bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on neutron star superfluidity from the cooling neutron star in Cassiopeia A using all Chandra ACIS-S observations
Authors: Shternin Peter S , Ofengeim Dmitry D , Heinke Craig O , Ho Wynn C G
Published: November 2022

Analysis of Chandra observations of the neutron star (NS) in the centre of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant taken in the subarray (FAINT) mode of the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) detector performed by Posselt and collaborators revealed, after inclusion of the most recent (2020 May) observations, a significant decrease of the source surface temperature from 2006 to 2020. The obtained cooling rate is consistent with those obtained from analysis of the 2000–2019 data taken in the GRADED mode of the ACIS detector, which is potentially more strongly affected by instrumental effects. We performed a joint spectral analysis using all ACIS data to constrain the NS parameters and cooling rate. We constrain the mass of the Cassiopeia A NS at $M=1.55\pm 0.25\, {\rm M}_\odot$, and its radius at R = 13.5 ± 1.5 km. The surface temperature cooling rate is found to be 2.2 ± 0.3 per cent in 10 yr if the absorbing hydrogen column density is allowed to vary and 1.6 ± 0.2 per cent in 10 yr if it is fixed. The observed cooling can be explained by enhanced neutrino emission from the superfluid NS interior due to Cooper pair formation (CPF) process. Based on analysis of all ACIS data, we constrain the maximal critical temperature of triplet neutron pairing within the NS core at (4–9.5) × 108 K. In accordance with previous studies, the required effective strength of the CPF neutrino emission is at least a factor of 2 higher than existing microscopic calculations suggest.
Lessons learned from the two largest Galaxy morphological classification catalogues built by convolutional neural networks
Authors: Cheng T-Y , Domínguez Sánchez H , Vega-Ferrero J , Conselice C J , Siudek M , Aragón-Salamanca A , Bernardi M , Cooke R , Ferreira L , Huertas-Company M , Krywult J , Palmese A , Pieres A , Plazas Malagón A A , Carnero Rosell A , Gruen D , Thomas D , Bacon D , Brooks D , James D J , Hollowood D L , Friedel D , Suchyta E , Sanchez E , Menanteau F , Paz-Chinchón F , Gutierrez G , Tarle G , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Ferrero I , Annis J , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Mena-Fernández J , Honscheid K , Kuehn K , da Costa L N , Gatti M , Raveri M , Pereira M E S , Rodriguez-Monroy M , Smith M , Carrasco Kind M , Aguena M , Swanson M E C , Weaverdyck N , Doel P , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Gruendl R A , Allam S , Hinton S R , Dodelson S , Bocquet S , Desai S , Everett S , Scarpine V
Published: November 2022

We compare the two largest galaxy morphology catalogues, which separate early- and late-type galaxies at intermediate redshift. The two catalogues were built by applying supervised deep learning (convolutional neural networks, CNNs) to the Dark Energy Survey data down to a magnitude limit of ∼21 mag. The methodologies used for the construction of the catalogues include differences such as the cutout sizes, the labels used for training, and the input to the CNN – monochromatic images versus gri-band normalized images. In addition, one catalogue is trained using bright galaxies observed with DES (i < 18), while the other is trained with bright galaxies (r < 17.5) and ‘emulated’ galaxies up to r-band magnitude 22.5. Despite the different approaches, the agreement between the two catalogues is excellent up to i < 19, demonstrating that CNN predictions are reliable for samples at least one magnitude fainter than the training sample limit. It also shows that morphological classifications based on monochromatic images are comparable to those based on gri-band images, at least in the bright regime. At fainter magnitudes, i > 19, the overall agreement is good (∼95 per cent), but is mostly driven by the large spiral fraction in the two catalogues. In contrast, the agreement within the elliptical population is not as good, especially at faint magnitudes. By studying the mismatched cases, we are able to identify lenticular galaxies (at least up to i < 19), which are difficult to distinguish using standard classification approaches. The synergy of both catalogues provides an unique opportunity to select a population of unusual galaxies.
ERGO-ML I: inferring the assembly histories of IllustrisTNG galaxies from integral observable properties via invertible neural networks
Authors: Eisert Lukas , Pillepich Annalisa , Nelson Dylan , Klessen Ralf S , Huertas-Company Marc , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente
Published: November 2022

A fundamental prediction of the ΛCDM cosmology is the hierarchical build-up of structure and therefore the successive merging of galaxies into more massive ones. As one can only observe galaxies at one specific time in the cosmic history, this merger history remains, in principle, unobservable. By using the TNG100 simulation of the IllustrisTNG project, we show that it is possible to infer the unobservable stellar assembly and merger history of central galaxies from their observable properties by using machine learning techniques. In particular, in this first paper of ERGO-ML (Extracting Reality from Galaxy Observables with Machine Learning), we choose a set of seven observable integral properties of galaxies to infer the stellar ex-situ fraction, the average merger lookback times and mass ratios, and the lookback time and stellar mass of the last major merger. To infer the posterior distribution for these parameters and hence estimate the uncertainties in the predictions, we use a conditional Invertible Neural Network (cINN). We find that the stellar ex-situ fraction and the time of the last major merger are well-determined by the selected set of observables, that the mass-weighted merger mass ratio is unconstrained, and that, beyond stellar mass, stellar morphology and stellar age are the most informative properties. Finally, we show that the cINN recovers the remaining unexplained scatter and secondary cross-correlations. Overall, this is a first step towards a tool that can be applied to large galaxy surveys in order to infer unobservable properties of the galaxies’ past, enabling empirical studies of galaxy evolution enriched by cosmological simulations.
L-band spectroscopy of young brown dwarfs
Authors: Beiler Samuel A , Allers Katelyn N , Cushing Michael , Faherty Jacqueline , Marley Mark , Skemer Andrew
Published: November 2022

We present a L-band (2.98–3.96 $\mu$m) spectroscopic study of eight young L dwarfs with spectral types ranging from L2 to L7. Our spectra (λ/Δλ ≈ 250–600) were collected using the Gemini near-infrared spectrograph. We first examine the young L-band spectral sequence, most notably analysing the evolution of the Q-branch of methane absorption feature at 3.3 $\mu$m. We find the Q-branch feature first appears between L3 and L6, as previously seen in older field dwarfs. Secondly, we analyse how well various atmospheric models reproduce the Lband and published near-IR (0.7–2.5 $\mu$m) spectra of our objects by fitting five different grids of model spectra to the data. Best-fit parameters for the combined near-IR and L-band data are compared to best-fit parameters for just the near-IR data, isolating the impact that the addition of the L band has on the results. This addition notably causes a ∼100 K drop in the best-fit effective temperature. Also, when clouds and a vertical mixing rate (Kzz) are included in the models, thick clouds, and higher Kzz values are preferred. Five of our objects also have previously published effective temperatures and surface gravities derived using evolutionary models, age estimates, and bolometric luminosities. Comparing model spectra matching these parameters to our spectra, we find disequilibrium chemistry and clouds are needed to match these published effective temperatures. Three of these objects are members of AB Dor, allowing us to show the temperature dependence of the Q-branch of methane.
Spin alignment around TNG300-1 voids
Authors: Dávila-Kurbán Federico , Lares Marcelo , Lambas Diego Garcia
Published: November 2022

Using a new statistical approach, we study the alignment signal of galactic spins with respect to the centre of voids identified in the TNG300-1 simulation. We explore this signal in different samples of galaxies, varying their distance from the void centre, mass, spin norm, local density, and velocity. We find a strong tendency (>9σ) of massive, high-spin, and low-radial velocity galaxies to be aligned perpendicularly to the void-centric direction in a wide range of distances corresponding to 0.9–1.4 void radii. Furthermore, we find that in these subdense environments, local density is irrelevant in the amplitude of spin alignment, while the largest impact is associated to the galaxy void-centric radial velocity in the sense that those at the lowest expansion rate are more strongly aligned perpendicularly to the centre of the void. Our results suggest that further analysis focused at understanding intrinsic alignments and their relation to large-scale structures may probe key for weak lensing studies in upcoming large surveys, such as Euclid and LSST.
Formation of biogenic tellurium nanorods in unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Takada Shohei , Tanaka Yu-ki , Kumagai Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Keita , Hokura Akiko , Ogra Yasumitsu
Published: November 2022

Tellurium (Te) is an industrially useful element but causes environmental contamination. The formation of biogenic Te nanorods (Te-BgNRs) in plants is one of the Te detoxification pathways associated with the phytoremediation of Te because Te-BgNRs contain low-toxicity Te at high densities. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Te-BgNR formation in a common unicellular green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, on the basis of elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). After exposure to 1000 μM sodium tellurate (Na2TeO4) for 2 weeks, the alga accumulated 65.2 fg of Te per cell, and 55.8% of which was present in an insoluble form. Electron microscopic observations revealed that the insoluble Te was rod-shaped elemental Te, i.e. Te-BgNRs, and had a highly crystalline nanostructure. We determined the Te contents in Te-BgNRs by single-particle ICP-MS analysis and found that these nanorods were formed at tellurate exposure concentrations of 100 to 1000 μM. In contrast, soluble Te compounds were found in algal cells even at exposure concentrations lower than 100 μM. These findings suggest that the algal cells initially metabolized tellurate to form soluble Te compounds, and excess tellurate that could not be metabolized was then transformed to Te-BgNRs, which are less toxic than tellurate. Our findings provide a novel approach to Te remediation through the formation of BgNRs in C. reinhardtii.
Risk of glomerular diseases, proteinuria and hematuria following mRNA (BNT162b2) and inactivated (CoronaVac) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
Authors: Cheng Franco Wing Tak , Wong Carlos King Ho , Qin Simon Xiwen , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Li Xue , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Chan Esther W , Au Chi Ho , Ye Xuxiao , Tang Sydney Chi Wai , Wong Ian Chi Kei
Published: November 2022

Background

With accruing case reports on de novo or relapsing glomerular diseases (GD) following different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, we evaluated the risk of GD following BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines.

Methods

A modified self-controlled case series analysis was conducted using anonymized, territory-wide SARS-CoV-2 vaccination records in Hong Kong. All Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above with outcomes of interest were included. Outcomes of interest were GD, proteinuria or hematuria within 42 days following each dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Incidence per 100 000 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered was calculated, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using conditional Poisson regression with seasonality adjustment.

Results

Between 23 February 2021 and 31 March 2022, 4062 patients had an incident diagnosis of GD, proteinuria or hematuria, with 2873 of them being vaccinated during the observation period. The incidences of the composite events 1–41 days after vaccination were 3.7 (95% CI 3.1–4.4) per 100 000 doses of BNT162b2 administered, and 6.5 (95% CI 5.7–7.5) per 100 000 doses CoronaVac administered. There was no significant increase in the risks of composite events following the first (BNT162b2: IRR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.56–1.03; CoronaVac: IRR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.72–1.19), second (BNT162b2: IRR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.72–1.17; CoronaVac: IRR = 0.88. 95% CI 0.68–1.14) or third (BNT162b2: IRR = 0.39. 95% CI 0.15–1.03; CoronaVac: IRR = 1.18. 95% CI 0.53–2.63) dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of increased risks of de novo or relapsing GD with either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines.
Noninvasive approaches to detect methylation-based markers to monitor gliomas
Authors: Noushmehr Houtan , Herrgott Grayson , Morosini Natalia S , Castro Ana Valeria
Published: November 2022

In this review, we summarize the current approaches used to detect glioma tissue-derived DNA methylation markers in liquid biopsy specimens with the aim to diagnose, prognosticate and potentially track treatment response and evolution of patients with gliomas.
Tapping into the genome: the role of CSF ctDNA liquid biopsy in glioma
Authors: Friedman Joshua S , Hertz Charli Ann J , Karajannis Matthias A , Miller Alexandra M
Published: November 2022

Liquid biopsy has emerged as a novel noninvasive tool in cancer diagnostics. While significant strides have been made in other malignancies using liquid biopsy for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment selection, development of these assays has been more challenging for brain tumors. Recently, research in primary and metastatic brain tumors has begun to harness the potential utility of liquid biopsy—particularly using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Initial studies to identify ctDNA in plasma of brain tumor patients have shown feasibility, but the yield of ctDNA is far below that for other malignancies. Attention has therefore turned to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a more robust source of ctDNA. This review discusses the unique considerations in liquid biopsy for glioma and places them in the context of the work to date. We address the utility of CSF liquid biopsy for diagnosis, longitudinal monitoring, tracking tumor evolution, clinical trial eligibility, and prognostication. We discuss the differences in assay requirements for each clinical application to best optimize factors such as efficacy, cost, and speed. Ultimately, CSF liquid biopsy has the potential to transform how we manage primary brain tumor patients.
A hitchhiker’s guide to cell-free DNA biology
Authors: Mouliere Florent
Published: November 2022

Liquid biopsy provides a noninvasive window to the cancer genome and physiology. In particular, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a versatile analyte for guiding treatment, monitoring treatment response and resistance, tracking minimal residual disease, and detecting cancer earlier. Despite certain successes, brain cancer diagnosis is amongst those applications that has so far resisted clinical implementation. Recent approaches have highlighted the clinical gain achievable by exploiting cfDNA biological signatures to boost liquid biopsy or unlock new applications. However, the biology of cfDNA is complex, still partially understood, and affected by a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This guide will provide the keys to read, decode, and harness cfDNA biology: the diverse sources of cfDNA in the bloodstream, the mechanism of cfDNA release from cells, the cfDNA structure, topology, and why accounting for cfDNA biology matters for clinical applications of liquid biopsy.
Vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents: a systematic review
Authors: Feehan Orlagh , Magee Pamela J , Pourshahidi L Kirsty , Armstrong David J , McSorley Emeir M
Published: November 2022

Context

Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue, particularly in nursing home residents.

Objective

This review critically summarizes the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents worldwide. In addition, it outlines the effect of vitamin D intervention, alone or in combination with other nutrients or therapies, on improving vitamin D status and associated health outcomes in nursing home residents.

Data Sources, Extraction, and Analysis

Searches were conducted of electronic databases for articles published from 2010 to May 2021. After screening of the 366 papers initially identified, 58 articles were included.

Conclusions

A paucity of observational studies in nursing homes suggests a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranging from 8% [25(OH)D <25 nmol/L], up to 94% [25(OH)D <50 nmol/L] in some cohorts where supplement use was low. Reported factors associated with deficiency and suboptimal vitamin D status include lack of sunlight exposure, poor dietary intake of vitamin D, limited vitamin D food fortification, frailty, poor renal function, and low use of vitamin D supplements. Residents who are severely deficient, deficient, or insufficient in vitamin D require remedial vitamin D supplementation prior to maintenance supplementation at doses >800 IU/day. High-dose vitamin D supplementation may reduce respiratory illness; however, supportive data are limited. Oral nutritional supplements, in combination with exercise, may benefit physical function and performance, whereas supplementation with vitamin D– and calcium-fortified foods has been associated with improved quality of life and reduced bone resorption. Globally, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in nursing home residents. There is an urgent need for standardized dietary and supplementation guidelines to prevent deficiency in this vulnerable group.
Assessment of Infectious Diseases Risks From Dental Aerosols in Real-World Settings
Authors: Choudhary Shruti , Bach Tracey , Wallace Meghan A , Stoeckel Daniel C , Thornhill Martin H , Lockhart Peter B , Kwon Jennie H , Liang Stephen Y , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Biswas Pratim , Steinkamp Heidi M , Durkin Michael J
Published: November 2022

Background

Infectious diseases physicians are leaders in assessing the health risks in a variety of community settings. An understudied area with substantial controversy is the safety of dental aerosols. Previous studies have used in vitro experimental designs and/or indirect measures to evaluate bacteria and viruses from dental surfaces. However, these findings may overestimate the occupational risks of dental aerosols. The purpose of this study was to directly measure dental aerosol composition to assess the health risks for dental healthcare personnel and patients.

Methods

We used a variety of aerosol instruments to capture and measure the bacterial, viral, and inorganic composition of aerosols during a variety of common dental procedures and in a variety of dental office layouts. Equipment was placed in close proximity to dentists during each procedure to best approximate the health risk hazards from the perspective of dental healthcare personnel. Devices used to capture aerosols were set at physiologic respiration rates. Oral suction devices were per the discretion of the dentist.

Results

We detected very few bacteria and no viruses in dental aerosols—regardless of office layout. The bacteria identified were most consistent with either environmental or oral microbiota, suggesting a low risk of transmission of viable pathogens from patients to dental healthcare personnel. When analyzing restorative procedures involving amalgam removal, we detected inorganic elements consistent with amalgam fillings.

Conclusions

Aerosols generating from dental procedures pose a low health risk for bacterial and likely viral pathogens when common aerosol mitigation interventions, such as suction devices, are employed.
Tumor Growth Rate Informs Treatment Efficacy in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Application of a Growth and Regression Model to Pivotal Trial and Real-World Data
Authors: Yeh Celine , Zhou Mengxi , Sigel Keith , Jameson Gayle , White Ruth , Safyan Rachael , Saenger Yvonne , Hecht Elizabeth , Chabot John , Schreibman Stephen , Juzyna Béata , Ychou Marc , Conroy Thierry , Fojo Tito , Manji Gulam A , Von Hoff Daniel , Bates Susan E
Published: November 2022

Background

Methods for screening agents earlier in development and strategies for conducting smaller randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed.

Methods

We retrospectively applied a tumor growth model to estimate the rates of growth of pancreatic cancer using radiographic tumor measurements or serum CA 19-9 values from 3033 patients with stages III-IV pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who were enrolled in 8 clinical trials or were included in 2 large real-world data sets.

Results

g correlated inversely with overall survival (OS) and was consistently lower in the experimental arms than in the control arms of RCTs. At the individual patient level, g was significantly faster for lesions metastatic to the liver relative to those localized to the pancreas. Regardless of regimen, g increased toward the end of therapy, often by more than 3-fold.

Conclusions

Growth rates of PDAC can be determined using radiographic tumor measurement and CA 19-9 values. g is inversely associated with OS and can differentiate therapies within the same trial and across trials. g can also be used to characterize changes in the behavior of an individual’s PDAC, such as differences in the growth rate of lesions based on metastatic site and the emergence of chemoresistance. We provide examples of how g can be used to benchmark phase II and III clinical data to a virtual reference arm to inform go/no go decisions and consider novel trial designs to optimize and accelerate drug development.
Truth from the Agent Point of View
Authors: Shields Matthew
Published: November 2022

I defend a novel pragmatist account of truth that I call ‘truth from the agent point of view’ or ‘agential truth’, drawing on insights from Hilary Putnam. According to the agential view, as inquirers, when we take something to be truth-apt, we are taking ourselves and all other thinkers to be accountable to getting right a shared target that is independent of any individual's or community's view of that target. That we have this relationship to truth is what enables our practices of disagreement and agreement, even when subject to the glare of self-conscious reflection, and represents a crucial ingredient in our capacity for rational thought. The resulting account shares elements with Huw Price's and Cheryl Misak's views, but also has important advantages over both. It also yields a surprising conclusion—that our best pragmatist account of truth may well be a version of the correspondence theory of truth.
Improved guideline adherence in oncology through clinical decision-support systems: still hindered by current health IT infrastructures?
Authors: Voigt Wieland , Trautwein Martin
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Despite several efforts to enhance guideline adherence in cancer management, the rate of adherence remains often dissatisfactory in clinical routine. Clinical decision-support systems (CDSS) have been developed to support the management of cancer patients by providing evidence-based recommendations. In this review, we focus on both current evidence supporting the beneficial effects of CDSS on guideline adherence as well as technical and structural requirements for CDSS implementation in clinical routine.

Recent findings

Some studies have demonstrated a significant improvement of guideline adherence by CDSSs in oncologic diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as in the management of cancer pain. However, most of these studies were rather small and designs rather simple. One reason for this limited evidence might be that CDSSs are only occasionally implemented in clinical routine. The main limitations for a broader implementation might lie in the currently existing clinical data infrastructures that do not sufficiently allow CDSS interoperability as well as in some CDSS tools themselves, if handling is hampered by poor usability.

In principle, CDSSs improve guideline adherence in clinical cancer management. However, there are some technical und structural obstacles to overcome to fully implement CDSSs in clinical routine.
Real-world Outcomes of Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Treated With Polatuzumab Vedotin-based Therapy
Authors: Argnani Lisa , Broccoli Alessandro , Pellegrini Cinzia , Fabbri Alberto , Puccini Benedetta , Bruna Riccardo , Tisi Maria Chiara , Masia Francesco , Flenghi Leonardo , Nizzoli Maria Elena , Musso Maurizio , Salerno Marilena , Scalzulli Potito Rosario , Dessi’ Daniela , Ferrarini Isacco , Pennese Elsa , Lucchini Elisa , Rossi Francesca Gaia , Minoia Carla , Gherlinzoni Filippo , Musto Pellegrino , Patti Caterina , Stefoni Vittorio , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: November 2022

After FDA and EMA approval of the regimen containing polatuzumab vedotin plus rituximab and bendamustine (PolaBR), eligible relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients in Italy were granted early access through a Named Patient Program. A multicentric observational retrospective study was conducted focusing on the effectiveness and safety of PolaBR in everyday clinical practice. Fifty-five patients were enrolled. There were 26 females (47.3%), 32 patients were primary refractory and 45 (81.8%) resulted refractory to their last therapy. The decision to add or not bendamustine was at physician’s discretion. Thirty-six patients underwent PolaBR, and 19 PolaR. The 2 groups did not differ in most of baseline characteristics. The final overall response rate was 32.7% (18.2% complete response rate), with a best response rate of 49.1%. Median disease-free survival was reached at 12 months, median progression-free survival at 4.9 months and median overall survival at 9 months, respectively. Overall, 88 adverse events (AEs) were registered during treatment in 31 patients, 22 of grade ≥3. Eight cases of neuropathy occurred, all of grades 1–2 and all related to polatuzumab. The two groups of treatment did not differ for effectiveness endpoints but presented statistically significant difference in AEs occurrence, especially in hematological AEs, in AEs of grade equal or greater than 3 and in incidence of neuropathy. Our data add useful information on the effectiveness of Pola(B)R in the setting of heavily pretreated DLBCL and may also suggest a better tolerability in absence of bendamustine without compromise of efficacy.
RISK FACTORS OF VISION LOSS AND MULTIPLE RECURRENCES IN MYOPIC MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , L T De Felice Elisabetta , La Franca Lamberto , Rabiolo Alessandro , Marchese Alessandro , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Introini Ugo , Bandello Francesco
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To investigate the factors associated with maximum visual improvement (peak vision) gain and the risk factors of peak vision loss and multiple recurrences in myopic macular neovascularization undergoing antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Methods:

Retrospective study of 310 eyes with active myopic macular neovascularization and median follow-up of 3.5 years. We defined peak vision gain as the maximum best-corrected visual acuity value reached under treatment and peak vision loss as best-corrected visual acuity never scoring as peak vision. We used multiple-event Prentice, Williams, and Peterson models to compute recurrences' incidence and Cox regression to identify risk factors for peak vision gain, peak vision loss, and multiple recurrences.

Results:

Eyes with worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity {hazard ratio (HR) = 2.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–4.11) for 0.1 logMAR increase,P< 0.001} had higher chance to achieve peak vision. Peak vision was lost in 162 eyes (52%). Older age (HR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.02–1.43] for 10-year increase,P= 0.02) and recurrences (HR = 1.10 [95% CI: 1.01–1.22] for event,P= 0.04) predicted nonsustained peak vision. Older age (HR = 1.13 [95% CI: 1.04–1.27] for 10-year increase,P= 0.006), larger myopic macular neovascularization (HR = 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01–1.13] for 1-mm2increase,P= 0.04), and juxtafoveal location (HR = 1.88 [95% CI: 1.28–2.77] vs. extrafoveal,P= 0.001) predicted multiple recurrences.

Conclusion:

Myopic macular neovascularization eyes lose vision mainly because of multiple recurrences. Patients at risk for recurrences should undergo more attentive monitoring to avoid vision loss.
Personalized cancer care
Authors: Doyle-Lindrud Susan
Published: November 2022

The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 has led to the development of molecular profiling platforms that have changed the trajectory of cancer care. These technologies continue to advance, and with the development of next-generation sequencing, targeted gene panels are now commercially available to analyze DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers and can detect germline (inherited) and somatic (acquired) mutations through genomic profiling of tumor tissue and/or blood. These targeted panels are useful in practice and can affect clinical decision making. The results of molecular profiling can lead to an increasing number of FDA approved treatment options and/or clinical trial opportunities with novel drugs linked to these alterations, most notably in more advanced disease. This ability to individualize treatment options has led to precision medicine, providing a more personalized approach to cancer care.
Changes in Sexual Behavior Over the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Community-Based Cohort of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Columbus, Ohio
Authors: Ricks JaNelle M. , Spahnie Morgan , Matthews Amiah , Copen Casey E. , Rushmore Julie , Bernstein Kyle T. , Miller William C. , Turner Abigail N.
Published: November 2022

Background

The purpose was to assess COVID-19 beliefs and attitudes and examine COVID-19–related changes in sexual behavior of men who have sex with men during 3 time periods: April–July 2020 (T1), August–December 2020 (T2), January–May 2021 (T3).

Methods

Data were analyzed from 157 men who have sex with men in Ohio recruited to participate in a longitudinal multisite network study of syphilis epidemiology in 3 US cities: Columbus, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; and Chicago, Illinois. In April 2020, a COVID-19 module was appended to existing baseline and follow-up surveys to assess beliefs, attitudes, and changes in sexual behavior. Sample characteristics were summarized. Correlations between demographic variables (age, racial identity) and COVID-19 outcomes were examined.

Results

In response to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and self-reported anxiety, some men limited sexual activity at T1, but the majority (n = 105 [67%]) continued to engage in sex. The number of men engaging in sex increased over time (T2: n = 124 [79%]; T3: n = 121 [77%]). At T1, men not in a relationship more frequently reported having less sex compared with prepandemic (n = 39 [57%]). By T3, men in a relationship more frequently reported less sex (n = 32 [54%]). Increased anxiety about sex and condom use was positively correlated with identifying as a man of color (P < 0.001). Most of the sample reported either starting or increasing online sexual activity during each time period.

Conclusions

Future efforts to target sexual health during a pandemic or other health emergencies should prioritize men of color and address the unique perspective of both single and partnered men.
Treatment and partner notification outcomes for clients diagnosed with chlamydia and gonorrhea through GetCheckedOnline compared to sexually transmitted infection clinics in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Zamanpour Arina , Grennan Troy , Ablona Aidan , Fairley Christopher K. , Estcourt Claudia , Mema Silvina , Hoyano Dee , Ogilvie Gina , Wong Jason , Gilbert Mark
Published: November 2022

Background

Whether treatment, engagement in partner notification (PN), and PN outcomes differ between clients of internet-based and clinic-based testing services is poorly understood. We compared these outcomes between people diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea (CT/GC) through a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic service and GetCheckedOnline GCO), an internet based testing service in British Columbia (BC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study among CT/GC cases where each case diagnosed through GCO in 2016-2017 was matched to two STI clinic cases by diagnosis, gender, age group, and specimen collection date. Data was collected through chart review with outcomes compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

Of 257 GCO and 514 matched clinic cases, case treatment was high and did not differ between GCO (254/257, 98.9%) and clinic (513/514, 99.8%) cases, as was engagement in partner notification (250/257 (97.2%) vs. 496/514 (96.5%)). There was no difference in the proportion of notified partners between GCO (159/270, 58.9%) and clinic cases (253/435, 58.2%) although a greater proportion of partners reported by clinic cases were notified by STI nurses (43/435, 9.9%) vs. GCO cases (6/270, 2.2%).

Conclusions

GCO clients diagnosed with CT/GC demonstrated similar treatment uptake and engagement in PN to clinic clients, and PN outcomes did not differ. The greater reliance on STI clinic nurses for partner notification among clinic clients may be related to having had an initial in-person testing visit.
Engaging, Explicit, and Elaborated
Authors: Phillips Beth M. , Oliver Felesa , Willis Karli B.
Published: November 2022

Children from backgrounds of poverty often lag behind more advantaged peers in early language skills, including breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge. We report the results of a pilot study of an explicit and elaborated vocabulary intervention in preschool classrooms serving children from lower-income backgrounds. The intervention used multimodal instruction, including segments from public television children's programs and interactive games, to build children's knowledge of and semantic connections for 128 words across 18 weeks of daily lessons. Within 39 classrooms representing childcare, Head Start, and public prekindergarten settings, 192 preschool-age children (M = 52.10 months) participated in structured lessons and extension activities delivered by teachers and aides. Within-child comparisons of growth for taught target words versus matched untaught words revealed that children grew on all words but demonstrated significantly greater growth for taught words. Results support the value of elaborated and explicit vocabulary instruction and the role of visual media as contexts for preschooler's word learning.
Is Liver Transplant Justified at Any MELD Score?
Authors: Oden-Brunson Hannah , McDonald Malcolm F. , Godfrey Elizabeth , Keeling Stephanie S. , Cholankeril George , Kanwal Fasiha , O’Mahony Christine , Goss John , Rana Abbas
Published: November 2022

Background.

Assessing the survival benefit of transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease is critical in guiding the decision-making process for liver allocation. Previous studies established increased mortality risk for those transplanted below Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 18 compared with candidates who remained on the waitlist; however, improved outcomes of liver transplantation and a changing landscape in the donor supply warrant re-evaluation of this idea.

Methods.

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we analyzed 160 290 candidates who were waitlisted for liver transplantation within MELD cohorts. We compared patients who were transplanted in a MELD cohort with those listed but not transplanted in that listed MELD cohort with an intent-to-treat analysis.

Results.

Those transplanted at a MELD between 6 and 11 showed a 31% reduction in adjusted mortality (HR = 0.69 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.75]; P < 0.001) compared with the intent-to-treat cohort in a Cox multivariate regression. This mortality benefit increased to a 37% adjusted reduction for those transplanted at MELD between 12 and 14 (HR = 0.63 [95% CI, 0.60-0.66]; P < 0.001) and a 46% adjusted reduction for those transplanted at a MELD between 15 and 17 (HR = 0.54 [95% CI, 0.52-0.57]; P < 0.001), effects that remained in sensitivity analyses excluding patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, encephalopathy, ascites, and variceal bleeds. A multivariate analysis of patients transplanted at MELD < 18 found younger age and cold ischemia time were protective, whereas older age, lower functional status, and socioeconomic factors increased mortality risk.

Conclusions.

These findings challenge the current practice of deferring liver transplants below a particular MELD score by demonstrating survival benefits for most transplant patients at the lowest MELD scores and providing insight into who benefits within these subgroups.
Clinical Impact of Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunts in Liver Transplantation: A Comprehensive Assessment Through Total Shunt Area Measurement
Authors: Centonze Leonardo , Gorga Giovanna , De Carlis Riccardo , Bernasconi Davide , Lauterio Andrea , Carbonaro Luca , Vella Ivan , Sgrazzutti Cristiano , Incarbone Niccolò , Rizzetto Francesco , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Vanzulli Angelo , De Carlis Luciano
Published: November 2022

Background.

The impact of spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) on natural history of cirrhotic patients was recently evaluated through the measurement of total shunt area (TSA), a novel tool that allows a comprehensive assessment of SPSSs extension, identifying a direct correlation of higher TSA with lower patient survival. The role of SPSSs in liver transplant (LT) is still debated: we sought to investigate the clinical impact of TSA on the development of early allograft dysfunction (EAD), acute kidney injury (AKI), postoperative complications, and graft and patient survival following LT.

Methods.

Preoperative imaging of 346 cirrhotic patients undergoing primary LT between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively revised, recording the size and anatomy of each SPSS to calculate TSA. The impact of TSA and selected patient and donor characteristics on the development of EAD, AKI, and clinically relevant complications was evaluated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression, whereas their effect on graft and patient survival was investigated through Cox regression analysis.

Results.

A TSA exceeding 78.54 mm2 resulted as an independent risk factor for the development of EAD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.327; P = 0.003), grade 3 AKI (OR: 2.093; P = 0.041), and clinically relevant complications (OR: 1.962; P = 0.015). Moreover, higher TSA was significantly related to early graft and patient survivals, emerging as an independent risk factor for 12-mo graft loss (hazard ratio: 3.877; P = 0.007) and patient death (hazard ratio: 2.682; P = 0.018).

Conclusions.

Higher TSA emerged as a significant risk factor for worse postoperative outcomes following LT, supporting the need for careful hemodynamic assessment and management of patients presenting multiple/larger shunts.
Protective Effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Against Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Pathway in MPTP-Induced Parkinson Disease
Authors: Jiang Chenggong , Shen Dongfang , Li Kaiyang , Wang Huan , Sang Wenxu , Qi Huiping
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and no disease-modifying medications are available. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to prevent neuronal damage; however, the effect of UDCA on PD is unclear. This study aimed to the role of UDCA on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)–induced mouse model of PD.

Methods

Mice were divided into 3 experimental groups: the control group, MPTP group, and UDCA-treat group. Mice were tested for behavioral impairments, and slices at the level of the ventral midbrain were collected to perform hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining and immunohistochemistry. To evaluate the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), antioxidant markers, and inflammatory cytokines, enzyme-linked immunoassays were carried out. The protein (α-synuclein, p38, phospho-p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], and phospho-JNK) expression was examined adopting Western blot.

Results

We found that UDCA reduced the MPTP-induced degeneration of DA neurons, improved behavioral impairments, and decreased the protein level of α-synuclein, accompanied with increases of DA and 5-HT. In the present study, UDCA prevented DA neurons from MPTP toxicity with increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. Ursodeoxycholic acid prevented DA neurons from MPTP toxicity with decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. Our results demonstrated that UDCA inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and p38MAPK.

Conclusions

This study revealed protective effects of UDCA against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways in MPTP-induced PD, suggesting that UDCA may be a novel therapeutic candidate for PD.
Efficacy of Valproic Acid Against Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection or Severity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Farazdaghi Mohsen , Razavizadegan Seyed Mohammad Ali , Moghimi Mahnoosh , Asadi-Pooya Ali A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether taking valproic acid (VPA) was protective against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or severity in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

This was a questionnaire study of 150 people who were taking VPA in monotherapy or polytherapy (since the start of the pandemic or longer) and also 150 people who were not taking VPA (since the start of the pandemic), registered in our epilepsy database. The data compared rates of the seropositivity and severity of infection of COVID-19 between the 2 groups. The latter was assessed, by proxy, vis-à-vis rates of hospital admission and intensive care unit admission.

Results

Two hundred forty-one patients were studied, including 130 (53.9%) male and 111 (46.1%) female patients. The mean age of the patients was 30.7 ± 11.4 years. The infection rate and severity of COVID-19 did not significantly differ among patients who were taking VPA and those who were not taking VPA (P = 0.587) and (P = 0.648), respectively.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, no support was found for the hypothesis of a protective effect of VPA against the infectivity rate of COVID-19. Neither was there any indication of a disease-modulating effect of VPA in people with active COVID-19 infection. Larger, randomized controlled trials would be warranted to substantiate our conclusion.
A link between severe hepatitis in children and adenovirus 41 and adeno-associated virus 2 infections
Authors: Grand Roger J
Published: November 2022

Over the past few months there have been reports of severe acute hepatitis in several hundred, otherwise healthy, immunocompetent young children. Several deaths have been recorded and a relatively large proportion of the patients have needed liver transplants. Most of the cases, so far, have been seen in the UK and in North America, but it has also been reported in many other European countries, the Middle East and Asia. Most common viruses have been ruled out as a causative agent; hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were not detected, nor were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in many cases. A small proportion of the children had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 but these seem to be in a minority; similarly, almost none of the children had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Significantly, many of the patients were infected with adenovirus 41 (HAdV-F41). Previously, HAdV-41 had not been linked to hepatitis and is usually considered to cause gastroenteritis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In two most recent studies, adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) was detected in almost all patients, together with species C and F HAdVs and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV6B). Here, I discuss the possibility that a change in tropism of HAdV-41 and changes in AAV2 may be responsible for their links to acute hepatitis.
GlioMod: Spatiotemporal-Aware Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor Growth Modeling with Deep Encoder-Decoder Networks
Authors: Jain Rishab K. , Gupta Abhinav , Ali Wael H. , Lermusiaux Pierre F. J.
Published: November 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive brain tumor with the lowest survival rate of any human cancer due to its invasive growth dynamics. These dynamics result in recurrent tumor pockets hidden from medical imaging, which standard radio-treatment and surgical margins fail to cover. Mathematical modeling of tumor growth via partial differential equations (PDE) is well-known; however, it remains unincorporated in clinical practice due to prolonged run-times, inter-patient anatomical variation, and initial conditions that ignore a patient’s current tumor. This study proposes a glioblastoma multiforme tumor evolution model, GlioMod, that aims to learn spatiotemporal features of tumor concentration and brain geometry for personalized therapeutic planning. A dataset of 6,000 synthetic tumors is generated from real patient anatomies using PDE-based modeling. Our model employs image-to-image regression using a novel encoder-decoder architecture to predict tumor concentration at future states. GlioMod is tested in its simulation of forward tumor growth and reconstruction of patient anatomy on 900 pairs of unseen brain geometries against their corresponding PDE-solved future tumor concentrations. We demonstrate that spatiotemporal context achieved via neural modeling yields tumor evolution predictions personalized to patients and still generalizable to unseen anatomies. Its performance is measured in three areas: (1) regression error rates, (2) quantitative and qualitative tissue agreement, and (3) run-time compared to state-of-the-art numerical solvers. The results demonstrate that GlioMod can predict tumor growth with high accuracy, being 2 orders of magnitude faster and therefore suitable for clinical use. GlioMod is provided as an open-source software package, which includes the synthetic tumor data generated from the patients in our study.