bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating the safety profile of ketamine as procedural conscious sedation in infants; a prospective cohort study of 904 cases
Authors: Ahmed Zahra , Ahmed Shiban
Published: February 2024

Background:

Conscious sedation has both a sedative and an analgesic effect. Ketamine is an increasingly popular choice for procedural conscious sedation in a paediatric day surgery. Ketamine is also cheaper than general anaesthetic. The objective of our study is to investigate the number of adverse events when using ketamine for procedural conscious sedation and demonstrate its safety profile for use in paediatric day surgery in a community setting in infants.

Methods:

A single-centre, single surgeon, single procedure 5-year longitudinal prospective review of 904 infants undergoing elective day-care surgery using ketamine for procedural conscious sedation between 2016 and 2020. Patients were stratified for pre-anaesthetic co-morbidities based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification system.

Results:

All patients were between 4 weeks and 1 year and 98.7% were ASA Class 1. Most children received ketamine intramuscularly and only one child required additional ketamine to maintain procedural conscious sedation. There were no serious adverse events and there were 27 mild adverse events in 26 patients (2.88% patients). The most common adverse event was hypersalivation, which occurred in 11 infants.

Conclusions:

Ketamine is a safe drug for procedural conscious sedation and should be considered more for infants undergoing elective day-care surgery provided that all staff conducting procedures have advanced training in paediatric and neonatal airway management and resuscitation.
CT-derived Epicardial Adipose Tissue Inflammation Predicts Outcome in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Salam Babak , Al-Kassou Baravan , Weinhold Leonie , Sprinkart Alois M. , Nowak Sebastian , Theis Maike , Schmid Matthias , Al Zaidi Muntadher , Weber Marcel , Pieper Claus C. , Kuetting Daniel , Shamekhi Jasmin , Nickenig Georg , Attenberger Ulrike , Zimmer Sebastian , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Inflammatory changes in epicardial (EAT) and pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) are associated with increased overall cardiovascular risk. Using routine, preinterventional cardiac CT data, we examined the predictive value of quantity and quality of EAT and PAT for outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Materials and Methods:

Cardiac CT data of 1197 patients who underwent TAVR at the in-house heart center between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The amount and density of EAT and PAT were quantified from single-slice CT images at the level of the aortic valve. Using established risk scores and known independent risk factors, a clinical benchmark model (BMI, Chronic kidney disease stage, EuroSCORE 2, STS Prom, year of intervention) for outcome prediction (2-year mortality) after TAVR was established. Subsequently, we tested whether the additional inclusion of area and density values of EAT and PAT in the clinical benchmark model improved prediction. For this purpose, the cohort was divided into a training (n=798) and a test cohort (n=399).

Results:

Within the 2-year follow-up, 264 patients died. In the training cohort, particularly the addition of EAT density to the clinical benchmark model showed a significant association with outcome (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07;P=0.013). In the test cohort, the outcome prediction of the clinical benchmark model was also significantly improved with the inclusion of EAT density (c-statistic: 0.589 vs. 0.628;P=0.026).

Conclusions:

EAT density as a surrogate marker of EAT inflammation was associated with 2-year mortality after TAVR and may improve outcome prediction independent of established risk parameters.
Staged Immediate Nipple Reconstruction With Tube Flap in Immediate Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Chu Chengyu , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yi , Zou Qiang , Xu Hua , Jin Yiting
Published: February 2024

Background

In the setting of immediate breast reconstruction by deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, the excessive DIEP flap skin is de-epithelialized and then buried under the mastectomy skin. In this study, by virtue of tube flap technique, we hypothesize that the skin supposed to be abandoned could be transferred to the apex of reconstructed breast mound for nipple reconstruction.

Methods

A total of 60 female patients were recruited between January 2019 and December 2020. All these patients underwent mastectomy including nipple-areola complex and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction. A ladder-shaped pedicled flap was raised from the DIEP flap and rolled into a tube. The free end of tube flap was inset into the future nipple position of the reconstructed breast mound 1 week later. After revascularization for 1 month, we divided the previous pedicle and used the tube on the apex of the breast mound to recreate a new nipple.

Results

All reconstructed breasts and nipples survived well postoperatively. The average nipple projection was 12.5 ± 2.0 mm immediately after the surgery, which gradually decreased to 9.4 ± 1.5 mm at 1-year follow-up, with the projection loss from the initial measurement as 24.9% ± 1.8%. In total, 51 patients considered the overall impression of breast and nipple reconstruction to be very good or good.

Conclusions

We provided an ideal technique that could improve the maintenance of reconstructed nipple projection and have aesthetically acceptable outcomes, without DIEP flap tissue loss, breast mound distortion, or additional scars.
A Model to Study Wound Healing Over Exposed Avascular Structures in Rodents With a 3D-Printed Wound Frame
Authors: Bengur Fuat Baris , Komatsu Chiaki , Loder Shawn , Humar Pooja , Villalvazo Yadira , Nawash Baraa , Schilling Benjamin K. , Solari Mario G.
Published: February 2024

Background

Soft tissue defects with exposed avascular structures require reconstruction with well-vascularized tissues. Extensive research is ongoing to explore tissue engineered products that provide durable coverage. However, there is a lack of controlled and affordable testbeds in the preclinical setting to reflect this challenging clinical scenario. We aimed to address this gap in the literature and develop a feasible and easily reproducible model in rodents that reflects an avascular structure in the wound bed.

Methods

We created 20 × 20 mm full thickness wounds on the dorsal skin of Lewis rats and secured 0.5-mm-thick silicone sheets of varying sizes to the wound bed. A 3D-printed wound frame was designed to isolate the wound environment. Skin graft and free flap survival along with exposure of the underlying silicone was assessed. Rats were followed for 4 weeks with weekly dressing changes and photography. Samples were retrieved at the endpoint for tissue viability and histologic analysis.

Results

The total wound surface area was constant throughout the duration of the experiment in all groups and the wound frames were well tolerated. The portion of the skin graft without underlying silicone demonstrated integration with the underlying fascia and a histologically intact epidermis. Gradual necrosis of the portion of the skin graft overlying the silicone sheet was observed with varying sizes of the silicone sheet. When the size of the silicone sheet was reduced from 50% of the wound surface area, the portion surviving over the silicone sheet increased at the 4-week timepoint. The free flap provided complete coverage over the silicone sheet.

Conclusion

We developed a novel model of rodent wound healing to maintain the same wound size and isolate the wound environment for up to 4 weeks. This model is clinically relevant to a complex wound with an avascular structure in the wound bed. Skin grafts failed to completely cover increasing sizes of the avascular structure, whereas the free flap was able to provide viable coverage. This cost-effective model will establish an easily reproducible platform to evaluate more complex bioengineered wound coverage solutions.
The Lower Survival in Patients With Alcoholism and Hepatitis C Continues in the DAA Era
Authors: Thuluvath Paul J. , Amjad Waseem , Russe-Russe Jose , Li Feng
Published: February 2024

Background.

Alcohol liver disease (ALD) may coexist with hepatitis C (HCV) in many transplant recipients (alcoholic cirrhosis with hepatitis C [AHC]). Our objective was to determine whether there were differences in postliver transplantation outcomes of patients with AHC when compared with those with alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) and/or alcoholic hepatitis (AH).

Methods.

Using UNOS explant data sets (2016–2020), the survival probabilities of AC, AH, and AHC were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was used to determine outcomes after adjusting for disease confounders. The outcomes were also compared with predirect antiviral agent (DAA) period.

Results.

During study period, 8369 biopsy-proven ALD liver transplant recipients were identified. Of those, 647 had AHC (HCV + alcohol), 353 had AH, and 7369 had AC. MELD-Na score (28.7 ± 9.5 versus 23.8 ± 10.7,P < 0.001) and presence of ACLF-3 (19% versus 11%,P < 0.001) were higher in AC + AH as compared with AHC. AHC and AC+AH has similar adjusted mortality at 1-y, but 3-y (hazard ratios, 1.76; 95% confidence intervals, 1.32-2.35;P < 0.0001) and 5-y (hazard ratios, 1.64; 95% confidence intervals, 1.24-2.15;P = 0.0004) mortality rates were higher in AHC. Survival improved in the DAA era (2016–2020) compared with 2009 to 2013 in AHC, but remained worse in AHC group versus AC and/or AH. Malignancy-related mortality was higher in AHC (15% versus 9.3% in AC) in the DAA era.

Conclusions.

AHC was associated with lower 3- and 5-y post-LT survival as compared with ALD without HCV and the worse outcomes in AHC group continued in the DAA era.
Soil microbial communities along elevational gradients in the Madrean Sky Islands
Authors: Martinez Adalee , Schiro Gabriele , Barberán Albert
Published: February 2024

The Madrean Sky Islands are mountain ranges isolated by a ‘desert sea’. This area is a biodiversity hotspot currently threatened by climate change. Here, we studied soil microbial communities along elevational gradients in eight Madrean Sky Islands in southeastern Arizona (USA). Our results showed that while elevational microbial richness gradients were weak and not consistent across different mountains, soil properties strongly influenced microbial community composition (overall composition and the abundance of key functional groups) along elevational gradients. In particular, warming is associated with a higher abundance of soil‐borne fungal plant pathogens that concomitantly might facilitate upward elevational shifts of plant species released from negative plant–soil feedbacks. Furthermore, projected warming and drought in the area aggravated by anthropogenic nitrogen deposition on mountain tops (and thus, decreasing nitrogen limitation) can enhance a shift from ectomycorrhizal to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Overall, these results indicate that climate change effects on plant–soil interactions might have profound ecosystem consequences.
AsOBP1 is required for bioallethrin repellency in the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , He Shulin , He Chengyin , Zhou Ling , Xu Ou , Qiao Liang , Chen Bin , Cao Yueqing , He Zhengbo
Published: February 2024

The use of insecticides, primarily pyrethroids, is a pivotal strategy for mosquito control globally. Bioallethrin, the first commercially available volatile pyrethroid, can elicit spatial (i.e., noncontact) repellency to mosquitoes through the coactivation of olfactory receptor neurons and sodium channels. However, the olfactory mechanism of the repellency elicited by bioallethrin in mosquitoes is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated the involvement of AsOBP1 in the bioallethrin repellency in Anopheles sinensis, one of the main vectors of vivax malaria in China and other Southeast Asian countries. The behavioral and electrophysiological analyses in AsOrco−/− mutant found that the spatial repellency elicited by bioallethrin depended on the odorant receptor (OR)‐mediated olfactory pathway. Furthermore, the repellency was reduced in the AsOBP1−/− mutant and a pyrethroid‐resistant strain, in which the expression of AsOBP1 was significantly decreased. Moreover, recombinant AsOBP1 protein bound to bioallethrin in an in vitro competition assay. These results indicate that activation of the AsOBP1‐mediated olfactory pathway is an important component of bioallethrin repellency. Our research lays the foundation for further elucidation into the olfactory mechanism of bioallethrin repellency and the behavioral modifications of pyrethroid‐resistant mosquitoes.
Systematic review of the association between short‐chain fatty acids and allergic diseases
Authors: Sasaki Mari , Suaini Noor H. A. , Afghani Jamie , Heye Kristina N. , O'Mahony Liam , Venter Carina , Lauener Roger , Frei Remo , Roduit Caroline
Published: February 2024

We performed a systematic review to investigate the current evidence on the association between allergic diseases and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are microbially produced and suggested as one mechanism on how gut microbiome affects the risk of allergic diseases. Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched from data inception until September 2022. We identified 37 papers, of which 17 investigated prenatal or early childhood SCFAs and the development of allergic diseases in childhood, and 20 assessed SCFAs in patients with pre‐existing allergic diseases. Study design, study populations, outcome definition, analysis method and reporting of the results varied between papers. Overall, there was some evidence showing that the three main SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyrate) in the first few years of life had a protective effect against allergic diseases, especially for atopic dermatitis, wheeze or asthma and IgE‐mediated food allergy in childhood. The association between each SCFA and allergic disease appeared to be different by disease and the age of assessment. Further research that can determine the potentially timing specific effect of each SCFA will be useful to investigate how SCFAs can be used in treatment or in prevention against allergic diseases.
Microsatellite‐based analysis revealsAedes aegyptipopulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia result from colonization by both the ancestral African and the global domestic forms
Authors: Mashlawi Abadi M. , Alqahtani Hussain , Abuelmaali Sara A. , Gloria‐Soria Andrea , Saingamsook Jassada , Kaddumukasa Martha , Ghzwani Ahmad Hassn , Abdulhaq Ahmed A. , Al‐Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Walton Catherine
Published: February 2024

The Aedes aegypti(Linnaeus, 1762) mosquito is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika and is well established today all over the world. The species comprises two forms: the ancestral form found throughout Africa and a global domestic form that spread to the rest of the tropics and subtropics. In Saudi Arabia,A. aegyptihas been known in the southwest since 1956, and previous genetic studies clusteredA. aegyptifrom Saudi Arabia with the global domestic form. The purpose of this study was to assess the genetic structure ofA. aegyptiin Saudi Arabia and determine their geographic origin. Genetic data for 17 microsatellites were collected forA. aegyptiranging from the southwestern highlands of Saudi Arabia on the border of Yemen to the north‐west in Madinah region as well as from Thailand and Uganda populations (as representatives of the ancestral African and global domestic forms, respectively). The low but significant level of genetic structuring in Saudi Arabia was consistent with long‐distance dispersal capability possibly through road connectivity and human activities, that is, passive dispersal. There are two main genetic groupings in Saudi Arabia, one of which clusters with the Ugandan population and the other with the Thailand population with many Saudi Arabian individuals having mixed ancestry. The hypothesis of genetic admixture of the ancestral African and global domestic forms in Saudi Arabia was supported by approximate Bayesian computational analyses. The extent of admixture varied across Saudi Arabia. African ancestry was highest in the highland area of the Jazan region followed by the lowland Jazan and Sahil regions. Conversely, the western (Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah) and Najran populations corresponded to the global domesticated form. Given potential differences between the forms in transmission capability, ecology and behaviour, the findings here should be taken into account in vector control efforts in Saudi Arabia.
High‐resolved surface‐enhanced Raman scattering on Ag@TiO2 plasmonic nanostructure
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Liu Jiaming , Huang Jinghui , Xu Jianchun , Guo Limin , Hui Kezhen , Wang Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive spectroscopic analysis technique widely used for molecule detection. However, manufacturing uniform, stable, and ultrasensitive substrates remains a challenge for the practical application of the SERS technology. Precious metals and semiconductors have been proved to be attractive and universal for SERS detection. In this work, a facile strategy is applied to prepare uniform three‐dimensional (3D) Ag@TiO2 nanostructures as SERS sensors. The Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that silver nanoparticles are uniformly deposited into the pores of the TiO2 nanocavity arrays. The 3D hybrid substrate presents highly sensitive SERS signals of 4‐mercaptobenzoicacid (4‐MBA) with a detection limitation as low as 10−17 M. To prevent the oxidization of Ag and keep the activity of the film, a polymer mask was deposited on the SERS substrate and brought about excellent stability after weeks of reserving in air. In a nutshell, a SERS substrate with a high sensitivity and stability as well as good uniformity has been successfully developed in this work, which has a potential application for high‐precision SERS detection.
High electric‐field‐induced strain of SnO2‐modified PLSBZT ceramic for actuator applications
Authors: Guo Shaoping , Liang Ruihong , Chen Zhengran , Shi Lizhi , Wang Wugang , Zhou Zhiyong
Published: February 2024

In this study, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the Pb0.931La0.006Sr0.03Ba0.03(Zr0.535Ti0.465)O3–xwt%SnO2 (PLSBZT–xwt%SnO2) with x = 0–0.6 were investigated comprehensively. When the content of SnO2 was 0.55 wt%, the sample achieved optimum properties obtaining a high Curie temperature (259°C) and a large strain (0.203% at 20 kV/cm). In particular, the sample's maximum strain (Smax) remained stable with a variation of less than 4% between −20 and 120°C. Moreover, the PLSBZT–0.55 wt%SnO2 ceramic not only presented a small εr value of 1662, enabling the actuator to respond quickly, but also had a high value of g33 (35.8 × 10−3 V/m/N). These results implied that SnO2‐modified PLSBZT ceramics have significant potential for actuator applications owing to their high Curie temperature, large electric‐field‐induced strain, fast response, and good strain–temperature stability.
Total factor productivity in Kenyan manufacturing firms: The role of ISO certification and direct vs indirect export intensity
Authors: Amutabi Cyprian
Published: February 2024

Using the World Bank panel enterprise data for Kenya for the period 2007–2013–2018, we examined the role of ISO certification and export intensity in explaining the total factor productivity (TFP) of Kenyan manufacturing firms. Contrary to previous studies that largely focus on export propensity, this paper distinguished between the effects of direct and indirect export intensity. To address the endogeneity problem, we instrumented both direct and indirect export intensity variables with imported input supplies dummy. Further, we controlled for heterogeneity in our models by incorporating the year and industry fixed effects as well as the unobserved time‐varying firm characteristics. We found opposite effects of exporting on TFP. While direct export intensity significantly increased TFP, indirect export intensity significantly curtailed TFP. This suggested that direct exporters vis‐à‐vis indirect exporters were more likely to efficiently exploit the productive capacity of foreign technology and knowledge spillover effects that accrue from learning‐by‐exporting. Second, ISO certification significantly increased TFP for indirect exporting firms only denoting a stronger compensating effect for these intermediary‐dependent exporting enterprises. It also affirmed the need by manufacturing firms to attain Internationally Recognized Quality Certification standards. This will increase the competitiveness of their products, hence boosting their chances of breaking into the international markets.
Use of oral health care services among older home care clients in the context of an intervention study
Authors: Tuuliainen Eveliina , Nihtilä Annamari , Komulainen Kaija , Nykänen Irma , Hartikainen Sirpa , Tiihonen Miia , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: February 2024

Background

An increasing number of care‐dependent older people living at home need external support to receive regular dental care.

Objectives

To investigate the use of oral health care services among old home care clients who participated in an intervention study focusing on oral self‐care and nutrition.

Materials and Methods

This study employed data from the multidisciplinary Nutrition, Oral Health and Medication (NutOrMed) intervention study with a population‐based sample of 245 home care clients (74% female) aged 75 or more divided in intervention (n = 140) and two control groups (n = 105). The data were collected through interviews at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

At baseline, 43% of participants reported visits to oral health care within the previous year. At 6‐month follow‐up, this proportion was 51%. In the intervention group, the corresponding figures were 46% and 53%, and in the controls 39% and 48%. Adjusted regression analyses showed that this change was statistically significant (p = 0.008). In addition, higher education and toothache or other discomfort related to teeth or dentures at baseline were associated with increased use after the 6‐month follow‐up (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0–1.2; OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.5–7.9) but being edentulous indicated the opposite (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.4). Belonging to the intervention group was not associated with increased use.

Conclusions

In older adults, any efforts to raise awareness of oral health are of great potential to increase use of services.
Cantonese dislocation: Parallel chains or cyclic linearization?
Authors: Lai Jackie Yan‐Ki
Published: February 2024

This paper offers a critique of the cyclic linearization account of Cantonese dislocation recently advocated by Lee (2021). It shows that the ordering‐based analysis encounters a number of nonobvious problems when compared with the existing parallel‐chain account (Lai, 2019) and that the latter can be maintained under a broadened empirical landscape. The discussion bears on the development of a general theory of dislocation.
Urinary and household chemical exposures in pet dogs with urothelial cell carcinoma
Authors: Braman Samantha L. , Peterson Hannah , Elbe Amy , Mani Erin , Danielson Camille , Dahman Christa , Labadie Julia D. , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: February 2024

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) has been linked to environmental chemical exposures in people, but these risk factors are not well understood in dogs with UCC. We hypothesised that household chemical exposures contribute to the risk of UCC in pet dogs. This prospective cross‐sectional case–control study included 37 dogs with UCC and 37 unaffected breed‐, sex‐, and age‐matched controls. Dog owners completed an environmental questionnaire and household samples were collected and analysed for arsenic (in tap water and room dust) and acrolein (in room air). Urine samples from UCC dogs, control dogs, and consenting owners were analysed for inorganic arsenic species, the acrolein metabolite 3‐HPMA, and the phenoxy herbicide 2,4‐D. Public data on chlorination byproducts (total trihalomethanes) in municipal drinking water were also compared between case and control households. Dogs with UCC were more likely to swim in a pool (15.2%) compared with control dogs (0%) (OR 1.69, 95% CI = 1.69–∞; p = .02). Dogs with UCC also had more than 4‐fold higher reported municipal water concentrations of chlorination byproducts (median 28.0 ppb) compared with controls (median 6.9 ppb; p < .0001). Dust arsenic concentrations were unexpectedly lower in case households (median 0.277 ng/cm2) compared with control households (median 0.401 ng/cm2; p = .0002). Other outcomes were not significantly different between groups. These data suggest that dog owners, especially those of breeds known to be at higher risk for UCC, consider limiting access to swimming pools and installing water filtration units that remove total trihalomethanes.
Therapeutic targeting Tudor domains in leukemia via CRISPR-Scan Assisted Drug Discovery
Authors: Chan Anthony K.N. , Han Li , Delaney Christopher D. , Wang Xueer , Mukhaleva Elizaveta , Li Mingli , Yang Lu , Pokharel Sheela Pangeni , Mattson Nicole , Garcia Michelle , Wang Bintao , Xu Xiaobao , Zhang Leisi , Singh Priyanka , Elsayed Zeinab , Chen Renee , Kuang Benjamin , Wang Jinhui , Yuan Yate-Ching , Chen Bryan , Chan Lai N. , Rosen Steven T. , Horne David , Müschen Markus , Chen Jianjun , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Armstrong Scott A. , Su Rui , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: February 2024

Epigenetic dysregulation has been reported in multiple cancers including leukemias. Nonetheless, the roles of the epigenetic reader Tudor domains in leukemia progression and therapy remain unexplored. Here, we conducted a Tudor domain–focused CRISPR screen and identified SGF29, a component of SAGA/ATAC acetyltransferase complexes, as a crucial factor for H3K9 acetylation, ribosomal gene expression, and leukemogenesis. To facilitate drug development, we integrated the CRISPR tiling scan with compound docking and molecular dynamics simulation, presenting a generally applicable strategy called CRISPR-Scan Assisted Drug Discovery (CRISPR-SADD). Using this approach, we identified a lead inhibitor that selectively targets SGF29’s Tudor domain and demonstrates efficacy against leukemia. Furthermore, we propose that the structural genetics approach used in our study can be widely applied to diverse fields for de novo drug discovery.
Maternal and congenital human cytomegalovirus infection: laboratory testing for detection and diagnosis
Authors: Leber Amy L.
Published: February 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital infection worldwide and the most common cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss. As there is no vaccine or other specific intervention to prevent congenital CMV infection, there is a need to identify maternal and congenital infections with sensitive and specific testing as early as possible. There is no widely accepted practice for screening during pregnancy or in all newborns for identification of possible cases of congenital CMV. Currently, screening during pregnancy is limited to those identified as at risk followed by fetal and/or neonatal testing when congenital infection is suspected. This review focuses primarily on the current status of laboratory testing for diagnosis of maternal and congenital CMV infections. Primary maternal infection is best diagnosed using serologic testing, including CMV IgM, IgG, and avidity testing, while fetal infection should be assessed by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) of amniotic fluid. Urine and saliva NAATs are the mainstay for diagnosis of congenital CMV in the first 3 weeks of life. Testing of dried blood spots can be useful for diagnosis of congenital CMV outside of the newborn period. The gaps in knowledge such as the prognostic value of viral loads in various sample types are addressed.
Supplemental Material: Genetic association between carbonates and gold precipitation mechanisms in the Jinshan deposit, eastern Jiangnan orogen
Authors: Wang Qingxiang , Deng Teng , et al.
Published: February 2024

Thermodynamic database for Geochemist's Workbench (GWB).
Supplemental Material: Neogene to modern foreland basin development in the Sub-Andean zone of southern Bolivia and northern Argentina, 21–23°S
Authors: Ferroni Felipe R. , et al.
Published: February 2024

Table of results from  laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb analyses of detrital zircon grains.
THE (NON)DISCLOSURE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY: THE CASE OF COOLING TECHNOLOGIES ACROSS AFRICA
Authors: AJA PILLE-RIIN , GIRAUDET LOUIS-GAËTAN , HOUDE SÉBASTIEN
Published: February 2024

The adoption of air conditioning (AC) could grow exponentially across Africa under the joint effect of acute warming, sustained income growth, and rapid urbanization. The implications for greenhouse gas emissions will crucially depend on the energy efficiency of the models adopted. Little is known, however, about how energy efficiency information is conveyed to consumers in these markets. To fill this gap, we gathered data on cooling appliances characteristics from Africa’s largest e-commerce platform, serving 13 countries — Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. We find that less than 10% of the AC models available on the marketplace (N = 1229) have information disclosed about their energy performance. Information disclosure appears to be highly idiosyncratic with weak strategic motives. This overall lack of information about energy efficiency represents an important challenge for enforcing energy performance standards and steering demand toward energy-efficient cooling appliances.
A Systematic Review of Oral Modifications Caused by the Prolonged Application of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Intraoral Appliances in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Authors: Jafarimehrabady Niloofar , Scribante Andrea , Defabianis Patrizia , Merlati Giuseppe , Vitale Marina Consuelo
Published: February 2024

Objective. Prolonged use of oral devices as a substitute for traditional treatments has been studied in relation to the dental and skeletal changes associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), which is a sleep-breathing disorder. Materials and Methods. A review of articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and CINHAL databases in September 2022 based on MeSH-based keywords with “dental and skeletal” and “oral appliance” and “obstructive sleep apnea” was examined to ensure that the keywords alone or cross-linked, depending on which base of the searched data, were used. 16 articles out of 289 articles were included in the research, and 273 articles were excluded due to lack of study. Conclusions. CPAP treatment has limited dental or skeletal effects in short-term or long-term use. OAs and MADs show significant dental changes with prolonged use. MAS and TSD are more effective in short-term goals than CPAP. OAs’ increase may cause dental and skeletal changes. MPD shows notable cephalometric alterations.
Supplementary Figure S8 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Correlation coefficients between EMT-related gene expression signature scores and cell type abundances (Ecotyper) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
Supplementary Figure S7 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Correlation coefficients between EMT-related gene expression signature scores and cell type abundances (Ecotyper) in breast cancer.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Correlation coefficients, comparing EMT-related gene expression signature scores with TME and non-TME signatures
Supplementary Figure S2 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

RosettaSX analysis of TCGA and CCLE breast cancer samples.
Supplementary Figure S12 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis association between EMT-related gene expression signature scores and disease free survival and overall survival.
Supplementary Figure S11 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Percentages of differentially expressed genes in across different cell types of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and glioma.
FIGURE 6 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Influence and association of signature gene expression profiles on signature scores in colorectal cancer (CRC) bulk RNA-seq samples. Each dot in a panel represents a signature gene of the respective signature. A gene at the bottom weakly influences the overall signature score. A gene at the top strongly influences the overall signature score. Genes on the left are stronger correlated with low cancer cell content. Blue coloring of data points indicates a higher expression in fibroblasts than in malignant cells in our scRNA-seq analyses. Labeled genes are the top three genes with the highest expression in fibroblasts.
FIGURE 5 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

RosettaSX analysis of an integrated dataset of TCGA colorectal cancer (CRC) and fibroblast-enriched pseudobulk samples. Top annotation indicates the tumor purity (CPE) for TCGA samples, and the fraction of fibroblast cell RNA used for pseudobulk generation (see Materials and Methods). The tumor samples (columns) are sorted by their tumor purity from low (left) to high (right). Note the tight clustering of all 11 EMT-related signatures and their correlation with tumor purity.
FIGURE 3 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

Comparison of EMT-related gene expression signature scores in tumor and normal tissue that is adjacent to the tumor tissue. Tumor samples are separated into low, medium, and high cancer cell content (CPE) based on the 25th (low) and 75th (high) percentiles of TCGA cancer cell content estimates. Lines indicate the paired tumor (T) and normal adjacent to tumor (NAT) samples. Colors indicate the cancer cell content in tumor samples with low (blue), or high (red) cell content or gray for missing data. Scores in NAT and high cancer cell content samples were compared using one-sided paired t tests for the “T high” and NAT comparison and a one-sided t test for the “T high” versus “T low” comparisons. P values were adjusted using Bonferroni correction (0 = ****, <1e-4 = ***, <0.001 = **, <0.05 = *, ns).
FIGURE 2 from Stromal Signals Dominate Gene Expression Signature Scores That Aim to Describe Cancer Cell–intrinsic Stemness or Mesenchymality Characteristics
Authors: Kreis Julian , Aybey Bogac , Geist Felix , Brors Benedikt , Staub Eike
Published: February 2024

EMT-related signatures and their associations with cancer pathways or processes. We studied 11 mesenchymal, EMT, and stemness signatures and their relation to other biological processes in TCGA cancer patients and CCLE cancer cell lines. Left heat maps: Gene expression signature scores of coherent signatures and their correlation with sample purity (CPE) in TCGA colorectal cancer (CRC) samples. The heat maps have been supplemented with single gene marker expression. The column annotation lists important markers for mesenchymal (VIM) and epithelial (EPCAM, CDH1) properties. Samples from left to right have decreasing levels of VIM expression, and signatures groups have an increasing correlation with tumor purity from bottom to top. Light gray areas indicate signatures that did not satisfy the coherence scoring threshold. Right heat maps: An analogous analysis as in colorectal cancer to the left, here for TCGA HNSC samples.
An International Survey of Practices in the Investigation and Endoscopic Treatment of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions amongst Interventional Bronchoscopists
Authors: Soumagne Thibaud , Dutau Hervé , Eapen Georgie , Guibert Nicolas , Hergott Christopher , Maldonado Fabien , Saka Hideo , Fortin Marc
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The investigation of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) can be challenging. Several bronchoscopic modalities have been developed to reach and biopsy PPL but the level of adoption of these techniques by interventional pulmonologists (IPs) is unknown. This international survey was conducted to describe current practices in PPL investigation among IP. Methods: This survey was sent to all members of the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, Canadian Thoracic Society Procedures Assembly, AABIP, and the Groupe d’Endoscopie Thoracique et Interventionnel Francophone. The survey was composed of 48 questions and three clinical cases to establish a portrait of modalities used to investigate and treat PPL by IP around the world. Results: Three hundred and twelve IP responded to the survey. Most of them practice in Europe (n = 122), North America (n = 97), and Asia (n = 49). Half of responders perform more than 100 endoscopic procedures for PPL annually. General anesthesia and conscious sedation are used in similar proportions (53% and 47%, respectively). Rapid on site evaluation (ROSE) is used when sampling PPL by 42%. Radial EBUS (69%), fluoroscopy (55%), and electromagnetic navigation (27%) are the most widely used techniques. Most IP combine techniques (89%). Robotic bronchoscopy (15%) and cone-beam CT (8%) are almost exclusively used in the USA where, respectively, 60% and 37% of respondents reported using these modalities. Ten percent of IP currently had access to endoscopic treatment modalities for PPL. However, half of the remaining IP plan to acquire an endoscopic treatment modality in the next 2 years. Conclusion: Available techniques and practices worldwide vary significantly regarding PPL investigation and treatment.
Tinjauan Imunologis dan Biomarker pada Sepsis
Authors: Endharti Agustina Tri , Iskandar Agustin , Aprilia Andrea , Susanto Carla Pramudita , Rudolfo Selly Laurencia , Ramawati Sherly , Wibawa Purwa Adrianta , Xaveria X
Published: February 2024

Sepsis merupakan disfungsi organ yang mengancam nyawa yang terjadi akibat respons host yang buruk terhadap adanya infeksi. Sepsis menyebabkan morbiditas dan mortalitas yang tinggi khususnya pada kondisi sepsis berat atau syok sepsis. Salah satu pendekatan yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi hal tersebut adalah dengan diagnosis dan tata laksana dini. Penegakan diagnosis sepsis tidak dapat sepenuhnya dari kondisi klinis, tetapi memerlukan pemeriksaan laboratorium. Bahkan, peran pemeriksaan laboratorium pada sepsis tidak sebatas pada diagnosis saja, melainkan juga dapat membantu memprediksi prognosis dan menilai keberhasilan terapi. Buku ini menjelaskan sisi imunologis terjadinya sepsis serta membahas secara lengkap pemeriksaan laboratorium yang dapat dilakukan untuk menunjang tata laksana sepsis, mulai dari pemeriksaan laboratorium sederhana yang terdapat di fasilitas kesehatan primer hingga pemeriksaan laboratorium yang terbaru.
Teknik Pemilihan Bahan Pakan Berkualitas dan Formulasi Pakan Unggas
Authors: Natsir Muhammad Halim , Nuningtyas Yuli Frita , Marwi Filoza , Hermanto Feri Eko , Juliastuti Anna Sophia , Setyaningsih Nanik , Ardiansah Ilham
Published: February 2024

Buku ini disusun mengingat masih sedikitnya acuan tentang teknik pemilihan pakan yang berkualitas secara cepat dan tepat, maka perlu untuk membuat buku referensi tentang teknik pemilihan pakan berkualitas dan formulasi pakan unggas untuk membantu pembaca dalam aplikasinya di lapangan. Buku ini bermanfaat untuk masyarakat umum: mahasiswa, dosen, peternak rakyat, analis laboratorium pakan, dan pelaku industri pakan ternak.
Energi Biomassa
Authors: Setyawan Hendrix Yulis , Dewi Juwita Ratna , Ulandari Devy , Pratiwi Dinda Agustin , Pratama Andhika Putra Agus
Published: February 2024

Energi berbasis biomassa menawarkan alternatif berkelanjutan terhadap bahan bakar fosil, memanfaatkan sumber daya seperti biomassa kayu, tanaman industri, limbah pertanian, dan limbah industri. Meskipun menawarkan kelebihan, seperti daur ulang karbon dan sifat dapat diperbaharui, energi biomassa menghadapi tantangan dalam penggunaan lahan, kebutuhan air, dan input energi. Buku ini menyajikan pandangan komprehensif tentang energi biomassa, membahas konsep dasar, teknologi konversi, serta potensinya baik di tingkat global maupun lokal. Selain menjelaskan teknik konversi biomassa menjadi energi dan potensinya dalam produksi listrik serta sistem pemanas, buku ini juga mengeksplorasi biofuel sebagai alternatif bahan bakar fosil dan kemampuannya untuk menggantikan bahan bakar konvensional. Aspek penting lain yang disoroti adalah dampak lingkungan dari energi biomassa, dengan analisis mendalam mengenai keberlanjutannya serta dukungan berbagai negara terhadap pengembangan energi ini melalui kebijakan dan regulasi.
Manajemen Lingkungan dan Keberlanjutan Pembangunan
Authors: Ciptadi Gatot , Koderi K , Anggayasti Wresti Listu , Susanto Sony , Rachmawati Christina , Makikui Jefta Johannes , Ubit Razali Ismail
Published: February 2024

Manajemen Lingkungan dan Keberlanjutan Pembangunan merupakan buku yang disusun dengan materi utama dari mahasiswa pendidikan doktor Universitas Brawijaya. Konsep Keberlanjutan Pembangunan menjadi sangat penting akhir-akhir ini karena adanya degradasi kualitas lingkungan yang terjadi di bumi sehingga mendorong banyaknya komitmen dari berbagai pihak untuk menerapkan program pembangunan berkelanjutan. Berbagai upaya dilakukan untuk mendukung pembangunan berkelanjutan dari berbagai sektor di antaranya dari sektor manufaktur, perencanaan kota, dan dari sektor Pendidikan. Environmental Management atau pengelolaan lingkungan menjadi upaya sadar dan terencana yang memadukan aspek lingkungan hidup, sosial, dan ekonomi dalam strategi pembangunan untuk menjamin adanya keutuhan lingkungan hidup serta keselamatan, kemampuan, kesejahteraan, dan mutu hidup generasi masa kini dan masa yang akan datang. Pengelolaan lingkungan hidup dengan prinsip pembangunan berkelanjutan harus memperhatikan daya dukung dan daya tampung lingkungan hidup. Daya dukung lingkungan hidup terkait dengan kemampuan lingkungan hidup untuk mendukung perikehidupan manusia dan makhluk hidup lain, sedangkan daya tampung lingkungan hidup untuk menyerap zat, energi, dan komponen lainnya. Cara-cara penjagaan lingkungan ini akan coba dibahas secara ilmiah maupun ditinjau melalui sudut pandang pengelolaan wilayah dan negara dengan aturan resmi, sebagai sanggahan dari label ketinggalan zaman. Diharapkan, sinkronisitas dari kearifan lokal dengan fakta-fakta ilmiah dan peran serta aktif dari berbagai elemen masyarakat dapat menjadi pengetahuan berharga untuk diterapkan dalam usaha mendukung pembangunan berkelanjutan, sustainable development yang ramah lingkungan.
Comparative study of ultrasound attenuation analysis and controlled attenuation parameter in the diagnosis and grading of liver steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Wang Mengyun , Tang Shuzhen , Li Guoqiu , Huang Zhibin , Mo Sijie , Yang Keen , Chen Jing , Du Baishan , Xu Jinfeng , Ding Zhimin , Dong Fajin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of Ultrasound Attenuation Analysis (USAT) in the diagnosis and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using Controlled Attenuation Parameters (CAP) as a reference.

Materials and methods

From February 13, 2023, to September 26, 2023, participants underwent CAP and USAT examinations on the same day. We used manufacturer-recommended CAP thresholds to categorize the stages of hepatic steatosis: stage 1 (mild) − 240 dB/m, stage 2 (moderate) − 265 dB/m, stage 3 (severe) − 295 dB/m. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were employed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of USAT and determine the thresholds for different levels of hepatic steatosis.

Results

Using CAP as the reference, we observed that the average USAT value increased with the severity of hepatic steatosis, and the differences in USAT values among the different hepatic steatosis groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between USAT and CAP (r = 0.674, p < 0.0001). When using CAP as the reference, the optimal cut-off values for diagnosing and predicting different levels of hepatic steatosis with USAT were as follows: the cut-off value for excluding the presence of hepatic steatosis was 0.54 dB/cm/MHz (AUC 0.96); for mild hepatic steatosis, it was 0.59 dB/cm/MHz (AUC 0.86); for moderate hepatic steatosis, it was 0.73 dB/cm/MHz (AUC 0.81); and for severe hepatic steatosis, it was 0.87 dB/cm/MHz (AUC 0.87).

Conclusion

USAT exhibits strong diagnostic performance for hepatic steatosis and shows a high correlation with CAP values.