bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotic use in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: What are current practices, and are they evidence‐based? A pediatric nephrology research consortium study
Authors: Kizilbash S. J. , Connolly H. , Bartosh S. , Zahr R. , Al‐Akash S. , Chishti A. , Mansuri A. , Tawadrous H. , Jain N. G.
Published: June 2024

Background

Probiotics are living microorganisms that may confer health benefits to their host if administered in sufficient quantities. However, data on the use of probiotics in transplant recipients are scarce.

Method

This multi‐center survey of pediatric nephrologists aimed to examine variations in practice regarding the use of probiotics in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. The survey was conducted via a 10‐item questionnaire (developed in Survey Monkey) administered to pediatric nephrologists participating in the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium meeting in April 2023.

Results

Sixty‐four pediatric nephrologists completed the survey. Twenty‐seven (42.2%) respondents reported having prescribed probiotics to pediatric kidney transplant recipients. The primary reason for probiotic use was the treatment of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea (n = 20), with other reasons including recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (n = 15), general gut health promotion (n = 12), recurrent urinary tract infections (n = 8), and parental request (n = 1). Of those who prescribed probiotics, 48.1% held them during periods of neutropenia and 14.8% during central venous line use. Of the 64 respondents, 20 reported the lack of safety data as a concern for using probiotics in kidney transplant recipients.

Conclusion

Pediatric nephrologists are increasingly prescribing probiotics to pediatric kidney transplant recipients; nevertheless, substantial practice variations exist. The paucity of safety data is a significant deterrent to probiotic use in this population.
Conventional diagnostic criteria for periodontal diseases (plaque‐induced gingivitis and periodontitis)
Authors: Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. A.
Published: June 2024

This narrative review addresses conventional diagnostic criteria used in clinical practice to discriminate between periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Visual examination of the color and texture of the periodontal tissues, assessment of plaque deposits, periodontal probing assessments, and diagnostic imaging enable the collation of information to make a periodontal diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan. The periodontal probe is an essential diagnostic tool to assess probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and the degree of furcation involvement at multirooted teeth. When clinical signs and symptoms of periodontitis are identified, diagnostic imaging enables evaluation of the level and extent of bone destruction and bone defect morphology. The diagnostic process requires clinicians who are trained to evaluate, record, and interpret these measures. This narrative review focuses on conventional clinical diagnostic parameters which, despite their limitations, are considered the current standard of care.
Molecular phylogeny of the marine diatom genus Druehlago (Bacillariophyceae) from Japan
Authors: Sugawara Kazuki , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Osada Keigo , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: June 2024

The diatom genus Druehlago was established to differentiate the type species from Craspedostauros and Achnanthes, on the basis of unique heteropolar, cuneate frustules and numerous lenticular plastids. The phylogenetic placement of Druehlago has, until now, relied solely on morphological evidence, suggesting a close relationship with the genus Craspedostauros. In the present study, we discovered a population of Druehlago cf. cuneata along the coast of Japan and established a cultured strain. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on rbcL, psbC and 18S rRNA genes was conducted to explore the phylogenetic position and classification of Druehlago. Our results revealed that D. cf. cuneata belongs to the Craspedostauros clade, but with weak statistical support, which is, in turn, sister to Achnanthes. Given the lack of support for various nodes within the Craspedostauros clade, constrained trees were constructed based on several hypotheses regarding the phylogenetic position of Druehlago. The hypothesis inferring monophyly of Druehlago and Achnanthes was statistically rejected, which highlights the close relationship between Druehlago and Craspedostauros. However, our topology tests provided no further resolution regarding the phylogenetic position of Druehlago within or outside Craspedostauros. Furthermore, the treatment of the specimens is discussed through a morphological comparison with the type of material.
Needs analysis of family caregivers of people living with dementia in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta
Authors: Ardiningrum Wikan , Nasrun Martina Wiwie Setiawan , Kusumaningrum Profitasari , Damping Charles Evert
Published: June 2024

Background

Without appropriate support, taking care of people living with dementia may become a burden for family caregivers. Identifying the needs for caregivers can help them minimise the burden of caring and meet quality care for people living with dementia.

Methods

In the first phase, a content validity test was conducted on the Carers' Needs Assessment of Dementia (CNA‐D) in the Indonesian version. The second phase, a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design, was conducted on 65 family caregivers in two stages. The first stage was a cross‐sectional study. A correlation test between caregiver problems and caregiver burden was conducted. The caregiver problems that were statistically significant were analyzed to reveal the unmet needs. A needs analysis was also conducted on problems experienced by more than half of the caregivers. In the second stage, we conducted a semi‐structured individual interview, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

The result of the validity test of the CNA‐D instrument, Indonesian version, obtained a high value for content validity. The main problem of caregivers is a lack of information about dementia; however, it does not have a significant correlation with caregiver burden. The caregiver problem with the highest correlation to caregiver burden is burnout due to caring. More than 50% of caregivers' needs in Sleman Regency were not met in this research. The most essential needs that were not met were counselling and psychotherapy (83.3%–92%). The personal understanding of dementia, spiritual values in caring, cultural values in caring, barriers to accessing healthcare services, and self‐care strategies should be considered in fulfilling family caregiver needs.

Conclusion

Most of the needs of family caregivers of people living with dementia in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, have not been met. Therefore, it requires collaboration with multi‐professionals and all stakeholders to fulfil these needs.
Association between metabolic parameters and embryo production in superovulated dairy cattle
Authors: Ünay Engin , Okuroğlu Alaeddin , Tirpan Mehmet Borga , Coşkun Muhammed İkbal , Sevgi Ramazan , Yilmaz Mehmet Ali , Ünal İlker , Erişek Abdülkadir , Say Erkan , Satilmiş Muharrem , Kaya Ufuk
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic parameters and the number of embryos produced in superovulated cows with high genetic characteristics in milk yield. Eighteen Holstein donors were treated with classic superovulation protocols, AI and flushing. During superovulation, decreasing doses of FSH (follicle‐stimulating hormone) were administered at 12‐h intervals for 4 days. Plasma insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1), glucose (GLU), beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP) levels were determined by using an autoanalyzer. The mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. As a result, plasma IGF1, BHB and BUN had significant interactions with both groups and days (p < .05). Additionally, plasma TP–days interactions were significant (p < .05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the number of embryos and plasma BHB levels (p < .05). In conclusion, under appropriate environmental conditions, metabolic profile control of donors can contribute to the embryo production process and to the studies on the metabolic infrastructure.
Connectivity measures across scales differentially influence dryland sediment and seed movement
Authors: Turk Tyler G. , Okin Gregory S. , Faist Akasha M.
Published: June 2024

Drylands makeup over 40% of the terrestrial land surface area and are highly vulnerable to degradation. The drivers of dryland degradation can lead to shifts in vegetation, such as woody plant encroachment into historic arid grasslands. Encroachment often creates connected bare plant interspaces where wind and water erosion can redistribute resources, including sediment and seeds. Dryland restoration can incorporate methods to reduce these connected pathways, thus mitigating erosion and retaining resources locally. One method to reduce connectivity is through connectivity modifier (ConMod) structures. Quantifying sediment and seeds captured in ConMod structures provides insight into resource movement on the landscape and system‐level resilience. We quantified sediment and germinable seeds captured in ConMods in relation to vegetation along a grassland‐to‐shrubland gradient, measured at multiple scales, in the Northern Chihuahuan desert, United States. We found (1) a significant but weak correlation between ConMod sediment and seed capture; (2) connectivity in the form of bare ground cover at the large and small scale correlated with sediment capture but not seed capture; and (3) sediment and seed capture were both influenced by previously implemented restoration treatments, though differentially. When investigating the capture of different seed functional groups and sizes, we found that grass seed capture increased with proximity to shrubs and that smaller seeds were both captured more frequently and more closely correlated to sediment capture. These findings have implications for the use of ConMods as restoration tools in shrub‐encroached systems.
Donor‐derived mold infections in lung transplant recipients: The importance of active surveillance
Authors: Mularoni Alessandra , Cona Andrea , Coniglione Giulia , Barbera Floriana , Di Martino Giuseppina , Mulè Giovanni , Campanella Maria , Di Mento Giuseppina , Nunnari Giuseppe , Grossi Paolo Antonio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Mikulska Malgorzata , De Carolis Elena , Bertani Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Unexpected donor‐derived fungal infections represent a rare but potentially fatal complication in lung transplant (Tx) recipients. Timely communication of the results of donor cultures and prompt treatment of recipients are crucial to mitigate the consequences of donor‐derived transmissions. In this prospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation from 2015 to 2022 were included. In December 2015, a Local Active Surveillance System has been implemented to provide biovigilance of donor culture results and optimize recipients’ management. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of unexpected, mold‐positive cultures among lung donors and the rate of transmission to recipients. Furthermore, management strategies and outcome of recipients with mold transmission are described. In case of isolation of the same mold in donor and recipient cultures, when possible, transmission was confirmed by dendrogram analysis. During the study period, 82 lung Tx were performed from 80 donors. The prevalence of donors with “unexpected” mold isolation from the respiratory tract was 3.75% (3/80). Isolated molds were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, and Aspergillus flavus. Transmissions occurred in all the three cases (100%) with a mean time of 5 days from lung Tx but none of the recipients developed invasive mold disease. Our Local Active Surveillance System allowed prompt recognition of lung donors unexpected mold colonization. Even though transmission occurred, introduction of early targeted antifungal therapy prevented potential catastrophic consequence of mold donor‐derived infection in the immediate post‐Tx period.

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Pilot study to evaluate isolation by size of circulating tumour cells in canine oral melanoma
Authors: Nowosh Victor , Braun Alexcia Camila , Ruano Anna Paula Carreta , Chinén Ludmilla Thomé Domingos , de Oliveira Massoco Cristina
Published: June 2024

Liquid biopsy for circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection is generally unexplored in veterinary medicine. Dogs with highly aggressive and heterogeneous tumours, such as oral malignant melanoma (OMM), could benefit from studies involving size‐based isolation methods for CTCs, as they do not depend on specific antibodies. This pilot study aimed to detect CTCs from canine OMM using Isolation by Size of Epithelial Tumor Cells (ISET), a microfiltration methodology, followed by immunocytochemistry (ICC) with Melan‐A, PNL2, and S100 antibodies. Ten canine patients diagnosed by histopathology and confirmed as OMM by immunohistochemistry were enrolled, their prognostic data was assessed, and blood samples were collected for CTC analysis. Results have shown the detection of intact cells in 9/10 patients. ICC has shown 3/9 Melan‐A‐positive, 3/9 PNL2‐positive, and 8/9 S100‐positive patients, confirming the importance of opting for a multimarker assay. A significant number of negative‐stained CTCs were found, suggesting their high heterogeneity in circulation. Microemboli stained with either PNL2 or S100 were found in a patient with a high isolated cell count and advanced clinical stage. Preliminary statistical analysis shows a significant difference in CTC count between patients with and without lymph node metastasis (p < .05), which may correlate with tumour metastatic potential. However, we recommend further studies with more extensive sampling to confirm this result. This pilot study is the first report of intact CTC detection in canine OMM and the first application of ISET in veterinary medicine, opening new possibilities for liquid biopsy studies in canine OMM and other tumours.
Resistive Heating Catalytic Micro-Reactor for Process Intensified Fuel Reforming to Hydrogen
Authors: Burra Kiran Raj Goud , Sahin Murat , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: June 2024

Process intensification of fuel reforming using micro-reactors has become crucial for feed flexibility in H2 production for fuel cells. In the literature on micro-reactors, energy supply for these endothermic reactions has faced limitations, relying on external heating, or autothermal operation. This paper explores a novel approach using a thin-film catalytic heater to develop micro-reactors. The study focuses on dry methane reforming in a simplified micro-reactor where thermal energy is supplied through electric resistive heating of a thin carbon sheet with a catalyst applied to its surface. The thin-catalytic heated layer inside the reactor minimizes energy losses and the reactor footprint. Power input was varied from 90 W to 225 W to understand its impact on the reactor temperature, CH4 conversion, H2 and CO yields. Fast thermal response times were achieved using the carbon paper as a thin film for heating. Ni/MgO impregnated onto carbon paper was utilized as the catalytic heating element which resulted in CH4 conversions greater than 60% at temperature above750 K. Influence of operating conditions such as the input molar ratio of CO2/CH4 and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) were also investigated to understand the scope of the catalyst in this setup. High GHSVs (592,885 and 948,617 ml/(h·gcatalyst)) were tested to understand the throughput achievable using this setup. This approach demonstrates improved scope and feasibility for further intensification compared to conventionally heated micro-reactors. The research paves the way for efficient and compact micro-reactors for fuel reforming processes.
Improving Signal Transmission Quality of Wind Turbine Pitch Slip Ring With Copper Matrix Composites
Authors: Wen Da , Zhang Minglang , Zhu Rui , Xue Zuo , Zhou Yuankai
Published: June 2024

To improve the signal transmission quality, copper matrix composites added with different contents of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) were prepared. The electrical and tribological properties of composites were studied. A new parameter, the correlation dimension of electrical noise, was proposed to quantitatively characterize the stability of signal transmission. Copper matrix composites added with reasonable amount of CNTs and MoS2 can effectively reduce the values and fluctuations of friction coefficient and improve the wear resistance, efficiency, and stability of the signal transmission. Tribo-films are generated on the surface of composites. The contents of CNTs and MoS2 affect the stability of tribo-film and further affect the signal transmission quality. 0.5 wt% CNTs and 15 wt% MoS2 can make good synergistic effects on improving the signal transmission quality of composites. The results provide good guidance to improve the signal transmission quality of wind pitch slip rings.
Statistical Scaling in Localization-Induced Failures
Authors: Le Jia-Liang
Published: June 2024

The investigation of statistical scaling in localization-induced failures dates back to da Vinci's speculation on the length effect on rope strength in 1500 s. The early mathematical description of statistical scaling emerged with the birth of the extreme value statistics. The most commonly known mathematical model for statistical scaling is the Weibull size effect, which is a direct consequence of the infinite weakest-link model. However, abundant experimental observations on various localization-induced failures have shown that the Weibull size effect is inadequate. Over the last two decades, two mathematical models were developed to describe the statistical size effect in localization-induced failures. One is the finite weakest-link model, in which the random structural resistance is expressed as the minimum of a set of independent discrete random variables. The other is the level excursion model, a continuum description of the finite weakest-link model, in which the structural failure probability is calculated as the probability of the upcrossing of a random field over a barrier. This paper reviews the mathematical formulation of these two models and their applications to various engineering problems including the strength distributions of quasi-brittle structures, failure statistics of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, breakdown statistics of high– k gate dielectrics, and probability distribution of buckling pressure of spherical shells containing random geometric imperfections. In addition, the implications of statistical scaling for the stochastic finite element simulations and the reliability-based structural design are discussed. In particular, the recent development of the size-dependent safety factors is reviewed.
Cardiorespiratory Markers Relate to Change-of-Direction Performance During Incremental Endurance Tests and Friendly Matches in Professional Male Handball Players
Authors: Achenbach Leonard , Zinner Christoph , Zeman Florian , Obinger Matthias
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To compare the standard Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (IR) test and an agility Yo-Yo IR test with a higher number of change-of-direction movements to cardiorespiratory match performance. Methods: The study included 11 professional male handball players (age 24.5 [4.6] y) of a German second-league team. The performance parameters of the players of the seasons 2016–17 to 2018–19 were analyzed. The Yo-Yo IR test was compared to a Yo-Yo IR test with multiple multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli, which was conducted on a SpeedCourt (Yo-Yo SC IR). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were measured. Between-methods differences of individual athletes were quantified with Bland–Altman plots. Results: HRmax was not statistically different during the Yo-Yo SC IR test compared to the Yo-Yo IR test (181 [10] vs 188 [8] beats·min−1; P = .16). Agreement between the 2 tests was moderate for HRmax and good for heart rates >180 beats·min−1. Mean average VO2peak was 51.7 (3.9) and 50.9 (2.8) mL·min–1·kg–1 for the Yo-Yo SC IR test and the Yo-Yo IR test (P = .693), respectively. Conclusions: A Yo-Yo test with multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli yielded good agreement with the frequently used linear running tests and can be used to assess players’ VO2peak. The HRmax achieved during this test should be used with caution.
Growth factor–dependent phosphorylation of Gα
i
shapes canonical signaling by G protein–coupled receptors
Authors: Roy Suchismita , Sinha Saptarshi , Silas Ananta James , Ghassemian Majid , Kufareva Irina , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: June 2024

A long-standing question in the field of signal transduction is how distinct signaling pathways interact with each other to control cell behavior. Growth factor receptors and G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the two major signaling hubs in eukaryotes. Given that the mechanisms by which they signal independently have been extensively characterized, we investigated how they may cross-talk with each other. Using linear ion trap mass spectrometry and cell-based biophysical, biochemical, and phenotypic assays, we found at least three distinct ways in which epidermal growth factor affected canonical G protein signaling by the G
i
-coupled GPCR CXCR4 through the phosphorylation of Gα
i
. Phosphomimicking mutations in two residues in the α
E
helix of Gα
i
(tyrosine-154/tyrosine-155) suppressed agonist-induced Gα
i
activation while promoting constitutive Gβγ signaling. Phosphomimicking mutations in the P loop (serine-44, serine-47, and threonine-48) suppressed G
i
activation entirely, thus completely segregating growth factor and GPCR pathways. As expected, most of the phosphorylation events appeared to affect intrinsic properties of Gα
i
proteins, including conformational stability, nucleotide binding, and the ability to associate with and to release Gβγ. However, one phosphomimicking mutation, targeting the carboxyl-terminal residue tyrosine-320, promoted mislocalization of Gα
i
from the plasma membrane, a previously uncharacterized mechanism of suppressing GPCR signaling through G protein subcellular compartmentalization. Together, these findings elucidate not only how growth factor and chemokine signals cross-talk through the phosphorylation-dependent modulation of Gα
i
but also how such cross-talk may generate signal diversity.
Bacteria-induced BBB breakdown
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: June 2024

Bacterial LPS disrupts the blood-brain barrier by inducing endothelial cell pyroptosis.
The two-component regulatory systems GraRS and SrrAB mediate
Staphylococcus aureus
susceptibility to Pep5 produced by clinical isolate of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Suzuki Yujin , Kawada-Matsuo Miki , Le Mi Nguyen-Tra , Eng Sopongselamuny , Hisatsune Junzo , Sugai Motoyuki , Sakaguchi Takemasa , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common bacterium on the skin and in the nose that sometimes causes severe illness. Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides, or proteins produced by bacteria are candidates for the treatment of
S. aureus
infection. In this study, we found that a clinical
Staphylococcus epidermidis
strain, KSE112, produced the lantibiotic Pep5, which showed anti-
S. aureus
activity. The complete nucleotide sequence of the Pep5-encoding plasmid was determined. Several
S. aureus
two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) are known to be involved in bacteriocin susceptibility. Therefore, susceptibility tests were performed using TCS-inactivated
S. aureus
mutants to determine which TCS is responsible for Pep5 susceptibility; the Δ
graRS
mutant exhibited increased susceptibility to Pep5, while the Δ
srrAB
mutant exhibited decreased susceptibility. GraRS is known to regulate
dltABCD
and
mprF
in concert with
vraFG
, and Pep5 susceptibility was significantly increased in the Δ
dltABCD,
Δ
mprF,
and Δ
vraFG
mutants. Regarding the Δ
srrAB
mutant, cross-resistance to aminoglycosides was observed. As aminoglycoside activity is known to be affected by aerobic respiration, we focused on
qoxABCD
and
cydAB,
which are quinol oxidase genes that are necessary for aerobic respiration and have downregulated the expression in the Δ
srrAB
mutant. We constructed Δ
qoxABCD
and Δ
cydAB
mutants and found that
qoxABCD
inactivation decreased susceptibility to Pep5 and aminoglycosides. These results indicate that reduced aerobic respiration due to the reduced
qoxABCD
expression in the Δ
srrAB
mutant decreased Pep5 activity.

IMPORTANCE

The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, is a severe health problem worldwide. Thus, the development of novel antimicrobial agents, including bacteriocins, is needed. In this report, we found a Pep5-producing strain with anti-
S
.
aureus
activity. We determined the complete sequence of the Pep5-encoding plasmid for the first time. However, in
S. aureus,
GraRS and its effectors conferred decreased susceptibility to Pep5. We also revealed that another TCS, SrrAB, affects susceptibility Pep5 and other lantibiotics by controlling aerobic respiration. In our study, we investigated the efficacy of Pep5 against
S. aureus
and other Gram-positive bacteria and revealed that respiratory constancy regulated by TCS is required for the antimicrobial activity of nisin, nukacin, and Pep5. These findings provide important information for the clinical application of bacteriocins and suggest that they have different properties among similar pore-forming lantibiotics.
Spatial recovery of the murine gut microbiota after antibiotics perturbation
Authors: Taguer M. , Xiao J. , Crawford R. , Shi H. , Cheng M. P. , Citron M. , Hannigan G. D. , Kasper S. H.
Published: June 2024

Bacterial communities are highly complex, with interaction networks dictating ecosystem function. Bacterial interactions are constrained by the spatial organization of these microbial communities, yet studying the spatial organization of microbial communities at the single-cell level has been technically challenging. Here, we use the recently developed high-phylogenetic-resolution microbiota mapping by fluorescence
in situ
hybridization technology to image the gut microbiota at the species and single-cell level. We simultaneously image 63 different bacterial species to spatially characterize the perturbation and recovery of the gut microbiota to ampicillin and vancomycin in the cecum and distal colon of mice. To decipher the biology in this complex imaging data, we developed an analytical framework to characterize the spatial changes of the gut microbiota to a perturbation. The three-tiered analytical approach includes image-level diversity, pairwise colocalization analysis, and hypothesis-driven neighborhood analysis. Through this workflow, we identify biogeographic and antibiotic-based differences in the spatial organization of the gut microbiota. We demonstrate that the cecal microbiota has increased micrometer-scale diversity than the colon at baseline and recovers better from perturbation. Also, we identify potential foundation and keystone species that have high baseline neighborhood richness and that are associated with recovery from antibiotics. Through this workflow, we add a spatial layer to the characterization of bacterial communities and progress toward a better understanding of bacterial interactions leading to improved microbiome modulation strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotics have broad off-target effects on the gut microbiome. When the microbial community is unable to recover from antibiotics, it can lead to increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections and increased risk of immunological and metabolic diseases. In this study, we work to better understand how the gut microbiota recovers from antibiotics by employing a recent technology to image the entire bacterial community at once. Through this approach, we characterize the spatial changes in the gut microbiota after treatment with model antibiotics in both the cecum and colon of mice. We find antibiotic- and biogeographic-dependent spatial changes between bacterial species and that many of these spatial colocalizations do not recover to baseline levels even 35 days after antibiotic administration.
Supplemental Material: Continental-scale drainage reorganization during Mesoproterozoic orogenesis: Evidence from the Belt Basin of western North America
Authors: Hirtz Jaime A.M. , Constenius Kurt N. , al. et
Published: June 2024

Detrital zircon data sets that include sample locations, U-Pb zircon analyses of 27 samples, Laurentian Precambrian metamorphic and igneous ages, proportions of Precambrian age populations throughout Laurentia and Belt Basin, MDA calculations, modeling results, and associated material with MDS plots.
Collisions of Light Bullets with Different Circular Polarizations
Authors: Ruban V. P.
Published: June 2024

Collisions of left- and right-polarized spatiotemporal optical solitons have been numerically simulated for a locally isotropic focusing Kerr medium with anomalous chromatic dispersion. The stable propagation of such “light bullets” in a moderate nonlinear regime is ensured by a transverse parabolic profile of the refraction index in a multimode waveguide. The transverse motion of centers of mass of wave packets in such systems occurs on classical trajectories of a harmonic oscillator, whereas the motion in the longitudinal direction is uniform. Therefore, collisions of two solitons can be not only head-on but also tangential. An inelastic collision of two solitons with opposite circular polarizations can result either in two binary light bullets combining the left and right polarization or in more complex bound systems.
Towards regulatory generative AI in ophthalmology healthcare: a security and privacy perspective
Authors: Wang Yueye , Liu Chi , Zhou Keyao , Zhu Tianqing , Han Xiaotong
Published: June 2024

As the healthcare community increasingly harnesses the power of generative artificial intelligence (AI), critical issues of security, privacy and regulation take centre stage. In this paper, we explore the security and privacy risks of generative AI from model-level and data-level perspectives. Moreover, we elucidate the potential consequences and case studies within the domain of ophthalmology. Model-level risks include knowledge leakage from the model and model safety under AI-specific attacks, while data-level risks involve unauthorised data collection and data accuracy concerns. Within the healthcare context, these risks can bear severe consequences, encompassing potential breaches of sensitive information, violating privacy rights and threats to patient safety. This paper not only highlights these challenges but also elucidates governance-driven solutions that adhere to AI and healthcare regulations. We advocate for preparedness against potential threats, call for transparency enhancements and underscore the necessity of clinical validation before real-world implementation. The objective of security and privacy improvement in generative AI warrants emphasising the role of ophthalmologists and other healthcare providers, and the timely introduction of comprehensive regulations.
Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Ethiopian students: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fentahun Setegn , Takelle Girmaw Medfu , Rtbey Gidey , Andualem Fantahun , Tinsae Techilo , Nakie Girum , Melkam Mamaru , Tadesse Gebresilassie
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study is to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of depression and its associated factors among high school, college and university students in Ethiopia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, African Journal Online and Google Scholar. The primary articles were searched from 2 April 2023 to 11 May 2023.

Eligibility criteria

Observational studies such as cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies that reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression among students in Ethiopia were included. Both published and unpublished primary studies were included in this review.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently extracted all the important data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and exported it to Stata V.14 for analysis. The statistical heterogeneity among the included articles was assessed by the I2statistics test. Publication bias was checked using the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test.

Results

A total of 17 primary studies with 8798 study participants were included in the current study to estimate the combined prevalence of depression. The pooled prevalence of depression among Ethiopian students was 35.52% with a 95% CI (30.54% to 40.51%). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of depression was higher in Addis Ababa, which was 40.43%, with a 95% CI (28.02% to 52.83%). Female sex, first-year educational level, family history of mental illness, alcohol drinking and parental neglect were significantly associated with depression in this study.

Conclusion

In this review, the overall pooled prevalence of depression among students in Ethiopia was high compared with the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to make more efforts to provide mental healthcare and psychosocial support to students to improve their mental health and decrease the overall burden of depression.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023424301.
Evaluation of a novel university-based testing platform to increase access to SARS-CoV-2 testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cohort study
Authors: Bennett Julia Catherine , O’Hanlon Jessica , Acker Zachary , Han Peter D , McDonald Devon , Wright Tessa , Luiten Kyle G , Regelbrugge Lani , McCaffrey Kathryn M , Pfau Brian , Wolf Caitlin R , Gottlieb Geoffrey S , Hughes James P , Carone Marco , Starita Lea M , Chu Helen Y , Weil Ana A
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of an unsupervised testing mechanism, in which participants pick up a swab kit, self-test (unsupervised) and return the kit to an on-campus drop box, as compared with supervised self-testing at staffed locations.

Design

University SARS-CoV-2 testing cohort.

Setting

Husky Coronavirus Testing provided voluntary SARS-CoV-2 testing at a university in Seattle, USA.

Outcome measures

We computed descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the study sample. Adjusted logistic regression implemented via generalised estimating equations was used to estimate the odds of a self-swab being conducted through unsupervised versus supervised testing mechanisms by participant characteristics, including year of study enrolment, pre-Omicron versus post-Omicron time period, age, sex, race, ethnicity, affiliation and symptom status.

Results

From September 2021 to July 2022, we received 92 499 supervised and 26 800 unsupervised self-swabs. Among swabs received by the laboratory, the overall error rate for supervised versus unsupervised swabs was 0.3% vs 4%, although this declined to 2% for unsupervised swabs by the spring of the academic year. Results were returned for 92 407 supervised (5% positive) and 25 836 unsupervised (4%) swabs from 26 359 participants. The majority were students (79%), 61% were female and most identified as white (49%) or Asian (34%). The use of unsupervised testing increased during the Omicron wave when testing demand was high and stayed constant in spring 2022 even when testing demand fell. We estimated the odds of using unsupervised versus supervised testing to be significantly greater among those <25 years of age (p<0.001), for Hispanic versus non-Hispanic individuals (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3, p=0.01) and lower among individuals symptomatic versus asymptomatic or presymptomatic (0.9, 95% CI 0.8 to 0.9, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Unsupervised swab collection permitted increased testing when demand was high, allowed for access to a broader proportion of the university community and was not associated with a substantial increase in testing errors.
Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and attributable pulmonary tuberculosis notifications in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China: a health impact assessment
Authors: Popovic Igor , Soares Magalhaes Ricardo , Yang Shukun , Yang Yurong , Yang Bo-Yi , Dong Guang-Hui , Wei Xiaolin , Van Buskirk Joseph , Fox Gregory , Ge Erjia , Marks Guy , Knibbs Luke
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (≤2.5 µm (PM2.5)) has been associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) notifications or incidence in recent publications. Studies quantifying the relative contribution of long-term PM2.5on TB notifications have not been documented. We sought to perform a health impact assessment to estimate the PM2.5- attributable TB notifications during 2007–2017 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), China.

Methods

PM2.5attributable TB notifications were estimated at township level (n=358), stratified by age group and summed across NHAR. PM2.5-associated TB-notifications were estimated for total and anthropogenic PM2.5mass and expressed as population attributable fractions (PAFs). The main analysis used effect and uncertainty estimates from our previous study in NHAR, defining a counterfactual of the lowest annual PM2.5(30 µg/m3) level, above which we assumed excess TB notifications. Sensitivity analyses included counterfactuals based on the 5th (31 µg/m3) and 25th percentiles (38 µg/m3), and substituting effect estimates from a recent meta-analysis. We estimated the influence of PM2.5concentrations, population growth and baseline TB-notification rates on PM2.5attributable TB notifications.

Results

Over 2007–2017, annual PM2.5had an estimated average PAF of 31.2% (95% CI 22.4% to 38.7%) of TB notifications while the anthropogenic PAF was 12.2% (95% CI 9.2% to 14.5%). With 31 and 38 µg/m3as counterfactuals, the PAFs were 29.2% (95% CI 20.9% to 36.3%) and 15.4% (95% CI 10.9% to 19.6%), respectively. PAF estimates under other assumptions ranged between 6.5% (95% CI 2.9% to 9.6%) and 13.7% (95% CI 6.2% to 19.9%) for total PM2.5, and 2.6% (95% CI 1.2% to 3.8%) to 5.8% (95% CI 2.7% to 8.2%) for anthropogenic PM2.5. Relative to 2007, overall changes in PM2.5attributable TB notifications were due to reduced TB-notification rates (−23.8%), followed by decreasing PM2.5 (−6.2%), and population growth (+4.9%).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated how the potential impact of historical or hypothetical air pollution reduction scenarios on TB notifications can be estimated, using public domain, PM2.5and population data. The method may be transferrable to other settings where comparable TB-notification data are available.
Missing data in emergency care: a pitfall in the interpretation of analysis and research based on electronic patient records
Authors: Coats Timothy J , Mirkes Evgeny M
Published: June 2024

Electronic patient records (EPRs) are potentially valuable sources of data for service development or research but often contain large amounts of missing data. Using complete case analysis or imputation of missing data seem like simple solutions, and are increasingly easy to perform in software packages, but can easily distort data and give misleading results if used without an understanding of missingness. So, knowing about patterns of missingness, and when to get expert data science (data engineering and analytics) help, will be a fundamental future skill for emergency physicians. This will maximise the good and minimise the harm of the easy availability of large patient datasets created by the introduction of EPRs.
Effect of retirement on loneliness: a longitudinal comparative analysis across Australia, China and the USA
Authors: Hagani Neta , Clare Philip J , Luo Mengyun , Merom Dafna , Smith Ben J , Ding Ding
Published: June 2024

Background

There is evidence that the transition to retirement can bring social challenges and may increase loneliness. Few studies have examined the impact of retirement on loneliness; most have been conducted in Western countries. It is important to examine the differences in loneliness postretirement across countries to identify patterns and risk factors that might influence the health and well-being of older adults. We aimed to examine the effect of retirement on loneliness among older adults in Australia, China and the USA.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of data from population-based samples of Australian, Chinese and American adults over 50. Lagged and fully lagged adjusted models were applied. Social engagement was examined as an effect modifier and a sensitivity analysis was conducted among urban participants.

Results

Retirees had a higher predicted prevalence of loneliness than non-retirees in Australia (19.4% (95% CI 18.0% to 20.9%) vs 17.0% (95% CI 15.7% to 18.4%)) and in the USA (19.3% (95% CI 17.5% to 21.1%) vs 15.7% (95% CI 14.3% to 17.3%)). These differences were significant only in the USA. In China, loneliness was significantly lower in those who had retired (10.0% (95% CI 7.9% to 12.5%) vs 17.1% (95% CI 15.7% to 18.5%)). In Australia and the USA, voluntary retirees had the lowest loneliness and involuntary retirees had the highest. Social engagement did not modify the association between retirement and loneliness.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that the effect of retirement should be considered within a cultural context to inform suitable and effective strategies to alleviate loneliness.
Associations between neighbourhood deprivation, ethnicity and maternal health outcomes in England: a nationwide cohort study using routinely collected healthcare data
Authors: Geddes-Barton Dorothea , Ramakrishnan Rema , Knight Marian , Goldacre Raph
Published: June 2024

Background

In the United Kingdom, pregnant women who live in the most deprived areas have two times the risk of dying than those who live in the least deprived areas. There are even greater disparities between women from different ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of area-based deprivation and ethnicity in the increased risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), in primiparous women in England.

Methods

A retrospective nationwide population study was conducted using English National Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care database. All primiparous women were included if they gave birth in an National Healthcare Service (NHS) hospital in England between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Logistic regression was used to examine the relative odds of SMM by Index of Multiple Deprivation and ethnicity, adjusting for age and health behaviours, medical and psychological factors.

Results

The study population comprised 1 178 756 primiparous women. Neighbourhood deprivation increased the risk of SMM at the time of childbirth. In the fully adjusted model, there was a linear trend (p=0.001) between deprivation quintile and the odds of SMM. Being from a minoritised ethnic group also independently increased the risk of SMM, with black or black British African women having the highest risk, adjusted OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.70 to 2.00) compared with white women. There was no interaction between deprivation and ethnicity (p=0.49).

Conclusion

This study has highlighted that neighbourhood deprivation and ethnicity are important, independently associated risk factors for SMM.
Improved physical functioning, sleep, work productivity and overall health-related quality of life with bimekizumab in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: results from two phase 3 studies
Authors: Dubreuil Maureen , Navarro-Compán Victoria , Boonen Annelies , Gaffney Karl , Gensler Lianne S , de la Loge Christine , Vaux Thomas , Fleurinck Carmen , Massow Ute , Taieb Vanessa , Mørup Michael F , Deodhar Atul , Rudwaleit Martin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of bimekizumab on physical functioning, sleep, work productivity and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with non-radiographic (nr-) and radiographic (r-) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in the phase 3 studies BE MOBILE 1 and 2.

Methods

Patients were randomised to subcutaneous bimekizumab 160 mg or placebo every 4 weeks; from Week 16, all patients received bimekizumab 160 mg every 4 weeks. We report the following outcomes to Week 52: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale Revised (MOS-Sleep-R) Index II, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: axSpA (WPAI:axSpA), Short Form-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary (SF-36 PCS/MCS) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL).

Results

At Week 16, bimekizumab-randomised patients demonstrated significantly greater improvement from baseline versus placebo in BASFI, SF-36 PCS and ASQoL (p<0.001), and numerically greater improvements in MOS-Sleep-R Index II and WPAI:axSpA scores. Higher proportions of bimekizumab-randomised versus placebo-randomised patients at Week 16 achieved increasingly stringent thresholds for improvements in BASFI (0 to ≤4), and thresholds for meaningful improvements in SF-36 PCS (≥5-point increase from baseline) and ASQoL (≥4-point decrease from baseline). Responses were sustained or further improved to Week 52, where 60%–70% of bimekizumab-treated patients achieved BASFI ≤4 and meaningful improvements in SF-36 PCS and ASQoL, regardless of whether originally randomised to bimekizumab or placebo.

Conclusion

Bimekizumab treatment led to early improvements in physical function, sleep, work productivity and overall HRQoL at Week 16 in patients across the full axSpA disease spectrum. Improvements were sustained to Week 52.

Trial registration numbers

NCT03928704;NCT03928743.
Effects of moderate alcohol consumption and hypobaric hypoxia: implications for passengers’ sleep, oxygen saturation and heart rate on long-haul flights
Authors: Trammer Rabea Antonia , Rooney Daniel , Benderoth Sibylle , Wittkowski Martin , Wenzel Juergen , Elmenhorst Eva-Maria
Published: June 2024

Background

Passengers on long-haul flights frequently consume alcohol. Inflight sleep exacerbates the fall in blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) caused by the decreased oxygen partial pressure in the cabin. We investigated the combined influence of alcohol and hypobaric hypoxia on sleep, SpO2and heart rate.

Methods

Two groups of healthy individuals spent either two nights with a 4-hour sleep opportunity (00:00–04:00 hours) in the sleep laboratory (n=23; 53 m above sea level) or in the altitude chamber (n=17; 753 hPa corresponding to 2438 m above sea level, hypobaric condition). Participants consumed alcohol before one of the nights (mean±SE blood alcohol concentration 0.043±0.003%). The order of the nights was counterbalanced. Two 8-hour recovery nights (23:00–07:00 hours) were scheduled between conditions. Polysomnography, SpO2and heart rate were recorded.

Results

The combined exposure to alcohol and hypobaric condition decreased SpO2to a median (25th/75th percentile) of 85.32% (82.86/85.93) and increased heart rate to a median (25th/75th percentile) of 87.73 bpm (85.89/93.86) during sleep compared with 88.07% (86.50/88.49) and 72.90 bpm (70.90/78.17), respectively, in the non-alcohol hypobaric condition, 94.97% (94.59/95.33) and 76.97 bpm (65.17/79.52), respectively, in the alcohol condition and 95.88% (95.72/96.36) and 63.74 bpm (55.55/70.98), respectively, in the non-alcohol condition of the sleep laboratory group (all p<0.0001). Under the combined exposure SpO2was 201.18 min (188.08/214.42) below the clinical hypoxia threshold of 90% SpO2compared with 173.28 min (133.25/199.03) in the hypobaric condition and 0 min (0/0) in both sleep laboratory conditions. Deep sleep (N3) was reduced to 46.50 min (39.00/57.00) under the combined exposure compared with both sleep laboratory conditions (alcohol: 84.00 min (62.25/92.75); non-alcohol: 67.50 min (58.50/87.75); both p<0.003).

Conclusions

The combination of alcohol and inflight hypobaric hypoxia reduced sleep quality, challenged the cardiovascular system and led to extended duration of hypoxaemia (SpO2<90%).