bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting and prioritizing the electricity customers for participating in demand response programs
Authors: Asghari Pardis , Zakariazadeh Alireza , Siano Pierluigi
Published: February 2022

Demand response (DR) provides an opportunity for customers to play an important role in the operation of the electricity grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods. However, selecting customers to participate in DR programs is challenging. To solve this problem, typical load profiles should be characterized by data mining techniques such as clustering algorithms. Traditional clustering algorithms manually determine the centre of clusters and that the selected centre of clusters may fall into a local optimum. Here, to overcome these issues, a new clustering algorithm based on the Density Peak Clustering algorithm (DPC) and Artificial Bee Colony algorithm (ABC) which is called A‐DPC, is implemented to optimally determine the representative load curves. Moreover, by introducing a new priority index, the eligible residential customers are selected for participating in DR programs. Also, to meet the sufficient load reduction in a DR event, the proposed approach suggests a plenty number of residential customers to be called. The result evidence that A‐DPC has a stronger global search ability to optimally select the centre of clusters if compared to other clustering algorithms.
An algorithm to detect overlapping red blood cells for sickle cell disease diagnosis
Authors: Vicent Mabirizi , Simon Kawuma , Yonasi Safari
Published: February 2022

In Africa, Uganda is among the countries with a high number of babies (20,000 babies) born with sickle cell, contributing between 6.8% of the children born with sickle cell every year worldwide and approximately 4.5% of the children born with hemoglobinopathies worldwide. It is estimated that by 2050, sickle cell cases will increase by 30% if no intervention is put in place. To facilitate early detection of sickle cell anaemia, medical experts employ machine learning algorithms to detect sickle cell abnormality. Previous research revealed that algorithms for recognizing shape of a sickle cell from blood smear by fractional dimension, cannot detect sickle cells if applied on blood samples containing overlapping red blood cells. In this research, the authors developed an algorithm to detect overlapping red blood cells for sickle cell disease diagnosis. The algorithm uses canny edge and double threshold machine learning techniques and takes overlapping red blood cells images as inputs to detect if these cells are sickle cell anaemic. These images have a scale magnification of (200×, 400×, 650×) pixel taken using a microscope. The algorithm was tested on a total of 1000 digital images and the overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 98.18%, 98.29% and 97.98% respectively.
Stellar population gradients at cosmic noon as a constraint to the evolution of passive galaxies
Authors: Ditrani F. R. , Andreon S. , Longhetti M. , Newman A.
Published: February 2022

Context. The radial variations of the stellar populations properties within passive galaxies at high redshift contain information about their assembly mechanisms, based on which galaxy formation and evolution scenarios may be distinguished.

Aims. The aim of this work is to give constraints on massive galaxy formation scenarios through one of the first analyses of age and metallicity gradients of the stellar populations in a sample of passive galaxies at z > 1.6 based on spectroscopic data from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Methods. We combined G141 deep slitless spectroscopic data and F160W photometric data of the spectroscopically passive galaxies at 1.6 < z < 2.4 with H160 < 22.0 in the field of view of the cluster JKCS 041. We extracted spectra from different zones of the galaxies, and we analysed them by fitting them with a library of synthetic templates of stellar population models to obtain estimates of the age and metallicity gradients.

Results. We obtained reliable measurements of age and metallicity parameters in different spatial zones of four galaxies. We performed spatially resolved measurements in individual high-redshift galaxies without the need of peculiar situations (i.e. gravitational lensing) for the first time. All four galaxies exhibit negative metallicity gradients. Their amplitude, similar to that measured in galaxies in the local Universe, suggests that the stellar populations of passive galaxies from z ∼ 2 to z = 0 are not redistributed.

Conclusions. Although the sample we analysed is small, the results we obtained suggest that the main mechanism that determines the spatial distribution of the stellar population properties within passive galaxies is constrained in the first 3 Gyr of the Universe. This is consistent with the revised monolithic scenario.
Rieger-type cycles on the solar-like star KIC 2852336
Authors: Gurgenashvili E. , Zaqarashvili T. V. , Kukhianidze V. , Reiners A. , Reinhold T. , Lanza A. F.
Published: February 2022

Context. A Rieger-type periodicity of 150–180 days (six to seven times the solar rotation period) has been observed in the Sun’s magnetic activity and is probably connected with the internal dynamo layer. Observations of Rieger cycles in other solar-like stars may give us information about the dynamo action throughout stellar evolution.

Aims. We aim to use the Sun as a star analogue to find Rieger cycles on other solar-like stars using Kepler data.

Methods. We analyse the light curve of the Sun-like star KIC 2852336 (with a rotation period of 9.5 days) using wavelet and generalised Lomb-Scargle methods to find periodicities over rotation and Rieger timescales.

Results. Besides the rotation period of 9.5 days, the power spectrum shows a pronounced peak at a period of 61 days (about six times the stellar rotation period) and a less pronounced peak at 40–44 days. These two periods may correspond to Rieger-type cycles and can be explained by the harmonics of magneto-Rossby waves in the stellar dynamo layer. The observed periods and theoretical properties of magneto-Rossby waves lead to the estimation of the dynamo magnetic field strength of 40 kG inside the star.

Conclusions. Rieger-type cycles can be used to probe the dynamo magnetic field in solar-type stars at different phases of evolution. Comparing the rotation period and estimated dynamo field strength of the star KIC 2852336 with the corresponding solar values, we conclude that the ratio Ω/BD, where Ω is the angular velocity and BD is the dynamo magnetic field, is the same for the star and the Sun. Therefore, the ratio can be conserved during stellar evolution, which is consistent with earlier observations that younger stars are more active.
New jet feature in the parsec-scale jet of the blazar OJ 287 connected to the 2017 teraelectronvolt flaring activity
Authors: Lico R. , Casadio C. , Jorstad S. G. , Gómez J. L. , Marscher A. P. , Traianou E. , Kim J.-Y. , Zhao G.-Y. , Fuentes A. , Cho I. , Krichbaum T. P. , Hervet O. , O’Brien S. , Boccardi B. , Myserlis I. , Agudo I. , Alberdi A. , Weaver Z. R. , Zensus J. A.
Published: February 2022

Context.In February 2017 the blazar OJ 287, one of the best super-massive binary-black-hole-system candidates, was detected for the first time at very high energies (VHEs;E > 100 GeV) with the ground-basedγ-ray observatory VERITAS.

Aims.Very high energyγrays are thought to be produced in the near vicinity of the central engine in active galactic nuclei. For this reason, and with the main goal of providing useful information for the characterization of the physical mechanisms connected with the observed teraelectronvolt flaring event, we investigate the parsec-scale source properties by means of high-resolution very long baseline interferometry observations.

Methods.We use 86 GHz Global Millimeter-VLBI Array (GMVA) observations from 2015 to 2017 and combine them with additional multiwavelength radio observations at different frequencies from other monitoring programs. We investigate the source structure by modeling the brightness distribution with two-dimensional Gaussian components in the visibility plane.

Results.In the GMVA epoch following the source VHE activity, we find a new jet feature (labeled K) at ∼0.2 mas from the core region and located in between two quasi-stationary components (labeled S1 and S2). Multiple periods of enhanced activity are detected at different radio frequencies before and during the VHE flaring state.

Conclusions.Based on the findings of this work, we identify as a possible trigger for the VHE flaring emission during the early months of 2017 the passage of a new jet feature through a recollimation shock (represented by the model-fit component S1) in a region of the jet located at a de-projected distance of ∼10 pc from the radio core.
Hydrothiolation of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes through Er(OTf)3-Promoted Three-Component Ring-Opening Reaction
Authors: Werz Daniel B. , Balalaie Saeed , Hosseini S. Sina , Abdi Aida , Nikbakht Ali , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza , Rominger Frank
Published: February 2022

A novel ring-opening reaction of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) through a one-pot three-component nucleophilic addition of amines, CS2, and DACs has been described. New γ-dithiocarbamate dialkyl malonate skeletons were obtained in up to 97% yield.
Amino Imidate Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Reactions of Ketones and Nitroalkenes
Authors: Clarke Paul A. , Sosunovych Bohdan , Brown Alexander J.
Published: February 2022

The efficiency of an amino imidate organocatalyst was evaluated in the Michael reaction of ketones with nitroalkenes. tert-Butyl­ l-proline imidate was found to be a syn-selective catalyst, generating products with moderate to good enantioselectivities of up to 84% ee. The best substrates were found to be cyclic ketones and β-nitrostyrenes. The catalytic efficiency and enantioselectivity were enhanced by the addition of 10 mol% of benzoic acid.
Beyond the Bioorthogonal Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels–Alder Reactions of Tetrazines: 2-Pyrone-Functionalized Fluorogenic Probes
Authors: Cserép Gergely B. , Kele Péter , Németh Krisztina , Szatmári Ágnes , Horváth Flóra , Imre Tímea , Németh Krisztina
Published: February 2022

The applicability of pyrones as a bioorthogonal platform was explored in inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reactions with a strained cyclooctyne. Studies showed that the pyrones are indeed suitable for IEDDA reactions under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the stable pyrone moiety could be utilized to construct easily accessible fluorogenic probes. Mutual orthogonality of the IEDDA reaction of 2-pyrones with SPAAC reactions of azides was also explored.
Financial Literacy and Physician Wellness: Can a Financial Curriculum Improve an Obstetrician/Gynecologist Resident and Fellow's Well-Being?
Authors: Cawyer Chase R. , Blanchard Christina , Kim Kenneth H.
Published: February 2022

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a financial literacy curriculum on resident and fellow's sense of well-being and financial stress.

Study Design This single institution pilot study prospectively enrolled obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) medical trainees (residents and fellows) to take part in a five-part personal financial literacy curriculum during the 2019 to 2020 academic year. Topics covered included the following: financial education and its relationship to personal well-being, overview of financial terms and principles, budgeting, debt planning, and investing and giving. Primary outcomes were the improvement in well-being as measured by the Expanded Well-Being Index (E-WBI) and financial stress as measured by the Financial Stress Scale-College Version (FSS-CV) survey.

Results Of the 35 residents and fellows who participated in the study, 21 (60%) completed the postintervention survey. After course completion, there was significant improvement in the individual's E-WBI (p < 0.05) and no significant improvement in their FSS-CV (p = 0.06). After completing the course, trainees agreed that financial literacy improved their sense of well-being (p = 0.018).

Conclusion Cultivating financial literacy is associated with an improvement in the sense of well-being in residents and fellows and should be considered for inclusion in other graduate medical education (GME) programs.
The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure and Cone Conundrum: The Role of Cumulative Excised Depth in Predicting Preterm Birth
Authors: Panelli Danielle M. , Wood Rachel L. , Elias Kevin M. , Growdon Whitfield B. , Kaimal Anjali J. , Feldman Sarah , McElrath Thomas F.
Published: February 2022

Objective The objective was to determine factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks in a cohort of patients who underwent a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cone prior to pregnancy.

Study Design This was a nested case-control study within a cohort of patients who underwent at least one LEEP or cone and had care for the next singleton pregnancy at either of two institutions between 1994 and 2014. Cases had spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks. Exposures included potential risk factors for preterm birth such as cumulative depth of excised cervix and time since excision. Reverse stepwise selection was used to identify the covariates for multivariable logistic regression.

Results A total of 134 patients were included. Eighteen (13%) had a spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks. Median second-trimester cervical lengths were similar between those who delivered preterm and term (3.9-cm preterm and 3.6-cm term, p = 0.69). Patients who delivered preterm had a significantly greater median total excised depth of cervix (1.2 vs. 0.8 cm, p = 0.04). After adjustment for confounders, total excised depth remained significantly associated with preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–3.8).

Conclusion Total excised depth should be considered in addition to cervical length screening when managing subsequent pregnancies.

Key Points
Stochastic dynamics of growing Young diagrams and their limit shapes
Authors: Krapivsky P L
Published: February 2022

We investigate a class of Young diagrams growing via the addition of unit cells and satisfying the constraint that the height difference between adjacent columns ⩾r. In the long time limit, appropriately re-scaled Young diagrams approach a limit shape that we compute for each integer r ⩾ 0. We also determine limit shapes of ‘diffusively’ growing Young diagrams satisfying the same constraint and evolving through the addition and removal of cells that proceed with equal rates.
High-dimensional linear regression via implicit regularization
Authors: Zhao Peng , Yang Yun , He Qiao-Chu
Published: February 2022

Many statistical estimators for high-dimensional linear regression are $M$-estimators, formed through minimizing a data-dependent square loss function plus a regularizer. This work considers a new class of estimators implicitly defined through a discretized gradient dynamic system under overparameterization. We show that, under suitable restricted isometry conditions, overparameterization leads to implicit regularization: if we directly apply gradient descent to the residual sum of squares with sufficiently small initial values then, under some proper early stopping rule, the iterates converge to a nearly sparse rate-optimal solution that improves over explicitly regularized approaches. In particular, the resulting estimator does not suffer from extra bias due to explicit penalties, and can achieve the parametric root-$n$ rate when the signal-to-noise ratio is sufficiently high. We also perform simulations to compare our methods with high-dimensional linear regression with explicit regularization. Our results illustrate the advantages of using implicit regularization via gradient descent after overparameterization in sparse vector estimation.
Responses of Coastal Ecosystems to Climate Change: Insights from Long-Term Ecological Research
Authors: Reed Daniel C , Schmitt Russell J , Burd Adrian B , Burkepile Deron E , Kominoski John S , McGlathery Karen J , Miller Robert J , Morris James T , Zinnert Julie C
Published: February 2022

abstract

Coastal ecosystems play a disproportionately large role in society, and climate change is altering their ecological structure and function, as well as their highly valued goods and services. In the present article, we review the results from decade-scale research on coastal ecosystems shaped by foundation species (e.g., coral reefs, kelp forests, coastal marshes, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, barrier islands) to show how climate change is altering their ecological attributes and services. We demonstrate the value of site-based, long-term studies for quantifying the resilience of coastal systems to climate forcing, identifying thresholds that cause shifts in ecological state, and investigating the capacity of coastal ecosystems to adapt to climate change and the biological mechanisms that underlie it. We draw extensively from research conducted at coastal ecosystems studied by the US Long Term Ecological Research Network, where long-term, spatially extensive observational data are coupled with shorter-term mechanistic studies to understand the ecological consequences of climate change.
Unintended Consequences? The Effects of Neighbourhood Walkability on Crime in Nine US Cities
Authors: Wo James C , Kim Young-An
Published: February 2022

The criminological literature suggests that neighbourhood walkability might produce unintended consequences, namely that walkability is associated with higher crime rates because it affords potential offenders an abundance of weakly guarded targets. To address this proposition, we investigate linear and nonlinear effects of walkability using a sample of block groups located across nine US cities. Results from our negative binomial regression models show that an index of walkability is associated with higher crime rates and that these effects are robust across cities. We also estimate crime models that test the main effects of the four indicators which comprise the walkability index, because of the recognition that certain dimensions of walkability might have a greater impact on crime.
Template Attack Assisted Linear Cryptanalysis on Outer Rounds Protected DES Implementations
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Yang Wei
Published: February 2022

In practice, when the security of a block cipher implementation is considered, the leakages related to the outer rounds encryptions can be used by side channel attacks (SCA) to recover the secret key. Therefore, the outer rounds of block cipher implementations should be protected. However, in order to lower the implementation price, the inner rounds of block cipher implementations may be unprotected. In light of this, the security of an outer rounds protected DES implementation is considered. In detail, template attack (TA), which is information theoretically the strongest SCA style, can be used to obtain the inner round output. Then, linear cryptanalysis (LC) can be used to recover the secret key. Finally, the optimal key enumeration algorithm can be used to optimize the efficiency of TA assisted LC. We evaluate the efficiency of TA assisted LC in simulated scenarios where a three outer rounds protected DES implementation is targeted. The evaluation results show that when 800 correct samples are available and the number of key enumeration is $2^{10}$, the efficiency of TA assisted LC can reach 83% of success rate. Overall, an efficient combination attack style that can be used to accurately evaluate the security of an outer rounds protected DES implementation is proposed.
The Clinical Significance of Eosinophils in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mookhoek Aart , Haasnoot Maria L , Bredenoord Albert J , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul , Pai Rish K
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is characterised by an unpredictable disease course and variable response to therapy. Recent studies suggest a role for eosinophils in both pathogenesis and predicting treatment response. The goal of this study was to determine the association between eosinophils and clinical outcomes in UC.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature from database inception to May 2021 was performed to identify all studies evaluating the relationship between eosinophils and/or eosinophil-derived proteins [EDPs] and clinical outcomes, such as disease activity, clinical relapse, severity of disease, and response to treatment.

Results

A total of 55 studies were identified. Of these, 34 studies evaluated the relationship between eosinophils in colonic tissue and outcomes and 15 in blood. Eighteen studies assessed the relationship between EDPs and outcomes. In 25 of 34 studies, a positive correlation between eosinophils and/or EDPs and disease activity was reported, three studies found a negative correlation, and nine studies found no correlation. Positive correlations between eosinophils and clinical relapse were shown in four of nine studies, and with disease outcome severity in five of seven studies. Four of 15 studies showed that subjects with higher eosinophil levels had a poor response to treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that higher eosinophil levels may be associated with increased disease activity and poorer clinical outcomes and response to therapy. Future studies are needed to determine whether a distinct eosinophil-rich UC phenotype exists and whether eosinophil-targeted therapy can alter the disease course.
Applications of solar PV tree systems with different design aspects and performance assessment
Authors: Cuce Pinar Mert , Saxena Abhishek , Cuce Erdem , Riffat Saffa
Published: February 2022

Solar energy is deemed as the most abundant, reliable, eco-friendly and totally free resource of energy. There is a wide range of techniques to harness solar energy for different purposes. Among all the available methods, direct conversion of sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) phenomenon is the most mature and popular process. Progress of PV technology in market is perspicuous; however, it has still some drawbacks such as notable land requirement in cities, energy conversion efficiencies that already reached the theoretical limits and social acceptance issues due to aesthetic details. To overcome the aforesaid challenges, solar PV tree concept has been recently developed, and the simplicity, compact structure and elegance of this novel technology have been in the focus of researchers. Within the scope of this review, the concept of solar PV tree has been extensively investigated in terms of various design aspects and potential applications. Current performance characteristics of solar PV tree systems and power management strategies in real applications have been discussed. Challenges involved with the solar PV tree technology have also been addressed as well as suggestions on the direction of further works.
Temporal logic for social networks
Authors: Machado Vitor , Benevides Mario
Published: February 2022

This paper introduces a logic with a class of social network models that is based on standard Linear Temporal Logic, which allows for leveraging the power of existing model checkers for the analysis of social networks. We provide a short literature overview, and then define our logic and its axiomatization, present some simple motivational examples of both models and formulas and show its soundness and completeness via a translation into propositional formulas. Lastly, we discuss model checking, time complexity analysis and a Susceptible–Infectious–Recovered model variation for infectious diseases.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 attenuates chronic kidney disease progression in a 5/6 nephrectomy mouse model through the excretion of anti-inflammatory molecules
Authors: Tungsanga Somkanya , Katavetin Pisut , Panpetch Wimonrat , Udompornpitak Kanyarat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Tungsanga Kriang , Tumwasorn Somying , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: February 2022

Background

Although pathogenic gut microbiota causes gut leakage, increases translocation of uremic toxins into circulation and accelerates CKD progression, the local strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 might attenuate gut leakage. We explored the effects of L34 on kidney fibrosis and levels of gut-derived uremic toxins (GDUTs) in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) mice.

Methods

At 6 weeks post-5/6Nx in mice, either L34 (1 × 106 CFU) or phosphate buffer solution (as 5/6Nx control) was fed daily for 14 weeks. In vitro, the effects of L34-conditioned media with or without indoxyl sulfate (a representative GDUT) on inflammation and cell integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance; TEER) were assessed in Caco-2 (enterocytes). In parallel, the effects on proinflammatory cytokines and collagen expression were assessed in HK2 proximal tubular cells.

Results

At 20 weeks post-5/6Nx, L34-treated mice showed significantly fewer renal injuries, as evaluated by (i) kidney fibrosis area (P < 0.01) with lower serum creatinine and proteinuria, (ii) GDUT including trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) (P = 0.02) and indoxyl sulfate (P < 0.01) and (iii) endotoxin (P = 0.03) and serum TNF-α (P = 0.01) than 5/6Nx controls. Fecal microbiome analysis revealed an increased proportion of Bacteroidetes in 5/6Nx controls. After incubation with indoxyl sulfate, Caco-2 enterocytes had higher interleukin-8 and nuclear factor κB expression and lower TEER values, and HK2 cells demonstrated higher gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and collagen (types III and IV). These indoxyl sulfate–activated parameters were attenuated with L34-conditioned media, indicating the protective role of L34 in enterocyte integrity and renal fibrogenesis.

Conclusion

L34 attenuated uremia-induced systemic inflammation by reducing GDUTs and gut leakage that provided renoprotective effects in CKD.
Taxonomic and functional coherence of active and dormant zooplankton communities between perennial and temporary aquatic environments
Authors: de Lima Sorana Karenina AntÔnia Francisquini , Setubal Rayanne Barros , Vargas Anderson , Farias Daniel da Silva , Sodré Elder de Oliveira , Nova Clarice Casa , Bozelli Reinaldo Luiz
Published: February 2022

We characterized the functional and taxonomic composition of the active and dormant communities from perennial lagoons and temporary ponds in a coastal plain. We sought to determine the degree of coherence between the egg bank and the active community within the same type of environment (temporary or perennial) and between environments subject to different hydrological cycles. We sampled the zooplankton community and environmental variables in six temporary ponds and five perennial lagoons in the dry and the wet periods of the hydrological cycle. Temporary ponds and perennial lagoons differed in abiotic conditions, with higher values of dissolved carbon in temporary ponds and higher values of salinity in perennial lagoons. The taxonomic coherence between active and dormant communities in temporary environments was greater than in perennial environments. In functional terms, we observed a high coherence between active and dormant communities for both types of environments. Our results highlight the need to conserve both temporary and perennial environments to assure the maintenance of zooplankton diversity. Although these environments are subject to the same set of climatic variables and pool of species, their idiosyncrasies are important forces promoting and sustaining biological diversity.
Identification and Characterization of Sclerotium delphinii Causing Southern Blight on Aconitum kusnezoffii in Northeast China
Authors: Chen Jipeng , Cong Liyuan , Zhou Rujun , Li Zibo , Piao Jingzi , Hao Ning
Published: February 2022

Aconitum kusnezoffii is a perennial medicinal plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is distributed mainly in Northeast and North China. In July 2018, a typical southern blight disease of A. kusnezoffii was observed in commercial fields of Qingyuan County, Fushun City, Liaoning Province, China. The fungus mainly infected stem base and tuberous roots of the plant by wrapping the hyphae and absorbing nutrition, resulting in tuberous root wilted or whole plant death. Morphological characteristics of colony and sclerotia of three representative strains isolated from the diseased plants differed from those of Sclerotium rolfsii isolated from A. carmichaelii. Sclerotia were large (0.8 to 5.1 mm), reddish-brown, and irregular and had pitted surfaces, and the hyphae were white, compact, or fluffy, with a growth rate ranging from 8.0 to 10.1 mm/day. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer and the large subunit sequences of Akln6, Akln9, and Akln15 showed that three strains isolated from A. kusnezoffii formed a unique and well-supported clade that groups with the reference isolates of S. delphinii. Based on phylogenetic analysis and cultural and morphological characteristics, the three isolates of A. kusnezoffii were identified as S. delphinii. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth of the three tested isolates was 30°C, and sclerotia formed and matured more easily at 20°C. Light promoted the growth of mycelial, whereas dark was beneficial to the formation and maturation of sclerotia. The pathogenicity of S. delphinii showed stronger than S. rolfsii at low temperature (20°C). This is the first report of S. delphinii causing southern blight on A. kusnezoffii in China, and this finding provides a basis for disease-accurate diagnosis and the development of effective management strategies.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Phytophthora infestans Isolates Associated with Tomato and Potato Crops in Colombia
Authors: Olave-Achury Andrea , Cardenas Dixon , Restrepo Silvia , Lucca Florencia , Fry William E. , Myers Kevin L. , Danies Giovanna , Soto-Suarez Mauricio
Published: February 2022

Late blight disease, caused by the plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is one of the major threats for tomato and potato crops. Monitoring the populations of P. infestans is important to determine if there are changes in the sensitivity to fungicides and host preference. In this study, microsatellite markers and mitochondrial haplotypes were used to assess the genotype of isolates of P. infestans collected from tomato and potato plants in Colombia. Furthermore, sensitivity to the three fungicides cymoxanil (penetrant fungicide), mefenoxam, and fluopicolide (systemic fungicides), and tomato–potato host preference, were evaluated. Mitochondrial haplotyping showed that isolates collected on tomato were from the genetic groups Ia and Ib, while isolates collected on potatoes belonged to group IIa. Microsatellite analyses showed that isolates from tomato form two groups, including the Ib mitochondrial haplotype (which is genetically close to the US-1 clonal lineage) and the Ia haplotype (related to the EC-3 lineage), whereas Colombian isolates from potato formed a separate group. Furthermore, differences in sensitivity to fungicides were observed. Eighty-one percent of the isolates tested were resistant to mefenoxam with an EC50 >10 μg ml−1. Forty-two percent of the isolates showed an intermediate resistance to cymoxanil. The EC50 values ranged between 1 and 10 μg ml−1. For fluopicolide, 90% of the isolates were sensitive, with EC50 <1 μg ml−1. Host preference assays showed that potato isolates infected both host species. Thus, isolates that infect potatoes may pose a risk for tomato crops nearby.
Phytophthora capsici Populations Are Structured by Host, Geography, and Fluopicolide Sensitivity
Authors: Parada-Rojas Camilo H. , Quesada-Ocampo Lina M.
Published: February 2022

Phytophthora capsici epidemics are propelled by warm temperatures and wet conditions. With temperatures and inland flooding in many locations worldwide expected to rise as a result of global climate change, understanding of population structure can help to inform management of P. capsici in the field and prevent devastating epidemics. Thus, we investigated the effect of host crop, geographical origin, fungicide sensitivity, and mating type on shaping the population structure of P. capsici in the eastern United States. Our fungicide in vitro assays identified the emergence of insensitive isolates for fluopicolide and mefenoxam. A set of 12 microsatellite markers proved informative to assign 157 P. capsici isolates to five distinct genetic clusters. Implementation of Bayesian structure, population differentiation, genetic diversity statistics, and index of association analysis, allowed us to identify population structure by host with some correspondence with genetic clusters for cucumber and squash isolates. We found weak population structure by state for geographically close isolates. In this study, we discovered that North Carolina populations stratify by fluopicolide sensitivity with insensitive isolates experiencing nonrandom mating. Our findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of local field populations, improved selection of relevant isolates for breeding efforts, and hypervigilant surveillance of resistance to different fungicides.
PAs' skills in providing vision and ocular care
Authors: Lee Benjamin , McCall Timothy C. , Smith Noël E. , Srikumaran Divya
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To evaluate characteristics, training, and self-reported skills and abilities in vision and ocular care among PAs not specializing in ophthalmology.

Methods:

A survey on PA practice was administered to 5,763 randomly selected US-based PAs, and 537 respondents who completed the survey were invited to complete a separate vision and ocular care survey. Of those respondents, 382 completed the vision and ocular care survey.

Results:

Among respondents, 23% of PAs were involved in eyecare by providing patient information, answering questions, and initiating discussions about vision care and ocular health more than once per month. More than 77% received vision and ocular care training in and/or outside PA training. PAs involved in eyecare had significantly greater odds of reporting higher desired and current skill and ability levels compared with PAs not involved in eyecare, in six of eight vision and ocular care domains.

Conclusions:

PAs who do not practice in ophthalmology provide vision and ocular care but have varying amounts of training and desire higher skill and ability levels. Ophthalmologists and PA institutions may develop vision and ocular care training for PA schools and continuing medical education.
Barriers to cervical cancer screening among immigrants
Authors: Strelow Brittany , O'Laughlin Danielle
Published: February 2022

For women ages 21 to 65 years who have not had a hysterectomy, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends cervical cancer screening with cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years or a combination of cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every 5 years. However, foreign-born women were less likely to have received a Pap smear compared with US-born women. This article reviews barriers to cervical cancer screening for foreign-born women.
Craving of prescription opioids among veterans with chronic pain
Authors: Toor Tiffany , Murphy Emily , Simmons Alan N. , Palyo Sarah , Librodo Sara C. , Strigo Irina A.
Published: February 2022

The United States faces a crisis because of the high prevalence of chronic pain, concurrent opioid use disorder, and overdose deaths. Prescription opioids remain a primary driver of opioid-related deaths. Craving is a core symptom of addiction, yet the degree to which craving plays a role in prescription opioid use among patients with chronic pain is unknown. Understanding the degree to which craving should be considered in patients with chronic pain is critical for developing effective interventions for supporting patients through opioid tapering. The current work combines data collected from (1) 2152 veterans screened for eligibility at a pain specialty care clinic at the San Francisco VA Health Care System and (2) medical records obtained from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. We found that prescription opioid craving among veterans with chronic pain was low, with 66.4% of the sample reporting no craving and 33.6% reporting craving. We also found that craving had a small association with morphine equivalent daily dose and pain severity but was more strongly associated with depression. Craving of prescription opioids among veterans with chronic pain is complex. Findings are discussed in relation to chronic pain symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, and demographics.
Job stress and chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional analysis from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health Musculoskeletal
Authors: Ruela Guilherme de Andrade , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Griep Rosane Harter , Benseñor Isabela M. , Telles Rosa Weiss , Camelo Lidyane V.
Published: February 2022

Musculoskeletal pain is a global health concern, and work-related psychosocial stress might be a potential contributing factor. This cross-sectional study investigates whether job stress is associated with chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain in 2051 Brazilian active civil servants included in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health Musculoskeletal (ELSA-Brasil MSK). Job stress was assessed using the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. Associations between ERI domains, categorized into tertiles, and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) at any site and per number of affected sites (0, 1-2, ≥3—multisite pain) and body regions (0, 1-2, 3—generalized pain), were investigated using binary and multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, occupational, and health covariates. The prevalence of CMP at any site, multisites, and generalized regions was 52.9%, 18.2%, and 9.5%, respectively. After adjustments, the lower the reward and the greater the overcommitment, the higher the odds of CMP at any site. The ERI domains were more strongly associated with multisite and generalized CMP than with CMP at any site. Multisite CMP was associated with lower reward and with greater effort, overcommitment, and effort–reward imbalance ratio. Chronic musculoskeletal pain according to body regions, especially generalized pain, was also associated with ERI domains effort (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.33-3.21), overcommitment (OR = 3.44; 95%CI = 2.20-5.39), and effort–reward imbalance ratio (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.30-3.27). Results reveal an association between job stress not only with CMP at any site but notably with the pain spread to other body sites or regions. Our findings suggest that lowering stress at work and discouraging overcommitment may help reduce the CMP burden, including reduction of CMP spread from one site or region of the body to another.
Bidirectional associations between body mass and bodily pain among middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Emery Charles F. , Finkel Deborah , Dahl Aslan Anna K.
Published: February 2022

Higher body mass and obesity are associated with bodily pain, and rates of chronic pain increase among older adults. Most past studies are cross-sectional, precluding determination of the temporal relationship between body mass and pain. A longitudinal study of body mass and pain among middle-aged adults found that higher body mass index (BMI) led to greater lower back pain. No longitudinal study of BMI and pain has been conducted among adults older than 70 years. This study used dual change score models to determine the directional relationship between BMI and bodily pain in a sample of middle-aged and older adults. Participants (n = 1889) from the Swedish Twin Registry (baseline age range 40-93 years) completed at least 1 nurse assessment of BMI and self-report ratings of pain interference and joint pain. Pain interference was not associated with BMI, but joint pain was analyzed in univariate and bivariate models, with dual change score models modeling the relationship of BMI and joint pain across age, both independently and as part of bivariate relationships. The results indicated a reciprocal relationship between BMI and joint pain, but joint pain generally led to changes in BMI. In addition, the relationship changed with age, until approximately age 80 years, increasing joint pain contributed to higher BMI, but after that time increasing joint pain contributed to lower BMI. In addition, sex differences in the relationship between BMI and pain appeared after age 70 years. Thus, joint pain contributes to changes in BMI among middle-aged and older adults, but the relationship may change by age and sex.
Internet-delivered cognitive and behavioural based interventions for adults with chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gandy Milena , Pang Sharon T.Y. , Scott Amelia J. , Heriseanu Andreea I. , Bisby Madelyne A. , Dudeney Joanne , Karin Eyal , Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F.
Published: February 2022

This study examined the efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive and behavioural interventions for adults with chronic pain AND explored the role of clinical and study characteristics as moderators of treatment effects. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched to identify randomized controlled trials published up to October 2021. A meta-analysis of 36 studies (5778 participants) was conducted, which found small effect sizes for interference/disability (Hedges' g = 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.35), depression (g = 0.43; 95% CI 0.33-0.54), anxiety (g = 0.32; 95% CI 0.24-0.40), pain intensity (g = 0.27; 95% CI 0.21-0.33), self-efficacy (g = 0.39; 95% CI 0.27-0.52) and pain catastrophizing (g = 0.31; 95% CI 0.22-0.39). Moderator analyses found that interventions which involved clinician guidance had significantly greater effect sizes for interference/disability (g = 0.38), anxiety (g = 0.39), and pain intensity (g = 0.33) compared with those without (g = 0.16, g = 0.18, and g = 0.20, respectively). Studies using an inactive control had greater effects for depression (g = 0.46) compared with active control trials (g = 0.22). No differences were found between treatments based on traditional cognitive behaviour therapy vs acceptance and commitment therapy. Sample size, study year, and overall risk of bias (Cochrane rating) did not consistently moderate treatment effects. Overall, the results support the use of internet-delivered cognitive and behavioural interventions as efficacious and suggest guided interventions are associated with greater clinical gains for several key pain management outcomes.
Serological biomarkers of COVID-19 severity at hospital admission are not related to long-term post-COVID pain symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Ryan-Murua Pablo , de-la-Llave-Rincón Ana I. , Gómez-Mayordomo Víctor , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Torres-Macho Juan
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the association between serological biomarkers at hospital admission with the development of long-term post-COVID pain symptoms in previously hospitalized coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. A cohort study including patients hospitalised because of COVID-19 in 1 urban hospital of Madrid (Spain) during the first wave of the outbreak was conducted. Hospitalisation data, clinical data, and 11 serological biomarkers were collected at hospital admission. Participants were scheduled for an individual telephone interview after hospital discharge for collecting data about post-COVID pain symptoms. A total of 412 patients (mean age: 62, SD: 15 years; 46.1% women) were assessed twice, at a mean of 6.8 and 13.2 months after discharge. The prevalence of post-COVID pain symptoms was 42.7% (n = 176) and 36.2% (n = 149) at 6.8 and 13.2 months after hospital discharge. Patients reporting post-COVID pain exhibited a greater number of COVID-19–associated symptoms at hospital admission, more medical comorbidities, higher lymphocyte count, and lower glucose and creatine kinase levels (all, P < 0.01) than those not reporting post-COVID pain. The multivariate analysis revealed that lower creatine kinase and glucose levels were significantly associated, but just explaining 6.9% of the variance of experiencing post-COVID pain. In conclusion, the association between serological biomarkers associated with COVID-19 severity at hospital admission and the development of post-COVID pain is small. Other factors, eg, higher number of COVID-19 onset symptoms (higher symptom load) could be more relevant for the development of post-COVID pain. Because inflammatory biomarkers were not directly analyzed, they may have stronger predictive strengths for the development of post-COVID pain symptoms.
Nonoffending Caregiver Support After Child Sexual Abuse: Essentials for the Forensic Nurse
Authors: Hornor Gail
Published: February 2022

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pediatric health problem of epidemic proportions. CSA can result in significant lifelong physical and mental health consequences. A disclosure of CSA affects not only the child but also everyone close to the child. Nonoffending caregiver support after a disclosure of CSA is key to optimal victim functioning. Forensic nurses play an integral role in the care of CSA victims and are uniquely positioned to ensure best outcomes for both child victims and their nonoffending caregivers. In this article the concept of nonoffending caregiver support is explored, and = implications for forensic nursing practice delineated.
Access to Reproductive Healthcare for Persons Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence
Authors: International Association of Forensic Nurses
Published: February 2022

Pregnancy resulting from abuse is a public health concern that millions of persons will experience in their lifetimes. Access to professional and safe reproductive healthcare, including sex education, contraception, and abortion, is essential to protecting the rights of persons to control their reproductive health. Currently, access to safe and timely reproductive healthcare is at particular peril. Affirming a patient's right to choose or, advocating autonomy in healthcare decisions is a key component of trauma-informed care. It is the position of the International Association of Forensic Nurses that access to, and autonomy in decision making about reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal contraception and abortion, is a basic human right.
Psychosocial Working Conditions and Subsequent Sickness Absence—Effects of Pain and Common Mental Disorders in a Population-Based Swedish Twin Sample
Authors: Ropponen Annina , Wang Mo , Farrants Kristin , Narusyte Jurgita , Svedberg Pia
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate pain and/or common mental disorders (CMDs) in the associations between psychosocial working conditions and sickness absence (SA) while controlling familial confounding.

Methods

Prospective Prospective twin cohort study included survey data for pain and CMD, register data for SA and psychosocial working conditions. The follow-up from 2005 to 2016 of 28,916 twin individuals for first incident SA spell measured as the main International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10) diagnosis groups (F00-F99, I00-I99, and M00-M99), or the duration. We used regression models to obtain odds ratio (OR), incidence rate ratio (IRR), or relative risk ratio (RRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The covariate adjusted models of 9156 SA spells indicated almost no statistically significant associations between psychosocial working conditions and SA.

Conclusions

Psychosocial working conditions were not associated with SA while familial confounding could not be ruled out.