bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial community in garlic plants under different applications of organic fertilizer
Authors: Nditasari A , Agustiyani D , Noviana Z , Nugroho A A , Purwaningsih Sri , Dewi T K , Sutisna E , Antonius S
Published: April 2023

Indonesia is one of the biggest importers of garlic based on the FAO database in 2014-2018 and has continued up until now. Sustainable efforts to supply high domestic demand must be led to change this paradigm. Bacterial community study is important to identify soil health problems and provide insight and basic information to achieve sustainable agricultural management and increase production. This study aims to investigate the bacterial community around Garlic soil, which were treated with different manures (husk and goat’s dunk). Bacterial population enumeration was conducted by specific media and Amplicon sequencing analyses by Illumina was done to analyse bacterial community on some samples. Results showed that in general, highest population of bacteria which has plant growth promoting traits was shown in rhizosphere area with added organic material and bio fertilizer. Moreover, we observed that fertilization influences the bacterial diversity and composition in the rhizosphere, as bacterial taxa such as Rhodanobacter and Chuijabacter had higher abundance in the goat manure-treated plant in comparison to the plant grown in sandy soil.
Microbial Biofilm for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Productivity under Multi Stress. A Review
Authors: Dewi W S , Amalina D D , Romadhon M R
Published: April 2023

The increase in temperature due to global warming leads to a rise in abiotic and biotic stresses for plants. Biofilms can aid plants in overcoming multiple environmental stresses. The purpose of this article is to examine biofilm technology, mechanisms, and efficacy in assisting plant performance under multiple stresses. The methodology used to write this literature review is based on references that can be accessed online via Science Direct, Google Scholar, scopus.com, and other sources. The results demonstrated that interaction between plants and microorganisms in the rhizospheres could aid plants in coping with environmental stress caused by the formation of a biofilm on the root surface by a consortium of microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Biofilm provides numerous benefits for plants, including improved soil health, protection from pathogens, promotion of plant growth, assistance with nutrient absorption, decreased use of inorganic fertilizer, and increased environmental tolerance. Biofilm technology is a promising soil management strategy for assisting plant adaptation to environmental stresses, enhancing plant growth and productivity, and promoting soil health.
Dolomite and organic compost application for preventing acid mine drainage formation in a mesocosm system
Authors: Munawar Ali , Putranto Agus M H , Nurcholis Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of most serious environmental problems facing mining industries. It results from oxidation of sulfide minerals contained in mining wastes, such as rock disposals in mine sites. This study was to investigate AMD formation from waste rocks containing potentially-acid forming (PAF) materials treated with dolomite and compost in a mesocosm system. The system comprised a plastic drum of 150-cm height and 50-cm diameter filled with 15-cm sand at the botom layer, over-laid by 50-cm mixture of PAF+10% of either dolomite or compost, and 35-cm top-soil layer on the top. The drum surface of the sand layer was equipped with a valve to drain leached water into a collecting container. The control was a similar constructed mesocosm without addition of either ameliorant. The drums were installed into the ground of the mined land so that their surfaces were as high as the surrounding soil surface and left under field condition. The leachate samples were taken two-weekly in the early two months and monthly until the day 487. The system demonstrated that both dolomite and compost significantly increased pH from around 3 to pH>6 and reduced dissolved Al and Fe concentrations. However, the dissolved Mn concentration was still high (>20 mg L−1) in all treatments even at the pH reached >6. .
Soil characteristics controlling nitrous oxide emissions of tropical peatlands
Authors: Saidy A R , Priatmadi B J , Septiana M
Published: April 2023

Emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) from peatlands contributes very significantly to the world global warming, although the factors controlling N2O emissions from peatlands are not yet clear. This study aimed to determine peat characteristics controlling N2O emissions in peatlands. N2O emissions and several soil characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity, height of water table, water-filled pore space, decomposition degree of peats, bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and concentrations of ammonium and nitrate) were observed in peatlands with different crops and land-uses: lettuce, spring-onion, albizia, shrubs-peat, and burned-peats. Correlation-regression analyses were employed to quantify peat properties influencing the rates of N2O emission from peatlands. The results of the study showed that N2O emissions varied based on the type of crops/land-uses, in which peats used for crop cultivation had higher N2O emissions than others. The results of the analysis also revealed that N2O emissions of peat were controlled by variables related to water contents and the contents of NH4
+ and NO3
−. In peats with relatively similar NH4
+ and NO3
− contents, N2O emissions were determined by variables related to water contents (height of water table and volumetric water contents). The result of this study shows the need for water and peat fertility management for the mitigation of N2O emission from peatlands. Thus, managing the availability of nitrogen by using biological fertilizers to reduce the amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers is required to reduce N2O emissions without decreasing crop yields in peatlands.
Substitution of NPK with Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Red Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Var. Rubrum)
Authors: Supriyono  , Adjani K M , Purnomo D , Pardono
Published: April 2023

Red ginger with superior content of 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and gingerdion are commonly used as traditional medicines that are useful for the health of the body and have a high market demand. Satisfaction of market interest for red ginger should be possible utilizing ideal and reasonable development innovation. This study aims to obtain a substitution of NPK fertilizer with Dirjanik as organic fertilizer that gives better results. The study was carried out in Pelem, Wonorejo, Jatiyoso, Karanganyar, Indonesia during March to July 2021. The experiment was using a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD), five levels, 5 replications, namely D0 (100% NPK), D1 (75 % NPK + 25% organic fertilizer), D2 (50% NPK + 50% organic fertilizer), D3 (25% NPK + 75% organic fertilizer), and D4 (100% organic fertilizer). Data analysis used orthogonal contrast (5% F test) variance to obtain differences between organic fertilization and other fertilizers, as well as differences between substitution doses. The results showed that D2 fertilization gave higher plant growth in the form of number of leaves, number of stems per clump, and biomass. D3 fertilization gave higher yields per plot in the form of rhizome thickness, fresh weight (1.4 tons ha−1), and rhizome storage weight (1.2 tons ha−1). Fertilization 100% organic/7,419.4 kg ha−1 organic fertilizer effect on the yield of fresh weight and storage weight per clumsp higher.
Potential of Indigofera tinctoria Natural Dyes Compost on Maize Vegetative Growth
Authors: Budiastuti M T S , Purnomo D , Setyaningrum D , Pujiasmanto B , Ramadhan R N
Published: April 2023

Expanding sustainable agriculture approaches is critical to increase crop growth and productivity. This farming system should involve organic fertilization and not neglect the recycle of organic waste. One of the organic wastes that can be used as compost is Indigofera tinctoria natural dye waste. The research objective was to examine the vegetative growth response of corn plants to Indigofera tinctoria compost. The design used was a complete randomized block design with one factor of fertilization doses with 3 six levels namely 2.91; 5.83; 8.75; 11.67; 14.58 tons/ha, and chemical fertilizers as controls. Indigofera tinctoria compost meets the standards as organic fertilizer according to the Ministry of Agriculture with characteristics of 18.2% water content, 52.48% organic C, 90.48% organic matter, 2.84% total nitrogen, 1.54% total phosphate, total potassium 2.44%, 1.30% available nitrogen, 0.92% available phosphate, 1.52% available potassium and 60 cmol/kg cation exchange capacity. The dose of compost significantly affected on plant height of 2-4 WAP, stem diameter of 2 WAP , and root biomass of 2 WAP. The compost dose of 5.83 tons/ha has increased root growth and plant height.
Miniaturized thin-film filters to connect multiple self-written waveguides
Authors: Günther A , Kushwaha K , Rüsseler A K , Carstens F , Ristau D , Kowalsky W , Roth B
Published: April 2023

Self-written waveguides (SWWs) have been well investigated within the last decades. In most cases, they are used as low-loss coupling structures, i.e., to connect buried optical structures in photonic integrated circuits. In this work, we extend the field of possible applications for SWWs by embedding a novel thin-film filter to split the beam and connect multiple output ports simultaneously. The multilayer design of the dielectric filter can be customized to enable its application as a dichroic beamsplitter for photonic networks. The embedded thin-film filter was characterized in detail and used to connect an additional optical sensing element, which is also based on SWWs, to demonstrate its usability for measurement of physical quantities.
Social Work Curriculum: Preparation for Sexuality and Sexual Well-being Practice
Authors: Turner George , North Robyn , Drake Gabrielle
Published: April 2023

Social work—an anti-oppressive, practice-based profession focused on social justice—supports people’s access to and ability to create healthy lives. Therefore, social workers should not only understand and value a service user’s sexuality, but also be able to competently navigate this area of practice. This mixed method study explored the role of social work education in preparing social workers for practice in sexual health settings. Forty-one Australian social workers and allied health professionals participated in a survey, seven of whom participated in subsequent focus groups. A descriptive analysis of surveys was conducted, and inductive analysis of the focus groups resulted in five overarching themes. Theme 1: ‘Educational Journey’ focused on the absence of content in Social Work curricula, contrasting with rich learning from peers and community members. Theme 2: ‘Disease, Disaster and Dysfunction’ highlighted that sexuality content was often framed through a deficit lens in their social work programmes. Theme 3: ‘Placement/Practice Learning’ highlighted the importance of social work field education programmes. Theme 4: ‘Being “Askable”’ was seen as essential. Theme 5: ‘Barriers’ resulted in four sub-themes: (i) Curriculum, (ii) Medicalisation, (iii) Baggage and (iv) Positioning. An overall recommendation is that the social work curricula must prepare social work students to utilise a sexual well-being-informed practice lens and more specifically to be askable. Further, implications for social work education and research are discussed.
Rigidity in Parkinson’s disease: evidence from biomechanical and neurophysiological measures
Authors: Asci Francesco , Falletti Marco , Zampogna Alessandro , Patera Martina , Hallett Mark , Rothwell John , Suppa Antonio
Published: April 2023

Although rigidity is a cardinal motor sign in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the instrumental measurement of this clinical phenomenon is largely lacking, and its pathophysiological underpinning remains still unclear. Further advances in the field would require innovative methodological approaches able to measure parkinsonian rigidity objectively, discriminate the different biomechanical sources of muscle tone (neural or visco-elastic components), and finally clarify the contribution to ‘objective rigidity’ exerted by neurophysiological responses, which have previously been associated with this clinical sign (i.e. the long-latency stretch-induced reflex).

Twenty patients with PD (67.3 ± 6.9 years) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls (66.9 ± 7.4 years) were recruited. Rigidity was measured clinically and through a robotic device. Participants underwent robot-assisted wrist extensions at seven different angular velocities randomly applied, when ON therapy. For each value of angular velocity, several biomechanical (i.e. elastic, viscous and neural components) and neurophysiological measures (i.e. short and long-latency reflex and shortening reaction) were synchronously assessed and correlated with the clinical score of rigidity (i.e. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale—part III, subitems for the upper limb).

The biomechanical investigation allowed us to measure ‘objective rigidity’ in PD and estimate the neuronal source of this phenomenon. In patients, ‘objective rigidity’ progressively increased along with the rise of angular velocities during robot-assisted wrist extensions. The neurophysiological examination disclosed increased long-latency reflexes, but not short-latency reflexes nor shortening reaction, in PD compared with control subjects. Long-latency reflexes progressively increased according to angular velocities only in patients with PD. Lastly, specific biomechanical and neurophysiological abnormalities correlated with the clinical score of rigidity.

‘Objective rigidity’ in PD correlates with velocity-dependent abnormal neuronal activity. The observations overall (i.e. the velocity-dependent feature of biomechanical and neurophysiological measures of objective rigidity) would point to a putative subcortical network responsible for ‘objective rigidity’ in PD, which requires further investigation.
Functional topography of the neocortex predicts covariation in complex cognitive and basic motor abilities
Authors: Whitman Ethan T , Knodt Annchen R , Elliott Maxwell L , Abraham Wickliffe C , Cheyne Kirsten , Hogan Sean , Ireland David , Keenan Ross , Leung Joan H , Melzer Tracy R , Poulton Richie , Purdy Suzanne C , Ramrakha Sandhya , Thorne Peter R , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie E , Hariri Ahmad R
Published: April 2023

Although higher-order cognitive and lower-order sensorimotor abilities are generally regarded as distinct and studied separately, there is evidence that they not only covary but also that this covariation increases across the lifespan. This pattern has been leveraged in clinical settings where a simple assessment of sensory or motor ability (e.g. hearing, gait speed) can forecast age-related cognitive decline and risk for dementia. However, the brain mechanisms underlying cognitive, sensory, and motor covariation are largely unknown. Here, we examined whether such covariation in midlife reflects variability in common versus distinct neocortical networks using individualized maps of functional topography derived from BOLD fMRI data collected in 769 45-year-old members of a population-representative cohort. Analyses revealed that variability in basic motor but not hearing ability reflected individual differences in the functional topography of neocortical networks typically supporting cognitive ability. These patterns suggest that covariation in motor and cognitive abilities in midlife reflects convergence of function in higher-order neocortical networks and that gait speed may not be simply a measure of physical function but rather an integrative index of nervous system health.
Immunogenicity and Safety of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine With a Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonist Adjuvant in HBV Vaccine-Naïve People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Marks Kristen M , Kang Minhee , Umbleja Triin , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Sugandhavesa Patcharaphan , Cox Andrea L , Vigil Karen , Perazzo Hugo , Price Jennifer C , Katsidzira Leolin , Vernon Christina , Alston-Smith Beverly , Sherman Kenneth E ,   ACTG 5379 Study Team, Alli Oladapo , Beijer Ceora , Caruso Stephanie , Cermak Mary Allegra , Chiambah Shawn , Collins Lillian , Epperson Kim , Giguel Francoise , Knowles Kevin , Kosmyna Jan , Leonard Michael , Marzinek Philip , Mohammed Terence , Zabih Sarah , Sowah Leonard , Hyer Randy
Published: April 2023

In this international, multicenter open-label study (ACTG A5379) of HepB-CpG vaccine in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, all 68 participants achieved HBV seroprotective titers after the 3-dose series in the primary analysis. No unexpected safety issues were observed.
Designing Effective Teacher Performance Pay Programs: Experimental Evidence from Tanzania*
Authors: Mbiti Isaac , Romero Mauricio , Schipper Youdi
Published: April 2023

We use a nationally representative field experiment in Tanzania to compare two teacher performance pay systems in public primary schools: a ‘pay-for-percentile’ system (a rank-order tournament) and a ‘levels’ system that features multiple proficiency thresholds. Pay for percentile can potentially induce socially optimal effort among teachers, while levels systems can encourage teachers to focus on students near passing thresholds. Despite the theoretical advantage of the tournament system, we find that both systems improved student test scores across the distribution of initial learning levels after two years. However, the levels system is easier to implement and is more cost effective.
Investigating seismic mode conversions from an ultra-high-velocity caprock by physical modelling, numerical simulations and a Gulf of Mexico salt proximity VSP survey
Authors: Zong Jingjing , Stewart Robert R , Yang Jizhong , Dyaur Nikolay , Wo Yukai
Published: April 2023

Salt structures are widely distributed in many basins worldwide and play an important role in understanding tectonic movements, offering underground storage and sealing hydrocarbon traps. In addition to the acknowledged difficulties in mapping complex salt structures through seismic methods, when an evaporitic layer, such as anhydrite, forms over salt, it can introduce strong multimode conversions that can couple with the primary compressional wavefields and generate artefacts in resulting acoustic images. From two well-log suites from the Gulf of Mexico, we identify thin evaporitic caprocks on top of their salt bodies and analyse their elastic properties. Through controlled experiments, including physical and numerical modelling with a vertical seismic profiling survey geometry, we observe significant shear-mode conversions at the top of the ultra-high-velocity caprock, which further result in a family of prominent S and P (converted from S wave) modes across the top of the salt region. Similarly, in a field survey, we identify evident converted S waves and a multimode P wave (converted S wave in the anhydrite layer, and P wave elsewhere) following the primary P transmission inside the salt body. While separating the converted Smodes at the receiver end is more unambiguous, the multimode P waves could behave very similarly to the primary Pmodes and are more difficult to suppress. Under the common acoustic assumption of seismic velocity model building and imaging, complex mode conversions on top of the salt are generally ignored. Through controlled experiments and a field survey, we analyse the pitfalls associated with this omission. We emphasize the importance of understanding the physics of wave partitioning in the presence of a thin ultra-high-velocity layer on the top of the salt.
Pursuing the Innovation Economy: Implications for Startup Labour
Authors: Rose Emily
Published: April 2023

This article considers how the UK and Scottish governments’ policy push to promote the innovation economy affects labour. It applies a regulatory approach to consider the issue, focusing specifically on the co-ordinated efforts of government, universities and the private sector to promote and support technology startups. Data is drawn from an empirical case study of the digital technology sector in Scotland. My analysis is 2-fold. First, I demonstrate how the performance of this regulation constitutes people as startup employees. It does this by increasing the quantitative supply of labour, but also by shaping the qualitative features of that supply. The practices of government, universities and the private sector give rise to particular norms within the startup community that shape the way that startups operate as well as startup actors’ knowledge, values and general sense of how things should be done in the sector. Second, I examine how labour law interacts with these newly situated employees. I focus on the legally structured relation of subordination of employees to employers and argue that the norms the multi-actor regulatory effort promotes within the startup community have direct bearing on how this manifests in the sector.
Triple-negative breast cancer cells invade adipocyte/preadipocyte-encapsulating geometrically inverted mammary organoids
Authors: Mertz David R , Parigoris Eric , Sentosa Jason , Lee Ji-Hoon , Lee Soojung , Kleer Celina G , Luker Gary , Takayama Shuichi
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the manufacture of geometrically inverted mammary organoids encapsulating primary mammary preadipocytes and adipocytes. Material manipulation in an array of 192 hanging drops induces cells to self-assemble into inside-out organoids where an adipose tissue core is enveloped by a cell-produced basement membrane, indicated by laminin V staining and then a continuous layer of mammary epithelial cells. This inverted tissue structure enables investigation of multiple mammary cancer subtypes, with a significantly higher extent of invasion by triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared to MCF7 cells. By seeding cancer cells into co-culture around pre-formed organoids with encapsulated preadipocytes/adipocytes, invasion through the epithelium, then into the adipose core is observable through acquisition of confocal image stacks of whole mount specimens. Furthermore, in regions of the connective tissue core where invasion occurs, there is an accumulation of collagen in the microenvironment. Suggesting that this collagen may be conducive to increased invasiveness, the anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone shows efficacy in this model by slowing invasion. Comparison of adipose tissue derived from three different donors shows method consistency as well as the potential to evaluate donor cell-based biological variability.

Insight box Geometrically inverted mammary organoids encapsulating primary preadipocytes/adipocytes (P/As) are bioengineered using a minimal amount of Matrigel scaffolding. Use of this eversion-free method is key to production of adipose mammary organoids (AMOs) where not only the epithelial polarity but also the entire self-organizing arrangement, including adipose position, is inside-out. While an epithelial-only structure can analyze cancer cell invasion, P/As are required for invasion-associated collagen deposition and efficacy of pirfenidone to counteract collagen deposition and associated invasion. The methods described strike a balance between repeatability and preservation of biological variability: AMOs form consistently across multiple adipose cell donors while revealing cancer cell invasion differences.
Limited, asymmetric hybridization between coastal cutthroat trout and steelhead in a Northern California river
Authors: Rizza Samuel F , Wilzbach Margaret A , Kinziger Andrew P , Anderson Eric C , Carlos Garza John
Published: April 2023

Hybridization between coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) and steelhead (O. mykiss) was assessed in the Smith River, California. Individuals were categorized as pure or as 1 of 10 hybrid classes using 30 “diagnostic” single-nucleotide polymorphisms positioned on 26 separate chromosomes. Most of the individuals examined (n = 876), were pure coastal cutthroat trout (n = 634) or pure steelhead (n = 213), and 29 individuals were identified as having hybrid ancestry. Among hybrids, first generation hybrids (n = 15) and coastal cutthroat trout backcrosses (n = 12) were the most common. No individuals were identified as backcrosses to SH, suggesting the presence of genetic or behavioral mechanisms constraining such backcrosses, or the growth and survival of their progeny. Mitochondrial DNA of 14 of 15 F1 hybrids was of steelhead origin, suggesting that hybridization was driven primarily by sneak-mating of male coastal cutthroat trout with female steelhead. Evaluation of classical phenotypic characters for coastal cutthroat trout and steelhead (i.e. jaw slash, maxillary length, and hyoid teeth) were not reliable by themselves for identification of either pure parental fish or hybrids. In contrast, analysis with geometric morphometrics revealed distinctive body shapes for pure coastal cutthroat trout and steelhead, and the combination of classical traits and geometric morphology was mostly accurate in distinguishing them. However, first generation hybrids and backcrosses overlapped completely with parental types, highlighting challenges in hybrid identification using phenotypic traits.
Rac2 regulates immune complex–mediated granule polarization and exocytosis in neutrophils
Authors: Ilarraza Ramses , Chao Danny V , Bodman James A R , Chesley Alexandra , Humble Adam , Shaheen Farzana , Eitzen Gary , Lacy Paige
Published: April 2023

A key molecule for neutrophil degranulation is Rac2 guanosine triphosphatase. Neutrophils from Rac2 knockout mice (Rac2−/−) exhibit impaired primary granule exocytosis in response to cytochalasin B/f-Met-Leu-Phe, while secondary and tertiary granule release is unaffected. Coronin 1A, a protein involved in actin remodeling, is diminished in Rac2−/− neutrophils. However, primary granule exocytosis from Rac2−/− neutrophils has not been determined using more immunologically relevant stimuli. We sought to determine the role of Rac2 in degranulation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in response to immobilized immune complexes and relate this to intracellular coronin 1A localization. We used bone marrow neutrophils from wild-type and Rac2−/− mice stimulated with immobilized immune complexes. Secretion of primary (myeloperoxidase), secondary (lactoferrin), and tertiary granule (MMP-2 and MMP-9) products was evaluated. Subcellular colocalization of coronin 1A with actin and the primary granule marker CD63 was determined by deconvolution microscopy. We found major differences in myeloperoxidase, MMP-2, and MMP-9 but not lactoferrin release, along with diminished filopodia formation, CD63 polarization, and colocalization of coronin 1A with CD63 in immune complex–stimulated Rac2−/− bone marrow neutrophils. Rac2 and coronin 1A were found associated with granules in cytochalasin B/f-Met-Leu-Phe–activated human neutrophils. This report confirms a role for Rac2 in immunologically relevant stimulation of neutrophil granule exocytosis. Rac2 appears to attach to neutrophil granules, polarize CD63+ granules to the cell surface in a manner dependent on coronin 1A, and induce filopodia formation. Our studies provide insight into mechanisms of Rac2-mediated regulation of granule exocytosis.
Microsatellite instability in noncolorectal and nonendometrial malignancies in patients with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Elze Lisa , van der Post Rachel S , Vos Janet R , Mensenkamp Arjen R , de Hullu Mirjam S C , Nagtegaal Iris D , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , de Voer Richarda M , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J L
Published: April 2023

Background

Individuals with Lynch syndrome are at increased hereditary risk of colorectal and endometrial carcinomas with microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and mismatch repair-deficiency (dMMR), which make these tumors vulnerable to therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our aim is to assess how often other tumor types in these individuals share these characteristics.

Methods

We retrieved the full tumor history of a historical clinic-based cohort of 1745 individuals with Lynch syndrome and calculated the standardized incidence ratio for all tumor types. MSI status, somatic second hit alterations, and immunohistochemistry-based MMR status were analyzed in 236 noncolorectal and nonendometrial malignant tumors.

Results

In individuals with Lynch syndrome MSI-H/dMMR occurred both in Lynch-spectrum and in non–Lynch-spectrum malignancies (85% vs 37%, P < .01). MSI-H/dMMR malignancies were found in nearly all non–Lynch-spectrum tumor types. A high percentage (33%) of breast carcinomas with medullary features was observed, and most of them were MSI-H/dMMR. Breast carcinoma with medullary features were shown to be associated with Lynch syndrome (standardized incidence ratio = 38.8, 95% confidence interval = 16.7 to 76.5).

Conclusions

In individuals with Lynch syndrome, MSI-H/dMMR occurs in more than one-half of the malignancies other than colorectal and endometrial carcinomas, including tumor types without increased incidence. The Lynch-spectrum tumors should be expanded to breast carcinomas with medullary features. All malignancies in patients with Lynch syndrome, independent of subtype, should be tested for MSI-H/dMMR in case therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors is considered. Moreover, Lynch syndrome should be considered an underlying cause of all MSI-H/dMMR malignancies other than colorectal and endometrial carcinomas.
A spline-based time-varying reproduction number for modelling epidemiological outbreaks
Authors: Pircalabelu Eugen
Published: April 2023

We develop in this manuscript a method for performing estimation and inference for the reproduction number of an epidemiological outbreak, focusing on the COVID-19 epidemic. The estimator is time-dependent and uses spline modelling to adapt to changes in the outbreak. This is accomplished by directly modelling the series of new infections as a function of time and subsequently using the derivative of the function to define a time-varying reproduction number, which is then used to assess the evolution of the epidemic for several countries.
Tracing the kinematics of the whole ram-pressure-stripped tails in ESO 137-001
Authors: Luo Rongxin , Sun Ming , Jáchym Pavel , Waldron Will , Fossati Matteo , Fumagalli Michele , Boselli Alessandro , Combes Francoise , Kenney Jeffrey D P , Li Yuan , Gronke Max
Published: April 2023

Ram pressure stripping (RPS) is an important process to affect the evolution of cluster galaxies and their surrounding environment. We present a large MUSE mosaic for ESO 137-001 and its stripped tails, and study the detailed distributions and kinematics of the ionized gas and stars. The warm, ionized gas is detected to at least 87 kpc from the galaxy and splits into three tails. There is a clear velocity gradient roughly perpendicular to the stripping direction, which decreases along the tails and disappears beyond ∼45 kpc downstream. The velocity dispersion of the ionized gas increases to ∼80 km s−1 at ∼20 kpc downstream and stays flat beyond. The stars in the galaxy disc present a regular rotation motion, while the ionized gas is already disturbed by the ram pressure. Based on the observed velocity gradient, we construct the velocity model for the residual galactic rotation in the tails and discuss the origin and implication of its fading with distance. By comparing with theoretical studies, we interpreted the increased velocity dispersion as the result of the oscillations induced by the gas flows in the galaxy wake, which may imply an enhanced degree of turbulence there. We also compare the kinematic properties of the ionized gas and molecular gas from ALMA, which shows they are co-moving and kinematically mixed through the tails. Our study demonstrates the great potential of spatially resolved spectroscopy in probing the detailed kinematic properties of the stripped gas, which can provide important information for future simulations of RPS.
Impact of thermal misbalance on acoustic-gravity waves in the solar atmosphere
Authors: Riashchikov D S , Molevich N E , Zavershinskii D I
Published: April 2023

The joint effect of gravity and thermal misbalance on the dynamics of acoustic-gravity waves (AGW) in the solar atmosphere is considered. It is shown that the heating and cooling taken in the form of power functions lead to the linear dependence of stationary temperature profile. Estimates of the ratio of the characteristic length associated with thermal processes to the gravitational height show a predominant influence of thermal processes in the temperature range up to 2 MK and a comparable influence on the dynamics of AGW in the range from 2 to 10 MK. A study of the dispersion properties of AGW in an isothermal atmosphere showed that in regimes with an overwhelming influence of thermal processes, the acoustic cut-off frequency decreases up to $\sqrt{\gamma }$ times. At the same time, the maximum frequency of the gravitational mode (analogue of the Brunt–Väisälä frequency in the medium without non-adiabatic heating and cooling) decreases with increasing power of thermal processes, and then the gravitational mode can become purely oscillatory.
Extended line emission in the BCG of Abell 2390
Authors: Alcorn Leo Y , Yee H K C , Drissen Laurent , Rhea Carter , Sivanandam Suresh , Hlavacek-Larrondo Julie , Hsieh Bau-Ching , Lin Lihwai , Lin Yen-Ting , Liu Qing , Muzzin Adam , Noble Allison , Pintos-Castro Irene
Published: April 2023

We report CFHT/SITELLE imaging Fourier Transform Spectrograph observations of the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) of galaxy cluster Abell 2390 at z = 0.228. The BCG displays a prominent cone of emission in H α, H β, [N ii], and [O ii] to the North-West with PA = 42°, 4.4 arcsec in length (15.9 kpc), which is associated with elongated and asymmetric Chandra soft X-ray emission. The H α flux map also contains a ‘hook’ of H α and [N ii] emission resulting in a broadened northern edge to the cone. Using SITELLE/LUCI software, we extract emission line flux, velocity, velocity dispersion, and continuum maps, and utilize them to derive flux ratio maps to determine ionization mechanisms and dynamical information in the BCG’s emission line region. The Baldwin–Phillips–Terlevich diagnostics on the BCG cone indicate a composite ionization origin of photoionization due to star formation and shock. Strong LINER-like emission is seen in the nuclear region which hosts an active galactic nucleus (AGN). As Abell 2390 is a cool-core cluster, we suggest that the cooling flow is falling onto the central BCG and interacting with the central AGN. The AGN produces jets that inflate ‘bubbles’ of plasma in the ICM, as is often observed in local galaxy clusters. Furthermore, combining signs of AGN activities from radio, optical emission line and X-ray data over a large range of physical scale, we find evidence for three possible episodes of AGN activity in different epochs associated with the Abell 2390 BCG.
A hard look at the X-ray spectral variability of NGC 7582
Authors: Lefkir Mehdy , Kammoun Elias , Barret Didier , Boorman Peter , Matzeu Gabriele , Miller Jon M , Nardini Emanuele , Zoghbi Abderahmen
Published: April 2023

NGC 7582 (z = 0.005264; D = 22.5 Mpc) is a highly variable, changing-look AGN. In this work, we explore the X-ray properties of this source using XMM–Newton and NuSTAR archival observations in the 3 – 40 keV range, from 2001 to 2016. NGC 7582 exhibits a long-term variability between observations but also a short-term variability in two observations that has not been studied before. To study the variability, we perform a time-resolved spectral analysis using a phenomenological model and a physically motivated model (uxclumpy). The spectral fitting is achieved using a nested sampling Monte Carlo method. uxclumpy enables testing various geometries of the absorber that may fit AGN spectra. We find that the best model is composed of a fully covering clumpy absorber. From this geometry, we estimate the velocity, size, and distance of the clumps. The column density of the absorber in the line of sight varies from Compton-thin to Compton-thick between observations. Variability over the time-scale of a few tens of kiloseconds is also observed within two observations. The obscuring clouds are consistent with being located at a distance not larger than 0.6 pc, moving with a transverse velocity exceeding ∼700 km s−1. We could put only a lower limit on the size of the obscuring cloud being larger than 1013 cm. Given the sparsity of the observations, and the limited exposure time per observation available, we cannot determine the exact structure of the obscuring clouds. The results are broadly consistent with comet-like obscuring clouds or spherical clouds with a non-uniform density profile.
Causal Effect of Education on Tobacco Use in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Özmen Mustafa Utku
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of smoking is unequally distributed across certain groups. One significant dimension is education inequality, where higher smoking prevalence is generally observed in lower-educated groups. However, studies investigating educational inequality are mostly associative. Meanwhile, studies carrying out a causal investigation focus typically on developed countries. In this study, we consider a panel of low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) to investigate the causal link between education and smoking behavior.

Aims and Methods

We use detailed micro-level household surveys for 12 LMICs where the duration of compulsory schooling has been extended. By identifying the individuals subject to higher compulsory schooling and using the exogenous variation in education caused by the increase in the duration of compulsory schooling, we estimate the causal impact of education on tobacco consumption. We rely on regression analysis to estimate the effect.

Results

Our results reveal that those subject to higher years of compulsory schooling have lower smoking-related outcomes, suggesting that higher education significantly lowers tobacco consumption in LMICs. The effect is primarily observed for women, where, for instance, higher compulsory schooling reduces the probability of smoking by 23% and the number of cigarettes smoked by 27%.

Conclusions

The study’s results establish the causal link between education and smoking behavior in LMICs. This significant impact suggests that education policy is still an important tool to help reduce tobacco consumption, especially in settings where the average level of education is not high initially. Moreover, discouraging men from smoking requires other measures to complement education policy.

Implications

Education might help reduce tobacco consumption. However, studies—primarily for developed countries—find mixed results. This paper investigates the causal role of education on smoking in LMICs. Education reduces tobacco consumption, especially for women. Thus, education policy can be effective in low-education settings. Nonetheless, education policy should be accompanied by other policies to discourage men from smoking.
Optimal timing of introduction of complementary feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Padhani Zahra A , Das Jai K , Siddiqui Faareha A , Salam Rehana A , Lassi Zohra S , Khan Durray Shahwar A , Abbasi Ammaar M A , Keats Emily C , Soofi Sajid , Black Robert E , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: April 2023

Context

The timing of introducing complementary feeding (CF) is crucial because premature or delayed CF can be associated with adverse health outcomes in childhood and adulthood.

Objective

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of the timing of CF introduction on health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes among normal-term infants.

Data Sources

Electronic databases and trial registries were searched, along with the reference lists of the included studies and relevant systematic reviews.

Data Extraction

Two investigators independently extracted data from the included studies on a standardized data-extraction form.

Data Analysis

Data were meta-analyzed separately for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on the basis of early introduction of CF (< 3 months, < 4 months, < 6 months of age) or late introduction of CF (> 6 months, > 8 months of age). Evidence was summarized according to GRADE criteria. In total, 268 documents were included in the review, of which 7 were RCTs (from 24 articles) and 217 were observational studies (from 244 articles). Evidence from RCTs did not suggest an impact of early introduction, while low-certainty evidence from observational studies suggested that early introduction of CF (< 6 months) might increase body mass index (BMI) z score and overweight/obesity. Early introduction at < 3 months might increase BMI and odds of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and early introduction at < 4 months might increase height, LRTI, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). For late introduction of CF, there was a lack of evidence from RCTs, but low-certainty evidence from observational studies suggests that late introduction of CF (> 6 months) might decrease height, BMI, and systolic and diastolic BP and might increase odds of intestinal helminth infection, while late introduction of CF (> 8 months) might increase height-for-age z score.

Conclusion

Insufficient evidence does suggest increased adiposity with early introduction of CF. Hence, the current recommendation of introduction of CF should stand, though more robust studies, especially from low- and middle-income settings, are needed.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020218517.
Aberrant Brain Dynamics in Schizophrenia During Working Memory Task: Evidence From a Replication Functional MRI Study
Authors: Wang Feiwen , Liu Zhening , Ford Sabrina D , Deng Mengjie , Zhang Wen , Yang Jie , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: April 2023

Background and Hypothesis

The integration of information that typifies working memory (WM) operation requires a flexible, dynamic functional relationship among brain regions. In schizophrenia, though WM capacity is prominently impaired at higher loads, the mechanistic underpinnings are unclear. As a result, we lack convincing cognitive remediation of load-dependent deficits. We hypothesize that reduced WM capacity arises from a disruption in dynamic functional connectivity when patients face cognitive demands.

Study Design

We calculate the dynamic voxel-wise degree centrality (dDC) across the functional connectome in 142 patients with schizophrenia and 88 healthy controls (HCs) facing different WM loads during an n-back task. We tested associations of the altered variability in dDC and clinical symptoms and identified intermediate connectivity configurations (clustered states) across time during WM operation. These analyses were repeated in another independent dataset of 169 subjects (102 with schizophrenia).

Study Results

Compared with HCs, patients showed an increased dDC variability of supplementary motor area (SMA) for the “2back vs. 0back” contrast. This instability at the SMA seen in patients correlated with increased positive symptoms and followed a limited “U-shape” pattern at rest-condition and 2 loads. In the clustering analysis, patients showed reduced centrality in the SMA, superior temporal gyrus, and putamen. These results were replicated in a constrained search in the second independent dataset.

Conclusions

Schizophrenia is characterized by a load-dependent reduction of stable centrality in SMA; this relates to the severity of positive symptoms, especially disorganized behaviour. Restoring SMA stability in the presence of cognitive demands may have a therapeutic effect in schizophrenia.
Is it wiser to train in the afternoon or the early evening to sleep better? The role of chronotype in young adolescent athletes
Authors: Saidi Oussama , Peyrel Paul , del Sordo Giovanna , Gabriel Brendan , Maso Freddy , Doré Éric , Duché Pascale
Published: April 2023

Study Objectives

To examine the effect of the timing of high-intensity exercise (afternoon vs. evening) on adolescent athletes’ bedtime psychological state, sleep quality, sleep staging, and next-day wellness/sleepiness according to chronotype.

Methods

Forty-two young athletes (morning type: n = 12, intermediate type: n = 14; evening type: n = 16) completed a randomized crossover study under free-living conditions. The counterbalanced sessions include: (AEX) afternoon (1:00–3:00 p.m.) and (EEX) evening (5:30–7:30 p.m.) high-intensity exercise. Sessions were conducted over three days each and were separated by a 1-week washout period. The time in bed was fixed (10:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m.). Sleep was assessed through ambulatory polysomnography.

Results

The effect of high-intensity exercise on sleep differs significantly depending on the time of exercise with lower sleep efficiency: SE (−1.50%, p < .01), and higher SOL (+4.60 min, p ≤=< .01), during EEX vs. AEX. Contrary to the previous view, we discovered differences in the mediated response based on the chronotype of young athletes. These differences were observable in the psychological state at bedtime, objective sleep, and the next day’s self-reported wellness. Whereas the sleep of participants with a late chronotype remains stable regardless of the time of exercise, those with an early chronotype experience higher mood disturbances and clinically significant sleep disruptions following evening high-intensity exercise.

Conclusions

Exercise timing and chronotype affect the psychological state at bedtime and objective sleep in adolescent athletes. This also alters next morning signs of pre-fatigue and wellness which suggest that the consideration of both features is important to adolescent athletes’ recovery.
Exposure to indoor light at night in relation to multiple dimensions of sleep health: findings from the Sister Study
Authors: Sweeney Marina R , Nichols Hazel B , Jones Rena R , Olshan Andrew F , Keil Alexander P , Engel Lawrence S , James Peter , Sandler Dale P , White Alexandra J , Jackson Chandra L
Published: April 2023

Study Objective

To examine the association between light at night (LAN) and multiple sleep health dimensions

Methods

Among 47 765 Sister Study participants, indoor LAN (TV on in the room, light(s) on in room, light from outside the room, nightlight, no light) and sleep dimensions were self-reported at baseline (2003–2009). We used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the cross-sectional associations between LAN and short sleep duration (<7 hours/night), insomnia symptoms (difficulty falling or staying asleep), frequent napping (≥3 naps/week), inconsistent sleep/wake time (differed day-to-day and week-to-week), sleep debt (≥2 hours between longest and shortest duration), recent sleep medication use, and a cumulative poor sleep score (≥3 poor sleep dimensions). Population-attributable risks (PARs) were determined for any light exposure vs. none by race/ethnicity.

Results

Compared to sleeping with no light in the bedroom, sleeping with a TV on was associated with a higher prevalence of most dimensions of poor sleep (e.g. short sleep duration: PR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.45; inconsistent sleep/wake time: PR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.44 to 1.66; sleep debt: PR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.44; poor sleep score: PR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.48-1.68). PARs tended to be higher for non-Hispanic black women compared to non-Hispanic white women.

Conclusions

Sleeping with a TV on was associated with poor sleep health among US women, and non-Hispanic black women may be disproportionately burdened.