bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacist supply of non-prescription sildenafil in Norway: a simulated patient mixed-method study
Authors: Syversen Hedda Tvete , Krogstad Tonje , Sletvold Hege
Published: September 2024

Background

Pharmacist supply of non-prescription sildenafil was initiated in Norway in 2019, and continuous evaluation of the service is warranted.

Objectives

To map how the service checklist is used, evaluate the counselling and information given in consultations, get an insight into pharmacist assessments during consultations, and explore the pharmacists’ experiences with the service.

Methods

A mixed-method approach of simulated patient visits with feedback combined with qualitative interviews was used. One 24-year-old simulated patient visited pharmacies requesting sildenafil in a scenario that ended before purchase. Visits were audio-recorded and evaluated. Post-visit, pharmacists were invited to get feedback and participate in an audio-recorded interview. Visits, feedback, and interviews were transcribed and analysed by descriptive statistics and systematic text condensation.

Key findings

Of 39 visits, 26 were analysed and 13 were excluded because the pharmacists did not give consent. Six (23%) pharmacists asked all the checklist questions, while 15 (58%) asked some of them. None of the pharmacists provided all the guideline counselling points. The counselling most provided was ‘See your general practitioner within 6 months for a health check’ (N = 7, 27%). Interviews (N = 19) elicited that pharmacists assessed the patients, with adaptations in the use of the checklist. Several barriers affecting the service were identified, including time pressure, pharmacist competence, and the task being uncomfortable and challenging.

Conclusions

Most pharmacists did not completely adhere to the mandatory checklist on non-prescription sildenafil and the counselling and information given were limited. The pharmacy sector must increase awareness of how best to assess and manage patients requesting non-prescription sildenafil.
A Transgenic Mouse With a Humanized B-Cell Repertoire Mounts an Antibody Response to Influenza Infection and Vaccination
Authors: Murugaiah Valarmathy , Watson Simon J , Cunliffe Robert F , Temperton Nigel J , Reece Stevo T , Kellam Paul , Tregoning John S
Published: September 2024

The development of a universal influenza vaccine likely requires an understanding of previous exposure to influenza virus (through vaccination or infection) and how that shapes the antibody repertoire to vaccination, sometimes called original antigenic sin or antigenic imprinting. While animal models can have a much more defined exposure history, they lack a human B-cell repertoire. Transgenic mice with the complete human immunoglobulin locus enable studies of controlled infection history leading to human-like antibody evolution. Here we evaluated responses to influenza in the Intelliselect transgenic mouse (the Kymouse). We show the Kymouse is susceptible to disease following infection with either H1N1, H3N2, or B/Yamagata influenza viruses and that it induces a robust binding and neutralizing antibody response to all 3 strains of influenza virus. This study demonstrates that human B-cell repertoire mice can be used for influenza virus studies, providing a tool for further interrogation of the antibody response.
AHRQ’s digital healthcare research program: 20 years of advancing innovation and discovery
Authors: Valdez R Burciaga , Dymek Christine , Chaney Kevin , Lomotan Edwin A
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To reflect on the achievements of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Digital Healthcare Research Program over the past 20 years, evaluate its impact on US healthcare quality and safety, and outline current and future priorities for digital healthcare research and innovation.

Process

The article reviews key milestones in AHRQ’s digital healthcare initiatives, including its founding and its advances in telehealthcare and clinical decision support. It highlights AHRQ’s contributions to advancing technology integration in healthcare, promoting patient safety, and addressing equity gaps. The article also examines the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare delivery.

Conclusions

AHRQ’s Digital Healthcare Research Program has significantly contributed to improving healthcare quality. As digital technologies evolve, particularly with AI, the program remains focused on enhancing safety, equity, and efficiency in healthcare. Continued research and investment will be essential to maintaining progress and addressing new challenges.
Artificially reared ewes cannot be distinguished from natural reared ewes based on observed maternal behavior or lamb weaning weights
Authors: Posbergh Christian J , Miles Asha M , Pettifor Natasha L , Thonney Michael L
Published: September 2024

Artificially rearing lambs is an important component of United States sheep production as some flocks select for increasing litter size to boost productivity. However, there is a conception among shepherds that artificially reared ewe lambs will ultimately result in poor mothers since they were not naturally raised. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in maternal behavior could be detected between ewes raised artificially and those raised naturally and if dam rearing type had an impact on lamb growth performance. Forty-eight ewes were enrolled comprised of 4 equal sized groups: artificially reared primiparous, naturally reared primiparous, artificially reared multi-parous, and naturally reared multi-parous. Ewes were observed using remote cameras to record maternal behaviors toward the lambs during and shortly after parturition. Behavior of 29 ewes during the first hour after parturition was analyzed. Independent multivariable regression models were evaluated for: proportion of time spent grooming, proportion of time spent helping the lambs nurse, number of helpful bouts, and the number of negative bouts. No statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was detected between artificially reared and naturally reared ewes for the proportion of time spent grooming and the proportion of time spent helping the lambs nurse. Historical flock data were utilized to evaluate lamb growth between artificially and naturally reared ewes. No detrimental associations between artificially reared ewes and lamb weaning weights were observed. This study shows that artificially reared ewes are no different in terms of mothering behaviors and may be used as potential replacement candidates.
The improvement of immunity and activation of TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway by Romboutsia ilealis in broilers
Authors: Song Bochen , Sun Peng , Kong Linglian , Xiao Chuanpi , Pan Xue , Song Zhigang
Published: September 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Romboutsia ilealis on the immune function of broilers and the underlying mechanisms. A total of 48 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were allocated to 4 groups as follows: broilers treated daily with 1 mL live R. ilealis in general anaerobic medium broth media (0, 1 × 104, 1 × 106, and 1 × 108 CFU/mL) from days 1 to 7. Samples were collected on days 8 and 14. The results showed that R. ilealis had no negative effect on the body weight of broilers (P > 0.05). R. ilealis significantly increased the levels of lysozyme, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4, and IgG in the serum (P < 0.05). R. ilealis significantly increased the levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, sIgA, lysozyme, and iNOS in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). R. ilealis significantly increased the mRNA levels of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgA, pIgR, iNOS, and MHC-II in the ileum (P < 0.05). R. ilealis significantly increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Paracoccus in the jejunum and ileum, ileal Candidatus Arthromitus, and cecal Romboutsia and Intestinimonas (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Enterococcus, Paracoccus, Romboutsia, and Intestinimonas were significantly positively correlated with humoral immune function (P < 0.05). In conclusion, R. ilealis boosted the immune system, activated the intestinal TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway, and improved the gut microbiota in broilers.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Screening Improves Early Breast Cancer Detection and Survival in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Pei-Shan , Hong Yu-Ting , Shen Chiao-Hsuan , Lee Chao-Hsien , Chou Chen-Pin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Our objective was to compare the efficacy of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and digital mammography (DM) in breast cancer screening and their impact on long-term overall survival (OS).

Methods

The study involved 48 549 consecutive mammography examinations between 2011 and 2015 at a medical center in Taiwan, identifying 545 women who were screened and diagnosed with breast cancer. Digital mammography and DBT examinations were alternated on different days. Patients were categorized based on mammographic modality, breast density, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. To determine the long-term outcome until August 2021, survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis.

Results

The mean age at breast cancer diagnosis was 53.2 years. Digital breast tomosynthesis examinations were significantly associated with early breast cancer (AJCC stage 0 to 2) (P = .022). The 5- and 9-year OS rates for all patients were 96.8% and 93.0%, respectively. The 5- and 9-year OS was significantly greater in the DBT group (98.4% and 96.8%) compared with the DM group (95.0% and 90.4%) (P = .030 for all). The K-M survival analysis demonstrated a significantly higher OS in the DBT group than the DM group (P = .037). Furthermore, DBT significantly improved OS in a cohort of women with stage II and III cancer (P = .032) and heterogeneously dense breasts (P = .045).

Conclusion

Screening with DBT is associated with early breast cancer diagnosis and higher survival rates compared with DM.
The moss growth optimization (MGO): concepts and performance
Authors: Zheng Boli , Chen Yi , Wang Chaofan , Heidari Ali Asghar , Liu Lei , Chen Huiling
Published: September 2024

Metaheuristic algorithms are increasingly utilized to solve complex optimization problems because they can efficiently explore large solution spaces. The moss growth optimization (MGO), introduced in this paper, is an algorithm inspired by the moss growth in the natural environment. The MGO algorithm initially determines the evolutionary direction of the population through a mechanism called the determination of wind direction, which employs a method of partitioning the population. Meanwhile, drawing inspiration from the asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction, and vegetative reproduction of moss, two novel search strategies, namely spore dispersal search and dual propagation search, are proposed for exploration and exploitation, respectively. Finally, the cryptobiosis mechanism alters the traditional metaheuristic algorithm’s approach of directly modifying individuals’ solutions, preventing the algorithm from getting trapped in local optima. In experiments, a thorough investigation is undertaken on the characteristics, parameters, and time cost of the MGO algorithm to enhance the understanding of MGO. Subsequently, MGO is compared with 10 original and advanced CEC 2017 and CEC 2022 algorithms to verify its performance advantages. Lastly, this paper applies MGO to four real-world engineering problems to validate its effectiveness and superiority in practical scenarios. The results demonstrate that MGO is a promising algorithm for tackling real challenges. The source codes of the MGO are available at https://aliasgharheidari.com/MGO.html and other websites.
Does social capital foster renewable energy cooperatives?
Authors: Geskus Stefan , Punt Matthijs B , Bauwens Thomas , Corten Rense , Frenken Koen
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, renewable energy cooperatives have substantially increased their share of renewable energy production. The operation of these cooperatives requires collective action, potentially supported by local social capital. We investigate whether municipal-level bonding and bridging social capital explain the differences in the prevalence of renewable energy cooperatives across Dutch municipalities. We measure social capital directly from social network structures within and between municipalities, thus overcoming limitations of using proxies. Our empirical results reveal that bonding rather than bridging social capital supports renewable energy cooperatives, shedding new light on the role these types of social capital play in regional development.
The Legal Protection of Animal Parasites in International Biodiversity Law
Authors: Claerhoudt Rens
Published: September 2024

Approximately half of all animal species on the planet are parasites. Many of these species play important roles in ecological communities, including maintaining the balance within ecosystems by regulating host populations. Though parasite species are often neglected by ecologists and derided generally, many are threatened with extinction. Against this backdrop, this article examines the extent to which current international biodiversity law offers protection to animal parasites, and whether the protection aligns with scientific findings. Taking a diagnostic approach, this study shows that parasites are overlooked in international biodiversity law, and as such, it reports a major blind spot in conservation measures. Following from this, lines of further enquiry into parasites and (international) biodiversity law are suggested, including examining the interaction between law and (ecological) parasitology, and species bias in international biodiversity law. In addition, theoretical questions that arise when considering the legal protection of parasites in biodiversity law are also considered.
Genome-wide association study of image-based trait reveals the genetic architecture of dark-induced leaf senescence in rice
Authors: Li Chao , Wu Xiaoyuan , Wang Pengna , Wang Hongru , Wang Lidong , Sun Fang , Lu Cheng , Hao Huaiqing , Chu Chengcai , Jing Hai-Chun
Published: September 2024

Darkness is often used as an effective measure to induce leaf senescence. Although many senescence-related genes in rice have been reported, the genome-wide genetic architecture underlying leaf senescence remains poorly understood. In our study, indica and japonica rice showed contrasting responses to dark-induced leaf senescence (DILS). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) combined with transcriptomic analyses revealed 57, 97, and 48 loci involved in the regulation of the onset, progression, and ending of DILS, respectively. Haplotype analyses showed that the senescence-related loci differentially accumulated in indica and japonica accessions and functioned additively to regulate DILS. A total of 357 candidate genes were identified that are involved in various senescence-related processes such as lipid and amino acid catabolism, photosynthesis, response to reactive oxygen species, and regulation of defence response. In addition, functional analyses of candidate genes revealed that OsMYB21 positively regulates the onset of DILS, while OsSUB1B negatively regulates its progression. Thus, our results provide new insights into the genetic regulation of DILS in rice.
Endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in plant–pathogen interactions: new scenarios for an old story
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Tian Shiping , Chen Tong
Published: September 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a specialized organelle that connects almost all subcellular structures from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. The ER is involved in secretory protein synthesis, folding, and processing. Evidence has emerged that the ER is at the frontier of the battle between plant hosts and pathogens. Its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for the survival of plant cells. Pathogens secrete effectors to take over normal functions of the ER, while host plants fight back to activate ER stress responses. Exciting advances have been made in studies on host plant–pathogen dynamics during the past decades, namely some new players involved have been recently resolved from both pathogens and hosts. In this review, we summarize advances in identifying structural characteristics of the key pathways and effectors targeting the ER. Newly identified ER-phagy receptors and components downstream of inositol-requiring 1 (IRE1) will be described. Future studies will be envisaged to further our understanding of the missing parts in this dynamic frontier.
The Emergence of MOVES SLC Life-Support System Equipment for En-Route Trauma Care in Ukraine During a Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Lieberman Lawry Lynn , Korona-Bailey Jessica , Hamm Tiffany E , Maddox John , Juman Luke , Janvrin Miranda , Holcomb John B , Berezyuk Oleh , Perez Koehlmoos Tracey
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Ukraine’s health and trauma system has been detrimentally impacted since the Russian Federation invasion in February 2022. The number and extent of injuries experienced in Ukraine because of trench warfare and high-intensity large-scale combat operations has not been seen in recent conflicts. Understanding attitudes and perceptions around the use of devices and products including MOVES (monitor, oxygen concentrator, ventilator, and suction system) and its use in the large-scale combat operation environment can inform lessons learned for improved prehospital care in Ukraine, as well as in other future conflicts.

Material and Methods

We conducted qualitative key informant interviews with military and civilian Ukrainian health care workers during the ongoing conflict using an expanded version of the Global Trauma System Evaluation Tool. We focused the analysis on identifying and understanding the capability of MOVES Micro-integrated Life Support System (SLC).

Results

Thirty-six participants were interviewed; 56% were military and 44% were civilians and representative of all NATO roles or levels of care. Sixty-one percent of participants were male. Seventy-two percent of participants were stationed in the Eastern and Northern regions. The mean age was 34.9 years. Sixty-seven percent of care providers reported using MOVES SLC and the remainder stated they wanted the device. The device was sometimes referenced as a “portable ventilator.” Of other donated surgical equipment, MOVES SLC was described as “unique.” A stabilization modification was suggested as a need given the ad hoc vehicles used for en-route critical care. Participants reacted positively to using MOVES SLC and the capabilities and improvements in care that MOVES SLC can provide for en-route care of critically injured patients.

Conclusions

MOVES SLC is well regarded by Ukrainian trauma care providers. Training may be necessary to increase the quality of care when utilizing these devices, and vehicle modifications may be necessary for use given some concerns over the equipment falling during transport. There is a need to study how this equipment improves the ability of limited medical personnel to provide prolonged care for a larger number of patients with reduced medical resupply.
Schwarzschild modelling of barred s0 galaxy NGC 4371
Authors: Tahmasebzadeh Behzad , Zhu Ling , Shen Juntai , Gadotti Dimitri A , Valluri Monica , Thater Sabine , van de Ven Glenn , Jin Yunpeng , Gerhard Ortwin , Erwin Peter , Jethwa Prashin , Zocchi Alice , Lilley Edward J , Fragkoudi Francesca , de Lorenzo-Cáceres Adriana , Méndez-Abreu Jairo , Neumann Justus , Guo Rui
Published: September 2024

We apply the barred Schwarzschild method developed by Tahmasebzadeh et al. (2022) to a barred S0 galaxy, NGC 4371, observed by IFU instruments from the TIMER and ATLAS3D projects. We construct the gravitational potential by combining a fixed black hole mass, a spherical dark matter halo, and stellar mass distribution deprojected from 3.6 μm S$^4$G image considering an axisymmetric disc and a triaxial bar. We independently modelled kinematic data from TIMER and ATLAS3D. Both models fit the data remarkably well. We find a consistent bar pattern speed from the two sets of models with $\Omega _{\rm p} = 23.6 \pm 2.8 \, \mathrm{km \, s^{-1} \, kpc^{-1} }$ and $\Omega _{\rm p} = 22.4 \pm 3.5 \, \mathrm{km \, s^{-1} \, kpc^{-1} }$, respectively. The dimensionless bar rotation parameter is determined to be $\mathcal {R} \equiv R_{\rm cor}/R_{\rm bar}=1.88 \pm 0.37$, indicating a likely slow bar in NGC 4371. Additionally, our model predicts a high amount of dark matter within the bar region ($M_{\rm DM}/ M_{\rm total}$$\sim 0.51 \pm 0.06$), which, aligned with the predictions of cosmological simulations, indicates that fast bars are generally found in baryon-dominated discs. Based on the best-fitting model, we further decompose the galaxy into multiple 3D orbital structures, including a BP/X bar, a classical bulge, a nuclear disc, and a main disc. The BP/X bar is not perfectly included in the input 3D density model, but BP/X-supporting orbits are picked through the fitting to the kinematic data. This is the first time a real barred galaxy has been modelled utilizing the Schwarzschild method including a 3D bar.
Discovery of small ultra-short-period planets orbiting Kepler KG dwarfs with GPU phase folding and deep learning
Authors: Wang Kaitlyn , Ge Jian , Willis Kevin , Wang Kevin , Zhao Yinan , Hu Quanquan
Published: September 2024

Of over 5000 exoplanets identified so far, only a few hundred possess sub-Earth radii. The formation processes of these sub-Earths remain elusive, and acquiring additional samples is essential for investigating this unique population. In our study, we employ the GPFC method, a novel GPU phase folding algorithm combined with a convolutional neural network, on the Kepler photometry data. This method enhances the transit search speed significantly over the traditional Box-fitting Least Squares method, allowing a complete search of the known Kepler KOI data within days using a commercial GPU card. To date, we have identified five new ultra-short-period planets (USPs): Kepler-158d, Kepler-963c, Kepler-879c, Kepler-1489c, and KOI-4978.02. Kepler-879c with a radius of 0.4 R$_{\oplus }$ completes its orbit around a G dwarf in 0.646716 d, Kepler-158d with a radius of 0.43 R$_{\oplus }$ orbits a K dwarf star every 0.645088 d, Kepler-1489c with a radius of 0.51 R$_{\oplus }$ orbits a G dwarf in 0.680741 d, Kepler-963c with a radius of 0.6 R$_{\oplus }$ revolves around a G dwarf in 0.919783 d, and KOI-4978.02 with a radius of 0.7 R$_{\oplus }$ circles a G dwarf in 0.941967 d. Among our findings, Kepler-879c, Kepler-158d, and Kepler-963c rank as the first, the third, and the fourth smallest USPs identified to date. Notably, Kepler-158d stands as the smallest USP found orbiting K dwarfs, while Kepler-963c, Kepler-879c, Kepler-1489c, and KOI-4978.02 are the smallest USPs found orbiting G dwarfs. Kepler-879c, Kepler-158d, Kepler-1489c, and KOI-4978.02 are among the smallest planets that are closest to their host stars, with orbits within 5 stellar radii. In addition, these discoveries highlight GPFC’s promising capability in identifying small, new transiting exoplanets within the photometry data from Kepler, TESS, and upcoming space transit missions PLATO and ET.
Impact of environmental conditions on organic matter in astrophysical ice analogues
Authors: Javelle T , Ruf A , Bouquet A , Schmitt-Kopplin Ph , Danger G
Published: September 2024

The existence of organic matter presenting a high molecular diversity in extraterrestrial environments is well documented. To understand the origin of this organic diversity, laboratory experiments were developed and showed that irradiation and thermal alteration of simple molecules such as methanol, water, and ammonia in conditions mimicking astrophysical ice environments. Ices containing water, methanol, and ammonia (H2O: MeOH: NH3) photolyzed and monitored by infrared spectroscopy, while the organic matter formed at room temperature was analyzed in situ with infrared spectroscopy and ex situ with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Those ices irradiated at 77 K and 10−8 mbar shows a significant organic molecular diversity: residual organic compounds contain up to 78 C, 188 H, 123 N, and 37 O. Most of them contains all four CHNO atoms (76–86 per cent), followed by CHO (11–17 per cent), and CHN compounds (5–6 per cent). CHNO and CHO compounds are more aliphatic (34–53 per cent), while CHN compounds are mostly condensed aromatics (83–90 per cent). In this work, our objective is to investigate impacts of environment on this organic molecular diversity by focusing on three parameters: photon dose, pressure, and heating rate during the warming process. Analyses of the residue formed showed that the heating rate and pressure weakly alter the abundance of the final organic material, while the irradiation rate reduced its abundance at high photon doses by a factor of 8. These results give insights on the impact of icy environment conditions in the evolution of astrophysical organic matter.
Coma composition and profiles of comet 12P/Pons–Brooks using long-slit spectroscopy
Authors: Ferellec Lea , Opitom Cyrielle , Donaldson Abbie , Fynbo Johan P U , Kokotanekova Rosita , Kelley Michael S P , Lister Tim
Published: September 2024

Comet 12P/Pons–Brook exhibited multiple large and minor outbursts in 2023 on its way to its 2024 perihelion, as it has done during its previous apparitions. We obtained long-slit optical spectra of the comet in 2023 August and November with the INT-IDS, and in 2023 December with NOT-ALFOSC. Using a standard Haser model in a 10 000-km-radius aperture and commonly used empirical parent and daughter scale lengths, our calculated abundance ratios show a constant ‘typical’ composition throughout the period with a C$_2$/CN ratio of about 90 per cent. Molecular density profiles of different species along the slit show asymmetries between opposite sides of the coma and that C$_2$ seems to behave differently than CN and C$_3$. Comparing the coma profiles to a standard Haser model shows that this model cannot accurately reproduce the shape of the coma, and therefore that the calculated production rates cannot be deemed as accurate. We show that an outburst Haser model is a slightly better match to the C$_3$ and CN profile shapes, but the model still does not explain the shape of the C$_2$ profiles and requires equal parent and daughter scale lengths. Our results suggest that the coma morphology could be better explained by extended sources, and that the nature of 12P’s activity introduces bias in the determination of its composition.
Chemical evolution of a young super star cluster at the Sunburst Arc
Authors: Tapia Truman , Bekki Kenji , Groves Brent
Published: September 2024

Recent observations of high-redshift galaxies have revealed starburst galaxies with excessive amounts of nitrogen, well above that expected in standard evolutionary models. The Sunburst Arc galaxy, particularly its young and massive star cluster, represents the closest ($z=2.4$) and brightest of these as a strongly lensed object. In this work, we study the chemical history of this star cluster to determine the origin of the elevated gas-phase nitrogen using a chemical evolution model. Our model includes the enrichment of OB stars through stellar winds and core-collapse supernovae assuming that massive stars ($M\gt 25$ $\mathrm{ M}_\odot$) collapse directly into black holes at the end of their lives. We fit the model parameters to the observed chemical abundances of the Sunburst Arc cluster: O/H, C/O, and N/O. We find that the observed chemical abundances can be explained by models featuring intense star formation events, characterized by rapid gas accretion and high star formation efficiencies. Additionally, the stellar population contributing to the gas enrichment must exclude Wolf–Rayet stars. These conditions might be present in other nitrogen-rich objects as their similar chemical abundances suggest a common history. As previous studies have proposed the presence of Wolf–Rayet stars in the new nitrogen-rich objects, further research using chemodynamic modeling is necessary to ascertain the true nature of these objects.
Supersonic turbulence simulations with GPU-based high-order Discontinuous Galerkin hydrodynamics
Authors: Cernetic Miha , Springel Volker , Guillet Thomas , Pakmor Rüdiger
Published: September 2024

We investigate the numerical performance of a Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) hydrodynamics implementation when applied to the problem of driven, isothermal supersonic turbulence. While the high-order element-based spectral approach of DG is known to efficiently produce accurate results for smooth problems (exponential convergence with expansion order), physical discontinuities in solutions, like shocks, prove challenging and may significantly diminish DG’s applicability to practical astrophysical applications. We consider whether DG is able to retain its accuracy and stability for highly supersonic turbulence, characterized by a network of shocks. We find that our new implementation, which regularizes shocks at subcell resolution with artificial viscosity, still performs well compared to standard second-order schemes for moderately high-Mach number turbulence, provided we also employ an additional projection of the primitive variables on to the polynomial basis to regularize the extrapolated values at cell interfaces. However, the accuracy advantage of DG diminishes significantly in the highly supersonic regime. Nevertheless, in turbulence simulations with a wide dynamic range that start with supersonic Mach numbers and can resolve the sonic point, the low-numerical dissipation of DG schemes still proves advantageous in the subsonic regime. Our results thus support the practical applicability of DG schemes for demanding astrophysical problems that involve strong shocks and turbulence, such as star formation in the interstellar medium. We also discuss the substantial computational cost of DG when going to high order, which needs to be weighted against the resulting accuracy gain. For problems containing shocks, this favours the use of comparatively low DG order.
Explaining the oblate morphology of dwarf spheroidals with wave dark matter perturbations
Authors: Della Monica Riccardo , de Martino Ivan , Broadhurst Tom
Published: September 2024

We investigate whether the oblate, spheroidal morphology of common dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSph) may result from the slow relaxation of stellar orbits within a halo of wave dark matter ($\psi$DM) when starting from an initial disc of stars. Stellar orbits randomly walk over a Hubble time, perturbed by the pervasive ‘granular’ interference pattern of $\psi$DM, that fully modulates the dark matter density on the de Broglie scale. Our simulations quantify the level of stellar disc thickening over the Hubble time, showing that distribution of stars is predicted to become an oblate spheroid of increasing radius, that plausibly accounts for the morphology of dSph galaxies. We predict a low level of residual rotation remains after a Hubble time at the 1–3 km/s level, depending on orientation, that compares with recent claims of rotation for some well-studied local dSph galaxies. This steady internal dynamical evolution may be witnessed directly with JWST for well-resolved dwarf galaxies, appearing more oblate with look back time and tending to small discs of young stars at high redshift.
Exploring MBH–P scaling relations in spiral galaxies: a comparative analysis of inner and outer arm structures
Authors: Hettiarachchi Sanjaya , Hewageegana Prabath , Abdeen Shameer
Published: September 2024

We study the galactic spiral arm pitch angle dependence with wavelength as predicted by the density wave theory. A sample of 10 barred and unbarred spiral galaxies with two distinct, well-defined arms is used for the measurements. The data sample consists of galaxies with inner arms and galaxies with both inner and outer arms. We use six wavebands, namely 3.6 $\mu$m, 8.0 $\mu$m, B band, H $\alpha$, H i, and CO for the image analysis. The pitch angles are visually measured with the python-ol script and more precise measurements are obtained using spirality. We find a 1:1 correlation between pitch angle measurements in the 3.6 and 8.0 $\mu$m bands. We predict supermassive black hole (SMBH) masses for 3.6 $\mu$m waveband pitch angles using a standard scaling relation. We find that the black hole mass of a galaxy with both inner and outer arms is determined by the average pitch angle of the inner arms. Using only galaxies with inner arms, we find an SMBH mass–pitch angle relation of $\log (M_{\rm BH}/\mathrm{M}_\odot)=(7.11 \pm 0.33)+(0.003 \pm 0.017){\textit P}$. Using only galaxies with both inner and outer arms, we find an SMBH mass–pitch angle relation of $\log (M_{\rm BH}/\mathrm{M}_\odot)=(7.56 \pm 0.28)-(0.038 \pm 0.013){\textit P}$.
Analysis of safety and efficacy of proton radiotherapy for optic nerve sheath meningioma
Authors: Deng Maximilian Y , Rauh Sophie , Anil Günes , Lischalk Jonathan W , Hahnemann Laura , Eichkorn Tanja , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Paul Angela , Sandrini Elisabetta , Hoegen-Sassmannshausen Philipp , Held Thomas , Regnery Sebastian , Bauer Lukas , Sahm Felix , von Deimling Andreas , Wick Antje , Wick Wolfgang , Jungk Christine , Krieg Sandro M , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , König Laila
Published: September 2024

Background

Primary optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) represent a group of benign tumors originating from the optic nerve sheath, typically causing painless, gradual onset monocular visual loss, which can result in blindness if left untreated. Radiation therapy represents an important treatment option for patients with ONSM, allowing for preservation and potential improvement in visual function. In particular, proton radiotherapy may enable a reduction of the side effects due to its physical advantage of an inverted dose profile with a steep dose gradient. The study investigates the visual acuity, local tumor control, and treatment-related toxicities following proton beam radiotherapy with a single institutional cohort comprising 32 patients treated for ONSM.

Methods

Patients with primary ONSM, either histologically (16/32) or radiologically confirmed (16/32), which were treated at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University Hospital Heidelberg (Germany) were assessed in regard to their visual outcomes, treatment toxicity, and local tumor control following radiotherapy according to response assessment in neuro-oncology criteria.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 39.5 months, the 5-year local progression-free survival was estimated at 100%, with 84.4% of patients reporting improvement or stability in visual acuity during their last follow-up. Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) was encountered in 9.4%.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates proton beam therapy as a safe and effective treatment alternative in the therapeutic management of ONSMs. RION represents a rare but dreaded complication after treatment. Future head-to-head comparisons with photon radiotherapy in a prospective setting are required to demonstrate a potential, additional clinical benefit.
Charged organic ligands inserting/supporting the nanolayer spacing of vanadium oxides for high-stability/efficiency zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Guoqiang , Su Yichun , Zhang Xiangling , Gao Biao , Hu Jinliang , Sun Yangyang , Li Wenting , Zhang Zhan , Shakouri Mohsen , Pang Huan
Published: September 2024

Given their high safety, environmental friendliness and low cost, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have the potential for high-performance energy storage. However, issues with the structural stability and electrochemical kinetics during discharge/charge limit the development of AZIBs. In this study, vanadium oxide electrodes with organic molecular intercalation were designed based on intercalating 11 kinds of charged organic carboxylic acid ligands between 2D layers to regulate the interlayer spacing. The negatively charged carboxylic acid group can neutralize Zn2+, reduce electrostatic repulsion and enhance electrochemical kinetics. The intercalated organic molecules increased the interlayer spacing. Among them, the 0.028EDTA · 0.28NH4+ · V2O5 · 0.069H2O was employed as the cathode with a high specific capacity (464.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and excellent rate performance (324.4 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). Even at a current density of 20 A g−1, the specific capacity after 2000 charge/discharge cycles was 215.2 mAh g−1 (capacity retention of 78%). The results of this study demonstrate that modulation of the electrostatic repulsion and interlayer spacing through the intercalation of organic ligands can enhance the properties of vanadium-based materials.
Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program ACTive National Pediatric Surveillance (1991 to 2019)
Authors: Lee Lauren Dagyung , Vadlamudi Nirma Khatri , Yu Katherine , Sadarangani Manish , Le Saux Nicole , Embree Joanne , Kellner James D , Morris Shaun K , Halperin Scott A , Bettinger Julie A ,   for Members of the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, Active (IMPACT), Bridger N , Foo Cheryl , Halperin S A , Top K A , Thibeault R , Papenburg J , Lebel M , Le Saux N , Morris S , Embree J , Tan B , McConnell Athena , Jadavji T , Constantinescu C , Vaudry W , Scheifele D , Sadarangani M , Bettinger J , Sauvé L
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (SP-HUS) is an underreported cause of pediatric atypical HUS. This study describes the epidemiology of the largest Canadian case series of SP-HUS in comparison with non-HUS invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

Methods

The Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive (IMPACT) is a national surveillance network for vaccine-preventable diseases. All confirmed IPD cases from 1991 through 2019 were included in the analysis. IPD cases with new HUS diagnoses were identified as SPHUS cases, and the rest as non-HUS IPD.

Results

There were 30 (0.4%) cases of SP-HUS amongst 6757 IPD cases. The median age of SP-HUS cases was 27.5 months, with no significant differences between SP-HUS and non-HUS cases in age or sex. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 3 (30%) and 19A (26.7%) were more common in SP-HUS compared to non-HUS (P < 0.0001). Pneumonia was more frequently observed in SPHUS than in non-HUS (67% versus 26%; P < 0.0001). All SP-HUS cases were hospitalized, compared with 71% of non-HUS IPD cases (P = 0.0004). SP-HUS cases had a longer median hospital length of stay than non-HUS (23.5 versus 7 days; P < 0.0001) and a higher proportion required an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (70% versus 15.5%; P < 0.0001). Moreover, ICU stays were longer in HUS cases compared with non-HUS cases (9 versus 3 days; P < 0.0001). All 30 SP-HUS patients survived while 3% of non-HUS cases died (P = 0.33).

Conclusions

SP-HUS was usually seen in IPD cases with pneumonia and was most commonly caused by serotypes 3 and 19A. ICU care was lengthy, hospital stay was longer. No deaths occurred among SP-HUS cases.
Exosomal miRNAs and isomiRs: potential biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sou Yong Ling , Chilian William M , Ratnam Wickneswari , Zain Shamsul Mohd , Syed Abdul Kadir Sharifah Zamiah , Pan Yan , Pung Yuh-Fen
Published: September 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease that is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are negative regulators of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), in which they bind either to inhibit mRNA translation, or to induce mRNA decay. Similar to proteins, miRNAs exist in different isoforms (isomiRs). miRNAs and isomiRs are selectively loaded into small extracellular vesicles, such as the exosomes, to protect them from RNase degradation. In T2DM, exosomal miRNAs produced by different cell types are transported among the primary sites of insulin action. These interorgan crosstalk regulate various T2DM-associated pathways such as adipocyte inflammation, insulin signalling, and β cells dysfunction among many others. In this review, we first focus on the mechanism of exosome biogenesis, followed by miRNA biogenesis and isomiR formation. Next, we discuss the roles of exosomal miRNAs and isomiRs in the development of T2DM and provide evidence from clinical studies to support their potential roles as T2DM biomarkers. Lastly, we highlight the use of exosomal miRNAs and isomiRs in personalized medicine, as well as addressing the current challenges and future opportunities in this field. This review summarizes how research on exosomal miRNAs and isomiRs has developed from the very basic to clinical applications, with the goal of advancing towards the era of personalized medicine.
Models of Radiative Linear Seesaw with Electrically Charged Mediators
Authors: Cárcamo Hernández A E , Velásquez Yocelyne Hidalgo , Kovalenko Sergey , Pérez-Julve Nicolás A , Schmidt Ivan
Published: September 2024

We propose two versions of radiative linear seesaw models, where electrically charged scalars and vector-like leptons generate the Dirac neutrino mass submatrix at the one- and two-loop levels. In these models, the Standard Model charged lepton masses are generated from a one-loop-level radiative seesaw mechanism mediated by charged exotic vector-like leptons and electrically neutral scalars running in the loops. These models can successfully accommodate the current amount of dark matter and baryon asymmetries observed in the universe, as well as the muon anomalous magnetic moment.
Practitioner perspectives on equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and control
Authors: Korn Ariella R , Oh April Y , Manian Nanmathi , Tsakraklides Sophia , Carter-Edwards Lori
Published: September 2024

Longstanding inequities in cancer prevention and control require novel approaches to improve evidence-based intervention implementation. Exploring and elevating the perspectives of cancer prevention and control practitioners working to advance health equity and equitably implement evidence-based interventions is an important yet underutilized step among researchers working in this space. The purpose of this study was to explore practitioners’ perspectives of how health equity is defined and integrated into their work, challenges of advancing health equity for implementation in local settings, and associated strategies. We conducted virtual key informant interviews and focus groups with 16 US practitioners (e.g. clinicians, health administrators, public health professionals) in 2021–2022. Interviews and focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were coded using inductive content analysis and summarized into themes. Four major themes emerged: (i) how health equity is conceptualized as a process and outcome; (ii) need to shift equity mindsets; (iii) importance of community partnerships; (iv) organizational policies and strategies for fostering equity in implementation. Respondents noted the need for research and medical communities to learn about the importance and benefits of allowing communities to shape implementation to advance equity in the delivery of evidence-based interventions and outcomes. Additionally, respondents emphasized that institutional leaders should initiate changes regarding equitable implementation at the organizational- and system-levels. Respondents endorsed the need to address equity issues related to the implementation of cancer prevention and control programs, practices, and policies. Many findings can be applied beyond cancer prevention and control to support equitable implementation and outcomes more generally.
ICOS limits memory-like properties and function of exhausted PD-1+CD8 T cells
Authors: Humblin Etienne , Korpas Isabel , Prokhnevska Nataliya , Vaidya Abishek , Lu Jiahua , van der Heide Verena , Filipescu Dan , Bobrowski Tesia , Marks Adam , Park Matthew D. , Bernstein Emily , Brown Brian D , Lujambio Amaia , Dominguez-Sola David , Rosenberg Brad R , Kamphorst Alice O.
Published: September 2024

During persistent antigen stimulation, PD-1+CD8 T cells are maintained by progenitor exhausted PD-1+TCF-1+CD8 T cells (Tpex). Tpex respond to PD-1 blockade, and regulation of Tpex differentiation into more functional Tex is of major interest for cancer immunotherapies. Tpex express high levels of Inducible Costimulator (ICOS), but the role of ICOS for PD-1+CD8 T cell responses has not been addressed. In chronic infection, ICOS-deficiency increased both number and quality of virus-specific CD8 T cells, with accumulation of effector-like Tex due to enhanced survival. Mechanistically, loss of ICOS signaling potentiated FoxO1 activity and memory-like features of Tpex. In mice with established chronic infection, ICOS-Ligand blockade resulted in expansion of effector-like Tex and reduction in viral load. In a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma, ICOS inhibition improved cytokine production by tumor-specific PD-1+CD8 T cells and delayed tumor growth. Overall, we show that ICOS limits CD8 T cell responses during chronic antigen exposure.
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Diversity Across Native and Introduced Populations of an Ectomycorrhizal Fungus,Suillus luteus
Authors: Allen Brooke M. , Stevens Cole , Vilgalys Rytas J. , Ke Yi-Hong , Drott Milton , Hoeksema Jason D.
Published: September 2024

Non-pathogenic fungi are being increasingly recognized for their involvement in biological invasions, where they have the potential to cause ecological and economical harm. One notable example is the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungus,Suillus luteus, which is commonly found co-invading with non-native pines that have escaped from commercial pine plantations across the Southern Hemisphere. In such invasions, selection pressures imposed by novel plants, soil microbes, and environmental conditions, as well as impoverished assemblages of co-invading EcM fungi, may exert particularly strong selective effects and contribute to driving evolutionary divergence in traits. We investigated the potential impact of this global co-introduction on biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) diversity in native and introduced populations ofS. luteus. We found that native populations demonstrated higher BGC diversity at both the gene and clan levels compared to introduced populations. Additionally, we identified a collection of unique BGCs as well as 24 highly conserved clans, including two featuring known pathways, within both native and introduced populations. Furthermore, our study confirmed the presence of three previously identified clades ofS. luteuswith distinct gene cluster family (GCF) diversity. Thus, our study concludes that the introduction ofS. luteushas driven evolutionary changes in its BGCs, underscoring the broader implications of global co-introductions on fungal adaptation in new environments.