bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation for cardiac procedures: a cross-sectional study identifying gaps between outpatients’ views and experiences of patient-centred care
Authors: Fakes Kristy , Williams Trent , Collins Nicholas , Boyle Andrew , Sverdlov Aaron L , Boyes Allison , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: July 2023

Background

To examine and identify gaps in care perceived as essential by patients; this study examined outpatients’: (1) views on what characterizes essential care and (2) experiences of care received, in relation to cardiac catheterization and subsequent cardiovascular procedures.

Methods

Cross-sectional descriptive study. Surveys were posted to outpatients who had undergone elective cardiac catheterization in the prior 6 months at an Australian hospital. Participants completed a 65-item survey to determine: (a) aspects of care they perceive as essential to patients receiving care for a cardiac condition (Important Care Survey); or (b) their actual care received (Actual Care Survey). Numbers and percentages were used to calculate the most frequently identified essential care items; and the experiences of care received. Items rated as either ‘Essential’/‘Very important’ by at least 80% of participants were determined. A gap in patient-centred care was identified as being any item that was endorsed as essential/very important by 80% or more of participants but reported as received by <80% of participants.

Results

Of 582 eligible patients, 264 (45%) returned a completed survey. A total of 43/65 items were endorsed by >80% of participants as essential. Of those, for 22 items, <80% reported the care as received. Gaps were identified in relation to general practitionerconsultation (1 item), preparation (1 item) subsequent decision making for treatment (1 item), prognosis (6 items), and post-treatment follow-up (1 item).

Conclusions

Areas were identified where actual care fell short of patients’ perceptions of essential care.
Mandibular second premolar distoangulation: a longitudinal follow-up from the mixed to the permanent dentition
Authors: Quevedo Beatriz , Miranda Felicia , Pereira Lauris José Roberto , Ferrari Junior Flavio Mauro , Garib Daniela
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of mandibular second premolar (MnP2) distoangulation among orthodontic patients and the angular changes after a longitudinal follow-up.

Methods

The sample was collected from the orthodontic records of 865 patients. The distoangulation group was composed of 42 patients (mean age 9.29 ± 1.24 years, 16 male, 26 female) with distoangulation of MnP2. The control group was composed of 32 patients (mean age 9.38 ± 1.10 years, 15 male, and 17 female) without distoangulation of MnP2. Panoramic radiographs taken in the mixed (T1) and the early permanent dentition (T2) were analyzed in both groups. Longitudinal angular changes (distal angle θ and premolar-molar angle γ), degree of root formation, second premolar depth, and prevalence of associated dental anomalies were analyzed. Intergroup comparison was performed with Mann–Whitney, t-tests, and chi-square tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The prevalence of MnP2 distoangulation in the mixed dentition was 4.85%. The distoangulation group showed a smaller initial distal angle (59.34o ± 8.41) when compared to control group (79.88o ± 7.60). The spontaneous eruption of the MnP2 with distoangulation was observed in 76.57% of the sample. MnP2 distoangulation was significantly associated with agenesis of its antimere, small maxillary lateral incisors, and deciduous molar infraocclusion.

Limitations

Severe cases of MnP2 distoangulation were absent in this study.

Conclusions

The frequency of MnP2 distoangulation among orthodontic patients was 4.85%. Mild to moderate distoangulated Mnp2 spontaneously uprighted from the mixed to the permanent dentition. Small lateral incisors, second premolar agenesis, and infraocclusion of deciduous molar were frequently found in cases with MnP2 distoangulation.
Artificial intelligence in detecting left atrial appendage thrombus by transthoracic echocardiography and clinical features: the Left Atrial Thrombus on Transoesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) registry
Authors: Pieszko Konrad , Hiczkiewicz Jarosław , Łojewska Katarzyna , Uziębło-Życzkowska Beata , Krzesiński Paweł , Gawałko Monika , Budnik Monika , Starzyk Katarzyna , Wożakowska-Kapłon Beata , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Kaufmann Damian , Wójcik Maciej , Błaszczyk Robert , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Wybraniec Maciej , Kosmalska Katarzyna , Fijałkowski Marcin , Szymańska Anna , Dłużniewski Mirosław , Kucio Michał , Haberka Maciej , Kupczyńska Karolina , Michalski Błażej , Tomaszuk-Kazberuk Anna , Wilk-Śledziewska Katarzyna , Wachnicka-Truty Renata , Koziński Marek , Kwieciński Jacek , Wolny Rafał , Kowalik Ewa , Kolasa Iga , Jurek Agnieszka , Budzianowski Jan , Burchardt Paweł , Kapłon-Cieślicka Agnieszka , Slomka Piotr J
Published: July 2023

Aims

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is often performed before catheter ablation or cardioversion to rule out the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAT) in patients on chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC), despite associated discomfort. A machine learning model [LAT-artificial intelligence (AI)] was developed to predict the presence of LAT based on clinical and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) features.

Methods and results

Data from a 13-site prospective registry of patients who underwent TOE before cardioversion or catheter ablation were used. LAT-AI was trained to predict LAT using data from 12 sites (n = 2827) and tested externally in patients on chronic OAC from two sites (n = 1284). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of LAT-AI were compared with that of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and CHA2DS2-VASc score. A decision threshold allowing for a 99% negative predictive value was defined in the development cohort. A protocol where TOE in patients on chronic OAC is performed depending on the LAT-AI score was validated in the external cohort. In the external testing cohort, LAT was found in 5.5% of patients. LAT-AI achieved an AUC of 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.89], outperforming LVEF (0.81, 95% CI 0.76–0.86, P < .0001) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.7, P < .0001) in the entire external cohort. Based on the proposed protocol, 40% of patients on chronic OAC from the external cohort would safely avoid TOE.

Conclusion

LAT-AI allows accurate prediction of LAT. A LAT-AI-based protocol could be used to guide the decision to perform TOE despite chronic OAC.
Plasma angiopoietin-2 and its association with heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Benz Alexander P , Hijazi Ziad , Lindbäck Johan , Connolly Stuart J , Eikelboom John W , Kastner Peter , Ziegler André , Alexander John H , Granger Christopher B , Lopes Renato D , Oldgren Jonas , Siegbahn Agneta , Wallentin Lars
Published: July 2023

Aims

Several biomarkers are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but a causal relationship has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate angiopoietin-2, a novel candidate biomarker of endothelial inflammation and vascular remodelling, in patients with AF.

Methods and results

Angiopoietin-2 was measured in plasma obtained from patients with AF treated with aspirin monotherapy (exploration cohort, n = 2987) or with oral anticoagulation (validation cohort, n = 13 079). Regression models were built to assess the associations between angiopoietin-2, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. In both cohorts, plasma angiopoietin-2 was independently associated with AF on the baseline electrocardiogram and persistent/permanent AF, age, history of heart failure, female sex, tobacco use/smoking, body mass index, renal dysfunction, diabetes, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Angiopoietin-2 was independently associated with subsequent hospitalization for heart failure after adjusting for age, creatinine, and clinical characteristics in the exploration cohort [c-index 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.82; third vs. first quartile, hazard ratio (HR) 1.74, 95% CI 1.26–2.41] and in the validation cohort (c-index 0.76, 95% CI 0.74–0.78; HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.37–1.82). In both cohorts, the association persisted when also adjusting for NT-proBNP (P ≤ 0.001). In full multivariable models also adjusted for NT-proBNP, angiopoietin-2 did not show statistically significant associations with ischaemic stroke, cardiovascular and all-cause death, or major bleeding that were consistent across the two cohorts.

Conclusions

In patients with AF, plasma levels of angiopoietin-2 were independently associated with subsequent hospitalization for heart failure and provided incremental prognostic value to clinical risk factors and NT-proBNP.
Nutrition policy reforms to address the double burden of malnutrition in Zambia: a prospective policy analysis
Authors: Mukanu Mulenga Mary , Mchiza Zandile June-Rose , Delobelle Peter , Thow Anne Marie
Published: July 2023

The evolution of nutrition patterns in Zambia has resulted in the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition in the same population, the double burden of malnutrition. While Zambia has strong policies addressing undernutrition and stunting, these do not adequately address food environment drivers of the double burden of malnutrition and the adolescent age group and hence the need for nutrition policy reforms. We conducted a theory-based qualitative prospective policy analysis involving in-depth interviews with nutrition policy stakeholders and policy document review to examine the feasibility of introducing nutrition policy options that address the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents to identify barriers and facilitators to such policy reforms. Using the multiple streams theory, we categorized the barriers and facilitators to prospective policy reforms into those related to the problem, policy solutions and politics stream. The use of a life-course approach in nutrition programming could facilitate policy reforms, as adolescence is one of the critical invention points in a person’s lifecycle. Another key facilitator of policy reform was the availability of institutional infrastructure that could be leveraged to deliver adolescent-focused policies. However, the lack of evidence on the burden and long-term impacts of adolescent nutrition problems, the food industry’s strong influence over governments’ policy agenda setting and the lack of public awareness to demand better nutrition were perceived as critical barriers to policy reforms. In addition, the use of the individual responsibility framing for nutrition problems was dominant among stakeholders. As a result, stakeholders did not perceive legislative nutrition policy options that effectively address food environment drivers of the double burden of malnutrition to be feasible for the Zambian context. Policy entrepreneurs are required to broker policy reforms that will get legislative policy options on the government’s agenda as they can help raise public support and re-engineer the framing of nutrition problems and their solutions in Zambia.
JMJD3 and SNAI2 synergistically protect against Parkinson’s disease by mediating the YAP/HIF1α signaling pathway in a mouse model
Authors: Dong Li , Gao Lianbo
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to characterize the functional relevance and mechanistic basis of the histone demethylase Jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3) in preserving dopaminergic neuron survival in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mice with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced lesions and MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cell lines exposed to 6-OHDA, respectively, were used to simulate in vivo and in vitro PD-like environments. PD-related genes with differential expressions were identified using RNA sequencing of hippocampal tissues collected from MPTP-lesioned mice. A specific lentiviral shRNA vector was used to investigate the effects of JMJD3 on neuron activities in vitro and PD-like phenotypes in vivo. JMJD3 was found to up-regulate the expression of Snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) through the inhibition of H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) enrichment in the SNAI2 promoter region. As a result, the viability of 6-OHDA-exposed MN9D cells was stimulated, and cell apoptosis was diminished. Knockdown of SNAI2 decreased the expression of yes-associated protein (YAP) and HIF1α while also reducing the viability of 6-OHDA-exposed MN9D cells and increasing cell apoptosis. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that JMJD3 activated the SNAI2/YAP/HIF1α signaling pathway, inhibiting PD-like phenotypes in MPTP-lesioned mice. Thus, the findings provide evidence that JMJD3 inhibits the enrichment of H3K27me3 at the SNAI2 promoter, leading to the upregulation of SNAI2 expression and activation of the YAP/HIF1α signaling pathway, ultimately exerting a protective effect on PD mice. This finding suggests that targeting the JMJD3-SNAI2 pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. Further in-depth studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify potential downstream targets of this pathway.
Combined genome-wide association studies and expression quantitative trait locus analysis uncovers a genetic regulatory network of floral organ number in a tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) breeding population
Authors: Peng Liping , Li Yang , Tan Wanqing , Wu Shangwei , Hao Qing , Tong Ningning , Wang Zhanying , Liu Zheng’an , Shu Qingyan
Published: July 2023

Great progress has been made in our understanding of floral organ identity determination and its regulatory network in many species; however, the quantitative genetic basis of floral organ number variation is far less well understood for species-specific traits from the perspective of population variation. Here, using a tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, Paeoniaceae) cultivar population as a model, the phenotypic polymorphism and genetic variation based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis were analyzed. Based on 24 phenotypic traits of 271 representative cultivars, the transcript profiles of 119 cultivars were obtained, which indicated abundant genetic variation in tree peony. In total, 86 GWAS-related cis-eQTLs and 3188 trans-eQTL gene pairs were found to be associated with the numbers of petals, stamens, and carpels. In addition, 19 floral organ number-related hub genes with 121 cis-eQTLs were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis, among which five hub genes belonging to the ABCE genes of the MADS-box family and their spatial–temporal co-expression and regulatory network were constructed. These results not only help our understanding of the genetic basis of floral organ number variation during domestication, but also pave the way to studying the quantitative genetics and evolution of flower organ number and their regulatory network within populations.
Data bias, intelligent systems and criminal justice outcomes
Authors: Arowosegbe Jacob O
Published: July 2023

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is gaining prominence in the whole gamut of the criminal justice system spanning the processes of crime identification, arrests, prosecution, sentencing and punishment. While the benefits of this are certain, so also are the demerits, especially as manifested in the data bias problem. This article focuses on the nature and impact of data bias in the development and deployment of AI on criminal justice outcomes. The justice outcomes are expressed in terms of injustice created through potential and actual breaches of human rights standards when artificial intelligence systems (AIS) are employed for criminal justice purposes. This ­article advocates a multifaceted approach involving legal, regulatory, trainings and ethical responses in combatting the data bias problem.
Local and timely antimicrobial resistance data for local and national actions: the early implementation of an automated tool for data analysis at local hospital level in Thailand
Authors: Srisuphan Voranadda , Klaytong Preeyarach , Rangsiwutisak Chalida , Tuamsuwan Kritiya , Boonyarit Phairam , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: July 2023

Background

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), hospitals can rarely utilize their own antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data in a timely manner.

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of local AMR data generated by an automated tool in the real-world setting.

Methods

From 16 December 2022 to 10 January 2023, on behalf of the Health Administration Division, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Thailand, we trained 26 public tertiary-care and secondary-care hospitals to utilize the AutoMated tool for Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance System (AMASS) with their own microbiology and hospital admission data files via two online meetings, one face-to-face meeting and online support. All meetings were recorded on video, and feedback was analysed.

Results

Twenty-five hospitals successfully generated and shared the AMR reports with the MoPH by 28 February 2023. In 2022, the median frequency of hospital-origin bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) was 129 (range 0–1204), by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) was 1306 (range 0–5432) and by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) was 4472 (range 1460–11 968) per 100 000 patients tested for hospital-origin BSI. The median number of all-cause in-hospital deaths with hospital-origin AMR BSI caused by CREC was 1 (range 0–18), by CRKP was 10 (range 0–77) and by CRAB was 56 (range 7–148). Participating hospitals found that the data obtained could be used to support their antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention control programmes.

Conclusions

Local and timely AMR data are crucial for local and national actions. MoPH Thailand is inviting all 127 public tertiary-care and secondary-care hospitals to utilize the AMASS. Using any appropriate analytical software or tools, all hospitals in LMICs that have electronic data records should analyse and utilize their data for immediate actions.
Breast Imaging Fellowship Training in the United States: A National Survey of Fellowship Program Directors
Authors: Weinstein Joshua D , Mehta Rashmi J , Mehta Tejas S , Kavandi Hadiseh , Brook Alexander , Phillips Jordana
Published: July 2023

Objective

To provide an updated characterization of breast imaging fellowship programs in the United States to identify opportunities for improvement and standardization.

Methods

An anonymous survey was e-mailed to program directors of breast imaging fellowship programs listed on the Society of Breast Imaging website. The survey was open from April 23, 2021, through May 27, 2021. The survey was deemed exempt by the IRB.

Results

Forty-seven of 80 (59%) program directors responded, of which 36/47 (77%) represented programs dedicated 100% to breast imaging, and 11/47 (23%) represented programs dedicated 50%–75% to breast imaging. Common elements to most programs include tumor boards (47/47, 100%), journal clubs (39/47, 83%), case-based teaching sessions (35/47, 74%), didactic lectures (40/47, 85%), and participation in radiology-pathology conferences (29/47, 62%). Mammography Quality and Standards Act audit training (22/47, 47%), mammography quality control training (22/47, 47%), and formal communication training (19/47, 40%) were less common. Most programs provide exposure to wire (42/47, 89%) and wire-free localization procedures (45/47, 96%), but exposure to contrast-enhanced mammography (13/47, 28%) and molecular breast imaging (4/47, 9%) was limited. A small majority of programs (25/47, 53%) do not require weekday call; however, more (31/47, 66%) have weekend call responsibilities. Many programs (29/47, 62%) offer at least 3 weeks of elective time, which may be clinical or nonclinical.

Conclusion

Breast imaging fellowship programs vary in curricula, modality exposure, and academic policies. The results of this survey can help guide further efforts to standardize and optimize fellowship training.
Reading between the lines
Authors: Dennis Whitney
Published: July 2023

The end of entailed estates, or ‘mayorazgos’, in Spain brought about an unprecedented movement of art objects, although paradoxically the dispersal of art collections also gave rise to a renewed valuation of their restoration as a way to symbolize the restoration of the ‘mayorazgo’. The legislation that ended the status of the ‘mayorazgo’ also gave rise to the proliferation of documentation on collections, often resulting in their reordering in a way that reflected the new paradigms of the institutionalization of the arts. This paper will shed light on the strategies adopted by the dukes of Alba at this complex crossroads, as they navigated the uncharted waters of managing an art collection during and immediately following its disentailment, balancing financial interests and cultural distinction in the transition from the Old to the New Regimes.
The current management of clear cell sarcoma
Authors: Ikuta Kunihiro , Nishida Yoshihiro , Imagama Shiro , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: July 2023

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a rare melanocytic soft tissue sarcoma with a high propensity for lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. It is characterized by the translocation of t (12;22), resulting in the rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene and overexpression of MET. Despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, the management of CCSs remains challenging owing to their rarity, unique biological behaviour and limited understanding of their molecular pathogenesis. The standard treatment for localized CCSs is surgical excision with negative margins. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lymphadenectomy in the management of this disease. CCSs are usually resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Targeted therapies, such as sunitinib and MET inhibitors, may provide promising results. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, is currently under investigation as a potential treatment option for CCSs. Further research is needed to better understand the biology of CCSs and develop effective therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of CCSs.
Elevational range extension of the Puna Mouse, Punomys (Cricetidae), with the first record of the genus from Chile
Authors: Quiroga-Carmona Marcial , Storz Jay F , D’Elía Guillermo
Published: July 2023

We report an elevational record for the Andean sigmodontine Puna Mouse Punomys, which is also the first record of the genus in Chile. The record is based on a mummified specimen that we discovered at an elevation of 5,461 m (17,917 feet) in the caldera of Volcán Acamarachi, Región de Antofagasta, Chile. Results of a morphological assessment suggest that the specimen can be provisionally referred to the species P. lemminus. This new record also extends the known geographic distribution of the genus by 700 km to the south and brings the known Chilean mammal richness to a total of 170 living species and 88 genera. This finding highlights the need for increased survey efforts in more remote, high-elevation regions and demonstrates that there is still much to be learned about the mammal fauna of the Andean Altiplano.
A Qualitative Assessment to Inform Strategic Improvement of Research and Development within the USDA Forest Service
Authors: Greiner S Michelle , Schultz Courtney , Anderson Nathaniel
Published: July 2023

Past reviews of the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) Research and Development (R&D) branch have identified several persistent challenges, including unclear strategic direction and a need for greater communication with end users. We conducted research focused on the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) of R&D to understand current perceptions about the station’s efficacy and strategic direction as well as its engagement with partners both inside and outside of Forest Service. We conducted fifty-eight interviews with Forest Service and RMRS leaders, scientists, and partners. Interviewees said national research priorities are unclear, and there is tension between conducting basic and applied science. Nonscientist partners said they depend on RMRS for scientific expertise. Interviewees recommended clarifying research priorities, improving leadership and communication both inside and outside of the agency, investing more in science communication, and strengthening incentives to conduct applied research. These station-level results provide insight into improvements that could be made to enhance R&D’s ability to pursue its mission.
Bayesian inference with thel1-ball prior: solving combinatorial problems with exact zeros
Authors: Xu Maoran , Duan Leo L
Published: July 2023

The l1-regularisation is very popular in high-dimensional statistics—it changes a combinatorial problem of choosing which subset of the parameter is zero, into a simple continuous optimisation. Using a continuous prior concentrated near zero, the Bayesian counterparts are successful in quantifying the uncertainty in the variable selection problems; nevertheless, the lack of exact zeros makes it difficult for broader problems such as change-point detection and rank selection. Inspired by the duality of the l1-regularisation as a constraint onto an l1-ball, we propose a new prior by projecting a continuous distribution onto the l1-ball. This creates a positive probability on the ball boundary, which contains both continuous elements and exact zeros. Unlike the spike-and-slab prior, this l1-ball projection is continuous and differentiable almost surely, making the posterior estimation amenable to the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm. We examine the properties, such as the volume change due to the projection, the connection to the combinatorial prior, the minimax concentration rate in the linear problem. We demonstrate the usefulness of exact zeros that simplify the combinatorial problems, such as the change-point detection in time series, the dimension selection of mixture models, and the low-rank plus-sparse change detection in medical images.
An ambiguous presentation of cardiac calcified amorphous tumor in a 37-year-old male
Authors: Ghabally Mike , Shebli Baraa , Alafandi Bana Zuhair , Allouzi Sana , Markaby Joud , Malhis Mahmoud , Babi Amal
Published: July 2023

Calcified amorphous tumors are extremely rare benign cardiac lesions that can emerge in any chamber, and have many clinical obscurities. We herein report a case of a mid-aged previously healthy male with a complaint of recurrent chest pain. Echocardiogram revealed the presence of right atrial mass that was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. The patient underwent total resection of the mass with attached atrial wall. Pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of calcified amorphous tumor. Five-year follow-up was uneventful with total symptomatic relief. In conclusion, we recommend considering the diagnosis of calcified amorphous tumors in any patient with intracardiac mass.
Bone defect reconstruction using Masquelet technique for calcaneal chondroblastoma: a case report
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Chen Gong , Chen Zhifu , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2023

Masquelet technique demonstrated superiority in reconstructing long bone defect after trauma or infection. However, reports in foot tumor were rare. A 24-year-old male diagnosed with calcaneal chondroblastoma who had a defect of calcaneal after intralesional curettage. We reconstructed the defect by Masquelet technique. This is the first case as far as we know that reported Masquelet technique for calcaneal tumor. The technique to treat irregular bone defects after operation can be considered in other similar situations.
Inhibition of RNA degradation integrates the metabolic signals induced by osmotic stress into the Arabidopsis circadian system
Authors: Prasetyaningrum Putri , Litthauer Suzanne , Vegliani Franco , Battle Martin William , Wood Matthew William , Liu Xinmeng , Dickson Cathryn , Jones Matthew Alan
Published: July 2023

The circadian clock system acts as an endogenous timing reference that coordinates many metabolic and physiological processes in plants. Previous studies have shown that the application of osmotic stress delays circadian rhythms via 3ʹ-phospho-adenosine 5ʹ-phosphate (PAP), a retrograde signalling metabolite that is produced in response to redox stress within organelles. PAP accumulation leads to the inhibition of exoribonucleases (XRNs), which are responsible for RNA degradation. Interestingly, we are now able to demonstrate that post-transcriptional processing is crucial for the circadian response to osmotic stress. Our data show that osmotic stress increases the stability of specific circadian RNAs, suggesting that RNA metabolism plays a vital role in circadian clock coordination during drought. Inactivation of XRN4 is sufficient to extend circadian rhythms as part of this response, with PRR7 and LWD1 identified as transcripts that are post-transcriptionally regulated to delay circadian progression.
X-ray emission from the interstellar and circumgalactic medium of elliptical galaxies based on macer simulations
Authors: Vijayan Aditi , Zhu Bocheng , Li Miao , Yuan Feng , Ho Luis C
Published: July 2023

Interstellar medium (ISM) and circumgalactic medium (CGM) around galaxies are linked to several physical processes that drive galaxy evolution. For example, the X-ray emission from the CGM gas around ellipticals has been linked to the active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback occurring in the host. Upcoming telescopes, such as Hot Universe Baryon Survey (HUBS) with ∼2 eV resolution, can provide us with deep insights about the hot gas properties of such galaxies that constrain these processes. In this project, we discuss X-ray emission of the ISM and CGM of elliptical galaxies simulated using macer code. We generate X-ray emission data from the macer simulations with various feedback models and produce mock observations for an instrument with high spectral resolution, which is a necessary step of selecting sources for the future observations with planned mission such as HUBS. More importantly, we establish connections between the physics of AGN and stellar feedback with the emission spectra from the ISM and CGM to investigate the possibility of using observations to constrain feedback models. We fit the X-ray spectra from these simulations with standard fitting procedures and compare the retrieved physical properties with their counterparts from the simulations to understand whether the future high-resolution observations can reliably reveal the properties of the gas in the galaxies.
1D non-LTE corrections for chemical abundance analyses of very metal-poor stars
Authors: Mashonkina L , Pakhomov Yu , Sitnova T , Smogorzhevskii A , Jablonka P , Hill V
Published: July 2023

Detailed chemical abundances of very metal-poor (VMP; [Fe/H] < −2) stars are important for better understanding the first stars, early star formation, and chemical enrichment of galaxies. Big on-going and coming high-resolution spectroscopic surveys provide a wealth of material that needs to be carefully analysed. For VMP stars, their elemental abundances should be derived based on the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE = NLTE) line formation because low metal abundances and low electron number density in the atmosphere produce the physical conditions favourable for the departures from LTE. The galactic archaeology research requires homogeneous determinations of chemical abundances. For this purpose, we present grids of the 1D-NLTE abundance corrections for lines of Na i, Mg i, Ca i, Ca ii, Ti ii, Fe i, Zn i, Zn ii, Sr ii, and Ba ii in the range of atmospheric parameters that represent VMP stars on various evolutionary stages and cover effective temperatures from 4000 to 6500 K, surface gravities from $\rm log g$  = 0.5 to 5.0, and metallicities −5.0 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ −2.0. The data is publicly available, and we provide the tools for interpolating in the grids online.
Using grey sirens to resolve the Hubble–Lemaître tension
Authors: Gupta Ish
Published: July 2023

The measurement of the Hubble–Lemaître constant (H0) from the cosmic microwave background and the Type IA supernovae are at odds with each other. One way to resolve this tension is to use an independent way to measure H0. This can be accomplished by using gravitational-wave (GW) observations. Previous works have shown that with the onset of the next generation of GW detector networks, it will be possible to constrain H0 to better than 2 per cent precision (which is enough to resolve the tension) with binary black hole systems that are extremely well localized in the sky, also called golden dark sirens. Bright sirens like binary neutron star systems can also help resolve the tension if both the GW and the following electromagnetic counterpart are detected. In this work, we show that neutron star-black hole (NSBH) mergers can act both as golden dark sirens as well as bright sirens, thus, assigning them the term grey sirens. We assess the potential of using NSBH mergers to measure H0 and find that the Voyager network might be able to resolve the tension in an observation span of 5 yr. The next generation networks, which include the Cosmic Explorer detectors and the Einstein Telescope will be able to measure H0 to sub-per cent level just by using NSBH mergers.
Metallicity beats sSFR: the connection between superluminous supernova host galaxy environments and the importance of metallicity for their production
Authors: Cleland Cressida , McGee Sean L , Nicholl Matt
Published: July 2023

We analyse 33 Type I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) taken from Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF)’s Bright Transient Survey to investigate the local environments of their host galaxies. We use a spectroscopic sample of galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to determine the large-scale environmental density of the host galaxy. Noting that SLSNe are generally found in galaxies with low stellar masses, high star formation rates (SFRs), and low metallicities, we find that SLSN hosts are also rarely found within high-density environments. Only $3\substack{+9 \\ -1}$ per cent of SLSN hosts were found in regions with two or more bright galaxies within 2 Mpc. For comparison, we generate a sample of 662 SDSS galaxies matched to the photometric properties of the SLSN hosts. This sample is also rarely found within high-density environments, suggesting that galaxies with properties required for SLSN production favour more isolated environments. Furthermore, we select galaxies within the IllustrisTNG simulation to match SLSN host galaxy properties in colour and stellar mass. We find that the fraction of simulated galaxies in high-density environments quantitatively match the observed SLSN hosts only if we restrict to simulated galaxies with metallicity 12 + log (O/H) ≤ 8.12. In contrast, limiting to only the highest specific star formation rate (sSFR) galaxies in the sample leads to an overabundance of SLSN hosts in high-density environments. Thus, our measurement of the environmental density of SLSN host galaxies appears to break the degeneracy between low metallicity and high sSFR as the driver for SLSN hosts and provides evidence that the most constraining factor on SLSN production is low metallicity.
The PAU survey: classifying low-z SEDs using Machine Learning clustering
Authors: González-Morán A L , Arrabal Haro P , Muñoz-Tuñón C , Rodríguez-Espinosa J M , Sánchez-Almeida J , Calhau J , Gaztañaga E , Castander F J , Renard P , Cabayol L , Fernandez E , Padilla C , Garcia-Bellido J , Miquel R , De Vicente J , Sanchez E , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Navarro-Gironés D
Published: July 2023

We present an application of unsupervised Machine Learning clustering to the PAU survey of galaxy spectral energy distribution (SED) within the COSMOS field. The clustering algorithm is implemented and optimized to get the relevant groups in the data SEDs. We find 12 groups from a total number of 5234 targets in the survey at 0.01 < z < 0.28. Among the groups, 3545 galaxies (68  per cent) show emission lines in the SEDs. These groups also include 1689 old galaxies with no active star formation. We have fitted the SED to every single galaxy in each group with CIGALE. The mass, age, and specific star formation rates (sSFR) of the galaxies range from 0.15 < age/Gyr <11; 6 < log (M⋆/M⊙) <11.26, and −14.67 < log (sSFR/yr−1) <−8. The groups are well-defined in their properties with galaxies having clear emission lines also having lower mass, are younger and have higher sSFR than those with elliptical like patterns. The characteristic values of galaxies showing clear emission lines are in agreement with the literature for starburst galaxies in COSMOS and GOODS-N fields at low redshift. The star-forming main sequence, sSFR versus stellar mass and UVJ diagram show clearly that different groups fall into different regions with some overlap among groups. Our main result is that the joint of low- resolution (R ∼ 50) photometric spectra provided by the PAU survey together with the unsupervised classification provides an excellent way to classify galaxies. Moreover, it helps to find and extend the analysis of extreme ELGs to lower masses and lower SFRs in the local Universe.
The Royal Road Progression in Japanese Popular Music
Authors: Ramage Maxwell
Published: July 2023

The so-called royal road progression (RRP), whose archetypal lead-sheet representation is F–G–Em–Am, is a distinctive feature of modern Japanese popular music. The RRP arose from the manipulation of basic elements of diatonic harmony and coexists with several closely related progressions in J-pop style. Composers often use the RRP to lend Aeolian flavor to major-key songs; however, the RRP is a tonally flexible pattern. After presenting a typology of phrases that use the RRP, I argue that the progression can articulate partial tonic function and can induce a binary tonal system, which occupies the conceptual space between tonal pairing and double-tonic complex. I also provide a diachronic account of the RRP as an element of J-pop history and pop-music history in general. By relating the concepts of partial tonic function and binary tonal system to the RRP, this paper gives insight into the understudied harmonic language of J-pop and invites application of the concepts to other musics.
Preliminary study on diagnostic reference levels of whole-body PET-CT examinations in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Jin , Cao Xingjiang , Li Qinghua , Xie Shi , Sang Junyang , Zhang Yifei , Xue Cheng , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2023

To survey the whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) examinations in Jiangsu Province and establish the diagnostic reference levels (DRL). A total of nine hospitals in southern, central and northern Jiangsu Provinces were selected. Activity duration product (ADP), activity per body weight (AW), dose-length product (DLP) and total effective dose (ET) were choosen to establish DRLs for whole-body PET-CT examinations. DRL and achievable dose (AD) were calculated according to International Commission on Radiological Protection report. The conversion coefficient method was used to calculate the ET induced by PET-CT whole-body imaging. DRLs of whole-body PET-CT examinations in Jiangsu Province were set to be 922 mGy·cm (DLP), 4453 MBq.min (ADP), 5.22 MBq.kg−1(AW), 19.8 mSv (ET). The ET for whole-body PET-CT examinations is higher than other countries. The effective dose from radionuclides (EF) in female patients is lower than that in male patients. Effective doses from CT(ECT), ET and ECT/ET in female patients are higher than that in male patients (P < 0.01). Provincial DRLs are established for four radiation metrics in whole-body PET-CT examinations. DRL of AW in whole-body PET-CT examinations is at the medium level, and DLP is higher than that reported in most literature, which has the potential to be further reduced.
Carbopol-coated mucoadhesive PLGA nanoparticles for the sustained delivery of pilocarpine in the buccal cavity
Authors: Valkanioti Vasiliki , Kapourani Afroditi , Chatzitheodoridou Melina , Anagnostaki Maria-Emmanouela , Gkougkourelas Ioannis , Kontogiannopoulos Konstantinos N , Assimopoulou Andreana N , Barmpalexis Panagiotis
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study investigates a new nanoparticulate (NP) formulation for local buccal administration of pilocarpine (PIL) to treat xerostomia, aiming to improve patient compliance and reduce side effects.

Methods

PIL-loaded NPs were prepared using poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a matrix/carrier and carbopol (CRB) as a mucoadhesive agent at various concentrations at ratios of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15% w/v. The NPs were characterized in terms of size, morphology, drug loading, thermophysical and physicochemical properties, in vitro dissolution performance, and mucoadhesion.

Key findings

Smooth spherical drug-loaded NPs (200–300 nm) were prepared in all cases. CRB coating did not impact particle size or polydispersity index but increased NPs’ negative surface charges. Good storage stability, high production yields (72.0–83.7%), and adequate drug loading efficiencies (9.0–9.7%) were achieved, in all cases. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the amorphous drug dispersion, while attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed strong molecular interactions between the matrix/carrier and the mucoadhesive agent. In-vitro drug release studies showed sustained release profiles for all NPs, whereas the application of a CRB-coating enhanced mucoadhesion performance through the formation of electrostatic ionic interactions and physical entanglement with mucin.

Conclusions

The preparation of a new PLGA-based NP formulation may present itself as a promising strategy for the buccal administration of PIL, while the use of CRB coating could be considered as a useful approach for enhancing the mucus adhesion of NPs.
Social Triage and Exclusions in Community Services for the Criminalized
Authors: Quirouette Marianne
Published: July 2023

This article examines perspectives and practices related to social triage and the exclusion of criminalized and marginalized individuals in community services such as shelters, mental health, substance use, and court supports. Based on two years of fieldwork and interviews with 105 practitioners, I analyze narratives and practices related to working with people described as having (or being) complex, high-needs, or high-risk. I show that individual factors, such as risk, need, or responsivity, are but one type of factor considered when practitioners make decisions about triage or service eligibility. Building from theory about the governance of “risk” and “risky people,” I examine how organizational and systemic factors shape individualized understandings of and responses to risk. I argue that given current practices in under-resourced community supports, triage and resulting exclusions exacerbate social problems and contribute to punitive exclusions, especially for those who seek services, supports, or housing but have records of sexual offense, fire setting, drug use, violence, self-harm or so-called non-compliance. Examining these dynamics bolsters claims that we should shift the responsibilizing gaze upwards to pressure institutional and state bodies who could transform the landscape for practitioners and their clients.
Lenalidomide arrests cell cycle and modulates PD1-dependent downstream mTOR intracellular signals in melanoma cells
Authors: Felici Claudia , Passarelli Anna , Cafforio Paola , Racanelli Vito , Leone Patrizia , Tucci Marco
Published: July 2023

Despite numerous efforts to define the best therapeutic strategies in advanced melanoma, the response of many patients remains heterogeneous and of short duration. Lenalidomide, an immunomodulating drug, has shown anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and anticancer properties in haematological disorders; however, few preclinical data support the rationale for using this drug in melanoma patients. In this study, we investigate lenalidomide’s potential role in melanoma by focusing on the in-vitro drug’s antiproliferative activity. The antiproliferative action of lenalidomide was evaluated on two melanoma cell lines by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis assay. P21 protein levels were evaluated with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and western blot analysis while his interaction with specific cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) was assessed by immunoprecipitation test. The biological effect and molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) in the regulation of proliferation were evaluated using ddPCR, flow cytometry, western blot and small interfering RNA transfection. We observed that lenalidomide exerts a cytostatic effect in melanoma cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G0–G1 phase through p21 upregulation and modulation of CDK complexes. Furthermore, we found that lenalidomide has an antiproliferative action through the downregulation of melanoma-PD1 expression and consequently the alteration of intracellular signaling of mammalian target of rapamycin/S6. The present study aims to provide new insights into the role of lenalidomide in melanoma and suggesting to potentially translating these findings into a clinical setting to use immunomodulatory derivatives for blocking the pro-tumorigenic activity of the melanoma through the PD-1/PD-L1 axis.
UNI-RNA: UNIVERSAL PRE-TRAINED MODELS REVOLUTIONIZE RNA RESEARCH
Authors: Wang Xi , Gu Ruichu , Chen Zhiyuan , Li Yongge , Ji Xiaohong , Ke Guolin , Wen Han
Published: July 2023

Abstract

RNA molecules play a crucial role as intermediaries in diverse biological processes. Attaining a profound understanding of their function can substantially enhance our comprehension of life’s activities and facilitate drug development for numerous diseases. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies makes vast amounts of RNA sequence data accessible, which contains invaluable information and knowledge. However, deriving insights for further application from such an immense volume of data poses a significant challenge. Fortunately, recent advancements in pre-trained models have surfaced as a revolutionary solution for addressing such challenges owing to their exceptional ability to automatically mine and extract hidden knowledge from massive datasets. Inspired by the past successes, we developed a novel context-aware deep learning model named Uni-RNA that performs pre-training on the largest dataset of RNA sequences at the unprecedented scale to date. During this process, our model autonomously unraveled the obscured evolutionary and structural information embedded within the RNA sequences. As a result, through fine-tuning, our model achieved the state-of-the-art (SOTA) performances in a spectrum of downstream tasks, including both structural and functional predictions. Overall, Uni-RNA established a new research paradigm empowered by the large pre-trained model in the field of RNA, enabling the community to unlock the power of AI at a whole new level to significantly expedite the pace of research and foster groundbreaking discoveries.