bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local seismicity around the Chain Transform Fault at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from OBS observations
Authors: Schlaphorst David , Rychert Catherine A , Harmon Nicholas , Hicks Stephen P , Bogiatzis Petros , Kendall J-Michael , Abercrombie Rachel E
Published: March 2023

Seismicity along transform faults provides important constraints for our understanding of the factors that control earthquake ruptures. Oceanic transform faults are particularly informative due to their relatively simple structure in comparison to their continental counterparts. The seismicity of several fast-moving transform faults has been investigated by local networks, but as of today there been few studies of transform faults in slow spreading ridges. Here, we present the first local seismicity catalogue based on event data recorded by a temporary broad-band network of 39 ocean–bottom seismometers located around the slow-moving Chain Transform Fault (CTF) along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) from 2016 to 2017 March. We locate 972 events in the area by simultaneously inverting for a 1-D velocity model informed by the event P- and S-arrival times. We refine the depths and focal mechanisms of the larger events using deviatoric moment tensor inversion. Most of the earthquakes are located along the CTF (700) and Romanche transform fault (94) and the MAR (155); a smaller number (23) can be observed on the continuing fracture zones or in intraplate locations. The ridge events are characterized by normal faulting and most of the transform events are characterized by strike-slip faulting, but with several reverse mechanisms that are likely related to transpressional stresses in the region. CTF events range in magnitude from 1.1 to 5.6 with a magnitude of completeness around 2.3. Along the CTF we calculate a b-value of 0.81 ± 0.09. The event depths are mostly shallower than 15 km below sea level (523), but a small number of high-quality earthquakes (16) are located deeper, with some (8) located deeper than the brittle-ductile transition as predicted by the 600 °C-isotherm from a simple thermal model. The deeper events could be explained by the control of sea water infiltration on the brittle failure limit.
Harmonic Forms, Minimal Surfaces, and Norms on Cohomology of Hyperbolic 3-Manifolds
Authors: Han Xiaolong Hans
Published: March 2023

We bound the $L^2$-norm of an $L^2$ harmonic $1$-form in an orientable cusped hyperbolic $3$-manifold $M$ by its topological complexity, measured by the Thurston norm, up to a constant depending on $M$. This generalizes two inequalities of Brock and Dunfield. We also study the sharpness of the inequalities in the closed and cusped cases, using the interaction between minimal surfaces and harmonic forms. We unify various results by defining two functionals on closed and cusped hyperbolic $3$-manifolds and formulate several questions and conjectures.
Characterization of vancomycin-resistancevanDgene clusters in the human intestinal microbiota by metagenomics and culture-enriched metagenomics
Authors: Brochu Eliel , Huletsky Ann , Boudreau Dominique K , Raymond Frédéric , Bérubé Ève , Ouameur Amin Ahmed , Frenette Johanne , Boissinot Maurice , Corbeil Jacques , Bergeron Michel G
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To characterize vancomycin-resistance vanD gene clusters and potential vanD-carrying bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of healthy volunteers exposed or not to β-lactam antibiotics.

Methods

Stool samples were collected before and after 7 days of cefprozil β-lactam antibiotic exposure of 18 participants and six control participants who were not exposed to the antibiotic at the same time points. Metagenomic sequencing and culture-enriched metagenomic sequencing (with and without β-lactam selection) were used to characterize vanD gene clusters and determine potential vanD-carrying bacteria. Alteration by antimicrobials was also examined.

Results

Culture enrichment allowed detection of vanD genes in a large number of participants (11/24; 46%) compared to direct metagenomics (2/24; 8%). vanD genes were detected in stool cultures only following β-lactam exposure, either after β-lactam treatment of participants or after culture of stools with β-lactam selection. Six types of vanD gene clusters were identified. Two types of vanD cluster highly similar to those of enterococci were found in two participants. Other vanD genes or vanD clusters were nearly identical to those identified in commensal anaerobic bacteria of the families Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae and/or bordered by genomic sequences similar or related to these anaerobes, suggesting that they are the origin or carriers of vanD.

Conclusions

This study showed that culture-enriched metagenomics allowed detection of vanD genes not detected by direct metagenomics and revealed collateral enrichment of bacteria containing vancomycin-resistance vanD genes following exposure to β-lactams, with a higher prevalence of the most likely gut commensal anaerobes carrying vanD. These commensal anaerobes could be the reservoir of vanD genes carried by enterococci.
Technical note: colorimetric methods for accurate determination of nutrient composition in beef cow colostrum and milk
Authors: Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Kenny Ann L , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh , McFadden Thomas B , Meyer Allison M
Published: March 2023

Our objectives were to develop colorimetric methods to accurately measure nutrient concentrations of beef cow colostrum and milk, to determine if the yield of colostrum from a single rear quarter is representative of complete collection of colostrum in beef cows, and to compare data from our developed colorimetric methods with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to determine the accuracy of FTIR for beef cow colostrum and milk. In Exp. 1, colostral weight and volume of the most full rear quarter were compared with complete collection of colostrum from post-calving, unsuckled beef heifers. Both volume and weight had r2 = 0.85 (P < 0.001) between single-quarter and 4 quarter yields. In Exp. 2, colostrum (n = 35) and milk at d 35 (n = 42) and d 60 (n = 38) of lactation were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, crossbred beef cows. Subsamples were submitted for FTIR analysis and frozen for colorimetric analysis. Colorimetric analyses were developed for lactose, triglycerides (measure of fat), protein, and urea N. To validate method accuracy, spike recoveries were determined for lactose (96.8% average) and milk protein (100.1% average), triglyceride concentration was compared with fat concentration determined by the Mojonnier method (r2 ≥ 0.91, P < 0.001), and colostral or milk urea N was compared with serum urea N from the same sampling day (r2 ≥ 0.72, P < 0.001). Coefficients of determination between colorimetric methods and FTIR were determined for colostrum, d 35 milk, and d 60 milk. Colostral lactose concentration from FTIR was positively associated (r2 = 0.24, P = 0.01) with colorimetric analysis, but there was no relationship (r2 ≤ 0.09, P ≥ 0.14) between methods for colostral fat, protein, or urea N. Milk nutrient composition was positively associated for all nutrients measured at d 35 (r2 = 0.28 to 0.58, P < 0.001), and coefficients of determination strengthened for all nutrients measured at d 60 (r2 = 0.38 to 0.82, P < 0.001). In conclusion, colostrum yield of a single rear quarter can be used to indicate complete collection of colostrum for beef cows, and colorimetric methods developed have adequate accuracy for beef cow colostral and milk nutrient analysis. Based on our analyses, nutrient composition of beef cow colostrum was not accurately analyzed by FTIR. Accuracy of FTIR for beef cow milk varies with component and may be affected by the day of lactation.
Field applications of zein as a precise nanoscale delivery system for methoxyfenozide
Authors: Bonser C A R , Tamez C , White J C , Astete C E , Sabliov C M , Davis J A
Published: March 2023

When insecticides are applied in the environment, much of the product does not reach the target pest. Biopolymeric nanoparticles as nanocarriers have the potential to improve insecticide efficacy by improving absorption, coverage, and permeability while protecting the insecticide active ingredient from abiotic conditions and extending efficacy through controlled release. We conducted a series of experiments using a biopolymeric nanoparticle synthesized from zein, a biodegradable maize protein, to compare efficacy of a nanodelivered hydrophobic insect growth regulator (methoxyfenozide) against a commercial formulation. Positively charged zein nanoparticles (empty and loaded with methoxyfenozide) were compared to the formulated product, Intrepid 2F, as a foliar spray in-field on soybean. Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) was used as a model and was fed sprayed soybean leaves to evaluate efficacy of the tested foliar products over time. A separate set of leaves was sampled to measure residue levels of methoxyfenozide (MFZ) over time following foliar application using QuEChERS extraction and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Regression analysis found no differences in mortality slopes between positively charged zein nanoparticles loaded with methoxyfenozide [(+)ZNP(MFZ)] and Intrepid 2F, suggesting comparable efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles to a commercial product. Higher concentrations of MFZ were present in (+)ZNP(MFZ)-treated in leaf tissue at 3 d following spray when compared to Intrepid 2F. The multiyear study results demonstrate that nanoparticles loaded with MFZ are comparable to Intrepid 2F under field conditions, with potential short-term benefits.
Microbial community structure in rice rhizosheaths under drought stress
Authors: Lei Zuliang , Ding Yexin , Xu Weifeng , Zhang Yingjiao
Published: March 2023

Rhizosheaths can form on the surface of rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots and improve the water-use efficiency of rice under drought stress. The microbes in rhizosheaths can also offer the potential to increase the resilience of rice to future drought. However, little is known about the microbial community in rhizosheath of rice under drought stress. In this study, we compared the root traits, rhizosheath formation and microbial community in the rhizosheath under three irrigation regimes, including well-watered and drought treatments I and II. The irrigation plays important roles in influencing the microbial composition and co-occurrence networks. Drought can promote the accumulation of beneficial microorganisms in rhizosheaths, such as bacteria that are members of the phylum Patescibacteria and the Massilia, Nocardioides, Frateuria and Angustibacter genera and fungi in the genus Talaromyces. However, drought can also induce risk factors for harmful fungi in rice rhizosheaths. Our results suggest that both the rhizosheath and microbes in rhizosheath can offer the potential to improve the resistance of rice to drought. In the future, the isolation and application of beneficial microorganisms in rhizosheaths and scientific planting methods should be studied for the green cultivation of rice.
The polyhedral geometry of Wajsberg hoops
Authors: Ugolini Sara
Published: March 2023

We show that the algebraic category of finitely presented Wajsberg hoops is equivalent to a non-full subcategory of finitely presented MV-algebras. We use this connection to show how methods and techniques developed to study MV-algebras can be adapted to study Wajsberg hoops, as well. In particular, we show that finitely presented Wajsberg hoops are dually equivalent to a subcategory of rational polyhedra with $\mathbb {Z}$-maps. We use the duality to provide a geometrical characterization of finitely generated projective and exact Wajsberg hoops. As applications, we study logical properties of the $0$-free fragment of Łukasiewicz logic, seen as a substructural logic. We show that, while deducibility in the fragment is equivalent to deducibility among 0-free formulas in Łukasiewicz logic, the same is not true for the admissibility of rules: there are rules written in the $0$-free language that are admissible in Wajsberg hoops but not in MV-algebras. Moreover, we show that the unification type of Wajsberg hoops is nullary, while the exact unification type is unitary, therefore showing decidability of admissible rules in the fragment.
Interpebble contact radius in a comet nucleus
Authors: Arakawa Sota , Nishiura Daisuke , Furuichi Mikito
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the gravitational collapse of pebble clumps in the early Solar system has been regarded as a plausible scenario for the origin of comets. In this context, ‘pebbles’ represent mm- to cm-sized dust aggregates composed of (sub)micron-sized dust particles, and the structure of km-sized comets is thought to be an agglomerate of pebbles. The contact radius for pebble–pebble contacts was modelled in an earlier study; however, the pressure dependence of the interpebble contact radius was not considered. Here, we revisit the interpebble contact radius in a comet nucleus. We calculated the interpebble contact radius based on JKR contact theory, and we took into consideration the effect of lithostatic pressure. We found that the interpebble contact radius varies with depth from the surface, and the earlier model underestimated it by one order of magnitude at the centre of the comet nucleus.
Multiband optical variability of a newly discovered 12 blazars sample from 2013–2019
Authors: Jovanović Miljana D , Damljanović Goran , Taris François , Gupta Alok C , Bhatta Gopal
Published: March 2023

Here we present the first optical photometric monitoring results of a sample of 12 newly discovered blazars from the ICRF – Gaia CRF astrometric link. The observations were performed from April 2013 to August 2019 using eight telescopes located in Europe. For a robust test for the brightness and colour variability, we use Abbé criterion and F-test. Moreover, linear fittings are performed to investigate the relation in the colour-magnitude variations of the blazars. Variability was confirmed in the case of 10 sources; two sources, 1429+249 and 1556+335 seem to be possibly variable. Three sources (1034+574, 1722+119, and 1741+597) have displayed large amplitude brightness change of more than one magnitude. We found that the seven sources displayed bluer-when-brighter variations, and one source showed redder-when-brighter variations. We briefly explain the various AGN emission models which can explain our results.
DrosOmics: A Browser to Explore -omics Variation Across High-Quality Reference Genomes From Natural Populations ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Coronado-Zamora Marta , Salces-Ortiz Judit , González Josefa
Published: March 2023

The advent of long-read sequencing technologies has allowed the generation of multiple high-quality de novo genome assemblies for multiple species, including well-known model species such as Drosophila melanogaster. Genome assemblies for multiple individuals of the same species are key to discover the genetic diversity present in natural populations, especially the one generated by transposable elements, the most common type of structural variant. Despite the availability of multiple genomic data sets for D. melanogaster populations, we lack an efficient visual tool to display different genome assemblies simultaneously. In this work, we present DrosOmics, a population genomic-oriented browser currently containing 52 high-quality reference genomes of D. melanogaster, including annotations from a highly reliable set of transposable elements, and functional transcriptomics and epigenomics data for 26 genomes. DrosOmics is based on JBrowse 2, a highly scalable platform, which allows the visualization of multiple assemblies at once, key to unraveling structural and functional features of D. melanogaster natural populations. DrosOmics is an open access browser and is freely available at http://gonzalezlab.eu/drosomics.
Experimenting with List Experiments: Interviewer Effects and Immigration Attitudes
Authors: Karpowitz Christopher F , Austin Sarah , Crandall Jacob , Macias Raquel
Published: March 2023

List experimentation is a common survey methodology that purports to reduce or eliminate social desirability bias. While some studies have assessed list experimentation’s effectiveness in achieving that goal, to our knowledge, this is the first ever experimental evaluation of interviewer effects on list experiment performance. We embedded a list experiment about immigration attitudes in an in-person survey administered to 718 white respondents. Randomly assigning Caucasian and Latinx interviewers, we find strong evidence that responses to the list experiment differed by interviewer ethnicity, thus failing to fully eliminate social desirability bias. A follow-up survey of 1,460 online respondents revealed similar difference-in-differences when merely priming the ethnic identities of survey researchers through pictures. The results of this study shed light on patterns of interpersonal communication about sensitive issues and how social context shapes the reporting of political attitudes, even when methodology specifically meant to mute sensitivity biases is employed.
A Documentary History of the Immunity (or Vaccine) Passport: Health Certificates of Public Health, Personal Identity and Power from the Plague to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Kosciejew Marc
Published: March 2023

The immunity (or vaccine) passport of the coronavirus pandemic, as a concept and object, is not unprecedented. This health and identity document features a history spanning over half-a-millennium and appearing across diverse geopolitical and sociocultural contexts. This article presents a documentary history of the immunity passport and its heterogeneous material instantiations, uses and effects across divergent historical settings. It illuminates how the immunity passport has helped shaped identities and public health, as well as impacted individual and institutional agency, during health crises. Four historical cases are explored, including the plagues ravaging the Renaissance Mediterranean region, the 1665 Great Plague of London, the yellow fever outbreaks in the antebellum slave-era southern USA and the chronic cholera conditions confronting colonial-era British India. Although disparate, these historical cases share the immunity passport as a non-pharmaceutical intervention into their respective health crises that played important roles in people’s lives during these troubled times.
Off Duty: Black Soldiers and Mobility in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands 1866–1890
Authors: Edward Valentin
Published: March 2023

Throughout the post-Civil War era, Black soldiers in the U.S. Army were at the vanguard of U.S. expansion in the U.S. West. Rather than focusing solely on their official military duties however, this article examines Black troops’ off-duty activities, specifically the complex economic and social ties they developed with civilians who resided near the posts they garrisoned in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. In many cases, these connections transcended the very geographic, racial, and ethnic boundaries that Black soldiers were charged with policing, illustrating that relationships between local people and agents of the U.S. government in the region were more complex than scholars have previously acknowledged. Relying on transcripts from U.S. Army general courts-martial proceedings, this article demonstrates how these interactions shaped Black enlisted men’s perceptions of themselves, army life, and the locales they policed and inhabited. These interactions between Black soldiers and local people often undermined the Army’s official missions, but they allowed Black troops to improve the quality of their lives and demonstrate the persistent fluidity and porousness of the southwest borderlands.
Endemic lineages of spiny frogs demonstrate the biogeographic importance and conservational needs of the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region
Authors: Hofmann Sylvia , Schmidt Joachim , Masroor Rafaqat , Borkin Leo J , Litvintchuk Spartak , Rödder Dennis , Vershinin Vladimir , Jablonski Daniel
Published: March 2023

The relict, endemic taxa Allopaa and Chrysopaa are key elements of the Hindu Kush–Himalayan amphibian fauna and potentially share a similar biogeographic evolution, making them important proxies for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental and palaeotopographic history of the Himalaya–Tibet–Orogen. However, little is known about the taxonomy, phylogeography, genetic diversity and distribution of these taxa. We here provide new molecular data on Himalayan spiny frogs and species distribution models (SDMs) for A. hazarensis and C. sternosignata. The results reveal a better resolved phylogeny of these frogs compared to previous trees and strongly support the placement of A. hazarensis in the genus Nanorana. We further identify a so far unknown clade from the western Himalayas in Nanorana, apart from the subgroups Chaparana, Paa and the nominal Nanorana. In A. hazarensis, genetic diversity is relatively low. The results strengthen support for the recently proposed out-of-Tibet-into-the-Himalayan-exile hypothesis and a trans-Tibet dispersal of ancestral spiny frogs during the Palaeogene. Moreover, SDMs provide the first detailed distribution maps of A. hazarensis and C. sternosignata and strong evidence for distinct niche divergence among the two taxa. Our findings contribute to the knowledge about the distribution of these species and provide basic information for guiding future conservation management of them.
Renal CD81 interacts with sodium potassium 2 chloride cotransporter and sodium chloride cotransporter in rats with lipopolysaccharide‐induced preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhu Gangyi , Wu Qiaozhen , Shen Li , Liu Dan , Wang Zhiyin , Wang Weiwan , Ren Zhiyun , Jia Yutao , Liu Mingda , Xue Ying , Ji Daxi , Hu Yali , Yu Yanting , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

The kidney regulates blood pressure through salt/water reabsorption affected by tubular sodium transporters. Expanding our prior research on placental cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81), this study explores the interaction of renal CD81 with sodium transporters in preeclampsia (PE). Effects of renal CD81 with sodium transporters were determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced PE rats and immortalized mouse renal distal convoluted tubule cells. Urinary exosomal CD81, sodium potassium 2 chloride cotransporter (NKCC2), and sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) were measured in PE patients. LPS‐PE rats had hypertension from gestational days (GD) 6 to 18 and proteinuria from GD9 to GD18. Urinary CD81 in both groups tented to rise during pregnancy. Renal CD81, not sodium transporters, was higher in LPS‐PE than controls on GD14. On GD18, LPS‐PE rats exhibited higher CD81 in kidneys and urine exosomes, higher renal total and phosphorylated renal NKCC2 and NCC with elevated mRNAs, and lower ubiquitinated NCC than controls. CD81 was co‐immunoprecipitated with NKCC2 or NCC in kidney homogenates and co‐immunostained with NKCC2 or NCC in apical membranes of renal tubules. In plasma membrane fractions, LPS‐PE rats had greater amounts of CD81, NKCC2, and NCC than controls with enhanced co‐immunoprecipitations of CD81 with NKCC2 or NCC. In renal distal convoluted tubule cells, silencing CD81 with siRNA inhibited NCC and prevented LPS‐induced NCC elevation. Further, PE patients had higher CD81 in original urines, urine exosomes and higher NKCC2 and NCC in urine exosomes than controls. Thus, the upregulation of renal CD81 on NKCC2 and NCC may contribute to the sustained hypertension observed in LPS‐PE model. Urine CD81 with NKCC2 and NCC may be used as biomarkers for PE.
The Usefulness of Dynamic Ultrasonography in Nursemaid’s Elbow: A Prospective Case Series of 13 Patients Reconsideration of the Pathophysiology of Nursemaid’s Elbow
Authors: Tsai Chia-Che , Chiang Yi-Pin
Published: March 2023

Background:

Nursemaid's elbow is a common musculoskeletal disorder among children under 5 years of age. However, diagnostic imaging to confirm a nursemaid’s elbow diagnosis is still unavailable. Through the use of a high-frequency ultrasound probe, we determined the etiology and possible pathophysiology of nursemaid’s elbow.

Methods:

Thirteen consecutive patients with the clinical suspicion of nursemaid’s elbows were examined. A high-frequency linear array 6 to 24 MHz hockey stick transducer was used to detect small changes (partial eclipse signs) of the radial head in the axial view before and after manipulation.

Results:

All patients in this study had a successful reduction. A partial eclipse sign was found in all patients before reduction and disappeared after successful reduction.

Conclusion:

These pathologic features detected through high-frequency ultrasonography suggest the role of the escaped posterior synovial fringe in the pathogenesis of the nursemaid’s elbow. The specific finding of a “partial eclipse sign” could be a useful additional clue leading to the correct diagnosis of the nursemaid’s elbow and may help avoid the unnecessary reduction in patients who do not have a “partial eclipse sign”.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, diagnostic studies.
LncRNA FOXP4-AS1 silencing inhibits metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via miR-136-5p/MAPK1
Authors: Yan Jin , Zhou Qi
Published: March 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor caused by nasopharyngeal epithelium. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs have been identified as vital regulators in many tumors, including NPC. This study aimed to explain the biological roles and relevant mechanisms of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 (FOXP4-AS1) in NPC. The levels of lncRNA FOXP4-AS1, miR-136-5p and MAPK1 in C666-1 and NP69 cells were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). C666-1 cells viability, migration and invasion were evaluated by MTT and Transwell assay, respectively. The target gene of miR-136-5p predicted by TargetScan was further verified using dual luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, qRT-PCR and Western blot were adopted to assess epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression, including E-cadherin and N-cadherin. We found that lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 was upregulated, while miR-136-5p was low-expressed in C666-1 cells, as opposed to NP69. Knockdown of FOXP4-AS1 notably suppressed C666-1 cell growth, inhibited cell migration and invasion. We also observed that E-cadherin expression was fortified and N-cadherin level was decreased in C666-1 cells after FOXP4-AS1-siRNA transfection. However, all these findings were eliminated in C666-1 cells after miR-136-5p inhibitor treatment. We also found miR-136-5p directly targeted MAPK1 and correlated inversely with MAPK1 expression in C666-1 cells. Further investigation suggested that MAPK1-plasmid reversed the effects of miR-136-5p mimic on cells viability, migration, invasion and EMT. To conclude, our data revealed that lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 knockdown alleviated metastasis and EMT in NPC via miR-136-5p/MAPK1, indicating that lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 may be a valuable therapeutic target for NPC diagnosis and treatment.
Trends and Outcomes of Salvage Lobectomy for Early-stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Afshari Sam , Anker Christopher J. , Kooperkamp Hannah Z. , Sprague Brian L. , Lester-Coll Nataniel H.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

There is little data describing the outcomes for patients who develop local recurrences after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a standard-of-care treatment for patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer. One emerging option is salvage lobectomy. We investigated trends in the use of salvage lobectomy after SBRT and described patient outcomes using a nationally representative sample.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study using the National Cancer Database of patients with non–small cell lung cancer diagnosed from 2004 to 2017. We used descriptive statistics to describe patients who underwent salvage lobectomy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS). Cox proportional modeling was used to identify factors associated with OS.

Results:

We identified 276 patients who underwent salvage lobectomy. Ninety-day mortality was 0%. The median survival time for the cohort was 50 months (95% CI, 44 to 58). Median follow-up was 65 months (Interquartile Range: 39 to 96). The factors associated with decreased OS include squamous cell histology (hazard ratio (HR)=1.72, P=0.005) and high grade (1.50, P=0.038). Increased OS was associated with lobectomy performed between 3 and 6 months after SBRT (HR=0.53, P=0.021), lobectomy performed >6 months after SBRT (HR=0.59, P=0.015), and female sex (HR=0.56, P=0.004).

Conclusions:

Salvage lobectomy after local failures of SBRT was associated with no perioperative mortality and favorable long-term outcomes. Our data suggest that lobectomy performed within 3 months of SBRT is associated with worse OS.
Effect of tenofovir-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis against HBV infection in men who have sex with men
Authors: Mizushima Daisuke , Takano Misao , Aoki Takahiro , Ando Naokatsu , Uemura Haruka , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Watanabe Koji , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims:

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to contracting HBV as a sexually transmitted infection. We evaluated the incidence of HBV infection (HBI) and the prophylactic effect of tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on HBI in an MSM cohort.

Methods and Results:

MSM who were older than 16 years were enrolled from January 2018 and followed up until June 2021 and tested for HIV, bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and HBsAg/ HBsAb and HBcAb every 3 months based on inclusion criteria, including HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, and HIV negativity at enrollment. HBI was defined as seroconversion of HBsAg or HBcAb status. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the prophylactic effect of PrEP against HBI. As a substudy, individuals excluded from the main study due to HBs Ab positivity were evaluated for HBI incidence. Among 1577 MSM, 786 participants (546 PrEP nonusers, 131 daily PrEP users, and 109 event-driven PrEP users) met the criteria and were included. The annual incidence of HBV among PrEP nonusers (3.8%, 21 infections, with 559.5 person-years) was significantly higher (p = 0.018, log-rank test) than that among daily PrEP users [0.77%, 1 infection (admitted nonadherence), with 129.3 person-years] and event-driven PrEP users (no infection with 93.8 person-years). Although the incidence of HBI and HIV infection decreased with PrEP use, the incidence of other sexually transmitted infections was higher in both daily and event-driven PrEP users. The annual incidence of HBV among HBsAb-positive and HBcAb-negative PrEP nonusers was 1.8% (3 infections, with 167.5 person-years).

Conclusions:

Tenofovir-based PrEP prevented HBI among MSM in a real-world setting.
Impacts of a dispersed unit structure on allied health professionals' experiences in an Australian public hospital setting
Authors: Turato Gemma , Oprescu Florin , Whiteoak John
Published: March 2023

Background

The limited published evidence relating to the experiences and outcomes of a unit dispersement model is generally more negative than positive from an allied health perspective.

Purpose

The perceptions of allied health managers and leaders after the transition to a unit dispersement structure were explored in this study. The objectives were to review the impacts of this type of structure and the factors for health care organizations to consider before incorporating allied health professions into a clinical matrix structure.

Methodology

A qualitative study was conducted in a large regional multisite public hospital and health service located in Australia. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 30 allied health frontline managers and leaders.

Results

Four negative impacts on the work experience of allied health professionals in a dispersement structure were identified through data analysis as: a negative impact on service delivery to patients, a detrimental effect on professional identity, reduced ability of allied health managers and leaders to do their role effectively, and a negative impact on morale, culture, and emotional well-being. Several key factors for public hospitals to consider before embarking on an organizational structure that includes allied health professionals were identified.

Conclusion

The impacts of the unit dispersement structure on allied health professionals working within the organization under study were generally negative and did not deliver on the desired objectives. The findings reinforce the unique requirements pertaining to allied health professionals for optimal functioning.

Practice Implications

The learnings have implications for administrators in health care organizations embarking on organizational change that incorporates allied health professions in certain settings. The findings recommend that health care organizations consider several important factors before they introduce any structural change that would affect the delivery of allied health services.
Improving Empiric Antibiotic Therapy Among Cancer Patients With Acute Cholangitis
Authors: Alilio Prisca , Thakkar Keval , Tayal Aditi , Cornelius Tuhina , Greene John N.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Acute cholangitis (AC) is a hepatobiliary infection that requires prompt antibiotic therapy. Providers have to rely on empiric antibiotic guidelines, before receiving culture results. These antibiotic guidelines require routine surveillance of the biliary microbial flora and resistance patterns found in cultures to increase accuracy and appropriateness of empiric therapy. This is particularly essential in cancer patients who are more likely to be exposed to various antibiotics, potentially creating unique bactobilia, and fungobilia selection pressures that are different from the general patient population and require empiric therapy to halt AC progression to septicemia, shock, or mortality. This unique population is poorly researched and primary literature is relatively scarce.

Methodology

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients between the age of 18 and 85 years who met the criteria for positive biliary culture and were treated for AC using empiric antibiotic treatment at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute from January 2012 to January 2019. The patient information and laboratory results were analyzed to identify the microbial spectrum and drug resistance in bile cultures of cancer patients.

Aim

The aim of the study is to review the microbial patterns and characteristics of AC in immunocompromised patients with cancer.

Results

Pancreatic carcinomas and cholangiocarcinoma were most prevalent malignancies among patients. Although most bile cultures were polymicrobial, further analysis indicated Enterococcus species. Streptococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans were the most common isolates.

Conclusions

Cholangitis in cancer patients develops because of cholestasis from cancer obstructing the biliary flow mostly because of pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic cancer to the porta hepatis. Empiric antibiotic therapy should include broad-spectrum coverage for usual enteric flora.
Clinical outcomes associated with complementary and alternative medicine-related “immunity-boosting” practices in patients with cirrhosis during the COVID-19 pandemic – an observational study
Authors: Philips Cyriac Abby , Theruvath Arif Hussain , Raveendran Resmi , Ahamed Rizwan , Rajesh Sasidharan , Abduljaleel Jinsha K , Tharakan Ajit , Augustine Philip
Published: March 2023

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Ayurvedic herbal supplements and homeopathic immune boosters (IBs) were promoted as disease-preventive agents. The present study examined the clinical outcomes among patients with chronic liver disease who presented with complications of portal hypertension or liver dysfunction temporally associated with the use of IBs in the absence of other competing causes. This single-center retrospective observational cohort study included patients with chronic liver disease admitted for the evaluation and management of jaundice, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy temporally associated with the consumption of IBs and followed up for 180 days. Chemical analysis was performed on the retrieved IBs. From April 2020 to May 2021, 1022 patients with cirrhosis were screened, and 178 (19.8%) were found to have consumed complementary and alternative medicines. Nineteen patients with cirrhosis (10.7%), jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or their combination related to IBs use were included. The patients were predominantly male (89.5%). At admission, 14 (73.75%) patients had jaundice, 9 (47.4%) had ascites, 2 (10.5%) presented with acute kidney injury, and 1 (5.3%) had overt encephalopathy. Eight patients (42.1%) died at the end of the follow up period. Hepatic necrosis and portal-based neutrophilic inflammation were the predominant features of liver biopsies. IB analysis revealed detectable levels of (heavy metals) As (40%), Pb (60%), Hg (60%), and various hepatotoxic phytochemicals. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic supplements sold as IBs potentially cause the worsening of preexisting liver disease. Responsible dissemination of scientifically validated, evidence-based medical health information from regulatory bodies and media may help ameliorate this modifiable liver health burden.
The natural course of hemoglobin levels after allogenic blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kwon Jae Bum , Choi JI Hoon , Che Sug Hun , Choi Won Kee
Published: March 2023

We retrospectively investigated the natural course of hemoglobin levels after allogenic blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty. All patients were treated according to the same clinical pathway, and blood tests were performed on the same day. All blood tests were done on pre-op, immediate post-op, midnight of op day, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 11th day after surgery. Of the total 593 cases, a total of 197 cases (33.2%) were performed within 3 days of surgery. Hemoglobin level was significantly lowest on the 3rd day after surgery and tended to increase afterwards in the non-transfusion group. In the case of blood transfusion on the day of surgery, the hemoglobin level showed an increase on the next day and then showed a minimum value on the fifth day of surgery and then increased. The same pattern was identified when blood transfusion was done on the 1st and 2nd day of surgery. However, when blood transfusion was done on the 3rd day, the hemoglobin level showed a steady increase afterwards. The hemoglobin level of total knee arthroplasty patients with no blood transfusion was the lowest on the 3rd day after surgery and increased afterwards. If blood transfusion was done within 2 days after surgery, the hemoglobin level was the lowest on the 5th day after surgery and increased afterwards. If blood transfusion was done on the 3rd day after surgery, the hemoglobin level increased afterwards.
Brief Report: Changes in Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability in People Living With HIV During the First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy Compared With HIV-Uninfected Community Controls
Authors: Kavishe Bazil Baltazar , PrayGod George , Brage Soren , Kitilya Brenda Wilfred , Faurholt-Jepsen Daniel , Todd Jim , Jeremiah Kidola , Filteau Suzanne , Olsen Mette Frahm , Peck Robert
Published: March 2023

Background:

Higher nocturnal heart rate and lower nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease mortality. Longitudinal studies on nocturnal HRV in people living with HIV (PLWH) are lacking.

Methods:

We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort study of adult PLWH and HIV-uninfected community controls in northwestern Tanzania. At enrollment, we collected data on cardiovascular risk factors and tested blood samples for hemoglobin, insulin, CD4 cell count, and C-reactive protein. We measured nocturnal HRV and heart rate at baseline and first-year follow-up. Mixed effect linear regression was used to determine predictors of lower HRV.

Results:

Of the 111 enrolled participants (74 PLWH and 37 HIV-uninfected adults), 57.7% were female and the median age was 40 years. Over 1 year of follow-up, the average nocturnal heart rate was 4.5 beats/minute higher in PLWH (P = 0.006). In the fully adjusted model (with age, sex, nocturnal heart rate, and diabetes), average nocturnal HRV was 10.5 milliseconds lower in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected adults (P = 0.03). Unlike with nocturnal heart rate, nocturnal HRV did not improve after 1 year of ART in PLWH or HIV-uninfected adults (fully adjusted change = −2.5 milliseconds, P = 0.45). Lower educational attainment, lesser pancreatic β-cell function, and anemia were associated with higher HRV.

Conclusions:

Nocturnal parasympathetic nervous system function was persistently lower in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected adults even after antiretroviral therapy initiation. Improving nocturnal autonomic nervous system function could be a target for cardiovascular disease prevention in PLWH.
Brief Report: Comparative Analysis of Pre-existing HIV Drug Resistance Mutations in Proviral DNA Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Routine HIV RNA Genotyping
Authors: Gaitan Noah C. , D'Antoni Michelle L. , Acosta Rima K. , Gianella Sara , Little Susan J. , Chaillon Antoine
Published: March 2023

Background:

We investigated whether deep sequencing of archived HIV DNA of antiretroviral-naive persons with acute/early HIV infection could identify transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRM), per the IAS drug resistance algorithm, which are not detected by routine bulk (consensus) sequencing.

Methods:

Deep sequencing of HIV DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and consensus sequencing from concurrent blood plasma (BP) was performed from antiretroviral (ART)-naive adults with recent infection. We compared the prevalence of low-frequency (2%–20%) and high-frequency (>20%) nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), and protease inhibitor (PI) DRM.

Results:

Overall, 190 individuals were included, 72 (37.9%) with acute, 20 (10.5%) with very early, and 98 (51.6%) with recent HIV infection. Although all DRM detected in plasma appeared in archived proviral DNA, 9 high-frequency mutations were only detected in HIV DNA. These included 3 NRTI mutations, 4 NNRTI mutations, 1 PI mutation, and 1 H221Y (associated rilpivirine resistance) mutation. When considering DRM <20%, 11 NNRTI, 7 NRTI, 6 PI, and 3 F227L (associated doravirine resistance) mutations were found exclusively in HIV DNA. Interestingly, although 2 high-frequency M184V appeared in both DNA and RNA, low-frequency M184I were exclusive to HIV DNA (n = 6). No participants experienced virologic failure after initiating ART during the median 25.39 ± 3.13 months of follow-up on treatment.

Conclusion:

Although most high-frequency DRMs were consistently detected in HIV RNA and HIV DNA, the presence of low-frequency DRM in proviral DNA may be relevant for clinicians because these mutations could become dominant under drug selection pressure.
Performance of Galectin-9 for Identification of HIV Viremia in Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Thorman Johannes , Björkman Per , Sasinovich Sviataslau , Tesfaye Fregenet , Mulleta Daba , Medstrand Patrik , Reepalu Anton
Published: March 2023

Background:

Targeted viral load (VL) testing has been proposed for antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring in resource-limited settings. In this study, we have investigated the performance of the host biomarker galectin-9 (Gal-9), alone and in combination with interferon-γ–inducible protein 10 (IP-10), in identifying individuals at increased likelihood of viremia during ART.

Setting:

Cohort of HIV-positive adults receiving ART at Ethiopian health centers.

Methods:

We included participants with detectable viremia (VL ≥150 copies/mL) 12 months after starting ART and sex-matched nonviremic controls. Performance to identify individuals with VL ≥1000 copies/mL was determined for Gal-9 and the Gal-9/IP-10 combination, respectively, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results:

Among 191 participants (50.3% women), 46 (24.1%) had VL ≥1000 copies/mL, 23 (12.0%) had 150–999 copies/mL, and 122 (63.9%) had <150 copies/mL. Gal-9 and VL were positively correlated (rs = 0.451, P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for Gal-9 to identify individuals with VL ≥1000 copies/mL were 91.3% (95% CI: 79.2–97.6) and 54.5% (95% CI: 46.0–62.8), respectively. The area under the ROC curve for Gal-9 was 0.810 (95% CI: 0.745–0.875), which was similar to that of the combination of Gal-9 and IP-10 [0.849 (95% CI: 0.792–0.905)]. Assuming 10% prevalence of VL ≥1000 copies/mL, using Gal-9 for targeted VL testing instead of universal VL testing would reduce the number of VL tests from 10 to 5 to identify 1 viremic individual, with misclassification of 1 in 10 viremic individuals.

Conclusions:

Gal-9 is a potential screening marker for targeted VL monitoring in ART recipients. Further studies are needed to determine optimal threshold levels.
Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel: A Joint Position Statement of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring, and ASET—The Neurodiagnostic Society
Authors: López Jaime R. , Ahn-Ewing Judy , Emerson Ron , Ford Carrie , Gale Clare , Gertsch Jeffery H. , Hewitt Lillian , Husain Aatif , Kelly Linda , Kincaid John , Kise Meledy , Kornegay Adam , Moreira Joseph J. , Nuwer Marc , Schneider Anita , Stecker Mark , Sullivan Lucy R. , Toleikis J. Richard , Wall Lois , Herman Susan
Published: March 2023

The Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel (QNP) document has been created through the collaboration of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS), the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM), the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), and ASET—The Neurodiagnostic Society (ASET). The quality of patient care is optimized when neurophysiological procedures are performed and interpreted by appropriately trained and qualified practitioners at every level. These societies recognize that neurodiagnostics is a large field with practitioners who have entered the field through a variety of training paths. This document suggests job titles, associated job responsibilities, and the recommended levels of education, certification, experience, and ongoing education appropriate for each job. This is important because of the growth and development of standardized training programs, board certifications, and continuing education in recent years. This document matches training, education, and credentials to the various tasks required for performing and interpreting neurodiagnostic procedures. This document does not intend to restrict the practice of those already working in neurodiagnostics. It represents recommendations of these societies with the understanding that federal, state, and local regulations, as well as individual hospital bylaws, supersede these recommendations. Because neurodiagnostics is a growing and dynamic field, the authors fully intend this document to change over time.