bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical considerations on t- passives with G-stem verbs in North African Arabic
Authors: D'Anna Luca
Published: September 2024

The present paper investigates the origin and spread of a peculiar trait of North African and Egyptian Arabic, namely the employment of a t- prefix with non-augmented forms of the verb to express the passive voice. According to the literature at our disposal, this trait is present in Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, but generally absent elsewhere. In the paper, traces of the trait are shown to exist in other dialects as well as a result of phonological constraints to the employment of the infaʕala stem. As for the present-day distribution of the trait and its origin, we advance the hypothesis of a Tunisian origin due to convergence with Berber.
The role of Hebrew in the linguistic repertoire of Jewish milieux in the Hellenistic and early Roman period: new insights from the New Testament
Authors: Nardi Edoardo
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the use and diffusion of Hebrew in Palestine and Jewish environments during the Hellenistic and early Roman period (roughly, 3rd c. BCE – 1st c. CE). While the central role of Greek and Aramaic in the linguistic repertoire of the Jewish population has long been accepted, the use of Hebrew was gradually acknowledged only in the 20th century, especially since the discovery of the Qumran scrolls. Based on data coming from the New Testament, the discussion provides support for the diffusion of Hebrew as a spoken language and contributes to shedding light on the well-known contact-induced similarities that characterized Hebrew and Aramaic at that time. Furthermore, the analysis of a few Hebrew Bible citations occurring in the New Testament reveals that the former could be interpreted with reference to later Hebrew usage, as (also) attested in Mishnaic Hebrew, providing further support for the active role of post-biblical Hebrew in the linguistic repertoire of Jewish translators of Hellenistic-Roman times.
An evaluation of source-blending impact on the calibration of SKA EoR experiments
Authors: Shan Chenxi , Xu Haiguang , Zhu Yongkai , Zhao Yuanyuan , White Sarah V , Line Jack L B , Zheng Dongchao , Zhu Zhenghao , Hu Dan , Zhang Zhongli , Wu Xiangping
Published: September 2024

Twenty-one-centimetre signals from the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) are expected to be detected in the low-frequency radio window by the next-generation interferometers, particularly the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). However, precision data analysis pipelines are required to minimize the systematics within an infinitesimal error budget. Consequently, there is a growing need to characterize the sources of errors in EoR analysis. In this study, we identify one such error origin, namely source blending, which is introduced by the overlap of objects in the densely populated observing sky under SKA1-Low’s unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, and evaluate its two-fold impact in both the spatial and frequency domains using a novel hybrid evaluation (HEVAL) pipeline combining end-to-end simulation with an analytic method to mimic EoR analysis pipelines. Sky models corrupted by source blending induce small but severe frequency-dependent calibration errors when coupled with astronomical foregrounds, impeding EoR parameter inference with strong additive residuals in the two-dimensional power spectrum space. We report that additive residuals from poor calibration against sky models with blending ratios of 5 and 0.5 per cent significantly contaminate the EoR window. In contrast, the sky model with a 0.05 per cent blending ratio leaves little residual imprint within the EoR window, therefore identifying a blending tolerance at approximately 0.05 per cent. Given that the SKA observing sky is estimated to suffer from an extended level of blending, strategies involving de-blending, frequency-dependent error mitigation, or a combination of both, are required to effectively attenuate the calibration impact of source-blending defects.
Galaxy clustering in modified gravity from full-physics simulations – I. Two-point correlation functions
Authors: Collier Michael , Bose Sownak , Li Baojiu
Published: September 2024

We present an in-depth investigation of galaxy clustering based on a new suite of realistic large-box galaxy formation simulations in $f(R)$ gravity, with a subgrid physics model that has been recalibrated to reproduce various observed stellar and gas properties. We focus on the two-point correlation functions of the luminous red galaxies (LRGs) and emission line galaxies (ELGs), which are primary targets of ongoing and future galaxy surveys such as Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). One surprising result is that, due to several non-trivial effects of modified gravity on matter clustering and the galaxy–halo connection, the clustering signal does not depend monotonically on the fifth-force strength. For LRGs, this complicated behaviour poses a challenge to meaningfully constraining this model. For ELGs, in contrast, this can be straightforwardly explained by the time evolution of the fifth force, which means that weaker $f(R)$ models can display nearly the same – up to 25 per cent – deviations from Lambda cold dark matter model as the strongest ones, albeit at lower redshifts. This implies that even very weak $f(R)$ models can be strongly constrained, unlike with most other observations. Our results show that galaxy formation acquires a significant environment dependence in $f(R)$ gravity, which, if not properly accounted for, may lead to biased constraints on the model. This highlights the essential role of hydrodynamical simulations in future tests of gravity exploring precision galaxy-clustering data from the likes of DESI and Euclid.
On the limitations of Hα luminosity as a star formation tracer in spatially resolved observations
Authors: Hu Zipeng , Wibking Benjamin D , Krumholz Mark R , Federrath Christoph
Published: September 2024

This study examines the limitations of H$\alpha$ luminosity as a tracer of star formation rates (SFR) in spatially resolved observations. We carry out high-resolution simulations of a Milky Way-like galaxy including both supernova and photoionization feedback, and from these, we generate synthetic H$\alpha$ emission maps that we compare to maps of the true distribution of young stellar objects (YSOs) on scales from whole-galaxy to individual molecular clouds ($\lesssim 100$ pc). Our results reveal significant spatial mismatches between H$\alpha$ and true YSO maps on sub-100 pc scales, primarily due to ionizing photon leakage, with a secondary contribution from young stars drifting away from their parent molecular clouds. On small scales, these effects contribute significantly to the observed anticorrelation between gas and star formation, such that there is $\sim 50~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ less anticorrelation if we replace an H$\alpha$-based star formation map with a YSO-based one; this in turn implies that previous studies have underestimated the time it takes for young stars to disperse their parent molecular clouds. However, these effects are limited in dense regions with hydrogen columns $N_\mathrm{H} \gt 3 \times 10^{21}$ cm$^{-2}$, where the H$\alpha$- and YSO-based SFR maps show better agreement. Based on this finding, we propose a calibration model that can precisely measure the SFR of large molecular clouds (mean radius > 100 pc) with a combination of H$\alpha$ and CO observations, which provides a foundation for future study of star formation processes in extragalactic molecular clouds.
Bayesian estimation of cross-coupling and reflection systematics in 21cm array visibility data
Authors: Murphy Geoff G , Bull Philip , Santos Mario G , Abdurashidova Zara , Adams Tyrone , Aguirre James E , Alexander Paul , Ali Zaki S , Baartman Rushelle , Balfour Yanga , Beardsley Adam P , Bernardi Gianni , Billings Tashalee S , Bowman Judd D , Bradley Richard F , Burba Jacob , Cain Christopher , Carey Steven , Carilli Chris L , Cheng Carina , DeBoer David R , de Lera Acedo Eloy , Dexter Matt , Dillon Joshua S , Eksteen Nico , Ely John , Ewall-Wice Aaron , Fagnoni Nicolas , Fritz Randall , Furlanetto Steven R , Gale-Sides Kingsley , Glendenning Brian , Gorthi Deepthi , Greig Bradley , Grobbelaar Jasper , Halday Ziyaad , Hazelton Bryna J , Hewitt Jacqueline N , Hickish Jack , Jacobs Daniel C , Julius Austin , Kariseb MacCalvin , Kern Nicholas S , Kerrigan Joshua , Kittiwisit Piyanat , Kohn Saul A , Kolopanis Matthew , Lanman Adam , Plante Paul La , Liu Adrian , Loots Anita , MacMahon David Harold Edward , Malan Lourence , Malgas Cresshim , Malgas Keith , Marero Bradley , Martinot Zachary E , Mesinger Andrei , Molewa Mathakane , Morales Miguel F , Mosiane Tshegofalang , Murray Steven G , Neben Abraham R , Nikolic Bojan , Nuwegeld Hans , Parsons Aaron R , Patra Nipanjana , Pieterse Samantha , Razavi-Ghods Nima , Robnett James , Rosie Kathryn , Sims Peter , Sipple Jackson , Smith Craig , Swarts Hilton , Thyagarajan Nithyanandan , van Wyngaarden Pieter , Williams Peter K G , Zheng Haoxuan
Published: September 2024

Observations with radio arrays that target the 21-cm signal originating from the early Universe suffer from a variety of systematic effects. An important class of these are reflections and spurious couplings between antennas. We apply a Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampler to the modelling and mitigation of these systematics in simulated Hydrogen Epoch of Reionisation Array (HERA) data. This method allows us to form statistical uncertainty estimates for both our models and the recovered visibilities, which is an important ingredient in establishing robust upper limits on the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR) power spectrum. In cases where the noise is large compared to the EoR signal, this approach can constrain the systematics well enough to mitigate them down to the noise level for both systematics studied. Incoherently averaging the recovered power spectra can further reduce the noise and improve recovery. Where the noise level is lower than the EoR, our modelling can mitigate the majority of the reflections and coupling with there being only a minor level of residual systematics. Our approach performs similarly to existing filtering/fitting techniques used in the HERA pipeline, but with the added benefit of rigorously propagating uncertainties. In all cases it does not significantly attenuate the underlying signal.
Improved weak lensing photometric redshift calibration via StratLearn and hierarchical modelling
Authors: Autenrieth Maximilian , Wright Angus H , Trotta Roberto , van Dyk David A , Stenning David C , Joachimi Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Discrepancies between cosmological parameter estimates from cosmic shear surveys and from recent Planck cosmic microwave background measurements challenge the ability of the highly successful $\Lambda$CDM model to describe the nature of the Universe. To rule out systematic biases in cosmic shear survey analyses, accurate redshift calibration within tomographic bins is key. In this paper, we improve photo-z calibration via Bayesian hierarchical modeling of full galaxy photo-z conditional densities, by employing ${\it StratLearn}$, a recently developed statistical methodology, which accounts for systematic differences in the distribution of the spectroscopic training/source set and the photometric target set. Using realistic simulations that were designed to resemble the KiDS + VIKING-450 data set, we show that ${\it StratLearn}$-estimated conditional densities improve the galaxy tomographic bin assignment, and that our ${\it StratLearn}$-Bayesian framework leads to nearly unbiased estimates of the target population means. This leads to a factor of $\sim 2$ improvement upon often used and state-of-the-art photo-z calibration methods. Our approach delivers a maximum bias per tomographic bin of $\Delta \langle z \rangle = 0.0095 \pm 0.0089$, with an average absolute bias of $0.0052 \pm 0.0067$ across the five tomographic bins.
Magnetized H i superbubbles in the Small Magellanic Cloud revealed by the POSSUM pilot survey
Authors: Jung S Lyla , Seta A , Price J M , McClure-Griffiths N M , Livingston J D , Gaensler B M , Ma Y K , Tahani M , Anderson C S , Federrath C , Van Eck C L , Leahy D , O’Sullivan S P , West J , Heald G , Akahori T
Published: September 2024

Neutral hydrogen (H i) bubbles and shells are common in the interstellar medium (ISM). Studying their properties provides insight into the characteristics of the local ISM as well as the galaxy in which the bubbles reside. We report the detection of magnetic fields associated with superbubbles in the nearby irregular galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Using the Polarisation Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM) pilot survey, we obtain a high-density grid ($\approx 25 \, \rm sources\, deg^{-2}$) of Faraday rotation measure (RM) from polarized sources behind the SMC. This provides a sufficiently large number of RM measurements to study the magnetic properties of three of the largest H i shells previously identified in the SMC. The RM profiles as a function of distance from the shell centre show characteristic patterns at angular scales comparable to the shell size. We demonstrate that this can be explained by magnetohydrodynamic simulation models of bubbles expanding in magnetized environments. From the observations, we estimate the line-of-sight magnetic field strength at the edges of the shells is enhanced by $\sim 1\, \rm \mu G$ with respect to their centres. This is an order of magnitude larger than the field strength in the ambient medium ($\sim 0.1\, \rm \mu G$) estimated based on the expansion velocity of the shells. This paper highlights the power of densely mapped RM grids in studying the magnetic properties of galactic substructures beyond the Milky Way.
The effect of image quality on galaxy merger identification with deep learning
Authors: Bickley Robert W , Wilkinson Scott , Ferreira Leonardo , Ellison Sara L , Bottrell Connor , Jyoti Debarpita
Published: September 2024

Studies have shown that the morphologies of galaxies are substantially transformed following coalescence after a merger, but post-mergers are notoriously difficult to identify, especially in imaging that is shallow or low resolution. We train convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify simulated post-merger galaxies in a range of image qualities, modelled after five real surveys: the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey (DECaLS), the Canada–France Imaging Survey (CFIS), the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP), and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Holding constant all variables other than imaging quality, we present the performance of the CNNs on reserved test set data for each image quality. The success of CNNs on a given data set is found to be sensitive to both imaging depth and resolution. We find that post-merger recovery generally increases with depth, but that limiting 5$\sigma$ point-source depths in excess of $\sim 25$ mag, similar to what is achieved in CFIS, are only marginally beneficial. Finally, we present the results of a cross-survey inference experiment, and find that CNNs trained on a given image quality can sometimes be applied to different imaging data to good effect. The work presented here therefore represents a useful reference for the application of CNNs for merger searches in both current and future imaging surveys.
Badminton birdie-like aerodynamic alignment of drifting dust grains by subsonic gaseous flows in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Lin Zhe-Yu Daniel , Li Zhi-Yun , Yang Haifeng , Looney Leslie W , Stephens Ian W , Fernández-López Manuel , Harrison Rachel E
Published: September 2024

Recent (sub)millimetre polarization observations of protoplanetary discs reveal toroidally aligned, effectively prolate dust grains large enough (at least $\sim 100$$\mu$m) to efficiently scatter millimetre light. The alignment mechanism for these grains remains unclear. We explore the possibility that gas drag aligns grains through gas–dust relative motion when the grain’s centre of mass is offset from its geometric centre, analogous to a badminton birdie’s alignment in flight. A simple grain model of two non-identical spheres illustrates how a grain undergoes damped oscillations from flow-induced restoring torques which align its geometric centre in the flow direction relative to its centre of mass. Assuming specular reflection and subsonic flow, we derive an analytical equation of motion for spheroids where the centre of mass can be shifted away from the spheroid’s geometric centre. We show that a prolate or an oblate grain can be aligned with the long axis parallel to the gas flow when the centre of mass is shifted along that axis. Both scenarios can explain the required effectively prolate grains inferred from observations. Application to a simple disc model shows that the alignment time-scales are shorter than or comparable to the orbital time. The grain alignment direction in a disc depends on the disc (sub-)structure and grain Stokes number (St) with azimuthal alignment for large St grains in sub-Keplerian smooth gas discs and for small St grains near the gas pressure extrema, such as rings and gaps.
KiDS-1000 and DES-Y1 combined: cosmology from peak count statistics
Authors: Harnois-Déraps Joachim , Heydenreich Sven , Giblin Benjamin , Martinet Nicolas , Tröster Tilman , Asgari Marika , Burger Pierre , Castro Tiago , Dolag Klaus , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Joachimi Benjamin , Wright Angus H
Published: September 2024

We analyse the fourth data release of the Kilo Degree Survey (KiDS-1000) and extract cosmological parameter constraints based on the cosmic shear peak count statistics. Peaks are identified in aperture mass maps in which the filter is maximally sensitive to angular scales in the range 2–4 arcmin, probing deep into the non-linear regime of structure formation. We interpret our results with a simulation-based inference pipeline, sampling over a broad wCDM prior volume and marginalizing over uncertainties on shape calibration, photometric redshift distribution, intrinsic alignment, and baryonic feedback. Our measurements constrain the structure growth parameter and the amplitude of the non-linear intrinsic alignment model to $\Sigma _8 \equiv \sigma _8\left[\Omega _{\rm m}/0.3\right]^{0.60}=0.765^{+0.030}_{-0.030}$ and $A_{\rm IA}= 0.71^{+0.42}_{-0.42}$, respectively, in agreement with previous KiDS-1000 results based on two-point shear statistics. These results are robust against modelling of the non-linear physics, different scale cuts, and selections of tomographic bins. The posterior is also consistent with that from the Dark Energy Survey Year-1 peak count analysis presented in Harnois-Déraps et al., and hence we jointly analyse both surveys with a common pipeline. We obtain $\Sigma _8^{\rm joint} \equiv \sigma _8\left[\Omega _{\rm m}/0.3\right]^{0.57}=0.759^{+0.020}_{-0.017}$, in agreement with the PlanckwCDM results. The shear-CMB tension on this parameter increases to $3.1\sigma$ when forcing $w=-1.0$, and to $4.1\sigma$ if comparing instead with $S_{8,\Lambda {\rm CDM}}^{\rm joint} = 0.736^{+0.016}_{-0.018}$, one of the tightest constraints to date on this quantity. Residual biases in the photometric redshifts of the DES-Y1 data and in the modelling of small scales physics could lower this tension, however it is robust against other systematics. Limits in the accuracy of our emulator prevent us from constraining $\Omega _{\rm m}$.
Enhanced Golden Gate Assembly: evaluating overhang strength for improved ligation efficiency
Authors: Strzelecki Patryk , Joly Nicolas , Hébraud Pascal , Hoffmann Elise , Cech Grzegorz M , Kloska Anna , Busi Florent , Grange Wilfried
Published: September 2024

Molecular cloning, a routine yet essential technique, relies heavily on efficient ligation, which can be significantly improved using Golden Gate Assembly (GGA). A key component of GGA is the use of type IIS enzymes, which uniquely cleave downstream of their recognition sequences to generate various overhangs, including non-palindromic ones. Recent advancements in GGA include the development of newly engineered enzymes with enhanced activity. Additionally, high-throughput GGA assays, which allow for the simultaneous study of all possible overhangs, have identified optimal GGA substrates with high efficiencies and fidelities, greatly facilitating the design of complex assemblies. Interestingly, these assays reveal unexpected correlations between ligation efficiencies and overhang stabilities. One hypothesis for this observation is that newly hydrolyzed DNA fragments with strong overhangs can readily re-ligate, thereby slowing down the overall process. In this paper, we employ a combination of gel electrophoresis and numerical calculations to test this hypothesis, ultimately determining that it does not hold true under the conditions established by conventional GGA assays. Using an assembly of 10 fragments, we demonstrate that strong overhangs yield higher GGA efficiency, while weak overhangs result in lower efficiency. These findings enable us to propose optimal overhangs for efficient GGA assays, significantly increasing yield.
StableMate: a statistical method to select stable predictors in omics data
Authors: Deng Yidi , Mao Jiadong , Choi Jarny , Lê Cao Kim-Anh
Published: September 2024

Identifying statistical associations between biological variables is crucial to understanding molecular mechanisms. Most association studies are based on correlation or linear regression analyses, but the identified associations often lack reproducibility and interpretability due to the complexity and variability of omics datasets, making it difficult to translate associations into meaningful biological hypotheses. We developed StableMate, a regression framework, to address these challenges through a process of variable selection across heterogeneous datasets. Given datasets from different environments, such as experimental batches, StableMate selects environment-agnostic (stable) and environment-specific predictors in predicting the response of interest. Stable predictors represent robust functional dependencies with the response, and can be used to build regression models that make generalizable predictions in unseen environments. We applied StableMate to (i) RNA sequencing data of breast cancer to discover genes that consistently predict estrogen receptor expression across disease status; (ii) metagenomics data to identify microbial signatures that show persistent association with colon cancer across study cohorts; and (iii) single-cell RNA sequencing data of glioblastoma to discern signature genes associated with the development of pro-tumour microglia regardless of cell location. Our case studies demonstrate that StableMate is adaptable to regression and classification analyses and achieves comprehensive characterization of biological systems for different omics data types.
scDAPP: a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomics analysis pipeline optimized for cross-group comparison
Authors: Ferrena Alexander , Zheng Xiang Yu , Jackson Kevyn , Hoang Bang , Morrow Bernice E , Zheng Deyou
Published: September 2024

Single-cell transcriptomics profiling has increasingly been used to evaluate cross-group (or condition) differences in cell population and cell-type gene expression. This often leads to large datasets with complex experimental designs that need advanced comparative analysis. Concurrently, bioinformatics software and analytic approaches also become more diverse and constantly undergo improvement. Thus, there is an increased need for automated and standardized data processing and analysis pipelines, which should be efficient and flexible too. To address these, we develop the single-cell Differential Analysis and Processing Pipeline (scDAPP), a R-based workflow for comparative analysis of single cell (or nucleus) transcriptomic data between two or more groups and at the levels of single cells or ‘pseudobulking’ samples. The pipeline automates many steps of pre-processing using data-learnt parameters, uses previously benchmarked software, and generates comprehensive intermediate data and final results that are valuable for both beginners and experts of scRNA-seq analysis. Moreover, the analytic reports, augmented by extensive data visualization, increase the transparency of computational analysis and parameter choices, while facilitate users to go seamlessly from raw data to biological interpretation. scDAPP is freely available under the MIT license, with source code, documentation and sample data at the GitHub (https://github.com/bioinfoDZ/scDAPP).
Rapid and large-scale glycopeptide enrichment strategy based on chemical ligation
Authors: Xiong Yingying , Lu Zhuoer , Shao Yuyin , Meng Peiyi , Wang Guoli , Zhou Xinwen , Yao Jun , Bao Huimin , Lu Haojie
Published: September 2024

Protein glycosylation, the most universal post-translational modification, is thought to play a crucial role in regulating multiple essential cellular processes. However, the low abundance of glycoproteins and the heterogeneity of glycans complicate their comprehensive analysis. Here, we develop a rapid and large-scale glycopeptide enrichment strategy via bioorthogonal ligation and trypsin cleavage. The enrichment process is performed in one tube to minimize sample loss and time costs. This method combines convenience and practicality, identifying over 900 O-GlcNAc sites from a 500 μg sample. Surprisingly, it allows simultaneous identification of N-glycosites, O-GlcNAc sites, O-GalNAc sites and N-glycans via a two-step enzymatic release strategy. Combined with quantitative analysis, it reveals the distinct O-GlcNAcylation patterns in different compartments during oxidative stress. In summary, our study offers a convenient and robust tool for glycoproteome and glycome profiling, facilitating in-depth analysis to elucidate the biological functions of glycosylation.
Microbes Causing Spinal Epidural Infection in Patients Who Use Drugs
Authors: Pralea Alexander , Has Phinnara , Auld Dianne , Mermel Leonard A
Published: September 2024

Background

The incidence of spine infections has increased due to the surge in injection drug use driven by the opioid epidemic. Few recent studies have evaluated the microbiology of spinal epidural infections among people who inject drugs compared to the microbiology of such infections among the general population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with a spinal epidural abscess or phlegmon unrelated to recent spine surgery between 2015 and 2023.

Results

Of 346 initial records, 277 met inclusion criteria for demographic analyses. Of the 229 patients with microbiologic results, details regarding possible drug use were available in 227 patients. Patients with no documented history of drug use were categorized as non-PWUD, while patients who use drugs (PWUD) were separated based on whether drug use was active or not. Patients with prior histories of injection or noninjection drug use were categorized as nonactive PWUD, while those with injection or snorting drug use reported in the past 3 months were categorized as active PWUD. Thirty-nine percent of patients with spinal epidural infection had substance use disorder. Most patients with monomicrobial cultures were infected with gram-positive, aerobic bacteria (86%). Active PWUD were more likely to have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus compared to non-PWUD (36% vs 13%, respectively, P = .002). Nonactive PWUD were more likely to have non–Escherichia coli gram-negative bacterial infections than non-PWUD (18% and 4.4%, respectively, P = .01).

Conclusions

More than 1 in 3 patients with a spinal epidural infection unrelated to recent surgery had substance use disorder. These patients are more likely to have infections due to MRSA and gram-negative bacteria other than E coli such as Serratia marcescens.
Healthcare resource utilization and associated cost in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated in the immunotherapy era
Authors: Apter Lior , Sharman Moser Sarah , Gazit Sivan , Chodick Gabriel , Hoshen Moshe , Greenberg Dan , Siegelmann-Danieli Nava
Published: September 2024

Background

Treatment approach for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) has revolutionized in the recent decade with the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted medications in first-line (1L) therapy. We present real-world data on clinical outcomes and direct healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and cost in a 2.7-million-member Israeli health provider.

Patients and methods

Newly diagnosed mNSCLC patients between January 2017 and December 2020 were categorized by 1L treatment: platinum-based chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. HCRU and costs were calculated based on the Ministry of Health Prices and were assessed at a minimum of 6 months’ follow-up (cutoff: 30 June 2021).

Results

A total of 886 patients were included in the study: 40.6% female, median age 68 years (IQR 61-74), 24.3% never smokers, 80.6% with adenocarcinoma, and 54% with a 0-1 performance status. The median follow-up was 27.12 months (95% CI, 24.7-29.6) and the median duration of first-line (1L) treatment was 2.3 months for platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 177), 12.3 months for targeted therapy (n = 255), and 4.8 months for immunotherapy (n = 463). The median overall survival was 9.09, 27.68, and 12.46 months, respectively. Total 1L costs were driven by radiotherapy for platinum-based chemotherapy and medication for targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Total costs for deceased patients over the entire follow-up were €121 155, €129 458, and €110 716, respectively.

Conclusion

The treatment of mNSCLC carries a high economic burden, primarily driven by first-line therapy, especially with targeted and immune therapies. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of innovative treatments on the disease management costs of mNSCLC.
Race-Making Festivities in Brandenburg-Prussia, 1652–1750
Authors: Bevilacqua Alexander
Published: September 2024

The four generations of Hohenzollern rulers who transformed the electorate of Brandenburg into the kingdom of Prussia — a regional player into a great power — all employed Black men at their courts and in their armies. Through court performance, including processions and tournaments, as well as through artistic commissions, the Brandenburgian rulers adapted existing traditions of representing and displaying human difference and hierarchy for their own ends. As the only member of the Holy Roman Empire to join the Atlantic slave trade, Brandenburg had a particular commitment to staging its global aspirations, both during its slave-trading venture and after it failed. Brandenburg-Prussia’s belated rise exhibits with particular clarity the importance to early modern statecraft not just of foreign enterprise but of its courtly representations. Through the display and representation of Black people in performance and art, the rulers of Brandenburg participated in forms of ‘race-making’ that altered the perception not only of sub-Saharan Africans but of the princely lineage as well.
Clinical characteristics influencing timing of cerebral palsy diagnosis in neonatal follow-up
Authors: Journault Marina M , Leijser Lara M , McLeod Scott A , Tang Selphee , Fiedrich Elsa , Moe Amanda M , Benlamri Amina A
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To describe clinical characteristics influencing the timing of cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis in a traditional neonatal follow-up clinic (NFC) setting.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study involving preterm infants, born <29 weeks gestation and/or birthweight <1000 g between January 2005 and December 2014, with CP and followed in Calgary’s NFC. Infant data were collected, including demographics, perinatal and neonatal parameters, cranial ultrasound (cUS) results, co-occurring conditions, and CP characteristics (timing of suspicion and diagnosis, type, topography, distribution, and Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level). This cohort was divided into two groups, early (diagnosed <19 months corrected age [CA]) and late (diagnosed ≥19 months CA), based on the median age of CP diagnosis, and characteristics were compared.

Results

A total of 99 infants met the inclusion criteria. Median age at first CP suspicion was 9 months CA (interquartile range [IQR] 14) and median age at diagnosis was 19 months CA (IQR 17), with median time lag from suspicion to diagnosis of 6 months (IQR 12). CP characteristics associated with diagnosis at an earlier age included higher GMFCS level, mixed type (compared to spastic only), and upper and lower extremities involvement. Infant characteristics, severity of cUS results, and co-occurring conditions were not different between early and late groups.

Conclusions

CP diagnosis timing is affected by GMFCS level, motor type, and distribution. Especially in infants with CP involving less motor impairment, there is a prolonged delay between CP suspicion and formal diagnosis. This gap may be amenable to quality improvement initiatives aimed at targeted implementation of early assessment tools.
Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless Transition of the Two-Dimensional XY Model on the Honeycomb Lattice
Authors: Jiang Fu-Jiun
Published: September 2024

The Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) transition of the two-dimensional $XY$ model on the honeycomb lattice is investigated using both the techniques of Neural network (NN) and Monte Carlo simulations. It is demonstrated in the literature that, with certain plausible assumptions, the associated critical temperature $T_{\text{BKT,H}}$ is found to be ${1}/{\sqrt{2}}$ exactly. Surprisingly, the value of $T_{\text{BKT,H}}$ obtained from our NN calculations is 0.572(3), which deviates significantly from ${1}/{\sqrt{2}}$. In addition, based on the helicity modulus, the $T_{\text{BKT,H}}$ determined is 0.576(4), agreeing well with that resulting from the NN estimation. It will be interesting to carry out a more detailed analytic calculation to obtain a theoretical value consistent with the numerical result reached here.
Health literacy of rheumatology patients in three clinics in Australia and its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics
Authors: Tsai Ted Yi-Eng , Podgorski Alexander , Al-Heilfi Anmar , Hassett Geraldine , Gorelik Alexandra , Buchbinder Rachelle , Gibson Kathryn
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To describe and compare health literacy (HL) using contrasting instruments of Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) in patients attending three Australian rheumatology clinics and their associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of rheumatology patients at Liverpool (Sydney) and Canberra public hospital clinics and a private Liverpool clinic using the REALM test and HLQ sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires. One-way analysis of variance and multivariate ordinal and binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between HL and sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Results

A total of 278 people participated (111 Liverpool public, 112 private, 55 Canberra public clinic). Compared with Canberra, Liverpool patients were older, non-native English speakers, had less than a tertiary education and were more likely to have comorbidities. A total of 40% of Liverpool public, 29% of private and 13% of Canberra patients had suboptimal REALM HL scores (P < 0.05). Lower REALM scores were associated with male gender, <10 years of education, being born outside Australia/New Zealand and English as a secondary language, but was not associated with clinical characteristics. All nine HLQ domain scores did not differ across sites despite intergroup comparisons as stratified by REALM bands. Completing 10 years of schooling was associated with better scores in three HLQ scales: ‘Navigating the healthcare system’ (P = 0.009), ‘Ability to find information’ (P < 0.001) and ‘Reading and understanding information’ (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patient HL as measured by the REALM differed across sites, explained by differences in gender distribution, country of birth, English as the primary language and years of education. HL as measured by the HLQ did not differ across sites and was more informative for understanding differing patient HL needs.
Association between antibiotic use and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Park Sun Jae , Kim Minkyung , Jeong Jihui , Park Young Jun , Jeong Seogsong , Kim Minseo , Kim Hye Jun , Song Jihun , Kim Sung Min , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Kyae Hyung , Ko Ahryoung , Park Sang Min
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Certain studies propose that antibiotic use may influence RA incidence, but the clear association between antibiotics and RA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between antibiotics and RA risk to provide additional epidemiological evidence.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted with adults aged 40 years or older using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Antibiotic exposure was measured from 2003 to 2007. Study participants were followed up from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2019. Multivariable Cox hazard regression was utilized to evaluate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of RA according to accumulative days of antibiotic use and the number of antibiotic classes used, respectively.

Results

During 3 395 590 person-years of follow-up, 29 274 cases of RA were identified. Participants who used antibiotics for 91 or more days had a higher risk of RA (aHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.67–1.92) than antibiotic non-users. Additionally, individuals who used four or more kinds of antibiotic classes had a higher risk of RA (aHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.51–1.71) than those who did not prescribe antibiotics. The risk of RA was positively associated with both higher cumulative days of antibiotic exposure and a larger number of drug classes. These trends were maintained in sensitivity analyses, including variations in antibiotic exposure periods.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a possible association between the long-term use of antibiotics and RA incidence. Further studies are necessary for a clearer understanding of this association.
Anti-pentraxin 3 antibodies and residual disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Salvato Mariangela , Frizzera Francesca , Ghirardello Anna , Calligaro Antonia , Botsios Costantino , Zen Margherita , Doria Andrea , Giollo Alessandro
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study quantified anti-PTX3 antibodies in the serum of seropositive and seronegative RA patients, examining their associations with disease activity and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, RA patients diagnosed per ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria were recruited. Seronegative RA was defined as ACPA <7 kU/L. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, medications, and PROMs were collected. Serum anti-PTX3 antibodies were measured using an in-house ELISA method. Comparative analyses were conducted with historical controls having PsA and FM.

Results

The cohort included 83 RA patients (42 seropositive, 41 seronegative). Seropositive patients had lower anti-PTX3 antibody levels than PsA (P = 0.001) and FM (P = 0.004) controls. Seronegative patients had higher levels than seropositive ones (P = 0.032). Anti-PTX3 antibodies correlated with CDAI (r = 0.255), PtGA (r = 0.257), VAS-GH (r = −0.235), VAS-pain (r = 0.233), and HAQ (r = 0.311), but not with joint counts, inflammatory markers, or physician’s global assessment. The PtGA association remained significant when adjusted for BMI, SJC28, ESR, and prednisone dosage (β = 0.206, P = 0.042). Patients with near-controlled RA (SJC28 ≤ 2, PtGA > 2) had higher anti-PTX3 levels than those with controlled disease (SJC28 ≤ 2, PtGA ≤ 2; P = 0.048). Tocilizumab or abatacept-treated patients had lower levels compared with those on TNFi or JAKi.

Conclusion

Elevated anti-PTX3 antibodies in RA indicate residual active disease despite controlled inflammation. They may serve as a biomarker for true active disease, especially in seronegative RA patients who might be undertreated.
Low remission rates and high incidence of adverse events in a prospective VEXAS syndrome registry
Authors: Kirino Yohei , Maeda Ayaka , Asano Tomoyuki , Migita Kiyoshi , Hidaka Yukiko , Ida Hiroaki , Kobayashi Daisuke , Oda Nobuhiro , Rokutanda Ryo , Fujieda Yuichiro , Atsumi Tatsuya , Kishida Dai , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Shiratsuchi Motoaki , Shimizu Toshimasa , Kawakami Atsushi , Tanaka Kazuki , Tsuji Tomohiro , Mishima Koji , Miyamae Takako , Hasegawa Anna , Ikeda Kei , Watanabe Tomoya , Yamaguchi Yukie , Nishikomori Ryuta , Ohara Osamu , Nakajima Hideaki ,   Japan VEXAS Study Group, Inaba Yutaka , Tsujimoto Kohei , Nagahata Ken , Miyoshi Yuji , Takeuchi Yoichi , Takatsuki Kensaku
Published: September 2024

Objective

We aimed to gather real-world clinical evidence of detailed disease activity, treatments, remission rates and adverse events (AEs) associated with vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome in a prospective study.

Methods

Patients in Japan suspected of having VEXAS syndrome were enrolled in a registry study. A novel disease activity measure VEXASCAF assessing 11 symptoms associated with VEXAS syndrome was evaluated at enrolment and after 3 months. AEs, survival, CRP levels and treatments were also recorded at enrolment and 3 months after enrolment. All exons of ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) were sequenced using a next-generation sequencer to determine the variant allele frequencies of pathogenic variants in the peripheral blood of all patients.

Results

Of the 55 registered patients, 30 patients were confirmed to have pathogenic variants of UBA1. All patients were male, with a median age of 73.5 years. VEXASCAF and CRP levels decreased significantly at 3 months post-enrolment, but the oral prednisolone dose did not change. Only two patients achieved complete remission according to FRENVEX at 3 months after enrolment. During the observation period of 6 months, 28 AEs were observed, including three deaths, four malignancies from two cases, two thromboses and 13 infections (including four mycobacterial infections). Inflammation of the lung and cervical region (i.e. parotid and submandibular gland swelling, tonsillitis, cervical swelling and pain) were the most common AEs.

Conclusions

Patients with VEXAS syndrome required high-dose glucocorticoids to reduce disease activity, and complications—such as malignancy, thrombosis, and infection—occurred frequently within a short observation period.
Assessment of occupational radiation exposure during a specific endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure
Authors: Abdi Ahmed Jibril , Pedersen Malene Roland Vils , Precht Helle , Brage Karen , Lund Hansen Pernille
Published: September 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation exposure of staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with a focus on individuals closest to the radiation source, and to identify potential increases in exposure to hands and eye lenses. Patient radiation exposure during ERCP was also assessed.

Materials and methods

Staff organ doses were monitored using a Philips Allura Xper FD 20 fluoroscopy system, during 24 ERCP procedures for a period of 7 months. Staff doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosemeters and electronic personal dosemeters, and patient effective doses were simulated and calculated.

Results

Physicians’ annual organ doses ranged from 0.2 to 1.6 mSv for shoulders, 0.1 to 0.4 mSv for eye lenses, and 0.3 to 1.6 mSv for fingers. The annual organ dose of the nursing staff ranged from 0.08 to 2.4 mSv for shoulders, 0.02 to 2.3 mSv for eye lenses, and 1.2 to 5.3 mSv for fingers. The effective dose to patients ranged from 0.009 to 0.46 mSv.

Conclusion

Staff doses were within safe limits, but patient doses were high, emphasizing the need for improved radiation protection.
Efficacy of User Self-Led and Human-Supported Digital Health Interventions for People With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arnautovska Urska , Trott Mike , Vitangcol Kathryn Jemimah , Milton Alyssa , Brown Ellie , Warren Nicola , Leucht Stefan , Firth Joseph , Siskind Dan
Published: September 2024

Background

Digital health interventions (DHIs) may enable low cost, scalable improvements in the quality of care for adults with schizophrenia. Given the fast-growing number of studies using these tools, this review aimed to assess the efficacy and feasibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DHIs among people with schizophrenia, focusing on human support.

Design

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was conducted in January 2024 to identify relevant RCTs. Random effects meta-analyses were undertaken to evaluate the effects on psychosis symptoms, cognition, and other health-related outcomes.

Results

Twenty-six RCTs (n = 2481 participants) were included. Pooled recruitment and retention rates were 57.4% and 87.6%, respectively. DHIs showed no statistically significant effect sizes across all examined outcomes, including psychosis symptoms, depression, quality of life, global and social cognition, global and social functioning, and medication adherence. A third (34.6%) of DHIs were developed using co-design while the majority (70%) personalized the intervention to its users and 69.2% were deemed to be at high risk of bias. There were trends toward effects in favor of DHIs with human support for social cognition and quality of life.

Conclusions

DHIs are feasible for people with schizophrenia and potentially useful for improving health outcomes, particularly when including human support. More high-quality studies are required to examine the benefits of human support within DHIs. Future research should examine the feasibility of sustained adherence and benefits from digital interventions, possibly incorporating human interaction complemented with artificial intelligence, in real-world clinical settings.
Introduction of a Novel Patient Safety Advisory: Evaluation of Perceived Information With a Modified QPP Questionnaire—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tubic Bojan , Bånnsgård Margareta , Gustavsson Susanne , Engström My , Moreno Johanna , Finizia Caterina
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Adverse events (AEs) may result in serious injuries or death. AEs occur in approximately 9.2% of hospitalizations, with a potential preventability of 43.5%. The aim of this study was to examine whether use of an illustrated patient safety advisory affected information transfer to inpatients regarding how they can participate in their own care to decrease the risk of AEs.

Methods

All patients in the control (n = 129) and case/intervention (n = 511) groups received verbal information from healthcare personnel. The intervention group also received the illustrated patient safety advisory, “Your safety at the hospital.” Before discharge, patients completed the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questionnaire.

Results

Mean patient age was 64.6/62.4 years in the intervention/control group, respectively, and 50% were men. Significant differences between groups were observed for most questions presented from the perceived reality of care perspective, in favor to the intervention group. Patients at surgical wards indicated higher scores on 9 of 12 Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questions. Patients with hospital stays ≥4 days, at surgical wards, and living with someone else, placed higher subjective importance to questions concerning, e.g., protection/infection, nutrition, risk of falls and pressure ulcers, and discharge information.

Conclusions

Using an illustrated patient safety advisory to complement oral information about patient safety risks resulted in positive responses and a significant difference was demonstrated in how information is perceived. The safety advisory could be used as a tool to decrease AEs. Patients who live alone may need more focused patient safety information to encourage involvement in their own care.