bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial substrate characterization based on bipolar voltage electrograms acquired with multipolar, focal and mini-electrode catheters
Authors: Knecht Sven , Schlageter Vincent , Badertscher Patrick , Krisai Philipp , Jousset Florian , Küffer Thomas , Madaffari Antonio , Schaer Beat , Osswald Stefan , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael
Published: May 2023

Background

Bipolar voltage (BV) electrograms for left atrial (LA) substrate characterization depend on catheter design and electrode configuration.

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the BV amplitude (BVA) using four catheters with different electrode design and to identify their specific LA cutoffs for scar and healthy tissue.

Methods and results

Consecutive high-resolution electroanatomic mapping was performed using a multipolar-minielectrode Orion catheter (Orion-map), a duo-decapolar circular mapping catheter (Lasso-map), and an irrigated focal ablation catheter with minielectrodes (Mifi-map). Virtual remapping using the Mifi-map was performed with a 4.5 mm tip-size electrode configuration (Nav-map). BVAs were compared in voxels of 3 × 3 × 3 mm3. The equivalent BVA cutoff for every catheter was calculated for established reference cutoff values of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mV. We analyzed 25 patients (72% men, age 68 ± 15 years). For scar tissue, a 0.5 mV cutoff using the Nav corresponds to a lower cutoff of 0.35 mV for the Orion and of 0.48 mV for the Lasso. Accordingly, a 0.2 mV cutoff corresponds to a cutoff of 0.09 mV for the Orion and of 0.14 mV for the Lasso. For healthy tissue cutoff at 1.5 mV, a larger BVA cutoff for the small electrodes of the Orion and the Lasso was determined of 1.68 and 2.21 mV, respectively.

Conclusion

When measuring LA BVA, significant differences were seen between focal, multielectrode, and minielectrode catheters. Adapted cutoffs for scar and healthy tissue are required for different catheters.
Beyond fitness: the nature of selection acting through the constructive steps of lifecycles
Authors: Smith Eric
Published: May 2023

We address the problem of defining selection and extracting the adaptive part of evolutionary change, originally formalized by Fisher and Price. Conventionally, selection and adaptation are defined through fitness attributed to genes or genotypes chosen as units of selection. The construction through fitness is known to suffer ambiguities and omissions as a theory of change due to selection. We construct an alternative framing in which units of selection and fitness are replaced as the main abstractions by formal lifecycle models and reproduction rates through genetically distinct lifecycle realizations. Graphical representations of lifecycles express relations among reproductive stages that cannot be assigned to any one unit of selection. The lifecycle partition refines the statistics of overall reproductive success and resolves modes of selection that fitness either excludes or distorts through additive projections. We derive the Price equation in the basis of lifecycle realizations and compare it to the conventional Price equation for additive fitness of organisms. We show how the lifecycle approach recovers fitnesses acting concurrently at multiple levels, or contrasts forms of competition within and between levels that are invisible to additive fitness. Defining selection through lifecycles recasts population genetics from an object-focused to a construction- and process-focused representation.
Impulse controllability for the heat equation with inverse square potential and dynamic boundary conditions
Authors: Baroun Mahmoud , El Baggari Hind , Ouled Driss Ilham , Boulite Said
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we investigate the null approximate impulse controllability of the heat equation with an inverse square potential subject to dynamic boundary conditions in the ball $B(0, R_{0})$ of radius $R_{0}=\left (\frac{4}{3}\right )^{\frac{3}{2}}$. To that purpose, we use the Carleman commutator approach to show a logarithmic convexity estimate traducing an observability inequality at one instant of time.
Age-Dependent Risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Hazard Modeling From Serological Data
Authors: Nakajo K , Nishiura H
Published: May 2023

Background

There is no immunization campaign that currently exist for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seroprevalence studies are critical for assessing epidemiological dynamics before and during an immunization program. A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the evidence from seroprevalence studies on RSV.

Methods

A systematic search of age-dependent RSV seroprevalence was conducted using the PubMed database and EMBASE. Age-dependent force of infections (FoI) and the decay rate of immunity were estimated. A mixture finite model was used, estimating the age-dependent disease state and the antibody concentrations in susceptible and infected or recovered populations.

Results

Twenty-one studies were identified from 15 countries, with studies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay being the most represented. Using a catalytic model, the age-dependent force of infection was estimated to be the lowest in infants aged 6 months to 1 year and increased in older age groups. The proportion ever-infected/recovered was estimated to be above 90% by 3 years of age.

Conclusions

The number of seroprevalence studies covering a broad range of ages are limited. The age-dependent FoI indicated that the risk of infection was greatest among those aged >5 years. Additional data using valid assays are required to describe the transmission dynamics of RSV infection.
Intersection analysis using computer vision techniques with SUMO
Authors: Shirazi Mohammad Shokrolah , Morris Brendan Tran , Zhang Shiqi
Published: May 2023

This paper presents intersection analysis using computer vision techniques with Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO). First, an efficient deep-visual tracking pipeline is proposed by using the off-the-shelf YOLO object detection architecture and cascading it with a discriminative correlation filter to produce reliable trajectories for traffic analysis of vehicles and pedestrians. While a variety of traffic measurements can be directly estimated from the extracted trajectories (e.g., speed, turning movement count), a method of incorporating turning movement count (TMC) within SUMO is proposed in order to mimic a realistic traffic flow for an observed intersection and its comprehensive analysis. Experimental evaluations on the developed tracking system implies that the YOLOv5 variant is the best for traffic cameras and, after appropriate fine-tuning using the University of Nevada, Las Vegas pedestrian data set, the YOLOv5 performance manifested a significant improvement with a recall value of 0.62. The tracking system is further employed for monitoring three other intersections in the downtown area of Las Vegas and turning movement counts were estimated for peak hours in the morning and evening of one day (7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00) at 15-min intervals. Finally, the intersection design, including traffic signals with estimated TMC, is used to calibrate SUMO to provide critical parameters (e.g., lane density, travel time, occupancy) for traffic signal performance evaluation and comprehensive intersection analysis. The signal design treatment demonstrates a significant improvement in travel times and simulation results indicate that the turning-left ratio is a crucial factor affecting the travel time of vehicles on each intersection leg.
Up-regulation of resident chromosomal fosB gene expression: a novel mechanism of acquired fosfomycin resistance in MRSA
Authors: Aiezza Noemi , Antonelli Alberto , Coppi Marco , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Giani Tommaso , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study investigated fosfomycin susceptibility and mechanisms of resistance in a collection of 99 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia, previously collected from a multicentre survey carried out in Italy.

Methods

Fosfomycin susceptibility was tested by reference agar dilution. Bioinformatic and gene expression analysis, mutant selection experiments and WGS were executed to characterize fosfomycin resistance mechanisms.

Results

Fosfomycin resistance rates were 0% (0 of 35) among MSSA and 22% (14 of 64) among MRSA, with no evidence of clonal expansion. Resistance mechanisms were putatively identified in 8 of the 14 resistant strains, including: (i) chromosomal mutations causing loss of function of the UhpT transporter; (ii) overexpression of the gene encoding the Tet38 efflux pump; and (iii) overexpression of a fosB gene encoding a fosfomycin-inactivating enzyme, which was found to be resident in the chromosome of several S. aureus lineages but not always associated with fosfomycin resistance. The latter mechanism, which had not been previously described and was confirmed by results of in vitro mutant selection experiments, was associated in two cases with transposition of an IS1182 element upstream of the chromosomal fosB gene, apparently providing an additional promoter.

Conclusions

This study showed that some S. aureus clonal lineages carry a resident chromosomal fosB gene and can evolve to fosfomycin resistance by overexpression of this gene.
Effect of different ratios of phytogenic feed additives on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune response in weaned pigs challenged with a pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Chang Se Yeon , Lee Ji Hwan , Oh Han Jin , An Jae Woo , Song Dong Cheol , Cho Hyun Ah , Park Se Hyun , Jeon Kyeong Ho , Cho Seung Yeol , Kim Dong Jun , Kim Mi Suk , Cho Jin Ho
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing different ratios of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) to weaned pigs challenged with pathogenic Escherichia coli on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune response, and to determine the optimal mixing ratio for post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) prevention. A total of 48 4-wk-old weaned pigs with initial body weight of 8.01 ± 0.39 kg were placed in individual metabolic cages, and then randomly assigned to eight treatment groups. The eight treatments were as follows: a basal diet without E. coli challenge (negative control, NC), a basal diet with E. coli challenge (positive control, PC), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% bitter citrus extract (BCE), 10% microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol (MEO), and 70% excipient (T1), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% MEO, 20% premixture of grape seed and grape marc extract, green tea, and hops (PGE), and 60% excipient (T2), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% BCE, 10% MEO, 10% PGE, and 70% excipient (T3), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% BCE, 20% MEO, and 60% excipient (T4), PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 20% MEO, 20% PGE, and 60% excipient (T5), and PC with supplementing 0.1% mixture of 10% BCE, 20% MEO, 10% PGE, and 60% excipient (T6). The experiments progressed in 16 days, including 5 days before and 11 days after the first E. coli challenge (day 0). In the E. coli challenge treatments, all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E. coli F 18 for three consecutive days from day 0 postinoculation (PI). Compared with the PC group, the PFA2 and PFA6 groups significantly increased (P < 0.05) feed efficiency and decreased (P < 0.05) diarrhea during the entire period. At day 11 PI, the PFA6 group significantly improved (P < 0.05) gross energy digestibility compared to the PFA1 group. The PFA6 group significantly decreased (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 in serum and increased (P < 0.05) the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD). The PFA2 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the relative protein expression of calprotectin in the ileum. In conclusion, improvements in growth performance, diarrhea reduction, and immunity enhancement are demonstrated when 10% BCE, 20% MEO, 10% PGE, and 60% excipient are mixed.
Beyond Co-integration: New Tools for Inference on Co-movements
Authors: Abadir Karim M , Talmain Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Macroeconomic and aggregate financial series were shown empirically to share an unconventional form of cyclical and persistent dynamics, whose functional form was obtained from the solution of general-equilibrium models with heterogeneous firms. The econometric modeling of equations that link such series requires a new methodology, as existing parametric techniques can cause paradoxical regression results and omit predictabilities. We provide a solution to disentangle the genuine relation between variables (the parameters linking them) from the unconventional dynamics that drive them. As an application, we show that GBP-USD forward premia have no predictive power for excess returns over 1976–2015 (thus solving this forward-premium puzzle) once the unconventional dynamics of spot rates are modeled. Taking advantage of these dynamics, we uncover a trading strategy which consistently outperforms existing ones in the out-of-sample period 2015–2021, delivering almost treble their profits and yielding a Sharpe ratio of 85%. Hence, even in this heavily traded market, the efficient market hypothesis has been failing for over 45 years as persistent profit opportunities remained unexploited because of the unconventional dynamics of the spot rate.
Forecasting Large Realized Covariance Matrices: The Benefits of Factor Models and Shrinkage
Authors: Alves Rafael P , de Brito Diego S , Medeiros Marcelo C , Ribeiro Ruy M
Published: May 2023

We propose a model to forecast large realized covariance matrices of returns, applying it to the constituents of the S&P 500 daily. To address the curse of dimensionality, we decompose the return covariance matrix using standard firm-level factors (e.g., size, value, and profitability) and use sectoral restrictions in the residual covariance matrix. This restricted model is then estimated using vector heterogeneous autoregressive models with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Our methodology improves forecasting precision relative to standard benchmarks and leads to better estimates of minimum variance portfolios.
Spatial repellency and attractancy responses of some chemical lures against Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles minimus (Diptera: Culicidae) using the high-throughput screening system
Authors: Boonyuan Wasana , Tisgratog Rungarun , Ahebwa Alex , Leepasert Theerachart , Thanispong Kanutcharee , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap
Published: May 2023

We evaluated the behavioral responses of Aedes albopictus and Anopheles minimus to 3 isovaleric acid and lactic acid-based chemical lure blends and 2 individual alcohols, using Spatial Repellency Assay in a high-throughput screening system (HITSS). Five doses of 0.0002, 0.001, 0.0025, 0.005, and 0.01 g were tested per lure. A BG-lure was used as a reference standard. After 10-min exposure, the number of mosquitoes moving toward or away from the treated chamber was calculated. The results showed that all lures were repellent against Ae. albopictus except for Lure-4 (4% w/v isovaleric acid + 2% w/v lactic acid + 0.0025% w/v myristic acid + 2.5% w/v ammonium hydroxide) which showed a nonsignificant attractancy at the lowest dose. Significantly high spatial repellency was observed at the highest dose of all the tested lures including BG-lure. Lure-2 (isoamyl alcohol) was significantly repellent at all the tested doses. Against An. minimus, Lure-5 (0.02% w/v isovaleric acid + 2% w/v lactic acid) showed significant spatial repellency while Lure-4 was significantly attractant, at all the tested doses. All lures, except Lure-4, showed strong spatial repellency at high doses and attractancy or weak spatial repellency at the lowest dose of 0.0002 g. In summary, our study demonstrated that spatial repellency and attractancy of the tested lures were influenced by both the dose tested and the mosquito species. Lure-2 and Lure-4 are potential spatial repellents and attractants, respectively, for malaria and dengue vectors. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these results at a semifield and open field level.
OzDES Reverberation Mapping Programme: Mg ii lags and R−L relation
Authors: Yu Zhefu , Martini Paul , Penton A , Davis T M , Kochanek C S , Lewis G F , Lidman C , Malik U , Sharp R , Tucker B E , Aguena M , Annis J , Bertin E , Bocquet S , Brooks D , Carnero Rosell A , Carollo D , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Costanzi M , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , De Vicente J , Diehl H T , Doel P , Everett S , Ferrero I , García-Bellido J , Gatti M , Gerdes D W , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Kuehn K , Mena-Fernández J , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Nichol B , Paz-Chinchón F , Pieres A , Plazas Malagón A A , Raveri M , Romer A K , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Vincenzi M , Walker A R , Weaverdyck N
Published: May 2023

The correlation between the broad line region radius and continuum luminosity (R–L relation) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is critical for single-epoch mass estimates of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). At z ∼ 1–2, where AGN activity peaks, the R–L relation is constrained by the reverberation mapping (RM) lags of the Mg ii line. We present 25 Mg ii lags from the Australian Dark Energy Survey RM project based on 6 yr of monitoring. We define quantitative criteria to select good lag measurements and verify their reliability with simulations based on both the damped random walk stochastic model and the rescaled, resampled versions of the observed light curves of local, well-measured AGN. Our sample significantly increases the number of Mg ii lags and extends the R–L relation to higher redshifts and luminosities. The relative iron line strength $\mathcal {R}_{\rm Fe}$ has little impact on the R–L relation. The best-fitting Mg iiR–L relation has a slope α = 0.39 ± 0.08 with an intrinsic scatter $\sigma _{\rm rl} = 0.15^{+0.03}_{-0.02}$ . The slope is consistent with previous measurements and shallower than the H β R–L relation. The intrinsic scatter of the new R–L relation is substantially smaller than previous studies and comparable to the intrinsic scatter of the H β R–L relation. Our new R–L relation will enable more precise single-epoch mass estimates and SMBH demographic studies at cosmic noon.
The survey of planetary nebulae in Andromeda (M 31) VI. Kinematics of M 31 inner-halo substructures and comparison with major-merger simulation predictions
Authors: Bhattacharya Souradeep , Arnaboldi Magda , Hammer Francois , Yang Yanbin , Gerhard Ortwin , Caldwell Nelson , Freeman Kenneth C
Published: May 2023

M 31 has experienced a recent tumultuous merger history, as evidenced from the many substructures that are still present in its inner halo, particularly the G1-Clump, NE-, and W-shelves and the Giant Stream (GS). We present planetary nebulae (PNe) line-of-sight velocity (LOSV) measurements covering the entire spatial extent of these four substructures. We further use predictions for the satellite and host stellar particle phase space distributions for a major merger (mass ratio = 1:4) simulation to help interpret the data. The measured PN LOSVs for the two shelves and GS are consistent with those from red giant branch stars. Their projected radius versus LOSV phase space, links the formation of these substructures in a single unique event, consistent with a major merger. We find the G1-clump to be dynamically cold compared to the M 31 disc ($\rm \sigma _{LOS, PN}=27$  km s−1), consistent with pre-merger disc material. Such a structure can not form in a minor merger (mass ratio ∼1:20) and is therefore a smoking gun for the recent major merger event in M 31. The simulation also predicts the formation of a predominantly in situ halo from splashed-out pre-merger disc material, in qualitative agreement with observations of a metal-rich inner halo in M 31. Juxtaposed with previous results for its discs, we conclude that M 31 has had a recent (2.5–4 Gyr ago) ‘wet’ major merger with the satellite falling along the GS, heating the pre-merger disc to form the M 31 thicker disc, rebuilding the M 31 thin disc, and creating the aforementioned inner-halo substructures.
Search of nearby resolved neutron stars among optical sources
Authors: Bihain Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Neutron stars are identified as pulsars, X-ray binary components, central objects of supernovae remnants, or isolated thermally emitting sources and at distances beyond 120 pc. A population extrapolation suggests 103 objects within that boundary. Potentially, neutron stars could continuously emit gravitational waves at sensitivity reach of present instrumentation. As part of our Search for the Nearest Neutron Stars ‘‘Five Seasons’’ project, we search for nearby resolved neutron stars. Based on expected fluxes and magnitudes of thermally cooling neutron stars and pulsars, we selected sources in Gaia DR3. The sources have G-band absolute magnitudes MG > 16 mag, parallax signal-to-noise ratios greater than two, and colours GBP − G < 0.78 and G − GRP < 0.91 mag for power-law emitters of flux $F_{\nu } \propto \nu ^{-\alpha _{\nu }}$ with spectral indices αν < 3. The photometric region overlaps with that of white dwarfs, in confluence with most known pulsars in binaries having white dwarf companions. We looked for counterparts in gamma-ray, X-ray, ultraviolet, radio, optical, and infrared catalogues. We find about two X-ray-, 15 ultraviolet-, one radio probable counterparts, and at least four sources with power-law profiles at the ultraviolet–optical(–infrared). Because the sources have G ⪆ 20 mag, we rely on Gaia DR3 single-source parameters. We identify possible binaries based on photoastrometric parameters, visual companions, and flux excesses. Some emission components suggest small thermal radii. Source types, neutron star content, and properties require further inquiry.
Probing gamma-ray bursts observed at very high energies through their afterglow
Authors: Guarini Ersilia , Tamborra Irene , Bégué Damien , Rudolph Annika
Published: May 2023

A growing number of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows is observed at very-high energies (VHE, ≳ 100 GeV). Yet, our understanding of the mechanism powering the VHE emission remains baffling. We make use of multiwavelength observations of the afterglow of GRB 180720B, GRB 190114C, and GRB 221009A to investigate whether the bursts exhibiting VHE emission share common features. We assume the standard afterglow model and microphysical parameters consistent with a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) scenario for the VHE radiation. By requiring that the blastwave should be transparent to γ–γ pair production at the time of observation of the VHE photons and relying on typical prompt emission efficiencies and data in the radio, optical, and X-ray bands, we infer for those bursts that the initial energy of the blastwave is $\tilde{E}_{k, \rm {iso}} \gtrsim \mathcal {O}(10^{54})$ erg and the circumburst density is $n_0 \lesssim \mathcal {O}(10^{-1})$ cm−3 for a constant circumburst profile [or $A_\star \lesssim \mathcal {O}(10^{-1})$ cm−1 for a wind scenario]. Our findings thus suggest that these VHE bursts might be hosted in low-density environments, if the SSC radiation is responsible for the VHE emission. While these trends are based on a small number of bursts, the Cherenkov Telescope Array has the potential to provide crucial insight in this context by detecting a larger sample of VHE GRBs. In addition, due to the very poor statistics, the non-observation of high-energy neutrinos cannot constrain the properties of these bursts efficiently, unless additional VHE GRBs should be detected at distances closer than 15 Mpc when IceCube-Gen2 radio will be operational.
AGN feeding and feedback in M84: from kiloparsec scales to the Bondi radius
Authors: Bambic C J , Russell H R , Reynolds C S , Fabian A C , McNamara B R , Nulsen P E J
Published: May 2023

We present the deepest Chandra observation to date of the galaxy M84 in the Virgo Cluster, with over 840 ks of data provided by legacy observations and a recent 730 ks campaign. The increased signal-to-noise ratio allows us to study the origins of the accretion flow feeding the supermassive black hole in the centre of M84 from the kiloparsec scales of the X-ray halo to the Bondi radius, RB. Temperature, metallicity, and deprojected density profiles are obtained in four sectors about M84’s active galactic nucleus (AGN), extending into the Bondi radius. Rather than being dictated by the potential of the black hole, the accretion flow is strongly influenced by the AGN’s bipolar radio jets. Along the jet axis, the density profile is consistent with ne ∝ r−1; however, the profiles flatten perpendicular to the jet. Radio jets produce a significant asymmetry in the flow, violating a key assumption of Bondi accretion. Temperature in the inner kiloparsec is approximately constant, with only a slight increase from 0.6 to 0.7 keV approaching RB, and there is no evidence for a temperature rise imposed by the black hole. The Bondi accretion rate $\dot{M}_{\rm B}$ exceeds the rate inferred from AGN luminosity and jet power by over four orders of magnitude. In sectors perpendicular to the jet, $\dot{M}_{\rm B}$ measurements agree; however, the accretion rate is >4σ lower in the North sector along the jet, likely due to cavities in the X-ray gas. Our measurements provide unique insight into the fuelling of AGN responsible for radio mode feedback in galaxy clusters.
Leopardus guigna(Carnivora: Felidae)
Authors: Peckham Catherine
Published: May 2023

Leopardus guigna (Molina, 1782) is a felid commonly called the kodkod. It is the smallest cat in the Americas—about the size of a small house cat—and is 1 of 13 species in the genus Leopardus. Leopardus guigna has the smallest distribution of any New World felid, restricted to southern Chile and Argentina where it is strongly associated with the Chilean Matorral and Valdivian Temperate Rainforest ecoregions. Leopardus guigna is listed on Appendix II of the Convention for the International Trade of Endangered Species and as “Vulnerable” (VU) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and fragmentation, human persecution, and its declining population.
Modulating the early-life gut microbiota using pro-, pre-, and synbiotics to improve gut health, child development, and growth
Authors: Momo Kadia Benjamin , Otiti Mary Iwaret , Ramsteijn Anouschka S , Sow Doudou , Faye Babacar , Heffernan Claire , Hall Lindsay J , Webster Joanne P , Walker Alan W , Allen Stephen
Published: May 2023

In children exposed to poor hygiene and sanitation, invasion of the gut by pathogenic microbes can result in a subclinical enteropathy termed “environmental enteric dysfunction” (EED) that contributes to undernutrition, growth faltering, and impaired organ development. EED may already be present by age 6–12 weeks; therefore, interventions that can be started early in life, and used alongside breastfeeding, are needed to prevent or ameliorate EED. A healthy gut microbiota is critical for intestinal development and repair, nutrient digestion and absorption, and resisting colonization or overgrowth by pathogens. However, its development can be impaired by several environmental factors. Dietary supplementation with pro-, pre-, or synbiotics may be a pragmatic and safe means of building the resilience of the developing gut microbiota against adverse environmental factors, thereby preventing EED.
Association of Tumor Cell Metabolic Subtype and Immune Response With the Clinical Course of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Michelakos Theodoros , He Qian , Wang Xianxing , Chen Yu , Kontos Filippos , Wang Huaizhi , Liu Xiangde , Liu Hui , Zheng Wenjing , Ferrone Soldano , Zhang Yun , Ferrone Cristina R , Li Xiaowu , Cai Lei
Published: May 2023

Aim

Tumor metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This study evaluated the potential association of tumor cell metabolism and immune cell tumor infiltration with the clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Gene-wise normalization and principal component analysis were performed to evaluate the metabolic system. A tumor microenvironment score system of tumor immune cell infiltration was constructed to evaluate its association with metabolic subtypes. Finally, we analyzed the impact of metabolism and immune cell infiltration on the clinical course of HCC.

Results

A total of 673 HCC patients were categorized into cholesterogenic (25.3%), glycolytic (14.6%), mixed (10.4%), and quiescent (49.8%) types based on glycolysis and cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression. The subgroups including the glycolytic genotyping expression (glycolytic and mixed types) showed a higher mortality rate. The glycolytic, cholesterogenic, and mixed types were positively correlated with M0 macrophage, resting mast cell, and naïve B-cell infiltration (P = .013, P = .019, and P = .006, respectively). In TCGA database, high CD8+ T cell and low M0 macrophage infiltration were associated with prolonged overall survival (OS, P = .0017 and P < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, in glycolytic and mixed types, patients with high M0 macrophage infiltration had a shorter OS (P = .03 and P = .013, respectively), and in quiescent type, patients with low naïve B-cell infiltration had a longer OS (P = .007).

Conclusions

Tumor metabolism plays a prognostic role and correlates with immune cell infiltration in HCC. M0 macrophage and CD8+ T cell appear to be promising prognostic biomarker for HCC. Finally, M0 macrophages may represent a useful immunotherapeutic target in patients with HCC.
Genomic insights into domestication and genetic improvement of fruit crops
Authors: Wang Runze , Li Xiaolong , Sun Manyi , Xue Cheng , Korban Schuyler S , Wu Jun
Published: May 2023

Fruit crops cultivated in almost all countries and regions around the world serve as important agricultural commodities of significant economic value because they contribute to overall food security by providing a diverse food and nutrient supply to sustain human life and human health. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for pursuing genomic and genetic studies of fruit crops. Here, we will review major advances in fruit crop genome sequencing efforts undertaken over the past 15 years that have contributed to significant accumulation of publicly available genomic resources. We will highlight the expanding pool of genomic data that offer unprecedented opportunities to better unravel the genetic origin and domestication of fruit trees, as well as in deciphering the genetics of important horticultural traits of these fruit trees. Furthermore, we will explore how utilization of these genetic features of fruit trees along with new genomic-assisted tools, including genomic selection and gene editing, are informing and guiding plant geneticists and breeders in moving forward in their fruit crop breeding efforts. Finally, we will outline future prospects and unresolved questions that remain in both genomic research and genetic improvement of fruit crops.
Pain chronification impacts whole-brain functional connectivity in women with hip osteoarthritis during pain stimulation
Authors: Erlenwein Joachim , Kästner Anne , Gram Mikkel , Falla Deborah , Drewes Asbjørn M , Przemeck Michael , Petzke Frank
Published: May 2023

Objective

Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that patients with chronic pain display altered functional connectivity across distributed brain areas involved in the processing of nociceptive stimuli. The aim of the present study was to investigate how pain chronification modulates whole-brain functional connectivity during evoked clinical and tonic pain.

Methods

Patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (n = 87) were classified into 3 stages of pain chronification (Grades I–III, Mainz Pain Staging System). Electroencephalograms were recorded during 3 conditions: baseline, evoked clinical hip pain, and tonic cold pain (cold pressor test). The effects of both factors (recording condition and pain chronification stage) on the phase-lag index, as a measure of neuronal connectivity, were examined for different frequency bands.

Results

In women, we found increasing functional connectivity in the low-frequency range (delta, 0.5–4 Hz) across pain chronification stages during evoked clinical hip pain and tonic cold pain stimulation. In men, elevated functional connectivity in the delta frequency range was observed in only the tonic cold pain condition.

Conclusions

Across pain chronification stages, we found that widespread cortical networks increase their synchronization of delta oscillations in response to clinical and experimental nociceptive stimuli. In view of previous studies relating delta oscillations to salience detection and other basic motivational processes, our results hint at these mechanisms playing an important role in pain chronification, mainly in women.
Trends in Abortion Attitudes: From Roe to Dobbs
Authors: Norrander Barbara , Wilcox Clyde
Published: May 2023

American public opinion on abortion has been investigated a multitude of times since the Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade. In this trends article, we review public attitudes in five areas: (1) support or opposition to Roe v. Wade, (2) basic attitudes toward abortion, (3) attitudes toward abortion under different conditions, (4) attachments to the pro-choice versus pro-life labels, and (5) abortion attitudes in the 50 states. Initial public reaction to the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturning Roe is also covered.
Demand and Welfare Analysis in Discrete Choice Models with Social Interactions
Authors: Bhattacharya Debopam , Dupas Pascaline , Kanaya Shin
Published: May 2023

Many real-life settings of individual choice involve social interactions, causing targeted policies to have spillover effects. This article develops novel empirical tools for analysing demand and welfare effects of policy interventions in binary choice settings with social interactions. Examples include subsidies for health-product adoption and vouchers for attending a high-achieving school. We show that even with fully parametric specifications and unique equilibrium, choice data, that are sufficient for counterfactual demand prediction under interactions, are insufficient for welfare calculations. This is because distinct underlying mechanisms producing the same interaction coefficient can imply different welfare effects and deadweight-loss from a policy intervention. Standard index restrictions imply distribution-free bounds on welfare. We propose ways to identify and consistently estimate the structural parameters and welfare bounds allowing for unobserved group effects that are potentially correlated with observables and are possibly unbounded. We illustrate our results using experimental data on mosquito-net adoption in rural Kenya.
The association between sonographic enthesitis with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis in psoriatic arthritis patients
Authors: Balulu Gavriel , Furer Victoria , Wollman Jonathan , Levartovsky David , Aloush Valerie , Elalouf Ofir , Sarbagil-Maman Hagit , Mendel Liran , Borok Sara , Paran Daphna , Elkayam Ori , Polachek Ari
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To examine the association between sonographic enthesitis with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis in PsA patients, and the association between sonographic enthesitis and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Consecutive PsA patients that fulfilled the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) were prospectively recruited. Each patient was evaluated by comprehensive clinical and sonographic assessment (greyscale and Doppler), the latter including 52 joints, 40 tendons and 14 entheses [according to MAdrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI) plus lateral epicondyles] performed by an experienced sonographer blinded to the clinical data. The US enthesitis score was further categorized to inflammatory (hypoechogenicity, thickening, bursitis and Doppler) and structural (enthesophytes/calcifications and erosions) subcategories. Multivariate linear regression models assessed the association between enthesitis and the selected variables.

Results

A total of 158 PsA patients [mean (s.d.) age 52.3 (13) years, 88 (55.7%) females] were analysed. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed a significant association between sonographic enthesitis and sonographic synovitis (β = 0.18, P = 0.008) and between sonographic enthesitis and sonographic tenosynovitis (β = 0.06, P = 0.02). These associations were derived from the enthesitis inflammatory subcategory of the MASEI (P < 0.05). Associations between enthesitis and synovitis were also demonstrated on the level of the elbow, knee and ankle joints (P < 0.05). In addition, sonographic enthesitis was significantly associated with older age, male sex, swollen joint count, CRP level and physical occupation.

Conclusions

Sonographic enthesitis is associated with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis. The severity of sonographic enthesitis may represent a marker for inflammatory activity in other musculoskeletal domains.
Genome-wide Association Analysis of Schizophrenia and Vitamin D Levels Shows Shared Genetic Architecture and Identifies Novel Risk Loci
Authors: Jaholkowski Piotr , Hindley Guy F L , Shadrin Alexey A , Tesfaye Markos , Bahrami Shahram , Nerhus Mari , Rahman Zillur , O’Connell Kevin S , Holen Børge , Parker Nadine , Cheng Weiqiu , Lin Aihua , Rødevand Linn , Karadag Naz , Frei Oleksandr , Djurovic Srdjan , Dale Anders M , Smeland Olav B , Andreassen Ole A
Published: May 2023

Low vitamin D (vitD) levels have been consistently reported in schizophrenia (SCZ) suggesting a role in the etiopathology. However, little is known about the role of underlying shared genetic mechanisms. We applied a conditional/conjunctional false discovery rate approach (FDR) on large, nonoverlapping genome-wide association studies for SCZ (N cases = 53 386, N controls = 77 258) and vitD serum concentration (N = 417 580) to evaluate shared common genetic variants. The identified genomic loci were characterized using functional analyses and biological repositories. We observed cross-trait SNP enrichment in SCZ conditioned on vitD and vice versa, demonstrating shared genetic architecture. Applying the conjunctional FDR approach, we identified 72 loci jointly associated with SCZ and vitD at conjunctional FDR < 0.05. Among the 72 shared loci, 40 loci have not previously been reported for vitD, and 9 were novel for SCZ. Further, 64% had discordant effects on SCZ-risk and vitD levels. A mixture of shared variants with concordant and discordant effects with a predominance of discordant effects was in line with weak negative genetic correlation (rg = −0.085). Our results displayed shared genetic architecture between SCZ and vitD with mixed effect directions, suggesting overlapping biological pathways. Shared genetic variants with complex overlapping mechanisms may contribute to the coexistence of SCZ and vitD deficiency and influence the clinical picture.
Cardio SEM
Authors: Achury Saldaña Diana Marcela , Rodríguez Parrado Indira Yuselfy , González Rafael A.
Published: May 2023

Existing literature on the follow-up of heart failure patients with warning signs shows that it is necessary to increase patients' knowledge and of seeking help in a timely manner. This suggests an opportunity to implement strategies that integrate technology to visualize the risk of decompensation. This article studies the acceptance of Cardio Sem, a traffic light system mobile application for patients with heart failure. A descriptive, observational pilot study was performed with 23 outpatients belonging to a heart failure program. For 4 weeks, patients used Cardio Sem, which allows visualizing the risk of decompensation through a series of questions that patients must answer daily and provides guidance for managing signs and symptoms of decompensation. A technology acceptance questionnaire was applied to all patients, resulting in acceptance of the application, especially in the dimensions that emphasized perceived usefulness (100%), social influence (100%), and behavioral intent (99.8%). Cardio Sem is useful for early detection of symptoms that allow for early response to complications. Acceptance of the application by patients and its ease of use present the possibility to implement it as a complementary tool to promote self-care and effective management of symptoms.
Ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation versus usual care guided fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zheyuan , Han Xiao , Liu Ying , Wang Mengjun , Wang Beibei , Wang Ling , Jin Hongxu
Published: May 2023

Background

Ultrasound is widely used in critical care for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients. We conducted a systematic review to assess the relationship between ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation strategies and usual care in septic shock.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and registers for randomized controlled trials to evaluate the prognosis of ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled studies with 947 participants were included. Ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock was associated with reduced mortality (risk ratio: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65 to 0.94;P= 0.007) and 24-hour fluid volume (mean differences [MD]: −1.02; 95% CI: −1.28 to −0.75;P< 0.001), low heterogeneity (I2= 29%,I2= 0%), and increased dose of norepinephrine (MD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02–0.11;P= 0.002) and dobutamine dose (MD: 2.2; 95% CI: 0.35–4.04;P= 0.02), with low heterogeneity (I2= 45%,I2= 0%). There was no reduction in the risk of dobutamine use (risk ratio: 1.67; 95% CI: 0.52 to 5.36;P= 0.39;I2= 0%). Inferior vena cava–related measures reduced the length of hospital stay (MD: −2.91; 95% CI: −5.2 to −0.62;P= 0.01; low heterogeneity,I2= 8%) and length of intensive care unit stay (MD: −2.77; 95% CI: −4.51 to −1.02;P= 0.002; low heterogeneity,I2= 0%). The use of the passive leg-raising test combined with echocardiography to assess fluid reactivity was superior. Ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation did not significantly change the length of the free intensive care unit stay (MD: 1.5; 95% CI: −3.81 to 6.81;P= 0.58;I2= 0%).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock is beneficial, especially when using inferior vena cava–related measures and the passive leg-raising test combined with echocardiography.
Medication-assisted treatment 24-hr waiver training for opioid use disorder: Lessons learned
Authors: Oh Kyeung Mi , Oetjen Cheryl A. , Beran Krista , Harvey Megan S. , Zamilus-Osabu Myriame
Published: May 2023

This study reports our experience in implementing and evaluating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) training. MAT training includes immersion into practice and integration of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). During 2019–2021, MAT training was offered to students in Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Feedback on our training program was obtained through required Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services surveys and focus groups after training sessions to assess the quality of training, materials, instruction, and impact and usefulness of training. In addition, after completion of training, surveys were emailed to those who graduated in 2020 and 2021. Surveys included demographic questions and qualitative responses to assess MAT training quality, clinical application time, and how comfortable graduates felt regarding their knowledge, skills, and attitude toward treatment. Integrating training modules from the beginning of the nursing program over several semesters facilitating students with multiple exposures to training materials and offering clinical experiences solidified students' knowledge into practice. Most students were satisfied with the training and felt the training was effective in integrating new knowledge related to MAT. More importantly, it improved students' negative attitudes toward people with OUD and students' desire to pursue being an OUD MAT provider after graduation. The continued assessment and curriculum development of MAT training in nursing programs is crucial in fighting the opioid overdose epidemic. This expansion in interested MAT providers may contribute to improving access for underserved patients seeking MAT treatment with an increase in available providers.
Knowledge and confidence gains after a COVID-19 vaccine continuing education program developed for nurse practitioners
Authors: Roberts Eve N. , Carrico Ruth , Garrett John Hudson , Scalzo Patty
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been marked by rapid innovation in vaccine development. Given that nurse practitioners (NPs) are often involved in vaccine counseling and administration, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners developed a continuing education (CE) series that covered COVID-19 vaccine development, recommendations, administration, and solutions for overcoming hesitancy. In 2020 and 2021, three separate live webinars were delivered; each webinar was updated with the latest vaccine recommendations and was then archived in an enduring format for up to 4 months. The goal of this study was to assess changes in preactivity and postactivity knowledge and confidence and to qualitatively report other learner outcomes. Across the three webinars, 3,580 unique learners who self-reported seeing patients eligible for COVID-19 vaccination completed at least one activity. Knowledge and competence improved from the preactivity to postactivity survey in all webinars, with the overall rates of correct answers increasing by 30% after webinar 1, 37% after webinar 2, and 28% after webinar 3 (allp< .001). Furthermore, mean confidence in learner's ability to address vaccine hesitancy improved across all three webinars (range, 31–32%; allp< .001). The majority of learners indicated that they planned to incorporate lessons from the activity into their clinical practice (range, 85–87%). In postactivity surveys, vaccine hesitancy was identified as an ongoing barrier by up to 33% of learners. In conclusion, this CE activity improved learner knowledge, competence, and confidence related to COVID-19 vaccination and underscores the importance of up-to-date CE targeted to NPs.
The effect of discharge care plans on statin prescription rates
Authors: Alleyne Dwayne
Published: May 2023

Background:

Stroke discharge care bundles have been proposed to address inadequate provider statin prescription rates.

Local problem:

Discontinuation of statins has been associated with a 37% relative risk increase in mortality in patients with a stroke diagnosis. The project site had a statin prescription rate of 86.2%.

Methods:

The project was initiated at a 641-bed regional community teaching medical center. Statin prescription rates upon discharge on patients with the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack or stroke were evaluated and noted to be below the benchmark of 95%. Possible interventions to improve this benchmark were discussed with key stakeholders such as the information technology team, stroke care outcomes team, and neurology service providers. The proposed intervention was incorporated into the electronic health record. Provider prescription rates were tracked monthly along with the use of the proposed intervention. A one-sided z-test was used to analyze the data collected.

Interventions:

A stroke discharge power plan within an electronic health record was modified to increase the rate of statin prescriptions. The key modification included checking off the prescription of a statin on discharge. Reinforcement of its use was done through monthly reminders.

Results:

Use of discharge care plan yielded 100% compliance. Overall compliance was 9.7%. The null hypothesis of the one-sided z-test was 89%. The p-value for all tests was <0.05.

Conclusion:

The use of a stroke discharge care plan within an electronic health record can positively affect secondary stroke prevention by increasing statin prescription rates.