bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical validation of a semi-automated methodology for quantitative measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater collected in northern New England
Authors: Robbins Ashlee A. , Gallagher Torrey L. , Toledo Diana M. , Hershberger K. Chase , Salmela Sabrina M. , Barney Rachael E. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Tsongalis Gregory J. , Martin Isabella W. , Hubbard Jacqueline A. , Lefferts Joel A.
Published: May 2024

Wastewater
-
based epidemiology (WBE) can be used to monitor the community presence of infectious disease pathogens of public health concern such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Viral nucleic acid has been detected in the stool of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections make community monitoring difficult without extensive and continuous population screening. In this study, we validated a procedure that includes manual pre-processing, automated SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction and detection workflows using both reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR). Genomic RNA and calibration materials were used to create known concentrations of viral material to determine the linearity, accuracy, and precision of the wastewater extraction and SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. Both RT-qPCR and RT-ddPCR perform similarly in all the validation experiments, with a limit of detection of 50 copies/mL. A wastewater sample from a care facility with a known outbreak was assessed for viral content in replicate, and we showed consistent results across both assays. Finally, in a 2-week survey of two New Hampshire cities, we assessed the suitability of our methods for daily surveillance. This paper describes the technical validation of a molecular assay that can be used for long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as a potential tool for community surveillance to assist with public health efforts.

IMPORTANCE

This paper describes the technical validation of a molecular assay that can be used for the long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as a potential tool for community surveillance to assist with public health efforts.
Analyzing the characteristics of respiratory microbiota after the placement of an airway stent for malignant central airway obstruction
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhou Yunzhi , Huang Yan , Li Xiaoli , Zhang Jieli , Gao Yongping , Qin Fang , Fu Huaixiu , Wang Shufang , Niu Anan , Guo Ruinan
Published: May 2024

Malignant central airway stenosis is treated with airway stent placement, but post-placement microbial characteristics remain unclear. We studied microbial features in 60 patients post-stent placement, focusing on changes during granulation tissue proliferation. Samples were collected before stent (
N
= 29), after stent on day 3 (
N
= 20), and after granulation tissue formation (AS-GTF,
N
= 43). Metagenomic sequencing showed significant respiratory tract microbiota changes with granulation tissue. The microbiota composition, dominated by
Actinobacteria
,
Firmicutes
, and
Proteobacteria
, was similar among the groups. At the species level, the AS-GTF group exhibited significant differences, with
Peptostreptococcus stomatis
and
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
enriched. Analysis based on tracheoesophageal fistula presence identified
Tannerella forsythia
and
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
as the main differential species, enriched in the fistula subgroup. Viral and fungal detection showed
Human gammaherpesvirus 4
and
Candida albicans
as the main species, respectively. These findings highlight microbiota changes after stent placement, potentially associated with granulation tissue proliferation, informing stent placement therapy and anti-infective treatment optimization.

IMPORTANCE

Malignant central airway stenosis is a life-threatening condition that can be effectively treated with airway stent placement. However, despite its clinical importance, the microbial characteristics of the respiratory tract following stent insertion remain poorly understood. This study addresses this gap by investigating the microbial features in patients with malignant central airway stenosis after stent placement, with a specific focus on microbial changes during granulation tissue proliferation. The findings reveal significant alterations in the diversity and structure of the respiratory tract microbiota following the placement of malignant central airway stents. Notably, certain bacterial species, including
Peptostreptococcus stomatis
and
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
, exhibit distinct patterns in the after-stent granulation tissue formation group. Additionally, the presence of tracheoesophageal fistula further influences the microbial composition. These insights provide valuable references for optimizing stent placement therapy and enhancing clinical anti-infective strategies.
Bilateral optic disc collaterals secondary to high-flow dural arteriovenous fistula: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kulkarni Irlekar Sampada Dattatray , Kekunnaya Ramesh , Sachdeva Virender
Published: May 2024

A man in his 80s, with a history of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease, presented with bilateral painless progressive vision loss 2 years prior. His examination showed subnormal best corrected visual acuity of 20/50 and 20/80 in the right eye and left eye (LE), respectively, grade II relative afferent pupillary defect in LE, normal anterior segment, intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and defective colour vision in both eyes (BE). Fundus examination revealed optic disc pallor, disc collaterals and grade 2 hypertensive retinopathy in BE. Automated perimetry showed advanced field loss in BE. MRI of the brain and orbits with contrast showed signs of raised intracranial pressure, and magnetic resonance angiogram of the brain showed multiple arterio-venous channels along with the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses. The patient was referred to a neuroradiologist for further evaluation, and cerebral angiogram confirmed multifocal high-flow dural arterio-venous fistulae at right jugular foramen, transverse and sigmoid sinuses. He underwent Onyx liquid embolization.
Robot-assisted lymphovenous anastomosis surgery for lymphocele in the groin
Authors: Lilja Caroline , Thomsen Jørn Bo , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: May 2024

We present the first-in-human robot-assisted microsurgery on a lymphocele in the groin involving a man in his late 60s who had been coping with the condition for 12 months. Despite numerous efforts at conservative treatment and surgical intervention, the lymphocele persisted, leading to a referral to our clinic.

Diagnostic techniques, including indocyanine green lymphography and ultrasound, identified one lymphatic vessel draining into the lymphocele. The surgical intervention, conducted with the assistance of a robot and facilitated by the Symani Surgical System (Medical Microinstruments, Calci, Italy), involved a lymphovenous anastomosis and excision of the lymphocele. An end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the lymphatic and venous vessels measuring 1 mm in diameter, using an Ethilon 10-0 suture.

The surgery was successful, with no postoperative complications and a prompt recovery. The patient was discharged 3 days postoperatively and exhibited complete recovery at the 14-day follow-up. This case marks the first use of robot-assisted microsurgical lymphovenous anastomosis to address a groin lymphocele, highlighting the benefit of advanced robotic technology in complex lymphatic surgeries.
Cardiovascular toxicity of immune therapies for cancer
Authors: Palaskas Nicolas L , Ali Hyeon-Ju , Koutroumpakis Efstratios , Ganatra Sarju , Deswal Anita
Published: May 2024

In addition to conventional chemoradiation and targeted cancer therapy, the use of immune based therapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T), has increased exponentially across a wide spectrum of cancers. This has been paralleled by recognition of off-target immune related adverse events that can affect almost any organ system including the cardiovascular system. The use of ICIs has been associated with myocarditis, a less common but highly fatal adverse effect, pericarditis and pericardial effusions, vasculitis, thromboembolism, and potentially accelerated atherosclerosis. CAR-T resulting in a systemic cytokine release syndrome has been associated with myriad cardiovascular consequences including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding adverse cardiovascular effects associated with ICIs and CAR-T.
Total skin self-examination at home for people treated for cutaneous melanoma: development and pilot of a digital intervention
Authors: Murchie Peter , Allan Julia L , Brant William , Dennis Matthew , Hall Susan , Masthoff Judith , Walter Fiona M , Johnston Marie
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To develop a digital intervention to prompt, support, and respond to the outcomes of total skin self-examinations (TSSEs) at home by people treated for cutaneous melanoma.

Design

A complex intervention development study.

Setting

Northeast Scotland.

Participants

Semistructured scoping interviews; people previously treated for cutaneous melanoma (n=21). Pilot testing: people treated for melanoma stages 0–2C (n=20); general practitioners (n=6); and a nurse specialist in dermatology (n=1).

Intervention

A tablet-based digital intervention designed to prompt and support TSSEs comprising instructional videos and electronic reporting (including photographs) to a clinical nurse specialist in dermatology, with subsequent clinical triage.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Qualitative assessment of intervention feasibility and acceptability, and quantitative assessment of intentions and confidence to perform TSSEs in pilot participants.

Results

The majority of pilot participants were strongly positive and adhered well to the intervention (n=15), with 7 of these reporting symptoms of concern at some point during the 6-month pilot. 4 patients complied intermittently, 3 reporting skin problems at least once during the pilot, and 1 withdrew. 2 patients underwent skin surgery as a result of participating in the pilot, with 1 diagnosed as having a recurrent melanoma and the other, a benign lesion. A number of practical issues to improve the usability of the intervention were identified. The proportion of participants reporting intention to check their skin at least monthly increased during the intervention as did confidence to conduct a skin check.

Conclusions

People previously treated for cutaneous melanoma are prepared to use digital technology to support them in conducting TSSE. An intervention has been developed which is practical, effective and safe, and after addressing minor practical issues, could now be evaluated for clinical outcomes in a randomised clinical trial.
Development of skills-based competencies for forensic nurse examiners providing elder abuse care
Authors: Du Mont Janice , Kosa Daisy , Macdonald Sheila , Elliot Shannon , Yaffe Mark
Published: May 2024

Objective

As a critical step in advancing a comprehensive response to elder abuse built on existing forensic nursing-led hospital-based programmes, we developed a list of skills-based competencies for use in an Elder Abuse Nurse Examiner curriculum.

Participants and setting

Programme leaders of 30 hospital-based forensic nursing-led sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

149 verbatim recommendations for components of an elder abuse response were identified from a systematic scoping review. In 2 online Delphi consensus survey rounds, these components of care were evaluated by an expert panel for their overall importance to the elder abuse intervention under development and for their appropriateness to the scope of practice of an elder abuse nurse examiner. The components retained after evaluation were translated into skills-based competencies using Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning and, using the Nominal Group Technique, were subsequently reviewed and revised by a subset of members of the expert panel in a consensus meeting.

Results

Of the 148 recommendations evaluated, 119 were rated as important and achieved consensus or high level of agreement. Of these, 101 were determined to be within the scope of practice of an Elder Abuse Nurse Examiner and were translated into skills-based competencies. Following review and revision by meeting experts, 47 final competencies were organised by content into 5 metacompetencies: documentation, legal and legislative issues; interview with older adult, caregiver and other relevant contacts; assessment; medical and forensic examination; and case summary, discharge plan and follow-up care.

Conclusions

We determined the skills-based competencies of importance to training forensic nurse examiners to respond to elder abuse in the context of a hospital-based intervention. These findings may have implications for violence and abuse treatment programmes with a forensic nursing component that are considering the provision of a dedicated response to the abuse of older women and men.
Study protocol: the biologics in severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps survey
Authors: Favier Valentin , Daveau Clémentine , Carsuzaa Florent , Fieux Maxime , Vandersteen Clair , Castillo Laurent , Papon Jean Francois , de Gabory Ludovic , Saroul Nicolas , Verillaud Benjamin , Rumeau Cécile , Jankowski Roger , Michel Justin , de Bonnecaze Guillaume , Lecanu Jean-Baptiste , Coste Andre , Béquignon Emilie , Malard Olivier , Mortuaire Geoffrey
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a frequent condition affecting approximately 2% of the population. Medical treatment consists long-term use of intranasal corticosteroids and short-term use of oral corticosteroids, in adjunct with saline solution rinses. Surgical management is proposed in patients who failed after medical treatment. In France, two biologics are reimbursed in case of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP despite medical treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery. Waiting for head-to-head biologics comparison, studies should report the efficacy and safety of biologics in large real-life cohorts. This study protocol describes the aims and methods of a prospective, observational, national, multicentric cohort of patients with CRSwNP treated with biologics.

Methods and analysis

The BIOlogics in severe nasal POlyposis SurvEy is a French multicentre prospective observational cohort study. The main aim is to assess the efficacy and tolerance of biologics in patients with CRSwNP, with or without association with other type 2 diseases, and to determine the strategies in case of uncontrolled disease under biologics. Patients over 18 years old requiring biologics for CRSwNP in accordance with its marketing approval in France (ie, severe nasal polyposis, with lack of control under nasal corticosteroid, systemic corticosteroids and surgery) are invited to participate. Collected data include topical history of surgical procedures and biologics, medication and use of systemic corticosteroids, visual analogical scales for specific symptoms, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 questionnaire, nasal polyp score, asthma control test, Lund-Mackay score on CT scan and IgE concentration and eosinophilic count on blood sample.

Trial registration

NCT05228041/DRI_2021/0030.
Effect of an in-hospital medication self-management intervention (SelfMED) on medication adherence in polypharmacy patients postdischarge: protocol of a pre–post intervention study
Authors: Mortelmans Laura , Goossens Eva , Dilles Tinne
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Healthcare providers usually manage medication for patients during hospitalisation, although patients are expected to self-manage their medication after discharge. A lack of self-management competencies is found to be associated with low adherence levels and medication errors harming patients’ health. Currently, patients seldom receive support or education in medication self-management. When self-management is allowed during hospitalisation, it is rarely provided using a structured, evidence-based format. Therefore, an in-hospital medication self-management intervention (ie, SelfMED) was developed based on current evidence. To date, empirical data demonstrating the effect of SelfMED on medication adherence are lacking. This study primarily aims to evaluate the effect of the SelfMED intervention on medication adherence 2 months postdischarge in polypharmacy patients, as compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre pre–post intervention study will be conducted. The study will start with a control phase investigating usual care (ie, medication management entirely provided by healthcare providers), followed by an intervention period, investigating the effects of the SelfMED intervention. SelfMED consists of multiple components: (1) a stepped assessment evaluating patients’ eligibility for in-hospital medication self-management, (2) a monitoring system allowing healthcare providers to follow up medication management and detect problems and (3) a supportive tool providing healthcare providers with a resource to act on observed problems with medication self-management. Polymedicated patients recruited during the control and intervention periods will be monitored for 2 months postdischarge. A total of 225 participants with polypharmacy should be included in each group. Medication adherence 2 months postdischarge, measured by pill counts, will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include self-management, medication knowledge, patient and staff satisfaction, perceived workload and healthcare service utilisation.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethics committee of the Antwerp University Hospital approved the study (reference no: B3002023000176). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and summaries in layman’s terms.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15132085.
Influence of paternal preconception health on pregnancy, intrapartum, postpartum and early childhood outcomes: protocol for a parallel scoping review
Authors: Dennis Cindy-Lee , Abbass-Dick Jennifer , Birken Catherine , Dennis-Grantham Alistair , Goyal Deepika , Singla Daisy , Letourneau Nicole , McQueen Karen , Shorey Shefaly , Dol Justine
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Preconception care is the provision of behavioural, social or biomedical interventions to women and couples prior to conception. To date, preconception research has primarily focused on maternal health, despite the male partner’s contribution before birth to both short-term and long-term child outcomes. The objectives of the reviews are: (1) to identify, consolidate and analyse the literature on paternal preconception health on pregnancy and intrapartum outcomes, and (2) to identify, consolidate and analyse the literature on paternal preconception health on postpartum and early childhood outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL databases will be searched for articles published in English. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and then full text using Covidence, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data extraction will be performed using Covidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as presented at relevant national and international conferences and meetings.
Preventing postnatal depression in new mothers using telephone peer support: protocol for the DAISY (Depression and AnxIety peer Support studY) multi-centre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shafiei Touran , McLachlan Helen L , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Nicholson Jan M , Nguyen Tram , Shiell Alan , Nguyen Cattram D , Grimes Heather , Bee Jessica , Adams Catina , Callander Emily , Forster Della A
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Postnatal depression affects up to one in six new mothers in Australia each year, with significant impacts on the woman and her family. Prevention strategies can be complicated by a woman’s reluctance to seek professional help. Peer support is a promising but inadequately tested early intervention. Very few trials have reported on the efficacy of peer support in the perinatal period and no study has been undertaken in Australia. We will explore if proactive telephone-based peer (mother-to-mother) support, provided to women identified as being at high risk of postnatal depression, impacts on clinically significant depressive symptomatology at 6 months postpartum.

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a single-blinded, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Eligible women will be recruited from either the postnatal units of two maternity hospitals, or around 4 weeks postpartum at maternal and child health centres within two metropolitan council areas. A total of 1060 (530/group) women will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either—usual care, to receive the standard community postpartum services available to them, or the intervention group, to receive proactive telephone-based support from a peer volunteer for 6 months, in addition to standard community services. Primary outcome: clinically significant depressive symptomatology at 6 months postpartum as measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes: symptoms of anxiety and/or stress, health-related quality of life, loneliness, perception of partner support, self-rated parenting, child health and development, infant feeding and health service use. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention relative to standard care will also be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from La Trobe University, St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, Northern Health, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Victorian Department of Education and Training. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before randomisation. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and a higher degree thesis.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619000684123; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
Pharmacists in Trauma: a randomised controlled trial of emergency medicine pharmacists in trauma response teams
Authors: Roman Cristina , Dooley Michael , Fitzgerald Mark , Smit De Villiers , Cameron Peter , Mitra Biswadev
Published: May 2024

Background

Analgesia is an important component for patient well-being, but commonly delayed during trauma resuscitation. The Pharmacists in Trauma trial assessed the effects of integrating pharmacists into trauma response teams to improve analgesia delivery and medication management.

Methods

This unblinded randomised trial compared emergency medicine (EM) pharmacist involvement in trauma callouts versus standard care at an Australian level 1 trauma centre. Randomisation was performed via an online single sequence randomisation service. Eligible patients included those managed with a trauma callout during working hours of an EM pharmacist. Pharmacists were able to prescribe medications using a Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting model. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had first dose analgesia within 30 min compared using the χ2test.

Results

From 15 July 2021 until 31 January 2022, there were 119 patients randomised with 37 patients excluded as no analgesia was required. There were 82 patients included for analysis, 39 in the control arm and 43 in the intervention arm. The primary outcome was achieved in 25 (64.1%) patients in the control arm and 36 (83.7%) patients in the pharmacist arm (relative risk 1.31; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.71; p=0.042). Time to analgesia in the control arm was 28 (22–35) mins and 20 (15–26 mins) with pharmacist involvement; p=0.025. In the pharmacist arm, the initial dose of analgesia was prescribed by the pharmacist for 38 (88.4%) patients. There were 27 other medications prescribed by the pharmacist for the management of these patients. There were no differences in emergency and trauma centre or hospital length of stay.

Conclusion

Addition of the EM pharmacist in trauma response teams improved time to analgesia. Involvement of an EM pharmacist in trauma reception and resuscitation may assist by optimising medication management, with members of the team more available to focus on other life-saving interventions.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000338864.
Combined analysis of albumin in situ hybridisation and C reactive protein immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: towards a molecular classification paradigm
Authors: Albrecht Thomas , Rossberg Annik , Rose Fabian , Breuhahn Kai , Baumann Eva-Marie , Tóth Marcell , Brinkmann Fritz , Charbel Alphonse , Vogel Monika Nadja , Köhler Bruno , Mehrabi Arianeb , Büchler Markus Wolfgang , Singer Stephan , Solass Wiebke , Straub Beate , Schirmacher Peter , Roessler Stephanie , Goeppert Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Aims

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a diagnosis of exclusion that can pose a challenge to the pathologist despite thorough clinical workup. Although several immunohistochemical markers have been proposed for iCCA, none of them reached clinical practice. We here assessed the combined usage of two promising diagnostic approaches, albumin in situ hybridisation (Alb-ISH) and C reactive protein (CRP) immunohistochemistry, for distinguishing iCCA from other adenocarcinoma primaries.

Methods

We conducted Alb-ISH and CRP immunohistochemistry in a large European iCCA cohort (n=153) and compared the results with a spectrum of other glandular adenocarcinomas of different origin (n=885). In addition, we correlated expression patterns with clinicopathological information and mutation data.

Results

Alb-ISH was highly specific for iCCA (specificity 98.8%) with almost complete negativity in perihilar CCA and only rare positives among other adenocarcinomas (sensitivity 69.5%). CRP identified the vast majority of iCCA cases (sensitivity 84.1%) at a lower specificity of 86.4%. Strikingly, the combination of CRP and Alb-ISH boosted the diagnostic sensitivity to 88.0% while retaining a considerable specificity of 86.1%. Alb-ISH significantly correlated with CRP expression, specific tumour morphologies and small or large duct iCCA subtypes. Neither Alb-ISH nor CRP was associated with iCCA patient survival. 16 of 17 recurrent mutations in either IDH1, IDH2 and FGFR2 affected Alb-ISH positive cases, while the only KRAS mutation corresponded to an Alb-ISH negative case.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we propose a sequential diagnostic approach for iCCA, integrating CRP immunohistochemistry and Alb-ISH. This may improve the accuracy of CCA classification and pave the way towards a molecular-guided CCA classification.
Investigating somatic variants and pathways in mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal carcinoma in South Africa
Authors: Aldera Alessandro Pietro , van der Westhuizen Jana , Tsai Wan-Jung , Krause May J , Yildiz Safiye , Pillay Komala , Boutall Adam , Ramesar Raj
Published: May 2024

Aims

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and an emerging public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Several authors have described an increased frequency of mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) CRC in sub-Saharan Africa, but these tumours remain poorly characterised molecularly. We sought to interrogate the somatic molecular genetic landscape of dMMR CRC in a cohort of young patients to better inform Lynch syndrome (LS) screening strategies and personalised medicine approaches in our setting.

Methods

32 patients (aged <60 years) were identified with dMMR CRC. DNA was extracted from selected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue resection samples and subjected to amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in the corresponding MMR gene in 14 of 18 (78%) MLH1/PMS2-deficient tumours, 5 of 8 (63%) MSH2/MSH6-deficient tumours, 1 of 4 (25%) tumours with isolated MSH6 loss and 0 of 2 tumours with isolated PMS2 loss. Previously unreported variants were identified inMLH1(three) andMSH2(one). Cases with a variant allele frequency suggesting a germline mutation were identified inMLH1(eight),MSH2(two) andMSH6(one). Only one MMR gene variant was detected in more than one patient (MLH1p.Q510*). FourPOLE/POLD1exonuclease domain variants were identified, one of which was previously unreported.

Conclusion

The spectrum of disease-causing MMR gene variants in our population necessitates NGS testing for LS screening. This study also highlights the role of somatic testing on readily available FFPE samples to generate data on the epidemiology of CRC in different settings.
Neurorights in question: rethinking the concept of mental integrity
Authors: Blumenthal-Barby Jennifer , Ubel Peter
Published: May 2024

The idea of a ‘right to mental integrity’, sometimes referred to as a ‘right against mental interference,’ is a relatively new concept in bioethics, making its way into debates about neurotechnological advances and the establishment of ‘neurorights.’ In this paper, we interrogate the idea of a right to mental integrity. First, we argue that some experts define the right to mental integrity so broadly that rights violations become ubiquitous, thereby trivialising some of the very harms the concept is meant to address. Second, rights-based framing results in an overemphasis on the normative importance of consent, implying that neurointerventions are permissible in cases where people consent to have their mental states influenced or read off, a confidence in consent that we argue is misguided. Third, the concept often collapses the ethics of brain inputs and brain outputs, potentially resulting in a loss of important conceptual nuance. Finally, we argue that the concept of a right to mental integrity is superfluous—what is wrong with most violations of mental integrity can be explained by existing concepts such as autonomy, manipulation, privacy, bodily rights, surveillance, harm and exploitation of vulnerabilities. We conclude that bioethicists and policy-makers ought to either make use of these concepts rather than arguing for the existence of a new right, or they need to avoid making rights violations ubiquitous by settling on a narrower and more rigorous definition of the right.
Immediate response in markers of inflammation and angiogenesis during exercise: a randomised cross-over study in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Yardley Marianne , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Michelsen Annika , Bjørkelund Elisabeth , Gullestad Lars , Nytrøen Kari
Published: May 2024

Background

The present study explored and compared the immediate responses in markers of inflammation and angiogenesis in maintenance heart transplant (HTx) recipients before, during and after sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The study aimed to explain some of the trigger mechanisms behind HIT in HTx recipients.

Methods

This cross-over study included 14 HTx patients (mean±SD age: 53±13 years; time since HTx, 3±2 years). All participants underwent baseline blood samples and a cardiopulmonary exercise test during their first visit. The next two visits included one HIT session and one MICT session, in randomised order. Blood samples were taken during and after each exercise session. Myokines and inflammatory markers related to vascular inflammation, blood-platelet activation and modulation of angiogenesis were analysed.

Results

The main findings in this study were (1) exercise, regardless of intensity, induced a significant immediate response in several vascular, angiogenetic and in particular platelet-derived inflammatory mediators in HTx recipients. (2) HIT showed trends to induce an increased response in von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-1 and angiopoetin-2, and a decreased response in growth differentiation factor-15, compared with MICT.

Conclusions

This pattern and in particular the trend towards an increased angiogenetic mediator response could contribute to the beneficial effects of HIT in HTx recipients.

Trial registration number

NCT02602834.
US adolescents’ response to nicotine warning labels in influencer e-cigarette marketing social media posts: a survey-based randomised between-subject experiment
Authors: Vassey Julia , Vogel Erin A , Unger Jennifer B
Published: May 2024

Background

E-cigarette promotional posts with misleading nicotine warning labels on social media may lower adolescents’ risk perceptions of e-cigarettes. A between-subject experiment assessed effects of influencers’ e-cigarette promotional posts with different nicotine warning labels on adolescents’ e-cigarette harm perceptions, susceptibility to e-cigarette use and perceptions of influencer credibility.

Methods

In 2022, adolescents (N=1864, Mage=17 (SD=0.6)) were randomised to view six images and videos featuring influencers promoting e-cigarettes in one of five experimental conditions: two conditions with a ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ warning label (placed on an e-cigarette in the post or at the top of the post), two conditions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nicotine warning label (on an e-cigarette in the post or at the top of the post (control)) and one no-label condition. Participants rated influencers’ credibility (eg, honesty). Harm perceptions of, and susceptibility to use, e-cigarettes were then assessed.

Results

Participants who viewed posts with the FDA warning label at the top of the post perceived influencers as more honest, trustworthy and informed than in all the other conditions. E-cigarette never-users who viewed posts with a ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ warning label pictured on an e-cigarette (compared with the FDA label at the top of a post) were more likely to report susceptibility to e-cigarette use (adjusted OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.73).

Conclusions

Alterations of the required nicotine warning labels can make them less effective in deterring e-cigarette use behaviour. Tobacco control authorities could increase enforcement of the FDA-required nicotine warning labels and harness influencers for antitobacco messaging.
Robert Millikan, Japanese internment, and eugenics
Authors: Hales Thomas
Published: May 2024

Robert A. Millikan (1868–1953) was the second American to win the Nobel Prize in physics. At the peak of his influence, no scientist save Einstein was more admired by the American public. Millikan, the head of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) during its first 24 years, oversaw its rapid growth into one of the leading scientific institutions of the world. However, in response to demands for social justice following the murder of George Floyd, Caltech launched an investigation into Millikan. Caltech reached a decision to strip Millikan of honors (such as the library named after him), following accusations from various sources that he was a sexist, racist, xenophobic, antisemitic, pro-eugenic Nazi sympathizer. In short, Caltech threw the book at him. This article analyzes two accusations against Millikan. The first of these accusations was published in Nature: that he collaborated to deprive Japanese Americans of their rights during their forced relocation to internment camps during the Second World War. An examination of original historical sources will show that this accusation is false. On the contrary, Millikan actively campaigned during the war to promote the rights of Japanese Americans. This article traces the stages of misrepresentation that led to current false beliefs about Millikan. In view of Millikan’s extraordinary position in American science, this misrepresentation is a cautionary tale. The article also treats Caltech’s central accusation against Millikan: he lent his name to “a morally reprehensible eugenics movement” that had been scientifically discredited in his time. The article considers the statements purporting to show that eugenics movement had been denounced by the scientific community by 1938. In a reversal of Caltech’s claims, all three of Caltech’s scientific witnesses against eugenics—including two Nobel laureates—were actually pro-eugenic to varying degrees. This article concludes that Millikan’s beliefs fell within acceptable scientific norms of his day.
Comprehensive theoretical investigation of NaAlX (X=C, Si and Ge) half-Heusler compounds: Unveiling the multifaceted properties for advanced applications
Authors: Menaria Ghanshyam Lal , Rani Upasana , Kamlesh Peeyush Kumar , Rani Monika , Singh Nihal , Sharma Dinesh C. , Verma Ajay Singh
Published: May 2024

In this work, we have extensively investigated the characteristics of ternary half-Heusler (HH) materials, specifically NaAlX (X[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C, Si and Ge), employing ab-initio computations in density functional theory (DFT) framework. Various aspects, including stability parameters, electronic, optical and thermoelectric (TE) parameters have been examined. The computed lattice constants of NaAlX (X[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C, Si and Ge) were found to be, respectively, 5.398, 6.301 and 6.389[Formula: see text]Å which are in excellent agreement with the previously available data. The electronic band structures showed that the studied materials exhibit semiconducting behavior with a corresponding band gap of 1.961, 0.999 and 0.846[Formula: see text]eV, respectively. Specifically, NaAlC and NaAlGe compounds were found to have a direct energy band gap at the [Formula: see text]-point, while NaAlSi displayed an indirect band gap at the [Formula: see text]–X point. Elastic and thermodynamic parameters were examined, confirming that the titled compounds possess mechanical, dynamic and thermal stability. Additionally, the optical response of the materials has been analyzed within an energy range of 0–13[Formula: see text]eV. The TE parameters exhibited maximum ZT values of 0.998, 0.992 and 0.990 for NaAlX (X[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C, Si and Ge) materials, respectively, at 300[Formula: see text]K, suggesting promising TE performance at room temperature.
Gyrotactic bio-magneto-convective combined impacts on magnetorheological hybrid nanoflow: Microbial life on surfaces’ application
Authors: Sreenivasulu P. , Poornima T. , Souayeh Basma
Published: May 2024

Magnetorheological fluid with self-driven ubiquitous motile organisms was affected by various physical factors such as hydrodynamics, dispersion, and distribution of organisms. These fascinating properties attracted us to work on this paper, a Casson hybrid nanoflow model exploring the dynamic behavior of microorganisms along spongy extensible surfaces taking Ohmic heating and chemical reaction into account. Further, the heat transfer phenomena are analyzed in the presence of thermal radiation and space and time-dependent energy sources/sinks. The nanoflow has its base methanol and a mixture of iron and aluminum oxides is suspended. Flow obeying mathematical model is solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg technique along with the shooting method after imposing self-similarity transformation. Results of various pertinent parameters on the flow characteristic quantities and engineering quantities are portrayed and presented through graphs and tables. Iron oxide methanol nanofluid shows supremacy over hybrid nanoflows as speed is considered, whilst the opposite phenomenon is observed in the case of energy. Hybrid nanoflow makes the surface friction-free. Microorganism concentration difference improvement also helps in the intensification of motile organism growth.
Improved slip mechanism and convective heat impact for ternary nanofluidic flowing past a riga surface
Authors: Gangadhar Kotha , Sangeetha Rani M. , Wakif Abderrahim
Published: May 2024

This study of electro-magneto-hydrodynamics has great significance due to its numerous applications like chromatography, fluid pumping, micro coolers and fluid stirring thermal reactors and flow regulation in fluidics systems. Subject to upper functions on electrical magnetic field, the consequences of electromagnetic initiation into ternary nanofluids flow through the Riga plate were noticed. Furthermore, this ternary hybrid nanofluid flow was based on the effect on slip condition, uniform heat source, convective energy and thermal radiation. The ternary hybrid nanofluid was built from the scattering of silver, copper and copper oxide nanoparticles by this base fluid blood. This phenomenon had been formed by the model of the system in partial differential equations; it was made easy in the dimensionless nonlinear structure of ordinary differential equations by employing comparison substitutions. This result on the acquired set of the differential equations was simulated over the bvp4c method. It has been discovered that the ternary hybrid nanofluid velocity is essentially lower along the differing numbers of permeable media, although it amplifies along the upshot on the Hartmann number. Moreover, an enhanced heat transport rate of up to 14% was marked for the triple nanoparticle nanofluid by relating it to another nanofluid and establishing an excellent behavior on triple nanoparticle nanofluids.
Revealing More Hidden Attractors from a New Sub-Quadratic Lorenz-Like System of Degree 6 5
Authors: Wang Haijun , Pan Jun , Ke Guiyao
Published: May 2024

In the sense that the descending powers of some certain variables may widen the range of parameters of self-excited and hidden attractors, this technical note proposes a new three-dimensional Lorenz-like system of degree [Formula: see text]. In contrast to the previously studied one of degree [Formula: see text], the newly reported one creates more hidden Lorenz-like attractors coexisting with the unstable origin and a pair of stable node-foci in a broader range of parameters, which confirms the generalization of the second part of the celebrated Hilbert’s 16th problem once more. In addition, some other dynamics, i.e. Hopf bifurcation, the generic and degenerate pitchfork bifurcation, invariant algebraic surface, first integral, singularly degenerate heteroclinic cycle with nearby chaotic attractor, ultimate bounded set and existence of a pair of heteroclinic orbits, are discussed.
Multiscale Effects of Predator–Prey Systems with Holling-III Functional Response
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Yu Caihui , Wang Hongbin , Li Xianghong
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we proposed a Holling-III predator–prey model considering the perturbation of slow-varying, carrying capacity parameters. The study aims to address how the slow changes in carrying capacity influence the dynamics of the model. Based on the bifurcation theory and the slow–fast analysis method, the existence and the equilibrium of the autonomous system are explored, and then, the critical condition of Hopf bifurcation and transcritical bifurcation is established for the autonomous system. The slow–fast coupled nonautonomous system has quasiperiodic oscillations, single Hopf bursting oscillations, and transcritical–Hopf bursting oscillations within a certain range of perturbation amplitude variation if the carrying capacity perturbation amplitude crosses some critical values, such that the predator–prey management is challenging for the extinction of predator populations under the critical value. The motion pattern of the nonautonomous system is closely related to the transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and attractor type of the autonomous system. Finally, the effects of changes in parameters related to predator aggressiveness on system behavior are investigated. These results show how crucial the predator–prey control is for varying carrying capacities.
Global Dynamics of Two-Species Amensalism Model with Beddington–DeAngelis Functional Response and Fear Effect
Authors: Zhu Qun , Chen Fengde , Li Zhong , Chen Lijuan
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates a two-species amensalism model that includes the fear effect on the first species and the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response. The existence and stability of possible equilibria are investigated. Under different parameters, there exist two stable equilibria which means that this model is not always globally asymptotically stable. Together with the existence of all possible equilibria and their stability, saddle connection and close orbits, we derive some conditions for transcritical bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation. Furthermore, global dynamics analysis of the model is performed. It is observed that under certain parameter conditions, when the intensity of the fear effect is below a certain threshold value, as the fear effect increases it will only reduce the density of the first species population and will have no influence the extinction or existence of the first species population. However, when the fear effect exceeds this threshold, the increase of the fear effect will accelerate the extinction of the first species population. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to validate theoretical results.
Homoclinic Bifurcations and Chaotic Dynamics in a Bistable Vibro-Impact SD Oscillator Subject to Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Jia Lele , Li Shuangbao , Kou Liying , Wu Kongran
Published: May 2024

This paper studies the effect of Gaussian white noise on homoclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of a bistable, vibro-impact Smooth-and-Discontinuous (SD) oscillator. First, the SD oscillator is reproduced and generalized by installing a slider on a fixed rod, so the slider is connected by a pair of linear springs initially pre-compressed in the vertical direction to achieve bistable vibration characteristics, and two screw nuts are installed on the rod as two adjustable bilateral rigid constraints to generate the vibro-impact. A discontinuous dynamical equation with a map defined on switching boundaries to represent velocity loss during each collision is derived to describe the vibration pattern of the bistable, vibro-impact SD oscillator through studying the persistence of the unique, unperturbed, nonsmooth, homoclinic structure. Second, the general framework of random Melnikov process for a class of bistable, vibro-impact systems contaminated with Gaussian white noise is derived and employed through the corresponding Melnikov function to obtain the necessary parameter thresholds for homoclinic tangency and possible chaos of the bistable, vibro-impact SD oscillator. Third, the effectiveness of a semi-analytical prediction by the Melnikov function is verified using the largest Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation series, and 0–1 test. Finally, the sensitivity to the initial values of chaos is verified by the fractal attractor basins, and the influence of the Gaussian white noise on periodic and chaotic structures is studied through Poincaré mapping to show the rich dynamical geometric structures.
Mapping the Multiscale Proteomic Organization of Cellular and Disease Phenotypes
Authors: Cesnik Anthony , Schaffer Leah V. , Gaur Ishan , Jain Mayank , Ideker Trey , Lundberg Emma
Published: May 2024

While the primary sequences of human proteins have been cataloged for over a decade, determining how these are organized into a dynamic collection of multiprotein assemblies, with structures and functions spanning biological scales, is an ongoing venture. Systematic and data-driven analyses of these higher-order structures are emerging, facilitating the discovery and understanding of cellular phenotypes. At present, knowledge of protein localization and function has been primarily derived from manual annotation and curation in resources such as the Gene Ontology, which are biased toward richly annotated genes in the literature. Here, we envision a future powered by data-driven mapping of protein assemblies. These maps can capture and decode cellular functions through the integration of protein expression, localization, and interaction data across length scales and timescales. In this review, we focus on progress toward constructing integrated cell maps that accelerate the life sciences and translational research.