bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucosal immunization with ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S prevents sequential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated hamsters
Authors: Darling Tamarand L. , Harastani Houda H. , Joshi Astha , Bricker Traci L. , Soudani Nadia , Seehra Kuljeet , Hassan Ahmed O. , Diamond Michael S. , Boon Adrianus C. M.
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 vaccines have successfully reduced severe disease and death after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Nonetheless, COVID-19 vaccines are variably effective in preventing transmission and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we evaluated the impact of mucosal or intramuscular vaccine immunization on airborne infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters. Immunization of the primary contact hamsters with a mucosal chimpanzee adenoviral-vectored vaccine (ChAd-CoV-2-S), but not intramuscular messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, reduced infectious virus titers ~100-fold and 100,000-fold in the upper and lower respiratory tract of the primary contact hamster following SARS-CoV-2 exposure. This reduction in virus titer in the mucosal immunized contact animals was sufficient to eliminate subsequent transmission to vaccinated and unvaccinated hamsters. In contrast, sequential transmission occurred after systemic immunization with the mRNA vaccine. Thus, immunization with a mucosal COVID-19 vaccine protects against cycles of respiratory transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and can potentially limit the community spread of the virus.
Virus-blocking mosquitoes take flight in the fight against dengue
Authors: Crawford Jacob E.
Published: July 2024

Drone-based mosquito releases facilitate the introduction of dengue-blocking bacteria in wild mosquito populations.
Efficacy assessment of miltefosine and curcumin against
Clonorchis sinensis
infection
Authors: Lee Soon-Ok , Chu Ki Back , Yoon Keon-Woong , Eom Gi-Deok , Mao Jie , Lee Hyeryon , No Joo Hwan , Song Jin Ho , Hong Sung-Jong , Kim Sung Soo , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: July 2024

Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only approved drug for treating clonorchiasis, but its poor efficacy against
Clonorchis sinensis
larvae has highlighted the need to develop newer drugs. In this study, to address this challenge, we investigated the anti-parasitic efficacy of miltefosine (MLT), curcumin (CUR), and PZQ against
C. sinensis
metacercariae (CsMC), newly excysted juvenile worms (CsNEJs), and adults. Larvicidal effects of MLT and CUR surpassed those elicited by PZQ
in vitro
. These two drugs exerted their effect against both CsMC and CsNEJs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To confirm the effect of these drugs
in vivo
, Syrian golden hamsters were orally infected with 100 CsMC and subsequently treated with MLT, CUR, or PZQ at 1 and 4 weeks post-infection (wpi). MLT and CUR reduced the worm recoveries at 1 and 4 wpi, indicating that these drugs were efficacious against both larvae and adult
C. sinensis
. PZQ was only efficacious against adult worms. Interestingly, both MLT and CUR showed lower levels of
C. sinensis-
specific IgG responses than the infection control group, implying that worm burden and bile IgG responses could be correlated. These results indicate that MLT and CUR are efficacious against both larval and adult stages of
C. sinensis
, thereby highlighting their potential for further development as alternative therapeutic options for clonorchiasis.
Interaction of living cable bacteria with carbon electrodes in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Bonné Robin , Marshall Ian P. G. , Bjerg Jesper J. , Marzocchi Ugo , Manca Jean , Nielsen Lars Peter , Aiyer Kartik
Published: July 2024

Cable bacteria are filamentous bacteria that couple the oxidation of sulfide in sediments to the reduction of oxygen via long-distance electron transport over centimeter distances through periplasmic wires. However, the capability of cable bacteria to perform extracellular electron transfer to acceptors, such as electrodes, has remained elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that living cable bacteria actively move toward electrodes in different bioelectrochemical systems. Carbon felt and carbon fiber electrodes poised at +200 mV attracted live cable bacteria from the sediment. When the applied potential was switched off, cable bacteria retracted from the electrode. qPCR and scanning electron microscopy corroborated this finding and revealed cable bacteria in higher abundance present on the electrode surface compared with unpoised controls. These experiments raise new possibilities to study metabolism of cable bacteria and cultivate them in bioelectrochemical devices for bioelectronic applications, such as biosensing and bioremediation.

IMPORTANCE

Extracellular electron transfer is a metabolic function associated with electroactive bacteria wherein electrons are exchanged with external electron acceptors or donors. This feature has enabled the development of several applications, such as biosensing, carbon capture, and energy recovery. Cable bacteria are a unique class of long, filamentous microbes that perform long-distance electron transport in freshwater and marine sediments. In this study, we demonstrate the attraction of cable bacteria toward carbon electrodes and demonstrate their potential electroactivity. This finding enables electronic control and monitoring of the metabolism of cable bacteria and may, in turn, aid in the development of bioelectronic applications.
Med3-mediated NADPH generation to help
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
tolerate hyperosmotic stress
Authors: Hou Shuo , Gao Cong , Liu Jia , Chen Xiulai , Wei Wanqing , Song Wei , Hu Guipeng , Li Xiaomin , Wu Jing , Liu Liming
Published: July 2024

Hyperosmotic stress tolerance is crucial for
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
in producing value-added products from renewable feedstock. The limited understanding of its tolerance mechanism has impeded the application of these microbial cell factories. Previous studies have shown that Med3 plays a role in hyperosmotic stress in
S. cerevisiae
. However, the specific function of Med3 in hyperosmotic stress tolerance remains unclear. In this study, we showed that the deletion of the mediator Med3 impairs
S. cerevisiae
growth under hyperosmotic stress. Phenotypic analyses and yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that Med3 interacts with the transcription factor Stb5 to regulate the expression of the genes
gnd1
and
ald6
, which are involved in NADPH production under hyperosmotic stress conditions. The deletion of
med3
resulted in a decrease in intracellular NADPH content, leading to increased oxidative stress and elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species under hyperosmotic stress, thereby impacting bud formation. These findings highlight the significant role of Med3 as a regulator in maintaining NADPH generation and redox homeostasis in
S. cerevisiae
during hyperosmotic stress.

IMPORTANCE

Hyperosmotic stress tolerance in the host strain is a significant challenge for fermentation performance in industrial production. In this study, we showed that the
S. cerevisiae
mediator Med3 is essential for yeast growth under hyperosmotic conditions. Med3 interacts with the transcription factor Stb5 to regulate the expression of genes involved in the NADPH-generation system during hyperosmotic stress. Adequate NADPH ensures the timely removal of excess reactive oxygen species and supports bud formation under these conditions. This work highlights the crucial role of Med3 as a regulator in maintaining NADPH generation and redox homeostasis in
S. cerevisiae
during hyperosmotic stress.
Nitrate promotes the growth and the production of short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan from commensal anaerobe
Veillonella dispar
in the lactate-deficient environment by facilitating the catabolism of glutamate and aspartate
Authors: Hung Jia-He , Zhang Shi-Min , Huang Shir-Ly
Published: July 2024

Veillonella
spp. are nitrate-reducing bacteria with anaerobic respiratory activity that reduce nitrate to nitrite. They are obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative cocci that ferment lactate as the main carbon source and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Commensal
Veillonella
reside in the human body site where lactate level is, however, limited for
Veillonella
growth. In this study, nitrate was shown to promote the anaerobic growth of
Veillonella
in the lactate-deficient media. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and the metabolism involved in nitrate respiration. Nitrate (15 mM) was demonstrated to promote
Veillonella dispar
growth and viability in the tryptone-yeast extract medium containing 0.5 mM L-lactate. Metabolite and transcriptomic analyses revealed nitrate enabled
V. dispar
to actively utilize glutamate and aspartate from the medium and secrete tryptophan. Glutamate or aspartate was further supplemented to a medium to investigate individual catabolism during nitrate respiration. Notably, nitrate was demonstrated to elevate SCFA production in the glutamate-supplemented medium, and further increase tryptophan production in the aspartate-supplemented medium. We proposed that the increased consumption of glutamate provided reducing power for nitrate respiration and aspartate served as a substrate for fumarate formation. Both glutamate and aspartate were incorporated into the central metabolic pathways
via
reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle and were linked with the increased production of acetate, propionate, and tryptophan. This study provides further understanding of the promoted growth and metabolic mechanisms by commensal
V. dispar
utilizing nitrate and specific amino acids to adapt to the lactate-deficient environment.

IMPORTANCE

Nitrate is a pivotal ecological factor influencing microbial community and metabolism. Dietary nitrate provides health benefits including anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive effects
via
microbial-derived metabolites such as nitrite. Unraveling the impacts of nitrate on the growth and metabolism of human commensal bacteria is imperative to comprehend the intricate roles of nitrate in regulating microbial metabolism, community, and human health.
Veillonella
are lactate-utilizing, nitrate-reducing bacteria that are frequently found in the human body site where lactate levels are low and nitrate is at millimolar levels. Here, we comprehensively described the metabolic strategies employed by
V. dispar
to thrive in the lactate-deficient environment using nitrate respiration and catabolism of specific amino acids. The elevated production of SCFAs and tryptophan from amino acids during nitrate respiration of
V. dispar
further suggested the potential roles of nitrate and
Veillonella
in the promotion of human health.
Bacttle: a microbiology educational board game for lay public and schools
Authors: Trabajo Tania Miguel , Dorcey Eavan , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: July 2024

Inspired by the positive impact of serious games on science understanding and motivated by personal interests in scientific outreach, we developed “Bacttle,” an easy-to-play microbiology board game with adaptive difficulty, targeting any player from 7 years old onward. Bacttle addresses both the lay public and teachers for use in classrooms as a way of introducing microbiology concepts. The layout of the game and its mechanism are the result of multiple rounds of trial, feedback, and re-design. The final version consists of a deck of cards, a 3D-printed board, and tokens (with a paper-based alternative), with all digital content open source. Players in Bacttle take on the character of a bacterial species. The aim for each species is to proliferate under the environmental conditions of the board and the interactions with the board and with other players, which vary as the play evolves. Players start with a given number of lives that will increase or decrease based on the traits they play for different environmental scenarios. Such bacterial traits come in the form of cards that can be deployed strategically. To assess the impact of the game on microbiological knowledge, we scored differences in the understanding of general concepts before and after playing the game. We assessed a total of 169 visitors at two different university open-day science fairs. Players were asked to fill out a brief survey before and after the game with questions targeting conceptual advances. Results show that Bacttle increases general microbiology knowledge on players as young as 5 years old and with the highest impact on those who have no
a priori
microbiology comprehension.
CRISPR screens identify genes essential for
in vivo
virulence among proteins of hyperLOPIT-unassigned subcellular localization in
Toxoplasma
Authors: Tachibana Yuta , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: July 2024

The research field to identify and characterize genes essential for
in vivo
virulence in
Toxoplasma gondii
has been dramatically advanced by a series of
in vivo
clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screens. Although subcellular localizations of thousands of proteins were predicted by the spatial proteomic method called hyperLOPIT, those of more than 1,000 proteins remained unassigned, and their essentiality in virulence was also unknown. In this study, we generated two small-scale gRNA libraries targeting approximately 600 hyperLOPIT-unassigned proteins and performed
in vivo
CRISPR screens. As a result, we identified several genes essential for
in vivo
virulence that were previously unreported. We further characterized two candidates, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are localized in the cytoplasm and the apicoplast, respectively. Both genes are essential for parasite virulence and widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Collectively, our current study provides a resource for estimating the
in vivo
essentiality of
Toxoplasma
proteins with previously unknown localizations.

IMPORTANCE

Toxoplasma gondii
is a protozoan parasite that causes severe infection in immunocompromised patients or newborns.
Toxoplasma
possesses more than 8,000 genes; however, the genes essential for
in vivo
virulence were not fully identified. The apicomplexan parasites, including
Toxoplasma
, developed unique organelles that do not exist in other model organisms; thus, determining the subcellular location of parasite proteins is important for understanding their functions. Here, we used
in vivo
genetic screens that enabled us to investigate hundreds of genes in
Toxoplasma
during mouse infection. We screened approximately 600 parasite proteins with previously unknown subcellular localizations. We identified many novel genes that confer parasite virulence in mice. Among the top hits, we characterized two genes essential for
in vivo
virulence, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Our findings will contribute to understanding how apicomplexans adapt to the host environment and cause disease.
Draft genome sequence of
Ruoffia tabacinasalis
isolated from a bovine nasal swab: a novel member of the bovine nasal microbiota
Authors: Howe Samantha , Wei Xiaoyuan , Kovac Jasna , Zhao Jiangchao
Published: July 2024

We report the isolation and draft genome sequence of
Ruoffia tabacinasalis,
a novel member of the bovine nasal microbiota. The genome, which is estimated to be 90.5% complete, is composed of one contig comprising 2,363,349 bp with a GC content of 36.66%.
Draft genome sequences of
Brucella melitensis
from human and animal sources in India
Authors: Ayoub Haris , Kumar M. Suman , Mehta Rishabh , Thomas Prasad , Dhanze Himani , Bhilegaonkar K. N. , Singh Vibha , Salih Harith M. , Amachawadi Raghavendra G.
Published: July 2024

We present the draft genome sequences of 23
Brucella melitensis
isolates derived from human and animal sources across India with genome size predominantly at 3.207 M and uniform GC content (57.24%) across isolates. The accession numbers and detailed sequencing data enhance the utility of this resource for further genomic studies.
Auto-MuRCiS: a streamlined software package for analysis of multiplex, randomized CRISPR interference sequencing data
Authors: Myers Kevin S. , Place Michael , Gasch Audrey P. , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J.
Published: July 2024

Multiplex, randomized CRISPR interference sequencing (MuRCiS) allows for the simultaneous identification of multiple gene knockouts that together influence microbial processes. Here, we report on an updated analysis tool called Auto-MuRCiS that utilizes Docker to make the analysis of these data rapid and more user-friendly.
Complete genome sequences of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
bacteriophages YMR1 and YMR2 isolated from sewage
Authors: Kwon Miri , Lee Yonghyun , Kim Minsik
Published: July 2024

Two
Klebsiella pneumoniae
bacteriophages, YMR1 and YMR2, which form plaques with halos, were isolated from sewage in Seoul, South Korea. YMR1 and YMR2 have double-stranded DNA genomes of 40,338 bp and 40,756 bp with 49 and 52 predicted protein-coding genes, respectively. Both are predicted to be members of the family
Autographiviridae
.
Caudal regression syndrome associated with obstructive genital tract anomaly
Authors: Harun Muhammad Hairie Hakimi , Mohd Nor Norul Faqiehah , Ramli Roziana
Published: July 2024

Transverse vaginal septum (TVS) is a rare obstructive genital tract anomaly. It is associated with primary amenorrhoea and typically presents with cyclical abdominal pain due to obstruction of the menstrual flow. Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) is also a rare congenital anomaly that is frequently associated with anomalies of the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems. Obstructive genital tract anomaly in CRS is exceptionally rare. This report describes the case of a girl in early adolescence with underlying CRS who presented with severe abdominal pain associated with primary amenorrhoea. Clinical and radiological assessment revealed ‘haematocolpos’ manifesting as a tender 20 weeks’ size abdominal mass and an absent vaginal opening. TVS was identified during examination under anaesthesia. The patient subsequently underwent a successful vaginoplasty with no recurrence of symptoms after 2 years.
Delayed diagnosis of perirectal horseshoe abscess and patient’s perspective
Authors: Khazi-Syed Afeefah Fatimah , Hoffer Emily , Imphean Darren , Felde Lanna
Published: July 2024

This is a case of a woman in her 50s with HIV and uncontrolled diabetes who presented to the emergency department with urinary retention and a painful gluteal cleft lesion, admitted for cellulitis. Since initial CT and soft tissue ultrasound (US) were negative for fluid collection, the care team was surprised to find her symptoms continued to progress despite intravenous antibiotics. Finally, MRI 9 days into her admission demonstrated a 12-cm perirectal horseshoe abscess. The patient was ultimately treated with incision and drainage with Penrose drain placement. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for horseshoe abscess, a complex form of ischiorectal fossa abscess which can be missed on CT and US imaging, and which may expand rapidly in immunosuppressed patients.
Acupuncture for fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a study protocol for a pragmatic, mixed method, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alræk Terje , Skjerve Hilde , Sørensen Anette , Lie S A , Presterud Ødegård Hilde , Lu Weidong , Mao Jun , Deng G , Lee Myeong Soo , Birch Stephen , Lamu Admassu Nadew , Kim Tae-hun , MacPherson Hugh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Fatigue is a common symptom observed in post-cancer treatment, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Acupuncture has been employed to alleviate cancer-related fatigue (CRF); however, its effectiveness in addressing associated comorbidities that may influence fatigue is also poorly understood. This study represents the first investigation to use acupuncture as an intervention for fatigue in breast cancer survivors within a Norwegian cohort. The study will employ questionnaires to evaluate various facets of fatigue. As a pragmatic trial, it statistically assesses its clinical relevance, documents adverse events and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment.

Methods and analysis

This assessor-blinded, pragmatic, randomised, mixed method, controlled trial with two parallel arms aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. It will recruit 250 participants presented with CRF for 6 months or longer. Patients will be randomly allocated either to acupuncture and usual care (n=125) or to usual care alone (n=125). Acupuncture treatments (12 in total) are to be given within 12 weeks. The statistician who will analyse the data will be blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome will be changes in CRF measured by the Chalder fatigue scale. Measurements will be taken 12 weeks and 6 months after randomisation. The secondary outcomes include patient-reported outcomes of pain, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, insomnia and sleepiness. Health-related quality of life and economic evaluation will also be conducted 12 weeks and 6 months after randomisation. Nested within this randomised controlled trial are two qualitative studies and one sub-study measuring biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and aPL in addition to the current genotype genes TNF-308 and IL-6–174) from blood samples (n=80). Such biomarkers can potentially address changes in CRF.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval of this study has been granted by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC southeast ID number: 112285). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The outcomes of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04418115.
PT-IN-MIND: study protocol for a multisite randomised feasibility trial investigating physical therapy with integrated mindfulness (PT-IN-MIND) for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and long-term opioid treatment who attend outpatient physical therapy
Authors: Magel John S , Beneciuk Jason M. , Siantz Elizabeth , Fritz Julie , Garland Eric L. , Hanley Adam , Shen Jincheng , Blosser Priscilla , Matev Taisiya , Gordon Adam J
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Many individuals receiving outpatient physical therapy have musculoskeletal pain and up to one-third use prescription opioids. The impact of physical therapist-led mindfulness-based interventions integrated with evidence-based physical therapy (I-EPT) to manage patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and long-term opioid treatment has not been elucidated. This project evaluates the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomised trial to test the effectiveness of I-EPT.

Methods and analysis

Study 1 aim: Refine and manualise the I-EPT treatment protocol. Our approach will use semistructured interviews of patients and physical therapists to refine an I-EPT training manual. Study 2 aim: Evaluate different intensities of physical therapist training programmes for the refined I-EPT treatment protocol. Physical therapists will be randomised 1:1:1 to high-intensity training (HighIT), low-IT (LowIT) training and no training arms. Following training, competency in the provision of I-EPT (LowIT and HighIT groups) will be assessed using standardised patient simulations. Study 3 aim: Evaluate the feasibility of the I-EPT intervention across domains of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance implementation framework. The refined I-EPT treatment protocol will be tested in two different health systems with 90 patients managed by the randomised physical therapists. The coprimary endpoints for study 3 are the proportions of the Pain, Enjoyment of Life and General Activity Scale and the Timeline Followback for opioid use/dose collected at 12 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the University of Utah, University of Florida and Florida State University Institutional Review Boards. Informed consent is required for participant enrolment in all phases of this project. On completion, study data will be made available in compliance with NIH data sharing policies.

Trial registration number

NCT05875207.
Urban–rural health disparity among patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional community-based study from 2012 to 2019
Authors: Wu Yi-Lien , Wu Yun-Chun , Akhmetzhanov Andrei R , Wu Mei-Yi , Lin Yuh-Feng , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing owing to the ageing population, resulting in an increased demand for dialysis and kidney transplantation, which can be costly. Current research lacks clarity regarding the relationship between residence setting and CKD prevalence or its related risk factors. This study explored the urban–rural disparities in CKD prevalence and risk factors in Taiwan. Our findings will aid the understanding of the distribution of CKD and the design of more effective prevention programmes.

Design

This cross-sectional community-based study used the Renal Value Evaluation Awareness and Lift programme, which involves early screening and health education for CKD diagnosis and treatment. CKD prevalence and risk factors including alcohol consumption, smoking and betel nut chewing were compared between urban and rural areas.

Setting

Urbanisation levels were determined based on population density, education, age, agricultural population and medical resources.

Participants

A total of 7786 participants from 26 urban and 15 rural townships were included.

Results

The prevalence of CKD was significantly higher in rural (29.2%) than urban (10.8%) areas, representing a 2.7-fold difference (p<0.0001). Risk factors including diabetes (rural vs urban: 21.7% and 11.0%), hypertension (59.0% vs 39.9%), hyperuricaemia (36.7% vs 18.6%), alcohol consumption (29.0% vs 19.5%), smoking (15.9% vs 12.0%), betel nut chewing (12.6% vs 2.8%) and obesity (33.6% vs 19.4%) were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in rural areas.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CKD is three times higher in rural versus urban areas. Despite >99% National Health Insurance coverage, disparities in CKD prevalence persist between residential areas. Targeted interventions and further studies are crucial for addressing these disparities and enhancing CKD management across different settings.
Designing a single-arm phase 2 clinical trial of mitapivat for adult patients with erythrocyte membranopathies (SATISFY): a framework for interventional trials in rare anaemias – pilot study protocol
Authors: Glenthøj Andreas , van Beers Eduard J , van Wijk Richard , Rab Minke A E , Groot Evelyn , Vejlstrup Niels , Toft Nina , Bendtsen Selma Kofoed , Petersen Jesper , Helby Jens , Chermat Fatiha , Fenaux Pierre , Kuo Kevin H M
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Membranopathies encompass haemolytic disorders arising from genetic variants in erythrocyte membrane proteins, including hereditary spherocytosis and stomatocytosis. Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II (CDA II) is associated with theSEC23Bgene and can exhibit phenotypic similarities to membranopathies. Current treatment options for these conditions, apart from splenectomy, are primarily supportive. Mitapivat, a novel pyruvate kinase (PK) activator, has demonstrated efficacy in increasing haemoglobin levels and reducing haemolysis in patients with PK deficiency, thalassemia, sickle cell disease and a mouse model of hereditary spherocytosis.

Methods and analyses

Safety and efficacy of mitapivatsulfate in adult patients with erythrocyte membranopathies (SATISFY) is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm phase two trial involving approximately 25 adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with a membranopathy or CDA II. During the 8-week dose escalation period, subjects will receive an initial dose of 50 mg mitapivat two times per day and may increase to 100 mg two times per day at week 4 based on the safety and changes in haemoglobin levels. Patients tolerating mitapivat well may be eligible to continue in two consecutive 24-week fixed dose periods.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of mitapivat, assessed through the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Secondary objectives include assessing the effects of mitapivat on haemoglobin levels, haemolysis, erythropoiesis, patient-reported outcome measures and spleen size.

SATISFY aims to assess the safety and efficacy of mitapivat in adult patients with red blood cell membranopathies and CDA II, with the aim of establishing proof-of-concept in patients living with these rare conditions.

Ethics and dissemination

NCT05935202/CTIS:2023-503271-24-01. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov,NCT05935202. CTIS:2023-503271-24-01. Registered 07-July-2023. Protocol number: 2.1.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05935202.
Trends in the burden of female infertility among adults aged 20–49 years during 1990–2019: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Wang Yijie , Wang Wei , Li Hongfeng , Du Qiao
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The aim of this analysis was to investigate the worldwide distribution and trends in the burden of female infertility (FI).

Design and setting

Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019.

Participants

Adults aged 20–49 years in various geographical regions, Sociodemographic Index (SDI) levels and populations across 204 countries worldwide.

Outcome measures

Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardised DALY rates and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for FI over the research period.

Results

The global burden of FI, as measured by DALYs and age-standardised DALY rates among adults aged 20–49 years, exhibited an upward trend from 1990 to 2019. Regions such as Tropical Latin America (EAPC: 3.76, 95% CI 2.76 to 4.77), South Asia (EAPC: 1.74, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.48) and Andean Latin America (EAPC: 8.54, 95% CI 6.79 to 10.32) had higher DALYs. The age-standardised DALY rates notably increased in low-middle-SDI and low-SDI countries, with EAPCs of 1.42 (95% CI 0.76 to 2.10) and 1.25 (95% CI 0.30 to 2.21), respectively. Despite lower overall DALYs in high-SDI countries, they experienced the highest EAPC in DALYs (1.57, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.83) during the period 1990–2019. China and India consistently had the highest DALYs for FI globally in both 1990 and 2019, while Africa and Latin America bore a significantly greater burden of the disease compared with other regions.

Conclusion

The GBD Study data on FI among adults aged 20–49 years revealed a rising global trend in FI from 1990 to 2019, with notable variations across different regions.
Increasing healthcare proxy documentation in an intensive care unit: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Lim Steven , Megaris Aphrodite , Miyakawa Lina , Filopei Jason , Dharapak Patricia
Published: July 2024

In New York State, the Health Care Proxy Law allows patients to designate a person they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf should they lose the capacity to do so. In an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting, identification of a health care proxy (HCP) is especially important as patients are at heightened risk of losing decision-making capacity during their clinical course. While our hospital has guidelines to solicit and correctly document the patient’s HCP information, it is not routinely done. Missing or incomplete HCP documentation is a prevalent issue, with lack of patient education, physical document issues, and time and workflow constraints commonly cited as barriers. We describe the implementation of a small-scale quality improvement project to increase the percentage of completed HCP documentation in our ICU through multi-faceted interventions targeting education, workflow, access, and technology.
Physical and psychological factors related to injury, illness and tactical performance in law enforcement recruits: a systematic review
Authors: Murphy Myles , Merrick Nicole , Cowen Gill , Sutton Vanessa , Allen Garth , Hart Nicolas H , Mosler Andrea B
Published: July 2024

Objective

There are inconsistent reports of factors relating to injury, illness and tactical performance in law enforcement recruits. Our objectives were to: (1) report physical and psychological risk factors and protective factors for injury and illness and (2) report physical and psychological risk factors and protective factors for tactical performance success.

Design

Systematic epidemiological review.

Methods

Searches of six databases were conducted on 13 December 2022. We included cohorts that assessed physical and psychological factors for injury, illness and tactical performance success. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies and certainty assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

30 studies were included, and quality assessment was performed. Very low certainty of evidence exists for physical variables related to injury risk, and we found no studies that investigated psychological variables as a risk factor for injury. Low-certainty evidence found older age, poorer performance with push-up reps to failure, poorer arm ergometer revolutions, poorer beep test, poorer 75-yard pursuit and the 1.5 miles run tests to be associated with reduced tactical performance. Very low certainty of evidence exists that the psychological variables of intelligence and anger are associated with tactical performance.

Conclusions

We identified a lack of high-level evidence for factors associated with injury, illness and performance. Interventions based on this research will be suboptimal. We suggest context-specific factors related to injury, illness and performance in law enforcement populations are used to inform current practice while further, high-quality research into risk factors is performed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022381973.
Violent deaths among individuals subject to domestic violence protection orders in King County, Washington, USA, 2014–2020
Authors: Dalve Kimberly , Ellyson Alice M , Bowen Deidre , Rhew Isaac C , Rivara Frederick P , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Individuals (ie, respondents) subject to domestic violence protection orders have threatened or engaged in one form of violence perpetration and may be at increased risk for experiencing others forms of violence, including violent death.

Methods

Using a cohort of granted domestic violence protection orders in King County, Washington, USA, from 2014 to 2020 (n=3543), we calculated standardised mortality ratios for violent death, including suicide, homicide, legal intervention and undetermined intent, comparing domestic violence protection order respondents to King County residents adjusting for year, age, sex, and race and ethnicity through indirect standardisation.

Results

There were 66 deaths among domestic violence protection order respondents; 25.8% were violent deaths and 52.9% of violent deaths involved firearms. The standardised mortality ratio for violent death was 3.71 (95% CI: 2.16 to 5.93) among domestic violence protection order respondents compared with King County residents.

Conclusion

The domestic violence protection order process may provide an opportunity for referrals to services to address shared risk factors for violence perpetration and victimisation.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: a national Swedish registry study on high-risk treatments and vulnerable patient groups
Authors: Wolfschlag Mirjam , Cedergren Weber Gustav , Weintraub Daniel , Odin Per , Håkansson Anders
Published: July 2024

Background

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are known psychiatric conditions in Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially as a side effect of antiparkinsonian therapy. Screening for vulnerable patients and avoiding high-risk treatments can be an effective approach to reduce the ICD burden in patients with PD. Thus, our goal was to identify risk factors for ICDs in PD in the Swedish total population.

Methods

Our longitudinal study was based on records of all patients with PD in the Swedish National Patient Registries and the Prescribed Drug Register (n=55 235). Patients with incident gambling disorder and other ICDs were compared with a control group on demographic factors, psychiatric comorbidity, antiparkinsonian dopaminergic treatment and therapies for advanced disease. Potential risk factors were analysed using logistic regressions and relative frequency comparisons (Fisher’s exact test).

Results

Main predictors for incident gambling disorder were treatment with dopamine agonists (Frequency ratio 1.4, p=0.058), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors (Frequency ratio 1.8, p=0.006) and a prescription for drugs used in addictive disorders (OR 5.85, 95% CI 2.00 to 17.10). Main predictors for other ICDs were dopamine agonist treatment (frequency ratio 1.6, p=0.003), anxiety disorders (OR 7.04, 95% CI 2.96 to 16.71) and substance use disorders other than alcohol (OR 5.66, 95% CI 1.75 to 18.23).

Conclusions

Our results support possible risk factors for incident ICDs that had previously been identified, like dopamine agonist treatment and raise additional attention for risk factors like MAO-B inhibitor treatment and specific psychiatric comorbidities. These findings enable tailoring antiparkinsonian therapy to individual patient-specific risk profiles.
Ancillary hospital workers experience during COVID-19: systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Kearsley Sarah Louise , Walker Liz , Johnson Miriam J , Bravington Alison
Published: July 2024

Background

COVID-19 overwhelmed healthcare systems worldwide. Its impact on clinical staff is well documented, but little is known about the effects on ancillary staff (cleaners, porters and caterers).

Aim

To identify the evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on ancillary staff at National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

Databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate, APA PsycINFO, APA PsycArticles and Academic Search Ultimate). Reference lists were searched. Four independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from included papers and studies were critically assessed using relevant critical appraisal tools.

Results

8/178 studies were included, of which 5 quantitative, 2 qualitative and 1 mixed methods. Ancillary staff had higher rates of past and present COVID-19 infection. Participants felt that the work of ancillary staff had been insufficiently recognised by managers and that they had little voice within the NHS. They also experienced inequity regarding available support and safe working practices due to largely digital modes of communication which they rarely, if ever, used. In an evaluation of a personal protective equipment support ‘helper’ programme, ancillary workers were more positive about it than nurses, allied health practitioners, and doctors.

Conclusion

Few studies included ancillary staff. As reported, ancillary staff at NHS hospitals had a higher prevalence of COVID-19 infection but felt marginalised and poorly supported. They valued training when offered. Additional research is needed to understand better the impact of COVID-19 on ancillary key workers, and how best to support them in future similar circumstances.
Linking the spatial and genomic structure of adaptive potential for conservation management: a review
Authors: Chhina Avneet K. , Abhari Niloufar , Mooers Arne , Lewthwaite Jayme M.M.
Published: July 2024

We unified the recent literature with the goal to contribute to the discussion on how genetic diversity might best be conserved. We argue that this decision will be guided by how genomic variation is distributed among manageable populations (i.e., its spatial structure), the degree to which adaptive potential is best predicted by variation across the entire genome or the subset of that variation that is identified as putatively adaptive (i.e., its genomic structure), and whether we are managing species as single entities or as collections of diversifying lineages. The distribution of genetic variation and our ultimate goal will have practical implications for on-the-ground management. If adaptive variation is largely polygenic or responsive to change, its spatial structure might be broadly governed by the forces determining genome-wide variation (linked selection, drift, and gene flow), making measurement and prioritization straightforward. If we are managing species as single entities, then population-level prioritization schemes are possible so as to maximize future pooled genetic variation. We outline one such scheme based on the popular Shapley value from cooperative game theory that considers the relative genetic contribution of a population to an unknown future collection of populations.
Exploration of the LHCb $$P_c$$ states and possible resonances in a unitary coupled-channel model
Authors: Shen Chao-Wei , Rönchen Deborah , Meißner Ulf-G. , Zou Bing-Song , Wang Yu-Fei
Published: July 2024

We extend our previous study of the interactions of $$\bar{D}^{(*)} \Lambda _c - \bar{D}^{(*)}\Sigma _c^{(*)}$$

D

¯

(

∗
)

Λ
c

-

D

¯

(

∗
)

Σ
c

(

∗
)

within an analytic, unitary, coupled-channel approach by including the $$J/\psi p$$

J
/
ψ
p

channel and performing fits to the $$J/\psi p$$

J
/
ψ
p

invariant mass distributions in the $$\Lambda _b^0 \rightarrow J/\psi p K^-$$

Λ
b
0

→
J
/
ψ
p

K
-

decay by the LHCb Collaboration. We take into account the contributions of t-channel pseudoscalar and vector meson exchanges and u-channel baryon exchanges in this work, and a series of bound states and resonances with different spin-parities are dynamically generated. According to the results, four states have a significant impact on the physical observables, with two having a spin-parity of $$1/2^-$$

1
/

2
-

and the other two having $$3/2^-$$

3
/

2
-

. These states can be associated with the LHCb hidden-charm pentaquarks. We further provide the coupling strength between each pole and different channels, which provides some insights on how to search for them in future experiments. Moreover, we also search for poles in higher partial waves up to $$J=7/2$$

J
=
7
/
2

and find indications for the existence of several states with larger widths.
Experimental demonstration of quantum encryption in phase space with displacement operator in coherent optical communications
Authors: Khalil Mostafa , Chan Adrian , Plant David V. , Chen Lawrence R. , Kuang Randy
Published: July 2024

We provide experimental validation of quantum encryption in phase space using displacement operators in coherent states (DOCS) in a conventional coherent optical communication system. The proposed encryption technique is based on displacing the information symbols in the phase space using random phases and amplitudes to achieve encryption randomly and provide security at the physical layer. We also introduce a dual polarization encryption approach where we use two different and random DOCS to encrypt the X and Y polarizations separately. The experimental results show that only authorized users can decrypt the signal correctly, and any mismatch in the displacement operator coefficients, amplitudes, or phases will lead to a bit error ratio (BER) of approximately 50%. We also compare the performance of the system with and without encryption over 80 km of standard-single mode fiber (SSMF) transmission to assess the added penalty of such encryption. The achieved net bit rates are 224, 448, and 560 Gb/s for QPSK, 16QAM, and 32QAM modulation formats, respectively. The experimental results showcase the efficacy of the DOCS encryption technique in resisting various decryption attempts, demonstrating its effectiveness in ensuring the security and confidentiality of transmitted data in a real-world transmission scenario.
Repetition Factorization of Automatic Sequences
Authors: Rampersad Narad , Shallit Jeffrey , Xu Xinhao
Published: July 2024

Following Inoue et al., we define a word to be a repetition if it is a (fractional) power of exponent at least [Formula: see text]. A word has a repetition factorization if it is the product of repetitions. We study repetition factorizations in several (generalized) automatic sequences, including the infinite Fibonacci word, the Thue-Morse word, paperfolding words, and the Rudin-Shapiro sequence.
ZSM-5-Based Catalyst Structure Design and Selectivity Control for Liquid Hydrocarbon Formation: A Mini Review
Authors: Wang Zichen , Zhu Chunxiang , Zhao Binchao , Deng Chenxin , Liu Fangyuan , Gao Pu-Xian
Published: July 2024

The selectivity limitation has long posed a significant challenge in the conversion of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] into liquid hydrocarbon-based sustainable fuels via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and other related processing pathways due to the Anderson–Schulz–Flory (ASF) distribution. The unique pore structure, thermal stability, and acidic sites of ZSM-5 have enabled its widespread applications in various catalytic processes of value-added chemicals and sustainable fuels. In the reaction pathways from [Formula: see text] to liquid HCs of interest, incorporating ZSM-5 into metal catalysts provides new opportunities to enhance product selectivity and catalytic activity, and even lower the reaction energetics. This review highlights recent advancements over the past five years in the structural design of ZSM-5-based catalysts aimed at improving the conversion selectivity of advanced liquid biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. It explores innovative strategies for optimizing catalyst composition, the acidity, mesoporosity, and structures of ZSM-5 to design more efficient, selective, and robust catalysts. Additionally, the review addresses the direct hydrogenation of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] into C5+ liquid hydrocarbons, focusing on catalyst selection, acidic site optimization, and the structural configuration of ZSM-5. The mechanisms involved in these processes are also surveyed.
Complex Dynamics of a Discretized Predator–Prey System with Prey Refuge Using a Piecewise Constant Argument Method
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan , Khan Abdul Qadeer , Amer Muhammad , Faizan Aniqa , Ahmed Imtiaz
Published: July 2024

The objective of this work is to investigate the complex dynamics of a discrete predator–prey system using the method of piecewise constant argument for discretization. An analysis is conducted to examine the presence and stability of fixed points. Furthermore, the system is shown to undergo period-doubling (PD) and Neimark–Sacker (NS) bifurcations by the use of center manifold and bifurcation theories. The feedback and hybrid control strategies are used to regulate the system’s bifurcating and chaotic behaviors. Both strategies seem to be effective in managing bifurcation and chaos inside the system. Finally, the main results are validated by numerical evidence. Parameters of the system are varied to produce time graphs, phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, and maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE) graphs. The discrete model displays rich dynamics, as seen in the numerical simulations and graphs, indicating a complex and chaotic system.
Stochastic approximation in infinite dimensions
Authors: Karandikar Rajeeva L. , Rao B. V.
Published: July 2024

Stochastic approximation (SA) was introduced in the early 1950s and has been an active area of research for several decades. While the initial focus was on statistical questions, it was seen to have applications to signal processing, convex optimization. In later years, SA has found application in reinforced learning (RL) and led to revival of interest.

While bulk of the literature is on SA for the case when the observations are from a finite dimensional Euclidian space, there has been interest in extending the same to infinite dimension. Extension to Hilbert spaces is relatively easier to do, but this is not so when we come to a Banach space — since in the case of a Banach space, even law of large numbers is not true in general. We consider some cases where approximation works in a Banach space. Our framework includes case when the Banach space [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], as well as [Formula: see text], the two cases which do not even have the Radon–Nikodym property.