bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness to pay for green electricity: evidence from a contingent valuation survey in Indonesia
Authors: Pratikto F R , Rikardo C
Published: March 2023

The Government of Indonesia has set a target of 23% renewables in the national energy mix by 2025. Until August 2021, the achievement in the electricity sector was only 12.77%. The low electricity selling price and lack of incentives for renewable electricity investment are considered the main obstacle to attaining that goal. This research addresses the first issue by measuring the consumer’s willingness to pay (WTP) for greener electricity. We use the contingent valuation method (CVM) with dichotomous choice with follow-ups (DCF) elicitation technique. The CVM questionnaire asks if residential consumers are willing to pay a specific price for electricity with 50% renewables. Data from 520 respondents were collected through an online survey targeting non-subsidized households in Java, the main island of Indonesia. We used the survival analysis to analyze the data by assuming a lognormal distribution and came up with the electricity price-response function, which shows that 80% of respondents are willing to pay up to 13% higher than the current price. We also found that the WTP increases with the electrical capacity, where households with an electrical capacity of greater than 2,200VA are willing to pay 17% higher than those with an electrical capacity of up to 2,200VA.
Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of intact sandstones through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Ghazali I E , Yusof N M , Hamzah N
Published: March 2023

One of the most significant factors affecting the strength and deformation of intact rocks is weathering, which drastically reduces the rocks’ properties. This study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process model to assess the ranking of strength and physical nature of intact sandstone samples from various locations. The AHP analyses considered fine-grained sandstones, four evaluation criteria, and five different Malaysian locations. When the weathering grade decreases, the strength of the rock increases. Weathering causes decrease in dry unit weight and an increase in porosity. The porosity of weak rock materials influences their strength. The effect is more obvious in grade IV materials, where dry and wet conditions can significantly impair rock strength. According to the AHP analysis results, those diverse sites have distinct attributes in terms of numerous evaluation criteria, depending on the location and its geological features. Based on the general evaluation points in this study, Puncak Perdana were found to have the highest rock strength, whereas Kempas presented the lowest rock strength in general. In addition, Beris Dam, Bukit Indah to Mersing, and Desa Tebrau could be declared as second, third and fourth, respectively, in presenting the rock strength quality of various sandstones samples.
Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes and activated carbon assisted sol-gel derived La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ material
Authors: Samat A A , Darus M , Ismail I , Somalu M R , Osman N
Published: March 2023

A pure perovskite-type oxide ceramic nanomaterial can be produced at a lower processing temperature than 1000 °C via sol-gel method. However, it is influenced by the nature of chemical agents such as chelating agent, surfactant and dispersant added during the synthesis process. Among them, dispersant is regarded as an important chemical agent as it can prevent the formation of hard agglomerated particles which is the main drawback of sol-gel method. In the present work, ceramic powder of lanthanum strontium cobaltite, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCO) was prepared via sol-gel method with the aid of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and activated carbon (AC) as dispersant. The prepared powder was characterized by thermal gravimetric analyser (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer to evaluate its thermal decomposition, structural and microstructure properties, respectively. Thermal decomposition of the as-synthesized CNTs-based and AC-based powders completed at temperature 750 °C and pure perovskite phase of LSCO was formed at temperature 900 °C. Both CNTs-based and AC-based calcined powders consist of homogeneous and almost identical shape of particles. However, the CNTs-based calcined powder has higher agglomeration index value than the AC-based calcined powder as revealed in SEM images.
FTIR studies on interactions among components in PVdF-HFP:PC:MPII electrolytes
Authors: Arsyad A , Saaid F I , Najihah M Z , Tan W
Published: March 2023

Liquid electrolytes are known to have high conductivities. However, they suffer from leakage, corrosion of electrodes and other stability issues. Solid polymer electrolytes eliminate the problems of liquid electrolytes at the cost of lower conductivity. Quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes (QSSPE) overcome the shortcomings of both liquid electrolytes and solid polymer electrolytes. In this work, QSSPE is prepared by incorporating poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) in a propylene carbonate (PC) and 1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide (MPII) liquid electrolyte. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies have been carried out to investigate the interactions among PVdF-HFP, PC and MPII. A comprehensive spectroscopic investigation on ion-solvent-polymer interactions helps to understand the mechanism of ionic conduction in the PVdF-HFP/PC/MPII electrolyte system. Interaction between MPII and PC has occurred from the changes in the ν(C=O), ν(C-O) + ω(C-H), ω(C-H) + δ(C-H) and τ of ring of PC as well as the C-N bond oscillation and of (N-C-H) of MPII. Interaction occurs via the coordination of MPIm+ cations with both oxygen atoms of PC. Complexation between PVdF-HFP and MPII has been noted. MPII suppresses the non-polar α-phase and induces the polar β and -phases of PVdF-HFP. Shift of peaks belong to the CF2 and CF3 groups of PVdF-HFP suggests the complexation occurs at the fluorine atoms in CF2 and CF3 groups. Evidence of interaction between PC and PVdF-HFP has been manifested through the change of the ν(C=O), τ(C-H) + δ(C-H) and ν of the CF2 group of PVdF-HFP. Disappearance of non-polar α-phase of PVdF-HFP is noted in the presence of PC. From this work, the authors hope to shed some light on understanding the conduction mechanism in PVdF-HFP:PC:MPII electrolytes. Understanding the conduction mechanism is important in order to find ways for conductivity improvement.
Serotonin regulation of intermittent and continuous alcohol drinking in male and female C57BL/6J mice with systemic SB242084 and buspirone
Authors: Ko Yeasong E , Hwa Lara S
Published: March 2023

This study aims to assess the therapeutic potentials of novel serotonergic compounds in treating alcohol use disorders by investigating the effects of SB242084 and buspirone on intermittent and continuous alcohol consumption in male and female mice. Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were given two-bottle choice to 20% ethanol and water on an intermittent or continuous availability schedule. Drug testing consisted of intraperitoneal injections of 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg SB242084 or 1, 3, 10 mg/kg buspirone, and subsequent alcohol and water consumption were measured. To monitor the drug effects on anxiety-like and locomotor behavior, the highest dose of each compound was administered before free activity in an open field. SB242084 dose-dependently attenuated alcohol drinking for intermittent alcohol drinking in male mice but did not significantly alter alcohol drinking in mice given continuous access. Two-hour and four-hour female drinking behavior was unaffected by SB242084. In comparison, buspirone not only suppressed intermittent and continuous alcohol drinking in both males and females but also reduced distance traveled in the open field test. Observed differences in responses to SB242084 between drinking groups may imply differing neural mechanisms between episodic and continuous drinking driven by serotonin. Reductions in drinking after buspirone treatment may be related to non-specific properties. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of compounds blocking the 5-HT2C receptor for alcohol use disorders.
Tailored inference for finite populations: conditional validity and transfer across distributions
Authors: Jin Ying , Rothenhäusler Dominik
Published: March 2023

Parameters of subpopulations can be more relevant than those of superpopulations. For example, a healthcare provider may be interested in the effect of a treatment plan for a specific subset of their patients; policymakers may be concerned with the impact of a policy in a particular state within a given population. In these cases, the focus is on a specific finite population, as opposed to an infinite superpopulation. Such a population can be characterized by fixing some attributes that are intrinsic to them, leaving unexplained variations like measurement error as random. Inference for a population with fixed attributes can then be modelled as inferring parameters of a conditional distribution. Accordingly, it is desirable that confidence intervals are conditionally valid for the realized population, instead of marginalizing over many possible draws of populations. We provide a statistical inference framework for parameters of finite populations with known attributes. Leveraging the attribute information, our estimators and confidence intervals closely target a specific finite population. When the data are from the population of interest, our confidence intervals attain asymptotic conditional validity, given the attributes, and are shorter than those for superpopulation inference. In addition, we develop procedures to infer parameters of new populations with differing covariate distributions; the confidence intervals are also conditionally valid for the new populations under mild conditions. Our methods extend to situations where the fixed information has a weaker structure or is only partially observed. We demonstrate the validity and applicability of our methods using simulated data and a real-word dataset for predicting car prices.
Progression of atypical parkinsonian syndromes: PROSPECT-M-UK study implications for clinical trials
Authors: Street Duncan , Jabbari Edwin , Costantini Alyssa , Jones P Simon , Holland Negin , Rittman Timothy , Jensen Marte T , Chelban Viorica , Goh Yen Y , Guo Tong , Heslegrave Amanda J , Roncaroli Federico , Klein Johannes C , Ansorge Olaf , Allinson Kieren S J , Jaunmuktane Zane , Revesz Tamas , Warner Thomas T , Lees Andrew J , Zetterberg Henrik , Russell Lucy L , Bocchetta Martina , Rohrer Jonathan D , Burn David J , Pavese Nicola , Gerhard Alexander , Kobylecki Christopher , Leigh P Nigel , Church Alistair , Hu Michele T M , Houlden Henry , Morris Huw , Rowe James B
Published: March 2023

The advent of clinical trials of disease-modifying agents for neurodegenerative disease highlights the need for evidence-based end point selection. Here we report the longitudinal PROSPECT-M-UK study of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and related disorders, to compare candidate clinical trial end points.

In this multicentre UK study, participants were assessed with serial questionnaires, motor examination, neuropsychiatric and MRI assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Participants were classified by diagnosis at baseline and study end, into Richardson syndrome, PSP-subcortical (PSP-parkinsonism and progressive gait freezing subtypes), PSP-cortical (PSP-frontal, PSP-speech and language and PSP-CBS subtypes), MSA-parkinsonism, MSA-cerebellar, CBS with and without evidence of Alzheimer’s disease pathology and indeterminate syndromes. We calculated annual rate of change, with linear mixed modelling and sample sizes for clinical trials of disease-modifying agents, according to group and assessment type.

Two hundred forty-three people were recruited [117 PSP, 68 CBS, 42 MSA and 16 indeterminate; 138 (56.8%) male; age at recruitment 68.7 ± 8.61 years]. One hundred and fifty-nine completed the 6-month assessment (82 PSP, 27 CBS, 40 MSA and 10 indeterminate) and 153 completed the 12-month assessment (80 PSP, 29 CBS, 35 MSA and nine indeterminate). Questionnaire, motor examination, neuropsychiatric and neuroimaging measures declined in all groups, with differences in longitudinal change between groups. Neuroimaging metrics would enable lower sample sizes to achieve equivalent power for clinical trials than cognitive and functional measures, often achieving N < 100 required for 1-year two-arm trials (with 80% power to detect 50% slowing). However, optimal outcome measures were disease-specific.

In conclusion, phenotypic variance within PSP, CBS and MSA is a major challenge to clinical trial design. Our findings provide an evidence base for selection of clinical trial end points, from potential functional, cognitive, clinical or neuroimaging measures of disease progression.
Chemosensation in anxiety: the trigeminal system matters
Authors: Fortier-Lebel Olivier , Hudon Émilie , Boller Benjamin , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: March 2023

The presence of a perceptual bias due to anxiety is well demonstrated in cognitive and sensory task for the visual and auditory modality. Event-related potentials, by their specific measurement of neural processes, have strongly contributed to this evidence. There is still no consensus as to whether such a bias exists in the chemical senses; chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs) are an excellent tool to clarify the heterogeneous results, especially since the Late Positive Component (LPC) may be an indicator of emotional involvement after chemosensory stimulation. This research examined the association between state and trait anxiety and the amplitude and latency of pure olfactory and mixed olfactory–trigeminal LPC. In this study, 20 healthy participants (11 women) with a mean age of 24.6 years (SD = 2.6) completed a validated questionnaire to measure anxiety (STAI), and CSERP was recorded during 40 pure olfactory stimulations (phenyl ethanol) and 40 mixed olfactory–trigeminal stimulations (eucalyptol). LPC latency and amplitude were measured at Cz (electrode located at midline central) for each participant. We observed a significant negative correlation between LPC latencies and the state anxiety scores for the mixed olfactory–trigeminal condition (r(18) = −0.513; P = 0.021), but not for the pure olfactory condition. We did not observe any effect on LPC amplitudes. This study suggests that a higher level of state anxiety is related to a more rapid perceptual electrophysiological response for mixed olfactory–trigeminal stimuli but not for pure odors.
Body Composition Changes Over the Menopausal Transition in Women With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Abelman Rebecca A , Nguyen Thuy Trang J , Ma Yifei , Bacchetti Peter , Messerlian Geralyn , French Audrey L , Sharma Anjali , Minkoff Howard , Plankey Michael , Grunfeld Carl , Tien Phyllis C
Published: March 2023

Background

Women are at risk for weight gain during the transition to menopause, but few have examined the contribution of menopause to weight gain in women with human immunodeficiency virus (WWH).

Methods

From 2000 to 2013, participants (621 WWH; 218 without HIV [WWOH]) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study were categorized by menopausal phase using serial measures of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Multivariable linear mixed models examined the association of menopausal phase with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) trajectory, stratified by HIV status.

Results

In models controlled for chronologic age, the estimated effects (95% confidence interval) of menopausal phase on annual rate of BMI change across early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and menopause, respectively, compared to premenopause were −0.55% (−.80 to −.30), −0.29% (−.61 to .03), and −0.67% (−1.12 to −.20) in WWH, whereas estimated effects were 0.43% (−.01 to .87) and 0.15% (−.42 to .71) across early and late perimenopause, respectively, and −0.40% (−1.24 to .45) across menopause in WWOH. The estimated effects on rate of WC change were negative across early perimenopause (−0.21% [−.44 to .03]) and menopause (−0.12% [−.5 to .26]) and positive across late perimenopause (0.18% [−.10 to .45]) in WWH, and positive across all 3 menopausal phases in WWOH, but these effects were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In WWH, the menopausal transition was associated with BMI and WC trajectories that were mostly in a negative direction and opposite from WWOH after adjusting for age, suggesting that HIV blunts weight gain during the menopausal transition.
A Sufficiency of Caution
Authors: Brown Catherine M , DeMaria Alfred
Published: March 2023

Human rabies is essentially a fatal disease. Evaluation of potential exposures to rabies virus and decisions about post-exposure prophylaxis present challenges in determining the limits of caution. Response to rare occurrences must be put in context.
Contribution of Low CD4 Cell Counts and High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Load to the Efficacy of Preferred First-Line Antiretroviral Regimens for Treating HIV Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perez-Molina Jose A , Crespillo-Andújar Clara , Zamora Javier , Fernández-Félix Borja M , Gaetano-Gil Andrea , López-Bernaldo de Quirós Juan C , Serrano-Villar Sergio , Moreno Santiago , Álvarez-Díaz Noelia , Berenguer Juan
Published: March 2023

We assessed whether low CD4 count and high viral load (VL) affect the response to currently preferred ART. We performed a systematic review of randomized, controlled clinical trials that analyzed preferred first-line ART and a subgroup analysis by CD4 count (≤ or >200 CD4/μL) or VL (≤ or >100 000 copies/mL). We computed the odds ratio (OR) of treatment failure (TF) for each subgroup and individual treatment arm. Patients with ≤200 CD4 cells or VL ≥100 000 copies/mL showed an increased likelihood of TF at 48 weeks: OR, 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–2.61 and OR, 1.75; 95% CI: 1.30–2.35, respectively. A similar increase in the risk of TF was observed at 96 weeks. There was no significant heterogeneity regarding integrase strand transfer inhibitor or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone. Our results show that CD4 <200 cells/μL and VL ≥100,000 copies/mL impair ART efficacy in all preferred regimens.
Can We Prevent Congenital Infection by Cytomegalovirus?
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A
Published: March 2023

Cytomegalovirus is now the most common cause of congenital infections, leading to numerous abnormalities. After 50 years of failed attempts to develop a licensed vaccine to be given to women before pregnancy, modern platforms for vaccine construction allow hope for an effective prophylactic.
The PhysioVP-AF study, a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical benefit of physiological ventricular pacing vs. managed ventricular pacing for persistent atrial fibrillation prevention in patients with prolonged atrioventricular conduction: design and rationale
Authors: Pastore Gianni , Bertini Matteo , Bonanno Carlo , Coluccia Giovanni , Dell'Era Gabriele , De Mattia Luca , Grieco Domenico , Katsouras Grigorius , Maines Massimiliano , Marcantoni Lina , Marinaccio Leonardo , Paglino Gabriele , Palmisano Pietro , Ziacchi Matteo , Zoppo Franco , Noventa Franco
Published: March 2023

Aims

In patients with prolonged atrioventricular (AV) conduction and pacemaker (PM) indication due to sinus node disease (SND) or intermittent AV-block who do not need continuous ventricular pacing (VP), it may be difficult to determine which strategy to adopt. Currently, the standard of care is to minimize unnecessary VP by specific VP avoidance (VPA) algorithms. The superiority of this strategy over standard DDD or DDD rate-responsive (DDD/DDDR) in improving clinical outcomes is controversial, probably owing to the prolongation of the atrialventricular conduction (PR interval) caused by the algorithms. Conduction system pacing (CSP) may offer the most physiological-VP approach, providing appropriate AV conduction and preventing pacing-induced dyssynchrony.

Methods and results

PhysioVP-AF is a prospective, controlled, randomized, single-blind trial designed to determine whether atrial-synchronized conduction system pacing (DDD-CSP) is superior to standard DDD-VPA pacing in terms of 3-year reduction of persistent-AF occurrence. Cardiovascular hospitalization, quality-of-life, and safety will be evaluated. Patients with indication for permanent DDD pacing for SND or intermittent AV-block and prolonged AV conduction (PR interval > 180 ms) will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to DDD-VPA (VPA-algorithms ON, septal/apex position) or to DDD-CSP (His bundle or left bundle branch area pacing, AV-delay setting to control PR interval, VPA-algorithms OFF). Approximately 400 patients will be randomized in 24 months in 13 Italian centres.

Conclusion

The PhysioVP-AF study will provide an essential contribution to patient management with prolonged AV conduction and PM indication for sinus nodal disease or paroxysmal 2nd-degree AV-block by determining whether CSP combined with a controlled PR interval is superior to standard management that minimizes unnecessary VP in terms of reducing clinical outcomes.
Digest: Focus on chromosomes: how to understand angiosperm radiation
Authors: Casanova Chiclana Adrián
Published: March 2023

How can the karyotypic diversity across angiosperms explain the diversification of this group? Using karyotypic data from around 15% of extant species, Carta and Escudero (2023) showed that changes in the chromosome number is one of the explanatory variables for species diversification along with other studied drivers, such as ecological adaptations.
The Australasian dingo archetype: de novo chromosome-length genome assembly, DNA methylome, and cranial morphology
Authors: Ballard J William O , Field Matt A , Edwards Richard J , Wilson Laura A B , Koungoulos Loukas G , Rosen Benjamin D , Chernoff Barry , Dudchenko Olga , Omer Arina , Keilwagen Jens , Skvortsova Ksenia , Bogdanovic Ozren , Chan Eva , Zammit Robert , Hayes Vanessa , Aiden Erez Lieberman
Published: March 2023

Background

One difficulty in testing the hypothesis that the Australasian dingo is a functional intermediate between wild wolves and domesticated breed dogs is that there is no reference specimen. Here we link a high-quality de novo long-read chromosomal assembly with epigenetic footprints and morphology to describe the Alpine dingo female named Cooinda. It was critical to establish an Alpine dingo reference because this ecotype occurs throughout coastal eastern Australia where the first drawings and descriptions were completed.

Findings

We generated a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly (Canfam_ADS) using a combination of Pacific Bioscience, Oxford Nanopore, 10X Genomics, Bionano, and Hi-C technologies. Compared to the previously published Desert dingo assembly, there are large structural rearrangements on chromosomes 11, 16, 25, and 26. Phylogenetic analyses of chromosomal data from Cooinda the Alpine dingo and 9 previously published de novo canine assemblies show dingoes are monophyletic and basal to domestic dogs. Network analyses show that the mitochondrial DNA genome clusters within the southeastern lineage, as expected for an Alpine dingo. Comparison of regulatory regions identified 2 differentially methylated regions within glucagon receptor GCGR and histone deacetylase HDAC4 genes that are unmethylated in the Alpine dingo genome but hypermethylated in the Desert dingo. Morphologic data, comprising geometric morphometric assessment of cranial morphology, place dingo Cooinda within population-level variation for Alpine dingoes. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain tissue shows she had a larger cranial capacity than a similar-sized domestic dog.

Conclusions

These combined data support the hypothesis that the dingo Cooinda fits the spectrum of genetic and morphologic characteristics typical of the Alpine ecotype. We propose that she be considered the archetype specimen for future research investigating the evolutionary history, morphology, physiology, and ecology of dingoes. The female has been taxidermically prepared and is now at the Australian Museum, Sydney.
Redox and Immune Signaling in Schizophrenia: New Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Dwir Daniella , Khadimallah Ines , Xin Lijing , Rahman Meredith , Du Fei , Öngür Dost , Do Kim Q
Published: March 2023

Redox biology and immune signaling play major roles in the body, including in brain function. A rapidly growing literature also suggests that redox and immune abnormalities are implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder, autism, and epilepsy. In this article we review this literature, its implications for the pathophysiology of SZ, and the potential for development of novel treatment interventions targeting redox and immune signaling. Redox biology and immune signaling in the brain are complex and not fully understood; in addition, there are discrepancies in the literature, especially in patient-oriented studies. Nevertheless, it is clear that abnormalities arise in SZ from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors during sensitive periods of brain development, and these abnormalities disrupt local circuits and long-range connectivity. Interventions that correct these abnormalities may be effective in normalizing brain function in psychotic disorders, especially in early phases of illness.
Point prevalence audit surveys of respiratory tract infection consultations and antibiotic prescribing in primary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Shah M , Fleming A , Barbosa T M , van der Velden A W , Parveen S , Vellinga A
Published: March 2023

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics in general practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on antibiotic prescribing and delivery of primary care in Ireland.

Objectives

To assess the quality of antibiotic prescribing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Ireland.

Methods

Point prevalence audit surveys for RTI consultations were conducted as part of a European study at three time periods: January–February 2020, March–May 2020 and March–May 2021. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed and comparisons made between the three time periods.

Results

In total, 765 consultations were recorded, which were mainly face to face before the pandemic, but changed to predominantly remote consultations during the pandemic surveys in 2020 and 2021 (82% and 75%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 54% of RTI consultations before the pandemic. During pandemic surveys, this dropped to 23% in 2020 and 21% in 2021. There was a decrease in prescribing of Red (reserve) agents in 2021. Assessment against indication-specific quality indicators showed a high proportion of consultations for bronchitis and tonsillitis resulting in an antibiotic prescription (67% and 85%). Point-of-care testing (POCT) to aid diagnosis of RTIs were utilized in less than 1% of consultations.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in antibiotic prescribing. Opportunities identified to support AMS in primary care in Ireland are targeted initiatives to reduce antibiotic prescribing for bronchitis and tonsillitis and introducing POCT to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Childbirth after perioperative systemic therapy in patients with breast cancer: a retrospective single institutional study in Japan
Authors: Takeda Misuzu , Kataoka Akemi , Abe Tomomi , Inoue Yuka , Uehiro Natsue , Takahashi Yoko , Nakashima Eri , Ogiya Akiko , Sakai Takehiko , Morizono Hidetomo , Miyagi Yumi , Ohno Shinji , Ueno Takayuki
Published: March 2023

Background

The number of breast cancer patients of childbearing age has been increasing. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics and the childbearing status of the patients who received systemic therapy for breast cancer during their childbearing age to better understand the clinical impact of childbirth.

Methods

Female patients with breast cancer younger than 40 years old who underwent surgery and received perioperative systemic therapy from 2007 to 2014 were included in this study. We compared the characteristics of patients with and without childbirth after treatment.

Result

Of 590 patients, 26 delivered a child, and 355 did not bear a child during the median observation period of 8.1 years, whilst 209 had unknown childbirth data. The childbirth group had a lower mean age at surgery (32.2 vs. 35.1, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who desired childbirth and used assisted reproductive technology was significantly higher in the childbirth group (65.4 vs. 23.9% and 45.2 vs. 5.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). The patients in the childbirth group had significantly less advanced disease (P = 0.002). In the childbirth group, the age at childbirth was significantly older in patients who received combined endocrine therapy and chemotherapy (40.8 years) than in patients who received either alone (endocrine therapy: 36.9 years, chemotherapy: 36.7 years, P = 0.04). However, survival was not different between those with and without childbirth.

Conclusion

It is critical to recognize the desire for childbirth in patients with breast cancer who are receiving systemic therapy and to provide them with necessary fertility information before treatment to support their decision-making.
Are magnetic fields universal in O-type multiple systems?
Authors: Hubrig S , Järvinen S P , Ilyin I , Schöller M , Jayaraman R
Published: March 2023

Although significant progress has been achieved in recent surveys of the magnetism in massive stars, the origin of the detected magnetic fields remains to be the least understood topic in their studies. We present an analysis of 61 high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of 36 systems with O-type primaries, among them 10 known particle-accelerating colliding-wind binaries exhibiting synchrotron radio emission. Our sample consists of multiple systems with components at different evolutionary stages with wide and tight orbits and different types of interactions. For the treatment of the complex composite spectra of the multiple systems, we used a special procedure involving different line masks populated for each element separately. Out of the 36 systems, 22 exhibit in their least-squares deconvolution Stokes V profiles definitely detected Zeeman features, among them 7 systems with colliding winds. For 14 systems, the detected Zeeman features are most likely associated with O-type components, whereas for 3 systems we suggest an association with an early B-type component. For the remaining five systems, the source of the field is unclear. Marginal evidence for the detection of a Zeeman feature is reported for 11 systems and non-detection for 3 systems. The large number of systems with definitely detected Zeeman features presents a mystery, but probably indicates that multiplicity plays a definite role in the generation of magnetic fields in massive stars. The newly found magnetic systems are supreme candidates for spectropolarimetric monitoring over their orbital and rotation periods to obtain trustworthy statistics on the magnetic field geometry and the distribution of field strength.
Goldilocks and RNA: where Mg2+ concentration is just right
Authors: Guth-Metzler Rebecca , Mohamed Ahmad Mohyeldin , Cowan Elizabeth T , Henning Ashleigh , Ito Chieri , Frenkel-Pinter Moran , Wartell Roger M , Glass Jennifer B , Williams Loren Dean
Published: March 2023

Magnesium, the most abundant divalent cation in cells, catalyzes RNA cleavage but also promotes RNA folding. Because folding can protect RNA from cleavage, we predicted a ‘Goldilocks landscape’, with local maximum in RNA lifetime at Mg2+ concentrations required for folding. Here, we use simulation and experiment to discover an innate and sophisticated mechanism of control of RNA lifetime. By simulation we characterized RNA Goldilocks landscapes and their dependence on cleavage and folding parameters. Experiments with yeast tRNAPhe and the Tetrahymena ribozyme P4–P6 domain show that structured RNAs can inhabit Goldilocks peaks. The Goldilocks peaks are tunable by differences in folded and unfolded cleavage rate constants, Mg2+ binding cooperativity, and Mg2+ affinity. Different folding and cleavage parameters produce Goldilocks landscapes with a variety of features. Goldilocks behavior allows ultrafine control of RNA chemical lifetime, whereas non-folding RNAs do not display Goldilocks peaks of protection. In sum, the effects of Mg2+ on RNA persistence are expected to be pleomorphic, both protecting and degrading RNA. In evolutionary context, Goldilocks behavior may have been a selectable trait of RNA in an early Earth environment containing Mg2+ and other metals.
XAP5 CIRCADIAN TIMEKEEPER regulates RNA splicing and the circadian clock by genetically separable pathways
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Kumimoto Roderick W , Anver Shajahan , Harmer Stacey L
Published: March 2023

The circadian oscillator allows organisms to synchronize their cellular and physiological activities with diurnal environmental changes. In plants, the circadian clock is primarily composed of multiple transcriptional–translational feedback loops. Regulators of post-transcriptional events, such as precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNA) splicing factors, are also involved in controlling the pace of the clock. However, in most cases the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We have previously identified XAP5 CIRCADIAN TIMEKEEPER (XCT) as an Arabidopsis thaliana circadian clock regulator with uncharacterized molecular functions. Here, we report that XCT physically interacts with components of the spliceosome, including members of the Nineteen Complex (NTC). PacBio Iso-Seq data show that xct mutants have transcriptome-wide pre-mRNA splicing defects, predominantly aberrant 3′ splice site selection. Expression of a genomic copy of XCT fully rescues those splicing defects, demonstrating that functional XCT is important for splicing. Dawn-expressed genes are significantly enriched among those aberrantly spliced in xct mutants, suggesting that the splicing activity of XCT may be circadian regulated. Furthermore, we show that loss-of-function mutations in PRP19A or PRP19B, 2 homologous core NTC components, suppress the short circadian period phenotype of xct-2. However, we do not see rescue of the splicing defects of core clock genes in prp19 xct mutants. Therefore, our results suggest that XCT may regulate splicing and the clock function through genetically separable pathways.
CAPER: patient preferences to inform nonsurgical treatment of chronic low back pain: a discrete-choice experiment
Authors: Wilson Leslie , Zheng Patricia , Ionova Yelena , Denham Alina , Yoo Connie , Ma Yanlei , Greco Carol M , Hanmer Janel , Williams David A , Hassett Afton L , Scheffler Aaron Wolfe , Valone Frank , Mehling Wolf , Berven Sigurd , Lotz Jeffrey , O’Neill Conor
Published: March 2023

Objective

We developed and used a discrete-choice measure to study patient preferences with regard to the risks and benefits of nonsurgical treatments when they are making treatment selections for chronic low back pain.

Methods

“CAPER TREATMENT” (Leslie Wilson) was developed with standard choice-based conjoint procedures (discrete-choice methodology that mimics an individual’s decision-making process). After expert input and pilot testing, our final measure had 7 attributes (chance of pain relief, duration of relief, physical activity changes, treatment method, treatment type, treatment time burden, and risks of treatment) with 3–4 levels each. Using Sawtooth software (Sawtooth Software, Inc., Provo, UT, USA), we created a random, full-profile, balanced-overlap experimental design. Respondents (n = 211) were recruited via an emailed online link and completed 14 choice-based conjoint choice pairs; 2 fixed questions; and demographic, clinical, and quality-of-life questions. Analysis was performed with random-parameters multinomial logit with 1000 Halton draws.

Results

Patients cared most about the chance of pain relief, followed closely by improving physical activity, even more than duration of pain relief. There was comparatively less concern about time commitment and risks. Gender and socioeconomic status influenced preferences, especially with relation to strength of expectations for outcomes. Patients experiencing a low level of pain (Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity Scale [PEG], question 1, numeric rating scale score<4) had a stronger desire for maximally improved physical activity, whereas those in a high level of pain (PEG, question 1, numeric rating scale score>6) preferred both maximum and more limited activity. Highly disabled patients (Oswestry Disability Index score>40) demonstrated distinctly different preferences, placing more weight on achieving pain control and less on improving physical activity.

Conclusions

Individuals with chronic low back pain were willing to trade risks and inconveniences for better pain control and physical activity. Additionally, different preference phenotypes exist, which suggests a need for clinicians to target treatments to particular patients.
Feasibility of ice sheet conservation using seabed anchored curtains
Authors: Keefer Bowie , Wolovick Michael , Moore John C
Published: March 2023

Sea level rise is expected to be rapid and extremely damaging to coastal communities and infrastructure, with unavoidable losses and coastal protection costs in the tens of billions per year. Retreat of the Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers is likely already in an unstable regime as their oceanic fronts are ablated by deep intruding layers of relatively warm seawater. Warm water can be blocked from reaching the grounding line by thin flexible buoyant curtains anchored to the seabed. The consequent reduction in ice shelf melting could result in increased ice sheet buttressing as the shelf makes contact with seabed highs. Flexible curtains are less costly than solid artificial barriers, more robust against iceberg collisions, and easier to repair or remove in the event of unforeseen side effects. We illustrate the technical viability of this approach by considering curtain design concepts that should withstand oceanographic forces, and feasible methods of installation. Suitable materials are commonly available. Installation of a seabed curtain in temperate ocean waters would be entirely within the capabilities of existing offshore and deep ocean construction techniques. Installing in polar waters presents severe challenges from icebergs, harsh weather, and brief working seasons, which can however, be overcome with present-day technology. An 80 km long curtain installed in 600 m deep waters on alluvial sediments could help stabilize Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers over the next few centuries at much lower cost ($40–80 billion + $1–2 billion/yr maintenance) than the global coastline protection (∼$40 billion/yr) needed due to their collapse.
Large Bets and Stock Market Crashes
Authors: Kyle Albert S , Obizhaeva Anna A
Published: March 2023

Some market crashes occur because of significant imbalances in demand and supply. Conventional models fail to explain the large magnitudes of price declines. We propose a unified structural framework for explaining crashes, based on the insights of market microstructure invariance. A proper adjustment for differences in business time across markets leads to predictions which are different from conventional wisdom and consistent with observed price changes during the 1987 market crash and the 2008 sales by Société Générale. Somewhat larger-than-predicted price drops during 1987 and 2010 flash crashes may have been exacerbated by too rapid selling. Somewhat smaller-than-predicted price decline during the 1929 crash may be due to slower selling and perhaps better resiliency of less integrated markets.
Precision oncology comes of age
Authors: Sorscher Steven
Published: March 2023

Each cancer has a unique fingerprint, and precision oncology can be used to more effectively fight malignancies. The identified genes, expressed RNA, and proteins expressed in patients' cancers are now used routinely to predict prognosis and inform treatment recommendations. This article describes how malignancies develop and some of the targeted drugs that can be used against them.
High-pressure injection hand injury
Authors: Willette Paul A. , Barker Emily
Published: March 2023

High-pressure injection injuries are true emergencies that require prompt treatment to avoid devastating complications. This article describes the presentation and management of these injuries and provides clear and concise recommendations for intervention by the ED clinician.
Individualized diet conversation in primary care
Authors: Croskey Olivia , Clark M. Kathleen
Published: March 2023

Background:

Most primary care providers do not routinely discuss nutrition and diet with their patients, largely due to lack of time, inadequate resources, and perceived complexity of the topic. This article describes development and implementation of a brief protocol for systematically assessing and discussing diet during routine primary care visits to increase the frequency of these conversations and improve patient health outcomes.

Methods:

The authors developed a protocol for assessing both nutrition and stage of change as well as a guide for engaging in patient-led conversations about nutrition. The protocol was modeled after Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment and informed by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, and principles of motivational interviewing. It was implemented over three months at a rural health clinic staffed by one NP.

Results:

The protocol and conversation guide were easy to use with minimal training and seamlessly incorporated into clinic workflow. The likelihood of making diet changes increased significantly following the diet conversation, with persons who initially scored lower in readiness to change ultimately reporting significantly greater increases.

Conclusion:

A protocol for assessing diet and engaging patients in a stage of change–appropriate diet conversation can be efficiently integrated into a single primary care visit and increase patients' intent to change their diet. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the protocol more completely and in multiple clinics.
Health Disparities in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utilization and Outcomes: A Scoping Review and Methodologic Critique of the Literature*
Authors: Moynihan Katie M. , Dorste Anna , Alizadeh Faraz , Phelps Kayla , Barreto Jessica A. , Kolwaite Amy R. , Merlocco Anthony , Barbaro Ryan P. , Chan Titus , Thiagarajan Ravi R.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To map the scope, methodological rigor, quality, and direction of associations between social determinants of health (SDoH) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) utilization or outcomes.

Data Sources:

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for citations from January 2000 to January 2023, examining socioeconomic status (SES), race, ethnicity, hospital and ECMO program characteristics, transport, and geographic location (context) with utilization and outcomes (concept) in ECMO patients (population).

Study Selection:

Methodology followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping review extension. Two reviewers independently evaluated abstracts and full text of identified publications. Exclusion criteria included non-English, unavailable, less than 40 patients, and periprocedural or mixed mechanical support.

Data Extraction:

Content analysis used a standardized data extraction tool and inductive thematic analysis for author-proposed mediators of disparities. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool.

Data Synthesis:

Of 8,214 citations screened, 219 studies were identified. Primary analysis focuses on 148 (68%) including race/ethnicity/SES/payer variables including investigation of ECMO outcomes 114 (77%) and utilization 43 (29%). SDoH were the primary predictor in 15 (10%). Overall quality and methodologic rigor was poor with advanced statistics in 7%. Direction of associations between ECMO outcomes or utilization according to race, ethnicity, SES, or payer varied. In 38% adverse outcomes or lower use was reported in underrepresented, under-resourced or diverse populations, while improved outcomes or greater use were observed in these populations in 7%, and 55% had no statistically significant result. Only 26 studies (18%) discussed mechanistic drivers of disparities, primarily focusing on individual- and hospital-level rather than systemic/structural factors.

Conclusions:

Associations between ECMO utilization and outcomes with SDoH are inconsistent, complicated by population heterogeneity and analytic shortcomings with limited consideration of systemic contributors. Findings and research gaps have implications for measuring, analyzing, and interpreting SDoH in ECMO research and healthcare.
Predictors of Abnormal Sleep Duration in Older Adults With Hip Fracture and Diabetes
Authors: KUO Wen-Yu , CHEN Min-Chi , SHYU Yea-Ing Lotus
Published: March 2023

Background

Abnormal sleep duration affects recovery in older adults with hip fracture and diabetes mellitus (DM) negatively. However, the predictors of abnormal sleep duration in this population remain unknown.

Purpose

This study was designed to explore the predictors of abnormal sleep duration among older adults with hip fracture and DM within 6 months of hospital discharge.

Methods

A longitudinal study using secondary data from a randomized controlled trial was implemented. Data on fracture-related factors (diagnosis, surgical methods) were collected from medical charts. Information on the duration of DM, methods of DM control, and diabetes-related peripheral vascular disease was collected by asking simple questions. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Sleep duration outcomes were determined using data collected from a SenseWear armband.

Results

Having more comorbidities (OR = 3.14, p = .04), having undergone open reduction (OR = 2.65, p = .005), having undergone closed reduction with internal fixation (OR = 1.39, p = .04), and having DM (OR = 1.18, p = .01), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (OR = 9.60, p = .02), or diabetic peripheral vascular disease for a longer duration (OR = 15.62, p = .006) were all associated with a higher risk of abnormal sleep duration.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that patients with more comorbidities or who had undergone internal fixation, had a long DM history, or had complications are more likely to have abnormal sleep duration. Thus, greater attention should be focused on the sleep duration of diabetic older adults with hip fracture who are affected by these factors to achieve better postoperative recovery.