bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of ward-level antibiotic consumption with healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infections: an ecological study in five German university hospitals, 2017–2019
Authors: Rohde Anna M , Mischnik Alexander , Behnke Michael , Dinkelacker Ariane , Eisenbeis Simone , Falgenhauer Jane , Gastmeier Petra , Häcker Georg , Herold Susanne , Imirzalioglu Can , Käding Nadja , Kramme Evelyn , Peter Silke , Piepenbrock Ellen , Rupp Jan , Schneider Christian , Schwab Frank , Seifert Harald , Steib-Bauert Michaela , Tacconelli Evelina , Trauth Janina , Vehreschild Maria J G T , Walker Sarah V , Kern Winfried V , Jazmati Nathalie ,   DZIF R-NET Study Group, Biehl Lena , Braun Jochen , Buhl Michael , Chakraborty Trinad , Fitzenwanker Moritz , Gölz Hanna , Grundmann Hajo , Hennelly Catriona , Hölzl Florian , Kohlmorgen Britta , Künstle Larissa , Lang Alexandra , Lengler Azita , Lenke Dana , Diaz Luis Alberto Peña , Pilarski Georg , Proske Susanna , Schmiedel Judith , Thoma Norbert , Walinski Bianca
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To analyse the influence of antibiotic consumption on healthcare-associated healthcare onset (HAHO) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a German university hospital setting.

Methods

Monthly ward-level antibiotic consumption measured in DDD/100 patient days (pd) and CDI surveillance data from five university hospitals in the period 2017 through 2019 were analysed. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed with generalized estimating equation models.

Results

A total of 225 wards with 7347 surveillance months and 4 036 602 pd participated. With 1184 HAHO-CDI cases, there was a median incidence density of 0.17/1000 pd (IQR 0.03–0.43) across all specialties, with substantial differences among specialties. Haematology-oncology wards showed the highest median incidence density (0.67/1000 pd, IQR 0.44–1.01), followed by medical ICUs (0.45/1000 pd, IQR 0.27–0.73) and medical general wards (0.32/1000 pd, IQR 0.18–0.53). Multivariable analysis revealed carbapenem (mostly meropenem) consumption to be the only antibiotic class associated with increased HAHO-CDI incidence density. Each carbapenem DDD/100 pd administered increased the HAHO-CDI incidence density by 1.3% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.013; 95% CI 1.006–1.019]. Specialty-specific analyses showed this influence only to be valid for haematological-oncological wards. Overall, factors like ward specialty (e.g. haematology-oncology ward IRR 2.961, 95% CI 2.203–3.980) or other CDI cases on ward had a stronger influence on HAHO-CDI incidence density (e.g. community-associated CDI or unknown association case in same month IRR 1.476, 95% CI 1.242–1.755) than antibiotic consumption.

Conclusions

In the German university hospital setting, monthly ward-level carbapenem consumption seems to increase the HAHO-CDI incidence density predominantly on haematological-oncological wards. Furthermore, other patient-specific factors seem to be equally important to control HAHO-CDI.
Evaluation of branched-chain amino acid interactions in 10 to 20 kg nursery pigs using a central composite design
Authors: Humphrey Dalton C , Haydon Keith , Greiner Laura L
Published: August 2023

Two groups of 240 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, PIC Genus, Hendersonville, TN) were used to investigate the interactions between leucine, isoleucine, and valine on the growth performance of approximately 10 to 20 kg nursery pigs. At weaning, pigs were placed into 40 pens with three barrows and three gilts per pen and fed a common diet for 3 wk. On day 21 postweaning, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 15 dietary treatments in a central composite design. Diets were formulated to various levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Leu, Ile, and Val by supplementing L-Leu, L-Ile, and L-Val. Levels of the branched-chain amino acids, expressed as ratios to SID Lys, ranged from 98% to 180%, 46% to 64%, and 51% to 78% for Leu, Ile, and Val, respectively. Diets were formulated to be iso-Lys, isonitrogenous, and isocaloric. Pig weights and feed intake were measured for the 21-d experiment to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G:F). Growth performance data were analyzed using the lm() function in R version 4.2.2 (R Core Team, 2022). The second-order polynomial model included the linear and quadratic effects of Leu, Ile, and Val, their three two-way interactions, and initial body weight. Pen was the experimental unit, and parameters were considered significant at P ≤ 0.10. A linear and quadratic effect of Val was observed for ADG and G:F (P < 0.001). There was an interaction between Leu and Ile for ADG (P = 0.069) and G:F (P = 0.032), where increasing Leu and decreasing Ile, and the inverse, improved ADG and G:F. However, growth and efficiency were negatively impacted as Leu and Ile increased in the diet. There was an interaction between Leu and Val for ADFI (P = 0.060), where Leu negatively impacted feed intake at low levels of Val but had little impact as Val increased above NRC (2012) recommendations.

In conclusion, Val linearly and quadratically impacted ADG and G:F, regardless of Leu and Ile levels in the diet, while ADG and G:F were reduced with high levels of Leu and Ile, which was resolved as either Leu or Ile was reduced. Furthermore, ADFI was negatively impacted by increased Leu when Val was below NRC (2012) recommendations but was not affected by Leu at higher Val levels. Together, the results of this experiment emphasize the complexity of amino acid metabolism in nursery pigs and the importance of considering potential interactions among amino acids when conducting requirement studies.
The stability of NPM1 oligomers regulated by acidic disordered regions controls the quality of liquid droplets
Authors: Okuwaki Mitsuru , Ozawa Shin-Ichiro , Ebine Shuhei , Juichi Motoki , Umeki Tadanobu , Niioka Kazuki , Kikuchi Taiyo , Tanaka Nobutada
Published: August 2023

The nucleolus is a membrane-less nuclear body that typically forms through the process of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) involving its components. NPM1 drives LLPS within the nucleolus and its oligomer formation and inter-oligomer interactions play a cooperative role in inducing LLPS. However, the molecular mechanism underlaying the regulation of liquid droplet quality formed by NPM1 remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the N-terminal and central acidic residues within the intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) of NPM1 contribute to attenuating oligomer stability, although differences in the oligomer stability were observed only under stringent conditions. Furthermore, the impact of the IDRs is augmented by an increase in net negative charges resulting from phosphorylation within the IDRs. Significantly, we observed an increase in fluidity of liquid droplets formed by NPM1 with decreased oligomer stability. These results indicate that the difference in oligomer stability only observed biochemically under stringent conditions has a significant impact on liquid droplet quality formed by NPM1. Our findings provide new mechanistic insights into the regulation of nucleolar dynamics during the cell cycle.
Naringenin ameliorates vascular senescence and atherosclerosis involving SIRT1 activation
Authors: Wang Jie , Wu Ruoman , Hua Yiqiao , Ling Shijia , Xu Xiaole
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study was to explore the potential effects and mechanism of naringenin against vascular senescence in atherosclerosis focusing on the SIRT1-mediated signalling pathway.

Methods

Aged apoE−/− mice were administrated with naringenin continuously for three months. Lipid parameters in serum and pathological changes and associated protein expression in aorta were examined. In vitro, endothelial cells were treated with H2O2 to induce senescence.

Key findings

Dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion formation and vascular senescence were found in ApoE−/− mice, which were significantly ameliorated by naringenin treatment. Naringenin decreased reactive oxygen species overproduction and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in aorta. It also decreased mitoROS production and increased protein expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis-related genes in aorta. Moreover, naringenin treatment enhanced aortic protein expression and activity of SIRT1. Meanwhile, naringenin increased deacetylation and protein expression of SIRT1’s target genes FOXO3a and PGC1α. In vitro study, the benefits of naringenin on endothelial senescence, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury as well as protein expressions and acetylated levels of FOXO3a and PGC1α were diminished in cells transfected with SIRT1 siRNA.

Conclusions

Naringenin could ameliorate vascular senescence and atherosclerosis and the activation of SIRT1, with subsequent deacetylation and regulation of FOXO3a and PGC1α, is involved in this process.
World population projections: Just little bits of history repeating?
Authors: Danny Dorling
Published: August 2023

The world population is expected to peak in the summer of 2086. But do the official United Nations estimates give enough consideration to human behaviour? Danny Dorling gives his verdict
Stefano Franscini: The statistician who built a nation
Authors: Grüninger Servan
Published: August 2023

Modern Switzerland was founded 175 years ago. However, despite being connected by a constitution, the new country remained divided by language, religion, and history – a state but not a nation. It is thanks to the statistician and politician Stefano Franscini that statistics came to play an important role in forging a common Swiss identity. Servan Grüninger tells his story
The way you make me feel: an ecological momentary assessment study on couple similarity in sexual arousal and its sexual, relational, and affective correlates
Authors: Pawłowska Aleksandra , Janssen Erick , Dewitte Marieke
Published: August 2023

Background

Although sexual arousal is commonly experienced in the daily context of relationships, most of what we know about sexual arousal comes from studies on individuals, often conducted in a laboratory context.

Aim

To explore to what extent similarity in levels of sexual arousal during nongenital physical intimacy (ie, cuddling and kissing) was associated with each partner’s affect as well as sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Methods

Ninety-four cohabitating couples (mean ± SD age, 26.30 ± 7.60; 88 mixed gender, 6 same gender) completed 6 ecological momentary assessments a day for 10 consecutive days. We used response surface analysis to examine the associations among the degree and direction of similarity in partners’ sexual arousal and affective, sexual, and relational outcome variables.

Outcomes

Sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and positive and negative affect.

Results

Sexual arousal levels covaried only when partners engaged in physically intimate behaviors, unlike affective responses, which covaried within couples more globally over time. Within-couple similarity at high levels of sexual arousal was positively associated with women’s sexual satisfaction but unrelated to men and women’s relationship satisfaction and affect. Individual- and couple-level sexual arousal was positively associated with men’s sexual satisfaction and women’s sexual and relationship satisfaction. Couple-level sexual arousal was relevant to men’s affect such that positive affect was higher when sexual arousal levels within the couple were high. Our analyses also revealed a discrepancy effect in that women’s positive affect was higher when their own sexual arousal levels were higher than those of their partners.

Clinical Implications

These findings suggest that as long as sexual arousal levels within a couple are sufficiently high, sexual arousal similarity and discrepancy can be beneficial to one’s well-being, supporting the relevance of therapeutical techniques aimed at increasing arousal levels to promote a better affective and relational climate for couples.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first to test the daily associations among sexual arousal similarity and its correlates in a sample of cohabitating couples, providing a more comprehensive view of the interpersonal dynamics through which sexual arousal may influence individual, relational, and sexual well-being. Given our sample’s relatively young age, as well as high sexual and relationship satisfaction, the results may not generalize to couples experiencing sexual or relational distress.

Conclusion

Within the context of daily relationships, individual- and couple-level dynamics of sexual arousal were associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction, as well as with affective responses of relationship partners.
Ethylene inhibits ABA-induced stomatal closure via regulating NtMYB184-mediated flavonol biosynthesis in tobacco
Authors: Song Zhongbang , Zhao Lu , Ma Wenna , Peng Zhongping , Shi Junli , Pan Feng , Gao Yulong , Sui Xueyi , Rengel Zed , Chen Qi , Wang Bingwu
Published: August 2023

Stomatal movement can be regulated by ABA signaling through synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in guard cells. By contrast, ethylene triggers the biosynthesis of antioxidant flavonols to suppress ROS accumulation and prevent ABA-induced stomatal closure; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we isolated and characterized the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) R2R3-MYB transcription factor NtMYB184, which belongs to the flavonol-specific SG7 subgroup. RNAi suppression and CRISPR/Cas9 mutation (myb184) of NtMYB184 in tobacco caused down-regulation of flavonol biosynthetic genes and decreased the concentration of flavonols in the leaves. Yeast one-hybrid assays, transactivation assays, EMSAs, and ChIP-qPCR demonstrated that NtMYB184 specifically binds to the promoters of flavonol biosynthetic genes via MYBPLANT motifs. NtMYB184 regulated flavonol biosynthesis in guard cells to modulate ROS homeostasis and stomatal aperture. ABA-induced ROS production was accompanied by the suppression of NtMYB184 and flavonol biosynthesis, which may accelerate ABA-induced stomatal closure. Furthermore, ethylene stimulated NtMYB184 expression and flavonol biosynthesis to suppress ROS accumulation and curb ABA-induced stomatal closure. In myb184, however, neither the flavonol and ROS concentrations nor the stomatal aperture varied between the ABA and ABA+ethylene treatments, indicating that NtMYB184 was indispensable for the antagonism between ethylene and ABA via regulating flavonol and ROS concentrations in the guard cells.
The exclusion of anti-D alloantibody in a suspected anti-G antibody in a pregnant 28-year-old Odiya Indian woman
Authors: Nivedita Kella , Mukherjee Somnath , Prakash Satya , Sahu Ansuman , Mishra Debasish
Published: August 2023

The Rh-D negative pregnancy is commonly associated with alloimmunization against D-antigen. It can be prevented by anti-D prophylaxis in pregnant patients with negative results on antibody screening. Hence, it is essential to exclude alloantibody-D in the presence of multiple alloantibodies. Anti-G antibody is formed after exposure to G antigen in neonate RBCs. Blood-group discrepancy was noted in reverse grouping, and antibody-screening results were positive in our case individual, a 28-year old Odiya Indian woman. We performed antibody identification on serum specimens from this patient, which revealed the pattern of anti-D + anti-C antibody specificity. Blood-group discrepancy was solved using rr (ce/ce)–phenotype pooled cells for reverse grouping. We identified anti-G antibodies by themselves without anti-D and anti-C after performing sequential adsorption of serum with rʹrʹ (Ce/Ce) and R2R2 (DcE/DcE) group-O RBCs in the mother, who had rr phenotype and primigravida designation. After completing antibody screening at the first antenatal check-up, we recommended prophylactic anti-D for the mother in any future pregnancies she may have.
Approaches to nonlinear curve fitting in laboratory medicine
Authors: McPherson Peter A C
Published: August 2023

Nonlinear curve fitting is an important process in laboratory medicine, particularly with the increased use of highly sensitive antibody-based assays. Although the process is often automated in commercially available software, it is important that clinical scientists and physicians recognize the limitations of the various approaches used and are able to select the most appropriate model. This article summarizes the key nonlinear functions and demonstrates their application to common laboratory data. Following this, a basic overview of the statistical comparison of models is presented and then a discussion of important algorithms used in nonlinear curve fitting. An accompanying Microsoft Excel workbook is available that can be used to explore the content of this article.
MUSE–ALMA Haloes – IX. Morphologies and stellar properties of gas-rich galaxies
Authors: Karki Arjun , Kulkarni Varsha P , Weng Simon , Péroux Céline , Augustin Ramona , Hayes Matthew , Ayromlou Mohammadreza , Kacprzak Glenn G , Howk J Christopher , Szakacs Roland , Klitsch Anne , Hamanowicz Aleksandra , Fresco Alejandra , Zwaan Martin A , Biggs Andrew D , Fox Andrew J , Kassin Susan , Kuntschner Harald
Published: August 2023

Understanding how galaxies interact with the circumgalactic medium (CGM) requires determining how galaxies’ morphological and stellar properties correlate with their CGM properties. We report an analysis of 66 well-imaged galaxies detected in Hubble Space Telescope and Very Large Telescope MUSE observations and determined to be within ±500 km s−1 of the redshifts of strong intervening quasar absorbers at 0.2 ≲ z ≲ 1.4 with H i column densities $N_{\rm H I} \gt 10^{18}\, \rm cm^{-2}$. We present the geometrical properties (Sérsic indices, effective radii, axis ratios, and position angles) of these galaxies determined using galfit. Using these properties along with star formation rates (SFRs, estimated using the H α or [O ii] luminosity) and stellar masses (M* estimated from spectral energy distribution fits), we examine correlations among various stellar and CGM properties. Our main findings are as follows: (1) SFR correlates well with M*, and most absorption-selected galaxies are consistent with the star formation main sequence of the global population. (2) More massive absorber counterparts are more centrally concentrated and are larger in size. (3) Galaxy sizes and normalized impact parameters correlate negatively with NHI, consistent with higher NHI absorption arising in smaller galaxies, and closer to galaxy centres. (4) Absorption and emission metallicities correlate with M* and specific SFR, implying metal-poor absorbers arise in galaxies with low past star formation and faster current gas consumption rates. (5) SFR surface densities of absorption-selected galaxies are higher than predicted by the Kennicutt–Schmidt relation for local galaxies, suggesting a higher star formation efficiency in the absorption-selected galaxies.
The formation pathways of compact elliptical galaxies
Authors: Deeley Simon , Drinkwater Michael J , Sweet Sarah M , Bekki Kenji , Couch Warrick J , Forbes Duncan A
Published: August 2023

Compact elliptical (cE) galaxies remain an elusively difficult galaxy class to study. Recent observations have suggested that isolated and host-associated cEs have different formation pathways, while simulation studies have also shown different pathways can lead to a cE galaxy. However, a solid link has not been established, and the relative contributions of each pathway in a cosmological context remains unknown. Here, we combine a spatially resolved observational sample of cEs taken from the Sydney-AAO Multi-object Integral field spectrograph Galaxy Survey with a matched sample of galaxies within the IllustrisTNG cosmological simulation to establish an overall picture of how these galaxies form. The observed cEs located near a host galaxy appear redder, smaller, and older than isolated cEs, supporting previous evidence for multiple formation pathways. Tracing the simulated cEs back through time, we find two main formation pathways; 32 ± 5 per cent formed via the stripping of a spiral galaxy by a larger host galaxy, while 68 ± 4 per cent formed through a gradual build-up of stellar mass in isolated environments. We confirm that cEs in different environments do indeed form via different pathways, with all isolated cEs in our sample having formed via in situ formation (i.e. none were ejected from a previous host), and 77 ± 6 per cent of host-associated cEs having formed via tidal stripping. Separating them by their formation pathway, we are able to reproduce the observed differences between isolated and host-associated cEs, showing that these differences can be fully explained by the different formation pathways dominating in each environment.
On the survivability of a population of gas giant planets on wide orbits
Authors: Carter Ethan J , Stamatellos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

The existence of giant planets on wide orbits ($\stackrel{\gt }{_\sim }100\rm ~au$) challenge planet formation theories; the core accretion scenario has difficulty in forming them, whereas the disc instability model forms an overabundance of them that is not seen observations. We perform N-body simulations investigating the effect of close stellar encounters (≤1200 au) on systems hosting wide-orbit giant planets and the extent at which such interactions may disrupt the initial wide-orbit planet population. We find that the effect of an interaction on the orbit of a planet is stronger for high-mass, low-velocity perturbers, as expected. We find that due to just a single encounter there is a $\sim 17~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ chance that the wide-orbit giant planet is liberated in the field, a $\sim 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ chance it is scattered significantly outwards, and a $\sim 6~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ chance it is significantly scattered inwards. Moreover, there is a $\sim 21~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ chance that its eccentricity is excited to e > 0.1, making it more prone to disruption in subsequent encounters. The results strongly suggest that the effect of even a single stellar encounter is significant in disrupting the primordial wide-orbit giant planet population; in reality the effect will be even more prominent, as in a young star-forming region more such interactions are expected to occur. We conclude that the low occurrence rate of wide-orbit planets revealed by observational surveys does not exclude the possibility that such planetary systems are initially abundant, and therefore the disc–instability model may be a plausible scenario for their formation.
A systematic approach to classify and characterize genomic islands driven by conjugative mobility using protein signatures
Authors: Audrey Bioteau , Cellier Nicolas , White Frédérique , Jacques Pierre-Étienne , Burrus Vincent
Published: August 2023

Genomic islands (GIs) play a crucial role in the spread of antibiotic resistance, virulence factors and antiviral defense systems in a broad range of bacterial species. However, the characterization and classification of GIs are challenging due to their relatively small size and considerable genetic diversity. Predicting their intercellular mobility is of utmost importance in the context of the emerging crisis of multidrug resistance. Here, we propose a large-scale classification method to categorize GIs according to their mobility profile and, subsequently, analyze their gene cargo. We based our classification decision scheme on a collection of mobility protein motif definitions available in publicly accessible databases. Our results show that the size distribution of GI classes correlates with their respective structure and complexity. Self-transmissible GIs are usually the largest, except in Bacillota and Actinomycetota, accumulate antibiotic and phage resistance genes, and favour the use of a tyrosine recombinase to insert into a host's replicon. Non-mobilizable GIs tend to use a DDE transposase instead. Finally, although tRNA genes are more frequently targeted as insertion sites by GIs encoding a tyrosine recombinase, most GIs insert in a protein-encoding gene. This study is a stepping stone toward a better characterization of mobile GIs in bacterial genomes and their mechanism of mobility.
Phase I trial of panobinostat in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: A report from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC-047)
Authors: Monje Michelle , Cooney Tabitha , Glod John , Huang Jie , Peer Cody J , Faury Damien , Baxter Patricia , Kramer Kim , Lenzen Alicia , Robison Nathan J , Kilburn Lindsay , Vinitsky Anna , Figg William D , Jabado Nada , Fouladi Maryam , Fangusaro Jason , Onar-Thomas Arzu , Dunkel Ira J , Warren Katherine E
Published: August 2023

Background

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal childhood cancer with median survival of less than 1 year. Panobinostat is an oral multihistone deacetylase inhibitor with preclinical activity in DIPG models. Study objectives were to determine safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics of panobinostat in children with DIPG.

Patients and Methods

In stratum 1, panobinostat was administered 3 days per week for 3 weeks on, 1 week off to children with progressive DIPG, with dose escalation following a two-stage continual reassessment method. After this MTD was determined, the study was amended to evaluate the MTD in children with nonprogressive DIPG/Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) (stratum 2) on an alternate schedule, 3 days a week every other week in an effort to escalate the dose.

Results

For stratum 1, 19 subjects enrolled with 17/19 evaluable for dose-finding. The MTD was 10 mg/m2/dose. Dose-limiting toxicities included thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was reported in 1 patient. For stratum 2, 34 eligible subjects enrolled with 29/34 evaluable for dose finding. The MTD on this schedule was 22 mg/m2/dose. DLTs included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, neutropenia with grade 4 thrombocytopenia, prolonged intolerable nausea, and increased ALT.

Conclusions

The MTD of panobinostat is 10 mg/m2/dose administered 3 times per week for 3 weeks on/1 week off in children with progressive DIPG/DMG and 22 mg/m2/dose administered 3 times per week for 1 week on/1 week off when administered in a similar population preprogression. The most common toxicity for both schedules was myelosuppression.
Structural complexity is a better predictor than single habitat attributes of understory bird densities in Andean temperate forests
Authors: Concha Victoria C , Caviedes Julián , Novoa Fernando J , Altamirano Tomás A , Ibarra José Tomás
Published: August 2023

The simplification of forest structural complexity, caused by anthropogenic land-use practices, is one of the main threats to understory specialist birds. We examined the association of both single structural attributes and structural complexity, with the density of 4 understory bird species in the Global Biodiversity Hotspot “Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests” of South America. Between 2011 and 2013, we surveyed habitat attributes and conducted bird point counts in 505 plots in Andean temperate ecosystems in Chile. In each habitat plot, we measured understory density, volume of coarse woody debris (CWD), number of snags, diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees, and leaf litter depth. With these attributes, we developed an index of stand structural complexity (ISC). On average, old-growth forests had higher values for understory density, CWD volume, DBH, and litter depth than secondary forests and open fields, and thus greater values of ISC. The density of understory birds was positively correlated with the ISC for the Rhinocryptidae Pteroptochos tarnii, Scelorchilus rubecula, and Scytalopus magellanicus. We also found a positive association between understory density and litter depth, with the density of the Furnariidae Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii. However, this latter species showed a negative association with the density of snags. Our results suggest the utility of using an index of structural complexity, rather than single or even additive habitat attributes, for determining the density of understory specialist birds. We recommend that management plans should promote the retention of habitat attributes that contribute to the structural complexity of temperate forests of South America and beyond.
Census counts of Common Murres adjusted for timing of breeding are more accurate than counts based on calendar dates
Authors: Birkhead Timothy R , Montgomerie Robert D
Published: August 2023

Climate change has resulted in a marked advancement in the breeding phenology of many bird species. Since the timing of many monitoring programs is based on calendar dates, changes in the timing of birds’ breeding seasons may result in a mismatch with the census period. Using data from a long-term population study of Common Murres (Uria aalge; Common Guillemots in Europe) on Skomer Island, Wales, together with simulations, we show that the 2-week advance in the timing of breeding in Common Murres between 1973 and 2020 has serious implications for the timing of census counts. We show that because censuses have traditionally been conducted during the same fixed calendar period each year, the size of the breeding population has been underestimated. We recommend that censuses of breeding seabirds be made relative to the median egg-laying date rather than on specific calendar dates. Since climate change has resulted in a widespread advance in the timing of birds’ breeding seasons in the northern hemisphere, our results may be relevant to Common Murres at other colonies, and to other bird species worldwide.
On Algorithms, Effective Procedures, and Their Definitions
Authors: Papayannopoulos Philippos
Published: July 2023

I examine the classical idea of ‘algorithm’ as a sequential, step-by-step, deterministic procedure (i.e., the idea of ‘algorithm’ that was already in use by the 1930s), with respect to three themes, its relation to the notion of an ‘effective procedure’, its different roles and uses in logic, computer science, and mathematics (focused on numerical analysis), and its different formal definitions proposed by practitioners in these areas. I argue that ‘algorithm’ has been conceptualized and used in contrasting ways in the above areas, and discuss challenges and prospects for adopting a final foundational theory of (classical) ‘algorithms’.
Potassium transporter OsHAK18 mediates potassium and sodium circulation and sugar translocation in rice
Authors: Peng Lirun , Xiao Huojun , Li Ran , Zeng Yang , Gu Mian , Moran Nava , Yu Ling , Xu Guohua
Published: August 2023

High-affinity potassium (K+) transporter (HAK)/K+ uptake permease (KUP)/K+ transporter (KT) have been identified in all genome-sequenced terrestrial plants. They play an important role in K+ acquisition and translocation and in enhancing salt tolerance. Here, we report that plasma membrane–located OsHAK18 functions in K+ and sodium (Na+) circulation and sugar translocation in rice (Oryza sativa). OsHAK18 was expressed mainly, though not exclusively, in vascular tissues and particularly in the phloem. Knockout (KO) of OsHAK18 reduced K+ concentration in phloem sap and roots but increased K+ accumulation in the shoot of both ‘Nipponbare’ and ‘Zhonghua11’ cultivars, while overexpression (OX) of OsHAK18 driven by its endogenous promoter increased K+ concentration in phloem sap and roots and promoted Na+ retrieval from the shoot to the root under salt stress. Split-root experimental analysis of rubidium (Rb+) uptake and circulation indicated that OsHAK18-OX promoted Rb+ translocation from the shoot to the root. In addition, OsHAK18-KO increased while OsHAK18-OX reduced soluble sugar content in the shoot and oppositely affected the sugar concentration in the phloem and its content in the root. Moreover, OsHAK18-OX dramatically increased grain yield and physiological K+ utilization efficiency. Our results suggest that—unlike other OsHAKs analyzed heretofore—OsHAK18 is critical for K+ and Na+ recirculation from the shoot to the root and enhances the source-to-sink translocation of photo-assimilates.
Short- and long-term mortality following acute medical admission
Authors: Conway R , Byrne D , O’Riordan D , Silke B
Published: August 2023

Background

Short-term in-hospital mortality following acute medical admission has been widely investigated. Longer term mortality, particularly out–of-hospital mortality, has been less well studied.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate short- and long-term mortality, and predictors of such, following acute medical admission.

Design

Retrospective database study.

Methods

We evaluated all acute medical admissions to our institution over 10 years (2002–11) with a minimum of a further 10 years follow-up to 2021 using the Irish National Death Register. Predictors of 30-day in-hospital and long-term mortality were analysed with logistic and Cox regression, with loss of life years estimated.

Results

The 2002–11 cohort consisted of 62 184 admissions in 35 140 patients. 30-Day in hospital mortality (n = 3646) per patient was 10.4% and per admission was 5.9%. There were an additional 11 440 longer-term deaths by 2021—total mortality was 15 086 (42.9%). Deaths post hospital discharge had median age at admission of 75.4 years [interquartile range (IQR) 63.7, 82.8] and died at median age of 80 years (IQR 69, 87). The half-life of survival following admission was 195 months—representing a short fall of 8 life years (32.9%) compared with the projected population reference of 24.3 years. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64, 1.81)], acute illness severity score [OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.36, 1.43)] and comorbidity score [OR 1.09 (95% CI 1.08, 1.10)] predicted long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Similar factors influence both short- and long-term mortality following acute medical admission, the magnitude of effect is attenuated over time.
Depletion through Social Reproduction and Contingent Coping in the Lived Experience of Parents on Universal Credit in England
Authors: Fawcett Robyn , Gray Emily , Nunn Alexander
Published: July 2023

We report data from longitudinal qualitative interviews with thirteen people claiming Universal Credit (UC) immediately before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. The article utilizes concepts from feminist theory: “Social Reproduction” and “Depletion.” We make several novel contributions, including bringing depletion into conversation with the related concept of “contingent coping.” We argue that the lived experience of UC involves material and emotional depletion, but that UC also helps recipients to “cope” contingently with this depletion. In this sense, depletion through social reproduction is an ongoing and harmful state of being. We show how highly conditional and disciplinary welfare policies both partially mitigate but also accentuate structural pressures associated with an unequal, insecure, and competitive labor market.
XVIIIBibliography, Textual Criticism, and Reference Works
Authors: Baker William
Published: July 2023

Owing to Covid and its impact on the supplies of review copies to reviewers, this chapter contains some retrospective coverage. Thanks are due to James E May, Shef Rogers, Patrick Scott, and Dino Felluga, and to our other contributors for letting me know what their contributions have been unable to include. The chapter is divided into five sections, and contents may overlap: 1. Periodicals; 2. Editions; 3. Bibliography and Associated Books and Articles; 4. History and Companions including items excluded from other chapters; 5. History of Libraries, Collections, and Miscellaneous including Reference Materials. The final section includes an account of work that publishers sent electronically. These are difficult to record, not being user-friendly, but it would be doing a disservice to their authors or contributors to omit them.
Polychaetes distributed across oceans—examples of widely recorded species from abyssal depths of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Meißner Karin , Schwentner Martin , Götting Miriam , Knebelsberger Thomas , Fiege Dieter
Published: August 2023

Distributional ranges of selected deep-sea annelids are examined in an integrative approach using genetic markers (COI, 18S) and morphology. The source material comes from various deep-sea expeditions to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans realized between 1998 and 2015. Selection criteria for the eventual target species are a reliably documented widespread distribution in the deep-sea, and the presence in sufficient numbers of specimens in our source material. Specimens from museum collections are also incorporated. Species studied are Sigambra magnuncus, Bathyglycinde profunda and B. sibogana, Progoniada regularis, P. cf. regularis, and Spiophanes cf. longisetus, plus three newly described species: Octomagelona borowskii sp. nov., Spiophanes australissp. nov., and Spiophanes pacificus sp. nov. Illustrated descriptions are provided and the morphological distinction to congeners discussed. Genetic diversity is highest in most frequently found species, also reflected by the large numbers of genetically divergent haplotypes. The majority of haplotypes are singletons. Pan-oceanic distribution is observed for Progoniada regularis, Bathyglycinde profunda and Sigambra magnuncus, but even species restricted to a single ocean have distributions spanning hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Our data suggest multiple and possibly ongoing dispersal and genetic exchange between oceans, most cogent for Sigambra magnuncus.
Hypothalamic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is downregulated by TNFα‐induced Let‐7 overexpression driven by fatty acids
Authors: Simino Laís A. P. , Baqueiro Mayara N. , Panzarin Carolina , Lopes Priscilla K. F. , Góis Mariana M. , Simabuco Fernando M. , Ignácio‐Souza Letícia M. , Milanski Marciane , Ross Michael G. , Desai Mina , Torsoni Adriana S. , Torsoni Marcio A.
Published: August 2023

The α7nAChR is crucial to the anti‐inflammatory reflex, and to the expression of neuropeptides that control food intake, but its expression can be decreased by environmental factors. We aimed to investigate whether microRNA modulation could be an underlying mechanism in the α7nAchR downregulation in mouse hypothalamus following a short‐term exposure to an obesogenic diet. Bioinformatic analysis revealed Let‐7 microRNAs as candidates to regulate Chrna7, which was confirmed by the luciferase assay. Mice exposed to an obesogenic diet for 3 days had increased Let‐7a and decreased α7nAChR levels, accompanied by hypothalamic fatty acids and TNFα content. Hypothalamic neuronal cells exposed to fatty acids presented higher Let‐7a and TNFα levels and lower Chrna7 expression, but when the cells were pre‐treated with TLR4 inhibitor, Let‐7a, TNFα, and Chrna7 were rescued to normal levels. Thus, the fatty acids overload trigger TNFα‐induced Let‐7 overexpression in hypothalamic neuronal cells, which negatively regulates α7nAChR, an event that can be related to hyperphagia and obesity predisposition in mice.
Association of baseline serum cholesterol with benefits of intensive blood pressure control
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Feng Yingqing , Yang Li , Zhang Guohui , Tian Xiaoyuan , Ling Qianhui , Tan Jiangshan , Cai Jun
Published: August 2023

Background:

Intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) control improved outcomes in the Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) trial. Whether baseline serum lipid parameters influence the benefits of intensive SBP control is unclear.

Methods:

The STEP trial was a randomized controlled trial that compared the effects of intensive (SBP target of 110 to <130 mmHg) and standard (SBP target of 130 to <150 mmHg) SBP control in Chinese patients aged 60 to 80 years with hypertension. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular disease events. A total of 8283 participants from the STEP study were included in this post hoc analysis to examine whether the effects of the SBP intervention differed by baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentrations.

Results:

Regardless of the randomized SBP intervention, baseline LDL-C and non-HDL-C concentrations had a J-shaped association with the hazard of the primary outcome. However, the effects of the intensive SBP intervention on the primary outcome were not influenced by baseline LDL-C level (P for interaction = 0.80) and non-HDL-C level (P for interaction = 0.95). Adjusted subgroup analysis using tertiles in LDL-C1 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–1.13; P = 0.18), LDL-C2 (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.55–1.20; P = 0.29), and LDL-C3 (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.98; P = 0.04) was provided, with an interaction P value of 0.49. Similar results were showed in non-HDL-C1 (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.59–1.29; P = 0.49), non-HDL-C2 (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.48–1.04; P = 0.08), and non-HDL-C3 (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47–0.95; P = 0.03), with an interaction P-value of 0.47.

Conclusion:

High baseline serum LDL-C and non-HDL-C concentrations were associated with increased risk of primary cardiovascular disease outcome, but there was no evidence that the benefit of the intensive SBP control differed by baseline LDL-C and non-HDL-C concentrations.

Clinical trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03015311.
Textured and Smooth Implant Use Reported in the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons Database: Epidemiologic Implications for BIA-ALCL
Authors: Matros Evan , Shamsunder Meghana G. , Rubenstein Robyn N. , Polanco Thais O. , McCarthy Colleen M. , Nelson Jonas A. , Gutowski Karol , TOPS Steering Committee The
Published: July 2023

Background:

Breast-implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is associated with prolonged exposure to textured implants. Current studies describing textured implant use are limited to single center/surgeon experiences. Using the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database, the study aims to characterize national trends in rates of smooth versus textured implant utilization. The hypothesis is that rates of textured implant use have decreased in the most recent time period.

Methods:

Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons was queried from 2007 to 2019 for CPT codes involving breast implant use in augmentation and reconstruction. The rate of smooth and textured implant utilization was calculated for each year per procedure type. Generalized additive models with a smoothing function and Pearson chi-square tests were used to assess the trends.

Results:

Textured implant use peaked in 2016, being utilized in 17.83% of cosmetic and 40.88% of reconstructive procedures. Textured implants were more commonly used for reconstructive compared with cosmetic cases for 2007–2009, 2011, and 2013–2019 (P < 0.02). Both cosmetic and reconstructive cases had nonlinear trends in textured implant use over the study period, with textured rates decreasing from 2017 to 2019 (P < 0.001). In 2019, textured implants were used in 2.15% of cosmetic and 7.58% of reconstructive cases.

Conclusions:

This is the first national study describing trends in textured versus smooth breast implant use in the United States. Textured implant utilization peaked in 2016. Based on a median time horizon of 10 years before development of BIA-ALCL, the peak number of cases can be anticipated in 2026 or thereafter.
Effective Local Anesthetic Use in Nasal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Alaniz Leonardo , Vu Cindy , Arora Jagmeet , Stulginski Avril , Zhu Xiao , Cordero Justin , Vyas Raj M. , Pfaff Miles J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Intraoperative nerve blocks have shown promise in managing pain after nasal surgery. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze existing level I and II evidence on intraoperative nerve blocks in nasal surgery to optimize postoperative recovery.

Methods:

The primary outcome of this systematic review and meta-analysis was postoperative pain scores; secondary outcomes included perioperative opioid requirements, patient satisfaction scores, and time to first analgesic requirement. PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were searched, and two independent reviewers conducted article screening. Methodological quality assessment of studies utilized the Jadad instrument, and interrater reliability was assessed using Cohen kappa. An inverse-variance, fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis with Cohen d used to normalize effect size between studies. I
2 and Q statistics were used to assess interstudy variability.

Results:

Four studies were included for meta-analysis, totaling 265 randomized patients. The nerve blocks assessed included infraorbital nerve, sphenopalatine ganglion, external nasal nerve, central facial nerve blocks, and total nerve blocks. All demonstrated significantly reduced postoperative pain compared with controls, with a large effect size (P < 0.001). Opioid requirements were lower in the nerve block groups (P < 0.001), and patient satisfaction scores were higher (P < 0.001). Supplemental meta-analyses showed a longer time to first analgesic requirement for patients who received a nerve block (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

These findings support the efficacy of nerve blocks in providing postoperative pain relief and enhancing patient satisfaction with pain management. Perioperative nerve blocks, in combination with general anesthesia, should be considered for postoperative pain control.
Histologic and molecular features of antibody-mediated rejection
Authors: Rosales Ivy A. , Smith Rex Neal , Colvin Robert B.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

This review aims to summarize the highlights from recent research that involved pathological and molecular analysis of kidney allografts.

Recent findings

As the research on antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) continues to evolve, studies are focused on identification through transcript studies of pathogenetic pathways involved in the development of AMR as well as refinement of diagnostic methods either by correlating Banff pathologic lesions with clinical and molecular data or by machine learning. Of note, the past year has generated high impact research that underscore the importance of pathologic and molecular correlations and detection of transcripts or gene sets that would aid prognostication. The studies involving refinement of pathologic criteria also highlight the continuous efforts to achieve diagnostic accuracy and standardization.

Research involving histologic and molecular characteristics that define AMR are central to identification and understanding of pathogenetic pathways and remain critical in the development of diagnostic criteria.