bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A219 AMINOTRANSFERASE IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH FIBROSIS REGRESSION IN THE REGENERATE STUDY
Authors: Ramji A , Rinella M , Dufour J , Anstee Q M , Younossi Z , Loomba R , Sanyal A J , Capozza T , Trylesinki A , Ratziu V
Published: February 2022

Background

The interim analysis of the REGENERATE study showed obeticholic acid (OCA) 25 mg treatment significantly improved liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Elevations in aminotransferases are associated with adverse liver-related outcomes in NASH.

Aims

Here, we evaluate the utility of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as markers of treatment response to OCA in patients with NASH.

Methods

Changes in ALT (upper limit of normal [ULN] = 55 U/L) and AST (ULN = 34 U/L) were assessed systematically at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months in 931 NASH patients with stage 2 or 3 fibrosis randomized 1:1:1 to placebo (PBO), OCA 10 mg, or OCA 25 mg in REGENERATE (intent-to-treat population). Least-square mean (LSM) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of percentage change from baseline in ALT and AST were analyzed using a mixed-effect repeated-measures model.

Results

Baseline characteristics were well-balanced across treatment arms: ALT 79±53 U/L; AST 58±36 U/L; 44% F2, 56% F3. Aminotransferase values were > ULN for ALT in 60% (7% > 3xULN), and for AST in 74% (9% > 3xULN) of patients. Rapid, progressive, and dose-dependent improvement in ALT and AST was seen across PBO, OCA 10 mg, and OCA 25 mg arms, which at Month 18 was: ALT LSM change (95% CI), respectively, -4.9% (-10.7–0.9), -23.2% (-28.9– -17.4) and -31.9% (-37.7– -26.1) and in AST, -8.7% (-12.1– -5.2), -13.4% (-16.8– -9.9), and -19.4 (-22.8– -15.9). ALT and AST LSM reductions in OCA arms vs PBO were seen regardless of patient ULN status at baseline. In all patients, ALT/AST reduction was associated with probability of fibrosis regression at Month 18, ranging from approximately 20%, 95% CI (14–27) to 45% (37–54) with any reduction in ALT (> 0%–100%) and between approximately 20%, 95% CI (25–38) to 43% (35–57) with any reduction in AST (> 0%–100%). Interestingly, even with increases of ≤ 40% in AST or ALT there was still a small probability of fibrosis regression (< 20%). Analysis of changes in ALT and AST in individual patients showed that more patients had improvements on OCA than PBO at Month 18 (FIG 1).

Conclusions

OCA resulted in consistent dose-dependent improvement of ALT and AST. Patients with reductions in ALT or AST were up to twice as likely to have fibrosis improvement than those whose ALT or AST increased. The REGENERATE study is ongoing and will continue through clinical outcomes for verification and description of clinical benefits of OCA in treatment of NASH.

Funding Agencies

None
A239 COMBINED CANNABINOID RECEPTOR 1 AND MU-OPIOID RECEPTOR AGONISTS SYNERGISTICALLY INHIBIT VISCERAL PAIN IN VIVO WITHOUT ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS OR TOLERANCE
Authors: Tsang Q K , Yu Y , Lomax A E , Vanner S , Reed D E
Published: February 2022

Background

Previously we have shown that both cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists inhibit mechanosensitivity of colonic nociceptive nerves. However, it is unknown whether agonists of cannabinoid and opioid receptors have a synergistic interaction, such that very low doses of these agonists can be employed to reduce visceral pain and side effects.

Aims

To determine the effects of combined cannabinoid and opioid receptor agonists on visceral pain and its side effects.

Methods

Telemetric transmitters were surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity of C57/BL6 mice, with electrodes sutured to the external oblique muscle to measure the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention using a 4F arterial embolectomy catheter (volume range 20–80 µL). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with vehicle, arachidonyl-2’-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a selective CB1R agonist (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg), HU-308, a selective CB2R agonist (0.3, 1, 3mg/kg), morphine, a MOR agonist (0.3, 3 mg/kg), or a combination, 30-minutes prior to distention. To assess side effects, pulse oximetry, heart rate, fecal pelleting, and locomotion (via an open-field maze) were measured. Data was analyzed with one or two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni multiple comparisons test.

Results

ACEA dose-dependently reduced VMR (P<0.01 vs. vehicle, N=5); at the 80 µL distention, reductions of 35% (P<0.01) and 62% (P<0.01) were observed for 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg respectively. In contrast, HU-308 did not reduce VMR at any dose (P=0.17, N=8). Morphine (0.3 mg/kg) did not reduce VMR (P>0.99), while a higher dose (3 mg/kg) attenuated VMR (P<0.01 vs. vehicle, N=5); reductions of 32% (P<0.01) and 61% (P<0.01) at 60 and 80 µL distentions respectively. Interestingly, a combination of sub-analgesic doses of ACEA (0.3 mg/kg) and morphine (0.3 mg/kg) significantly reduced VMR (P<0.01 vs vehicle, N=5); compared to vehicle, VMR was reduced by 21% at 40 µL (P<0.05), 27% at 60 µL (P<0.01) and 60% at 80 µL (P<0.01). Chronic administration (2x/day for 6 days) of this combination did not alter the magnitude of its inhibitory effect (P=0.67, N=5), suggesting tolerance did not develop. While analgesic doses of morphine (3mg/kg) decreased oxygen saturation (P<0.01), heart rate (P<0.01) and fecal pelleting (i.e., GI motility; P<0.05), the sub-analgesic combination of ACEA and morphine had no effect (P>0.99 for all, N=5). Locomotion was unchanged by the agonists alone or combined (P=0.17).

Conclusions

A combination of sub-analgesic doses of CB1R and MOR agonists significantly inhibits visceral pain in vivo, without development of sides effects or tolerance with chronic use. Thus, combining low doses of CB1R and MOR agonists may be an effective visceral pain management strategy.

Funding Agencies

NSERC
A244 PROVIDING THE FODMAP DIET THROUGH AN ONLINE PLATFORM: IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Authors: Laforce S , Mukaneza Y , Tremblay M , Lamarche B , Delawarde-Saïas C , Bouin M , Bemeur C
Published: February 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects approximately 15 % of the worldwide population. It is characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. This population is more at risk of suffering from chronic fatigue and psychological distress. Moreover, IBS significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and increases the economic burden on the health system. Many therapies have been developed to try to alleviate the symptoms and improve the lives of people with IBS. Among these is the FODMAP ( Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet which aims to establish a personal tolerance to these nutrients (carbohydrates) that accentuate the symptoms related to IBS. This diet, lasting on average twelve weeks, is separated into three steps: elimination, reintroduction, and personalization. An innovative approach has been developed by the online platform SOSCuisine.com® to allow people with IBS to safely follow the FODMAP diet in a ‘self-service’ way. It consists of using an online service of personalized weekly menus low in FODMAP with tips and instructions for each step of the diet in combination with access to a peer support group, moderated by a specialized registered dietician.

Aims

The aim of this project is to evaluate the impact of this new online service on the quality of life and the control of the physiological and psychological symptoms of people living with IBS. We hypothesized that this online service improve the quality of life and the control of the symptoms.

Methods

The participant has to be at least 18 years old, understand French, have access to Internet and a Facebook account (sufficient familiarity to use them) and have an IBS diagnosis (Rome IV criteria) validated or re-validated by a gastroenterologist within three months. People with eating disorders, mental health problems, other chronic gastrointestinal illnesses (except gastroesophageal reflux disease), diabetes and with a pregnancy are excluded. Validated questionnaires are used to assess the quality of life ( IBS-Quality Of Life), physical symptoms ( IBS-Severity Scoring System), state and trait ( State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Form Y) whereas food intake is assessed with a online 24-hour dietary recall.

Results

So far, 35 participants have been included in the study (83% female, 45,3±12,8 years old). After the intervention, the severity of symptoms significantly decreased (p<0.001), and quality of life (p=0.041) and state anxiety (p=0.034) significantly improved.

Conclusions

This study should allow the identification of facilitating elements to adhere to the FODMAP diet and possibly improve the quality of life of this population.

Funding Agencies

None
A246 GASTROINTESTINAL ADVERSE EVENTS OF CANNABINOIDS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Ratcliffe E , Karimi P , Sunil M , Leong R , Ramirez-GarciaLuna J , Zuniga-Villanueva G
Published: February 2022

Background

Use of therapeutic cannabinoids in the pediatric population has increased in recent years within areas of epilepsy, palliative care, and cancer. Given the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis, exogenous cannabinoids have the potential to develop GI related side effects. While some GI adverse events have been reported with the use of therapeutic cannabinoids, the full profile of GI adverse events in the pediatric population is still unknown.

Aims

To understand the impact of therapeutic cannabinoids on the GI system of pediatric patients, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of various GI-related adverse events arising from cannabinoid usage within pediatric populations.

Methods

Searches were conducted from OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library for study screening. The included studies were quantitatively assessed for GI adverse events including nausea, diarrhea, increased appetite, decreased appetite, weight gain, weight loss, constipation, abdominal pain, and unspecified events. The prevalence along with their relation towards diagnosis, type of cannabinoid, dosage, duration of treatment, and study type were also assessed.

Results

Among a total of 1201 patients across 25 included studies, an overall prevalence of 33.91% GI adverse events was observed in patients. The statistical analysis of the pediatric population displayed no relation between therapeutic cannabinoid usage and GI adverse events, bearing a large heterogeneity (I2 = 91%, P < 0.01). Upon analysis based on study type, a significant difference was observed between prospective and retrospective studies in categories of all GI adverse events, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, with prospective studies displaying a higher prevalence in all three categories. Nausea symptoms showed a significant negative correlation with maximum dosage of cannabinoid used. In addition, diarrhea was found to have a higher prevalence in Dravet syndrome related to an ion channel gene mutation (SCN1A) compared to other epilepsy patients.

Conclusions

While the meta-analysis did not identify any significant associations between therapeutic cannabinoid usage and GI adverse events, there remains the potential for interactions of cannabinoids on GI symptoms depending on dosage and underlying patient factors.

Funding Agencies

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute
A248 THE ROLE OF DIETARY TRYPTOPHAN IN INDOLE AND KYNURENINE PRODUCTION AND IMMUNE MODULATION IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Rueda G H , Causada-Calo N , Nardelli A , Pinto-Sanchez M I , Borojevic R , Libertucci J , Loonen L , Wells J , Sokol H , Verdu E , Bercik P
Published: February 2022

Background

Natural supplements are widely consumed by the general public, with little evidence of mechanistic support. Tryptophan has gained central attention, being transformed by host and gut microbial enzymes into multiple bioactive metabolites that regulate immunity and mood. Indoles are activators of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), crucial for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Tryptophan has been advocated to prevent chronic inflammatory conditions, however the clinical data to support this are missing.

Aims

To investigate clinical, immune, and metabolic parameters in response to tryptophan supplementation, in healthy subjects on a low tryptophan diet.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in 20 healthy volunteers (18 - 75 years old). Subjects were instructed to start a low tryptophan diet and then randomly assigned to a 3-week tryptophan supplementation (3g/day) or placebo, in enteric coated capsules. After a 2-week washout period, subjects crossed over to the opposite intervention arm. Questionnaires were used to assess bowel symptoms, anxiety, depression and stress levels (GSRS, HADS and DASS21, respectively). Stool, urine, blood and duodenal aspirates were collected to measure tryptophan metabolites and cytokines.

Results

Tryptophan supplementation had no changes in gastrointestinal symptoms or behavioral parameters. Compared with placebo, tryptophan increased urinary and plasma levels of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase/kynurenine (p= 0.002 and p= 0.02, respectively) and indoles (p= 0.001 and p= 0.01, respectively), suggestive of activation of host and microbial metabolic pathways. Urinary and plasma metabolites were higher than in feces (p=<0.05), suggesting their active absorption in the small intestine. There were no differences in AhR activity in duodenal aspirates or in stool. Although no changes in the cytokine production were detected, serum kynurenine pathway metabolites negatively correlated with IL-8 levels (R=-0.72; p=0.001). Fecal tryptophan metabolites levels positively correlated with anxiety and depression scores, suggesting that the microbial metabolism of dietary tryptophan in the colon impacts host behavior.

Conclusions

Tryptophan supplementation in healthy individuals was safe and had a measurable influence on microbial and host metabolism, mainly kynurenine and indole pathways, with known immunomodulatory properties. Tryptophan was metabolized and absorbed in the small intestine, reflected by the high metabolite levels in plasma and urine. Fecal metabolites correlating with clinical parameters reflect subjects’ long-term diet. Further studies are warranted to study tryptophan supplementation in disorders with altered AhR pathways.

Funding Agencies

CIHR
A250 NUTRISUP-PPN; PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL OF ORAL AND PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN MALNOURISHED HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS
Authors: Rahman A , Mrkobrada M , Patel A , Chakroborty A , Stephanie H , Armstrong D
Published: February 2022

Background

Hospitalized malnourished patients experience poor outcomes. Despite this, health care practitioners are poor in identifying, monitoring and treating hospital malnutrition.

Aims

Our study determined the feasibility of a novel nutrition care pathway which both rapidly identifies and treats malnourished medical inpatients accounting for the obstacles for nutritional optimization by utilizing both peripheral parental nutrition (PPN) followed by oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on a composite outcome of 30 day readmission, mortality and continued admission, as well other important clinical and nutritional outcomes. The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT02632630

Methods

NutriSUP-PPN was a 2x2 factorial pilot randomized trial. In two large Canadian hospitals, we recruited 100 adult patients > 18 years, < 48 hours from admission to a general medicine ward who were moderately or severely malnourished. Patients received: 1. PPN for 5 days and then enhanced ONS until 30 days post randomization; 2. PPN for 5 days and then standard ONS until 30 days; 3. Standard care for intravenous (IV) fluid administration for 5 days and then enhanced ONS until 30 days; 4. Standard care for IV fluid administration for 5 days and standard ONS until 30 days.

Results

There was no significant differences between a composite outcome of 30 day readmission, continued admission or mortality between any interventional group and control. We did however note a trend in the PPN + ONS arm where only 4/22 patients versus 10/24 patients (p=0.16) in the control (no PPN, no enhanced ONS) experienced an adverse outcome which was largely driven by a reduction of readmission in the ONS + PPN arm We demonstrated feasibility in recruitment, adherence to protocol, and safety. The incidence of sepsis was greater in the PPN arm compared to control (15.5% versus 4.2%) but was not statistically significant. Improvement in nutritional status for interventional arms were not significant compared to control. However, there was a trend of improvement in preventing decline of nutritional status in both the enhanced ONS arm and PPN + enhanced ONS arm.

Conclusions

There are signals in our data, which suggest that the combination of PPN with ONS may improve both clinical and nutritional outcomes compared to PPN or ONS alone. We posit that a large, multi-center, definitive randomized control trial is now justified to determine if PPN for up to 5 days along with 30 days of ONS, versus standard of care, will improve a composite outcome of death, continued admission, and readmission at 30 days.

Funding Agencies

CAGAMOSO
Chemical Ecology of Oviposition Dynamics inDrosophila suzukii(Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Littler Aerianna , Pandey Pritika , O’Dell Kenneth L , Syed Zainulabeuddin
Published: February 2022

Massive economic damage by spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, results from their unique egg laying behavior wherein a gravid fly pierces a ripening fruit to lay a number of eggs. Gravid SWD flies employ a complex suite of behaviors to find a fruit with the optimum firmness and chemistry. We investigated chemosensory cues potentially contributing to the oviposition behavior of SWD. In a series of experiments, we studied how the fruit ripeness and the underlying volatile chemistry influence oviposition. We tested the comparative attraction of three common fruits implicated in oviposition and determined raspberries to be most attractive in the trap choice assays that strictly measured olfactory preference. Since SWD oviposit in ripening fruits and appear to avoid the overripe fruit, we further evaluated the effect of ripeness on gravid fly attraction. Overripe fruits were significantly more attractive compared to the ripe fruits. The trap choice assays were repeated in an olfactory T-maze paradigm that provided a complex odor environment, potentially experienced by the gravid flies, and the results were mostly comparable. Since our behavioral paradigms indicated a clear olfactory preference for specific ripeness stages (ripe and overripe), we analyzed the constituent volatile odorants from the three ripening stages, revealing discrete odor profiles. Finally, we quantified the total soluble sugars and carbon dioxide concentrations from field-collected raspberries in underripe, ripe, and overripe conditions, revealing that the overripe stage is the most sugar-rich. Together, our results indicate unique chemosensory adaptations in gravid SWD flies for successfully exploiting optimal oviposition resources.
Upper gastrointestinal tumors are unrelated to the APC genotype in APC-associated polyposis
Authors: Takao Akinari , Koizumi Koichi , Takao Misato , Inokuchi Takuhiko , Iijima Takeru , Kojika Ekumi , Urushibara Makiko , Horiguchi Shin-ichiro , Yamaguchi Tatsuro
Published: February 2022

Background

In patients with APC-associated polyposis, the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal tumors and the relationship between these and Helicobacter pylori infection have not been clarified in detail. The present study aimed to clarify the features of upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients with APC-associated polyposis.

Methods

Consecutive patients with APC-associated polyposis who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between 2004 and 2018 were recruited.

Results

In total, 36 patients were enrolled. The types of gastrointestinal tumor observed were fundic gland polyposis in 28 patients (77.8%), gastric adenoma in 15 patients (41.7%), duodenal adenoma in 27 patients (75.0%) and periampullary adenoma in 20 patients (55.6%). The phenotype of these upper gastrointestinal tumors was not necessarily the same in patients belonging to the same family. Germline variants in the APC gene were distributed across various sites, regardless of the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal lesions, and none of the tumors correlated with the genotype or phenotype of upper gastrointestinal tumors. Fundic gland polyposis was observed in 28 of 31 patients without a H. pylori infection and in none of the patients with a H. pylori infection (P = 0.00015). After eradication therapy for H. pylori, fundic gland polyposis developed in one, previously infected patient.

Conclusion

The upper gastrointestinal tumor phenotype was not associated with the genotype in patients with APC-associated polyposis. Ascertaining the H. pylori infection status is helpful for endoscopic surveillance of upper gastrointestinal tumors in patients with APC-associated polyposis.
Seasonality and Biting Behavior ofMansonia(Diptera, Culicidae) in Rural Settlements Near Porto Velho, State of Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Galardo Allan Kardec R , Hijjar Andréa V , Falcão Liliane Leite O , Carvalho Dario P , Ribeiro Kaio Augusto N , Silveira Guilherme A , Neto Noel Fernandes S , Saraiva José F
Published: February 2022

Mansonia (Diptera: Culicidae) are known to cause discomfort to the local populations of Amazon. Considering the fact that the effective control of these mosquitoes can only be obtained by understanding their ecology and behavior, entomological monitoring becomes essential. In view of this, mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia were collected by human landing catches (HLC) from 2015 to 2019, in four locations of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. The collections were performed inside and outside the homes, once in every four months, uninterrupted for 24 hr. Human bite indices/hour was used to analyze the hourly activity of the species for different seasons and environment (indoor and outdoor). Moreover, nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests were conducted to indicate if there were differences between exophagic and endophagic behavior. The seasonality of Mansonia species was also analyzed. Overall, 96,766 specimens were collected over five years of sampling. Mansonia titillans (Walker) was found to be the most abundant species (76.9%). The highest percentage of mosquitoes was collected in February (48.4%), followed by October (39.6%) and June (12.0%). The biting activity of the two most abundant species showed peak host seeking activity/behavior during twilight and night, more perceptible in the outdoor environment (peridomiciliary). In general, seasonality showed a tendency towards a reduction in the abundance of Mansonia in the years after 2015. Our results will be essential in the formulation of effective control methodology for Mansonia in the studied area.
Tubastatin A suppresses the proliferation of fibroblasts in epidural fibrosis through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Ruihong , Han Huimin , Li Li
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study was designed to explore the effect of tubastatin A (Tub A) on epidural fibrosis and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)-overexpressed fibroblasts were constructed, and the effect of Tub A on the proliferation of activated fibroblasts was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and cell cycle assay. Besides, 20 Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to animal laminectomy model construction and then randomly treated with 4% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (diluted in 0.9% saline) or Tub A (10 mg/kg/day), separately. The expression of HDAC6 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway-related proteins was measured in epidural fibrosis tissues.

Key findings

HDAC6 was overexpressed in activated fibroblasts and epidural scar tissues of rat models. Cell proliferation was remarkably elevated in HDAC6-overexpressed fibroblasts, which was reflected by cell viability, EdU and flow cytometry-based cell cycle assay, and paralleled with the increased expression of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT and mTOR, which was remarkably reversed following Tub A treatment. 740Y-P activator addition significantly reversed the declined fibroblast proliferation induced by Tub A. The expressions of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins were also reduced in epidural tissues in rat models with Tub A treatment.

Conclusion

Tub A could prevent epidural fibrosis formation by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation through mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Plant responses to climate change: metabolic changes under combined abiotic stresses
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I , Balfagón Damián , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio , Mittler Ron
Published: February 2022

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of abiotic stress combinations that negatively impact plants and pose a serious threat to crop yield and food supply. Plants respond to episodes of stress combination by activating specific physiological and molecular responses, as well as by adjusting different metabolic pathways, to mitigate the negative effects of the stress combination on plant growth, development, and reproduction. Plants synthesize a wide range of metabolites that regulate many aspects of plant growth and development, as well as plant responses to stress. Although metabolic responses to individual abiotic stresses have been studied extensively in different plant species, recent efforts have been directed at understanding metabolic responses that occur when different abiotic factors are combined. In this review we examine recent studies of metabolomic changes under stress combination in different plants and suggest new avenues for the development of stress combination-resilient crops based on metabolites as breeding targets.
Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): Data Release 4 and the z < 0.1 total and z < 0.08 morphological galaxy stellar mass functions
Authors: Driver Simon P , Bellstedt Sabine , Robotham Aaron S G , Baldry Ivan K , Davies Luke J , Liske Jochen , Obreschkow Danail , Taylor Edward N , Wright Angus H , Alpaslan Mehmet , Bamford Steven P , Bauer Amanda E , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Bilicki Maciej , Bravo Matías , Brough Sarah , Casura Sarah , Cluver Michelle E , Colless Matthew , Conselice Christopher J , Croom Scott M , de Jong Jelte , D’Eugenio Franceso , De Propris Roberto , Dogruel Burak , Drinkwater Michael J , Dvornik Andrej , Farrow Daniel J , Frenk Carlos S , Giblin Benjamin , Graham Alister W , Grootes Meiert W , Gunawardhana Madusha L P , Hashemizadeh Abdolhosein , Häußler Boris , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Holwerda Benne W , Hopkins Andrew M , Jarrett Tom H , Heath Jones D , Kelvin Lee S , Koushan Soheil , Kuijken Konrad , Lara-López Maritza A , Lange Rebecca , López-Sánchez Ángel R , Loveday Jon , Mahajan Smriti , Meyer Martin , Moffett Amanda J , Napolitano Nicola R , Norberg Peder , Owers Matt S , Radovich Mario , Raouf Mojtaba , Peacock John A , Phillipps Steven , Pimbblet Kevin A , Popescu Cristina , Said Khaled , Sansom Anne E , Seibert Mark , Sutherland Will J , Thorne Jessica E , Tuffs Richard J , Turner Ryan , van der Wel Arjen , van Kampen Eelco , Wilkins Steve M
Published: February 2022

In Galaxy And Mass Assembly Data Release 4 (GAMA DR4), we make available our full spectroscopic redshift sample. This includes 248 682 galaxy spectra, and, in combination with earlier surveys, results in 330 542 redshifts across five sky regions covering ∼250 deg2. The redshift density, is the highest available over such a sustained area, has exceptionally high completeness (95 per cent to rKiDS = 19.65 mag), and is well-suited for the study of galaxy mergers, galaxy groups, and the low redshift (z < 0.25) galaxy population. DR4 includes 32 value-added tables or Data Management Units (DMUs) that provide a number of measured and derived data products including GALEX, ESO KiDS, ESO VIKING, WISE, and HerschelSpace Observatory imaging. Within this release, we provide visual morphologies for 15 330 galaxies to z < 0.08, photometric redshift estimates for all 18 million objects to rKiDS ∼ 25 mag, and stellar velocity dispersions for 111 830 galaxies. We conclude by deriving the total galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF) and its sub-division by morphological class (elliptical, compact-bulge and disc, diffuse-bulge and disc, and disc only). This extends our previous measurement of the total GSMF down to 106.75 M$_{\odot } \, h_{70}^{-2}$ and we find a total stellar mass density of ρ* = (2.97 ± 0.04) × 108 M$_{\odot } \, h_{70}$ Mpc−3 or $\Omega _*=(2.17 \pm 0.03) \times 10^{-3} \, h_{70}^{-1}$. We conclude that at z < 0.1, the Universe has converted 4.9 ± 0.1 per cent of the baryonic mass implied by big bang Nucleosynthesis into stars that are gravitationally bound within the galaxy population.
Symplectic coarse graining approach to the dynamics of spherical self-gravitating systems
Authors: Barbieri Luca , Di Cintio Pierfrancesco , Giachetti Guido , Simon-Petit Alicia , Casetti Lapo
Published: February 2022

We investigate the evolution of the phase–space distribution function around slightly perturbed stationary states and the process of violent relaxation in the context of the dissipationless collapse of an isolated spherical self-gravitating system. By means of the recently introduced symplectic coarse graining technique, we obtain an effective evolution equation that allows us to compute the scaling of the frequencies around a stationary state, as well as the damping times of Fourier modes of the distribution function, with the magnitude of the Fourier k −vectors themselves. We compare our analytical results with N-body simulations.
Quantifying radial migration in the Milky Way: inefficient over short time-scales but essential to the very outer disc beyond ∼15 kpc
Authors: Lian Jianhui , Zasowski Gail , Hasselquist Sten , Holtzman Jon A , Boardman Nicholas , Cunha Katia , Fernández-Trincado José G , Frinchaboy Peter M , Garcia-Hernandez D A , Nitschelm Christian , Lane Richard R , Thomas Daniel , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2022

Stellar radial migration plays an important role in reshaping a galaxy’s structure and the radial distribution of stellar population properties. In this work, we revisit reported observational evidence for radial migration and quantify its strength using the age–[Fe/H] distribution of stars across the Milky Way with APOGEE data. We find a broken age–[Fe/H] relation in the Galactic disc at r > 6 kpc, with a more pronounced break at larger radii. To quantify the strength of radial migration, we assume stars born at each radius have a unique age and metallicity, and then decompose the metallicity distribution function (MDF) of mono-age young populations into different Gaussian components that originated from various birth radii at rbirth < 13 kpc. We find that, at ages of 2 and 3 Gyr, roughly half the stars were formed within 1 kpc of their present radius, and very few stars (<5 per cent) were formed more than 4 kpc away from their present radius. These results suggest limited short-distance radial migration and inefficient long-distance migration in the Milky Way during the last 3 Gyr. In the very outer disc beyond 15 kpc, the observed age–[Fe/H] distribution is consistent with the prediction of pure radial migration from smaller radii, suggesting a migration origin of the very outer disc. We also estimate intrinsic metallicity gradients at ages of 2 and 3 Gyr of −0.061 and −0.063 dex kpc−1, respectively.
Comparing different approaches for stellar intensity interferometry
Authors: Karl Sebastian , Zmija Andreas , Richter Stefan , Vogel Naomi , Malyshev Dmitry , Zink Adrian , Michel Thilo , Anton Gisela , von Zanthier Joachim , Funk Stefan
Published: February 2022

Stellar intensity interferometers correlate photons within their coherence time and could overcome the baseline limitations of existing amplitude interferometers. Intensity interferometers do not rely on phase coherence of the optical elements and thus function without high-grade optics and light combining delay lines. However, the coherence time of starlight observed with realistic optical filter bandwidths ($\gt {0.1}\, {\rm nm}$) is usually much smaller than the time resolution of the detection system ($\gt {10}\, {\rm ps}$), resulting in a greatly reduced correlation signal. Reaching high signal-to-noise ratio in a reasonably short measurement time can be achieved in different ways: either by increasing the time resolution, which increases the correlation signal height, or by increasing the photon rate, which decreases statistical uncertainties of the measurement. We present laboratory measurements employing both approaches and directly compare them in terms of signal-to-noise ratio. A high-time-resolution interferometry setup designed for small-to-intermediate-sized optical telescopes and thus lower photon rates (diameters $\lt \,$some metres) is compared to a setup capable of measuring high photon rates, which is planned to be installed at Cherenkov telescopes with dish diameters of $\gt {10}\, {\rm m}$. We use a xenon lamp as a common light source simulating starlight. Both setups measure the expected correlation signal and work at the expected shot-noise limit of statistical uncertainties for measurement times between 10 min and 23 h. We discuss the quantitative differences in the measurement results and give an overview of suitable operation regimes for each of the interferometer concepts.
Probing cosmology and gastrophysics with fast radio bursts: cross-correlations of dark matter haloes and cosmic dispersion measures
Authors: Shirasaki Masato , Takahashi Ryuichi , Osato Ken , Ioka Kunihito
Published: February 2022

For future surveys of fast radio bursts (FRBs), we clarify information available from cosmic dispersion measures (DMs) through cross-correlation analyses of foreground dark matter haloes (hosting galaxies and galaxy clusters) with their known redshifts. With a halo-model approach, we predict that the cross-correlation with cluster-sized haloes is less affected by the details of gastrophysics, providing robust cosmological information. For less massive haloes, the cross-correlation at angular scales of ${\lt} 10\, \mathrm{arcmin}$ is sensitive to gas expelled from the halo centre due to galactic feedback. Assuming 20 000 FRBs over $20\,000 \, {\rm deg}^2$ with a localization error being 3 arcmin, we expect that the cross-correlation signal at halo masses of 1012–$10^{14}\, {\rm M}_\odot$ can be measured with a level of ${\sim} 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ precision in a redshift range of 0 < z < 1. Such precise measurements enable one to put a 1.5 per cent level constraint on $\sigma _8\, (\Omega _\mathrm{M}/0.3)^{0.5}$ and a 3 per cent level constraint on (Ωb/0.049)(h/0.67)(fe/0.95) (σ8, ΩM, Ωb, h, and fe are the linear mass variance smoothed at $8\, h^{-1}\mathrm{\,Mpc}$, mean mass density, mean baryon density, the present-day Hubble parameter, and fraction of free electrons in cosmic baryons today, respectively), whereas the gas-to-halo mass relation in galaxies and clusters can be constrained with a level of $10$–$20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Furthermore the cross-correlation analyses can break the degeneracy among Ωb, h, and fe, inherent in the DM–redshift relation. Our proposal opens new possibilities for FRB cosmology, while it requires extensive galaxy redshift catalogues and further improvement of the halo model.
The peculiar chemical abundance of the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 – Li enhancement
Authors: Shahbaz T , González-Hernández J I , Breton R P , Kennedy M R , Sánchez D Mata , Linares M
Published: February 2022

Using high-resolution optical spectroscopy we determine the chemical abundance of the secondary star in the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038. We measure a metallicity of [Fe/H] = 0.48 ± 0.04 which is higher than the Solar value and in general find that the element abundances are different compared to the secondary stars in X-ray binaries and stars in the solar neighbourhood of similar Fe content. Our results suggest that the pulsar was formed in a supernova explosion. We find that supernova models, where matter that has been processed in the supernova is captured by the secondary star leading to abundance anomalies, qualitatively agree with the observations. We measure Li abundance of A(Li) = 3.66 ± 0.20, which is anomalously high compared to the Li abundance of stars with the same effective temperature, irrespective of the age of the system. Furthermore, the Li abundance in PSR J1023+0038 is higher than the Cosmic value and what is observed in young Population I stars and so provides unambiguous evidence for fresh Li production. The most likely explanation is the interaction of high-energy gamma-rays or relativistic protons from the pulsar wind or intrabinary shock with the CNO nuclei in the secondary star’s atmosphere via spallation which leads to substantial Li enrichment in the secondary star’s atmosphere.
CRISPR/Cas13 effectors have differing extents of off-target effects that limit their utility in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Ai Yuxi , Liang Dongming , Wilusz Jeremy E
Published: February 2022

CRISPR/Cas13 effectors have garnered increasing attention as easily customizable tools for detecting and depleting RNAs of interest. Near perfect complementarity between a target RNA and the Cas13-associated guide RNA is required for activation of Cas13 ribonuclease activity. Nonetheless, the specificity of Cas13 effectors in eukaryotic cells has been debated as the Cas13 nuclease domains can be exposed on the enzyme surface, providing the potential for promiscuous cleavage of nearby RNAs (so-called collateral damage). Here, using co-transfection assays in Drosophila and human cells, we found that the off-target effects of RxCas13d, a commonly used Cas13 effector, can be as strong as the level of on-target RNA knockdown. The extent of off-target effects is positively correlated with target RNA expression levels, and collateral damage can be observed even after reducing RxCas13d/guide RNA levels. The PspCas13b effector showed improved specificity and, unlike RxCas13d, can be used to deplete a Drosophila circular RNA without affecting the expression of the associated linear RNA. PspCas13b nonetheless still can have off-target effects and we notably found that the extent of off-target effects for Cas13 effectors differs depending on the cell type and target RNA examined. In total, these results highlight the need for caution when designing and interpreting Cas13-based knockdown experiments.
Mixed-species flocking is associated with low arthropod detectability and increased foraging efficiency by Yungas forest birds in Argentina
Authors: Mangini Giselle , Mokross Karl , Gandoy Facundo , Areta Juan Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Mixed-species flocks presumably provide birds with antipredator and foraging benefits. The foraging benefits hypothesis predicts that a reduction in arthropod abundance will trigger flocking activity; however, flocking activity may also be influenced by the difficulty of detecting arthropods, a seldom explored possibility. We found that environmental traits (temperature and foliage density) combined with arthropod abundance explained arthropod detection by birds in the Yungas foothill forest of NW Argentina. Prey detection was inversely related to ambient temperature and foliage density while positively associated with arthropod abundance. Based on this result, we built a structural equation model using a latent proxy variable for arthropod detectability, arthropod crypsis, integrating ambient temperature, foliage density, and proportion of immature arthropods. This model allowed us to compare the relative importance of arthropod abundance and the difficulty in detecting prey items as predictors of flocking propensity. After 2 yr of studying 129 mixed-species flocks, 1,351 bird foraging sequences, and 25,591 arthropod captures, we found that the flocking propensity of birds was only significantly correlated with arthropod detectability and not with arthropod abundance. Flocking propensity peaked when the arthropod community was comprised of proportionately more immature and non-flying arthropods, the temperature was low, and the foliage cover was denser; all factors are contributing to a low arthropod detectability. Finally, we evaluated whether joining mixed-species flocks provided foraging benefits such as increased foraging efficiency. Individuals benefited from joining flocks by an average increase of their prey-capture attempt rate of 40%, while the search rate increased by 16%. Our results add a new perspective on the drivers of mixed-species flocking by showing that the capacity to find prey items may have a more significant effect than prey abundance per se.
Stigmatization and Victimization of People Experiencing Homelessness: Psychological Functioning, Social Functioning, and Social Distance as Predictors of Reporting Violence to the Police
Authors: Lehmann Robert J B , Hausam Joscha , Lösel Friedrich
Published: February 2022

Homelessness is a serious social and health problem that is very important for community care and problem-oriented policing (POP). As this vulnerable population is difficult to reach, sound empirical data on psychosocial characteristics and contacts with the police are rare. This article reports a study of people experiencing homelessness from Berlin (Germany). Based on concepts of psychological and social functioning as well as social distance to the police we investigated their relation to reports of violent victimization to the police. A sample of 60 homeless males was contacted in the streets and anonymously answered interview questions and German versions of the Symptom Checklist 9, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Perceived Social Distance Scale. Only participants who had experienced violent victimization within the last 5 years were included for the study. The results showed enhanced psychological problems and social isolation from the society, although there were some close relations to other people experiencing homelessness. Psychological problems and social distance to the police clearly differentiated between those participants who reported their violent victimization to the police and those who did not. Multivariate analyses stress the importance of social distance to the police, psychological functioning, and age as predictors of reporting victimization to the police. Moderator analyses suggested that if social distance to the police is low, people tend to report victimization independent of psychological functioning. The findings are relevant for POP and support the involvement of police in multi-agency-based community crime prevention. Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.
Collaborative practitioner–researcher partnerships in policing: Two researchers’ reflections
Authors: Worden Robert E , McLean Sarah J
Published: February 2022

Long-term, collaborative practitioner–researcher partnerships offer many benefits to police agencies and research institutions, generating systematic evidence that enables agencies to become learning organizations and expands the base of knowledge. We reflect on our experiences with five such partnerships to discuss the scope, operation, and structure of collaboration. Given their skills and independence, researchers can perform functions that serve valuable purposes, and that probably could not be performed as well by equally well-trained personnel in the police chain-of-command. Research partnerships need not be limited to ‘policy’ research, as researchers can shed light on a wide range of topics that have practical and theoretical significance. They need not confine themselves to randomized controlled trials, and partnerships need not conform to any prescribed structure, as they will be shaped by the joint characteristics of the agency and the researcher(s). They confront challenges that stem from the political environment, which may also afford opportunities.
Efficacy and tolerance of corticosteroids and methotrexate in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dabbak Imène , Rodero Mathieu P , Aeschlimann Florence A , Authier François-Jérôme , Bodemer Christine , Quartier Pierre , Bondet Vincent , Charuel Jean-Luc , Duffy Darragh , Gitiaux Cyril , Bader-Meunier Brigitte
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and tolerance of the conventional first-line treatment by MTX and CS in patients with JDM regardless of severity.

Methods

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of patients with newly diagnosed JDM treated with MTX and CS from 2012 to 2020. The proportion of clinically inactive disease (CID) within 6 months of MTX initiation was evaluated using both Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO) criteria (evaluating muscle inactive disease) and DAS (evaluating skin inactive disease). We compared responders and non-responders using univariate analyses.

Results

Forty-five patients with JDM, out of which 30 (67%) severe JDM, were included. After 6 months of treatment with MTX and CS, complete CID, muscle CID and skin CID were achieved in 14/45 (31%), 19/45 (42%) and 15/45 (33%) patients, respectively. The absence of myositis-specific (MSA) or myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAA) at diagnosis was associated with a better overall, cutaneous and muscular therapeutic response, compared with antibody-positive forms (P < 0.01). Requirement for ICU (P = 0.029) and cutaneous ulcerations (P = 0.018) were associated with a less favourable muscle response. MTX was stopped due to intolerance in six patients (13%) before month 6.

Conclusions

Conventional first-line treatment with MTX was not efficient in a large subset of JDM patients, especially in patients with MSA-positive forms, and in patients with severe JDM. Larger, multicentre cohorts are required to confirm these data and to identify new predictive biomarkers of MTX response, in order to treat patients with JDM as early as possible with appropriate targeted drugs.
Rapid Detection of the Recently Identified Turfgrass Pathogen Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
Authors: Chou Ming-Yi , Luo Jing , Clarke Bruce B. , Murphy James A. , Zhang Ning , Vines Phillip L. , Koch Paul L.
Published: February 2022

Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae is a recently identified root-infecting pathogen of fine fescue (Festuca spp.) turfgrasses. Although it is phylogenetically similar to other root-infecting turfgrass pathogens such as M. poae, management of M. meyeri-festucae is distinct and highlights the need for fast and accurate identification. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid detection method for M. meyeri-festucae using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to assist turfgrass managers in identifying the disease in the field and facilitate further epidemiological research on the pathogen. Three isolates of M. meyeri-festucae and eight isolates from four related Magnaporthiopsis species were used to test the specificity of the RPA assay targeting M. meyeri-festucae. Rapid visualization of the RPA assay results using a mixture of purified amplicon and SYBR-Safe fluorescence emitting asymmetrical cyanine dye showed that the assay was effective at detecting M. meyeri-festucae on turfgrass roots with no observed incidence of false positives or false negatives. The assay also differentiated between M. meyeri-festucae and other Magnaporthiopsis species, although overall sensitivity was lower compared with a PCR-based method. The RPA assay successfully detected M. meyeri-festucae following inoculation onto and grinding of turfgrass roots, indicating possible use as a rapid field diagnostic tool for turfgrass managers. The fast and accurate RPA M. meyeri-festucae detection method presented here will be used for additional field and laboratory applications that will help improve the management of this emerging pathogen.