bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes on ultraslow nonlocal telegraph evolution equations
Authors: Thang Nguyen Nhu
Published: November 2022

This paper provides a refinement of the study of asymptotic behaviour for a class of nonlocal in time telegraph equations with positively singular kernels. Based on fundamental properties of relaxation functions and recent representation of the fundamental solution in [Nonlinear Anal. 193 (2020), 111411], we establish the asymptotic expansions of the variance of the stochastic process for both long-time and short-time, which sharply improves the main result in [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 149 (2021), 2067–2080] by removing their technical conditions on the regularly varying behaviours and reformulating the asymptotic expansion in a more natural form. By analysing a new noncommutative operation on a subclass of completely positive functions, we provide a new way to construct finitely many ultraslow subdiffusion processes that are rapidly slower than a given ultraslow kernel. Consequently, we show that for a given completely monotonic ultraslow kernel, there is an induced kernel whose corresponding mean square displacement is logarithmic.
Proxy Variables and the Generalizability of Study Results
Authors: Nilsson Anton , Björk Jonas , Bonander Carl
Published: November 2022

When individuals self-select (or are selected) into a study based on factors that influence the outcome, conclusions may not generalize to the full population. To compensate for this, results may be adjusted, for example, by standardization on the set of common causes of participation and outcome. Although such standardization is useful in some contexts, the common causes of participation and outcome may in practice not be fully observed. Instead, the researcher may have access to one or several variables related to the common causes, that is, to proxies for the common causes. This article defines and examines different types of proxy variables and shows how these can be used to obtain generalizable study results. First of all, the researcher may exploit proxies that influence only participation or outcome but which still allow for perfect generalizability by rendering participation and outcome conditionally independent. Further, generalizability can be achieved by leveraging 2 proxies, one of which is allowed to influence participation and one of which is allowed to influence the outcome, even if participation and outcome do not become independent conditional on these. Finally, approximate generalizability may be obtained by exploiting a single proxy that does not itself influence participation or outcome.
Characterization of a xylanase belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 5 subfamily 35 from Paenibacillus sp. H2C
Authors: Hagiwara Yusuke , Okeda Tomohiro , Okuda Keiko , Yatsunami Rie , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: November 2022

Corn xylan is resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis due to its complex structure. We characterized PsXyn5A, an enzyme highly active for corn xylan, isolated from Paenibacillus sp. H2C. PsXyn5A is a modular xylanase with a catalytic domain belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 5 subfamily 35 (GH5_35) and a carbohydrate-binding module family 13 (CBM13) domain. The substrate recognition mechanism of GH5_35 xylanase has not been reported. Analysis of the hydrolysate from rye arabinoxylan (RAX) has shown that the GH5_35 catalytic domain of PsXyn5A recognizes an arabinofuranosyl (Araf) side residue and cleaves the reducing terminal side of Araf-linked xylopyranose. This cleavage specificity is the same as reported for the GH5_34 xylanase from Hungateiclostridium thermocellum (HtXyl5A). Unlike HtXyl5A, PsXyn5A produced Araf-xylopyranose from RAX and did not hydrolyze 33-α-l-Araf-xylotetraose. Deletion of the CBM13 domain significantly decreased the activity toward insoluble corn xylan, indicating that CBM13 plays an essential role in hydrolyzing corn xylan.
The COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: Exploring the Gaps in COVID-19 Prevention Practices from a Social Justice Framework
Authors: Arat Gizem , Kerelian Narine N
Published: November 2022

Like many settings worldwide, Hong Kong has recently been combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethnic minorities have reported perceived discrimination via local media outlets. They have been stereotyped as virus spreaders due to the increasing number of confirmed cases and untraceable COVID-19 clusters in Hong Kong. Using a social justice framework, this qualitative study explores gaps in COVID-19 prevention practices to eliminate systemic barriers for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. Fifteen interviews were conducted with social service providers who worked closely with ethnic minority groups (South and Southeast Asian groups from low-income households, foreign domestic workers and asylum seekers and refugees) during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. This study yielded six themes using thematic analysis as follows: (i) lacking mental health support for diverse ethnic minority groups; (ii) lacking efforts to eliminate perceived discrimination; (iii) existing language barriers across diverse services; (iv) lacking channels to disseminate accurate information; (v) a need for advanced technology and (vi) lacking appropriate surgical mask sizes for some ethnic minority individuals. This study recommends culturally responsive practices in Hong Kong.
Following the Indian Immigrant: adoption of westernization results in a western gut microbiome and an increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: D'Aloisio Leah D , Shetty Vignesh , Ballal Mamatha , Gibson Deanna L
Published: November 2022

Indians who migrate to westernized countries such as Canada, the USA, and the UK are at an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While the underlying aetiology of IBD remains unclear, a gut microbiome, i.e. no longer symbiotic with its host, is a major player. Increasing IBD incidence in Indian immigrants may be due to the adoption of western practices that result in loss of tolerance of a symbiotic community in the gut and its underlying immune responses. However, little is known about the microbial changes in the Indian gut, including shifts in the microbiome when they migrate to westernized countries. In this Current Opinion, we discuss what is known about the Indian gut microbiome and how living in a westernized environment may be impeding what was once a symbiotic relationship with their gut microbiome and intestinal mucosae, which may be the driving factor in their increased risk of IBD.
An overview of erythritol production by yeast strains
Authors: Khatape Anil B , Dastager Syed G , Rangaswamy Vidhya
Published: November 2022

Erythritol is a 4-carbon polyol produced with the aid of microbes in presence of hyper-osmotic stress. It is the most effective sugar alcohol that is produced predominantly by fermentation. In comparison to various polyols, it has many precise functions and is used as a flavor enhancer, sequestrant, humectant, nutritive sweetener, stabilizer, formulation aid, thickener, and a texturizer. Erythritol production is a common trait in a number of the yeast genera viz., Trigonopsis, Candida, Pichia, Moniliella, Yarrowia, Pseudozyma, Trichosporonoides, Aureobasidium, and Trichoderma. Extensive work has been carried out on the biological production of erythritol through Yarrowia, Moniliella, Candida, and other yeast strains, and numerous strategies used to improve erythritol productivity through mutagenesis and genetic engineering are discussed in this review.
Development of sake yeast breeding and analysis of genes related to its various phenotypes
Authors: Negoro Hiroaki , Ishida Hiroki
Published: November 2022

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice and water, fermented by the filamentous fungi Aspergillus oryzae and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast strains, also called sake yeasts, with high alcohol yield and the ability to produce desired flavor compounds in the sake, have been isolated from the environment for more than a century. Furthermore, numerous methods to breed sake yeasts without genetic modification have been developed. The objectives of breeding include increasing the efficiency of production, improving the aroma and taste, enhancing safety, imparting functional properties, and altering the appearance of sake. With the recent development of molecular biology, the suitable sake brewing characteristics in sake yeasts, and the causes of acquisition of additional phenotypes in bred yeasts have been elucidated genetically. This mini-review summarizes the history and lineage of sake yeasts, their genetic characteristics, the major breeding methods used, and molecular biological analysis of the acquired strains. The data in this review on the metabolic mechanisms of sake yeasts and their genetic profiles will enable the development of future strains with superior phenotypes.
High-resolution surface mass loads in the Amazon Basin combining GRACE and river routing model
Authors: Youm Kookhyoun , Eom Jooyoung , Seo Ki-Weon , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark R , Oh Seokhoon
Published: November 2022

Understanding water redistribution on Earth's surface is essential to hydrological applications and water management. Variations in water mass loads have been observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), but the low spatial resolution of GRACE limits determination of their distribution in detail. Hydrologic models provide higher spatial resolution water mass loads, but may include larger uncertainties. In this study, we develop high-resolution surface mass loads over the Amazon basin using forward modelling by combining GRACE data and a hydrologic model. River routing discharge is also included as a priori information because of the large water volume changes on relatively narrow channels in the Amazon basin. These high-resolution surface mass loads constrained by river routing agree with GRACE observations when spatially smoothed. Vertical deformation estimated from these high-resolution loads agree with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations, at both seasonal and inter-annual timescales. In particular the most improved agreement is obtained at the NAUS GNSS station, close to the main channel of the Amazon, relative to predictions made using GRACE data. At two other stations (APSA and MAPA) near the main channel, the estimated vertical deformations apparently differ from observation, but much of the discrepancy is reduced when river path is corrected in river-routing model, indicating the importance of water loads on river channel to understand crustal displacement in the area.
Inversion of acoustic thunder source spectral model from thunder-induced seismic waves in megacity
Authors: Hong Tae-Kyung , Park Seongjun , Chung Dongchan , Kim Byeongwoo
Published: November 2022

Thunder-induced seismic waves recorded at dense seismic stations in Seoul, South Korea are analysed for inversion of thunder source spectra. Thunder-induced seismic waves from four local thunder events are analysed. A theory is introduced for the inversion of acoustic source spectra from thunder-induced seismic waves. In the course of source-spectral inversion, the propagation and acoustic-to-seismic coupling effects are counted. The thunder-induced seismic signals were well identified at distances of <∼20 km. Direct acoustic-to-seismic coupled seismic waves present apparent phase velocities of sound speed in atmosphere (340 m s−1). Thunder-induced seismic waves are dominant at high frequencies (>20 Hz). Vertical peak ground accelerations of thunder-induced seismic waves in local regions (0.024–0.110 m s−2 at distances of 2.4–3.7 km) are equivalent to the ground motion levels induced by a moderate-size (∼M5) earthquake at regional distances. The thunder-induced acoustic waves in the atmosphere are obtained by removing the acoustic-to-seismic coupling effect and site-response effect from the observed thunder-induced seismic waves. The quality factors for acoustic wave attenuation in the atmosphere are determined. Urban landscapes and atmospheric effects cause strong acoustic attenuation over atmospheric absorption. Acoustic thunder source spectra are determined by stacking the inverted acoustic spectra at all stations. The peak frequencies of acoustic thunder source spectra are around 34–36 Hz, suggesting the acoustic energy per unit length in lightning strikes to be ∼4 × 106 J m−1. Local seismic records are applicable for the investigation of thunder and lightning properties.
On various mechanisms of shear wave generation from underground chemical explosions in hard rocks
Authors: Vorobiev Oleg
Published: November 2022

Significant shear waves observed during underground explosions can make them look similar to natural earthquakes. In the near field, they can be caused by the source geometry and emplacement conditions, heterogeneous and anisotropic properties of the rock mass, relaxation of a non-uniform in situ stress around the source after the departure of the shock wave as well as by activation of nearby faults. The stress relaxation mechanism is important at depth when the difference in main principal stresses becomes significant. Another mechanism of shear motion generation is due to explosive gas flow from the source cavity into the cracks initiated by the shock wave and joints connected to the cavity. Also, the shock wave from the explosion can cause weakening of the rock either due to permanent damage or shock-induced liquefaction at saturated joints. Numerical modelling of underground chemical explosions in hard rock at various confinement stresses has been conducted to compare various mechanisms of shear wave generation and their seismic characteristics with that of a simple fault rupture process observed during an earthquake.
A cross-species co-functional gene network underlying leaf senescence
Authors: Liu Moyang , Guo Chaocheng , Xie Kexuan , Chen Kai , Chen Jiahao , Wang Yudong , Wang Xu
Published: November 2022

The complex leaf senescence process is governed by various levels of transcriptional and translational regulation. Several features of the leaf senescence process are similar across species, yet the extent to which the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of leaf senescence are conserved remains unclear. Currently used experimental approaches permit the identification of individual pathways that regulate various physiological and biochemical processes; however, the large-scale regulatory network underpinning intricate processes like leaf senescence cannot be built using these methods. Here, we discovered a series of conserved genes involved in leaf senescence in a common horticultural crop (Solanum lycopersicum), a monocot plant (Oryza sativa), and a eudicot plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) through analyses of the evolutionary relationships and expression patterns among genes. Our analyses revealed that the genetic basis of leaf senescence is largely conserved across species. We also created a multi-omics workflow using data from more than 10 000 samples from 85 projects and constructed a leaf senescence-associated co-functional gene network with 2769 conserved, high-confidence functions. Furthermore, we found that the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is the central biological process underlying leaf senescence. Specifically, UPRmt responds to leaf senescence by maintaining mitostasis through a few cross-species conserved transcription factors (e.g. NAC13) and metabolites (e.g. ornithine). The co-functional network built in our study indicates that UPRmt figures prominently in cross-species conserved mechanisms. Generally, the results of our study provide new insights that will aid future studies of leaf senescence.
Exploring the prevalence and types of fall-risk-increasing drugs among older people with upper limb fractures
Authors: Cox Natalie , Ilyas Isra , Roberts Helen C , Ibrahim Kinda
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Medications and specifically fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) are associated with increased risk of falls: reducing their prescription may improve this risk. This study explored patient characteristics associated with FRID use, prevalence and type of FRIDs and changes in their prescriptions among older people with arm fractures over 6 months.

Methods

Observational prospective study in three fracture clinics in England. Patients aged ≥65 years with a single upper limb fragility fracture were recruited. The STOPPFall tool identified the number and type of FRIDs prescribed at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Changes in FRID prescription were categorised as discontinued, new or exchanged.

Key findings

100 patients (median age 73 years; 80% female) were recruited. At baseline, 73% used ≥1 FRID daily (median = 2), reducing to 64% and 59% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Those with >1 FRID prescription had a significantly higher number of co-morbidities and medications and higher rates of male gender, polypharmacy, frailty and sarcopenia. The most frequently prescribed FRIDs were antihypertensives, opioids and antidepressants. Between 0 and 3 months, 44 (60%) participants had changes to FRID prescription: 20 discontinued (opioids and antihistamines), 13 started (antidepressants) and 11 exchanged for another. Similar trends were observed at 6 months.

Conclusion

Use of FRIDs among older people with upper limb fragility fractures was high. Although overall use decreased over time, 59% were still on ≥1 FRID at the 6-month follow-up, with trends to stop opioids and start antidepressants. Older people presenting with upper limb fractures should be offered a structured medication review to identify FRIDs for targeted deprescribing.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded phase 1 study investigating a novel inactivated, Vero cell-culture derived Zika virus vaccine
Authors: Wressnigg Nina V , Hochreiter Romana , Schneider Martina , Obersriebnig Michaela J , Bézay Nicole I , Lingnau Karen , Ramljak Irena Čorbić , Dubischar Katrin L , Eder-Lingelbach Susanne
Published: November 2022

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging public health threat, rendering development of a safe and effective vaccine against the virus a high priority to face this unmet medical need. Our vaccine candidate has been developed on the same platform used for the licensed vaccine IXIARO®, a vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis virus, another closely related member of the Flaviviridae family.

Methods

Between 24 February 2018 and 16 November 2018, we conducted a randomized, observer-blinded, placebo controlled, single center phase 1 study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of an adjuvanted, inactivated, purified whole-virus Zika vaccine candidate in the USA. A total of 67 healthy flavivirus-naïve adults aged 18–49 years were randomly assigned to one of five study arms to receive two immunizations of either high dose or low dose (6 antigen units or 3 antigen units) with both dose levels applied in two different immunization regimens or placebo as control.

Results

Our vaccine candidate showed an excellent safety profile independent of dose and vaccination regimen with predominantly mild adverse events (AEs). No serious AE has been reported. The ZIKV vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies in all tested doses and regimens with seroconversion rates up to 85.7% (high dose), which remained up to 40% (high dose) at 6 months follow-up. Of note, the rapid regimen triggered a substantial immune response within days.

Conclusions

The rapid development and production of a ZIKV vaccine candidate building on a commercial Vero-cell manufacturing platform resulted in a safe and immunogenic vaccine suitable for further clinical development. To optimize antibody persistence, higher doses and a booster administration might be considered.
Using shell models to investigate clumping in the WN4 star HD 50896
Authors: Flores Brian L , Hillier D John , Dessart Luc
Published: November 2022

The spectra of Wolf–Rayet (WR) stars exhibit strong, broad emission lines that originate in the wind. These winds are radiatively driven and are susceptible to hydrodynamic instabilities that result in the formation of clumps. When modelling spectra of WR stars the volume-filling factor (VFF) approach is usually employed to treat clumpy winds. However, it is based on the assumption that the entire wind mass resides in optically thin clumps, which is not necessarily justifiable in dense winds. To test the validity of the VFF approach, we use a previously described method of treating clumping, the ‘shell’ approach, to study line and continuum formation in the dense wind of the WN4 star, HD 50896. Our models indicate that fully intact spherical shells are in tension with observed spectra; a persistent ‘dip’ in emission lines occurs at line centre. Removing this dip requires our models to use ‘broken’ shells – shells that are highly decoherent laterally. This insinuates that the wind of HD 50896, and by extension the winds of other WR stars, are comprised of small laterally confined and radially compressed clumps – clumps smaller than the Sobolev length. We discuss some of the conditions necessary for the VFF approach to be valid.
Direct collapse of exceptionally heavy black holes in the merger-driven scenario
Authors: Zwick Lorenz , Mayer Lucio , Haemmerlé Lionel , Klessen Ralf S
Published: November 2022

We revisit the conditions present in supermassive discs (SMDs) formed by the merger of gas-rich, metal-enriched galaxies at redshift z ∼ 10. We find that SMDs naturally form hydrostatic cores which go through a rapidly accreting supermassive star phase, before directly collapsing into massive black holes via the general relativistic instability. The growth and collapse of the cores occurs within ∼5 × 105 yr from the formation of the SMD, producing bright electromagnetic, neutrino and gravitational wave transients with a typical duration of a few minutes and, respectively, a typical flux and a typical strain amplitude at Earth of ∼10−8 erg s−1 cm−2 and ∼4 × 10−21. We provide a simple fitting formula for the resulting black hole masses, which range from a few 106 to 108 M⊙ depending on the initial SMD configuration. Crucially, our analysis does not require any specific assumption on the thermal properties of the gas, nor on the angular momentum loss mechanisms within the SMD. Led by these findings, we argue that the merger-driven scenario provides a robust pathway for the rapid formation of supermassive black holes at z > 6. It provides an explanation for the origin of the brightest and oldest quasars without the need of a sustained growth phase from a much smaller seed. Its smoking gun signatures can be tested directly via multimessenger observations.
Turbulent diffusion of streaming cosmic rays in compressible, partially ionized plasma
Authors: Sampson Matt L , Beattie James R , Krumholz Mark R , Crocker Roland M , Federrath Christoph , Seta Amit
Published: November 2022

Cosmic rays (CRs) are a dynamically important component of the interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies. The ∼GeV CRs that carry most CR energy and pressure are likely confined by self-generated turbulence, leading them to stream along magnetic field lines at the ion Alfvén speed. However, the consequences of self-confinement for CR propagation on galaxy scales remain highly uncertain. In this paper, we use a large ensemble of magnetohydrodynamical turbulence simulations to quantify how the basic parameters describing ISM turbulence – the sonic Mach number, $\mathcal {M}$ (plasma compressibility), Alfvén Mach number, $\mathcal {M}_{\text{A0}}$ (strength of the large-scale field with respect to the turbulence), and ionization fraction by mass, χ – affect the transport of streaming CRs. We show that the large-scale transport of CRs whose small-scale motion consists of streaming along field lines is well described as a combination of streaming along the mean field and superdiffusion both along (parallel to) and across (perpendicular to) it; $\mathcal {M}_{\text{A0}}$ drives the level of anisotropy between parallel and perpendicular diffusion and χ modulates the magnitude of the diffusion coefficients, while in our choice of units, $\mathcal {M}$ is unimportant except in the sub-Alfvénic ($\mathcal {M}_{\text{A0}}\lesssim 0.5$) regime. Our finding that superdiffusion is ubiquitous potentially explains the apparent discrepancy between CR diffusion coefficients inferred from measurements close to individual sources compared to those measured on larger, Galactic scales. Finally, we present empirical fits for the diffusion coefficients as a function of plasma parameters that may be used as subgrid recipes for global ISM, galaxy, or cosmological simulations.
Dynamics of stellar disc tilting from satellite mergers
Authors: Dodge Benjamin C , Slone Oren , Lisanti Mariangela , Cohen Timothy
Published: November 2022

The Milky Way’s stellar disc can tilt in response to torques that result from infalling satellite galaxies and their associated tidal debris. In this work, we explore the dynamics of disc tilting by running N-body simulations of mergers in an isolated, isotropic Milky Way-like host galaxy, varying over satellite virial mass, initial position, and orbit. We develop and validate a first-principles understanding of the dynamics that govern how the host galaxy’s stellar disc responds to the satellite’s dark matter (DM) debris. We find that the degree of disc tilting can be large for cosmologically motivated merger histories. In particular, our results suggest that the Galactic disc may still be tilting in response to Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus, one of the most significant recent mergers in the Milky Way’s history. These findings have implications for terrestrial direct detection experiments as disc tilting changes the relative location of the Sun with respect to DM substructure left behind by a merging galaxy.
A local measurement of the growth rate from peculiar velocities and galaxy clustering correlations in the 6dF Galaxy Survey
Authors: Turner Ryan J , Blake Chris , Ruggeri Rossana
Published: November 2022

Galaxy peculiar velocities provide an integral source of cosmological information that can be harnessed to measure the growth rate of large-scale structure and constrain possible extensions to General Relativity. In this work, we present a method for extracting the information contained within galaxy peculiar velocities through an ensemble of direct peculiar velocity and galaxy clustering correlation statistics, including the effects of redshift space distortions, using data from the 6-degree Field Galaxy Survey. Our method compares the auto- and cross-correlation function multipoles of these observables, with respect to the local line of sight, with the predictions of cosmological models. We find that the uncertainty in our measurement is improved when combining these two sources of information in comparison to fitting to either peculiar velocity or clustering information separately. When combining velocity and density statistics in the range $27 \lt s \lt 123 \, h^{-1}$ Mpc we obtain a value for the local growth rate of fσ8 = 0.358 ± 0.075 and for the linear redshift distortion parameter β = 0.298 ± 0.065, recovering both with 20.9 per cent and 21.8 per cent accuracy, respectively. We conclude this work by comparing our measurement with other recent local measurements of the growth rate, spanning different data sets and methodologies. We find that our results are in broad agreement with those in the literature and are fully consistent with ΛCDM cosmology. Our methods can be readily scaled to analyse upcoming large galaxy surveys and achieve accurate tests of the cosmological model.
Planet(esimal)s around stars with TESS (PAST) III: A search for triplet He i in the atmospheres of two 200 Myr-old planets
Authors: Gaidos Eric , Hirano Teruyuki , Lee Rena A , Harakawa Hiroki , Hodapp Klaus , Jacobson Shane , Kotani Takayuki , Kudo Tomoyuki , Kurokawa Takashi , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Nishikawa Jun , Omiya Masashi , Serizawa Takuma , Tamura Motohide , Ueda Akitoshi , Vievard Sebastien
Published: November 2022

We report a search for excess absorption in the 1083.2 nm line of ortho (triplet) helium during transits of TOI-1807b and TOI-2076b, 1.25 and 2.5-R⊕ planets on 0.55- and 10.4-d orbits around nearby ∼200 Myr-old K dwarf stars. We limit the equivalent width of any transit-associated absorption to <4 and <8 mÅ, respectively. We limit the escape of solar-composition atmospheres from TOI-1807b and TOI-2076b to ≲1 and ≲0.1M⊕Gyr−1, respectively, depending on wind temperature. The absence of a H/He signature for TOI-1807b is consistent with a measurement of mass indicating a rocky body and the prediction by a hydrodynamic model that any H-dominated atmosphere would be unstable and already have been lost. Differential spectra obtained during the transit of TOI-2076b contain a He i-like feature, but this closely resembles the stellar line and extends beyond the transit interval. Until additional transits are observed, we suspect this to be the result of variation in the stellar He i line produced by rotation of active regions and/or flaring on the young, active host star. Non-detection of escape could mean that TOI-2076b is more massive than expected, the star is less EUV luminous, the models overestimate escape, or the planet has a H/He-poor atmosphere that is primarily molecules such as H2O. Photochemical models of planetary winds predict a semimajor axis at which triplet He i observations are most sensitive to mass-loss: TOI-2076b orbits near this optimum. Future surveys could use a distance criterion to increase the yield of detections.
Can scallop-shell stars trap dust in their magnetic fields?
Authors: Sanderson H , Jardine M , Collier Cameron A , Morin J , Donati J-F
Published: November 2022

One of the puzzles to have emerged from the Kepler and TESS missions is the existence of unexplained dips in the light curves of a small fraction of rapidly rotating M dwarfs in young open clusters and star-forming regions. We present a theoretical investigation of one possible explanation – that these are caused by dust clouds trapped in the stellar magnetic fields. The depth and duration of the observed dips allow us to estimate directly the linear extent of the dust clouds and their distances from the rotation axis. The dips are found to be between 0.4 and 4.8 per cent. We find that their distance is close to the co-rotation radius: the typical location for stable points where charged particles can be trapped in a stellar magnetosphere. We estimate the charge acquired by a dust particle due to collisions with the coronal gas and hence determine the maximum grain size that can be magnetically supported, the stopping distance due to gas drag, and the time-scale on which dust particles can diffuse out of a stable point. Using the observationally derived magnetic field of the active M dwarf V374 Peg, we model the distribution of these dust clouds and produce synthetic light curves. We find that for 1μm dust grains, the light curves have dips of 1–3 per cent and can support masses of order of 1012 kg. We conclude that magnetically trapped dust clouds (potentially from residual disc accretion or tidally disrupted planetesimal or cometary bodies) are capable of explaining the periodic dips in the Kepler and TESS data.
COMBATdb: a database for the COVID-19 Multi-Omics Blood ATlas
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Kumar Vinod , Burnham Katie L , Mentzer Alexander J , Marsden Brian D , Knight Julian C
Published: November 2022

Advances in our understanding of the nature of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and how this varies within and between individuals, is important in efforts to develop targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches. Here we present a database for the COvid-19 Multi-omics Blood ATlas (COMBAT) project, COMBATdb (https://db.combat.ox.ac.uk). This enables exploration of multi-modal datasets arising from profiling of patients with different severities of illness admitted to hospital in the first phase of the pandemic in the UK prior to vaccination, compared with community cases, healthy controls, and patients with all-cause sepsis and influenza. These data include whole blood transcriptomics, plasma proteomics, epigenomics, single-cell multi-omics, immune repertoire sequencing, flow and mass cytometry, and cohort metadata. COMBATdb provides access to the processed data in a well-defined framework of samples, cell types and genes/proteins that allows exploration across the assayed modalities, with functionality including browse, search, download, calculation and visualisation via shiny apps. This advances the ability of users to leverage COMBAT datasets to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and the nature of specific and shared features with other infectious diseases.
Internal RNA 2′O-methylation in the HIV-1 genome counteracts ISG20 nuclease-mediated antiviral effect
Authors: El Kazzi Priscila , Rabah Nadia , Chamontin Célia , Poulain Lina , Ferron François , Debart Françoise , Canard Bruno , Missé Dorothée , Coutard Bruno , Nisole Sébastien , Decroly Etienne
Published: November 2022

RNA 2′O-methylation is a ‘self’ epitranscriptomic modification allowing discrimination between host and pathogen. Indeed, human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) induces 2′O-methylation of its genome by recruiting the cellular FTSJ3 methyltransferase, thereby impairing detection by RIG-like receptors. Here, we show that RNA 2′O-methylations interfere with the antiviral activity of interferon-stimulated gene 20-kDa protein (ISG20). Biochemical experiments showed that ISG20-mediated degradation of 2′O-methylated RNA pauses two nucleotides upstream of and at the methylated residue. Structure-function analysis indicated that this inhibition is due to steric clash between ISG20 R53 and D90 residues and the 2′O-methylated nucleotide. We confirmed that hypomethylated HIV-1 genomes produced in FTSJ3-KO cells were more prone to in vitro degradation by ISG20 than those produced in cells expressing FTSJ3. Finally, we found that reverse-transcription of hypomethylated HIV-1 was impaired in T cells by interferon-induced ISG20, demonstrating the direct antagonist effect of 2′O-methylation on ISG20-mediated antiviral activity.
Small is beautiful: the important role of small copepods in carbon budgets of the southern Benguela upwelling system
Authors: Bode-Dalby Maya , Würth Randi , de Oliveira Lívia Dias Fernandes , Lamont Tarron , Verheye Hans M , Schukat Anna , Hagen Wilhelm , Auel Holger
Published: November 2022

Small copepod genera play an important role in marine food webs and biogeochemical fluxes but have been neglected in many studies. This is the first study determining biomass, carbon consumption and egestion rates of small- (<1 mm prosome length, PL), medium- (1–1.5 mm PL) and large-sized (>2 mm PL) copepods along a cross-shelf transect in the southern Benguela upwelling system. Calanoids contributed on average 55 ± 19% to total copepod abundance and 82 ± 13% to total copepod biomass. Small-sized Oithona spp. (114–119 mg C m−2 d−1) and Clausocalanidae/Paracalanidae (87–263 mg C m−2 d−1) as well as large-sized Calanoides natalis (47–193 mg C m−2 d−1) were the dominant consumers at the most inshore stations. Small- and medium-sized copepodite stages of Metridia lucens were also important, especially towards the continental slope. At offshore stations, Clausocalanidae/Paracalanidae, Oithona spp., Pleuromamma spp., Calanus agulhensis, Acartia spp., C. natalis and M. lucens were dominant consumers. Hence, usually small- and medium-sized copepods dominated total copepod ingestion and egestion, emphasizing that inadequate representation of small copepods will lead to significant underestimations and misinterpretations of the functioning of zooplankton communities and finally to inadequate biogeochemical models.
Type I interferon and neutrophil transcripts in lupus nephritis renal biopsies: clinical and histopathological associations
Authors: Mavragani Clio P , Kirou Kyriakos A , Seshan Surya V , Crow Mary K
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate the expression of type I IFN (IFN-I) and neutrophil transcripts in kidney tissue from patients with different classes of LN and their association with distinct clinical and histopathological features.

Methods

Quantitation of IFN-I, defensin-α3 and formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL-1) transcripts was performed in kidney biopsy tissue from 24 patients with various classes of LN (6 class III, 14 class IV, 4 class V) and 3 control samples. Patient demographics, glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and histopathological characteristics, including activity and chronicity indices, were analysed.

Results

IFNα2 and IFNβ transcripts were overexpressed in renal tissues from patients with proliferative forms of LN (III/IV) compared with patients with membranous nephritis and control kidneys. Patients with LN and impaired renal function, attested by eGFR, displayed higher relative expression of IFNα2 transcripts in renal tissues compared with those with normal renal function (23.0 ± 16.2 vs 12.0 ± 14.8, P = 0.04). Defensin-α3, but not FPRL-1, transcripts were overexpressed in LN tissues, particularly those with segmental necrotizing lesions, and were correlated with higher renal pathological activity indices (r = 0.61, P = 0.02), urinary protein levels (r = 0.44, P = 0.048) and IFNα2 expression (r = 0.50, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

IFN-I transcripts are expressed locally in kidneys from patients with proliferative LN and are associated with impaired renal function. Elevated defensin-α3 transcripts, a neutrophil product associated with neutrophil extracellular traps, may identify a driver of local IFN-I expression. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of proliferative LN and may inform therapeutic decisions regarding selection of IFN-I pathway inhibitors.
New Notations for Better Morphological Distinction of Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot
Authors: Hirota Yuka , Ueda Koichi , Umeda Chizuru , Yoshida Eriko
Published: November 2022

Background:

There have been many reports on the classification and treatment of postaxial polydactyly of the foot. However, despite its being a common congenital anomaly, there is no universal notation about its morphology.

Methods:

We performed an analysis of 65 postaxial polydactyly cases from 2004 to 2021. Judgment criteria for deciding the surgical procedure were selected, and the points required for notation were decided. Based on them, we devised a new notation.

Results:

The necessary points required for notation were decided based on the following criteria: (1) the presence and level of syndactyly, (2) bifurcation level of the phalanges, (3) the presence of other deformities, and (4) predominant toes. We came up with a new notation and description method. Different types of syndactyly were represented using a horizontal bar, and predominant toes were represented using equality or inequality symbols. The bifurcation level of the phalanges and accessory deformities were additionally recorded (eg, 4—5>—6, Middle, 5,6: External rotation). From this notation, it is obvious which toe should be resected. Furthermore, syndactyly, accessory deformities, and the condition of the phalanges are also easily understood.

Conclusions:

Our new notation for postaxial polydactyly consists of some related symbols that are each provided a meaning. This system is simple, especially for easily understanding the morphology, and ideal for daily medical use. We conclude that it could become a universal notation method for cases of postaxial polydactyly of the foot.
Effect of Topical 5-Fluorouracil on Lacrimal Drainage System: Histopathological Evidence From Animal Experiments and Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Singh Swati , Trakos Nikolaos , Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the histopathological changes in the lacrimal drainage system of rabbits following the application of 1% topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for 4 weeks.

Methods:

Ten eyes of 10 healthy New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to topical instillation of 1% (10 mg/mL) 5-FU, 1 drop 4 times a day for 4 weeks. Rabbits underwent a detailed ocular examination including eyelids, ocular surface, punctal, peri-punctal changes, and nasolacrimal duct patency at baseline and after 4 weeks of 5-FU. The rabbits were then sacrificed, and the eyelid, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and the entire lacrimal drainage system were retrieved for histopathological analysis as per standard protocols.

Results:

Clinically demonstrable peripunctal changes and canalicular stenosis were noted in 6 (60%, 6/10) rabbits. Two of these (20%, 2/10) had additional complete regurgitation of clear fluid, indicating a nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The remaining 4 (40%, 4/10) clinically did not demonstrate lacrimal drainage changes and were patent on irrigation. The conjunctiva showed focal loss of goblet cells in several areas. Significant changes were noted in the canalicular, lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct tissues in the form of epithelial hyperplasia, subepithelial inflammation, edema, dilated and congested vessels, and fibrosis. The lacrimal gland, eyelid tissue (excluding tarsal conjunctiva), and cornea showed no significant histopathological changes.

Conclusions:

Clinical and histopathological changes were noted in the lacrimal drainage system of rabbits subjected to topical 5-FU application. These findings can have potential clinical implications for patients receiving 5-FU therapy.
Comorbidities in older adults with opioid use disorders
Authors: Baumann Steven L. , Samuels William Ellery
Published: November 2022

Background:

There is a growing number of opioid use disorders (OUDs) and overdose deaths in older adults. In addition, older adults with OUD routinely receive lower-quality preventive and chronic care that result in poorer overall health.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify older patients with OUD at the study site and determine the prevalence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities.

Methodology:

This retrospective study used a computer algorithm employed by a network of Federally Qualified Health Center primary care clinics in lower New York state. With the approval from institutional review board, the IT department of the organization captured data about older adults with an OUD diagnosis. The IT department identified 664 patients and provided anonymized demographic and medical history data of these patients for analysis.

Results:

Patients with OUD had 2–3 times more medical and psychiatric co-occurring conditions than national sample of older adults with no OUD of similar age and income. The most frequent co-occurring medical conditions in the patients were heart or circulatory disorders, movement disorders, respiratory disorders, pain disorders, nutritional disorders, and metabolic disorders. The most common co-occurring psychiatric conditions were anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:

Older adults with OUD often have complex health care needs that often include one or more chronic medical and psychiatric conditions.

Implications:

Providers should be aware of the multiple needs of older adults with OUD so that appropriate and comprehensive care can be offered to the patients.
Patient Experience for Hispanic Older Adults Varies by Language Preference
Authors: Weech-Maldonado Robert , Haviland Amelia M. , Hambarsoomian Katrin , Martino Steven C. , Dembosky Jacob W. , Tamayo Loida , Gaillot Sarah , Elliott Marc N.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Hispanic people with Medicare report worse patient experiences than non-Hispanic White counterparts. However, little research examines how these disparities may vary by language preference (English/Spanish).

Objectives:

Using Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey data, assess whether 2014–2018 disparities in patient experiences for Hispanic people with Medicare vary by language preference.

Research Design:

We fit a series of linear, case-mix adjusted models predicting Medicare CAHPS measures by race/ethnicity/language preference (Hispanic Spanish-respondents; Hispanic Spanish-preferring English-respondents; Hispanic English-preferring respondents; and non-Hispanic White English-respondents).

Subjects:

A total of 1,006,543 Hispanic and non-Hispanic White respondents to the Medicare 2014–2018 CAHPS surveys.

Results:

There were disparities for all Hispanic groups relative to non-Hispanic White English-respondents. Hispanic Spanish-preferring English-respondents reported worse experience than Hispanic Spanish-respondents for getting care quickly (−8 points), getting needed care (−5 points), doctor communication (−2 points), and customer service (−1 point), but better experiences for flu immunization (+2 points). Similarly, Hispanic Spanish-preferring English-respondents reported worse experience than Hispanic English-preferring respondents for getting care quickly (−4 points) and getting needed care (−2 points). Hispanic English-preferring respondents reported worse experience than Hispanic Spanish-respondents for getting care quickly (−4 points), getting needed care (−3 points), doctor communication and customer service (−2 points each), but better experience for flu immunization (+2 points).

Conclusions:

Regardless of language preference, Hispanic people with Medicare experience disparities in patient care relative to non-Hispanic White English-preferring counterparts. Hispanic Spanish-preferring English-respondents report the worse experiences, followed by Hispanic English-preferring respondents. Hispanic Spanish-respondents experienced the least disparities of the three Hispanic language subgroups.
Genetic predisposition to cancers in children and adolescents
Authors: Nakano Yoshiko , Rabinowicz Ron , Malkin David
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Childhood cancer is rare, but it remains the leading cause of disease-related mortality among children 1–14 years of age. As exposure to environmental factors is lower in children, inherited genetic factors become an important player in the cause of childhood cancer. This review highlights the current knowledge and approach for cancer predisposition syndromes in children.

Recent findings

Current literature suggests that 10–18% of paediatric cancer patients have an underlying genetic susceptibility to their disease. With better knowledge and technology, more genes and syndromes are being discovered, allowing tailored treatment and surveillance for the probands and their families.

Studies have demonstrated that focused surveillance can detect early malignancies and increase overall survival in several cancer predisposition syndromes. Various approaches have been proposed to refine early tumour detection strategies while minimizing the burden on patients and families. Newer therapeutic strategies are being investigated to treat, or even prevent, tumours in children with cancer predisposition.

This review summarizes the current knowledge about different cancer predisposition syndromes, focusing on the diagnosis, genetic counselling, surveillance and future directions.