bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to school-based eye health programs in Central Region, Malawi: a qualitative case study
Authors: Yashadhana Aryati , Lee Ling , Serova Nina , Nthete Evaristous , Burnett Anthea M
Published: March 2023

Vision impairment among children is associated with lower levels of educational attainment. School-based eye health programs have the potential to provide high-quality and cost-effective services that assist in the prevention of blindness and uncorrected vision impairment, particularly in low-resources settings. The aim of this study was to identify key factors that inhibit or facilitate the provision of school-based eye health programs, including referral to eye care services, for Malawian children in the Central Region. In-depth interviews (n = 10) and focus groups (n = 5) with children, parents, school staff, eye care practitioners, government and NGO workers (total participants n = 44) in rural and urban contexts within central region, Malawi, were conducted. Taking a rights-based approach, we used the AAAQ (availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality) framework to identify barriers and enablers to school eye health programs. Complex factors shape access to school-based eye health programs. While intersectoral collaboration between ministries was present, infrastructure and resourcing restricted the delivery of school eye health programs. School staff were supportive of being trained as vision screeners. Parents voiced geographic access to follow up eye care, and spectacle cost as a barrier; and children revealed experiences of stigma related to spectacle as barriers to uptake. School-based eye care may be facilitated through teachers, community informants and health workers through; the provision of school vision screening; increased awareness of the impact of vision impairment on education and future employment; and through educational approaches that seek to decrease stigma and misconceptions associated with wearing spectacles.
Patient trust and positive attitudes maximize non-communicable diseases management in rural Tanzania
Authors: Sato Hideko , Nakamura Keiko , Kibusi Stephen , Seino Kaoruko , Maro Isaac I , Tashiro Yuri , Bintabara Deogratius , Shayo Festo K , Miyashita Ayano , Ohnishi Mayumi
Published: March 2023

The objectives of this study were to identify difficulties and their related contexts non-communicable disease (NCD) patients in rural Tanzania experienced, examine how patients managed the situation by seeking better treatment of the diseases, and propose a realistic approach for optimizing disease management with long-term perspectives in resource-limited settings, based on views of patients (PTs), health-care providers (HPs), and health volunteers (HVs). Nine focus group discussions were performed with 56 participants of PTs, HPs, and HVs in three district hospitals in the Dodoma region. Their views and self-care practices were extracted, and the verbatim data were analyzed to derive codes and categories. The types of NCDs reported by the PTs were hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and HT/DM comorbidity. Reported barriers to disease management included discontinuation of treatment due to various factors and a lack of positive messages regarding disease management in NCD care. The following points were addressed in relation to the improved management of NCDs: (i) positive attitudes and coping skills, (ii) support from family members, (iii) good communication between PTs and HPs, and (iv) trustworthy relationships with HVs. The findings suggest that to gain the trust of PTs in optimizing disease control in overstretched health-care systems, patient support systems should be strengthened by empowering positive attitudes.
The causes of and responses to today’s inflation
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E , Regmi Ira
Published: March 2023

Over the last couple years, the world has experienced the highest levels of inflation in more than four decades. This paper provides a framework for analyzing the causes and the appropriate responses. We show that it is not caused by an excess of aggregate demand, and in particular, not caused by any excess consumption arising from excessive pandemic spending, but by supply-side shocks, largely induced by the pandemic (e.g., chips), and also by the war in Ukraine, combined with sectoral demand shifts. We analyze the role played by market power and the lack of resilience. Increases in interest rates, beyond normalizing levels, will do little to address the underlying problems and may exacerbate them, impeding effective responses to supply shortages. The paper describes alternative fiscal and other measures that, while addressing current inflation, have further long-term welfare benefits.
Coffee and tea intake with long-term risk of irritable bowel syndrome: a large-scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Yang Zhirong , Yuan Changzheng , Liu Si , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shutian , Zhu Shengtao
Published: March 2023

Background

To investigate prospective association of coffee and tea intake with incident irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a long-term cohort.

Methods

Participants free of IBS, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and any cancer at baseline from UK Biobank were included. Coffee and tea intake was measured separately via baseline touchscreen questionnaire, with four categories for each intake (0, 0.5–1, 2–3 and ≥4 cups/day). Primary outcome was incident IBS. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate associated risk.

Results

Among 425 387 participants, 83 955(19.7%) and 186 887(43.9%) consumed ≥4 cups/day of coffee and tea at baseline, respectively. During median 12.4-year follow-up, incident IBS was identified in 7736 participants. Compared with no coffee intake, consumption of 0.5–1, 2–3 and ≥4 cups/day was associated with lower IBS risk [hazard ratio (HR)=0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99; 0.91, 0.85–0.97; 0.81, 0.76–0.88; Ptrend < 0.001]. Specifically, decreased risk was evident in individuals who consumed instant (HR = 0.83, 0.78–0.88) or ground coffee (HR = 0.82, 0.76–0.88) compared with no coffee drink. Regarding tea intake, protective association was only found in individuals who consumed 0.5–1 cup/day (HR = 0.87, 0.80–0.95), whereas no significant association was detected in those who consumed 2–3 (HR = 0.94, 0.88–1.01) or ≥4 cups/day (HR = 0.95, 0.89–1.02) compared with no-tea intake (Ptrend = 0.848).

Conclusions

Higher intake of coffee, particularly instant and ground coffee, is associated with lower risk of incident IBS, with significant dose–response relationship. Moderate-tea intake (0.5–1 cup/day) is associated with lower IBS risk.
A Meta-Analysis of Neural Correlates of Reward Anticipation in Individuals at Clinical Risk for Schizophrenia
Authors: Zeng Jianguang , Yan Jiangnan , You Lantao , Liao Tingting , Luo Ya , Cheng Bochao , Yang Xun
Published: March 2023

Background

Aberrant striatal responses to reward anticipation have been observed in schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether these dysfunctions predate the onset of psychosis and whether reward anticipation is impaired in individuals at clinical high risk for schizophrenia (CHR).

Methods

To examine the neural correlates of monetary anticipation in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, we performed a whole-brain meta-analysis of 13 functional neuroimaging studies that compared reward anticipation signals between CHR individuals and healthy controls (HC). Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were systematically searched from January 1, 2000, to May 1, 2022.

Results

Thirteen whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging studies including 318 CHR individuals and 426 HC were identified through comprehensive literature searches. Relative to HC, CHR individuals showed increased brain responses in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex and decreased activation in the mesolimbic circuit, including the putamen, parahippocampal gyrus, insula, cerebellum, and supramarginal gyrus, during reward anticipation.

Conclusions

Our findings in the CHR group confirmed the existence of abnormal motivational-related activation during reward anticipation, thus demonstrating the pathophysiological characteristics of the risk populations. These results have the potential to lead to the early identification and more accurate prediction of subsequent psychosis as well as a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of high-risk state of psychotic disorder.
The infection efficacy ofMetarhiziumstrains (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) against the Queensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: McGuire Amy V , Edwards William , Northfield and Tobin D
Published: March 2023

The Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, is a devastating pest of Australia’s commercial fruit systems. Fruit fly mitigation is heavily centered around the use chemical insecticides, with limited investigation into microbial control alternatives. The wet tropics of northern Queensland is a highly biodiverse ecosystem containing many species of insect pathogenic fungi, but it is unclear whether any of these entomopathogens could contribute to Qfly management programs. In laboratory trials, we investigated the potential for Qfly microbial control by 3 locally sourced strains of entomopathogenic fungi comprising 2 species, Metarhizium guizhouense (Chen and Guo) and Metarhizium lepidiotae (Driver and Milner). Additionally, we evaluated 2 different inoculation methods to derive the most effective way to expose the flies to conidia—either through dry conidia or in a conidial suspension. All 3 strains were successful in causing Qfly mortality. Metarhizium lepidiotae resulted in the highest mean mortality over the trials, while M. guizhouense resulted in the highest mortality in a single replicate. Laboratory experiments revealed exposure through dry conidia to be the most effective method to inoculate the flies. These results suggest that fungal entomopathogens could be a viable pathway to Qfly suppression.
Disentangling morphology and genetics in two voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and M. ochrogaster) in a region of sympatry
Authors: Everson Kathryn M , McGinnis Robert C , Burdine Olivia P , Huddleston Taniece R , Hylick Tyler M , Keith Audrey L , Moore Savannah C , O’Brien Aidan E , Vilardo Ava L , Krupa James J
Published: March 2023

Species in recent, rapid radiations can be difficult to distinguish from one another due to incomplete sorting of traits, insufficient time for novel morphologies to evolve, and elevated rates of hybridization and gene flow. The vole genus Microtus (58 spp.) is one such system where all three factors are likely at play. In the central United States, the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster, and the eastern meadow vole, M. pennsylvanicus, occur in sympatry and can be distinguished on the basis of molar cusp patterns but are known to be exceptionally difficult to distinguish using external morphological characters. Using a combination of morphometrics, pelage color analyses, and phylogenetics, we explored which traits are most effective for species identification and whether these same traits can be used to identify the subspecies M. o. ohionensis. While we were able to identify six traits that differed significantly between M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus, we also found substantial measurement overlap which limits the utility of these traits for species identification. The subspecies M. o. ohionensis was particularly difficult to distinguish from M. p. pennsylvanicus, and we did not find any evidence that this subspecies forms a distinct genetic clade. Furthermore, the full species M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus did not form reciprocal clades in phylogenetic analyses. We discuss several possible reasons for these patterns, including unrecognized variation in molar cusp patterns and/or localized hybridization. Overall, our results provide useful information that will aid in the identification of these species and subspecies in the future, and provides a case study of how genetics, morphometrics, and fur color analyses can be used to disentangle signatures of evolutionary history and hybridization.
An integrative profiling of metabolome and transcriptome in the plasma and skeletal muscle following an exercise intervention in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Han Shuang , Wu Qingqian , Wang Mengying , Yang Miqi , Sun Chen , Liang Jiaqi , Guo Xiaozhen , Zhang Zheyu , Xu Jingya , Qiu Xinyuan , Xie Cen , Chen Siyu , Gao Yue , Meng Zhuo-Xian
Published: March 2023

Exercise intervention at the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can aid in the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications. However, the exercise-regulated pathways that prevent the development of T2DM remain largely unclear. In this study, two forms of exercise intervention, treadmill training and voluntary wheel running, were conducted for high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. We observed that both forms of exercise intervention alleviated HFD-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Skeletal muscle is recognized as the primary site for postprandial glucose uptake and for responsive alteration beyond exercise training. Metabolomic profiling of the plasma and skeletal muscle in Chow, HFD, and HFD-exercise groups revealed robust alterations in metabolic pathways by exercise intervention in both cases. Overlapping analysis identified nine metabolites, including beta-alanine, leucine, valine, and tryptophan, which were reversed by exercise treatment in both the plasma and skeletal muscle. Transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles in the skeletal muscle revealed several key pathways involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on metabolic homeostasis. In addition, integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered strong correlations between the concentrations of bioactive metabolites and the expression levels of genes involved in energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and immune response in the skeletal muscle. This work established two models of exercise intervention in obese mice and provided mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of exercise intervention on systemic energy homeostasis.
Moral education, emotions, and social practices
Authors: Mejía Andrés
Published: March 2023

Paul Hirst’s idea of moral education is distinctive in the central role it attributes to social practices. For him, ethical principles and virtues should not be seen as abstract entities theoretically derived and then applied in education so that students learn to reason from those principles or live by those virtues. Instead, Hirst’s moral education incorporates an initiation into social practices and comes back to them by means of situated critical reflection from within those practices themselves. Embracing Hirst’s proposed central role of social practices, this paper spells out the key role that emotions play in moral education so understood and their relations with social practices. As emotions materialize our deeply held values, incorporated into lived experience, their cultivation will not simply be a matter of deliberation, but rather of the practical exploration of social practices that can nurture and sustain them.
Emergent initial presentation of congenital malrotation with midgut volvulus in 68-year-old
Authors: Tecos Maria E , Pipinos Margarita , Waibel Brett H
Published: March 2023

Congenital malrotation is a pathology nearly exclusive to the infant population. In the rare instance when it is diagnosed in an adult, it is typically associated with a longstanding history of gastrointestinal symptoms. Unfortunately, this unique presentation in an unexpected population has the potential to be confounding, leading to delayed or mismanaged care. Here, we describe an intriguing case of congenital malrotation complicated by midgut volvulus in a 68-year-old woman. Even more curious, the patient did not have a medical history plagued by abdominal complaints. Careful, comprehensive evaluation yielded appropriate surgical management via Ladd’s procedure and right hemicolectomy in this complex patient.
Complex treatment of multiple high-output enterocutaneous fistulas (gastric, jejunum, transversum) after bariatric surgery
Authors: Struchkov Vladimir Yu , Berelavichus Stanislav V , Dvuhzhilov Mihail V , Akhtanin Evgenij A , Kriger Andrej G
Published: March 2023

Multiply high-output enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) is a tragic postoperative complication. This report describes complex treatment of patient with multiple enterocutaneous fistulas after bariatric surgery, including a comprehensive preoperative preparation for 3 months (sepsis control, nutritional support and wound care) and reconstructive surgery (laparotomy, distal gastrectomy, resection of the small bowel with fistulas, Roux-gastrojejunostomy, transversostomy).
Evaluation of Serum Creatinine Levels with Reference Change Value in Patients Receiving Colistin Treatment
Authors: Cinpolat Havva Yasemin , Alkan Sevil , Altinisik Hatice Betul , Cakir Dilek Ulker , Oguzman Hamdi
Published: March 2023

Objective

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serum creatinine (SCr) levels with the reference change value (RCV) in patients receiving colistin treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively recorded the SCr levels of 47 patients receiving colistin treatment before treatment and on days 3 and 7 after treatment. RCV was calculated with the asymmetrical RCV formula (Z = 1.64, P < .05). Percent (%) increase in the SCr results of the patients was compared with RCV and values exceeding RCV were regarded as statistically significant.

Results

The RCV was calculated as 15.6% for SCr. Compared with pretreatment values, SCr value on day 3 was 32/47 and on day 7 it was 36/47; as these results exceeded RCV, they were considered statistically significant.

Conclusion

Use of RCV in the interpretation of results between serial measurements will provide a more rapid and sensitive method when making decisions.
Beyond the bulge–halo conspiracy? Density profiles of early-type galaxies from extended-source strong lensing
Authors: Etherington Amy , Nightingale James W , Massey Richard , Robertson Andrew , Cao XiaoYue , Amvrosiadis Aristeidis , Cole Shaun , Frenk Carlos S , He Qiuhan , Lagattuta David J , Lange Samuel , Li Ran
Published: March 2023

Observations suggest that the dark matter and stars in early-type galaxies ‘conspire’ to produce a surprisingly simple distribution of total mass, ρ(r) ∝ ρ−γ, with γ ≈ 2. We measure the distribution of mass in 48 early-type galaxies that gravitationally lens a resolved background source. By fitting the source light in every pixel of images from the Hubble Space Telescope, we find a mean $\langle \gamma \rangle =2.075_{-0.024}^{+0.023}$ with an intrinsic scatter between galaxies of $\sigma _\gamma =0.172^{+0.022}_{-0.032}$ for the overall sample. This is consistent with and has similar precision to traditional techniques that employ spectroscopic observations to supplement lensing with mass estimates from stellar dynamics. Comparing measurements of γ for individual lenses using both techniques, we find a statistically insignificant correlation of $-0.150^{+0.223}_{-0.217}$ between the two, indicating a lack of statistical power or deviations from a power-law density in certain lenses. At fixed surface mass density, we measure a redshift dependence, $\partial \langle \gamma \rangle /\partial z=0.345^{+0.322}_{-0.296}$, that is consistent with traditional techniques for the same sample of Sloan Lens ACS and GALaxy-Lyα EmitteR sYstems (GALLERY) lenses. Interestingly, the consistency breaks down when we measure the dependence of γ on the surface mass density of a lens galaxy. We argue that this is tentative evidence for an inflection point in the total mass-density profile at a few times the galaxy effective radius – breaking the conspiracy.
Research on the joint timekeeping of pulsars and atomic clocks based on Vondrak–Cepek filtering
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Bo , Zheng Zehao , Chen Zhengkun , Zhu Xiangwei
Published: March 2023

There is a wide demand for high-precision and high-stability time-scales, which are mainly established by atomic clocks. The short-term stability of atomic clocks is good, while the long-term stability is poor. Meanwhile, millisecond pulsars have good long-term stability. It is expected to produce time-scales with high-stability performance by combining pulsars and atomic clocks to keep time. In this paper, a novel joint timekeeping algorithm based on Vondrak–Cepek filtering is proposed. The filter makes a compromise between the fidelity of the observation data and their first derivatives and the smoothness of the filtering results. Also, it can give full play to the long-term stability of pulsars and the short-term stability of atomic clocks. Experiments and results show that the joint timekeeping algorithm improved σz of 7.58 × 10−13 on 6.5-d time interval with respect to that obtained from the pulsar ensemble time-scale algorithm. Also, the joint timekeeping algorithm improved σz of 6.94 × 10−15 on 9.1-yr time interval with respect to that obtained from the atomic ensemble time-scale algorithm. The algorithm proposed in this paper can be applied to scenes requiring high-stability time-scales.
A Lagrangian construction of rotating star models
Authors: Ogata Misa , Okawa Hirotada , Fujisawa Kotaro , Yasutake Nobutoshi , Yamamoto Yu , Yamada Shoichi
Published: March 2023

We present a new formulation for numerically obtaining axisymmetric equilibrium structures of rotating stars in two spatial dimensions. With a view to apply it to the secular evolution of rotating stars, we base it on the Lagrangian description, i.e. we solve the force-balance equations to find the spatial positions of fluid elements endowed individually with a mass, specific entropy and angular momentum. The system of non-linear equations obtained by finite-differencing the basic equations is solved with the W4 method, which is a new multidimensional root-finding scheme of our own devising. We augment it with a remapping scheme to avoid distortions of the Lagrangian coordinates. In this first one of a series of papers, we will give a detailed description of these methods initially. We then present the results of some test calculations, which include the construction of both rapidly rotating barotropic and baroclinic equilibrium states. We gauge their accuracies quantitatively with some diagnostic quantities as well as via comparisons with the counterparts obtained with an Eulerian code. For a demonstrative purpose, we apply the code to a toy-model cooling calculation of a rotating white dwarf.
Abundance analysis of a nitrogen-rich extreme-helium hot subdwarf from the SALT survey
Authors: Scott L J A , Jeffery C S , Farren D , Tap C , Dorsch M
Published: March 2023

We have performed a detailed spectral analysis of the helium-rich hot subdwarf EC 20187−4939, using data obtained in the SALT survey of helium-rich hot subdwarfs. We have measured its effective temperature, surface gravity, and chemical abundances from the spectrum. Its radius has also been determined by fitting the spectral energy distribution using photometric data, from which a mass of 0.44$^{+0.32}_{-0.19}$ M⊙ has been inferred using the measurement of surface gravity. This star is particularly abundant in helium and nitrogen, whilst being both carbon and oxygen-weak. The surface abundances and mass have been found to be consistent with a helium white dwarf merger product. The abundance effects of alpha captures on nitrogen during the merger process and possible connections between EC 20187−4939, and other carbon-weak related objects are discussed.
Searching for the warm-hot intergalactic medium usingXMM–Newtonhigh-resolution X-ray spectra
Authors: Gatuzz E , García Javier A , Churazov E , Kallman T R
Published: March 2023

The problem of missing baryons in the local universe remains an open question. One proposed alternative is that at low redshifts missing baryons are in the form of the warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM). In order to test this idea, we present a detailed analysis of X-ray high-resolution spectra of six extragalactic sources, Mrk 421, 1ES 1028+511, 1ES 1553+113, H2356−309, PKS 0558−504, and PG 1116+215, obtained with the XMM–Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer to search for signals of WHIM and/or circumgalactic medium X-ray-absorbing gas. We fit the X-ray absorption with the IONeq model, allowing us to take into account the presence of X-ray spectral features due to the multiphase component of the local interstellar medium (ISM). An additional IONeq component is included to model the WHIM absorption, instead of the traditional Gaussian absorption line modelling. We found no statistical improvement in the fits when including such component in any of the sources, concluding that we can safely reject a successful detection of WHIM absorbers towards these lines of sights. Our simulation shows that the presence of the multiphase ISM absorption features prevents the detection of low-redshift WHIM absorption features in the >17 Å spectral region for moderate exposures using high-resolution spectra.
Gamma-ray flares and broad-band spectral study of PKS 0402-362
Authors: Das Avik Kumar , Mondal Sandeep Kumar , Prince Raj
Published: March 2023

We study the long-term behaviour of the bright gamma-ray blazar PKS 0402-362. We collected approximately 13 yr of Fermi-LAT data between August 2008 to January 2021 and identified three bright γ-ray activity epochs. The second was found to be the brightest epoch ever seen in this source. We observed most of the γ-ray flare peaks to be asymmetric in profile suggesting a slow cooling time of particles or the varying Doppler factor as the main cause of these flares. The γ-ray spectrum is fitted with PL and LP spectral models, and in both cases, the spectral index is very steep. The γ-ray spectrum does not extend beyond 10 GeV energy suggesting the emission is produced within the BLR. The absence of time lags between optical-IR and γ-ray suggest one zone emission model. Using the above information, we have modelled the broad-band SED with a simple one-zone emission model using the publicly available code ‘GAMERA’. The particle distribution index is found to be the same as expected in diffusive shock acceleration suggesting it as the main mechanism of particle acceleration to very high energy up to 4–6 GeV. Throughout the various flux phases, we noticed that the optical emission is dominated by the thermal disc, suggesting it to be a good source to examine the disc-jet coupling. We postulate that the observed broad-band flares could be linked with perturbation produced in the disc, which propagates to the jet and interacts with the standing shock. However, a more detailed examination is required.
Distributional effect of import shocks on British local labour markets
Authors: Adem Anwar S
Published: March 2023

This article investigates the causal effect of import shocks on the wage distribution using individual-level data from the UK in the period 1997–2010. The analysis exploits regional variation in initial industrial structure and concentration for identification, and applies a group IV quantile approach to estimate the effect of import shocks on workers at different parts of the wage distribution. The study finds that the effect of import shocks generated by increased import competition is concentrated on the middle of the wage distribution: while the import shocks negatively and significantly affect workers at the bottom-middle of the wage distribution, its effect on the very bottom and upper parts of the wage groups is insignificant. Moreover, the study finds that this labour market adjustment takes place through a reduction in the hourly wage rather than a decline in total hours worked.
Discounting and Intergenerational Ethics
Authors: Zuber Stéphane , Fleurbaey Marc
Published: March 2023

The question of social discounting is central in intertemporal cost–benefit analysis that often shapes economists’ recommendations regarding climate policy. The practice of discounting has been the object of heated debates among economists and philosophers, revolving around the issue of intergenerational ethics. In this chapter, the authors review the different arguments for and against specific values of social discounting. The authors show that there are actually two different ethical issues at stake: (1) the question of impartiality (or equal treatment of all generations) and (2) the question of priority to the worse off (aversion to inequality in resources, capabilities, or welfare). These questions have emerged in the utilitarian approach and can be neatly separated in that case. They also have very different consequences for climate policy. The authors then argue that the question of social discounting is not confined to the utilitarian framework as it more generally describes the social value of income (or capability or welfare) transfers to future generations. Lastly, the authors discuss the many limitations of social discounting as a tool for policy analysis.
Democracy (Not) on Display: A Structural Collocation Analysis of the Mother of All Parliaments’ Reluctance to Broadcast Herself
Authors: van Waarden Betto , Johansson Mathias
Published: March 2023

Why was the British Parliament so late in broadcasting its debates? Scholars have made recommendations on parliamentary communication, analysed its effects, and described the debates and arguments on broadcasting parliament. But who was making these arguments, and what role did parliamentarians’ identities play in these debates? We show the crucial role that partisanship—but also the distinctions between government and opposition, senior and junior, and urban and rural MPs—played in Westminster’s debates on broadcasting itself. We do so by applying our new method of ‘structural collocation analysis’ to all 3965 debate utterances on broadcasting parliament between 1935 and 2014—rather than merely the eleven official debates on broadcasting parliament studied thus far—comparing utterances by subgroups of MPs using metadata that we added to the digitised proceedings. We focus on issue ownership, discursive differences and MPs’ reflections on broadcasting parliament.
Transcranial direct current stimulation to reduce chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis: phase II randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mechsner Sylvia , Grünert Jackie , Wiese Jakob Johann , Vormbäumen Jane , Sehouli Jalid , Siegmund Britta , Neeb Lars , Prüß Magdalena Sarah
Published: March 2023

Background

It is known that various chronic pain conditions lead to maladaptive changes in the central nervous system. Endometriosis is frequently associated with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Its sufficient treatment remains a clinical challenge. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to be a powerful method to reduce chronic pain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate pain reduction via anodal tDCS in patients with endometriosis and CPP.

Methods

This clinical phase II, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-design study included 36 patients with endometriosis and CPP. All patients had CPP, defined as a score of ≥3/10 on the visual analog scale for ≥3 months in the prior 6 months. Anodal or placebo tDCS (18 patients per arm) was applied over the primary motor cortex for 10 days. The primary outcome measure was the pressure pain threshold (objective pain measure), and secondary outcomes were the numerical rating scale score (subjective pain measure), Von Frey monofilaments, and disease- and pain-related questionnaires. Data were collected at baseline, after the 10-day stimulation, and at a follow-up session, which took place 1 week after the tDCS had ended. Statistical analyses were performed with analyses of variance and t tests.

Results

Significant decreased pain perception in both pain measurements (pressure pain threshold and numerical rating scale score) was found for the active tDCS group compared with the placebo group. This proof-of-concept study shows that tDCS is a helpful supporting pain therapy for patients with endometriosis and CPP. Moreover, further analyses revealed that 1 week after the stimulation had ended, pain reduction as indexed by pressure pain threshold remained significantly decreased, which indicates possible long-term analgesic effects.

Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that tDCS is an effective therapy for pain reduction in endometriosis-associated CPP. The results support the notion that CPP is developed and maintained in the central nervous system, making a multimodal pain therapy necessary.

Trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05231239.
Local calcium signal transmission in mycelial network exhibits decentralized stress responses
Authors: Itani Ayaka , Masuo Shunsuke , Yamamoto Riho , Serizawa Tomoko , Fukasawa Yu , Takaya Naoki , Toyota Masatsugu , Betsuyaku Shigeyuki , Takeshita Norio
Published: March 2023

Many fungi live as mycelia, which are networks of hyphae. Mycelial networks are suited for the widespread distribution of nutrients and water. The logistical capabilities are critical for the extension of fungal survival areas, nutrient cycling in ecosystems, mycorrhizal symbioses, and virulence. In addition, signal transduction in mycelial networks is predicted to be vital for mycelial function and robustness. A lot of cell biological studies have elucidated protein and membrane trafficking and signal transduction in fungal hyphae; however, there are no reports visualizing signal transduction in mycelia. This paper, by using the fluorescent Ca2+ biosensor, visualized for the first time how calcium signaling is conducted inside the mycelial network in response to localized stimuli in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The wavy propagation of the calcium signal inside the mycelium or the signal blinking in the hyphae varies depending on the type of stress and proximity to the stress. The signals, however, only extended around 1,500 μm, suggesting that the mycelium has a localized response. The mycelium showed growth delay only in the stressed areas. Local stress caused arrest and resumption of mycelial growth through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking. To elucidate the downstream of calcium signaling, calmodulin, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, the principal intracellular Ca2+ receptors were immunoprecipitated and their downstream targets were identified by mass spectrometry analyses. Our data provide evidence that the mycelial network, which lacks a brain or nervous system, exhibits decentralized response through locally activated calcium signaling in response to local stress.
Thermodynamics of dilaton black holes charged with a higher-dimensional Coulomb-like field
Authors: Dehghani M
Published: March 2023

The field equations are written explicitly in the framework of higher-dimensional Einstein-dilaton gravity theory, which is coupled to non-linear electrodynamics. It is proved that this theory is confronted with the problem of indeterminacy. By this we mean that the number of unknowns is one more than the unique differential equations. Analytical solutions are obtained by the use of power-law and exponential ansatz functions, separately. It is found that this theory in the presence of a Coulomb-like electric field, inspired by non-linear electrodynamics, admits two novel classes of black hole solutions for each of the ansatz functions. Under the influence of the dilaton field, the asymptotic behavior of the solutions is neither flat nor anti-de Sitter. Through comparison of the results it is shown that, under some simple conditions, both of the ansatz functions lead to the same results. It is illustrated that our exact solutions can produce two-horizon, one-horizon, and horizonless black holes. The validity of the first law of black hole thermodynamics is investigated by use of a Smarr-type mass formula. The thermal stability of the black holes is analyzed by making use of the canonical ensemble and geometrical methods, separately. The results of these two alternative approaches are compared by the use of plots.
Tied-array beam localization of radio transients and pulsars
Authors: Bezuidenhout M C , Clark C J , Breton R P , Stappers B W , Barr E D , Caleb M , Chen W , Jankowski F , Kramer M , Rajwade K , Surnis M
Published: March 2023

Multi-element interferometers such as MeerKAT, which observe with high time resolution and have a wide field of view, provide an ideal opportunity to perform real-time, untargeted transient and pulsar searches. However, because of data storage limitations, it is not always feasible to store the baseband data required to image the field of a discovered transient or pulsar. This limits the ability of surveys to effectively localize their discoveries and may restrict opportunities for follow-up science, especially of one-off events like some fast radio bursts. Here, we present a novel maximum-likelihood estimation approach to localizing transients and pulsars detected in multiple MeerKAT tied-array beams at once, which we call tied-array beam localization, as well as a Python implementation of the method named SeeKAT. We provide real-world examples of SeeKAT’s use as well as a Monte Carlo analysis to show that it is capable of localizing single pulses detected in beamformed MeerKAT data to (sub)arcsec precision.
Non-viral gene coating modified IOL delivering PDGFR-α shRNA interferes with the fibrogenic process to prevent posterior capsular opacification
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Hu Yulin , Han Yuemei , Fang Qiuna , Chen Zhirong , Wang Yajia , Zhao Peiyi , Wang Hui , Lin Quankui
Published: March 2023

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), the most common complication after cataract surgery, is caused by the proliferation, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of residual lens epithelial cells in the capsule bag. Although the surface modification and drug loading of intraocular lens (IOLs) have been effective in preventing PCO to some extent, the intraocular safety of anti-proliferative drug application is still a major limitation in clinical application. In this study, we used non-viral gene delivery systems in combination with layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technology, and the modified IOL could effectively prevent the development of PCO by interfering with the EMT process mediated by the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α). Herein, the gene fragments were wrapped by electrostatic conjugation using polyethyleneimine-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) to form gene complexes. Gene complexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and agarose gel electrophoresis, and evaluated for storage and serum stability. The layer assembly behavior of the IOL surface, changes in optical properties and the release behavior of the gene complexes were characterized using quartz crystal microbalance, UV–vis, contact angle and TEM. In vitro experiments showed that the IOL coating has good bio-compatibility and can achieve the corresponding transfection effect, and the released gene complexes exhibited excellent cell internalization and lysosomal escape behaviors, as well as effective inhibition of PDGFR-α expression and its mediated EMT process. The early PCO prevention effect and bio-compatibility evaluation of the modified IOL in vivo were evaluated by implantation into animal eyes. This study provides a new strategy for the development of surface modifications of small nucleic acid drugs and non-toxic EMT interference therapies for PCO.
COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions increase the alignment in sleep and light exposure between school days and weekends in university students
Authors: Rice Alicia , Sather Olivia , Wright Kenneth P , Vetter Céline , Martin Melanie A , de la Iglesia Horacio O
Published: March 2023

Younger adults have a biological disposition to sleep and wake at later times that conflict with early morning obligations like work and school; this conflict leads to inadequate sleep duration and a difference in sleep timing between school days and weekends. The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities and workplaces to shut down in person attendance and implement remote learning and meetings that decreased/removed commute times and gave students more flexibility with their sleep timing. To determine the impact of remote learning on the daily sleep–wake cycle we conducted a natural experiment using wrist actimetry monitors to compare activity patterns and light exposure in three cohorts of students: pre-shutdown in-person learning (2019), during-shutdown remote learning (2020), and post-shutdown in-person learning (2021). Our results show that during-shutdown the difference between school day and weekend sleep onset, duration, and midsleep timing was diminished. For instance, midsleep during school days pre-shutdown occurred 50 min later on weekends (5:14 ± 12 min) than school days (4:24 ± 14 min) but it did not differ under COVID restrictions. Additionally, we found that while the interindividual variance in sleep parameters increased under COVID restrictions the intraindividual variance did not change, indicating that the schedule flexibility did not cause more irregular sleep patterns. In line with our sleep timing results, school day vs. weekend differences in the timing of light exposure present pre- and post-shutdown were absent under COVID restrictions. Our results provide further evidence that increased freedom in class scheduling allows university students to better and consistently align sleep behavior between school days and weekends.
Revisiting the Mesenchymal “Stem vs. Stromal” Cell Dichotomy and Its Implications for Development of Improved Potency Metrics
Authors: Phinney Donald G , Hwa Lee Ryang , Boregowda Siddaraju V
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies have been evaluated in over 1500 human clinical trials for a diverse array of disease indication, but outcomes remain unpredictable due to knowledge gaps in the quality attributes that confer therapeutic potency onto cells and their mode of action in vivo. Based on accumulated evidence from pre-clinical models, MSCs exert therapeutic effects by repressing inflammatory and immune-mediated response via paracrine action following reprogramming by the host injury microenvironment, and by polarization of tissue resident macrophages following phagocytosis to an alternatively activated (M2) state. An important tenet of this existing paradigm is that well-established stem/progenitor functions of MSCs are independent of paracrine function and dispensable for their anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive functions. Herein, we review evidence that stem/progenitor and paracrine functions of MSCs are mechanistically linked and organized hierarchically and describe how this link may be exploited to develop metrics that predict MSC potency across a spectrum of activities and regenerative medicine applications.
Satisfaction, Stress, and Turnover: Comparing U.S. Intensivist Physicians Before and During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic
Authors: Barshied Claire B. , Russell Cortessa
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate changes in work satisfaction, work-life balance (WLB) satisfaction, stress, and turnover intention among U.S. critical care physicians during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of 2021–2022 compared with prepandemic levels in 2016.

DESIGN:

A cross-sectional electronic survey.

SETTING:

Critical care practices in the United States.

SUBJECTS:

U.S. physician members of the Society for Critical Care Medicine.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

A total of 1,148 intensivists completed online surveys administered in two waves: in 2016 (693 respondents) and in the late 2021 to early 2022 (455 respondents). They reported demographic and practice characteristics, self-perceived levels of satisfaction, stress, health, and intention to leave their current job. U.S.-based critical care physicians in 2022 report significantly lower levels of job satisfaction compared with 2016. Frequency of work stress and turnover intention also increased, whereas WLB satisfaction has remained the same. Nearly two-thirds of intensivists wish they could work fewer hours, and this discontentment is correlated with decreased satisfaction, increased stress, and increased turnover, particularly in pandemic respondents. More than 25% of physicians rated their mental health as poor or fair, and 20% rated their physical health as poor or fair; these self-ratings correlated with decreased satisfaction and increased stress and turnover intention.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has further burdened an already-strained critical care workforce. During the pandemic, job satisfaction fell, work stress became more frequent, and turnover intention increased for critical care physicians. They also have consistently low rates of WLB satisfaction. Work hours matter the most for physician satisfaction, stress, and turnover intention, and the desire to work fewer hours is negatively related to all outcomes. Many critical care physicians reported poor mental and physical health during the pandemic, which is strongly and negatively related to all outcomes. These results emphasize the importance of prioritizing the working preferences and the self-care of intensivist physicians.
Population-based Long-term Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity
Authors: Hamilton Sarah Nicole , Liu Jason , Holmes Connor , DeVries Kimberly , Olson Robert , Tran Eric , Berthelet Eric , Wu Jonn , Chau Nicole , Chan Matthew , Thamboo Andrew
Published: March 2023

Background:

This study evaluates population-based outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity treated in British Columbia.

Methods:

A retrospective review of nasal cavity SCC treated from 1984 to 2014 was performed (n = 159). Locoregional recurrence (LRR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results:

The 3-year OS was 74.2% for radiation alone, 75.8% for surgery alone, and 78.4% for surgery and radiation (P = 0.16). The 3-year LRR was 28.4% for radiation alone, 28.2% for surgery alone, and 22.6% for surgery and radiation (P = 0.21). On multivariable analysis, surgery and postoperative radiation relative to surgery alone was associated with a lower risk of LRR (hazard ratio: 0.36, P = 0.03). Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, node-positive, orbital invasion, smoking, and advanced age were associated with worse OS (all P <0.05).

Conclusion:

In this population-based analysis, multimodality treatment with surgery and adjuvant radiation were associated with improved locoregional control for SCC of the nasal cavity.