bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cereals can trap endophytic bacteria with potential beneficial traits when grown ex-situ in harsh soils
Authors: Amenta Maria Laura , Vaccaro Francesca , Varriale Stefano , Sangaré Jean Rodrigue , Defez Roberto , Mengoni Alessio , Bianco Carmen
Published: March 2024

Microbial communities associated with plants growing in harsh conditions, including salinity and water deficiency, have developed adaptive features which permit them to grow and survive under extreme environmental conditions. In the present study, an ex-situ plant trapping method has been applied to collect the culturable microbial diversity associated with the soil from harsh and remote areas. Oryza sativa cv. Baldo and Triticum durum Primadur plants were used as recruiters, while the soil surrounding the roots of Oryza glaberrima plants from remote regions of Mali (West Africa) was used as substrate for their growth. The endophytic communities recruited by the two plant species belonged to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and the dominant genera were Bacillus, Kosakonia, and Enterobacter. These endophytes were characterized by analyzing some of the most common plant growth promoting traits. Halotolerant, inorganic phosphate-solubilizing and N-fixing strains were found, and some of them simultaneously showing these three traits. We verified that ‘Baldo’ recruited mostly halotolerant and P-solubilizers endophytes, while the endophytes selected by ‘Primadur’ were mainly N-fixers. The applied ex-situ plant trapping method allowed to isolate endophytes with potential beneficial traits that could be applied for the improvement of rice and wheat growth under adverse environmental conditions.
Human genetics of face recognition: discovery of MCTP2 mutations in humans with face blindness (congenital prosopagnosia)
Authors: Sun Yun , Men Weiwei , Kennerknecht Ingo , Fang Wan , Zheng Hou-Feng , Zhang Wenxia , Rao Yi
Published: March 2024

Face recognition is important for both visual and social cognition. While prosopagnosia or face blindness has been known for seven decades and face-specific neurons for half a century, the molecular genetic mechanism is not clear. Here we report results after 17 years of research with classic genetics and modern genomics. From a large family with 18 congenital prosopagnosia (CP) members with obvious difficulties in face recognition in daily life, we uncovered a fully cosegregating private mutation in the MCTP2 gene which encodes a calcium binding transmembrane protein expressed in the brain. After screening through cohorts of 6589, we found more CPs and their families, allowing detection of more CP associated mutations in MCTP2. Face recognition differences were detected between 14 carriers with the frameshift mutation S80fs in MCTP2 and 19 noncarrying volunteers. Six families including one with 10 members showed the S80fs-CP correlation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging found association of impaired recognition of individual faces by MCTP2 mutant CPs with reduced repetition suppression to repeated facial identities in the right fusiform face area. Our results have revealed genetic predisposition of MCTP2 mutations in CP, 76 years after the initial report of prosopagnosia and 47 years after the report of the first CP. This is the first time a gene required for a higher form of visual social cognition was found in humans.
Simulation of the Mediterranean tsunami generated by the Mw 6.0 event offshore Bejaia (Algeria) on 18 March 2021
Authors: Heinrich P , Dupont A , Menager M , Trilla A , Gailler A , Delouis B , Hébert H
Published: March 2024

On 18 March 2021 an earthquake of magnitude Mw = 6.0 occurred offshore the Algerian coasts and generated a tsunami with offshore amplitudes smaller than a few millimetres crossing the western Mediterranean Sea. The objective of this study is threefold: first, to determine whether seismic sources calculated in the context of tsunami early warning are relevant; secondly, to determine whether tsunami simulations are able to reproduce tide-gauge observations and thirdly, to define the sensitivity of simulations to the grid resolutions and tsunami parameters. In the Mediterranean Sea, a very small number of available coastal tide gauges recorded the tsunami. Among them, a few French tide gauge stations recorded water waves with amplitudes smaller than a few centimetres and with periods ranging from 5 to 20 min associated to harbour or bay resonances. Numerical simulations of the tsunami are performed by the operational code Taitoko for seven different source fault models. Three of them allow for a rapid source detection and characterization in the framework of tsunami warning at CENALT (Centre National d'Alerte aux Tsunamis, France). The integrated code Taitoko uses a system of multiple nested grids. Standard Boussinesq equations are solved in the Mediterranean grid, whereas non-linear shallow water equations are solved in coastal and harbour grids with 25 and 5 m resolutions, respectively. Whatever the fault model, the observed time-series of water heights are reproduced satisfactorily both in phase and amplitude by the model at Nice and Monaco but poorly at Port Mahon (Minorca) and Toulon.
DAS for 2-D MASW imaging: a case study on the benefits of flexible subarray processing
Authors: Yust Michael B S , Cox Brady R , Vantassel Joseph P , Hubbard Peter G
Published: March 2024

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a relatively new technology for recording the propagation of seismic waves, with promising applications in both engineering and geophysics. DAS's ability to simultaneously collect high spatial resolution waveforms over long arrays suggests that it is well-suited for near-surface imaging applications such as 2-D multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASWs), which require, at a minimum, long, linear arrays of single-component receivers. The 2-D MASW method uses a large number of sensor subarrays deployed along a linear alignment to produce 1-D shear-wave velocity (VS) profiles beneath each subarray. The 1-D VS profiles are then combined to form a pseudo-2-D VS image beneath the entire linear alignment that can be used for the purpose of identifying and characterizing lateral variations in subsurface layering. Traditionally, 2-D MASW is conducted using arrays consisting of either 24 or 48 geophones. While additional receivers could easily be incorporated into the testing configuration, it is rare for researchers and practitioners to have access to greater numbers of seismographs and geophones. When a limited number of geophones are available for deployment, there is a need to pre-determine the geophone spacing and subarray length prior to field data acquisition. Studies examining how the choice of subarray geometry impacts the resulting pseudo-2-D VS cross-sections have been largely limited to synthetic data. In response, this study utilizes DAS data to examine the effects of using various subarray lengths by comparing pseudo-2-D VS cross-sections derived from active-source waveforms collected at a well-characterized field site. DAS is particularly useful for 2-D MASW applications because the subarray geometry does not need to be determined prior to field data acquisition. We organize the DAS waveforms into multiple sets of overlapping MASW subarrays of differing lengths, ranging from 11 to 47 m, along the same alignment, allowing for direct comparison of the derived pseudo-2-D VS results at the site. We show that the length of the individual MASW subarrays has a significant effect on the resulting VS cross-sections, including the resolved location of a strong impedance contrasts at our study site, and evaluate the results relative to ground truth from invasive testing. Our results suggest that the choice of subarray length is important and should be carefully chosen to meet project-specific goals. Furthermore, analysts may consider using multiple subarray geometries during the data processing stage, as is made possible by DAS, to properly evaluate the uncertainty of 2-D MASW results. This study demonstrates the potential of using DAS to collect data for 2-D MASW in a manner that is efficient and flexible, and can be easily scaled up for use with very long arrays.
Operating Properties of Disease Activity Indices in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Colman Ruben J , Solitano Virginia , MacDonald John K , Ma Christopher , Griffiths Anne M , Jairath Vipul , Crowley Eileen
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate, reliable, and responsive disease activity indices are important to streamline drug approval and treatment modalities for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD). We aimed to identify all scoring indices used in pIBD randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to evaluate their operating properties.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched on December 6, 2022, to identify studies evaluating clinical, endoscopic, imaging, or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in pIBD including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Validity, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility were summarized.

Results

Seventy RCTs evaluating pIBD indices were identified. Forty-one studies reported on the operating properties of 14 eligible indices (n = 9 CD, n = 5 UC). The Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) varied widely in terms of validity and reliability and was less feasible overall. In contrast, the Mucosal Inflammation Noninvasive Index, which includes fecal calprotectin, had better operating properties than the PCDAI. The Simplified Endoscopic Mucosal Assessment of Crohn’s Disease appears more feasible and had similar operating properties than the longer Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease. The Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index was feasible, valid, and reliable, but responsiveness needs to be evaluated further. The Endoscopic Mayo score and the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity were reliable, but validity and responsiveness need to be evaluated further. Imaging and PROMs/quality of life indices need further evaluation.

Conclusions

The operating properties of pIBD clinical trial end points varied widely. These results highlight the need for further validation and development of novel indices.
Lessons from integrating mental health as part of lymphatic filariasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Amanyi-Enegela Juliana A , Badaki Jacqueline A , Pali Maureen , Okunade Faizah , Kumbur Joseph , Omoi Samuel , Ishaya Rinpan , Ogoshi Christopher , Emereuwa Innocent , Sankar Girija , Qureshi Babar
Published: March 2024

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting >120 million people worldwide. LF has debilitating effects on humans and leads to morbidity and sometimes irreversible disability. A significant proportion of persons affected by LF morbidity also suffer from ill health, such as depression, anxiety, pain, stigma and social isolation due to disfigurement, as well as loss of mobility, livelihood and income. Mental health is often overlooked as a component of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services, despite the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among people affected by LF.

To address this gap, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) piloted a comprehensive approach providing morbidity management and disability prevention by integrating mental health as part of the MMDP care package. The participatory evaluation of the project reviewed the project documents and a review meeting, small group discussions and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders.

Findings suggest that project training and service delivery targets were exceeded in most cases. In addition, the disability and gender disaggregated data highlights the interplay of gender and disability in accessing care and the existence of unmet mental health needs. The financial cost of transportation to utilise referrals or access other MMDP services, such as replenishing treatment supplies, was a major constraint in accessing services for LF morbidity patients and low levels of awareness, fear of hydrocoele surgery and social stigmatisation were reported.

The project outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating mental health as part of a comprehensive MMDP package of care. Integration strategies should target training of MMDP providers in basic mental health skills, screening for mental health issues and the provision of mental health services and other MMDP services within the same facilities. Integration is an important step towards comprehensive care for people affected by LF and other NTD morbidities and disabilities.
Incidence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli ST2437 of clinical origin harbouring blaOXA-144 gene: a report from India
Authors: Das Bhaskar Jyoti , Singha K Melson , Wangkheimayum Jayalaxmi , Dhar Chanda Debadatta , Bhattacharjee Amitabha
Published: March 2024

Aims

Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli has been categorized as a pathogen of critical priority by the World Health Organization as it is highly infectious with high mortality and morbidity rates and widespread transmission potential. Carbapenem resistance is primarily mediated by carbapenemase-encoding genes and, additionally, through intrinsic factors. In India, over the years, carbapenemase-encoding genes have been reported from diverse clinically significant pathogens. The present study identifies E. coli of clinical origin that harbours blaOXA-144.

Methods and results

The study isolate was obtained from a tertiary referral hospital in northeast India. Carbapenemase production was investigated through culture on chromogenic agar and Rapidec Carba NP test as per manufacturer’s instructions. Susceptibility of the isolate was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and agar dilution method following CLSI guidelines. PCR targeting carbapenemase-encoding genes was performed, followed by transformation and conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing of the isolate was done through the Illumina sequencing platform and the data were analysed using the Centre for Genomic Epidemiology database. BJD_EC180 is 6 919 180 bp in length and consists of six rRNA operons, 111 tRNA, and 6849 predicted protein-coding sequences. BJD_EC180 belonged to ST2437 and harboured the carbapenemase-encoding gene blaOXA-144 with ISAba1 upstream, along with multiple antibiotic resistance genes conferring clinical resistance towards beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, amphenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, and rifampin.

Conclusions

Carbapenem-resistant E. coli harbouring blaOXA-144 associated with insertion sequence pose a serious health threat as their mobilization into carbapenem non-susceptible strains that will contribute to the resistance burden and therefore, needs urgent monitoring.
Disarming the Women, Peace and Security agenda: the case for centring the United Nations General Assembly
Authors: O’Rourke Catherine
Published: March 2024

After over two decades of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda at the UN Security Council, involving the adoption of 10 thematic resolutions, there is now increasing momentum towards the de-centring of the Council from feminist engagement and from broader institutional activity on WPS. Against this backdrop, this article lays out arguments for centring the WPS agenda instead in the UN General Assembly. Given its broader membership and mandate, its role in international law-making, and critically, its leadership on disarmament, the article argues that the General Assembly offers more propitious opportunities for the institutionalization of a feminist peace agenda.
Insecticide efficacy and emergence timing of the Douglas-fir twig weevil
Authors: Whitney Thomas D , Chastagner Gary
Published: March 2024

The Douglas-fir twig weevil (Cylindrocopturus furnissi Buchanan) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has recently emerged as a significant pest of Christmas trees grown in the Pacific Northwest United States. The larvae girdle and disfigure twigs, which adversely affects tree marketability. Trees produced for export are also routinely destroyed for phytosanitary reasons when C. furnissi is discovered at border crossings. Due to historically being a sporadic and benign pest on planted and natural Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii), there is a lack of chemical management options. In laboratory experiments, we assessed the knockdown effects (ability to kill or incapacitate) of 4 insecticides commonly used on Christmas trees: one assay tested knockdown after direct contact for 24 h, and the other assay tested knockdown after being allowed to feed on treated twigs with 2 days, 7 days, and 14 days residuals. Concurrently, we monitored temperature and adult C. furnissi emergence at a noble fir bough farm for 2 years to estimate the ideal degree-day window for applying insecticides. Bifenthrin and esfenvalerate knocked down all weevils on contact within just 4 h, whereas chlorpyrifos and acephate failed to achieve 100% knockdown within 24 h. Only acephate failed to knock down more weevils than the control (water) after feeding on treated twigs, regardless of the insecticide residue age. Degree-day modeling revealed a variable emergence window between the 2 years but 50% of adult emergence occurred between approximately 1,000–1,100 degree days (1st January, 50 °F (10 °C), single sine). Future work should assess the resulting management recommendation: apply bifenthrin or esfenvalerate once annually just after 1,000 growing degree days for 2 or more years prior to harvest.
Gastric schwannoma: a case report
Authors: Kostovski Ognen , Trajkovski Gjorgji , Ristovski Gligor , Kunovska Slavica Kostadinova , Kostovska Irena
Published: March 2024

Gastric schwannomas are rare mesenchymal tumors that arise from the intestinal nerve plexuses. They present with nonspecific symptoms and are often discovered incidentally. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient who had been suffering from abdominal discomfort for 6 months. After a complete examination, including abdominal computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, we discovered a submucosal gastric lesion with benign gross features without evidence of lymph node or metastatic involvement. He underwent an open laparotomy. Final pathohistological and immunohistochemically identification of the surgical specimen established the diagnosis of benign schwannoma. Considering the excellent prognosis of the tumor, no adjuvant treatment was suggested other than simple clinical monitoring every 6 months. Despite the accessibility of advanced endoscopy and imaging techniques, the diagnosis of gastric schwannoma is rarely made preoperatively. In the latter case, the best treatment is still complete excision with wide margins.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus argenteus among food handlers, kitchen utensils, and food samples in Japan
Authors: Wakabayashi Yuki , Kumeda Yuko , Yoshihara Shizue , Tokumoto Hayato , Kawatsu Kentaro , Miyake Masami
Published: March 2024

Staphylococcus argenteus has received increased attention from an aspect of food safety since several food poisoning outbreaks caused by the bacterium were reported in Japan. However, S. argenteus prevalence among food handlers and utensils has not yet been investigated. In this study, we investigated S. argenteus prevalence among a collection of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) that were isolated during food sanitary inspections in Japan. Out of a total of 191 CPS isolates, 14 were identified as S. argenteus. One was isolated from shelled shrimp, nine were isolated from food handlers’ hand swabs, and four were isolated from kitchen utensils. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that transmission of S. argenteus from human hands to utensils was possible. Though all 14 isolates were negative for the pvl and tst-1 genes, 6 harbored the seb gene. Only 21.4% of S. argenteus isolates were resistant to antibiotics, while 62.1% of the S. aureus isolates from the same sources were confirmed to be resistant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate possible transmission of S. argenteus from food handlers to utensils in food-processing environments.
Infrared emission of specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules: indene
Authors: Li Kaijun , Li Aigen , Yang X J , Fang Taotao
Published: March 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules have long been suggested to be present in the interstellar medium (ISM). Nevertheless, despite their expected ubiquity and sustained searching efforts, identifying specific interstellar PAH molecules from their infrared (IR) spectroscopy has so far been unsuccessful. However, due to its unprecedented sensitivity, the advent of the JWST may change this. Meanwhile, recent years have witnessed breakthroughs in detecting specific PAH molecules (e.g. indene, cyanoindene, and cyanonaphthalene) through their rotational lines in the radio frequencies. As JWST holds great promise for identifying specific PAH molecules in the ISM based on their vibrational spectra in the IR, in this work, we model the vibrational excitation of indene, a molecule composed of a six-membered benzene ring fused with a five-membered cyclopentene ring, and calculate its IR emission spectra for a number of representative astrophysical regions. This will facilitate JWST to search for and identify indene in space through its vibrational bands and to quantitatively determine or place an upper limit on its abundance.
Project Dinos I: A joint lensing–dynamics constraint on the deviation from the power law in the mass profile of massive ellipticals
Authors: Tan Chin Yi , Shajib Anowar J , Birrer Simon , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Treu Tommaso , Wells Patrick , Williams Devon , Buckley-Geer Elizabeth J , Drlica-Wagner Alex , Frieman Joshua
Published: March 2024

The mass distribution in massive elliptical galaxies encodes their evolutionary history, thus providing an avenue to constrain the baryonic astrophysics in their evolution. The power-law assumption for the radial mass profile in ellipticals has been sufficient to describe several observables to the noise level, including strong lensing and stellar dynamics. In this paper, we quantitatively constrained any deviation, or the lack thereof, from the power-law mass profile in massive ellipticals through joint lensing–dynamics analysis of a large statistical sample with 77 galaxy–galaxy lens systems. We performed an improved and uniform lens modelling of these systems from archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging using the automated lens modelling pipeline dolphin. We combined the lens model posteriors with the stellar dynamics to constrain the deviation from the power law after accounting for the line-of-sight lensing effects, a first for analyses on galaxy–galaxy lenses. We find that the Sloan Lens ACS Survey lens galaxies with a mean redshift of 0.2 are consistent with the power-law profile within 1.1σ (2.8σ) and the Strong Lensing Legacy Survey lens galaxies with a mean redshift of 0.6 are consistent within 0.8σ (2.1σ), for a spatially constant (Osipkov–Merritt) stellar anisotropy profile. We adopted the spatially constant anisotropy profile as our baseline choice based on previous dynamical observables of local ellipticals. However, spatially resolved stellar kinematics of lens galaxies are necessary to differentiate between the two anisotropy models. Future studies will use our lens models to constrain the mass distribution individually in the dark matter and baryonic components.
X-ray measurement of a high-mass white dwarf and its spin for the intermediate polar IGR J18434−0508
Authors: Gerber Julian , Hare Jeremy , Tomsick John A , Coughenour Benjamin M , Shaw Aarran W , Clavel Maïca , Fornasini Francesca , Halpern Jules , Joens Alyson , Krivonos Roman , Mukai Koji
Published: March 2024

IGR J18434−0508 is a Galactic Intermediate Polar (IP) type Cataclysmic Variable (CV) previously classified through optical spectroscopy. The source is already known to have a hard Chandra spectrum. In this paper, we have used follow-up XMM–Newton and NuSTAR observations to measure the white dwarf (WD) mass and spin period. We measure a spin period of P = 304.4 ± 0.3 s based on the combined MOS1, MOS2, and pn light curve. Although this is twice the optical period found previously, we interpret this value to be the true spin period of the WD. The source has an $8\pm 2~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ pulsed fraction in the 0.5–10 keV XMM–Newton data and shows strong dips in the soft energy band (0.5–2 keV). The XMM–Newton and NuSTAR joint spectrum is consistent with a thermal bremsstrahlung continuum model with an additional partial covering factor, reflection, and Fe-line Gaussian components. Furthermore, we fit the joint spectrum with the post-shock region ‘ipolar’ model which indicates a high WD mass ≳1.36 M⊙, approaching the Chandrasekhar limit.
Magnetic-field oscillation model of pulsar radio emission: prediction of an observable effect
Authors: Liang Zhu-Xing , Liang Yi
Published: March 2024

Since the discovery of pulsars, the rotating-lighthouse model has been the choice of model to explain the radiation pulsation of pulsars. After discovering that some main sequence stars (e.g. CU Virginis) and ultracool dwarfs (e.g. TVLM 513−46546) also behave like pulsars, the lighthouse model was again adopted to explain their pulse signals. Our research found that if we use the magnetic-field oscillation (MO) model, we can explain the pulse radiation results better regardless of whether its source is a neutron star, a main-sequence star, or an ultracool dwarf. We propose a verifiable prediction that can be used to evaluate the MO model. Our prediction is that there is a 90° phase lag between the magnetic field and radio signal of TVLM 513−46546, and the zero-crossing point of the magnetic field is the moment when the direction of the light’s circular polarization is reversed. No new observations are needed to check this prediction, but certain existing data needs to be re-mined.
Radio imaging of gravitationally lensed radio-quiet quasars
Authors: Jackson Neal , Badole Shruti , Dugdale Thomas , Stacey Hannah R , Hartley Philippa , McKean J P
Published: March 2024

We present 6 GHz Very Large Array radio images of 70 gravitational lens systems at 300 mas resolution, in which the source is an optically selected quasar, and nearly all of which have two lensed images. We find that about in half of the systems (40/70, with 33/70 secure), one or more lensed images are detected down to our detection limit of 20 μJy beam−1, similar to previous investigations and reinforcing the conclusion that typical optically selected quasars have intrinsic GHz radio flux densities of a few μJy (∼1023 W Hz−1 at redshifts of 1–2). In addition, for 10 cases it is likely that the lensing galaxies are detected in the radio. Available detections of, and limits on the far-infrared luminosities from the literature, suggest that nearly all of the sample lie on the radio-FIR correlation typical of star-forming galaxies, and that their radio luminosities are at least compatible with the radio emission being produced by star formation processes. One object, WISE2329−1258, has an extra radio component that is not present in optical images, and is difficult to explain using simple lens models. In-band spectral indices, where these can be determined, are generally moderately steep and consistent with synchrotron processes either from star formation/supernovae or AGNs. Comparison of the A/B image flux ratios at radio and optical wavelengths suggests a 10 per cent level contribution from finite source effects or optical extinction to the optical flux ratios, together with sporadic larger discrepancies that are likely to be due to optical microlensing.
The Efficacy of the SinHumo App Combined With a Psychological Treatment to Quit Smoking: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: López-Durán Ana , Martínez-Vispo Carmela , Suárez-Castro Daniel , Barroso-Hurtado María , Becoña Elisardo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study assessed the efficacy of the SinHumo App combined with a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment on 12-month follow-up abstinence, compared with the same smoking cessation treatment and a control App.

Aims and Methods

A sample of 288 treatment-seeking people who smoke were randomized: SinHumo App plus smoking cessation treatment (n = 140) and control App plus smoking cessation treatment (n = 148). The primary outcome was 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at the 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were abstinence rates at the end of the intervention and 3- and 6-month follow-ups, cigarette per day (CPD) reduction over the 12-month follow-up, intervention engagement, and satisfaction.

Results

Intention-to-treat analyses showed nonsignificant differences in self-reported 7-day PPA at the 12-month follow-up (37.1 and 42.6%, respectively; OR = 0.80). No significant differences were found in abstinence at the end of the treatment (68.6 vs. 62.8%) nor on 7-day PPA at 3- (35.7 vs. 45.9%) and 6-month (35.0 vs. 41.2%) follow-up. Complete case and multiple imputation analyses yielded similar results for abstinence outcomes. A significant reduction in CPD across the 12-month follow-up in the subsample of participants who smoked was observed, but nonsignificant differences between conditions were found. Higher engagement with the SinHumo App was a significant predictor of 12-month abstinence. Satisfaction with the intervention was high and similar in both groups.

Conclusions

High abstinence rates over the 12-month follow-up and satisfaction were found in both conditions. The inclusion of the SinHumo App did not improve abstinence rates in the intervention.

Implications

Scarce research has examined the long-term efficacy of smoking cessation treatments, including Apps, to support the quitting process. The present randomized controlled trial contributes to the existing literature about including information and communication technologies in behavior change interventions. The development of effective smoking cessation apps and information and communication technologies-based interventions is crucial for reducing the prevalence of smoking, as these interventions have the potential to reach a large number of people who smoke and reduce access-related barriers to treatment.
Two Decades of Insights into Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Hand Infections
Authors: Tabaja Hussam , Saleem Humza Y , Bakri Karim , Tande Aaron J
Published: March 2024

Background

The objective of our study is to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a large cohort with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) hand infection.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all adults (≥18 years) managed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) for NTM hand infection between 1998 and 2018.

Results

Our cohort included 81 patients. The median age was 61.3 (interquartile range 51.7, 69.6) years; 39.5% were immunocompromised, and 67.9% reported a triggering exposure preceding infection. Infection was deep in 64.2% and disseminated in 3.7%. Up to 16.0% received intralesional steroids because of misdiagnosis with an inflammatory process. Immunocompromised patients had deeper infection, and fewer reports of a triggering exposure. Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus complex were the most common species. The median antibiotic duration was 6.1 (interquartile range 4.6, 9.9) months. Deep infection and infection with species other than M marinum were associated with using a greater number of antibiotics for combination therapy and an extended duration of treatment. Immunosuppression was also associated with longer courses of antibiotic therapy. Surgery was performed in 86.5% and 32.4% required multiple procedures. Ten patients, mostly with superficial infections, were treated with antibiotics alone. The 5-year cumulative rate of treatment failure was 30.3% (95% confidence interval, 20.9–44.0). Immunosuppression and intralesional steroid use were risk factors for failure.

Conclusions

Treatment of NTM hand infection usually requires surgery and antibiotics, but antibiotics alone may occasionally be attempted in select cases. Immunosuppression and intralesional steroids are risk factors for treatment failure.
Five-Year Follow-Up of POLARIS-01 Phase II Trial: Toripalimab as Salvage Monotherapy in Chinese Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Tang Bixia , Duan Rong , Zhang Xiaoshi , Qin Shuikui , Wu Di , Chen Jing , Yao Hong , Chi Zhihong , Guo Jun , Yan Xieqiao
Published: March 2024

Background

To investigate the efficacy and toxicity after long-term follow-up of anti-PD-1 antibody in advanced melanoma with predominantly acral and mucosal subtypes.

Methods and Patients

In the POLARIS-01 phase II trial, 128 Chinese patients with advanced melanoma refractory to standard therapy received toripalimab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for ≤2 years. For those who progressed after discontinuation due to 2-year treatment completion, rechallenge was allowed. The primary objectives were safety and overall response rate (ORR).

Results

As of February 8, 2021, ORR was 17.3% (95% CI: 11.2-25.0) evaluated by the independent radiologic review committee. The median overall survival (OS) for patients with known melanoma subtypes was 16.3 m for acral, 41.5 m for nonacral cutaneous, and 10.3 m for mucosal melanoma. Thereafter, the evaluation was continued by investigators. As of November 4, 2022, 5 years after the last enrollment, median duration of response was 15.6 months (range, 3.7-64.5+), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.5 months (95% CI, 2.2-5.3), and 60-month OS rate was 28.5% (95% CI: 20.2-37.2). Thirteen patients completed a 2-year treatment of toripalimab, with the subtypes of acral (2/13), non-acral cutaneous (4/13), mucosal (3/13) and unknown primary (4/13). Five patients were rechallenged. Four of them, all of whom were non-mucosal, completed the rechallenge course of 2 years with PFS ≥ 24 months.

Conclusions

This is the largest prospective anti-PD-1 trial with mature data in advanced melanoma in China. Toripalimab demonstrated a manageable safety profile and durable clinical response in Chinese patients with metastatic melanoma who had failed in standard therapy. Immunotherapy seems less efficacious for long-term responders with mucosal primaries as rechallenge therapy.
Comparison of the Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy Between Immunohistochemistry HER2 (3+) and HER2 (2+)/ISH+ Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Jiao Dechuang , Li Guangyu , Dai Hao , Wang Jia , Zhang Jiao , Hou Yangyang , Guo Xuhui , Zhao Yajie , Gong Xilong , Liu Zhenzhen
Published: March 2024

Background

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) criteria, both immunohistochemical HER2 (3+) and HER2 (2+)/in situ hybridization (ISH) amplified [HER2 (2+)/ISH+] breast cancers (BCs) fall under the HER2-positive BC category. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the difference of neoadjuvant therapeutic response between patients with HER2 (3+) and HER2 (2+)/ISH+ early BC. We aimed to evaluate the neoadjuvant therapeutic response, long-term outcome, and intrinsic subtype heterogeneity between HER2 (3+) and HER2 (2+)/ISH+ BC.

Methods

We examined 2 distinct cohorts. Cohort 1 (C1) encompassed 2648 patients with HER2-positive early BC diagnoses, and they received neoadjuvant therapy (NT) and surgery between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2022, from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Breast Cancer Data Base. Cohort 2 (C2) comprised 135 patients with early-stage HER2-positive BC who underwent NT and surgery at Henan Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. These patients had available genomic and transcriptomic data at their disposal. C1 and C2 were further categorized into 2 patient cohorts as follows: (1) patients with IHC HER2 (3+) early BC [HER2 (3+) group], (2) patients with HER2 (2+)/ISH+ early BC [HER2 (2+)/ISH+ group]. Among those excluded from the analysis were patients < 18 years or >80 years of age. Clinicopathological parameters, long-term outcomes, and intrinsic subtypes were analyzed.

Results

In the C1 population, 83.7% had HER2 (3+) BC, while 16.3% had HER2 (2+)/ISH+ BC. Patients with HER2 (3+) had a significantly higher pathological complete response (PCR) rate (38.9%) than patients with HER2 (2+)/ISH+ (18.1%; P < .001), but the disease-free survival (DFS) was comparable after a median follow-up of 29 months (P = .556). The addition of trastuzumab or trastuzumab plus pertuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) improved PCR rates and DFS in HER2 (3+) BC but not in HER2 (2+)/ISH+ BC. In the C2 population, 97.75% HER2 (3+) and 52.17% HER2 (2+)/ISH+ were HER2 enriched (HER2E) subtype (P < .001). HER2E showed increased PCR rates compared to non-HER2E (P = .004).

Conclusions

Compared to HER2 (3+) BC, the limited effectiveness of neoadjuvant trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy for HER2 (2+)/ISH+ BC is due to subtype heterogeneity. Reassessment of targeted therapy efficacy in patients with HER2 (2+)/ISH+ BC is essential.
Beneficial effects of the first case of washed microbiota transplantation for postorgasmic illness syndrome: a case report
Authors: Quan Yong-Xi , Lao Ye-Dong , Wu Hui-Yi , He Xing-Xiang , Wu Li-Hao
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is characterized by allergic symptoms and flu-like illness after ejaculation. There are still no effective treatments for POIS.

Aim

To report the first case of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) to treat patient with POIS.

Methods

Data were collected from a patient with POIS who had received 3 courses of WMT: self-rating scale of POIS symptoms, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Symptom Checklist 90. The patient’s stool samples for 16sDNA sequencing were collected 1 month after WMT.

Results

POIS symptoms improved after WMT. Scores decreased from baseline after WMT: self-rating scale of POIS symptoms (before WMT, 16; after first, 16; after second, 8; after third, 9), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (45, 42.5, 37.5, 45), Self-rating Depression Scale (63.75, 58.75, 47.5, 50), and Symptom Checklist 90 (143, 140, 109, 149). Characteristics of the patient’s gut microbiota changed. At the genus level, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, and some opportunistic pathogenic bacteria decreased.

Conclusion

WMT may be an effective and safe choice for the treatment of patients with POIS by changing the gut microbiota of the host.
Osteology of the derived Therizinosaur Nothronychus with evidence for convergence in dinosaurian evolution
Authors: Smith David K , Gillette David D
Published: March 2024

Therizinosaurs were a taxon of unusual theropods from North America and Asia. The derived therizinosaur Nothronychus graffami possessed a synsacrum and hip convergent with extant birds. The osteology is figured and described in detail supplemented with material from Nothronychus mckinleyi. Both species exhibit traits convergent with extant birds, ornithischian dinosaurs, and titanosaurs. As preserved, the ilia and sacrum are minimally distorted and apomorphically modified into a synsacrum. The pubes are modified into a mesopubic condition, wherein the pubes are partially retroverted. The femoral shaft has an oval cross-section. As these characters are absent from the basal therizinosaur Falcarius utahensis, they evolved more than once within the maniraptoran lineage. An herbivorous ecology is supported. Both specimens were skeletally mature, based on fusion of the neural spines and scapulocoracoid.
Management of food allergy based on oral food challenge
Authors: Ishibashi Seijiro , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Food allergy is a growing health problem that affects both patients and society in multiple ways. Despite the emergence of novel diagnostic tools, such as component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) and basophil activation tests (BAT), oral food challenge (OFC) still plays an indispensable role in the management of food allergies. This review aimed to highlight the indications and safety concerns of conducting an OFC and to provide insights into post-OFC management based on recent findings.

Recent findings

Standardized OFC protocols have regional diversification, especially in Japan and Western countries. Recent studies suggested that the interval between doses should be at least more than an hour. Furthermore, applying a stepwise method tailored to the patient's specific immunoglobulin E level and history of anaphylaxis seems to mitigate these risks. Recent surveys have shown that, following a positive OFC, options other than strict avoidance are also selected.

OFC serves diverse purposes, yet the risks it carries warrant caution. The stepwise protocol appears promising for its safety. Subthreshold consumption following OFC shows potential; however, further research on its efficacy and safety is required. Management following OFC should be tailored and well discussed between clinicians and patients.
New biologics for food allergy
Authors: Schuetz Jackson P. , Anderson Brent , Sindher Sayantani B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

This review aims to explore role of emerging biologics, including ligelizumab, UB-221, dupilumab, and antialarmins, in food allergy management. With a focus on recent developments, we evaluate their promise in mitigating adverse events during oral immunotherapy (OIT), reducing allergic reactions, and addressing the limitations of current therapeutic options.

Recent findings

Antiimmunoglobulin E mAbs, exemplified by omalizumab, demonstrate efficacy in desensitization and safety improvement during multiallergen OIT. Next-generation antibodies like ligelizumab and UB-221 exhibit enhanced potency and unique mechanisms, holding promise for food allergy treatment. Dupilumab, targeting IL-4 receptor alpha, presents potential benefits in decreasing allergen-specific IgE and modifying the atopic march. Exploration of antialarmins, specifically anti-IL-33 (etokimab) and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab), reveals encouraging results, with etokimab showing early success in peanut allergy trials.

Biologics hold promising potential for food allergy treatment. Tailoring therapeutic approaches based on shared decision-making becomes pivotal. While omalizumab remains a significant option, next-generation anti-IgE antibodies and agents targeting alarmins exhibit unique strengths. Dupilumab, despite limited success as monotherapy, shows promise as an adjunct for OIT. Careful consideration of treatment goals, patient preferences, and the evolving landscape of biologics will shape future clinical practice, offering allergists an expanded toolbox for personalized food allergy management.
Anesthesia on Clinical Outcomes in an Extended Time Window During Endovascular Stroke Therapy: Exploratory Analysis of the ANGEL-ACT Registry
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Liang Fa , Wu Youxuan , Jia Baixue , Zhang Xiaoli , Jian Minyu , Liu Haiyang , Wang Anxin , Miao Zhongrong , Han Ruquan
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Data on the impact of different anesthesia methods on clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) in extended windows are limited. This study compared clinical outcomes in patients with stroke having general anesthesia (GA), conscious sedation (CS), or local anesthesia (LA) during EVT in extended (>6 h) time windows.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory analysis of data from the ANGEL-ACT registry. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of patients with mRS scores of 0 to 1, 0 to 2, and 0 to 3, and safety outcomes were any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic ICH, or mortality within 90 days. Multivariate analyses, inverse probability of treatment weighting, and coarsened exact matching were used to adjust for indication bias.

Results:

A total of 646 patients were included in the analysis (GA,280; CS, 103; LA, 263). Patients having LA during EVT were more likely to have a favorable mRS score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.40) and a lower incidence of symptomatic ICH (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.76) than those having GA group. Similarly, CS was associated with greater odds of favorable 90-day mRS scores compared with GA (aOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.56). Posterior circulation stroke was overrepresented in the GA group (29.6%) and may be a reason for the worse outcomes in the GA group.

Conclusions:

Patients who received LA or CS had better neurological outcomes than those who received GA within extended time windows in a real-world setting.
A novel sliding double flexible intramedullary nail technique for the management of lower extremity long bone fractures and deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Karami Mohsen , Minator Sajjadi Mohammadreza , Fakhrzadegan Mina , Ehsani Akbar
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the sliding double flexible intramedullary nail technique (SDFIN) in managing lower extremity long bone fractures and deformities in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) based on radiographic measurements. This study was conducted involving type III or IV Silence OI patients who underwent treatment with SDFIN for fractures, deformity correction, or previous device failure. The surgical technique involved the insertion of two straight flexible intramedullary nails in each bone segment, with one inserted from the caudal epiphysis and the other from the proximal region. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 62.8 ± 20.3 months. Among the 33 lower extremity long bone segments treated with SDFIN, revision was required in 12 segments, resulting in an overall complication rate of 51.5%. Complications included nail migrations observed in 10 cases, decreased joint range of motion in seven, refractures and malrotations in five, nail fracture, and nail extrusion in one case were observed. The femur group had a complication rate of 50%, while the tibia group had a rate of 53.3%. The SDFIN technique demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in managing leg fractures and deformities in OI patients. The technique showed comparable results to newly designed Faisser-Duval rods at a lower cost. Further research and refinement of the technique are necessary to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.
The multifaceted nature of HIV tissue reservoirs
Authors: Banga Riddhima , Perreau Matthieu
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

To underline the complexity and the heterogeneity of the HIV reservoir.

Recent findings

While lymphoid tissues (spleen, lymph nodes, gut-associated lymphoid tissue) harbor specific subsets of specialized CD4+ T cells enriched in HIV-infected cells, non-CD4+ T cell reservoirs such as tissue-resident macrophages and dendritic cells have also been implicated to contribute to viral persistence. Moreover, studies have applied highly sensitive tools to detect transcriptional activity within HIV-infected cells during prolonged ART and revealed a broader spectrum of transcriptional activity for proviruses than previously thought. Finally, while a combination of factors might be involved in the regulation of HIV persistence within different tissues and remains to be fully elucidated, recent results from autopsy samples of HIV-infected ART suppressed individuals indicate extensive clonality of HIV reservoirs in multiple tissues and suggest that the recirculation of HIV-infected cells and their local expansions in tissues may also contribute to the complexity of the HIV reservoirs in humans.

HIV persistence in blood and multiple tissues despite long-standing and potent therapy is one of the major barriers to a cure. Given that the HIV reservoir is established early and is highly complex based on its composition, viral diversity, tissue distribution, transcriptional activity, replication competence, migration dynamics and proliferative potential across the human body and possible compartmentalization in specific tissues, combinatorial therapeutic approaches are needed that may synergize to target multiple viral reservoirs to achieve a cure for HIV infection.