bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aeromonas salmonicida, causative agent of salmonid furunculosis, isolated from the freshwater parasitic copepod, Salmincola californiensis
Authors: Herron Crystal L. , Ruse Natassia E. , Rockey Daniel D. , Sanders Justin L. , Peterson James T. , Schreck Carl B. , Kent Michael L.
Published: November 2023

Here, we provide evidence that the freshwater parasitic copepod, Salmincola californiensis, acts as a vector for Aeromonas salmonicida. While investigating the effects of S. californiensis on Chinoook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), we tangentially observed that fish infected with the copepod developed furunculosis, caused by A. salmonicida. This occurred despite being reared in pathogen‐free well water in a research facility with no prior history of spontaneous infection. We further investigated the possibility of S. californiensis to serve as a vector for the bacterium via detection of fluorescently labelled A. salmonicida inside the egg sacs from copepods in which the fish hosts were experimentally infected with GFP‐A449 A. salmonicida. We then evaluated copepod egg sacs that were collected from adult Chinook salmon from a freshwater hatchery with A. salmonicida infections confirmed by either culture or PCR. The bacterium was cultured on tryptic soy agar plates from 75% of the egg sacs, and 61% were positive by PCR. These three separate experiments indicate an alternative tactic of transmission in addition to direct transmission of A. salmonicida in captivity. The copepod may play an important role in transmission of the bacterium when fish are more dispersed, such as in the wild.
Mathematical modeling of Brazilian black soybean: Lumped and distributed parameter models
Authors: Bissaro Camila Andressa , Defendi Rafael Oliveira , Aranha Ana Caroline Raimundini , Ferrari Andressa Lopes , de Souza Matias Gustavo , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mario
Published: November 2023

The main objective of the present work was to assess the temperature and the initial moisture content using models of lumped and distributed parameters, in the description of the drying kinetics in the thin layer of the new Brazilian black soybean cultivar. Lumped models (Page, Newton, Approximation of Diffusion, Hii, Law and Cloke, and Midilli) were fitted based on experimental moisture content data for drying experiments carried out in different temperatures. Fractional order model was also performed and it was generalized as a function of temperature. Distributed parameter models were also fitted to evaluate the influence of initial moisture content on drying kinetics, in addition to estimating the moisture profile along the position inside the black soybean seed. Results indicated that the best kinetic fitting of drying by the lumped parameter technique was obtained for models with a greater number of parameters.

Practical applications

Results indicated that the best kinetic fitting of drying by the lumped parameter technique was obtained for models with a greater number of parameters. The generalized model showed with first degree function, and the maximum global deviation was 15%, and distributed parameters were predicted with a maximum overall deviation of 10%. This result portrays that the fractional order model can be applied to describe the continuous drying process.
Shake my hand: Racial fantasies, white saviors, and Django Unchained's haunted screen
Authors: Hagelin Sarah
Published: November 2023

This essay offers a critical re‐assessment of the character King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (2012), reading the film as a cautionary tale about the danger proximity to whiteness poses for Black subjects. For all of its hyperbolic violence and linguistic excess, Django Unchained asks important questions about the way American popular culture structures stories of African American freedom around the trope of interracial friendship. In doing so, it reveals the problem at the heart of white identity‐making in US popular culture and unmasks its complicity in violence against Black bodies.
Growth, condition factor, and survival of juvenile channel (Ictalurus punctatus), blue (I. furcatus), and hybrid (I. punctatus × I. furcatus) catfish at moderate and high temperatures
Authors: Gerhart Brandon J. , Mischke Charles C. , Allen Peter J.
Published: November 2023

Although hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × I. furcatus) now constitute about half of the industry production, few studies have assessed comparative growth and survival with other commercially important catfish. Growth assessment is particularly important at moderate to high temperatures because of the direct influence of temperature on ectothermic organisms and the increasing trend of warm to extreme environmental temperatures. Therefore, growth, condition factor, and survival of channel (I. punctatus), blue (I. furcatus), and hybrid catfish were compared following a 10‐week growth experiment at moderate (23°C) and high (33°C) temperatures in tanks. It was hypothesized that hybrid catfish would outperform channel and blue catfish in overall growth due of heterosis, and growth of all three fish types would be greater at moderate than high temperatures, which are above the range for optimal channel and blue catfish growth. Channel catfish had the greatest growth and were in better condition compared to blue and hybrid catfish over moderate and high temperatures. All treatments had an average survival over 89% other than blue catfish at 33°C, which had an average survival of 63%. Therefore, these results indicate growth and condition factor in channel, blue, and hybrid catfish diminish at high temperatures, and channel catfish may outgrow blue and hybrid catfish at moderate to high temperatures.
How the Islamic State Rivalry Pushes the Taliban to Extremes
Authors: Verma Raj , Ali Shahid
Published: November 2023

Before establishing the second Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban promised they would not revert to the repressive policies and stringent interpretations of Islam they had imposed during their previous regime. However, since the US withdrawal—and despite financial incentives from the West and diplomatic pleadings within the region—the Taliban have reneged on this vow. Why have the Taliban not moderated? This article argues that their rivalry with Islamic State‐Khorasan (IS‐K) is the central cause. The Taliban are concerned that compromise on fundamentalism will lead their hard‐line factions to break ranks and join IS‐K, enhancing its reputation and allowing it to recruit more foreign fighters. This could lead to increased violence and socioeconomic and political instability in Afghanistan, undermine the legitimacy of the Taliban, and spark the collapse of the regime.
Building global public administration knowledge: Leveraging the power of collaboration
Authors: Bhuiyan Shahjahan , Perry James L.
Published: November 2023

Public administration has been seeking to develop a global knowledge base, dating back to the early days of the field. Despite expressed interest in building such a knowledge base, scholars continue to criticize overly narrowly public administration knowledge, which tends to favor developed countries and the Global North. This article applies principles from collaboration theory, which was developed for solving complex problems, to set a course for intentionally broadening the geographic scope and perceived validity of public administration theory. Five interconnected variables from collaboration theory are used to assess how members of the public administration epistemic community can build and facilitate collaboration to develop global public administration knowledge. Specific action steps are discussed to increase collaboration and, in turn, the inclusiveness of the global public administration knowledge base.
Comparison of HLA antibody identification methods for the selection of platelet products for HLA‐mediated platelet refractory patients
Authors: Pedini Pascal , Hubert Lucas , Baudey Jean‐Baptiste , Etienne Jean‐Michel , Basire Agnes , Vey Norbert , Chiaroni Jacques , Chabrières Corinne , Ladaique Patrick , Picard Christophe
Published: November 2023

In an ineffective transfusion context, solid‐phase immunoassays using the Luminex platform for the detection and characterization of HLA antibodies are currently used to select HLA‐compatible platelet products. A new HLA antibody identification method, the HISTO SPOT® HLA AB test (BAG Health care GmbH, Lich, Germany), based on the detection of antibodies directed against a recombinant single antigen (SA) by colored spots detected by HISTO MATCH HLA AB module software, runs fully automated on the MR.SPOT®. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of the HISTO SPOT HLA AB and C1qScreen™ (C1q SAB) assays with that of the Labscreen single antigen class I (OL SAB) assay to detect anti‐HLA class I antibodies in 56 serum samples from 54 platelet refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients who received HLA mismatch platelet concentrates at a single oncohematology center. In total, 1414 class I specificities, 433 HLA‐A and 981 HLA‐B, were detected by the OL SAB test. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was >5000 for 874 antigens and <5000 for 655 antigens. The HISTO SPOT® HLA AB and C1q SAB tests identified 85% and 79% of OL SA‐detected antigens with an MFI >5000, respectively, but did not identify 34% and 44% of OL SAB‐detected antigens, highlighting the lower sensitivity of these techniques. Interestingly, the donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) identified by the HISTO SPOT® HLA AB and C1q SAB assays reacted against HLA mismatch platelet concentrates with the same specificity (86%) and positive predictive (77%) value as in the OL SAB test when the MFI threshold was >2000 for DSA detection. Although the HISTO SPOT® HLA AB test is less sensitive than the OL SAB test, this test could be used for the selection of HLA‐compatible platelet products.
CLIP-Seq analysis enables the design of protective ribosomal RNA bait oligonucleotides against
C9ORF72
ALS/FTD poly-GR pathophysiology
Authors: Ortega Juan A. , Sasselli Ivan R. , Boccitto Marco , Fleming Andrew C. , Fortuna Tyler R. , Li Yichen , Sato Kohei , Clemons Tristan D. , Mckenna Elizabeth D. , Nguyen Thao P. , Anderson Eric N. , Asin Jesus , Ichida Justin K. , Pandey Udai B. , Wolin Sandra L. , Stupp Samuel I. , Kiskinis Evangelos
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia patients with a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in
C9ORF72
(C9-HRE) accumulate poly-GR and poly-PR aggregates. The pathogenicity of these arginine-rich dipeptide repeats (R-DPRs) is thought to be driven by their propensity to bind low-complexity domains of multivalent proteins. However, the ability of R-DPRs to bind native RNA and the significance of this interaction remain unclear. Here, we used computational and experimental approaches to characterize the physicochemical properties of R-DPRs and their interaction with RNA. We find that poly-GR predominantly binds ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in cells and exhibits an interaction that is predicted to be energetically stronger than that for associated ribosomal proteins. Critically, modified rRNA “bait” oligonucleotides restore poly-GR–associated ribosomal deficits and ameliorate poly-GR toxicity in patient neurons and
Drosophila
models. Our work strengthens the hypothesis that ribosomal function is impaired by R-DPRs, highlights a role for direct rRNA binding in mediating ribosomal dysfunction, and presents a strategy for protecting against C9-HRE pathophysiological mechanisms.
Bioinspired self-assembled colloidal collectives drifting in three dimensions underwater
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Yang Shihao , Jiang Jialin , Jiang Shuai , Sitti Metin , Zhang Li
Published: November 2023

Active matter systems feature a series of unique behaviors, including the emergence of collective self-assembly structures and collective migration. However, realizing collective entities formed by synthetic active matter in spaces without wall-bounded support makes it challenging to perform three-dimensional (3D) locomotion without dispersion. Inspired by the migration mechanism of plankton, we propose a bimodal actuation strategy in the artificial colloidal systems, i.e., combining magnetic and optical fields. The magnetic field triggers the self-assembly of magnetic colloidal particles to form a colloidal collective, maintaining numerous colloids as a dynamically stable entity. The optical field allows the colloidal collectives to generate convective flow through the photothermal effect, enabling them to use fluidic currents for 3D drifting. The collectives can perform 3D locomotion underwater, transit between the water-air interface, and have a controlled motion on the water surface. Our study provides insights into designing smart devices and materials, offering strategies for developing synthetic active matter capable of controllable collective movement in 3D space.
Draft genome sequences of the strains isolated from estuary sediments
Authors: Dhanakoti Rameshkumar , Dhanakoti Vijayanand , Loganathan Karthik , Swathanthiram Mohandass
Published: November 2023

Draft genome sequences of four strains of the
Bacillaceae
were generated using nanopore technology. The size of the genome ranges from 4.2 to 4.4 Mb. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the diversity of probable probiotic strains, their metabolic activities, and their safety in real-world applications.
C-di-AMP levels modulate
Staphylococcus aureus
cell wall thickness, response to oxidative stress, and antibiotic resistance and tolerance
Authors: Dengler Haunreiter Vanina , Tarnutzer Andrea , Bär Julian , von Matt Manuela , Hertegonne Sanne , Andreoni Federica , Vulin Clément , Künzi Lisa , Menzi Carmen , Kiefer Patrick , Christen Philipp , Vorholt Julia A. , Zinkernagel Annelies S.
Published: November 2023

Beta-lactam antibiotics are widely used to treat infections caused by the important human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
. Resistance to beta-lactams, as found in methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, renders effective treatment difficult. The second messenger cyclic di-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) promotes beta-lactam resistance in clinical
S. aureus
isolates. C-di-AMP plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular processes such as virulence, cell wall homeostasis, and resistance to beta-lactams in many bacterial species. In
S. aureus,
c-di-AMP synthesis is mediated by the diadenylate cyclase DacA, while its degradation is carried out by the phosphodiesterases GdpP and Pde2. In this work, we assessed the effect of altered c-di-AMP levels due to mutations in
dacA
,
gdpP,
or
gdpP/pde2
on virulence determinants. We report that a previously described growth defect in bacteria producing high c-di-AMP levels is mainly attributable to smaller cell size. High c-di-AMP levels also led to decreased survival upon oxidative stress, reduced production of the antioxidant staphyloxanthin, increased oxacillin and fosfomycin resistance, and increased cell wall thickness. While resistance to ceftaroline was not affected, high c-di-AMP levels promoted tolerance to this antibiotic. In response to cell wall stress induced by antibiotics, the three-component regulatory system VraTSR mediates an increase in cell wall synthesis via the cell wall stress stimulon (CWSS). Increased c-di-AMP levels led to an activation of the CWSS. Upon deletion of
vraR
, resistance to oxacillin and fosfomycin as well as cell wall thickness diminished in the Δ
gdpP
mutant, indicating a contribution of the VraTSR system to the cell wall related phenotypes.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance and tolerance are substantial healthcare-related problems, hampering effective treatment of bacterial infections. Mutations in the phosphodiesterase GdpP, which degrades cyclic di-3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP), have recently been associated with resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in clinical
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates. In this study, we show that high c-di-AMP levels decreased the cell size and increased the cell wall thickness in
S. aureus
mutant strains. As a consequence, an increase in resistance to cell wall targeting antibiotics, such as oxacillin and fosfomycin as well as in tolerance to ceftaroline, a cephalosporine used to treat methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
infections, was observed. These findings underline the importance of investigating the role of c-di-AMP in the development of tolerance and resistance to antibiotics in order to optimize treatment in the clinical setting.
Hostilities faced by people on the frontlines of sexual and reproductive health and rights: a scoping review
Authors: Boydell Victoria , Gilmore Kate , Kaur Jameen , Morris Jessica , Wilkins Rebecca , Lurken Frieda , Shaw Sarah , Austen Kate , Karp Molly , Pairman Sally , Alcalde Maria Antonieta
Published: November 2023

Frontline workers for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) provide life-changing and life-saving services to millions of people every year. From accompanying the pregnant, delivering babies and caring for the newborn to supporting those subjected to sexual violence; from treating debilitating infections to expanding contraceptive choices; from enabling access to safe abortion services to countering homophobia: all over the world frontline SRHR carers and advocates make it possible for so many more to experience dignity in sex, sexuality and reproduction. Yet they are also subjected to hostility for what they do, for whom they provide care, for where they work and for the issues they address. From ostracistion and harassment in the workplace to verbal threats and physical violence, hostilities can extend even into their private lives. In other words, as SRHR workers seek to fulfil the human rights of others, their own human rights are put at risk. Yet, as grave as that is, it is a reality largely undocumented and thus also underestimated. This scoping review sets out to marshal what is known about how hostilities against frontline SRHR workers manifest, against whom, at whose hands and in which contexts. It is based on review of six sources: peer-reviewed and grey literature, news reports, sector surveys, and consultations with sector experts and, for contrast, literature issued by opposition groups. Each source contributes a partial picture only, yet taken together, they show that hostilities against frontline SRHR workers are committed the world over—in a range of countries, contexts and settings. Nevertheless, the narratives given in those sources more often treat hostilities as ‘one-off’, exceptional events and/or as an ‘inevitable’ part of daily work to be tolerated. That works in turn both to divorce such incidents from their wider historical, political and social contexts and to normalise the phenomena as if it is an expected part of a role and not a problem to be urgently addressed. Our findings confirm that the SRHR sector at large needs to step-up its response to such reprisals in ways more commensurate with their scale and gravity.
How should we prioritise global surgery? A capabilities approach argument for the place of surgery within every health system
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Rashi , Venkatapuram Sridhar
Published: November 2023

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global health issues and policy, surgery has historically been sidelined due to concerns about high cost, complexity and other concerns including quantitatively less surgical disease burden in comparison to infectious disease or other health conditions. Now, in the context of pandemics, climate change, shrinking health budgets and other global health security concerns, the hard-won progress in raising the profile of surgical care is at risk, and a reconceptualisation is needed to maintain its position in global healthcare agendas. We challenge the long-standing ethical frameworks that underlie healthcare priority setting, namely cost-effectiveness analysis and human rights, that have contributed to surgery being sidelined for decades. They incompletely account for improvements to life quality and well-being that are possible through surgical healthcare systems. We argue for the Capabilities Approach as an alternative normative framework because it emphasises the moral importance of supporting every person’s abilities to be and to do the things they value. Through this framework, we can produce a more comprehensive conception of healthcare that goes beyond biomedical health, and surgical healthcare would ultimately gain a higher priority in valuation of healthcare and non-healthcare interventions.
‘They say’: medical students’ perceptions of General Practice, experiences informing these perceptions, and their impact on career intention—a qualitative study among medical students in England
Authors: Banner Kimberley , Alberti Hugh , Khan Shehleen Arbab , Jones Melvyn Mark , Pope Lindsey Margaret
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The number of UK graduates choosing General Practice training remains significantly lower than the current numbers required to meet the demands of the service. This work aims to explore medical students’ perceptions of General Practice, experiences which lead to the development of these perceptions, and the ultimate impact of these on career intention.

Design

This mixed-methods, qualitative study used focus groups, semistructured interviews, longitudinal audio diary data and debrief interviews to explore and capture the experiences and perceptions of students in their first and penultimate years of university.

Setting

Three English medical schools.

Participants

Twenty students were recruited to focus groups from first and fourth/fifth year of study. All students in these years of study were invited to attend. Six students were recruited into the longitudinal diary study to further explore their experiences.

Results

This work identified that external factors, internal driving force and the ‘they say’ phenomenon were all influential on the development of perceptions and ultimately career intention. External factors may be split into human or non-human influences, for example, aspirational/inspirational seniors, family, peers (human), placements and ‘the push’ of GP promotion (non-human). Driving force refers to internal factors, to which the student compares their experiences in an ongoing process of reflection, to understand if they feel General Practice is a career they wish to pursue. The ‘they say’ phenomenon refers to a passive and pervasive perception, without a known source, whereby usually negative perceptions circulate around the undergraduate community.

Conclusion

Future strategies to recruit graduates to General Practice need to consider factors at an undergraduate level. Positive placement experiences should be maximised, while avoiding overtly ‘pushing’ GP onto students.
Prevalence and factors associated with cognitive frailty in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Bolaji Olayiwola Akeem , Shoar Saeed , Ouedraogo Faizal , Demelash Simachew , Adabale Olanrewaju
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a global health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Cognitive frailty, a syndrome characterised by physical frailty and cognitive impairment without dementia, is increasingly recognised in this population. Cognitive frailty is associated with worse outcomes, including increased hospitalisation, disability and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the incidence, prevalence and predictors of cognitive frailty in HF patients.

Methods

A systematic search will be conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to the latest search date. Eligible studies will report original data on adult patients (age ≥18 years) with HF, focusing on the incidence, prevalence and predictors of cognitive frailty. Two investigators will independently extract data and assess study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and mixed-methods appraisal tool. Meta-analyses and meta-regression will be performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cognitive frailty in HF patients and to identify predictors associated with increased risk, respectively. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethical approval and informed consent, as it does not use identifiable patient data. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. This comprehensive meta-analysis of the literature on cognitive frailty among HF patients will inform tailored interventions and management strategies, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life and outcomes.
Relationship between Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score and cognitive performance among ageing rural Indian participants: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Mensegere Abhishek Lingegowda , Sundarakumar Jonas S , Diwakar Latha , Issac Thomas Gregor
Published: November 2023

Objective

The burden of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing in India, which, in turn, can adversely impact cognition. Our objective was to examine the effect of cardiovascular risk factors measured by Framingham Risk Score (FRS) on cognitive performance among a cohort of healthy, ageing individuals (n=3609) aged ≥45 years from rural India.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

A rural community setting in southern India.

Participants

Healthy, ageing, dementia-free participants, aged 45 years and above, belonging to the villages of Srinivaspura (a rural community located around 100 km from Bangalore, India), were recruited.

Primary outcome measures

Using a locally adapted, validated, computerised cognitive test battery, we assessed cognitive performance across multiple cognitive domains: attention, memory, language, executive functioning and visuospatial ability.

Results

The median (IQR) age of the sample was 57 (50.65) and 50.5% were women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that participants with higher FRS performed poorly in attention (visual attention (β=−0.018, p=0.041)), executive functioning (categorical fluency (β=−0.064, p<0.001)), visuospatial ability (form matching (β=−0.064, p<0.001) and visuospatial span (β=−0.020, p<0.001)), language (reading and sentence comprehension (β=−0.010, p=0.013), word comprehension (β=−0.021, p<0.001) and semantic association (β=−0.025, p<0.001)), and memory (episodic memory IR (β=−0.056, p<0.001), episodic memory DR (β=−0.076, p<0.001) and name-face association (β=−0.047, p<0.001)).

Conclusion

Increased cardiovascular risk as evidenced by FRS was associated with poorer cognitive performance in all cognitive domains among dementia-free middle-aged and older rural Indians. It is imperative to design and implement appropriate interventions (pharmacological and lifestyle-based) for cardiovascular risk reduction and thereby, prevent or mitigate accelerated cognitive impairment in ageing individuals.
Comparing proficiency of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees with general surgery trainees using simulated laparoscopic tasks in Health Education England, North-West: a prospective observational study
Authors: Khan Zaibun N , Shrestha Donna , Shugaba Abdulwarith , Lambert Joel E , Clark Justin , Haslett Elizabeth , Afors Karolina , Bampouras Theodoros M , Gaffney Christopher J , Subar Daren A
Published: November 2023

Background

Training programmes for obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) and general surgery (GS) vary significantly, but both require proficiency in laparoscopic skills. We sought to determine performance in each specialty.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

Health Education England North-West, UK.

Participants

47 surgical trainees (24 O&G and 23 GS) were subdivided into four groups: 11 junior O&G, 13 senior O&G, 11 junior GS and 12 senior GS trainees.

Objectives

Trainees were tested on four simulated laparoscopic tasks: laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN), hand–eye coordination (HEC), bimanual coordination (BMC) and suturing with intracorporeal knot tying (suturing).

Results

O&G trainees completed LCN (p<0.001), HEC (p<0.001) and BMC (p<0.001) significantly slower than GS trainees. Furthermore, O&G found fewer number of targets in LCN (p=0.001) and dropped a greater number of pins than the GS trainees in BMC (p=0.04). In all three tasks, there were significant differences between O&G and GS trainees but no difference between the junior and senior groups within each specialty. Performance in suturing also varied by specialty; senior O&G trainees scored significantly lower than senior GS trainees (O&G 11.4±4.4 vs GS 16.8±2.1, p=0.03). Whilst suturing scores improved with seniority among O&G trainees, there was no difference between the junior and senior GS trainees (senior O&G 11.4±4.4 vs junior O&G 3.6±2.1, p=0.004).

Discussion

GS trainees performed better than O&G trainees in core laparoscopic skills, and the structure of O&G training may require modification.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05116332).
Design and rationale of the ATTRACTIVE trial: a randomised trial of intrAThrombus Thrombolysis versus aspiRAtion thrombeCTomy during prImary percutaneous coronary interVEntion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with high thrombus burden
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Sheng Zhaoxue , Che Wuqiang , An Shuoyan , Sun Di , Zhai Zhengqin , Zhao Xuecheng , Yang Yaliu , Meng Zhen , Ye Zixiang , Xie Enmin , Li Peizhao , Yu Changan , Gao Yanxiang , Xiao Zhu , Wu Yanfen , Dong Fen , Ren Jingyi , Zheng Jingang
Published: November 2023

Introduction

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with high thrombus burden is associated with a poor prognosis. Manual aspiration thrombectomy reduces coronary vessel distal embolisation, improves microvascular perfusion and reduces cardiovascular deaths, but it promotes more strokes and transient ischaemic attacks in the subgroup with high thrombus burden. Intrathrombus thrombolysis (ie, the local delivery of thrombolytics into the coronary thrombus) is a recently proposed treatment approach that theoretically reduces thrombus volume and the risk of microvascular dysfunction. However, the safety and efficacy of intrathrombus thrombolysis lack sufficient clinical evidence.

Methods and analysis

The intrAThrombus Thrombolysis versus aspiRAtion thrombeCTomy during prImary percutaneous coronary interVEntion trial is a multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial with the blinded assessment of outcomes. A total of 2500 STEMI patients with high thrombus burden who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention will be randomised 1:1 to intrathrombus thrombolysis with a pierced balloon or upfront routine manual aspiration thrombectomy. The primary outcome will be the composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, heart failure readmission, stent thrombosis and target-vessel revascularisation up to 180 days.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by Ethics Committees of China-Japan Friendship Hospital (2022-KY-013) and all other participating study centres. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05554588.
Supraorbital neuralgia in leprosy
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Sharma Pranita , Chandra Umesh Kumar , Kande Sushant
Published: November 2023

Two patients presented with side-locked frontal head pain, involving the supraorbital nerve territory, with an associated hypopigmented macule. The clinical progress and nerve biopsy in one indicated leprosy. In endemic regions, supraorbital neuralgia may be caused by leprosy sometimes without other neurocutaneous markers.
Combined effect of cortical superficial siderosis and cerebral microbleed on short-term and long-term outcomes after intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Jin Yujia , Huang Yu-hui , Chen Yu-ping , Zhang Yao-dan , Li Jiawen , Yang Kai-cheng , Ye Xianghua , Jin Lu-hang , Wu Jian , Yuan Chang-zheng , Gao Feng , Tong Lu-sha
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and cerebral microbleed (CMB) have distinct effects on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). We aim to investigate the combined effect of cSS and CMB on outcomes after ICH.

Methods

Based on a single-centre stroke registry database, patients with spontaneous ICH who had CT scan within 48 hours after ictus and MRI subsequently were identified. Eligible patients were divided into four groups (cSS-CMB−, cSS-CMB+, cSS+CMB−, cSS+CMB+) according to cSS and CMB on susceptibility-weighted image of MRI. Primary outcomes were haematoma volume on admission and unfavourable outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale scores ≥3 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were all-cause death, recurrence of stroke and ICH during follow-up (median follow-up 2.0 years, IQR 1.0–3.0 years).

Results

A total of 673 patients were identified from 1044 patients with spontaneous ICH. 131 (19.5%) had cSS and 468 (69.5%) had CMB. Patients with cSS+CMB+ had the highest rate of poor outcome at 3 months, as well as all-cause death, recurrent stroke and ICH during follow-up. In cSS− patients, CMB was associated with smaller haematoma (β −0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to −0.03; p=0.009), but it still increased risks of recurrent ICH (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 15.6; p=0.015) and stroke (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.0 to 4.0; p=0.049). These effects of CMB became unremarkable in the context of cSS+.

Conclusions

Patients with different combinations of cSS and CMB have distinct patterns of short-term and long-term outcomes. Although CMB is related to restrained haematoma, it does not improve long-term outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT04803292.
Cerebral small vessel disease modifies outcomes after minimally invasive surgery for intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Li Yunke , Cho Sung-Min , Avadhani Radhika , Ali Hassan , Hao Yi , Murthy Santosh B , Goldstein Joshua N , Xia Fan , Hu Xin , Ullman Natalie L , Awad Issam , Hanley Daniel , Ziai Wendy C
Published: November 2023

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is controversial but may be beneficial if end-of-treatment (EOT) haematoma volume is reduced to ≤15 mL. We explored whether MRI findings of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) modify the effect of MIS on long-term outcomes.

Methods

Prespecified blinded subgroup analysis of 288 subjects with qualified imaging sequences from the phase 3 Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase for Intracerebral Haemorrhage Evacuation (MISTIE) trial. We tested for heterogeneity in the effects of MIS and MIS+EOT volume ≤15 mL on the trial’s primary outcome of good versus poor function at 1 year by the presence of single CSVD features and CSVD scores using multivariable models.

Results

Of 499 patients enrolled in MISTIE III, 288 patients had MRI, 149 (51.7%) randomised to MIS and 139 (48.3%) to standard medical care (SMC). Median (IQR) ICH volume was 42 (30–53) mL. In the full MRI cohort, there was no statistically significant heterogeneity in the effects of MIS versus SMC on 1-year outcomes by any specific CSVD feature or by CSVD scores (all Pinteraction>0.05). In 94 MIS patients with EOT ICH volume ≤15 mL, significant reduction in odds of poor outcome was found with cerebral amyloid angiopathy score <2 (OR, 0.14 (0.05–0.42); Pinteraction=0.006), absence of lacunes (OR, 0.37 (0.18–0.80); Pinteraction=0.02) and absence of severe white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) (OR, 0.22 (0.08–0.58); Pinteraction=0.03).

Conclusions

Following successful haematoma reduction by MIS, we found significantly lower odds of poor functional outcome with lower total burden of CSVD in addition to absence of lacunes and severe WMHs. CSVD features may have utility for prognostication and patient selection in clinical trials of MIS.
Species–environment relationships, clusters, and thermal ranges of fish species inhabiting boreal rivers
Authors: Sutela Tapio , Vehanen Teppo , Jounela Pekka , Aroviita Jukka , Lehtonen Topi K.
Published: November 2023

Understanding how key environmental factors affect fish communities is necessary for sound environmental management. Accordingly, we studied fish species–environment relationships in Finnish boreal rivers. A self-organizing map (SOM) analysis showed strong relationships between the occurrence of 18 fish species and 10 environmental variables (variance explained: 43.4%). In our logistic regression models run for each fish species, the predictive power varied from poor (AUC = 0.67–0.68) to excellent (AUC = 0.96), indicating that the responses were species-specific. The overall best predictors of the species occurrence were the local variables water depth and water temperature, and the regional variables stream size, altitude and annual mean temperature. Our results on fish assemblage types (clusters), identified by SOM, and co-occurrence of fish species, discovered by a hierarchical cluster analysis, reveal insights into the structure of the river fish assemblages. Moreover, our results suggest that the stream size contributes to thermal ranges in which each species is able to occur, which has relevance to predicting the impacts of climate change on riverine fish.
Study on influence of parameters of buckling behavior in soft mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Lyu Muyun , Zhang Fan , Cheng Baozhu , Dai Lu , Xia Zhaowang
Published: November 2023

Mechanical metamaterials are valued for their diverse properties and potential applications. Due to the instability and large deformability of soft mechanical metamaterials (SMMs), geometric reorganization will occur and lead to some unusual properties. It is possible to change the properties of materials by varying the parameters. Conventional SMMs contain a periodic distribution of holes with the same size and shape, which can be changed to a lesser extent. Periodic dispersion of regular through-hole patterns of various sizes or shapes into elastomers, resulting in metamaterials with more mechanical functionality and deformation scenarios. In this paper, we investigated the influence of parameters on the buckling mechanical behavior of SMMs and the buckling mechanical behavior of structures with multiple sizes and geometric shapes. The parameters studied include geometric parameters (pore shape, porosity and area ratio) and physical parameters (Poisson’s ratio and compression mode). Simulation of the buckling behavior of SMMs uses the finite element method. The finite element software ABAQUS is used, taking into account the almost incompressible characteristics of materials, the triangular quadratic plane strain hybrid element is selected (CPE6H). Numerical calculation gives the following results: Area ratio, pore shape and compression mode have obvious effects on buckling behavior, but Poisson’s ratio has little effect; the influence of parameters on the buckling critical strains varied for SMMs with various pore shapes; very different buckling behaviors will result from swapping out the pattern of holes with the same size or shape for holes with two different sizes or shapes; the expression of buckling behavior is also varied when the mix of hole shapes is modified. These findings demonstrate that the design parameters may be used to achieve the desired buckling behaviors. This is a new method that can be used to control the deformation of structures; modify the properties of the SMMs without changing stiffness; simplify the structures without significantly changing the material properties. The design path of mechanical metamaterials is increased.
Health-Related and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Prostate Cancer Stage at Diagnosis among Males Participating in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
Authors: Aktary Michelle L. , Shewchuk Brittany , Wang Qinggang , Hyndman Eric , Shack Lorraine , Robson Paula J. , Kopciuk Karen A.
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) stage at diagnosis is an important predictor of cancer prognosis. In Canada, over one-quarter of males are diagnosed with advanced-stage PCa. Studies have identified several factors associated with PCa stage at diagnosis; however, evidence from Canada is limited. This study aimed to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health history, health practices, and psychosocial factors and PCa stage at diagnosis among males participating in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP), a prospective cohort in Alberta, Canada. The study included males aged 35–69 years who developed PCa until January 2018. Factors associated with PCa stage at diagnosis were examined using partial proportional odds (PPO) ordinal regression models. A total of 410 males were diagnosed with PCa over the study period. A higher number of lifetime prostate-specific antigen tests were associated with earlier-stage PCa (OR 0.91,

p

 = 0.02, 95% CI 0.83–0.99), while higher abdominal circumference (OR 1.02,

p

 = 0.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.03), lower social support (OR 2.34,

p

 < 0.01, 95% CI 1.31–4.17), and having children (OR 2.67,

p

 < 0.01, 95% CI 1.38–5.16) were associated with later-stage disease. This study identified factors previously found in the literature as well as novel factors associated with PCa stage at diagnosis, which can help inform targets for cancer prevention programs to improve PCa prognosis.
Targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Novel Antitumor Strategy
Authors: Zuo Hao , Yang Mengjie , Ji Qian , Fu Shengqiao , Pu Xi , Zhang Xu , Wang Xu
Published: November 2023

The clinical efficacy of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for cancer is usually limited by the deterioration of tumor microenvironment (TME). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are decondensed chromatin extruded by neutrophils and are widely distributed among various cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the TME, NETs interact with stromal components, immune cells and cancer cells, which allows for the reshaping of the matrix and the extracellular environment that favors the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. In addition, NETs impair the proliferation and activation of T cells and NK cells, thus producing a suppressive TME that restricts the effect of immunotherapy. A better understanding of the function of NETs in the TME will provide new opportunities for the prevention of cancer metastasis and the discovery of novel therapy strategies.
A New ELECTRE Method Based on Left and Right Score for Multicriteria Decision‐Making
Authors: Jokar Faeze , Jalali Varnamkhasti M. , Hadi-Vencheh A.
Published: November 2023

The procedure for ranking the performance of systems using the method Elimination and Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE) is one of the most important and practical methods in multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM). The classical ELECTRE technique uses the concept of dominance implicitly. In this method, all options are evaluated using a comparison of unexpected rankings, thus eliminating ineffective options. All stages of the electrification technique are based on a coordinated set and an uncoordinated set, which is why it is known as “coordination analysis.” The ELECTRE method has two important weaknesses, first, the use of thresholds, which are used to calculate the coordination and noncoordination matrix, and second, this method does not give us a complete and final ranking and is limited to the top options. In order to reduce these weaknesses in this research, interval fuzzy numbers have been used. In the proposed process, the numbers to the left and right of the intervals are considered, and a better method is presented with fuzzy techniques based on the ELECTRE technique. In the research results, using the examples taken from previous researches, the ability of the proposed method is shown.
Effect of Defocusing Distance on Microstructural, Hardness, and Tribological Behavior of Ni-Cr-Si-B-C Powder Deposit on 316LN Austenitic Stainless Steel Substrate Using Laser Hard-Facing
Authors: Gnanasekaran S. , Padmanaban G. , Chelladurai Samson Jerold Samuel , Tibebu Solomon
Published: November 2023

The Ni-based alloy powder has been melted and bonded to an AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel (ASS) base material (substrate) using a high-energy disc laser with a maximum power of up to 12 kW. The substrate’s hard-faced reservoir is highly diluted due to the significant difference in melting temperature between the substrate and the commonly used Ni-based alloy. The hardness, macrostructure, microstructure, and wear resistance effects of the defocusing distance were examined. The composition, microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of phases have been examined with a pin-on-disk wear test, an energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the findings, the height and diameter of the beads rose when the distance was increased from 17 mm to 37 mm. On the other hand, penetration and dilution decreased from 3.7 mm to 2.7 mm and from 9.7% to 3.1%, respectively. When the defocusing length is increased and the penetration profundity and dilution are limited, the density of energy per unit clad is accessible. The laser hard-faced surfaces contain microstructures of Ni-rich solid solution, boride, and carbide. These different factors cause higher hardness and resistance to wear.
Proper Treatment and Management of Postcardiotomy Refractory Vasospasm
Authors: Weissman Caleb R. , Leung Wai Sang Stephane
Published: November 2023

We present here a unique case in which a 63-year-old man developed diffuse coronary vasospasm on postoperative day (POD) 1 following uneventful aortic valve replacement, replacement of ascending aorta, and coronary artery bypass. Subsequent emergent coronary angiogram demonstrated diffuse native coronary artery vasospasm that was only transiently responsive to intracardiac nitroglycerin, resulting in persistent cardiogenic shock and severe biventricular dysfunction. The patient was, thus, placed on femoral-femoral venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with Impella support. This strategy allowed the weaning of vasopressors and enabled the resolution of the vasospasm. The patient was ultimately discharged on POD 17 without further complications. This case demonstrates our management strategy to provide life-saving support for patients facing postcardiac surgery refractory vasospasm.
FIGURE 6 from Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

AGED analysis to identify genes related to advancing age and smoking. A, Age distributions of the smoker and never-smoker groups. B, Schematic of AGED analysis for determining gene alterations with advancing age in smokers. On the basis of regression analysis of single-cell transcriptome data with age, the differences in slopes (Δ) between the smoker and never-smoker groups in 39 cell clusters were calculated for all genes. The Δ values for selected genes were plotted in a heat map. C, Heat map of AGED analysis results. P value < 0.05: * significant in smokers and never-smokers, † significant in smokers, “•” significant in never-smokers. D, Representative correlation plots of SFTPB in basal-d cluster, SFTPC in AT2 cluster, FTL in cMonocyte cluster, and TMSB4X in CD68+Macrophage cluster. E, Representative plots of MALAT1 expression in AT2 and basal-d clusters.