bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XSim version 2: simulation of modern breeding programs
Authors: Chen Chunpeng James , Garrick Dorian , Fernando Rohan , Karaman Emre , Stricker Chris , Keehan Michael , Cheng Hao
Published: March 2022

Simulation can be an efficient approach to design, evaluate, and optimize breeding programs. In the era of modern agriculture, breeding programs can benefit from a simulator that integrates various sources of big data and accommodates state-of-the-art statistical models. The initial release of XSim, in which stochastic descendants can be efficiently simulated with a drop-down strategy, has mainly been used to validate genomic selection results. In this article, we present XSim Version 2 that is an open-source tool and has been extensively redesigned with additional features to meet the needs in modern breeding programs. It seamlessly incorporates multiple statistical models for genetic evaluations, such as GBLUP, Bayesian alphabets, and neural networks, and it can effortlessly simulate successive generations of descendants based on complex mating schemes by the aid of its modular design. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the flexibility of XSim Version 2 in simulating crossbreeding in animal and plant populations. Modern biotechnology, including double haploids and embryo transfer, can all be simultaneously integrated into the mating plans that drive the simulation. From a computing perspective, XSim Version 2 is implemented in Julia, which is a computer language that retains the readability of scripting languages (e.g. R and Python) without sacrificing much computational speed compared to compiled languages (e.g. C). This makes XSim Version 2 a simulation tool that is relatively easy for both champions and community members to maintain, modify, or extend in order to improve their breeding programs. Functions and operators are overloaded for a better user interface so they may concatenate, subset, summarize, and organize simulated populations at each breeding step. With the strong and foreseeable demands in the community, XSim Version 2 will serve as a modern simulator bridging the gaps between theories and experiments with its flexibility, extensibility, and friendly interface.
Combining translational and rotational seismic motions to invert local-scale seismic data for time-variable moment tensors: do rotational motions help for high-frequency seismic data produced by underground explosions?
Authors: Poppeliers Christian , Preston Leiph
Published: March 2022

We present an analysis of combining translational and rotational seismic data in an inversion for the time-variable source time functions corresponding to the components of the seismic moment tensor. We conduct a series of numerical experiments where the data are simulated by a combination of an underground explosion and a co-located double couple shear source and recorded on surface-mounted seismometers within 1–2 km of the source. The experiments are designed to mimic explosion seismology experiments, and thus the data are in the 1–10 Hz frequency range and contain very few surface waves. We use a Monte Carlo method to propagate Earth model uncertainty into the estimates of seismic source parameters. In our experiments, we find that the uncertainty of the estimated seismic source parameters increases when we add rotational seismic motions to the inversion when using a constant number of data channels. In this case, the increased degree of uncertainty in the final results is most likely due to the near-surface Earth model uncertainty that we introduce in our simulations. However, for a fixed number of seismic stations, adding rotational seismic motions to the inversion acts to decrease the uncertainty of the estimated seismic source parameters, most likely due to the increase in the number of data channels used in the inversion.
Analysis of tomographic models using resolution and uncertainties: a surface wave example from the Pacific
Authors: Latallerie Franck , Zaroli Christophe , Lambotte Sophie , Maggi Alessia
Published: March 2022

Since most tomographic problems deal with imperfect data coverage and noisy data, an estimate of the seismic velocity in the Earth can only be a local average of the ‘true’ velocity with some attached uncertainty. We use the SOLA (subtractive optimally localized averages) method, a Backus–Gilbert-type method based on the resolution–uncertainty trade-off, to build a range of models of Rayleigh-wave velocities in the Pacific upper mantle. We choose one solution and show how to analyse the model using its resolution and uncertainties. We exploit the model statistics to evaluate the significance of deviations from a theoretical prediction: a half-space cooling model of the Pacific lithosphere. We investigate a slow-velocity anomaly located northeast of Hawaii, at about 200 km depth, and a pattern of alternatively slow- and fast-velocity bands, aligned approximately northwest to southeast, between 200 and 300 km depth. According to our resolution and uncertainty analyses, both features seem to be resolved.
The First Fatal Intoxication with 3-MeO-PCP in the UK and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Copeland Caroline S , Hudson Simon , Treble Ric , Hamnett Hilary J
Published: March 2022

The phencyclidine derivative 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is a potent dissociative hallucinogen. Sought for recreational use as a novel psychoactive substance, it can also induce acute psychological agitation and pathophysiological cardiorespiratory effects. Due to the harms associated with its use, 3-MeO-PCP was added to the “Green List” of materials covered by the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances as a Schedule II substance by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in April 2021. There have been 15 previous reports of fatal intoxications following 3-MeO-PCP use, but only one was attributable to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication alone. In this report, we detail the first fatality due to 3-MeO-PCP intoxication to be reported in the UK, along with a review of the surrounding literature. While the blood concentrations associated with 3-MeO-PCP toxicity and fatality remain unclear, by providing details of sample collection and storage conditions, this case will aid in future interpretations. Furthermore, this case suggests that 3-MeO-PCP toxicity may be exacerbated by exercise. Users of 3-MeO-PCP should be cautioned against its use as a “club drug” or in a similar setting where elevations in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure may occur.
Quantitative 1H-NMR analysis reveals steric and electronic effects on the substrate specificity of benzoate dioxygenase in Ralstonia eutropha B9
Authors: Bent James S , Clark Zachary T , Collins Jonathan A
Published: March 2022

The cis-dihydroxylation of arenes by Rieske dearomatizing dioxygenases (RDDs) represents a powerful tool for the production of chiral precursors in organic synthesis. Here, the substrate specificity of the RDD benzoate dioxygenase (BZDO) in Ralstonia eutropha B9 whole cells was explored using quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (q1H-NMR). The specific activity, specific carbon uptake, and regioselectivity of the dihydroxylation reaction were evaluated in resting cell cultures for a panel of 17 monosubstituted benzoates. Two new substrates of this dioxygenase system were identified (2-methyl- and 3-methoxybenzoic acid) and the corresponding cis-diol metabolites were characterized. Higher activities were observed for benzoates with smaller substituents, predominantly at the 3-position. Elevated activities were also observed in substrates bearing greater partial charge at the C-2 position of the benzoate ring. The regioselectivity of the reaction was directly measured using q1H-NMR and found to have positive correlation with increasing substituent size. These results widen the pool of cis-diol metabolites available for synthetic applications and offer a window into the substrate traits that govern specificity for BZDO.
Missed Tuberculosis Diagnoses: Analysis of Pediatric Autopsy Data From General Hospitals in Lviv, Ukraine
Authors: Kuzyk Petro V , Padilla Rachel , Rybak Natasha R , Hoshovska Iryna I , Kitov Vasyl O , Savchyna Mariia O , Jenkins Helen E , Chiang Silvia S , Horsburgh Charles Robert , Dolynska Maria , Petrenko Vasyl , Gychka Sergiy G
Published: March 2022

We reviewed autopsy data from general hospitals in Lviv, Ukraine to understand pediatric mortality due to tuberculosis (TB). We identified 14 (0.6%) of 2345 autopsied children with unrecognized or untreated TB. More sensitive TB diagnostics for children and improved strategies for identifying which children require TB evaluation are urgently needed.
Accuracy of power spectra in dissipationless cosmological simulations
Authors: Maleubre Sara , Eisenstein Daniel , Garrison Lehman H , Joyce Michael
Published: March 2022

We exploit a suite of large N-body simulations (up to N = 40963) performed with abacus, of scale-free models with a range of spectral indices n, to better understand and quantify convergence of the matter power spectrum. Using self-similarity to identify converged regions, we show that the maximal wavenumber resolved at a given level of accuracy increases monotonically as a function of time. At 1 per cent level it starts at early times from a fraction of $k_\Lambda$, the Nyquist wavenumber of the initial grid, and reaches at most, if the force softening is sufficiently small, ${\sim}2{-}3 k_\Lambda$ at the very latest times we evolve to. At the $5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ level, accuracy extends up to wavenumbers of order $5k_\Lambda$ at late times. Expressed as a suitable function of the scale-factor, accuracy shows a very simple n-dependence, allowing a extrapolation to place conservative bounds on the accuracy of N-body simulations of non-scale-free models like LCDM. We note that deviations due to discretization in the converged range are not well modelled by shot noise, and subtracting it in fact degrades accuracy. Quantitatively our findings are broadly in line with the conservative assumptions about resolution adopted by recent studies using large cosmological simulations (e.g. Euclid Flagship) aiming to constrain the mildly non-linear regime. On the other hand, we remark that conclusions about small-scale clustering (e.g. concerning the validity of stable clustering) obtained using PS data at wavenumbers larger than a few $k_\Lambda$ may need revision in light of our convergence analysis.
Age distribution of stars in boxy/peanut/X-shaped bulges formed without bar buckling
Authors: Baba Junichi , Kawata Daisuke , Schönrich Ralph
Published: March 2022

Some barred galaxies, including the Milky Way, host a boxy/peanut/X-shaped bulge (BPX-shaped bulge). Previous studies suggested that the BPX-shaped bulge can either be developed by bar buckling or by vertical inner Lindblad resonance (vILR) heating without buckling. In this paper, we study the observable consequence of a BPX-shaped bulge built up quickly after bar formation via vILR heating without buckling, using an N-body/hydrodynamics simulation of an isolated Milky Way-like galaxy. We found that the BPX-shaped bulge is dominated by stars born prior to bar formation. This is because the bar suppresses star formation, except for the nuclear stellar disc (NSD) region and its tips. The stars formed near the bar ends have higher Jacobi energy, and when these stars lose their angular momentum, their non-circular energy increases to conserve Jacobi energy. This prevents them from reaching the vILR to be heated to the BPX-shaped bulge region. By contrast, the NSD forms after the bar formation. From this simulation and general considerations, we expect that the age distributions of the NSD and BPX-shaped bulge formed without bar buckling do not overlap each other. Then, the transition age between these components betrays the formation time of the bar, and is testable in future observations of the Milky Way and extragalactic barred galaxies.
Birth cluster simulations of planetary systems with multiple super-Earths: initial conditions for white dwarf pollution drivers
Authors: Stock Katja , Veras Dimitri , Cai Maxwell X , Spurzem Rainer , Portegies Zwart Simon
Published: March 2022

Previous investigations have revealed that eccentric super-Earths represent a class of planets that are particularly effective at transporting minor bodies towards white dwarfs and subsequently polluting their atmospheres with observable chemical signatures. However, the lack of discoveries of these planets beyond a few astronomical units from their host stars prompts a better understanding of their orbital architectures from their nascent birth cluster. Here, we perform stellar cluster simulations of three-planet and seven-planet systems containing super-Earths on initially circular, coplanar orbits. We adopt the typical stellar masses of main-sequence progenitors of white dwarfs ($1.5\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$–$2.5\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) as host stars and include 8000 main-sequence stars following a Kroupa initial mass function in our clusters. Our results reveal that about 30 per cent of the simulated planets generate eccentricities of at least 0.1 by the time of cluster dissolution, which would aid white dwarf pollution. We provide our output parameters to the community for potential use as initial conditions for subsequent evolution simulations.
The ultraviolet upturn in field luminous red galaxies at 0.3 < z < 0.7
Authors: De Propris R , Ali S S , Chung C , Bremer M N , Phillipps S
Published: March 2022

We derive the evolution of the ultraviolet upturn colour from a sample of field luminous red galaxies at 0.3 < z < 0.7 with −24 < Mr < −21.5. No individual objects are securely detected, so we stack several hundred galaxies within absolute magnitude and redshift intervals. We find that the colour of the ultraviolet upturn (in observed NUV − i which is approximately equivalent to the classical FUV − V at the redshifts of our targets) does not change strongly with redshift to z = 0.7. This behaviour is similar to that observed in cluster ellipticals over this same mass range and at similar redshifts, and we speculate that the processes involved in the origin of the UV upturn are the same. The observations are most consistent with spectral synthesis models containing a fraction of a helium rich stellar population with abundances between 37 per cent and 42 per cent, although we cannot formally exclude a contribution due to residual star formation at the $\sim 0.5\, \mathrm{ per\,cent}$ level (however, this appears unlikely for cluster galaxies that are believed to be more quenched). This suggests that the ultraviolet upturn is a primordial characteristic of early-type galaxies at all redshifts and that an unexpected nucleosynthesis channel may lead to nearly complete chemical evolution at early times.
Spreading pressure bumps in gas-dust discs can stall planet migration via planet-vortex interactions
Authors: Chametla R O , Chrenko O
Published: March 2022

We investigate the gravitational interaction between low- to intermediate-mass planets ($M_p \in [0.06-210]\, \mathrm{ M}_{\oplus }$) and two previously formed pressure bumps in a gas-dust protoplanetary disc. We explore how the disc structure changes due to planet-induced perturbations and also how the appearance of vortices affects planet migration. We use multifluid 2D hydrodynamical simulations and the dust is treated in the pressureless-fluid approximation, assuming a single grain size of $5\, \mu {\mathrm{m}}$. The initial surface density profiles containing two bumps are motivated by recent observations of the protoplanetary disc HD163296. When planets are allowed to migrate, either a single planet from the outer pressure maximum or two planets from each pressure maximum, the initial pressure bumps quickly spread and merge into a single bump which is radially wide and has a very low amplitude. The redistribution of the disc material is accompanied by the Rossby Wave Instability and an appearance of mini-vortices that merge in a short period of time to form a large vortex. The large vortex induces perturbations with a spiral wave pattern that propagate away from the vortex as density waves. We found that these vortex-induced spiral waves strongly interact with the spiral waves generated by the planet and we called this mechanism the ‘Faraway Interaction’. It facilitates much slower and/or stagnant migration of the planets and it excites their orbital eccentricities in some cases. Our study provides a new explanation for how rocky planets can come to have a slow migration in protoplanetary discs where vortex formation occurs.
On the polytropic Bondi accretion in two-component galaxy models with a central massive BH
Authors: Mancino Antonio , Ciotti Luca , Pellegrini Silvia
Published: March 2022

In many investigations involving accretion on a central point mass, ranging from observational studies to cosmological simulations, including semi-analytical modelling, the classical Bondi accretion theory is the standard tool widely adopted. Previous works generalized the theory to include the effects of the gravitational field of the galaxy hosting a central black hole and of electron scattering in the optically thin limit. Here, we apply this extended Bondi problem, in the general polytropic case, to a class of new two-component galaxy models recently presented. In these models, a Jaffe stellar density profile is embedded in a dark matter halo such that the total density distribution follows a r−3 profile at large radii; the stellar dynamical quantities can be expressed in a fully analytical way. The hydrodynamical properties of the flow are set by imposing that the gas temperature at infinity is proportional to the virial temperature of the stellar component. The isothermal and adiabatic (monoatomic) cases can be solved analytically; in the other cases, we explore the accretion solution numerically. As non-adiabatic accretion inevitably leads to an exchange of heat with the ambient, we also discuss some important thermodynamical properties of the polytropic Bondi accretion and provide the expressions needed to compute the amount of heat exchanged with the environment as a function of radius. The results can be useful for the subgrid treatment of accretion in numerical simulations, as well as for the interpretation of observational data.
Wide-band view of high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations of GRS 1915+105 in ‘softer’ variability classes observed with AstroSat
Authors: Majumder Seshadri , Sreehari H , Aftab Nafisa , Katoch Tilak , Das Santabrata , Nandi Anuj
Published: March 2022

We present a comprehensive temporal and spectral analysis of the ‘softer’ variability classes (i.e. θ, β, δ, ρ, κ, ω and γ) of the source GRS 1915+105 observed by AstroSat during the 2016−2021 campaign. Wide-band (3−60 keV) timing studies reveal the detection of high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) with frequencies of 68.14−72.32 Hz, significance of 2.75−11σ and rms amplitude of 1.48–2.66 per cent in δ, κ, ω and γ variability classes. Energy-dependent power spectra show that HFQPOs are detected only in the 6−25 keV energy band and rms amplitude is found to increase (1–8 per cent) with energy. The dynamical power spectra of the κ and ω classes demonstrate that HFQPOs seem to be correlated with high count rates. We observe that wide-band (0.7−50 keV) energy spectra can be described by the thermal Comptonization component (nthComp) with a photon index (Γnth) of 1.83−2.89 along with an additional steep (ΓPL ∼ 3) power-law component. The electron temperature (kTe) of 1.82−3.66 keV and optical depth (τ) of 2−14 indicate the presence of a cool and optically thick corona. In addition, nthComp components, 1.97 ≲ Γnth ≲ 2.44 and 1.06 × 10−8 ≲ Fnth (erg cm−2 s−1) ≲ 4.46 × 10−8, are found to dominate in the presence of HFQPOs. Overall, these findings infer that HFQPOs are possibly the result of the modulation of the ‘Comptonizing corona’. Further, we find that the bolometric luminosity (0.3−100 keV) of the source lies within the sub-Eddington (3–34 per cent LEdd) regime. Finally, we discuss and compare the obtained results in the context of existing models on HFQPOs.
The spins of the Galactic black holes in MAXI J1535–571 and 4U 1630–472 from Insight-HXMT
Authors: Liu Qichun , Liu Honghui , Bambi Cosimo , Ji Long
Published: March 2022

Insight-HXMT is the first Chinese X-ray astronomical mission. With a 1–250 keV bandpass, an energy resolution of 150 eV at 6 keV, and without being subject to pile-up distortions, it is suitable to study bright X-ray sources like Galactic black holes. In this paper, we study Insight-HXMT observations of the X-ray binaries MAXI J1535–571 and 4U 1630–472 during their outbursts in 2017 and 2020, respectively. From the analysis of the reflection features, we are able to infer the black hole spin parameter in the two sources. For MAXI J1535–571, we find a spin parameter very close to 1, a* = 0.9916 ± 0.0012 (90 per cent C.L., statistical error), which is consistent with the previous NuSTAR measurement. For 4U 1630–472, we find a moderately high value of the black hole spin parameter, a* = 0.817 ± 0.014 (90 per cent C.L., statistical error), which is lower than the almost extremal value found with NuSTAR data.
Stellar multiplicity affects the correlation between protoplanetary disc masses and accretion rates: binaries explain high accretors in Upper Sco
Authors: Zagaria Francesco , Clarke Cathie J , Rosotti Giovanni P , Manara Carlo F
Published: March 2022

In recent years, a correlation between mass accretion rates onto new-born stars and their protoplanetary disc masses was detected in nearby young star-forming regions. Although such a correlation can be interpreted as due to viscous-diffusion processes in the disc, highly accreting sources with low disc masses in more evolved regions remain puzzling. In this paper, we hypothesize that the presence of a stellar companion truncating the disc can explain these outliers. First, we searched the literature for information on stellar multiplicity in Lupus, Chamaeleon I, and Upper Sco, finding that roughly 20 per cent of the discs involved in the correlation are in binaries or higher order multiple stellar systems. We prove with high statistical significance that at any disc mass these sources have systematically higher accretion rates than those in single-stars, with the bulk of the binary population being clustered around $M_\mathrm{disc}/\dot{M}_\mathrm{acc}\approx 0.1\, \mathrm{Myr}$. We then run coupled gas and dust one-dimensional evolutionary models of tidally truncated discs to be compared with the data. We find that these models are able to reproduce well most of the population of observed discs in Lupus and Upper Sco, even though the unknown eccentricity of each binary prevents an object by object comparison. In the latter region, the agreement improves if the grain coagulation efficiency is reduced, as may be expected in discs around close binaries. Finally, we mention that thermal winds and sub-structures can be important in explaining few outlying sources.
Expanding the DNA-encoded library toolbox: identifying small molecules targeting RNA
Authors: Chen Qiuxia , Li You , Lin Chunrong , Chen Liu , Luo Hao , Xia Shuai , Liu Chuan , Cheng Xuemin , Liu Chengzhong , Li Jin , Dou Dengfeng
Published: March 2022

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is a powerful tool for small molecule identification in drug discovery, yet the reported DEL selection strategies were applied primarily on protein targets in either purified form or in cellular context. To expand the application of this technology, we employed DEL selection on an RNA target HIV-1 TAR (trans-acting responsive region), but found that the majority of signals were resulted from false positive DNA–RNA binding. We thus developed an optimized selection strategy utilizing RNA patches and competitive elution to minimize unwanted DNA binding, followed by k-mer analysis and motif search to differentiate false positive signal. This optimized strategy resulted in a very clean background in a DEL selection against Escherichia coli FMN Riboswitch, and the enriched compounds were determined with double digit nanomolar binding affinity, as well as similar potency in functional FMN competition assay. These results demonstrated the feasibility of small molecule identification against RNA targets using DEL selection. The developed experimental and computational strategy provided a promising opportunity for RNA ligand screening and expanded the application of DEL selection to a much wider context in drug discovery.
Inferring the contribution of small RNAs to changes in gene expression in response to stress
Authors: Barsheshet Meshi , Fisher Shira , Margalit Hanah
Published: March 2022

A main strategy of bacteria adapting to environmental changes is the remodeling of their transcriptome. Changes in the transcript levels of specific genes are due to combined effects of various regulators, including small RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that mainly control translation, but also directly and indirectly affect the levels of their target transcripts. Yet, the relative contribution of an sRNA to the total change in the transcript level of a gene upon an environmental change has not been assessed. We present a design of differential gene expression analysis by RNA-seq that allows extracting the contribution of an sRNA to the total change in the transcript level of each gene in response to an environmental change by fitting a linear model to the data. We exemplify this for the sRNA RyhB in cells growing under iron limitation and show a variation among genes in the relative contribution of RyhB to the change in their transcript level upon iron limitation, from subtle to very substantial. Extracting the relative contribution of an sRNA to the total change in expression of genes is important for understanding the integration of regulation by sRNAs with other regulatory mechanisms in the cell.
Capacity for consciousness under ketamine anaesthesia is selectively associated with activity in posteromedial cortex in rats
Authors: Arena A , Juel B E , Comolatti R , Thon S , Storm J F
Published: March 2022

It remains unclear how specific cortical regions contribute to the brain’s overall capacity for consciousness. Clarifying this could help distinguish between theories of consciousness. Here, we investigate the association between markers of regionally specific (de)activation and the brain’s overall capacity for consciousness. We recorded electroencephalographic responses to cortical electrical stimulation in six rats and computed Perturbational Complexity Index state-transition (PCIST), which has been extensively validated as an index of the capacity for consciousness in humans. We also estimated the balance between activation and inhibition of specific cortical areas with the ratio between high and low frequency power from spontaneous electroencephalographic activity at each electrode. We repeated these measurements during wakefulness, and during two levels of ketamine anaesthesia: with the minimal dose needed to induce behavioural unresponsiveness and twice this dose. We found that PCIST was only slightly reduced from wakefulness to light ketamine anaesthesia, but dropped significantly with deeper anaesthesia. The high-dose effect was selectively associated with reduced high frequency/low frequency ratio in the posteromedial cortex, which strongly correlated with PCIST. Conversely, behavioural unresponsiveness induced by light ketamine anaesthesia was associated with similar spectral changes in frontal, but not posterior cortical regions. Thus, activity in the posteromedial cortex correlates with the capacity for consciousness, as assessed by PCIST, during different depths of ketamine anaesthesia, in rats, independently of behaviour. These results are discussed in relation to different theories of consciousness.
Quo vadis, OHADA Private International Law?
Authors: Monsenepwo Justin
Published: March 2022

Twenty-eight years after the creation of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), private international law remains a “Cinderella subject” in western and central Africa. Indeed, there are no coherent sets of rules regarding the law applicable to contractual obligations, international jurisdiction, as well as the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments under OHADA law. This article contends that the main reason behind the lesser importance given to private international law in the OHADA region can be found in OHADA’s unification technique itself: OHADA unifies (and does not merely harmonize) business law. Its Uniform Acts are directly applicable and overriding in all the Member States; therefore, one could (erroneously) think that courts would never have to grapple with difficult questions as to which Member State’s law would apply to a dispute falling within the scope of a Uniform Act, as the laws of all the Member States would yield the same results. This article demonstrates that the Uniform Acts are incomplete either because they contain gaps or because they sometimes refer to the national legislations of the Member States. Thus, the unification of the substantive rules does not eliminate the need for the existence and the unification of conflict-of-laws rules. Moreover, this article provides a tour d’horizon of the existing seldom private international law rules under OHADA law. Additionally, it suggests new avenues for the development of a future OHADA legislation on the law applicable to contractual obligations, international jurisdiction, as well as the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Medical Detoxification for Nonopioid Substances Is Associated With Lower Likelihood of Subsequent Linkage to Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Authors: MacKinnon Laura , Choi JinCheol , Kennedy Mary Clare , Brar Rupinder , Milloy M-J , Hayashi Kanna , Socías Maria Eugenia
Published: March 2022

Background

Although factors associated with completion of medical detoxification treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) are well described, there is limited information on barriers and facilitators to subsequent linkage to SUD treatment in the community. This study aimed to evaluate correlates of successful linkage to community SUD treatment on discharge.

Methods

Data were drawn from 2 prospective cohorts of people who use unregulated drugs in Vancouver, Canada between December 2012 and May 2018. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to investigate factors associated with linkage to community SUD treatment in the 6-month period after attending detoxification treatment.

Results

Of the 264 detoxification treatment encounters contributed by 178 people who use unregulated drugs, these were most often (n = 104, 39%) related to polysubstance use, and the majority (n = 174, 66%) resulted in subsequent linkage to community treatment. In the multivariable analysis, compared to attending detoxification treatment for opioid use, attending detoxification treatment for stimulants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] : 0.10–0.51) and alcohol (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.54) were associated with lower odds of subsequent linkage to community treatment. Conversely, later calendar year of detoxification treatment remained associated with higher odds (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.42).

Conclusions

Only two-thirds of detoxification treatment encounters in Vancouver were subsequently linked to community SUD treatment, with those related to nonopioid substances being less likely. Findings suggest the need for tailored interventions for specific substances to improve linkage to SUD treatment in the community on discharge.
Triple Threat: Response to the Crises of COVID-19, Homelessness, and Opioid Use Disorder With a Novel Approach to Buprenorphine Delivery: A Case Series
Authors: Samuel Lysa , Caygill-Walsh Rory , Suen Leslie W. , Mohebbi Sheila , Geier Michelle
Published: March 2022

Objectives

In the setting of a 50% increase in opioid overdose deaths, the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis opened housing opportunities in the form of Shelter in Place (SIP) hotels to homeless San Francisco residents. Many who entered SIP hotels had opioid use disorder. In fall 2020, Community Behavioral Health Services Pharmacy partnered with SIP hotel medical staff to launch a pilot project, where on-site SIP medical providers prescribed buprenor-phine (BUP) and clinical pharmacists hand-delivered BUP to SIP residents to increase BUP initiation and engagement.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 3 patients living in SIP hotels starting BUP to demonstrate the feasibility of a SIP hotel BUP delivery program.

Results

In all 3 cases, patients were able to start and continue BUP with on-site medical staff visits and delivery of medications by pharmacists. Each case highlights different barriers that were overcome by this system.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that this system of onsite medical care with pharmacist delivery is possible and has the potential to allow for greater outreach and increased ease of obtaining medications for patients.
Workforce Requirements for Skin Cancer and Related Skin Tumors Continue to Increase: Clinicians Expend an Average of 1,740 Full-Time Effort Years Annually
Authors: Peck Gabrielle M. , Fleischer Alan B.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

With an aging population, estimating workforce requirements for management of common conditions such as skin cancer will be necessary to meet the health care needs of the American people.

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to estimate the workforce requirements for managing skin cancer and other skin tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a population-based, cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between the years 2007 and 2016, the most recent years available. The significance threshold was set at a p-value <.05.

RESULTS

The full-time effort of 1,740 (95% confidence interval: 1,340–2,220) clinicians is required to care for skin cancer and other skin tumors each year. The full-time effort years necessary for management of melanoma (p = .006), keratinocytic carcinoma (p < .0001), actinic keratosis (p < .0001), and all skin cancers and tumors (p < .0001) were significantly increasing from 2007 to 2016.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians expend a significant amount of time managing skin cancer and other skin tumors, and the time required for management increased over the study period. These workforce requirement trends can likely be attributed to increased prevalence and incidence rates of cutaneous malignancy secondary to an aging population and increased whole-body skin examinations.
Ramsar, Iran, as a Natural Radiobiological Surrogate for Mars
Authors: Welsh James S. , Bevelacqua Joseph J. , Mortazavi S.M.J.
Published: March 2022

Terrestrial experiments involving acute exposures of low-LET radiation on inbred lab animals are quick, simple, and inexpensive but are relatively uninformative about the real radiobiological hazards of planned manned space missions. A more predictive model could involve human beings chronically exposed to “space-like” high-LET radiation. Such radiation exposure has been ongoing for thousands of years in Ramsar, Iran, and some other high-LET high background radiation regions on Earth. Examining the health of Ramsar residents can be illuminating and potentially relevant to space missions.
Obesity Impacts Hospitalizations for Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Abusalim Abdul-Rahman I. , Inegbenijie Inegbenose P.
Published: March 2022

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide caused by a wide variety of micro-organisms, most commonly bacterial. The study aimed to compare the mortality rates and secondary complications of disease severity in obese and nonobese with bacterial pneumonia (bPNE).

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of the National Inpatient Sample. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. The secondary outcomes included sepsis, septic shock, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and total hospital charges. The findings were analyzed and compared with nonobese patients.

Results and interpretation

Patients with obesity class I/II and class III, had lower odds of inpatient mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.88; P < 0.001 and aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64–0.88; P < 0.001, respectively) compared with nonobese patients with bPNE. There was a decrease in odds of having sepsis (aOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70–0.93; P = 0.004) and septic shock (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49–0.92; P = 0.014) in patients with obesity class I/II as compared with nonobese patients.

Patients with obesity class III were associated with higher odds of acute respiratory failure (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.46–1.58; P < 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13–1.66; P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (aOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.36–1.64; P < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.18–1.54; P < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.22–1.67; P < 0.001), as well as increased total hospital charges and length of hospital stay as compared with nonobese patients.

Conclusions

Both obesity class I/II and class III were found to be associated with lower odds of inpatient mortality in patients admitted with bPNE, the reported obesity paradox. Obesity continues to be associated with significantly increased health care utilization, which may have a long-term impact on the population if the trend toward a higher proportion of obese patients continues.
The Mobile Stroke Unit Nurse: An International Exploration of Their Scope of Practice, Education, and Training
Authors: Coote Skye , Mackey Elizabeth , Alexandrov Anne W. , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Easton Damien , Zhao Henry , Langenberg Francesca , Bivard Andrew , Stephenson Michael , Parsons Mark W. , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M. , Middleton Sandy
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are ambulance-based prehospital stroke care services. Through immediate roadside assessment and onboard brain imaging, MSUs provide faster stroke management with improved patient outcomes. Mobile stroke units have enabled the development of expanded scope of practice for stroke nurses; however, there is limited published evidence about these evolving prehospital acute nursing roles. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the expanded scope of practice of nurses working on MSUs by identifying MSUs with onboard nurses; describing the roles and responsibilities, training, and experience of MSU nurses, through a search of the literature; and describing 2 international MSU services incorporating nurses from Memphis, Tennessee, and Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice database using the terms “mobile stroke unit” and “nurse.” Existing MSUs were identified through the PRE-hospital Stroke Treatment Organization to determine models that involved nurses. We describe 2 MSUs involving nurses: one in Memphis and one in Melbourne, led by 2 of our authors. RESULTS: Ninety articles were found describing 15 MSUs; however, staffing details were lacking, and it is unknown how many employ nurses. Nine articles described the role of the nurse, but role specifics, training, and expertise were largely undocumented. The MSU in Memphis, the only unit to be staffed exclusively by onboard nurse practitioners, is supported by a neurologist who consults via telephone. The Melbourne MSU plans to trial a nurse-led telemedicine model in the near future. CONCLUSION: We lack information on how many MSUs employ nurses, and the nurses' scope of practice, training, and expertise. Expert stroke nurse practitioners can safely perform many of the tasks undertaken by the onboard neurologist, making a nurse-led telemedicine model an effective and potentially cost-effective model that should be considered for all MSUs.
Implementation of a New Clinical Testing Tool to Assess Patients During Ictal and Postictal Periods
Authors: Ouchida Sumika , Nikpour Armin , Senturias Maricar , Pears Toni E. , Fairbrother Greg
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance of the cortical neurons in the brain, which can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness. Clinical signs and symptoms before, during, and after a seizure can help to determine the seizure onset. The use of standardized clinical testing tools has been reported as being valuable, although also challenging, by some institutions. This study investigated the effectiveness of implementing a new clinical testing tool designed with an emphasis on simplicity for use during and after seizures. METHODS: A pre-and-post evaluation study was conducted from January 2020 to November 2020 in the epilepsy monitoring unit/neurology unit at a hospital in Sydney, Australia. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of clinical testing during seizures. The secondary outcome of interest was nurse knowledge about clinical testing during a seizure. This knowledge was measured via testing before and after clinical education sessions. The third outcome of interest was nurse confidence regarding the use of the clinical testing tool. The confidence level was measured via posteducation session follow-up surveying. RESULTS: Forty-seven nursing staff (10 neurophysiology nurse technologists and 37 neurology unit nurses) participated in the education program. Forty-four seizures were evaluated. Clinical testing during ictal and postictal periods was performed by nursing staff 82% of the time during 2020, compared with 67% during the 2018 to 2019 preeducation comparison period. This difference was not statistically significant, but it was clinically relevant (P = .07). In addition, the time from seizure alarm to clinical testing improved significantly from a median of 30.5 seconds in 2018 to 2019 to 14 seconds in 2020 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The tool is easy and convenient for nursing staff to perform clinical examinations accurately during ictal and postictal periods.
Comparison between computed tomography-guided core and fine needle lung biopsy
Authors: Li Yong , Yang Fang , Huang Ya-Yong , Cao Wei
Published: March 2022

Background:

This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and diagnostic performance between computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in lung nodules/masses patients.

Methods:

All relevant studies in the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases that were published as of June 2020 were identified. RevMan version 5.3 was used for all data analyses.

Results:

In total, 9 relevant studies were included in the present meta-analysis. These studies were all retrospective and analyzed outcomes associated with 2175 procedures, including both CT-guided CNB (n = 819) and FNAB (n = 1356) procedures. CNB was associated with significantly higher sample adequacy rates than was FNAB (95.7% vs 85.8%, OR: 0.26; P < .00001), while diagnostic accuracy rates did not differ between these groups (90.1% vs 87.6%, OR: 0.8; P = .46). In addition, no differences in rates of pneumothorax (28.6% vs 23.0%, OR: 1.15; P = .71), hemorrhage (17.3% vs 20.1%, OR: 0.91; P = .62), and chest tube insertion (5.9% vs 4.9%, OR: 1.01; P = .97) were detected between these groups. Significant heterogeneity among included studies was detected for the diagnostic accuracy (I2 = 57%) and pneumothorax (I2 = 77%) endpoints. There were no significant differences between CNB and FNAB with respect to diagnostic accuracy rates for lung nodules (P = .90). In addition, we detected no evidence of significant publication bias.

Conclusions:

CT-guided CNB could achieve better sample adequacy than FNAB did during the lung biopsy procedure. However, the CNB did not show any superiorities in items of diagnostic accuracy and safety.
How Do Oncology Nurses Cope With the Psychological Burden of Caring for Dying Patients?
Authors: Lee Mikyoung , Choe Kwisoon , Kim Sangsuk , Shim Yuhwa
Published: March 2022

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and most patients with cancer in South Korea die in hospitals. Oncology nurses experience physical, emotional, and occupational challenges associated with the psychological burden of caring for dying patients.

Objective

This study explored the coping strategies used by oncology nurses to deal with the psychological burden of patient deaths.

Methods

In this descriptive qualitative study, 10 oncology nurses who had recently experienced a patient’s death were recruited via snowball sampling. All were female, with a mean age of 32.9 years (range, 27–44 years), and their mean working duration was 9.9 (range, 3-23) years. Participants were interviewed individually face-to-face 3 times, with each interview lasting 1 to 1.5 hours.

Results

Oncology nurses coped with the psychological burden of a patient’s death in the following 4 ways: (a) avoiding patient deaths to the extent possible, (b) reflecting upon the meaning of life and death, (c) suppressing their emotional distress over the patient’s death, and (d) becoming kinder and more caring toward people around them.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that oncology nurses struggle to cope with the psychological burden of patient deaths. Oncology nurses are affected both negatively and positively by experiencing death as they provide end-of-life care.

Implications for Practice

Oncology nurses need education or counseling to reduce the psychological burden of caring for dying patients with cancer. Hospital administrators need to continuously identify ways to reduce the psychological burden of oncology nurses providing end-of-life care.
Antibiotic treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Vena Antonio , Bassetti Matteo
Published: March 2022

Purpose of review

Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) are a leading cause of morbidity, with a considerable variety of clinical presentation and a wide range of etiological pathogens. Of importance, the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains (i.e. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Gram-negative bacteria) is increasingly reported in some regions. in this review, we summarize the current clinical approach to patients with ABSSSI.

Recent findings

Accurate diagnosis and identification of risk factors for MDR pathogens are key determinants for administering appropriate therapy in patients with ABSSSI. In daily clinical practice, this can be critical as there are many features defining the ‘high risk patient’ including both disease and host-associated risk factors.

Antibiotic therapy should be based according to the different clinical spectrum of disease belonging to the ABSSSI, on the pathogens most likely to be involved and local resistance. Careful evaluation of antibiotic therapy after 48–72 h of initial therapy could help clinicians to early identify patients with treatment failure and to consider an alternative approach. Close monitoring of patients with multiple comorbidities, drug–drug interaction or adverse host factors are also necessary.