bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cat–wildlife interactions and zoonotic disease risk: a call for more and better community science data
Authors: Szentivanyi Tamara , Oedin Malik , Rocha Ricardo
Published: December 2023

Due to their close interaction with both wildlife and humans, free‐ranging domestic animals are well‐suited to act as conveyors of zoonotic pathogens. Yet, although cats Felis catus are major predators of bats and other groups of zoonotic concern (e.g., rodents and birds), mounting evidence suggests that their role in the emergence of zoonotic diseases may be unappreciated. Here, we use bat–cat information extracted from the popular iNaturalist platform as a case in point to illustrate the potential of community science and social media to expand our understanding of pet‐wildlife interactions. Although observations of cats preying on bats were more prevalent in Europe and North America, evidence of such interactions was documented across different geographic regions, revealing a relatively high incidence of bat predation by cats and providing evidence of cat–bat interactions previously unreported in the scientific literature. The lack of surveillance focused on cats and other pets as bridging hosts for zoonotic spillover events is concerning, considering the recognised risks they pose. Community science is a relatively untapped source of information for pet‐wildlife interactions of zoonotic relevance. It is crucial that we gain a better understanding of the interaction between free‐ranging pets and wildlife to better understand their potential contribution to past and future disease outbreaks. Failing to do so not only jeopardises human health but also puts pets at risk.
Will automation and robotics lead to more inequality?
Authors: Brezis Elise S. , Rubin Amir
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new framework for analyzing automation, robotics, and high‐tech, which differs from the canonical model of technological progress by incorporating the higher education system. The main difference is that there is not just one type of skilled workers, but two types, and there is not one type of education but two ‐ elite universities and standard ones. The gap between these two types of education is called ‘elitism gap’. The ‘elitism gap’ in the higher‐education sector enables a separation of individuals by their abilities. Since the economy is divided between low‐tech and high‐tech sectors, the elitism gap leads to a separating equilibrium in which, high‐ability workers graduating from top universities work in the high‐tech sector, while low‐ability workers, graduate from standard universities and work in the low‐tech industries. In consequence, human capital in both industries is different, which leads to wage inequality. We then analyze the effects of an increased use of robotics on inequality. We show that robots affect the “matching effect” between abilities and education, and in consequence, inequality increases. We also show that wages and productivity gaps between high‐tech and low‐tech sectors are fueled by the elitism gap in higher education. This leads to heterogeneity in human capital, and therefore to an increase in wage inequality. We develop an index of the elitism gap, and show a positive correlation between the index of elitism gap and inequality in OECD countries.
Superspreading the word
Authors: Streumer Bart
Published: December 2023

Quasi‐realists are expressivists who say much of what realists say. To avoid making their view indistinguishable from realism, however, they usually stop short of saying everything realists say. Many realists therefore think that something important is missing from quasi‐realism. I argue that quasi‐realists can undermine this thought by defending a version of quasi‐realism that I call super‐quasi‐realism. This version seems indistinguishable from realism, but I argue that this is a mistaken impression that arises because we cannot believe super‐quasi‐realism.
Filifactor alocis enhances survival of Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 in response to H2O2‐induced stress
Authors: Mishra Arunima , Dou Yuetan , Wang Charles , Fletcher Hansel M
Published: December 2023

A dysbiotic microbial community whose members have specific/synergistic functions that are modulated by environmental conditions, can disturb homeostasis in the subgingival space leading to destructive inflammation, plays a role in the progression of periodontitis. Filifactor alocis, a gram‐positive, anaerobic bacterium, is a newly recognized microbe that shows a strong correlation with periodontal disease. Our previous observations suggested F. alocis to be more resistant to oxidative stress compared to Porphyromonas gingivalis. The objective of this study is to further determine if F. alocis, because of its increased resistance to oxidative stress, can affect the survival of other ‘established’ periodontal pathogens under environmental stress conditions typical of the periodontal pocket. Here, we have shown that via their interaction, F. alocis protects P. gingivalis W83 under H2O2‐induced oxidative stress conditions. Transcriptional profiling of the interaction of F. alocis and P. gingivalis in the presence of H2O2‐induced stress revealed the modulation of several genes, including those with ABC transporter and other cellular functions. The ABC transporter operon (PG0682–PG0685) of P. gingivalis was not significant to its enhanced survival when cocultured with F. alocis under H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. In F. alocis, one of the most highly up‐regulated operons (FA0894–FA0897) is predicted to encode a putative manganese ABC transporter, which in other bacteria can play an essential role in oxidative stress protection. Collectively, the results may indicate that F. alocis could likely stabilize the microbial community in the inflammatory microenvironment of the periodontal pocket by reducing the oxidative environment. This strategy could be vital to the survival of other pathogens, such as P. gingivalis, and its ability to adapt and persist in the periodontal pocket.
Factors Associated with Re‐Displacement after Nonsurgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Adults: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhao Hong‐zhou , Chen Jian‐ge , Zhang Hai‐ning , Xing Jia‐hui , Liu Ming‐jun , Wang Wei‐min
Published: December 2023

Objective

Closed reduction combined with external fixation is a frequently utilized approach for treating distal radial fractures in adults. Nonetheless, the potential for re‐displacement following external fixation remains. Analyzing the factors influencing re‐displacement after nonsurgical treatment of distal radial fractures in adults is vital for preventing re‐displacement and making prognostic assessments.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 884 patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment for distal radius fractures in the reduction room of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine at Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China, between July 2019 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups, namely displaced and nondisplaced, based on radiographic outcomes. Factors affecting fracture re‐displacement were examined, including sex, age, side, AO/OTA type, external fixation, and radiographic outcomes at pre‐reduction and immediate reduction. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for fracture re‐displacement, and ROC curves were constructed.

Results

Among the 884 patients, 563 (63.69%) experienced re‐displacement after fracture reduction. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups in terms of gender, external fixation method, and palmar tilt angle at pre‐reduction and immediate reduction, while significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in age, side, AO/OTA type, and radial inclination, radial length, and radiographic outcomes of ulnar variance at pre‐reduction and immediate reduction. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.027, p < 0.001), AO/OTA type (OR = 2.327, p = 0.005), ulnar variance at pre‐reduction (OR = 1.142, p = 0.048), and ulnar variance at immediate reduction (OR = 1.685, p < 0.001) were significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with re‐displacement following nonoperative treatment of adult distal radius fractures. For patients aged ≥60 years, the amount of missing radiographic outcomes was positively correlated with age. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that age ≥65.5 years, ulnar variance >3.26 mm at pre‐reduction, and ulnar variance >2.055 mm at immediate reduction were high‐risk factors for fracture re‐displacement.

Conclusions

Nonsurgical treatment of distal radius fractures exhibits a higher rate of re‐displacement. Age, AO/OTA type, pre‐reduction, and immediate reduction ulnar variance are key factors predicting fracture re‐displacement.
A fluid relationship: Calcineurin inhibitors and pericardial effusions
Authors: Westbroek Mark Lee , Rahim Mahvish Qureshi , Ross Michael Marshall , Rahrig April Leigh
Published: December 2023

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a common and effective treatment for multiple malignant and non‐malignant pediatric conditions. Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of HSCT that can be prevented with prophylactic use of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) immunosuppressants. A complication of HSCT and CNI use is pericardial effusion (PEF), which is frequently treated by CNI discontinuation with or without surgical intervention. No studies to date have evaluated the management of PEF without CNI discontinuation as a means of preventing GVHD flares.

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, we reviewed the management of PEF in pediatric patients post‐HSCT who received conservative or surgical intervention with or without CNI discontinuation between May 2012 and June 2022.

Results

Of the patients found to have PEF, all were given tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis. Management of PEF included surgical intervention for 83% of patients, and CNI was not discontinued for 83%. None of the patients developed GVHD during the management of PEF.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that continuation of CNI therapy for GVHD prophylaxis did not negatively impact the disease course of PEF in post‐HSCT patients.
Punishing or praising gossipers: How people interpret the motives driving negative gossip shapes its consequences
Authors: Testori Martina , Dores Cruz Terence D. , Beersma Bianca
Published: December 2023

Sharing negative gossip has been found to be pivotal for fostering cooperation in social groups. The positive function gossip serves for groups suggests that gossipers should be rewarded for sharing useful information. In contrast, gossip is commonly perceived negatively, meaning that gossipers incur more social costs than benefits. To solve this puzzle, we argue that whether receivers interpret gossip as stemming from pro‐social versus pro‐self motives shapes their reactions towards gossipers. We conducted a pre‐registered experimental vignette study (n = 1188) in which participants received negative gossip statements, which we manipulated to reflect either pro‐self or pro‐social motives. Supporting our predictions, receivers were more likely to mistakenly interpret negative pro‐social gossip as stemming from pro‐self motives than vice versa. Nevertheless, receivers with a higher ability to overcome intuition were better able to correctly interpret negative gossip as driven by pro‐self and pro‐social motives. Furthermore, results showed that when receivers interpreted negative gossip as pro‐socially (vs. pro‐selfishly) motivated, they trusted gossipers more and gossip targets less (for behavioral as well as attitudinal measures of trust).
The concept of sufficiency in conditional frequentist inference
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Welsh A. H.
Published: December 2023

We consider inference about the parameter that determines the distribution of the data. In frequentist inference a very important and useful idea is that data reduction to a sufficient statistic does not lose any information about this parameter. We recall two justifications for this idea in frequentist inference. We then examine the extent to which these justifications carry over to conditional frequentist inference inference, which consists of carrying out frequentist inference conditional on an ancillary statistic. This examination shows that, in the context of conditional frequentist inference, first reducing data to a sufficient statistic is not always justified, so we should first condition on an ancillary statistic. Finally, we describe two types of practically important statistical models that illustrate this finding.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the noncytomegalovirus herpesviruses
Authors: Wormser Vanessa R. , Agudelo Higuita Nelson Iván , Ramaswami Ramya , Melendez Dante P.
Published: December 2023

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and other cellular therapies have significantly improved outcomes in the management of multiple hematological and nonhematological malignancies, the resulting impairment in humoral and cellular response increases the risk for opportunistic infection as an undesirable side effect. With their ability to establish latent infection and reactivate when the host immune system is at its weakest point, the Herpesviridae family constitutes a significant proportion of these opportunistic pathogens. Despite recent advancements in preventing and managing herpesvirus infections, they continue to be a common cause of significant morbidity and mortality in transplanted patients. Herein, we aim to provide and update on herpesvirus other than cytomegalovirus (CMV) affecting recipients of HSCT and other cellular therapies.
Infections in children following chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Diamond Yonatan , Gilsenan Maddie , Wang Stacie Shiqi , Hanna Diane , Conyers Rachel , Cole Theresa , Hughes David , Fleming Jacqueline , Meyran Deborah , Toro Claudia , Malalasekera Vajiranee , Khaw Seong Lin , Haeusler Gabrielle M.
Published: December 2023

Background

CD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy is transforming care for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). There are limited pediatric‐specific data concerning the infection risks associated with CD19 CAR‐T therapy and the adequacy of current antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines for these patients.

Methods

We describe the antimicrobial prophylaxis used and the types of infectious occurring in the first 100 days following CAR‐T therapy for relapsed or refractory B‐cell ALL in children and adolescents (≤18 years) at our centre.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients received their first CAR‐T infusion (CTI) during the study period. Almost all patients (96%) had a comprehensive Infectious Diseases review prior to CTI, which informed a personalised prophylaxis or fever/sepsis plan in six (22%). Overall, six (22%) patients had one or more infections during the study period including five (19%, 0.9 per 100 days‐at‐risk) from days 0–30 and three (n = 20, 15%, 0.6 per 100 days‐at‐risk) from days 31–100. Bacterial blood stream infections were the most common type of infection encountered during both time periods, and one patient had probable pulmonary aspergillosis. There were no infection‐related deaths.

Conclusion

Our study contributes important information on the spectrum of infections encountered in pediatric patients with B‐ALL post CAR‐T therapy. Overall, the burden of infectious complications post CAR‐T therapy in our cohort is lower than previously reported in the literature. Results suggest that our prophylaxis recommendations are effective in this population.
Qualitative analysis of Canadian blood and plasma donors' views on expanding donor screening eligibility for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Woo Hyunjin , Fisher William , Kohut Taylor , Haw Jennie
Published: December 2023

Background

In many countries, sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) continue to be screened based on their sex or gender and the sex or gender of their sexual partner. However, there is growing support that screening based on specific sexual behaviors that pose risk of transfusion transmissible infection is a better approach to donor screening.

Study Design and Methods

This paper reports results from Phase 1 (qualitative) of a mixed‐methods study on Canadian blood and plasma donors' views on expanding eligibility for gbMSM by changing to sexual behavior‐based screening. Semistructured interview data with 40 donors (whole blood = 20, plasma = 20; male = 21, female = 18, nonbinary = 1; mean age = 46.2; 10% participation rate) in Canada were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

All participants, except one, supported the change as they anticipated that at least one of three outcomes would be achieved: increasing blood supply, enhancing equity, and improving or maintaining the safety of blood supply. One donor who was more skeptical of the change questioned the scientific evidence for the change and indicated mistrust of state institutions. The discussion considers implications for blood operators' communication strategies that can be used to reduce donor discomfort with the changes to donor screening.

Conclusion

In a nonrandom, purposive sample of 40 Canadian blood and plasma donors, most participants held favorable views regarding expanding the eligibility of gbMSM donors based on sexual risk behavior. Understanding donors' views on increasing eligibility may inform Canadian Blood Services and other blood operators as they develop their communications plans.
Estimating the landlocked penalty for international trade
Authors: Gyawali Pratistha
Published: December 2023

This paper studies the effect of being landlocked on international trade flows in the manufacturing sector. The study overcomes the empirical challenge of using a country‐specific variable ‘landlocked’, within a structural gravity framework in the presence of importer and exporter fixed effects. Results show that the impact of being landlocked for manufactured goods trade is highly negative and statistically significant. Such effect is higher for low‐income landlocked countries compared to high‐income landlocked countries. The impact of being landlocked on manufactured goods trade declined in 2005 compared to 1980. A series of robustness checks further confirm the estimates.
Child mask mandates for COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Sandlund Johanna , Duriseti Ram , Ladhani Shamez N , Stuart Kelly , Noble Jeanne , Høeg Tracy Beth
Published: December 2023

Background

Mask mandates for children during the COVID-19 pandemic varied in different locations. A risk-benefit analysis of this intervention has not yet been performed. In this study, we performed a systematic review to assess research on the effectiveness of mask wearing in children.

Methods

We performed database searches up to February 2023. The studies were screened by title and abstract, and included studies were further screened as full-text references. A risk-of-bias analysis was performed by two independent reviewers and adjudicated by a third reviewer.

Results

We screened 597 studies and included 22 in the final analysis. There were no randomised controlled trials in children assessing the benefits of mask wearing to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection or transmission. The six observational studies reporting an association between child masking and lower infection rate or antibody seropositivity had critical (n=5) or serious (n=1) risk of bias; all six were potentially confounded by important differences between masked and unmasked groups and two were shown to have non-significant results when reanalysed. Sixteen other observational studies found no association between mask wearing and infection or transmission.

Conclusions

Real-world effectiveness of child mask mandates against SARS-CoV-2 transmission or infection has not been demonstrated with high-quality evidence. The current body of scientific data does not support masking children for protection against COVID-19.
Does Hispanic ethnicity play a role in outcomes for diverticular surgery in the USA?
Authors: Kelley Jesse K , Kelly Kathrine , Reed Charles , Winkler Nathan , Parker Jessica , Ogilvie James
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate whether origins of ethnicity affect the outcomes of surgery for diverticulitis in the USA.

Design

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme database from 2008 to 2017 was used to identify patients undergoing colectomy for diverticulitis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, procedural details and outcomes were captured and compared by ethnicity status.

Results

A total of 375 311 surgeries for diverticulitis were included in the final analysis. The average age of patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis remained consistent over the time frame of the study (62 years), although the percentage of younger patients (age 18–39 years) rose slightly from 7.8% in 2008 to 8.6% in 2017. The percentage of surgical patients with Hispanic ethnicity increased from 3.7% in 2008 to 6.6% of patients in 2017. Hispanic patients were younger than their non-Hispanic counterparts (57 years vs 62 years, p<0.01) at time of surgery. There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of laparoscopic cases (51% vs 49%, p<0.01), elective cases (62% vs 66%, p<0.01) and the unadjusted rate of postoperative mortality (2.8% vs 3.4%, p<0.01) between Hispanic patients compared with non-Hispanic patients, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models did not identify Hispanic ethnicity as a significant predictor for increased morbidity (p=0.13) or mortality (p=0.80).

Conclusion

Despite a significant younger population undergoing surgery for diverticulitis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with increased rates of emergent surgery, open surgery or postoperative complications compared with a similar non-Hispanic population.
Naturally nutrient rich (NNR) score and the risk of colorectal cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Hassanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Mousavi Mele Mahdi , Mohammadi Saeideh , Shekari Soheila , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Masoumvand Mohammad , Mousavi Shalmani Seyedeh Hayedeh , Askarpour Seyed Ali , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Vahid Farhad , Doaei Saeid
Published: December 2023

Background

The association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and nutrients has been studied frequently. However, the association of nutrient density of diets with the risk of CRC has been less studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between CRC and naturally nutrient rich (NNR) score in Iranian adults.

Method

This case-control study included 160 patients with colorectal cancer and 320 controls aged 35–70 years in Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. The NNR score was obtained by calculating the average daily value of 14 nutrients including protein, vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B12, calcium, zinc, iron, folate, potassium and unsaturated fatty acids.

Results

Regarding dietary intake of the components of NNR score, the case group had a lower intake of polyunsaturated fat (15.41±4.44 vs 16.54±4.20 g/day, p=0.01), vitamin E (10.15±4.16 vs 13.1±5.33; p=0.001), vitamin B1(2±0.86 vs 2.19±0.84 mg/day, p=0.03) and folate (516.45±96.59 vs 571.05±80.31; p=0.001) and a higher intake of oleic acid (8.21±5.46 vs 5.59±3.17 g/day, p=0.01) compared with the control group. Colorectal cancer risk was inversely associated with the NNR score after adjusting for the confounders (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97; p=0.03).

Conclusion

Low NNR scores may be linked to CRC. If confirmed by future longitudinal research, this result may help prevent CRC by recommending nutrient-rich diets.
10-year follow-up results of the European Achalasia Trial: a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing pneumatic dilation with laparoscopic Heller myotomy
Authors: Boeckxstaens Guy , Elsen Stefanie , Belmans Ann , Annese Vito , Bredenoord Albert J , Busch Olivier R , Costantini Mario , Fumagalli Uberto , Smout André J P M , Tack Jan , Vanuytsel Tim , Zaninotto Giovanni , Salvador Renato
Published: December 2023

Objective

As achalasia is a chronic disorder, long-term follow-up data comparing different treatments are essential to select optimal clinical management. Here, we report on the 10-year follow-up of the European Achalasia Trial comparing endoscopic pneumodilation (PD) with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM).

Design

A total of 201 newly diagnosed patients with achalasia were randomised to either a series of PDs (n=96) or LHM (n=105). Patients completed symptom (Eckardt score) and quality-of-life questionnaires, underwent functional tests and upper endoscopy. Primary outcome was therapeutic success defined as Eckardt score<3 at yearly follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the need for retreatment, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, oesophageal emptying, gastro-oesophageal reflux and the rate of complications.

Results

After 10 years of follow-up, LHM (n=40) and PD (n=36) were equally effective in both the full analysis set (74% vs 74%, p=0.84) and the per protocol set (74% vs 86%, respectively, p=0.07). Subgroup analysis revealed that PD was superior to LHM for type 2 achalasia (p=0.03) while there was a trend, although not significant (p=0.05), that LHM performed better for type 3 achalasia. Barium column height after 5 min at timed barium oesophagram was significantly higher for patients treated with PD compared with LHM, while other parameters, including gastro-oesophageal reflux, were not different.

Conclusions

PD and LHM are equally effective even after 10 years of follow-up with limited risk to develop gastro-oesophageal reflux. Based on these data, we conclude that PD and LHM can both be proposed as initial treatment of achalasia.
HPV testing as an effective triage strategy in the follow-up after fertility-sparing treatment for glandular lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Dostalek Lukas , Freitag Pavel , Slovackova Miroslava , Zima Tomas , Komarc Martin , Fricova Lenka , Fucik Tomas , Nemejcova Kristyna , Cibula David , Brynda Daniel , Slama Jiri
Published: December 2023

Objective

The management and surveillance of glandular pre-cancerous lesions of the uterine cervix present distinct challenges compared with squamous lesions, primarily attributed to the lower effectiveness of diagnostic methods such as cytology or colposcopy. This study aimed to investigate the long-term safety of fertility-sparing treatment for adenocarcinoma in situ and microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix, while identifying factors associated with recurrence, with a particular emphasis on the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients with histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma in situ or microinvasive cervical adenocarcinoma who received treatment at a single center between 2002 and 2023. The study involved the examination of consecutive surgical specimens and the follow-up details. Factors associated with recurrence were assessed in a subgroup of patients with available long-term follow-up data (at least 6 months).

Results

In total, 143 patients (112 with adenocarcinoma in situ and 31 with adenocarcinoma) were included in the analysis. Among the 86 patients who underwent fertility-sparing treatment, the recurrence rate was 9% (12% for adenocarcinoma in situ and 4% for adenocarcinoma) during a median follow-up period of 56.6 months (range 7–179). No patients who were HPV negative experienced recurrence during the follow-up period. In contrast, among patients who were HPV positive, the recurrence rate was 38%. Additionally, HPV 16/18 positivity displayed a notable association with a higher risk of recurrence compared with the other high-risk genotypes, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (83% vs 10%; p=0.083, log-rank).

Conclusion

Our retrospective study demonstrated a significant association between the risk of recurrence and HPV status during the follow-up period. Consequently, long-term follow-up utilizing HPV testing and genotyping appears to be a secure alternative to a hysterectomy.
Primary results from the CLEAR study of a novel stent retriever with drop zone technology
Authors: Yoo Albert J , Geyik Serdar , Froehler Michael T , Maurer Christoph Johannes , Kass-Hout Tareq , Zaidat Osama O , Nogueira Raul G , Hanel Ricardo A , Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent , Lopes Demetrius , Hassan Ameer , Širvinskas Audrius , Lin Eugene , Ribo Marc , Blasco Jordi , Taqi Muhammad Asif , Badruddin Aamir , Siddiqui Adnan H , Miller Timothy R , Hussain Shazam M , Haussen Diogo C , Woodward Keith , Groden Christoph , Consoli Arturo , Chaudry M Imran , Ramsey Christian , Maud Alberto , Bentley Joshua , Bajrami Arsida , Sahnoun Maher , Fiehler Jens , Gupta Rishi
Published: December 2023

Background

Challenges to revascularization of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) persist. Current stent retrievers have limited effectiveness for removing organized thrombi. The NeVa device is a novel stent retriever designed to capture organized thrombi within the scaffold during retrieval.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of revascularization of acute LVOs with the NeVa device.

Methods

Prospective, international, multicenter, single-arm, Investigational Device Exemption study to evaluate the performance of the NeVa device in recanalizing LVOs including internal carotid artery, M1/M2 middle cerebral artery, and vertebrobasilar arteries, within 8 hours of onset. Primary endpoint was rate of expanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (eTICI) score 2b–3 within 3 NeVa passes, tested for non-inferiority against a performance goal of 72% with a −10% margin. Additional endpoints included first pass success and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2. Primary composite safety endpoint was 90-day mortality and/or 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results

From April 2021 to April 2022, 139 subjects were enrolled at 25 centers. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16 (IQR 12–20). In the primary analysis population (n=107), eTICI 2b–3 within 3 NeVa passes occurred in 90.7% (97/107; non-inferiority P<0.0001; post hoc superiority P<0.0001). First pass eTICI 2b–3 was observed in 73.8% (79/107), with first pass eTICI 2b67–3 in 69.2% (74/107) and eTICI 2c–3 in 48.6% (52/107). Median number of passes was 1 (IQR 1–2). Final eTICI 2b–3 rate was 99.1% (106/107); final eTICI 2b67–3 rate was 91.6% (98/107); final eTICI 2c–3 rate was 72.9% (78/107). Good outcome (90-day mRS score 0–2) was seen in 65.1% (69/106). Mortality was 9.4% (13/138) with sICH in 5.0% (7/139).

Conclusions

The NeVa device is highly effective and safe for revascularization of LVO strokes and demonstrates superior first pass success compared with a predicate performance goal.

Trial registration number

NCT04514562
.
Effect of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol on plasma concentrations of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: results from the CENTAUR trial
Authors: Bowser Robert , An Jiyan , Mehta Lahar , Chen Junliang , Timmons Jamie , Cudkowicz Merit , Paganoni Sabrina
Published: December 2023

Background

An oral sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol combination (PB and TURSO) significantly reduced functional decline in people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the CENTAUR trial. Biomarkers linking clinical therapeutic effect with biological changes are of high interest in ALS. We performed analyses of neuroinflammatory biomarkers associated with ALS in the literature, including YKL-40 (also known as chitinase-3-like protein 1), chitinase 1 (CHIT1) and C reactive protein (CRP), in plasma samples collected in CENTAUR.

Methods

Log10-transformed plasma biomarker measurements were analysed using a linear mixed-effects model. Correlation between paired biomarker concentrations and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) total scores was assessed via Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

By week 24, geometric least squares mean YKL-40 plasma concentration decreased by approximately 20% (p=0.008) and CRP by 30% (p=0.048) in the PB and TURSO versus placebo group. YKL-40 (r of –0.21; p<0.0001) and CRP (r of –0.19; p=0.0002) concentration correlated with ALSFRS-R total score. CHIT1 levels were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

YKL-40 and CRP plasma levels were significantly reduced in participants with ALS receiving PB and TURSO in CENTAUR and correlated with disease progression. These findings suggest YKL-40 and CRP could be treatment-sensitive biomarkers in ALS, pending further confirmatory studies.

Trial registration number

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03127514
Premorbid brain structure influences risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Thompson Alexander G , Taschler Bernd , Smith Stephen M , Turner Martin R
Published: December 2023

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the motor network associated with brain structure and functional connectivity alterations that are implicated in disease progression. Whether such changes have a causal role in ALS, fitting with a postulated influence of premorbid cerebral architecture on the phenotypes associated with neurodegenerative disorders is not known.

Methods

This study considered causal effects and shared genetic risk of 2240 structural and functional MRI brain scan imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) on ALS using two sample Mendelian randomisation, with putative associations further examined with extensive sensitivity analysis. Shared genetic predisposition between IDPs and ALS was explored using genetic correlation analysis.

Results

Increased white matter volume in the cerebral hemispheres was causally associated with ALS. Weaker causal associations were observed for brain stem grey matter volume, parieto-occipital white matter surface and volume of the left thalamic ventral anterior nucleus. Genetic correlation was observed between ALS and intracellular volume fraction and isotropic free water volume fraction within the posterior limb of the internal capsule.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that premorbid brain structure, in particular white matter volume, contributes to the risk of ALS.
Decline in prevalence of tuberculosis following an intensive case finding campaign and the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban Ugandan community
Authors: Kendall Emily A , Kitonsa Peter J , Nalutaaya Annet , Robsky Katherine O , Erisa Kamoga Caleb , Mukiibi James , Cattamanchi Adithya , Kato-Maeda Midori , Katamba Achilles , Dowdy David
Published: December 2023

Background

Systematic screening is a potential tool for reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and counteracting COVID-19-related disruptions in care. Repeated community-wide screening can also measure changes in the prevalence of TB over time.

Methods

We conducted serial, cross-sectional TB case finding campaigns in one community in Kampala, Uganda, in 2019 and 2021. Both campaigns sought sputum for TB testing (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra) from all adolescents and adults. We estimated the prevalence of TB among screening participants in each campaign and compared characteristics of people with TB across campaigns. We simultaneously enrolled and characterised community residents who were diagnosed with TB through routine care and assessed trends in facility-based diagnosis.

Results

We successfully screened 12 033 community residents (35% of the estimated adult/adolescent population) in 2019 and 11 595 (33%) in 2021. In 2019, 0.94% (95% CI: 0.77% to 1.13%) of participants tested Xpert positive (including trace). This proportion fell to 0.52% (95% CI: 0.40% to 0.67%) in 2021; the prevalence ratio was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40 to 0.75)). There was no change in the age (median 26 vs 26), sex (56% vs 59% female) or prevalence of chronic cough (49% vs 54%) among those testing positive. By contrast, the rate of routine facility-based diagnosis remained steady in the 8 months before each campaign (210 (95% CI: 155 to 279) vs 240 (95% CI: 181 to 312) per 100 000 per year).

Conclusions

Following an intensive initial case finding campaign in an urban Ugandan community in 2019, the burden of prevalent TB as measured by systematic screening had decreased by 45% in 2021, despite the intervening COVID-19 pandemic.
Signalling pathway associated with discharge of cnidocyst induced by reduced glutathione in Hydra plagiodesmica (Dioni, 1968)
Authors: Gavazzi María Victoria , Ronderos Jorge Rafael , Alzugaray María Eugenia
Published: December 2023

In the present work, we study the effect of different stimuli (living preys, its homogenate, and reduced glutathione (GSH)) on the discharge of desmonemes in the freshwater cnidarian, Hydra plagiodesmica (Dioni, 1968) (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa). Once confirmed their stimulatory effect, we choose GSH to analyze the relevance of Ca2+, the probable identity of the sensory receptor molecule, and the specific signalling pathway driving the discharge mechanism. Our results show that not only mechanical, but also chemical stimuli by itself may stimulate the discharge of desmonemes. Using calcium chelators, we verify that the discharge mechanism triggered by GSH is dependent on calcium. By mean of drugs that inhibit proteins pertaining to canonical signalling pathways, including GPCRs, we show that GSH causes the influx of Ca2+ via L-type voltage sensitive calcium channel (VGCC), and its release by mean of endoplasmic reticulum calcium channels. Moreover, our results suggest that the putative receptor for GSH is a GPCR coupled to Gq, which produces IP3 and Ca2+ as second messengers. Finally, we show that the genome of Hydra vulgaris (Pallas, 1766) predicts the existence of the different subunits of L-type VGCC, showing a high level of conservation when compared with other groups of Metazoa.
Demand assessment of the number of inpatient beds in China based on the COVID-19 dynamical model
Authors: Xu Chuanqing , Cheng Kedeng , Dai Lianjiao , Guo Songbai , Liu Xiaoling
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic that poses a great threat to people’s health and has a huge impact on economic and social life. The epidemic is currently at a low level, but is still prevalent worldwide. Therefore, it is still important to study the prevention and control of the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. We collected the numbers of COVID-19 infections in China during the past three years, and obtained the regional distribution of outbreaks through analysis. To assess the capacity of medical resources in these regions in response to the outbreaks of COVID-19, we developed a model of COVID-19 transmission dynamics including mild and severe cases. The simulation showed that 11 regions, Beijing, Shanghai, Heilongjiang, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian, all have a serious shortage of medical beds in reserve. When facing the next new outbreak, these areas will have insufficient medical resources. We simulated the effects of drug effectiveness and the proportion of asymptomatic infected individuals on the spread of the epidemic, and obtained that an accurate determination of the proportion of asymptomatic patients in the population is crucial to the impact on healthcare resources, while improving the effectiveness of drugs can significantly reduce the burden on healthcare resources. Regions should invest more in healthcare and increase more medical resources, including medical beds. Government should accelerate the development of effective COVID-19 drugs to effectively control the scale of the outbreak. The proportion of asymptomatic patients in the population has a significant impact on the allocation of healthcare resources. The monitoring of antibody levels in the population should be strengthened to better control the spread of the epidemic.
Effect of Zn addition on electrophysical properties of nickel ferrite thin films
Authors: Popova Viktoria Yu. , Petrov Viktor V. , Ivanishcheva Alexsandra P. , Bayan Ekaterina M.
Published: December 2023

A series of nanocrystalline film materials Ni[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]Fe2O4 ([Formula: see text] = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) are first synthesized by solid-phase pyrolysis. The results of the X-ray diffraction pattern show that the obtained films consist of nanocrystallites with an average size of 18–21 nm. The sizes of nanocrystals increase with increasing zinc content. The temperature dependence of the resistance becomes pronounced for films with a high concentration of zinc (Ni[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]Fe2O4 and Ni[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]Fe2O4).
Tin-based oxide microsphere reinforced by Al2O3 and CNT with superior lithium storage performance
Authors: Zhang Wenyao , Li Jiwen , Zhang Fangcong , Zhang Qian , Zhong Shengwen , Yao Wenli
Published: December 2023

To improve lithium storage performances of tin-based oxide electrodes, i.e. SnO2 microspheres reinforced by Al2O3 and CNTs (SnO2-Al2O3/CNT) are constructed using a convenient microwave-assisted method. The findings indicate that the SnO2-Al2O3/CNT composite predominantly consisted of the rutile structure phase, with a minor presence of the orthorhombic phase. SnO2-Al2O3/CNT electrodes demonstrate greater capacity, significantly enhanced cyclability and improved rate performance when compared to the electrodes based on SnO2-Al2O3 and SnO2. Specifically, a sable specific capacity of 745.34 mAh/g can be maintained at 1.0 A/g, while a large specific capacity of 617.36 mAh/g can still be demonstrated at a high current density of 4.0 A/g after 100 cycles. The improved Li-storage performances may be attributed to by the significant synergistic effect among SnO2, Al2O3, CNTs, and the morphology as well.
The Derivation of Localizer “li” (in) from Spatial Meaning to State Meaning from the LCCM Perspective
Authors: Li Qiang
Published: December 2023

This paper discusses the spatial lexical concept and cognitive model of localizer “li” (in) in the framework of LCCM theory, as well as the cognitive transformational process from spatial meaning to state meaning. The basic lexical concept of “li” (in) can be summarized as an “enclosed spatial scene”. The basic functional parameters encoded by this lexical concept include “Enclosure”, “Location with surety” and “Occlusion”. The “Enclosure” parameter can further derive the “Contact” and “Support” parameters, which together constitute the spatial lexical concept and cognitive model of “li” (in). The state meaning of “li” (in) is derived from the situational influential parameter through the bridging context. The “influence” and “state” parameters are the lexical concepts derived from the spatial cognitive model of “li” (in). LCCM theory can provide a new perspective for the construction of the semantic network of polysemous words.
Early Lexical Development by English–Chinese Bilinguals
Authors: Kuo Jenny Yi-Chun
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the lexical development of English–Chinese bilingual children in a Chinese immersion program in the US. Cross-linguistic Lexical Tasks in American English and Mandarin Chinese were given to 20 English–Chinese bilingual six-year-olds. They did better in English than in Chinese, even with Chinese-speaking parents. Their proficiency in Chinese is comparable to that of two- or three-year-old native speakers after one year of Chinese exposure.

Lexical development correlates with both the learner’s Age of Acquisition and the estimated age of acquisition of the target words. The results of this study will enhance our understanding of bilingual lexical development and give us insight into providing support to foster bilingual lexical development.
Finetuning Pretrained Model with Embedding of Domain and Language Information for ASR of Very Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Soky Kak , Li Sheng , Chu Chenhui , Kawahara Tatsuya
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the effective incorporation of meta-information such as domain and language in finetuning a pretrained model based on self-supervised learning (SSL) for automatic speech recognition (ASR) in very low-resource settings. SSL pretrained models have been shown to achieve comparable or even better performance to conventional end-to-end systems even when we finetune them with a small dataset. However, it still requires the specific target dataset with a considerable amount of labeled data, like 10 h, to achieve satisfactory performance. Thus, we propose to exploit heterogeneous datasets which are partially matched either in language or domain and apply multi-task learning (MTL) or adversarial learning (ADV) using the meta-information. The finetuning comprises (1) domain adaptation, which uses in-domain multi-lingual datasets, and (2) language adaptation, which uses datasets of the same language but different domains. The auxiliary task is domain identification for language adaptation and language identification for domain adaptation. We then embed the output of the auxiliary task into the encoder output of the ASR task. The target dataset is the Khmer corpus of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in various sizes from one hour to 10 h. The experimental evaluations demonstrate that fusing the meta-information in MTL or ADV significantly improves ASR accuracy. Moreover, a two-step adaptation method which first conducts domain adaptation and then language adaptation is the most effective. We also show that the target labeled dataset of only 5 h gives an almost saturated performance.
Improved Fixed-Time Convergence Guidance Scheme Design and Its Application to Missile
Authors: Cui Lei , Zhang Kang , Hu Xijing , Li Zhe , Yang Jianying , Jin Nan
Published: December 2023

This study presents a fixed-time convergence guidance scheme for impact time and angle control. First, two improved fixed-time stable systems are presented, which have smaller initial control command and better terminal convergence.16 An improved fixed-time extended state observer is proposed to provide accurate estimation of system states and disturbance, which effectively solves peaking value problem. Furthermore, an improved fixed-time sliding mode controller is derived, which avoids the singular problem and achieves faster convergence rate with smaller initial control command. Second, a new guidance scheme with impact angle and impact time constraints is proposed for intercepting a stationary target. By introducing a virtual target, the guidance process is divided into two stages. The proposed fixed-time controller is employed in the first stage. The method with a virtual leader ensures that the missile intercept the virtual target with desired line-of-sight angles at a specific time. By using the proportional navigation guidance law, the missile keeps travelling with desired flight-path angles to hit the real target in the second stage,17 so as to achieve the impact time and angle control. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed guidance scheme in different engagement scenarios are verified by numerical simulations with comparisons.