bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constrain spatial curvature and dark energy with strong lenses and complementary probes: a forecast for next-generation surveys
Authors: Hu Yang , Dhawan Suhail
Published: November 2024

Inferring spatial curvature of the Universe with high fidelity is a longstanding interest in cosmology. However, the strong degeneracy between dark energy equation-of-state parameter $w$ and curvature density parameter $\Omega _{\rm K}$ has always been a hurdle for precision measurements of curvature from late-Universe probes. With the imminent commissioning of Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), we demonstrate for the first time, using simulations of stage-IV surveys, the crucial role of time-delay distances from strong gravitational lenses in breaking this degeneracy. Our findings suggest that in non-flat $ow$CDM model, while strong lensing data alone only yield a $\Omega _{\rm K}$ constraint at $\sim \mathcal {O}(10^{-1})$ level, the integration with type Ia supernova and baryon acoustic oscillation data breaks the $w$–$\Omega _{\rm K}$ degeneracy and refines the $\Omega _{\rm K}$ constraint to $\sim \mathcal {O}(10^{-2})$. This surpasses the constraints typically derived from type Ia supernova Hubble diagrams and baryon acoustic oscillation data and is comparable to the constraints obtained from Planck primary cosmic microwave background data. Additionally, we present a non-parametric approach using Gaussian process to avoid parameter-dependence of the expansion history $H(z)$ and achieve similar $\mathcal {O}(10^{-2})$ level constraint on $\Omega _{\rm K}$. This study demonstrates the significant potential of strong gravitational lenses and Stage-IV surveys like LSST to achieve high-fidelity, independent constraints on $\Omega _{\rm K}$, contributing to our understanding of the Universe’s geometry and the dynamics of dark energy.
FunCoup 6: advancing functional association networks across species with directed links and improved user experience
Authors: Buzzao Davide , Persson Emma , Guala Dimitri , Sonnhammer Erik L L
Published: November 2024

FunCoup 6 (https://funcoup.org) represents a significant advancement in global functional association networks, aiming to provide researchers with a comprehensive view of the functional coupling interactome. This update introduces novel methodologies and integrated tools for improved network inference and analysis. Major new developments in FunCoup 6 include vastly expanding the coverage of gene regulatory links, a new framework for bin-free Bayesian training and a new website. FunCoup 6 integrates a new tool for disease and drug target module identification using the TOPAS algorithm. To expand the utility of the resource for biomedical research, it incorporates pathway enrichment analysis using the ANUBIX and EASE algorithms. The unique comparative interactomics analysis in FunCoup provides insights of network conservation, now allowing users to align orthologs only or query each species network independently. Bin-free training was applied to 23 primary species, and in addition, networks were generated for all remaining 618 species in InParanoiDB 9. Accompanying these advancements, FunCoup 6 features a new redesigned website, together with updated API functionalities, and represents a pivotal step forward in functional genomics research, offering unique capabilities for exploring the complex landscape of protein interactions.
TransmiR v3.0: an updated transcription factor-microRNA regulation database
Authors: Liang Maodi , Zhang Chenhao , Yang Yang , Cui Qinghua , Zhang Jun , Cui Chunmei
Published: November 2024

microRNAs (miRNAs) are active in various biological processes by mediating gene expression, and the full investigation of miRNA transcription is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying miRNA deregulation in pathological conditions. Here an updated TransmiR v3.0 database is presented with more comprehensive miRNA transcription regulation information, which contains 5095 transcription factor (TF) -miRNA regulations curated from 2285 papers and >6 million TF–miRNA regulations derived from ChIP-seq data. Currently, TransmiR v3.0 covers 3260 TFs, 4253 miRNAs and 514 433 TF–miRNA regulation pairs across 29 organisms. Additionally, motif scanning of TF loci on promoter sequences of miRNAs from multiple species is employed to predict TF–miRNA regulations, generating 284 527 predicted TF–miRNA regulations. Besides the significant growth of data volume, we also improve the annotations for TFs and miRNAs by introducing the TF family, TFBS motif, and expression profiles for several species. Moreover, the functionality of the TransmiR v3.0 online database is enhanced, including allowing batch search for flexible queries and offering more extensive disease-specific, as well as newly sex-specific TF–miRNA regulation networks in the ‘Network’ module. TransmiR v3.0 provides a useful resource for studying miRNA biogenesis regulation and can be freely accessed at http://www.cuilab.cn/transmir.
Single-molecule visualization of sequence-specific RNA binding by a designer PPR protein
Authors: Marzano Nicholas , Johnston Brady , Paudel Bishnu P , Schmidberger Jason , Jergic Slobodan , Böcking Till , Agostino Mark , Small Ian , van Oijen Antoine M , Bond Charles S
Published: November 2024

Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins (PPR) are a large family of modular RNA-binding proteins, whereby each module can be modified to bind to a specific ssRNA nucleobase. As such, there is interest in developing ‘designer’ PPRs (dPPRs) for a range of biotechnology applications, including diagnostics or in vivo localization of ssRNA species; however, the mechanistic details regarding how PPRs search for and bind to target sequences is unclear. To address this, we determined the structure of a dPPR bound to its target sequence and used two- and three-color single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to interrogate the mechanism of ssRNA binding to individual dPPRs in real time. We demonstrate that dPPRs are slower to bind longer ssRNA sequences (or could not bind at all) and that this is, in part, due to their propensity to form stable secondary structures that sequester the target sequence from dPPR. Importantly, dPPR binds only to its target sequence (i.e. it does not associate with non-target ssRNA sequences) and does not ‘scan’ longer ssRNA oligonucleotides for the target sequence. The kinetic constraints imposed by random 3D diffusion may explain the long-standing conundrum of why PPR proteins are abundant in organelles, but almost unknown outside them (i.e. in the cytosol and nucleus).
The impact of timing of temozolomide chemoradiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma on patient overall survival: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Lau Arthur C K , Chan Brandon L H , Yeung Carly S K , Li Lai-Fung , Chan Danny T M , Lee Michael W Y , Chan Tony K T , Ho Jason M K , Cheung Ka-Man , Tse Teresa P K , Lau Sarah S N , Chow Joyce S W , Ko Natalie M W , Loong Herbert H F , El-Helali Aya , Poon Wai-Sang , Woo Peter Y M
Published: November 2024

Background

The optimal timing of initiating adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemoradiotherapy after surgery in patients with glioblastoma is contentious. This study aimed to determine whether the timing of adjuvant treatment affects their overall survival (OS).

Methods

Consecutive adult patients with histologically-confirmed newly diagnosed glioblastoma treated with adjuvant TMZ chemoradiotherapy across all neurosurgical centers in Hong Kong between 2006 and 2020 were analyzed. The surgery-to-chemoradiotherapy (S-CRT) interval was defined as the date of the first surgery to the date of initiation of adjuvant TMZ chemoradiotherapy.

Results

Four hundred and forty-one patients were reviewed. The median S-CRT interval was 40 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 33–47) and the median overall survival (mOS) was 16.7 months (95% CI: 15.9–18.2). The median age was 58 years (IQR: 50–63). Multivariable Cox regression with restricted cubic splines identified a nonlinear relationship between the S-CRT interval and mOS. Post hoc analysis-derived S-CRT intervals revealed that early CRT (<5 weeks; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.11; 95% CI 0.90–1.37) or late CRT (>9–12 weeks; aHR 1.07; 95% CI 0.67–1.71) were not significantly associated with OS. Subgroup analyses for the extent of resection (EOR) and pMGMT methylation status revealed no significant difference in treatment timing on OS.

Conclusion

The timing of adjuvant TMZ chemoradiotherapy, if commenced within 12 weeks after glioblastoma diagnosis, did not influence OS regardless of EOR or pMGMT methylation status. Clinical judgment should be exercised in optimizing the timing of initiating adjuvant therapy.
A Chinese Doctor in Eighteenth-Century Naples and the Practice of Pulse Diagnosis
Authors: Harrison Henrietta
Published: November 2024

Diagnosing a patient on the basis of their pulse alone is an impressive demonstration of medical ability for which early modern Chinese doctors were famous. This article looks at the early history of Chinese medicine in Europe by examining the encounter between Xu Shizhi, who travelled to Naples to study for the Catholic priesthood but became a sensation as a doctor, and Domenico Cirillo, a prominent physician who met him through a patient and became interested in Chinese medicine. Although Chinese pulse manuals had been translated into European languages, the sense of touch is impossible to convey in words, but when Xu met Cirillo, he was able to demonstrate how to feel the pulse. Cirillo then combined elements of Chinese medicine and new vitalist theories of the nervous system to produce a system of his own, published as the Tractatus de pulsibus, which he taught to his students and which became widespread across southern Italy. Recent work on the global circulation of medical ideas in the early modern period has focused on texts and pharmaceuticals, and on encounters in colonial spaces. Xu and Cirillo’s story suggests the importance of personal interactions in conveying tacit knowledge as a key part of this circulation.
CovTransformer: A transformer model for SARS-CoV-2 lineage frequency forecasting
Authors: Feng Yinan , Goldberg Emma E , Kupperman Michael , Zhang Xitong , Lin Youzuo , Ke Ruian
Published: November 2024

With hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in the global population, there is an ongoing need for predicting and forecasting lineage frequencies and thus identifying rapidly expanding lineages. Accurate prediction would allow for more focused experimental efforts to understand pathogenicity of future dominating lineages and characterize the extent of their immune escape. Here, we first show that the inherent noise and biases in lineage frequency data make a commonly-used regression-based approach unreliable. To address this weakness, we constructed a machine learning model for SARS-CoV-2 lineage frequency forecasting, called CovTransformer, based on the transformer architecture. We designed our model to navigate challenges such as a limited amount of data with high levels of noise and bias. We first trained and tested the model using data from the UK and the USA, and then tested the generalization ability of the model to many other countries and US states. Remarkably, the trained model makes accurate predictions two months into the future with high levels of accuracy both globally (in 31 countries with high levels of sequencing effort) and at the US-state level. Our model performed substantially better than a widely used forecasting tool, the multinomial regression model implemented in Nextstrain, demonstrating its utility in SARS-CoV-2 monitoring. Assuming a newly emerged lineage is identified and assigned, our test using retrospective data shows that our model is able to identify the dominating lineages 7 weeks in advance on average before they became dominant. Overall, our work demonstrates that transformer models represent a promising approach for SARS-CoV-2 forecasting and pandemic monitoring.
Characterization of the species of Pythium associated with corn seedlings in Delaware
Authors: Bickel John , Henrickson Madeline Grace , Betts Alyssa K.
Published: November 2024

Corn (Zea mays L.) is the top grain crop by hectares grown in Delaware (DE). Increased pre- and post-emergence damping-off in corn caused by Pythium species have been observed in recent seasons. To date, no characterization studies have been performed to understand Pythium species diversity in DE. Symptomatic corn seedlings were collected from 33 fields across DE in 2019 and 2020. Isolates were obtained from infected root tissues and identified by molecular sequencing. In total, 14 species were recovered: P. aristosporum, P. arrhenomanes, P. attrantheridium, P. catenulatum, P. dissotocum, P. graminicola, P. inflatum, P. irregulare, P. oligandrum, P. periplocum, P.spinosum, P. sylvaticum, P. tardicrescens, and P. torulosum. The dominant species recovered was P. graminicola, accounting for 66% of the isolates. Five species were screened for fungicide sensitivity to calculate the EC50 of mefenoxam, ethaboxam, and picarbutrazox which are the most commonly used active ingredients to manage species of Pythium in corn seed treatment packages. All species tested were sensitive to mefenoxam and picarbutrazox. For ethaboxam, P. torulosum was the only species with an EC50 value > 10 µg ml 1. Ten species were screened for fungicide sensitivity to mefenoxam, ethaboxam, or picarbutrazox at 18, 21, and 25ºC. As temperatures increased, percent inhibition was reduced in 40, 70, and 80% of the species screened for sensitivity to ethaboxam, picarbutrazox, and mefenoxam, respectively. Nine of these species were screened for isolate aggressiveness in greenhouse panels to examine impact on emergence, shoot height, shoot weight, and root weight. While all species were recovered from inoculated roots, P. arrhenomanes, P. attrantheridium, P. spinosum, and P. sylvaticum had the greatest root weight reduction.
The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ghasempour Dabaghi Ghazal , Rabiee Rad Mehrdad , Mortaheb Mohammadreza , Darouei Bahar , Amani-Beni Reza , Mazaheri-Tehrani Sadegh , Izadan Mahshad , Touhidi Ali
Published: November 2024

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been found as a potential biomarker for acute inflammation and the prognosis of different diseases. Here, we provided a meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association of NLR with cardiovascular outcomes among patients with diabetes. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to April 06, 2024, to include papers based on eligible criteria. The outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Meta-analysis was performed using StataMP 14.0. A total of 15 studies involving 407,512 participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed that both categorical and continuous NLRs are linked to increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.49–1.88; P < 0.001 and RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.03–1.03; P < 0.001, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (RR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.58–2.63; P < 0.001 and RR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.19–1.32; P < 0.001, respectively) in patients with diabetes. However, NLR was not associated with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with diabetes. Subgroup analysis revealed sample size as the main source of the heterogeneity found between studies. The findings suggest NLR as a prognostic marker for mortality outcomes in patients with diabetes, providing clinicians with a noninvasive and readily available indicator for risk assessment and patient management.
Prosthetic Valve Fate in Patients With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Kaneyuki Daisuke , Patel Krushang , Vinogradsky Alice V. , Rajesh Kavya , Hynds Melissa A. , Kurlansky Paul A. , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C. , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji
Published: November 2024

Prosthetic valve-related morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed patients who received a HeartMate II or 3 LVAD at our center between April 2004 and December 2022. Patients with a valve prosthesis in any position were included. Of the 726 LVAD recipients, 74 (10.2%) underwent valve replacement before (n = 37, 50.0%), concomitantly with (n = 32, 43.2%), or after (n = 6, 8.1%) LVAD insertion. Prosthetic valves were implanted in the aortic (n = 32), mitral (n = 23), and tricuspid (n = 26) positions. Mechanical valves were present in eight (three aortic, five mitral) patients. At a median follow-up of 1.97 years post-VAD (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.56–4.58 years), there was one valve-related death due to severe aortic bioprosthetic insufficiency. Five of 28 (17.9%) patients with an aortic bioprosthesis had evidence of dysfunction on follow-up echocardiography. Median time to first sign of aortic bioprosthetic valve dysfunction was 1 (IQR: 0.6–5.1) year from time of LVAD with the prosthesis in place and 10.8 (IQR: 9.5–12.6) years from date of initial valve insertion. Prosthetic valve-related mortality or reinterventions are uncommon in patients with LVADs; however, bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction can develop less than 1 year after LVAD implantation.
Postoperative Complications and Readmission Rates in Robotic-Assisted and Manual Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Howell Cole , Witvoet Sietske , Scholl Laura , Coppolecchia Andrea , Bhowmik-Stoker Manoshi , Chen Antonia F.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This study aims to compare 90-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) visits between robotic-assisted (RA-THA) and manual (M-THA) total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a multi-hospital database identified primary total hip arthroplasty patients between January 2016 and December 2021. The cohorts were 1-to-1 matched based on patient sex, age, and body mass index resulting in 8033 patients in each cohort (N = 16,066). Odds of 90-day revisits, readmission with >23 hours of observation, and ED visits were compared between cohorts. Complications reported during revisits and readmission were classified according to the Clinical Classification Software schema, using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes, and compared using mixed-effect models.

Results:

This study found an overall 90-day revisit rate of 8.3%. RA-THA was associated with significantly reduced odds of revisit within 90 days [odds ratio (OR): 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.89, P = 0.002] and readmissions with >23 hours of observation (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77, P < 0.001). RA-THA patients had fewer readmissions with >23 hours of observation due to dislocations (RA-THA: 0.09%; M-THA: 0.39%, P < 0.001), surgical site infections (RA-THA: 0.04%; M-THA: 0.20%, P = 0.004), and wound infections/cellulitis (RA-THA: 0.01%; M-THA: 0.11%, P = 0.021). No difference in ED visits was observed between cohorts (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.77–1.09, P = 0.3). RA-THA patients had more ED visits for dyspnea without pulmonary embolism (RA-THA: 0.20%; M-THA: 0.06%, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

RA-THA showed significantly lower odds of overall 90-day revisit rates and readmissions with >23 hours of observation, most notably for readmissions due to dislocation and surgical site infection/wound infections. There was no significant difference in the odds of ED visits between cohorts.
Anaphylactic shock reaction caused by the anesthetic drug cyclopofol during general anesthesia: case report and literature review
Authors: Xia Guang , Cui Xiaoyu , Zhou Songhua
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Cyclopofol, as an alternative to propofol, is theoretically known as a safe drug and is widely used as a sedative. However, it is important to note that the short history of clinical application of cyclopofol and the rarity of systemic anaphylaxis, there is a lack of understanding that cyclopofol can cause systemic anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, there have been no reported allergic reactions associated with cyclopofol, but we should always be aware of this risk.

Case presentation:

A 47-year-old male patient developed severe hypotension, high airway pressure, decreased oxygen saturation, and rash after intravenous and pump administration of cyclopofol during general anesthesia, and a diagnosis of anaphylactic shock was made based on a skin test 6 weeks later.

Discussion:

This case serves as a reminder that although allergic reactions to cyclopofol are rare, it is important to be aware of such incidents. Therefore, the possibility of an allergic reaction caused by cyclopofol should be considered and always prepared for treatment.

Conclusion:

As a new drug substitute for propofol, cyclopofol should still be used with caution in people with a history of allergies or the possibility of allergies or other uncertain situations on patients.
Clinical Features of Conduction Block in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: The Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve (SUN) Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Chung Kevin C. , Florczynski Matthew M. , Hearn Sandra L. , Kim Hyungjin M. , Burns Patricia B. , Malay Sunitha ,   For the SUN study group
Published: November 2024

Background:

In ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, weakness is classically a sign of severe disease. Weakness is associated with motor axonal loss as measured by decreased distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. Conduction block, a demyelinating phenomenon that recovers readily, can also cause weakness, creating ambiguity for the treating clinician.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study evaluated baseline blinded data collected from 2020-2023 from the Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve randomized controlled trial comparing in-situ decompression versus transposition procedures. Adult patients underwent electrodiagnostic testing, clinical motor and sensory testing, and completed the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.

Results:

177 patients were categorized into 3 distinct groups based on normal distal CMAP amplitudes (77 patients), presence of conduction block with or without distal CMAP amplitude loss (37 patients), or pure axonal loss with distal CMAP amplitude loss in the absence of conduction block (63 patients). Compared to the normal group, patients with conduction block had significantly decreased pinch strength and worse function domain scores on the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, but shorter duration of disease. Patients with pure axonal loss had decreased pinch strength, worse 2-point discrimination, and worse overall, function and aesthetics domain scores on the Michigan Hand Questionnaire. There was a significant interaction between the effects of conduction block and distal CMAP amplitude on pinch strength, indicating that higher degrees of conduction block resulted in more pronounced loss of pinch strength in patients with relatively preserved distal CMAP amplitude.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the paradigm that ulnar neuropathy at the elbow presenting with conduction block represents a distinct and intermediate pathophysiology, distinguished by quicker onset with less advanced neurological deficits.

Level of evidence:

Prognostic Level II
Utilization of Text-to-Image Artificial Intelligence Model in Preoperative Counseling for Lip Lift Procedures
Authors: Huang Ryan S. , Balas Michael , Yan Flora , Wulc Allan E.
Published: November 2024

Text-to-image models powered by artificial intelligence (AI) offer a promising tool for enhancing patients' comprehension of cosmetic surgery outcomes and providing personalized visual forecasts of their appearance after the procedure. This study explores the efficacy of text-to-image AI models, specifically DALL·E2, in improving preoperative counseling for patients undergoing lip lift procedures. Preoperative photographs of four patients, who had given their consent, were processed using DALL·E2, which allows users to modify specific areas of an image and input text descriptions to visualize anticipated changes. We successfully demonstrated the ability of DALL·E2 to generate accurate visual predictions within a short timeframe of two minutes. Selected images provided realistic expectations of the postoperative appearance, aiding in better patient understanding and expectation management.
Experimental Study on Video Discharge Instructions for Pediatric Fever in an Emergency Department
Authors: Luna-Arana Carmen , Castro-Rodríguez Cristina , Jové-Blanco Ana , Mora-Capín Andrea , Ferrero García-Loygorri Clara , Vázquez-López Paula
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives:

Fever is a frequent cause of consultation in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Adequate discharge instructions are essential to guarantee good management at home and can reduce caregivers’ anxiety and re-consultations. This study compares the improvement of caregivers’ knowledge regarding fever between verbal discharge instructions and the addition of a video to verbal information. As a secondary outcome, we compared the rate of return visits.

Methods:

An experimental, prospective, single-center study was conducted in a tertiary hospital PED. Patients between 3 months and 5 years old with febrile syndrome were enrolled. Patients with comorbidities or SARS-COV2 infection were excluded. First, caregivers answered a written test concerning fever characteristics, management, and warning signs. Patients were assigned by simple randomization to a control group (standard verbal and written instructions) or to an intervention group (which additionally received video instructions). After discharge, investigators contacted caregivers by telephone. Caregivers were asked to answer the same questions as in the written test in addition to the need for subsequent visits (at the PED or any other healthcare facility) after discharge.

Results:

Seventy-three patients were randomized to the intervention group and 77 to the control group (2 were lost during follow-up). There were no differences in the acquisition of caregiver’s knowledge, with a median score improvement of 2 points in both groups (control group interquartile range (IQR) 1-2; intervention group IQR 1-3) (P = .389). In the intervention group, we observed a significant increase of correct answers in 4 out of 7 questions compared to 3 out of 7 questions in the control group. In the control group, 18.7% reconsulted compared to 10.9% in the intervention group (P = .188).

Conclusions:

Video instructions were not superior to verbal instructions at improving caregivers’ knowledge of fever overall. However, more questions obtained a significant score increase in those that received video and verbal instructions. Our results suggest that the addition of video instructions could help reduce return visits.
Association of COVID-19 With Risk of Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vinson Amanda J. , Anzalone A. Jerrod , Schissel Makayla , Dai Ran , Olex Amy L. , Mannon Roslyn B. ,   on behalf of the National COVID Cohort Collaborative
Published: November 2024

Background.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important complication for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes in the general population. However, the association between COVID-19 and new-onset PTDM has not been explored.

Methods.

Using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative Enclave, we conducted a cohort study of adults without diabetes receiving a solid organ transplant (heart, lung, kidney, or liver) in the United States between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, with and without a first diagnosis of COVID-19 (COVID+ versus COVID–) within 180 d of SOT. We propensity score matched a single COVID+ SOTR with a COVID– SOTR who was diabetes free at the same point posttransplant. Within this matched cohort, we used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to examine the adjusted risk of PTDM associated with COVID+.

Results.

Among 1342 COVID+ SOTRs matched to 1342 COVID– SOTRs, the crude rate of newly diagnosed PTDM in the 2 y post-COVID was 17% in those with versus 13% in those without COVID-19 (P = 0.007). COVID-19 was significantly associated with new PTDM (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.68 at 2 y).

Conclusions.

Similar to other viral infections, COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of PTDM in SOTRs.
Bacterial co-infections in mucormycosis in severely ill populations: an overlooked and complex challenge
Authors: Corzo Leon D. E. , Ahumada-Topete V. H. , Ostrosky-Zeichner L.
Published: November 2024

Mucormycosis is found in co-infection with bacteria in >50% of the cases. Most of these cases were reported among people with haematological diseases. The two most frequent bacteria found were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Almost 40% of the identified bacteria were reported as multidrug resistant.
Description of Olsenella absiana sp. nov., an anaerobic bacterium isolated from pig faeces
Authors: Paek Jayoung , Bai Lu , Shin Yeseul , Kim Hongik , Kim Si Hyun , Shin Jeong Hwan , Kook Joong-Ki , Chang Young-Hyo
Published: November 2024

A short-rod-shaped, obligate anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium isolated from the faeces of a pig was designated as the strain YH-ols2223T. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate was most closely related to Olsenella urininfantis KCTC 25755T with 97.7% similarity. The multi-locus sequence tree revealed that the isolate formed a sub-cluster within the genus Olsenella. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values for the isolate and the most closely related strains were 74.9–76.6% and 20.8–22.5%, respectively. The end products of the fermentation were lactic acid and acetic acid. The main fatty acids identified were C18 : 0 DMA, C18 : 1
 ω9c DMA and C18 : 1
 ω9c. The cell wall contained the meso-diaminopimelic acid-based peptidoglycan. Given the chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic properties, YH-ols2223T (= KCTC 25800T = NBRC 116680T) represents a novel taxon. The name Olsenella absiana sp. nov. was proposed.
Buffering and non-monotonic behavior of gene dosage response curves for human complex traits
Authors: Milind Nikhil , Smith Courtney J. , Zhu Huisheng , Spence Jeffrey P. , Pritchard Jonathan K.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The genome-wide burdens of deletions, loss-of-function mutations, and duplications correlate with many traits. Curiously, for most of these traits, variants that decrease expression have the same genome-wide average direction of effect as variants that increase expression. This seemingly contradicts the intuition that, at individual genes, reducing expression should have the opposite effect on a phenotype as increasing expression. To understand this paradox, we introduce a concept called the gene dosage response curve (GDRC) that relates changes in gene expression to expected changes in phenotype. We show that, for many traits, GDRCs are systematically biased in one trait direction relative to the other and, surprisingly, that as many as 40% of GDRCs are non-monotone, with large increases and decreases in expression affecting the trait in the same direction. We develop a simple theoretical model that explains this bias in trait direction. Our results have broad implications for complex traits, drug discovery, and statistical genetics.
Chiral quark model analysis of the
K¯N
interaction
Authors: Conde-Correa M. , Aguilar T. , Capelo-Astudillo A. , Duenas-Vidal A. , Segovia J. , Ortega P. G.
Published: November 2024

In this work we analyze the K¯N interaction in the framework of a constituent quark model. The near-threshold elastic and charge-exchange cross sections are evaluated, finding a good agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, the possible existence of K¯N bound states are explored, finding two poles in the isoscalar JP=12− sector that can be interpreted as the experimental Λ(1405) state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Can
CP
be conserved in the two-Higgs-doublet model?
Authors: de Lima Carlos Henrique , Logan Heather E.
Published: November 2024

We study the conditions under which the CP violation in the quark mixing matrix can leak into the scalar potential of the real two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) via divergent radiative corrections, thereby spoiling the renormalizability of the model. We show that any contributing diagram must involve 12 Yukawa-coupling insertions and a factor of the U(1)PQ-breaking scalar potential parameter λ5, thereby requiring at least six loops; this also implies that the 2HDM with only softly broken U(1)PQ is safe from divergent leaks of CP violation to all orders. We demonstrate that additional symmetries of the six-loop diagrams in the type I and II 2HDMs guarantee that all of the divergent CP-violating contributions cancel at this order. We also show that these symmetries are violated at seven loops and enumerate the classes of diagrams that can contribute to CP-violating divergences, providing evidence that the real 2HDM is theoretically inconsistent starting at the seven-loop level.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electroweak axion portal to dark matter
Authors: Allen Stephanie , Blackburn Albany , Cardenas Oswaldo , Messenger Zoe , Nguyen Ngan H. , Shuve Brian
Published: November 2024

Axion-like particles (ALPs) are good candidates for mediators to the dark sector. We explore scenarios in which an ALP mediates interactions between dark matter and electroweak gauge bosons. These models yield testable electromagnetic signals in astrophysical, cosmological, and terrestrial probes. We find promising prospects for both indirect detection and accelerator tests, with interesting parameter space already constrained by current experiments. Our work provides concrete benchmarks for future tests of the electroweak ALP portal.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Systematic bias due to mismodeling precessing binary black hole ringdown
Authors: Foo Cheng , Hamilton Eleanor
Published: November 2024

Accurate waveform modeling is crucial for parameter estimation in gravitational wave astronomy, impacting our understanding of source properties and the testing of general relativity. The precession of orbital and spin angular momenta in binary black hole (BBH) systems with misaligned spins presents a complex challenge for gravitational waveform modeling. Current precessing BBH waveform models employ a coprecessing frame, which precesses along with the binary. In this paper, we investigate a source of bias stemming from the mismodeling of ringdown frequency in the coprecessing frame. We find that this mismodeling of the coprecessing frame ringdown frequency introduces systematic biases in parameter estimation, for high-mass systems in particular, and in the inspiral-merger-ringdown (IMR)-consistency test of general relativity. Employing the waveform model henom, we conduct an IMR-consistency test using a Fisher matrix analysis across parameter space, as well as full injected signal parameter estimation studies. Our results show that this mismodeling particularly affects BBH systems with high-mass ratios, high-spin magnitudes, and highly inclined spins. These findings suggest inconsistencies for all waveform models which do not address this issue.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
One loop effective actions in Kerr-(A)dS black holes
Authors: Arnaudo Paolo , Bonelli Giulio , Tanzini Alessandro
Published: November 2024

We compute new exact analytic expressions for one-loop scalar effective actions in Kerr (A)dS black hole (BH) backgrounds in four and five dimensions. These are computed by the connection coefficients of the Heun equation via a generalization of the Gelfand-Yaglom formalism to second-order linear ordinary differential equations with regular singularities. The expressions we find are in terms of Nekrasov-Shatashvili special functions, making explicit the analytic properties of the one-loop effective actions with respect to the gravitational parameters and the precise contributions of the quasinormal modes. The latter arise via an associated integrable system. In particular, we prove asymptotic formulas for large angular momenta in terms of hypergeometric functions and give a precise mathematical meaning to Rindler-like region contributions. Moreover, we identify the leading terms in the large distance expansion as the point particle approximation of the BH and their finite size corrections as encoding the BH tidal response. We also discuss the exact properties of the thermal version of the BH effective actions by providing a proof of the Denef-Hartnoll-Sachdev formula and explicitly computing it for new relevant cases. Although we focus on the real scalar field in dS-Kerr and (A)dS-Schwarzschild in four and five dimensions, similar formulas can be given for higher spin matter and radiation fields in more general gravitational backgrounds.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Is the Real Two-Higgs-Doublet Model Consistent?
Authors: de Lima Carlos Henrique , Logan Heather E.
Published: November 2024

We provide strong evidence that the widely studied real two-Higgs-doublet model is inconsistent under renormalization due to quark-induced divergent CP violation (CPV). We identify the necessary ingredients for the CPV to enter the renormalization-group equations based on symmetry proprieties of the divergent diagrams. We demonstrate that while these ingredients are present starting at six loops, the divergent CPV is zero at that order due to approximate symmetries. We show that these symmetries are broken at seven loops and determine the parameter dependence of the resulting divergent CPV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Signature of Attochemical Quantum Interference upon Ionization and Excitation of an Electronic Wave Packet in Fluorobenzene
Authors: Ferté Anthony , Austin Dane , Johnson Allan S. , McGrath Felicity , Malhado João Pedro , Marangos Jon P. , Vacher Morgane
Published: November 2024

Ultrashort pulses can excite or ionize molecules and populate coherent electronic wave packets, inducing complex dynamics. In this Letter, we simulate the coupled electron-nuclear dynamics upon ionization to different electronic wave packets of (deuterated) benzene and fluoro-benzene molecules, quantum mechanically and in full dimensionality. In fluoro-benzene, the calculations unravel both interstate and intrastate quantum interferences that leave clear signatures of attochemistry and charge-directed dynamics in the shape of the autocorrelation function. The latter are in agreement with experimental high-harmonic spectroscopy measurements of benzenes and fluoro-benzene.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Capital market liberalization and corporate debt maturity structure: evidence from the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock connect
Authors: Huang Jun , Mo Haijie , Zhang Tianshu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper takes the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as a quasi-natural experiment and investigates the impact of capital market liberalization on the corporate debt maturity structure. It also aims to provide some policy implications for corporate debt financing and further liberalization of the capital market in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the exogenous event of Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and using the data of Chinese A-share firms from 2010 to 2020, this study constructs a difference-in-differences model to examine the relationship between capital market liberalization and corporate debt maturity structure. To validate the results, this study performed several robustness tests, including the parallel test, the placebo test, the Heckman two-stage regression and the propensity score matching.

Findings

This paper finds that capital market liberalization has significantly increased the proportion of long-term debt of target firms. Further analyses suggest that the impact of capital market liberalization on the debt maturity structure is more pronounced for firms with lower management ownership and non-Big 4 audit. Channel tests show that capital market liberalization improves firms’ information environment and curbs self-interested management behavior.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence for the consequences of capital market liberalization and enriches the literature on the determinants of corporate debt maturity structure. Further this study makes a reference for regulators and financial institutions to improve corporate financing through the governance role of capital market liberalization.
Playing it ethical or safe? Examining the effects of executive military experience on earnings management
Authors: Xu Yekun , Zhang Yameng , Zhao Jiayu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether and how the executive military experience influences accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 4,392 listed firms in China between 2006 and 2022, this study examines the theoretical hypotheses by performing multiple regressions with fixed effects and a battery of robustness tests.

Findings

With a focus on executives’ decisions on the choice between two earning management methods, this paper find military executives reduce accrual-based earnings management but increase real earnings management. The mechanism of risk-aversion is verified in the post hoc analysis.

Originality/value

Most studies argue that military experience, which represents a strong sense of duty and self-discipline, can help to reduce corporate unethical behaviors. The study extends the existing literature on executives’ military experience by identifying risk-aversion rather than ethical values as the potential mechanism through which executives’ military experience affects earnings management.
Audience awareness of radio messages on adopting malaria preventive measures among rural dwellers in Oyo state, Nigeria
Authors: Oko-Epelle Lydia , Talabi Felix Olajide
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the audience awareness of radio messages on malaria prevention and how these messages have influenced the adoption of malaria preventive measures among rural dwellers in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining surveys and qualitative focus group discussions to gather data on respondents’ attitudes, knowledge and practices related to malaria prevention. The authors used Frequency distribution involving tables to present quantitative data, while we deployed thematic analysis to present qualitative data.

Findings

Results showed that most rural dwellers (86.5%) were exposed to malaria prevention radio messages. However, findings indicated that awareness alone did not influence the adoption of malaria preventive measures; instead, a positive attitude toward messages influenced the adoption of the malaria preventive measures.

Practical implications

Radio stations should tailor their messaging to address daily malaria difficulties while considering the target audience’s culture and belief systems. Also efforts should be directed at developing messages that promote awareness and build favorable attitudes toward preventative measures. Finally, radio stations, government agencies and health-care professionals must work together to guarantee that malaria prevention messages are effectively distributed.

Originality/value

The originality of this study comes from its unique ability to examine audience awareness of radio messages, mainly as it influences the adoption of malaria preventive measures.
Unpacking the presence of women as HR directors: organisational factors from MNCs subsidiaries operating in Canada
Authors: Turki Sondes
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the organisational factors responsible for the inclusion of women as Human Resource (HR) directors in Canadian-based subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the resource dependence theory, this study outlines the features of subsidiaries that appoint a woman HR director. Hypotheses were developed and assessed through analysis of a database obtained from a quantitative investigation. Analyses are based on 100 multinational subsidiaries operating in Canada.

Findings

Three primary findings arise from this study. Firstly, the larger the subsidiary, the less likely it is for a woman to hold the position of HR director. Secondly, there is a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of women employed in an MNC subsidiary and the presence of women in the HR director position. Finally, MNC subsidiaries with high executive career progression autonomy are more likely to have a woman HR director than those lacking in such autonomy.

Practical implications

This study proposes improving the representation of women in HR director positions by increasing the percentage of women employed in organisations and by granting greater decision-making autonomy to subsidiaries of MNCs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to broader research on gender inequality in leadership. This paper responds specifically to the dearth of research into gender inequality in HR directorships, despite HR as a profession being female dominated. This study focuses upon HR in multinational corporations – again, an under-researched area.
“Honoring their stories”: care providers’ understanding of psychosocial concerns among Bhutanese American older adults with refugee life experience
Authors: Prasai Aakriti , Chamlagai Lila K. , Frounfelker Rochelle L. , Gautam Bhuwan , Mishra Tej , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to psychosocial well-being among ethnic Nepali Bhutanese American older adults from the perspective of health care and service providers working with this population. Specifically, the authors aimed to understand health-care and service providers’ perceptions of the psychosocial well-being in this community and appropriate interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyze data in collaboration with a community-based organization. A total of ten participants were interviewed. Interviews were conducted in either English or Nepali, based on participant preference. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Three major themes were generated from the analysis. The first two were in reference to perceived barriers to mental well-being among Bhutanese American older adults: isolation that older adults faced in the USA and shifting responsibilities and lifestyles that arose from the cultural and structural barriers in the USA. Throughout these themes, there was an understanding that acculturation threatened families’ connections to each other and impacted older adults’ connections with younger generations. The third theme, a perceived facilitator of well-being, was the power of storytelling to counteract feelings of isolation and disempowerment caused by shifting lifestyles felt by older adults, especially amid community events.

Originality/value

Bhutanese American older adults, many of whom have limited English proficiency, face numerous challenges, psychosocial stressors and factors contributing to well-being. Care for this population should prioritize dignity, empowerment and the incorporation of strengths within their narratives. Interventions and services tailored for older Bhutanese American adults need to be adapted to integrate multiple care systems.