bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of early surgery and post-operative complications in patients with infective endocarditis
Authors: Manikantan P , Tao M , Despotidis G , Rahman T , Mann N , Pyo R
Published: May 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent literature suggests that surgery during index hospitalization may be performed safely without increased risk of mortality. However, the risk of post-operative complications remains unclear.

Purpose

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the association of early surgery with post-operative complications as compared to delayed surgery in patients with IE.

Methods

We performed a literature search for studies reporting an association between early surgery and study endpoints. The primary endpoint was post-operative neurological complications. The secondary endpoints were post-operative systemic embolic events, recurrence of IE, and need for reoperation. Early surgery was defined as surgery within 14 days of admission. The search included the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was not restricted to time or publication status.

Results

A total of 11 studies with 1857 participants (634 with early surgery vs 1223 with delayed surgery) were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 39 months (ranging between 6 to 66 months). Early surgery compared to delayed surgery was not associated with increased risk of post-operative neurological complications (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.55, 1.85; P=0.98). Heterogeneity was low: Chi2 = 2.93, I2 = 0%. Early surgery compared to delayed surgery was not associated with increased risk for post-operative systemic embolic events, recurrence of IE, or need for reoperation (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.6, 1.61; p=0.94; OR 1.66, 95% CI 0.83, 3.33; p=0.15; OR 2.18, 95% CI 0.41, 11.69; p=0.36).

Conclusions

Early surgery performed within 14 days of initial hospitalization is not associated with increased risk of post-operative complications compared to delayed surgery.
The effect of early substitution of subclinical hypothyroidism on cardiovascular function
Authors: Pandrc M , Kostovski V , Vranes D , Ristic A , Ciric J
Published: May 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background / Aim

Current controversies related to the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with thyrotropin (TSH) < than 10 mU/L are based on the lack of evidence that levothyroxine therapy has beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect a 3-month LT4 treatment on cardiovascular function in symptomatic SCH with TSH < 10 mIU/L.

Methods

Electro and echocardiographic indices were measured in 35 patients with persistent symptomatic SCH before the intervention (TSH 7.0±2.1 mIU/L), and 3 months after the euthyroid state had been achieved.

Results

Significant reduction in PR (before: 0.16 ± 0.02, after: 0.15 ± 0.02; p<0.001), QT (before: 389.58 ± 10.12, after: 383.54 ± 8.62; p<0.001) and QT corrected (before: 428.77 ± 20.11, after: 411.77 ± 14.73; p<0.001) intervals as well as increase in heart rate (p=0.001) were recorded in the group on levothyroxine therapy. The following parameters of the left and right ventricle were significantly decreased in the treatment group: left ventricular mass index (before: 76.81 ± 13.52, after: 70.62 ± 16.45; p<0.001 respectively), ESV (before: 38.86 ± 9.6, after: 36.95 ± 9.25; p<0.001), EDV (before: 114.83 ± 20.6, after: 108.43 ± 18; p<0.001), MAPSE 2D (before: 1.67 (1.55-1.89), after: 1.53 (1.34-1.65); p<0.001). systolic and diastolic time intervals: IVCT (before: 53.23 ± 11.07, after: 46.54 ± 11.13; p<0.001), IVRT (before: 78.71 ± 11.35, after: 72.69 ± 10.1; p<0.001), IVCT/ET (before: 0.18 ±0.04, after: 0.16 ±0.04; p<0.001). The increase was recorded as fractional shortening (before: 39.40 (35.40-46.80), after: 42.40 (38.80-47.20), p<0.001) and pressure rise in early systole (dP/dt: before: 2163.29 ± 454.48, after: 2385.17 ± 542.83; p<0.001), right atrial wall thickness and diameters (RA long axis (before: 4.59 (4.18-5.11), after: 4.81 (4.31-5.70); p<0.001) and short axis (before: 3.67 (3.16-3.87), after: 3.88 (3.38-4.14); p<0.001)), wall thickness (before: 0.43 (0.40-0.46), after: 0.44 (0.40-0.48); p<0.001). After the levothyroxine therapy, there was a statistically significant decrease in ESV and EDV (p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). LT4 therapy significantly increased values of EF (p<0.001) as well as global longitudinal circumferential and radial strains (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). There is a moderate, positive, statistically significant correlation between the change in the titre of anti TPO antibodies and the change in global longitudinal strain values after the therapy (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed an echocardiographic improvement of cardiac structure and function in treated individuals. The findings suggest electrocardiographic and echocardiographic screening in monitoring the therapeutic effect.
Coronary microvascular disease is associated with decreased nailfold capillary density in patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Sakalidis A , Dimitriadis K , Dri I , Leontsinis I , Mantzouranis E , Ntalakouras I , Iliakis P , Vlachakis P , Doundoulakis I , Soulaidopoulos S , Beneki I , Mavroudis A , Mpora M , Lazarou E , Tsioufis K
Published: May 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Existing data support that coronary microcirculation impairment is common in patients with angina pectoris without obstructive coronary artery disease. There are insufficient data in the literature regarding possible generalized microangiopathy in the above population.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) compared to individuals without angina are characterized by a different level of capillary density in the nailfold capillary microscopy.

Methods

We examined 21 patients [9 female, 39%, mean age: 61.2±9.9 years, mean office blood pressure (BP) : 139/86±18/10 mmHg] and 25 CMD patients (16 female, 64%, mean age : 57.9±4.8 years, average office BP: 127/77±18/10 mmHg). In the group of patients with chronic angina pectoris CMD was defined by a standardized systematic protocol in which coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were measured in the left anterior descending coronary artery using a temperature/pressure sensor-tipped guidewire. CMD patients were classified into 2 groups, the structural and the functional endotype, based on commonly used cut-offs (impaired CFR < 2.5, increased IMR ≥ 25). Functional CMD was defined as abnormal CFR in combination with normal IMR and structural CMD as abnormal CFR with abnormal IMR.

In addition, the assessment of skin microcirculation was performed by capillaroscopy, a non-invasive technique to evaluate small vessels of the microcirculation in the nailfold, using stereomicroscope in all patients.

Results

In CMD group, mean CFR and IMR were 1.6 ± 0.9 and 43.9± 30 IU, respectively. Of the 25 patients with abnormal CFR, 8 (32%) had normal IMR consistent with functional CMD endotype, and 17 (68%) had abnormal IMR consistent with structural endotype.

Capillary density in patients with CMD was significantly decreased compared to that of asymptomatic participants (9 vs 10.86 vessels/mm, p=0.04). The difference in capillary density between the two groups was statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in body mass index, renal function, medical history of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking status between the two groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with CMD compared to individuals without angina are characterized by decreased nailfold capillary density. These results suggest that there is a correlation between microcirculatory impairment at the level of the coronary microcirculation and the peripheral vascular beds.
Anticoagulation for post-discharge thromboprophylaxis after hospitalisation for Covid-19
Authors: Costa G , Leal D , Cascais J , Goncalves L , Teixeira R
Published: May 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 are at risk for thrombotic events after discharge; the role of extended thromboprophylaxis in this population is unknown.

Objective

Evaluate the incidence of post-discharge thromboembolic and bleeding events and the role of thromboprophylaxis among COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases, in March 2022, for interventional and observational studies.

Results

A total of 3 studies were included, providing a total 1569 patients, 325 in post-discharge anticoagulation and 1271 no discharge anticoagulation. In terms of outcomes assessed, both groups had similar symptomatic venous thrombotic events (pooled OR 0.43 [0.05, 3.79], P=0.14, I2=50%) and combined symptomatic and asymptomatic events pooled OR 0.63 [0.14, 2.79], P=0.54, I2=34%). Regarding bleeding events, no statistically significant difference was observed in all bleeding (major and non-major) events (pooled OR 2.85 [0.71, 11.43], P=0.14, I2=50%).

Conclusion

According to our meta-analysis, in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, extended thromboprophylaxis does not provide additional clinical benefit.
Triptan-induced takotsubo syndrome: a case report
Authors: Somers-Edgar Tiffany Joy , Shah Jignesh , Kueh Anthony , Kasargod Prabhakar Chethan
Published: May 2023

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a clinical condition mimicking acute coronary syndrome characterized by reversible acute systolic dysfunction. TS is typically associated with a catecholaminergic surge resulting from physical or emotional stress while some pharmacologic agents may act as a trigger.

Case summary

Here, we report a case of TS secondary to rizatriptan, used for treatment of acute migraine. A 67-year-old woman with a history of dyslipidemia, type II diabetes, and migraine was admitted with chest heaviness shortly after taking rizatriptan for migraine. Deepening T wave inversion was seen in multiple territories on electrocardiogram and hs-troponin T was elevated. Cardiac imaging including echocardiogram coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with a diagnosis of TS.

Discussion

In this case, there was no emotional trigger for TS described. Given the compelling temporal correlation between the onset of typical chest pain and medication use, a diagnosis of TS secondary to rizatriptan was made.
MitraClip detachment after electrical cardioversion: a case report
Authors: Yagel Oren , Planer David , Elitzur Yair , Be'eri Ronen , Elbaz-Greener Gabby
Published: May 2023

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) repair is a minimally invasive procedure used for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Cardioversion is indicated for haemodynamically unstable patients with narrow complex tachycardia and is generally considered safe post-mitral clip. We present a patient who underwent cardioversion post-TEER with a single leaflet detachment (SLD).

Case summary

An 86-year-old female with severe MR underwent TEER with a MitraClip that reduced MR severity to mild. During the procedure, the patient experienced tachycardia, and cardioversion was performed successfully. However, immediately after the cardioversion, the operators noticed recurrent severe MR with a posterior leaflet clip detachment. Deployment of a new clip adjacent to the detached one was obtained.

Discussion

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is a well-established method for treating severe MR in patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention. However, complications can arise during or after the procedure, such as clip detachment as in this case. Several mechanisms can explain SLD. We presumed that in the current case, immediately after cardioversion, there was an acute (post-pause) increase in left ventricle end-diastolic volume and thus in the left ventricle systolic volume with more vigorous contraction, possibly pulling apart the leaflets and detaching the freshly applied TEER device. This is the first report of SLD related to electrical cardioversion after TEER. Even though electrical cardioversion is considered safe, SLD can occur in this setting.
An assessment of the performance of the Mexican health system between 2000 and 2018
Authors: Gómez-Dantés Octavio , Fuentes-Rivera Evelyn , Escobar Joaquín , Serván-Mori Edson
Published: May 2023

This paper offers a comprehensive picture of the performance of the Mexican health system during the period 2000–18. Using high-quality and periodical data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and Mexico’s National Survey of Household Income and Expenditure, we assess the evolution of seven types of indicators (health expenditure, health resources, health services, quality of care, health care coverage, health conditions and financial protection) over a period of 18 years during three political administrations. The reform implemented in Mexico in the period 2004–18―which includes the creation of ‘Seguro Popular’―and other initiatives helped improve the financial protection levels of the Mexican population, expressed in the declining prevalence of catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures, and various health conditions (consumption of tobacco in adults and under-five, maternal, cervical cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) mortality rates). We conclude that policies intended to move towards universal health coverage should count on strong financial mechanisms to guarantee the consistent expansion of health care coverage and the sustainability of reform efforts. However, the mobilization of additional resources for health and the expansion of health care coverage do not guarantee by themselves major improvements in health conditions. Interventions to deal with specific health needs are also needed.
Ethics and Epistemic Injustice in the Global South: A Response to Hopman’s Human Rights Exceptionalism as Justification for Covert Research
Authors: Kaur Kirandeep , Grama Ben , Roy Chaudhuri Nairita , Recalde-Vela Maria Jose
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the risk of epistemic injustice in conducting sociolegal research in Global South contexts. Diving into the ethical imperatives of honouring knowledge, agency, and voice, we challenge extractive research practices and reframe participants as active, legitimate bearers of knowledge.

Covert research is a highly controversial research practice which bypasses the right to informed consent of participants. Marieke Hopman’s article titled ‘Covert Qualitative Research as a Method to Study Human Rights Under Authoritarian Regimes’ advocates for covert research in the field of human rights, provided this covert research passes her proposed ‘ethical test’. We argue that this test permits and requires practices of knowledge-making which unjustly silence, undervalue, and exclude the capacity of systematically marginalised communities to produce knowledge claims.

Hopman’s ethical test requires researchers to translate participants’ testimonies and situated knowledge into a doctrinal human rights framework, which comes with certain onto-epistemological assumptions which may not be shared by participants. Her approach frustrates research participants’ agency in choosing their own epistemic projects. Finally, her test exacerbates structural inequalities between the Global North and Global South by reinforcing unequal power relations.

We advocate for a situated ethics approach to mitigate epistemic injustice in socio-legal research in the Global South. Cross-cultural ethical dialogue between western and non-hegemonic ethics on a non-hierarchical and equal basis can contribute to building ‘intercultural ethics’. Reflexivity – where researchers critically examine their worldviews and social position throughout the research process – can ensure greater accountability and integrity. Reciprocity – building mutual research relationships and producing research useful to the researched – can help shift the power imbalance between the researcher and researched.
The Cartel Trial: Issues of Dishonesty and Jury Nullification
Authors: Stephan Andreas
Published: May 2023

The case of R v Stringer and Dean provides a unique insight into issues of dishonesty and possible jury nullification in offences designed to control corporate misbehaviour. The jury were unconvinced of the defendants’ dishonest state of mind in the first (and to date only) case to be tried under the UK’s cartel offence. This was despite no attempt being made to dispute the existence of the cartel or present evidence in their defence. The paper asks whether the trial highlights flaws in the concept of dishonesty or reflects a broader problem of jury nullification in offences relating to corporate misconduct. It concludes that although dishonesty is unpredictable and can be easily challenged in the context of business misconduct, there is also a significant danger that juries question the legitimacy of treating cartels and other forms of business misconduct as crime, regardless of how an offence is designed.
Education for individual fulfilment as social: grappling with obstructions to growth
Authors: Fraser-Burgess Sheron
Published: May 2023

In placing education at the centre, as The Main Enterprise of the World, Philip Kitcher has undertaken a monumental task. He has come to the field of philosophy of education captivated by the importance of its substantive preoccupations for the advancement of democratic aims. Accordingly, his book argues that the most salient obstruction to preparing citizens who will contribute to society is the seeming irreconcilability of the demands of industry, on the one hand, and of students’ personal growth, on the other. In spite of his desire to accommodate diverse accounts of the human good, and his recognition of the formative role of culture, broadly conceived, there are strains in his account of human fulfilment deriving from the disjunction of the self and others. It is not evident, on his Deweyan onto-epistemology, that there is adequate attention to the imprint on an individual, and on the beliefs they come to form, of proximal social groups. The nature of the balance between ‘in-group’ and ‘out-group’ influences, between those that are near and those that are far, can profoundly affect the plausibility of Kitcher's account of a socially based sense of fulfilment.
The economic and epistemic division of labour: on Philip Kitcher’s The Main Enterprise of the World
Authors: Kotzee Ben
Published: May 2023

In The Main Enterprise of the World, Philip Kitcher identifies an over-specialized and over-loaded curriculum as a particular affliction of education in our time. Kitcher criticizes a narrow view of education on which it is conceived as being no more than job training and proposes a more humane set of educational goals to be pursued in school. For Kitcher, the problem of the narrowness of the economic aims of education and the problem of the over-loaded curriculum are connected and, in Chapter 2 of the book, he presents a thoroughgoing critique of educational specialization as a distinguishing feature of education today. He holds that the economic value of education cannot capture education's full value and that true education should build children and young people's capacities for meaningful life and work. In this paper, I discuss Kitcher's critique of educational specialization. I note that Kitcher draws most of his inspiration from considerations about what makes a human life go well and therefore situates his thinking about education in the realm of ethics, rather than in his home discipline of the philosophy of science. Defending educational specialization, I turn to some of Kitcher's earlier work in the philosophy of science to show that the epistemic division of labour calls for a considerable degree of specialization in educational curricula on epistemic, rather than on economic, grounds.
Polyamidoamine dendrimer decorated graphene oxide as a pH-sensitive nanocarrier for the delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drug quercetin: a remedy for breast cancer
Authors: Matiyani Monika , Rana Anita , Pal Mintu , Dokwal Sumit , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer decorated graphene oxide (GO) based nanocarrier for targeted delivery of a hydrophobic anticancer drug, quercetin (QSR).

Methods

GO-PAMAM was successfully synthesized by covalent bonding between GO and NH2-terminated PAMAM dendrimer (zero generation). To investigate drug loading performance, QSR was loaded on the surface of GO as well as GO-PAMAM. Further, the release behaviour of QSR-loaded GO-PAMAM was studied. Finally, an in-vitro sulforhodamine B assay was performed in HEK 293T epithelial cells and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells.

Key findings

It was observed that GO-PAMAM shows higher QSR loading capacity compared to GO. Also, synthesized nanocarrier exhibits controlled as well as pH-responsive release of QSR and the amount of QSR released at pH 4 was approximately two times higher than the release at pH 7.4. Furthermore, GO-PAMAM was found to be biocompatible for HEK 293T cells, and a high cytotoxic effect was observed for QSR-loaded GO-PAMAM on MDA MB 231 cells.

Conclusions

The present investigation highlights the potential application of synthesized hybrid materials as a nanocarrier with excellent loading and controlled releasing efficiency for the delivery of the hydrophobic anticancer drug.
A rare case report: low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) located under the left costal margin, the gastric level and the transverse colon
Authors: Maloku Halit
Published: May 2023

We report a case with a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, located under the left costal margin, the gastric level and the transverse colon. The mucinous appendiceal neoplasm has caused intussusception of the appendix in the cecum, completely dislocating the cecum on the left side of the upper abdomen. In such cases, it is important to diagnose prior to surgical treatment to avoid mucocele perforation and intraoperative dissemination. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy procedure, completely removing the mass according to oncological principles. The atypical localization of the cecum leads to difficulty in diagnosing the mucinous neoplasm of the appendix. It is important to know the diagnosis before the operation to plan the right course of treatment.
Zoonotic poxvirus lesions vs mosquito bite lesions: differential diagnosis of the uncommon vs the common
Authors: Haller Sabine , Babouee Flury Baharak
Published: May 2023

A returning traveller presents with skin lesions resembling an orthopox virus infection and a history of animal contact. Despite the suggestive presentation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rules out this rare differential diagnosis. The clinical course and histologic analysis lead to the diagnosis of insect bites; a common traveller’s affliction with an unusual presentation.
Improved recovery of SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater through application of RNA and DNA stabilising agents
Authors: Bell Stephen H , Allen Danielle M , Reyne Marina I , Lock Jonathan F W , Fitzgerald Arthur , Levickas Ashley , Lee Andrew J , Bamford Connor G G , Gilpin Deirdre F , McGrath John W
Published: May 2023

Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) has become an integral part of the public health effort to track the levels of SARS-CoV-2 within communities. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can be challenging due to relatively low levels of virus within the sample. The wastewater matrix is also comprised of commercial and domestically derived contaminants, as well as RNases, all of which can adversely affect RT-qPCR analysis. To improve SARS-CoV-2 detection within wastewater samples we investigated both the effect of template dilution (as a means to reduce RT-qPCR inhibition) and sample stabilisation via addition of DNA/RNA Shield™ and/or RNA Later™ (to prevent RNA degradation via RNases) as a means to improve viral fragment detection. Using both methodologies, a significant improvement in SARS-CoV-2 detection from wastewater samples was observed. No adverse effects of stabilising agent addition on downstream Next-Generation Sequencing workflows were detected.
Early-time spectroscopic modelling of the transitional Type Ia Supernova 2021rhu with tardis
Authors: Harvey L , Maguire K , Magee M R , Bulla M , Dhawan S , Schulze S , Sollerman J , Deckers M , Dimitriadis G , Reusch S , Smith M , Terwel J , Coughlin M W , Masci F , Purdum J , Reedy A , Robert E , Wold A
Published: May 2023

An open question in SN Ia research is where the boundary lies between ‘normal’ Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) that are used in cosmological measurements and those that sit off the Phillips relation. We present the spectroscopic modelling of one such ‘86G-like’ transitional SN Ia, SN 2021rhu, that has recently been employed as a local Hubble Constant calibrator using a tip of the red-giant branch measurement. We detail its modelling from −12 d until maximum brightness using the radiative-transfer spectral-synthesis code tardis. Please check and correct this paper accordingly. We base our modelling on literature delayed-detonation and deflagration models of Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs, as well as the double-detonation models of sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs. We present a new method for ‘projecting’ abundance profiles to different density profiles for ease of computation. Due to the small velocity extent and low outer densities of the W7 profile, we find it inadequate to reproduce the evolution of SN 2021rhu as it fails to match the high-velocity calcium components. The host extinction of SN 2021rhu is uncertain but we use modelling with and without an extinction correction to set lower and upper limits on the abundances of individual species. Comparing these limits to literature models we conclude that the spectral evolution of SN 2021rhu is also incompatible with double-detonation scenarios, lying more in line with those resulting from the delayed-detonation mechanism (although there are some discrepancies, in particular a larger titanium abundance in SN 2021rhu compared to the literature). This suggests that SN 2021rhu is likely a lower luminosity, and hence lower temperature, version of a normal SN Ia.
Exponential galaxy discs as the quasi-stationary distribution in a Markov chain model simulating stellar scattering
Authors: Wu Jian , Struck Curtis , Elmegreen Bruce G , D’Onghia Elena
Published: May 2023

Previous models have shown that stochastic scattering of stars in a two-dimensional galaxy disc can generate a time-independent surface density distribution that is an exponential divided by radius when a constant inward scattering bias is present. Here we show, using a Markov chain model, that similar profiles result from an outward scattering bias, although the disc surface density decreases slowly with time because of a net stellar outflow. The trend towards a near-exponential surface profile is robust, as it exists even if the scattering intensity has moderate radial and time dependences, subject to some limitations on the scattering rates discussed in the text. The exponential scale length of the pseudo-equilibrium disc depends on the scattering bias, the scattering length, and the size of the disc where scattering is important.
Coevolution of the interstellar chemistry: gas-phase laboratory formation of hydrogenated fullerene-PAH clusters
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Dong Zhenru , Liu Jia , Zhen Junfeng , Qin Liping
Published: May 2023

Fullerene molecules are affected and constrained by different interstellar environmental factors, such as UV radiation, atoms, and other coexisting molecules. To understand the coevolution of the interstellar fullerene chemistry, by tracking the accretion processes on fullerene cations, we present an investigation of the chemical reactivity of fullerene (C60) cations and smaller fullerene (C54/56/58) cations with hydrogen and C14H10 in the gas phase. Experiments are performed using a quadrupole ion trap in combination with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The experimental results show hydrogenated fullerene-C14H10 cluster cations (i.e. [Hn C60(C14H10)m ]+ and [Hn C54/56/58(C14H10)m ]+) are efficiently formed through ion-molecule collision reaction. H-atoms are more likely to accumulate on the surface of fullerenes than C14H10; not only does hydrogen more easily form a covalent bond, the later accreted hydrogen will also expel the already accreted C14H10. Through theoretical calculations, we obtain the structure of newly formed clusters (e.g. [HC60(C14H10)]+ and [HC58(C14H10)]+) and the binding energies of their reaction pathways, together with IR spectra. The bonding ability plays a decisive role in the ternary cluster formation processes, and the existence of occupation and expulsion competitive reaction channels in the accretion processes on fullerene surfaces is confirmed. As part of the coevolution of the interstellar chemistry, the occupation and expulsion reaction modes should be considered when fullerenes further react with H-atoms and PAHs. As a result, the molecular structures of hydrogen/fullerene/PAH clusters are diverse, and hydrogenated-fullerene-related clusters (e.g. hydrogenated fullerenes or hydrogenated fullerenes-PAHs) have a higher distribution than non-hydrogenated-fullerene-related clusters (e.g. fullerenes or fullerenes-PAHs) in the interstellar environment.
Rotation and activity in late-type members of the young cluster ASCC 123
Authors: Frasca A , Alonso-Santiago J , Catanzaro G , Bragaglia A
Published: May 2023

ASCC 123 is a little-studied young and dispersed open cluster. Recently, we conducted the first research devoted to it. In this paper, we complement our previous work with Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometry for the 55 likely members of the cluster. We pay special attention to seven of these high-probability members, all with FGK spectral types, for which we have high-resolution spectra from our preceding work. By studying the TESS light curves of the cluster members, we determine the rotational period and the amplitude of the rotational modulation for 29 objects. The analysis of the distribution of the periods allows us to estimate a gyrochronological age for ASCC 123 similar to that of the Pleiades, confirming the value obtained in our previous investigation. A young cluster age is also suggested by the distribution of variation amplitudes. In addition, for those stars with spectroscopic data, we calculate the inclination of their rotation axis. These values appear to follow a random distribution, as already observed in young clusters, with no indication of spin alignment. However, our sample is too small to confirm this on more solid statistical grounds. Finally, for these seven stars, we study the level of magnetic activity from the Hα and Ca ii H&K lines. Despite the small number of data points, we find a correlation of the Hα and Ca ii flux with Rossby number. The position of these stars in flux–flux diagrams follows the general trends observed in other active late-type stars.
Coherent curvature radiation spectrum by dynamically fluctuating bunches in magnetospheres
Authors: Yang Yuan-Pei , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2023

Coherent curvature radiation by charged bunches has been discussed as the radiation mechanism for radio pulsars and fast radio bursts. Important issues for this radiation mechanism include how the bunches form and disperse in the magnetosphere of a pulsar or magnetar. More likely, bunches form and disperse continuously and it remains unclear what the spectral features are for these fluctuating bunches. In this work, we consider that the bunches in a magnetosphere have a formation rate of λB , a lifetime of τB , and a typical Lorentz factor of γ, and analyse the spectral features of coherent curvature radiation by these fluctuating bunches. We find that the emission spectrum by a single fluctuating bunch is suppressed by a factor of ∼(λB τB )2 compared with that of a single persistent bunch, and there is a quasi-white noise in a wider band in the frequency domain. The high-frequency cutoff of the spectrum is at ∼max (ωpeak, 2γ2/τB ), where ωpeak is the peak frequency of curvature radiation. If the observed spectrum is not white-noise-like, the condition of 2γ2λB ≳ min (ωpeak, 2γ2/τB ) would be required. Besides, the radiation by multiple fluctuating bunches along a field line is the incoherent summation of the radiation by single bunches if the bunch separation is longer than the wavelength. Conversely, a coherent summation should be involved. We also discuss the effects of bunch structures and the mechanism of bunch formation and dispersion.
Inhomogeneous Galactic chemical evolution: modelling ultra-faint dwarf galaxies of the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Alexander R K , Vincenzo F , Ji A P , Richstein H , Jordan C J , Gibson B K
Published: May 2023

Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDs) are among the oldest and most metal-poor galaxies in the cosmos, observed to contain no gas and a high dark matter mass fraction. Understanding the chemical abundance dispersion in such extreme environments could shed light on the very first generations of stars. We present a novel inhomogeneous chemical evolution model, i-getool, that we apply to two UFDs, Carina II and Reticulum II, both satellites of the Large Magellanic Cloud. Our model is based on the Monte Carlo sampling of the initial mass function as star formation proceeds in different gas cells of the galaxy volume. We account for the chemical enrichment of supernova (SN) bubbles as they spread in the interstellar medium, causing dispersion in the elemental abundances. We recreate the abundance patterns of α- and odd-Z elements, predicting two sequences in [C/Fe] and [N/Fe] at all metallicities. Our models underestimate [C/Fe] and [Ti/Fe] because of the large uncertainty in the adopted stellar nucleosynthesis yields. We discuss that the observed C and N abundances had likely been affected by internal mixing processes, which changed the initial surface abundances in the red giants. Our SN feedback scheme is responsible for driving galactic outflows, which quench the star formation activity at early times. We predict an average outflow mass-loading factor ≈103, which extrapolates towards very low galaxy stellar masses the trend observed at high masses. Finally, by combining our model with the MIST isochrone database, we compare our synthetic colour–magnitude diagrams to observations.
Cross-matching the General Catalogue of Variable Stars with the Gaia DR3 source catalogue
Authors: Ansari S G , Eyer L , Kerschbaum F
Published: May 2023

The most recent release of the General Catalogue of Variable Stars (GCVS) (Samus et al. 2017) contains 518 different variable types, in eight different variable categories. The catalogue has now reached its 5th version available via the VizieR service and can be considered one of the primary catalogues on the subject. The Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) contains the most extensive catalogue of variable stars over the entire sky, still it is an intermediate step towards a better understanding of the quality of data and the automated algorithms being put in place to achieve a more concise classification as the work progresses. Ongoing work to identify all variability types in Gaia requires that a complete set of variable classes is represented. We investigated the most recent variability types listed therein, and compared them to the literature used to classify variable stars in Gaia. We have come across close to 10 000 individual variables in the GCVS that are not classified as variable in Gaia DR3, which include 56 variability types – some of which are bright stars. In this investigation, we demonstrate that there are still a large number of those bright stars missing from the Gaia variable classification. Clear indications show that variables with very short (<1 d), and very long periods, were missed by Gaia DR3 Gaia (Prusti et al. 2016 and Vallenari et al. 2022). Moreover, variables with large amplitudes were also missing. We discuss our findings in some detail.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viral Load Monitoring and Rate of Virologic Suppression Among Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2013–2020
Authors: Mayasi Ngongo Nadine , Kamangu Ntambwe Erick , Situakibanza Nani-Tuma Hippolyte , Mbula Mambimbi Marcel , Mandina Ndona Madone , Longokolo Mashi Murielle , Bepouka Izizag Ben , Lukiana Tuna , Odio Ossam Jérôme , Mangala Sonzi Donatien , Maes Nathalie , Moutschen Michel , El Moussaoui Majdouline , Darcis Gilles
Published: May 2023

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) expansion and viral load as a treatment monitoring approach have increased the demand for viral load testing. Many hurdles affect the coverage, quality, and use of viral load results. Estimates of viral load monitoring and viral suppression rates are needed to assess the performance of ART programs and improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management outcomes.

Methods

People with HIV (PWH) viral load monitoring data were routinely collected in 84 health facilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), between 2013 and 2020. The number of PWH under ART, the number of participants with at least 1 viral load test result, the rate of viral suppression (defined as ≤1000 HIV ribonucleic acid copies per mL), and the mean turnaround time from sample collection to release of viral load test results were collected together with clinical data.

Results

A total of 14 057 PWH were included in the analysis. People with HIV were mainly enrolled after the “test and treat” implementation. The patients were followed for a median period of 27 months. The proportion of PWH with at least 1 available viral load largely increased in recent years. The delay from sample collection to release of viral load test results decreased overtime, from 35 days in 2018 to 16 days in 2020. Pregnancy and advanced HIV disease were associated with a lower chance of viral suppression.

Conclusions

There has been considerable success in increasing viral load access for all PWH under therapy in DRC. Nevertheless, viral load testing should be intensified with a particular effort to be made in groups at higher risk of viral failure.
Greening the Swiss National Bank’s Portfolio
Authors: Fahlenbrach Rüdiger , Jondeau Eric
Published: May 2023

Central banks are increasingly concerned about climate-related risks and want to ensure that the financial system is resilient to them. As they integrate these risks into financial stability monitoring, they also discuss how to apply environmental criteria to their own policy portfolio management, without compromising their policy mandate. We describe different strategies and assess their relevance for central banks, using the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) equity portfolio as a laboratory. We develop a carbon-conscious screening approach that is likely consistent with its policy mandate. The approach reduces the portfolio’s carbon footprint by 20%, with little impact on diversification or performance. (JEL E58, G11)
Differences in transcriptional changes in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis skin with immunoglobulin gene enrichment in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Johnsson Hanna , Cole John , McInnes Iain B , Graham Gerard , Siebert Stefan
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis develop PsA. Although genetic, clinical and environmental risk factors have been identified, it is not known why some people with psoriasis develop PsA. The skin disease is traditionally considered the same in both. This study compares transcriptional changes in psoriasis and PsA skin for the first time.

Methods

Skin biopsies were collected from healthy controls (HC), and uninvolved and lesional skin from patients with PsA. Bulk tissue sequencing was performed and analysed using the pipeline Searchlight 2.0. Transcriptional changes in PsA skin were compared with existing sequencing data from participants with psoriasis without PsA (GSE121212). Psoriasis and PsA datasets could not be directly compared as different analysis methods were used. Data from participants with PsA in the GSE121212 dataset were used for validation.

Results

Skin samples from 9 participants with PsA and 9 HC were sequenced, analysed and compared with available transcriptomic data for 16 participants with psoriasis compared with 16 HC. Uninvolved skin in psoriasis shared transcriptional changes with lesional skin in psoriasis, but uninvolved skin in PsA did not. Most transcriptional changes in psoriasis and PsA lesional skin were shared, but immunoglobulin genes were upregulated in PsA lesional skin specifically. The transcription factor POU2F1, which regulates immunoglobulin gene expression, was enriched in PsA lesional skin. This was confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

Immunoglobulin genes are upregulated in PsA but not in psoriasis skin lesions. This may have implications for the spread from the cutaneous compartment to other tissues.
Revision of Hypseleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from Indo-Pacific Islands using molecular and morphometric approaches, with description of one new species
Authors: Keith Philippe , Mennesson Marion I
Published: May 2023

The taxonomy of Hypseleotris fish species from the Indo-Pacific (Australian endemics not included) is revised, using combined molecular and morphological approaches. Seven species are recognized, including description of one new species (Hypseleotris ebneri sp. nov.) and re-elevation of four previous synonyms (Hypseleotris alexis, Hypseleotris everetti, Hypseleotris guentheri and Hypseleotris moncktoni). Two other species retained are Hypseleotris compressa and Hypseleotris cyprinoides. The species differ by divergence in mitochondrial genes (complete ND2 and COI) and by characters including the number of pectoral fin rays, scales in lateral, transverse forward and pre-dorsal series, body depth and head length. The number of Hypseleotris species is greater than previously thought and there are serious conservation issues for several species that have limited distributions. As four different species were found in Papua New Guinea, it is important to study all the specimens collected in this country, and we recommend additional field and genetic sampling, because it is likely that other Hypseleotris species with narrow distribution ranges also exist there.
Validation of the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Lambrechts Mark J. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Tran Khoa , Li Sandy , Huang Angela , Chu Justin , Karamian Brian A. , Canseco Jose A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Oner Cumhur , Dvorak Marcel , Schnake Klaus , Kepler Christopher K. , Vaccaro Alexander R.
Published: May 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective.

To determine how historical management of thoracolumbar spine injuries compares to the recently proposed AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System treatment algorithm.

Summary of Background Data.

Classifications of the thoracolumbar spine are not uncommon. The frequent advent of new classifications is typically due to previous classifications being primarily descriptive or unreliable. Thus, AO Spine created a classification with an associated treatment algorithm to guide injury classification and management.

Methods.

Thoracolumbar spine injuries were retrospectively identified from a prospectively collected spine trauma database at a single, urban, academic medical center during the years 2006 to 2021. Each injury was classified and assigned points based on the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System injury severity score. Patients were grouped into scores of 3 or less (preferred initial conservative treatment) and greater than 6 (preferred initial surgical intervention). Either operative or non-operative treatment was considered appropriate for injury severity scores of 4 or 5.

Results.

A total of 815 patients (TL AOSIS 0-3: 486, TL AOSIS 4-5: 150, TL AOSIS 6+: 179) met inclusion status. Injury severity scores of 0-3 were more likely to undergo non-operative management compared to scores of 4-5 or 6+ (99.0% vs. 74.7% vs. 13.4%, P<0.001). Thus, guideline congruent treatment was 99.0%, 100%, and 86.6%, respectively (P<0.001). Most injuries determined to be a 4 or 5 were treated non-operatively (74.7%). Based on the treatment algorithm, 97.5% of patients who received operative treatment and 96.1% who received non-operative treatment were managed in accordance with the algorithm. Of the 29 patients who did not receive algorithm congruent treatment, 5 (17.2%) were treated surgically.

Conclusions.

A retrospective review of thoracolumbar spine injuries at our urban academic medical center identified that patients are historically treated in accordance with the proposed AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System treatment algorithm.
The Role of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Multimodal Pain Management Following Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Changoor Stuart , Giakas Alec , Sacks Karen , Asma Ali , Lang R. Scott , Yorgova Petya , Rogers Kenneth , Gabos Peter G. , Shah Suken A.
Published: May 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective controlled cohort.

Objective.

To evaluate the effect of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine (LB) infiltration on postsurgical pain management in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients by analyzing postoperative opioid consumption, ambulation, and length of stay (LOS).

Summary of Background Data.

Optimal postoperative pain control for AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is challenging. Multimodal pain management protocols provide adequate analgesia while decreasing opioid consumption. LB was recently approved for pediatric patients; however, use in AIS patients is understudied.

Methods.

119 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent PSF were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who received LB as erector spinae block in addition to the standard postoperative pain management protocol (Group A), and patients who received only the standard postoperative pain protocol (Group B). Oral morphine equivalents, intravenous opioid and valium consumption, pain scores (VAS), nausea/vomiting, ambulation distance and LOS were assessed.

Results.

Group A experienced significantly lower total opioid consumption compared to Group B (44.5 mg vs. 70.2 mg). Morphine use was lower in Group A on postoperative day (POD) 0, and oxycodone use was lower in Group A on PODs 1 and 2. There was a higher proportion of patients who used only oral opioids in Group A (81% vs. 41%). Of patients requiring any intravenous opioids, 79% did not receive LB. A significantly higher proportion of LB patients were discharged on POD 2 (55% vs. 27%); therefore, LOS was shorter for Group A. Group A ambulated further postoperatively. There were no differences in pain scores, valium requirements or nausea/vomiting.

Conclusions.

LB was associated with decreased total opioid use, shorter LOS, and improved ambulation in AIS patients undergoing PSF. Including LB in multimodal pain management protocols proved effective in reducing opioid use while increasing mobilization in the immediate postoperative period.

Level of Evidence.

3.