bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular Utopia(s): Alfred Wellm’s Morisco and the Socialist City
Authors: Ehrig Stephan
Published: February 2023

In the context of the German Democratic Republic’s longstanding aesthetic and political discourse on social utopianism, this article will discuss Alfred Wellm’s novel Morisco (1987) and Halle-Neustadt as a key to understanding the relationship between the socialist new town and the East German cultural imaginary. Through Wellm’s novel, the article will argue that the construction of modernist new towns provoked a cultural response engaging with the rift between built reality and the utopian imagination/ambition of the classless, socialist city in different literary and visual media. Evoking Tommaso Campanella’s utopian City of the Sun (1602), the novel critically positions Neustadt within a cyclical Marxist eschatology, simultaneously expressing frustration with and hope for the progress of the socialist project. It therefore also represents the post-Stalin aesthetic shift from grand socialist realist narratives to subjective everyday perspectives, and the revived interest of authors in utopian themes in the 1980s against the backdrop of the Socialist Unity Party’s (SED) claim that socialism had already been achieved.
Kinless Older Adults With Dementia: Qualitative Analysis of Data From the Adult Changes in Thought Study
Authors: Taylor Janelle S , Figueroa Gray Marlaine S , Mar Corinne M , Crane Paul K , Kariya Hitomi , Freitag Callie , Taneja Priyanka , Ramaprasan Arvind , Shell-Duncan Bettina , O’Hare Ann M , Berridge Clara , Vig Elizabeth K , Wheeler Stephanie G B , Thakral Manu , Hawkes Rene J , Larson Eric B
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To examine the circumstances and needs of older adults who were “kinless,” defined as having no living spouse or children, when they developed dementia.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of information from the Adult Changes in Thought study. Among 848 participants diagnosed with dementia between 1994 and 2016, we identified 64 who had no living spouse or child at dementia onset. We then conducted a qualitative analysis of administrative documents pertaining to these participants: handwritten comments recorded after each study visit, and medical history documents containing clinical chart notes from participants’ medical records.

Results

In this community-dwelling cohort of older adults diagnosed with dementia, 8.4% were kinless at dementia onset. Participants in this sample had an average age of 87 years old, half lived alone, and one third lived with unrelated persons. Through inductive content analysis, we identified 4 themes that describe their circumstances and needs: (1) life trajectories, (2) caregiving resources, (3) care needs and gaps, and (4) turning points in caregiving arrangements.

Discussion

Our qualitative analysis reveals that the life trajectories that led members of the analytic cohort to be kinless at dementia onset were quite varied. This research highlights the importance of nonfamily caregivers and participants’ own roles as caregivers. Our findings suggest that clinicians and health systems may need to work with other parties to directly provide dementia caregiving support rather than rely on family, and address factors such as neighborhood affordability that particularly affect older adults who have limited family support.
A Phenomenological Understanding of the Intersection-ality of Ageism and Racism Among Older Adults: Individual-Level Experiences
Authors: Steward Andrew T , De Fries Carson M , Dunbar Annie Zean , Trujillo Miguel , Zhu Yating , Nicotera Nicole , Hasche Leslie
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Ageism is a prevalent, insidious social justice issue that has harmful effects on the health of older adults. Preliminary literature explores the intersectionality of ageism with sexism, ableism, and ageism experienced among LGBTQ+ older adults. Yet, the intersectionality of ageism with racism remains largely absent from the literature. Therefore, this study explores the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults.

Methods

This qualitative study applied a phenomenological approach. Twenty participants 60+ years of age (M = 69, standard deviation = 8.84) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian–American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or White engaged in a 1-hr interview between February and July 2021. A 3-cycle coding process applied constant comparison methods. Five coders independently coded interviews, engaging in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility.

Results

This study focuses on individual-level experiences exemplified by 3 umbrella themes and 7 subthemes. The subthemes are (a) compounding oppression, (b) intersection of disparities, (c) White privilege, (d) racism and ageism: being tokenized or ignored, (e) ageism and racism: unspoken bias, (f) racism versus ageism: overt or covert? and (g) racism versus ageism: differentiated or ubiquitous?

Discussion

The findings indicate how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability. Practitioners can apply the findings to enhance support for older adults by designing interventions aimed at reducing racialized ageist stereotypes and increasing collaboration through education across anti-ageism/anti-racism initiatives. Future research should focus on the impacts of the intersectionality of ageism and racism on specific health outcomes in addition to structural-level interventions.
Aging in Place or Institutionalization? A Multiscale Analysis of Independent-Living Older Adults From Four Large Cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: He Zhongyu , Jiang Cailing
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Aging in place (AIP) has been adopted as a key strategy to cope with the global public health challenge posed by population aging. The current study aimed to understand the association between older adult’s AIP preference and various social and physical environmental factors at different scales.

Research Design and Methods

Following the ecological model of aging, this paper conducted a questionnaire survey of 827 independent-living older adults (60 years old and above) from four big cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta region and employed a structural equation modeling method for analysis.

Results

Older adults from more developed cities exhibited a stronger preference for AIP than those from less developed cities. Individual characteristics, mental health, and physical health had a direct impact on AIP preference, whereas the effect of the community social environment was not significant. The perceived and objectively measured community-built environment indirectly affected AIP preference via mediation and chain effects.

Discussion and Implications

Complex paths affecting AIP preference were identified. At the city level, the social environment had a stronger influence than the physical environment on AIP, and the opposite pattern was observed at the community level. Mental health and physical health had opposite effects on AIP preference. Although physical health was negatively associated with AIP, age-friendly communities with compact, diverse, and accessible built environments have a positive impact on older adults’ physical health and therefore should be promoted.
Universities as Intermediary Organizations: Catalyzing the Construction of an Age-Friendly City in Hong Kong
Authors: Chui Cheryl Hiu-Kwan , Lu Shiyu , Chan On Fung , Cheung Johnson Chun-Sing , Guo Yingqi , Liu Yuqi , Lum Terry Y S
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

The construction of an Age-Friendly City (AFC) requires active contribution from relevant interest groups including older adults, nonprofit organizations, and policy-makers. However, given that relevant interest groups may have limited resources, knowledge, and skills, as well as unique contextual factors, they often require help from intermediary organizations—actors that aim to build interest groups’ capabilities. Our objectives were to examine the functions of universities, as an example of intermediary organizations, in facilitating the construction of an AFC, and identify critical factors that enable intermediary organizations to perform their functions.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted three focus groups and one individual interview with multiple interest groups including older adults and social workers from nonprofit organizations and local government involved in a 6-year citywide AFC project in Hong Kong. Participants were asked to share their views on the role of universities in relation to their own experiences and roles in the project. Data generated from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes pertinent to the functions of universities in facilitating development were identified: facilitating cross-sector collaborations, knowledge diffusion, interest-group building, and mediating divergent interests. We also found that neutrality and reputability are key characteristics for intermediary organizations to wield sufficient legitimacy to perform their functions efficiently.

Discussion and Implications

Findings underscore the important yet overlooked role of intermediary organizations in bridging and mediating different interest groups to facilitate AFC development. We advance gerontological scholarship by providing insights into the theoretical mechanisms and practice implications for intermediary organizations in fostering an AFC.
Crustal velocity images of northwestern Türkiye along the North Anatolian Fault Zone from transdimensional Bayesian ambient seismic noise tomography
Authors: Turunçtur Buse , Eken Tuna , Chen Yunfeng , Taymaz Tuncay , Houseman Gregory A , Saygin Erdinc
Published: February 2023

Türkiye poses a complex crustal structure and tectonic settings owing to the northward convergence of the Arabian and African plates with respect to the Anatolian and Eurasian plates. A reliable 3-D crustal structure of the unruptured segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in the Sea of Marmara is thus of utmost importance for seismic hazard assessments considering that the megacity Istanbul—with more than 15 million habitants—is close to this seismic gap. This study provides high-resolution shear wave velocity images of northwestern Türkiye, including the NAFZ, revealed from ambient seismic noise tomography. We extract over 20 000 Green’s functions from seismic ambient noise cross-correlations and then construct group velocity perturbation maps from the measured group delays with a transdimensional Bayesian tomographic method. We further perform an S-wave velocity inversion to image depth-varying velocity structures. Our high-resolution data allowed us to image S-wave velocities down to 15 km depth and reveal weak crustal zones along the NAFZ, as indicated by low shear wave velocities. We find a low-velocity zone along the Main Marmara Fault, linked with aseismic slip and a deep creep mode. Furthermore, we identify a high-velocity anomaly associated with the unruptured section that defines the boundaries of the locked zone in the crust, which can potentially trigger a destructive earthquake in the future.
Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) lipid metabolism pathway modulated by tea field microbe (Colletotrichum camelliae) to promote disease
Authors: Liu Shouan , Zhang Shuhan , He Shengnan , Qiao Xiaoyan , Runa A
Published: February 2023

Tea is one of the most popular healthy and non-alcoholic beverages worldwide. Tea anthracnose is a disease in tea mature leaves and ultimately affects yield and quality. Colletotrichum camelliae is a dominant fungal pathogen in the tea field that infects tea plants in China. The pathogenic factors of fungus and the susceptible factors in the tea plant are not known. In this work, we performed molecular and genetic studies to observe a cerato-platanin protein CcCp1 from C. camelliae, which played a key role in fungal pathogenicity. △CcCp1 mutants lost fungal virulence and reduced the ability to produce conidia. Transcriptome and metabolome were then performed and analysed in tea-susceptible and tea-resistant cultivars, Longjing 43 and Zhongcha 108, upon C. camelliae wild-type CCA and △CcCp1 infection, respectively. The differentially expressed genes and the differentially accumulated metabolites in tea plants were clearly overrepresented such as linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, phenylalanine biosynthesis and metabolism, biosynthesis of flavonoid, flavone and flavonol etc. In particular, the accumulation of jasmonic acid was significantly increased in the susceptible cultivar Longjing 43 upon CCA infection, in the fungal CcCp1 protein dependent manner, suggesting the compound involved in regulating fungal infection. In addition, other metabolites in the glycerophospholipid and phenylalanine pathway were observed in the resistant cultivar Zhongcha 108 upon fungal treatment, suggesting their potential role in defense response. Taken together, this work indicated C. camelliae CcCp1 affected the tea plant lipid metabolism pathway to promote disease while the lost function of CcCp1 mutants altered the fungal virulence and plant response.
The genomic and epigenetic footprint of local adaptation to variable climates in kiwifruit
Authors: Zhang Xu , Guo Rui , Shen Ruinan , Landis Jacob B , Jiang Quan , Liu Fang , Wang Hengchang , Yao Xiaohong
Published: February 2023

A full understanding of adaptive genetic variation at the genomic level will help address questions of how organisms adapt to diverse climates. Actinidia eriantha is a shade-tolerant species, widely distributed in the southern tropical region of China, occurring in spatially heterogeneous environments. In the present study we combined population genomic, epigenomic, and environmental association analyses to infer population genetic structure and positive selection across a climatic gradient, and to assess genomic offset to climatic change for A. eriantha. The population structure is strongly shaped by geography and influenced by restricted gene flow resulting from isolation by distance due to habitat fragmentation. In total, we identified 102 outlier loci and annotated 455 candidate genes associated with the genomic basis of climate adaptation, which were enriched in functional categories related to development processes and stress response; both temperature and precipitation are important factors driving adaptive variation. In addition to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a total of 27 single-methylation variants (SMVs) had significant correlation with at least one of four climatic variables and 16 SMVs were located in or adjacent to genes, several of which were predicted to be involved in plant response to abiotic or biotic stress. Gradient forest analysis indicated that the central/east populations were predicted to be at higher risk of future population maladaptation under climate change. Our results demonstrate that local climate factors impose strong selection pressures and lead to local adaptation. Such information adds to our understanding of adaptive mechanisms to variable climates revealed by both population genome and epigenome analysis.
A standardized assessment of geographic variation in size at maturity of European lobster (Homarus gammarus L.) in the North East Atlantic
Authors: Coleman Matthew T , Garratt Matthew , Hold Natalie , Bloor Isobel S M , Jenkins Stuart R , Porter Joanne S , Tully Oliver , Bell Michael C
Published: February 2023

Assessing size at maturity for European lobster Homarus gammarus across the North East Atlantic remains a fundamental knowledge gap for this commercially valuable fishery. This study for the first time collates existing data on physiological maturity of female European lobster H. gammarus across the North East Atlantic, including new data from Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Physiological estimates of size at maturity were undertaken using 1309 lobsters from 11 locations using a standardized methodology. Carapace length (CL) at which 50% of the sampled population had reached physiological maturity (CL50) varied between populations, ranging from 82 to 92.5 mm. CL50 estimates reported here are broadly similar for historic population samples in England, but estimates for Irish samples were lower than previous results. The development of a H. gammarus specific staging guide and methodology in this study enables the future comparison of potential fluctuations in female size at maturity.
Predictive factors for postoperative myasthenic crisis in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wei Bohua , Lu Gaojun , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

Thymectomy plays an important role in the comprehensive treatment of myasthenia gravis. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC) in these patients and then establish a predicting model based on preoperatively available indicators.

METHODS

The clinical records of 177 consecutive patients with myasthenia gravis who received extended thymectomy between January 2018 and September 2022 in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they developed POMC. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors of POMC. Then a nomogram was constructed to intuitively show the results. Finally, the calibration curve and bootstrap resampling were used to evaluate its performance.

RESULTS

POMC occurred in 42 (23.7%) patients. By multivariate analysis, body mass index (P = 0.029), Osserman classification (P = 0.015), percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (pred%) (P = 0.044), percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (pred%) (P = 0.043) and albumin to globulin ratio (P = 0.009) were identified as independent risk factors and entered into the nomogram. The calibration curve showed good concordance between the predicted and actual probability of prolonged ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model is a valuable tool for predicting POMC in myasthenia gravis patients. For those high-risk patients, appropriate preoperative treatment is necessary to improve the symptoms and greater attention to postoperative complications is needed.
Utility of a risk assessment model in predicting 30 day unplanned hospital readmission in adult patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Brenneman Ethan , Funaro Jason , Dicks Kristen , Yarrington Michael , Lee Hui-Jie , Erkanli Alaattin , Hung Frances , Drew Richard
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is associated with high hospital readmission rates. A 30 day unplanned readmission risk prediction model for OPAT patients has been developed in the UK. Given significant differences in patient mix and methods of OPAT delivery, we explored the model for its utility in Duke University Health System (DUHS) patients receiving OPAT.

Methods

We analysed OPAT episodes of adult patients from two hospitals between 1 July 2019 and 1 February 2020. The discriminative ability of the model to predict 30 day unplanned all-cause and OPAT-related admission was examined. An updated model was created by logistic regression with the UK risk factors and additional risk factors, OPAT delivery in a skilled nursing facility, vancomycin use and IV drug abuse.

Results

Compared with patients of the UK cohort, our study patients were of higher acuity, treated for more invasive infections, and received OPAT through different modes. The 30 day unplanned readmission rate in our cohort was 20% (94/470), with 59.5% (56/94) of those being OPAT-related. The original model was unable to discriminate for all-cause readmission with a C-statistic of 0.52 (95% CI 0.46–0.59) and for OPAT-related readmission with a C-statistic of 0.55 (95% CI 0.47–0.64). The updated model with additional risk factors did not have improved performance, with a C-statistic of 0.55 (95% CI 0.49–0.62).

Conclusions

The UK 30 day unplanned hospital readmission model performed poorly in predicting readmission for the OPAT population at a US academic medical centre.
Artificial intelligence chatbots will revolutionize how cancer patients access information: ChatGPT represents a paradigm-shift
Authors: Hopkins Ashley M , Logan Jessica M , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Sorich Michael J
Published: February 2023

On November 30, 2022, OpenAI enabled public access to ChatGPT, a next-generation artificial intelligence with a highly sophisticated ability to write, solve coding issues, and answer questions. This communication draws attention to the prospect that ChatGPT and its successors will become important virtual assistants to patients and health-care providers. In our assessments, ranging from answering basic fact-based questions to responding to complex clinical questions, ChatGPT demonstrated a remarkable ability to formulate interpretable responses, which appeared to minimize the likelihood of alarm compared with Google’s feature snippet. Arguably, the ChatGPT use case presents an urgent need for regulators and health-care professionals to be involved in developing standards for minimum quality and to raise patient awareness of current limitations of emerging artificial intelligence assistants. This commentary aims to raise awareness at the tipping point of a paradigm shift.
Drug utilization, medication adherence and treatment satisfaction amongst glaucoma patients receiving care at secondary health facilities
Authors: Bello Shakirat I , Ojieabu Winifred A , Yusuf Hadiza
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess treatment satisfaction, medication adherence and drug utilization amongst glaucoma patients receiving care at secondary health facilities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst glaucoma patients attending eye clinics of General Hospital Ilorin and Civil Service Hospital Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria from October 2020 to January 2021. Three hundred and eleven patients were enrolled in the study. Sampling was based on convenience as dictated by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical permission and informed consent were obtained before data collection. Validated instruments of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication were used during the data collection process. Descriptive and Chi-square analyses were employed.

Key findings

Amongst the 311 patients studied 184(59.2%) were females with a mean age of 63.79 ± 14.89 years. Timolol eye drop was the drug of choice for monotherapy in (8.7%) of patients. Combination therapy of beta blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors had the highest number (59.5%) of prescriptions. More than half (55.6%) of the patients were adherents. Participants reported being more satisfied with their anti-glaucoma therapy in the domain of global satisfaction (62.89 ± 21.85) followed by medication effectiveness (62.67 ± 20.78) and convenience (60.16 ± 15.79) while medication side effects had the least score (17.17 ± 11.09). There is a statistically significant relationship between patient satisfaction with treatment and medication adherence at P= 0.001.

Conclusions

Combination therapy was the most frequently utilized anti-glaucoma agent. Most of the patients adhered to their medications and were satisfied with the treatment received.
Acute cholangitis caused by a huge hepatic simple cyst: a case report
Authors: Phancharoenkit Nichaphat , Thienhiran Anuparp , Burasakarn Pipit , Fuengfoo Pusit , Hongjinda Sermsak
Published: February 2023

Simple hepatic cysts are usually asymptomatic and rarely cause complications. Among the rare complications of liver cysts, intracystic hemorrhage is one of the most frequent, and can result in a rapid increase in cyst size. Some simple hepatic cysts may be large and can present with pressure effects, such as abdominal discomfort or obstructive jaundice. A 68-year-old female with a simple huge hepatic cyst was scheduled elective laparoscopic fenestration in 6 weeks. Before the operation, she developed acute cholangitis, resulting from an acute increase in cyst size due to intracystic hemorrhage. Upon open fenestration, 6.1 L of chocolate-like fluid was drained. A huge simple hepatic cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage resulted in an acute increase in cyst size. Distortion of the extrahepatic bile duct by the cyst obstructed the bile flow. Acute cholangitis was eventually developed.
FRUCTOSE INSENSITIVE1 regulates stem cell function in Arabidopsis in response to fructose signalling
Authors: Li Yanyan , Sun Wenpei , Yao Yuhan , Zhang Li , Xu Shuwen , Zhang Qian , Huang Tao
Published: February 2023

Stem cell function in different meristems of Arabidopsis is mainly defined by WUSCHEL (WUS)/WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) family of proteins. Sugars have also been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in stem cell function and development of plants. As a cytosolic fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, FRUCTOSE INSENSITIVE1 (FINS1) has been demonstrated to regulate plant growth in response to fructose signalling. However, it remains to be elucidated how stem cell function is regulated in response to fructose signalling. Our work showed that FINS1 interacts with WUS/WOX protein as a complex, which further binds to the promoter of WUS/WOX and regulates its expression in response to fructose signalling. FINS1 might act as a bifunctional factor that promotes WUS/WOX expression in the presence of low concentrations of fructose, and represses WUS/WOX expression in the presence of high concentrations of fructose. Therefore, FINS1 regulates stem cell function in response to fructose signalling during the growth and development of Arabidopsis.
Advances in human organoids-on-chips in biomedical research
Authors: Wang Yaqing , Qin Jianhua
Published: February 2023

Organoids-on-chips is opening up new frontier of research in biomedical field by combining organoids and organs-on-chips technology. The integrative technology offers great opportunities to maximize the potentials of organoids with higher fidelity, thus building advanced organ model systems in a physiologically relevant manner. In this review, we highlight the key features of organoids-on-chips and how this integrative technology could be used to build organoids in higher fidelity under controlled cellular microenvironment. We then introduce the recent progress of organoids-on-chips and their applications in biomedical research. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges of the nascent field of organoids-on-chips that lie ahead to accelerate their utility in disease research, drug testing, and regenerative medicine.
Type 2 diabetes originated from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xiong Xuelian , Li Xiaoying
Published: February 2023

Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are highly prevalent metabolic liver diseases. Accumulating epidemiological evidence now indicates that NAFLD and T2DM are strongly associated, yet the causative relationship remains to be elucidated. Liver serves as a hub for nutrient and energy metabolism in the body. Here we demonstrated the pathogenesis linking NAFLD to T2DM through a series of studies and the attenuation of T2DM progression after NALFD improvement in cohort study. We proposed the urgent necessity of NAFLD management and NAFLD drug development, which might be novel therapeutic avenues for T2DM.
Dust-free starburst galaxies at redshiftsz> 10
Authors: Nath Biman B , Vasiliev Evgenii O , Drozdov Sergey A , Shchekinov Yuri A
Published: February 2023

One of the most distant galaxies GN-z11 was formed when the Universe was ≤400 Myr old, and it displays a burst-like star formation rate ∼25 M⊙ yr−1 with a metallicity Z ∼ 0.2 ± 0.1 Z⊙. It resembles z = 2–3 galaxies (at ‘cosmic noon’) except for the fact that the measured reddening E(B − V) = 0.01 ± 0.01 indicates the presence of little or no dust. This marked absence of dust hints towards violent dynamical events that destroy or evacuate dust along with gas out of the galaxy on a relatively short time-scale and make it transparent. We apply a 3D numerical model to infer possible physical characteristics of these events. We demonstrate that the energetics of the observed star formation rate is sufficient to tear apart the dusty veil on time-scales of 20–25 Myr. This can explain the apparent lack of evolution of ultraviolet luminosity function of galaxies between z ≥ 10 and z ∼ 7, by compensating for the lower galaxy masses at higher redshift by the absence of dust. We show, however, that this is a temporary phenomenon and soon after the last of the supernovae explosions have taken place, the expanding shell shrinks and obscures the galaxy on time-scales of ≈5–8 Myr.
A flash of polarized optical light points to an aspherical ‘cow’
Authors: Maund Justyn R , Höflich Peter A , Steele Iain A , Yang(杨轶) Yi , Wiersema Klaas , Kobayashi Shiho , Jordana-Mitjans Nuria , Mundell Carole , Gomboc Andreja , Guidorzi Cristiano , Smith Robert J
Published: February 2023

The astronomical transient AT2018cow is the closest example of the new class of luminous, fast blue optical transients (FBOTs). Liverpool telescope RINGO3 observations of AT 2018cow are reported here, which constitute the earliest polarimetric observations of an FBOT. At $5.7\, \mathrm{days}$ post-explosion, the optical emission of AT2018cow exhibited a chromatic polarization spike that reached $\sim 7{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at red wavelengths. This is the highest intrinsic polarization recorded for a non-relativistic explosive transient and is observed in multiple bands and at multiple epochs over the first night of observations, before rapidly declining. The apparent wavelength dependence of the polarization may arise through depolarization or dilution of the polarized flux, due to conditions in AT 2018cow at early times. A second ‘bump’ in the polarization is observed at blue wavelengths at $\sim 12\, \mathrm{days}$. Such a high polarization requires an extremely aspherical geometry that is only apparent for a brief period (<1 d), such as shock breakout through an optically thick disk. For a disk-like configuration, the ratio of the thickness to radial extent must be $\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
NOEMA spatially resolved view of the multiphase outflow in IRAS17020+4544: a shocked wind in action?
Authors: Longinotti Anna Lia , Salomé Q , Feruglio C , Krongold Y , García-Burillo S , Giroletti M , Panessa F , Stanghellini C , Vega O , Patiño-Álvarez V M , Chavushyan V , Elías-Chavez M , Robleto-Orús A
Published: February 2023

The Narrow Line Seyfert 1 Galaxy IRAS17020+4544 is one of the few active galactic nuclei (AGNs) where a galaxy-scale energy-conserving outflow was revealed. This paper reports on NOEMA observations addressed to constrain the spatial scale of the CO emission in outflow. The molecular outflowing gas is resolved in five components tracing approaching and receding gas, all located at a distance of 2–3 kpc on the west and east sides of the active nucleus. This high-velocity gas (up to vout = ±1900 km s−1) is not coincident with the rotation pattern of the CO gas in the host galaxy disc. The estimated mass outflow rate shows that with a global mass output of $\dot{M}_{H_2}$ = 139$\pm 20~\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ yr−1, this powerful galaxy-scale outflow is consistent with the wind conserving its energy, and with a momentum rate boost of a factor of ∼30 compared to the momentum rate of the nuclear X-ray wind. Preliminary results from ancillary X-ray (Chandra) and radio images (e-MERLIN) are reported. While the nature of the radio source is not conclusive, the Chandra image may tentatively trace extended emission, as expected by an expanding bubble of hot X-ray gas. The outcome of the NOEMA analysis and of the past and ongoing publications dedicated to the description of the outflow multiband phenomenology in IRAS17020+4544 concur to provide compelling reasons to postulate that an outflow shocking with the galaxy interstellar medium is driving the multiphase wind in this peculiar AGN.
The diversity of rotation curves of simulated galaxies with cusps and cores
Authors: Roper Finn A , Oman Kyle A , Frenk Carlos S , Benítez-Llambay Alejandro , Navarro Julio F , Santos-Santos Isabel M E
Published: February 2023

We use ΛCDM cosmological hydrodynamical simulations to explore the kinematics of gaseous discs in late-type dwarf galaxies. We create high-resolution 21-cm ‘observations’ of simulated dwarfs produced in two variations of the EAGLE galaxy formation model: one where supernova-driven gas flows redistribute dark matter and form constant-density central ‘cores’, and another where the central ‘cusps’ survive intact. We ‘observe’ each galaxy along multiple sightlines and derive a rotation curve for each observation using a conventional tilted-ring approach to model the gas kinematics. We find that the modelling process introduces systematic discrepancies between the recovered rotation curve and the actual circular velocity curve driven primarily by (i) non-circular gas orbits within the discs; (ii) the finite thickness of gaseous discs, which leads to overlap of different radii in projection; and (iii) departures from dynamical equilibrium. Dwarfs with dark matter cusps often appear to have a core, whilst the inverse error is less common. These effects naturally reproduce an observed trend which other models struggle to explain: late-type dwarfs with more steeply rising rotation curves appear to be dark matter-dominated in the inner regions, whereas the opposite seems to hold in galaxies with core-like rotation curves. We conclude that if similar effects affect the rotation curves of observed dwarfs, a late-type dwarf population in which all galaxies have sizeable dark matter cores is most likely incompatible with current measurements.
Psychometric properties of the HSE Indicator Tool: evidence from Argentina
Authors: Vaamonde J D , Giacobino A
Published: February 2023

Background

The Health and Safety Executive’s Management Standards Indicator Tool (MSIT) is a 35-item self-report questionnaire that assesses seven psychosocial risk factors associated with work-related stress. Although the instrument has been validated in the UK, Italy, Iran and Malta, no validation studies have been carried out in Latin America.

Aims

To examine the factor structure, validity and reliability of the MSIT among Argentine employees.

Methods

A sample of employees of different organizations from Rafaela and Rosario, Argentina, completed an anonymous questionnaire that included the Argentine MSIT and specific scales to measure job satisfaction, workplace resilience and perceived mental and physical health (12-item Short Form Health Survey). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the Argentine MSIT.

Results

A total of 532 employees participated in the study (74% response rate). After testing three measurement models, the final respecified model was composed of 24 items distributed in six factors (demands, control, manager support, peer support, relationships and role clarity), showing satisfactory fit indices. The original MSIT change factor was discarded. Composite reliability ranged from 0.70 to 0.82. Although all dimensions showed adequate discriminant validity, convergent validity for control, role clarity and relationships is a matter of concern (average variance extracted values ≤ 0.50). Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by significant correlations between the MSIT subscales and job satisfaction, workplace resilience and mental and physical health.

Conclusions

The Argentine version of the MSIT presents good psychometric properties for use among employees of the region. Further research is needed to provide more evidence on the convergent validity of the questionnaire.
Lessons From the Field: Rapid Antigen Testing Is Efficient and Practical for Mitigation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Miller David A , Duncan Lael , Termini Lindsey , Prebil Lee Ann , Witt David , McCurdy Stephen A
Published: February 2023

Background

Mitigation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is facilitated by rapid identification and isolation of infectious individuals to interrupt viral transmission. Immunochromatographic (IC) tests, or rapid antigen tests, have high sensitivity and specificity during the contagious period for COVID-19. Mathematical modeling predicts frequent IC surveillance will be more efficient than polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategies, especially during community surges when reporting of PCR results can be delayed. However, there are few published field studies evaluating IC testing strategies in this long-term care setting.

Methods

In fall and winter of 2020, the Marin Health and Human Services Department implemented thrice-weekly IC mass testing by nonlaboratory workers in outbreaks that occurred in 2 LTCFs, in addition to then-standard semiweekly PCR testing. The IC test performance was characterized using same-day PCR specimens as reference standard. Cumulative incidence and duration of transmission for the 2 IC intervention facility outbreaks were compared with 6 reference LTCFs that used weekly to semiweekly PCR alone during an outbreak response.

Results

Of 123 same-day test pairs, IC test sensitivity and specificity were 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48%–93%) and 100% (95% CI, 97%–100%), respectively. The median duration of outbreak transmission was 19.5 days in the 2 intervention sites and 28 days in the reference facilities (P = .40). Cumulative incidence for the outbreaks among LTCF residents was 41% in the intervention facilities versus 52% in the reference facilities (P = .04, Fisher 2-sided exact).

Conclusions

Thrice-weekly mass IC testing as used by nonlaboratory personnel can be highly practical and effective for COVID-19 outbreak mitigation in the LTCF setting.
CT Radiomics for Predicting Pathological Complete Response of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Li Yan-Ling , Wang Li-Ze , Shi Qing-Lei , He Ying-Jian , Li Jin-Feng , Zhu Hai-Tao , Wang Tian-Feng , Li Xiao-Ting , Fan Zhao-Qing , Ouyang Tao , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: February 2023

Background

The diagnostic effectiveness of traditional imaging techniques is insufficient to assess the response of lymph nodes (LNs) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), especially for pathological complete response (pCR). A radiomics model based on computed tomography (CT) could be helpful.

Patients and Methods

Prospective consecutive breast cancer patients with positive axillary LNs initially were enrolled, who received NAC prior to surgery. Chest contrast-enhanced thin-slice CT scan was performed both before and after the NAC (recorded as the first and the second CT respectively), and on both of them, the target metastatic axillary LN was identified and demarcated layer by layer. Using pyradiomics-based software that was independently created, radiomics features were retrieved. A pairwise machine learning workflow based on Sklearn (https://scikit-learn.org/) and FeAture Explorer was created to increase diagnostic effectiveness. An effective pairwise auto encoder model was developed by the improvement of data normalization, dimensionality reduction, and features screening scheme as well as the comparison of the prediction effectiveness of the various classifiers,

Results

A total of 138 patients were enrolled, and 77 (58.7%) in the overall group achieved pCR of LN after NAC. Nine radiomics features were finally chosen for modeling. The AUCs of the training group, validation group, and test group were 0.944 (0.919-0.965), 0.962 (0.937-0.985), and 1.000 (1.000-1.000), respectively, and the corresponding accuracies were 0.891, 0.912, and 1.000.

Conclusion

The pCR of axillary LNs in breast cancer following NAC can be precisely predicted using thin-sliced enhanced chest CT-based radiomics.
Two isoforms of Arabidopsis protoporphyrinogen oxidase localize in different plastidal membranes
Authors: Hedtke Boris , Strätker Sarah Melissa , Pulido Andrea C Chiappe , Grimm Bernhard
Published: February 2023

All land plants encode 2 isoforms of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). While PPO1 is predominantly expressed in green tissues and its loss is seedling-lethal in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the effects of PPO2 deficiency have not been investigated in detail. We identified 2 ppo2 T-DNA insertion mutants from publicly available collections, one of which (ppo2-2) is a knock-out mutant. While the loss of PPO2 did not result in any obvious phenotype, substantial changes in PPO activity were measured in etiolated and root tissues. However, ppo1 ppo2 double mutants were embryo-lethal. To shed light on possible functional differences between the 2 isoforms, PPO2 was overexpressed in the ppo1 background. Although the ppo1 phenotype was partially complemented, even strong overexpression of PPO2 was unable to fully compensate for the loss of PPO1. Analysis of subcellular localization revealed that PPO2 is found exclusively in chloroplast envelopes, while PPO1 accumulates in thylakoid membranes. Mitochondrial localization of PPO2 in Arabidopsis was ruled out. Since Arabidopsis PPO2 does not encode a cleavable transit peptide, integration of the protein into the chloroplast envelope must make use of a noncanonical import route. However, when a chloroplast transit peptide was fused to the N-terminus of PPO2, the enzyme was detected predominantly in thylakoid membranes and was able to fully complement ppo1. Thus, the 2 PPO isoforms in Arabidopsis are functionally equivalent but spatially separated. Their distinctive localizations within plastids thus enable the synthesis of discrete subpools of the PPO product protoporphyrin IX, which may serve different cellular needs.
Chemical neurolysis of the genicular nerves for chronic refractory knee pain: an observational cohort study
Authors: Shaikh Wassi , Miller Scott , McCormick Zachary L , Patel Prachi Milan , Teramoto Masaru , Walega David R
Published: February 2023

Objective

Evaluate outcomes of genicular nerve chemical neurolysis (GChN) in a real-world population with chronic knee pain.

Design

Restrospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects

Consecutive patients who had undergone GChN ≥3 months prior.

Methods

Standardized surveys were collected by telephone and included the numerical rating scale, opioid analgesic use, and Patient Global Impression of Change. Age, sex, body mass index, duration of pain, history of arthroplasty, lack of effect from previous radiofrequency ablation, percentage relief from a prognostic block, and volume of phenol used at each injection site were extracted from charts. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing treatment outcome.

Results

At the time of follow-up after GChN (mean ± SD: 9.9 ± 6.1 months), 43.5% (95% CI = 33.5–54.1) of participants reported ≥50% sustained pain reduction. On the Patient Global Impression of Change assessment, 45.9% (95% CI = 35.5–56.7) of participants reported themselves to be “very much improved” or “much improved.” Of 40 participants taking opioids at baseline, 11 (27.5%; 95% CI = 14.6–43.9) ceased use. Of participants with a native knee treated, 46.3% reported ≥50% pain reduction, whereas of participants with an arthroplasty in the treated knee, 33.3% reported this threshold of pain reduction (P = .326). Logistic regression analyses did not reveal associations between treatment success and any of the factors that we evaluated.

Conclusions

GChN could provide a robust and durable treatment effect in a subset of individuals with chronic knee pain with complicating factors traditionally associated with poor treatment outcomes, such as those with pain refractory to radiofrequency ablation or those who have undergone arthroplasty.
Seeing like an economist: using the case of Dutch healthcare reform to bring professions and their epistemologies back in the field of new economic sociology
Authors: Engelen Ewald , Mosciaro Mayra , Kaika Maria
Published: February 2023

The article scrutinizes the Dutch healthcare market system to provide empirical grounding to the debates around the extent to which rationally constructed markets can develop as originally planned. Focusing on one specific pricing device, we document how the perceived economic ‘rationalities’ embedded in its design are challenged by the unforeseen and unanticipated ‘irrationalities’ of daily practices. We trace how healthcare professionals developed informal ways to adapt to the rules and expectations embedded in that device, resulting in forms of ‘counter performativity’ that threaten the quality and accessibility of Dutch healthcare. The main theoretical contribution of the article is to bridge the gap between ‘Actor Network Theory-based economic sociology’ and its emphasis on (counter-) performativity and the agency of devices with the older European continental inflections building on Weber, Durkheim and Bourdieu, by drawing attention to the distinct epistemologies of different professions, using insights from James Scott and the sociology of the professions.
Empagliflozin attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by activating AMPK/SIRT-1/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Chen Meicong
Published: February 2023

We aimed to probe the functions and possible mechanisms of empagliflozin in doxorubicin (Dox)-caused cardiotoxicity. First, a cardiotoxicity rat model was built by continuously injecting Dox intraperitoneally. Then, empagliflozin (30 mg/kg) was gavaged into the rats. Next, echocardiography was utilized for checking the cardiac function of rats, and H&E staining for observing pathological alterations of the myocardial tissues. Besides, biochemical assays and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay were adopted to detect the creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels in rat serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde acid (MDA), and catalase (CAT) in myocardial tissue, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of AMPK/SIRT-1/PGC-1α signaling pathway-related proteins in the myocardial tissues was tested by Western blot. Continuous intraperitoneal injection of Dox greatly elevated left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), reduced fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF), and notably up-regulated CK-MB and NT-proBNP level in rats’ serum, thus impairing cardiac function. Empagliflozin treatment could ameliorate myocardial histopathological damage and alleviate cardiac function and tissue damage by down-regulating LVEDD and LVESD, up-regulating EF and FS, and inhibiting CK-MB and NT-proBNP level in serum. Additionally, empagliflozin improved Dox-induced excessive oxidative stress and dysregulation of energy metabolism. Furthermore, empagliflozin activated the AMPK/SIRT-1/PGC-1α signaling pathway in Dox-caused cardiotoxicity rats. In conclusion, in addition to bettering the cardiac tissue and function injury caused by Dox, empagliflozin also improves excessive oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Notably, empagliflozin may exert cardioprotective effects through activating the AMPK/SIRT-1/PGC-1α pathway.