bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, mechanisms, and prognostic impact of dynamic mitral regurgitation assessed by isometric handgrip exercise
Authors: Spieker Maximilian , Lagarden Hannah , Sidabras Jonas , Veulemans Verena , Christian Lucas , Bejinariu Alex , Akhyari Payam , Rana Obaida , Polzin Amin , Horn Patrick , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: September 2023

Aims

The extent of mitral regurgitation (MR) may vary depending on the haemodynamic situation; thus, exercise testing plays an important role in assessing the haemodynamic relevance of MR. We aim to assess prevalence, mechanisms, and prognostic impact of exercise-induced changes in MR in patients with degenerative MR (DegMR) and functional MR (FMR).

Methods and results

We enrolled 367 patients with at least mild MR who underwent standardized echocardiography at rest and during handgrip exercise. Handgrip exercise led to an increase in MR by one grade or more in 19% of DegMR and 28% of FMR patients. In FMR, patients with exercise-induced increases in MR, handgrip exercise led to a reduction in left ventricular stroke volume index, being maintained in DegMR patients. Exercise-induced changes in systolic pulmonary artery pressure were linked to changes in effective regurgitant orifice area (DegMR: r = 0.456; P < 0.001; FMR: r = 0.326; P < 0.001). Thus, 26% of patients with DegMR and FMR developed pulmonary hypertension during exercise. In both cohorts, a significant proportion of patients with non-severe MR at rest and exercise-induced severe MR underwent mitral valve surgery/intervention during follow-up. In FMR patients (but not in DegMR patients), early mitral valve surgery/intervention was independently associated with lower event rates during follow-up [0.177 (0.027–0.643); P = 0.025].

Conclusions

Handgrip exercise echocardiography provides important information regarding the dynamic nature of MR, exercise-induced changes in left ventricular function, and pulmonary circulation with subsequent consequences for further therapeutic decision making. Thus, it should be considered as a diagnostic tool in symptomatic patients with non-severe MR at rest.
Effects of renin–angiotensin system blockers on outcomes from COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Matthew M Y , Kondo Toru , Campbell Ross T , Petrie Mark C , Sattar Naveed , Solomon Scott D , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Jhund Pardeep S , McMurray John J V
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the effects of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This meta-analysis provides estimates of the safety and efficacy of treatment with (vs. without) RAS blockers from these trials.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (1 March–12 April 2023). Event/patient numbers were extracted, comparing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) treatment with no treatment, for the outcomes: intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy (RRT), acute myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, heart failure, thromboembolic events, and all-cause death. Fixed-effects meta-analysis estimates were pooled.

Results

Sixteen RCTs including 3492 patients were analysed. Compared with discontinuation of RAS blockers, continuation was not associated with increased risk of ICU [risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 0.66–1.41], ventilation (RR 0.77, 0.55–1.09), vasopressors (RR 0.92, 0.58–1.44), AKI (RR 1.01, 0.40–2.56), RRT (RR 1.01, 0.46–2.21), or thromboembolic events (RR 1.07, 0.36–3.19). RAS blocker initiation was not associated with increased risk of ICU (RR 0.71, 0.47–1.08), ventilation (RR 1.12, 0.91–1.38), AKI (RR 1.28, 0.89–1.86), RRT (RR 1.66, 0.89–3.12), or thromboembolic events (RR 1.20, 0.06–23.70), although vasopressor use increased (RR 1.27, 1.02–1.57). The RR for all-cause death in the continuation/discontinuation trials was 1.24 (0.80–1.92), and 1.22 (0.96–1.55) in the initiation trials. In patients with severe/critical COVID-19, RAS blocker initiation increased the risk of all-cause death (RR 1.31, 1.01–1.72).

Conclusion

ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be continued in non-severe COVID-19 infection, where indicated. Conversely, initiation of RAS blockers may be harmful in critically ill patients.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023408926.
Host-associated transmission favors transition of a commensal toward antagonism
Authors: Stoy Kayla S , Díaz-Almeyda Erika M , Bartelt Chris , Acosta Alice , Morran Levi T , Gerardo Nicole M
Published: September 2023

The impacts of host-associated microbes on their hosts vary along a continuum of antagonistic, neutral, and beneficial interactions. Transmission mode is predicted to contribute to transitions along the continuum by altering opportunities for the alignment of host and microbe fitness interests. Under vertical transmission, microbial evolution is tightly coupled to the host environment, which may facilitate fitness alignment. In contrast, environmentally transmitted microbes spend time in the external environment, outside of hosts, partially decoupling their evolution from the host. This decoupling may misalign host and microbe fitness interests, potentially favoring antagonistic microbial traits. Here, we tested whether transmission environment alters microbial evolution by manipulating the interaction between a commensal Serratia marcescens bacteria and their insect host Anasa tristis, which is the primary vector of these bacteria into plants, where they cause disease. We experimentally evolved S. marcescens through several selection environments. The bacteria were passaged between A. tristis hosts, between A. tristis hosts and soil, through soil, or through standard culture media. We observed rapid evolution of virulence toward hosts across treatments when bacterial evolution occurred within the host environment, indicating that direct host-to-host transmission can increase opportunities for microbes to adapt to hosts and evolve antagonistic traits.
Comparison between the gut bacterial community of laboratory cultured and wild Daphnia
Authors: Houwenhuyse Shira , Callens Martijn , Bulteel Lore , Decaestecker Ellen
Published: September 2023

The fitness of an organism is often impacted by the composition and biological activity of its associated bacterial community. Many factors, including host genetics, diet, and temperature can influence the bacterial community composition. Furthermore, these factors can differ strongly between natural and laboratory environments. Consequently, several studies have highlighted results from laboratory experiments investigating host-associated bacterial communities to be conflicting with those obtained under field conditions. Here, we compared the Daphnia magna gut bacterial communities in natural host populations with those of laboratory cultured hosts. We further analyzed changes in the gut bacterial communities after transferring hosts from natural populations to the laboratory on the short- and long-term. Results show that, in general, the gut bacterial communities from natural populations differ from those of laboratory cultures and that their composition and diversity changed one hour after being transferred to the laboratory. Over the following 14 days, the composition and diversity changed gradually. On the longer term (after two years of rearing hosts in the laboratory) the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial communities was strongly altered compared to the initial state. Our findings indicate that the gut bacterial communities of Daphnia magna in laboratory experiments is not representative for natural field conditions, and that caution should be taken when interpreting results from laboratory experiments for natural settings.
Surgical retrieval of an embolized patent ductus arteriosus closure device in an infant weighing 1050 G
Authors: Selcuk Arif , Bishnoi Arvind Kumar , Kanter Joshua , Yerebakan Can
Published: September 2023

The dislodgement of device during transcatheter procedure is a rare complication and the device can be retrieved by transcatheter techniques in most cases. In case of failed attempts, the surgery may be required and in haemodynamically unstable patients cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be unavoidable. A case of surgical retrieving of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion device (OD) from the right pulmonary artery (PA) in a 1050 g baby on CPB was presented. In literature, CPB use in babies weighing under 1 kg has been rarely reported. CPB support was performed securely in our case who is one of the tiniest patients operated on. CPB can be safe enough in the surgical approach of a complication of very low birth weight patient.
Tight Complexes Are Golod
Authors: Iriye Kouyemon , Kishimoto Daisuke
Published: September 2023

Golodness of a simplicial complex is defined algebraically in terms of the Stanley–Reisner ring, and it has been a long-standing problem to find its combinatorial characterization. Tightness of a simplicial complex is a combinatorial analogue of a tight embedding of a manifold into Euclidean space, and has been studied in connection to minimal manifold triangulations. In this paper, by using an idea from toric topology, we prove that tight complexes are Golod, and as a corollary, we obtain that a triangulation of a closed connected orientable manifold is Golod if and only if it is tight, which is a combinatorial characterization of Golodness for manifold triangulations.
Lessons Learned From Global Hepatitis C Elimination Programs
Authors: Handanagic Senad , Shadaker Shaun , Drobeniuc Jan , Tsereteli Maia , Alkhazashvili Maia , Adesigbin Clement , Adamu Ibrahim , Adabe Ruth , Agwuocha Chukwuemeka , Adisa Olayinka , Azania Amy , Boeke Caroline E , Ngwije Alida , Serumondo Janvier , Armstrong Paige A
Published: September 2023

In 2016, the World Health Organization introduced global targets for the care and management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. Despite significant improvements in testing and treatment, in 2020 only 23% of all persons infected with HCV globally were diagnosed. We explore examples from global hepatitis C programs in Georgia, Rwanda, and Nigeria that have used decentralized and integrated models to increase access to HCV testing. Georgia established the world's first national hepatitis C elimination program in 2015. In 2022, 2.6 million people (80% of the adults) have been screened for antibodies for HCV infection, and 80 000 persons with HCV RNA detected were treated. To achieve these results, Georgia implemented HCV core antigen testing, utilization of point-of-care (POC) HCV RNA testing, and simplification of HCV viremia detection by qualitative HCV RNA testing. Rwanda was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to commit to HCV elimination in 2018, and as of 2022 it has achieved its screening target of 7 million people and initiated approximately 60 000 patients on hepatitis C treatment by rapid decentralization and integration of HCV services. In Nigeria, the integrated near-POC testing approach in Nasarawa State has been effective in expanding access to HCV viremia testing and enabling the possibility of same-day testing and treatment initiation. Examples of decentralization and integration of HCV testing and linkage to care in Georgia, Rwanda, and Nigeria could help inform effective strategies to reach 2030 hepatitis C elimination goals in other countries.
Opportunities for Enhanced Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Through Improved Screening and Testing Efforts
Authors: Cartwright Emily J , Patel Priti R
Published: September 2023

An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated hepatitis C screening recommendations to test adults aged ≥18 years at least once in a lifetime and pregnant persons during each pregnancy. For those with ongoing exposure to HCV, periodic testing is recommended. The recommended testing sequence is to obtain an HCV antibody test and, when positive, perform an HCV RNA test. Examination of HCV care cascades has found that incomplete HCV testing occurs when a separate visit is required to obtain the HCV RNA test. Hepatitis C core antigen testing has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosing current HCV infection in some settings. Hepatitis C testing that is completed, accurate, and efficient is necessary to achieve hepatitis C elimination goals.
Ferrets as a Mammalian Model to Study Influenza Virus-Bacteria Interactions
Authors: Basu Thakur Poulami , Mrotz Victoria J , Maines Taronna R , Belser Jessica A
Published: September 2023

Ferrets represent an invaluable model for the study of influenza virus pathogenicity and transmissibility. Ferrets are also employed for the study of bacterial pathogens that naturally infect humans at different anatomical sites. While viral and bacterial infection studies in isolation using animal models are important for furthering our understanding of pathogen biology and developing improved therapeutics, it is also critical to extend our knowledge to pathogen coinfections in vivo, to more closely examine interkingdom dynamics that may contribute to overall disease outcomes. We discuss how ferrets have been employed to study a diverse range of both influenza viruses and bacterial species and summarize key studies that have utilized the ferret model for primary influenza virus challenge followed by secondary bacterial infection. These copathogenesis studies have provided critical insight into the dynamic interplay between these pathogens, underscoring the utility of ferrets as a model system for investigating influenza virus-bacteria interactions.
High-Resolution Plasma Metabolomics Identifies Alterations in Fatty Acid, Energy, and Micronutrient Metabolism in Adults Across the Leprosy Spectrum
Authors: Fairley Jessica K , Ferreira José A , Fraga Lucia A O , Lyon Sandra , Valadão Cardoso Thales M , Boson Victor Campos , Madureira Nunes Ana Carolina , Medeiros Cinha Eloisa H , de Oliveira Lorena B P , Magueta Silva Erica B , Marçal Pedro H F , Branco Alexandre C , Grossi Maria Aparecida F , Jones Dean P , Ziegler Thomas R , Collins Jeffrey M
Published: September 2023

Background

High-resolution metabolomics (HRM) is an innovative tool to study challenging infectious diseases like leprosy, where the pathogen cannot be grown with standard methods. Here, we use HRM to better understand associations between disease manifestations, nutrition, and host metabolism.

Methods

From 2018 to 2019, adults with leprosy and controls were recruited in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Plasma metabolites were detected using an established HRM workflow and characterized by accurate mass, mass to charge ratio m/z and retention time. The mummichog informatics package compared metabolic pathways between cases and controls and between multibacillary (MB) and paucibacillary (PB) leprosy. Additionally, select individual metabolites were quantified and compared.

Results

Thirty-nine cases (62% MB and 38% PB) and 25 controls were enrolled. We found differences (P < .05) in several metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, carnitine shuttle, retinol, vitamin D3, and C-21 steroid metabolism, between cases and controls with lower retinol and associated metabolites in cases. Between MB and PB, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, tryptophan, and cortisol were all found to be lower in MB (P < .05).

Discussion

Metabolites associated with several nutrient-related metabolic pathways appeared differentially regulated in leprosy, especially MB versus PB. This pilot study demonstrates the metabolic interdependency of these pathways, which may play a role in the pathophysiology of disease.
Dynamics and Clinical Significance of Cytomegalovirus-Specific Neutralizing Antibodies in Kidney Transplant Recipients Treated with T-Cell–Depleting Agents
Authors: Fernández-Ruiz Mario , García-Ríos Estéfani , Redondo Natalia , Rodríguez-Goncer Isabel , Ruiz-Merlo Tamara , Parra Patricia , Sandonis Virginia , López-Medrano Francisco , San Juan Rafael , González Esther , Polanco Natalia , Andrés Amado , Navarro David , Aguado José María , Pérez-Romero Pilar
Published: September 2023

We measured cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific antibodies that neutralize epithelial cell infection (CMV-AbNEIs) in 101 CMV-seropositive kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) at baseline and posttransplant months 3 and 6. All the patients received antithymocyte globulin and 3-month valganciclovir prophylaxis. There were no significant differences in pretransplant AbNEIs titers between KTRs that developed or did not develop any-level CMV infection or the composite of high-level infection and/or disease. One-year CMV infection-free survival was comparable between KTRs with or without pretransplant CMV-AbNEIs. No differences were observed by months 3 and 6. We observed no protective role for CMV-AbNEIs among CMV-seropositive KTRs undergoing T-cell–depleting induction.
What a Radiologist Needs to Know About Breast Pathology Processes
Authors: Cavallo Hom Katherine , Forton Camelia , Mau Brian , Johnson Monica , Pyle Chelsea
Published: September 2023

Optimal breast care requires a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, including appropriate processes and communication between the radiology and pathology departments. It is important for breast radiologists to have an understanding of the important events that occur between the time a percutaneous biopsy sample is obtained and the point at which the final pathology report is issued. This article reviews the essential processes from breast biopsy through to pathology diagnosis, including the general pathology workflow, tissue preparation, immunohistochemical staining, and pathologic reporting. Upon completion of this educational article, participants will have gained an understanding of the essential steps in the pathology workflow. This article will also highlight the important clinical information a radiologist should provide to the pathologist to ensure the most accurate and clinically relevant diagnosis. This clinical information includes the BI-RADS assessment category, the type of imaging finding that was targeted for biopsy (particularly when there are calcifications), the location of the targeted lesion relative to other findings, and other pertinent patient history.
Choosing Therapy for Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Irani Malcolm , Abraham Bincy
Published: September 2023

The availability of approved therapies for Crohn’s disease has significantly increased over the past decade. To choose the appropriate therapy for the patient, ideally head to head studies, and data on positioning could help the provider individualize the decision. Due to the paucity of head-to-head trial data, we turn to network meta-analysis and real-world studies to help guide our treatment choices. Ultimately, the best approach is to consider each patient on an individual basis, taking into consideration the characteristics of their disease, individual risk factors, extra-intestinal manifestations, co-morbid conditions, patient age, cost, and personal preferences. In this review, we summarize the evidence comparing biologic as well as small molecule therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. We have summarized the evidence in relation to factors such as efficacy, fistulizing disease, pregnancy, infection risk, and co-existing conditions.
How Do Consumers React to Production Waste?
Authors: Xu Haiyue (Felix) , Bolton Lisa E
Published: September 2023

Production waste, or inefficiencies in product manufacturing, is a major contributor to environmental problems. Consider production waste in garment manufacturing—which has been criticized for wasteful use of natural resources (e.g., using excessive water and fabric) and wasteful disposal of resource residuals (e.g., discarding excessive wastewater and fabric scraps). The present research examines consumer reactions to production waste and its mitigation as a function of whether it is characterized in terms of resource use versus disposal. A series of seven studies (including field and secondary data) finds that (i) consumers are less sensitive to wasteful resource use than disposal due to lower perceptions of environmental harm; (ii) likewise, consumers are less sensitive to waste mitigation targeting resource use than disposal due to lower perceptions of environmental benefit; and (iii) these waste reaction differences are attenuated when resource scarcity or long-term orientation is heightened (which increases consumer sensitivity to resource use). Together, this research sheds light on how, why, and when consumers are averse to production waste, while providing guidance regarding interventions focused on fighting production waste and promoting sustainability.
Hyperintensional models for non-congruential modal logics
Authors: Pascucci Matteo , Sedlár Igor
Published: September 2023

In this work, we illustrate applications of a semantic framework for non-congruential modal logic based on hyperintensional models. We start by discussing some philosophical ideas behind the approach; in particular, the difference between the set of possible worlds in which a formula is true (its intension) and the semantic content of a formula (its hyperintension), which is captured in a rigorous way in hyperintensional models. Next, we rigorously specify the approach and provide a fundamental completeness theorem. Moreover, we analyse examples of non-congruential systems that can be semantically characterized within this framework in an elegant and modular way. Finally, we compare the proposed framework with some alternatives available in the literature. In the light of the results obtained, we argue that hyperintensional models constitute a basic, general and unifying semantic framework for (non-congruential) modal logic.
Analytical and numerical investigation on the effects of landslide acceleration in landslide-generated tsunamis
Authors: Lo Peter H-Y , Chan I-Chi
Published: September 2023

Submarine landslides are capable of causing locally catastrophic tsunamis. A landslide necessarily begins its motion by accelerating from a halt. However, the role of landslide acceleration on the tsunami generated by a landslide remains understudied. Assuming an idealized configuration, in this study we cast the landslide acceleration problem as an extension to the existing knowledge on landslide-generated tsunamis above a flat sea bottom. By using the Green’s function approach, we derived new analytical solutions for the tsunami generated by an accelerating submarine landslide. Consistent with the observations in existing studies, we found that a slower landslide acceleration results in a longer but smaller leading submarine landslide tsunami wave. Based on a large number of numerical simulations, empirical formulas were established to quantify the wave modification factors due to landslide acceleration. Combining existing analytical solutions and the newly determined empirical formulas, we assembled semi-analytical solutions that can be easily used to predict the characteristics of the tsunami generated by an accelerating submarine landslide.
Acute hematologic toxicity of radiation therapy – a comprehensive analysis and predictive nomogram
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Suzuki Yu , Kishida Keita , Omata So , Jingu Keiichi
Published: September 2023

To investigate radiation-induced cytopenia and establish predictive nomograms for hematological toxicity, we reviewed 3786 patients aged 18 or older who received radiation monotherapy between 2010 and 2021 for non-hematologic malignancies. We collected data on patient background, treatment content and hematologic toxicities for 12 weeks after the start of radiotherapy. The patients were randomly divided into training and test groups in 7:3 ratio. In the training group, we conducted ordered logistic regression analysis to identify predictive factors for neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Nomograms to predict Grade 2–4 cytopenia were generated and validated in the test group. Grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicities were observed in 9.7, 44.6, 8.3 and 3.1% of patients with neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, respectively. We identified six factors for neutropenia grade, nine for lymphocytopenia grade and six for anemia grade with statistical significance. In the analysis of thrombocytopenia, the statistical model did not converge because of a small number of events. Nomograms were generated using factors with high predictive power. In evaluating the nomograms, we found high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (neutropenia; 0.75–0.85, lymphopenia; 0.89–0.91 and anemia; 0.85–0.86) in predicting Grade 2–4 cytopenia in the test group. We established predictive nomograms for neutropenia, leukocytopenia and anemia and demonstrated high reproducibility when validated in an independent cohort of patients.
Efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy for nonorganic erectile dysfunction in reproductive-age males during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized wait list–controlled trial
Authors: Han Mi , Wang Xiao , Yang Huajing , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhu Hong , Song Mengfan
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous research has documented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on male sexual and mental health. However, no prior study has evaluated the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during the COVID-19 pandemic for treating nonorganic erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving negative emotions and self-esteem.

Aim

To test the efficacy of online CBT for nonorganic ED during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, China.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paired t-tests and 1-way analysis of variance were used to analyze and compare erectile functioning, self-esteem, and emotional state between and within groups.

Outcomes

The main outcome measures included scores on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale to evaluate erectile functioning, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, respectively.

Results

In the CBT group, erectile functioning, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic functioning, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction were significantly improved at posttreatment as compared with pretreatment (P < .05). After treatment, group differences in emotional state and self-esteem were observed between the CBT group and the control group. Results revealed that the CBT group had significantly better scores than the control group at posttreatment on the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (mean ± SD, 30.43 ± 6.51 vs 22.67 ± 10.74), Patient Health Questionnaire (7.07 ± 2.74 vs 11.07 ± 4.41), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (8.36 ± 1.97 vs 11.13 ± 3.94; P < .05).

Clinical Implications

This study represents an important advance in understanding of the efficacy of online CBT for treating nonorganic ED in reproductive-age males during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strengths and Limitations

The study participants, treatment modality, and COVID-19 pandemic background of this study are innovative and therefore strengths. However, our study has several limitations—namely, its sample size and use of self-report data to measure erectile functioning due to the pandemic. Further studies should incorporate sexual functioning–monitoring instruments as well as self-report data to measure erectile function.

Conclusion

Online CBT clearly improved the emotional state and self-esteem of patients with ED during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is associated with sexual dysfunction regardless of physical activity status: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mollà-Casanova Sara , Muñoz-Gómez Elena , Sempere-Rubio Núria , Inglés Marta , Aguilar-Rodríguez Marta , Moreno-Cervera Noelia , Serra-Añó Pilar
Published: September 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disorder that has been observed to affect self-perception of sexuality.

Aim

The study aims to assess sexual dysfunction (SD), establish possible associations with SD levels, and evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) levels on SD in Spanish women with FMS as compared with healthy control women.

Methods

The study was cross-sectional. A total of 170 women voluntarily agreed to participate between September 2019 and February 2020: 88 in the FMS group and 82 in the control group.

Outcomes

The main outcome measures were SD, as assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and PA levels, as assessed with a structured interview.

Results

There were significant differences in every domain and total SD score between the FMS and control groups (P < .05). In addition, we obtained a moderate significant direct association (χ2[1] = 37.071, P < .05, phi = 0.467) when exploring the associations between FMS and risk of SD. Results showed statistically significant differences between the FMS group and the control group when PA levels were not reached in the desire, pain, and total scores of the FSFI (P < .05). When the PA levels were reached, between-group differences were found in all domains, as well as in the total score of the FSFI (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

Sexual function should be evaluated in women with FMS, while future treatments should address this clinical area with the aim of managing SD in this population.

Strengths and Limitations

The main limitation is that the outcome measures were self-reported.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of SD in Spanish women with FMS, with an impact on aspects such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, there is a moderate direct association between FMS and SD. Ultimately, the results showed that, irrespective of PA, women with FMS reported increased SD.
Grain yield trade-offs in spike-branching wheat can be mitigated by elite alleles affecting sink capacity and post-anthesis source activity
Authors: Abbai Ragavendran , Golan Guy , Longin C Friedrich H , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: September 2023

Introducing variations in inflorescence architecture, such as the ‘Miracle-Wheat’ (Triticum turgidum convar. compositum (L.f.) Filat.) with a branching spike, has relevance for enhancing wheat grain yield. However, in the spike-branching genotypes, the increase in spikelet number is generally not translated into grain yield advantage because of reduced grains per spikelet and grain weight. Here, we investigated if such trade-offs might be a function of source–sink strength by using 385 recombinant inbred lines developed by intercrossing the spike-branching landrace TRI 984 and CIRNO C2008, an elite durum (T. durum L.) cultivar; they were genotyped using the 25K array. Various plant and spike architectural traits, including flag leaf, peduncle, and spike senescence rate, were phenotyped under field conditions for 2 consecutive years. On chromosome 5AL, we found a new modifier QTL for spike branching, branched headt3 (bht-A3), which was epistatic to the previously known bht-A1 locus. Besides, bht-A3 was associated with more grains per spikelet and a delay in flag leaf senescence rate. Importantly, favourable alleles, viz. bht-A3 and grain protein content (gpc-B1) that delayed senescence, are required to improve grain number and grain weight in the spike-branching genotypes. In summary, achieving a balanced source–sink relationship might minimize grain yield trade-offs in Miracle-Wheat.
Multiplex real-time PCR for skin fungal infections: The diagnostic reliability in a one-year non-interventional study
Authors: Trovato Laura , Calvo Maddalena , Domina Maria , De Pasquale Rocco , Scalia Guido , Oliveri Salvatore
Published: September 2023

The skin fungal infection diagnostic workflow currently includes microscopic and culture-based methods as the gold standard. Recent published data described the possible limitations of these conventional techniques documenting the possibility of reducing response time intervals. The present study reports an evaluation of the DermaGenius® (DG) multiplex kit (PathoNostics) for rapid C. albicans and dermatophytes identification directly from skin samples. The investigations involved 90 specimens that underwent DNA extraction and amplification simultaneously to microscopic and culture methods. According to current guidelines, we defined a dermatophytic skin infection as the simultaneous presence of clinical evidence of skin lesions and positive results for dermatophyte elements from microscopy and/or cultures. The collected data remarked on the advantages of the molecular assay, especially in terms of sensitivity and rapidity. A statistical evaluation analysed a comparison between conventional and innovative diagnostic methods. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of DG-PCR in the cutaneous dermatophytosis were, respectively, 94.7%, 78.8%, 88.5%, and 89.6%. Based on our experience, the molecular technique could represent a diagnostic confirmation in the case of previous antifungal treatment, little biological material available, or urgent clinical conditions.
Antifungal susceptibility profiles of Cryptococcus neoformans strains clinically isolated from non-HIV-infected patients in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Takazono Takahiro , Ito Yuya , Nakada Nana , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takeda Kazuaki , Ide Shotaro , Iwanaga Naoki , Tashiro Masato , Hosogaya Naoki , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi , Izumikawa Koichi
Published: September 2023

Data on antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans are limited in Japan. A total of 89 C. neoformans strains isolated from 83 non-human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with cryptococcosis between 1997 and 2021 in Nagasaki, Japan, were investigated. Using the reference method M27-Ed4 by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates of fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine were 4, 0.125, 0.06, 0.5, and 4 µg/ml, respectively, which were below the reported epidemiological cutoff values, without any detectable non-wild-type strains. Our findings imply no increasing trend of antifungal-resistant C. neoformans in Nagasaki, Japan.
A sub-pc BBH system in SDSS J1609+1756 through optical QPOs in ZTF light curves
Authors: Zhang XueGuang
Published: September 2023

Optical quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are the most preferred signs of sub-pc binary black hole (BBH) systems in active galactic nucleus (AGN). In this manuscript, robust optical QPOs are reported in quasar SDSS J1609+1756 at z = 0.347. In order to detect reliable optical QPOs, four different methods are applied to analyse the 4.45 yr-long Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) g/r/i-band light curves of SDSS J1609+1756, direct fitting results by sine function, generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram, autocross correlation function, and weighted wavelet Z-transform method. The four different methods can lead to well determined reliable optical QPOs with periodicities ∼340 d with confidence levels higher than 5σ, to guarantee the robustness of the optical QPOs in SDSS J1609+1756. Meanwhile, based on simulated light curves through continuous autoregressive process to trace intrinsic AGN activities, confidence level higher than 3σ can be confirmed that the optical QPOs are not misdetected in intrinsic AGN activities, reconfirming the robust optical QPOs and strongly indicating a central sub-pc BBH system in SDSS J1609+1756. Furthermore, based on apparent redshifted shoulders in broad Balmer emission lines in SDSS J1609+1756, space separation of the expected central BBH system can be estimated to be smaller than 107 ± 60 light-days, accepted upper limit of total BH mass ∼(1.03 ± 0.22) × 108 M⊙. Therefore, to detect and report BBH system expected optical QPOs with periodicities around 1 yr is efficiently practicable through ZTF light curves, and combining with peculiar broad-line emission features, further clues should be given on space separations of BBH systems in broad-line AGN in the near future.
Non-LTE abundance analysis of A-B stars with low rotational velocities – II. Do A-B stars with normal abundances exist?
Authors: Romanovskaya A M , Ryabchikova T A , Pakhomov Yu V , Korotin S A , Sitnova T M
Published: September 2023

We present chemical composition and fundamental parameters (the effective temperature, surface gravity, and radius) for four sharp-lined A-type stars γ Gem (HD 41705), o Peg (HD 214994), θ Vir (HD 114330), and ν Cap (HD 193432). Our analysis is based on a self-consistent model fitting of high-resolution spectra and spectrophotometric observations over a wide wavelength range. We refined the fundamental parameters of the stars with the sme (Spectroscopy Made Easy) package and verified their accuracy by comparing with the spectral energy distribution and hydrogen line profiles. We found Teff/log g = 9190 ± 130 K/3.56 ± 0.08, 9600 ± 50 K/3.81 ± 0.04, 9600 ± 140 K/3.61 ± 0.12, and 10200 ± 220 K/3.88 ± 0.08 for γ Gem, o Peg, θ Vir, and ν Cap, respectively. Our detailed abundance analysis employs a hybrid technique for spectrum synthesis based on classical model atmospheres calculated in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) assumption together with the non-LTE (NLTE) line formation for 18 of 26 investigated species. Comparison of the abundance patterns observed in A stars of different types (normal A, Am, and Ap) with similar fundamental parameters reveals significant abundance diversity that cannot be explained by the current mechanisms of abundance peculiarity formation in stellar atmospheres. We found a rise of the heavy element (Zn, Sr, Y, Zr, and Ba) abundance excess up to  +1 dex with Teff increasing from 7200 to 10 000 K, with a further decrease down to solar value at Teff = 13 000 K, indicating that stars with solar element abundances can be found among late B-type stars.
An HST survey of 33 T8 to Y1 brown dwarfs: NIR photometry and multiplicity of the coldest isolated objects
Authors: Fontanive Clémence , Bedin Luigi R , De Furio Matthew , Biller Beth , Anderson Jay , Bonavita Mariangela , Allers Katelyn , Pantoja Blake
Published: September 2023

We present results from a Hubble Space Telescope imaging search for low-mass binary and planetary companions to 33 nearby brown dwarfs with spectral types of T8–Y1. Our survey provides new photometric information for these faint systems, from which we obtained model-derived luminosities, masses, and temperatures. Despite achieving a deep sensitivity to faint companions beyond 0.2–0.5 arcsec, down to mass ratios of 0.4–0.7 outside ∼5 au, we find no companions to our substellar primaries. From our derived survey completeness, we place an upper limit of $f \lt 4.9~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at the 1σ level (<13.0 per cent at the 2σ level) on the binary frequency of these objects over the separation range 1–1000 au and for mass ratios above q = 0.4. Our results confirm that companions are extremely rare around the lowest mass and coldest isolated brown dwarfs, continuing the marginal trend of decreasing binary fraction with primary mass observed throughout the stellar and substellar regimes. These findings support the idea that if a significant population of binaries exist around such low-mass objects, it should lie primarily below 2–3 au separations, with a true peak possibly located at even tighter orbital separations for Y dwarfs.
The common fundamental plane of X-ray emissions from pulsars and magnetars in quiescence
Authors: Chu Che-Yen , Chang Hsiang-Kuang
Published: September 2023

Magnetars are a unique class of neutron stars characterized by their incredibly strong magnetic fields. Unlike normal pulsars whose X-ray emission was driven by rotational energy loss, magnetars exhibit distinct X-ray emissions thought to be driven by their strong magnetic fields. Here, we present the results of magnetar X-ray spectra analysis in their quiescent state. In the sample studied in this paper, spectra of 17 magnetars can be fitted well with a model consisting of a power-law and a blackbody component. We found that the luminosity of the power-law component can be described by a function of blackbody temperature and emission-region radius. The same relation was seen in pulsars whose X-ray emission mechanism is thought to be different. The fact that these magnetars and pulsars share a common fundamental plane in the space spanned by non-thermal X-ray luminosity, surface temperature, and the radius of the thermally emitting region presents both challenges and hints to theoretical models for a complete comprehension of the magnetospheric emissions from these two classes of neutron stars.
Unveiling the accretion scenario of BH-ULXs using XMM–Newton observations
Authors: Majumder Seshadri , Das Santabrata , Agrawal Vivek K , Nandi Anuj
Published: September 2023

We present a comprehensive spectrotemporal analysis of five ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with central object likely being a black hole, using archival XMM–Newton observations. These sources, namely NGC1313 X−1, NGC5408 X-1, NGC6946 X−1, M82 X−1, and IC342 X−1, reveal short-term variability with fractional variance of 1.42$-27.28~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}\, $ and exhibit Quasi-periodic Oscillations (QPOs) with frequency νQPO ∼ 8−667 mHz. Long-term evolution of ULXs energy spectra (0.3–10 keV; excluding M82 X−1) are described satisfactorily with a model combination that comprises a thermal Comptonization component (nthComp, yielding Γnth ∼ 1.48–2.65, kTe ∼ 1.62–3.76 keV, τ ∼ 8–20, y-par∼1.16–6.24) along with a standard disc component (diskbb, kTin ∼ 0.16–0.54 keV). We find that these ULXs generally demonstrate anticorrelation between disc luminosity and inner disc temperature as $L_{\rm disc} \propto T_{\rm in}^\alpha$, where α = −3.58 ± 0.04 for NGC1313 X−1 and IC342 X−1, α = −8.93 ± 0.11 for NGC6946 X−1, and α = −10.31 ± 0.10 for NGC5408 X−1. We also obtain a linear correlation between bolometric luminosity Lbol and Γnth that indicates spectral softening of the sources when Lbol increases. We observe that in presence of QPO, Comptonized seed photon fraction varies in between $\sim 5-20~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}\, $, while the Comptonized flux contribution (50$-90~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}\, $) dominates over disc flux. Utilizing νQPO and Lbol, we constrain ULXs mass by varying their spin (ak) and accretion rate ($\dot{m}$). We find that NGC6946 X−1 and NGC5408 X−1 seem to accrete at sub-Eddington accretion rate provided their central sources are rapidly rotating, whereas IC342 X−1 and NGC1313 X−1 can accrete in sub/super-Eddington limit irrespective to their spin values.
Dark matter induced stellar oscillations
Authors: Sakstein Jeremy , Saltas Ippocratis D
Published: September 2023

It has been hypothesized that dark matter is comprised of ultra-light bosons whose collective phenomena can be described as a scalar field undergoing coherent oscillations. Examples include axion and fuzzy dark matter models. In this ultra-light dark matter (ULDM) scenario, the harmonic variation in the field’s energy–momentum tensor sources an oscillating component of the gravitational potential that we show can resonantly excite stellar oscillations. A mathematical framework for predicting the amplitude of these oscillations is developed, which reveals that ULDM predominantly excites p-modes of degree l = 1. An investigation of resonantly excited solar oscillations is presented, from which we conclude that dark matter induced oscillations of the Sun are likely undetectable. We discuss prospects for constraining ULDM using other stellar objects.
Synchrotron X-rays reveal the modes of Fe binding and trace metal storage in the brown algae Laminaria digitata and Ectocarpus siliculosus
Authors: Mijovilovich Ana , Cloetens Peter , Lanzirotti Antonio , Newville Matt , Wellenreuther Gerd , Kumari Puja , Katsaros Christos , Carrano Carl J , Küpper Hendrik , Küpper Frithjof C
Published: September 2023

Iron is accumulated symplastically in kelp in a non-ferritin core that seems to be a general feature of brown algae. Microprobe studies show that Fe binding depends on tissue type.

The sea is generally an iron-poor environment and brown algae were recognized in recent years for having a unique, ferritin-free iron storage system. Kelp (Laminaria digitata) and the filamentous brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus were investigated using X-ray microprobe imaging and nanoprobe X-ray fluorescence tomography to explore the localization of iron, arsenic, strontium, and zinc, and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (μXANES) to study Fe binding. Fe distribution in frozen hydrated environmental samples of both algae shows higher accumulation in the cortex with symplastic subcellular localization. This should be seen in the context of recent ultrastructural insight by cryofixation–freeze substitution that found a new type of cisternae that may have a storage function but differs from the apoplastic Fe accumulation found by conventional chemical fixation. Zn distribution co-localizes with Fe in E. siliculosus, whereas it is chiefly located in the L. digitata medulla, which is similar to As and Sr. Both As and Sr are mostly found at the cell wall of both algae. XANES spectra indicate that Fe in L. digitata is stored in a mineral non-ferritin core, due to the lack of ferritin-encoding genes. We show that the L. digitata cortex contains mostly a ferritin-like mineral, while the meristoderm may include an additional component.
High-throughput, fluorescent-aptamer-based measurements of steady-state transcription rates for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase
Authors: Jensen Drake , Ruiz Manzano Ana , Rector Maxwell , Tomko Eric J , Record M Thomas , Galburt Eric A
Published: September 2023

The first step in gene expression is the transcription of DNA sequences into RNA. Regulation at the level of transcription leads to changes in steady-state concentrations of RNA transcripts, affecting the flux of downstream functions and ultimately cellular phenotypes. Changes in transcript levels are routinely followed in cellular contexts via genome-wide sequencing techniques. However, in vitro mechanistic studies of transcription have lagged with respect to throughput. Here, we describe the use of a real-time, fluorescent-aptamer-based method to quantitate steady-state transcription rates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. We present clear controls to show that the assay specifically reports on promoter-dependent, full-length RNA transcription rates that are in good agreement with the kinetics determined by gel-resolved, α-32P NTP incorporation experiments. We illustrate how the time-dependent changes in fluorescence can be used to measure regulatory effects of nucleotide concentrations and identity, RNAP and DNA concentrations, transcription factors, and antibiotics. Our data showcase the ability to easily perform hundreds of parallel steady-state measurements across varying conditions with high precision and reproducibility to facilitate the study of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial transcription.