bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of applying telehealth education to home care of infants after congenital heart disease surgery
Authors: Zhang Qi-Liang , Lin Shi-Hao , Lin Wen-Hao , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua
Published: December 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of applying telehealth education to home care of infants after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021 in Fujian Children’s Hospital to compare the home care condition of infants after CHD surgery between the intervention group and the control group.

Results

At 3 months after discharge, parents’ caring ability and CHD knowledge in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group and were significantly improved compared with those at discharge time (P < 0.05). The parental care burden in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group and was significantly lower than that at discharge time (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the rate of loss of follow-up and complications in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Telehealth education via WeChat can effectively improve the knowledge of disease and home care ability of parents of infants after CHD surgery and reduce their home care burden, which can effectively reduce the incidence of complications and lost to follow-up rate after discharge.
From “Critical” Nationalism to “Asia as Method”: Tagore's Quest for a Moral Imaginary’ and Its Implications for Post-Western International Relations
Authors: Shani Giorgio
Published: December 2022

This article seeks to contribute to the development of post-western international relations (IR) by engaging with the political writings and complex legacy of the Bengali Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941). It will show how Tagore's critique of the “nation,” most presciently delivered in a lecture delivered in Japan as the First World War unfolded, unlocks the potential of “Asia as method.”

Tagore was an anti-imperialist but cannot be described as a nationalist since he was “critical” of the ideology of nationalism which he considered to be both pernicious and alien to “Asian” societies. His attempt to transcend the imaginary of the nation-state led him to posit “Asia” as a “moral imaginary” to counter the Westphalian imaginary of IR. However, this imaginary, based to a large extent on Orientalist readings of Asian history and civilization, was co-opted by the main object of his critique: the nation-state. It subsequently was subordinated to, and helped legitimize, Japanese imperial ambitions. Rather than seeing Tagore's flawed imaginary as merely highlighting the “deadlocks” of post-western IR theory, I argue that it can be seen as unlocking its “potential” by positing Asia as an “imaginary anchoring point” with which to critique the Westphalian imaginary, and methodological nationalism, of IR.
Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter pittii isolates mediated by metallo-β-lactamases
Authors: Wunderlich Alexander , Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Wille Julia , Wohlfarth Esther , Gerson Stefanie , Kaase Martin , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To characterize the genetic environment of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) in carbapenem-resistant clinical Acinetobacter pittii isolates.

Methods

Seventeen carbapenem-resistant A. pittii isolates harbouring an MBL were collected between 2010 and 2015 in Germany. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using agar dilution. Presence of MBLs was confirmed by PCR and their genetic location determined by S1-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis followed by Southern blot hybridization. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Miseq and MinION platforms. Isolates were typed using an ad hoc core genome MLST scheme. Conjugation into A. baumannii was tested by broth mating.

Results

In 10 isolates the MBL was plasmid-encoded and in seven isolates chromosomally encoded. blaGIM-1 and blaVIM-2 were plasmid-encoded, blaVIM-4 was chromosomally encoded, while blaNDM-1 was chromosomally encoded in four and plasmid-encoded in three isolates. Seven of ten plasmids were conjugative into A. baumannii. Although most isolates were unrelated, the backbones of the MBL-encoding plasmid showed >99% similarity and only differed in the MBL-encoding area. blaNDM-1-harbouring plasmids were highly similar to other plasmids from Acinetobacter isolates worldwide while the blaVIM-2- and blaGIM-1-encoding plasmids have not been described.

Conclusions

These data show the existence of a promiscuous plasmid circulating in A. pittii isolates in Germany that differs only in the MBL-encoding region. Its plasmid backbone has been found globally among multiple Acinetobacter spp. These data should raise awareness of an epidemic conjugative plasmid that has independently acquired MBLs. We should also consider that future comparative plasmid analysis will look beyond solely the resistome and include the mobile elements carrying the resistance genes.
Clinical and microbiological characteristics of rifampicin-resistant MRSA bacteraemia
Authors: Bae Seongman , Kim Eun Sil , Lee Yun Woo , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Kim Sung-Han , Choi Sang-Ho , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Yang Soo
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The clinical significance of rifampicin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus infections has not been demonstrated. Here, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of rifampicin-resistant S. aureus infection.

Methods

Data were collected from adult patients who were hospitalized with MRSA bacteraemia between March 2007 and May 2020 at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients infected with rifampicin-resistant MRSA were compared with those of rifampicin-susceptible isolates. All-cause death and recurrence of MRSA infection were assessed for 90 days.

Results

Of the 961 patients with MRSA bacteraemia, 61 (6.3%) were infected by rifampicin-resistant isolates. The type of infection focus and duration of bacteraemia did not significantly differ between the two groups. Rifampicin-resistant MRSA isolates were more likely to have multidrug resistance and a higher vancomycin MIC relative to the rifampicin-susceptible isolates. The 90-day recurrence rate was higher in the patients infected with rifampicin-resistant MRSA compared with those with rifampicin-susceptible MRSA (18.0% versus 6.2%, P < 0.001), whereas the 90-day mortality was comparable between the two groups (27.9% versus 29.2%, P = 0.94). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, rifampicin resistance was significantly associated with 90-day recurrence (subdistributional HR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.05–5.10; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Rifampicin-resistant MRSA isolates showed distinct microbiological features in terms of multidrug resistance and a high vancomycin MIC. Although the management of MRSA bacteraemia was not significantly different between the two groups, recurrence was significantly more common in the rifampicin-resistant group. Rifampicin resistance may play a significant role in infection recurrence.
Africa's Latent Assets
Authors: Henn Soeren J , Robinson James A
Published: December 2022

Despite the past centuries' economic setbacks and challenges, are there reasons for optimism about Africa's economic prospects? We provide a conceptual framework and empirical evidence that show how the nature of African society has led to three sets of unrecognised ‘latent assets.’ First, success in African society is talent driven and Africa has experienced high levels of perceived and actual social mobility. A society where talented individuals rise to the top and optimism prevails is an excellent basis for entrepreneurship and innovation. Second, Africans, like westerners who built the world's most successful effective states, are highly sceptical of authority and attuned to the abuse of power. We argue that these attitudes can be a critical basis for building better institutions. Third, Africa is ‘cosmopolitan.’ Africans are the most multilingual people in the world, have high levels of religious tolerance and are welcoming to strangers. The experience of navigating cultural and linguistic diversity sets Africans up for success in a globalised world.
Divergence and Dissonance in Residents’ Reported and Actual Feedback to Faculty in a Military Context
Authors: Geringer Jamie Lynn , Surry Luke Thomas , Battista Alexis
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Trainees (e.g., residents) are an obvious and common source of feedback for faculty; however, gaps exist in our understanding of their experiences and practices of providing such feedback. To gain a deeper understanding, this study examined residents’ beliefs about what feedback is important to provide, the kinds of feedback they report giving, and the feedback they actually gave.

Materials and Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to analyze residents’ perceptions and feedback behaviors (n = 42/96). Thematic analysis was used to analyze end-of-rotation faculty assessments from 2018 to 2019 (n = 559) to explore the actual written feedback residents provided to the faculty.

Results

The findings suggest that residents experience workload constraints (e.g., too many feedback requests), feel that their feedback is not valuable or relevant, and place conditions on when and what feedback is given (e.g., faculty agreeableness, prefer giving positively oriented feedback, and uncomfortable giving negative feedback). When comparing what feedback residents rated as important with the kinds of feedback they reported giving and actually gave, the findings also suggest that there were consistencies (e.g., clinical instruction and professionalism) and inconsistencies (e.g., evidence-based practice and medical knowledge) that may limit constructive feedback for faculty.

Conclusions

Taken together, the findings suggest that trainee assessments of faculty may be insufficient as a primary source of feedback to support the improvement of faculty performance. Potential solutions are discussed.
Light pollution indicators for all the major astronomical observatories
Authors: Falchi Fabio , Ramos Felipe , Bará Salvador , Sanhueza Pedro , Jaque Arancibia Marcelo , Damke Guillermo , Cinzano Pierantonio
Published: December 2022

Light pollution at astronomical observatories is one of the main factors to be taken into account to preserve their scientific productivity and their useful lifetime. Using the Garstang–Cinzano model applied to the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 2021 satellite radiance data, we have compared 28 sites, all hosting telescopes with apertures larger than 3 m, plus some additional selected sites. We computed and analysed five indicators of light pollution: radiance at zenith; averaged at 60° zenith distance; averaged over all the sky; averaged in the first 10° above the horizon; and horizontal irradiance. We found large variations of the values of the indicators, with a factor greater than 600 for the zenith artificial radiance between the least and most polluted major observatories. The results show that two-thirds of all large observatories have already surpassed the critical 10 per cent increase in radiance over the assumed natural levels. The results presented and the method described here can help to plan countermeasures in order to lower the impact of light pollution on observatories. These same methods can be also used to protect the night environment from the impact of artificial light (e.g. on biodiversity, on animal behaviour and physiology, on human health).
Cold mode gas accretion on two galaxy groups at z ∼ 2
Authors: Vayner Andrey , Zakamska Nadia L , Sabhlok Sanchit , Wright Shelley A , Armus Lee , Murray Norman , Walth Gregory , Ishikawa Yuzo
Published: December 2022

We present Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) integral field spectroscopy (IFS) observations of rest-frame UV emission lines $\rm Ly\alpha$, CIVλλ 1548 Å, 1550Å, and $\rm HeII$ 1640 Å observed in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of two z = 2 radio-loud quasar host galaxies. We detect extended emission on 80–90 kpc scale in $\rm Ly\alpha$ in both systems with CIV and $\rm HeII$ emission also detected out to 30–50 kpc. All emission lines show kinematics with a blue and redshifted gradient pattern consistent with velocities seen in massive dark matter haloes and similar to kinematic patterns of inflowing gas seen in hydrodynamical simulations. Using the kinematics of both resolved $\rm Ly\alpha$ emission and absorption, we can confirm that both kinematic structures are associated with accretion. Combining the KCWI data with molecular gas observations with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and high-spatial resolution of ionized gas with Keck OSIRIS, we find that both quasar host galaxies reside in proto-group environments at z = 2. We estimate 1–6 × 1010M⊙  of warm-ionized gas within 30–50 kpc from the quasar that is likely accreting on to the galaxy group. We estimate inflow rates of 60–200 M⊙ yr−1, within an order of magnitude of the outflow rates in these systems. In the 4C 09.17 system, we detect narrow gas streams associated with satellite galaxies, potentially reminiscent of ram-pressure stripping seen in local galaxy groups and clusters. We find that the quasar host galaxies reside in dynamically complex environments, with ongoing mergers, gas accretion, ISM stripping, and outflows likely playing an important role in shaping the assembly and evolution of massive galaxies at cosmic noon.
Metastable insertion reactions on interstellar ices
Authors: Carder Joshua T , Paulive Alec , Herbst Eric
Published: December 2022

The formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in interstellar conditions is influenced by several different processes occurring both in the gas and solid phases. Here we perform an extension of previous work to understand the influence of electronically excited metastable species on condensed phase COM formation via insertion-type reactions. These reactions involve the insertion of a chemical entity on a previously existing chemical bond. Such insertion processes involving a metastable species allow for rapid reactions with the surrounding grain ice in the absence of activation energy or diffusion barriers even under cold, dark cloud conditions. In this paper, the production of a number of interstellar species including COMs in cold dark clouds is treated both via the metastable process as well as existing suggested pathways such as radical recombination and hydrogenation of unsaturated species in order to gain insight about the relative importance of the newly added process.
H i absorption associated with Norma’s brightest cluster galaxy
Authors: Saraf Manasvee , Wong O Ivy , Cortese Luca , Koribalski Bärbel S
Published: December 2022

ESO 137-G006 is the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) of the cool-core and dynamically young Norma cluster. We discover an atomic hydrogen (H i) absorption line associated with this BCG using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. We estimate a gas column density of $\approx (1.3 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{20}\, T_{\rm {spin}}$ atoms cm−2 with spin temperature, Tspin ≤ 194 K, consistent with the H i properties of other early-type galaxies and cool-core cluster BCGs. The relationship between the presence of cold gas and a cluster cooling flow is unclear. Our results support the scenario that ESO 137-G006 may be a recent arrival to the cluster centre and not the original BCG. This scenario is consistent with the observed spatial alignment of the BCG’s wide-angle tail radio lobes with Norma’s X-ray sub-cluster and the significant line-of-sight velocity offset between the mean velocity of Norma and that of the BCG.
Using the cosmological recombination radiation to probe early dark energy and fundamental constant variations
Authors: Hart Luke , Chluba Jens
Published: December 2022

The cosmological recombination radiation (CRR) is one of the guaranteed spectral distortion signals from the early Universe. The CRR photons from hydrogen and helium pre-date the last scattering process and as such allow probing physical phenomena in the pre-recombination era. Here, we compute the modifications to the CRR caused by early dark energy models and varying electromagnetic fundamental constants. These new physics examples have seen increased recent activity in connection with the Hubble tension, motivating the exploratory study presented here. The associated CRR responses are spectrally rich but the level of the signals is small. We forecast the possible sensitivity of future spectrometers to these effects. Our estimates demonstrate that the CRR directly depends to changes in the expansion history and recombination physics during the pre-recombination era. However, futuristic sensitivities are required for spectrometer-only constraints that are competitive with other cosmological probes. Nevertheless, measurements of the CRR can directly reach into phases that otherwise remain inaccessible, highlighting the potential these types of observations could have as a probe of the early Universe. A combination with Planck data further shows that a synergistic approach is very promising.
The assembly of dusty galaxies at z ≥ 4: the build-up of stellar mass and its scaling relations with hints from early JWST data
Authors: Di Cesare C , Graziani L , Schneider R , Ginolfi M , Venditti A , Santini P , Hunt L K
Published: December 2022

The increasing number of distant galaxies observed with ALMA by the ALPINE and REBELS surveys and the early release observations of the JWST promise to revolutionize our understanding of cosmic star formation and the assembly of normal, dusty galaxies. Here, we introduce a new suite of cosmological simulations performed with dustyGadget to interpret high-redshift data. We investigate the comoving star formation history, the stellar mass density, and a number of galaxy scaling relations such as the galaxy main sequence, the stellar-to-halo mass, and dust-to-stellar mass relations at z > 4. The predicted star formation rate and total stellar mass density rapidly increase in time with a remarkable agreement with available observations, including recent JWST ERO and DD-ERS data at z ≥ 8. A well-defined galaxy main sequence is found already at z < 10, following a non-evolving power-law, which – if extrapolated at high-mass end – is in agreement with JWST, REBELS, and ALPINE data. This is consistent with a star formation efficiently sustained by gas accretion and a specific star formation rate increasing with redshift, as established by recent observations. A population of low-mass galaxies (8 < Log(M⋆/M⊙) < 9) at z ≤ 6 − 7 that exceeds some of the current estimates of the stellar mass function is also at the origin of the scatter in the stellar-to-halo mass relation. Future JWST observations will provide invaluable constraints on these low-mass galaxies, helping to shed light on their role in cosmic evolution.
Breakdown of planetary systems in embedded clusters
Authors: Rickman H , Wajer P , Przyłuski R , Wiśniowski T , Nesvorný D , Morbidelli A
Published: December 2022

We report the first simulations of planetary system dynamics as affected by an embedded cluster environment. Such environments are generally believed to be relevant for the large majority of newborn stars of solar type. Moreover, our cluster model is more realistic than in previous work. We focus on a giant planet system with five members, which represents a likely precursor of our solar system. Our main result is that the perturbing effects of close encounters with cluster stars trigger dynamical chaos leading to breakdown of the system with a significant probability, especially if the natal gas discs are short-lived and the clusters are highly concentrated. When breakdown occurs, all planets except Jupiter suffer a large risk of being ejected from the system or extracted into distant orbits with semimajor axes of hundreds or thousands of astronomical units. This is consistent with recent estimates of a large abundance of low-mass, free-floating planets. We demonstrate a possibility for Jupiter and Saturn to evolve into hot Jupiter orbits by tidal circularization during the chaotic evolution. Even so, the low occurrence rate of this outcome indicates that the real hot Jupiters in general have an origin unrelated to dynamical evolution in birth clusters.
Looking for nebular He ii emission south of the multiple-massive star system, HD 5980
Authors: Sixtos A , Wofford A , Sander A A C , Peimbert A
Published: December 2022

The nebular He ii λ1640 emission line is observed in star-forming galaxies out to large distances and can be used to constrain the properties of sources of He+-ionizing photons. For this purpose, it is crucial to understand which are the main stellar sources of these photons. In some nearby metal-poor starburst galaxies, nebular He ii λ4686 (optical equivalent) is accompanied by a broad underlying component, which is generally attributed to formation in the winds of classical (He-burning) Wolf–Rayet stars, primarily of the WN subtype. In such cases, the origin of the nebular component has been proposed to be the escape of He+-ionizing photons from the winds of the WN stars, at least partially. We use archival long-slit observations obtained with Focal Reducer Low Dispersion Spectrograph (FORS1) on the Very Large Telescope to look for nebular He ii λ4686 emission south of the WN6h + WN6-7 close binary in HD 5980. We only find broad He ii λ4686 emission, as far as ∼7.6 pc from the binary. A comparison with observations obtained with Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on the Hubble Space Telescope, at a similar orbital phase, shows that the FORS1 broad He ii emission is likely contamination from the multiple-star system HD 5980. We use models to show that no significant He+-ionizing flux is expected from the WN stars in HD 5980 and that when similar stars are present in a coeval stellar population, the O stars can be far greater emitters of He+-ionizing radiation.
Using molecular gas observations to guide initial conditions for star cluster simulations
Authors: Sills Alison , Rieder Steven , Buckner Anne S M , Hacar Alvaro , Portegies Zwart Simon , Teixeira Paula S
Published: December 2022

The earliest evolution of star clusters involves a phase of co-existence of both newly formed stars, and the gas from which they are forming. Observations of the gas in such regions provide a wealth of data that can inform the simulations which are needed to follow the evolution of such objects forward in time. We present a method for transforming the observed gas properties into initial conditions for simulations that include gas, stars, and ongoing star formation. We demonstrate our technique using the Orion Nebula Cluster. Since the observations cannot provide all the necessary information for our simulations, we make choices for the missing data and assess the impact of those choices. We find that the results are insensitive to the adopted choices of the gas velocity in the plane of the sky. The properties of the surrounding gas cloud (e.g. overall density and size), however, have an effect on the star formation rate and pace of assembly of the resultant star cluster. We also analyse the stellar properties of the cluster and find that the stars become more tightly clustered and in a stronger radial distribution even as new stars form in the filament.
Strong toroidal magnetic fields sustained by the elastic crust in a neutron star
Authors: Fujisawa Kotaro , Kojima Yasufumi , Kisaka Shota
Published: December 2022

We investigate new solutions for magnetized neutron stars with a barotropic core in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium and a magnetoelastic crust, which was neglected by previous studies concerning stars in MHD equilibrium. The Lorentz force of the barotropic star is purely irrotational and the structures of magnetic fields are constrained. By contrast, a solenoidal component of the Lorentz force exists in the elastic crust and the structures of the magnetic fields are less restricted. We find that the minor solenoidal component in the elastic crust is important for sustaining the strong magnetic field in the core. Unlike previous studies, the toroidal magnetic field exists in the entire region of the core, and we obtain equilibrium states with large toroidal magnetic fields, where the toroidal magnetic energy is larger than the poloidal magnetic energy. The elastic force of the crust sustains an order of 1015 G toroidal magnetic field in the core, and the maximum strength of the toroidal magnetic field is approximately proportional to the crust thickness.
Prospects for future studies using deep imaging: analysis of individual Galactic cirrus filaments
Authors: Smirnov Anton A , Savchenko Sergey S , Poliakov Denis M , Marchuk Alexander A , Mosenkov Aleksandr V , Il’in Vladimir B , Gontcharov George A , Román Javier , Seguine Jonah
Published: December 2022

The presence of Galactic cirrus is an obstacle for studying both faint objects in our Galaxy and low surface brightness extragalactic structures. With the aim of studying individual cirrus filaments in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 data, we develop techniques based on machine learning and neural networks that allow one to isolate filaments from foreground and background sources in the entirety of Stripe 82 with a precision similar to that of the human expert. Our photometric study of individual filaments indicates that only those brighter than 26 mag arcsec−2 in the SDSS r band are likely to be identified in SDSS Stripe 82 data by their distinctive colours in the optical bands. We also show a significant impact of data processing (e.g. flat-fielding, masking of bright stars, and sky subtraction) on colour estimation. Analysing the distribution of filaments’ colours with the help of mock simulations, we conclude that most filaments have colours in the following ranges: 0.55 ≤g − r ≤ 0.73 and 0.01 ≤ r − i ≤ 0.33. Our work provides a useful framework for an analysis of all types of low surface brightness features (cirri, tidal tails, stellar streams, etc.) in existing and future deep optical surveys. For practical purposes, we provide the catalogue of dust filaments.
Is the X-ray bright z = 5.5 quasar SRGE J170245.3+130104 a blazar?
Authors: An Tao , Wang Ailing , Liu Yuanqi , Sotnikova Yulia , Zhang Yingkang , Aditya J N H S , Jaiswal Sumit , Khorunzhev George , Lao Baoqiang , Lin Ruqiu , Mikhailov Alexander , Mingaliev Marat , Mufakharov Timur , Sazonov Sergey
Published: December 2022

Jets may have contributed to promoting the growth of seed black holes in the early Universe, and thus observations of radio-loud high-redshift quasars are crucial to understanding the growth and evolution of the early supermassive black holes. Here we report the radio properties of an X-ray bright z = 5.5 quasar, SRGE J170245.3+130104 (J1702+1301). Our high-resolution radio images reveal the radio counterpart at the optical position of J1702+1301, while another radio component is also detected at ∼23.5 arcsec to the south-west. Our analysis suggests that this south-west component is associated with a foreground galaxy at z ≈ 0.677, which is mixed with J1702+1301 in low-frequency low-resolution radio images. After removing the contamination from this foreground source, we recalculated the radio loudness of J1702+1301 to be R >1100, consistent with those of blazars. J1702+1301 exhibits a flat radio spectrum (α = −0.17 ± 0.05, S ∝ να) between 0.15 and 5 GHz; above 5 GHz, it shows a rising spectrum shape, and the spectral index $\alpha ^{8.2}_{4.7}$ appears to be correlated with the variation of the flux density: in burst states, $\alpha ^{8.2}_{4.7}$ becomes larger. J1702+1301 displays distinct radio variability on time-scales from weeks to years in the source’s rest frame. These radio properties, including high radio loudness, rising spectrum, and rapid variability, tend to support it as a blazar.
Sub-kpc radio jets in the brightest central galaxy of the cool-core galaxy cluster RXJ1720.1+2638
Authors: Perrott Yvette C , SM Gopika , Edge Alastair C , Grainge Keith J B , Green David A , Saunders Richard D E
Published: December 2022

The cool-core galaxy cluster RXJ1720.1+2638 hosts extended radio emission near the cluster core, known as a minihalo. The origin of this emission is still debated and one piece of the puzzle has been the question of whether the supermassive black hole in the brightest central galaxy is actively powering jets. Here, we present high-resolution e-MERLIN observations clearly indicating the presence of sub-kpc jets; this may have implications for the proposed origin of the minihalo emission, providing an ongoing source of relativistic electrons rather than a single burst sometime in the past, as previously assumed in simulations attempting to reproduce observational characteristics of minihalo-hosting systems.
Rational design of hybrid DNA–RNA triplex structures as modulators of transcriptional activity in vitro
Authors: Cecconello Alessandro , Magro Massimiliano , Vianello Fabio , Simmel Friedrich C
Published: December 2022

Triplex nanostructures can be formed in vitro in the promoter region of DNA templates, and it is commonly accepted that these assemblies inhibit the transcription of the downstream genes. Herein, a proof of concept highlighting the possibility of the up- or downregulation of RNA transcription is presented. Hybrid DNA–RNA triplex nanostructures were rationally designed to produce bacterial transcription units with switchable promoters. The rate of RNA production was measured using the signal of a transcribed fluorescent RNA aptamer (i.e. Broccoli). Indeed, several designed bacterial promoters showed the ability of induced transcriptional inhibition, while other properly tailored sequences demonstrated switchable enhancement of transcriptional activity, representing an unprecedented feature to date. The use of RNA-regulated transcription units and fluorescent RNA aptamers as readouts will allow the realization of biocomputation circuits characterized by a strongly reduced set of components. Triplex forming RNA oligonucleotides are proposed as smart tools for transcriptional modulation and represent an alternative to current methods for producing logic gates using protein-based components.
Cis-mediated interactions of the SARS-CoV-2 frameshift RNA alter its conformations and affect function
Authors: Pekarek Lukas , Zimmer Matthias M , Gribling-Burrer Anne-Sophie , Buck Stefan , Smyth Redmond , Caliskan Neva
Published: December 2022

The RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 contains a frameshift stimulatory element (FSE) that allows access to an alternative reading frame through −1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF). −1PRF in the 1a/1b gene is essential for efficient viral replication and transcription of the viral genome. −1PRF efficiency relies on the presence of conserved RNA elements within the FSE. One of these elements is a three-stemmed pseudoknot, although alternative folds of the frameshift site might have functional roles as well. Here, by complementing ensemble and single-molecule structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 frameshift RNA variants with functional data, we reveal a conformational interplay of the 5′ and 3′ immediate regions with the FSE and show that the extended FSE exists in multiple conformations. Furthermore, limiting the base pairing of the FSE with neighboring nucleotides can favor or impair the formation of the alternative folds, including the pseudoknot. Our results demonstrate that co-existing RNA structures can function together to fine-tune SARS-CoV-2 gene expression, which will aid efforts to design specific inhibitors of viral frameshifting.
Single-read tRNA-seq analysis reveals coordination of tRNA modification and aminoacylation and fragmentation
Authors: Hernandez-Alias Xavier , Katanski Christopher D , Zhang Wen , Assari Mahdi , Watkins Christopher P , Schaefer Martin H , Serrano Luis , Pan Tao
Published: December 2022

Transfer RNA (tRNA) utilizes multiple properties of abundance, modification, and aminoacylation in translational regulation. These properties were typically studied one-by-one; however, recent advance in high throughput tRNA sequencing enables their simultaneous assessment in the same sequencing data. How these properties are coordinated at the transcriptome level is an open question. Here, we develop a single-read tRNA analysis pipeline that takes advantage of the pseudo single-molecule nature of tRNA sequencing in NGS libraries. tRNAs are short enough that a single NGS read can represent one tRNA molecule, and can simultaneously report on the status of multiple modifications, aminoacylation, and fragmentation of each molecule. We find correlations among modification-modification, modification-aminoacylation and modification-fragmentation. We identify interdependencies among one of the most common tRNA modifications, m1A58, as coordinators of tissue-specific gene expression. Our method, SingLe-read Analysis of Crosstalks (SLAC), reveals tRNAome-wide networks of modifications, aminoacylation, and fragmentation. We observe changes of these networks under different stresses, and assign a function for tRNA modification in translational regulation and fragment biogenesis. SLAC leverages the richness of the tRNA-seq data and provides new insights on the coordination of tRNA properties.
Democratic Tourism
Authors: Bechmann Pedersen Sune , Anttila Anu-Hanna
Published: December 2022

The introduction of paid holidays during the interwar years democratized travel and laid the foundation for modern mass tourism. In European democracies, the right to paid leave found supporters from across the political spectrum who viewed it a means to improve the health of the labor force, increase industrial output, and safeguard family values. Workers also gained new leisure opportunities in countries without a state regulated right to paid holidays. Moral entrepreneurs debated how to combat idleness and ensure workers use their new leisure time in productive ways. Social tourism subsidized by the state or NGOs, and catering to those disadvantaged by poverty or poor health thus tended to involve education and moral guidance. The sustained postwar economic growth experienced by liberal democracies largely made this form of tourism obsolete because workers could afford commercial package tours meeting consumerist holiday ideals.
The Mediator complex subunit MED25 interacts with HDA9 and PIF4 to regulate thermomorphogenesis
Authors: Shapulatov Umidjon , van Zanten Martijn , van Hoogdalem Mark , Meisenburg Mara , van Hall Alexander , Kappers Iris , Fasano Carlo , Facella Paolo , Loh Chi Cheng , Perrella Giorgio , van der Krol Alexander
Published: December 2022

Thermomorphogenesis is, among other traits, characterized by enhanced hypocotyl elongation due to the induction of auxin biosynthesis genes like YUCCA8 by transcription factors, most notably PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4). Efficient binding of PIF4 to the YUCCA8 locus under warmth depends on HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 (HDA9) activity, which mediates histone H2A.Z depletion at the YUCCA8 locus. However, HDA9 lacks intrinsic DNA-binding capacity, and how HDA9 is recruited to YUCCA8, and possibly other PIF4-target sites, is currently not well understood. The Mediator complex functions as a bridge between transcription factors bound to specific promoter sequences and the basal transcription machinery containing RNA polymerase II. Mutants of Mediator component Mediator25 (MED25) exhibit reduced hypocotyl elongation and reduced expression of YUCCA8 at 27°C. In line with a proposed role for MED25 in thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), we demonstrated an enhanced association of MED25 to the YUCCA8 locus under warmth and interaction of MED25 with both PIF4 and HDA9. Genetic analysis confirmed that MED25 and HDA9 operate in the same pathway. Intriguingly, we also showed that MED25 destabilizes HDA9 protein. Based on our findings, we propose that MED25 recruits HDA9 to the YUCCA8 locus by binding to both PIF4 and HDA9.
Randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of soticlestat as adjunctive therapy in adults with complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Ratcliffe Stuart , Arkilo Dimitrios , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Bhattacharya Sudipta , Harden R Norman
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of soticlestat as adjunctive therapy in participants with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Design

A proof-of-concept phase 2a study, comprising a 15-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study (part A), and an optional 14-week open-label extension (part B).

Methods

Twenty-four participants (median age 44.5 years [range, 18–62 years]; 70.8% female) with chronic CRPS were randomized (2:1) to receive oral soticlestat or placebo. Soticlestat dosing started at 100 mg twice daily and was titrated up to 300 mg twice daily. In part B, soticlestat dosing started at 200 mg twice daily and was titrated up or down at the investigator’s discretion. Pain intensity scores using the 11-point Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) were collected daily. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29, Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGI-C), and CRPS Severity Score (CSS) were completed at screening and weeks 15 and 29.

Results

From baseline to week 15, soticlestat treatment was associated with a mean change in 24-hour pain intensity NPS score (95% confidence interval) of –0.75 (–1.55, 0.05) vs –0.41 (–1.41, 0.59) in the placebo group, resulting in a non-significant placebo-adjusted difference of –0.34 (–1.55, 0.88; P = .570). Statistically non-significant numerical changes were observed for the PROMIS-29, PGI-C, and CSS at weeks 15 and 29.

Conclusions

Adjunctive soticlestat treatment did not significantly reduce pain intensity in participants with chronic CRPS.
bayroot: Bayesian sampling of HIV-1 integration dates by root-to-tip regression
Authors: Ferreira Roux-Cil , Wong Emmanuel , Poon Art F Y
Published: December 2022

The composition of the latent human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) reservoir is shaped by when proviruses integrated into host genomes. These integration dates can be estimated by phylogenetic methods like root-to-tip (RTT) regression. However, RTT does not accommodate variation in the number of mutations over time, uncertainty in estimating the molecular clock, or the position of the root in the tree. To address these limitations, we implemented a Bayesian extension of RTT as an R package (bayroot), which enables the user to incorporate prior information about the time of infection and start of antiretroviral therapy. Taking an unrooted maximum likelihood tree as input, we use a Metropolis–Hastings algorithm to sample from the joint posterior distribution of three parameters (the rate of sequence evolution, i.e., molecular clock; the location of the root; and the time associated with the root). Next, we apply rejection sampling to this posterior sample of model parameters to simulate integration dates for HIV proviral sequences. To validate this method, we use the R package treeswithintrees (twt) to simulate time-scaled trees relating samples of actively and latently infected T cells from a single host. We find that bayroot yields significantly more accurate estimates of integration dates than conventional RTT under a range of model settings.
Topical Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Digital Ulcers in Patients with Scleroderma: Comparative Analysis and Literature Review
Authors: Spinella Amelia , de Pinto Marco , Baraldi Carlo , Galluzzo Claudio , Testoni Sofia , Lumetti Federica , Parenti Luca , Guerzoni Simona , Salvarani Carlo , Giuggioli Dilia
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of topical cannabidiol (CBD) in treating digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

In total, 45 patients with SSc who had digital ulcers were consecutively enrolled between January 2019 and December 2019. Of the participants, 25 were treated with CBD during surgical debridement and 20 were treated with standard local therapy. A numeric rating scale for pain and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index were administered at the baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Local treatment with CBD was significantly associated with lower pain scores, higher health assessment scores, and an increase in participants’ total hours of sleep. Patients in the control group more frequently required additional analgesic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical CBD may be a valuable tool to treat pain related to digital ulcers in patients with SSc.
Wound Infection Detection Using a Rapid Biomarker
Authors: Kordestani Soheila S. , Mohammadi Fahimeh S. , Noordadi Maryam , Rezaee Fatemeh , Fayyazbakhsh Fatemeh
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic biomarker that is sensitive to overexpression of gelatinases, the major expressed biomolecules during wound infection. Wound exudate composition and pH are key determinants of infection, and rapid infection detection has an important role in wound healing.

METHODS

The biomarker was first investigated for cytotoxic effects, and irritation and sensitization tests were carried out. The biomarker was then tested on 198 patients suffering from different types of wounds. Data including age, sex, wound type, depth, site, etiology, and exudate pH were collected. Wound pH was measured to determine if it could be a possible early indicator of infection, and bacterial wound cultures were performed as a control.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed that the biomarker had no cytotoxicity and caused no erythema, edema, or other adverse response. The rapid diagnostic biomarker demonstrated overall clinical sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value: 96.84%, 97.5%, 96.96%, 99.35%, and 88.63%, respectively. Moreover, infected wounds had higher pH values according to culture results and nearly 80% of chronic, nonhealing wounds were infected.

CONCLUSIONS

This biomarker enables caregivers to detect wound infection in a timely manner and treat it efficiently. Wound pH monitoring may potentially be a useful method for indicating the presence or absence of infection.
Effect of a Team Approach to Pressure Injury Management over 5 Years in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Jeong Yon Soo , Kim Hee Joung , Hahn Hyung Min , Thai Duy Quang , Lee Il Jae
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE

The authors’ facility established a novel integrated wound care team (IWCT), which included the implementation of a strict treatment algorithm by the patients’ attending providers and a specialized wound care team led by a plastic surgeon. Investigators then retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes of pressure injury (PI) management by the IWCT over 5 years.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review and periodic statistical analysis of the data for all patients with PI referred to the IWCT in the authors’ center from May 2015 to April 2019. Data including patients’ demographic information, first and last consultation dates, referring department, PI stage, site of PI, and Braden Scale scores were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients (N = 15,556) did not differ significantly in age, sex, or Braden Scale score. A preimplementation/postimplementation analysis of PI data before and after establishing the IWCT showed that the incidence of stage 3 or 4 PIs had significantly decreased during the study period (19.1% vs 15.2%, P < .05). Conversely, the incidence of stage 1 PIs significantly increased in the same period (38.0% vs 57.4%, P < .05). The proportion of completely healed PIs also increased, and the median treatment period was significantly shortened (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the IWCT in a tertiary hospital setting led to a significant increase in early-stage PI detection and a decrease in severe PIs.
Patient-centered Outcomes for Individuals with a Venous Leg Ulcer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lazar Michelle , Ershadi Sherry , Bolton Laura , Phillips Tania
Published: December 2022

GENERAL PURPOSE

To summarize randomized clinical trials addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with a venous leg ulcer.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Summarize the results of the review of randomized controlled trials addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with a venous leg ulcer.

2. Identify the limitations of the research analyzed for the review.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize randomized clinical trials addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with a venous leg ulcer with a scoping review.

DATA SOURCES

Authors searched PubMed using MESH terms for “venous ulcer” AND “randomized” for randomized clinical trials published from January 2002 to October 2021 that explored content-validated patient-centered outcomes for individuals with a clinically diagnosed venous leg ulcer. Authors also searched Cochrane Reviews from inception to April 15, 2022 for additional references using the same MESH terms.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies in any setting were included if primary or secondary outcomes were venous ulcer-related mobility, pain or analgesic use, healing, infection, quality of life (including odor, social isolation, depression), amputation, or patient-level costs of treatment. Preclinical or nonrandomized clinical studies or those without venous leg ulcers were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Authors tabulated interventions studied, numbers of patients treated per group, risk of delayed ulcer healing, and statistical significance of comparisons of 485 qualifying articles in Google Sheets.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Authors graphically represented and tabulated frequencies of studies addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with venous ulcers. Studies mainly reported effects of compression, dressings, topical antimicrobials, or systemic therapy on patient healing or pain outcomes. Related ischemia, ultrasonography, or risk factors for delayed healing were not consistently reported, inflating variability of outcomes and decreasing consistency of differences reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Research is needed on the mobility, amputation risk, infection risk, quality of life, and healthcare costs of patients with venous ulcers. Promising interventions include grafts, exercise, analgesics, electrical modalities, negative pressure, or vascular interventions. Consistently reporting each patient’s baseline ischemia and vascular condition would improve relevance.