bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between the age, creatinine and ejection fraction II score and the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II: which score for which patient?
Authors: Santarpino Giuseppe , Nasso Giuseppe , Peivandi Armin Darius , Avolio Maria , Tanzariello Maria , Giuliano Lanberto , Dell’Aquila Angelo Maria , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Each surgical risk prediction model requires a validation analysis within a large ‘real-life’ sample. The aim of this study is to validate the age, creatinine and ejection fraction (ACEF) II risk score compared with the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II.

METHODS

All patients operated on at 8 Italian cardiac surgery centres in the period 2009–2019 with available data for the calculation of EuroSCORE II and ACEF II were included in the study. Mortality was recorded and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for the overall study population and for different patient subgroups according to the type of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 14 804 patients were enrolled [median age of 70 (62–77) years, 35.4% female], and among these, 3.1% underwent emergency surgery. Thirty-day mortality was 2.84% (n = 420). In the total population, the area under the curve with EurosCORE II was significantly higher than that recorded with ACEF II [0.792, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.8 vs 0.73, 95% CI 0.73–0.74; P < 0.001]. This finding was also confirmed in the patient subgroups undergoing isolated valve surgery (EuroSCORE II versus ACEF II: 0.80, 95% CI 0.79–0.814 vs 0.74, 95% CI 0.724–0.754; P = 0.045) or isolated aortic surgery (0.754, 95% CI 0.70–0.79 vs 0.53, 95% CI 0.48–0.58; P = 0.002). In contrast, the 2 scores did not differ significantly in patients undergoing isolated bypass surgery (0.8, 95% CI 0.78–0.81 vs 0.77, 95% CI 0.75–0.78; P = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

In both the overall population and patient subgroups, EuroSCORE II proved to be more accurate than ACEF II. However, in patients undergoing bypass surgery, ACEF II proved to be an easy and simple to use risk score, demonstrating comparable risk prediction performance with the more complex EuroSCORE II.
Colour assessment of bleaching effect on orthodontically treated teeth
Authors: Koumpia Effimia , Eliades Theodore , Knösel Michael , Athanasiou Athanasios E
Published: January 2022

Aim

To assess whether the efficacy of external tooth bleaching differs between untreated and orthodontically treated teeth.

Materials and method

Three groups of subjects were formed; group Debonded included 24 consecutive orthodontically treated patients evaluated immediately after removal of fixed appliances. The Retention group included 24 consecutive orthodontically treated patients in the phase of retention. The Untreated group consisted of 24 arbitrarily selected undergraduate dental students without history of fixed-appliances orthodontic therapy. Each of the above three groups was further randomized into two subgroups, Bleaching and Placebo. Each subgroup received either a 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching treatment or a placebo agent, respectively. Tooth colour changes were assessed at seven timepoints: 1 day before intervention; on the day of intervention before and after treatment; and at 7, 14, 21, and 90 days for parameters L*, a*, b*, and ΔΕ in all upper incisors and canines with the use of a reflectance spectrophotometer. Intra-rater agreement was estimated with the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient and method’s error was calculated using the Repeatability Coefficient. Regarding tooth colour changes, an analysis of variance was used to assess differences between groups.

Results

Bleaching was associated with an increase of the L* value and decrease of b* and a* values in both orthodontically treated and untreated teeth. Parameters ΔE, L*, and b* exhibited statistically significant differences between the Bleaching-Untreated and Bleaching-Retention subgroups. In the Bleaching subgroups, statistically significant differences were found between different teeth for all parameters.

Conclusions

Previous exposure to fixed orthodontic appliance influenced the efficacy of external tooth bleaching. The effect of bleaching was higher after orthodontic treatment and with longer period in retention. Canines changed in colour more than incisors, and the effect was reduced over time.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a systematic review of physical and psychosocial recovery following discharge from hospital
Authors: Neubeck Lis , McHale Sheona , Ross Mark , MacGillivray Steve , Galbraith Mary , Hanson Coral
Published: January 2022

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of myocardial infarction, particularly among women. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection survivors may not know what physical activity is safe and effective, and there may be a psychosocial burden of living with a SCAD diagnosis.

Objectives

This review aimed to determine the evidence regarding physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, or associated factors, and the psychosocial impact of SCAD for SCAD survivors after hospital discharge.

Design

A systematic review was completed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Data Sources

We searched Medline, Embase, CinAHL, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar until November 2021.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

Outcomes of interest were physical activity participation levels, cardiovascular risk factors and associated risk factors, and psychosocial recovery from SCAD. We included any study (qualitative or quantitative) that reported data pertinent to understanding the impact of SCAD on physical activity and psychosocial aspects of recovery. We also included papers that reported cardiovascular risk or associated risk factors where studies reported outcomes of SCAD survivors. We excluded papers that only provided information on in-hospital management. Any reports that were non-empirical were excluded.

Results

The review included 28 studies. These used a range of methods. None were randomized controlled trials. There were 4167 SCAD participants although some were sourced from the same SCAD registries, so they may not be unique. They were mainly female (n = 3897, 93.5%, range = 57.7–100%), with mean age 48.0 ± 9.8 years at index event. Participants mostly came from the USA, Canada, or The Netherlands. We found very limited evidence for cardiorespiratory fitness improvements following cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Existing CR was not tailored to SCAD specific needs and SCAD survivors lacked guidance about appropriate physical activity. Some participants had high levels of psychosocial distress. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection survivors highlighted the need for tailored support that included family members. Many SCAD survivors have traditional risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and overweight/obesity. Chest pain following SCAD is common.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to develop physical and psychological recovery programmes for SCAD survivors and test effectiveness via randomized controlled trials. Psychosocial support is particularly required, given the high burden of psychosocial issues.

Data registration

Prospero CRD42021254798.
Association of serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D with risk of developing aortic stenosis: the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Xia Congying , Lei Wenhua , Hu Yao , Yang Huazhen , Zeng Xiaoxi , Chen Mao
Published: January 2022

Aims

This study was aimed to investigate the associations of serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels with the risk of developing aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results

We included 296 415 participants who were free of prior diagnosis of any valvular heart disease from the UK Biobank. Serum levels of phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D were measured. Incidental AS was determined by the records of hospital data. Cox regression was used to examine the association of serum mineral levels with incidental AS after adjustment for potential confounders. The mean age was 56.4 years (SD 8.14) and 53.3% of participants were women. During an average follow-up of 8.1 years, 1232 individuals developed AS. After adjustment, each 0.5-unit increase in serum phosphate level was associated with a 50% increase of AS risk (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.26–1.80). We observed no association of serum calcium and vitamin D levels with AS.

Conclusion

Increased serum phosphate level, but not calcium or vitamin D, was associated with a higher risk of incident AS, this association did not differed substantially between patients with and without decreased kidney function. This finding implied that phosphate may be a potential interventional target for AS.
Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in Europe: learning for the future
Authors: Thow Anne Marie , Rippin Holly L , Mulcahy Georgina , Duffey Keeva , Wickramasinghe Kremlin
Published: January 2022

Background

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are recommended globally as part of measures to prevent diet-related NCDs. However, their uptake in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has been limited. The aim of this study was to inform strategic, cross-sectoral, public health policy engagement to support the uptake and effective implementation of SSB taxation.

Methods

We conducted a policy analysis of SSB taxes in the WHO European Region, drawing on theories of policy making and diffusion of innovation. Data were collected from policy documents and media, secondary contextual sources and qualitative interview data (n = 20) to analyze factors influencing the adoption of taxes in 10 countries.

Results

Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Monaco, Norway, Portugal and the UK had current SSB taxes, but Monaco was excluded from the findings due to its unique taxation context. All countries were characterized by policy priority for NCD prevention, and in many there was a fiscal imperative to raise revenue. The taxes took the form of excises or levies, and the tax base and rate varied between countries. SSB taxation was fostered by constructive engagement between health and fiscal policy makers, but also influenced by external industry and public health stakeholders. Policy learning from national and international experience was evident in all countries.

Conclusions

This study points to the value of ongoing policy learning for improving tax design, and the importance of constructive collaboration between finance and health policy makers. It also suggests regional bodies could play a greater role in supporting SSB taxation.
Directed evolution of an EamB transporter for improved L-cysteine tolerance and production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Ding Chao , Ju Yun , Ma Zhenping , Wei Liang , Liu Jun , Liu Qingdai , Xu Ning
Published: January 2022

Engineering transporter for improved efflux efficiency provides a powerful strategy to alleviate product-associated cytotoxicity and promote microbial production of desired compounds. However, the scarcity of efficient transporters limits its application in the construction of microbial cell factories. Here, we sought to improve the transport performance of the EamB transporter, a L-cysteine exporter from Escherichia coli. Four EamB variants (A31V, I83M, G156A and N157M) were firstly obtained by random mutagenesis and screening, and two other improved mutant (G156S and N157S) were also identified by site-specific saturation mutagenesis. The transport assays revealed that the G156S and N157S mutants had increased L-cysteine export capacity relative to the native EamB transporter. A combinatorial mutagenesis approach was used to generate the best mutant G156S/N157S, which conferred cells optimal resistance to L-cysteine and highest yields of L-cysteine in shake flask fermentation. Taken together, our results offer several EamB mutants with improved efflux properties, highlighting the potential of these exporters in L-cysteine fermentative production.
Romantic Relationship Status, Quality, and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Black Women
Authors: Hanus Stephanie L , Simons Leslie G , Lei Man-Kit , Cobb Ryon J , Simons Ronald L
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Past research has established a link between romantic relationships and depressive symptoms among adults, including those in later life. There is, however, still a lack of evidence regarding whether romantic relationship status or relationship quality is a better predictor of psychological well-being among middle-aged and older Black adult women.

Methods

The present study draws on data from the Family and Community Health Study, a multisite, longitudinal survey of health and psychosocial experiences of Black families, to examine how relationship status and quality relate to depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Black adult women (N = 571). A series of negative binomial regression models, with 95% confidence intervals and internal moderators, were used to assess the research questions.

Results

Middle-aged and older Black women in married, cohabiting, and dating relationships who reported higher levels of relationship quality had a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms than those who reported lower levels of relationship quality or who did not report being in any romantic relationship when controlling for baseline depressive symptoms. The findings from our study indicate that relationship quality is a better predictor of depressive symptoms than relationship status.

Discussion

Our findings extend the body of literature on the impact of romantic relationships on individual well-being and provide compelling evidence that such relationships, particularly those of high quality, are significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Black women.
Seismicity modulation in a 3-D rate-and-state interacting fault population model
Authors: Dublanchet P
Published: January 2022

Seismicity rate is sometimes observed to correlate with periodic stress oscillations, such as seasonal changes in hydrological loads, or solid-earth and oceanic tidal stresses. However, seismicity modulation is far from being systematic, often weak and the mechanical control is not yet fully understood. Here, a 3-D interacting fault population loaded by a periodic stress has been studied. For that a new earthquake simulator coupling rate-and-state friction and 3-D quasi-dynamic elasticity has been developed, and used to explore the mechanical conditions leading to seismicity modulation. It is first shown that seismicity modulation is maximized when the amplitude of periodic loading stress approaches aσ, a being the viscous parameter of the rate-and-state friction and σ the normal stress in the earthquake source region. The mode of modulation is frequency dependent: short loading periods lead to a stress control (seismicity rate follows the Coulomb stress) while longer periods lead to stressing rate control (seismicity rate tracks Coulomb stressing rate variations). An analytical expression for the critical period Tc separating the two regimes is derived from Dieterich’s theory, showing a dependence of the transition on Coulomb stress amplitude. Finally, the average seismicity rate either scales exponentially with Coulomb stress (stress control), or linearly with Coulomb stressing rate (stressing rate control), as suggested by Dieterich’s theory. These features indicate that for the range of parameters explored, stress redistribution within the fault population is a second order effect in the seismicity modulation, which is primarily controlled by the properties of remote loading. This paper therefore confirms with numerical simulations the Coulomb stress and stressing rate control of seismicity rate, and the limited importance of stress redistribution in controlling earthquake production anticipated by previous theoretical studies.
Deregulation of microtubule organization and RNA metabolism in Arx models for lissencephaly and developmental epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Drongitis Denise , Caterino Marianna , Verrillo Lucia , Santonicola Pamela , Costanzo Michele , Poeta Loredana , Attianese Benedetta , Barra Adriano , Terrone Gaetano , Lioi Maria Brigida , Paladino Simona , Di Schiavi Elia , Costa Valerio , Ruoppolo Margherita , Miano Maria Giuseppina
Published: January 2022

X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG) and developmental epileptic encephalopathy-1 (DEE1) are caused by mutations in the Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene, which encodes a transcription factor responsible for brain development. It has been unknown whether the phenotypically diverse XLAG and DEE1 phenotypes may converge on shared pathways. To address this question, a label-free quantitative proteomic approach was applied to the neonatal brain of Arx knockout (ArxKO/Y) and knock-in polyalanine (Arx(GCG)7/Y) mice that are respectively models for XLAG and DEE1. Gene ontology and protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that cytoskeleton, protein synthesis and splicing control are deregulated in an allelic-dependent manner. Decreased α-tubulin content was observed both in Arx mice and Arx/alr-1(KO) Caenorhabditis elegans ,and a disorganized neurite network in murine primary neurons was consistent with an allelic-dependent secondary tubulinopathy. As distinct features of Arx(GCG)7/Y mice, we detected eIF4A2 overexpression and translational suppression in cortex and primary neurons. Allelic-dependent differences were also established in alternative splicing (AS) regulated by PUF60 and SAM68. Abnormal AS repertoires in Neurexin-1, a gene encoding multiple pre-synaptic organizers implicated in synaptic remodelling, were detected in Arx/alr-1(KO) animals and in Arx(GCG)7/Y epileptogenic brain areas and depolarized cortical neurons. Consistent with a conserved role of ARX in modulating AS, we propose that the allelic-dependent secondary synaptopathy results from an aberrant Neurexin-1 repertoire. Overall, our data reveal alterations mirroring the overlapping and variant effects caused by null and polyalanine expanded mutations in ARX. The identification of these effects can aid in the design of pathway-guided therapy for ARX endophenotypes and NDDs with overlapping comorbidities.
A rare case of isolated accessory mitral tissue in an asymptomatic adult female
Authors: Rao Ying , Song Wenjuan , Wang Yu
Published: January 2022

Accessory mitral valve tissue (AMVT) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, which is associated with other congenital heart diseases. It is diagnosed in neonates or childhood and rarely in adulthood. Nevertheless, AMVT is an incidental finding or described as isolated. Echocardiography, especially three-dimensional echocardiography is considered as an optimal imaging technique for AMVT diagnosis. We herein presented an asymptomatic adult AMVT cases with significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and surgical excision was recommended.
Bulk–surface Lie splitting for parabolic problems with dynamic boundary conditions
Authors: Altmann Robert , Kovács Balázs , Zimmer Christoph
Published: January 2022

This paper studies bulk–surface splitting methods of first order for (semilinear) parabolic partial differential equations with dynamic boundary conditions. The proposed Lie splitting scheme is based on a reformulation of the problem as a coupled partial differential–algebraic equation system, i.e., the boundary conditions are considered as a second dynamic equation that is coupled to the bulk problem. The splitting approach is combined with bulk–surface finite elements and an implicit Euler discretization of the two subsystems. We prove first-order convergence of the resulting fully discrete scheme in the presence of a weak CFL condition of the form $\tau \leqslant c h$ for some constant $c>0$. The convergence is also illustrated numerically using dynamic boundary conditions of Allen–Cahn type.
Two-point Landweber-type method with convex penalty terms for nonsmooth nonlinear inverse problems
Authors: Fu Zhenwu , Wang Wei , Han Bo , Chen Yong
Published: January 2022

In this work, we propose a two-point Landweber-type method with general convex penalty terms for solving nonsmooth nonlinear inverse problems. The design of our method can cope with nonsmooth nonlinear inverse problems or the nonlinear inverse problems whose data are contaminated by various types of noise. The method consists of the two-point acceleration strategy and inner solvers. Inner solvers are used to solve the minimization problems with respect to the penalty terms in each steps. If the minimization problems can be solved explicitly, the inner solvers will be chosen to be the exact solvers. Otherwise, we will use inexact solvers as inner solvers. Convergence results are given without utilizing the Gâteaux differentiability of the forward operator or the reflexivity of the image space. Numerical simulations are given to test the performance of the proposed method.
Association of the Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Gut Microbiota Alterations and Visceral Adipose Tissue Accumulation
Authors: Gelpi M , Vestad B , Raju S C , Hansen S Hyll , Høgh J , Midttun Ø , Ueland P M , Ueland T , Benfield T , Kofoed Klaus F , Hov J R , Trøseid M , Nielsen S Dam
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related gut microbiota changes, alterations in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism, and visceral adipose tissue in the context of HIV infection.

Methods

Three hundred eighty-three people with HIV (PWH) were included from the Copenhagen comorbidity in HIV infection (COCOMO) study. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing. Plasma metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas were measured by single-slice computed tomography (CT) scan (4th lumbar vertebra).

Results

The HIV-related gut microbiota alterations were associated with lower Trp (β −.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.03 to −0.00) and higher Kyn-to-Trp ratio (β 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.05), which in turn was associated with higher VAT-to-SAT ratio (β 0.50; 95% CI, 0.10–0.90) and larger VAT area (β 30.85; 95% CI, 4.43–57.28). In mediation analysis, the Kyn-to-Trp ratio mediated 10% (P = .023) of the association between the VAT-to-SAT ratio and HIV-related gut microbiota.

Conclusions

Our data suggest HIV-related gut microbiota compositional changes and gut microbial translocation as potential drivers of high Kyn-to-Trp ratio in PWH. In turn, increased activity in the Kyn pathway of Trp metabolism was associated with larger visceral adipose tissue area. Taken together, our findings suggest a possible role for this pathway in the gut-adipose tissue axis in the context of HIV infection.
Increased Antibody Avidity and Cross-Neutralization of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants by Hyperimmunized Transchromosomic Bovine–Derived Human Immunoglobulins for Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Tang Juanjie , Grubbs Gabrielle , Lee Youri , Wu Hua , Luke Thomas C , Egland Kristi A , Bausch Christoph L , Sullivan Eddie J , Khurana Surender
Published: January 2022

Passive antibody immunotherapeutics directed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are promising countermeasures for protection and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) can impact the clinical efficacy of immunotherapeutics. A fully human polyclonal antibody immunotherapeutic purified from plasma of transchromosomic (Tc) bovines hyperimmunized with SARS-CoV-2 WA-1 spike (SAB-185) is being assessed for efficacy in a phase 2/3 clinical trial when different circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants predominated. We evaluated antibody binding, avidity maturation, and SARS-CoV-2 VOCs/VOIs virus-neutralizing capacity of convalescent plasma compared with different lots of SAB-185 and individual Tc bovine sera sequentially obtained after each vaccination against Alpha, Epsilon, Iota, Gamma, Beta, Kappa, and Delta variants. In contrast to convalescent plasma, sera and SAB-185 derived from hyperimmunized Tc bovines demonstrated higher antibody avidity and more potent cross-neutralizing activity of VOCs/VOIs. Thus, SAB-185 is a potential promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Do antibiotics cause mitochondrial and immune cell dysfunction? A literature review
Authors: Miller Muska , Singer Mervyn
Published: January 2022

While antibiotics are clearly important treatments for infection, antibiotic-induced modulation of the immune system can have detrimental effects on pathogen clearance and immune functionality, increasing the risk of secondary infection. These injurious consequences may be mediated, at least in part, through effects on the mitochondria, the functioning of which is already compromised by the underlying septic process. Here, we review the complex interactions between antibiotic administration, immune cell and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Using telehealth consultations for healthcare provision to patients from non-Indigenous racial/ethnic minorities: a systematic review
Authors: Truong Mandy , Yeganeh Ladan , Cook Olivia , Crawford Kimberley , Wong Pauline , Allen Jacqueline
Published: January 2022

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rapid adoption of telehealth consultations, potentially creating new barriers to healthcare access for racial/ethnic minorities. This systematic review explored the use of telehealth consultations for people from racial/ethnic minority populations in relation to health outcomes, access to care, implementation facilitators and barriers, and satisfaction with care.

Materials and Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Five major databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Screening, full-text review, quality appraisal, and data extraction were all completed independently and in duplicate. A convergent integrated approach to data synthesis was applied with findings reported narratively.

Results

A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. Telehealth-delivered interventions were mostly effective for the treatment/management of physical and mental health conditions including depression, diabetes, and hypertension. In several studies, telehealth improved access to care by providing financial and time benefits to patients. Technological difficulties were the main barriers to effective telehealth consultation, although overall satisfaction with telehealth-delivered care was high.

Discussion

Telehealth-delivered care for racial/ethnic minorities offers promise across a range of conditions and outcomes, particularly when delivered in the patient’s preferred language. However, telehealth may be problematic for some due to cost and limited digital and health literacy.

Conclusion

The development and implementation of guidelines, policies, and practices in relation to telehealth consultations for racial/ethnic minorities should consider the barriers and facilitators identified in this review to ensure existing health disparities are not exacerbated.
Effect of Different Constant Temperatures on Life History and Life Table Parameters of Trichogramma euproctidis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Tabebordbar Fatemeh , Shishehbor Parviz , Ebrahimi Ebrahim , Polaszek Andrew , Ugine Todd A
Published: January 2022

Temperature has a profound effect on performance and behavior of egg parasitoids. Egg parasitoids are a well-known alternative for the control of lepidopterous pests. Selected life history parameters of Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an established egg parasitoid species in Khuzestan- Southwest Iran, were appraised at eight constant temperatures (22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, and 40°C) using Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs as the host. We found significant effects of temperature on the number of parasitized eggs, development time, sex ratio, progeny’s longevity, and fecundity. T. euproctidis developed on E. kuehniella eggs at all temperatures tested, but performed best at 32.5°C. At this temperature, they parasitized the most eggs, produced the most female progeny, and had high rates of survival. Our findings revealed that temperature significantly affected the longevity of female progeny and fecundity of T. euproctidis. A life table analysis confirmed that temperature resulted in optimal effects on T. euproctidis life history. Net reproductive rate (R0) of T. euproctidis was different among the temperatures tested. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was positively correlated with temperature from 22.5 to 32.5°C and then decreased from 35 to 40°C. Generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) decreased as temperature increased from 22.5 to 37.5°C and then increased at 40°C. These data suggest that this strain of T. euproctidis is adapted to high temperatures and harsh environmental conditions and has the potential to be used in integrated management programs in Southwest Iran.
Black Pecan Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Management on Pecan When Gibberellic Acid Is Applied Concurrently With Broad-Spectrum Insecticides
Authors: Cottrell Ted E
Published: January 2022

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are serious pests of pecan foliage (Carya illinoinensis [Wangenh.] K. Koch). The black pecan aphid, Melanocallis caryaefoliae (Davis) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeds on pecan foliage and elicits leaf chlorosis that can cause defoliation. In contrast, the blackmargined aphid, Monellia caryella (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and yellow pecan aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feed on pecan foliage but do not elicit chlorotic feeding injury. Application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to pecan foliage reduces chlorotic foliar injury and nymphal populations of the black pecan aphid. GA3 has potential to manage black pecan aphid later in the season when broad-spectrum insecticides are used to control direct pests of pecan nuts but also inadvertently induce aphid outbreaks. Here, broad-spectrum insecticides were used with GA3 or aphicides in orchard trials for 2 yr. Populations of aphids and natural enemies along with chlorotic feeding injury on foliage were assessed. When used concurrently with GA3 or aphicides, broad-spectrum insecticides did not flare black pecan aphid populations. However, combined populations blackmargined aphids and yellow pecan aphids were higher in treatments with GA3 than with an aphicide or in the control treatment during one of two years. Application of GA3 or the aphicide often led to significantly less chlorotic injury than observed in the control. Surprisingly, natural enemies were not significantly affected by broad-spectrum insecticides when applied concurrently with GA3. These results show that GA3 can be used as part of a late-season IPM strategy to protect foliage from localized chlorotic leaf injury elicited by the black pecan aphid.
Intra- and Interspecific Variation in the Susceptibility to Insecticides of Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) That Attack Soybean and Maize in Southern Brazil
Authors: Steinhaus Eduardo A , Warpechowski Luiz F , Braga Luiz E , Morin Manuel , Tenório Camila , Boff Jéssica S , Bernardi Oderlei , Farias Juliano R
Published: January 2022

This study evaluated intra- and interspecific variation regarding the susceptibility to insecticides of key pentatomid pests of soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) crops in Brazil. To perform bioassays, populations of Euschistus heros (F.), Diceraeus (=Dichelops) furcatus (F.), Nezara viridula (L.), and Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were collected in soybean fields in Southern Brazil during the 2020/2021 crop season. Then, stink bugs were exposed to doses of commercial insecticides commonly applied for its control in dip-test bioassays using fresh green bean pods. In general, all stink bug species and populations studied were susceptible to acephate, acetamiprid + bifenthrin, imidacloprid + bifenthrin, and ethiprole, with mortality rates > 80%. Most populations of E. heros and D. furcatus, considered the main stink bugs that attack soybean and maize, respectively, presented low or intermediate susceptibility to acetamiprid + α-cypermethrin, ζ-cypermethrin + bifenthrin, dinotefuran + λ-cyhalothrin, and bifenthrin + carbosulfan. Except for bifenthrin + carbosulfan (mortality < 57%), secondary stink bugs species that attack soybean (N. viridula and P. guildinii) showed pronounced susceptibility to all insecticides tested, with mortality rates > 70%. In summary, the populations of E. heros and D. furcatus showed diminished susceptibility to various insecticides formulated with the mixture of neonicotinoids + pyrethroids, whereas N. viridula and P. guildinii were most susceptible to the insecticides evaluated. The implications of these findings to integrated and resistance management programs are discussed.
Genetic Diversity and Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) Prevalence Within a Remnant Population of Regal Fritillary, Argynnis idalia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in South-Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Rutins Ilga , Schannauer Sarah , Orellana Sharil , Laukhuff Harrison , Lang Eric , Becker Timothy , McKinney Erika , Thomas Kayli , Tilden Virginia , Swartz Mark , Blair Jaime E
Published: January 2022

Eastern populations of the North American regal fritillary, Argynnis idalia Drury (1773), have been largely extirpated over the past half century. Here we report on the last remaining population of eastern regal fritillaries, located within a military installation in south-central Pennsylvania. Samples were obtained from field specimens during two years of annual monitoring, and from females collected for captive rearing over a five year period. Nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial sequence data do not suggest subdivision within this population, but excess nuclear homozygosity indicates negative impacts on genetic diversity likely due to small population size and potential inbreeding effects. Molecular assays did not detect Wolbachia endosymbionts in field specimens of regal fritillary, but sympatric Argynnis sister species showed high prevalence of Wolbachia infected individuals. Our results inform ongoing conservation and reintroduction projects, designed to protect the last remaining regal fritillary population from extirpation in the eastern United States.
Spontaneous haemorrhage of chronic varicose ulceration causing ischaemic colitis
Authors: Holt Jonathon
Published: January 2022

Venous ulcers are common and account for the majority of lower limb chronic wounds. Complications may be serious in nature and although haemorrhage is rare, it may be rapidly fatal. The case of a female patient who presented with a spontaneous varicose ulcer haemorrhage causing hypovolaemic ischaemic colitis is described. This case exemplifies the need to identify and manage the development of venous insufficiency before progression to chronic wounds or other disease burdens which may be fatal or life-altering.
Neutralizing antibody titers elicited by CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines in health care workers with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wolff Marcelo J , Acevedo Mónica L , Núñez María Antonieta , Lafourcade Mónica , Gaete-Argel Aracelly , Soto-Rifo Ricardo , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando
Published: January 2022

We report neutralizing antibody titers (NAbTs) elicited by CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines in healthcare workers with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection using both a pseudotype-based assay and a commercial kit. NAbTs were higher for the mRNA vaccine and increased in all previously infected. Good correlation between both assays was found.
A Rational Approach to Coagulation Testing
Authors: Marin Maximo James , Harris Neil , Winter William , Zumberg Marc Stuart
Published: January 2022

Quality patient care requires the appropriate selection of laboratory tests. Irrelevant testing must be avoided, whereas pertinent testing is indispensable. The goals of this review are 3-fold: (1) to describe appropriate coagulation test selection for medical and surgical patients, (2) to describe appropriate coagulation testing specifically in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, and (3) to define the rational use of anticoagulant monitoring.
Glitches in four gamma-ray pulsars and inferences on the neutron star structure
Authors: Gügercinoğlu E , Ge M Y , Yuan J P , Zhou S Q
Published: January 2022

We present timing solutions from the Fermi-LAT observations of gamma-ray pulsars PSR J0835 − 4510 (Vela), PSR J1023−5746, PSR J2111+4606, and PSR J2229+6114. Data ranges for each pulsar extend over a decade. From data analysis, we have identified a total of 20 glitches, 11 of which are new discoveries. Among them, 15 glitches are large ones with Δν/ν ≳ 10−6. PSR J1023−5746 is the most active pulsar with glitch activity parameter being Ag = 14.5 × 10−7 yr−1 in the considered data span and should be a target for frequently glitching Vela-like pulsars in future observations. We have done fits within the framework of the vortex creep model for 16 glitches with Δν/ν ≳ 10−7. By theoretical analysis of these glitches, we are able to obtain important information on the structure of neutron star, including moments of inertia of the superfluid regions participated in glitches and coupling time-scales between various stellar components. The theoretical prediction for the time to the next glitch from the parameters of the previous one is found to be in qualitative agreement with the observed inter-glitch time-scales for the considered sample. Recoupling time-scales of the crustal superfluid are within the range of theoretical expectations and scale inversely with the spin-down rate of a pulsar. We also determined a braking index n = 2.63(30) for PSR J2229+6114 after glitch-induced contributions have been removed.
Disentangling the neighbouring pulsars SXP 15.3 and SXP 305
Authors: Monageng I M , Coe M J , Townsend L J , Laycock S G T , Kennea J A , Roy A , Udalski A , Bhattacharya S , Christodoulou D M , Buckley D A H , Evans P A
Published: January 2022

SXP 15.3 and SXP 305 are two Be X-ray binaries in the Small Magellanic Cloud that are spatially separated by ∼7 arcsec. The small separation between these sources has, in the past, resulted in confusion about the origin of the emission from the combined region. We present long-term optical and X-ray monitoring results of both sources, where we study the historic and recent behaviour. In particular, from data collected as part of the S-CUBED project we see repeating X-ray outbursts from the combined region of the two sources in the recent light curve from the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and we investigate the origin of this emission. Using the Hα emission line from the Southern African Large Telescope and photometric flux from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment to study the changes in the size and structure of the Be disc, we demonstrate that the X-ray emission likely originates from SXP 15.3. Timing analysis reveals unusual behaviour, where the optical outburst profile shows modulation at approximately twice the frequency of the X-ray outbursts. We consider either of these periodicities being the true orbital period in SXP 15.3 and propose models based on the geometric orientations of the Be disc and neutron star to explain the physical origin of the outbursts.
The impact of faculae on the radius determination of exoplanets: the case of the M-star GJ 1214
Authors: Guenther Eike W
Published: January 2022

Precise measurements of exoplanets radii are of key importance for our understanding of the origin and nature of these objects. Measurement of the planet radii using the transit method has reached a precision that the effects of stellar surface features have to be taken into account. While the effects from spots have already been studied in detail, our knowledge of the effects caused by faculae is still limited. This is particularly the case for M-stars. Faculae can pose a problem if they are inhomogeneously distributed on the stellar surface. Using the eclipse mapping method, we study the distribution of the faculae on the surface of GJ 1214 using the Ca ii H&K lines as tracers. In order to assess the homogeneity of the distribution in a quantitative way, we introduce the inhomogeneity factor (IHF). IHF is 0 per cent if the distribution is homogeneous, positive, if the plage regions are preferentially located along the path of the planet, and negative, if they are preferentially located outside the path of the planet. For GJ 1214, we derive a rather small value of $\rm IHF=7.7_{-7.7}^{+12.0}{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We discuss the relevance of this result in the context of the PLATO and ARIEL missions.
Cross-correlation of Planck cosmic microwave background lensing with DESI galaxy groups
Authors: Sun Zeyang , Yao Ji , Dong Fuyu , Yang Xiaohu , Zhang Le , Zhang Pengjie
Published: January 2022

We measure the cross-correlation between galaxy groups constructed from DESI Legacy Imaging Survey DR8 and Planck cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing, over overlapping sky area of 16 876 $\rm deg^2$. The detections are significant and consistent with the expected signal of the large-scale structure of Universe, over group samples of various redshift, mass, and richness Ng, and over various scale cuts. The overall signal-to-noise ratio is 40 for a conservative sample with Ng ≥ 5, and increases to 50 for the sample with Ng ≥ 2. Adopting the Planck 2018 cosmology, we constrain the density bias of groups with Ng ≥ 5 as bg = 1.31 ± 0.10, 2.22 ± 0.10, and 3.52 ± 0.20 at 0.1 < z ≤ 0.33, 0.33 < z ≤ 0.67, and 0.67 < z ≤ 1, respectively. The group catalogue provides the estimation of group halo mass and therefore allows us to detect the dependence of bias on group mass with high significance. It also allows us to compare the measured bias with the theoretically predicted one using the estimated group mass. We find excellent agreement for the two high-redshift bins. However, it is lower than the theory by ∼3σ for the lowest redshift bin. Another interesting finding is the significant impact of the thermal Sunyaev Zel’dovich. It contaminates the galaxy group-CMB lensing cross-correlation at $\sim \! 30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ level, and must be deprojected first in CMB lensing reconstruction.
The bright extragalactic ALMA redshift survey (BEARS) I: redshifts of bright gravitationally lensed galaxies from the Herschel ATLAS
Authors: Urquhart S A , Bendo G J , Serjeant S , Bakx T , Hagimoto M , Cox P , Neri R , Lehnert M , Sedgwick C , Weiner C , Dannerbauer H , Amvrosiadis A , Andreani P , Baker A J , Beelen A , Berta S , Borsato E , Buat V , Butler K M , Cooray A , De Zotti G , Dunne L , Dye S , Eales S , Enia A , Fan L , Gavazzi R , González-Nuevo J , Harris A I , Herrera C N , Hughes D , Ismail D , Ivison R , Jin S , Jones B , Kohno K , Krips M , Lagache G , Marchetti L , Massardi M , Messias H , Negrello M , Omont A , Perez-Fournon I , Riechers D A , Scott D , Smith M W L , Stanley F , Tamura Y , Temi P , Vlahakis C , Weiß A , van der Werf P , Verma A , Yang C , Young A J
Published: January 2022

We present spectroscopic measurements for 71 galaxies associated with 62 of the brightest high-redshift submillimetre sources from the Southern fields of the Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey (H-ATLAS), while targeting 85 sources which resolved into 142. We have obtained robust redshift measurements for all sources using the 12-m Array and an efficient tuning of ALMA to optimize its use as a redshift hunter, with 73 per cent of the sources having a robust redshift identification. Nine of these redshift identifications also rely on observations from the Atacama Compact Array. The spectroscopic redshifts span a range 1.41 < z < 4.53 with a mean value of 2.75, and the CO emission line full-width at half-maxima range between $\rm 110\, km\, s^{-1} \lt FWHM \lt 1290\, km\, s^{-1}$ with a mean value of ∼500 km s−1, in line with other high-z samples. The derived CO(1-0) luminosity is significantly elevated relative to line-width to CO(1-0) luminosity scaling relation, which is suggestive of lensing magnification across our sources. In fact, the distribution of magnification factors inferred from the CO equivalent widths is consistent with expectations from galaxy–galaxy lensing models, though there is a hint of an excess at large magnifications that may be attributable to the additional lensing optical depth from galaxy groups or clusters.
Anisotropies of cosmic optical and near-IR background from the China space station telescope (CSST)
Authors: Cao Ye , Gong Yan , Liu Dezi , Cooray Asantha , Feng Chang , Chen Xuelei
Published: January 2022

Anisotropies of the cosmic optical background (COB) and cosmic near-IR background (CNIRB) are capable of addressing some of the key questions in cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we measure and analyse the angular power spectra of the simulated COB and CNIRB in the ultradeep field of the China Space Station Telescope (CSST-UDF). The CSST-UDF covers about 9 deg2, with magnitude limits ∼28.3, 28.2, 27.6, 26.7 AB mag for point sources with 5σ detection in the r (0.620 $\rm \mu m$), i (0.760 $\rm \mu m$), z (0.915 $\rm \mu m$), and y (0.965 $\rm \mu m$) bands, respectively. According to the design parameters and scanning pattern of the CSST, we generate mock data, merge images, and mask the bright sources in the four bands. We obtain four angular power spectra from ℓ = 200 to 2 000 000 (from arcsecond to degree), and fit them with a multicomponent model including intrahalo light (IHL) using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. We find that, the signal-to-noise ratio of the IHL is larger than 8 over the range of angular scales that is useful for astrophysical studies (ℓ ∼10 000–400 000). Comparing to previous works, the constraints on the model parameters are improved by factors of 3∼4 in this study, which indicates that the CSST-UDF survey can be a powerful probe on the cosmic optical and near-IR backgrounds.
The extent of ionization in simulations of radio-loud AGNs impacting kpc gas discs
Authors: Meenakshi Moun , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Wagner Alexander Y , Nesvadba Nicole P H , Morganti Raffaella , Janssen Reinier M J , Bicknell Geoffrey V
Published: January 2022

We use the results of relativistic hydrodynamic simulations of jet-interstellar medium (ISM) interactions in a galaxy with a radio-loud AGN to quantify the extent of ionization in the central few kpcs of the gaseous galactic disc. We perform post-process radiative transfer of AGN radiation through the simulated gaseous jet-perturbed disc to estimate the extent of photo-ionization by the AGN with an incident luminosity of 1045 erg s−1. We also map the gas that is collisionally ionized due to shocks driven by the jet. The analysis was carried out for simulations with similar jet power (1045 erg s−1) but different jet orientations with respect to the gas disc. We find that the shocks from the jets can ionize a significant fraction (up to 33 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) of dense gas ($n\gt 100\, \mathrm{cm^{-3}}$) in the disc, and that the jets clear out the central regions of gas for AGN radiation to penetrate to larger distances in the disc. Jets inclined towards the disc plane couple more strongly with the ISM and ionize a larger fraction of gas in the disc as compared to the vertical jet. However, similar to previous studies, we find that the AGN radiation is quickly absorbed by the outer layers of dense clouds in the disc, and is not able to substantially ionize the disc on a global scale. Thus, compared to jet–ISM interactions, we expect that photo-ionization by the AGN radiation only weakly affects the star-formation activity in the central regions of the galactic disc (≲ 1 kpc), although the jet-induced shocks can spread farther out.