bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life course social mobility, race and tooth loss in adulthood: The role of dental health services
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Boing Antonio Fernando , Peres Karen Glazer , Peres Marco Aurelio
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the extent to which dental care factors in adulthood modify and, at the same time, mediate the association between race/ethnicity and social mobility from childhood to adulthood with two oral health outcomes in adults.

Methods

In 2012, 1222 individuals 20–59 years old participated in the second wave of the Epi‐Floripa Study in Florianopolis, Brazil. Exposures included social mobility based on adulthood and childhood events, dental care in previous years, type of dental care coverage, reason for dental visits and race. The number of missing and decayed teeth were dichotomised as MT >0 and DT >0.

Results

The prevalence of missing and decayed teeth was 61.9% and 23.0%, respectively. Age–sex adjusted inequalities in decayed and missing teeth among Black and White individuals were 41.2 percentage points (pp) (95% CI: 3.9–78.7) and 53.1 pp (19.5:86.7), respectively. Inequalities between those persistently higher and lower in socioeconomic position were 42.6 pp (14.6–70.7) and 90.0 pp (62.1–100). The Relative Excess of Risk due to Interaction (RERI) was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Oaxaca‐Blinder decomposition analyses showed that dental care variables accounted for a small proportion of inequalities.

Conclusions

This result implies that dental care is unlikely to significantly reduce or increase oral health inequalities in this particular population.
Meiotic pairing and morphological and yield characterisation of three advanced lines of hexaploid tritordeum (×Tritordeum martini)
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Lima‐Brito José
Published: March 2024

Hexaploid tritordeum [×Tritordeum martinii A. Pujadas (Poaceae) nothosp. nov.; HchHchAABB] resulted from crosses between wild barley (Hordeum chilense Roem et. Schultz) and durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. Tritordeum (HT) presents interesting agronomic traits that can be transferred to cultivated wheat. Through the years, several HT lines were developed and characterised. Genomic stability and fertility are expected for advanced HT lines with multiple self‐fertilisation generations. In this work, we analysed the meiotic chromosomal pairing in pollen mother cells (PMCs) of three advanced lines of hexaploid tritordeum (HT9, HT31 and HT67) after fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) performed with genomic DNA from H. chilense and the bread wheat cloned rDNA sequence, pTa71, as probes, and characterised nine morphological and yield‐related traits for three consecutive years in adult plants. As expected, all HT lines showed regular meiotic chromosomal pairing, ensuring plant fertility as previously confirmed by the characterisation of morphological and yield‐related traits in adult plants of preceding generations. Globally, tritordeum is interesting for wheat breeding and has potential as an alternative crop.
Donepezil for dementia with Lewy bodies: meta‐analysis of multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II, III, and, IV studies
Authors: Mori Etsuro , Ikeda Manabu , Ohdake Megumi
Published: March 2024

Background

Current evidence for the management of symptoms associated with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) using donepezil is limited. We conducted a meta‐analysis of three randomised controlled trials of donepezil in patients with DLB to investigate the overall efficacy of donepezil on Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Clinician's Interview‐Based Impression of Change‐plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC‐plus).

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed using the data of 312 patients administered placebo or 10 mg donepezil. Overall mean score differences for MMSE, NPI‐2, and NPI‐10 from baseline to week 12 and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. For CIBIC‐plus, which was transformed from a seven‐point grade to a dichotomous outcome (improvements/no improvements), odds ratio (OR) and its 95% CI were estimated. Random‐effects models were used, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistic.

Results

Heterogeneity was suspected for NPI‐2 (P < 0.05; I2 = 87.2%) and NPI‐10 (P < 0.05; I2 = 67.7%) while it was not suspected for MMSE (P = 0.23; I2 = 32.4%) and CIBIC‐plus (P = 0.26; I2 = 19.8%). The overall mean MMSE score difference (mean difference: 1.50; 95% CI, 0.67–2.34) and the overall odds of improving CIBIC‐plus (OR: 2.20; 95% CI, 1.13–4.26) from baseline to week 12 were higher in the donepezil group than in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Results of our meta‐analysis indicated overall efficacy of donepezil on cognitive impairment and global clinical status in patients with DLB.
Self‐Employment, the COVID‐19 Pandemic, and the Rural–Urban Divide in the United States☆
Authors: Mindes Samuel C. H.
Published: March 2024

Self‐employed individuals faced numerous challenges amid the global health and economic crisis that was the COVID‐19 pandemic. Similarly, rural and urban workers faced different challenges during the pandemic. This rural–urban disparity further complicates the impacts of self‐employment and exacerbates inequalities resulting from gender, race, ethnicity, or immigration status. This study examines the economic consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic across these categories in the United States using Current Population Survey data from May 2020 to May 2022. Comparing the wage and self‐employment sectors across rural and urban areas, I examine the effects of individual, business, and geographic characteristics on the probability of work stoppages due to the health crisis. The analysis reveals that recovery from the pandemic was delayed among the self‐employed, while additional education and full‐time employment status can reduce work interruptions for these workers, as does working in select industries. Findings suggest that rural and urban minorities are more likely to face pandemic‐related work disruptions, with key differences between formal and informal self‐employment sectors. Specifically, self‐employed Asians/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans were more adversely affected in rural areas. The study concludes with several policy and program recommendations to assist vulnerable workers, especially in the rural self‐employment sector.
Spectral and linear stability of peakons in the Novikov equation
Authors: Lafortune Stéphane
Published: March 2024

The Novikov equation is a peakon equation with cubic nonlinearity, which, like the Camassa–Holm and the Degasperis–Procesi, is completely integrable. In this paper, we study the spectral and linear stability of peakon solutions of the Novikov equation. We prove spectral instability of the peakons in . To do so, we start with a linearized operator defined on and extend it to a linearized operator defined on weaker functions in . The spectrum of the linearized operator in is proven to cover a closed vertical strip of the complex plane. Furthermore, we prove that the peakons are spectrally unstable on and linearly and spectrally stable on . The result on is in agreement with previous work about linear instability and our result on is in line with past work on orbital stability.
The use of a sling suture for ventral orbital stabilization after inferior orbitectomy in three dogs
Authors: Logothetou Vasileia , Almansa Ruiz José C. , Steenkamp Gerhard
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe a novel surgical technique for the ventral stabilization of the orbit after inferior orbitectomy by using a sling suture and report outcomes in three dogs.

Animals

A 7‐year‐old male neutered Swiss shepherd, a 4‐year‐old female neutered golden retriever and a 9‐year‐old female neutered Rhodesian ridgeback.

Study design

Short case series.

Methods

All dogs presented with caudal unilateral maxillary masses. Surgical resection necessitated a caudal maxillectomy and inferior orbitectomy with a combined dorsolateral and intraoral approach. A sling suture was used to support the globe. A nylon suture was placed rostrally through the osteotomized maxilla and caudally through the osteotomized zygomatic arch via predrilled holes. The suture was tightened until the position of the globe subjectively appeared normal and was secured with a surgeon's knot. The periorbita was secured over the nylon suture with poliglecaprone suture material in a simple interrupted or continuous pattern. The surgical approach was routinely closed.

Results

Follow‐up ranged from 7 to 63 days. The surgical wounds healed uneventfully, and no postoperative complications associated with the stabilization technique were noted. No orbital deviation was noted and the zygomatic regions appeared subjectively symmetrical.

Conclusion

The nylon sling suture provided a quick, easy, safe and effective technique to stabilize the ventral orbit during a combined maxillectomy and orbitectomy in dogs.
Differential protein-protein interactions underlie signaling mediated by the TCR and a 4-1BB domain–containing CAR
Authors: Ritmeester-Loy Samuel A. , Draper Isabella H. , Bueter Eric C. , Lautz Jonathan D. , Zhang-Wong Yue , Gustafson Joshua A. , Wilson Ashley L. , Lin Chenwei , Gafken Philip R. , Jensen Michael C. , Orentas Rimas , Smith Stephen E. P.
Published: March 2024

Cells rely on activity-dependent protein-protein interactions to convey biological signals. For chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells containing a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, receptor engagement is thought to stimulate the formation of protein complexes similar to those stimulated by T cell receptor (TCR)–mediated signaling, but the number and type of protein interaction–mediating binding domains differ between CARs and TCRs. Here, we performed coimmunoprecipitation mass spectrometry analysis of a second-generation, CD19-directed 4-1BB:ζ CAR (referred to as bbζCAR) and identified 128 proteins that increased their coassociation after target engagement. We compared activity-induced TCR and CAR signalosomes by quantitative multiplex coimmunoprecipitation and showed that bbζCAR engagement led to the activation of two modules of protein interactions, one similar to TCR signaling that was more weakly engaged by bbζCAR as compared with the TCR and one composed of TRAF signaling complexes that was not engaged by the TCR. Batch-to-batch and interindividual variations in production of the cytokine IL-2 correlated with differences in the magnitude of protein network activation. Future CAR T cell manufacturing protocols could measure, and eventually control, biological variation by monitoring these signalosome activation markers.
Integrating high-throughput analysis to create an atlas of replication origins in
Trypanosoma cruzi
in the context of genome structure and variability
Authors: Vitarelli Marcela de Oliveira , Franco Thiago Andrade , Pires David da Silva , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Viala Vincent Louis , Kraus Amelie Johanna , de Azevedo Inácio de Loiola Meirelles Junqueira , da Cunha Julia Pinheiro Chagas , Elias Maria Carolina
Published: March 2024

Trypanosoma cruzi
is the etiologic agent of the most prevalent human parasitic disease in Latin America, Chagas disease. Its genome is rich in multigenic families that code for virulent antigens and are present in the rapidly evolving genomic compartment named Disruptive. DNA replication is a meticulous biological process in which flaws can generate mutations and changes in chromosomal and gene copy numbers. Here, integrating high-throughput and single-molecule analyses, we were able to identify Predominant, Flexible, and Dormant Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins as well as Orc1Cdc6-independent origins. Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins were found in multigenic family loci, while independent origins were found in the Core compartment that contains conserved and hypothetical protein-coding genes, in addition to multigenic families. In addition, we found that Orc1Cdc6 density is related to the firing of origins and that Orc1Cdc6-binding sites within fired origins are depleted of a specific class of nucleosomes that we previously categorized as dynamic. Together, these data suggest that Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins may contribute to the rapid evolution of the Disruptive compartment and, therefore, to the success of
T. cruzi
infection and that the local epigenome landscape is also involved in this process.

IMPORTANCE

Trypanosoma cruzi
, responsible for Chagas disease, affects millions globally, particularly in Latin America. Lack of vaccine or treatment underscores the need for research. Parasite’s genome, with virulent antigen-coding multigenic families, resides in the rapidly evolving Disruptive compartment. Study sheds light on the parasite’s dynamic DNA replication, discussing the evolution of the Disruptive compartment. Therefore, the findings represent a significant stride in comprehending
T. cruzi
’s biology and the molecular bases that contribute to the success of infection caused by this parasite.
Biogenesis, germination, and pathogenesis of
Cryptococcus
spores
Authors: Ortiz Sébastien C. , Hull Christina M.
Published: March 2024

Spores are primary infectious propagules for the majority of human fungal pathogens; however, relatively little is known about their fundamental biology. One strategy to address this deficiency has been to develop the basidiospores of
Cryptococcus
into a model for pathogenic spore biology. Here, we provide an update on the state of the field with a comprehensive review of the data generated from the study of
Cryptococcus
basidiospores from their formation (sporulation) and differentiation (germination) to their roles in pathogenesis. Importantly, we provide support for the presence of basidiospores in nature, define the key characteristics that distinguish basidiospores from yeast cells, and clarify their likely roles as infectious particles. This review is intended to demonstrate the importance of basidiospores in the field of
Cryptococcus
research and provide a solid foundation from which researchers who wish to study sexual spores in any fungal system can launch their studies.
Comparative analysis of IR-Biotyper, MLST, cgMLST, and WGS for clustering of vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Park Sunggyun , Ryoo Namhee
Published: March 2024

Healthcare-associated infections caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREFM) pose a significant threat to healthcare. Confirming the relatedness of the bacterial isolates from different patients is challenging. We aimed to assess the efficacy of IR-Biotyper, multilocus sequencing typing (MLST), and core-genome MLST (cgMLST) in comparison with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for outbreak confirmation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Twenty VREFM isolates from four neonates and ten control isolates from unrelated patients were analyzed. Genomic DNA extraction, MLST, cgMLST, and WGS were performed. An IR-Biotyper was used with colonies obtained after 24 h of incubation on tryptic soy agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood. The optimal clustering cutoff for the IR-Biotyper was determined by comparing the results with WGS. Clustering concordance was assessed using the adjusted Rand and Wallace indices. MLST and cgMLST identified sequence types (ST) and complex types (CT), revealing suspected outbreak isolates with a predominance of ST17 and CT6553, were confirmed by WGS. For the IR-Biotyper, the proposed optimal clustering cut-off range was 0.106–0.111. Despite lower within-run precision, of the IR-Biotyper, the clustering concordance with WGS was favorable, meeting the criteria for real-time screening. This study confirmed a nosocomial outbreak of VREFM in the NICU using an IR-Biotyper, showing promising results compared to MLST. Although within-run precision requires improvement, the IR-Biotyper demonstrated high discriminatory power and clustering concordance with WGS. These findings suggest its potential as a real-time screening tool for the detection of VREFM-related nosocomial outbreaks.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we evaluated the performance of the IR-Biotyper in detecting nosocomial outbreaks caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
, comparing it with MLST, cgMLST, and WGS. We proposed a cutoff that showed the highest concordance compared to WGS and assessed the within-run precision of the IR-Biotyper by evaluating the consistency in genetically identical strain when repeated in the same run.
Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome type 1 with normal birth parameters
Authors: Chung Brian Hon Yin , Yeow Shu-ling Sophie , Chan Joshua Chun Ki , Lee Mianne
Published: March 2024

A newborn baby born at 34 weeks and 5 days gestation was admitted for prematurity, dysmorphic features and congenital heart defects. Antenatal scan at 21 weeks showed a large-for-gestational-age foetus with a large abdominal circumference and liver, ventricular septal defect, right prominent renal pelvis and echogenic bowel. Antenatal genetic tests for overgrowth syndromes were negative. The mother had early onset pre-eclampsia. After birth, an overgrowth syndrome was still suspected despite the baby having normal birth parameters. Raw data of the trio whole exome sequencing from the amniocentesis sample were manually inspected. Hemizygous exon 7 deletion in the GPC3 gene was found, and a postnatal diagnosis of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, a rare overgrowth syndrome, was made. This case report discusses the significance of antenatal findings, an atypical presentation of a rare syndrome and the obstacles of diagnostic genetic testing.
Activities of daily living and non-exercise physical activity in older
adults: findings from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity
Survey
Authors: Zhou Zhengcheng , Fu Jiehui , Shen Ziyang , Qiu Yuexin , Yang Junsai , Chen Xiaoyun , Li Yue , Zheng Huilie
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Studies have shown that good cognitive function can moderate the
relationship between non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) and
activities of daily living (ADLs) disability to some extent, and this
study mainly explores the relationship between ADL and NEPA and
cognitive function in Chinese older adults.

Setting and participants

Data came from a nationally representative sample of 2471 Chinese
old adults (aged 65+) from the 2011, 2014 and 2018 waves of the Chinese
Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A cross-lagged panel model combined with mediation analysis was used
to determine the relationship between ADL and NEPA and the mediating
effect of cognitive function on the ascertained ADL–NEPA
relationship.

Results

The more frequently people over the age of 65 in China participate
in NEPA, the lower the risk of ADL disability. Cognitive function
partially mediated this expected relationship, accounting for 9.09% of
the total NEPA effect on ADL.

Conclusion

Participating in more NEPA could reduce the risk of ADL disability,
and participating in NEPA may reduce the risk of ADL disability through
cognitive function to some extent.
Factors associated with changes in walking performance in individuals 3 months after stroke or TIA: secondary analyses from a randomised controlled trial of SMS-delivered training instructions in Sweden
Authors: Vahlberg Birgit Maria , Eriksson Staffan , Holmbäck Ulf , Lundström Erik
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to identify factors related to changes in walking performance in individuals 3 months after a stroke or TIA.

Design

Cross-sectional study with post hoc analysis of a randomised controlled study.

Setting

University Hospital, Sweden.

Participants

79 individuals, 64 (10) years, 37% women, who were acutely hospitalised because of stroke or TIA between November 2016 and December 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 or above and the major eligibility criterion was the ability to perform the 6 min walking test.

Intervention

The intervention group received standard care plus daily mobile phone text messages (short message service) with instructions to perform regular outdoor walking and functional leg exercises in combination with step counting and training diaries. The control group received standard care.

Outcome measures

Multivariate analysis was performed and age, sex, group allocation, comorbidity, baseline 6 min walk test, body mass index (BMI), cognition and chair-stand tests were entered as possible determinants for changes in the 6 min walk test.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that age (standardised beta −0.33, 95% CI −3.8 to −1.05, p<0.001), sex (−0.24, 95% CI −66.9 to −8.0, p=0.014), no comorbidity (−0.16, 95% CI −55.5 to 5.4, p=0.11), baseline BMI (−0.29, 95% CI −8.1 to −1.6, p=0.004), baseline 6 min walk test (−0.55, 95% CI −0.5 to −0.3, p<0.001) were associated with changes in 6 min walk test 3 months after the stroke event. The regression model described 36% of the variance in changes in the 6 min walk test.

Conclusions

Post hoc regression analyses indicated that younger age, male sex, lower BMI and shorter 6 min walk test at baseline and possible no comorbidity contributed to improvement in walking performance at 3 months in patients with a recent stroke or TIA. These factors may be important when planning secondary prevention actions.

Trial registration number

NCT02902367.
Digital computerised cognitive training for preventing cognitive decline
among hypertensive patients: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised
controlled trial (DELIGHT trial)
Authors: Kong Yu , Guo Qian Hui , Zhou Le , He Liu , Zeng Yong , Du Xin , Dong Jian Zeng , Jiang Chao , Wang Ji Guang , Ma Chang Sheng
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important intervenable stage
for the prevention of dementia. Hypertension is associated with impaired
cognition, and when combined with MCI, it may lead to a poor prognosis.
Digital computerised cognitive training (CCT) has recently become a
potential instrument for improving cognition, but evidence for its
efficacy remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a
digital adaptive CCT intervention in older patients with hypertension
and MCI.

Methods and analysis

The multicentre, double-blinded, randomised, actively -controlled
clinical trial will recruit 200 older (≥60 years) patients with
hypertension and MCI from 11 hospitals across China. Participants will
be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group
(multidomain adaptative CCT) and active control group (non-adaptive
cognitive training) for 12-week cognitive training for 30 min/day and 5
days/week. Those who have completed their 12-week training in the
intervention group will be rerandomised into the continuation and
discontinuation training groups. All participants will be followed up to
24 weeks. Neuropsychological assessments and structural and functional
7.0 T MRI will be obtained at baseline and at 12-week and 24-week
follow-up. The primary outcome is the possible improvement of global
cognitive function at 12 weeks, as measured by the Basic Cognitive
Aptitude Tests. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include the major
cognitive domain function improvement, self-efficacy, mental health,
quality of life and MRI measurements of the brain.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the institutional review board of
Beijing Anzhen Hospital and thereafter by all other participating
centres. Trial findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals
and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05704270.
Air pollution and human health: a phenome-wide association study
Authors: Hegelund Emilie Rune , Mehta Amar J , Andersen Zorana J , Lim Youn-Hee , Loft Steffen , Brunekreef Bert , Hoek Gerard , de Hoogh Kees , Mortensen Laust Hvas
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To explore the associations of long-term exposure to air pollution
with onset of all human health conditions.

Design

Prospective phenome-wide association study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

All Danish residents aged ≥30 years on 1 January 2000 were included
(N=3 323 612). After exclusion of individuals with missing geocoded
residential addresses, 3 111 988 participants were available for the
statistical analyses.

Main outcome measure

First registered diagnosis of every health condition according to
the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, from 2000
to 2017.

Results

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) were both positively associated with the
onset of more than 700 health conditions (ie, >80% of the registered
health conditions) after correction for multiple testing, while the
remaining associations were inverse or insignificant. As regards the
most common health conditions, PM2.5and
NO2were strongest positively associated with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PM2.5: HR
1.06 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.07) per 1 IQR increase in exposure level;
NO2: 1.14 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.15)), type 2
diabetes (PM2.5: 1.06 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.06);
NO2: 1.12 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.13)) and ischaemic
heart disease (PM2.5: 1.05 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.05);
NO2: 1.11 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.12)). Furthermore,
PM2.5and NO2were both
positively associated with so far unexplored, but highly prevalent
outcomes relevant to public health, including senile cataract, hearing
loss and urinary tract infection.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that air pollution has a more
extensive impact on human health than previously known. However, as this
study is the first of its kind to investigate the associations of
long-term exposure to air pollution with onset of all human health
conditions, further research is needed to replicate the study
findings.
How can we improve the carbon footprint of IBD clinical care?
Authors: Carbery Isabel , Bhatnagar Gauraang , Cooney Rachel , Selinger Christian
Published: March 2024

The carbon footprint of the National Health Service (NHS) is estimated to be responsible for 5.9% of the total UK carbon footprint. The NHS has committed to reach carbon net zero by 2040, and therefore, all healthcare professionals have a role to play in identifying ways to help achieve this goal within their individual clinical areas. While specific research focusing on the carbon footprint of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care is limited, by combining principles of sustainable healthcare with work done in other healthcare areas, we can start to develop ideas to inspire our own sustainable IBD care. The aim of this review article is to examine each part of the IBD care pathway and consider where improvements in sustainability can be made or future research should be focused.
Teen dating violence and the COVID-19 pandemic: trends from a longitudinal study in Texas
Authors: Wood Leila , Baumler Elizabeth , PettyJohn Morgan E , Temple Jeff R
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a global public health and safety issue causing health impacts to youth people. This study aimed to examine: (1) the impact of the pandemic on TDV victimisation rates and (2) socioecological factors associated with sustained risk for TDV victimisation during the first year of COVID-19.

Methods

Data are from an ongoing randomised controlled trial of a TDV prevention programme in Texas (n=2768). We conducted annual assessments in 2019–2021. We used regression modelling to assess demographic, individual, peer and family factors associated with TDV risks.

Results

TDV rates declined from 11.9% in 2019 to 5.2% in 2021. While demographic, peer and family/household factors were not associated with TDV victimisation during the pandemic, individual-level factors (ie, early sexual debut, substance use, acceptance of violence and prior TDV involvement) were related to COVID-era risks. Only early sexual debut was uniquely linked to TDV victimisation risk the first year of COVID-19.

Conclusions

While TDV rates declined during the pandemic, previous victimisation, substance use and early sexual debut remained potent risks for relationship harm.
Investigation of dredging pattern due to changes in jet cross-section
Authors: Babarsad Mohsen Solimani , Safaei Abbas , Balachandar Ram
Published: March 2024

Sediment management is a significant part of the decision-making process that hydraulic engineers need to undertake as it has a direct bearing on the environment. Sediment dredging from around intake structures and reservoirs impose a high operating cost. Jets can efficiently remove large quantities of sediment at low operational costs. This study assesses the scouring pattern development by changing nozzle parameters to achieve maximum scouring conditions. Toward this end, scour holes induced by jets generated using the nozzles with four inner angles (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) are tested on a cohesionless sediment bed. The experimental results show that the inner nozzle angle, α, and the densimetric Froude number, F0, affect the scour pattern. This work illustrates that the scour hole dimensions grow with increasing α and F0. Based on the velocity measurements, for the range of jet discharges considered herein, the relative velocity Um/ U0 is increased by 20%–25% for the nozzle with α = 90° compared to the nozzle with α = 30°.
Early warning signals for stock market crashes: empirical and analytical insights utilizing nonlinear methods
Authors: Song Shijia , Li Handong
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a comprehensive framework grounded in recurrence analysis, a tool of nonlinear dynamics, to detect potential early warning signals (EWS) for imminent phase transitions in financial systems, with the primary goal of anticipating severe financial crashes. We first conduct a simulation experiment to demonstrate that the indicators based on multiplex recurrence networks (MRNs), namely the average mutual information and the average edge overlap, can indicate state transitions in complex systems. Subsequently, we consider the constituent stocks of the China’s and the U.S. stock markets as empirical subjects, and establish MRNs based on multidimensional returns to monitor the nonlinear dynamics of market through the corresponding the indicators and topological structures. Empirical findings indicate that the primary indicators of MRNs offer valuable insights into significant financial events or periods of extreme instability. Notably, average mutual information demonstrates promise as an effective EWS for forecasting forthcoming financial crashes. An in-depth discussion and elucidation of the theoretical underpinnings for employing indicators of MRNs as EWS, the differences in indicator effectiveness, and the possible reasons for variations in the performance of the EWS across the two markets are provided. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on early warning extreme market volatility, emphasizing the applicability of recurrence analysis in predicting financial crashes.
GreenABR+: Generalized Energy-Aware Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
Authors: Turkkan Bekir Oguzhan , Dai Ting , Raman Adithya , Kosar Tevfik , Chen Changyou , Bulut Muhammed , Zola Jaroslav , Sow Daby
Published: March 2024

Adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithms play a critical role in video streaming by making optimal bitrate decisions in dynamically changing network conditions to provide a high quality of experience (QoE) for users. However, most existing ABRs suffer from limitations such as predefined rules and incorrect assumptions about streaming parameters. They often prioritize higher bitrates and ignore the corresponding energy footprint, resulting in increased energy consumption, especially for mobile device users. Additionally, most ABR algorithms do not consider perceived quality, leading to suboptimal user experience. This article proposes a novel ABR scheme called GreenABR+, which utilizes deep reinforcement learning to optimize energy consumption during video streaming while maintaining high user QoE. Unlike existing rule-based ABR algorithms, GreenABR+ makes no assumptions about video settings or the streaming environment. GreenABR+ model works on different video representation sets and can adapt to dynamically changing conditions in a wide range of network scenarios. Our experiments demonstrate that GreenABR+ outperforms state-of-the-art ABR algorithms by saving up to 57% in streaming energy consumption and 57% in data consumption while providing up to 25% more perceptual QoE due to up to 87% less rebuffering time and near-zero capacity violations. The generalization and dynamic adaptability make GreenABR+ a flexible solution for energy-efficient ABR optimization.
Interaction between fatty acid oxidation and ethanol metabolism in liver
Authors: Lu Yongke , George Joseph
Published: March 2024

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) releases the energy stored in fat to maintain basic biological processes. Dehydrogenation is a major way to oxidize fatty acids, which needs NAD+ to accept the released H+ from fatty acids and form NADH, which increases the ratio of NADH/NAD+ and consequently inhibits FAO leading to the deposition of fat in the liver, which is termed fatty liver or steatosis. Consumption of alcohol (ethanol) initiates simple steatosis that progresses to alcoholic steatohepatitis, which constitutes a spectrum of liver disorders called alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). ALD is linked to ethanol metabolism. Ethanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), microsomal ethanol oxidation system (MEOS), mainly cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and catalase. ADH also requires NAD+ to accept the released H+ from ethanol. Thus, ethanol metabolism by ADH leads to increased ratio of NADH/NAD+, which inhibits FAO and induces steatosis. CYP2E1 directly consumes reducing equivalent NADPH to oxidize ethanol, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to cellular injury. Catalase is mainly present in peroxisomes, where very long-chain fatty acids and branched-chain fatty acids are oxidized, and the resultant short-chain fatty acids will be further oxidized in mitochondria. Peroxisomal FAO generates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is locally decomposed by catalase. When ethanol is present, catalase uses H2O2 to oxidize ethanol. In this review, we introduce FAO (including α-, β-, and ω-oxidation) and ethanol metabolism (by ADH, CYP2E1, and catalase) followed by the interaction between FAO and ethanol metabolism in the liver and its pathophysiological significance.
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS IIIA) mice have increased lung compliance and airway resistance, decreased diaphragm strength, and no change in alveolar structure
Authors: Paget Tamara L. , Larcombe Alexander N. , Pinniger Gavin J. , Tsioutsias Irene , Schneider Jan Philipp , Parkinson-Lawrence Emma J. , Orgeig Sandra
Published: March 2024

Heparan sulfate storage in the lungs of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) mice leads to changes in lung function consistent with those of an obstructive lung disease and includes an increase in lung compliance and airway resistance and a decrease in tissue elastance. In addition, diaphragm muscle contractile strength is reduced, potentially further contributing to lung function impairment. However, no changes in parenchymal lung structure were observed in mice at 20 wk of age.
Analyzing the Variances in Perspectives on BIM Implementation among Korea AEC Participants
Authors: Shin Min Ho , Kim Seong-Ah
Published: March 2024

The goals and benefits of implementing building information modeling (BIM) in different facilities are comparable, although there are variations in the employed technologies. Nevertheless, when considering the practical aspects of BIM, the specific variations in implementing BIM across different facilities lack clarity. This study investigated the variations in viewpoints among participants in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry regarding the adoption of BIM. The objective was to assess the necessity of developing diverse BIM application strategies based on the specific needs of AEC facilities. The following outlines the investigative process: (1) The survey questions were structured as items that necessitate prior investigation and consultation of BIM execution plans from prominent countries. (2) Appropriate statistical tests were chosen to analyze the correlation between respondents’ information and the questions. (3) The findings of the analysis conducted on the group of respondents were deliberated. The survey revealed that strategic variations are essential for the implementation of space for meetings in a technical setting, the formulation of data standards and BIM team for a cooperative environment, and the assessment of subjects based on the type of facility. Specifically, client‐specified common data environments exhibited variations in the responsibilities of participants, while the assignment of BIM coordinators also displayed differences in participant roles, depending on the type of facilities involved. Nevertheless, all participants were in complete agreement regarding the collaborative environment, technical environment, organizational structure, implementation guide, and the necessity for evaluation. Surveys of the perceptions of these AEC participants help identify factors that may hinder collaboration in advance and assist in adjusting communication and collaboration strategies. The BIM implementation strategy, which considers variations depending on the type of facility and the role of participants, facilitates seamless collaboration throughout the project and helps establish forward‐thinking guidelines for BIM operations from the standpoint of the client and governance.
Exploring the Diagnostic Dilemma of Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules in Patients with Primary Sarcoma of Bone
Authors: Westlake Babe , Brown Jeffrey , Hart Jacqueline , Skiby Cameron , Jones Kevin , Groundland John
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Bone sarcomas are known to have a predilection for pulmonary metastasis. Surveillance protocols are thus focused on periodic chest imaging, typically with CT scan. Pulmonary nodules can be easily identified with this modality, but smaller nodules are not readily biopsied and may not represent metastatic disease. These are called indeterminate. The natural history of indeterminate nodules in a bone sarcoma population and factors associated with progression to true metastatic disease are not clearly defined. Methods. All bone sarcoma patients treated at a single institution from 2010 to 2020 were eligible for inclusion. We treated 327 patients over this period; 119 were excluded for age less than 16 years, 31 were excluded for evident metastatic disease at presentation, and 60 were excluded for incomplete clinical follow-up or CT chest imaging either at staging or in surveillance. We assessed chest CT images for presence of pulmonary nodules and selected variables both at the staging and on surveillance images. Nodules were considered metastatic if proven histologically with a biopsy or by clinical interpretation by the multidisciplinary sarcoma team. Clinical and imaging factors were assessed for the association of indeterminate nodule progression to true metastatic disease. Results. Seventy three of the 117 patients had indeterminate nodules on their staging CT scan; 41.1% of those patients progressed to metastatic disease compared to 43.2% of the patients that did not have indeterminate nodules on staging CT. Fifty eight of the 117 patients developed indeterminate nodules on surveillance chest CT, and 55.2% of those patients progressed to metastatic disease. There were no clinical or imaging factors that predicted the development of metastatic disease in the group that had indeterminate nodules at presentation; however, the number and size of nodules did correlate with progression to metastasis in those that developed indeterminate nodules on surveillance. Conclusion. Indeterminate pulmonary nodules are common on staging CT scans in patients with a bone sarcoma. The presence or absence of these indeterminate nodules was not predictive of progression to true metastatic disease in this cohort. However, the development of indeterminate nodules on surveillance imaging was associated with progression to metastatic disease with the size and number of nodules being important factors.
First Detection of International High‐Risk blaKPC-2‐Harbouring Escherichia coli Pandemic Lineage ST648 in Pet Food Packages
Authors: Moses Ikechukwu Benjamin , Ribeiro Ághata Cardoso da Silva , Valiatti Tiago Barcelos , Santos Fernanda Fernandes , Cayô Rodrigo , Gales Ana Cristina
Published: March 2024

The continued worldwide increase in pet ownership has significantly boosted the growth of the pet food industry accompanied by new food safety risks and challenges. This study was designed to determine the occurrence and molecularly characterize multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales in pet food. Eighty‐six (86) packages of dry and wet pet food purchased in different retail stores were screened for carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by agar dilution technique using EUCAST/BrCAST recommendations. Blue‐Carba test was further used to screen for carbapenemase‐producing isolates. Isolated CRE strains were identified at the species level using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Detection of carbapenemase‐encoding genes was carried out by PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 15 (17.4%) MDR‐CRE (Escherichia coli (n = 2), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 10), Leclercia adecarboxylata (n = 2), and Cronobacter spp. (n = 1)) were isolated from 86 pet food samples. In addition to being resistant to beta‐lactams, the Gram‐negative bacterial isolates were also resistant to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tigecycline. Interestingly, two carbapenem‐resistant E. coli isolates harboured blaKPC-2 gene. WGS analysis of the two blaKPC-2‐producing E. coli isolates revealed that they both belong to ST648 and serotype O153:H2 group. The genetic context of the blaKPC-2 showed that they were carried by an IncN plasmid on a Tn4401b transposon element. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of blaKPC-2‐harbouring E. coli ST648 pathogens in pet food. The detection of blaKPC-2‐harbouring E. coli ST648 pandemic high‐risk lineage in pet food is worrisome and a serious “One Health” issue. Therefore, pet food should be considered as a potential vehicle for the transmission of MDR pathogens to companion animals, and a risk factor for the dissemination of these bacterial pathogens to pet animals and their human guardians.
Supplementary Table 4 from The Salivary Microbiome and Predicted Metabolite Production Are Associated with Barrett's Esophagus and High-Grade Dysplasia or Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Solfisburg Quinn S. , Baldini Federico , Baldwin-Hunter Brittany , Austin George I. , Lee Harry H. , Park Heekuk , Freedberg Daniel E. , Lightdale Charles J. , Korem Tal , Abrams Julian A.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table 4: Multivariable Logistic Regression Analyses Assessing Associations Between EAC Risk Factors and Tooth Loss.
Supplementary Table S7 from Passenger Gene Coamplifications Create Collateral Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Cancer
Authors: Bei Yi , Bramé Luca , Kirchner Marieluise , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Kunz Severine , Bhattacharya Animesh , Rusu Mara-Camelia , Gürgen Dennis , Dubios Frank P.B. , Köppke Julia K.C. , Proba Jutta , Wittstruck Nadine , Sidorova Olga Alexandra , Chamorro González Rocío , Dorado Garcia Heathcliff , Brückner Lotte , Xu Robin , Giurgiu Mădălina , Rodriguez-Fos Elias , Yu Qinghao , Spanjaard Bastiaan , Koche Richard P. , Schmitt Clemens A. , Schulte Johannes H. , Eggert Angelika , Haase Kerstin , Kirwan Jennifer , Hagemann Anja I.H. , Mertins Philipp , Dörr Jan R. , Henssen Anton G.
Published: March 2024

List of antibodies, materials, oligonucleotides, deposited data and software used in this study.
Supplementary Table S5 from Passenger Gene Coamplifications Create Collateral Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Cancer
Authors: Bei Yi , Bramé Luca , Kirchner Marieluise , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Kunz Severine , Bhattacharya Animesh , Rusu Mara-Camelia , Gürgen Dennis , Dubios Frank P.B. , Köppke Julia K.C. , Proba Jutta , Wittstruck Nadine , Sidorova Olga Alexandra , Chamorro González Rocío , Dorado Garcia Heathcliff , Brückner Lotte , Xu Robin , Giurgiu Mădălina , Rodriguez-Fos Elias , Yu Qinghao , Spanjaard Bastiaan , Koche Richard P. , Schmitt Clemens A. , Schulte Johannes H. , Eggert Angelika , Haase Kerstin , Kirwan Jennifer , Hagemann Anja I.H. , Mertins Philipp , Dörr Jan R. , Henssen Anton G.
Published: March 2024

Metabolite levels in cells with DDX1-MYCN co-amplification compared to cell lines without such co-amplification.
Supplementary Figure 2 from The NUTRIENT Trial (NUTRitional Intervention among myEloproliferative Neoplasms): Results from a Randomized Phase I Pilot Study for Feasibility and Adherence
Authors: Mendez Luque Laura F. , Avelar-Barragan Julio , Nguyen Hellen , Nguyen Jenny , Soyfer Eli M. , Liu Jiarui , Chen Jane H. , Mehrotra Nitya , Huang Xin , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Dueck Amylou , Himstead Alexander , Heide Elena , Lem Melinda , El Alaoui Kenza , Mas Eduard , Scherber Robyn M. , Mesa Ruben A. , Whiteson Katrine L. , Odegaard Andrew , Fleischman Angela G.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Figure 2. Changes in hsCRP during the study
Data from The NUTRIENT Trial (NUTRitional Intervention among myEloproliferative Neoplasms): Results from a Randomized Phase I Pilot Study for Feasibility and Adherence
Authors: Mendez Luque Laura F. , Avelar-Barragan Julio , Nguyen Hellen , Nguyen Jenny , Soyfer Eli M. , Liu Jiarui , Chen Jane H. , Mehrotra Nitya , Huang Xin , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Dueck Amylou , Himstead Alexander , Heide Elena , Lem Melinda , El Alaoui Kenza , Mas Eduard , Scherber Robyn M. , Mesa Ruben A. , Whiteson Katrine L. , Odegaard Andrew , Fleischman Angela G.
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Chronic inflammation is integral to myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) pathogenesis. JAK inhibitors reduce cytokine levels, but not without significant side effects. Nutrition is a low-risk approach to reduce inflammation and ameliorate symptoms in MPN. We performed a randomized, parallel-arm study to determine the feasibility of an education-focused Mediterranean diet intervention among patients with MPN.
Experimental Design:
We randomly assigned patients with MPN to either a Mediterranean diet or standard U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (USDA). Groups received equal but separate education with registered dietician counseling and written dietary resources. Patients were prospectively followed for feasibility, adherence, and symptom burden assessments. Biological samples were collected at four timepoints during the 15-week study to explore changes in inflammatory biomarkers and gut microbiome.
Results:
The Mediterranean diet was as easy to follow for patients with MPN as the standard USDA diet. Approximately 80% of the patients in the Mediterranean diet group achieved a Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score of ≥8 throughout the entire active intervention period, whereas less than 50% of the USDA group achieved a score of ≥8 at any timepoint. Improvement in symptom burden was observed in both diet groups. No significant changes were observed in inflammatory cytokines. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome remained stable throughout the duration of the intervention.
Conclusions:
With dietician counseling and written education, patients with MPN can adhere to a Mediterranean eating pattern. Diet interventions may be further developed as a component of MPN care, and potentially incorporated into the management of other hematologic conditions.
Significance:
Diet is a central tenant of management of chronic conditions characterized by subclinical inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease, but has not entered the treatment algorithm for clonal hematologic disorders. Here, we establish that a Mediterranean diet intervention is feasible in the MPN patient population and can improve symptom burden. These findings warrant large dietary interventions in patients with hematologic disorders to test the impact of diet on clinical outcomes.