bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accretion spin-up of the massive component in the neutron star stripping model for short gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Kramarev Nikita , Yudin Andrey
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we use analytical methods to study the last stages of the double neutron star (NS) system evolution. Depending on the initial masses of the components, this evolution can occur either in the framework of the merging scenario or in the NS stripping model. The main new ingredient of this work, compared with previous calculations, is accounting for accretion spin-up of the massive component. This effect leads to a significant decrease in the duration of the stable mass transfer of matter in the stripping mechanism. Within the framework of the Newtonian approximation, we determine the boundary between the merging and stripping scenarios. It is shown that this boundary weakly depends on the total mass of the system and the specific form of the NS equation of state, and is determined mainly by the initial mass ratio of the components. The stripping scenario is realized at M2/M1 ≲ 0.8, so it should make a large contribution to the population of gravitational wave events from NS–NS coalescing binaries that are close to us, and their accompanying short gamma-ray bursts. Nevertheless, the value obtained requires further clarification, taking into account relativistic effects, possible non-conservative mass transfer, etc.
Preparing for Gaia searches for optical counterparts of gravitational wave events during O4
Authors: Biswas Sumedha , Kostrzewa-Rutkowska Zuzanna , Jonker Peter G , Vreeswijk Paul , Eappachen Deepak , Groot Paul J , Hodgkin Simon , Yoldas Abdullah , Rixon Guy , Harrison Diana , van Leeuwen M , Evans Dafydd
Published: August 2023

The discovery of gravitational wave (GW) events and the detection of electromagnetic counterparts from GW170817 has started the era of multimessenger GW astronomy. The field has been developing rapidly, and in this paper, we discuss the preparation for detecting these events with ESA’s Gaia satellite, during the 4th observing run of the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA (LVK) collaboration that has started on 2023 May 24. Gaia is contributing to the search for GW counterparts by a new transient detection pipeline called GaiaX. In GaiaX, a new source appearing in the field of view of only one of the two telescopes on-board Gaia is sufficient to send out an alert on the possible detection of a new transient. Ahead of O4, an experiment was conducted over a period of about two months. During the two weeks around New Moon in this period of time, the MeerLICHT (ML) telescope located in South Africa tried (weather permitting) to observe the same region of the sky as Gaia within 10 min. Any GaiaX detected transient was published publicly. ML and Gaia have similar limiting magnitudes for typical seeing conditions at ML. At the end of the experiment, we had 11 861 GaiaX candidate transients and 15 806 ML candidate transients, which we further analysed and the results of which are presented in this paper. Finally, we discuss the possibility and capabilities of Gaia contributing to the search for electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events during O4 through the GaiaX detection and alert procedure.
First light and reionisation epoch simulations (FLARES) – VIII. The emergence of passive galaxies at z ≥ 5
Authors: Lovell Christopher C , Roper Will , Vijayan Aswin P , Seeyave Louise , Irodotou Dimitrios , Wilkins Stephen M , Conselice Christopher J , Fortuni Flaminia , Kuusisto Jussi K , Merlin Emiliano , Santini Paola , Thomas Peter
Published: August 2023

Passive galaxies are ubiquitous in the local universe, and various physical channels have been proposed that lead to this passivity. To date, robust passive galaxy candidates have been detected up to z ≤ 5, but it is still unknown if they exist at higher redshifts, what their relative abundances are, and what causes them to stop forming stars. We present predictions from the first light and reionisation epoch simulations (flares), a series of zoom simulations of a range of overdensities using the eagle code. Passive galaxies occur naturally in the eagle model at high redshift, and are in good agreement with number density estimates from Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and early JWST results at 3 ≤ z ≤ 5. Due to the unique flares approach, we extend these predictions to higher redshifts, finding passive galaxy populations up to z ∼ 8. Feedback from supermassive black holes is the main driver of passivity, leading to reduced gas fractions and star forming gas reservoirs. We find that passive galaxies at z ≥ 5 are not identified in the typical UVJ selection space due to their still relatively young stellar populations, and present new rest-frame selection regions. We also produce mock NIRCam and MIRI fluxes, and find that significant numbers of passive galaxies at z ≥ 5 should be detectable in upcoming wide surveys with JWST. Finally, we present JWST colour distributions, with new selection regions in the observer–frame for identifying these early passive populations.
Fisher matrix forecasts on the astrophysics of galaxies during the epoch of reionization from the 21-cm power spectra
Authors: Balu Sreedhar , Greig Bradley , Wyithe J Stuart B
Published: August 2023

The hyperfine 21-cm transition of neutral hydrogen from the early Universe (z > 5) is a sensitive probe of the formation and evolution of the first luminous sources. Using the Fisher matrix formalism we explore the complex and degenerate high-dimensional parameter space associated with the high-z sources of this era and forecast quantitative constraints from a future 21-cm power spectrum (21-cm PS) detection. This is achieved using $\rm {\small ERAXES}$, a coupled semi-analytic galaxy formation model and reionization simulation, applied to an N-body halo merger tree with a statistically complete population of all atomically cooled galaxies out to z ∼ 20. Our mock observation assumes a 21-cm detection spanning z ∈ [5, 24] from a 1000 h mock observation with the forthcoming Square Kilometre Array, and is calibrated with respect to ultraviolet luminosity functions (UV LFs) at z ∈ [5, 10], the optical depth of CMB photons to Thompson scattering from Planck, and various constraints on the IGM neutral fraction at z > 5. In this work, we focus on the X-ray luminosity, ionizing UV photon escape fraction, star formation, and supernova feedback of the first galaxies. We demonstrate that it is possible to recover five of the eight parameters describing these properties with better than 50 per cent precision using just the 21-cm PS. By combining with UV LFs, we are able to improve our forecast, with five of the eight parameters constrained to better than 10 per cent (and all below 50 per cent).
Testing 2D temperature models in Bayesian retrievals of atmospheric properties from hot Jupiter phase curves
Authors: Yang Jingxuan , Irwin Patrick G J , Barstow Joanna K
Published: August 2023

Spectroscopic phase curves of transiting hot Jupiters are spectral measurements at multiple orbital phases, giving a set of disc-averaged spectra that probe multiple hemispheres. By fitting model phase curves to observations, we can constrain the atmospheric properties of hot Jupiters, such as molecular abundance, aerosol distribution, and thermal structure, which offer insights into their atmospheric dynamics, chemistry, and formation. We propose a novel 2D temperature parametrization consisting of a dayside and a nightside to retrieve information from near-infrared phase curves and apply the method to phase curves of WASP-43b observed by HST/Wide Field Camera 3 and Spitzer/Infra-Red Array Camera. In our scheme, the temperature is constant on isobars on the nightside and varies with cosn(longitude/ϵ) on isobars on the dayside, where n and ϵ are free parameters. We fit all orbital phases simultaneously using the radiative transfer package nemesispy coupled to a Bayesian inference code. We first validate the performance of our retrieval scheme with synthetic phase curves generated from a Global Circulation Model and find that our 2D scheme can accurately retrieve the latitudinally averaged thermal structure and constrain the abundance of H2O and CH4. We then apply our 2D scheme to the observed phase curves of WASP-43b and find: (1) The dayside temperature–pressure profiles do not vary strongly with longitude and are non-inverted. (2) The retrieved nightside temperatures are extremely low, suggesting significant nightside cloud coverage. (3) The H2O volume mixing ratio is constrained to 5.6 × 10−5–4.0 × 10−4, and we retrieve an upper bound for CH4 mixing ratio at ∼10−6.
Bayesian analysis of a relativistic hadronic model constrained by recent astrophysical observations
Authors: de Moura Soares Bruno A , Lenzi César H , Lourenço Odilon , Dutra Mariana
Published: August 2023

We use Bayesian analysis in order to constrain the equation of state for nuclear matter from astrophysical data related to the recent measurements from the NICER mission, LIGO/Virgo collaboration, and probability distributions of mass and radius from other 12 sources, including thermonuclear busters, and quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries. For this purpose, we base our study on a relativistic hadronic mean field model including an ω − ρ interaction. Our results indicate optimal ranges for some bulk parameters at the saturation density, namely, effective mass, incompressibility, and symmetry energy slope (L0). For instance, we find $L_0 = 50.79^{+15.16}_{-9.24}$ MeV (Case 1) and $L_0 = 75.06^{+8.43}_{-4.43}$ MeV (Case 2) in a 68 per cent confidence interval for the two cases analysed (different input ranges for L0 related to the PREX-II data). The respective parametrizations are in agreement with important nuclear matter constraints, as well as observational neutron star data, such as the dimensionless tidal deformability of the GW170817 event. From the mass–radius curves obtained from these best parametrizations, we also find the ranges of 11.97 km ≤ R1.4 ≤ 12.73 km (Case 1) and 12.34 km ≤ R1.4 ≤ 13.06 km (Case 2) for the radius of the $1.4\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ neutron star.
A 5MJup non-transiting coplanar circumbinary planet around Kepler-1660AB
Authors: Goldberg Max , Fabrycky Daniel , Martin David V , Albrecht Simon , Deeg Hans J , Nowak Grzegorz
Published: August 2023

Over a dozen transiting circumbinary planets have been discovered around eclipsing binaries. Transit detections are biased towards aligned planet and binary orbits, and indeed all of the known planets have mutual inclinations less than 4.5○. One path to discovering circumbinary planets with misaligned orbits is through eclipse timing variations (ETVs) of non-transiting planets. Borkovits et al. (2016) discovered ETVs on the 18.6 d binary Kepler-1660AB, indicative of a third body on an ≈236 d period, with a misaligned orbit and a potentially planetary mass. Getley et al. (2017) agreed with the planetary hypothesis, arguing for a 7.7MJup circumbinary planet on an orbit that is highly misaligned by 120○ with respect to the binary. In this paper, we obtain the first radial velocities of the binary. We combine these with an analysis of not only the ETVs but also the eclipse depth variations. We confirm the existence of a 239.5 d circumbinary planet, but with a lower mass of 4.87MJup and a coplanar orbit. The misaligned orbits proposed by previous authors are definitively ruled out by a lack of eclipse depth variations. Kepler-1660ABb is the first confirmed circumbinary planet found using ETVs around a main sequence binary.
Inferred galaxy properties during Cosmic Dawn from early JWST photometry results
Authors: Brummel-Smith Corey , Skinner Danielle , Sethuram Snigdaa S , Wise John H , Xia Bin , Taori Khushi
Published: August 2023

Early photometric results from JWST have revealed a number of galaxy candidates above redshift 10. The initial estimates of inferred stellar masses and the associated cosmic star formation rates are above most theoretical model predictions up to a factor of 20 in the most extreme cases, while this has been moderated after the recalibration of NIRCam and subsequent spectroscopic detections. Using these recent JWST observations, we use galaxy scaling relations from cosmological simulations to model the star formation history to very high redshifts, back to a starting halo mass of 107 M⊙, to infer the intrinsic properties of the JWST galaxies. Here, we explore the contribution of supermassive black holes, stellar binaries, and an excess of massive stars to the overall luminosity of high-redshift galaxies. Despite the addition of alternative components to the spectral energy distribution, we find stellar masses equal to or slightly higher than previous stellar mass estimates. Most galaxy spectra are dominated by the stellar component, and the exact choice for the stellar population model does not appear to make a major difference. We find that four of the 12 high-redshift galaxy candidates are best fit with a non-negligible active galactic nuclei component, but the evidence from the continuum alone is insufficient to confirm their existence. Upcoming spectroscopic observations of z > 10 galaxies will confirm the presence and nature of high-energy sources in the early Universe and will constrain their exact redshifts.
SiS formation in the interstellar medium via SiH + S collisions
Authors: Galvão B R L , Caridade P J S B , Mota V C , Varandas A J C
Published: August 2023

One of the most important Si-bearing species in the intersellar medium is the SiS molecule. Thermal rate coefficients and other collisional properties are calculated for its formation via the title reaction using the quasi-classical trajectory method. An accurate representation of the HSiS potential energy surface is employed, which has been modelled from high-level ab initio calculations and a reliable description of long-range interactions as implied by the underlying double many-body expansion method. The calculated rate coefficients for the $\rm SiH + S \rightarrow SiS + H$ reaction can be modelled with k(T) = α(T/300)βe−γ/T where $\alpha =0.63\times 10^{-10}\, \rm cm^3\, s^{-1}$, β = -0.11, and $\gamma = 11.6\, \rm K$. This result is only slightly lower than that for SiS formation via Si + SH collisions. The contribution of each reaction mechanism and the rovibrational energy distributions of the nascent SiS molecule are also calculated. The title collision can also yield SH ($\rm SiH + S \rightarrow SH + Si$), but the corresponding rate coefficient is 20 to 27 times smaller than for SiS formation ($\alpha =0.025\times 10^{-10}\rm cm^3\, s^{-1}$, β =-0.13, and $\gamma = 9.38\, \rm K$). The role of intersections between excited electronic states is also discussed, based on novel calculations including eight electronic states.
The VLT MUSE NFM view of outflows and externally photoevaporating discs near the orion bar★
Authors: Haworth Thomas J , Reiter Megan , O’Dell C Robert , Zeidler Peter , Berne Olivier , Manara Carlo F , Ballabio Giulia , Kim Jinyoung S , Bally John , Goicoechea Javier R , Aru Mari-Liis , Gupta Aashish , Miotello Anna
Published: August 2023

We present Very Large Telescope/Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer Narrow Field Mode observations of a pair of disc-bearing young stellar objects towards the Orion Bar: 203–504 and 203–506. Both of these discs are subject to external photoevaporation, where winds are launched from their outer regions due to environmental irradiation. Intriguingly, despite having projected separation from one another of only 1.65 arcsec(660 au at 400 pc), 203–504 has a classic teardrop shaped ‘proplyd’ morphology pointing towards θ2 Ori A (indicating irradiation by the EUV of that star, rather than $\rm \theta ^1$ Ori C) but 203–506 has no ionization front, indicating it is not irradiated by stellar EUV at all. However, 203–506 does show [C i] 8727 Å and [O i] 6300 Å in emission, indicating irradiation by stellar FUV. This explicitly demonstrates the importance of FUV irradiation in driving mass loss from discs. We conclude that shielding of 203–506 from EUV is most likely due to its position on the observers side of an ionized layer lying in the foreground of the Huygens Region. We demonstrate that the outflow HH 519, previously thought to be emanating from 203–504 is actually an irradiated cloud edge and identify a new compact outflow from that object approximately along our line of sight with a velocity ∼130 km s−1.
Efficacy and safety of zibotentan and dapagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: study design and baseline characteristics of the ZENITH-CKD trial
Authors: Heerspink Hiddo J L , Greasley Peter J , Ahlström Christine , Althage Magnus , Dwyer Jamie P , Law Gordon , Wijkmark Emma , Lin Min , Mercier Anne-Kristina , Sunnåker Mikael , Turton Michelle , Wheeler David C , Ambery Philip
Published: August 2023

Background

Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are part of the standard of care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), both with and without type 2 diabetes. Endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonists have also been shown to slow progression of CKD. Differing mechanisms of action of SGLT2 and ETA receptor antagonists may enhance efficacy. We outline a study to evaluate the effect of combination zibotentan/dapagliflozin versus dapagliflozin alone on albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods

We are conducting a double-blind, active-controlled, Phase 2b study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETA receptor antagonist zibotentan and SGLT2i dapagliflozin in a planned 415 adults with CKD (Zibotentan and Dapagliflozin for the Treatment of CKD; ZENITH-CKD). Participants are being randomized (1:2:2) to zibotentan 0.25 mg/dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (QD), zibotentan 1.5 mg/dapagliflozin 10 mg QD and dapagliflozin 10 mg QD alone, for 12 weeks followed by a 2-week off-treatment wash-out period. The primary endpoint is the change in log-transformed urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline to Week 12. Other outcomes include change in blood pressure from baseline to Week 12 and change in eGFR the study. The incidence of adverse events will be monitored. Study protocol–defined events of special interest include changes in fluid-related measures (weight gain or B-type natriuretic peptide).

Results

A total of 447 patients were randomized and received treatment in placebo/dapagliflozin (n = 177), zibotentan 0.25 mg/dapagliflozin (n = 91) and zibotentan 1.5 mg/dapagliflozin (n =  179). The mean age was 62.8 years, 30.9% were female and 68.2% were white. At baseline, the mean eGFR of the enrolled population was 46.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 and the geometric mean UACR was 538.3 mg/g.

Conclusion

This study evaluates the UACR-lowering efficacy and safety of zibotentan with dapagliflozin as a potential new treatment for CKD. The study will provide information about an effective and safe zibotentan dose to be further investigated in a Phase 3 clinical outcome trial.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT04724837
LGBTQ Utilization of a Statewide Tobacco Quitline: Engagement and Quitting Behavior, 2010–2022
Authors: Anderson Christopher M , Tedeschi Gary J , Cummins Sharon E , Lienemann Brianna A , Zhuang Yue-Lin , Gordon Bob , Hernández Sandra , Zhu Shu-Hong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals use tobacco at disproportionately high rates but are as likely as straight tobacco users to want to quit and to use quitlines. Little is known about the demographics and geographic distribution of LGBTQ quitline participants, their engagement with services, or their long-term outcomes.

Aims and Methods

Californians (N = 333 429) who enrolled in a statewide quitline 2010–2022 were asked about their sexual and gender minority (SGM) status and other baseline characteristics. All were offered telephone counseling. A subset (n = 19 431) was followed up at seven months. Data were analyzed in 2023 by SGM status (LGBTQ vs. straight) and county type (rural vs. urban).

Results

Overall, 7.0% of participants were LGBTQ, including 7.4% and 5.4% of urban and rural participants, respectively. LGBTQ participants were younger than straight participants but had similar cigarette consumption. Fewer LGBTQ participants reported a physical health condition (42.1% vs. 48.4%) but more reported a behavioral health condition (71.1% vs. 54.5%; both p’s < .001). Among both LGBTQ and straight participants, nearly 9 in 10 chose counseling and both groups completed nearly three sessions on average. The groups had equivalent 30-day abstinence rates (24.5% vs. 23.2%; p = .263). Similar patterns were seen in urban and rural subgroups.

Conclusions

LGBTQ tobacco users engaged with and appeared to benefit from a statewide quitline even though it was not LGBTQ community-based. A quitline with staff trained in LGBTQ cultural competence can help address the high prevalence of tobacco use in the LGBTQ community and reach members wherever they live.

Implications

This study describes how participants of a statewide tobacco quitline broke down by sexual orientation and gender. It compares participants both by SGM status and by type of county to provide a more complete picture of quitline participation both in urban areas where LGBTQ community-based cessation programs may exist and in rural areas where they generally do not. To our knowledge, it is the first study to compare LGBTQ and straight participants on their use of quitline services and quitting aids, satisfaction with services received, and rates of attempting quitting and achieving prolonged abstinence from smoking.
Spatial Clustering of Tobacco Retailers Near US Public Schools
Authors: Halvorson-Fried Sarah M , Kong Amanda Y , D’Angelo Heather , Delamater Paul L , Ribisl Kurt M
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Previous studies have found that tobacco retailers cluster near schools. However, all retail outlets may be located near each other and near schools due to existing infrastructure and zoning policies. We assessed whether tobacco retailers cluster near schools in the United States more than expected when accounting for existing retail locations.

Aims and Methods

We identified 322 056 probable tobacco retailers, 95 110 public schools, and more than 3.8 million businesses comparable to tobacco retailers in land use and business type. We created 500 simulated tobacco retailer datasets by randomly selecting from the larger list of businesses. For each simulated dataset, we calculated the distance from schools to the nearest tobacco retailer (proximity) and the count of tobacco retailers within 800 m of schools (density). Observed proximity and density values were compared to 95% coverage intervals from the 500 simulations. We stratified analyses by urbanicity, percentage of students in the free and reduced-priced lunch program (FRLP), and percentage of Hispanic/Latino, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic white students.

Results

Tobacco retailers were closer to schools in rural areas, cities, and towns and more dense around schools in rural areas, cities, and suburbs compared to random locations in potential retail space. Schools with more students receiving FRLP had higher density than expected while schools with fewer students receiving FRLP had lower density than expected. Within rural areas, clustering did not vary across sociodemographic groups. Within non-rural areas, there were inequities in clustering by racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic school composition.

Conclusions

Tobacco retailers cluster near schools after accounting for existing business patterns. There are inequities in clustering by sociodemographic school composition.

Implications

This study provides compelling evidence that tobacco retailers cluster near US public schools and that there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in clustering, even when accounting for overall retail location patterns. Given that public schools tend to reflect neighborhood demographics, policies to limit tobacco retailers near schools may reduce both school-based and neighborhood-based inequities.
The association of ultra-processed food consumption with adult inflammatory bowel disease risk: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 4 035 694 participants
Authors: Babaei Atefeh , Pourmotabbed Ali , Talebi Sepide , Mehrabani Sanaz , Bagheri Reza , Ghoreishy Seyed Mojtaba , Amirian Parsa , Zarpoosh Mahsa , Mohammadi Hamed , Kermani Mohammad Ali Hojjati , Fakhari Hadi , Moradi Sajjad
Published: August 2023

Context

There is an inconsistency between the results obtained from observational studies regarding intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Objectives

A dose-response meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between UPF intake and the risk of IBD.

Data Sources

Searches were performed in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to November 2, 2022.

Data Extraction

Data were available from 24 studies including a total of 4 035 694 participants from 20 countries.

Data Analysis

Risk ratios for IBD were analyzed by a random-effects model. Outcomes indicated that UPF intake was linked to an increased risk of IBD (relative risk [RR], 1.13; 95%CI, 1.06–1.21; P = 0.001; I2 = 73.2%; n = 59; N = 4 035 694). This association was significant, especially for the risk of Crohn’s disease (CD) (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.00–1.41; I2 = 78.2%; P = 0.046; n = 23; N = 2 167 160), unlike the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) (RR = 1.11; 95%CI, 0.99–1.26; P = 0.085; I2 = 60.3%; n = 27; N = 2 167 918). Also, results revealed that each 10% enhancement in daily UPF intake was not related to the risk of IBD (RR, 1.05; 95%CI, 0.98–1.14; P = 0.168; I2 = 31.9%; n = 4) or the risk of UC (RR, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.92–1.11; P = 0.876; I2 = 34.7%; n = 2) in adults. However, results suggested that for every 10% increase in daily UPF intake, there was a 19% increase in the risk of CD (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.01–1.32; P = 0.021; I2 = 0.0%; n = 2) among adults. In addition, the results showed a positive linear relation between UPF intake with CD risk (Pnonlinearity = 0.431; Pdose response = 0.049) but not risk of IBD or UC.

Conclusion

High intake of UPFs was linked with an enhanced IBD risk, a specific risk of CD. However, conducting more observational studies among several ethnicities and using specific tools that accurately assess the amount of UPF consumption, components of UPFs, and food additives may be necessary.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023390258.
50 shades of lockdown: sex workers’ hidden world during COVID pandemic
Authors: Modena Maria Grazia , Lodi Elisa , Rodighiero Eleonora , Gasparini Paolo Alberto
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on psychological health and socioeconomic structures. The consequences of COVID-19 on the physical, psychological, and social spheres have been extensively studied, except for aspects concerning sexuality and sex workers, in terms of physical, social and economic impact, but also as a possible cause for viral transmission.

Methods

With the intention of counteracting the lack of research, from September 2020 to August 2022, we distributed an anonymous questionnaire to Sex Workers' associations aimed at investigating the impact of the pandemics on sex workers. In the period examined we received and reviewed 147 questionnaires from women, men, and transsexuals.

Conclusions

The prevention of the viral transmission during a pandemic is of utmost importance but should not be exclusively promoted at the expense of other important prevention initiatives. Safeguarding psycho-physical health of the general population, including effective health educational communications emphasizing the importance of sexual activity in mental and physical health should be part of ongoing health objectives. These approaches need to include sex workers of all genders-particularly racialized and marginalized sex workers-in public health planning and messaging alongside structural interventions. Full decriminalization of sex work and access to workplace protections are key to protecting both sex workers' and clients' health. Sex workers of all genders have often been among the first hit by epidemics and the last to be protected-it is long past time to change that.
Newcomb–Benford Law as a generic flag for changes in the derivation of long-term solar terrestrial physics timeseries
Authors: Benedito Nunes A M , Gamper J , Chapman S C , Friel M , Gjerloev J
Published: August 2023

The Newcomb–Benford Law (NBL) prescribes the probability distribution of the first digit of variables which explore a broad range under conditions including aggregation. Long-term space weather relevant observations and indices necessarily incorporate changes in the contributing number and types of observing instrumentation over time and we find that this can be detected solely by comparison with the NBL. It detects when upstream solar wind magnetic field high resolution OMNI interplanetary magnetic field incorporated new data from the WIND and Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft after 1995. NBL comparison can detect underlying changes in the geomagnetic auroral electrojet index (activity-dependent background subtraction) and the SuperMAG electrojet index (different station types) that select individual stations showing the largest deflection, but not where station data are averaged, as in the SuperMAG ring-current index. As composite indices become more widespread across the geosciences, the NBL may provide a generic, data processing-independent flag indicating changes in the constituent raw data, calibration, or sampling method.
Mortality and causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus in New Zealand: a population-based study
Authors: Lao Chunhuan , White Douglas , Rabindranath Kannaiyan , Van Dantzig Philippa , Foxall Donna , Lawrenson Ross
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aims to assess the mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and examine whether there are variations by subgroup.

Methods

SLE patients from 2005 to 2021 were identified from the national administrative datasets. The underlying causes of death were examined. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated to compare the relative rate of observed deaths in SLE patients with expected deaths in the general population. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of all-cause mortality and SLE specific mortality by ethnicity were estimated after adjustment for age using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of the 2802 patients included for analysis, 699 (24.9%) died with 209 (29.9%) SLE deaths. The age-standardized mortality rate of SLE was 0.29 per 100 000 for women and 0.05 for men. The mean age at death was 65.3 (17.1) years. Younger patients were more likely to have SLE as the underlying cause of death, from 78.9% for those under 20 years old to 18.7% for those aged 70–79 years. Compared with the general population, SLE patients were four times more likely to die (SMR: 4.0; 95% CI: 3.7, 4.3). Young patients had higher SMRs than older patients. Māori had worse all-cause mortality (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.67) and SLE specific mortality (HR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.29, 5.24) than others.

Conclusions

The outcomes of SLE in New Zealand were still very poor compared with the general population. Māori with SLE had worse survival than others. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for this disparity.
Prediction model for respiratory-related mortality in microscopic polyangiitis with interstitial lung disease: multicentre REVEAL cohort study
Authors: Matsuda Shogo , Kotani Takuya , Okazaki Ayana , Nishioka Daisuke , Watanabe Ryu , Gon Takaho , Manabe Atsushi , Shoji Mikihito , Kadoba Keiichiro , Hiwa Ryosuke , Yamamoto Wataru , Hashimoto Motomu , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to establish prediction models for respiratory-related mortality in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) complicated by interstitial lung disease (ILD) using clinical characteristics.

Methods

We enrolled patients with MPA with ILD between May 2005 and June 2021 in a multicentre cohort of Japanese patients with MPA (REVEAL cohort). We evaluated the demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological findings, treatments and the presence of honeycombing 1 cm above the diaphragm using chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) on admission. We explored the risk factors predictive of respiratory-related mortality.

Results

Of 115 patients, 26 cases died of respiratory-related diseases during a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Eighteen patients (69%) died due to respiratory infection, three (12%) had diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, and five (19%) had exacerbation of ILD. In univariate analysis, older age, lower percent forced vital capacity (%FVC), lower percent diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (%DLCO), and the presence of honeycombing in the right lower lobe were identified as risk factors. Additionally, in multivariate analysis adjusted for age and treatment, %FVC, %DLCO and the presence of honeycombing in the right lower lobe were independently associated with respiratory-related mortality. We created prediction models based on the values of %FVC, %DLCO and presence of honeycombing on chest HRCT (termed “MPF model”). The 5-year respiratory-related death-free rate was significantly different between patients with MPA with ILD stratified by the number of risk factors based on the MPF model.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the MPF model may help predict respiratory-related death in patients with MPA with ILD.
Prophylaxis with tixagevimab/cilgavimab is associated with lower COVID-19 incidence and severity in patients with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Thomas Marion , Masson Maeva , Bitoun Samuel , Hamroun Sabrina , Seror Raphaele , Dupuy Henry , Lazaro Estibaliz , Richez Christophe , Allanore Yannick , Avouac Jérôme
Published: August 2023

Objective

To describe the clinical efficacy of tixagevimab/cilgavimab in pre-exposure prophylaxis in patients at risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and unresponsive to vaccination (anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies <260 binding antibody units/ml) in rheumatology.

Methods

In this multicentre observational study we included patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases who received pre-exposure prophylaxis with tixagevimab/cilgavimab between December 2021 and August 2022. The endpoint was incidence of COVID-19 and its severity.

Results

Tixagevimab/cilgavimab was administered to 115 patients with a median age of 62 years [interquartile range (IQR) 52–71], chronic arthritis (n = 53), connective tissue disease (n = 38) or vasculitis (n = 11). The main background immunosuppressants were rituximab (n = 98), corticosteroids [n = 62; median dose 5 mg (95% CI 5–8)] and methotrexate (n = 48). During a median follow-up of 128 days (IQR 93–173), COVID-19 occurred in 23/115 patients (20%) and the omicron variant was identified for the eight genotyped patients. During the study period, the average weekly incidence was 1071/100 000 inhabitants in Île-de-France vs 588/100 000 in our patients. Patients who received a two-injection regimen had a lower risk of infection than those with a single injection [16/49 (33%) vs 5/64 (8%), P = 0.0012]. The COVID-19-positive patients did not differ from uninfected patients concerning age, comorbidities, underlying rheumatic disease and immunosuppressants. All COVID-19 cases were non-severe. The tolerance of injections was excellent.

Conclusion

In a population with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases at risk of severe COVID-19 unresponsive to vaccination, pre-exposure prophylaxis withy tixagevimab/cilgavimab was associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 and no severe infections.
Exploring the application of sildenafil for high-fat diet-induced erectile dysfunction based on interleukin-18-mediated NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Bingbing , Niu Yangjiu , Niu Lipan , Zhang Xijia , Liu Fengxia
Published: August 2023

Background

Inflammation is a key risk factor for heart disease and has also been linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor with a strong antioxidant effect. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory factor. Excessive production and release of IL-18 disrupt the balance between IL-18 and IL-18 binding proteins in certain inflammatory diseases, leading to the occurrence of pathological inflammation.

Aim

We evaluated the effects of sildenafil on erectile function in a rat model of high-fat diet–induced ED.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into 5 groups: control, ED, sildenafil, IL-18, and IL-18 + sildenafil. Subsequently, intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure were used to assess the erectile function of these rats. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, pyroptosis factors, and the ratio of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers were evaluated in the serum and corpora tissue.

Outcomes

Exploring the role and mechanism of sildenafil in ED through NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway.

Results

In comparison to the ED and IL-18 groups, there were statistically significant increases in the ratio of intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, and the ratio of smooth muscle cells to collagen fibers following sildenafil intervention (P < .05). The sildenafil group and IL-18 + sildenafil group also showed statistically significant decreases the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and gasdermin D (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

Sildenafil can improve erectile dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths are that the relationship between pyroptosis and ED has been verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The limitation is that the conclusions drawn from animal and cells experiments need to be confirmed in clinical research.

Conclusion

Sildenafil may reduce the effect of IL-18–induced inflammation in high-fat diet–induced ED rats through NLRP3/caspase-1 pyroptosis pathway.
Reverse Koebner phenomenon in erythema nodosum leprosum
Authors: Singh Sukhdeep , Narang Tarun , Dogra Sunil
Published: August 2023

Background

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunologically mediated phenomenon complicating the course of leprosy. Reverse Koebner phenomenon is the term used to describe the sparing of previously injured or diseased skin by new skin lesions of the disease.

Methods

A middle-aged woman with a known case of lepromatous leprosy for the past year presented with an eruption of reddish painful nodules over her body. The lesions were found to characteristically spare the sites of previous scars.

Results

This sparing phenomenon of previous scar sites has been termed reverse Koebner phenomenon, a site of the body that offers greater resistance than the rest of the body to the onset of the disease, seen in various diseases, but it has never been described in ENL.

Conclusion

This sparing of scar sites in ENL can be attributed to reverse Koebner phenomenon.
Idiopathic Lichenoid and Granulomatous Vulvitis: A Distinct Clinicopathological Entity
Authors: Knittel Ronan , Leake Robyn , Singh Komaldeep Hardeep , Wood Benjamin A.
Published: August 2023

The combination of lichenoid and granulomatous inflammation is uncommon in vulval biopsies. We present a series of 5 patients with lichenoid and granulomatous vulvitis, presenting with clinical changes resembling lichen sclerosus. Despite detailed clinicopathological investigation and follow-up, there was no apparent association with an underlying recognized cause. All 5 cases occurred in postmenopausal women and displayed a distinctive histological pattern of superficial band-like inflammation with granulomas “anchored” to the dermoepidermal junction. There was no evidence of deeper granulomatous inflammation. Despite repeated biopsies over 2 years in 2 patients, neither developed typical histological features of lichen sclerosus. We postulate that idiopathic lichenoid and granulomatous vulvitis may represent a distinct clinicopathologically defined vulvar dermatosis.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiopulmonary failure in organ donation: Assessing liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Altshuler Peter J. , Preston William A. , Pace Devon J. , Kittle Haley , Shah Ashesh P. , Glorioso Jaime M. , Maley Warren R. , Frank Adam M. , Ramirez Carlo B. , West Sharon , Hasz Richard , Bodzin Adam S.
Published: August 2023

Liver transplantation continues to face significant organ shortages and efficient utilization of marginal donors is paramount. This study evaluates the practice patterns and outcomes in liver transplantation when utilizing allografts from marginal donors who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We performed a retrospective review of the Gift of Life (PA, NJ, DE) organ-procuring organization database for transplants performed using donors supported on ECMO for nondonation purposes. These were cross-referenced to the transplant recipients within the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, and the outcomes of liver transplants using donors on ECMO support were compared with those not requiring ECMO. Organ use and nonuse patterns were then evaluated in ECMO-supported donors, identifying the factors associated with nonuse compared with the factors associated with graft failure. Thirty-nine of the 84 ECMO-supported donors contributing at least one intra-abdominal organ for transplant donated a liver. Graft survival and patient survival up to 5 years were comparable between transplants from ECMO and non-ECMO-supported donors, and no cases of primary nonfunction were seen in the ECMO group. ECMO support was not associated with 1-year graft failure on regression modeling. Additional regression analyses within the ECMO donor population identified bacteremia (HR: 19.81) and elevated total bilirubin at donation (HR: 2.44) as predictive of post-transplant graft failure. Livers from donors supported on ECMO before donation appear safe to use in select transplant settings. Better understanding of the impact of predonation ECMO on liver allograft function will help guide the optimal use of these scarcely used donors.
A human milk oligosaccharide alters the microbiome, circulating hormones, cytokines and metabolites in a randomized controlled trial of older individuals
Authors: Carter Matthew M. , Demis Diane , Perelman Dalia , St. Onge Michelle , Petlura Christina , Cunanan Kristen , Mathi Kavita , Maecker Holden T. , Chow Jo May , Robinson Jennifer L. , Sonnenburg Erica D. , Buck Rachael H. , Gardner Christopher D. , Sonnenburg Justin L.
Published: August 2023

Aging-related decline in immune function is associated with diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative conditions. This study aimed to improve the aging gut microbiota and immune system by introducing a prebiotic oligosaccharide, 2-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), abundant in human breast milk with established health benefits in infants and animal models. 2’-FL was consumed at either of two doses versus placebo by 89 healthy older individuals (average age = 67.3 years) in a 6-week randomized controlled trial. Although the primary endpoint (significant change in the cytokine response score) was not met, consumers of the prebiotic experienced increased levels ofBifidobacteriumin the gut microbiota, along with elevated serum levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) hormone. Multi-omics analysis indicated a systemic response to 2’-FL, which could be detected in blood and urine, showcasing the potential of this prebiotic to provide diverse benefits to aging individuals.
Identification, analysis and prediction of valid and false information related to vaccines from Romanian tweets
Authors: Valeanu Andrei , Mihai Dragos Paul , Andrei Corina , Puscasu Ciprian , Ionica Alexandra Mihaela , Hinoveanu Miruna Ioana , Predoi Valentina Patricia , Bulancea Ema , Chirita Cornel , Negres Simona , Marineci Cristian Daniel
Published: August 2023

The online misinformation might undermine the vaccination efforts. Therefore, given the fact that no study specifically analyzed online vaccine related content written in Romanian, the main objective of the study was to detect and evaluate tweets related to vaccines and written in Romanian language. 1400 Romanian vaccine related tweets were manually classified in true, neutral and fake information and analyzed based on wordcloud representations, a correlation analysis between the three classes and specific tweet characteristics and the validation of several predictive machine learning algorithms. The tweets annotated as misinformation showed specific word patterns and were liked and reshared more often as compared to the true and neutral ones. The validation of the machine learning algorithms yielded enhanced results in terms of Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Score (0.744-0.843) when evaluating the Support Vector Classifier. The predictive model estimates in a well calibrated manner the probability that a specific Twitter post is true, neutral or fake. The current study offers important insights regarding vaccine related online content written in an Eastern European language. Future studies must aim at building an online platform for rapid identification of vaccine misinformation and raising awareness for the general population.
“Self-care selfies”: Patient-uploaded videos capture meaningful changes in dexterity over 6 months
Authors: Gopal Arpita , Torres Wilson O. , Winawer Ilana , Poole Shane , Balan Ayushi , Stuart Hannah S. , Fritz Nora E. , Gelfand Jeffrey M. , Allen Diane D. , Bove Riley
Published: August 2023

Objective

Upper extremity function reflects disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated the feasibility, validity and sensitivity to change of remote dexterity assessments applying human pose estimation to patient-uploaded videos.

Methods

A discovery cohort of 50 adults with MS recorded “selfie” videos of self-care tasks at home: buttoning, brushing teeth, and eating. Kinematic data were extracted using MediaPipe Hand pose estimation software. Clinical comparison tests were: grip and pinch strength, 9 hole peg test (9HPT), and vibration, and patient-reported dexterity assessments (ABILHAND). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated (Health-ITUES framework). A validation cohort (N=35) completed 9HPT and videos.

Results

The modality was feasible: 88% of the 50 enrolled participants uploaded ≥3 videos, and 74% completed the study. It was also usable: assessments easy to access (95%), platform easy to use (97%), and tasks representative of daily activities (86%). The buttoning task revealed 4 metrics with strong correlations with 9HPT (nondominant: r=0.60-0.69, dominant: r=0.51-0.57, p<0.05) and ABILHAND (r=-0.48, p=0.05). Retest validity at 1 week was stable (r>0.8). Cross-sectional correlations between video metrics and 9HPT were similar at 6 months, and in the validation cohort (nondominant: r=0.46, dominant: r=0.45, p<0.05). Over 6 months, pinch strength (5.8 to 5.0kg/cm2, p=0.05) and self-reported pinch (ABILHAND) decreased marginally. While only 15% participants worsened by 20% on 9HPT, 70% worsened in key buttoning video metrics.

Interpretation

Patient-uploaded videos represent a novel, patient-centered modality for capturing dexterity that appears valid and sensitive to change, enhancing its potential to be disseminated for neurological disease monitoring and treatment.