bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“You can't really turn it off”: The police “sixth sense” as cultural schema
Authors: Campeau Holly , Keesman Laura D.
Published: August 2024

A variety of concepts in the policing literature denote a so‐called “sixth sense” that police officers claim to possess. “Intuition,” “suspicion,” or “common sense” all specify a tacit knowledge said to heighten an officer's sensitivity to danger and potential suspects. This paper argues this type of knowledge exemplifies the application of “cultural schema” (DiMaggio, 1997): a shared knowledge structure that allows people to respond to environmental stimuli in ways that render their lives more predictable. We combine two case studies—one in Canada, the other in the Netherlands—which include ethnographic field notes and 199 interviews with police officers, to reconsider the police sixth sense in light of theoretical and empirical advances in cultural sociology and cognition research. This paper further discusses the benefit of studying this sixth sense itself as a form of cultural knowledge—that is, as “police culture”—to improve our understanding of cultural resources most or least compatible with emerging police reforms.
Capital Flows to Emerging Markets: The Role of Information Transparency
Authors: Heo Ye Jin
Published: August 2024

Using annual capital flow data from 1990 to 2010 for 21 emerging markets, this study empirically investigates the impact of macroeconomic information transparency on capital flows, taking into account financial market uncertainty. The level of in- formation transparency is measured using the country's compliance with the IMF's SDDS. The findings reveal that SDDS compliance mitigates the negative influence of the VIX index on both net and total gross inflows. However, the positive effect of SDDS compliance on capital inflows is observed only when the VIX index reaches a sufficiently high level. This relationship is primarily driven by other in- vestment inflows, as it is the only type of capital flow significantly affected by the SDDS compliance in conjunction with VIX. The results suggest that although enhanced information transparency in emerging markets may not attract more foreign capital during normal periods, it provides stability by reducing the decline in other investment inflows during times of financial turmoil, ultimately contributing to the overall stability of total capital inflows.
Mechanically Induced Deformation of Nuclei in the Tricuspid Valve Interstitial Cells: Experimental Measurements and Multi-scale Computational Simulation
Authors: Pakzadmanesh Mina , Salinas Samuel D. , Thomas Vineet S. , Jennings Turner , DelCiello Hayden , Vargas Ana I. , Clarin Julia , Amini Rouzbeh
Published: August 2024

We examined the mechanical deformation of valve interstitial cells (VICs) in the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve and explored the relationship between the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and cellular mechanics. Fresh porcine hearts were used to prepare specimens, subjected to biaxial tensile testing, and imaged using confocal microscopy with VIC nuclei staining. A multi-scale computational framework was developed to analyze cellular deformation and orientation within the ECM, using nuclear aspect ratio (NAR) as a metric. Experimental results showed that NAR values increased with mechanical loading, from 2.57±0.72 in a traction-free state to 3.4±1.29 at 130 kPa. Model predictions aligned with experimental findings. They also highlighted the significant impact of ECM fiber orientation on VIC nuclei deformation. These results indicate that mechanical forces profoundly influence cellular morphology and, potentially, their function. Further development of models is necessary to understand the complex interplay between the mechanical environment and cellular responses, crucial for identifying how mechanical forces affect tricuspid valve function and malfunction.
Evaluation of a Bayesian hierarchical pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model for predicting parasitological outcomes in Phase 2 studies of new antimalarial drugs
Authors: Tully Meg K. , Dini Saber , Flegg Jennifer A. , McCarthy James S. , Price David J. , Simpson Julie A.
Published: August 2024

The rise of multidrug-resistant malaria requires accelerated development of novel antimalarial drugs. Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) models relate blood antimalarial drug concentrations with the parasite–time profile to inform dosing regimens. We performed a simulation study to assess the utility of a Bayesian hierarchical mechanistic PK-PD model for predicting parasite–time profiles for a Phase 2 study of a new antimalarial drug, cipargamin. We simulated cipargamin concentration- and malaria parasite-profiles based on a Phase 2 study of eight volunteers who received cipargamin 7 days after inoculation with malaria parasites. The cipargamin profiles were generated from a two-compartment PK model and parasite profiles from a previously published biologically informed PD model. One thousand PK-PD data sets of eight patients were simulated, following the sampling intervals of the Phase 2 study. The mechanistic PK-PD model was incorporated in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, and the parameters were estimated. Population PK model parameters describing absorption, distribution, and clearance were estimated with minimal bias (mean relative bias ranged from 1.7% to 8.4%). The PD model was fitted to the parasitaemia profiles in each simulated data set using the estimated PK parameters. Posterior predictive checks demonstrate that our PK-PD model adequately captures the simulated PD profiles. The bias of the estimated population average PD parameters was low–moderate in magnitude. This simulation study demonstrates the viability of our PK-PD model to predict parasitological outcomes in Phase 2 volunteer infection studies. This work will inform the dose–effect relationship of cipargamin, guiding decisions on dosing regimens to be evaluated in Phase 3 trials.
Critical role of
msgA
in invasive capacity and intracellular survivability of
Salmonella
Authors: Liu Xinqi , Wang Chengzhi , Gai Wenhua , Sun Zhaotong , Fang Lei , Hua Zichun
Published: August 2024

Salmonella
enterica serovar Typhimurium, which is a common foodborne pathogen, causes both intestinal and systemic infections in hosts.
Salmonella
has a complex pathogenic mechanism that involves invasive capacity and intracellular survivability, which hampers research on virulence of
Salmonella
. The virulence of
Salmonella
is primarily studied through
Salmonella
pathogenicity islands (SPIs). However, there are also genes outside these SPIs that significantly impact virulence. Macrophage survival gene
msgA
is positioned at a region independent of the SPIs and conserved in
Salmonella
. However, there has been limited research on
msgA
to date. This study aims to investigate the virulent function of
msgA
to deepen our understanding of
Salmonella
virulence. Proteomic and RT-qPCR analyses reveal that MsgA influences multiple metabolic pathways and the expression of SPIs. The depletion of
msgA
led to the significantly reduced invasive capacity and intracellular survivability, and thus the decreased virulence of
Salmonella
. In conclusion, our study suggests that MsgA is an important regulator that mainly regulates virulence. Further research into the function of MsgA will enhance the understanding of
Salmonella
pathogenesis and promote the application of
Salmonella
for medical treatment.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella
enterica serovar Typhimurium is a common foodborne pathogen, it has a complex pathogenic mechanism that involves invasive capacity and intracellular survivability. The virulence of
Salmonella
is primarily studied through its pathogenicity islands. In contrast, virulence genes located outside the
Salmonella
pathogenicity islands (SPIs) have received less attention. Macrophage survival gene (MsgA) is positioned at a region independent of the SPIs and conserved in
Salmonella
. Our research indicates that MsgA is a novel global regulator influencing the metabolic pathways and SPIs. Further research into the function of MsgA will enhance the understanding of
Salmonella
pathogenesis and promote the application of
Salmonella
for medical treatment.
Co-existence of two antibiotic-producing marine bacteria:
Pseudoalteromonas piscicida
reduce gene expression and production of the antibacterial compound, tropodithietic acid, in
Phaeobacter
sp.
Authors: Svendsen Peter Bing , Henriksen Nathalie N. S. E. , Jarmusch Scott A. , Andersen Aaron J. C. , Smith Kirsty , Selsmark Marcus Weichel , Zhang Sheng-Da , Schostag Morten D. , Gram Lone
Published: August 2024

Many bacteria co-exist and produce antibiotics, yet we know little about how they cope and occupy the same niche. The purpose of the present study was to determine if and how two potent antibiotic-producing marine bacteria influence the secondary metabolome of each other. We established an agar- and broth-based system allowing co-existence of a
Phaeobacter
species and
Pseudoalteromonas piscicida
that, respectively, produce tropodithietic acid (TDA) and bromoalterochromides (BACs). Co-culturing of
Phaeobacter
sp. strain A36a-5a on Marine Agar with
P. piscicida
strain B39bio caused a reduction of TDA production in the
Phaeobacter
colony. We constructed a transcriptional gene reporter fusion in the
tdaC
gene in the TDA biosynthetic pathway in
Phaeobacter
and demonstrated that the reduction of TDA by
P. piscicida
was due to the suppression of the TDA biosynthesis. A stable liquid co-cultivation system was developed, and the expression of
tdaC
in
Phaeobacter
was reduced eightfold lower (per cell) in the co-culture compared to the monoculture. Mass spectrometry imaging of co-cultured colonies revealed a reduction of TDA and indicated that BACs diffused into the
Phaeobacter
colony. BACs were purified from
Pseudoalteromonas
; however, when added as pure compounds or a mixture they did not influence TDA production. In co-culture, the metabolome was dominated by
Pseudoalteromonas
features indicating that production of other
Phaeobacter
compounds besides TDA was reduced. In conclusion, co-existence of two antibiotic-producing bacteria may be allowed by one causing reduction in the antagonistic potential of the other. The reduction (here of TDA) was not caused by degradation but by a yet uncharacterized mechanism allowing
Pseudoalteromonas
to reduce expression of the TDA biosynthetic pathway.

IMPORTANCE

The drug potential of antimicrobial secondary metabolites has been the main driver of research into these compounds. However, in recent years, their natural role in microbial systems and microbiomes has become important to determine the assembly and development of microbiomes. Herein, we demonstrate that two potent antibiotic-producing bacteria can co-exist, and one mechanism allowing the co-existence is the specific reduction of antibiotic production in one bacterium by the other. Understanding the molecular mechanisms in complex interactions provides insights for applied uses, such as when developing TDA-producing bacteria for use as biocontrol in aquaculture.
Contributions of
Hanseniaspora
species to Pinot Noir microbial terroir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region
Authors: Snyder Tess , Osborne James , Curtin Chris
Published: August 2024

The apiculate yeast genus
Hanseniaspora
has appeared frequently in enological research for more than 100 years, mostly focused upon the species
H. uvarum
due to its notable capacity to cause spoilage. Recently, there has been increased research into the potential benefits of other
Hanseniaspora
species, such as
H. vineae,
in producing more complex wines. Furthermore, large-scale DNA sequencing-based (metabarcoding) vineyard ecology studies have suggested that
Hanseniaspora
species may not be evenly distributed. To address potential differences across geographical areas in Oregon, we sampled extensively from 12 vineyards within the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), across 2 sub-AVAs (Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton). Metabarcoding was then used to assess the contribution of
Hanseniaspora
to the grape berry fungal community and the impact of wine processing on diversity. While 6 of the 23 recognized
Hanseniaspora
species were present on Pinot Noir grapes in the Willamette Valley AVA, differences between vineyards were driven by the abundance of
H. uvarum
. Significant positive correlations between the amount of
H. uvarum
present in must and at cold soak, and then cold soak to early ferment were observed. While intuitive, it is worth noting that no prior studies have observed this across such a large number of grape samples from different vineyards. Our results provide clear evidence that the abundance of
H. uvarum
on grapes may be an important predictor of potential impacts on wine quality, particularly if performing cold soak, which acts as an enrichment step.

IMPORTANCE

Hanseniaspora
yeasts are frequently found in uninoculated wine fermentations, and depending upon the species present, their contributions to the wine may be positive or negative. We found that in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the most common species of
Hanseniaspora
in Pinot Noir vineyards was the known spoilage organism,
H. uvarum
. This species was one of the strongest contributors to differences in fungal communities between different vineyards and was enriched during typical Pinot Noir processing. These results support
Hanseniaspora
as an integral and functional component of vineyard “microbial terroir” within Oregon.
The human microbiome in space: parallels between Earth-based dysbiosis, implications for long-duration spaceflight, and possible mitigation strategies
Authors: Etlin Sofia , Rose Julianna , Bielski Luca , Walter Claire , Kleinman Ashley S. , Mason Christopher E.
Published: August 2024

The human microbiota encompasses the diverse communities of microorganisms that reside in, on, and around various parts of the human body, such as the skin, nasal passages, and gastrointestinal tract. Although research is ongoing, it is well established that the microbiota exert a substantial influence on the body through the production and modification of metabolites and small molecules. Disruptions in the composition of the microbiota—dysbiosis—have also been linked to various negative health outcomes. As humans embark upon longer-duration space missions, it is important to understand how the conditions of space travel impact the microbiota and, consequently, astronaut health. This article will first characterize the main taxa of the human gut microbiota and their associated metabolites, before discussing potential dysbiosis and negative health consequences. It will also detail the microbial changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight, focusing on gut microbiota composition and pathogenic virulence and survival. Analysis will then turn to how astronaut health may be protected from adverse microbial changes via diet, exercise, and antibiotics before concluding with a discussion of the microbiota of spacecraft and microbial culturing methods in space. The implications of this review are critical, particularly with NASA’s ongoing implementation of the Moon to Mars Architecture, which will include weeks or months of living in space and new habitats.
Disruption of herpes simplex virus type 2 pUL21 phosphorylation impairs secondary envelopment of cytoplasmic nucleocapsids
Authors: Finnen Renée L. , Muradov Jamil H. , Le Sage Valerie , Banfield Bruce W.
Published: August 2024

The multifunctional tegument protein pUL21 of HSV-2 is phosphorylated in infected cells. We have identified two residues in the unstructured linker region of pUL21, serine 251 and serine 253, as phosphorylation sites. Both phosphorylation sites are absent in HSV-1 pUL21, which likely explains why phosphorylated pUL21 was not detected in cells infected with HSV-1. Cells infected with HSV-2 strain 186 viruses deficient in pUL21 phosphorylation exhibited reductions in both cell-cell spread of virus infection and virus replication. Defects in secondary envelopment of cytoplasmic nucleocapsids were also observed in cells infected with viruses deficient in pUL21 phosphorylation as well as in cells infected with multiple strains of HSV-2 and HSV-1 deleted for pUL21. These results confirm a role for HSV pUL21 in the secondary envelopment of cytoplasmic nucleocapsids and indicate that phosphorylation of HSV-2 pUL21 is required for this activity. Phosphorylation of pUL21 was substantially reduced in cells infected with HSV-2 strain 186 mutants lacking the viral serine/threonine kinase pUL13, indicating a requirement for pUL13 in pUL21 phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE

It is well known that post-translational modification of proteins by phosphorylation can regulate protein function. Here, we determined that phosphorylation of the multifunctional HSV-2 tegument protein pUL21 requires the viral serine/threonine kinase pUL13. In addition, we identified serine residues within HSV-2 pUL21 that can be phosphorylated. Phenotypic analysis of mutant HSV-2 strains with deficiencies in pUL21 phosphorylation revealed reductions in both cell-cell spread of virus infection and virus replication. Deficiencies in pUL21 phosphorylation also compromised the secondary envelopment of cytoplasmic nucleocapsids, a critical final step in the maturation of all herpes virions. Unlike HSV-2 pUL21, phosphorylation of HSV-1 pUL21 was not detected. This fundamental difference between HSV-2 and HSV-1 may underlie our previous observations that the requirements for pUL21 differ between HSV species.
Refining microbial community metabolic models derived from metagenomics using reference-based taxonomic profiling
Authors: Majzoub Marwan E. , Luu Laurence D. W. , Haifer Craig , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Borody Thomas J. , Leong Rupert W. , Thomas Torsten , Kaakoush Nadeem O.
Published: August 2024

Characterization of microbial community metabolic output is crucial to understanding their functions. Construction of genome-scale metabolic models from metagenome-assembled genomes (MAG) has enabled prediction of metabolite production by microbial communities, yet little is known about their accuracy. Here, we examined the performance of two approaches for metabolite prediction from metagenomes, one that is MAG-guided and another that is taxonomic reference-guided. We applied both on shotgun metagenomics data from human and environmental samples, and validated findings in the human samples using untargeted metabolomics. We found that in human samples, where taxonomic profiling is optimized and reference genomes are readily available, when number of input taxa was normalized, the reference-guided approach predicted more metabolites than the MAG-guided approach. The two approaches showed significant overlap but each identified metabolites not predicted in the other. Pathway enrichment analyses identified significant differences in inferences derived from data based on the approach, highlighting the need for caution in interpretation. In environmental samples, when the number of input taxa was normalized, the reference-guided approach predicted more metabolites than the MAG-guided approach for total metabolites in both sample types and non-redundant metabolites in seawater samples. Nonetheless, as was observed for the human samples, the approaches overlapped substantially but also predicted metabolites not observed in the other. Our findings report on utility of a complementary input to genome-scale metabolic model construction that is less computationally intensive forgoing MAG assembly and refinement, and that can be applied on shallow shotgun sequencing where MAGs cannot be generated.

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the accuracy of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of microbial communities despite their influence on inferring community metabolic outputs and culture conditions. The performance of GEMs for metabolite prediction from metagenomes was assessed by applying two approaches on shotgun metagenomics data from human and environmental samples, and validating findings in the human samples using untargeted metabolomics. The performance of the approach was found to be dependent on sample type, but collectively, the reference-guided approach predicted more metabolites than the MAG-guided approach. Despite the differences, the predictions from the approaches overlapped substantially but each identified metabolites not predicted in the other. We found significant differences in biological inferences based on the approach, with some examples of uniquely enriched pathways in one group being invalidated when using the alternative approach, highlighting the need for caution in interpretation of GEMs.
Birth outcomes and survival by sex among newborns and children under 2 in the Birhan Cohort: a prospective cohort study in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Thompson Emily , Kassa Getachew Mullu , Fite Robera Olana , Pons-Duran Clara , Goddard Frederick G B , Worku Alemayehu , Haneuse Sebastien , Hunegnaw Bezawit Mesfin , Bekele Delayehu , Alemu Kassahun , Taddesse Lisanu , Chan Grace J
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite the progress in reducing child mortality, the rate remains high, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries. Limited data exist on child survival and other birth outcomes by sex. This study compared survival rates and birth outcomes by sex among neonates and children under 2 in Ethiopia.

Methods

Women who gave birth after 28 weeks of gestation and their newborns were included in the analysis. Survival probabilities were estimated for males and females in the neonatal period as well as the 2-year period following birth using Kaplan-Meier curves. HRs and 95% CIs were compared between males and females under 2. Descriptive statistics and χ2tests were used to determine the sex-disaggregated variation in the birth outcomes of preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), stillbirth, small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA).

Results

The study included a total of 3904 women and child pairs. The neonatal mortality rate for males (3.4%, 95% CI 2.6% to 4.2%) was higher compared with females (1.7%, 95% CI 1.1% to 2.3%). The hazard of death during the first 28 days of life was approximately two times higher for males compared with females (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.06) but was not significantly different after this period. While there was a non-significant difference between males and females in the proportion of preterm, LBW and LGA births, we found a significantly higher proportion of stillbirth (2.7% vs 1.3%, p=0.003) and SGA (20.5% vs 15.6%, p<0.001) for males compared with females.

Conclusions

This study identified a significant sex difference in mortality and birth outcomes. We recommend focusing future research on the mechanisms of these sex differences in order to better design intervention programmes to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for neonates.
Testing a persuasive health communication intervention (PHCI) for emergency department patients who declined rapid HIV/HCV screening: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Merchant Roland C , Harrington Nancy , Clark Melissa A , Liu Tao , Morgan Jake , Cowan Ethan , Solnick Rachel , Wyler Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that substantial percentages of emergency department (ED) patients in the USA recommended for HIV or hepatitis C (HCV) decline testing. Evidence-based and cost-effective interventions to improve HIV/HCV testing uptake are needed, particularly for people who inject drugs (PWIDs) (currently or formerly), who comprise a group at higher risk for these infections. We developed a brief persuasive health communication intervention (PHCI) designed to convince ED patients who had declined HIV/HCV testing to agree to be tested. In this investigation, we will determine if the PHCI is more efficacious in convincing ED patients to be tested for HIV/HCV when delivered by a video or in person, and whether efficacy is similar among individuals who currently, previously or never injected drugs.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a multisite, randomised controlled trial comparing PHCIs delivered by video versus in person by a health educator to determine which delivery method convinces more ED patients who had declined HIV/HCV testing instead to be tested. We will stratify randomisation by PWID status (current, former or never/non-PWID) to permit analyses comparing the PHCI delivery method by injection-drug use history. We will also perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of the interventions compared with current practice, examining the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between the two interventions for the ED population overall and within individual strata of PWID. As an exploratory analysis, we will assess if a PHCI video with captions confers increased or decreased acceptance of HIV/HCV testing, as compared with a PHCI video without captions.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the institutional review board of the Icahn School of Medicine. The results will be disseminated at international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT05968573
.
Endovascular treatment effect in vertebrobasilar artery occlusion patients with posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) <6
Authors: Zhang Pan , Huang Zhixin , Xu Yingjie , Li Wei , Huang Xianjun , Han Zhongkui , Luan Huanhuan , Li Yongkun , Yang Yong , Zhai Dengyue , Hu Miaomiao , Luo Genpei , Sun Wen
Published: August 2024

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) has revolutionized the standard treatment of vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) with moderate infarct core, but its effectiveness in patients with a low posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) is unclear. This study aimed to assess EVT effects in VBAO patients with pc-ASPECTS <6.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with VBAO within 24 hours of the estimated occlusion time at 65 stroke centers in a nationwide registration in China. The primary outcome was a favorable shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included a favorable outcome (mRS 0–3) and functional independence (mRS 0–2). Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to compare the outcomes of patients treated with EVT and those with best medical management.

Results

A total of 431 patients with VBAO and pc-ASPECTS <6 were included. EVT was associated with a favorable shift in the mRS score at 90 days (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.5), a higher probability of a favorable outcome (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.74), and improved functional independence (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.96). EVT also significantly reduced the risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.96), but increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.06 to 8.58).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that EVT may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with VBAO and pc-ASPECTS <6. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of EVT in patients with pc-ASPECTS <6 and to identify patients who may benefit from EVT.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among female sex workers in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Lindman Jacob , Djalo Mamadu Aliu , Biai Ansu , Månsson Fredrik , Golparian Daniel , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Jansson Marianne , Medstrand Patrik , Unemo Magnus , Norrgren Hans
Published: August 2024

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of the curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Chlamydia trachomatis
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
,
Mycoplasma genitalium
,
Trichomonas vaginalis
and
Treponema pallidum
, to identify associated risk factors and to assess ciprofloxacin resistance in
N. gonorrhoeae
-positive specimens among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guinea-Bissau.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, FSWs were recruited from October 2014 to May 2019. A questionnaire on STI risk factors was completed by the study participants, and the women were asked to provide a vaginal swab for nucleic acid amplification tests for
C. trachomatis
,
N. gonorrhoeae
,
M. genitalium
,
T. vaginalis
(Aptima, Hologica), as well as a blood sample for
T. pallidum
serological testing and discriminatory HIV-testing. The prevalence of STIs was determined, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify STI risk factors.

Results

The study included 467 women. The prevalence of current infection with any curable STI was 46.7%, and the most common pathogen was
T. vaginalis
(26.3%), followed by
M. genitalium
(21.9%),
C. trachomatis
(11.8%),
N. gonorrhoeae
(10.1%) and
T. pallidum
(2.8%). The proportion of asymptomatic infections among the diagnosed STIs was 61.8%, 61.5%, 55.3%, 55.3% and 52.2% for
C. trachomatis, T. pallidum, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and M. genitalium, respectively
. The prevalence of the
gyrA
S91F mutation conferring ciprofloxacin resistance in
N. gonorrhoeae
-positive specimens was 84.0%. Significant risk factors for having a curable STI were age and HIV-1 infection, while use of female condoms was a protective factor.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the prevalence of curable STIs was high among FSWs in Guinea-Bissau during the study period, indicating an unmet need for STI services. Moreover, the results indicated that symptomatic treatment might be insufficient, highlighting a need for periodic aetiological testing to facilitate detection of asymptomatic as well as symptomatic STIs to stop ongoing transmission.
End-of-life care in multiple system atrophy: UK survey of patients and families
Authors: Oliver David , Barrick Andy , Kobylecki Christopher , Panicker Jalesh , Quinn Niall , Rushton Emma , Schrag Anette , Walker Karen , Bhatia Kailash
Published: August 2024

Objectives

People with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and their carers may have many concerns about their disease and the future. This survey of people with MSA and their carers aimed to increase understanding of end-of-life care and palliative care for this group.

Methods

A survey was undertaken by the MSA Trust of people living with MSA and carers of those with the condition between August and October 2022.

Results

520 people responded: 215 people with MSA, 214 carers and 91 former carers. The modal class for age in people with MSA was 65–74 years, with 52% male. 76% of people living with MSA had thought to some extent about what they wanted to happen towards the end of their lives. 38% of respondents had discussed end-of-life care options with a healthcare professional and of those who had, over 81% found the conversation helpful. Nevertheless, for 37% of former carers, the death had been unexpected. Only a minority of people living with MSA had been referred for specialist palliative care. 65% of the former carers reported that they were satisfied with the quality of end-of-life care.

Conclusion

People with MSA and their carers continue to face many complex physical and emotional issues that would benefit from palliative care. Discussions about care at the end of life were generally perceived as helpful, but although the deterioration was often discussed, many families seemed unprepared for the death. Palliative care services were involved but this appeared limited.
Herb-antitumour drug interaction risks: retrospective integrative oncology study
Authors: Samuels Noah , Shapira Shir , Ben-Arye Eran
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The use of herbal medicine is widespread among oncology patients, with potentially negative interactions with anticancer drugs. This study identified herbal products being used among a cohort of oncology patients, assessing the risk for an herb-drug interaction.

Methods

Herbal medicine use was examined among 42 oncology patients, identifying potential herb-drug interactions using four online sites. The risk for an interaction was scored using the Working Group on Pharmacotherapy and Drug Information of the Royal Dutch Association for the Advancement of Pharmacy (KNMP).

Results

Most patients (62%) reported herbal medicine use, with 70 products identified; 8 herbs and 13 herbal formulas with unidentified components; and 24 anticancer drugs. Herbal medicine use was more prevalent among female patients (p=0.038), with only nine potential herb-drug interactions identified on at least one site. A maximal KNMP Score of 1 (ie, incomplete published case report) was found with only one interaction.

Conclusions

The risk for interactions between herbal products and anticancer drugs is difficult to predict, with online search engines providing limited and inconsistent information. Clinical implications of herb-antitumor drug interactions need to be better understood, enabling patients and their oncology healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding their care.
Assessment of few-hits machine learning classification algorithms for low-energy physics in liquid argon detectors
Authors: Moretti Roberto , Rossi Marco , Biassoni Matteo , Giachero Andrea , Grossi Michele , Guffanti Daniele , Labranca Danilo , Terranova Francesco , Vallecorsa Sofia
Published: August 2024

The physics potential of massive liquid argon TPCs in the low-energy regime is still to be fully reaped because few-hits events encode information that can hardly be exploited by conventional classification algorithms. Machine learning (ML) techniques give their best in these types of classification problems. In this paper, we evaluate their performance against conventional (deterministic) algorithms. We demonstrate that both Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Transformer-Encoder methods outperform deterministic algorithms in one of the most challenging classification problems of low-energy physics (single- versus double-beta events). We discuss the advantages and pitfalls of Transformer-Encoder methods versus CNN and employ these methods to optimize the detector parameters, with an emphasis on the DUNE Phase II detectors (“Module of Opportunity”).
Scaling of laboratory neutron sources based on laser wakefield-accelerated electrons using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Scheuren Stefan , Jäger Tim , Kohl Jonas , Kuschel Stephan , Rösch Thomas F. , Schmitz Benedikt , Zimmer Marc , Rödel Christian , Roth Markus
Published: August 2024

Neutron sources based on laser-accelerated particles have attracted interest as they may provide a compact, cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Recently, laser-driven neutron sources, based on ion acceleration, demonstrated neutron resonance spectroscopy, imaging and resonance imaging in first proof-of-principle experiments. To drive these sources efficiently with laser-accelerated ions, high laser pulse energies, in the range of tens to hundreds of Joules, with sub-ps pulse duration are needed. This requirement currently limits ion-based laser neutron sources to large-scale laser systems, which typically have maximum repetition rates in the order of a few shots per hour. In this paper, we investigate a potential path to circumvent these limitations by utilizing high repetition rate capable laser wakefield acceleration of electrons to drive a neutron source with high conversion efficiency. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to calculate neutron yields for various electron energies and converter materials, to determine optimal working parameters for an electron-based laser-driven neutron source. The results suggest that conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% can be achieved, depending on the electron energy and converter material. This electron-based approach could provide a neutron source with up to 10$$^{11}$$

11

n/s with state-of-the-art laser sources ($$E_{\text {Laser}} \lesssim {1}\,{\rm J}$$

E
Laser

≲
1

J

, $$\tau _{\text {Laser}} \lesssim {50}\,{\rm fs}$$

τ
Laser

≲
50

fs

, $$\sim {1}\,\textrm{kHz}$$

∼
1

kHz

).
HVAC-solar energy performance exploiting Sutterby (AA7075–Ag–Cu/C6H9NaO7) ternary magnetic nanofluid through spinning flow with joule heating
Authors: Gangadhar Kotha , Vardhana K. Ananda , Wakif Abderrahim
Published: August 2024

Technologies regarding solar heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (S-HVAC) are aimed at making modern 3D numerical forms that address the Sutterby flow ternary nanofluids circulating onward the convective heating and extendable seats. Heat transport includes joule heating, heat source or sink along with thermal radiation. Using fitting modifications, mathematically conveyed partial differential equations of energy, fixation and strength may decrease into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). They determine ODEs beyond dimension, and for this, the mathematical process is utilized. Copper–silver–aluminum alloys/sodium alginate (Cu–Ag–AA7075/C6H9NaO7) was used to address the behavior of this research work. The natural attributes, for example, heat movement and surface drag coefficients, are numerically prepared and shown in figures and tables when there is an alteration in distant factors. The field of temperature was raised to develop the Biot number. This heat transport rate was hiked to 34.0839% although the shear stress rate was hiked to 32.8043% in the single nanoparticle case compared to the triple nanoparticle case. To validate the analysis, a comparison between the presented and existing is reported under certain assumptions on the flow parameters. It is found that the results are reliable and in line with the existing ones.
Entropic thermodynamic analysis and radiative performance of unsteady magnetized squeezing hybrid nanofluid flowing via two disks with time-dependent heat generating
Authors: Elsaid Essam M. , Eid Mohamed R. , Abdel-wahed Mohamed S.
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the squeezing action of hybridized nanofluid flow that takes place in the mechanism of truck brakes, dampers, polymer manufacturing, power transportation, oiling structure, and food production. The modeling technique relied on a set of partial differential equations to direct the fluid, taking into consideration external factors like the magnetized force and the time-dependent source of heat and thermal radiation. The hybridized nanofluid consists of copper and aluminum oxide nanoparticles that are dispersed in the machine oil. Entropic thermodynamic analysis is also examined to evaluate its role in the thermal examination of the system. The optimal homotopy asymptotic and Adomian decomposition methods were used to solve the problem. The study examined the changes in the rate of entropy formation and the characteristics of fluid velocities, heat transference rate, and performance based on the kind and concentration of nanoparticles and external thermal impacts. The results are presented in many key components, including a notable 30% increase in heat conductivity when using a combination of nanoparticles. The use of hybridized nanofluids manages to reduce surface frictional force, whereas the employment of a combination of particles results in an increase in friction owing to the heightened viscosity of the mixture.
Exploring the photocatalytic characteristics of samarium doping on the structural and morphological attributes and photocatalytic performance of zirconium dioxide
Authors: Aboraia A. M. , Sharaf I. M. , Saad Mohamed , Alsulaim G. , Alnahdi K. M. , Elewa N. N. , Khalefa Moatasem Mostafa , Ismail Yasser A. M.
Published: August 2024

Zirconium dioxide nanomaterials doped with samarium were produced through a bio-template method, utilizing citric acid as a fuel. Various advanced methods, for instance, XRD, TEM, EDX, PL, XPS, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, were employed to characterize the compositions. XRD analysis confirmed that all peaks corresponded to the tetragonal phase of ZrO2, with no presence of impurities from other phases. The elemental composition was analyzed using EDX, verifying the presence of Zr, Sm, and O. The energy gap widening concerning the pure ZrO2 may be the well-known Moss–Burstein shift. This shift was linked to an increase in the bandgap (from 5.25[Formula: see text]eV to 5.54[Formula: see text]eV) with increasing concentrations of Sm. This observation was made during the analysis of the photocatalysis of pure ZrO2 and various concentrations of Sm-doped ZrO2 for Methylene Blue. The augmentation of Sm doping resulted in an improvement in the efficiency of removing Methylene Blue, increasing the removal rate from 35% to 80%.
Studying exploring paraxial wave equation in Kerr media: Unveiling the governing laws, rational solitons and multi-wave solutions and their stability with applications
Authors: Ramzan Saqib , Arshad Muhammad , Seadawy Aly R. , Ahmed Iftikhar , Hussain Naveed
Published: August 2024

The rational solitons and other wave solutions demonstrate the existence of wave packets propagating through optical Kerr media, exhibiting non-diffractive and non-dispersive spatiotemporal localization. This paper focuses on constructing rational solitons, multi-wave solutions, and other solutions for a dimensionless time-dependent paraxial wave model (dt-pPWM). These solutions are derived through the application of symbolic computation and the ansatz function method, using both traveling wave and logarithmic transformations. Our approach encompasses three distinct methods: the positive quadratic function approach, the three-wave approach, and the double exponential approach. These wave results find practical applications and contribute to a deeper understanding of the physical phenomena described by this model. We have computed conservative quantities corresponding to the power, momentum, and energy of solitons. To assess the stability of the wave equation, we conducted modulational instability analysis, confirming the stability and accuracy of all soliton solutions. The structure of the solution provides a physical interpretation. By selecting appropriate parametric values, we generated 3D graphics illustrating various multi-wave solutions, including lump waves, rogue waves, and multipeak solitons. Additionally, we observed intriguing phenomena arising from the interaction of multi-waves, which have applications in telecommunications, quantum optics and other related fields.
Constraints on the growth and evolution of continental crust in the NE Cathaysia Block: insights from detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopic analyses in Tingjiang sediments
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Qiu Chenhong , Zhang Wenhui , Xu Jing , Zerizghi Teklit
Published: August 2024

Fluvial detrital zircons provide crucial insights into crustal evolution in the early Precambrian. We used U–Pb geochronology and the Hf–O isotopic compositions of detrital zircons from the Tingjiang River to determine the provenance and continental crustal evolution of the NE Cathaysia Block. The zircon U–Pb ages show seven major populations at 177–105, 262–200 and 520–376 Ma, with striking peaks at
c.
422, 775–606, 1457–836, 2042–1710 and 2661–2300 Ma, corresponding to documented tectono-thermal events in the South China Block. Episodic magmatism was the response to the formation and break-up of the Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents. The episode at 422 Ma matches with the ages of widespread early Paleozoic intraplate orogenic events in the South China Block. The isotopic signatures of Hf and O in the detrital zircons indicate that the majority of the Precambrian zircons likely originated from remelted ancient continental crust, with contributions from juvenile mantle-derived magmas. The Phanerozoic zircons, by contrast, were formed through the partial melting of recycled crustal material. Analysis of crustal growth rates, based on the two-stage Hf model ages, suggests a significant presence of juvenile crustal growth during the Paleoproterozoic era. Specifically, it is estimated that
c.
40 and 90% of the present crust within the NE Cathaysia Block was formed at
c.
2.3 and 1.6 Ga, respectively.
Representation of Invisible Disability: Exploring the Lived Experience of Teenagers with ADHD to Inform Game Design
Authors: Gerling Kathrin , Depoortere Arno , Wauters Jeroen , Spiel Katta , Alexandrovsky Dmitry , Danckaerts Marina , Baeyens Dieter , Van der Oord Saskia
Published: August 2024

Representation of disability in games is important to facilitate inclusive experiences. In our work, we address this issue through an exploration of the representation of ADHD in games. First, we engage in interviews with 15 young people with ADHD to understand their lived experience of ADHD and their perspective on its integration in games. Second, we formulate considerations for the design of games that include ADHD in a way that aligns with their experience. Finally, we apply the guidelines to develop three game concepts and evaluate them with the initial group of young people to critically appraise our design considerations. The results show that nuanced representation of ADHD requires careful deliberation, that lived experience should be leveraged with care, and that game design must be mindful of the challenges associated with identifying the fine line between disability simulation and adequate representation.
An Ensemble Neural Network Model For Malayalam Character Recognition From Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Authors: Sudarsan Dhanya , Sankar Deepa
Published: August 2024

Palm leaf manuscripts (PLMs), crucial for ancient communication hold a wealth of information encompassing culture, art, literature, religion, and medicinal wisdom. Malayalam, Kerala's official language, significantly contributes to medical sciences, making palm scripts invaluable, especially in times of pandemics. This study introduces a ground-breaking model for automatic recognition of characters in Malayalam palm scripts. This is the first significant deep learning-based attempt, to our knowledge, to automate Malayalam character recognition in PLMs. The developed model is a fusion of fine-tuned Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM). Discriminative features were extracted from each character in the manuscript through multiple convolutional layers, and these feature vectors were then classified into their respective character classes using an ensemble deep learning model. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using a self-generated dataset of old Malayalam PLMs from the period 1800 to 1908 AD. Overcoming challenges such as complex morphology, large character set, similar characters, and a unique writing style, the model achieved an impressive accuracy of 96.40%, outperforming state-of-the-art systems. Notably, the model obtained a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 83.33%, sensitivity of 79.55%, specificity of 99.45% and F-Measure of 88.39%.Thus this advancement marks a significant milestone in automatic transcriptions providing a crucial tool for doctors and researchers.