bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tarim rotation mechanism and the differential deformation responses along the Tian Shan
Authors: Cui Qihua , Huangfu Pengpeng , Li Zhong-Hai , Zhao Junmeng , Pei Xu , Shi Yaolin
Published: December 2023

Rotation of rigid blocks within continental interiors far from the plate convergence boundary is an unusual process, the dynamics of which is not clear. The Tarim block, as a rigid Precambrian block in central Asia, is surrounded by the Tibetan–Pamir plateau to the south and Tian Shan mountains to the north. Numerous geophysical data suggested that the Tarim block experienced significant clockwise rotation in the Cenozoic. Meanwhile, contrasting deformation patterns and associated topographic responses were observed between the western–central and eastern Tian Shan. The relationship among the India–Asia collision, Tarim rotation, and Tian Shan responses are poorly constrained. Here, a series of large-scale, high-resolution 3-D numerical models were constructed. The model results reveal that the collision of the indenting Indian lithosphere with the southwestern rim of the Tarim block triggers clockwise rotation of the Tarim block. Further on, the Tarim rotation produces differential deformation responses along the strike of Tian Shan, that is convergence-induced higher compression and strong uplifting in central Tian Shan but divergence-induced less compression and moderate uplifting in eastern Tian Shan. Thus, the Tarim rotation serves as an indispensable linkage between the Tibetan plateau evolution and the far-field Tian Shan activation.
Excess mortality in residents of aged care facilities during COVID-19 in Australia, 2019–22
Authors: Inacio Maria C , Davies Ling , Jorissen Robert , Air Tracy , Eshetie Tesfahun , Mittinty Murthy , Caughey Gillian , Miller Caroline , Wesselingh Steve
Published: December 2023

Background

To date, the excess mortality experienced by residential aged care facility (RACF) residents related to COVID-19 has not been estimated in Australia. This study examined (i) the historical mortality trends (2008–09 to 2021–22) and (ii) the excess mortality (2019–20 to 2021–22) of Australian RACF residents.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study was conducted using the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s GEN website data (publicly available aged care services information). Non-Aboriginal, older (≥65 years old) RACF residents between 2008–09 and 2021–22 were evaluated. The observed mortality rate was estimated from RACF exits compared with the RACF cohort yearly. Direct standardization was employed to estimate age-standardized mortality rates and 95% CIs. Excess mortality and 95% prediction intervals (PIs) for 2019–20 to 2021–22 were estimated using four negative binomial (NB) and NB generalized additive models and compared.

Results

The age-standardized mortality rate in 2018–19 was 23 061/100 000 residents (95% CI, 22 711–23 412). This rate remained similar in 2019–20 (23 023/100 000; 95% CI, 22 674–23 372), decreased in 2020–21 (22 559/100 000; 95% CI, 22 210–22 909) and increased in 2021–22 (24 885/100 000; 95% CI, 24 543–25 227). The mortality rate increase between 2020–21 and 2021–22 was observed in all age and sex groups. All models yielded excess mortality in 2021–22. Using the best-performing model (NB), the excess mortality for 2019–20 was –160 (95% PI, –418 to 98), –958 (95% PI, –1279 to –637) for 2020–21 and 4896 (95% PI, 4503–5288) for 2021–22.

Conclusions

In 2021–22, RACF residents, who represented <1% of the population, experienced 21% of the Australian national excess mortality (4896/22 886). As Australia adjusts to COVID-19, RACF residents remain a population vulnerable to COVID-19.
IL-32 Drives the Differentiation of Cardiotropic CD4+ T Cells Carrying HIV DNA in People With HIV
Authors: Ramani Hardik , Gosselin Annie , Bunet Rémi , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Sylla Mohamed , Pagliuzza Amélie , Chartrand-Lefebvre Carl , Routy Jean-Pierre , Goulet Jean-Philippe , Thomas Réjean , Trottier Benoit , Martel-Laferrière Valérie , Fortin Claude , Chomont Nicolas , Fromentin Rémi , Landay Alan L , Durand Madeleine , Ancuta Petronela , El-Far Mohamed , Tremblay Cecile
Published: December 2023

Interleukin 32 (IL-32) is a potent multi-isoform proinflammatory cytokine, which is upregulated in people with HIV (PWH) and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the impact of IL-32 isoforms on CD4 T-cell cardiotropism, a mechanism potentially contributing to heart inflammation, remains unknown. Here we show that IL-32 isoforms β and γ induce the generation of CCR4+CXCR3+ double positive (DP) memory CD4 T-cell subpopulation expressing the tyrosine kinase receptor c-Met, a phenotype associated with heart-homing of T cells. Our ex vivo studies on PWH show that the frequency of DP CD4 T cells is significantly higher in individuals with, compared to individuals without, subclinical atherosclerosis and that DP cells from antiretroviral-naive and treated individuals are highly enriched with HIV DNA. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-32 isoforms have the potential to induce heart-homing of HIV-infected CD4 T cells, which may further aggravate heart inflammation and CVD in PWH.
The Association Between Antibody Responses and Prolonged Viable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Shedding in Immunocompromised Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lim So Yun , Kim Jun-Won , Kim Ji Yeun , Kang Sung-Woon , Jang Choi-Young , Chang Euijin , Yang Jeong-Sun , Kim Kyung-Chang , Jang Hee-Chang , Kim Da Sol , Shin Younmin , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kim Sung-Han
Published: December 2023

Immunocompromised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 were prospectively enrolled from March to November 2022 to understand the association between antibody responses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 shedding. A total of 62 patients were analyzed, and the results indicated a faster decline in genomic and subgenomic viral RNA in patients with higher neutralizing and S1-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (both P < .001). Notably, high neutralizing antibody levels were associated with a significantly faster decrease in viable virus cultures (P = .04). Our observations suggest the role of neutralizing antibodies in prolonged virus shedding in immunocompromised patients, highlighting the potential benefits of enhancing their humoral immune response through vaccination or monoclonal antibody treatments.
Steps towards eliminating Hansen's disease stigma
Authors: Deps Patrícia , Delboni Lucas , Oliveira Thauyra I A , Collin Simon M , Andrade Maria A , Maciel Ethel L N
Published: December 2023

Persons affected by Hansen's disease (PAHD) can develop long-term physical disabilities and psychological problems if the disease is not managed promptly and correctly. The complex and multi-faceted nature of stigma related to Hansen's Disease, and the discrimination arising from it, demands multiple parallel steps to improve the health, well-being and lived experience of People Affected by Hansen's Disease, including: 1) adoption and pursuance of a human rights based approach; 2) revocation of discriminatory laws; 3) education and training for healthcare workers; 4) new techniques and therapies to diagnose and treat HD without side-effects and to reduce risk of disabilities; 5) elimination of stigmatising terminology.
Female genital schistosomiasis: my personal account and key recommendations to the global health community
Authors: Pedeboy Delphine
Published: December 2023

One woman's personal account of contracting female genital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that currently affects 56 million women worldwide. This account includes recommendations to the public health community to improve outcomes for women living with or having had the illness.
Nurses’ perception of medication administration errors and factors associated with their reporting in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Henry Basil Josephine , Premakumar Chandini Menon , Mhd Ali Adliah , Mohd Tahir Nurul Ain , Seman Zamtira , Voo James Yau Hon , Mohamed Shah Noraida
Published: December 2023

Medication administration is a complex process, and nurses play a central role in this process. Errors during administration are associated with severe patient harm and significant economic burden. However, the prevalence of under-reporting makes it challenging when analysing the current landscape of medication administration error (MAE) and hinders the implementation of improvements to the existing system. The aim of this study is to describe the reasons for the occurrence of MAEs and the reasons behind the under-reporting of MAEs, to determine the estimated percentage of MAE reporting and to identify factors associated with them from the nurses’ perspective. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 65 questions which were divided into three sections: (i) reasons for the occurrence of MAEs, which consisted of 29 items; (ii) reasons for not reporting MAEs, which consisted of 16 items; and (iii) percentage of MAEs actually reported, which consisted of 20 items. It was distributed to 143 nurses in the neonatal intensive care units of five public hospitals in Malaysia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with MAE reporting. The estimated percentage of MAE reporting was 30.6%. The most common reasons for MAEs were inadequate nursing staff (5.14 [SD 1.25]), followed by drugs which look alike (4.65 [SD 1.06]) and similar drug packaging (4.41 [SD 1.18]). The most common reasons for not reporting MAEs were that nursing administration focuses on the individual rather than looking at the systems as a potential cause of the error (4.56 [SD 1.32]) and that too much emphasis is placed on MAEs as a measure of the quality of nursing care (4.31 [SD 1.23]). Factors statistically significant with MAE reporting were administration response (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.01–23.67; P = 0.002), reporting effort (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI = 1.68–8.01; P = 0.001), and nurses with advanced diploma (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.13–0.65; P = 0.003). Our findings show that under-reporting of MAEs is still common and less than a third of the respondents reported MAEs. Therefore, to encourage error reporting, emphasis should be placed on the benefits of reporting, adopting a non-punitive approach, and creating a blame-free culture.
Distinctive physical properties of DNA shared by RNA polymerase II gene promoters and 5′-flanking regions of tRNA genes
Authors: Uemura Kohei , Ohyama Takashi
Published: December 2023

Numerous noncoding (nc)RNAs have been identified. Similar to the transcription of protein-coding (mRNA) genes, long noncoding (lnc)RNA genes and most of micro (mi)RNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). In the transcription of mRNA genes, core promoters play an indispensable role; they support the assembly of the preinitiation complex (PIC). However, the structural and/or physical properties of the core promoters of lncRNA and miRNA genes remain largely unexplored, in contrast with those of mRNA genes. Using the core promoters of human genes, we analyzed the repertoire and population ratios of residing core promoter elements (CPEs) and calculated the following five DNA physical properties (DPPs): duplex DNA free energy, base stacking energy, protein-induced deformability, rigidity and stabilizing energy of Z-DNA. Here, we show that their CPE and DPP profiles are similar to those of mRNA gene promoters. Importantly, the core promoters of these three classes of genes have two highly distinctive sites in their DPP profiles around the TSS and position −27. Similar characteristics in DPPs are also found in the 5′-flanking regions of tRNA genes, indicating their common essential roles in transcription initiation over the kingdom of RNA polymerases.
Production and characterization of an Fv-clasp of rheumatoid factor, a low-affinity human autoantibody
Authors: Yamamoto Maruto , Funada Ryoma , Taki Ryota , Shiroishi Mitsunori
Published: December 2023

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody against IgG that affects autoimmune diseases and inhibits the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and diagnostic agents. Although RFs derived from various germline genes have been identified, little is known about their molecular recognition mechanisms. In this study, the Fv-clasp format was used to prepare YES8c, an RF. We developed an Escherichia coli secretion expression system capable of producing milligram-scale of YES8c Fv-clasp per 1 L of culture. Although YES8c is an autoantibody with very low affinity, the produced Fv-clasp maintained specific binding to IgG. Interestingly, the molecules prepared by E. coli secretion had a higher affinity than those prepared by refolding. In the structure of the YES8c–Fc complex, the N-terminus of the light chain is close to Fc; therefore, it is suggested that the addition of the N-terminal methionine may cause collisions with Fc, resulting in reduced affinity. Our findings suggest that the Fv-clasp, which provides sufficient stability and a high bacterial yield, is a useful format for studying RFs with very low affinity. Furthermore, the Fv-clasp produced from a secretion expression system, which can properly process the N-terminus, would be suitable for analysis of RFs in which the N-terminus may be involved in interactions.
One Health Initiative: Delusional Parasitosis Needs Assessment, Tennessee 2022
Authors: Peña Sandra A , Springer Cary M , Trout Fryxell Rebecca , Phillips Lopez Eleanor , Vail Karen M
Published: December 2023

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a false, persistent belief that an individual is infested with organisms, especially arthropods, of a parasitic nature. It is a complex and challenging problem that impacts healthcare, the pest management industry, state-led agriculture and health agencies, Extension professionals, and academia because of time burdens and frustration associated with interactions. To address the handling of suspected DP cases, we assembled a University of Tennessee One Health Initiative Working Group with individuals representing diverse disciplines and professions. The Working Group developed and conducted an online needs assessment of pest management, Extension, and health professionals to (i) understand their interactions with suspected DP cases and (ii) determine the educational resources used and needed. Of the pest management professionals and Extension personnel, 72.7% (n = 112) of the respondents indicated they had encountered someone with suspected DP within the last year. Those responding to suspected DP cases spent significantly more time and interactions than what was required for general inquiries. Seventy-three percent of respondents received specimens of which more were human derived (54.4%) than nonhuman derived (41.5%), potentially putting these nonhealthcare professionals at risk of potential contagion. We confirmed a lack of available resources, including protocols, training materials, and resources for expert medical referrals. Additionally, the staff responsible for handling these cases were concerned for their safety. After identifying the most pressing needs, the One Health Working Group members collaborated to produce comprehensive resources to assist professionals in identifying DP cases more quickly and efficiently routing them to essential care.
Factor Overnight GARCH-Itô Models
Authors: Kim Donggyu , Oh Minseog , Song Xinyu , Wang Yazhen
Published: December 2023

This article introduces a unified factor overnight GARCH-Itô model for large volatility matrix estimation and prediction. To account for whole-day market dynamics, the proposed model has two different instantaneous factor volatility processes for the open-to-close and close-to-open periods, while each embeds the discrete-time multivariate GARCH model structure. To estimate latent factor volatility, we assume the low rank plus sparse structure and employ nonparametric estimation procedures. Then, based on the connection between the discrete-time model structure and the continuous-time diffusion process, we propose a weighted least squares estimation procedure with the non-parametric factor volatility estimator and establish its asymptotic theorems.
Addressing zoonotic disease transmission from temple monkeys to humans in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Sonu , Phuyal Sarita , Acharya Krishna Prasad
Published: December 2023

Evidence of infection with the zoonotic pathogens has been reported from temple monkeys in Nepal. In this paper, the possible spillover of zoonotic pathogens from monkeys to humans is discussed.
Theoretical modelling of the adsorption of neutral and charged sulphur-bearing species on to olivine nanoclusters
Authors: Perrero Jessica , Beitia-Antero Leire , Fuente Asunción , Ugliengo Piero , Rimola Albert
Published: December 2023

Sulphur depletion in the interstellar medium (ISM) is a long-standing issue, as only 1 per cent of its cosmic abundance is detected in dense molecular clouds (MCs), while it does not appear to be depleted in other environments. In addition to gas phase species, MCs also contain interstellar dust grains, which are irregular, micron-sized, solid aggregates of carbonaceous materials, and/or silicates. Grains provide a surface where species can meet, accrete, and react. Although freeze-out of sulphur on to dust grains could explain its depletion, only OCS and, tentatively, SO2 were observed on their surfaces. Therefore, it is our aim to investigate the interaction between sulphur-containing species and the exposed mineral core of the grains at a stage prior to when sulphur depletion is observed. Here, the grain core is represented by olivine nanoclusters, one of the most abundant minerals in the ISM, with composition Mg4Si2O8 and Mg3FeSi2O8. We performed a series of quantum mechanical calculations to characterize the adsorption of nine S-bearing species, both neutral and charged, on to the nanoclusters. Our calculations reveal that the Fe–S interaction is preferred to Mg–S, causing sometimes the chemisorption of the adsorbate. These species are more strongly adsorbed on the bare dust grain silicate cores than on water ice mantles, and hence therefore likely sticking on the surface of grains forming part of the grain core. This demonstrates that the interaction of bare grains with sulphur species in cloud envelopes can determine the S-depletion observed in dense molecular clouds.
Galaxy clustering measurements out to redshift z ˜ 8 from Hubble Legacy Fields
Authors: Dalmasso Nicolò , Trenti Michele , Leethochawalit Nicha
Published: December 2023

We present a novel approach for measuring the two-point correlation function of galaxies in narrow pencil beam surveys with varying depths. Our methodology is utilized to expand high-redshift galaxy clustering investigations up to z ∼ 8 by analysing a comprehensive sample consisting of Ng = 160 Lyman break galaxy candidates obtained through optical and near-infrared photometric data within the CANDELS GOODS data sets from the Hubble Space Telescope Legacy Fields. For bright sources with MUV < −19.8, we determine a galaxy bias of b = 9.33 ± 4.90 at $\overline{z} = 7.7$ and a correlation length of r0 = 10.74 ± 7.06 $h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$. We obtain similar results for the XDF, with a galaxy bias measurement of b = 8.26 ± 3.41 at the same redshift for a slightly fainter sample with a median luminosity of MUV = −18.4. By comparing with dark-matter halo bias and employing abundance matching, we deduce a characteristic halo mass of Mh ∼ 1011.5 M⊙ and a duty cycle close to unity. To validate our approach for variable-depth data sets, we replicate the analysis in a region with near-uniform depth using a standard two-point correlation function estimator, yielding consistent outcomes. Our study not only provides a valuable tool for future utilization in JWST data sets but also suggests that the clustering of early galaxies continues to increase with redshift beyond z ≳ 8, potentially contributing to the existence of protocluster structures observed in early JWST imaging and spectroscopic surveys at z ≳ 8.
Radial phase spirals in the Solar neighbourhood
Authors: Hunt Jason A S , Price-Whelan Adrian M , Johnston Kathryn V , McClure Rachel L , Filion Carrie , Cassese Ben , Horta Danny
Published: December 2023

The second data release of ESA’s Gaia mission revealed numerous signatures of disequilibrium in the Milky Way’s disc. These signatures are seen in the planar kinematics of stars, which manifest as ridges and ripples in R–vϕ, and in vertical kinematics, where a prominent spiral is seen in the z–vz phase space. In this work, we show an equivalent ΔR–vR phase spiral forms following a perturbation to the disc. We demonstrate the behaviour of the ΔR–vR phase spirals in both a toy model and a high-resolution N-body simulation of a satellite interaction. We then confront these models with the data, where we find partial ΔR–vR phase spirals in the Solar neighbourhood using the most recent data from Gaia DR3. This structure indicates ongoing radial phase mixing in the Galactic disc, suggesting a history of recent perturbations, either through internal or external (e.g. satellite) processes. Future work modelling the z–vz and ΔR–vR phase spirals in tandem may help break degeneracy’s between possible origins of the perturbation.
Preoperative radiographs underdiagnose the severity of lateral femoral and medial trochlear cartilage damage in varus osteoarthritis knees
Authors: Maeda Takahiro , Kuriyama Shinichi , Ito Takayuki , Umatani Naoki , Nishitani Kohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study evaluated whether preoperative radiographs accurately predicted intra-articular cartilage damage in varus knees.

Methods

The study assessed 181 knees in 156 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Cartilage damage was graded by two examiners with the International Cartilage Repair Society classification; one used knee radiographs and the other used intraoperative photographs. It was then determined if this radiographic cartilage assessment over- or underestimated the actual damage severity. Knee morphological characteristics affecting radiographic misestimation of damage severity were also identified.

Results

The concordance rate between radiographic and intraoperative assessments of the medial femoral condyle was high, at around 0.7. Large discrepancies were found for the lateral femoral condyle and medial trochlear groove. Radiographic assessment underestimated cartilage damage on the medial side of the lateral femoral condyle due to a large lateral tibiofemoral joint opening and severe varus alignment {both r = −0.43}. Medial trochlear damage was also underdiagnosed, in cases of residual medial tibiofemoral cartilage and shallow medial tibial slope {r = −0.25 and −0.21, respectively}.

Conclusions

Radiographic evaluation of knee osteoarthritis was moderately practical using International Cartilage Repair Society grades. Lateral femoral condyle and medial trochlear cartilage damage tended to be misestimated, but considering morphologic factors might improve the diagnostic rate.
Histone lactylation-boosted ALKBH3 potentiates tumor progression and diminished promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear condensates by m1A demethylation of SP100A
Authors: Gu Xiang , Zhuang Ai , Yu Jie , Yang Ludi , Ge Shengfang , Ruan Jing , Jia Renbing , Fan Xianqun , Chai Peiwei
Published: December 2023

Albeit N1-Methyladenosine (m1A) RNA modification represents an important regulator of RNA metabolism, the role of m1A modification in carcinogenesis remains enigmatic. Herein, we found that histone lactylation enhances ALKBH3 expression and simultaneously attenuates the formation of tumor-suppressive promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) condensates by removing the m1A methylation of SP100A, promoting the malignant transformation of cancers. First, ALKBH3 is specifically upregulated in high-risk ocular melanoma due to excessive histone lactylation levels, referring to m1A hypomethylation status. Moreover, the multiomics analysis subsequently identified that SP100A, a core component for PML bodies, serves as a downstream candidate target for ALKBH3. Therapeutically, the silencing of ALKBH3 exhibits efficient therapeutic efficacy in melanoma both in vitro and in vivo, which could be reversed by the depletion of SP100A. Mechanistically, we found that YTHDF1 is responsible for recognition of the m1A methylated SP100A transcript, which increases its RNA stability and translational efficacy. Conclusively, we initially demonstrated that m1A modification is necessary for tumor suppressor gene expression, expanding the current understandings of dynamic m1A function during tumor progression. In addition, our results indicate that lactylation-driven ALKBH3 is essential for the formation of PML nuclear condensates, which bridges our knowledge of m1A modification, metabolic reprogramming, and phase-separation events.
Energy and nutrient intake by people with and without sarcopenia diagnosed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Almeida Naiade Silveira , Rocha Raquel , de Souza Claudineia Almeida , Daltro Carla , de Farias Costa Priscila Ribas , de Oliveira Tatiane Melo , de Oliveira Leite Luana , Cotrim Helma P
Published: December 2023

Context

There is growing evidence that insufficient dietary intake is associated with sarcopenia.

Objective

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the energy and nutrient intakes by people with and without sarcopenia were compared using only the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2019 (EWGSOP2) consensus diagnostic criteria.

Data Sources

Only observational studies that compared energy and nutrient intake from food alone by individuals with and without sarcopenia were included. Studies were searched in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Ovid, and Scopus. The review followed the PRISMA checklist and submitted the protocol to PROSPERO.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted by 2 authors independently. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Data Analysis

A total of 8648 articles were identified and 12 were selected. Among individuals with sarcopenia, lower intakes of energy and some nutrients, mainly with antioxidant properties, were observed compared with those without sarcopenia. Meta-analyses showed that individuals with sarcopenia consume fewer calories/day than individuals without sarcopenia (n = 10 studies; standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.15; 95% confidence interval: −0.29, −0.01) diagnosed by EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2. Individuals with sarcopenia consume less omega-3, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E when compared with those without sarcopenia.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that insufficient intake of energy and nutrients with antioxidant potential may be associated with sarcopenia.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD 42020195698.
The effect of oral dietary interventions on nutritional status and treatment tolerance in patients with hematologic neoplasms receiving chemotherapy: a systematic review
Authors: Dambrós Betina Fernanda , Kobus Rafaela Alexia , da Rosa Raquel , Pereira Luciana Jeremias , Hinnig Patrícia de Fragas , Di Pietro Patricia Faria , Kunradi Vieira Francilene Gracieli
Published: December 2023

Context

Adverse events from chemotherapy treatment affect food intake, nutritional status, and treatment tolerance in cancer patients. However, the effect of nutritional intervention in patients with hematologic neoplasms receiving chemotherapy remains unknown.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence on nutritional interventions on nutritional status, treatment tolerance, inflammatory markers, quality of life, and mortality in patients with hematologic neoplasms receiving chemotherapy.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, ICTRP, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Additional literature and the bibliographies of identified articles were also considered.

Data Extraction

Randomized controlled trials in individuals with hematologic neoplasms receiving chemotherapy along with nutritional counseling and oral nutritional supplementation, and intake of supplementary food products, alone or in combination, were assessed as criteria of interest. The data were extracted independently by 2 researchers. The risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2).

Data Analysis

Ten studies were included up to August 15, 2022 (updated in November of 2022). With regard to the outcomes, 4 studies assessed nutritional status and 2 studies showed a positive result of the intervention on some of the markers. Seven studies assessed certain markers of treatment tolerance and only 2 studies showed improvement in the outcome after the intervention.

Conclusion

The studies that found positive results are quite different from each other in terms of intervention, study time, and design. More randomized controlled trials are needed to test different dietary interventions using placebo and blinding, when possible, and with reduced sample variability in individuals with hematologic neoplasms receiving chemotherapy.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020196765.
Linear stability of a compressible flow in a channel
Authors: Deka M , Tomar G , Kumaran V
Published: December 2023

Modal instabilities in a compressible flow through a channel at high Reynolds numbers are studied for three-dimensional (3D) perturbations. In addition to the Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) mode, there exist compressible modes in a channel flow that do not have a counterpart in the incompressible limit. The stability characteristics of these compressible modes, obtained through numerical calculations, are compared with boundary layer and Couette flows that have been previously studied. The dominant compressible instabilities in a channel flow are shown to be viscous in nature, in contrast to compressible boundary layer modes. For general compressible bounded-domain flows, a necessary condition for the existence of neutral modes in the inviscid limit is obtained, and this criterion is used to determine critical Mach numbers below which the compressible modes remain stable. This criterion also delineates a range of wave-angles which could go unstable at a specified Mach number. Asymptotic analysis is carried out for the lower and upper branches of the stability curve in the limit of high Reynolds number for both the T-S and the compressible modes. A common set of relations are identified for the scaling exponents, and the leading order eigenvalues for the unstable modes are obtained through an adjoint-based procedure. The asymptotic analysis shows that the stability boundaries for 3D perturbations at high Reynolds numbers can be calculated from the strain rate and the temperature of the base flow at the wall.
Ochratoxin A Contamination of California Pistachios and Identification of Causal Agents
Authors: Singh Pummi , Jaime Ramon , Puckett Ryan D. , Lake John , Papagelis Apostolos , Gabri Victor M. , Michailides Themis J.
Published: December 2023

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., which contaminates many crops, including pistachios. Pistachios contaminated with OTA may be subjected to border rejections resulting in significant economic losses to the United States agricultural revenues. The current study examined prevalence of OTA in California-grown pistachios and identified its causal agents. OTA was detected in 20% of samples from 2018 to 2021 (n = 809), with 18% of samples exceeding the European Union regulatory limit of 5 μg/kg. Fungi potentially responsible for OTA contamination were isolated from leaves, nuts, and soil collected from 14 pistachio orchards across California. A total of 1,882 isolates of Aspergillus section Nigri and 85 isolates of section Circumdati were recovered. Within section Nigri, 216 (11.5%) isolates were identified as potential OTA producers using a boscalid-resistance assay. Phylogenetic analyses of partial gene sequences for β-tubulin and calmodulin genes resolved section Circumdati into four species: A. ochraceus (33%), A. melleus (28%), A. bridgeri (21%), and A. westerdijkiae (19%). A. westerdijkiae produced the highest levels of OTA in inoculated pistachios (47 μg/g), followed by A. ochraceus (9.6 μg/g) and A. melleus (3.3 μg/g). A. bridgeri did not produce OTA. OTA production by section Circumdati was optimal from 20 to 30°C. All 216 boscalid-resistant isolates from section Nigri were identified as A. tubingensis, and representative isolates (n = 130) produced 3.8 μg/kg OTA in inoculated pistachios. This is the first detailed report on OTA contamination and causal fungi in California pistachios and will be helpful in devising effective management strategies.
Avocado Scab Caused by Elsinoe perseae: A Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Belizaire Christ Mane , Gañán-Betancur Lederson , Gazis Romina
Published: December 2023

Avocado scab, caused by the fungus Elsinoe perseae, is a major disease of avocado ( Persea americana). Diagnosis of avocado scab is hampered by the similarity that advanced symptoms have with fruit defects caused by other etiologies (e.g., mechanical injuries and insect feeding damage). The aims of this diagnostic guide were to establish key aspects of the identification of symptoms and signs of avocado scab in the field and laboratory and to provide guidance when conducting isolation, identification (i.e., based on morphological characteristics, molecular-based assays), maintenance, storage, and pathogenicity tests of the fungus E. perseae.
IL‐21 promoting angiogenesis contributes to the development of psoriasis
Authors: Han Dan , Li Fei , Zhao Yan , Wang Bo , Wang Jingyuan , Liu Bei , Mou Kuanhou , Meng Liesu , Zheng Yan , Lu Shemin , Zhu Wenhua , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2023

Background

Elevated IL‐21 expression which can effectively induce Th17 cell differentiation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but its role in angiogenesis remains poorly understood.

Methods

PASI and PSI score assessment was applied to evaluate the severity of psoriatic lesions. The expression of IL‐21, IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R), CD31, VEGFA, MMP‐9, and ICAM‐1 in skin was determined by immunohistochemistry or quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The serum level of IL‐21 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then, their correlation was analyzed statistically. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cocultured with conditional medium from normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were treated with IL‐21 and/or M5 cocktail (mixture of IL‐1α, IL‐17A, IL‐22, TNF‐α, and oncostatin M). The migration and tube formation of HUVECs were detected, and the levels of VEGFA, MMP‐9, and ICAM‐1 in NHEKs were measured by Western blotting or ELISA.

Results

Increased IL‐21 and IL‐21R expression was observed in psoriatic sera or skin specimens, with IL‐21R mainly locating in keratinocytes and IL‐21 in immune cells. Pearson analysis showed significantly positive correlation between IL‐21/IL‐21R and erythema scores/microvessel density in psoriatic lesions. Moreover, the expression of proangiogenic genes, VEGFA, ICAM‐1, and MMP‐9 was upregulated in skins of psoriasis. Additionally, in M5 microenvironment, migration and tube formation could be magnified in HUVECs using IL‐21 pre‐treated NHEK medium. Mechanically, the co‐stimulation of IL‐21 and M5 to NEHKs increased the expression of ICAM‐1.

Conclusion

IL‐21 could regulate keratinocytes to secrete ICAM‐1, thereby promoting angiogenesis in psoriasis.
Prediction Model for Postoperative Pressure Injury in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Wang Qiuji , Feng Weiqi , Li Wenhui , Li Shan , Wu Qiuyi , Liu Zhichang , Li Xin , Yu Changjiang , Cheng Yunqing , Huang Huanlei , Fan Ruixin
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

To establish a risk assessment model to predict postoperative National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel stage 2 or higher pressure injury (PI) risk in patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective assessment included consecutive patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery in the authors’ hospital from September 2017 to June 2021. The authors used LASSO (logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis to identify the most relevant variables associated with PI by running cyclic coordinate descent with 10-times cross-validation. The variables selected by LASSO regression analysis were subjected to multivariate logistic analysis. A calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis were used to validate the model.

RESULTS

There were 469 patients in the study, including 94 (27.5%) with postoperative PI. Ten variables were selected from LASSO regression: body mass index, diabetes, Marfan syndrome, stroke, preoperative skin moisture, hemoglobin, albumin, serum creatinine, platelet, and d-dimer. Four risk factors emerged after multivariate logistic regression: Marfan syndrome, preoperative skin moisture, albumin, and serum creatinine. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.765. The calibration plot and the decision curve analysis both suggested that the model was suitable for predicting postoperative PI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study built an efficient predictive model that could help identify high-risk patients.
Exploring the Association between Hemochromatosis and Lower-Limb Venous Disease
Authors: Parker Christina N. , Finlayson Kathleen J. , Hall Emma J. , Pitman Natasha , Chu Wing Kei , Wallace Daniel F.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Chronic venous disease is a circulatory system dysfunction that has the potential to lead to venous leg ulceration. Although research on the influence of specific gene variants on chronic venous disease has been limited, a few studies have reported an association between hemochromatosis and chronic venous disease. However, no studies have looked at the prevalence of lower-limb venous disease and leg ulcers in people with hemochromatosis. This study aimed to review the existing literature for any association between venous disease and hemochromatosis and investigate the prevalence of venous disease and leg ulcers in people with hemochromatosis.

METHODS

Scoping systematic literature review and cross-sectional study surveying people with hemochromatosis.

RESULTS

This scoping systematic literature review included nine articles and indicated a link between hemochromatosis and venous disease/leg ulcers, although further studies are needed to support this link. Analysis of survey results from people with hemochromatosis found a 9.2% prevalence of leg ulcers in those with self-reported hemochromatosis, considerably higher than the 1% to 3% expected, suggesting that hemochromatosis gene variants may be associated with the pathogenesis of chronic venous disease and leg ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known study to complete a review of the literature regarding hemochromatosis and venous leg ulcers and document the association between hemochromatosis and venous disease/leg ulcers. There is a lack of research in this area and hence limited evidence to guide practice.
Psychometric Testing of the Newborn Skin Assessment Attitude Scale in Neonatal ICU Nurses
Authors: Coşkun Adnan Batuhan , Çiğdem Zerrin , Ortabağ Tülay , Bayramlar Kezban
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

To develop a Newborn Skin Assessment Attitude Scale (NSAAS) for neonatal ICU (NICU) RNs.

METHODS

The study was conducted with 326 nurses working in NICUs in three cities in Turkey. The researchers evaluated the content and construct validity and reliability of the scale with item-total score correlation analysis, the test-retest method, and calculating the Cronbach α reliability coefficient.

RESULTS

The content validity index of the scale ranged between 0.87 and 1.00. Prior to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient of the NSAAS was 0.976, and the Bartlett test of sphericity result was χ
2 = 15,337.052 (P < .001). The scale was constructed with 35 items with factor loads greater than 0.40 and three subdimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit indices of the NSAAS were χ
2/df = 3.57, root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, normed fit index = 0.98, non-normed fit index = 0.98, comparative fit index = 0.98, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.05. The overall reliability coefficient of the NSAAS was α = .978. The test-retest coefficients of correlation were r = 0.558 for the overall scale and r = 0.615, r = 0.504, and r = 0.598 for the Awareness, Practice, and Avoidance subdimensions, respectively. In addition, no statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the test-retest mean scores for the total scale and the subdimensions (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The NSAAS can be reliably used for measuring NICU nurses’ attitudes toward newborn skin assessment.
Worse Quality of Life Associated with Hyperextension Varus Tibial Plateau Fracture Pattern
Authors: O’Neill Dillon C. , Sato Eleanor H. , Steffenson Lillia N. , Myhre Luke A. , Higgins Thomas F. , Rothberg David L. , Haller Justin M. , Marchand Lucas S.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Compare patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) between hyperextension varus tibial plateau (HEVTP) fractures to non-HEVTP fracture patterns

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective

Setting:

Single academic Level 1 Trauma Center

Patient Selection Criteria:

All patients who underwent fixation of a tibial plateau fracture from 2016-2021 were collected. Exclusion criteria included: inaccurate CPT code, ipsilateral compartment syndrome, bilateral fractures, incomplete medical records, or follow-up less than 10 months.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons: In patients who underwent fixation of a tibial plateau fracture, compare Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), PROMIS Preference (PROPr), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) between patients with a HEVTP pattern to those without.

RESULTS:

Two-hundred and seven patients were included, of which 17 (8%) had HEVTP fractures. Compared to non-HEVTP fracture patterns, patients with HEVTP injuries were younger (42.6 vs 51.0, p=0.025), more commonly male (71% vs 44%, p=0.033), and had higher body mass index (32.8 vs 28.0, p=0.05). HEVTP fractures had significantly more ligamentous knee (29% vs 6%, p=0.007) and vascular (12% vs 1%, p=0.035) injuries. PROMIS-PF scores were similar between groups, however, PROMIS-Preference (0.37 vs 0.51, p=0.017) was significantly lower in HEVTP fractures. KOOS pain, activities of daily living, and quality-of-life scores were statistically lower in HEVTP fractures, but only KOOS quality-of-life was clinically relevant (41.7 vs 59.3, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION:

The HEVTP fracture pattern, whether unicondylar or bicondylar, was associated with a higher rate of ligamentous and vascular injuries compared to non-HEVTP fracture patterns. They were also associated with worse health-related quality of life at mid-term follow-up.
Childcare Disruptions and Parental Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Chuyun , Purdue Eliza Loren , Sege Robert , Sweigart Benjamin , Burstein Dina
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT:

Objective:

Families in the United States experienced tremendous disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the relationship of parental stress during the pandemic with interruptions in availability of services (childcare, after-school activities, and medical appointments) for children.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 2 waves of the Measuring the Impact of Violence Against Children and Women During a Pandemic survey
1
to develop a multivariable logistic regression model of the association between caregivers' stress and pandemic-related disruptions in children's lives. Caregivers' past experiences of childhood abuse, recommended stress-relieving activities, and responses to the statement “helping my child(ren) with their education, including remote schoolwork, has been very stressful and/or has resulted in increased tension at home” were included as covariates. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were examined as potential confounders.

Results:

In total, 3479 (73.3%) of 4659 respondents reported feeling stressed since the start of the pandemic. For every one-item increase in the number of COVID disruptions in children's lives, the odds of feeling stressed increased by 20% (OR 1.20: p value < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.27). Compared with men, women had 60% higher odds of feeling stressed (odds ratio [OR] 1.60: p value < 0.0001, 95% CI, 1.32–1.93). The covariates listed earlier were all statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Pandemic-related disruptions in children's lives were significantly associated with caregiver stress. Women were more likely to feel stressed than men. Sex, education, marital status, and family income were also associated with parental stress. These results suggest that childcare continuity and parental support should be part of disaster planning.
Levosimendan Relaxes Thoracic Aortic Smooth Muscle in Mice by Inhibiting PKC and Activating Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels
Authors: Yang Cai-hong , Qiu Hui-qin , Wang Chan , Tang Ya-ting , Zhang Cheng-rui , Fan Yan-ying , Jiao Xiang-ying
Published: December 2023

Studies have examined the therapeutic effect of levosimendan on cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, perioperative cardiac surgery, and septic shock, but the specific mechanism in mice remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relaxation mechanism of levosimendan in the thoracic aorta smooth muscle of mice. Levosimendan-induced relaxation of isolated thoracic aortic rings that were precontracted with norepinephrine or KCl was recorded in an endothelium-independent manner. Vasodilatation by levosimendan was not associated with the production of the endothelial relaxation factors nitric oxide and prostaglandins. The voltage-dependent K+ channel (KV) blocker (4-aminopyridine) and selective KCa blocker (tetraethylammonium) had no effect on thoracic aortas treated with levosimendan, indicating that KV and KCa channels may not be involved in the levosimendan-induced relaxation mechanism. Although the inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir) blocker (barium chloride) and the KATP channel blocker (glibenclamide) significantly inhibited levosimendan-induced vasodilation in the isolated thoracic aorta, barium chloride had a much stronger inhibitory effect on levosimendan-induced vasodilation than glibenclamide, suggesting that levosimendan-induced vasodilation may be mediated by Kir channels. The vasodilation effect and expression of Kir 2.1 induced by levosimendan were further enhanced by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. Extracellular calcium influx was inhibited by levosimendan without affecting intracellular Ca2+ levels in the isolated thoracic aorta. These results suggest that Kir channels play a more important role than KATP channels in regulating vascular tone in larger arteries and that the activity of the Kir channel is enhanced by the PKC pathway.