bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UX Ori stars eclipses by large-scale disc perturbations
Authors: Shulman S G , Grinin V P
Published: March 2022

We simulate the polarized radiative transfer in the vicinity of the UX Ori type stars during their minima. Our model of an eclipse by an extended disc perturbation generalizes the compact gas-dust cloud eclipse model. We apply the radiative transfer method based on enumeration using the directions grid to model the influence of the perturbation extensions along azimuth and radius on the eclipse depth and parameters of the linear polarization. We investigate eclipses both for the flared disc and for the disc with a puffing-up in the dust sublimation zone. The puffing-up is obtained by adding a dusty disc wind to the model. Comparison with a compact cloud eclipse model reveals that the eclipse by a large-scale azimuthally extended perturbation may be significantly deeper and show a greater linear polarization degree. We also demonstrate that the perturbation extension together with the disc puffing-up can strongly affect the degree of polarization and colour index of the star during the eclipse. The position angle of the linear polarization may also change markedly during and after an eclipse by a large-scale perturbation for the model with a puffed-up inner rim. Also, in this model, the maximum degree of the linear polarization can be achieved not at the brightness minimum but closer to the end of the eclipse. We discuss the modelling results in the context of the photopolarimetric observations of UX Ori stars.
Probing the dark Solar system: detecting binary asteroids with a space-based interferometric asteroid explorer
Authors: Sullivan Andrew G , Veske Doğa , Márka Zsuzsa , Bartos Imre , Márka Szabolcs
Published: March 2022

With the inception of gravitational wave astronomy, astrophysical studies using interferometric techniques have begun to probe previously unknown parts of the Universe. In this work, we investigate the potential of a new interferometric experiment to study a unique group of gravitationally interacting sources within our Solar system: binary asteroids. We present the first study into binary asteroid detection via gravitational signals. We identify the interferometer sensitivity necessary for detecting a population of binary asteroids in the asteroid belt. We find that the space-based gravitational wave detector LISA will have negligible ability to detect these sources as these signals will be well below the LISA noise curve. Consequently, we propose a 4.6 au and a 1 au arm-length interferometer specialized for binary asteroid detection, targeting frequencies between 10−6 and 10−4 Hz. Our results demonstrate that the detection of binary asteroids with space-based gravitational wave interferometers is possible though very difficult, requiring substantially improved interferometric technology over what is presently proposed for space-based missions. If that threshold can be met, an interferometer may be used to map the asteroid belt, allowing for new studies into the evolution of our Solar system.
A MeerKAT-meets-LOFAR study of MS 1455.0 + 2232: a 590 kiloparsec ‘mini’-halo in a sloshing cool-core cluster
Authors: Riseley C J , Rajpurohit K , Loi F , Botteon A , Timmerman R , Biava N , Bonafede A , Bonnassieux E , Brunetti G , Enßlin T , Di Gennaro G , Ignesti A , Shimwell T , Stuardi C , Vernstrom T , van Weeren R J
Published: March 2022

Radio mini-haloes are poorly understood, moderately extended diffuse radio sources that trace the presence of magnetic fields and relativistic electrons on scales of hundreds of kiloparsecs, predominantly in relaxed clusters. With relatively few confirmed detections to-date, many questions remain unanswered. This paper presents new radio observations of the galaxy cluster MS 1455.0+2232 performed with MeerKAT (covering the frequency range 872−1712 MHz) and LOFAR (covering 120−168 MHz), the first results from a homogeneously selected mini-halo census. We find that this mini-halo extends for ∼590 kpc at 1283 MHz, significantly larger than previously believed, and has a flatter spectral index (α = −0.97 ± 0.05) than typically expected. Our X-ray analysis clearly reveals a large-scale (254 kpc) sloshing spiral in the intracluster medium. We perform a point-to-point analysis, finding a tight single correlation between radio and X-ray surface brightness with a super-linear slope of $b_{\rm 1283\, MHz} = 1.16^{+0.06}_{-0.07}$ and $b_{\rm 145\, MHz} = 1.15^{+0.09}_{-0.08}$; this indicates a strong link between the thermal and non-thermal components of the intracluster medium. Conversely, in the spectral index/X-ray surface brightness plane, we find that regions inside and outside the sloshing spiral follow different correlations. We find compelling evidence for multiple sub-components in this mini-halo for the first time. While both the turbulent (re-)acceleration and hadronic scenarios are able to explain some observed properties of the mini-halo in MS 1455.0+2232, neither scenario is able to account for all the evidence presented by our analysis.
The white dwarf binary pathways survey – VII. Evidence for a bi-modal distribution of post-mass transfer systems?
Authors: Lagos F , Schreiber M R , Parsons S G , Toloza O , Gänsicke B T , Hernandez M S , Schmidtobreick L , Belloni D
Published: March 2022

Binary systems consisting of a white dwarf (WD) and a main-sequence companion with orbital periods up to ≈100 d are often thought to be formed through common envelope evolution which is still poorly understood. To provide new observational constraints on the physical processes involved in the formation of these objects, we are conducting a large-scale survey of close binaries consisting of a WD and an A- to K-type companion. Here, we present three systems with eccentric orbits and orbital periods between approximately 10 and 42 d discovered by our survey. Based on Hubble Space Telescope spectroscopy and high-angular resolution images obtained with the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE), we find that two of these systems are most likely triple systems while the remaining one could be either a binary or a hierarchical triple but none of them is a post-common envelope binary (PCEB). The discovery of these systems shows that our survey is capable to detect systems with orbital periods of the order of weeks, but all six PCEBs we have previously discovered have periods <2.5 d. We suggest that the fact that all of the systems we identify with periods of the order of weeks are not PCEBs indicates a transition between two different mechanisms responsible for the formation of very close (≲10 d) and somewhat wider WD + AFGK binaries: common envelope evolution and non-conservative stable mass transfer.
SCAPE: a mixture model revealing single-cell polyadenylation diversity and cellular dynamics during cell differentiation and reprogramming
Authors: Zhou Ran , Xiao Xia , He Ping , Zhao Yuancun , Xu Mengying , Zheng Xiuran , Yang Ruirui , Chen Shasha , Zhou Lifang , Zhang Dan , Yang Qingxin , Song Junwei , Tang Chao , Zhang Yiming , Lin Jing-wen , Cheng Lu , Chen Lu
Published: March 2022

Alternative polyadenylation increases transcript diversities at the 3’ end, regulating biological processes including cell differentiation, embryonic development and cancer progression. Here, we present a Bayesian method SCAPE, which enables de novo identification and quantification of polyadenylation (pA) sites at single-cell level by utilizing insert size information. We demonstrated its accuracy and robustness and identified 31 558 sites from 36 mouse organs, 43.8% (13 807) of which were novel. We illustrated that APA isoforms were associated with miRNAs binding and regulated in tissue-, cell type-and tumor-specific manners where no difference was found at gene expression level, providing an extra layer of information for cell clustering. Furthermore, we found genome-wide dynamic changes of APA usage during erythropoiesis and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation, suggesting APA contributes to the functional flexibility and diversity of single cells. We expect SCAPE to aid the analyses of cellular dynamics and diversities in health and disease.
Awareness and Use of Heated Tobacco Products Among Middle School and High School Students, United States, 2019–2020
Authors: Puvanesarajah Samantha , Wang Teresa , Alexander Dayna S , Gomez Yessica , Head Sara K , Alexandridis Apostolos A , Jamal Ahmed , Trivers Katrina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Heated tobacco products (HTP) heat-processed tobacco leaf into an aerosol inhaled by the user. This study assessed prevalence and correlates of HTP awareness, ever use, and current use among US middle and high school students.

Methods

Data came from the 2019 and 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a cross-sectional survey of US public and private, middle and high school students. HTP awareness, ever use, and current (past 30-day) use were assessed. Weighted prevalence estimates and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were assessed overall and by sex, school level, race/ethnicity, and current other tobacco product use.

Results

In 2019, 12.8% (3.44 million) of all students reported HTP awareness, increasing to 19.3% (5.29 million) in 2020 (p < .01). Ever [2019: 2.6% (630 000); 2020: 2.4% (620 000)] and current [2019: 1.6% (420 000); 2020: 1.4% (370 000)] HTP use did not significantly change from 2019 to 2020. Current e-cigarette users were more likely to report ever (2020 aPR = 1.79, 95% CI:1.23, 2.62) or current HTP use (2019 aPR = 5.16, 95% CI: 3.48, 7.67; 2020 aPR = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.10, 5.47) than nonusers. In both years, ever and current HTP use was more likely among current combustible (aPR range = 3.59–8.17) and smokeless tobacco product (aPR range = 2.99–4.09) users than nonusers.

Conclusions

HTP awareness increased 51% among US students during 2019–2020; however, HTP use did not significantly change during this period. Students who used other tobacco products were more likely to currently use HTPs. Estimates of HTP awareness and use provided serve as a baseline as future monitoring of these products is warranted.

Implications

Awareness of heated tobacco products (HTPs) increased among US youth from 2019 to 2020; however, HTP use did not change. These estimates of HTP awareness and use serve as a baseline for future surveillance of these products as their availability in the US increases.
Antibiotic Use and Outcomes in Young Children Hospitalized With Uncomplicated Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Hofto Meghan E , Samuy Nichole , Pass Robert F
Published: March 2022

Background

We aimed to compare children aged 36 months or younger hospitalized with uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who are not treated with antibiotics to those treated with antibiotics in terms of clinical features and outcome measures.

Methods

Administrative data and medical record review were used to identify patients from 3 to 36 months of age hospitalized from 2011 to 2019 with uncomplicated CAP. Patients were considered treated if they received antibiotics for >2 inpatient days and/or at discharge, and not treated if they received ≤2 inpatient days and no antibiotics at discharge. Untreated patients were compared to treated patients based on demographic features, clinical and laboratory results, and outcomes of interest, including illness severity, length of stay, and 30-day hospital readmissions.

Results

Three hundred twenty-two CAP cases were included; 266 (83%) received antibiotics for >48 hours and/or at discharge. Fifty-six patients received ≤2 inpatient days of antibiotics and no antibiotics at discharge; the majority received no inpatient antibiotics. There were no differences between the 2 groups in illness severity, length of stay, or hospital readmissions. The proportion of patients treated with antibiotics decreased from 88% (2011–2013) to 66% during the most recent years studied (2017–2019).

Conclusions

There was no difference in outcome of uncomplicated CAP in previously healthy children <36 months of age between those treated and not treated with antibiotics. Additional tools are needed to facilitate identification of viral CAP in young children and decrease unnecessary antibiotic use.
Plant clock modifications for adapting flowering time to local environments
Authors: Maeda Akari E , Nakamichi Norihito
Published: March 2022

During and after the domestication of crops from ancestral wild plants, humans selected cultivars that could change their flowering time in response to seasonal daylength. Continuous selection of this trait eventually allowed the introduction of crops into higher or lower latitudes and different climates from the original regions where domestication initiated. In the past two decades, numerous studies have found the causal genes or alleles that change flowering time and have assisted in adapting crop species such as barley (Hordeum vulgare), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), maize (Zea mays spp. mays), and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) to new environments. This updated review summarizes the genes or alleles that contributed to crop adaptation in different climatic areas. Many of these genes are putative orthologs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) core clock genes. We also discuss how knowledge of the clock’s molecular functioning can facilitate molecular breeding in the future.
Assessment of success in university–industry cooperation literature: A bibliographic coupling analysis
Authors: Mora-Valentín Eva-María , Nájera-Sánchez Juan-José , Ortiz-de-Urbina-Criado Marta
Published: March 2022

University–industry relationships have been central in technology and management innovation literature for decades. Success has been one of the most relevant topics in this field, driving a high proportion of this research. Our objective is to analyze this literature. Based on a framework of the motivations and expected benefits of the partners, classifying them into six categories (technological, strategic, financial, educational, political and epistemological), we have carried out a bibliographic coupling analysis to determine the topic’s knowledge structure. We show how these themes have evolved, with some remaining central during the entire timeframe and others gaining academics’ attention in recent years. We offer a research schedule and a dynamic, interpretative model that classifies and organizes the motivations of success for university–industry collaboration. This analysis can help in the formulation and implementation of public and private programs that aim to promote cooperation between firms and universities.
Mainstream or Marginalized? How German and Dutch Newspapers Frame LGBTI
Authors: Schotel Anne Louise
Published: March 2022

Although historically ignored or stigmatized by mainstream media, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people have increasingly become visible. However, increased visibility does not necessarily translate to more inclusive reporting. Comparing framing of LGBTI in Germany and the Netherlands, I ask which frames are assimilative and which pose structural challenges to hegemonic heteronormative notions on gender and sexuality. I apply a combination of automated text analysis of over 15,000 Dutch and German newspaper articles from 2009 to 2019 with critical frame analysis to analyze how LGBTI people are included in public debate. Despite increased visibility, coverage of gender identity and sexuality continues to be depoliticized and assimilative. Comparing two European cases shows which frames are mainstream and which are marginalized.
Evolution and diversity of inherited viruses in the Nearctic phantom midge, Chaoborus americanus
Authors: Ballinger Matthew J , Christian Rebecca C , Moore Logan D , Taylor Derek J , Sabet Afsoon
Published: March 2022

Inherited mutualists, parasites, and commensals occupy one of the most intimate ecological niches available to invertebrate-associated microbes. How this transmission environment influences microbial evolution is increasingly understood for inherited bacterial symbionts, but in viruses, research on the prevalence of vertical transmission and its effects on viral lineages is still maturing. The evolutionary stability of this strategy remains difficult to assess, although phylogenetic evidence of frequent host shifts and selective sweeps have been interpreted as strategies favoring parasite persistence. In this study, we describe and investigate a natural insect system in which species-wide sweeps have been restricted by the isolation of host populations. Previous work identified evidence of pronounced mitochondrial genetic structure among North American populations of the phantom midge, Chaoborus americanus. Here we take advantage of the geographical isolation in this species to investigate the diversity and persistence of its inherited virome. We identify eight novel RNA viruses from six families and use small RNA sequencing in reproductive tissues to provide evidence of vertical transmission. We report region-specific virus strains that mirror the continental phylogeography of the host, demonstrating that members of the inherited virome have independently persisted in parallel host lineages since they last shared a common ancestor in the Mid-Pleistocene. We find that the small interfering RNA pathway, a frontline of antiviral defense in insects, targets members of this inherited virome. Finally, our results suggest that the Piwi-mediated RNA silencing pathway is unlikely to function as a general antiviral defense in Chaoborus, in contrast to its role in some mosquitoes. However, we also report that this pathway generates abundant piRNAs from endogenous viral elements closely related to actively infecting inherited viruses, potentially helping to explain idiosyncratic patterns of virus-specific Piwi targeting in this insect.
Efficacy of Fungicides Used to Manage Downy Mildew in Cucumber Assessed with Multiple Meta-Analysis Techniques
Authors: Toporek Sean M. , Keinath Anthony P.
Published: March 2022

A nationwide, quantitative synthesis of fungicide efficacy data on management of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis is needed to broadly evaluate fungicide performance. Three-level meta-analysis, three-level meta-regression, and network meta-analyses were conducted on data from 46 cucumber (Cucumis sativus) CDM fungicide efficacy studies conducted in the eastern United States retrieved from Plant Disease Management Reports published between 2009 and 2018. Three response variables were examined in each analysis: disease severity, marketable yield, and total yield, from which percent disease control and percent yield return compared with nontreated controls was calculated. Moderator variables used in the three-level meta-analysis or three-level meta-regression included year, disease pressure, number of fungicide applications, and slicing or pickling cucumbers. In the network meta-analysis, fungicides were grouped by common combinations of Fungicide Resistance Action Committee Codes and modes of action. Overall, fungicides significantly (P < 0.001) reduced disease severity and increased marketable and total yields, resulting in a mean 54.0% disease control and 61.9% marketable and 73.3% total yield return. Subgroup differences were observed for several fungicide applications, control plot disease severity, and cucumber type for marketable yield. Based on the meta-regression analysis for disease severity by year, fungicide efficacy has been decreasing from 2009 to 2018, potentially indicating broad development of fungicide resistance over time. Treatments containing quinone inside inhibitors, pyridinylmethyl-benzamides, and protectants and treatments containing oxysterol binding protein inhibitors and protectants most effectively reduced disease severity. The most effective fungicide combinations for disease control did not always result in the highest yield return.
Crossing the Virtual Chasm: Practical Considerations for Rethinking Curriculum, Competency, and Culture in the Virtual Care Era
Authors: Bolster Marcy B. , Chandra Shruti , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Esper Christine D. , Genkins Julian Z. , Hayden Emily M. , Tan-McGrory Aswita , Schwamm Lee H. ,   for the Virtual Care and Medical Educator Group
Published: March 2022

Virtual care, introduced previously as a replacement for in-person visits, is now being integrated into clinical care delivery models to complement in-person visits. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up this process. The rapid uptake of virtual care at the start of the pandemic prevented educators from taking deliberate steps to design the foundational elements of the related learning environment, including workflow, competencies, and assessment methods. Educators must now pursue an informed and purposeful approach to design a curriculum and implement virtual care in the learning environment. Engaging learners in virtual care offers opportunities for novel ways to teach and assess their performance and to effectively integrate technology such that it is accessible and equitable. It also offers opportunities for learners to demonstrate professionalism in a virtual environment, to obtain a patient’s history incorporating interpersonal and communication skills, to interact with multiple parties during a patient encounter (patient, caregiver, translator, telepresenter, faculty member), to enhance physical examination techniques via videoconferencing, and ideally to optimize demonstrations of empathy through “webside manner.” Feedback and assessment, important features of training in any setting, must be timely, specific, and actionable in the new virtual care environment.

Recognizing the importance of integrating virtual care into education, leaders from across the United States convened on September 10, 2020, for a symposium titled, “Crossing the Virtual Chasm: Rethinking Curriculum, Competency, and Culture in the Virtual Care Era.” In this article, the authors share recommendations that came out of this symposium for the implementation of educational tools in the evolving virtual care environment. They present core competencies, assessment tools, precepting workflows, and technology to optimize the delivery of high-quality virtual care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered.
Intramural Grant Program to Promote Research Activity Among Early-Career Faculty Members
Authors: Virdi Amarjit S. , Sandi Giselle , Chubinskaya Susan
Published: March 2022

Problem

Early grant support for junior faculty members appears to positively influence their career trajectory. The authors sought to determine whether provision of grant support that enables early-career faculty members to conduct clinical, basic science, or educational research improves their academic success and enhances retention.

Approach

The authors compared career development and retention among 30 Cohn Fellowship recipients and 31 nonrecipients who participated in the same mentoring program. An award of $20,000 to the fellowship recipients ensured protected time for research for 1 year. Academic productivity of both groups was monitored for 6 years.

Outcomes

The authors found statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding research funding and scholarly productivity. The Cohn Fellowship recipients received a total of $14.7 million in external funding vs $3.7 million for nonrecipients, reflecting mean funding of $588,116 and $196,658 per person, respectively (P < .01). Recipients published a total of 174 peer-reviewed articles vs 26 for nonrecipients, reflecting a mean of 7 and 1 per person, respectively (P < .01). Recipients gave a total of 268 presentations vs 25 for nonrecipients, with a mean of 11 and 1 per person, respectively (P < .01). Furthermore, 8 of the 25 recipients who stayed at Rush University (32%) were promoted to associate professor compared with 2 of the 19 (11%) nonrecipients (P = .15). A majority of the Cohn Fellows (25; 83%) stayed at Rush University during the study compared with 61% of nonrecipients (P = .06). These findings suggest that even small amounts of research support received early in a career can benefit the faculty and the university as a whole.

Next Steps

We plan to continue gathering data to increase sample size and analyze outcomes for specific variables (e.g., time, rank, gender, promotion, retention).
A Neural Circuit from the Paraventricular Thalamus to the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis for the Regulation of States of Consciousness during Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Mice
Authors: Li Jia-Yan , Gao Shao-Jie , Li Ran-Ran , Wang Wei , Sun Jia , Zhang Long-Qing , Wu Jia-Yi , Liu Dai-Qiang , Zhang Pei , Tian Bo , Mei Wei
Published: March 2022

Background

The neural circuitry underlying sevoflurane-induced modulation of consciousness is poorly understood. This study hypothesized that the paraventricular thalamus bed nucleus of the stria terminalis pathway plays an important role in regulating states of consciousness during sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

Rabies virus–based transsynaptic tracing techniques were employed to reveal the neural pathway from the paraventricular thalamus to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. This study investigated the role of this pathway in sevoflurane anesthesia induction, maintenance, and emergence using chemogenetic and optogenetic methods combined with cortical electroencephalogram recordings. Both male and female mice were used in this study.

Results

Both γ-aminobutyric acid–mediated and glutamatergic neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis receive paraventricular thalamus glutamatergic projections. Chemogenetic inhibition of paraventricular thalamus glutamatergic neurons prolonged the sevoflurane anesthesia emergence time (mean ± SD, hM4D–clozapine N-oxide vs. mCherry–clozapine N-oxide, 281 ± 88 vs. 172 ± 48 s, P < 0.001, n = 24) and decreased the induction time (101 ± 32 vs. 136 ± 34 s, P = 0.002, n = 24), as well as the EC5 0 for the loss or recovery of the righting reflex under sevoflurane anesthesia (mean [95% CI] for the concentration at which 50% of the mice lost their righting reflex, 1.16 [1.12 to 1.20] vs. 1.49 [1.46 to 1.53] vol%, P < 0.001, n = 20; and for the concentration at which 50% of the mice recovered their righting reflex, 0.95 [0.86 to 1.03] vs. 1.34 [1.29 to 1.40] vol%, P < 0.001, n = 20). Similar results were observed during suppression of the paraventricular thalamus bed nucleus–stria terminalis pathway. Optogenetic activation of this pathway produced the opposite effects. Additionally, transient stimulation of this pathway efficiently induced behavioral arousal during continuous steady-state general anesthesia with sevoflurane and reduced the depth of anesthesia during sevoflurane-induced burst suppression.

Conclusions

In mice, axonal projections from the paraventricular thalamic neurons to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis contribute to regulating states of consciousness during sevoflurane anesthesia.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Characteristics of Post-ICU and Post-COVID Recovery Clinics in 29 U.S. Health Systems
Authors: Danesh Valerie , Boehm Leanne M. , Eaton Tammy L. , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Mayer Kirby P. , Kesler Shelli R. , Bakhru Rita N. , Baram Michael , Bellinghausen Amy L. , Biehl Michelle , Dangayach Neha S. , Goldstein Nir M. , Hoehn K. Sarah , Islam Marjan , Jagpal Sugeet , Johnson Annie B. , Jolley Sarah E. , Kloos Janet A. , Mahoney Eric J. , Maley Jason H. , Martin Sara F. , McSparron Jakob I. , Mery Marissa , Saft Howard , Santhosh Lekshmi , Schwab Kristin , Villalba Dario , Sevin Carla M. , Montgomery Ashley A.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES:

The multifaceted long-term impairments resulting from critical illness and COVID-19 require interdisciplinary management approaches in the recovery phase of illness. Operational insights into the structure and process of recovery clinics (RCs) from heterogeneous health systems are needed. This study describes the structure and process characteristics of existing and newly implemented ICU-RCs and COVID-RCs in a subset of large health systems in the United States.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING:

Thirty-nine RCs, representing a combined 156 hospitals within 29 health systems participated.

PATIENTS:

None.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS:

RC demographics, referral criteria, and operating characteristics were collected, including measures used to assess physical, psychologic, and cognitive recoveries. Thirty-nine RC surveys were completed (94% response rate). ICU-RC teams included physicians, pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists, and advanced practice providers. Funding sources for ICU-RCs included clinical billing (n = 20, 77%), volunteer staff support (n = 15, 58%), institutional staff/space support (n = 13, 46%), and grant or foundation funding (n = 3, 12%). Forty-six percent of RCs report patient visit durations of 1 hour or longer. ICU-RC teams reported use of validated scales to assess psychologic recovery (93%), physical recovery (89%), and cognitive recovery (86%) more often in standard visits compared with COVID-RC teams (psychologic, 54%; physical, 69%; and cognitive, 46%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Operating structures of RCs vary, though almost all describe modest capacity and reliance on volunteerism and discretionary institutional support. ICU- and COVID-RCs in the United States employ varied funding sources and endorse different assessment measures during visits to guide care coordination. Common features include integration of ICU clinicians, interdisciplinary approach, and focus on severe critical illness. The heterogeneity in RC structures and processes contributes to future research on the optimal structure and process to achieve the best postintensive care syndrome and postacute sequelae of COVID outcomes.
Modified Minerva Orthosis for Postoperative Management of Cricotracheal Resection in Children
Authors: Christ Megan Z. , Ha Jennifer F. , Baerg Timothy , Green Glenn E.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Cricotracheal resection (CTR) and tracheal resection (TR) are open surgical options to treat airway stenoses. One of the most devastating complications is anastomosal dehiscence, owing to excessive tension on the anastomosis from cervical extension. To prevent excessive tension on the anastomosis during the postoperative period, the neck is kept in a neutral or slightly flexed position. We describe a novel design and fitting of a modified pediatric Lerman Minerva cervical-thoracic orthosis (CTO) in our pediatric patient population after CTR or TR to protect the anastomosis.

Method

A Minerva CTO is customized to reduce anastomotic tension. The mandibular extension is removed, occipital extension is recontoured, plastic is trimmed, and a perineal strap is added. The orthosis allows avoidance/removal of the manubrial-mandibular suture, reducing skin complications and increasing mobilization.

Discussion

This modified Minerva CTO provided three key benefits: it can be sized down to fit small children, provides the desired immobilization, and is adjustable during fitting to ensure that the angle of cervical flexion is appropriate to protect the anastomosis.

Conclusion

After CTR and TR, proper cervical positioning is crucial to avoid tension on the anastomosis. Our novel modification of the Minerva orthosis is a useful adjunct in the postoperative management of these patients.

Clinical relevance

This modified pediatric Lerman Minerva CTO is a useful adjunct to protect the anastomosis following CTR or TR.
Postoperative Patient Reported Outcomes After Cholesteatoma Surgery
Authors: ten Tije Fleur A. , Pauw Robert Jan , Bom Steven J. H. , Stam Mariska , Kramer Sophia E. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Merkus Paul
Published: March 2022

Background:

Results and success measures of cholesteatoma surgery are generally described using objective data whereas subjective data are mostly lacking. Patients experiences and complaints are becoming more important alongside clinical and audiometric outcome measures in cholesteatoma care.

Objective:

To investigate the course of patient-reported complaints, the impact of complaints, audiometric measures and the stability of audiometric measures, and complaints over time after primary and recurrent/residual cholesteatoma surgery.

Methods:

Postoperative patients were prospectively included and divided into primary acquired and recurrent/residual cholesteatoma. The EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D-3L), Otology Questionnaire Amsterdam (OQUA), and the Speech Spatial Questionnaire (SSQ) were completed by 144 patients up to 2 years postoperative. Patient-reported complaints divided in eight separate domains, postoperative hearing and impact on daily life were longitudinally assessed by means of linear mixed models.

Results:

Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most reported postoperative complaints over time. Patient-reported loss of taste and the impact of all complaints decline over time. All other patient-reported complaints remain stable over time, only itch complaints fluctuate. Primary cholesteatoma patients score significantly higher on hearing loss complaints compared with recurrent/residual patients although they have comparable mean audiometric hearing loss. Furthermore, pure-tone hearing threshold, instead of asymmetric hearing loss, is correlated with the localization domain of the SSQ.

Conclusion:

This study provides important insights in the course of complaints and its impact on daily life after cholesteatoma surgery. Overall, the postoperative patient-reported complaints after cholesteatoma surgery are generally low in the studied population.
Fat Embolism After Plastic Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Pham Minh Quang
Published: March 2022

Fat embolism is an uncommon but life-threatening postoperative complication. The nonspecific symptoms associated with fat embolism could delay the diagnosis and result in a poor patient outcome. We report the case of a healthy 37-year-old woman who underwent a 6-hr breast and abdominal surgery with liposuction. Postoperatively, she displayed mild dyspnea, decreased oxygen saturation level, chest tightness, and fatigue. On Postoperative Day 3, pulmonary multislice computer tomography showed a fat embolus in her right pulmonary artery. She was treated with an anticoagulant to which she responded well and was discharged on Postoperative Day 7. This case demonstrates the need for surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia professionals to identify potential risk factors, recognize signs and symptoms, and implement effective treatment of pulmonary embolism to ameliorate the prognosis, improve the success of the surgery, and save the life of the patient.
Brief Report: Heterogeneous Preferences for Care Engagement Among People With HIV Experiencing Homelessness or Unstable Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Imbert Elizabeth , Hickey Matthew D. , Del Rosario Jan Bing , Conte Madellena , Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Clemenzi-Allen Angelo , Riley Elise D. , Havlir Diane V. , Gandhi Monica
Published: March 2022

Background/Setting:

In San Francisco, HIV viral suppression is 71% among housed individuals but only 20% among unhoused individuals. We conducted a discrete choice experiment at a San Francisco public HIV clinic to evaluate care preferences among people living with HIV (PLH) experiencing homelessness/unstable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

From July to November 2020, we conducted a discrete choice experiment among PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing who accessed care through (1) an incentivized, drop-in program (POP-UP) or (2) traditional primary care. We investigated 5 program features: single provider vs team of providers; visit incentives ($0, $10, and $20); location (current site vs current + additional site); drop-in vs scheduled visits; in-person only vs optional telehealth visits; and navigator assistance. We estimated relative preferences using mixed-effects logistic regression and conducted latent class analysis to evaluate preference heterogeneity.

Results:

We enrolled 115 PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing, 40% of whom lived outdoors. The strongest preferences were for the same provider (β = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.41), visit incentives (β = 0.56 per $5; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.66), and drop-in visits (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.82). Telehealth was not preferred. Latent class analysis revealed 2 distinct groups: 78 (68%) preferred a flexible care model, whereas 37 (32%) preferred a single provider.

Conclusions:

We identified heterogeneous care preferences among PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with two-thirds preferring greater flexibility and one-third preferring provider continuity. Telehealth was not preferred, even with navigator facilitation. Including patient choice in service delivery design can improve care engagement, particularly for marginalized populations, and is an essential tool for ending the HIV epidemic.
Solitary Nasopharyngeal Metastasis From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Shown on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Xu Anqi , Jie Xiao , Xiu Yan , Shi Hongcheng
Published: March 2022

It is very rare for papillary thyroid cancer metastasize to nasopharynx. We report FDG PET/CT findings of a solitary nasopharyngeal metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer 4 decades after the initial diagnosis in a 66-year-old woman, which mimics nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The final diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination from the biopsy of nasopharyngeal lesion.
Facial Flap Necrosis From COVID-19 Face Mask Precautions
Authors: Choi Melinda , Wo Luccie , Joshi Priyashma , Nugent Ajani , Thaller Seth R.
Published: March 2022

Use of facial mask coverings has been a strong Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation as an essential mitigation measure in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus (COVID)-19 virus. Face mask utilization has been shown to induce changes in the skin microclimate, especially around the perioral and perinasal regions. This results in increased mask adjustments and development of friction between masks and the underlying skin. The authors report novel findings of 2 individuals with skin cancer who underwent facial reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. They encountered untoward sequelae of facial flap pressure necrosis due to the use of face mask coverings. These individuals were ultimately successfully treated with local wound care. One individual experienced auricular implant extrusion and flap loss. It is critical that reconstructive surgeons be aware of potential complications and the need for potential revision surgeries due to the use of face masks, and educate their patients to properly position the protective face masks based on the type of reconstruction performed. Plastic surgeons might also reconsider reconstructive management options in light of these additional obstacles.
The Effects of Occlusal Plane Inclination and Dental Decompensation on the Overall Result of Surgical Correction of Class II Malocclusion
Authors: Seker Elif Dilara , Sunal Akturk Ezgi , Yerli Burcu , Coban Gokhan , Kucukkeles Nazan
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of upper occlusal plane (UOP) inclination and incisor decompensations on the outcome of surgical Class II patients.

Materials and Methods:

Pretreatment (T0), preoperative (T1), and posttreatment (T2) cephalograms of 30 surgical Class II patients were included. Cephalometric measurements were performed using the Dolphin Imaging Software in this retrospective study. The differences between time points were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Spearman correlation test was used to determine any correlations between either the UOP alterations or incisor decompensations and the cephalometric variables.

Results:

A significant improvement was obtained in the sagittal skeletal, dental variables, and soft tissue B point. Significant correlations were found between the decompensation achievement ratio and the change of the convexity angle. The relative percentage ratio (RPR) of the lower incisor was correlated with Wits appraisal, ANB, and Convexity Angle at the T2 stage. The RPR of the upper incisor was found to be correlated with lip strain. The relative surgical correction ratio of the UOP angle was found to be correlated with the surgical change of Wits appraisal and convexity angle. The RPR of the UOP angle was correlated with the SNB, ANB, and SN-GOGN angles at the T2 stage.

Conclusions:

Significant improvement in the incisor inclinations was achieved, but the incisors were inadequately decompensated at the preoperative phase. Surgical correction was limited by the inadequate presurgical decompensation. The surgical alteration of the UOP should be taken into consideration for the surgical planning to obtain better outcomes for Class II patients.
Rapid decline of adaptation of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
to soil biotic environment
Authors: Gómez Pedro , Hall Alex R. , Paterson Steve , Buckling Angus
Published: March 2022

Interactions between microbes can both constrain and enhance their adaptation to the environment. However, most studies to date have employed simplified microbial communities and environmental conditions. We determined how the presence of a commercial potting compost microbial community affected adaptation of the soil bacterium
Pseudomonas fluorescens
SBW25 in potting compost.
Pseudomonas fluorescens
clones isolated from populations evolved in both the presence and absence of the community showed similar fitness increases when measured in the absence of the community. This suggests the presence of the community did not constrain adaptation. By contrast, fitness measured in the presence of the community increased for community-evolved populations, but decreased below the ancestral state for populations evolved in the absence of the community. This suggests some, but not all, mutations that were beneficial with respect to the abiotic environment were costly in the presence of the community, with the former selected against in the presence of the community. Whole-genome sequencing supports this interpretation: most mutations underpinning fitness changes were clone-specific, suggesting multiple genetic pathways to adaptation. Such extreme mutational effects have not been observed in comparable
in vitro
studies, suggesting that caution is needed when extrapolating results from simplified
in vitro
systems to natural contexts.
Optimal control of networked reaction–diffusion systems
Authors: Gao Shupeng , Chang Lili , Romić Ivan , Wang Zhen , Jusup Marko , Holme Petter
Published: March 2022

Patterns in nature are fascinating both aesthetically and scientifically. Alan Turing’s celebrated reaction–diffusion model of pattern formation from the 1950s has been extended to an astounding diversity of applications: from cancer medicine, via nanoparticle fabrication, to computer architecture. Recently, several authors have studied pattern formation in underlying networks, but thus far, controlling a reaction–diffusion system in a network to obtain a particular pattern has remained elusive. We present a solution to this problem in the form of an analytical framework and numerical algorithm for optimal control of Turing patterns in networks. We demonstrate our method’s effectiveness and discuss factors that affect its performance. We also pave the way for multidisciplinary applications of our framework beyond reaction–diffusion models.
Stabilization of antithetic control via molecular buffering
Authors: Hancock Edward J. , Oyarzún Diego A.
Published: March 2022

A key goal in synthetic biology is the construction of molecular circuits that robustly adapt to perturbations. Although many natural systems display perfect adaptation, whereby stationary molecular concentrations are insensitive to perturbations, its
de novo
engineering has proven elusive. The discovery of the antithetic control motif was a significant step towards a universal mechanism for engineering perfect adaptation. Antithetic control provides perfect adaptation in a wide range of systems, but it can lead to oscillatory dynamics due to loss of stability; moreover, it can lose perfect adaptation in fast growing cultures. Here, we introduce an extended antithetic control motif that resolves these limitations. We show that molecular buffering, a widely conserved mechanism for homeostatic control in Nature, stabilizes oscillations and allows for near-perfect adaptation during rapid growth. We study multiple buffering topologies and compare their performance in terms of their stability and adaptation properties. We illustrate the benefits of our proposed strategy in exemplar models for biofuel production and growth rate control in bacterial cultures. Our results provide an improved circuit for robust control of biomolecular systems.
Optimal COVID-19 lockdown strategies in an age-structured SEIR model of Northern Ireland
Authors: Abernethy Gavin M. , Glass David H.
Published: March 2022

An age-structured SEIR model simulates the propagation of COVID-19 in the population of Northern Ireland. It is used to identify optimal timings of short-term lockdowns that enable long-term pandemic exit strategies by clearing the threshold for herd immunity or achieving time for vaccine development with minimal excess deaths.
Exact Bayesian inference of epidemiological parameters from mortality data: application to African swine fever virus
Authors: Ewing David A. , Pooley Christopher M. , Gamado Kokouvi M. , Porphyre Thibaud , Marion Glenn
Published: March 2022

Pathogens such as African swine fever virus (ASFV) are an increasing threat to global livestock production with implications for economic well-being and food security. Quantification of epidemiological parameters, such as transmission rates and latent and infectious periods, is critical to inform efficient disease control. Parameter estimation for livestock disease systems is often reliant upon transmission experiments, which provide valuable insights in the epidemiology of disease but which may also be unrepresentative of at-risk populations and incur economic and animal welfare costs. Routinely collected mortality data are a potential source of readily available and representative information regarding disease transmission early in outbreaks. We develop methodology to conduct exact Bayesian parameter inference from mortality data using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo incorporating multiple routes of transmission (e.g. within-farm secondary and background transmission from external sources). We use this methodology to infer epidemiological parameters for ASFV using data from outbreaks on nine farms in the Russian Federation. This approach improves inference on transmission rates in comparison with previous methods based on approximate Bayesian computation, allows better estimation of time of introduction and could readily be applied to other outbreaks or pathogens.