bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Vaccinated, Nonhospitalized Adults Aged 18–50 Years
Authors: Faust Jeremy Samuel , Kumar Ashish , Shah Jui , Khadke Sumanth , Dani Sourbha S , Ganatra Sarju , Sax Paul E
Published: June 2023

Background

The effects of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r [Paxlovid]) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in younger vaccinated adults are unclear. The objective of this study was to assess if NMV/r use in vaccinated adults aged ≤50 years is associated with improved outcomes and to identify beneficial and nonbeneficial subgroups.

Methods

In this cohort study, we generated 2 propensity-matched cohorts of 2547 patients from an 86 119-person cohort assembled from the TriNetX database. Patients in 1 cohort received NMV/r, and patients in the matched control cohort did not. The main outcome was composite of all-cause emergency department visits, hospitalization, and mortality.

Results

The composite outcome was detected in 4.9% of the NMV/r cohort and 7.0% of the non-NMV/r cohort (odds ratio, 0.683 [95% confidence interval, .540–.864]; P = .001), indicating a 30% relative risk reduction. The number needed to treat (NNT) for the primary outcome was 47. Subgroup analyses found significant associations for patients with cancer (NNT = 45), cardiovascular disease (NNT = 30), and both conditions (NNT = 16). No benefit was found for patients with only chronic lower respiratory disorders (asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) or without serious comorbidities. Thirty-two percent of NMV/r prescriptions in the overall database were for 18- to 50-year-olds.

Conclusions

NMV/r use in vaccinated adults aged 18–50 years, especially with serious comorbidities, was associated with reduced all-cause hospital visits, hospitalization, and mortality in the first 30 days of COVID-19 illness. However, NMV/r in patients without significant comorbidities or with only asthma/COPD had no association of benefit. Therefore, identifying high-risk patients should be a priority and overprescription should be avoided.
Long-term follow-up of IgA nephropathy: clinicopathological features and predictors of outcomes
Authors: Haaskjold Yngvar Lunde , Lura Njål Gjærde , Bjørneklett Rune , Bostad Lars Sigurd , Knoop Thomas , Bostad Leif
Published: June 2023

Background

The establishment of the Oxford classification and newly developed prediction models have improved the prognostic information for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Considering new treatment options, optimizing prognostic information and improving existing prediction models are favorable.

Methods

We used random forest survival analysis to select possible predictors of end-stage kidney disease among 37 candidate variables in a cohort of 232 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN retrieved from the Norwegian Kidney Biopsy Registry. The predictive value of variables with relative importance >5% was assessed using concordance statistics and the Akaike information criterion. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to identify correlations between the selected variables.

Results

The median follow-up period was 13.7 years. An isolated analysis of histological variables identified six variables with relative importance >5%: T %, segmental glomerular sclerosis without characteristics associated with other subtypes (not otherwise specified, NOS), normal glomeruli, global sclerotic glomeruli, segmental adherence and perihilar glomerular sclerosis. When histopathological and clinical variables were combined, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria and serum albumin were added to the list. T % showed a better prognostic value than tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T) lesions with C-indices at 0.74 and 0.67 and was highly correlated with eGFR. Analysis of the subtypes of segmental glomerulosclerosis (S) lesions revealed that NOS and perihilar glomerular sclerosis were associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Reporting T lesions as a continuous variable, normal glomeruli and subtypes of S lesions could provide clinicians with additional prognostic information and contribute to the improved performance of the Oxford classification and prognostic tools.
Systematic review of how racialized health inequities are addressed in Epidemiologic Reviews articles (1979–2021): a critical conceptual and empirical content analysis and recommendations for best practices
Authors: Javadi Dena , Murchland Audrey R , Rushovich Tamara , Wright Emily , Shchetinina Anna , Siefkas Anna C , Todd Kieran P , Gitelman Julian , Hall Enjoli , Wynne Jhordan O , Zewge-Abubaker Nishan , Krieger Nancy
Published: June 2023

Critical analysis of the determinants of current and changing racialized health inequities, including the central role of racism, is an urgent priority for epidemiology, for both original research studies and epidemiologic review articles. Motivating our systematic overview review of Epidemiologic Reviews articles is the critical role of epidemiologic reviews in shaping discourse, research priorities, and policy relevant to the social patterning of population health. Our approach was first to document the number of articles published in Epidemiologic Reviews (1979–2021; n = 685) that either: (1) focused the review on racism and health, racial discrimination and health, or racialized health inequities (n = 27; 4%); (2) mentioned racialized groups but did not focus on racism or racialized health inequities (n = 399; 59%); or (3) included no mention of racialized groups or racialized health inequities (n = 250; 37%). We then conducted a critical content analysis of the 27 review articles that focused on racialized health inequities and assessed key characteristics, including (1) concepts, terms, and metrics used regarding racism and racialized groups (notably only 26% addressed the use or nonuse of measures explicitly linked to racism; 15% provided explicit definitions of racialized groups); (2) theories of disease distribution guiding (explicitly or implicitly) the review’s approach; (3) interpretation of findings; and (4) recommendations offered. Guided by our results, we offer recommendations for best practices for epidemiologic review articles for addressing how epidemiologic research does or does not address ubiquitous racialized health inequities.
Physical activity during early life and the risk of all-cause mortality in midlife: findings from a birth cohort study
Authors: Feter Natan , Leite Jayne S , Weymar Marina K , Dumith Samuel C , Umpierre Daniel , Caputo Eduardo L
Published: June 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to examine the association between physical activity during childhood and adolescence and the risk of all-cause mortality in midlife. We analyzed data from a birth cohort (The 1958 National Child Development Survey), including births in England, Wales and Scotland.

Methods

Physical activity was assessed using questionnaires at ages 7, 11 and 16. Death certificates defined all-cause mortality. Cumulative exposure, sensitive and critical periods, and physical activity trajectory from childhood to adolescence were tested using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. The sweep the death was confirmed was defined as the time event.

Results

From age 23 to 55, 8.9% of participants (n = 9398) died. Physical activity in childhood and adolescence affected the risk of all-cause mortality in midlife. In men, physical activity at ages 11 [hazard ratio (HR): 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60–0.98] and 16 (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.46–0.78) was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality. In women, physical activity at age 16 (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.95) was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Physical activity in adolescence eliminated the risk of all-cause mortality associated with physical inactivity in adulthood in women.

Conclusions

Physical activity during childhood and adolescence was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality with different effects by sex.
Divorce Law, the Revolution of 1830 and the Novel: Aloïse de Carlowitz’s Le Pair de France ou Le Divorce (1835)
Authors: Amann Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Divorce was legalized in France during the French Revolution and remained legal (though more restricted) during the Napoleonic period. With the return of the Bourbons in 1815, however, it was almost immediately outlawed. The Revolution of 1830 and the ascension of the more progressive Louis-Philippe d’Orléans led to hopes that divorce would soon be reinstated, but they were quickly disappointed as the conservative Chamber of Peers squashed all attempts at restoring it. This article examines an 1835 novel, Aloïse Christine de Carlowitz’s Le Pair de France ou Le Divorce, which traces the debates about divorce in the years before and after 1830. The first section focuses on Carlowitz’s representation of these discussions and of various perspectives on the law and social reform. The second section considers how Carlowitz relates the divorce plot to the political changes in France between 1830 and 1834 through a series of parallels between historical events and the private drama of the protagonists.
Mediator subunit MDT-15 promotes expression of propionic acid breakdown genes to prevent embryonic lethality in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Goh Grace Ying Shyen , Beigi Arshia , Yan Junran , Doering Kelsie R S , Taubert Stefan
Published: June 2023

The micronutrient vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for two enzymes: methionine synthase, which plays a key role in the one-carbon cycle; and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme in a pathway that breaks down branched-chain amino acids and odd-chain fatty acids. A second, vitamin B12-independent pathway that degrades propionic acid was recently described in Caenorhabditis elegans, the propionate shunt pathway. Activation of five shunt pathway genes in response to low vitamin B12 availability or high propionic acid levels is accomplished by a transcriptional regulatory mechanism involving two nuclear hormone receptors, NHR-10 and NHR-68. Here, we report that the C. elegans Mediator subunit mdt-15 is also essential for the activation of the propionate shunt pathway genes, likely by acting as a transcriptional coregulator for NHR-10. C. elegans mdt-15 mutants fed with a low vitamin B12 diet have transcriptomes resembling those of wild-type worms fed with a high vitamin B12 diet, with low expression of the shunt genes. Phenotypically, the embryonic lethality of mdt-15 mutants is specifically rescued by diets high in vitamin B12, but not by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, which rescue many other phenotypes of the mdt-15 mutants. Finally, NHR-10 binds to MDT-15 in yeast two-hybrid assays, and the transcriptomes of nhr-10 mutants share overlap with those of mdt-15 mutants. Our data show that MDT-15 is a key coregulator for an NHR regulating propionic acid detoxification, adding to roles played by NHR:MDT-15 partnerships in metabolic regulation and pinpointing vitamin B12 availability as a requirement for mdt-15 dependent embryonic development.
A natural variation-based screen in mouse cells reveals USF2 as a regulator of the DNA damage response and cellular senescence
Authors: Kang Taekyu , Moore Emily C , Kopania Emily E K , King Christina D , Schilling Birgit , Campisi Judith , Good Jeffrey M , Brem Rachel B
Published: June 2023

Cellular senescence is a program of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis resistance, and cytokine release induced by stress exposure in metazoan cells. Landmark studies in laboratory mice have characterized a number of master senescence regulators, including p16INK4a, p21, NF-κB, p53, and C/EBPβ. To discover other molecular players in senescence, we developed a screening approach to harness the evolutionary divergence between mouse species. We found that primary cells from the Mediterranean mouse Mus spretus, when treated with DNA damage to induce senescence, produced less cytokine and had less-active lysosomes than cells from laboratory Mus musculus. We used allele-specific expression profiling to catalog senescence-dependent cis-regulatory variation between the species at thousands of genes. We then tested for correlation between these expression changes and interspecies sequence variants in the binding sites of transcription factors. Among the emergent candidate senescence regulators, we chose a little-studied cell cycle factor, upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2), for molecular validation. In acute irradiation experiments, cells lacking USF2 had compromised DNA damage repair and response. Longer-term senescent cultures without USF2 mounted an exaggerated senescence regulatory program—shutting down cell cycle and DNA repair pathways, and turning up cytokine expression, more avidly than wild-type. We interpret these findings under a model of pro-repair, anti-senescence regulatory function by USF2. Our study affords new insights into the mechanisms by which cells commit to senescence, and serves as a validated proof of concept for natural variation-based regulator screens.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of longnose gar, Lepisosteus osseus
Authors: Mallik Rittika , Carlson Kara B , Wcisel Dustin J , Fisk Michael , Yoder Jeffrey A , Dornburg Alex
Published: June 2023

Holosteans (gars and bowfins) represent the sister lineage to teleost fishes, the latter being a clade that comprises over half of all living vertebrates and includes important models for comparative genomics and human health. A major distinction between the evolutionary history of teleosts and holosteans is that all teleosts experienced a genome duplication event in their early evolutionary history. As the teleost genome duplication occurred after teleosts diverged from holosteans, holosteans have been heralded as a means to bridge teleost models to other vertebrate genomes. However, only three species of holosteans have been genome-sequenced to date, and sequencing of more species is needed to fill sequence sampling gaps and provide a broader comparative basis for understanding holostean genome evolution. Here we report the first high quality reference genome assembly and annotation of the longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus). Our final assembly consists of 22,709 scaffolds with a total length of 945 bp with contig N50 of 116.61 kb. Using BRAKER2, we annotated a total of 30,068 genes. Analysis of the repetitive regions of the genome reveals the genome to contain 29.12% transposable elements, and the longnose gar to be the only other known vertebrate outside of the spotted gar and bowfin to contain CR1, L2, Rex1, and Babar. These results highlight the potential utility of holostean genomes for understanding the evolution of vertebrate repetitive elements, and provide a critical reference for comparative genomic studies utilizing ray-finned fish models.
A chromosome-level genome assembly for the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Authors: Squires Theodore E , Rödin-Mörch Patrik , Formenti Giulio , Tracey Alan , Abueg Linelle , Brajuka Nadolina , Jarvis Erich , Halapi Eva C , Melsted Páll , Höglund Jacob , Magnússon Kristinn Pétur
Published: June 2023

The Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is a cold-adapted, largely sedentary, game bird with a Holarctic distribution. The species represents an important example of an organism likely to be affected by ongoing climatic shifts across a disparate range. We provide here a high-quality reference genome and mitogenome for the Rock Ptarmigan assembled from PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing of a female bird from Iceland. The total size of the genome is 1.03 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 71.23 Mb and a contig N50 of 17.91 Mb. The final scaffolds represent all 40 predicted chromosomes, and the mitochondria with a BUSCO score of 98.6%. Gene annotation resulted in 16,078 protein-coding genes out of a total 19,831 predicted (81.08% excluding pseudogenes). The genome included 21.07% repeat sequences, and the average length of genes, exons, and introns were 33605, 394, and 4265 bp, respectively. The availability of a new reference-quality genome will contribute to understanding the Rock Ptarmigan's unique evolutionary history, vulnerability to climate change, and demographic trajectories around the globe while serving as a benchmark for species in the family Phasianidae (order Galliformes).
Quantification of spatial and seasonal trends in the atmosphere and construction of statistical models for infrasonic propagation
Authors: Blom Philip , Waxler Roger , Frazier Garth
Published: June 2023

Infrasonic waves are influenced by variations in the density, pressure and temperature as well as the ambient winds. Modelling infrasonic propagation can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of the atmosphere as well as the sparseness of measurements which result in variability and notable uncertainty. A framework is presented to quantify spatial and seasonal trends in atmospheric structure via analysis of the effective sound speed profile and identification of temporal trends in the middle atmospheric waveguide produced by the circumpolar vortex winds. Seasonal definitions identifying typical atmospheric structures during the summer, winter and spring/fall transition periods are identified using atmospheric data from 2010 through 2020. Seasonal trend analysis is conducted for a number of locations across the contiguous United States to quantify spatial variations in atmospheric structure that impact infrasonic propagation. For each season and location, empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to reduce the historical archive of atmospheric data into a smaller representative set that can be analysed using numerical tools more efficiently. Infrasonic ray tracing and finite-frequency modal propagation analyses are applied to construct propagation path geometry and transmission loss statistics which are useful in localization and yield estimation for infrasonic sources, respectively. An example application is detailed in which transmission loss statistics are combined with an explosive source model and noise statistics to quantify the capability of a network to detect nearby sources.
The PERK pathway: beneficial or detrimental for neurodegenerative diseases and tumor growth and cancer
Authors: Talukdar Gourango , Orr Harry T , Lei Zhixin
Published: June 2023

Protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) is one of the three major sensors in the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is involved in the modulation of protein synthesis as an adaptive response. Prolonged PERK activity correlates with the development of diseases and the attenuation of disease severity. Thus, the current debate focuses on the role of the PERK signaling pathway either in accelerating or preventing diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, myelin disorders, and tumor growth and cancer. In this review, we examine the current findings on the PERK signaling pathway and whether it is beneficial or detrimental for the above-mentioned disorders.
Systematic exclusion at study commencement masks earlier menopause for Black women in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
Authors: Reeves Alexis , Elliott Michael R , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie A , Harlow Siobán D
Published: June 2023

Background

Shorter average lifespans for minoritized populations are hypothesized to stem from ‘weathering’ or accelerated health declines among minoritized individuals due to systemic marginalization. However, evidence is mixed on whether racial/ethnic differences exist in reproductive ageing, potentially due to selection biases in cohort studies that may systematically exclude ‘weathered’ participants. This study examines racial/ethnic disparities in the age of menopause after accounting for differential selection ‘into’ (left truncation) and ‘out of’ (right censoring) a cohort of midlife women.

Methods

Using data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) cross-sectional screener (N = 15 695) and accompanying ∼20-year longitudinal cohort (N = 3302) (1995–2016), we adjusted for potential selection bias using inverse probability weighting (left truncation) to account for socio-demographic/health differences between the screening and cohort study, and multiple imputation (right censoring) to estimate racial/ethnic differences in age at menopause (natural and surgical).

Results

Unadjusted for selection, no Black/White differences in menopausal timing [hazard ratio (HR)=0.98 (0.86, 1.11)] were observed. After adjustment, Black women had an earlier natural [HR = 1.13 (1.00, 1.26)] and surgical [HR= 3.21 (2.80, 3.62)] menopause than White women with natural menopause—corresponding to a 1.2-year Black/White difference in menopause timing overall.

Conclusions

Failure to account for multiple forms of selection bias masked racial/ethnic disparities in the timing of menopause in SWAN. Results suggest that there may be racial differences in age at menopause and that selection particularly affected the estimated menopausal age for women who experienced earlier menopause. Cohorts should consider incorporating methods to account for all selection biases, including left truncation, as they impact our understanding of health in ‘weathered’ populations.
Analysis of Taurine in Infant Formulas and Adult Nutritionals by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: First Action 2022.03
Authors: Gill Brendon D , Wood Jackie E
Published: June 2023

Background

Taurine is recognized as an essential growth factor and as being critical in the maintenance of functional tissue regulation.

Objective

To evaluate the analytical performance of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method for compliance with AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®) for taurine analysis described in SMPR 2014.013.

Method

Following protein precipitation with Carrez solutions, taurine is extracted and separated by HILIC with detection by triple quadrupole MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Stable isotope labeled (SIL) taurine internal standard is used for quantification to correct for losses in extraction and variations in ionization in the ion source.

Results

The method was shown to meet the requirements specified in the SMPR with a linear range of 0.27–2700 mg/hg RTF (ready-to-feed), a limit of detection of 0.14 mg/hg RTF, acceptable recovery of 97.2–100.1%, and acceptable repeatability of 1.6–6.4% relative standard deviation. Additionally, the method was found to have no statistically significant bias compared with reference values for National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 1849a certified reference material (CRM) (P-value = 0.95) and 1869 CRM (P-value = 0.31), and with results from AOAC 997.05 (P-value = 0.10).

Conclusions

A recent review of the method and validation data by the Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) Expert Review Panel (ERP) found that this method met all the criteria for analysis of taurine specified in SMPR 2014.013 and voted to adopt this method as First Action AOAC Official MethodSM2022.03.

Highlights

A method for the analysis of taurine in infant formulas and adult nutritionals by HILIC–MS/MS is described. A single-laboratory validation (SLV) study demonstrated the applicability of the method to meet requirements of SMPR 2014.013. In December 2022, the SPIFAN ERP voted to adopt this method as First Action AOAC Official Method 2022.03.
Risks of alcohol and drug use disorders in prostate cancer survivors: a national cohort study
Authors: Crump Casey , Stattin Pär , Brooks James D , Sundquist Jan , Edwards Alexis C , Sieh Weiva , Sundquist Kristina
Published: June 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) survivors may potentially use substances to cope with psychological distress or poorly controlled physical symptoms. Little is known, however, about the long-term risks of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or drug use disorders in men with PC.

Methods

A national cohort study was conducted in Sweden of 180 189 men diagnosed with PC between 1998 and 2017 and 1 801 890 age-matched population-based control men. AUD and drug use disorders were ascertained from nationwide records through 2018. Cox regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) while adjusting for sociodemographic factors and prior psychiatric disorders. Subanalyses examined differences by PC treatment from 2005 to 2017.

Results

Men with high-risk PC had increased risks of both AUD (adjusted HR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33 to 1.57) and drug use disorders (adjusted HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.67 to 2.24). Their AUD risk was highest in the first year and was no longer significantly elevated 5 years after PC diagnosis, whereas their drug use disorders risk remained elevated 10 years after PC diagnosis (adjusted HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.45 to 3.52), particularly opioid use disorder (adjusted HR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.61 to 5.84). Those treated only with androgen-deprivation therapy had the highest risks of AUD (adjusted HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.62 to 2.25) and drug use disorders (adjusted HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.70 to 2.92). Low- or intermediate-risk PC was associated with modestly increased risks of AUD (adjusted HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.30 to 1.46) and drug use disorders (adjusted HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.34).

Conclusions

In this large cohort, men with PC had significantly increased risks of both AUD and drug use disorders, especially those with high-risk PC and treated only with androgen-deprivation therapy. PC survivors need long-term psychosocial support and timely detection and treatment of AUD and drug use disorders.
Multivariate Small-Area Estimation for Mixed-type Response Variables with Item Nonresponse
Authors: Sun Hao , Berg Emily , Zhu Zhengyuan
Published: June 2023

Many surveys collect information on discrete characteristics and continuous variables, that is, mixed-type variables. Small-area statistics of interest include means or proportions of the response variables as well as their domain means, which are the mean values at each level of a different categorical variable. However, item nonresponse in survey data increases the complexity of small-area estimation. To address this issue, we propose a multivariate mixed-effects model for mixed-type response variables subject to item nonresponse. We apply this method to two data structures where the data are missing completely at random by design. We use empirical data from two separate studies: a survey of pet owners and a dataset from the National Resources Inventory. In these applications, our proposed method leads to improvements relative to a direct estimator and a predictor based on a univariate model.
(026) Perceptions of Sexual Consent for Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities
Authors: Blauenstein L
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The literature has not examined the perceived differences of sexual consent across people of diverse social groups in great depth.

Objectives

This study explored how sexual consent communication is perceived for people across various gender identities and sexual orientations.

Methods

College students were recruited to participate in a survey by which they were asked to respond to a cisgender, heterosexual version or a sexual minority version of vignettes based on ambiguous sexual consent themes. Participants were asked to identify the degree to which they believed the sexual encounters in the vignettes were consensual, the degree by which the aggressors consented to the sexual encounters, and the degree by which the victims consented to the sexual encounters.

Results

The study findings indicate that five of the sixteen vignette themes showed statistically significant differences in participant perception. Participants perceived the retraction of sexual consent theme differently between the cisgender, heterosexual and sexual minority vignette version, in that the sexual minority characters (gay) were perceived to have consented at a higher degree than the cisgender, heterosexual characters. In looking at the characters in the aggressor role in the vignettes, the cisgender, heterosexual characters were perceived to have consented to the sexual scenarios at a higher degree than characters of sexual minority groups in the emotional dysregulation (male to female transgender), retraction of sexual consent (gay), bribe or blackmail (lesbian), and rape fantasy (queer) themes. In looking at the characters in the victim role in the vignettes, the character of a sexual minority group (questioning sexual orientation) in the fully consensual theme was perceived to have consented at a higher degree than the cisgender, heterosexual character.

Conclusions

College students’ expectations of sexual consent communication may differ depending on the sexual orientation and gender identities of the individuals involved. Self-identification with a particular social group may indicate a higher expectancy for that group to communicate sexual consent with less ambiguity.

Disclosure

No.
Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences
Authors: Rauch Sheila A.M. , Rothbaum Barbara Olasov
Published: June 2023

Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences is a self-help tool for all of us to help deal with the difficulties that are part of the human experience. Difficult experiences and trauma have always been a part of life. Most people will experience at least one if not multiple traumatic events in their lives. This self-guided program provides a map to help you move through difficult and potentially traumatic experiences for people who wish to work through them independently (outside of a formal therapeutic setting) and emerge on the other side. Difficult experiences may have resulted from the COVID pandemic, sexual or physical assault, loss of a job, life-threatening illness, divorce, motor vehicle crash, loss of a loved one, combat, and any other event that sticks in your brain and prevents you from moving on. Using their combined experience of more than 50 years in working with people suffering with difficult experiences, Drs. Rauch and Rothbaum created this book to move the most effective tools they use with patients out of the mental health office and into the world. The program includes exercises to help you work through difficult memories and also provides specific positive coping tools that you can try to see what positive coping strategies work best for you and fit your life. As the post-pandemic world emerges and people prepare to get back out and into our lives again, Making Meaning has resources for all of us.
Association of Genotype, High-G Tolerance, and Body Composition in Jet Aircraft Aviators
Authors: Shin Seunghwan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pilots of high-performance F15 and F16 jets must undergo periodic assessment of +8.5 Gz tolerance in a centrifuge, which is classified as a high-intensity exercise. Prior research has indicated that exercise performance may be correlated with alpha-actinin3 (ACTN3) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes, frequently termed the sports genes. This study aimed to investigate how ACTN3 and ACE genotypes correlate with high-g tolerance of Korean F15 and F16 pilots.

Materials and Methods

A total of 81 Korean F15 and F16 pilots (ages 25–39 years) volunteered to participate in human centrifuge testing at +8.5 Gz. Exercise tolerance was calculated as the mean breathing interval during high-g tests, the target gene genotypes (ACTN3 and ACE) were identified, and body composition measurements were measured. The relationship among the ACTN3 and ACE genotypes, high-g tolerance, and body compositions were evaluated.

Results

The ACTN3 genotypes identified included 23 RR (28.4%), 41 RX (50.6%), and 17 XX (21.0%). The ACE genotypes identified included 13 DD (16.0%), 39 DI (48.2%), and 29 II (35.8%). Both genes satisfied an equilibrium check. In multivariate analysis by Roy’s max, the interaction of the target genes (ACTN3 and ACE) was significant (P < .05). The ACTN3 gene showed significance (P < .05), while ACE tended toward significance with a correlation of P = .057 with high-g tolerance(s). Body composition parameters including height, body weight, muscle mass, body mass index, body fat (%), and basal metabolic rate showed no significant correlation with either genotype.

Conclusion

In a preliminary study, the RR ACTN3 genotype showed a significant correlation with +8.5 Gz tolerance. Pilots with the DI genotype showed the highest high-g tolerance in this test; however, the test pass rate was higher in pilots with the DD genotype in the preliminary study. This result shows the possibility of test passing and tolerance superiority consisting of two different factors in the relationship between high-g tolerance and ACE genotype. This study showed that pilots with the RR + DI genotype had the highest high-g tolerance, which correlated with the presence of the R and D alleles of the ACTN3 and ACE genes, respectively. However, body composition parameters were not significantly correlated with genotype. These results could suggest a plural gene effect on high-g tolerance; further follow-up is required to determine the practical usage and applications of these results.
Performance of the beta-glucan test for the diagnosis of invasive fusariosis and scedosporiosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lamoth Frederic , Nucci Marcio , Fernandez-Cruz Ana , Azoulay Elie , Lanternier Fanny , Bremerich Jens , Einsele Hermann , Johnson Elizabeth , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Mercier Toine , Porto Luciana , Verweij Paul E , White Lewis , Maertens Johan , Alanio Alexandre ,   the 9th European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL-9), Aerts Robina , Akova Murat , Alanio Alexandre , Averbuch Diana , Blennow Ola , Bretagne Stéphane , Busca Alessandro , Calandra Thierry , Cesaro Simone , Cordonnier Catherine , De La Camara Rafael , Garcia-Vidal Caroline , Gil Lidia , Groll Andreas , Herbrecht Raoul , Hirsch Hans , Hubacek Peter , Indolfi Giuseppe , Kassa Csaba , Lagrou Katrien , Lamoth Frederic , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Ljungman Per , Maertens Johan , Mallet Vincent , Martino Rodrigo , Mehra Varun , Mercier Toine , Mikulska Malgorzata , Nucci Marcio , Pagano Livio , Perruccio Katia , PiÑana Jose Luis , Porto Luciana , Robin Christine , Roilides Emmanuel , Slavin Monica , Styczynski Jan , Tverdek Frank , Verweij Paul , Vissing Nadja Hawwa , White Lewis , Xhaard Alienor , Spychala Olga Zajac
Published: June 2023

The (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) is a component of the fungal cell wall that can be detected in serum and used as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of invasive mold infections (IMI) in patients with hematologic cancer or other immunosuppressive conditions. However, its use is limited by modest sensitivity/specificity, inability to differentiate between fungal pathogens, and lack of detection of mucormycosis. Data about BDG performance for other relevant IMI, such as invasive fusariosis (IF) and invasive scedosporiosis/lomentosporiosis (IS) are scarce.

The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of BDG for the diagnosis of IF and IS through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Immunosuppressed patients diagnosed with proven or probable IF and IS, with interpretable BDG data were eligible. A total of 73 IF and 27 IS cases were included. The sensitivity of BDG for IF and IS diagnosis was 76.7% and 81.5%, respectively. In comparison, the sensitivity of serum galactomannan for IF was 27%. Importantly, BDG positivity preceded the diagnosis by conventional methods (culture or histopathology) in 73% and 94% of IF and IS cases, respectively. Specificity was not assessed because of lacking data. In conclusion, BDG testing may be useful in patients with suspected IF or IS. Combining BDG and galactomannan testing may also help differentiating between the different types of IMI.
Machine learning classification of repeating FRBs from FRB 121102
Authors: Raquel Bjorn Jasper R , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Goto Tomotsugu , Chen Bo Han , Uno Yuri , Hsiao Tiger Yu-Yang , Kim Seong Jin , Ho Simon C-C
Published: June 2023

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are mysterious bursts in the millisecond time-scale at radio wavelengths. Currently, there is little understanding about the classification of repeating FRBs, based on difference in physics, which is of great importance in understanding their origin. Recent works from the literature focus on using specific parameters to classify FRBs to draw inferences on the possible physical mechanisms or properties of these FRB subtypes. In this study, we use publicly available 1652 repeating FRBs from FRB 121102 detected with the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), and studied them with an unsupervised machine learning model. By fine-tuning the hyperparameters of the model, we found that there is an indication for four clusters from the bursts of FRB 121102 instead of the two clusters (‘Classical’ and ‘Atypical’) suggested in the literature. Wherein, the ‘Atypical’ cluster can be further classified into three sub-clusters with distinct characteristics. Our findings show that the clustering result we obtained is more comprehensive not only because our study produced results which are consistent with those in the literature but also because our work uses more physical parameters to create these clusters. Overall, our methods and analyses produced a more holistic approach in clustering the repeating FRBs of FRB 121102.
Study of recently discovered Be/X-ray pulsar MAXI J0655-013 using NuSTAR
Authors: Rai Binay , Tobrej Mohammed , Ghising Manoj , Tamang Ruchi , Paul Bikash Chandra
Published: June 2023

We study the recently discovered Be/X-ray pulsar MAXI J0655-013 using the 2022 NuSTAR observations. This paper is the first detailed study of the timing and spectral properties of the source. The pulse profiles of the pulsar vary with energy. The pulsed fraction is found to increase monotonically with energy. In between the two NuSTAR observations, a large spin-up rate of ∼−1.23 s d−1 is observed, which can be due to large spin-up torque acting on the pulsar during an outburst. Such a large spin-up rate is observed for the first time in an X-ray pulsar during an outburst. The variation of the spin period with time can be employed to obtain the orbital parameters of the binary system, and we found the orbital period to be ∼27.9 d. The second NuSTAR observation is done in a low-luminosity state (LX ∼ 3.9 × 1034 $\text{erg}\, \text{s}^{-1}\,$). We have detected the pulsation of the pulsar in such a low-luminosity state. In such a low-luminosity state, the pulsar MAXI J0655-013 might be accreting from the cold disc.
The SkyMapper search for extremely metal-poor stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Oh W S , Nordlander T , Da Costa G S , Bessell M S , Mackey A D
Published: June 2023

We present results of a search for extremely metal-poor stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which can provide crucial information about the properties of the first stars as well as on the formation conditions prevalent during the earliest stages of star formation in dwarf galaxies. Our search utilized SkyMapper photometry, together with parallax and proper motion cuts (from Gaia), colour–magnitude cuts (by selecting the red giant branch region), and finally a metallicity-sensitive cut. Low-resolution spectra of a sample of photometric candidates were taken using the ANU 2.3m telescope/WiFeS spectrograph, from which seven stars with $\rm [Fe/H] \le -2.75$ were identified, two of which have $\rm [Fe/H] \le -3$. Radial velocities, derived from the Ca ii triplet lines, closely match the outer rotation curve of the LMC for the majority of the candidates in our sample. Therefore, our targets are robustly members of the LMC based on their 6D phase-space information (coordinates, spectrophotometric distance, proper motions, and radial velocities), and they constitute the most metal-poor stars so far discovered in this galaxy.
Visualization of charge carriers in photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Si-Ming , Antonietti Markus , Yang Xiao-Yu
Published: June 2023

Surface photovoltage techniques combined with time-resolved spectroscopy methods provide an effective way to visualize the charge transfer dynamics in photocatalytic reactions.
Contrasting Responses of Two Grapevine Cultivars to Drought: The Role of Non-structural Carbohydrates in Xylem Hydraulic Recovery
Authors: Vuerich Marco , Petrussa Elisa , Boscutti Francesco , Braidot Enrico , Filippi Antonio , Petruzzellis Francesco , Tomasella Martina , Tromba Giuliana , Pizzuto Mauro , Nardini Andrea , Secchi Francesca , Casolo Valentino
Published: June 2023

Xylem embolism is one of the possible outcomes of decreasing xylem pressure when plants face drought. Recent studies have proposed a role for non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) in osmotic pressure generation, required for refilling embolized conduits. Potted cuttings of grapevine Grenache and Barbera, selected for their adaptation to different climatic conditions, were subjected to a drought stress followed by re-irrigation. Stem embolism rate and its recovery were monitored in vivo by X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The same plants were further analyzed for xylem conduit dimension and NSC content. Both cultivars significantly decreased Ψpd in response to drought and recovered from xylem embolism after re-irrigation. However, although the mean vessel diameter was similar between the cultivars, Barbera was more prone to embolism. Surprisingly, vessel diameter was apparently reduced during recovery in this cultivar. Hydraulic recovery was linked to sugar content in both cultivars, showing a positive relationship between soluble NSCs and the degree of xylem embolism. However, when starch and sucrose concentrations were considered separately, the relationships showed cultivar-specific and contrasting trends. We showed that the two cultivars adopted different NSC-use strategies in response to drought, suggesting two possible scenarios driving conduit refilling. In Grenache, sucrose accumulation seems to be directly linked to embolism formation and possibly sustains refilling. In Barbera, maltose/maltodextrins could be involved in a conduit recovery strategy via the formation of cell-wall hydrogels, likely responsible for the reduction of conduit lumen detected by micro-CT.
Solar Occultation Experiments (SOE) in the Venusian Atmosphere: effect of orbital parameters on the spatiotemporal distribution of measurements
Authors: Pradeep Jayadev , Sunilkumar S V
Published: June 2023

Solar occultation is a satellite-based technique for high-resolution vertical profiling of planetary atmospheres. Owing to the distinctive observational geometry, the deduction of the spatiotemporal coverage of solar occultation measurements as a function of the spacecraft orbit is non-trivial. In this work, we have implemented python-based 3D simulations of the occultation-viewing geometry for a hypothetical Solar Occultation Experiment (SOE) to study the atmosphere of Venus. The simulations incorporate planetary motions and orbital propagation using the astropy and poliastro packages, and compute the instantaneous line-of-sight (LoS) tangent point using 3D vector algebra. SPICAV/SOIR data from Venus Express was used to validate the simulations, showing excellent agreement. Using the simulations, we conducted a first-of-its-kind theoretical study on the effect of varying different spacecraft orbital elements on the spatiotemporal distribution of solar occultation measurements in the Venusian atmosphere, confirming a highly sensitive dependence. The semimajor axis (a) and inclination (i) of the spacecraft orbit are found to influence the latitudinal extent of observations and the nature/duration of occultation seasons, while the eccentricity (e) and argument of periapsis (ω) determine the distinct regions of sparse observations. The spatiotemporal spread of individual SOE profiles is found to depend on the orbital parameters as well as the solar beta angle. Our results show that spacecraft orbits can be designed with appropriate parameters to optimize the coverage of SOE measurements in view of achieving specific science goals, providing valuable inputs for future missions to Venus that aim to implement the solar occultation technique.
Inspecting spectra with sound: proof-of-concept and extension to datacubes
Authors: Trayford James W , Harrison C M , Hinz R C , Kavanagh Blatt M , Dougherty S , Girdhar A
Published: June 2023

We present a novel approach to inspecting galaxy spectra using sound, via their direct audio representation (‘spectral audification’). We discuss the potential of this as a complement to (or stand-in for) visual approaches. We surveyed 58 respondents who use the audio representation alone to rate 30 optical galaxy spectra with strong emission lines. Across three tests, each focusing on different quantities measured from the spectra (signal-to-noise ratio, emission-line width, and flux ratios), we find that user ratings are well correlated with measured quantities. This demonstrates that physical information can be independently gleaned from listening to spectral audifications. We note the importance of context when rating these sonifications, where the order examples are heard can influence responses. Finally, we adapt the method used in this promising pilot study to spectral datacubes. We suggest that audification allows efficient exploration of complex, spatially resolved spectral data.
Phage display technology for fabricating a recombinant monoclonal ScFv antibody against tetanus toxin
Authors: Nejad Hamideh Rouhani , Mehrabadi Jalil Fallah , Saeedi Pardis , Zanganeh Saeed
Published: June 2023

Tetanus is a specific infectious disease, often associated with lower immunization in developing countries and catastrophic events (such as earthquakes). Millions of people, especially children, die every year from tetanus disease. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a rapid and sensitive detection method for tetanus toxin to ensure an early diagnosis and clinical treatment of tetanus. The current study looks at developing a novel, high specific, low-cost, and sensitive ScFv antibody. It is capable of tetanus detection immunoassays in clinical diagnosis, suspicious foods, and water monitoring. For this regard, a high-quality phage display antibody library (8.7 × 107 PFU/ml) was constructed. Tetanus-specific antibodies with high affinity retrieved from libraries. After phage rescue and four rounds of biopanning, clone screening was performed by phage ELISA. Recombinant antibodies expressed from the AC8 clone showed the highest affinity for tetanus. SDS-PAGE and western blotting confirmed the presence of a high-quality, pure ScFv band at 32 kDa. ELISA was used to determine the affinity value, estimated to be around 10−8 M. The results suggest that the proposed detection method by ScFv antibodies is an alternative diagnostic tool enabling rapid and specific detection of the tetanus toxin.