bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing clinical cure of empirical piperacillin/tazobactam for ESBL urinary tract infections (ACCEPT—UTI)
Authors: Stefanos Sylvia S , Sakaan Sami , Samarin Michael , Gelfand Michael S , Cleveland Kerry O , Gant Jessie , Kermeen Sydney , Hobbs Diana A , Hobbs Athena L V
Published: May 2023

Background

Data are limited regarding use of piperacillin/tazobactam for ESBL urinary tract infections (UTIs). The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of patients treated empirically with piperacillin/tazobactam versus carbapenems for ESBL UTIs.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, propensity score-matched study evaluated adults with an ESBL on urine culture. Patients who had UTI symptoms or leukocytosis, and who received a carbapenem or piperacillin/tazobactam empirically for at least 48 h were included. The primary outcome was clinical success within 48 h, defined as resolution of temperature (36–38°C), resolution of symptoms or leukocytosis (WBC <12 × 103/μL) in the absence of documented symptoms, and the absence of readmission for an ESBL UTI within 6 months. Secondary outcomes included time to clinical resolution, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital and 30 day all-cause mortality.

Results

Overall, 223 patients were included in the full cohort and 200 patients in the matched cohort (piperacillin/tazobactam = 100, carbapenem = 100). Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. There was no difference in the primary outcome of clinical success between the carbapenem and piperacillin/tazobactam groups (58% versus 56%, respectively; P = 0.76). Additionally, there was no difference in median (IQR) time to clinical resolution [38.9 h (21.5, 50.9 h) versus 40.3 h (27.4, 57.5 h); P = 0.37], in-hospital all-cause mortality (3% versus 3%; P = 1.00), or 30 day all-cause mortality (4% versus 2%; P = 0.68) between the carbapenem and piperacillin/tazobactam groups, respectively.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in clinical success for patients treated empirically with piperacillin/tazobactam compared with carbapenems for ESBL UTIs.
From Theory to Reality: A Definition for the Termination of Non-International Armed Conflicts
Authors: McClean Stefan Robert
Published: May 2023

This article seeks to examine how various theories, which have been designed to determine the end of non-international armed conflicts (NIACs), have been applied in practice. As international humanitarian law is temporal in its application, determining when a conflict legally concludes is vital to assess the rights and duties of parties involved during the final stages of conflict. In order to examine how international law approaches the issue of conflict termination, three case studies are undertaken (Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Sierra Leone) to examine the practice of the parties involved in the transition out of a NIAC paradigm and into the jus post bellum (law after war). While the article does not seek to identify a clear definition in customary international law as to the nature of a NIACs termination, through an analysis of practice and theory implementation, it is hoped that an improved picture as to how NIACs may conclusively end as a matter of international law can be brought to light.
Confirmatory evaluation of eFUME for control of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Corbett Stephen M A , Cullum John P , Abrams Adelaine E , Rodriguez Mathew S , Leskey Tracy C , Walse Spencer S
Published: May 2023

The governments of Australia and New Zealand require a phytosanitary treatment to control adult brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), as overwintering aggregations have been intercepted in the importation pathway of various nonhorticultural consignments, including vehicles. The commercialized fumigant, eFUME, a 16.7% by mass dilution of ethyl formate in carbon dioxide, resulted in complete control of ca. 1,000 field-collected, naturally diapausing adult H. halys in each of 3 independent trials at 10 ± 0.5 °C (x¯ ± 2s) when ethyl formate levels in enclosure headspace were maintained steady-state at ca. 14.5 mg/liter for 4 h to yield Ct exposures ranging from 57.9 to 63.1 mg/liter h. Consistent with previous findings where greenhouse reared H. halys were controlled using laboratory formulations of this ethyl formate—carbon dioxide mixture, these confirmatory methods and results further inform technical and operational features of commercial practice.
Development of the Music Therapy in Transition to Long-Term Care Model
Authors: Schneible Brigette K , Beer Laura , McDermott Orii , Mulhorn Kristine , Shim Minjung , Bradt Joke
Published: May 2023

Transition to long-term care can be a challenging period for older adults, with high risk for negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and fear. However, music therapy has the potential to enhance related protective factors because it emphasizes individual strengths by leveraging culture-specific resources, facilitates relationships and a sense of belonging through joint music-making, and provides opportunities to process and make sense of one’s experiences in the “new normal” through sharing of music-related emotions. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of older adult long-term care residents, their care team staff, and their music therapists to develop a conceptual framework for the role of music therapy in older adults’ transition and adjustment to long-term care. A grounded theory approach was used to conceptualize this process. Interviews with 17 participants were transcribed and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The resulting theoretical model describes a progression of qualities and benefits of music therapy that leads to residents “feeling their best self.” Related categories include: Music therapy is accessible and engaging; Music therapy is personal and meaningful; Music therapy acts as a bridge to other resources; Music therapy facilitates transformation; and Music therapy facilitates community integration. This initial theoretical model provides a foundation for clinical assessment and interventions. Future research is needed for continued testing and refining this theory.
The Quest for the Philosophers’ Stone: Alois von Sonnenfels’ ‘אור נגה—Splendor Lucis’, Vienna 1745
Authors: Evers Renate
Published: May 2023

This article examines אור נגה—Splendor Lucis, oder Glantz des Lichts, a bilingual German-Hebrew alchemical work written in 1745 by Alois von Sonnenfels (1705–1768), a scholar and translator at the Austrian imperial court, who converted from Judaism to Catholicism in 1735. Splendor Lucis embodies a quest for ‘vera philosophia’, a true and pure knowledge, which its author seeks via the practical alchemical pursuit of discovering how to transmute base substances into gold using the legendary ‘Philosophers’ Stone’. Ultimately, Sonnenfels locates the secret to divine wisdom in the biblical figure of Job, and concludes that ‘vera philosophia’ is with God alone and cannot be grasped by humankind. This article analyses how Sonnenfels’ unique eighteenth-century text combines Jewish and Christian concepts with alchemical, kabbalistic, and literary symbols. Christian alchemists and Christian Hebraists often tried to prove that Christianity was the anticipated Messianic fulfilment of Judaism. By contrast, Sonnenfels presents a veiled discourse which carefully makes the case for the validity of Jewish texts and thus also for Judaism—under the watchful eye of the Catholic Church.
Inferring dark matter halo properties for H i-selected galaxies
Authors: Yasin Tariq , Desmond Harry , Devriendt Julien , Slyz Adrianne
Published: May 2023

We set constraints on the dark matter halo mass and concentration of ∼22 000 individual galaxies visible both in $\rm{H}\, {\small I}$ (from the ALFALFA survey) and optical light (from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey). This is achieved by combining two Bayesian models, one for the $\rm{H}\, {\small I}$ line width as a function of the stellar and neutral hydrogen mass distributions in a galaxy using kinematic modelling, and the other for the galaxy’s total baryonic mass using the technique of inverse subhalo abundance matching. We hence quantify the constraining power on halo properties of spectroscopic and photometric observations, and assess their consistency. We find good agreement between the two sets of posteriors, although there is a sizeable population of low-line width galaxies that favour significantly smaller dynamical masses than expected from abundance matching (especially for cuspy halo profiles). Abundance matching provides significantly more stringent bounds on halo properties than the $\rm{H}\, {\small I}$ line width, even with a mass–concentration prior included, although combining the two provides a mean gain of 40 per cent for the sample when fitting an NFW profile. We also use our kinematic posteriors to construct a baryonic mass–halo mass relation, which we find to be near power law, and with a somewhat shallower slope than expected from abundance matching. Our method demonstrates the potential of combining photometric and spectroscopic observations to precisely map out the dark matter distribution at the galaxy scale using upcoming $\rm{H}\, {\small I}$ surveys such as the SKA.
The ALMA REBELS Survey: discovery of a massive, highly star-forming, and morphologically complex ULIRG at z = 7.31
Authors: Hygate A P S , Hodge J A , da Cunha E , Rybak M , Schouws S , Inami H , Stefanon M , Graziani L , Schneider R , Dayal P , Bouwens R J , Smit R , Bowler R A A , Endsley R , Gonzalez V , Oesch P A , Stark D P , Algera H S B , Aravena M , Barrufet L , Ferrara A , Fudamoto Y , Hilhorst J H A , De Looze I , Nanayakkara T , Pallottini A , Riechers D A , Sommovigo L , Topping M W , van der Werf P
Published: May 2023

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) [C ii] and ∼158 $\rm \mu m$ continuum observations of REBELS-25, a massive, morphologically complex ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG; LIR = $1.5^{+0.8}_{-0.5} \times 10^{12}$ L⊙) at z = 7.31, spectroscopically confirmed by the Reionization Era Bright Emission Line Survey (REBELS) ALMA Large Programme. REBELS-25 has a significant stellar mass of $M_{*} = \mbox{$ 8^{+4}_{-2} \times 10^{9} $}{} ~\mbox{M$_\odot $}{}$. From dust-continuum and ultraviolet observations, we determine a total obscured + unobscured star formation rate of SFR $= \mbox{$199^{+101}_{-63}$}{} ~ \mbox{M$_\odot $}~ \mbox{${\rm yr}$}^{-1}$. This is about four times the SFR estimated from an extrapolated main sequence. We also infer a [C ii]-based molecular gas mass of $M_{{\rm H}_{2}} = \mbox{$5.1^{+5.1}_{-2.6} \times 10^{10}$}{} ~\mbox{M$_\odot $}{}$, implying a molecular gas depletion time of $t_{\rm depl, {\rm H}_{2}} = \mbox{$0.3^{+0.3}_{-0.2} $}{}$ Gyr. We observe a [C ii] velocity gradient consistent with disc rotation, but given the current resolution we cannot rule out a more complex velocity structure such as a merger. The spectrum exhibits excess [C ii] emission at large positive velocities (∼500 km s−1), which we interpret as either a merging companion or an outflow. In the outflow scenario, we derive a lower limit of the mass outflow rate of 200 $\mbox{M$_\odot $}~ \mbox{${\rm yr}$}^{-1}$, which is consistent with expectations for a star-formation-driven outflow. Given its large stellar mass, SFR, and molecular gas reservoir ∼700 Myr after the big bang, we explore the future evolution of REBELS-25. Considering a simple, conservative model assuming an exponentially declining star formation history, constant star formation efficiency, and no additional gas inflow, we find that REBELS-25 has the potential to evolve into a galaxy consistent with the properties of high-mass quiescent galaxies recently observed at z ∼ 4.
Cometary surface dust layers built out of millimetre-scale aggregates: dependence of modelled cometary gas production on the layer transport properties
Authors: Skorov Yu , Markkanen J , Reshetnyk V , Mottola S , Küppers M , Besse S , El-Maarry M R , Hartogh P
Published: May 2023

The standard approach to obtaining knowledge about the properties of the surface layer of a comet from observations of gas production consists of two stages. First, various thermophysical models are used to calculate gas production for a few sets of parameters. Second, a comparison of observations and theoretical predictions is performed. This approach is complicated because the values of many model characteristics are known only approximately. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the sensitivity of the simulated outgassing to variations in the properties of the surface layer. This problem was recently considered by us for aggregates up to tens of microns in size. For millimetre-size aggregates, a qualitative extension of the method used to model the structural characteristics of the layer is required. It is also necessary to study the role of radiative thermal conductivity, which may play an important role for such large particles. We investigated layers constructed from large aggregates and having various thicknesses and porosity and evaluated the effective sublimation of water ice at different heliocentric distances. For radiative conductivity, approximate commonly used models and the complicated model based on the dense-medium radiative transfer theory were compared. It was shown that for millimetre-size aggregates careful consideration of the radiative thermal conductivity is required since this mechanism of energy transfer may change the resulting gas productivity by several times. We demonstrate that our model is more realistic for an evolved comet than simple models parameterizing the properties of the cometary surface layer, yet maintains comparable computational complexity.
Rapid determination of LISA sensitivity to extreme mass ratio inspirals with machine learning
Authors: Chapman-Bird Christian E A , Berry Christopher P L , Woan Graham
Published: May 2023

Gravitational wave observations of the inspiral of stellar-mass compact objects into massive black holes (MBHs), extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs), enable precision measurements of parameters such as the MBH mass and spin. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna is expected to detect sufficient EMRIs to probe the underlying source population, testing theories of the formation and evolution of MBHs and their environments. Population studies are subject to selection effects that vary across the EMRI parameter space, which bias inference results if unaccounted for. This bias can be corrected, but evaluating the detectability of many EMRI signals is computationally expensive. We mitigate this cost by (i) constructing a rapid and accurate neural network interpolator capable of predicting the signal-to-noise ratio of an EMRI from its parameters, and (ii) further accelerating detectability estimation with a neural network that learns the selection function, leveraging our first neural network for data generation. The resulting framework rapidly estimates the selection function, enabling a full treatment of EMRI detectability in population inference analyses. We apply our method to an astrophysically motivated EMRI population model, demonstrating the potential selection biases and subsequently correcting for them. Accounting for selection effects, we predict that with 116 EMRI detections LISA will measure the MBH mass function slope to a precision of 8.8  per cent, the CO mass function slope to a precision of 4.6  per cent, the width of the MBH spin magnitude distribution to a precision of 10  per cent, and the event rate to a precision of 12  per cent with EMRIs at redshifts below z  = 6.
Peering into the central region of a nano-quasar: XMM–Newton and Chandra views of the CH Cyg symbiotic system
Authors: Toalá J A , González-Martín O , Karovska M , Montez R , Botello M K , Sabin L
Published: May 2023

We present the analysis of archival XMM–Newton and Chandra observations of CH Cyg, one of the most studied symbiotic stars (SySts). The combination of the high-resolution XMM–Newton RGS and Chandra HETG X-ray spectra allowed us to obtain reliable estimates of the chemical abundances and to corroborate the presence of multitemperature X-ray-emitting gas. Spectral fitting of the medium-resolution XMM–Newton MOS (MOS1+MOS2) spectrum required the use of an additional component not seen in previous studies in order to fit the 2.0–4.0 keV energy range. Detailed spectral modelling of the XMM–Newton MOS data suggests the presence of a reflection component, very similar to that found in active galactic nuclei. The reflection component is very likely produced by an ionized disc (the accretion disc around the white dwarf) and naturally explains the presence of the fluorescent Fe emission line at 6.4 keV while also contributing to the soft and medium energy ranges. The variability of the global X-ray properties of CH Cyg are discussed as well as the variation of the three Fe lines around the 6–7 keV energy range. We conclude that reflection components are needed to model the hard X-ray emission and may be present in most β/δ-type SySt.
Stars on the edge: Galactic tides and the outskirts of the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal
Authors: Sestito Federico , Roediger Joel , Navarro Julio F , Jensen Jaclyn , Venn Kim A , Smith Simon E T , Hayes Christian , McConnachie Alan W
Published: May 2023

The formation of ‘stellar haloes’ in dwarf galaxies have been discussed in terms of early mergers or Galactic tides, although fluctuations in the gravitational potential due to stellar feedback is also a possible candidate mechanism. A Bayesian algorithm is used to find new candidate members in the extreme outskirts of the Sculptor dwarf galaxy. Precise metallicities and radial velocities (RVs) for two distant stars are measured from their spectra taken with the Gemini South GMOS spectrograph. The radial velocity, proper motion, and metallicity of these targets are consistent with Sculptor membership. As a result, the known boundary of the Sculptor dwarf extends now out to an elliptical distance of ∼10rh (half-light radii), which corresponds to a projected physical distance of ∼3 kpc. As reported in earlier work, the overall distribution of RVs and metallicities indicate the presence of a more spatially and kinematically dispersed metal-poor population that surrounds the more concentrated and colder metal-rich stars. Sculptor’s density profile shows a ‘kink’ in its logarithmic slope at a projected distance of ∼25 arcmin (620 pc), which we interpret as evidence that Galactic tides have helped to populate the distant outskirts of the dwarf. We discuss further ways to test and validate this tidal interpretation for the origin of these distant stars.
Low-frequency radio observations of recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi with MeerKAT and LOFAR
Authors: de Ruiter Iris , Nyamai Miriam M , Rowlinson Antonia , Wijers Ralph A M J , O’Brien Tim J , Williams David R A , Woudt Patrick
Published: May 2023

We report low-frequency radio observations of the 2021 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi. These observations include the lowest frequency observations of this system to date. Detailed light curves are obtained by MeerKAT at 0.82 and 1.28 GHz and LOFAR at 54 and 154 MHz. These low-frequency detections allow us to put stringent constraints on the brightness temperature that clearly favour a non-thermal emission mechanism. The radio emission is interpreted and modelled as synchrotron emission from the shock interaction between the nova ejecta and the circumbinary medium. The light curve shows a plateauing behaviour after the first peak, which can be explained by either a non-uniform density of the circumbinary medium or a second emission component. Allowing for a second component in the light-curve modelling captures the steep decay at late times. Furthermore, extrapolating this model to 15 yr after the outburst shows that the radio emission might not fully disappear between outbursts. Further modelling of the light curves indicates a red giant mass-loss rate of ∼5 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. The spectrum cannot be modelled in detail at this stage, as there are likely at least four emission components. Radio emission from stellar wind or synchrotron jets is ruled out as the possible origin of the radio emission. Finally, we suggest a strategy for future observations that would advance our understanding of the physical properties of RS Ophiuchi.
MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0: comprehensive statistical, functional and integrative analysis of microbiome data
Authors: Lu Yao , Zhou Guangyan , Ewald Jessica , Pang Zhiqiang , Shiri Tanisha , Xia Jianguo
Published: May 2023

Microbiome studies have become routine in biomedical, agricultural and environmental sciences with diverse aims, including diversity profiling, functional characterization, and translational applications. The resulting complex, often multi-omics datasets demand powerful, yet user-friendly bioinformatics tools to reveal key patterns, important biomarkers, and potential activities. Here we introduce MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0 to support comprehensive statistics, visualization, functional interpretation, and integrative analysis of data outputs commonly generated from microbiome studies. Compared to the previous version, MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0 features three new modules: (i) a Raw Data Processing module for amplicon data processing and taxonomy annotation that connects directly with the Marker Data Profiling module for downstream statistical analysis; (ii) a Microbiome Metabolomics Profiling module to help dissect associations between community compositions and metabolic activities through joint analysis of paired microbiome and metabolomics datasets; and (iii) a Statistical Meta-Analysis module to help identify consistent signatures by integrating datasets across multiple studies. Other important improvements include added support for multi-factor differential analysis and interactive visualizations for popular graphical outputs, updated methods for functional prediction and correlation analysis, and expanded taxon set libraries based on the latest literature. These new features are demonstrated using a multi-omics dataset from a recent type 1 diabetes study. MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0 is freely available at microbiomeanalyst.ca.
A cellular overview of immunometabolism in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Psarras Antonios , Clarke Alexander
Published: May 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease, characterized by a breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of autoantibodies against nucleic self-antigens. Immunometabolism is a rapidly expanding scientific field investigating the metabolic programming of cells of the immune system. During the normal immune response, extensive reprogramming of cellular metabolism occurs, both to generate adenosine triphosphate and facilitate protein synthesis, and also to manage cellular stress. Major pathways upregulated include glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the pentose phosphate pathway, among others. Metabolic reprogramming also occurs to aid resolution of inflammation. Immune cells of both patients with SLE and lupus-prone mice are characterized by metabolic abnormalities resulting in an altered functional and inflammatory state. Recent studies have described how metabolic reprogramming occurs in many cell populations in SLE, particularly CD4+ T cells, e.g. favouring a glycolytic profile by overactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway. These advances have led to an increased understanding of the metabolic changes affecting the inflammatory profile of T and B cells, monocytes, dendritic cells and neutrophils, and how they contribute to autoimmunity and SLE pathogenesis. In the current review, we aim to summarize recent advances in the field of immunometabolism involved in SLE and how these could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies in the future.
Stress-related biomolecular condensates in plants
Authors: Solis-Miranda Jorge , Chodasiewicz Monika , Skirycz Aleksandra , Fernie Alisdair R , Moschou Panagiotis N , Bozhkov Peter V , Gutierrez-Beltran Emilio
Published: May 2023

Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelle-like structures that can concentrate molecules and often form through liquid-liquid phase separation. Biomolecular condensate assembly is tightly regulated by developmental and environmental cues. Although research on biomolecular condensates has intensified in the past 10 years, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and components underlying their formation remains in its infancy, especially in plants. However, recent studies have shown that the formation of biomolecular condensates may be central to plant acclimation to stress conditions. Here, we describe the mechanism, regulation, and properties of stress-related condensates in plants, focusing on stress granules and processing bodies, 2 of the most well-characterized biomolecular condensates. In this regard, we showcase the proteomes of stress granules and processing bodies in an attempt to suggest methods for elucidating the composition and function of biomolecular condensates. Finally, we discuss how biomolecular condensates modulate stress responses and how they might be used as targets for biotechnological efforts to improve stress tolerance.
The dynamin GTPase mediates regenerative axonal fusion inCaenorhabditis elegansby regulating fusogen levels
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Tarika , Dhananjay Samiksha , Ho Xue Yan , Giordano-Santini Rosina , Hilliard Massimo , Neumann Brent
Published: May 2023

Axonal fusion is a neuronal repair mechanism that results in the reconnection of severed axon fragments, leading to the restoration of cytoplasmic continuity and neuronal function. While synaptic vesicle recycling has been linked to axonal regeneration, its role in axonal fusion remains unknown. Dynamin proteins are large GTPases that hydrolyze lipid-binding membranes to carry out clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle recycling. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans dynamin protein DYN-1 is a key component of the axonal fusion machinery. Animals carrying a temperature-sensitive allele of dyn-1(ky51) displayed wild-type levels of axonal fusion at the permissive temperature (15°C) but presented strongly reduced levels at the restrictive temperature (25°C). Furthermore, the average length of regrowth was significantly diminished in dyn-1(ky51) animals at the restrictive temperature. The expression of wild-type DYN-1 cell-autonomously into dyn-1(ky51) mutant animals rescued both the axonal fusion and regrowth defects. Furthermore, DYN-1 was not required prior to axonal injury, suggesting that it functions specifically after injury to control axonal fusion. Finally, using epistatic analyses and superresolution imaging, we demonstrate that DYN-1 regulates the levels of the fusogen protein EFF-1 post-injury to mediate axonal fusion. Together, these results establish DYN-1 as a novel regulator of axonal fusion.
Worried Sick: Perceptions of Low Public Support, Stress, and Somatic Health Problems in Law Enforcement
Authors: Baker Daniel B , Marier Christopher J , Cheek Merrily
Published: May 2023

Recent surveys suggest that confidence in police reached its lowest level on record in the wake of controversial police custody deaths and associated protests in recent years. Meanwhile, research has found links between perceptions of low public support for police and a variety of negative outcomes among police officers, including stress and withdrawal. The consequences of psychological stress, according to much other research, include a variety of physical health problems. The present study synthesizes these bodies of research by examining whether perceptions of low public support are associated with physical, somatic symptoms in police officers, including headaches, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, and upper respiratory infections. Structural equation modelling of 4,221 officer surveys from a Southeastern U.S. state collected in January of 2022 suggests that officers are quite literally worried sick about poor police–public relations, and that stress mediates this relationship. We discuss the implications of these findings for officer wellness and the relationship between mental and physical well being among officers. Furthermore, we discuss practical recommendations for police leaders who may be struggling to promote officer wellness during a period of intense public scrutiny.
No More Women Killed in Spain! A Collaborative Femicide Prevention Effort of a Police-Led Team of Ministry of Interior and Academia
Authors: González-Álvarez José Luís , Viñas-Racionero Rosa , Santos-Hermoso Jorge , Carbonell-Vayá Enrique , Bermúdez-Sánchez María Paz , Pineda-Sánchez David , Borrás-Sansaloni Carmen , Chiclana-de la Fuente Sandra , Sotoca-Plaza Andrés , López-Ossorio Juan José , Garrido-Antón María José
Published: May 2023

With the turn of the new century, the Spanish government developed a series of initiatives to eradicate gender violence and intimate partner femicides. Among these initiatives, the Secretary of State for Security (SSS) of the Ministry of Interior organized a National Project (Team) for the Detailed Review of Intimate Partner Homicides—a police-led team that partnered with 21 Spanish universities and several correctional facilities across 50 provinces—to conduct a concurrent embedded, correlational mixed-methods study of a nationally representative sample of 171 femicide cases and a control group of 210 non-lethal partner abuse cases (2006–2021). The results of this study served to improve current law enforcement femicide risk prediction tools (Valoracion Policial del Riesgo, VPR) and to develop different offender typologies aiming at guiding treatment interventions. New recommendations were also provided to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and other agencies so extant partner violence cases can be appropriately managed.
Improving Police Data Collection to Measure Repeat Demand: A Focus on Domestic Violence and Abuse
Authors: Phoenix Jessica
Published: May 2023

Targeting police resources at repeat demand may reduce overall demand. To effectively target resources at repetition requires repeat demand to be accurately measured in police data. Using domestic violence and abuse (DVA) as a case study of repeat demand, this study takes a deep dive into the data and information systems used by one police force to identify the key issues that prevent the effective measurement of repeat DVA-related demand. From observations of the police response to DVA and manual review of 325 DVA case files, four key issues are identified: (1) fragmented units of measurement across multiple information systems; (2) inconsistent recording of personal details; (3) multiple methods of identifying DVA; and (4) the embedding of information in free-text. This paper makes recommendations to improve the measurement of repeat demand in police data, with implications for police practitioners and researchers.
p-Adic statistical field theory and convolutional deep Boltzmann machines
Authors: Zúñiga-Galindo W A , He C , Zambrano-Luna B A
Published: May 2023

Understanding how deep learning architectures work is a central scientific problem. Recently, a correspondence between neural networks (NNs) and Euclidean quantum field theories has been proposed. This work investigates this correspondence in the framework of p-adic statistical field theories (SFTs) and neural networks. In this case, the fields are real-valued functions defined on an infinite regular rooted tree with valence p, a fixed prime number. This infinite tree provides the topology for a continuous deep Boltzmann machine (DBM), which is identified with a statistical field theory on this infinite tree. In the p-adic framework, there is a natural method to discretize SFTs. Each discrete SFT corresponds to a Boltzmann machine with a tree-like topology. This method allows us to recover the standard DBMs and gives new convolutional DBMs. The new networks use O(N) parameters while the classical ones use O(N2) parameters.
Periaqueductal gray matter and medial prefrontal cortex reflect negative prediction errors during differential conditioning
Authors: Gorka Adam X , Philips Ryan T , Torrisi Salvatore , Manbeck Adrienne , Goodwin Madeline , Ernst Monique , Grillon Christian
Published: May 2023

Computational models of associative learning posit that negative prediction errors (PEs) arising from the omission of aversive outcomes weaken aversive Pavlovian associations during differential conditioning and extinction. It is possible that negative PEs may underlie exaggerated conditioned responses to the conditioned stimulus not paired with an aversitve outcome (CS-) during differential conditioning and to the conditioned stimulus originally paired with a aversive outcome (CS+) during extinction in patients with clinical anxiety disorders. Although previous research has demonstrated that manipulations of the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) interfere with extinction learning in animals, the role of the PAG in processing negative PEs within the human brain is presently unclear. We set out to investigate how PAG responses and connectivity are impacted by negative PEs using ultra-high-field (7 T) functional magnetic resonance imaging and hierarchical Bayesian analysis. During differential conditioning, negative PEs were associated with larger responses within the lateral and dorsolateral PAG and increased connectivity between the dorsolateral PAG and medial areas of Brodmann area 9. Collectively, these results shed light on the association between activity within the PAG and medial prefrontal cortex and the omission of aversive outcomes during Pavlovian learning.
Phylogenomic Analyses Reveal an Allopolyploid Origin of Core Didymocarpinae (Gesneriaceae) Followed by Rapid Radiation
Authors: Yang Lihua , Harris A J , Wen Fang , Li Zheng , Feng Chao , Kong Hanghui , Kang Ming
Published: May 2023

Allopolyploid plants have long been regarded as possessing genetic advantages under certain circumstances due to the combined effects of their hybrid origins and duplicated genomes. However, the evolutionary consequences of allopolyploidy in lineage diversification remain to be fully understood. Here, we investigate the evolutionary consequences of allopolyploidy using 138 transcriptomic sequences of Gesneriaceae, including 124 newly sequenced, focusing particularly on the largest subtribe Didymocarpinae. We estimated the phylogeny of Gesneriaceae using concatenated and coalescent-based methods based on five different nuclear matrices and 27 plastid genes, focusing on relationships among major clades. To better understand the evolutionary affinities in this family, we applied a range of approaches to characterize the extent and cause of phylogenetic incongruence. We found that extensive conflicts between nuclear and chloroplast genomes and among nuclear genes were caused by both incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and reticulation, and we found evidence of widespread ancient hybridization and introgression. Using the most highly supported phylogenomic framework, we revealed multiple bursts of gene duplication throughout the evolutionary history of Gesneriaceae. By incorporating molecular dating and analyses of diversification dynamics, our study shows that an ancient allopolyploidization event occurred around the Oligocene–Miocene boundary, which may have driven the rapid radiation of core Didymocarpinae.
Nutrient conditions mediate mycorrhizal effects on biomass production and cell wall chemistry in poplar
Authors: Becklin Katie M , Viele Bethanie M , Coleman Heather D
Published: May 2023

Large-scale biofuel production from lignocellulosic feedstock is limited by the financial and environmental costs associated with growing and processing lignocellulosic material and the resilience of these plants to environmental stress. Symbiotic associations with arbuscular (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi represent a potential strategy for expanding feedstock production while reducing nutrient inputs. Comparing AM and EM effects on wood production and chemical composition is a necessary step in developing biofuel feedstocks. Here, we assessed the productivity, biomass allocation and secondary cell wall (SCW) composition of greenhouse-grown Populus tremuloidesMichx. inoculated with either AM or EM fungi. Given the long-term goal of reducing nutrient inputs for biofuel production, we further tested the effects of nutrient availability and nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometry on mycorrhizal responses. Associations with both AM and EM fungi increased plant biomass by 14–74% depending on the nutrient conditions but had minimal effects on SCW composition. Mycorrhizal plants, especially those inoculated with EM fungi, also allocated a greater portion of their biomass to roots, which could be beneficial in the field where plants are likely to experience both water and nutrient stress. Leaf nutrient content was weakly but positively correlated with wood production in mycorrhizal plants. Surprisingly, phosphorus played a larger role in EM plants compared with AM plants. Relative nitrogen and phosphorus availability were correlated with shifts in SCW composition. For AM associations, the benefit of increased wood biomass may be partially offset by increased lignin content, a trait that affects downstream processing of lignocellulosic tissue for biofuels. By comparing AM and EM effects on the productivity and chemical composition of lignocellulosic tissue, this work links broad functional diversity in mycorrhizal associations to key biofuel traits and highlights the importance of considering both biotic and abiotic factors when developing strategies for sustainable biofuel production.
Exosome miRNAs profiling in serum and prognostic evaluation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Fang Teng , Sun Hao , Sun Xiyue , He Yi , Tang Peixia , Gong Lixin , Yu Zhen , Liu Lanting , Xie Shiyi , Wang Tingyu , Xu Zhenshu , Yi Shuhua , An Gang , Xu Yan , Zhu Guoqing , Qiu Lugui , Hao Mu
Published: May 2023

Background:

MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) carried by exosomes play pivotal roles in the crosstalk between cell components in the tumor microenvironment. Our study aimed at identifying the expression profile of exosomal miRNAs (exo-miRNAs) in the serum of multiple myeloma (MM) patients and investigating the regulation networks and their potential functions by integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Material and Methods:

Exosomes in serum from 19 newly diagnosed MM patients and 9 healthy donors were isolated and the miRNA profile was investigated by small RNA sequencing. Differential expression of exo-miRNAs was calculated and target genes of miRNAs were predicted. CytoHubba was applied to identify the hub miRNAs and core target genes. The LASSO Cox regression model was used to develop the prognostic model, and the ESTIMATE immune score was calculated to investigate the correlation between the model and immune status in MM patients.

Results:

The top 6 hub differentially expressed serum exo-miRNAs were identified. 513 target genes of the 6 hub exo-miRNAs were confirmed to be differentially expressed in MM cells in the Zhan Myeloma microarray dataset. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these target genes were mainly involved in mRNA splicing, cellular response to stress, and deubiquitination. Thirteen core exo-miRNA target genes were applied to create a novel prognostic signature to provide risk stratification for MM patients, which is associated with the immune microenvironment of MM patients.

Conclusions:

Our study comprehensively investigated the exo-miRNA profiles in MM patients. A novel prognostic signature was constructed to facilitate the risk stratification of MM patients with distinct outcomes.
Early Postoperative Therapeutic Scleral Lens Intervention for Penetrating Keratoplasty Complications in Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Asghari Bita , Brocks Daniel C.
Published: May 2023

A 52-year-old white man with keratoconus and severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for visual rehabilitation in the left eye. Post-PK complications included a persistent epithelial defect. Therapeutic scleral lens wear was initiated 2 weeks post-PK. Customizations were incorporated into the lens design to prevent suction and corneal hypoxia during lens wear. Post-PK herpes epithelial keratitis developed shortly thereafter, causing recurrence of a nonhealing epithelial defect. The patient was treated with oral antiviral therapy, discontinuation of dupilumab, and daily waking-hour scleral lens wear, which was used as an antibiotic drug delivery device. The cornea fully epithelialized, and best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/40-2. The patient continued with daily waking-hour scleral lens wear and was without recurrence of persistent epithelial defect or herpes keratitis at 18 months. No scleral lens–related complications were observed despite the unconventional early intervention with a therapeutic scleral lens.
A Pilot Study Examining the Use of Ultrasound to Measure Intravascular Volume Status in Agricultural Workers in a Field-Based Research Setting
Authors: Suarez Jonathan J. , Elon Lisa , Rangel-Rodriguez Adriana , Xiuhtecutli Nezahualcoyotl , Houser Madelyn C. , Hertzberg Vicki , McCauley Linda , Sands Jeff M. , Chicas Roxana C.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this pilot study was to explore if internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasound studies on agricultural workers in a field-based research setting could assess volume status during a hydration intervention.

Methods

We performed pre– and post–work shift IJV ultrasound images on 30 agricultural workers. The IJV collapsibility index values were <39% (euvolemic) or ≥39% (hypovolemic).

Results

Of the water group, 13% (2/15) had an IJV collapsibility index ≥39%, and this increased to 19% (3/16) by the end of the work shifts. The electrolyte group did not have any workers start the work shift with an IJV collapsibility index ≥39%; however, at the postshift assessment, 15% (2/13) were hypovolemic.

Conclusion

Internal jugular vein ultrasounds may have the potential to be a useful tool to determine volume status in field-based research settings. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
Analysis of nurse practitioner practice in US emergency departments: Evidence supporting educational preparation, credentialing, scope of practice, and outcomes
Authors: Wilbeck Jennifer , Davis Wesley D. , Tyler Diane , Schumann Lorna , Kapu April
Published: May 2023

The nurse practitioner (NP) role within emergency care has grown in recent years and now there are an estimated 25,000 NPs employed in diverse emergency care settings. Despite this significant growth and expansion of the NP within emergency care areas, challenges exist. In addition to the pervasive confusion regarding the NP role in emergency care, data and statistics detailing characteristics and outcomes of NP practice in emergency care are either lacking or misrepresented. This article explores barriers and provides current and accurate information describing the current educational preparation, credentialing, scope of practice, and outcomes among NPs in US emergency departments. The totality of available evidence reviewed supports safe, timely, efficient, and patient-centered care provided by NPs in emergency care.
Treatment Course Comparison Between Anxiety-Related Disorders in Adult Outpatients
Authors: Carlier Ingrid V.E. , van der Elst Lotte V. , de Jong Kim , van Vliet Irene M.
Published: May 2023

Anxiety-related disorders constitute the leading prevalent mental disorders, with major burden on patients, their relatives, and society. Moreover, there is considerable treatment nonadherence/nonresponse. We used routine outcome monitoring (ROM) data from outpatients covering four anxiety-related disorders (DSM-IV-R,N= 470) to examine their 6-month treatment course and its predictors: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Measures included Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Brief Anxiety Scale (BAS), and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). On the clinician-rated instruments (MADRS/BAS), all anxiety-related disorder groups showed a significant albeit modest improvement after treatment. On the BSI self-rating, only generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder showed a significant modest improvement. No anxiety-related disorder groups improved significantly regarding SF-36 physical functioning. For BSI symptom course, significant predictors were comorbid somatoform/total disorders, SF-36 physical functioning/general health, and MADRS score. Clinical implications and future research recommendations are discussed.
Continuous Monitoring of Buried Free Bone Flap Microcirculation in Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System
Authors: Ma Yixin , Li Shijun , Shan Xiaofeng , Zhang Lei , Cai Zhigang
Published: May 2023

Postoperative evaluation of free flaps remains a challenging task. The current gold standard for diagnosis of vascular compromise remains clinical observation. In recent years, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely used as a noninvasive objective monitoring tool for postoperative evaluation of soft tissue flaps. However, methods for monitoring bone flaps are still inadequate. In this study, NIRS was applied for the first time to monitor free buried bone flaps that were used for mandibular reconstruction. The penetrating property of NIRS was used to measure the tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of deep tissues, which reflected the microcirculatory status of the tissues. Changes in TOI values were continuously monitored in 59 cases of free bone flaps, up to 72 hours after surgery. Five cases were diagnosed as vascular compromise by clinical observation. Two fibula flaps were total failure, of which one showed a sharp decrease in TOI value to 45% in a short period of time, while the other showed a continual gradual decrease to 55%. The observed sudden (<50%) and continuous (>10%) decrease in TOI values suggest that more attention should be paid to revision surgeries. In conclusion, the authors concluded that NIRS holds promise as an objective and valid method for clinical evaluation of buried bone flaps.