bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical tidal tails of open star clusters: stars crossing their cluster’s práh† challenge Newtonian gravitation
Authors: Kroupa Pavel , Jerabkova Tereza , Thies Ingo , Pflamm-Altenburg Jan , Famaey Benoit , Boffin Henri M J , Dabringhausen Jörg , Beccari Giacomo , Prusti Timo , Boily Christian , Haghi Hosein , Wu Xufen , Haas Jaroslav , Zonoozi Akram Hasani , Thomas Guillaume , Šubr Ladislav , Aarseth Sverre J
Published: October 2022

After their birth a significant fraction of all stars pass through the tidal threshold (práh) of their cluster of origin into the classical tidal tails. The asymmetry between the number of stars in the leading and trailing tails tests gravitational theory. All five open clusters with tail data (Hyades, Praesepe, Coma Berenices, COIN-Gaia 13, NGC 752) have visibly more stars within $d_{\rm cl}\approx 50\,{\rm pc}$ of their centre in their leading than their trailing tail. Using the Jerabkova-compact-convergent-point (CCP) method, the extended tails have been mapped out for four nearby 600–2000 Myr old open clusters to $d_{\rm cl} > 50\,{\rm pc}$. These are on near-circular Galactocentric orbits, a formula for estimating the orbital eccentricity of an open cluster being derived. Applying the Phantom of Ramses code to this problem in Newtonian gravitation the tails are near-symmetrical. In Milgromian dynamics (MOND), the asymmetry reaches the observed values for 50 < dcl/pc < 200 being maximal near peri-galacticon, and can slightly invert near apo-galacticon, and the Küpper epicyclic overdensities are asymmetrically spaced. Clusters on circular orbits develop orbital eccentricity due to the asymmetrical spill-out, therewith spinning up opposite to their orbital angular momentum. This positive dynamical feedback suggests Milgromian open clusters to demise rapidly as their orbital eccentricity keeps increasing. Future work is necessary to better delineate the tidal tails around open clusters of different ages and to develop a Milgromian direct n-body code.
Theoretical study of infrared and ultraviolet spectra of 14 isomers of C24 and comparison with astronomical observations
Authors: Karri Venkata Lakshmi , Kaluva Sumalya , Chaudhari Ajay , Onaka Takashi , Naganathappa Mahadevappa
Published: October 2022

The present paper discusses the infrared features of C24 based on the density functional theory calculation and suggests some of the features observed in celestial objects may be attributed to C24. We also calculate the electronic absorption spectra of the C24 isomers to compare with the bump feature at 217 nm in the interstellar extinction curve. The C24 isomers are of four groups viz. cage, planar, bowl, and ring forms, and the present study considers their neutral and charged states. The structural parameters are reported for the first time. The planar structure is the most stable and the ring structure has a significant dipole moment observed. We extract theoretical infrared spectra of fourteen isomers in their neutral and charged states at the B3LYP/6–311++G** level of theory. The time-dependent density functional theory approach is used to calculate the electronic transitions, the absorbance, and the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals (HOMO) to Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbitals (LUMO) gaps of the 14 C24 isomers in their neutral and charged states. Upon ionization, significant changes are observed in the infrared and electronic absorption spectra, and the structural parameters. Average theoretical spectra of the cage, planar, bowl, and ring of the C24 isomer show the features at 6.2, 7.65, 8.65, 11.3, 12.8, and 35.6 μm, which match with the features in the observed spectra of the reflection nebulae, NGC 2023 and NGC 7023. A sign of a bump in the ultraviolet at around 218 nm is observed in the electronic absorption spectra.
The contribution ofin situandex situstar formation in early-type galaxies: MaNGA versus IllustrisTNG
Authors: Cannarozzo Carlo , Leauthaud Alexie , Oyarzún Grecco A , Nipoti Carlo , Diemer Benedikt , Huang Song , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Bundy Kevin
Published: October 2022

We compare stellar mass surface density, metallicity, age, and line-of-sight velocity dispersion profiles in massive ($M_*\ge 10^{10.5}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$) present-day early-type galaxies (ETGs) from the MaNGA survey with simulated galaxies from the TNG100 simulation of the IllustrisTNG suite. We find an excellent agreement between the stellar mass surface density profiles of MaNGA and TNG100 ETGs, both in shape and normalization. Moreover, TNG100 reproduces the shapes of the profiles of stellar metallicity and age, as well as the normalization of velocity dispersion distributions of MaNGA ETGs. We generally also find good agreement when comparing the stellar profiles of central and satellite galaxies between MaNGA and TNG100. An exception is the velocity dispersion profiles of very massive ($M_*\gtrsim 10^{11.5}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$) central galaxies, which, on average, are significantly higher in TNG100 than in MaNGA ($\approx 50\, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}}$). We study the radial profiles of in situ and ex situ stars in TNG100 and discuss the extent to which each population contributes to the observed MaNGA profiles. Our analysis lends significant support to the idea that high-mass ($M_*\gtrsim 10^{11}\, \mathrm{M_\odot }$) ETGs in the present-day Universe are the result of a merger-driven evolution marked by major mergers that tend to homogenize the stellar populations of the progenitors in the merger remnant.
DEVILS: cosmic evolution of SED-derived metallicities and their connection to star formation histories
Authors: Thorne Jessica E , Robotham Aaron S G , Bellstedt Sabine , Davies Luke J M , Cook Robin H W , Cortese Luca , Holwerda Benne , Phillipps Steven , Siudek Malgorzata
Published: October 2022

Gas-phase metallicities of galaxies are typically measured through auroral or nebular emission lines, but metallicity also leaves an imprint on the overall spectral energy distribution (SED) of a galaxy and can be estimated through SED fitting. We use the ProSpect SED fitting code with a flexible parametric star formation history and an evolving metallicity history to self-consistently measure metallicities, stellar mass, and other galaxy properties for $\sim 90\, 000$ galaxies from the Deep Extragalactic VIsible Legacy Survey (DEVILS) and Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey. We use these to trace the evolution of the mass–metallicity relation (MZR) and show that the MZR only evolves in normalization by $\sim 0.1\,$dex at stellar mass $M_\star = 10^{10.5}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$. We find no difference in the MZR between galaxies with and without SED evidence of active galactic nuclei emission at low redshifts ($z$ < 0.3). Our results suggest an anticorrelation between metallicity and star formation activity at fixed stellar mass for galaxies with $M_\star \gt 10^{10.5}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ for $z$ < 0.3. Using the star formation histories extracted using ProSpect we explore higher order correlations of the MZR with properties of the star formation history including age, width, and shape. We find that at a given stellar mass, galaxies with higher metallicities formed most of their mass over shorter time-scales, and before their peak star formation rate. This work highlights the value of exploring the connection of a galaxy’s current gas-phase metallicity to its star formation history in order to understand the physical processes shaping the MZR.
Gravitational lensing effects of supermassive black holes in cluster environments
Authors: Mahler Guillaume , Natarajan Priyamvada , Jauzac Mathilde , Richard Johan
Published: October 2022

This study explores the gravitational lensing effects of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in galaxy clusters. While the presence of central SMBHs in galaxies is firmly established, recent work from high-resolution simulations predict the existence of an additional population of wandering SMBHs. Though the masses of these SMBHs are a minor perturbation on the larger scale and individual galaxy scale dark matter components in the cluster, they can impact statistical lensing properties and individual lensed image configurations. Probing for these potentially observable signatures, we find that SMBHs imprint detectable signatures in rare, higher order strong lensing image configurations although they do not manifest any statistically significant detectable evidence in either the magnification distribution or the integrated shear profile. Investigating specific lensed image geometries, we report that a massive, near point-like, potential of an SMBH causes the following detectable effects: (i) image splitting leading to the generation of extra images; (ii) positional and magnification asymmetries in multiply imaged systems; and (iii) the apparent disappearance of a lensed counter image. Of these, image splitting inside the cluster tangential critical curve, is the most prevalent notable observational signature. We demonstrate these possibilities in two cases of observed giant arcs in SGAS J003341.5+024217 and RX J1347.5−1145, wherein specific image configurations seen can be reproduced with SMBHs. Future observations with high-resolution instrumentation (e.g. MAVIS-Very Large Telescope, MICADO-Extremely Large Telescope, and the upgraded ngVLA, along with data from the Euclid and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescopes and the Rubin LSST Observatory are likely to allow us to probe these unique yet rare SMBHs lensing signatures.
Structural basis of flagellar motility regulation by the MogR repressor and the GmaR antirepressor in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Cho So Yeon , Na Hye-won , Oh Han Byeol , Kwak Yun Mi , Song Wan Seok , Park Sun Cheol , Jeon Wook-Jong , Cho Hongbaek , Oh Byung-Chul , Park Jeongho , Kang Seung Goo , Lee Geun-Shik , Yoon Sung-il
Published: October 2022

The pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes bacterium produces the flagellum as a locomotive organelle at or below 30°C outside the host, but it halts flagellar expression at 37°C inside the human host to evade the flagellum-induced immune response. Listeria monocytogenes GmaR is a thermosensor protein that coordinates flagellar expression by binding the master transcriptional repressor of flagellar genes (MogR) in a temperature-responsive manner. To understand the regulatory mechanism whereby GmaR exerts the antirepression activity on flagellar expression, we performed structural and mutational analyses of the GmaR–MogR system. At or below 30°C, GmaR exists as a functional monomer and forms a circularly enclosed multidomain structure via an interdomain interaction. GmaR in this conformation recognizes MogR using the C-terminal antirepressor domain in a unique dual binding mode and mediates the antirepressor function through direct competition and spatial restraint mechanisms. Surprisingly, at 37°C, GmaR rapidly forms autologous aggregates that are deficient in MogR neutralization capabilities.
177Lu-PSMA Therapy for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Mini-Review of State-of-the-Art
Authors: AlSadi Rahaf , Bouhali Othmane , Dewji Shaheen , Djekidel Mehdi
Published: October 2022

Background

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand labeled with Lutetium-177 (177Lu) is a promising therapeutic option for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Several prospective and retrospective studies as well as clinical trials are completed or underway. This has ultimately led to the approval of this therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 23 2022. Our work aims to present a mini-review of the most recent research performed and the potential future directions of 177Lu-PSMA-radioligand therapy (RLT) for mCRPC patients.

Main body

For patients with mCRPCwho have met the eligibility criteria for 177Lu-PSMA RLT, numerous studies and trials are either ongoing or have been completed. The studies included in this review have reported overall biochemical response, defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline of at least 50%, in at least 44% of patients with mCRPC. The median ranges of overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) were reported within 10.7-56 and 3.6-16 months, respectively. With data from several retrospective and prospective studies published, the safety of 177Lu-PSMA RLT in mCRPC has been confirmed and demonstrated by its low toxicity profile. Various studies have published pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models to better understand the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the RLT in this patient population. Findings have been published for 177Lu-PSMA RLT alone and in combination with other agents. We summarize their findings in our review.

Conclusions

The efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA RLT for patients with mCRPC has been proven thus far with promising results: PSA response, OS and rPFS when used alone or in combination with other treatment options, relative to the standard treatment options alone. The low toxicity profile noted also proves the safety of 177Lu-PSMA RLT in these patients.
Professional ethics survey identifies strengths and areas for improvement in the American Ornithological Society
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Bowman Reed , Brawn Jeffrey D , Covino Kristen M , Dugger Katie M , Fleischer Robert C , Houtz Jennifer L , Mahoney Sean M , Pruett-Jones Melinda , Tarwater Corey E , Fair Jeanne
Published: October 2022

In response to a growing need to foster ethical behavior within scientific societies, the American Ornithological Society’s (AOS) professional ethics committee conducted a survey of members in spring 2021 to identify the primary challenges and ethical conduct concerns. The survey indicated that the AOS has a strong culture of professional ethics and highlighted areas needing improvement. Participants identified discrimination and lack of inclusivity (44%), scientific fraud and abuse in data and publications (35%), and sexual harassment (31%) as the highest potential risks for unethical behavior in our organization. Moreover, approximately one-third of respondents (34%) had personally witnessed or experienced unethical behavior as an AOS member. A smaller proportion (16%) felt pressure to compromise their work standards in ornithology. These findings are likely representative of broader patterns that professional, scientific societies face as they seek to provide safe, welcoming, and thoughtful environments for researchers to share their work, gain valuable feedback, and develop collaborations. The survey results also create a framework for workshops, training opportunities, and disseminating information within the AOS and, ideally, with the broader, international community of ornithologists.
High Expression of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE 2 in Latent Axillary Buds Suggests Its Key Role in Quiescence Maintenance in Rosebush
Authors: Porcher Alexis , Guérin Vincent , Macherel David , Lebrec Anita , Satour Pascale , Lothier Jérémy , Vian Alain
Published: October 2022

Most vegetative axes remain quiescent as dormant axillary buds until metabolic and hormonal signals, driven by environmental changes, trigger bud outgrowth. While the resumption of growth activity is well documented, the establishment and maintenance of quiescence is comparatively poorly understood, despite its major importance in the adaptation of plants to the seasonal cycle or in the establishment of their shape. Here, using the rosebush Rosa hybrida ‘Radrazz’ as a plant model, we highlighted that the quiescent state was the consequence of an internal and active energy control of buds, under the influence of hormonal factors previously identified in the bud outgrowth process. We found that the quiescent state in the non-growing vegetative axis of dormant axillary buds displayed a low energy state along with a high expression of the ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE 2 (AOX2) and the accumulation of the corresponding protein. Conversely, AOX2 expression and protein amount strongly decreased during bud burst as energy status shifted to a high state, allowing growth. Since AOX2 can deviate electrons from the cytochrome pathway in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, it could drastically reduce the formation of ATP, which would result in a low energy status unfavorable for growth activities. We provide evidence that the presence/absence of AOX2 in quiescent/growing vegetative axes of buds was under hormonal control and thus may constitute the mechanistic basis of both quiescence and sink strength manifestation, two important aspects of budbreak.
A YAP/TAZ-CD54 axis is required for CXCR2 −CD44 − tumor-specific neutrophils to suppress gastric cancer
Authors: Nie Pingping , Zhang Weihong , Meng Yan , Lin Moubin , Guo Fenghua , Zhang Hui , Tong Zhenzhu , Wang Meng , Chen Fan , An Liwei , Tang Yang , Han Yi , Yu Ruixian , Wang Wenjia , Xu Yuanzhi , Wei Linxin , Zhou Zhaocai , Jiao Shi
Published: October 2022

As an important part of tumor microenvironment, neutrophils are poorly understood due to their spatiotemporal heterogeneity in tumorigenesis. Here we defined, at single-cell resolution, CD44 −CXCR2 − neutrophils as tumor-specific neutrophils (tsNeus) in both mouse and human gastric cancer (GC). We uncovered a Hippo regulon in neutrophils with unique YAP signature genes (e.g., ICAM1, CD14, EGR1) distinct from those identified in epithelial and/or cancer cells. Importantly, knockout of YAP/TAZ in neutrophiles impaired their differentiation into CD54 + tsNeus and reduced their antitumor activity, leading to accelerated GC progression. Moreover, the relative amounts of CD54 + tsNeus were found to be negatively associated with GC progression and positively associated with patient survival. Interestingly, GC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had increased numbers of CD54 + tsNeus. Furthermore, pharmacologically enhancing YAP activity selectively activated neutrophils to suppress refractory GC, with no significant inflammation-related side effects. Thus, our work characterized tumor-specific neutrophils in GC and revealed an essential role of YAP/TAZ-CD54 axis in tsNeus, opening a new possibility to develop neutrophil-based antitumor therapeutics.
Momentum reconstruction of charged particles using multiple Coulomb scatterings in a nuclear emulsion detector
Authors: Odagawa T , Suzuki Y , Fukuda T , Kikawa T , Komatsu M , Nakaya T , Sato O , Shibuya H , Yasutome K
Published: October 2022

This paper describes a new method for momentum reconstruction of charged particles using multiple Coulomb scatterings in a nuclear emulsion detector with a layered structure of nuclear emulsion films and target materials. The method utilizes the scattering angles of particles precisely measured in the emulsion films. The method is based on the maximum likelihood to include the new information on the decrease of the energy as the particle travels through the detector. According to the Monte Carlo simulations, this method can measure momentum with a resolution of 10% for muons of ${500}\, {\rm MeV}/c$ passing through the detector perpendicularly. The momentum resolution is evaluated to be 10–20%, depending on the momentum and emission angle of the particle. By accounting for the effect of the energy decrease, the momentum can be reconstructed correctly with less bias, particularly in the low-momentum region. We apply this method to measure the momentum of muon tracks detected in the Neutrino Interaction research with Nuclear emulsion and J-PARC Accelerator (NINJA) experiment where the momentum is also measured independently by using the track range. The two measurements agree well within experimental uncertainties, verifying the method experimentally. This method will extend the measurable phase space of muons and hadrons in the NINJA experiment.
Intravenous Lidocaine in Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lee James H. , Koutalianos Evangeline P. , Leimer Elizabeth M. , Bhullar Ravneet K. , Argoff Charles E.
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

A systematic review of original research articles was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lidocaine infusion in the treatment of adult patients with chronic neuropathic pain.

Materials and Methods:

Original research from 1970 to September 2021 describing adult patients with chronic neuropathic pain receiving at least 1 dose of intravenous lidocaine was included. Extracted data included study design, sample size, patient demographics and comorbidities, etiology and duration of pain, pain intensity scores, time to pain resolution, lidocaine dose and administration frequency, lidocaine serum concentration, and adverse events. Each study was evaluated for level of evidence using the 2017 American Association of Neurology classification system.

Results:

Twenty-seven studies evaluating lidocaine infusion treatment in chronic neuropathic pain met inclusion criteria. One class I study was identified for patients with neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury . Two Class II studies were identified, one describing neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury and another due to diabetic neuropathy. Across all studies, study design, participants, and experimental interventions were heterogenous with wide variation.

Discussion:

This qualitative review found insufficient, heterogenous evidence and therefore no recommendation can be made for lidocaine infusion treatment in patients with chronic neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, or complex regional pain syndrome type II. Larger randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are required to further establish the efficacy of lidocaine infusion in patients with these etiologies of chronic neuropathic pain.
Accessing neurosurgical services in Africa: efforts, challenges, and recommendation
Authors: Aderinto Nicholas , Opanike Joshua , Oladipo Elizabeth , Olakanmi Damilare , Adepoju Oluwatosin
Published: October 2022

Africa faces a dire need for neurosurgical services. Despite the high burden of neurosurgical conditions, there is disproportionately low access to neurosurgical services. Barriers to seeking neurosurgical services in Africa are mainly due to socioeconomic factors of cost, lack of infrastructure, and human resources, which continue to be at the heart of poor delivery of health care generally in the region. These barriers are more profound because neurosurgery is highly specialized and relies on a web of interrelating processes, including neuroimaging, neuro-anesthesia, operating room peculiarities, specialized nursing care, and rehabilitation services. While most efforts at improving the health needs of Africans have been tailored toward battling infectious diseases, health stakeholders in Africa must look toward improving the current state of access to neurosurgical services. If this burden is not attended to, there is a risk that overwhelmed health care systems would result in erosion in efforts to improve the provision of essential neurosurgical services.
Effects of Age, Sex, and Comedication on the Plasma Concentrations of Olanzapine in Chinese Patients With Schizophrenia Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Data
Authors: Ding Jing , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yan , Yang Liu , Zhang Suo , Cui Xiaohua , Meng Zhuocheng , Li Yajuan , Xing Huan
Published: October 2022

Background

Olanzapine (OLA) is an atypical second-generation antipsychotic that exhibits significant pharmacokinetic variability. We retrospectively investigated the effects of age, sex, and specific comedications on OLA pharmacokinetics in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Data on sex, age, and OLA dosage and steady-state plasma concentrations of 386 patients with schizophrenia (who have received OLA or a comedication of OLA with a psychotherapeutic drug) were collected and analyzed. The combined effects of dosage, age, sex, and comedication on OLA plasma levels were assessed via multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

A daily dose of OLA was positively correlated with the drug's plasma concentrations. Overall, the OLA plasma concentrations and concentration-to-dose ratio (C/D) of the studied patients varied by 53.6- and 64.1-fold, achieving median values of 42.7 ng/mL and 2.73 (ng/mL)/(mg/d), respectively. Furthermore, a 1.27-fold higher estimated C/D in patients 60 years or older than in those younger than 60 years was identified. Female patients demonstrated a 33.6% higher C/D than in male patients. When coadministered with mood stabilizers (valproate or lithium), the median OLA C/D was 24.1% to 26.1% lower than that of OLA monotherapy. Interestingly, the OLA plasma concentration and C/D were not significantly affected by a comedication with aripiprazole, haloperidol, amisulpride, risperidone, clozapine, ziprasidone, citalopram, or buspirone.

Conclusions

The administered drug's dose was identified as an important determinant of the achieved OLA plasma concentration, with a positive correlation. The patients' sex and valproate (or lithium) comedication can significantly affect the C/D of OLA. Therapeutic drug monitoring should be routinely applied in cases of OLA-receiving patients with schizophrenia.
Characterization of the Conversion of Meeting Presentation to Publication From the 2016 and 2018 ISSVA Workshops
Authors: Banyi Norbert , Baweja Sahdev , Tuen Young Ji , Bucevska Marija , Arneja Jugpal S.
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Presentations at scientific conferences and subsequent publications play a critical role in a specialty’s advancement. Previous estimates suggest that about half of the content presented at conferences is not published. The objective of this study is to characterize the conversion from meeting presentations to publications from the 2016 and 2018 International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) Workshops.

Methods:

The PubMed interface (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar were used to search for published works. Excluded presentations included keynotes, research letters, and education-related theses. Parameters reviewed included conversion rate, time to publication, senior author subspecialty, study design and level of evidence, journal name, and 5-year impact factor.

Results:

40.43% of searched conference abstracts were published in peer-reviewed journals. The median publication time from presentation was 16 months (range −28.9 to 41.1). The most frequent specialties of 224 senior authors were: plastic surgery (21.4%), dermatology (20.0%), and radiology (10.7%). Authors published in 111 separate journals, where the majority of publications appeared in Pediatric Dermatology (5.8%). A majority of publications (51.3%) had a case series study design and were level 4 evidence. The median 5-year impact factor was 3.49.

Conclusions:

From the 2016 and 2018 ISSVA meetings reviewed, less than half of presentations were converted to publications. Studies were published in a wide range of journals, in alignment with specialty. A significant portion of vascular anomalies research at ISSVA that may have the potential to improve patient care does not reach a wider audience.
Prevalence, Incidence, and Persistence of Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and Comorbidity
Authors: Esquivel Lauzurique Mercedes , Vera Fernández Yeneir , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Rubén Quesada Mercedes , Álvarez Valdés Gisela , Lye Stephen , Tamayo-Pérez Vilma
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence, incidence, and persistence of postpartum anxiety, depression, and comorbid symptoms over the first 6 months postpartum in a cohort of Havana women and to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive power of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at 4 weeks postpartum on depressive and anxiety symptoms at 12 and 24 weeks.

Method:

A cohort study with 273 women in Havana, Cuba. Participants were assessed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum for anxiety, depression, and comorbid symptoms.

Results:

Prevalence rates were highest at 4 weeks postpartum: 20.0% women reported elevated levels of anxiety and 16.4% reported depressive symptoms. The prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression was 5.8%. While rates of anxiety steadily decreased to 13.8% at 24 weeks, rates of depression persisted to 24 weeks postpartum with 14.5% still experiencing elevated symptoms. Comorbid anxiety and depression decreased across time. There were limited sensitivity and poor predictive values for both the STAI and the EPDS.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to examine perinatal mental illness in Cuba. While anxiety and depression rates found among Cuban women are lower than those reported in other low-income countries, the rates paralleled high-income countries.
Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Two-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hamaguchi Ryoko , Wearda Taylor L. , Volk Angela S. , Kramer Kimberly M. , Kimball Alexa B. , Chaffin Abigail E. , Orgill Dennis P.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition that presents a challenging reconstructive problem for plastic surgeons.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of hidradenitis suppurativa patients managed with surgical excision between 2005 and 2020 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Tulane University Medical Center. Operative cases associated with the same hospitalization were organized into treatment episodes and assessed for patient demographics, operative techniques, and outcomes.

Results:

A total of 181 patients, 435 cases and 316 treatment episodes (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, n = 269; Tulane University Medical Center, n = 47), were identified across two diverse institutions. Their respective series showed comparable patient demographics, and 94 percent of the combined episodes achieved wound closure and healing during the study period. Several techniques of closure were identified, including immediate closure and site-specific methods, such as an expedited staged closure using internal negative-pressure wound therapy as a temporary bridge, “recycled” skin grafting, and repurposing iodoform wicks as an adjunct wound healing therapy to immediate closure.

Conclusions:

This large multi-institutional retrospective chart review on the plastic surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa demonstrates that surgery is an effective therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa and captures a diversity of site-specific techniques that may serve as a foundation for future prospective studies and evidence-based guidelines for the use of various techniques to optimize patients’ surgical outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity and HIV Viral Load Among Mozambican Pregnant Women
Authors: González Raquel , Nhampossa Tacilta , Figueroa-Romero Antía , Mendes Anete , Mazuze Maura , García-Otero Laura , Sevene Esperança , Piqueras Mireia , Egri Natalia , Bedini Josep Lluis , Saúte Francisco , Menendez Clara
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Prevalence estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa are limited, particularly among pregnant women and in those living with HIV. This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Mozambican HIV-infected pregnant women during the first year of the pandemic, before COVID-19 vaccines were deployed in the country.

Setting:

The study was conducted in Manhiça district, a semirural area in southern Mozambique.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study including pregnant women living with HIV was conducted from November 2019 to June 2021. Women were enrolled at the first antenatal care clinic visit and followed until postpartum. HIV viral load and IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were determined in blood samples at first antenatal care clinic visit and at delivery. Associations between SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and maternal characteristics at enrolment were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 397 women were enrolled. SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies were detected in 7.1% of women at enrolment and in 8.5% of women at delivery. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 45 women (11.3%; 95% confidence interval 8.4 to 14.9%) during the study period; the first seropositive sample was identified in September 2020. Having undetectable HIV viral load was associated with seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM [odds ratio 3.35 (1.10 to 11.29); P = 0.039].

Conclusion:

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this cohort of Mozambican unvaccinated pregnant women was similar to reported global estimates of approximately 10% in pregnancy for 2021. The findings also suggest that pregnant women with high HIV viral load may have an impaired immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and might need to be carefully managed in case of COVID-19.
Changes in invertebrate food web structure between high- and low-productivity environments are driven by intermediate but not top-predator diet shifts
Authors: Miller-ter Kuile Ana , Apigo Austen , Bui An , Butner Kirsten , Childress Jasmine N. , Copeland Stephanie , DiFiore Bartholomew P. , Forbes Elizabeth S. , Klope Maggie , Motta Carina I. , Orr Devyn , Plummer Katherine A. , Preston Daniel L. , Young Hillary S.
Published: October 2022

Predator–prey interactions shape ecosystem stability and are influenced by changes in ecosystem productivity. However, because multiple biotic and abiotic drivers shape the trophic responses of predators to productivity, we often observe patterns, but not mechanisms, by which productivity drives food web structure. One way to capture mechanisms shaping trophic responses is to quantify trophic interactions among multiple trophic groups and by using complementary metrics of trophic ecology. In this study, we combine two diet-tracing methods: diet DNA and stable isotopes, for two trophic groups (top predators and intermediate predators) in both low- and high-productivity habitats to elucidate where in the food chain trophic structure shifts in response to changes in underlying ecosystem productivity. We demonstrate that while top predators show increases in isotopic trophic position (δ15N) with productivity, neither their isotopic niche size nor their DNA diet composition changes. Conversely, intermediate predators show clear turnover in DNA diet composition towards a more predatory prey base in high-productivity habitats. Taking this multi-trophic approach highlights how predator identity shapes responses in predator–prey interactions across environments with different underlying productivity, building predictive power for understanding the outcomes of ongoing anthropogenic change.
Rapid flower closure of
Drosera tokaiensis
deters caterpillar herbivory
Authors: Tagawa Kazuki , Osaki Haruka , Watanabe Mikio
Published: October 2022

Certain plants exhibit rapid movement in response to mechanical stimulation; however, the ecological functions of this behaviour are largely unknown. Here, we show that the rapid flower closure of
Drosera tokaiensis
(Droseraceae) in response to mechanical stimulation functions as a physical defence against a specialist herbivore
Buckleria paludum
(Pterophoridae) caterpillar. Following feeding damage on fruits, flowers, flower stalks and buds by
B. paludum
,
D. tokaiensis
closed its flowers nine times faster than during natural circadian closure. The extent of damage to ovules was significantly reduced when the flowers were able to close compared with the condition in which closure was physically inhibited by the application of a resin. Nonetheless, flower closure had no effect on the feeding damage to stamens and styles and promoted further damage to petals. Given that feeding on petals, stamens and styles had no significant effect on the number of mature seeds, rapid flower closure leading to the protection of ovules had an overall positive effect on the reproductive success of
D. tokaiensis
. Our study showed rapid plant movement as a novel case of induced physical defence against herbivory.
Hoxa9
/
meis1
-transgenic zebrafish develops acute myeloid leukaemia-like disease with rapid onset and high penetrance
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Hongji , Huang Mengling , Wang Xue , Li Wei , Qian Xiaoqing , Jing Lili
Published: October 2022

HOXA9
and
MEIS1
are co-expressed in over 50% of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and play essential roles in leukaemogenesis, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Diverse animal models offer valuable tools to recapitulate different aspects of AML and link
in vitro
studies to clinical trials. We generated a double transgenic zebrafish that enables
hoxa9
overexpression in blood cells under the draculin (
drl
) regulatory element and an inducible expression of
meis1
through a heat shock promoter. After induction, Tg(
drl
:
hoxa9
;
hsp70
:
meis1
) embryos developed a preleukaemic state with reduced myeloid and erythroid differentiation coupled with the poor production of haematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitors. Importantly, most adult Tg(
drl
:
hoxa9
;
hsp70
:
meis1
) fish at 3 months old showed abundant accumulations of immature myeloid precursors, interrupted differentiation and anaemia in the kidney marrow, and infiltration of myeloid precursors in peripheral blood, resembling human AML. Genome-wide transcriptional analysis also confirmed AML transformation by the transgene. Moreover, the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor that reduces leukaemogenesis in mammals effectively restored haematopoiesis in Tg(
drl
:
hoxa9
;
hsp70
:
meis1
) embryos and improved their late survival. Thus, Tg(
drl
:
hoxa9
;
hsp70
:
meis1
) zebrafish is a rapid-onset high-penetrance AML-like disease model, which provides a novel tool to harness the unique advantages of zebrafish for mechanistic studies and drug screening against
HOXA9
/
MEIS1
overexpressed high-risk AML.
Bias in nutrition-health associations is not eliminated by excluding extreme reporters in empirical or simulation studies
Authors: Yamamoto Nao , Ejima Keisuke , Zoh Roger S. , Brown Andrew W.
Published: October 2022

Self-reported nutrition intake (NI) data are prone to reporting bias that may induce bias in estimands in nutrition studies; however, they are used anyway due to high feasibility. We examined whether applying Goldberg cutoffs to remove “implausible” self-reported NI could reliably reduce bias compared to biomarkers for energy, sodium, potassium, and protein. Using IDATA data, significant bias in mean NI was removed with Goldberg cutoffs (120 among 303 participants excluded). Associations between NI and outcomes (weight, waist circumference, heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and VO2 max) were estimated, but sample size was insufficient to evaluate bias reductions. We therefore simulated data based on IDATA. Significant bias in simulated associations using self-reported NI was reduced but not eliminated by Goldberg cutoffs in 14 of 24 nutrition-outcome pairs; bias was not reduced for remaining cases. 95% coverage probabilities were improved by applying Goldberg cutoffs in most cases but underperformed compared with biomarker data. Although Goldberg cutoffs may achieve bias elimination in estimating mean NI, bias in estimates of associations between NI and outcomes will not necessarily be reduced or eliminated after application of Goldberg cutoffs. Whether one uses Goldberg cutoffs should therefore be decided based on research purposes and not general rules.

Impact Statement

Elimination of extreme reporters using Goldberg cutoffs does not always produce unbiased estimates of associations between nutrition intakes and health outcomes.
Bayesian multilevel hidden Markov models identify stable state dynamics in longitudinal recordings from macaque primary motor cortex
Authors: Kirchherr Sebastien , Moraga Sebastian Mildiner , Coudé Gino , Bimbi Marco , Ferrari Pier F , Aarts Emmeke , Bonaiuto James J
Published: October 2022

Neural populations, rather than single neurons, may be the fundamental unit of cortical computation. Analyzing chronically recorded neural population activity is challenging not only because of the high dimensionality of activity in many neurons, but also because of changes in the recorded signal that may or may not be due to neural plasticity. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are a promising technique for analyzing such data in terms of discrete, latent states, but previous approaches have either not considered the statistical properties of neural spiking data, have not been adaptable to longitudinal data, or have not modeled condition specific differences. We present a multilevel Bayesian HMM which addresses these shortcomings by incorporating multivariate Poisson log-normal emission probability distributions, multilevel parameter estimation, and trial-specific condition covariates. We applied this framework to multi-unit neural spiking data recorded using chronically implanted multi-electrode arrays from macaque primary motor cortex during a cued reaching, grasping, and placing task. We show that the model identifies latent neural population states which are tightly linked to behavioral events, despite the model being trained without any information about event timing. We show that these events represent specific spatiotemporal patterns of neural population activity and that their relationship to behavior is consistent over days of recording. The utility and stability of this approach is demonstrated using a previously learned task, but this multilevel Bayesian HMM framework would be especially suited for future studies of long-term plasticity in neural populations.
Using mechanistic models to highlight research priorities for tick-borne zoonotic diseases: Improving our understanding of the ecology and maintenance of Kyasanur Forest Disease in India
Authors: Hassall Richard , Burthe Sarah J. , Schäfer Stefanie M. , Hartemink Nienke , Purse Bethan V.
Published: October 2022

The risk of spillover of zoonotic diseases to humans is changing in response to multiple environmental and societal drivers, particularly in tropical regions where the burden of neglected zoonotic diseases is highest and land use change and forest conversion is occurring most rapidly. In these regions, neglected zoonotic diseases can have significant impacts on poor and marginalised populations in low-resource settings but ultimately receive less attention and funding for research and interventions. As such, effective control measures and interventions are often hindered by a limited ecological evidence base, which results in a limited understanding of epidemiologically relevant hosts or vectors and the processes that contribute to the maintenance of pathogens and spillover to humans. Here, we develop a generalisable next generation matrix modelling framework to better understand the transmission processes and hosts that have the greatest contribution to the maintenance of tick-borne diseases with the aim of improving the ecological evidence base and framing future research priorities for tick-borne diseases. Using this model we explore the relative contribution of different host groups and transmission routes to the maintenance of a neglected zoonotic tick-borne disease, Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFD). The results highlight the potential importance of transovarial transmission and small mammals and birds in maintaining this disease. This contradicts previous hypotheses that primates play an important role influencing the distribution of infected ticks. There is also a suggestion that risk could vary across different habitat types. In light of these results we outline the key knowledge gaps for this system and future research priorities that would aid in informing effective interventions and control measures.
Adipocytes reprogram glucose metabolism in cancer cells promoting metastasis
Authors: Mukherjee Abir , Bezwada Divya , Zandbergen Malu , Greco Francesco , Chiang Chun-Yi , Tasdemir Medine , Fahrmann Johannes , Grapov Dmitry , La Frano Michael R. , Vu Hieu S , Newman John W. , McDonnell Liam A. , Nezi Luigi , Fiehn Oliver , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Lengyel Ernst
Published: October 2022

In the tumor microenvironment, adipocytes function as an alternate fuel source for cancer cells. However, whether adipocytes influence macromolecular biosynthesis in cancer cells is unknown. Here, we systematically characterized the bi-directional interaction between primary human adipocytes and ovarian cancer (OvCa) cells using multi-platform metabolomics, imaging mass spectrometry, [13C]-glucose isotope tracing, and gene expression analysis. We report that omental tumor explants and OvCa cells co-cultured with adipocytes divert part of the glucose from glycolysis and TCA cycle towards glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) synthesis. Normoxic HIF1α protein, stabilized by adipokines, regulate this altered flow of glucose-derived carbons in cancer cells, resulting in increased synthesis of glycerophospholipids (GPL) and triacylglycerols. Blocking adipocyte-induced HIF1α expression increases lipid peroxidation levels in cancer cells and sensitizes them to ferroptosis-mediated cell death. Subsequently, the knockdown of HIF1α or G3P acyltransferase 3 (a regulatory enzyme of GPL synthesis) reduced metastasis in xenograft models of OvCa. In summary, we show that in an adipose-rich tumor microenvironment, cancer cells generate G3P as a precursor for critical membrane and signaling components, thereby promoting metastasis. Targeting biosynthetic processes specific to adipose-rich tumor microenvironments might be an effective strategy against metastasis.
Sniffing response to an odor through development in rats: modulatory role of repetition and association with an aversive event
Authors: Boulanger-Bertolus Julie , Courtiol Emmanuelle , Buonviso Nathalie , Mouly Anne-Marie
Published: October 2022

Sniffing has proven to be a useful behavioral readout for assessing olfactory performance in adult rats. However, little is known about how sniffing response changes through ontogeny. This study thus aimed at characterizing respiratory response to an odor through development in rats using paradigms applicable to both young pups and adults. We first analyzed the sniffing response to the arrival of a novel neutral odor. Then the value of the odor was changed through either its repeated presentation (odor habituation), or its association with a foot-shock resulting in odor fear. In the habituation task, we found that at the three ages, the first presentation of the novel odor induced a clear sniffing response but the peak respiratory frequency was higher in adults than in juveniles and infants. When the odor was presented repeatedly, the sniffing response gradually faded. This habituation of the response took more trials as the animal’s age increases. In the fear conditioning task, the odor induced an increase in respiratory rate that persisted until the end of the session in adults and infants, while it faded rapidly in juveniles. When the odor was explicitly unpaired with the foot-shock, at the three ages the respiratory response to the odor lasted less over the session than in the paired condition. Finally, we observed that shock delivery induced a similar respiratory response at the three ages in paired and unpaired condition. Collectively these data show that sniffing response constitutes a faithful index to assess rat’s olfactory abilities through ontogeny.