bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The centrality of education
Authors: Kitcher Philip
Published: May 2023

This article is intended as a precis of The Main Enterprise of the World and hopes to orient those who have not read it to the symposium discussion that follows. It outlines my own version of a radical rethinking of education. Instead of holding that educational systems should be shaped so as to satisfy socio-economic constraints, interpreted narrowly in recent decades to emphasize the preparation of the young to compete in the global economy, it proposes to view education as ‘the main enterprise of the world’ (in Emerson's resonant phrase). I attempt to harmonize three important educational goals: equipping people to maintain themselves; providing the opportunity for fulfilling lives; and creating citizens who can live and work together to sustain democratic societies. The notion of fulfillment is elaborated by following J. S. Mill in emphasizing individual freedom to ‘pursue one's own good in one's own way’, and requiring the chosen project to contribute to a transhistorical pan-human enterprise. This requires a serious probing of the concept of autonomy. I argue that the reworked notion is closely linked to capacities for democratic deliberation, and, like Dewey, I view regular exchanges among citizens as crucial for genuine democracy. In light of these perspectives, shifts in the labor market, brought about by increasing automation, provide the opportunity for people to undertake rewarding (and properly respected) service work, participating throughout their lives in the education of others. The resulting position has curricular consequences, and these in turn require social and economic changes. I conclude by defending the approach I have sketched against charges of utopianism.
Continuing the conversation
Authors: Kitcher Philip
Published: May 2023

I offer some responses to the principal points raised by Ben Kotzee, Alexis Gibbs, Sheron Fraser-Burgess, and Nigel Tubbs in their commentaries on my book, The Main Enterprise of the World: Rethinking Education (MEW), and to John White's penetrating and constructive review (the four commentaries and White's review all appear in this issue). In reply to Kotzee's challenge, I argue that MEW supports an improved approach to specialized scientific education, and that worries about the future of technology are unfounded. Gibbs’ critique, I contend, assumes a one-size-fits-all approach to the arts, in an area where I am concerned to make fine differentiations. Fraser-Burgess is right to wonder how my educational program can overcome the problems of multicultural, multiracial, multiethnic societies, but I maintain that the approach to educating citizens MEW outlines is the appropriate means to address those problems. Finally, I am happy to modify my conception of the Deweyan Society by introducing the kinds of Socratic explorations Tubbs proposes.

John White introduces a number of significant issues and concerns. Some of these arise, I claim, from his adoption of familiar versions of concepts MEW takes pains to explicate in new ways. Since I argue for the superiority of my explicated versions, I view the correct strategy to involve discarding the presuppositions of the traditional notions White favours. With respect to moral education, for example, White's ‘precept-centered’ conception contrasts with my emphasis on the fundamental importance of skills of mutual engagement. His most extensive discussion, on my approach to fulfilment, poses a deep challenge. Here, I attempt to clarify and motivate the concepts I deploy. With respect to his review, however, as with my exchanges with the other commentators, this response can only be the beginning of what I hope will continue to be a fruitful conversation.
Conceptualizing distributive justice in education: a complexity theory perspective
Authors: Gilead Tal
Published: May 2023

Over the last two decades, complexity theory, which is designed to deal with systems of multiple interdependent variables, has been increasingly applied to analyse and shed light on various aspects of education. So far, however, complexity theory has rarely been used, if at all, to examine questions related to educational justice. This article offers a theoretical examination of some possible links between complexity theory and distributive justice in education. It asks how accepting the premise that education is a complex dynamic system should shape the way distributive justice in education is conceptualized and approached. It is argued that complexity theory challenges many assumptions on which the dominant approach for dealing with distributive justice in education rests. The article focuses on three subjects that stem from complexity theory but have implications for dealing with distributive justice in education: system diversity, reductionism, and change. Each of these subjects is examined separately, and some possible contributions of complexity theory to illuminating these subjects in relation to distributive justice in education are discussed. The article ends with a brief illustration of where a complexity-based approach to educational justice leads that focuses on school choice and contrasts it with Brighouse's views on this issue.
Radio multifrequency observations of the galaxy cluster pair Abell 399 − 401 with WSRT
Authors: Nunhokee C D , Bernardi G , Manti S , Govoni F , Bonafede A , Venturi T , Dallacasa D , Murgia M , Pizzo R F , Smirnov O M , Vacca V
Published: April 2023

Galaxy clusters are assembled via merging of smaller structures, in a process that generates shocks and turbulence in the intra cluster medium and produces radio diffuse emission in the form of halos and relics. The cluster pair A 399–A 401 represents a special case: both clusters host a radio halo. Recent Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) observations at 140 MHz revealed the presence of a radio bridge connecting the two clusters along with two relic candidates. These relics include one South of A 399 and the other in between the two clusters, in proximity of a shock front detected in X-ray observations. In this paper we present observations of the A 399–A 401 cluster pair at 1.7, 1.4, 1.2 GHz, and 346 MHz from the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT). We detect the radio halo in the A 399 cluster at 346 MHz, extending up to ∼650 kpc and with a 125 ± 6 mJy flux density. Its spectral index between 140 MHz and 346 MHz is α = 1.75 ± 0.14. The two candidate relics are also seen at 346 MHz and we determine their spectral indices to be α = 1.10 ± 0.14 and α = 1.46 ± 0.14. The low surface brightness bridge connecting the two clusters is below the noise level at 346 MHz therefore we constrain the bridge average spectral index to be steep, i.e. α > 1.5 at 95 per cent confidence level. This result favours the scenario where dynamically-induced turbulence is a viable mechanism to reaccelerate a population of mildly relativistic particles and amplify magnetic fields on scales of a few Mpcs.
On the fast track: Rapid construction of stellar stream paths
Authors: Starkman Nathaniel , Bovy Jo , Webb Jeremy J , Calvetti Daniela , Somersalo Erkki
Published: April 2023

Stellar streams are sensitive probes of the Galactic potential. The likelihood of a stream model given stream data is often assessed using simulations. However, comparing to simulations is challenging when even the stream paths can be hard to quantify. Here we present a novel application of self-organizing maps and first-order Kalman filters to reconstruct a stream’s path, propagating measurement errors and data sparsity into the stream path uncertainty. The technique is Galactic-model independent, non-parametric, and works on phase-wrapped streams. With this technique, we can uniformly analyse and compare data with simulations, enabling both comparison of simulation techniques and ensemble analysis with stream tracks of many stellar streams. Our method is implemented in the public Python package TrackStream, available at https://github.com/nstarman/trackstream.
Line emission from filaments in molecular clouds
Authors: Priestley F D , Arzoumanian D , Whitworth A P
Published: April 2023

Filamentary structures are often identified in column density maps of molecular clouds, and appear to be important for both low- and high-mass star formation. Theoretically, these structures are expected to form in regions where the supersonic cloud-scale turbulent velocity field converges. While this model of filament formation successfully reproduces several of their properties derived from column densities, it is unclear whether it can also reproduce their kinematic features. We use a combination of hydrodynamical, chemical, and radiative transfer modelling to predict the emission properties of these dynamically forming filaments in the 13CO, HCN, and N2H+  $J=1{\!-\!}0$ rotational lines. The results are largely in agreement with observations; in particular, line widths are typically subsonic to transonic, even for filaments that have formed from highly supersonic inflows. If the observed filaments are formed dynamically, as our results suggest, no equilibrium analysis is possible, and simulations that presuppose the existence of a filament are likely to produce unrealistic results.
J-PLUS: characterization of high-velocity stars in the second data release
Authors: Quispe-Huaynasi F , Roig F , Daflon S , Pereira C B , Placco V M , Jiménez-Esteban F , Galindo-Guil F J , Alvarez-Candal A , Alcaniz J , Angulo R E , Cenarro J , Cristóbal-Hornillos D , Dupke R , Ederoclite A , Hernández-Monteagudo C , López-Sanjuan C , Marín-Franch A , Moles M , Sodré L , Varela J , Vázquez Ramió H
Published: April 2023

High-velocity stars in the Milky Way are related to extreme astrophysical phenomena. In this work, we characterize 28 stars with Galactocentric velocities higher than 400  $\mathrm{km\, s^{-1}}$ observed in the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey Data Release 2 (J-PLUS DR2) survey. We combine J-PLUS photometry with astrometric data from the Gaia DR3 catalogue to analyse the kinematics, dynamics, and fundamental stellar parameters of these stars. Our results indicate that most of the 28 stars have typical behaviour and properties of halo stars, and some of them could be related to the disk population. Some of the halo stars may belong to known structures that originated from mergers of other systems with the Milky Way.
Magnetic field draping around clumpy high-velocity clouds in galactic halo
Authors: Jung S Lyla , Grønnow Asger , McClure-Griffiths N M
Published: April 2023

Throughout the passage within the Galactic halo, high-velocity clouds (HVCs) sweep up ambient magnetic fields and form stretched and draped configurations of magnetic fields around them. Many earlier numerical studies adopt spherically symmetric uniform-density clouds as initial conditions for simplicity. However, observations demonstrate that HVCs are clumpy and turbulent. In this paper, we perform 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations to study the evolution of clouds with initial density distributions described by power-law spatial power spectra. We systematically study the role of (i) the initial density structure, (ii) halo magnetic fields, and (iii) radiative cooling efficiency upon infalling HVCs. We find that (i) the clouds’ density structure regulates mixing and mass growth. Uniform clouds grow from the onset of the simulations, while clumpy clouds initially lose gas and then grow at later times. Along the same lines, the growth curve of clumpy clouds depends on the slope of the initial density power spectra. (ii) Magnetic fields suppress hydrodynamic instabilities and the growth of small-scale structures. As a result, magnetized clouds develop long filaments extended along the streaming direction, whereas non-magnetized clouds are fragmented into many small clumps. (iii) Efficient cooling keeps the main cloud body more compact and produces decelerated dense clumps condensed from the halo gas. This work potentially helps us understand and predict the observed properties of HVCs such as the detectability of magnetized clouds, the presence of decelerated HI structures associated with HVC complexes and small-scale features, and a possible link between the origin and the fate of HVCs.
Global instability by runaway collisions in nuclear stellar clusters: numerical tests of a route for massive black hole formation
Authors: Vergara M C , Escala A , Schleicher D R G , Reinoso B
Published: April 2023

The centres of galaxies host nuclear stellar clusters, supermassive black holes, or both. The origin of this dichotomy is still a mystery. Nuclear stellar clusters are the densest stellar system in the Universe, so they are ideal places for runaway collisions to occur. Previous studies have proposed the possible existence of a critical mass scale in such clusters, for which the occurrence of collisions becomes very frequent and leads to the formation of a very massive object. While it is difficult to directly probe this scenario with simulations, we here aim for a proof of concept using toy models where the occurrence of such a transition is shown based on simplified compact systems, where the typical evolution time-scales will be faster compared to the real Universe. Indeed our simulations confirm that such a transition takes place and that up to 50 per cent of the cluster mass can go into the formation of a central massive object for clusters that are above the critical mass scale. Our results thus support the proposed new scenario on the basis of idealized simulations. A preliminary analysis of observed nuclear star clusters shows similar trends related to the critical mass as in our simulations. We further discuss the caveats for the application of the proposed scenario in real nuclear star clusters.
RecF protein targeting to postreplication (daughter strand) gaps I: DNA binding by RecF and RecFR
Authors: Henry Camille , Mbele Neema , Cox Michael M
Published: May 2023

In bacteria, the repair of post-replication gaps by homologous recombination requires the action of the recombination mediator proteins RecF, RecO and RecR. Whereas the role of the RecOR proteins to displace the single strand binding protein (SSB) and facilitate RecA loading is clear, how RecF mediates targeting of the system to appropriate sites remains enigmatic. The most prominent hypothesis relies on specific RecF binding to gap ends. To test this idea, we present a detailed examination of RecF and RecFR binding to more than 40 DNA substrates of varying length and structure. Neither RecF nor the RecFR complex exhibited specific DNA binding that can explain the targeting of RecF(R) to post-replication gaps. RecF(R) bound to dsDNA and ssDNA of sufficient length with similar facility. DNA binding was highly ATP-dependent. Most measured Kd values fell into a range of 60–180 nM. The addition of ssDNA extensions on duplex substrates to mimic gap ends or CPD lesions produces only subtle increases or decreases in RecF(R) affinity. Significant RecFR binding cooperativity was evident with many DNA substrates. The results indicate that RecF or RecFR targeting to post-replication gaps must rely on factors not yet identified, perhaps involving interactions with additional proteins.
PANGEA: a new gene set enrichment tool for Drosophila and common research organisms
Authors: Hu Yanhui , Comjean Aram , Attrill Helen , Antonazzo Giulia , Thurmond Jim , Chen Weihang , Li Fangge , Chao Tiffany , Mohr Stephanie E , Brown Nicholas H , Perrimon Norbert
Published: May 2023

Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) plays an important role in large-scale data analysis, helping scientists discover the underlying biological patterns over-represented in a gene list resulting from, for example, an ‘omics’ study. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation is the most frequently used classification mechanism for gene set definition. Here we present a new GSEA tool, PANGEA (PAthway, Network and Gene-set Enrichment Analysis; https://www.flyrnai.org/tools/pangea/), developed to allow a more flexible and configurable approach to data analysis using a variety of classification sets. PANGEA allows GO analysis to be performed on different sets of GO annotations, for example excluding high-throughput studies. Beyond GO, gene sets for pathway annotation and protein complex data from various resources as well as expression and disease annotation from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Alliance). In addition, visualizations of results are enhanced by providing an option to view network of gene set to gene relationships. The tool also allows comparison of multiple input gene lists and accompanying visualisation tools for quick and easy comparison. This new tool will facilitate GSEA for Drosophila and other major model organisms based on high-quality annotated information available for these species.
Uncertainty shocks and employment fluctuations in Germany: the role of establishment size
Authors: Kovalenko Tim
Published: April 2023

Uncertainty shocks are found to affect labour market outcomes adversely. Most studies interrelate non-convex labour adjustment costs with the propagation of macroeconomic uncertainty to the labour market. I show that non-convex labour adjustment costs differ by establishment size in Germany. Hence, uncertainty shocks should affect large and small establishments differently. Therefore, this article studies the effects of uncertainty shocks on employment adjustments in large and small establishments employing four structural vector auto-regressive models for Germany from 1992 to 2014. These four models estimate the effects of uncertainty shocks on employment, worker flows, job flows, as well as worker churn in establishments with fewer than 100 and with at least 100 employees. The results suggest that uncertainty shocks trigger considerable employment fluctuations in large establishments while they barely affect small establishments. Furthermore, large establishments adjust their labour input by delaying the replacement of workers.
A 6-Week Program to Strengthen Resiliency Among Women With Metastatic Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Asher Arash , Shirazipour Celina H , Capaldi Jessica M , Kim Sungjin , Diniz Marcio , Jones Bronwen , Wertheimer Jeffrey
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intervention (Growing Resilience And CouragE; GRACE) on spiritual well-being, quality of life, and general well-being in women with metastatic cancers reporting existential or spiritual distress.

Patients and Methods

Prospective, randomized, wait-list control clinical trial. Women with metastatic cancer experiencing existential or spiritual concerns were randomized to GRACE or waitlist control. Survey data were collected at baseline, end of program, and 1-month follow-up. Participants included English-speaking women, 18 or older, with metastatic cancer, existential or spiritual concerns, and reasonable medical stability. Eighty-one women were assessed for eligibility; 10 were excluded (not meeting exclusion criteria, refusal to participate, and death). The primary outcome was spiritual well-being measured pre- and post-program. Secondary measures assessed quality of life, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and loneliness.

Results

Seventy-one women (aged 47-72) were enrolled (GRACE n = 37, waitlist control n = 34). GRACE participants demonstrated significant improvements in spiritual well-being compared to control at end of program (parameter estimate (PE), 16.67, 95% CI, 13.17, 20.16) and 1-month follow-up (PE, 10.31, 95% CI, 6.73, 13.89). Additionally, significant improvements were demonstrated in quality of life at the end of program (PE, 8.51, 95% CI, 4.26, 12.76) and 1-month follow-up (PE, 6.17, 95% CI, 1.75, 10.58). GRACE participants also demonstrated improved depression and hopelessness at follow-up, as well as improved anxiety.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the value of evidence-based psychoeducational and experiential interventions for improving the well-being and quality of life of women with advanced cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02707510.
Long-term, not short-term, temperatures predict timing of egg laying in European Starling
Authors: Leonard Kathryn M , Williams Tony D
Published: April 2023

Temperature, particularly within ~1 month of egg laying, is thought to be an important, short-term cue used by female birds to calibrate timing of breeding to local conditions. Here, we show that a relatively broad, long-term, temperature window (January 2 to April 4, 92 days; r2 = 0.73) best predicted timing of egg laying in European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). A “mid-winter” temperature window was also strongly correlated with laying date (r2 = 0.58), but we found no support for an influence of short-term temperatures immediately before egg laying. We assessed the relationship between ambient temperature and timing of egg laying using three complimentary approaches: (1) an “unconstrained,” exploratory analysis; (2) a traditional sliding window approach; and (3) specific, biologically informed temperature windows. Our results contrast with the widely held view that short-term, prebreeding temperatures best predict variation in laying because they allow birds to adjust timing of breeding to local conditions around the time of egg laying. This means that mechanisms that allow integration of long-term temperature information must exist in birds—perhaps most parsimoniously involving indirect effects of temperature on growth of the bird’s ectothermic insect prey—even though these are currently poorly characterized.
A G-type lectin receptor kinase negatively regulates Arabidopsis immunity against root-knot nematodes
Authors: Zhou Dongmei , Godinez-Vidal Damaris , He Jiangman , Teixeira Marcella , Guo Jingzhe , Wei Lihui , Van Norman Jaimie M , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: April 2023

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., RKN) are responsible for extensive crop losses worldwide. During infection, they penetrate plant roots, migrate between plant cells, and establish feeding sites, known as giant cells, near the root vasculature. Previously, we found that nematode perception and early responses in plants were similar to those of microbial pathogens and required the BRI1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1/SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASE3 (BAK1/SERK3) coreceptor in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Here, we implemented a reverse genetic screen for resistance or sensitivity to RKN using Arabidopsis T-DNA alleles of genes encoding transmembrane receptor–like kinases to identify additional receptors involved in this process. This screen identified a pair of allelic mutations with enhanced resistance to RKN in a gene we named ENHANCED RESISTANCE TO NEMATODES1 (ERN1). ERN1 encodes a G-type lectin receptor kinase (G-LecRK) with a single-pass transmembrane domain. Further characterization showed that ern1 mutants displayed stronger activation of MAP kinases, elevated levels of the defense marker MYB51, and enhanced H2O2 accumulation in roots upon RKN elicitor treatments. Elevated MYB51 expression and ROS bursts were also observed in leaves of ern1 mutants upon flg22 treatment. Complementation of ern1.1 with 35S- or native promoter–driven ERN1 rescued the RKN infection and enhanced defense phenotypes. Our results indicate that ERN1 is an important negative regulator of immunity.
Changes in China’s Policing: Organizational Structure and Daily Law Enforcement of Frontline Police
Authors: Xu Haoran , Vandeviver Christophe , Verhage Antoinette
Published: April 2023

Since 2014, China's Ministry of Public Security has begun to reform the national police system, which involves internal command, criminal intelligence and welfare support systems. This research aims to explore how policing reform affects the daily law enforcement of frontline police officers and grassroot police units, and the views of frontline police officers on policing reform. The study also analyses the changes in the organisational structure of grassroot police units and the criminal intelligence system after the policing reform. The research methodology consisted of the researchers conducting a textual analysis of work reports issued by multiple local police units and reform reports in newspapers, and investigating the views of frontline police officers on policing reform. The study found that the reform did help enhance the law enforcement capabilities of grassroot police units and frontline police officers. Most frontline police officers additionally supported the policing reform. However, the policing reform has also led to issues such as the indiscriminate expansion of police power and the work pressure on frontline police officers. Finally, this study is an exploratory observation of China's national police system and can provide new insights into research on policing and the understanding of Chinese policing practices. It can additionally provide different countries with new information about policing reform.
Burnout in healthcare workers in COVID-19-dedicated hospitals
Authors: Choi Young E , Lee Seung H , Kim Yun J , Lee Jeong G , Yi Yu H , Tak Young J , Kim Gyu L , Ra Young J , Lee Sang Y , Cho Young H , Park Eun J , Lee Young I , Choi Jung I , Lee Sae R , Kwon Ryuk J , Son Soo M , Lee Yea J , Kang Min J
Published: May 2023

Background

Considering the prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of studies on burnout, particularly in healthcare workers, needs to be addressed. This report aimed to identify the risk factors of burnout by comparing the level of burnout between nurses in general wards and those in COVID-19-dedicated wards in a national university hospital.

Methods

A survey based on the Korean version of Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-K) was conducted on nurses between 10 January and 31 January 2022. The BAT-K consists of exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, emotional impairment and secondary symptoms.

Results

A total of 165 nurses, including 81 nurses from the COVID-19-dedicated ward, completed the questionnaire. The percentage of general-ward nurses with an emotional impairment score above the clinical cutoff was higher than that of COVID-19 ward nurses. General ward compared to the COVID-19 ward increased the risk of presenting with total-core symptoms. Two factors increased the risk regarding mental distance: short career length and underlying disease.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous studies, the risk of burnout in the COVID-19-ward nurses was lower than that of the general ward nurses. The risk regarding mental distance was correlated with short career length and presence of an underlying disease.
Phylogeny and revision ofLeucaltisandLeucettusa(Porifera: Calcarea), with new classification proposals and description of a new type of aquiferous system
Authors: Lopes Matheus Vieira , Klautau Michelle
Published: April 2023

Leucaltidae (Calcinea: Clathrinida) was proposed for a group of calcareous sponges with a well-developed cortical region, while the choanosomal and atrial skeletons are reduced. Currently, it comprises the genera Ascandra, Leucaltis, Leucettusa and Leuclathrina, but molecular phylogenies provide evolutionary scenarios different from those based on morphology, recovering a non-monophyletic Leucaltidae. Leucaltis and Leucettusa have long been difficult taxa to distinguish due to their reduced choanosomal and atrial skeletons. Therefore, our objective in this paper is to redescribe all species of Leucaltis and Leucettusa and provide a taxonomic revision to assess their generic status through morphological and molecular tools. Leucaltidae were confirmed polyphyletic and Leucettusa is, therefore, synonymized under Leucaltis. Moreover, several species currently identified as Leucettusa represent a distinct evolutionary lineage. For these species, we propose the new genus Rowella gen. nov. This new genus is allocated to Leucettidae. Based on their phylogenetic position and morphology, Ascandra and Leuclathrina are transferred to Dendyidae.
A Bitter, Complex Problem: Causal Colletotrichum Species in Virginia Orchards and Apple Fruit Susceptibility
Authors: Khodadadi Fatemeh , Santander Ricardo D. , McHenry Diana J. , Jurick Wayne M. , Aćimović Srđan G.
Published: April 2023

Bitter rot, caused by Colletotrichum species, is one of the most devastating summer rot diseases affecting apple production in the Eastern United States. Given the differences in virulence and fungicide sensitivity levels between organisms belonging to the acutatum species complex (CASC) and the gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC), monitoring their diversity, geographic distribution, and frequency are essential for successful bitter rot management. In a 662-isolate collection from apple orchards in Virginia, isolates from CGSC were dominant (65.5%) in comparison to the CASC (34.5%). In a subsample of 82 representative isolates, using morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses, we identified C. fructicola (26.2%), C. chrysophilum (15.6%), C. siamense (0.8%), and C. theobromicola (0.8%) from CGSC and C. fioriniae (22.1%) and C. nymphaeae (1.6%) from CASC. The dominant species were C. fructicola, followed by C. fioriniae and C. chrysophilum. C. siamense followed by C. theobromicola developed the largest and deepest rot lesions on Honeycrisp fruit in our virulence tests. Detached fruit of nine apple cultivars and one wild accession (Malus sylvestris) were harvested early and late season and tested in controlled conditions for their susceptibility to C. fioriniae and C. chrysophilum. All cultivars were susceptible to both representative bitter rot species, with Honeycrisp fruit being the most susceptible and M. sylvestris, accession PI 369855, being the most resistant. We demonstrate that the frequency and prevalence of species in Colletotrichum complexes are highly variable in the Mid-Atlantic and provide region-specific data on apple cultivar susceptibility. Our findings are necessary for the successful management of bitter rot as an emerging and persistent problem in apple production both pre- and postharvest.
Recovery Plan for X-Disease in Stone Fruit Caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’
Authors: Harper Scott J. , Northfield Tobin D. , Nottingham Louis B. , DuPont S. Tianna , Thompson Ashley A. , Sallato Bernardita V. , Serban Corina F. , Shires Madalyn K. , Wright Alice A. , Catron Katlyn A. , Marshall Adrian T. , Molnar Cody , Cooper W. Rodney
Published: May 2023

Stone fruits are a multibillion-dollar industry for the United States and Canada, one that has repeatedly suffered significant economic losses due to outbreaks of the X-disease phytoplasma (‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’) over the last century. Orchards and entire production areas have been abandoned, with corresponding losses to growers, fruit packers, and consumers. The most recent outbreak, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, resulted in an estimated $65 million (USD) loss in revenue between 2015 and 2020 and is only increasing in incidence. Already present across much of the continental United States and Canada, the phytoplasma has a broad host range beyond stone fruit and is transmitted by at least eight leafhopper species, therefore stone fruit production in every state is at significant risk. This recovery plan was produced as part of the National Plant Disease Recovery System and is intended to provide a review of pathogen biology, assess the status of critical recovery components, and identify disease management research, extension, and education needs.
A Unitary Theory of Healing Through Touch
Authors: Smith Marlaine C. , Reed Sean M.
Published: May 2023

Touch has been linked empirically to healing outcomes; therefore, developing theories about the dynamics between touch and healing is important for nursing. A practice-based theory is described within a Unitary Science perspective emerging from the findings of a qualitative descriptive study of the experiences of persons with advanced cancer receiving touch (massage and simple touch) during hospice care. Seventeen participants were interviewed. Through content analysis and retroductive constructivist theory development, healing through touch was described as a dynamic process cocreated by healer and healee, characterized by the simultaneous activities of sensing, reflecting, and connecting. Interpretation of findings from a unitary lens led to an overarching theme of touch as sanctuary and explication of theoretical alignment with the concepts of wholeness, awareness, and presence.
TLR Agonist Therapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer in Mice
Authors: Klinman Dennis M. , Goguet Emilie , Tross Debra
Published: April 2023

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 and 9 agonists stimulate an innate immune response that supports the development of tumor-specific immunity. Previous studies showed that either agonist individually could cure mice of small tumors and that when used in combination, they could prevent the progression of larger tumors (>300 mm3). To examine whether these agents combined could control metastatic disease, syngeneic mice were challenged with the highly aggressive 66cl4 triple-negative breast tumor cell line. Treatment was not initiated until pulmonary metastases were established, as verified by bioluminescent imaging of luciferase-tagged tumor cells. Results show that combined therapy with TLR7/8 and TLR9 agonists delivered to both primary and metastatic tumor sites significantly reduced tumor burden and extended survival. The inclusion of cyclophosphamide and anti-PD-L1 resulted in optimal tumor control, characterized by a 5-fold increase in the average duration of survival.
Immune drivers of HBsAg loss in HBeAg-negative CHB patients after stopping nucleotide analog and administration of Peg-IFN
Authors: Islam Mojahidul , Kumar Karan , Sevak Jayesh K. , Jindal Ankur , Vyas Ashish K. , Ramakrishna Gayatri , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Sharma Manoj K. , Sarin Shiv K. , Trehanpati Nirupama
Published: April 2023

Background:

The stoppage of nucleoside analog (NA) can lead to immune flare and loss of HBsAg in a proportion of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. HBsAg loss could be improved by instituting Peg-Interferon therapy in those who show an immune flare after the stoppage of NA. We investigated the immune drivers of HBsAg loss in NA-treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients after stopping NAs and administration of Peg-IFN-α2b therapy.

Methods:

Fifty-five NA-treated eAg-ve, HBV DNA not detected CHB patients were subjected to stopping NA therapy. Twenty-two (40%) patients relapsed (REL-CHBV) within 6 months (HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL, ALT ≥2XULN) and were started on Peg-IFN-α2b (1.5 mcg/kg) for 48 weeks (PEG-CHBV). Cytokine levels, immune responses, and T-cell functionality were assessed.

Results:

Only 22 (40%) of 55 patients clinically relapsed, of which 6 (27%) cleared HBsAg. None of the 33 (60%) nonrelapsers cleared HBsAg. REL-CHBV patients had significantly increased IL-6 (p=0.035), IFN-γ (p=0.049), Th1/17 (p=0.005), CD4 effector memory (EM) (p=0.01), Tfh1/17 (p=0.005), and mature B cells (p=0.04) compared with CHBV. Six months after Peg-IFN therapy, immune resetting with a significant increase in CXCL10 (p=0.042), CD8 (p=0.01), CD19 (p=0.001), and mature B cells (p=0.001) was observed. HBV-specific T-cell functionality showed increased Tfh-secreting IFN-γ (p=0.001), IL-21 (p=0.001), and TNF-α (p=0.005) in relapsers and IFN-γ–secreting CD4 T cell (p=0.03) in PEG-CHBV.

Conclusions:

Stopping NA therapy induces flare in about 40% of HBeAg-negative patients. Peg-IFN therapy given to such patients causes immune restoration with HBsAg loss in one fourth of them.
Extrachromosomal circular MiR-17-92 amplicon promotes HCC
Authors: Zou Sailan , Chen Shihan , Rao Guocheng , Zhang Guixiang , Ma Meilin , Peng Boqiang , Du Xiao , Huang Wei , Lin Weiqiang , Tian Yan , Fu Xianghui
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims:

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are prevalent in cancer genomes and emerge as a class of crucial yet less characterized oncogenic drivers. However, the structure, composition, genome-wide frequency, and contribution of eccDNAs in HCC, one of the most fatal and prevalent cancers, remain unexplored. In this study, we provide a comprehensive characterization of eccDNAs in human HCC and demonstrate an oncogenic role of microRNA (miRNA)-17-92-containing eccDNAs in tumor progression.

Approach and Results:

Using the circle-sequencing method, we identify and characterize more than 230,000 eccDNAs from 4 paired samples of HCC tumor and adjacent nontumor liver tissues. EccDNAs are highly enriched in HCC tumors, preferentially originate from certain chromosomal hotspots, and are correlated with differential gene expression. Particularly, a series of eccDNAs carrying the miRNA-17-92 cluster are validated by outward PCR and Sanger sequencing. Quantitative PCR analyses reveal that miRNA-17-92-containing eccDNAs, along with the expression of their corresponding miRNAs, are elevated in HCC tumors and associated with poor outcomes and the age of HCC patients. More intriguingly, exogenous expression of artificial DNA circles harboring the miR-17-92 cluster, which is synthesized by the ligase-assisted minicircle accumulation method, can significantly accelerate HCC cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

These findings delineate the genome-wide eccDNAs profiling of HCC and highlight the functional significance of miRNA-containing eccDNAs in tumorigenesis, providing insight into HCC pathogenesis and cancer therapy, as well as eccDNA and miRNA biology.
Topographic Assessment of Intraretinal Cystoid Space and Its Prognostic Values in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Kwon Han Jo , Kang Min Seung , Park Sung Who , Byon Iksoo
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).

Methods:

One hundred twenty-two eyes of iERM that had been followed up for 6 months after membrane removal were included. Based on the baseline IRC distribution, the eyes were divided into groups A, B, and C (absence, IRC within 3 mm, and 6 mm from the fovea, respectively). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), ectopic inner foveal layer, and microvascular leakage (ML) were assessed.

Results:

Fifty-six (45.9%) eyes had IRC, of which 35 (28.7%) were in group B and 21 (17.2%) in group C at baseline. Compared to group B, group C showed worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and a greater association with ML (OR = 5.415; P = 0.005) at baseline; and also presented with worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and wider distribution of IRC postoperatively. A wide distribution of IRC was an unfavorable baseline factor in achieving good visual acuity (OR = 2.989; P = 0.031).

Conclusions:

Widely distributed IRCs were associated with advanced disease phenotype as poor BCVA, thick macula, and baseline ML in iERM and also showed a poor visual outcome after membrane removal.
SCLERAL THICKNESS IN AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT BEST VITELLIFORM MACULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Ngo Wei Kiong , Fisher Yale L. , Silverman Ronald H. , Tsang Stephen H. , Spaide Richard F.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the posterior and equatorial scleral thicknesses in patients with autosomal dominant Best disease, a condition that has chronic subretinal fluid.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study involving patients with Best disease and age-matched controls. Participants were evaluated with contact B-scan ultrasonography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography to evaluate scleral thickness in the posterior pole and equator. Univariate analysis and generalized estimating equations were used.

Results:

Of nine patients with genetically proven Best disease and 23 age-matched controls, there was no significant difference in the age or the gender proportion between groups. Subfoveal choroidal thickness and axial length were not significantly different between groups. Both posterior scleral (right eye; 1.38 mm vs. 0.89 mm, P < 0.001, and left eye; 1.39 mm vs. 0.83 mm, P < 0.001) and equatorial scleral (right eye; 0.61 mm vs. 0.42 mm, P = 0.003, and left eye; 0.55 mm vs. 0.41 mm, P = 0.017) thicknesses were much greater in cases as compared with controls. Multivariate analysis showed male sex and having Best disease were each significant predictor of posterior scleral thickness, and Best disease was the sole significant predictor for equatorial scleral thickness.

Conclusion:

BEST1 gene may have a developmental role leading to having a thicker sclera, influencing disease manifestation, and contributing to the accumulation of subretinal fluid in Best disease.
Epidemiology, Associated Factors, and Outcomes of Intensive Care Unit–Acquired Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Organism in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Sáez de la Fuente Ignacio , Sáez de la Fuente Javier , Chacón Alves Silvia , Molina Collado Zaira , Lesmes González de Aledo Amanda , Martín Badía Isaías , González Fernández María , Temprano Vázquez Susana , Sánchez Izquierdo Riera José Ángel
Published: May 2023

Background

Nosocomial infections are a major health problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). Limited data exist on the epidemiology of ICU-acquired multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganism infection. The study aimed to define the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with the occurrence of an ICU-acquired MDR infection.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational, single-center, case-control study, including all patients admitted to the unit between January 2015 and December 2019.

Results

During the study period, 3507 patients were admitted in the ICU. The overall incidence of ICU nosocomial infection was 9.6%, whereas the incidence of MDR infection was 0.9%, remaining stable throughout the study period. Based on multivariate analysis, only the presence of neutropenia on admission, days of mechanical ventilation, days with a urinary catheter, and ICU length of stay were identified as clinical factors independently associated with MDR infections. The occurrence of these infections was associated with increased length of stay and need for invasive devices, although there were no differences in associated mortality between groups. There was a 46% rate of pathogen-directed antibiotic treatment in cases of MDR infection, although when empirical treatment is used, MDR patients were less likely to receive initial appropriate antimicrobial therapy (25% vs 7%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Multidrug-resistant infections presented a nonnegligible incidence and are associated with the existence of immunosuppression before admission, as well as the need for mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, and prolonged ICU stay. They represent an increase in patient morbidity, although they are not related to an increase in mortality.
Youth Sport Specialization and Risk of Injury: A General Review
Authors: Strosser Stephen
Published: April 2023

Objective:

The purpose of this literature review was to analyze, understand, and disclose prior empirical findings about the injury risks associated with youth sport specialization.

Data Sources:

Articles were included in this review if they examined the association between youth sport specialization status and injury. Nine articles from 5 journals met these criteria. All articles summarized the findings of cross-sectional (N = 5) or cohort studies (N = 4).

Main Results:

Each article included in this review indicated that specialized youth athletes are more susceptible to injury. Only 5 studies assessed the injury risks linked to specialization independent of sport training volume. These studies produced contradictory results.

Conclusions:

Although specialized youth athletes are more prone to injury, future research is needed to determine the independent and inherent injury risk associated with specialization. Nevertheless, youth athletes should refrain from specialization until at least adolescence.
Multicenter Study of Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Sasaki Kenichi , Kunihara Takashi , Suzuki Shinya , Matsumiya Goro , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Shiiya Norihiko , Koyama Tadaaki , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Yaku Hitoshi , Shiose Akira , Usui Akihiko , Kobayashi Junjiro , Ishii Yosuke , Tanji Masahiro , Misumi Hiroyasu , Ohtsuka Toshiya , Yoshimura Naoki , Hiramatsu Yuji , Nitta Takashi
Published: May 2023

There is controversy regarding appropriate surgical ablation procedures concomitant with nonmitral valve surgery. We retrospectively investigated the impact of surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation during aortic valve replacement between 2010 and 2015 in 16 institutions registered through the Japanese Society for Arrhythmia Surgery. Clinical data of 171 patients with paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic valve replacement were collected and classified into full maze operation (n = 79), pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (n = 56), and no surgical ablation (n = 36) groups. All patients were followed up and electrocardiograms were recorded in 68% at 2 years. The myocardial ischemia time was significantly longer in the maze group than the others during isolated aortic valve replacement (p ≤ 0.01), but there were no significant differences in 30-day or 2-year mortality rates between groups. The ratios of sinus rhythm at 2 years in paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation in the maze group versus PVI group were 87% versus 97%, respectively (p = 0.24) and 53% versus 42%, respectively (p = 0.47). No patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation in the no surgical ablation group maintained sinus rhythm at 2 years. In conclusion, both maze and PVI during aortic valve replacement are valuable strategies to restore sinus rhythm at 2 years and result in favorable early and midterm survival rates.
Positive and Neutral Needleless Connectors: A Comparative Study of Central-line Associated Bloodstream Infection, Occlusion, and Bacterial Contamination of the Connector Lumen
Authors: Schora Donna , Patel Parul , Barza Ruby , Patel Jignesh , Wilson Kathleen , Espina-Gabriel Paulette , Nunez Vesna , Singh Kamaljit
Published: April 2023

A pragmatic, multiphase prospective quality improvement initiative was performed to determine whether a positive displacement connector (PD) causes reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), occlusion, and catheter hub colonization when compared with a neutral displacement connector with alcohol disinfecting cap (AC). Patients with an active central vascular access device (CVAD) were enrolled March 2018 to February 2019 (P2) and compared to the prior year (P1). Two hospitals were randomized to use PD without AC (Hospital A) and with AC (Hospital B). Two hospitals utilized a neutral displacement connector with AC (Hospitals C and D). CVADs were monitored for CLABSI, occlusion, and bacterial contamination during P2. Of the 2454 lines in the study, 1049 were cultured. CLABSI decreased in all groups between P1 and P2: Hospital A, 13 (1.1%) to 2 (0.2%); Hospital B, 2 (0.3%) to 0; and Hospitals C and D, 5 (0.5%) to 1 (0.1%). CLABSI reduction was equivalent between P1 and P2 with and without AC, at around 86%. The rate of occlusion per lumen was 14.4%, 12.1%, and 8.5% for Hospitals A, B and C, D, respectively. Hospitals using PD had a higher rate of occlusion than those that did not (P = .003). Lumen contamination with pathogens was 1.5% for Hospitals A and B and 2.1% for Hospitals C and D (P = .38). The rate of CLABSI was reduced with both connectors, and PD reduced infections with and without the use of AC. Both connector types had low-level catheter hub colonization with significant bacteria. The lowest rates of occlusion were found in the group using neutral displacement connectors.