bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pt-based catalysts for NOx reduction from H2 combustion engines
Authors: Shao Jieling , Ho Phuoc Hoang , Di Wei , Creaser Derek , Olsson Louise
Published: April 2024

The overall H2-SCR process can be divided into four temperature regions with multiple reactions over the Pt/SSZ-13 catalyst. Specific reaction processes, influencing factors and reaction mechanisms were initially explored.
Liposome-loaded Prussian blue nanoparticles accelerate wound healing by promoting anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Xie Jianjie , Huang Zongyu , Gao Jinpeng , Feng Huicong , Liu Chang
Published: April 2024

The use of PB@Lipo in a skin defect model reduces CD86 levels and increases Arg-1, COL-1, and COL-3 levels.
Study on the structure–performance relationship of nonlinear optical chromophores with different donors, bridges, and acceptors
Authors: Zhang Weijun , Li Ziheng , Huo Fuyang , He Wenlong , Wang Jiahai , Zhang Yu , Liu Chuying , Liu Fenggang
Published: April 2024

Three series of high performance nonlinear optical chromophores based on triphenylamine or N,N-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)arylamine as donors and three kinds of acceptors were synthesized and investigated.
Development of a naproxen and gaultheria oil based topical nanoemulsion for the amelioration of osteoarthritis
Authors: Faheem Abdul Nafey , Ali Ahsan , Shamim Athar , Mohapatra Sradhanjali , Siddiqui Ayesha , Iqbal Zeenat , Mirza Mohd. Aamir
Published: April 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition characterized by the wearing down of the articulating surfaces of the tibia–femoral joint.
Iridium-catalyzed meta-selective C–H borylation of phenol derivatives
Authors: Ju Wenjie , Gao Du , Liang Min , Han Shuxiong , Liu Chuangchuang , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: April 2024

Regioselective C–H functionalization of aromatics remains a challenge in synthesis, particularly for meta-selective C–H borylations of phenols. Here, pivalic acid promoted iridium-catalyzed meta-selective C–H borylation of phenols is disclosed.
Improved current density of inverted perovskite solar cells via hole transport layer doping
Authors: Murugan Santhosh , Liu Xuewen , Lee Eun-Cheol
Published: April 2024

The inclusion of T35FP substantially enhances inverted perovskite solar cell efficiency by passivating iodine defects through halogen bonding and reducing PTAA's HOMO level via N–P atom interaction.
HA‐Med: A Blockchain‐Based Solution for Sharing Medical Data with Hidden Policies and Attributes
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Liu Jing
Published: April 2024

Existing healthcare data‐sharing solutions often combine attribute‐based encryption techniques with blockchain technology to achieve fine‐grained access control. However, the transparency of blockchain technology may introduce potential risks of exposing access structures and user attributes. To address these concerns, this paper proposes a novel healthcare data‐sharing scheme called HA‐Med. By leveraging blockchain technology, HA‐Med ensures the concealment of access policies and attributes, providing a secure solution for fine‐grained access control of medical data. Furthermore, the scheme supports attribute revocation and forward secrecy to enhance user privacy. The security of HA‐Med is rigorously verified through theoretical analysis, and its feasibility is demonstrated through experiments conducted using the Java‐based JPBC library.
An effective attention and residual network for malware detection
Authors: Gu Wei , Xing Hongyan , Hou Tianhao
Published: April 2024

Due to its open source and large user base, Android has emerged as the most popular operating system. Android's popularity and openness have made it a prime target for malicious attackers. Permissions have received great attention from researchers because of their effectiveness in restricting applications’ access to sensitive resources. However, existing malware detection methods based on permissions are easily bypassed by inter‐application resource access. To address these issues, we combine inter‐application resource access‐related intent features with permission features. Besides, we designed a customized convolutional neural network using two squeeze‐and‐excitation blocks to learn the inherent relationships between multi‐type features. The two basic SE blocks perform squeezing operations based on average pooling and max pooling, respectively, to compute channel‐wise attention from multiple perspectives. We designed a series of experiments based on real‐world samples to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed framework. Empirical results demonstrate that our framework outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving an accuracy of 96.29%, precision of 97.52%, recall of 94.63%, F1‐score of 96.06% and MCC of 92.60%. These promising experimental results consistently demonstrate that AMERDroid is an effective approach for Android malware detection.
YOLO‐AFPN: Marrying YOLO and AFPN for external damage detection of transmission lines
Authors: Zhao Zhenbing , Pan Yitian , Guo Guangxue , Zhai Yongjie , Liu Gao
Published: April 2024

To better detect targets that may cause external damage to transmission lines, the authors present You Only Look Once‐Asymptotic Feature Pyramid Network (YOLO‐AFPN), a lightweight but efficient model. Firstly, the authors adopt a feature comparison strategy based on the knowledge of transmission line scenes, which facilitates increased attention to target features during the training. Secondly, the YOLOv8 detection network is built, and the backbone adds three layers of simple parameter‐free attention module, which extracts features while maintaining lightness, and improves the detection capability in complex scenarios. Then, in the feature fusion stage, an AFPN is constructed, which improves the multi‐scale target detection capability while reducing the number of model parameters by asymptotically fusing features that have small semantic gaps between neighbouring layers. When during the training process, the improved Mosaic data augmentation method is used to enhance the number of distributions of small targets, improve the robustness of the model. Finally, the improved model is validated, and the experimental results show that the improved model can achieve mean average precision of 86.1% at 6.6 MB, which is better than the original network for detection and meets the requirements for deployment on edge devices.
Collaborative strategy for electric vehicle charging scheduling and route planning
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Jing Wenpeng , Lu Zhaoming , Wu Haotian , Wen Xiangming
Published: April 2024

Due to varying energy demands and supply levels in different regions, the distribution of power load exhibits an imbalanced state. It contributes to increased power loss and poses a threat to the security constraints of the electrical grid. Simultaneously, the global energy transition has led to a continuous increase in the proportion of renewable energy integrated into the grid. Electric vehicles (EVs), serving as representative of renewable energy, further magnify this load imbalance with their charging requirements, which poses a significant challenge to the stable operation of the grid. Therefore, to ensure the smooth operation of the grid under the context of renewable energy integration, the authors investigate the coordinated strategies of EV charging scheduling and route planning. The authors first model the coupling of the transportation network with the smart grid as a cyber‐physical system. Subsequently, the authors simulate and analyse the daily charging load curve of the network, capturing the travel characteristics of EVs. Based on this, the authors research the EV charging scheduling in both individual and collective travel scenarios during peak and off‐peak hours. For the off‐peak travel period of EVs, a charging schedule strategy based on travel plans is proposed, which reduces the time cost of EV owners' travel. Furthermore, for the collective travel of a large number of EVs within the system, a multi‐EV charging scheduling strategy based on charging station load balancing is presented. This strategy effectively balances the load levels of various charging stations while reducing the overall system travel time. Ultimately, through experimental results, the authors demonstrate that by deploying appropriate charging scheduling strategies, EVs cease to be a burden on the grid and can be transformed into tools for balancing the loads across different regions.
Effect of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) on Eyelid Anatomic Features
Authors: Luong Hanna N. , Liu Alice S. , Sharaf Basel A. , Bite Uldis , Wagner Lilly H.
Published: April 2024

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) improves gender dysphoria. The brows and eyes are crucial in perceived gender, yet brow and eyelid surgeries are relatively underutilized. This study aimed to determine rates of brow and eyelid surgeries as part of FFS and characterize pre- and postoperative periocular features. We conducted a retrospective review to identify all patients with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria who underwent FFS at a single academic institution from 2019 to 2022. Thirty-four patients comprising 38 surgical cases were included. Twelve (35%) eyelid surgeries and 27 (79%) brow lifts were performed. Baseline eyelid measurements did not differ between brow lift and nonbrow lift cases. Those undergoing brow lift and eyelid surgery were older in age (p = 0.022), had a higher rate of negative canthal tilt (p = 0.050), and smaller baseline margin-reflex distance 1 (p = 0.014) than patients who had brow lift alone. Brow lift increased tarsal platform show (p ≤ 0.001) and lash-to-brow distance (p ≤ 0.001), and upper blepharoplasty increased tarsal platform show (p = 0.01). Rates of brow lift are high at our institution, and patients are appropriately selected for eyelid surgery in FFS. Brow lift and upper blepharoplasty can feminize anatomical features when using standards described for cisgender cohorts. The impact of periocular features on gender perception in transgender patients warrants further study.
Isolated, Proximal Tibiofibular Injuries in Athletic Patients: A Critical Analysis Review
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Gopinatth Varun , Jackson Garrett R. , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge , Brophy Robert H. , Matava Matthew J. , Smith Matthew V.
Published: April 2024

While infrequently reported, isolated injuries to the proximal tibiofibular (TF) joint primarily occur in young, athletic patients participating in sporting activities requiring explosive, high-impact movements, increasing the risk for potential twisting injuries, especially across a hyperflexed knee. The proximal TF joint is stabilized by bony, muscular and ligamentous structures, including both the anterior and posterior proximal TF complexes, with the anterior complex providing more robust stability. Proximal TF injuries frequently involve anterior and lateral displacement of the proximal fibula relative to its native articulation with the tibia. Proper diagnosis is dependent on careful and meticulous history and physical examination, as missed injuries are common, leading to the potential for continued pain, weakness and disability, especially in athletic patients. While spontaneous joint reduction has been reported, injuries may require formal closed reduction, with irreducible and chronic injuries requiring open reduction and stabilization, with recent investigations reporting satisfactory outcomes following anatomic reconstruction of the proximal TF ligament.
Short-term Comparison of Survivorship and Functional Outcomes for Metaphyseal Cones with Short and Long Stems in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Hampp Emily L. , Shi Sarah , Bhowmik-Stoker Manoshi , Huffman Nickelas , Denehy Kevin M. , Markel David C. , Li Daniel D. , Mont Michael A.
Published: April 2024

Printed porous titanium metaphyseal cones have become a mainstay for managing bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). A short or long stem is routinely used when implanting a cone to augment fixation and offload stresses. This retrospective analysis compared the short-term survivorships and functional outcomes for use of a short or long stem with a metaphyseal cone.

A total of 179 cases using metaphyseal cones and stems with median follow-up of 1.95 years (interquartile range, 1.00–2.14) were compared based on stem type. There were 55 cases with long stem(s) and 124 cases with short stem(s). Cases with both long and short stems were excluded. Demographics, Kaplan–Meier survivorships, and preoperative and 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 2011 Knee Society Score [KSS] objective knee score, function, and satisfaction scores; EuroQol five-dimension scale; and Short Form Survey Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores) were compared using t-tests with a significance level of α = 0.05. There were no significant differences in body mass index (mean ± standard deviation) or sex (men [%]) between the short and long stem cohorts (32.3 ± 5.3, 36.3% and 31.5 ± 5.5, 38.2%, respectively; p > 0.05). Patients who had short stems were younger (65.9 ± 8.8 vs. 69.0 ± 9.4, p = 0.0323).

Revision-free survivorship for the femoral or tibial component was 100% for long stems and 98.2% for short stems at 1 and 2 years, respectively (log-rank p = 0.6330). The two revisions in the short group were for infection, thus the survivorship for aseptic loosening was 100% at 2 years for both cohorts. There were no significant differences in preoperative or postoperative PROMs.

This study demonstrated that highly porous printed metaphyseal cones provided rTKA with excellent early survivorship and similar PROMs whether a short or long stem was used. Additional studies will be needed to discern longer term differences.
Additional Factor X Enhances Emicizumab-Driven Coagulation Function in Patients with Hemophilia A and Hemophilia A Mice
Authors: Shimizu Kazuki , Nakajima Yuto , Takami Eisuke , Nakano Hirotoshi , Nogami Keiji
Published: April 2024

Background Bypassing agents are used for breakthrough bleedings in patients with hemophilia A with inhibitor (PwHAwI) receiving emicizumab prophylaxis. Previous study demonstrated a weak binding affinity between emicizumab and factor (F)X (K
d; 1.85 μM), and that this value was much greater than the plasma FX concentration (∼130 nM). We speculated that increased FX levels could enhance coagulation potential in emicizumab-treated patients with hemophilia A (PwHA). To investigate the relationship between FX concentrations and emicizumab-driven coagulation.

Methods Plasma FX (up to 1,040 nM) and emicizumab (50 µg/mL) were added to FVIII-deficient plasmas, and plasma-derived FX (520 nM) or recombinant (r)FVIIa (2.2 µg/mL) was added to plasmas from three emicizumab-treated PwHAwI. The adjusted maximum coagulation velocity (Ad|min1|) by clot waveform analysis and peak thrombin (PeakTh) by thrombin generation assay in them were evaluated. Emicizumab (3.0 mg/kg), human (h)FIX (100 IU/kg), and various doses of hFX (100–500 IU/kg) were intravenously administered to HA mice. Clotting time/clot formation time (CT/CFT) were assessed using rotational thromboelastometry, and blood loss was estimated by a tail-clip assay.

Results The addition of FX to FVIII-deficient plasma with emicizumab increased Ad|min1| and PeakTh. The coagulation parameters in emicizumab-treated PwHAwI spiked with additional FX remained within the normal range as well as the additional rFVIIa. In animal models, hFX injection shortened the CT and CT + CFT. The shorter CT and CT + CFT, and the lower blood loss were evident after 200 or 500 IU/kg hFX administration, and those indices were comparable to those in wild-type mice.

Conclusion Supplementation with FX may improve emicizumab-driven hemostasis in PwHA.
Prominence, Promotion and Positioning of the ‘Thesis by Publication’ in Six Countries
Authors: Mason Shannon , Frick Liezel , Castelló Montserrat , Cheng Wenjuan , Chong Sin Wang , Díaz Villalba Laura , García-Morante Marina , Kong Ming Sum , Sakurai Yusuke , Shojaeian Nazila , Spronken-Smith Rachel , Weise Crista
Published: April 2024

The international nature of doctoral education creates interesting tensions where national systems, institutional policies, disciplinary customs, individual supervisor preferences, and doctoral researcher needs meet. The Thesis by Publication (TBP), a model where published works are included within the thesis, is available to doctoral researchers in many disciplines and institutions, but it is not a universally accepted format or approached in a homogeneous way. Policy has been known to shape practice, yet we know little about how institutional policies shape TBP practices across different national contexts. This study presents a content analysis of policy documents related to the TBP in public universities across six countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Our goal is to understand the prevalence of the TBP and related policy documentation in different contexts, and how the model is promoted and positioned within the doctoral landscape. Findings from our study challenge the often-stated notion that the TBP is a universally understood format. Our findings also show the risks in the absence of explicit policies, as well as the possible inequalities that may arise as a result of a lack of policy transparency and synergy within and across contexts.
Advancing the local climate zones framework: a critical review of methodological progress, persisting challenges, and future research prospects
Authors: Han Jie , Mo Nan , Cai Jingyi , Ouyang Leixin , Liu Zhengxuan
Published: April 2024

The local climate zones (LCZs) classification system has emerged as a more refined method for assessing the urban heat island (UHI) effect. However, few researchers have conducted systematic critical reviews and summaries of the research on LCZs, particularly regarding significant advancements of this field in recent years. This paper aims to bridge this gap in scientific research by systematically reviewing the evolution, current status, and future trends of LCZs framework research. Additionally, it critically assesses the impact of the LCZs classification system on climate-responsive urban planning and design. The findings of this study highlight several key points. First, the challenge of large-scale, efficient, and accurate LCZs mapping persists as a significant issue in LCZs research. Despite this challenge, the universality, simplicity, and objectivity of the LCZs framework make it a promising tool for a wide range of applications in the future, especially in the realm of climate-responsive urban planning and design. In conclusion, this study makes a substantial contribution to the advancement of LCZs research and advocates for the broader adoption of this framework to foster sustainable urban development. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners engaged in this field.
Intersectionalities and im/mobilities in family and marriage: a comparative study of Germany and India
Authors: Chaudhuri Mayurakshi , Karmakar Saurav , Shukla Sakshi
Published: April 2024

This article investigates comparative intersections of gender and family sociology internationally, with a specific focus on urban Germany and urban India. In particular, this research examines a central dynamic that informs family and marriage relations globally, and for this research context, in Germany and India: What are the nuanced ways of conceptualizing changing gender roles in marriage and in family in Germany and India? Bringing together a robust understanding of the theoretical frameworks of Intersectionality and of Mobility as large bodies of scholarship that examine geographic and symbolic power geometries, we adopt the lens of Intersectional Im/Mobilities to explore changing gender roles in family and marriage in Germany and India. We particularly focus on an intersectionality-based analysis of two primary themes that arise out of our primary and secondary data: (1) Women’s employment and impact on family life/work–life balance; and (2) Changing gender roles in marriage (through the lens of the division of household labor and aspects of agency and decision making), questions which influence and inflect complex intersectional realities.
Global macroecological patterns in host plant associations of Cryptocephalinae case-bearer leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Agrain Federico A , Vento Bárbara , Flinte Vivian , Reid Chris A M , Chaboo Caroline S
Published: April 2024

The aim of our work is to catalogue host plant records of the leaf beetle subfamily Cryptocephalinae at the global scale and use it as the foundation to analyse host plant relationships, one proposed key driver in the evolution of phytophagan hyperdiversity. We describe macro-scale host association patterns and assess the trophic range of Cryptocephalinae at the generic level. We assembled 532 sources and extracted 14 253 host plant records (1894 species of plants) for 1436 species of Cryptocephalinae. The results revealed that most genera of Cryptocephalinae are either polyphagous or strongly polyphagous, yet the five tribes exhibit intrinsic patterns of host association. Clear macroecological constraints exist for Cryptocephalinae within major lineages of plants. Polyphagy is also maintained for most of the documented juvenile stages and the 19 genera with myrmecophilous species. The most common host plants for Cryptocephalinae are eudicots, especially among the rosids the order Fabales has the most records, and Asterales, Fagales, Malpighiales, Myrtales, Rosales, and Sapindales are common hosts within all Cryptocephalinae tribes. Our meta-analysis approach and assessing the quality of host plant records permit detection of patterns in host association at the global scale and allows detection of all levels of plant–beetle interactions, from unlikely hosts to potential or real feeders. Our criteria for assessing host plant records and our working model can be applied to other chrysomelid subfamilies and phytophagous insects. The analysis of macroecological patterns and host checklist provide a basis for generic revisions and hypothesis construction in future ecological, molecular, and morphological studies.
De novo autoimmune connective tissue disease and mortality in patients treated with anti-programmed death receptor-1 and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 therapy: a population-level cohort study
Authors: Tang Kimberly , Rajeh Ahmad , Shaw Katharina S , Nguyen Nga , Wan Guihong , Hashemi Kimberly B , Castillo Rochelle L , Kwatra Shawn G , LeBoeuf Nicole R , Ann Vleugels Ruth , Semenov Yevgeniy R
Published: April 2024

Using a population-level cohort analysis, our study demonstrates that, although rare, de novo autoimmune cutaneous connective tissue diseases (AiCTDs) in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are not associated with a greater risk of mortality and overall approach a statistically significant decrease in mortality when compared with patients treated with ICIs who do not experience cutaneous immune-related adverse events. These findings are significant and highly relevant to dermatologists and oncologists caring for ICI recipients as it adds to the limited information on development of cutaneous AiCTD following ICI administration, for which enhanced understanding is critical to improving the care for this challenging patient population.
Clinical role of abbreviated and ultrafast MRI in breast imaging
Authors: Juliano Mario , Samreen Naziya , Chacko Celin , Heller Samantha L
Published: April 2024

Current breast cancer screening relies on mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis and breast ultrasound. In select populations, breast MRI is also of great utility. However, multiple factors limit widespread use of breast MRI for screening. Efforts have been made to increase the availability of breast MRI for screening, in large part due to the increased cancer detection rate of breast MRI compared to mammography. Techniques include shortening standard breast MRI protocols with the potential for accommodating MRI screening in a higher number of patients. This review will explain the role of abbreviated breast MRI and ultrafast breast MRI in breast imaging, and detail how these approaches differ from standard dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI. In addition, limitations and advantages of these techniques will also be discussed.
Western European Variation in the Organization of Esophageal Cancer Surgical Care
Authors: Visser Maurits R , Voeten Daan M , Gisbertz Suzanne S , Ruurda Jelle P , Achiam Michael P , Nilsson Magnus , Markar Sheraz R , Pera Manuel , Rosati Riccardo , Piessen Guillaume , Nafteux Philippe , Gutschow Christian A , Grimminger Peter P , Räsänen Jari V , Reynolds John V , Johannessen Hans-Olaf , Vieira Pedro , Weitzendorfer Michael , Kechagias Aristotelis , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I , van Hillegersberg Richard
Published: April 2024

Reasons for structural and outcome differences in esophageal cancer surgery in Western Europe remain unclear. This questionnaire study aimed to identify differences in the organization of esophageal cancer surgical care in Western Europe. A cross-sectional international questionnaire study was conducted among upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgeons from Western Europe. One surgeon per country was selected based on scientific output and active membership in the European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus or (inter)national upper GI committee. The questionnaire consisted of 51 structured questions on the structural organization of esophageal cancer surgery, surgical training, and clinical audit processes. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 16 surgeons from 16 European countries participated in this study. In 5 countries (31%), a volume threshold was present ranging from 10 to 26 annual esophagectomies, in 7 (44%) care was centralized in designated centers, and in 4 (25%) no centralizing regulations were present. The number of centers performing esophageal cancer surgery per country differed from 4 to 400, representing 0.5–4.9 centers per million inhabitants. In 4 countries (25%), esophageal cancer surgery was part of general surgical training and 8 (50%) reported the availability of upper GI surgery fellowships. A national audit for upper GI surgery was present in 8 (50%) countries. If available, all countries use the audit to monitor the quality of care. Substantial differences exist in the organization and centralization of esophageal cancer surgical care in Western Europe. The exchange of experience in the organizational aspects of care could further improve the results of esophageal cancer surgical care in Europe.
Mucosal impedance as a diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease: an update for clinicians
Authors: Marshall-Webb Matthew , Myers Jennifer C , Watson David I , Bright Tim , Omari Taher I , Thompson Sarah K
Published: April 2024

Mucosal impedance is a marker of esophageal mucosal integrity and a novel technique for assessing esophageal function and pathology. This article highlights its development and clinical application for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and eosinophilic esophagitis. A narrative review of key publications describing the development and use of mucosal impedance in clinical practice was conducted. A low mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) has been shown to be an independent predictor of response to anti-reflux therapy. MNBI predicts medication-responsive heartburn better than distal esophageal acid exposure time. Patients with equivocal evidence of GERD using conventional methods, with a low MNBI, had an improvement in symptoms following the initiation of PPI therapy compared to those with a normal MNBI. A similar trend was seen in a post fundoplication cohort. Strong clinical utility for the use of mucosal impedance in assessing eosinophilic esophagitis has been repeatedly demonstrated; however, there is minimal direction for application in Barrett’s esophagus. The authors conclude that mucosal impedance has potential clinical utility for the assessment and diagnosis of GERD, particularly when conventional investigations have yielded equivocal results.
Clinical characteristics of patients with high extracellular volume fraction evaluated by cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation
Authors: Oguni Tetsuya , Takashio Seiji , Kuyama Naoto , Hirakawa Kyoko , Hanatani Shinsuke , Oike Fumi , Usuku Hiroki , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Kidoh Masafumi , Oda Seitaro , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Ueda Mitsuharu , Hirai Toshinori , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the distribution of extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, clinical characteristics of high extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, and the rate of incidental detection of cardiac amyloidosis in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation.

Methods and results

This study included 874 consecutive patients (mean age, 74.4 ± 7.1 years; men, 65%), comprising men aged ≥60 years and women aged ≥70 years, who had undergone cardiac computed tomography between January 2020 and September 2022. The mean extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was 29.7 ± 5.2%, and 108 patients (12.4%) had an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Older age (75.9 ± 8.2 years vs. 74.2 ± 6.9 years; P = 0.042), male sex (75.9% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.007), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, increased high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and increased left ventricular thickness showed significant associations with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Cardiac amyloidosis was diagnosed incidentally in 15 patients based on an increase in extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography. The prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis was 1.7% (15/874) and 14.3% (15/105) in the entire study population and in patients with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%, respectively. An increase in the extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis.

Conclusion

Elevated extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, associated with elevated cardiac biomarker levels and myocardial structural changes, may lead to the incidental diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
Predictive Capacity of the Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool for Intrinsic Capacity Impairments: Results From the INSPIRE-T Cohort
Authors: Giudici Kelly Virecoulon , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Guyonnet Sophie , Beard John R , Takeda Catherine , Cantet Christelle , Andrieu Sandrine , Vellas Bruno ,   for the IHU HealthAge INSPIRE Platform Group, Guyonnet Sophie , Vellas Bruno , Brigitte Lauréane , Milhet Agathe , Paez Elodie , Muller Emeline , Le Floch Sabine , Takeda Catherine , Faisant Catherine , Lala Françoise , van Kan Gabor Abellan , Steinmeyer Zara , Piau Antoine , Macaron Tony , Angioni Davide , Ousset Pierre-Jean , Comté Mélanie , Daniaud Nathalie , Boissou-Parachaud Fanny , Andrieu Sandrine , Cantet Christelle , Rolland Yves , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Pillard Fabien , Faruch Marie , Payoux Pierre , Takeda Catherine , Tavassoli Neda , Dorard Marie , Razat Bénédicte , Champigny Camille , Guyonnet Sophie , Dray Cédric , Pradère Jean-Philippe , Parini Angelo , Santin Yohan , Langin Dominique , Gourdy Pierre , Martinez Laurent , Bouloumié Anne , Parini Angelo , Fazilleau Nicolas , Liblau Roland , Guéry Jean-Charles , Simon Michel , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Bostan Luciana , El Costa Hicham , Jabrane Ferrat Nabila , Valet Philippe , Dray Cedric , Ader Isabelle , Planat Valérie , Payoux Pierre , Peran Patrice , Delpierre Cyrille , Andrieu Sandrine , Rampon Claire , Davezac Noelie , Guiard Bruno , Vergnolles Nathalie , Motta Jean-Paul , Djelabi Sara , Floch Pauline , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Coley Nicola , Guyonnet Sophie , Andrieu Sandrine
Published: April 2024

Background

The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) approach was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) aiming to shift the traditional focus of care based on diseases to a function- and person-centered approach, focused on maintaining and monitoring intrinsic capacity (IC). This study aimed to investigate the ability of the ICOPE screening tool to identify older people with clinically meaningful impairments in IC domains.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included 603 older adults, participants (mean age 74.7 [SD = 8.8] years, women 59.0%) of the INSPIRE Translational (INSPIRE-T) cohort. Responses at screening were compared to results of the subsequent in-depth assessment (ie, Mini-Mental State Examination, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and clinical investigation of vision problems) to determine its predictive capacity for impairments at the IC domains (ie, cognition, psychological, sensory (vision), vitality, and locomotion).

Results

The ICOPE screening items provided very high sensitivity for identifying abnormality in vision (97.2%) and varied from 42.0% to 69.6% for the other domains. High specificity (>70%) was observed for all the IC domains, except for vision (2.7%).

Conclusions

The ICOPE screening tool can be a useful instrument enabling the identification of older people with impairments in IC domains, but studies with different populations are needed. It should be considered as a low-cost and simple screening tool in clinical care.
Elevated Blood Homocysteine Increases the Risk of Incident Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: A Two-Cohort Study
Authors: Cotton Kelly , Ayers Emmeline , Jin Ying , Beauchet Olivier , Derby Carol A , Lipton Richard B , Katz Mindy , Galery Kevin , Gaudreau Pierrette , Verghese Joe
Published: April 2024

Background

Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, a predementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait, may have an underlying vascular etiology. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine, a known vascular risk factor, have been linked to physical and cognitive decline in older adults, though the relationship with MCR is unknown. We aimed to identify the association between homocysteine and MCR risk.

Methods

We examined the association between baseline homocysteine levels and incident MCR using Cox proportional hazard models in 1826 community-dwelling older adults (55% women) from 2 cohorts (Einstein Aging Study [EAS] and Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging [NuAge]). We calculated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for each cohort as well as stratified by sex and vascular disease/risk factors.

Results

Median follow-up time was 2.2 years in EAS and 3.0 years in NuAge. Individuals with elevated baseline homocysteine levels (>14 µmol/L) had a significantly higher risk of incident MCR compared to those with normal levels in NuAge (HR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01–1.97, p = .04), after adjusting for covariates. Our exploratory stratified analyses found that these associations were significant only in men with vascular disease/risk factors.

Conclusions

Higher blood homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of developing MCR in older adults, particularly in men with vascular disease or vascular risk factors.
Pathogenic variants in HGF give rise to childhood-to-late onset primary lymphoedema by loss of function
Authors: Alpaslan Murat , Fastré Elodie , Mestre Sandrine , van Haeringen Arie , Repetto Gabriela M , Keymolen Kathelijn , Boon Laurence M , Belva Florence , Giacalone Guido , Revencu Nicole , Sznajer Yves , Riches Katie , Keeley Vaughan , Mansour Sahar , Gordon Kristiana , Martin-Almedina Silvia , Dobbins Sara , Ostergaard Pia , Quere Isabelle , Brouillard Pascal , Vikkula Miikka
Published: April 2024

Developmental and functional defects in the lymphatic system are responsible for primary lymphoedema (PL). PL is a chronic debilitating disease caused by increased accumulation of interstitial fluid, predisposing to inflammation, infections and fibrosis. There is no cure, only symptomatic treatment is available. Thirty-two genes or loci have been linked to PL, and another 22 are suggested, including Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). We searched for HGF variants in 770 index patients from the Brussels PL cohort. We identified ten variants predicted to cause HGF loss-of-function (six nonsense, two frameshifts, and two splice-site changes; 1.3% of our cohort), and 14 missense variants predicted to be pathogenic in 17 families (2.21%). We studied co-segregation within families, mRNA stability for non-sense variants, and in vitro functional effects of the missense variants. Analyses of the mRNA of patient cells revealed degradation of the nonsense mutant allele. Reduced protein secretion was detected for nine of the 14 missense variants expressed in COS-7 cells. Stimulation of lymphatic endothelial cells with these 14 HGF variant proteins resulted in decreased activation of the downstream targets AKT and ERK1/2 for three of them. Clinically, HGF-associated PL was diverse, but predominantly bilateral in the lower limbs with onset varying from early childhood to adulthood. Finally, aggregation study in a second independent cohort underscored that rare likely pathogenic variants in HGF explain about 2% of PL. Therefore, HGF signalling seems crucial for lymphatic development and/or maintenance in human beings and HGF should be included in diagnostic genetic screens for PL.
Reevaluating the splice-altering variant in TECTA as a cause of nonsyndromic hearing loss DFNA8/12 by functional analysis of RNA
Authors: Yang Yan , Luo Haiyan , Pan Lijuan , Feng Chuanxin , Guo Zhen , Zou Yongyi , Zeng Baitao , Huang Shuhui , Yuan Huizhen , Wu Ping , Liu Danping , Dan Yi , Xiao Junfang , Li XinYu , Chen ZhongFa , Zeng Xiao Ni , Jiang XiangLong , Yang Bicheng , Liu Yuhe , Liu Yanqiu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the genetic cause of early onset autosomal dominant hearing loss segregating in five-generation kindred of Chinese descent and provide preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)for them.

Methods

Clinical examination, pedigree analysis and exome sequencing were carried out on the family. Minigene-based splicing analysis, in vivo RNA analysis and protein structure prediction by molecular modeling were conducted on the candidate variant. PGT for the causative variation and chromosome aneuploidis based on SNP analysis has been used for avoidance of hearing loss in this family.

Results

All the affected individuals presented with moderate down-sloping hearing loss and whole-exome sequencing identified a novel splice-site variant c.5383+6T>A in the tested subjects within the TECTA locus. Genotyping of all the 32 family members confirmed segregation of this variant and the hearing loss phenotype in the extended family. Functional analysis of RNA and molecular modeling indicates that c.5383+6T>A is a pathogenic splice-site variant and should be considered as genetic cause of the hearing loss. Furthermore, a successful singleton pregnancy with no variation in TECTA c.5383+6 was established and a healthy male child was born by PGT.

Conclusion

We have identified a novel variant c.5383+6T>A in TECTA ZA-ZP inter-domain, which could be attributable to the early-onset autosomal dominant hearing loss. The implications of our study are valuable in elucidating the disrupted RNA splicing and uncovering the genetic cause of hearing loss with TECTA pathogenic variants, as well as providing reproductive approaches to healthy offspring.
The association between low serum calcium level and new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Pan Yilin , Liu Yuhua , Peng Zhan , Yang Yunxiao , Liu Linqi , Yang Xiubin , Hua Kun
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum calcium (SC) levels and the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational cohort study consecutively enrolled patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter or requiring concomitant cardiac surgery were excluded. A logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of POAF. Multivariable adjustment, inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching were used to adjust for confounders. Moreover, we conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses on preoperative and postoperative SC and ionized SC levels.

RESULTS

The analysis encompassed 12 293 patients. The POAF rate was significantly higher in patients with low SC level than those without (1379 [33.9%] vs 2375 [28.9%], P < 0.001). Low SC level was associated with an increased odds ratio of POAF (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.27 [1.18–1.37], P < 0.001). Inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching analyses confirmed the results. The increased POAF rate in low SC level group still existed among subgroup analysis based on different age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, CHA2DS2-VASc and magnesium.

CONCLUSIONS

Low SC level indicates elevated POAF risk in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery even after the adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, echocardiographic parameters and laboratory markers.
Pathways to green urbanism: evaluating Jeddah’s environmental sustainability progress and prospects
Authors: Hegazy Ibrahim Rizk , Hammad Hazem Abdelazim , Munshi Ammar Mohammedsaeed , Alqurashi Ahmed Abdulmohsen , Bahreldin Ibrahim Zakaria
Published: April 2024

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental sustainability in Jeddah, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities it faces as a rapidly urbanizing city in an arid region. The study evaluates Jeddah’s performance across multiple environmental areas, including energy and carbon dioxide emissions, land and building use, transportation, waste management, water use, sanitation and air quality. A detailed SWOT analysis identifies the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in achieving sustainable urban development. The results reveal high per capita carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption and waste generation, along with challenges in managing water resources and maintaining air quality. The study highlights Jeddah’s efforts in renewable energy policies, urban mass transportation and waste management strategies. The conclusion provides a set of comprehensive recommendations for policy improvement, focusing on the need for sustainable urban planning, energy conservation, improved waste and water management and public engagement. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of urban sustainability in arid environments, providing a valuable framework for policymakers and urban planners.
Long-term storage and quality stability of biodiesel fuels
Authors: Karchkhadze Kakha , Khetsuriani Natela
Published: April 2024

A special nano-composition of biodiesel was created that can increase the storage capacity and quality stability of the biodiesel fuel. The group compositions of pure nano-biodiesel and its blends with mineral diesel fuel were analyzed using a Fourier Infra Red (IR) spectrometer, and the individual hydrocarbons were identified by a gas chromatograph. The group compositions and physical and chemical parameters of the nano-biodiesel fuel fully met the standards and remained stable from 2018 through 2021, proving that this type of biodiesel can be stored for more than 4 years while maintaining physical and chemical properties and quality parameters.
The Gender- and Sexuality-Based Harms of Refugee Externalization: A Role for Human Rights Due Diligence
Authors: Talbot Anna , Vogl Anthea , Dehm Sara
Published: April 2024

Refugee externalization arrangements are increasingly common in refugee-receiving global North States. Such arrangements have broad-ranging and significant human rights implications, especially (but not only) for refugee women and LGBTQI refugees who may be at increased risk of gender- or sexuality-based harm. This is particularly the case where refugees are placed in situations of risk or harm as a result of a ‘sending’ State’s extraterritorial regime, or where domestic laws in receiving States outlaw certain practices such as pregnancy termination or same-sex sexual activity. There has been limited scholarly analysis of the gendered impacts of externalization policies, and States rarely take into account the gendered implications of externalization when implementing these policies. This article examines the possibilities and limits of international human rights law to protect refugees at risk of gender- and sexuality-based harms through a focus on States’ positive due diligence obligations. While there is limited jurisprudence on the scope of such obligations in the context of refugee externalization, the article emphasizes that due diligence human rights obligations require sending States to adopt effective measures to protect people from unlawful discrimination and from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Due diligence obligations also offer a vital accountability mechanism for violations in extraterritorial settings through their potential preventative, remedial, and visibility functions. Using the case study of Australia’s extraterritorial asylum regime in the Pacific, the article argues that such obligations encompass identifying and addressing foreseeable risks of gender- and sexuality-based harm, both prior to forcibly transferring refugees abroad and on an ongoing basis. Further, it argues that the gender- and sexuality-based human rights impacts of Australia’s externalization regime have immediate and urgent relevance as other States consider or implement similar policies.
Co-occurring nitrifying symbiont lineages are vertically inherited and widespread in marine sponges
Authors: Glasl Bettina , Luter Heidi M , Damjanovic Katarina , Kitzinger Katharina , Mueller Anna J , Mahler Leonie , Engelberts Joan Pamela , Rix Laura , Osvatic Jay T , Hausmann Bela , Séneca Joana , Daims Holger , Pjevac Petra , Wagner Michael
Published: April 2024

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria are common members of marine sponge microbiomes. They derive energy for carbon fixation and growth from nitrification—the aerobic oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and further to nitrate—and are proposed to play essential roles in the carbon and nitrogen cycling of sponge holobionts. In this study, we characterize two novel nitrifying symbiont lineages, Candidatus Nitrosokoinonia and Candidatus Nitrosymbion in the marine sponge Coscinoderma matthewsi using a combination of molecular tools, in situ visualization, and physiological rate measurements. Both represent a new genus in the ammonia-oxidizing archaeal class Nitrososphaeria and the nitrite-oxidizing bacterial order Nitrospirales, respectively. Furthermore, we show that larvae of this viviparous sponge are densely colonized by representatives of Ca. Nitrosokoinonia and Ca. Nitrosymbion indicating vertical transmission. In adults, the representatives of both symbiont genera are located extracellularly in the mesohyl. Comparative metagenome analyses and physiological data suggest that ammonia-oxidizing archaeal symbionts of the genus Ca. Nitrosokoinonia strongly rely on endogenously produced nitrogenous compounds (i.e. ammonium, urea, nitriles/cyanides, and creatinine) rather than on exogenous ammonium sources taken up by the sponge. Additionally, the nitrite-oxidizing bacterial symbionts of the genus Ca. Nitrosymbion may reciprocally support the ammonia-oxidizers with ammonia via the utilization of sponge-derived urea and cyanate. Comparative analyses of published environmental 16S rRNA gene amplicon data revealed that Ca. Nitrosokoinonia and Ca. Nitrosymbion are widely distributed and predominantly associated with marine sponges and corals, suggesting a broad relevance of our findings.