bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of probenecid to oral β-lactam antibiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilson Richard C , Arkell Paul , Riezk Alaa , Gilchrist Mark , Wheeler Graham , Hope William , Holmes Alison H , Rawson Timothy M
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To explore the literature comparing the pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes from adding probenecid to oral β-lactams.

Methods

Medline and EMBASE were searched from inception to December 2021 for all English language studies comparing the addition of probenecid (intervention) with an oral β-lactam [flucloxacillin, penicillin V, amoxicillin (± clavulanate), cefalexin, cefuroxime axetil] alone (comparator). ROBINS-I and ROB-2 tools were used. Data on antibiotic therapy, infection diagnosis, primary and secondary outcomes relating to pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes, plus adverse events were extracted and reported descriptively. For a subset of studies comparing treatment failure between probenecid and control groups, meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 18/295 (6%) screened abstracts were included. Populations, methodology and outcome data were heterogeneous. Common populations included healthy volunteers (9/18; 50%) and those with gonococcal infection (6/18; 33%). Most studies were crossover trials (11/18; 61%) or parallel-arm randomized trials (4/18; 22%). Where pharmacokinetic analyses were performed, addition of probenecid to oral β-lactams increased total AUC (7/7; 100%), Cmax (5/8; 63%) and serum t½ (6/8; 75%). Probenecid improved PTA (2/2; 100%). Meta-analysis of 3105 (2258 intervention, 847 control) patients treated for gonococcal disease demonstrated a relative risk of treatment failure in the random-effects model of 0.33 (95% CI 0.20–0.55; I2 = 7%), favouring probenecid.

Conclusions

Probenecid-boosted β-lactam therapy is associated with improved outcomes in gonococcal disease. Pharmacokinetic data suggest that probenecid-boosted oral β-lactam therapy may have a broader application, but appropriately powered mechanistic and efficacy studies are required.
Differences in carcass chilling rate underlie differences in sensory traits of pork chops from pigs with heavier carcass weights
Authors: Price Hannah E , Barkley Kayla E , Lerner Annie B , Harsh Bailey N , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , O’Quinn Travis G , Allerson Matt W , Fields Brandon , King David A , Wheeler Tommy L , Shackelford Steven D , Boler Dustin D , Dilger Anna C
Published: June 2022

Pork hot carcass weights (HCW) have been increasing 0.6 kg per year, and if they continue to increase at this rate, they are projected to reach an average weight of 118 kg by the year 2050. This projection in weight is a concern for pork packers and processors given the challenges in product quality from heavier carcasses of broiler chickens. However, previous work demonstrated that pork chops from heavier carcasses were more tender than those from lighter carcasses. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effects of pork hot carcass weights, ranging from 90 to 145 kg with an average of 119 kg, on slice shear force and sensory traits of Longissimus dorsi chops when cooked to 63 or 71 °C, and to assess if differences in chilling rate can explain differences in sensory traits. Carcasses were categorized retrospectively into fast, medium, or slow chilling-rates based on their chilling rate during the first 17 h postmortem. Loin chops cut from 95 boneless loins were cooked to either 63 or 71 °C and evaluated for slice shear force and trained sensory panel traits (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) using two different research laboratories. Slopes of regression lines and coefficients of determination between HCW and sensory traits were calculated using the REG procedure in SAS and considered different from 0 at P ≤ 0.05. As hot carcass weight increased, chops became more tender as evidenced by a decrease in SSF (63 °C β = −0.0412, P = 0.01; 71 °C β = −0.1005, P < 0.001). Furthermore, HCW explained 25% (R2 = 0.2536) of the variation in chilling rate during the first 5 h of chilling and 32% (R2 = 0.3205) of the variation in chilling rate from 5 to 13 h postmortem. Slow- and medium-rate chilling carcasses were approximately 12 kg heavier (P < 0.05) than fast chilling carcasses. Slice shear force of chops cooked to 63 and 71 °C was reduced in slow and medium chilling compared with fast chilling carcasses. Carcass temperature at 5 h postmortem explained the greatest portion of variation (R2 = 0.071) in slice shear force of chops cooked to 63 °C. These results suggest that carcasses tend to chill slower as weight increases, which resulted in slight improvements in sensory traits of boneless pork chops regardless of final degree of doneness cooking temperature.
Markets for Scientific Attribution
Authors: Gans Joshua S , Murray Fiona
Published: June 2022

Formal attribution provides a means of recognizing scientific contributions as well as allocating scientific credit. This article examines the processes by which attribution arises and its interaction with market assessments of the relative contributions of members of scientific teams and communities—a topic of interest for the organizational economics of science and in understanding scientific labor markets. We demonstrate that a pioneer or senior scientist’s decision to co-author with a follower or junior scientist depends critically on market attributions as well as the timing of the co-authoring decision. This results in multiple equilibrium outcomes each with different implications for expected quality of research projects. However, we demonstrate that the Pareto efficient organizational regime is for the follower researcher to be granted co-authorship contingent on their own performance without any earlier pre-commitment to formal attribution. We then compare this with the alternative for the pioneer of publishing their contribution and being rewarded through citations. While in some equilibria (especially where co-authoring commitments are possible) there is no advantage to interim publication, in others this can increase expected research quality.
Comparison of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with the 5-field technique, helical tomotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Kita Nozomi , Shibamoto Yuta , Takemoto Shinya , Manabe Yoshihiko , Yanagi Takeshi , Sugie Chikao , Tomita Natsuo , Iwata Hiromitsu , Murai Taro , Hashimoto Shingo , Ishikura Satoshi
Published: June 2022

The outcomes of three methods of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for localized prostate cancer were evaluated. Between 2010 and 2018, 308 D’Amico intermediate- or high-risk patients were treated with 2.2 Gy daily fractions to a total dose of 74.8 Gy in combination with hormonal therapy. Overall, 165 patients were treated with 5-field IMRT using a sliding window technique, 66 were then treated with helical tomotherapy and 77 were treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The median age of patients was 71 years. The median follow-up period was 75 months. Five-year overall survival (OS) and biochemical or clinical failure-free survival (FFS) rates were 95.5 and 91.6% in the 5-field IMRT group, 95.1 and 90.3% in the tomotherapy group and 93.0 and 88.6% in the VMAT group, respectively, with no significant differences among the three groups. The 5-year cumulative incidence of late grade ≥2 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities were 7.3 and 6.2%, respectively, for all patients. Late grade ≥2 gastrointestinal toxicities were less frequent in patients undergoing VMAT (0%) than in patients undergoing 5-field IMRT (7.3%) and those undergoing tomotherapy (11%) (P = 0.025), and this finding appeared to be correlated with the better rectal DVH parameters in patients undergoing VMAT. Other toxicities did not differ significantly among the three groups, although bladder dose-volume parameters were slightly worse in the tomotherapy group than in the other groups. Despite differences in the IMRT delivery methods, X-ray energies and daily registration methods, all modalities may be used as IMRT for localized prostate cancer.
Constant hydraulic supply enables optical monitoring of transpiration in a grass, a herb, and a conifer
Authors: Bourbia Ibrahim , Lucani Christopher , Brodribb Timothy J
Published: June 2022

Plant transpiration is an inevitable consequence of photosynthesis and has a huge impact on the terrestrial carbon and water cycle, yet accurate and continuous monitoring of its dynamics is still challenging. Under well-watered conditions, canopy transpiration (Ec) could potentially be continuously calculated from stem water potential (Ψstem), but only if the root to stem hydraulic conductance (Kr-s) remains constant and plant capacitance is relatively small. We tested whether such an approach is viable by investigating whether Kr-s remains constant under a wide range of daytime transpiration rates in non-water-stressed plants. Optical dendrometers were used to continuously monitor tissue shrinkage, an accurate proxy of Ψstem, while Ec was manipulated in three species with contrasting morphological, anatomical, and phylogenetic identities: Tanacetum cinerariifolium, Zea mays, and Callitris rhomboidea. In all species, we found Kr-s to remain constant across a wide range of Ec, meaning that the dynamics of Ψstem could be used to monitor Ec. This was evidenced by the close agreement between measured Ec and that predicted from optically measured Ψstem. These results suggest that optical dendrometers enable both plant hydration and Ec to be monitored non-invasively and continuously in a range of woody and herbaceous species. This technique presents new opportunities to monitor transpiration under laboratory and field conditions in a diversity of woody, herbaceous, and grassy species.
Visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra of solid O2 at 6–33 K
Authors: Lo Jen-Iu , Lu Hsiao-Chi , Hung Wei-Hsiu , Ogilvie J F , Cheng Bing-Ming
Published: June 2022

We report spectra in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range 350–1155 nm and in the mid-infrared range 500–5000 cm–1 (2–20 $\mu$m) of molecular oxygen at temperatures 6–33 K. In mid-infrared spectra, a sharp line at 1552.4 cm–1 was observed at a deposition temperature of 6 K. The intensity, profile and position of this feature depended sensitively upon the deposition temperature as a result of a connection with lattice imperfections; instead, a triplet feature at 1545.7, 1548.1 and 1549.6 cm–1 appeared at temperatures 9 and 12 K, but disappeared at 18, 24 and 30 K. Additional infrared lines of solid α-O2 were observed at 1591 and 1617 cm–1, which exhibited a reversible behaviour through the α–β phase transition temperature at 24 K. The transmissions of solid O2 showed nearly no change in wavenumber range 500–2000 cm–1 (5–20 $\mu$m) at temperatures 6–33 K; above 2000 cm–1 (<5 $\mu$m), the transmission of solid O2 depended strongly on temperature. Roughly, the transmission of solid O2 at temperatures 6–21 K fluctuated slightly in the visible and near-infrared region, whereas it decreased greatly at 24 K and continuously diminished further at higher temperatures. Notably, a broad absorption of solid β-O2 was observed in the wavelength region 350–700 nm at temperatures 27, 30 and 33 K.
Experimental study of the removal of excited state phosphorus atoms by H2O and H2: implications for the formation of PO in stellar winds
Authors: Douglas Kevin M , Gobrecht David , Plane John M C
Published: June 2022

The reactions of the low-lying metastable states of atomic phosphorus, P(2D) and P(2P), with H2O and H2 were studied by the pulsed laser photolysis at 248 nm of PCl3, combined with laser-induced fluorescence detection of P(2D), P(2P), and PO. Rate coefficients between 291 and 740 K were measured, along with a yield for the production of PO from P(2D or 2P) + H2O of (35 ± 15) %. H2 reacts with both excited P states relatively efficiently; physical (i.e. collisional) quenching, rather than chemical reaction to produced PH + H, is shown to be the more likely pathway. A comprehensive phosphorus chemistry network is then developed using a combination of electronic structure theory calculations and a Master Equation treatment of reactions taking place over complex potential energy surfaces. The resulting model shows that at the high temperatures within two stellar radii of a MIRA variable AGB star in oxygen-rich conditions, collisional excitation of ground-state P(4S) to P(2D), followed by reaction with H2O, is a significant pathway for producing PO (in addition to the reaction between P(4S) and OH). The model also demonstrates that the PN fractional abundance in a steady (non-pulsating) outflow is underpredicted by about 2 orders of magnitude. However, under shocked conditions where sufficient thermal dissociation of N2 occurs at temperatures above 4000 K, the resulting N atoms convert a substantial fraction of PO into PN.
Extinguishing the FIRE: environmental quenching of satellite galaxies around Milky Way-mass hosts in simulations
Authors: Samuel Jenna , Wetzel Andrew , Santistevan Isaiah , Tollerud Erik , Moreno Jorge , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Bailin Jeremy , Pardasani Bhavya
Published: June 2022

The star formation and gas content of satellite galaxies around the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda (M31) are depleted relative to more isolated galaxies in the Local Group (LG) at fixed stellar mass. We explore the environmental regulation of gas content and quenching of star formation in z = 0 galaxies at $M_{*}=10^{5\!-\!10}\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$ around 14 MW-mass hosts from the Feedback In Realistic Environments 2 (FIRE-2) simulations. Lower mass satellites ($M_{*}\lesssim 10^7\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$) are mostly quiescent and higher mass satellites ($M_{*}\gtrsim 10^8\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$) are mostly star forming, with intermediate-mass satellites ($M_{*}\approx 10^{7\!-\!8}\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$) split roughly equally between quiescent and star forming. Hosts with more gas in their circumgalactic medium have a higher quiescent fraction of massive satellites ($M_{*}=10^{8\!-\!9}\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$). We find no significant dependence on isolated versus paired (LG-like) host environments, and the quiescent fractions of satellites around MW-mass and Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC)-mass hosts from the FIRE-2 simulations are remarkably similar. Environmental effects that lead to quenching can also occur as pre-processing in low-mass groups prior to MW infall. Lower mass satellites typically quenched before MW infall as central galaxies or rapidly during infall into a low-mass group or a MW-mass galaxy. Most intermediate- to high-mass quiescent satellites have experienced ≥1–2 pericentre passages (≈2.5–5 Gyr) within a MW-mass halo. Most galaxies with $M_{*}\gtrsim 10^{6.5}\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$ did not quench before falling into a host, indicating a possible upper mass limit for isolated quenching. The simulations reproduce the average trend in the LG quiescent fraction across the full range of satellite stellar masses. Though the simulations are consistent with the Satellites Around Galactic Analogs (SAGA) survey’s quiescent fraction at $M_{*}\gtrsim 10^8\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$, they do not generally reproduce SAGA’s turnover at lower masses.
Constraining f(R) models with cosmic chronometers and the H ii galaxy Hubble diagram
Authors: Sultana Joseph , Yennapureddy Manoj K , Melia Fulvio , Kazanas Demosthenes
Published: June 2022

We consider several well-known f(R) cosmological models and constrain their parameters, namely the deviation parameter b and the cosmological parameters Ωm and h. We first obtain analytical approximations for the Hubble rate H(z) and the luminosity distance dL(z) in terms of these parameters, and then test these against the observational expansion rate derived from cosmic chronometers (CCs) and the distance modulus in the H ii galaxy Hubble diagram, obtained in a model-independent way using Gaussian processes. We first optimize the models based solely on the CCs and then repeat this process with a joint analysis using both the CCs and H ii galaxies.
The formation of low surface brightness galaxies in the IllustrisTNG simulation
Authors: Pérez-Montaño Luis Enrique , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Cervantes Sodi Bernardo , Zhu Qirong , Pillepich Annalisa , Vogelsberger Mark , Hernquist Lars
Published: June 2022

We explore the nature of low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs) in the hydrodynamic cosmological simulation TNG100 of the IllustrisTNG project, selecting a sample of LSBGs (r band effective surface brightness μr > 22.0 mag arcsec−2) at z = 0 over a wide range of stellar masses (M* = 109–1012 M⊙). We find LSBGs of all stellar masses, although they are particularly prevalent at M* < 1010 M⊙. We show that the specific star formation rates of LSBGs are not significantly different from those of high surface brightness galaxies (HSBGs) but that, as a population, LSBGs are systematically less massive and more extended than HSBGs, and tend to display late-type morphologies according to a kinematic criterion. At fixed stellar mass, we find that haloes hosting LSBGs are systematically more massive and have a higher baryonic fraction than those hosting HSBGs. We find that LSBGs have higher stellar specific angular momentum and halo spin parameter values compared to HSBGs, as suggested by previous works. We track the evolution of these quantities back in time, finding that the spin parameters of the haloes hosting LSBGs and HSBGs exhibit a clear bifurcation at z ∼ 2, which causes a similar separation in the evolutionary tracks of other properties such as galactic angular momentum and effective radius, ultimately resulting in the values observed at z = 0. The higher values of specific stellar angular momentum and halo spin in LSBGs seem to be responsible for their extended nature, preventing material from collapsing into the central regions of the galaxies, and also causing LSBGs to host less massive black holes at their centres.
On the synthesis of heavy nuclei in protomagnetar outflows and implications for ultra-high energy cosmic rays
Authors: Bhattacharya Mukul , Horiuchi Shunsaku , Murase Kohta
Published: June 2022

It has been suggested that strongly magnetized and rapidly rotating protoneutron stars (PNSs) may produce long duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) originating from stellar core collapse. We explore the steady-state properties and heavy element nucleosynthesis in neutrino-driven winds from such PNSs whose magnetic axis is generally misaligned with the axis of rotation. We consider a wide variety of central engine properties such as surface dipole field strength, initial rotation period, and magnetic obliquity to show that heavy element nuclei can be synthesized in the radially expanding wind. This process is facilitated provided the outflow is Poynting-flux dominated such that its low entropy and fast expansion time-scale enables heavy nuclei to form in a more efficient manner as compared to the equivalent thermal GRB outflows. We also examine the acceleration and survival of these heavy nuclei and show that they can reach sufficiently high energies ≳ 1020 eV within the same physical regions that are also responsible for powering gamma-ray emission, primarily through magnetic dissipation processes. Although these magnetized outflows generally fail to achieve the production of elements heavier than lanthanides for our explored electron fraction range 0.4–0.6, we show that they are more than capable of synthesizing nuclei near and beyond iron peak elements.
Unmet Needs in Oncology Clinical Research and Treatment in Africa: Focus on Ghana
Authors: Roberts Lewis R , Rivers Brian M , Yates Clayton C , Newman Lisa A , Sarkodie Benjamin D , Davis Melissa B , Asare-Aboagye Yaw , Adjei Alex A , Harris Adalynn E , Awuah Baffour
Published: June 2022

Cancer incidence is increasing worldwide and is a major cause of mortality. The relative magnitude of the increase is remarkably high in low human development index (HDI; 95%) and medium HDI (64%) countries. On the African continent, a corresponding increase in cancer burden is predicted, particularly for sub-Saharan Africa. Current epidemiologic data indicate that mortality rates of certain cancers, such as breast and cervical cancers, in sub-Saharan Africa are the highest in the world, and the cancer risks are broadly comparable to the risks in high-income countries, such as the United States and Europe. Although emerging data alludes to the unique genetic profile of cancer in African populations, most cancer therapies are introduced to Africa without confirmatory clinical trials. Therefore, there is an increasing need for clinical trials directed toward prevention, screening, diagnosis, and identification of innovative treatments in the African context. This review will discuss the increasing cancer burden in Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana, unmet clinical needs in cancer, current medical systems, clinical trial regulatory systems, and challenges to clinical trial recruitment.
A global two-layer radiative transfer model for axisymmetric, shadowed protoplanetary disks
Authors: Okuzumi Satoshi , Ueda Takahiro , Turner Neal J
Published: June 2022

Understanding the thermal structure of protoplanetary disks is crucial for modeling planet formation and interpreting disk observations. We present a new two-layer radiative transfer model for computing the thermal structure of axisymmetric irradiated disks. Unlike the standard two-layer model, our model accounts for the radial as well as vertical transfer of the starlight reprocessed at the disk surface. The model thus allows us to compute the temperature below “shadowed” surfaces receiving no direct starlight. Thanks to the assumed axisymmetry, the reprocessed starlight flux is given in a one-dimensional integral form that can be computed at a low cost. Furthermore, our model evolves the midplane temperature using a time-dependent energy equation and can therefore treat thermal instabilities. We apply our global two-layer model to disks with a planetary induced gap and confirm that the model reproduces the disks’ temperature profiles obtained from more computationally expensive Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations to an accuracy of less than 20%. We also apply the model to study the long-term behavior of the thermal wave instability in irradiated disks. Being simple and computationally efficient, the global two-layer model will be suitable for studying the interplay between disks’ thermal evolution and dust evolution.
A Non-Canonical MITE in the WOX11 Promoter Is Associated with Robust Crown Root development in Rice
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xiang Yimeng , Geng Leping , Jiang Wei , Cheng Saifeng , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2022

The formation of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms is tightly controlled by transcriptional programs determined by temporal and spatial patterns of gene expression. As an important regulator of rice crown root development, WOX11 is essential for crown root formation and its transcript level is positively correlated with crown root biomass. However, how WOX11 is regulated during crown root primordium emergence and outgrowth still remains unknown. In this study, variations of the WOX11 genomic sequence were analyzed, and the highest genetic diversity was found within its promoter, which contained a non-canonical miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (ncMITE) sequence. Analysis of the WOX11 promoter-driven reporter gene GUS (β-glucuronidase) transgenic plants pWOX11(ncMITE+):GUS and pWOX11(ncMITE−):GUS uncovered higher GUS expression levels in crown roots of pWOX11(ncMITE+):GUS plants. Furthermore, pWOX11(ncMITE+):WOX11-FLAG in wox11 background could complement the crown root number and length compared to those of the wild type, while pWOX11(ncMITE−):WOX11-FLAG could not. These results suggested that the ncMITE was positively associated with WOX11 transcripts in rice crown roots. In addition, DNA methylation nearby the ncMITE region attenuated the activation effect of the ncMITE on WOX11 expression, which might also be the cause conferred to the root-specific expression of WOX11. This work provides novel insight into WOX11 expression regulation and reveals a promising target for genetic improvement of root architecture in rice.
Tonoplast Sucrose Trafficking Modulates Starch Utilization and Water Deficit Behavior in Poplar Leaves
Authors: Harding Scott A , Tuma Trevor T , Aulakh Kavita , Ortega Maria A , Ci Dong , Ou Yongbin , Tsai Chung-Jui
Published: June 2022

Leaf osmotic adjustment by the active accrual of compatible organic solutes (e.g. sucrose) contributes to drought tolerance throughout the plant kingdom. In Populus tremula x alba, PtaSUT4 encodes a tonoplast sucrose–proton symporter, whose downregulation by chronic mild drought or transgenic manipulation is known to increase leaf sucrose and turgor. While this may constitute a single drought tolerance mechanism, we now report that other adjustments which can occur during a worsening water deficit are damped when PtaSUT4 is constitutively downregulated. Specifically, we report that starch use and leaf relative water content (RWC) dynamics were compromised when plants with constitutively downregulated PtaSUT4 were subjected to a water deficit. Leaf RWC decreased more in wild-type and vector control lines than in transgenic PtaSUT4-RNAi (RNA-interference) or CRISPR (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats) knockout (KO) lines. The control line RWC decrease was accompanied by increased PtaSUT4 transcript levels and a mobilization of sucrose from the mesophyll-enriched leaf lamina into the midvein. The findings suggest that changes in SUT4 expression can increase turgor or decrease RWC as different tolerance mechanisms to reduced water availability. Evidence is presented that PtaSUT4-mediated sucrose partitioning between the vacuole and the cytosol is important not only for overall sucrose abundance and turgor, but also for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant dynamics. Interestingly, the reduced capacity for accelerated starch breakdown under worsening water-deficit conditions was correlated with reduced ROS in the RNAi and KO lines. A role for PtaSUT4 in the orchestration of ROS, antioxidant, starch utilization and RWC dynamics during water stress and its importance in trees especially, with their high hydraulic resistances, is considered.
The Geochemical and Textural Transition between the Reef Package and its Hanging Wall, Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Authors: Jenkins M Christopher , Mungall James E , Zientek Michael L , Butak Kevin , Corson Sam , Holick Paul , McKinley Ryan , Lowers Heather
Published: June 2022

The highest grade Pd-Pt deposit on Earth, the J-M Reef, is hosted in coarse-grained to pegmatoidal cumulates called the Reef Package. Decades of mine development of the J-M Reef have revealed that a distinct discontinuity in rock fabric marks the top of the rock unit that hosts economic-grade sulfide mineralization. Mine geologists refer to this discontinuity as the hanging wall contact. This contact is the top of the Reef Package and is always locatable—either by the change in rock fabric or by distinctive hanging wall textures of silicate minerals—even when the reef sulfide mineralization is absent. This rather subtle textural feature is used reliably by mine geologists to follow the Reef during exploration and mine development. Although some high tenor sulfides (>1000 ppm Pd in 100% sulfide) are found sporadically in the hanging wall cumulates, these accumulations are too small to be economically viable. We present quantitative rock fabric data for four Reef Package and hanging wall intersections collected by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). Plagioclase fabrics in the hanging wall are characterized by low variance in grain sizes and a strong point maximum concentration of (010) and a perpendicular girdle distribution of [100] consistent with an axial B-type fabric. These fabrics are indicative of either compaction of the crystal mush or crystal settling of nucleated crystals, the bulk magma in a chamber. Conversely, the fabrics of the Reef Package show higher variance grain in size distributions and weak to undeveloped preferred orientation of plagioclase crystals that did not undergo significant alignment or textural equilibration of plagioclase grains. The absence of foliation in the Reef Package stands in contrast both to hanging wall fabrics and to other reported EBSD datasets of plagioclase crystals orientations from the Bushveld Complex, the Skaergaard Intrusion, and the Rum Intrusion. Furthermore, plagioclase crystal size distributions for the Reef Package show flatter slopes and convex profiles with fewer crystals at small size fractions indicating the dissolution of small crystals during partial melting and textural coarsening (i.e. Ostwald ripening) and crystal growth. Crystal growth was favored over the nucleation of new crystals during prolonged interaction with a hot infiltrating melt into the resident mush resulting in the coarse-grained textures of the Reef Package cumulates. The hanging wall contact represents a boundary between partially remelted crystal mush of the Reef Package, where sulfide mineralization formed and accumulated, and an overlying essentially barren cumulate pile. The hanging wall cumulates formed following the cessation of footwall erosion and the resumption of crystal accumulation by normal magma chamber processes.
The Hypnotic Screen: The Early Soviet Experiment with Film Psychotherapy
Authors: Toropova Anna
Published: June 2022

The early Soviet period witnessed a number of experiments in ‘film psychotherapy’—the attempt to deploy the cinematic medium in hypnotherapeutic treatment. Exploring this pivotal, yet virtually unknown, moment in the history of cinema’s intertwinement with medicine, the article seeks to understand Soviet film psychotherapy as a response to transnational anxieties over cinema’s ‘powers of influence’, as well as a distinctively ‘Soviet’ experiment. An exploration of the project’s origins in Soviet psychophysiological studies of spectators and experiments in group hypnotherapeutic treatment is used to demonstrate the unique context that shaped Soviet doctors’ emergence as film therapy pioneers. After examining the medical and political hopes pinned on the project, the article tries to understand the reasons why film psychotherapy’s considerable potential remained largely unrealised. The project that promised to be a major boon to Soviet social medicine, it is argued, also brought the scientific premises of Soviet psychotherapy into question.
Racial/ethnic disparities in subjective sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep disturbances during pregnancy: an ECHO study
Authors: Lucchini Maristella , O’Brien Louise M , Kahn Linda G , Brennan Patricia A , Glazer Baron Kelly , Knapp Emily A , Lugo-Candelas Claudia , Shuffrey Lauren , Dunietz Galit Levi , Zhu Yeyi , Wright Rosalind J , Wright Robert O , Duarte Cristiane , Karagas Margaret R , Ngai Pakkay , O’Connor Thomas G , Herbstman Julie B , Dioni Sean , Singh Anne Marie , Alcantara Carmela , Fifer William P , Elliott Amy J ,   Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, Jacobson L P , Parker C B , Alshawabkeh A N , Ownby D
Published: June 2022

In the United States, racial/ethnic minoritized groups experience worse sleep than non-Hispanic Whites (nHW), but less is known about pregnant people. This is a key consideration since poor sleep during pregnancy is common and associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study reports the prevalence of subjective sleep measures in a multi-racial/ethnic pregnant population from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Participants’ self-reported race and ethnicity were grouped into: nHW, non-Hispanic Black/African American (nHB/AA), Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian (nHA). Analyses examined trimester-specific (first (T1), second (T2), third (T3)) nocturnal sleep duration, quality, and disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and ECHO maternal sleep health questionnaire). Linear or multinomial regressions estimated the associations between race/ethnicity and each sleep domain by trimester, controlling for body mass index and age, with nHW as reference group. We repeated analyses within maternal education strata. nHB/AA participants reported shorter sleep duration (T2: β = –0.55 [–0.80,–0.31]; T3: β = –0.65 [–0.99,–0.31]) and more sleep disturbances (T2: β = 1.92 [1.09,2.75]; T3: β = 1.41 [0.09,2.74]). Hispanic participants reported longer sleep duration (T1: β = 0.22 [0.00004,0.44]; T2: β = 0.61 [0.47,0.76]; T3: β = 0.46 [0.22,0.70]), better sleep quality (Reference group: Very good. Fairly good T1: OR = 0.48 [0.32,0.73], T2: OR = 0.36 [0.26,0.48], T3: OR = 0.31 [0.18,0.52]. Fairly bad T1: OR = 0.27 [0.16,0.44], T2: OR = 0.46 [0.31, 0.67], T3: OR = 0.31 [0.17,0.55]), and fewer sleep disturbances (T2: β = –0.5 [–1.0,–0.12]; T3: β = –1.21 [–2.07,–0.35]). Differences persisted within the high-SES subsample. Given the stark racial/ethnic disparities in perinatal outcomes and their associations with sleep health, further research is warranted to investigate the determinants of these disparities.
Epigenetic Regulation of NGF-Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Zhenqing , Suh Jin Sook , Deng Peng , Bezouglaia Olga , Do Megan , Mirnia Mojan , Cui Zhong-Kai , Lee Min , Aghaloo Tara , Wang Cun-Yu , Hong Christine
Published: June 2022

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the best-characterized neurotrophin and is primarily recognized for its key role in the embryonic development of the nervous system and neuronal cell survival/differentiation. Recently, unexpected actions of NGF in bone regeneration have emerged as NGF is able to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, little is known regarding how NGF signaling regulates osteogenic differentiation through epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, using human dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs), we demonstrated that NGF mediates osteogenic differentiation through p75NTR, a low-affinity NGF receptor. P75NTR-mediated NGF signaling activates the JNK cascade and the expression of KDM4B, an activating histone demethylase, by removing repressive H3K9me3 epigenetic marks. Mechanistically, NGF-activated c-Jun binds to the KDM4B promoter region and directly upregulates KDM4B expression. Subsequently, KDM4B directly and epigenetically activates DLX5, a master osteogenic gene, by demethylating H3K9me3 marks. Furthermore, we revealed that KDM4B and c-Jun from the JNK signaling pathway work in concert to regulate NGF-mediated osteogenic differentiation through simultaneous recruitment to the promoter region of DLX5. We identified KDM4B as a key epigenetic regulator during the NGF-mediated osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo using the calvarial defect regeneration mouse model. In conclusion, our study thoroughly elucidated the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms during NGF-mediated osteogenesis.
Modeling the therapeutic potential of defective interfering particles in the presence of immunity
Authors: Karki Bandita , Bull James J , Krone Stephen M
Published: June 2022

Defective interfering particles (DIPs) are naturally occurring viruses that have evolved to parasitize other viruses. They suppress wild-type (WT) virus infections through their role as intracellular parasites. Because most encode few or no viral proteins, they have been entertained as possible safe antiviral therapies—something that might be given to patients infected with the WT virus. Adding to their safety, they cannot reproduce except when co-infecting the same cells as the WT, so they pose no danger of evolving into independent disease agents. But this dependence on the WT also limits their therapeutic utility by restricting the timing at which their administration can be effective. To develop a qualitative sense of these constraints for acute viral infections, we use ordinary differential equation models to study the mass-action dynamics of DIPs and WT virus in the presence of adaptive and innate immunity that will otherwise clear the infection. Our goal is to understand whether the therapeutic administration of DIPs will augment or interfere with the immune response and, in the former case, we seek to provide guidance on how virus suppression is affected by infection and clearance parameters, as well as by the timing of DIP introduction. Consistent with previous theoretical work, we find that DIPs can significantly suppress viral load. When immunity is present, the timing of DIP administration matters, with an intermediate optimum. When successful at viral suppression, DIPs even slow the immune response, but the combined effect of DIPs and immunity is still beneficial. Outcomes depend somewhat on whether immunity is elicited by and clears DIPs, but timing appears to have the greater effect.
Identification of coronaviruses in farmed wild animals reveals their evolutionary origins in Guangdong, southern China
Authors: Wang Xiaohu , Ren Zhaowen , Wang Lu , Chen Jing , Zhang Pian , Chen Jin-Ping , Chen Xiaofan , Li Linmiao , Lin Xuhui , Qi Nanshan , Luo Shengjun , Xiang Rong , Yuan Ziguo , Zhang Jianfeng , Wang Gang , Sun Min-Hua , Huang Yuan , Hua Yan , Zou Jiejian , Hou Fanghui , Huang Zhong , Du Shouwen , Xiang Hua , Sun Mingfei , Liu Quan , Liao Ming
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus infections cause diseases that range from mild to severe in mammals and birds. In this study, we detected coronavirus infections in 748 farmed wild animals of 23 species in Guangdong, southern China, by RT-PCR and metagenomic analysis. We identified four coronaviruses in these wild animals and analysed their evolutionary origins. Coronaviruses detected in Rhizomys sinensis were genetically grouped into canine and rodent coronaviruses, which were likely recombinants of canine and rodent coronaviruses. The coronavirus found in Phasianus colchicus was a recombinant pheasant coronavirus of turkey coronavirus and infectious bronchitis virus. The coronavirus in Paguma larvata had a high nucleotide identity (94.6–98.5 per cent) with a coronavirus of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates). These findings suggested that the wildlife coronaviruses may have experienced homologous recombination and/or crossed the species barrier, likely resulting in the emergence of new coronaviruses. It is necessary to reduce human–animal interactions by prohibiting the eating and raising of wild animals, which may contribute to preventing the emergence of the next coronavirus pandemic.
Sacubitril-valsartan therapy in a patient with heart failure due to isolated left ventricular noncompaction: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Ya-Wei , Yuan Jun , Xing Jing-Fen , Fan Min
Published: June 2022

Background:

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare type of cardiomyopathy. The core clinical feature is heart failure that responds poorly to treatments.

Case presentation:

A 58-year-old woman received various treatments (including metoprolol, benazepril, torasemide, spirolactone, and digoxin) for 4 years for LVNC, but responded poorly. Upon presentation, transthoracic echocardiogram (ECHO) showed 26% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and class IV diastolic dysfunction. Upon cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), the ratio of noncompacted versus compacted myocardium was 3.9. She received guideline-recommended treatments that included sacubitril-valsartan (100 mg/day) in addition to β-blocker, torasemide, spirolactone, digoxin, and isosorbide. Symptoms and signs improved rapidly, and she was discharged 1 week later. Sacubitril-valsartan dosage was adjusted to 200 mg/day 4 weeks later. She remained in relatively good health thereafter. At the last follow-up 16 months later, LVEF was 51% on ECHO. CMRI showed the significantly reduced ratio of 2.8 in noncompacted versus compacted myocardium.

Conclusions:

Sacubitril-valsartan therapy may result in reverse remodeling and improve long-term outcomes in LVNC patients.
Hospital-acquired infections in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: First report from Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ruei-Chang , Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Chiang Tsung-Ta , Tsai Chun-Chou , Wang Yung-Chih , Chang Feng-Yee , Yang Ya-Sung , Wang Ching-Hsun
Published: June 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients may acquire infections from other pathogens during hospital admission. This is the first research on this subject to be reported from Taiwan.

Methods:

Confirmed COVID-19 inpatients were enrolled in this study from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. Various types of pathogens in COVID-19 inpatients, with hospital-acquired infections, were identified and analyzed. The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with and without hospital-acquired infections were reviewed and compared.

Results:

Of the 204 patients included in the study, 32 (15.7%) patients experienced at least one infectious episode. Of 113 recorded episodes of infection, the predominant type was bacterial (88 of 113 infections, 77.9%); the most frequently isolated bacteria were Acinetobacter spp., followed by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. With regard to viral infections (19 of 113, 16.8%), the Epstein-Barr virus ranked first place among the identified viruses. Four (3.5%) and 2 (1.8%) of 113 infectious episodes were caused by fungi and atypical pathogens. A multivariate analysis revealed that steroid use was an independent factor in hospital-acquired infections (odds ratio [OR], 6.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–42.43; p = 0.035). Patients with hospital-acquired infections were associated with increased 28-day and in-hospital mortality (18.8% vs 5.8% and 31.3% and 5.8%; p = 0.023 and <0.01, respectively), and a longer hospital stay (34 vs 19 days; p < 0.001), compared to those without hospital-acquired infections.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed the unique local epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections among COVID-19 inpatients in Taiwan. These patients were associated with increased mortality and prolonged hospital admissions.
Prognostic significance of the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio in in-hospital cardiac arrest after targeted temperature management
Authors: Meng Yu-Hsiang , Lin Pei-Ying , Wu Yu-Hsuan , Hou Peter Chuanyi , How Chorng-Kuang , Chen Chung-Ting
Published: June 2022

Background:

Targeted temperature management (TTM) has been reported to improve outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients but little has been investigated into the relationship between prognoses and the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BCR).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of data from IHCA survivors treated with TTM between 2011 and 2018 was conducted based on the Research Patient Database Registry of the Partners HealthCare system in Boston. Serum laboratory data were measured during IHCA and within 24 hours after TTM completion. Intra-arrest and post-TTM BCRs were calculated, respectively. The primary outcome was neurologic status at discharge. The secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results:

The study included 84 patients; 63 (75%) were discharged with a poor neurologic status and 40 (47.6%) died. Regarding poor neurological outcome at discharge, multivariate analysis revealed that post-TTM BCR was a significant predictor (adjusted OR, 1.081; 95% CI, 1.002–1.165; p = 0.043) and intra-arrest BCR was a marginal predictor (adjusted OR, 1.067; 95% CI, 1.000–1.138; p = 0.050). Post-TTM BCR had an acceptably predictive ability to discriminate neurological status at discharge, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.644 (95% CI, 0.516–0.773) and a post-TTM BCR cutoff value of 16.7 had a sensitivity of 61.9% and a specificity of 70.0%.

Conclusion:

Post-TTM BCR was a significant predictor of the neurologic outcome at discharge among IHCA patients receiving TTM. IHCA patients with elevated intra-arrest BCR also had a borderline poor neurological prognosis at discharge.
Ibuprofen-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Case Report
Authors: Kannappilly Nevin , Peediyakkal Mohamed Z. , Khatib Mohamad Y. , Ananthegowda Dore C. , Elshafei Moustafa S. , El Zeer Hani , Shaik Karimulla S. , AlFayoumi Moayad M. , Mutkule Dyaneshwar P. , Soliman Ahmed A. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a medical emergency that most commonly occurs as an adverse effect of certain drugs. Here, we describe a case of a 41-year-old man with no comorbid illness who developed TEN.

Case Presentation:

The patient had been prescribed ibuprofen for myalgia and developed skin lesions after the single dose. The lesions were erythematous papules and macules distributed all over the body after ibuprofen intake. TEN was diagnosed based on the patient’s clinical presentation and laboratory findings. He was treated with intravenous dexamethasone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclosporine. Daily dressing changes and skin care was done with saline, chlorhexidine, and liquid paraffin. The patient was intubated and tracheostomized, and he gradually improved and survived. Later, he developed septicemia in the intensive care unit and was treated successfully.

Discussion:

The management of TEN includes cessation of the causative cause, multidisciplinary ICU care, prevention and early detection of sepsis, fluid and electrolyte balance, adequate analgesia and temperature control, proper organ support, aggressive nutritional management, and good psychological support. The pharmacological therapy for TEN includes corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclosporine. The key elements of management are aseptic care and proper dressing of the skin.

Conclusion:

TEN is associated with high mortality if not managed in a systemic and protocolized way.
Epidemiological features of leprosy in China, 2020
Authors: Jia-Yi Peng , Sun Pei-Wen , Wang Le , Yu Mei-Wen , Wang Hong-Sheng
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To describe the epidemiological characteristics of leprosy in China in 2020 and provide a basis for optimizing leprosy prevention and control strategies.

Methods:

We statistically analyzed the data of leprosy cases in China in 2020 extracted from the Leprosy Management Information System.

Results:

A total of 406 newly detected leprosy cases were reported nationwide in China in 2020, giving an incidence rate of 0.29 per 1,000,000 population. Among the population with leprosy, the proportions of children younger than 15 years, multibacillary cases, and cases with grade 2 disability were 1.2%, 93.3%, and 17.7%, respectively. Southwest China was the region with the largest proportion of new leprosy cases (54.7%). There were 31 relapse leprosy cases reported in 2020. By the end of 2020, there were 1,893 registered leprosy cases reported nationwide, giving a prevalence rate of 1.35 per 1,000,000 population.

Conclusion:

Leprosy is at a low endemic level in China in terms of the prevalence and incidence rates. However, the geographical distribution of leprosy in China is unbalanced; leprosy is highly endemic in southwest China, including Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangdong, and Guangxi.