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HLA antibodies delay platelet recovery after gene therapy

Tissue-agnostic cancer therapies: promise, reality, and the path forward

Exploring the impact of mobile and migrant populations on mass drug administration coverage and effectiveness in Africa: A scoping review protocol

Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect populations in tropical regions, particularly low- and middle-income countries with limited economic and health resources. Mass drug administration (MDA) is a strategy for controlling and eliminating NTDs by treating entire at-risk populations to reduce parasite loads, interrupt transmission, and prevent reinfection. It is cost-effective, and promotes equity by reaching underserved communities. MDA is a critical approach to controlling and eliminating NTDs. Mobile populations in Africa such as nomadic groups and internally displaced persons, may lack access to MDA, which poses challenges to NTD elimination. This study aims to explore the influence of population mobility on the implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability of MDA in Africa. Materials and methods This scoping review adheres to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. PCC (Population, Concept, Context) serves as the foundation for the study. Relevant papers published after 2000 will be identified through a comprehensive search of Medline Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, and gray literature. Studies addressing challenges to MDA in Africa’s and related to mobile populations will be included. An Excel spreadsheet modified from the JBI will be used for data extraction and analysis. Conclusion The results of this review will shed light on how MDA coverage is affected by the phenomenon of mobile and migrant populations and what effective approaches, if any, have been used to address this problem and improve overall population access to MDA.

Decision-making algorithm with complex hesitant fuzzy partitioned maclaurin symmetric mean aggregation operators and SWARA method

Histo–blood group ABO system transferase plasma levels and risk of future venous thromboembolism: the HUNT study

Abstract The non-O blood group is a well-established risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the association between plasma levels of the histo–blood group ABO system transferase (BGAT), the gene product of the ABO locus, and VTE risk remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma BGAT levels and risk of future VTE, and whether this relationship was mediated by plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) or coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), as VWF is glycosylated by BGAT. Incident VTE-cases (n = 294) and a randomly sampled age- and-sex-weighted subcohort (n = 1066) were derived from the third survey of the Trøndelag Health Study. Baseline plasma samples (2006-2008) were subjected to the SomaScan aptamer-based-7K platform for protein measurements. Weighted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across BGAT quartiles. We found that ABO haplotypes (A1/A2/B/O1/O2) explained ≈80% of the BGAT plasma variability. Participants with BGAT levels in the highest quartile had 2-fold higher VTE risk (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.39-3.22) compared with those with BGAT in the lowest quartile in age-, sex-, and sample batch–adjusted models. The associations were particularly pronounced for unprovoked VTE (HR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.79-7.67) and deep vein thrombosis (HR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.63-6.59). The HRs were similar after further adjustment for body mass index, C-reactive protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, and moderately attenuated when adding VWF or FVIII plasma levels to the models. Our findings indicate that elevated BGAT plasma levels are associated with increased risk of future VTE beyond what is explained by VWF and FVIII.

Overcoming the trade-off between conductivity and strength in copper alloys through undercooling

Identifying differences between those with suicidal ideation-with-action, compared to ideation alone, using a community representative sample

Background Few studies examine suicidal ideation in the general population and who might act on suicidal thoughts. It is important to understand ideators, the largest group on the suicidality continuum. Objectives This study examines factors associated with suicidal ideation among community-dwelling individuals, and sociodemographic, health and help-seeking factors associated with ideation accompanied by planning or suicide attempt (‘ideation-with-action’) compared to ideation alone. Methods Using the 2002 and 2012 Canadian Community Health Surveys – Mental Health cycles (CCHS-MH), this cross-sectional cohort study examined 14,708 Ontarians 15 years and older who answered questions about suicidal ideation, and compared characteristics between non-ideators, ideators with a plan or previous attempt, and ideators alone, with chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results 2.1% of CCHS respondents reported past-year ideation alone (n = 302) and another 0.5% reported ideation with plan or past-year suicide attempt (n = 76). The risk profile of ideators compared to non-ideators was similar to that of ideators-with-action compared to ideators-without-action: male, younger, unpartnered, less educated, have lower income, no job, have a mood and anxiety disorder, a substance use disorder and seek help for mental health problems. Most ideators (65%) do not seek help, and those with a plan or previous suicide attempt are more likely to do so. Conclusion Ideators differ in profile in terms of whether they have ideation only, have made a plan or had previous attempts. Risk factors differentiating ideators from non-ideators are the same factors that further differentiate ideators-with-action compared to those with only ideation, suggesting the existence of a suicidality continuum and opening up the opportunity for targeting common risk factors in prevention efforts.

Incorporating echo state network and sand cat swarm optimization algorithm based on quantum for named entity recognition

Impact of HLA alloimmunization in gene-modified autologous stem cell transplant for transfusion-dependent thalassemia

Abstract We report our single-center experience demonstrating that HLA class I alloimmunization predicts longer time to platelet engraftment, increased bleeding complications, and higher transfusion requirements in patients undergoing gene-modified hematopoietic stem cell transplant for transfusion-dependent β thalassemia.

High-entropy-doping effect in a rapid-charging Nb2O5 lithium-ion battery negative electrode

SNP associations in the L-citrulline metabolic pathway and vascular aging in the Japanese population

Decreased nitric oxide (NO) production from the vascular endothelium is a major factor for vascular aging. Because vascular aging has few specific subjective symptoms, assessing the susceptibility to vascular aging is beneficial for its early detection and improvement. Therefore, this study evaluated the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on L-citrulline (Cit) pathways essential for NO production and the health characteristics involved in vascular aging using a candidate gene approach. Associations with a significance level included those between the KCNMB4 rs17108108 C allele and tendency to gain weight, the ADCY8 rs6470860 G allele and numbness of limbs, the NOS1 rs2271987 T allele and lower back pain, and the PDE9A rs2284972 G allele and body pain with negative mood states. A genome-wide association study was also conducted to analyze SNPs more extensively across genes related to Cit and NO metabolism, which revealed genome-wide significant associations between the PRMT6 rs12028323 C allele and mood disturbance. These significant associations could be explained by the change in downstream NO signaling, supporting the relationship between the investigated traits and vascular function. These traits can be manifested as subjective symptoms of vascular aging. Therefore, the identified SNPs could predict susceptibility to the subjective symptoms of vascular aging, which could lead to genotype-based personalized interventions of Cit for an efficient improvement of vascular health.

Electromagnetic textile absorber applied to 4G and 5G bands

Guidance on the interpretation of CRBN mutations in myeloma

Impact of statins as immune-modulatory agents on inflammatory markers in adults with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

While numerous studies have extensively documented the pleiotropic effects of statins, including their capacity to reduce inflammation, there is a lack of research estimating the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of statins among individuals with chronic diseases. This meta-analysis evaluates the effect of statin therapy on inflammatory markers and the lipid profile in patients with chronic diseases by analysing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a systematic review and searched articles published between 1st January 1999 and 31st December 2023 in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane. The meta-analysis was performed using random effects models and inverse variance. Effect measures were mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Collectively, statins significantly reduced IL-6 (MD = -0.24 ng/dL [95% CI, -0.36 to -0.13], I2 = 98.3%, p < 0.001), TNF-α (MD = -0.74 ng/dL [95% CI, -1.08 to -0.40], I2 = 98.8%, p < 0.001); and CRP (MD = -1.58 mg/L [95% CI, -2.22 to -0.94], I2 = 86.5%, p < 0.001). Notably, atorvastatin demonstrated the most significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α levels, while fluvastatin and rosuvastatin displayed the greatest impact on decreasing CRP and LDL-C levels, respectively. Stratification by a longer treatment duration of more than four months revealed that atorvastatin achieved the most significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, statin therapy not only regulates the lipid profile but also reduces systemic inflammatory biomarkers. Prolonged administration of statins led to a more substantial reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α, with atorvastatin exhibiting the greatest effect in our analysis.

Load demand forecasting in air conditioning a rotor Hopfield neural network approach optimized by a new optimization algorithm

Role of allo-HCT in “nonclassical” MPNs and MDS/MPNs: recommendations from the PH&G Committee and the CMWP of the EBMT

Abstract “Nonclassical” myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPNs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations. Unlike classical MPNs, there is no standardized management approach for these conditions, particularly concerning the indications for and management of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. To address this gap, the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Practice Harmonization and Guidelines (PH&G) Committee and the Chronic Malignancies Working Party (CMWP) have collaborated to develop shared guidelines aimed at optimizing the selection and management of patients with these rare forms of neoplasms. A comprehensive review of the literature from the publication of the revised fourth edition of the (2016) World Health Organization classification onward was conducted. A multidisciplinary group of experts in the field convened to produce this document, which was developed through multiple rounds of draft circulation. Key recommendations include the early identification of potential transplant candidates, particularly in cases of chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)/CEL, not otherwise specified (CEL-NOS), myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions with FGFR1, JAK2, ABL1, and FLT3 rearrangements, MDS/MPN with neutrophilia/atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, and MDS/MPN, NOS. For patients with MPN, NOS/MPN unclassifiable, standard recommendations for myelofibrosis should be applied. Similarly, in MDS/MPN with thrombocytosis, transplantation is recommended on the basis of established MDS guidelines. Given the current lack of robust evidence, this document will serve as a valuable resource to guide future research activities, providing a framework for addressing critical unanswered questions and advancing the field.

The effect of arsenic on mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism via inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B and choline kinase beta in C2C12 cells

Arsenic can enter the human body through environmental exposure via food, drinking water, and chemotherapy for cancer. Prolonged and excessive exposure to arsenic causes various toxic reactions, leading to diseases that significantly impact health and lifespan. Increasing evidence suggests that arsenic damages skeletal muscle tissue by reducing muscle mass and causing atrophy, thereby contributing to conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes. Fatty acid β-oxidation is the most efficient mechanism for ATP production and serves as a primary energy source for tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscles. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying arsenic’s effects on muscle function and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in arsenic-induced muscular damage using mouse skeletal muscle C2C12 cells. Our results demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of sodium arsenite (0–2 µM, 72 hours) on C2C12 cells proliferation, viability, and differentiation (indicated by reduction of myogenic differentiation 1 mRNA expression). Arsenic exposure disrupted mitochondria through increasing reactive oxygen species production, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential to 16.45%, downregulating mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism-related enzymes (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B to 15.05% and choline kinase beta mRNA to 49.94%), and decreasing mitochondrial DNA copy number to 42.08%. These findings suggest that arsenic-induced pathological changes in skeletal muscle are associated with impaired mitochondrial membrane function, disrupted fatty acid metabolism, and reduced mitochondrial DNA content in muscle cells.

Reading out bodily cues to predict interactions

Abstract Successful motor coordination in social interactions requires the rapid interpretation of others’ intentions from their actions. Previous research suggests that individuals use early bodily cues, such as movement kinematics and gaze, to predict others’ behaviour. However, the motor features critical for signaling or decoding potential motor interactions remain unclear. In this study, we measured the kinematics of a basic motor act — grasping an object — executed with either individualistic (to place) or social (to pass) intentions. Subsequently, we conducted two action prediction tasks to identify bodily markers of (social) intentions. Hand positioning on the object emerged as a key kinematic indicator of the intention to interact with a partner, as shown by kinematic analyses and classification of participants’ responses. Eye-tracking analysis revealed the face as the most attended feature during action observation. Notably, these cues were more consistently attended to when observing actions from a frontal — second-person — perspective rather than a lateral — third-person — perspective. Our findings highlight the saliency of hand-object interactions and the face in decoding potential engagement in second-person contexts. They also provide novel evidence for social affordance processing, expressed in action execution and observation, related to potential motor interactions with others. These features in decoding potential engagement in motor interactions.

Venetoclax and decitabine vs intensive chemotherapy as induction for young patients with newly diagnosed AML

Abstract Venetoclax (VEN) combined with hypomethylating agents is approved for frontline therapy in older/unfit patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, prospective data on this low-intensity therapy in treatment-naive younger patients with AML are lacking. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of VEN plus decitabine (VEN-DEC) as induction in untreated young fit patients with AML in a randomized trial. Patients aged 18 to 59 years eligible for intensive chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive VEN-DEC or IA-12 (idarubicin and cytarabine). All patients achieved composite complete remission (CRc) underwent high-dose cytarabine consolidation. The primary end point was CRc rate after induction. Of 255 screened, 188 were enrolled and randomly assigned, with 94 in each group. In the intention-to-treat population, CRc was 89% (84/94) in the VEN-DEC group vs 79% (74/94) in the IA-12 group (noninferiority P = .0021), with measurable residual disease negativity rates of 80% (67/84) vs 76% (56/74), respectively. VEN-DEC showed superior CRc in patients aged ≥40 years (91% vs 75%) and those with adverse risk (91% vs 42%) or epigenetic mutations (91% vs 67%), but lower CRc in RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion cases (44% vs 88%) than IA-12. Patients in the VEN-DEC group experienced fewer grade ≥3 infections (32% vs 67%) and shorter severe thrombocytopenia duration (median, 13 vs 19 days; P < .001). At a median follow-up of 12.1 months, overall and progression-free survival were similar between groups. In conclusion, VEN-DEC demonstrated noninferior response rates with superior safety over IA-12 in young patients with AML. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT05177731.

HIV protease inhibitors restore amphotericin B activity against Candida

Candida auris is an invasive fungal pathogen, representing a global public health threat. It is characterized by high mortality rates among infected individuals, significant antifungal resistance, and a remarkable ability to persist in healthcare environments. While amphotericin B is one of the most powerful antifungal agents for treating Candida infections, approximately 30% of C. auris isolates demonstrate resistance to it. Thus, the development of novel antifungal therapies is vital for tackling its life-threatening infections. In this study, we identified four HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, saquinavir, lopinavir and ritonavir) as strong potentiators of amphotericin B against C. auris. A synergistic effect between HIV protease inhibitors and amphotericin B was observed against 15 C. auris isolates with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) ranging from 0.09 to 0.50. Additionally, the combinations between HIV protease inhibitors and amphotericin B showed fungicidal effect, significantly reducing the viable cell count in the time-kill assay within 6 hours. Furthermore, the combinations inhibited biofilm formation of C. auris by 60–75% and exhibited a remarkable suppression of C. albicans hyphae. The in vivo treatment with HIV protease inhibitors combined with amphotericin B resulted in a significant reduction of C. auris colony-forming units (CFU) by 1.7–2.6 Log10 in the C. elegans model. These findings suggest that HIV protease inhibitors, in combination with amphotericin B, are promising candidates for the development of novel antifungal drugs to treat Candida infections.