bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Norovirus Infections Among Diarrhea Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Satter Syed M , Abdullah Zarin , Fariha Farzana , Karim Yeasir , Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Balachandran Neha , Ghosh Probir Kumar , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Mirza Sara A , Hall Aron J , Gastañaduy Paul A , Rahman Mustafizur , Vinjé Jan , Parashar Umesh D
Published: July 2023

Background

Norovirus is a major cause of endemic acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. We described the epidemiology, risk factors, and genotypic distribution of noroviruses among hospitalized patients of all ages in Bangladesh.

Methods

From March 2018 to October 2021, 1250 AGE case patients and controls (age, sex, season, and site matched) were enrolled at 10 hospitals. Demographic and clinical information was collected; real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to test stool specimens, and positive samples were genotyped.

Results

Norovirus was detected in 9% of cases (111 of 1250) and 15% (182 of 1250) of controls. Eighty-two percent of norovirus-positive cases were in children <5 years old. Norovirus-positive AGE hospitalizations occurred year-round, with peaks in April and October. Risk factors for norovirus included age <5 years (adjusted odds ratio, 3.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.9–5.2]) and exposure to a patient with AGE in the 10 days before enrollment (3.8 [1.9–7.2]). GII.3[P16] and GII.4 Sydney[P16] were the predominant genotypes.

Conclusions

We highlight the burden of norovirus in hospital settings. Young age and recent exposure to a patient with AGE were risk factors for norovirus. A high prevalence of norovirus among controls might represent asymptomatic reinfections or prolonged shedding from a previous infection; carefully designed longitudinal studies are needed to improve our understanding of norovirus infections in Bangladesh.
Quantification of nitrogen cycle functional genes from viable archaea and bacteria in paddy soil
Authors: Manfredini Andrea , Malusà Eligio , Pinzari Flavia , Canfora Loredana
Published: July 2023

Aims

One of the main challenges of culture-independent soil microbiology is distinguishing the microbial community’s viable fraction from dead matter. Propidium monoazide (PMA) binds the DNA of dead cells, preventing its amplification. This dye could represent a robust means to overcome the drawbacks of other selective methods, such as ribonucleic acid-based analyses.

Methods and results

We quantified functional genes from viable archaea and bacteria in soil by combining the use of PMA and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Four N-cycle-related functional genes (bacterial and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase) were successfully quantified from the living fraction of bacteria and archaea of a paddy soil. The protocol was also tested with pure bacterial cultures and soils with different physical and chemical properties.

Conclusions

The experiment results revealed a contrasting impact of mineral and organic fertilizers on the abundance of microbial genes related to the N-cycle in paddy soil.
Mapping the delineation of practice to the AMIA foundational domains for applied health informatics
Authors: Johnson Todd R , Berner Eta S , Feldman Sue S , Jones Josette , Valenta Annette L , Borbolla Damian , Deckard Gloria , Manos LaVerne
Published: July 2023

Objective

This article reports on the alignment between the foundational domains and the delineation of practice (DoP) for health informatics, both developed by the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA). Whereas the foundational domains guide graduate-level curriculum development and accreditation assessment, providing an educational pathway to the minimum competencies needed as a health informatician, the DoP defines the domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills that a professional needs to competently perform in the discipline of health informatics. The purpose of this article is to determine whether the foundational domains need modification to better reflect applied practice.

Materials and Methods

Using an iterative process and through individual and collective approaches, the foundational domains and the DoP statements were analyzed for alignment and eventual harmonization. Tables and Sankey plot diagrams were used to detail and illustrate the resulting alignment.

Results

We were able to map all the individual DoP knowledge statements and tasks to the AMIA foundational domains, but the statements within a single DoP domain did not all map to the same foundational domain. Even though the AMIA foundational domains and DoP domains are not in perfect alignment, the DoP provides good examples of specific health informatics competencies for most of the foundational domains. There are, however, limited DoP knowledge statements and tasks mapping to foundational domain 6—Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health.

Discussion

Both the foundational domains and the DoP were developed independently, several years apart, and for different purposes. The mapping analyses reveal similarities and differences between the practice experience and the curricular needs of health informaticians.

Conclusions

The overall alignment of both domains may be explained by the fact that both describe the current and/or future health informatics professional. One can think of the foundational domains as representing the broad foci for educational programs for health informaticians and, hence, they are appropriately the focus of organizations that accredit these programs.
The use of three-dimensional uCT imaging technique in the description of a new species ofStenopusLatreille, 1819 (Decapoda: Stenopodidea: Stenopodidae), with a revised key to the species ofStenopus
Authors: Chen Chien-Lin , Chan Tin-Yam
Published: July 2023

Members of the shrimp genus StenopusLatreille, 1819 generally inhabit shallow-water coral reefs. Individuals are colorful, with many of them highly sought in the aquarium trade. A recent biodiversity cruise to the Saya de Malha Banks in the western Indian Ocean collected a new species of Stenopus from rather deep waters, at 192–216 m depth. This species is unusual in having a long rostrum overreaching the scaphocerite and a red and white color pattern, unique for Stenopus. A badly damaged specimen from French Polynesia likely belongs to the new species. The characteristics of the new species are illustrated by X-ray microcomputed tomography images (uCT imaging), line drawings, and color photographs. A key is also provided for the 12 known species of Stenopus.
Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Staggered Cylinders
Authors: Hsu Li-Chieh , Chou Ping-Yi
Published: July 2023

Determining how the flow structure affects the heat transfer of a staggered cylindrical array was one of the objectives of this numerical study. The major flow patterns and the corresponding characteristics of heat transfer were investigated, including Shear Layer Reattachment (SLR), Induced Separation (IS), Vortex Pairing and Enveloping (VPE), Vortex Impingement (VI), and Synchronized Vortex Shedding (SVS). As the stagger angle is larger than 35°, the mean Nusselt numbers of array systems are larger than that of a single cylinder. The magnitude of Nu/Cd is suggested as a parameter to measure the efficiency of the heat transfer for an array system.
Psychological research evidence in refugee status determination
Authors: Herlihy Jane , Evans Cameron Hilary , Turner Stuart
Published: July 2023

This paper presents evidence that refugee status decision makers make assumptions about how humans think and act that are contrary to decades of scientific evidence about human behaviour and cognition (e.g. memory, risk assessment) – including studies and reviews of studies specifically focused on the RSD context. This evidence is not made available to decision makers. In contrast, decision makers regularly benefit from systems and procedures providing relevant, up to date, methodologically sound, impartial, independent, balanced expert evidence pertaining to country of origin information (COI). This paper proposes similar processes for the collation, assessment, and presentation of psychological evidence in order to ensure fairer, more sustainable refugee status decisions.
Refugee Illegality: Governing Refugees via Rescaling Borders in Turkey
Authors: Pekşen Mert
Published: July 2023

In its efforts to control the mobility and whereabouts of its refugee populations, Turkey enforces registration requirements for refugees, tying refugee rights to continuing residency in a particular province. Drawing on the literature on rescaling of borders and illegalization of refugee mobilities, this article argues that the Turkish asylum regime creates internal borders, producing the province as the key legal geography of asylum. Based on qualitative data collected in 2018–19, this article illustrates that refugees gain their liminal legality only at the scale of the province. As a result, Turkey systematically creates a type of refugee illegality defined relative to internal borders. Unauthorized presence outside the province through illegalized, yet mundane, mobilities makes refugees susceptible to forced relocations to other provinces, detention centres, and refugee camps.
The Functional Movement Screen and Self-reported Injury in Senior Military College Cadets
Authors: Hand Amy Fraley , Hong Siqi , Pfeifer Craig E , Stodden David F , Haugen Kasee H , Terlizzi Bryan M , Abrams T Cade , Yee Kimbo , Spaulding Daniel , Dubina Mason , Bellon Christopher R , Grieve George L , Sole Christopher J , Sacko Ryan S
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Secular trend of increasing musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) across all branches of the U.S. Military is a critical limiting factor in the effective and efficient process of preparing military personnel for combat. The need to evaluate functional capacity beyond current physical fitness test (PFT) standards is the key in understanding an individual’s risk of noncombat-related injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMS) scores, incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, and standardized PFT scores among freshman Cadets during their first 10 weeks of enrollment at a senior military college.

Materials and Methods

Eighty-two participants (72 male and 10 female participants; mage: 18.2 years) completed the FMS, an institution-specific PFT (2-min maximum pushups, 2-min maximum abdominal crunches, and 1.5 mile timed run), and an Incidence of Injury and Incidence of Pain Questionnaire. Independent t-tests, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients logistic regression analysis, and Receiver Operator Curves were performed to evaluate relationships between the study variables.

Results

FMS composite and PFT sex-normed total scores were higher in females (16.4, 236.1) than in males (15.0, 204.9). Ninety percent of all females reported injury or pain during the 10-week survey period compared to 48% of males.

Conclusions

No significant difference between FMS scores and injury and pain was found within both sex groups. Therefore, use of the composite FMS score as an indicator for risk of injury or to predetermine PFT performance is not recommended for this study’s population. The rate of incidence of injury or pain in Cadets during a 10-week enrolment period is high. Females outperformed males in the FMS and PFT and reported higher rates of injury and pain. The utility of the FMS may be limited when substantially scaled for implementation across entire military populations. Future research should evaluate performance associations of the FMS with Army Combat Fitness Test components in a population of equally distributed sex and race.
Reliability of Electronic Health Records in Recording Veterans’ Tobacco Use Status
Authors: Sun Daniel , Basi Joseph , Kreinbrook Judah , Mhaskar Rahul , Leonelli Fabio
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of tobacco use in the Veteran population and among Veterans Health Administration patients remains high, resulting in significant health and economic consequences. This problem has generated many tobacco research studies and clinical interventions, which often rely upon tobacco use status data previously recorded in electronic health records (EHR). Therefore, the consistency and reliability of these data are critical. The Veterans Health Administration uses an extensive EHR system where tobacco use status can be documented either as free text (FT) or as health factors (HF). The current literature assessing the reliability of HF and FT data is limited. This analysis evaluated the agreement between HF and FT tobacco use status data.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included Veterans who underwent coronary revascularization and had tobacco use statuses recorded as both HF and FT. These statuses were categorized as “Current,” “Former,” or “Never.” The closest recorded status to the index date (date of revascularization procedure) for each subject in both datasets was chosen, and Cohen’s kappa statistic was calculated to measure the agreement between HF and FT. Implausible tobacco use status changes within each dataset were quantified to assess trustworthiness. Agreement between HF and FT data was first measured for all subjects (n = 1,095), which included those who had implausible status changes in either dataset and then measured again for subjects (n = 770) without any implausible status changes in either dataset. This study was exempt from institutional review board review.

Results

Overall, 14.3% and 17.7% of all subjects had implausible tobacco use status changes in HF and FT data, respectively. For all subjects (n = 1,095), including those with implausible data, there was “moderate” agreement between HF and FT data (kappa = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.44–0.53). For subjects without implausible data (n = 770), the strength of agreement between HF and FT data was “good” (kappa = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.59–0.69).

Conclusions

Agreement between HF and FT data that document the tobacco use statuses of Veterans varied because of implausible data. HF data had fewer implausible tobacco use statuses, but FT data were recorded more frequently. Although HF and FT data can be reasonably relied upon to determine the tobacco use statuses of Veterans, researchers and clinicians must be aware of implausible data and consider methods to overcome this limitation. Future studies should investigate the ways of improving the consistency of EHR documentation by health care providers and benchmark HF and FT data against a gold standard like biochemical verification to determine accuracy.
A statistical study of trans-equatorial loops from 2006 to 2020
Authors: Yu Zihan , Chen Jie , Liu Jihong , Pevtsov Alexei A , Hu Ziyao , Xue Zhike , Su Jiangtao , Deng Yuanyong
Published: July 2023

We studied trans-equatorial loops (TLs) statistically from December 2006 to 2020. During this period, 160 TLs were identified, and 12 per cent of all active regions are connected by TLs. The result shows that 74 per cent of TLs are connected to regions of preceding magnetic polarity (PTLs), and only 26 per cent of TLs are connected to regions of following magnetic polarity (FTLs). The dominance of PTLs is related to Joy’s law. Moreover, the average length of TLs is 20°, and their lengths decrease during the solar cycle. By comparing the number of TLs and the smoothed monthly mean number of sunspots from 2009 to 2018, 88 per cent of the TLs appeared near the solar maximum (2014 ± 2). We noted that the closer a sunspot is to the equator, the easier it is for a TL to form. Furthermore, the tilt angle and latitudinal asymmetry of TL foot-points are independent of the solar cycle.
How to form compact and other longer-lived planet-induced vortices: VSI, planet migration, or re-triggers, but not feedback
Authors: Hammer Michael , Lin Min-Kai
Published: July 2023

Past computational studies of planet-induced vortices have shown that the dust asymmetries associated with these vortices can be long-lived enough that they should be much more common in mm/sub-mm observations of protoplanetary discs, even though they are quite rare. Observed asymmetries also have a range of azimuthal extents from compact to elongated even though computational studies have shown planet-induced vortices should be preferentially elongated. In this study, we use 2D and 3D hydrodynamic simulations to test whether those dust asymmetries should really be so long-lived or so elongated. With higher resolution (29 cells radially per scale height) than our previous work, we find that vortices can be more compact by developing compact cores when higher-mass planets cause them to re-form, or if they are seeded by tiny compact vortices from the vertical shear instability (VSI), but not through dust feedback in 3D as was previously expected in general. Any case with a compact vortex or core(s) also has a longer lifetime. Even elongated vortices can have longer lifetimes with higher-mass planets or if the associated planet is allowed to migrate, the latter of which can cause the dust asymmetry to stop decaying as the planet migrates away from the vortex. These longer dust asymmetry lifetimes are even more inconsistent with observations, perhaps suggesting that discs still have an intermediate amount of effective viscosity.
The maximum accretion rate of a protoplanet: how fast can runaway be?
Authors: Choksi Nick , Chiang Eugene , Fung Jeffrey , Zhu Zhaohuan
Published: July 2023

The hunt is on for dozens of protoplanets hypothesized to reside in protoplanetary discs with imaged gaps. How bright these planets are, and what they will grow to become, depend on their accretion rates, which may be in the runaway regime. Using 3D global simulations, we calculate maximum gas accretion rates for planet masses Mp from 1$\, \mathrm{ M}_{{\oplus }}$ to $10\, \mathrm{ M}_{\rm J}$. When the planet is small enough that its sphere of influence is fully embedded in the disc, with a Bondi radius rBondi smaller than the disc’s scale height Hp – such planets have thermal mass parameters qth ≡ (Mp/M⋆)/(Hp/Rp)3 ≲ 0.3, for host stellar mass M⋆ and orbital radius Rp – the maximum accretion rate follows a Bondi scaling, with $\max \dot{M}_{\rm p} \propto \rho _{\rm g}M_{\rm p}^2 / (H_{\rm p}/R_{\rm p})^3$ for ambient disc density ρg. For more massive planets with 0.3 ≲ qth ≲ 10, the Hill sphere replaces the Bondi sphere as the gravitational sphere of influence, and $\max \dot{M}_{\rm p} \propto \rho _{\rm g}M_{\rm p}^1$, with no dependence on Hp/Rp. In the strongly superthermal limit when qth ≳ 10, the Hill sphere pops well out of the disc, and $\max \dot{M}_{\rm p} \propto \rho _{\rm g}M_{\rm p}^{2/3} (H_{\rm p}/R_{\rm p})^1$. Applied to the two confirmed protoplanets PDS 70b and c, our numerically calibrated maximum accretion rates imply that their Jupiter-like masses may increase by up to a factor of ∼2 before their parent disc dissipates.
Pulsar polarization: a partial-coherence model
Authors: Oswald L S , Karastergiou A , Johnston S
Published: July 2023

The population of radio pulsars is observed to demonstrate certain polarization properties not explained by the conventional picture of pulsar polarization, namely frequency evolution of polarization, deviations of the linear polarization angle from a curve of geometric origins, and the presence of features in the circular polarization. We present the partial-coherence model as a way to explain the co-occurrence of these features and to provide an origin for circular polarization in radio pulsar profiles. We describe the mathematics of the model and demonstrate how it can explain these observed features, both on a population level and for the idiosyncrasies of individual pulsars. The partial coherence model can account for complex polarization behaviour, enabling improved access to information about pulsar geometries. We discuss the scientific implications of this for our understanding of pulsar radio emission and propagation.
Environmental effects on associations of dwarf galaxies
Authors: Yaryura C Yamila , Abadi Mario G , Gottlöber Stefan , Libeskind Noam I , Cora Sofía A , Ruiz Andrés N , Vega-Martínez Cristian A , Yepes Gustavo
Published: July 2023

We study the properties of associations of dwarf galaxies and their dependence on the environment. Associations of dwarf galaxies are extended systems composed exclusively of dwarf galaxies, considering as dwarf galaxies those galaxies less massive than $M_{\star , \rm max} = 10^{9.0}$${\rm M}_{\odot }\, h^{-1}$. We identify these particular systems using a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation coupled to a dark matter-only simulation in the Λ Cold Dark Matter cosmological model. To classify the environment, we estimate eigenvalues from the tidal field of the dark matter particle distribution of the simulation. We find that the majority, two thirds, of associations are located in filaments (∼67 per cent), followed by walls (∼26 per cent), while only a small fraction of them are in knots (∼6 per cent) and voids (∼1 per cent). Associations located in more dense environments present significantly higher velocity dispersion than those located in less dense environments, evidencing that the environment plays a fundamental role in their dynamical properties. However, this connection between velocity dispersion and the environment depends exclusively on whether the systems are gravitational bound or unbound, given that it disappears when we consider associations of dwarf galaxies that are gravitationally bound. Although less than a dozen observationally detected associations of dwarf galaxies are currently known, our results are predictions on the eve of forthcoming large surveys of galaxies, which will enable these very particular systems to be identified and studied.
X-ray surface brightness and gas density profiles of galaxy clusters up to 3 × R500c with SRG/eROSITA
Authors: Lyskova N , Churazov E , Khabibullin I I , Burenin R , Starobinsky A A , Sunyaev R
Published: July 2023

Using the data of the SRG/eROSITA all-sky survey, we stacked a sample of ∼40 galaxy cluster images in the 0.3–2.3 keV band, covering the radial range up to 10 × R500c. The excess emission on top of the Galactic and extragalactic X-ray backgrounds and foregrounds is detected up to ∼3 × R500c. At these distances, the surface brightness of the stacked image drops below ∼1 per cent of the background. The density profile reconstructed from the X-ray surface brightness profile agrees well (within ∼30 per cent) with the mean gas profile found in numerical simulations, which predict the local gas overdensity of ∼ 20–30 at 3 × R500c and the gas fraction close to the universal value of $\frac{\Omega _b}{\Omega _m}\approx 0.15$ in the standard Λ cold dark matter model. Taking at face value, this agreement suggests that up to ∼3 × R500c the X-ray signal is not strongly boosted by the gas clumpiness, although a scenario with a moderately inhomogeneous gas cannot be excluded. A comparison of the derived gas density profile with the electron pressure profile based on the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect measurements suggests that by r ∼ 3 × R500c the gas temperature drops by a factor of ∼ 4–5 below the characteristic temperature of a typical cluster in the sample within R500c, while the entropy keeps growing up to this distance. Better constraints on the gas properties just beyond 3 × R500c should be possible with a sample larger than used for this pilot study.
A novel Queuovirinae lineage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages encode dPreQ0 DNA modifications with a single GA motif that provide restriction and CRISPR Cas9 protection in vitro
Authors: Olsen Nikoline S , Nielsen Tue K , Cui Liang , Dedon Peter , Neve Horst , Hansen Lars H , Kot Witold
Published: July 2023

Deazaguanine DNA modifications are widespread in phages, particularly in those with pathogenic hosts. Pseudomonas phage iggy substitutes ∼16.5% of its genomic 2′-deoxyguanosine (G) with dPreQ0, and the iggy deazaguanine transglycosylase (DpdA) is unique in having a strict GA target motif, not observed previously. The iggy PreQ0 modification is shown to provide protection against both restriction endonucleases and Cas9 (when present in PAM), thus expanding our understanding of the deazaguanine modification system, its potential, and diversity. Phage iggy represents a new genus of Pseudomonas phages within the Queuovirinae subfamily; which have very little in common with other published phage genomes in terms of nucleotide similarity (<10%) and common proteins (<2%). Interestingly, shared similarity is concentrated in dpdA and preQ0 biosynthesis genes. TEM imaging confirmed a siphovirus morphology with a prolate icosahedral head and a non-contractile flexible tail with one long central tail spike. The observed protective effect of the deazaguanine modification on the iggy DNA may contribute to its broad within-species host range. Phage iggy was isolated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, but also infects PDO300, PAK, PA14, as well as 10 of 27 tested environmental isolates and 13 of 20 tested clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from patients with cystic fibrosis.
Examining Cigar Pack Quantity Purchases by Cigar Type in the United States Between 2014 and 2017
Authors: King Jensen Jessica L , Cornacchione Ross Jennifer , Rebentisch Kayla , Delnevo Cristine D , Azagba Sunday
Published: July 2023

Introduction

We examined whether the proportion of cigar pack quantity usually purchased differed between 2014 and 2017 in the United States.

Methods

Data are from waves 1 and 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. The proportions of pack quantity purchases between waves for premium cigars, large cigars, cigarillos, and filtered cigars for 10-pack quantities (singles, 2-packs, 3-packs, 4-packs, 5-packs, 6–9-packs, 10-packs, 11–-19-packs, 20-packs, ≥21 packs) were compared using Z-tests. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine factors associated with pack quantity.

Results

For premium cigars, most adults purchased singles, with 84.4% in 2014 and 88.7% in 2017. For large cigars, single purchases increased from 46.2% to 62.7% (p < .00001). Two-packs also increased, 3.1% to 10.2% (p < .00001), while 5-packs, 6–9 packs, 10–19-packs, and 20-packs decreased. For cigarillos, singles purchases increased from 51.9% to 57.5% (p = .0002). Two-packs also increased, 8.8% to 19.6% (p < .00001), while 3-packs, 4-packs, 5-packs, and 20-packs decreased. For filtered cigars, the most prevalent pack quantity shifted from 20-packs in 2014 (62.6%) to singles in 2017 (36.7%). Singles, 2-packs, 3–4-packs, and 5-packs increased while 11–19-packs, 20-packs, and ≥21 packs decreased. Days used were positively associated with pack quantity purchase for all cigar types in 2017, while the price was positively associated with premium cigar purchase.

Conclusions

Between 2014 and 2017, the proportion of consumers who purchased singles remained at over 80% for premium cigars and increased for other cigars. Continued monitoring of use behaviors, including pack quantities by cigar type, is needed as the market and policy landscapes continue shifting.

Implications

Single cigar purchases are prominent across cigar types. Five-packs and 20-packs were the second most common pack quantities across cigar types, with relatively low proportions for other pack quantities. These findings suggest adults consuming premium cigars consistently prefer singles, a pattern that was found across cigar types. However, when considering purchases made online, premium cigars are widely purchased in larger pack quantities. Age and race were associated with purchase for some cigar types at some years, days used were associated with the purchase quantity in 2017 for all cigar types, and price was positively associated across time periods for only premium cigar purchases. Thus, the factors associated with cigar pack quantity purchase remain unclear. As the cigar policy landscape shifts, continued monitoring of the purchase behaviors by cigar type will be important to better inform future cigar policies.
Estimating Prevalence of Premium or Traditional Cigar  Use and User Characteristics Based on Varying Definitions of Use
Authors: Ganz Ollie , Villanti Andrea C , Young William J , Mays Darren , Bover Manderski Michelle T , Delnevo Cristine D
Published: July 2023

Background

Premium cigar use is infrequent compared with the use of other tobacco products, including other cigar types (eg, cigarillos), though current measurement methods for premium cigar use have limitations. Accordingly, prevalence estimates from existing surveillance studies likely underestimate the true prevalence of premium cigar use.

Aims and Methods

Using an online convenience sample of adults (ages 18–45 years) surveyed in February 2022, we examined premium or traditional cigar prevalence and characterized users based on four definitions of use: (1) past-year use, (2) past 30-day use, (3) use every day or some days, and (4) use every day, some days, or rarely, using a novel, one-item measure. We examined demographics, cigar use behaviors, and other tobacco product use for each definition and conducted sensitivity analyses using cigar brands.

Results

Prevalence estimates ranged from 1.8% using Definition 3 to 11.6% using Definition 1. Regardless of definition, premium or traditional cigar users were largely male, white, and aged 25–45 years. A large proportion of users based on Definition 3 were aged 25–34 years, had a regular premium cigar brand, smoked cigars on more than one day in the past month, used cannabis in the past month, and reported perceiving premium cigars as less harmful compared with cigarettes.

Discussion

Prevalence estimates of premium or traditional cigar use varied by more than fivefold based on the definition of use and user characteristics varied by definition. Existing national surveys are likely underestimating the prevalence and patterns of premium cigar use.

Implications

Given that the negative health effects of premium cigars vary based on how the cigars are used (eg, frequency or duration), as well as co-use with other tobacco products and substances (eg, alcohol and cannabis), accurate measurement of these products is important for understanding patterns of use and their impact on public health.
Exploring the Presence and Type of Premium Cigar Retailers With Neighborhood Sociodemographic Correlates in the United States, 2019–2021
Authors: Kong Amanda Y , Ganz Ollie , Villanti Andrea C
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Little is known about the location and store type of premium cigar retailers in the United States. Different store types may expose people to secondhand smoke (eg, cigar bar or lounge) and may also have age restrictions (eg, tobacco shops) that could reduce youth exposure to products and marketing.

Aims and Methods

We obtained a national retailer dataset from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2021. We coded store type using nine categories and used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between census tract sociodemographic characteristics and PCA store type.

Results

Of the 1279 PCA retailers, the majority were cigar stores (39%), followed by tobacco shops (26%), cigar bars or lounges (20%), and beer, wine, or liquor stores (15%). Overall, there were no statistically significant associations between tract-level sociodemographic characteristics and the odds that a retailer was a specific store type versus another store type. However, PCA retailers located in tracts with a higher percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents were associated with 1.12 times the odds of being a cigar bar or lounge versus another type (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.22).

Conclusions

The majority of PCA retailers are specialty cigar stores or cigar bars or lounges, and few are more traditional tobacco retailers, such as convenience stores. We document a higher odds of a store being a cigar bar or lounge for retailers located in neighborhoods with a higher proportion of Black residents, which may contribute to inequities in tobacco-related disease and disability because of potentially greater secondhand smoke exposure.

Implications

Specialized retailers account for most premium cigar stores. One in five PCA retailers was a cigar bar or lounge, which raises public health concerns around exposure to secondhand smoke for patrons and employees. Local jurisdictions should examine zoning ordinances in tandem with sociodemographic characteristics to ensure inequities in the location of cigar bars or lounges are not produced or sustained given the potential harms associated with secondhand smoke exposure.
Oritavancin vs Standard of Care for Treatment of Nonendovascular Gram-Positive Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Moenster Ryan P , Wallace-Lacey Ashleigh , Western Hannah , Tiefenaur Seth , Abdulbasir Anosha , Alberts Justin , Doty Jonathan , Abner Hartley , Skouby Danielle , Lorenz Michael , Fong Rebecca , Arora Jyoti , Linneman Travis W
Published: July 2023

Background

Data is limited comparing oritavancin (ORT) to the standard-of-care (SOC) for the treatment gram-positive blood stream infections (BSI).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all patients in the Veteran's Affairs Health Care System treated with at least 1 dose of oritavancin or at least 5 days of vancomycin, daptomycin, ceftaroline, ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, nafcillin, oxacillin, or cefazolin for a documented gram-positive BSI from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2021. Patients with polymicrobial blood cultures or positive cultures from other sites were included if the organisms were sensitive to the incident antimicrobial; no concomitant antimicrobials could be used once the incident agent was started. Individuals were also excluded if they were diagnosed with endocarditis, had a neutrophil count 96-hours of treatment before the incident antimicrobial was started.

The primary composite outcome was clinical failure, defined as all-cause mortality within 30-days from the end of therapy, or blood cultures positive for the incident organisms ≥72 hours after administration of the first dose and ≤30 days after the administration of the final dose of the study antimicrobial, or any drug or line-related readmissions within 30-days of hospital discharge.

Results

Two hundred-forty patients were identified for screening with 96 meeting criteria (27 in ORT and 69 in SOC groups). Baseline characteristics were generally balanced between groups except more patients in the ORT group received >96-hours of treatment before the incident antimicrobial was started (70.3% (19/27) vs 13.04% 9/69); P < .001). The pathogen most prevalent was methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (ORT 33.3% (9/27) vs SOC 46.4% (32/69)). Clinical failure occurred in 7.4% (2/27) in the ORT group and 17.4% (12/69) in SOC (P = .34). No components of the primary outcome were significantly different between groups, but AKI did occur more commonly in the SOC group (27.5% (19/69) vs 3.7% (1/27); P = .01).

Conclusions

ORT appears to be a safe and effective option when directly compared to the SOC for non-endocarditis BSIs.
Insights into the protonation state and spin structure for the g = 2 multiline electron paramagnetic resonance signal of the oxygen-evolving complex
Authors: Saito Keisuke , Nishio Shunya , Asada Mizue , Mino Hiroyuki , Ishikita Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

In photosystem II (PSII), one-electron oxidation of the most stable oxidation state of the Mn4CaO5 cluster (S1) leads to formation of two distinct states, the open-cubane S2 conformation [Mn1(III)Mn2(IV)Mn3(IV)Mn4(IV)] with low spin and the closed-cubane S2 conformation [Mn1(IV)Mn2(IV)Mn3(IV)Mn4(III)] with high spin. In electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the open-cubane S2 conformation exhibits a g = 2 multiline signal. However, its protonation state remains unclear. Here, we investigated the protonation state of the open-cubane S2 conformation by calculating exchange couplings in the presence of the PSII protein environment and simulating the pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR). When a ligand water molecule, which forms an H-bond with D1-Asp61 (W1), is deprotonated at dangling Mn4(IV), the first-exited energy (34 cm−1) in manifold spin excited states aligns with the observed value in temperature-dependent pulsed EPR analyses, and the PELDOR signal is best reproduced. Consequently, the g = 2 multiline signal observed in EPR corresponds to the open-cubane S2 conformation with the deprotonated W1 (OH−).
ARTop: an open-source tool for measuring active region topology at the solar photosphere
Authors: Alielden K , MacTaggart D , Ming Q , Prior C , Raphaldini B
Published: July 2023

The importance of measuring topological quantities, such as magnetic helicity, in solar observations has long been recognized. In particular, topological quantities play an important role in both understanding and predicting solar eruptions. In this paper, we present ARTop (Active Region Topology), an open-source and end-to-end software tool that allows researchers to calculate the fluxes of topological quantities based on solar magnetograms. In addition to this, ARTop also allows for the efficient analysis of these quantities in both 2D maps and time series. ARTop calculates the fluxes of magnetic helicity and magnetic winding, together with particular decompositions of these quantities. To perform these calculations, SHARP magnetograms are downloaded and velocity maps are created using the DAVE4VM method. Visualization tools, written in Python, are provided to aid in the selection of appropriate output variables and for the straightforward creation of maps and time series. Additionally, other analysis functions are included to facilitate and aid solar flare investigations. This software offers researchers a powerful tool for investigating the behaviour of active regions and the origins of space weather.
Natural radioactivity and radiological hazard analysis of construction stones from various quarries in Machakos County-Kenya
Authors: Mutua John O , Linturi James M , Maweu Onesmus M , Kebwaro Jeremiah M , Matsitsi Stanley M
Published: July 2023

The radioactivity levels of rocks sampled from the quarries of Kyasioni, Mavoloni and Kathaana located in the lower Eastern County of Machakos in Kenya were determined. Forty-two samples were collected using stratified random sampling and analysed using NaI(TI) detector with a specially designed lead shield. The parametric values of activity concentration, absorbed dose, annual dose rate and hazard indices were estimated using activity–dose relations suggested in UNSCEAR and ICRP reports. The mean activity concentration for the entire work for 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K were 68.33 ± 3.11, 101.10 ± 1.83 and 1084.02 ± 30.28 Bq/kg, respectively. Kyasioni quarry presented the highest activity concentration of 74.75 ± 3.15, 118.48 ± 1.91 and 1120.35 ± 30.07 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The average annual effective dose was estimated as 0.58 ± 0.01, 0.47 ± 0.01 and 0.52 ± 0.01 mSv/y for Kyasioni, Kathaana and Mavoloni quarries, respectively. Other radiological parameters estimated from the corresponding activities were within the recommended limits hence guaranteeing safety to the users.
Effects of multiple vitamin E levels and two fat sources in diets for swine fed to heavy slaughter weight of 150 kg: I. Growth performance, lean growth, organ size, carcass characteristics, primal cuts, and pork quality
Authors: Wang Ding , Jang Young Dal , Kelley Marlee , Rentfrow Gregg K , Azain Michael J , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: July 2023

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of two fat source and graded levels of vitamin E (VE) supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of pigs at heavy slaughter weight (150 kg). A total of 48 individually-fed pigs (24 barrows, 24 gilts; 28.44  ± 2.69 kg) were blocked by sex and weight and randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Fat treatments were 5% tallow (TW) and distiller’s corn-oil (DCO) in the diets. The VE treatments included four levels of α-tocopheryl-acetate (11, 40, 100, and 200 ppm). Growth performance, carcass traits, organ weight, primal cuts, and pork quality were measured. Increasing dietary VE supplementation levels linearly increased overall Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.05), with an interaction between fat sources and VE supplementation levels on cumulative ADG (P < 0.05) during phases 1 and 3 (28 to 100 kg) and 1 to 4 (28 to125 kg) wherein ADG in the pigs fed the DCO diet, but not the TW diet, increased with increasing dietary VE supplementation level. A similar interaction was observed in 24 h pH and picnic shoulder (P < 0.05). No notable effect of fat source was observed in growth performance. With increasing dietary VE supplementation levels, there were quadratic responses in pork pH at 45 min and 24 h postmortem with the highest value in 40 and 100 ppm of VE levels while TBARS values on day 7 postmortem decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Compared with the TW diet, the DCO diet resulted in greater TBARS values during 7 postmortem (P < 0.05; day 5, P = 0.09). These results demonstrated that increasing dietary VE supplementation level could enhance growth rate and feed intake and reduce lipid peroxidation of pork whereas the diet containing DCO as a fat source could negatively affect pork shelf-life and carcass characteristics and that increasing VE supplementation level had no notable interaction with fat sources for carcass characteristics.
3Digital Humanities
Authors: Roy Dibyadyuti , Deshbandhu Aditya
Published: July 2023

The absence of an entry on digital humanities in the last volume of The Year’s Work in Critical and Cultural Theory due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the exacerbation of academic precarity (that was acknowledged in the editorial preface of the last volume) predicates that this chapter develop a narrative bibliography of notable scholarship in the digital humanities from both 2021 and 2022. Therefore the unprecedented circumstances that have extended the scope of scholarly review for this chapter beyond a single chronological year also provide the unique opportunity to not only ‘trace and expand upon currents in critical and cultural theory, and to engage in [the] areas’ key debates’ (Quinn and Ghosh, ‘Preface’ to YWCCT 2022) but also (and more importantly, one might argue) understand some of the radical thematic transformations brought about and anticipated by the legacies, presents, and futures of digital humanities within the supposedly ‘new normal’ of a post-Covid world.

Through consolidating diverse conversations from varied contexts that are shaping contemporary digital humanities and in anticipating the futures of the discipline, this chapter locates scholarship in the digital humanities and related fields from the years 2021 and 2022 within the interconnected themes of resistive ontologies, organizations, and new directions in the digital humanities. While the focus remains on the scholarship produced within the aforesaid chronological period, our methodological attempt in this intervention has been to acknowledge and put into dialogue relevant contributions related to the three primary themes of analysis that may fall beyond the ambit of a specific period.
Inferring the behaviour of predatory gastropods and their ostracod prey across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary
Authors: Villegas-Martín Jorge , Ceolin Daiane , Klompmaker Adiël A , Fauth Gerson , Koutsoukos Eduardo A M
Published: July 2023

Predator–prey dynamics involving ostracod prey across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K–Pg) extinction event have not been evaluated rigorously. We studied 3146 Maastrichtian and Danian ostracod specimens from a section in eastern Brazil across the K–Pg boundary. The Maastrichtian assemblage level predation intensity (2.7%) is lower than in the Danian (4.7%). However, the drilling intensity in assemblages immediately above the K–Pg boundary is 0%, perhaps due to abrupt palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental changes resulting from the K–Pg event. For the Maastrichtian, the dorsal and posterior regions are preferentially drilled, whereas the dorsal and median regions are primarily drilled during the Danian. Variation in Maastrichtian and Danian predation intensities between species (0.0–50.0%) and null model analyses suggest significant prey preference and avoidance, particularly in the Danian, unrelated to prey abundance. Drilling intensities for smooth specimens are significantly greater than for ornamented specimens for the Maastrichtian and the Danian. Finally, Danian drill-hole diameters and predator–prey size ratios are statistically larger than in the Maastrichtian, suggesting predatory gastropods were larger after the boundary, also relative to their prey. We conclude that predator–prey dynamics were affected by the K–Pg extinction event.
Update on autoantibodies and related biomarkers in autoimmune inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Choi May Y. , Satoh Minoru , Fritzler Marvin J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

This manuscript reviews recently published advances in the identification of autoimmune inflammatory myopathies (AIM)-specific and AIM-related autoantibodies considered of value in the workup of patients suspected of having AIM. Newer autoantibodies, developments, and advances in the methodology of testing, the gaps and pitfalls in using these assays as diagnostic biomarkers, and the importance of considering overlap diseases and unique clinical AIM phenotypes are discussed.

Recent findings

The spectrum of autoantibodies and related biomarkers in AIM continues to expand. Many of these have clear clinical implications in regard to subsets and overlap conditions of AIM, associated malignancy and pathological findings.
Spinal Fusion in Patients With Classic Amyoplasia and General Arthrogryposis
Authors: Riepen Dietrich , Lachmann Emily E. , Wahlig Brian , Thornberg David C. , Rathjen Karl E.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a group of conditions characterized by joint contractures affecting 2 or more joints. This study describes results of spinal fusion in patients with classic amyoplasia and general arthrogryposis.

Methods:

IRB approved retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of classic amyoplasia and general arthrogryposis who had a primary definitive posterior spinal fusion between 1990 and 2017 at a single pediatric institution. Patients with distal and syndromic arthrogryposis were excluded as well as patients treated with growth-sparing spinal instrumentation. The Modified Clavien-Dindo-sink (MCDS) classification system was used to describe postoperative complications.

Results:

Over the 28-year period, 342 patients were diagnosed with amyoplasia and general arthrogryposis. Among the 342 patients, 60 (18%) had scoliosis, and 22 (6% of the cohort and 37% of those with scoliosis) were treated surgically. Six patients had growth-sparing techniques, initial fusion elsewhere, or ˂1 year of follow-up, leaving 15 patients. Of the 15, 9 (60%) had a posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and 6 (40%) had a combined anterior spinal fusion (ASF)/PSF. The ASF/PSF group was significantly younger at surgery, had a greater American Society of Anesthesiologists status, longer surgery duration, and lower implant density. The average preoperative major coronal deformity in ASF/PSF patients (108 degrees) was greater than patients treated with PSF alone (88 deg). There were 11 complications in 7 patients, with the most common being deep infection requiring reoperation (5/11, 45%). There was 1 instance (1/11, 9%) of each: prolonged intensive care unit admission (>72 h), superficial wound dehiscence, symptomatic implants requiring removal/revision, coronal plane progression requiring extension of fusion, recurrent pneumothorax requiring return to OR, and pseudoarthrosis leading to implant failure (without revision). Complications occurred in 1/9 (11%) PSF-only patients and 6/6 (100%) ASF/PSF patients with all 6 ASF/PSF patients requiring at least 1 reoperation. The average coronal correction was 48% in the PSF-only group and 28% in the ASF/PSF group.

Conclusion:

Complication rates after spinal fusion for scoliosis in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita patients are high, especially in patients undergoing ASF/PSF, deep infection is common, and major coronal plane curve correction is modest.

Level of Evidence:

II Retrospective Study.