Dolejska Monika , Nesporova Kristina
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in domestic and imported meat and slaughter animals in the Czech Republic during 2020–2021 by using selective cultivation and direct PCR testing. A total of 111 colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolates with
mcr-1
gene were obtained from 65 (9.9%,
n
= 659) samples and subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Isolates with
mcr
were frequently found in fresh meat from domestic production (14.2%) as well as from import (28.8%). The
mcr-1
-positive
E. coli
isolates predominantly originated from meat samples (16.6%), mainly poultry (27.1%), and only minor part of the isolates came from the cecum (1.7%). In contrast to selective cultivation, 205 (31.1%) samples of whole-community DNA were positive for at least one
mcr
variant, and other genes besides
mcr-1
were detected. Analysis of whole-genome data of sequenced
E. coli
isolates revealed diverse sequence types (STs) including pathogenic lineages and dominance of ST1011 (15.6%) and ST162 (12.8%). Most isolates showed multidrug-resistant profile, and 9% of isolates produced clinically important beta-lactamases. The
mcr-1
gene was predominantly located on one of three conjugative plasmids of IncX4 (83.5%), IncI2 (7.3%), and IncHI2 (7.3%) groups. Seventy-two percent isolates of several STs carried ColV plasmids. The study revealed high prevalence of
mcr
genes in fresh meat of slaughter animals. Our results confirmed previous assumptions that the livestock, especially poultry production, is an important source of colistin-resistant
E. coli
with the potential of transfer to humans via the food chain.

IMPORTANCE

We present the first data on nation-wide surveillance of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in the Czech Republic. High occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance was found in meat samples, especially in poultry from both domestic production and import, while the presence of
mcr
genes was lower in the gut of slaughter animals. In contrast to culture-based approach, testing of whole-community DNA showed higher prevalence of
mcr
and presence of various
mcr
variants. Our results support the importance of combining cultivation methods with direct culture-independent techniques and highlight the need for harmonized surveillance of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance. Our study confirmed the importance of livestock as a major reservoir of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance and pointed out the risks of poultry meat for the transmission of
mcr
genes toward humans. We identified several
mcr
-associated prevalent STs, especially ST1011, which should be monitored further as they represent zoonotic bacteria circulating between different environments.
Identifying featured indels associated with SARS-CoV-2 fitness
Authors: Li Xiang , Yan Hongliang , Wong Gary , Ouyang Wanli , Cui Jie
Published: September 2023

As an RNA virus, severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known for frequent substitution mutations, and substitutions in important genome regions are often associated with viral fitness. However, whether indel mutations are related to viral fitness is generally ignored. Here we developed a computational methodology to investigate indels linked to fitness occurring in over 9 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Remarkably, by analyzing 31,642,404 deletion records and 1,981,308 insertion records, our pipeline identified 26,765 deletion types and 21,054 insertion types and discovered 65 indel types with a significant association with Pango lineages. We proposed the concept of featured indels representing the population of specific Pango lineages and variants as substitution mutations and termed these 65 indels as featured indels. The selective pressure of all indel types is assessed using the Bayesian model to explore the importance of indels. Our results exhibited higher selective pressure of indels like substitution mutations, which are important for assessing viral fitness and consistent with previous studies
in vitro
. Evaluation of the growth rate of each viral lineage indicated that indels play key roles in SARS-CoV-2 evolution and deserve more attention as substitution mutations.

IMPORTANCE

The fitness of indels in pathogen genome evolution has rarely been studied. We developed a computational methodology to investigate the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 genomes and analyze over 33 million records of indels systematically, ultimately proposing the concept of featured indels that can represent specific Pango lineages and identifying 65 featured indels. Machine learning model based on Bayesian inference and viral lineage growth rate evaluation suggests that these featured indels exhibit selection pressure comparable to replacement mutations. In conclusion, indels are not negligible for evaluating viral fitness.
Emergence of cryptic species and clades of
Meyerozyma guilliermondii
species complex exhibiting limited
in vitro
susceptibility to antifungals in patients with candidemia
Authors: Francisco Elaine Cristina , Ribeiro Felipe de Camargo , Almeida Junior João Nobrega , Pedoni Diego Betto , da Matta Daniel Archimedes , Dolande Maribel , Melo Analy Salles de Azevedo , Lima Ricardo Ferreira , Aquino Valério Rodrigues , Corzo-León Dora E , Zurita Jeannete , Cortes Jorge Alberto , Nucci Marcio , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes
Published: September 2023

Members of the
Meyerozyma guilliermondii
species complex are able to cause superficial and life-threatening systemic infections with low susceptibility to azoles and echinocandins. We tested 130 bloodstream
M. guilliermondii
complex isolates collected from eight Latin American medical centers over 18 years (period 1 = 2000–2008 and period 2 = 2009–2018) to investigate trends in species distribution and antifungal resistance. The isolates were identified by rDNA ITS region sequencing, and antifungal susceptibility tests were performed against fluconazole, voriconazole, anidulafungin, and amphotericin B using the CLSI microbroth method.
M. guilliermondii sensu stricto
(s.s.;
n
= 116) was the most prevalent species, followed by
Meyerozyma caribbica
(
n
= 12) and
Meyerozyma carpophila
(
n
= 2). Based on rDNA ITS identification, three clades within
M. guilliermondii sensu stricto
were characterized (clade 1
n
= 94; clade 2
n
= 19; and clade 3
n
= 3). In the second period of study, we found a substantial increment in the isolation of
M. caribbica
(3.4% versus 13.8%;
P
= 0.06) and clade 2
M. guilliermondii
s.s. exhibiting lower susceptibility to one or more triazoles.

IMPORTANCE

Yeast-invasive infections play a relevant role in human health, and there is a concern with the emergence of non-
Candida
pathogens causing disease worldwide. There is a lack of studies addressing the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of different species within the
M. guilliermondii
complex that cause invasive infections. We evaluated 130 episodes of
M. guilliermondii
species complex candidemia documented in eight medical centers over 18 years. We detected the emergence of less common species within the
Meyerozyma
complex causing candidemia and described a new clade of
M. guilliermondii
with limited susceptibility to triazoles. These results support the relevance of continued global surveillance efforts to early detect, characterize, and report emergent fungal pathogens exhibiting limited susceptibility to antifungals.
Supplemental Material: Magnetotelluric insights into the formation and reactivation of trans-crustal shear zones in Precambrian basement of the eastern U.S. Midcontinent
Authors: Murphy Benjamin S. , et al.
Published: September 2023

Additional details of inversion methodology and resolution tests.
Effect of electric fan use in isolation or combined with ice slurry/cold water ingestion and lower-leg immersion in young men during intermittent physical activity in hot–humid conditions
Authors: Deshayes Thomas A. , Pancrate Timothée , Goulet Eric D.B.
Published: September 2023

Using a randomized crossover protocol, 10 young men completed four 180 min exposures (38 °C, 60% relative humidity), alternating between 30 min of walking and 30 min of sitting where fluid or ice slurry were served. Participants underwent four trials: (i) 5 mL·kg body mass−1 of 20 °C water (CON); (ii) 5 mL·kg body mass−1 of 20 °C water + fan at 4 m·s−1 (FAN); (iii) fan + 3 mL·kg body mass−1 of ice slurry + 2 mL·kg body mass−1 of 4 °C water (FAN + ISCW); and (iv) FAN + ISCW + lower-leg immersion in 20 °C water (FAN + ISCW + LLI). Sweat and body mass losses were higher with FAN than CON, FAN + ISCW, and FAN + ISCW + LLI. Mean and peak changes in Δrectal temperature, heart rate, and perceived heat and thirst from baseline were not statistically and practically different between FAN and CON. FAN + ISCW + LLI decreased sweat loss compared with FAN + ISCW and mean and peak changes in Δrectal temperature, heart rate, and perceived thirst compared with CON. FAN + ISCW + LLI also attenuated the changes in Δrectal temperature (peak) and thirst (mean and peak) compared with FAN. In conclusion, FAN slightly exacerbates fluid loss but does not attenuate the changes in Δrectal temperature, heart rate, and perceived heat and thirst during intermittent physical activity in hot–humid conditions. However, coupling ISCW or ISCW + LLI with the use of a fan attenuates the increase in these outcomes compared with no intervention and to a greater extent for rectal temperature and thirst when fan is coupled with ISCW + LLI than when it is used in isolation.
Universal dynamics and non-thermal fixed points in quantum fluids far from equilibrium
Authors: Mikheev Aleksandr N. , Siovitz Ido , Gasenzer Thomas
Published: September 2023

Closed quantum systems far from thermal equilibrium can show universal dynamics near attractor solutions, known as non-thermal fixed points, generically in the form of scaling behaviour in space and time. A systematic classification and comprehensive understanding of such scaling solutions are tasks of future developments in non-equilibrium quantum many-body theory. In this tutorial review, we outline several analytical approaches to non-thermal fixed points and summarise corresponding numerical and experimental results. The analytic methods include a non-perturbative kinetic theory derived within the two-particle irreducible effective action formalism, as well as a low-energy effective field theory framework. As one of the driving forces of this research field are numerical simulations, we summarise the main results of exemplary cases of universal dynamics in ultracold Bose gases. This encompasses quantum vortex ensembles in turbulent superfluids as well as recently observed real-time instanton solutions in one-dimensional spinor condensates.