bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of The Most Livable Subsidized Housing In Karang Joang Village Balikpapan City
Authors: Nugroho R A , Kadri M K , Sudarta
Published: June 2024

Every individual or group essentially wants to have a house that is livable, both in terms of physical and residential environment. when choosing a house, people are also influenced by preference factors related to physical and non-physical comfort and security. In this case, low-income people have very little information regarding references about cheap houses but with good physical and non-physical environmental quality even though the price is cheap. Therefore, this research aims to provide references to the community regarding subsidized housing for low-income communities that have the most livable environment physically and non-physically. This research is using Geographic Information System (GIS) to know the liveable areas and suitable with the location of subsidized housing. The Geographis Information System (GIS) that used in this research is using ArcGis wich is the tools that we used is Buffering and Overlay Analysis. After the analysis the result was carried out, and the result is the high liveable area in Karang Joang Village is 177.43 Ha, then the medium liveable area is 2,098.74 Ha, and the low liveable area is 7,956.19 Ha. And then, it is known that there is only 1 subsidized housing in the medium liveable area, and no subsidized housing in the high liveable area.
VIIRS Night-Time Light Image in the Spatial Structure Identification of Banyuwangi Regency
Authors: Listyawati R N , Prasetiyo P , Nurtjahjaningtyas I
Published: June 2024

A spatial structure is a hierarchical arrangement of settlement centers and a network system of infrastructure and facilities that support the community’s socio-economic activities. Spatial structure is important because the city’s rapid growth requires regional service center planning. In general, the method for determining the spatial structure uses the Centrality Index (IS) with a variable number of facilities, infrastructure, and people to obtain a hierarchical arrangement of regional service centers. However, this method is often constrained by data limitations, so in this study remote sensing technology was used through night light imagery in identifying potential centers. This study used the Visible and Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor, one of the sensors carried by the Suomi-NPP (National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project) satellite. Identification is done by overlaying the night light image with the existing spatial structure to produce potential centers. Based on the analysis results, eight classifications are based on the light emission interval class, where the higher the class, the higher the light emission value, which indicates the potential for a new center. The Pesanggaran sub-district is in class eight, the Tegaldimo sub-district is in class six, and the Banyuwangi sub-district is in class one.
Bright ESIPT emission from 2,6-di(thiazol/oxazol/imidazol-2-yl)phenol derivatives in solution, aggregation and solid states
Authors: Chen Panpan , Niu Zhigang , Wang Eenju
Published: June 2024

Most luminophores often suffer from the problem of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) or fluorescence disappearance in dilute solution. It is significant to bridge the gap between ACQ and AIE. In this work, a facile but effective strategy was proposed for the fabrication of always-on luminophores based on the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, and six luminophores emitting bright fluorescence in solution, aggregation and solid states were synthesized from 5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyisophthalaldehyde. All these ESIPT systems show only keto emission owing to their congested structures which block the breakage of intramolecular hydrogen bond (O–H⋯N) by solvation, and subsequently make enol emission impossible. Three of these luminophores are prone to convert into the corresponding phenolate anions emitting blue-shifted emission, which enable them to sense pH variation in the weakly basic range. Furthermore, white-light emission was achieved by combining two of them which show complementary-color fluorescence, and one of them was utilized for bioimaging of living Hela cells and the high-resolution image was obtained.
Paul and the New Testament Building Blocks of Tolerance
Authors: Atkins Jed W
Published: June 2024

Chapter 3 considers the Christian account of patient endurance, beginning with the writings of the Apostle Paul. Some outstanding Pauline scholars have attributed the idea of tolerance to Paul’s writings. I myself refrain from doing so; however, Paul, providing detailed discussions of judgment, patience (and accompanying virtues), and conscience, lays the foundational theological blocks on which the North African Christian tradition will build. The chapter traces these building blocks in Paul’s writings. We focus primarily on Romans and 1 Corinthians, although when appropriate we glance at relevant Gospel passages and 1 Peter, a letter to Roman Christians that contains many relevant Pauline themes. The reader will receive an overview of the main New Testament themes and texts received by the North African Christian tradition, which tended to read scripture through a “canonical hermeneutic” that drew readily on all writings deemed authoritative.
Tolerance, Religious Liberty, and Universal Human Justice in the Thought of Lactantius
Authors: Atkins Jed W
Published: June 2024

Chapter 6 examines the treatment of Tertullian’s and Cyprian’s key questions by the Christian rhetorician Lactantius in his Divine Institutes and On the Anger of God, works written early in the fourth century ce. In these complementary works, Lactantius defends plurality and offers two arguments for tolerance. The first is a virtue ethic argument from attention to the role of human freedom in acquiring moral virtues, which Lactantius sees as an indispensable part of religious practice. The second is a justice-based argument that begins from the premise of God as patient father and creator of all human beings to contend for an obligation to tolerate the views of others. All have a right to respond to God as they choose. This right is based on the worth that all possess as bearers of the image of God. These arguments are complemented by Lactantius’ eschatology, views of patience as a virtue, and analysis of divine and human judgment.
The Names of Science
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: June 2024

The Names of Science is a book about the relationship between science and language through history with an emphasis on the technical terms used in science and in many cases originating in specific scientific and historical contexts. It pays serious attention to the historical dimension and to the concrete research works in which scientists indirectly but effectively have acted as linguists. Apart from an introductory list of useful linguistic terms, the book is structured in six large chapters which covers important phases in the history of science, principally but not exclusively dealing with the terminology of physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and cosmology. It also considers, if only briefly, how English—and not, say, Latin or French—developed to become the internationally accepted language of science. Whereas Chapter 1 is mostly of a more general nature, among other things dealing with linguistic concepts such as eponomy, metaphors, oxymorons, and acronomy, the following chapters investigate word formations and technical language in select areas of specific sciences from the Renaissance to the present. Chapters 2–4 are primarily about words and names in the physical sciences covering electromagnetism, thermodynamics, radioactivity, quantum mechanics, elementary particles, and much more. Chemistry, a rich resource for historical-linguistic studies, is dealt with in Chapter 5, where Lavosier’s reform of chemical nomenclature is given particular attention. Finally, the last chapter is devoted to the words and concepts associated with the development of the astronomical sciences including cosmology as it emerged in the twentieth century.
Worlds and words of chemistry
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: June 2024

Apart from giving an overview of chemistry—for a period called ‘chymistry’—and its language through history, this chapter discusses a number of eponymous chemical names as well as examples of meaning transfers where a word migrates from the domain of science to common language or vice versa. Lavoisier’s so-called chemical revolution in the 1780s relied crucially on a reformed chemical nomenclature, a story detailed in one of the sections. Each of the 118 elements has its own naming history, some of which are told in the last two sections of the chapter. The last one focuses on the artificially produced elements with atomic numbers greater than 92.
Morpho-physiological and yield traits for selection of drought tolerant Urochloa grass ecotypes
Authors: Ochola Celestine Anyango , Ngugi Mathew Pierro , Nyaboga Evans N , Njarui Donald M G
Published: June 2024

Drought has become more recurrent and causes a substantial decline in forage yields leading to strain on feed resources for livestock production. This has intensified the search for drought-tolerant forages to promote sustainable livestock production. The objective of this study was to identify drought-tolerant Urochloa grasses and to discern their morpho-physiological and yield traits to water stress as well as the relationship between these traits and indices of drought resistance. The results showed that the ecotypes, water regimes and their interaction significantly influenced all the studied morpho-physiological and yield traits. There was a significant decrease in plant height, number of leaves and tillers, dry matter yield, relative water content, photosystem II and efficiency of photosystem II with an increase in non-photochemical quenching. The principal component analysis revealed that the performance of Urochloa grass ecotypes was different under water sufficient (WS) and water deficit conditions. Drought tolerance indicators (mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, tolerance index and stress tolerance index) were most effective in identifying Urochloa ecotypes with high biomass production under both water deficient and WS conditions. Ecotypes K17, K7, Kisii, Busia and Kakamega were the most drought tolerant, Basilisk, K6, K10, K19 and Toledo were moderately tolerant whereas, CIAT6385, CIAT16449, K13, K5 and K9 were drought sensitive. The five drought-tolerant Urochloa ecotypes should be tested for sustainable biomass production under field conditions and used in breeding programmes to develop high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties.
Sesame Genomic Web Resource (SesameGWR): a well-annotated data resource for transcriptomic signatures of abiotic and biotic stress responses in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Avashthi Himanshu , Angadi Ulavappa Basavanneppa , Chauhan Divya , Kumar Anuj , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Rangan Parimalan , Yadav Rashmi , Kumar Dinesh
Published: June 2024

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a globally cultivated oilseed crop renowned for its historical significance and widespread growth in tropical and subtropical regions. With notable nutritional and medicinal attributes, sesame has shown promising effects in combating malnutrition cancer, diabetes, and other diseases like cardiovascular problems. However, sesame production faces significant challenges from environmental threats such as charcoal rot, drought, salinity, and waterlogging stress, resulting in economic losses for farmers. The scarcity of information on stress-resistance genes and pathways exacerbates these challenges. Despite its immense importance, there is currently no platform available to provide comprehensive information on sesame, which significantly hinders the mining of various stress-associated genes and the molecular breeding of sesame. To address this gap, here a free, web-accessible, and user-friendly genomic web resource (SesameGWR, http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/sesameGWR/) has been developed This platform provides key insights into differentially expressed genes, transcription factors, miRNAs, and molecular markers like simple sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and insertions and deletions associated with both biotic and abiotic stresses.. The functional genomics information and annotations embedded in this web resource were predicted through RNA-seq data analysis. Considering the impact of climate change and the nutritional and medicinal importance of sesame, this study is of utmost importance in understanding stress responses. SesameGWR will serve as a valuable tool for developing climate-resilient sesame varieties, thereby enhancing the productivity of this ancient oilseed crop.
Estimating the Reliability of Crime Data in Geographic Areas
Authors: Brunton-Smith Ian , Cernat Alex , Pina-Sánchez Jose , Buil-Gil David
Published: June 2024

Crime data are problematic: Crimes that are never reported undermine its validity and differences in police recording practices affect its reliability. However, the true extent of these problems is not well known, with existing studies suffering from a number of methodological limitations. We examine the quality of police recorded crime data and survey-based crime estimates recorded in England and Wales using a robust latent trait model that effectively represents the competing sources of error. We find that whilst crime rates derived from police data systematically underestimate the true extent of crime, they are substantially more reliable than estimates from survey data. Reliability is lower for violence and criminal damage and is getting worse over time.
Parry–Romberg syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: De Caux Deborah , Akel Randa
Published: June 2024

Parry–Romberg syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by hemifacial atrophy of the skin. We present an unusual case of COVID-19 vaccine-induced Parry–Romberg syndrome. To our knowledge, no previous cases have been reported.
Dermatological care in a changing climate: a framework for patient management
Authors: Tan Eugene , Scarff Catherine , Anderson Austen , Saunderson Rebecca , Soyer H Peter , Bruce Fiona
Published: June 2024

Dermatologists are increasingly managing skin conditions related to climate change. Despite this significant effect on public health, there is a paucity of formal education on climate change, and its impact on health and management for healthcare professionals. We propose an action-oriented framework to bridge the gap between climate science and patient management.
The impact of mild and moderate COVID-19 infection on the progression of kidney dysfunction in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Hui Miao , Shi Su-Fang , Zhou Xu-Jie , Liu Li-Jun , Lv Ji-Cheng , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2024

Background

Previous research indicates that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may have a role in triggering immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. However, limited research has explored the clinical implications of COVID-19 infection in individuals already diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19 infection independently affects the subsequent trajectory of kidney function in IgA nephropathy patients.

Methods

This was a single-center cohort study. The study included 199 patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. The COVID-19 infection status was determined using a combined method: a questionnaire and the Health Code application, both administered at the end of 2022 in northern China. Kidney function trajectory was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated based on serum creatinine levels measured during follow-up outpatient visits. The primary endpoint of interest was the eGFR trajectory.

Results

Out of the 199 participants, 75% (n = 181) reported a confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, determined through antigen or polymerase chain reaction tests, accounting for 79% (n = 143) of the infected patients. A significant majority (98%) experienced mild to moderate symptoms. Over a median follow-up period of 10.7 months post-COVID-19 infection, notable clinical events included gross hematuria in 30 patients (16.6%), which normalized within an average of 3 days. Additionally, a 2-fold increase in proteinuria or progression to the nephrotic range was observed in 10 individuals (5.5%). No cases of acute kidney injury were noted. COVID-19 exposure was associated with an absolute change in eGFR of 2.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 per month (95% confidence interval 0.46 to 5.50). However, in a fully adjusted model, the estimated changes in eGFR slope post-COVID-19 were –0.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 per month (95% confidence interval –0.83 to 0.06, P = .088) which included the possibility of no significant effect. Notably, a higher rate of kidney function decline was primarily observed in patients with a baseline eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 [–0.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 (–1.11 to –0.01), P = .048]. In the cohort, there were few instances of severe COVID-19 cases. The absence of long-term follow-up outcomes was observed.

Conclusions

Overall, mild to moderate COVID-19 infection does not appear to significantly exacerbate the subsequent decline in kidney function among IgA nephropathy patients, particularly in those with preserved baseline kidney function.
Myeloid cannabinoid CB1 receptor deletion confers atheroprotection in male mice by reducing macrophage proliferation in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Guo , Chen Bingni , Shakir George , Volz Mario , van der Vorst Emiel P C , Maas Sanne L , Geiger Martina , Jethwa Carolin , Bartelt Alexander , Li Zhaolong , Wettich Justus , Sachs Nadja , Maegdefessel Lars , Nazari Jahantigh Maliheh , Hristov Michael , Lacy Michael , Lutz Beat , Weber Christian , Herzig Stephan , Guillamat Prats Raquel , Steffens Sabine
Published: June 2024

Aims

Although the cannabinoid CB1 receptor has been implicated in atherosclerosis, its cell-specific effects in this disease are not well understood. To address this, we generated a transgenic mouse model to study the role of myeloid CB1 signalling in atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Here, we report that male mice with myeloid-specific Cnr1 deficiency on atherogenic background developed smaller lesions and necrotic cores than controls, while only minor genotype differences were observed in females. Male Cnr1-deficient mice showed reduced arterial monocyte recruitment and macrophage proliferation with less inflammatory phenotype. The sex-specific differences in proliferation were dependent on oestrogen receptor (ER)α-oestradiol signalling. Kinase activity profiling identified a CB1-dependent regulation of p53 and cyclin-dependent kinases. Transcriptomic profiling further revealed chromatin modifications, mRNA processing, and mitochondrial respiration among the key processes affected by CB1 signalling, which was supported by metabolic flux assays. Chronic administration of the peripherally restricted CB1 antagonist JD5037 inhibited plaque progression and macrophage proliferation, but only in male mice. Finally, CNR1 expression was detectable in human carotid endarterectomy plaques and inversely correlated with proliferation, oxidative metabolism, and inflammatory markers, suggesting a possible implication of CB1-dependent regulation in human pathophysiology.

Conclusion

Impaired macrophage CB1 signalling is atheroprotective by limiting their arterial recruitment, proliferation, and inflammatory reprogramming in male mice. The importance of macrophage CB1 signalling appears to be sex-dependent.
When cardiovascular medicines should be discontinued
Authors: Krychtiuk Konstantin A , Gersh Bernard J , Washam Jeffrey B , Granger Christopher B
Published: June 2024

An integral component of the practice of medicine is focused on the initiation of medications, based on clinical practice guidelines and underlying trial evidence, which usually test the addition of novel medications intended for life-long use in short-term clinical trials. Much less attention is given to the question of medication discontinuation, especially after a lengthy period of treatment, during which patients age gets older and diseases may either progress or new diseases may emerge. Given the paucity of data, clinical practice guidelines offer little to no guidance on when and how to deprescribe cardiovascular medications. Such decisions are often left to the discretion of clinicians, who, together with their patients, express concern of potential adverse effects of medication discontinuation. Even in the absence of adverse effects, the continuation of medications without any proven effect may cause harm due to drug–drug interactions, the emergence of polypharmacy, and additional preventable spending to already strained health systems. Herein, several cardiovascular medications or medication classes are discussed that in the opinion of this author group should generally be discontinued, either for the prevention of potential harm, for a lack of benefit, or for the availability of better alternatives.
Mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in chickens: integrated analysis of the host genome, molecular phenomics and gut microbiome
Authors: Sun Congjiao , Lan Fangren , Zhou Qianqian , Guo Xiaoli , Jin Jiaming , Wen Chaoliang , Guo Yanxin , Hou Zhuocheng , Zheng Jiangxia , Wu Guiqin , Li Guangqi , Yan Yiyuan , Li Junying , Ma Qiugang , Yang Ning
Published: June 2024

Hepatic steatosis is the initial manifestation of abnormal liver functions and often leads to liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in humans and fatty liver syndrome in animals. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of a large chicken population consisting of 705 adult hens by combining host genome resequencing; liver transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analysis; and microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of each gut segment. The results showed the heritability (h2 = 0.25) and duodenal microbiability (m2 = 0.26) of hepatic steatosis were relatively high, indicating a large effect of host genetics and duodenal microbiota on chicken hepatic steatosis. Individuals with hepatic steatosis had low microbiota diversity and a decreased genetic potential to process triglyceride output from hepatocytes, fatty acid β-oxidation activity, and resistance to fatty acid peroxidation. Furthermore, we revealed a molecular network linking host genomic variants (GGA6: 5.59–5.69 Mb), hepatic gene/protein expression (PEMT, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine N-methyltransferase), metabolite abundances (folate, S-adenosylmethionine, homocysteine, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine), and duodenal microbes (genus Lactobacillus) to hepatic steatosis, which could provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of fatty liver development.
Modeling interactions between Heparan sulfate and proteins based on the Heparan sulfate microarray analysis
Authors: Melo-Filho Cleber C , Su Guowei , Liu Kevin , Muratov Eugene N , Tropsha Alexander , Liu Jian
Published: June 2024

Heparan sulfate (HS), a sulfated polysaccharide abundant in the extracellular matrix, plays pivotal roles in various physiological and pathological processes by interacting with proteins. Investigating the binding selectivity of HS oligosaccharides to target proteins is essential, but the exhaustive inclusion of all possible oligosaccharides in microarray experiments is impractical. To address this challenge, we present a hybrid pipeline that integrates microarray and in silico techniques to design oligosaccharides with desired protein affinity. Using fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a model protein, we assembled an in-house dataset of HS oligosaccharides on microarrays and developed two structural representations: a standard representation with all atoms explicit and a simplified representation with disaccharide units as “quasi-atoms.” Predictive Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for FGF2 affinity were developed using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The resulting models, considering the applicability domain, demonstrated high predictivity, with a correct classification rate of 0.81–0.80 and improved positive predictive values (PPV) up to 0.95. Virtual screening of 40 new oligosaccharides using the simplified model identified 15 computational hits, 11 of which were experimentally validated for high FGF2 affinity. This hybrid approach marks a significant step toward the targeted design of oligosaccharides with desired protein interactions, providing a foundation for broader applications in glycobiology.
The impacts of task shifting on the management and treatment of malnourished children in Northern Kenya: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Donfouet Hermann Pythagore Pierre , Daniel Tewoldeberhan , Wilunda Calistus , Mwaniki Elizabeth , Njiru James , Keane Emily , Schofield Lily , Maina Lucy , Kutondo Edward , Agutu Olivia , Okoth Peter , Raburu Judith , Samburu Betty , Mwangi Bonventure , Zerfu Taddese Alemu , Khamadi Jemimah Wekhomba , Charle Cuellar Pilar , Kavoo Daniel , Karimurio Lydia , Matanda Charles , Mutua Alex , Gichohi Grace , Chabi Martin , Codjia Patrick , Oteyza Saul Guerrero , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Treating children with acute malnutrition can be challenging, particularly regarding access to healthcare facilities during treatment. Task shifting, a strategy of transferring specific tasks to health workers with shorter training and fewer qualifications, is being considered as an effective approach to enhancing health outcomes in primary healthcare. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrating the treatment of acute malnutrition by community health volunteers into integrated community case management in two sub-counties in northern Kenya (Loima and Isiolo). We conducted a two-arm non-inferiority cluster-randomized controlled trial across 20 community health units. Participants were children aged 6–59 months with uncomplicated acute malnutrition. In the intervention group, community health volunteers used simplified tools and protocols to identify and treat eligible children at home and provided the usual integrated community case management package. In the control group, community health volunteers provided the usual integrated community case management package only (screening and referral of the malnourished children to the health facilities). The primary outcome was recovery (MUAC ≥12.5 cm for 2 consecutive weeks). Results show that children in the intervention group were more likely to recover than those in the control group [73 vs 50; risk difference (RD) = 26% (95% CI 12 to 40) and risk ratio (RR) = 2 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.9)]. The probability of defaulting was lower in the intervention group than in the control group: RD = −21% (95% CI −31 to −10) and RR = 0.3 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). The intervention reduced the length of stay by about 13 days, although this was not statistically significant and varied substantially by sub-county. Integrating the treatment of acute malnutrition by community health volunteers into the integrated community case management programme led to better malnutrition treatment outcomes. There is a need to integrate acute malnutrition treatment into integrated community case management and review policies to allow community health volunteers to treat uncomplicated acute malnutrition.
Assessing Pediatric Burn Wound Infection Using a Point-of-Care Fluorescence Imaging Device
Authors: Turner Evan , Kelly Charis , Zuccaro Jennifer , Chakera Hawwa , Gus Eduardo , Fish Joel S
Published: June 2024

Wound infection is the most common complication among pediatric burn patients. When not treated promptly, burn wound infection may lead to delayed healing, failure of skin grafts, or death. Standard burn wound assessment includes inspection for visual signs and symptoms of infection (VSSI) and microbial sampling. To aid in the assessment of burn wound infection, the MolecuLight, a point-of-care autofluorescence imaging device, was introduced at our pediatric burn program in 2020. The MolecuLight uses violet light to illuminate the wound bed, causing clinically relevant quantities of 29 different species of bacteria (>104 CFU/g) to fluoresce in real time. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of the MolecuLight in the management of pediatric burn wounds and determine if the findings from the MolecuLight corresponded to VSSI and/or microbial sampling. A retrospective review of patients 0-18 years who had burn wounds assessed with the MolecuLight between November 1, 2020 and June 8, 2023 was conducted. Data were extracted from the medical records of 178 eligible patients with 218 wounds imaged with the device. Fluorescence corresponded with VSSI in 81% of wounds and microbial findings in 82% of wounds. MolecuLight fluorescence, in combination with VSSI, improved sensitivity for detecting wound infections by 39% and decreased specificity by 19% compared to visual signs and symptoms in isolation. Incorporation of the MolecuLight in standard burn wound assessments can improve the detection of infections, which may promote improved wound healing outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
A New Surgical Concept for the Efficient Treatment of Large and Deep Burns
Authors: Hundeshagen Gabriel , Panayi Adriana C , Hannmann Torsten , Knoedler Leonard , Tapking Christian , Palackic Alen , Haug Valentin , Bliesener Björn , Vogelpohl Julian , Vollbach Felix H , Kneser Ulrich
Published: June 2024

Effective burn surgery is based on two fundamental principles: prompt excision of necrotic tissue and definitive coverage, preserving functional dermis and body contour. There is often compromise, either prioritizing the urgency of excision or opting for patient stability and optimal conditions prior to autografting. We propose a surgical concept that addresses this critical treatment gap. In 2022, we implemented a new three-phase protocol, EDM: (Excision phase, E) Immediate excision of the burn wound preserving body contour; (Dermis phase, D) definitive temporization of the wound bed, using biodegradable temporizing matrix, to prepare it for successful grafting. Upon complete dermal temporization, full autologous coverage in a single micrografting procedure is achieved (Meek phase, M). We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study to characterize the EDM protocol compared to the prior standard of care (>40% TBSA, n = 5 in EDM vs n = 10 matched controls). Primary outcomes were total surgeries required, total surgeries to achieve>90% healing, uninterrupted recovery time without surgery, and time on mechanical ventilation. The EDM group required fewer surgeries in total (5 vs 9.5; P = .01) and to achieve>90% healing (3 vs 6.5; P = .001). EDM patients experienced longer uninterrupted recovery (25 vs 13 days, P = .001). Additionally, EDM patients spent less time on mechanical ventilation (210 vs 1136 h, P = .005). The EDM protocol could improve surgical efficiency, ultimately having the potential to expedite rehabilitation for severely burned patients. The study underscores the potential of combining the fundamentals of burn surgery, with innovative surgical techniques and materials, in order to bridge the gap between excision and grafting.
Survivorship after adolescent and young adult cancer: models of care, disparities, and opportunities
Authors: Berkman Amy M , Betts Andrea C , Beauchemin Melissa , Parsons Susan K , Freyer David R , Roth Michael E
Published: June 2024

Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA; age 15-39 years at diagnosis) cancer are a growing population with the potential to live for many decades after treatment completion. Survivors of AYA cancer are at risk for adverse long-term outcomes including chronic conditions, secondary cancers, impaired fertility, poor psychosocial health and health behaviors, and financial toxicity. Furthermore, survivors of AYA cancer from racially minoritized and low socioeconomic status populations experience disparities in these outcomes, including lower long-term survival. Despite these known risks, most survivors of AYA cancer do not receive routine survivorship follow-up care, and research on delivering high-quality, evidence-based survivorship care to these patients is lacking. The need for survivorship care was initially advanced in 2006 by the Institute of Medicine. In 2019, the Quality of Cancer Survivorship Care Framework (QCSCF) was developed to provide an evidence-based framework to define key components of optimal survivorship care. In this commentary focused on survivors of AYA cancer, we apply the QCSCF framework to describe models of care that can be adapted for their unique needs, multilevel factors limiting equitable access to care, and opportunities to address these factors to improve short- and long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Mucocele of the appendix: case report of a rare disease with changing diagnostic-therapeutic behavior
Authors: Giambusso Mauro , Urrico Giovanni Salvatore , Ciaccio Giovanni , Lauria Francesco , D’Errico Sara
Published: June 2024

Mucinous appendicular neoplasms are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors, whose treatment may vary based on histologic features and extent. We present a case of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm mimicking an acute appendicitis scenario. The patient underwent appendectomy along with resection of the caecal fundus. Choosing the correct treatment according to the case by following current guidelines is crucial to avoid under- or overtreatment.
High-resolution methylome analysis uncovers stress-responsive genomic hotspots and drought-sensitive transposable element superfamilies in the clonal Lombardy poplar
Authors: Peña-Ponton Cristian , Diez-Rodriguez Barbara , Perez-Bello Paloma , Becker Claude , McIntyre Lauren M , van der Putten Wim H , De Paoli Emanuele , Heer Katrin , Opgenoorth Lars , Verhoeven Koen J F
Published: June 2024

DNA methylation is environment-sensitive and can mediate stress responses. In trees, changes in the environment might cumulatively shape the methylome landscape over time. However, because high-resolution methylome studies usually focus on single environmental cues, the stress-specificity and long-term stability of methylation responses remain unclear. Here, we studied the methylome plasticity of a Populus nigra cv. ‘Italica’ clone widely distributed across Europe. Adult trees from different geographic locations were clonally propagated in a common garden experiment and exposed to cold, heat, drought, herbivory, rust infection, and salicylic acid treatments. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed stress-induced and naturally occurring DNA methylation variants. In CG/CHG contexts, the same genomic regions were often affected by multiple stresses, suggesting a generic methylome response. Moreover, these variants showed striking overlap with naturally occurring methylation variants between trees from different locations. Drought treatment triggered CHH hypermethylation of transposable elements, affecting entire superfamilies near drought-responsive genes. Thus, we revealed genomic hotspots of methylation change that are not stress-specific and that contribute to natural DNA methylation variation, and identified stress-specific hypermethylation of entire transposon superfamilies with possible functional consequences. Our results underscore the importance of studying multiple stressors in a single experiment for recognizing general versus stress-specific methylome responses.
Review of the U.S. Air Force Academy Hepatitis C Virus Screening Program to Ensure High-Value Care
Authors: Kelly Devin C , Webber Bryant
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Leading health agencies have called for the elimination of HCV as a public health threat, with universal screening considered a part of the strategy. Hepatitis C virus screening among incoming cadets and cadet candidates at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) was implemented in 2023. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the results of this screening and the associated fiscal costs, benefits, and harms to make a recommendation for future incoming classes.

Materials and Methods

The prevalence of HCV antibody positivity and confirmed HCV infections were calculated among the incoming cadets and cadet candidates at USAFA in summer 2023. Screening was conducted with a highly sensitive HCV total antibody test, and those who screened positive were further tested with a quantitative HCV polymerase chain reaction. The screening and follow-up care costs were calculated, and the potential harm of receiving a false positive notification was considered.

Results

Of the 1,360 persons screened at USAFA in 2023, no confirmed HCV infections were identified. There was one false positive on screening in the cadet population (n = 1,131) and one false positive in the cadet candidate population (n = 229). The fiscal cost of universal HCV screening upon accession of cadets and cadet candidates, including medical follow-up, was at least $5,279. The opportunity cost was minimal because blood was drawn for other mandatory programs, although screening may have caused social and psychological harm to those receiving a false positive notification.

Conclusions

The prevalence of chronic HCV infection among incoming USAFA cadets and cadet candidates was 0%, below the population screening threshold that warrants screening, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The harms of screening, including fiscal costs and potential psychological harm to individuals with a false positive screen, likely outweigh the benefits. We recommend against universal HCV screening in 2024 upon accession of USAFA cadets and cadet candidates.
Concurrent D-loop cleavage by Mus81 and Yen1 yields half-crossover precursors
Authors: Carreira Raquel , Lama-Diaz Tomas , Crugeiras Maria , Aguado F Javier , Sebesta Marek , Krejci Lumir , Blanco Miguel G
Published: June 2024

Homologous recombination involves the formation of branched DNA molecules that may interfere with chromosome segregation. To resolve these persistent joint molecules, cells rely on the activation of structure-selective endonucleases (SSEs) during the late stages of the cell cycle. However, the premature activation of SSEs compromises genome integrity, due to untimely processing of replication and/or recombination intermediates. Here, we used a biochemical approach to show that the budding yeast SSEs Mus81 and Yen1 possess the ability to cleave the central recombination intermediate known as the displacement loop or D-loop. Moreover, we demonstrate that, consistently with previous genetic data, the simultaneous action of Mus81 and Yen1, followed by ligation, is sufficient to recreate the formation of a half-crossover precursor in vitro. Our results provide not only mechanistic explanation for the formation of a half-crossover, but also highlight the critical importance for precise regulation of these SSEs to prevent chromosomal rearrangements.
Cuprate-like electronic structures in infinite-layer nickelates with substantial hole dopings
Authors: Ding Xiang , Fan Yu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Chihao , An Zhitong , Ye Jiahao , Tang Shenglin , Lei Minyinan , Sun Xingtian , Guo Nan , Chen Zhihui , Sangphet Suppanut , Wang Yilin , Xu Haichao , Peng Rui , Feng Donglai
Published: June 2024

Superconducting infinite-layer (IL) nickelates offer a new platform for investigating the long-standing problem of high-temperature superconductivity. Many models were proposed to understand the superconducting mechanism of nickelates based on the calculated electronic structure, and the multiple Fermi surfaces and multiple orbitals involved create complications and controversial conclusions. Over the past five years, the lack of direct measurements of the electronic structure has hindered the understanding of nickelate superconductors. Here we fill this gap by directly resolving the electronic structures of the parent compound LaNiO2 and superconducting La0.8Ca0.2NiO2 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find that their Fermi surfaces consist of a quasi-2D hole pocket and a 3D electron pocket at the Brillouin zone corner, whose volumes change upon Ca doping. The Fermi surface topology and band dispersion of the hole pocket closely resemble those observed in hole-doped cuprates. However, the cuprate-like band exhibits significantly higher hole doping in superconducting La0.8Ca0.2NiO2 compared to superconducting cuprates, highlighting the disparities in the electronic states of the superconducting phase. Our observations highlight the novel aspects of the IL nickelates, and pave the way toward the microscopic understanding of the IL nickelate family and its superconductivity.
Lower Prevalence Countries Outside of South-Eastern Africa Now Have the Fastest Growing HIV Epidemic
Authors: Pepperrell Toby , Hill Andrew , Cross Samuel
Published: June 2024

The United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) targets aim to reduce new HIV infections below 370 000 annually by 2025. However, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2022. We collected and analyzed data for key variables of the HIV epidemic from UNAIDS and supplemented by PUBMED/EMBASE searches and national reports. A total of 53% of the HIV infections worldwide were in 14 high-prevalence countries in Southern/East Africa—where most of the funding for treatment and prevention is allocated—versus 47% in 54 low-prevalence countries. In 2022, there were more new HIV infections (770 000 vs 468 000), more HIV-related deaths (383 000 vs 225 000), higher rates of mother-to-child transmissions (16% vs 9%) and lower antiretroviral therapy coverage (67% vs 83%) in low-prevalence countries versus high-prevalence countries. To achieve UNAIDS annual new infections target for 2025, ART coverage needs to be optimized worldwide, and preexposure prophylaxis coverage expanded to 74 million people, versus 2.5 million currently treated.
Injectable cartilage microtissues based on 3D culture using porous gelatin microcarriers for cartilage defect treatment
Authors: Zhu Jing , Luo Qiuchen , Cao Tiefeng , Yang Guang , Xiao Lin
Published: June 2024

Cartilage tissues possess an extremely limited capacity for self-repair, and current clinical surgical approaches for treating articular cartilage defects can only provide short-term relief. Despite significant advances in the field of cartilage tissue engineering, avoiding secondary damage caused by invasive surgical procedures remains a challenge. In this study, injectable cartilage microtissues were developed through 3D culture of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) within porous gelatin microcarriers (GMs) and induced differentiation. These microtissues were then injected for the purpose of treating cartilage defects in vivo, via a minimally invasive approach. GMs were found to be noncytotoxic and favorable for cell attachment, proliferation and migration evaluated with BMSCs. Moreover, cartilage microtissues with a considerable number of cells and abundant extracellular matrix components were obtained from BMSC-laden GMs after induction differentiation culture for 28 days. Notably, ATDC5 cells were complementally tested to verify that the GMs were conducive to cell attachment, proliferation, migration and chondrogenic differentiation. The microtissues obtained from BMSC-laden GMs were then injected into articular cartilage defect areas in rats and achieved superior performance in alleviating inflammation and repairing cartilage. These findings suggest that the use of injectable cartilage microtissues in this study may hold promise for enhancing the long-term outcomes of cartilage defect treatments while minimizing the risk of secondary damage associated with traditional surgical techniques.
Prevalence and characteristics of adults with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis in a large patient registry
Authors: Paudel Misti L , Li Ruogu , Naik Chinmayi , Shadick Nancy , Weinblatt Michael E , Solomon Daniel H
Published: June 2024

Objectives

An estimated 5–20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fail multiple treatments and are considered ‘difficult-to-treat’ (D2T), posing a substantial clinical challenge for rheumatologists. A European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force proposed a definition of D2T-RA in 2021. We applied EULAR’s D2T definition in a cohort of patients with established RA to assess prevalence, and we compared clinical characteristics of participants with D2T-RA with matched comparisons.

Methods

Data from the longitudinal Brigham and Women’s Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) registry were used. Participants were classified as D2T if they met EULAR’s definition. A comparison group of non-D2T-RA patients were matched 2:1 to every D2T patient, and differences in characteristics were evaluated in descriptive analyses. Prevalence rates of D2T were estimated using Poisson regression.

Results

We estimated the prevalence of D2T-RA to be 14.4 (95% CI: 12.8, 16.3) per 100 persons among 1581 participants with RA, and 22.3 (95% CI: 19.9, 25.0) per 100 persons among 1021 who were biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD experienced. We observed several differences in demographics, comorbidities and RA disease activity between D2T-RA and non-D2T-RA comparisons. Varying EULAR sub-criteria among all participants in BRASS resulted in a range of D2T-RA prevalence rates, from 0.6 to 17.5 per 100 persons.

Conclusion

EULAR’s proposed definition of D2T-RA identifies patients with RA who have not achieved treatment targets. Future research should explore heterogeneity in these patients and evaluate outcomes to inform the design of future studies aimed at developing more effective RA management protocols.
Structural insights into the regulation mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MftR
Authors: Peng Fei , Ke Zunhui , Jin Haoruo , Wang Wei , Zhang Haoran , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the pathogen of the deadly disease tuberculosis, depends on the redox cofactor mycofactocin (MFT) to adapt to and survive under hypoxic conditions. MftR is a TetR family transcription regulator that binds upstream of the MFT gene cluster and controls MFT synthesis. To elucidate the structural basis underlying MftR regulation, we determined the crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MftR (TB‐MftR). The structure revealed an interconnected hydrogen bond network in the α1‐α2‐α3 helices of helix‐turn‐helix (HTH) DNA‐binding domain that is essential for nucleic acid interactions. The ligand‐binding domain contains a hydrophobic cavity enclosing long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoAs like the key regulatory ligand oleoyl‐CoA. Despite variations in ligand‐binding modes, comparative analyses suggest regulatory mechanisms are largely conserved across TetR family acyl‐CoA sensors. By elucidating the intricate structural mechanisms governing DNA and ligand binding by TB‐MftR, our study enhances understanding of the regulatory roles of this transcription factor under hypoxic conditions, providing insights that could inform future research into Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis.