bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Men – Findings from a Meta-analysis on the Time-related Measure of Risk of Exogenous Testosterone
Authors: Fallara Giuseppe , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Corsini Christian , Boeri Luca , Capogrosso Paolo , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: June 2022

Background

In the context of established male hypogonadism, testosterone therapy (TTh) has been employed to regain physiologic levels of circulating testosterone and improve sexual function and overall quality of life.

Aim

To assess the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality as time-dependent outcomes in treated vs TTh untreated hypogonadal men.

Methods

A meta-analysis using weighted time-related measure of risk (hazard ratios (HRs)) for each of the outcome for all included studies was performed. Studies investigating male adults (≥18 years old) diagnosed with hypogonadism and divided into 2 arms (a treatment arm [any TTh] and a control arm [observation or placebo]) and assessing the risk of death and/or cardiovascular events were included. Single arm, non–comparative studies were excluded as well as studies that did not report the HRs for the chosen outcomes. This systemic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022301592) and performed according to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines.

Outcomes

Overall mortality and cardiovascular events of any type.

Results

Overall, 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 179,631 hypogonadal men. Hypogonadal men treated with TTh were found to be at lower mortality risk from all causes relative to the control (observation or palcebo) arm (HR: 0.70; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.54–0.90; P < .01), whilst any unfavorable effect of TTh in hypogonadal men in terms of cardiovascular events compared to untreated/observed hypogonadal men was found (HR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.73–1.33; P = .89).

Clinical implications

TTh in hypogonadal men might play a role in reducing the overall risk of death without increasing cardiovascular events risk.

Strengths & Limitation

Main limitations are represented by the high heterogeneity among the studies in terms of included population, definition for hypogonadism, type of TTh, definition of cardio-vascular event used, and the length of follow-up.

Conclusion

According to time-related measures of risk only, an increased risk of long-term morbidity and early mortality for untreated hypogonadal men was depicted, further outlining the clinical importance and safety of TTh in true hypogonadal men, with the urgent need of collecting long-term follow-up data.
Practices of Reparations in International Criminal Justice
Authors: Sperfeldt Christoph
Published: June 2022

Combining interdisciplinary techniques with original ethnographic fieldwork, Christoph Sperfeldt examines the first attempts of international criminal courts to provide reparations to victims of mass atrocities. The observations focus on two case studies: the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, where Sperfeldt spent over ten years working at and around, and the International Criminal Court's interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Enriched with first-hand observations and an awareness of contextual dynamics, this book directs attention to the 'social life of reparations' that too often get lost in formal accounts of law and its institutions. Sperfeldt shows that reparations are constituted and contested through a range of practices that produce, change, and give meaning to reparations. Appreciating the nature and effects of these practices provides us with a deeper understanding of the discrepancies that exist between the reparations ideal and how it functions imperfectly in different contexts.
Can Identity Theory Improve Survey Design?
Authors: Britton Logan L. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: June 2022

Question effects are important when designing and interpreting surveys. Question responses are influenced by preceding questions through ordering effects. Identity Theory is employed to explain why some ordering effects exist. A conceptual model predicts respondents will display identity inertia, where the identity cued in one question will be expressed in subsequent questions regardless of whether those questions cue that identity. Lower amounts of identity inertia are found compared to habitual inertia, where respondents tend to give similar answers to previous questions. The magnitude of both inertias is small, suggesting they are only minor obstacles to survey design.
Investigation of factors influencing inpatient antibiotic prescribing decisions in the Veterans’ Health Administration
Authors: Economos Evan T. , Goedken Cassie Cunningham , Sherlock Stacey Hockett , Suda Katie J. , Goetz Matthew , Balkenende Erin , Chasco Emily E. , Scherer Aaron M. , Goto Michihiko , Perencevich Eli N. , Schacht Reisinger Heather , Livorsi Daniel J. ,   for the Veterans’ Affairs–Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Practice–Based Research Network (VA-CDC PBRN)
Published: June 2022

To investigate factors that influence antibiotic prescribing decisions, we interviewed 49 antibiotic stewardship champions and stakeholders across 15 hospitals. We conducted thematic analysis and subcoding of decisional factors. We identified 31 factors that influence antibiotic prescribing decisions. These factors may help stewardship programs identify educational targets and design more effective interventions.
Impact of provider-selected indication requirement on urine test utilization and positivity
Authors: Penney Jessica A. , Rodday Angie Mae , Sebastiani Paola , Snydman David R. , Doron Shira I.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of the addition of an indication specification requirement to isolated urine-culture ordering on testing utilization.

Design:

Retrospective study utilizing interrupted time series analysis with negative binomial regression. The preintervention period was October 1, 2018–November 11, 2019, and the postintervention period was November 12, 2019–October 31, 2020. The primary outcome was isolated culture rate per 1,000 patient days. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of all urine tests ordered as isolated urine culture and culture positivity. An exploratory analysis assessed the appropriateness of selected testing indications.

Setting:

A 415-bed, urban, academic medical center.

Patients:

Adult patients with urine testing performed during hospital admission. In total, 1,494 unique isolated urine-culture orders were included in the analysis.

Interventions:

On November 12, 2019, the laboratory order interface was changed to require the ordering provider to select an indication for isolated urine culture.

Results:

Isolated urine-culture rates did not significantly change after the intervention (11.2–7.8 cultures per 1,000 patient days; P = .17) nor did culture positivity (26.9% vs 26.8%). Most ordering providers left the indication for testing blank, and of those charts reviewed, 67% did not have a documented condition for which isolated urine culture was the most appropriate initial test.

Conclusions:

The addition of an order-specification requirement for isolated urine-culture testing did not significantly affect ordering practices. The test remains overused as the initial diagnostic evaluation for a suspected urinary tract infection. Further provider education and continued changes in provider workflow are needed to achieve lasting change in practice.
From Marxist Venture to Venture Capitalists: The Swedish Wage-Earner Funds and the Market Turn, 1983–1994
Authors: Westerberg Rikard
Published: June 2022

A renewed political interest in profit sharing and employee codetermination prompts an analysis of the Swedish wage-earner funds, implemented by a Social Democratic government in 1983 and dismantled by a center-right government in 1991. This article explains the funds’ financial performance and the political decisions surrounding their dismantlement. It finds that the funds underperformed slightly in relation to financial targets. Reasons include inexperienced boards, limited investment opportunities, and a hostile attitude from the business community. For the center-right parties, getting rid of the funds was an ideological decision. Transferring the assets to research foundations and public venture capital funds would improve the business climate, compensate firms for taxes paid to finance the wage-earner funds, and ensure that the Social Democrats would not be able to reinstate the funds. The intense debate surrounding the wage-earner funds, their implementation, how they functioned in practice, and their dismantlement clearly contributed to Sweden’s sharp market turn in the 1980s and 1990s.
The second moment of Rankin–Selberg L-functions
Authors: Jana Subhajit
Published: June 2022

We prove an asymptotic expansion of the second moment of the central values of the

$\mathrm {GL}(n)\times \mathrm {GL}(n)$

Rankin–Selberg L-functions

$L(1/2,\pi \otimes \pi _0)$

for a fixed cuspidal automorphic representation

$\pi _0$

over the family of

$\pi $

with analytic conductors bounded by a quantity that is tending to infinity. Our proof uses the integral representations of the L-functions, period with regularised Eisenstein series and the invariance properties of the analytic newvectors.
Prevalence and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria at academic and critical-access hospitals—Opportunities for stewardship efforts
Authors: Liu Funnce , MacDonald Barbara , Jain Rupali , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Martinez-Paz Natalia , Lynch John B. , Pottinger Paul S. , Chan Jeannie D. , Kassamali Escobar Zahra
Published: June 2022

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is common among hospitalized patients and often leads to inappropriate antimicrobial use. Data from critical-access hospitals are underrepresented. To target antimicrobial stewardship efforts, we measured the point prevalence of ASB and detected a high frequency of ASB overtreatment across academic, community, and critical-access hospitals.
Coalescence of bubbles in a high Reynolds number confined swarm
Authors: Ruiz-Rus J. , Ern P. , Roig V. , Martínez-Bazán C.
Published: June 2022

We investigate experimentally the coalescence cascade process for a confined swarm of deformable bubbles immersed in a bidimensional vertical cell filled with water. For different gas volume fractions, air bubbles of size

$D_0$

larger than the cell thickness are injected at the bottom of the cell. The bubbles swarms transformation is explored using high-speed visualizations. The time evolution of each bubble in the swarm is determined using a specifically developed algorithm, enabling bubble tracking and coalescence detection. We determine the evolution of the bubble size distribution downstream from the injection point, and show that the stages of the coalescence cascade are characterized by the diameter,

$D_{V90}$

, representative of the largest bubbles. The collision frequency of pairs of bubbles of sizes

$D_k$

and

$D_{k'}$

,

$h(D_k, D_{k'})$

, and their coalescence efficiency,

$\lambda$

, are obtained from the experiments. The efficiency is nearly constant, independently of the bubble sizes and of the gas volume fraction. Concerning collision frequency, our results reveal the existence of two different coalescence regimes depending on the capability of the bubbles to deform. Models describing

$h(D_k, D_{k'})$

for both regimes are provided. They take into account the specific response of the bubble pair, which depends on the reduced diameter

$D_p = 2 D_k D_{k'} / (D_k + D_{k'})$

, to the global swarm-induced agitation governed by

$D_{V90}$

and the gas volume fraction. In the first regime, occurring for smaller

$D_p$

, bubbles are brought together by agitation and rapidly coalesce, while for sufficiently large

$D_p$

, both bubbles are able to deform and spend more time adapting mutually their shapes before coalescing.
ON LÜROTH EXPANSIONS IN WHICH THE LARGEST DIGIT GROWS WITH SLOWLY INCREASING SPEED
Authors: ZHANG MENGJIE , WANG WEILIANG
Published: June 2022

Let
$0\leq \alpha \leq \infty $
,
$0\leq a\leq b\leq \infty $
and
$\psi $
be a positive function defined on
$(0,\infty )$
. This paper is concerned with the growth of
$L_{n}(x)$
, the largest digit of the first n terms in the Lüroth expansion of
$x\in (0,1]$
. Under some suitable assumptions on the function
$\psi $
, we completely determine the Hausdorff dimensions of the sets
$$\begin{align*}E_\psi(\alpha)=\bigg\{x\in(0,1]: \lim\limits_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{\log L_n(x)}{\log\psi(n)}=\alpha\bigg\} \end{align*}$$

and
$$\begin{align*}E_\psi(a,b)=\bigg\{x\in(0,1]: \liminf\limits_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{\log L_n(x)}{\log\psi(n)}=a, \limsup\limits_{n\rightarrow\infty}\frac{\log L_n(x)}{\log\psi(n)}=b\bigg\}. \end{align*}$$
Gyrokinetic analysis of an argon-seeded EDA H-mode in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Stimmel Karl , Gil L. , Görler T. , Cavedon M. , David P. , Dunne M. , Dux R. , Fischer R. , Jenko F. , Kallenbach A. , McDermott R.M. , Plank U. , Tardini G. , Told D. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: June 2022

Understanding edge-localised-mode (ELM)-free high-confinement (H-)mode scenarios is vital for developing practical future demonstration reactor scenarios. An argon-seeded EDA H-mode discharge performed in ASDEX Upgrade is computationally studied in detail for the first time with the gyrokinetic GENE code using experimental profiles and magnetic equilibrium as direct code inputs. Linear scans outline dominant instabilities in the regime and reveal distinct ion- and electron-scale wavenumber growth-rate peaks for two local core and two local pedestal top scenarios. Linear ion-scale growth rates are found to be relatively insensitive to the addition of argon, and collisionality scans demonstrate increased sensitivity in the pedestal top. The addition of an argon impurity profile while keeping the input main ion temperature gradient (ITG) largely unchanged is found to reduce ITG-driven turbulence in the outer core. Nonlinear electromagnetic simulations reveal close agreement with experimentally predicted heat fluxes in the core, outline key sensitivities to electron

$\beta$

and background

$\boldsymbol{E\times B}$

shearing, and reveal gyrokinetic challenges in analysing the quasicoherent mode. Global electrostatic nonlinear simulations reduce local simulated heat transport overpredictions at the pedestal top. A quasilinear analysis finds that there is good core agreement but poor agreement in the pedestal between linear and nonlinear temperature and density fluctuation cross-phases. Local simulation limitations are elucidated and paths forward for future computation are suggested.
Alterations in resting-state functional activity and connectivity for major depressive disorder appetite and weight disturbance phenotypes
Authors: Piccolo Mayron , Belleau Emily L. , Holsen Laura M. , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Parsey Ramin V. , McGrath Patrick J. , Weissman Myrna M. , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Javaras Kristin N.
Published: June 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often accompanied by changes in appetite and weight. Prior task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings suggest these MDD phenotypes are associated with altered reward and interoceptive processing.

Methods

Using resting-state fMRI data, we compared the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and seed-based connectivity (SBC) among hyperphagic (n = 77), hypophagic (n = 66), and euphagic (n = 42) MDD groups and a healthy comparison group (n = 38). We examined fALFF and SBC in a mask restricted to reward [nucleus accumbens (NAcc), putamen, caudate, ventral pallidum, and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)] and interoceptive (anterior insula and hypothalamus) regions and also performed exploratory whole-brain analyses. SBC analyses included as seeds the NAcc and also regions demonstrating group differences in fALFF (i.e. right lateral OFC and right anterior insula). All analyses used threshold-free cluster enhancement.

Results

Mask-restricted analyses revealed stronger fALFF in the right lateral OFC, and weaker fALFF in the right anterior insula, for hyperphagic MDD v. healthy comparison. We also found weaker SBC between the right lateral OFC and left anterior insula for hyperphagic MDD v. healthy comparison. Whole-brain analyses revealed weaker fALFF in the right anterior insula, and stronger SBC between the right lateral OFC and left precentral gyrus, for hyperphagic MDD v. healthy comparison. Findings were no longer significant after controlling for body mass index, which was higher for hyperphagic MDD.

Conclusions

Our results suggest hyperphagic MDD may be associated with altered activity in and connectivity between interoceptive and reward regions.
Integrating Empirical Analysis and Normative Inquiry in Health Technology Assessment: The Values in Doing Assessments of Health Technologies Approach
Authors: van der Wilt Gert Jan , Bloemen Bart , Grin John , Gutierrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , Sampietro-Colom Laura , Refolo Pietro , Sacchini Dario , Hofmann Bjørn , Sandman Lars , Oortwijn Wija
Published: June 2022

Health technology assessment (HTA) aims, through empirical analysis, to shed light on the value of health technologies (O’Rourke et al. [2020,International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care36, 187–90]). HTA is, then, where facts and values meet. But how, where, and when do facts and values meet in HTA? Currently, HTA is usually portrayed as a sequential process, starting with empirical analysis (assessment), followed by a deliberation on the implications of the findings for a judgment of a health technology’s value (appraisal). In this paper, we will argue that in HTA, empirical analysis and normative inquiry are much more closely entwined. In fact, as we hope to show, normative commitments act as an indispensable guide for the collection and interpretation of empirical evidence. Drawing on policy sciences, we will suggest a concrete methodology that can help HTA practitioners to integrate empirical analysis and normative inquiry in a transparent way. The proposed methodology can be conceived as a concrete means for conducting a scoping exercise in HTA. Moreover, it offers a distinct way of giving stakeholders a structural and constructive role in HTA. This paper outlines the approach developed by the values in doing assessments of health technologies project, a project funded by the Erasmus+ program (contract number 2018-1-NL01-KA203-038960), which is the European Union’s program to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. The project has resulted in an E-learning course, an accompanying handbook, and a consensus statement, all freely available from the project’s websitewww.validatehta.eu.
Red meat consumption, incident CVD and the influence of dietary quality in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Bigornia Sherman J , Noel Sabrina E , Porter Caitlin , Zhang Xiyuan , Talegawker Sameera A , Carithers Teresa , Correa Adolfo , Tucker Katherine L
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

We investigated the prospective associations between meat consumption and CVD and whether these relationships differ by dietary quality among African American (AA) adults.

Design:

Baseline diet was assessed with a regionally specific FFQ. Unprocessed red meat included beef and pork (120 g/serving); processed meat included sausage, luncheon meats and cured meat products (50 g/serving). Incident total CVD, CHD, stroke and heart failure were assessed annually over 9·8 years of follow-up. We characterised dietary quality using a modified Healthy Eating Index-2010 score (m-HEI), excluding meat contributions.

Setting:

Jackson, MS, USA.

Participants:

AA adults (n 3242, aged 55 y, 66 % female).

Results:

Mean total, unprocessed red and processed meat intakes were 5·7 ± 3·5, 2·3 ± 1·8 and 3·3 ± 2·7 servings/week, respectively. Mostly, null associations were observed between meat categories and CVD or subtypes. However, greater intake of unprocessed red meat (three servings/week) was associated with significantly elevated risk of stroke (hazard ratio = 1·43 (CI: 1·07,1·90)). With the exception of a more positive association between unprocessed meat consumption and stroke among individuals in m-HEI Tertile 2, the strength of associations between meat consumption categories and CVD outcomes did not differ by m-HEI tertile. In formal tests, m-HEI did not significantly modify meat–CVD associations.

Conclusions:

In this cohort of AA adults, total and processed meat were not associated with CVD outcomes, with the exception that unprocessed red meat was related to greater stroke risk. Dietary quality did not modfiy these associations. Research is needed in similar cohorts with longer follow-up and greater meat consumption to replicate these findings.
The U.S./France Contrast Frame and Black Lives Matter in France
Authors: Beaman Jean , Fredette Jennifer
Published: June 2022

In this article examining Black Lives Matter in France, we consider how French politicians and others in the public sphere use a U.S./France contrast frame to deny or downplay the existence of systemic racism within France. In so doing, they delegitimize as un-French or as too Americanized those French anti-racist activists who claim that racism in France is systemic and who challenge republican difference-blindness. To demonstrate this, we specifically focus on anti-racist activism against police violence and argue that, contrary to accusations by French political leaders, anti-racist activists do not directly impose U.S. Black Lives Matter discourse onto the French context. Rather, they deploy it in conversation with existing and long-standing anti-racist mobilization in France. This comparison between the United States and France also reveals the unique challenges of addressing police violence as a manifestation of racism in France, where anti-racist activists must fight to even name race and racism.
A Trait-Based Network Perspective on the Validation of the French Short Boredom Proneness Scale
Authors: Martarelli Corinna S. , Baillifard Ambroise , Audrin Catherine
Published: June 2022

Abstract: The Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS) has recently been developed. Using a standard confirmatory factor analysis, we report on the structural validation of the French SBPS, which provided support for the original construct. A network analysis ( n = 490) revealed the structure of the relationships between the SBPS and the two facets of Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II). The analysis revealed positive connections between the boredom and curiosity items, whereas the connections between the boredom and exploration items were negative. To evaluate measurement invariance, we compared the French-speaking sample ( n = 490) with an English-speaking sample ( n = 364). Full configural, metric, and scalar invariance was established; thus, we provide a valid French translation of a widely used measure of boredom that may advantage future research.
Quantifying Scaling Effect on Gross Primary Productivity Estimation in the Upscaling Process of Surface Heterogeneity
Authors: Xie Xinyao , Li Ainong , Chen Jing M. , Guan Xiaobin , Leng Jiye
Published: June 2022

Accurate estimation of gross primary productivity (GPP) is essential for understanding the terrestrial carbon budget. Current large‐scale GPP estimates are often obtained at coarse resolutions without considering the subpixel heterogeneity, leading to scaling errors in results. Here, to further characterize (a) the critical sub‐upscaling process causing the largest error and (b) the contributions of various heterogeneity factors in causing the scaling errors, a hydrology‐vegetation model was used to estimate GPP at the 30 m resolution (assumed as reality), and other coarser resolutions (60, 120, 240, 480, and 960 m, assumed as approximations) for 16 mountainous watersheds. Then, GPP scaling errors in the upscaling process of surface heterogeneity were investigated by the root mean squared error between the reality and approximations. Results showed that any surface heterogeneity aggregation from fine to coarse resolutions (e.g., 30–960 m) could cause GPP scaling errors (133 ± 40 gCm−2yr−1), and the aggregation from medium to coarse resolutions (e.g., 240–960 m) may be the largest source. More specifically, GPP scaling errors caused by the vegetation heterogeneity aggregation from fine to medium resolutions were relatively small, and the GPP errors caused by the surface topography aggregation from fine to coarse resolutions were all non‐negligible. Elevation aggregation caused larger GPP scaling error than the aggregations of land cover, leaf area index, slope, and aspect. This work highlights the need to consider surface heterogeneity (especially the elevation information) when modeling mountain vegetation GPP at coarse resolutions.
Poleward Moving Auroral Arcs and Pc5 Oscillations
Authors: Sakurai T. , Wright A. N. , Takahashi K. , Elsden T. , Ebihara Y. , Sato N. , Kadokura A. , Tanaka Y. , Hori T.
Published: June 2022

We present an example of one‐to‐one correspondence between poleward moving auroral arcs (PMAAs) and Pc5 oscillations observed at the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) Ground Based Observatory station Gillam. The PMAAs consisted of four successive intensifications (named PMAA1, PMAA2, PMAA3 and PMAA4) with a period of 3∼4 min over the magnetic latitudes from 68° to 70° in the auroral oval and varied coherently with the H‐component of magnetic field Pc5 oscillations. PMAA1 and PMAA2 appeared clearly at the magnetic latitude ∼69°, and the following two PMAAs, which were dimmer, appeared at the magnetic latitude ∼68°. PMAA1 and PMAA2 exhibited features of field‐line resonances with the maximum luminosity at the magnetic latitude ∼69.5° and ∼69.4°, respectively. The ground Pc5 oscillations were concurrent with toroidal mode Pc5 oscillation observed at the THEMIS‐D, ‐E, and ‐A satellites at ∼4 MLT in the outer magnetosphere. The magnetic and electric field oscillations at THEMIS were synchronized with the PMAAs. The magnetic energy of the THEMIS Pc5 oscillations is estimated using a numerical model of damped toroidal oscillations and compared with the kinetic energy of precipitating electrons associated with the field aligned current carried by the toroidal oscillations. The result reveals that the Pc5 magnetic energy is much larger than the kinetic energy, implying the magnetic energy is important for producing auroral emissions in the ionosphere. We also perform a simulation of the relationship between PMAAs and toroidal mode Pc5 oscillations. The simulation explains the observed spatial and temporal structures of the PMAAs.
Rapid species identification of pathogenic bacteria from a minute quantity exploiting three-dimensional quantitative phase imaging and artificial neural network
Authors: Kim Geon , Ahn Daewoong , Kang Minhee , Park Jinho , Ryu DongHun , Jo YoungJu , Song Jinyeop , Ryu Jea Sung , Choi Gunho , Chung Hyun Jung , Kim Kyuseok , Chung Doo Ryeon , Yoo In Young , Huh Hee Jae , Min Hyun-seok , Lee Nam Yong , Park YongKeun
Published: June 2022

The healthcare industry is in dire need of rapid microbial identification techniques for treating microbial infections. Microbial infections are a major healthcare issue worldwide, as these widespread diseases often develop into deadly symptoms. While studies have shown that an early appropriate antibiotic treatment significantly reduces the mortality of an infection, this effective treatment is difficult to practice. The main obstacle to early appropriate antibiotic treatments is the long turnaround time of the routine microbial identification, which includes time-consuming sample growth. Here, we propose a microscopy-based framework that identifies the pathogen from single to few cells. Our framework obtains and exploits the morphology of the limited sample by incorporating three-dimensional quantitative phase imaging and an artificial neural network. We demonstrate the identification of 19 bacterial species that cause bloodstream infections, achieving an accuracy of 82.5% from an individual bacterial cell or cluster. This performance, comparable to that of the gold standard mass spectroscopy under a sufficient amount of sample, underpins the effectiveness of our framework in clinical applications. Furthermore, our accuracy increases with multiple measurements, reaching 99.9% with seven different measurements of cells or clusters. We believe that our framework can serve as a beneficial advisory tool for clinicians during the initial treatment of infections.
Surface plasmons interference nanogratings: wafer-scale laser direct structuring in seconds
Authors: Geng Jiao , Yan Wei , Shi Liping , Qiu Min
Published: June 2022

It is always a great challenge to bridge the nano- and macro-worlds in nanoscience, for instance, manufacturing uniform nanogratings on a whole wafer in seconds instead of hours even days. Here, we demonstrate a single-step while extremely high-throughput femtosecond laser scanning technique to obtain wafer-scale, highly regular nanogratings on semiconductor-on-metal thin films. Our technique takes advantage of long-range surface plasmons-laser interference, which is regulated by a self-initiated seed. By controlling the scanning speed, two types of nanogratings are readily manufactured, which are produced by either oxidation or ablation. We achieve a record manufacturing speed (>1 cm2 s−1), with tunable periodicity of Λ < 1 µm. The fractional variation of their periodicity is evaluated to be as low as ∆Λ/Λ ≈ 0.5%. Furthermore, by utilizing the semiconductor-on-metal film-endowed interference effects, an extremely high energy efficiency is achieved via suppressing light reflection during femtosecond laser nano-processing. As the fabricated nanogratings exhibit multi-functionality, we exemplify their practical applications in highly sensitive refractive index sensing, vivid structural colors, and durable superhydrophilicity.
HAO1-mediated oxalate metabolism promotes lung pre-metastatic niche formation by inducing neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Zeng Zhicheng , Xu Shaowan , Wang Feifei , Peng Xin , Zhang Wanning , Zhan Yizhi , Ding Yanqing , Liu Ziguang , Liang Li
Published: June 2022

Metabolic reprogramming has been shown to be involved in cancer-induced pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation, but the underlying mechanisms have been insufficiently explored. Here, we showed that hydroxyacid oxidase 1 (HAO1), a rate-limiting enzyme of oxalate synthesis, was upregulated in the alveolar epithelial cells of mice bearing metastatic breast cancer cells at the pre-metastatic stage, leading to oxalate accumulation in lung tissue. Lung oxalate accumulation induced neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation by activating NADPH oxidase, which facilitated the formation of pre-metastatic niche. In addition, lung oxalate accumulation promoted the proliferation of metastatic cancer cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Pharmacologic inhibition of HAO1 could effectively suppress the lung oxalate accumulation induced by primary cancer, consequently dampening lung metastasis of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells induced HAO1 expression and oxalate accumulation in alveolar epithelial cells by activating TLR3-IRF3 signaling. Collectively, these findings underscore the role of HAO1-mediated oxalate metabolism in cancer-induced lung PMN formation and metastasis. HAO1 could be an appealing therapeutic target for preventing lung metastasis of cancer.
Structural insights into ligand recognition and selectivity of somatostatin receptors
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Han Shuo , Qiu Na , Feng Wenbo , Lu Mengjie , Zhang Wenru , Wang Mu , Zhou Qingtong , Chen Shutian , Xu Wei , Du Juan , Chu Xiaojing , Yi Cuiying , Dai Antao , Hu Liaoyuan , Shen Michelle Y. , Sun Yaping , Zhang Qing , Ma Yingli , Zhong Wenge , Yang Dehua , Wang Ming-Wei , Wu Beili , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2022

Somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) play versatile roles in inhibiting the secretion of multiple hormones such as growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thus are considered as targets for treating multiple tumors. Despite great progress made in therapeutic development against this diverse receptor family, drugs that target SSTRs still show limited efficacy with preferential binding affinity and conspicuous side-effects. Here, we report five structures of SSTR2 and SSTR4 in different states, including two crystal structures of SSTR2 in complex with a selective peptide antagonist and a non-peptide agonist, respectively, a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of Gi1-bound SSTR2 in the presence of the endogenous ligand SST-14, as well as two cryo-EM structures of Gi1-bound SSTR4 in complex with SST-14 and a small-molecule agonist J-2156, respectively. By comparison of the SSTR structures in different states, molecular mechanisms of agonism and antagonism were illustrated. Together with computational and functional analyses, the key determinants responsible for ligand recognition and selectivity of different SSTR subtypes and multiform binding modes of peptide and non-peptide ligands were identified. Insights gained in this study will help uncover ligand selectivity of various SSTRs and accelerate the development of new molecules with better efficacy by targeting SSTRs.
Evolution of determinant factors of maximal sprinting and repeated sprint ability in women soccer players
Authors: González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , García-Taibo Olalla , Vila Moisés , Nobari Hadi , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to determine the influence of force–power–velocity, vertical and horizontal jumps, and repeated sprint ability on the sprinting performance of adult women soccer players. Eighteen women soccer players from one team participating in the first female national Spanish soccer league were analyzed. Fitness assessments were performed twice in a period of three months. The following assessments were made to reach the aim of the study: (1) anthropometric measures, (2) CMJ (0%, 20% and 40%), (3) hop test (dominant and nondominant leg), (4) linear sprinting at 30 m and (5) RSA test. The main evidence of this study revealed the meaningful contribution of lower-limb power (vertical and horizontal jump), maximal sprint and peak power on sprinting time performance, while stride frequency was meaningfully explained by vertical jump and maximal sprinting. In fact, positive moderate and large correlations were found between Time and CMJ, CMJ 20%, CMJ 40%, Hop Test Dominant and Non-dominant, and Pmaxand MS of Force–Power–Velocity (r = − 0.73,p = 0.001; r = − 0.68,p = 0.002; r = − 0.51,p = 0.03; r = − 0.64,p = 0.004; r = − 0.57,p = 0.013; r = − 0.78,p = 0.001, and r = − 0.83,p = 0.001, respectively). In sum, peak power, maximal speed, and lower-limb power (in vertical and horizontal jumps) were significant determinants of sprinting performance (time), while vertical jump was the determinant of stride frequency. In addition, our findings suggest that potentiation and explosive vertical power could be the emphasis for sustaining the stride frequency of women soccer players, while sprinting performance should be supported by strong acceleration and maximal velocity sustained by both vertical and horizontal force and concentric and eccentric strength and power.
Elucidating macular structure–function correlations in glaucoma
Authors: Giammaria Sara , Sharpe Glen P. , Dyachok Oksana , Rafuse Paul E. , Shuba Lesya M. , Nicolela Marcelo T. , Vianna Jayme R. , Chauhan Balwantray C.
Published: June 2022

Correlation between structural data from optical coherence tomography and functional data from the visual field may be suboptimal because of poor mapping of OCT measurement locations to VF stimuli. We tested the hypothesis that stronger structure–function correlations in the macula can be achieved with fundus-tracking perimetery, by precisely mapping OCT measurements to VF sensitivity at the same location. The conventional 64 superpixel (3° × 3°) OCT grid was mapped to VF sensitivities averaged in 40 corresponding VF units with standard automated perimetry (conventional mapped approach, CMA) in 38 glaucoma patients and 10 healthy subjects. Similarly, a 144 superpixel (2° × 2°) OCT grid was mapped to each of the 68 locations with fundus-tracking perimetry (localized mapped approach, LMA). For each approach, the correlation between sensitivity at each VF unit and OCT superpixel was computed. Vector maps showing the maximum correlation between each VF unit and OCT pixel was generated. CMA yielded significantly higher structure–function correlations compared to LMA. Only 20% of the vectors with CMA and < 5% with LMA were within corresponding mapped OCT superpixels, while most were directed towards loci with structural damage. Measurement variability and patterns of structural damage more likely impact correlations compared to precise mapping of VF stimuli.
Functional regulations between genetic alteration-driven genes and drug target genes acting as prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Li , Yu Lei , Shi Jian , Li Feng , Zhang Caiyu , Xu Haotian , Yin Xiangzhe , Wang Lixia , Lin Shihua , Litvinova Anastasiia , Ping Yanyan , Ning Shangwei , Zhao Hongying
Published: June 2022

Differences in genetic molecular features including mutation, copy number alterations and DNA methylation, can explain interindividual variability in response to anti-cancer drugs in cancer patients. However, identifying genetic alteration-driven genes and characterizing their functional mechanisms in different cancer types are still major challenges for cancer studies. Here, we systematically identified functional regulations between genetic alteration-driven genes and drug target genes and their potential prognostic roles in breast cancer. We identified two mutation and copy number-driven gene pairs (PARP1-ACSL1 and PARP1-SRD5A3), three DNA methylation-driven gene pairs (PRLR-CDKN1C, PRLR-PODXL2 and PRLR-SRD5A3), six gene pairs between mutation-driven genes and drug target genes (SLC19A1-SLC47A2, SLC19A1-SRD5A3, AKR1C3-SLC19A1, ABCB1-SRD5A3, NR3C2-SRD5A3 and AKR1C3-SRD5A3), and four copy number-driven gene pairs (ADIPOR2-SRD5A3, CASP12-SRD5A3, SLC39A11-SRD5A3 and GALNT2-SRD5A3) that all served as prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer. In particular, RARP1 was found to be upregulated by simultaneous copy number amplification and gene mutation. Copy number deletion and downregulated expression of ACSL1 and upregulation of SRD5A3 both were observed in breast cancers. Moreover, copy number deletion of ACSL1 was associated with increased resistance to PARP inhibitors. PARP1-ACSL1 pair significantly correlated with poor overall survival in breast cancer owing to the suppression of the MAPK, mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathways, which induces apoptosis, autophagy and prevents inflammatory processes. Loss of SRD5A3 expression was also associated with increased sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. The PARP1-SRD5A3 pair significantly correlated with poor overall survival in breast cancer through regulating androgen receptors to induce cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that genetic alteration-driven gene pairs might serve as potential biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer and facilitate the identification of combination therapeutic targets for breast cancers.
Fibrillin-1 mutant mouse captures defining features of human primary open glaucoma including anomalous aqueous humor TGF beta-2
Authors: Ko MinHee K. , Woo Jeong-Im , Gonzalez Jose M. , Kim Gayeoun , Sakai Lynn , Peti-Peterdi Janos , Kelber Jonathan A. , Hong Young-Kwon , Tan James C.
Published: June 2022

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) features an optic neuropathy, elevated aqueous humor (AH) TGFβ2, and major risk factors of central corneal thickness (CCT), increasing age and intraocular pressure (IOP). We examined Tight skin (Tsk) mice to see if mutation of fibrillin-1, a repository for latent TGFβ, is associated with characteristics of human POAG. We measured: CCT by ocular coherence tomography (OCT); IOP; retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve axon counts by microscopic techniques; visual electrophysiologic scotopic threshold responses (STR) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG); and AH TGFβ2 levels and activity by ELISA and MINK epithelial cell-based assays respectively. Tsk mice had open anterior chamber angles and compared with age-matched wild type (WT) mice: 23% thinner CCT (p < 0.003); IOP that was higher (p < 0.0001), more asymmetric (p = 0.047), rose with age (p = 0.04) and had a POAG-like frequency distribution. Tsk mice also had RGCs that were fewer (p < 0.04), declined with age (p = 0.0003) and showed increased apoptosis and glial activity; fewer optic nerve axons (p = 0.02); abnormal axons and glia; reduced STR (p < 0.002) and PERG (p < 0.007) visual responses; and higher AH TGFβ2 levels (p = 0.0002) and activity (p = 1E−11) especially with age. Tsk mice showed defining features of POAG, implicating aberrant fibrillin-1 homeostasis as a pathogenic contributor to emergence of a POAG phenotype.
Physiological and transcriptome analyses reveal the response of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus to extreme seasonal temperatures in a cold plateau desert ecosystem
Authors: Yang Zimeng , Liu Yiying , Han Hang , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Siyu , Li Guofang , Shi Sha , Feng Jinchao
Published: June 2022

Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is the only evergreen broad-leaved shrub present in arid areas of Northwest China and plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the local desert ecosystem. It can survive under extreme temperatures (e.g., extreme low temperature: − 24.8 °C and extreme high temperature: 37.7 °C). To understand the gene expression-physiological regulation network of A. mongolicus in extreme temperature environments, we monitored the changes in gene expression and photosynthetic traits of the leaves. The results showed that at low temperatures, the net photosynthetic rates (A), Fv'/Fm' and electron transport rate (ETR) decreased, the Fv/Fm ratio was only 0.32, and the proportion of nonregulatory heat dissipation Y(NO) increased. Based on a KEGG analysis of the differentially expressed genes, 15 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified, which were mainly related to circadian rhythm, photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, plant hormones and other life activities. At high temperatures, the A value increased, and the proportion of regulatory energy dissipation Y(NPQ) increased. The KEGG analysis identified 24 significantly enriched KEGG pathways, which are mainly related to circadian rhythm, carbon sequestration of photosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, secondary metabolites, cofactors and vitamin metabolism. In general, at the expense of photosynthesis, A. mongolicus can ensure the survival of leaves by increasing Y(NO) levels, regulating the circadian rhythm, increasing the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and changing the role of plant hormones. Under high-temperature stress, a high photosynthetic capacity was maintained by adjusting the stomatal conductance (gsw), increasing Y(NPQ), consuming excess light energy, continuously assembling and maintaining PSII, and changing the production of antioxidants.
Randomized clinical trial comparing intravitreal aflibercept combined with subthreshold laser to intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Tatsumi Tomoaki , Takatsuna Yoko , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Kaiho Tomomi , Kawasaki Yohei , Shiko Yuki , Sugawara Takeshi , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: June 2022

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept with three loading doses + pro re nata regimen combined with subthreshold laser application to that of IVA monotherapy on eyes with diabetic macular edema. This was a phase 4 clinical trial with a prospective, randomized, and parallel investigator-driven protocol. Patients with DME were randomly assigned to the IVA monotherapy group (n = 25) or the IVA + SL combination therapy group (n = 26). The main outcome measures were the number of IVA injections and the changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central retinal thickness (CRT) at the final evaluation at 96 weeks. The mean number of IVA injections in the monotherapy group was 5.86 ± 2.43 and it was 6.05 ± 2.73 in the IVA + SL group at 96 weeks, and this difference was not significant (P = 0.83). The differences in the mean changes of the CRT (P = 0.17) and the BCVA (P = 0.31) were also not significant between the two groups throughout the follow-up period. We conclude that adjunct of SL to anti-VEGF therapy does not reduce the number of necessary intravitreal injections.
Abundance and distribution patterns of cetaceans and their overlap with vessel traffic in the Humboldt Current Ecosystem, Chile
Authors: Bedriñana-Romano Luis , Zarate Patricia M. , Hucke-Gaete Rodrigo , Viddi Francisco A. , Buchan Susannah J. , Cari Ilia , Clavijo Ljubitza , Bello Robert , Zerbini Alexandre N.
Published: June 2022

The Humboldt Current Ecosystem (HCE) is one of the most productive marine ecosystems, sustaining one of the largest fishing industries in the world. Although several species of cetaceans are known to inhabit these productive waters, quantitative assessments of their abundance and distribution patterns are scarce and patchy. Here, we present the first abundance and distribution estimates for fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), southeast Pacific blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), and common dolphin (Delphinusspp.) in the entire Chilean portion of the HCE. Line transect surveys were conducted during 2016–2021 between 18° S and 41° S and up to ~ 200 km offshore, and data were analyzed using distance sampling methods. Group counts were modelled as a function of environmental variables using single step Bayesian Binomial N-mixture model (BNMM), which allows full uncertainty propagation between model components. By using spatially explicit predictions of cetacean densities and observed vessel densities in the HCE, we provide quantitative assessments on the relative probability of cetaceans encountering vessels (RPCEV). Dusky dolphin and fin whale showed the largest distribution overlap with industrial and artisanal fishery fleets. Our results highlight areas where effort should be prioritized to address the extant but unquantified negative interactions between vessels and cetaceans in Chilean HCE.
Nonlinear control of switchable wavelength-selective absorption in a one-dimensional photonic crystal including ultrathin phase transition material-vanadium dioxide
Authors: Saleki Ziba
Published: June 2022

Based on the transfer matrix theory, I realize a nearly perfect wavelength-selective absorption of near-IR waves in a one-dimensional defective photonic crystal, $$(AB)^ND(BA)^M$$

(
A
B
)

N

D

(
B
A
)

M

, containing a vanadium dioxide (VO$$_2$$

2

) phase transition layer as a defect. Firstly, the effect of the period numbers, N and M, on the absorption spectrum is studied to achieve a perfect absorption peak. It is shown that optimal period numbers of the structure to maximize the absorption peak are N = 7 and M = 16. Our results also indicate that a narrow-band, almost perfect absorption is achieved due to the symmetry of the structure with respect to VO$$_2$$

2

. Also, the absorption amount of the considered structure is about 50 times larger than that of a free-standing VO$$_2$$

2

. Furthermore, the absorption peak value and resonant wavelength can be continuously tuned while VO$$_2$$

2

transits from semiconductor to metal phase at 340 K temperature. In addition, how different parameters such as the polarization and incident angle affect the absorption spectra is discussed. Finally, the nonlinear absorption spectra of the structure are graphically demonstrated beside the linear case. The current system can be applied in designing practical tunable optical devices such as IR sensors, limiters, and switches.