bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viral-based animal models in polyglutamine disorders
Authors: Henriques Carina , Lopes Miguel M , Silva Ana C , Lobo Diana D , Badin Romina Aron , Hantraye Philippe , Pereira de Almeida Luís , Nobre Rui Jorge
Published: January 2024

Polyglutamine disorders are a complex group of incurable neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion in the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine tract of the affected gene. To better understand these disorders, our dependence on animal models persists, primarily relying on transgenic models. In an effort to complement and deepen our knowledge, researchers have also developed animal models of polyglutamine disorders employing viral vectors.

Viral vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes to the brain, not only for therapeutic purposes but also for the development of animal models, given their remarkable flexibility. In a time- and cost-effective manner, it is possible to use different transgenes, at varying doses, in diverse targeted tissues, at different ages, and in different species, to recreate polyglutamine pathology.

This paper aims to showcase the utility of viral vectors in disease modelling, share essential considerations for developing animal models with viral vectors, and provide a comprehensive review of existing viral-based animal models for polyglutamine disorders.
Beyond single-molecule chemistry for electrified interfaces using molecule polaritons
Authors: Oyamada Nobuaki , Minamimoto Hiro , Fukushima Tomohiro , Zhou Ruifeng , Murakoshi Kei
Published: January 2024

This review introduces the preparation, observation, and characterization of systems of molecule polaritons. We summarize recent progress by our group on the control of molecular properties in the spaces of various optical cavities, such as plasmonic metal nanostructures and Fabry–Perot mirrors. After stating our motivations, we introduce topics on single-molecule observations based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Our original findings are not limited to the ultrasensitive detection of molecules/materials, but include unique resonant enhancements of SERS through exotic electronic excitation processes at electrified interfaces. Comprehensive analyses of SERS spectra provide novel routes to electronic excitation using plasmonic metal nanostructures. This behavior leads to the distinct photoenergy conversion based on excited electrons and holes with anomalous electrochemical potentials. Such unique resonant electronic excitation emerges as a large optical force that can be used to manipulate small single molecules on surfaces in solution, even at room temperature. We also introduce systems for examining unique interactions between molecules and the optical modes of cavities, from single molecules to molecular ensembles. Plasmonic surface lattices and Fabry–Perot mirrors allow the formation of electronic and vibrational strong coupling states, respectively, showing unique properties of molecule polaritons, even under dark conditions, i.e. without photoillumination.
Bintrafusp alfa induced multiple self-healing cutaneous keratoacanthoma-like squamous proliferations
Authors: Subhadarshani Sweta , Waters Margo , Shaughnessy Cristin Nealon
Published: January 2024

We present a case where bintrafusp alfa induced self-resolving keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-like cutaneous proliferations in a patient. With the development and use of novel targeted therapies, it is important to be aware of possible cutaneous adverse events. It is also prudent to emphasize that in many cases the development of lesions such as SCC-like cutaneous proliferations is reversible, which should be considered when counselling patients on whether to stop treatment.
Effects of age on the time course of syntactic priming in Chinese sentence production: an ERP study
Authors: Cui Ying , Zhang Qingfang
Published: January 2024

Using a syntactic priming task, we investigated the time course of syntactic encoding in Chinese sentence production and compared encoding patterns between younger and older adults. Participants alternately read sentence descriptions and overtly described pictures, while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. We manipulated the abstract prime structure (active or passive) as well as the lexical overlap of the prime and the target (verb overlap or no overlap). The syntactic choice results replicated classical abstract priming and lexical boost effects in both younger and older adults. However, when production latency was taken into account, the speed benefit from syntactic repetition differed between the two age groups. Meanwhile, preferred priming facilitated production in both age groups, whereas nonpreferred priming inhibited production in the older group. For electroencephalography, an earlier effect of syntactic repetition and a later effect of lexical overlap showed a two-stage pattern of syntactic encoding. Older adults also showed a more delayed and interactive encoding pattern than younger adults, indicating a greater reliance on lexical information. These results are illustrative of the two-stage competition and residual activation models.
Individual variability in functional connectivity of human auditory cortex
Authors: Luo Junhao , Qin Peipei , Bi Qiuhui , Wu Ke , Gong Gaolang
Published: January 2024

Individual variability in functional connectivity underlies individual differences in cognition and behaviors, yet its association with functional specialization in the auditory cortex remains elusive. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project, this study was designed to investigate the spatial distribution of auditory cortex individual variability in its whole-brain functional network architecture. An inherent hierarchical axis of the variability was discerned, which radiates from the medial to lateral orientation, with the left auditory cortex demonstrating more pronounced variations than the right. This variability exhibited a significant correlation with the variations in structural and functional metrics in the auditory cortex. Four auditory cortex subregions, which were identified from a clustering analysis based on this variability, exhibited unique connectional fingerprints and cognitive maps, with certain subregions showing specificity to speech perception functional activation. Moreover, the lateralization of the connectional fingerprint exhibited a U-shaped trajectory across the subregions. These findings emphasize the role of individual variability in functional connectivity in understanding cortical functional organization, as well as in revealing its association with functional specialization from the activation, connectome, and cognition perspectives.
Preliminary comparisons between a point-of-care ketometer and reference method using Steller sea lion pup whole blood and plasma
Authors: Crawford Stephanie G , Coker Robert H , Rea Lorrie D
Published: January 2024

We evaluated the Precision Xtra™ ketometer as part of a larger study categorizing fasting status of free-ranging Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus; SSL) pups which necessitated the identification of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations ([β-HBA]) around a threshold of <0.3 and ≥0.3 mmol/l. Whole blood samples mixed with sodium heparin (NaHep) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid liquid anticoagulants were tested <10 minutes after collection (n = 14; triplicate technical replicates). Plasma (stored at −80°C, NaHep, Thaw1) measured via our laboratory’s Reference Assay (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, Kit #MAK041) served as the standard [β-HBA] for ketometer comparisons. Our observed β-HBA range (0.0–1.6 mmol/l), consistent with published [β-HBA] of free-ranging Otariid pups, represented the lower 20% of the ketometer’s range (0.0–8.0 mmol/l). The maximal coefficient of variation (%CV) of ketometer technical replicates was 9.1% (NaHep, whole blood). The majority of ketometer technical replicate sets (84%, including all matrices, anticoagulants and thawings) were identical (CV = 0%). We found linear relationships and agreement of ketometer [β-HBA] between whole blood preserved with different anticoagulants and between whole blood and plasma (Thaw1) measurements. The ketometer produced results with linearity to the Reference Assay for both whole blood and plasma (Thaw1). We identified a non-linear relationship between plasma at Thaw1 and Thaw2 (tested four months apart, NaHep), as only samples with higher SSL [β-HBA] decreased in concentration, and all others remained the same. With respect to categorizing SSL pup fasting in our larger study, the ketometer’s %Accuracy, %Sensitivity and %Specificity for samples with Reference Assay β-HBA <0.2 and >0.4 mmol/l were 100%. We adopted a modified procedure: plasma samples with mean ketometer concentrations ±0.1 mmol/l of 0.3 mmol/l β-HBA were re-evaluated using the Reference Assay, improving measurement precision from tenths (ketometer) to thousandths (assay) mmol/l. The Precision Xtra™ ketometer was valuable to our application over the range of [β-HBA] observed in SSL pup plasma and whole blood samples.
Multiple morphophysiological responses of a tropical frog to urbanization conform to the pace-of-life syndrome
Authors: Franco-Belussi Lilian , de Oliveira Júnior José Gonçalves , Goldberg Javier , De Oliveira Classius , Fernandes Carlos E , Provete Diogo B
Published: January 2024

The Pace-of-Life syndrome proposes that behavioural, physiological and immune characteristics vary along a slow-fast gradient. Urbanization poses several physiological challenges to organisms. However, little is known about how the health status of frogs is affected by urbanization in the Tropics, which have a faster and more recent urbanization than the northern hemisphere. Here, we analysed a suite of physiological variables that reflect whole organism health, reproduction, metabolic and circulatory physiology and leukocyte responses in Leptodactylus podicipinus. Specifically, we tested how leukocyte profile, erythrocyte morphometrics and germ cell density, as well as somatic indices and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities differ throughout the adult life span between urban and rural populations. We used Phenotypic Trajectory Analysis to test the effect of age and site on each of the multivariate data sets; and a Generalised Linear Model to test the effect of site and age on nuclear abnormalities. Somatic indices, erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities, erythrocyte morphometrics and leukocyte profile differed between populations, but less so for germ cell density. We found a large effect of site on nuclear abnormalities, with urban frogs having twice as many abnormalities as rural frogs. Our results suggest that urban frogs have a faster pace of life, but the response of phenotypic compartments is not fully concerted.
A novel score to predict left ventricular recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy derived from the ESC EORP Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry
Authors: Jackson Alice M , Goland Sorel , Farhan Hasan Ali , Yaseen Israa Fadhil , Prameswari Hawani Sasmaya , Böhm Michael , Jhund Pardeep S , Maggioni Aldo P , van der Meer Peter , Sliwa Karen , Bauersachs Johann , Petrie Mark C
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

There are no established clinical tools to predict left ventricular (LV) recovery in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Using data from women enrolled in the ESC EORP PPCM Registry, the aim was to derive a prognostic model to predict LV recovery at 6 months and develop the ‘ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score’—a tool for clinicians to estimate the probability of LV recovery.

Methods

From 2012 to 2018, 752 women from 51 countries were enrolled. Eligibility included (i) a peripartum state, (ii) signs or symptoms of heart failure, (iii) LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45%, and (iv) exclusion of alternative causes of heart failure. The model was derived using data from participants in the Registry and internally validated using bootstrap methods. The outcome was LV recovery (LVEF ≥50%) at six months. An integer score was created.

Results

Overall, 465 women had a 6-month echocardiogram. LV recovery occurred in 216 (46.5%). The final model included baseline LVEF, baseline LV end diastolic diameter, human development index (a summary measure of a country’s social and economic development), duration of symptoms, QRS duration and pre-eclampsia. The model was well-calibrated and had good discriminatory ability (C-statistic 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.83). The model was internally validated (optimism-corrected C-statistic 0.78, 95% CI 0.73–0.82).

Conclusions

A model which accurately predicts LV recovery at 6 months in women with PPCM was derived. The corresponding ESC EORP PPCM Recovery Score can be easily applied in clinical practice to predict the probability of LV recovery for an individual in order to guide tailored counselling and treatment.
Genetically proxied low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering via PCSK9-inhibitor drug targets and risk of congenital malformations
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Slob Eric A W , Reddy Rohin K , Morley Alec P , Schuermans Art , Hill Phoebe , Williamson Catherine , Honigberg Michael C , de Marvao Antonio , Ng Fu Siong
Published: January 2024

Aims

Current guidelines advise against the use of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy. This is based only on previous observational evidence demonstrating an association between statin use and congenital malformations, which is increasingly controversial. In the absence of clinical trial data, we aimed to use drug-target Mendelian randomization to model the potential impact of fetal LDL-lowering, overall and through PCSK9 drug targets, on congenital malformations.

Methods and results

Instrumental variants influencing LDL levels overall and through PCSK9-inhibitor drug targets were extracted from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for LDL on 1 320 016 individuals. Instrumental variants influencing circulating PCSK9 levels (pQTLs) and liver PCSK9 gene expression levels (eQTLs) were extracted, respectively, from a GWAS on 10 186 individuals and from the genotype-tissue expression project. Gene-outcome association data was extracted from the 7th release of GWAS summary data on the FinnGen cohort (n = 342 499) for eight categories of congenital malformations affecting multiple systems. Genetically proxied LDL-lowering through PCSK9 was associated with higher odds of malformations affecting multiple systems [OR 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–5.63, P = 0.018], the skin (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.33–3.75, P = 0.007), and the vertebral, anorectal, cardiovascular, tracheo-esophageal, renal, and limb association (VACTERL) (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16–1.96, P = 0.007). An association was also found with obstructive defects of the renal pelvis and ureter, but this association was suggestive of horizontal pleiotropy. Lower PCSK9 pQTLs were associated with the same congenital malformations.

Conclusion

These data provide genetic evidence supporting current manufacturer advice to avoid the use of PCSK9 inhibitors during pregnancy.
Predicting worsening heart failure hospitalizations in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: is it all about alerts? A pooled analysis of nine trials
Authors: Botto Giovanni Luca , Sinagra Gianfranco , Bulava Alan , Gargaro Alessio , Timmel Tobias , Giacopelli Daniele , D’Onofrio Antonio , Guédon-Moreau Laurence
Published: January 2024

Aims

To predict worsening heart failure hospitalizations (WHFHs) in patients with implantable defibrillators and remote monitoring, the HeartInsight algorithm (Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) calculates a heart failure (HF) score combining seven physiologic parameters: 24 h heart rate (HR), nocturnal HR, HR variability, atrial tachyarrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles, patient activity, and thoracic impedance. We compared temporal trends of the HF score and its components 12 weeks before a WHFH with 12-week trends in patients without WHFH, to assess whether trends indicate deteriorating HF regardless of alert status.

Methods and results

Data from nine clinical trials were pooled, including 2050 patients with a defibrillator capable of atrial sensing, ejection fraction ≤ 35%, NYHA class II/III, no long-standing atrial fibrillation, and 369 WHFH from 259 patients. The mean HF score was higher in the WHFH group than in the no WHFH group (42.3 ± 26.1 vs. 30.7 ± 20.6, P < 0.001) already at the beginning of 12 weeks. The mean HF score further increased to 51.6 ± 26.8 until WHFH (+22% vs. no WHFH group, P = 0.003). As compared to the no WHFH group, the algorithm components either were already higher 12 weeks before WHFH (24 h HR, HR variability, thoracic impedance) or significantly increased until WHFH (nocturnal HR, atrial tachyarrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles, patient activity).

Conclusion

The HF score was significantly higher at, and further increased during 12 weeks before WHFH, as compared to the no WHFH group, with seven components showing different behaviour and contribution. Temporal trends of HF score may serve as a quantitative estimate of HF condition and evolution prior to WHFH.
Fiscal transfers and common debt in a Monetary Union: a multi-country agent–based stock flow consistent model
Authors: Caiani Alessandro , Catullo Ermanno
Published: January 2024

Using a refined version of our multi-country AB-SFC model of a Monetary Union the paper aims at providing a tentative assessment of the economic effects of transforming the European Monetary Union into an Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Union (IFTU) with its own fiscal capacity. Countries contribute proportionally to their GDP, whereas funds are redistributed according to a mechanism that gives more funds to countries performing worse than the average of the Union in cyclical terms. Our simulations show that an IFTU inspired by such a redistribution principle acts as a stabilizer of international trade, allowing us to stabilize and improve the Union GDP performance without affecting the stability of public finances. When the Union is allowed to borrow on capital markets, i.e. in a Fully Fledged Fiscal Transfer Union (FFFTU), these effects are enhanced and a part of the public debt burden shifts from the national to the Union level, leaving the total burden almost stable. An interesting result to assess the political acceptability of the proposal is that “core” countries eventually benefit the most from the introduction of this mechanism, despite being more frequently net contributors. Finally, we show that an FFFTU with common debt might help to soften the impact of an exogenous demand shock, while, because of the fact that it mainly operates as a stabilizer of aggregate demand, it does not seem to provide beneficial effects when facing a supply shock to production.
Evidence of Reduced Virulence and Increased Colonization Among Pneumococcal Isolates of Serotype 3 Clade II Lineage in Mice
Authors: Sekulovic Ognjen , Gallagher Caitlyn , Lee Jonathan , Hao Li , Zinonos Stavros , Tan Charles Y , Anderson Annaliesa , Kanevsky Isis
Published: January 2024

Recent phylogenetic profiling of pneumococcal serotype 3 (Pn3) isolates revealed a dynamic interplay among major lineages with the emergence and global spread of a variant termed clade II. The cause of Pn3 clade II dissemination along with epidemiological and clinical ramifications are currently unknown. Here, we sought to explore biological characteristics of dominant Pn3 clades in a mouse model of pneumococcal invasive disease and carriage. Carriage and virulence potential were strain dependent with marked differences among clades. We found that clinical isolates from Pn3 clade II are less virulent and less invasive in mice compared to clade I isolates. We also observed that clade II isolates are carried for longer and at higher bacterial densities in mice compared to clade I isolates. Taken together, our data suggest that the epidemiological success of Pn3 clade II could be related to alterations in the pathogen's ability to cause invasive disease and to establish a robust carriage episode.
Unraveling the Role of Social Media on Adolescents’ Daily Goals and Affect: The Interplay Between Basic Psychological Needs and Screen Time
Authors: Van de Casteele Marlies , Soenens Bart , Ponnet Koen , Perneel Simon , Flamant Nele , Vansteenkiste Maarten
Published: January 2024

Despite the common belief that spending excessive time on social media apps harms adolescents' daily functioning, the impact of screen time is likely to differ depending on how well the use of social media aligns with adolescents' psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Grounded in self-determination theory, the aim of this study was to examine how both screen time and basic psychological needs on social media relate to adolescents’ daily goal striving and affective states. To this end, a 7-day diary study was conducted, and screen time (i.e. duration and frequency) was monitored objectively through an application on adolescents’ smartphones. In two daily surveys, participants reported on their basic psychological needs (i.e. satisfaction and frustration of the needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness) when spending time on social media, their experienced goal interference (i.e. guilt, goal conflict and rumination) and their affective states (i.e. positive and negative affect). Examining the data of 107 adolescents (M age = 15.28 years, SD = 1.66, range = 12–19; 53.3% female), multilevel path analyses revealed that, at the daily level, frustration of the basic psychological needs on social media was associated with temporary increases in guilt, goal conflict and negative affect. On the contrary, when adolescents felt satisfied with their needs during their time on social media, they reported better affective states. The duration of screen time also yielded an interfering effect (i.e. main effect), but this effect was attenuated when adolescents experienced high need satisfaction during their time on social media (i.e. interaction effect). Some lingering effects were found, with need satisfaction on SMU in the afternoon predicting lower guilt and goal conflict and need frustration on SMU relating to elevated rumination in the evening. These findings highlight the complex interplay between basic psychological needs on SMU and screen time for adolescents’ daily goal striving and affective well-being.
Sodium butyrate administration improves intestinal development of suckling lambs
Authors: Sun Mengzhen , Ji Wenwen , Ye Hongwei , Cai Yitao , Yun Yan , Wei Xiaoshi , Wang Chong , Mao Huiling
Published: January 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. Forty lambs of 7 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 4.46 ± 0.45 kg, were allocated into the control (CON) or SB group, with each group having five replicate pens (n = 5). Lambs were orally administered SB at 1.8 mL/kg BW in the SB group or the same volume of saline in the CON group. Treatments were administered from 7 to 35 d of age, when one lamb from each replicate was slaughtered to obtain intestinal tissues and contents. The results showed that supplementation with SB tended to increase the BW (P = 0.079) and the starter intake (P = 0.089) of lambs at 35 d of age. The average daily gain of lambs in the SB group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). The villus height of jejunum in the SB group was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CON group. In ileum, lambs in the SB group had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth and greater (P < 0.05) villus-to-crypt ratio than those in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were increased (P < 0.05) in the SB group. Supplementation with SB decreased the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridia_UCG-014 (P = 0.094) and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), which were negatively associated with the intestinal barrier function genes (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum (P < 0.05) was higher in the SB group, and it was positively correlated with the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the function “Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins” was increased in the SB group lambs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SB orally administration during suckling period could improve the small intestine development and growth performance of lambs by inhibiting the harmful bacteria (Clostridia_UCG-014, Romboutsia) colonization, and enhancing intestinal barrier functions.
The Judge-Made ‘Duty’ to Consider Climate Change in South Africa
Authors: Murcott Melanie Jean , Vinti Clive
Published: January 2024

Environmental legislation in South Africa does not explicitly require that the executive branch consider climate change in environmental decision-making. Yet, in a handful of climate cases, the executive has been found to have acted unlawfully (and thus unconstitutionally) by failing to do so. We argue that the case law has implicitly introduced a ‘duty’ to consider climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. The precedent set entails that in order to act lawfully as required by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, decision-makers must take climate change into account in various contexts. This article describes the role of the judiciary within South Africa’s transformative constitutional regime, and the interpretive approach they are mandated to adopt. The interpretive approach is a feature of South Africa’s normative conceptualization of the separation of powers. We then describe how, in the exercise of this role, the ‘duty’ to consider climate change has emerged and evolved through three instances of climate litigation in the High Courts, and one before the Water Tribunal. We conclude that the power of judiciary in South Africa to respond to the myriad human rights and justice implications of the climate crisis derives not only from constitutionally entrenched human rights. Equally important are the mechanisms within the broader transformative architecture of the constitutional order. By making this modest point, we hope to deepen the understanding of the utility of human rights in climate litigation in the Global South.
Principles of logics for plausible reasoning
Authors: Billington David
Published: January 2024

Plausible reasoning concerns situations that have an inherent lack of precision, which is not quantified; that is, there are no degrees or levels of precision, and hence no use of numbers like probabilities. A hopefully comprehensive set of principles that clarifies what it means for a formal logic to do plausible reasoning is presented. Several important plausible-reasoning examples that guide the development of some of the principles are also given. Versions of these principles and examples have appeared in Billington (2017) and chapter 4 of Billington (2019). Each principle in this article is the same as, or an improvement on, the corresponding principle in chapter 4 of Billington (2019); for a detailed comparison, see the Appendix. A propositional plausible logic that satisfies all these principles appears in Billington (2017, 2019). This shows that all the principles together are consistent.
Is milbemycin a game changer against antifungal drug-resistant mycoses?
Authors: Kano Rui , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Tamura Takashi , Makimura Koichi
Published: January 2024

Milbemycin oximes are macrocyclic lactones that have a broad spectrum of activity against nematode infection in animals. They are known to block drug efflux, which increases the susceptibility of fungi to azoles. We investigated the effects of milbemycin on the azole susceptibility of fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, C. auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Trichophyton rubrum). To screen for changes in azole susceptibility, fungal growth was tested on a culture medium containing 1 μg/ml milbemycin. The results showed that milbemycin increased the azole susceptibility of azole-resistant strains of C. albicans, C. auris, C. neoformans, and T. rubrum. Thus, milbemycin might be useful against antifungal drug-resistant strains.
Molecular typing and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida krusei bloodstream isolates from Türkiye
Authors: Karakoyun Ayşe Sultan , Spruijtenburg Bram , Unal Nevzat , Meijer Eelco F J , Sucu Mete , Hilmioğlu-Polat Süleyha , Meis Jacques F , de Groot Theun , Ilkit Macit
Published: January 2024

Candida krusei also known as Pichia kudriavzevii is a potentially multidrug-resistant yeast because it is intrinsically resistant to fluconazole and develops acquired resistance to echinocandins and polyenes. Here, we aim to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology and transmission modes of C. krusei infections by comparing invasive bloodstream (n = 35) and non-invasive vaginal (n = 20) C. krusei isolates. The genetic relatedness of the isolates was assessed using a newly described short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and their sensitivity to eight antifungal compounds was evaluated by antifungal susceptibility testing using the CLSI microbroth dilution method. All C. krusei isolates revealed unique STR genotypes, indicating the absence of clonal transmission in the study group. Furthermore, no drug-resistant or non-wild-type isolates were identified. Our findings demonstrated high resolution of STR genotyping for the detection and simultaneous genetic analysis of multiple C. krusei strains in clinical samples and excellent in vitro activity of common antifungal agents against invasive strains.
TESS duotransit candidates from the Southern Ecliptic Hemisphere
Authors: Hawthorn Faith , Gill Sam , Bayliss Daniel , Osborn Hugh P , Pelisoli Ingrid , Rodel Toby , Smith Darnbrook Kaylen , Wheatley Peter J , Anderson David R , Apergis Ioannis , Battley Matthew P , Burleigh Matthew R , Casewell Sarah L , Eigmüller Philipp , Günther Maximilian N , Jenkins James S , Lendl Monika , Moyano Maximiliano , Osborn Ares , Ramsay Gavin , Ulmer-Moll Solène , Vines Jose I , West Richard
Published: January 2024

Discovering transiting exoplanets with long orbital periods allows us to study warm and cool planetary systems with temperatures similar to the planets in our own Solar system. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has photometrically surveyed the entire Southern Ecliptic Hemisphere in Cycle 1 (2018 August–2019 July), Cycle 3 (2020 July–2021 June), and Cycle 5 (2022 September–2023 September). We use the observations from Cycle 1 and Cycle 3 to search for exoplanet systems that show a single transit event in each year, which we call duotransits. The periods of these planet candidates are typically in excess of 20 d, with the lower limit determined by the duration of individual TESS observations. We find 85 duotransit candidates, which span a range of host star brightnesses: 8 < Tmag < 14, transit depths between 0.1 per cent and 1.8 per cent, and transit durations between 2 and 10 h with the upper limit determined by our normalization function. Of these candidates, 25 are already known, and 60 are new. We present these candidates along with the status of photometric and spectroscopic follow-up.
The 3D geometry of reflection nebulae IC 59 and IC 63 with their illuminating star gamma Cas
Authors: Eiermann Jacob M , Caputo Miranda , Lai Thomas S -Y , Witt Adolf N
Published: January 2024

The early-type star gamma Cas illuminates the reflection nebulae IC 59 and IC 63, creating two photodissociation regions (PDRs). Uncertainties about the distances to the nebulae and the resulting uncertainty about the density of the radiation fields incident on their surfaces have hampered the study of these PDRs during the past three decades. We employed far-ultraviolet (UV) – optical nebula – star colour differences of dust-scattered light to infer the locations of the nebulae relative to the plane of the sky containing gamma Cas, finding IC 63 to be positioned behind the star and IC 59 in front of the star. To obtain the linear distances of the nebulae relative to gamma Cas, we fit far-infrared archival Herschel flux data for IC 59 and IC 63 with modified blackbody curves and relate the resulting dust temperatures with the luminosity of gamma Cas, yielding approximate distances of 4.15 pc for IC 59 and 2.3 pc for IC 63. With these distances, using updated far-UV flux data in the 6–13.6 eV range for gamma Cas with two recent determinations of the interstellar extinction for gamma Cas, we estimate that the far-UV radiation density at the surface of IC 63 takes on values of G0 = 58 or G0 = 38 with respective values for E(B − V) for gamma Cas of 0.08 and 0.04 mag. This is a substantial reduction from the range 150 ≤ G0 ≤ 650 used for IC 63 during the past three decades. The corresponding, even lower new values for IC 59 are G0 = 18 and G0 = 12.
Precipitable water vapour measurement using GNSS data in the Atacama Desert for millimetre and submillimetre astronomical observations
Authors: Sugiyama Junna , Nishino Haruki , Kusaka Akito
Published: January 2024

Precipitable water vapour (PWV) strongly affects the quality of data obtained from millimetre- and submillimetre-wave astronomical observations, such as those for cosmic microwave background measurements. Some of these observatories have used radiometers to monitor PWV. In this study, PWV was measured from 2021 April to 2022 April using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instruments in the Atacama Desert, Chile, where several millimetre- and submillimetre-wave telescopes are located. We evaluated the accuracy of these measurements by comparing them to radiometer measurements. We calculated the PWV from GNSS data using csrs-ppp (Canadian Spatial Reference System Precise Point Positioning), an online software package. When using GNSS data alone, the estimated PWV showed a systematic offset of $+1.08$ mm. When combining GNSS data with data from a barometer, which was co-located with the GNSS receiver, the estimated PWV showed a lower systematic offset of −0.05 mm. The GNSS PWV showed a statistical uncertainty of 0.52 mm with an averaging time of an hour. Compared to other PWV measurement methods, GNSS instruments are robust in bad weather conditions, have sufficient time resolution, and are less expensive. By demonstrating good accuracy and precision in low-PWV conditions, this paper shows that GNSS instruments are valuable tools for PWV measurements for observing site evaluation and data analysis for ground-based telescopes.
The role of the ionizing background on the thermal and non-thermal broadening inferred for the low-z intergalactic O vi absorbers
Authors: Mallik Sukanya , Srianand Raghunathan
Published: January 2024

Using cosmological hydrodynamical simulations at z ∼ 0.5, we measure the thermal (bt) and non-thermal (bnt) contribution to the line broadening for the intergalactic absorbers having O vi and H i absorption well aligned in the velocity space. We find that the inferred temperature based on bt correlates strongly with the optical depth-weighted kinetic temperature of the absorbing gas, albeit with a large scatter. We show this scatter comes from the spread in the kinetic temperature of the gas contributing to the absorption and hence depends on the feedback processes and the ionizing UV background (UVB) used in the simulations. We show the distribution of bnt is also affected by both feedback processes and the ionizing UVB. Therefore, bnt derived using aligned absorbers may not be a good discriminator between the effect of microscopic turbulence and UVB. Instead, the distribution of bt and bnt together with the frequency of occurrence of the aligned absorbers can be used to place additional constraints on the parameters of the simulation for a given assumed UVB.
The limitations (and potential) of non-parametric morphology statistics for post-merger identification
Authors: Wilkinson Scott , Ellison Sara L , Bottrell Connor , Bickley Robert W , Byrne-Mamahit Shoshannah , Ferreira Leonardo , Patton David R
Published: January 2024

Non-parametric morphology statistics have been used for decades to classify galaxies into morphological types and identify mergers in an automated way. In this work, we assess how reliably we can identify galaxy post-mergers with non-parametric morphology statistics. Low-redshift (z ≲ 0.2), recent (tpost-merger ≲ 200 Myr), and isolated (r > 100 kpc) post-merger galaxies are drawn from the IllustrisTNG100-1 cosmological simulation. Synthetic r-band images of the mergers are generated with SKIRT9 and degraded to various image qualities, adding observational effects such as sky noise and atmospheric blurring. We find that even in perfect quality imaging, the individual non-parametric morphology statistics fail to recover more than 55 per cent of the post-mergers, and that this number decreases precipitously with worsening image qualities. The realistic distributions of galaxy properties in IllustrisTNG allow us to show that merger samples assembled using individual morphology statistics are biased towards low-mass, high gas fraction, and high mass ratio. However, combining all of the morphology statistics together using either a linear discriminant analysis or random forest algorithm increases the completeness and purity of the identified merger samples and mitigates bias with various galaxy properties. For example, we show that in imaging similar to that of the 10-yr depth of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a random forest can identify 89 per cent of mergers with a false positive rate of 17 per cent. Finally, we conduct a detailed study of the effect of viewing angle on merger observability and find that there may be an upper limit to merger recovery due to the orientation of merger features with respect to the observer.
Extended ionized Fe objects in the UWIFE survey
Authors: Kim Yesol , Koo Bon-Chul , Pyo Tae-Soo , Froebrich Dirk , Jeong Woong-Seob , Lee Jae-Joon , Lee Yong-Hyun , Lee Ho-Gyu , Kim Hyun-Jeong , Varricatt Watson P
Published: January 2024

We explore systematically the shocked gas in the first Galactic quadrant of the Milky Way using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) Wide-field Infrared Survey for Fe+ (UWIFE). The UWIFE survey is the first imaging survey of the Milky Way in the [Fe ii] 1.644 μm emission line and covers the Galactic plane in the first Galactic quadrant (7° < $\mathit {l}$ < 62°; $|b| $ ≲ 1$_{.}^{\circ }$5). We identify 204 extended ionized Fe objects (IFOs) using a combination of a manual and automatic search. Most of the IFOs are detected for the first time in the [Fe ii] 1.644 μm line. We present a catalogue of the measured sizes and fluxes of the IFOs and searched for their counterparts by performing positional cross-matching with known sources. We found that IFOs are associated with supernova remnants (25), young stellar objects (100), H ii regions (33), planetary nebulae (17), and luminous blue variables (4). The statistical and morphological properties are discussed for each of these.
Multiwavelength spectral modelling of the candidate neutrino blazar PKS 0735+178
Authors: Bharathan Athira M , Stalin C S , Sahayanathan S , Bhattacharyya Subir , Mathew Blesson
Published: January 2024

The BL Lac object PKS 0735+178 was in its historic γ-ray brightness state during 2021 December. This period also coincides with the detection of a neutrino event IC 211208A, which was localized close to the vicinity of PKS 0735+178. We carried out detailed γ-ray timing and spectral analysis of the source in three epochs: (a) quiescent state (E1), (b) moderate-activity state (E2), and (c) high-activity state (E3) coincident with the epoch of neutrino detection. During the epoch of neutrino detection (E3), we found the largest variability amplitude of 95 per cent. The γ-ray spectra corresponding to these three epochs are well fit by the power-law model and the source is found to show spectral variations with a softer when brighter trend. In epoch E3, we found the shortest flux doubling/halving time of 5.75 h. Even though the spectral energy distribution in the moderate-activity state and in the high-activity state could be modelled by the one-zone leptonic emission model, the spectral energy distribution in the quiescent state required an additional component of radiation over and above the leptonic component. Here, we show that a photomeson process was needed to explain the excess γ-ray emission in the hundreds of GeV that could not be accounted for by the synchrotron self-Compton process.
Performance and symptom validity indicators among children undergoing cognitive surveillance following treatment for craniopharyngioma
Authors: Potter Brian S , Crabtree Valerie McLaughlin , Ashford Jason M , Li Yimei , Liang Jia , Guo Yian , Wise Merrill S , Skoda Evelyn S , Merchant Thomas E , Conklin Heather M
Published: January 2024

Background

Performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) are essential to neuropsychological evaluations, helping ensure findings reflect true abilities or concerns. It is unclear how PVTs and SVTs perform in children who received radiotherapy for brain tumors. Accordingly, we investigated the rate of noncredible performance on validity indicators as well as associations with fatigue and lower intellectual functioning.

Methods

Embedded PVTs and SVTs were investigated in 98 patients with pediatric craniopharyngioma undergoing proton radiotherapy (PRT). The contribution of fatigue, sleepiness, and lower intellectual functioning to embedded PVT performance was examined. Further, we investigated PVTs and SVTs in relation to cognitive performance at pre-PRT baseline and change over time.

Results

SVTs on parent measures were not an area of concern. PVTs identified 0–31% of the cohort as demonstrating possible noncredible performance at baseline, with stable findings 1 year following PRT. Reliable digit span (RDS) noted the highest PVT failure rate; RDS has been criticized for false positives in pediatric populations, especially children with neurological impairment. Objective sleepiness was strongly associated with PVT failure, stressing need to consider arousal level when interpreting cognitive performance in children with craniopharyngioma. Lower intellectual functioning also needs to be considered when interpreting task engagement indices as it was strongly associated with PVT failure.

Conclusions

Embedded PVTs should be used with caution in pediatric craniopharyngioma patients who have received PRT. Future research should investigate different cut-off scores and validity indicator combinations to best differentiate noncredible performance due to task engagement versus variable arousal and/or lower intellectual functioning.
Bacteria-responsive programmed self-activating antibacterial hydrogel to remodel regeneration microenvironment for infected wound healing
Authors: Yang Yutong , Wang Jiaxin , Huang Shengfei , Li Meng , Chen Jueying , Pei Dandan , Tang Zhen , Guo Baolin
Published: January 2024

There is still an urgent need to develop hydrogels with intelligent antibacterial ability to achieve on-demand treatment of infected wounds and accelerate wound healing by improving the regeneration microenvironment. We proposed a strategy of hydrogel wound dressing with bacteria-responsive self-activating antibacterial property and multiple nanozyme activities to remodel the regeneration microenvironment in order to significantly promote infected wound healing. Specifically, pH-responsive H2O2 self-supplying composite nanozyme (MSCO) and pH/enzyme-sensitive bacteria-responsive triblock micelles encapsulated with lactate oxidase (PPEL) were prepared and encapsulated in hydrogels composed of L-arginine-modified chitosan (CA) and phenylboronic acid-modified oxidized dextran (ODP) to form a cascade bacteria-responsive self-activating antibacterial composite hydrogel platform. The hydrogels respond to multifactorial changes of the bacterial metabolic microenvironment to achieve on-demand antibacterial and biofilm eradication through transformation of bacterial metabolites, and chemodynamic therapy enhanced by nanozyme activity in conjunction with self-driven nitric oxide (NO) release. The composite hydrogel showed ‘self-diagnostic’ treatment for changes in the wound microenvironment. Through self-activating antibacterial therapy in the infection stage to self-adaptive oxidative stress relief and angiogenesis in the post-infection stage, it promotes wound closure, accelerates wound collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and completely improves the microenvironment of infected wound regeneration, which provides a new method for the design of intelligent wound dressings.
MSG-15: Super-Bioavailability Itraconazole Versus Conventional Itraconazole in the Treatment of Endemic Mycoses—A Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Comparative Trial
Authors: Spec Andrej , Thompson George R , Miceli Marisa H , Hayes Justin , Proia Laurie , McKinsey David , Arauz Ana Belen , Mullane Kathleen , Young Jo-Ann , McGwin Gerald , McMullen Rachel , Plumley Tyler , Moore Mary K , McDowell Lee Ann , Jones Carolynn , Pappas Peter G
Published: January 2024

Background

Invasive fungal disease caused by dimorphic fungi is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Super-bioavailability itraconazole (SUBA-itra) is a novel antifungal agent with pharmacokinetic advantages over currently available formulations. In this prospective comparative study, we report the outcomes of patients with endemic fungal infections (histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and sporotrichosis).

Methods

This open-label randomized trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics SUBA-itra compared with conventional itraconazole (c-itra) treatment for endemic fungal infections. An independent data review committee determined responses on treatment days 42 and 180.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were enrolled for IFD (SUBA-itra, n = 42; c-itra, n = 46) caused by Histoplasma (n = 51), Blastomyces (n = 18), Coccidioides (n = 13), or Sporothrix (n = 6). On day 42, clinical success was observed with SUBA-itra and c-itra on day 42 (in 69% and 67%, respectively, and on day 180 (in 60% and 65%). Patients treated with SUBA-itra exhibited less drug-level variability at days 7 (P = .03) and 14 (P = .06) of randomized treatment. The concentrations of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole were comparable between the 2 medications (P = .77 and P = .80, respectively). There was a trend for fewer adverse events (AEs; 74% vs 87%, respectively; P = .18) and serious AEs (10% vs 26%; P = .06) in the SUBA-itra–treated patients than in those receiving c-itra. Serious treatment-emergent AEs were less common in SUBA-itra–treated patients (12% vs 50%, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusions

SUBA-itra was bioequivalent, well tolerated, and efficacious in treating endemic fungi, with a more favorable safety profile than c-itra.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03572049.