bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic forecasting of daily COVID-19 admissions using machine learning
Authors: Rostami-Tabar Bahman , Arora Siddharth , Rendon-Sanchez Juan F , Goltsos Thanos E
Published: May 2023

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos

Accurate forecasts of daily Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) admissions are critical for healthcare planners and decision-makers to better manage scarce resources during and around infection peaks. Numerous studies have focused on forecasting COVID-19 admissions at the national or global levels. Localized predictions are vital, as they allow for resource planning redistribution, but also scarce and harder to get right. Several possible indicators can be used to predict COVID-19 admissions. The inherent variability in the admissions necessitates the generation and evaluation of the forecast distribution of admissions, as opposed to producing only a point forecast. In this study, we propose a quantile regression forest (QRF) model for probabilistic forecasting of daily COVID-19 admissions for a local hospital trust (aggregation of 3 hospitals), up to 7 days ahead, using a multitude of different predictors. We evaluate point forecast accuracy as well as the accuracy of the forecast distribution using appropriate measures. We provide evidence that QRF outperforms univariate time series methods and other more sophisticated benchmarks. Our findings also show that lagged admissions, total positive cases, daily tests performed, and Google grocery and Apple driving are the most salient predictors. Finally, we highlight areas where further research is needed.
Large Deviation Principle for Random Permutations
Authors: Borga Jacopo , Das Sayan , Mukherjee Sumit , Winkler Peter
Published: May 2023

We derive a large deviation principle for random permutations induced by probability measures of the unit square, called permutons. These permutations are called $\mu $-random permutations. We also introduce and study a new general class of models of random permutations, called Gibbs permutation models, which combines and generalizes $\mu $-random permutations and the celebrated Mallows model for permutations. Most of our results hold in the general setting of Gibbs permutation models. We apply the tools that we develop to the case of $\mu $-random permutations conditioned to have an atypical proportion of patterns. Several results are made more concrete in the specific case of inversions. For instance, we prove the existence of at least one phase transition for a generalized version of the Mallows model where the base measure is non-uniform. This is in contrast with the results of Starr (2009, 2018) on the (standard) Mallows model, where the absence of phase transition, that is, phase uniqueness, was proven. Our results naturally lead us to investigate a new notion of permutons, called conditionally constant permutons, which generalizes both pattern-avoiding and pattern-packing permutons. We describe some properties of conditionally constant permutons with respect to inversions. The study of conditionally constant permutons for general patterns seems to be a new challenging problem.
Acute inflammation alters lung lymphocytes and potentiates innate-like behavior in young mouse lung CD8 T cells, resembling lung CD8 T cells from old mice
Authors: Piergallini Tucker J , Scordo Julia M , Allué-Guardia Anna , Pino Paula A , Zhang Hao , Cai Hong , Wang Yufeng , Schlesinger Larry S , Torrelles Jordi B , Turner Joanne
Published: May 2023

Inflammation plays a significant role in lung infection including that caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in which both adaptive and innate lymphocytes can affect infection control. How inflammation affects infection is understood in a broad sense, including inflammaging (chronic inflammation) seen in the elderly, but the explicit role that inflammation can play in regulation of lymphocyte function is not known. To fill this knowledge gap, we used an acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in young mice and studied lymphocyte responses, focusing on CD8 T cell subsets. LPS treatment decreased the total numbers of T cells in the lungs of LPS mice while also increasing the number of activated T cells. We demonstrate that lung CD8 T cells from LPS mice became capable of an antigen independent innate-like IFN-γ secretion, dependent on IL-12p70 stimulation, paralleling innate-like IFN-γ secretion of lung CD8 T cells from old mice. Overall, this study provides information on how acute inflammation can affect lymphocytes, particularly CD8 T cells, which could potentially affect immune control of various disease states.
The role of m6A mRNA modification in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Ma Zhangjing , Sugimura Rio , Lui Kathy O
Published: May 2023

Hematopoiesis is a highly orchestrated biological process sustaining the supply of leukocytes involved in the maintenance of immunity, O2 and CO2 exchange, and wound healing throughout the lifetime of an animal, including humans. During early hematopoietic cell development, several waves of hematopoiesis require the precise regulation of hematopoietic ontogeny as well as the maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the hematopoietic tissues, such as the fetal liver and bone marrow. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested the critical role of m6A messenger RNA (mRNA) modification, an epigenetic modification dynamically regulated by its effector proteins, in the generation and maintenance of hematopoietic cells during embryogenesis. In the adulthood, m6A has also been demonstrated to be involved in the functional maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, as well as the progression of malignant hematopoiesis. In this review, we focus on recent progress in identifying the biological functions of m6A mRNA modification, its regulators, and downstream gene targets during normal and pathological hematopoiesis. We propose that targeting m6A mRNA modification could offer novel insights into therapeutic development against abnormal and malignant hematopoietic cell development in the future.
Performance of a condensed protocol to assess limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change
Authors: Maioli Heather , Mittenzwei Rhonda , Shofer Jane B , Scherpelz Kathryn P , Marshall Desiree , Nolan Amber L , Nelson Peter T , Keene C Dirk , Latimer Caitlin S
Published: May 2023

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) is a dementia-related proteinopathy common in the elderly population. LATE-NC stages 2 or 3 are consistently associated with cognitive impairment. A condensed protocol (CP) for the assessment of Alzheimer disease neuropathologic change and other disorders associated with cognitive impairment, recommended sampling of small brain portions from specific neuroanatomic regions that were consolidated, resulting in significant cost reduction. Formal evaluation of the CP for LATE-NC staging was not previously performed. Here, we determined the ability of the CP to identify LATE-NC stages 2 or 3. Forty brains donated to the University of Washington BioRepository and Integrated Neuropathology laboratory with known LATE-NC status were resampled. Slides containing brain regions required for LATE-NC staging were immunostained for phospho-TDP-43 and reviewed by 6 neuropathologists blinded to original LATE-NC diagnosis. Overall group performance distinguishing between LATE-NC stages 0–1 and 2–3 was 85% (confidence interval [CI]: 75%–92%). We also used the CP to evaluate LATE-NC in a hospital autopsy cohort, in which LATE-NC was more common in individuals with a history of cognitive impairment, older age, and/or comorbid hippocampal sclerosis. This study shows that the CP can effectively discriminate higher stages of LATE-NC from low or no LATE-NC and that it can be successfully applied in clinical practice using a single tissue block and immunostain.
Crop Diversity Experiment: towards a mechanistic understanding of the benefits of species diversity in annual crop systems
Authors: Schöb Christian , Engbersen Nadine , López-Angulo Jesús , Schmutz Anja , Stefan Laura
Published: May 2023

Inspired by grassland biodiversity experiments studying the impact of plant diversity on primary productivity, the Crop Diversity Experiment setup in 2018 aimed at testing whether these biodiversity benefits also hold for annual crop systems and whether crop mixtures also achieved transgressive overyielding, i.e. yield in mixture that was higher than the most productive monoculture. The first 3 years of the experiment demonstrated that crop mixtures do not only increase yield compared with an average monoculture but often also compared with the highest yielding monoculture. The crop diversity effects were stronger under more stressful environmental conditions and were often achieved in mixtures with legume crops. However, we observed transgressive overyielding also under favorable conditions and in mixtures without legumes. With our investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the yield benefits we found both direct complementarities between crop species and indirect effects via other organisms. The former included chemical, spatial and temporal complementarity in N uptake, complementary root distribution leading to complementary water uptake, as well as spatial and temporal complementarity in light use. Among the indirect mechanisms we identified complementary suppression of weeds and more abundant plant growth-promoting microbes in crop mixtures, apart from complementarity in pest and disease suppression not yet studied in the Crop Diversity Experiment but demonstrated elsewhere. In consequence, the Crop Diversity Experiment supports not only the assumption that the ecological processes identified in biodiversity experiments also hold in crop systems, but that diversification of arable crop systems provides a valuable tool to sustainably produce food.
NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE activity affects nucleolar iron accumulation and impacts rDNA silencing and RNA methylation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Montacié Charlotte , Riondet Christophe , Wei Lili , Darrière Tommy , Weiss Alizée , Pontvianne Frédéric , Escande Marie-Line , de Bures Anne , Jobet Edouard , Barbarossa Adrien , Carpentier Marie-Christine , Aarts Mark G M , Attina Aurore , Hirtz Christophe , David Alexandre , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Curie Catherine , Mari Stéphane , Reichheld Jean-Philippe , Sáez-Vásquez Julio
Published: May 2023

In plant cells, a large pool of iron (Fe) is contained in the nucleolus, as well as in chloroplasts and mitochondria. A central determinant for intracellular distribution of Fe is nicotianamine (NA) generated by NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE (NAS). Here, we used Arabidopsis thaliana plants with disrupted NAS genes to study the accumulation of nucleolar iron and understand its role in nucleolar functions and more specifically in rRNA gene expression. We found that nas124 triple mutant plants, which contained lower quantities of the iron ligand NA, also contained less iron in the nucleolus. This was concurrent with the expression of normally silenced rRNA genes from nucleolar organizer regions 2 (NOR2). Notably, in nas234 triple mutant plants, which also contained lower quantities of NA, nucleolar iron and rDNA expression were not affected. In contrast, in both nas124 and nas234, specific RNA modifications were differentially regulated in a genotype dependent manner. Taken together, our results highlight the impact of specific NAS activities in RNA gene expression. We discuss the interplay between NA and nucleolar iron with rDNA functional organization and RNA methylation.
A Chandra X-ray study of supernova remnant N63A in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Karagöz E , Alan N , Bilir S , Ak S
Published: May 2023

We perform extensive spectroscopy of the supernova remnant N63A in the Large Magellanic Cloud, using ∼43 ks Chandra archival data. By analysing the spectra of the entire remnant, we determine the abundance distributions for O, Ne, Mg, Si, and Fe. We detect evidence of enhanced O and possibly Ne and Mg in some of the central regions which might indicate an asymmetric distribution of the ejecta. The average O/Ne, O/Mg, and Ne/Mg abundance ratios of the ejecta are in plausible agreement with the nucleosynthesis products from the explosion of a ∼40 M⊙ progenitor. We estimate an upper limit on the Sedov age of ∼5400 ± 200 yr and explosion energy of ∼8.9 ± 1.6 × 1051 erg for N63A. We discuss the implications of our results for the morphological structure of the remnant, its circumstellar medium, and the nature of the progenitor star.
Predictions of solar activity cycles 25 and 26 using non-linear autoregressive exogenous neural networks
Authors: Kalkan Mirkan Y , Fawzy Diaa E , Saygac A Talat
Published: May 2023

This study presents new prediction models of the 11-yr solar activity cycles (SC) 25 and 26 based on multiple activity indicator parameters. The developed models are based on the use of non-linear autoregressive exogenous (NARX) neural network approach. The training period of the NARX model is from July 1749 to December 2019. The considered activity indicator parameters are the monthly sunspot number time series (SSN), the flare occurence frequency, the 10.7-cm solar radio flux, and the total solar irradiance (TSI). The neural network models are fed by these parameters independently and the prediction results are compared and verified. The obtained training, validation, and prediction results show that our models are accurate with an accuracy of about 90 per cent in the prediction of peak activity values. The current models produce the dual-peak maximum (Gnevyshev gap) very well. Based on the obtained results, the expected solar peaks in terms of SSN (monthly averaged smoothed) of the solar cycles 25 and 26 are RSSN = 116.6 (February 2025) and RSSN = 113.25 (October 2036), respectively. The expected time durations of SC 25 and SC 26 cycles are 9.2 and 11 yr, respectively. The activity levels of SC 25 and 26 are expected to be very close and similar to or weaker than SC 24. This suggests that these two cycles are at the minimum level of the Gleissberg cycle. A comparison with other reported studies shows that our results based on the NARX model are in good agreement.
CHEOPS’s hunt for exocomets: photometric observations of 5 Vul
Authors: Rebollido Isabel , Zieba Sebastian , Iglesias Daniela , Bourrier Vincent , Kiefer Flavien , Lecavelier Des Etangs Alain
Published: May 2023

The presence of minor bodies in exoplanetary systems is in most cases inferred through infrared excesses, with the exception of exocomets. Even if over 35 yr have passed since the first detection of exocomets around β Pic, only ∼25 systems are known to show evidence of evaporating bodies, and most of them have only been observed in spectroscopy. With the appearance of new high-precision photometric missions designed to search for exoplanets, such as CHEOPS, a new opportunity to detect exocomets is available. Combining data from CHEOPS and TESS we investigate the light-curve of 5 Vul, an A-type star with detected variability in spectroscopy, to search for non-periodic transits that could indicate the presence of dusty cometary tails in the system. While we did not find any evidence of minor bodies, the high precision of the data, along with the combination with previous spectroscopic results and models, allows for an estimation of the sizes and spatial distribution of the exocomets.
Amides inventory towards the G+0.693−0.027 molecular cloud
Authors: Zeng S , Rivilla V M , Jiménez-Serra I , Colzi L , Martín-Pintado J , Tercero B , de Vicente P , Martín S , Requena-Torres M A
Published: May 2023

Interstellar amides have attracted significant attentions as they are potential precursors for a wide variety of organics essential to life. However, our current understanding of their formation in space is heavily based on observations in star-forming regions and hence the chemical networks lack the constraints on their early origin. In this work, unbiased sensitive spectral surveys with IRAM 30 m and Yebes 40 m telescopes are used to systematically study a number of amides towards a quiescent Galactic centre molecular cloud, G+0.693−0.027. We report the first detection of acetamide (CH3C(O)NH2) and trans-N-methylformamide (CH3NHCHO) towards this cloud. In addition, with the wider frequency coverage of the survey, we revisited the detection of formamide (NH2CHO) and urea (carbamide; NH2C(O)NH2), which had been reported previously towards G+0.693−0.027. Our results are compared with those present in the literature including recent laboratory experiments and chemical models. We find constant abundance ratios independently of the evolutionary stages, suggesting that amides related chemistry is triggered in early evolutionary stages of molecular cloud and remain unaffected by the warm-up phase during the star formation process. Although a correlation between more complex amides and NH2CHO have been suggested, alternative formation routes involving other precursors such as acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), methyl isocyanate (CH3NCO), and methylamine (CH3NH2) may also contribute to the production of amides. Observations of amides together with these species towards a larger sample of sources can help to constrain the amide chemistry in the interstellar medium.
When a genus must become two: resurrection of Pelagella Gray, 1850 with the description of six new species
Authors: Paz-Sedano Sofía , Smirnoff Dimitri , Gosliner Terrence M , Pola Marta
Published: May 2023

Goniodoris is the third most diverse genus of the nudibranch family Goniodorididae. The genus has undergone several taxonomic changes, with c. one-third of the recognized species of Goniodoris having been synonymized (most of these are junior synonyms of genera from other families). In addition, Goniodoris includes other synonymized genera within it, such as Pelagella, which was erected for Doris pareti. This species was synonymized with Goniodoris castanea and the genus Pelagella went almost unnoticed. In the present study, we investigate the systematics of the genus Goniodoris by examining specimens of G. castanea from England and Spain, G. joubini from Hawaii and six undescribed Goniodoris species from Australia, the Philippines and Mozambique. The morphology of the new species is studied using dissections of the internal organs and scanning electron micrographs of the radulae, labial cuticles and the penis. We also carried out phylogenetic analyses using partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. These analyses show that the type species of Goniodoris, G. nodosa, is not a member of the clade constituted by the focal species of our study; the valid name for this clade is Pelagella. Six new species of Pelagella, P. albopunctata n. sp., P. balanoyensis n. sp., P. longicornis n. sp., P. scottjohnsoni n. sp., P. rubrobranchiata n. sp. and P. vitrea n. sp., are described.
Cell-based therapies for glioblastoma: Promising tools against tumor heterogeneity
Authors: Nehama Dean , Woodell Alex S , Maingi Spencer M , Hingtgen Shawn D , Dotti Gianpietro
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive tumor with a devastating impact on quality-of-life and abysmal survivorship. Patients have very limited effective treatment options. The successes of targeted small molecule drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors seen in various solid tumors have not translated to GBM, despite significant advances in our understanding of its molecular, immune, and microenvironment landscapes. These discoveries, however, have unveiled GBM’s incredible heterogeneity and its role in treatment failure and survival. Novel cellular therapy technologies are finding successes in oncology and harbor characteristics that make them uniquely suited to overcome challenges posed by GBM, such as increased resistance to tumor heterogeneity, modularity, localized delivery, and safety. Considering these advantages, we compiled this review article on cellular therapies for GBM, focusing on cellular immunotherapies and stem cell-based therapies, to evaluate their utility. We categorize them based on their specificity, review their preclinical and clinical data, and extract valuable insights to help guide future cellular therapy development.
Analysis of recurrence probability following radiotherapy in patients with CNS WHO grade 2 meningioma using integrated molecular-morphologic classification
Authors: Deng Maximilian Y , Hinz Felix , Maas Sybren L N , Anil Günes , Sievers Philipp , Conde-Lopez Cristina , Lischalk Jonathan , Rauh Sophie , Eichkorn Tanja , Regnery Sebastian , Bauer Lukas , Held Thomas , Meixner Eva , Lang Kristin , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Herfarth Klaus , Jones David , Pfister Stefan M , Jungk Christine , Unterberg Andreas , Wick Wolfgang , von Deimling Andreas , Debus Jürgen , Sahm Felix , König Laila
Published: May 2023

Background

The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of brain tumors distinguishes 3 malignancy grades in meningiomas, with increasing risk of recurrence from CNS WHO grades 1 to 3. Radiotherapy is recommended by current EANO guidelines for patients not safely amenable to surgery or after incomplete resection in higher grades. Despite adequately predicting recurrence probability for the majority of CNS WHO grade 2 meningioma patients, a considerable subset of patients demonstrates an unexpectedly early tumor recurrence following radiotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 44 patients with CNS WHO grade 2 meningiomas were stratified into 3 risk groups (low, intermediate, and high) using an integrated morphological, CNV- and methylation family-based classification. Local progression-free survival (lPFS) following radiotherapy (RT) was analyzed and total dose of radiation was correlated with survival outcome. Radiotherapy treatment plans were correlated with follow-up images to characterize the pattern of relapse. Treatment toxicities were further assessed.

Results

Risk stratification of CNS WHO grade 2 meningioma into integrated risk groups demonstrated a significant difference in 3-year lPFS following radiotherapy between the molecular low- and high-risk groups. Recurrence pattern analysis revealed that 87.5 % of initial relapses occurred within the RT planning target volume or resection cavity.

Conclusions

Integrated risk scoring can identify CNS WHO grade 2 meningioma patients at risk or relapse and dissemination following radiotherapy. Therapeutic management of CNS WHO grade 2 meningiomas and future clinical trials should be adjusted according to the molecular risk-groups, and not rely on conventional CNS WHO grading alone.
The effects of educational interventions and the COVID-19 pandemic on the time to diagnosis in pediatric patients with primary central nervous system tumors
Authors: Canova Tyler , McNinch Neil , Judd Alexis , Rush Sarah , Wright Erin
Published: May 2023

Abstarct

Background

Primary central nervous system tumors are a leading cause of death and disability amongst pediatric cancer patients. Akron Children’s Hospital published data in 2018 on response time for brain tumor diagnosis and implemented components of an established program to decrease diagnostic delays and thereby reduce tumor- and treatment-related morbidities. This study evaluates if there was an improvement in the total diagnostic interval (TDI, time from symptom onset to diagnosis) after provider education. During the study, the COVID-19 pandemic forced alterations in care delivery. The impact this had on the TDI was also assessed.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed, and patients were separated into 2008–2017 (historical) and 2018–2021 (posteducation) groups to assess the effect of educational interventions on TDI. The posteducation cohort was analyzed separately to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

The 85 patients studied in the post-education group showed a median TDI of 31 days. Though not statistically significant (P = .939), this represents an 11-day decrease in median TDI compared to the historical group (42 days). In addition, the posteducation group showed an increase in the average number of healthcare provider visits (HCP, 2.4 historical to 3.2 posteducation, P = .009). The pre-COVID-19 group (median TDI 43.5 days) did not differ statistically from the post-COVID-19 group (30-day median TDI).

Conclusion

The nonsignificant decrease in TDI and concurrent increase in HCP visits after implementation of education suggests a potential gap amongst providers in working-up primary CNS tumors. These results will influence expansion of education to further improve TDI.
Revolutionary technology of low-carbon chemical processes
Authors: Zhang Suojiang , Zhang Xiangping , Shi Chunyan , Wang Ke , Yuan Lei
Published: May 2023

This perspective depicts a green hydrogen and green electricity-driven low-carbon future for chemical industry, which requires revolutionary technologies from feedstock replacements, catalyst and reactor innovations to integrated intelligent systems.
Programmable deaminase-free base editors for G-to-Y conversion by engineered glycosylase
Authors: Tong Huawei , Liu Nana , Wei Yinghui , Zhou Yingsi , Li Yun , Wu Danni , Jin Ming , Cui Shuna , Li Hengbin , Li Guoling , Zhou Jingxing , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Hainan , Shi Linyu , Yao Xuan , Yang Hui
Published: May 2023

Current DNA base editors contain nuclease and DNA deaminase that enables deamination of cytosine (C) or adenine (A), but no method for guanine (G) or thymine (T) editing is available at present. Here we developed a deaminase-free glycosylase-based guanine base editor (gGBE) with G editing ability, by fusing Cas9 nickase with engineered N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase protein (MPG). By several rounds of MPG mutagenesis via unbiased and rational screening using an intron-split EGFP reporter, we demonstrated that gGBE with engineered MPG could increase G editing efficiency by more than 1500 fold. Furthermore, this gGBE exhibited high base editing efficiency (up to 81.2%) and high G-to-T or G-to-C (i.e. G-to-Y) conversion ratio (up to 0.95) in both cultured human cells and mouse embryos. Thus, we have provided a proof-of-concept of a new base editing approach by endowing the engineered DNA glycosylase the capability to selectively excise a new type of substrate.
Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 Serum Antibodies Through the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron Surges Among Vaccinated Health Care Workers at a Boston Hospital
Authors: Dodge Maura C , Ye Lei , Duffy Elizabeth R , Cole Manisha , Gawel Susan H , Werler Martha M , Daghfal David , Andry Chris , Kataria Yachana
Published: May 2023

Background

Longitudinal serology studies can assist in analyzing the kinetics of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, helping to inform public health decision making. Our study aims to characterize circulating antibody trends over 18 months in vaccinated participants with and without evidence of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A cohort of health care workers employed at Boston Medical Center was followed to collect serum samples and survey data over 6 time points from July 2020 through December 2021 (N = 527). History of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and booster status were confirmed, where possible, through electronic medical records. Serum was assessed for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of IgG antibody levels (anti-nucleoprotein [anti-N] and anti-spike [anti-S], respectively). Piecewise regression models were utilized to characterize antibody kinetics over time.

Results

Anti-S IgG titers remained above the positivity threshold following infection and/or vaccination throughout the 18-month follow-up. Among participants with no evidence of COVID-19 infection, titers declined significantly faster in the initial 90 days after full vaccination (β = −0.056) from December 2020 to March 2021 as compared with the decline observed following booster dose uptake (β = −0.023, P < 0.001). Additionally, COVID-19 infection prior to vaccination significantly attenuated the decline of anti-S IgG when compared with no infection following vaccine uptake (P < 0.001). Lastly, fewer participants contracted Omicron when boosted (12.7%) compared to fully vaccinated (17.6%). Regardless of vaccination status, participants who were Omicron positive had lower anti-S IgG titers than those who did not test positive, but this difference was not significant.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel 18-month kinetics of anti-S IgG antibodies and highlight the durability of hybrid immunity, underlining the strong humoral response stimulated by combined infection and vaccination.
Ultraconserved elements support the elevation of a new avian family, Eurocephalidae, the white-crowned shrikes
Authors: McCullough Jenna M , Hruska Jack P , Oliveros Carl H , Moyle Robert G , Andersen Michael J
Published: May 2023

In this study, we infer genus-level relationships within shrikes (Laniidae), crows (Corvidae), and their allies using ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We confirm previous results of the Crested Shrikejay (Platylophus galericulatus) as comprising its own taxonomic family and find strong support for its sister relationship to laniid shrikes. We also find strong support that the African-endemic genus Eurocephalus, which comprises two allopatric species (E. ruppelli and E. anguitimens), are not “true-shrikes.” We propose elevating the white-crowned shrikes to their own family, Eurocephalidae.
The HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE15–HISTONE DEACETYLASE9 complex associates with HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 to modulate microRNA expression in response to abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Park Junghoon , Giudicatti Axel J , Bader Zein Eddin , Han Min Kyun , Møller Christian , Arce Agustin L , Xu Zheng-Yi , Yang Seong Wook , Manavella Pablo A , Yun Dae-Jin
Published: May 2023

The regulation of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is crucial for maintaining plant homeostasis under biotic and abiotic stress. The crosstalk between the RNA polymerase II (Pol-II) complex and the miRNA processing machinery has emerged as a central hub modulating transcription and cotranscriptional processing of primary miRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs). However, it remains unclear how miRNA-specific transcriptional regulators recognize MIRNA loci. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE15 (HOS15)–HISTONE DEACETYLASE9 (HDA9) complex is a conditional suppressor of miRNA biogenesis, particularly in response to abscisic acid (ABA). When treated with ABA, hos15/hda9 mutants show enhanced transcription of pri-miRNAs that is accompanied by increased processing, leading to overaccumulation of a set of mature miRNAs. Moreover, upon recognition of the nascent pri-miRNAs, the ABA–induced recruitment of the HOS15–HDA9 complex to MIRNA loci is guided by HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1). The HYL1–dependent recruitment of the HOS15–HDA9 complex to MIRNA loci suppresses expression of MIRNAs and processing of pri-miRNA. Most importantly, our findings indicate that nascent pri-miRNAs serve as scaffolds for recruiting transcriptional regulators, specifically to MIRNA loci. This indicates that RNA molecules can act as regulators of their own expression by causing a negative feedback loop that turns off their transcription, providing a self-buffering system.
Factors affecting college students’ attitudes towards carpooling
Authors: Li Linchao , Zhang Huali , Gan Zuoxian
Published: May 2023

As a sustainable mode of travel, carpooling is an effective solution to environmental and energy problems, but it has not been fully utilized. The research on carpooling attitudes, especially for college students, still needs to be improved. In response to this problem, this paper aims to investigate the effect of personal attributes, travel attributes, attitude attributes and other attributes of students on carpooling attitudes in China. To collect the data, an online questionnaire survey was implemented at Shenzhen University, and 514 students participated. Based on the samples, the multinomial logit model is used to explore the contribution of all variables. The model results showed that personal attributes such as sex and age had no significant effect on the attitude of college students towards carpooling. The safety of carpooling and its high cost make college students have a neutral attitude towards it. The most concerning factor for college students in carpooling is comfort. These findings can provide valuable suggestions for measures to be taken in response to different attributes affecting students’ attitudes and are particularly important for the university and government to make optimal decisions to motivate students to select carpooling.
Goal-Pursuit Tendencies and Retirement Planning: A Time-Lagged and Multi-Dimensional Investigation
Authors: Liu Pei , Thrasher Gregory R , Ye Yanhua , Shi Junqi
Published: May 2023

Existing studies regarding retirement planning have suggested that demographic variables, retirement-related characteristics, and work-related factors are closely associated with retirement planning. However, the importance of individual goal-pursuit tendencies within a multi-dimensional framework of retirement planning has been overlooked. As retirement planning is conceptualized as a multi-faceted and goal-directed behavior, the absence of these concepts within the literature presents an important theoretical and empirical gap. Drawing upon the dual-process model of coping, the current study examined the incremental effects of tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA) on four dimensions of retirement planning (i.e., financial planning, health planning, interpersonal/leisure planning, and work planning). Data from 377 Chinese older workers at two time points showed that FGA rather than TGP was positively associated with financial, health, and interpersonal/leisure planning. Further, FGA demonstrated incremental predictive validity over TGP. This study contributes to the retirement planning literature by investigating how older adults’ goal-related dispositions may impact their retirement planning in different arenas. Practical implications of our findings, limitations, and future research directions are also discussed.
Rapid New Diagnostic LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) Assays to Distinguish Among the Four Lineages of Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Søndreli Kelsey L. , Tabima Javier F. , LeBoldus Jared M.
Published: May 2023

Sudden oak death (SOD) is caused by Phytophthora ramorum, an invasive oomycete pathogen. This pathogen is of major regulatory concern for nurseries, horticulture, and forestry in the United States and around the world. Three of the 12 identified lineages of P. ramorum currently occur in the United States (NA1, NA2, and EU1) affecting wildland forests and nurseries. Rapid identification and lineage determination is essential to accelerate management decisions, detect introductions of new lineages, and control the spread of SOD. The objective of this study was to develop and validate diagnostic tools to rapidly identify P. ramorum and distinguish among the four common lineages of the pathogen and to accelarate management decision making. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays developed here are species specific with no cross reaction to common Phytophthora species found in Oregon, California, and Washington. The lineage-specific assays unambiguously distinguish among the four common clonal lineages. These assays are sensitive and able to detect P. ramorum DNA ranging in concentration from 30 to 0.03 ng/μl depending on the assay. These assays work effectively on a variety of sample types including plant tissue, cultures, and DNA. They have been integrated into the SOD diagnostic process in the forest pathology lab at Oregon State University. To date, 190 samples have been correctly identified from over 200 field samples tested for lineage determination. The development of these assays will help managers in forestry and horticulture identify and rapidly respond to new outbreaks of P. ramorum.
The Commercial Validation of Three Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Assays
Authors: Eads Alex , Groth-Helms Deborah , Davenport Bryant , Cha Xian , Li Rugang , Walsh Coilin , Schuetz Keith
Published: May 2023

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was first described infecting tomatoes in 2015 after breaking tobamovirus resistance in production cultivars. As an emerging pathogen, ToBRFV commercial assays were developed and subsequently validated. Agdia commercialized three ToBRFV assays: ELISA, ImmunoStrip, and AmplifyRP XRT. The ToBRFV ELISA is a serological method utilizing monoclonal antibodies designed for use as a high-throughput laboratory tool. The ToBRFV ImmunoStrip is a serological lateral flow device utilizing monoclonal antibodies designed for use as a field-screening tool. The ToBRFV XRT is a molecular method utilizing recombinase polymerase amplification designed to be a hybrid field-screening/laboratory tool with PCR-like sensitivity. The performance criteria and validation requirements for the three assays were chosen and evaluated based on each product's fitness for purpose. The ELISA and ImmunoStrip both have an analytical sensitivity of 64 to 320 pg/ml and an analytical specificity inclusive of all tested ToBRFV isolates with cross-reactions to tobacco mosaic virus, tomato mosaic virus, and tomato mottle mosaic virus. The XRT has an analytical sensitivity of 15 fg/µl and an analytical specificity inclusive of all tested ToBRFV isolates with no cross-reactions. All three assays have both a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Reliable diagnostic and analytical data are necessary for commercial assays to be both accepted by and useful to diagnosticians, researchers, and breeders. Without adequate validation, false results and/or false reporting can occur. In the absence of formal validation requirements in the global plant pathogen diagnostic community, Agdia commercialized ToBRFV ELISA, ImmunoStrip, and AmplifyRP XRT assays and evaluated them based on publicly available and internal performance criteria.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in Chinese population with psoriasis: A multicenter study conducted by experienced rheumatologists
Authors: Zhang Hua , Chen Miao , Cui Ran , Li Xia , Yan Kexiang , Chen Lihong , Zhang Zhenghua , Yu Ning , Bi Xinling , Deng Hui , Ding Yangfeng , Huang Qiong , Dai Sheng-Ming
Published: May 2023

Background:

Reports on the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among Chinese patients with psoriasis are very limited. This study, conducted by rheumatologists, estimated the prevalence of PsA in a large number of Chinese patients with psoriasis.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis attending nine dermatology clinics in five hospitals were recruited. All psoriasis patients were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising 16 questions to identify possible cases of PsA. All patients with one or more positive answers to the questionnaire were evaluated by two experienced rheumatologists.

Results:

A total of 2434 psoriasis patients, including 1561 males and 873 females, were enrolled. Both the questionnaire and rheumatologists' examinations were completed in the dermatology clinics. The results identified 252 patients with PsA, comprising 168 males and 84 females. The overall prevalence of PsA among psoriasis patients was 10.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 9.1%–11.7%). By sex, the prevalence was 10.8% (95% CI, 9.2%–12.5%) for males and 9.6% (95% CI, 7.7%–11.9%) for females and there was no significant sex difference in the prevalence of PsA (P = 0.38). Of the 252 PsA patients, 125 (49.6%, 95% CI, 41.3%–59.1%) were newly diagnosed by rheumatologists. Consequently, the prevalence of undiagnosed PsA among psoriasis patients was 5.2% (95% CI, 4.4%–6.2%).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of PsA in the Chinese population with psoriasis is about 10.4%, which is almost double that of previous reports in the Chinese population, but lower than that in Caucasians.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Outcomes in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using Internal Mammary Artery Perforators as Recipient Vessels
Authors: Fernandez-Diaz Oscar F. , Christopoulos Georgios , Griffiths Matthew
Published: May 2023

Background:

Recipient vessel selection is vital for successful autologous free-flap breast reconstruction. Internal mammary artery perforators have gained interest as a recipient vessel option. However, previous studies on their microsurgical safety and efficacy are limited and inconsistent. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and effectiveness of using internal mammary artery perforators as recipient vessels in breast reconstruction.

Methods:

The protocol has been previously published in PROSPERO (CRD42020190020). The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PROSPERO databases were searched. Two independent reviewers evaluated the articles for inclusion in the study. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the MINORS instrument (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies).

Results:

Of the 361 articles screened, 13 studies were included (313 patients with 318 flaps; 223 unilateral, 31 bilateral, mean average age 51.2 and mean BMI 27.8 ± 1.9). The mean overall success rate was 99.8%, the pooled surgical success rate was 100% [95% confidence interval (CI): 97%–100%], and the overall rate of complications was 11% (95% CI: 7%–18%). The most common complication was vascular-related to microanastomoses, with an incidence of 5% (95% CI: 2%–10%). The fat necrosis rate was 3% (95% CI: 2%–6%).

Conclusions:

This study verified that internal mammary artery perforator vessels are reliable in breast reconstruction, with a high success rate and a relatively low complication rate. Moreover, in selected microsurgical breast reconstruction patients, internal mammary artery perforators may be the primary recipient vessel choice over the internal mammary artery or thoracodorsal vessels.
Sleep-related factors associated with masked hypertension: the Nagahama study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Matsumoto Takeshi , Murase Kimihiko , Setoh Kazuya , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Nakayama Takeo , Wakamura Tomoko , Hirai Toyohiro , Chin Kazuo , Matsuda Fumihiko
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Masked hypertension, which is characterized by out-of-office hypertension but normal office blood pressure, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the factors that contribute to masked hypertension are unclear. We aimed to determine the involvement of sleep-related characteristics in masked hypertension.

Methods:

The study included 3844 normotensive (systolic/diastolic blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg) community residents with no antihypertensive drug use at baseline (mean age 54.3 years). Home morning and evening blood pressure, oxygen desaturation during sleep (pulse oximetry), and sleep efficiency (actigraphy) were measured for 1 week. The number of nocturnal urinations during this period was obtained using a sleep diary.

Results:

Masked hypertension (mean morning and evening blood pressure ≥135/85 mmHg) was detected in 11.7% of study participants, and 79.0% of the participants with masked hypertension had sleep hypertension (≥120/70 mmHg). Multinominal logistic regression analysis identified different factors involved in masked hypertension with and without sleep hypertension; factors for masked hypertension with sleep hypertension included the frequency of at least 3% oxygen desaturation (coefficient = 0.038, P = 0.001), nocturia (coefficient = 0.607, P < 0.001), and carotid intima-media thickness (coefficient = 3.592, P < 0.001). Only carotid intima-media thickness and measurement season were associated with masked hypertension without sleep hypertension. Low sleep efficiency was associated with isolated sleep hypertension but not masked hypertension.

Conclusion:

Sleep-related factors associated with masked hypertension differed depending on the presence of sleep hypertension. Sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal urination frequency may help identify individuals who need home blood pressure monitoring.
177Lu-DOTATATE Therapy: Effects of Water Intake and Drinking Duration on Patient Peripheral Dose Equivalent Rates
Authors: Ni Yudan , Ye Qing , Liu Xiangnan , Wang Ke , Yu Fei , Fu Jingjing , Wang Feng , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the amount and duration of water consumption in neuroendocrine tumor patients after receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE radionuclide therapy. We recruited 39 patients with neuroendocrine tumors, all of whom were treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE radionuclide while in the nuclear medicine ward of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from January 2021 to April 2022. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate their drinking times, water consumption, and urine volumes at 0 min, 30 min, 60 min, 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h after radionuclide treatment. At each timepoint, their radiation dose equivalent rates were monitored at 0 m, 1 m, and 2 m from the middle abdomen. f at 24 h were significantly lower than those at 0 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 2 h (all p < 0.05). The dose equivalent rates at 48 h were significantly lower than those at 24 h (all p < 0.05). At 1 m or 2 m from the patient, the dose equivalent rate gradually decreased at all six timepoints and was significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). To achieve lower radiation doses, there was a correlation with 24 h water consumption (P < 0.05) but no correlation with 48 h water consumption (P > 0.05); there were lower peripheral dose equivalents for patients when 24 h water consumption was no less than 2,750 mL. Patients with neuroendocrine tumors should drink at least 2,750 mL of water 24 h after treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE radionuclides. Drinking water in the first 24 h after treatment is more critical to reduce the peripheral dose equivalent, which can accelerate the reduction of peripheral radiation dose equivalent in early patients.
Mental Health Impact of Keratoconus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Durakovic Emily , Kandel Himal , Watson Stephanie L.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of keratoconus on the mental health and emotional well-being of affected patients.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. Articles were included if they were a primary study that investigated mental health or emotional quality-of-life outcomes in patients with keratoconus.

Results:

Thirty-one articles met inclusion criteria of a total yield of 444. Most studies reported keratoconus to have a negative effect on mental health or emotional well-being. Worsening mental health scores correlated with lower visual acuity (VA) in the better eye, lower VA in the worse eye, increasing ocular asymmetry, and worsening disease severity. Mental health impacts were often reported to be disproportionate to that of the effects on VA. Over time mental health outcomes improved, suggesting stabilization of disease and patient acceptance.

Conclusions:

Patients with keratoconus may suffer detriments to mental health despite having relatively good VA. Understanding and acceptance of their disease may assist in assuaging mental health concerns. Further work may be needed to investigate whether benefit exists in routine mental health screening of patients with keratoconus.