bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUSE–ALMA haloes VII: survey science goals & design, data processing and final catalogues
Authors: Péroux C , Weng S , Karki A , Augustin R , Kulkarni V P , Szakacs R , Klitsch A , Hamanowicz A , Fresco A Y , Zwaan M A , Biggs A , Fox A J , Hayes M , Howk J C , Kacprzak G G , Kassin S , Kuntschner H , Nelson D , Pettini M
Published: September 2022

The gas cycling in the circumgalactic regions of galaxies is known to be multi-phase. The MUSE–ALMA Haloes survey gathers a large multi-wavelength observational sample of absorption and emission data with the goal to significantly advance our understanding of the physical properties of such CGM gas. A key component of the MUSE–ALMA Haloes survey is the multi-facility observational campaign conducted with VLT/MUSE, ALMA, and HST. MUSE–ALMA Haloes targets comprise 19 VLT/MUSE IFS quasar fields, including 32 zabs <0.85 strong absorbers with measured N(H i) ≥1018 cm−2 from UV-spectroscopy. We additionally use a new complementary HST medium program to characterize the stellar content of the galaxies through a 40-orbit three-band UVIS and IR WFC3 imaging. Beyond the absorber-selected targets, we detect 3658 sources all fields combined, including 703 objects with spectroscopic redshifts. This galaxy-selected sample constitutes the main focus of the current paper. We have secured millimeter ALMA observations of some of the fields to probe the molecular gas properties of these objects. Here, we present the overall survey science goals, target selection, observational strategy, data processing and source identification of the full sample. Furthermore, we provide catalogues of magnitude measurements for all objects detected in VLT/MUSE, ALMA, and HST broad-band images and associated spectroscopic redshifts derived from VLT/MUSE observations. Together, this data set provides robust characterization of the neutral atomic gas, molecular gas and stars in the same objects resulting in the baryon census of condensed matter in complex galaxy structures.
Pulsars as candidates of LHAASO sources J2226+6057, J1908+0621, and J1825−1326
Authors: Chang Zhe , Zhang Xukun , Zhou Jing-Zhi
Published: September 2022

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) Collaboration has observed ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 PeV from 12 $\gamma$-ray Galactic sources. In particular, the γ-ray spectra of the sources J2226+6057, J1908+0621, and J1825−1326 have been published. We investigate the possibility of suggested origin pulsars near the sources as the PeVatrons. The pulsar is described by a rotating magnetic dipole. Assuming protons are uniformly distributed out of the light cylinders, we obtain the Lorentz distribution of proton energy spectrum. It is found that the protons around pulsar could be accelerated to PeV at short times. The hadronic γ-ray spectra of the suggested origin pulsars are in good agreement with the LHAASO observed γ-ray spectra of the sources J2226+6057, J1908+0621, and J1825−1326.
Group velocity of obliquely propagating Alfvén waves in a magnetized dusty plasma
Authors: De Toni L B , Gaelzer R , Ziebell L F
Published: September 2022

In this work, we investigate the characteristics of the group velocity of obliquely propagating Alfvén waves in a dusty plasma typical of a stellar wind. The dispersion relation is derived with the aid of the kinetic theory for a magnetized dusty plasma consisting of electrons and ions, with distribution of momenta described by a Maxwellian function. The dust particles are considered to be immobile and have all the same size; they are electrically charged by absorption of plasma particles via inelastic collisions and by photoionization. We numerically solve the dispersion relation and calculate the components of group velocity (along and transverse to the magnetic field) for the normal modes, namely the compressional and shear Alfvén waves (CAW and SAW). The results show that the direction of the group velocity of CAWs is greatly modified with the wave-vector direction. On the other hand, SAWs will present group velocity propagating practically along the magnetic field. The changes in dust parameters, such as number density and equilibrium electrical charge, may significantly change the waves’ characteristics. It is seen that for sufficiently high dust to ion number density ratio, the SAWs may present perpendicular group velocity propagating in opposite direction to the perpendicular phase velocity, in a small interval of wavenumber values; we also notice that this interval may change, or even vanish, when the flux of radiation incident on the dust is altered, changing the equilibrium electrical charge of the grains.
No globular cluster progenitors in Milky Way satellite galaxies
Authors: Boldrini Pierre , Bovy Jo
Published: September 2022

In order to find the possible progenitors of Milky Way (MW) globular clusters, we perform orbit integrations to track the orbits of 170 Galactic globular clusters and the 11 classical MW satellite galaxies backwards in time for 11 Gyr in an MW-plus-satellites potential including the response of the MW to the infall of the Large Magellanic Cloud and the effect of dynamical friction on the satellites. To evaluate possible past associations, we devise a globular-cluster–satellite binding criterion based on the satellite’s tidal radius and escape velocity and we test it on globular clusters associated with the Sagittarius dwarf and on dwarf galaxies associated with the Large Magellanic Cloud. For these, we successfully recover the dynamical associations highlighted by previous studies and we derive their time of accretion by the Galaxy by using Gaia EDR3 data. Assuming that MW globular clusters are and have been free of dark matter and thus consist of stars alone, we demonstrate that none of the globular clusters show any clear association with the eight classical dwarf spheroidal galaxies even though a large fraction of them are believed to be accreted. This means that accreted globular clusters either came in as part of now-disrupted satellite galaxies or that globular clusters may have had dark matter haloes in the past – as suggested by the similar metallicity between globular clusters and dwarf galaxies.
Revealing the properties of void galaxies and their assembly using the eagle simulation
Authors: Rosas-Guevara Yetli , Tissera Patricia , Lagos Claudia del P , Paillas Enrique , Padilla Nelson
Published: September 2022

We explore the properties of central galaxies living in voids using the eagle cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. Based on the minimum void-centric distance, we define four galaxy samples: inner void, outer void, wall, and skeleton. We find that inner void galaxies with host halo masses $\lt 10^{12}\,\rm M_{\odot }$ have lower stellar mass and stellar mass fractions than those in denser environments, and the fraction of galaxies with star formation (SF) activity and atomic hydrogen (H i) gas decreases with increasing void-centric distance, in agreement with observations. To mitigate the influence of stellar (halo) mass, we compare inner void galaxies to subsamples of fixed stellar (halo) mass. Compared to denser environments, inner void galaxies with $M_{*}= 10^{[9.0-9.5]}\,\rm M_{\odot }$ have comparable SF activity and H i gas fractions, but the lowest quenched galaxy fraction. Inner void galaxies with $M_{*}= 10^{[9.5-10.5]}\,\rm M_{\odot }$ have the lowest H i gas fraction, the highest quenched fraction and the lowest gas metallicities. On the other hand, inner void galaxies with $M_{*}\gt 10^{10.5}\,\rm M_{\odot }$ have comparable SF activity and H i gas fractions to their analogues in denser environments. They retain the highest metallicity gas that might be linked to physical processes that act with lower efficiency in underdense regions such as AGN (active galaxy nucleus) feedback. Furthermore, inner void galaxies have the lowest fraction of positive gas-phase metallicity gradients, which are typically associated with external processes or feedback events, suggesting they have more quiet merger histories than galaxies in denser environments. Our findings shed light on how galaxies are influenced by their large-scale environment.
Two decades of X-ray observations of the isolated neutron star RX J1856.5 − 3754: detection of thermal and non-thermal hard X-rays and refined spin-down measurement
Authors: De Grandis Davide , Rigoselli Michela , Mereghetti Sandro , Younes George , Pizzochero Pierre , Taverna Roberto , Tiengo Andrea , Turolla Roberto , Zane Silvia
Published: September 2022

The soft X-ray pulsar RX J1856.5 − 3754 is the brightest member of a small class of thermally emitting, radio-silent, isolated neutron stars. Its X-ray spectrum is almost indistinguishable from a blackbody with $kT^\infty \approx {60}\, {\rm eV}$, but evidence of harder emission above $\sim {1}\, {\rm keV}$ has been recently found. We report on a spectral and timing analysis of RX J1856.5 − 3754 based on the large amount of data collected by XMM-Newton in 2002–2022, complemented by a dense monitoring campaign carried out by NICER in 2019. Through a phase-coherent timing analysis we obtained an improved value of the spin-down rate $\dot{\nu }=-6.042(4)\times 10^{-16}\, {\rm Hz\, s}^{-1}$, reducing by more than one order magnitude the uncertainty of the previous measurement, and yielding a characteristic spin-down field of $1.47\times 10^{13}\, {\rm G}$. We also detect two spectral components above $\sim 1\, {\rm keV}$: a blackbody-like one with $kT^\infty =138\pm 13\,$eV and emitting radius $31_{-16}^{+8}\,$m, and a power law with photon index $\Gamma =1.4_{-0.4}^{+0.5}$. The power-law 2–8 keV flux, $(2.5_{-0.6}^{+0.7})\times 10^{-15}\, {\rm erg}\, {\rm cm}^{-2}\, {\rm s}^{-1}$, corresponds to an efficiency of 10−3, in line with that seen in other pulsars. We also reveal a small difference between the 0.1–0.3 keV and 0.3–1.2 keV pulse profiles, as well as some evidence for a modulation above 1.2 keV. These results show that, notwithstanding its simple spectrum, RX J1856.5 − 3754 still has a non-trivial thermal surface distribution and features non-thermal emission as seen in other pulsars with higher spin-down power.
Epi-MEIF: detecting higher order epistatic interactions for complex traits using mixed effect conditional inference forests
Authors: Saha Saswati , Perrin Laurent , Röder Laurence , Brun Christine , Spinelli Lionel
Published: September 2022

Understanding the relationship between genetic variations and variations in complex and quantitative phenotypes remains an ongoing challenge. While Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become a vital tool for identifying single-locus associations, we lack methods for identifying epistatic interactions. In this article, we propose a novel method for higher-order epistasis detection using mixed effect conditional inference forest (epiMEIF). The proposed method is fitted on a group of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with the phenotype and the tree structure in the forest facilitates the identification of n-way interactions between the SNPs. Additional testing strategies further improve the robustness of the method. We demonstrate its ability to detect true n-way interactions via extensive simulations in both cross-sectional and longitudinal synthetic datasets. This is further illustrated in an application to reveal epistatic interactions from natural variations of cardiac traits in flies (Drosophila). Overall, the method provides a generalized way to identify higher-order interactions from any GWAS data, thereby greatly improving the detection of the genetic architecture underlying complex phenotypes.
Mitochondrial stress induces AREG expression and epigenomic remodeling through c-JUN and YAP-mediated enhancer activation
Authors: Hino Yuko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Oki Shinya , Etoh Kan , Hino Shinjiro , Nakao Mitsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Nucleus–mitochondria crosstalk is essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Although anterograde (nucleus-to-mitochondria) pathways have been well characterized, retrograde (mitochondria-to-nucleus) pathways remain to be clarified. Here, we found that mitochondrial dysfunction triggered a retrograde signaling via unique transcriptional and chromatin factors in hepatic cells. Our transcriptomic analysis revealed that the loss of mitochondrial transcription factor A led to mitochondrial dysfunction and dramatically induced expression of amphiregulin (AREG) and other secretory protein genes. AREG expression was also induced by various mitochondria stressors and was upregulated in murine liver injury models, suggesting that AREG expression is a hallmark of mitochondrial damage. Using epigenomic and informatic approaches, we identified that mitochondrial dysfunction-responsive enhancers of AREG gene were activated by c-JUN/YAP1/TEAD axis and were repressed by chromatin remodeler BRG1. Furthermore, while mitochondrial dysfunction-activated enhancers were enriched with JUN and TEAD binding motifs, the repressed enhancers possessed the binding motifs for hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, suggesting that both stress responsible and cell type-specific enhancers were reprogrammed. Our study revealed that c-JUN and YAP1-mediated enhancer activation shapes the mitochondrial stress-responsive phenotype, which may shift from metabolism to stress adaptation including protein secretion under such stressed conditions.
NMR determination of the 2:1 binding complex of naphthyridine carbamate dimer (NCD) and CGG/CGG triad in double-stranded DNA
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Furuita Kyoko , Sakurabayashi Shuhei , Nomura Makoto , Kojima Chojiro , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: September 2022

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) diseases are caused by the aberrant expansion of CXG (X = C, A, G and T) sequences in genomes. We have reported two small molecules binding to TNR, NCD, and NA, which strongly bind to CGG repeat (responsible sequence of fragile X syndrome) and CAG repeat (Huntington's disease). The NMR structure of NA binding to the CAG/CAG triad has been clarified, but the structure of NCD bound to the CGG/CGG triad remained to be addressed. We here report the structural determination of the NCD-CGG/CGG complex by NMR spectroscopy and the comparison with the NA-CAG/CAG complex. While the NCD-CGG/CGG structure shares the binding characteristics with that of the NA-CAG/CAG complex, a significant difference was found in the overall structure caused by the structural fluctuation at the ligand-bound site. The NCD-CGG/CGG complex was suggested in the equilibrium between stacked and kinked structures, although NA-CAG/CAG complex has only the stacked structures. The dynamic fluctuation of the NCD-CGG/CGG structure at the NCD-binding site suggested room for optimization in the linker structure of NCD to gain improved affinity to the CGG/CGG triad.
A spatiotemporal atlas of organogenesis in the development of orchid flowers
Authors: Liu Chang , Leng Jing , Li Yonglong , Ge Tingting , Li Jinglong , Chen Yamao , Guo Chunce , Qi Ji
Published: September 2022

Development of floral organs exhibits complex molecular mechanisms involving the co-regulation of many genes specialized and precisely functioning in various tissues and developing stages. Advance in spatial transcriptome technologies allows for quantitative measurement of spatially localized gene abundance making it possible to bridge complex scenario of flower organogenesis with genome-wide molecular phenotypes. Here, we apply the 10× Visium technology in the study of the formation of floral organs through development in an orchid plant, Phalaenopsis Big Chili. Cell-types of early floral development including inflorescence meristems, primordia of floral organs and identity determined tissues, are recognized based on spatial expression distribution of thousands of genes in high resolution. In addition, meristematic cells on the basal position of floral organs are found to continuously function in multiple developmental stages after organ initiation. Particularly, the development of anther, which primordium starts from a single spot to multiple differentiated cell-types in later stages including pollinium and other vegetative tissues, is revealed by well-known MADS-box genes and many other downstream regulators. The spatial transcriptome analyses provide comprehensive information of gene activity for understanding the molecular architecture of flower organogenesis and for future genomic and genetic studies of specific cell-types.
Protein intake and its effect on sleep outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wirth Janine , Hillesheim Elaine , Brennan Lorraine
Published: September 2022

Context

Poor sleep is increasingly seen as an issue of public health concern. In recent years, there has been growing interest in protein as a route to improve sleep outcomes; however, the evidence is limited and inconclusive.

Objective

To examine, using a systematic review and meta-analysis, the effect of increased protein intake (≥1 g/kg//d, ≥25% of total energy intake, or protein supplementation of ≥10 g/d/) on sleep outcomes in adults.

Methods

On November 30, 2021, 5 electronic databases were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, version 2.0.

Data Extraction

Five sleep outcomes were included in this systematic review (sleep quality [SQ], sleep latency [SL], sleep efficiency [SEff], sleep time [ST], wake episodes, and other sleep outcomes) and 4 in the meta-analysis (SQ, SL, SEff, and ST). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Data Analysis

Twelve intervention studies reported on in 10 articles were included. The qualitative analyses showed that increased protein consumption has little influence on sleep outcomes. Only subjective SQ was positively associated with protein consumption in a few studies. Meta-analyses also showed no significant effect of increased protein intake on sleep outcomes (number of studies for SQ, ST, SL, and SEff: 8, 8, 7, and 6, respectively), with very low certainty of evidence. However, results from sensitivity analyses, excluding high-risk studies, suggest a small effect on SQ in favor of high protein intake (mean difference, –4.28; 95%CI, –7.77, –0.79; on a scale from 0 to 100).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate there is no clear relationship between increased protein intake and sleep. However, the strength of the evidence is low and more randomized controlled trials that focus on this specific research question are warranted.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020196021.
Hatching failure is greater in altricial bird species with cavity nests and large clutches
Authors: Di Giovanni Alexander J , Miller Michael J , Jones Todd M , Benson Thomas J , Ward Michael P
Published: September 2022

Mortality rates are high for most avian species during early life stages, forming a critical source of natural selection that helps shape the diversity of avian life-history traits. We investigated hatching failure (i.e., non-predatory embryonic mortality, excluding abandoned or damaged eggs) and found significant variation among passerine species. Failure rates ranged from 1.0% to 12.7%, and species with cavity nests and larger clutches experienced greater rates of hatching failure. While past research has focused on the direct effects of predation on the nestling and fledgling stages, little is known about how predation may indirectly influence other sources of mortality such as hatching failure. We investigated the influence of nest predation risk and other factors on variation in hatching failure among 14 free-living grassland and shrubland songbird species. Across all species, 7.7% of 1,667 eggs failed to hatch. We found little evidence that variation in nest temperature influenced rates of hatching failure within and among species, although species with larger clutch sizes had more variable nest temperatures. Dissection of failed eggs revealed that most hatching failures occurred before or shortly after the onset of development; however, there was no difference between cavity and open-cup nesters in the rate of early-stage mortality. Our findings suggest there may be tradeoffs to having a large clutch, with a benefit of rearing more young at the cost of greater hatching failure, possibly due to delayed onset of incubation, poor incubation behavior, or inability to incubate large clutches. Additionally, as larger clutches are often laid in cavity nests, which have a relatively low predation risk, this may outweigh the costs of increased hatching failure. More experimental approaches, such as clutch size manipulations and egg-specific incubation behavior are needed to provide greater insight into factors driving variation in hatching failure across species.
Ethics and CAT
Authors: Batchelor Henrietta
Published: September 2022

This chapter explores the dilemmas posed by many ethical problems and explores ways of thinking through decisions. Whilst in the end the clinician will need to think through a course of action, the attention to strong and often uncomfortable feelings elicited by ethical dilemmas is important. Often such feelings are at odds with one another but cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) provides a useful way of mapping out such dilemmas in particular by the use of sequential diagrammatic formulations (SDRs). Factors influencing moral disengagement are explored and this chapter notes that whilst most clinicians are not involved in the serious abuse of their clients, practitioners may behave unethically at times particularly if they are stressed, tired, or burnt out. Useful tools to guide ethical practice are professional codes of ethics and practice (which include information and instruction about confidentiality and boundaries), and the four pillars of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. A number of case studies are explored to illustrate the use of these principles. Supervision has a key role in supporting and challenging practitioners to maintain ethical practice and, to this end, the cultivation of trusting and honest relationships in supervision are clearly important.
Corruption in Customs
Authors: Chalendard Cyril , Fernandes Ana M , Raballand Gael , Rijkers Bob
Published: September 2022

This article presents a new methodology to detect corruption in customs and applies it to Madagascar’s main port. Manipulation of assignment of import declarations to inspectors is identified by measuring deviations from random assignment prescribed by official rules. Deviant declarations are more at risk of tax evasion, yet less likely to be deemed fraudulent by inspectors, who also clear them faster. An intervention in which inspector assignment was delegated to a third party validates our approach, but also triggered a novel manifestation of manipulation that rejuvenated systemic corruption. Tax revenue losses associated with the corruption scheme are approximately 3% of total taxes collected and are highly concentrated among a select few inspectors and brokers.
METABOLISMS OF 13C IN CATTLE SEMITENDINOSUS MUSCLE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF 13C LABELED ORCHARD GRASS
Authors: Masuda Tsuyoshi , Tani Takashi , Arai Ryuji , Tako Yasuhiro
Published: September 2022

14C released from nuclear facilities is transferred to cattle through their consumption of 14C contaminated grasses. To estimate the concentrations of 14C in their meat, we conducted two sets of experiments. In the first experiment, 230 mg of 13C per day was administered to cattle aged 10 months for 28 days in the form of 13C-labeled grass. The 13C concentration in the semitendinosus muscle decreased exponentially after reaching its peak value. The mean half-life was 76 ± 13 days. In the second experiment, 550 mg of 13C per day was administered to 24-month-old cattle. The change in the semitendinosus muscle was smaller than that recorded in the first experiment, even though the amount of 13C administered per body weight was slightly higher than that in the first experiment. Consequently, the half-life was not determined. Therefore, further studies are required to clarify the metabolism of carbon in 2-year-old cattle.
ON RADIATION-INDUCED AGING: ACCELERATED OR PREMATURE AGING
Authors: Wada Takahiro , Kinugawa Tetsuhiro , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: September 2022

The concept of radiation-induced aging is revisited from the viewpoint of a mathematical model. The effect of radiation on carcinogenesis is treated based on the Armitage–Doll multi-stage theory. The formula obtained for cancer incidence rate indicates that radiation dose can be explained in terms of time. Radiation-induced aging for acute and chronic exposures is described using age-specific cancer incidence rates as a measure of aging. It shows that accelerated aging is related to the dose rate, whereas premature aging is related to the cumulative dose, providing a simple and natural interpretation of radiation-induced aging. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated by applying the formula to cancer prevalence data from mice chronically exposed to low dose-rate radiation.
Measuring sleep health in primary school-aged children: A systematic review of instruments and their content validity
Authors: Inhulsen Maj-Britt M R , van Stralen Maartje M , Terwee Caroline B , Ujcic-Voortman Joanne K , Seidell Jacob C , Busch Vincent
Published: September 2022

Study Objectives

This review aimed to summarize instruments that measure one or more domains of sleep health (i.e. duration, quality, efficiency, timing, daytime sleepiness and sleep-related behaviors) in a general population of 4–12-year old children, and to assess these instruments’ content validity. Other measurement properties were evaluated for instruments with indications of sufficient content validity.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EmBase. Methodological quality, content validity, and other measurement properties were assessed via the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. Instruments with indications of sufficient content validity (i.e. relevance, comprehensiveness and comprehensibility) were further evaluated on other measurement properties (i.e. other aspects of validity, reliability, responsiveness). A modified GRADE approach was applied to determine the quality of evidence.

Results

Twenty instruments, containing 36 subscales, were included. None of the instruments measured all sleep health domains. For five (subscales of) instruments sufficient relevance and comprehensibility was found. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. For these five instruments all additional measurement properties were assessed. Sufficient results were found for structural validity (n = 1), internal consistency (n = 1), and construct validity (n = 1), with quality of evidence ranging from very low to high.

Conclusions

Several (subscales of) instruments measuring domains of child sleep health showed good promise, demonstrating sufficient relevance, comprehensibility, and some also sufficient results on other measurement properties. However, more high quality studies on instrument development and the evaluation of measurement properties are required.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021224109
Looking back at a life in sleep research—and some thoughts for the future
Authors: Mendelson Wallace B
Published: September 2022

In reviewing my studies, some of which are nearing the half century mark, I’ve described work on sleep-related growth hormone, the effects of hypnotics on the perception of sleep, REM sleep induction in humans by cholinergic drugs, the benzodiazepine receptor, the anatomic sites of action of hypnotics, the endocannabinoid system and sleep, and the relation of anesthesia to sleep. Special mention along the way goes to cases in which drugs produced totally unexpected effects, including methysergide producing opposite effects on growth hormone secretion in sleep and a waking provocative test, the converse actions on sleep of the B-10 benzodiazepine enantiomers, and the promotion of wakefulness by microinjection of the hypnotic triazolam into the dorsal raphe nuclei. This work is placed in the context of what was known at the time, as well as what has been observed in subsequent years. Many of these studies indicate that the medial preoptic area may be a common site for the sleep-promoting action of a wide range of agents including traditional hypnotics, ethanol, propofol and melatonin. In the future it may be worthwhile looking at the beta-carbolines, and also the endocannabinoid system, when exploring drugs with new mechanisms of action for treating sleep/wake disorders. An Addendum to this paper describes memories of working with Frederick Snyder, J. Christian Gillin, Richard Jed Wyatt, and Floyd E. Bloom.
Genetic, Phenotypic, and Pathogenic Variation Among Athelia rolfsii, the Causal Agent of Peanut Stem Rot in China
Authors: Yan Liying , Song Wanduo , Yu Dongyang , Kishan Sudini Hari , Kang Yanping , Lei Yong , Huai Dongxin , Wang Zhihui , Chen Yuning , Wang Xin , Liao Boshou
Published: September 2022

Peanut stem rot caused by Athelia rolfsii is a serious soilborne disease worldwide and is becoming increasingly important in China. A total of 293 A. rolfsii isolates were collected from four representative peanut producing provinces in northern, central, and southern China. These isolates were assigned to 45 mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) through pairing testing. The MCG diversity among isolates was greater in the southern sampled provinces compared with the northern provinces. A high level of genetic variability was found among the isolates from Guangdong Province in southern China. Variations were found in mycelial growth rate and sclerotial number, size, and dry weight of isolates sampled from places in different latitudes. Size and dry weight of sclerotia were positively correlated with latitude (P < 0.01), but the number of sclerotia was negatively correlated with latitude (P < 0.01). All tester isolates were pathogenic on peanut but varied in disease index. Inter-simple sequence repeat analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average clustering resulted in three distinct clusters that were associated with the geographical location of the collection sites and sclerotial traits but were not associated with virulence of these isolates. These findings imply that genetic diversity, morphological traits, and virulence among A. rolfsii isolates varied in diverse geographical regions in China, and genetic diversity and sclerotial traits might be affected by latitude.
Immunobiologicals and ocular surface disease
Authors: Bielory Leonard
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

Immunobiologicals have surfaced to become a new cornerstone of treatment for a wide spectrum of inflammatory disorders with an immune basis. The targets have ranged from autoimmune conditions to transplantation, and now more into atopic inflammatory disorders with primary targets of asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Recent findings

The clinical information garnered from these studies have provided an initial snapshot on the potential adverse effects of the immunobiologicals on the ocular surface as well as providing a potential opening of their use in the treatment of various chronic ocular surface and intraocular inflammatory disorders that have previously been relegated to limited therapeutic options primarily to the broad anti-inflammatory use of glucocorticosteroids.

The use of immunobiologicals provides a more directed therapeutic approach to many of the ocular inflammatory disorders, as we continue to appreciate more of their underlying immunopathophysiology of ocular surface disorder,s including ocular allergy and tear film dysfunction.
Dual effects of anandamide in the antiepileptic activity of diazepam in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice
Authors: Manna Shyamshree S.S.
Published: September 2022

The prototype endocannabinoid, anandamide activates both CB1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels (TRPV1) receptor at different concentrations. At high concentrations, anandamide-mediated TRPV1 effects are opposite to its effects at low concentrations via CB1 receptor. Thus, synaptic concentrations of anandamide govern the neuronal activity and consequently might affect the response of a drug. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of high and low doses of anandamide on the anticonvulsant action of diazepam on the subcutaneous dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in Swiss mice weighing 20–25 g. Results revealed that intracerebroventricular administration of capsazepine (a TRPV1 antagonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) and the low doses (10 µg/mouse) of anandamide, AM404 (anandamide transport inhibitor), or URB597 (fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor) augmented the anticonvulsant effect of diazepam. Conversely, higher dose of anandamide, AM404, URB597 (100 µg/mouse) as well as capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) attenuated the protective effect of diazepam against PTZ-induced seizures. Thus, this study demonstrates that the effects of diazepam may be augmented by activating CB1 receptors or dampened via TRPV1 receptors. The findings of the present study can be extrapolated to understand the use of TRPV1 blockers alone or in combination of benzodiazepines in the treatment of benzodiazepines-refractory status epilepticus, a condition associated with maladaptive trafficking of synaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate receptors. However, potential clinical applications are needed to further support such preclinical studies.
Frequency and outcomes of periprocedural myocardial infarction in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ueki Yasushi , Räber Lorenz
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

Various definitions of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) have been proposed by academic groups and professional societies differing in terms of biomarker thresholds and ancillary criteria for myocardial ischemia. The incidence and clinical significance of periprocedural MI substantially varies according to the definitions applied. In this review, we summarize available clinical data on the frequency and outcomes of periprocedural MI according to various MI definitions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Recent findings

Numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated the incidence and prognostic relevance of periprocedural MI following PCI. The incidence of periprocedural MI was higher when defined by universal definition of myocardial infarction (UDMI), which applies a lower biomarker threshold with broader ancillary criteria compared with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) and academic research consortium (ARC)-2. The prognostic impact of periprocedural MI defined by SCAI and ARC-2 on mortality was consistently greater compared with the UDMI definition.

Among chronic coronary syndrome patients undergoing PCI, the frequency and prognostic value of periprocedural MI varies considerably based on definitions. Periprocedural MI defined by the ARC-2 and SCAI occurred 3–6 times less frequently and were prognostically more relevant as compared with the UDMI. Clinically relevant definitions should be used in daily practice and clinical trials.
The Importance of Identifying Meibomian Gland Inversion in Patients With Floppy Eyelid Syndrome
Authors: Yvon Camille , Hunt Samantha , Malhotra Raman
Published: September 2022

Background:

Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is a common and underdiagnosed condition characterized by eyelid hyperlaxity with reactive palpebral conjunctivitis that can cause ocular irritation. It may be associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and secondary tarsal curling, resulting in upper eyelid meibomian gland inversion (MGI) in the absence of obvious marginal entropion.

Purpose:

To highlight the possible significance of MGI in patients with FES and report findings and outcomes in patients with concomitant MGI and FES undergoing correction of MGI with or without upper eyelid horizontal tightening.

Methods:

Retrospective, 5-year, noncomparative, single-center study of patients with FES and MGI, treated with MGI correction, with or without upper eyelid horizontal tightening, under the supervision of a single surgeon. Preoperative symptoms, surgical outcomes, complication rates, and postoperative symptoms were recorded.

Results:

A total of 13 eyes of 9 patients were treated with MGI surgery over the study period. Seven were male. Mean age at the surgery was 63 (range 42–81) years. Two OSs, 3 ODs, and 4 OUs were treated. All patients were “cotton-tip test” positive, and 77% (10/13) had MGI-related superior corneal fluorescein staining. Three patients (33%) had previous standard tightening procedures with recurrence of symptoms within 5 to 24 (mean 16) months. Repeat horizontal tightening had been considered in all these cases before referral to our unit. Mean follow-up was 20 months. Eight patients (88.9%) had improvement of symptoms (n = 3, full resolution; n = 5, partial resolution). All patients demonstrated restoration of the normal anatomical position of the meibomian glands. Superior punctate staining resolved in all eyes.

Conclusion:

This study provides a proof of concept that upper eyelid MGI can be present and symptomatic in patients with FES. It may help explain cases where symptoms persist or recur early following standard upper eyelid horizontal tightening. Where superior corneal punctate staining and a positive cotton-tip test exist, surgical correction of MGI, alongside horizontal tightening, may provide better, and longer-lasting symptomatic relief. This study provides evidence for the need for a prospective study to evaluate the contribution of MGI in patients with FES.
Patient Participation in Forensic Psychiatric Care
Authors: Selvin Mikael , Almqvist Kjerstin , Fogelkvist Maria , Lundqvist Lars-Olov , Schröder Agneta
Published: September 2022

Patient participation is central in modern health care. However, it is a complex phenomenon that lacks a clear definition, and what constitutes participation varies depending on the context and theoretical perspective. It is known that patient participation in forensic psychiatric care is often rated as low by both patients and professionals, and it can be assumed that interventions to increase it are beneficial. In this process, management and staff could benefit from assessing perceived patient participation, and reliable and valid measurement instruments are essential. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument that could be used to measure experiences of participation in forensic psychiatric care from a patient perspective and test it for content validity. A definition of patient participation in forensic psychiatric care was formulated and operationalized in an instrument that an expert group, consisting of patients with ongoing care, evaluated for content validity. In total, 50 items were sorted into five different dimensions: to have good communication, to be involved, to have mutual trust, to trust the care, and to take responsibility. After psychometric testing, the instrument has the potential to become a tool to use in research, clinical work, and development work in the field of forensic psychiatric care. In addition to being used as a measure, the Patient Participation in Forensic Psychiatric Care can also be used to encourage a dialogue about their care and to make both patients and staff more aware of patient participation.
Solution-related in Vitro Dewetting Behavior of Various Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Authors: Marx Sebastian , Baluschev Stanislav , Sickenberger Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

The dewetting process of contact lenses (CLs) is a result of material and solution properties as well as environmental factors. This article describes an investigational approach to observe and describe dewetting characteristics of different CL material and solution combinations.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the in vitro dewetting characteristics of various daily disposable CLs that were assessed using a noninvasive keratograph dewetting procedure (noninvasive keratograph dry-up time). In vitro dewetting data of the same CL materials soaked in saline solution and artificial tear solution (ATS) were measured to determine additional dewetting characteristics.

METHODS

Noninvasive keratograph dry-up time was measured for six different soft CL materials and three different test conditions, in their specific blister solution, after exposure to saline and an ATS. Twenty CLs of each solution/material combination were assessed after an 8-hour soaking, during a 180-second dewetting observation, and the results were expressed by area under the curve values.

RESULTS

Fastest dewetting occurred for all materials when measured out of saline, indicated by the highest averaged area under the curve value of 9243.3 ± 38.3 over all lens materials. Slower dewetting was detected for all materials when measured out of their specific blister solution (7755.9 ± 37.1) and out of ATS (7988.8 ± 40.0). Intragroup results were statistically significantly different for all solutions showing the smallest differences within the ATS group (P < .001, Kruskal-Wallis test).

CONCLUSIONS

A pure saline thin film is not an ideal representation of a complex tear film layer of a healthy human because it lacks any evaporative protection by a lipid layer. The use of an ATS, which more likely mimics the natural tear film, allowed in this experimental in vitro project to decrease the gap to the in vivo field. In vitro dewetting information in connection with the blister solution allows only a theoretical conclusion about the initial lens wear after lens insertion.
Effectiveness of Positioning in Unconscious Adults During Nasogastric Intubation on Correct Placement and Intubation Time
Authors: Chen Chen-Ju , Hung David Shang Yu , Wu Ming-Hsuan , Lee Huan-Fang , Chen Nai-Ching , Yang Hui-Ching , Hung Yu-Hsin
Published: September 2022

Nasogastric intubation is a common procedure in hospitals that causes adverse outcomes if performed incorrectly. There is currently insufficient guidance for patient positioning, which increases the success of nasogastric intubation at the bedside. Therefore, a systematic review with a meta-analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of changing an unconscious adults' positions compared with the supine position to improve the correct placement of a nasogastric tube, intubation time, and complications. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to April 2019 for randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of eligible studies. Cochrane Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyze the data. A total of 288 articles were obtained in the literature search, 10 of which were included in the analysis. Most of the included trials were at low risk of bias. All postures were significantly effective, though neck flexion had the highest success rate (odds ratio = 4.87, 95% confidence interval [2.48, 9.57], Z = 4.6, p < .00001, I
2 = 0%) for nasogastric intubation. In terms of the time required for the procedure, compared with the usual posture, although the total effects were significant (MD =−10.33, 95% confidence interval [−15.38, −5.29], Z = 4.02, p < .00001, I
2 = 98%), only neck flexion and lifting of the larynx reduced the time. The meta-analysis suggests that patient positioning improves the success rate of nasogastric intubation and increases safety. Finally, the authors developed a procedural instruction sheet to aid practitioners with nasogastric intubation.
Moving the Needle on Patient Cancellations Through Mobile Integration
Authors: Smith Jason K. , Ashcraft Alyce
Published: September 2022

The Annie application (Annie app) prompts patients to track and guide their adherence to colonoscopy bowel prep protocol referred to as nothing by mouth (NPO) instructions. The app is a series of timed educational text messages geared toward colonoscopy preparation. This quality improvement project aimed to establish whether implementing a short message service (SMS) application (Annie app) would decrease the same-day cancellation rate among individuals receiving a nonemergent colonoscopy in a large Houston hospital clinic. Most same-day cancellations are related to failure to follow NPO instructions provided by the clinic nursing staff. All patients received the standard 14-day call, as well as the 3-day nurse reminder calls. The Annie app SMS was in addition to the standard nurse reminder calls. There were significant associations between using the Annie app and cancellations. Cancellation rates decreased by 21% when patients elected to receive the Annie app messages versus receiving voice-mail-only messages. African American individuals benefitted the most from the Annie app decreasing from 28.4% to 17.9%.
Effects of GRIN2B, GRIA1, and BDNF Polymorphisms on the Therapeutic Action of Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients: Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Beanes Graziele , Caliman-Fontes Ana Teresa , Souza-Marques Breno , Silva Hátilla Dos Santos , Leal Gustavo C. , Carneiro Beatriz Alves , Guerreiro-Costa Lívia N.F. , Figueiredo Alexandre V. , Figueiredo Camila Alexandrina V. , Lacerda Acioly L.T. , Costa Ryan dos S. , Quarantini Lucas C.
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic variants in glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-d-aspartate type subunit 2B (GRIN2B), glutamate ionotropic receptor α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid type subunit 1 (GRIA1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes on therapeutic response, remission, and total Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores after treatment with ketamine or esketamine in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients.

Methods

Participants (N = 60) are from a double-blind, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial comparing single-dose intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) to esketamine (0.25 mg/kg) for TRD. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale was applied at baseline, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days postinfusion to assess depressive symptoms. Blood samples were collected to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1805502 (GRIN2B), rs1994862 (GRIA1), and rs6265 (BDNF).

Results

There was no association between rs1805502, rs1994862, or rs6265 polymorphisms and antidepressant response (P = 0.909, P = 0.776, and P = 0.482, respectively), remission P = 0.790, P = 0.086, and P = 0.669), or Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores at each time point (P = 0.907, P = 0.552, and P = 0.778).

Conclusions

We found no association between the studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs6265, rs1805502, and rs1994862) and ketamine's therapeutic action in TRD patients. Further studies with larger samples are needed to clarify the utility of these genes of interest as predictors for antidepressant treatment.