bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty years of the French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network
Authors: Kazes Isabelle , Solignac Justine , Lassalle Mathilde , Mercadal Lucile , Couchoud Cécile
Published: November 2023

Background

The French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN) is 20 years old. It is not just a national data registry, but rather an epidemiological and informational network serving patients with chronic kidney disease, nephrology teams and health services.

Methods

The past 10-year trends of the incidence and prevalence of renal replacement therapy by dialysis or kidney transplantation and waitlist activity are presented. To detect potential significant changes in trends from 2012 and 2021, a Joinpoint regression model was used.

Results

The overall incidence of treated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) was 169 per million population (pmp) in 2021. It was stable despite an increase in the incidence of diabetes. We found a decreasing trend in the proportion of patients starting dialysis in an emergency but an increase in those starting haemodialysis (HD) with a temporary catheter. Peritoneal dialysis decreased by 1.7% each year, whereas home HD, although involving only 1% of dialysis patients, increased by 10% each year. For patients not treated at home, the median time to drive from the patient's home to the dialysis unit was 17 min. The proportion of patients on the transplantation waitlist at the start of dialysis increased from 7% to 12%. Among the 111 263 new ESKD patients from 2012 to 2021, 8% received a first transplant at 1 year and 20% at 5 years. Among kidney transplant recipients, the mean time on the waitlist increased from 13.8 to 22.6 months. Living donor transplants increased in frequency, representing 15% of kidney transplants.

Conclusions

Data from the REIN registry allow for the evaluation of needs and provide a planning tool for French authorities. The progressive implementation of automatic data retrieval from dialysis informatics charts might alleviate the burden of data collection. Furthermore, the research activity the REIN engenders, resulting in renewed confidence by health authorities in the dynamism of French nephrology, allows for an optimistic outlook for the REIN.
Functional traits and drought strategy predict leaf thermal tolerance
Authors: Valliere Justin M , Nelson Kekoa C , Martinez Marco Castañeda
Published: November 2023

Heat stress imposes an important physiological constraint on native plant species—one that will only worsen with human-caused climate change. Indeed, rising temperatures have already contributed to large-scale plant mortality events across the globe. These impacts may be especially severe in cities, where the urban heat island effect amplifies climate warming. Understanding how plant species will respond physiologically to rising temperatures and how these responses differ among plant functional groups is critical for predicting future biodiversity scenarios and making informed land management decisions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of elevated temperatures on a functionally and taxonomically diverse group of woody native plant species in a restored urban nature preserve in southern California using measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of leaf thermotolerance. Our aim was to determine if species’ traits and drought strategies could serve as useful predictors of thermotolerance. We found that leaf thermotolerance differed among species with contrasting drought strategies, and several leaf-level functional traits were significant predictors of thermotolerance thresholds. Drought deciduous species with high specific leaf area, high rates of transpiration and low water use efficiency were the most susceptible to heat damage, while evergreen species with sclerophyllous leaves, high relative water content and high water use efficiency maintained photosynthetic function at higher temperatures. While these native shrubs and trees are physiologically equipped to withstand relatively high temperatures in this Mediterranean-type climate, hotter conditions imposed by climate change and urbanization may exceed the tolerance thresholds of many species. We show that leaf functional traits and plant drought strategies may serve as useful indicators of species’ vulnerabilities to climate change, and this information can be used to guide restoration and conservation in a warmer world.
Impact of ethnicity on antiplatelet treatment regimens for bleeding reduction in acute coronary syndromes: a systematic review and pre-specified subgroup meta-analysis
Authors: Galli Mattia , Laborante Renzo , Occhipinti Giovanni , Zito Andea , Spadafora Luigi , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Nerla Roberto , Castriota Fausto , D'Amario Domenico , Capodanno Davide , Jeong Young-Hoon , Kimura Takeshi , Mehran Roxana , Angiolillo Dominick J
Published: November 2023

Aims

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing bleeding reduction strategies using antiplatelet treatment regimens (BRATs) in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have shown promising results, but the generalizability of these findings may be significantly influenced by the ethnicity of the patients enrolled, given that East Asian (EA) patients show different ischaemic-bleeding risk profile compared to non-EA patients.

Methods and results

RCTs comparing a BRAT vs. standard 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were selected. The primary efficacy endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as defined in each trial and the primary safety endpoint was minor or major bleeding. Twenty-six RCTs testing seven different BRATs were included. The only strategy associated with a trade-off in MACE was ‘upfront unguided de-escalation’ in the subgroup of non-EAs (risk ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.24). All but aspirin monotherapy-based strategies (i.e. ‘short and very short DAPT followed by aspirin’) were associated with reduced bleeding compared with standard DAPT in both EA and non-EA patients. There were no significant differences between subgroups, but the lack of RCTs in some of the included strategies and the difference in the certainty of evidence between EA and non-EA patients revealed that the evidence in support of different BRATs in ACS undergoing PCI is influenced by ethnicity. Moreover, absolute risk reduction estimation revealed that some BRATs might be more effective than others in reducing bleeding according to ethnicity.

Conclusion

The majority of BRATs are associated with reduced bleeding without any trade-off in hard ischaemic endpoints regardless of ethnicity. However, the supporting evidence and relative safety profiles of different BRATs might be significantly affected by ethnicity, which should be taken into account in clinical practice.

Study registration

This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416710).
What can keep euro area inflation high?
Authors: Reis Ricardo
Published: November 2023

A central bank that faces inflation above target may fail to bring it down. This article discusses six ways in which this happens because the central bank is dominated by: misjudgement, expectations, fiscal policy, financial markets, recession fears, or external forces. It applies this approach to the challenge facing the ECB in 2023–24. The hope is that the factors identified can serve as warning signs for what to avoid.
Humanization reveals pervasive incompatibility of yeast and human kinetochore components
Authors: Ólafsson Guðjón , Haase Max A B , Boeke Jef D
Published: November 2023

Kinetochores assemble on centromeres to drive chromosome segregation in eukaryotic cells. Humans and budding yeast share most of the structural subunits of the kinetochore, whereas protein sequences have diverged considerably. The conserved centromeric histone H3 variant, CenH3 (CENP-A in humans and Cse4 in budding yeast), marks the site for kinetochore assembly in most species. A previous effort to complement Cse4 in yeast with human CENP-A was unsuccessful; however, co-complementation with the human core nucleosome was not attempted. Previously, our lab successfully humanized the core nucleosome in yeast; however, this severely affected cellular growth. We hypothesized that yeast Cse4 is incompatible with humanized nucleosomes and that the kinetochore represented a limiting factor for efficient histone humanization. Thus, we argued that including the human CENP-A or a Cse4–CENP-A chimera might improve histone humanization and facilitate kinetochore function in humanized yeast. The opposite was true: CENP-A expression reduced histone humanization efficiency, was toxic to yeast, and disrupted cell cycle progression and kinetochore function in wild-type (WT) cells. Suppressors of CENP-A toxicity included gene deletions of subunits of 3 conserved chromatin remodeling complexes, highlighting their role in CenH3 chromatin positioning. Finally, we attempted to complement the subunits of the NDC80 kinetochore complex, individually and in combination, without success, in contrast to a previous study indicating complementation by the human NDC80/HEC1 gene. Our results suggest that limited protein sequence similarity between yeast and human components in this very complex structure leads to failure of complementation.
Salvage pleurectomy/decortication following immunotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Takenaka Masaru , Kuroda Koji , Yoshimatsu Katsuma , Mori Masataka , Kanayama Masatoshi , Taira Akihiro , Kuwata Taiji , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: November 2023

Salvage surgery following immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for advanced malignant tumour. However, only a few cases of salvage surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have been reported. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the feasibility of salvage surgery following immunotherapy for initially unresectabele MPM. Among 61 patients who received pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for MPM, 7 patients received salvage P/D after immunotherapy. Surgical indication of salvage P/D was conversion to resectability in 5 patients and local relapse in 2 patients, and macroscopic complete resection was achieved in all patients. Although salvage P/D was associated with longer operation time (median, 507 min), higher intraoperative blood loss (median, 2573 mL) and higher morbidity (≥ grade 3, 29%), no patient died after surgery. Radiographic response to immunotherapy was well correlated with pathologic response, as all 4 patients with partial response showed significant pathologic response (viable cells, ≤50%). With the median postoperative follow-up duration of 9.0 months, all patients were alive mostly without tumour recurrence as local recurrence developed in 1 patient. To conclude, salvage P/D after immunotherapy may be a feasible treatment option for selected patients with advanced MPM, which should be validated in future multi-institutional studies. In addition, a long-term follow-up is essential to reveal the clinical benefit achieved with salvage P/D following immunotherapy.
Projecting the Clinical and Economic Impacts of Changes to HIV Care Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brenner Isaac Ravi , Simpson Kit N , Flanagan Clare F , Dark Tyra , Dooley Mary , Agwu Allison L , Koay Wei Li Adeline , Freedberg Kenneth A , Ciaranello Andrea L , Neilan Anne M
Published: November 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many US youth with HIV (YHIV) used telehealth services; others experienced disruptions in clinic and antiretroviral therapy (ART) access.

Methods

Using the Cost-effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC)-Adolescent HIV microsimulation model, we evaluated 3 scenarios: 1) Clinic: in-person care; 2) Telehealth: virtual visits, without CD4 or viral load monitoring for 12 months, followed by return to usual care; and 3) Interruption: complete care interruption with no ART access or laboratory monitoring for 6 months (maximum clinic closure time), followed by return to usual care for 80%. We assigned higher 1-year retention (87% vs 80%) and lower cost/visit ($49 vs $56) for Telehealth vs Clinic. We modeled 2 YHIV cohorts with non-perinatal (YNPHIV) and perinatal (YPHIV) HIV, which differed by mean age (22 vs 16 years), sex at birth (85% vs 47% male), starting CD4 count (527/μL vs 635/μL), ART, mortality, and HIV-related costs. We projected life months (LMs) and costs/100 YHIV over 10 years.

Results

Over 10 years, LMs in Clinic and Telehealth would be similar (YNPHIV: 11 350 vs 11 360 LMs; YPHIV: 11 680 LMs for both strategies); costs would be $0.3M (YNPHIV) and $0.4M (YPHIV) more for Telehealth than Clinic. Interruption would be less effective (YNPHIV: 11 230 LMs; YPHIV: 11 620 LMs) and less costly (YNPHIV: $1.3M less; YPHIV: $0.2M less) than Clinic. Higher retention in Telehealth led to increased ART use and thus higher costs.

Conclusions

Telehealth could be as effective as in-person care for some YHIV, at slightly increased cost. Short interruptions to ART and laboratory monitoring may have negative long-term clinical implications.
Monitoring broad emission-line components in spectra of the two low-metallicity dwarf compact star-forming galaxies SBS 1420+540 and J1444+4840
Authors: Guseva N G , Thuan T X , Izotov Y I
Published: November 2023

We report the discovery of broad components with P-Cygni profiles of the hydrogen and helium emission lines in the two low-redshift low-metallicity dwarf compact star-forming galaxies SBS 1420+540 and J1444+4840. We found small stellar masses of 106.24 and 106.59 M⊙, low oxygen abundances 12 + log O/H of 7.75 and 7.45, high velocity dispersions reaching σ ∼ 700 and ∼1200 km s−1, high terminal velocities of the stellar wind of ∼1000 and ∼1000–1700 km s−1, respectively, and large EW(H β) of ∼300 Å for both. For SBS 1420+540, we succeeded in capturing an eruption phase by monitoring the variations of the broad-to-narrow component flux ratio. We observe a sharp increase of that ratio by a factor of 4 in 2017 and a decrease by about an order of magnitude in 2023. The peak luminosity of ∼1040 erg s−1 of the broad component in L(H α) lasted for about 6 yr out of a three-decades monitoring. This leads us to conclude that there is probably a luminous blue variable candidate (LBVc) in this galaxy. As for J1444+4840, its very high L(H α) of about 1041 ergs s−1, close to values observed in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and Type IIn supernovae (SNe), and the variability of no more than 20 per cent of the broad-to-narrow flux ratio of the hydrogen and helium emission lines over a 8 yr monitoring do not allow us to definitively conclude that it contains an LBVc. On the other hand, the possibility that the line variations are due to a long-lived stellar transient of type AGN/SN IIn cannot be ruled out.
Improved models for the near-Earth asteroids (2100) Ra-Shalom, (3103) Eger, (12711) Tukmit, and (161989) Cacus
Authors: Rodríguez Rodríguez Javier , Díez Alonso E , Iglesias Álvarez Santiago , Pérez Fernández Saúl , Licandro Javier , Alarcon Miguel R , Serra-Ricart Miquel , Pinilla-Alonso Noemi , Fernández Susana del Carmen , de Cos Juez Francisco Javier
Published: November 2023

We present 24 new dense light curves of the near-Earth asteroids (3103) Eger, (161989) Cacus, (2100) Ra-Shalom, and (12711) Tukmit, obtained with the Instituto Astrofísico Canarias 80 and Telescopio Abierto Remoto 2 telescopes at the Teide Observatory (Tenerife, Spain) during 2021 and 2022, in the framework of projects visible NEAs observations survey and NEO Rapid Observation, Characterization and Key Simulations. The shape models and rotation state parameters (P, λ, β) were computed by applying the light curve inversion method to the new data altogether with the archival data. For (3013) Eger and (161989) Cacus, our shape models and rotation state parameters agree with previous works, though they have smaller uncertainties. For (2100) Ra-Shalom, our results also agree with previous studies. Still, we find that a Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack acceleration of υ = (0.223 ± 0.237) × 10−8 rad d−2 slightly improves the fit of the light curves, suggesting that (2100) Ra-Shalom could be affected by this acceleration. We also present for the first time a shape model for (12711) Tukmit, along with its rotation state parameters (P = 3.484900 ± 0.000031 h, λ = 27° ± 8°, β = 9° ± 15°).
Effects of general relativity on habitable zone particles under the presence of an inner perturber around solar-mass stars
Authors: Coronel C F , de Elía G C , Zanardi M , Dugaro A
Published: November 2023

We analyse the role of the general relativity (GR) on the nodal librations of test particles located at the Habitable Zone (HZ) around a solar-mass star, which evolve under the influence of an eccentric planetary-mass perturber with a semimajor axis of 0.1 au. Based on a secular Hamiltonian up to quadrupole level, we derive analytical criteria that define the nodal libration region of an HZ particle as a function of its eccentricity e2 and inclination i2, and the mass m1 and the eccentricity e1 of the perturber. We show that an HZ particle can experience nodal librations with orbital flips or purely retrograde orbits for any m1 and e1 by adopting a suitable combination of e2 and i2. For m1 < 0.84 MJup, the greater the m1 value, the smaller the e2 value above which nodal librations are possible for a given e1. For m1 > 0.84 MJup, an HZ test particle can undergo nodal librations for any e2 and appropriate values of e1 and i2. The same correlation between m1 and e2 is obtained for nodal librations with orbital flips, but a mass limit for m1 of 1.68 MJup is required in this case. Moreover, the more massive the inner perturber, the greater the nodal libration region associated with orbital flips in the (e1, i2) plane for a given value of e2. Finally, we find good agreements between the analytical criteria and results from N-body simulations for values of m1 ranging from Saturn-like planets to super-Jupiters.
Eruptive novae in symbiotic systems
Authors: Vathachira Irin Babu , Hillman Yael , Kashi Amit
Published: November 2023

We conduct numerical simulations of multiple nova eruptions in detached, widely separated symbiotic systems that include an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) companion to investigate the impact of white dwarf (WD) mass and binary separation on the evolution of the system. The accretion rate is determined using the Bondi–Hoyle–Lyttleton method, incorporating orbital momentum loss caused by factors such as gravitational radiation, magnetic braking, and drag. The WD in such a system accretes matter coming from the strong wind of an AGB companion until it finishes shedding its envelope. This occurs on an evolutionary time-scale of ≈3 × 105 yr. Throughout all simulations, we use a consistent AGB model with an initial mass of 1.0 M⊙ while varying the WD mass and binary separation, as they are the critical factors influencing nova eruption behaviour. We find that the accretion rate fluctuates between high and low rates during the evolutionary period, significantly impacted by the AGB’s mass loss rate. We show that unlike novae in cataclysmic variables, the orbital period may either increase or decrease during evolution, depending on the model, while the separation consistently decreases. Furthermore, we have identified cases in which the WDs produce weak, non-ejective novae and experience mass gain. This suggests that provided the accretion efficiency can be achieved by a more massive WD and maintained for long enough, they could potentially serve as progenitors for type Ia supernovae.
Compact groups from semi-analytical models of galaxy formation – V. Their assembly channels as a function of the environment
Authors: Taverna A , Díaz-Giménez E , Zandivarez A , Martínez H J , Ruiz A N
Published: November 2023

We delved into the assembly pathways and environments of compact groups (CGs) of galaxies using mock catalogues generated from semi-analytical models (SAMs) on the Millennium simulation. We investigate the ability of SAMs to replicate the observed CG environments and whether CGs with different assembly histories tend to inhabit specific cosmic environments. We also analyse whether the environment or the assembly history is more important in tailoring CG properties. We find that about half of the CGs in SAMs are non-embedded systems, 40 per cent are inhabiting loose groups or nodes of filaments, while the rest distribute evenly in filaments and voids, in agreement with observations. We observe that early-assembled CGs preferentially inhabit large galaxy systems ($\sim 60~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$), while around 30 per cent remain non-embedded. Conversely, lately formed CGs exhibit the opposite trend. We also obtain that lately formed CGs have lower velocity dispersions and larger crossing times than early-formed CGs, but mainly because they are preferentially non-embedded. Those lately formed CGs that inhabit large systems do not show the same features. Therefore, the environment plays a strong role in these properties for lately formed CGs. Early-formed CGs are more evolved, displaying larger velocity dispersions, shorter crossing times, and more dominant first-ranked galaxies, regardless of the environment. Finally, the difference in brightness between the two brightest members of CGs is dependent only on the assembly history and not on the environment. CGs residing in diverse environments have undergone varied assembly processes, making them suitable for studying their evolution and the interplay of nature and nurture on their traits.
fastchem cond: equilibrium chemistry with condensation and rainout for cool planetary and stellar environments
Authors: Kitzmann Daniel , Stock Joachim W , Patzer A Beate C
Published: November 2023

Cool astrophysical objects, such as (exo)planets, brown dwarfs, or asymptotic giant branch stars, can be strongly affected by condensation. Condensation not only directly affects the chemical composition of the gas phase by removing elements but the condensed material also influences other chemical and physical processes in these objects. This includes, for example, the formation of clouds in planetary atmospheres and brown dwarfs or the dust-driven winds of evolved stars. In this study, we introduce fastchem cond, a new version of the fastchem equilibrium chemistry code that adds a treatment of equilibrium condensation. Determining the equilibrium composition under the impact of condensation is complicated by the fact that the number of condensates that can exist in equilibrium with the gas phase is limited by a phase rule. However, this phase rule does not directly provide information as to which condensates are stable. A major advantage of fastchem cond is its ability to automatically select the set stable condensates satisfying the phase rule. Besides the normal equilibrium condensation, fastchem cond can also be used with the rainout approximation that is commonly employed in atmospheres of brown dwarfs or (exo)planets. fastchem cond is available as open-source code, released under the GNU General Public Licence 3 (GPLv3). In addition to the c++ code, fastchem cond also offers a python interface. Together with the code update, we also add about 290 liquid and solid condensate species to fastchem.
The effect of isotopic substitution on the excitation of CCS isotopologues in molecular clouds
Authors: Godard Palluet Amélie , Lique François
Published: November 2023

CCS(3Σ−) is one of the few molecules which presents many observable isotopologues, with the reported detection of 13CCS, C13CS, CC34S, and CC33S. The accurate determination of CCS isotopologues abundances enables the study of the isotopic fraction in media where they are detected, and gives insights into their formation pathways. The availability of collisional rate coefficients, that are prerequisite for accurate determination of their abundances in astrophysical media under non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions, allows drawing reliable conclusions on their abundances. In this study, fine and hyperfine-structure resolved excitation rate coefficients induced by collisions with helium are produced with a quantum approach for all detected CCS isotopologues for the 5–50 K temperature range. Radiative transfer models have been performed with the new data to discuss their impact on the excitation conditions of these species. The effect of the isotopic substitution appears to be weak between fine-structure rate coefficients. The observed lines of CCS, 13CCS, C13CS, and CC34S are found to be out of LTE conditions, and therefore, the proper determination of the abundance of CCS isotopologues in molecular clouds requires the use of the data produced in this work.
On the orbital decay of the gas giant Kepler-1658b
Authors: Barker Adrian J , Efroimsky Michael , Makarov Valeri V , Veras Dimitri
Published: November 2023

The gas giant Kepler-1658b has been inferred to be spiralling into its sub-giant F-type host star Kepler-1658a (KOI-4). The measured rate of change of its orbital period is $\stackrel{\bf \centerdot }{\textstyle {P}}_{\rm orb}\, =\, -\, 131^{+20}_{-22}\,\rm {ms\,yr^{ -1}}$, which can be explained by tidal dissipation in the star if its modified tidal quality factor is as low as $Q^{\, \prime }\approx 2.50\times {10}^{4}$. We explore whether this could plausibly be consistent with theoretical predictions based on applying up-to-date tidal theory in stellar models (varying stellar mass, age, and metallicity) consistent with our newly derived observational constraints. In most of our models matching the combined constraints on the stellar effective temperature and radius, the dissipation in the star is far too weak, capable of providing $Q^{\, \prime }\gtrsim 10^9$, hence contributing negligibly to orbital evolution. Using only constraints on the stellar radius, efficient tidal dissipation sufficient to explain observations is possible due to inertial waves in the convective envelope during the sub-giant phase, providing $Q^{\, \prime }\sim 10^4$, but this period in the evolution is very short-lived (shorter than 102 yr in our models). We show that dissipation in the planet is capable of explaining the observed $\dot{P}_\mathrm{orb}$ only if the planet rotates non-synchronously. Tidally induced pericentre precession is a viable explanation if the periastron argument is near 3π/2 and the planet's quadrupolar Love number is above 0.26. Further observations constraining the stellar and planetary properties in this system have the exciting potential to test tidal theories in stars and planets.
Testing theories of accretion and gravity with super-extremal Kerr discs
Authors: Mummery Andrew , Balbus Steven , Ingram Adam
Published: November 2023

Fitting the thermal continuum emission of accreting black holes observed across X-ray bands represents one of the principle means of constraining the properties (mass and spin) of astrophysical black holes. Recent ‘continuum fitting’ studies of Galactic X-ray binaries in the soft state have found best-fitting dimensionless spin values which run into the prior bounds placed on traditional models (a⋆ = 0.9999). It is of critical importance that these results are robust, and not a result solely of the presence of these prior bounds and deficiencies in conventional models of accretion. Motivated by these results we derive and present superkerr, an xspec model comprising of a thin accretion disc solution valid in the Kerr geometry for arbitrary spin parameter a⋆, extending previous models valid only for black holes (|a⋆| < 1). This extension into ‘super-extremal’ space–times with |a⋆| > 1 includes solutions which describe discs evolving around naked singularities, not black holes. While being valid solutions of Einstein’s field equations these naked singularities are not expected to be present in nature. We discuss how the ‘measurement’ of a Kerr spin parameter 1 < a⋆ < 5/3 would present compelling evidence for the requirement of a rethink in either standard accretion theory, or our theories of gravity.
A huge-amplitude white-light superflare on a L0 brown dwarf discovered by GWAC survey
Authors: Xin Li-Ping , Li Hua-li , Wang Jing , Han Xu-Hui , Cai Hong-Bo , Huang Xin-Bo , Cao Jia-Xin , Zhu Yi-Nan , Wang Xiang-Gao , Li Guang-Wei , Ren Bin , Gao Cheng , Song Da , Huang Lei , Lu Xiao-Meng , Bai Jian-Ying , Qiu Yu-Lei , Liang En-Wei , Dai Zi-Gao , Wang Xiang-Yu , Wu Chao , Deng Jing-Song , Yang Yuan-Gui , Wei Jian-Yan
Published: November 2023

White-light superflares from ultra-cool stars are thought to be resulted from magnetic reconnection, but the magnetic dynamics in a fully convective star is not clear yet. In this paper, we report a stellar superflare detected with the ground wide angle camera (GWAC), along with rapid follow-ups with the F60A, Xinglong 2.16-m, and LCOGT telescopes. The effective temperature of the counterpart is estimated to be 2200 ± 50 K by the BT-Settl model, corresponding to a spectral type of L0. The R-band light curve can be modelled as a sum of three exponential decay components, where the impulsive component contributes a fraction of 23 per cent of the total energy, while the gradual and the shallower decay phases emit 42 per cent and 35 per cent of the total energy, respectively. The strong and variable Balmer narrow emission lines indicate the large amplitude flare is resulted from magnetic activity. The bolometric energy released is about 6.4 × 1033 erg, equivalent to an energy release in a duration of 143.7 h at its quiescent level. The amplitude of Δ R = −8.6 mag (or Δ V = −11.2 mag), placing it one of the highest amplitudes of any ultra-cool star recorded with excellent temporal resolution. We argue that a stellar flare with such rapidly decaying and huge amplitude at distances greater than 1 kpc may be false positive in searching for counterparts of catastrophic events such as gravitational wave events or gamma-ray bursts, which are valuable in time-domain astronomy and should be given more attention.
The Flawed Foundations of Social Equity in Public Administration: A Racial Contract Theory Critique
Authors: Moloney Kim , Lewis Rupert
Published: November 2023

The social equity concept of American public administration traces its roots to the philosophies of John Rawls, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. We suggest such fixed positionalities limit what is knowable about social equity. This is due to their restricted considerations of America’s racialized origins. By introducing Charles Mills’ racial contract theory to the public administration discipline, we suggest that the assumed “social contract” at America’s origins was racialized, was disconnected from its historical actuality, and was born of exploitation. Racialized epistemological foundations alter how the social equity concept is understood. The implications matter for our disciplinary understanding of social equity and its origins.
Polysomnographic findings of myotonic dystrophy type 1/type 2: evidence from case–control studies
Authors: Zhang Ye , Ren Rong , Yang Linghui , Jin Hui , Nie Yuru , Zhang Haipeng , Shi Yuan , Sanford Larry D , Vitiello Michael V , Tang Xiangdong
Published: November 2023

Study Objectives

This study explores polysomnographic and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) differences between myotonic dystrophy type 1/type 2 (DM1/DM2) patients and controls.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, All EBM databases, and Web of Science from inception to Aug 2023.

Results

Meta-analyses revealed significant reductions in sleep efficiency, N2 percentage, mean SpO2, and MSLT measured mean sleep latency, and increases in N3 sleep, wake time after sleep onset, apnea hypopnea index, and periodic limb movement index in DM1 patients compared with controls. However, any differences of polysomnographic sleep change between DM2 patients and controls could not be established due to limited available studies.

Conclusions

Multiple significant polysomnographic abnormalities are present in DM1. More case–control studies evaluating polysomnographic changes in DM2 compared with controls are needed.
Effects of isoenergetic supplementation as water use mitigation strategy on water footprint and health of nursing bull calves
Authors: Macias Franco Arturo , da Silva Aghata Elins Moreira , de Moura Felipe Henrique , Norris Aaron B , Roloson Serena Breanne , Gerrard David E , de Mello Amilton , Fonseca Mozart A
Published: November 2023

Sustainable livestock systems focus on mitigating natural resource use such as water. Dietary management strategies can significantly reduce the water footprint of livestock animals; however, animal health is of concern when animals reduce water intake due to subacute dehydration. To evaluate potential consequences of this nutritional management intervention, a total of 23, 60 ± 3 days old nursing Holstein bull calves, weighing 94.7 ± 12.07 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design and received one of three diets. Control was a basal diet composed of a non-medicated milk replacer (milk replacer; n = 7), and the additional two diets, were composed of the same non-medicated milk replacer in addition to either lipid [n = 8; milk replacer + menhaden fish oil (3 %)] or soluble carbohydrate [n = 8; milk replacer + corn starch (7%) isoenergetic to fat group] supplements. Animals were offered ad libitum mineral mix and water, as well as 120 g/day of a composite mix of dried microbrewery’s spent grains. Data were analyzed as linear and generalized linear mixed models with diet as a fixed effect and animal as random utilizing R studio (R Core Team, 2021, Vienna, Austria; SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Within supplementation groups, lipid supplemented calves had the highest lymphocyte (63.24 vs 57.69 counts/100 lymphocytes; P < 0.033), and lowest neutrophil counts (29.3 vs 35.3 counts/100 lymphocytes; P < 0.047). Supplementation significantly increased total serum protein (P = 0.001) and skin moisture (P < 0.011), with carbohydrate group having the highest skin moisture (5.30 vs 3.99; P < 0.047). Supplementation also decreased fecal fluidity scores (P < 0.001) with no significant change in serum electrolytes (P > 0.256). No significant differences were found amongst treatments for the ingestive behavior (P > 0.338). The carbohydrate-supplemented calves significantly decreased all daily water footprints compared to the control and fat-supplemented groups: blue a 47.55 L decrease, (P < 0.001), green a 265.62 L decrease (P = 0.005), and gray a 55.87 L decrease (P = 0.009) water footprint, as well as total water footprint (369.04 L, P = 0.004). Our results indicate the potential to maintain animal performance while increasing water use efficiency through diet supplementation tailored to mitigate water use, without adverse effects on animal health.
Morphology matters: congruence of morphology and phylogeny in the integrative taxonomy of Clevelandellidae (Ciliophora: Armophorea) with description of six new species
Authors: Kotyk Michael , Bourland William A , Soviš Matyáš , Méndez-Sánchez Daniel , Škaloud Pavel , Kotyková Varadínová Zuzana , Čepička Ivan
Published: November 2023

Armophorid ciliates of family Clevelandellidae represent ecologically interesting symbionts of ecologically interesting hosts: wood-eating cockroaches of subfamily Panesthiinae unrelated to the termite/Cryptocercus lineage. Moreover, these protists exhibit a peculiar morphology, with the posteriorization of oral structures being the most striking of their unique characters. Despite that, the family is relatively understudied, with only a handful of morphologically novel species being described since its erection more than 80 years ago. Recently, however, several clevelandellid species were described solely on the basis of molecular characters and it has been suggested that morphology should be abandoned in favour of purely molecular taxonomy. In our study we report on the diversity of Clevelandellidae from the widest host spectrum assessed so far, characterize a majority of previously described Clevelandellidae species, and describe six new Clevelandella species. By applying an integrative taxonomical approach, using molecular and modern morphological methods, we demonstrate the pitfalls of a purely molecular approach and show that morphology still has its place in the taxonomy of Clevelandellidae. Moreover, thanks to a combination of observations of in vivo cells, protargol preparations, and scanning electron microscopy (used for the first time in Clevelandellidae), we were able to clarify morphological uncertainties of previous works and discuss various morphological peculiarities of Clevelandellidae.
Photo‐oxygenation of histidine residue inhibits α‐synuclein aggregation
Authors: Nakamura Reito , Tomizawa Ikumi , Iwai Atsushi , Ikeda Tetsuo , Hirayama Kota , Chiu Yung Wen , Suzuki Takanobu , Tarutani Airi , Mano Tatsuo , Iwata Atsushi , Toda Tatsushi , Sohma Youhei , Kanai Motomu , Hori Yukiko , Tomita Taisuke
Published: November 2023

Aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) into amyloid is the pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. It is widely accepted that α‐syn aggregation is associated with neurodegeneration, although the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the inhibition of α‐syn aggregation is a potential therapeutic approach against these diseases. This study used the photocatalyst for α‐syn photo‐oxygenation, which selectively adds oxygen atoms to fibrils. Our findings demonstrate that photo‐oxygenation using this photocatalyst successfully inhibits α‐syn aggregation, particularly by reducing its seeding ability. Notably, we also discovered that photo‐oxygenation of the histidine at the 50th residue in α‐syn aggregates is responsible for the inhibitory effect. These findings indicate that photo‐oxygenation of the histidine residue in α‐syn is a potential therapeutic strategy for synucleinopathies.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver degree and long-term risk of incident inflammatory bowel disease: A large-scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Si , Wu Jing , Zhu Shengtao , Wu Yongdong , Wu Shanshan , Zhang Shutian
Published: November 2023

Background:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown similar worsening epidemic patterns globally and shared various overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. However, evidence on the relationship between NAFLD and IBD risk is lacking. We aimed to investigate the associations between long-term risk of incident IBD and NAFLD in a large prospective cohort.

Methods:

Participants from the United Kingdom Biobank cohort (https://biobank.ndph.ox.ac.uk/) who were free of IBD and alcoholic liver disease at baseline were enrolled. Baseline non-alcoholic fatty liver degree was measured by the well-established fatty liver index (FLI). The outcomes of interest included incident IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

Among 418,721 participants (mean FLI: 48.11 ± 30.11), 160,807 (38.40%) participants were diagnosed as NAFLD at baseline. During a median of 12.4 years' follow-up, 2346 incident IBD cases (1545 UC, 653 CD, and 148 IBD-unclassified) were identified. Due to limited events, those IBD-unclassified were combined in UC or CD when examining the associated risk of UC or CD, separately. Compared with the lowest quartile of FLI, the highest quartile showed a separately 36.00%, 25.00%, and 58.00% higher risk of incident IBD (HRQ4

vs.

Q1 = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.19–1.55, P
trend<0.001), UC (HRQ4

vs.

Q1 = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.46, P
trend = 0.047), and CD (HRQ4

vs.

Q1 = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26–1.97, P
trend <0.001) after multivariable adjustment. Compared with non-NAFLD, NAFLD participants had a significantly higher risk of incident IBD (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24) and CD (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17–1.58).

Conclusions:

Higher degree of non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with increased risk of incident IBD. Interventions aimed at improving NAFLD may be a potential targeted strategy for the detection and treatment of IBD.
Effectiveness, safety and utilization of cobimetinib and vemurafenib in patients with BRAF V600 mutant melanoma with and without cerebral metastasis under real-world conditions in Germany: the non-interventional study coveNIS
Authors: Kähler Katharina C. , Debus Dirk , Schley Gaston , Göppner Daniela , Hassel Jessica C. , Meier Friedegund , Terheyden Patrick , Stadler Rudolf , Tüting Thomas , Kaatz Martin , Hoff Norman-Philipp , Masoudi Ehsan , Zdanowicz-Specht Agnieszka , Nguyen Minh Tam , Mohr Peter
Published: November 2023

Cobimetinib/vemurafenib combination therapy is approved for treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic BRAF V600 mutated malignant melanoma (mM). The non-interventional post-authorisation safety study coveNIS collected real-world data on cobimetinib/vemurafenib treatment focussing on overall survival (OS), safety and utilization. MM patients with brain metastases are usually excluded from clinical studies. coveNIS observed 2 cohorts: mM patients without (Cohort A) and with cerebral metastases (Cohort B), aiming to close the data gap for the latter population. A direct comparison of the 2 cohorts was not intended. The primary effectiveness objective was OS; the safety objective was the incidence of all and of serious adverse events (AEs). Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), time to development of cerebral metastasis (Cohort A) and time to central nervous system relapse (Cohort B). All statistical analyses were descriptive. Between 2017 and 2021, 95 patients were included (Cohort A: 54, Cohort B: 41 patients) at 32 sites in Germany. Median OS was 21.6 months in Cohort A, 7.4 months in Cohort B. Median PFS was 6.9 months in Cohort A, 5.2 months in Cohort B. The proportion of patients experiencing any AEs was 83.3% (Cohort A) and 87.8% (Cohort B). The two most common AEs in Cohort A were ‘diarrhoea‘ (37%), ‘vomiting‘ (20.4%) and ‘pyrexia‘ (20.4%); in Cohort B ‘diarrhoea‘ (36.6%) and ‘fatigue‘ (22%). In conclusion, the OS rates in Cohort A and Cohort B of coveNIS are in line with the OS data from other trials with BRAF/MEK inhibitors for mM. No new safety signals were observed.
Effect of Epidermoid Cysts on the Efficacy of Intralesional Corticosteroid Therapy for Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Xu Qiuyun , Bao Chengbei , Liu Jian , Zou Ying , Zhu Yanting , Shen Shuyi , Fang Fang , Wang Songyu , Lin Mengting , Huang Jinwen , Gong Ting , Cheng Bo , Huang Zugen , Ji Chao
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients with hypertrophic scars (HSs) or keloids occasionally have epidermoid cysts (ECs), and the effect of ECs on the effectiveness of intralesional corticosteroids (ILCs) treatment in these patients has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the influence of ECs on the outcomes of ILCs treatment in patients with HSs or keloids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 572 patients with keloids (n = 461) or HSs (n = 111). Patients received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection (0.05 mL/injection) at a concentration of 40 mg/mL and every 28 days for 4 sessions, with a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

A higher incidence of ECs was observed in keloid patients (16.92%) compared with HSs patients (7.21%). Keloid patients with ECs were older (p = .008) and had a longer disease duration (p = .0148), higher Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores (p = .04), and greater thickness (p = .006). Keloid patients with ECs showed less improvement in VSS scores (p < .0001) and thickness (p < .0001) after ILCs treatment, with a higher recurrence rate (p < .0001). The overall complication rate in keloid patients with ECs after ILCs treatment was 49.51%.

CONCLUSION

Epidermoid cysts under keloids were associated with a poor response to ILCs therapy. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate ultrasonography as a routine examination for keloid patients to aid in better decision making in clinical practice.
The Controversy and Value of Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Melanoma and Melanoma in Situ on the Trunk and Extremities
Authors: Zitelli John A. , Stiegel Evan , Brodland David G.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of Mohs surgery for melanoma on the trunk and extremities is not supported in the guidelines of dermatology, but is widely used in the real world.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to expose the value of Mohs surgery for melanoma on the trunk and extremities for consideration of updating the guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database 7 to identify patients whose melanomas would likely have recurred using standard surgical margins. A prediction model was used to evaluate the value of Mohs surgery.

RESULTS

The model predicted that 2,847 (2%) patients with melanoma on the trunk and extremities would likely recur each year with standard surgical margins even after re-excision when positive margins were identified, compared with 0.1% after Mohs surgery. This likely would result in the upstaging of 27% of melanoma in situ patients and 13% of patients with invasive melanoma. The upstaging would also result in a decrease in melanoma-specific survival and the death of 1% of patients with true local recurrences of melanoma.

CONCLUSION

Mohs surgery has value for melanoma on the trunk and extremities by minimizing local recurrence and death from disease progression.
Correlations among Core Outcomes in Menopause-recommended vasomotor symptom outcomes in MsFLASH trials
Authors: Carpenter Janet S. , Larson Joseph C. , Hunter Myra S. , Lensen Sarah , Chen Chen X. , Guthrie Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to advance understanding of vasomotor symptom (VMS) outcomes measurement using pooled data from three Menopause Strategies Finding Lasting Answers to Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) trials.

Methods

Participants self-reported VMS frequency, severity, and bother using daily diaries; completed standardized measures of VMS interference, insomnia severity, and sleep quality/disturbance; and completed four treatment satisfaction items. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations (baseline pooled sample, posttreatment pooled sample, posttreatment placebo only), t tests, and analysis of variance.

Results

Participants were mostly postmenopausal (82.9%) and a mean of 54.5 years old. VMS frequency was fairly correlated with severity, bother, and interference for pooled baseline and placebo posttreatment samples (r values = 0.21-0.39, P values < 0.001) and moderately correlated with severity, bother, and interference for pooled posttreatment (r values = 0.40-0.44, P values < 0.001). VMS severity, bother, and interference were moderately correlated (r values = 0.37-0.48, P values < 0.001), with one exception. VMS severity and bother were strongly correlated (r values = 0.90-0.92, P values < 0.001). VMS interference was moderately correlated with insomnia (r values = 0.45-0.54, P values < 0.001) and fairly to moderately correlated with sleep quality/disturbance (r values = 0.31-0.44, P values < 0.001). Other VMS outcomes were weakly to fairly correlated with insomnia (r values = 0.07-0.33, P values < 0.001 to < 0.05) and sleep quality/disturbance (r values = 0.06-0.26, P values < 0.001 to > 0.05). Greater improvement in VMS and sleep over time was associated with higher treatment satisfaction (P values < 0.001).

Conclusions

This pooled analysis advances understanding of VMS outcomes measurement and has implications for selecting measures and creating future research.