bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of Bacillus cereus SMPRL-2 isolated from seaweeds Eucheuma cottonii
Authors: Indraningrat A A G , Purnami P P C P , Aryastuti A A S A , Wijaya M D , Horng J T
Published: December 2023

Seaweeds have a strong relationship with prokaryotic community especially bacteria. Bacteria-associated with seaweeds generally produce active compounds which could be potential for pharmaceutical purposes. This research was focused to study antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities from a bacteria encoded as SMPRL-2, isolated from Eucheuma cottonii. Molecular identification of the isolate was performed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and its morphology was assessed using scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The isolate SMPRL-2 was fermented in 100 mL ISP-2 liquid media for 14 days and extracted using ethyl acetate (1:1 ratio, v/v). The obtained crude extract was screened against bacterial and fungal isolates based on Kirby-Bauer method. The extract was screened for its antioxidant activities using DPPH method. The isolate was identified as Bacillus cereus, with short rod morphology under SEM observation. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) of the extract was 14.7±0.8 mm and 9.1±0.8 mm against Streptococcus mutans FNCC 0405 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, respectively. Furthermore, ZOI of the extract against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were 9.6±0.9 mm and 8.8±2.3 mm respectively. A very weak antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 33000 ppm was observed. Overall, this result provides a preliminary finding of marine bacteria as naturally active compounds producer.
Phytochemical and antioxidant activities of chloroform extract of Sonneratia alba leaves from Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest, Bali - Indonesia
Authors: Wijaya M D , Surya P R A , Udiyani D P C , Indraningrat A A G
Published: December 2023

The increasing prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases triggers exploration of new antioxidant compounds. Among natural resources, mangrove trees are prominent producer of unique secondary metabolites. This research was designed to determine phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of Sonneratia alba mangrove leaves extract from Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest, Bali. The study comprises experimental trials with post-test only control group design. Fresh leaves collected from five different S. alba plants were washed, dried, and grinded into powder. One-hundred gram of dried leaves powder was macerated with 500 mL of chloroform for 2x24 hours. The crude extract was analysed for its antioxidant activity based on DPPH assay. While, phytochemical analysis was evaluated using qualitative approaches and GC-MS method. The chloroform extract showed very strong antioxidant activity with IC50 of 15.59±0.78 ppm. Phytochemical analysis displayed that the extract contains tannin, phenol, and steroid, which explain its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis showed that this extract consists of four compounds, namely mesitylene, benzene-1,2,4-trimethyl, benzene-1-ethyl-3-methyl, and benzene-1-ethyl-2-methyl. In conclusion, these results present promising antioxidant activity of chloroform extract of S. alba mangrove leaves from Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest, Bali. Further research is required to isolate and to purify the specific antioxidant bioactive for therapeutic purposes.
Supplementation of Spirulina platensis ethanol extract: influence on mRNA expression and prediction of molecular interactions with IL-10
Authors: Purba H H S , Paramita R , Prijanti A R , Iswanti F C
Published: December 2023

Alleviation of inflammation requires an optimal balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, in which IL-10 plays a critical role as a major anti-inflammatory cytokine. Studies about the ability of the active component of Spirulina platensis to promote IL-10 expression still vary. This study aims to analyze the effect of S. platensis on IL-10 mRNA expression in healthy rats of emerging adults and young adults. This study used six groups of male Wistar rats aged 12, 18, and 24 weeks treated with 200 mg/kg BW of S. platensis extract and a control group. Molecular interaction was predicted between three bioactive compounds of S. platensis (α-glucan, β-carotene, phycocyanobilin) and tacrolimus (control ligand) with IL-10 protein. The relative expression ratio of IL-10 mRNA increased in the treatment rats at 12 weeks (1.77) and 24 weeks (2.05). In rats aged 18 weeks, there was no increase in the expression ratio of IL-10 mRNA in treated rats compared to controls (0.91). Tacrolimus, the control ligand, has the best affinity as an IL-10 inhibitor (-6.68 kcal/mol), followed by β-carotene (-5.83 kcal/mol). The ethanolic extract of S. platensis can potentially increase the expression of IL-10 mRNA in the rat spleen at 12 and 24 weeks.
Comparative analysis of germination performance from several species of seeds under influence of silica nanoparticles
Authors: Sembada A A , Lenggoro I W
Published: December 2023

The first and most critical phase in growing crops is seed germination. Failure and slower germination process may have an impact on productivity. As a result, numerous strategies are needed to hasten germination and improving the quality of the seedlings. One possible strategy is the use of nanoparticles. This present study used colloidal silica nanoparticles (8 - 10 nm) with concentrations of 0 (control), 100, and 1000 mg/L. Seeds from six different species were used (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Cucumis sativus, Solanum melongena, Solanum lycopersicum, and Daucus carota). Seeds were germinated in dark condition for eight consecutive days. The result showed that the use of silica nanoparticles may shorten the germination time while increasing the germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination in C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. sativus, and S. lycopersicum. However, the observed effect was not very strong compared to the control. This could be due to the seeds utilized were not in dormant stage and had rather high viability. On the other hand, we found that silica nanoparticles could alter the structure of the seed coat, allowing for easier water imbibition for germination.
The effect of methyl jasmonate on growth, stevioside and rebaudioside A production in Stevia rebaudiana shoot culture using mist bioreactor
Authors: Rahmawati A , Saksyasamita A R , Emmanuel V , Iriawati  , Lambangsari K , Esyanti R R , Othman R , Faizal A , Nugrahapraja H
Published: December 2023

Steviol glycosides (SG) from Stevia rebaudiana have been used as natural sweeteners to substitute sucrose. SG production naturally needs large biomass. Therefore, it requires large area of cultivation. In vitro cultivation can be used as an alternative to propagate Stevia, as well as for increasing the production of SG. In this experiment, we conducted Stevia propagation in bioreactor and induced SG production through methyl jasmonate (MeJa) elicitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MeJA on plant growth and SG contents in Stevia shoot cultivated using mist bioreactor. Elicitation was carried out by MeJa spraying for 30 min every 6 h. In treatment A, we used 10 μM MeJa for 72 h and 100 μM MeJa for 24 h for treatment B. The results showed that treatment A gave higher increase in shoot growth (485%), biomass production (547%), and relative growth rate (0.13) compared to treatment B. There was no significant difference in stevioside content among treatments (A and B) and controls, meanwhile treatment B produced rebaudioside A (0.0113 mg/g) higher than treatment A (0.0062 mg/g). We concluded that treatment A was better in inducing growth and treatment B could be used to increase rebaudioside A.
Detection of recombinant Pichia pastoris producing glargine
Authors: Hardianto D , Martius E , Rostinawati T , Safarrida A , Royani J I , Laziba D , Assyifa F
Published: December 2023

The global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise. Diabetes management involves the administration of insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels. Currently, two main types of insulin are used for diabetes treatment: human insulin and insulin analogs. One such insulin analog is insulin glargine, categorized as a long-acting insulin. Four prominent organisms used for insulin production are Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Hansenula polymorpha. Pichia pastoris was used to produce insulin glargine in this study. The pPICZαA-G plasmid containing the synthetic glargine gene was inserted into Pichia pastoris. Recombinant Pichia pastoris containing the pPICZαA-G plasmid was detected using selection media with Zeocin, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing. Through the implementation of selection media containing Zeocin, PCR, and DNA sequencing techniques, it was known that the recombinant Pichia pastoris contained the synthetic glargine gene. Further research will be carried out testing the expression of glargine in recombinant Pichia pastoris.
Vegetative response of shallot (Allium cepa Aggregatum group) bulbs on vernalization and gibberellin treatment in different environments
Authors: Nawfetrias W , Maretta D , Handayani D P , Himawati S , Aprianti R , Suhendra A , Marianto F A
Published: December 2023

This research is an initial study of the effects of vernalization and Gibberellins in two different environments. The research was conducted in a split-split plot design with three factors and three times repetition. The main plot was the environment (environment 1, environment 2), the split plot was vernalization temperature (3±2 and 9±2°C), and split-split plot was Gibberellin concentration (0, 50, 100, 150 ppm). The result showed that the vernalizations and Gibberellin have significantly affected plant height (p<0.01). The environment significantly affected plant height, number of tillers, and number of leaves. There was an interaction between Gibberellin and environment treatment on plant height and an interaction between vernalization, Gibberellin, and environment on the number of leaves. The environment with temperature: 29±2.18°C, RH: 45±9.14%, light intensity: 9272±7669 μmol m-2 S-1 showed plant height and the number of tillers higher than other environments, contrary to the number of leaves. According to the principal component analysis, this environment is more suitable for all vernalization and Gibberellin treatments than other environments. The results of this study indicate that the environment more influences vegetative growth than the other two treatments.
Sex ratio affects sexual selection against mutant alleles in a locus-specific way
Authors: Sharda Sakshi , Hollis Brian , Kawecki Tadeusz J
Published: December 2023

Higher male:female operational sex ratio (OSR) is often assumed to lead to stronger sexual selection on males. Yet, this premise has been directly tested by very few studies, with mixed outcomes. We investigated how OSR affects the strength of sexual selection against two deleterious alleles, a natural ebony mutant and a transgenic GFP insertion, in Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, we estimated the relative paternity share of homozygous mutant males competing against wild-type males under different OSRs (1:2, 1:1, 2:1). We also manipulated the mating pool density (18, 36, or 54 individuals) and assessed paternity over three consecutive days, during which the nature of sexual interaction changed. The strength of sexual selection against the ebony mutant increased with OSR, became weaker after the first day, and was little affected by density. In contrast, sexual selection against the GFP transgene was markedly affected by density: at the highest density, it increased with OSR, but at lower densities, it was strongest at 1:1 OSR, remaining strong throughout the experiment. Thus, while OSR can strongly affect the strength of sexual selection against “bad genes,” it does not necessarily increase monotonically with male:female OSR. Furthermore, the pattern of relationship between OSR and the strength of sexual selection can be locus-specific, likely reflecting the specific phenotypic effects of the mutation.
Comparative analysis of hospitalizations among patients treated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in European pediatric nephrology centers: results from a prospective EPDWG/ESPN Dialysis Working Group study
Authors: Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A , Özdemir Atikel Yeşim , Schmitt Claus Peter , Lévai Eszter , Adalat Shazia , Goodman Nadine , Dursun İsmail , Pınarbaşı Ayşe Seda , Yazıcıoğlu Burcu , Paglialonga Fabio , Vondrak Karel , Guzzo Isabella , Printza Nikoleta , Zurowska Aleksandra , Zagożdżon Ilona , Karabay Bayazıt Aysun , Atmış Bahriye , Tkaczyk Marcin , Faria Maria do Sameiro , Zaloszyc Ariane , Jankauskienė Augustina , Ekim Mesiha , Edefonti Alberto , Shroff Rukshana
Published: December 2023

Background and hypothesis

Hospital admissions in pediatric dialysis patients need to be better studied, and most existing studies are retrospective and based on registry data. This study aimed to analyse and compare hospital admission rates, causes, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes in children treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

Data from 236 maintenance PD and 138 HD patients across 16 European dialysis centers were collected between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018. A total of 178 hospitalized patients (103 PD, 75 HD) were included for further analyses.

Results

There were 465 hospitalization events (268 PD, 197 HD) with a rate of 0.39 admissions per 100 patient-days at risk (PDAR) and 2.4 hospital days per 100 PDAR. The admission rates were not significantly different between HD and PD patients. The most common causes of hospitalization were access-related infections (ARI) (17%), non-infectious complications of access (NIAC) (14%), and infections unrelated to access (12%). ARI was the leading cause in PD patients (24%), while NIAC was more common in HD patients (19%). PD patients had more ARIs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment adjustments (P < .05), while HD patients had more NIACs, infections unrelated to access, access placement procedures, and interventional/surgical procedures (P < .001). LOS was longer with acute admissions than non-acute admissions (P < .001). Overall LOS and LOS in the intensive care unit were similar between HD and PD patients. High serum uric acid and low albumin levels were significant predictors of longer LOS (P = .022 and P = .045, respectively). Young age, more significant height deficit, and older age at the start of dialysis were predictors of longer cumulative hospital days (P = .002, P = .001, and P = .031, respectively).

Conclusion

Access-related complications are the main drivers of hospitalization in pediatric dialysis patients, and growth and nutrition parameters are significant predictors of more extended hospital stays.
Tissue characterization of acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance-guided ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: a feasibility study
Authors: Bijvoet G P , Nies H M J M , Holtackers R J , Martens B M , Smink J , Linz D , Vernooy K , Wildberger J E , Nijveldt R , Chaldoupi S M , Mihl C
Published: December 2023

Aims

To characterize acute lesions during cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter by combining T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T1 mapping, first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. CMR-guided catheter ablation offers a unique opportunity to investigate acute ablation lesions. Until present, studies only used T2WI and LGE CMR to assess acute lesions.

Methods and results

Fifteen patients with CTI-dependent atrial flutter scheduled for CMR-guided RF ablation were prospectively enrolled. Directly after achieving bidirectional block of the CTI line, CMR imaging was performed using: T2WI (n = 15), T1 mapping (n = 10), first-pass perfusion (n = 12), and LGE (n = 12) imaging. In case of acute reconnection, additional RF ablation was performed. In all patients, T2WI demonstrated oedema in the ablation region. Right atrial T1 mapping was feasible and could be analysed with a high inter-observer agreement (r = 0.931, ICC 0.921). The increase in T1 values post-ablation was significantly lower in regions showing acute reconnection compared with regions without reconnection [37 ± 90 ms vs. 115 ± 69 ms (P = 0.014), and 3.9 ± 9.0% vs. 11.1 ± 6.8% (P = 0.022)]. Perfusion defects were present in 12/12 patients. The LGE images demonstrated hyper-enhancement with a central area of hypo-enhancement in 12/12 patients.

Conclusion

Tissue characterization of acute lesions during CMR-guided CTI-dependent atrial flutter ablation demonstrates oedema, perfusion defects, and necrosis with a core of microvascular damage. Right atrial T1 mapping is feasible, and may identify regions of acute reconnection that require additional RF ablation.
Dissimulation in forensic psychiatric evaluations, a case-control study of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III
Authors: Risola Roberta , Mandarelli Gabriele , Grattagliano Ignazio , Cassano Anna , Valerio Antonia , Barbieri Cristiano , Catanesi Roberto
Published: December 2023

The possible tendency of subjects to decrease, hide, or omit symptomatic aspects of their mental functioning is one of the main problems in forensic psychological and psychiatric evaluations. We aimed at verifying the possible existence of significant differences in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) scales scores between a sample of dissimulators (n = 40) and their non-dissimulator counterpart matched by age, sex, and diagnosis. Cases and comparisons were retrieved from the archive of a single university forensic psychiatric centre between 2013 and 2022. Results showed statistically significant higher scores in the sample of dissimulators in the Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Compulsive MCMI-III scales than in the comparison sample. Point biserial correlation test disclosed a strong positive correlation between the Desirability, Histrionic, Narcissistic, and Compulsive scales of the MCMI-III and being in the dissimulator group of subjects while a negative correlation emerged for all the other scales except drug dependence.

Key points
Whole-genome sequence and annotation of Penstemon davidsonii
Authors: Ostevik Kate L , Alabady Magdy , Zhang Mengrui , Rausher Mark D
Published: December 2023

Penstemon is the most speciose flowering plant genus endemic to North America. Penstemon species’ diverse morphology and adaptation to various environments have made them a valuable model system for studying evolution. Here, we report the first full reference genome assembly and annotation for Penstemon davidsonii. Using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technology, we constructed a de novo reference genome of 437,568,744 bases, with a contig N50 of 40 Mb and L50 of 5. The annotation includes 18,199 gene models, and both the genome and transcriptome assembly contain over 95% complete eudicot BUSCOs. This genome assembly will serve as a valuable reference for studying the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of the Penstemon genus.
Astrocytes Drive Divergent Metabolic Gene Expression in Humans and Chimpanzees
Authors: Zintel Trisha M , Pizzollo Jason , Claypool Christopher G , Babbitt Courtney C
Published: December 2023

The human brain utilizes ∼20% of all of the body's metabolic resources, while chimpanzee brains use <10%. Although previous work shows significant differences in metabolic gene expression between the brains of primates, we have yet to fully resolve the contribution of distinct brain cell types. To investigate cell type–specific interspecies differences in brain gene expression, we conducted RNA-seq on neural progenitor cells, neurons, and astrocytes generated from induced pluripotent stem cells from humans and chimpanzees. Interspecies differential expression analyses revealed that twice as many genes exhibit differential expression in astrocytes (12.2% of all genes expressed) than neurons (5.8%). Pathway enrichment analyses determined that astrocytes, rather than neurons, diverged in expression of glucose and lactate transmembrane transport, as well as pyruvate processing and oxidative phosphorylation. These findings suggest that astrocytes may have contributed significantly to the evolution of greater brain glucose metabolism with proximity to humans.
Banking on the Neighborhood? Inequalities in Older Adults’ Access to Local Banking and Neighborhood Perceptions
Authors: Goldman Alyssa W , Bea Megan Doherty
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Access to local banking represents an understudied dimension of neighborhood-based inequalities that could significantly influence older adults’ perceptions of their neighborhood spaces in ways that matter for disparities in well-being. We evaluate disparities in banking access and then examine how local banking access informs older adults’ perceptions of neighborhood collective efficacy and danger, above and beyond other neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

We use nationally representative data from older adults in the United States who were interviewed at Round 3 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, linked with data on banks in respondents’ residential and surrounding census tracts from the National Establishment Time-Series database, in a series of bivariate and multivariable regression analyses.

Results

White older adults and those with higher levels of education have significantly greater local banking access than Black and Hispanic older adults and those with lower levels of education. Higher rates of local banking institutions are associated with significantly lower perceptions of neighborhood danger, but not with perceived collective efficacy. This finding emerges when accounting for neighborhood concentrated disadvantage and physical disorder.

Discussion

Local banks may represent neighborhood investment and the broader economic vitality of a community, as well as the ability of communities to meet older adults’ everyday needs in ways that enhance older residents’ feelings of safety. Increasing access to local financial institutions may help attenuate neighborhood-based contributors to inequalities in health and well-being among the older adult population.
Prevention of childhood overweight and obesity in Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam: identifying priority actions
Authors: Norov Bolormaa , Cristobal-Maramag Cherry , Van Minh Hoang , Long Khương Quỳnh , Huse Oliver , Nkoroi Alice , Luvsanjamba Munkhjargal , Phuong Do Hong , Kupka Roland , Lobstein Tim , Jewell Jo , Castro Mary Christine , Oliver Nikka , Watson Fiona
Published: December 2023

Low- and middle-income countries are increasingly faced with a triple burden of malnutrition: endemic underweight, micronutrient deficiencies and rising prevalence of overweight. This study aimed to address existing knowledge gaps and to identify priority policy options in Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam. A landscape analysis approach was adopted using methods set out in a UNICEF global toolkit. Quantitative and qualitative data were compiled from a range of global and national sources on childhood overweight and obesity, risk factors and policy responses. Key informant interviews and validation workshops were undertaken with key food and nutrition stakeholders from government and non-government organizations to identify priority policy options for the prevention of overweight and obesity among children. Overweight and obesity among children are increasing in all three countries. Associated risk factors are related to maternal nutrition, birthweight, breastfeeding, as well as diets and physical activity shaped by increasingly obesogenic environments. Key informants identified undefined policy approaches, poor community understanding and food and beverage industry influence as barriers to addressing overweight and obesity. Key policy priorities include restricting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages, unhealthy food and beverage taxation, introduction of front-of-pack nutrition labels and improving school nutrition environments. Mongolia, the Philippines and Vietnam are all facing an increasing burden of childhood overweight and obesity. Despite differing national contexts, similar environmental factors are driving this rise. A suite of evidence-based policies can effectively be introduced to address obesogenic environments.
Risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Ram Sanyogita (Sanya) , Scahill Shane
Published: December 2023

Identifying the risk and predicting complaints and misconduct against health practitioners are essential for healthcare regulators to implement early interventions and develop long-term prevention strategies to improve professional practice and enhance patient safety. This scoping review aims to map out existing literature on the risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases and finished on the same day (6 September 2021). Articles meeting the eligibility criteria were charted and descriptively analysed through a narrative analysis method. The initial search generated 5473 articles. After the identification, screening, and inclusion process, 81 eligible studies were included for data charting. Three key themes were reported: methods used for identifying risk factors and predictors of the complaints and misconduct, synthesis of identified risk factors and predictors in eligible studies, and predictive tools developed for complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. The findings reveal that risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct are complex issues influenced by multiple factors, exhibiting non-linear patterns and being context specific. Further efforts are needed to understand the characteristics and interactions of risk factors, develop systematic risk prediction tools, and facilitate the application in the regulatory environment.
Why do countries with criminal antitrust sanctions fail to incarcerate price fixers?
Authors: Calvani Terry , Jones Rory
Published: December 2023

A good many jurisdictions have criminalized cartel conduct and authorized custodial sentences for offenders in efforts to enhance antitrust enforcement. The authors explore why so few of those jurisdictions have imposed prison sentences on cartelists. Although data problems lead to understating the number of incarcerations, the record is not robust. The authors find that the reasons are varied. Statutory impediments and poor case selection are important factors. Others include poor case management, separation of investigation and prosecutorial responsibilities and judicial reluctance to impose sentences on ‘white collar’ criminals. In addition, lack of public support and cultural differences in sentencing in general also probably play roles.
Magnetic field observation in a magnetic tunnel junction by scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Kohno Yuji , Seki Takehito , Tsuruoka Shun , Ohya Shinobu , Shibata Naoya
Published: December 2023

A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) consists of two ferromagnetic layers separated by a thin insulating layer. MTJs show tunnel magnetoresistance effect, where the resistance in the direction perpendicular to the insulator layer drastically changes depending on the magnetization directions (parallel or antiparallel) in the ferromagnetic layers. However, direct observation of local magnetizations inside MTJs has been challenging. In this study, we demonstrate direct observation of magnetic flux density distribution inside epitaxially grown Fe/MgO/Fe layers using differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. By utilizing newly developed tilt-scan averaging system for suppressing diffraction contrasts, we clearly visualize parallel and antiparallel states of ferromagnetic layers at nanometer resolution.
Planet-driven scatterings of planetesimals into a star: probability, time-scale, and applications
Authors: Rodet Laetitia , Lai Dong
Published: December 2023

A planetary system can undergo multiple episodes of intense dynamical activities throughout its life, resulting in the production of star-grazing planetesimals (or exocomets) and pollution of the host star. Such activity is especially pronounced when giant planets interact with other small bodies during the system’s evolution. However, due to the chaotic nature of the dynamics, it is difficult to determine the properties of the perturbing planet(s) from the observed planetesimal-disruption activities. In this study, we examine the outcomes of planetesimal-planet scatterings in a general setting. We focus on one-planet systems, and determine the likelihood and time-scale of planetesimal disruption by the host star as a function of the planet properties. We obtain a new analytical expression for the minimum distance a scattering body can reach, extending previous results by considering finite planet eccentricity and non-zero planetesimal mass. Through N-body simulations, we derive the distribution of minimum distances and the likelihood and time-scales of three possible outcomes of planetesimal-planet scatterings: collision with the planet, ejection, and disruption by the star. For planetesimals with negligible mass, we identify four defining dimensionless parameters (the planet eccentricity, planet-to-star mass ratio, planet radius to semimajor axis ratio, and the stellar disruption radius to planet semimajor axis ratio) that enable us to scale the problem and generalize our findings to a wide range of orbital configurations. Using these results, we explore three applications: falling evaporating bodies in the β Pictoris system, white dwarf pollution due to planetesimal disruption and planet engulfment by main-sequence stars.
Phase-space simulations of prompt cusps: simulating the formation of the first haloes without artificial fragmentation
Authors: Ondaro-Mallea Lurdes , Angulo Raul E , Stücker Jens , Hahn Oliver , White Simon D M
Published: December 2023

The first generation of haloes forms from the collapse of the smallest peaks in the initial density field. N-body simulations of this process suggest a prompt formation of a steep power-law cusp, but these calculations are plagued by numerical artefacts that cast some doubt on this result. Here, we develop new simulation methods based on the dark matter phase-space sheet approach and present results that are entirely free of artificial clumps. We find that a cusp with density ρ ∝ r−1.5 is indeed formed promptly, subsequently accreting a more extended halo and participating in the hierarchical growth of later halo generations. However, our simulations also suggest that the presence of artificial clumps just before peak collapse can significantly shallow the inner profiles of the cusps. We use N-body simulations with controlled amounts of small-scale power to place a conservative upper limit on the scales affected by artificial clumps. Finally, we used these results to simulate the collapse of the first generation of peaks of various types and in different cosmologies, finding prompt cusps to form in all cases. We conclude that prompt cusps are a generic feature of the collapse of peaks on the free-streaming scale of the initial density field, and their structure can safely be studied using N-body simulations provided care is taken to excise the region potentially affected by artificial clumps.
Very high energy gamma-rays from GRB 180720B and GRB 190829A with external Compton emission
Authors: Barnard Monica , Razzaque Soebur , Joshi Jagdish C
Published: December 2023

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) comprise short, bright, energetic flashes of emission from extragalactic sources followed by a longer afterglow phase of decreased brightness. Recent discoveries of very high energy (VHE, ≳100 GeV) afterglow emission from GRB 180720B and GRB 190829A by the High Energy Stereoscopic System have raised questions regarding the emission mechanism responsible. We interpret this observed late-time emission to be the result of inverse Compton emission of ultrarelativistic electrons in the GRB blast wave in an external radiation field, i.e. external Compton (EC), considering both the wind and interstellar medium scenarios. We present predictions of multiwavelength light curves and energy spectra, ranging from optical to VHE, and include the synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) radiation mechanisms as well. We corrected the EC and SSC models for the gamma-ray attenuation by absorption of photons through their interaction with the extragalactic background light. We compared our results to multiwavelength data and found that EC gives a satisfactory fit for a given set of fixed model parameters for GRB 180720B, whereas SSC results in a better fit for GRB 190829A. For both GRBs, a wind environment is preferred over constant-density interstellar medium, and the cosmic microwave background as the external radiation field. However, with more data and an effective optimization tool we can find a more robust fit of the model, implying better constraints on the GRB environment and the particle energy requirements for the emission observed at late times. This has consequences for future observations of GRBs at these extreme energies.
The metamorphosis of the Type Ib SN 2019yvr: late-time interaction
Authors: Ferrari Lucía , Folatelli Gastón , Kuncarayakti Hanindyo , Stritzinger Maximilian , Maeda Keiichi , Bersten Melina , Román Aguilar Lili M , Sáez M Manuela , Dessart Luc , Lundqvist Peter , Mazzali Paolo , Nagao Takashi , Ashall Chris , Bose Subhash , Brennan Seán J , Cai Yongzhi , Handberg Rasmus , Holmbo Simon , Karamehmetoglu Emir , Pastorello Andrea , Reguitti Andrea , Anderson Joseph , Chen Ting-Wan , Galbany Lluís , Gromadzki Mariusz , Gutiérrez Claudia P , Inserra Cosimo , Kankare Erkki , Müller Bravo Tomás E , Mattila Seppo , Nicholl Matt , Pignata Giuliano , Sollerman Jesper , Srivastav Shubham , Young David R
Published: December 2023

We present observational evidence of late-time interaction between the ejecta of the hydrogen-poor Type Ib supernova (SN) 2019yvr and hydrogen-rich circumstellar material (CSM), similar to the Type Ib SN 2014C. A narrow H α emission line appears simultaneously with a break in the light-curve decline rate at around 80–100 d after explosion. From the interaction delay and the ejecta velocity, under the assumption that the CSM is detached from the progenitor, we estimate the CSM inner radius to be located at ∼6.5–9.1 × 1015 cm. The H α emission line persists throughout the nebular phase at least up to +420 d post-explosion, with a full width at half maximum of ∼2000 km s−1. Assuming a steady mass-loss, the estimated mass-loss rate from the luminosity of the H α line is ∼3–7 × 10−5 M⊙ yr−1. From hydrodynamical modelling and analysis of the nebular spectra, we find a progenitor He-core mass of 3–4 M⊙, which would imply an initial mass of 13–15 M⊙. Our result supports the case of a relatively low-mass progenitor possibly in a binary system as opposed to a higher mass single star undergoing a luminous blue variable phase.
Relationship between falls and the use of hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakurai Kosuke , Yanai Ryo , Isozaki Takeo , Yajima Nobuyuki
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between falls and the use of psychotropic medications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The psychotropic medication group included patients with RA prescribed psychotropic medications [hypnotics/sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic (benzodiazepines) drugs]. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to investigate the relationship between falls and the use of psychotropic medications, with adjustment for age, sex, RA disease activity, stroke, dementia, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis.

Results

Of the 307 patients enrolled, 49 (16.0%) used psychotropic medications and 70 (22.8%) experienced at least one fall per year. Nineteen of the 49 patients (38.8%) taking psychotropic medications and 51 of 258 (19.8%) not taking psychotropic medications experienced at least one fall per year. Falls were significantly more frequent in the group with psychotropic medications than in the group without psychotropic medications (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.48; P = .02). No relationship was found between the number of falls and the use of psychotropic medications (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–3.44; P = .78).

Conclusions

There may be a relationship between psychotropic medication use and falls in patients with RA.
Evidence mapping of clinical practice guidelines on nutritional management for pressure injuries and their quality
Authors: Zhang Ya-Bin , Tang Qi-Lan , Wang Shui-Yu , Zhao Yu-Hua , Wu Tian-Rui , Wang Jun-Xia
Published: December 2023

Context

The safety and efficacy of nutritional management for pressure injuries (PIs) have been the subjects of ongoing interest. Some evidence demonstrated that nutrition is essential for skin and tissue viability, supporting tissue repair for healing the pressure injury.

Objective

This investigation aimed to systematically review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the nutritional management of PIs and furnish an evidence map to assess research trends and CPG gaps.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and guidelines databases, and society websites were searched for CPGs for the nutritional management of PIs. The basic recommendations for the nutritional management of PIs, method quality, and reporting CPGs quality were identified and imported into Excel. Four researchers independently elucidated each CPG’s quality via the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument and the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) checklist. All bubble charts were generated using Excel software.

Results

This review included 12 CPGs with a combined 23 recommendations. The nutrition screening and assessment were summarized on the basis of the PI recommendations for 6 major items, 12 items on nutrition management, and 3 on PI education. The assessed CPGs had mixed quality, and the highest score  ± standard deviation based on the clarity of presentation was 83.46 ± 7.62, whereas the lowest mean score based on AGREE II applicability was 53.31 ± 16.90. Field 1 (basic information) in the RIGHT checklist had the greatest reporting rate (68.06%), whereas field 5 (review and quality assurance) had the lowest CPGs quality (41.67%).

Conclusion

This investigation furnishes an evidence map and provides new perspectives on the CPGs for the nutritional management of PIs. However, the CPGs included still need improvement, especially in the applicability and editorial independence domains.
Stem growth phenology, not canopy greening, constrains deciduous tree growth
Authors: Arend Matthias , Hoch Günter , Kahmen Ansgar
Published: December 2023

Canopy phenology is a widely used proxy for deciduous forest growth with various applications in terrestrial ecosystem modeling. Its use relies on common assumptions that canopy greening and stem growth are tightly coordinated processes, enabling predictions on the timing and the quantity of annual tree growth. Here, we present parallel observations of canopy and stem growth phenology and annual stem increment in around 90 deciduous forest trees with diffuse-porous (Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Carpinus betulus) or ring-porous (Quercus robur × petraea) wood anatomy. These data were collected in a mixed temperate forest at the Swiss-Canopy-Crane II site, in 4 years with strongly contrasting weather conditions. We found that stem growth resumption lagged several weeks behind spring canopy greening in diffuse-porous but not in ring-porous trees. Canopy greening and stem growth resumption showed no or only weak signs of temporal coordination across the observation years. Within the assessed species, the seasonal timing of stem growth varied strongly among individuals, as trees with high annual increments resumed growth earlier and also completed their main growth earlier. The length of main growth activity had no influence on annual increments. Our findings not only challenge tight temporal coordination of canopy and stem growth phenology but also demonstrate that longer main growth activity does not translate into higher annual increments. This may compromise approaches modeling tree growth and forest productivity with canopy phenology and growth length.
Do We Need to Administer Fludrocortisone in Addition to Hydrocortisone in Adult Patients With Septic Shock? An Updated Systematic Review With Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and an Observational Study With Target Trial Emulation*
Authors: Lai Pei-Chun , Lai Chao-Han , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Huang Yen-Ta
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone combined with fludrocortisone or hydrocortisone alone, compared with placebo in adult patients with septic shock.

DATA SOURCES:

By extending a prior Cochrane review, databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, along with other relevant websites, were searched until August 31, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using target trial emulation were included.

DATA EXTRACTION:

The primary outcome was short-term mortality with an emphasis on 28- or 30-day mortality as the main measure and in-hospital or ICU mortality as the nearest surrogate of this measure. Three of the most common adverse events, namely, gastroduodenal bleeding, superinfection, and hyperglycemia, were also considered.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

A total of 19 studies involving 95,841 patients were included. Hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone showed the lowest short-term mortality versus placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.64–0.99; number needed to treat [NNT]: 21, range: 12–500; low certainty of evidence) in terms of informative priors. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve values for hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone alone, and placebo were 0.9469, 0.4542, and 0.0989, respectively. Consistent results were observed in RCTs alone and those using a daily 200-mg dose of hydrocortisone. Although gastroduodenal bleeding or superinfection showed no clear increase, hyperglycemia risk increased. The ORs were 0.53 for placebo versus hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone and 0.64 for placebo versus hydrocortisone alone, with very low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS:

In adults with septic shock, hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone improved short-term survival with minimal adverse events compared with hydrocortisone alone or placebo. However, these findings are not definitive due to the limited certainty of evidence and wide NNT range. Additional large-scale, placebo-controlled RCTs are needed to provide conclusive evidence.
Trajectories of Quality of Life Following Pelvic Exenteration: A Latent Class Growth Analysis
Authors: Steffens Daniel , Blake Joshua , Solomon Michael J , Lee Peter , Austin Kirk , Byrne Christopher , Karunaratne Sascha , Koh Cherry
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Information on the course of quality of life following surgery for advanced cancers within the pelvis is important to guide patient decision-making, however the current evidence is limited.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify quality of life trajectory classes and their predictors following pelvic exenteration.

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:

Highly specialized quaternary pelvic exenteration referral center.

PATIENTS:

Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration due to advanced/recurrent cancers within the pelvis between July 2008 to July 2022.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Quality of life data included the Short Form-36 Survey (physical and mental component scores) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal instruments, collected at 11 distinct points from baseline to 5-year postoperatively. Predictors included patient characteristics and surgical outcomes. Latent class analysis was used to identify the likelihood of a better quality of life class and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of the identified classes.

RESULTS:

The study included 565 participants. Two distinct quality of life trajectory classes were identified for physical component score (class 1: high stable and class; 2: high decreasing). Three distinct classes were identified for mental component score (class 1: high increasing; class 2: moderate stable; and class 3: moderate decreasing) and for Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal total score (class 1: high increasing; class 2: high decreasing; and class 3: low decreasing). Across the 3 quality of life domains, overall survival probabilities were also higher in classes 1 (p < 0.0001). Age, repeat exenteration, neoadjuvant therapy, surgical margin, length of operation, and hospital stay were significant predictors of quality of life classes.

LIMITATIONS:

This study was conducted at a single highly specialized quaternary pelvic exenteration referral center and findings may not apply to other centers.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates that quality of life following pelvic exenteration diverge into distinct trajectories, with most patients reporting an optimal course. See Video
Association of tea and coffee consumption and biliary tract cancer risk: The Biliary Tract Cancers Pooling Project
Authors: Huang Yu-Han , Loftfield Erikka , Argirion Ilona , Adami Hans-Olov , Albanes Demetrius , Chan Andrew T. , Fedirko Veronika , Fraser Gary E. , Freedman Neal D. , Giles Graham G. , Hartge Patricia , Katzke Verena , Knutsen Synnove F. , Lacey James , Liao Linda M. , Luo Juhua , Milne Roger L. , O’Brien Katie M. , Peters Ulrike , Poynter Jenny N. , Purdue Mark P. , Robien Kim , Sandin Sven , Sandler Dale P. , Setiawan Veronica W. , Kang Jae H. , Simon Tracey G. , Sinha Rashmi , VoPham Trang , Weinstein Stephanie J. , White Emily , Zhang Xuehong , Zhu Bin , McGlynn Katherine A. , Campbell Peter T. , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Koshiol Jill
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

Tea and coffee are widely consumed beverages worldwide. We evaluated their association with biliary tract cancer (BTC) incidence.

Approach and Results:

We pooled data from 15 studies in the Biliary Tract Cancers Pooling Project to evaluate associations between tea and coffee consumption and biliary tract cancer development. We categorized participants as nondrinkers (0 cup/day), moderate drinkers (>0 and <3 cups/day), and heavy drinkers (≥3 cups/day). We estimated multivariable HRs and 95% CIs using Cox models. During 29,911,744 person-years of follow-up, 851 gallbladder, 588 intrahepatic bile duct, 753 extrahepatic bile duct, and 458 ampulla of Vater cancer cases were diagnosed. Individuals who drank tea showed a statistically significantly lower incidence rate of gallbladder cancer (GBC) relative to tea nondrinkers (HR=0.77; 95% CI, 0.64–0.91), and intrahepatic bile duct cancer (IHBDC) had an inverse association (HR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–1.00). However, no associations were observed for extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EHBDC) or ampulla of Vater cancer (AVC). In contrast, coffee consumption was positively associated with GBC, with a higher incidence rate for individuals consuming more coffee (HR<3 cups/day =1.29; 95% CI, 1.01–1.66; HR≥3 cups/day =1.49; 95% CI, 1.11–1.99, P
trend
=0.01) relative to coffee nondrinkers. However, there was no association between coffee consumption and GBC when restricted to coffee drinkers. There was little evidence of associations between coffee consumption and other biliary tract cancers.

Conclusions:

Tea consumption was associated with a lower incidence of GBC and possibly IHBDC. Further research is warranted to replicate the observed positive association between coffee and GBC.