bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEL&CO: exoplanet detection in angular differential imaging by learning across multiple observations
Authors: Bodrito Théo , Flasseur Olivier , Mairal Julien , Ponce Jean , Langlois Maud , Lagrange Anne-Marie
Published: September 2024

Direct imaging of exoplanets is particularly challenging due to the high contrast between the planet and the star luminosities, and their small angular separation. In addition to tailored instrumental facilities implementing adaptive optics and coronagraphy, post-processing methods combining several images recorded in pupil tracking mode are needed to attenuate the nuisances corrupting the signals of interest. Most of these post-processing methods build a model of the nuisances from the target observations themselves, resulting in strongly limited detection sensitivity at short angular separations due to the lack of angular diversity. To address this issue, we propose to build the nuisance model from an archive of multiple observations by leveraging supervised deep learning techniques. The proposed approach casts the detection problem as a reconstruction task and captures the structure of the nuisance from two complementary representations of the data. Unlike methods inspired by reference differential imaging, the proposed model is highly non-linear and does not resort to explicit image-to-image similarity measurements and subtractions. The proposed approach also encompasses statistical modelling of learnable spatial features. The latter is beneficial to improve both the detection sensitivity and the robustness against heterogeneous data. We apply the proposed algorithm to several data sets from the VLT/SPHERE instrument, and demonstrate a superior precision-recall trade-off compared to the PACO algorithm. Interestingly, the gain is especially important when the diversity induced by ADI is the most limited, thus supporting the ability of the proposed approach to learn information across multiple observations.
Probing the energy and luminosity-dependent spectro-timing properties of RX J0440.9+4431 with AstroSat
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Mandal Manoj , Pal Sabyasachi , Paul Biswajit , Jaisawal G K , Ratheesh Ajay
Published: September 2024

The Be/X-ray binary pulsar RX J0440.9+4431 went through a giant outburst in December 2022 with a peak flux of $\sim$2.3 Crab in 15–50 keV. We studied the broad-band timing and spectral properties of RX J0440.9+4431 using four AstroSat observations, where the source transited between subcritical and supercritical accretion regimes. Pulsations were detected significantly above 100 keV. The pulse profiles were found to be highly luminosity- and energy-dependent. A significant evolution in the pulse profile shape near the peak of the outburst indicates a possible change in the accretion mode and beaming patterns of RX J0440.9+4431. The rms pulsed fraction was luminosity- and energy-dependent, with a concave-like feature around 20–30 keV. The depth of this feature varied with luminosity, indicating changes in the accretion column height and proportion of reflected photons. The broad-band continuum spectra were best fitted with a two-component Comptonization model with a blackbody component or a two-blackbody component model with a thermal Comptonization component. A quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) at 60 mHz was detected at a luminosity of $2.6 \times 10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$, which evolved into 42 mHz at $1.5 \times 10^{37}$ erg s$^{-1}$. The QPO rms were found to be energy dependent with an overall increasing trend with energy. For the first time, we found the QPO frequency varying with photon energy in an X-ray pulsar, which poses a challenge in explaining the QPO with current models such as the Keplarian and beat frequency model. Hence, more physically motivated models are required to understand the physical mechanism behind the mHz QPOs.
Long-term evolutionary links between the isolated neutron star populations
Authors: Gençali A A , Ertan Ü
Published: September 2024

We have investigated the evolutionary connections of the isolated neutron star (NS) populations including radio pulsars (RPs), anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs), soft gamma repeaters (SGRs), dim isolated NSs (XDINs), ‘high-magnetic field’ RPs (‘HBRPs’), central compact objects (CCOs), rotating radio transients (RRATs), and long-period pulsars (LPPs) in the fallback disc model. The model can reproduce these NS families as a natural outcome of different initial conditions (initial period, disc mass, and dipole moment, μ) with a continuous μ distribution in the $\sim 10^{27} - 5 \times 10^{30}$ G cm$^3$ range. Results of our simulations can be summarized as follows: (1) A fraction of ‘HBRPs’ with relatively high μ evolve into the persistent AXP/SGR properties, and subsequently become LPPs. (2) Persistent AXP/SGRs do not have evolutionary links with CCOs, XDINs, and RRATs. (3) For a wide range of μ, most RRATs evolve passing through RP or ‘HBRP’ properties during their early evolutionary phases. (4) A fraction of RRATs which have the highest estimated birth rate seem to be the progenitors of XDINs. (5) LPPs, whose existence was predicted by the fallback disc model, are the sources evolving in the late stage of evolution before the discs become inactive. These results provide concrete support to the ideas proposing evolutionary connections between the NS families to account for the ‘birth rate problem’, the discrepancy between the cumulative birth rate estimated for these systems and the core-collapse supernova rate.
Is WR 104 a face-on, colliding-wind binary?
Authors: Hill G M
Published: September 2024

Two decades of extensive spectroscopic monitoring of WR 104 is used to confront what we think we understand about this iconic prototype of the dust-producing pinwheel stars. Convincing SB1 orbital solutions are obtained for both the WC9d star and its OB companion. The period ($241.54 \pm 0.14$ d) and circular orbit agree perfectly with results from modelling images of the rotating dust spiral. Contrary to those results though, the orbit is found to be significantly inclined instead of face-on. The two SB1 solutions each indicate $i \sim 45^{\circ }$ but could be as low as $\sim 34^{\circ }$. This result naturally provides an explanation for the long puzzling photometric and emission line strength variations but is difficult to reconcile with the imaging. Confirmation that colliding winds are present is found by the detection of variable excess emission in two of the lines where it would be most expected. The changing shapes of this excess emission are not perfectly phase-locked though, which will complicate future modelling.
Improvements in pain interference among geographically diverse adults with neurofibromatosis: Results from a fully powered randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hooker Julia E , Doorley James D , Greenberg Jonathan , Bakhshaie Jafar , Manglani Heena R , Briskin Ellie A , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: September 2024

Background

Pain is prevalent among adults with neurofibromatoses (NF) and hinders quality of life. Pain management for NF is predominantly pharmacological and often ineffective. Psychosocial treatments improve pain outcomes in other chronic illness populations but have not been developed and tested in fully powered efficacy trials among adults with NF. Using data from a fully powered randomized clinical trial of an 8-week mind–body program (Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF [3RP-NF]) versus a health education control (HEP-NF), we examined (1) improvements in pain intensity and pain interference, and (2) mechanisms underlying improvements.

Methods

Participants (N = 210, Mage = 42.6, 73.4% female) were randomized to 3RP-NF versus HEP-NF. They completed measures of pain intensity, pain interference, and putative mechanisms (eg, mindfulness, coping, and social support) at baseline, post-intervention, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups.

Results

There was a statistically significant change in pain interference over time F(3, 537.06) = 7.21, P < .001, but not pain intensity. Neither group (3RP-NF vs. HEP-NF) nor the group-by-time interaction predicted change in pain interference. While the group-by-time interaction was not statistically significant across all time points, planned post-hoc analyses probing the interaction at specific time points revealed a statistically significant decrease in pain interference from baseline to post-intervention (P < .001), which was sustained (ie, no subsequent change) from post-intervention through 6-month (P = 1.00) and 12-month follow-ups (P = 1.00) in the 3RP-NF group. The HEP-NF group had no significant changes in pain intensity or interference over time. The association between group (3RP-NF) and decreased pain interference from baseline to post-intervention was fully mediated by change in coping over the same period.

Conclusions

Participation in the 3RP-NF is associated with sustained improvement in pain interference. Improvement occurred through increased coping.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03406208

Trial Registration URL

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03406208
Complexity of social media in the era of generative AI
Authors: Pan Liming , Wang Chong-Yang , Zhou Fang , Lü Linyuan
Published: September 2024

The article presents a perspective on how the emerging generative AI technology can shape social media and the new challenges in studying social media in this generative.
Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes in Adults Hospitalized With Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza a/B: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Clausen Clara Lundetoft , Egeskov-Cavling Amanda Marie , Hayder Noor , Sejdic Adin , Roed Casper , Gitz Holler Jon , Nielsen Lene , Eiberg Mads Frederik , Rezahosseini Omid , Østergaard Christian , Harboe Zitta Barrella , Fischer Thea K , Benfield Thomas , Lindegaard Birgitte
Published: September 2024

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza cause significant health challenges, particularly for individuals with comorbid conditions and older adults. However, information on the clinical manifestations and outcomes of adults hospitalized with RSV in Europe remains limited.

Methods

This multicenter observational cohort study of adults hospitalized with RSV or influenza A or B from March 2016 to April 2020 investigated the clinical manifestations, mortality risk factors, and association with 90-day mortality rates by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for covariates.

Results

Of 988 patients hospitalized with either virus, 353 had RSV, 347 had influenza A, and 288 had influenza B infection. Patients with RSV, compared with those with influenza A or B, were more likely to have comorbid conditions (83% for RSV vs 72% for influenza A [P = .03] and 74% for influenza B [P = .001]) or pneumonia (41% vs 29% [P = .03] and 24% [P < .001], respectively). After adjustment for covariates, RSV infection was associated with an increased all-cause mortality rate within 90 days compared with influenza B (odds ratio, 2.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.20–3.87]; P = .01) but not influenza A (1.38 [.84–2.29]; P = .21). Increasing age and present pneumonia were identified as independent mortality risk factors in patients with RSV.

Conclusions

Older adults hospitalized with RSV infections are at a higher risk of dying within 90 days of hospitalization than patients admitted with influenza B but at a similar risk as those admitted with influenza A, emphasizing the detrimental effects and severity of older patients being infected with RSV. Our findings underscore the need for strategic testing and vaccination approaches to mitigate the impact of RSV among older adults.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate Levels as a Prognostic Indicator in Patients With Cryptococcal Meningitis Who Are HIV Negative: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chi , Chen Yao-Shen , Yao Cai-Sin , Chang Ren-In , Wang Ning-Chi , Chen Jui-Kuang
Published: September 2024

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a severe central nervous system infection. In patients with HIV infections and coexisting CM, elevated baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate levels can predict increased mortality. However, the CSF lactate level's significance in patients with CM who are HIV negative remains unclear, necessitating further investigation to elucidate the potential distinctions and enhance patient management. This study investigated the significance of CSF lactate levels in patients with CM who were HIV negative.

Methods

This retrospective study utilized data from the clinical databases of patients who underwent lumbar punctures at a medical center in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan. Demographic data, CSF lactate levels, routine CSF analyses, and hematologic and neurologic findings were evaluated. The optimal CSF lactate threshold value was determined by the Youden index.

Results

This retrospective study included 70 patients with CM, among whom 44 (63%) and 26 (37%) tested negative and positive for HIV, respectively. The group without HIV exhibited higher CSF lactate levels, with an optimal CSF lactate cutoff point of 7.935 mmol/L for predicting 90-day mortality, resulting in significant predictive accuracies (area under the curve, 0.755; sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 100%); this value was an independent mortality predictor in patients who were HIV negative. In patients with CM who were HIV negative, CSF lactate levels ≥7.935 mmol/L correlated with higher mortality rates but without statistical significance. All patients with CM who were HIV negative and had CSF lactate levels ≥7.935 mmol/L died within 3 months of admission.

Conclusions

Patients with CM who were HIV negative had elevated CSF lactate levels that correlated with adverse outcomes, enabling early identification of high-risk individuals.
Cardiovascular Disease, Brain Glucose Metabolism, and Neurocognitive Decline in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Lyndaker Anna , Lau Chuen-Yen , Shah Swati , Wakim Paul , Kelly Erin , Horne Elizabeth , McMahan Cynthia , Spiegel Alicia , Gollomp Elyse , Chien Alice , Mitchell Amelia , Monroe Cynthia , Kim Alan , Nair Govind , Snow Joseph , Smith Bryan , Nath Avindra , Hammoud Dima A
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neuroinflammation are thought to exacerbate neurocognitive dysfunction in treated people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Here, we longitudinally measured brain glucose metabolism as a measure of neuronal integrity in treated PWH using [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in correlation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) scores, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neuroinflammatory markers, neurocognitive outcomes, and other clinical and laboratory variables (CLVs).

Methods

Well-controlled PWH (n = 36) underwent baseline and follow-up FDG PET/CT obtained 3.5 years apart on average. Longitudinal changes in whole brain and regional relative FDG uptake, brain volumes, CLVs, CSF cytokines, and neuropsychological measures were measured. A variable selection model identified baseline variables related to future brain metabolic changes while multivariable models explored neuropsychological implications of brain metabolism and volumetrics.

Results

High ASCVD scores predicted future decreased thalamic uptake (slope = −0.0068, P = .027) and decreasing thalamic uptake correlated with worsening cognition (slope = 15.80, P = .020). Despite longitudinal greater than expected gray matter loss, whole brain FDG uptake did not change over the follow-up period. Most CSF cytokines decreased longitudinally but were not predictive of FDG changes.

Conclusions

We found that high ASCVD scores in a group of treated PWH were related to thalamic hypometabolism, which in turn correlated with neurocognitive decline. Our findings support the contribution of CVD to neurocognitive dysfunction. More proactive CVD management may have a role in mitigating progression of cognitive impairment. Lack of change in global brain glucose metabolism despite documented accelerated gray matter volume loss over the same period suggests that FDG PET might underestimate neuronal injury in PWH compared to structural magnetic resonance imaging.
Algorithmic Administration as Constitutional Governance
Authors: Coglianese Cary , Lobel Orly
Published: September 2024

Government agencies are increasingly adopting digital technologies that rely on AI to aid their work. The algorithmic automation of administrative functions and decision-making—including in law enforcement, adjudication, delivery of public services, legal guidance, and inspections—offers a range of benefits in terms of improving the performance of government. But the use of AI tools by government also raises a host of concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability. So far, most academic research in law has focused on these concerns about the use of AI, with some scholars urging resistance to governmental use of AI by raising constitutional objections. This chapter suggests an alternative connection between constitutionalism and governmental use of AI tools. Rather than seeing the public as having constitutional rights to be free from AI in government—such as by having a so-called right to a human-made decision—the authors suggest that the public may well have certain claims sounding in constitutional values to have government institutions make use of AI tools. Accepting this alternative account need not require the dismissal of all concerns about how governments could use AI to infringe on human rights or create serious problems. Rather, it suggests only that government authorities need to deploy AI with care. The chapter concludes by outlining principles and practices for the responsible use of AI in the administrative state.
Data Ethics
Authors: Kröger Sandra , Bellamy Richard
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the ethical concerns raised by the digital collection and use of Big Data. It starts by summarizing the digital processes by which data are collected and the ways algorithms work, which provide the source of the ethical issues the chapter reviews. The chapter then looks at the impact of these processes on two key ethical values: namely autonomy and equality. These values lie behind many core constitutional principles. With regard to the former, the chapter discusses how autonomy is undermined by a lack of data privacy, which leads to manipulation and domination. So far as the latter is concerned, the authors show how equality is undermined by discrimination and a lack of fairness as well as a lack of accountability. The chapter then addresses some of the main related regulatory challenges. While conventional constitutional principles justify going beyond self-regulation by the corporations themselves, the digital sector can elude the standard, state-based, constitutional mechanisms associated with liberal constitutionalism. As such, it requires the development of global and social forms of constitutionalism, though these too face both practical and ethical challenges.
‘Digital Constitutionalism’ and ‘American’ Constitutionalism
Authors: Huq Aziz Z.
Published: September 2024

How well does the concept or discourse of ‘digital constitutionalism’, which emerged first in the European crucible, translate globally? Is it consistent or at odds with its nominative US counterpart? This chapter takes up those questions by asking first how new digital technologies—and in particular tools of analysis, prediction, and control facilitated by two decades’ advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence—are regulated in the United States. Reflection on the American legal landscape quickly reveals sharp conceptual and practical divides from ‘digital constitutionalism’ as that term has emerged in international and European circles. Stepping back from the extant legal landscape, and bringing into view a longer theoretical tradition of American constitutionalism, this chapter considers whether the basic conceptual building blocks of this deep intellectual lineage warrant some reconsideration now. Has the exogenous shock of new technologies, in other words, rendered the assumptions of American constitutionalism redundant or even dangerously self-defeating? And what can American constitutionalism learn from the emergent discourse of digital constitutionalism?
Discovery of a hyperluminous quasar at z = 1.62 with Eddington ratio >3 in the eFEDS field confirmed by KOOLS-IFU on Seimei Telescope
Authors: Toba Yoshiki , Masu Keito , Ota Naomi , Gao Zhen-Kai , Imanishi Masatoshi , Yanagawa Anri , Yamada Satoshi , Dosaka Itsuki , Kakimoto Takumi , Kobayashi Seira , Kurokawa Neiro , Oki Aika , Soga Sorami , Shibata Kohei , Takeuchi Sayaka , Tsujita Yukana , Nagao Tohru , Tanaka Masayuki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Wang Wei-Hao
Published: September 2024

We report the discovery of a hyperluminous type 1 quasar (eFEDS J082826.9-013911; eFEDS J0828-0139) at $z_{\rm spec} = 1.622$ with a super-Eddington ratio ($\lambda _{\rm Edd}$). We perform the optical spectroscopic observations with KOOLS-IFU (the Kyoto Okayama Optical Low-dispersion Spectrograph with optical fiber) on the Seimei Telescope. The black hole mass ($M_{\rm BH}$) based on the single-epoch method with Mg ii$\lambda$2798 is estimated to be $M_{\rm BH} = {(6.2 \pm 1.2) }\times 10^8\, M_{\odot }$. To measure the precise infrared luminosity ($L_{\rm IR}$), we obtain submillimeter data taken by SCUBA-2 on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and conduct the spectral energy distribution analysis with X-ray to submillimeter data. We find that $L_{\rm IR}$ of eFEDS J0828-0139 is $L_{\rm IR} = {(6.8 \pm 1.8)} \times 10^{13}\, L_{\odot }$, confirming the existence of a hypeluminous infrared galaxy. $\lambda _{\rm Edd}$ is estimated to be $\lambda _{\rm Edd} = {3.6 \pm 0.7}$, making it a quasar with one of the highest BH mass accretion rates at cosmic noon.
The extended halo and tidal tails of the old open cluster NGC 2112
Authors: Gao Xinhua , Zhu Chengyu
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the spatial structure and tidal tails of the nearby ($\sim$1100 pc) old open cluster NGC 2112 ($\sim$1.2 Gyr) based on reliable cluster members from Gaia-DR3. A robust clustering method is used to calculate membership probabilities for sample stars within $2.^{\!\!\!\circ }5$ ($\sim$48 pc) of the cluster center. More than 1200 cluster members are identified based on the membership probabilities. We find that the cluster members can be naturally segregated into two distinct components (core and halo) using the Gaussian mixture model. The major and minor axes of the core and halo are determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The lengths of the semi-major axes of the core and halo are estimated to be $\sim\! 22^{\prime }$ ($\sim$7 pc) and $\sim 86^{\prime }$ ($\sim$28 pc), respectively. We find that the core and halo have minor to major axis ratios of $e\sim 0.92$ and 0.75 respectively, indicating that the halo is strongly influenced by the external tidal field. Moreover, we find two $\sim$36 pc long tidal tails around the cluster, nearly aligned with the orbit of the cluster. The tidal tails contain various types of stars, including main-sequence stars, main-sequence turn-off (MSTO) stars, blue straggler (BS) stars, and red giant branch stars. The high-mass tail stars (e.g., MSTO stars, BS stars) could not have formed only via star evaporation driven by two-body relaxation. We estimate that the observed tidal tails could have formed within the last $\sim$30 Myr.
Duration-Based Valuation of Corporate Bonds
Authors: van Binsbergen Jules H , Nozawa Yoshio , Schwert Michael
Published: September 2024

We decompose corporate bond and equity index returns into duration-matched government bond returns and the excess returns over this duration-matched counterfactual, which we term duration-adjusted returns. Compared with previously used excess return definitions (ie, returns in excess of Treasury bills), our decomposition leads to markedly different return patterns and asset pricing implications. In particular, we find that investment-grade bonds earn a small credit risk premium, comparable in magnitude to the convenience yield, and that duration adjustment resolves the CAPM’s failure to price corporate bonds. These findings highlight the importance of adjusting for nonstationary interest rate environments in asset pricing tests.
Growth performance and carcass characteristics of bulls fed tannins associated or not with monensin
Authors: Nascimento Kaique S , Bomfim Lorena Emily L M , Couto Victor R M , Silva Mauricia B , Lopes Ana Laura A , Fernandes Marcia H M R , Manella Marcelo Q , Ferraz Junior Marcos V C , Fernandes Juliano J R
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tannin (a mix of hydrolyzable and condensed) and its association with monensin on feed efficiency, growth performance, and carcass of bulls fed high-grain diets with 14% and 13% crude protein (CP). Bulls (64 Nellore and 96 crossbred Angus × Nellore; initial body weight (BW) = 342 ± 25 kg; 20 ± 1 months) were allocated into 20 pens (8 from the same breed per pen). The treatments were T14 – 1.5 g of tannin/kg of dry matter (DM) (Bypro; Silva Team Brasil, Estância Velha, Brazil) in a diet with 14% of CP; M14 – 25 ppm monensin (Rumensin; Elanco Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Brazil) in a diet with 14% of CP; TM14 – 1.5 g of tannin/kg of DM and 25 ppm monensin in a diet with 14% of CP; TM13 – 1.5 g of tannin/kg of DM and 25 ppm monensin in a diet with 13% of CP. Data were analyzed using a randomized block design with pens as experimental units. Supplementation with tannin resulted in greater final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) compared with Monensin (P < 0.05). The association between Tannin and Monensin decreased (P < 0.05) DMI without affecting growth performance, consequently improving the gain-to-feed ratio compared to the Tannin-alone treatment. When Tannin was combined with Monensin, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in net energy for gain and net energy for maintenance compared with Tannin supplementation alone. Bulls supplemented with Tannin in their diet exhibited greater (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight, carcass gain, and gluteus medius area compared with those supplemented with Monensin alone. Final BW, ADG, and DMI were lower (P < 0.05) when the CP content of the diet was decreased from 14% to 13%. The optimal combination for achieving maximum growth and feed efficiency was observed when bulls were fed with tannin and monensin combined in a diet containing 14% CP.
Cervical Pessary Versus Vaginal Progesterone in Women With a Singleton Pregnancy, a Short Cervix, and No History of Spontaneous Preterm Birth at Less Than 34 Weeks’ Gestation: Open Label, Multicentre, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: van Dijk Charlotte E. , van Gils Annabelle L. , van Zijl Maud D. , Koullali Bouchra , van der Weide Marijke C. , van den Akker Eline S. , Hermsen Brenda J. , van Baal Wilhelmina M. , Visser Henricus , van Drongelen Joris , Vollebregt Karlijn C. , Muller Moira , van der Made Flip W. , Gordijn Sanne J. , de Mooij Yolanda M. , Oudijk Martijn A. , de Boer Marjon A. , Mol Ben WJ , Kazemier Brenda M. , Pajkrt Eva
Published: September 2024

(Abstracted from BMJ 2024;384:e07703)

Preterm birth is as a major problem in obstetric care, causing neonatal morality, morbidity, and neurodevelopment issues in later life. Although progesterone is recognized to reduce preterm birth in pregnant individuals who have short cervical length, cervical pessary also has been reported to be effective in singleton pregnancies of individuals with a cervical length <25 mm.
RSV Prefusion F Protein–Based Maternal Vaccine—Preterm Birth and Other Outcomes
Authors: Dieussaert Ilse , Kim Joon Hyung , Luik Sabine , Seidl Claudia , Pu Wenji , Stegmann Jens Ulrich , Swamy Geeta K. , Webster Peggy , Dormitzer Philip R.
Published: September 2024

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2024;390:1009–1021)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young children, disproportionately affects infants <6 months of age. Effective treatments are needed to prevent the disease.
Harnessing ZIKV NS2A RNA for alleviating acute hepatitis and cytokine release storm by targeting translation machinery
Authors: Zhu Jingfei , Wu Rongsheng , Yang Tao , Yuan Yi , Liu Guodi , Chen Shengchuan , Chen Zhiqiang , Liu Siying , Wang Shiyou , Li Dapei , Yao Haiping , He Yuanqing , He Sudan , Qin Cheng-Feng , Dai Jianfeng , Ma Feng
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

Hyperactivated inflammatory responses induced by cytokine release syndrome are the primary causes of tissue damage and even death. The translation process is precisely regulated to control the production of proinflammatory cytokines. However, it is largely unknown whether targeting translation can effectively limit the hyperactivated inflammatory responses during acute hepatitis and graft-versus-host disease.

Approach and Results:

By using in vitro translation and cellular overexpression systems, we have found that the nonstructural protein gene NS2A of Zika virus functions as RNA molecules to suppress the translation of both ectopic genes and endogenous proinflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, results from RNA pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation assays have demonstrated that NS2A RNA interacts with the translation initiation factor eIF2α to disrupt the dynamic balance of the eIF2/eIF2B complex and translation initiation, which is the rate-limiting step of translation. In the acetaminophen-induced, lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced, viral infection-induced acute hepatitis, and graft-versus-host disease mouse models, mice with myeloid cell-specific knock-in of NS2A show decreased levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines and reduced tissue damage.

Conclusions:

Zika virus NS2A dampens the production of proinflammatory cytokines and alleviates inflammatory injuries by interfering translation process as RNA molecules, which suggests that NS2A RNA is potentially used to treat numerous acute inflammatory diseases characterized by cytokine release syndrome.
Nutrition in pediatric end-stage liver disease
Authors: Desai Tejas S. , Hulst Jessie M. , Bandsma Robert , Mehta Sagar
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to outline recent studies relating to nutritional status and outcomes in pediatric end-stage liver disease.

Main findings

Pediatric patients with chronic and end-stage liver disease are at high risk of malnutrition. Given additional growth demands in children and the inherent complications of chronic liver disease, achieving adequate nutrition in these patients remains a challenge. In addition, while guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease exist, global approaches and definitions of malnutrition vary. Recent literature has focused on sarcopenia and nutrition-related transplant outcomes, with some studies exploring nutritional assessment and management. Pediatric studies however continue to lag adult research, with limited prospective and interventional studies.

Optimizing nutrition in pediatric end-stage liver disease remains a challenge, however understanding of the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of malnutrition in this population is improving. Despite these efforts, high quality studies to determine optimal nutrition strategies and interventions are lacking behind adult evidence and should be the focus of future research.
Prediabetes and insulin resistance: effect of vitamin D
Authors: Kawahara Tetsuya
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

The impact of vitamin D on improving insulin resistance in prediabetes remains controversial. The purpose of this review is to examine whether vitamin D supplementation improves insulin resistance in adults with prediabetes, and if so, to identify the mechanisms and the specific populations.

Recent findings

Global prevalence of prediabetes is increasing, and prevention is a critical issue because these people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes soon, which will put pressure on healthcare costs. Recent evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D administration in improving insulin resistance and preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes has been accumulating. The 2024 updated clinical practice guideline of the American Diabetes Association states that vitamin D administration to patients with prediabetes potentially benefits type 2 diabetes incidence in specific populations. There are also reports that vitamin D administration improves insulin resistance via increased serum osteocalcin levels, a marker of bone turnover.

Vitamin D is likely to improve insulin resistance, which is already present at the time of prediabetes. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on ethnic differences and blood vitamin D levels at the start of administration.
Vitamin D and muscle health: insights from recent studies
Authors: Kuwabara Akiko , Matsumoto Mai , Hatamoto Yoichi , Fujita Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the effects of vitamin D on muscle mass and physical/muscle function in middle-aged and older adults, based on recent human studies, including cross-sectional, observational, and intervention studies. Vitamin D, beyond its well established role in bone health, has shown potential in influencing muscle physiology, making it a nutrient of interest in the context of sarcopenia and related chronic conditions.

Recent findings

The review states how vitamin D affects muscle function, emphasizing its role in muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and key signaling pathways. Additionally, the review of recent human studies revealed an inconsistent relationship between vitamin D and sarcopenia and related indices, with mixed results regarding muscle mass and strength. Variability in supplementation dose, duration, and baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may contribute to these inconsistencies.

While animal studies indicate vitamin D's effectiveness in muscle growth, cross-sectional, observational, and intervention studies do not show clear benefits of maintaining efficient vitamin D levels on muscle mass or function in humans. Although vitamin D impacts muscle health, it is insufficient alone, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to sarcopenia prevention and management.
Barriers to the health and well-being of women with multiple sclerosis in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Collins Jennifer , Babenko-Mould Yolanda , Jackson Kimberley T. , Smith-Carrier Tracy
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

This study explores the lived experiences of women living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and identifies barriers to their optimal health and well-being.

Methodology:

Using van Manen's interpretative phenomenologic analysis, the researchers conducted semistructured interviews with 23 women diagnosed with MS in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using NVivo 12 software, and themes were validated through member checking.

Results:

The study revealed a key theme of “obstacles for women with MS” and subthemes related to barriers to physical, mental, and social well-being. Participants reported experiencing feelings of health despite their MS diagnosis but identified various constraints on their optimal health and well-being, including challenges with employment, financial support, and housing security.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to advocate for equitable treatments, medication, and accessibility supports for women with MS, as well as for policies that address disability income support and affordable housing. Further research is recommended to explore power imbalances experienced by women with MS in precarious employment situations or living with episodic disabilities.
Water limitation drives species loss in grassland communities after nitrogen addition and warming
Authors: Li Hailing , Chen Juan , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Collins Scott L. , Yu Kailiang , Song Chao , Ye Jian-Sheng
Published: September 2024

Nutrient addition, particularly nitrogen, often increases plant aboveground biomass but causes species loss. Asymmetric competition for light is frequently assumed to explain the biomass-driven species loss. However, it remains unclear whether other factors such as water can also play a role. Increased aboveground leaf area following nitrogen addition and warming may increase transpiration and cause water limitation, leading to a decline in diversity. To test this, we conducted field measurements in a grassland community exposed to nitrogen and water addition, and warming. We found that warming and/or nitrogen addition significantly increased aboveground biomass but reduced species richness. Water addition prevented species loss in either nitrogen-enriched or warmed treatments, while it partially mitigated species loss in the treatment exposed to increases in both temperature and nitrogen. These findings thus strongly suggest that water limitation can be an important driver of species loss as biomass increases after nitrogen addition and warming when soil moisture is limiting. This result is further supported by a meta-analysis of published studies across grasslands worldwide. Our study indicates that loss of grassland species richness in the future may be greatest under a scenario of increasing temperature and nitrogen deposition, but decreasing precipitation.
Flexible and robust cell type annotation for highly multiplexed tissue images
Authors: Sun Huangqingbo , Yu Shiqiu , Casals Anna Martinez , Bäckström Anna , Lu Yuxin , Lindskog Cecilia , Ruffalo Matthew , Lundberg Emma , Murphy Robert F.
Published: September 2024

Identifying cell types in highly multiplexed images is essential for understanding tissue spatial organization. Current cell type annotation methods often rely on extensive reference images and manual adjustments. In this work, we present a tool, Robust Image-Based Cell Annotator (RIBCA), that enables accurate, automated, unbiased, and fine-grained cell type annotation for images with a wide range of antibody panels, without requiring additional model training or human intervention. Our tool has successfully annotated over 3 million cells, revealing the spatial organization of various cell types across more than 40 different human tissues. It is open-source and features a modular design, allowing for easy extension to additional cell types.
DeOri 10.0: An Updated Database of Experimentally Identified Eukaryotic Replication Origins
Authors: Zeng Yu-Hao , Yin Zhen-Ning , Luo Hao , Gao Feng
Published: September 2024

DNA replication is a complex and crucial biological process in eukaryotes. To facilitate the study of eukaryotic replication events, we present database of eukaryotic DNA replication origins (DeOri), a database that collects scattered data and integrates extensive sequencing data on eukaryotic DNA replication origins. With continuous updates of DeOri, the number of datasets in the new release increased from 10 to 151 and the number of sequences increased from 16,145 to 9,742,396. Besides nucleotide sequences and bed files, corresponding annotation files, such as coding sequences (CDS), mRNA, and other biological elements within replication origins, are also provided. The experimental techniques used for each dataset, as well as other statistical data, are also presented on web page. Differences in experimental methods, cell lines, and sequencing technologies have resulted in distinct replication origins, making it challenging to differentiate between cell-specific and non-specific replication. We combined multiple replication origins at the species level, scored them, and screened them. The screened regions were considered as species-conservative origins. They are integrated and presented as reference replication origins (rORIs), includingHomo sapiens,Gallus gallus,Mus musculus,Drosophila melanogaster, andCaenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, we analyzed the distribution of relevant genomic elements associated with replication origins at the genome level, such as CpG island (CGI), transcription start site (TSS), and G-quadruplex (G4). These analysis results allow users to select the required data based on it. DeOri is available athttp://tubic.tju.edu.cn/deori10/.
Growth Analysis ofTrichomonas vaginalisin Different Culture Media: Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to Predict and OptimizeIn VitroGrowth Conditions
Authors: Ferguson Shernica L. , Gordon Loria Brown
Published: September 2024

Trichomonas vagnalisis a tiny protozoan universally known to have one of the highest prevalance rates of any common sexually transmitted disease. Its popularity in HIV transmission and preterm labor highlights its importance in clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations worldwide. Propagation of Tvaginalisin vitro uses modified Diamonds media in commercial and clinical culture environments. Several modifications of this medium exist, but a more recent modification proved the most efficient. Our study aimed to investigate media modifications that could optimize the growth ofT. vaginalisin routine laboratory cultivation. RSMT media enriched with quantitated media components was compared to modified Diamond’s, Oxoid, and In Pouch culture mediums. Several growth studies were employed to select eight isolates (n=8) ofT. vaginalis, including an ATCC reference isolate. These isolates were examined for several days at 37 degrees C in an anaerobic environment. Tests revealed that isolates in RSMT media had over 85% higher concentrations of Tvaginalisgrowth than our testing mediums, with a maximum growth increase of 250%. The composite counts ofT. vaginalisin RSMT showed a significant difference (p <0.05) from those ofT. vaginalisin the standard Diamonds media Oxoid or In Pouch mediums. This data suggests that more efficient culturing and growth ofT. vaginalisrequires more vitamins and other growth factors beyond what would conventionally be expended in standard Trichomonas culture mediums.

Author’s Summary

In this study, we explored the growth conditions ofTrichomonas vaginalis, a common sexually transmitted parasite, to find ways to improve its cultivation in the laboratory. By comparing a new growth medium we developed, called RSMT, with existing methods, we identified the best conditions for sustaining this parasite’s growth. Our results showed that RSMT, which includes higher concentrations of essential nutrients, significantly enhanced the growth ofTrichomonas vaginaliscompared to standard media. This advancement is crucial for developing more reliable lab cultures, essential for diagnosing infections and researching new treatments. Additionally, our work demonstrates how innovation in lab practices can optimize clinical procedures and potentially influence public health strategies by improving the management and treatment of infections caused by this parasite.
Multifocal cutaneous neoplastic vascular proliferations in a rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) collection with boid inclusion body disease
Authors: Broering Ferreira Anthony , Fonteque Joandes Henrique , Withoeft Jéssica Aline , Casagrande Renata Assis , Maciel da Costa Ubirajara , Imkamp Frank , Göller Pauline , Baggio Francesca , Hepojoki Jussi , Hetzel Udo , Kipar Anja
Published: September 2024

Reports on neoplastic processes in snakes are sparse regardless of their location, origin or behavior. Here, we describe the occurrence of multifocal cutaneous neoplastic processes consistent with hemangioma and hemangioendothelioma, with a differential diagnosis of angiomatosis, in a colony of native Brazilian rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria) which also included animals affected by boid inclusion body disease (BIBD). Thirteen snakes were affected; seven of these had been introduced from other Brazilian sites years earlier, the others had been bred in house but were not offspring of knowingly affected animals. The breeding regime allowed contact between all female and male animals over the years. The cutaneous lesions were first observed over eight years ago, with additional cases detected during the three following years, but no new cases in the last five years. Two affected animals were subjected to a post mortem examination and were found to suffer from peliosis hepatis as one of the additional pathological changes. BIBD was confirmed in five of the eight examined animals, by histology, immunohistology for reptarenavirus nucleoprotein, and multiplex RT-PCR targeting the reptarenavirus S segment. Reptarenavirus infection was also detected in cells in the cutaneous neoplastic processes. PCRs forBartonella henselaeandB. quintanaas well as bacterial DNA in general, performed on a pool of six skin lesions, yielded negative results, ruling out ongoing bacterial infection, like bacillary angiomatosis in humans, of the lesions. The results hint towards an association of reptarenavirus infection and BIBD with neoplastic processes which is worth further investigations.
Novel regulator Fpr2 controls immune homeostasis via CCL4-dependent neutrophils
Authors: Sun Zeyu , Mei Song , Xu Shenglong , Yi Jiaxuan , Zhang Shengwei , Wang Yuhang , Liu Peng , Liu Hui , Lv Qingyu , Huang Wenhua , Kong Decong , Li Qian , Ren Yuhao , Jiang Yongqiang , Zhang Peng , Jiang Hua
Published: September 2024

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) inFpr2-deficient mice have significantly impaired bactericidal activity, yet the precise mechanism remains elusive. Our research unveiled the cellular heterogeneity of peripheral blood PMNs through single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and identified two new neutrophil clusters related to bacterial infection, including a sterilization cluster named Neu_CSTA and a regulation cluster named Neu_CCL4. The lack ofFpr2leads to an immune regulation imbalance of Neu_CCL4 on other clusters in uninfected conditions, resulting in persistent instability of PMNs in peripheral blood, elevated inflammatory factors, and increased NOX2 expression. Furthermore, our findings corroborate that the regulatory function of Neu_CCL4 on PMNs immune balance is closely tied to its high expression of the anti-inflammatory ligand Anxa1. Regulon analysis inferred by scRNA-seq and ChIP-seq data suggested that a specific transcription factor Elf4, could modulate the expression ofAnxa1, thereby facilitating its regulatory impact on other clusters. In the infection state, there was a noted increase in intercellular interactions across different clusters, leading to a general improvement in the bactericidal activity of PMNs. In summary, our research revealed distinct functional cellular sub-populations of PMNs, discovered the potential regulatory mechanisms, and elucidated the essential roles of Fpr2 in their ability to resist infection.
SIRPα+ PD-L1+ bone marrow macrophages aid AML growth by modulating T cell function
Authors: Birch Flora , Gonzalez-Anton Sara , Haltalli Myriam L.R. , Chakravarty Probir , Bruno Federica , Georgiou Christiana , Mai Cera , Todd Yvette , Payne Beth , Blum Sabine , Pospori Constandina , Arber Caroline , Burt Richard , Tissot Floriane S. , Celso Cristina Lo
Published: September 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to have a poor prognosis due to its ability to relapse following initial response to chemotherapy. While immunotherapies hold the promise to revolutionize cancer treatment, AML has been particularly challenging to target. It is therefore important to better understand the relationship between AML cells and immune cells within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, where this disease grows. Here we focus on non-malignant BM macrophages, and using a combination of intravital microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and functional analyses we identify a subpopulation of immunomodulatory BM macrophages (IMMs) with a unique profile and function during AML progression. While the majority of macrophages are already being lost at early infiltration, IMMs are locally enriched. They are capable of efferocytosis and support AML growth through inhibition of T cells. Enrichment of IMMs in the BM of patients developing early relapse indicates that future development of interventions that target IMMs’ development and function may improve AML patients’ outcome.