bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Practice Providers in Burn Care, 2013-2022
Authors: Das Rishub K , Jagasia Puja M , Bailey Amanda E , Mubang Ronnie , Drolet Brian C
Published: September 2024

This study evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who provide care related to burns in the United States from 2013 to 2022 using national claims data. Our analysis was a retrospective, large cohort study evaluating debridement, wound care, and office-based services provided by advanced practice providers from 2013 to 2022 using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use Files from the CMS. The reported provider type and billing codes were used to identify healthcare professionals providing burn care. Trends over the study period and available data about care provided were analyzed. From 2013 to 2022, burn care providers included 6918 (43.3%) surgeons, 4264 (26.7%) other physicians, and 4783 (30.0%) advanced practice providers. Overall, the number of advanced practice providers who billed for burn care increased by 250.4% from 714 in 2013 to 2502 in 2022. Compared with physicians, advanced practice providers were more likely to be female and provide care in micropolitan areas with less than 50,000 people. Based on these trends, we project that the number of advanced practice providers providing services related to burns will increase by 56.7% from 2502 in 2022 to 3921 (95% CI, 3541–4303; R2 = 0.97) in 2030. With a growing need for burn care and predicted shortages in the surgeon workforce, the scope of practice and integration of advanced practice providers merits further discussion and evaluation.
Retooling the regulation of net-zero subsidies: lessons from the US Inflation Reduction Act
Authors: Leonelli Giulia Claudia , Clora Francesco
Published: September 2024

The US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has heralded the advent of a new era of industrial policy within and beyond the USA. As the net-zero economy transition unfolds and national economic security paradigms entrench, industrial policy is here to stay. Net-zero subsidies are employed as multipurpose policy tools to promote domestic manufacturing, de-risk from China, and boost the net-zero transition. This new scenario prompts a fresh look at old questions surrounding environmental subsidies and their justification, actionability, and countervailability. This article makes three contributions. First, it articulates a conceptual framework to assess questions surrounding the justification of net-zero subsidies. It advocates a direct focus on their environmental effectiveness, drawing a distinction between justifiable trade-distorting effects and unjustifiable protective or discriminatory application associated with the pursuit of reshoring or geopolitical goals. Second, it employs a careful analysis of different IRA tax credits to operationalize the article’s framework and test its robustness. Third, it draws on legal and economic insights to shed some light on the environmental effects of different groups of net-zero subsidies. On these grounds, it advances a streamlined three-fold categorization and demarcates the boundaries within which different subsidies should be justifiable, non-actionable and non-countervailable.
Beyond lung cancer screening, an opportunity for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Gendarme Sébastien , Maitre Bernard , Hanash Sam , Pairon Jean-Claude , Canoui-Poitrine Florence , Chouaïd Christos
Published: September 2024

Background

Lung cancer screening programs concern smokers at risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The LUMASCAN (LUng Cancer Screening, MArkers and low-dose computed tomography SCANner) study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of screening for these 3 diseases in a community population with centralized organization and to determine low-dose computed tomography (CT) markers associated with each disease.

Methods

This cohort enrolled participants meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria (v1.2014) in an organized lung cancer–screening program including low-dose CT scans; spirometry; evaluations of coronary artery calcifications (CACs); and a smoking cessation plan at inclusion, 1, and 2 years; then telephone follow-up. Outcomes were the participation rate and the proportion of participants affected by lung cancer, obstructive lung disease, or CVD events. Logistic-regression models were used to identify radiological factors associated with each disease.

Results

Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 302 participants were enrolled: 61% men; median age 58.8 years; 77% active smoker; 11% diabetes; 38% hypertension; and 27% taking lipid-lowering agents. Inclusion, 1-year, and 2-year participation rates were 99%, 81%, 79%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 5.81 years, screenings detected 12 (4%) lung cancer, 9 of 12 via low-dose CT (78% localized) and 3 of 12 during follow-up (all stage IV), 83 (27%) unknown obstructive lung disease, and 131 (43.4%) moderate to severe CACs warranting a cardiology consultation. Preexisting COPD and moderate to severe CACs were associated with major CVD events with odds ratios of 1.98 (95% confident interval [CI] = 1.00 to 3.88) and 3.27 (95% CI = 1.72 to 6.43), respectively.

Conclusion

The LUMASCAN study demonstrated the feasibility of combined screening for lung cancer, COPD, and CVD in a community population. Its centralized organization enabled high participation and coordination of healthcare practitioners.
Primary care physicians and laypersons’ perceptions of multicancer detection clinical trial designs
Authors: Samimi Goli , Temkin Sarah M , Weil Carol J , Han Paul K , LeeVan Elyse , Rubinstein Wendy S , Swigart Tessa , Caban Sarah , Dent Katherine , Minasian Lori M
Published: September 2024

Background

The National Cancer Institute Cancer Screening Research Network is launching a pilot study (Vanguard) to determine feasibility of successful completion of a clinical trial of multicancer detection tests. This focus group study reports perceptions of primary care physicians and laypersons of different clinical trial designs and willingness to participate in a multicancer detection clinical trial.

Methods

We undertook 14 focus groups with 88 laypersons and 6 focus groups with 45 primary care physicians. Participants were shown graphics of clinical trial designs and asked for their reactions. Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis of the transcripts were conducted to identify emergent themes.

Results

Primary care physician and layperson participants recognized the importance of conducting clinical trials to determine the clinical utility of multicancer detection tests. Primary care physicians expressed reluctance to participate in trials because of workload burden, and laypersons expressed hesitancy about enrolling in the control group. Primary care physicians and laypersons expressed concern about a study design in which multicancer detection test results would not be returned to the control group (intended effect), but they respectively indicated a willingness to refer patients to, or participate in, a multicancer detection test clinical trial given transparent and clear communication on collection and use of biospecimens and data, particularly if a multicancer detection test would eventually be run and results eventually returned.

Conclusion

This study yielded important insights to guide trial design in planning prospective evaluation of multicancer detection testing. Maintaining transparency and trust while possibly withholding multicancer detection test results to maximize trial feasibility and efficiency is of particular concern.
Design and Pilot Implementation of an ECHO Module on Hepatitis C Virus Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Yee Lynn M , Aronsohn Andrew , Shah Seema K , Lee Karen K , Rodriguez Isa , Otero Sebastian , Gower Patrick , Fishbein Joseph , Johnson Daniel , Jhaveri Ravi
Published: September 2024

We developed a Project ECHO® module to offer prenatal providers training on engaging in shared decision-making about hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment during pregnancy. In this pilot program, the ECHO module addressing HCV during pregnancy and the potential benefits of treatment was associated with increases in self-efficacy scores among participants.
Development of Influenza-Specific CD4 T Cell-Mediated Immunity in Children Following Inactivated Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Shannon Ian , Huertas Nelson , White Chantelle L , Yang Hongmei , Nayak Jennifer L
Published: September 2024

Background

While both cellular and humoral immunity are important in immunologic protection against influenza, how the influenza-specific CD4 T cell response is established in response to early vaccination remains inadequately understood. In this study, we sought to understand how the CD4 T cell response to inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) is established and develops throughout early childhood.

Methods

Influenza-specific CD4 T cell responses were quantified following IIV over 2 influenza seasons in 47 vaccinated children between 6 months and 8 years of age who had no documented history of natural influenza infection during the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with peptide pools encompassing the translated regions of the pH1, H3, HAB, and NP proteins, and CD4 T cell responses were assessed via multiparameter flow cytometry.

Results

There was boosting of H3- and HAB-specific CD4 T cells but not cells specific for the pH1 HA protein post-vaccination. A positive correlation between age and the magnitude of the influenza-specific CD4 T cell response was seen, with an overall greater magnitude of IFNγ-producing cells in subjects ≥3 years of age. Changes in CD4 T cell functionality were also noted in older compared to younger children, with increases in CD4 T cells producing IFNγ and TNF or IL-2 as well as IFNγ alone.

Conclusions

Inactivated influenza vaccine elicits a CD4 T cell response to H3 and HAB, with increases in the magnitude of the CD4 T cell response and changes in cellular functionality throughout childhood. This suggests that repeated influenza vaccination contributes to the development of anti-influenza CD4 T cell memory in children.
Prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in female participants with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jiaguo , Guo Chuan , Sun Ji , Hua Runmiao , Fan Yi
Published: September 2024

Background

The prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in female participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were reported with inconsistent results. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled data provide reliable estimates of FSD prevalence in female participants with RA.

Aim

To investigate the global prevalence and risk factors of FSD in female participants with RA and to analyze the association between FSD risk and RA.

Methods

The study search of this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase from the inception date to December 10, 2023. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to derive the pooled prevalence. Q and I2 tests were used to analyze heterogeneity among the studies. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to detect the sources of heterogeneity.

Outcomes

The pooled prevalence of FSD in female participants with RA was calculated, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the association between FSD-related risk factors and RA.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included in our analysis, involving 2327 participants. The pooled prevalence of FSD in female participants with RA was 49.1% (95% CI, 38.2%-60%). The participants with RA had a higher risk of FSD than healthy controls (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.74-5.53). The significant risk factors of FSD in female participants with RA were depression status (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.88-2.29) and menopause (OR, 5.46; 95% CI, 2.04-14.63).

Clinical Implications

Female participants with RA had a significantly increased prevalence of FSD, indicating that sexual function in female participants with RA should be concerned by clinicians.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of this study is that it is the first meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence and risk factors of FSD in female participants with RA. A limitation is that the results, after the articles were pooled, showed significant heterogeneity and publication bias.

Conclusions

The present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of FSD in female participants with RA was 49.1%, indicating a significant association between FSD risk and RA among females. Moreover, menopause and depression status were significantly associated with FSD in female participants with RA.
The Transnational Law of Renewable Energy
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

Undertaken in Dubai in 2023, the ‘first global stocktake’ under the Paris Agreement called for a tripling of installed global renewable energy capacity. Achieving this goal will require significant financial, technical, and legal effort, and a key task in meeting it will be to ‘derisk’ global renewable energy projects by making the rules governing these projects more transparent, predictable, and uniform. This book aids this task by providing a unified and comprehensive analysis of the transnational law that currently governs renewable energy projects, thus providing a transnational legal approach. Drawing on regulatory frameworks and practice in public international law, comparative law, and transnational case law, the book establishes the first transnational lex regenerativa, or transnational law of renewable energy. The volume covers a range of regulatory topics relating to transnational renewable energy projects, including the regulation of their entry into the market and financial support mechanisms. It also covers commercial topics from construction to joint operation to financing, as well as further addressing the role of renewable energy in advancing global sustainable development. The book will appeal to practitioners and government officials, as well as students and academics doing research regarding global renewable energy projects.
Renewable Energy Project Financing
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the commercial aspects of constructing renewable energy projects, emphasizing the need for financing due to their capital-intensive nature. It discusses how financing allows parties with expertise but limited financial capacity to take advantage of new opportunities. It also highlights the importance of financing terms, which can impact the feasibility of supporting multiple projects with a given investment capital. The chapter outlines the project finance model for transnational renewable projects, introducing the concept of ‘bankability’ and discussing players, structures, and terms. It covers incentive structures offered by states to increase financing availability and concludes that a more mature transnational law of renewable energy could facilitate quicker and more efficient deployment of renewable projects worldwide.
Dispute Resolution
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter focuses on dispute resolution in international renewable energy projects and discusses structuring concerns for drafting dispute resolution mechanisms in project documents and corporate structuring considerations for investment protection treaties. It stresses the avoidance of disputes and considers formal dispute resolution as a last resort, emphasizing the importance of supporting all parties’ reasonable returns and policy outcomes. It also introduces the traditional arbitration paradigm for large-scale projects and argues its use in renewables. The chapter highlights the interconnected nature of project disputes and outlines how to address complex disputes within the arbitration paradigm. It describes dispute resolution under international investment protection treaties and suggests replicating treaty protections through contractual undertakings with host governments.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Authors: Sourgens Frédéric G , Baldwin Edward , Banet Catherine
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines alternative dispute resolution methods to arbitration, which is often a last resort for resolving disputes that have already damaged relationships between parties. It highlights the limitations of arbitration in long-term projects like renewable energy ventures. It also introduces negotiation as a primary tool, emphasizing its formal and informal aspects and the importance of decisional authority in early dispute avoidance. The chapter discusses mediation as another effective method that utilizes a third party to facilitate settlements and expert determination that resolves technical disputes quickly. It suggests combining these methods in multi-step dispute resolution clauses to incentivize early resolution and avoid arbitration.
Fears and joys of writing in the fiction of Roberto Bolaño
Authors: González Aníbal
Published: September 2024

Roberto Bolaño’s achievement is to have written “literature about literature” that nevertheless feels profoundly alive, immediate, and exciting. This literature recognizes the intimidating and ethically dubious aspects of fiction writing, and of writing as a whole, while also imbuing its storytelling with feelings of energy and exultation. This article discusses Bolaño’s novel Distant Star and his other works, including the novel Amuleto. Drawing upon a framework of religion, secularism, and postsecularism, this article shows how Bolaño follows an ethics of writing which turns the fear of writing into a joyful and liberating activity.
A Deployable Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor Enables Point-of-Care Assessment of Coagulopathy in Swine With Polytrauma
Authors: Roberts Teryn R , Garcia Isabella , Slychko Ivan , Dalton Heidi J , Batchinsky Andriy I
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Absence of pre-hospital coagulation tests challenges prompt management of hemostasis after trauma. The Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM, Entegrion, Durham, NC) is a hand-held coagulation test for point-of-care. We evaluated VCM in a translational swine polytrauma model, hypothesizing that VCM correlates with a laboratory reference method, the TEG 5000 (Haemonetics, Boston, MA), and can identify coagulopathic phenotypes relevant to trauma. Our secondary hypothesis was that pre-warming of VCM disposable test cartridges using a heating plate versus pre-warming of cartridges by carrying the cartridge in the user’s pocket does not significantly alter results.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in tandem with a parent study involving anesthetized, mechanically ventilated swine (n = 20; 54 ± 5 kg) that encountered traumatic brain injury, pulmonary contusion and hemorrhage, or combination/polytrauma injury. Blood was collected at baseline, post-injury, post-shock, post-transfusion, and 6-, 24-, and 48 h post-injury to perform VCM at point-of-care. Within-group effect of time was assessed. Spearman correlation examined linear relations between VCM and standard laboratory-based coagulation tests; as well as lactate, ionized calcium, and body temperature. Logistic regression examined predictiveness of VCM to identify coagulopathic phenotypes, with receiver operator characteristic curves generated to assess diagnostic capability. At a subset of timepoints, necessity of pre-warming the VCM test cartridge using a heating plate versus pre-warming the cartridge by placement in the user’s pocket was assessed by conducting simultaneous tests on two separate instruments, with results analyzed by paired t-test with crossover design.

Results

VCM revealed time-dependent changes in clotting time, clot formation time (CFT), alpha, maximum clot firmness (MCF), and lysis index (LI30). All VCM metrics correlated with the respective TEG 5000 metrics, with strongest correlation for VCM MCF with TEG MA (rhos = 0.77, P < .0001) and VCM LI30 with TEG LY30 (rhos = −0.76, P < .0001). VCM demonstrated good (area under the curve >0.70) to excellent (area under the curve >0.90) diagnostic accuracy in detection of low platelet count (MCF), low hematocrit (clotting time, clot formation time, alpha, and MCF), low fibrinogen (MCF), and high fibrinogen (alpha, MCF). There was no statistically or clinically relevant effect of cartridge warming method on results.

Conclusions

In a trauma model, VCM detected significant changes in coagulation at point-of-care in a simplified portable form factor. VCM could enable informed hemostasis management in pre-hospital settings where coagulations tests are unavailable, pending further validation in clinical trials.
Early galaxies and early dark energy: a unified solution to the hubble tension and puzzles of massive bright galaxies revealed by JWST
Authors: Shen Xuejian , Vogelsberger Mark , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Tacchella Sandro , Naidu Rohan P
Published: September 2024

JWST has revealed a large population of UV-bright galaxies at $z\gtrsim 10$ and possibly overly massive galaxies at $z\gtrsim 7$, challenging standard galaxy formation models in the ΛCDM cosmology. We use an empirical galaxy formation model to explore the potential of alleviating these tensions through an Early Dark Energy (EDE) model, originally proposed to solve the Hubble tension. Our benchmark model demonstrates excellent agreement with the UV luminosity functions (UVLFs) at $4\lesssim z \lesssim 10$ in both ΛCDM and EDE cosmologies. In the EDE cosmology, the UVLF measurements at $z\simeq 12$ based on spectroscopically confirmed galaxies (eight galaxies at $z\simeq 11\!-\!13.5$) exhibit no tension with the benchmark model. Photometric constraints at $12 \lesssim z\lesssim 16$ can be fully explained within EDE via either moderately increased star-formation efficiencies ($\epsilon _{\ast}\sim 3\!-\!10\ \hbox{per cent}$ at $M_{\rm halo}\sim 10^{10.5}{\, \rm M_\odot }$) or enhanced UV variabilities ($\sigma _{\rm UV}\sim 0.8\!-\!1.3$ mag at $M_{\rm halo}\sim 10^{10.5}{\, \rm M_\odot }$) that are within the scatter of hydrodynamical simulation predictions. A similar agreement is difficult to achieve in $\Lambda$CDM, especially at $z\gtrsim 14$, where the required $\sigma _{\rm UV}$ exceeds the maximum value seen in simulations. Furthermore, the implausibly large cosmic stellar mass densities inferred from some JWST observations are no longer in tension with cosmology when the EDE is considered. Our findings highlight EDE as an intriguing unified solution to a fundamental problem in cosmology and the recent tensions raised by JWST observations. Data at the highest redshifts reached by JWST will be crucial for differentiating modified galaxy formation physics from new cosmological physics.
The JWST EXCELS survey: too much, too young, too fast? Ultra-massive quiescent galaxies at 3 < z < 5
Authors: Carnall A C , Cullen F , McLure R J , McLeod D J , Begley R , Donnan C T , Dunlop J S , Shapley A E , Rowlands K , Almaini O , Arellano-Córdova K Z , Barrufet L , Cimatti A , Ellis R S , Grogin N A , Hamadouche M L , Illingworth G D , Koekemoer A M , Leung H -H , Lovell C C , Pérez-González P G , Santini P , Stanton T M , Wild V
Published: September 2024

We report ultra-deep, medium-resolution spectroscopic observations for four quiescent galaxies with log$_{10}(M_*/\mathrm{M_\odot })\gt 11$ at $3 \lt z \lt 5$. These data were obtained with JWST NIRSpec as part of the Early eXtragalactic Continuum and Emission Line Science (EXCELS) survey, which we introduce in this work. The first two galaxies are newly selected from PRIMER UDS imaging, both at $z=4.62$ and separated by 860 pkpc on the sky, within a larger structure for which we confirm several other members. Both formed at $z\simeq 8-10$. These systems could plausibly merge by the present day to produce a local massive elliptical galaxy. The other two ultra-massive quiescent galaxies are previously known at $z=3.99$ and 3.19, with the latter (ZF-UDS-7329) having been the subject of debate as potentially too old and too massive to be accommodated by the $\Lambda$-CDM halo-mass function. Both exhibit high stellar metallicities, and for ZF-UDS-7329 we are able to measure the $\alpha -$enhancement, obtaining [Mg/Fe] = $0.42^{+0.19}_{-0.17}$. We finally evaluate whether these four galaxies are consistent with the $\Lambda$-CDM halo-mass function using an extreme value statistics approach. We find that the $z=4.62$ objects and the $z=3.19$ object are unlikely within our area under the assumption of standard stellar fractions ($f_*\simeq 0.1-0.2$). However, these objects roughly align with the most massive galaxies expected under the assumption of 100 per cent conversion of baryons to stars ($f_*$=1). Our results suggest extreme galaxy formation physics during the first billion years, but no conflict with $\Lambda$-CDM cosmology.
Hot gas accretion fuels star formation faster than cold accretion in high-redshift galaxies
Authors: Kocjan Zuzanna , Cadiou Corentin , Agertz Oscar , Pontzen Andrew
Published: September 2024

We use high-resolution ($\simeq$35pc) hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation to investigate the relation between gas accretion and star formation in galaxies hosted by dark matter haloes of mass $10^{12}$${{\mathrm{M}}_{\odot }}$ at $z = 2$. At high-redshift, cold-accreted gas is expected to be readily available for star formation, while gas accreted in a hot mode is expected to require a longer time to cool down before being able to form stars. Contrary to these expectations, we find that the majority of cold-accreted gas takes several hundred Myr longer to form stars than hot-accreted gas after it reaches the inner circumgalactic medium (CGM). Approximately 10 per cent of the cold-accreted gas flows rapidly through the inner CGM on to the galactic disc. The remaining 90 per cent is trapped in a turbulent accretion region that extends up to $\sim 50$ per cent of the virial radius, from which it takes several hundred Myr for the gas to be transported to the star-forming disc. In contrast, most hot shock-heated gas avoids this ‘slow track’, and accretes directly from the CGM on to the disc where stars can form. We find that shock-heating of cold gas after accretion in the inner CGM and supernova-driven outflows contribute to, but do not fully explain, the delay in star formation. These processes combined slow down the delivery of cold-accreted gas to the galactic disc and consequently limit the rate of star formation in Milky Way mass galaxies at $z \gt 2$.
Assessment of gradient-based samplers in standard cosmological likelihoods
Authors: Mootoovaloo Arrykrishna , Ruiz-Zapatero Jaime , García-García Carlos , Alonso David
Published: September 2024

We assess the usefulness of gradient-based samplers, such as the no-U-turn sampler (NUTS), by comparison with traditional Metropolis–Hastings (MH) algorithms, in tomographic $3\times 2$ point analyses. Specifically, we use the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year 1 data and a simulated dataset for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) survey as representative examples of these studies, containing a significant number of nuisance parameters (20 and 32, respectively) that affect the performance of rejection-based samplers. To do so, we implement a differentiable forward model using jax-cosmo, and we use it to derive parameter constraints from both data sets using the nuts algorithm implemented in numpyro, and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm as implemented in cobaya. When quantified in terms of the number of effective number of samples taken per likelihood evaluation, we find a relative efficiency gain of $\mathcal {O}(10)$ in favour of NUTS. However, this efficiency is reduced to a factor $\sim 2$ when quantified in terms of computational time, since we find the cost of the gradient computation (needed by nuts) relative to the likelihood to be $\sim 4.5$ times larger for both experiments. We validate these results making use of analytical multivariate distributions (a multivariate Gaussian and a Rosenbrock distribution) with increasing dimensionality. Based on these results, we conclude that gradient-based samplers such as NUTS can be leveraged to sample high-dimensional parameter spaces in Cosmology, although the efficiency improvement is relatively mild for moderate ($\mathcal {O}(50)$) dimension numbers, typical of tomographic large-scale structure analyses.
The effect of cosmic web filaments on galaxy evolution
Authors: O’Kane Callum J , Kuchner Ulrike , Gray Meghan E , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso
Published: September 2024

Galaxy properties are known to be affected by their environment. This is well established for the extremes of the density scales, between the high-density cluster environment and the low-density field. It is, however, not fully understood how the intermediate-density regime of cosmic web filaments affects galaxy evolution. We investigate this environmental effect using a mass complete sample of 23 441 galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR8 Main Galaxy Sample (${M}_{\text{Stellar}} \gt 10^{9.91} \text{M}_{\odot }$). We define six environments, probing different density regimes and representing unique stages in the structure formation process, comparing the differences in star formation activity and morphology between them. We find that galaxies in filaments tend to be less star-forming and favour more early-type morphologies than those in the field. These differences persist when considering stellar mass-matched samples, suggesting that this is a consequence of the environment. We further investigate whether these trends are a result of the large-scale or local environment through constructing samples matched both in stellar mass and local galaxy density. We find that when also matching in local galaxy density, the differences observed between the filament and field population vanishes, concluding that the environmental effect of filaments can be entirely parametrized by a local galaxy density index. We find that differences can still be seen in comparisons with the interiors of clusters, suggesting these are unique environments which can impart additional physical processes not characterized by local galaxy density.
Elucidating the z-dependence of the MOND acceleration (a0) within the scale invariant vacuum (SIV) paradigm
Authors: Gueorguiev Vesselin G
Published: September 2024

In a recent paper: “On the time dependency of $a_0$” the authors claim that they have tested “one of the predictions of the Scale Invariant Vacuum (SIV) theory on MOND” by studying the dependence of the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) acceleration at two data sets, low-z ($3.2\times 10^{-4}\le z\le 3.2\times 10^{-2}$) and high-z ($0.5\le z\le 2.5$). They claim “both samples show a dependency of $a_0$ from z”. Here, the work mentioned above is revisited. The explicit analytic expression for the z-dependence of the $a_0$ within the SIV theory is given. Furthermore, the first estimates of the $\Omega _m$ within SIV theory give $\Omega _{m}=0.28\pm 0.04$ using the low-z data only, while a value of $\Omega _{m}=0.055$ is obtained using both data sets. This much lower $\Omega _m$ leaves no room for non-baryonic matter! Unlike in the mentioned paper above, the slope in the z-dependence of $A_0=\log _{10}(a_0)$ is estimated to be consistent with zero Z-slope for the two data sets. Finally, the statistics of the data are consistent with the SIV predictions; in particular, the possibility of change in the sign of the slopes for the two data sets is explainable within the SIV paradigm; however, the uncertainty in the data is too big for the clear demonstration of a z-dependence yet.
The Fate of a Polygenic Phenotype Within the Genomic Landscapes of Introgression in the European Seabass Hybrid Zone
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Durif Ghislain , Delpuech Emilie , Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre , Ernande Bruno , Vandeputte Marc , Vergnet Alain , Duranton Maud , Clota Frederic , Allal François
Published: September 2024

Unraveling the evolutionary mechanisms and consequences of hybridization is a major concern in biology. Many studies have documented the interplay between recombination and selection in modulating the genomic landscape of introgression, but few have considered how associations with phenotype may affect this landscape. Here, we use the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a key species in marine aquaculture that undergoes natural hybridization, to determine how selection on phenotype modulates the introgression landscape between Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages. We use a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism array to assess individual local ancestry along the genome and improve the mapping of muscle fat content, a polygenic trait that is divergent between lineages. Taking into account variation in recombination rates, we reveal a purging of Atlantic ancestry in the admixed Mediterranean populations. While Atlantic individuals had higher muscle fat content, we observed that genomic regions associated with this trait in Mediterranean populations displayed reduced introgression of Atlantic ancestry. These results emphasize how selection against maladapted alleles shapes the genomic landscape of introgression.
Nietzsche contra Schopenhauer on Art and Truth
Authors: Page Jeremy
Published: September 2024

Part of Plato’s complaint about the cognitive status of art cites the pollution of aesthetic cognition by the affective side of our natures. Schopenhauer, by contrast, takes aesthetic cognition to transcend (some of) the limitations of everyday cognition precisely because in it agents become the “pure, will-less subject of cognition” (WWR I 219). On the orthodox reading of his later philosophy, Nietzsche scorns Plato and Schopenhauer’s association of the value of art with its truthfulness. I challenge the orthodox reading and argue that one strand of art’s value is its penetrative cognitive power. In contrast to Schopenhauer, Nietzsche understands this cognitive power to result from the embracing and exploitation of the affects in the artistic process rather than their extirpation.
DNA breathing integration with deep learning foundational model advances genome-wide binding prediction of human transcription factors
Authors: Kabir Anowarul , Bhattarai Manish , Peterson Selma , Najman-Licht Yonatan , Rasmussen Kim Ø , Shehu Amarda , Bishop Alan R , Alexandrov Boian , Usheva Anny
Published: September 2024

It was previously shown that DNA breathing, thermodynamic stability, as well as transcriptional activity and transcription factor (TF) bindings are functionally correlated. To ascertain the precise relationship between TF binding and DNA breathing, we developed the multi-modal deep learning model EPBDxDNABERT-2, which is based on the Extended Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois (EPBD) nonlinear DNA dynamics model. To train our EPBDxDNABERT-2, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data comprising 690 ChIP-seq experimental results encompassing 161 distinct TFs and 91 human cell types. EPBDxDNABERT-2 significantly improves the prediction of over 660 TF-DNA, with an increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) metric of up to 9.6% when compared to the baseline model that does not leverage DNA biophysical properties. We expanded our analysis to in vitro high-throughput Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (HT-SELEX) dataset of 215 TFs from 27 families, comparing EPBD with established frameworks. The integration of the DNA breathing features with DNABERT-2 foundational model, greatly enhanced TF-binding predictions. Notably, EPBDxDNABERT-2, trained on a large-scale multi-species genomes, with a cross-attention mechanism, improved predictive power shedding light on the mechanisms underlying disease-related non-coding variants discovered in genome-wide association studies.
Sleep disorders associated with cranial radiation—A systematic review
Authors: Pascoe Maeve , Byrne Emma , King Amanda , Cooper Diane , Foldvary-Schaefer Nancy , Mehra Reena , Lathia Justin , Gilbert Mark R , Armstrong Terri S
Published: September 2024

Background

Radiation is the standard-of-care treatment for primary brain tumors (PBTs) but may have profound effects on sleep that have not yet been fully characterized. This systematic review aims to further our understanding of radiation therapy on the risk of development of sleep disorders in patients with PBTs, as well as potential opportunities for prevention and treatment.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed (last Jan 2024) with predefined inclusion (PBT patients, radiation therapy, somnolence/circadian disruption) and exclusion (reviews/abstracts/cases/chapters, non-PBT cancer, lack of radiation) criteria, yielding 267 papers initially and 38 studies included. Data extraction and analysis (descriptive statistics, individual study summary) focused on the incidence of sleep disturbances, radiation types/doses, and pharmacologic interventions. Risk of bias assessment was conducted with the Effective Public Health Practice Project’s Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results

The included 38 studies (n = 2948 patients) demonstrated a high incidence of sleep disturbances in patients with PBTs throughout radiation therapy, but primarily from the end of radiation to 6 months after. Sleep symptoms were associated with radiation (dose-dependent), and pharmacotherapies were helpful in patients with formal sleep disorder diagnoses. Terminology and incidence reporting of sleep symptoms are inconsistent, and many studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the ongoing challenges with sleep symptoms/disorders related to cranial irradiation treatment in the primary brain tumor population. Further investigations on the interconnectedness of sleep disturbance constructs and possible pharmacotherapies to alleviate symptoms are warranted.
Unlocking nitrogen management potential via large-scale farming for air quality and substantial co-benefits
Authors: Li Baojie , Liao Hong , Li Ke , Wang Ye , Zhang Lin , Guo Yixin , Liu Lei , Li Jingyi , Jin Jianbing , Yang Yang , Gong Cheng , Wang Teng , Shen Weishou , Wang Pinya , Dang Ruijun , Liao Kaihua , Zhu Qing , Jacob Daniel J
Published: September 2024

China's sustained air quality improvement is hindered by unregulated ammonia (NH3) emissions from inefficient nitrogen management in smallholder farming. Although the Chinese government is promoting a policy shift to large-scale farming, the benefits of this, when integrated with nitrogen management, remain unclear. Here we fill this gap using an integrated assessment, by combining geostatistical analysis, high-resolution emission inventories, farm surveys and air quality modeling. Smallholder-dominated farming allows only 13%–31% NH3 reduction, leading to limited PM2.5 decreases nationally due to non-linear PM2.5 chemistry. Conversely, large-scale farming would double nitrogen management adoption rates, increasing NH3 reduction potential to 48%–58% and decreasing PM2.5 by 9.4–14.0 μg·m−3 in polluted regions. The estimated PM2.5 reduction is conservative due to localized NH3-rich conditions under large-scale livestock farming. This strategy could prevent over 300 000 premature deaths and achieve a net benefit of US $68.4–86.8 billion annually, unlocking immense benefits for air quality and agricultural sustainability.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of E-cigarettes Compared to Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation Among Medicaid Users in California
Authors: Chen Angela W , Fishman Paul A
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in the United States. A 2019 randomized controlled trial found e-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in achieving abstinence when both are combined with behavioral counseling. Few cost-effectiveness studies have been performed regarding e-cigarettes as an adjunct to cessation efforts, and none in a U.S. context. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of e-cigarettes compared to NRT, both with counseling, and as cessation aids for Medicaid smokers in California.

Aims and Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis from a U.S. societal perspective comparing e-cigarettes with NRT was constructed. Using a lifetime horizon, smokers were followed to different health states to their expected lifespan. Costs were expressed in 2020 U.S. dollars and health outcomes in quality-adjusted life years (QALY). All costs and outcomes were discounted at a 3% annual rate and model findings were assessed with a series of sensitivity analyses.

Results

Using U.S. willingness-to-pay thresholds, e-cigarettes were more cost-effective than NRT, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $11 454 per additional QALY gained over smokers’ lifetimes. Results were sensitive to smokers’ healthcare costs, model start ages, discount rates, and QALY weights.

Conclusions

E-cigarettes used as a cessation treatment by smokers are more cost-effective relative to NRT. However, e-cigarettes as a treatment are currently unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite the lack of FDA approval, e-cigarettes are a popular choice among smokers trying to quit. Policymakers should consider whether providing financial support for e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy is worth pursuing.

Implications

As e-cigarettes grow in popularity and are an increasingly preferred choice of smoking cessation aid among smokers attempting to quit, it is important to examine the inclusion of these products in tobacco policy, research, and practice. Several countries have now adopted or are in the process of adopting e-cigarettes as a medically licensed and regulated smoking cessation aid. Future smoking cessation strategies by U.S. policymakers may consider the adoption of e-cigarettes as a cost-effective harm reduction tool for use by current smokers seeking to quit.
The Therapeutic Potential of Theobromine in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tuğal Aslan Dilem , Göktaş Zeynep
Published: September 2024

Obesity, characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, is a significant health concern. Phytochemicals found in plants are being explored for therapeutic use, particularly in combating obesity. Among these, theobromine, commonly found in cocoa and chocolate, shows promise. Although not as extensively studied as caffeine, theobromine exhibits positive effects on human health. It improves lipid profiles, aids in asthma treatment, lowers blood pressure, regulates gut microbiota, reduces tumor formation, moderates blood glucose levels, and acts as a neuroprotective agent. Studies demonstrate its anti-obesity effects through mechanisms such as browning of white adipose tissue, activation of brown adipose tissue, anti-inflammatory properties, and reduction of oxidative stress. This study aims to suggest theobromine as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity-related complications.
Early follow-up of outpatients with oral anticancer therapy in the ONCORAL multidisciplinary community-hospital program
Authors: Lattard Claire , Herledan Chloé , Reverdy Thibaut , Antherieu Gabriel , Caffin Anne-Gaelle , Cerfon Marie-Anne , Maire Magali , Rivat Marine , France Stéphanie , Ghesquières Hervé , You Benoit , Freyer Gilles , Ranchon Florence , Rioufol Catherine
Published: September 2024

Background

Healthcare professionals are faced with the new challenges of preventing and managing drug-related problems (DRPs) with oral anticancer therapy (OAT): side-effects, drug–drug interactions (DDIs), non-adherence, or medication errors. This study aims to assess the impact of ONCORAL, a real-life multidisciplinary care plan for cancer patients based on community and hospital follow-up, for the first OAT cycle.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between October 1, 2021 and October 1, 2022 including all outpatients starting OAT treatment. During the first OAT cycle, the program consists of 6 weekly scheduled face-to-face or phone consultations to prevent and manage DRPs. Nurse and pharmacist interventions (NPIs) are realized to optimize treatments (primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes included the relative dose intensity (RDI) of the first cycle.

Results

A total of 562 NPIs were performed by the ONCORAL team: that is, 87.1% of the 209 patients included, for a mean of 3.1 ± 2.2 NPIs/patient. NPIs-concerned DRPs detected by the nurse and pharmacist (346, 61.6%), symptoms and/or adverse effects reported as PROs by the patient or family (138, 24.6%), or pathway issues (78, 13.9%). Seventy-three DDIs were detected and managed during medication review, in a quarter of patients (n = 54/209), leading to the discontinuation of a daily concomitant medication in 30 cases. The mean RDI at the end of the first cycle, calculated for 209 patients, was 83.1 ± 23.9% (17.56-144.23).

Conclusion

In these ambulatory cancer patients, the interest in tailored monitoring of DRPs as a whole, including the prevention and management of drug interactions in addition to symptoms and adverse effects, is highlighted.
From diagnosis to survivorship addressing the sexuality of women during cancer
Authors: Kaufman Rebekah , Agrawal Laila , Teplinsky Eleonora , Kiel Lauren , Abioye Oyepeju , Florez Narjust
Published: September 2024

For women diagnosed with cancer, side effects affecting their sexuality are extremely common and can be distressing and life-changing; however, most women are left in the dark without any guidance from their oncology teams regarding possible side effects and treatment options. American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical guidelines provide guidance on the recommended assessments related to the domains of sexual function and their respective interventions. Despite the existence of these guidelines, the reality is that only a few women with cancer are asked about sexual concerns that result from cancer treatments. Common barriers to sexuality discussion reported by oncology providers include a lack of qualification and knowledge, not having a place to refer patients, and not knowing how to start the conversation. Social media remains a widely untapped resource regarding sexuality and cancer interventions, as people are increasingly turning to social media for health information and advice. This may be especially relevant for sexuality, as oncologists may not feel comfortable or well-trained to discuss the topic, and patients may be reluctant to bring up sexual concerns during their visits. Social media can play a critical role in studying sexual health and in sexuality interventions, particularly in adolescent and young adult patients with cancer. Here, we discuss the lack of inclusion regarding sexuality in oncology, the rates of sexual dysfunction in patients with cancer, treatment options for common sexual concerns, how to utilize the reach of various social media channels, and provide patient and provider resources.