bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunostimulatory activity of lipoteichoic acid with three fatty acid residues derived from
Limosilactobacillus antri
JCM 15950
T
Authors: Yamasaki-Yashiki Shino , Shiraishi Tsukasa , Gyobu Mai , Sasaki Haruna , Kunisawa Jun , Yokota Shin-ichi , Katakura Yoshio
Published: September 2024

Some strains of lactic acid bacteria can regulate the host’s intestinal immune system. Bacterial cells and membrane vesicles (MVs) of
Limosilactobacillus antri
JCM 15950
T
promote immunoglobulin A (IgA) production in murine Peyer’s patch cells via toll-like receptor (TLR) 2. This study aimed to investigate the role of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a ligand of TLR2, in the immunostimulatory activity of these bacterial cells and their MVs. LTA extracted from bacterial cells was purified through hydrophobic interaction chromatography and then divided into fractions LTA1 and LTA2 through anion-exchange chromatography. LTA1 induced greater interleukin (IL)-6 production from macrophage-like RAW264 cells than LTA2, and the induced IL-6 production was suppressed by TLR2 neutralization using an anti-TLR2 antibody. The LTAs in both fractions contained two hexose residues in the glycolipid anchor; however, LTA1 was particularly rich in triacyl LTA. The free hydroxy groups in the glycerol phosphate (GroP) repeating units were substituted by
d
-alanine (
d
-Ala) and α-glucose in LTA1, but only by α-glucose in LTA2. The dealanylation of LTA1 slightly suppressed IL-6 production in RAW264 cells, whereas deacylation almost completely suppressed IL-6 production. Furthermore, IL-6 production induced by dealanylated LTA1 was markedly higher than that induced by dealanylated LTA2. These results indicated that the critical moieties for the immunostimulatory activity of
L. antri
-derived LTA were the three fatty acid residues rather than the substitution with
d
-Ala in GroP. LTA was also detected in MVs, suggesting that the triacyl LTA, but not the diacyl LTA, translocated to the MVs and conferred immunostimulatory activity.

IMPORTANCE

Some lactic acid bacteria activate the host intestinal immune system via toll-like receptor (TLR) 2. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a TLR2 ligand; however, the moieties of LTA that determine its immunostimulatory activity remain unclear because of the wide diversity of LTA partial structures. We found that
Limosilactobacillus antri
JCM 15950
T
has three types of LTAs (triacyl, diacyl, and monoacyl LTAs). Specifically, structural analysis of the LTAs revealed that triacyl LTA plays a crucial role in immunostimulation and that the fatty acid residues are essential for the activity. The three acyl residues are characteristic of LTAs from many lactic acid bacteria, and our findings can explain the immunostimulatory mechanisms widely exhibited by lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, the immunostimulatory activity of membrane vesicles released by
L. antri
JCM 15950
T
is due to the transferred LTA, demonstrating a novel mechanism of membrane vesicle-mediated immunostimulation.
FabR, a regulator of membrane lipid homeostasis, is involved in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
biofilm robustness
Authors: Dramé Ibrahima , Rossez Yannick , Krzewinski Frederic , Charbonnel Nicolas , Ollivier-Nakusi Laurence , Briandet Romain , Dague Etienne , Forestier Christiane , Balestrino Damien
Published: September 2024

Biofilm is a dynamic structure from which individual bacteria and micro-aggregates are released to subsequently colonize new niches by either detachment or dispersal. Screening of a transposon mutant library identified genes associated with the alteration of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
biofilm including
fabR
, which encodes a transcriptional regulator involved in membrane lipid homeostasis. An isogenic ∆
fabR
mutant formed more biofilm than the wild-type (WT) strain and its trans-complemented strain. The thick and round aggregates observed with ∆
fabR
were resistant to extensive washes, unlike those of the WT strain. Confocal microscopy and BioFlux microfluidic observations showed that
fabR
deletion was associated with biofilm robustness and impaired erosion over time. The genes
fabB
and
yqfA
associated with fatty acid metabolism were significantly overexpressed in the ∆
fabR
strain, in both planktonic and biofilm conditions. Two monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and oleic acid (C18:1), were found in higher proportion in biofilm cells than in planktonic forms, whereas heptadecenoic acid (C17:1) and octadecanoic acid, 11-methoxy (C18:0-OCH3) were found in higher proportion in the planktonic lifestyle. The
fabR
mutation induced variations in the fatty acid composition, with no clear differences in the amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids for the planktonic lifestyle but lower SFA in the biofilm form. Atomic force microscopy showed that deletion of
fabR
is associated with decreased
K. pneumoniae
cell rigidity in the biofilm lifestyle, as well as a softer, more elastic biofilm with increased cell cohesion compared to the wild-type strain.

IMPORTANCE

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of nosocomial infections. The success of this pathogen is due to its high resistance to antibiotics and its ability to form biofilms. The molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation have been largely described but the dispersal process that releases individual and aggregate cells from mature biofilm is less well documented while it is associated with the colonization of new environments and thus new threats. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we show that modifications of bacterial membrane fatty acid composition lead to variations in the biofilm robustness, and subsequent bacterial detachment and biofilm erosion over time. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic requirements for biofilm formation in
K. pneumoniae
that affect the time course of biofilm development and the embrittlement step preceding its dispersal that will make it possible to control
K. pneumoniae
infections.
Unfolding and de-confounding: biologically meaningful causal inference from longitudinal multi-omic networks using METALICA
Authors: Ruiz-Perez Daniel , Gimon Isabella , Sazal Musfiqur , Mathee Kalai , Narasimhan Giri
Published: September 2024

A key challenge in the analysis of microbiome data is the integration of multi-omic datasets and the discovery of interactions between microbial taxa, their expressed genes, and the metabolites they consume and/or produce. In an effort to improve the state of the art in inferring biologically meaningful multi-omic interactions, we sought to address some of the most fundamental issues in causal inference from longitudinal multi-omics microbiome data sets. We developed METALICA, a suite of tools and techniques that can infer interactions between microbiome entities. METALICA introduces novel unrolling and de-confounding techniques used to uncover multi-omic entities that are believed to act as confounders for some of the relationships that may be inferred using standard causal inferencing tools. The results lend support to predictions about biological models and processes by which microbial taxa interact with each other in a microbiome. The unrolling process helps identify putative intermediaries (genes and/or metabolites) to explain the interactions between microbes; the de-confounding process identifies putative common causes that may lead to spurious relationships to be inferred. METALICA was applied to the networks inferred by existing causal discovery, and network inference algorithms were applied to a multi-omics data set resulting from a longitudinal study of IBD microbiomes. The most significant unrollings and de-confoundings were manually validated using the existing literature and databases.

IMPORTANCE

We have developed a suite of tools and techniques capable of inferring interactions between microbiome entities. METALICA introduces novel techniques called unrolling and de-confounding that are employed to uncover multi-omic entities considered to be confounders for some of the relationships that may be inferred using standard causal inferencing tools. To evaluate our method, we conducted tests on the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) dataset from the iHMP longitudinal study, which we pre-processed in accordance with our previous work. From this dataset, we generated various subsets, encompassing different combinations of metagenomics, metabolomics, and metatranscriptomics datasets. Using these multi-omics datasets, we demonstrate how the unrolling process aids in the identification of putative intermediaries (genes and/or metabolites) to explain the interactions between microbes. Additionally, the de-confounding process identifies potential common causes that may give rise to spurious relationships to be inferred. The most significant unrollings and de-confoundings were manually validated using the existing literature and databases.
Antimicrobial efficiency and cytocompatibility of resveratrol and naringin as chemical decontaminants on SLA surface
Authors: Zhou You , Shen Zhe , Xu Yan , Qian Xin-na , Chen Wei , Qiu Jing
Published: September 2024

Bacterial biofilms are the major etiology agent of peri-implant disease. Chemical decontamination is a promising treatment strategy against bacterial biofilms; however, its applications are limited by its low efficiency and poor biocompatibility. In contrast to three conventional cleaners (sterile saline, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine), this study used resveratrol and naringin solutions to remove mature
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Porphyromonas gingivalis
biofilm on sandblasted (with large grit and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surface. To determine changes in surface characteristics, the surface wettability and roughness were measured, and micromorphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. With crystal violet (CV) and live/dead bacterial staining, residual plaque quantity and composition were measured. The biocompatibility was tested using pH and cytotoxicity, as well as by osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, and fibroblasts (L-929) proliferation were also analyzed. It was found that resveratrol and naringin solutions were more effective in restoring surface characteristics and also showed that less plaque and viable bacteria were left. Naringin removed
S. aureus
biofilms better than chlorhexidine. Alkaline resveratrol and naringin solutions increased cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation without any cytotoxicity. Resveratrol increased the expression of mRNA and protein associated with osteogenesis. In conclusion, resveratrol and naringin effectively restored SLA titanium surface characteristics and decontaminated the biofilm with good biocompatibility, suggesting their therapeutic potential as chemical decontaminants.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial biofilms are considered the primary etiology of peri-implant disease. Physical cleaning is the most common way to remove bacterial biofilm, but it can cause grooving, melting, and deposition of chemicals that alter the surface of implants, which may hamper biocompatibility and re-osseointegration. Chemical decontamination is one of the most promising treatments but is limited by low efficiency and poor biocompatibility. Our study aims to develop safer, more effective chemical decontaminants for peri-implant disease prevention and treatment. We focus on resveratrol and naringin, two natural compounds, which have shown to be more effective in decontaminating biofilms on dental implant surfaces and exerting better biocompatibility. This research is groundbreaking as it is the first exploration of natural plant extracts’ impact on mature bacterial biofilms on rough titanium surfaces. By advancing this knowledge, we seek to contribute to more effective and biocompatible strategies for combating peri-implant diseases, enhancing oral health, and prolonging implant lifespan.
Usefulness of newer testing modalities for the accurate diagnosis of culture-negative endocarditis
Authors: Hirth Lauren N , Holman Alexis , Levine Jake , Tobin Kenneth
Published: September 2024

A woman in her 80s with a history of congestive heart failure, atrial arrhythmia treated with atrioventricular nodal ablation and permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement, mitral valve disease status post-repair and colon cancer status post-treatment was admitted for further evaluation of severe dyspnea on exertion. Imaging revealed vegetation on both the prosthetic mitral valve and the PPM lead. Blood cultures were collected without growth, so a cell-free DNA Karius test was performed, which can detect over 1000 pathogens and has a sensitivity between 87% and 93%. Testing returned positive results forStreptococcus bovissubspeciespasteurianus. Given its association with colorectal cancer, abdominal imaging and an endoscopic biopsy were performed, showing recurrent colonic malignancy. The patient underwent a right colon resection prior to cardiac intervention. This report describes the clinical application of the novel cell-free DNA Karius test, which led to the diagnosis of recurrent colon cancer associated withS. pasteurianusendocarditis.
Injury-inciting circumstances of sudden-onset hamstring injuries: video analyses of 63 match injuries in male professional football players in the Qatar Stars League (2013–2020)
Authors: Vermeulen Robin , van Dyk Nicol , Whiteley Rod , Chamari Karim , Gregson Warren , Lolli Lorenzo , Bahr Roald , Tol Johannes L , Serner Andreas
Published: September 2024

Objective

To describe and categorise the injury-inciting circumstances of sudden-onset hamstring match injuries in professional football players using systematic video analysis.

Methods

Using a prospective injury surveillance database, all sudden-onset hamstring match injuries in male football players (18 years and older) from the Qatar Stars League between September 2013 and August 2020 were reviewed and cross-referenced with broadcasted match footage. Videos with a clear observable painful event (ie, a player grabbing their posterior thigh) were included. Nine investigators independently analysed all videos to describe and categorise injury-inciting circumstances. We used three main categories: playing situation (eg, time of injury), player action(s) (eg, running) and other considerations (eg, contact). Player action(s) and other considerations were not mutually exclusive.

Results

We included 63 sudden-onset hamstring match injuries out of 295 registered injuries between 2013 and 2020. Running was involved in 86% of injuries. Hamstring injuries occurred primarily during acceleration of 0–10 m (24% of all injuries) and in general at different running distances (0–50 m) and speeds (slow to fast). At 0–10 m distance, indirect player-to-player contact and inadequate balance were involved in 53% and 67% of the cases, respectively. Pressing occurred in 46% of all injuries (injured player pressing opponent: 25%; being pressed by opponent: 21%) and frequently involved player-to-player contact (69% of the cases when the injured player was pressing vs 15% of the cases when the opponent was pressing) and inadequate balance (82% vs 50%, respectively). Other player actions that did not involve running (n=9, 14% of all injuries) were kicking (n=6) and jumping (n=3).

Conclusion

The injury-inciting circumstances of sudden-onset hamstring match injuries in football varied. The most common single-player action (24%) was acceleration over a distance of <10 m. Pressing, inadequate balance and indirect contact were frequently seen player actions. Injury prevention research in football should look beyond high-speed running as the leading risk factor for sudden-onset hamstring injuries.
Increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in Finnish individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Satuli-Autere Susanna , Harjutsalo Valma , Eriksson Marika I , Hägg-Holmberg Stefanie , Öhman Hanna , Claesson Tor-björn , Groop Per-Henrik , Thorn Lena M
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Diabetes is linked to neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), but data in type 1 diabetes are scarce. Our aim was to assess the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of different NDs in type 1 diabetes, and to evaluate the impact of diabetic vascular complications and age at diabetes onset.

Research design and methods

In this observational cohort study, we included 4261 individuals with type 1 diabetes from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy study, and 11 653 matched population-based controls without diabetes. NDs were identified from registers until the end of 2017. Diabetic complications were assessed at the baseline study visit. SIRs were calculated from diabetes onset, except for impact of complications that was calculated from baseline study visit.

Results

The SIRs for NDs were increased in type 1 diabetes: any dementia 2.24 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.77), Alzheimer’s disease 2.13 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.87), vascular dementia 3.40 (95% CI 2.08 to 5.6), other dementias 1.70 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.31), and Parkinson’s disease 1.61 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.37). SIR showed a twofold increased incidence already in those without albuminuria (1.99 (1.44–2.68)), but further increased in presence of diabetic complications: kidney disease increased SIR for Alzheimer’s disease, while cardiovascular disease increased SIR for both Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Diabetes onset <15 years, compared with ≥15 years, increased SIR of Alzheimer’s disease, 3.89 (2.21–6.35) vs 1.73 (1.16–2.48), p<0.05, but not the other dementias.

Conclusions

ND incidence is increased 1.7–3.4-fold in type 1 diabetes. The presence of diabetic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease further increased the incidence of dementia.
Not all healthcare inequities in diabetes are equal: a comparison of two medically underserved cohorts
Authors: Walker Ashby F , Haller Michael J , Addala Ananta , Filipp Stephanie L , Lal Rayhan , Gurka Matthew J , Figg Lauren E , Hechavarria Melanie , Zaharieva Dessi P , Malden Keilecia G , Hood Korey K , Westen Sarah C , Wong Jessie J , Donahoo William T , Basina Marina , Bernier Angelina V , Duncan Paul , Maahs David M
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Diabetes disparities exist based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. The aim of this study is to compare two cohorts with diabetes from California and Florida to better elucidate how health outcomes are stratified within underserved communities according to state location, race, and ethnicity.

Research design and methods

Two cohorts were recruited for comparison from 20 Federally Qualified Health Centers as part of a larger ECHO Diabetes program. Participant-level data included surveys and HbA1c collection. Center-level data included Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set metrics. Demographic characteristics were summarized overall and stratified by state (frequencies, percentages, means (95% CIs)). Generalized linear mixed models were used to compute and compare model-estimated rates and means.

Results

Participant-level cohort: 582 adults with diabetes were recruited (33.0% type 1 diabetes (T1D), 67.0% type 2 diabetes (T2D)). Mean age was 51.1 years (95% CI 49.5, 52.6); 80.7% publicly insured or uninsured; 43.7% non-Hispanic white (NHW), 31.6% Hispanic, 7.9% non-Hispanic black (NHB) and 16.8% other. Center-level cohort: 32 796 adults with diabetes were represented (3.4% with T1D, 96.6% with T2D; 72.7% publicly insured or uninsured). Florida had higher rates of uninsured (p<0.0001), lower continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use (18.3% Florida; 35.9% California, p<0.0001), and pump use (10.2% Florida; 26.5% California, p<0.0001), and higher proportions of people with T1D/T2D>9% HbA1c (p<0.001). Risk was stratified within states with NHB participants having higher HbA1c (mean 9.5 (95% CI 8.9, 10.0) compared with NHW with a mean of 8.4 (95% CI 7.8, 9.0), p=0.0058), lower pump use (p=0.0426) and CGM use (p=0.0192). People who prefer to speak English were more likely to use a CGM (p=0.0386).

Conclusions

Characteristics of medically underserved communities with diabetes vary by state and by race and ethnicity. Florida’s lack of Medicaid expansion could be a factor in worsened risks for vulnerable communities with diabetes.
Development of a three-dimensional scoring model for the assessment of continuous glucose monitoring data in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dawnbringer Jeanie , Hill Henrik , Lundgren Markus , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Caballero-Corbalan José , Cederblad Lars , Carlsson Per-Ola , Espes Daniel
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Despite the improvements in diabetes management by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) it is difficult to capture the complexity of CGM data in one metric. We aimed to develop a clinically relevant multidimensional scoring model with the capacity to identify the most alarming CGM episodes and/or patients from a large cohort.

Research design and methods

Retrospective CGM data from 2017 to 2020 available in electronic medical records were collected from n=613 individuals with type 1 diabetes (total 82 114 days). A scoring model was developed based on three metrics; glycemic variability percentage, low blood glucose index and high blood glucose index. Values for each dimension were normalized to a numeric score between 0–100. To identify the most representative score for an extended time period, multiple ways to combine the mean score of each dimension were evaluated. Correlations of the scoring model with CGM metrics were computed. The scoring model was compared with interpretations of a clinical expert board (CEB).

Results

The dimension of hypoglycemia must be weighted to be representative, whereas the other two can be represented by their overall mean. The scoring model correlated well with established CGM metrics. Applying a score of ≥80 as the cut-off for identifying time periods with a ‘true’ target fulfillment (ie, reaching all targets for CGM metrics) resulted in an accuracy of 93.4% and a specificity of 97.1%. The accuracy of the scoring model when compared with the CEB was high for identifying the most alarming CGM curves within each dimension of glucose control (overall 86.5%).

Conclusions

Our scoring model captures the complexity of CGM data and can identify both the most alarming dimension of glycemia and the individuals in most urgent need of assistance. This could become a valuable tool for population management at diabetes clinics to enable healthcare providers to stratify care to the patients in greatest need of clinical attention.
Adolescent and youth-friendly health interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Jakobsson Cecilia , Sanghavi Rhea , Nyamiobo Joseph , Maloy Caitlin , Mwanzu Arnold , Venturo-Conerly Katherine , Mostert Cyprian , Peterson Stefan , Kumar Manasi
Published: September 2024

Background

Adolescents comprise one-sixth of the world’s population, yet there is no clear understanding of the features that promote adolescent-friendly services (AFS). The lack of clarity and consistency around a definition presents a gap in health services.

Methods

The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed empirical studies to explore AFS in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) published between January 2000 and December 2022. The databases searched were CAB Direct (n=11), CINAHL (n=50), Cochrane Databases (n=1103), Embase (n=1164), Global Health Medicus (n=3636) and PsycINFO (n=156). The title, abstract and full text were double screened by three independent reviewers. Three independent reviewers assessed the study’s quality using the Joanna Briggs Initiative Quality Appraisal and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tools.

Results

We identified the key components, barriers and facilitators of AFS. The following emerged from our review: a non-judgmental environment, culturally appropriate and responsive interventions and a focus on supporting marginalised communities often living in high-poverty settings. Using these components, we have extended guidance around a possible framework and tool assessing quality of AFS.

Interpretation

As LMICs are heterogeneous and unique, it was assumed that the operational definition of ‘adolescent-friendly’ might vary depending on different contexts, but there must be core components that remain consistent. Possible limitations of our review include a lack of grey literature. Potential future implications include training healthcare providers, testing these attributes for service improvement and future development and localisation of policy guidelines.

Key highlights

Our review has mapped the research framing of AFS and provided a comprehensive review of barriers and facilitators to implementing a holistic outlook of AFS set-up in a tightly controlled research and real-world context. Our paper is one of the few efforts to synthesise behavioural and mental health elements underpinning AFS.
Mixed-methods protocol for the WiSSPr study: Women in Sex work, Stigma and psychosocial barriers to Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Zambia
Authors: Kumar Ramya , Rao Deepa , Sharma Anjali , Phiri Jamia , Zimba Martin , Phiri Maureen , Zyambo Ruth , Kalo Gwen Mulenga , Chilembo Louise , Kunda Phidelina Milambo , Mulubwa Chama , Ngosa Benard , Mugwanya Kenneth K , Barrington Wendy E , Herce Michael E , Musheke Maurice
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Women engaging in sex work (WESW) have 21 times the risk of HIV acquisition compared with the general population. However, accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains challenging, and PrEP initiation and persistence are low due to stigma and related psychosocial factors. The WiSSPr (Women in Sex work, Stigma and PrEP) study aims to (1) estimate the effect of multiple stigmas on PrEP initiation and persistence and (2) qualitatively explore the enablers and barriers to PrEP use for WESW in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods and analysis

WiSSPr is a prospective observational cohort study grounded in community-based participatory research principles with a community advisory board (CAB) of key population (KP) civil society organi sations (KP-CSOs) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). We will administer a one-time psychosocial survey vetted by the CAB and follow 300 WESW in the electronic medical record for three months to measure PrEP initiation (#/% ever taking PrEP) and persistence (immediate discontinuation and a medication possession ratio). We will conduct in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 18 women, including 12 WESW and 6 peer navigators who support routine HIV screening and PrEP delivery, in two community hubs serving KPs since October 2021. We seek to value KP communities as equal contributors to the knowledge production process by actively engaging KP-CSOs throughout the research process. Expected outcomes include quantitative measures of PrEP initiation and persistence among WESW, and qualitative insights into the enablers and barriers to PrEP use informed by participants’ lived experiences.

Ethics and dissemination

WiSSPr was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of Zambia (#3650-2023) and University of North Carolina (#22-3147). Participants must give written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated to the CAB, who will determine how to relay them to the community and stakeholders.
Associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with hsCRP and other novel inflammatory biomarkers in children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dong Hongli , Wang Feiying , Gao Liang , Xu Xiaojing , Ni Yufei
Published: September 2024

Objective

Previous studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the crucial roles of high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) and novel inflammatory markers (red blood cell distribution width–platelet count ratio (RDWPCR), mean platelet volume–platelet count ratio (MPVPCR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood cell–neutrophil ratios (WBCNR)) in several diseases, but scarce data explored the associations of 25(OH)D with hsCRP and novel inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate these associations in children.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Children in China.

Participants

10141 children (mean age 14.6 months) were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

HsCRP, red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, mean platelet volume, neutrophil, lymphocyte and white blood cell were measured.

Results

Overall, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with hsCRP and novel inflammatory biomarkers. In multivariable analysis, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with hsCRP and novel inflammatory biomarkers (Q quartile (Q) 4 vs Q1: 1129.75 vs 2090.99 for hsCRP; 4246.94 vs 6829.89 for RDWPCR; 4863.57 vs 5545.66 for MPVPCR; 4345.76 vs 6507.46 for NLR; 2418.84 vs 2868.39 for WBCNR). Similar results also were observed in stratified analyses by sex (boys and girls). Moreover, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with elevated inflammation levels. After adjustment for other potential covariates, inverse associations between serum 25(OH)D and elevated inflammation levels were still observed. The corresponding ORs (95% CI) were 0.05 (0.04, 0.06) for hsCRP, 0.13 (0.11, 0.15) for RDWPCR, 0.74 (0.64, 0.85) for MPVPCR, 0.11 (0.09, 0.13) for NLR and 0.57 (0.49, 0.66) for WBCNR in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile, respectively.

Conclusions

Generally, the graded and inverse associations of serum 25(OH)D with hsCRP and four novel inflammatory markers (RDWPCR, MPVPCR, NLR and WBCNR) were observed. The present study provided further support for the anti-inflammatory effects of 25(OH)D.
Comparison of specialist ataxia centres with non-specialist services in terms of treatment, care, health services resource utilisation and costs in the UK using patient-reported data
Authors: Vallortigara Julie , Greenfield Julie , Hunt Barry , Hoffman Deborah , Booth Suzanne , Morris Stephen , Giunti Paola
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to assess the patient-reported benefits and the costs of coordinated care and multidisciplinary care at specialist ataxia centres (SACs) in the UK compared with care delivered in standard neurological clinics.

Design

A patient survey was distributed between March and May 2019 to patients with ataxia or carers of patients with ataxia through the Charity Ataxia UK’s mailing list, website, magazine and social media to gather information about the diagnosis, management of the ataxias in SAC and non-specialist settings, utilisation of various healthcare services and patients’ satisfaction. We compared mean resource use for each contact type and health service costs per patient, stratifying patients by whether they were currently attending a SAC or never attended one.

Setting

Secondary care including SACs and general neurology clinics.

Participants

We had 277 participants in the survey, aged 16 years old and over, diagnosed with ataxia and living in the UK.

Primary outcome measures

Patient experience and perception of the two healthcare services settings, patient level of satisfaction, difference in healthcare services use and costs.

Results

Patients gave positive feedback about the role of SAC in understanding their condition (96.8% of SAC group), in coordinating referrals to other healthcare specialists (86.6%), and in offering opportunities to take part in research studies (85.2%). Participants who attended a SAC reported a better management of their symptoms and a more personalised care received compared with participants who never attended a SAC (p<0.001). Costs were not significantly different in between those attending a SAC and those who did not. We identified some barriers for patients in accessing the SACs, and some gaps in the care provided, for which we made some recommendations.

Conclusions

This study provides useful information about ataxia patient care pathways in the UK. Overall, the results showed significantly higher patient satisfaction in SAC compared with non-SAC, at similar costs. The findings can be used to inform policy recommendations on how to improve treatment and care for people with these very rare and complex neurological diseases. Improving access to SAC for patients across the UK is one key policy recommendation of this study.
Changes in anatomical structure and cell wall composition during male inflorescence development of Castanea mollissima
Authors: Wang Qingjiyan , Li Jin , Li Tian , Zhang Qing , Cao Qingqin , Xing Yu , Qin Ling , Fang Kefeng
Published: September 2024

The Chinese chestnut ( Castanea mollissima Blume) is a dioecious plant in which the number of male inflorescences far exceeds that of female inflorescences. Therefore, it is of interest to study the differentiation of male flowers in C. mollissima. In this study, the male inflorescences of “Yanshanhongli” C. mollissima were observed. Then, the main components of the cell wall were stained by fluorescence and immunofluorescence labeling techniques to examine the changes in cell wall components. The results showed that the development of the male inflorescence of C. mollissima had different transverse elongation and longitudinal elongation. In addition, the development of male inflorescences and anthers were divided into five and four major stages, respectively, according to the microstructural changes. Immunostaining indicated that the fluorescence intensity of cellulose increased with the development of male inflorescences of C. mollissima. The fluorescence intensity of low-esterified homogalacturonan (HG) was stronger in the early stage, while the fluorescence intensity of high-esterified HG was stronger thereafter. This research provides new insights into the changes in cell wall components during the growth and development of male inflorescences of C. mollissima and important clues for exploring the growth and development mechanism of male inflorescences of C. mollissima.
Probing the regular black hole with an asymptotically Minkowski core by precessing motion of S2 star and OJ 287
Authors: Yang Bo , He Guansheng , Xie Yi , Lin Wenbin
Published: September 2024

We investigate the precessing motion around the the regular black hole with an asymptotically Minkowski core which has a suppression parameter $$\ell $$
ℓ
. We obtain the third-order post-Newtonian quasi-Keplerian motion of a test particle in this spacetime and find its relativistic periastron advance. Then, we test this model with the precessing motion of the star S2 and of OJ 287 and determine the upper limits of the dimensionless suppression parameter as $$\ell /m \sim 10^{-3}$$

ℓ
/
m
∼

10

-
3

, where m is the mass of the black hole. Compared with the bound given by the shadow of Sgr A*, our bound on $$\ell /m$$

ℓ
/
m

is reduced by 2 orders of magnitude, although our upper limit of $$\ell $$
ℓ
still needs further improvement.
A Hardware-Efficient Novelty-Aware Spike Sorting Approach for Brain-Implantable Microsystems
Authors: Ahmadi-Dastgerdi Nazanin , Hosseini-Nejad Hossein , Alinejad-Rokny Hamid
Published: September 2024

Unsupervised spike sorting, a vital processing step in real-time brain-implantable microsystems, is faced with the prominent challenge of managing nonstationarity in neural signals. In long-term recordings, spike waveforms gradually change and new source neurons are likely to become activated. Adaptive spike sorters combined with on-implant training units effectively process the nonstationary signals at the cost of high hardware resource utilization. On the other hand, static approaches, while being hardware-friendly, are subjected to decreased processing performance in such recordings where the neural signal characteristics gradually change. To strike a balance between the hardware cost and processing performance, this study proposes a hardware-efficient novelty-aware spike sorting approach that is capable of dealing with both variated spike waveforms and spike waveforms generated from new source neurons. Its improved hardware efficiency compared to adaptive ones and capability of dealing with nonstationary signals make it attractive for implantable applications. The proposed novelty-aware spike sorting especially would be a good fit for brain–computer interfaces where long-term, real-time interaction with the brain is required, and the available on-implant hardware resources are limited. Our unsupervised spike sorting benefits from a novelty detection process to deal with neural signal variations. It tracks the spike features so that in case of detecting an unexpected change (novelty detection) both on and off-implant parameters are updated to preserve the performance in new state. To make the proposed approach agile enough to be suitable for brain implants, the on-implant computations are reduced while the computational burden is realized off-implant. The performance of our proposed approach is evaluated using both synthetic and real datasets. The results demonstrate that, in the mean, it is capable of detecting 94.31% of novel spikes (wave-drifted or emerged spikes) with a classification accuracy (CA) of 96.31%. Moreover, an FPGA prototype of the on-implant circuit is implemented and tested. It is shown that in comparison to the OSORT algorithm, a pivotal spike sorting method, our spike sorting provides a higher CA at significantly lower hardware resources. The proposed circuit is also implemented in a 180-nm standard CMOS process, achieving a power consumption of 1.78[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] per channel and a chip area of 0.07[Formula: see text]mm2 per channel.
Two-dimensional network scene design for traffic simulation: An approach using computational Delaunay triangulation
Authors: Zhang Wanning , Chen Bokui
Published: September 2024

Traffic network design is a pivotal aspect of urban planning, necessitating a harmonious blend of theoretical and practical approaches. In this paper, we propose a novel network design methodology utilizing Delaunay triangulation. We address the limitations of raw Delaunay networks, particularly their triangular configurations, by introducing edge-reduction techniques guided by a newly developed metric, detour redundancy. This metric is instrumental in assessing edge importance, facilitating the transformation of the network to better mirror real-world traffic scenarios. The efficacy and practical application of the designed networks are then evaluated through traffic simulations using the principles of cellular automata. Our findings underscore the potential of this approach in enriching traffic network design and pave the way for future investigations into diverse network characteristics and their implications in urban environments.
Measurement of the Michel parameters in leptonic τ-decays at Super Tau-Charm facility
Authors: Bodrov Denis , Pakhlov Pavel
Published: September 2024

We present a new method for direct measurement of all Michel parameters in the [Formula: see text] decay related to the polarization of the daughter muon: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The method is based on the reconstruction of the muon decays-in-flight in the tracker of the [Formula: see text] collider experiments and relies on the correlation between muon spin and its daughter electron momentum. The low probability of decay-in-flight in the tracker volume is compensated by the unprecedented statistics of modern flavor factories, which ultimately leads to the possibility of achieving high accuracy. We discuss the application of the suggested method in the experiments at [Formula: see text] colliders and present a feasibility study for the future Super Charm-Tau Factory experiment. We also discuss the result of the first use of the proposed method in the Belle experiment, confirming its applicability.
Design and fabrication of the fundamental power coupler prototype of 499.8 MHz superconducting cavity for the HALF project
Authors: Tang Yungai , Wu Cong-Feng , Wang Lin , Li Heting , Zhang Shancai , Feng Guangyao , Li Weimin , Zhang Kai , Li Qin , Chai Xiyuan , Xu Yunpeng
Published: September 2024

Hefei Advanced Light Facility (HALF) will use a 499.8[Formula: see text]MHz superconducting cavity to provide energy for the beam in the storage ring. The fundamental power coupler (FPC) needs to feed 140[Formula: see text]kW RF power into the superconducting cavity. In order to meet the requirements of the HALF project, a 499.8[Formula: see text]MHz FPC prototype was developed at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). This paper presents the design of the FPC prototype. The fabrication process of the FPC prototype will also be described. The cold test of the FPC prototype room-temperature test stand was carried out. The results show that the cold test performance of the FPC prototype meets the requirements and it can be tested with high power. The high power test of the FPC prototype will be carried out in the future.
Prevention of Insider Attacks Using Block Chain with Hierarchical Auto-Associative Polynomial Convolutional Neural Network in Cloud Platform
Authors: Palanisamy Arul Selvam , Perumal Tamije Selvy
Published: September 2024

In recent years, blockchain (BC) technologies have been increasing for data secrecy, system reliability and safety. BC is vulnerable to cyberattacks despite its utility. According to the statistics, attacks are rare, which differs greatly from the average. The goal of BC attack detection is to discover insights, patterns and anomalies within massive data repositories, it may benefit from deep learning. In this paper, the Prevention of Insider Attacks using Blockchain with Hierarchical Auto-associative Polynomial Convolutional Neural Network in Cloud Platform (PIS-BCNN-CP) is proposed. Here, the node authentication is handled by the smart contract. The aim of authorizing a node is to confirm that only a particular node has the possibility to submit and recover the information. Then Hierarchical Auto-associative Polynomial Convolutional Neural Network (HAAPCNN) is proposed to detect the Insider Attacks as Malicious and Normal. Generally, HAAPCNN does not agree with any optimization strategies to determine the optimal parameters for guaranteeing the exact detection of insider attacks. Hence, the Bear Smell Search Algorithm (BSSA) is exploited to optimize the weight parameters of a HAAPCNN. The BC Enabled Secure Data Storage depends on Proof of Continuous Work (PoCW) consensus BC algorithm is used. The proposed system is implemented and evaluated using performance metrics. The results provide higher accuracy, and lower False Negative Rate when compared with existing state-of-the-art methods.
Multivariate Alexander quandles, V. Constructing the medial quandle of a link
Authors: Traldi Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we explain how the medial quandle of a classical or virtual link can be built from the peripheral structure of the reduced Alexander module.
A BIONIC-INSPIRED DRAGONFLY ALGORITHM FOR PARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION AND DAMAGE INVESTIGATION DURING MACHINING OF MODIFIED POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: KUMAR JOGENDRA , VERMA RAJESH KUMAR
Published: September 2024

Polymer nanocomposite is commonly used to develop structural components of space, aircraft, biomedical, sensor, automobile, and battery sector applications. It remarkably substitutes the heavyweight metallic and nonmetallic engineering materials. The machining principles of polymer nanocomposites are intensely different and complex from traditional metals and alloys. The nonhomogeneity, abrasive, and anisotropic nature differs its machining aspect from conventional metallic materials. This investigation aims to execute the CNC drilling of modified nanocomposite using Graphene–carbon (G-C) @ epoxy matrix. The process constraints, namely, cutting speed (S), feed (F), and wt.% of graphene oxide (GO) vary up to three levels and are designed according to the response surface methodology (RSM) array. The nonlinear model is created to predict surface roughness (Ra) and delamination (Fd) on regression analysis. It has been found that the average error for Ra is 0.94% and for Fd it is 3.27%, which is acceptable in model predictions. The metaheuristics-based evolutionary Dragonfly algorithm (DA) evaluated the optimal parametric condition. The optimal setting prediction for the DA is observed as cutting speed (S)-37.68[Formula: see text]m/min, feed (F)-80[Formula: see text]mm/min, and wt.% of graphene oxide (GO)-1%. This algorithm demonstrates a higher application potential than the previous efforts in controlling Ra and Fd values. Both the drilling response values are found to be minimized when the cutting speed increases and the feed decreases. The best fitness value for the DA is 1.626 for surface roughness and 5.086 for delamination. This study agreed with the prediction model’s outcomes and the process parameters’ optimal condition. The defects generated during the sample drilling, such as fiber pull out, uncut/burr, and fiber breakage, were examined using FE-SEM analysis. The optimal findings of the DA module significantly controlled the damages during machining.
Many-body localization phase transitions and global quantum discord in a disordered quantum Ising spin chain
Authors: Shen Longhui , Zhang Wenqiong , Yu Xiuquan , Yan Haoran , Bao Jia , Guo Bin
Published: September 2024

Considerable evidence supports the existence of many-body localization (MBL) phase transitions, although accurately determining the critical disorder intensity remains challenging due to significant instabilities in system size within the examined parameters. In this study, we employ the global quantum discord (GQD) to investigate MBL phase transitions and identify the critical points of the quantum Ising spin chain subjected to both disordered interacting and disordered external fields. Our analysis of GQD demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying the critical points between the thermal and the MBL phases. We further utilize the temporal evolution of GQD to comprehensively explore the characteristics of MBL phase transitions in the disordered quantum Ising spin chain. Our findings suggest that MBL phase transitions adhere to the same generality category based on the scaling analysis. Additionally, we investigate the effects of these examined parameters on the GQD and its dynamics and use them to estimate the critical points.
Compressive Mechanical Properties and Energy Absorption of Cubic Spherical Hollow Cellular Material Based on the Rod and Curved Surface Structure
Authors: Li Jiaxing , Li Tengjie , Zhong Weizhou , Chen Hao , Tian Yuyu , Xu Wencong , Li Jian
Published: September 2024

Cellular materials, such as lattices and honeycombs, were widely used for structural protection owing to their excellent mechanical properties. By combining the excellent characteristics of lattice and honeycomb curved surface structures, this study designed a cell called Cubic Spherical Hollow (CSH), which had the advantages of orthogonal isotropy and better spatial connectivity. Inspired by the micro-structural arrangement of bamboo fiber and conch shell, we designed the new CSH cellular materials through the interlayer offset strategy. Then, the effects of interlayer offset on the mechanical properties and compression deformation behavior were explored experimentally and simulatively. Compared with other cellular materials, CSH cellular materials exhibited excellent mechanical properties with higher specific strength and specific modulus. The arrangement offsets of the CSH cells between different layers led to a change in the deformation mechanism from a rod’s compressive mode to a combination of a rod’s compressive mode and curved surface’s bending mode. The initial peak stress and plateau stress decreased with the increased arrangement offsets of the CSH since the extruded protrusions of the structure filled the holes and reduced the lateral expansion behavior of the material in the pressurized environment. This phenomenon also reduced the transverse expansion and prevented the sudden change in stress in the constrained space, indicating that the structural deformation was stable and had excellent cushioning and energy absorption properties. In this study, the cellular material design strategy opens a new avenue for energy absorption.