bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT enabled smart solar water heater system using real time ThingSpeak IoT platform
Authors: Chandrasekaran Gokul , Kumar Neelam Sanjeev , A Chokkalingam , V Gowrishankar , Priyadarshi Neeraj , Khan Baseem
Published: June 2023

This dissertation aims to reuse the cold water which will initially present inside the water heater and reduce its wastage by sending it back to the water tank. The water heater temperature could be customized based on the number of users either manually or in an automated way using Internet of Things (IoT) techniques. The system is designed and operated using open‐source hardware and an IoT platform. The smart solar water heater with IoT capabilities continuously monitors the tank level, temperature, and pH level, and the data collected by the IoT node is uploaded/published to ThingSpeak. The IoT cloud analyses the sensor value and instructs the control unit of the smart solar system. The IoT enabled solar water heating system efficiency is high for smart homes and Industry 4.0. The main advantages of this model include handling multiple users, reducing the wastage of cold water, and purifying the water based on TDS level and this model aims to make it possible to control the proposed system from anywhere and at any time. The highest efficiency of the respective solar water heater could be well utilized.
Linear and nonlinear kinetic Alfvén waves at Venus
Authors: Fayad A. A. , Moslem W. M. , Fichtner H. , Lazar M.
Published: June 2023

Space observations show that Venus suffers significant atmospheric erosion caused by the solar wind forcing. Plasma acceleration is found to be one of the main mechanisms contributing to the global atmospheric loss at Venus through its magnetotail. Motivated by these observations, we propose that kinetic Alfvén waves (KAW) may be a possible candidate for charged particle energization at the upper atmosphere of Venus. To test this hypothesis, we explored the basic features of both linear and nonlinear KAW structures at Venus. We considered a low-but-finite β plasma consisting of ionospheric populations (consisting of hydrogen H+, oxygen O−, and isothermal ionospheric electrons) and solar wind populations (protons and isothermal electrons). In the linear regime, we obtain a linear dispersion relation that exhibits a dependence on the intrinsic plasma configuration at Venus. The linear analysis predicts wave structures with wavelengths of ~10–102 km and frequencies of up to ~5 Hz. In the nonlinear regime, small-but-finite-amplitude solitary excitations with their corresponding bipolar electric field are obtained through the reductive perturbation technique. We discuss the influence of the intrinsic plasma parameters (the ionic concentration, solar wind electron temperature, magnetic field strength, and obliqueness) on the nature of the structures of the solitary KAWs and their corresponding electric field. We find that the ambipolar field is amplified with increasing propagation angle, magnetic field strength, and relative temperature of electrons. Our theoretical analysis predicts the propagation of elliptically polarized ultra-low-frequency (ULF) solitary structures with a maximum magnitude of ~0.01–0.034 mV m−1 and a time duration of 20–30 s. The result of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) power spectra of the ambipolar parallel electric field is broadband electromagnetic noise in the frequency range of ~0.5–2 Hz.
In situ enrichment in heavy elements of hot Jupiters
Authors: Morbidelli A. , Batygin K. , Lega E.
Published: June 2023

Context. Radius and mass measurements of short-period giant planets reveal that many of these planets contain a large amount of heavy elements. Although the range of inferred metallicities is broad, planets with more than 100 M⊕ of heavy elements are not rare. This is in sharp contrast with the expectations of the conventional core-accretion model for the origin of giant planets.

Aims. The proposed explanations for the heavy-element enrichment of giant planets fall short of explaining the most enriched planets. We look for additional processes that can explain the full envelope of inferred enrichments.

Methods. We revisited the dynamics of pebbles and dust in the vicinity of giant planets using analytic estimates and published results on the profile of a gap opened by a giant planet, the radial velocity of the gas with respect to the planet, the Stokes number of particles in the different parts of the disk, and the consequent dust/gas ratio. Although our results are derived in the framework of a viscous α-disk, we also discuss the case of disks driven by angular momentum removal in magnetized winds.

Results. When giant planets are far from the star, dust and pebbles are confined to a pressure bump at the outer edge of the planet-induced gap. When the planets reach the inner part of the disk (rp ≪ 2 au), dust instead penetrates into the gap together with the gas. The dust/gas ratio can be enhanced by more than an order of magnitude if the radial drift of dust is not impeded farther out by other barriers. Thus, hot planets undergoing runaway gas accretion can swallow a large amount of dust, acquiring ~100 M⊕ of heavy elements by the time they reach Jupiter masses.

Conclusions. Whereas the gas accreted by giant planets in the outer disk is very dust-poor, that accreted by hot planets can be extremely dust-rich. Thus, provided that a large fraction of the atmosphere of hot Jupiters is accreted in situ, a large amount of dust can be accreted as well. We draw a distinction between this process and pebble accretion (i.e., the capture of dust without the accretion of gas), which is ineffective at small stellocentric radii, even for super-Earths. Giant planets farther out in the disk are extremely effective barriers against the flow of pebbles and dust across their gap. Saturn and Jupiter, after locking into a mutual mean motion resonance and reversing their migration, could have accreted small pebble debris.
Issues for consideration about use of ChatGPT. Comment on ‘Performance of ChatGPT on Specialty Certificate Examination in Dermatology multiple-choice questions’
Authors: Kleebayoon Amnuay , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: June 2023

This letter comments on a publication about ChatGPT. Issues relating to using ChatGPT and the Specialty Certificate Examination are discussed.
Effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy on hair growth: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Tang Gia Toan , Zwickl Sav , Sinclair Rodney , Zajac Jeffrey D , Cheung Ada S
Published: June 2023

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) leads to changes in body composition, secondary sex characteristics and in the distribution and pattern of hair growth. Transgender individuals undergoing GAHT may experience altered hair growth patterns that may be affirming and desirable, or undesirable with a subsequent impact on their quality of life. Given increasing numbers of transgender individuals commencing GAHT worldwide and the clinical relevance of the impact of GAHT on hair growth, we systematically reviewed the existing literature on the impact of GAHT on hair changes and androgenic alopecia (AGA). The majority of studies used grading schemes or subjective measures of hair changes based on patient or investigator’s examination. Very few studies used objective quantitative measures of hair parameters but demonstrated statistically significant changes in hair growth length, diameter and density. Feminizing GAHT with estradiol and/or antiandrogens in transgender women may reduce facial and body hair growth and also can improve AGA. Masculinizing GAHT with testosterone in transgender men may increase facial and body hair growth as well as induce or accelerate AGA. The impact of GAHT on hair growth may not align with a transgender person’s hair growth goals and specific treatment for AGA and/or hirsutism may be sought. Further research on how GAHT affects hair growth is required.
Antibiotic Myths for the Infectious Diseases Clinician
Authors: McCreary Erin K , Johnson Melissa D , Jones Travis M , Spires S Shaefer , Davis Angelina E , Dyer April P , Ashley Elizabeth Dodds , Gallagher Jason C
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobials are commonly prescribed and often misunderstood. With more than 50% of hospitalized patients receiving an antimicrobial agent at any point in time, judicious and optimal use of these drugs is paramount to advancing patient care. This narrative will focus on myths relevant to nuanced consultation from infectious diseases specialists, particularly surrounding specific considerations for a variety of antibiotics.
J.M. Keynes’ Tract on Monetary Reform (1923) After 100 Years—A Retrospective
Authors: Bibow Jörg
Published: June 2023

This article revisits the main themes and theories that Keynes presented in the Tract on Monetary Reform one hundred years ago. It argues that the Tract remains highly relevant today for mainly three reasons. First, the Tract remains relevant as one of the four major monetary works that represent the evolution of Keynes’ monetary thought. Second, the Tract contains theories that were and continue to be important in their own right, especially since they may not have received any attention in the General Theory. Third, the Tract developed policy ideas and proposals that describe common practices of central banks around the world today. In fact, one hundred years later, it is fair to say that modern civilization includes Keynes’ mantra of the Tract as one of its tenets: that a managed currency is inevitable.
‘The effect is/isn’t significant!’: statistical evidence and ELT
Authors: Koval Natalie G
Published: June 2023

Statistical significance and averages are two pieces of statistical information that are often presented as evidence in support of researchers’ conclusions and teaching recommendations. In this article, I consider interpretation of this information as research evidence for ELT. In simple terms that will be accessible even to readers without any knowledge of statistics, I explain the basic nature of this information with the aim of elucidating what it can and cannot tell us about ELT findings and the implications for our teaching. I discuss what additional information crucially must be considered for adequate interpretation, and specifically how interpretation depends on this information. I urge producers of ELT research to present and interpret this important information and consumers of ELT research to consider it in assessing the implications of ELT findings for their teaching.
Commodity price uncertainty and international trade
Authors: Bakas Dimitrios , Konstantakopoulou Ioanna , Triantafyllou Athanasios
Published: June 2023

We empirically investigate the impact of commodity price uncertainty on US and Euro Area (EA) trade flows. Our results indicate that the response of US and EA trade flows to commodity uncertainty shocks is larger, in magnitude and persistence, when compared with the respective impact of commodity supply and demand shocks. Moreover, our analysis shows that a one-standard deviation shock in commodity price volatility has a higher (in magnitude) and more persistent effect on trade when compared with the respective shocks in exchange rates and commodity prices. Finally, an uncertainty shock in various agricultural and metals markets has a similar negative impact on trade flows to that of energy uncertainty shocks.
Preferences for training needs of village doctors in China: a systematic review
Authors: Zhou Liying , Wei Xuefeng , Wu Yanan , Deng Xinxin , Xu Meng , Shang Xue , Fenfen E , Song Guihang , Zhu Yiliang , Yang Kehu , Li Xiuxia
Published: June 2023

Background

Village doctors, as gatekeepers of the health system for rural residents in China, are often confronted with adversity in providing the basic public healthcare services.

Objective

We sought to summarize the training contents, training method, training location, and training costs most preferred by village doctors in China and hope to provide evidence and support for the government to deliver better training in the future.

Methods

Eight databases were searched to include studies that reported on the training needs of village doctors in China. We undertook a systematic review and a narrative synthesis of data.

Results

A total of 38 cross-sectional studies including 35,545 participants were included. In China, village doctors have extensive training needs. “Clinical knowledge and skill” and “diagnosis and treatment of common disease” were the most preferred training content; “continuing medical education” was the most preferred delivery method; above county- and county-level hospitals were the most desirable training locations, and the training costs were expected to be low or even free.

Conclusion

Village doctors in various regions of China have similar preferences for training. Thus, future training should focus more on the training needs and preferences of village doctors.
Interleukin-6 Drives Mitochondrial Dysregulation and Accelerates Physical Decline: Insights From an Inducible Humanized IL-6 Knock-In Mouse Model
Authors: Nidadavolu Lolita S , Cosarderelioglu Caglar , Merino Gomez Alessandra , Wu Yuqiong , Bopp Taylor , Zhang Cissy , Nguyen Tu , Marx-Rattner Ruth , Yang Huanle , Antonescu Corina , Florea Liliana , Talbot Conover C , Smith Barbara , Foster D Brian , Fairman Jennifer E , Yenokyan Gayane , Chung Tae , Le Anne , Walston Jeremy D , Abadir Peter M
Published: June 2023

Chronic activation of inflammatory pathways (CI) and mitochondrial dysfunction are independently linked to age-related functional decline and early mortality. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is among the most consistently elevated chronic activation of inflammatory pathways markers, but whether IL-6 plays a causative role in this mitochondrial dysfunction and physical deterioration remains unclear. To characterize the role of IL-6 in age-related mitochondrial dysregulation and physical decline, we have developed an inducible human IL-6 (hIL-6) knock-in mouse (TetO-hIL-6mitoQC) that also contains a mitochondrial-quality control reporter. Six weeks of hIL-6 induction resulted in upregulation of proinflammatory markers, cell proliferation and metabolic pathways, and dysregulated energy utilization. Decreased grip strength, increased falls off the treadmill, and increased frailty index were also observed. Further characterization of skeletal muscles postinduction revealed an increase in mitophagy, downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis genes, and an overall decrease in total mitochondrial numbers. This study highlights the contribution of IL-6 to mitochondrial dysregulation and supports a causal role of hIL-6 in physical decline and frailty.
Safety of Biologic and Small Molecule Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Taneja Vikas , Anand Rajsavi S , El-Dallal Mohammed , Dong Jeffrey , Desai Nisa , Taneja Isha , Feuerstein Joseph D
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients undergoing organ transplantation are often on immunosuppressing medications to prevent rejection of the transplant. The data on use of concomitant immunosuppression for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and organ transplant management are limited. This study sought to evaluate the safety of biologic and small molecule therapy for the treatment of IBD among solid organ transplant recipients.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies reporting on safety outcomes associated with the use of biologic and small molecule therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib) in patients with IBD postsolid organ transplant (eg, liver, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas). The primary outcome was infectious complications. Secondary outcomes included serious infections, colectomy, and discontinuation of biologic therapy.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-seven articles were identified for screening, yielding 16 articles for the meta-analyses with information on 163 patients. Antitumor necrosis factor α (Anti-TNFs; infliximab and adalimumab) were used in 8 studies, vedolizumab in 6 studies, and a combination of ustekinumab or vedolizumab and anti-TNFs in 2 studies. Two studies reported outcomes after kidney and cardiac transplant respectively, whereas the rest of the studies included patients with liver transplants. The rates of all infections and serious infections were 20.09 per 100 person-years (100-PY; 95% CI, 12.23-32.99 per 100-PY, I2 = 54%) and 17.39 per 100-PY (95% CI, 11.73-25.78 per 100-PY, I2 = 21%), respectively. The rates of colectomy and biologic medication discontinuation were 12.62 per 100-PY (95% CI, 6.34-25.11 per 100-PY, I2 = 34%) and 19.68 per 100-PY (95% CI, 9.97-38.84 per 100-PY, I2 = 74%), respectively. No cases of venous thromboembolism or death attributable to biologic use were reported.

Conclusion

Biologic therapy is overall well tolerated in patients with solid organ transplant. Long-term studies are needed to better define the role of specific agents in this patient population.
Association of Depression With Incident Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Piovani Daniele , Armuzzi Alessandro , Bonovas Stefanos
Published: June 2023

Background

Individuals with a history of depression/depressive symptoms are suspected to be at increased risk of incident inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for longitudinal studies examining the association between depression/depressive symptoms and subsequent new-onset IBD (ie, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). We included studies in which the exposure was a confirmed diagnosis of depression/depressive symptoms measured through a validated scale. To limit concerns of diagnostic bias and reverse causality, and support temporality between exposure and outcomes, we synthesized estimates corresponding to the longest time lag reported. Two authors extracted study data independently and assessed each study’s risk of bias. Maximally adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates were synthesized using random- and fixed-effects models.

Results

Of 5307 records, 13 studies (8 cohort and 5 nested case-control studies; 9 million individuals) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Depression was significantly associated with incident Crohn’s disease (RRrandom, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.34; 7 studies, 17 676 cases) and ulcerative colitis (RRrandom, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.33; 6 studies, 28 165 cases). The primary studies considered pertinent confounders. Several years, on average, separated exposure and outcomes. No evidence of important heterogeneity or publication bias was found. Summary estimates were at low risk of bias, and results were confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses. No firm conclusions could be drawn regarding a dilution of the association over time.

Conclusions

Individuals with a history of depression may show small-to-moderate increased risk of IBD even when depression is diagnosed several years before new-onset IBD. Further epidemiological and mechanistic studies should clarify whether these associations are causal.
Educational attainment, health outcomes and mortality: a within-sibship Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Howe Laurence J , Rasheed Humaira , Jones Paul R , Boomsma Dorret I , Evans David M , Giannelis Alexandros , Hayward Caroline , Hopper John L , Hughes Amanda , Lahtinen Hannu , Li Shuai , Lind Penelope A , Martin Nicholas G , Martikainen Pekka , Medland Sarah E , Morris Tim T , Nivard Michel G , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Silventoinen Karri , Smith Jennifer A , Willoughby Emily A , Wilson James F ,   Within Family Consortium, Ahlskog Rafael , Andreassen Ole A , Ask Helga , Campbell Archie , Cheesman Rosa , Cho Yoonsu , Christensen Kaare , Corfield Elizabeth C , Dahm Christina C , Havdahl Alexandra , Hill William D , Kerr Shona M , Latvala Antti , Nygaard Marianne , Palviainen Teemu , Pedersen Nancy L , Plomin Robert , Southey Melissa C , Stoltenberg Camilla , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Næss Øyvind E , Davey Smith George , Kaprio Jaakko , Brumpton Ben , Davies Neil M
Published: June 2023

Background

Previous Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using population samples (population MR) have provided evidence for beneficial effects of educational attainment on health outcomes in adulthood. However, estimates from these studies may have been susceptible to bias from population stratification, assortative mating and indirect genetic effects due to unadjusted parental genotypes. MR using genetic association estimates derived from within-sibship models (within-sibship MR) can avoid these potential biases because genetic differences between siblings are due to random segregation at meiosis.

Methods

Applying both population and within-sibship MR, we estimated the effects of genetic liability to educational attainment on body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and all-cause mortality. MR analyses used individual-level data on 72 932 siblings from UK Biobank and the Norwegian HUNT study, and summary-level data from a within-sibship Genome-wide Association Study including >140 000 individuals.

Results

Both population and within-sibship MR estimates provided evidence that educational attainment decreased BMI, cigarette smoking and SBP. Genetic variant–outcome associations attenuated in the within-sibship model, but genetic variant–educational attainment associations also attenuated to a similar extent. Thus, within-sibship and population MR estimates were largely consistent. The within-sibship MR estimate of education on mortality was imprecise but consistent with a putative effect.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence of beneficial individual-level effects of education (or liability to education) on adulthood health, independently of potential demographic and family-level confounders.
Environmental contamination with Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in Vietnam
Authors: Khun Peng An , Phi Long Duc , Bui Huong Thi Thu , Bui Nguyen Thi , Vu Quyen Thi Huyen , Trinh Luong Duy , Collins Deirdre A , Riley Thomas V
Published: June 2023

Aims

To investigate the prevalence, molecular type, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile in the environment in Vietnam, where little is known about C. difficile.

Methods and results

Samples of pig faeces, soils from pig farms, potatoes, and the hospital environment were cultured for C. difficile. Isolates were identified and typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyping. The overall prevalence of C. difficile contamination was 24.5% (68/278). Clostridioides difficile was detected mainly in soils from pig farms and hospital soils, with 70%–100% prevalence. Clostridioides difficile was isolated from 3.4% of pig faecal samples and 5% of potato surfaces. The four most prevalent ribotypes (RTs) were RTs 001, 009, 038, and QX574. All isolates were susceptible to metronidazole, fidaxomicin, vancomycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate, while resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, and moxifloxacin was common in toxigenic strains. Clostridioides difficile RTs 001A+B+CDT– and 038A–B–CDT– were predominantly multidrug resistant.

Conclusions

Environmental sources of C. difficile are important to consider in the epidemiology of C. difficile infection in Vietnam, however, contaminated soils are likely to be the most important source of C. difficile. This poses additional challenges to controlling infections in healthcare settings.
Probiotic, technological, and health-related characteristics of lactobacilli isolated from breast milk
Authors: Pires Vanessa , Ribeiro Susana C , Silva Sofia P M , Juraskova Dominika , Silva Celia C G
Published: June 2023

Aims

Isolation and characterization of lactobacilli from human milk and determination of their probiotic, technological, and in vitro health-promoting properties with a view to their potential use in food fermentation.

Methods and Results

Seven lactobacilli isolates were obtained from human milk and identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (isolates BM1–BM6) and Lactobacillus gasseri (BM7). The isolates were examined in vitro for their technological, probiotic, and health-promoting potential. Overall, all isolates showed important technological properties based on the ability to grow in milk whey, a high to moderate acidification capacity and the absence of undesirable enzymatic activities. Lacticaseibacillus gasseri (BM7) differed from the L. paracasei isolates by the absence of several glycosidases and the inability to ferment lactose. Isolates L. paracasei BM3 and BM5 produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactose. All isolates showed probiotic potential as they were tolerant to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, had high cell surface hydrophobicity, had not acquired resistance to relevant antibiotics and had no virulence characteristics. All L. paracasei showed high antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, while L. gasseri showed a narrower spectrum of antimicrobial activity. All isolates showed health-promoting potential in vitro, as evidenced by high cholesterol-lowering activity, high ACE inhibitory activity and marked antioxidant activity.

Conclusions

All strains showed excellent probiotic and technological properties for use in lactic ferments.
Short-term outcomes following open gluteus maximus transfer for the management of hip abductor tears
Authors: Lemme Nicholas J , Dworkin Myles , Morrissey Patrick J , Testa Edward J , Kwan Daniel , Roussel Lauren , Tabaddor Ramin
Published: June 2023

Tears of the gluteus medius and minimus are an important cause of recalcitrant greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Although endoscopic and open abductor repairs have demonstrated promising outcomes, the success of these techniques is dependent on the size of the tear and the quality of the tissue. In patients presenting with abductor insufficiency and evidence of previous repair failure, large retracted tears, muscle atrophy and/or fatty infiltration, reconstruction/augmentation techniques should be considered. In the present study, we present a retrospective cohort study assessing patient outcomes following open gluteus maximus transfer for irreparable or severely retracted gluteus medius tears. Patients were included in the present study if they underwent open gluteus maximus transfer to address hip abductor tears that a senior surgeon deemed irreparable or at high risk for failure following isolated repair secondary to the following tear characteristics: large tears with >2 cm of retraction, the presence of extensive fatty infiltration (Goutallier Grade 3 or greater) and/or patients requiring revision abductor repair due to primary repair failure with associated pain and a Trendelenburg gait. Patients undergoing a concomitant, or those with a previous history of hip arthroplasty, were excluded from the study. All participants were prospectively enrolled in the study, and both pre- and post-operative patient-reported outcomes were collected at 6 months and 1 year including the modified Hip Harris Score, Visual Analog Score, Hip Outcomes Score of Activities Daily Living, Hip Outcomes Score for Sports-Related Activities and Overall Satisfaction with Hip. Pre-operative scores were compared with post-operative assessments using Student’s t-test with a significance level of P < 0.05. Twenty-one patients and 22 hips were included. The average age was 69 (SD ±9.2) and 17 (81%) were females. The average body mass index was 30.0 (±6.2). The outcome scores at both 6 months and 1 year demonstrated significant improvements compared with pre-operative functional assessment. This article reports the utility of gluteus medius/minimus repair augmentation or reconstruction via gluteus maximus transfer demonstrating improvement in patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis in Children—10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Center
Authors: Leow Olivia , Aoyama Rie , Loh Woei Shyang , Shih E’Ching , Tay Sok Yan , Chew Ka Lip , Chew Kean Lee , Shen Liang , Chan Si Min
Published: June 2023

Background

Lymphadenitis is the most common manifestation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in children. We describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NTM lymphadenitis, determine diagnostic yield from tissue sampling, and review management and outcomes.

Methods

This was a 10-year retrospective review of children aged 0–16 years diagnosed with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis who were seen in a pediatric infectious disease clinic in a tertiary public hospital. Data relating to patient demographics, clinical features, surgical and antimicrobial treatment, complications, and outcomes were retrieved from patients’ electronic medical records and analyzed.

Results

There were 48 episodes of NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis in 45 children (17 males and 28 females). Of these episodes, 43.7% manifested as a unilateral single node, mostly parotid (39.6%) and submandibular (29.2%). All patients underwent diagnostic fine-needle aspiration or surgery. Surgical excision more frequently yielded positive histological findings (P = .016). NTM was identified in 22/48 episodes (45.8%) via culture or molecular sequencing. Mycobacterium abscessus was most commonly found (47.8%). Thirty-eight children (79.2%) received antibiotics. Outcomes in 43 episodes revealed full resolution in 69.8%, while 25.6% had de novo disease and 4.6% experienced recurrence at the same site. Overlying skin changes and multiple or bilateral nodal diseases were significantly associated with de novo disease or recurrence (P = .034 and .084, respectively). Complications occurred in 11/70 (15.7%) procedures. Antibiotic-associated adverse effects occurred in 14/38 (36.8%) episodes.

Conclusions

NTM lymphadenitis remains a challenging condition. More aggressive management with surgical excision and antibiotics is recommended for those with overlying skin changes and extensive nodal disease.
Optical turbulence forecasts at short time-scales using an autoregressive method at the Very Large Telescope
Authors: Masciadri E , Turchi A , Fini L
Published: June 2023

In this study we demonstrate that we can provide forecasts of all the main astroclimatic parameters (seeing, wavefront coherence time, isoplanatic angle, and ground-layer fraction) on time-scales of 1 and 2 h (the most critical ones for the service mode) with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) that is smaller than or, at worst, comparable to the instrumental uncertainty (i.e. the standard deviation between instrument estimates). The seeing RMSE is 0.08 arcsec. Results are achieved thank to the use of the autoregressive method (AR) in our automatic forecast system and the study is applied to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The AR method is a hybrid method taking into account forecasts of a non-hydrostatical mesoscale model jointly with real-time observations made in situ. We demonstrate that the AR method allows an improvement in forecast performance of roughly a factor of three or more with respect to the standard forecasts at a long time-scale (beginning of the afternoon for the coming night), depending on the parameter and the time-scale (1 and 2 h). The AR method also allows roughly a factor of two gain with respect to prediction by persistence. We also show that the AR method provides significantly better performance than a random-forest machine-learning algorithm. An extended analysis of the AR performance is provided following different strategies. Results achieved in this study are therefore very promising and tell us that we can provide real assistance to the service mode of the VLT instrumentation supported by adaptive optics systems.
Constraining the atmospheric elements in hot Jupiters with Ariel
Authors: Wang Fang , Changeat Quentin , Tinetti Giovanna , Turrini Diego , Wright Sam O M
Published: June 2023

One of the main objectives of the European Space Agency’s Ariel telescope (launch 2029) is to understand the formation and evolution processes of a large sample of planets in our Galaxy. Important indicators of such processes in giant planets are the elemental compositions of their atmospheres. Here we investigate the capability of Ariel to constrain four key atmospheric markers: metallicity, C/O, S/O, and N/O, for three well-known, representative hot-Jupiter atmospheres observed with transit spectroscopy, i.e. HD 209458b, HD 189733b, and WASP-121b. We have performed retrieval simulations for these targets to verify how the planetary formation markers listed above would be recovered by Ariel when observed as part of the Ariel Tier 3 survey. We have considered eight simplified different atmospheric scenarios with a cloud-free isothermal atmosphere. Additionally, extra cases were tested to illustrate the effect of C/O and metallicity in recovering the N/O. From our retrieval results, we conclude that Ariel is able to recover the majority of planetary formation markers. The contributions from CO and CO2 are dominant for the C/O in the solar scenario. In a C-rich case, C2H2, HCN, and CH4 may provide additional spectral signatures that can be captured by Ariel. In our simulations, H2S is the main tracer for the S/O in hot-Jupiter atmospheres. In the super-solar metallicity cases and the cases with C/O > 1, the increased abundance of HCN is easily detectable and the main contributor to N/O, while other N-bearing species contribute little to the N/O in the investigated atmospheres.
Pathogenicity of IgG-Fc desialylation and its association with Th17 cells in an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nishida Yuri , Shirakashi Mirei , Hashii Noritaka , Nakashima Ran , Nakayama Yoichi , Katsushima Masao , Watanabe Ryu , Onizawa Hideo , Hiwa Ryosuke , Tsuji Hideaki , Kitagori Koji , Akizuki Shuji , Onishi Akira , Murakami Kosaku , Yoshifuji Hajime , Tanaka Masao , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Morinobu Akio , Hashimoto Motomu
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Decreased sialylation of IgG-Fc glycans has been reported in autoimmune diseases, but its role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the pathogenicity of IgG desialylation and its association with Th17 in SLE using an animal model.

Methods

B6SKG mice, which develop lupus-like systemic autoimmunity due to the ZAP70 mutation, were used to investigate the pathogenicity of IgG desialylation. The proportion of sialylated IgG was compared between B6SKG and wild-type mice with or without β-glucan treatment-induced Th17 expansion. Anti-interleukin (IL)-23 and anti-IL-17 antibodies were used to examine the role of Th17 cells in IgG glycosylation. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase–specific St6gal1 conditionally knockout (cKO) mice were generated to examine the direct effect of IgG desialylation.

Results

The proportions of sialylated IgG were similar between B6SKG and wild-type mice in the steady state. However, IgG desialylation was observed after β-glucan-induced Th17 expansion, and nephropathy also worsened in B6SKG mice. Anti-IL-23/17 treatment suppressed IgG desialylation and nephropathy. Glomerular atrophy was observed in the cKO mice, suggesting that IgG desialylation is directly involved in disease exacerbation.

Conclusions

IgG desialylation contributes to the progression of nephropathy, which is ameliorated by blocking IL-17A or IL-23 in an SLE mouse model.
Next Generation Sequencing Workshop at the Royal Society of Medicine (London, May 2022): how genomics is on the path to modernizing genetic toxicology
Authors: Lynch Anthony M , Zanoni Thalita B , Salk Jesse J , Martincorena Inigo , Young Robert R , Kucab Jill , Valentine Charles C , Yauk Carole , Escobar Patricia A , Witt Kristine L , Frötschl Roland , Reed Simon H , Ashford Anne
Published: June 2023

The use of error-corrected Next Generation Sequencing (ecNG) to determine mutagenicity has been a subject of growing interest and potentially a disruptive technology that could supplement, and in time, replace current testing paradigms in preclinical safety assessment. Considering this, a Next Generation Sequencing Workshop was held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London in May 2022, supported by the United Kingdom Environmental Mutagen Society (UKEMS) and TwinStrand Biosciences (WA, USA), to discuss progress and future applications of this technology. In this meeting report, the invited speakers provide an overview of the Workshop topics covered and identify future directions for research. In the area of somatic mutagenesis, several speakers reviewed recent progress made with correlating ecNGS to classic in vivo transgenic rodent mutation assays as well as exploring the use of this technology directly in humans and animals, and in complex organoid models. Additionally, ecNGS has been used for detecting off-target effects of gene editing tools and emerging data suggest ecNGS potential to measure clonal expansion of cells carrying mutations in cancer driver genes as an early marker of carcinogenic potential and for direct human biomonitoring. As such, the workshop demonstrated the importance of raising awareness and support for advancing the science of ecNGS for mutagenesis, gene editing, and carcinogenesis research. Furthermore, the potential of this new technology to contribute to advances in drug and product development and improve safety assessment was extensively explored.
Drivers of Emergency Department Use Among Oncology Patients in the Era of Novel Cancer Therapeutics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fleshner Lauren , Lagree Andrew , Shiner Audrey , Alera Marie Angeli , Bielecki Mateusz , Grant Robert , Kiss Alex , Krzyzanowska Monika K , Cheng Ivy , Tran William T , Gandhi Sonal
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients diagnosed with cancer are frequent users of the emergency department (ED). While many visits are unavoidable, a significant portion may be potentially preventable ED visits (PPEDs). Cancer treatments have greatly advanced, whereby patients may present with unique toxicities from targeted therapies and are often living longer with advanced disease. Prior work focused on patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, and often excluded those on supportive care alone. Other contributors to ED visits in oncology, such as patient-level variables, are less well-established. Finally, prior studies focused on ED diagnoses to describe trends and did not evaluate PPEDs. An updated systematic review was completed to focus on PPEDs, novel cancer therapies, and patient-level variables, including those on supportive care alone.

Methods

Three online databases were used. Included publications were in English, from 2012-2022, with sample sizes of ≥50, and reported predictors of ED presentation or ED diagnoses in oncology.

Results

45 studies were included. Six studies highlighted PPEDs with variable definitions. Common reasons for ED visits included pain (66%) or chemotherapy toxicities (69.1%). PPEDs were most frequent amongst breast cancer patients (13.4%) or patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (20%). Three manuscripts included immunotherapy agents, and only one focused on end-of-life patients.

Conclusion

This updated systematic review highlights variability in oncology ED visits during the last decade. There is limited work on the concept of PPEDs, patient-level variables and patients on supportive care alone. Overall, pain and chemotherapy toxicities remain key drivers of ED visits in cancer patients. Further work is needed in this realm.
Burden Reduction: An Evaluation of Statutory Instruments in the UK Government’s Regulatory Off-setting and Business Impact Target Initiatives 2010–2019
Authors: Ollerenshaw Kate
Published: June 2023

This article analyses Statutory Instruments passed between 2010 and 2019 to evaluate the embeddedness of the UK Government’s regulatory off-setting and business impact target initiatives. It begins by outlining the origins of those initiatives and their scope, technical details and compliance mechanisms. After describing the methodology for the analysis, it reports results, showing that a range of exclusions and exemptions limit the number of Statutory Instruments covered by the initiatives, that the intensity with which burden reduction is pursued declines over time and that the largest savings are incidental rather than being motivated by a desire to reduce burden.
Harnessing the Potential of Symbiotic Associations of Plants in Phosphate-Deficient Soil for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Singh Jawahar , Isidra-Arellano Mariel C , Valdés-López Oswaldo
Published: June 2023

Many plants associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for nutrient acquisition, and most legumes also associate with nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. The association of plants with AM fungi and rhizobia depends on the perception of lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) produced by these micro-symbionts. Recent studies reveal that cereals can perceive LCOs better in soil deprived of phosphate (Pi) and nitrogen to activate symbiosis signaling and form efficient AM symbiosis. Nevertheless, the Pi deficiency in the soil hinders the symbiotic association of legumes with rhizobia, ultimately reducing nitrogen fixation. Here, we discuss a mechanistic overview of the factors regulating root nodule symbiosis under Pi-deficient conditions and further emphasize the possible ways to overcome this hurdle. Ignoring the low Pi problem not only can compromise the functionality of the nitrogen cycle by nitrogen fixation through legumes but can also put food security at risk globally. This review aims to bring the scientific community’s attention toward the detrimental response of legumes toward Pi-deficient soil for the formation of root nodule symbiosis and hence reduced nitrogen fixation. In this review, we have highlighted the recent studies that have advanced our understanding of these critical areas and discussed some future directions. Furthermore, this review highlights the importance of communicating science with farmers and the agriculture community to fully harness the potential of the symbiotic association of plants in nutrient-deficient soil for sustainable agriculture.
A Devonian Shoshonitic Appinite–Granite Suite in the North Qinling Orogenic Belt: Implications for Partial Melting of a Water-Fluxed Lithospheric Mantle in an Extensional Setting
Authors: Zhao Limin , Li Yilong , Xiang Hua , Zheng Jianping , Xiao Wenjiao , Chen Xi , Jiang Hai , Xie Yachao , Brouwer Fraukje M
Published: June 2023

Appinite–granite suites commonly occur in the final stage of collisional orogenic processes, providing a unique opportunity to reveal the properties of continental lithospheric mantle and crust–mantle geodynamics. In this paper, we present a systematic study of the petrology, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and geochronology of the Xiong’erling pluton and adjacent appinite dikes in the northern margin of the North Qinling orogenic belt. The pluton is mainly composed of diorites, quartz monzonites and minor granites. The diorites and appinites have LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages of c. 389 Ma with variable εHf(t) values of −5.58 to +3.36 and TDM1 model ages peaking at c. 1133 Ma. These rocks belong to the shoshonitic series with high Ba–Sr content and were emplaced in an intraplate extensional environment. The quartz monzonites and granites are oxidized A-type granites and have zircon U–Pb ages of c. 396 and c. 378 Ma with negative εHf(t) values of −11.99 to −1.18 and TDM2 model age peaks at 1434, 1720, and 1888 Ma. The in situ87Sr/86Sr ratios of plagioclase from the mafic and felsic rocks are 0.70565-0.70752 and 0.70695-0.71008, respectively. The Xiong’erling pluton and the coeval appinite dikes represent a Devonian appinite–granite suite in the North Qinling orogenic belt. Asthenospheric upwelling during the intraplate extension triggered partial melting of a phlogopite- and amphibole-bearing garnet lherzolite mantle source that had been previously metasomatized by the subducted oceanic slab, leading to the formation of a primitive hydrous mafic magma. The rapid ascent of the water-rich magma along deep-seated active faults with fast crystallization of amphibole resulted in emplacement of the c. 389 Ma appinite dikes. Replacement of anhydrous minerals by amphibole and biotite via hydrous reaction during magma cooling resulted in the formation of the coeval diorites. The mafic magma underplating triggered episodic remelting of a late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic crustal source, leading to the generation of the c. 396–378 Ma quartz monzonites and granites. Combining our results with existing data, we identify a sequence of (1) northward subduction of the Shangdan oceanic crust beneath the Qinling block at c. 524–438 Ma resulting in island-arc calc-alkaline magmatism, (2) closure of the Shangdan Ocean indicated by collision between the Qinling block and the South Qinling terrane and slab failure magmatism at c. 438–410 Ma, and (3) post-collisional to intraplate extension with alkaline magmatism at c. 410–370 Ma. The Devonian extensive intraplate magmatism marks the end of the Paleozoic orogenesis in the North Qinling belt.
Mixoplankton and mixotrophy: future research priorities
Authors: Millette Nicole C , Gast Rebecca J , Luo Jessica Y , Moeller Holly V , Stamieszkin Karen , Andersen Ken H , Brownlee Emily F , Cohen Natalie R , Duhamel Solange , Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Glibert Patricia M , Johnson Matthew D , Leles Suzana G , Maloney Ashley E , Mcmanus George B , Poulton Nicole , Princiotta Sarah D , Sanders Robert W , Wilken Susanne
Published: June 2023

Phago-mixotrophy, the combination of photoautotrophy and phagotrophy in mixoplankton, organisms that can combine both trophic strategies, have gained increasing attention over the past decade. It is now recognized that a substantial number of protistan plankton species engage in phago-mixotrophy to obtain nutrients for growth and reproduction under a range of environmental conditions. Unfortunately, our current understanding of mixoplankton in aquatic systems significantly lags behind our understanding of zooplankton and phytoplankton, limiting our ability to fully comprehend the role of mixoplankton (and phago-mixotrophy) in the plankton food web and biogeochemical cycling. Here, we put forward five research directions that we believe will lead to major advancement in the field: (i) evolution: understanding mixotrophy in the context of the evolutionary transition from phagotrophy to photoautotrophy; (ii) traits and trade-offs: identifying the key traits and trade-offs constraining mixotrophic metabolisms; (iii) biogeography: large-scale patterns of mixoplankton distribution; (iv) biogeochemistry and trophic transfer: understanding mixoplankton as conduits of nutrients and energy; and (v) in situ methods: improving the identification of in situ mixoplankton and their phago-mixotrophic activity.