bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrophysical calibration of the oscillator strengths of YJ-band absorption lines in classical Cepheids
Authors: Elgueta S S , Matsunaga N , Jian M , Taniguchi D , Kobayashi N , Fukue K , Hamano S , Sameshima H , Kondo S , Arai A , Ikeda Y , Kawakita H , Otsubo S , Yasui C , Tsujimoto T
Published: July 2024

Newly-developed spectrographs with increased resolving powers, particularly those covering the near-IR range, allow the characterization of more and more absorption lines in stellar spectra. This includes the identification and confirmation of absorption lines and the calibration of oscillator strengths. In this study, we provide empirical values of ${{\rm log} gf}$ based on the abundances of classical Cepheids obtained with optical spectra to establish the consistency between optical and infrared abundance results. Using time series spectra of classical Cepheids obtained with WINERED spectrograph (0.97–1.35 $\mu$m, R$\sim$ 28000), we demonstrate that we can determine the stellar parameters of the observed Cepheids, including effective temperature (${T_\mathrm{eff}}$), surface gravity (${{\rm log} g}$), microturbulence ($\xi$), and metallicity (${\rm {[{\mathrm{ M}}/\mathrm{ H}]}}$). With the newly calibrated relations of line-depth ratios, we can achieve accuracy and precision comparable to optical studies, with uncertainties of $\sim$90 K and 0.108 dex for ${T_\mathrm{eff}}$, and ${{\rm log} g}$, respectively. Finally, we created a new atlas of absorption lines, featuring precise abundance measurements of various elements found in the atmosphere of Cepheids, including neutron-capture elements whose ${{\rm log} gf}$ values have been astrophysically calibrated.
Black hole spin estimation of XTE J2012+381 using simultaneous observations of Swift/XRT and NuSTAR
Authors: Kumar Raj
Published: July 2024

A sufficiently precise measurement of black hole spin is required to carry out quantitative tests of the Kerr metric and to understand several phenomena related to astrophysical black holes. After 24 yr, XTE J2012+381 again underwent an outburst in 2022 December. In this work, we focused on the measurement of the spin and mass of the black hole candidate XTE J2012+381 using broad-band spectral analysis of X-ray data from Swift/XRT and NuSTAR. Using the relxillCp model, the spin and inclination of the source were found to be $0.883_{-0.061}^{+0.033}$ and $46.2_{-2.0}^{+3.7}$ deg, respectively, for high disc density ($i.e.\,\,10^{20}\,\,\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$). We further test our results for lamp-post geometry using the relxilllpCp model. The spin and inclination of the source were found to be $0.892_{-0.044}^{+0.020}$ and $43.1_{-1.2}^{+1.4}$ deg, respectively. Then ‘continuum-fitting’ method was used for the soft state to estimate the mass of BH and found to be $7.95_{-3.25}^{+7.65}\,\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and $7.48_{-2.75}^{+5.80}\,\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ for the spin and inclination estimated from the relxillCp and relxilllpCp model, respectively. We used a distance of 5.4 kpc as measured by Gaia using the parallax method. This study also addresses the issue of supersolar iron abundance in XTE J2012+381 using reflionx-based reflection model and found high disc density for the source.
Automating galaxy morphology classification using k-nearest neighbours and non-parametric statistics
Authors: Mukundan Kavya , Nair Preethi , Bailin Jeremy , Li Wenhao
Published: July 2024

Morphology is a fundamental property of any galaxy population. It is a major indicator of the physical processes that drive galaxy evolution and in turn the evolution of the entire Universe. Historically, galaxy images were visually classified by trained experts. However, in the era of big data, more efficient techniques are required. In this work, we present a k-nearest neighbours based approach that utilizes non-parametric morphological quantities to classify galaxy morphology in Sloan Digital Sky Survey images. Most previous studies used only a handful of morphological parameters to identify galaxy types. In contrast, we explore 1023 morphological spaces (defined by up to 10 non-parametric statistics) to find the best combination of morphological parameters. Additionally, while most previous studies broadly classified galaxies into early types and late types or ellipticals, spirals, and irregular galaxies, we classify galaxies into 11 morphological types with an average accuracy of ${\sim} 80\!-\!90 \, {{\rm per\, cent}}$ per T-type. Our method is simple, easy to implement, and is robust to varying sizes and compositions of the training and test samples. Preliminary results on the performance of our technique on deeper images from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Survey reveal that an extension of our method to modern surveys with better imaging capabilities might be possible.
Mapping the oxygen abundance in Red Geysers and its relation with the gas kinematics using megacubes
Authors: Ilha Gabriele S , Krabbe Angela C , Riffel Rogemar A , Dors Oli L , Riffel Rogério , Rembold Sandro B , Storchi-Bergmann Thaisa , Mallmann Nicolas D
Published: July 2024

Red Geysers are galaxies with low-star formation rates and galactic scale ionized outflows likely driven by low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGN). We investigated the impact of AGN winds on the oxygen abundance using integral field spectroscopic data from Mapping Nearby Galaxies for Red Geysers, control galaxies (quiescent galaxies without outflows), and AGN hosts within the inner 1.5 kpc radius. Red Geyser galaxies have higher W$_{80}$ values compared to those of AGN and controls, with 64 per cent showing W$_{80}\gt 500$ km s$^{-1}$ that is indicative of outflow. Only 40 per cent of controls and 31 per cent of AGNs reach this value. We found a small tendency of the oxygen abundance distribution of controls to be biased towards higher values than those of Red Geysers. However, Red Geysers do not show a correlation between H$\alpha$ width (parametrized by the W$_{\rm 80}$) and oxygen abundance, which indicates that AGN winds are not significantly impacting the chemical abundance of the nuclear region of these galaxies. The oxygen abundance distribution mean value for the tree samples is $\rm 12+log(O/H)\sim$8.7 ($\mathit{Z}\sim \rm Z_{\odot })$. On the other hand, AGN hosts show a positive correlation between W$_{80}$ and O/H which could be due to star formation that outflows from the active nuclei could induce; or to the reservoir of gas that makes the nucleus active, and its is also used in the star formation.
A comprehensive analysis towards the Fermi-LAT source 4FGL J1846.9–0227: jets of a protoplanetary nebula producing γ-rays?
Authors: Ortega M E , Petriella A , Paron S
Published: July 2024

Most of the $\gamma$-ray sources in the Fermi-LAT 14-yr source catalogue are associated with pulsars and blazars. However, unveiling the nature of the still unassociated $\gamma$-ray sources is important for the understanding of high energy emission mechanisms in astrophysical objects. This work presents a comprehensive study towards the region covered by the Fermi source 4FGL J1846.9$-$0227, previously suggested to be a blazar and a massive protostar. Using multiwavelength observations, we analysed several astrophysical objects in the region as possible counterparts of the Fermi-LAT source. Having discarded most of them after a detailed and comprehensive analysis, we suggest that the most likely candidate to be such a counterpart is IRAS 18443$-$0231, a likely protoplanetary nebula. We found that the radio continuum emission at 3 GHz of IRAS 18443$-$0231 shows a compact source related to faint emission with jet-like morphology. Additionally, we identified an associated redshifted CO molecular outflow. Using data from several catalogues, we obtained radio spectral index values ranging from $-$0.57 to $-$0.39 for IRAS 18443$-$0231, indicating synchrotron emission due to particles accelerated by the jets. We point out that these jets could explain the $\gamma$-ray emission through mechanisms such as proton–proton collisions and relativistic bremsstrahlung. IRAS 18443$-$0231, lying almost at the centre of the Fermi confidence ellipse and related to the hard X-ray source 4XMM J184700.4$-$022752, would be the first association between a protoplanetary nebula and $\gamma$-ray emission.
Unprecedented extreme high-frequency radio variability in early-stage active galactic nuclei
Authors: Järvelä E , Savolainen T , Berton M , Lähteenmäki A , Kiehlmann S , Hovatta T , Varglund I , Readhead A C S , Tornikoski M , Max-Moerbeck W , Reeves R A , Suutarinen S
Published: July 2024

We report on the discovery of one of the most extreme cases of high-frequency radio variability ever measured in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), observed on time-scales of days and exhibiting variability amplitudes of 3–4 orders of magnitude. These sources, all radio-weak narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, were discovered some years ago at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory (MRO) based on recurring flaring at 37 GHz, strongly indicating the presence of relativistic jets. In subsequent observations with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) at 1.6, 5.2, and 9.0 GHz no signs of jets were seen. To determine the cause of their extraordinary behaviour, we observed them with the JVLA at 10, 15, 22, 33, and 45 GHz, and with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) at 15 GHz. These observations were complemented with single-dish monitoring at 37 GHz at MRO, and at 15 GHz at Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO). Intriguingly, all but one source either have a steep radio spectrum up to 45 GHz, or were not detected at all. Based on the 37 GHz data, the time-scales of the radio flares are a few days, and the derived variability brightness temperatures and variability Doppler factors are comparable to those seen in blazars. We discuss alternative explanations for their extreme behaviour, but so far no definite conclusions can be made. These sources exhibit radio variability at a level rarely, if ever, seen in AGN. They might represent a new type of jetted AGN, or a new variability phenomenon, and thus deserve our continued attention.
Optimal patient selection for yttrium-90 glass plus chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases: additional quality of life, efficacy, and safety analyses from the EPOCH study
Authors: Salem Riad , Garin Etienne , Boucher Eveline , Fowers Kirk , Lam Marnix , Padia Siddharth , Harris William
Published: July 2024

Background

Evaluating transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma of the liver who have progressed on first-line chemotherapy (EPOCH) demonstrated superior outcomes using yttrium-90 glass microspheres plus chemotherapy (TARE/Chemo) vs chemotherapy (Chemo) to treat colorectal liver metastases. Additional exploratory analyses were undertaken to assess the impact of TARE/Chemo on efficacy, safety, time to subsequent therapy, time to deterioration in quality of life (QoL), and identify criteria for improved patient selection.

Methods

Time to deterioration in QoL was analyzed for the primary study population. Subsequently, a post hoc analysis was undertaken to identify subgroups for which time to deterioration in QoL was improved with TARE/Chemo vs Chemo. Progression-free survival (PFS), hepatic (h)PFS, time to subsequent therapy, and safety outcomes were compared between treatments.

Results

The primary population showed no significant difference in time to deterioration in QoL between treatment arms; however, significance was seen in 2 identified subgroups, namely: Subgroup A (N = 303) which excluded patients with both Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 1 and baseline CEA ≥ 35 ng/mL from both treatment arms; subgroup B (N = 168) additionally excluded patients with KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma) mutation. In subgroup A, TARE/Chemo patients (N = 143) demonstrated superior outcomes vs Chemo (N = 160): PFS (9.4 vs. 7.6 months, hazard ratio (HR): 0.64; 1-sided P = .0020), hPFS (10.8 vs. 7.6 months, HR: 0.53; 1-sided P < .0001), time to deterioration in QoL (5.7 vs. 3.9 months, HR: 0.65; 1-sided P = .0063), and time to subsequent therapy (21.2 vs. 10.5 months, HR: 0.52; 1-sided P < .0001). Subgroup B patients showed similar but larger significant differences between treatment arms. Median PFS, hPFS, and time to deterioration in QoL were numerically greater for TARE/Chemo in both subgroups vs the primary population, with the greatest magnitude of difference in subgroup B. Both subgroups exhibited higher percentage of CEA responders and improved ORR with TARE/Chemo vs chemo alone. Safety (reported as event rate/100 patient-years) was higher with Chemo in all populations. Additional efficacy analyses in the primary population are also reported.

Conclusions

Careful patient selection, including consideration of the prognostic factors ECOG, baseline CEA, and KRAS status, sets outcome expectations in patients with colorectal liver metastases suitable for TARE/Chemo as second-line treatment (Trial Registry Number: NCT01483027).
Dysregulation of hepatic one‐carbon metabolism in classical homocystinuria: Implications of redox‐sensitive DHFR repression and tetrahydrofolate depletion for pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Maclean Kenneth N. , Jiang Hua , Neill Philip D. , Chanin Ryan R. , Hurt K. Joseph , Orlicky David J. , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Roede James R. , Stabler Sally P.
Published: July 2024

Cystathionine beta‐synthase‐deficient homocystinuria (HCU) is a life‐threatening disorder of sulfur metabolism. HCU can be treated by using betaine to lower tissue and plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy). Here, we show that mice with severely elevated Hcy and potentially deficient in the folate species tetrahydrofolate (THF) exhibit a very limited response to betaine indicating that THF plays a critical role in treatment efficacy. Analysis of a mouse model of HCU revealed a 10‐fold increase in hepatic levels of 5‐methyl ‐THF and a 30‐fold accumulation of formiminoglutamic acid, consistent with a paucity of THF. Neither of these metabolite accumulations were reversed or ameliorated by betaine treatment. Hepatic expression of the THF‐generating enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was significantly repressed in HCU mice and expression was not increased by betaine treatment but appears to be sensitive to cellular redox status. Expression of the DHFR reaction partner thymidylate synthase was also repressed and metabolomic analysis detected widespread alteration of hepatic histidine and glutamine metabolism. Many individuals with HCU exhibit endothelial dysfunction. DHFR plays a key role in nitric oxide (NO) generation due to its role in regenerating oxidized tetrahydrobiopterin, and we observed a significant decrease in plasma NOx (NO2 + NO3) levels in HCU mice. Additional impairment of NO generation may also come from the HCU‐mediated induction of the 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid generating cytochrome CYP4A. Collectively, our data shows that HCU induces dysfunctional one‐carbon metabolism with the potential to both impair betaine treatment and contribute to multiple aspects of pathogenesis in this disease.
Portal vein thrombosis associated with acute cholecystitis
Authors: Lehner Leanna , Sarap Michael
Published: July 2024

Portal venous thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon clinical problem and is rare following cholecystectomy. This article describes a patient who developed PVT after an initially uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient was successfully treated with IV antibiotics and anticoagulation.
Clinical oncology pharmacy has become a reality: results of a member survey of the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy Global
Authors: Spasovska Olivera , Bardin Christophe , Kuzmanović Maja , Cortés Constanza , Assefa Tadesse Tamrat , Crul Mirjam
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

The European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP) Global has almost 4000 members across 70 countries. Over the past few decades, the focus of oncology pharmacists has shifted, from a mostly product-based role to include a patient-centric care model, often termed clinical pharmacy. To map the advancement of the integration of clinical pharmacy into daily oncology pharmacy practice, a survey was conducted among the members of the ESOP Global in 2023.

Methods:

A survey comprising 28 questions was distributed across the full ESOP Global membership. Questions were grouped to obtain demographic results (first section), the practice of clinical pharmacy (second section), and barriers to providing clinical oncology pharmacy (third section).

Results:

Overall, 314 colleagues responded to the clinical oncology pharmacy survey from 59 individual countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, yielding a response rate of 28.6%. Overall, all participants who responded to the survey reported being involved in one or more tasks associated with clinical oncology pharmacy, with the highest responses in the section's patient counseling (62.5% of participants actively counseling outpatients) and drug–drug interaction checking (performed by 58% of participants). Furthermore, almost 50% of participants indicated that their pharmaceutical interventions are always or usually accepted by doctors.

Conclusions:

This survey showed that there is currently an operational clinical oncology pharmacy service in all countries surveyed. This may provide a reference for policymakers, promote international communication, and shed light on the future development of clinical pharmacies in oncology settings. These survey findings may also help guide future education strategies for the ESOP Global and other providers of oncology pharmacy education.
Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Ssu-Hsuan , Lin Chueh-Ho , Hsu Tzu-Yun , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

The study searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases until August 3, 2023, and identified randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in knee osteoarthritis whose outcomes using pain scores or functional scales. The selected randomized controlled trials were subjected to meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials involving 488 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the transcranial direct current stimulation group exhibited significant improvement in pain scores after treatment (standardized mean difference = 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.35; n = 359; I
2 = 46%), pain scores during follow-up (standardized mean difference = 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.21 to 1.45; n = 358; I
2 = 86%), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis scores after treatment (standardized mean difference = 4.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.16 to 9.53; n = 319; I
2 = 74%), but Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis scores during follow-up did not differ significantly between the groups (standardized mean difference = 0.06; 95% confidence interval: −0.2 to 0.32; n = 225; I
2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Transcranial direct current stimulation is a promising therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Further investigation using large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials is necessary for optimal transcranial direct current stimulation approach in knee osteoarthritis.
Gene Expression Profiles Perturbed by Injury to the Mouse Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Chen Ken , Tian Zuozhen , Wang Huan , Qin Ling , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi , Zhang Yejia
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Back pain subsequent to intervertebral disc injury is a common clinical problem. Previous work examining early molecular changes post injury mainly used a candidate marker approach. In this study, gene expression in the injured and intact mouse tail intervertebral discs was determined with a nonbiased whole transcriptome approach.

Design

Mouse tail intervertebral disc injury was induced by a needle puncture. Whole murine transcriptome was determined by RNASeq. Transcriptomes of injured intervertebral discs were compared with those of intact controls by bioinformatic methods.

Results

Among the 18,078 murine genes examined, 592 genes were differentially expressed (P.adj < 0.01). Novel genes upregulated in injured compared with intact intervertebral discs included Chl1, Lum, etc. Ontology study of upregulated genes revealed that leukocyte migration was the most enriched biological process, and network analysis showed that Tnfa had the most protein-protein interactions. Novel downregulated genes in the injured intervertebral discs included 4833412C05Rik, Myoc, etc. The most enriched downregulated pathways were related to cytoskeletal organization.

Conclusions

Novel genes highly regulated after disc injury were identified with an unbiased approach; they may serve as biomarkers of injury and response to treatments in future experiments. Enriched biological pathways and molecules with high numbers of connections may be targets for treatments after injury.
Substance Use Screening in a Large Pediatric Primary Care Network: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Karas Dave , Eggleston Lisa , Goldman William , Bigham Mike , White P. Cooper
Published: July 2024

Background:

This project aimed to introduce substance use screening, using the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family/Friends, Trouble) screening tool, into the routine care of adolescents using quality improvement strategies and tools.

Methods:

We expanded a single-site project showing the successful introduction of CRAFFT screening into adolescent care to include the entire 34-site primary care network of a children’s hospital in Northeastern Ohio. We deployed quality improvement methodology to facilitate the acceptance and use of the screener. Data showing the percentage of eligible adolescents screened were collected and shared monthly with network providers.

Results:

The single-site phase increased the screening rate from 3.5% to 72%. The percentage screened for the network phase rose from 0% to >90% in the first 2 months of the project and remained at that level. Of those screened, 85% were low risk, 3% were medium risk, and 2% were high risk. Ten percent of the results were not recorded in a way that allowed for post hoc risk assessment. During the network phase, 35,750 of 38,427 (93%) eligible patients completed the screening form.

Conclusions:

This project resulted in the highly reliable use of the CRAFFT screener in a large primary care network.
Improving Pediatric Hypertension Screening in an Academic Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tas Vildan , Birisci Esma , Jones Rachel Achor , Forbus John J. , Blaszak Richard T. , Crawford Brendan , Ilyas Mohammad , Magee James S. , Sisterhen Laura L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidelines for screening and managing high blood pressure (BP) is low. This team sought to improve recognition and documentation of relevant diagnoses in patients aged 13–20 years who presented to general pediatric clinics.

Methods:

The primary outcome measure was the proportion of office visits for patients ages 13–20 with a BP ≥ 120/80 with a visit or problem list diagnosis of hypertension or elevated BP. Secondary measures included (1) the proportion of patients who had their BP measured in the right arm, (2) the proportion of patients who had a mid-arm circumference measurement recorded, and (3) the proportion of patients who had a second BP reading measured at the visit. Interventions addressed key drivers for evidence-based high BP screening: standard BP measurement, electronic health record clinical decision support, and clinical pathway adoption. Data were collected over a twenty-seven-month period and plotted using the Laney p’ chart.

Results:

Provider documentation of elevated BP or hypertension improved from a baseline mean of 24% in April 2020 through January 2022 to 41% in February 2021 through June 2022. All secondary outcome measures also demonstrated significant improvement.

Conclusions:

This project demonstrates the feasibility of improving adherence to best practices of BP measurement in primary care clinics through education, acquisition of resources, and implementation of electronic health record flags for abnormal values.
The relationship between distortion product otoacoustic emissions and audiometric thresholds in the extended high-frequency range
Authors: Hauser Samantha N. , Hustedt-Mai Alexandra R. , Wichlinski Anna , Bharadwaj Hari M.
Published: July 2024

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and behavioral audiometry are routinely used for hearing screening and assessment. These measures provide related information about hearing status as both are sensitive to cochlear pathologies. However, DPOAE testing is quicker and does not require a behavioral response. Despite these practical advantages, DPOAE testing is often limited to screening only low and mid- frequencies. Variation in ear canal acoustics across ears and probe placements has resulted in less reliable measurements of DPOAEs near 4 kHz and above where standing waves commonly occur. Stimulus calibration in forward pressure level and responses in emitted pressure level can reduce measurement variability. Using these calibrations, this study assessed the correlation between audiometry and DPOAEs in the extended high frequencies where stimulus calibrations and responses are most susceptible to the effect of standing waves. Behavioral thresholds and DPOAE amplitudes were negatively correlated, and DPOAE amplitudes in emitted pressure level accounted for twice as much variance as amplitudes in sound pressure level. Both measures were correlated with age. These data show that with appropriate calibration methods, extended high-frequency DPOAEs are sensitive to differences in audiometric thresholds and highlight the need to consider calibration techniques in clinical and research applications of DPOAEs.
Forest edges and other semi-natural habitat edges increase wild bee species richness and habitat connectivity in intensively managed temperate landscapes
Authors: Sydenham Markus A.K. , Nielsen Anders , Dupont Yoko L. , Rasmussen Claus , Madsen Henning B. , Torvanger Marianne S. , Star Bastiaan
Published: July 2024

Pollinator conservation schemes are typically focused on conserving existing-, restoring degraded- or establishing new wild bee habitats. The effectiveness of such conservation schemes depends on the presence of dispersal corridors that allow habitat colonization by bees. Nonetheless, we lack an understanding of the role of semi-natural habitats edges on the connectivity of pollinator communities across intensively managed landscapes. Here, we use data from wild bee communities comprising 953 occurrences from 79 species of non-parasitic bees, sampled at 68 locations distributed across a Norwegian and a Danish landscape to show that the proportion of semi-natural habitat edges is positively correlated to bee species richness and habitat connectivity. Specifically, we found that wild bee species richness sampled along roadsides increased with the proportion of semi-natural habitat edges within1.5 km of the study sites and with local plant species richness. We combined maps showing the proportion of seminatural habitat edges with least cost path analysis to find the most likely dispersal route between our bee communities. We find that these least cost path lengths provide better models of bee species compositional similarity than geographic distance (|ΔAICc| > 2), suggesting that seminatural habitat edges act as dispersal corridors in intensively managed landscapes. However, we also find that compositional similarity between communities depend on site-specific plant species richness stressing the importance of improving the habitat quality of edge habitats if they are to function as dispersal corridors. We discuss potential management options for improving wild bee habitat conditions along seminatural habitat edges and illustrate how maps of least cost paths can be used to identify dispersal corridors between pollinator habitats of conservation priority. Maps of dispersal corridors can be used to direct wild bee habitat management actions along seminatural habitat edges to facilitate the dispersal of bees between larger grassland habitats.
Resolving multi-image spatial lipidomic responses to inhaled toxicants by machine learning
Authors: Stevens Nathanial C. , Shen Tong , Martinez Joshua , Evans Veneese J. B. , Domanico Morgan C. , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Van Winkle Laura S. , Fiehn Oliver
Published: July 2024

Regional responses to inhaled toxicants are essential to understand the pathogenesis of lung disease under exposure to air pollution. We evaluated the effect of combined allergen sensitization and ozone exposure on eliciting spatial differences in lipid distribution in the mouse lung that may contribute to ozone-induced exacerbations in asthma. Lung lobes from male and female BALB/c mice were cryosectioned and acquired by high resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Processed MSI peak annotations were validated by LC-MS/MS data from scraped tissue slides and microdissected lung tissue. Images were normalized and segmented into clusters. Interestingly, segmented clusters overlapped with stained serial tissue sections, enabling statistical analysis across biological replicates for morphologically relevant lung regions. Spatially distinct lipids had higher overall degree of unsaturated fatty acids in distal lung regions compared to proximal regions. Furthermore, the airway and alveolar epithelium exhibited significantly decreased sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid abundance in females, but not in males. We demonstrate the potential role of lipid saturation in healthy lung function and highlight sex differences in regional lung lipid distribution following ozone exposure. Our study provides a framework for future MSI experiments capable of relative quantification across biological replicates and expansion to multiple sample types, including human tissue.
Censored Least Squares for Imputing Missing Values in PARAFAC Tensor Factorization
Authors: Hung Ethan C. , Hodzic Enio , Tan Zhixin Cyrillus , Meyer Aaron S.
Published: July 2024

Tensor factorization is a dimensionality reduction method applied to multidimensional arrays. These methods are useful for identifying patterns within a variety of biomedical datasets due to their ability to preserve the organizational structure of experiments and therefore aid in generating meaningful insights. However, missing data in the datasets being analyzed can impose challenges. Tensor factorization can be performed with some level of missing data and reconstruct a complete tensor. However, while tensor methods may impute these missing values, the choice of fitting algorithm may influence the fidelity of these imputations. Previous approaches, based on alternating least squares with prefilled values or direct optimization, suffer from introduced bias or slow computational performance. In this study, we propose that censored least squares can better handle missing values with data structured in tensor form. We ran censored least squares on four different biological datasets and compared its performance against alternating least squares with prefilled values and direct optimization. We used the error of imputation and the ability to infer masked values to benchmark their missing data performance. Censored least squares appeared best suited for the analysis of high-dimensional biological data by accuracy and convergence metrics across several studies.
The West African lungfish secretes a living cocoon during aestivation with uncertain antimicrobial function
Authors: Palominos M. Fernanda , Bharadwaj Rangarajan , Tralka Charles , Trang Kenneth , Aka David , Alami Mariam , Andrews Dominique , Bartlett Ben I. , Golde Chloe , Liu Joseph , Le-Pedroza Maya , Perrot Robert , Seiter Blanca , Sparrow Claudia , Shapira Michael , Martin Christopher H.
Published: July 2024

One of the most exceptional adaptations to extreme drought is found in the sister group to tetrapods, the lungfishes (Dipnoi), which can aestivate inside a mucus cocoon for multiple years at reduced metabolic rates with complete cessation of ingestion and excretion. However, the function of the cocoon tissue is not fully understood. Here we developed a new more natural laboratory protocol for inducing aestivation in the West African lungfish,Protopterus annectens,and investigated the structure and function of the cocoon. We used electron microscopy and imaging of live tissue-stains to confirm that the inner and outer layers of the paper-thin cocoon are composed primarily of living cells. However, we also repeatedly observed extensive bacterial and fungal growth covering the cocoon and found no evidence of anti-microbial activity in vitro againstE. colifor the cocoon tissue in this species. This classroom discovery-based research, performed during a course-based undergraduate research experience course (CURE), provides a robust laboratory protocol for investigating aestivation and calls into the question the function of this bizarre vertebrate adaptation.
Longitudinal evidence for a mutually reinforcing relationship between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness in cognitively unimpaired older adults
Authors: Bernal Jose , Menze Inga , Yakupov Renat , Peters Oliver , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Freiesleben Silka Dawn , Priller Josef , Spruth Eike Jakob , Altenstein Slawek , Schneider Anja , Fliessbach Klaus , Wiltfang Jens , Schott Björn H. , Jessen Frank , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Glanz Wenzel , Incesoy Enise I. , Buerger Katharina , Janowitz Daniel , Ewers Michael , Perneczky Robert , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Teipel Stefan , Kilimann Ingo , Laske Christoph , Sodenkamp Sebastian , Spottke Annika , Esser Anna , Lüsebrink Falk , Dechent Peter , Hetzer Stefan , Scheffler Klaus , Schreiber Stefanie , Düzel Emrah , Ziegler Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Background

For over three decades, the concomitance of cortical neurodegeneration and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has sparked discussions about their coupled temporal dynamics. Longitudinal studies supporting this hypothesis remain nonetheless scarce.

Methods

In this study, we applied regional and global bivariate latent growth curve modelling (BLGCM) to longitudinal data from 436 cognitively unimpaired participants (DELCODE cohort; median age 69.70 [IQR 65.44, 74.49] years; 52.98% female) to examine the extent to which WMH and cortical thickness were interrelated over a four-year period.

Results

Our findings were three-fold. First, at baseline, individuals with larger WMH volumes had lower mean cortical thicknesses over the entire brain. Second, individuals who experienced a steeper thinning of their cingulate and temporal cortices over time had larger baseline WMH volumes in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Third, individuals with thinner cortices at baseline tended to undergo faster WMH progression over four years, particularly in the occipital and parietal lobes.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that cortical thinning and WMH progression could be mutually reinforcing rather than parallel, unrelated processes, which become entangled before cognitive deficits are detectable.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015)
miR-184 modulatesdilp8to control developmental timing during normal growth conditions and in response to developmental perturbations
Authors: Fernandes Jervis , Naseem Muhammed , MP Ayisha Marwa , Varghese Jishy
Published: July 2024

Organismal development depends on the precise coordination of growth and developmental timing, which is regulated by a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, the mechanisms underlying this regulation are not fully understood. Post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the proper timing of gene expression necessary for growth and development. In this study, we conducted a genetic screen to identify microRNAs that regulate developmental timing inDrosophila. Our screen identifiedmiR-184,previously implicated in germline maturation and embryonic development, as a regulator of pupariation timing by acting in the larval imaginal discs. Using genetic and molecular approaches, we identifiedDrosophila insulin-like peptide 8(Dilp8), a paracrine factor critical for regulating developmental stability, as a target ofmiR-184. During normal larval development miR-184 facilitates timely pupariation by regulatingdilp8levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-184 plays a critical role in tissue damage responses by inducingdilp8expression, which delays pupariation to enable damage repair mechanisms. These findings reveal a novel post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that links miR-184 to the control of developmental timing under normal growth conditions and in response to tissue damage.
Exploring the Impact of Various Treatments on Gene Expression in Olive (Olea europaeaL.) Drupes Affected byPhytophthora oleae: Insights from RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis
Authors: Conti Taguali Sebastiano , Riolo Mario , La Spada Federico , Dionisio Giuseppe , Cacciola Santa Olga
Published: July 2024

Phytophthora oleaeis a pathogen recently reported to cause fruit rot on olive orchards in Italy and root rot in a natural wild-olive forest in Spain. RNAseq analysis was conducted to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms that trigger a plant defense response upon the inoculation of drupes withP. oleaeand the pre- treatment with the antagonistic yeastCandida oleophilaor with culture filtrates of the antagonistic filamentous fungusTrichoderma atroviride. Both treatments were applied to the olive drupe 24 h before the inoculation with the pathogen. Although no full resistance was observed, the virulence ofP. oleaewas reduced when the drupes were co-inoculated with the yeast or treated with culture filtrates ofTrichoderma. Severity ofPhytophthorarots in olive drupes was assessed at 24, 72, and 168 hours post pathogen inoculation (hpi) and rated based on an empirical scale. The most effective in reducing the disease severity ofP. oleaeinfection on olive fruit was the treatment withT. atroviridefiltrate (56% reduction), followed byC. oleophila(52%). Results showed that 2,466, 1,883, and 1,757 genes were differentially expressed in response toP. oleae, to the binary pathosystemC. oleophilaandP. oleae, andT. atrovirideandP. oleae, respectively, as compared to wound. Differential RNAseq by DESeq2, performed at 72 hours post-inoculation, and qPCR validation, at 24, 72, and 168 hpi, of the top differentially expressed genes defined a new pattern of plant defense mechanisms involving both PAMP and ETI immunity, with production of ROS and PRs.
The Impact of a Primary Aldosteronism Predictive Model in Secondary Hypertension Decision Support
Authors: Mack Peter B. , Cole Casey , Lee Mintaek , Peterson Lisa , Lundy Matthew , Hegarty Karen , Espinoza William
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine whether the addition of a primary aldosteronism (PA) predictive model to a secondary hypertension decision support tool increases screening for PA in a primary care setting.

Materials and Methods

153 primary care clinics were randomized to receive a secondary hypertension decision support tool with or without an integrated predictive model between August 2023 and April 2024.

Results

For patients with risk scores in the top 1 percentile, 63/2,896 (2.2%) patients where the alert was displayed in model clinics had the order set launched while 12/1,210 (1.0%) in no model clinics had the order set launched (P = 0.014). 19/2,896 (0.66%) of these highest risk patients in model clinics had an ARR ordered compared to 0/1,210 (0.0%) patients in no model clinics (P = 0.010). For patients with scores not in the top 1 percentile, 438/20,493 (2.1%) patients in model clinics had the order set launched compared to 273/17,820 (1.5%) in no model clinics (P < 0.001). 124/20,493 (0.61%) in model clinics had an ARR ordered compared to 34/17,820 (0.19%) in the no model clinics (P < 0.001).

Discussion

The addition of a PA predictive model to secondary hypertension alert displays and triggering criteria along with order set displays and order preselection criteria results in a statistically and clinically significant increase in screening for PA, a condition that clinicians insufficiently screen for currently.

Conclusion

Addition of a predictive model for an under-screened condition to traditional clinical decision support may increase screening for these conditions.
Preventable maternal deaths in England and Wales, 2013-2023: a systematic case series of coroners’ reports
Authors: Jindal Jessy , Launer David , Richards Georgia C. , Dernie Francesco
Published: July 2024

Objective

Coroners in England and Wales have a duty to write Prevention of Future Deaths (PFDs) reports when they believe that action should be taken to prevent similar deaths. We aimed to characterise learnings from reports involving maternal deaths.

Design

Systematic case series

Setting

England and Wales

Population or Sample

Database of all coroners’ PFDs published between July 2013 and 1 August 2023. There were 4435 reports at the time of data collection.

Methods

A reproducible computer code developed from the Preventable Deaths Tracker (https://preventabledeathstracker.net/) was used to download all published PFDs from the Judiciary website. Reports were searched for keywords related to maternal deaths. Case information was extracted into pre-specified domains and compared to other data on maternal deaths.

Main Outcome Measures

Case demographics, causes of deaths, risk factors, coroner concerns and organisational responses.

Results

Twenty nine reports involved a maternal death. The median age at death was 33.5 years (IQR 29-36 years) and 76% of deaths occurred in hospitals. The most common cause of death was haemorrhage. Coroners frequently voiced concerns around failure to provide appropriate treatment (57%), and failure of timely escalation (38%). Only 38% of PFDs had published responses. When organisations did respond to the coroner, 80% reported that they implemented changes, including publishing new local policies, increasing training, or committing to increased staffing.

Conclusions

PFDs highlight gaps in obstetric care which, if appropriately addressed, and regularly and routinely monitored, could prevent similar deaths.

Funding

None
Multinational evaluation of anthropometric age (AnthropoAge) as a measure of biological age in the USA, England, Mexico, Costa Rica, and China: a population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Fermín-Martínez Carlos A. , Ramírez-García Daniel , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Espinosa Jerónimo Perezalonso , Aguilar-Ramírez Diego , García-Peña Carmen , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel , Seiglie Jacqueline A. , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVE

To validate AnthropoAge, a new metric of biological age (BA), for prediction of all-cause mortality and age-related outcomes and characterize population-specific aging patterns using multinational longitudinal cohorts.

METHODS

We analyzed harmonized multinational data from the Gateway to Global Aging, including studies from the US, England, Mexico, Costa Rica, and China. We used body mass index and waist-to-height ratio to estimate AnthropoAge and AnthropoAgeAccel in participants aged 50-90 years old as proxies of BA and age acceleration, respectively. We compared the predictive capacity for all-cause mortality of AnthropoAge and chronological age (CA) using Cox models, described aging trends in all countries and explored the utility of longitudinal assessments of AnthropoAgeAccel to predict new-onset functional decline and age-related diseases using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

FINDINGS

Using data from 55,628 participants, we found AnthropoAge (c-statistic 0.772) outperformed CA (0.76) for prediction of mortality independently of comorbidities, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and lifestyle; this result was replicated in most countries individually except for Mexico. Individuals with accelerated aging had a ∼39% higher risk of death, and AnthropoAge also identified trends of faster biological aging per year. In longitudinal analyses, higher AnthropoAgeAccel values were independently predictive of self-reported health deterioration and new-onset deficits in basic/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic lung disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

AnthropoAge is a robust and reproducible BA metric associated with age-related outcomes. Its implementation could facilitate modeling trends of biological aging acceleration in different populations, although recalibration may enhance its utility in underrepresented populations such as individuals from Latin America.
Safety and efficacy of a modular digital psychotherapy for social anxiety: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garvert Mona M. , McFadyen Jessica , Linke Stuart , McCloud Tayla , Meyer Sofie S. , Sobanska Sandra , Sharp Paul B. , Long Alex , Huys Quentin J. M. , Ahmadi Mandana
Published: July 2024

Background

Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations which can lead to significant impairment in daily life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been recognized as an effective treatment; however, access to therapists is limited and the fear of interacting with therapists can delay treatment seeking. Furthermore, not all individuals respond. Tailoring modular treatments to individual cognitive profiles may improve efficacy. We developed a novel digital adaptation of CBT for social anxiety that is both modular and fully digital without therapist in the loop and implemented it in a smartphone app.

Objective

To evaluate the safety, acceptability and efficacy of the new treatment in online participants with symptoms of social anxiety

Methods

Two online randomized controlled trials comparing individuals with access to the treatment through the app to waitlist. Participants were recruited online and reported Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) total scores >= 30. Primary outcomes were safety and efficacy over 6 weeks in 102 women aged 18-35 (RCT #1) and symptom reduction (Social Phobia Inventory total scores) after 8 weeks in 267 men and women aged 18-75 (RCT #2).

Results

In RCT #1, active and control arm adverse event frequency and severity was not distinguishable. App acceptability was high. Secondary outcomes suggested greater symptom reduction in the active (-9.83 ± 12.80) than the control arm (-4.13 ± 11.59, t90= -2.23, pFDR= .037, Cohen’s d = 0.47). In RCT #2, there was a higher symptom reduction in the active arm (-12.89 ± 13.87) than the control arm (-7.48 ± 12.24, t227= - 3.13, pFDR= .008, Cohen’s d = 0.42).

Conclusions

The online-only, modular social anxiety CBT program appears safe, acceptable and efficacious in an online patient group with self-reported symptoms of social anxiety.

Trial Registration

RCT #1: ClinicalTrials.govNCT05858294, RCT #2: ClinicalTrials.govNCT05987969