bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRB 190530A: From Precursor, Prompt Emission to Afterglow all Originated from Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Liu Hui-Ya , Wang Xiang-Gao , Xin Li-Ping , Zhou Zi-Min , Chen Liang-Jun , Li Bing , Yang Yuan-Gui , Luo Qi , Li Cheng-Kui , Xiong Shao-Lin , Wang Ling-Jun , Han Xu-Hui , Song Li-Ming , Wei Jian-Yan , Liang En-Wei , Zhang Shuang-Nan
Published: April 2022

GRB 190 530A was jointly observed by the High Energy X-ray Telescope of the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT/HE) and the Ground-Based Wide-Angle Camera network (GWAC-N) with the extremely large field of view. After triggered by Insight-HXMT/HE and Fermi/GBM, we observed the optical emission of GRB 190 530A, using the 30 cm telescope of GWAC (GWAC-F30) to search and locate its position. Subsequent observation of the late afterglow of GRB 190 530A was made with the 2.16 m telescope at Xinglong Observatory. In this paper, we make a detailed exploration of the origin of GRB 190 530A. In the prompt emission, a “double-tracking” pattern is presented both for the low-energy spectral index α and the peak energy E

p
in the Band function with Insight-HXMT/HE and Fermi/GBM data; the results of GRB 190 530A are consistent with the Amati and Yonetoku correlations; the spectral lag (τ) versus energy (E) can be estimated with

τ
=
−
3.0
±
0.06
+
(
0.17
±
0.03
)
log
E

. The synchrotron radiation can account for the origin of GRB 190 530A prompt emission behaviors. The α and E

p
of the precursor are essentially the same as that of the main prompt emission, implying that they have the same origin. For the afterglow, it can be described with the external forward shock model in ISM circumburst medium. In summary, from precursor, prompt emission to afterglow of GRB 190 530A all originated from synchrotron radiation.
Estimation of Stellar Atmospheric Parameters from LAMOST DR8 Low-resolution Spectra with 20 ≤ S/N < 30
Authors: Li Xiangru , Wang Zhu , Zeng Si , Liao Caixiu , Du Bing , Kong Xiao , Li Haining
Published: April 2022

The accuracy of the estimated stellar atmospheric parameter evidently decreases with the decreasing of spectral signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and there are a huge amount of this kind observations, especially in case of S/N < 30. Therefore, it is helpful to improve the parameter estimation performance for these spectra and this work studied the (T

eff
, log g, [Fe/H]) estimation problem for LAMOST DR8 low-resolution spectra with 20 ≤ S/N < 30. We proposed a data-driven method based on machine learning techniques. First, this scheme detected stellar atmospheric parameter-sensitive features from spectra by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), rejected ineffective data components and irrelevant data. Second, a Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) method was used to estimate stellar atmospheric parameters from the LASSO features. Finally, the performance of the LASSO-MLP was evaluated by computing and analyzing the consistency between its estimation and the reference from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment high-resolution spectra. Experiments show that the Mean Absolute Errors of T

eff
, log g, [Fe/H] are reduced from the LASP (137.6 K, 0.195, 0.091 dex) to LASSO-MLP (84.32 K, 0.137, 0.063 dex), which indicate evident improvements on stellar atmospheric parameter estimation. In addition, this work estimated the stellar atmospheric parameters for 1,162,760 low-resolution spectra with 20 ≤ S/N < 30 from LAMOST DR8 using LASSO-MLP, and released the estimation catalog, learned model, experimental code, trained model, training data and test data for scientific exploration and algorithm study.
Optimal design of transcranial magnetic stimulation coil with iron core
Authors: Xu Yajie , Zhang Junhao , Xia Siping , Qiu Jian , Qiu Jing , Yang Xiaodong , Gu Weiguo , Yu Yingcong
Published: April 2022

Objective. Iron core coils offer a passive way to increase the induced electric field intensity during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), but the influences of core position and dimensions on coil performance have not been elaborately discussed before. Approach. In this study, with the basic figure-of-eight (Fo8) and slinky coil structures, iron core coil optimization is performed with the finite element method considering core position and dimensions. A performance factor combining performance parameters, including the maximum induced electric field, stimulation depth, focus, and heat loss, is utilized to evaluate the comprehensive coil performance. Main results. According to the performance factor, both iron core coils obtain the best overall performance with a fill factor 0.4 and the two legs of the iron core close to the inner sides of the coil. Finally, three prototypes are constructed—the basic, optimized, and full-size slinky iron core coil—and magnetic field detection demonstrates a good agreement with the simulation results. Significance. The proposed systematic optimization approach for iron core coil based on Fo8 and slinky basic structure can be applied to improve TMS coil performance, reduce power requirements, and guide the design of other iron core TMS coils.
Developing a novel calcium magnesium silicate/graphene oxide incorporated silk fibroin porous scaffold with enhanced osteogenesis, angiogenesis and inhibited osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wu Tingting , Li Binglin , Huang Wenhan , Zeng Xianli , Shi YiWan , Lin Zefeng , Lin Chengxiong , Xu Weikang , Xia Hong , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2022

Recently, biofunctional ions (Mg2+, Si4+, etc) and graphene derivatives are proved to be promising in stimulating bone formation. In this study, a novel inorganic/organic composite porous scaffold based on silk fibroin (SF), graphene oxide (GO), and calcium magnesium silicate (CMS) was developed for bone repair. The porous scaffolds obtained by lyophilization showed a little difference in pore structure while GO and CMS displayed a good interaction with SF matrix. The addition of CMS with good mineralization potential and sustainedly release ability of biofunctional ions (Ca2+, Mg2+ and Si4+) increased the strength of SF scaffolds a little and facilitated the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by upregulating bone formation-related genes (ALP, COL1, OC and Runx2). The further incorporation of GO in SF scaffolds enhanced the compressive strength and water retention, and also remarkably promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Besides, the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was significantly promoted by CMS/GO/SF scaffold extract through the upregulation of angiogenesis genes (eNOs and bFGF). Moreover, the osteoclastic formation ability of RAW264.7 cells was suppressed by the released ions from CMS/GO/SF scaffold through the down-regulation of CAK, MMP9 and TRAP. The promoted osteogenesis, angiogenesis and inhibited osteoclastogenesis functions of CMS/GO/SF composite scaffold may enable it as a novel therapy for bone repair and regeneration.
A canonical Hamiltonian for open quantum systems
Authors: Hayden Patrick , Sorce Jonathan
Published: April 2022

If an open quantum system is initially uncorrelated from its environment, then its dynamics can be written in terms of a Lindblad-form master equation. The master equation is divided into a unitary piece, represented by an effective Hamiltonian, and a dissipative piece, represented by a hermiticity-preserving superoperator; however, the division of open system dynamics into unitary and dissipative pieces is non-unique. For finite-dimensional quantum systems, we resolve this non-uniqueness by specifying a norm on the space of dissipative superoperators and defining the canonical Hamiltonian to be the one whose dissipator is minimal. We show that the canonical Hamiltonian thus defined is equivalent to the Hamiltonian initially defined by Lindblad, and that it is uniquely specified by requiring the dissipator’s jump operators to be traceless, extending a uniqueness result known previously in the special case of Markovian master equations. For a system weakly coupled to its environment, we give a recursive formula for computing the canonical effective Hamiltonian to arbitrary orders in perturbation theory, which we can think of as a perturbative scheme for renormalizing the system’s bare Hamiltonian.
An encryption method based on computational ghost imaging with chaotic mapping and DNA encoding
Authors: Yang Zhongzhuo , Yuan Sheng , Li Jinxi , Bai Xing , Yu Zhan , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2022

An encryption method based on computational ghost imaging (CGI) with chaotic mapping and DNA encoding is proposed. To reduce the amount of keys in the CGI-based encryption system, the chaotic mapping algorithm is used to generate the random sequence as the speckle measurement matrix of CGI system. The measurement data of the bucket detector is subjected to block and DNA operations, which introduce the nonlinear characteristics in the encryption process. The problem of linear vulnerability of the encryption system has been greatly improved. Numerical simulation results show that, compared with the traditional CGI-based encryption method, the proposed method greatly reduces the amount of keys, increases the key space and enhances the security of the system.
Fabrication of Al/SiC composite foams with TiH2 foaming agent by laser melting deposition
Authors: Zeng Tao , Liu Ying , Wang Lu , Gao Yu , Wang Renquan
Published: April 2022

In this work, SiC reinforced aluminum composite foams were successfully fabricated by laser melting deposition (LMD). The microstructure, energy absorption capacity, and compressive properties of Al/SiC composite foams were investigated systematically, and the results indicated that with increasing the content of SiC nanoparticles, the porosity and average pore size of aluminum foams decreased. Compared with the pure aluminum foams, the compressive strength and energy absorption of the Al/SiC composite foams increased by 43.8% and 16.0%, from 28.5 MPa and 55.5 × 106 J m−3 to 41.0 MPa and 64.4 × 106 J m−3, respectively. The research indicates that SiC nanoparticles are effective additives to homogenize the pore size and enhance the mechanical performance of aluminum foams by the LMD method.
Intravascular imaging assessment of pharmacotherapies targeting atherosclerosis: advantages and limitations in predicting their prognostic implications
Authors: Tufaro Vincenzo , Serruys Patrick Washington , Räber Lorenz , Bennett Martin Richard , Torii Ryo , Gu Sophie Zhaotao , Onuma Yoshinobu , Mathur Anthony , Baumbach Andreas , Bourantas Christos Vasileios
Published: April 2022

Intravascular imaging has been often used over the recent years to examine the efficacy of emerging therapies targeting plaque evolution. Serial intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, or near-infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound studies have allowed us to evaluate the effects of different therapies on plaque burden and morphology, providing unique mechanistic insights about the mode of action of these treatments. Plaque burden reduction, a decrease in necrotic core component or macrophage accumulation—which has been associated with inflammation—and an increase in fibrous cap thickness over fibroatheromas have been used as surrogate endpoints to assess the value of several drugs in inhibiting plaque evolution and improving clinical outcomes. However, some reports have demonstrated weak associations between the effects of novel treatments on coronary atheroma and composition and their prognostic implications. This review examines the value of invasive imaging in assessing pharmacotherapies targeting atherosclerosis. It summarizes the findings of serial intravascular imaging studies assessing the effects of different drugs on atheroma burden and morphology and compares them with the results of large-scale trials evaluating their impact on clinical outcome. Furthermore, it highlights the limited efficacy of established intravascular imaging surrogate endpoints in predicting the prognostic value of these pharmacotherapies and introduces alternative imaging endpoints based on multimodality/hybrid intravascular imaging that may enable more accurate assessment of the athero-protective and prognostic effects of emerging therapies.
Cardiac tamponade as the initial presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 2: a case report
Authors: Glick Laura R. , Hodson Daniel Z. , Sharma Shreyak , Savarimuthu Stella
Published: April 2022

Background

Cardiac tamponade is a rare but serious manifestation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 2 (APS 2). Patients often present with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency, but the insidious onset of the disease may lead to delayed diagnosis, which can progress rapidly to haemodynamic instability requiring urgent intervention.

Case summary

A 39-year-old previously healthy male was admitted with cardiac tamponade complicated by cardiac arrest requiring emergent pericardiocentesis. An extensive work up revealed primary adrenal insufficiency and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. His positive autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase and 21-hydroxylase combined with rapid improvement with initiation of corticosteroids and levothyroxine confirmed a diagnosis of APS 2.

Discussion

Although this disease is often difficult to diagnose given its vague symptoms, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis for young patients presenting with pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade of unknown origin. Early diagnosis and management are critical and often result in rapid improvement after appropriate treatment.
Takotsubo syndrome following radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with coronary artery anomaly: a case report
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Chen Xuan , Li Xu , Ma Changsheng
Published: April 2022

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome usually induced by emotional or physical stress. The prevalence of TTS seems to be higher than previously anticipated. Radiofrequency catheter ablation could be a rare trigger of TTS. The pathophysiology is not fully understood. Sympathetic stimulation plays an important role on the development of TTS.

Case summary

A 62-year-old woman was referred for RFCA because of drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. No other chronic diseases were stated except for a hypertension history. Three hours after the AF ablation, the patient complained of chest pain. New electrocardiographic abnormalities were presented including progressive T-wave inversion and significant QT prolongation. Multimodality imaging, including echocardiography, coronary angiography, left ventriculography, and computed tomography was conducted in establishing the TTS diagnosis. The congenital coronary artery anomaly was confirmed at the same time. Both transthoracic echocardiography and left ventriculography showed typical TTS changes. Elevation of the brain natriuretic peptide and Troponin I was observed during the acute phase. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and β-blocker were administrated during hospitalization and after discharge. Two weeks later, echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance revealed a total recovery of left ventricular function and apex kinesis.

Discussion

Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish TTS from acute coronary syndrome because of similar manifestations. Multimodality imaging is helpful to confirm the diagnosis. Radiofrequency catheter ablation could be a rare trigger of TTS, and its incidence may increase in patients with coronary artery anomaly. Coronary spasm and increased cardiac sympathetic activity induced by the ablation might be the mechanism involved.
Cardiac manifestations of IgG4-related disease: a case series
Authors: Ratwatte Seshika , Day Martin , Ridley Lloyd John , Fung Caroline , Naoum Christopher , Yiannikas John
Published: April 2022

Background

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune condition affecting almost every organ system, with an early inflammatory phase and later fibrotic consequences. Vascular manifestations, particularly, large-vessel involvement in IgG4-RD, are well described. However, important IgG4-related effects on medium-sized arteries and the pericardium are less well recognized. These less frequently reported cardiovascular effects of IgG4-RD include coronary artery stenosis, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, and valvular heart disease.

Case summary

This case series focuses on three patients that demonstrate the cardiovascular effects of IgG4-RD and the pitfalls and importance of early diagnosis. Cases 1 and 2 presented with cardiac manifestations prior to more typical organ systems being affected which led to a delay in diagnosis. Case 1 presented with an acute myocardial infarction secondary to IgG4-RD of the coronary arteries and Case 2 presented with pericarditis which progressed to pericardial constriction due to IgG4-RD. Case 3 already had a diagnosis of IgG4-RD from a prior renal biopsy which raised the index of suspicion that his pericardial disease and thoracic mass were also related to IgG4-RD.

Discussion

Cardiac manifestations of IgG4-RD remain under-recognized and include coronary artery and pericardial disease. These manifestations often precede more typical manifestations in other organ systems. Recognizing cardiac manifestations of IgG4-RD on cardiac imaging can raise clinical suspicion and act as a catalyst to ascertain a confirmatory diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potentially fatal outcomes and irreversible fibrosis.
Epicardial mesothelial cyst originating from the roof of the left atrium: a case report
Authors: Wang Anbiao , Zhang Yiwei , Zi Jie , Xu Lei
Published: April 2022

Background

Epicardial mesothelial cysts are cysts that are attached to the epicardium within the pericardial cavity. Reports on epicardial mesothelial cysts are rare, and limited studies have investigated their surgical management. Here, we report the rare case of an epicardial cyst originating from the roof of the left atrium.

Case summary

A 73-year-old man with dyspnoea on exertion and lower limb oedema was diagnosed with a giant cyst (diameter, 7 cm × 4.5 cm) in the pericardial cavity using computed tomography. Off-pump surgery was performed with successful resection of the cyst with a pedicle connected to the roof of the left atrium. Histological examination confirmed the mesothelial origin of the tumour cells.

Conclusion

Cysts rarely develop within the pericardial cavity, especially an epicardial cyst. The few studies exploring this disease have suggested that patients with this condition may be asymptomatic or have mild breathlessness or cardiac tamponade, which might be occasionally or incidentally diagnosed. Sufficient preoperative evaluation, particularly involving the coronary artery, is essential, and a rational way of surgery should be planned considering all factors.
Sick sinus syndrome concomitant with myopathy associated with anti-mitochondrial antibodies: a case report
Authors: Ishiguro Maya , Nagatomo Yuji , Inoue Kanki , Yoshikawa Tsutomu , Yoshizawa Saeko , Oya Yasushi , Nishino Ichizo , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: April 2022

Background

Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)-associated myopathy is known to be concomitant with primary biliary cirrhosis and to cause both skeletal muscle disorders and arrhythmias, myocardium disorders, and respiratory muscle disorders. We report a case of AMA-associated myopathy in which the bradycardia-related symptoms preceded the skeletal muscle symptoms.

Case summary

A 59-year-old woman visited the emergency room in our hospital following a syncopal event. The patient was bradycardiac (45 b.p.m.) with a junctional rhythm resulting from sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and was suffering from heart failure. Blood tests revealed elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hepatic enzymes. She underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. However, it proved difficult to detect the electrical potential in the right atrium. Although successful atrial pacing was achieved at the lower right atrial septum, the atrial threshold was markedly high and she depended on ventricular pacing. One year later, neurological examination and muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of AMA-associated myopathy. Following this diagnosis, steroid pulse therapy was initiated. Steroid administration relieved her symptoms and lowered the CK levels but the atrial standstill persisted. The patient takes low-dose prednisolone and has had an uneventful course for 3 years.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of AMA-associated myopathy diagnosed by the first symptom related to bradycardia due to SSS. Patients with AMA-associated myopathy can experience a variety of cardiac symptoms, including arrhythmias, and initially complain of cardiac symptoms without symptoms of skeletal myopathy. This disease should be considered when diagnosing patients with arrhythmia and elevated CK.
A meta-regression analysis to evaluate the influence of branched-chain amino acids in lactation diets on sow and litter growth performance
Authors: Holen Julia P , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T , Titgemeyer Evan C , Goodband Robert D
Published: April 2022

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) Ile, Leu, and Val are three dietary essential amino acids for lactating sows; however, effects of dietary BCAA on sow and litter growth performance in the literature are equivocal. Thus, a meta-regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of BCAA and their interactions in lactating sow diets to predict litter growth performance, sow bodyweight change, and sow feed intake. Thirty-four publications that represented 43 trials from 1997 to 2020 were used to develop a database that contained 167 observations. Diets for each trial were reformulated using NRC. 2012. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th ed. Washington, DC: National Academies Press nutrient loading values in an Excel-based spreadsheet. Amino acids were expressed on a standardized ileal digestible (SID) basis. Regression model equations were developed with the MIXED procedure of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and utilized the inverse of reported squared SEM with the WEIGHT statement to account for heterogeneous errors across studies. Predictor variables were assessed with a step-wise manual forward selection for model inclusion. Additionally, statistically significant (P < 0.05) predictor variables were required to provide an improvement of at least 2 Bayesian information criterion units to be included in the final model. Significant predictor variables within three optimum equations developed for litter ADG included the count of weaned pigs per litter, NE, SID Lys, CP, sow ADFI, Val:Lys, Ile:Lys, and Leu:Val. For sow BW change, significant predictor variables within two developed models included litter size at 24 h, sow ADFI, Leu:Lys, and Ile + Val:Leu. The optimum equation for sow ADFI included Leu:Trp, SID Lys, NE, CP, and Leu:Lys as significant predictor variables. Overall, the prediction equations suggest that BCAA play an important role in litter growth, sow BW change, and feed intake during lactation; however, the influence of BCAA on these criteria is much smaller than that of other dietary components such as NE, SID Lys, sow ADFI, and CP.
Assembly of a Hybrid Formica aquilonia × F. polyctena Ant Genome From a Haploid Male
Authors: Nouhaud Pierre , Beresford Jack , Kulmuni Jonna
Published: April 2022

Formica red wood ants are a keystone species of boreal forest ecosystems and an emerging model system in the study of speciation and hybridization. Here, we performed a standard DNA extraction from a single, field-collected Formica aquilonia × Formica polyctena haploid male and assembled its genome using ~60× of PacBio long reads. After polishing and contaminant removal, the final assembly was 272 Mb (4687 contigs, N50 = 1.16 Mb). Our reference genome contains 98.5% of the core Hymenopteran BUSCOs and was pseudo-scaffolded using the assembly of a related species, F. selysi (28 scaffolds, N50 = 8.49 Mb). Around one-third of the genome consists of repeats, and 17 426 gene models were annotated using both protein and RNAseq data (97.4% BUSCO completeness). This resource is of comparable quality to the few other single individual insect genomes assembled to date and paves the way to genomic studies of admixture in natural populations and comparative genomic approaches in Formica wood ants.
Institutionalizing the United States Forest Service’s Shared Stewardship Strategy in the Western United States
Authors: Kooistra Chad , Schultz Courtney , Abrams Jesse , Huber-Stearns Heidi
Published: April 2022

The USDA Forest Service’s (Forest Service) 2018 Shared Stewardship Strategy emphasizes partnerships with states, tribes, and other organizations or stakeholders to identify priority areas for forest management, coordinate across jurisdictions, and leverage capacities to expand forest restoration and wildfire mitigation. Through ninety-six interviews across nine western states with Forest Service and state agency staff and partners, we researched how the Shared Stewardship Strategy was being translated into practice. We found that, in most states, actors have relied on existing programs and partnerships to set the foundation for Shared Stewardship. Some states developed new positions or committees to support enhanced coordination, inclusive representation, and joint prioritization. Interviewees said that realizing shared accountability among partners and trying new approaches required training staff on existing mechanisms to work across jurisdictions and clear communication and support from leaders. Monitoring how efforts around the Shared Stewardship Strategy interact with other initiatives can inform future institutional changes to support multi-partner, landscape-level work.
Distant trans-Neptunian object candidates from NASA’s TESS mission scrutinized: fainter than predicted or false positives?
Authors: de la Fuente Marcos C , de la Fuente Marcos R , Vaduvescu O , Stănescu M
Published: April 2022

NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is performing a homogeneous survey of the sky from space in search of transiting exoplanets. The collected data are also being used for detecting passing Solar system objects, including 17 new outer Solar system body candidates located at geocentric distances in the range 80–200 au, that need follow-up observations with ground-based telescope resources for confirmation. Here, we present results of a proof-of-concept mini-survey aimed at recovering two of these candidates that was carried out with the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope and a QHY600L CMOS camera mounted at its prime focus. For each candidate attempted, we surveyed a square of over 1○ × 1○ around its expected coordinates in Sloan r′. The same patch of sky was revisited in five consecutive or nearly consecutive nights, reaching S/N > 4 at $r^{\prime }\, \lt $23 mag. We focused on the areas of sky around the circumpolar TESS candidates located at (07h:00m:15s, +86○:55′:19″), 202.8 au from Earth, and (06h:39m:47s, +83○:43′:54″) at 162.1 au, but we could not recover either of them at $r^{\prime }\, \le$23 mag. Based on the detailed analysis of the acquired images, we confirm that either both candidates are much fainter than predicted or that they are false positives.
Colorectal microbiota after removal of colorectal cancer
Authors: Cronin Peter , Murphy Clodagh L , Barrett Maurice , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Pellanda Paola , O’Connor Eibhlis M , Zulquernain Syed Akbar , Kileen Shane , McCourt Morgan , Andrews Emmet , O’Riordain Micheal G , Shanahan Fergus , O’Toole Paul W
Published: April 2022

The colonic microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and intestinal microbiome alterations are not confined to the tumour. Since data on whether the microbiome normalises or remains altered after resection of CRC are conflicting, we studied the colonic microbiota of patients after resection of CRC. We profiled the microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in colonic biopsies from patients after resection of CRC (n = 63) in comparison with controls (n = 52), subjects with newly diagnosed CRC (n = 93) and polyps (i = 28). The colonic microbiota after surgical resection remained significantly different from that of controls in 65% of patients. Genus-level profiling and beta-diversity confirmed two distinct groups of patients after resection of CRC: one with an abnormal microbiota similar to that of patients with newly diagnosed CRC and another similar to non-CRC controls. Consumption levels of several dietary ingredients and cardiovascular drugs co-varied with differences in microbiota composition suggesting lifestyle factors may modulate differential microbiome trajectories after surgical resection. This study supports investigation of the colonic microbiota as a marker of risk for development of CRC.
Gardnerella vaginalis Bacteremia in Male Patients: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Akamine Christine M , Chou Andrew , Tavakoli-Tabasi Shahriar , Musher Daniel M
Published: April 2022

Gardnerella vaginalis colonization and invasive disease of the genitourinary tract in women has been well described. In men, this organism uncommonly causes infection, and bacteremia is rare. We describe 2 cases of G vaginalis bacteremia in men and present a review of the literature.

Our 2 patients each had underlying comorbid conditions that predispose to serious bacterial infection. One presented with symptoms of urinary tract infection, the other presented with sepsis. Urine, cultured under usual aerobic conditions, was negative in both cases, but blood cultures after prolonged incubation yielded G vaginalis. Treatment with antibiotics was successful in both cases. Our review of the medical literature revealed 12 previously reported cases of G vaginalis bacteremia in men. Almost all infections in men have originated in the genitourinary tract. Three patients had no reported history of or evidence for disease of the urinary tract, one each with endocarditis, empyema, and odontogenic abscess.

Isolation and identification of G vaginalis is often delayed. Selection and duration of treatment have ranged widely in previously reported cases, likely due to the absence of reports on antibiotic susceptibility of G vaginalis and a lack of guidance regarding effective treatment.
Recovery after deficiency: systemic copper prioritization and partitioning in the leaves and stems of hybrid poplar
Authors: Hunter Cameron , Ware Maxwell A , Gleason Sean M , Pilon-Smits Elizabeth , Pilon Marinus
Published: April 2022

Copper (Cu) is important for many aspects of plant function including photosynthesis. It has been suggested that photosynthesis, especially in young leaves, is prioritized for Cu delivery after deficiency in hybrid poplar. To determine relative Cu delivery prioritization, we enriched hydroponic plant growth media of Cu-deficient poplar with 98% 65Cu and tracked Cu delivery after deficiency to young leaves, mature leaves and stems. Young leaves acquired ~58% more 65Cu on Day 1 and ~65% more 65Cu by Day 3 compared with mature leaves. Additionally, stomatal conductance (gs) was measured on leaves for 6 weeks and during a 3-day 65Cu pulse resupply period. During deficiency, mature leaves maintained a higher gs than younger leaves but 3 days after Cu resupply the younger leaves that had recovered showed the highest gs. In conclusion, these results provide a quantitative understanding of how Cu is systemically transported and distributed to photosynthetic and stem tissues.
Identification of Early and Extra-Early Maturing Tropical Maize Inbred Lines with Multiple Disease Resistance for Enhanced Maize Production and Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bankole Faith A. , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Salami Abiodun O. , Falade Titilayo D. O. , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro
Published: April 2022

Maize, a staple for millions across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), faces major biotic constraints affecting production and safety of the crop. These include northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), Curvularia leaf spot (CLS), and aflatoxin contamination by Exserohilum turcicum, Bipolaris maydis, Curvularia lunata, and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Farmers in SSA would benefit tremendously if high-yielding maize hybrids with multiple disease resistance (MDR) were developed and commercialized. In all, 49 early-maturing (EM; 90 to 95 days to physiological maturity) and 55 extra-early-maturing (EEM, 80 to 85 days to physiological maturity) inbred lines developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture were identified as resistant to NCLB in field evaluations in multiple agroecologies of Nigeria in 2017 and 2018. From each maturity group, the 30 most resistant inbreds were selected for evaluation for resistance to SCLB and CLS using a detached-leaf assay. Additionally, the inbreds were screened for resistance to kernel rot and aflatoxin contamination using a kernel screening assay. In all, 7 EM and 6 EEM maize inbreds were found to be highly resistant to the three foliar pathogens while 10 inbreds were resistant to the foliar pathogens and supported significantly less (P = 0.01) aflatoxin accumulation than other inbreds. Inbreds having MDR should be tested extensively in hybrid combinations and commercialized. Large-scale use of maize hybrids with MDR would (i) increase maize production and productivity and (ii) reduce losses caused by aflatoxin contamination. Overall, planting of EM and EEM maize hybrids with MDR would contribute to food security, reduced aflatoxin exposure, and increased incomes of maize farmers in SSA.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Prognostic Accuracy of Presepsis and Intrasepsis Characteristics for Prediction of Cardiovascular Events After a Sepsis Hospitalization
Authors: Walkey Allan J. , Knox Daniel B. , Myers Laura C. , Thai Khanh K. , Jacobs Jason R. , Kipnis Patricia , Desai Manisha , Go Alan S. , Lu Yun , Brown Samuel M. , Martinez Adriana , Clancy Heather , Devis Ycar , Liu Vincent X.
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Sepsis survivors face increased risk for cardiovascular complications; however, the contribution of intrasepsis events to cardiovascular risk profiles is unclear.

SETTING:

Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) and Intermountain Healthcare (IH) integrated healthcare delivery systems.

SUBJECTS:

Sepsis survivors (2011–2017 [KPNC] and 2018–2020 [IH]) greater than or equal to 40 years old without prior cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN:

Data across KPNC and IH were harmonized and grouped into presepsis (demographics, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease scores, comorbidities) or intrasepsis factors (e.g., laboratory values, vital signs, organ support, infection source) with random split for training/internal validation datasets (75%/25%) within KPNC and IH. Models were bidirectionally, externally validated between healthcare systems.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Changes to predictive accuracy (C-statistic) of cause-specific proportional hazards models predicting 1-year cardiovascular outcomes (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation events) were compared between models that did and did not contain intrasepsis factors. Among 39,590 KPNC and 16,388 IH sepsis survivors, 3,503 (8.8%) at Kaiser Permanente (KP) and 600 (3.7%) at IH experienced a cardiovascular event within 1-year after hospital discharge, including 996 (2.5%) at KP and 192 (1.2%) IH with an atherosclerotic event first, 564 (1.4%) at KP and 117 (0.7%) IH with a heart failure event, 2,310 (5.8%) at KP and 371 (2.3%) with an atrial fibrillation event. Death within 1 year after sepsis occurred for 7,948 (20%) KP and 2,085 (12.7%) IH patients. Combined models with presepsis and intrasepsis factors had better discrimination for cardiovascular events (KPNC C-statistic 0.783 [95% CI, 0.766–0.799]; IH 0.763 [0.726–0.801]) as compared with presepsis cardiovascular risk alone (KPNC: 0.666 [0.648–0.683], IH 0.660 [0.619–0.702]) during internal validation. External validation of models across healthcare systems showed similar performance (KPNC model within IH data C-statistic: 0.734 [0.725–0.744]; IH model within KPNC data: 0.787 [0.768–0.805]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Across two large healthcare systems, intrasepsis factors improved postsepsis cardiovascular risk prediction as compared with presepsis cardiovascular risk profiles. Further exploration of sepsis factors that contribute to postsepsis cardiovascular events is warranted for improved mechanistic and predictive models.
The Prevalence of Spiritual and Social Support Needs and Their Association With Postintensive Care Syndrome Symptoms Among Critical Illness Survivors Seen in a Post-ICU Follow-Up Clinic
Authors: Eaton Tammy L. , Scheunemann Leslie P. , Butcher Brad W. , Donovan Heidi S. , Alexander Sheila , Iwashyna Theodore J.
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Spiritual and social support may be key facilitators for critical illness recovery and are identified as high priority for research. Understanding the prevalence of spiritual and social support needs in critical illness survivors may guide development of targeted interventions for support, which, in turn, may improve critical illness survivor quality of life. To characterize unmet spiritual and social support needs in critical illness survivors approximately 1 month after hospital discharge and examine the association of these needs with postintensive care syndrome (PICS)–related symptom burden.

DESIGN:

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

SETTING:

University-affiliated hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

PATIENTS:

One hundred ninety-six consecutive adult critical illness survivors seen during an initial post-ICU clinic visit from June 2018 to March 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Patient-reported clinical outcome measures assessing spiritual and social support needs and PICS-related symptoms were extracted from the electronic health record. Patients had a median age of 61 (interquartile range [IQR], 51–68.5), and majority were male (55.1%) with a moderate comorbidity burden (Charlson comorbidity index median score, 3; IQR, 2–5). Social support and spiritual needs were prevalent. Of the 196 patients, over 50% reported unpreparedness/fearful for the future, half of patients reported not feeling in control of their care, and over one-third reported needing more support than their family, friends, or insurance can provide. Nearly 13% of respondents reported feeling abandoned or punished by God/not supported by their church/faith. Many patients reported overlapping PICS-related symptom domains (physical, psychologic, and cognitive). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed associations between reported PICS-related symptoms and the presence of spiritual and social needs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients surviving critical illness experience significant social support and spiritual needs independent of commonly identified manifestations of PICS. These findings support the need for formal assessment and tailored interventions for social support and spiritual needs in critical illness survivors.
Reporting Incidents in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mele Federica , Buongiorno Luigi , Montalbò Domenico , Ferorelli Davide , Solarino Biagio , Zotti Fiorenza , Carabellese Felice Francesco , Catanesi Roberto , Bertolino Alessandro , Dell'Erba Alessandro , Mandarelli Gabriele
Published: April 2022

To evaluate the characteristics of the reported workplace violence in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) by analyzing an electronic hospital incident reporting system (IRS). One hundred thirty reports were retrieved from January 2017 to June 2020, referring to assaults committed by patients (71% males) with an average age of 29.8 years (SD, 14.9). The most frequent psychiatric diagnosis was a neurodevelopmental disorder (33%). Physical aggression (84%) was more frequent than the other types of aggression. Nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel were the most frequent victims (65%). Aggressions were more frequent on Friday (18%) and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (35%). A total of 64.9% of the incidents happened in the first 5 days of hospitalization. A significant association between physical aggression and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder emerged. IRS could be helpful to identify high-risk patient groups and develop clinical strategies to reduce adverse events in clinical practice.
Risk of Suicide in Patients With Bipolar Disorder Having Comorbid Chronic Pain Disorders
Authors: Trivedi Chintan , Vadukapuram Ramu , Chaudhari Gaurav , Ashraf Sahar , Tazin Faria , Mansuri Zeeshan , Jain Shailesh
Published: April 2022

Bipolar disorders (BDs) are associated with significant risk of suicide. BD patients (age ≥18 years) admitted to the hospital were identified from the National Inpatient Sample dataset. Based on the secondary diagnosis of chronic pain disorder (CPD), patients were stratified into two groups (1) BD with CPD (BD + CPD) and (2) BD without CPD (BD - CPD). Groups were matched (1:1) for the type of BD and compared for baseline characteristics and suicidal ideation/attempt (SI/SA). Compared with BD - CPD, most patients in the BD + CPD group were older (mean age, 47.6 vs. 40.4 years), female (58.4% vs. 55.2%), and white (77.2% vs. 66.7%). After adjusting for covariates, compared with the BD - CPD group, the BD + CPD group had 21% more risk of SI/SA (odds ratio, 1.21, p < 0.001). CPD is independently associated with the increased risk of suicide among patients with BD. Thus, comorbid CPD among patients admitted for BD can be an essential risk factor for suicide.
The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Online Sales of HIV Self-Test Kits and Implications for HIV Prevention: Analysis of Transaction Data from a Leading E-commerce Platform in China
Authors: Luo Ganfeng , Su Lingyun , Hu Yuqing , Zhou Yiguo , Sun Yinghui , Feng Anping , Lin Yi-Fan , Wu Xinsheng , Zou Huachun
Published: April 2022

Background:

The effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on HIV self-testing (HIVST) remains unclear. We aimed to quantify the impact of COVID restrictions on HIVST kit purchasing behaviors in mainland China.

Methods:

Deidentified transaction data were retrieved from a large online shopping platform. An interrupted time series model was constructed to examine the impact of COVID restrictions on the weekly number of anonymous customers purchasing HIVST kits, online orders, and purchased kits.

Results:

A total of 2.32 million individuals submitted 4.46 million orders for 4.84 million HIVST kits between January 7, 2016, and April 22, 2020. Compared with expected levels, assuming COVID-19 epidemic and related restrictions had not happened, the number of purchasers, orders, and kits decreased by an estimated 10,500 (51.7%), 18,000 (55.3%), and 18,500 (54.9%) in the first week (January 23, 2020, to January 29, 2020) after COVID restrictions were implemented, respectively. As restrictions eased, the number of purchasers, orders, and kits increased by an average of 7.4%, 4.8%, and 4.9% per week, respectively. In the first week after COVID restrictions were lifted (April 9, 2020, to April 15, 2020), the number of purchasers returned to expected levels, whereas the number of orders and kits were still lower than expected levels. The impact of COVID restrictions on outcomes at the beginning of COVID restrictions and the increasing trends of outcomes were larger among those living in regions with higher COVID-19 incidence (eg, Wuhan city and Hubei province).

Conclusions:

Online sales of HIVST kits were significantly impacted by COVID restrictions, and HIVST kit purchasing patterns returned to expected levels after restrictions were lifted.
Diagnosis of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Using Quantitative Lung Perfusion Parameters Extracted From Dual-energy Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Koike Hirofumi , Sueyoshi Eijun , Uetani Masataka
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate quantified iodine mapping parameters in dual-energy computed tomography in normal patients versus those with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) with and without pulmonary thromboembolism.

Materials and Methods:

Using automatically quantified iodine mapping in dual-energy computed tomography, we evaluated lung relative average enhancement, standard deviation (SD), and the SD/lung relative average enhancement ratio. We compared the values for these parameters in normal patients versus those with CTEPH. We also performed a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the diagnostic cutoffs for the parameters.

Results:

Patients constituted 41 patients (10 male [24.4%] and 31 female [75.6%]; mean age [SD]: 70.0 y [13.3]) with CTEPH and 237 (92 male [38.8%] and 145 female [61.2%]; mean age [SD]: 65.9 y [15.9]) normal patients. We found significant differences in lung relative average enhancement (34.9±6.3 vs. 26.9±6.3;P<0.0001), SD (11.6±1.9 vs. 14.7±3.3;P<0.001), and the SD/lung relative average enhancement ratio (33.7±5.0 vs. 55.7±10.4;P<0.001) between the normal and CTEPH groups, respectively. The ROC analyses demonstrated high discriminatory power (area under the curve=0.99) for using the SD/lung relative average enhancement ratio to differentiate between patients in the normal group and CTEPH group. At a threshold for the area under the curve of 44.2, diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the ratio were 92.7%, 97.5%, 86.5%, and 98.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Patients with CTEPH were well-discriminated from normal patients using the SD/lung relative average enhancement ratio.
Clinical Significance of Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography in Patients With Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis: Can It Be Used Instead of Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an Early Indicator?
Authors: Ozbalci Aysu Basak , Piskin Ahmet
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the elasticity of the supraspinatus (SSp) and infraspinatus (ISp) tendons and coracohumeral ligament (CHL), as well as the thickness of CHL in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (AC) using ultrasound (US) and 2D shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), determining their contributions to diagnosis and stage differentiation.

This prospective case-control study was conducted between January 2020 and May 2021. In all cases, the ultrasound examinations were performed using the virtual touch quantification and expressed as shear wave velocity (SWV) in meters per second. After US examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was planned for all cases.

The measurements made in US and MRI revealed that CHL thicknesses and SWV values of CHL and SSp and ISp tendons were statistically substantially higher in the patient group. The diagnostic performance of 2D-SWE in predicting AC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. When the cutoff value of the mean SWE for CHL was taken as 4.67 m/s, the sensitivity of SWE was found to be 90.2% and the specificity 85.7%.

Our study results suggest that CHL thickness on B-mode US, as well as SWV values of CHL and SSp and ISp tendons in 2D-SWE examination, can be used as a useful tool for AC diagnosis without the need for MRI, a costly and time-consuming examination.