bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Blood Pressure Variation During Dialysis and Cardio‐Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Fan Zhenliang , Ye Rujia , Yang Qiaorui , Yang Mengfan , Yin Riping , Zhao Dongxue , Fan Junfen , Ma Hongzhen , Shen Yiwei , Xia Hong , Jiang Wenze , Lu Keda
Published: December 2024

In hemodialysis patients, blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality. However, previous research has predominantly concentrated on the predialysis BPV. In contrast, intradialytic BPV, reflecting the cardiovascular regulatory function during the process of rapid clearance of volume overload, holds greater relevance to the prognosis of patients. In this study, a latent category trajectory model was used to identify the patterns of intradialytic BPV and analyze the association between intradialytic BPV and the cardio‐cerebrovascular events and other clinical outcomes. We found the variation of intradialytic systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with the risk of cardio‐cerebrovascular events in hemodialysis patients. Patients in “SBP Class 4” and “SBP Class 3” subgroups were associated with the occurrence of cardio‐cerebrovascular events and the number of cardio‐cerebrovascular event hospitalizations during the follow‐up period. This indicates that the variation pattern of intradialytic SBP results from the comprehensive action of various BP regulatory mechanisms in the body, which can reflect the level of cardiovascular regulatory function in hemodialysis patients and serve as a predictor of recent adverse cardio‐cerebrovascular events.
Effectiveness and Safety of Using Standardized Treatment Protocols for Hypertension Compared to Usual Care: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Satheesh Gautam , Dhurjati Rupasvi , Jha Vivekanand , Schutte Aletta E. , Banigbe Bolanle , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Moran Andrew E. , Salam Abdul
Published: December 2024

Large gaps persist in the diagnosis, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension globally. Standardized treatment protocols (STPs) have been widely proposed to guide hypertension treatment, particularly in primary healthcare settings. However, there has been no review that quantifies the effects of hypertension STPs on blood pressure (BP) reduction and control. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) among adults with hypertension, comparing hypertension STPs (intervention) with usual care (comparator) for effects on BP. Relevant RCTs were identified by searching multiple electronic databases. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to evaluate between‐group differences in systolic BP reduction (primary outcome), diastolic BP reduction, BP control, and adverse events (AEs). Sixteen RCTs involving 59,945 participants (baseline mean BP: 149/91 mmHg) were included. Reductions in systolic and diastolic BP with STPs compared to usual care were 6.7 (95% CI 3.7–9.8) mmHg and 2.6 (1.2–4.1) mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). BP control achieved was 57% in the STP group compared to 24% in the usual care group (p < 0.001). The overall incidence of any AEs was 14.5% versus 13.5% (RR 1.27 [0.88–1.82]) with STPs and usual care, respectively. In summary, interventions involving hypertension STPs significantly reduce systolic and diastolic BP and improve BP control compared to usual care. STPs can, therefore, be an efficient strategy to implement evidence‐based treatments and upscale treatment coverage, given the large untreated and uncontrolled hypertension burdens globally.
The kinase LRRK2 is required for the physiological function and expression of the glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 (SLC1A2)
Authors: Di Iacovo Angela , D'Agostino Chiara , Bhatt Manan , Romanazzi Tiziana , Giovannardi Stefano , Cinquetti Raffaella , Roseti Cristina , Bossi Elena
Published: December 2024

Neurotransmitter transporters (NTTs) control synaptic responses by modulating the concentration of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and needs to be finely tuned in time and space to maintain a healthy brain and precise neurotransmission. The glutamate transporter EAAT2 (SLC1A2) is primarily responsible for glutamate clearance. EAAT2 impairment has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) contribute to both monogenic and sporadic forms of PD, of which the common substitution Gly2019Ser is associated with a significant deficit in EAAT2 expression. The role of pathological mutants of the LRRK2 is intensively studied and reviewed. Here we have focused the attention on the physiological role of LRRK2 on EAAT2, comparing the activity of NTTs with or without the LRRK2 kinase. By heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two‐electrode voltage clamp, the current amplitudes of the selected NTTs and kinetic parameters have been collected in the presence and absence of LRRK2. The results show that EAAT2 expression and function are impaired in the absence of the kinase and also under its pharmacological inhibition via MLi‐2 treatment. LRRK2 stabilizes EAAT2 expression increasing the amount of transporter at the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the LRRK2 action is EAAT2‐specific, as we observed no significant changes in the transport current amplitude and kinetic parameters obtained for the other excitatory and inhibitory NTTs studied. This study, for the first time, demonstrates the physiological importance of LRRK2 in EAAT2 function, highlighting the specificity of LRRK2‐mediated modulation of EAAT2 and suggesting a potential role for the kinase as a checkpoint for preserving neurons from excitotoxicity. In brain conditions associated with impaired glutamate clearance, targeting LRRK2 for EAAT2 regulation may offer novel therapeutic opportunities.

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Identification of Alzheimer's disease susceptibility genes by integrating eight human brain single‐cell transcriptomes with genome‐wide association studies
Authors: He Yijie , Zhu Ping , Gao Shan , Wu Shiyang , Li Xuan , Huang Chen , Chen Yan , Liu Guiyou
Published: December 2024

To date, several studies have integrated genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from bulk tissues to identify novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetic variants and susceptibility genes. However, there is highly cell‐type‐specific nature in different bulk eQTL data. Until now, eQTL data from different brain single cells have been reported. Therefore, integrating eQTL data from different brain single‐cell types along with AD GWAS data makes biological sense for studying the potential biological explanations of AD. Here, we utilized the summary‐data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method to integrate AD GWAS data with eQTL data from eight brain single‐cell types. We identified a larger number of significant genes compared to previous SMR study based on bulk eQTL. Notably, microglia exhibited the highest number of significant genes. Moreover, we conducted validation‐phase SMR analysis, single‐cell analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI), druggability evaluation, functional enrichment analyses, and colocalization analysis of the top 20 SMR significant genes in microglia. We found that most genes passed the validation and were significantly enriched in microglia. PPI analysis uncovered interactions among PICALM, BIN1, RIN3, CD2AP, CASS4, and MS4A6E. Five most significant SMR genes were further validated through colocalization analysis. RIN3 is the only significant gene across all mentioned analyses and is a novel AD susceptibility gene at the genome‐wide significance level. Druggability evaluation identified KCNQ3, HLA‐DQB1, and RABEP1 as known genes previously targeted for drug development in neurological disorders, suggesting their potential therapeutic relevance in AD.

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Nurses' Perspectives on the Use of Prophylactic Dressings to Prevent Pressure Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: McMahon Jake , McInnes Elizabeth , Wan Ching Shan , Straiton Nicola , Lam Louisa , Rodgers Jane , Fulbrook Paul
Published: December 2024

Aim

To understand, from a nursing perspective, factors affecting the use of prophylactic dressings to prevent pressure injuries in acute hospitalised adults.

Background

Pressure injury causes harm to patients and incurs significant costs to health services. Significant emphasis is placed on their prevention. Relatively recently, prophylactic dressings have been promoted to reduce pressure injury development. However, in the acute care setting, information about the clinical use of these dressing is lacking.

Design

Qualitative, descriptive.

Methods

Nineteen medical and surgical nurses participated. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach using NVivo software.

Results

Three themes were identified, reflecting factors that influenced and perpetuated indiscriminate use of prophylactic dressings: False sense of security; Convenience and task prioritisation; and Navigating challenges in evidence‐based pressure injury prevention.

Conclusions

The findings indicate inconsistent prevention practices, with prophylactic dressings often applied without justification or referral to research‐based evidence to guide clinical decision‐making. There was a prevailing attitude of ‘job done’ when a prophylactic dressing was applied.

Impact

This study has identified several factors that perpetuate the inappropriate use of prophylactic dressings for pressure injury prevention that may be amenable to organisational change. The findings indicate that nurses often rely on these dressings as a shortcut due to time constraints, which led to missed skin assessments and low‐value care. The research can be used to inform the development of clear guidelines on dressings within hospital settings which encourage assessment‐based selection for their use, and process‐based guidance for their application, skin surveillance, dressing inspection and removal.

Reporting Method

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) reporting guideline was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in this study.
Severe bupropion intoxication successfully treated with resin adsorber haemoperfusion
Authors: Wannakittirat Anyarin , Wipattanakitcharoen Aschariya , Tosamran Somjet , Yimsangyad Khanittha , Chaijamorn Weerachai , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Limotai Chusak , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: December 2024

Bupropion is used as smoking cessation drug and antidepressant. Drug overdose has multi‐system involvement including neurotoxicity and cardiovascular collapse. Use of haemoperfusion in bupropion toxicity is generally not useful, however in life‐threatening condition it could be a life saver. We reported a case of 30s male with bupropion overdose who ingested 29 tablets of 300‐mg extended‐release bupropion. The patient had status epilepticus with prolonged QTc interval. He remained unconscious with abnormal jerky movements despite multiple high dose antiepileptic drugs. A 4‐h session of resin adsorber haemoperfusion was done with rapid improvement of consciousness within 24 h and seizure control confirmed by electroencephalogram. In severe cases with early presentation, haemoperfusion may be useful to prevent further toxicity.
MtNAD1 associates with the autophagy complex to contribute to the degradation of immunity‐related proteins in Medicago truncatula nodules
Authors: Dong Ru , Wang Weiyun , Luo Na , Li Haoxing , Liu Jiahui , Wang Yanan , Ye Ying , Zhu Hui , Li Faqiang , Yu Haixiang , Cao Yangrong
Published: December 2024

Plant immunity is suppressed in the symbiotic nodule cells, thereby facilitating rhizobial infection. Medicago truncatula NODULES WITH ACTIVATED DEFENSE1 (MtNAD1) is crucial for suppressing immunity in nodules; however, its molecular function is unclear.

We explored the molecular basis of the role of MtNAD1 in suppressing innate immunity in M. truncatula nodules.

Medicago truncatula mutants lacking MtATG7 produced defective nodules, sharing some similarities with the Mtnad1 mutant nodules. Furthermore, MtNAD1 interacted with several immunity‐related proteins, including BAX‐inhibitor1a (MtBI‐1a), two Lysin‐motif proteins (MtLYM1/2), Pathogenesis‐related10 (MtPR10c/d), MtMPK3/6, and two Lysin‐motif receptor kinases (MtLYK8/9). In addition, MtNAD1 and the autophagy pathway contributed to the reduction of MtBI‐1, MtPR10c/d, and MtLYM1/2 protein levels in planta. Knocking out either the MtBI‐1 or MtLYM1/2 gene in the M. truncatula nad1 mutant can partially restore the defective nodules of the nad1 mutant.

Our results demonstrate that MtNAD1 associates with the autophagy pathway by interacting with MtATG8, contributing to the degradation of several immunity‐related proteins in M. truncatula nodules during rhizobial colonization and thereby supporting the development of a successful symbiosis.
Stability of performance monitoring with prolonged task performance: A study of error‐related negativity and error positivity
Authors: Clayson Peter E. , Baldwin Scott A. , Larson Michael J.
Published: December 2024

The use of forced‐choice response tasks to study indices of performance monitoring, such as the error‐related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe), is common, and such tasks are often used as a part of larger batteries in experimental research. ERN amplitude typically decreases over the course of a single task, but it is unclear whether amplitude changes persist beyond a single task or whether Pe amplitude changes over time. This preregistered study examined how prolonged task performance affects ERN and Pe amplitude across two study batteries, each with three different tasks. We predicted ERN amplitude would show unique, nonlinear reductions over an individual task and over the task battery, and exploratory analyses were conducted on Pe. Electrophysiological data were recorded during two studies: 156 participants who completed three versions of the flanker task and 161 participants who completed flanker, Go/NoGo, and Stroop tasks. ERN showed unique nonlinear reductions over each flanker task and over the battery of flanker tasks. However, ERN showed a linear reduction in amplitude over the battery of three different tasks, and within‐task changes were only observed during the Go/NoGo task, such that ERN increased. Pe generally linearly decreased with prolonged task performance. Variability in ERN and Pe scores generally increased with time, indicating decreases in data quality. Findings suggest that studying ERN and Pe early in a task battery with short tasks is optimal to avoid bias from prolonged performance. Identifying factors affecting ERN and Pe during prolonged performance can help develop optimized paradigms.
Environmentally and statistically robust matched-field source localization based on information geometry principles
Authors: Yin Jingwei , Zhou Xuan , Cao Ran , Huang Chunlong , Li Dewen , Yin Jiarui
Published: December 2024

Matched-field processing (MFP) achieves underwater source localization by measuring the correlation between the array and replica signals, with traditional MFP being equivalent to estimating the Euclidean distance between the data cross-spectral density matrix (CSDM) and replica matrices. However, in practical applications, random inhomogeneities in the marine environment and inaccurate estimation of CSDM reduce MFP performance. The traditional minimum variance matched-field processor with environmental perturbation constraints perturbs a priori environment parameters to obtain linear constraints and yields the optimal weight vectors as the replica vectors. In this paper, within the framework of information geometry, the geometric properties of CSDMs as semi-positive definite and Hermitian enable CSDMs to be described as points in a Riemannian manifold. Source localization can be achieved by quantifying the similarity between the CSDMs as the geodesic distance between the points on the manifold. This paper introduces a constrained replica CSDM composed of perturbed replica vectors and proposes a robust matched-field processor based on two non-Euclidean distances: the Riemannian distance and the modified Jensen–Shannon distance. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed processors are more robust against environmental and statistical mismatches than traditional processors and can also reduce sidelobe level and improve the resolution.
Evaluating the Relationship Between Surface and Intramuscular-Based Electromyography Signals: Implications of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness
Authors: Russell Matthew S. , Vasilounis Sam S. , Desroches Daniel , Alenabi Talia , Drake Janessa D.M. , Chopp-Hurley Jaclyn N.
Published: December 2024

Intramuscular (iEMG) and surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals have been compared previously using predictive regression equations, finite element modeling, and correlation and cross-correlation analyses. Although subcutaneous fat thickness (SCFT) has been identified as a primary source of sEMG signal amplitude attenuation and low-pass filter equivalence, few studies have explored the potential effect of SCFT on sEMG and iEMG signal characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between normalized submaximal iEMG and sEMG signal amplitudes collected from 4 muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, infraspinatus, and erector spinae) and determine whether SCFT explains more variance in this relationship. The effect of sex was also explored. Linear regression models demonstrated that the relationship between sEMG and iEMG was highly variable across the muscles examined (adjusted coefficient of determination [Adj R2] = .02–.74). SCFT improved the model fit for vastus lateralis, although this relationship only emerged with the inclusion of sex as a covariate. Thus, this research suggests that SCFT is not a prominent factor affecting the linearity between sEMG and iEMG. Researchers should investigate other parameters that may affect the linearity between sEMG and iEMG signals.
Polymorphisms in the type A
blaZ
gene as determinants of the cefazolin inoculum effect in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Shinwon , Park Sohee , Kim Jeong Nam , Lee Soon Ok , Lee Jeong Eun , Lee Sun Hee
Published: December 2024

Plasmids containing the wild-type (WT) or mutant type A
blaZ
(
blaZ
A
) gene (mutations at codons 226, 229, or both 226 and 229) were constructed and transformed into
Staphylococcus aureus
RN4220, yielding the strains WT-blaZ, M226-blaZ, M229-blaZ, and MB-blaZ. The high-inoculum cefazolin MIC was significantly lower in MB-blaZ and M226-blaZ than in WT-blaZ but not in M229-blaZ, suggesting that the single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 226 in
blaZ
A
contributes to the cefazolin inoculum effect.
Ex vivo
assessment of sulbactam-durlobactam clearance during continuous renal replacement therapy to guide dosing recommendations
Authors: Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Shen Yuwei , Chen April , Ye Xiaoyi , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: December 2024

Sulbactam-durlobactam is approved for the treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia caused by susceptible isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus
complex. Patients with serious
Acinetobacter
infections may require support with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), which presents challenges for optimal dosing of antibiotics. Sulbactam-durlobactam dosing regimens were derived for this population using an
ex vivo
CRRT model and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Transmembrane clearance (CL
TM
) was determined in hemofiltration (CVVH) and hemodialysis (CVVHD) modes using the Prismaflex M100 and HF1400 hemofilter sets and with effluent rates of 1, 2, and 3 L/h. Pre-filter, post-filter blood, and effluent samples were collected over 60 min to calculate sieving (SC) and saturation (SA) coefficients for CVVH and CVVHD, respectively. An established population pharmacokinetic model was integrated with the CL
TM
; then, a 1,000 patient MCS was conducted to determine exposures of potential dosing regimens. Adsorption and degradation in the
ex vivo
CRRT model were negligible. The overall mean ± standard deviation SC/SA was 1.14 ± 0.12 and 0.93 ± 0.08 for sulbactam and durlobactam, respectively. In multivariable regression analyses, effluent rate was the primary driver of CL
TM
for both drugs. For effluent rates <3 L/h, sulbactam-durlobactam 1 g-1g q8h as 3 h infusion achieved a high probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment while retaining area under the curve exposures consistent with the standard dose in non-CRRT patients. For effluent rates ≥3 to 5 L/h, the optimal regimen was 1 g-1g q6h 3 h infusion. Sulbactam-durlobactam regimens that provide optimum drug exposures for efficacy and safety were identified for CRRT based on the prescribed effluent rate.
Third intracellular loop of HCMV US28 is necessary for signaling and viral reactivation
Authors: Medica Samuel , Denton Michael , Diggins Nicole L. , Kramer-Hansen Olivia , Crawford Lindsey B. , Mayo Adam T. , Perez Wilma D. , Daily Michael A. , Parkins Christopher J. , Slind Luke E. , Pung Lydia J. , Weber Whitney C. , Jaeger Hannah K. , Streblow Zachary J. , Sulgey Gauthami , Kreklywich Craig N. , Alexander Timothy , Rosenkilde Mette M. , Caposio Patrizia , Hancock Meaghan H. , Streblow Daniel N.
Published: December 2024

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encoded chemokine receptor US28 plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis, mediating several processes such as cellular migration, differentiation, transformation, and viral latency and reactivation. Despite significant research examining the signal transduction pathways utilized by US28, the precise mechanism by which US28 activates these pathways remains unclear. We performed a mutational analysis of US28 to identify signaling domains that are critical for functional activities. Our results indicate that specific residues within the third intracellular loop (ICL3) of US28 are major determinants of G-protein coupling and downstream signaling activity. Alanine substitutions at positions S218, K223, and R225 attenuated US28-mediated activation of MAPK and RhoA signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, we show that mutations at positions S218, K223, or R225 result in impaired coupling to multiple Gα isoforms. However, these substitutions did not affect US28 plasma membrane localization or the receptor internalization rate. Utilizing CD34
+
HPC models, we demonstrate that attenuation of US28 signaling
via
mutation of residues within the ICL3 region results in an inability of the virus to efficiently reactivate from latency. These results were recapitulated
in vivo
, utilizing a humanized mouse model of HCMV infection. Together, our results provide new insights into the mechanism by which US28 manipulates host signaling networks to mediate viral latency and reactivation. The results reported here will guide the development of targeted therapies to prevent HCMV-associated disease.

IMPORTANCE

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that infects between 44% and 100% of the world population. Primary infection is typically asymptomatic and results in the establishment of latent infection within CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). However, reactivation from latent infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The viral chemokine receptor US28 influences various cellular processes crucial for viral latency and reactivation, yet the precise mechanism by which US28 functions remains unclear. Through mutational analysis, we identified key residues within the third intracellular loop (ICL3) of US28 that govern G-protein coupling, downstream signaling, and viral reactivation
in vitro
and
in vivo
. These findings offer novel insights into how US28 manipulates host signaling networks to regulate HCMV latency and reactivation and expand our understanding of HCMV pathogenesis.
Rapid diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis using machine-learning-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of human vaginal fluids
Authors: Wen Xin-Ru , Tang Jia-Wei , Chen Jie , Chen Hui-Min , Usman Muhammad , Yuan Quan , Tang Yu-Rong , Zhang Yu-Dong , Chen Hui-Jin , Wang Liang
Published: December 2024

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an abnormal gynecological condition caused by the overgrowth of specific bacteria in the vagina. This study aims to develop a novel method for BV detection by integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with machine learning (ML) algorithms. Vaginal fluid samples were classified as BV positive or BV negative using the BVBlue Test and clinical microscopy, followed by SERS spectral acquisition to construct the data set. Preliminary SERS spectral analysis revealed notable disparities in characteristic peak features. Multiple ML models were constructed and optimized, with the convolutional neural network (CNN) model achieving the highest prediction accuracy at 99%. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to highlight important regions in the images for prediction. Moreover, the CNN model was blindly tested on SERS spectra of vaginal fluid samples collected from 40 participants with unknown BV infection status, achieving a prediction accuracy of 90.75% compared with the results of the BVBlue Test combined with clinical microscopy. This novel technique is simple, cheap, and rapid in accurately diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, potentially complementing current diagnostic methods in clinical laboratories.

IMPORTANCE

The accurate and rapid diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is crucial due to its high prevalence and association with serious health complications, including increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although widely used, traditional diagnostic methods have significant limitations in subjectivity, complexity, and cost. The development of a novel diagnostic approach that integrates SERS with ML offers a promising solution. The CNN model’s high prediction accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and extraordinary rapidity underscore its significant potential to enhance the diagnosis of BV in clinical settings. This method not only addresses the limitations of current diagnostic tools but also provides a more accessible and reliable option for healthcare providers, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes.
A practical method for forecasting rockfall ditch effectiveness deterioration
Authors: Werley Keara , Walton Gabriel , Vessely Mark
Published: December 2024

Rockfall ditch effectiveness is a common component in risk calculations for cut slopes. Therefore, understanding ditch effectiveness deterioration is vital for forecasting changes in slope risk. However, studies analyzing changes in ditch behavior over time are limited. In this study, we propose a practical method for forecasting ditch effectiveness deterioration based on a conceptual model. The model assumes that ditch effectiveness is zero once a talus pile of rockfall debris has formed to its angle of repose. Using initial ditch effectiveness estimates, rockfall frequency estimates, and assuming linear deterioration of ditch effectiveness as a function of volume in the talus pile, ditch effectiveness can be forecasted. To evaluate the conceptual model, rockfall trajectory numerical models were developed for different cut slope and ditch geometries. Ditch-filling was simulated by approximating talus pile geometry as a triangle. The talus pile angle was increased incrementally until the angle of repose was reached, and ditch effectiveness was recorded as proportion of rockfall retained. Numerical modeling results can be approximated with our conceptual model for steeper cut slopes (∼4V:1H), while the conceptual model is conservative relative to modeling results for shallower cut slopes; we attribute this to the transition from bouncing- to rolling-dominated rockfall trajectories.
Comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of mining and smelting at the Baiyinchang Cu–Zn–Pb ore deposit, Gansu Province, China, with new inputs from the sulfide compositions
Authors: Somarin Alireza K. , Rasti Soqra , Ma Xiangxian , Zheng Guodong , Li Chao , Guo Xiaogang , Guo Dongbao , Fan Qiaohui
Published: December 2024

This review paper presents an in-depth synthesis of the environmental aspects associated with the mining of the Baiyinchang Cu–Zn–Pb deposit in China. The review covers contamination by atmospheric deposition and sewage irrigation, soil contamination, and ecosystem health to evaluate current environmental conditions, identify potential impacts, and suggest sustainable mitigation measures for the Baiyin district. With a focus on soil, river water, and crop pollution levels, our review indicates that several heavy metals (HMs), particularly Cd, have been gradually accumulated in soils and streams due to the natural occurrence of the deposits close to the surface and mining–smelting activities, and pose a serious environmental threat. Detailed studies on sulfide minerals have found that although Cd is mainly hosted in sphalerite, all common sulfide minerals (galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite) also contain Cd. There were significant spatial variations in HM speciation; upstream areas near ore deposits exhibited lower pH and higher Zn concentrations, due to acidic mine drainage and the presence of sphalerite. As the stream flows through the Baiyin district, the increasing influence from domestic wastewater led to a rise in pH, impacting HMs mobility. Mining–smelting activities were identified as the primary source of HM pollution. Crops grown near the ore district and irrigated with contaminated water were most susceptible to contamination due to combined soil and atmospheric HM uptake. Our review highlights the importance of stricter pollution control measures, cleaner irrigation sources, and careful crop selection to safeguard food safety and ecosystem health.
The mechanisms of Chr.9p21.3 risk locus in coronary artery disease: where are we today?
Authors: Ruotsalainen Anna-Kaisa , Kettunen Sanna , Suoranta Tuisku , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Aherrahrou Rédouane
Published: December 2024

Despite the advancements and release of new therapeutics in the past few years, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have remained the number one cause of death worldwide. Genetic variation of a 9p21.3 genomic locus has been identified as the most significant and robust genetic CVD risk marker on the population level, with the strongest association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and other diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Several mechanisms of 9p21.3 in CVDs have been proposed, but their effects on CVDs have remained elusive. Moreover, most of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CAD are located on a sequence of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) called ANRIL. ANRIL has several linear and circular splicing isoforms, which seem to have different effects and implications for CVDs. The mechanisms of the 9p21.3 locus and the interplay of its coding and noncoding transcripts in different diseases require further research. Circular RNAs have generally raised interest due to their beneficial features as biomarkers and therapeutic molecules. Here, we review the literature of 9p21.3 from its identification in 2007 and draw the current knowledge on its function, implications in CVDs, and therapeutic potential.
Reliable and Timely Short‐Packet Communications in Joint Communication and Over‐the‐Air Computation Offloading Systems: Analysis and Optimization
Authors: Zhao Wei , Kong Jie , Li Baogang , Yang Qihao , Ding Yaru
Published: December 2024

This paper addressed the trade‐off between timeliness and reliability in joint communication and over‐the‐air computation offloading (JCACO) system under short‐packet communications (SPCs). The inevitable decoding errors introduced by SPC lead to errors in the data aggregation process of over‐the‐air computation (AirComp). Due to limited resources, pursuing high reliability may prevent the JCACO system from meeting delay requirements, resulting in a trade‐off between reliability and timeliness. To address this issue, this paper investigates the timeliness and reliability of the JCACO system. Specifically, the moment generating function method is used to derive the delay outage probability (DOP) of the JCACO system, and the outage probability of AirComp is calculated based on the errors that occur during its data aggregation process. The paper established an asymptotic relationship between blocklength, DOP, and AirComp outage probability (AOP). To balance timeliness and reliability, an AOP minimization problem is formulated under constraints of delay, queue stability, and limited resources based on computation offloading strategies and beamformer design. To overcome the issues of slow convergence and susceptibility to local optima in traditional algorithms, this paper proposed a stochastic successive mean‐field game (SS‐MFG) algorithm. This algorithm utilizes stochastic continuous convex approximation methods to leverage Nash equilibria among different users, achieving faster convergence to the global optimal solution. Numerical results indicate that SS‐MFG reduces AOP by up to 60%, offering up to a 20% improvement in optimization performance compared to other algorithms while also converging faster.
Handheld Dynamometer for Hamstring Strength Test Using Two Different Hand Placements/Methods: An Interrater Reliability Study
Authors: Koc Thomas A. , Tucker Jenna , Gentile Jennifer , Enriquez Carla , Lee John , Jeanty Seide , Krasowski Natalia
Published: December 2024

Background: Handheld dynamometers provide an accurate measurement of muscle strength and have been shown to have good interrater reliability. The proximal stabilization and fulcrum are two methods of manual muscle testing; however, there is uncertainty about which method may be better for obtaining muscle strength measures.

Objective: The purposes were to determine if there was a difference in hamstring strength and to determine the interrater reliability of DPT students using a handheld dynamometer when comparing the proximal stabilization and the fulcrum methods.

Methods: A descriptive‐comparative research study that examined two methods of manual muscle testing with the use of a Microfet 2 MMT‐Wireless digital handheld dynamometer. In prone, each participant was instructed to bend their knee to 90° of knee flexion, where the handheld dynamometer was placed on the lower leg for 5 s. Each technique was performed three times, and an average of the series was calculated.

Results: Twenty‐nine participants volunteered for this study. The mean scores for Raters 1 and 2 between hamstring testing using the proximal stabilization and fulcrum methods were, respectively, t(28) = −2.041, p = 0.051, and t(28) = −1.990, p = 0.056. The interrater reliability showed good reliability between Rater 1 and Rater 2 for hamstring testing for the proximal stabilization method and fulcrum methods, respectively, ICC = 0.742 (95% CI: 0.452, 0.879), p ≤ 0.001, and ICC = 0.752 (95% CI: 0.472, 0.884), p ≤ 0.001.

Conclusion: There are no statistically significant differences between the uses of these two methods in healthy adults; however, there is good interrater reliability of DPT students.
Venous Doppler Ultrasound to Guide Ultrafiltration in Hemodialysis: Practical Insights for Nephrologists
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Ronco Claudio , Kazory Amir
Published: December 2024

This is a commentary on a paper that is in the process of being published in the journal. We discuss a few points about the article and put the results in the general context of the field.
Long-term treatment for Laron syndrome with IGF-1 injection over 22 years in Saudi: A cohort study
Authors: Alashwal Abdullah Ali , Al-Fattani Areej , Ramzan Khushnooda , Imtiaz Faiqa , Binladen Amal
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the growth hormone (GH) receptor gene, resulting in GH resistance and reduced levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Patients with LS exhibit severe growth retardation, low IGF-1 levels, elevated basal GH, and poor response to GH stimulation. Recombinant IGF-1 is the only approved treatment and has been shown to improve linear growth. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy and safety of IGF-1 therapy in a large cohort of LS patients treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over 22 years.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 28 patients with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS), including 12 males and 16 females, treated with IGF-1 from 1998 to 2020. Patients were selected based on criteria including age over 2 years, height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤ -2.8, normal or elevated GH secretion (>2.5 ng/ml), IGF-1 levels < 50 ng/ml, and insensitivity to exogenous GH. IGF-1 was administered initially at 40 mcg/kg/dose subcutaneously twice daily, escalating to a maximum of 120 mcg/kg/dose as tolerated. Dosage was adjusted to minimize hypoglycemia risk, with blood glucose monitored frequently during hospitalization. In addition, molecular genetic results were reviewed for each patient in the cohort.

Results: IGF-1 treatment significantly increased height velocity from a baseline of 3.4 cm/year to 6.5 cm/year in the first year (mean difference of 3.1 cm/year, P < 0.0001). In the second year, height velocity remained elevated at 5 cm/year (mean difference of 1.6 cm/year, P = 0.0015). Long-term follow-up over 10 years demonstrated sustained improvements in height velocity compared to baseline, with the most substantial gains occurring within the initial five years. Weight standard deviation scores also showed significant improvement. Age at the start of therapy did not notably affect growth outcomes, though longer treatment durations were associated with greater growth. Ten disease-causing variants in the GHR gene were identified in 24 of the 28 LS patients.

Conclusion: IGF-1 therapy significantly enhanced linear growth in children with Laron syndrome and was generally well tolerated. Although many patients did not reach normal adult height, the growth achieved with IGF-1 treatment was markedly better than expected without therapy. This study underscores the effectiveness of IGF-1 in improving growth outcomes and highlights the need for continued longitudinal studies to optimize treatment strategies and manage potential complications.
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor 1 Gain-of-Function Increases the Risk for Cardiac Arrhythmias in Mice and Humans
Authors: Sun Bo , Ni Mingke , Li Yanhui , Song Zhenpeng , Wang Hui , Zhu Hai-Lei , Wei Jinhong , Belke Darrell , Cai Shitian , Guo Wenting , Yao Jinjing , Tian Shanshan , Estillore John Paul , Wang Ruiwu , Sondergaard Mads Toft , Brohus Malene , Rohde Palle Duun , Mu Yongxin , Vallmitjana Alexander , Benitez Raul , Hove-Madsen Leif , Overgaard Michael Toft , Fishman Glenn I. , Chen Ju , Sanatani Shubhayan , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Fill Michael , Ramos-Franco Josefina , Nyegaard Mette , Chen S.R. Wayne
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ca
2+
mishandling in cardiac Purkinje cells is a well-known cause of cardiac arrhythmias. The Purkinje cell resident inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (ITPR1) is believed to play an important role in Ca
2+
handling, and ITPR1 gain-of-function (GOF) has been implicated in cardiac arrhythmias. However, nearly all known disease-associated ITPR1 variants are loss-of-function and are primarily linked to neurological disorders. Whether ITPR1 GOF has pathological consequences, such as cardiac arrhythmias, is unclear. This study aimed to identify human ITPR1 GOF variants and determine the impact of ITPR1 GOF on Ca
2+
handling and arrhythmia susceptibility.

METHODS:

There are a large number of rare ITPR1 missense variants reported in open data repositories. Based on their locations in the ITPR1 channel structure, we selected and characterized 33 human ITPR1 missense variants from open databases and identified 21 human ITPR1 GOF variants. We generated a mouse model carrying a human ITPR1 GOF variant, ITPR1-W1457G (W1447G in mice).

RESULTS:

We showed that the ITPR1-W1447G
±
and recently reported ITPR1-D2594K
±
GOF mutant mice were susceptible to stress-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Confocal Ca
2+
and voltage imaging in situ in heart slices and Ca
2+
imaging and patch-clamp recordings of isolated Purkinje cells showed that ITPR1-W1447G
±
and ITPR1-D2594K
±
variants increased the occurrence of stress-induced spontaneous Ca
2+
release, delayed afterdepolarization, and triggered activity in Purkinje cells. To assess the potential role of ITPR1 variants in arrhythmia susceptibility in humans, we looked up a gene-based association study in the UK Biobank data set and identified 7 rare ITPR1 missense variants showing potential association with cardiac arrhythmias. Remarkably, in vitro functional characterization revealed that all these 7 ITPR1 variants resulted in GOF.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our studies in mice and humans reveal that enhanced function of ITPR1, a well-known movement disorder gene, increases the risk for cardiac arrhythmias.
The Antecedents of Obligation to Obey and Cooperation With Police: The Views of African Immigrant Women in the United States
Authors: Chenane Joselyne L. , Pryce Daniel K.
Published: December 2024

Assessing immigrant attitudes toward the police is becoming increasingly important because of increased migration from African nations to the West. Thus, this study examines the impact of procedural justice and other cognate concepts on the obligation to obey and willingness to cooperate with the police in a sample of African immigrant women domiciled in the United States. To have a better understanding of the antecedents of obligation to obey and willingness to cooperate with police, we analyze data collected in 2019 from African immigrant women living in the United States ( N = 478). Our results show that participants who believe that the police practice procedural justice and distributive justice, participants who believe that a high number of African immigrant women experience intimate partner violence, and participants who believe that, compared to the police in Africa, U.S. police officers do a good job responding to intimate partner violence have a stronger sense of obligation to obey the police. In addition, participants who believe that the police are procedurally just are more willing to cooperate with the police. We point out the implications of our findings for police-immigrant relations, future research, and public policy.
Triplet Network for One-Shot Raman Spectrum Recognition
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Pu , Zhao Wei , Ren Wenzhen , Zhu Xiangping , Jiao Ying , Liao Qi , Yao Zhen
Published: December 2024

Raman spectroscopy is widely used for material detection due to its specificity, but its application to spectral recognition often faces limitations due to insufficient training data, unlike fields such as image recognition. Traditional machine learning or basic neural networks are commonly used, but they have limited ability to achieve high precision. We have proposed a novel approach that combines the Triplet network (TN) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) techniques to address this issue. TN maps the Raman spectral sequences to a 128-dimensional Euclidean space to extract features, enabling the features in the new space to more accurately represent the similarities or differences between spectra, and then utilizes the KNN algorithm to perform classification tasks in this feature space. Our method exhibits superior performance in recognizing unknown Raman spectra with minimal training samples per class. We employed a handheld Raman spectrometer with an excitation wavelength of 785 nm to collect the Raman spectra of 36 samples, including 28 safe materials and eight hazardous materials. Using only one spectrum as a support set for each category, the hazardous samples were successfully distinguished from the safe samples with an accuracy of 99.6%. Additionally, our model offers adaptability without requiring exhaustive retraining when adding new prediction classes. In situations with high background fluorescence, the TN performs better in measuring the distance between spectra of the same class than traditional distance measurement methods.
Callous-Unemotional Traits and Cyber Deviance: An Assessment Using Data From College Students in India
Authors: Joo Sung Hwan , Nedelec Joseph L.
Published: December 2024

With growing attention toward cybercrime, researchers have increasingly assessed how individual differences such as personality may impact antisocial behaviors online. In general, research has highlighted that callousness and other traits indicative of reduced empathy increase the likelihood of engaging in cyber deviance. However, much of the existing literature has primarily been based on Western samples. To further probe the influence of personality traits on cyber deviance beyond Western samples, the current study employed self-reported data from university students in India ( n = 611). The study evaluated associations between callous-unemotional (C-U) traits and deviant behaviors in cyberspace (unauthorized access, password fraud, and malicious hacking). Overall, the results were mixed, but the findings illustrated that C-U traits appear to be associated with engaging in aspects of cyber deviance. Notably, however, callous-unemotional traits were not associated with malicious hacking in any of the models. The discussion focuses on how the current study adds to the relevant individual personality differences and cyber deviance literature. Suggestions for future research in this burgeoning area are also provided.
Relevance of Accrual Accounting for Indian Railways
Authors: Jain Manjusha
Published: December 2024

Recognising the need for transparency and accountability to build stake-holders’ confidence, public service organisations worldwide have been undergoing administrative and accounting reforms, the latter leading to a shift to accrual accounting system. Financial reports produced through accrual accounting are valuable inputs for strategic business decisions for organisations while providing credibility and transparency to the accounts for external stakeholders.

Subsequent to the implementation of accrual accounting in the Indian Railways (IRs), for the first time ever in a Ministry of the Government of India, financial statements were prepared in universally acceptable commercial format to reflect its true and complete financial health and will further facilitate the introduction of the crucial performance costing system in IR. A paradigm shift in its account-keeping in conformity to international standards and incisive costing is expected to secure better business standards and financial returns for the mammoth commercial organisation.