bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single injection of intra‐articular autologous protein solution in horses with acute interleukin‐1B‐induced synovitis decreases joint pathology scores
Authors: Usimaki Alexandra , Ciamillo Sarah A. , Barot Dhvani , Linardi Renata L. , Engiles Julie B. , Ortved Kyla F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Autologous protein solution (APS) has been shown to decrease lameness in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Synovitis is an early driver of OA, providing an opportunity to intervene in the progression of disease via intra‐articular (IA) therapeutics.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a single IA APS injection in horses with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced synovitis. We hypothesised that APS would decrease joint swelling and lameness, improve synovial fluid parameters and improve joint pathology scores in horses compared with untreated controls.

Study design

Randomised controlled in vivo experiment.

Methods

Synovitis was induced with IL‐1β (65 ng) in one randomly selected tarsocrural joint. Twenty‐four hours later, joints were treated with APS (Pro‐Stride®) (n = 12) or left as untreated controls (n = 6). Lameness examinations and joint circumference measurements were performed on Days 0 (prior to IL‐1β), 1 (prior to APS), 2, 4, 7 and 14. Synovial fluid, obtained on the same days, was analysed for protein concentration, nucleated cell count, and cytokine (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations. Gross pathology and synovial membrane histopathology scoring was performed on APS‐treated (n = 5), untreated control (n = 4) and normal (n = 9) tarsocrural joints.

Results

APS did not decrease lameness or joint circumference compared with untreated controls. Synovial fluid parameters were not different between treatment groups. APS treatment did significantly decrease gross and histopathology scores.

Main limitations

Main limitations included the use of an induced model of the synovitis, inter‐horse variability in the response to IL‐1β and likely variability in the constituents of APS from individual horses.

Conclusions

APS treatment of tarsocrural joints with synovitis did not significantly improve lameness or alter synovial fluid parameters. APS did lead to significant improvement in gross joint appearance and synovial membrane histology suggesting that APS may have disease‐modifying effects.
Accuracy Improvement in the LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS Measurement of 87Sr/86Sr in Bioapatite Using Dentin of Carcharinus leucas (Bull shark) to Estimate 87Rb/85Rb Instrument Induced Fractionation
Authors: Chávez‐Ambriz Julio C. , Bernal Juan Pablo , Weber Bodo , Ortega‐Obregón Carlos , Corona‐Martínez Liliana , Carranza‐Castañeda Óscar
Published: July 2024

In situ 87Sr/86Sr microanalysis in bioapatite using laser ablation (LA‐)MC‐ICP‐MS is an essential tool for provenance studies, as enamel tissue build‐up records the regional Sr isotopic composition of ingested food and water sources. Several factors hamper the acquisition of reliable and precise 87Sr/86Sr data: isobaric interferences, elemental and isotopic fractionation of Rb and Sr, and the lack of certified reference materials. Here we thoroughly characterise several teeth from Carcharinus leucas (Bull shark) for the spatial distribution of Sr and Rb mass fraction by LA‐ICP‐Q‐MS, and their 87Sr/86Sr ratio by solution MC‐ICP‐MS, MC‐TIMS and LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS, and which were used subsequently as a reference material during laser ablation measurement of Sr isotope ratios in bioapatite. We establish a protocol to estimate the 85Rb/87Rb mass bias from the analysis of shark teeth that demonstrates that the common assumption of equal Sr and Rb instrument induced fractionation can lead to a systematic bias in 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios. Using the shark teeth as an "external" reference material to measure βRb yielded 87Sr/86Sr compositions in unknown samples that are within approximately ‐42 ppm to +66 ppm of expected values, instead of approximately ‐50 ppm to +190 ppm if assuming βRb = βSr. Finally, this methodology was tested on fossil gomphotherid (Rhynchotherium sp.) enamel, allowing us to make preliminary inferences about its palaeobiogeography.
High‐Resolution In Situ Fe Isotope Measurements of Silicate Minerals and Glasses by Femtosecond Laser Ablation MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Rabin Ségolène , d'Abzac Francois‐Xavier , Chmeleff Jerome , Poitrasson Franck , Grégoire Michel
Published: July 2024

In this study, we present a high precision and high spatial resolution in situ Fe isotope protocol using femtosecond (fs) laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS). The intermediate measurement precision obtained over a period of ca. 3 years for the USGS glass BIR‐1G against the Puratronic reference material is 0.17‰ (2s) for δ56Fe. Uncertainties achieved on individual analyses of glass and olivines were < 0.15‰ for δ56Fe. This high precision is associated with high spatial resolution of about 170 × 25 μm. Our results display good consistency between LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS and solution nebulisation MC‐ICP‐MS data from the literature. Obtained δ56Fe values on different USGS glasses (BIR‐1G, BHVO‐2G and BCR‐2G) show that these reference materials have homogenous Fe isotope ratio and therefore can be used as bracketing calibrators during laser ablation measurement sessions. On the other hand, the San Carlos Olivine displays high Fe isotope heterogeneity, and therefore cannot be considered as a good bracketing standard (calibrator). We also applied our fs‐LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS protocol to olivines and pyroxene from the Kerguelen Archipelago. This technique appears to be a relevant tool to resolve isotopic zoning in chemically zoned silicate phenocrysts, even of small size (< 1 mm). We demonstrate that within single lavas, olivine crystals display various zoning depending on their size, related to their residence time in the magma. Both equilibrium and diffusive processes were observed in olivine crystals from Kerguelen, uncovering complex histories. Hence, iron isotope ratio measurements by fs‐LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS open new possibilities for studying highly zoned silicate minerals in magmatic rocks to better understand their formation.
Overview of proficiency testing results for the in vivo determination of sun protection factor
Authors: Zago Djigo‐Isett , Ben Bari Souad , Tirard Anne , Miksa Sébastien , Renoux Pascale , Questel Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

A sunscreen product is allowed to be marketed if a protection is provided against ultraviolets (UV) including UVA rays and UVB rays expressed by the sun protection factor (SPF). UVB is radiation that is in the region of the ultraviolet spectrum which extends from about 290 to 320 nm in wavelength and that is primarily responsible for sunburn, ageing of the skin, and the development of skin cancer. Thus, since April 2009, the Bureau Interprofessionnel d'Etudes Analytiques (BIPEA) set up a proficiency testing scheme (PTS) for the determination of SPF in vivo of sunscreen products according to ISO 24444 standard [Cosmetics ‐ Sun protection test methods ‐ in vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF)] to evaluate the analytical performances of laboratories on these analyses. This PTS gathers twenty‐six laboratories around the world with one trial a year. For each test, the statistical treatment of the data is performed according to ISO 13528 standard [Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison]. The assigned and tolerance values are calculated from the participants' data and the performances of the laboratories are evaluated individually and collectively according to ISO 17043 standard [Conformity assessment ‐ General requirements for proficiency testing]. This paper presents the design of the PT program, its development, and an attentive analysis of laboratories results, which highlight the global performances obtained by laboratories on this type of analysis. The evaluation of the results shows, in fact, a relatively constant dispersion of data since the implementation of the PT program (variability between 10% and 50%).
Early artificial intelligence education: Effects of cooperative play and direct instruction on kindergarteners' computational thinking, sequencing, self‐regulation and theory of mind skills
Authors: Su Jiahong , Yang Weipeng , Yim Iris Heung Yue , Li Hui , Hu Xiao
Published: July 2024

Background

While the integration of robot‐based learning in early childhood education has gained increasing attention in recent years, there is still a lack of evidence regarding the impact of AI robots on young children's learning.

Objectives

The study explored the effectiveness of two AI education approaches in advancing kindergarteners' computational thinking, sequencing, self‐regulation and theory of mind skills.

Methods

An experiment was conducted with 90 kindergarteners (ages 5–6) randomly assigned to either a direct instruction (DI), cooperative play (CP) or control group.

Results

Results show that (1) children in all three groups had significant improvements on computational thinking, sequencing and self‐regulation; (2) both early AI education approaches (CP and DI) significantly enhance young children's computational thinking, sequencing, self‐regulation and theory of mind skills; (3) the DI group had significant higher improvement than the CP group on computational thinking; (4) the CP group exhibited greater enhancements in theory of mind skills than the DI group.

Conclusion

These findings jointly demonstrate that each AI educational approach has unique strengths, underscoring the significance of designing new pedagogies to expand children's skills.
PEDF and 34‐mer peptide inhibit cardiac microvascular endothelial cell ferroptosis via Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling in myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Lu Peng , Qi Yuanpu , Li Xiangyu , Zhang Cheng , Chen Zhipeng , Shen Zihao , Liang Jingtian , Zhang Hao , Yuan Yanliang
Published: July 2024

Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MIRI) represents a critical pathology in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Cardiac microvascular dysfunction contributes to MIRI, potentially culminating in heart failure (HF). Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF), which belongs to the non‐inhibitory serpin family, exhibits several physiological effects, including anti‐angiogenesis, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Our study aims to explore the impact of PEDF and its functional peptide 34‐mer on both cardiac microvascular perfusion in MIRI rats and human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) injury under hypoxia reoxygenation (HR). It has been shown that MIRI is accompanied by ferroptosis in HCMECs. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of PEDF and its 34‐mer, particularly regarding the Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling pathway. Our results demonstrated that PEDF 34‐mer significantly ameliorated cardiac microvascular dysfunction following MIRI. Additionally, they exhibited a notable suppression of ferroptosis in HCMECs, and these effects were mediated through activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of PEDF and 34‐mer in alleviating microvascular dysfunction and MIRI. By enhancing cardiac microvascular perfusion and mitigating endothelial ferroptosis, PEDF and its derivative peptide represent promising candidates for the treatment of AMI.
“I make myself get busy”: Resilience and social connection among low‐income older adults living in subsidized housing
Authors: Blinka Marcela D. , Grieb Suzanne M. , Lee Tsai‐Tong , Hogg Samantha , Runge Katherine L. , Nogueira Andre , Williams Nicole , Prichett Laura , Latkin Carl A. , Gallo Joseph J. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Cudjoe Thomas K. M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Social isolation and loneliness are pervasive issues among older adults in the United States, carrying significant health risks. Low‐income older adults are particularly vulnerable to these challenges compared with their higher‐income counterparts due to their limited access to resources and social networks. Many low‐income older adults live in subsidized housing, which has the potential to offer unique support tailored to their needs. The intersection of aging and the unique social circumstances faced by low‐income older adults significantly influences how they navigate crises.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 24 older adults aged 63–86 residing in subsidized housing communities in the United States. The data were collected from August 2021 to November 2022 and subsequently analyzed using a thematic constant comparison analysis approach.

Results

Many participants felt connected to their housing community. Participants reported that their lives changed substantially due to the pandemic: communal activities ceased leading to isolation and feelings of loneliness. Amid this challenge, participants were resourceful and found creative ways to manage. Many emphasized the crucial role of technology in maintaining emotional support despite physical separation.

Conclusions

Participants in subsidized housing shared their experiences before and during this unique crisis highlighting the challenges they face, as well as their resilience and adaptability when facing challenges. Our findings underscore the significance of community activation, demonstrating that activities motivated older adults to improve their well‐being. Additionally, the role of technology in maintaining connections proved to be crucial.
Probing intra‐oceanic subduction infancy in ancient orogenic belts: Example from Chinese South Tianshan
Authors: Gao Limin , Xiao Wenjiao , Tan Zhou , Cheng Hao , Mao Qigui , Wang Hao , Jia Xiaoliang , Sang Miao , Guo Yuhong , Tan Yiying
Published: July 2024

Subduction infancy corresponds to the first few million years of the start of subduction following heat transfer from the incipient mantle wedge towards the slab‐top, as witnessed by metamorphic soles which represent slivers of oceanic crust metamorphosed up to granulite facies conditions welded beneath obducted ophiolites. In this study, integrated petrological, geochemical, mineralogical, geochronological, and thermodynamic studies were carried out on samples from the Yushugou high‐temperature metamorphic ophiolitic complex (YHTM) in the South Tianshan Accretionary Complex (STAC), where a massive exposure of coherent granulite accompanied by a thick peridotite body is preserved. Bulk‐rock compositions and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes demonstrate the petrogenesis of meta‐basalts with oceanic island basalt (OIB)‐like and mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB)‐like affinities, with little infiltration by subduction‐derived melts and/or fluids (e.g., no negative Nb–Ta anomalies). Thermodynamic modelling and U–Pb chronology reveal that the YHTM meta‐basalts experienced granulite facies metamorphism of ~840–940°C and ~0.92–1.02 GPa at c. 392 Ma and then possibly reheating and zircon alteration in the Carboniferous. In addition, detrital zircons in sedimentary host rocks of the YHTM show limited Precambrian records and offer maximum depositional ages of c. 410–400 Ma together with the oldest Palaeozoic cluster around c. 470–450 Ma. It is suggested that the YHTM granulites could be of Ordovician–Silurian protolith and such an age pattern significantly deviates from those of adjacent terranes (the Central Tianshan, STAC, and North Tarim Craton). Combined with the compilation of pressure–temperature–time estimates of the YHTM and ages of regional ophiolites, arc intermediate‐mafic rocks, A‐type granites, and deformation, a model of induced, temporarily northward, intra‐oceanic subduction initiation is proposed, which probably occurred along the previously existing weak zone close to a seamount or oceanic plateau in the earliest middle Devonian during the northward subduction of the South Tianshan Ocean (STO). Anomalously high geothermal gradients could be triggered by asthenosphere upwellings, further facilitating the formation of OIB‐type metamorphic soles. The YHTM, which represents the remnant of metamorphic soles and associated ophiolites, was finally emplaced to the north margin of the STAC during the relatively long‐term (c. 160 million years) accretion and continuous subduction of the STO before its closure. This finding also presents a new natural example of OIB‐type metamorphic soles as a snapshot of fossil intra‐oceanic subduction infancy during the complex evolutionary history of the STO.
Non‐coding RNA alterations in occlusal disharmony‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour
Authors: Zhang Mi , Wu Ling , Zhang Sihui , Li Yuxuan , Chen Jiang
Published: July 2024

Background

Occlusal disharmony (OD) may induce anxiety‐like behaviours; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we explored the expression profiles of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), along with their biological function and regulatory network, in anxiety‐like behaviour induced by OD.

Materials and Methods

Occlusal disharmony was produced by anterior crossbite of C57BL/6 mice. Behavioural tests, corticosterone (CORT) and serotonin (5‐HT) levels were used to measure anxiety. In addition, RNA sequencing was used to screen all differentially expressed (DE) ncRNAs. Moreover, the RNA‐binding proteins interacting with ncRNAs were predicted by the ENCORI database and confirmed using western blots.

Results

The significant differences in behavioural tests and CORT suggested the successful induction of anxiety‐like behaviour by OD. In OD mice, ncRNAs were significantly dysregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggested that the DE ncRNAs were enriched in anxiety‐related pathways. CircRNA10039 was upregulated, and PTBP1 was predicted to interact with circRNA10039. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that PTBP1 may be associated with messenger RNA biogenesis and spliceosomes.

Conclusion

OD induced by anterior crossbite can lead to the anxiety‐like behaviours. During this process, ncRNA also changes. CircRNA10039 and PTBP1 may play a role in OD‐induced anxiety‐like behaviours.
From flare to care: Dermatologists' impact on pediatric atopic dermatitis hospital admissions
Authors: Wieser Jill K. , Larson Benjamin I. , Shah Sonal D.
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease in the pediatric population; however, rates of admissions for flares in patients established with dermatology compared to those that are not established have not been fully assessed in prior studies.

Methods

We reviewed electronic medical records of patients hospitalized (billing codes 99221–99223, 99217) with diagnoses encompassing AD, eczema, and dermatitis (ICD‐10 codes L20.8‐L20.9, L30.8‐L30.9) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021, at University Hospitals (UH) in Cleveland, Ohio. Patients were considered established with dermatology if they had been seen by a dermatology provider within 6 months prior to admission. Statistical analysis was performed using chi‐square goodness of fit.

Results

A total of 95 patient encounters met criteria for inclusion. Fifteen (15.8%) patients were established with dermatology at the time of admission and 80 (84.2%) were not. The chi‐square value (x2 = 44.74) was greater than the critical value of 10.828 at one degree of freedom (p < .001). There were 8 patients who had more than one admission for atopic dermatitis flares; 2 of these patients were established with dermatology prior to their first admission, and 4 were established at the time of the second admission.

Conclusion

The majority of patients admitted with AD flare were not established with dermatology. Many of these patients lived in a low socioeconomic area and missed follow‐up appointments. Increasing access to dermatologic care for patients with atopic dermatitis, especially in lower‐income areas, could aid in decreasing atopic dermatitis‐related hospitalizations.
Profiling Cas9‐ and Cas12a‐induced mutagenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: de Pater Sylvia , Kamoen Lycka , van Schendel Robin , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , Tijsterman Marcel
Published: July 2024

With the advancement of CRISPR technologies, a comprehensive understanding of repair mechanisms following double‐strand break (DSB) formation is important for improving the precision and efficiency of genetic modifications. In plant genetics, two Cas nucleases are widely used, i.e. Cas9 and Cas12a, which differ with respect to PAM sequence composition, position of the DSB relative to the PAM, and DSB‐end configuration (blunt vs. staggered). The latter difference has led to speculations about different options for repair and recombination. Here, we provide detailed repair profiles for LbCas12a in Arabidopsis thaliana, using identical experimental settings previously reported for Cas9‐induced DSBs, thus allowing for a quantitative comparison of both nucleases. For both enzymes, non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) produces 70% of mutations, whereas polymerase theta‐mediated end‐joining (TMEJ) generates 30%, indicating that DSB‐end configuration does not dictate repair pathway choice. Relevant for genome engineering approaches aimed at integrating exogenous DNA, we found that Cas12a similarly stimulates the integration of T‐DNA molecules as does Cas9. Long‐read sequencing of both Cas9 and Cas12a repair outcomes further revealed a previously underappreciated degree of DNA loss upon TMEJ. The most notable disparity between Cas9 and Cas12a repair profiles is caused by how NHEJ acts on DSB ends with short overhangs: non‐symmetric Cas9 cleavage produce 1 bp insertions, which we here show to depend on polymerase Lambda, whereas staggered Cas12a DSBs are not subjected to fill‐in synthesis. We conclude that Cas9 and Cas12a are equally effective for genome engineering purposes, offering flexibility in nuclease choice based on the availability of compatible PAM sequences.
Dose‐dependent inactivation of Plasmodium falciparum in red blood cell concentrates by treatment with short‐wavelength ultraviolet light
Authors: Fischer Swantje , Zilkenat Susann , Rosse Mona , Schulze Torsten J. , Seltsam Axel , Handke Wiebke , Lepenies Bernd , Gravemann Ute
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Plasmodium species are naturally transmitted by Anopheles mosquitos. The parasite infects red blood cells (RBCs) and can be transfused with blood products. In non‐endemic areas, the main risk of infection arises from travellers coming back and people immigrating from malaria‐endemic regions. Endemic countries face a permanent risk of infection from transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM). TTM may cause life‐threatening complications in patients dependent on blood donations. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Plasmodium falciparum inactivation in RBC units by treatment with short‐wavelength ultraviolet C (UVC) light in the absence of photochemical additives.

Materials and Methods

RBC units were spiked with P. falciparum to a parasite density of 0.1%–1% and irradiated with up to 4.5 J/cm2 UVC. The parasite density of UVC‐treated dilution series and untreated controls were compared over 3 weeks after irradiation.

Results

The lowest dose of 1.5 J/cm2 UVC led to a 3.1 log reduction in parasite load compared with the untreated control. The inactivation capacity was dose‐dependent. Strikingly, 4.5 J/cm2 led to ≥5.3 log unit reduction, which was equivalent to a complete inactivation in two out of three experiments.

Conclusion

Pathogen reduction with UVC light was previously shown to be effective for different bacteria and viruses, but the inactivation of parasites in RBC concentrates was not addressed until now. The present study provides evidence for significant inactivation of P. falciparum‐infected RBCs by UVC light.
Higher rates of laboratory‐confirmed cases of syphilis in Western Canadian blood donors compared with Eastern Canadian blood donors following a period of societal re‐opening
Authors: Drews Steven J. , Charlton Carmen , Tran Vanessa , Zhou Hong Yuan , Hawes Gordon , Resz Ilona , O'Brien Sheila F.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

There is a growing infectious syphilis outbreak in Western Canada. Although blood donors are screened for syphilis risks, some blood donors will still be confirmed test‐positive for syphilis. This study compares the characteristics of confirmed test‐positive syphilis donations in both Western Canada and Eastern Canada, November 2022–August 2023.

Materials and Methods

Donors were defined as Western or Eastern Canadian. Blood donations were tested for syphilis using the PK‐TP assay (Beckman Coulter PK7300 Automated Microplate System). Confirmatory Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assays were performed by one of two reference laboratories. An RPR titre ≥1:8 was used as a proxy for possible infectious syphilis.

Results

Rates of laboratory‐confirmed syphilis were higher in Western (n = 43, 13.4/100,000 donations) versus Eastern donors (n = 19, 4.7/100,000 donations; Fisher's exact test, two‐sided, p ≤ 0.0001). Most syphilis confirmations were in first‐time donors (Western Canada n = 31/43, 72.1%, Eastern Canada 12/19, 63.2%).

Conclusion

Although rates of laboratory‐confirmed syphilis were higher in Western versus Eastern donors, Western donors did not have higher rates of infectious syphilis. Further studies might assess whether donors with laboratory‐confirmed syphilis understood pre‐donation screening questions or were completely unaware of a past infection.
Particulate Characterization and Lubricating Oil Tribology Investigations of a Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine Using Low Octane Fuels
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Krishnamoorthi M.
Published: July 2024

High compression ratio and lean-burn operation of low-octane gasoline-fueled compression ignition engines lead to significantly higher thermal efficiencies. Hence, it has emerged as a potential technology to propel medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Gasoline compression ignition engines use advanced fuel injection timings and gasoline-like low-octane fuels, and their impact on the lubricating oil tribology and particulate emissions must be experimentally assessed. Hence, this experimental study compares these aspects for the gasoline compression ignition and baseline conventional diesel combustion engines. Extreme heat, moisture, contamination by particulate matter, corrosive gases, dirt, fuel dilution, wear debris, and depleted additives can degrade the lubricating oil, resulting in higher engine wear and eventual failure. The experiments were conducted on a medium-duty diesel engine at varying engine loads and speeds, and the effect of fuel injection timing on particulate emissions was investigated. The engine was operated for 20 hours, and lubricating oil samples drawn at fixed intervals were analyzed for changes in lubricating oil using spectroscopic techniques. Transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy were used to analyze the soot and trace elements in the lubricating oil. Spray droplet distribution in the cylinder in a non-reactive computational fluid dynamics simulation environment was done to understand the fuel dilution to the lubricating oil. Results indicated that gasoline compression ignition emitted more particulates than baseline diesel combustion. The gasoline compression ignition engine's lubricating oil showed higher soot-in-oil and lower trace elements, ash, and carbon contents than baseline diesel combustion. Fuel dilution to the lubricating oil was observed in the simulations.
Impact of Building Design and Operating Strategies on Urban Heat Island Effects—Part I: Model Development and Validation
Authors: Ameer Baqer , Krarti Moncef
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a simplified simulation environment to model the reciprocal thermal interactions between urban air and buildings. Specifically, the simulation environment accounts for several factors that are responsible for the formation of the urban heat island and its effects. Dynamic modeling of urban components including both urban canopy and boundary layers as well as ground medium and building energy systems is integrated within the developed simulation environment. A validation analysis of the developed simulation environment is carried out using field data obtained during the summer for the City of Toulouse, France. The developed simulation environment can be applied to evaluate various mitigation options to reduce the urban heat island effects and improve energy efficiency levels of urban built environments. The main limitations of the developed simulation environment as well as recommendations to enhance its performance have been outlined throughout the paper.
Sequential release of transforming growth factor β1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 from nanofibrous scaffolds induces cartilage differentiation of mouse adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wu Yun-Qi , Wang Jun
Published: July 2024

Once damaged, cartilage has poor intrinsic capacity to repair itself. Current cartilage repair strategies cannot restore the damaged tissue sufficiently. It is hypothesized that biomimetic scaffolds, which can recapitulate important properties of the cartilage extracellular matrix, play a beneficial role in supporting cell behaviors such as growth, cartilage differentiation, and integration with native cartilage, ultimately facilitating tissue recovery. Adipose-derived stem cells regenerated cartilage upon the sequential release of transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1) and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) using a nanofibrous scaffold, in order to get the recovery of functional cartilage. Experiments in vitro have demonstrated that the release sequence of growth factors FGF2 to TGFβ1 is the most essential to promote adipose-derived stem cells into chondrocytes that then synthesize collagen II. Mouse subcutaneous implantation indicated that the treatment sequence of FGF2 to TGFβ1 was able to significantly induce multiple increase in cartilage regeneration in vivo. This result demonstrates that the group treated with FGF2 to TGFβ1 released from a nanofibrous scaffold provides a good strategy for cartilage regeneration by making a favorable microenvironment for cell growth and cartilage regeneration.
An investigation of acoustic cues to tonal registers and voicing in Donglei Kam
Authors: Guo Chengyu , Chen Fei , Kuang Chen , Dong Longjie
Published: July 2024

The Kam language has experienced historical tonal splits, resulting in the development of a complex tonal system. However, there is still limited knowledge regarding the acoustic characteristics associated with aspiration-based tone splitting. This study aims to investigate the acoustic cues related to the tonal registers and laryngeal configurations in Donglei Kam, a dialect of Southern Kam. Sixteen native speakers of Donglei Kam participated, producing lexical tones. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the acoustic distinctions between tonal registers, using measurements of voice onset time, spectral tilt, noise, and energy. The results indicated that Donglei Kam retained a two-way contrast of aspiration, albeit with a trend toward gradual loss. Additionally, a breathy voice was detected in the Ciyin tonal register, characterized by elevated spectral tilt values and spectral noise throughout the vowels. Moreover, machine learning classifiers effectively identified tonal registers using voice-quality data, suggesting that the phonation contrast between breathy and modal voice could contribute to the tonal split alongside pitch contrast. In summary, these findings enhance our understanding of the acoustic implementation of breathiness in Kam and offer valuable insights into the role of laryngeal contrast in tonal splits.
Selection for robust metabolism in domesticated yeasts is driven by adaptation to Hsp90 stress
Authors: Condic Natalia , Amiji Hatim , Patel Dipak , Shropshire William Charles , Lermi Nejla Ozirmak , Sabha Youssef , John Beryl , Hanson Blake , Karras Georgios Ioannis
Published: July 2024

Protein folding both promotes and constrains adaptive evolution. We uncover this surprising duality in the role of the protein-folding chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in maintaining the integrity of yeast metabolism amid proteotoxic stressors within industrial domestication niches. Ethanol disrupts critical Hsp90-dependent metabolic pathways and exerts strong selective pressure for redundant duplications of key genes within these pathways, yielding the classical genomic signatures of beer and bread domestication. This work demonstrates a mechanism of adaptive canalization in an ecology of major economic importance and highlights Hsp90-dependent variation as an important source of phantom heritability in complex traits.
Operationally stable perovskite solar modules enabled by vapor-phase fluoride treatment
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Zhang Peikun , Liu Tianjun , Tian Bingkun , Jiang Ying , Zhang Jinping , Tang Yajing , Li Bowen , Xue Minmin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhuhua , Guo Wanlin
Published: July 2024

The ever-increasing power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has illuminated the future of the photovoltaic industry, but the development of commercial devices is hampered by their poor stability. In this study, we report a scalable stabilization method using vapor-phase fluoride treatment, which achieves 18.1%-efficient solar modules (228 square centimeters) with accelerated aging–projected
T
80
lifetimes (time to 80% of efficiency remaining) of 43,000 ± 9000 hours under 1-sun illumination at 30°C. The high stability results from vapor-enabled homogeneous fluorine passivation over large-area perovskite surfaces, suppressing defect formation energy and ion diffusion. The extracted degradation activation energy of 0.61 electron volts for solar modules is comparable to that of most reported stable cells, which indicates that modules are not inherently less stable than cells and closes the cell-to-module stability gap.
Association between long-term statin use and cataract surgery: a nationwide study on 505 105 cataract surgery patients
Authors: Halili Andrim , Haxha Saranda , Zareini Bochra , Lund-Andersen Casper , Kold Sørensen Kathrine , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Eroglu Talip E , Bang Casper Niels
Published: July 2024

Aims

To assess the association between statin use and cataract surgery according to different statin treatment durations in patients with different cardiovascular risk profiles.

Methods and results

We performed a nested case–control study using Danish registries, covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2020. We defined cases as surgically treated cataract patients, matched in a 1:1 ratio by sex and age with controls not undergoing cataract surgery. The exposure of interest was statin use in different durations (1, 5 and 10 years) compared with never use of statins. Conditional logistic regression provided adjusted HRs and corresponding 95% CIs in subgroups defined by established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and individuals without these comorbidities. We identified 505 150 cataract surgery cases and found no increased HR of cataract surgery with statin treatment at any duration in any of the subgroups with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension.

Conclusion

Our findings do not support a possible association between long-term statin use and cataract in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension. Although we found an association between statin use and cataract in individuals without these comorbidities, increasing durations of statin use did not yield higher cataract surgery rates.
Nutrition users’ guides: RCTs part 1 – structured guide for assessing risk of bias in randomised controlled trials that address therapy or prevention questions
Authors: Agarwal Arnav , Bala Malgorzata M , Zeraatkar Dena , Valli Claudia , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Ghosh Nirjhar R , Han Mi Ah , Guyatt Gordon H , Klatt Kevin C , Ball Geoff D C , Johnston Bradley C
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this article, part 1 of 2 on randomised controlled trials (RCTs), is to provide readers (eg, clinicians, patients, health service and policy decision-makers) of the nutrition literature structured guidance on interpreting RCTs. Evaluation of a given RCT involves several considerations, including the potential for risk of bias, the assessment of estimates of effect and their corresponding precision, and the applicability of the evidence to one’s patient. Risk of bias refers to flaws in the design or conduct of a study that may lead to a deviation from measuring the underlying true effect of an intervention. Bias is assessed on a continuum from very low to very high (ie, definitely low to definitely high) risk of yielding estimates that do not represent true treatment-related effects and when appraising a study, judgement involves some degree of subjectivity. Specifically, when evaluating the risk of bias, one must first consider whether patient baseline characteristics (eg, age, smoking) are balanced between groups at randomisation, referred to as prognostic balance, and whether this balance is maintained throughout the study. While randomisation in sufficiently large trials may ensure prognostic balance between study arms at baseline; concealment of randomisation and blinding of participants, healthcare providers, data collectors, outcome adjudicators and data analysts to treatment allocation are needed to maintain prognostic balance between study arms after a trial begins. The status of each participant with respect to outcomes of interest must be known at the conclusion of a trial; when this is not the case, missing (lost) participant outcome data increases the likelihood that prognostic balance was not maintained at study completion. In addition, analysis of participants in the groups to which they were initially randomised (ie, intention-to-treat analysis) offers a reliable method to maintain prognostic balance. Finally, trials terminated early risk overestimating the treatment effect, especially when sample size is limited or stopping boundaries are not defined a priori.
Decision-making regarding accessing paediatric unscheduled healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods rapid review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Dowling-Cullen Cian , Sakellariou Dikaios
Published: July 2024

Objective

Reductions in paediatric unscheduled healthcare utilisation were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns around their impact on children’s health. The reasons for these changes are not well described. This review aims to explore the factors reported by parents that influenced their decision-making around accessing paediatric unscheduled healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Mixed methods rapid review and thematic synthesis based on the Enhancing Transparency of Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative research framework.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycEXTRA, PsycINFO, Global Health, Global Index Medicus, Dissertations and Theses Global, Google Scholar and OAISter. Studies published from January 2020 to July 2023 were included.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies that assessed the perspectives of parents on decisions to access or delay or avoid accessing paediatric unscheduled healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data extraction and synthesis

Nvivo 14.23.0 was used to code results the of the primary studies and develop themes, following a thematic synthesis approach.

Results

Twelve studies were included, all from high-income settings, mainly in Europe. The studies were conducted across varying times and levels of COVID-19-related restrictions. The principal descriptive themes identified were (i) concerns about COVID-19 infection, (ii) balancing and navigating risks, (iii) perception of healthcare service status and conditions and (iv) perception of information and advice. These were developed into analytic themes to further describe the decision-making process.

Conclusions

Parents balanced a range of risks, concerns, advice and responsibilities when considering accessing paediatric unscheduled healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. External sources of advice and information were important; misconceptions around public health advice may reflect the multitude of information sources and the rapidly changing circumstances of the pandemic. Public health policy and planning should consider parent perspectives when developing measures to ensure equitable access to appropriate paediatric healthcare services.
Do primary care quality improvement frameworks consider equity?
Authors: Barrell Alice Macdonald , Johnson Lucy , Dehn Lunn Amy , Ford John Alexander
Published: July 2024

Background

Quality improvement (QI) is used by healthcare organisations internationally to improve care. Unless QI explicitly addresses equity, projects that aim to improve care may exacerbate health and care inequalities for disadvantaged groups. There are several QI frameworks used in primary care, but we do not know the extent to which they consider equity. This work aimed to investigate whether primary care QI frameworks consider equity.

Methods

We conducted a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and key websites to compile a list of the QI frameworks used in primary care. This list was refined by an expert panel. Guidance documents for each of the QI frameworks were identified from national websites or QI organisations. We undertook a document analysis of the guidance using NVivo.

Results

We analysed 15 guidance documents. We identified the following themes: (1) there was a limited discussion of equity or targeted QI for disadvantaged groups in the documents, (2) there were indirect considerations of inequalities via patient involvement or targeting QI to patient demographics and (3) there was a greater focus on efficiency than equity in the documents.

Conclusion

There is limited consideration of equity in QI frameworks used in primary care. Where equity is discussed, it is implicit and open to interpretation. This research demonstrates a need for frameworks to be revised with an explicit equity focus to ensure the distribution of benefits from QI is equitable.
Impact of the US Food and Drug Administration warning regarding increased risk of aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections on fluoroquinolone prescribing trends
Authors: Rizk John G , Slejko Julia F , Heil Emily L , Seo Dominique , Qato Danya M
Published: July 2024

Background

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in December 2018 regarding an increased risk of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections associated with fluoroquinolone (FQ) use. This warning specifically targeted older adults and patients with conditions such as hypertension, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease and history of aneurysms.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the safety warning on prescribing trends of FQs in the targeted population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study with an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis (January 2018–December 2019) used a 25% random sample of IQVIA PharMetrics®Plus for Academics health plan claims database. The impact of the warning on FQ utilisation was quantified among the targeted population and a non-targeted population.

Results

From 2018 to 2019, both study populations saw a decrease in the year-over-year percent change of FQ prescriptions per 100 000 beneficiaries (−11%, from 14 227 to 12 662, targeted; −15%, from 5227 to 4446, non-targeted) and proportion of FQ use versus other antibiotics (from 15.6% to 13.8%, targeted; from 9.4% to 8%, non-targeted). In the targeted population, the ITS analysis did not show a significant trend change, a change in level or postwarning trend in the monthly rate of FQ prescriptions per 1000 beneficiaries. A positive trend change was observed in the non-targeted population (0.07, <0.01–0.13), but there were no significant changes in level or post-warning trend.

Conclusion

We did not find a change in FQ prescription rates after the warning. The utility of safety advisories as a primary tool for mitigating FQ use in high-risk populations should be revisited.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care and treatment services among adolescents attending a tertiary hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a qualitative study
Authors: Kidabulo Eva , Nkinda Lilian , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L , Joachim Agricola
Published: July 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruption on HIV care and treatment programmes, especially for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) who are known to have poorer health outcomes compared with adults. Efforts made to overcome the pre-existing challenges were hampered by the emergence of the pandemic which interrupted adolescent-friendly healthcare services. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impacts of the pandemic on HIV care and treatment services from healthcare providers and adolescents’ experiences at a tertiary hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with 17 study participants. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to recruit healthcare providers and adolescents, respectively. Swahili semistructured interview guide was used to conduct interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes and subthemes describing the experiences on effects brought by COVID-19 on HIV care and treatment among adolescents.

Results

The study revealed that alteration of approach in delivery of healthcare and limited human and non-human resources in healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased effectiveness and quality of care which resulted in adolescent’s poor adherence to medication and loss to follow-up. Loss of family income, food insecurity and limited socialisation posed threat to adolescent’s mental health and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the impacts of COVID-19 and its immediate responses that significantly affected adolescent HIV care and treatment services. Reinforcement of sustainable ALHIV programmes and funding supports to these programmes are essential to promote retention and engagement to care during pandemics.