bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of primary tumour location after curative resection in Stage I–III colorectal cancer: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Inoue Manabu , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Moritani Konosuke , Takamizawa Yasuyuki , Daiko Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

Objective

The relationship of tumour site with post-recurrence course and outcome after primary surgery in resectable colorectal cancer is unclear. This study investigated the prognostic impact of primary tumour location following radical resection without preoperative treatment in Stage I–III colorectal cancer.

Methods

We analyzed 3770 patients with Stage I–III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection at our hospital during 2000–15. We defined the right-sided colon as the cecum, ascending colon and transverse colon, and the left-sided colon as the descending colon, sigmoid and rectosigmoid junction. Patients were divided into three groups according to tumour site: right-sided colon, left-sided colon and rectum. Endpoints were overall survival, recurrence-free survival by stage and survival after recurrence, respectively.

Results

The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with stage I left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 98.2, 97.3 and 97.2%, respectively (P = 0.488). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with Stage II left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 96.2, 88.7 and 83.0, respectively (P = 0.070). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with Stage III left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 88.7, 83.0 and 80.2, respectively (P = 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage I left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 95.1, 94.5 and 90.6% (P = 0.027). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage II left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 85.2, 90.2 and 76.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients with Stage III left-sided colon cancer, right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer were 75.3, 75.3 and 59.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Right-sided colon cancer was significantly associated with better recurrence-free survival compared with left-sided colon cancer (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03–1.63; P = 0.025) and rectal cancer (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.51–2.38; P < 0.001) after adjusting for clinical factors. Amongst patients with recurrence, right-sided colon cancer was significantly associated with poorer survival after recurrence compared with left-sided colon cancer (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.97; P = 0.036), and showed a tendency towards poorer survival after recurrence compared with rectal cancer (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57–1.10; P = 0.164).

Conclusions

In Stage I–III colorectal cancer without preoperative treatment, our results suggest that the three tumour sites (right-sided colon, left-sided colon or rectum) may have prognostic significance for recurrence-free survival and survival after recurrence, rather than sidedness alone.
Adaptive religious coping with experiences of sexual and gender-based violence and displacement
Authors: Pertek Sandra
Published: March 2024

This article examines the religious coping strategies among forced migrant women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). While it is acknowledged that faith and religion help people to survive crises, the patterns of religious coping with SGBV and displacement are little understood. I explore how displaced women use their faith and religious resources to cope with SGBV and migration-related daily stressors. Using qualitative methods and data collected in Turkey and Tunisia with thirty-eight Levantine and African women, I introduce the concept of adaptive religious coping, which they deployed over time and place as one main coping mechanism in experiences of SGBV and displacement. Survivors used cognitive, behavioural and spiritual/emotional religious coping strategies, drawing on their available religious resources—ideas, practices and experience. The study highlights the importance of religious coping in supporting displaced populations emotionally and spiritually, and offers implications for mental health responses in forced displacement contexts.
(O-20) COMPARISON OF THREE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY PROTOCOLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Corredor H , Martínez J M , Sandoval-Salinas C , Barba J , Patrón F
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Multiple treatment modalities have been used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), including focal shock waves. This therapy has demonstrated a short-term positive effect in patients who respond or not to PDE-5i, with variability in therapeutic protocols.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of 3 shock wave protocols for the treatment of ED.

Methods

Randomized, multicenter clinical trial. 277 men with non-psychological ED, over 18 years of age, without cancer or major surgeries in the pelvic area or any neurological disease that affected their erectile function, were randomized to one of three groups: weekly (6 wave sessions (WS), 1 x wk), monthly (6 WS 1 x month) or reinforcement (6 WS, 1 x week + 5 sessions, 1 x month). The wave parameters were the same in all groups, no patient received medication. The primary outcome was the change in IIEF-EF score at 6 months of follow-up. The change in the IIEF at the end of therapy and at 3 months of follow-up, erection hardness with the EHS, self-esteem with the SEAR questionnaire, and side effects were also evaluated.

Results

222 patients completed the study. In the 6-month evaluation, the average change in the IIEF-EF in the monthly schedule was 4.3 (+/-6.7), 1.9 (+/-6.5) in the weekly schedule, and 5.0 (+/-6.1) in the reinforcement schedule ( p=0.0086). At the end of therapy and at 3 months the change in the IIEF-EF was 3.2 (+/-5.8) and 2.9 (+/-5.5) in the monthly group, 2.7 (+/-4.5) and 3.0 (+/-5.3) in the weekly one, and 4.2 (+/-6.4) and 4.4 (+/-6.5) in the reinforcement one. No differences were found between the groups in the proportion of patients who increased at least one point in erection hardness, nor in the average in the SEAR questionnaire in the evaluations carried out. No patient reported adverse effects to the therapy.

Conclusions

The results suggest that monthly and reinforcement wave schemes present good results for the treatment of ED.

Financing

Boston Medical Group.
(O-23) EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION WITH MEDICATION AND SHOCKWAVE THERAPY: A REAL-LIFE STUDY
Authors: Sandoval-Salinas C , Aristizábal O L , Martinez J M
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of adding shockwave therapy to pharmacological treatment in a cohort of men with erectile dysfunction in Colombia and Peru.

Methods

Observational cohort study. Patient records from those treated for erectile dysfunction in 2022 were reviewed. Patients over 18 years old, without other sexual dysfunctions were included. Changes in the IIEF-EF questionnaire score and the proportion of patients achieving penetration capability (EHS >2) after treatment were assessed.

Results

317 patients met the criteria and were included in the analysis. 150 received medication only (group 1) and 167 received shockwave therapy + medication (group 2). The median duration of treatment was 4.8 months for group 1 and 5.6 months for group 2. The initial IIEF-EF score for group 1 was 15.8 (+/-5.4) and the average increase at the end of treatment was 7.35 (+/-5.4) points. In group 2, the initial IIEF-EF was 14.7 (+/-4.9) and the average increase was 7.47 (+/-5.8). At the end of treatment, 39.3% of patients in group 1 and 42.5% in group 2 reported no ED according to the IIEF-EF score. The proportion of patients who could not achieve penetration (EHS <=2) before treatment and achieved sufficient rigidity for penetration (EHS >2) after treatment was 85% in group 1 and 94% in group 2.

Conclusions

The additional use of shockwave therapy improves the outcomes of pharmacological treatment in patients with ED.

Financing

Boston Medical Group.
(O-41) PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: Silva I M , Naccarato A M E P , Campos JdAeS , Denardi F , Matheus W E , Ferreira U
Published: March 2024

The incidence of cancer in the world population in 2002 was estimated at 11 million new cases, in 2020 this estimate is approximately 20 million. Cancer is a global public health problem.

Prostate cancer (CaP) is a multifocal disease, with wide clinical variation among patients. The PCa survivors present unique chronic side effects compared to other cancer survivors, with challenges in achieving physical and social well-being, and satisfaction with life in general.

This work aims to evaluate the impact of psychotherapy, in an open group, on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Sexuality in patients with PCa who have undergone treatment. Data is been collected through an initial interview (Identification, Anamnesis, Health Anamnesis, Degree of Satisfaction with Life and Sexuality, Affective-Emotional Assessment and Treatment Data), SF-36 questionnaire and IIEF-5 short form, in patients who are diagnosed, have undergone treatment or are being monitored at the outpatient clinic, and reapplication in the last semester of the group's operation. At each session, 5 questions are answered regarding the perception of the previous session. The group will be available once a week for 2 years. The sessions last 90 minutes, led by the same psychologist. The research is been developed considering the ethical principles of secrecy, privacy, confidentiality and non-identification of interviewee data. The study will not pose any risks to the subjects and no invasive techniques will be used to deal with the body or psychological distress. Before starting the process, the Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE) is delivered, as well as the provision of all details regarding the research. It is also explained that participation is voluntary and that the participant may leave the research at any time, without this causing any harm to their treatment and follow-up.

Financing

No conflict.
(PM-02) GENITOURINARY TUBERCULOSIS IN MALE PATIENTS: A CASE SERIES FROM A FEDERAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Lima V F N , Feitosa V L , Haddad D J , Dettoni J B , Borges C F
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Tuberculosis is a significant global public health threat, causing 1.2 million deaths in 2019. In Brazil, the incidence of the disease in the same year was 46 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Genitourinary tuberculosis is the third most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, resulting from the spread of mycobacteria through hematogenous dissemination from a latent chronic pulmonary infection or by local spread.

Objective

This study aims to present a case series of genitourinary tuberculosis in male patients from a tertiary university hospital.

Method

The study conducted a descriptive analysis of a case series using data from the Unit of Pathological Anatomy Laboratory and the Center for Infectious Diseases between 1999 and 2020.

Results

Four male patients, with a mean age of 32 years (ranging from 23 to 46), were evaluated. Key symptoms reported during medical consultations at the Urology outpatient service included scrotal nodules, increased testicular volume, and orchialgia, with an average symptom duration of six months. Physical examinations revealed a hard nodular mass in the epididymis or upper testicular pole, mostly on the right side (in half of the cases) or the left side (in the other half). Histological examination of biopsies indicated chronic granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculoid in all cases, with negative tumor markers. Notably, none of the patients reported contact with tuberculosis or leprosy patients, and only one patient had a positive PPD test (>24mm).

Conclusion

Genitourinary tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. Understanding its clinical aspects, forms of presentation, dissemination, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial. Drug therapy, including rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, was effective in resolving symptoms in all patients. Surgical intervention in the form of orchidectomy was required for some cases, resulting in positive outcomes.

Financing

No conflict.
(PM-05) EFFICACY OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE TRAINING AND PERINEAL MASSAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN WITH DYSPAREUNIA: NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Boraschi Gomes V , Fernandes Torres T , Merino D , Castiglione M , Pavione Rodrigues Pereira R , Tanaka C
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is an alteration in one or more components of the sexual response cycle and dyspareunia is the dysfunction in which the woman experiences pain before, during or after vaginal penetration, which impairs quality of life and relationship with the couple. Physiotherapy uses several techniques to address this dysfunction, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and perineal massage (PM), but studies on the actual effects of these techniques and the resolution of dyspareunia are still scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the evidence on the use of PFMT and MP techniques in the treatment of women with dyspareunia.

Materials/Methods

Research carried out in the PEDro, Pubmed and MEDLINE databases. Articles of the type were included: clinical trials, meta-analysis and systematic reviews, published in English and Portuguese; in the period from 2013 to 2023; who addressed TMAP and MP techniques in the treatment of dyspareunia. Those who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded.

Results

In total, 525 articles were identified, but only 9 studies were selected for this review as they met the inclusion criteria. Most of the results showed significant responses to treatment with the use of PFMT and MP, and even the studies in which they did not obtain significance did not rule out the possibility of these techniques, since they do not present side effects and have good potential. to improve. Many studies have low methodological quality.

Conclusion

It was observed in the literature that PFMT and MP have good responses in the treatment of dyspareunia, but there is not enough support in the literature to demonstrate their effectiveness. It is necessary to develop future studies with better methodological quality for more solid scientific evidence.

Financing

No conflict.
Variable effects of exposure to ionic silver in wound-associated bacterial pathogens
Authors: Binsuwaidan Reem , Almuzaini Osama , Mercer Steven , Doherty Christopher , Mokhtar Jawahir , McBain Andrew J , Ledder Ruth , Humphreys Gavin J
Published: March 2024

Silver compounds are used in wound dressings to reduce bioburden. Where infection is not rapidly resolved, bacteria may be exposed to sub-therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials over prolonged periods of time. In this study, a panel of chronic wound bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (two strains), Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, were exposed to silver nitrate on agar. Phenotypic characterization was achieved using broth microdilution sensitivity testing, a crystal violet biofilm assay, and a wax moth pathogenesis model. Repeated exposure to ionic silver did not result in planktonic phenotypic silver resistance in any of the test panels, although S. aureus demonstrated reversible increases in minimum bactericidal concentration. An ulcer-derived P. aeruginosa exhibited marked reductions in biofilm eradication concentration as well as significantly increased biofilm formation and wax moth killing when compared to the same progenitor. These changes were reversible, trending towards baseline measurements following 10 passages on silver-free media. Changes in virulence and biofilm formation in the other test bacteria were generally limited. In summary, phenotypic adaptation following exposure to ionic silver was manifested other than through changes in planktonic susceptibility. Significant changes in pseudomonas biofilm formation and sensitivity could have implications for wound care regimes and therefore warrant further investigation.
Identifying Risk Factors for Dental Emergency Visits in the US Army
Authors: Arbuckle Patrick J , Beltran Thomas , Reifenstahl Erik
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between subjects’ oral health characteristics and the incidence of a dental emergency over 1 year.

Materials and Methods

The Corporate Dental System (CDS) generated a limited data set for service members assigned for dental care at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Data extracted included demographics and oral health characteristics (dental readiness classification, caries risk, periodontal screening and recording values (PSR), and tobacco use). Subjects were grouped based on the presence of a dental emergency visit code in the past year.

Results

A total of 20,210 individuals were included in the sample; 8.5% of individuals sought emergency dental care during the period. Kruskal-Wallis tests found significant differences (P < 0.05) in dental emergencies between age groups, sex, rank, dental readiness classification, and caries risk. Younger age, female soldiers, and low caries risk had the most significant increase in dental emergencies. There was no significant difference in dental emergencies between PSR or tobacco usage groups.

Conclusion

This study supports a relationship between demographics, oral health characteristics, and dental emergencies. Age may be related to service members entering the military with untreated or managed dental needs, notably around the age of third molar eruption. Sex differences may be related to willingness or preference to utilize non-emergency dental care visits. The inverse relationship between caries risk and dental emergencies could be due to identification and management of high caries risk patients. This project highlights the need for further study and increasingly discrete measurement of oral health care characteristics and coding for etiologies of dental emergencies.
Don’t Overlook Syphilis: An Atypical Rash in a Woman With Neurologic, Ocular, and Otic Involvement
Authors: Crouch Elena M , Stein Michael T O , Geringer Matthew R , Weiss Aeja , Stalons Molly , Geringer Jamie L
Published: March 2024

The manifestations of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, can be divided into primary, secondary, or tertiary stages. In addition, syphilis can cause a latent infection with no clinical manifestations and be diagnosed solely by serologic testing. Secondary syphilis is especially known for causing a rash and diverse clinical manifestation which can make its diagnosis challenging—particularly in patients whose medical and sexual histories do not align with the classical epidemiologic and textbook description of secondary syphilis. We present a case of a 20-year-old immunocompetent heterosexual woman who presented with a rash atypical for secondary syphilis and accompanied by neurologic, ocular, and otic manifestations. This case highlights the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of sexually active patients with a rash, even when their clinical presentations do not align with the textbook description of a syphilitic rash. Health care providers must remain vigilant for the diagnosis of syphilis in diverse clinical contexts, as early recognition and treatment are vital to prevent further syphilitic complications and transmission in military and civilian populations. Timely identification and intervention are crucial for both patient care and public health.
Female-Specific Health Care of Military Female-Designated Service Members and Veterans: A Systematic Overview of Reviews
Authors: McDermott Megan C , Musilli Megan G , Brown Jill E , Melton John L , Miller Michael J , Allard Rhonda J , Lutgendorf Monica A
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Since the War in Afghanistan began in 2001, service members have faced significant health effects related to service during war, with female-designated service members facing unique challenges. Numerous high-quality review articles have been published on the health and care of female-designated service members and veterans. Given the increasing volume of literature, we completed an overview of reviews on the health and health care of female-designated military populations. Our objective was to conduct an overview of reviews on the obstetrics and gynecologic health and health care of female-designated military populations since 2000 to understand female-specific health consequences of military service during war and make clinical recommendations.

Materials and Methods

On May 10, 2022, a medical librarian performed a comprehensive search across five databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Ovid All EBM Reviews, and Web of Science) for all relevant reviews published from 2000 to May 10, 2022. Results were limited to English language. After the removal of duplicates, 2,438 records were reviewed, and 69 studies were included in the final review. The search strategy and methods were registered with PROSPERO and are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) guidelines. Two independent reviewers conducted title and abstract screening and subsequent full text review using Covidence Systematic Review Software. Reviews addressing female-specific and obstetrics and gynecologic health of female-designated service members or veterans, utilizing a clear and systematic methodology, were eligible for inclusion. Quality assessment was conducted by teams of two reviewers.

Results

A total of 69 studies were included in the final review. Themes included mental health and impact of sexual assault on service members or veterans, veteran health care, issues of menstruation, pregnancy, and urogenital concerns. Areas with few reviews included occupational risks of military service and impact on obstetric outcomes, eating disorders, and menopause. There were insufficient or no reviews on the impact of military service on fertility, access to abortion care, reproductive health outcomes of lesbian, bisexual and transgender service members, surgical treatment of gynecologic conditions, and screening and treatment for breast, gynecologic, and non-pelvic organ cancers.

Conclusions

Female-designated military populations serving during periods of war face unique health challenges that should be considered in screening practices and the delivery of trauma informed care. Further research and reviews are needed for female-specific oncology, fertility, abortion access, and sexual and non-binary and expansive gender identities to better capture female-designated service member and veteran health during wartime and beyond.
Comparison of the antifungal activity of the pyrimidine analogs flucytosine and carmofur against human-pathogenic dematiaceous fungi
Authors: Coelho Rowena Alves , Almeida-Silva Fernando , Figueiredo-Carvalho Maria Helena Galdino , Rabello Vanessa Brito de Souza , de Souza Gabriela Rodrigues , Lourenço Maria Cristina da Silva , Rodrigues Marcio L , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and pheohyphomycosis (PHM) are the most common implantation mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi. In the past, flucytosine (5-FC) has been used to treat CBM, but development of resistance is common. Carmofur belongs to the same class as 5-FC and has in vitro inhibitory activity against the main agents of CBM and PHM. The aim of this study was to compare the action of these two pyrimidine analog drugs against CBM and PHM agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the selectivity index based on cytotoxicity tests of these two drugs against some agents of these mycoses were determined, with carmofur presenting a higher selectivity index than 5-FC. Carmofur demonstrated here synergistic interactions with itraconazole and amphotericin B against Exophiala heteromorpha, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Fonsecaea monophora, and Fonsecaea nubica strains. Additionally, carmofur plus itraconazole demonstrated here synergism against a Phialophora verrucosa strain. To evaluate the development of carmofur resistance, passages in culture medium containing subinhibitory concentrations of this pyrimidine analog were carried out, followed by in vitro susceptibility tests. Exophiala dermatitidis quickly developed resistance, whereas F. pedrosoi took seven passages in carmofur-supplemented medium to develop resistance. Moreover, resistance was permanent in E. dermatitidis but transient in F. pedrosoi. Hence, carmofur has exhibited certain advantages, albeit accompanied by limitations such as the development of resistance, which was expected as with 5-FC. This underscores its therapeutic potential in combination with other drugs, emphasizing the need for a meticulous evaluation of its application in the fight against dematiaceous fungi.
Analysing radio pulsar timing noise with a Kalman filter: a demonstration involving PSR J1359−6038
Authors: O’Neill Nicholas J , Meyers Patrick M , Melatos Andrew
Published: March 2024

In the standard two-component crust-superfluid model of a neutron star, timing noise can arise when the two components are perturbed by stochastic torques. Here it is demonstrated how to analyse fluctuations in radio pulse times of arrival with a Kalman filter to measure physical properties of the two-component model, including the crust-superfluid coupling time-scale and the variances of the crust and superfluid torques. The analysis technique, validated previously on synthetic data, is applied to observations with the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope of the representative pulsar PSR J1359−6038. It is shown that the two-component model is preferred to a one-component model, with log Bayes factor 6.81 ± 0.02. The coupling time-scale and the torque variances on the crust and superfluid are measured with 90 per cent confidence to be $10^{7.1^{+0.8}_{-0.5}}$$\rm {s}$ and $10^{-24.0^{+0.4}_{-5.6}}$$\rm {rad^2~s^{-3}}$ and $10^{-21.7^{+3.5}_{-0.9}}$$\rm {rad^2~s^{-3}}$, respectively.
A targeted radio pulsar survey of redback candidates with MeerKAT
Authors: Thongmeearkom T , Clark C J , Breton R P , Burgay M , Nieder L , Freire P C C , Barr E D , Stappers B W , Ransom S M , Buchner S , Calore F , Champion D J , Cognard I , Grießmeier J -M , Kramer M , Levin L , Padmanabh P V , Possenti A , Ridolfi A , Krishnan V Venkatraman , Vleeschower L
Published: March 2024

Redbacks are millisecond pulsar binaries with low-mass, irradiated companions. These systems have a rich phenomenology that can be used to probe binary evolution models, pulsar wind physics, and the neutron star mass distribution. A number of high-confidence redback candidates have been identified through searches for variable optical and X-ray sources within the localization regions of unidentified but pulsar-like Fermi-LAT gamma-ray sources. However, these candidates remain unconfirmed until pulsations are detected. As part of the TRAPUM project, we searched for radio pulsations from six of these redback candidates with MeerKAT. We discovered three new radio millisecond pulsars, PSRs J0838−2827, J0955−3947, and J2333−5526, confirming their redback nature. PSR J0838−2827 remained undetected for 2 yr after our discovery despite repeated observations, likely due to evaporated material absorbing the radio emission for long periods of time. While, to our knowledge, this system has not undergone a transition to an accreting state, the disappearance, likely caused by extreme eclipses, illustrates the transient nature of spider pulsars and the heavy selection bias in uncovering their radio population. Radio timing enabled the detection of gamma-ray pulsations from all three pulsars, from which we obtained 15-yr timing solutions. All of these sources exhibit complex orbital period variations consistent with gravitational quadrupole moment variations in the companion stars. These timing solutions also constrain the binary mass ratios, allowing us to narrow down the pulsar masses. We find that PSR J2333−5526 may have a neutron star mass in excess of 2 M⊙.
Magnetically arrested discs in FR I radio galaxies
Authors: He Han , You Bei , Jiang Ning , Cao Xinwu , Hu Jingfu , Sheng Zhenfeng , Yao Su , Czerny Bozena
Published: March 2024

A sample of 17 Fanaroff–Riley type I (FR I) radio galaxies constructed from the 3CR catalogue, which is characterized by edge-darkened radio structures, is studied. The optical core luminosities derived from Hubble Space Telescope observation are used to estimate the Eddington ratios which are found to be below 10−3.4 for this sample. This is supported by the Baldwin–Phillips–Terlevich optical diagnostic diagrams derived with the spectroscopic observation of Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, suggesting that these sources are of low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions. It implies that the accretion in these FR I sources can be modelled as advection-dominated accretion flows (ADAFs). Given the low accretion rate, the predicted jet power with a fast-spinning black hole (BH) a = 0.95 in the Blandford–Znajek mechanics is lower than the estimated one for almost all the sources in our sample. Such powerful jets indicate the presence of magnetically arrested discs (MAD) in the inner region of the ADAF, in the sense that the magnetic fields in the inner accretion zone are strong. Moreover, we show that, even in the MAD scenario, the BH spins in the sample are most likely moderate and/or fast with a ≳ 0.5.
Baryon acoustic scale at zeff = 0.166 with the SDSS blue galaxies
Authors: Avila Felipe , de Carvalho Edilson , Bernui Armando , Lima Hanna , Nunes Rafael C
Published: March 2024

The baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) phenomenon provides a unique opportunity to establish a standard ruler at any epoch in the history of the evolving universe. The key lies in identifying a suitable cosmological tracer to conduct the measurement. In this study, we focus on quantifying the sound horizon scale of BAO in the Local Universe. Our chosen cosmological tracer is a sample of blue galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), positioned at the effective redshift $z_{{\rm eff}} = 0.166$. Utilizing Planck-CMB input values for redshift-to-distance conversion, we derive the BAO scale $s_{{\rm BAO}} = 100.28 ^{+10.79} _{-22.96}$ Mpc h−1 at the 1$\sigma$ confidence level. Subsequently, we extrapolate the BAO signal scale in redshift space: $\Delta z_{{\rm BAO}}(z_{\rm eff}=0.166)=0.0361^{+0.00262}_ {-0.0055}$. This measurement holds the potential to discriminate among dark energy models within the Local Universe. To validate the robustness of our methodology for BAO scale measurement, we conduct three additional BAO analyses using different cosmographic approaches for distance calculation from redshifts. These tests aim to identify possible biases or systematics in our measurements of $s_{{\rm BAO}}$. Encouragingly, our diverse cosmographic approaches yield results in statistical agreement with the primary measurement, indicating no significant deviations. Conclusively, our study contributes with a novel determination of the BAO scale in the Local Universe, at $z_{{\rm eff}} = 0.166$, achieved through the analysis of the SDSS blue galaxies cosmic tracer.
Constraints on the ultra-high energy cosmic ray output of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Moore E , Gendre B , Orange N B , Panther F H
Published: March 2024

Ultra-high energy cosmic rays are the most extreme energetic particles detected on Earth, however, their acceleration sites are still mysterious. We explore the contribution of low-luminosity gamma-ray bursts to the ultra-high energy cosmic ray flux, since they form the bulk of the nearby population. We analyse a representative sample of these bursts detected by BeppoSAX, INTEGRAL, and Swift between 1998–2016, and found that in order to reconcile our theoretical flux with the observed flux, these bursts should accelerate at most 10−13 M⊙ of ultra-high energy cosmic rays.
A Bayesian approach to strong lens finding in the era of wide-area surveys
Authors: Holloway Philip , Marshall Philip J , Verma Aprajita , More Anupreeta , Cañameras Raoul , Jaelani Anton T , Ishida Yuichiro , Wong Kenneth C
Published: March 2024

The arrival of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), Euclid-Wide and Roman wide-area sensitive surveys will herald a new era in strong lens science in which the number of strong lenses known is expected to rise from $\mathcal {O}(10^3)$ to $\mathcal {O}(10^5)$. However, current lens-finding methods still require time-consuming follow-up visual inspection by strong lens experts to remove false positives which is only set to increase with these surveys. In this work, we demonstrate a range of methods to produce calibrated probabilities to help determine the veracity of any given lens candidate. To do this we use the classifications from citizen science and multiple neural networks for galaxies selected from the Hyper Suprime-Cam survey. Our methodology is not restricted to particular classifier types and could be applied to any strong lens classifier which produces quantitative scores. Using these calibrated probabilities, we generate an ensemble classifier, combining citizen science, and neural network lens finders. We find such an ensemble can provide improved classification over the individual classifiers. We find a false-positive rate of 10−3 can be achieved with a completeness of 46 per cent, compared to 34 per cent for the best individual classifier. Given the large number of galaxy–galaxy strong lenses anticipated in LSST, such improvement would still produce significant numbers of false positives, in which case using calibrated probabilities will be essential for population analysis of large populations of lenses and to help prioritize candidates for follow-up.
Where is the ghost in the shell?
Authors: Weilnhammer Veith
Published: March 2024

The neurobiology of conscious experience is one of the fundamental mysteries in science. New evidence suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation of the parietal cortex does not modulate bistable perception. What does this mean for the neural correlates of consciousness, and how should we search for them?
An octopamine-specific GRAB sensor reveals a monoamine relay circuitry that boosts aversive learning
Authors: Lv Mingyue , Cai Ruyi , Zhang Renzimo , Xia Xiju , Li Xuelin , Wang Yipan , Wang Huan , Zeng Jianzhi , Xue Yifei , Mao Lanqun , Li Yulong
Published: March 2024

Octopamine (OA), analogous to norepinephrine in vertebrates, is an essential monoamine neurotransmitter in invertebrates that plays a significant role in various biological functions, including olfactory associative learning. However, the spatial and temporal dynamics of OA in vivo remain poorly understood due to limitations associated with the currently available methods used to detect it. To overcome these limitations, we developed a genetically encoded GPCR  activation-based (GRAB) OA sensor called GRABOA1.0. This sensor is highly selective for OA and exhibits a robust and rapid increase in fluorescence in response to extracellular OA. Using GRABOA1.0, we monitored OA release in the Drosophila mushroom body (MB), the fly's learning center, and found that OA is released in response to both odor and shock stimuli in an aversive learning model. This OA release requires acetylcholine (ACh) released from Kenyon cells, signaling via nicotinic ACh receptors. Finally, we discovered that OA amplifies aversive learning behavior by augmenting dopamine-mediated punishment signals via Octβ1R in dopaminergic neurons, leading to alterations in synaptic plasticity within the MB. Thus, our new GRABOA1.0 sensor can be used to monitor OA release in real time under physiological conditions, providing valuable insights into the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie OA signaling.
Invasive Candida Infection in Patients With Bacterial Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Combs Travis , Stoner Bobbi Jo , McCoy Parker , Reda Hassan , Sekela Michael , El-Dalati Sami
Published: March 2024

Over 21 months, 12 patients with invasive Candida infections detected during the course of treatment of bacterial endocarditis, including 11 with candidemia, were identified. Invasive Candida infections can occur as a complication of bacterial endocarditis and may occur more frequently in patients with injection drug use and broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure.
AGC kinases OXI1 and AGC2-2 regulate camalexin secretion and disease resistance by phosphorylating transporter PDR6
Authors: Han Juan , Liu Chang-xin , Liu Jian , Wang Cheng-run , Wang Shun-chang , Miao Guopeng
Published: March 2024

Plant transporters regulating the distribution of secondary metabolites play critical roles in defending against pathogens, insects, and interacting with beneficial microbes. The phosphorylation of these transporters can alter their activity, stability, and intracellular protein trafficking. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying this modification remains elusive. In this study, we discovered two orthologs of mammalian PKA, PKG, and PKC (AGC) kinases, oxidative signal-inducible 1 (OXI1) and its closest homologue, AGC subclass 2 member 2 (AGC2-2; 75% amino acid sequence identity with OXI1), associated with the extracellular secretion of camalexin and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, and Botrytis cinerea. These kinases can undergo in vitro kinase reactions with three pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporters: PDR6, PDR8, and PDR12. Moreover, our investigation confirmed PDR6 interaction with OXI1 and AGC2-2. By performing LC–MS/MS and parallel reaction monitoring, we identified the phosphorylation sites on PDR6 targeted by these kinases. Notably, chitin-induced PDR6 phosphorylation at specific residues, namely S31, S33, S827, and T832. Additional insights emerged by expressing dephosphorylated PDR6 variants in a pdr6 mutant background, revealing that the target residues S31, S33, and S827 promote PDR6 efflux activity, while T832 potentially contributes to PDR6 stability within the plasma membrane. The findings of this study elucidate partial mechanisms involved in the activity regulation of PDR-type transporters, providing valuable insights for their potential application in future plant breeding endeavors.
Why and how is the power of Big Tech increasing in the policy process? The case of generative AI
Authors: Khanal Shaleen , Zhang Hongzhou , Taeihagh Araz
Published: March 2024

The growing digitalization of our society has led to a meteoric rise of large technology companies (Big Tech), which have amassed tremendous wealth and influence through their ownership of digital infrastructure and platforms. The recent launch of ChatGPT and the rapid popularization of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) act as a focusing event to further accelerate the concentration of power in the hands of the Big Tech. By using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework, this article investigates how Big Tech utilize their technological monopoly and political influence to reshape the policy landscape and establish themselves as key actors in the policy process. It explores the implications of the rise of Big Tech for policy theory in two ways. First, it develops the Big Tech-centric technology stream, highlighting the differing motivations and activities from the traditional innovation-centric technology stream. Second, it underscores the universality of Big Tech exerting ubiquitous influence within and across streams, to primarily serve their self-interests rather than promote innovation. Our findings emphasize the need for a more critical exploration of policy role of Big Tech to ensure balanced and effective policy outcomes in the age of AI.
Activation policy: bruised and battered but still standing
Authors: Andersen Niklas A , Larsen Flemming
Published: March 2024

Policies aimed at upskilling, motivating and/or disciplining the unemployed have remained a cornerstone of most OECD countries’ employment policies since the 1990s. Central to these policies is the idea of activation – i.e. the premise that benefit entitlement is conditional on one’s participation in some kind of activity. This article seek to understand how this idea of activation has proven so enduring by analyzing the international development of Activation Policies since 1990 through the lens offered by the concept of ideational robustness. It is analyzed how the robustness of the idea of activation has been continuously challenged through critiques raised against the effects, the legitimacy and the relevance of activation policies. Yet, in each of these moments of contest, proponents of the idea of activation succeeded in keeping the idea relevant as a point of reference for policymaking. They did so by rebalancing disciplinary and enabling approaches to activation, adding a new scope of application for activation policies, and rearticulating the underlying assumption about client agency. The analysis further reveals how these robustness mechanisms succeeded in appropriating the critiques due to their inscription within the technical and seemingly de-political language concerning effect evaluations, implementation deficits, and new forms of governance. Policymakers were thereby able to downplay normative questions of the legitimacy, fairness, and justice of activation policies. The idea of activation has thus taken on a status as an objective to be implemented as effective and efficiently as possible rather than as an idea to be discussed or challenged. However, while the idea of activation remains robust, the same cannot be said of the governance and implementation structures of activation policies. Our study suggest that the near-constant reforms of these governance arrangements and implementation structures during the last 30 years are partly a consequence of critique being skewed from the idea of activation to these structures and arrangements. The robustness of the idea of activation has thus, rather paradoxically, come about by reducing the robustness of specific activation policies and governance arrangements.
On the mechanism for winter stem pressure build-up in walnut trees
Authors: Bozonnet Cyril , Saudreau Marc , Badel Eric , Charrier Guillaume , Améglio Thierry
Published: March 2024

Xylem embolism is a significant factor in tree mortality. Restoration of hydraulic conductivity after massive embolization of the vascular system requires the application of positive pressure to the vessels and/or the creation of new conductive elements. Some species generate positive pressure from the root system to propagate pressure in distal, aboveground organs in spring, whereas other species generate positive pressure locally at the stem level during winter. We provide a mechanistic explanation for winter stem pressure build-up in the walnut tree. We have developed a physical model that accounts for temperature fluctuations and phase transitions. This model is based on the exchange of water and sugars between living cells and vessels. Our computations demonstrate that vessel pressurization can be attributed to the transfer of water between vessels across the parenchyma rays, which is facilitated by a radial imbalance in sugar concentration. The ability to dispose of soluble sugars in living cells, and to transport them between living cells and up to the vessels, is identified as the main drivers of stem pressure build-up in the walnut tree.
Better Roads, Better Off? Evidence on Upgrading Roads in Tanzania
Authors: Dumas Christelle , Játiva Ximena
Published: March 2024

Spatial isolation is considered to be one of the main determinants of poverty. Therefore, many transport investments are undertaken with the stated objective of poverty reduction. This paper evaluates the effect of a Tanzanian program that rehabilitated 2,500 km of major roads on rural livelihoods. The analysis uses a large set of variables describing household behavior in order to provide a complete picture of the adjustments. The identification consists of combining a household fixed effects strategy with propensity score matching. Some damaging effects of the program are found on the rural population in the two years following the intervention: the price of rice decreases; households reallocate labor away from agriculture and provide more wage work, but the increase in wage income does not compensate for the loss in agricultural income. Nor do households seem to be benefiting from the fall in the price of rice at consumption level. These results are consistent with rural households facing increased competition due to reduced transportation costs.
Phylogeography of Korean field mouse Apodemus peninsulae (Rodentia: Muridae): an update
Authors: Chelomina Galina N , Meschersky Ilya G , Gajduchenko Helen , Borisov Yuri M
Published: March 2024

To better understand the evolutionary and demographic histories of the Korean field mouse Apodemus peninsulae we examined mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene sequences of 200 specimens from 65 localities in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia. The phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses revealed three major groups of haplotypes: “Chinese” (C), “Korean” (K) and “Russian” (R). C includes only the samples from southern and central China, K combines all samples from Korean Peninsula and some samples from Siberia, and R comprises all samples from Russian Far East, Japan, and most samples from Siberia. Both R and K also include the samples from Northern China and Mongolia. Coalescent-based approaches suggest a link between separation of these groups and intensive Kung-Huang Pleistocene uplift event of the Tibetan Plateau. The rapid expansion events in R are associated with marine isotope stages (MIS) 3 and 4, and in K with MIS 6; no sings of rapid expansion were found in C. The widespread settlement of the northeast occurred in two waves, close in time: 1) to Northern China and Korean Peninsula, and then 2) to most of Siberia, the Russian Far East and Japan; parts of Siberia, Mongolia and northern China were colonized twice.
Development of a Long-Amplicon Propidium Monoazide–Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Viable Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni Cells in Peach Trees
Authors: Panth Milan , Noh Enoch , Schnabel Guido , Wang Hehe
Published: March 2024

Bacterial spot is one of the most serious diseases of peach caused by the pathogen Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (XAP), leading to early defoliation and unmarketable fruit. The pathogen can overwinter in peach twigs and form spring cankers, which are considered the primary inoculum source for early season leaf and fruitlet infection. The amount of overwintering bacterial inoculum plays a critical role for the bacterial spot development, but no reliable quantification method is available. Thus, we developed a long-amplicon propidium monoazide (PMA)–quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for specific detection of viable XAP cells. The optimized PMA-qPCR assay used 20 μM of PMAxx for pure bacterial suspensions and 100 μM for peach twig tissues. The Qiagen Plant Pro Kit with an additional lysozyme digestion step was the DNA extraction protocol that yielded the best detection sensitivity with the bacteria-spiked peach twig extracts. The PMA-qPCR assay was tested with different mixtures of viable and heat-killed XAP cells in pure bacterial suspensions and bacteria-spiked peach twig tissues. The results showed that this assay enabled sensitive, specific, and accurate quantification of viable XAP cells as low as 103 CFU/ml with the presence of up to 107 CFU/ml of dead XAP cells, while suppressing the amplification of DNA from dead cells. For mixtures of viable and dead cells, the PMA-qPCR results were linearly correlated with the predicted concentrations of viable XAP (R2 > 0.98). Thus, the PMA-qPCR assay will be a suitable tool for quantifying overwintering XAP population on peach trees.