bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the symptom networks of long‐COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome: From modularity to connectionism
Authors: Hyland Michael E. , Antonacci Yuri , Bacon Alison M.
Published: July 2024

The objective was to compare the symptom networks of long‐COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in conjunction with other theoretically relevant diagnoses in order to provide insight into the etiology of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). This was a cross‐sectional comparison of questionnaire items between six groups identified by clinical diagnosis. All participants completed a 65‐item psychological and somatic symptom questionnaire (GSQ065). Diagnostically labelled groups were long‐COVID (N = 107), CFS (N = 254), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, N = 369), fibromyalgia (N = 1,127), severe asthma (N = 100) and healthy group (N = 207). The 22 symptoms that best discriminated between the six groups were selected for network analysis. Connectivity, fragmentation and number of symptom clusters (statistically related symptoms) were assessed. Compared to long‐COVID, the symptom networks of CFS, IBS and fibromyalgia had significantly lower connectivity, greater fragmentation and more symptom clusters. The number of clusters varied between 9 for CFS and 3 for severe asthma, and the content of clusters varied across all groups. Of the 33 symptom clusters identified over the six groups 30 clusters were unique. Although the symptom networks of long‐COVID and CFS differ, the variation of cluster content across the six groups is inconsistent with a modular causal structure but consistent with a connectionist (network, parallel distributed processing) biological basis of MUS. A connectionist structure would explain why symptoms overlap and merge between different functional somatic syndromes, the failure to discover a biological diagnostic test and how psychological and behavioral interventions are therapeutic.
Trade policy uncertainty and capacity utilisation rate: Firm‐level evidence from China's WTO accession
Authors: Mao Qilin , Xu Jiayun , Zhong Yiming
Published: July 2024

This paper was one of the first to explore the impact of trade policy uncertainty (TPU) reduction on Chinese firm capacity utilisation rate from the perspective of trade policy variation. Based on a quasi‐natural experiment of the implementation of Permanent Normal Trade Relation (PNTR) after China's WTO accession, this paper adopts the difference‐in‐difference (DID) method to conduct empirical analysis, and finds that reduction in TPU significantly raises firm capacity utilisation rate. The mechanism tests show that export expansion is an important channel through which reduction in TPU raises firm capacity utilisation rate, especially for firms exporting to the United States; reduction in TPU also raises firm capacity utilisation rate through the improvement of production efficiency; in addition, reduction in TPU raises firm capacity utilisation rate along the downstream linkages, whereas the effect of the upstream linkages is insignificant. Finally, this paper takes a step further to conduct empirical analysis at industry level, the results show that reduction in TPU also significantly raises manufacturing aggregate capacity utilisation rate, and the improvement of resource reallocation efficiency (especially the exit of the firms with backward production capacity) plays an important role. Our study was helpful to understand the driving forces of the changes in Chinese manufacturing capacity utilisation rate in recent years, and it also provides new ideas for solving over‐capacity.
Long‐lasting otic solution containing mometasone furoate can influence intradermal testing in dogs with healthy ears and otitis externa
Authors: Clegg Jennifer L. , Souza Clarissa P. , Sander William E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Topical therapy is preferred for otitis externa (OE) in dogs. Otic products commonly contain glucocorticoids that can be systemically absorbed and possibly interfere with diagnostic tests such as intradermal testing (IDT).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the effect of a long‐lasting otic solution containing mometasone furoate (MF) on IDT immediate reactions and to determine withdrawal time before IDT.

Animals

Seventeen dogs with healthy ears (Group 1) and 12 with OE (Group 2).

Materials and Methods

Intradermal injections of histamine, anticanine‐immunoglobulin (Ig)E and saline were subjectively and objectively evaluated before treatment and weekly for 6 weeks, after a single application of a long‐lasting otic solution containing MF.

Results

Statistically significant reductions in the mean subjective histamine scores after application of MF were observed at Weeks 1 (p = 0.012) and 2 (p = 0.028) in Group 1, and Weeks 1 (p = 0.00066), 2 (p = 0.02) and 4 (p = 0.034) in Group 2. Mean histamine objective scores were significantly reduced in Weeks 1 (p = 0.042), 2 (p = 0.0009), 3 (p = 0.001) and 5 (p = 0.018) in Group 1 only. The mean subjective anticanine‐IgE scores were significantly reduced in Week 1 in both groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.0066), respectively. There were no significant changes in the mean anticanine‐IgE objective score in either group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Application of a long‐lasting otic solution containing MF can interfere with IDT immediate reactions in healthy and OE dogs. Based on the subjective evaluation, IDT can be performed ≥2 weeks after application of the otic solution in healthy dogs, and ≥4 weeks in dogs with OE.
A multifactorial approach to war and corruption metaphors in South Asian Englishes
Authors: Garlepow Linnea , Funke Nina , Güldenring Barbara Ann
Published: July 2024

The present paper provides a corpus‐based study of war and corruption metaphors in South Asian Englishes (specifically Indian English, Bangladeshi English, Nepali English and Pakistani English). Considering the highly news‐relevant nature of these concepts, the South Asian Varieties of English corpus (SAVE2020) serves as the database. In an initial step, we outline the source domains at different levels of schematicity used to construe war and corruption, revealing the salient domains at location and person. By pursuing a multifactorial approach, this study aims at answering the question whether the choice of source domain is governed by the sociolinguistic factors gender and variety, and intra‐linguistic factors, for example, length and semantic prosody of the metaphor‐related words. It furthermore investigates whether multifactorial analyses, which are still a novelty within research on metaphor variation, constitute a suitable methodological approach. By doing so, our research demonstrates the need to complement this quantitative approach with a qualitative one that offers a more fine‐grained description of the source domains used to structure metaphorical concepts like war and corruption.
Thermal Runaway Characteristics of Ni-Rich Lithium-Ion Batteries Employing Triphenyl Phosphate-Based Electrolytes
Authors: Gao Zhenhai , Rao Shun , Wang Yupeng , Xiao Yang , Li Weifeng , Zhang Zien , Yuan Quan
Published: July 2024

Enhancing the safety performance of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries is crucial for their widespread adoption. Herein, a cost-effective and highly efficient electrolyte additive, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), demonstrates flame-retardant properties by scavenging hydrogen radicals in the flame, thereby inhibiting chain reactions and flame propagation to enhance the safety performance of graphite/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (Gr/NCM811) pouch cells. The results reveal that the capacity retention of cells without flame retardants, and those with the addition of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% TPP is 96.4%, 92.1%, 84.15%, 40.8%, and 12.4% (at 1/2C 300 cycles), respectively. Furthermore, compared to cells without flame retardants, the highest temperature during thermal runaway (TR) decreases by 8.3%, 26.9%, 35.1%, and 38.8% with the addition of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% TPP, respectively. Through comprehensive analysis of the impact of flame-retardant additives on battery electrochemical performance and safety, it is determined that the optimal addition amount is 3 wt%. At this level, there are no significant flames during battery abuse, the triggering temperature for TR increases by 26.6 ℃, and the maximum temperature decreases by 157 ℃. Moreover, even after 300 cycles at 1/2C, a capacity of 814.5 mAh is retained, with a capacity retention rate of 84.1%. This study provides valuable insights into mitigating TR in high-energy-density power batteries.
GaAs/GeSn/Ge n–i–p diodes and light emitting diodes formed via grafting
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wang Haibo , Huang Po Rei , Xu Shengqiang , Liu Yang , Gong Jiarui , Shen Jianping , Vicent Daniel , Haessly Samuel , Abrand Alireza , Mohseni Parsian K. , Kim Munho , Yu Shui-Qing , Chang Guo-En , Gong Xiao , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: July 2024

Germanium-tin (GeSn) is a promising semiconductor material for future optoelectronic devices operating at the near-infrared to mid-infrared spectral range. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of a GaAs/GeSn-MQW/Ge n–i–p heterojunction created via grafting. The improved energy barriers between GaAs and GeSn-MQW enable the diodes fabricated from the heterojunction to exhibit extraordinary rectification ratios (larger than 105) and record-low reverse-bias current density (∼10−6 A/cm2). The grafting-based LED performs as well as the epitaxially grown counterpart. The work may pave the way for future improvements of GeSn-based electronic devices.
Population pharmacokinetics of rifabutin among HIV/TB co-infected children on lopinavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Semere Gebreyesus Manna , Wasmann Roeland E. , McIlleron Helen , Oladokun Regina , Okonkwo Prosper , Wiesner Lubbe , Denti Paolo , Rawizza Holly E.
Published: July 2024

In adults requiring protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), replacing rifampicin with rifabutin is a preferred option, but there is lack of evidence to guide rifabutin dosing in children, especially with PIs. We aimed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of rifabutin and 25-O-desacetyl rifabutin (des-rifabutin) in children and optimize its dose. We included children from three age cohorts: (i) <1-year-old cohort and (ii) 1- to 3-year-old cohort, who were ART naïve and received 15- to 20-mg/kg/day rifabutin for 2 weeks followed by lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based ART with 5.0- or 2.5 mg/kg/day rifabutin, respectively, while the (iii) >3-year-old cohort was ART-experienced and received 2.5-mg/kg/day rifabutin with LPV/r-based ART. Non-linear mixed-effects modeling was used to interpret the data. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the study doses and optimize dosing using harmonized weight bands. Twenty-eight children were included, with a median age of 10 (range 0.67–15.0) years, a median weight of 11 (range 4.5–45) kg, and a median weight-for-age
z
score of −3.33 (range −5.15 to −1.32). A two-compartment disposition model, scaled allometrically by weight, was developed for rifabutin and des-rifabutin. LPV/r increased rifabutin bioavailability by 158% (95% confidence interval: 93.2%–246.0%) and reduced des-rifabutin clearance by 76.6% (74.4%–78.3%). Severely underweight children showed 26% (17.9%–33.7%) lower bioavailability. Compared to adult exposures, simulations resulted in higher median steady-state rifabutin and des-rifabutin exposures in 6–20 kg during tuberculosis-only treatment with 20 mg/kg/day. During LPV/r co-treatment, the 2.5-mg/kg/day dose achieved similar exposures to adults, while the 5-mg/kg/day dose resulted in higher exposures in children >7 kg. All study doses maintained a median
C
max
of <900 µg/L. The suggested weight-band dosing matches adult exposures consistently across weights and simplifies dosing.
Case Commentary: Extending our therapeutic range against multidrug-resistant
Candida
Authors: Adelman Max W. , Andes David R.
Published: July 2024

Deep-seated
Candida
spp. infections may necessitate extended durations of antifungal therapy. Increasing resistance to first-line antifungals threatens the most common options for long-term treatment. In this issue, Ponta et al. (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 68:e00750-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.00750-24
) present cases in which they used rezafungin, a novel long-acting echinocandin antifungal, for extended durations. While excellent clinical evidence supports the short-term safety of rezafungin, these cases demonstrate that rezafungin may additionally have a role in long-term suppressive therapy for antifungal-resistant
Candida
spp. infections.
A natural ANI gap that can define intra-species units of bacteriophages and other viruses
Authors: Aldeguer-Riquelme Borja , Conrad Roth E. , Antón Josefa , Rossello-Mora Ramon , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: July 2024

Despite the importance of intra-species variants of viruses for causing disease and/or disrupting ecosystem functioning, there is no universally applicable standard to define these. A (natural) gap in whole-genome average nucleotide identity (ANI) values around 95% is commonly used to define species, especially for bacteriophages, but whether a similar gap exists within species that can be used to define intra-species units has not been evaluated yet. Whole-genome comparisons among members of 1,016 bacteriophage (
Caudoviricetes
) species revealed a region of low frequency of ANI values around 99.2%–99.8%, showing threefold or fewer pairs than expected for an even distribution. This second gap is prevalent in viruses infecting various cultured or uncultured hosts from a variety of environments, although a few exceptions to this pattern were also observed (3.7% of total species) and are likely attributed to cultivation biases or other factors. Similar results were observed for a limited set of eukaryotic viruses that are adequately sampled, including SARS-CoV-2, whose ANI-based clusters matched well with the WHO-defined variants of concern, indicating that our findings from bacteriophages might be more broadly applicable and the ANI-based clusters may represent functionally and/or ecologically distinct units. These units appear to be predominantly driven by (high) ecological cohesiveness coupled to either frequent recombination for bacteriophages or selection and clonal evolution for other viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, indicating that fundamentally different underlying mechanisms could lead to similar diversity patterns. Accordingly, we propose the ANI gap approach outlined above for defining viral intra-species units, for which we propose the term genomovars.

IMPORTANCE

Viral species are composed of an ensemble of intra-species variants whose individual dynamics may have major implications for human and animal health and/or ecosystem functioning. However, the lack of universally accepted standards to define these intra-species variants has led researchers to use different approaches for this task, creating inconsistent intra-species units across different viral families and confusion in communication. By comparing hundreds of mostly bacteriophage genomes, we show that there is a widely distributed natural gap in whole-genome average nucleotide identity values in most, but not all, of these species that can be used to define intra-species units. Therefore, these results advance the molecular toolbox for tracking viral intra-species units and should facilitate future epidemiological and environmental studies.
Identification of HRH1 as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2: insights from viral inhibition by repurposable antihistamines
Authors: Zhong Gang , Li Jinrong , Wang Huiqing
Published: July 2024

Numerous coreceptors have been shown to facilitate hACE2-dependent or hACE2-independent infection by SARS-CoV-2. A recent study published in
mBio
by Yu et al. showed that the histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) functions as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2 via direct binding to viral spike proteins (F. Yu, X. Liu, H. Ou, X. Li, et al., mBio e01088-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01088-24
). Furthermore, they present compelling evidence that antihistamine drugs targeting HRH1 potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of repurposable antihistamines against COVID-19.
Complete genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 phage Φ241
Authors: Lu Zhongjing , Tseng Tsai-Tien
Published: July 2024

We report the genome sequence of phage Φ241 infecting
Escherichia coli
O157:H7. Phage Φ241 was isolated from an industrial cucumber fermentation at high acidity (pH 3.7) and high salinity (5% NaCl). The phage genome consists of a 157,291 bp circular double-stranded DNA with 203 coding regions and 44.96% GC content.
Immune-related colitis presenting with constipation
Authors: Malkopoulos Athanasios , Mason Robert , Pillai Sooraj , Dzienis Marcin
Published: July 2024

Anticancer immunotherapies modulate the body’s immune system to recognise and eradicate cancerous cells. However, stimulation of the body’s immune system can also lead to a number of adverse effects when those immune cells target non-cancerous cells in the form of autoimmunity. One relatively common example of this off-target action is colitis.

We present three patients who presented atypically with colitis, consequently, leading to a delayed diagnosis. These cases highlight the diverse ways a relatively common immune-related adverse event can present.
Steroid-induced psychosis: a spectrum of neuropsychiatric glucocorticoid side effects
Authors: Brito-Santana Leonor , Medinas Raquel Luís , Neves António , Gago Joaquim
Published: July 2024

Glucocorticoid-induced neuropsychiatric side effects have been known since their initial usage and frequently manifest in clinical settings. Despite this, they remain unpredictable, variable and complex to manage, impacting patient outcomes and the healthcare system.

We report a case of glucocorticoid-induced psychosis after the administration of dexamethasone post-neurosurgical intervention and its evolution with the initiation of chemotherapy. Although initially manic symptoms were prominent, with the beginning of chemotherapy psychotic symptoms dominated the clinical presentation, followed by depressive symptoms. Despite challenges in diagnosis and management, including adverse reactions to antipsychotic treatment, this case provides critical insights into the variable and dynamic nature of neuropsychiatric side effects induced by glucocorticoids.
Evaluation of the Friendship Bench’ Circle Kubatana Tose (CKT): an add-on support group intervention – a mixed-methods pilot interventional cohort study protocol
Authors: Dambi Jermaine , Shava Beatrice K , Tunduwani Tariro Dee , Chitiyo Charmaine , Takaona Tapiwa , Mashunye Thandiwe , Dzapasi Lloyd , Chibanda Dixon
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Mental disorders are endemic. However, the mental health treatment gap remains high, especially in low-resource settings. Task-shifting is a universally recommended strategy to mitigate the care gap. The Friendship Bench (FB), a task-shifting, low-intensity psychotherapy programme founded in Zimbabwe, is effective in managing anxiety and depression. The FB programme offers clients the choice of joining add-on mental health support groups known as Circle Kubatana Tose (CKT). These groups offer an opportunity for continued psychoeducation, social support and economic strengthening. However, the evidence base for the effectiveness of add-on support groups is sparse. We hypothesise that participation in CKT is associated with increased adherence to treatment regimens, social support and well-being. This mixed-methods prospective cohort study seeks to evaluate the intermediate effects (6-month follow-up) of CKT groups, including process outcome evaluation.

Methods and analysis

We will recruit participants (N=178) receiving mental healthcare from the FB in Harare primary care clinics. Follow-up assessments will occur at enrolment, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, assessing changes in common mental disorders (depression and anxiety), social support, positive psychological indices (hope and resilience), health-related quality of life, working alliance, economic outcomes (net income) and implementation outcome (feasibility, acceptability/satisfaction and uptake of services). Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive analysis, bivariate statistics, Cox proportional hazard models and generalised mixed models (maximum likelihood estimation). Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Dissemination and ethics

Ethical approval was granted by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/A/2427). The findings will inform the potential utility of add-on support groups in the management of anxiety and depression using task-shifting. Dissemination study outcomes will be disseminated in academic journals, social media, conferences and policy briefs.
Mapping regional implementation of ‘Making Every Contact Count’: mixed-methods evaluation of implementation stage, strategies, barriers and facilitators of implementation
Authors: Rodrigues Angela M , Nichol Bethany , Wilson Rob , Charlton Caroline , Gibson Beckie , Finch Tracy , Haighton Catherine , Maniatopoulos Gregory , Giles Emma , Harrison Deborah , Orange Denise , Robson Craig , Harland Jill
Published: July 2024

Background

The Making Every Contact Count (MECC) programme provides training and materials to support public-facing workers to encourage health-promoting behaviour change by using the day-to-day interactions between organisations and individuals. This project aimed to analyse MECC implementation through a comparative analysis of implementation stage, strategies used for implementation and enablers/barriers of the implementation process within a region in England—the North East and North Cumbria (NENC).

Methods

A mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted applying normalisation process theory and theoretical domains framework. MECC programme documents were reviewed and mapped against specific criteria (eg, implementation strategies). An online mapping survey was conducted to establish current implementation/delivery of MECC within NENC settings (eg, local government, healthcare and voluntary community sector). Qualitative research, using individual interviews and group discussions, was conducted to establish further understanding of MECC implementation.

Results

Our findings were informed by reviewing documents (n=5), surveying participants (n=34), interviews (n=18) and group discussions (n=48). Overall, the implementation of MECC within the region was at an early stage, with training mostly delivered between, rather than within, organisations. Qualitative findings highlighted factors that influence stakeholders to implement MECC (eg, organisational goals that were facilitated by MECC implementation, including the prevention agenda), supported resources that facilitate the implementation of MECC (eg, logic models) and enabling factors that promote MECC sustainability across the region (eg, buy-in from leadership and management).

Conclusions

The NENC MECC programme is built around regional leadership that supports the implementation process. This process evaluation identified key influences of MECC implementation across the region. We discuss evidence-based recommendation for policy and practice that can be taken forward to develop targeted strategies to support future MECC implementation. For example, a co-ordinated infrastructure and strategy is needed to combat delivery and implementation issues identified.
Cross-sectional study of cognitive impairment and visual impairment among the elderly population in residential care in India: the Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES)
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Kumbham Thirupathi Reddy , Ehrlich Joshua R , Alladi Suvarna , Bloom David E , Friedman David S
Published: July 2024

Objective

To report the relationship between visual impairment (VI) and cognitive impairment (CI) among the older population living in residential care homes in Hyderabad, India.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

41 homes for the aged centres in the Hyderabad region.

Participants

965 participants aged ≥60 years from homes for the aged centres.

Primary outcome measures

Visual impairment and cognitive impairment.

Methods

The Hindi mini-Mental Status Examination (HMSE) questionnaire was used to assess the cognitive function. The final HMSE score was calculated after excluding vision-dependent tasks (HMSE-VI). A detailed eye examination was conducted, including visual acuity (VA) measurement for distance and near vision, using a standard logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart under good illumination. CI was defined as having a HMSE-VI score of ≤17. VI was defined as presenting VA worse than 6/12 in the better-seeing eye. Near VI (NVI) was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than N8 and distance VA of 6/18 or better in the better-seeing eye. Multiple logistic regression was done to assess the association between VI and CI.

Results

The mean age (±SD) was 74.3 (±8.3) years (range: 60–97 years). There were 612 (63.4%) women, and 593 (61.5%) had a school education. In total, 260 (26.9%; 95% confidence intervals: 24.2 to 29.9) participants had CI. The prevalence of CI among those with VI was 40.5% compared with 14.6% among those without VI (p<0.01). The logistic regression analysis showed that the participants with VI for distance vision had three times higher odds of having CI (OR 3.09; 95% confidence intervals: 2.13 to 4.47; p<0.01). Similarly, participants with NVI had two times higher odds of having CI (OR 2.11; 95% confidence intervals: 1.36 to 3.29; p<0.01) after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusions

CI was highly prevalent among those with distance and near VI. VI was independently and positively associated with CI after adjusting for potential confounders. Interventions can be planned to address VI in this vulnerable population which could have a ripple effect in preventing cognitive decline.
Effects of a web application based on multimedia animations to support therapeutic exercise for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: protocol for an open-label randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pérez-Porta Irene , Flórez-García Mariano Tomás , García-Pérez Fernando , Fernández-Matías Rubén , Pérez-Manzanero M Ángeles , Araujo-Narváez Aurora María , Urraca-Gesto M Alicia , Fernández-Lagarejos César , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Pérez-Fernández Elia , Velasco-Arribas María
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is the most common cause of shoulder pain. Currently, exercise is proposed as the first-line treatment for patients suffering from RCRSP. However, adherence to therapeutic exercise programmes can be poor in the long term in a home setting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding video animations to a traditional paper-based exercise programme.

Methods and analysis

A single-centre, randomised, open-labelled clinical trial will be conducted in a hospital in Spain. Adults aged between 18 and 80 years diagnosed with RCRSP who meet the eligibility criteria will be included. Patients (n=132) will be randomised into two groups, with both receiving paper-based exercises, and the experimental group will also be provided with video animations. The participants will receive seven face-to-face physical therapy sessions and will be asked to perform the exercises at home for 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, measured at baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months (primary analysis) and 6 months. Secondary outcomes will be the patient’s pain intensity during the last week (rest, during movement and at night); expectations of improvement; satisfaction with treatment; impression of improvement; perceived usability, usefulness and satisfaction of multimedia animations; and adherence to exercises. Generalised least squares regression models with an autoregressive-moving average lag one correlation structure will be implemented, with an intention-to-treat analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (Madrid, Spain), reference number CI18/16. All participants will sign an informed consent. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT05770908.
Development of machine learning models predicting mortality using routinely collected observational health data from 0-59 months old children admitted to an intensive care unit in Bangladesh: critical role of biochemistry and haematology data
Authors: Das Subhasish , Erdman Lauren , Brals Daniella , Boczek Bartlomiej , Hasan S M Tafsir , Massara Paraskevi , Alam Md Ashraful , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Mahfuz Mustafa , Hoogendoorn Mark , Zuiderent-Jerak Teun , Bandsma Robert H J , Ahmed Tahmeed , Voskuijl Wieger
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) generates complex data where machine learning (ML) modelling could be beneficial. Using routine hospital data, we evaluated the ability of multiple ML models to predict inpatient mortality in a paediatric population in a low/middle-income country.

Method

We retrospectively analysed hospital record data from 0-59 months old children admitted to the ICU of Dhaka hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Five commonly used ML models- logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, elastic net, gradient boosting trees (GBT) and random forest (RF), were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Top predictors were selected using RF mean decrease Gini scores as the feature importance values.

Results

Data from 5669 children was used and was reduced to 3505 patients (10% death, 90% survived) following missing data removal. The mean patient age was 10.8 months (SD=10.5). The top performing models based on the validation performance measured by mean 10-fold cross-validation AUROC on the training data set were RF and GBT. Hyperparameters were selected using cross-validation and then tested in an unseen test set. The models developed used demographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemistry and haematological data for mortality prediction. We found RF consistently outperformed GBT and predicted the mortality with AUROC of ≥0.87 in the test set when three or more laboratory measurements were included. However, after the inclusion of a fourth laboratory measurement, very minor predictive gains (AUROC 0.87 vs 0.88) resulted. The best predictors were the biochemistry and haematological measurements, with the top predictors being total CO2, potassium, creatinine and total calcium.

Conclusions

Mortality in children admitted to ICU can be predicted with high accuracy using RF ML models in a real-life data set using multiple laboratory measurements with the most important features primarily coming from patient biochemistry and haematology.
Disability and long-term breathlessness: a cross-sectional, population study
Authors: Kochovska Slavica , Ferreira Diana , Chang Sungwon , Brunelli Vanessa , Morgan Deidre , Similowski Thomas , Johnson Miriam , Ekström Magnus , Currow David
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Disability, resulting from altered interactions between individuals and their environment, is a worldwide issue causing inequities and suffering. Many diseases associated with breathlessness cause disability but the relationship between disability and the severity of breathlessness itself is unknown.

This study evaluated associations between disability using the WHO’s Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 and levels of long-termbreathlessness limiting exertion.

Methods

This population-based, cross-sectional online survey (n=10 033) reflected the most recent national census (2016) by age, sex, state/territory of residence and rurality. Assessments included self-reported disability (WHODAS 2.0 12-item (range 12 (no disability) to 60 (most severe disability)) assessed in 6 domains) and long-termbreathlessness limiting exertion(modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale; 0–4 (4—most severe)). Days in the last month affected by breathlessness were reported.

Results

Of respondents (52% women; mean age 45), mean total disability score was 20.9 (SD 9.5). 42% (n=4245) had mMRC >0 (mMRC1 31% (n=3139); mMRC2 8% (n=806); mMRC3,4 3% (n=300)). Every level of long-termbreathlessness limiting exertionwas associated with greater levels of disability (total p <0.001; each domain p <0.001). The most compromised domains wereMobilityandParticipation.

In the last 30 days, people with severe breathlessness (mMRC 3–4): experienced disability (20 days); reduced activities/work (10 days); and completely forwent activities (another 5 days).

Conclusions

Disability should be in the definition of persistent breathlessness as it is systematically associated with long-termbreathlessness limiting exertionin a grade-dependent, multidimensional manner. Disability should be assessed in people with long-term breathlessness to optimise their social well-being and health.
Circulating T cell status and molecular imaging may predict clinical benefit of neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in oral cancer
Authors: Wondergem Niels E , Miedema Iris H C , van de Ven Rieneke , Zwezerijnen Gerben J C , de Graaf Pim , Karagozoglu K Hakki , Hendrickx Jan-Jaap , Eerenstein Simone E J , Bun Rolf J , Mulder Dorien C , Voortman Jens , Boellaard Ronald , Windhorst Albert D , Hagers J Pascal , Peferoen Laura A N , de Gruijl Tanja D , Bloemena Elisabeth , Brakenhoff Ruud H , Leemans C René , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt C Willemien
Published: July 2024

Background

Addition of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition to standard-of-care interventions for locally advanced oral cancer could improve clinical outcome.

Methods

In this study, 16 evaluable patients with stage III/IV oral cancer were treated with one dose of 480 mg nivolumab 3 weeks prior to surgery. Primary objectives were safety, feasibility, and suitability of programmed death receptor ligand-1 positron emission tomography (PD-L1 PET) as a biomarker for response. Imaging included18F-BMS-986192 (PD-L1) PET and18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET before and after nivolumab treatment. Secondary objectives included clinical and pathological response, and immune profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for response prediction. Baseline tumor biopsies and postnivolumab resection specimens were evaluated by histopathology.

Results

Grade III or higher adverse events were not observed and treatment was not delayed in relation to nivolumab administration and other study procedures. Six patients (38%) had a pathological response, of whom three (19%) had a major (≥90%) pathological response (MPR). Tumor PD-L1 PET uptake (quantified using standard uptake value) was not statistically different in patients with or without MPR (median 5.3 vs 3.4). All major responders showed a significantly postnivolumab decreased signal on FDG PET. PBMC immune phenotyping showed higher levels of CD8+T cell activation in MPR patients, evidenced by higher baseline expression levels of PD-1, TIGIT, IFNγ and lower levels of PD-L1.

Conclusion

Together these data support that neoadjuvant treatment of advanced-stage oral cancers with nivolumab was safe and induced an MPR in a promising 19% of patients. Response was associated with decreased FDG PET uptake as well as activation status of peripheral T cell populations.
Acknowledging and addressing real-world challenges to treating immune-related adverse events
Authors: von Itzstein Mitchell S , Gerber David E , Bermas Bonnie L , Meara Alexa
Published: July 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized oncology treatment. However, their success is mitigated by the recognition that ICI-induced immune-related adverse events (irAEs) pose considerable challenges to patients and clinicians. These autoimmune toxicities are heterogeneous, unpredictable, and reflect a disease state resulting from a change in the immune system of patients. This contrasts with the typical acute nature of toxicities from chemotherapy and molecularly targeted oncology therapies. Management is further complicated by the extended bioavailability of these agents in patients as well as the persistence of autoimmune pathology. Currently, irAE treatment remains suboptimal in many areas, as many expert guidelines remain vague on the optimal selection, dosing, and duration of steroids and the use of other immunosuppressive agents. This coupled with delays in diagnosis and difficulties for patients accessing effective irAE treatment results in barriers to effective irAE care. The latter is complicated by the lack of US Food and Drug Administration-approved irAE treatments that lead to insurance denials, as well as the high cost of biological immunosuppressant therapies. Fortunately, rheumatologists and other subspecialists with expertize in the management of chronic autoimmune conditions have become more involved in irAE diagnosis and management and may help navigate treatment. In this commentary, we discuss these issues and propose potential solutions to advance the field.
Non-cigarette tobacco products, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor gene methylation and smoking-related health outcomes
Authors: Eckhardt Christina M , Balte Pallavi , Morris Jack E , Bhatt Surya P , Couper David , Fetterman Jessica , Freedman Neal , Jacobs David R , Hou Lifang , Kalhan Ravi , Liu Yongmei , Loehr Laura , Lutsey Pamela L , Schwartz Joseph E , White Wendy , Yende Sachin , London Stephanie J , Sanchez Tiffany R , Oelsner Elizabeth C
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cigarette smoking leads to altered DNA methylation at the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene. However, it remains unknown whether pipe or cigar smoking is associated with AHRR methylation. We evaluated associations of non-cigarette tobacco use with AHRR methylation and determined if AHRR methylation was associated with smoking-related health outcomes.

Methods

Data were pooled across four population-based cohorts that enrolled participants from 1985 to 2002. Tobacco exposures were evaluated using smoking questionnaires. AHRR cg05575921 methylation was measured in peripheral blood leucocyte DNA. Spirometry and respiratory symptoms were evaluated at the time of methylation measurements and in subsequent visits. Vital status was monitored using the National Death Index.

Results

Among 8252 adults (mean age 56.7±10.3 years, 58.1% women, 40.6% black), 4857 (58.9%) participants used cigarettes and 634 (7.7%) used non-cigarette tobacco products. Exclusive use of non-cigarette tobacco products was independently associated with lower AHRR methylation (−2.44 units, 95% CI −4.42 to −0.45), though to a lesser extent than exclusive use of cigarettes (−6.01 units, 95% CI −6.01 to −4.10). Among participants who exclusively used non-cigarette tobacco products, reduced AHRR methylation was associated with increased respiratory symptom burden (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.68) and higher all-cause mortality (log-rank p=0.02).

Conclusion

Pipe and cigar smoking were independently associated with lower AHRR methylation in a multiethnic cohort of US adults. Among users of non-cigarette tobacco products, lower AHRR methylation was associated with poor respiratory health outcomes and increased mortality. AHRR methylation may identify non-cigarette tobacco users with an increased risk of adverse smoking-related health outcomes.
Constraints on Tsallis cosmology using recent low and high redshift measurements
Authors: Mendoza-Martínez M. L. , Cervantes-Contreras A. , Trejo-Alonso J. J. , Hernandez-Almada A.
Published: July 2024

Recently Tsallis cosmology has been presented as a novel proposal for alleviating both $$H_0$$

H
0

and $$\sigma _8$$

σ
8

tensions. Hence a universe filled with matter and radiation as perfect fluids and considering the Tsallis entropy is confronted using recent cosmological measurements coming from cosmic chronometers, type Ia supernovae, hydrogen II galaxies, quasars, and baryon acoustic oscillations. Following a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis and combining the samples, we constrain the main characteristic parameters $$\alpha = 1.031^{+0.054}_{-0.051}$$

α
=
1
.

031

-
0.051

+
0.054

and $$\delta = 1.005^{+0.001}_{-0.001}$$

δ
=
1
.

005

-
0.001

+
0.001

where the uncertainties are $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

confidence level. Additionally, we estimate the current deceleration parameter $$q_0=-0.530^{+0.018}_{-0.017}$$

q
0

=
-
0
.

530

-
0.017

+
0.018

, the deceleration-acceleration transition redshift $$z_T=0.632^{+0.028}_{-0.028}$$

z
T

=
0
.

632

-
0.028

+
0.028

and the age of the universe $$\tau _U = 12.637^{+0.067}_{-0.066}\,\textrm{Gyrs}$$

τ
U

=
12
.

637

-
0.066

+
0.067

Gyrs

which are in agreement with the standard cosmology ($$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM) within $$1.5\sigma $$

1.5
σ

. Furthermore, we find that the dark energy equation of state is consistent with both phantom and quintessence behaviors within $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

in the past and converging to $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM in the future. Additionally, we find agreement values of $$H_0$$

H
0

within $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

with the SH0ES values when the CMB distance priors are added to the analysis, suggesting that $$H_0$$

H
0

tension could be alleviated. Finally, Tsallis cosmology is preferred over $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM by the combined data that motives further studies at the perturbation level.
A novel study of analytical solutions of some important nonlinear fractional differential equations in fluid dynamics
Authors: Özkan Ayten , Özkan Erdoĝan Mehmet
Published: July 2024

The space-time fractional Burger-like equation and the space-time coupled Boussinesq equation with conformable derivative, both of which are significant in fluid dynamics, are investigated in this work using the improved [Formula: see text] method. The process works effectively and produces soliton solutions. The method was successfully and consistently implemented with Maple, a symbolic computing tool. The solutions also contain a few of graphics. Numerous novel exact solutions to these equations, distinct from those found earlier with the proposed approach, have been provided. The study’s findings add to the body of knowledge by offering insightful justifications for various types of nonlinear systems. The results demonstrated the value of the proposed method as a mathematical tool and the ease, dependability, and speed increases that result from carrying out these tasks using a symbolic computing program. Notably, it applies to many nonlinear evolution problems in mathematical physics.
EFFECTS OF SYMBIOTIC BACTERIA IN PATHOGENIC INTERACTIONS: THE CASE OF BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS AND PSEUDOMONAS SP. IN AMPHIBIAN POPULATIONS
Authors: GEISER VILLAVICENCIO-PULIDO , ÁNGELA NELSON-LÓPEZ , ITZEL DOMÍNGUEZ-ALEMÁN , CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ-GÓMEZ JUAN
Published: July 2024

The decline in amphibian populations in recent decades may be linked to the occurrence of infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, which is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). It is known that symbiotic bacteria protect the host due to their inhibitory nature. However, how the population dynamics of amphibians is affected by additional effects provided by symbiotic bacteria has not been analyzed in depth. In this paper, a model is proposed to describe the interaction among susceptible amphibians, susceptible amphibians with symbiotic bacteria and amphibians with chytrid fungus. When the modeling takes into account the additional reproductive benefits that the symbiont Pseudomonas sp. grants to the host, multiple endemic equilibrium points can exist if [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the basic reproduction number for Bd). In this scenario, the existence of a subcritical bifurcation at [Formula: see text], which can occur in two different disease-free equilibrium points, gives rise to complex dynamics and stability scenarios. Particularly, the analysis of the model shows that a sudden increase of fungus-infected amphibians can occur even when [Formula: see text] due to bistability phenomena. In this scenario, the existence of a subcritical bifurcation, which translates for the fungus into colonization even for values of [Formula: see text] less than one, represents an advantage for the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis since the pathogen should benefit from remaining as close as possible to an endemic equilibrium. To control the fungal infection, [Formula: see text] must be reduced to a value below one until the endemic equilibrium points disappear. Finally, we show that the amphibian population can reach a critical population level close to an extinction scenario when [Formula: see text] increases.
FRACTAL PEAK POWER ANALYSIS ON NOMA WAVEFORMS USING THE PTS METHOD FOR DIFFERENT SUB-CARRIERS: APPLICATIONS IN 5G AND BEYOND
Authors: NANTHAAMORNPHONG AZIZ , KUMAR ARUN , MAASHI MASHAEL , MARAY MOHAMMED , EBAD SHOUKI A. , ALSHAHRANI HAYA MESFER , ALQUDAH ASSAL , SHARMA SANJEEV
Published: July 2024

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) waveforms need to be tested for their performance and effectiveness using partial transmit sequence (PTS) techniques and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) analysis. This is an important part of the advanced radio framework. This paper examines the PAPR features of NOMA systems using PTS with different sub-carrier configurations (64, 256, and 512). We examine BER, PSD, and PAPR distributions by modeling NOMA waveforms with PTS to understand the impact of different sub-carrier counts on signal complexity and efficiency. The findings shed light on how sub-carrier quantity affects PAPR statistics and offer guidance on the best way to design NOMA waveforms for improved spectral efficiency and reduced signal distortion. The simulation results show that by lowering the PAPR while maintaining the BER performance, the suggested system performs better than the traditional PAPR algorithm.
Video Unsupervised Domain Adaptation with Deep Learning: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Xu Yuecong , Cao Haozhi , Xie Lihua , Li Xiao-li , Chen Zhenghua , Yang Jianfei
Published: July 2024

Video analysis tasks such as action recognition have received increasing research interest with growing applications in fields such as smart healthcare, thanks to the introduction of large-scale datasets and deep learning based representations. However, video models trained on existing datasets suffer from significant performance degradation when deployed directly to real-world applications due to domain shifts between the training public video datasets (source video domains) and real-world videos (target video domains). Further, with the high cost of video annotation, it is more practical to use unlabeled videos for training. To tackle performance degradation and address concerns in high video annotation cost uniformly, video unsupervised domain adaptation (VUDA) is introduced to adapt video models from the labeled source domain to the unlabeled target domain by alleviating video domain shift, improving the generalizability and portability of video models. This article surveys recent progress in VUDA with deep learning. We begin with the motivation of VUDA, followed by its definition, and recent progress of methods for both closed-set VUDA and VUDA under different scenarios, and current benchmark datasets for VUDA research. Eventually, future directions are provided to promote further VUDA research. The repository of this survey is provided at
https://github.com/xuyu0010/awesome-video-domain-adaptation
.