bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in heart failure with iron deficiency: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Ponikowski Piotr , Mentz Robert J , Hernandez Adrian F , Butler Javed , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Roubert Bernard , Blackman Nicole , Friede Tim , Jankowska Ewa A , Anker Stefan D
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Whereas a beneficial effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) on symptoms and exercise capacity among patients with iron deficiency and heart failure (HF) has been consistently demonstrated, the effects of treatment on clinical events remain the subject of research. This meta-analysis aimed to characterize the effects of FCM therapy on hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods

Patient-level data from randomized, placebo-controlled FCM trials including adults with HF and iron deficiency with ≥52 weeks follow-up were analysed. The co-primary efficacy endpoints were (i) composite of total/recurrent cardiovascular hospitalizations and cardiovascular death and (ii) composite of total HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death, through 52 weeks. Key secondary endpoints included individual composite endpoint components. Event rates were analysed using a negative binomial model. Treatment-emergent adverse events were also examined.

Results

Three FCM trials with a total of 4501 patients were included. Ferric carboxymaltose was associated with a significantly reduced risk of co-primary endpoint 1 (rate ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.75–0.98; P = .029; Cochran Q: 0.008), with a trend towards a reduction of co-primary endpoint 2 (rate ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.75–1.01; P = .076; Cochran Q: 0.024). Treatment effects appeared to result from reduced hospitalization rates, not improved survival. Treatment appeared to have a good safety profile and was well tolerated.

Conclusions

In iron-deficient patients with HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, intravenous FCM was associated with significantly reduced risk of hospital admissions for HF and cardiovascular causes, with no apparent effect on mortality.
Upgrade of right ventricular pacing to cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure: a randomized trial
Authors: Merkely Béla , Hatala Robert , Wranicz Jerzy K , Duray Gábor , Földesi Csaba , Som Zoltán , Németh Marianna , Goscinska-Bis Kinga , Gellér László , Zima Endre , Osztheimer István , Molnár Levente , Karády Júlia , Hindricks Gerhard , Goldenberg Ilan , Klein Helmut , Szigeti Mátyás , Solomon Scott D , Kutyifa Valentina , Kovács Attila , Kosztin Annamária
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

De novo implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with left bundle branch block, heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, among HFrEF patients with right ventricular pacing (RVP), the efficacy of CRT-D upgrade is uncertain.

Methods

In this multicentre, randomized, controlled trial, 360 symptomatic (New York Heart Association Classes II–IVa) HFrEF patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), high RVP burden ≥ 20%, and a wide paced QRS complex duration ≥ 150 ms were randomly assigned to receive CRT-D upgrade (n = 215) or ICD (n = 145) in a 3:2 ratio. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, or <15% reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume assessed at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the primary outcome occurred in 58/179 (32.4%) in the CRT-D arm vs. 101/128 (78.9%) in the ICD arm (odds ratio 0.11; 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.19; P < .001). All-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization occurred in 22/215 (10%) in the CRT-D arm vs. 46/145 (32%) in the ICD arm (hazard ratio 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.47; P < .001). The incidence of procedure- or device-related complications was similar between the two arms [CRT-D group 25/211 (12.3%) vs. ICD group 11/142 (7.8%)].

Conclusions

In pacemaker or ICD patients with significant RVP burden and reduced ejection fraction, upgrade to CRT-D compared with ICD therapy reduced the combined risk of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, or absence of reverse remodelling.
Haplogenome assembly reveals structural variation in Eucalyptus interspecific hybrids
Authors: Lötter Anneri , Duong Tuan A , Candotti Julia , Mizrachi Eshchar , Wegrzyn Jill L , Myburg Alexander A
Published: August 2023

Background

De novo phased (haplo)genome assembly using long-read DNA sequencing data has improved the detection and characterization of structural variants (SVs) in plant and animal genomes. Able to span across haplotypes, long reads allow phased, haplogenome assembly in highly outbred organisms such as forest trees. Eucalyptus tree species and interspecific hybrids are the most widely planted hardwood trees with F1 hybrids of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla forming the bulk of fast-growing pulpwood plantations in subtropical regions. The extent of structural variation and its effect on interspecific hybridization is unknown in these trees. As a first step towards elucidating the extent of structural variation between the genomes of E. grandis and E. urophylla, we sequenced and assembled the haplogenomes contained in an F1 hybrid of the two species.

Findings

Using Nanopore sequencing and a trio-binning approach, we assembled the separate haplogenomes (566.7 Mb and 544.5 Mb) to 98.0% BUSCO completion. High-density SNP genetic linkage maps of both parents allowed scaffolding of 88.0% of the haplogenome contigs into 11 pseudo-chromosomes (scaffold N50 of 43.8 Mb and 42.5 Mb for the E. grandis and E. urophylla haplogenomes, respectively). We identify 48,729 SVs between the two haplogenomes providing the first detailed insight into genome structural rearrangement in these species. The two haplogenomes have similar gene content, 35,572 and 33,915 functionally annotated genes, of which 34.7% are contained in genome rearrangements.

Conclusions

Knowledge of SV and haplotype diversity in the two species will form the basis for understanding the genetic basis of hybrid superiority in these trees.
Dispersion of Scholte wave under horizontally layered viscoelastic seabed
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yun , Wang Xiangchun , Yuan Hemin , Liu Xiaobo , Zhang Huimin
Published: August 2023

Dispersion inversion of Scholte wave is an effective method for constructing the shear wave velocity models of seabed sediments, but it is usually conducted based on the elastic layered medium theory, which ignores the viscoelasticity of sediments. In this work, we use the transitive matrix method to establish the dispersion equation for Scholte wave under horizontally layered viscoelastic seabed. This equation integrates the kinematic property of seismic wave in a viscoelastic media and the fluid–solid coupling mechanism. The phase velocity and attenuation coefficient dispersion curves of Scholte wave are presented by the real and imaginary parts of the complex-valued roots of the dispersion equation at different frequencies solved by Muller iteration algorithm, respectively. We perform numerical comparisons and analyses on the dispersion curves of Scholte waves for three typical seabed models under both elastic and viscoelastic conditions. Results demonstrate that the seabed viscoelasticity could greatly affect the propagation and dispersion characteristics of Scholte wave. Moreover, the dispersion curves of Scholte wave are sensitive to the variations in S-wave velocity and quality factor of seabed sediments.
Characteristics of short-term acute care hospitals that experienced a ransomware attack from 2016 to 2021
Authors: McGlave Claire C , Nikpay Sayeh S , Henning-Smith Carrie , Rydberg Katie , Neprash Hannah T
Published: August 2023

As cybercrime increasingly targets the health care sector, hospitals face the growing threat of ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that prevents users from accessing their electronic systems—demanding payment to restore access. In response, momentum is gathering to enact policy that will help hospitals strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. However, to design effective policy, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of hospitals associated with the risk of ransomware attack. In this paper, we compare the characteristics of ransomware-attacked and non-attacked short-term acute care hospitals in the United States. Using data from the American Hospital Association's Annual Survey and the Healthcare Cost Report Information System, we found that ransomware-attacked hospitals were larger, had higher net operating revenue, were more likely to be financially profitable, and more likely to provide trauma, emergency, and obstetric care than non-attacked hospitals. Measures of information technology sophistication did not vary between ransomware-attacked and non-attacked hospitals. These results can be used to tailor policy interventions in order to most effectively respond to and prevent cybercrime in health care.
Do private health providers help achieve Universal Health Coverage? A scoping review of the evidence from low-income countries
Authors: Coveney Laura , Musoke David , Russo Giuliano
Published: August 2023

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the dominant paradigm in health systems research, positing that everyone should have access to a range of affordable health services. Although private providers are an integral part of world health systems, their contribution to achieving UHC is unclear, particularly in low-income countries (LICs). We scoped the literature to map out the evidence on private providers’ contribution to UHC progress in LICs. Literature searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were conducted in 2022. A total of 1049 documents published between 2002 and 2022 were screened for eligibility using predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on formal as well as informal private health sectors in 27 LICs. Primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence was included, as well as original analysis of secondary data. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Relevant evidence was extracted and analysed using an adapted UHC framework. We identified 34 papers documenting how most basic health care services are already provided through the private sector in countries such as Uganda, Afghanistan and Somalia. A substantial proportion of primary care, mother, child and malaria services are available through non-public providers across all 27 LICs. Evidence exists that while formal private providers mostly operate in well-served urban settings, informal and not-for-profit ones cater for underserved rural and urban areas. Nonetheless, there is evidence that the quality of the services by informal providers is suboptimal. A few studies suggested that the private sector fails to advance financial protection against ill-health, as costs are higher than in public facilities and services are paid out of pocket. We conclude that despite their shortcomings, working with informal private providers to increase quality and financing of their services may be key to realizing UHC in LICs.
Discourses of Efficacy in the Ritual Use of Daoist Talismans
Authors: Capitanio Joshua
Published: August 2023

Producing and manipulating talismans is a part of many Daoist rituals, from discrete procedures to long and complex liturgical programs. Therefore, the success of a rite depends in part on the efficacious application of the talismans used within it. Ritual manuals describing the production of talismans contain detailed instructions for rendering those talismans efficacious, and the discourses used within those instructions thus serve to define the parameters of ritual efficacy for the Daoists who carry them out. These discourses can be broadly divided into discourses of objective efficacy, which posit that ritual efficacy derives from conditions external to the ritualist, and discourses of subjective efficacy, which focus instead on the practitioner’s internal dispositions. Here, I examine the different forms that these discourses can take and the ways in which they are employed within Daoist ritual texts, arguing that discourses of subjective efficacy emerged as a form of ritual criticism.
Changes in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids are involved in the process of canine obesity after neutering
Authors: Yang Kang , Lin Xinye , Jian Shiyan , Wen Jiawei , Jian Xiaoying , He Shansong , Wen Chaoyu , Liu Tingting , Qi Xin , Yin Yulong , Deng Baichuan
Published: August 2023

Neutering is a significant risk factor for obesity in dogs. Changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites have been identified as a key player during obesity progression. However, the mechanisms that promote neuter-associated weight gain are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, sixteen clinically healthy Beagle dogs (6 male and 10 female, mean age = 8.22 ± 0.25 mo old) were neutered. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded at 1 d before neutering, 3, 6, 10, 16, and 21 mo after neutering. Dogs were grouped based on their BCS as ideal weight group (IW, n = 4, mean BW = 13.22 ± 1.30 kg, mean BCS = 5.00 ± 0.41) and obese group (OB, n = 12, mean BW = 18.57 ± 1.08 kg, mean BCS = 7.92 ± 0.82) at 21 mo after neutering. Serum lipid profile, glucose, and hormones and fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured. Our results showed that OB dogs had greater (P < 0.0001) BW (18.57 vs. 13.22 kg), BCS (7.92 vs. 5.00), and average daily gain (12.27 vs. 5.69 g/d) than IW dogs at 21 mo after neutering, and the obesity rate was up to 60%. In addition, significant increases (P < 0.05) in serum triglyceride (TG, 1.10 vs. 0.56 mmol/L) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 6.96 vs. 5.40 mmol/L) levels and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum adiponectin (APN, 54.06 vs. 58.39 μg/L) level were observed in OB dogs; serum total cholesterol (4.83 vs. 3.75 mmol/L) (P = 0.075) and leptin (LEP, 2.82 vs. 2.53 μg/L) (P = 0.065) levels tended to be greater in OB dogs; there was a trend towards a lower (P = 0.092) APN/LEP (19.32 vs. 21.81) in OB dogs. Results of fecal microbial alpha-diversity showed that Observed_species and Chao1 indices tended to be lower (P = 0.069) in OB dogs. The STAMP and LEfSe analyses revealed that OB dogs had a greater (P < 0.05 and LDA > 2) reduction in relative abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella_9, and Megamonas than IW dogs. In addition, OB dogs also had greater (P < 0.05) reduction in fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations than IW dogs. Moreover, clear negative correlations (|r| > 0.5 and P < 0.05) were found between SCFAs-producing bacteria and BW, TG, and HDL-C. The functional predictions of microbial communities based on PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that lipid metabolism and endocrine system were significantly disturbed in obese dogs after neutering. Thus, intervention with SCFAs-producing bacteria might represent a new target for the prevention or treatment of canine obesity after neutering. Moreover, weight control before neutering may also contribute to the prevention of canine obesity after neutering.
Assessment of urinary 6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienyl mercapturic acid as a novel biomarker of benzene exposure
Authors: Bowman Brett A , Lewis Erica V , Goldy Devon W , Kim Jenny Y , Elio Deanna M , Blount Benjamin C , Bhandari Deepak
Published: August 2023

Assessing benzene exposure is a public health priority due to its deleterious health effects and ubiquitous industrial and environmental sources of exposure. Phenyl mercapturic acid (PhMA) is a commonly used urinary biomarker to assess benzene exposure. However, recent work has identified significant interlaboratory variation in urinary PhMA concentrations related to methodological differences. In this study, we present urinary 6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienyl mercapturic acid (pre-PhMA), a metabolite that undergoes acid-catalyzed dehydration to form PhMA, as a novel and specific urinary biomarker for assessing benzene exposure. We developed and validated the first quantitative liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for measuring urinary concentrations of pre-PhMA. The pH effect on the method of ruggedness testing determined that pre-PhMA is stable across the normal human urine pH range and that neutral conditions must be maintained throughout quantification for robust and accurate measurement of urinary pre-PhMA concentrations. The method exhibited below 2 ng/mL sensitivity for pre-PhMA, linearity over three orders of magnitude, and precision and accuracy within 10%. Urinary pre-PhMA concentrations were assessed in 369 human urine samples. Smoking individuals exhibited elevated levels of pre-PhMA compared to non-smoking individuals. Furthermore, the relationship between benzene exposure and urinary pre-PhMA levels was explored by examining the correlation of pre-PhMA with 2-cyanoethyl mercapturic acid, a smoke exposure biomarker. The urinary biomarkers exhibited a positive correlation (r = 0.720), indicating that pre-PhMA levels increased with benzene exposure. The results of this study demonstrate that urinary pre-PhMA is a rugged and effective novel biomarker of benzene exposure that can be widely implemented for future biomonitoring studies.
Segmental analysis and long-term monitoring of vadadustat in equine hair for the purpose of doping control
Authors: Ishii Hideaki , Shibuya Mariko , Kusano Kanichi , Sone Yu , Kamiya Takahiro , Wakuno Ai , Ito Hideki , Miyata Kenji , Yamada Masayuki , Leung Gary Ngai-Wa
Published: August 2023

Vadadustat is a newly launched hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizer with anti-anemia and erythropoietic effects; however, its use in horses is expressly forbidden in both racing and equestrian competitions. Following our previous report on the pharmacokinetic study of vadadustat in horse plasma and urine, a long-term longitudinal analysis of vadadustat in horse hair after nasoesophageal administration (3 g/day for 3 days) to three thoroughbred mares is described in this study. Our main objective is to further extend the detection period of vadadustat for the purpose of doping control. Three bunches of mane hair from each horse were collected at 0 (pre), 1, 2, 3 and 6 month(s) post-administration. These hair samples were each cut into 2-cm segments and pulverized after decontamination of hair samples. The analyte in the powdered hair samples was extracted with liquid–liquid extraction followed by further purification by solid-phase extraction with strong anion exchange columns. The amount of vadadustat incorporated into the hair was quantified with a newly developed and validated method using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our results show that vadadustat was confirmed in all post-administration hair samples, but its metabolites were not present. Thus, the detection window for vadadustat could be successfully extended up to 6 months post-administration. Interestingly, the 2-cm segmental analysis revealed that the tip of the drug band in the hair shifted along with the hair shafts in correspondence with the average hair growth rate (∼2.5 cm/month) but gradually diffused more widely from 2 cm at 1 month post-administration to up to 14 cm at 6 months post-administration. However, the loss in the total amount of vadadustat in hair over time was observed to most likely be due to the degradation of vadadustat. These findings will be useful for the control of abuse and/or misuse of vadadustat and the interpretation of positive doping cases.
Biology and management of Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in spring-planted canola on the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Mittapelly Priyanka , Blake Adam J , Dupuis Julian R , Bouchard Patrice , Skolrud Tristan D , Keddie B Andrew , Vankosky Meghan A , Cárcamo Héctor A , Mori Boyd A
Published: August 2023

The cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an invasive pest infesting canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae)) crops in North America. Larval feeding causes significant damage leading to yield losses of 5–30%. Native to the Palearctic region, the species was accidentally introduced to North America over 90 yr ago, and now occupies most temperate regions of Canada and the United States. Currently, the species has been projected to continue its range expansion to potentially infest most canola producing regions in North America. Here, we review the taxonomic nomenclature, distribution, biology, pest status, and management of the cabbage seedpod weevil in North America with an emphasis on spring-planted canola crops in the Great Plains and highlight areas for future research to develop a comprehensive integrated pest management program against this debilitating pest.
Advances in treatment of alveolar soft part sarcoma: an updated review
Authors: Fujiwara Tomohiro , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Nakata Eiji , Nishida Kenji , Yanai Hiroyuki , Nakamura Tomoki , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: August 2023

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis that belongs to a newly defined category of ultra-rare sarcomas. The neoplasm is characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation, der (17) t(X; 17)(p11.2;q25), that results in ASPSCR1–TFE3 gene fusion. The natural history of alveolar soft part sarcoma describes indolent behaviour with slow progression in deep soft tissues of the extremities, trunk and head/neck in adolescents and young adults. A high rate of detection of distant metastasis at presentation has been reported, and the most common metastatic sites in decreasing order of frequency are the lung, bone and brain. Complete surgical resection remains the standard treatment strategy, whereas radiotherapy is indicated for patients with inadequate surgical margins or unresectable tumours. Although alveolar soft part sarcoma is refractory to conventional doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, monotherapy or combination therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided antitumor activity and emerged as new treatment strategies. This article provides an overview of the current understanding of this ultra-rare sarcoma and recent advancements in treatments according to the clinical stage of alveolar soft part sarcoma.
Impact of retention index on the neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect and the prognosis in oesophageal cancer
Authors: Kouzu Keita , Tsujimoto Hironori , Tamura Katsumi , Einama Takahiro , Kishi Yoji , Ishida Jiro , Ueno Hideki
Published: August 2023

Objective

The relationship between retention index calculated from dual-time point 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography and oesophageal cancer prognosis remains unknown. This study aimed to determine usefulness of retention index as a predictor of long-term prognosis of oesophageal cancer and neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy.

Methods

A total of 151 patients with oesophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy were evaluated retrospectively in this study. We acquired positron emission tomography scans 60 and 120 min (SUVmax1 and SUVmax2, respectively) after the intravenous administration of 3.7 Mbq/kg 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. The patients were divided into two groups: high-retention index (retention index ≥29%, 107 patients) and low-retention index (retention index <29%, 44 patients). Retention index was calculated as follows: retention index (%) = [(SUVmax2 − SUVmax1)/SUVmax1] × 100.

Results

The overall survival and relapse-free survival rates in the high-retention index group were significantly lower than those in the low-retention index group (P < 0.001). Our multivariate analysis identified that the high-retention index group contained independent risk factors for overall survival (hazard ratio: 2.44, P = 0.009) and relapse-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.61, P = 0.002). The high-retention index group exhibited a lower partial response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy evaluated by computed tomography (P < 0.001) and a lower pathological therapeutic effect in the resected specimen (P = 0.019) than the low-retention index group.

Conclusions

The retention index was associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses and long-term prognosis for oesophageal cancer.
Is adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected p-stage IA (>2 cm) and stage IB non-small-cell lung cancer beneficial for elderly patients? A large, retrospective cohort study based on real-world data from Japan
Authors: Adachi Hiroyuki , Saito Aya , Shintani Yasushi , Okami Jiro , Ito Hiroyuki , Ohtsuka Takashi , Mori Takeshi , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Chida Masayuki , Endo Shunsuke , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Kadokura Mitsutaka , Suzuki Hidemi , Miyaoka Etsuo , Yoshino Ichiro , Date Hiroshi , Japanese Joint Committee of Lung Cancer Registry
Published: August 2023

Objective

The efficacy of tegafur-uracil as adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with completely resected stage I non-small-cell lung cancer is proven; however, its efficacy for elderly patients remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly patients with completely resected stage I non-small-cell lung cancer based on real-world Japanese data using propensity score matching.

Methods

This retrospective study extracted data from a nationwide registry study, performed in 2016, on patients ≥75 years who underwent lobectomy with mediastinal nodal dissection for non-small-cell lung cancer in 2010 and were diagnosed with p-stage IA (>2 cm) or stage IB non-small-cell lung cancer. We classified the 1294 patients into two groups—Group A, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 295, 22.8%) and Group N, no adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 999, 77.2%)—and analyzed differences in postoperative overall survival between groups.

Results

Group A showed no advantage in overall survival over Group N as a whole (hazard ratio: 0.824 [95% confidence interval: 0.631–1.076]), in p-stage IA (hazard ratio: 0.617 [95% confidence interval: 0.330–1.156]) and in p-stage IB (hazard ratio: 0.806 [95% confidence interval: 0.597–1.088]) subsets. Even after propensity score matching, Group A showed no significant advantage in overall survival over Group N as a whole (hazard ratio: 0.975 [95% confidence interval: 0.688–1.381]), in p-stage IA (hazard ratio: 1.390 [95% confidence interval: 0.539–3.586]) and in p-stage IB (hazard ratio: 0.922 [95% confidence interval: 0.633–1.343]).

Conclusions

adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected p-stage IA (>2 cm) and stage IB non-small-cell lung cancer showed no benefit for recommendation for elderly patients; considering the risk of adverse events, we do not recommend adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly patients.
Severe anal intraepithelial neoplasia trends and subsequent invasive anal cancer in the United States
Authors: Haas Cameron B , Engels Eric A , Palefsky Joel M , Clarke Megan A , Kreimer Aimée R , Luo Qianlai , Pfeiffer Ruth M , Qiao Baozhen , Pawlish Karen S , Monterosso Analise , Shiels Meredith S
Published: August 2023

Background

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma of the anus for which rates are nearly 20-fold higher in people with HIV than in the general population in the United States. We describe trends in anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III diagnosis and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus following anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III by HIV status and sex.

Methods

We used data from a population-based linkage between cancer and HIV registries in 11 US states; Puerto Rico; and Washington, DC, during 1996-2019. We identified all individuals with a diagnosis of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III and determined their HIV status. We estimated the average annual percentage change of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III using Poisson regression stratified by HIV status and sex. We estimated the 5-year cumulative incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus following an anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III diagnosis stratified by sex, HIV status, and prior AIDS diagnosis.

Results

Among people with HIV, average annual percentage changes for anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III were 15% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12% to 17%) per year among females and 12% (95% CI = 11% to 14%) among males. Average annual percentage changes for those without HIV were 8% (95% CI = 7% to 8%) for females and 8% (95% CI = 6% to 9%) for males. Among people with HIV, a prior AIDS diagnosis was associated with a 2.7-fold (95% CI = 2.23 to 3.40) and 1.9-fold (95% CI = 1.72 to 2.02) increased risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III diagnosis for females and males, respectively. Five-year cumulative incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus following anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III for people with HIV with a prior AIDS diagnosis were 3.4% and 3.7% for females and males, respectively.

Conclusions

Rates of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III diagnoses have increased since 1996, particularly for people with HIV, likely influenced by increased screening. A prior AIDS diagnosis was strongly associated with risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III diagnosis.
Commentary: Actionable Steps for Addressing Pediatric Pain in Rural and Underserved Communities: Disrupting Our Approach to Psychological Science and Care
Authors: Cunningham Natoshia R , Reid Mallet R , Love Sarah C , Connelly Mark A
Published: August 2023

Although chronic pain is one of the most common health issues affecting children, disparities in access to behavioral healthcare limit its proper identification and management. There is a critical need to move beyond traditional care delivery approaches for chronic pain to reach those in communities that have limited access to care. We argue one means of doing so is to leverage our skills and expertise as psychologists to partner with and train professionals who have established relationships with youth in these communities. Drawing from a community-engaged dissemination and implementation science framework and our research implementing pain management strategies in rural and underserved communities, we review actionable strategies for disrupting traditional psychological methods to expand access to care for children with chronic pain.
Sexual growth and destiny beliefs: Longitudinal associations with dyadic coping among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction
Authors: Rossi Meghan A , Péloquin Katherine , Allsop David B , El Amiri Sawsane , Bouzayen Renda , Brassard Audrey , Bergeron Sophie , Rosen Natalie O
Published: August 2023

Background

Medically assisted reproduction is a vulnerable time for couples’ sexual health. Believing that sexual challenges can be worked through (i.e., sexual growth beliefs) or that these challenges indicate incompatibility (i.e., sexual destiny beliefs) may be related to dyadic coping—the strategies couples use to cope—with the physical and psychological stressors of medically assisted reproduction.

Aim

In the current study we aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between typical (i.e., average) levels of sexual growth and destiny beliefs and positive and negative facets of dyadic coping and how greater than typical levels of these constructs predicted each other across time.

Methods

Couples (n = 219) seeking medically assisted reproduction were recruited for an online longitudinal, dyadic study.

Outcomes

Couples completed online measures of sexual growth and destiny beliefs and positive and negative dyadic coping at baseline, 6-and 12-months.

Results

Random intercept cross-lagged panel models demonstrated that at the within-person level, reporting higher sexual growth beliefs at baseline, relative to their average across time points, was associated with lower negative dyadic coping at 6 months. Higher negative dyadic coping at 6 months, relative to their average, was linked to lower sexual growth beliefs at 12-months. When individuals reported higher sexual destiny beliefs at 6-months, relative to their average, they and their partners reported higher negative dyadic coping at 12 -months. At the between-person level, higher overall levels of sexual destiny beliefs were related to higher overall levels of negative dyadic coping. No associations with positive dyadic coping were identified.

Clinical Implications

Couples may benefit from identifying and reducing unhelpful beliefs about sex and negative dyadic coping.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of this study include our large, inclusive sample, engagement of community partners, and novel analytical approach to assess change over time. However, following couples in 6-month increments and not using questionnaires specific to medically assisted reproduction may have limited our ability to detect nuanced changes that couples experience during this time.

Conclusion

Lower sexual growth and higher sexual destiny beliefs may promote couples’ engagement in less adaptive coping behaviors as they seek medically assisted reproduction.
Efficient Bayesian automatic calibration of a functional–structural wheat model using an adaptive design and a metamodelling approach
Authors: Blanc Emmanuelle , Enjalbert Jérôme , Flutre Timothée , Barbillon Pierre
Published: August 2023

Functional–structural plant models are increasingly being used by plant scientists to address a wide variety of questions. However, the calibration of these complex models is often challenging, mainly because of their high computational cost, and, as a result, error propagation is usually ignored. Here we applied an automatic method to the calibration of WALTer: a functional–structural wheat model that simulates the plasticity of tillering in response to competition for light. We used a Bayesian calibration method to jointly estimate the values of five parameters and quantify their uncertainty by fitting the model outputs to tillering dynamics data. We made recourse to Gaussian process metamodels in order to alleviate the computational cost of WALTer. These metamodels are built from an adaptive design that consists of successive runs of WALTer chosen by an efficient global optimization algorithm specifically adapted to this particular calibration task. The method presented here performed well on both synthetic and experimental data. It is an efficient approach for the calibration of WALTer and should be of interest for the calibration of other functional–structural plant models.
Challenges of Electron Correlation Microscopy on Amorphous Silicon and Amorphous Germanium
Authors: Radić Dražen , Peterlechner Martin , Spangenberg Katharina , Posselt Matthias , Bracht Hartmut
Published: August 2023

Electron correlation microscopy experiments were conducted on amorphous germanium (a-Ge) and amorphous silicon (a-Si) with the goal to study self-diffusion. For this purpose, a series of tilted dark-field images were acquired during in situ heating of the samples in a transmission electron microscope. These experiments show that the measurements are greatly affected by artefacts. Contamination, crystallization, electron beam-induced sputtering, and macroscopic bending of the samples pose major obstacles to the measurements. Other, more subtle experimental artefacts could occur in addition to these which makes interpretations regarding the structural dynamics nearly impossible. The data were nonetheless evaluated to see if some useful information could be extracted. One such result is that the distribution of the characteristic times τKWW, which were obtained from stretched exponential fits to the intensity autocorrelation data, is spatially heterogeneous. This spatial heterogeneity is assumed to be caused by a potential nonergodicity of the materials, the artefacts or an inhomogeneous amorphous structure. Further data processing shows that the characteristic times τKWW are moreover temperature independent, especially for the a-Ge data. It is concluded that the structural rearrangements over time are primarily electron beam-driven and that diffusive dynamics are too slow to be measured at the chosen, experimentally accessible annealing temperatures.
Cataclysmic Variables from Sloan Digital Sky Survey – V. The search for period bouncers continues
Authors: Inight K , Gänsicke Boris T , Schwope A , Anderson S F , Badenes C , Breedt E , Chandra V , Davies B D R , Gentile Fusillo N P , Green M J , Hermes J J , Huamani I Achaica , Hwang H , Knauff K , Kurpas J , Long K S , Malanushenko V , Morrison S , Quiroz C. I J , Ramos G N Aichele , Roman-Lopes A , Schreiber M R , Standke A , Stütz L , Thorstensen J R , Toloza O , Tovmassian G , Zakamska N L
Published: August 2023

SDSS-V is carrying out a dedicated survey for white dwarfs, single, and in binaries, and we report the analysis of the spectroscopy of 118 cataclysmic variables (CVs) and CV candidates obtained during the final plug plate observations of SDSS. We identify eight new CVs, spectroscopically confirm 53 and refute 11 published CV candidates, and we report 21 new or improved orbital periods. The orbital period distribution of the SDSS-V CVs does not clearly exhibit a period gap. In common with previous studies, the distribution shows that spectroscopically identified CVs have a larger proportion of short-period systems compared to samples identified from photometric variability. Remarkably, despite a systematic search, we find very few period bouncers. We estimate the space density of period bouncers to be $\simeq 0.2\times 10^{-6}\, \mathrm{pc}^{-3}$, i.e. they represent only a few per cent of the total CV population. This suggests that during their final phase of evolution, CVs either destroy the donor, e.g. via a merger, or that they become detached and cease mass transfer.
Sub-second infrared variability from the archetypal accreting neutron star 4U 1728−34
Authors: Vincentelli F M , Casella P , Borghese A , Cavecchi Y , Mastroserio G , Stella L , Altamirano D , Padilla M Armas , Baglio M C , Belloni T M , Casares J , Cúneo V A , Degenaar N , Trigo M Díaz , Fender R , Maccarone T , Malzac J , Sánchez D Mata , Middleton M , Migliari S , Muñoz-Darias T , O’Brien K , Panizo-Espinar G , Sánchez-Sierras J , Russell D M , Uttley P
Published: August 2023

We report on the first simultaneous high-time resolution X-ray and infrared (IR) observations of a neutron star low mass X-ray binary in its hard state. We performed $\approx 2\,$ h of simultaneous observations of 4U 1728−34 using HAWK-I@VLT, XMM–Newton, and NuSTAR. The source displayed significant X-ray and IR variability down to sub-second time-scales. By measuring the cross-correlation function between the IR and X-ray lightcurves, we discovered a significant correlation with an IR lead of $\approx 30 \!-\! 40\,$ ms with respect to the X-rays. We analysed the X-ray energy dependence of the lag, finding a marginal increase towards higher energies. Given the sign of the lag, we interpret this as possible evidence of Comptonization from external seed photons. We discuss the origin of the IR seed photons in terms of cyclo-synchrotron radiation from an extended hot flow. Finally, we also observed the IR counterpart of a type-I X-ray burst, with a delay of $\approx 7.2\,$ s. Although some additional effects may be at play, by assuming that this lag is due to light travel time between the central object and the companion star, we find that 4U 1728−34 must have an orbital period longer than $3\,$ h and an inclination higher than 8○.
An excursion into the core of the cluster lens Abell 1689
Authors: Ghosh Agniva , Adams Dominic , Williams Liliya L R , Liesenborgs Jori , Alavi Anahita , Scarlata Claudia
Published: August 2023

Abell 1689 is a well-studied cluster of galaxies and one of the largest gravitational lens systems ever observed. We have obtained a reconstruction of the cluster Abell 1689 using grale, a free-form lens inversion method that relies exclusively on the multiple image data. Non-inclusion of any data related to cluster member galaxies ensures an unbiased measure of the mass distribution, which is the most notable feature of free-form methods like grale. We used two different sets of multiple image systems from the available strong lensing data – one containing only the secure systems (107 images) and the other containing all available systems, only excluding some very non-secure systems (151 images). For the very well-constrained central ∼100 kpc region of the cluster, we made a detailed comparison of the grale reconstructed lensing mass and stellar mass retrieved by the Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) fitting software fast++. We found a light-unaccompanied mass peak in this region, whose existence, while tentative, is favoured by the distribution of nearby images that are local maxima in the Fermat potential. However, further tests, using different methodologies are needed to confirm the reality of this feature. If it is shown to be real, this light-unaccompanied mass peak is consistent with dark matter self-interaction cross-section σ ≲ 1 cm2 g−1, while being in tension with larger cross-sections.
Constraints on the spectral signatures of superconducting cosmic strings
Authors: Cyr Bryce , Chluba Jens , Acharya Sandeep Kumar
Published: August 2023

If they exist, networks of superconducting cosmic strings are capable of injecting copious amounts of electromagnetic energy into the background over a broad range of frequencies. We study this injection both analytically, as well as numerically using the thermalization code CosmoTherm. With our refined analytic formalism, we update constraints from CMB spectral distortions by following the injection of entropy, as well as energy, on the amplitude of the μ-distortion, leading to a significant improvement in those limits. Furthermore, we utilize the full shape of the distorted spectrum from CosmoTherm to include constraints from non-μ, non-y type distortions. Additionally, we use the outputs for the ionization history and global 21-cm signal to derive and update constraints on string model parameters using measurements from other data sets. Analysis of CMB anisotropies provides the most stringent constraints, though with a slightly modified shape and strength when compared to previous results. Modifications of the reionization history provide new bounds in the high current domain, and we also find that the observations of the low-frequency radio background probe a small region of parameter space not explored by other data sets. We also analyse global 21-cm constraints, and find that the inclusion of soft photon heating plays a crucial role, essentially removing any constraints in the considered parameter domain. Spectral distortion measurements from COBE/FIRAS are covered by other constraints, but our conservative forecast shows that a PIXIE-type satellite would probe important unexplored regions of parameter space.
Hubble Space Telescope imaging of the compact elliptical galaxy M32 reveals a dearth of carbon stars
Authors: Jones O C , Boyer M L , McDonald I , Meixner M , van Loon J Th
Published: August 2023

We present new Hubble Space Telescope Wide-Field Camera 3/infrared medium-band photometry of the compact elliptical galaxy M32, chemically resolving its thermally pulsating asymptotic giant branch stars. We find 2829 M-type stars and 57 C stars. The carbon stars are likely contaminants from M31. If carbon stars are present in M32 they are so in very low numbers. The uncorrected C/M ratio is 0.020 ± 0.003; this drops to less than 0.007 after taking into account contamination from M31. As the mean metallicity of M32 is just below solar, this low ratio of C to M stars is unlikely due to a metallicity ceiling for the formation of carbon stars. Instead, the age of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) population is likely to be the primary factor. The ratio of AGB to red giant branch stars in M32 is similar to that of the inner disc of M31 which contain stars that formed 1.5–4 Gyr ago. If the M32 population is at the older end of this age then its lack of C-stars may be consistent with a narrow mass range for carbon star formation predicted by some stellar evolution models. Applying our chemical classifications to the dusty variable stars identified with Spitzer, we find that the x-AGB candidates identified with Spitzer are predominately M-type stars. This substantially increases the lower limit to the cumulative dust-production rate in M32 to > 1.20 × 10−5${\rm M}_{\odot } \, {\rm yr}^{-1}$.
A large sample of newly identified carbon-deficient red giants from APOGEE
Authors: Maben Sunayana , Kumar Yerra Bharat , Reddy Bacham E , Campbell Simon W , Zhao Gang
Published: August 2023

Based on the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment survey we conducted a search for carbon-deficient red giants (CDGs). We found 103 new CDGs, increasing the number in the literature by more than a factor of 3. CDGs are very rare, representing 0.03 per cent of giants. They appear as an extended tail off the normal carbon distribution. We show that they are found in all components of the Galaxy, contrary to previous findings. The location of CDGs in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (HRD) shows that they are primarily intermediate-mass stars ($2-4~\rm {M}_{\odot }$). Their extended distribution may indicate that CDGs can also sometimes have $M \lt 2.0~\rm {M}_{\odot }$. We attempted to identify the evolutionary phases of the CDGs using stellar model tracks. We found that the bulk of the CDGs are likely in the subgiant branch or red clump phase, whereas other CDGs may be in the red giant branch or early asymptotic giant branch phases. Degeneracy in the HRD makes exact identification difficult. We examined their C, N, and O compositions and confirmed previous studies showing that the envelope material has undergone extensive hydrogen burning through the CN(O) cycle. The new-CDGs have [C+N+O/Fe] that generally sum to zero, indicating that they started with scaled-solar composition. However, the previously known-CDGs generally have [C+N+O/Fe] > 0.0, indicating that some He-burning products were added to their envelopes. As to the site(s) in which this originally occurred, we do not find a convincing solution.
Understanding the very high energy γ-ray excess in nearby blazars using leptonic model
Authors: Manzoor Aaqib , Sahayanathan Sunder , Shah Zahir , Bhattacharyya Subir , Iqbal Naseer , Malik Zahoor
Published: August 2023

The availability of simultaneous X-ray and very high energy (VHE) observations of blazars helps to identify the plausible radiative contributors to the VHE emission. Under leptonic scenario, the VHE emission from BL Lacs are attributed to the synchrotron self Compton (SSC) emission. However, many BL Lacerate (BL Lacs) have shown significant hardening at VHE after correction for the extragalactic background light (EBL) attenuation. We study the spectral hardening of two nearby BL Lac objects, Mkn 421 and Mkn 501 having most number of simultaneous X-ray and VHE observations available among all the blazars. These BL Lacs are relatively close and the effect of EBL attenuation is relatively minimal/negligible. We study the scatter plot between the X-ray spectral indices and intrinsic VHE indices to identify the plausible origin of the VHE emission. For Mkn 501, the VHE spectral indices are steeper than X-ray spectra, suggesting the scattering process happening at extreme Klein–Nishina regime. On the other hand, for Mkn 421, the VHE spectra is remarkably harder than the X-ray spectra, which suggests an additional emission mechanism other than the SSC process. We show this hard VHE spectrum of Mkn 421 can be explained by considering the inverse Compton (IC) emission from a broken power-law electron distribution with Maxwellian pileup. The possibility of the hadronic contribution at VHE γ-rays is also explored by modelling the hard spectrum under the photomeson process.