bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical quantum phase transitions following double quenches: persistence of the initial state vs dynamical phases
Authors: Cheraghi Hadi , Sedlmayr Nicholas
Published: October 2023

Dynamical quantum phase transitions (DQPTs) can occur following quenches in quantum systems when the rate function, a dynamical analogue of the free energy, becomes non-analytic at critical times. Here we exhaustively investigate in an exemplary model how the dynamically evolving state responds to a second quench. We demonstrate that for quenches where the initial and final Hamiltonian belong to different phases always result in DQPTs, irrespective of the intermediate quench and dynamics or the time of the second quench. However, if the initial and final Hamiltonian belong to the same equilibrium phase then the intermediate Hamiltonian must belong to a different phase. In this case, the second quench time in relation to the critical times of the first quench becomes crucial to the existence of DQPTs.
High-efficiency oil/water separation by simple fabrication of superhydrophobic nanocomposite (Zno-SiO2) coating mesh
Authors: Majeed Ali N , Sabry Raad S , Abid Muslim A
Published: October 2023

Environmental sustainability and human health are globally imperilled by oil-contaminated water resulting from oil spill disasters or industrial disposal. Superhydrophobic materials have gained increasing attention in oil–water separation to fulfil the ever-growing need for highly effective oil–water separation. Due to the regeneration ability of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2), superhydrophobic/superolephilic nanocomposite (ZnO-SiO2) was created using a new, simple flame treatment procedure. ZnO(NRs) was coated on stainless steel mesh via water bath deposition method and modified with silicon rubber ( RTV-SR) solution. The mesh coated exhibited an excellent superhydrophobic surface with water at a contact angle 168±1°, a sliding angle 3.5° and superolephilic with oil contact angle OCA (0°). The x-ray diffraction, contact angle measurement, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to describe the coated mesh surface. Kerosene-water, diesel oil–water mixtures and sunflower oil–water are successfully separated by the simple filtering method using the coated mesh with a separation efficiency of 96%.
On the possibility of using quantum annealers to solve problems of computational materials science
Authors: Maletin Nikolay V , Dremov Vladimir V , Klebanov Igor I
Published: October 2023

A promising area of application of quantum computing is computational materials science. In addition to the actively discussed use of quantum computers as simulators for modeling quantum systems, the possibility of using quantum computing to solve the problems of determining the parameters of model multiparameter potentials of intermolecular interaction is of great interest. Especially attractive for these purposes is the method of quantum annealing, as currently the most developed quantum computing technology to solve complex optimization problems. As a first step, the paper presents the algorithms developed for determining the parameters of two classical potentials—Lennard-Jones and Buckingham, designed for implementation on a quantum annealer. We demonstrate mathematical methods for the development of such algorithms. One of them seems to be worthy for the further development and promising for solving more complex problems. Also, we evaluate the scalability of the presented algorithms and justify the possibility of their practical implementation on the current version of the D-Wave quantum annealer.
3D muscle networks based on vibrational mechanomyography
Authors: Mancero Castillo C Sebastian , Atashzar S Farokh , Vaidyanathan Ravi
Published: October 2023

Objective. Muscle network modeling maps synergistic control during complex motor tasks. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) is key to isolate synchronization underlying coupling in such neuromuscular control. Model inputs, however, rely on electromyography, which can limit the depth of muscle and spatial information acquisition across muscle fibers. Approach. We introduce three-dimensional (3D) muscle networks based on vibrational mechanomyography (vMMG) and IMC analysis to evaluate the functional co-modulation of muscles across frequency bands in concert with the longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions of muscle fibers. vMMG is collected from twenty subjects using a bespoke armband of accelerometers while participants perform four hand gestures. IMC from four superficial muscles (flexor carpi radialis, brachioradialis, extensor digitorum communis, and flexor carpi ulnaris) is decomposed using matrix factorization into three frequency bands. We further evaluate the practical utility of the proposed technique by analyzing the network responses to various sensor-skin contact force levels, studying changes in quality, and discriminative power of vMMG. Main results. Results show distinct topological differences, with coherent coupling as high as 57% between specific muscle pairs, depending on the frequency band, gesture, and direction. No statistical decrease in signal strength was observed with higher contact force. Significance. Results support the usability vMMG as a tool for muscle connectivity analyses and demonstrate the use of IMC as a new feature space for hand gesture classification. Comparison of spectrotemporal and muscle network properties between levels of force support the robustness of vMMG-based network models to variations in tissue compression. We argue 3D models of vMMG-based muscle networks provide a new foundation for studying synergistic muscle activation, particularly in out-of-clinic scenarios where electrical recording is impractical.
Audio-induced medial prefrontal cortical dynamics enhances coadaptive learning in brain–machine interfaces
Authors: Tan Jieyuan , Zhang Xiang , Wu Shenghui , Song Zhiwei , Chen Shuhang , Huang Yifan , Wang Yiwen
Published: October 2023

Objectives. Coadaptive brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) allow subjects and external devices to adapt to each other during the closed-loop control, which provides a promising solution for paralyzed individuals. Previous studies have focused on either improving sensory feedback to facilitate subject learning or developing adaptive algorithms to maintain stable decoder performance. In this work, we aim to design an efficient coadaptive BMI framework which not only facilitates the learning of subjects on new tasks with designed sensory feedback, but also improves decoders’ learning ability by extracting sensory feedback-induced evaluation information. Approach. We designed dynamic audio feedback during the trial according to the subjects’ performance when they were trained to learn a new behavioral task. We compared the learning performance of two groups of Sprague Dawley rats, one with and the other without the designed audio feedback to show whether this audio feedback could facilitate the subjects’ learning. Compared with the traditional closed-loop in BMI systems, an additional closed-loop involving medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity was introduced into the coadaptive framework. The neural dynamics of audio-induced mPFC activity was analyzed to investigate whether a significant neural response could be triggered. This audio-induced response was then translated into reward expectation information to guide the learning of decoders on a new task. The multiday decoding performance of the decoders with and without audio-induced reward expectation was compared to investigate whether the extracted information could accelerate decoders to learn a new task. Main results. The behavior performance comparison showed that the average days for rats to achieve 80% well-trained behavioral performance was improved by 26.4% after introducing the designed audio feedback sequence. The analysis of neural dynamics showed that a significant neural response of mPFC activity could be elicited by the audio feedback and the visualization of audio-induced neural patterns was emerged and accompanied by the behavioral improvement of subjects. The multiday decoding performance comparison showed that the decoder taking the reward expectation information could achieve faster task learning by 33.8% on average across subjects. Significance. This study demonstrates that the designed audio feedback could improve the learning of subjects and the mPFC activity induced by audio feedback can be utilized to improve the decoder’s learning efficiency on new tasks. The coadaptive framework involving mPFC dynamics in the closed-loop interaction can advance the BMIs into a more adaptive and efficient system with learning ability on new tasks.
The correlation parameter of renewal processes and structures with positive and negative periodicity
Authors: Chichigina O A
Published: October 2023

The correlation parameter (CP) as a generalization of the concepts of correlation time and correlation length is calculated for the renewal point structure by studying the spectral density. This structure is a generalization of the renewal process and is characterized by the probability distribution of distances between neighboring points. These distances can be negative. A non-monotonic dependence of the CP on the periodicity parameter is obtained. The results of calculating CPs using spectral densities for various renewal structures are in good agreement with the results of the general formula for quasi-symmetric distributions.
Polarons in binary Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Liu Ning , Tu Z C
Published: October 2023

Bose polarons are quasiparticles formed through the interaction between impurities and Bose–Einstein condensates. In this paper, we derive an effective Fröhlich Hamiltonian using the generalized Bogoliubov transformation. The effective Fröhlich Hamiltonian encompasses two types of effective interactions: impurity-density (ID) coupling and impurity-spin (IS) coupling. Furthermore, we employ the Lee–Low–Pines variational approach to investigate the relevant properties of Bose polarons induced by the ID and IS coupling. These properties include the ground state energy, effective mass, and average number of virtual phonons. Our findings reveal that the contribution resulting from IS couplings to the ground energy decreases to zero near the miscible–immiscible boundary. Additionally, the increase of the IS coupling induces a greater number of virtual phonons, impeding the movement of impurities and leading to a significant increase in the effective mass of Bose polarons.
Development of proton beam irradiation system for the NA65/DsTau experiment
Authors: Aoki Shigeki , Ariga Akitaka , Ariga Tomoko , Charitonidis Nikolaos , Dmitrievsky Sergey , Dobre Radu , Firu Elena , Gornushkin Yury , Guler Ali Murat , Hayakawa Daiki , Kodama Koichi , Komatsu Masahiro , Kose Umut , Miloi Mădălina-Mihaela , Miura Manato , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Nakano Toshiyuki , Neagu Alina-Tania , Okumura Toranosuke , Oz Canay , Rokujo Hiroki , Sato Osamu , Vasina Svetlana , Yoshida Junya , Yoshimoto Masahiro , Yuksel Emin ,   The DsTau collaboration
Published: October 2023

Tau neutrino is the least studied lepton of the Standard
Model (SM). The NA65/DsTau experiment targets to investigate
Ds
, the parent particle of the ντ
, using the nuclear
emulsion-based detector and to decrease the systematic uncertainty
of ντ
flux prediction from over 50 % to 10 % for future
beam dump experiments. In the experiment, the emulsion detectors
are exposed to the CERN SPS 400 GeV proton beam. To provide
optimal conditions for the reconstruction of interactions, the
protons are required to be uniformly distributed over the detector's
surface with an average density of 105 cm-2 and the
fluctuation of less than 10%. To address this issue, we developed
a new proton irradiation system called the target mover. The new
target mover provided irradiation with a proton density of
1.01 × 105 cm-2 and the density fluctuation of
1.9 ± 0.3% in the DsTau 2021 run.
The value of reducing the Green Premium: cost-saving innovation, emissions abatement, and climate goals
Authors: Caldeira Ken , Duan Lei , Moreno-Cruz Juan
Published: October 2023

Carbon-emitting technologies often cost less than carbon-emission-free alternatives; this difference in cost is known as the Green Premium. Innovations that decrease the Green Premium contribute to achieving climate goals, but a conceptual framework to quantify that contribution has been lacking. Here, we devise a framework to translate reductions in the Green Premium into equivalent reductions in carbon emissions. We introduce a new integrated assessment model designed for teaching and communication, the Climate Optimized INvestment model, to facilitate transparent investigation of cost-saving innovation. We look at consequences of introducing a new technology with potential for learning and improvement for scenarios with three levels of stringency of carbon constraint: an Unlimited budget scenario in which carbon emissions abatement is determined only by balancing marginal costs; a Large budget scenario with a maximum budget for future cumulative emissions equivalent to 50 times the initial-year emissions; and a Small budget scenario with a maximum budget for future cumulative emissions equivalent to 15 times the initial-year emissions. At all of these stringency levels, we find the least-cost solutions involve investing in a learning subsidy to bring the cost of the new technology down the learning curve. Reducing the Green Premium can lead to enhanced carbon abatement, lower abatement costs even after reaching net-zero emissions, less climate damage, and increased net-present-value of consumption. We find both the value of Green Premium reductions and the value of carbon dioxide removal are greater under more stringent mitigation targets. Our study suggests a crucial role for both public and private sectors in promoting and developing innovations that can contribute to achieving zero emissions goals.
A - 50 Examining NfL as a Moderator for APOE Status and Cognitive Dispersion
Authors: Hawley Nanako A , Myers Melissa A , Pizer Jasmin H , Ikonomou Vasilios C , Wagaman Bailey , Campbell Ivan , O'Bryant Sid , Hill Benjamin D
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cognitive intra-individual variability (IIV) dispersion, a measure of variability across multiple tasks, has been associated with cognitive decline. Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) is a known biomarker for several neurodegenerative diseases and reflects disease severity. Apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4) gene is a biomarker known to increase the risk of dementia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive IIV and biomarkers with established relationships to dementia in a diverse older sample.

Method

Data was collected as a part of the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities (HABS-HD) study, a project examining biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease across diverse populations within a health disparities framework. IIV on neuropsychological test performance was calculated for each participant (n = 1621) as the coefficient of variation (CoV). A moderation test employing Hayes’ process model was run, with APOE ε4 status as the predictor, IIV as the dependent variable, and NfL as a moderator.

Results

Hayes PROCESS model 1 evaluated the moderating role of APOE ε4 status on the relationships between NfL and IIV. There was a significant interaction found between NfL and APOE ε4 status, (p = 0.0005). The total model was significant but only accounted for approximately 0.74% of the variance in IIV (R^2 = 0.007, SE = 0.001, p < 0.001). A larger moderation effect was found in APOE ε4 carriers.

Conclusions

We found a small effect for biomarkers predicting cognitive IIV. The effect of NfL on IIV was partially moderated by APOE ε4 status. This relation between IIV and biomarkers should be examined in samples with greater symptom severity.
YTHDF2 promotes DNA damage repair by positively regulating the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 in spermatogonia
Authors: Guo Ming , Li Xueliang , Li Tianjiao , Liu Ruifang , Pang Weijun , Luo Jun , Zeng Wenxian , Zheng Yi
Published: October 2023

Genomic integrity is critical for sexual reproduction, ensuring correct transmission of parental genetic information to the descendant. To preserve genomic integrity, germ cells have evolved multiple DNA repair mechanisms, together termed as DNA damage response. The RNA N6-methyladenosine is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which plays important roles in DNA damage response, and YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2) is a well-acknowledged N6-methyladenosine reader protein regulating the mRNA decay and stress response. Despite this, the correlation between YTHDF2 and DNA damage response in germ cells, if any, remains enigmatic. Here, by employing a Ythdf2-conditional knockout mouse model as well as a Ythdf2-null GC-1 mouse spermatogonial cell line, we explored the role and the underlying mechanism for YTHDF2 in spermatogonial DNA damage response. We identified that, despite no evident testicular morphological abnormalities under the normal circumstance, conditional mutation of Ythdf2 in adult male mice sensitized germ cells, including spermatogonia, to etoposide-induced DNA damage. Consistently, Ythdf2-KO GC-1 cells displayed increased sensitivity and apoptosis in response to DNA damage, accompanied by the decreased SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1, a histone methyltransferase) and H3K9me3 levels. The Setdb1 knockdown in GC-1 cells generated a similar phenotype, but its overexpression in Ythdf2-null GC-1 cells alleviated the sensitivity and apoptosis in response to DNA damage. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF2 promotes DNA damage repair by positively regulating the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 in spermatogonia, which provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying spermatogonial genome integrity maintenance and therefore contributes to safe reproduction.
Basal forebrain activity predicts functional degeneration in the entorhinal cortex in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mieling Marthe , Göttlich Martin , Yousuf Mushfa , Bunzeck Nico
Published: October 2023

Recent models of Alzheimer’s disease suggest the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NbM) as an early origin of structural degeneration followed by the entorhinal cortex (EC). However, the functional properties of NbM and EC regarding amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated tau remain unclear. We analysed resting-state functional fMRI data with CSF assays from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (n = 71) at baseline and 2 years later. At baseline, local activity, as quantified by fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, differentiated between normal and abnormal CSF groups in the NbM but not EC. Further, NbM activity linearly decreased as a function of CSF ratio, resembling the disease status. Finally, NbM activity predicted the annual percentage signal change in EC, but not the reverse, independent from CSF ratio. Our findings give novel insights into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease by showing that local activity in NbM is affected by proteinopathology and predicts functional degeneration within the EC.
Post-implementation optimization of medication alerts in hospital computerized provider order entry systems: a scoping review
Authors: Ledger Thomas Stephen , Brooke-Cowden Kalissa , Coiera Enrico
Published: October 2023

Objectives

A scoping review identified interventions for optimizing hospital medication alerts post-implementation, and characterized the methods used, the populations studied, and any effects of optimization.

Materials and Methods

A structured search was undertaken in the MEDLINE and Embase databases, from inception to August 2023. Articles providing sufficient information to determine whether an intervention was conducted to optimize alerts were included in the analysis. Snowball analysis was conducted to identify additional studies.

Results

Sixteen studies were identified. Most were based in the United States and used a wide range of clinical software. Many studies used inpatient cohorts and conducted more than one intervention during the trial period. Alert types studied included drug–drug interactions, drug dosage alerts, and drug allergy alerts. Six types of interventions were identified: alert inactivation, alert severity reclassification, information provision, use of contextual information, threshold adjustment, and encounter suppression. The majority of interventions decreased alert quantity and enhanced alert acceptance. Alert quantity decreased with alert inactivation by 1%-25.3%, and with alert severity reclassification by 1%-16.5% in 6 of 7 studies. Alert severity reclassification increased alert acceptance by 4.2%-50.2% and was associated with a 100% acceptance rate for high-severity alerts when implemented. Clinical errors reported in 4 studies were seen to remain stable or decrease.

Discussion

Post-implementation medication optimization interventions have positive effects for clinicians when applied in a variety of settings. Less well reported are the impacts of these interventions on the clinical care of patients, and how endpoints such as alert quantity contribute to changes in clinician and pharmacist perceptions of alert fatigue.

Conclusion

Well conducted alert optimization can reduce alert fatigue by reducing overall alert quantity, improving clinical acceptance, and enhancing clinical utility.
Imaging Preferences in Women With a History of Breast Cancer Receiving Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Authors: Moravia Lyndia P , Mosaddhegi Julie , Mehta Tejas S , Qureshi Muhammad M , Phillips Jordana
Published: October 2023

Objective

There is interest in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to screen breast cancer survivors, yet it is unclear whether they would accept CEM as their annual exam. The purpose of this study was to understand patient preferences to guide CEM implementation for screening.

Methods

Consecutive women with breast cancer history who had CEM as their annual mammogram from July 2020 to August 2021 at a single academic institution completed an 18-question survey regarding prior contrast imaging, CEM experience, and comparison to other breast imaging exams. Response proportions were calculated, and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate associations of demographics with responses.

Results

A total of 78% (104/133) of women undergoing CEM provided results. Most were satisfied with CEM (99%, 103/104), had nothing to complain about (87%, 90/104), did not find CEM anxiety provoking (69%, 72/104), felt comfortable having contrast for annual imaging (94%, 98/104), were willing to accept the small risk of a contrast reaction if CEM would find their cancer (93%, 97/104), and would like to have CEM for their exam next year (95%, 99/104). Compared with mammography, 23% (24/104) reported CEM was a better experience, and 63% (66/104) reported CEM was about the same. Of those who had prior MRI, the majority reported CEM was better (53%, 29/55) and would prefer CEM if both MRI and CEM had an equal chance of detecting cancer (73%, 41/56). Most preferences did not differ significantly according to demographics.

Conclusion

Most women surveyed considered CEM to be satisfactory and preferred compared to other breast screening modalities.
tRFtarget 2.0: expanding the targetome landscape of transfer RNA-derived fragments
Authors: Li Ningshan , Yao Siqiong , Yu Guangjun , Lu Lingeng , Wang Zuoheng
Published: October 2023

tRFtarget 1.0 (http://trftarget.net/) is a platform consolidating both computationally predicted and experimentally validated binding sites between transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and target genes (or transcripts) across multiple organisms. Here, we introduce a newly released version of tRFtarget 2.0, in which we integrated 6 additional tRF sources, resulting in a comprehensive collection of 2614 high-quality tRF sequences spanning across 9 species, including 1944 Homo sapiens tRFs and one newly incorporated species Rattus norvegicus. We also expanded target genes by including ribosomal RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and coding genes >50 kb in length. The predicted binding sites have surged up to approximately 6 billion, a 20.5-fold increase than that in tRFtarget 1.0. The manually curated publications relevant to tRF targets have increased to 400 and the gene-level experimental evidence has risen to 232. tRFtarget 2.0 introduces several new features, including a web-based tool that identifies potential binding sites of tRFs in user's own datasets, integration of standardized tRF IDs, and inclusion of external links to contents within the database. Additionally, we enhanced website framework and user interface. With these improvements, tRFtarget 2.0 is more user-friendly, providing researchers a streamlined and comprehensive platform to accelerate their research progress.
Awareness and Perceptions of US Food and Drug Administration’s JUUL Marketing Denial Order: A National Study of US Adolescents
Authors: Rams Alissa , D. Kowitt Sarah , Ritchie Caroline , Sutfin Erin L , Sheeran Paschal , Noar Seth M
Published: October 2023

Introduction

We examined awareness and perceptions of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) JUUL marketing denial order (MDO) that occurred in June 2022 among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents.

Aims and Methods

Data were collected in August 2022 via an online survey (n = 1603). Adolescents were asked whether they had heard about the JUUL MDO, and, if yes, where they heard the news. Those who had heard were asked about the MDO’s impact on their harm beliefs about JUUL and vape products in general. We examined correlates of awareness of the MDO and of increased JUUL and vape harm perceptions.

Results

Twenty-seven percent of adolescents had heard about the MDO. Older adolescents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.13) and LGBTQ+ adolescents (aOR = 2.05) had significantly higher odds of having heard the news, while those who identified as Black or African American had significantly lower odds of having heard (aOR = 0.56). Most participants who were aware of the MDO indicated that they had higher harm perceptions about JUUL itself (77.9%) and vapes in general (79.6%). Youths susceptible to vaping and current users were less likely to report increased harm perceptions about JUUL (B = −0.34 and −0.46, respectively) and vapes in general (B = −0.27 and −0.43) compared with youth not susceptible to vaping.

Conclusions

The results of this nationally representative survey demonstrate that over one-quarter of US youth heard about the JUUL MDO and the vast majority of those indicated increased harm perceptions about vapes. Large-scale news events about vaping can reach youth audiences and may impact what youth think about the harms of vaping.

Implications

Analysis of a nationally representative survey of adolescents aged 13–17 revealed that more than 25% had heard about the marketing denial order issued to JUUL Labs by the FDA in June of 2022. We also found that the vast majority of adolescents reported increased JUUL and vape harm perceptions in response to hearing about the MDO. This indicates that news coverage about vaping—including coverage of regulatory actions—can reach and potentially impact adolescents. It is therefore important to monitor news coverage about vaping, how it is framed and discussed across media platforms, and its reach among priority populations.
Baseline micronucleus frequencies and 60Co cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay dose–response curve for biodosimetry in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Ngoc Duy , Tran Thanh Mai , Anderson Donovan , Che Quang Tuan , Pham Ho Thuat Khoa
Published: October 2023

This study aims to establish baseline micronucleus (MN) frequencies from various populations of residents in Vietnam and develop a 60Co dose–response curve for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Blood samples were exposed in vitro to a 60Co source at a dose rate of 275 mGy per min in a range of 0.1 to 4.0 Gy. MN background frequencies were 4.5 ± 3.2, 7.3 ± 4.6, 7.0 ± 3.8 and 13.1 ± 6.7 in 1000 binucleated (BN) cells for 96 healthy donors, 22 male radiation workers and 12 breast cancer patients, respectively. Blood samples from three healthy donors were used to generate the MN dose–response curve: y = C + (0.0496 ± 0.0069)D + (0.0143 ± 0.0026)D2. This curve was verified through an inter-laboratory comparison (RENEB ILC 2021). Our findings highlight the significance of the CBMN assay as an additional essential tool for biodosimetry in Vietnam.
Cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in children with cerebral malaria
Authors: Prasad Rajniti , Patel Raghvendra Singh , Mishra S P , Singh Ankur , Abhinay Abhishek , Singh Tej Bali
Published: October 2023

This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in children with cerebral malaria (CM) and its role in the differentiation of CM from non-cerebral severe malaria. CSF TNF-α was measured using a human TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit of 39 cases of CM and 19 cases of non-cerebral severe malaria. CSF TNF-α levels were significantly higher in CM (p < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, a cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 5.7 pg/ml for diagnosis of CM with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.2%, 94.7%, 97.1% and 78.3% respectively. The cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 13.7 pg/ml for predicting adverse outcomes in CM with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%, 96.8%, 88.9% and 100%, respectively. However, the cutoff value of CSF TNF-α was 4.96 pg/ml for predicting adverse outcomes in non-cerebral severe malaria with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%, 94.1%, 88.9% and 100% respectively. So, CSF TNF-α is an excellent biomarker and can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. More studies are needed to establish CSF TNF-α as a predictor of neurological sequelae.
Seasonal Variation in Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Titer in Relation to Disease Symptom Expression in Vineyards
Authors: Flasco Madison , Hoyle Victoria , Powell Garner , Seiter Jacob , Wise Alice , Cieniewicz Elizabeth J. , Fuchs Marc
Published: October 2023

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is the causative agent of red blotch disease. Limited information is available on the seasonal variation of GRBV titer in relation to disease symptom expression in vineyards across the United States. In this study, no statistically significant difference in GRBV titer was found among asymptomatic infected vines in June ( P = 0.451) and among symptomatic infected vines in October ( P = 0.068) in a diseased ‘Cabernet franc’ vineyard in California, regardless of the years symptomatic, one to seven, as shown by qPCR. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in GRBV titer as it related to isolates of the two phylogenetic clades in asymptomatic infected ‘Cabernet franc’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ vines in June ( P = 0.138 and P = 0.778, respectively) and in symptomatic infected vines in October ( P = 0.806 and P = 0.490, respectively). GRBV titer differed among cultivars in diseased California vineyards ( P < 0.001) and increased over the course of the growing season in infected ‘Merlot’ and ‘Cabernet franc’ vines, but not in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ vines. Patterns observed in California were consistent in New York and Georgia vineyards. In a Geneva double curtain-trellised ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ vineyard in Georgia, GRBV distribution was uneven between cordons, and virus titer was variable within the vine canopy in June ( P = 0.017) but not in October ( P = 0.107). This work revealed consistent patterns of GRBV titer during a growing season in different vineyards across the United States. It also highlighted relatively high virus titer in symptomless grapevines in June, when Spissistilus festinus-mediated GRBV transmission is documented in northern California.
Surgical Management of Iatrogenic Nerve Root Palsy: Cervical Root
Authors: Emamhadi Mohammadreza , Alijani Babak , Dogahe Mohammad Haghani , Emamhadi Amirreza
Published: October 2023

Management of permanent iatrogenic cervical nerve root palsy is a challenge faced by spine surgeons. Reconstructive surgery using nerve transfer has shown great hope in restoring somatosensory injuries such as iatrogenic cervical nerve root palsy. Nerve transfer is justified by using less important donor nerves to regain major function. Nerve transfers are cost-effective procedures increasingly used to treat central and peripheral nervous system injuries. This article provides a comprehensive reanimation strategy to restore lost functions after iatrogenic cervical nerve root palsy. After reading this article, the trainers should explain the importance of surgical reconstruction after iatrogenic cervical nerve root palsy; they should manage preoperative assessments, address various nerve transfers based on the level of injury and pattern of paralysis, and plan for postoperative rehabilitation strategy.
Effect of Propofol on Heart Rate and Its Coupling to Cortical Slow Waves in Humans
Authors: Fabus Marco S. , Sleigh Jamie W. , Warnaby Catherine E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Propofol causes significant cardiovascular depression and a slowing of neurophysiological activity. However, literature on its effect on the heart rate remains mixed, and it is not known whether cortical slow waves are related to cardiac activity in propofol anesthesia.

Methods

The authors performed a secondary analysis of electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic data collected as part of a previously published study where n = 16 healthy volunteers underwent a slow infusion of propofol up to an estimated effect-site concentration of 4 µg/ml. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and individual slow electroencephalographic waves were extracted for each subject. Timing between slow-wave start and the preceding R-wave was tested against a uniform random surrogate. Heart rate data were further examined as a post hoc analysis in n = 96 members of an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status II/III older clinical population collected as part of the AlphaMax trial.

Results

The slow propofol infusion increased the heart rate in a dose-dependent manner (mean ± SD, increase of +4.2 ± 1.5 beats/min/[μg ml−1]; P < 0.001). The effect was smaller but still significant in the older clinical population. In healthy volunteers, propofol decreased the electrocardiogram R-wave amplitude (median [25th to 75th percentile], decrease of –83 [–245 to –28] μV; P < 0.001). Heart rate variability showed a loss of high-frequency parasympathetic activity. Individual cortical slow waves were coupled to the heartbeat. Heartbeat incidence peaked about 450 ms before slow-wave onset, and mean slow-wave frequency correlated with mean heart rate.

Conclusions

The authors observed a robust increase in heart rate with increasing propofol concentrations in healthy volunteers and patients. This was likely due to decreased parasympathetic cardioinhibition. Similar to non-rapid eye movement sleep, cortical slow waves are coupled to the cardiac rhythm, perhaps due to a common brainstem generator.

Editor’s Perspective

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What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Reinvestigating the Perceptions of Annual Skin Cancer Screening Scale: a suitable measure for older adults
Authors: Howard Matt C
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The Perceptions of Annual Skin Cancer Screening Scale (PASCSS) explains significant variance in whether people undergo annual clinical skin cancer screening beyond other relevant predictors. When developing the PASCSS, the author only tested its psychometric properties and validity with participants representative of the general USA population, despite the particular relevance of annual clinical skin cancer screenings to at-risk populations, namely, older adults. We reanalyze the PASCSS using a sample of older adults.

Methods

We conducted a three-wave survey study (n = 237) with each wave separated by one week. Demographic information was recorded at Time 1. The PASCSS was administered at Time 2. Outcomes were measured at Time 3.

Results

The model fit of our confirmatory factor analysis met or closely approached traditional cutoffs, and each item loaded very strongly onto its respective latent factor. These PASCSS’s dimensions together explained an additional 38% of variance in dermatologist screening and 37% of variance in any medical professional screening beyond our control variables (both P < 0.01). The dimension of Unknowledgeable was statistically significant in predicting dermatologist screening (P = 0.03), whereas the three dimensions of Forget, Recommended, and Unknowledgeable were statistically significant in predicting any medical professional screening (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results supported the psychometric properties and validity of the PASCSS, and we showed that the dimensions significantly relate to whether participants received a clinical skin cancer screening in the past year. The current investigation supports that the PASCSS is appropriate to administer to older adults.
The illness perceptions of patients with percutaneous coronary intervention compared to patients with no percutaneous intervention, for acute myocardial infarction, in cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: McCallum Craig J. , Stewart Katy , MacIntyre Paul D.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Patients who receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been found to have low attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR). It has been suggested that this is because PCI patients have a benign perception of their coronary disease; however, this has never been quantitatively investigated. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the illness perceptions (IP) of patients with AMI treated with PCI.

Methods

The Heart Health Illness Perception Questionnaire (modified version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire) and the Cardiac Beliefs Questionnaire were used to assess patients’ IP and cardiac disease misconceptions, respectively. Patients in phase 2 of CR were recruited from the Royal Alexandria Hospital, Paisley, UK. One hundred two patients were identified from the cardiac unit database over a 16-week period and sent questionnaires.

Results

Fifty-six patients returned questionnaires suitable for analysis (54.9% response rate). There was a significant difference in the IP scores of the 3 groups [primary-PCI (pPCI) = 0.18 ± 1.44, elective-PCI = 5.27 ± 15.65, non-PCI = 9.94 ± 11.19; P = 0.046]. PCI patients had a significantly lower IP score than non-PCI patients (PCI = 1.62 ± 12.76, non-PCI = 9.94 ± 11.19; P = 0.027). pPCI patients had a significantly lower IP score than non-pPCI patients (pPCI = 0.18 ± 11.44, non-pPCI = 8.04 ± 13.11; P = 0.021). Of the PCI patients 22.9% agreed they were ‘fixed for life’ and a lower IP score was found to predict this opinion (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

PCI patients, particularly pPCI patients, perceive their coronary disease to be relatively benign. Further research is required to investigate if this predicts poor attendance at CR.
Naples score is associated with SYNTAX Score in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Oner Ender , Kahraman Serkan , Agus Hicaz Zencirkiran , Guner Ahmet , Dogan Arda Can , Yildiz Muhammed Mustafa , Erturk Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Naples Score (NS) predicts adverse outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, but the relationship between NS and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with STEMI has not been studied. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of NS at admission in predicting SYNTAX Score (SS).

Method

We gathered the data from 499 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2018 and September 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: low SS group (≤22) and intermediate to high SS group (>22). NS was calculated for both groups besides baseline clinical and demographic variables.

Results

NS was higher in the intermediate to high SS group and the SS was increasing as the NS escalates. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the NS was an independent predictor of intermediate to high SS. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between SS and NS.

Conclusion

Presentation NS predicts CAD complexity in patients with STEMI.
High sustained virologic response rates, regardless of race or socioeconomic class, in patients treated with chronic hepatitis C in community practice using a specialized pharmacy team
Authors: Kuwelker Saatchi , Tsai Eugenia , Kuo Lily , Kim Jae , Van Frank Timothy , Mitchell Robert , Ramirez Ruben , Guerrero Richard , Hanysak Bryan , Landaverde Carmen , Rodas Fabian , Lawitz Eric , Basra Tamneet , Nguyen Harry , Christensen Kim , Vaughn Clarissa , Hinojosa Kim , Olvera Nina , Caraballo-Gonzalez Edna , Pham Emma , Pedicone Lisa D. , Poordad Fred
Published: October 2023

Approved direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens against hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cure nearly all patients; however, socioeconomic disparities may impact access and outcome. This study assesses socioeconomic factors, differences in insurance coverage and the drug prior authorization process in HCV-infected patients managed in community practices partnered with a dedicated pharmacy team with expertise in liver disease. This Institutional Review Board-approved, ongoing study captures data on a cohort of 2480 patients from community practices. Patients had chronic hepatitis C and were treated with DAA regimens selected by their physician. The HCV Health Outcomes Centers Network provides comprehensive patient management including a dedicated pharmacy support team with expertise in the prior authorization process. In this cohort, 60.1% were male, 49% were Hispanic Whites (HW), 37% were Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), and 14% were Black/African American (BAA). Eighty-seven percent of patients were treatment-naïve, 74% were infected with genotype 1 virus and 63% had advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (F3/F4 = 68.2% HW, 65.6% BAA, 55.4% NHW). Forty percent of patients were on disability with the highest percentage in the BAA group and less than one-third were employed full time, regardless of race/ethnicity. Medicare covered 42% of BAA patients versus 32% of HW and NHW. The vast majority of HW (80%) and BAA (75%) had a median income below the median income of Texas residents. Additionally, 75% of HW and 71% of BAA had median income below the poverty level in Texas. Despite the above socioeconomic factors, 92% of all prior authorizations were approved upon first submission and patients received DAAs an average of 17 days from prescription. DAA therapy resulted in cure in 95.3% of patients (sustained virologic response = 94.8% HW, 94.0% BAA, 96.5% NHW). Despite having more advanced diseases and more negative socioeconomic factors, >94% of HW and BAA patients were cured. Continued patient education and communication with the healthcare team can lead to high adherence and > 94% HCV cure rates regardless of race/ethnicity or underlying socioeconomic factors in the community setting.
A cuproptosis-related gene signature and associated regulatory axis in stomach adenocarcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Ding Dongxiao , Wang Dianqian , Qin Yunsheng
Published: October 2023

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a highly aggressive and extremely heterogeneous gastric cancer characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Cuproptosis, a copper (Cu)-triggered modality of mitochondrial cell death, could regulate tumor proliferation and metastasis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator cox regression analysis was constructed to develop a prognostic cuproptosis-related signature. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was performed to explore cuproptosis-related mechanism for STAD. The expression of FDX1, LIPT1, DLD, DLAT, PDHA1, PDHB, MTF1, GLS, and CDKN2A was upregulated in STAD versus normal tissue. We also summarized single nucleotide variants and copy number variation landscape of cuproptosis-related gene in STAD. Further analysis demonstrated that STAD patients with high expression of CDKN2A, DLD, GLS, and MTF1 and low expression of DLAT, FDX1, PDHA1 and PDHB had a poor overall survival (OS) and post progression survival (PPS) rate. By performing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator cox regression analysis, we constructed a cuproptosis-related prognostic signature for STAD. Further analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between FDX1 expression and immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB) score, microsatellite instability (MSI) score and drug sensitivity. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated FDX1 expression and clinical stage as independent factors affecting the prognosis of STAD patients. We also identified a lncRNA MALAT1/miR-328-3p/FDX1 regulatory axis for STAD. Multi-omics approaches were performed to develop a cuproptosis-related signature with 2 genes (FDX1 and MTF1) for STAD. We also identified a lncRNA MALAT1/miR-328-3p/FDX1 regulatory axis for STAD.
The use of episodic future thinking in people with overweight or obesity: A scoping review
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Huang Sufang , Feng Danni , Lang Xiaorong , Wang Quan , Zhang Kexin
Published: October 2023

A growing number of studies have applied Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) to cognitive interventions in specific population. However, The variability in study populations may lead to inconsistent results and present challenges in the optimal intervention approach and scope of adaptation. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe specific methods, considerations, and results collected and reported in randomized controlled trials of EFT applied to diet and weight management in people with overweight or obesity. A systematic scoping review was conducted by published guidelines for this review. We conducted a structured search of English-language articles in Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Cochrane, with the literature focusing on studies published up to December 28, 2022. After screening and full-text review, 16 studies were included. The studies included people of all ages with overweight or obesity, including women, children, and home-based EFT interventions. The vast majority of intervention studies screened participants for psychological characteristics, and the effects of EFT applied in people with overweight or obesity were somewhat significant, although there was some variation in the literature. Although the individual heterogeneity of studies makes the synthesis of results somewhat variable, it still demonstrates the breadth and accessibility of EFT interventions in people with overweight or obesity. The application of EFT to individualized interventions in people with overweight or obesity is a further complement and optimization of weight management through behavioral cognitive therapy.