bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two sub-Neptunes around the M dwarf TOI-1470
Authors: González-Álvarez E. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Caballero J. A. , Béjar V. J. S. , Cifuentes C. , Fukui A. , Herrero E. , Kawauchi K. , Livingston J. H. , López-González M. J. , Morello G. , Murgas F. , Narita N. , Pallé E. , Passegger V. M. , Rodríguez E. , Rodríguez-López C. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Schweitzer A. , Tabernero H. M. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Charbonneau D. , Ciardi D. R. , Cikota S. , Collins K. A. , Conti D. M. , Fausnaugh M. , Hatzes A. P. , Hedges C. , Henning Th. , Jenkins J. M. , Latham D. W. , Massey B. , Moldovan D. , Montes D. , Panahi A. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Ricker G. R. , Seager S. , Shporer A. , Srdoc G. , Tenenbaum P. , Vanderspek R. , Winn J. N. , Fukuda I. , Ikoma M. , Isogai K. , Kawai Y. , Mori M. , Tamura M. , Watanabe N.
Published: July 2023

Aims. A transiting planet candidate with a sub-Neptune radius orbiting the nearby (d = 51.9 ± 0.07 pc) M1.5 V star TOI-1470 with a period of ~2.5 d was announced by the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which observed the field of TOI-1470 in four different sectors. We aim to validate its planetary nature using precise radial velocities (RVs) taken with the CARMENES spectrograph.

Methods. We obtained 44 RV measurements with CARMENES spanning eight months between 3 June 2020 and 17 January 2021. For a better characterization of the parent star activity, we also collected contemporaneous optical photometric observations at the Joan Oró and Sierra Nevada Observatories, and we retrieved archival photometry from the literature. We used ground-based photometric observations from MuSCAT and also from MuSCAT2 and MuSCAT3 to confirm the planetary transit signals. We performed a combined photometric and spectroscopic analysis by including Gaussian processes and Keplerian orbits to simultaneously account for the stellar activity and planetary signals.

Results. We estimate that TOI-1470 has a rotation period of 29 ± 3d based on photometric and spectroscopic data. The combined analysis confirms the discovery of the announced transiting planet, TOI-1470 b, with an orbital period of 2.527093 ± 0.000003 d, a mass of 7.32-1.24+1.21M⊕, and a radius of 2.18-0.04+0.04R⊕. We also discover a second transiting planet that was not announced previously by TESS, TOI-1470 c, with an orbital period of 18.08816 ± 0.00006 d, a mass of 7.24-2.77+2.87M⊕, and a radius of 2.47-0.02+0.02R⊕ . The two planets are placed on the same side of the radius valley of M dwarfs and lie between TOI-1470 and the inner border of its habitable zone.
TESS discovery of a super-Earth orbiting the M-dwarf star TOI-1680
Authors: Ghachoui M. , Soubkiou A. , Wells R. D. , Rackham B. V. , Triaud A. H. M. J. , Sebastian D. , Giacalone S. , Stassun K. G. , Ciardi D. R. , Collins K. A. , Liu A. , Gómez Maqueo Chew Y. , Gillon M. , Benkhaldoun Z. , Delrez L. , Eastman J. D. , Demangeon O. , Barkaoui K. , Burdanov A. , Demory B.-O. , de Wit J. , Dransfield G. , Ducrot E. , Garcia L. , Gómez-Muñoz M. A. , Hooton M. J. , Jehin E. , Murray C. A. , Pedersen P. P. , Pozuelos F. J. , Queloz D. , Sabin L. , Schanche N. , Timmermans M. , Gonzales E. J. , Dressing C. D. , Aganze C. , Burgasser A. J. , Gerasimov R. , Hsu C. , Theissen C. A. , Charbonneau D. , Jenkins J. M. , Latham D. W. , Ricker G. , Seager S. , Shporer A. , Twicken J. D. , Vanderspek R. , Winn J. N. , Collins K. I. , Fukui A. , Gan T. , Narita N. , Schwarz R. P.
Published: July 2023

We report the discovery by the TESS mission of a super-Earth on a 4.8-days orbit around an inactive M4.5 dwarf (TOI-1680), validated by ground-based facilities. The host star is located 37.14 pc away, with a radius of 0.2100 ± 0.0064 R⊙, mass of 0.1800 ± 0.0044 M⊙, and an effective temperature of 3211 ±100 K. We validated and characterized the planet using TESS data, ground-based multi-wavelength photometry from TRAPPIST, SPECULOOS, and LCO, as well as high-resolution AO observations from Keck/NIRC2 and Shane. Our analyses have determined the following parameters for the planet: a radius of 1.466−0.049+0.063 R⊕ and an equilibrium temperature of 404 ± 14 K, assuming no albedo and perfect heat redistribution. Assuming a mass based on mass-radius relations, this planet is a promising target for atmospheric characterization with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Trends and associated factors in HIV testing among heterosexual men and women in Melbourne, Australia, 2011–2020
Authors: Tieosapjaroen Warittha , Ong Jason J. , Fairley Christopher K. , Saleem Kanwal , Phillips Tiffany R. , Tran Julien , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chen Marcus Y. , Chow Eric P. F.
Published: July 2023

Background Despite the increase in the proportion of HIV notifications attributed to heterosexuals in Australia, little is known about their HIV testing behaviours. We investigated the trends and factors associated with HIV testing behaviours among heterosexuals. Methods We analysed the trend and proportion of heterosexuals attending the centre for the first time between 2011 and 2020, who had ever tested and tested for HIV in the past 12 months and the median number of months since their last HIV test. We identified factors associated with HIV testing behaviours using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. Results Of the 78 652 heterosexuals included, 53.1% were men and 46.9% were women. Overall, the proportion of heterosexuals who had ever tested for HIV was 40.8%, with a declining testing trend from 40.2% in 2011 to 36.5% in 2020 (Ptrend < 0.001). Overall, the proportion of heterosexuals tested for HIV in the past 12 months was 15.7%, with no significant change from 15.3% in 2011 to 14.7% in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.489). The median number of months since the last HIV test decreased from 18.0 (IQR 6.9–37.3) in 2011 to 15.0 (IQR 6.4–32.5) in 2020 (Ptrend < 0.001). Individuals who had condomless sex with casual partners (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.96) and who were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.93) were less likely to have ever tested for HIV. Conclusions HIV testing was low among heterosexuals, and individuals who engaged in condomless sex and had another sexually transmitted infection were less likely to be tested. To reduce HIV transmission, strategies to improve HIV testing among heterosexuals are needed.
Dynamic edge transport investigations at ASDEX Upgrade using gas puff modulation
Authors: Schuster C.U. , Wolfrum E. , Görler T. , Fable E. , Fischer R. , Griener M. , Tal B. , Angioni C. , Manz P. , Stroth U. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: July 2023

Gas puff modulation experiments are performed at ASDEX Upgrade in L-mode, EDA H-mode and quasi-continuous exhaust discharges. Plasma density and temperatures are measured and their temporal development is analyzed simultaneously, revealing that both heat and particle transport are strongly influenced by the modulation. As a consequence, the particle transport coefficients are underdetermined. In the transport modelling, the pedestal cannot be treated as a single region, but the pedestal foot must be allowed to increase its transport with gas puff modulation independently. The analysis of the temporal behaviours of the heat and particle diffusivities shows that they are strongly correlated. Considering the heat diffusivity as a proxy for the particle diffusivity, allows interpretation of the density evolution: a pinch is not required for any of the discharges. An analysis with the gyrokinetic turbulence code GENE identifies dominant instabilities and reproduces several experimentally found trends. Despite all uncertainties concerning particle transport, one can expect a future reactor featuring a weak edge density gradient even with purely diffusive transport.
Grafting zwitterionic brushes from the surface of an epoxy-based transparent hydrogel for antifouling performance
Authors: Han Jiandong , Zhang Kexin , Cai Qixing , Dong Peng , Quan Daping , Bai Ying
Published: July 2023

Non-specific biofilm formation (biofouling) commonly occurs to the surface of biomedical devices, which causes infection to the human tissues and function loss after implantation. To enhance the antifouling properties on the bioinert hydrogel-based biomaterials, a novel surface grafting approach was developed using surface radical chain-transfer reaction mediated by DL-dithiothreitol (DTT), rather than catalyzed by cytotoxic metal ions. Zwitterionic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) brushes were grafted on the surface of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PHG) to obtain PHG-graft-PMPC (PHG-g-PMPC) hydrogel, which were shown to have tunable surface hydrophilicity while maintaining high water content and transparency. Elemental composition analysis and micromorphology demonstrated the success of surface grafting. Protein adhesion assays were carried out, showing the reduction of bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme adhesion by ∼90%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the pristine hydrogels. Significant resistance of bacterial attachment was observed on the surface-modified hydrogels using gram-negative Escherichia. coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The PHG-g-PMPC hydrogel is potentially feasible in various biomedical applications, especially for preventing surface biofouling of ophthalmic implants and devices. Furthermore, this de novo approach provides a universal platform for surface functionalization via thiol-epoxy click chemistry and surface radical chain-transfer reaction.
Lysosome-targeted silicon quantum dots theranostics for simultaneous fluorescent imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kong Lin , Wang Jian , Zhang Yunxiu , Liang Ke , Li Jian , Xue Xiaokuang , Chen Tiejin , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: July 2023

As an emerging treatment method, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted considerable interest due to the characteristics of non-invasiveness, repeatable treatment, high spatiotemporal resolution and few side effects. However, the life span (<40 ns) and diffusion distance (<20 nm) of reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen (1O2) in tumor cells are extremely short, which has seriously limited therapeutic efficacy of PDT. The enrichment site of photosensitizers in cancer cells is usually the first site of PDT action, which will not only affect the biological signaling pathway of cancer cell death, but also is closely related to the final therapeutic effect. Therefore, the design and preparation of photosensitizers targeting specific subcellular organelles can directly break the biological function of the organelle and trigger the corresponding cell death signaling pathway, which can significantly improve the efficacy of PDT. Herein, a lysosome-targeted silicon quantum dots (L-Si QDs) was first made by diethylene glycol-mediated synthetic route as a multicolor fluorescent imaging reagents and a new photosensitizer. The as-prepared L-Si QDs exhibit bright fluorescence with excellent pH stability and time stability, excitation-dependent emission, and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, the results of cell experiments showed that L-Si QDs was accumulated in lysosomes after being taken up by cancer cells, and can efficiently produce 1O2 upon 635 nm laser irradiation, which can damage lysosomes, up-regulate cleavage caspase-3, increase Bax release, down-regulate Bcl-2 and induce cell apoptosis finally. This study significantly broadens the biomedical applications of silicon quantum dots and provides excellent nanomaterials candidates for tumor phototherapy.
Cross-validation of the peppermint benchmarking experiment across three analytical platforms
Authors: Pham Y Lan , Yu Ruyi , Beauchamp Jonathan
Published: July 2023

The Peppermint Experiment is a breath analysis benchmarking initiative that seeks to address the lack of inter-comparability of outcomes across independent breath biomarker studies. In this experiment, the washout profiles of volatile terpene constituents of encapsulated peppermint oil (mainly α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene and 1,8-cineole) in exhaled breath are characterized through a series of measurements at defined sampling intervals up to 6 h after ingestion of the capsule. In the present work, the Peppermint Experiment was carried out on a cohort of volunteers (n= 11) that provided breath samples in three sittings on different days (i.e. triplicates per volunteer) for concurrent analysis by three different analytical platforms. These platforms were proton transfer reaction-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-TOFMS) interfaced with a buffered end-tidal (BET) breath sampler, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) in conjunction with a compatible handheld direct breath sampler, and thermal desorption comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (TD-GC×GC-TOFMS) with a Respiration Collection for in-vitro Analysis (ReCIVA) system for trapping breath volatiles onto adsorbent tubes. Regression analysis yielded mean washout times across the cohort of 448 min (PTR-TOFMS and GC-IMS) and 372 min (TD-GC×GC-TOFMS), which are in good alignment with published benchmark values. Large variations in washout profiles were observed at the individuals level, both between (inter-individual) and within (intra-individual) participants, indicating high variability in the degree of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of volatile terpenes in the body within individuals and across the cohort. The comparably low inter-instrument variability indicates that differences in benchmark values from independent studies reported in the literature are driven by biological variability rather than different performances between sampling methods or analytical platforms.
RNA trafficking and subcellular localization—a review of mechanisms, experimental and predictive methodologies
Authors: Wang Jun , Horlacher Marc , Cheng Lixin , Winther Ole
Published: July 2023

RNA localization is essential for regulating spatial translation, where RNAs are trafficked to their target locations via various biological mechanisms. In this review, we discuss RNA localization in the context of molecular mechanisms, experimental techniques and machine learning-based prediction tools. Three main types of molecular mechanisms that control the localization of RNA to distinct cellular compartments are reviewed, including directed transport, protection from mRNA degradation, as well as diffusion and local entrapment. Advances in experimental methods, both image and sequence based, provide substantial data resources, which allow for the design of powerful machine learning models to predict RNA localizations. We review the publicly available predictive tools to serve as a guide for users and inspire developers to build more effective prediction models. Finally, we provide an overview of multimodal learning, which may provide a new avenue for the prediction of RNA localization.
A snapshot of the transcriptome ofMedicago truncatula(Fabales: Fabaceae) shoots and roots in response to an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Gomez Susana K , Maurya Abhinav K , Irvin Lani , Kelly Michael P , Schoenherr Andrew P , Huguet-Tapia Jose C , Bombarely Aureliano
Published: July 2023

Plants simultaneously interact with belowground symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and aboveground antagonists such as aphids. Generally, plants gain access to valuable resources including nutrients and water through the AM symbiosis and are more resistant to pests. Nevertheless, aphids’ performance improves on mycorrhizal plants, and it remains unclear whether a more nutritious food source and/or attenuated defenses are the contributing factors. This study examined the shoot and root transcriptome of barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) plants highly colonized by the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (Blaszk., Wubet, Renker, and Buscot) C. Walker and A. Schüßler (Glomerales: Glomeraceae) and exposed to 7 days of mixed age pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) herbivory. The RNA-seq samples chosen for this study showed that aphids were heavier when fed mycorrhizal plants compared to nonmycorrhizal plants. We hypothesized that (i) insect-related plant defense pathways will be downregulated in shoots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids compared to nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids; (ii) pathways involved in nutrient acquisition, carbohydrate-related and amino acid transport will be upregulated in shoots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids compared to nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids; and (iii) roots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids will exhibit mycorrhiza-induced resistance. The transcriptome data revealed that the gene repertoire related to defenses, nutrient transport, and carbohydrates differs between nonmycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants with aphids, which could explain the weight gain in aphids. We also identified novel candidate genes that are differentially expressed in nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids, thus setting the stage for future functional studies.
Promoting physical activity within breast cancer survivors using behavior change techniques: N-of-1 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sequeira Margarida , Pereira Cícero , Alvarez Maria-João
Published: July 2023

Survivors of breast cancer are an important target for health promotion interventions, and physical activity (PA) is recommended with benefits being well established. More and more behavior theory guided interventions are planned and tailored to the individuals, targeting specifics needs and personal characteristics. We aimed to test the effectiveness of two behavior change techniques [coping planning (CP) and self-monitoring (SM)] for promoting PA in survivors of breast cancer, using a single-case design. In a powerful multiple sample N-of-1 RCT, 10 women post-breast cancer (M = 52.8 years) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions (CP and/or SM, control) for 60 days and their daily step count was observed. The overall effects were analyzed using multilevel time-series with random intercepts. Time-series regression models and supplementary pairwise analyses were conducted for individuals. Multilevel analyses showed significant effects of CP and SM. Single-case analyses showed that six participants walked significantly more on the intervention days, that combined interventions were effective for five participants, but two participants had better results with the other two conditions. Combined self-regulatory techniques were more effective in promoting PA however, individual variability should be considered in future studies with survivors of breast cancer.

Retrospectively registered: https://osf.io/eakjy/?view_only=81bf3dc084a0410a8ea28265e0f3c360, 31-01-2023.(raise query)
Adapting the centred simplex gradient to compensate for misaligned sample points
Authors: Chen Yiwen , Hare Warren
Published: July 2023

The centred simplex gradient (CSG) is a popular gradient approximation technique in derivative-free optimization. Its computation requires a perfectly symmetric set of sample points and is known to provide an accuracy of $\mathcal {O}(\varDelta ^2)$, where $\varDelta $ is the radius of the sampling set. In this paper, we consider the situation where the set of sample points is not perfectly symmetric. By adapting the formula for the CSG to compensate for the misaligned points, we define a new Adapted-CSG. We study the error bounds and the numerical stability of the Adapted-CSG. We also present numerical examples to demonstrate its properties relative to each new parameter and make a comparison to an alternative method.
Strongly Isomorphic Symbolic Extensions for Expansive Topological Flows
Authors: Gutman Yonatan , Shi Ruxi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we prove that finite-dimensional topological flows without fixed points and having a countable number of periodic orbits, have the small flow boundary property. This enables us to answer positively a question of Bowen and Walters from 1972: Any expansive topological flow has a strongly isomorphic symbolic flow extension, that is, an extension by a suspension flow over a subshift. Previously Burguet had shown this is true if the flow is assumed to be $C^{2}$-smooth.
Changes in methylation-based aging in women who do and do not develop breast cancer
Authors: Kresovich Jacob K , O’Brien Katie M , Xu Zongli , Weinberg Clarice R , Sandler Dale P , Taylor Jack A
Published: July 2023

Background

Breast cancer survivors have increased incidence of age-related diseases, suggesting that some survivors may experience faster biological aging.

Methods

Among 417 women enrolled in the prospective Sister Study cohort, DNA methylation data were generated on paired blood samples collected an average of 7.7 years apart and used to calculate 3 epigenetic metrics of biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel, GrimAgeAccel, and Dunedin Pace of Aging Calculated from the Epigenome [DunedinPACE]). Approximately half (n = 190) the women sampled were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer between blood draws, whereas the other half (n = 227) remained breast cancer–free. Breast tumor characteristics and treatment information were abstracted from medical records.

Results

Among women who developed breast cancer, diagnoses occurred an average of 3.5 years after the initial blood draw and 4 years before the second draw. After accounting for covariates and biological aging metrics measured at baseline, women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer had higher biological aging at the second blood draw than women who remained cancer-free as measured by PhenoAgeAccel (standardized mean difference [β] = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.00 to 0.26), GrimAgeAccel (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.25), and DunedinPACE (β = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.50). In case-only analyses assessing associations with different breast cancer therapies, radiation had strong positive associations with biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel: β = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.59; GrimAgeAccel: β = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.47; DunedinPACE: β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.48).

Conclusions

Biological aging is accelerated following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer treatment modalities appear to differentially contribute to biological aging.
Charitable giving role-modeling: parent transmission frequency and adolescent reception
Authors: Ottoni-Wilhelm Mark , Osili Una , Han Xiao
Published: July 2023

Experiments indicate that adult role-modeling of giving has a causal effect on giving done by children, but a previous investigation using data from a natural setting suggests zero causal effect of parent role-modeling on their adolescents’ giving. This article presents new evidence about the divergent findings: (i) parent giving does not automatically translate into adolescents knowing that their parents give, and (ii) adolescents are much less likely to know that their parents give if parents give from time-to-time. The results suggest new experimental designs that randomize (a) the frequency of role-modeling, (b) communication approaches that explain role-modeling actions to children, and (c) whether the receiving organization is in-group or out-group. The practical implications of the results are that frequent giving by a parent is necessary for adolescents to successfully ‘receive’ the role model, but may not be sufficient. Purposeful communication is needed to ensure that adolescents know that their parents are giving.
Experience-Dependent Plasticity in Brain Activation for Language in Infancy
Authors: Mercure Evelyne , Mousley Victoria
Published: July 2023

Although language activates similar brain areas in infancy and adulthood, it is also clear that this brain specialization develops after birth with a strong impact of the child’s communicative experience. This chapter aims to discuss literature on functional specialization for language and its development in the infant brain. It contrasts activation for a familiar versus unfamiliar language and reviews research exploring known sources of variability in early language experiences, such as socioeconomic status, bilingualism, and deafness, on brain activation for language. It characterizes the process of learning a visual, signed language from deaf parents, as well as the negative impact of language deprivation when the main language used in a family is spoken, which is not fully accessible to a deaf child. Overall, this chapter reviews the intricacies of language acquisition, its neurobiological mechanisms, and its relationship to natural environmental variability.
Reserve Accumulation, Macroeconomic Stabilization, and Sovereign Risk
Authors: Bianchi Javier , Sosa-Padilla César
Published: July 2023

In the past three decades, governments in emerging markets have accumulated large amounts of international reserves, especially those with fixed exchange rates. This article proposes a theory of reserve accumulation that can account for these facts. Using a model of endogenous sovereign default with nominal rigidities, we argue that the interaction between sovereign risk and aggregate demand amplification generates a macroeconomic-stabilization hedging role for international reserves. We show that issuing debt to purchase reserves during good times allows the government to stabilize aggregate demand when sovereign spreads rise and rolling over the debt becomes more expensive. We provide empirical evidence consistent with the model’s predictions.
Outcomes of COVID-19 Omicron variant in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide Greek cohort study
Authors: Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Fragoulis George E , Mitrou Panagiota , Mathioudakis Konstantinos , Konstantonis George , Tektonidou Maria G , Tsolakidis Anastasios , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Sfikakis Petros P
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Patients with RA were at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death during the first year of the pandemic in Greece. We aimed to examine their outcomes after the SARS-Cov-2 Omicron, a more contagious but with milder clinical impacts variant, prevailed.

Methods

A retrospective, nationwide study was conducted between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2022 in all RA patients under treatment and matched (1:5) on age, sex and region of domicile random general population comparators. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, anti-rheumatic medications, prior COVID-19, vaccinations and anti-viral medications were recorded.

Results

Among 34 182 RA patients, infections (n = 5569, 16.29%), hospitalizations (n = 489, 1.43%) and deaths (n = 106, 0.31%) were more frequent than among comparators. Incidence rates per 1000 person/years of infection [IRR (95% CI):1.19 (1.16, 1.23)], hospitalization [IRR (95% CI):2.0 (1.82, 2.24)], and death [IRR (95% CI):1.81 (1.44, 2.27)] were increased in RA despite better vaccination coverage (89% vs 84%) and more frequent use of anti-viral medications (2.37% vs 1.08). Logistic regression analysis after correcting for age, sex, vaccinations, prior COVID-19, and anti-viral medications in SARS-CoV-2 infected RA patients and comparators revealed increased risk of hospitalization (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.27) and death [OR: 1.73, (95% CI: 1.36, 2.20)] in RA. Among infected RA patients, rituximab treatment conferred increased risks for hospitalization [OR: 6.12, (95% CI: 2.89, 12.92)] and death [OR: 12.06 (95% CI: 3.90, 37.31)], while JAK inhibitors increased only hospitalization risk [OR: 2.18 (95% CI: 1.56, 3.06)].

Conclusion

RA remains a risk factor for hospitalization and death in an era of a relatively low COVID-19 fatality rate, pointing to the need of perseverance in vaccination programs and wider use of anti-viral medications.
In vitro analysis of clinically relevant aspects of a polymer-coated phacoemulsification tip vs a traditional tip
Authors: Zacharias Jaime
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To compare the in vitro incisional temperature, acoustic energy, transient cavitation, and turbulence of the polymer-coated hybrid phacoemulsification tip with the balanced tip.

Setting:

Pasteur Ophthalmology Clinic, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile.

Design:

Laboratory study.

Methods:

The Centurion Vision System with Active Sentry handpiece was used with tips operated in torsional mode, and stroke was normalized. For thermal measurements, controlled loads were applied over the tip sleeve simulating the pressure applied at the expected level of the corneal incision. Heat generated was recorded on a blackbody filmstrip using infrared imaging. A directional hydrophone provided 360° mapping of acoustic pressure. Cavitation patterns with increasing ultrasound power were imaged with high-speed video recording. Particle image velocimetry was used to evaluate turbulence, streaming, and bubble formation.

Results:

The temperature rise for the hybrid and balanced tips was lower than with the control mini-flared Kelman tip (P ≤ .0001). The hybrid tip generated reduced acoustic output compared with the balanced tip. Ultrasound threshold for cavitation was higher for the hybrid vs balanced tip (55% vs 25%). Fluid turbulence was more evident with the balanced tip compared with the hybrid tip at all flow conditions when normalized for stroke at 60% and 80% power for balanced and hybrid tip, respectively.

Conclusions:

The polymer-coated hybrid tip showed reduced heat generation compared with the control mini-flared Kelman tip and had lower acoustic output, lower cavitation, and lower turbulence compared with the balanced tip, suggesting potential for improved clinical safety.
Opportunities Missed: Cervix Cancer Screening Failures in Women Aged 65 and Older
Authors: Ing Brandon I. , Scott Marla E. , Lentz Scott E.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the screening history and associated outcomes of women diagnosed with cervical cancer after age 65.

Methods

All patients from 2012 to 2021 diagnosed with squamous, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine, or adenosquamous cervical cancer after age 65 in a single managed care organization (MCO) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Demographic, medical, screening, pathologic, follow-up, and treatment data were extracted. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. Cancer-specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Of 2,175 patients screened, 209 met inclusion criteria. Only 26.3% of patients had appropriate cervical cancer screening and 41% of patients died of their disease. Managed care organization membership duration of more than 5 years positively correlated with proper cervical cancer screening (p < .001); however, 64% of the long-term members still did not meet criteria to end screening at age 65, with 42.6% of these patients having more than 25 physician visit opportunities to address screening. Increased physician visits correlated with earlier stage at diagnosis of cervical cancer (p = .012). Median cancer-specific survival was significantly better in properly screened patients at 68 vs 30 months, respectively (p = .03).

Conclusions

Most patients diagnosed with cervical cancer after age 65 did not have adequate previous screening, including those who were MCO members for more than 5 years. There were many missed opportunities for screening, despite multiple provider touchpoints. The authors’ data suggest that adequate screening confers a survival benefit secondary to earlier stage at diagnosis. Further study in this age group is needed to redefine the criteria to end cervix cancer screening.
Multifaceted Intervention to Improve Patient Safety Incident Reporting in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Griffeth Elaine M. , Gajic Ognjen , Schueler Nicole , Todd Austin , Ramar Kannan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Patient safety incident reporting in our institution’s intensive care units (ICUs) had fallen 30% below national benchmarks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Underreporting diminishes awareness of risks and precludes organizational learning from near misses. We aimed to increase the ICU number of patient safety incident reports by 30% from 27 to 35 reports/1000 patient-days without negatively impacting culture of safety as measured by patient-care staff surveys.

Methods

Single-institution prospective interventional study with 9 ICUs receiving a multifaceted intervention developed using quality improvement methodology during February–April 2022. Study intervention involved creation of patient safety peer-leadership role, feedback process, interactive dashboards for patient safety data, and education resources accessible via quick response codes. Primary outcome was patient safety incident reports/1000 patient-days. Intensive care unit patient-care staff culture of safety was assessed with surveys.

Results

Intensive care unit patient safety incident reporting increased by 48% after intervention (40 versus 27 reports/1000 patient-days [P = 0.136]). Near misses were the most common incident report. Intensive care unit patient-care staff ratings of patient safety did not change; 80% rated patient safety as good or better after intervention versus 78% at baseline (P = 0.465). However, significant improvement was observed for subcomponents related to learning culture and support for staff involved in patient safety incidents. Most reports (>80%) were submitted by nurses.

Conclusions

This multifaceted quality improvement intervention increased patient safety incident reporting in the ICUs. Increases in ratings of learning culture and support for staff underline the importance of a well-functioning patient safety incident reporting system in an institutional culture of safety.
Machine learning-based prediction of pregnancy outcomes in couples with non-obstructive azoospermia using micro-TESE for ICSI: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jia Lei , Chen Pei-Gen , Chen Li-Na , Fang Cong , Zhang Jing , Chen Pan-Yu
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To develop a clinically applicable tool for predicting clinical pregnancy, providing individualized patient counseling, and helping couples with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) decide whether to use fresh or cryopreserved spermatozoa for oocyte insemination before microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE).

Methods:

A total of 240 couples with NOA who underwent mTESE-ICSI were divided into two groups based on the type of spermatozoa used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): the fresh and cryopreserved groups. After evaluating several machine learning algorithms, logistic regression was selected. Using LASSO regression and 10-fold cross-validation, the factors associated with clinical pregnancy were analyzed.

Results:

The area under the curves (AUCs) for the fresh and cryopreserved groups in the Logistic Regression-based prediction model were 0.977 and 0.759, respectively. Compared with various modeling algorithms, Logistic Regression outperformed machine learning in both groups, with an AUC of 0.945 for the fresh group and 0.788 for the cryopreserved group.

Conclusion:

The model accurately predicted clinical pregnancies in NOA couples.
Nursing Management of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence of an Infant With Severe Undernutrition and Peristomal Moisture-Associated Dermatitis After Ileostomy Closure
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Zhou Yiwen , Huang Ying , Le Qian , Lin Lili , Yu Zhuowen
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) is a costly postoperative complication; its management is particularly challenging for WOC nurses when it occurs secondary to an ostomy closure.

CASE:

We present a case of AWD secondary to ileostomy closure in Baby Q, a 9-month 19-day-old female infant. A silver wound contact dressing was used on her dehisced wound followed by negative pressure wound therapy and adhesive tape to pull the wound edge together and promote granulation. We used a combination of enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and total enteral nutrition adjusting the feeding plan stepwise according to her nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS:

Malnutrition and severe peristomal skin complications may contribute to the risk of AWD in infants undergoing reversal of a temporary ostomy. Assessing and treating nutritional status and peristomal skin is imperative before performing ostomy closure.
Benefits of a Single-Session, In-Hospital Preoperative Education Program for Patients Undergoing Ostomy Surgery
Authors: Yeo Hyunjung , Park Hyojung
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 45-minute session of video-based preoperative ostomy education on self-care knowledge, self-care proficiency, anxiety, depression, length of hospital stay, and ostomy-related complications to a control group who received 3 postoperative educational sessions.

DESIGN:

This was a randomized controlled trial.

SAMPLE AND SETTING:

The sample comprised 47 patients scheduled to undergo ostomy surgery for colon or rectal cancer surgery at a tertiary referral hospital in Seoul, South Korea, from November 2018 to May 2019. However, 2 participants in the intervention group and 4 in the control group withdrew from the study and data analysis is based on 41 participants who completed study procedures.

METHODS:

Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group received a single 45-minute session of video-based preoperative ostomy education along with stoma site marking and postoperative education. The control group underwent stoma site marking and 3 postoperative education sessions Self-care knowledge, anxiety, and depression were assessed by validated instruments. Self-care proficiency was assessed via direct observation using a checklist. Ostomy-related complications were evaluated by a WOC nurse. Length of hospital stay and disease-related characteristics were collected from medical records.

RESULTS:

Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-care knowledge (P = .001) and self-care proficiency scores (P = .001). Intervention group participants also had lower anxiety scores (P = .025), depression scores (P = .014), shorter hospital stays (P = .008), and fewer ostomy-related complications (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients undergoing ostomy surgery, a single 45-minute session of preoperative video-based ostomy education improved self-care knowledge and proficiency. This intervention also reduced depression, anxiety, and ostomy-related complications.
Validation of Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) in Brazilian Sample Population
Authors: Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes , D'Ancona Carlos Arturo Levi , Moretti Tomás Bernardo Costa , Higa Rosangela , Victal Marcella Lima , Camisão Agnês Raquel , Braga Daniel A. , Reis Leonardo Oliveira
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS), its correlation with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the time required and need for help when completing the instrument. We also aimed to identify variables associated with difficulty completing these instruments.

DESIGN:

Longitudinal, prospective correlational study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The target population was Brazilian men from different cities within the state of São Paulo with lower urinary tract symptoms followed in urological consultation at a university hospital during October 2017. The sample comprised 59 patients with a mean age of 66.53 years.

METHODS:

Reliability of the VPSS was evaluated using a test-retest approach and its convergent validity with the IPSS. Cronbach α coefficient was also calculated. Both questionnaires were self-administered and, in case of difficulty of comprehension, assistance was provided.

RESULTS:

Mean completion time of the IPSS was 6.56 minutes and for VPSS was 5.02 minutes. The variables skin color and educational level were associated with the difficulty in completing the IPSS and for comprehending meaning of the VPSS pictograms. Internal consistency evaluated using Cronbach α coefficient was 0.74 for IPSS and 0.15 for VPSS, respectively. Test-retest reliability testing revealed that both instruments had a high intraclass correlation index (>0.75). There was a significant correlation between the health-related quality of life (QoL) scores of the 2 instruments (0.71, P = .0001) and between the total score of each instrument with its corresponding QoL score.

CONCLUSION:

Although time for response of the VPSS was shorter and it demonstrated good test-retest reliability, it more frequently required help to answer. The VPSS showed low internal consistency and low correlation with the IPSS (except for the QoL item).
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in a Reference North American Sample: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Moon Jeongyoon , Ehlebracht Alexa , Cwintal Michelle , Faria Julio , Ghitulescu Gabriela , Morin Nancy , Pang Allison , Vasilevsky Carol-Ann , Boutros Marylise
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a well-described consequence of rectal cancer treatment. Studying the degree to which bowel dysfunction exists in the general population may help to better interpret to what extent LARS is related to disease and/or cancer treatment. Currently, North American LARS normative data are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of bowel dysfunction, as measured by the LARS score, and quality of life (QoL) in a reference North American sample. Quality of life was measured and associations between participant characteristics and LARS were identified.

STUDY DESIGN:

This was a single-institution cross-sectional study of asymptomatic adults who underwent screening and surveillance colonoscopies from 2018 to 2021 with no/benign endoscopic findings. Survey was conducted on select comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, LARS, and QoL. Outcomes were LARS and QoL. Multivariable linear regression accounting for a priori clinical factors associated with bowel dysfunction was performed.

RESULTS:

Of 1,004 subjects approached, 502 (50.0%) participated, and 135 (26.9%) participants had major/minor LARS. On multiple linear regression, female sex (β = 2.15, 95% CI 0.30 to 4.00), younger age (β = –0.10, 95% CI –0.18 to –0.03), White ethnicity (β = 2.45, 95% CI 0.15 to 4.74), and the presence of at least one of the following factors: diabetes, depression, neurologic disorder, or cholecystectomy (β = 3.54, 95% CI 1.57 to 5.51) were independently associated with a higher LARS score. Individuals with LARS had lower global QoL, functional subscales, and various symptom subscale scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study identified the baseline prevalence of LARS in asymptomatic adults who have not undergone a low anterior resection. These normative data will allow for more accurate interpretation of ongoing studies on LARS in North American rectal cancer patients.
Using neuronal models to capture burst-and-glide motion and leadership in fish
Authors: Gyllingberg Linnéa , Szorkovszky Alex , Sumpter David J. T.
Published: July 2023

While mathematical models, in particular self-propelled particle models, capture many properties of large fish schools, they do not always capture the interactions of smaller shoals. Nor do these models tend to account for the use of intermittent locomotion, often referred to as burst-and-glide, by many species. In this paper, we propose a model of social burst-and-glide motion by combining a well-studied model of neuronal dynamics, the FitzHugh–Nagumo model, with a model of fish motion. We first show that our model can capture the motion of a single fish swimming down a channel. Extending to a two-fish model, where visual stimulus of a neighbour affects the internal burst or glide state of the fish, we observe a rich set of dynamics found in many species. These include: leader–follower behaviour; periodic changes in leadership; apparently random (i.e. chaotic) leadership change; and tit-for-tat turn taking. Moreover, unlike previous studies where a randomness is required for leadership switching to occur, we show that this can instead be the result of deterministic interactions. We give several empirically testable predictions for how bursting fish interact and discuss our results in light of recently established correlations between fish locomotion and brain activity.
Systems Age: A single blood methylation test to quantify aging heterogeneity across 11 physiological systems
Authors: Sehgal Raghav , Markov Yaroslav , Qin Chenxi , Meer Margarita , Hadley Courtney , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Casanova Ramon , Manson JoAnn E. , Bhatti Parveen , Crimmins Eileen M. , Hagg Sara , Assimes Themistocles L. , Whitsel Eric A. , Higgins-Chen Albert T. , Levine Morgan
Published: July 2023

Individuals, organs, tissues, and cells age in diverse ways throughout the lifespan. Epigenetic clocks attempt to quantify differential aging between individuals, but they typically summarize aging as a single measure, ignoring within-person heterogeneity. Our aim was to develop novel systems-based methylation clocks that, when assessed in blood, capture aging in distinct physiological systems. We combined supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods to link DNA methylation, system-specific clinical chemistry and functional measures, and mortality risk. This yielded a panel of 11 system-specific scores– Heart, Lung, Kidney, Liver, Brain, Immune, Inflammatory, Blood, Musculoskeletal, Hormone, and Metabolic. Each system score predicted a wide variety of outcomes, aging phenotypes, and conditions specific to the respective system. We also combined the system scores into a composite Systems Age clock that is predictive of aging across physiological systems in an unbiased manner. Finally, we showed that the system scores clustered individuals into unique aging subtypes that had different patterns of age-related disease and decline. Overall, our biological systems based epigenetic framework captures aging in multiple physiological systems using a single blood draw and assay and may inform the development of more personalized clinical approaches for improving age-related quality of life.
Malignant tumors engender and employ cancer-specific organelles for self-protection and metastasis
Authors: Yi Tingfang , Wagner Gerhard
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a leading source of human lethality but current therapies have had limited efficacy in many cancers, which highlights an unmet need to assess the underlying mechanisms that govern cancer progressionin vivo.Here we show that, upon malignant transformation, aggressive oncocells generate extracellular membranous compartments, cytocapsulas or cytocapsular tubes (CCTs), to enclose oncocells and engender cytocapsular oncocellsin vivo. Cytocapsular oncocells are universally present in solid cancers and appear in hematologic cancers in the immune organs. Networks of cytocapsular tubes provide membrane-enclosed freeways for protected cancer metastasis. CCT networks interconnect cytocapsular tumors creating cytocapsular tumor network systems. Our findings suggest that cytocapsular oncocells drive membrane-encompassed cancer progression. Thus, interconnected cytocapsular oncocells, CCT networks and cytocapsular tumor network systems coordinate cancer progression in the integrated cytocapsular membrane systems.