bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and its linkages with undernutrition in India
Authors: Singh Shri K. , Chauhan Alka , Alderman Harold , Avula Rasmi , Dwivedi Laxmi K. , Kapoor Rati , Meher Trupti , Menon Purnima , Nguyen Phuong H. , Pedgaonker Sarang , Puri Parul , Chakrabarti Suman
Published: April 2024

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has been the central focus of the POSHAN Abhiyaan to combat maternal and child malnutrition under the national nutrition mission in India. This paper examined the linkages between utilization of ICDS and underweight among children aged 6–59 months. The study utilized data from two recent rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS‐4 [2015–2016] and NFHS‐5 [2019–2021]). Descriptive analyses were used to assess the change in utilization of ICDS and the prevalence of underweight at the national and state levels. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine factors associated with the utilization of ICDS and underweight. Linkages between utilization of ICDS and underweight were examined using the difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach. Utilization of ICDS increased from 58% in 2015–2016 to 71% in 2019–2021. The prevalence of underweight decreased from 37% to 32% in the same period. Changes in ICDS utilization and underweight prevalence varied considerably across states, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Results from decomposition of DID models suggest that improvements in ICDS explained 9%–12% of the observed reduction in underweight children between 2016 and 2021, suggesting that ICDS made a modest but meaningful contribution in addressing undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months in this period.
A comparison of function lumen imaging probe measurements of anal sphincter function in fecal incontinence
Authors: O'Connor Alexander , Liao Donghua , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Sharma Abhiram , Vasant Dipesh H. , McLaughlin John , Kiff Edward , Telford Karen
Published: April 2024

Background

The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is a test of anal sphincter distensibility under evaluation by specialist centers. Two measurement protocols termed “stepwise” and “ramp” are used, risking a lack of standardization. This study aims to compare the performance of these protocols to establish if there are differences between them.

Methods

Patients with fecal incontinence were recruited and underwent measurement with both protocols at a tertiary pelvic floor referral unit. Differences in minimum diameter, FLIP bag pressure, and distensibility index (DI) at rest and during squeeze were calculated at various FLIP bag volumes.

Key Results

Twenty patients (19 female, mean age 61 [range: 38–78]) were included. The resting minimum diameter at 30 and 40 mL bag volumes were less in the stepwise protocol (mean bias: −0.55 mm and −1.18 mm, p < 0.05) along with the DI at the same bag volumes (mean bias: −0.37 mm2/mmHg and −0.55 mm2/mmHg, p < 0.05). There was also a trend towards greater bag pressures at 30 mL (mean bias: +2.08 mmHg, p = 0.114) and 40 mL (mean bias: +2.81 mmHg, p = 0.129) volumes in the stepwise protocol. There were no differences between protocols in measurements of minimum diameter, maximum bag pressure, or DI during voluntary squeeze (p > 0.05).

Conclusion and Inferences

There are differences between the two commonly described FLIP measurement protocols at rest, although there are no differences in the assessment of squeeze function. Consensus agreement is required to agree the most appropriate FLIP measurement protocol in assessing anal sphincter function.
Circular RNA ath‐circ032768, a competing endogenous RNA, response the drought stress by targeting miR472‐RPS5 module
Authors: Yin Z. , Zhao Q. , Lv X. , Zhang X. , Wu Y.
Published: April 2024

CircRNAs (circular RNAs) reduce the abundance of miRNAs through ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA), to regulate many physiological processes and stress responses in plants. However, the role of circRNA in drought stress is poorly understood.

Through ring identification and sequencing verification of ath‐circ032768, bioinformatics analysis predicted the interaction of ath‐circ032768–miR472‐RPS5, and further obtained transgenic plants overexpressing ath‐circ032768 and silencing STTM‐miR472. The change in drought stress was analysed using biochemical and molecular biological methods.

Sequencing and biological analysis confirmed that ath‐circ032768, miR472 and RPS5 were responsive to drought stress, and changes in gene expression were consistent with the prediction of ceRNA. The silencing vectors ath‐circ032768 and STTM‐miR472 were constructed using molecular biology techniques, and stable transgenic plants with drought tolerance obtained. Further physiological and biochemical studies showed that ath‐circ032768 could bind to miR472, and that miR472 could bind to the RPS5 gene, resulting in decreased expression of RPS5. Hence, ath‐circ032768 can competitively inhibit degradation of RPS5 by miR472 through ceRNA. This process is accompanied by increased expression of DREB2A, RD29A and RD29B genes.

Through the ath‐circ032768–miR472‐RPS5 pathway, the RPS5 stress resistance protein interacts with DREB2A protein to enhance expression of downstream drought resistance genes, RD29A and RD29B, and participate in the regulation mechanism of plant drought resistance, thereby improving drought tolerance of plants.
European identity's effect on immigration attitudes: Testing the predictions of the common Ingroup identity model versus ingroup projection model
Authors: Curtis K. Amber
Published: April 2024

A superordinate identity unites different subgroups into an overarching, common one. But does superordinate identification then improve or worsen attitudes towards the former outgroup? The common ingroup identity model (CIIM) asserts that recategorization ameliorates outgroup bias by reducing perceptions of intergroup threat. It predicts that superordinate identification will improve intergroup relations by promoting tolerance and acceptance of diversity. In contrast, the ingroup project model (IPM) asserts that identifying superordinately will actually exacerbate outgroup bias because ingroup members naturally project their own characteristics onto the superordinate category and will more strongly dislike the former outgroup for not fitting the “correct” superordinate prototype. Existing evidence—largely drawn from psychology lab experiments, not real‐world situations—suggests both models can be correct insofar as ingroup projection only occurs under certain conditions. In that case, which model is correct for European identity? Results from original survey data collected in three European countries (Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom) show that increased identification with Europe is almost always associated with more favorable attitudes towards outgroup immigrants, even among those most likely to engage in ingroup projection. Future research should continue to investigate when and why this inclusivity does—and does not—hold.
Lithophyllum nagaokaense sp. nov. (Corallinales, Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta): A new rhodolith‐forming non‐geniculate coralline alga from Japan
Authors: Min‐Khant‐Kyaw  , Kato Aki , Kurashima Akira , Liao Lawrence M. , Baba Masasuke
Published: April 2024

Lithophyllum is a cosmopolitan coralline algal genus with 12 species currently recognized in Japan based on modern morpho‐anatomical taxonomic concepts primarily characterized by having uniporate tetrasporangial and bisporangial conceptacles, the presence of secondary pit‐connections between cells of adjacent filaments and a dimerous thallus construction with a single basal layer of predominantly non‐palisade cells. In the present study, we describe Lithophyllum nagaokaense sp. nov. based on a combination of molecular and morpho‐anatomical data of specimens from the temperate waters of Japan. The new species forms both attached epilithic thalli and free‐living rhodoliths. Phylogenetic analyses of psbA, rbcL and COI markers resolved L. nagaokaense as an independent species. Morpho‐anatomically, L. nagaokaense resembles Lithophyllum johansenii, originally described from Australia, but distinguished from the latter by the absence of enlarged angular cells occluding pore canals of tetrasporangial conceptacle chambers. Lithophyllum nagaokaense shared a fruticose morphology with Lithophyllum kaiseri, Lithophyllum kuroshioense, Lithophyllum neo‐okamurae, Lithophyllum okamurae, and Lithophyllum pygmaeum from Japan. Of these, L. nagaokaense is the most similar to L. neo‐okamurae in having attached and free‐living thalli with encrusting and warty to lumpy growth forms bearing knobby protuberances that are dichotomously branched or anastomosing. The new species is distinct from other Japanese fruticose species collectively by five tetrasporangial conceptacle chamber characters and the absence of trichocytes. A taxonomic key for identifying Japanese fruticose species is provided. This is the fifth Lithophyllum species and the third rhodolith‐forming species verified by DNA sequencing to be found in Japan.
Successful treatment of a renal allograft abscess with antimicrobial agents alone and appropriate follow‐up imaging
Authors: Tokuchi Maho , Yonishi Hiroaki , Namba‐Hamano Tomoko
Published: April 2024

A renal allograft abscess is a relatively rare condition. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy and drainage are recommended for treating renal abscesses. However, drainage can be challenging, depending on the location of the abscess. We present the case of a young female kidney transplant recipient who was successfully cured of a renal allograft abscess, using antimicrobial agents and appropriate follow‐up imaging, without the need of any risky procedures.
Increasing the upper age limit for blood donation: Perspectives from older donors
Authors: Quee Franke A. , Lathori Asghar Zeinali , Sijtsma Berdine , Bruijns Sanne , van den Hurk Katja
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

In the Netherlands, as of April 2018, the upper age limit for blood donation has been raised from 69 to 79 years, providing an opportunity to study older donors' perspectives regarding donating at older age. This study aims to explore whether older donors agree with the increase of the age limit, if they feel obliged to continue donating, to identify their motivators and barriers for donating blood and describe donation‐related experiences and complications.

Materials and Methods

An online survey was distributed among Dutch blood donors aged 68–73 years. The survey contained questions regarding the increase of the upper age limit, motivations and barriers for donating, donation‐related experiences and obligatory feelings to continue donating.

Results

Six hundred sixty donors (55%) were included in the analyses, including 38 stopped donors. Most donors (92%) agreed with the increase of the upper age limit. Approximately 63% of participating donors felt obliged to continue donating, especially women with high education. Donors indicated they felt healthy enough to keep donating (95%), and 72% thought it is good for their health to keep donating. Few donors reported that they found it hard to keep donating (5%) or indicated that they did not feel healthy enough to donate or thought it was not safe for them anymore (3.4%).

Conclusion

Most of the older donors agree with the increase of the upper age limit for blood donation, report only few and minor donation‐related experiences or complications and are highly motivated to continue their donor career at an older age.
Geometric stochastic ray propagation using the special Euclidean group
Authors: Paine Tyler , Bhatt EeShan
Published: April 2024

This paper describes a stochastic model of ray trajectory propagation through a medium—such as the ocean—which has an uncertain sound speed profile. We frame ray propagation as a geometric fractal Brownian motion process on the special Euclidean group of dimension two, SE(2). The framing includes diffusion parameters to describe how the stochastic rays deviate from the expected rays, and these diffusion parameters are a function of the uncertainty in the sound speed profile. We demonstrate this framing for the classical Munk profile and a double-ducted profile in the Beaufort.
A noise robust sparse time-frequency representation method for measuring underwater gas leakage rate
Authors: Tu Qiang , Wu Kefei , Cheng En , Yuan Fei
Published: April 2024

Passive acoustic monitors analyze sound signals emitted by seafloor gas bubbles to measure leakage rates. In scenarios with low-flux gas leaks, individual bubble sounds are typically non-overlapping. Measurement methods for these bubble streams aim to estimate the frequency peak of each bubble sound, which correlates with the bubble's size. However, the presence of ocean ambient noise poses challenges to accurately estimating these frequency peaks, thereby affecting the measurement of gas leakage rates in shallow sea environments using passive acoustic monitors. To address this issue, we propose a robust measurement method that includes a noise-robust sparse time-frequency representation algorithm and an adaptive thresholding approach for detecting bubble frequencies. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method using experimental data augmented with ocean ambient noise and ship-transit noise recorded from a bay area.
Extended blood stage sensitivity profiles of
Plasmodium cynomolgi
to doxycycline and tafenoquine, as a model for
Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Christensen Peter , Cinzah Rosy , Suwanarusk Rossarin , Chua Adeline Chiew Yen , Kaneko Osamu , Kyle Dennis E. , Aung Htin Lin , Matheson Jessica , Bifani Pablo , Rénia Laurent , Cook Gregory M. , Snounou Georges , Russell Bruce
Published: April 2024

Testing
Plasmodium vivax
antimicrobial sensitivity is limited to
ex vivo
schizont maturation assays, which preclude determining the IC50s of delayed action antimalarials such as doxycycline. Using
Plasmodium cynomolgi
as a model for
P. vivax
, we determined the physiologically significant delayed death effect induced by doxycycline [IC
50(96 h)
, 1,401 ± 607 nM]. As expected, IC
50(96 h)
to chloroquine (20.4 nM), piperaquine (12.6 µM), and tafenoquine (1,424 nM) were not affected by extended exposure.
Inhibition of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection by griffithsin and griffithsin-based bivalent entry inhibitor
Authors: Cao Najing , Cai Yanxing , Huang Xin , Jiang Hanxiao , Huang Ziqi , Xing Lixiao , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo , Xu Wei
Published: April 2024

Outbreaks of acute respiratory viral diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19 caused by influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2, pose a serious threat to global public health, economic security, and social stability. This calls for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals to prevent or treat infection or co-infection of IAV and SARS-CoV-2. Hemagglutinin (HA) on IAV and spike (S) protein on SARS-CoV-2, which contain various types of glycans, play crucial roles in mediating viral entry into host cells. Therefore, they are key targets for the development of carbohydrate-binding protein-based antivirals. This study demonstrated that griffithsin (GRFT) and the GRFT-based bivalent entry inhibitor GL25E (GRFT-L25-EK1) showed broad-spectrum antiviral effects against IAV infection
in vitro
by binding to HA in a carbohydrate-dependent manner and effectively protected mice from lethal IAV infection. Although both GRFT and GL25E could inhibit infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, GL25E proved to be significantly more effective than GRFT and EK1 alone. Furthermore, GL25E effectively inhibited
in vitro
co-infection of IAV and SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrated good druggability, including favorable safety and stability profiles. These findings suggest that GL25E is a promising candidate for further development as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug for the prevention and treatment of infection or co-infection from IAV and SARS-CoV-2.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by the influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. IAV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection exacerbates damage to lung tissue and leads to more severe clinical symptoms, thus calling for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals for combating IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection. Here we found that griffithsin (GRFT), a carbohydrate-binding protein, and GL25E, a recombinant protein consisting of GRFT, a 25 amino acid linker, and EK1, a broad-spectrum coronavirus inhibitor, could effectively inhibit IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infection by targeting glycans on HA of IAV and spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. GL25E is more effective than GRFT because GL25E can also interact with the HR1 domain in SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Furthermore, GL25E possesses favorable safety and stability profiles, suggesting that it is a promising candidate for development as a drug to prevent and treat IAV and SARS-CoV-2 infection or co-infection.
Disease severity impacts perceived quality of life in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a prospective observational study
Authors: Dimmer Alexandra , Meehan Madison , Beauseigle Sabrina , Koclas Louise , Paquette Katryn , Michel Macias Carolina , Moore Shiran S , Sant'Anna Ana , Shapiro Adam , Simoneau Jessica , Villegas Martinez Daniela , Altit Gabriel , Puligandla Pramod
Published: April 2024

Background

While research indicates comparable quality of life (QOL) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and healthy populations, the effect of CDH severity on patients’ health perceptions remains unexplored. We aimed to assess QOL perception in CDH, hypothesising a decline correlated with increased disease severity.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we analysed patients with CDH aged 5 years and above participating in a longitudinal outpatient programme. We excluded bilateral CDH, genetic/syndromic conditions, prematurity and late diagnosis. Participants self-administered the age-adapted Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) survey, covering four domains (physical, emotional, social, school). After enrolment, data were collected blind to severity status (larger defects denoting significant/‘severe’ disease). Repeated measurements were managed using a random mixed-effects model.

Results

Of 34 participants (50% males) who completed the PedsQL, 10 provided measurements at two visits. Eight required a patch (type C), while 26 had primary repairs (type A=8; type B=18). Age at first evaluation was comparable across groups (no patch: median 11 (7–16), patch: 13 (8–15) years, p=0.78). Severe CDH correlated significantly with lower PedsQL scores (adjusted β: −18%, 95% CI −28%; −7%, adjusted for age at visit and sex). Lower scores specifically occurred in walking, exercising, social and academic functioning.

Conclusion

Severe CDH significantly lowers QOL. This finding is crucial for resource allocation in long-term CDH health surveillance and advocates for regular inclusion of patient experiences in quality improvement efforts.
Role of physical therapy intervention in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Parmar Sanjay Tejraj , Deshpande Charulata , Kadam Dipti Sambhajirao
Published: April 2024

We reported a case of a school-going child, diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) who presented with symptoms such as high fever, acute hemiplegia and ataxia and was referred for physiotherapeutic intervention. This case report aims to document the assessment and management of ADEM from the intensive care unit to the home setting by physical therapy. Also, the child developed ventilator-associated pneumonia and a right lower motor neuron facial injury for which the child was referred to paediatric physical therapy. Since then, continuing for 8 months has helped the child to be independent in all aspects of mobility with no complaints. The child showed improvement in WeeFIM scores and Sunnybrook facial grading after 99 sessions of intensive physical therapy for approximately 83 hours along with the home programme. It has been proven an efficient treatment method along with other medical lines of treatment for neurological impairment associated with ADEM.
Spontaneous bowel evisceration through umbilical hernia in an adult non-cirrhotic patient
Authors: Grappolini Niccolo , Zanchetta Matteo , Inversini Davide , Ietto Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Few cases of spontaneous bowel evisceration (SBE) through umbilical hernias (UHs) in adult patients have been reported in the literature. Interestingly, the spontaneous rupture of the hernia sac is a rare complication usually seen in adult cirrhotic patients with persistent ascites or in patients with congenital wall defects. A man in his early 50s was admitted to our emergency department with SBE through a long-standing acquired UH. He was not clinically cirrhotic, although being HCV positive. Surgeons performed an urgent laparotomy with ileal resection, latero-lateral ileal anastomosis and direct hernioplasty without mesh. Given the rarity of this presentation, we reported it and reviewed the available literature on this subject. Elective hernioplasty is currently suggested to lower the risk of complications. Mesh placement should be preferred, but only if comorbidities and infectious risks do not contraindicate its use. In emergency situations, a direct hernia repair is preferred.
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection presenting in a patient with unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis
Authors: Paul Seemab , MacNair Andrew , Lostarakos Vasileios , Capstick Richard
Published: April 2024

People who have structural or developmental lung disease are more likely to develop non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. We present the case of a young man in his 30s who had unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis on the right side and presented with a 6-month history of productive cough and fever. His CT scan showed nodular and cavitating lesions on the right side, and sputum analysis confirmed infection withMycobacterium chimaera. He had to undergo modifications in his treatment, including a change from rifampicin to rifabutin due to drug interactions and his amikacin had to be stopped due to signs of vestibular toxicity. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we were able to formulate an appropriate drug regimen for him, and he is now under regular follow-up with infectious diseases and respiratory medicine.
Mortality variability and differentials by age and causes of death in rural South Africa, 1994–2018
Authors: Houle Brian , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa , Mojola Sanyu A , Angotti Nicole , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Kobus , Clark Samuel J , Menken Jane , Canudas-Romo Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Understanding mortality variability by age and cause is critical to identifying intervention and prevention actions to support disadvantaged populations. We assessed mortality changes in two rural South African populations over 25 years covering pre-AIDS and peak AIDS epidemic and subsequent antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability.

Methods

Using population surveillance data from the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System (AHDSS; 1994–2018) and Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI; 2000–2018) for 5-year periods, we calculated life expectancy from birth to age 85, mortality age distributions and variation, and life-years lost (LYL) decomposed into four cause-of-death groups.

Results

The AIDS epidemic shifted the age-at-death distribution to younger ages and increased LYL. For AHDSS, between 1994–1998 and 1999–2003 LYL increased for females from 13.6 years (95% CI 12.7 to 14.4) to 22.1 (95% CI 21.2 to 23.0) and for males from 19.9 (95% CI 18.8 to 20.8) to 27.1 (95% CI 26.2 to 28.0). AHRI LYL in 2000–2003 was extremely high (females=40.7 years (95% CI 39.8 to 41.5), males=44.8 years (95% CI 44.1 to 45.5)). Subsequent widespread ART availability reduced LYL (2014–2018) for women (AHDSS=15.7 (95% CI 15.0 to 16.3); AHRI=22.4 (95% CI 21.7 to 23.1)) and men (AHDSS=21.2 (95% CI 20.5 to 22.0); AHRI=27.4 (95% CI 26.7 to 28.2)), primarily due to reduced HIV/AIDS/TB deaths in mid-life and other communicable disease deaths in children. External causes increased as a proportion of LYL for men (2014–2018: AHRI=25%, AHDSS=17%). The share of AHDSS LYL 2014–2018 due to non-communicable diseases exceeded pre-HIV levels: females=43%; males=40%.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight shifting burdens in cause-specific LYL and persistent mortality differentials in two populations experiencing complex epidemiological transitions. Results show high contributions of child deaths to LYL at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Reductions in LYL were primarily driven by lowered HIV/AIDS/TB and other communicable disease mortality during the ART periods. LYL differentials persist despite widespread ART availability, highlighting the contributions of other communicable diseases in children, HIV/AIDS/TB and external causes in mid-life and non-communicable diseases in older ages.
Healthy lifestyle and the risk of depression recurrence requiring hospitalisation and mortality among adults with pre-existing depression: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cao Zhi , Min Jiahao , Xiang Yu-Tao , Wang Xiaohe , Xu Chenjie
Published: April 2024

Background

Although lifestyle-based treatment approaches are recommended as important aspects of depression care, the quantitative influence of aggregated healthy lifestyles on depression recurrence and mortality remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate the association between healthy lifestyle and the risks of first-time hospitalisation for recurrent depression and mortality.

Methods

26 164 adults with depression (mean (SD) age, 56.0 (7.9) years) were included from UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 and followed up until 2022. Depression was defined as a physician’s diagnosis in hospital admissions or the use of prescribed antidepressant medication. A weighted healthy lifestyle score (HLS) was calculated based on smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, sleep pattern, physical activity, social health, employment status and greenspace interaction.

Findings

Over a 13.3-year follow-up, 9740 cases of first-time hospitalisation due to depression recurrence and 1527 deaths were documented. Compared with the lowest HLS tertile, the highest tertile was associated with a 27% lower risk (HR=0.73, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.77) of first-time hospitalisation for depression recurrence and a 22% (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.91) lower risk of mortality among adults with depression. Lower risks of first-time hospitalisation for depression recurrence were observed among those who smoked less, drank more alcohol, followed healthier diets and sleep patterns, spent more time employed in current job or had greater exposure to greenspace.

Conclusion and implications

Greater adherence to healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of hospitalisation and mortality among adults with pre-existing depression. Incorporating behaviour modification as an essential part of clinical practice for depressed patients could complement medication-based therapies.
Characterisation of clinical response and transcriptional profiling of proliferating CD8 T cells in the blood of cancer patients after PD-1 monotherapy or combination therapy
Authors: Obeng Rebecca C , Nasti Tahseen H , Martens Kylee , Li Peng , Mariniello Annapaola , Chang Daniel Y , Eberhardt Christiane S , McGuire Donald , Kissick Haydn , Daugherty Candace , Zhang Yuzi , Wieland Andreas , Chen Zhengjia , Switchenko Jeffrey M , Pillai Rathi , Kamphorst Alice O , Leonard Warren J , Ahmed Rafi , Ramalingam Suresh S
Published: April 2024

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) that block the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) pathway have shown promise with limited benefit. We and others have shown in small patient cohorts that an early proliferative CD8 T-cell response in the blood may be predictive of clinical response. However, these studies lack detailed analyses and comparisons between monotherapy and combination therapies.

Methods and analysis

We analysed longitudinal blood samples from 103 patients with cancer who received αPD-1 monotherapy or combined with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (αCTLA-4) or chemotherapy. Transcriptional analysis of CD8 T cells after the first treatment cycle with effector cells generated following yellow fever virus (YFV-17D) vaccine-induced infection was also compared.

Results

An early proliferative (Ki-67+) CD8 T-cell response was observed after cycle 1 in 60 patients (58.3%). Patients with early-and-sustained proliferative responses (cycle 1 and beyond) had better clinical responses and survival than patients with an early-but-limited response (p=0.02). The proliferating cells had an effector-like phenotype. The transcriptional profiles of the effector-like CD8 T cells were similar irrespective of treatment type or clinical response but distinct from that of YFV-specific effector CD8 T cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that early proliferative CD8 T-cell response in the blood is predictive, and that an early-and-sustained proliferative response may further identify patients with prolonged survival. The ICI-induced effector-like CD8 T cells are transcriptionally distinct from highly functional YFV-specific cells, suggesting opportunities for improved T-cell effector function with combination therapies for better clinical outcome.
Implementing the practice of early skin-to-skin contact among infants ≥35 weeks gestation born vaginally: a quality improvement study
Authors: Bhardwaj Naveen Kumar , Sasidharan Rohit , Toteja Nisha , Yadav Bharti , Prasanna KL , Bishnoi Birkha , Gupta Neeraj , Singh Pratibha , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Arun
Published: April 2024

Background

Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) at birth has been shown to improve neonatal outcomes due to enhanced cardiorespiratory stability, thermoregulation and breastfeeding success.

Local problem

The practice of early SSC was virtually non-existent in our delivery room (DR).

Methods and interventions

The study was conducted in a newly established tertiary care teaching hospital in Western Rajasthan, India. We aimed to improve the median duration of early SSC from 0 min to at least 60 min over 24 weeks in our DR. A quality improvement (QI) team was formed, and all inborn infants ≥35 weeks born vaginally from 9 March 2017 were included. Using the tools of point-of-care QI, we found the lack of standard operating procedure, lack of knowledge among nursing staff regarding early SSC, routine shifting of all infants to radiant warmer, the practice of prioritising birthweight documentation and vitamin K administration as the major hindrances to early SSC. Various change ideas were implemented and tested sequentially through multiple plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles to improve the duration of early SSC. Interventions included framing a written policy for SSC, sensitising the nursing staff and resident doctors, actively delaying the alternate priorities, making early SSC a shared responsibility among paediatricians, obstetricians, nursing staff and family members, and continuing SSC in the recovery area of the DR complex.

Results

The duration of early SSC increased from 0 to 67 min without any additional resources. The practice of SSC got well established in the system as reflected by a sustained improvement of 63 min and 72 min, respectively, at the end of 2 months and 4 years after study completion.

Conclusion

Using the QI approach, we established and sustained the practice of early SSC for more than 60 min in our unit by using system analysis and testing change ideas in sequential PDSA cycles.
Digital interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes to promote health literacy? A qualitative study on physicians’ perspective in Germany
Authors: Naef Aurélia Naoko , Fischbock Nadine , Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem , Amelung Volker Eric
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) require a high level of health literacy (HL) to prevent complications. It remains unclear what potential digital interventions have for promoting HL among adolescents with T1D, as viewed by physicians working with this target group. Additionally, it is unclear how the institutions (inpatient care and outpatient care) can support and facilitate the use of digital interventions to promote HL.

Research design and methods

An exploratory study was conducted using semistructured interviews with physicians (n=12) in Germany. The interview questions are based on a previous systematic review. The coding was conducted deductively and inductively using MAXQDA software. Subsequently, the interviews were analysed systematically through an iterative process of content analyses in line with Kuckartzet al.

Results

It was reported by the physicians that digital interventions are underused due to technical resources, lack of structural conditions, information and legal constraints. The utilisation of digital interventions to promote HL was heterogeneous and depended primarily on the willingness of the physicians. Communication strategy techniques were widely employed to motivate patients, an activity occurring mainly in-person, thus limiting the opportunity for the deployment of digital interventions.

Conclusions

To increase the use of digital interventions and improve HL, support for digital literacy skills could be implemented. Capacity building through patient-centred, interdisciplinary and participatory culture should be considered. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for practice, research and policy.
Discerning clinicopathological features of congenital neutropenia syndromes: an approach to diagnostically challenging differential diagnoses
Authors: Parisi Xenia , Bledsoe Jacob R
Published: April 2024

The congenital neutropenia syndromes are rare haematological conditions defined by impaired myeloid precursor differentiation or function. Patients are prone to severe infections with high mortality rates in early life. While some patients benefit from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment, they may still face an increased risk of bone marrow failure, myelodysplastic syndrome and acute leukaemia. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for improved outcomes; however, diagnosis depends on familiarity with a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that remain incompletely characterised. The clinical and pathological overlap between reactive conditions, primary and congenital neutropenias, bone marrow failure, and myelodysplastic syndromes further clouds diagnostic clarity.

We review the diagnostically useful clinicopathological and morphological features of reactive causes of neutropenia and the most common primary neutropenia disorders: constitutional/benign ethnic neutropenia, chronic idiopathic neutropenia, cyclic neutropenia, severe congenital neutropenia (due to mutations inELANE,GFI1,HAX1,G6PC3,VPS45,JAGN1,CSF3R,SRP54,CLPBandWAS), GATA2 deficiency, Warts, hypogammaglobulinaemia, infections and myelokathexis syndrome, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, the lysosomal storage disorders with neutropenia: Chediak-Higashi, Hermansky-Pudlak, and Griscelli syndromes, Cohen, and Barth syndromes. We also detail characteristic cytogenetic and molecular factors at diagnosis and in progression to myelodysplastic syndrome/leukaemia.
Intersectional inequalities in paediatric infectious diseases: a national cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Videholm Samuel , Silfverdal Sven Arne , Gustafsson Per E
Published: April 2024

Background

It is well known that socially deprived children are more likely to be hospitalised for infections. Less is known about how different social disadvantages interact. Therefore, we examine intersectional inequalities in overall, upper respiratory, lower respiratory, enteric and genitourinary infections in the first 5 years of life.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of Swedish children born between 1998 and 2015. Inequalities were examined using analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy as the analytical framework. A variable with 60 intersectional strata was created by combining information on maternal education, household income, sex/gender and maternal migration status. We estimated the incidence rates of infectious disease hospitalisation for each intersectional strata and the associations between intersectional strata and infectious disease hospitalisations using logistic regression models. We furthermore quantified the discriminatory ability of the intersectional strata with respect to infectious disease hospitalisation.

Results

The study included 1785 588 children and 318 080 hospital admissions. The highest overall incidence of hospitalisations for infections was found in boys born to low-educated mothers who lived in families with the lowest household income. The overall incidence of infections was unrelated to household income in children born to highly educated mothers. The ability of the intersectional strata to discriminate between children with and without infections was poor.

Conclusion

We found that inequalities in paediatric infectious diseases were shaped by the intersections of different social disadvantages. These inequalities should be addressed by public health policies that reach all children.
Type III interferon inhibits bladder cancer progression by reprogramming macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and orchestrating effective immune responses
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhou Bingkun , Chen Junyu , Sun Xi , Yang Wenjuan , Yang Tenghao , Yu Hao , Chen Peng , Chen Ke , Huang Xiaodong , Fan Xinxiang , He Wang , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin
Published: April 2024

Background

Interferons (IFNs) are essential for activating an effective immune response and play a central role in immunotherapy-mediated immune cell reactivation for tumor regression. Type III IFN (λ), related to type I IFN (α), plays a crucial role in infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. However, the direct effects of IFN-λ on the tumor immune microenvironment have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We used mouse MB49 bladder tumor models, constructed a retroviral vector expressing mouse IFN-λ3, and transduced tumor cells to evaluate the antitumor action of IFN-λ3 in immune-proficient tumors and T cell-deficient tumors. Furthermore, human bladder cancer samples (cohort 1, n=15) were used for immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunoflurescence analysis to assess the expression pattern of IFN-λ3 in human bladder cancer and correlate it with immune cells’ infiltration. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in neoadjuvant immunotherapy cohort (cohort 2, n=20) to assess the correlation between IFN-λ3 expression and the pathological complete response rate.

Results

In immune-proficient tumors, ectopicIfnl3expression in tumor cells significantly increased the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+T cells, Th1 cells, natural killer cells, proinflammatory macrophages, and dendritic cells, but reduced neutrophil infiltration. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant upregulation of many genes associated with effective immune response, including lymphocyte recruitment, activation, and phagocytosis, consistent with increased antitumor immune infiltrates and tumor inhibition. Furthermore, IFN-λ3 activity sensitized immune-proficient tumors to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In T cell-deficient tumors, increased Ly6G–Ly6C+I-A/I-E+macrophages still enhanced tumor cell phagocytosis inIfnl3overexpressing tumors. IFN-λ3 is expressed by tumor and stromal cells in human bladder cancer, and high IFN-λ3 expression was positively associated with effector immune infiltrates and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that IFN-λ3 enables macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and antitumor immune responses and suggests a rationale for using Type III IFN as a predictive biomarker and potential immunotherapeutic candidate for bladder cancer.
S'attaquer aux défis de l'adhésion aux principes de la saine alimentation
Authors: Lemieux Simone
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of the research program entitled “Adherence to healthy eating recommendations: identification of measures, determinants and interventions”. Beyond the main results described in this article, this program had a major impact on the training of graduate students. It was also a unique opportunity to develop and validate measurement tools relevant to nutrition research, and to make them available to the scientific community. Lastly, this program was a catalyst for establishing new collaborations and setting up larger-scale studies.
Monitoring moisture dynamics in multi-layer cover systems for mine tailings reclamation using autonomous and remote time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Dimech Adrien , Bussière Bruno , Cheng LiZhen , Chouteau Michel , Fabien-Ouellet Gabriel , Chevé Nathalie , Isabelle Anne , Wilkinson Paul , Meldrum Philip , Chambers Jonathan
Published: April 2024

The dynamics of moisture content in cover systems constructed on mining wastes were monitored at the pilot scale using 2D autonomous, remote, and noninvasive time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography combined with conventional point sensors. A methodology was proposed to process the daily hydrogeophysical datasets from 23 m long instrumented sections of covers with capillary barrier effects (CCBEs) designed to act as oxygen barriers, and covers with low saturated hydraulic conductivity layers (LSHCCs) designed to limit the water infiltration rate. Hydrogeophysical monitoring suggested that CCBEs were able to maintain high degrees of saturation in the moisture-retaining layer throughout the 1 year monitoring period, which would make it an efficient oxygen barrier. Larger spatio-temporal changes in moisture content were observed in LSHCCs and most of the low hydraulic conductivity layers remained below 85% saturation, which was attributed to the combined effect of low precipitation, rapid vegetation development, and water percolation through the cover. The methodology proposed in this pilot-scale ”proof-of-concept” study allowed the hydrogeological behavior of the cover systems to be monitored in the 23 m long instrumented sections using continuous geoelectrical data, which demonstrated that this innovative monitoring technique could be useful for geochemical and geotechnical monitoring programs in large-scale mining waste storage facilities.
Efficient and secure semi-quantum private comparison protocol using three-particle GHZ-like states against participant attack
Authors: Yang Chun-Wei , Huang Yu-Yun , Lin Jason , Tsai Chia-Wei
Published: April 2024

This study identifies a participant attack vulnerability in Li et al.’s SQPC protocol. The participant attack allows a malicious participant, Bob, to obtain the participant Alice’s secret information by intercepting and measuring photons sent to Alice, and later decrypting Alice’s encrypted comparison result. An improved SQPC protocol is proposed to address this problem. The key enhancement is introducing a mutual eavesdropping check requiring the third party and participants to verify they obtain the same photon measurement results. This enables detecting participant attacks like the one identified. The SQPC protocol proposed in this study not only withstands attacks from internal participants but also achieves quantum efficiency almost equivalent to Li et al.’s SQPC protocol. Thus, this study presents a more secure SQPC protocol without compromising quantum efficiency.
Electronic structure and optical properties of alkali metal X (X=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) adsorbed in the Te vacancy-deficient molybdenum ditelluride system: A first-principles study
Authors: Dai Ying , Liu Guili , He Jianlin , Ni Junjie , Zhang Guoying
Published: April 2024

In the framework of density functional theory, based on first principles, the plane wave pseudopotential technique was utilized to investigate the electrical and optical properties of MoTe2 adjusted by alkali metal X adsorption on Te vacancy defects (X[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs). The adsorption of alkali metals on Te vacancy-deficient MoTe2 monolayers has been computationally analyzed. Charge transfer, electronic structure, and optical properties of alkali metal adsorption were systematically studied. It is shown that the MoTe2 bandgap is significantly reduced under Te vacancies. Te vacancies are frequently active sites in TMDs materials. With the adsorption of alkali metal atoms X (X = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the Te vacancy MoTe2 system, Li atoms have the most substantial geometrical deformation and the minor adsorption energy and can improve the adsorption properties more effectively. The MoTe2 system undergoes a change from semiconductor to metal after adsorption. Regarding optical properties, firm absorption and reflection peaks appeared, and a blueshift phenomenon was observed in the mountains. It is expected that these discoveries are likely to guide the use of molybdenum ditelluride in optoelectronics.
Heat transfer analysis of ternary hybrid nanofluid through variable characteristic porous medium: Non-similar approach
Authors: Haider Farwa , Alghamdi Metib , Muhammad Taseer
Published: April 2024

This paper aims at developing non-similar solutions for heat transfer augmentation in ternary hybrid nanofluids. Nanofluid is composed of three distinct (Silver, Copper, Aluminum oxide) nanosize particles while water is considered as a base fluid. Darcy–Forchheimer expression with variable porosity and permeability is adopted. Joule heating and viscous dissipations are also considered. Non-similar approach is utilized. Numerical solutions are computed by bvp4c solver of MATLAB. Graphical illustrations for flow and thermal fields behavior are provided. Comparative results are obtained for ternary hybrid nanofluid and nanoliquid. Physical quantities such as skin drag coefficient and Nusselt number are computed and interpreted. Our results reveal that rate of heat transfer augments substantially for Ag/water nanofluid in comparison to other classes of nanofluid.
On the optical wave structures to the fractional nonlinear integrable coupled Kuralay equation
Authors: Li Ming , Muhammad J. , Younas U. , Rezazadeh Hadi , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad Ali , Salahshour Soheil
Published: April 2024

This paper is mainly concerning the study of truncated M-fractional Kuralay equations that have applications in numerous fields, including nonlinear optics, ferromagnetic materials, signal processing, engineering fields and optical fibers. Due to its ability to clarify a wide range of sophisticated physical phenomena and reveal more dynamic structures of localized wave solutions, the Kuralay equation has captured a lot of attention in the research field. The newly designed integration methods, known as the modified Sardar subequation method and enhanced modified extended tanh expansion method are used as solving tools to validate the solutions. The goal of this study is to extract several kinds of optical solitons, such as mixed, dark, singular, bright-dark, bright, complex and combined solitons. Due to the many potential applications for superfast signal routing techniques and shorter light pulses in communications, the optical propagation of soliton in optical fibers is now a topic of significant interest. In nonlinear dispersive media, optical solitons are stretched electromagnetic waves that maintain their intensity due to a balance between the effects of dispersion and nonlinearity. In addition, exponential, periodic, hyperbolic solutions are generated. The applied approaches are efficient in explaining fractional nonlinear partial differential equations by providing pre-existing solutions and also producing new solutions by combining results from multiple processes. Additionally, we plot the contour, 2D, and 3D graphs with the associated parameter values to visualize the solutions. The results of this study show the effectiveness of the approaches adopted and help enhance comprehension of the nonlinear dynamical behavior of specific systems. We expect that a substantial amount of engineering model specialists will greatly benefit from our work. The findings demonstrate the efficacy, efficiency, and applicability of the computational method employed, particularly in dealing with intricate systems.