bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery comparable with thoracotomy in perioperative and long-term survival outcomes for non-small-cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant treatment?
Authors: Wang Yi-Feng , Deng Han-Yu , Huang Weijia , Zhou Qinghua
Published: November 2022

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery comparable with thoracotomy in perioperative and long-term survival outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer following neoadjuvant therapy intended for anatomical lung resection?’. Altogether 655 papers were found using the reported search, of which 12 studies represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type and relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Almost all of the enrolled cohort studies reported that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was comparable with thoracotomy in negative surgical margin rate, postoperative mortality, complication rate, overall survival and disease-free survival. Moreover, 7 studies found patients in the VATS group had a significantly shorter hospital stay. Furthermore, in these well-matched cohort studies (6 studies), it still held true that VATS was comparable with thoracotomy in long-term prognosis with enhanced recovery. However, the issue regarding surgical radicality and intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy still should be noted carefully among these patients receiving VATS surgery because all the current available evidence was retrospective based on relatively small sample sizes. Nevertheless, thoracic surgeons should not consider VATS inferior to thoracotomy for patients after neoadjuvant treatment. VATS surgery could be an alternative for selected patients with locally advanced but relatively small, peripheral, fewer positive N2 lymph nodes and non-squamous NSCLC intended for anatomic lung resection.
Successful management of complex haemorrhagic pericardial cyst with cirrhosis of liver: a case report
Authors: Lykins Amy J , Garg Pankaj , Fleissner Zachary J , Sareyyupoglu Basar
Published: November 2022

Haemorrhagic pericardial cysts are rare and may be complicated by encasement of the heart, right heart failure and, rarely, cardiac cirrhosis. Surgical management of complicated cysts is challenging and has poor outcomes. We report a case of successful surgical management of a complicated pericardial cyst presenting with cardiac cirrhosis and the challenges associated with this condition.
One- and Two-Dose Vaccinations With Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic Induce Durable B-Cell Memory Responses Comparable to Replicating Smallpox Vaccines
Authors: Ilchmann Heiko , Samy Nathaly , Reichhardt Daniela , Schmidt Darja , Powell Jacqueline D , Meyer Thomas P H , Silbernagl Günter , Nichols Rick , Weidenthaler Heinz , De Moerlooze Laurence , Chen Liddy , Chaplin Paul
Published: November 2022

Background

Although modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccination is approved for smallpox and monkeypox prevention, immunological persistence and booster effects remain undescribed.

Methods

Participants naive to smallpox vaccination were randomized to 1 dose MVA-BN (1×MVA, n = 181), 2 doses MVA-BN (2×MVA, n = 183), or placebo (n = 181). Participants with previous smallpox vaccination received 1 MVA-BN booster (HSPX, n = 200). Subsets of the formerly naive groups (approximately 75 each) received an MVA-BN booster 2 years later.

Results

Neutralizing antibody (nAb) geometric mean titers (GMTs) increased from 1.1 (baseline, both naive groups) to 7.2 and 7.5 (week 4, 1×MVA and 2×MVA, respectively), and further to 45.6 (week 6, 2×MVA after second vaccination). In HSPX, nAb GMT rapidly increased from 21.6 (baseline) to 175.1 (week 2). At 2 years, GMTs for 1×MVA, 2×MVA, and HSPX were 1.1, 1.3, and 10.3, respectively. After boosting in the previously naive groups, nAb GMTs increased rapidly in 2 weeks to 80.7 (1×MVA) and 125.3 (2×MVA), higher than after primary vaccination and comparable to boosted HSPX subjects. Six months after boosting, GMTs were 25.6 (1×MVA) and 49.3 (2×MVA). No safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions

Anamnestic responses to boosting without sustained high nAb titers support presence of durable immunological memory following primary MVA-BN immunization.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00316524 and NCT00686582.
Cryoprotectant effects of natural honey on spermatozoa quality of pre-freezing and frozen-thawed boar semen
Authors: Balogun Kayode B , Nicholls Griffin , Sokunbi Olujide A , Stewart Kara R
Published: November 2022

Natural honey has been successfully used in the preservation of mammalian gametes because of its beneficial properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the inclusion level of honey in extender for improving boar semen quality before freezing and to investigate the effects of honey inclusion in extender and freezing media on post-thaw quality of frozen-thawed boar semen samples. Ejaculates from six terminally crossbred boars were collected using the gloved-hand technique for two experiments. Experiment 1 was a randomized block design, evaluating four inclusion levels of honey in boar semen extender [Control (0H)—Androhep Plus or Androhep Plus with 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% honey (0.25H, 0.50H, and 0.75H respectively)]. Ejaculates were pooled, aliquoted according to treatments, and cooled for 24 h at 17 ºC. The results of this experiment were used to determine inclusion levels in exp. 2. Experiment 2 was a 2 x ×3 factorial design, evaluating the inclusion of honey in boar semen extender and freezing media. Semen samples from individual boars were cooled in extender with or without honey (C0: Androhep Plus; C1: Androhep Plus + 0.25% honey). After 24 h, semen samples were evaluated, diluted in lactose-egg yolk (LEY) media, and one of three freezing media types; F0: 93% LEY + 6% glycerol + 1% Equex-STM Paste (ESP); F1: 93% LEY + (3% glycerol and 3% honey) + 1% ESP; and F2: 93% LEY + 6% glycerol + (0.5% ESP and 0.5% honey). Samples were frozen in 0.5 mL straws using a controlled-rate freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen. In exp. 1, 0.25H and 0.50H improved motility (P = 0.033) and progressive motility (P = 0.001) of cooled boar semen. Nevertheless, 0.25H was selected for exp. 2. In exp. 2, post-thaw motility and progressive motility were highest (P < 0.05) in C0F2 but not different from C1F2. Morphologically normal cells and acrosomes were higher with all inclusion levels of honey (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.25% and 0.50% inclusion of honey in Androhep Plus improves motility and progressive motility of cooled boar semen samples after 24 h. Supplementing Androhep Plus with 0.25% honey maintains higher normal sperm cells and acrosomes of cryopreserved boar semen. Replacing 50% Equex-STM paste with honey in freezing media improves post-thaw sperm motility, progressive motility, percentage of normal sperm, and acrosome of cryopreserved boar semen.
Metabolic, antioxidant, and immune response of broodstock males ofPenaeus brasiliensisLatreille, 1817 fed diets supplemented by vitamin C
Authors: Montalvo Grecia , Morones Rodrigo , Barral-Pintos Xurxo , Arenas Martín , Barreto Alvaro , Escalante Karla , Cuzon Gerard , Gaxiola Gabriela
Published: November 2022

Controlling oxidative stress in shrimps under culture conditions is of vital importance to ensure that males have an optimal physiological status. The use of diets supplemented with vitamins are widely used for this purpose. We evaluated the effects of vitamin C on the metabolic, antioxidant, and immune responses of Penaeus brasiliensisLatreille, 1817 broodstock males under culture conditions. A formulated diet was used as a control (16 mg kg–1 of total ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content) and three diets were prepared with three vitamin C levels: 322 mg kg–1 (Diet A), 628 mg kg–1 (Diet B), and 934 mg kg–1 (Diet C). Triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and prophenoloxidase, total proteins, and quantity and type of hemocytes in the hemolymph were determined. We also quantified the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and lipid peroxidation in the reproductive tract. Differentially expressed genes of the immune system, namely those of α-2 macroglobulin (α2M), peneidin (Pen), hemocyanin, prophenoloxidase, and the genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and Gpx were quantified in the tract. Sperm quantity and quality were recorded. In males fed Diet C, the lowest cholesterol values and triglycerides obtained in the hemolymph were not significantly different from those fed the control diet (P < 0.05); those fed Diet C showed the highest amount of hyaline hemocytes, the lowest CAT enzyme activity, and the highest Gpx activity. The immune system genes only showed differences between α2M and Pen; sperm quantity and quality were not affected by diet. The results indicated that Diet C (13.9 g kg–1 vitamin C) was effective for the maintenance of P. brasiliensis broodstock males because it controlled cholesterol and triglyceride levels; there was less CAT activity and less activation of the immune system mediated by hemocytes.
The effectiveness of consolidation chemotherapy in high-risk early-stage cervical cancer patients following concurrent chemoradiation after radical surgery
Authors: Wang Cong , Fu Chunli , Ma Changdong , Qian Qiuhong , He Fangfang , Zhang Guangyu
Published: November 2022

Objective

Studies determining which early-stage cervical cancer patients with high-risk factors benefit from consolidation chemotherapy after postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) are limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of consolidation chemotherapy in early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

From 2010 to 2019, a retrospective review was conducted among high-risk early-stage cervical cancer patients who were treated with postoperative CCRT or consolidation chemotherapy after postoperative CCRT. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.

Results

A total of 293 patients with early-stage cervical cancer were included in this study. A total of 188 patients were in the consolidation chemotherapy group, and 105 patients were in the postoperative CCRT alone group. The median follow-up was 48.3 months (range: 3–123 months). In the survival analyses, no significant differences in DFS (P = 0.21) or OS (P = 0.15) were observed between the groups. The grade 3–4 leukopenia and neutropenia rates in the consolidation group were higher than those in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone group (54.8% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.02; 49.4% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.001, respectively). For patients with ≥2 positive lymph nodes or ≥2 high-risk factors, consolidation chemotherapy significantly improved DFS (P = 0.013 and P = 0.002) and OS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) compared with CCRT alone.

Conclusion

For early-stage cervical cancer, consolidation chemotherapy after postoperative CCRT improved survival outcomes in patients with ≥2 positive lymph nodes or ≥2 high-risk factors.
Why Medicine Needs a Theology of Monstrosity
Authors: Stahl Devan
Published: November 2022

For centuries, philosophers and theologians debated the meaning of monstrous births. This article describes the debates that took place in the early modern period concerning the origins of monstrous births and examines how they might be relevant to our understanding of disability today. I begin with the central questions that accompanied the birth of conjoined twins in the early 17th century as well as the theological origins of those questions. I then show the shifts that occurred in philosophical debate in the 18th century, which reveal the changing understanding of God’s interaction with creation, as well as the burgeoning medical responses to monstrous births. By reexamining these earlier debates, I claim some of the earlier questions posed by philosophers and theologians have been neglected but remain relevant in bioethics debates concerning how best to consider and treat newborns with certain disabilities.
Inhibition of circ_0004381 improves cognitive function via miR-647/PSEN1 axis in an Alzheimer disease mouse model
Authors: Li Nini , Zhang Dongdong , Guo Hena , Yang Qian , Li Peng , He Yifan
Published: November 2022

Circ_0004381 promotes neuronal damage in Parkinson disease, but its role in Alzheimer disease (AD) is unreported. The goal of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanisms of circ_0004381 effects in AD models. Primary hippocampal neurons were treated with amyloid-β (Aβ1–42) to construct AD cell models. We found that circ_0004381 was upregulated in Aβ1–42-treated hippocampal neurons. Knockdown of circ_0004381 attenuated Aβ1–42-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampal neurons. Next, we induced microglia activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results of flow cytometry experiments showed that knockdown of circ_0004381 promoted microglial M2-type polarization and knockdown of circ_0004381 inhibited the production of inflammatory factors by microglia. Furthermore, knockdown of circ_0004381 improved cognitive function of male APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Mechanistically, circ_0004381 regulated presenilin-1 (PSEN1) expression by absorbing miR-647. MiR-647 inhibition attenuated the effects of circ_0004381 knockdown. In conclusion, knockdown of circ_0004381 attenuated hippocampal neuronal damage and promoted microglia M2-type polarization through the miR-647/PSEN1 axis, ultimately improving cognitive function in AD model mice.
Revealing galaxy candidates out to z ∼ 16 with JWST observations of the lensing cluster SMACS0723
Authors: Atek Hakim , Shuntov Marko , Furtak Lukas J , Richard Johan , Kneib Jean-Paul , Mahler Guillaume , Zitrin Adi , McCracken H J , Charlot Stéphane , Chevallard Jacopo , Chemerynska Iryna
Published: November 2022

One of the main goals of the JWST is to study the first galaxies in the Universe. We present a systematic photometric analysis of very distant galaxies in the first JWST deep field towards the massive lensing cluster SMACS0723. As a result, we report the discovery of two galaxy candidates at z ∼ 16, only 250 million years after the big bang. We also identify two candidates at z ∼ 12 and six candidates at z ∼ 9−11. Our search extended out to z ≲ 21 by combining colour information across seven near-infrared camera and near-infrared imager and slitless spectrograph filters. By modelling the Spectral Energy Distributions (SEDs) with EAZY and BEAGLE, we test the robustness of the photometric redshift estimates. While their intrinsic (unlensed) luminosity is typical of the characteristic luminosity L* at z > 10, our high-redshift galaxies typically show small sizes and their morphologies are consistent with disks in some cases. The highest-redshift candidates have extremely blue ultraviolet-continuum slopes −3 < β < −2.4, young ages ∼10−100 Myr, and stellar masses around log (M⋆/M⊙) = 8.8 inferred from their spectral energy distribution modelling, which indicate a rapid build-up of their stellar mass. Our search clearly demonstrates the capabilities of JWST to uncover robust photometric candidates up to very high redshifts and peer into the formation epoch of the first galaxies.
Variability in a low-mass active galactic nucleus: oscillation or eruption?
Authors: Webbe Robbie , Young A J
Published: November 2022

Following the discovery of a new class of X-ray variability seen in four galaxies, dubbed quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs), we reconsider the variability seen in the low-mass active galactic nucleus (AGN) 2XMM J123103.2+110648 to ascertain whether it should be considered a QPE host galaxy. We apply the autocorrelation function to two archival XMM–Newton observations to determine characteristic time-scales for variability of ∼13.52 and ∼14.35 ks. The modelling of light curves, both folded at these time-scales and unfolded, indicates that a Gaussian model is preferable over a sinusoidal model, with average durations for the bright phases of 6.17 and 7.69 ks. In a broad 0.2–1.0 keV band the average amplitude of the bright phases was found to be 2.86 and 8.56 times the quiescent count rate. The pattern of variability seen in 2XMM J123103.2+110648 cannot be definitively declared as a series of QPEs. Instead, this suggests there may be a continuum of quasi-periodic variability ranging from eruptions to oscillations being caused by a single mechanism. This offers the possibility of finding further sources that continue to bridge the gap between QPEs and quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). A targeted analysis of 47 observations of 11 other low-mass AGN (log (MBH) ≲ 6) found no evidence of QPE- or QPO-like behaviour in a sample of other similar mass objects.
Deep drilling in the time domain with DECam: survey characterization
Authors: Graham Melissa L , Knop Robert A , Kennedy Thomas D , Nugent Peter E , Bellm Eric , Catelan Márcio , Patel Avi , Smotherman Hayden , Soraisam Monika , Stetzler Steven , Aldoroty Lauren N , Awbrey Autumn , Baeza-Villagra Karina , Bernardinelli Pedro H , Bianco Federica , Brout Dillon , Clarke Riley , Clarkson William I , Collett Thomas , Davenport James R A , Fu Shenming , Gizis John E , Heinze Ari , Hu Lei , Jha Saurabh W , Jurić Mario , Kalmbach J Bryce , Kim Alex , Lee Chien-Hsiu , Lidman Chris , Magee Mark , Martínez-Vázquez Clara E , Matheson Thomas , Narayan Gautham , Palmese Antonella , Phillips Christopher A , Rabus Markus , Rest Armin , Rodríguez-Segovia Nicolás , Street Rachel , Vivas A Katherina , Wang Lifan , Wolf Nicholas , Yang Jiawen
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a new optical imaging survey of four deep drilling fields (DDFs), two Galactic and two extragalactic, with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the 4-m Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). During the first year of observations in 2021, >4000 images covering 21 deg2 (seven DECam pointings), with ∼40 epochs (nights) per field and 5 to 6 images per night per filter in g, r, i, and/or z have become publicly available (the proprietary period for this program is waived). We describe the real-time difference-image pipeline and how alerts are distributed to brokers via the same distribution system as the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). In this paper, we focus on the two extragalactic deep fields (COSMOS and ELAIS-S1) characterizing the detected sources, and demonstrating that the survey design is effective for probing the discovery space of faint and fast variable and transient sources. We describe and make publicly available 4413 calibrated light curves based on difference-image detection photometry of transients and variables in the extragalactic fields. We also present preliminary scientific analysis regarding the Solar system small bodies, stellar flares and variables, Galactic anomaly detection, fast-rising transients and variables, supernovae, and active Galactic nuclei.
MeerKAT’s view of the bullet cluster 1E 0657-55.8
Authors: Sikhosana S P , Knowles K , Hilton M , Moodley K , Murgia M
Published: November 2022

The Bullet cluster (1E 0657-55.8) is a massive merging system at redshift z = 0.296, known to host a powerful radio halo and a relic. Here we present high fidelity MeerKAT L-band (0.9–1.7 GHz) observations of the Bullet cluster, where we trace a larger extent of both the halo and relic in comparison to previous studies. The size of the recovered halo is 1.6 Mpc × 1.3 Mpc and the largest linear size of the relic is ∼988 kpc. We detect a new decrement feature on the southern outskirts of the halo emission, where a region appears to have a lower surface brightness in comparison to its surroundings. The larger extension on the outskirts of the halo is faint, which suggests lower relativistic electron density or a weaker magnetic field. An in-band spectral index map of the halo reveals radial steepening towards the edges, likely due to synchrotron electron ageing. The integrated spectral index of the radio halo is 1.1 ± 0.2. We perform a radio−X-ray surface brightness point-to-point analysis, which reveals a linear correlation for the radio halo. This indicates that the halo emission is produced by primary re-acceleration mechanisms. Finally, we derive a radio Mach number of $\mathcal {M}_R$ = 4.6 ± 0.9 for the relic shock region, which is higher than the Mach number inferred by earlier analyses based on X-ray data. Discrepancies between radio and X-ray Mach numbers have been observed for multiple systems, studies suggest that this is due to various factors, including relic orientation.
The Pristine survey – XIX. Cu and Zn abundances in metal-poor giants
Authors: Caffau E , Lombardo L , Mashonkina L , Sitnova T , Bonifacio P , Matas Pinto A M , Kordopatis G , Sestito F , Aguado D , Salvadori S , Spite M , François P , Sbordone L , Mucciarelli A , Martin N , Fernández-Alvar E , González Hernández J I
Published: November 2022

Metal-poor stars formed from a gas enriched by the ejecta of the explosion of one/few generations of first massive stars. With the Pristine photometry combined with the Gaia data, we selected a sample of bright giants metal-poor candidates to be observed at high resolution. Of the 43 stars observed, 36 were confirmed to be metal-poor, supporting the high success-rate of Pristine in selecting metal-poor stars. We centred the investigation on Cu and Zn, which are elements usually neglected, also because they are the ‘killing elements’ for identifying the Pair Instability Supernovae (PISN) descendants, the explosion of very massive first stars. We derived detailed chemical abundances of 22 species of 18 elements for 36 giant stars. The study of the kinematics of the stars in the sample revealed the presence of metal-poor stars on disc-like orbits (17 per cent of the sample) and even on thin disc orbits (8 per cent of the sample). Four stars are members of the Gaia–Sausage–Enceladus, one star is also likely a member of it. Three stars in the sample (TYC 1118−595−1, TYC 2207−992−1, and TYC 1194−507−1) show a chemical pattern compatible with the one theoretically derived for the PISN descendants, i.e. stars formed out from a gaseous environment enriched by PISN (>50 per cent level) and subsequent generations of normal stars evolving as core-collapse SNe.
The effect of scattering calculations on non-LTE modelling of the C3O and C5O abundances in TMC-1
Authors: Bop C T , Khadri F , Hammami K
Published: November 2022

Tricarbon and pentacarbon monoxides have been detected towards the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC-1) with relatively important abundances. Understanding the chemical formation of these molecules requires interpreting their observational spectra by mean of non-local thermodynamical equilibrium modelling. For this purpose, we report rate coefficients of  C3O and  C5O induced by collision with He for temperatures up to 100 K. These data are obtained by calculating inelastic cross sections for the 31 low-lying rotational levels of  C3O and  C5O using the close-coupling approach. The comparison of the new rate coefficients with those of HC3N and HC5N, previously used to interpret the observational spectra of  C3O and  C5O, reveals differences of up to an order of magnitude. The effect of the new collisional rate coefficients in radiative transfer calculations is checked by computing the excitation temperatures for some transitions and simulating the  C3O and  C5O column densities observed towards TMC-1. Our findings suggest that the use of HCnN as template for CnO may lead to local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions for gas densities as low as ∼103  cm−3. Regarding the interpretation of the observational spectra, using radiative transfer modelling based on the actual CnO collisional rate coefficients instead of rotational diagram analysis leads to underestimate the column densities reported in the literature by up to 25 per cent and accordingly the  C3O/ C5O abundance ratio by up to 50 per cent. We expect that the new rate coefficients and the radiative transfer calculations presented in this work will encourage further modellings of the CnO abundance and accordingly constrain the chemistry.
Neutron star inner crust: reduction of shear modulus by nuclei finite size effect
Authors: Zemlyakov Nikita A , Chugunov Andrey I
Published: November 2022

The elasticity of neutron star crust is important for adequate interpretation of observations. To describe elastic properties one should rely on theoretical models. The most widely used is Coulomb crystal model (system of point-like charges on neutralizing uniform background), in some works it is corrected for electron screening. These models neglect finite size of nuclei. This approximation is well justified except for the innermost crustal layers, where nuclei size becomes comparable with the inter-nuclear spacing. Still, even in those dense layers it seems reasonable to apply the Coulomb crystal result, if one assumes that nuclei are spherically symmetric: Coulomb interaction between them should be the same as interaction between point-like charges. This argument is indeed correct; however, as we point here, shear of crustal lattice generates (microscopic) quadrupole electrostatic potential in a vicinity of lattice cites, which induces deformation on the nuclei. We analyse this problem analytically within compressible liquid drop model. In particular, for ground state crust composition the effective shear modulus is reduced for a factor of $1-u^{5/3}/(2+3\, u-4\, u^{1/3})$, where u is the ratio of the nuclei volume to the volume of the cell. This result is universal, i.e. it does not depend on the applied nucleon interaction model within applied approach. For the innermost layers of inner crust u ∼ 0.2 leading to reduction of the shear modulus by $\sim 25{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, which can be important for correct interpretation of quasi-periodic oscillations in the tails of magnetar flares.
Accelerating cosmological inference with Gaussian processes and neural networks – an application to LSST Y1 weak lensing and galaxy clustering
Authors: Boruah Supranta S , Eifler Tim , Miranda Vivian , Krishanth P M Sai
Published: November 2022

Studying the impact of systematic effects, optimizing survey strategies, assessing tensions between different probes and exploring synergies of different data sets require a large number of simulated likelihood analyses, each of which cost thousands of CPU hours. In this paper, we present a method to accelerate cosmological inference using emulators based on Gaussian process regression and neural networks. We iteratively acquire training samples in regions of high posterior probability which enables accurate emulation of data vectors even in high dimensional parameter spaces. We showcase the performance of our emulator with a simulated 3×2 point analysis of LSST-Y1 with realistic theoretical and systematics modelling. We show that our emulator leads to high-fidelity posterior contours, with an order of magnitude speed-up. Most importantly, the trained emulator can be re-used for extremely fast impact and optimization studies. We demonstrate this feature by studying baryonic physics effects in LSST-Y1 3×2 point analyses where each one of our MCMC runs takes approximately 5 min. This technique enables future cosmological analyses to map out the science return as a function of analysis choices and survey strategy.
Evidence for superadiabatic heating and cooling of Alfvénic solar wind
Authors: Shaikh Zubair I , Raghav Anil N , Vichare Geeta , D’Amicis Raffaella , Telloni Daniele
Published: November 2022

Alfvénic fluctuations are widespread and crucial in various physical processes of space & astrophysical plasma. However, their role in heating and work done remains unexplored. Here, we have used Wind spacecraft’s data situated at 1 au distance to examine 12 distinct Alfvénic regions using polytropic analysis. The study finds an average polytropic index value α = 2.64, which is consistent with a superadiabatic behaviour for plasma particles with three effective degrees of freedom (f = 3). Moreover, this study examines several scenarios for plasma particles with different degrees of freedom. We noted that the investigated Alfvénic region could be adiabatic only for plasma particles with f = 1.26 degrees of freedom. In addition to this, for α = 2.64, the ratio of work done to the total heat supply within the system is $\frac{\delta w}{\delta q} = -0.68$, indicating that 68 per cent of the total supplied heat is utilized to accomplish work by the system on the surrounding (expansion phenomena), and the remaining is used to increase the internal energy of the system. As a result, we hypothesized that the Alfvénic plasma region is cooling more than the adiabatic expectation, resulting in supercooling phenomena. Thus, we propose that the discovered possible superadiabatic process would be critical in understanding the energy transfer from the Alfvénic zone to the surrounding plasma.
African Suid Genomes Provide Insights into the Local Adaptation to Diverse African Environments
Authors: Xie Hai-Bing , Yan Chen , Adeola Adeniyi C , Wang Kun , Huang Cui-Ping , Xu Ming-Min , Qiu Qiang , Yin Xue , Fan Chen-Yu , Ma Yun-Fei , Yin Ting-Ting , Gao Yun , Deng Jia-Kun , Okeyoyin Agboola O , Oluwole Olufunke O , Omotosho Oladipo , Okoro Victor M O , Omitogun Ofelia G , Dawuda Philip M , Olaogun Sunday C , Nneji Lotanna M , Ayoola Adeola O , Sanke Oscar J , Luka Pam D , Okoth Edward , Lekolool Isaac , Mijele Dominic , Bishop Richard P , Han Jianlin , Wang Wen , Peng Min-Sheng , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: November 2022

African wild suids consist of several endemic species that represent ancient members of the family Suidae and have colonized diverse habitats on the African continent. However, limited genomic resources for African wild suids hinder our understanding of their evolution and genetic diversity. In this study, we assembled high-quality genomes of a common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), a red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), as well as an East Asian Diannan small-ear pig (Sus scrofa). Phylogenetic analysis showed that common warthog and red river hog diverged from their common ancestor around the Miocene/Pliocene boundary, putatively predating their entry into Africa. We detected species-specific selective signals associated with sensory perception and interferon signaling pathways in common warthog and red river hog, respectively, which contributed to their local adaptation to savannah and tropical rainforest environments, respectively. The structural variation and evolving signals in genes involved in T-cell immunity, viral infection, and lymphoid development were identified in their ancestral lineage. Our results provide new insights into the evolutionary histories and divergent genetic adaptations of African suids.
Ribosomal RNA operons define a central functional compartment in the Streptomyces chromosome
Authors: Lorenzi Jean-Noël , Thibessard Annabelle , Lioy Virginia S , Boccard Frédéric , Leblond Pierre , Pernodet Jean-Luc , Bury-Moné Stéphanie
Published: November 2022

Streptomyces are prolific producers of specialized metabolites with applications in medicine and agriculture. These bacteria possess a large linear chromosome genetically compartmentalized: core genes are grouped in the central part, while terminal regions are populated by poorly conserved genes. In exponentially growing cells, chromosome conformation capture unveiled sharp boundaries formed by ribosomal RNA (rrn) operons that segment the chromosome into multiple domains. Here we further explore the link between the genetic distribution of rrn operons and Streptomyces genetic compartmentalization. A large panel of genomes of species representative of the genus diversity revealed that rrn operons and core genes form a central skeleton, the former being identifiable from their core gene environment. We implemented a new nomenclature for Streptomyces genomes and trace their rrn-based evolutionary history. Remarkably, rrn operons are close to pericentric inversions. Moreover, the central compartment delimited by rrn operons has a very dense, nearly invariant core gene content. Finally, this compartment harbors genes with the highest expression levels, regardless of gene persistence and distance to the origin of replication. Our results highlight that rrn operons are structural boundaries of a central functional compartment prone to transcription in Streptomyces.
proGenomes3: approaching one million accurately and consistently annotated high-quality prokaryotic genomes
Authors: Fullam Anthony , Letunic Ivica , Schmidt Thomas S B , Ducarmon Quinten R , Karcher Nicolai , Khedkar Supriya , Kuhn Michael , Larralde Martin , Maistrenko Oleksandr M , Malfertheiner Lukas , Milanese Alessio , Rodrigues Joao Frederico Matias , Sanchis-López Claudia , Schudoma Christian , Szklarczyk Damian , Sunagawa Shinichi , Zeller Georg , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , von Mering Christian , Bork Peer , Mende Daniel R
Published: November 2022

The interpretation of genomic, transcriptomic and other microbial ‘omics data is highly dependent on the availability of well-annotated genomes. As the number of publicly available microbial genomes continues to increase exponentially, the need for quality control and consistent annotation is becoming critical. We present proGenomes3, a database of 907 388 high-quality genomes containing 4 billion genes that passed stringent criteria and have been consistently annotated using multiple functional and taxonomic databases including mobile genetic elements and biosynthetic gene clusters. proGenomes3 encompasses 41 171 species-level clusters, defined based on universal single copy marker genes, for which pan-genomes and contextual habitat annotations are provided. The database is available at http://progenomes.embl.de/
Olfaction in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Finch Philip M , Sohrabi Hamid R , Drummond Peter D
Published: November 2022

Objective

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is associated with a range of sensory disturbances on the symptomatic side of the body but whether this includes olfaction is uncertain. To clarify this, the aims of this study were to compare ratings of intensity and hedonic appeal of household odorants in CRPS patients and controls, and to determine whether ratings differed between the symptomatic and contralateral sides within the sample of patients.

Methods

Six odorants (vanilla, fish sauce, vinegar, eucalyptus, almond essence and acetone) were presented sequentially in random order on cottonwool buds held in the midline approximately 1 cm from both nostrils in 37 CRPS patients and 21 pain-free controls. Each odor was rated for intensity and hedonic appeal, and participants reported whether the odor was stronger and/or smelt different on one side than the other.

Results

The odorants smelt worse for patients than controls (P < .05 for the symptomatic and contralateral sides) but neither the intensity nor the unpleasantness of the odorants was greater on the symptomatic than contralateral side in the group as-a-whole.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the trigeminal component of olfaction interacts bilaterally with pain-sensitized circuits in the thalamus or higher cortical centers to distort odor perception in patients with CRPS. This aberrant process appears to differ from the mechanism that underlies hemilateral hyperalgesia in other sensory modalities.
Elevated serum CA72-4 predicts gout flares during urate lowering therapy initiation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Shuhui , Sun Mingshu , Li Maichao , Xue Xiaomei , Terkeltaub Robert , Wang Can , Wang Ming , Lu Jie , Ran Zijing , Li Hailong , Ji Aichang , Sun Wenyan , Li Xinde , He Yuwei , Liu Zhen , Zhang Hui , Wang Xuefeng , Ji Xiaopeng , Dalbeth Nicola , Li Changgui
Published: November 2022

Objective

Gout flares during urate-lowering therapy (ULT) initiation are common, but predictors of these flares are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum CA72-4 is an independent predictor for gout flares during ULT initiation.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between March 2021 and January 2022. Men with gout, at least one gout flare in the past year, and at least three serum CA72-4 measurements in the previous six months were enrolled. Participants were grouped according to their highest recorded serum CA72-4 levels (above or within the normal range). All participants took oral febuxostat 20 mg daily without flare prophylaxis therapy, and attended face-to-face visits every four weeks until 24 weeks. The incidence of gout flare was compared between the two groups. Backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with flares. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate prediction efficacy.

Results

A total of 193 completed the study (79 with high CA72-4; 114 with normal CA72-4). The cumulative incidence of at least one gout flare was 48.1% (62.1% in the high CA72-4 group, 38.4% in the normal CA72-4 group, P = 0.001), and recurrent (≥2) flares was 33.0% (47.1% in the high CA72-4 group, 23.2% in the normal CA72-4, P < 0.001). High CA72-4, disease duration, intra-articular tophus size, glucose, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and ESR were independent risk factors for gout flares. Serum CA72-4 alone predicted recurrent flares with an area under the curve of 0.63 (95% CI = 0.54, 0.71), and 0.78 (95% CI = 0.71, 0.85) when combined with other independent variables.

Conclusion

High serum CA72-4 predicts the risk of gout flares during ULT initiation.

Trial registration

ChiCTR; https://www.chictr.org.cn/; ChiCTR2100043573.
Disproportionate articular pain is a frequent phenomenon in rheumatoid arthritis and responds to treatment with sarilumab
Authors: Choy Ernest , Bykerk Vivian , Lee Yvonne C , van Hoogstraten Hubert , Ford Kerri , Praestgaard Amy , Perrot Serge , Pope Janet , Sebba Anthony
Published: November 2022

Objectives

In some patients with RA, joint pain is more severe than expected based on the amount of joint swelling [referred to as disproportionate articular pain (DP)]. We assessed DP prevalence and the effects of sarilumab, an IL-6 inhibitor, on DP.

Methods

Data from RA patients treated with placebo or 200 mg sarilumab in the phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) MOBILITY and TARGET, adalimumab 40 mg or sarilumab 200 mg in the phase 3 RCT MONARCH and sarilumab 200 mg in open-label extensions (OLEs) were used. DP was defined as an excess tender 28-joint count (TJC28) over swollen 28-joint count (SJC28) of ≥7 (TJC28 − SJC28 ≥ 7). Treatment response and disease activity were determined for patients with and without DP.

Results

Of 1531 sarilumab 200 mg patients from RCTs, 353 (23%) had baseline DP. On average, patients with DP had higher 28-joint DAS using CRP (DAS28-CRP) and pain scores than patients without DP, whereas CRP levels were similar. After 12 and 24 weeks, patients with baseline DP treated with sarilumab were more likely to be DP-free than those treated with placebo or adalimumab. In RCTs, more sarilumab-treated patients achieved low disease activity vs comparators, regardless of baseline DP status. In OLEs, patients were more likely to lose rather than gain DP status.

Conclusion

About one-quarter of patients with RA experienced DP, which responded well to sarilumab. These data support the concept that other mechanisms (potentially mediated via IL-6) in addition to inflammation may contribute to DP in RA.

Trial registrations

NCT01061736, NCT02332590, NCT01709578, NCT01146652.
Comparison of Elemental Sulfur Products as Tank Mix Partners with Azoxystrobin for Management of Late Leaf Spot (Nothopassalora personata) of Peanut
Authors: Culbreath Albert K. , Brenneman Timothy B. , Kemerait Jr. Robert C. , Cantonwine Emily G.
Published: November 2022

Management of fungicide resistance in Nothopassalora personata, the cause of late leaf spot of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea), is a challenge in peanut production areas of the southeastern United States. Field experiments were conducted in Tifton, Georgia, in 2020 and 2021 and in Plains, Georgia, in 2021 to determine the effects of mixtures of seven elemental sulfur fungicide products with the quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide azoxystrobin on late leaf spot in fields where QoI-resistant populations of N. personata are suspected. Application of azoxystrobin or sulfur alone resulted in little reduction of the standardized area under the disease progress curve (SAUDPC) or final disease intensity ratings compared with the nontreated control. However, mixtures of azoxystrobin with all micronized sulfur products evaluated had SAUDPC values and final disease intensity ratings less than those in the azoxystrobin-alone or Microthiol Disperss 80W sulfur-alone treatments. One nonmicronized sulfur formulation had SAUDPC values and final intensity ratings similar to those of azoxystrobin or Microthiol Disperss 80W sulfur alone. The results suggest that multiple micronized elemental sulfur products have potential for use as mixing partners with azoxystrobin leaf spot control in fields where the efficacy of azoxystrobin alone is not adequate.
Use of Cold Plasma in Wound Healing: A Case Report
Authors: Landscheidt Kristina , Engelhardt Christine , Hernekamp Jochen-Frederick , Goertz Ole
Published: November 2022

The treatment of chronic wounds remains a serious medical and social problem. There are many innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic wounds, one of which is cold plasma therapy. This case report describes an 85-year-old patient who presented with a chronic wound on his lower right leg. Despite repeated surgical wound debridements, his wound did not improve. Therefore, the authors initiated cold plasma therapy for his chronic wound. Through repeated application of cold plasma, the wound was completely healed within 8 weeks. As a noninvasive procedure, the cold plasma treatment was well tolerated and had no adverse effects. This case report provides promising results and could be the basis for further studies to confirm the effectiveness of active wound dressings with cold plasma in the treatment of chronic wounds.
A Prospective Study of Pressure Injury Healing Rate and Time and Influencing Factors in an Acute Care Setting
Authors: Seo YoungMin , Oh HyunSoo , Na YoungSun , Kim MiJin , Seo WhaSook
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

To determine pressure injury (PI) healing rate and time and identify influencing factors.

METHODS

A prospective cohort research design was used. Data collection was performed between May 2015 and August 2018. The study participants were 77 inpatients who developed at least one PI during their stay in a university hospital. Researchers assessed participants' demographic (age, sex); physical (incontinence, activity of daily living, and nutrition status); physiologic (serum total protein, albumin, and creatinine, blood glucose, and hemoglobin levels); and disease- (diagnosis, number of comorbidities, and cardiovascular comorbidity), wound- (PI stage and size at first detection, and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing score), and treatment-related (IV nutrition supply and albumin infusion) factors.

RESULTS

Across the 77 patients, 91 PIs developed. Of these, 54 (59.3%) healed with a mean healing time of 17.63 days. The healing rate was better, and the healing time was shorter for stage 2 PIs compared with unstageable or deep-tissue PIs. Factors influencing PI healing rate were number of comorbidities, cardiovascular comorbidity, incontinence, PI stage at first detection, IV nutrition supply, and mean serum creatinine level. Factors influencing PI healing time were number of comorbidities, cardiovascular comorbidity, and PI stage at first detection.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce hospital stays, PI-related complications, and mortality, evidence-based management strategies for PIs are needed. The findings of the present study may contribute to the development of such strategies.
Exploring Effect of Postdischarge Developmental Support Program on Preterm Infant Neurodevelopment and BDNF Gene DNA Methylation
Authors: Zhang Jun , Cao Mi , Yue Shaoting , Yan Jingmin , Shang Yanyan
Published: November 2022

Background:

Although developmental supportive care is an effective approach to improve the long-term psychomotor and/or neurobehavioral function of preterm infants, very limited studies have focused on the impact of after-discharge developmental support. The underlying epigenetic changes are unclear.

Purpose:

This study aimed to explore the preliminary effect of an evidence-based Postdischarge Developmental Support Program (PDSP) on preterm infant neurodevelopment and underlying epigenetic changes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene-related DNA methylation and expression.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled pilot trial, the preterm infant-parent dyads were randomized into either the intervention group/PDSP group (n = 22) or the control group/usual care group (n = 22). The neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants were measured by Ages & Stages Questionnaires. Urine BDNF concentration level was tested by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infant saliva specimens were collected to analyze the methylation level of BDNF gene promoter I at pre- and postintervention test.

Results:

After PDSP intervention, the total neurodevelopmental and the 5 domain scores of the PDSP group were all significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .05). The BDNF levels decreased significantly only within control group (P = .01). The difference in BDNF concentration and methylation levels between groups was not statistically significant.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Postdischarge Developmental Support Program may promote the neurodevelopment of preterm infants but has no effect on BDNF's expression and gene methylation level at 3 months of corrected age. The epigenetic mechanism of PDSP needs further study using a larger sample and longer follow-up.
Associations Between Physical Activity, Tinnitus, and Tinnitus Severity
Authors: Chen Shanwen , Yang Xue , Jiang Yuan , Wu Feihu , Li Yifan , Qiu Jianxin , Tong Busheng , Liu Yehai
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

To examine the associations between physical activity and tinnitus development and physical activity and tinnitus severity in a large representative sample of US adults.

Design:

Data were obtained from 3826 eligible participants (20 to 69 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2015 and 2016. Physical activity was assessed using a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used multivariable logistic regression to test the associations of physical activity (without physical activity, with physical activity) and amount of physical activity (min/week, in quartiles) with tinnitus symptoms. Adults with depressive symptoms were excluded, and the models were controlled for relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related covariates. A restricted cubic spline was used to explore the dose-response relationship between the amount of physical activity and tinnitus.

Results:

Overall, 12.8% of the population who engaged in physical activity reported tinnitus, compared with 18.5% of the population who did not (p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis based on the amount of physical activity showed that participants who performed physical activity (150 to 300, 310 to 540, and 550 to 4800 min/week) had lower risks of tinnitus than those with no physical activity (odds ratio = 0.72, 0.56, and 0.62, respectively), after adjusting for covariates. However, no correlation was observed between physical activity and tinnitus severity in the present study. The dose-response analysis showed a nonlinear relationship (P for nonlinearity = 0.04) between the amount of physical activity and the risk of tinnitus.

Conclusions:

Physical activity may be associated with a reduced risk of tinnitus. Further research using a longitudinal design is required to confirm these findings and clarify the direction of causation.