bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grain growth during protostellar disc formation
Authors: Tu Yisheng , Li Zhi-Yun , Lam Ka Ho
Published: July 2022

Recent observations indicate that mm/cm-sized grains may exist in the embedded protostellar discs. How such large grains grow from the micron size (or less) in the earliest phase of star formation remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we take a first step to model the grain growth in the protostellar environment, using 2D (axisymmetric) radiation hydrodynamic and grain growth simulations. We show that the grain growth calculations can be greatly simplified by the ‘terminal velocity approximation’, where the dust drift velocity relative to the gas is proportional to its stopping time, which is proportional to the grain size. We find that the grain–grain collision from size-dependent terminal velocity alone is too slow to convert a significant fraction of the initially micron-sized grains into mm/cm sizes during the deeply embedded Class 0 phase. Substantial grain growth is achieved when the grain–grain collision speed is enhanced by a factor of 4. The dust growth above and below the disc midplane enables the grains to settle faster towards the midplane, which increases the local dust-to-gas ratio, which, in turn, speeds up further growth there. How this needed enhancement can be achieved is unclear, although turbulence is a strong possibility that deserves further exploration.
Time-delay estimation in unresolved lensed quasars
Authors: Biggio L , Domi A , Tosi S , Vernardos G , Ricci D , Paganin L , Bracco G
Published: July 2022

Time-delay cosmography can be used to infer the Hubble parameter H0 by measuring the relative time delays between multiple images of gravitationally lensed quasars. A few of such systems have already been used to measure H0: Their time delays were determined from the light curves of the multiple images obtained by regular, years long, monitoring campaigns. Such campaigns can hardly be performed by any telescope: many facilities are often oversubscribed with a large amount of observational requests to fulfill. While the ideal systems for time-delay measurements are lensed quasars whose images are well resolved by the instruments, several lensed quasars have a small angular separation between the multiple images, and would appear as a single, unresolved, image to a large number of telescopes featuring poor angular resolutions or located in not privileged geographical sites. Methods allowing to infer the time delay also from unresolved light curves would boost the potential of such telescopes and greatly increase the available statistics for H0 measurements. This work presents a study of unresolved lensed quasar systems to estimate the time delay using a deep learning-based approach that exploits the capabilities of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks. Experiments on state-of-the-art simulations of unresolved light curves show the potential of the proposed method and pave the way for future applications in time-delay cosmography.
A new reference catalogue for the very metal-poor Universe: +150 OB stars in Sextans A
Authors: Lorenzo M , Garcia M , Najarro F , Herrero A , Cerviño M , Castro N
Published: July 2022

Local Group (LG) very metal-poor massive stars are the best proxy for the First Stars of the Universe and fundamental to modelling the evolution of early galaxies. These stars may follow new evolutionary pathways restricted to very low metallicities, such as chemically homogeneous evolution (CHE). However, given the great distance leap needed to reach very metal-poor galaxies of the LG and vicinity, no comprehensive spectroscopic studies have been carried out at metallicities lower than the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC; Z = 1/5 Z⊙) until now. After five observing campaigns at the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias, we have assembled a low-resolution (R ∼ 1000) spectroscopic collection of more than 150 OB stars in the 1/10 Z⊙ galaxy Sextans A, increasing by an order of magnitude the number of massive stars known in this galaxy. The catalogue includes 38 BA-type supergiants, four red supergiants, and the first candidate 1/10 Z⊙ binary systems, CHE sources and systems hosting stripped stars. The sample massive stars mainly overlap the higher concentrations of neutral gas of Sextans A. However, we find some sources in low H i column-density regions. The colour–magnitude diagram of the galaxy presents large dispersion, which suggests uneven, internal extinction in Sextans A. This is the largest catalogue of OB-type stars ever produced at sub-SMC metallicities. This sample constitutes a fundamental first step to unveiling the evolutionary pathways and fates of very metal-poor massive stars, analyzing the dependence of radiation-driven winds with metallicity, and studying binary systems in an environment analogue to the early Universe.
Red Dragon: a redshift-evolving Gaussian mixture model for galaxies
Authors: Black William K , Evrard August
Published: July 2022

Precision-era optical cluster cosmology calls for a precise definition of the red sequence (RS), consistent across redshift. To this end, we present the Red Dragon algorithm: an error-corrected multivariate Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Simultaneous use of multiple colours and smooth evolution of GMM parameters result in a continuous RS and blue cloud (BC) characterization across redshift, avoiding the discontinuities of red fraction inherent in swapping RS selection colours. Based on a mid-redshift spectroscopic sample of SDSS galaxies, an RS defined by Red Dragon selects quiescent galaxies (low specific star formation rate) with a balanced accuracy of over $90{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. This approach to galaxy population assignment gives more natural separations between RS and BC galaxies than hard cuts in colour–magnitude or colour–colour spaces. The Red Dragon algorithm is publicly available at bitbucket.org/wkblack/red-dragon-gamma/.
Classification of cosmic structures for galaxies with deep learning: connecting cosmological simulations with observations
Authors: Inoue Shigeki , Si Xiaotian , Okamoto Takashi , Nishigaki Moka
Published: July 2022

We explore the capability of deep learning to classify cosmic structures. In cosmological simulations, cosmic volumes are segmented into voids, sheets, filaments, and knots, according to distribution and kinematics of dark matter (DM), and galaxies are also classified according to the segmentation. However, observational studies cannot adopt this classification method using DM. In this study, we demonstrate that deep learning can bridge the gap between the simulations and observations. Our models are based on 3D convolutional neural networks and trained with data of distribution of galaxies in a simulation to deduce the structure classes from the galaxies rather than DM. Our model can predict the class labels as accurate as a previous study using DM distribution for the training and prediction. This means that galaxy distribution can be a substitution for DM for the cosmic-structure classification, and our models using galaxies can be directly applied to wide-field survey observations. When observational restrictions are ignored, our model can classify simulated galaxies into the four classes with an accuracy (macro-averaged F1-score) of 64 per cent. If restrictions such as limiting magnitude are considered, our model can classify SDSS galaxies at ∼100 Mpc with an accuracy of 60 per cent. In the binary classification distinguishing void galaxies from the others, our model can achieve an accuracy of 88 per cent.
Editing reality in the brain
Authors: Walsh Eamonn , Oakley David A
Published: July 2022

Recent information technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) allow the creation of simulated sensory worlds with which we can interact. Using programming language, digital details can be overlaid onto displays of our environment, confounding what is real and what has been artificially engineered. Natural language, particularly the use of direct verbal suggestion (DVS) in everyday and hypnotic contexts, can also manipulate the meaning and significance of objects and events in ourselves and others. In this review, we focus on how socially rewarding language can construct and influence reality. Language is symbolic, automatic and flexible and can be used to augment bodily sensations e.g. feelings of heaviness in a limb or suggest a colour that is not there. We introduce the term ‘suggested reality’ (SR) to refer to the important role that language, specifically DVS, plays in constructing, maintaining and manipulating our shared reality. We also propose the term edited reality to encompass the wider influence of information technology and linguistic techniques that results in altered subjective experience and review its use in clinical settings, while acknowledging its limitations. We develop a cognitive model indicating how the brain’s central executive structures use our personal and linguistic-based narrative in subjective awareness, arguing for a central role for language in DVS. A better understanding of the characteristics of VR, AR and SR and their applications in everyday life, research and clinical settings can help us to better understand our own reality and how it can be edited.
Serum phosphate as an independent factor associated with cholesterol metabolism in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional analysis of the DREAM cohort
Authors: Okute Yujiro , Shoji Tetsuo , Shimomura Naoko , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Nagata Yuki , Uedono Hideki , Nakatani Shinya , Morioka Tomoaki , Mori Katsuhito , Fukumoto Shinya , Imanishi Yasuo , Emoto Masanori
Published: July 2022

Background

Hyperphosphatemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease. In an experimental model, hyperphosphatemia promoted atherosclerosis by activating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, which controls cholesterol homeostasis. In the present study, we hypothesized that serum phosphate level is associated with cholesterol metabolism in patients with kidney failure.

Methods

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study including 492 patients undergoing hemodialysis and 100 healthy controls not on statin or ezetimibe treatment. Serum lathosterol and campesterol levels were measured as a marker of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, respectively. As compared with the control group, the hemodialysis patients had higher median phosphate {5.8 mg/dL [interquartile range (IQR 5.0–6.6) versus 3.3 (3.0–3.6); P < .001], lower lathosterol [1.2 µg/mL (IQR 0.8–1.7) versus 2.6 (1.9–3.4); P < .001] and higher campesterol levels [4.5 µg/mL (IQR 3.6–6.0) versus 4.1 (3.2–5.4); P = .02]. Serum phosphate correlated positively to campesterol in the control group (Spearman's r = 0.21, P = .03) and in hemodialysis patients (Spearman's r = 0.19, P < .001). The positive association between phosphate and campesterol levels in the hemodialysis group remained significant in multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis. There was no significant association between phosphate and lathosterol in either group.

Conclusions

An independent association was found between phosphate and campesterol levels in patients with kidney failure. This study suggests a novel relationship between phosphate and cholesterol metabolism, both of which could affect cardiovascular outcomes in this population.
Comparison of measured vs kinetic-model predicted phosphate removal during hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration
Authors: Daugirdas John T
Published: July 2022

Background

To what extent hemodiafiltration (HDF) improves management of hyperphosphatemia over hemodialysis (HD) is a subject of ongoing investigation.

Methods

We modified a previously described phosphate kinetic model to include incorporation of EUDIAL recommended equations for hemodiafiltration (HDF) clearance. We used the model to predict the recovery of phosphate from spent dialysate/hemofiltrate and compared this with averaged data from five published studies. Mean study average predialysis serum phosphate was 1.81 ± 0.20 mmol/L. Session length was close to 240 min per treatment. All HDF was done postdilution, at an average rate of 65 ± 24 mL/min.

Results

Measured mean phosphate removal was 1039 ± 136 mg (33.5 ± 4.41 mmol, slightly lower than the model-predicted mean value of 1092 ± 127 mg (35.3 ± 4.09 mmol). The measured ratio of phosphate removal with HDF compared with HD averaged 1.15 ± 0.22, ranging from 1.01 to 1.44. Using mean study input parameters for patient size and treatment characteristics, the predicted ratio of phosphate removal with HDF compared with HD averaged 1.095 ± 0.029, ranging from 1.05 to 1.13.

Conclusions

Addition of EUDIAL-recommended convective clearance equations to a phosphate kinetic model predicts a 10% or greater benefit in terms of phosphate removal for HDF compared with HD at typical dialysis and hemodiafiltration treatment settings. These predictions are similar to the HDF advantage reported in the literature in studies where phosphate removal has been measured in spent dialysate.
Truth in DAIR: Duration of Therapy and the Use of Quinolone/Rifampin-Based Regimens After Debridement and Implant Retention for Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Tai Don Bambino Geno , Berbari Elie F , Suh Gina A , Lahr Brian D , Abdel Matthew P , Tande Aaron J
Published: July 2022

Background

The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy after debridement and implant retention (DAIR) for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is debated. Furthermore, the best antibiotic regimens for staphylococcal PJI are also unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of antibiotic therapy duration on the risk of failure. We assessed the utility of rifampin-based regimens for staphylococcal PJI managed with DAIR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years and older diagnosed with hip and knee PJI who underwent DAIR between January 1, 2008 and 31 December 31, 2018 at Mayo Clinic, USA. The outcome was failure of DAIR. For statistical analysis, joint-stratified Cox regression models adjusted for age, sinus tract, symptom duration, and primary/revision arthroplasty were performed.

Results

We examined 247 cases of PJI with a median follow-up of 4.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.3–7) after DAIR. The estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of failure was 28.1% (n = 65). There was no association between the duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics (median 42 days; IQR, 38–42) and treatment failure (P = .119). A shorter duration of subsequent oral antibiotic therapy was associated with a higher risk of failure (P = .005; eg, 90-day vs 1-year duration; hazard ratio [HR], 3.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–8.25). For staphylococcal knee PJI, both the use and longer duration of a rifampin-based regimen were associated with a lower risk of failure (both P = .025). There was no significant association between fluoroquinolone (FQ) use and failure (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, .31–1.24; P = .172).

Conclusions

The duration of initial IV antibiotic therapy did not correlate with treatment failure in this cohort of patients. Rifampin use is recommended for staphylococcal knee PJI. There was no apparent benefit of FQ use in staphylococcal PJI.
Tetanus in Uganda: Clinical Outcomes of Adult Patients Hospitalized at a Tertiary Health Facility Between 2011 and 2020
Authors: Kazibwe Andrew , Okiror Noah Emokol , Bongomin Felix , Namiiro Amelia Margaret , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Kalyesubula Robert , Kagimu Magid , Andia-Biraro Irene
Published: July 2022

Background

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable infectious disease associated with high mortality rates. Increased vaccination coverage globally and locally has resulted in substantial declines in the number of individuals diagnosed with tetanus. We report annual trends in tetanus admissions and deaths over a decade at a national referral hospital in Uganda.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, using data from an electronic database of patients admitted to medical wards at a national referral hospital between 2011 and 2020. Data were abstracted on demographic characteristics, that is, length of hospital stay and mortality outcome. Admission and mortality rate trends were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall’s trend test, whereas Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare gender survival rates.

Results

During the study period, 459 individuals were admitted with tetanus. Of these, 85.8% (394 of 459) were males, and 26.1% (120 of 459) were aged 20 years or less. Overall, 48.8% (224 of 459) participants died, 85.3% (191 of 224) of whom were males (85.3%, n = 191), although females had a higher mortality rate (50.8%, 33 of 65 vs 48.5%, 191 of 394). Those aged 31–40 years accounted for 23.7% (53 of 224) of the deaths; and 88.7% (197 of 224) of the deaths occurred within the first 7 days of admission. The total number of tetanus admissions declined (TauA = −.6444, P = .0116). However, mortality rates remained stable (TauA = .0222, P > .999). The average length of hospital stay was 8.1 days (standard deviation, 7.5; range, 1–46).

Conclusions

Although tetanus admissions declined, mortality rate remained high. Males were disproportionately affected. We recommend quality-of-care audits for inpatient care improvement and more research on the determinants of infection and mortality to inform vaccination for at-risk men.
Strongly enhanced dynamics of a charged Rouse dimer by an external magnetic field
Authors: Shinde Rushikesh , Sommer Jens Uwe , Löwen Hartmut , Sharma Abhinav
Published: July 2022

While the dynamics of dimers and polymer chains in a viscous solvent is well understood within the celebrated Rouse model, the effect of an external magnetic field on the dynamics of a charged chain is much less understood. Here, we generalize the Rouse model for a charged dimer to include the effect of an external magnetic field. Our analytically solvable model allows a fundamental insight into the magneto-generated dynamics of the dimer in the overdamped limit as induced by the Lorentz force. Surprisingly, for a dimer of oppositely charged particles, we find an enormous enhancement of the dynamics of the dimer center, which exhibits even a transient superballistic behavior. This is highly unusual in an overdamped system for there is neither inertia nor any internal or external driving. We attribute this to a significant translation and rotation coupling due to the Lorentz force. We also find that magnetic field reduces the mobility of a dimer along its orientation and its effective rotational diffusion coefficient. In principle, our predictions can be tested by experiments with colloidal particles and complex plasmas.
Cytoplasmic p53 aggregates accumulated in p53-mutated cancer correlate with poor prognosis
Authors: Iwahashi Naoyuki , Ikezaki Midori , Komohara Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Yukio , Noguchi Tomoko , Nishioka Kaho , Sakai Kazuko , Nishio Kazuto , Ueda Mitsuharu , Ihara Yoshito , Uchimura Kenji , Ino Kazuhiko , Nishitsuji Kazuchika
Published: July 2022

Recent studies suggested that aggregates of mutant p53 proteins may propagate and impair normal p53 functioning in recipient cells. Our previous study showed that cancer cell-derived p53 aggregates that cells internalized interfered with p53-dependent apoptosis in recipient cells. However, involvement of p53 aggregate propagation in cancer pathology has not been fully elucidated. Here, we screened patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, which is characterized by an extremely high frequency of TP53 gene mutations, to show that patients with cytoplasmic p53 deposits have a poor prognosis compared with patients with complete p53 absence or strong nuclear p53 positivity. Cytoplasmic p53 in the patients with poor prognosis consisted of protein aggregates, which suggests that p53 aggregates are oncogenic drivers. Indeed, an inhibitor of p53 aggregation restored cellular apoptosis, a proper p53 function, in p53 aggregate-bearing patient-derived tumor organoids. In cell-based assays, endogenous and exogenous mutant p53 aggregates hindered chemotherapeutic activity of cisplatin, which depends on normal p53 functions. This inhibition was reduced by blocking p53 aggregation or internalization of p53 aggregates. Our study, thus indicates the involvement of p53 aggregate transmission in poor prognosis and in chemotherapy resistance in cancers.
Arc hopping dynamics induced by interfacial negative differential resistance
Authors: Huo Jindong , Rontey Alex , Wang Yifei , Jacobs Linda , Chen Qin , Wang Ningzhen , Ma Shilei , Cao Yang
Published: July 2022

Pattern formation in plasma–solid interaction represents a great research challenge in many applications from plasma etching to surface treatment, whereby plasma attachments on electrodes (arc roots) are constricted to self-organized spots. Gliding arc discharge in a Jacob’s Ladder, exhibiting hopping dynamics, provides a unique window to probe the nature of pattern formation in plasma–surface interactions. In this work, we find that the existence of negative differential resistance (NDR) across the sheath is responsible for the observed hopping pattern. Due to NDR, the current density and potential drop behave as activator and inhibitor, the dynamic interactions of which govern the surface current density re-distribution and the formation of structured spots. In gliding arc discharges, new arc roots can form separately in front of the existing root(s), which happens periodically to constitute the stepwise hopping. From the instability phase-diagram analysis, the phenomenon that arc attachments tend to constrict itself spontaneously in the NDR regime is well explained. Furthermore, we demonstrate via a comprehensive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) computation that the existence of a sheath NDR can successfully reproduce the arc hopping as observed in experiments. Therefore, this work uncovers the essential role of sheath NDR in the plasma–solid surface pattern formation and opens up a hitherto unexplored area of research for manipulating the plasma–solid interactions.
D139N mutation of PsbP enhances the oxygen-evolving activity of photosystem II through stabilized binding of a chloride ion
Authors: Imaizumi Ko , Nishimura Taishi , Nagao Ryo , Saito Keisuke , Nakano Takeshi , Ishikita Hiroshi , Noguchi Takumi , Ifuku Kentaro
Published: July 2022

Photosystem II (PSII) is a multisubunit membrane protein complex that catalyzes light-driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen. The chloride ion (Cl−) has long been known as an essential cofactor for oxygen evolution by PSII, and two Cl− ions (Cl-1 and Cl-2) have been found to specifically bind near the Mn4CaO5 cluster within the oxygen-evolving center (OEC). However, despite intensive studies on these Cl− ions, little is known about the function of Cl-2, the Cl− ion that is associated with the backbone nitrogens of D1-Asn338, D1-Phe339, and CP43-Glu354. In green plant PSII, the membrane extrinsic subunits—PsbP and PsbQ—are responsible for Cl− retention within the OEC. The Loop 4 region of PsbP, consisting of highly conserved residues Thr135–Gly142, is inserted close to Cl-2, but its importance has not been examined to date. Here, we investigated the importance of PsbP-Loop 4 using spinach PSII membranes reconstituted with spinach PsbP proteins harboring mutations in this region. Mutations in PsbP-Loop 4 had remarkable effects on the rate of oxygen evolution by PSII. Moreover, we found that a specific mutation, PsbP-D139N, significantly enhances the oxygen-evolving activity in the absence of PsbQ, but not significantly in its presence. The D139N mutation increased the Cl− retention ability of PsbP and induced a unique structural change in the OEC, as indicated by light-induced Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Our findings provide insight into the functional significance of Cl-2 in the water-oxidizing reaction of PSII.
Quantification of 6D Inter-Fraction Tumour Localisation Errors in Tongue and Prostate Cancer Using Daily Kv-Cbct For 1000 IMRT and VMAT Treatment Fractions
Authors: Shinde Prashantkumar , Jadhav Anand , Gupta Karan Kumar , Dhoble Sanjay
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the 6D inter-fraction tumour localisation errors in 20 tongue and 20 prostate cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy. The patient tumour localisation errors in lateral, longitudinal and vertical translation axes and pitch, roll and yaw rotational axes were analysed by automatic image registration of daily pretreatment kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT) with planning CT in 1000 fractions. The overall mean error (M), systematic error (Σ), random error (σ) and planning target volume (PTV) margins were evaluated. The frequency distributions of setup errors were normally distributed about the mean except for pitch in the tongue and prostate. The overall 3D vector length ≥ 5 mm was 14.2 and 49.8% in the ca-tongue and ca-prostate, respectively. The frequency of rotational errors ≥1 degree was a maximum of 37 and 59.5%, respectively, in ca-tongue and ca-prostate. The M, Σ and σ for all translational and rotational axes decreased with increasing frequency of verification correction in ca-tongue and ca-prostate patients. Similarly, the PTV margin was reduced with no correction to alternate day correction from a maximum of 4.7 to 2.5 mm in ca-tongue and from a maximum of 8.6 to 4.7 mm in ca-prostate. The results emphasised the vital role of the higher frequency of kV-CBCT based setup correction in reducing M, Σ, σ and PTV margins in ca-tongue and ca-prostate patients.
Sleep dysregulation in sympathetic-mediated diseases: implications for disease progression
Authors: Olivares María José , Toledo Camilo , Ortolani Domiziana , Ortiz Fernando C , Díaz Hugo S , Iturriaga Rodrigo , Del Río Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in the coordination of several physiological functions including sleep/wake process. Significant changes in ANS activity occur during wake-to-sleep transition maintaining the adequate cardiorespiratory regulation and brain activity. Since sleep is a complex homeostatic function, partly regulated by the ANS, it is not surprising that sleep disruption trigger and/or evidence symptoms of ANS impairment. Indeed, several studies suggest a bidirectional relationship between impaired ANS function (i.e. enhanced sympathetic drive), and the emergence/development of sleep disorders. Furthermore, several epidemiological studies described a strong association between sympathetic-mediated diseases and the development and maintenance of sleep disorders resulting in a vicious cycle with adverse outcomes and increased mortality risk. However, which and how the sleep/wake control and ANS circuitry becomes affected during the progression of ANS-related diseases remains poorly understood. Thus, understanding the physiological mechanisms underpinning sleep/wake-dependent sympathetic modulation could provide insights into diseases involving autonomic dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to explore potential neural mechanisms involved in both the onset/maintenance of sympathetic-mediated diseases (Rett syndrome, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, obstructive sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart failure, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases) and their plausible contribution to the generation of sleep disorders in order to review evidence that may serve to establish a causal link between sleep disorders and heightened sympathetic activity.
Insomnia disorder increases the risk of subjective memory decline in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Zhao Jean-Louis , Cross Nathan , Yao Chun W , Carrier Julie , Postuma Ronald B , Gosselin Nadia , Kakinami Lisa , Dang-Vu Thien Thanh
Published: July 2022

Study Objectives

To examine the longitudinal association between probable insomnia status and both subjective and objective memory decline in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

26 363 participants, ≥45 years, completed baseline and follow-up (3 years after baseline) self-reported evaluations of sleep and memory, and neuropsychological testing in the following cognitive domains: memory, executive functions, and psychomotor speed. Participants were categorized as having probable insomnia disorder (PID), insomnia symptoms only (ISO), or no insomnia symptoms (NIS), based on sleep questionnaires. Participants were further grouped based on their sleep change over time. Prospective odds of self-reported memory worsening were assessed using logistic regression, and associations between insomnia and cognitive performance were assessed via linear mixed-effects modeling, adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and medical factors.

Results

An increased odds (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.29–2.26) of self-reported memory worsening was observed for NIS participants at baseline who developed PID at follow-up compared to those who developed ISO or remained NIS. Additionally, participants whose sleep worsened from baseline to follow-up (i.e. transitioned from NIS to ISO, ISO to PID, or NIS to PID) displayed increased odds (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.10–1.34) of subjective memory worsening at follow-up compared to those who remained insomnia-free or improved their sleep. There were no significant associations between the development of PID or worsening sleep and performance on neuropsychological tests.

Conclusions

These findings of an increased odds for subjective memory decline in middle-aged and older adults with insomnia disorder suggest insomnia may be an important target for early interventions addressing age-related cognitive decline.
Canola as a potential forage
Authors: Safaei Amir Reza , Rouzbehan Yousef , Aghaalikhani Majid
Published: July 2022

The nutritive quality of four cultivars of canola forage (Brassica napus L.), Orient, Midas, Global, and Hybrid (Cobra × Regent), which were harvested in the early-spring period, were compared with green-winter barley (GWB) in terms of their yields, chemical composition, in vitro gas production variables, in situ crude protein (CP) degradation, and predicted dry matter intake (PDMI). Data were statistically analyzed using a completely randomized design with four replications and three samples per replication. The study was based on a randomized complete block design, and data were analyzed using SAS, general linear model procedure for normal distribution. The canola dry matter (DM) yield was highest in Orient cultivar and lowest in Midas (P < 0.05). Organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin(sa) concentration of the four cultivars ranged from 862 to 865, 218 to 247, 295 to 340, and 35 to 53 g/kg DM, respectively. The estimated OM disappearance (OMD), effective degradability of CP, effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP), digestible undegradable protein, and metabolizable protein (MP) of the forages were from 636 to 671 g/kg, 878 to 910, 172 to 193, 1.9 to 3.4, and 112 to 126 g/kg DM, respectively. Compared to Global and Hybrid cultivars, Orient and Midas contained higher CP, OMD, ERDP, MP concentration, and PDMI, but lower NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and lignin(sa) concentrations (P < 0.05). The level of glucosinolates in the forages ranged from 0.38 to 1.51 µmol/g DM, which is below the detrimental level for ruminants. Compared to winter canola cultivars, GWB had higher DM yield (P < 0.003), NDF, lignin(sa), PDMI (P < 0.01), and digestible undegradable protein (P < 0.04), but had lower OMD (P < 0.03), ERDP (P = 0.01), and MP (P < 0.009). Based on the obtained results, the variation in the nutritive quality among the canola cultivars is relatively small, and the Orient cultivar, which is most comparable to GWB, was judged to be nutritionally the best among the cultivars.
Co-infection of mammarenaviruses in a wild mouse, Tanzania
Authors: Cuypers Laura N , Čížková Dagmar , de Bellocq Joëlle Goüy
Published: July 2022

Mammarenaviruses are bi-segmented RNA viruses. They encompass viruses responsible for several severe diseases in humans. While performing a de novo assembly of a new virus found in a wild single-striped grass mouse in Tanzania, we found a single S but two divergent L segments. Natural co-infections, common within reptarenaviruses in captivity, were never reported for mammarenaviruses and never in a wild sample. This finding can have implications for virus evolution as co-infection could trigger viral recombination/reassortment in natural reservoirs.
Jesuit Missionaries in Early-Twentieth-Century Alaska, Colonialism, and Categories of “Superstition”
Authors: Clark Emily Suzanne
Published: July 2022

This article unpacks Jesuit assessments of Indigenous Alaskan religious practices and does so through a focus on how Jesuit missionaries wrote about “superstition” and, especially, “medicine men” or “shamans.” Through a close reading of the Jesuits’ mission records, we can see the Jesuit, missionary, colonizing lens through which they viewed Indigenous Alaskan communities and their cultures. In particular, the “shamans” were of great interest to the Jesuits. The Jesuits saw these “superstitions” as an obstacle to their mission and the shaman as their major foe. Perhaps to explain the challenges of mission work, the Jesuits needed a foe. Native “superstitions” and the medicine men provided that.  I argue that the missionaries were an arm of colonialism, and furthermore that their targeting of Indigenous religion and religious leaders were actions of ideological, social, cultural, psychological, emotional, and religious colonialism.
Organ-specific efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Deng Jiayi , Gao Ming , Gou Qing , Xu Chongrui , Yan Honghong , Yang Mingyi , Li Jiakang , Yang Xiaorong , Wei Xuewu , Zhou Qing
Published: July 2022

Background:

Response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is affected by multiple factors. This study aimed to explore whether sites of metastasis are associated with clinical outcomes of ICIs in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods:

The data of NSCLC patients with high programmed death-ligand 1 expression and good performance status receiving first-line ICIs monotherapy from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between May 2019 and July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Metastatic sites included liver, bone, brain, adrenal gland, pleura, and contralateral lung. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between different metastatic sites and metastatic burden by the Kaplan-Meier method. Organ-specific disease control rate (OSDCR) of different individual metastatic sites was evaluated.

Results:

Forty NSCLC patients meeting the criteria were identified. The presence of liver metastasis was significantly associated with shorter PFS (3.1 vs. 15.5 months, P = 0.0005) and OS (11.1 months vs. not reached, P = 0.0016). Besides, patients with bone metastasis tend to get shorter PFS (4.2 vs. 15.5 months, P = 0.0532) rather than OS (P = 0.6086). Moreover, the application of local treatment could numerically prolong PFS in patients with brain metastasis (15.5 vs. 4.3 months, P = 0.1894). More metastatic organs involved were associated with inferior PFS (P = 0.0052) but not OS (P = 0.0791). The presence of liver metastasis or bone metastasis was associated with more metastatic organs (Phi[ϕ]: 0.516, P = 0.001). The highest OSDCR was observed in lung (15/17), and the lowest in the liver (1/4).

Conclusions:

Metastases in different anatomical locations may be associated with different clinical outcomes and local tumor response to ICIs in NSCLC. ICIs monotherapy shows limited efficacy in patients with liver and bone metastasis, thus patients with this type of metastasis might require more aggressive combination strategies.
Audiometric Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Congenital Aural Atresia: Does Age Matter?
Authors: Jonas Rachel H. , Casazza Geoffrey C. , Kesser Bradley W.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To determine if there is an age-based difference in audiometric outcomes for patients undergoing primary congenital aural atresia (CAA) repair.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Single academic, high-volume, tertiary care hospital.

Patients

Individuals undergoing primary CAA repair by a single surgeon between 2004 and 2020.

Intervention(s)

CAA repair.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Preoperative and postoperative four tone (500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 Hz) air-conduction pure-tone average (PTA), bone-conduction PTA, air-bone gap and speech reception threshold, and preoperative to postoperative change in values.

Results

We identified 247 patients (262 ears) who underwent repair. The mean and median ages were approximately 12 and 8.5 years, respectively, both of which served as cutoff ages to compare younger versus older patients. The average preoperative to postoperative improvement values in air-conduction PTA, air-bone gap, and speech reception threshold for individuals younger than 12 years were 26.6 ± 10.2, 23.8 ± 12.6, and 30.1 ± 12.1 dB hearing level (HL), respectively, and those for individuals 12 years or older were 25.9 ± 15.7, 26.2 ± 10.3, and 31.3 ± 12.8 dB HL, respectively. For individuals younger than 8.5 years, the values were 25.8 ± 9.5, 24.9 ± 9.4, and 30.0 ± 10.6 dB HL, respectively, and those for individuals 8.5 years or older were 27.1 ± 13.5, 25.7 ± 11.0, and 30.0 ± 14.6 dB HL, respectively. The improvement did not differ significantly between the younger and older groups, using both cutoff ages. There was no difference in revision surgery rates or complications between groups.

Conclusion

An individual at any age can enjoy audiometric improvement from atresia repair.
New approaches to targeting epigenetic regulation in prostate cancer
Authors: Thompson Daryl , Choo Nicholas , Bolton Damien M. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Risbridger Gail P. , Lawrence Mitchell G. , Taylor Renea A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Many clinical trials are currently underway to target the epigenome of castration-resistant prostate cancer. In this review, we summarize the major epigenetic alterations that occur during prostate cancer progression, describe their biological consequences, and highlight potential of therapies that target epigenetic regulators for use in patients.

Recent findings

Epigenetic alterations frequently occur in tumour suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and genes that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Unlike genetic alterations, epigenetic changes are reversible, making them promising targets for cancer therapy. Epigenetic regulators can be divided into three broad groups: writers, readers, and erasers, each with specific drug targets that are being assessed in phase I and II clinical trials for prostate cancer. CBP/p300, and BRD4 are coregulators of the androgen receptor and inhibit androgen signalling, making bromodomain extra-terminal inhibitors and CBP/p300 inhibitors attractive targets in prostate cancer. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2, a histone methyltransferase, is also a potential target in castrate-resistant prostate cancer. An emerging direction is to combine epigenetic inhibitors with other compounds to enhance their efficacy.

Preclinical studies indicate that the epigenome is a potential target in prostate cancer, and clinical trials are testing multiple agents that target the epigenome in different ways. However, the process of translating these therapies into the clinic is ongoing and none have yet been approved for castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
Treatment and Prevention of Intraabdominal Bleeding in Necrotizing Pancreatitis Patients Treated With a Step-Up Approach
Authors: Luckhurst Casey M. , El Hechi Majed , Maurer Lydia R. , Yamada Kei , Krishnan Kumar , Castillo Carlos Fernández-del , Lillemoe Keith D. , Fagenholz Peter J.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

A minimally invasive step-up (MIS) approach for management of necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) has been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality compared with open surgical techniques. We sought to evaluate bleeding complications in NP patients treated with a MIS approach and to describe the management and outcomes of these events.

Methods

An observational, cohort study was performed using a prospectively maintained NP database at a tertiary referral center from 2013 to 2019.

Results

Of 119 NP patients, 13% suffering bleeding events, and 18% underwent an intervention. There was a 6-fold higher mortality rate in patients with bleeding events (n = 3; 18.8%) compared with those without (n = 3; 2.9%) (P = 0.031). The most common intervention for hemorrhage control was endovascular coil embolization (75%), which was successful 88% of the time. Seven patients underwent prophylactic vascular intervention, which was 100% successful in preventing bleeding events from the embolized vessel.

Conclusions

Bleeding events in NP patients treated with a MIS approach are associated with a 6-fold increase in mortality. Endovascular intervention is an effective strategy for the management of bleeding events. Prophylactic embolization may be an effective technique for reducing bleeding complications.
Effect of Protective Padding in Pneumatic Tourniquet Applications on the Prevention of Skin Complications
Authors: Aydin Atiye , Kanan Nevin
Published: July 2022

The use of pneumatic tourniquets in orthopaedic surgery has become essential as they create a bloodless surgical field in lower and upper limb applications and allow the anatomical structures to be better visualized. This aim of this study, which was conducted on 60 patients, was to determine the effect of protective padding on preventing skin complications in pneumatic tourniquet applications. Patients were divided into 3 groups of cotton-cast padding, protection sleeve, or no/without protective padding underneath the tourniquet cuff. Mean values were as follows: age: 27.7 ± 6.9 years, tourniquet pressure: 307.5 ± 31.7 mmHg, and tourniquet duration: 87.8 ± 15.3 minutes. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the rate of skin complications (p < .05) immediately after survey, 30 minutes after surgery, and 180 minutes after surgery. Protective padding underneath pneumatic tourniquet cuff can be recommended during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Utilizing a Standardized Handoff Initiative Incorporating Both Medical Clearance Postoperative Recommendations and Orthopaedic-Specific Context to Improve Information Transfer
Authors: Meneses Michelle , Muthusamy Nishanth , Vetter Mary Jo , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: July 2022

Patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with multiple comorbidities require medical clearance recommendations from their primary care provider, which if not adhered to can lead to adverse postoperative complications. In this quality improvement initiative, we explore the impact of a standardized handoff process incorporating medical clearance postoperative recommendations and orthopaedic-specific context on information transfer in TJA. A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies from 2014 to 2019 was completed to draw a conclusion about the best practice methods for the development of a standardized handoff process. Prior to implementation, evidence was reviewed to inform activities such as baseline chart audits, attainment of stakeholder input regarding handoff, exploration of wound closure equipment utilization, and standardization of a structured “smart phase” that incorporates medical clearance recommendations and orthopaedic-specific context information. After provider education was completed and the new handoff approach initiated, data were collected to compare postintervention outcomes such as transfer of information and wound kit distribution cost analysis. At baseline, 42% of patients had medical clearance postoperative recommendations handed off when they were provided. At completion, the new handoff smart phrase was used 97% for the first handoff and 100% for the second handoff. Medical clearance postoperative recommendations were captured in the electronic health record 83% of the time when they were provided. When the new smart phrases were utilized, wound closure, precautions, and postoperative void status were always handed off. Once wound closure technique was specified, bedside nurses were able to provide the appropriate wound closure removal equipment at discharge, projecting cost savings of $0.69 per case (∼234 cases per month). The use of a standardized handoff smart phrase that includes specialty specific context and postoperative medical management requirements successfully improved the information transfer between providers in a large academic orthopaedic medical center.
The Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction: A Volumetric and Patient Satisfaction Analysis
Authors: Yin Xuelai , Xu Xiaofeng , Poh Hze-Khoong Eugene , Shi Huan , Hu Yongjie
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

This study investigated the stability and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of patients who received mandibular reconstructions with the anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTF) following tumor resection.

Methods:

Thirty-five patients with oral tumors that were resected and reconstructed with ALTF were included in this study. Volumetric analyses of each ALTF were performed at 6 to 18 months postoperatively. A QoL survey was also conducted 2 years postoperatively and compared by means of an independent-sample t test with 28 patients who had mandibular reconstructions with free fibula flap.

Results:

There were no significant volumetric changes in the ALTF or the QoL results of either group.

Conclusions:

Patients with advanced oral cancers have a higher risk of recurrence that mandates closer radiographic surveillance. This may be impaired by artifacts from metallic implants required in free fibula flap reconstructions. Anterolateral thigh perforator flap may be a viable alternative because it is easier for secondary resection, amenable for direct repairs, has volumetric stability, has a lower cost and results in a comparable QoL outcome.
Providing Accessible Fall Prevention Education for Older Adults With Low Vision
Authors: Blaylock Sarah E. , Warren Mary , Lein Donald H. , Brown Cynthia J.
Published: July 2022

This study modified the educational content of an evidence-based fall prevention intervention to make it visually accessible for older adults with low vision. We piloted the intervention on 9 older adults receiving low vision rehabilitation services. Following the intervention, participants demonstrated increased comprehension of the content, perceived a greater understanding of fall prevention strategies, and reported high satisfaction with the intervention's accessibility. Individuals with low vision may have difficulty reading and comprehending printed educational materials. Modifying print materials to improve readability may result in greater understanding of the educational content.
Exploring the Impact of a Hybrid Telehealth Program for Adults Living With Low Vision
Authors: Aravich Dana , Stants Holly
Published: July 2022

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Low Vision Occupational Therapy Department implemented a hybrid model of care that combined in-clinic care and telehealth services. Fifteen patients, aged 19 to 95 years, living with a variety of low-vision diagnoses used telehealth services and had access to a supplemental device lending library. This qualitative program evaluation describes the hybrid model, patient experiences with those services, and future steps. This program demonstrated a decrease in missed appointments and a general acceptance by those using these services.