bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous gravitational waves from trapped magnetar ejecta and the connection to glitches and antiglitches
Authors: Yim Garvin , Gao Yong , Kang Yacheng , Shao Lijing , Xu Renxin
Published: November 2023

Gravitational waves from isolated sources have eluded detection so far. The upper limit of long-lasting continuous gravitational wave emission can now probe physically motivated models with the most optimistic being strongly constrained. Naturally, one might want to relax the assumption of the gravitational wave being quasi-infinite in duration, leading to the idea of transient continuous gravitational waves. In this paper, we outline how to get transient continuous waves from magnetars (or strongly magnetized neutron stars) that exhibit glitches and/or antiglitches and apply the model to magnetar SGR 1935+2154. The toy model hypothesizes that at a glitch or antiglitch, mass is ejected from the magnetar but becomes trapped on its outward journey through the magnetosphere. Depending on the height of the trapped ejecta and the magnetic inclination angle, we are able to reproduce both glitches and antiglitches from simple angular momentum arguments. The trapped ejecta causes the magnetar to precess leading to gravitational wave emission at once and twice the magnetar’s spin frequency, for a duration equal to however long the ejecta is trapped for. We find that the gravitational waves are more detectable when the magnetar is: closer, rotating faster, or has larger glitches/antiglitches. The detectability also improves when the ejecta height and magnetic inclination angle have values near their critical values, though this requires more mass to be ejected to remain consistent with the observed glitch/antiglitch. We find it unlikely that gravitational waves will be detected from SGR 1935+2154 when using the trapped ejecta model.
Identifying the discs, bulges, and intra-halo light of simulated galaxies through structural decomposition
Authors: Proctor Katy L , Lagos Claudia del P , Ludlow Aaron D , Robotham Aaron S G
Published: November 2023

We perform a structural decomposition of galaxies identified in three cosmological hydrodynamical simulations by applying Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) to the kinematics of their stellar particles. We study the resulting disc, bulge, and intra-halo light (IHL) components of galaxies whose host dark matter haloes have virial masses in the range M200 = 1011–$10^{15}\, {\rm M_\odot }$. Our decomposition technique isolates galactic discs whose mass fractions, fdisc, correlate strongly with common alternative morphology indicators; for example, fdisc is approximately equal to κco, the fraction of stellar kinetic energy in corotation. The primary aim of our study, however, is to characterize the IHL of galaxies in a consistent manner and over a broad mass range, and to analyse its properties from the scale of galactic stellar haloes up to the intra-cluster light. Our results imply that the IHL fraction, fIHL, has appreciable scatter and is strongly correlated with galaxy morphology: at fixed stellar mass, the IHL of disc galaxies is typically older and less massive than that of spheroids. Above $M_{200}\approx 10^{13}\, {\rm M_\odot }$, we find, on average, fIHL ≈ 0.37, albeit with considerable scatter. The transition radius beyond which the IHL dominates the stellar mass of a galaxy is roughly $30\, {\rm kpc}$ for disc galaxies, but depends strongly on halo mass for spheroids. However, we find that no alternative IHL definitions – whether based on the ex situ stellar mass, or the stellar mass outside a spherical aperture – reproduce our dynamically defined IHL masses.
The e-MANTIS emulator: fast predictions of the non-linear matter power spectrum in f(R)CDM cosmology
Authors: Sáez-Casares Iñigo , Rasera Yann , Li Baojiu
Published: November 2023

In order to probe modifications of gravity at cosmological scales, one needs accurate theoretical predictions. N-body simulations are required to explore the non-linear regime of structure formation but are very time consuming. In this work, we release a new public emulator, dubbed e-mantis, that performs an accurate and fast interpolation between the predictions of f(R) modified gravity cosmological simulations, run with ecosmog. We sample a wide 3D parameter space given by the current background scalar field value $10^{-7}\lt \left|f_{R_0}\right|\lt 10^{-4}$, matter density 0.24 < Ωm < 0.39, and primordial power spectrum normalization 0.6 < σ8 < 1.0, with 110 points sampled from a Latin hypercube. For each model we perform pairs of f(R)CDM and ΛCDM simulations covering an effective volume of $\left(560 \, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}\right)^3$ with a mass resolution of ∼2 × 1010h−1M⊙. We build an emulator for the matter power spectrum boost B(k) = Pf(R)(k)/PΛCDM(k) using a Gaussian process regression method. The boost is mostly independent of h, ns, and Ωb, which reduces the dimensionality of the relevant cosmological parameter space. Additionally, it is more robust against statistical and systematic errors than the raw power spectrum, thus strongly reducing our computational needs. According to our dedicated study of numerical systematics, the resulting emulator has an estimated maximum error of 3 per cent across the whole cosmological parameter space, for scales $0.03 \ h\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1} \lt k \lt 7 \ h\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$, and redshifts 0 < z < 2, while in most cases the accuracy is better than 1 per cent. Such an emulator could be used to constrain f(R) gravity with weak lensing analyses.
Evidence for microlensing by primordial black holes in quasar broad emission lines
Authors: Hawkins M R S
Published: November 2023

With the detection of black hole mergers by the LIGO gravitational wave telescope, there has been increasing interest in the possibility that dark matter may be in the form of solar mass primordial black holes. One of the predictions implicit in this idea is that compact clouds in the broad emission line regions of high-redshift quasars will be microlensed, leading to changes in line structure and the appearance of new emission features. In this paper, the effect of microlensing on the broad emission line region is reviewed by reference to gravitationally lensed quasar systems where microlensing of the emission lines can be unambiguously identified. It is then shown that although changes in Seyfert galaxy line profiles occur on time-scales of a few years, they are too nearby for a significant chance that they could be microlensed, and are plausibly attributed to intrinsic changes in line structure. In contrast, in a sample of 53 high-redshift quasars, 9 quasars show large changes in line profile at a rate consistent with microlensing. These changes occur on a time-scale an order of magnitude too short for changes associated with the dynamics of the emission line region. The main conclusion of the paper is that the observed changes in quasar emission line profiles are consistent with microlensing by a population of solar mass compact bodies making up the dark matter, although other explanations like intrinsic variability are possible. Such bodies are most plausibly identified as primordial black holes.
The MAGPI survey: effects of spiral arms on different tracers of the interstellar medium and stellar populations at z ∼ 0.3
Authors: Chen Qian-Hui , Grasha Kathryn , Battisti Andrew J , Wisnioski Emily , Mendel Trevor , Sharda Piyush , Santucci Giulia , Li Zefeng , Foster Caroline , Mun Marcie , Park Hye-Jin , Tsukui Takafumi , Sharma Gauri , Lagos Claudia D P , Barsanti Stefania , Valenzuela Lucas M , Gupta Anshu , Thater Sabine , Jin Yifei , Kewley Lisa
Published: November 2023

Spiral structures are important drivers of the secular evolution of disc galaxies, however, the origin of spiral arms and their effects on the development of galaxies remain mysterious. In this work, we present two three-armed spiral galaxies at z ∼ 0.3 in the Middle Age Galaxy Properties with Integral Field Spectroscopy (MAGPI) survey. Taking advantage of the high spatial resolution (∼0.6 arcsec) of the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), we investigate the two-dimensional (2D) distributions of different spectral parameters: Hα, gas-phase metallicity, and D4000. We notice significant offsets in Hα (∼0.2 dex) and gas-phase metallicities (∼0.05 dex) among the spiral arms, downstream and upstream of MAGPI 1202197197 (SG 1202). This observational signature suggests the spiral structure in SG 1202 is consistent with arising from density wave theory. No azimuthal variation in Hα or gas-phase metallicities is observed in MAGPI 1204198199 (SG 1204), which can be attributed to the tighter spiral arms in SG 1204 than SG 1202, coming with stronger mixing effects in the disc. The absence of azimuthal D4000 variation in both galaxies suggests the stars at different ages are well mixed between the spiral arms and distributed around the disc regions. The different azimuthal distributions in Hα and D4000 highlight the importance of time-scales traced by various spectral parameters when studying 2D distributions in spiral galaxies. This work demonstrates the feasibility of constraining spiral structures by tracing interstellar medium (ISM) and stellar population at z ∼ 0.3, with a plan to expand the study to the full MAGPI survey.
Determining the parameters of the spiral arms of the Galaxy from kinematic tracers based on Gaia DR3 data
Authors: Denyshchenko S I , Fedorov P N , Akhmetov V S , Velichko A B , Dmytrenko A M
Published: November 2023

We present the results of determining the parameters of the spiral arms of the Galaxy using the stars Gaia DR3, whose absolute magnitude is MG < 4, and which allow tracing spiral arms at large distances from the Sun. As tracers of spiral arms, we use the centroids of stellar spherical regions with a radius of 0.5 kpc, in which the deformation velocities along the coordinate axis R are insignificant. These kinematic tracers cover the Galactic plane within the Galactocentric coordinate ranges 140° < θ < 220° and 4 kpc < R < 14 kpc. The numerical values of the pitch angles of the spirals and their Galactocentric distances to the point of intersection of the spiral with the direction of the Galactic Centre and the Sun are in good agreement with the results of other authors. By extrapolating beyond the data we have, we present a schematic four-arm global pattern, consisting of the Scutum–Centaurus, Sagittarius–Carina, Perseus, Norma-Outer arms, as well as the local arm Orion. The uncertainties of the determined spiral parameters confirm that the structures identified are not false, but are reliable from the statistical point of view.
TransitFit: combined multi-instrument exoplanet transit fitting for JWST, HST, and ground-based transmission spectroscopy studies
Authors: Hayes J J C , Priyadarshi A , Kerins E , Awiphan S , McDonald I , A-thano N , Morgan J S , Humpage A , Charles S , Wright M , Joshi Y C , Jiang Ing-Guey , Inyanya T , Padjaroen T , Munsaket P , Chuanraksasat P , Komonjinda S , Kittara P , Dhillon V S , Marsh T R , Reichart D E , Poshyachinda S ,   (The SPEARNET Collaboration)
Published: November 2023

We present transitfit1, a package designed to fit exoplanetary transit light curves. transitfit offers multi-epoch, multi-wavelength fitting of multi-telescope transit data. transitfit allows per-telescope detrending to be performed simultaneously with transit parameter fitting, including custom detrending. Host limb darkening can be fitted using prior conditioning from stellar atmosphere models. We demonstrate transitfit in a number of contexts. We model multi-telescope broad-band optical data from the ground-based SPEARNET survey of the low-density hot-Neptune WASP-127b and compare results to a previously published higher spectral resolution GTC/OSIRIS transmission spectrum. Using transitfit, we fit 26 transit epochs by TESS to recover improved ephemeris of the hot-Jupiter WASP-91b and a transit depth determined to a precision of 111 ppm. We use transitfit to conduct an investigation into the contested presence of TTV signatures in WASP-126b using 180 transits observed by TESS, concluding that there is no statistically significant evidence for such signatures from observations spanning 27 TESS sectors. We fit HST observations of WASP-43 b, demonstrating how transitfit can use custom detrending algorithms to remove complex baseline systematics. Lastly, we present a transmission spectrum of the atmosphere of WASP-96b constructed from simultaneous fitting of JWST NIRISS Early Release Observations and archive HST WFC3 transit data. The transmission spectrum shows generally good correspondence between spectral features present in both data sets, despite very different detrending requirements.
SRG/eROSITA catalogue of X-ray active SDSS dwarf galaxies
Authors: Bykov S D , Gilfanov M R , Sunyaev R A
Published: November 2023

We present a sample of 99 dwarf galaxies (M* < 109.5 M⊙) with X-ray activity in their central regions. The sample was obtained from a match of the SRG/eROSITA X-ray catalogue in the eastern galactic hemisphere with the MPA-JHU SDSS catalogue. The obtained matches were cleaned rigorously with the help of external optical catalogues to increase the purity of the sample. This work is the largest study of this kind – X-ray activity in ≈85 per cent of matched dwarfs was not reported before. The majority of X-ray active dwarfs are identified as star-forming galaxies. However, the X-ray luminosity of 82 objects cannot be explained by the collective emission of X-ray binaries, rendering them strong candidates for dwarf galaxies with an active accreting black hole in their centre. We find that the fraction of AGN among dwarf galaxies drops from ∼2 · 10−2 at LX ∼ 1039 erg s–1 to ∼(2 − 4) · 10−4 at LX ∼ 1041 erg s–1 and increases with the stellar mass of the host galaxy. We serendipitously discovered sources with unexpected properties. We report on a tidal disruption event (TDE) candidate in a dwarf galaxy, a massive black hole in a dwarf galaxy with a soft thermal spectrum, a luminous dwarf galaxy with an obscured X-ray spectrum and a few other peculiar sources. We found three Ultra-luminous X-ray (ULX) source candidates and a sample of X-ray bright galaxy pairs, in four of which both members shine in X-rays.
A clustering (DBSCAN+GMM) investigation of the young open cluster NGC 6649
Authors: Gao Xinhua
Published: November 2023

We investigate the spatial structure and dynamical properties of the young (∼60 Myr), richly populated open cluster NGC 6649 based on reliable cluster members from Gaia-DR3 data. The density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise is used to estimate membership probabilities for 25045 sample stars in the field of the cluster. More than 1000 likely cluster members down to G ∼ 20 mag can be identified based on the membership probabilities. The cluster members of NGC 6649 extend up to a radial distance of ${\sim} 21\,\mathrm{ arcmin}$ (12 pc), which is much larger than previously thought. We estimate a core radius of $R_{\mathrm{ c}}=2\overset{^{\prime }}{.}38\pm 0\overset{^{\prime }}{.}06$ (1.4 pc) and a tidal radius of $R_{\mathrm{ t}}=35\overset{^{\prime }}{.}85\pm 6\overset{^{\prime }}{.}64$ (20.9 pc) for the cluster, indicating that the cluster has formed a dense core and an extended halo. We find that mass segregation has taken place within the cluster. We also detect two small and sparse clusters (C1 and C2) around NGC 6649. C1 has recently been reported, but C2 is detected for the first time. The Gaussian mixture model clustering method is used to identify 184 and 60 members for C1 and C2, respectively. We find that NGC 6649, C1, and C2 are located at similar distances. Moreover, we estimate a small spatial separation of ∼11.6 pc between C1 and NGC 6649, which is close to or slightly smaller than the detectable radius of NGC 6649. This indicates that NGC 6649 and C1 are physically connected, and there may exist strong tidal interactions and mass transfer between the two clusters. C2 shows a significant lack of faint members (G > 17 mag), probably due to star evaporation and tidal stripping. Our results show that NGC 6649 may be the dominant cluster in a triple-cluster system (NGC 6649+C1+C2).
Solving the inverse cosmological calibration problem of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Shirokov S I , Gainutdinov R I , Lovyagin N Yu , Gorokhov V L
Published: November 2023

We have received a new physical characteristics fitting based on actual observational data from the Swift mission’s long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs). We considered such characteristics as the Amati parameters for linear correlation (Eiso–Ep,i) and the k-correction for gravitational lensing and Malmquist bias (GLMB) effect. We used the Pantheon SN Ia catalogue and the standard Lambda cold dark matter model with a fixed Hubble constant of H0 = 70 km s−1 Mpc−1 as the baseline for the Hubble function μ(z). In our paper, we formulated the inverse cosmological calibration problem (ICCP) in the non-parametric statistics framework. The ICCP involves fitting non-observable physical characteristics while assuming a fixed cosmological model. To solve this problem, we developed a new method that is resistant to non-Gaussian processes. This method is based on error propagation through the Monte Carlo method and the Theil–Sen method for linear regression estimate. We have demonstrated the stability and robustness of this assessment method. The parameter estimates are as follows: $a=0.92^{+0.12}_{-0.12}$, $b=50.32^{+0.33}_{-0.32}$ without considering the GLMB effect, and $a=0.63^{+0.13}_{-0.14}$, $b=50.12^{+0.33}_{-0.31}$, and $k=1.98^{+0.25}_{-0.24}$ with the effect included. The proposed method can be applied to any other calibration sample of known standard candles, a calibrated sample of LGRBs, and the Hubble function μ(z). In the future, the ICCP idea can be used as an alternative cosmological test for estimating cosmological parameters, including the GLMB effect, or even for the selection of models, providing new information about the Universe. This can be done by analysing the residual values of observational data within the Bayesian statistics paradigm.
CAvity DEtection Tool (CADET): pipeline for detection of X-ray cavities in hot galactic and cluster atmospheres
Authors: Plšek T , Werner N , Topinka M , Simionescu A
Published: November 2023

The study of jet-inflated X-ray cavities provides a powerful insight into the energetics of hot galactic atmospheres and radio-mechanical AGN feedback. By estimating the volumes of X-ray cavities, the total energy and thus also the corresponding mechanical jet power required for their inflation can be derived. Properly estimating their total extent is, however, non-trivial, prone to biases, nearly impossible for poor-quality data, and so far has been done manually by scientists. We present a novel machine-learning pipeline called Cavity Detection Tool (CADET), developed as an assistive tool that detects and estimates the sizes of X-ray cavities from raw Chandra images. The pipeline consists of a convolutional neural network trained for producing pixel-wise cavity predictions and a DBSCAN clustering algorithm, which decomposes the predictions into individual cavities. The convolutional network was trained using mock observations of early-type galaxies simulated to resemble real noisy Chandra-like images. The network’s performance has been tested on simulated data obtaining an average cavity volume error of 14 per cent at an 89 per cent true-positive rate. For simulated images without any X-ray cavities inserted, we obtain a 5 per cent false-positive rate. When applied to real Chandra images, the pipeline recovered 93 out of 97 previously known X-ray cavities in nearby early-type galaxies and all 14 cavities in chosen galaxy clusters. Besides that, the CADET pipeline discovered seven new cavity pairs in atmospheres of early-type galaxies (IC 4765, NGC 533, NGC 2300, NGC 3091, NGC 4073, NGC 4125, and NGC 5129) and a number of potential cavity candidates.
Density profile of a self-gravitating polytropic turbulent fluid in a rotating disc near to the cloud core
Authors: Donkov S , Stefanov I Zh , Veltchev T V , Klessen R S
Published: November 2023

We obtain two equations (following from two different approaches) for the density profile in a self-gravitating polytropic cylindrically symmetric and rotating turbulent gas disc. The adopted physical picture is appropriate to describe the conditions near to the cloud core where the equation of state of the gas changes from isothermal (in the outer cloud layers) to one of ‘hard polytrope’, and the symmetry changes from spherical to cylindrical. On the assumption of steady state, as the accreting matter passes through all spatial scales, we show that the total energy per unit mass is an invariant with respect to the fluid flow. The obtained equation describes the balance of the kinetic, thermal, and gravitational energy of a fluid element. We also introduce a method for approximating density profile solutions (in a power-law form), leading to the emergence of three different regimes. We apply, as well, dynamical analysis of the motion of a fluid element. Only one of the regimes is in accordance with the two approaches (energy and force balance). It corresponds to a density profile of a slope −2, polytropic exponent 3/2, and sub-Keplerian rotation of the disc, when the gravity is balanced by the thermal pressure. It also matches with some observations and numerical works and, in particular, leads to a second power-law tail (of a slope ∼−1) of the density distribution function in dense, self-gravitating cloud regions.
Associating fast radio bursts with compact binary mergers via gravitational lensing
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar , Kapadia Shasvath J , Basak Soummyadip , Ajith Parameswaran , Tendulkar Shriharsh P
Published: November 2023

The origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs) is currently an open question with several proposed sources and corresponding mechanisms for their production. Among them are compact binary coalescences (CBCs) that also generate gravitational waves (GWs). Spatial and temporal coincidences between GWs and FRBs have so far been used to search for potential FRB counterparts to GWs from CBCs. However, such methods suffer from relatively poor sky-localization of the GW sources, and similarly poor luminosity distance estimates of both GW and FRB sources. The expected time-delay between the GW and radio emission is also poorly understood. In this work, we propose an astrophysical scenario that could potentially provide an unambiguous association between CBCs and FRBs, if one exists, or unambiguously rule out FRB counterparts to a given CBC GW event. We demonstrate that if a CBC that emitted both GWs and FRBs is gravitationally lensed, we can make a >5σ association using time-delay estimates of the lensed GW and FRB images (in strong lensing), which are expected to be measured with millisecond (for GW) and nano-second (FRB) precisions. We also demonstrate that the CBC–FRB association can be made in the microlensing regime as well where wave-optics effects modulate the GW waveform. We further investigate the rate of such detected associations in future observing scenarios of both GW and radio detectors.
Membranous nephropathy treatment standard
Authors: Radhakrishnan Yeshwanter , Zand Ladan , Sethi Sanjeev , Fervenza Fernando C
Published: November 2023

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is characterized by deposition of immune complexes leading to thickening of glomerular basement membranes. Over time, the understanding of MN has evolved, with the identification of specific autoantibodies against novel podocyte antigens and the unraveling of intricate pathogenic pathways. Although the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is favored as part of the initial therapy in MN, a subgroup of MN patients may be resistant to rituximab necessitating the use of alternative agents such as cytotoxic therapies. In addition, newer agents such as novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, therapies targeting the CD38-positive plasma cells and anti-complement therapy are being studied in patients who are resistant to traditional treatment strategies. This manuscript furnishes a review of the novel developments in the pathophysiology of MN including the identification of target antigens and current treatment standards for MN, concentrating on evidenced-based interventions designed to attain remission and to prevent disease progression.
The associated evolution of raptorial foreleg and mantispid diversification during 200 million years
Authors: Lai Dahang , Chen Peichao , Li Shumin , Xiang Xianzhe , Ou Haohong , Kang Nuoyao , Yang Jingtao , Pang Hong , Shih ChungKun , Labandeira Conrad C , Ren Dong , Yang Qiang , Shi Chaofan
Published: November 2023

Mantispidae have developed multidimensional specializations of predation that are leveraged by trade-offs involving attack properties, which is revealed by interdisciplinary analyses of phylogeny, morphometrics, and mechanical modeling. The lineage diversification was stimulated by its raptorial foreleg evolution, and was influenced by the ecosystem of corresponding periods, involving biotic and physical factors.
Representation of degree correlation using eigenvalue decomposition and its application to epidemic models
Authors: Morita Satoru
Published: November 2023

Degree correlation plays a crucial role in studying network structures; however, its varied forms pose challenges to understanding its impact on network dynamics. In this study, a method is devised that uses eigenvalue decomposition to characterize degree correlations. Additionally, the applicability of this method is demonstrated by approximating the basic and type reproduction numbers in an epidemic network model. The findings elucidate the interplay between degree correlations and epidemic behavior, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of social networks and their dynamics.
Flavor physics at LHCb: 50 years of the Kobayashi–Maskawa paradigm
Authors: Koppenburg Patrick
Published: November 2023

The LHCb experiment has been in operation since 2009 and has provided measurements of the Kobayashi–Maskawa matrix with unprecedented precision. 50 years after the original paper we are in the position to pin down the parameters of the theory, or possibly to show its limitations. In these proceedings the status of LHCb is shown from a historical perspective, along with some anecdotes.
Evidence of fast neutron operating in Oklo
Authors: Hidaka Hiroshi , Bentridi Salah-Eddine , Gall Benoit
Published: November 2023

Since the discovery of the first reactor zone (RZ) at the Oklo uranium deposit in 1972, many isotopic studies have been performed to understand the mechanism of the operation as fission reactors and to trace the migration behaviors of fissiogenic isotopes produced in the Oklo RZs. As the representative parameters to characterize the operating conditions of RZs, neutron fluence generated in RZ, duration of RZ operation, restitution factor of 235U from α decay of 239Pu produced by neutron capture of 238U and the proportion of fission events due to 235U, 238U and 239Pu are compiled and compared with individual RZs. In particular, one of the Oklo RZs, RZ 13, shows several specific features in the view point of isotopic and nuclear characteristics. By comparison of the data between RZ13 and other RZs, fission contribution of 238U for RZ13 is found to be significantly higher than those of other RZs.
Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal/Stromal Stem Cells and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tsiapalis Dimitrios , Floudas Achilleas , Tertel Tobias , Boerger Verena , Giebel Bernd , Veale Douglas J , Fearon Ursula , O’Driscoll Lorraine
Published: November 2023

Currently available therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are inadequate to alleviate the inflammation and reduce joint damage. While the immune-regulatory effect of human mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs) extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been tested in many inflammation-related diseases, little is known regarding their effect on patients with RA. Thus, we assessed the effect of human MSCs and MSC-EVs (from naïve or IFN-β-primed MSCs) on CD4+ T cells from patients with RA. Moreover, we investigated the effect of MSC-EVs on RA patients-derived synovial fibroblasts (FLS). MSC-EVs were prepared using a PEG precipitation followed by ultracentrifugation-based protocol. Applied to RA CD4+ T cells, EVs from IFN-β-primed MSCs, suppressed the expression of more key RA-associated cytokines (IL-4, GM-CSF IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α), and decreased CD4+ T-cell polyfunctionality than MSCs or EVs from naïve MSCs. MSCs mediated a slight decrease in the frequency of T-regulatory cells, while MSC-EVs rescued the frequency of T-regulatory cells. MSCs significantly inhibited CD4+ T-cell proliferation (P < .05), while no inhibition was observed in response to EV preparations. EVs from IFN-β-primed MSCs inhibited (P < .01) RA FLS migration and downregulated (P < .05) RA FLS surface markers CD34 and HLA-DR. Collectively, we demonstrated the immune-modulatory function of MSCs and their derived EVs in RA CD4+ T cells, which could be further enhanced by priming MSCs with IFN-β. Moreover, EVs from IFN-β-primed MSCs more efficiently inhibit RA FLS migration, and expression of RA FLS-related surface markers, suggesting these EVs as a potent therapy for RA.
The Mass Incarceration Trauma Framework: A Conceptual Model for Understanding Trauma among Individuals Who Experience Incarceration
Authors: Morrison Maria
Published: November 2023

The Mass Incarceration Trauma (MIT) framework is a conceptual model for understanding the role of trauma in the lives of individuals who experience incarceration in the United States. This population faces poverty, violence, and discrimination across the life span. The MIT framework is guided by an ecological systems perspective, a foundational theoretical approach in social work that recognizes that effective assessment and intervention require an understanding of the complex contexts in which individuals live. The MIT framework presents the cumulative trauma exposures commonly faced by this population before, during, and after incarceration at the individual, social, environmental, and historical levels. Because traumatic stress undermines health and daily functioning, it is essential that interventions for this population address both the ongoing risk for trauma exposure and the consequences of multiple, repeated past exposures across ecological systems. It is to be hoped that a new and fundamental focus on the poverty, contexts of violence, and lifetime disadvantages experienced by those who cycle through prisons in the United States might reframe the question of how our society should prevent and respond to crime as well as respond to those swept into the criminal justice system.
An exploration of autofluorescence in tardigrades (phylum Tardigrada)
Authors: Bartels Paul J , Coffey David C , Pineau Mathilde , Kaczmarek Łukasz , Nelson Diane R
Published: November 2023

Recently it was purported that autofluorescence (AF) in Paramacrobiotus n. sp. provided protection from UV radiation. If true, this would be the first documentation of an adaptive function for AF in any microscopic animal. We review what is currently known about AF in tardigrades, and we provide the first true colour images of tardigrade fluorescence. To assess the hypothesis of AF as UV protection we measured interspecific variation and intraspecific variation. We found that interspecific variation was much greater than intraspecific variation. We compared the fluorescence emission spectra for nine species of tardigrades, and together with the true colour fluorescence images, we noticed different patterns of fluorescence suggesting a rich diversity of fluorophores. We examined epidermal pigments of a new species of Milnesium and Ramazzottius kretschmanii and found that they are not the source of fluorescence in these species. We suggest further research is necessary to test the hypothesis that AF is UV protective in tardigrades, and we demonstrate and assess four different research tools for examining autofluorescence in microscopic animals.
Evaluation and Control of Alternaria tenuissima Causing Leaf Spots in Blue Honeysuckle in China
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Zhang Jing , He Ying , Li Yonggang , Deng Hongzhi , Jiang Yanyan
Published: November 2023

Blue honeysuckle is emerging as a popular edible fruit and is also used in folk medicine. However, from June to August 2021, a serious leaf-spot disease affected the yield and quality of blue honeysuckle in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; the species and characteristics of the pathogens responsible for the disease were unknown. In this study, 30 fungal isolates were obtained from infected blue honeysuckle leaves and identified as Alternaria tenuissima based on morphological and molecular characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to identify A. tenuissima as the causal agent of blue honeysuckle leaf spots in China. Pathogenicity tests of the isolates revealed that most isolates were moderately pathogenic. All blue honeysuckle cultivars tested were found to be susceptible to 30 A. tenuissima isolates. In addition, elder, Dahurian rose fruit, sea buckthorn, rowan, hawthorn, bird cherry, and sorb could be infected by A. tenuissima isolates, while European cranberry bush and Nanking cherry were not infected. A. tenuissima isolates were highly sensitive to prochloraz (EC50 ≤ 0.50 μg ml–1) with 86.21% efficacy at 400 μg ml–1 in the field trials. Therefore, crop rotation and application of chemical fungicides are considered to control the disease-causing leaf spots in blue honeysuckle. These results provide a basis for controlling A. tenuissima in blue honeysuckle in China.
Reconstruction vs. repair: a review of recent trends and controversies for management of ACL rupture
Authors: Onor Gabriel I. , Johns William L. , Patel Neel , Wilson Sean , Cook Ralph , Ciccotti Michael C. , Dodson Christopher C.
Published: November 2023

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has become increasingly popular in recent years as an option for management of ACL rupture. Though arthroscopic reconstruction has long been the gold standard, there may be a role for repair in appropriately selected patient populations and tear patterns. Recent industry-driven advances in techniques and available instrumentation for ACL repair have regenerated interest. Proponents of ACL repair highlight the maintenance of native tissues allowing for retained proprioception, lack of need for graft usage or harvest, and the potential for accelerated rehabilitation postoperatively as compared to ACL reconstruction. Short-term and early mid-term ACL repair studies have demonstrated encouraging results; however, the authors remain in favor of ACL reconstruction at this time given a dearth of long-term outcomes following ACL repair.
What Is New in the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Roffi Marco
Published: November 2023

For the first time, European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines have aggregated in 1 single document recommendations for the management of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). From a clinical perspective, this is coherent, as the spectrum of clinical presentations in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may range from new onset or progressive troponin-negative angina to STEMI, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest. In addition, the management pathways of NSTE-ACS and STEMI patients are widely similar. Compared with previous editions of the guidelines, the extensive document is improved also from a graphic perspective, containing several appealing and easy-to-understand figures. New or modified recommendations include, among others, the topics of diagnostic work-up, timing of invasive strategy, revascularization in multi-vessel disease, intravascular imaging, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and antithrombotic treatment. For the first time in the field of ACS, ESC guidelines have incorporated a section on patient perspectives with dedicated recommendations. Some of the most relevant changes in recommendations impacting clinical practice are discussed in this article.
Needle versus Cannula to Treat Tear Trough: A Prospective Study Comparing both Methods
Authors: Spada Julieta , Ravera Karina , Schneider Carolina
Published: November 2023

Background:

We aimed to clinically compare needle and cannula techniques in vivo with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, to better understand the best technique and adverse events.

Methods:

Ten adults without previous fillers in the area were injected with hyaluronic acid (CPM 22.5 HA mg/mL) with a 25G cannula on one side and a Becton Dickinson syringe needle (31G 0.3 mL) on the other. The product was fractionated among two visits. Assessment was made at time 0d, 14d, 30d, 60d, 90d, 180d, and 365d with standard camera, Vectra H2, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Level of satisfaction was also evaluated.

Results:

All the patients showed natural results with both techniques and a high satisfaction index. Cannulas were minimally less traumatic in terms of bruises. However, the product was applied in a more superficial layer and in a less precise manner, despite the fact that a deep technique was used with cannulas, depositing the product on the orbital bone. Patients reported a more noticeable change immediately after the procedure on the side treated with cannulas but less edema and a more comfortable procedure on the Becton Dickinson syringe treated side. None of the patients required hyaluronidase to dissolve overcorrection of the area, and no severe complications were observed. The product remained in most of them at day 365.

Conclusions:

Cannulas seem to be less traumatic regarding bruises, but less precise in vivo. Thin needles seem to be more precise with minimal trauma. However, this difference disappears during patient’s evolution.
Alternatives to animal testing to assess MASH drugs and hepatotoxicity
Authors: Brenner David A.
Published: November 2023

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 “allows for alternatives to animal testing for purposes of drug and biological product applications.” This provides an opportunity to develop and improve alternatives to animal studies to assess drugs in the liver. Two-dimensional cultures of liver cells fail to maintain their differentiated state and fail to reproduce liver disease phenotypes. Therefore, several platforms using human liver cells are being developed either to (1) assess hepatotoxicity of drugs or (2) create “diseases in a dish” to assess the effectiveness of drugs in treating liver diseases, primarily focused on treating MASH. The technological approaches include precision cut liver slices, human liver spheroids, human liver organoids, bioprinted human liver tissues, and microphysiological systems. This review evaluates each of these technologies and their role in providing alternatives to testing in animals.
Progressive Keratoconus in a Patient With Severe Pectus Excavatum and a Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Gene Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Kounatidou Nefeli Eleni , Kondylis Georgios , Klavdianou Olga , Venkateswaran Nandini , Fryssira Eleni , Palioura Sotiria
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Keratoconus is a progressive ocular disorder associated with numerous systemic diseases, many of which affect the musculoskeletal system. Although the etiology and pathophysiology of the disorder remain elusive, recent studies suggest a significant role of genetic predisposition in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. This case report aims to elucidate a potential genetic association in a patient presenting with keratoconus, severe pectus excavatum, generalized muscular weakness, and skeletal deformities.

Case Description:

A 31-year-old Iranian man presented with progressively diminishing vision in both eyes over the years, eventually diagnosed with keratoconus. The patient's history and further examination indicated generalized muscular weakness, skeletal deformities, and severe pectus excavatum with cardiac and large vessel displacement. Whole-exome sequencing identified two heterozygous gene variants: one in the Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) gene and another in the Regulating Synaptic Membrane Exocytosis 1 gene. The patient's systemic and ocular symptoms, combined with the gene variants identified, suggested a connective tissue systemic disorder, potentially within the clinical spectrum of COMPopathies.

Conclusion:

This is the first documented case of bilateral progressive keratoconus associated with severe pectus excavatum, generalized musculoskeletal dystrophy, and a COMP gene mutation. It highlights the necessity of continued search into the pathogenic genes of keratoconus, particularly in cases with coexisting systemic manifestations, to further our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of this complex disease.
Assessing an Exposure Keratopathy Prevention Strategy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Adebayo Ayobami , Tauber Jenna , Tingley Jennifer , Eisen Lewis A. , Young Moon Jee , Rosenberg Jamie B.
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Patients who are intubated and sedated are at risk for developing exposure keratopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. This retrospective study assesses the incidence of exposure keratopathy (EK) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients before and after implementation of an EK Prevention Order Set.

Methods:

At one tertiary care hospital (Bronx, NY), an “Exposure Keratopathy Prevention Order Set” was implemented to ameliorate this risk which included the application of white petrolatum–mineral oil lubricating ointment every 6 hours in both eyes. This retrospective chart review study analyzed the incidence of EK diagnosis before and after implementation of this EK Prevention Order Set. Patients who were on mechanical ventilation at the time of ophthalmology consult request between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, were included. Ophthalmology consult notes of patients with EK diagnosis were reviewed for details regarding the consult request, examination findings, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Results:

There were 247 and 361 ventilated ICU patients before and after the order set, respectively. The number of ophthalmology consults decreased slightly after the order set from 15 of 247 to 20 of 361 ventilated patients. In addition, the rate of EK among ventilated patients decreased from 4.5% (11 of 247 patients over 151 days) to 2.2% (8 of 361 patients over 212 days; P=0.154) with a risk ratio of 0.50 (95% CI 0.20–1.22).

Conclusion:

The number of patients diagnosed with EK trended down after implementation of the EK Prevention Order Set.
Clinical Site Visits: Perspectives of Clinical Instructors and Site Coordinators of Clinical Education
Authors: Hochman Lori , Silberman Nicki , Jung Min-Kyung , Greco Jamie L.
Published: November 2023

Introduction.

Site visits (SVs) are a common component of clinical education. The purpose of this paper was to explore clinicians' perspectives regarding SVs, including methods of communication used and their effectiveness, purposes of SVs, and the level of interaction between the stakeholders.

Review of the Literature.

Several communication methods are used to conduct SVs, with varying levels of “richness” and effectiveness. Previous studies have explored the perceptions of physical therapist (PT) students and Directors of Clinical Education regarding communication methods used during SVs, as well as reporting the purposes, effectiveness, and logistics.

Subjects.

Clinicians, including clinical instructors (CIs) and Site Coordinators of Clinical Education, from across the United States, representing various geographical locations and settings were invited to participate.

Methods.

An electronic survey was distributed to participants using information from 2 PT education programs and the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument database.

Results.

A total of 273 responses were included in the analysis. Clinicians ranked in-person visits as their first choice of communication for future SVs (n = 157, 59.9%) and indicated that in-person communication was “very effective” (n = 143, 52.4%) when compared with videoconferencing (n = 55, 20.1%) and telephone (n = 49, 17.9%). Clinicians ranked verifying the competency level of the student and verifying site resources during the SV as “extremely important” or “important” (n = 257, 94.2% and n = 250, 91.5%, respectively). Answering CI's questions and providing support to the CI were also identified as “extremely important” or “important” (n = 262, 96% and n = 244, 89.4%, respectively). Analysis of open-ended responses revealed 5 themes: Communication is important, flexibility allows best fit for a situation, on-site visits offer a more complete picture, real-time dialog is preferred, and email can lead to misinterpretation.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Communication is a key component of the clinical–academic relationship. Although clinicians prefer in-person communication, flexibility is necessary when planning and conducting SVs. Future research recommendations include gathering student and clinician perceptions regarding faculty involvement in SVs, as well as gathering faculty perspectives regarding their participation in SVs. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on the future of SVs warrants further exploration.
Efficacy of Physiotherapy for Treating Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nascimento Renata Polliana , Falsetta Megan L. , Maurer Tracey , Sarmento Ayane Cristine Alves , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We set out to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy for vulvodynia.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched in February 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Rob 2). Because of the high heterogeneity presented between the studies, it was not possible to carry out qualitative analysis. The results were presented narratively. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database.

Results

A total of 2,274 articles were retrieved. Seven studies met the criteria and were included in a systematic review, which included a total of 477 patients. The interventions included were electromyography biofeedback (n = 2), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (n = 1), transcranial direct current stimulation (n = 1), low-intensity shockwave (n = 1), physiotherapy treatment (n = 1), and pelvic floor exercise with behavioral modification (n = 1). All studies evaluated pain reduction, 5 evaluated sexual function, and 2 evaluated quality of life. All interventions were effective for the main outcomes; only the transcranial direct current stimulation intervention showed no significant difference when compared with the placebo or sham group. Three studies presented a high risk of bias due to the lack of blinding.

Conclusions

The studied interventions (electromyography biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, shockwave, physiotherapy, and pelvic floor exercise) seem to improve pain, sexual function, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of the studies prevented meta-analysis. In addition, well-designed trials are needed to improve the certainty of this evidence.