bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmaco-virological Outcomes and Genotypic Resistance Profiles Among Children and Adolescents Receiving a Dolutegravir-Based Regimen in Togo
Authors: Konu Yao Rodion , Takassi Elom , Peytavin Gilles , Dapam Nina , Damond Florence , Oumarou Wone Adama , Zaidi Meryem , Franco-Yusti Anna-Maria , Dagnra Claver A , Le Hingrat Quentin , Coppée Romain , Descamps Diane , Diallo Fatoumata Binta Tidiane , Ekouevi Didier K , Charpentier Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Background

Few data are available on the real-world efficacy of receiving tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (-DTG) as human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) treatment, particularly among young people in West Africa. Here, we evaluated pharmaco-virological outcomes and resistance profiles among Togolese children and adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, Togo, enrolling antiretroviral-treated people with HIV aged from 18 months to 24 years. Plasma HIV-1 viral load and antiretroviral concentrations were measured. Next-generation sequencing of protease, reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase was performed on all samples with viral loads >200 copies/mL. Drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were identified and interpreted using the ANRS-MIE algorithm.

Results

264 participants were enrolled (median age, 17 years); 226 received a DTG-based regimen for a median of 20.5 months. Among them, there was virological suppression at the 200-copies/mL threshold in 80.0% of the participants. Plasma DTG concentrations were adequate (ie, >640 ng/mL), suboptimal, and below the limit of quantification in 74.1%, 6.7%, and 19.2% of participants receiving DTG, respectively. Overall, viruses resistant to any of nucleoside RT inhibitors, non-NRTIs, and protease inhibitors were found in 52%, 66%, and 1.6% of participants, respectively. A major integrase inhibitor DRM was observed in 9.4% (n = 3/32; R263K, E138A-G140A-Q148R, and N155H) of participants with a viral load >200 copies/mL.

Conclusions

These first findings in a large series of adolescents in a low-income country showed a good virological response of 80% and the presence of an integrase DRM in 9.4% of virological failures, supporting the need to monitor DTG drug resistance to reduce the risk of resistance acquisition.
Intra-annual variation in oak masting affects wildlife feeding behavior
Authors: Demeny Kelsey M , Ellington E Hance , Kuhn Kellie M , Lashley Marcus A
Published: May 2024

Oaks (Quercus spp.) provide an important food source for many wildlife species throughout the fall and winter. Most research evaluating oak masting patterns and the subsequent behavioral responses of wildlife focuses on the annual temporal scale. However, patterns in masting at the seasonal temporal scale may be important for wildlife behavior. We designed a study quantifying seasonal oak masting patterns of 3 oak species (water oak, Q. nigra; laurel oak, Q. laurifolia; and swamp chestnut oak, Q. michauxii) and linking those patterns to visitation and feeding behavior of 3 primary consumers (white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus; gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis; and raccoon, Procyon lotor). We used seed traps to monitor the seasonal masting pattern of 205 trees in the fall of 2021 and 2022 and used camera traps concurrently to monitor wildlife behavior associated with a subset of 30 trees. Seasonal masting patterns differed between oak species both within a season and across years, and the timing of mast varied within oak species across years. White-tailed deer tended to visit swamp chestnut oak as the number of acorns increased and consumed their acorns. Gray squirrels and raccoons tended to visit laurel oak and consume water oak acorns with gray squirrels being more likely to consume as the number of acorns increased. Our results indicate that evaluating acorn production at multiple temporal scales may be necessary to fully understand oak masting relationships with wildlife. Furthermore, differences in wildlife behavior based on oak species may have important implications for oak regeneration.
Treatment of anastomotic leakage following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy—10 year experience from a Nordic center
Authors: Hauge Tobias , Dretvik Thomas , Johnson Egil , Mala Tom
Published: May 2024

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following esophageal resection. No clear consensus exist for the optimal handling of this severe complication. The aim of this study was to describe the treatment outcome following AL. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including all patients with AL operated with Ivor Lewis esophagectomy from 2010 to 2021 at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. 74/526 (14%) patients had AL. Patient outcomes were analyzed and categorized according to main AL treatment strategy; stent (54%), endoscopic vacuum therapy and stent (EVT + stent) (19%), nasogastric tube and antibiotics (conservative) (16%), EVT (8%) and by other endoscopic means (other) (3%). One patient had surgical debridement of the chest cavity. In 66 patients (89%), the perforation healed after median 27 (range: 4–174) days. Airway fistulation was observed in 11 patients (15%). Leak severity (ECCG) was associated with development of airway fistula (P = 0.03). The median hospital and intensive care unit stays were 30 (range: 12–285) and 9 (range: 0–60) days. The 90-days mortality among patients with AL was 5% and at follow up, 13% of all deaths were related to AL. AL closure rates were comparable across the groups, but longer in the EVT + stent group (55 days vs. 29.5 days, P = 0.04). Thirty-two percent developed a symptomatic anastomotic stricture within 12 months. Conclusion: The majority of AL can be treated endoscopically with preservation of the conduit and the anastomosis. We observed a high number of AL-associated airway fistulas.
Risk factors and prognosis for supraclavicular lymph node metastasis in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer. Distant or regional metastasis?
Authors: Shiraishi Osamu , Hagi Takaomi , Hiraki Yoko , Kato Hiroaki , Koda Masashi , Nakanishi Tomoya , Yasuda Atsushi , Shinkai Masayuki , Imano Motohiro , Yasuda Takushi
Published: May 2024

We aimed to determine the frequency and prognosis of supraclavicular (#104) lymph node (LN) metastasis compared with other LN stations in patients with advanced thoracic esophageal cancer and to identify risk factors for metastasis to delineate the indications for three-field lymphadenectomy (3FL). The study cohort of 567 eligible patients with esophageal cancer had undergone subtotal esophagectomy from 2003 to 2020. LN metastasis was defined as pathologically proven metastasis or positron emission tomography-positive LNs. The efficacy index (EI), calculated from the frequency of LN metastases and survival rates, was used as prognostic value of each LN station dissection for patient survival. Risk factors for #104 LN metastasis were determined by multivariable logistic regression. The frequency of #104 LN metastasis was 11.6% overall, 31.7% in upper and 8.3% in middle/lower third lesion. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 71% of patients and chemo-radiation to 11%. The 5-year overall survival was 45.8%. The EI for #104 LNs (5.3) was similar to that for #101 LNs. Risk factors were age < 65 years, upper third lesion, clinical N2–3, #101/106rec LN metastasis and poorly differentiated carcinoma. The 5-year overall survival of patients with middle/lower lesions was 38% (EI 3.1), similar to that for #101 and #8/9/11 LNs. The prognosis of patients with #104 LN metastases is similar to that of patients with metastases in other regional LN stations. Therefore, we recommend 3FL exclusively for patients at a high risk of #104 LN metastasis due to the overall metastatic rate not being high.
The Dark Trophies of The Battle of Evesham, the Northumbrian Cult of Simon de Montfort and the War of the Welsh Marches (1264–1265)
Authors: Ambler Sophie Thérèse
Published: May 2024

At the Battle of Evesham (4 August 1265) the army of Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, was annihilated and his body dismembered, his head, testicles, a hand and a foot taken as ‘dark trophies’ by his enemies. The battle ended the ‘first English revolution’, in which a party of barons and bishops seized control of government from King Henry III and established a council to rule England. This article addresses the treatment of Simon’s remains. First, it considers critical evidence, the Opusculum de nobili Simone de Monte Forti, a tract produced in support of Simon’s cult at the Cistercian abbey of Melrose. Revealing how the Opusculum was researched and sponsored, it roots the vitality of Simon’s cult in the Anglo-Scottish borders, in the affinity with ancient Northumbria of the cross-border network that contributed to the tract. Secondly, it deploys the Opusculum to examine the Evesham dark trophy process, locating it within the socio-military culture of the Anglo-Welsh marches. Thirdly, it shows how the treatment of Simon’s body was implemented in response to a Montfortian policy of expediency that attempted the takeover of the Welsh Marches in alliance with the Welsh. It was not only England’s constitutional future at stake in August 1265, but also the balance of power in the British Isles. The first English revolution should thus be placed in the context of a British, rather than an English, war.
Price-Cost Margins, Fixed Costs and Excess Profits
Authors: Abraham Filip , Bormans Yannick , Konings Jozef , Roeger Werner
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a new method to estimate price-cost margins in the presence of fixed costs of production. By exploiting properties of the primal and dual sales-based and cost-based Solow residuals, we are able to simultaneously estimate price-cost margins and the share of fixed costs in total costs for each input. Ignoring fixed costs in production underestimates price-cost margins and overestimates excess profit shares. Using a thirty-year panel of Belgian firms, we estimate price-cost margins, as a fraction of sales, of 25.4% on average, which can be decomposed between fixed costs of 22.9% and excess profits of 2.5%. Belgian price-cost margins have declined (−5.9%) in the past three decades due to a combination of falling fixed costs (−4.0%) and decreasing excess profits (−1.9%), suggesting that output markets have become even more competitive over time. While large firms have higher profit shares than small firms, they have lower fixed cost shares as well as lower price-cost margins.
Quality Uncertainty and Repeat Purchases in Fish Auctions: Are Price Affected?
Authors: Sogn-Grundvåg Geir , Zhang Dengjun , Iversen Audun
Published: May 2024

Auctions are widely used for agricultural and seafood products worldwide. However, buyer uncertainty regarding product quality may affect auction participation and efficiency negatively. This study examines repeat purchases (RPs) as a strategy to reduce buyer uncertainty regarding product quality and whether prices are affected. We also examine whether prices are affected by buyers’ option to prioritise among bids for several lots in the same auction period. Using hedonic price functions on data from the Norwegian pelagic auction, we find that RPs are associated with lower prices and that lots with first priority obtain higher prices than comparable random transactions.
Dmxl1 Is an Essential Mammalian Gene that Is Required for V-ATPase Assembly and Function In Vivo
Authors: Eaton Amity F , Danielson Elizabeth C , Capen Diane , Merkulova Maria , Brown Dennis
Published: May 2024

The proton pumping V-ATPase drives essential biological processes, such as acidification of intracellular organelles. Critically, the V-ATPase domains, V1 and VO, must assemble to produce a functional holoenzyme. V-ATPase dysfunction results in cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes, as well as systemic acidosis caused by reduced activity of proton-secreting kidney intercalated cells (ICs). However, little is known about the molecular regulation of V-ATPase in mammals. We identified a novel interactor of the mammalian V-ATPase, Drosophila melanogaster X chromosomal gene-like 1 (Dmxl1), aka Rabconnectin-3A. The yeast homologue of Dmxl1, Rav1p, is part of a complex that catalyzes the reversible assembly of the domains. We, therefore,hypothesized that Dmxl1 is a mammalian V-ATPase assembly factor. Here, we generated kidney IC-specific Dmxl1 knockout (KO) mice, which had high urine pH, like B1 V-ATPase KO mice, suggesting impaired V-ATPase function. Western blotting showed decreased B1 expression and B1 (V1) and a4 (VO) subunits were more intracellular and less colocalized in Dmxl1 KO ICs. In parallel, subcellular fractionation revealed less V1 associated B1 in the membrane fraction of KO cells relative to the cytosol. Furthermore, a proximity ligation assay performed using probes against B1 and a4 V-ATPase subunits also revealed decreased association. We propose that loss of Dmxl1 reduces V-ATPase holoenzyme assembly, thereby inhibiting proton pumping function. Dmxl1 may recruit the V1 domain to the membrane and facilitate assembly with the VO domain and in its absence V1 may be targeted for degradation. We conclude that Dmxl1 is a bona fide mammalian V-ATPase assembly factor.
Beyond “business as usual”: lessons from FIFA for fair benefit-sharing in global health
Authors: Wahl Brian , Butin Gabriel , Gombe Spring , Demiray Atalay , Schwalbe Nina
Published: May 2024

While researchers and agencies from low- and middle-income countries often contribute significantly to public health surveillance data, which is crucial for effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response activities, they often do not receive adequate compensation for their contributions. Incentivizing data sharing is important for informing public health responses to pathogens with pandemic potential. However, existing data-sharing legal frameworks have limitations. In this context, we looked beyond “business as usual” candidates to explore the applicability of a benefit-sharing model developed and implemented by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football; FIFA) in international association football. This model rewards grassroots contributions and redistributes benefits, promoting a fair balance of interests across diverse economic contexts. We discuss adapting FIFA's mechanisms, including training compensation and solidarity payments, to create a novel benefit-sharing framework in global health. Given the complexity of global health, we note ways in which components of the FIFA model would need to be adapted for global health. Challenges such as integrating into existing legal frameworks, ensuring broad international buy-in, and accommodating different pandemic periods are examined. While adapting the FIFA model presents challenges, it offers a promising approach to achieving more equitable data sharing and benefit distribution in global health.
Successful management of thymic neuroendocrine tumour with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis
Authors: Fukuyama Kaoru , Funakoshi Yasunobu
Published: May 2024

A 42-year-old man was referred to psychiatry with acute onset of confusion and agitation. His screening computed tomography scan showed middle mediastinal tumours. Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid analysis was positive for anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2 antibody; possible paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis was diagnosed. Tumour resection was performed. Pathological examination showed thymic neuroendocrine tumour, stage IV. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with everolimus for adjuvant therapy, with complete improvement of encephalitis symptoms. The patient remained well without tumour recurrence or exacerbation of psychiatric disorders for 14 months after the operation.
Ecoclimate drivers shape virome diversity in a globally invasive tick species
Authors: Ni Xue-Bing , Pei Yao , Ye Yong-Tao , Shum Marcus Ho-Hin , Cui Xiao-Ming , Wu Yu-Qian , Pierce Mac P , Zhao Lin , Wang Gong-Pei , Wei Jia-Te , Fan Jing-Li , Wang Qian , Smith David K , Sun Yi , Du Li-Feng , Zhang Jie , Jiang Jia-Fu , He Pei-Jun , Chen Xin , Wei Hua , Zhao Ning-Qi , Cao Wu-Chun , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Jia Na ,   Tick Genome and Microbiome Consortium
Published: May 2024

Spillovers of viruses from animals to humans occur more frequently under warmer conditions, particularly arboviruses. The invasive tick species Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, poses a significant public health threat due to its global expansion and its potential to carry a wide range of pathogens. We analyzed meta-transcriptomic data from 3595 adult H. longicornis ticks collected between 2016 and 2019 in 22 provinces across China encompassing diverse ecological conditions. Generalized additive modeling revealed that climate factors exerted a stronger influence on the virome of H. longicornis than other ecological factors, such as ecotypes, distance to coastline, animal host, tick gender, and antiviral immunity. To understand how climate changes drive the tick virome, we performed a mechanistic investigation using causality inference with emphasis on the significance of this process for public health. Our findings demonstrated that higher temperatures and lower relative humidity/precipitation contribute to variations in animal host diversity, leading to increased diversity of the tick virome, particularly the evenness of vertebrate-associated viruses. These findings may explain the evolution of tick-borne viruses into generalists across multiple hosts, thereby increasing the probability of spillover events involving tick-borne pathogens. Deep learning projections have indicated that the diversity of the H. longicornis virome is expected to increase in 81.9% of regions under the SSP8.5 scenario from 2019 to 2030. Extension of surveillance should be implemented to avert the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Genetic predisposition to bone mineral density and their health conditions in East Asians
Authors: Lin Ying-Ju , Liang Wen-Miin , Chiou Jian-Shiun , Chou Chen-Hsing , Liu Ting-Yuan , Yang Jai-Sing , Li Te-Mao , Fong Yi-Chin , Chou I-Ching , Lin Ting-Hsu , Liao Chiu-Chu , Huang Shao-Mei , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: May 2024

Osteoporosis, a condition defined by low BMD (typically < −2.5 SD), causes a higher fracture risk and leads to significant economic, social, and clinical impacts. Genome-wide studies mainly in Caucasians have found many genetic links to osteoporosis, fractures, and BMD, with limited research in East Asians (EAS). We investigated the genetic aspects of BMD in 86 716 individuals from the Taiwan Biobank and their causal links to health conditions within EAS. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted, followed by observational studies, polygenic risk score assessments, and genetic correlation analyses to identify associated health conditions linked to BMD. GWAS and gene-based GWAS studies identified 78 significant SNPs and 75 genes related to BMD, highlighting pathways like Hedgehog, WNT-mediated, and TGF-β. Our cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression analyses for BMD and osteoporosis consistently validated their genetic correlations with BMI and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in EAS. Higher BMD was linked to lower osteoporosis risk but increased BMI and T2D, whereas osteoporosis linked to lower BMI, waist circumference, hemoglobinA1c, and reduced T2D risk. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses revealed that a higher BMI causally increases BMD in EAS. However, no direct causal relationships were found between BMD and T2D, or between osteoporosis and either BMI or T2D. This study identified key genetic factors for bone health in Taiwan, and revealed significant health conditions in EAS, particularly highlighting the genetic interplay between bone health and metabolic traits like T2D and BMI.
Blockchain self-update smart contract for supply chain traceability with data validation
Authors: Valencia-Payan Cristian , Griol David , Carlos Corrales Juan
Published: May 2024

A sustainable supply chain management strategy reduces risks and meets environmental, economic and social objectives by integrating environmental and financial practices. In an ever-changing environment, supply chains have become vulnerable at many levels. In a global supply chain, carefully tracing a product is of great importance to avoid future problems. This paper describes a self-updating smart contract, which includes data validation, for tracing global supply chains using blockchains. Our proposal uses a machine learning model to detect anomalies on traceable data, which helps supply chain operators detect anomalous behavior at any point in the chain in real time. Hyperledger Caliper has been used to evaluate our proposal, and obtained a combined average throughput of 184 transactions per second and an average latency of 0.41 seconds, ensuring that our proposal does not negatively impact supply chain processes while improving supply chain management through data anomaly detection.
Implementing the human right to science in neuroscience
Authors: Greely Henry T
Published: May 2024

This article considers the implications of the international Human Right to Science for advances in neuroscience. First, it provides background information on both the Human Right to Science and on likely challenges arising from neuroscience in five categories: prediction, mind-reading, mind-control, mental enhancement, and “humanness.” Second, it examines the Human Right to Science, analyzing its internal contradictions in general, discussing those contradictions in reference to neuroscience, and then analyzing some practical limitations it would have. Third, it considers how human rights law might better approach neuroscience, first through strengthening the Human Right to Science and then by finding neuroscience-relevant rights in existing or novel Human Rights. The article concludes that the Human Right to Science may play a small part in neuroscience, especially in promoting freedom to do neuroscience research, but that its overall role is likely to be minor.
Association between oral targeted cancer drug net health benefit, uptake, and spending
Authors: Lau-Min Kelsey S , Wu Yaxin , Rochester Shavon , Bekelman Justin E , Kanter Genevieve P , Getz Kelly D
Published: May 2024

Background

Targeted cancer drugs (TCDs) have revolutionized oncology but vary in clinical benefit and patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value Framework uses survival, toxicity, and symptom palliation data to quantify the net health benefit (NHB) of cancer drugs. We evaluated associations between NHB, uptake, and spending on oral TCDs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18-64 years with an incident oral TCD pharmacy claim in 2012-2020 in a nationwide deidentified commercial claims dataset. TCDs were categorized as having high (>60), medium (40-60), and low (<40) NHB scores. We plotted the uptake of TCDs by NHB category and used standard descriptive statistics to evaluate patient OOP and total spending. Generalized linear models evaluated the relationship between spending and TCD NHB, adjusted for cancer indication.

Results

We included 8524 patients with incident claims for 8 oral TCDs with 9 first-line indications in advanced melanoma, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Medium- and high-NHB TCDs accounted for most TCD prescriptions. Median OOP spending was $18.78 for the first 28-day TCD supply (interquartile range [IQR] = $0.00-$87.57); 45% of patients paid $0 OOP. Median total spending was $10 118.79 (IQR = $6365.95-$10 600.37) for an incident 28-day TCD supply. Total spending increased $1083.56 for each 10-point increase in NHB score (95% confidence interval = $1050.27 to $1116.84, P < .01 for null hypothesis H0 = $0).

Conclusion

Low-NHB TCDs were prescribed less frequently than medium- and high-NHB TCDs. Total spending on oral TCDs was high and positively associated with NHB. Commercially insured patients were largely shielded from high OOP spending on oral TCDs.
Heterografting enhances chrysanthemum resistance to Alternaria alternata via jasmonate-mediated increases in trichomes and terpenoids
Authors: Li Wenjie , Zhan Qingling , Guan Yunxiao , Wang Likai , Li Song , Zheng Shanhu , Ma Hongyu , Liu Ye , Ding Lian , Zhao Shuang , Wang Zhenxing , Jiang Jiafu , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei , Guan Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

Trichomes are specialized hair-like structures in the epidermal cells of the above-ground parts of plants and help to protect them from pests and pathogens, and produce valuable metabolites. Chrysanthemum morifolium, which is used in tea products, has both ornamental and medicinal value; however, it is susceptible to infection by the fungus Alternaria alternata, which can result in substantial economic losses. Increasing the density of glandular trichomes enhances disease resistance and improves the production of medicinal metabolites in chrysanthemums, and jasmonate (JA) is known to promote the formation of trichomes in various plants. However, it remains unclear whether glandular trichomes in chrysanthemums are regulated by JA. In addition, grafting, a technique that can improve plant resistance to biotic stresses, has been poorly examined for its impact on glandular trichomes, terpenoids, and disease resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that grafting with Artemisia vulgaris rootstocks improves the resistance of chrysanthemum scions to A. alternata. Heterografted chrysanthemums exhibited higher trichome density and terpenoid content compared to self-grafted counterparts. Transcriptome analysis highlighted the significant role of CmJAZ1-like in disease resistance in heterografted chrysanthemums. Lines overexpressing CmJAZ1-like exhibited sensitivity to A. alternata, and this was characterized by reduced glandular trichome density and limited terpenoid content. Conversely, CmJAZ1-like silenced lines exhibited resistance to A. alternata and showed increased glandular trichome density and terpenoid content. Higher JA content was found in the heterografted chrysanthemum scions compared to self-grafted ones. Furthermore, we established that JA promoted the development of glandular trichomes and the synthesis of terpenoids while also inducing the degradation of CmJAZ1-like proteins in chrysanthemums. Our findings suggest that higher JA increases trichome density and terpenoid content, thereby enhancing resistance to A. alternata by regulating CmJAZ1-like in heterografted chrysanthemums.
Aether Scalar Tensor (AeST) theory: quasistatic spherical solutions and their phenomenology
Authors: Verwayen Peter , Skordis Constantinos , Bœhm Céline
Published: May 2024

There have been many efforts in the last three decades to embed the empirical Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) programme into a robust theoretical framework. While many such theories can explain the profile of galactic rotation curves, they usually cannot explain the evolution of the primordial fluctuations and the formation of large-scale structures in the Universe. The Aether Scalar Tensor theory seems to have overcome this difficulty, thereby providing the first compelling example of an extension of general relativity able to successfully challenge the particle dark matter hypothesis. Here, we study the phenomenology of this theory in the quasistatic weak-field regime and specifically for the idealized case of spherical isolated sources. We find the existence of three distinct gravitational regimes, that is, Newtonian, MOND, and a third regime characterized by the presence of oscillations in the gravitational potential which do not exist in the traditional MOND paradigm. We identify the transition scales between these three regimes and discuss their dependence on the boundary conditions and other parameters in the theory. Aided by analytical and numerical solutions, we explore the dependence of these solutions on the theory parameters. Our results could help in searching for interesting observable phenomena at low redshift pertaining to galaxy dynamics as well as lensing observations, however, this may warrant proper N-body simulations that go beyond the idealized case of spherical isolated sources.
Estimation of stellar mass and star formation rate based on galaxy images
Authors: Zhong Jing , Deng Zhijie , Li Xiangru , Wang Lili , Yang Haifeng , Li Hui , Zhao Xirong
Published: May 2024

It is crucial for a deeper understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies in the Universe to study stellar mass (M*) and star formation rate (SFR). Traditionally, astronomers infer the properties of galaxies from spectra, which are highly informative, but expensive and hard to be obtained. Fortunately, modern sky surveys obtained a vast amount of high-spatial-resolution photometric images. The photometric images are obtained relatively economically than spectra, and it is very helpful for related studies if M* and SFR can be estimated from photometric images. Therefore, this paper conducted some preliminary researches and explorations on this regard. We constructed a deep learning model named Galaxy Efficient Network (GalEffNet) for estimating integrated M* and specific star formation rate (sSFR) from Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument galaxy images. The GalEffNet primarily consists of a general feature extraction module and a parameter feature extractor. The research results indicate that the proposed GalEffNet exhibits good performance in estimating M* and sSFR, with σ reaching 0.218 and 0.410 dex. To further assess the robustness of the network, prediction uncertainty was performed. The results show that our model maintains good consistency within a reasonable bias range. We also compared the performance of various network architectures and further tested the proposed scheme using image sets with various resolutions and wavelength bands. Furthermore, we conducted applicability analysis on galaxies of various sizes, redshifts, and morphological types. The results indicate that our model performs well across galaxies with various characteristics and indicate its potentials of broad applicability.
Iron-sulfur protein odyssey: exploring their cluster functional versatility and challenging identification
Authors: Vallières Cindy , Benoit Orane , Guittet Olivier , Huang Meng-Er , Lepoivre Michel , Golinelli-Cohen Marie-Pierre , Vernis Laurence
Published: May 2024

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are an essential and ubiquitous class of protein-bound prosthetic centers that are involved in a broad range of biological processes (e.g. respiration, photosynthesis, DNA replication and repair and gene regulation) performing a wide range of functions including electron transfer, enzyme catalysis, and sensing. In a general manner, Fe-S clusters can gain or lose electrons through redox reactions, and are highly sensitive to oxidation, notably by small molecules such as oxygen and nitric oxide. The [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters, the most common Fe-S cofactors, are typically coordinated by four amino acid side chains from the protein, usually cysteine thiolates, but other residues (e.g. histidine, aspartic acid) can also be found. While diversity in cluster coordination ensures the functional variety of the Fe-S clusters, the lack of conserved motifs makes new Fe-S protein identification challenging especially when the Fe-S cluster is also shared between two proteins as observed in several dimeric transcriptional regulators and in the mitoribosome. Thanks to the recent development of in cellulo, in vitro, and in silico approaches, new Fe-S proteins are still regularly identified, highlighting the functional diversity of this class of proteins. In this review, we will present three main functions of the Fe-S clusters and explain the difficulties encountered to identify Fe-S proteins and methods that have been employed to overcome these issues.
Exploring Different Types of Music Cues for Arm Movements in Adults with Parkinson’s
Authors: Smith Ryan A , Davis Naomi , Lagasse A Blythe
Published: May 2024

Music therapists may use auditory cueing to facilitate movement exercises when working on motor goals with adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is minimal research, however, comparing the effects of different auditory cueing techniques on the kinematic parameters of movements in adults with PD. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare how rhythmic and sonified musical cues impact the smoothness and path variance of a repetitive, volitional arm movement in adults with PD. Seven adults with PD and 10 neurotypical adults completed 3 trials of a repetitive arm-reaching task in each of the 3 auditory cueing conditions. The position of each participant’s wrist was recorded in 3 dimensions using an infrared motion capture system. Data from the motion capture system were processed for normalized jerk (NJ) and spatiotemporal index (STI). No significant differences in STI or NJ were observed between groups in the no cueing condition. Repeated measures analyses revealed no significant differences in NJ or STI for the PD group across conditions. Participant-level analysis of the PD group revealed a trend of less efficient movement performance in the rhythmic cueing condition and improved movement performance in the sonified cueing condition. These findings warrant further research to inform music therapists’ use of auditory-motor cueing.
Health-related quality of life with sacituzumab govitecan in HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer in the phase III TROPiCS-02 trial
Authors: Rugo Hope S , Schmid Peter , Tolaney Sara M , Dalenc Florence , Marmé Frederik , Shi Ling , Verret Wendy , Shah Anuj , Gharaibeh Mahdi , Bardia Aditya , Cortes Javier
Published: May 2024

Background

The TROPiCS-02 study (NCT03901339) demonstrated that sacituzumab govitecan (SG) has superior clinical outcomes over treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative (HR+/HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Here, we present health-related quality of life (HRQoL) patient-reported outcome (PRO) findings from this study.

Patients and Methods

Eligible adults with HR+/HER2− mBC who previously received a taxane, endocrine-based therapy, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, and 2-4 lines of chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive SG or TPC until progression or unacceptable toxicity. PROs were assessed at baseline and on day 1 of each cycle, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), EQ-5D-5L, and PRO Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE).

Results

Compared to TPC, overall least square mean change from baseline was significantly better for SG for physical functioning and dyspnea, but worse for diarrhea. Time to first clinically meaningful worsening or death was significantly longer for SG in global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, fatigue, emotional functioning, dyspnea, insomnia, and financial difficulties of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EQ-VAS, but longer for TPC in diarrhea. Few patients in both arms reported experiencing any worsening to level 3 or 4 treatment-related symptomatic events during treatment, as assessed by 16 PRO-CTCAE items, except for diarrhea frequency and amount of hair loss, which favored TPC.

Conclusions

SG was associated with an HRQoL benefit in most symptoms and functioning, compared with TPC. This supports the favorable profile of SG as a treatment option for patients with pretreated HR+/HER2− mBC.
Trading acyls and swapping sugars: metabolic innovations in Solanum trichomes
Authors: Fiesel Paul D , Kerwin Rachel E , Jones A Daniel , Last Robert L
Published: May 2024

Solanaceae (nightshade family) species synthesize a remarkable array of clade- and tissue-specific specialized metabolites. Protective acylsugars, one such class of structurally diverse metabolites, are produced by ACYLSUGAR ACYLTRANSFERASE (ASAT) enzymes from sugars and acyl-coenzyme A esters. Published research has revealed trichome acylsugars composed of glucose and sucrose cores in species across the family. In addition, acylsugars have been analyzed across a small fraction of the >1,200 species in the phenotypically megadiverse Solanum genus, with a handful containing inositol and glycosylated inositol cores. The current study sampled several dozen species across subclades of Solanum to get a more detailed view of acylsugar chemodiversity. In depth characterization of acylsugars from the clade II species brinjal eggplant (Solanum melongena) led to the identification of eight unusual structures with inositol or inositol glycoside cores and hydroxyacyl chains. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 31 additional species in the Solanum genus revealed striking acylsugar diversity, with some traits restricted to specific clades and species. Acylinositols and inositol-based acyldisaccharides were detected throughout much of the genus. In contrast, acylglucoses and acylsucroses were more restricted in distribution. Analysis of tissue-specific transcriptomes and interspecific acylsugar acetylation differences led to the identification of the brinjal eggplant ASAT 3-LIKE 1 (SmASAT3-L1; SMEL4.1_12g015780) enzyme. This enzyme is distinct from previously characterized acylsugar acetyltransferases, which are in the ASAT4 clade, and appears to be a functionally divergent ASAT3. This study provides a foundation for investigating the evolution and function of diverse Solanum acylsugar structures and harnessing this diversity in breeding and synthetic biology.
Shadow Hamiltonians of Structure-Preserving Integrators for Nambu Mechanics
Authors: Horikoshi Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Symplectic integrators are widely implemented numerical integrators for Hamiltonian mechanics, which preserve the Hamiltonian structure (symplecticity) of the system. Although the symplectic integrator does not conserve the energy of the system, it is well known that there exists a conserving modified Hamiltonian, called the shadow Hamiltonian. For the Nambu mechanics, which is a kind of generalized Hamiltonian mechanics, we can also construct structure-preserving integrators by the same procedure used to construct the symplectic integrators. In the structure-preserving integrator, however, the existence of shadow Hamiltonians is nontrivial. This is because the Nambu mechanics is driven by multiple Hamiltonians and it is nontrivial whether the time evolution by the integrator can be cast into the Nambu mechanical time evolution driven by multiple shadow Hamiltonians. In this paper we present a general procedure to calculate the shadow Hamiltonians of structure-preserving integrators for Nambu mechanics, and give an example where the shadow Hamiltonians exist. This is the first attempt to determine the concrete forms of the shadow Hamiltonians for a Nambu mechanical system. We show that the fundamental identity, which corresponds to the Jacobi identity in Hamiltonian mechanics, plays an important role in calculating the shadow Hamiltonians using the Baker–Campbell–Hausdorff formula. It turns out that the resulting shadow Hamiltonians have indefinite forms depending on how the fundamental identities are used. This is not a technical artifact, because the exact shadow Hamiltonians obtained independently have the same indefiniteness.
‘It’s a who-you-know thing’: interactional fraud prevention in non-bank check cashing
Authors: Puchalski Vance Alan
Published: May 2024

This article demonstrates how presentations of self and the information conveyed within them are a conduit for risk evaluation within the marketplace. Using the case of check cashing, it investigates customer screening within the Detroit area’s most prevalent non-bank check cashing businesses, which are not standalone check cashing outlets but rather corner convenience and liquor stores known as ‘party stores’. Without algorithmic techniques based on hard or quantitative data, how do owners screen customers to prevent fraud? Drawing on 35 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this article uncovers two strategies toward this end: (a) gathering private information about customers through small talk; and (b) assessing check cashers’ presentations of self. Analyzing check cashing and fraud in this setting speaks to theoretical perspectives of risk evaluation by presenting a case of interactional fraud prevention, which highlights the interpersonal, interactional mechanisms through which soft information is exchanged and assessed in ex ante screening.
Pioneering a multi-phase framework to harmonize self-reported sleep data across cohorts
Authors: Wallace Meredith L , Redline Susan , Oryshkewych Nina , Hoepel Sanne J W , Luik Annemarie I , Stone Katie L , Kolko Rachel P , Chung Joon , Leng Yue , Robbins Rebecca , Zhang Ying , Barnes Lisa L , Lim Andrew S , Yu Lan , Buysse Daniel J
Published: May 2024

Study Objectives

Harmonizing and aggregating data across studies enables pooled analyses that support external validation and enhance replicability and generalizability. However, the multidimensional nature of sleep poses challenges for data harmonization and aggregation. Here we describe and implement our process for harmonizing self-reported sleep data.

Methods

We established a multi-phase framework to harmonize self-reported sleep data: (1) compile items, (2) group items into domains, (3) harmonize items, and (4) evaluate harmonizability. We applied this process to produce a pooled multi-cohort sample of five US cohorts plus a separate yet fully harmonized sample from Rotterdam, Netherlands. Sleep and sociodemographic data are described and compared to demonstrate the utility of harmonization and aggregation.

Results

We collected 190 unique self-reported sleep items and grouped them into 15 conceptual domains. Using these domains as guiderails, we developed 14 harmonized items measuring aspects of satisfaction, alertness/sleepiness, timing, efficiency, duration, insomnia, and sleep apnea. External raters determined that 13 of these 14 items had moderate-to-high harmonizability. Alertness/Sleepiness items had lower harmonizability, while continuous, quantitative items (e.g. timing, total sleep time, and efficiency) had higher harmonizability. Descriptive statistics identified features that are more consistent (e.g. wake-up time and duration) and more heterogeneous (e.g. time in bed and bedtime) across samples.

Conclusions

Our process can guide researchers and cohort stewards toward effective sleep harmonization and provide a foundation for further methodological development in this expanding field. Broader national and international initiatives promoting common data elements across cohorts are needed to enhance future harmonization and aggregation efforts.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Women Who Are Sex Trafficked, and Social Service Utilization: Implications for Social Work
Authors: Meshelemiah Jacquelyn C A , Dellor Elinam , Karandikar Sharvari , Munshi Additti , Barboza-Salerno Gia , Steinke Hannah Ruth
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the high levels of social service usage by women who are sex trafficked. Fifty (N = 50) women who were sex trafficked were surveyed using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The ACEs score for respondents ranged from 2 to 10 with an average score of 7.4 (SD = 2.3). Emotional and sexual abuse tied at 88 percent as the most frequently cited ACEs among the women in this sample. The prevalence of ACEs was significantly higher in this sample compared with known estimates in similar populations, ranging from 20 percent to 54 percent (p < .001). Considering the well-established link between ACEs and poor health outcomes, these findings point to the need for innovative and targeted social service provisions to women who were formerly sex trafficked that take into consideration the high level of ACEs of the women. Given the sociodemographic diversity of this sample, there is a need for services that are trauma-informed, innovative, and culturally sensitive in a variety of social service settings.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the activities of the Schistosomiasis Control Program in Brazil: is the goal of controlling the disease by 2030 at risk?
Authors: Andrade Lucas Almeida , da Paz Wandklebson Silva , Ramos Rosália E Santos , de Santana Welde N Borges , Juvêncio da Rocha Thuelly , Damasceno Flávia Silva , Dantas dos Santos Allan , Tavares Débora dos Santos , Feliciano do Carmo Rodrigo , de Souza Carlos Dornels Freire , Negrão-Corrêa Deborah Aparecida , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Silva-Júnior Abelardo , Porto Wagnner José Nascimento , Bezerra-Santos Márcio
Published: May 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis continues to represent a serious public health problem in Brazil. With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several control strategies were suspended, probably compromising the goals of eradicating the disease in the country. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) actions in all endemic states of Brazil.

Methods

We performed an ecological study using spatial analysis techniques. The PCE variables assessed were the population surveyed, the number of Kato–Katz tests, positive cases of schistosomiasis and the percentage of cases treated between 2015 and 2021. The percent change was calculated to verify if there was an increase or decrease in 2020 and 2021, along with time trend analyses provided by the Joinpoint model. Spatial distribution maps were elaborated considering the percent change.

Results

The surveyed population decreased in 2020 (−65.38%) and 2021 (−37.94%) across Brazil. There was a proportional reduction in the number of Kato–Katz tests (2020, −67.48%; 2021, −40.52%), a decrease in the percentage of positive cases (2020, −71.16%; 2021, −40.5%) and a reduction in the percentage of treated cases (2020, −72.09%; 2021, −41.67%). Time trend analyses showed a decreasing trend in most PCE variables.

Conclusions

The PCE activities were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and PCE strategies must be urgently reviewed, focusing on investments in all endemic areas.
Identification and Characterization of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Anthracnose Disease of Plum
Authors: Wang Rui , Ouyang Dan , Lu Mengmeng , Tang Lihua , Chen Xiaolin , Huang SuiPing , Guo Tangxun , Hsiang Tom , Li Qili
Published: May 2024

Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) is commercially cultivated worldwide for the high levels of nutrients in the fruit. In recent years, anthracnose has been severe in some plum planting areas in China, resulting in a large number of necrotic leaves, blight, and premature leaf fall. In this study, anthracnose samples of plum leaves were collected from Hezhou, Guilin, and Lipu in Guangxi Province and Meishan, Abe Tibetan, and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Characteristics of mycelia on potato dextrose agar, morphology of appressoria and conidia, and analysis of sequences of several marker regions (internal transcribed spacer [ITS] region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH], chitin synthase [CHS-1], histone H3 [HIS3], actin [ACT], β-tubulin [TUB2], and the intergenic region between apn2 and MAT1-2-1 [ApMat]). The resulting 101 Colletotrichum isolates obtained were identified as eight species: C. fructicola (50.5%), C. siamense (24.8%), C. karsti (8.9%), C. plurivorum (7.9%), C. aeschynomenes (3.9%), C. gloeosporioides (2%), C. celtidis (1%), and C. phyllanthi (1%). Representatives of all eight Colletotrichum species were found to cause disease on wounded leaves of plum seedlings in pathogenicity assays. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of anthracnose of plum caused by C. celtidis and C. phyllanthi in China.