bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Porosity Gradient on the Solidification of Paraffin in a Thermal Energy Storage Tank Filled With Metal Foam
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Huang Xinyu , Wei Pan , Yang Xiaohu , Boetcher Sandra K. S.
Published: February 2024

Thermal energy storage (TES) systems are a promising solution for reutilizing industrial waste heat (IWH) for distributed thermal users. These systems have tremendous potential to increase energy efficiency and decrease carbon emissions in both industrial and building sectors. To further enhance the utilization rate of industrial waste heat, optimizing TES systems has attracted significant attention. This study explores the solidification process of a vertical shell-and-tube TES unit with the annulus filled with a composite phase-change material (PCM) comprising paraffin and copper foam. Numerical simulations are employed, which are verified by visualization experiments of the TES unit. To improve the thermal performance of the unit, porous media with nonuniform parameters is implemented. Nonuniform pore structures, featuring radially varying gradients (positive, i.e., porosity increasing in the positive radial direction, and negative, i.e., porosity decreasing in the positive radial direction) that are oriented perpendicular to the flow direction of the inner tube, are compared to uniformly dispersed pore structures. Results indicate that, compared to the uniform structure, the utilization of the positive gradient shortens the time to complete solidification by 15.9% while simultaneously increasing temperature uniformity by 14.6%. In contrast, the negative gradient results in a 5.7% increase in complete solidification time and a 31.0% decrease in temperature uniformity. The optimum gradient porosity combination (0.87-0.94-0.97) is obtained by the response surface method to optimize the structural parameters of the radial gradient porosity.
Acquisition of Mandarin tones by Canadian first graders: Effect of prior exposure to tonal and non-tonal languages
Authors: Meckelborg Ana , Luu Mimi , Nguyen Theresa , Lin Youran , Li Fangfang , Pollock Karen
Published: February 2024

This study examines the tone productions of school-aged children with and without a tonal language background who are learning Mandarin as a second language (L2) or heritage language in Mandarin-English bilingual schools in Western Canada. Tones are frequently identified as one of the most challenging aspects of phonology for Mandarin L2 learners to acquire. In this study, tone productions of bilingual children from three home language backgrounds, English, Cantonese, and Mandarin Chinese, were compared for transcribed accuracy using mixed effects logistic regression. In addition, the fundamental frequency contours of correct tone productions were fitted with generalized additive mixed models to analyse the acoustic differences between groups. Error patterns were also analysed for possible Cantonese substitutions. Our results suggest that children with a Cantonese background are more accurate in tone productions than children with an English language background, but they also made more errors than their peers with a Mandarin language background. These findings suggest that a tonal language background could result in positive transfer among school-age children who are in the early stages of learning Mandarin as an L2.
Accumulation of defense systems in phage-resistant strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Costa Ana Rita , van den Berg Daan F. , Esser Jelger Q. , Muralidharan Aswin , van den Bossche Halewijn , Bonilla Boris Estrada , van der Steen Baltus A. , Haagsma Anna C. , Fluit Ad C. , Nobrega Franklin L. , Haas Pieter-Jan , Brouns Stan J. J.
Published: February 2024

Prokaryotes encode multiple distinct anti-phage defense systems in their genomes. However, the impact of carrying a multitude of defense systems on phage resistance remains unclear, especially in a clinical context. Using a collection of antibiotic-resistant clinical strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and a broad panel of phages, we demonstrate that defense systems contribute substantially to defining phage host range and that overall phage resistance scales with the number of defense systems in the bacterial genome. We show that many individual defense systems target specific phage genera and that defense systems with complementary phage specificities co-occur in
P. aeruginosa
genomes likely to provide benefits in phage-diverse environments. Overall, we show that phage-resistant phenotypes of
P. aeruginosa
with at least 19 phage defense systems exist in the populations of clinical, antibiotic-resistant
P. aeruginosa
strains.
Measuring gravity with milligram levitated masses
Authors: Fuchs Tim M. , Uitenbroek Dennis G. , Plugge Jaimy , van Halteren Noud , van Soest Jean-Paul , Vinante Andrea , Ulbricht Hendrik , Oosterkamp Tjerk H.
Published: February 2024

Gravity differs from all other known fundamental forces because it is best described as a curvature of space-time. For that reason, it remains resistant to unifications with quantum theory. Gravitational interaction is fundamentally weak and becomes prominent only at macroscopic scales. This means, we do not know what happens to gravity in the microscopic regime where quantum effects dominate and whether quantum coherent effects of gravity become apparent. Levitated mechanical systems of mesoscopic size offer a probe of gravity, while still allowing quantum control over their motional state. This regime opens the possibility of table-top testing of quantum superposition and entanglement in gravitating systems. Here, we show gravitational coupling between a levitated submillimeter-scale magnetic particle inside a type I superconducting trap and kilogram source masses, placed approximately half a meter away. Our results extend gravity measurements to low gravitational forces of attonewton and underline the importance of levitated mechanical sensors.
Long-lasting forms of plasticity through patterned ultrasound-induced brainwave entrainment
Authors: Kim Ho-Jeong , Phan Tien Thuy , Lee Keunhyung , Kim Jeong Sook , Lee Sang-Yeong , Lee Jung Moo , Do Jongrok , Lee Doyun , Kim Sung-Phil , Lee Kyu Pil , Park Jinhyoung , Lee C. Justin , Park Joo Min
Published: February 2024

Achieving long-lasting neuronal modulation with low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound is challenging. Here, we devised theta burst ultrasound stimulation (TBUS) with gamma bursts for brain entrainment and modulation of neuronal plasticity in the mouse motor cortex. We demonstrate that two types of TBUS, intermittent and continuous TBUS, induce bidirectional long-term potentiation or depression-like plasticity, respectively, as evidenced by changes in motor-evoked potentials. These effects depended on molecular pathways associated with long-term plasticity, including
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B activation, as well as de novo protein synthesis. Notably, bestrophin-1 and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 play important roles in these enduring effects. Moreover, pretraining TBUS enhances the acquisition of previously unidentified motor skills. Our study unveils a promising protocol for ultrasound neuromodulation, enabling noninvasive and sustained modulation of brain function.
Complete genome and characteristics of cluster BC bacteriophage SoJo, isolated using
Streptomyces mirabilis
NRRL B-2400 in Columbia, MD
Authors: Kumar Soven Verma , Schaffer Nicholas , Bharmal Zainab , Mood Quinn ,   2022 UMBC Phage Hunters, Erill Ivan , Caruso Steven M. , Abdullah Nameerah , Ahsan Manal I. , Ali Samaneh F. , Anandkrishnan Mukundh , Anderson Nick , Badugu Preethi , Baker Devon , Bakry Heba A. , Balbuena Willmar , Bauer Paige , Beyene Eden A. , Bhargava Anukriti , Bhusal Anjali , Bhusal Kritika , Boateng Rachel-Anne O. , Bucci Katrina , Buchanan Angela H. , Chen Amanda , Chen Joyce , Chiapperino Julian , Cole Austin R. , Daniel-Okeke Victoria , Davis Kyle , Diebolt Julie , Dizon Jeannine , Dolan Kenny , Einsig Jonah , Ezeka Peace , Felouzis Natalie E. , Fienkeng Ralph M. , Fomengia Kayla , Froderman Allison M. , Galo Julie , Ghezai Bethel M. , Ghorakavi Samhita , Ginting Andra , Ha Summer , Hall McKenzie M. , Hawley Jenna , Haywood Alessandra B. , Hoffman Sophia E. , Howe Alexandria , Irfan Ashher , Ismail Phebe O. , Kanayo Amarachi , Kang Hanna , Kang Mona , Kargbo Porschderek L. , Katchekpele Kossi S. , Khuu Vivian , Knight Autumn M. , Kuan Dylan , Kwon Meghan S. , Lam Annalisa Q. , Lapid Francis , Lee Annie , Llaguri Kristen A. , Lopez Jillian A. , Maldonado-Robles Steffany L. , Marinko Emily , Marroquin Noe , Martinez Andrea E. , Matharu Manvir K. , Messiha Mary , Micarsos Eric J. , Miller Aysia , Mkpasi-Jr Jr , Motamedi Sara , Musa Amina , Myers October , Na Ethan , Nachadalingam Sibani G. , Nasir Mamoona , Neka Eden M. , Nguyen Rachel H. , Nguyen Taylor , Nguyen Trini V. , Nguyen Vivian V. , Ni Alissa , Norwood Lauren , Nwange Kristel E. , Nyakoe Moraa I. , Ogbenna Josh , Okorie Prisca , Olatunde Simi , Oluka Atinuke J. , Onuma Nnenna A. , Cortes Jessica , Osorio Eriberto , Patel Nishi R. , Pearson Savannah R. , Persaud Joel , Pham Matthew T. , Radhakrishnan Sriraghav , Richardson Milan E. , Sabirzhanova Tanya , Salzer Josh , Santizo Madison L. , Sequeira Andrea B. , Shah Aarsh H. , Sherif Timag A. , Siddiqui Zainab , Sodhi Anjali , Stanley Eva , Tatarian Harout , Tran Kirsten V. , Tran Sophia , Trinh Justin , Tu Hsinyen , Tuckley Shreya A. , Ukadike Vivica C. , Verbin-Hedger Tristan W. , Vo Mai N. , White Kierstyn , Zornes Destiny C. , Fiorino Alexis , Fryer Sydney C. , Khanam Nadia , Nguyen Chif , Nguyen Melissa , Quiambao Jeanelle M. , Sanyal Adrita , Andre Chase , Barry Payton , Chin Alexander , Mason Luke , Pandya Megha , Smith Zachary M. , Sun Winny
Published: February 2024

Here, we present bacteriophage SoJo, a siphovirus infecting
Streptomyces mirabilis
, with a circularly permuted genome of 39 kbp and GC content of 71.5%. Its genome length and content are similar to that of other phages in the Actinobacteriophage Database BC cluster. SoJo was isolated from soil in Columbia, MD, USA.
Complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phage Knedl
Authors: Maffei Enea , Manner Christina , Jenal Urs , Harms Alexander
Published: February 2024

Bacteriophage Knedl is the first reported
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phage that targets the Psl exopolysaccharide as receptor. Here, we report the genome of Knedl, demonstrating that it belongs to the genus
Iggyvirus
of the
Queuovirinae
subfamily. Future studies on the infection mechanism of Knedl could inform phage-based approaches to eradicate biofilms.
Cholera toxin and O-specific polysaccharide immune responses after oral cholera vaccination with Dukoral in different age groups of Bangladeshi participants
Authors: Dash Pinki , Hakim Al , Akter Aklima , Banna Hasan Al , Kaisar M. Hasanul , Aktar Amena , Jahan Sultana Rownok , Ferdous Jannatul , Basher Salima Raiyan , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Chowdhury Fahima , Akter Afroza , Tauheed Imam , Weil Ana A. , Charles Richelle C. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Ryan Edward T. , LaRocque Regina C. , Harris Jason B. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Qadri Firdausi
Published: February 2024

Vaccination is important to prevent cholera. There are limited data comparing anti-O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) and anti-cholera toxin-specific immune responses following oral whole-cell with cholera toxin B-subunit (WC-rBS) vaccine (Dukoral, Valneva) administration in different age groups. An understanding of the differences is relevant because young children are less well protected by oral cholera vaccines than older children and adults. We compared responses in 50 adults and 49 children (ages 2 to <18) who were administered two doses of WC-rBS at a standard 14-day interval. All age groups had significant IgA and IgG plasma-blast responses to the OSP and cholera toxin B-subunit (CtxB) antigens that peaked 7 days after vaccination. However, in adults and older children (ages 5 to <18), antibody responses directed at the OSP antigen were largely IgA and IgG, with a minimal IgM response, while younger children (ages 2 to <5) mounted significant increases in IgM with minimal increases in IgA and IgG antibody responses 30 days after vaccination. In adults, anti-OSP and CtxB memory B-cell responses were detected after completion of the vaccination series, while children only mounted CtxB-specific IgG memory B-cell responses and no OSP-memory B-cell responses. In summary, children and adults living in a cholera endemic area mounted different responses to the WC-rBS vaccine, which may be a result of more prior exposure to
Vibrio cholerae
in older participants. The absence of class-switched antibody responses and memory B-cell responses to OSP may explain why protection wanes more rapidly after vaccination in young children compared to older vaccinees.

IMPORTANCE

Vaccination is an important strategy to prevent cholera. Though immune responses targeting the OSP of
V. cholerae
are believed to mediate protection against cholera, there are limited data on anti-OSP responses after vaccination in different age groups, which is important as young children are not well protected by current oral cholera vaccines. In this study, we found that adults mounted memory B-cell responses to OSP, which were not seen in children. Adults and older children mounted class-switched (IgG and IgA) serum antibody responses to OSP, which were not seen in young children who had only IgM responses to OSP. The lack of class-switched antibody responses and memory B-cell responses to OSP in younger participants may be due to lack of prior exposure to
V. cholerae
and could explain why protection wanes more rapidly after vaccination in young children.
Metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database (MPMdb) and its seed metabolite applications
Authors: Jiang Feng , Ruan Yao , Chen Xiao-Hui , Yu Hai-Long , Cheng Ting , Duan Xin-Ya , Liu Yan-Guang , Zhang Hong-Yu , Zhang Qing-Ye
Published: February 2024

Seed metabolites are the combination of essential compounds required by an organism across various potential environmental conditions. The seed metabolites screening framework based on the network topology approach can capture important biological information of species. This study aims to identify comprehensively the relationship between seed metabolites and pathogenic bacteria. A large-scale data set was compiled, describing the seed metabolite sets and metabolite sets of 124,192 pathogenic strains from 34 genera, by constructing genome-scale metabolic models. The enrichment analysis method was used to screen the specific seed metabolites of each species/genus of pathogenic bacteria. The metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database (MPMdb) (
http://qyzhanglab.hzau.edu.cn/MPMdb/
) was established for browsing, searching, predicting, or downloading metabolites and seed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the MPMdb, taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of pathogenic bacteria were performed according to the function of seed metabolites and metabolites. The results showed that the seed metabolites could be used as a feature for microorganism chemotaxonomy, and they could mirror the phylogeny of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, our screened specific seed metabolites of pathogenic bacteria can be used not only for further tapping the nutritional resources and identifying auxotrophies of pathogenic bacteria but also for designing targeted bactericidal compounds by combining with existing antimicrobial agents.

IMPORTANCE

Metabolites serve as key communication links between pathogenic microorganisms and hosts, with seed metabolites being crucial for microbial growth, reproduction, external communication, and host infection. However, the large-scale screening of metabolites and the identification of seed metabolites have always been the main technical bottleneck due to the low throughput and costly analysis. Genome-scale metabolic models have become a recognized research paradigm to investigate the metabolic characteristics of species. The developed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms database in this study is committed to systematically predicting and identifying the metabolites and seed metabolites of pathogenic microorganisms, which could provide a powerful resource platform for pathogenic bacteria research.
Deciphering differential exhumation in the Gangdese orogen in southern Tibet using exposed porphyry alteration systems and geomorphic analysis
Authors: Fu Hanze , Kereszturi Gabor , Cheng Qiuming , Wang Rui , Smith Adam G.G.
Published: February 2024

Topography and exhumation vary strongly in the Tibetan Plateau, reflecting different geodynamics and surface processes. The Gangdese orogen in southern Tibet is characterized by west-to-east variations in topography and occurrences of the Miocene porphyry copper deposits. We integrated remote sensing based hydrothermal alteration mapping and geomorphological analysis to detect patterns of differential exhumation since the Miocene. High abundances of propylitic and potassic alteration of the eastern Miocene granitoids are identified, indicating >2 km of exhumation since the Miocene. The western Gangdese has intensive phyllic and argillic alteration representing ~1 km of exhumation. Geomorphic analyses also show E-W changes that most likely resulted from differential rock uplift histories. Channel steepness index values indicate the eastern Gangdese has channel gradients between 211 m1.02 and 457 m1.02, compared to values between 30 m1.02 and 160 m1.02 in the west. Linear inversion of tributaries of the Yarlung river shows a pulse of rock uplift between 25 Ma and 7 Ma with a maximum rate of 110 m/ m.y. in the east. In contrast, the western Gangdese exhibits slower and persistent rock uplift rates between 20 m/m.y. and 40 m/m.y. since 20 Ma. The integrated results record differential exhumation and rock uplift since the Miocene. We invoke the geometric variations of the subducted Indian lithosphere to interpret the E-W differential exhumation since the Miocene. Steeper subduction of the Indian lithosphere beneath the eastern Gangdese induced mantle upwelling, triggering rapid rock uplift and deep exhumation. Conversely, the shallower subduction of the Indian slab in the west generated slow and prolonged rock uplift with less exhumation. Our study refines the exhumation process of the Gangdese since the Miocene.
Neurosensory, cognitive and academic outcomes at 8 years in children born 22–23 weeks’ gestation compared with more mature births
Authors: Marks India RM , Doyle Lex W , Mainzer Rheanna M , Spittle Alicia J , Clark Marissa , Boland Rosemarie A , Anderson Peter J , Cheong Jeanie LY
Published: February 2024

Despite providing intensive care to more infants born <24 weeks’ gestation, data on school-age outcomes, critical for counselling and decision-making, are sparse.

Objective

To compare major neurosensory, cognitive and academic impairment among school-aged children born extremely preterm at 22–23 weeks’ gestation (EP22–23) with those born 24–25 weeks (EP24–25), 26–27 weeks (EP26–27) and term (≥37 weeks).

Design

Three prospective longitudinal cohorts.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Participants

All EP live births (22–27 weeks) and term-born controls born in 1991–1992, 1997 and 2005.

Main outcome measures

At 8 years, major neurosensory disability (any of moderate/severe cerebral palsy, IQ <−2 SD relative to controls, blindness or deafness), motor, cognitive and academic impairment, executive dysfunction and poor health utility. Risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences between EP22–23 (reference) and other gestational age groups were estimated using generalised linear models, adjusted for era of birth, social risk and multiple birth.

Results

The risk of major neurosensory disability was higher for EP22–23 (n=21) than more mature groups (168 EP24–25; 312 EP26–27; 576 term), with increasing magnitude of difference as the gestation increased (adjusted RR (95% CI) compared with EP24–25: 1.39 (0.70 to 2.76), p=0.35; EP26–27: 1.85 (0.95 to 3.61), p=0.07; term: 13.9 (5.75 to 33.7), p<0.001). Similar trends were seen with other outcomes. Two-thirds of EP22–23 survivors were free of major neurosensory disability.

Conclusions

Although children born EP22–23 experienced higher rates of disability and impairment at 8 years than children born more maturely, many were free of major neurosensory disability. These data support providing active care to infants born EP22–23.
Comparing the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency treatment to lumbar dorsal root ganglion according to application times in patients with lumbar radicular pain: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Park Soyoon , Jang Jae Ni , Park Ji-Hoon , Song Yumin , Sooil Choi , Kim Young Uk , Park Sukhee
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Lumbar radicular pain (LRP) is a common symptom characterised by a sharp, shooting or lancinating sensation localised to one or more dermatomes of the lumbar spine. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life, the most effective conservative treatment for patients with LRP remains uncertain. When conventional treatment methods do not provide satisfactory results, the option of using epidural steroids and/or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment may be considered as a secondary approach for managing the condition. Ongoing advances in the field have led to a wide range of PRF parameters being investigated and extensively documented. Therefore, this study will aim to evaluate the treatment efficacy, sustainability and adverse effects of PRF application for different durations in patients with LRP.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Eligible patients with LRP who visit the International St. Mary’s Hospital pain clinic in Korea will be assigned to three groups (1:1:1 ratio) based on the duration of PRF application: 240, 360 and 480 s. Outcome measures will include an assessment of radicular pain intensity, physical function, global improvement, treatment satisfaction and adverse events. The primary outcome will be a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score 3 months after the procedure. The secondary outcomes will be the number of subjects in each group reporting successful treatment defined as a significant decrease of NRS or improved physical function score or high satisfaction at the 3 and 6 months follow-up. X2or Fisher’s exact test and one-way analysis of variance will be used to compare the outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital (IS23EISE0018). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

KCT0008612.
Telemedicine interventions in type 2 diabetes management: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Maaitah Wasan , Abdelhay Osama , Tourkmani Ayla , Azzeh Mohammad , Abu-Soud Mohammad S , Atiani Serin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) heavily strain individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Interventions via telemedicine have become a potential tactic to tackle the difficulties in effectively managing T2DM. However, more research is needed to determine how telemedicine interventions affect T2DM management. This study sets out to systematically analyse and report the effects of telemedicine treatments on T2DM management to gain essential insights into the potential of telemedicine as a cutting-edge strategy to improve the outcomes and care delivery for people with T2DM.

Methods and analysis

To uncover relevant research, we will perform a comprehensive literature search across six databases (PubMed, IEEE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library). Each piece of data will be extracted separately, and any discrepancies will be worked out through discussion or by a third reviewer. The studies included are randomised controlled trial. We chose by predefined inclusion standards. After the telemedicine intervention, glycated haemoglobin will be the primary outcome. The Cochrane risk-of-bias approach will be used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. RevMan V.5.3.5 software and RStiduo V.4.3.1 software can be used to analyse the data, including publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this research will employ publicly accessible documents, ethical approval is unnecessary. The review is registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database. The study’s findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023421719.
Self-management behaviours in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional survey from China
Authors: Zhou Run , Zhang Binbin , Zhang Wei , Kong Tingting , Fu Jie , Li Jie , Shi Junping
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China has significantly increased due to changing lifestyles and rising obesity rates. Effective self-management behaviours are crucial for reversing NAFLD. This study aimed to assess the current self-management status and the influencing factors among the Chinese NAFLD population.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This was a study conducted between 30 May 2022 and 30 May 2023 at a tertiary care hospital.

Participants

A total of 380 patients diagnosed with NAFLD were included in this study. NAFLD patients included in this study were diagnosed by FibroScan and had a controlled attenuation parameter ≥248 dB/m.

Primary outcomes and measures

The primary outcomes were self-management, demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with NAFLD. Self-management-related domains were assessed using the self-management questionnaire of NAFLD.

Results

The study included 380 patients with an average age of 42.79±13.77 years, with 62.89% being male. The mean score on the self-management scale was 80.92±18.31, indicating a low level of self-management behaviours. Among the five dimensions of the self-management scale, lifestyle management received the highest score (10.68±2.53), while disease knowledge management received the lowest score (9.29±2.51). Furthermore, gender (β=0.118, p=0.009), education level (β=0.118, p=0.010), body mass index (BMI) (β=−0.141, p=0.002) and sleep quality (β=0.387, p<0.001) were found to influence the self-management behaviours of patients to some extent.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional survey in China revealed impaired self-management behaviours among adults with NAFLD. The study identified significant associations between self-management behaviours and gender, education level, BMI and sleep quality. Healthcare providers should focus on optimising the care of NAFLD patients to enhance their self-management behaviours.
Cluster analysis of long COVID in Japan and association of its trajectory of symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Ito Fumimaro , Terai Hideki , Kondo Masahiro , Takemura Ryo , Namkoong Ho , Asakura Takanori , Chubachi Shotaro , Masuzawa Keita , Nakayama Sohei , Suzuki Yusuke , Hashiguchi Mizuha , Kagyo Junko , Shiomi Tetsuya , Minematsu Naoto , Manabe Tadashi , Fukui Takahiro , Funatsu Yohei , Koh Hidefumi , Masaki Katsunori , Ohgino Keiko , Miyata Jun , Kawada Ichiro , Ishii Makoto , Sato Yasunori , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: February 2024

Background

Multiple prolonged symptoms observed in patients who recovered from COVID-19 are defined as long COVID. Although diverse phenotypic combinations are possible, they remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a cluster analysis of long COVID in Japan and clarify the association between its characteristics and background factors and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

This multicentre prospective cohort study collected various symptoms and QOL after COVID-19 from January 2020 to February 2021. This study included 935 patients aged ≥18 years with COVID-19 at 26 participating medical facilities. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using 24 long COVID symptom at 3 months after diagnosis.

Results

Participants were divided into the following five clusters: numerous symptoms across multiple organs (cluster 1, n=54); no or minor symptoms (cluster 2, n=546); taste and olfactory disorders (cluster 3, n=76); fatigue, psychoneurotic symptoms and dyspnoea (low prevalence of cough and sputum) (cluster 4, n=207) and fatigue and dyspnoea (high prevalence of cough and sputum) (cluster 5, n=52). Cluster 1 included elderly patients with severe symptoms, while cluster 3 included young female with mild symptoms. No significant differences were observed in the comorbidities. Cluster 1 showed the most impaired QOL, followed by clusters 4 and 5; these changes as well as the composition of symptoms were observed over 1 year.

Conclusions

We identified patients with long COVID with diverse characteristics into five clusters. Future analysis of these different pathologies could result in individualised treatment of long COVID.

Trial registration number

The study protocol is registered at UMIN clinical trials registry (UMIN000042299).
Exploring the influence of baseline rheumatoid factor levels on TNF inhibitor retention rate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre and retrospective study
Authors: López-Medina Clementina , Calvo-Gutiérrez Jerusalem , Ábalos-Aguilera M Carmen , Cepas Francisco , Plasencia-Rodríguez Chamaida , Martínez-Feito Ana , Balsa Alejandro , Faré-García Regina , Juan-Mas Antoni , Ruiz-Esquide Virginia , Sainz Luis , Díaz-Torné César , Godoy-Navarrete Francisco Javier , Añón-Oñate Isabel , Mena-Vázquez Natalia , Manrique-Arija Sara , Moreno-García Marina Soledad , Ortega-Castro Rafaela , Escudero-Contreras Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess whether the retention rate of certolizumab pegol (CZP) was longer than that of other tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) based on baseline rheumatoid factor (RF) levels.

Methods

Longitudinal, retrospective and multicentre study including patients with RA who were treated with any TNFi (monoclonal antibodies (mAB), etanercept (ETA) or CZP). Log-rank test and Cox regressions were conducted to evaluate the retention rate in the three groups according to the level of RF, with the third quartile of the baseline levels used as cut-off: <200 (<Q3) and ≥200 (≥Q3) IU/mL. A sensitivity analysis matching patients using a propensity score technique based on age, concomitant use of methotrexate and previous targeted synthetic/biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was performed to address the imbalance across groups.

Results

A total of 638 individuals and 752 treatments (132 CZP, 439 mAB and 181 ETA) were included. In non-naïve patients with ≥200 IU/mL of RF, those treated with CZP showed a significantly longer retention rate in comparison with mAB and ETA. After matching using the propensity score, patients with ≥200 IU/mL RF levels exhibited longer retention rates with CZP than with mAB (HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.3), or ETA (HR 2.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 5.2). No differences were found between groups in patients with <200 UI/mL.

Conclusions

CZP showed a longer retention rate than mAB and ETA in patients with very high RF levels (≥200 IU/mL), while these differences were absent in patients with <200 IU/mL levels. The results suggest the potential effect of RF on binding the fragment crystallisable portion of certain TNFi.
Exploring radiographic patterns of the cervical spine, including zygapophyseal joints, in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Berbel-Arcobé Laura , Benavent Diego , Michelena Xabier , Narváez José Antonio , Nolla Joan Miquel , Juanola Xavier
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The assessment of the cervical spine (CS) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and its radiographic characteristics, including the zygapophyseal joints (ZJ), may be helpful for an accurate diagnosis, establishing a prognosis and enhancing treatment decisions.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of CS involvement in patients with axSpA and perform a comparison between groups according to cervical radiographic damage.

Methods

Patients who fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria were included from January 2011 to January 2021. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiographic and treatment variables were gathered. Patients were categorised into ‘CS group’ (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index ≥2 or De Vlam score ≥3 for ZJ) and ‘no CS group’ as controls. ZJ fusion and interobserver reliability in ZJ scoring were analysed.

Results

A total of 340 patients were included, 244 (71.7%) men, with mean age 57±15 years. CS involvement was observed in 181 (53.2%) patients. Patients in the CS group, as compared with no CS group, were predominantly men, older, had a higher body mass index, higher prevalence of smoking, showed higher disease activity, worse functionality and mobility, as well as more structural damage. Sixty-nine patients with CS involvement had ZJ fusion at some level. These patients showed worse mobility and more radiographic damage. Overall, ZJ involvement was observed in 99 patients (29.1%), 20 of whom did not present with vertebral body involvement.

Conclusion

Radiographic evaluation of CS is relevant in patients with axSpA and should be assessed routinely. Evaluation of the ZJ is particularly significant, as it is related to higher disease activity and worse function.
Assessing the effectiveness of HIV/STI risk communication displays among Melbourne Sexual Health Centre attendees: a cross-sectional, observational and vignette-based study
Authors: Latt Phyu Mon , Soe Nyi Nyi , Fairley Christopher , Xu Xianglong , King Alicia , Rahman Rashidur , Ong Jason J , Phillips Tiffany R , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over the past decade underscore the need for early testing and treatment. Communicating HIV/STI risk effectively can promote individuals’ intention to test, which is critical for the prevention and control of HIV/STIs. We aimed to determine which visual displays of risk would be the most likely to increase testing or use of prevention strategies.

Methods

A vignette-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 662 clients (a median age of 30 years (IQR: 25–36), 418 male, 203 female, 41 other genders) at a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia, between February and June 2023. Participants viewed five distinct hypothetical formats, presented in a randomised order, designed to display the same level of high risk for HIV/STIs: icon array, colour-coded risk metre, colour-coded risk bar, detailed text report and guideline recommendation. They reported their perceived risk, concern and intent to test for each risk display. Associations between the format of the risk display and the intention to test for HIV/STI were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

About 378 (57%) of participants expressed that the risk metre was the easiest to understand. The risk metre (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.44, 95% CI=1.49 to 4.01) and risk bar (AOR=2.08, CI=1.33 to 3.27) showed the greatest likelihood of testing compared with the detailed text format. The icon array was less impactful (AOR=0.73, CI=0.57 to 0.94). The risk metre also elicited the most concern but was the most preferred and understood. High-risk perception and concern levels were strongly associated with their intention to have an HIV/STI test.

Conclusions

Displaying risk differently affects an individual’s perceived risk of an HIV/STI and influences their intention to test.
New UK palliative medicine consultants: clinical and non-clinical preparedness after higher specialty training
Authors: Hanchanale Sarika , Nwosu Amara Callistus , Boland Jason W
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Higher specialty trainees are expected to achieve clinical and non-clinical skills during training in preparation for a consultant role. However, evidence from many specialties from different countries suggests that new consultants are less prepared in non-clinical skills. The transition from trainee to a consultant phase can be challenging. The study aims to identify if new UK Palliative Medicine consultants, within 5 years of their appointment, feel prepared in clinical and non-clinical skills after completing specialty training and understand the support available for them.

Method

An online survey, designed using previous literature, was distributed via the Association for Palliative Medicine email and social media. Five-point Likert scales and drop-down options to record preparedness were used. Ethics approval was obtained.

Results

Forty-four participants from different UK regions completed the survey; 80% were female. The majority felt very/extremely prepared in audit (84%), clinical skills (71%), interaction with colleagues (70%). Majority moderate preparation was human resources (50%), organisation structure (68%) and leadership (52%). Most were not at all or slightly prepared in financial management (70%) and in complaint management (43%). The majority (75%) reported that departmental colleagues gave the most support in stressful situations but almost 49% did not have formal support.

Conclusion

New palliative medicine consultants require support with some non-clinical roles such as management of complaints and finances. This is consistent with findings from other specialties. New consultants would benefit from formal support. Future research could focus on how trainees could be supported to gain more experience in non-clinical domains.
Palliative care screening tools in Japan: cross-sectional utility study
Authors: Minato Mami , Kosaka Shintaro , Higuchi Masaya , Ouchi Kei
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In Japan’s ageing society, the utility of US-based and UK-based palliative care screening tools in the inpatient setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify the unmet palliative care needs of patients who are admitted to an acute care hospital using the US-based and UK-based screening tools.

Methods

This single-centre, cross-sectional study included patients who were admitted to an acute care hospital in Tokyo, Japan, from November 2019 to January 2020. We used the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicator Tool and Palliative Care Screening Tool in the Emergency Department among admitted patients.

Results

126 patients (51.6%) were screened positive in total. Among these patients, the main comorbid conditions were dementia/frailty (85.7%) and neurological disease (50.8%).

Conclusions

One out of every two internal medicine inpatients at acute care hospitals may have palliative care needs. Given the lack of adequate palliative care workforce in Japan, a modified screening tool to capture the most high-risk patients may be necessary.
Evaluation of breeding cost in the French maritime pine breeding program and perspectives for alternative strategies using molecular markers
Authors: Fugeray-Scarbel Aline , Lemarié Stéphane , Bernier Frédéric , Raffin Annie , Bouffier Laurent
Published: February 2024

The economic efficiency of conventional breeding strategies for forest trees based on biparental crosses is compared with that of alternative strategies based on pedigree reconstruction using molecular markers. Analyses of economic efficiency is based on comparisons of breeding scenarios corresponding to the same total investment. The first step is the description and cost evaluation of each basic operation, from crossing to genetic selection and clonal archive establishment. Breeding scenarios are then compared by stochastic sampling with a parametric genetic model (POPSIM), the comparison criteria in this case being genetic gain in the seed orchard for a given level of genetic diversity. Additionally, the economic gain resulting from the use of improved material is estimated for different levels of breeding investment. Our analysis shows that genotyping costs account for a much smaller proportion of total investment than phenotyping costs. We also show that, in comparisons of breeding scenarios corresponding to the same total investment, the three main breeding strategies (biparental crosses, polymix crosses, and open pollination) achieve similar genetic gains provided that sufficiently large numbers of parents are considered. These results open up promising perspectives for the wider integration of molecular markers into forest tree breeding strategies.
Effects of a thermal bath and the accelerated motion on collective transitions of two atoms in an entangled state
Authors: Zhou Chenyuan , Zhou Wenting
Published: February 2024

Transition rates of a uniformly accelerated atom coupled to a vacuum scalar field are identical with those of one being static in a thermal bath at a temperature proportional to the proper acceleration a, i.e., $$T_U=\frac{a}{2\pi }$$

T
U

=

a

2
π

. We discuss in this paper whether there exists such an equivalence in the electromagnetic field case if more atoms are involved. To be specific, we explore the similarities and distinctions between effects of a thermal bath and those of the uniformly accelerated motion by comparing the transition rates of a two-atom system initially in the symmetric or antisymmetric entangled state [$$|\psi _{\pm }\rangle $$

|

ψ
±

⟩

] in two cases, i.e., two static atoms in a thermal bath [the thermal case] and two atoms uniformly accelerated in vacuum [the acceleration case]. We discover that, for some particular orientations of atomic dipole moments, coherent radiation which happens in the acceleration case never occurs in the thermal case. The rates in the acceleration case with a low acceleration which means a low $$T_U$$

T
U

can be smaller or larger and even equal to their counterparts in the thermal case; while the rates in the acceleration case with a high acceleration which means a high $$T_U$$

T
U

are always much larger than their counterparts in the thermal case. Our results suggest that effects of a thermal bath and those of the uniformly accelerated motion on transition properties of a two-atom system in $$|\psi _{\pm }\rangle $$

|

ψ
±

⟩

are not necessarily distinctive, but can be equivalent if the acceleration is relatively low, depending on the value of the interatomic separation.
On the monodromy of holomorphic differential systems
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dumitrescu Sorin , Heller Lynn , Heller Sebastian , dos Santos João Pedro
Published: February 2024

First we survey and explain the strategy of some recent results that construct holomorphic [Formula: see text]-differential systems over some Riemann surfaces [Formula: see text] of genus [Formula: see text], satisfying the condition that the image of the associated monodromy homomorphism is (real) Fuchsian [I. Biswas, S. Dumitrescu, L. Heller and S. Heller, Fuchsian sl[Formula: see text]-systems of compact Riemann surfaces [with an appendix by Takuro Mochizuki], preprint, arXiv:org/abs/2104.04818] or some cocompact Kleinian subgroup [Formula: see text] as in [I. Biswas, S. Dumitrescu, L. Heller and S. Heller, On the existence of holomorphic curves in compact quotients of [Formula: see text], preprint, arXiv:org/abs/2112.03131]. As a consequence, there exist holomorphic maps from [Formula: see text] to the quotient space [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a cocompact lattice, that do not factor through any elliptic curve [I. Biswas, S. Dumitrescu, L. Heller and S. Heller, On the existence of holomorphic curves in compact quotients of [Formula: see text], preprint, arXiv:org/abs/2112.03131]. This answers positively a question of Ghys in [E. Ghys, Déformations des structures complexes sur les espaces homogènes de [Formula: see text], J. Reine Angew. Math. 468 (1995) 113–138]; the question was also raised by Huckleberry and Winkelmann in [A. H. Huckleberry and J. Winkelmann, Subvarieties of parallelizable manifolds, Math. Ann. 295 (1993) 469–483].

Then we prove that when [Formula: see text] is a Riemann surface, a Torelli-type theorem holds for the affine group scheme over [Formula: see text] obtained from the category of holomorphic connections on étale trivial holomorphic bundles.

After that, we explain how to compute in a simple way the holonomy of a holomorphic connection on a free vector bundle.

Finally, for a compact Kähler manifold [Formula: see text], we investigate the neutral Tannakian category given by the holomorphic connections on étale trivial holomorphic bundles over [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) stands for the affine group scheme over [Formula: see text] obtained from the category of connections (respectively, connections on free (trivial) vector bundles), then the natural inclusion produces a morphism [Formula: see text] of Hopf algebras. We present a description of the transpose of [Formula: see text] in terms of the iterated integrals.
Narasimhan–Ramanan branes and wobbly Higgs bundles
Authors: Franco Emilio , Gothen Peter B. , Oliveira André , Peón-Nieto Ana
Published: February 2024

Narasimhan–Ramanan branes, introduced by the authors in a previous paper, consist of a family of (BBB)-branes inside the moduli space of Higgs bundles, and a family of complex Lagrangian subvarieties. It was conjectured that these complex Lagrangian subvarieties support the (BAA)-branes that are mirror dual to the Narasimhan–Ramanan (BBB)-branes. In this paper, we show that the support of these branes intersects nontrivially the locus of wobbly Higgs bundles.
Harmonic metrics for the Hull–Strominger system and stability
Authors: Garcia-Fernandez M. , Gonzalez Molina R.
Published: February 2024

We investigate stability conditions related to the existence of solutions of the Hull–Strominger system with prescribed balanced class. We build on recent work by the authors, where the Hull–Strominger system is recasted using non-Hermitian Yang–Mills connections and holomorphic Courant algebroids. Our main development is a notion of harmonic metric for the Hull–Strominger system, motivated by an infinite-dimensional hyperKähler moment map and related to a numerical stability condition, which we expect to exist for families of solutions. We illustrate our theory with an infinite number of continuous families of examples on the Iwasawa manifold.
Actions of large finite groups on manifolds
Authors: Mundet i Riera Ignasi
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we survey some recent results on actions of finite groups on topological manifolds. Given an action of a finite group [Formula: see text] on a manifold [Formula: see text], these results provide information on the restriction of the action to a subgroup of [Formula: see text] of index bounded above by a number depending only on [Formula: see text]. Some of these results refer to the algebraic structure of the group, such as being abelian or nilpotent or admitting a generating subset of controlled size; other results refer to the geometry of the action, e.g. to the existence of fixed points, to the collection of stabilizer subgroups or to the action on cohomology.
Simplicity and tracial weights on non-unital reduced crossed products
Authors: Suzuki Yuhei
Published: February 2024

We extend theorems of Breuillard–Kalantar–Kennedy–Ozawa on unital reduced crossed products to the non-unital case under mild assumptions. As a result simplicity of [Formula: see text]-algebras is stable under taking reduced crossed products over discrete [Formula: see text]-simple groups, and a similar result for uniqueness of tracial weight. Interestingly, our analysis on tracial weights involves von Neumann algebra theory.

Our generalizations have two applications. The first is to locally compact groups. We establish stability results of (non-discrete) [Formula: see text]-simplicity and the unique trace property under discrete group extensions. The second is to the twisted crossed product. Thanks to the Packer–Raeburn theorem, our results lead to (generalizations of) the results of Bryder–Kennedy by a different method.