bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of cell wall polysaccharides in water distribution during seed imbibition of Hymenaea courbaril L.
Authors: Grandis A. , Santos H. P. , Tonini P. P. , Salles I. S. , Peres A. S. C. , Carpita N. C. , Buckeridge M. S.
Published: July 2024

Seed water imbibition is critical to seedling establishment in tropical forests. The seeds of the neotropical tree Hymenaea courbaril have no oil reserves and have been used as a model to study storage cell wall polysaccharide (xyloglucan – XyG) mobilization.

We studied pathways of water imbibition in Hymenaea seeds. To understand seed features, we performed carbohydrate analysis and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the seed coat comprises a palisade of lignified cells, below which are several cell layers with cell walls rich in pectin. The cotyledons are composed mainly of storage XyG. From a single point of scarification on the seed surface, we followed water imbibition pathways in the entire seed using fluorescent dye and NMRi spectroscopy. We constructed composites of cellulose with Hymenaea pectin or XyG. In vitro experiments demonstrated cell wall polymer capacity to imbibe water, with XyG imbibition much slower than the pectin‐rich layer of the seed coat.

We found that water rapidly crosses the lignified layer and reaches the pectin‐rich palisade layer so that water rapidly surrounds the whole seed. Water travels very slowly in cotyledons (most of the seed mass) because it is imbibed in the XyG‐rich storage walls. However, there are channels among the cotyledon cells through which water travels rapidly, so the primary cell walls containing pectins will retain water around each storage cell.

The different seed tissue dynamic interactions between water and wall polysaccharides (pectins and XyG) are essential to determining water distribution and preparing the seed for germination.
A note on trigonometric regression in the presence of Berkson‐type measurement error
Authors: Gorczyca Michael T. , McDonald Tavish M. , Sefas Justice D.
Published: July 2024

In this note, we study how parameter vector estimation for a trigonometric regression model and the expected squared residual error computed from an estimated model are affected by Berkson‐type measurement error. Closed‐form expressions for the parameter vector and the expected squared residual error are obtained by assuming that the observed covariate data are sampled from an equispaced design and that measurement error is generated from a symmetric probability distribution with a mean of zero. Notably, these results indicate that estimates of the amplitude parameters for a trigonometric regression model suffer from attenuation bias when covariate data are mis‐measured, and that estimates of the phase‐shift parameters are unbiased.
Largest hyperbolic action of 3‐manifold groups
Authors: Abbott Carolyn , Nguyen Hoang Thanh , Rasmussen Alexander J.
Published: July 2024

The set of equivalence classes of cobounded actions of a group on different hyperbolic metric spaces carries a natural partial order. Following Abbott–Balasubramanya–Osin, the group is ‐accessible if the resulting poset has a largest element. In this paper, we prove that every nongeometric 3‐manifold has a finite cover with ‐inaccessible fundamental group and give conditions under which the fundamental group of the original manifold is ‐inaccessible. We also prove that every Croke–Kleiner admissible group (a class of graphs of groups that generalizes fundamental groups of three‐dimensional graph manifolds) has a finite index subgroup that is ‐inaccessible.
Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Responses of a Floating Rod Pendulum
Authors: Al-Solihat Mohammed Khair
Published: July 2024

A novel nonlinear dynamics model is developed in this paper to describe the static and dynamic nonlinear behaviors of a rod pendulum partially immersed in still water. The pendulum is hinged above the water level (WL) and subject to nonlinear gravity, hydrostatic, and hydrodynamic loads, all of which are incorporated into the system dynamics. The nonlinear static behavior and stability of the pendulum have been characterized by analyzing the fixed points. It is found that Pitchfork bifurcation governs the relationship between the rod density (the control parameter) and the static equilibrium angle. The pendulum's nonlinear response to external harmonic torque is obtained using harmonic balance method (HBM). The influence of system parameters, including hinge height, rod diameter, and rod density, on the nonlinear frequency response is examined. Upon altering the system parameters, particularly the rod density, it is found that the system exhibits either a softening or a hardening effect.
Development of human pancreatic cancer avatars as a model for dynamic immune landscape profiling and personalized therapy
Authors: Hughes Daniel , Evans Alice , Go Simei , Eyres Michael , Pan Liuliu , Mukherjee Somnath , Soonawalla Zahir , Willenbrock Frances , O’Neill Eric
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, a disease with dismal overall survival. Advances in treatment are hindered by a lack of preclinical models. Here, we show how a personalized organotypic “avatar” created from resected tissue allows spatial and temporal reporting on a complete in situ tumor microenvironment and mirrors clinical responses. Our perfusion culture method extends tumor slice viability, maintaining stable tumor content, metabolism, stromal composition, and immune cell populations for 12 days. Using multiplexed immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics, we identify immune neighborhoods and potential for immunotherapy. We used avatars to assess the impact of a preclinically validated metabolic therapy and show recovery of stromal and immune phenotypes and tumor redifferentiation. To determine clinical relevance, we monitored avatar response to gemcitabine treatment and identify a patient avatar-predictable response from clinical follow-up. Thus, avatars provide valuable information for syngeneic testing of therapeutics and a truly personalized therapeutic assessment platform for patients.
Wigner molecular crystals from multielectron moiré artificial atoms
Authors: Li Hongyuan , Xiang Ziyu , Reddy Aidan P. , Devakul Trithep , Sailus Renee , Banerjee Rounak , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Tongay Sefaattin , Zettl Alex , Fu Liang , Crommie Michael F. , Wang Feng
Published: July 2024

Semiconductor moiré superlattices provide a versatile platform to engineer quantum solids composed of artificial atoms on moiré sites. Previous studies have mostly focused on the simplest correlated quantum solid—the Fermi-Hubbard model—in which intra-atom interactions are simplified to a single onsite repulsion energy
U
. Here we report the experimental observation of Wigner molecular crystals emerging from multielectron artificial atoms in twisted bilayer tungsten disulfide moiré superlattices. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we demonstrate that Wigner molecules appear in multielectron artificial atoms when Coulomb interactions dominate. The array of Wigner molecules observed in a moiré superlattice comprises a crystalline phase of electrons: the Wigner molecular crystal, which is shown to be highly tunable through mechanical strain, moiré period, and carrier charge type.
Trees have overlapping potential niches that extend beyond their realized niches
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , McGill Brian J.
Published: July 2024

Tree species appear to prefer distinct climatic conditions, but the true nature of these preferences is obscured by species interactions and dispersal, which limit species’ ranges. We quantified realized and potential thermal niches of 188 North American tree species to conduct a continental-scale test of the architecture of niches. We found strong and consistent evidence that species occurring at thermal extremes occupy less than three-quarters of their potential niches, and species’ potential niches overlap at a mean annual temperature of ~12°C. These results clarify the breadth of thermal tolerances of temperate tree species and support the centrifugal organization of thermal niches. Accounting for the nonrealized components of ecological niches will advance theory and prediction in global change ecology.
Draft genome sequence of
Penicillium citrinum
B9, a plant growth-promoting symbiont from barley rhizosphere
Authors: Lau Kenny J. X. , Selvaraj Poonguzhali , Muralishankar Vayutha , Chen Cheng-Yen , Muruganantham Sahanna , Naqvi Naweed I.
Published: July 2024

Penicillium citrinum
strain B9 is a plant growth-promoting fungus isolated from Barley (Hordeum vulgare) rhizosphere. We report the first draft genome of
P. citrinum
B9 assembled using single-molecule real-time sequencing and Illumina reads. The assembled genome spans 31.3 Mb comprising nine contigs and 10,106 protein-encoding genes.
The C886T Mutation in the Th Gene Reduces the Activity of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Alsalloum Ismail , Moskaliuk Vitalii S. , Rakhov Ilya A. , Bazovkina Daria V. , Kulikov Alexander V.
Published: July 2024

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes hydroxylation of L-tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, the initial and rate-limiting step in the synthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Mutations in the human TH gene are associated with hereditary motor disorders. The common C886T mutation identified in the mouse Th gene results in the R278H substitution in the enzyme molecule. We investigated the impact of this mutation on the TH activity in the mouse midbrain. The TH activity in the midbrain of Mus musculus castaneus (CAST) mice homozygous for the 886C allele was higher compared to C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice homozygous for the 886T allele. Notably, this difference in the enzyme activity was not associated with changes in the Th gene mRNA levels and TH protein content. Analysis of the TH activity in the midbrain in mice from the F2 population obtained by crossbreeding of C57BL/6 and CAST mice revealed that the 886C allele is associated with a high TH activity. Moreover, this allele showed complete dominance over the 886T allele. However, the C886T mutation did not affect the levels of TH protein in the midbrain. These findings demonstrate that the C886T mutation is a major genetic factor determining the activity of TH in the midbrain of common laboratory mouse strains. Moreover, it represents the first common spontaneous mutation in the mouse Th gene whose influence on the enzyme activity has been demonstrated. These results will help to understand the role of TH in the development of adaptive and pathological behavior, elucidate molecular mechanisms regulating the activity of TH, and explore pharmacological agents for modulating its function.
Two cases of metastatic colorectal cancer with prolonged liver injury following capecitabine combination chemotherapy
Authors: Takada Takahiro , Katoh Ryuji , Yamada Kazunosuke , Ojima Hitoshi
Published: July 2024

We present two cases of metastatic colorectal cancer where a liver injury developed while receiving capecitabine. In both cases, the patients were switched from oral capecitabine to a continuous intravenous 5-fluorouracil infusion and were able to continue treatment without a relapse of hepatotoxicity.
Exploring patient experiences of surveillance for pancreatic cystic neoplasms: a qualitative study
Authors: Reeve Ruth , Foster Claire , Brindle Lucy
Published: July 2024

Background

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are considered premalignant conditions to pancreatic adenocarcinoma with varying degrees of cancerous potential. Management for individuals who do not require surgical treatment involves surveillance to assess for cancerous progression. Little is known about patients’ experience and the impact of living with surveillance for these lesions.

Aims

To explore the experiences of patients living with surveillance for PCNs.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients under surveillance for pancreatic cystic neoplasms in the UK. Age, gender, time from surveillance and surveillance method were used to purposively sample the patient group. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

A PCN diagnosis is incidental and unexpected and for some, the beginning of a disruptive experience. How patients make sense of their PCN diagnosis is influenced by their existing understanding of pancreatic cancer, explanations from clinicians and the presence of coexisting health concerns. A lack of understanding of the diagnosis and its meaning for their future led to an overarching theme of uncertainty for the PCN population. Surveillance for PCN could be seen as a reminder of fears of PCN and cancer, or as an opportunity for reassurance.

Conclusions

Currently, individuals living with surveillance for PCNs experience uncertainty with a lack of support in making sense of a prognostically uncertain diagnosis with no immediate treatment. More research is needed to identify the needs of this population to make improvements to patient care and reduce negative experiences.
Willingness to get vaccinated initially and yearly against COVID-19 and its association with vaccine hesitancy, vaccine knowledge and psychological well-being: a cross-sectional study in UK adults
Authors: Kale Dimitra , Shoesmith Emily , Herbec Aleksandra , Shahab Lion
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study explores the association between vaccine hesitancy, vaccine knowledge and psychological well-being with (1) receipt of/willingness to receive an initial vaccine against COVID-19, and (2) willingness to get vaccinated yearly against COVID-19. The importance of different vaccine attributes (eg, vaccine technology, effectiveness, side effects) to choose a specific COVID-19 vaccine was also assessed.

Design

Cross-sectional survey administered during May to June 2021 on vaccine hesitancy, vaccine knowledge, psychological well-being, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines, sociodemographics and COVID-19-related factors.

Setting

UK.

Participants

A self-selected sample of 1408 adults.

Outcome measures

Receipt of/willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine for the first time and yearly.

Results

Receipt of/willingness to receive a vaccine against COVID-19 initially and yearly were high (97.0% and 86.6%, respectively). Vaccine hesitancy was negatively associated with receipt of/willingness to receive vaccine initially/yearly (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.09, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.26, p<0.001/aOR=0.05, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.09, p<0.001). Vaccine knowledge and psychological well-being were positively associated with willingness to receive a yearly vaccine (aOR=1.81, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.29, p<0.001 and aOR=1.25, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.51, p=0.014, respectively), and general vaccine knowledge also with receipt of/willingness to receive vaccine initially (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.42, p=0.004). Vaccine effectiveness was the most important attribute for participants to choose a specific COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusions

Improving vaccine knowledge and emphasising vaccine efficacy may minimise vaccine hesitancy and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Assessing healthcare workers’ confidence level in diagnosing and managing emerging infectious virus of human mpox in hospitals in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: multicentre institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Yeshiwas Almaw Genet , Temesegen Abathun , Melkie Gashaw , Tsega Tilahun Degu , Mola Abebaw , Tesfa Hiwot , Shimels Aschale , Asmamaw Mengist , Shiferaw Anley , Tsegaye Dejen , Muchie Esubalew , Tesfaye Derseh , Yenew Chalachew
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease and its associated factors in hospitals in the Amhara Region.

Design

Institution-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 640 HCWs, with a response rate of 96.9%, participated from 1 October to 30 December 2022. A multistage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected using the KoboCollect toolbox and exported to STATA V.17 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of confidence level to diagnose and manage mpox at p<0.05.

Primary outcome

HCWs’ confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease and its associated factors.

Results

The overall proportion of HCWs who had high confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease was found to be 31.5% (95% CI: 27.9%, 35.2%). Similarly, 26.8% (95% CI: 23.2%, 30.3%) and 41.8% (95% CI: 38.1%, 45.4%) of HCWs expressed medium and low confidence level to diagnose and manage the disease, respectively. The odds of higher confidence versus lower or medium confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox were greater for HCWs who regularly visit amenable websites (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.59, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.2), were physicians (AOR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.73), were aged 30–35 years old (AOR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.39), had got public health emergency epidemic disease management training (AOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.94, 4.04) and had positive attitudes (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.36) compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

The overall confidence level of HCWs in diagnosing and managing mpox disease in the study area was low. Therefore, the HCWs should be regularly updated about mpox disease through morning sessions and training in the diagnosis and clinical management of mpox disease including infection prevention and control.
Ginseng supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors: a protocol for GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Jafari Ali , Kordkatuli Kosar , Mardani Helia , Mehdipoor Fatemeh , Bakhtiari Jami Pardis , Abbastabar Maryam , Vakili Mohammadali , Besharat Sima , Alaghi Alireza
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Heart diseases constitute a significant global public health concern. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are characterised by disruptions in blood circulation and are notably prevalent among adults exposed to Westernised diets. Ginseng, a medicinal plant, has been recognised for its healing properties and has a history of use spanning thousands of years. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng in modifying risk factors for CVD, including lipid profiles, glycaemic control, anthropometric indices, inflammation indicators, blood pressure, oxidative stress, liver function tests, adipokines and heart rate among individuals aged 18 and above, encompassing both genders.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct an electronic search for articles published from inception to September 2023 using a predefined search strategy in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL and EMBASE. Our search will focus exclusively on randomised controlled clinical trials involving both healthy and unhealthy participants. The process of reviewing articles, extracting pertinent information and assessing the quality of studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool will be carried out independently by two reviewers. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion with a third party. If a sufficient number of eligible studies are identified, a meta-analysis will be conducted using these outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This study serves as the procedural framework for a comprehensive examination and does not require ethical approval. Additionally, the study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Golestan University of Medical Sciences (IR.GOUMS.REC.1402.298).

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023465688.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue and stress among gas station workers in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fan Jialin , Tan Xiaotong , Smith Andrew Paul , Wang Jing
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that have the highest prevalence among workers worldwide. Workers in gas stations usually work in poor ergonomic working conditions, including prolonged standing and repetitive posturing.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and fatigue and to identify the predictors of WMSDs among gas station workers.

Design

The present study was a cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

2962 gas station workers from an oil and gas company in China, with ages ranging from 17 to 75 years old, 55.47% female.

Results

The prevalence of WMSDs within the 12 months prior to the study was 73.23%, with the highest prevalence in the neck, shoulders, ankles and feet. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between fatigue, stress and WMSDs. Fatigue and job role were the strongest predictors of WMSDs, with an OR range of 2.211–3.413.

Conclusions

This research identified the detrimental impact of WMSDs and fatigue on gas station workers, indicating the critical need for interventions to reduce WMSDs and relieve fatigue.
Preoperative electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture for the treatment of postoperative ileus after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in China: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Fu Yi-Ming , Yang Ying-Chi , Zhang Jing , Zhao Jingjie , Liu Gong-Yong , Ling Shen , Wang Chao , Wang Li-Wei , Yang Yu-Tong , Wang Yu , Yang Na-Na , Liu Cun-Zhi , Pei Wei
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a postoperative complication that can cause lingering recovery after colorectal resection and a heavy healthcare system burden. Acupuncture aims to prevent postoperative complications, reduce the duration of POI, help recovery and shorten hospital stays. We hypothesise that preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) can promote POI recovery under the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol after laparoscopic surgery in patients with POI.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. A total of 80 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the EA or sham electroacupuncture (SA) group. The eligible patients will receive EA or SA for one session per day with treatment frequency starting on preoperative day 1 for four consecutive days. The primary outcome is the time to first defecation. The secondary outcomes include the time to first flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, time to tolerability of semiliquid and solid food, postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain and extent of abdominal distention, time to first ambulation, preoperative anxiety, 30-day readmission rate, the usage of anaesthetics and analgesics during operation, length of postanaesthesia care unit stay. A mechanistic study by single-cell RNA sequencing in which postintervention normal intestinal tissue samples will be collected. The results of this study will provide evidence of the effects of acupuncture on POI and promote good clinical decision to millions of patients globally every year.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethical application of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2022BZYLL0401), Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University(2022-P2-368-02), Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science (23/175-3917), Huanxing Cancer Hospital (2023-002-02). The results will be published in a medical journal. In addition, we plan to present them at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300077633.
Association between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults with prior cardiovascular disease: a cohort study using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2018
Authors: Hu Ben , Wang Yuhui , Wang Yan , Feng Jun , Fan Yinguang , Hou Linlin
Published: July 2024

Objective

The association between the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) Index and mortality rates in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear. This study investigates the association between the TyG index and the incidence of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality among individuals with a history of CVD.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Data were sourced from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018) and linked mortality data, with follow-up continuing until 31 December 2019.

Participants

The study population comprised 3422 individuals aged 20 years or older with a documented history of CVD.

Outcome measures

We examined the association between the TyG index and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 5.79 years, 1030 deaths occurred, including 339 due to CVD. Cox regression analysis, adjusted for multiple confounders, showed that individuals in the highest TyG index quartile, compared with those in the lowest, had HRs of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.96) for all-cause mortality and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.89) for CVD mortality. There was a significant inverse relationship between higher TyG index levels and lower mortality risks. For each unit increase in the TyG index, the adjusted HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality decreased by 18% (HR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.94) and 27% (HR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.92), respectively.

Conclusions

TyG index values are negatively associated with all-cause and CVD mortality risks among individuals with previous CVD. Further interventional studies are needed to clarify the impact of TyG levels on cardiovascular health.
The Cleft Collective: protocol for a longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Davies Amy J V , Humphries Kerry , Lewis Sarah J , Ho Karen , Sandy Jonathan R , Wren Yvonne
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) affects 1 in 700 live births globally. Children born with CL/P and their families face various challenges throughout the child’s development. Extant research is often limited by small numbers and single-centre data. The Cleft Collective, a national cohort study in the UK, aims to build a resource, available to collaborators across the globe, to understand causes, best treatments and long-term outcomes for those born with CL/P, ultimately seeking to enhance their quality of life through improved understanding and care.

Methods and analysis

A longitudinal prospective cohort study of children born with CL/P and their families. Recruitment occurs across the UK and started in November 2013. Recruitment will continue until September 2027 with an estimated final sample of 4822 children born with CL/P (1157 cleft lip including/excluding the alveolus; 2112 cleft palate only; 1042 unilateral cleft lip and palate and 511 bilateral cleft lip and palate). Biological samples are collected from all recruited members of the family. Parental and child questionnaires are collected at key time points throughout the child’s development. Surgical data are collected at the time of surgical repair of the child’s cleft. Consent is obtained to link to external data sources. Nested substudies can be hosted within the cohort. Regular engagement with participants takes place through birthday cards for the children, social media posts and newsletters. Patient and Public Involvement is conducted through the Cleft Lip And Palate Association and Cleft Collective Patient Consultation Group who provide insightful and essential guidance to the Cleft Collective throughout planning and conducting research.

Ethics and dissemination

The Cleft Collective was ethically approved by the National Research Ethics Service committee South West—Central Bristol (REC13/SW/0064). Parental informed consent is required for participation. Findings from the Cleft Collective are disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, newsletters and social media.
Intravenous ketamine for emergency department treatment of suicidal ideation in a paediatric population: protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm pilot trial (KSI study)
Authors: Schlegelmilch Michael , Plint Amy C , Barrowman Nicholas , Gray Clare , Bhatt Maala
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Suicidal ideation (SI) is a common and severe cause of morbidity in adolescents. Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) for care, yet there is no acute therapeutic intervention for SI. A single dose of intravenous ketamine has demonstrated efficacy in rapidly reducing SI in adults; however, ketamine has not been studied in paediatrics. We aim to determine the feasibility of a trial of a single intravenous ketamine dose to reduce SI for patients in the paediatric ED.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm pilot trial of intravenous ketamine for ED treatment of SI in a paediatric population. Intervention: one intravenous dose of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine (max 50 mg), over 40 min. Placebo: one intravenous dose of 0.5 mL/kg (max 50 mL) of normal saline, over 40 min. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio. SI severity will be measured at baseline, 40 min, 80 min, 120 min, 24 hours and 7 days. We aim to recruit 20 participants. The primary feasibility outcome is the proportion of eligible patients who complete the study protocol. We will pilot three SI severity tools and explore the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will be conducted according to Canadian Biomedical Research Tutorial, international standards of Good Clinical Practice and the Health Canada, Food and Drug Act, Part C, Division 5. The study documents have been approved by the CHEO Research Institute Research Ethics Board (CHEO REB (23/02E)). Participants must provide free and informed consent to participate. If incapable due to age, assenting participants with parental/legal guardian consent may participate. On completion, we will endeavour to present results at international conferences, and publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal. Participants will receive a results letter.

Trial registration number

NCT05468840.
Improving health system responses when patients are harmed: a protocol for a multistage mixed-methods study
Authors: Hibbert Peter D , Raggett Louise , Molloy Charlotte J , Westbrook Johanna , Magrabi Farah , Mumford Virginia , Clay-Williams Robyn , Lingam Raghu , Salmon Paul M , Middleton Sandy , Roberts Mike , Bradd Patricia , Bowden Steven , Ryan Kathleen , Zacka Mark , Sketcher-Baker Kirstine , Phillips Andy , Birks Lanii , Arya Dinesh K , Trevorrow Catherine , Handa Suchit , Swaminathan Girish , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Wiig Siri , de Wet Carl , Austin Elizabeth E , Nic Giolla Easpaig Brona , Wang Ying , Arnolda Gaston , Peterson Gregory M , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Introduction

At least 10% of hospital admissions in high-income countries, including Australia, are associated with patient safety incidents, which contribute to patient harm (‘adverse events’). When a patient is seriously harmed, an investigation or review is undertaken to reduce the risk of further incidents occurring. Despite 20 years of investigations into adverse events in healthcare, few evaluations provide evidence of their quality and effectiveness in reducing preventable harm.

This study aims to develop consistent, informed and robust best practice guidance, at state and national levels, that will improve the response, learning and health system improvements arising from adverse events.

Methods and analysis

The setting will be healthcare organisations in Australian public health systems in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. We will apply a multistage mixed-methods research design with evaluation and in-situ feasibility testing. This will include literature reviews (stage 1), an assessment of the quality of 300 adverse event investigation reports from participating hospitals (stage 2), and a policy/procedure document review from participating hospitals (stage 3) as well as focus groups and interviews on perspectives and experiences of investigations with healthcare staff and consumers (stage 4). After triangulating results from stages 1–4, we will then codesign tools and guidance for the conduct of investigations with staff and consumers (stage 5) and conduct feasibility testing on the guidance (stage 6). Participants will include healthcare safety systems policymakers and staff (n=120–255) who commission, undertake or review investigations and consumers (n=20–32) who have been impacted by adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH02007 and 2023/ETH02341).

The research findings will be incorporated into best practice guidance, published in international and national journals and disseminated through conferences.
Impact of HIV coinfection on tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonen Habitamu , Negesse Ayenew , Dessie Getenet , Desta Melaku , Mihiret Getachew Tilaye , Tarik Yaregal Dessalew , Kitaw Tebabere Moltot , Getaneh Temesgen
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Despite the implementation of a short-term direct observation treatment programme, HIV coinfection is one of the main determinants of tuberculosis (TB) treatment success. This meta-analysis was conducted to report the impact of HIV on TB treatment outcomes using inconsistent and variable study findings.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.

Data sources

The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were used to access the articles. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used for the critical appraisal.

Eligibility criteria

All observational studies conducted in Ethiopia and reporting TB treatment outcomes in relation to HIV coinfection were included in the final analysis.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted the data using a standardised data extraction format. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of primary studies. Stata V.14 was used for the data analysis. Cochran’s Q statistic with inverse variance (I2) and funnel plot are used to assess the presence of heterogeneity (I2=94.4%, p<0.001) and publication bias, respectively. A random effect model was used to estimate TB treatment outcomes with a 95% CI.

Results

The overall success rate of TB treatment was 69.9% (95% CI 64% to 75%). The cure rate of TB among patients living with HIV was 19.3%. Furthermore, the odds of unsuccessful treatment among TB-HIV coinfected patients were 2.6 times greater than those among HIV nonreactive patients (OR 2.65; 95% CI 2.1 to 3.3).

Conclusion

The success of TB treatment among patients living with HIV in Ethiopia was lower than the WHO standard threshold (85%). HIV coinfection hurts TB treatment success. Therefore, collaborative measurements and management, such as early treatment initiation, follow-up and the management of complications, are important.
Hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke: hemorrhagic subtypes and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Luff Marie K , Khezri Nicole , Miralbes Salvador , Naravetla Bharath , Spiotta Alejandro M , Loehr Christian , Martínez-Galdámez Mario , McTaggart Ryan A , Defreyne Luc , Vega Pedro , Zaidat Osama O , Price Lori Lyn , Gupta Rishi , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Liebeskind David S
Published: July 2024

Background

Few clinical studies perform detailed analyses of subtypes of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) used to treat acute ischemic stroke. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is a formidable complication of MT and is widely used in clinical trials as a safety outcome. However, variable definitions of sICH are used across clinical studies.

Objective

To radiographically subcategorize post-MT ICH development within this large cohort and examine overlap with sICH. Second, to examine the agreement of this definition of sICH with local site-reported occurrences of sICH to see how sICH rates change with modifications of the definitions used.

Methods

A large cohort of patients treated with MT for acute ischemic stroke (n=1395) was analyzed to (1) radiographically characterize hemorrhagic subtypes of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurring after MT; (2) examine associations of hemorrhagic subtypes with sICH; and (3) compare core laboratory-adjudicated occurrences of sICH with site-reported sICH.

Results

The overall rate of ICH was 552/1395 patients (39.6%), and the overall rate of sICH was 47/1395 (3.4%). The most common type of ICH was hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (HI1), which represented 45.3% of all ICH cases– followed by HI2 (31.5%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH, 29.2%). Parenchymal hematoma 2 (PH2) represented only 3.3% of all ICH cases. Of the PH2 hemorrhages, only 33.3% were determined to be symptomatic. Of sICH cases, the most common ICH subtypes were HI2 (48.9%) and SAH (38.3%). Comparison of sICH rates as determined by core laboratory adjudication versus local site-reported results showed that only 14 patients were identified as having sICH with both definitions, with 47 patients total with sICH according to one definition, but not the other.

Conclusions

Results of this analysis demonstrate the radiographic subtypes of ICH and also highlight the limitations of variable criteria used to define sICH, suggesting that it might be appropriate to revisit how sICH is defined post-MT.

Trial registration number

Clinical trialNCT03845491.
An improved network dismantling strategy based on ant colony algorithm
Authors: Wang Yongming , Sun Shiwen , Wang Zhen , Wang Li , Xia Chengyi
Published: July 2024

Network dismantling, which aims at finding the optimal node sequence whose removal will dismantle the whole network effectively, remains as a hot topic in the research area of complex networks and systems. In this study, an improved network dismantling strategy based on ant-colony optimization algorithm is proposed. Through large quantities of numerical simulations, compared with several classical network dismantling methods, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified. Current results can provide a new perspective for us to comprehend the complexity and optimization of complex networked systems.
THE IMPACT OF ENTERPRISE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON GREEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING: A FACTOR FLOW PERSPECTIVE
Authors: LV DA , LIU XIAOXIA , CAO GUANGSHENG
Published: July 2024

Harnessing enterprise digital transformation to drive green technological innovation and achieve carbon reduction goals is an inevitable trend amid carbon reduction efforts. This study analyzed the impact of digital transformation on green technological innovation and the mediating role of innovation factors through a regression analysis model. The results indicate that digital transformation impacted the quantity of green technology innovation significantly more than quality. This impact was mediated by knowledge capital, human capital, physical capital, and innovation consciousness. The positive influence of digital transformation on green technology innovation varied based on corporate ownership nature and geographical location. Furthermore, the negative impact of green technology innovation on corporate value diminished over time. It is imperative for multiple stakeholders, including governments and enterprises, to collaborate in promoting innovation mobility. They should fully leverage the impact of digital transformation to enhance the quality and quantity of green technological innovation.
Program Segment Testing for Human–Machine Pair Programming
Authors: Rao Lei , Liu Shaoying , Liu Ai
Published: July 2024

Human–Machine Pair Programming (HMPP) is a promising technique in the software development process, which means that software construction can be done in the manner that humans are responsible for developing the program while computer is responsible for monitoring the program in real-time and reporting errors. The Java runtime exceptions in the current version of the software under construction can only be effectively detected by means of its execution. Traditional software testing techniques are suitable for testing completed programs but face a challenge in building a suitable testing environment for testing the partial programs produced during HMPP. In this paper, we put forward a novel technique, called Program Segment Testing (PST) for automatically identifying errors caused by runtime exceptions to support HMPP. We first introduce the relevant involved in this technique to detect index out of bounds exceptions, a representative of runtime exceptions. Then we discuss the methodology of this technique in detail and illustrate its workflow with a simple case study. Finally, we carry out an experiment to evaluate this technique and compare it with three existing fault detection techniques using several programs to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Observational constraints on early dark energy
Authors: McDonough Evan , Colin Hill J. , Ivanov Mikhail M. , La Posta Adrien , Toomey Michael W.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we review and update constraints on the Early Dark Energy (EDE) model from cosmological data sets, in particular Planck PR3 and PR4 cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and large-scale structure (LSS) data sets including galaxy clustering and weak lensing data from the Dark Energy Survey, Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam and KiDS+VIKING-450, as well as BOSS/eBOSS galaxy clustering and Lyman-[Formula: see text] forest data. We detail the fit to CMB data, and perform the first analyses of EDE using the CAMSPEC and Hillipop likelihoods for Planck CMB data, rather than Plik, both of which yield a tighter upper bound on the allowed EDE fraction than that found with Plik. We then supplement CMB data with LSS data in a series of new analyses. All these analyses are concordant in their Bayesian preference for [Formula: see text]CDM over EDE, as indicated by marginalized posterior distributions. We perform a series of tests of the impact of priors in these results, and compare with frequentist analyses based on the profile likelihood, finding qualitative agreement with the Bayesian results. All these tests suggest prior volume effects are not a determining factor in analyses of EDE. This work provides both a review of existing constraints and several new analyses.
Infinitesimal braidings and pre-Cartier bialgebras
Authors: Ardizzoni Alessandro , Bottegoni Lucrezia , Sciandra Andrea , Weber Thomas
Published: July 2024

We propose an infinitesimal counterpart to the notion of braided category. The corresponding infinitesimal braidings are natural transformations which are compatible with an underlying braided monoidal structure in the sense that they constitute a first-order deformation of the braiding. This extends previously considered infinitesimal symmetric or Cartier categories, where involutivity of the braiding and an additional commutativity of the infinitesimal braiding with the symmetry are required. The generalized pre-Cartier framework is then elaborated in detail for the categories of (co)quasitriangular bialgebra (co)modules and we characterize the resulting infinitesimal [Formula: see text]-matrices (respectively, [Formula: see text]-forms) on the bialgebra. It is proven that the latter are Hochschild 2-cocycles and that they satisfy an infinitesimal quantum Yang–Baxter equation, while they are Hochschild 2-coboundaries under the Cartier (co)triangular assumption in the presence of an antipode. We provide explicit examples of infinitesimal braidings, particularly on quantum [Formula: see text]-matrices, [Formula: see text], Sweedler’s Hopf algebra and via Drinfel’d twist deformation. As conceptual tools to produce examples of infinitesimal braidings, we prove an infinitesimal version of the FRT construction and we provide a Tannaka–Krein reconstruction theorem for pre-Cartier coquasitriangular bialgebras. We comment on the deformation of infinitesimal braidings and construct a quasitriangular structure on formal power series of Sweedler’s Hopf algebra.
Young walls and graded dimension formulas for finite quiver Hecke algebras of types A2n−1(2), Dn(1) and Bn(1)
Authors: Han Shaolong
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we establish the graded dimension formulas of finite quiver Hecke algebras using level-[Formula: see text] Fock space representations of quantum affine algebras of types [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Quillen equivalences inducing Grothendieck duality for unbounded chain complexes of sheaves
Authors: Estrada Sergio , Gillespie James
Published: July 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a semiseparated Noetherian scheme with a dualizing complex. We lift some well-known triangulated equivalences associated with Grothendieck duality to Quillen equivalences of model categories. In the process, we are able to show that the Gorenstein flat model structure, on the category of quasi-coherent sheaves on [Formula: see text], is Quillen equivalent to the Gorenstein injective model structure. Also, noteworthy is that we extend the recollement of Krause to hold without the Noetherian condition. Using a set of flat generators, it holds for any quasi-compact semiseparated scheme [Formula: see text]. With this we also show that the Gorenstein injective quasi-coherent sheaves are the fibrant objects of a cofibrantly generated abelian model structure for any semiseparated Noetherian scheme [Formula: see text]. Finally, we consider both the injective and (mock) projective approach to Tate cohomology of quasi-coherent sheaves. They agree whenever [Formula: see text] is a semiseparated Gorenstein scheme of finite Krull dimension.
A Note on Convergence and Stability of the Truncated Milstein Method for Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Zhan Weijun , Jiang Yanan
Published: July 2024

Some new techniques are employed to release significantly the requirements on the step size of the truncated Milstein method, which was originally developed in Guo et al. [The truncated Milstein method for stochastic differential equations with commutative noise, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 338 (2018) 298–310]. The almost-sure stability of the method is also investigated. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Locating the spectrum of a relation matrix through those of its inputs
Authors: Chamkha Yosra , Ghorbel Ayoub , Mnif Maher
Published: July 2024

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be Banach spaces. When [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are linear relations in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, we denote by [Formula: see text] the linear relation matrix acting on [Formula: see text] of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the zero operator and [Formula: see text] is a bounded operator from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] denotes the Weyl spectrum, the Browder spectrum or the Drazin spectrum of a linear relation, then for every [Formula: see text] we have the equality [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] a subset of [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we explore how Weyl’s theorem and Browder’s theorem hold for linear relation matrices.