bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provocative euphemism in pornographic film titles
Authors: Crespo-Fernández Eliecer
Published: February 2023

Following a critical discourse-analytic approach, this study explores the role of euphemistic language in a corpus of titles of pornographic films designed for heterosexual male consumption that were nominated and awarded in the different categories of the AVN (Adult Video News) Awards, also known as “Oscars of Porn”, from 2015 to 2020. The analysis demonstrates that provocative euphemism contributes to the discursive representation of gender and sexual stereotypes that fall under a dominant heteronormative discourse in which female characters are represented both as victims of male dominance and as perverted, sex-crazed animals. This study also reveals that in the context of male supremacy that straight pornography seems to exalt, the sexist and misogynistic connotations that euphemistic references carry are used with a strategic purpose intended to attract the interest of pornography consumers, stimulate their curiosity, and ultimately make them buy, rent or stream the film.
How to do gender with names
Authors: Lind Miriam
Published: February 2023

Most trans people change their name in accordance to their gender in the process of transitioning. The decision for a new name can take place at any stage during an individual’s exploration of their identity, typically coming into use when the individual comes out to others and asks to be addressed with this new name. Whether or not this new name is accepted and adopted by others is not only a matter of time, but correlates to the acceptance of the “new” gender and thus of a person’s right to change their name.

This article offers an analysis of trans name change announcements as performative speech acts and analyses the reactions to this name change, i.e. the acceptance or refusal of this new name, in relation to the speech act’s felicity conditions.
Worrying about your future
Authors: Li Heng
Published: February 2023

According to the Temporal Focus Hypothesis, people’s sagittal mental space-time mappings are conditioned by their temporal-focus attention. Based on this, it can be predicted that, by virtue of their future-oriented thinking, individuals with high anxiety should be more likely to think about time according to the future-in-front mapping than those with low anxiety. Utilizing a combined correlational and experimental approach, we found converging evidence for this prediction. Studies 1 and 2 found that individuals higher in dispositional anxiety and state anxiety, who characteristically worry about the future, were more likely to conceptualize the future as in front of them and the past as behind than individuals lower in dispositional anxiety and state anxiety. Study 3 showed that participants who were induced with anxiety mood tended to map the future on a frontal position, compared to those in the baseline condition. These findings shed further light on the Temporal Focus Hypothesis, thus providing the first experimental evidence that emotional experience can influence people’s temporal-focus attention in determining their metaphorical sagittal orientation of time.
Modular vs. diagrammatic reasoning
Authors: Bobrova Angelina , Pietarinen Ahti-Veikko
Published: February 2023

Mercier and Sperber (MS) have ventured to undermine an age-old assumption in logic, namely the presence of
premise-conclusion structures, in favor of two novel claims: that reasoning is an evolutionary product of a reason-intuiting
module in the mind, and that theories of logic teach next to nothing about the mechanisms of how inferences are drawn in that
module. The present paper begs to differ: logic is indispensable in formulating conceptions of cognitive elements of reasoning,
and MS is no less exempt from taking notice of premise-conclusion structures than the commonplace theories of reasoning are. Our
counterclaim is realized in terms of diagrammatic reasoning dating back to Charles Peirce’s pragmaticism. The upshot is that
pragmatist logic restores the premise-conclusion structures in argumentation, supplants reason-intuition module with logical
content, and validates good reasoning as an indispensable resource evident to all rational minds that claim ownership of reason
and understanding.
Allosteric regulation of exocyst: Discrete activation of tethering by two spatial signals
Authors: Miller Brittany K. , Rossi Guendalina , Hudson Sara , Cully David , Baker Richard W. , Brennwald Patrick
Published: February 2023

The exocyst imparts spatial control during exocytic vesicle tethering through its interactions with proteins and lipids on the vesicle and the plasma membrane. One such interaction is with the vesicle tether Sro7, although the outcome of this interaction is poorly understood. Here, we describe how Sro7 binding to the Exo84 subunit results in activation of the exocyst complex which leads to an increase in avidity for the Rab GTPase Sec4 and an increase in exocyst-mediated vesicle tethering. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in Exo84 that mimic Sro7 activation replicate these biochemical changes and result in allosteric changes within the complex. Direct comparison of GOF mutants which mimic Sro7- and Rho/Cdc42-activation of the exocyst reveals distinct mechanisms and outcomes. We propose a model by which these two activation pathways reside within the same tethering complex but remain insulated from one another. Structural modeling suggests a related mechanism for Sro7 activation of the exocyst in yeast and Ral GTPase activation of the exocyst in animal cells.
Evolutionary tuning of barbed end competition allows simultaneous construction of architecturally distinct actin structures
Authors: Wirshing Alison C.E. , Rodriguez Sofia Gonzalez , Goode Bruce L.
Published: February 2023

How cells simultaneously assemble actin structures of distinct sizes, shapes, and filamentous architectures is still not well understood. Here, we used budding yeast as a model to investigate how competition for the barbed ends of actin filaments might influence this process. We found that while vertebrate capping protein (CapZ) and formins can simultaneously associate with barbed ends and catalyze each other’s displacement, yeast capping protein (Cap1/2) poorly displaces both yeast and vertebrate formins. Consistent with these biochemical differences, in vivo formin-mediated actin cable assembly was strongly attenuated by the overexpression of CapZ but not Cap1/2. Multiwavelength live cell imaging further revealed that actin patches in cap2∆ cells acquire cable-like features over time, including recruitment of formins and tropomyosin. Together, our results suggest that the activities of S. cerevisiae Cap1/2 have been tuned across evolution to allow robust cable assembly by formins in the presence of high cytosolic levels of Cap1/2, which conversely limit patch growth and shield patches from formins.
Proton FLASH effects on mouse skin at different oxygen tensions
Authors: Zhang Qixian , Gerweck Leo E , Cascio Ethan , Yang Qingyuan , Huang Peigen , Niemierko Andrzej , Bertolet Alejandro , Nesteruk Konrad Pawel , McNamara Aimee , Schuemann Jan
Published: February 2023

Objective. Irradiation at FLASH dose rates (>40 Gy s−1) has received great attention due to its reported normal tissue sparing effect. The FLASH effect was originally observed in electron irradiations but has since been shown to also occur with both photon and proton beams. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tissue sparing at high dose rates, including effects involving oxygen, such as depletion of oxygen within the irradiated cells. In this study, we investigated the protective role of FLASH proton irradiation on the skin when varying the oxygen concentration. Approach. Our double scattering proton system provided a 1.2 × 1.6 cm2 elliptical field at a dose rate of ∼130 Gy s−1. The conventional dose rate was ∼0.4 Gy s−1. The legs of the FVB/N mice were marked with two tattooed dots and fixed in a holder for exposure. To alter the skin oxygen concentration, the mice were breathing pure oxygen or had their legs tied to restrict blood flow. The distance between the two dots was measured to analyze skin contraction over time. Main results. FLASH irradiation mitigated skin contraction by 15% compared to conventional dose rate irradiation. The epidermis thickness and collagen deposition at 75 d following 25 to 30 Gy exposure suggested a long-term protective function in the skin from FLASH irradiation. Providing the mice with oxygen or reducing the skin oxygen concentration removed the dose-rate-dependent difference in response. Significance. FLASH proton irradiation decreased skin contraction, epidermis thickness and collagen deposition compared to standard dose rate irradiations. The observed oxygen-dependence of the FLASH effect is consistent with, but not conclusive of, fast oxygen depletion during the exposure.
Real-time liver tumor localization via combined surface imaging and a single x-ray projection
Authors: Shao Hua-Chieh , Li Yunxiang , Wang Jing , Jiang Steve , Zhang You
Published: February 2023

Objective. Real-time imaging, a building block of real-time adaptive radiotherapy, provides instantaneous knowledge of anatomical motion to drive delivery adaptation to improve patient safety and treatment efficacy. The temporal constraint of real-time imaging (<500 milliseconds) significantly limits the imaging signals that can be acquired, rendering volumetric imaging and 3D tumor localization extremely challenging. Real-time liver imaging is particularly difficult, compounded by the low soft tissue contrast within the liver. We proposed a deep learning (DL)-based framework (Surf-X-Bio), to track 3D liver tumor motion in real-time from combined optical surface image and a single on-board x-ray projection. Approach. Surf-X-Bio performs mesh-based deformable registration to track/localize liver tumors volumetrically via three steps. First, a DL model was built to estimate liver boundary motion from an optical surface image, using learnt motion correlations between the respiratory-induced external body surface and liver boundary. Second, the residual liver boundary motion estimation error was further corrected by a graph neural network-based DL model, using information extracted from a single x-ray projection. Finally, a biomechanical modeling-driven DL model was applied to solve the intra-liver motion for tumor localization, using the liver boundary motion derived via prior steps. Main results. Surf-X-Bio demonstrated higher accuracy and better robustness in tumor localization, as compared to surface-image-only and x-ray-only models. By Surf-X-Bio, the mean (±s.d.) 95-percentile Hausdorff distance of the liver boundary from the ‘ground-truth’ decreased from 9.8 (±4.5) (before motion estimation) to 2.4 (±1.6) mm. The mean (±s.d.) center-of-mass localization error of the liver tumors decreased from 8.3 (±4.8) to 1.9 (±1.6) mm. Significance. Surf-X-Bio can accurately track liver tumors from combined surface imaging and x-ray imaging. The fast computational speed (<250 milliseconds per inference) allows it to be applied clinically for real-time motion management and adaptive radiotherapy.
An iterative convex relaxation method for proton LET optimization
Authors: Li Wangyao , Lin Yuting , Li Harold , Rotondo Ronny , Gao Hao
Published: February 2023

Objective: A constant relative biological effectiveness of 1.1 in current clinical practice of proton radiotherapy (RT) is a crude approximation and may severely underestimate the biological dose from proton RT to normal tissues, especially near the treatment target at the end of Bragg peaks that exhibits high linear energy transfer (LET). LET optimization can account for biological effectiveness of protons during treatment planning, for minimizing biological proton dose and hot spots to normal tissues. However, the LET optimization is usually nonlinear and nonconvex to solve, for which this work will develop an effective optimization method based on iterative convex relaxation (ICR). Approach: In contrast to the generic nonlinear optimization method, such as Quasi-Newton (QN) method, that does not account for specific characteristics of LET optimization, ICR is tailored to LET modeling and optimization in order to effectively and efficiently solve the LET problem. Specifically, nonlinear dose-averaged LET term is iteratively linearized and becomes convex during ICR, while nonconvex dose-volume constraint and minimum-monitor-unit constraint are also handled by ICR, so that the solution for LET optimization is obtained by solving a sequence of convex and linearized convex subproblems. Since the high LET mostly occurs near the target, a 1 cm normal-tissue expansion of clinical target volume (CTV) (excluding CTV), i.e. CTV1cm, is defined to as an auxiliary structure during treatment planning, where LET is minimized. Main results: ICR was validated in comparison with QN for abdomen, lung, and head-and-neck cases. ICR was effective for LET optimization, as ICR substantially reduced the LET and biological dose in CTV1cm the ring, with preserved dose conformality to CTV. Compared to QN, ICR had smaller LET, physical and biological dose in CTV1cm, and higher conformity index values; ICR was also computationally more efficient, which was about 3 times faster than QN. Significance: A LET-specific optimization method based on ICR has been developed for solving proton LET optimization, which has been shown to be more computationally efficient than generic nonlinear optimizer via QN, with better plan quality in terms of LET, biological and physical dose conformality.
Buckling behavior of fiber reinforced Innegra sandwich beams incorporating carbon nanofiber
Authors: Hosseini Rezvan , Tooski Mehdi Yarmohammad , Khorshidvand Ahmad Reza , Khorsandijou Seyed Mehdi
Published: February 2023

This study examined the effect of carbon nanofiber (CNF) on the buckling behavior of sandwich beams under axial compressive load. Three different configurations of sandwich beams consisting of composite skins with different arrangement of layers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam core were considered. Each composite skin is made of four layers reinforced with different materials consisting of Innegra, carbon and Innegra/carbon (hybrid) and epoxy resin modified by CNF. Because of the difference in the thickness of the samples, the specific critical load parameter (the ratio of the critical buckling load to the thickness of the structure) was used to compare the buckling behavior of sandwich beams. The experimental test results indicated that carbon fiber as a stiffening interface in hybrid samples improved the specific critical load compared to Innegra samples. Also, the addition of 0.3 wt%-CNF increases the specific critical load, while the further increase of CNF led to the decrease of the specific critical loads, which is the main cause of weak interfacial stress between CNF and epoxy resin. In addition, the effect of different percentages of CNF and types of fibers on the increase in toughness and damage mechanisms were investigated.
Hybridized GWO-RUN optimized fractional order control for permanent magnet brush-less dc motor
Authors: Kumari Sweety , Kumar Ramesh
Published: February 2023

The permanent magnet brush-less dc motor is a nonlinear, multivariable structure and magnetic coupled system wherein the load disturbances and the parameter uncertainties adversely affect the dynamic performance. From this, it required that the designed controller for the system must deal with the complexities. The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel fractional order proportional-integral controller for permanent magnet brush-less dc motor dealing with set parameter tracking problem. In this paper, in order to find the needed optimal gain parameters combination of metaheuristic and numerical optimization algorithm called Grey Wolf-Runge–Kutta algorithm is proposed. The efficacy of the proposed technique is demonstrated by comparing it with existing optimization technique viz. particle swarm, grey wolf, and Runge–Kutta algorithm. Furthermore, the stability and robustness analysis for the proposed controller is also studied for different operating conditions such as set speed variations, load disturbances and parameter variations. The simulation is performed using MATLAB toolbox. From the simulation results it is evident that FOPI controller optimized with novel hybrid algorithm guarantee the best set speed tracking and also capable to ameliorate the system robustness for parameter variations as well as external load disturbances.
Supplementing recurrent neural networks with annealing to solve combinatorial optimization problems
Authors: Ahsan Khandoker Shoummo , Munshad Abedin Jawaril , Hibat-Allah Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Combinatorial optimization problems can be solved by heuristic algorithms such as simulated annealing (SA) which aims to find the optimal solution within a large search space through thermal fluctuations. This algorithm generates new solutions through Markov-chain Monte Carlo techniques which can result in severe limitations, such as slow convergence and a tendency to stay within the same local search space at small temperatures. To overcome these shortcomings, we use the variational classical annealing (VCA) framework that combines autoregressive recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with traditional annealing to sample solutions that are uncorrelated. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of using VCA as an approach to solving real-world optimization problems. We explore VCA’s performance in comparison with SA at solving three popular optimization problems: the maximum cut problem (Max-Cut), the nurse scheduling problem (NSP), and the traveling salesman problem (TSP). For all three problems, we find that VCA outperforms SA on average in the asymptotic limit by one or more orders of magnitude in terms of relative error. Interestingly, we reach large system sizes of up to 256 cities for the TSP. We also conclude that in the best case scenario, VCA can serve as a great alternative when SA fails to find the optimal solution.
Instability of solution-processed perovskite films: origin and mitigation strategies
Authors: Wang Shuo , Li Ming-Hua , Jiang Yan , Hu Jin-Song
Published: February 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising next-generation photovoltaics due to their unique optoelectronic properties and rapid rise in power conversion efficiency. However, the instability of perovskite materials and devices is a serious obstacle hindering technology commercialization. The quality of perovskite films, which is an important prerequisite for long-term stable PSCs, is determined by the quality of the precursor solution and the post-deposition treatment performed after perovskite formation. Herein, we review the origin of instability of solution-processed PSCs from the perspectives of the precursor solutions and the perovskite films. In addition, we summarize the recent strategies for improving the stability of the perovskite films. Finally, we pinpoint possible approaches to further advance their long-term stability.
Evaluation of Workplace Exposures to Volatile Chemicals During COVID-19 Building Disinfection Activities with Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ding Xiaosu , Jiang Jinglin , Tasoglou Antonios , Huber Heinz , Shah Amisha D , Jung Nusrat
Published: February 2023

We conducted an experimental case study to demonstrate the application of proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS) for mobile breathing zone (BZ) monitoring of volatile chemical exposures in workplace environments during COVID-19 disinfection activities. The experiments were conducted in an architectural engineering laboratory—the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) Tiny House, which served as a simulated workplace environment. Controlled disinfection activities were carried out on impermeable high-touch indoor surfaces, including the entry door, kitchen countertop, toilet bowl, bathroom sink, and shower. Worker inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was evaluated by attaching the PTR-TOF-MS sampling line to the researcher’s BZ while the disinfection activity was carried out throughout the entire building. The results demonstrate that significant spatiotemporal variations in VOC concentrations can occur in the worker’s BZ during multi-surface disinfection events. Application of high-resolution monitoring techniques, such as PTR-TOF-MS, are needed to advance characterization of worker exposures towards the development of appropriate mitigation strategies for volatile disinfectant chemicals.
Abdominoplasty in the Presence of a Stoma for Functional and Aesthetic Indications
Authors: Firriolo Joseph M , Truong Ashley K , Charvet Heath J
Published: February 2023

Background

Abdominoplasty is widely available; however, patients with abdominal stomas appear to be relatively undertreated. Apprehension to offer abdominoplasty in the presence of a stoma may be secondary to the fear of surgical site infection and stoma compromise.

Objectives

To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of abdominoplasty in the presence of an abdominal stoma for both functional and aesthetic indications and to define perioperative protocols to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in this patient population.

Methods

The authors present 2 patients with stomas who underwent abdominoplasty. Patient 1 was a 62-year-old female with a history of urostomy formation and weight loss. She had a fold of skin overhanging her ostomy site, making it difficult to maintain a seal on her urostomy bag. She underwent fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and urostomy revision. Patient 2 was a 43-year-old female with a history of end ileostomy formation, who requested cosmetic abdominoplasty to address postpartum abdominal changes; she had no functional stoma-related complaints. Abdominoplasty, flank liposuction, and ileostomy revision were performed.

Results

Both patients were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional outcomes. There were no complications and no instances of stoma compromise. At follow-up, Patient 1 reported a complete amelioration of her urosotomy appliance issues.

Conclusions

Abdominoplasty may confer both functional and aesthetic benefits to patients with abdominal stomas. The authors present peri- and intraoperative protocols, both to prevent stoma compromise and to reduce the risk of surgical site infection. The presence of a stoma does not appear to be an absolute contraindication to cosmetic abdominoplasty.

Level of Evidence: 5
A unified approach to protein domain parsing with inter-residue distance matrix
Authors: Zhu Kun , Su Hong , Peng Zhenling , Yang Jianyi
Published: February 2023

Motivation

It is fundamental to cut multi-domain proteins into individual domains, for precise domain-based structural and functional studies. In the past, sequence-based and structure-based domain parsing was carried out independently with different methodologies. The recent progress in deep learning-based protein structure prediction provides the opportunity to unify sequence-based and structure-based domain parsing.

Results

Based on the inter-residue distance matrix, which can be either derived from the input structure or predicted by trRosettaX, we can decode the domain boundaries under a unified framework. We name the proposed method UniDoc. The principle of UniDoc is based on the well-accepted physical concept of maximizing intra-domain interaction while minimizing inter-domain interaction. Comprehensive tests on five benchmark datasets indicate that UniDoc outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of both accuracy and speed, for both sequence-based and structure-based domain parsing. The major contribution of UniDoc is providing a unified framework for structure-based and sequence-based domain parsing. We hope that UniDoc would be a convenient tool for protein domain analysis.

Availability and implementation

https://yanglab.nankai.edu.cn/UniDoc/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multilocus phylogeography, population genetics and niche evolution of Australian brown and black-tailed treecreepers (Aves:Climacteris)
Authors: Edwards Scott V , Tonini João F R , Mcinerney Nancy , Welch Corey , Beerli Peter
Published: February 2023

The Carpentarian barrier across north-eastern Australia is a major biogeographic barrier and a generator of biodiversity within the Australian Monsoonal Tropics. Here we present a continent-wide analysis of mitochondrial (control region) and autosomal (14 anonymous loci) sequence and indel variation and niche modelling of brown and black-tailed treecreepers (Climacteris picumnus and Climacteris melanurus), a clade with a classic distribution on either side of the Carpentarian barrier. mtDNA control region sequences exhibited reciprocal monophyly and strong differentiation (Fst = 0.91), and revealed a signature of a recent selective sweep in C. picumnus. A variety of tests support an isolation-with-migration model of divergence, albeit with low levels of gene flow across the Carpentarian barrier and a divergence time between species of ~1.7–2.8 Mya. Palaeoecological niche models show that both range size as measured by available habitat and estimated historical population sizes of both species declined in the past ~600 kyr and that the area of interspecific range overlap was never historically large, perhaps decreasing opportunities for extensive gene flow. The relatively long divergence time and low opportunity for gene flow may have facilitated speciation more so than in other co-distributed bird taxa across the Australian Monsoonal Tropics.
Interrupted versus continuous suture technique for biliary-enteric anastomosis: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Seifert Lena , von Renesse Janusz , Seifert Adrian M , Sturm Dorothée , Meisterfeld Ronny , Rahbari Nuh N , Kahlert Christoph , Distler Marius , Weitz Jürgen , Reissfelder Christoph
Published: February 2023

Background

Biliary-enteric anastomosis (BEA) can be performed using continuous or interrupted suture techniques, but high-quality evidence regarding superiority of either technique is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the suture techniques for patients undergoing BEA by evaluating the suture time as well as short- and long-term biliary complications.

Methods

In this single-centre randomized clinical trial, patients scheduled for elective open procedure with a BEA between 21 January 2016 and 20 September 2017 were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to have the BEA performed with continuous suture (CSG) or interrupted suture technique (ISG). The primary outcome was the time required to complete the anastomosis. Secondary outcomes were BEA-associated postoperative complications with and without operative revision of the BEA, including bile leakage, cholestasis, and cholangitis, as well as morbidity and mortality up to day 30 after the intervention and survival.

Results

Altogether, 82 patients were randomized of which 80 patients received the allocated intervention (39 in ISG and 41 in CSG). Suture time was longer in the ISG compared with the CSG (median (interquartile range), 22.4 (15.0–28.0) min versus 12.0 (10.0–17.0) min, OR 1.26, 95 per cent c.i. 1.13 to 1.40; unit of increase of 1 min; P < 0.001). Short-term and long-term biliary complications were similar between groups. The incidence of bile leakage (6 (14.6 per cent) versus 4 (10.3 per cent), P = 0.738) was comparable between groups. No anastomotic stenosis occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Continuous suture of BEA is equally safe, but faster compared with interrupted suture.

Registration number

NCT02658643 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
A morphological analysis of Syzygium, with a focus on fibre bundles and description of a new subgenus
Authors: Hatt Sebastian , Low Yee Wen , Burslem David F R P , Middleton David J , Biffin E D , Maurin Olivier , Lucas Eve J
Published: February 2023

Syzygium is a large genus (1200–1500 species) of Old World tropical trees, currently divided into five subgenera containing widely different numbers of species. Syzygium subgenus Perikion was defined by the presence of fibre bundles in the hypanthium wall, although until now this feature has not been investigated or images published. Furthermore, discovery of fibre bundles in certain species outside Syzygium subgenus Perikion calls for reassessment of the subgenus. In this paper, a morphological analysis is presented for all species previously associated with Syzygium subgenus Perikion or known to have fibre bundles. Results indicate the need for description of a new subgenus, Syzygium subgenus Oborapi, characterized by a distinctly goblet-shaped calyx, presence of fibre bundles in the hypanthium/mesocarp, prominent black lenticels on the abaxial leaf surface, ascending ovule orientation and species diversity centred on the Sunda Shelf. Fibre bundles are photographed and documented for the first time from a range of species and at different magnifications. A preliminary list of species is presented for Syzygium subgenus Perikion and Syzygium subgenus Oborapi, with recommendations for further investigation.
Successful response to upadacitinib in the treatment of atopic dermatitis lesions involving sensitive and visible areas resistant to dupilumab treatment
Authors: Gori Niccolò , Ippoliti Elena , Antonelli Flaminia , Peris Ketty , Chiricozzi Andrea
Published: February 2023

Beneficial effects of upadacitinib in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in patients who were unresponsive to dupilumab therapy have been described. In this study AD lesions resistant to dupilumab and localized in sensitive and visible areas showed a marked improvement with upadacitinib therapy.
Persistence of the immune response after two doses of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 (AZD1222): 1 year of follow-up of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Voysey Merryn , Flaxman Amy , Aboagye Jeremy , Aley Parvinder K , Belij-Rammerstorfer Sandra , Bibi Sagida , Bittaye Mustapha , Cappuccini Federica , Charlton Sue , Clutterbuck Elizabeth A , Davies Sophie , Dold Christina , Edwards Nick J , Ewer Katie J , Faust Saul N , Folegatti Pedro M , Fowler Jamie , Gilbride Ciaran , Gilbert Sarah C , Godfrey Leila , Hallis Bassam , Humphries Holly E , Jenkin Daniel , Kerridge Simon , Mujadidi Yama F , Plested Emma , Ramasamy Maheshi N , Robinson Hannah , Sanders Helen , Snape Matthew D , Song Rinn , Thomas Kelly M , Ulaszewska Marta , Woods Danielle , Wright Daniel , Pollard Andrew J , Lambe Teresa
Published: February 2023

The trajectory of immune responses following the primary dose series determines the decline in vaccine effectiveness over time. Here we report on maintenance of immune responses during the year following a two-dose schedule of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222, in the absence of infection, and also explore the decay of antibody after infection. Total spike-specific IgG antibody titres were lower with two low doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines (two low doses) (P = 0.0006) than with 2 standard doses (the approved dose) or low dose followed by standard dose vaccines regimens. Longer intervals between first and second doses resulted in higher antibody titres (P < 0.0001); however, there was no evidence that the trajectory of antibody decay differed by interval or by vaccine dose, and the decay of IgG antibody titres followed a similar trajectory after a third dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Trends in post-infection samples were similar with an initial rapid decay in responses but good persistence of measurable responses thereafter. Extrapolation of antibody data, following two doses of ChAdOx1 nCov-19, demonstrates a slow rate of antibody decay with modelling, suggesting that antibody titres are well maintained for at least 2 years. These data suggest a persistent immune response after two doses of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 which will likely have a positive impact against serious disease and hospitalization.
Challenges in the Management of and Biologic Use in Incarcerated Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Barbina Sarah , Romano John , Forster Erin
Published: February 2023

Background

Therapy and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require commitment from both the provider and patient to ensure optimal disease management. Prior studies show vulnerable patient populations with chronic medical conditions and compromised access to health care, such as incarcerated patients, suffer as a result. After an extensive literature review, there are no studies outlining the unique challenges associated with managing prisoners with IBD.

Methods

A detailed retrospective chart review of 3 incarcerated patients cared for at a tertiary referral center with an integrated patient-centered IBD medical home (PCMH) and a review of literature was performed.

Results

All 3 patients were African American males in their 30s with severe disease phenotypes requiring biologic therapy. All patients had challenges with medication adherence and missed appointments related to inconsistent access to clinic. Two of the 3 cases depicted better patient-reported outcomes through frequent engagement with the PCMH.

Conclusions

It is evident there are care gaps and opportunities to optimize care delivery for this vulnerable population. It is important to further study optimal care delivery techniques such as medication selection, though interstate variation in correctional services poses challenges. Efforts can be made to focus on regular and reliable access to medical care, especially for those who are chronically ill.
Automated categorization of virtual reality studies in cardiology based on the device usage: a bibliometric analysis (2010–2022)
Authors: Higaki Akinori , Watanabe Yuta , Akazawa Yusuke , Miyoshi Toru , Kawakami Hiroshi , Seike Fumiyasu , Higashi Haruhiko , Nagai Takayuki , Nishimura Kazuhisa , Inoue Katsuji , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: February 2023

Aims

Currently, virtual reality (VR) constitutes a vital aspect of digital health, necessitating an overview of study trends. We classified type A studies as those in which health care providers utilized VR devices and type B studies as those in which patients employed the devices. This study aimed to analyse the characteristics of each type of studies using natural language processing (NLP) methods.

Methods and results

Literature related to VR in cardiovascular research was searched in PubMed between 2010 and 2022. The characteristics of studies were analysed based on their classification as type A or type B. Abstracts of the studies were used as corpus for text mining. A binary logistic regression model was trained to automatically categorize the abstracts into the two study types. Classification performance was evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, F-1 score, and c-statistics of the receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis. In total, 171 articles met the inclusion criteria, where 120 (70.2%) were type A studies and 51 (29.8%) were type B studies. Type A studies had a higher proportion of case reports than type B studies (18.3% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.01). As for abstract classification, the binary logistic regression model yielded 88% accuracy and an area under the ROC of 0.98. The words ‘training’, ‘3d’, and ‘simulation’ were the most powerful determinants of type A studies, while the words ‘patients’, ‘anxiety’, and ‘rehabilitation’ were more indicative for type B studies.

Conclusions

NLP methods revealed the characteristics of the two types of VR-related research in cardiology.
Structure and effect onBifidobacterium longumof exopolysaccharide produced byWeissella cibariausing cost-effective substrates
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Fan , Wang Lin , Pan Lei
Published: February 2023

Maize straw, an abundant agricultural residue, has potential as an eco-friendly resource. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure and effect on Bifidobacterium longum of exopolysaccharide produced by Weissella cibaria using maize straw as a carbon source. In this work, an exopolysaccharide-producing strain was isolated from vegetable juice, which was identified as W. cibaria. Our results demonstrated that exopolysaccharide produced by W. cibaria is a linear glucan containing an α-1,6 glycosidic bond with a molecular weight of 9462 Da. In addition, scanning electron microscopy of exopolysaccharide from W. cibaria revealed the flake structures. In vitro assays showed that the exopolysaccharide from W. cibaria has the ability to stimulate the proliferation of B. longum strain and its metabolism to produce acetic acid. This work provides a scientific reference for the potential application of maize straw and a new insight into an eco-friendly carbon source to produce exopolysaccharide.
Genetic population structure in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus): management regime under panmixia
Authors: Westgaard Jon-Ivar , Søvik Guldborg , Johansen Torild
Published: February 2023

Investigations of genetic stock structure sometimes reveal a mismatch between management units and biological units. In Scandinavian waters, Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is divided into two management units (the Skagerrak–Kattegat and the Norwegian Deep). We have tested the population genetic structure of Nephrops within this region using microsatellite DNA markers, and compared the structure with the present management units. Our study suggests no population genetic structure of Nephrops within the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Norwegian Deep region, whereas a shallow genetic structure was detected on a larger geographical scale when comparing outgroup samples from Scotland and Iceland. We found indications of sex-biased dispersal as the overall genetic differences were larger for females. Ocean current patterns suggest that Nephrops stocks in the region may be connected by larval drift. The two areas differ in fishing pressure, monitoring, assessment, and regulations, which is an argument for maintaining the present two-areas management regime despite the evidence for one biological population.
Comparative study of male and female patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Çelik Mevlüt , Milojevic Milan , Durko Andras P , Oei Frans B S , Bogers Ad J J C , Mahtab Edris A F
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Sex does have an effect on disease perception and outcomes after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to quantify the differences in cardiovascular risk profiles within an age-matched cohort and assess the long-term survival differences in males and females who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with or without concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

All-comers patients who underwent SAVR with or without coronary artery bypass surgery were included. Characteristics, clinical features and survival up to 30 years were compared between female and male patients. Propensity matching and age matching using propensity scores were used to compare both groups.

RESULTS

During the total study period between 1987 and 2017, there were 3462 patients {mean age 66.8 [standard deviation (SD): 11.1] years, 37.1% female} who underwent SAVR with or without coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. In general, female patients were older than male patients (69.1 (SD : 10.3) versus 65.5 (SD : 11.3), respectively). In the age-matched cohort, female patients were less likely to have multiple comorbidities and undergo concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery. Twenty-year survival following the index procedure was higher in age-matched female patients (27.1%) compared to male patients (24.4%) in the overall cohort (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial sex differences in cardiovascular risk profile exist. However, when SAVR with or without coronary artery bypass surgery is performed, extended long-term mortality is comparable between males and females. More research regarding sex-dimorphic mechanisms of aortic stenosis and coronary atherosclerosis would promote more awareness in terms of sex-specific risk factors after cardiac surgery and contribute to more guided personalized surgery in the future.
Incidence and Predictors of Breakthrough and Severe Breakthrough Infections of SARS-CoV-2 After Primary Series Vaccination in Adults: A Population-Based Survey of 22 575 Participants
Authors: DeSantis Stacia M , Yaseen Ashraf , Hao Tianyao , León-Novelo Luis , Talebi Yashar , Valerio-Shewmaker Melissa A , Pinzon Gomez Cesar L , Messiah Sarah E , Kohl Harold W , Kelder Steven H , Ross Jessica A , Padilla Lindsay N , Silberman Mark , Tuzo Samantha , Lakey David , Shuford Jennifer A , Pont Stephen J , Boerwinkle Eric , Swartz Michael D
Published: February 2023

Background

Breakthrough infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are well documented. The current study estimates breakthrough incidence across pandemic waves, and evaluates predictors of breakthrough and severe breakthrough infections (defined as those requiring hospitalization).

Methods

In total, 89 762 participants underwent longitudinal antibody surveillance. Incidence rates were calculated using total person-days contributed. Bias-corrected and age-adjusted logistic regression determined multivariable predictors of breakthrough and severe breakthrough infection, respectively.

Results

The incidence was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], .38–.50) during pre-Delta, 2.80 (95% CI, 2.25–3.14) during Delta, and 11.2 (95% CI, 8.80–12.95) during Omicron, per 10 000 person-days. Factors associated with elevated odds of breakthrough included Hispanic ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic white, OR = 1.243; 95% CI, 1.073–1.441), larger household size (OR = 1.251 [95% CI, 1.048–1.494] for 3–5 vs 1 and OR = 1.726 [95% CI, 1.317–2.262] for more than 5 vs 1 person), rural versus urban living (OR = 1.383; 95% CI, 1.122–1.704), receiving Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson versus Moderna, and multiple comorbidities. Of the 1700 breakthrough infections, 1665 reported on severity; 112 (6.73%) were severe. Higher body mass index, Hispanic ethnicity, vaccine type, asthma, and hypertension predicted severe breakthroughs.

Conclusions

Breakthrough infection was 4–25 times more common during the Omicron-dominant wave versus earlier waves. Higher burden of severe breakthrough infections was identified in subgroups.
Functional analysis of metalloenzymes from human gut microbiota and their role in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Shinde Pratik Balwant , Mohite Shreya Vishwas , Yadav Asha , Singh Mukesh Kumar , Kedia Saurabh , Ahuja Vineet , Sharma Krishna Kant
Published: February 2023

Aim

Metalloenzymes produced by gut microbiota play an essential role in various physiological processes, and maintains homeostasis of gastrointestinal tract. Our study includes functional analysis of microbial metalloenzymes using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiomics Database.

Methods and results

The distance matrix calculated by using metalloenzymes data produced significant results for bacterial taxonomy, with higher variance compared to HMP analysis in both Western and Indian population. Differential gene expression analysis revealed altered expression of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated enzymes, increased folds changes in Prevotella and Megamonas transcripts; whereas, low transcripts of Alistipes genera. Further, docking and simulation studies performed on screened UC-associated enzymes revealed changes in catalytic efficiency and ligand interacting residues.

Conclusion

The β-diversity using microbes containing metalloenzymes suggests considering small group of specific genes or enzymes for understanding the diversity between UC and healthy individuals. The docking and differential gene expression analysis collectively indicate the probable role of metalloenzymes and few UC-associated enzymes in the severity of UC.
Factors Associated With Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Women With Dense Breasts
Authors: Miller Matthew M , Ganti Ramapriya , Repich Kathy , Patrie James T , Anderson Roger T , Harvey Jennifer A
Published: February 2023

Objective

We sought to identify patient factors associated with patient-reported screening behaviors in women with dense breasts.

Methods

An IRB-approved survey study of women with dense breasts presenting for annual screening mammography at an outpatient imaging center was previously conducted from March 2017 to February 2018. The survey included questions regarding mammographic screening frequency and recent participation in supplemental screening. These survey data were combined post hoc with clinical and demographic data and socioeconomic data imputed from census data. Logistic regression was used to identify patient factors associated with reported screening behaviors.

Results

Surveys were completed by 508 women (median age, 59.0 years; range, 31.0–86.0 years) with dense breasts. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an independent association of undergoing mammographic screening annually with a history of discussing breast density with a doctor (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.60; P = 0.019). Undergoing supplemental screening in the previous three years was independently associated with younger age (AOR, 1.59; P = 0.004), strong family history of breast cancer (AOR, 3.84; P = 0.027), higher perceived personal risk for breast cancer (AOR, 3.47; P = 0.004), and increased concern about radiation associated with screening examinations (AOR, 3.31; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Women with dense breasts who had discussed breast density with a doctor were more likely to report undergoing annual screening mammography, while younger women and women with a strong family history of breast cancer, higher perceived personal risk for breast cancer, or greater concern about radiation were more likely to report recently undergoing supplemental screening.
Breast Cancer Screening in Men
Authors: Gao Yiming , Heller Samantha L
Published: February 2023

Breast cancer screening has been highly successful in women in reducing mortality through early detection. In comparison, clinical detection of breast cancer remains the norm in men, and delay in diagnosis is reflected by a persistent survival disparity compared to women despite advances in modern therapy. Male breast cancer presents an interesting dilemma. While mammography is highly sensitive and specific for male breast cancer, routine screening is not justified by the overall low disease incidence. Yet there has been interest in leveraging mammography in targeted screening of men with identifiable risk factors to allow early detection, and early data may support this approach. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential utility of targeted breast cancer screening in men by examining unique clinical and biologic characteristics of male breast cancers that may lend themselves to mammographic detection. We will also discuss available evidence in screening outcomes in men and summarize recent updates in risk management recommendations in Society guidelines.