bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal investigation of the effects of age, dietary fiber type and level, and injectable antimicrobials on the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistance of finisher pigs
Authors: Gaire Tara N , Noyes Noelle R , Scott H Morgan , Ericsson Aaron C , Dunmire Kara , Tokach Mike D , Paulk Chad B , Vinasco Javier , Roenne Boyd , Nagaraja T G , Volkova Victoriya V
Published: June 2022

Age and diet are among the factors that influence the community composition of the fecal microbiome. Additionally, antimicrobial use can alter the composition of bacterial communities. An 86-d study with finisher pigs aimed to evaluate age-related dynamics (day 98 to 177 of age), effects of types and levels of dietary fiber, and injectable antimicrobials on the fecal microbiome and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was conducted. A total of 287 pigs, housed in 36 pens, with 7 to 8 pigs per pen, fed a corn grain and soybean meal-based basal diet, formulated to contain 8.7% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) basal diet with no supplement, 2) basal diet supplemented with 20% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) formulated to contain 13.6% NDF, or 3) basal diet supplemented with 14.5% sugar beet pulp (SBP) formulated to contain 13.6% NDF. Five finisher pigs from each treatment group were selected randomly, and fecal samples were collected on days 98, 110, 144, and 177 of age. In addition, fecal samples were collected from pigs that were injected intramuscularly ceftiofur hydrochloride or penicillin G on days 1 and 3 along with pen-mate-untreated controls on day 1. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon-based microbiome analysis and culture methods to quantify the abundance of total AMR coliforms and enterococci populations. The alpha-diversity, such as species richness, increased with age, and the overall bacterial composition changed with age (P =0.001) and diet (P = 0.001). Diet-associated shifts in the specific bacterial taxa were observed. The richness, diversity, and evenness of bacterial taxa did not differ between pigs that were injected with ceftiofur vs. their untreated pen mates or by dietary treatments but differed in pigs that received penicillin G injection. Both antimicrobial treatments contributed to changes in the overall fecal bacterial composition at the genus level. Collectively, the data demonstrate that both age and the diet (control vs. DDGS-, control vs. SBP-, or DDGS- vs. SBP-based diets) were associated with the overall bacterial community composition, and the impact of age on variations in fecal microbiome composition was greater than the diet. Antibiotic treatment had minimal effect on bacterial diversity and relative abundance of taxa. Furthermore, diets and antimicrobial treatment had minimal impact on the overall counts of AMR coliforms and enterococci populations in feces.
Autumn roost-site selection by male hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) in northern California
Authors: Salganek Skye , Weller Theodore J , Szewczak Joseph M
Published: June 2022

Effective conservation and management of a species relies upon understanding its habitat throughout its full annual cycle. For hoary bats, Lasiurus cinereus, their ecology is largely known from summer with the exception that they move long distances during autumn and spring and maintain some level of activity year-round. Autumn is a critically important period for hoary bats as they complete long-distance migrations between summer and winter range and they mate, both of which are energetically expensive. We studied hoary bat roost selection during autumn in a migratory stopover area in redwood habitat in northwestern California. We hypothesized that hoary bats select day roosts during autumn migration that minimize energetic expenditures and improve mating opportunities. We located 24 day roost sites of male hoary bats and evaluated site-level roost selection by comparing roosts with 120 random locations. We used multiple logistic regression to compare remotely sensed habitat features derived from LiDAR and other spatial data. The three most important variables for distinguishing roost from random locations were distance to creek, roads, and meadow. We speculate that selection of roosts in proximity to open spaces and flyways facilitated social behaviors related to mating that are commonly observed in this area.
#32 Pediatric Febrile Neutropenia with Low Risk of Systemic Infection: When Is It Safe to Stop Antibiotics?
Authors: Alali Muayad
Published: June 2022

Background

There are no standard practices about antibiotics duration in unexplained stable febrile neutropenia (FN). Absolute neutrophile count (ANC) recovery has been used clinically to represent bone marrow recovery (BMR) but data about safe ANC threshold for antibiotic cessation (AC) and discharge is still unknown. Other markers should be considered. We hypothesized that absolute monocyte count (AMC), and absolute phagocyte count (APC= ANC + AMC+ bands) are more sensitive, and an earlier safe marker of AC compared with ANC

Method

A retrospective review was performed for FN episodes (FNEs) at a single institution (2009 and 2016) in pediatric oncology patients. Eligible FNEs who were a febrile for 24 hours and had no documented infectious source identified at AC and did not receive chemotherapy 10 days following AC. Ten-day post-AC primary end points (recurrent fever, readmission, blood stream infection BSI, microbiology documented infection MDI, and adverse outcomes) were assessed and compared among different BMR parameters (ANC vs AMC vs APC). Secondary end point compares length of stay, antibiotics free days and cost-effectiveness among different BMR markers.

Results

Eligible FNEs were 391 at time of AC in 235 patients. Three groups were compared based on ANC (cells/μL) at the time of AC : < 200 in 102 (26%), 200-500 in 111 (28%), and >500 /uL in 178 (46%) with an overall ten-day recurrent fever rate 7.4% (29/391). No significant differences in primary end point outcomes rates were identified among 3 ANC groups (11.7%,, 6.3% and 5.6% respectively, P=0.06) and readmission (10%,4.5%, 4%, respectively; P=0.05)(Table 1), however, there is a trend toward unfavorable outcomes in ANC< 200 group compared with ANC>200. In subset analysis in group of ANC>200, favorable outcomes in (ANC>200 with AMC>100) than in the (ANC>200 with AMC<100) group. There was significant risk reduction in primary end points (75% in recurrent fever, 85% readmission, 87% in BSI, 88% in MDI and 87% in adverse events in (ANC>200 with AMC>100) compared with (ANC>200 with AMC<100/uL) group. More importantly, primary end points based on AMC>100 /uL as BMR for AC, regardless ANC values, showed significant favorable outcomes compared AMC<100 /uL. There is 80%, 88, 90%, 89%, and 93% risk reduction in end points recurrent fever, readmission BSI, MDI, and adverse outcomes respectively. Similar favorable results were seen when APC>300 used as threshold for AC (Table 2, 3). Median of length of stay of FN was 3 days shorter using AMC >100/uL for BMR compared with any threshold of ANC (P< 0.01) and decrease overall FN cost stay (P< 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that AMC > 100 /uL regardless of ANC/uL, or APC> 300 or ANC>200 with AMC>100/uL all are a safe thresholds for empiric AC. Further prospective studies are needed to validate AMC as accurate surrogate for AC in FN children with cancer.
#40 An RSV live-attenuated vaccine candidate lacking G protein mucin domains is highly attenuated, immunogenic, and effective in RSV prevention in BALB/c mice
Authors: Perez Maria A
Published: June 2022

Background

RSV is a leading viral respiratory pathogen in infants. Live attenuated vaccines (LAV) show promise to reduce the disease burden of RSV disease. The RSV attachment protein (G protein) is heavily glycosylated with mucin domains that promote viral attachment. They may also aid in immune evasion through steric shielding of immunogenic epitopes. The objective of this study was to create and rescue RSV LAV candidates lacking the RSV G protein mucin domains with attenuated LAV replication and increased immunogenicity.

Method

LAV vaccine candidates “G155” and “G155-S” were generated from recombinant A2-line19F strain RSV by deletion of the G-protein mucin domains. G155-S additionally underwent deletion of the transmembrane domain, such that G155-S only expressed the secreted form of the G protein, while G155 expressed both transmembrane and secreted forms. Western blotting was used to characterize F and G protein expression in both vaccine candidates in comparison to wild-type (wt) A2-line19F. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure monoclonal antibody binding to LAV virus lysate. Viral growth kinetics were measured in HEp2 cells and in BALB/c mouse lungs by a fluorescent focus unit (FFU) assay. Immunogenicity was determined by measuring serum neutralizing antibody titers in BALB/c mice following a prime/boost regimen on days 0 and 28. Mice were challenged with wt RSV on day 60, and LAV efficacy was determined by measuring RSV lung viral loads by FFU assay and RT-PCR on day 4 post-RSV challenge.

Results

The vaccine candidates showed increased monoclonal antibody binding to surface F protein by ELISA, despite similar levels of F protein expression to wt, consistent with F epitope de-shielding. Both vaccine candidates were significantly attenuated in vitro and were undetectable in mouse lungs via FFU assay. By RT-PCR, LAV viral RNA was reduced 3-fold for G155-S, and 22-fold for G155 compared to wt RSV in mouse lungs. Both vaccine candidates elicited similar neutralizing antibody titers compared to wt A2-line19F on day 28 (G155 GMT 13, 95% CI 3, 53; G155-S GMT 10, 95% CI 2, 51; A2-line19F GMT 13, 95% CI 12, 15), and significant increases in titers were observed on day 59 (G155 GMT 440, 95% CI 5, 36057; G155-S 436, 95% CI 354, 537; A2-line19F 275, 95% CI 134, 567). Following RSV challenge, vaccinated mice showed no detectable lung virus by FFU assay and a reduction in lung viral RNA by RT-PCR of 560-fold for G155 and 604-fold for G155-S compared to RSV-challenged unvaccinated mice.

Conclusion

G155 and G155-S are highly attenuated RSV LAV candidates that protect against RSV challenge in mice and produce high levels of neutralizing antibodies comparable to wt RSV.
#67 Treatment of Campylobacter upsaliensis and Helicobacter canis in twin brothers with XLA
Authors: Dubois Melanie M
Published: June 2022

Background

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency associated with mutations in the B cell tyrosine kinase gene leading to failure in B cell maturation, resulting in antibody deficiency and increased susceptibility to infections. Patients with XLA are at risk of severe disease with infections with Campylobacter and closely related Helicobacter species and warrant treatment with close follow up given risk of recurrence.

Method

We present follow up of two 5-year-old fraternal twins with XLA who were diagnosed with C. upsaliensis and H. canis respectively via microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) and underwent successful treatment with multi-drug antimicrobial therapy with 12 months of follow-up.

Results

Patient #1 was diagnosed with XLA at 11 months of age. At 3 years of age, he presented with fever and diarrhea, with stool cultures that grew C. jejuni. Despite treatment with azithromycin, his symptoms persisted and repeat stool cultures grew C. upsaliensis. Testing via mcfDNA confirmed C. upsaliensis. Patient #2 was diagnosed with XLA at 12 months of age. He developed fever, erythema nodosum (EN) like lesions and arthritis at 3.5 years old. Given his twin’s diagnosis of Campylobacter sp. enteritis, he was given a presumptive diagnosis of Campylobacter reactive arthritis and EN. Despite treatment with Naprosyn and 14 days of azithromycin, his symptoms persisted and stool PCR was positive for Campylobacter sp. mcfDNA testing confirmed C. upsaliensis and H.canis. Given failure of initial antimicrobial therapy, both boys were treated with a 4-week course of IV ertapenem, and oral ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin, and both developed neutropenia and concern for drug toxicity. Therapy was transitioned to triple drug therapy with oral doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. Doxycycline was discontinued after 3 weeks due to patients’ young age. Ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin were continued for 12 months. Both boys had complete resolution of symptoms after 12 months of therapy and remain without recurrence 10 weeks after discontinuation of antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusion

Physicians should be aware of the treatment challenges of chronic Campylobacter and Helicobacter infection in boys with XLA and other immunocompromised hosts. Successful treatment may require prolonged multi-drug antimicrobial therapy, with monitoring for drug toxicities.
#72 STIGMA AND DEPRESSION AMONGST ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
Authors: Bhat Kamalakshi G
Published: June 2022

Background

The Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) has revolutionized the face of treatment of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Perinatally infected infants are living longer, reaching adolescent age group with deaths reduced by 54% but in long term there exists many drawbacks not only in terms of adherence, complications, drug resistance but also in terms of mental health. Adolescence is a critical period to promote mental health as major mental health disorders seem to start during this period. Adolescents with HIV/AIDS are more prone to a variety of mental health problems. The stress of being infected and living with the disease is higher. These adolescents face unique psychosocial challenges and most importantly, the stigma of being sufferers of this disease. Because of stigma, very few individuals seek psychiatric care and very few further follow up even when therapy has proven benefits.

Method

OBJECTIVES: To assess the following in adolescents living with HIV/AIDS: 1. The proportion of stigma. 2. The proportion of depression. 3. Correlation between depression and stigma. 4. Correlation between CD4 count, stage of disease and duration of illness with stigma and depression. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study PARTICIPANTS: 83 adolescents on ART treatment for minimum 1 year duration and are free from any psychiatric condition. INTERVENTION: Questionnaires were administered for assessment of stigma using HIV Felt Stigma Scale (is a 4-point likert scale, consisting of 17 questions and scores are namely Strongly disagree-0, Disagree-1, Agree-2, Strongly agree-3. and Depression by Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (is 20 item scale). Calculating the overall CES-D – style symptom score, target score for referring to psychiatrist is more than or equal to 16.

Results

The proportion of participants who scored positive in the stigma scale was 92.8% and that of depression was noted to be 20.5%. Statistically significant correlation was observed between stigma and depression (0.020), between depression and CD4 count (0.024).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a rise in stigmatising attitudes is linked to a rise in depressive symptoms, implying the necessity for multilevel treatments in stigma reduction initiatives to prevent the mental health issues in this vulnerable population.
Epidemiology of Congenital Rubella Syndrome Related to the 2012–2013 Rubella Epidemic in Japan
Authors: Kanai Mizue , Kamiya Hajime , Okuno Hideo , Sunagawa Tomimasa , Tanaka-Taya Keiko , Matsui Tamano , Oishi Kazunori , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Takeda Makoto , Mori Yoshio
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the epidemiological characteristics of 45 congenital rubella syndrome cases in Japan following the 2012–2013 rubella epidemic. Rubella still poses significant health burdens and the uptake of rubella-containing vaccines among women of childbearing age should be improved.
Identification of new hot subdwarf binary systems by means of Virtual Observatory tools
Authors: Solano E , Ulla A , Pérez-Fernández E , Rodrigo C , Oreiro R , Aller A , Manteiga M , Santoveña-Gómez R , Álvarez M A , Dafonte C
Published: June 2022

The estimation of the binary fraction of hot subdwarfs is key to shed light on the different evolution scenarios proposed to explain the loss of the hydrogen envelope during the red giant branch phase. In this paper, we analyse the spectral energy distribution of the hot subdwarfs included in a recent and comprehensive catalogue with the aim of identifying companions. Our methodology shows a performance superior to the photometric criteria used in that study, identifying 202 objects wrongly classified as binaries according to their spectral energy distributions, and finding 269 new binaries. Out of an initial sample of 3186 objects, we classified 2469 as single and 615 as binary hot subdwarfs. The rest of the objects (102) were not classified because of their inadequate spectral energy distribution fitting due, in turn, to poor quality photometry. Effective temperatures, luminosities, and radii were computed for 192 singles and 42 binaries. They, in particular the binary sample, constitute an excellent data set to further perform a more careful spectroscopic analysis that could provide detailed values for the chemical composition, masses, ages, rotation properties, or reflection effects for the shortest period systems. The results obtained in this paper will be used as a reference for a forthcoming work where we aim to generalize binary and single hot subdwarf classification using Artificial Intelligence-based techniques.
Wavelike nature of the vertical shear instability in global protoplanetary discs
Authors: Svanberg Eleonora , Cui Can , Latter Henrik N
Published: June 2022

The vertical shear instability (VSI) is a robust phenomenon in irradiated protoplanetary discs (PPDs). The majority of previous numerical simulations have focused on the turbulent properties of its saturated state. However, the saturation of the VSI manifests as large-scale coherent radially travelling inertial waves. In this paper, we study inertial-wave-disc interactions and their impact on VSI saturation. Inertial-wave linear theory is developed and applied to a representative global 2D simulation using the athena++ code. It is found that the VSI saturates by separating the disc into several radial wave zones roughly demarcated by Lindblad resonances (turning points); this structure also manifests in a modest radial variation in the vertical turbulence strength. Future numerical work should employ large radial domains to accommodate this radial structure of the VSI, while concurrently adopting sufficiently fine resolutions to resolve the parametric instability that attacks the saturated VSI inertial waves.
First optical identification of the SRG/eROSITA-detected supernova remnant G 116.6 − 26.1. I. Preliminary results
Authors: Palaiologou E V , Leonidaki I , Kopsacheili M
Published: June 2022

The supernova remnant (SNR) candidate G 116.6 − 26.1 is one of the few high Galactic latitude (|b| > 15°) remnants detected so far in several wavebands. It was discovered recently in the SRG/eROSITA all-sky X-ray survey and also displays a low-frequency weak radio signature. In this study, we report the first optical detection of G 116.6 − 26.1 through deep, wide-field, and higher resolution narrowband imaging in H$\alpha$, $[\rm S\,{\small{\rm II}}]$ and $[\rm O\,{\small{\rm III}}]$ light. The object exhibits two major and distinct filamentary emission structures in a partial shell-like formation. The optical filaments are found in an excellent positional match with available X-ray, radio, and UV maps, can be traced over a relatively long angular distance (38 and 70 arcmin) and appear unaffected by any strong interactions with the ambient interstellar medium. We also present a flux-calibrated, optical emission spectrum from a single location, with Balmer and several forbidden lines detected, indicative of emission from shock excitation in a typical evolved SNR. Confirmation of the most likely SNR nature of G 116.6 − 26.1 is provided from the observed value of the line ratio [S ii] / H$\alpha$ = $0.56\, \pm \, 0.06$, which exceeds the widely accepted threshold 0.4, and is further strengthened by the positive outcome of several diagnostic tests for shock emission. Our results indicate an approximate shock velocity range 70–100 km s−1 at the spectroscopically examined filament, which, when combined with the low emissivity in H$\alpha$ and other emission lines, suggest that G 116.6 − 26.1 is a SNR at a mature evolutionary stage.
Modelling galaxy clustering in redshift space with a Lagrangian bias formalism and N-body simulations
Authors: Pellejero Ibañez Marcos , Stücker Jens , Angulo Raul E , Zennaro Matteo , Contreras Sergio , Aricò Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Improving the theoretical description of galaxy clustering on small scales is an important challenge in cosmology, as it can considerably increase the scientific return of forthcoming galaxy surveys – e.g. tightening the bounds on neutrino masses and deviations from general relativity. In this paper, we propose and test a new model for the clustering of galaxies that is able to accurately describe redshift-space distortions even down to small scales. This model corresponds to a second-order perturbative Lagrangian bias expansion which is advected to Eulerian space employing a displacement field extracted from N-body simulations. Eulerian coordinates are then transformed into redshift space by directly employing simulated velocity fields augmented with nuisance parameters capturing various possible satellite fractions and intra-halo small-scale velocities. We quantify the accuracy of our approach against samples of physically motivated mock galaxies selected according to either stellar mass (SM) or star formation rate (SFR) at multiple abundances and at z = 0 and 1. We find our model describes the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole of the galaxy-power spectra down to scales of k ≈ 0.6 [h Mpc−1] within the accuracy of our simulations. This approach could pave the way to significantly increase the amount of cosmological information to be extracted from future galaxy surveys.
A numerical study of the 1/2, 2/1, and 1/1 retrograde mean motion resonances in planetary systems
Authors: Caritá Gabriel Antonio , Cefali Signor Alan , Morais Maria Helena Moreira
Published: June 2022

We present a numerical study on the stability of the 1/2, 2/1, and 1/1 retrograde mean motion resonances in the three-body problem composed of a solar mass star, a Jupiter mass planet, and an additional body with zero mass (elliptic restricted three-body problem) or masses corresponding to either Neptune, Saturn, or Jupiter (planetary three-body problem). For each system, we obtain stability maps using the n-body numerical integrator REBOUND and computing the chaos indicator mean exponential growth factor of nearby orbits (MEGNO). We show that families of periodic orbits exist in all configurations and they correspond to the libration of either a single resonant argument or all resonant arguments (fixed points). We compare the results obtained in the elliptic restricted three-body problem with previous results in the literature, and we show the differences and similarities between the phase space topology for these retrograde resonances in the circular restricted, elliptic restricted, and planetary three-body problems.
Estimating accurate reddening values of LAMOST M dwarfs
Authors: Shen H , Chen B-Q , Guo H-L , Yuan H-B , Sun W-X , Li J
Published: June 2022

M dwarfs are the dominating type of stars in the solar neighbourhood. They serve as excellent tracers for the study of the distribution and properties of the nearby interstellar dust. In this work, we aim to obtain high accuracy reddening values of M dwarf stars from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) Data Release 8 (DR8). Combining the LAMOST spectra with the high-quality optical photometry from the Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3), we have estimated the reddening values E(GBP − GRP) of 641 426 M dwarfs with the machine learning algorithm random forest regression. The typical reddening uncertainty is only 0.03 mag in E(GBP − GRP). We have obtained the reddening coefficient $R_{(G_{\rm BP}-G_{\rm RP})}$, which is a function of the stellar intrinsic colour (GBP − GRP)0 and reddening value E(B − V). The values of E(B − V) are also provided for the individual stars in our catalogue. Our resultant high accuracy reddening values of M dwarfs, combined with the Gaia parallaxes, will be very powerful to map the fine structures of the dust in the solar neighbourhood.
Multiwavelength study of blazar 4C  + 01.02 during its long-term flaring activity in 2014–2017
Authors: Malik Zahoor , Shah Zahir , Sahayanathan Sunder , Iqbal Naseer , Manzoor Aaqib
Published: June 2022

We conducted a detailed long-term spectral and temporal study of flat spectrum radio quasar 4C  + 01.02, by using the multiwavelength observations from Fermi-LAT, Swift-XRT, and Swift-UVOT. The 2-d bin γ-ray light curve in the 2014–2017 active state displays 14 peak structures with a maximum integral flux $(\rm \mathit{ E} \gt 100 \ MeV)$ of $\rm (2.5 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{-6}\ ph\ cm^{-2}\ s^{-1}$ at MJD 57579.1, which is approximately 61 times higher than the base flux of $\rm (4.1 \pm 0.3) \times 10^{-8}\ ph\ cm^{-2}\ s^{-1}$, calculated by averaging the flux points when the source was in quiescent state. The shortest γ-ray variability of 0.66 ± 0.08 d is observed for the source. The correlation study between γ-ray spectral index and flux suggests that the source deviates from the usual trend of harder when brighter feature shown by blazars. To understand the likely physical scenario responsible for the flux variation, we performed a detailed broad-band spectral analysis of the source by selecting different flux states from the multiwavelength light curve. A single zone leptonic model was able to reproduce the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) of each state. The parameters of the model in each flux state are determined using a χ2 fit. We observed that the synchrotron, synchrotron-self-Compton (SSC), and External-Compton (EC) processes produce the broad-band SED under varied flux states. The adjoining contribution of the seed photons from the broad-line region (BLR) and the IR torus for the EC process are required to provide adequate fits to the GeV spectrum in all the chosen states.
Massive central galaxies of galaxy groups in the Romulus simulations: an overview of galaxy properties at z = 0
Authors: Jung S Lyla , Rennehan Douglas , Saeedzadeh Vida , Babul Arif , Tremmel Michael , Quinn Thomas R , Loubser S Ilani , O’Sullivan E , Yi Sukyoung K
Published: June 2022

Contrary to many stereotypes about massive galaxies, observed brightest group galaxies (BGGs) are diverse in their star formation rates, kinematic properties, and morphologies. Studying how they evolve into and express such diverse characteristics is an important piece of the galaxy formation puzzle. We use a high-resolution cosmological suite of simulations Romulus and compare simulated central galaxies in group-scale haloes at z = 0 to observed BGGs. The comparison encompasses the stellar mass–halo mass relation, various kinematic properties and scaling relations, morphologies, and the star formation rates. Generally, we find that Romulus reproduces the full spectrum of diversity in the properties of the BGGs very well, albeit with a tendency toward lower than the observed fraction of quenched BGGs. We find both early-type S0 and elliptical galaxies as well as late-type disc galaxies; we find Romulus galaxies that are fast-rotators as well as slow-rotators; and we observe galaxies transforming from late-type to early-type following strong dynamical interactions with satellites. We also carry out case studies of selected Romulus galaxies to explore the link between their properties, and the recent evolution of the stellar system as well as the surrounding intragroup/circumgalactic medium. In general, mergers/strong interactions quench star-forming activity and disrupt the stellar disc structure. Sometimes, however, such interactions can also trigger star formation and galaxy rejuvenation. Black hole feedback can also lead to a decline of the star formation rate but by itself, it does not typically lead to complete quenching of the star formation activity in the BGGs.
Radiative shock oscillation model for the long-term flares of Sgr A*
Authors: Okuda Toru , Singh Chandra B , Aktar Ramiz
Published: June 2022

We examine time-dependent 2D relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows to develop the shock oscillation model for the long-term flares of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). Adopting modified flow parameters in addition to the previous studies, we confirm quasi-periodic flares with periods of ∼5 and 10 d that are compatible with observations by Chandra, Swift, and XMM–Newton monitoring of Sgr A*. Using a simplified two-temperature model of ions and electrons, we find that the flare due to synchrotron emission lags that of bremsstrahlung emission by 1–2 h that are qualitatively comparable to the time lags of 1–5 h reported in several simultaneous observations of radio and X-ray variability in Sgr A*. The synchrotron emission is confined in a core region of 3Rg size with the strong magnetic field, while the bremsstrahlung emission mainly originates in a distant region of 10–20Rg behind the oscillating shock, where Rg is the Schwarzschild radius. The time lag is estimated as the transit time of the acoustic wave between the above two regions. The time-averaged distribution of radiation shows a strong anisotropic nature along the rotational axis but isotropic distribution in the radial direction. A high-velocity jet with ∼0.6c along the rotational axis is intermittently found in a narrow funnel region with a collimation angle ∼15°. The shock oscillating model explains well the flaring rate and the time lag between radio and X-ray emissions for the long-term flares of Sgr A*.
Stellar migration in the Auriga simulations
Authors: Okalidis Periklis , Grand Robert J J , Yates Robert M , Springel Volker
Published: June 2022

We study the presence and importance of stellar migration in the evolution of 17 Milky-Way like disc galaxies with stellar mass 10 < log(M*/M⊙) < 11 from the Auriga suite of zoom-in cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. We compare the birth radii of the stars to their radii at z = 0 for each system and present mean values of the strength of stellar migration as a function of radius and stellar age which vary between 1–4 kpc. We also investigate the effect of migration on age and metallicity radial profiles in the discs. We find several cases of age gradient flattening due to migration, but significant changes to metallicity profiles only for older stellar populations and discs that develop a strong bar. Furthermore, we study stellar migration from the perspective of the change of the galactocentric radius (ΔR) and orbital guiding centre radius (ΔRg) of stellar particles between given time intervals. We find that stars migrate approximately as a diffusion process only in the outer parts of the discs and for particular galaxies that have a weak bar. Strongly barred galaxies in our sample show larger stellar migration but its timestep evolution is slower-than-diffusion. Finally, we give parametrizations that encapsulate the dependence of the strength of the radial migration as a function of time and radius, for incorporation into (semi-)analytic models of galaxy evolution.
Specific Zn(II)-binding site in the C-terminus of Aspf2, a zincophore from Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Garstka Kinga , Hecel Aleksandra , Kozłowski Henryk , Rowińska-Żyrek Magdalena
Published: June 2022

Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most widespread opportunistic human fungal pathogens, adapts to zinc limitation by secreting a 310 amino acid Aspf2 zincophore, able to specifically bind Zn(II) and deliver it to a transmembrane zinc transporter, ZrfC. In this work, we focus on the thermodynamics of Zn(II) complexes with unstructured regions of Aspf2; basing on a variety of spectrometric and potentiometric data, we show that the C-terminal part has the highest Zn(II)-binding affinity among the potential binding sites, and Ni(II) does not compete with Zn(II) binding to this region. The 14 amino acid Aspf2 C-terminus coordinates Zn(II) via two Cys thiolates and two His imidazoles and it could be considered as a promising A. fumigatus targeting molecule.
REVERSE: a user-friendly web server for analyzing next-generation sequencing data from in vitro selection/evolution experiments
Authors: Weiss Zoe , DasGupta Saurja
Published: June 2022

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables the identification of functional nucleic acid sequences from in vitro selection/evolution experiments and illuminates the evolutionary process at single-nucleotide resolution. However, analyzing the vast output from NGS can be daunting, especially with limited programming skills. We developed REVERSE (Rapid EValuation of Experimental RNA Selection/Evolution) (https://www.reverseserver.org/), a web server that implements an integrated computational pipeline through a graphical user interface, which performs both pre-processing and detailed sequence level analyses within minutes. Raw FASTQ files are quality-filtered, dereplicated, and trimmed before being analyzed by either of two pipelines. The first pipeline counts, sorts, and tracks enrichment of unique sequences and user-defined sequence motifs. It also identifies mutational intermediates present in the sequence data that connect two input sequences. The second pipeline sorts similar sequences into clusters and tracks enrichment of peak sequences. It also performs nucleotide conservation analysis on the cluster of choice and generates a consensus sequence. Both pipelines generate downloadable spreadsheets and high-resolution figures. Collectively, REVERSE is a one-stop solution for the rapid analysis of NGS data obtained from in vitro selection/evolution experiments that obviates the need for computational expertise.
Design of the COmbinatioN effect of FInerenone anD EmpaglifloziN in participants with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes using a UACR Endpoint study (CONFIDENCE)
Authors: Green Jennifer B , Mottl Amy K , Bakris George , Heerspink Hiddo J L , Mann Johannes F E , McGill Janet B , Nangaku Masaomi , Rossing Peter , Scott Charlie , Gay Alain , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite available interventions, people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Finerenone, a potent and selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) can reduce both kidney and cardiovascular risks in people with CKD and T2D. Here we outline the design of a study to investigate whether dual therapy with finerenone and an SGLT2i is superior to either agent alone.

Methods

CONFIDENCE (NCT05254002) is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, international, multicenter, three-armed, parallel-group, 7.5 - to 8.5-month, Phase 2 study in 807 adults with T2D, stage 2–3 CKD and a urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥300–<5000 mg/g. The primary objective is to demonstrate that 6 months of dual therapy comprising finerenone and the SGLT2i empagliflozin is superior for reducing albuminuria versus either agent alone. Interventions will be once-daily finerenone 10 mg or 20 mg (target dose) plus empagliflozin 10 mg, or empagliflozin 10 mg alone, or finerenone 10 mg or 20 mg (target dose) alone.

Results

The primary outcome is a relative change from baseline in UACR among the three groups. Secondary outcomes will further characterize efficacy and safety, including changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate and incident hyperkalemia.

Conclusions

CONFIDENCE is evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of dual use of finerenone and an SGLT2i in adults with CKD and T2D. Should an additive effect be shown, early and efficient intervention with dual finerenone and SGLT2i therapy could slow disease progression and provide long-term benefits for people with CKD and T2D.
Environmental regulation, taxes, and activism
Authors: Adetutu Morakinyo O , Odusanya Kayode A , Stathopoulou Eleni , Weyman-Jones Thomas G
Published: June 2022

Social activism is a burgeoning human response to pressing problems around the world, and nowhere is this response more apparent than in the ongoing global push back against environmental externalities. In this article, we explore—for the first time—whether there are degrees of activism that relate to degrees of regulatory stringency. Using data on environmental conflicts resulting from fossil fuel production across 68 countries over the period 1995–2014, we find that, for a given tax rate, a move from a lax to more stringent regime lowers the rate of environmental conflicts. These findings underscore the contingent role of policy stringency as a trigger for intense social movements.
Improving Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Innovative Nurse-Driven Solutions
Authors: Fadelu Temidayo A , Buswell Lori , Anderson Benjamin O
Published: June 2022

Despite its proven efficacy, adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy remains a significant challenge around the world and in sub-Saharan Africa. This commentary discusses the results of the study by Getachew and colleagues, which examined the use of a multi-pronged nurse-led intervention to improve adherence to endocrine therapy in Ethiopia.
Phytophthora effector PSR1 hijacks the host pre-mRNA splicing machinery to modulate small RNA biogenesis and plant immunity
Authors: Gui Xinmeng , Zhang Peng , Wang Dan , Ding Zhan , Wu Xian , Shi Jinxia , Shen Qian-Hua , Xu Yong-Zhen , Ma Wenbo , Qiao Yongli
Published: June 2022

Phytophthora effector PSR1 suppresses small RNA (sRNA)-mediated immunity in plants, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that Phytophthora suppressor of RNA silencing 1 (PSR1) contributes to the pathogenicity of Phytophthora sojae and specifically binds to three conserved C-terminal domains of the eukaryotic PSR1-Interacting Protein 1 (PINP1). PINP1 encodes PRP16, a core pre-mRNA splicing factor that unwinds RNA duplexes and binds to primary microRNA transcripts and general RNAs. Intriguingly, PSR1 decreased both RNA helicase and RNA-binding activity of PINP1, thereby dampening sRNA biogenesis and RNA metabolism. The PSR1–PINP1 interaction caused global changes in alternative splicing (AS). A total of 5,135 genes simultaneously exhibited mis-splicing in both PSR1-overexpressing and PINP1-silenced plants. AS upregulated many mRNA transcripts that had their introns retained. The high occurrence of intron retention in AS-induced transcripts significantly promoted Phytophthora pathogen infection in Nicotiana benthamiana, and this might be caused by the production of truncated proteins. Taken together, our findings reveal a key role for PINP1 in regulating sRNA biogenesis and plant immunity.
Small Bank Lending in the Era of Fintech and Shadow Banks: A Sideshow?
Authors: Begley Taylor A , Srinivasan Kandarp
Published: June 2022

Amid the emerging dominance of nonbanks, small banks use key financing advantages to persist in the mortgage market. We provide evidence of the heterogeneous impact of two shocks to the supply of mortgage credit: postcrisis regulatory burden and GSE financing cost changes. Small banks exploit regulation disproportionately affecting the largest four banks (Big4) and their ability to lend on balance sheet to strongly substitute for the retreating Big4. The erasure of guarantee fee (g-fee) discounts for large lenders facilitates small bank growth in GSE lending. Small banks also grow balance sheet loans in areas more exposed to g-fee hikes.
PATIENT PROFILING IN ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE
Authors: Zinatulina Dinara , Karaulova Yulia , Tolkacheva Veronika , Montya Flora Kobello , Kotova Elizaveta , Misan Irina , Kobalava Zhanna
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the frequency of various profiles in patients, ospitalised with acute decompensated heart failure.

Design and method:

351 patients (72% males, mean age 66 (58; 76) years old) with ADHF were included. Coronary artery disease had 60%, arterial hypertension 94%, diabetes mellitus 40%, obesity-61%, cardiomyopathy-5%, rheumatic heart disease-4%. HFpEF was found in 31% of patients, HFmrEF – in 25%, HFrEF – in 44%. All patients were distributed according to the following phenotypes: 1 - low blood pressure (<90 mm Hg) and high heart rate (>90 bpm); 2 - low blood pressure (<90 mm Hg) and low heart rate (<60 bpm); 3 - paients with low blood pressure (<90 mm Hg) and normal heart rate (60–90 bpm); 4 - normal blood pressure (>90 mm Hg) and high heart rate (>90 bpm); 5 - normal blood pressure (>90 mm Hg) and low heart rate (<60 bpm); 6 - normal blood pressure (>90 mm Hg) and normal heart rate (60–90 bpm); 7 - atrial fibrillation and normal blood pressure (>90 mm Hg), 8- atrial fibrillation and low blood pressure (<90 mm Hg), 9 - high blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg); 10 - chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 ml/min/1,72).

Results:

The frequency of profile in patients, ospitalised with acute decompensated heart failure were the following: patients with low blood pressure and high heart rate - 0,85%; low blood pressure and low heart rate - 0,56%; patients with low blood pressure and normal heart rate - 1,13%; patients with normal blood pressure and high heart rate - 24,78%; normal blood pressure and low heart rate - 3,13%; patients with normal blood pressure and normal heart rate - 37,03%; patients with atrial fibrillation and normal blood pressure - 42,16%; atrial fibrillation and low blood pressure - 0,85%; high blood pressure - 22,22%; patients with chronic kidney disease - 65,81%.

Conclusions:

The most common profile in patients ospitalised with acute decompensated heart failure were patients with chronic kidney disease (65,81%), normal blood pressure (64,94%), atrial fibrillation (59,24%), normal blood pressure and normal heart rate (37,03%), high blood pressure (22,22%).
ACCULTURATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK-FACTOR CHANGES AMONG CHINESE IMMIGRANTS IN ITALY: GENDER DIFFERENCES
Authors: Modesti Pietro Amedeo Mo , Marzotti Ilaria , Calabrese Maria , Boddi Maria , Pellegrino Alessio
Published: June 2022

Objective:

In recent decades, the Chinese presence in Southern Europe has grown rapidly but no data is available on the influence that residing in Mediterranean countries has on Chinese immigrants. In this study, we aim to examine the association between acculturation and cardiovascular risk factors among first-generation Chinese immigrants in Italy.

Design and method:

This was a population-based, cross-sectional study. A sample of 2589 Chinese first-generation immigrants (1599 women and 990 men) living in Prato, Italy, underwent blood pressure measurement, blood tests (with measurement of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides), and anthropometric measurements. The influence of length of residence (dependent variable) on hypertension, type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) (independent variables) was investigated with multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education and urban/rural home area in China before migration.

Results:

Mean age of Chinese participants was 47.2 ± 10.7 years and 61.7% were women. Immigrants residing in Italy for > 20 years were more likely to be hypertensive [odd ratio (OR) 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33 to 2.59], or diabetic (1.91; 1.26 to 2.86) than those residing in Italy for < 10 years. Differently, prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 240 mg/dl) was lower in immigrants residing in Italy for > 20 years than in those with < 10 years of residence (0.52; 0.32 to 0.83). Data stratified by age (< or > 45 years) are presented in the table. The association between indicators of acculturation and cardiovascular risk factors appeared to differ by sex.

Conclusions:

Acculturation of Chinese immigrants in Italy was associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes whereas a favorable effect on hypercholesterolemia was observed.
HYPERTENSION AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PRETERM CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Chainoglou Athanasia , Sarafidis Kosmas , Chrysaidou Katerina , Farmaki Evangelia , Kolios Konstantinos , Economou Marina , Kotsis Vasilios , Stabouli Stella
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between preterm birth and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) levels and arterial stiffness during childhood and adolescence.

Design and method:

In this prospective case control study we included children and adolescents born preterm (cases) and children born full-term (controls) aged 5–19 years old. The participants underwent measurement of somatometric characteristics, office BP, central systolic BP, ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and assessment of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), the study population was classified as preterm-normal BMI, preterm-overweight/obese, full term- normal BMI and full term-overweight/obese.

Results:

Overall, 74 children participated in the study with a mean age of 10.7 (±3.63) years old out of which 52 were preterm and 22 were full-term children. Preterm children presented higher night SBP z score values compared to controls (p < 0.05), but did not differ in other BP parameters. Preterm birth and BMI z score were predictors of night SBP z score. Preterm children also presented marginally higher PWV z score values (p = 0.06). Prematurity was an independent predictor of PWV z score. Estimated marginal means for PWV z score adjusted for age, sex, presence of kidney disease at birth, office BPs, night BPs, central SBP, and BMI z scores were significantly higher in preterm individuals compared to controls (0.703, 95%CI 0.431–0.975 versus -0.19, 95%CI -0.574–0.536, respectively, p = 0.027). Preterm children who were overweight presented the highest values of night SBP and PWV z score.

Conclusions:

Preterm birth is associated with higher nocturnal BP and increased arterial stiffness in childhood and adolescence. Early detection of hypertension and prevention of obesity in childhood could prevent future adverse health outcomes in individuals born preterm.